#rating of this game is slowly descending

[kattabassis]

I feel like someone's gonna hurl a bunch of scathing ocean puns at me and say skill issue if I say I don't like another crab's treasure very much

[pinkrelish]

truth | dare nsfw 18+ bestfriend!eddie x fem!reader

It wasn’t just a game.

Eddie was convinced Satan was a woman, and she was spread before him.

How could you do this? Work him into this frenzy without an ounce of compassion in those half-lidded eyes. Usurping his bed, his pillows, his blankets, to make yourself comfortable while he slowly lost his mind. Wearing a sleepy–smug–grin and nothing else. Finding amusement in the way he initiated the position, on his knees, hiking your hips up so your ass rested in his lap, and your legs leisurely fell to either side of his waist; the rest of you sloped against his thighs, relaxed in the entanglement of sheets as if you were about to nap.

Three years. You met three years ago when you were the new girl in town, and chose to sit next to him in his second repeat of Chemistry, introducing yourself by complimenting the pins on his vest. For three years he could’ve had your pussy wrapped around him. Fuck.

Your tits bounced at each desperate up-and-down pass of his fist in his lap.

Dare. He knew he chose his demise the moment your eyes came alive, and you gave a pause before answering. Letting the realization sink to the pit of his stomach. Sending a throb of regret to his inflated ego.

Payback’s a bitch. “Just the tip.”

Just the tip nestled into the warm, divine entrance of your drenched cunt. Your climax still wet on his face, arousal smeared around his mouth. The attainable just out of his reach while he stroked his shaft at a dire speed.

“C’mon, baby,” he pleaded, clenched teeth exposed by the mocking grin overtaking his lips as he became more frantic. Nose scrunched with snark. Digging his fingers into the fat of your ass with barely contained composure. “C’mon, sweetheart–baby–love of my life,” he uttered in shaky huffs of sheer urgency, “I’m gonna need a little more than this. Dare me again. Please. Just a little more. I’ve been good. I’ll be good. Give Eddie a little more of this perfect pussy.”

You had a clever refusal poised on your tongue, but it died under the weight of his thumb.

“Suck it,” he encouraged, driving his hips up in a pathetic grind, seeking the slick friction of his cock gliding over your cunt, brushing the tip over your clit in quick bursts as you obeyed him. “Yeah, that’s it, use that pretty mouth of yours in a God-honoring way, and suck, sweetheart.”

The consequences of his actions went weak. Pliant tongue circling his thumb, practically drooling over his authority, desiring nothing more than to please him. Whining when he took it away, and leaned back. A single stroke of his wet thumb over your clit, and your hips were moving on their own. Moremoremore. Rocking up on his demand, and descending past the lipped edge of his tip. Watching his depraved hand guide himself deeper. Deeper. A little deeper, inside the place that had his head dropped back, jaw slackened, exhaling a moan of relief at the ceiling. Exposing all the vulnerable spots for you to admire from afar.

“I dare you to fuck me.”

He was on you. He wanted to be gentle and sweet and caring, but that nonsense went out the window at the rate of your hands exploring his back, holding him tight while you shared your first kiss to the vulgar smacks of skin-on-skin, fucking into you raw and unhinged.

“Fu-ck.” His feral pace had him tripping over the syllable. “Can’t last–long–like, like this,” he panted, followed by, “God.” You nipped at a spot on his throat that had him hooking his arms under your shoulders to keep you still. Eyes shut. Sweaty chests verging with each powerful thrust. “So close,” he warned. Voice husky with lust, whereas yours went higher. Beautiful airy moans. You clenched around him. Each drag along his cock was heaven. “Close. Oh, fuck–I’m close, baby.” Incoherent. “Close to cumming in you, baby,” he said, even as his thighs shook, and his tempo stuttered, and he grunted into the crook of your neck. Cummingcumming. All he could say as you embraced his body, and accepted his weight. Running your nails along his heated scalp, whispering praise in his ear.

“Truth or dare?” he sighed against your salty skin. You chose dare. “I dare us to do that again in half an hour. Wanna eat you out ‘til you’re begging me to stop, an’ then I’m gonna fill you, like I am now. ‘Kay, sweetheart?”

You pressed your forehead to his messy hair, and nudged him until he picked his face up from your shoulder to witness your lopsided grin. “Eddie, I’d make you breakfast in the morning, and it wouldn’t have to be a dare.”

“Deal.”

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Li Zeyan’s MQ: Burning Imprints (Eng Translation) - Part 1

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a mind quest, 灼痕, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

✦ Part 1 || Part 2 || ASMR

🔞 Additional Warning 🔞 Same old but more severe warning this time LOL. The steamy parts of the MQ are as explicit as they can get, i.e., some of the most explicit stuff you’ll read in a CN otome game right now, so if you don’t qualify for the game’s 17+ rating (CN server), I’d very highly recommend that you don’t proceed under the cut~ :>

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

──────────────

【Subbed Video】

【Chapter 1】 

Toot–– 

The melodious steam whistle sounds from afar. A ferry sails over the shimmering, crystalline waves, its sleek and majestic hull gradually becoming clear in the field of vision.

Accompanied by the heavy thud of the ferry entering the port, the seagulls on the coast are startled, scattering and flying into the azure sky.

I exchange a few words with the staff next to me, and eventually, we fine-tune our respective appearances. As we look on in anticipation, the ferry slowly lowers its gangway.

In no time, people begin to descend in small groups of two or three.

Employee A: Wow! I can’t believe the entire island has been booked for team-building. The company really is committed to this.

Goldman: After all, we’ve managed to seize back several projects from FengZhen Group, and the financial report has some commendable highlights. Anywho, the only one who is capable of making such strides is our LFG. [1]

Executive B: Indeed, let’s have the administration team shoot a few extra videos. We can use them as promotional material when recruiting from universities next year.

Amidst the continuous ebb and flow of conversation, a staff member next to me props up their head ornament and walks up to the crowd.

Staff Member: Welcome, travelers from distant lands, to Nan’Ao Island!

Staff Member: I am an elven emissary of this island. In the time that follows, I will be accompanying you on this journey of exploration along with my companions.

In cooperation, I point the “wand” in my hand toward the direction of the shore. As I watch the expression on the staff members’ faces, either of astonishment or admiration, the weariness accumulated over the past few days of running around dissipates a little.

With the Spring Festival approaching, LFG offered employees the opportunity for company-sponsored travel as a benefit. Nan’Ao Island was among the destinations that were up for choice.

This place has just undergone the transformation into a vacation-themed resort with a “Magic Holiday” theme. In addition to the subsequent promotional campaigns, [MC’s Company Name] was also involved in designing the majority of the activities.

In order to closely follow up on the initial operations, I decided to stay on the island. Concurrently, I made most of the opportunity and assumed the role of an “NPC” to promptly identify and address any potential oversights that might occur during the process.

MC: Now, please make your way to the nearby golden beach. We’ll be guiding each of you to choose your own “abodes.”~

The crowd follows the guidance and walks toward the beach. I maintain a courteous smile, my gaze subconsciously scanning around, but I’m unable to find Li Zeyan’s figure.

...Could it be that he got caught up with some last-minute work? Or could there be some other reason?

As I silently ponder to myself, memories of the conversation during our video call the other day surface in my mind.

–

──── [FLASHBACK STARTS] ────

LZY: …they can only truly relax when the higher-ups are not around.

LZY: There are still many year-end matters to attend to, and not all members of the management, myself included, necessarily need to be directly involved.

I let out a prolonged “Ah” and lean a bit closer to the screen.

MC: Team building is an essential component of corporate culture… how can CEO Li, as a member of LFG, make an exception?

MC: In such opportunities to strengthen team cohesion, if the boss also actively participates, it can provide even better motivation for everyone!

MC: Moreover, “sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the cutting of firewood.”  Taking a break before the New Year also means entering work with a better mental state afterward, don’t you agree?~

Li Zeyan, on the screen, locks eyes with me for a brief moment, and his motion of flipping through the documents comes to a halt.

LZY: If [MC’s Company Name] ever incorporates a debate competition into team-building activities, a certain someone here would surely come out on top.

MC: So, to translate your words, does it mean that CEO Li has been persuaded by me?

Li Zeyan leans back against the chair noncommittally, and though he doesn’t confirm or deny, a touch of softness settles in his expression.

LZY: Don’t celebrate just yet; I need to arrange my schedule first.

LZY: If I can carve out time, I’ll try my best to make it there.

───── [FLASHBACK ENDS] ─────

–

Seeing the stream of people on the pier gradually thinning out, my gaze falls on Goldman, and subconsciously, I consider asking him about Li Zeyan’s situation.

But considering that there are still numerous unfamiliar LFG employees present here, and given my current role as the “Elven Emissary,”...

After some thought, I decide to play the role of an “NPC” for now and find a moment to give him a call later.

Click.

A soft sound emanates from behind. I reflexively turn around and find myself involuntarily squinting my eyes into a smile.

Li Zeyan is leisurely leaning against the railing of the pier, holding up his phone in my direction. His hair dances in the sea breeze, revealing his deep-set eyes and brows.

Perhaps due to the vacation atmosphere, he is dressed somewhat casually today. The collar of his shirt is loosely open, allowing the sunlight to sketch out subtle contours.

Noticing that I’ve turned around, he then shifts his gaze away from the screen. A barely perceptible hint of a smile lingers on the corners of his lips.

At this moment, only the two of us are on the boardwalk. I finally can’t resist the urge to let a smile tug at the corners of my mouth and briskly walk up to his side.

MC: Hm-hmph, I knew you’d definitely come~

MC: By the way, were you sneakily snapping photos of me just now?

LZY: I’ve been standing here for quite some time already.

LZY: You were the one who didn’t notice me, so you can’t really call it being “sneaky.”

LZY: Besides, I haven’t seen a certain someone for several weeks. Am I not even allowed to take a few pictures now?

MC: Hehe, Sir, you’re allowed to do whatever you please~

MC: After all, this “Elven Emissary ” here is so cute. It’s only normal if you want to treasure this moment~

LZY: [laughs helplessly] …as usual.

His voice carries a subtle undertone of helpless resignation, causing me to involuntarily burst into laughter. Li Zeyan looks at me and slows down his pace.

LZY: Your mood seems exceptionally upbeat today.

MC: Of course~ After all, I had a hand in creating this tourism project, and the first batch of guests to be welcomed here happens to be employees from my boyfriend’s company.

MC: One must acknowledge it’s a wonderful stroke of fate.

The bright and beautiful sunshine beams down, and the warm sea breeze carries with it Li Zeyan’s soft chuckle.

LZY: Turns out this kind of hectic coordination can also be viewed as a “serendipitous coincidence.”

LZY: Obviously, when the administrative department was selecting the team-building destination, in order to advocate for Nan’Ao Island to be included in the list, a certain someone even went out of her way and brought a PowerPoint presentation to explain.

LZY: What was it? Something along the lines of “since there’s a hierarchical relationship, if LFG chooses Nan’Ao Island, they can enjoy discounts and save on budget funds.”

LZY: “After tirelessly working for the entire year, what better place to warm one’s heart than heading to a sun-drenched island during the chilly season?”

LZY: While you did deploy a bunch of rhetoric, you also appealed to emotions and reasoned with logic.

MC: In any case, judging from the results, the strategy did prove effective!

MC: CEO Li, rest assured. Since I’ve strived for this opportunity, I will ensure the quality of your team building is guaranteed.

MC: I pledge that no matter what, both CEO Li and the employees of LFG will enjoy a perfect vacation~

In the midst of our conversation, we’ve already reached the end of the boardwalk and stepped onto the soft, warm beach. Li Zeyan’s voice resonates from beside me.

LZY: And what about you?

MC: I’m gonna fulfill the duties of the “Elven Emissary ” and ensure you all have a great time, of course~

LZY: …a certain someone never forgets her professionalism.

In the distance, the hubbub of indistinct yet clamorous laughter emanates from the meeting point. I clear my throat and speak in a serious demeanor.

MC: I officially welcome you to the island~ Our magical holiday journey is about to begin!

──────────────

[Tidbits]:

[1] It’s a reference to his top-up SSR from this same event.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 2】

As we get closer to the meeting point, the distant voices of conversation become increasingly clear. I loosen my grip on Li Zeyan’s arm, lowering my voice.

MC: I’ll go ahead first; we’ll catch up later, okay~

–

I gesture to another “Elven Emissary” as I speak. The latter, understanding my signal, walks in front of the unfolded map and speaks during the interval before I take the stage.

Staff Member: Up next is the segment for choosing your accommodation. Feel free to pick based on your preferences.

Staff Member: For those seeking a quiet retreat, you can choose locations near the “Healing Hot Springs” and the “Elves’ Home Bar.” The surroundings are picturesque, and it’s convenient to reach us whenever needed.

Staff Member: If you lean towards activities, you might want to choose accommodations near the boardwalk. This not only offers more convenient access to activity spots like “Blue Sea Snorkeling” and “Dragon Wing Gliding” but also…

MC: But also, there’s a higher concentration of hidden items in the nearby area!

Seizing the opportunity, I smoothly take over the conversation and walk to the front. And sure enough, a curious inquiry reaches my ears.

Employee A: What was that you just mentioned about the hidden items?

Beaming ear to ear, I raise a string of coconut shell bracelets.

MC: This is the Easter egg segment we’ve designed~

MC: Scattered around the captivating spots worth exploring on the island, you’ll find 16 sets of these bracelets. If you find them, please pass them over to the Elven Emissaries.

MC: Once you collect them all, you’ll unlock a hidden scenery–– share this delightful surprise with someone you hold dear~

MC: Now, who would like to come up first and choose their accommodation?

The air buzzes with excitement as conversations erupt. Though no one comes forward to take the stage, everyone simultaneously turns their eyes to the back of the crowd as if in tacit agreement.

My gaze follows the direction of the crowd, and looking up, I see Li Zeyan standing alone under the shade of a tree.

Probably not wanting to draw attention to himself, he has deliberately chosen a spot slightly removed from the crowd. However, he is still unable to escape from the employees’ gazes locking precisely onto him.

The beach at the moment is akin to a natural conference room, with countless eyes of either admiration or curiosity trained on Li Zeyan, all awaiting his directives.

I struggle to contain the urge to hook my lips into a smile, suddenly recalling Li Zeyan’s words from our video call – “They can only truly relax when the higher-ups are not around.”

During the relaxed time of team-building, it’s actually a great opportunity to lessen the sense of distance between superiors and subordinates...!

Suddenly, an idea pops into my mind, and I speak with a beaming smile on my face.

MC: Although no one has spoken yet, their collective gazes have already pointed to the most fitting candidate.

MC: That handsome gentleman back there! Could you come up to the stage, please?

LZY: …

Across the bustling crowd, Li Zeyan and I lock eyes for a brief moment before he finally walks unhurriedly to the front of the stage.

The moment our shoulders brush against each other, his thin lips move almost imperceptibly.

LZY: [GAHH THE “THREATENING” WHISPER]  You’re gonna have to settle this account later.

MC: C’mon, enliven the atmosphere a bit. Please cooperate, CEO Li~

I also answer in a voice that only the two of us can hear, briskly leading him to stand in front of the map. Then, with a serious demeanor, I ask.

MC: I wonder which accommodation you’re planning to choose?

As I speak, my fingertips trace over the area near the “Elves’ Home Bar” as if inadvertently, and I stare at Li Zeyan expectantly.

His gaze wanders over the map for a moment, then he raises his hand and points to a vacation cabin nestled within the dense forest at the far end of the bay.

LZY: This one here.

LZY: However, it’s in a rather secluded location. I’m afraid I won’t be able to find my way there alone.

With this sentence, he slips one hand into his pocket and turns sideways, looking at me with an indolent gaze. Although he hasn’t said anything explicitly, I clearly catch his implication and discreetly pout my lips.

MC: ...Then, after everyone has chosen their accommodations, I’ll––

Goldman: Actually, after CEO Li’s demonstration, the process has become much clearer. We can complete the remaining steps under the guidance of others.

Goldman: Going in groups like this will also increase efficiency.

Goldman pushes his glasses up and suddenly speaks from the audience.

Several threads of understanding or confusion are thrown from the crowd, but they all nod in agreement in groups of two or three.

LZY: Could you lead the way now, “Miss Elven Emissary”?

MC: …please follow me. Everyone else, carry on.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, I escort Li Zeyan off the stage and walk out of the crowd. It’s not until we are seated in the equipped car that I turn to look at him.

MC: Sob, sob~ and here I was so sure of our tacit understanding. Did you not catch the hint I gave you just now?

MC: This place is the furthest from our offline work information exchange hub, “Elves’ Home Bar.” I’ll have to take so many detours in the future…

Suddenly, a warm touch lands on my lips. Li Zeyan raises his hand and caresses my lips, sending a wave of tingling sensation through me.

LZY: Well, isn’t that just perfect.

In the faintly intoxicating sea breeze, he leans in toward me, his voice tinged with a touch of indolence.

LZY: Since it’s so troublesome, just reduce the frequency of your visits.

LZY: Invest all the time you would have spent there on me instead.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 3】

The cozy tropical sunshine beams down as I sit on the deck of the small boat, adjusting the fishing net. Suddenly, a few drops of cool seawater land on my cheeks.

Li Zeyan floats up from the sea, lifting the breathing tube with one hand, and squints slightly as he looks in my direction.

LZY: Wasn’t it a certain someone who took the initiative for this and said she wanted to try her hand at fishing?

LZY: Why is she dilly-dallying now?

MC: Let me finish fastening this last buttonhole… don’t rush me!

I lazily scoop up a handful of water and splash it back at him. Looking at the dripping wet hair over Li Zeyan’s forehead out of the corner of my eye, I can’t help bursting into laughter.

MC: Don’t you feel this scene gives a sense of deja vu?

MC: It feels like when we were on White Pearl Island, I was waiting for you to come back from pearl diving just like this. [2]

As I speak, I adjust the equipment and give him an OK gesture. Li Zeyan seems to recall something as well, and a glint of smile glides across his dark-colored irises.

LZY: All I remember is you waiting on the deck for about ten minutes, and then you started feeling bored.

LZY: When I got on the ship, you persistently kept asking about the underwater scenery.

As he says this, he reaches out and clasps my palm, bridging the distance between him and me.

LZY: And this time, you can accompany me to see it together.

With these words, Li Zeyan pulls me along and together, we dive into the warm, cerulean sea.

The scenery undersea is akin to a picture scroll, its novel appearances unfolding before our eyes through the diving mask.

Schools of fish shuttle through the vibrant, swaying coral. Occasionally, one or two would swim alone, leisurely swishing their tails as they cruise along.

The target suddenly appears, capturing my attention instantly. I swiftly dash forward and swing the net. Unexpectedly, the fish rapidly changes direction and escapes from my encirclement.

MC: … 

Li Zeyan casts a sidelong glance at me, his long legs sheathed in a black diving suit swaying leisurely in the sea waves.

Despite the breathing tube and diving mask obscuring his face, I can still vaguely discern a smile.

Unwilling to resign myself, I chase after several lone fish again, but all my attempts to catch them end in failure. I grab his hand and float to the surface, exhaling a sigh of frustration.

MC: These fish are too agile. Can I apply for some assistance from outside?

Upon hearing my words, Li Zeyan glances at me and takes off his breathing tube.

LZY: When you say “assistance from outside,” what exactly are you referring to?

MC: I was referring to CEO Li’s Evol, of course~

MC: As long as you pause time for just a moment, we can catch them all in one fell swoop, can’t we!?~

I lean in with a beaming smile on my face but am stopped by Li Zeyan’s outstretched finger pressing against my forehead.

LZY: Even if we succeed this way, there won’t be much joy in it.

LZY: Instead, we should slow down our movements and allow the fish to relax their vigilance. Once they feel safe, they’ll come closer on their own.

LZY: When the time comes, they naturally won’t have any chance to escape.

Seeing my skeptical gaze, Li Zeyan doesn’t offer further explanation. He simply puts on his breathing tube and motions for me to join him in diving underwater again.

I follow behind him, observing as he pauses with the net in front of a cluster of coral, quietly slowing his movements. Before long, sure enough, a few fish swim over.

Silently, Li Zeyan leans forward, waiting until the fish approaches the net without any alertness, then swiftly pulls the net together.

Eyes wide, I suppress the excitement bubbling within me as we float up. I watch as Li Zeyan lifts the net, several fish floundering vigorously inside.

Glistening droplets of water cascade down his damp forehead, melding into his equally soaked neck and broad shoulders. I can’t help but gasp in awe.

MC: So amazing! You managed to really catch them!

LZY: I learned quite a few techniques from the fishermen back when we were on White Pearl Island. Just putting some of that knowledge to use. [3]

Li Zeyan lifts his hand and swings the net onto the small boat as he speaks, then helps me up onto the deck. Followed by this, he speaks with a hint of amusement in his tone.

LZY: On the other hand, a certain someone has already been on this island for quite a long time for planning and on-site inspection purposes.

LZY: How come it is that no matter if it’s diving or fishing, there’s always a sense of novelty in your reactions?

MC: Hehe, I indeed haven’t had the chance to enjoy myself here. This island is more of a workplace for me, after all.

MC: Every day, I’ve had to stay on top of the situation on-site, adjust program designs and coordinate personnel arrangements…

MC: Sob, sob, I’d just pass out as soon as I went back to my room, so I didn’t even have any time to explore properly.

A warm touch lands on my cheek as Li Zeyan casually wipes away the water streaks from my face, giving me a somewhat helpless glance.

LZY: Aren’t you always on the dot to remind me about “seizing” the chances to relax when I’m on business trips?

LZY: I remember you mentioning before that you’re not the only person responsible for this project inspection.

LZY: So, how come you didn’t sneak off to “touch fish” and relax a little? [4]

MC: I just can’t help but feel a little uneasy without seeing things with my own eyes. After all, this project is going to be recommended to LFG, so it’s only natural that I must ensure every detail is ironed out.

MC: Moreover, haven’t I already “seized” it back? Being by your side is already the best method of “touching fish.”~ [5]

Grinning, I reach out and touch the fish still flopping around in the net, the tail note of my voice carrying a cheerful lilt. Beside me, Li Zeyan chuckles softly in response.

LZY: A certain dummy has always been quite skilled at comforting herself.

LZY: So, what’s the plan for these fish?

MC: The restaurants on the island do offer processing services… but I want to push the envelope a little further.

Beaming from ear to ear, I lift my chin towards the open-air barbecue area on the shore as I speak. Li Zeyan follows my gaze, his voice now tinged with a hint of comprehension.

LZY: When it comes to troublesome tasks such as this, a certain someone really spurs into action.

MC: But I also need someone here to cooperate~ Pretty please, Li Zeyan; it’s been ages since I have experienced your culinary masterpieces!

As I speak, I fold my hands together in a gesture of prayer and gaze at him. Although Li Zeyan remains non-committal, the glimmer of a smile in his eyes grows increasingly pronounced.

—

Sure enough, once the small boat stops by the boardwalk, Li Zeyan picks up the net.

LZY: Go change your clothes.

LZY: Decide on the flavor you want, grab the condiments, and meet me at the barbecue area.

With Li Zeyan’s promise, my mood can’t help but brighten all the more.

After changing into dry clothes, I head toward the “supply point,” filled with joy and expectation, mentally calculating as I walk––

Naturally, we should include the local specialty sauces… but what if Li Zeyan doesn’t have a taste for them? I should also bring some classic condiment pairings like spiced salt and hot pepper…

Staff Member: Excuse me… Miss Elven Emissary!

A hesitant call sounds from behind me. I quickly snap out of my thoughts, and a polite smile forms at the corner of my lips.

MC: May I help you with something?

Staff Member: I just found one of the bracelets you guys mentioned while taking photos by the reef. Could you please guide me to the registration area?

The other party opens their palm towards me as she speaks. My gaze falls on the beaded bracelet, and my eyes can’t help but sparkle a bit at the sight of it.

The first bracelet has been found so quickly! This collection task seems to be progressing even more smoothly than I imagined…

MC: Of course, please follow me~

I reply in a brisk tone and send a message to Li Zeyan, letting him know that I’d be ten minutes late. Then, I escort the girl to the “Elves’ Home Bar.”

After taking care of everything, I inadvertently glance at my phone. My heart suddenly stutters.

…It’s been twenty minutes past the time I promised Li Zeyan that I’d be there.

—

I rush towards the open-air barbecue area at lightning speed, carrying the bottles and cans in my arms, and spot Li Zeyan leaning against the long table.

Several plates are already arranged on the table. As I draw nearer, the tantalizing aroma of grilled delights wafts into my nostrils, clearly indicating that they’ve been ready for quite some time.

Seemingly hearing my footsteps, Li Zeyan lifts his gaze to look at me. I promptly dash a few steps forward.

MC: I’m sorry for making you wait for so long… haha, the aroma is so delightful!~

MC: As expected of Mr. Li. You can maintain top-notch performance even without any condiments!

LZY: These fish have already been seasoned. You can stop buttering me up now.

LZY: While I was waiting for you earlier, a staff member passed by in the vicinity, so I asked him to help me fetch them.

LZY: Otherwise, if I were to wait for a certain someone to bring them back, the fish would have all burned.

MC: The route to the registration point was a bit circuitous. I didn’t realize it’d take this long.

As I rush to explain at lightning bolt speed, a not-so-firm yet no-so-gentle tap lands on my head.

LZY: [laughs helplessly]  Dummy, I’m not mad.

LZY: I just realized that you seem to be particularly invested in this group task.

MC: Because I designed that surprise single-handedly from scratch. Instead of it staying hidden, I rather hope it can be seen by everyone~

MC: And, to be honest, I also have a bit of a selfish motive.

MC: “The harvest reaped from a certain someone’s efforts during this time has indeed been worthwhile.”... I want to hear you say these words personally after seeing the “surprise.”~

LZY: [laughs even more helplessly] You’re already an accomplished producer in your own right, do you still need this kind of affirmation?

MC: Of course~ After all, affirmation from clients and work partners is recognition of my capabilities, which fuels my resolve to keep pushing forward.

MC: However, the affirmation from my boyfriend–– can sweep away all the weariness from this period, filling me with motivation to welcome the next challenge head-on~

LZY: [even more indulgently] Dummy.

As he says this, his baritone voice softens slightly, and he forks a piece of fish and brings it to my lips.

The delicious flavor explodes on the tip of my tongue. I squint my eyes contentedly, listening as Li Zeyan speaks in a low voice.

LZY: It’s okay to give yourself a break without any worries.

LZY: Don’t underestimate the people at LFG.

──────────────

[Tidbits]

[2+3] It’s a reference to LZY’s first UR card story: “Melding Into You.”

[4+5] The term used here is “摸鱼” (lit. meaning touch fish), which is actually used to mean “slacking off.” There are a lot of playful puns here, which I’m too exhausted to explain rn. Anyway, while I could have used the fig. meaning, I went with the lit. one b/c the conversation revolves around the whole fish imagery here, e.g., you see MC touching the fish they’ve caught together (with him guiding her) as she says her best method of slacking off, i.e., relaxing, is simply being with him– which essentially is a core part of this date, which you’ll see unfolding later ahah 🥺

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 4】

Outside the vacation cabin windows, the dense patter of rain mingles with the rustling of branches and leaves.

Standing on the terrace and looking outwards, I can see the buildings near and far being shrouded in a fine veil of rain. 

I withdraw my gaze from the eaves outside and glance at the work group chat that has been continuously bombarding me with messages since just now.

The sudden downpour has only now begun to taper off. The patrol staff just reported that the beaded bracelet placed at the seaside has been washed into the sea.

If similar situations occur at the other sites where the bracelets are placed, it will surely impact the experience of the game. With this in mind, I swiftly send a few messages in the group chat.

MC: “Once the rain stops, let’s each go check the placement of props in our designated zones.”

In response, there comes a series of consecutive affirmations in the group chat. Deep in thought, I raise my head and gaze towards the forest outside the vacation cabin.

The nearest hiding spot to me is right here... I’ll have to seize the opportunity when Li Zeyan isn’t paying attention and sneak out for a quick look.

As I’m contemplating, Li Zeyan’s voice suddenly comes from behind.

LZY: It’s so late, and you still haven’t come to bed. What are you zoning out for?

I discreetly tighten my grip on my phone and turn around to look at Li Zeyan.

He is sitting reclined against the headboard, iPad in hand. His dark fringes hang leisurely, partially veiling his eyes.

A pair of glasses rests loosely on the bridge of his nose, reflecting several glimmering points of light from the screen.

I plop back onto the bed, casually leaning closer to him as if nothing has occurred.

MC: The rain outside is quite lovely, so I was just snapping a few photos.

MC: And what about you… it’s only been a few days since the vacation, why have you already started looking at documents?

Catching my curious gaze, Li Zeyan leans back and casually angles the iPad in my direction.

LZY: In order to complete a certain someone’s mission.

I move closer with some confusion, and a chart titled “Technology is the Ultimate Weapon” immediately enters my field of vision.

On the topographic map of the vacation island, at least a dozen annotations are sprawled, detailing analyses ranging from distribution patterns to minimum spacing radii, both internally and externally.

For a moment, I can’t help but be bewildered by the scale of the arrangement. Then I hear Li Zeyan’s voice coming from beside me.

LZY: As you can see, there are already people from LFG who have begun updating the guide in real-time.

LZY: In addition to taking turns searching during the vacation, they also share the locations they’ve already found the bracelets each day to avoid wasting time.

LZY: Goldman even went ahead and prepared charts, saying that it would narrow down the search area through data analysis.

I withdraw my gaze and meet Li Zeyan’s eyes with a moment of incredulity.

MC: Isn’t that taking it a bit too seriously… hang on, you didn’t assign this as a task to them, saying something like, “You must complete it within the designated time frame,” did you?

Li Zeyan shoots me a cryptic glance with a hint of ambiguity in his expression.

LZY: I haven’t become that unreasonable yet. This is something that interested individuals did voluntarily.

LZY: At the end of the day, it was a certain someone’s previous introduction that piqued their curiosity.

With a pensive “Oh,” I suddenly think of something.

MC: So, to derive from what you said, this is a private chat group? Then how are you––

There is a sudden hesitation in Li Zeyan’s demeanor.

LZY: [you can’t see me but I’m actually crying lmao 😭] …I asked Goldman to add me to it.

His voice remains very calm. I hold his gaze for a moment, but can’t help bursting into laughter.

MC: Pfft, haha, so it turns out CEO Li is also participating in this activity, huh! Then doesn’t that mean you have to lead the team and set an example?

MC: But you have the “secret weapon” in your hands! Just “please” me a little, and who knows? You might uncover some clues.

I teasingly poke his cheek. Li Zeyan doesn’t say anything and simply stares at me intently.

A moment later, he suddenly chuckles and casually takes off his glasses, setting them aside. Without the obstruction of the lenses, those deep eyes of his stare at me unabashedly.

LZY: [chuckles teasingly]  How do you want me to “please” you?

His voice seems to take on a slightly huskier timbre than usual, as he reaches out and takes hold of my fingertips.

A wet, passionate kiss descends immediately. I quiver, instinctively wanting to pull back my hand, but he restrains my movements.

LZY: Like this?

LZY: …Or would you like me to go further in?

With these muffled words, his lips quietly trail to my neck, lingering there, taking his time and igniting a growing fire.

My heartbeat accelerates uncontrollably, but I still make a conscious effort to keep my willpower intact.

MC: …I already asked you to please me. Naturally, you should be the one to think about how to do it.

LZY: Hmm, I haven’t thought it through yet.

He appears to be genuinely reflective, but the force of his delivery suddenly increases, catching me unawares. The goblet glass at the head of the bed is knocked over, its content spilling silently and soaking the crumpled bedsheet.

I tightly clench the pillow, his voice reverberating in my ears.

LZY: [shaky, breathless voice x1] But since you’ve handed over the control to me…

LZY: [x2] When we should stop won’t be your call anymore.

—------------------------ interlude ------------------------—

The rain outside has stopped at some point. Only the gauze curtains in the distance dance in the breeze, occasionally making a rustling sound.

I stealthily open my eyes. The man next to me has half of his face buried in the pillow, his features traced by the moonlight pouring through the window.

His body rises and falls gently along with his light, rhythmic breathing. It seems that he has already drifted off to sleep.

MC: Li Zeyan? CEO Li? …Zeyan gege?

In order to feel out, I speak in a soft voice. Seeing that he still hasn’t responded, I slowly move his arm aside.

Then, gently and quietly, I rise from the bed, casting one last glance at the sleeping Li Zeyan before feeling at ease and pushing open the door.

—

Creak––

Along with this almost inaudible sound, the crisp air post-rain rushes towards me head-on.

The clear night drapes over the quiet vacation village, with the vaguely audible murmurs of the waves in the distance.

I walk along the cobblestone path into the woods, carefully identifying the location of the placement point by the distant lights.

The bracelet hanging from the branches sways gently in the breeze, almost blending into the dim light of the night.

Feeling relieved, I send a message to the group to confirm that everything was fine. But just as I’m about to leave, I can’t resist muttering to myself.

MC: …Li Zeyan, you really are a dummy.

MC: This hiding spot is clearly so close to where we’re residing, and yet you still haven’t found it.

LZY: After all, considering the vast expanse of the area to search through, it’s surely going to consume a lot of time.

LZY: Instead of running around aimlessly, it’s better to wait patiently for the chance to arrive.

A familiar voice sounds from behind me. Startled, I turn around at lightning pace. There, standing behind me, is the person who I saw seemingly “sound asleep” just a moment ago, now watching me.

MC: You… You were actually pretending to be asleep!

LZY: A little correction. I was simply concerned about your safety when I noticed you were heading out so late, that’s all.

LZY: The discovery I’ve made just now can only be regarded as an unexpected gain.

Li Zeyan’s eyes mirror a contemplative interest as he speaks.

LZY: On the contrary, a certain someone here seems to be getting more and more adept at pulling the wool over people’s eyes.

LZY: While her leading foot earnestly vowed that she was genuinely exhausted and just wanted to sleep quickly, her trailing foot dashed out the door to be busy with this and that…

LZY: [GAH THAT MENACINGLY SEDUCTIVE TONE] It seems like I don’t need to be mindful of such excuses from now on.

The roots of my ears can’t help but flush a bit, and I let out a cough before offering an explanation.

MC: Circumstances change… my current action is entirely driven by my dedication to work.

Li Zeyan lets out an ambiguous “ah.” His figure is outlined by the distant lights, casting a slender silhouette that projects onto me.

Amidst the murky darkness, I discern his voice carrying a slightly deeper chuckle, and it seems a little more muffled than usual.

LZY: Sophistry.

LZY: Whether or not there’s some truth to it… I’ll examine it in my own way.

His voice drops to a whisper, and what follows is a warm and entangled kiss.

I find myself involuntarily clutching onto the corner of his garment, tilting my head back to reciprocate. The next moment, I feel the tip of his tongue gently glide across the roof of my mouth.

Despite the brevity of that touch, it sends a shiver through me, making me tremble uncontrollably. I feel as if my heartbeat is about to melt into the fiery breath of this moment.

??: Has this area not been searched yet?

Indistinct chatter suddenly echoes from a distance. I gasp and turn my head, watching as two blurry figures appear far off at the edge of the woods.

MC: They seem to be looking for clues… We…

Before I can finish my entire sentence, it’s gradually drowned out by stifled whimpers.

Li Zeyan closes in on me from the back, covering me deeply. His one hand presses against my lips, seemingly trying to hush my voice.

His slender fingers teasingly caress the space between my teeth. After playing around for a while, they irresistibly delve further in.

MC: …!

LZY: They should know what’s appropriate.

LZY: But if you can’t control your voice… that might be a problem for us.

His fingertips carry the slight chill of the night, stirring my tongue every now and then. It feels like an appeasement, and yet also a form of punishment.

All the sounds in my ears fade away, leaving only the pounding of my heart, growing more and more violent amidst the whimpers. Unconsciously, I bite down on the fingers he has inserted.

His embrace, imprisoning me, tightens even more. A moist kiss descends onto the nape of my neck, followed by gentle nibbles, trailing down to my chest.

Rumble–– 

The rain, which came to a halt, has begun pouring down at some point unbeknownst to us, pitter-pattering onto the surface and creating ripples.

In the embrace of the night, everything is steeped in the surging tide.

──────────────────────────────────────────

Continue to Part 2: here!

────────────────

[gravehags]

traduzione

Pairing: Cardinal Copia x f!Reader (Curator!Reader)

Rating: Teen

Tags: dinner "date", a little bit of comedy turns into a whole lot of angst, girl these bitches don't know how to process OR express their feelings, secondo is a real one, terzo's subtle matchmaking hard at work as always

Words: 2,862

Summary: You finally decide to cash in your favor.

a/n: inspired by my quest to find a book for my capstone and only being able to locate a copy in italian. copia, my heroic translator.

divider by @gothdaddyissues!

“Hey Copia, I–oh!”

You realize a moment too late that you’ve barged into Cardinal Copia’s office without knocking in your eagerness to get to the man in question. Papa Secondo is standing with his arms crossed in his green and black robes (no mitre in sight) looking at you with his brows pulled together in a frown. Copia, looking like a startled version of one of his own rats, stands up hastily.

“I’m so sorry,” you squeak, backing out of the room but Secondo is already moving towards you. Every time you see him in full regalia with his paints you have a hard time equating it to the man who casually made you the best bolognese of your life. When he descends upon you, you feel so small. Out of all the papas, he is easily the most intimidating. You look up into the signature Emeritus gaze and after a beat, his withering expression fades and he gives you a slow, very deliberate wink.

“Cardinale, I will discuss our matter with you later. Piccolina…” he intones ominously before snagging your hand and raising to his lips in a brief kiss, “arrivederci.”

And with that Secondo Emeritus dramatically sweeps from the room, shutting the door behind him. Copia is standing stock-still behind his desk, looking vaguely horrified.

“Copia I am so sorry I forgot to knock, I’ve just been in my head all day and was so anxious to tell you–”

“Tell me what, cara?” He resumes his seat and gestures for you to take the one opposite him.

“Well…I suppose not really tell you. I…er…I would like to cash in my favor.”

The cardinal’s interest is immediately grabbed and he scoots forward in his seat to lean his elbows on the desk and intertwine his fingers. There’s color high on his freckled cheeks and he seems breathless when he finally speaks.

“What–” Copia clears his throat when the word comes out embarrassingly high pitched, “what do you have in mind?”

You take a deep breath. “Okay so. Imperator gave me permission to use Ministry funds to purchase a very rare, very important book for collections research, right?”

Copia nods, unsure of where this is going.

“The thing is…it’s entirely in Italian. And there are quite literally no available translations anywhere so I was wondering if you…could assist.”

The cardinal deflates a little and you’re slightly perplexed.

“Are you…are you sure that’s what you want to use your favor on?”

Oh, you know exactly what you’d really like to use your favor on. Something involving those plump painted lips and gloved hands spreading you open and—

Anyway.

“Yeah well I figured it’s going to be quite an undertaking having you read me this book while I transcribe notes. Not something I’d bother you with under any other circumstances. And if you don’t want to do it that’s fine, I can always ask one of the Italian speaking siblings or–”

“Naturalmente, I’ll do it,” he says quickly, completely banishing the idea of seeking outside help from your mind, “eh…when would you like to begin?”

“Oh the book won’t be here for a couple of weeks still but maybe we could use our Friday game night? You can just read to me until you’re tired of it or we’re both tired of it.”

Copia nods slowly, and you still sense a level of disappointment from him. Odd.

“I’ll um,” you say, fidgeting with a pen on his desk, “I’ll cook for you.”

Your attempt to sweeten the deal earns a snort of laughter from Copia, which causes you to pout.

“What? I can cook!”

“You burned the bruschetta for the dinner we had with the Papas.”

Your cheeks light up as you frown deeply at him.

“Okay, now that you’re such a doubting Thomas about it,” you smirk, leaning back in your chair, “I’ll make you anything you say. Name it.”

Copia looks almost impressed as he considers your offer.

“Eh…alright. Cacio e pepe.”

You smack your palms flat against the worktop of his desk. “Done. Just you wait, you’ll show up and I’ll have dinner, maybe a little chianti…”

“Sounds awfully romantic, cara. Do you perhaps have other intentions?”

His eyes are glittering mischievously, clearly teasing you, but your cheeks heat up all the same. Okay, so maybe you did have other intentions. Yes, you need him to translate this book for you but also…it sounds nice. Just the two of you, sitting on your couch eating pasta and reading about the creation of infernal art in Baroque Rome. When you realize his mismatched gaze has been staring at you for several moments, you laugh nervously.

“Copia, I promise I don’t have any designs on your…uh…virtue.”

He chuckles at this, leaning back and folding his hands over his stomach.

“Cara, I would be a poor Satanic cardinal indeed if I had any virtue left.”

“I don’t know, you’ve been awfully patient with me during this conversation. And you’re so diligent about your work. And incredibly kind. I think you’re still redeemable.”

When he scoffs and waves his hand, cheeks red, you stand up and make for the door.

“I’ll keep you posted about when the book arrives okay?”

“Sì, sì,” he says, straightening in his chair and shuffling paperwork.

“Looking forward to our date,” you say with a smirk, making sure to catch a glimpse of his eyes going wide and face going red as you flounce out the door.

–

Eleven days pass when you delicately unwrap the book from its secure packaging in your office. Holding it in hand, you use your dark red fingernail to trace the embossed title. After a moment, you set it down and pick up your phone to text Copia.

Book’s here. Tomorrow night? 6:00?

Looking forward to it, mia cara.

C

The endearment still makes you warm and fuzzy inside and you take a moment to revel in the feeling before the weight of reality comes crashing down on you.

You have no fucking clue how to make cacio e pepe.

–

Catching Secondo away from his brothers or outside of Ministry duties is a difficult beast. You have one chance to time it right and snag him in his office before his confession duties start and he is waylaid by siblings wishing to share their sins and desires with him. Lurking around the corner, you watch as another cardinal you are unfamiliar with leaves Secondo’s office and once he is out of sight, you bolt for the door. It hasn’t even fully closed yet when you’re knocking rapidly on it, waiting in the threshold. Secondo whirls around behind his desk and when his eyes land on you, he smirks.

“You’ve learned to knock before entering rooms now, I see,” he says, placing his hands on his desk and leaning forward.

“Uh…yeah. Sorry about that. Great to see you and all but I have a big favor to ask of you. Huge.”

Secondo leans back and his face relaxes into a neutral expression.

“Don’t you usually ask il tuo cardinale for favors?”

Your Italian is shit but you pick that up loud and clear. Your cardinal.

“Haha yeah see the favor is sort of about him, you know?” 

When he gestures for you to continue your tale of woe the words spill out of your mouth at an alarming rate, “I promised him I would make him dinner and I can’t cook for shit and he requested cacio e pepe and I was wondering if you could teach me?”

He looks both stunned and impressed by the speed at which you relay your request, but after a moment his face schools into a soft smile.

“Piccolina,” he begins, walking over to you, “I’ll do you one better, I’ll make it for you. Our little secret, no? When is this engagement with the cardinal?”

You want to cry, you're so relieved and thankful and without thinking, you throw your arms around him, squeezing tight. He stumbles backwards a little from the force with which you have flung yourself at him, but he pats you on the back all the same.

“Secondo, I could kiss you right now,” you sigh into his vestments before pulling back. He’s looking at you with a peculiar little knowing half smile.

“Normally I would take you up on that offer but,” he pauses, bringing his hands together, “I am not who you are destined for, sì?”

You start to ask what exactly he means by that little cryptic comment when he’s ushering you out the door and into the hall.

“It’s at six, tomorrow night. Secondo thank you, thank you, thank you. You’re a reputation saver.” 

He steps out too and begins to walk into the direction of the chapel while you blow an abundance of air kisses at him, which he catches with the most stoic of faces.

—

As promised, Secondo delivers the still-hot pasta at 5:45, just in time for you to put the pot on the stove to make it look legitimate. You texted Copia earlier, telling him to dress casual. You’ve put on one of your nicer pairs of black leggings and a cut up shirt from the Ghost project, which you’ve recently acquired from Terzo. The book is resting on your hastily tidied coffee table, along with your laptop. You’ve got the chianti, as promised - a good bottle too - another gift from Terzo. Nervously you uncork the bottle and set it on the counter to let it breathe while you wait for his arrival. When his knocks sound on your door you nearly jump out of your skin before padding over to open it. You fling it open and there he is, il tuo cardinale, and you can’t help but smile at his outfit. You’ve never in all your months at the abbey seen him dress casual, and his version is perfectly delightful. He’s wearing a matching loose red tracksuit with a black t-shirt on underneath, gloves still on his hands and his pristine black dress shoes on his feet. You’re so incredibly charmed by his appearance you forget to move aside to let him in until he makes a nervous noise and gestures into your quarters.

“Hi! Sorry! Please come in!”

You pull away to go “check” on the pasta as he shuffles into your space and closes the door behind him.

“Smells good,” he comments as he moves towards your small kitchen space.

“Doesn’t it?” you preen, pouring a generous amount of wine into his glass before handing it off to him. He swirls it around and leans his perfect pointed nose into the glass to inhale, before pulling back looking impressed.

“Terzo gave it to me,” you comment, pouring yourself a glass, “You like it?”

“Very good,” he says, looking at the bottle, “how kind of Papa Terzo to give you one of my favorites.”

You halt your pouring and look over to him. Once again you are struck by Terzo’s preternatural ability to steer you in Copia’s direction in one way or another. Honestly, it’s getting to the point where you should write him a thank you note every time it happens.

“Please, go take a seat, I’ll dish you up some pasta,” you say, ushering him over to the small living room while he takes both glasses in his hands. Taking two plates from a cabinet you make sure to scoop the pasta and twirl it artfully on the white porcelain. A little sprinkle of pecorino romano, as per Secondo’s instruction, et voila. Perfection. You dish out your portion and grab a couple forks and walk over to the couch, presenting his plate with a flourish.

“Cacio e pepe, as promised,” you murmur, taking a seat on the other end of the sofa and sitting criss-cross. You don’t take a bite until Copia has, watching him slowly chew and contemplate the meal.

“Bellissima,” he finally says as he gathers another forkful, “I take back my unkind words about your cooking skills. Although, I do have to say there is something…familiar about this dish.”

You stop mid chew and look up at him silently with wide eyes before swallowing and laughing nervously.

“Old family recipe,” you comment, before hastily adding, “not my family recipe I mean, but…someone’s certainly. Right?”

You’re not lying to him, technically but you make sure to dodge eye contact with him throughout the rest of the meal. Some time later when the two of you finish and you gather your plates to put them in the sink, you miss Copia smiling to himself knowingly as he sips his wine. You return with the bottle, refilling both your glasses before situating yourself comfortably and pulling your laptop over.

“Ready?” you say, firing up your word processor.

He nods, and picks up the old book, handling it with great care before opening it and settling on the first page. Listening to him is…wonderful. He intersperses his English translation with bits of the original Italian, and the way his tongue wraps around the words and the extra flourish with which he rolls his r’s makes you sigh dreamily. At times, you get so caught up in simply listening to him speak that you forget to type out your notes and have to ask him to pause so you can recalibrate your brain to the task. The bottle of wine goes quickly, and the contents go straight to your head. You can feel your cheeks and chest flush and you know your filter is gone when you interrupt him to speak.

“I love listening to you talk,” you smile, leaning your head onto the back cushion of the couch.

Copia looks flabbergasted, face heating up to match yours and it takes all your willpower to not move your computer aside and climb into his lap. You can think of no one else who deserves to be kissed more than he. Always so patient with you, so kind. You know you’re looking at him funny because he nervously looks away as if he’s afraid of what could happen next.

“Eh…I think I should go,” he says, closing the book and rising from the couch as your smile slips. Now look at what you’ve done, you think bitterly, you’re scaring him off. The liquor is making your head spin and you want to cry at how stupid you’ve been. This is how it always is with the two of you, you always talk a big flirtatious game but when he comes down to it, neither of you will pull the trigger. Imagine how you would have looked trying to kiss him, the voice in your head laughs, your wine-stained lips clumsily searching for his. He’s a satanic Cardinal, get real. You have to dig your fingernails into the meat of your palm to keep yourself from crying as you stand up and follow him to the door.

“Thank you, cara,” he murmurs after you open it for him. “I am…I am very tired all of a sudden. The wine, you see. Very powerful stuff.”

You nod in agreement with a stiff smile, looking past him. He seems to pick up on your shift in mood, and gently takes your hands into his gloved ones.

“Dolcezza,” he begins, gazing at you earnestly, “ragazza meravigliosa. I…”

He falters, unsure of what to say or perhaps, how to say what he wants to tell you. Be brave, you think, be fucking brave and do something for once. Before he can stutter out anything more you place your hand softly on his cheek and hold it there for a moment, content to feel the warmth of his skin. He exhales deeply and shakily as you run your thumb over his freckled cheekbone. Before any other voices inside you can tell you to do otherwise, you lean in and press a sweet, lingering kiss to his cheek, right at the corner of his mouth. It wasn’t exactly what you wanted, you have after all done this exact thing before in a drunken state, but this time feels…different. When you finally pull away, your breath ghosts over his lips and he lets out a miniscule noise. 

“For being you, Copia,” you say, “thank you. For everything, always.”

He looks as if he could burst into tears at any moment and you look away, allowing him time to gather himself. When he clears his throat and claps his hands together, you look back at him with a bright smile. The moment is gone and you both return to playing pretend about your true emotions.

“We can…uh…finish this later, sì? I hope what we’ve done so far helps.”

“It does, thank you Cardinal. I’ll see you later, okay?”

He nods, still wearing the mask he so carefully puts on in moments like this.

“Bene. Goodnight, cara. Sleep well.”

“Goodnight, Copia,” you say, heart sinking as you watch him walk down the corridor and you shut your door. Sighing, you lower yourself to the floor with your back against it, looking around the small apartment. 

Bravery does not come easily to either of you, it seems. 

But that doesn’t mean you’ll stop trying.

[ijuststareatstuffhereok89]

CHAPTER 9: The Lesson

You're finally cornered, alone in The Snake Prince's bedroom, where he intends to show you exactly how he prefers his partners. Meanwhile, a secret is discovered...

Pairing: Prince Loki x Concubine!Reader Rating: 18+ ONLY (Minors DNI) MASTERLIST HERE **Please reblog if you like it!**

Content Warning: Threat and mentions of assault, eventual smut, indentured servitude and sex slavery, mean people being mean, violence, executions, more warnings likely to come

CHAPTER-SPECIFIC WARNING: smut, dom!Loki, sub!Reader

Your first night in Asgard, Loki had not only been your hero who rescued you from assault and humiliation, but a kind, understanding man who accommodated your natural fears and exhaustions surrounding your new ordeal. He knew you had some reservations that you would need help getting past in order to give your body over to Master. He was no snake.

Now, he was a rabid wolf descending on you, ready for the feast now that the hunt was over.

“Sparrow, you have been good for Master, but now I am afraid I must finally use you,” The Prince declared, his volume low. You were someone finding the fear stirring inside you to drive you to need him. 

He stood before you in his most streamlined ensemble yet: leather leggings in a shade of green so dark they may as well have been black. In spite of the dark color, his erection was outlined clearly just below the button sitting at his hips. Its size intimidated you. 

He cannot possibly expect to fit that inside me!

He wore nothing above his hips, save for a platinum pendant with his symbol: two snakes intertwined in a fashion resembling an ‘S.’ The lavalier hung low from his neck, the charm falling between his bare chest and his navel, after which only a small thin trail of black hair led below and down into his pants (and tantalizingly out of sight). 

His naked chest glistened in the dim candlelight of the bedroom, he’d evidently seen fit to oil his body. He wore no shoes or boots, and his perfectly-pedicured toes were now tapping against the floor impatiently, awaiting your response. His hair was untamed, loosely tossed about his neck and shoulders, partially obscuring the right side of his face. 

He took your breath away. Here is what you’d been missing for over a month, standing before you now. Here is what awaited you as he played his little games with you while you guarded your “maidenhead.” Your loins were twitching, you were already growing conscious of the wet feeling between your legs, and you were thankful that tonight was the night. 

“I am going to teach you the Art of Submission tonight, kitten,” Loki said, looking ever more hungry. “But first, you will strip for me.” 

“Yes, my Master.”

Here was the dance you’d seen in your mind for weeks, and it was infinitely more intimidating than even you’d imagined in your dirtiest fantasies. Unlacing your dress at the collar, the slippery satin began peeling away impatiently. You’d been naked before The Prince several times in the garden. He knew your body. He wanted your body. Yet, the vulnerability you felt in the moment still washed over you like a fog, making sweat begin to bead on your skin. 

Meanwhile, he watched you with such intensity, as if you were performing a play just for him, and he couldn’t afford to miss a single detail. 

As the last of your underclothes fell to your feet, Loki glared at you with prideful satisfaction. 

“Every curve of you is pristine,” he purred, beginning to advance on you. “I’m going to run my tongue over every inch of your hot flesh, and take in your delicious taste. But first, you will do something for me.”

You bowed your head. “I am yours to command, Master.” 

“Get on your knees, sit back on your heels, and lay your hands on your thighs. Then, we will begin the lesson.”

You slowly obeyed, wondering why the odd position was what he wanted from you first. 

“When we begin, every time, you will wrap your hair back like so,” he declared, coming up behind you and kneeling down, gently scoping your hair and tying it back against your neck in a long tail. The oil he’d slathered onto his skin smelled of lavender. 

“And you will take this position and wait for me. Sometimes I shall be ready for you immediately, sometimes I will make you stay here for a while. I may shower and make you watch from this stance. I may force you to watch me touch myself. All you need to worry about, my pretty little toy, is that you will start every tryst with this pose, is that understood?”

“Yes, Master.” 

Once Loki tied your hair back, he got to his feet again and began to circle you like a starving hawk. “I also feel compelled to tell you…I will not be gentle. I am not that kind of a lover. You will stretch around my cock and it may hurt. That is natural, do not be afraid. However, if you feel at any point you are in real danger of harm, tell me so. As I have said before, I am no rapist. I will stop should you truly require it.”

“Yes, Master.”

“And to do so, you must speak the word ‘teacup.’ That is my signal to release you, understood?” 

“Yes, Master.”

“No, sparrow,” he barked, stopping in his circle. “In this room, I am Loki.” 

You nodded silently. “Yes, Loki.” 

“And another thing,” Loki continued, “You will not touch me unless I bid for it. If you touch me without my permission, I will bind you with leather straps so it will not happen again.” 

As if that would stop me right now. Perhaps I’d want it!

“I reward good girls, and I punish bad girls. What will you be for me tonight, kitten?” he asked, tipping your chin up so that you made eye contact. 

“A good girl, Loki. I want to be good for you,” was your answer, your voice airy, a little shaken. 

“Aww, you still fear me a little…precious sparrow…wonderful.”

He pulled you slowly to your feet, your eyes still making contact. “We will do this with minimal flair so that you may get used to feeling me, but know that I bore easily, Y/N. We will soon be playing more advanced games, mark me. Games you could never imagine in your deepest fantasies.” 

For a moment, it almost seemed Loki lost his mind in thought, and he looked down at your nipples,hard and sensitive. As if mesmerized by them, he absentmindedly took a thumb, brushing it over a breast, sending a gentle shiver down your spine, which caused him to snap back to reality. 

“I don’t think I’ve seen such perfect tits on a woman,” he said softly. “Even when you are silent, you surprise me. These were made for much more than nursing children…these were made for me to enjoy.” 

He brought you over to the bed with a firm pull. “Lie down now, Y/N, and let us begin our work.”

You sat back on the mattress, and gasped audibly as you sunk deep into the bed. It was much softer than you’d anticipated, perhaps because your own pallet was so stiff by comparison. 

Once he got you into a satisfying position, he took a hand to each of your thighs, slowly running them up further and further until they were perhaps three inches from your folds. “Spread these legs as far as you can,” Loki commanded. “I want to have a look at you.”

You felt every muscle in your hips stretch as you did your best, not realizing how embarrassingly inflexible you were. This was your first time, surely he couldn’t expect you to reach a full split, could he?

Loki snapped his fingers, sending green lightning down his body, causing his leggings to dissipate, exposing everything to you. His dick was even bigger now that his pants weren’t restricting it. 

He looked down between your legs, and again, his mind seemed to hyperfixate on the view. 

“Norns, you’re really so aroused?” he whispered.

“Are you not pleased, Mas--Loki?” you asked quietly. 

“I spend hours arousing my slaves, and here you serve me better than they by being ready in minutes,” he explained, taking two fingers to your clit and pinching it, which caught you off guard and sent your hips squirming, unable to close your thighs while Loki held them so far apart. “Norns, a desperate virgin, is it?”

He smiled, pleased, rolling your bud between his fingers, coaxing a soft, low moan from your mouth. His smile widened into a madman’s grin. 

“Ahhh!” he exclaimed, now bringing both of his hands to your drenched twat, his nimble fingers exploring every fold and crevice, each one bringing stars to your eyes. While his hands worked magic, Loki brought his head down to just above your clit, laying his lip just below your navel, then unrolling his craving tongue onto your skin and slowly sliding up to your left breast, where he latched on with his whole mouth and began sucking on your nipple. 

Your conscious mind couldn’t grasp the electric jolts radiating from your chest throughout the rest of your body, but it made you forget your fear. It was even beginning to render you forgetful of where you were. 

Loki continued to greedily suck on your breast until you moaned again. After that, he finally lifted his head. “Speak my name as you cry.” 

“Cry?” you asked meekly before Loki dropped his head again, this time you felt a string as he nipped on you, and you called out again, understanding. “Loki! Loki!” you added quickly, causing him to tremble a little himself.

“I think it’s almost time…oh yes, can you feel how ready I am?” he whispered, leaning down and cooing gently into your ear as he took his hard-on and pressed it against your swollen pussy.  “This is where it will get rough, kitten,” he warned. “I am an animal, a feral beast. Once I begin, I can’t control what I do with you.” 

“Loki?” you hesitated to ask. “How…may I ask how it will fit? It’s too big!” 

You heard him growl with impatience, and he took his hand away from his dick, squeezing your chin in his palm and bringing you nose-to-nose. You looked up into his wild blue eyes and felt tiny underneath him. “You will not doubt me, do you understand? You will trust me, or this will not work. I need to concentrate.”

“Yes, Loki.” 

“I know my size, and I know how to slip into a virgin passage,” he insisted. “You’ve driven me mad with need, I’m aching. Just feel me, Y/N…”

He again took himself into his hand, this time pushing himself between your outer lips, pressing the tip of his head against your opening, and suddenly every ounce of you trembled in anticipation. 

“Your walls slickened and stretched for this,” Loki promised. “It will fill you and make you writhe as I claim your cunt for my own. Brace yourself, dove and look into my eyes as I penetrate you.”

You did everything you could to stop yourself from squinting in fear as he gazed deeply back, making you finally fully willing to surrender. To his credit, Loki’s first thrust into you wasn’t as violent as you thought, but that first full insertion did cause you to jump as you felt a small pinching twinge. 

Loki quickly laid his hands on your shoulders, throwing you against the mattress, pinning you to the bed with minimal effort, and you found yourself nearly immobile. “Lay still. I want to do this myself this time.” 

“Yes! Yes my Loki!” 

Is this what Aunt Ing does on Freyja’s altar? How did I miss such a calling as this? 

Loki twisted his lip almost playfully as he took his right hand and ran his thumb over your pursed lips. “My Loki, am I? Well, you are my toy to play with as I like.” He poked his thumb against your lips, and you parted them. “Suck. Suck it for me.”

Obeying, you took Loki’s thumb so far into your mouth that the rest of his hand had to lie flat against your cheek. Loki began moaning at the sight, your pathetic eyes still looking into his, and his mouth dropped wide open. 

“Fucking Norns! The blessing of this sight!” 

He all but withdrew his cock, only to shock you by thrusting back within, harder this time. You reflexively bit down on this thumb, but it was gentle enough that Loki kept it in place. The vision of you sucking on his thumb needily as he held your jaw in his palm was driving him wild, and his jarring movements inside you became rougher, harder to bear, and yet the rhythmic tempo was picking up, and the heat from the friction of Loki’s cock was storing up, welling in your core, waiting for a critical point to pour out all over you.

It did hurt, especially as Loki became more brutal, and you endured the pleasurable pain by sucking harder and harder on his thumb, letting moans of need escape from your mouth.

“I’m putting a gag on you next time,” Loki responded. “You have an oral kink, I see. I can play with that.” 

You couldn’t respond in words, so instead you replied by bucking your hips in agreement and sighing gently through your nose. 

“Now, while I could watch you suck on me until Ragnarok, I must finish my good work inside you, sparrow,” he said, slowly withdrawing his thumb from your mouth, taking a moment to run the digit over your lips again, leaving them wet. 

As Loki picked up the pace again, squinting his eyes, his mouth hanging open like a rabid animal as he began to feel his fall. “Loki…Loki…” you whispered. 

“Cum for me, kitten. I know you feel it…” he commanded, desperate to wait for you, feeling as if such a courtesy would be impossible if he held his edge for much longer. 

One more look at the slick, oiled man hovering inches above you, and you came without warning. The intense pangs of orgasm throbbed in waves down your passage, sending you into an uncontrollable fit as you screamed, the pleasure pinning your hips and arching your back as you received the prize. 

Watching you lose control of your body, adding to the remarkable feeling of your walls pulsing against his cock, was what sent the Prince over the edge into orgasm himself, pounding violently into you three times, riding it out with you until he painted the inside of you with his seed. 

Ha, now that tea will be of actual use, you thought. 

Instead of withdrawing from your pussy, Loki stayed put, his upper half collapsing, heaving with heavy breath, onto your chest. Reflexively, you went to wrap your arms around him, before thinking better of it. He DID say you could not touch him. 

“You are…so…obedient to me…” he muttered, his words muffled into your skin, so exhausted from the exercise that he barely had the energy to turn his head, which made it difficult for you to fully make out what he said next: 

“I…I love you.” 

You almost came again. But no, Loki was merely drunk with sexual gratification. He couldn’t have meant it. 

Could he? 

Aunt Ing, 

Do I forgo my purpose by refusing him, even if he wishes it to be so? Do I step over a line by listening to his heart and keeping his secrets locked away like a treasure there? 

I fear the worst betrayal by me is yet to come, for I feel the time is near for me to bring up Vanaheim. My real mission. And yet, is the betrayal for Loki or myself? When will he learn of my boldness, my goal to manipulate a royal? He would not behead me, but losing his affections, I fear, would be much worse. 

Oh, I wish you were here to guide me! These palace intrigues frustrate me so! I hear now that he intends to take a respite at his family’s hunting ground, and that my insipid roommate is to be invited as his companion! Perhaps I have lost him already…but how? Am I really already so beneath her? Have I said anything to lose favor?

No, I cannot lose hope. Perhaps Vanaheim can yet be saved, even if my heart cannot be…

Hilda slammed the cover of the diary shut, her face red and seething with rage. 

@vickie5446 @thedistractedagglomeration @jonquilclegane @lonadane @lokisgoodgirl @just-someone11 @mcufan72 @hypergamer7744 @usagishira @silverfire475 @coleranchdorito @huntress-artemiss @elegantcheesecakecrown @lokixryss @25bohemianmoons @crimson25 @waywardsummoner46 @ladyjames78 @chantsdemarins @sorceresski @ladymischief11 @goblingirlsarah @fictive-sl0th @goldencherriess @marvel-fan24 @trickster-maiden @glitterylokislut @eleniblue @12-pm-510 @simplyholl @crimson25 @psychospore @wolfsmom1 @silverfire475 @coldnique

[desastrofe]

Chapter 4 is out!

Title: The Tides of Space and Time

Chapter 4: Into the depths

Pairing : Sam Coe / Player Character (OC)

Rating: Explicit (nothing to report right now, just in later chapters! Just action and adventure for now.)

Here's a snippet:

Sarah had taken the Frontier to Bessel III, where the Crimson Fleet took Barrett to exchange him for a considerable sum as a ransom, so the journey to Piazzi I had to be made on Sam’s ship, with Cora on board, much to Alice’s chagrin.

As their spacecraft descended towards the planet's surface, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight before them. The barren landscape was dominated by jagged rocks and boulders, with a few sparse patches of tough-looking vegetation struggling to survive in the harsh environment. The planet's hills and mountains loomed in the distance. It was clear that this was not a hospitable place, but the coordinates Vladimir had sent pointed them here for a reason.

The scanners of the ship indicated that the world was unable to sustain indigenous lifeforms, but still, they stood on guard and decided Cora should stay on the ship just in case some unexpected creature or lifeform appeared. They could not anticipate that the artifact was not on some facility of some kind either, where they might have company. Cora was left with the customary supplies at hand, like food and water, and a large array of games and books to entertain herself while her father and Alice went to find the artifact, and of course, some safety measures, like comms, were available. This didn’t convince Alice, as always, but, on a barren planet like Piazzi I, the chances of things going awry were minimal. They suited up and prepared for their journey.

As they left the ship, Alice pulled the hand scanner and started skimming the horizon in search of anomalies in its signal, and after some minutes, it pointed east of the landing site, where they immediately started heading. The ship gradually fell behind as they progressed on their way to find the artifact. The signal on the scanner was faint at first but it grew stronger as they advanced toward the mountains.

“Do you think we’ll find company in the mountains, any critter or scavenger?” Alice wondered.

“Just a way to find out, and that’s following the scanner’s signal. Anyway, we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled for any signs of activity, but I doubt there’s any life in here.” Sam said.

As they walked, their boots made a crunching sound against the rocky ground, carefully avoiding the large boulders scattered around. The scanner beeped more frequently as they approached small hills that led up to the mountains in the distance.

The path slowly inclined, dislodging pebbles as they ascended. The ascension was hard, despite having brought the necessary equipment for climbing, such as ropes and hooks. The detachment of some rocks made it difficult to climb to the top of the mountain, where they found a cave. There, the scanner beeped louder. The artifact was there. Before entering the cave, Sam and Alice contemplated in awe the landscape that expanded to the horizon. They could see his ship like a small discordant element in the stark scenery composed mainly of rocks and some patches of vegetation. 

The cave was dark, so much so that even the light from their helmets vanished into the void. The tunnel before them was an awe-inspiring sight. Its grandeur was matched only by the vastness of the pit that lay at its end. As they made their way down the rugged walls, they were mindful of the ancient rocks that appeared as though they could crumble at the slightest touch. Their descent was slow and steady, each step taken with care, their senses heightened by the danger that lurked in the darkness. As they climbed their way down, pebbles fell from the walls banging against their helmets, adding to the anxiety of the descent.

“Hey Sam, everything okay down there? It’s raining rocks over here!” Alice asked. She was slightly higher in the rope than Sam, who had gone ahead of her.

“Yeah, we’ve got to get to the bottom of the tunnel and fast” Sam said.

The end of the pit was nowhere to be seen, and the walls seemed they would crumble at any moment upon them. Fortunately for the two explorers, a dim light could be seen at their feet, and with it, the bottom of the tunnel.

“Alice! We’ve arrived!” Sam exclaimed. “C’mon, let me help you. There! We did it! Not bad, eh? I think next time we should bring Cora. Nothing wrong with a bit of spelunking and artifact hunting.”

“Yeah, I don’t know, those walls didn’t seem very stable. Now, the scanner points toward – “Alice added. She was interrupted by a thunderous noise from the surface of the pit, a clamor that echoed through the tunnel. The ancient rocks that formed the pit had been dislodged by the tension and the weight of the two explorers and fell, and they had barely time to escape to the grand tunnel that opened before them.

“What the hell was that?! Are you okay?!” Alice yelled, her suit covered in dust.

“Barely! And you? I’m afraid we ain’t returning through the same place we entered, that’s for sure!” Sam said trying to compose himself.

“You mean we’re trapped?!” Alice was beginning to panic.

“As trapped as we can get, yes,” Sam said.

[ohthehypocrisy]

Weavile for Pokemon Unite!

Season 1

Season 2

Prev: Cradily - Hatterene - Tropius - Cacturne - Ditto

Sinnoh changed the game forever, with a slew of new strategies, a fundamental change to how Types and attacking stats worked, and most importantly, new evolutions to loads of pokemon. Chief among them was Weavile, perhaps the coolest and most efficient evolution ever gained. It’s blood red feathers inspire fear into all who see it and they’ll find themselves shivering from the chill of Weavile’s presence and its icy claws slowly descending on them from the shadows.

But will such subzero tactics work in Pokemon Unite? Let’s cut to the chase.

-

Speedster

Let’s not even entertain the brief look at its BST (Base Stat Total), Weavile was built for the role of a Speedster, you know it, I know it, end of discussion. It’s high Attack and Speed coupled with its low defenses means that Weavile is all about hitting fast and first, and that’s what makes a Speedster fill its niche role in Aeos Island very well. It may be frail as ice cubes but it can hit as hard as an avalanche.

-

Basic Attack - Melee/Attack

A series of scratches that deals piercing damage when dealing a critical hit. Becomes a boosted attack after three hits, dealing damage twice. Deals more damage the more HP the enemy has. 

Sneasel and Weavile can attack while moving, stopping briefly when using its boosted basic attack.

The attack deals more damage relative to the amount of HP the enemy has, increasing by as much as 100%, equal to the enemy’s HP.

Any critical hits deal piercing damage. If the boosted basic attack deals a critical hit, both hits will deal critical hit damage.

The boosted basic attack is a jumping slash in a ‘x’ pattern, dealing damage in a slightly bigger area.

The Sneasel and Weavile line are best known for their aggressive hunting strategies. I’ve tried to figure out what that strategy is, but for the most part, it just seems to be run and cut stuff. It’s so simplistic, it works for a Speedster like Weavile, but the secret to its success is in those extremely sharp claws.

When Weavile deals a critical hit, it deals piercing damage, bypassing any shields and protections the opponent has. Now, it’s not as easy to take advantage of this boon early on, especially as a Speedster, but it does make grinding for EXP so much easier when you need to clear out the Central Area first. Plus, you can permanently increase your critical hit ratio with emblems and items, so this effect is sure to come in handy each time you’re engaged in combat.

It also comes with the extra power of dealing more damage to healthier enemies, greatly increasing your potential for burst damage. Unfortunately, this does mean your ability to handle Defenders and bulky All-Roudners wane a bit when they’re at half HP or less, so this is where you’d have to rely on your teammates to pick up your slack.

Which is weird, as Speedsters really prefer to finish the jobs they started. Could this be some semblance of promoting teamwork?

-

Ability: Inner Focus/Pressure

-Inner Focus

While in combat, the pokemon’s Movement Speed increases as moves are used by the opposing team.

-Pressure

While in combat, the pokemon’s Movement Speed, Attack, and Critical Hit Rate increase as moves are used by the opposing team.

Both Inner Focus and Pressure increases your Movement Speed by 5% when activated. The Movement Speed boost caps out to 150% with Inner Focus and 200% with Pressure.

Pressure adds 10% Attack and 0.6% critical hit chance to all of your moves each time it is activated. The boosts caps out to 200% Attack and 12% critical hit chance.

Both Inner Focus and Pressure deactivate after 5 seconds out of combat, same as the amount of time it takes for Leftovers and Float Stone to activate. However, as long as enemies are on screen, Inner Focus and Pressure will not deactivate, even if you don’t attack and hide in Tall Grass for the entire fight.

Both Inner Focus and Pressure activate when a move is used, as well as follow-ups and sequential attacks, like Absol’s Night Slash, activating either ability twice as the move can be used twice.

Balancing out Speedsters is difficult because they need the potential to deal high damage, but it must also be difficult for players to do that damage by playing the pokemon properly. Sneasel’s Inner Focus and Weavile’s Pressure are great examples of this design philosophy, as the requirement to achieve the full potential of damage needs players to play patiently as Speedsters.

By getting into fights, you’re putting yourself at risk of immediate KO, as your defenses as a Speedster are paltry. But if you stall for time, you’ll find yourself getting the upper hand very quickly. That’s because Inner Focus and Pressure activate each time the enemy uses a move, whether they hit you or not. In the early game, it may not be a lot of power, but if you dance the line between life and death in the middle of a team fight, the power boost becomes insane.

By evading and dodging your opponent’s moves, both Inner Focus and Pressure power up, triggering each time the enemy uses a move. It works very well against multi-part moves like Goomy’s Bubble or Blaziken’s Fire Punch or even Blissey’s Soft-boiled, as these moves can trigger the ability multiple times because they are being used twice or thrice. Ideally you’d like to not get hit by these moves, but that’s the risk versus the reward when you’re playing with Weavile.

As a major part of the hunt, wearing out the target is a surefire way to score a KO. Just dodge those moves, and you’ll find that you’ll have the edge when you launch your counterattack.

-

At the start of the game, Weavile will start out as Sneasel. You can choose between Scratch and Icy Wind as your first move. By Level 3, you will have learned both.

-

Move 1: Scratch (Dash)

The user jumps and slashes the enemy with both claws, dealing damage. Any debuffs the enemy is inflicted with increases the damage. 9s cooldown.

Scratch is a Dash attack that allows Sneasel to jump over walls and obstacles. If the damaged enemy has any debuffs, the move deals 2.5x more damage.

While your basic attack deals lots of damage to healthy enemies, Scratch is a sort of finishing move that heavily punishes enemies bogged down by debuffs of any kind. By itself, it’s just a regular jumping attack that has you leap forward to deal damage, but it’s also a useful attack to have at the start of a match if you decide to go into either Top or Bottom Lane with an ally, as debuffs are very common in the early game.

It’s especially useful as a move in that, since your basic attack becomes less effective the more damage the enemy has, hitting them with a debuff followed by Scratch is the easiest way to secure a KO. Maybe running Slow Smoke may not be a bad idea, but it’s not totally necessary, as Sneasel can ensure the enemy will be hit with a debuff with its other move, Icy Wind.

-

Move 2: Icy Wind (Ranged)

Blows a frigid wind straight forward, slowing enemies down. If used repeatedly on an enemy, the effect increases until the enemy becomes Frozen in place. If this move Freezes an enemy, their defenses are greatly reduced as well. 2.5s cooldown.

Icy Wind is an area attack that can damage multiple enemies in one blow. Each hit slows down the enemy’s Movement Speed by 25% for 3 seconds. Getting hit by Icy Wind again adds another 25% Movement Speed reduction for another 3 seconds, resetting the duration of the debuff.

After 3 hits, the enemy becomes Frozen, which temporarily prevents them from moving or attacking or using items. The enemy will be Frozen for 1 second.

After getting Frozen, Icy Wind has to hit enemies another 3 times to Freeze them again, though the Movement Speed drop caps at 75% for 3 seconds.

If Icy Wind Freezes an enemy, they will also be inflicted with 50% Defense and Sp. Defense reduction for 1 second. Scratch can deal extra damage in this way.

The stacking effect clears when the enemy is no longer slowed down.

You ever feel a chill running down your spine? It might be the wind, or it might be a Sneasel on your tail. You know what, it could be both, since Sneasel uses Icy Wind to weaken enemies and make them more vulnerable to their sharp Scratch attacks. If that happens, you better make a run for it, because this frigid felon always secures its kills.

Icy Wind is a short ranged area attack that damages all enemies in front of Sneasel. It hits for meager damage and reduces Movement Speed by a little bit, but that debuff is enough for Scratch to land a KO if you combine both moves.

If you get hit by Icy Wind too many times, you’ll find yourself Frozen, which not only locks you out of moves, attacks, and even using items, it’ll also hit you with a nasty Defense and Sp. Defense reduction. This reduction counts as a debuff, which allows Scratch to deal massive damage if you get caught. Alternatively, the Sp. Defense reduction also allows Sneasel’s Sp. Attacking teammates to finish the job if need be, as being Frozen makes the enemy susceptible to all damage.

This move has some very low cooldown, but it is risky for a Speedster to use given its low range. It’s also less effective against ranged attackers, who can easily evade the second or third hit of Icy Wind. Not to worry, though, as Scratch is a far reaching attack and only needs a brief debuff to deal extra damage. 

However, Scratch does also put you very close to the enemy, putting you at risk of getting mauled by Defenders, even in the early game. Perhaps it’s better to grind enough EXP to evolve, and soon.

-

At Level 7, Sneasel will evolve into Weavile. At the same time, Scratch becomes either Hone Claws or Night Slash.

-

Move 1a: Hone Claws (Buff)

Sharpen your claws, increasing the size, damage, basic attack speed, and critical hit rate of your basic attack for 5 seconds. The user’s boosted basic attack will remain boosted when damaging an enemy afflicted with a debuff. KO’s will also restore HP. 8s cooldown.

At Level 12, Hone Claws will become Hone Claws+.

Your Movement Speed increases and you restore more HP through KO’s.

For 5 seconds, Hone Claws increases the area of your basic attack, increases the damage dealt by your basic attack by 2.5x, increases the speed of your basic attack by 30%, and increases the critical hit rate by 10%.

Your boosted basic attack becomes a spinning slash with your claws, which will not cause you to stop movement to use. It will also stay boosted when damaging an enemy with a debuff.

When you KO an enemy with your basic attack while Hone Claws is active, restore 15% of your HP. Hone Claws+ increases this to 25%.

Hone Claws+ also increases your Movement Speed by 30% for 5 seconds.

Speedsters need to have a high skill ceiling in order to be balanced properly. Unfortunately, that means that playing Weavile means you’ll be stuck as the less impressive Sneasel for a third of the game, as you do not evolve until Level 7, nor do you get new moves until then. It’ll be tough, but it’ll all be worth it, as Weavile is a massive upgrade to Sneasel, just as it was back in Gen 4.

Speaking of buffs, Hone Claws offers a huge boost to your basic attack’s ability to deal damage. Not only does it make your claws bigger, it hits harder and faster, and will even increase the critical hit rate of your basic attack. It also provides a small boon in that you can slash nonstop, as dealing a boosted basic attack has Weavile perform an agile spinning slash that sacrifices no momentum whatsoever.

Making your basic attack hit harder is a great buff and all, but it doesn’t exactly make up for the weakness you already have in getting up close to enemies to deal damage. Yes, you can deal more damage than you can receive, but as a frail Speedster, that is not a fair trade you can afford to make. Thankfully, Hone Claws grants one more extra buff, and that’s restoring your HP each time you KO an enemy with the boost active. It doesn’t restore a lot of HP, but it does mean you can very safely engage and KO weakened enemies with just your Hone Claws boost alone, as you’ll restore what little damage you received right before you knocked out their lights.

Now, since Scratch applied extra damage to enemies suffering from debuffs, Hone Claws has a similar effect but with different execution. While the boost is active, your boosted basic attack will stay boosted if you hit an enemy under the effects of a debuff. Remember, the boosted hit deals damage twice, with a critical hit splitting the damage between both hits. It takes three attacks to boost, but you can use Hone Claws when the boosted basic attack is ready and set down a Slow Smoke to start slicing up your enemies as if they were vegetables the day before Thanksgiving.

With only 5 seconds to work with, though, you need to identify and remove problematic enemies with the Hone Claws boost you gain. You don’t get a speed boost with Hone Claws until the move gets upgraded, so you’ll have to work smarter, not just harder, to make the most of the boost. Like any good Speedster, you gotta make surgical plays, dealing the right amount of damage to the correct enemy in a team fight.

But instead of ruthless clawing and slashing, what about filthy sneak attacks?

-

Move 1b: Night Slash (Dash)

The user charges forward, slashing with its claws cloaked in darkness. This move reaches far and makes the user invisible in the middle of the attack. This move is very likely to inflict a critical hit. Deals more damage to enemies afflicted with a debuff. If the user is in the cover of Tall Grass or other effects and ends this move in hiding without dealing any damage, the cooldown of this move is reset. 10.5s cooldown.

At Level 12, Night Slash becomes Night Slash+.

Resets the cooldown of the move after KO’ing an enemy.

Night Slash reaches very far, able to nearly cover half the distance between two Goal Zones. Night Slash is 35% more likely to deal a critical hit to enemies.

Weavile is only visible during the beginning and end of the attack. Anti-Invisibility effects will reveal Weavile during Night Slash, though.

If an enemy is afflicted with a debuff, Night Slash deals 3.5x more damage.

Night Slash will not go on cooldown if the attack starts and ends in Tall Grass or other hiding effects like Comfey’s Flowery Fields Forever or Mew’s Mystical Mirage and does not deal damage to enemies. This cooldown negating effect happens only once and will reset after the move comes off of cooldown.

Weavile’s claws deliver a chilling bite with each razor sharp slash it deals, so it’s very proficient at forcing its target to succumb to their injuries without even realizing that their stamina is being drained. Night Slash is as dangerous as it is silent, as it not only allows Weavile to deal loads of damage with a single cut, it allows Weavile to jump between cover, forcing the enemy to keep their wits about.

Night Slash is a dashing attack that reaches ridiculously far, enough to cover half the distance between your Ally Goal Zones. Not only that, Weavile moves so fast, it practically disappears in the middle of the attack, allowing it to confound unwary prey within range. This evasive attack is so speedy, the opposing team won’t know that a Weavile has snuck into a nearby plot of Tall Grass until it is too late.

Now, this speedy slash attack comes with a few stipulations. For one, while you do get a freebie on Night Slash if you jump from one Tall Grass to another, you only get that one freebie until the move is used and comes off of cooldown afterwards. Speaking of which, 10.5 seconds of cooldown is a lot of time to work with what’s supposedly a useful dashing move, but it’s for balance purposes. See, there are enough plots of Tall Grass on the maps for Weavile to completely dash around without being seen, reach the other side of the map, and then circle back around to home base if it were allowed a freebie each time. That’s insane, and it’s not an ability that even the frailest of Speedsters should be allowed to have, so that’s the limitation of the move, take it or leave it.

The invisible dash does allow Weavile to deal massive damage to enemies while immediately hiding in the cover of nearby grass, making it a very useful move for an ambush. Night Slash has a very high crit rate, and will even deal more damage to enemies suffering from debuffs, making it useful in the middle of a team fight just as well. Why you could even pair it with a trap like Sableye’s Feint Attack and drastically increase the damage you can deal together. Though if you have an ally that can spread debuffs very easily, like Decidueye’s Spirit Shackle or Goodra’s Gooey Ability, you’ll be able to use Night Slash to deal huge damage to multiple enemies. You just have to line the attack up properly.

Capitalizing on weakened enemies is also a great strategy as Night Slash+ grants a cooldown reset after KO’ing an enemy. The attack is already very strong, especially if you’re diligently farming EXP like a good Speedster, so being rewarded for using the attack at the right time is some great Speedster gaming.

Of course, you do still have Icy Wind to work with on the back burner, but it does admittedly lose out on some power and effectiveness as the match goes on. It’s time to bring down the cold darkness onto Aeos Island.

-

At Level 9, Icy Wind will become either Ice Shard or Dark Pulse.

-

Move 2a: Ice Shard (Ranged)

Throws a chunk of ice at the enemy, damaging and slowing them down. Each hit has a chance of Freezing the target. While frozen, the enemy receives increased damage from all attacks. Up to 3 uses can be held in reserve. 5s cooldown.

At Level 13, Ice Shard becomes Ice Shard+.

Increases the damage enemies receive while Frozen. Also increases the number of uses in reserve to 5. Enemies are more likely to become Frozen with each hit.

Ice Shard reduces the Movement Speed of enemies hit by 25% for 2 seconds. Repeated hits increase the Movement Speed debuff by another 25% and adds another 2 seconds to the debuff timer, capping out at 75% reduction for 6 seconds.

Each hit of Ice Shard has a 20% chance of Freezing the target. Ice Shard+ increases these odds to 30%. 

Using the move also does not stop Weavile from moving, allowing it to attack evasively if need be, much like Charizard when it uses Flamethrower or Fire Blast.

The Frozen Status Effect inflicted by Weavile’s Ice Shard lasts for 1.5 seconds. If this happens, Ice Shard will also reduce the enemy’s Defense and Sp. Defense by 70% for 1.5 seconds while afflicted. Ice Shard+ increases this to 85%.

When the weather gets cold and it starts to snow, some people like to throw snowballs at each other. It’s easy enough to make and has very little chance of actually hurting anybody, so it’s a fun activity for anyone at all ages. Weavile doesn’t do fun. No, they throw ice cubes at people. Not for fun, but to win.

Ice Shard is a much stronger and safer move to use than Icy Wind, as Ice Shard is a projectile and Weavile is agile enough to use the move without losing momentum. Like a graceful ice skater, Weavile skirts around as it throws ice chunks at its enemies, which is rude enough, but each hit of Ice Shard has a chance of Freezing an enemy in their tracks. Now, it’s not a guarantee that all 3 hits will freeze an enemy, but the low cooldown of the move helps make it spammable when you play evasively. 

But when you do land that Freeze chance, the enemy will be in for a world of hurt, for about 1.5 seconds. During that short time frame, the enemy will be hit with a massive reduction to their defenses, about 70%! It’s an extremely short time frame, so there’s not much to be worried about if you get caught in the heat of battle. Unfortunately, Weavile only needs 1.5 seconds to deal some serious damage with either Hone Claws or Night Slash. Heck, you don’t even need to land the lucky Freeze to deal serious damage, as Ice Shard reduces the Movement Speed of enemies it hits, boosting the damage of Hone Claws or Night Slash. 

While 1.5 seconds of Freeze and a massive reduction to defenses may not seem like such a long time to take advantage of, it can be enough for you and your team to secure the KO on an enemy through burst damage, especially with good enough coordination. Perhaps an ally Attacker can use their hardest hitting ranged attack on a Frozen enemy, or an All-Rounder can let loose with the opening you provide. See, as a frail Speedster, it’s important to recognize when to let your friends do the heavy lifting for you, as Weavile is very good at softening up the opposing team and lining things up for a team wipe.

But if you lack that coordination, I suppose Dark Pulse is a decent compromise instead.

-

Move 2b: Dark Pulse (Melee)

Throws a wave of darkness at the target, causing a brief Stun and reducing their Defense and Sp. Defense for a short while afterwards. Also briefly obscures the vision of all enemies caught in the attack. 5s cooldown.

At Level 13, Dark Pulse becomes Dark Pulse+.

Increases the size of the attack.

Dark Pulse is a short ranged attack that deals damage to all enemies in front of Weavile when the move is used. Weavile takes 0.5 seconds to wind up the attack and has to pause to use the move. Dark Pulse+ doubles the size of the attack.

Stuns enemies on hit for 0.75 seconds and reduces their Defense and Sp. Defense by 50% for 5 seconds.

Enemies also get hit by Vision Obscured for 1.25 seconds afterward.

Dark Pulse is very similar to Icy Wind in that you have to hold your ground to use the attack, just like Icy Wind. But instead of inflicting Freeze, you just Stun enemies in place and debuff them with a mild Defense and Sp. Defense reduction for 5 seconds. Also, all that darkness hits enemies with temporary blindness, much like Gible’s Sand Attack or Greninja’s Smoekscreen.

It may seem like the weaker version of Ice Shard, but Dark Pulse offers consistency in exchange for its shorter range. It guarantees that enemies will be stuck in place for a brief time and can even blind them, which can help you evade certain dash attacks like Absol’s Sucker Punch, which need a visible target within range to use against. It also hits enemies with a defense debuff for 5 seconds, which is the same amount of time as it takes for Dark Pulse to come off of cooldown. It may not be as much as Ice Shard’s 70% defense reduction, but it’s a guaranteed debuff compared to Ice Shard requiring a lucky Freeze to inflict that debilitating defense drop. 

Plus, Dark Pulse can hit multiple enemies at once, which admittedly isn’t that big of benefit since having all those enemies nearby will drastically shorten your lifespan, but it makes ambush plays a lot safer if you catch a lot of opponents with it. It also drastically improves your ability to take on Objectives like Regieleki, as they aren’t immune to debuffs themselves, and the 5 seconds lasting the entire cooldown means you can constantly reapply Dark Pulse, letting you and your teammates shred easily. 

Other than that, yeah, Dark Pulse is for opposing pokemon that like to rumble up close, but Ice Shard is a projectile that gives you an edge over long ranged attackers like Decidueye or Cinderace, as one lucky Freeze is all you need to turn the tables on them.

Good thing Weavile is its own best backup.

-

 Unite Move: Marked Targets (Dash/Sure Hit)

Upon activation, the user gains a massive boost in movement speed. Using the Unite Move again has the user charge forward and slash, marking the enemy with white claw marks. After five strikes, cold shadows descend and strike the marked targets, dealing more damage the more marks the targets have. Enemies will have their Movement Speed reduced for a short while afterwards, increasing in length for each mark they received.

The slash attack deals damage and marks enemies with an icy claw mark, with each subsequent attack adding to the mark like a tally.

After the Unite Move is used 5 times, an ice double that looks like Weavile appears near the targets and slashes at the marked enemies. For each mark added, an ice double appears. This final attack deals an additional 2x damage for each mark the enemy has.

The ice double’s slash attack damages the enemy as well to any nearby enemy, drastically multiplying the damage if enough marked enemies are near each other.

Marked Targets increases Weavile’s Movement Speed by 40% for the duration of the move.

Marked Targets will reduce the Movement Speed of enemies by 50% afterward. They will be inflicted for 2.5 seconds for each mark received.

The Unite Move’s final hit activates automatically after Weavile dashes 5 times or after 10 seconds pass. The final hit will not activate if Weavile is KO’d before then.

Weavile’s communicate with each other with a secret language composed entirely of claw marks. Because of this, they excel at coordinated strategies, even when they aren’t together. So if a Weavile decides to mark you with its icy claws, it’s already too late, as you’ve become a Marked Target.

When used, Marked Targets grants Weavile a massive boost to its Movement Speed, which helps with the next part of the attack. Use the Unite Move again, and Weavile will dash in the designated direction and slash all enemies it hits, leaving an icy scar on them. This scar is a mark, which Weavile can keep adding on to enemies until it has used the Unite Move 5 times or until time is up. In either case, Weavile’s friends from the frozen lands receive the message and zero in on the target.

Using Marked Targets well is all about patience and capitalizing on the openings you see in the middle of a fight. See, while you do become a lot faster, you don’t get any other extra bonuses, aside from the universal ones that all Unite Moves grant. You don’t become invisible and you don’t get your cooldowns refreshed or anything, not like you need it with the absurdly low cooldown on some of your moves. The Unite Move itself doesn’t even deal a lot of damage until the final hit, and even then, it all depends on how many hits you managed to land on the opposing team. The only way to get the most out of Marked Targets is to switch to a Hit ‘n’ Run playstyle, as you’ll be wanting to hit at least one enemy 5 times.

All enemies you manage to mark will receive a massive amount of damage, depending on how many marks you managed to tag them with. These marks not only increase the final amount of damage dealt at the end, but it also extends the duration of the Movement Speed drop that debuffs them at the end of the move. Well, it debuffs the survivors anyway. And that extensive debuff means that it’ll power up your Hone Claws or Night Slash afterwards, allowing you to finish the job.

But all this damage and enfeeblement doesn’t mean anything if you get knocked out before you land that final hit. Marked Targets requires you to land 5 hits at the minimum in order to use the final hit, though it will activate anyway if you wait too long. But if you are familiar with playing as a Speedster, then you should know how to dive and retreat quickly, making risky plays just to secure necessary KOs. And while Weavile can also do this, it benefits a lot more playing well with its teammates.

I mean, it’s a pack hunter, after all. Coordination is the key to victory in the wilds, just as much as it is in Pokemon Unite.

-

Achievements

Build up the power of Pressure to the maximum 3 times in one battle.

While Speedsters are all about burst damage and quick KO’s, Weavile is a patient speedy hunter. It sits idly in the bushels on the sidelines, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. This overwhelming bloodlust manifests through the Pressure ability, which makes Weavile stronger the more moves the opposing team uses.

Players will find themselves getting the most damage out of their moves when they use it at the right time, after the opposing team has exhausted all of their cooldowns and become vulnerable to counterattacks. That’s why, through recognition of their patience, they will be rewarded with this achievement, as the optimal way to play Weavile requires discipline and knowing when to avoid taking unnecessary risks.

With how the ability boosts your stats, it requires you to be within range of the opposing team as they use 20 moves over the course of the fight. In a team fight, that’d mean all 5 opposing pokemon would have to use both of their moves at least twice on average to maximize the boosts gained through Pressure. Given how some moves can have their cooldowns last as long as 10 or 11 seconds, that’s a lot of waiting for Pressure to hit the peak, but it’ll be worth it dealing double damage on everything with Night Slash or Hone Claws having their damage boosted to a weakened enemy team.

And the achievement requires you to do this at least 3 times in one match. That may seem stingy, especially since you can only cash in on it when you’ve evolved at Level 7, but it doesn’t get in the way of playing as a Speedster responsibly. Just engage the enemy, pull back when things get spicy, and wait for the opportune moment to dive back in. You’re going to need the help of a teammate to realize this achievement, as 3 moves are enough to KO you, so you better start playing well with your allies so that they can run interference for you.

In case it hasn’t been made clear yet, Weavile is a Speedster that works extremely well when proper teamwork is employed. Help your teammates with debuffs and they’ll help you taking the attacks that would otherwise KO you.

-

Holowear

Despite being vertically challenged, I believe we can make some very fashionable holowear for Weavile. But nothing too flashy, it is an assassin, after all. First up, there’s the obvious Cook Style Holowear that dresses up Weavile in a chef’s coat and ascot, along with a little chef’s hat that hangs off to the side of its head. Then there’s the graceful Pokebuki Style Holowear that gives Weavile an imposing gi or kimono and wooden sandals. Explorer Style Holowear gives Weavile a big brown winter coat and a set of winter goggles, also its head feathers are too big to fold the hoodie over, but it’s there. Flashy Style Holowear gives Weavile a flashy leotard that figure skaters wear, along with a ribbon on its head and some frills on its wrists and ankles and a short dress. And lastly, Spooky Style Holowear puts it in a big fancy cape over a posh red suit and coat, with a pumpkin brooch pinned on one side. 

If you’re expected to play well with your allies, you gotta look as dependable as you do fashionable. Stun ‘em with a chilly get-up.

-

Strategy

Playing as a Speedster is not the easy ticket to victory as it may seem, as these pokemon sacrifice their durability for the ability to deal high damage in short bursts. In order to play Weavile optimally, you’ll have to employ the one strategy that all other trainers fear, teamwork.

Nearly all facets of Weavile’s moves and tools are centered around utilizing teamwork to get the most out of your attacks, as you need to help your friends out just as much as they help you. This is best realized through the Pressure ability, as Weavile cannot hope to stomach more than 3 moves used by the opposing team, but your ally Defenders can. As long as you’re part of the fight and avoiding being KO’d by not overextending, Pressure will continue to build up power as the fight goes on. If you’ve got a Defender ally taking care of themselves, you’ll be able to build up Pressure quite a bit before it’s time to dive in and deliver heavy damage to all enemies.

Weavile is also good at weakening the enemy team for your allies to finish off. Ice Shard can slow down enemies greatly when used multiple times, and a lucky Freeze is the chance your teammates can take to deal their own big damage thanks to the heavy Defense and Sp. Defense debuff the move inflicts. Alternatively, Dark Pulse, while short ranged, is a reliable Stun move that can reliably debuff enemies while the move goes on cooldown. It also temporarily blinds enemies briefly, increasing the likelihood of Pressure building up power as they throw out moves all willy-nilly trying to catch you on the retreat.

The real challenge comes from the early game, where you need to grind for a lot of EXP just to reach Level 7 in order to evolve. You’ll be able to farm in peace if you call Central at the beginning of the game, but you can get a lot more EXP afterwards by joining the impending fight at either Top or Bottom Lane and scoring a KO on the unsuspecting opposing team. Of course, you’ll need to play well with your teammates and coordinate with them, as Scratch and Icy Wind, while solid moves to farm with, are admittedly a bit slow to use against opposing players. Remember, Inner Focus works like Pressure, but on a more limited scale, so use it to make dives or retreats if the situation calls for it.

Speaking of Pressure, your Unite Move is a great opportunity to build up the ability thanks to the powerful Movement Speed boost it provides. You don’t have a lot of time to work with, but if you use it in the middle of a team fight, you’ll have a head start with Pressure’s boost and it’ll continue to grow as you scurry around looking for the perfect moment to strike. Afterwards, the heavy Movement Speed debuff you inflict on the survivors powers up either Hone Claws or Night Slash, allowing you or your teammates to finish the job.

Like any pokemon, you are a lot more effective as a player if you avoid unnecessary risks and stay alive. With Weavile, that’s even more important, thanks to Pressure amplifying your abilities as the fight goes on. But with the help of your teammates, you can reliably build up more power, as they can fight on the frontlines while you sneak around and take out their supports and assassins, improving your odds for victory.

With snow white claws and crimson tassels, a Weavile spotted is an omen of doom. Because there’s never just one, and it’s very likely that they all have their eyes on you.

-

And that’s Weavile for Pokemon Unite! I’m surprised it hasn’t been added to the game officially yet, but Speedsters are always hard to balance and tune in the long run. Hopefully my own take is an acceptable spin on the teamwork angle of Speedsters.

Next week we’ve got a very special pokemon coming to Aeos Island, and I’m not talking about Metagross. I mean, it is coming, yeah, but I’m talking about my own posts. Not that I’m not excited for Metagross but...whatever. See ya later.

[queen-of-writing-bad-things]

Danger Force Reader Insert | Captain Man x Reader: SEASON 1

Episode 5: Mime Games (SMUT)

Season 1 Masterlist

Click for vibes

bonjour ma peeps. je suis ruth und je ne parle le french. spanish is more my bag. mi bag. enjoy ray as he slowly descends into madness because he wants a baby and his wife sys no. sucks to be him :)

~ Swellview Academy for the Gifted~

"Come on! Let's go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go!" Ray bellowed as he impatiently hovered by SWAG's front door. 

Glancing at his gadget-filled watch, he breathed a frustrated sigh, wondering what was taking his protégés so long to pack. They were going on a trip, not for fun, but for a mission - three days max, so he didn't know what the hold-up was. After all, it was only Paris - he didn't see the big deal. 

For some, it was a big deal, the getaway of a lifetime to the city of love, famed for its cafés, architecture, and tourist attractions. (y/n) was one of them, having been unable to sit still all week ever since they received confirmation that Captain Man and Co were needed overseas. Her childhood dream was to take her lover and experience all those cheesy, cliche things she saw in her rom-coms. 

It was enough to make her bounce excitedly on the spot, hugging Ray's beefy arm close to her chest, where her heart thundered from the adrenaline. Their bags were packed: a manly, dark camo sports bag for him and an overly girly, glitzy purple suitcase for her, and of course, her husband insisted on carrying both. His sweet girl packed enough for three weeks, let alone three days, but he indulged her. 

After all, only a genuinely remarkable lover would whisk their wife away to the most romantic city on Earth, even if it involved a little crimefighting. 

Well, that is if the children didn't fuck things over for him. 

"We're s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'go, s'going!" Mika replied sharply, snapping her hard plastic case shut and haphazardly zipping it up. Unlike some, she and her friends had only learned about the little detour half an hour ago; trust Ray to tell them they were going halfway around the world when no one had anything decent to wear, toiletries, or parental consent. 

"Our Goober Lux is three minutes away, and I'm not going to lose my five-star rating for any of you!" The man growled, anxiously glancing at his phone to see the taxi approaching. He wanted to be the perfect customer, ready and waiting by the door with his sweet girl's hand in his, looking ever so handsome. 

His hair was so floppy, that jacket was deliciously tight, and the gleaming, golden band on his left hand made the heroine swoon as she squished his bicep more. Maybe it was the thrill, the whiff of adventure, or maybe Paris was just that enticing, but she was ridiculously giddy, too happy to scold the children about dragging their feet. 

"You could help us...(y/n/n)?" 

"Well, I--"

"She's with me, and I'm helping by yelling..." Ray told Mika sharply when she looked at the starry-eyed woman for help, refusing to let his wife go merely because they weren't prepared. He'd already told her twice, but she looked gorgeous in that pretty little dress--so cute he could burst, but he concentrated on yelling instead. The sooner they moved, the sooner he could show her the fancy-schmancy suite he'd booked at the hotel. 

"Let's go! Let's go!"

"Relax, boss. I'm good to go," Miles called out smoothly, looking like the picture of relaxation as he reclined in his chair, feet propped up on his desk with a magazine in hand. Everything around him was chaotic, yet the boy didn't look phased, flicking through the pages while his sister ran around like a mad bull. 

"Uh, Miles. We're going to Paris. Aren't you gonna pack anything?" (y/n) asked, wandering over to the kid's side with her doofus in tow. Maybe it was just her - she was a stickler when it came to luggage - but it was a wonder how calm and collected he was, barely sparing them a glance as he turned another page. 

"Whatever I need, the universe will provide," he replied with his usual zen. He was so confident in the mystic power that he almost looked smug. For some reason, coincidences fell around him like dominoes, always ensuring his life ran smoothly with no bumps or issues in the road. 

But, of course, there were no such things as coincidences - cue Mika walking into the room from the closet, dragging double her weight in suitcases while Miles sat idly by. She always did this, looking out for her brother, even when her care bordered on neglect; after all, he was old enough to look after himself. 

"Okay, Miles. I packed all your stuff. Again." 

"Told 'ya!" The boy smirked at his teachers before licking his forefinger and thumb to grasp another page, looking arrogant since all the hard work was done for him. 

"Mika, honey..." (y/n) sighed, swallowing the urge to give the conceited kid an earful about respect and good manners. Instead, she turned to the sweating, out-of-breath girl, who smiled sweetly after placing the heavy bags down for a breather. It was like she didn't see anything wrong with her kindness; she was too innocent and thoughtful to see how Miles took advantage of her generosity. But she did - (y/n) knew the doormat life all too well. 

"Why do you do this for him?"

"The only way he'll learn is if I do it over and over again for him until he learns," Mika explained, and for one so bright, she just sounded dumb. Uttterly stupid. Painfully moronic. And it practically had the woman slapping her forehead in exasperation. 

"Mika. I have raised four other children and a doofus. Trust me. Sometimes, you have to be cruel to be kind. You are not his maid, nor his mother, so Miles," (y/n) turned and glared at the boy as she growled out his name, "should get off his butt and pack his own suitcase."

"You're scary when you're mothering..." the girl trailed off, staring at her friend in awe and mild reluctance once her furious tirade finished. It even left her brother looking a little sheepish, shrinking into his chair as Ray approached her, looping his arms around her waist to pull her back to his chest. 

He, too, was in awe of his wife, finding it ridiculously hot when she took charge and laid down the law with her confidence and authority. He nuzzled her hair and neck as the girl nodded shyly, promising to be more assertive next time. 

"I've had a lot of practice. This doofus used to be and still is a handful," (y/n) joked, reaching a hand up to stroke Ray's hair as he smooched her jawline loudly, making her shriek. It was nauseatingly cute, causing Miles to loudly clear his throat as the hero stroked the glittering rings on her finger, wildly in love with his darling girl, to notice the children swanning around the room. 

"You still married me, though, Mrs Manchester..."

"Of course, Mr Manchester."

"Get a room, you guys..." the boy said in a sing-song voice, making the woman giggle when her husband sighed and grumbled. He longed for their honeymoon days when he could openly kiss and love her without a pesky child whining about decency and celibacy. 

But Miles was right; they had places to go and people to meet, and any kiss would be ten times sweeter in France. So, the man pecked her cheek and released his wife, clearing his throat before heading back to the door, wondering where that Goober was. At least one kid seemed abnormally focused on his task...

"Bose! Bring the stuff outside."

"You got it, boss. Remember, I am Boooooose..." the long-haired boy replied nasally - almost like he had a cold - as he bent over and fiddled with the zipper on his luggage. 

It was strange; he'd been hunched over the damn thing for at least fifteen minutes, ignoring anyone and everything around him, even as his friends ran around doing a million tasks at once. He'd never concentrated so hard in the few months he'd been at the fake school, and it was rare for him not to wander around with that dimpled smile like nothing was wrong in the world. 

Instead, he did not show his face, looking through thick hair strands with his hood tightly pulled over his head. Very odd, and that voice... It was so familiar, but not like Bose's, prompting Ray and (y/n) to whip around with deep frowns. He knew that adenoidal tone...

'Wait a minute..." Ray growled, sniffing the air like a bloodhound as he stomped to the quiet boy, sensing something was wrong. It was those superhero instincts... "I knew I smelled science in here!"

Everyone gasped as the man yanked the hood from Bose's head, only to find an imposter was among them. 

Turning around with a terrified face after being discovered, the team were shocked to see Schwoz staring back at them in a very clever disguise. If he had played his cards a little better, no one would've noticed the deception since his costume was so good, complete with a very Bosey wig, his signature blue hoodie, skinny jeans, and trainers.

The resemblance was uncanny but not good enough. 

"Can you smell science?" (y/n) pondered, knowing her doofus hated anyone behaving smarter than him but smelling it? That was a little crazy, even for him. 

"Schwoz, why are you dressed like that?" She moved on, standing beside Ray as she looked the small man up and down, wondering what he was thinking. 

"'Cause I want to go to Paris! It's the city of love--and I want to fall in love!" Ah, a stowaway. Schwoz gazed at his friends with misty, wonder-filled eyes, looking every bit the hopeless romantic that (y/n) often saw in her sappy movies. Hearing him talk about feelings and emotions was a little out of character. Still, it warmed her heart as she smiled warmly - she was a sucker for romance, no matter who it involved. 

"Awwww..."

"That's strangely adorable."

"The heart seeks what it needs!" She cooed with the kids, clutching her chest as her heartstrings sang. They all thought it was adorable, mirroring the genius's dopey, hopeful smile as he imagined meeting a tall, beautiful bombshell along the Seine. Ray, however, wasn't so smitten, scoffing loudly as he sneered at his handyman. 

"First of all, we're not going to Paris to fall in love," he said firmly, pointing a stern finger in Schwoz's face. He fell in love in Swellview, not halfway around the world, so anyone else's feelings didn't matter. 

"We're going to Paris because the French Captain Man is on strike. Second of all, everybody knows you're going to die alone!"

"Raymond! How could you be so mean?!" (y/n) scolded her doofus as the poor guy gasped loudly, undoubtedly wounded by his boss' harsh words. Ray flinched under her sharp gaze, but she didn't waver, wondering if he'd be so cruel if someone said the same to him; after all, their relationship seemed hopeless initially.

"...Monsieur Man is on strike?" Schwoz asked incredulously, clueless about how the woman's face fell when he brushed over the apparent insult. Maybe it secretly hurt him, but he didn't show it, staring up at Ray, who smooched her cheek as an apology - although she didn't hear him apologise to the little guy. 

"Yes!" Instead, he turned on the smartboard, where he had the front page of France's online leading newspaper. All anyone could gossip about was how the city's leading superhero refused to work and Monsieur Man was very popular. 

In some ways, he looked very similar to Ray, or at least (y/n) could see the similarities. He was stereotypically handsome with solid and masculine features, thick biceps, and shoulder-length, slicked-back blond hair. His uniform was a little strange, designed like Ray's, with a long-sleeved white undershirt covered by a zip-up tunic in the French flag's colours. 

"I am Monsieur Man!"

He spoke with a thick, French accent, flashing his crazy eyes at the camera as he sipped from an espresso cup. Maybe in an alternate universe, she would've dated him. Still, her better instincts said he wasn't the same as her doofus - a little too eccentric and cheesy for her liking. 

"They need us to protect France's greatest national treasures until he agrees to go back to work."

"Yeah, how long is that going to take?" Miles asked, praying that the Parisian hero was reasonable and easy to handle. He could lie to his parents a bit - a weekend field trip - but anything longer and they'd get suspicious. Also, who wanted to spend more than a few days in the city of love with Mr and Mrs Manchester?

"Not sure. We'll have to ask when we get there," (y/n) replied, leaning up on her tippy-toes to peck Ray's lips. She could barely wait, sharing a bright smile with him as they imagined everything they'd see and do together, squeezing hands without realising everyone was watching. Mika thought it was adorable, and Schwoz could only hope for a love like theirs. 

"I don't speak French..." the boy added, wondering what they'd do once they landed. Ray couldn't work with others, so a translator had to be out of the question. Maybe just some very well-timed hand gestures?

"That's okay. Je parle un peu français. Je l'ai étudié au lycée, donc on devrait survivre," the heroine replied smoothly, her cheeks slightly warm as the children quirked their eyebrows at her - even Miles was mildly impressed, which was no mean feat. 

Ray curled his arms around her waist, pulling his beloved wife to his rumbling chest, practically purring as the beautifully romantic words wrapped around her tongue before soothing his ears. She had to be trying to seduce him, right? Looking up at him through those lashes, smiling cutely, kissing his jaw...he had to be the luckiest man in the world.

"That's so hot, darlin'..." he murmured in her ear, hugging her closely as Schwoz sighed dejectedly, longing for love like theirs. They giggled and whispered to each other, cheeks superheating when Ray asked if she could kiss like the French, too, but he pulled away when the kids coughed awkwardly. Right...he forgot they were there. 

"Anyway, you don't have to learn French--French is just English but with very ridiculous accents!" 

"That's very ridiculously wrong," Mika mumbled, stunned when her so-called teacher put on the worst impression of a Frenchman she'd ever seen. His voice was thick and heavily accented, finished with a little Frenchy laugh, but he couldn't be further from the truth. 

"Such a doofus, mon amour..." (y/n) sighed, shaking her head, but she leaned up to kiss him anyway. Love was in the air, making them extra affectionate and cuddly as they buzzed with anticipation for their romantic break, even if it was technically for work. 

The hero grinned against her lips until an alarm sounded, painting the walls red momentarily before Chapa and Bose dropped from the ceiling in their chairs. They'd been grabbing some last-minute essentials from upstairs - weapons, gadgets, underwear - bringing everything down in large, heavy-duty, carry-on bags. They were late, making Ray frown as he glanced at his phone again - where was that Goober?

"Sorry, I'm late! I couldn't find my hoodie," Bose said as he placed the bag on his desk, only to look across at Schwoz and see him wearing his looted sweater. No wonder he couldn't find it; it was part of the genius' cunning disguise. 

"Hey, I have that same hoodie! And that same hair!"

"You pack all out travelin' weapons?" Ray asked Chapa after wandering over to her side, looking too damn handsome in that jacket. And seeing him in his tight jeans and the black muscle shirt underneath? Nothing made (y/n) drop to her knees quicker...

"Yeah," Chapa confirmed, having run around the Man's Nest like a madwoman when the hero snapped his fingers and demanded she find everything they'd need to protect themselves in a foreign country. And obviously, he couldn't do it, monitoring the taxi and smooching his beloved wife. Critical stuff. 

"You got Lil' Sizzler?" He asked, his lips twitching upward when the girl nodded diligently for every weapon he listed. "The Smoke Wagon? The Mean Wheel?"

"Trick question. There is no weapon called The Mean Wheel..."

"Okay, Chapa..." Ray grinned, thoroughly impressed by her attention to detail and in-depth knowledge. She didn't miss a beat, knowing everything she'd left in the pack, which, strangely enough, was identical to the one Bose had packed - the one he rummaged through as they chatted. Unzipping the gym bag, he pulled out a weird-looking device, like a child's windmill, with half a dozen stickers of his grumpy face stuck to each point as it spun around. 

"I got a Mean Wheel right here. You show it to the bad guy, and when he all the mean faces on it, he's like, put that away! It's so mean!" Oh, sweet boy. He meant well, but God, he was simple. 

"Oh, Bosey..." (y/n) shook her head with a sigh as Ray flashed the kid a wobbly smile, swapping a look with his sweet girl. 

"Lemme holla at you for a second," Miles murmured to his fellow sidekick, placing a warm, kind hand on Bose's shoulder as he pulled him aside for a quick chat, leaving the happy couple with Chapa. Someone needed to tell him why that windmill thing wasn't appropriate, and the boys were particularly close, even if Miles' patience only stretched so far. 

"So, I was thinking...when we're in Paris, we have to kiss on top of the Eiffel Tower!" (y/n) mentioned to her doofus as the boys talked a few paces away. She turned in his arms, grinning at him as Ray hummed and kissed her forehead, knowing he'd do anything she asked. He didn't mind what they did, willing to show her the entire city if she wanted, but he couldn't help but tease her a little. 

"Can't we kiss anywhere else?" He smirked, stroking her curves as Chapa gagged at his side. God, every minute of every damn day...they couldn't keep their hands to themselves.��

"Well, duh, you big doof! But it's a tradition! All couples kiss on top of the Eiffel Tower."

"Well, I can arrange that..." the man growled, leaning down to kiss his wife as she giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck and humming appreciatively. 

As they smooched, utterly entranced by the nerves, excitement, and love in the air, the girl by their side groaned and shook her head. She always wore a frown, but this was something else - deep, stern, and severe, etched into her baby-like features the longer they locked lips. 

"No fair! So, you guys get to go off doing all your kissy-kissy stuff while we do all the work!" She complained, forcing the couple to break apart as Ray scowled, ignoring how Bose skipped upstairs to look for something. Honestly, he could never love her properly with these little shits around...

"Hey! Can't a man take his incredibly hot wife on a romantic trip?" He asked, squeezing (y/n) 's hips as she rolled her eyes and lovingly kissed his cheek, running her wedding rings down his freshly shaven face. Before she could coo about how unbelievably handsome he was or Chapa could argue otherwise, Mika piped up, looking perturbed. 

"Hey, Ray?" She called out, standing and looking through the window while everyone nattered. She'd watched a large, mini-van-type vehicle pulled up outside the school, loitering by the curb as the driver glowered at the front door. He didn't look happy - impatient like every taxi driver - making her gulp as she turned toward the hero. 

"There's a Goober LUX SUV outside."

"Oh, my stars! MY stars!" The man gasped, yanking his PearPhone from his pocket and baulking when he noticed the app said his car was here - and his rating was going down. He must've missed the notification, too distracted by his wife's sweet lips or the dumb kid's stupidity. 

"What, doofus?" (y/n) quirked an eyebrow, quickly following her lover as he dashed around the room in panic. 

"I missed the alert, darlin'! Now, my five-star rating is going down! C'mon, C'mon, C'mon, C'mon! S'go, S'go, S'go!" He urged them all, clapping his hands as everyone jumped into action. 

The kids grabbed a bag, swiftly wheeling the suitcases toward the door, including Bose, who lowered his face to the floor. He hurried toward the door without saying a word, frantic into the Goober without glancing at his friends, especially the happy couple. (y/n) grabbed her case, too, nudging Ray's until he raced over to take both, not wanting to see her lift a finger. 

"Chapa!" 

"What?--" Ray tossed a heavy bag toward the girl before shoving a suitcase toward her knees like a bowling ball. The force nearly toppled her over, but he didn't care, flashing his beloved wife a brilliant smile before holding his hand out for her to take. He practically dragged her to the car, but (y/n) didn't mind, tottering along with a giddy giggle. 

This was the beginning of her romantic break, and no one would ruin it. 

Everyone was so eager and rushed that no one noticed how Bose expertly programmed the Man's Nest security programme, which involved inputting a code far beyond his technical capabilities. The kid could barely count to ten, yet he punched in the string of numbers without issue, activating dozens of skin-searing lasers that crisscrossed every room should any burglar dare to break in. 

With that, he scuttled out of the door with his case, closing and bolting the door behind him, dashing toward the car with a mischievous grin. No one would ever know...the genuine Bose would be safe and snug in the Nest, and Schwoz would find the woman of his dreams. 

*bonjour mis amis. je have le smutti smut - oui-oui. if les enfants amongst us could shut their eyes for the next 5k, that would be lovely, and everyone avert your screens from your mothers.

(Raymond secretly wants a baby zut alors!)

SKIP IF YOU DON'T FANCY IT! ONWARDS!*

~

"Holy shit, doofus. This place is insane..."

"Anything for my best girl..." The hero grinned at his wife as she marvelled at their hotel room. She chucked her jacket over a regal chair draped in gold silk with a polished mahogany frame, offering both opulence and comfort. Its gracefully curved legs and delicate embellishments made it a statement piece of luxury. Yet, it was the bed she focused on. 

In the grandeur of the bedroom, the luxurious mattress commanded attention with soft sheets and plush, tufted velvet cushions. Crafted from polished mahogany, too, the bedframe boasted ornate carvings, while a canopy of sheer curtains added a romantic touch to the opulent retreat, inviting anyone who entered to indulge in a haven of rest and relaxation. She fell backwards onto it, testing the plushness and sighing, knowing this was the epitome of comfort as her husband laughed. 

Paris was a bit of her. The culture was clever, all elegance and the finer things in life as the city lights twinkled in the darkness. They'd landed quite late - past nine - and headed straight for the hotel, which was far too expensive and fancy for four tweens, but Ray paid for double twin rooms. He had to if he wanted to wine and dine his sweet girl, booking them into an executive suite facing the Champs de Mars. 

It was one of the best rooms available--anything to see her smile. Everything had a lovely, warm glow from the furniture's pastel hues. The wallpaper was French - thick, glittery, and doubtlessly expensive with its gold, elaborate design. The carpet was plush, creamy, and woollen, caressing her feet as she stood up and padded across the room, dodging the seventeenth-century sideboards and coffee table. 

"Oh, Raymond..." (y/n) breathed as she pulled one of the chintz drapes back from the window and peered at the outside world. 

An iconic structure illuminated the city skyline with a golden glow, its intricate lattice of lights shimmering against the dark canvas of the night sky. The city below was a tapestry of twinkling lights. The Eiffel Tower stood as a timeless sentinel as the couple gazed out, casting a romantic spell over the heroine. 

She didn't want to imagine how much he'd paid for the view, glancing back over her shoulder as Ray pressed his front to her back, enjoying it with her. His hands held her hips as he rested his chin on her shoulder, silently smirking to himself for a job well done at her awed expression. He took it as a sign he'd chosen well, feeling his heart sing when she took in every aspect, not wanting to lose a moment. 

"Do you like it?" He whispered, kissing her neck as she nodded slowly, barely aware of reality as the lights twinkled on The Eiffel Tower. It was breathtakingly beautiful, although he was looking at someone else. 

"Of course, doof! I've always dreamed of seeing The Eiffel Tower..." (y/n) sighed dreamily, leaning her forehead on the cool glass as her hand laid over the one on her hip. "Thank you..."

"I promised I'd make all your dreams come true when I married you, pretty girl."

"You didn't have to book us into the fanciest hotel in town, though..." She giggled, squirming at the ticklish sensation of his lips on her skin, but she couldn't be happier. His wedding band felt hot, hard, and heavy on her waist, slightly digging into her as he kept rubbing around his favourite spots...hips, tummy, and ass, up her ribcage until he nearly brushed under her breasts. 

"Bose was so shocked he couldn't say a word, poor kid..."

"Go big or go home, darlin'. And besides, I have a dream too..." Ray mumbled, losing himself in his wife's soft body and floral-scented hair.

The mention of that kid barely passed his mind, forgetting how uncharacteristically quiet and shy the boy was when they checked in. He barely said goodnight, not that the hero cared. He couldn't drag his wife into their bedroom quick enough, eager to have her all to himself in the lap of luxury because they didn't get to do this very often. Not with those little demons knocking on the door every day. 

"Really?" (y/n) asked quietly, feeling a new heat pulsing through her veins from his wandering fingertips. It didn't help how he'd stripped off his red jacket, revealing the deliciously tight black muscle shirt underneath. He looked so fucking hot, standing there in all black with his biceps bulging every time he moved his arms. 

Every inch of him was pressed against her, hands glued to her waist, and there was nowhere to go but the cityscape before her. 

"Oh, yeah..." he replied, lightly nibbling a spot just below her ear before bringing his lips back up, whispering in a sultry, throaty voice. 

"I've always wanted to say I fucked my wife in Paris."

"Raymond!" She gasped, half-scandalised, half-pulsating with heat. She sounded shocked, but it was a little late for that at this point. She was used to his antics, familiar with how he said it how it was, revelling in his blatant and unapologetic love and lust for her. So used to it, in fact, that the brief feeling - which could've been shock - passed all too quickly, painting a coquettish grin on her face in its wake. 

She turned her head to glance at him over her shoulder, giggling when his nose nuzzled into her cheek, mirroring her heated expression. His lips brushed her skin, holding her waist a little tighter as he pulled her ass back into his body. He was obvious and unashamed in every way, rolling his pelvis into her, nipping her jaw a little. 

"What? Don't you want me to ravish you, sweet girl? This is the City of Love, after all," Ray teased, a rumble in his voice when she rocked her hips with his, wiggling her butt as she pushed against the glass. A little minx in his mitts, just as unabashed as he was as she tilted her chin up, encouraging the marks he sucked into her skin. 

There wasn't a hint of rejection. Not even a suggestion that she didn't want him as much as he wanted her. If anything, she slumped against the pane more, arching her spine while his fingers danced with the button on her jeans. But indeed, giving in from the off wasn't as fun. 

"The kids are next door..." A pathetic excuse - murmured through lips curled upwards, making the man snarl. 

Frankly, he didn't give a shit. He had the girl of his dreams in his embrace, lovingly trapped with nowhere to go--his wife, hot, ready, aching to take his cock. He wouldn't stop for anyone, and certainly, not four little Satan-spawns, who made it their mission in life to steal him away in the morning, interrupting every clinch with their problems, groaning at every stolen kiss. 

It was time to test if his money was well-spent, to see if this hotel really was le triomphe de Paris--if anyone could push the soundproofing to its limits, it was them. 

"They won't hear a thing," he replied curtly, running his middle finger around the jean button before expertly popping it open with his forefinger and thumb. His sweet, precious girl didn't struggle, whining as another hand snuck around her body to grasp and fondle her tit, stealing that argument from her mind as she bucked into his touch. 

"W-we only just got here..." (y/n) gasped as he squeezed whatever he could grab, dipping into her pants only to stop when she went and ruined it. She loved playing games, and Ray loved a challenge. 

"No time like the present," he shot back instantly, wasting no time in moving past her panties and into her slick, circling her clit as he gathered her wetness on his fingers. 

Humming in the back of his throat, he approved of how her body did all the talking, juddering when the heel of his palm ground against her sensitive flesh. Soft moans fell from her mouth as he hunched over her body, playing it to a tune only he knew when he found her nipple through her shirt and bralette. That pulled a sharper whine from her, and when he bit the side of her neck...the fight left her. 

No more teasing. Just a sweet girl and her doofus in the most romantic city on Earth, in a suite designed to give the ultimate satisfaction. 

"Take me to the bed, then, doofus..." the heroine begged, nails scraping down the window as he unhurriedly toyed with her. 

"No..." Ray replied lowly, smirking evilly since he was enjoying the game she started. She - the girl of his dreams - was putty in his embrace, keening at the slightest touch until she dripped for him, soiling the loose jeans barely clinging to her hips. They shimmied down her body, making them both desperate to rip them off and get on with it, but he had a different idea. When in Paris...

"First, you'll take me right here, right now. Let the whole city see how well you take me." 

His mouth was hot against her ear, whispering harshly as she nodded without thought, becoming drunk and pliant on his throaty tone and thick fingers - the way they cupped between her legs to tease at her entrance.

Usually, she'd never be so daring, rationality telling her that anyone - one of the hundreds of tourists exploring the city's nightlife - could look up and see them in a lust-fuelled tangle. Then, the nerves kicked in, whispering about how they'd be the next internet sensation, how the hotel would kick them out, how the world would know what they did. Usually.

To her surprise, (y/n) found herself equally hungry, clammy palms leaving the window and their prints behind to roughly shove her jeans down her hip until they gathered at her knees. Then, it was just a matter of shimmying them down her calves and stepping out of them, kicking them to the side without a spare thought once her lower half was bare and accessible for her doofus. 

"Such a needy girl..." he chuckled, although he didn't waste the opportunity. With more space to manoeuvre, his fingers slipped through her slit with ease, smearing her wetness around her clit until she sobbed, nodding weakly.

"Such a good girl for me, though..." 

A hand curled around her throat, pulling her forehead away from the cool glass until she tilted the base of her skull on his shoulder. Her torso was a canvas for him to roam, tweaking her breasts while he twisted his neck to kiss her, tongue messily running across her lips to tangle with hers. 

"Want my cock, pretty girl?" He asked breathlessly after they pulled apart, and (y/n) didn't miss the angelic note in his tone. She could never understand how he could say such vulgar things so nonchalantly. Still, either way, she loved it, gasping, begging, vigorously jerking her head in a reverent yes. 

God, yes, she wanted it. Wanted his cock. The only thing that could soothe the ache in her pussy, five stories up, watching over the city of Paris with him all over her like a rash. It was daring, it was dangerous, it was downright obscene, but yes, she wanted it. 

"Your words, darlin'. Say it," Ray cooed, hissing through his teeth when his beloved wife turned to jelly in his arms, merely presenting her ass against the hardened length trapped in those black skinny jeans. 

But that was boring--too easy to just fuck her now without making her ravenous. Hearing her desire was hot - hotter than self-gratification could ever be. 

"I want it..." (y/n) mumbled quietly, her lips feeling fuzzy and clumsy like she'd spent the afternoon knocking back shot after shot of hard liquor. She'd say anything he wanted to hear if it meant he'd be deep inside her, screwing the lust and longing out, trusting her beloved idiot to take care of everything she couldn't think about. 

"Louder. Do you want to be fucked or not?" The hero growled, hands still against her clit and tit when her pitiful attempt barely made it to his ears. Where was the woman who commanded his home like a queen? The one who often straddled his hips and rode him with authority and conviction?

"Yes!" She cried a sudden desperation fuelling her sharp shout when the dear pleasure he gave her was ripped away. Her hips rolled into his fingertips, chasing the hazy delight. Yet he retreated before she could, bringing them to his lips instead so he could suck the honey off them - down to the goddamn knuckle. 

"Fuck, please, doofus...fuck me. Give me your cock."

"Right now? Right here? Wanna give all those people a show?" Ray grinned, licking at the delicious sweetness on his lips, eager to have another taste if she'd let him. But first, he needed to be inside her, straining against his jeans when she tucked her nose under his jaw and whimpered. 

"Fuck me hard, Captain. Give it to me."

"That's my girl." He moved in an instant, shoving her back against the window with an unusual but not unwelcome roughness so she was braced against the glass again. His foot kicked her ankles apart, spreading her legs a little further, opening his favourite view in the world while he hurried to free himself. God, he never tired of eyeing her so ready, wet, and frantic for him. 

Arching her back, (y/n) waited for what she craved, smiling tipsily when she heard the gentle, unmistakable jingle of his belt buckle as Ray shoved his pants and underwear down his thighs - just enough to free himself. He took his rigid length into his hand, pumping the achingly hard flesh with a groan as he guided the tip to her blazing cunt, sliding it through her folds.

A moan left her lips at the sensation, mewling when he rubbed himself against her clit to cover himself in slick. 

He couldn't help but grunt at the relief of fisting his cock, staring at her pretty cunt as it fluttered and clenched around nothing in anticipation. It was tempting to keep going, fuck himself to the biggest walking turn-on he'd ever seen. Still, Ray stopped himself, curling his forefinger and thumb around the base of his cock to will himself to calm down. 

"Fuckin' take it..." he growled lowly as he guided himself down to her entrance and pushed in, hissing when he felt that all-too-familiar tightness engulf his cock. 

Like always, there was some slight resistance, willing to force him back out until he surged forward, parting her walls as (y/n) wailed. The thickness was heavenly, making her jaw go slack and eyes flutter shut when his groin pressed against her ass, fully sheathed inside his sweet girl. She clenched around him, now sucking him in, squeezing him tightly like nothing he'd ever felt before, and it felt like coming home.

"Oh, pretty girl, you feel so good."

"Don't make me wait, Ray..." (y/n) whimpered, planting her feet a little further apart to give him more room, enticing him to start moving. Slick was dripping down her thighs at this point, allowing her lover to inch a little deeper, but he wasn't particularly fussed. 

He held her hips flush against his whilst he ran kisses from the edge of her shoulder to her neck, panting harshly and trying to reign in his desire - she'd never believe his lack of control when he had his wife in his arms.

"Keep those pretty eyes on the city. Leave me to my husbandly duties," Ray muttered against her throat with a smirk, gently sucking and nipping on her skin as he began to pull and push into her. 

They groaned together at the friction, clawing hands leaving greasy streaks down the window pane as his cock dragged against her walls, providing sweet relief. Starting off slow, the man hummed lowly in his throat as he steadily coated himself in her, rubbing her hips as he tried not to get too excited. He felt so deep inside her from this angle, marvelling at the sight of her bare flesh and the moans she made.

"Fuck--harder--" She pleaded whinily, wiggling her hips to try and force herself back onto him, taking matters into her own hands. The slow, gentle, shallow thrusts were pathetic and maddening, barely enough to satisfy the ache deep within her.

She needed the rough, brutal pace only he could give her, but Ray stopped her movements, holding her waist, when his mouth suddenly appeared next to her ear, hot and harsh.

"I said, look outside. Don't waste this view," he spat, a large hand shooting up to cup his chin and force her to turn to Paris again - like she could concentrate on anything but him. "And I'll look at this one."

With his sweet girl staring blankly at the warm, twinkling lights and traffic-heavy roads, the hero pawed at her body and took a step back to admire her. He'd swear on the book that he'd never seen anything so beautiful in all his born days, trailing his gaze from her naked back and shoulders to the reflection of her breasts in the glass to her hips and the delicious crease between her thighs.

God, he could stare at it all day, licking his lips as he studied every minute detail of how stuffed her cunt looked with his cock crammed inside. She took him so well, stretched and drenched around him, piecing a sinful picture together in his head, which he tucked away for a rainy day. 

His hands kneaded her ass, parting her cheeks to see the puckered hole that only he knew - a vulgar secret and privilege he'd never take for granted. Although, perhaps he'd take it later on when he'd fucked her pussy numb. 

"Feels so good, Captain," (y/n) gasped, glueing her eyes to the skyline as her husband moved again, finding a rough, sweet pace that had them slumping against the window like rutting animals. 

"I know, darlin'. Shit, your pussy feels so good," he groaned from above, belt buckle jingling with every movement of his hips. His skin was blazing, still dressed from head to toe, but it only inspired liquid fire in the heroine's veins; glancing down to her right to see his biceps in that black muscle shirt. 

Her pussy fluttered at the image conjured in her head: sweat clinging to his skin, strands of hair falling from his gelled quiff, the trail of hair down his navel peeking out from the hem of that stupidly hot shirt from where he'd shoved his jeans down those toned thighs. 

She just knew he looked like sin and heaven and everything she needed for another gush of slick to run down her thighs, making her lover snarl and smirk. 

"You fuckin' love this, don't you?" He chuckled, resting his forearm on the window as he snapped his cock into her harder, nosing her cheek as (y/n) struggled to breathe--see--think, let alone speak. 

"Wha--?"

"Anyone could look up now and see you, and you don't give a shit. These pretty fuckin' tits are on show for the world, but you're mine, aren't you?" Ray growled, releasing her iron grip on her pelvis to gather a fistful of hair, bringing her head back towards his. 

He'd never hurt her; a gentleness in everything he did, even when he slapped and pinched at her stiff nipples - moans falling from her lips with every tweak and tug. Something green, dark, and ugly rose within him when he thought about someone else seeing her like this, bare and beautiful, which should've been for his eyes only, but it merely made him fuck harder. 

Anyone would look up and see him fucking her, his touch making her cry in ecstasy, his ring on her finger. 

"Yes--sh-shit, yes!" She nodded weakly, a thrum of pleasure passing through her as her doofus wrapped himself around her, her bare back to his fully clothed front.

"You love this--can feel your cunt squeezing me, dirty little girl."

"'M all yours, Ray. Love how you f-fuck me," the woman stuttered, practically drooling down the glass as he continued ploughing her pussy, bringing forth the release she needed so badly. "God, I wanna cum..."

"Yeah? Wanna cream all over my cock?" Ray cooed with an evil, shit-eating grin as he snaked his hand down to her woefully neglected clit. He'd left it alone for far too long, leaving it exposed and throbbing in the cool air until his fingers began their assault.

"Let me cum! P-Please, I need--I need--I--" (y/n) shrieked at the sensation, lurching forward as he rubbed rapid circles against her most sensitive spot, electrifying her every nerve end. 

Her tongue felt clumsy and too big for her mouth. It barely wrapped around each word as she gabbled and babbled like an idiot, feeble and pliant like putty for her doofus.

"Fuck, you can't get enough. This little pussy needs filling every fucking day..." Ray muttered to himself, memories of their previous encounters coming to mind as he fluidly pumped into her, never failing in his rhythm. 

Before their flight, she'd begged him to fuck her into their mattress, accidentally nudging their suitcase onto the bedroom floor after he accosted her while packing. Maybe that was hours ago, and perhaps they'd had a quick fumble in the plane toilet, but God, if she was insatiable, he was ravenous. And he'd never, ever say no.

"I'll give you what you need, precious girl--I'll always take care of you..." He mumbled, lapping at her neckline as he played her every weak spot, 

"So, cum for me...Let go, sweet girl. Let me feel you...""

It ripped through her on his word, pulsating around his cock as Ray groaned, willing himself to thrust through it, crowding her against the window until he had her tits pressed against them. He kept circling her clit, whispering sweet, filthy nothings in her ears as her fingers clenched and cunt twitched. Soak me...get this pussy ready for me...fuck, I know what you need.

"Shit--Ray!" (y/n) screeched, writhing in his arms when he didn't stop. His thrusts were frantic and fast, balls slapping against his ass as Ray groaned. 

He couldn't help it; maybe it was the romantic setting, the thrill of exhibitionism, or the temptation of another round on the bed, but something told him to claim her now. He felt wound up like a coil, endlessly needy and in love with his perfect wife as she became even slicker around him.

He'd undoubtedly make it up to her - in no way planning for the night to end so early. This was only the first round, and he planned to stay inside her all night, to make her see stars with orgasm after orgasm until she didn't know what planet she was on, but first, Ray needed his release. 

The sensation of his pretty girl coming around him was convincing enough; it had been hours since he came inside her, and something inside him itched. 

It was a peculiar feeling, one he'd never felt in his life until he met and wedded her. The thought of painting her insides with his cum made his thoughts go black, replacing them with deep, carnal desires to see her swell and grow, all because of him. He'd make her grow and change, and fuck, the outcome... He knew she said to wait, but fuck if it didn't excite him, just the thought of giving her a ba--

"Gonna fill you up, sweet girl..." the man choked out, stepping closer until (y/n)'s entire body was pressed against the window, rutting against her ass and a sensitive spot inside her in tiny, grinding thrusts. He felt it getting closer, scolding himself for not lasting. 

But her pussy was incredible, stealing his resolve as he curled his arms and brought her into a tight embrace.

"Yeah? Gonna cum inside me, doofus?" She whispered, grinning dopily, still riding her high when she turned to look at him over her shoulder. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he seemed effortlessly handsome as he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers, panting hard. 

"Fuck, yeah..." Ray nodded feverishly, eyebrows knitted together in concentration as he kneaded her tits and tummy, not knowing where to touch, "Gonna stuff this pussy and then--shit--I'll--"

"What, doofus? What do you want? I'll do whatever you want..." His wife asked softly, rocking backwards on the balls of her feet to meet his thrusts, adding a little extra bite to the pleasure that coursed through them. The glass had fogged up, and if any sightseer looked up now, they'd doubtlessly know what was going on, but neither cared. 

Everything built up slowly and quickly at once, pushing them further together until the lines of reality blurred with delight, making Ray throw his head back and howl. He returned to her clit, keeping his arms tightly around her frame--like he couldn't bear to let her go, not when the end was so near.

"That's my good girl," he growled, smooching her cheek loudly as he raced through a million daydreams - all of them filthy. On the bed, on the dresser, the vanity table, seeing her on her knees, parting her thighs and diving in, bending her over and pounding her needy little hole until the sun came up. 

"I'll eat you out after this."

"Yeah?" 

"Yeah. Let me have a taste. Let you cum on my face, and then, I'll fuck you again and again," the hero rambled on, sinking further and further into his desire, getting off on everything he wanted to do to her. 

"Ray..." And it seemed she wanted it, too. She bent her back, arching into his touch as they fucked harder and harder, chasing their highs. The extra stimulation of her clit brought (y/n) to another peak, tilting her head back against his shoulder, and Ray knew she was his to drain for pleasure.

"Not letting you go tonight, darlin'," he promised against her temple, hot breath rolling across her face as his pace became uneven yet snappier. "I want to have you all night."

"Cum for me, then, doof. Fill me up," (y/n) coaxed, finding his hand on her breath and threading her fingers through it, holding it over her heart as she whispered the sweetest words of the night. "I'll let you fuck my ass."

It ended him. A harsh gasp ripped from the man as his hips pressed into hers as far as possible. Warmth spread inside the heroine as he stilled, saying nothing but rushed mumblings of her name and small groans, holding his sweet girl as tight as he could. She came second, milking him in gentle waves, mewling softly as he painted her insides before all of Paris.

Strong arms - those bulking biceps - held her safe, cooling their blazing, sticky bodies against the steamy window, refusing to pull out since his pearly load was so precious. It felt right to keep it inside her - it scratched the itch, and even though he knew they shouldn't, it didn't mean he couldn't dream. 

Just knowing she was full to the brim with his cum, knowing one day he'd have the satisfaction of seeing her swell, was enough. For now. 

"Oh, fuck, Ray..." (y/n) sighed once they slumped against the window, fingers cupping her breasts and gently squeezing - more of a comfort thing than sensual. 

He rested his chin on her shoulder, sighing deeply as she leaned her weight back on him at his gentle touch, humming in mild discontent when she realised he was still wearing clothes. Admittedly, very hot clothes that made him look like some kind of God, but still. She wanted the intimacy of skin-on-skin, but that would be in a bit - once they had a breather.

"Good? He asked, kissing her shoulder, and he felt the weight of her flesh in his hands. He'd never seen someone so beautiful, utterly besotted.

"Good," she confirmed breathlessly with a delicate smile, reaching behind her to bring his face to hers. They shared a brief kiss, so soft compared to when he ploughed her senseless. "So good."

"Good," Ray smiled, squeezing her body before gazing at the skyline, all doe-eyed and gooey inside. The night sky was stunning, the warm glow of the lights even more so, but his sweet girl? She was everything he ever wanted and needed, looking so perfect with his softening cock still deep inside her. 

"I'm yours, too, y'know..." he muttered after a few moments of silence, "I want you to be mine so bad, darlin', but I'm yours too. You've got me--forever."

"I know, Ray. I love you, too," (y/n) sighed, rubbing her hand over his, grinning when she heard the slight chink of their wedding rings bumping together. 

To say she was glowing was an understatement; she was safe, happy, and warm with her husband, even if she realised post-entanglement that they'd played a risky game - fun but scandalous.

"Can't believe we just fucked in front of the most famous city in the world."

"I'm hearing no complaints...In fact, you begged for it. Screamed," Ray grinned, and upon hearing the smirk in his voice, (y/n) whacked his shoulder, albeit with warm cheeks and a grin of her own. 

Perhaps that was true, but people in glass houses... He made himself sound like such a prude. Yet, really, he was the horniest man she'd ever met, and the one with his pants hanging around his knees because he'd been so desperate - the one who'd still not yet pulled out because he was hoping to get lucky again. 

"Only because you seduced me! Like you did before we left home and were on the plane. You're a bad influence, you big doofus." She giggled, gasping slightly when their bodies moved, making his cock drag against her walls. 

It wasn't the best argument, given how her eyes fluttered closed, biting her lip in what Ray saw as an utterly seductive move. Was she trying to make him want her? Because it was working, he whispered hotly against her ear, suddenly serious and baritone, his voice as smooth as a rich, dark chocolate.

"Can't a man make love to his wife?"

"Against a window for the world to see?" (y/n) gulped when he tweaked her nipples again, sending all-too-familiar shockwaves down her spine as her sensitive core tingled. Ray was silent and simply leaned forward for a filthy kiss - all tongue and teeth as he planned his next move. What was that offer she made again?

His eyes glanced down to where their bodies connected, feeling himself harden inside her again when he observed the deliciously slick flesh engulfing his cock. Only he had a different goal, pulling out of her entirely to a chorus of petulant whines as he drifted north. 

He'd give the city a show, wanting his precious wife ruined and speechless by the end of the night. It started when he pressed himself into her tight passage, turning whimpers into wails and gasps as he whispered...

"Well, when in Paris, sweetheart..."

*je suis sweating after that, mon amors. mais oui, mais oui ray wants his baby so bad (and I do too but not yet ruth.)

children, open les peepers and let's go forth. we've got some weird mime shit to get through and endless bits of pda from our doofus and sweet girl. 

allon-sy! (said the 10th--or 14th???--doctor).

~The next morning~

The team rose bright and early, donning their uniforms before heading to a quirky cafe in downtown Paris. 

Everything was so French, unsurprisingly, with freshly baked bread, croissants and coffee for breakfast, walking down the street to the sound of an accordion. Of course, Ray and (y/n) went hand-in-hand, wearing matching lightweight, waterproof jackets for the cool morning air, and they adored the city of love. 

It screamed them, strolling with enamoured smiles as the kids trailed behind them, chatting about the thrill of being in a foreign country. Bose was a little quiet, but (y/n) supposed it could be jet lag, and her doofus had already swept her into a passionate kiss before she could think about it further. 

She entered the cafe first, ears warming when Ray opened the door for her like a true gentleman, even if he left Danger Force to fend for themselves. He strolled in like he owned the place, looking ridiculously handsome in his Captain Man costume. 

He faced a hoity-toity old lady with a sour expression and an alarmingly bright red jacket, tie, and crisp white shirt - her name was Marie, and she had the joy of being their host.

"All right, everybody! Calm down! America's here!" Captain Man announced as he walked toward the woman and unzipped his jacket. Miss Danger gestured for the children to come closer. She was willing to let her husband do most of the talking since only he could saunter around with that level of nonchalant confidence. 

"All right, first things first, I got a couple'a great jokes about French people, so let's dive right in. How many French people does it take to surrender to--" Or perhaps not.

"Okay, doofus, we're not gonna go there!" (y/n) shouted above his voice, jumping forward to push him away before he could say anything offensive. They'd not even been there for twenty seconds, and he'd already scandalised his host, etching a deep frown on her face - some things were still too raw to talk about. 

"Je suis de le mond désolé pour lui," Mika crooned to the woman with her sweetest smile, hoping to smooth things over as her friend gave the hero a stern look. 

She'd sat with them on the plane, and when they didn't sneak off to the bathroom together - which was obvious to her - she'd had a few French lessons from (y/n). Not much, just enough for the average tourist, but Marie looked at her like she'd grown a second head when she put it into practice. 

"I'm sorry. I do not understand," the older woman replied in a thick, French accent, making the group's Smarties frown. 

"But she was speaking French," (y/n) pointed out, coming up from behind Mika to gently place her hands on the girl's shoulders. Ray's soft eyes followed her every move, but he smirked at his young sidekick, ready to deploy his smug face.

"But no! French is just English with a very ridiculous accent!"

"See? I'm right about everything," he told Mika arrogantly when she turned to him with that stupid and annoying face. Marie was nice enough, but that couldn't be right...and she desperately wanted to smack him.

"Oh, doofus..." (y/n) sighed and shook her head at him, but as always, she couldn't help but smile and peck his cheek. 

Ray was just too adorable to her when he looked at her with that dopey grin, sliding his arm around her waist as Mika rolled her eyes. Deep down, he knew she was right, glaring at the French woman for being so ridiculed. 

"This place kinda looks like Hip Hop Purée," Chapa mentioned as she wandered around the café, noting the similarities. 

The counter was in the same place with all the snacks and drinks, the logo on the wall was similar, and the decor screamed modern American culture. Save for the random memorabilia and displays around the room and the name difference with Paris, the heroes felt at home - almost as if they hadn't gone transatlantic. 

"But of course! We want you to feel at home while you guard our national treasures," Marie replied, dramatically gesturing around the room with elegant sweeps of her arms. 

"Well, I guess somebody has to," Ray retorted as the woman moved to the priceless artefacts they had to protect. His gaze slid to the only other Parisian in the room, glaring harshly at the blond, garlicky man as he spun around in an ergonomic chair and sipped an espresso with an unbothered, clueless smile. "Since Monsieur Man over there is on strike."

"That is correct. I will not fight crime until someone buys me a pretty pink motorcycle," he replied defiantly, looking almost ridiculous in his copycat uniform. (y/n) had heard how he was popular with the ladies, sharing many characteristics with Captain Man, except he hadn't found a sweet girl of his own yet. She supposed he was handsome somehow, but he had nothing on her husband. 

"I'm sick of taking the subway! I want to drive around and say, beep, beep, beep! Out of my way! I am Monsieur Man!"

"Okay..." Was all Chapa had to say, reacting to his cheery explanation with a flat, bored expression--almost a look of repulsion. She wasn't impressed, wondering why she had to travel thousands of miles for the whims of some spoilt little French boy. 

"What are we guarding here?" (y/n) asked, turning to Marie to refocus the group. Still, when she saw the items the hostess had gathered, she wouldn't exactly call them treasures. 

"Only the most important treasure in all of France," she said proudly, gazing at the weirdest collection of knickknacks they'd ever seen.

"Napoleon's pants..." She held up the so-called antique, and everyone wrinkled their noses. The garments were pinned to a board for preservation and were tiny as if they belonged to a child. They'd yellowed with age, looking disgustingly old, wrinkled, and manky as she held them to the light. 

"The first French bread ever baked..." She gently picked up the long, stick-like baguette like it was made of glass, but dear God, the smell. 

The bread had to be decades old and had turned a dark shade of green due to a cakey layer of mould. It was enough to make anyone sick to the stomach, and (y/n) nuzzled against Ray's chest, subtly inhaling his fragrant cologne and not the musky stench from the bread. 

"And finally, the original helmets of music superstars, the Daft Punk." She smiled at the futuristic helmets, which made everyone genuinely smile. They could be considered true treasures - part of music history, even if they weren't precisely to Ray's taste. 

"Ah...I definitely know who Daft Punk is because I'm cool, and I know cool things," the man commented flatly as he stared at the helmets. Yet, nothing came to mind, not even when the kids cheered and gasped with excitement. Even his sweet girl grinned with awed eyes, her hand clamped over her mouth. 

"Really, doofus? I wouldn't have thought they were your thing..." (y/n) frowned confusedly as she squeezed his beefy arm to her body. She knew everything about him, from the colour of his underpants to his childhood imaginary friend to his favourite baby name. This was news to her. 

"Name any of their songs," Mika dared him, making the hero freeze, not that he showed it. He couldn't care less about this Daft Punk, but he played it off well, keeping his expression stern and focused as he ignored her. 

"There's no time!" He shouted dramatically before snapping his gaze to Chapa. "Volt! Let's get an inventory of those weapons before any of these cheese-eaters try to steal my favourite band's helmets or whatever."

"Uh, we got a problem, Cap..." The girl said slowly as (y/n) glanced at her lover suspiciously, only to look even more perturbed when she heard that. Those weapons were all they had; problems weren't what they needed when they'd left everything else at home. 

"We took the wrong bag," she revealed, snatching a familiar item from the gym bag. 

Ray scoffed at that doohickey of Bose's creation, his little windmill of angry faces. He hated that thing, but unfortunately, they'd mistaken the proper weapon bag for the identical junk sack, and he growled when he yanked out another bizarrely useless item - a tangled, brightly coloured, shaggy slinky. 

"Aw, what? Care to explain this, buddy?" He asked the kid harshly, stomping over with the slinky in hand to where Bose had been deathly silent, keeping himself to himself in a shady corner. It was weird; he was typically so outgoing, but he had barely said a word since they'd left Swellview, and even when his boss snapped, he didn't turn around. 

"I can't because I am the dumb one," he replied quietly, sounding like he'd gone swimming in a brewery, slurring his words in a funny voice. His jacket said BrainStorm, but (y/n) narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Bose, honey..." she called out to him, reaching to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. The poor kid sounded like he had the world's worst cold, but as Ray threw the springy tangle into a corner, a sour smell assaulted his nose, a shiver ran down his spine...a deep, instinctive yearning settled in his gut. 

"Ew...did someone science in here?!" He questioned in a disgusted tone with a wrinkled face, glancing at his sweet girl and the kids.

"Don't luck at me, doofus! I only do math when you're around to drool..." (y/n) exclaimed as she and Mika held their hands up in defence. They were The Smarties but had barely had enough time to sleep, let alone flex their brains, so it didn't make sense. That is until Ray's nose pointed him somewhere else.

"Wait a minute," he muttered, squinting at Bose's figure. His superhero senses told him something was wrong, especially when he noticed how the boy refused to look at him and how short he seemed to be--a little too shifty.

So, he yanked the hood down, revealing those familiar sickly brown locks and a pair of dark sunglasses. He quickly ripped from his stunned face, and there were a pair of irritatingly familiar, wide, brown eyes locked onto his. 

"Schwoz! Dang it!" Ray snapped upon seeing the genius through his cunning disguise, making the others gasp in horror, too. "I thought I told you to stay home, you little nerd!"

Schwoz didn't even need to think about his next move. He'd been busted, and now that the cat was out of the bag, he felt no loyalty to Ray. There was no need to keep up this façade, not when he had a personal mission to complete, so he threw the hero and his sidekicks an anguished glance before bolting for the door.

"I want to find looooooove!"

"Wait...if that was Schwoz...then where's...?" Mika pondered as she stared thoughtfully at Chapa, who was stunned speechless by the handyman's devious actions and dramatic exit.

"Kevin!" Ray screeched in horror, his face a picture of panic when he realised the worst. The thought was there, but come on...

"Um, doofus, you mean, Bose?" (y/n) corrected in a whisper as she hovered by his elbow. She was equally terrified at the heart-stopping thought of accidentally leaving one of her babies in the Nest. Still, she couldn't help but frown when her husband got his name wrong - after so many weeks, if not months, of knowing him. 

"I mean--Bose!--I mean, BrainStorm!" He exclaimed dramatically when he realised he lacked his wife's tact, shouting the boy's name when it should've barely been a whisper. 

But he got there in the end, and the couple gawped at each other in a state of pure panic; this was the first time they'd forgotten a child in the many years of having them, and it felt like they'd lost a limb. They felt sick to their stomachs, foreheads clammy and fingers trembling as (y/n) slowly shuffled into his embrace, picturing the poor kid alone in the Man's Nest. It broke her heart, and all she could think was how it was her fault. 

You didn't check. You should've noticed. You will be responsible if he gets hurt. Her brain always picked the right moments to be so helpful. 

"You guys, what happened to Bose?" Chapa asked angrily, breaking them out of their self-loathing. She was aloof and insensitive, but deep down, she cared about her friends--especially the ones who could barely tell a goldfish from a grenade. 

"Did we leave him at home?"

"Alone?" Miles gasped, snapping his gaze to his teachers as they gulped. 

"Yes! Oh, God...we left BrainStorm at home! Oh, my baby..." (y/n) whimpered, feeling truly awful as she hugged herself. Ray tried to comfort her, keeping his arm around her shoulders as he mournfully stared at the floor before pecking her hair. 

"He's my favourite one!" He nodded, not that it helped. The others looked at him offendedly, although Chapa could understand why. Still, (y/n) slapped his chest and tried not to smile or show any sign of approval because that would be wrong. Very wrong.

"Captain Man! We don't have favourites!" She told him firmly, flashing the children a wobbly but sincere smile since she loved them all for unique reasons, but that wasn't important whilst she sunk further into her sadness. 

"But poor Bosey...he's probably scared and cold and hungry and tired, and oh, God! Doofus!"

"I know, sweet girl. I know..." Ray sniffled, holding her painfully contorted face against his chest when her rambling turned into anguished, strangled cries. He couldn't bear to see her sad but knew her pain, feeling responsible and guilty despite not showing it; deep down, he cared, and it was enough to bring tears to his eyes, too. 

They could picture it now: he'd be tucked up in a corner of their home, not knowing how to find the kitchen or turn up the thermostat. He wouldn't have gotten any sleep, too afraid of the dark and the monsters that could lurk in it since he didn't do well alone. The poor kid must've been terrified, and it was impossible to help him--possibly days before they could go home. 

He didn't show it often, but Captain Man would move mountains for his sidekicks, so it mildly shocked them to see him so distraught. The man resorted to squeezing his beloved wife in His embrace, manically petting her soft hair as she fanned her eyes, refusing to show fear in front of her other babies, but they wouldn't stop. 

"Somebody call my baby Bose...My poor baby," she whimpered, feeling a little pathetic, but luckily, Mika swiftly fished the PearPhone from her pocket. She had Bose on speed dial, clicking his contact and holding the cell to her ear as the dialling tone beeped. 

"Relax, (y/n/n)...I'm calling him."

"It won't work!" A cruel, mocking laugh came from the corner - more like a sneer. Miss Danger flashed her most vicious glare at its owner, wishing she could burn holes in Monsieur Man's head as he sat there, perfectly content and carefree, whilst her world was in chaos. 

"Listen here, Pepé Le Pew..." she growled, so ready to sink her claws into him that Ray had to encircle his arms around her waist to keep her at bay, only for another annoying froggy accent to reach her ears. 

"The cell phone service you are using, ATandOui, is on strike."

"The whole country is on strike," the French hero explained, coolly sipping his espresso as Ray tried the number to no avail. "They all strike for Monsieur Man. Ha, ha!"

"Okay, that's it! I'm gonna rip his head off. See if he's still smirking then." (y/n) lunged for the man, hoping to at least gouge an eye out or break his nose, but Ray was too swift and strong. He kept her snuggly in his arms, whispering soothing words in her ear to drown out Monsieur Man's victorious huff. She was better than that, even if her babies' safety could make her ferocious. 

"If only we had someone who could teleport back home..." Miles suggested dryly, giving the woman a bemused yet tender look, making her ears warm. 

"Au revoir, Frenchies," the boy sassed before jerking his arm in the air, disappearing in a flash of golden light. Surprisingly, he didn't reappear half a centimetre to the left or an inch to the right, so Ray and (y/n) assumed he'd returned to the Man's Nest - a much-needed reassurance. 

"Nice! One of your superpowers actually worked... Lookin' at you, ShoutOut," the handsome man remarked, which earned a few eye rolls from the girls, but at least his wife perked up, and he was relieved to see her smiling again. 

"Wow, you're really gonna go there?" Mika growled, a little hurt, but she had the last laugh when (y/n) reprimanded her doofus like a mother berating her child. 

A gentle tug on his earlobe told him to behave, and he begrudgingly apologised to the girl, earning himself a soft kiss. They leaned in, needing a little sweetness after so much distress, but just when their lips were about to touch...

"What are you doing?!"

"Get out of here!" Two disgusted, ladylike voices suddenly bellowed from the female toilets at the back of the café, and a mortified figure burst through the door. It was Miles, who covered his blazingly hot face with his hands after seeing...things. He'd be scarred for life, but nothing was more humiliating than an utter failure. 

"Okay, if anyone else is curious, that is the ladies' room," he said meekly as his friends stared at him, making the girls cringe. Nothing was worse than stumbling into a place where you couldn't be less wanted, and he'd really taken one for the team there. 

"Anybody else got any ideas?!" Ray asked sternly, still worried and now pissed off since he'd missed a kiss from his sweet girl. And he really needed that kiss.

"I've got an idea!" Monsieur Man called from his cosy corner, ignoring Miss Danger's frosty glances. She'd warm up to him eventually - all women did - so he couldn't help but smile when she rolled her eyes and snarled.

"Merci, but we're good."

"Ah, but mon chéri..." the Parisian hero crooned smoothly with a blinding smile, a little too flirtatious for Ray's liking, as he stiffened and stood closer to her. But Monsieur Man was harmless, shifting his gaze behind them, finding something hilarious as everyone stared at him.

"Why don't you stop that mime from stealing the baguette?" He suggested playfully, pointing to where a sneaky criminal had slipped past Captain Man's razor-sharp senses and swiped the mouldy bread. 

The heroes turned around to see the bizarre man creeping away most ridiculously. He was a classic mime, his face painted a ghastly white with exaggerated features. At the same time, he wore a black beret, white gloves, a monochrome striped shirt, braces, and black breeches. 

Watching him was funny as he kicked his feet out with every step, the baguette raised high above his head, but despite the cutesy act, a criminal was still a criminal. 

"Freeze!" Ray ordered after getting over his initial shock, and the mime immediately stopped...and began shivering?

"Oh, freeze! Like he's cold... That's kinda good," (y/n) giggled as she watched the silly man tremble like he was stuck on an arctic tundra. It even broke a smile on Ray's face, laughing with the kids when the actor hugged the baguette close and chuckled, too. 

"All right, take it. You've earned the bread..." Ray sighed--so impressed with his quick wit and improvisation that he didn't have the heart to chase after the criminal. But that wasn't the point, much to his sidekicks' disgust and fury. 

"No!"

"That's stealing!"

"He's getting away!" Mika and Miles exclaimed, wildly gesturing to the mime, who prepared to make a swift if overacted, exit. Luckily, Chapa had the brains to guard the door, blocking his path with the deadliest weapon in their arsenal - The Mean Wheel. 

And surprisingly, it worked. One flash of Bose's grumpy face and the mime cowered away, holding his hands up in surrender with little fight left to flee.

"I guess it works!" The girl declared happily, expecting an epic brawl, but maybe Bose was onto something. It gave Ray enough time to grab the guy by his collar, yanking him back into the store.

"Well, sometimes, you just--" he grunted, pulling his detainee back with a mighty jerk as he jogged on the spot, "--y'know, get lucky."

"That's a Daft Punk song..." Miles pointed out, but he wasn't surprised when a blank expression passed over the hero's face. 

"I know it is. Thank you," he scoffed casually, even though no one was fooled by his bluff. 

Ray had to save face, not only for the civilians and so-called heroes watching but for his sweet girl, who shook her head in amusement as she kept her eyes trained on the mime. She didn't trust them - something about how they didn't speak made her nervous. 

"Then sing it," Chapa taunted, smirking underneath her poker face. Everyone knew the man couldn't resist a challenge, and it was a battle of wills as he pondered his next move. 

"Too expensive..." he answered vaguely before quickly dropping his gaze to the surly mime, clenching his fist around his collar in case he tried to escape. 

He didn't trust them either, snapping his fingers for Mika to bring him a chair. The girl gently placed it in the middle of the floor, unaware of his plan. 

She was shocked to see how roughly her teacher shoved the poor man onto the seat, nearly pushing him onto the floor as a melancholy pout made his bottom lip wobble. It was even more alarming to watch Miss Danger loom over him, an uncharacteristically aggressive glint in her eye as she studied the mime's pasty face, unnerving him for some weird reason. 

She knew they had to question him about why he targeted the national treasures, but did they have to be so...mean?

"Talk!" Ray bellowed, making the actor flinch at his loud tone. Still, he said nothing - just collected himself and returned to sitting prettily. 

"I said talk! Tell me where your friends are!"

"He's a mime. They don't talk!" Mika told him exasperatedly, knowing he could shout all day but never get through. (y/n) usually told him stuff like that, but she was weirdly silent for some reason, observing the mime broodingly.

"They also don't have friends," her brother jokingly added, which to most people would be true. Mimes were socially celebrated, perhaps a little nerdy and weird in most circles, but the couple knew better. Oh, they knew things the children would never believe. Things that would scar their innocent minds. 

"Oh, he's got friends!" 

"Guys, he's a mime. They live in hives, so when you see one, there's always a mime hive nearby," the heroine explained, much to the children's confusion. They looked at her like she was crazy, not missing how antsy Ray was. 

"I expect this from Captain Man, but not you, M-D. Are you thinking of bees?" Chapa asked dryly, unable to believe such outlandish, childish nonsense. 

"No! We're not making this up!" (y/n) exclaimed indignantly, clinging to her husband's arm as he frantically looked around for this so-called hive. "Mimes work together, they live in hives, and they protect their Mime Queen at all costs! Trust us!"

"I do not trust you..." Miles replied slowly, staring at the couple warily. He couldn't trust them, not when she spouted such nonsense, and he fondled any bit of flesh he could reach. Still, Ray didn't need their faith, nor did he seek their permission, returning to glare at the mime and bark his orders. 

"Talk! Tell me where your hive is!"

"He's not gonna talk!" Mika yelled back, wondering when the man would learn, not that he'd listen. 

"We'll see about that..." Ray growled before reaching for his belt, fingers fumbling angrily as he searched for his laser remote. In his experience, although unpleasant, a little pain and zapping here and there often loosened a criminal's lips. Even if the children disapproved, he shot a few orange bolts at the mime's shoulder, searing his skin a little - not enough to scar, but just enough to make him yelp. 

"Talk! Talk! Talk!" He snapped, zapping the guy three times until the mime clutched at his chest, a mournful expression turning his face sour. He was an excellent actor and didn't break character through the mild torture. 

"Okay, this guy's good! He's gotten me twice so far. I say we just let him have the bread, you guys."

"No!"

"Stop!" The children groaned as the hero stopped his interrogation and smiled cheesily. That's what the crook wanted--to lure them into a false sense of security, but they knew better. Plus, the bread wasn't theirs to give away like some two-cent fairground prize. 

"Doofus, our job is to protect the bread, not give it to the first person who smiles at you!" His sweet girl said, chastising him, but Ray just whined like a little kid. 

"But he wants it! Look, he's hungry!" He said petulantly, grinning as their captive pretended to tuck a handkerchief into his collar, rubbing his tummy like he'd not eaten in a week. The man felt sympathy for him yet failed to realise that the mime could just go to the bakery and buy fresh, non-mouldy bread. 

"Well, he can go and whistle for it 'cause he's not getting a single crumb!"

"He's got a little bib going..." Ray sighed, amusedly watching the mime's antics even as his beloved wife scolded him. He was in a world of his own, absentmindedly patting the small of her back as Mika groaned and rolled her eyes. 

"Cap..." she called out, but his stare remained blank and vacant. 

"CAAAAAPPPPP!" The girl said louder, her flat tone finally reaching him when (y/n) whacked his shoulder and flicked his ear. The man blinked a few times, turning to his wife with a slight pout since he didn't like being on her wrong side, but the annoying noise of Mika talking to him soured his mood. 

"WHHHHHAAAAAAT?" He replied in the same monotone drone, flashing the whites of his eyes when they rolled back in disgust. Would they ever stop pestering him?

"Let's try something else," she suggested, gracefully brushing past his rudeness when her friends slapped him again. Giving her a grateful smile, she turned to the mime, studying him closely. 

"Like what?"

"What if we just played along? Let's let him do his mime games, and maybe he'll like us and tell us something," The girl grinned hopefully, making her teachers exchange a thoughtful look. At least they were considering it. 

"If he won't speak our language, let's try speaking his..." Her brother added pensively, circling the glum-looking mime as he gently placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. He agreed with her; he'd always been the hippie type, and it was much better than lasering the poor guy. 

"Oh, no! I sure hope no one throws an imaginary rope around me!" Mika exclaimed in a weird voice, drawing puzzled frowns from her friends. 

Her cheery, overly enthusiastic attitude wasn't natural. She sounded like she was on a TV commercial or as if she'd had a brain transplant, especially when she smiled like that - a little too brightly for sanity. It didn't impress Ray or Chapa, the latter of whom folded her arms and glared because it was stupid. There was no way she'd do that. 

"What?" They said together flatly, but it worked on the mime. He perked up instantly, turning that frown upside down when he finally understood ShoutOut's meaning. Snapping his head in her direction, they smiled gently at each other, radiating hope, peace, rainbows, and everything else Chapa hated. 

"Because then I'd have no choice but to get pulled in." That had the stripey-shirt-wearing man leaping excitedly, as giddy as a schoolboy, to join her little game. As Mika began to jovially run away, he expertly mimicked taking an imaginary rope from his imaginary belt before spinning it around his head like a lasso and tossing it in her direction. 

"Oh no! I'm running away!" She announced in that fake voice before she was caught, arms glued to her sides like he'd tied her up. "He's got me!"

"He got you! He totally got you!" Ray exclaimed, happily pointing to the mime's antics as he began to pull the girl toward him in solid and dramatic tugs. Someone changed his tune quickly...

"Do me next! Do me! Rope me!" 

"Doofus, watch out!" (y/n) gasped when he pushed past her, Miles, and Chapa, utterly charmed by the mime's innocent act. 

It was a world away from how he'd threatened and assaulted him, jumping up and down with his hand above his head. He volunteered as tribute, ignorant to the tired, shaking heads behind him. Was this a good idea?

~

Ten minutes later, the mime had added to his posse. 

He'd managed to rope - literally and figuratively - Mika, Ray, (y/n), and Miles, lashing them together with his invisible lasso. They didn't struggle, playing his little game with bright smiles and good sportsmanship - everyone except Chapa. 

The moody girl refused to stoop so low, hovering on the sidelines with crossed arms and a joyless expression as she watched in disdain. She couldn't believe them, watching as they fell for its tricks one by one, huddling together until (y/n) was pressed against her husband's side and her fellow students were tucked under her arms. Utterly ridiculous. 

""Uh-oh, we're tied up!" They exclaimed, clamouring loudly about how fun it was, how clever the mime was, and how they were finally getting through with him. All of which Chapa resented. 

"Now, you gotta do Volt next!" She scowled at Ray's suggestion, throwing him a killer glare as she leaned against the door. 

"Tie up, Volt!"

"Yeah, do Volt!" Their endlessly irritating cries came, and she huffed and puffed at how they encouraged the alabaster-faced criminal. It got worse when he flashed a saccharine grin and began to spin his invisible lasso above his head, intent on roping her into it. 

"Nope. Not doing it," Chapa stated firmly, turning her nose up at the thought, even when they begged and pleaded. 

"Come on! You're in Paris! Give in to the whimsy!" (y/n) said teasingly, feeling a muscular arm curling around her waist. She wasn't keen either but quickly found the fun in the mime's horseplay since it gave her a great excuse to stand closer than proprietary usually deemed acceptable to her doofus. 

"Whimsy! Whimsy! Whimsy!" The Macklin twins chanted as Ray dipped his head to smooch his beloved wife's cheek. 

He'd definitely succumbed to the whimsy, holding her tightly as the children caused their raucous. Glancing up from her soft skin and sweet-smelling hair, the man smiled when he saw Chapa budge an inch, slowly - very slowly - edging toward her friends in little jumps as she fought off a grin. 

"She's moving! She's playing along!" He exclaimed, laughing when the girl finally gave in and showed that beautifully rare smile, side-stepping closer to them with every yank of the pretend rope. By the end of it, spurred on by the chant, she was entirely into it, leaping toward the group like no one was watching - even Chapa had a little child inside her who wanted to play. 

"Man, I told you this guy was good!" Ray noted as she wiggled close to him, beaming at her teacher due to her good mood. It was a little disconcerting, but they went along with it, happily huddling together as the mime crept away. He had them right where he wanted them...

"That's it, case closed. He's gettin' the bread."

"He's not gonna get the bread, doofus," (y/n) giggled as she rested her cheek against his chest, so entranced with his handsomeness and the thumb stroking her hipbone that she didn't notice anything behind her. 

It was just the chattering children, her, and her husband, who slowly reached down to kiss her gently - the best distraction. 

"Ew, do you guys have to do that when you're so close to us?" Chapa grimaced, looking up from her excited conversation to see them locking lips. She could even practically feel the pleasured rumbling coming from the hero's chest and gagged when (y/n/n) cupped his cheeks happily - vomit-worthy. 

"I think it's the romantic atmosphere. Do you see how he clung to her this morning when they left the--"

"Hold up!" Miles gasped, interrupting his sister's idealistic and romantic rambling, when he noticed something weird. While they'd been talking, kissing, and God knows what else, the mime had disappeared to rummage through their bag of useless weapons; only some of them weren't so useless.

"What's happening?"

"Uh, is this still part of his act?" (y/n) gulped nervously, feeling rather stupid as she separated from her lover to see how the mime had literally tied them up. Even though he'd used Bose's bizarre slinky, he'd wound it around their bodies tightly, forcing them together until he had a nice little bundle of superheroes under his control, stuck and helpless in the multicoloured tangle. 

"Yeah, let him do it, sweet girl! Don't worry!" Ray reassured her, returning to focus his lips on her jawline since he wasn't worried. He could protect her immediately, although the mime was utterly harmless in his mind. 

"I thought the whole thing with mimes is that they only pretend to do real things," Chapa noted, her happiness gone and replaced with her signature moodiness. But this time, it was justified, seething at the guy as he pulled the slinky tight, squeezing her abdomen uncomfortably. She knew this was a bad idea, but nooooo...

"No, the thing about mimes is they make invisible honey," Ray explained, not that it helped their nerves. 

"Again, bees." Mika sighed, wondering how his imagination worked, but then, an obnoxious laugh broke her from her panicked thoughts. A very irritating, French-flavoured laugh from the man across the room. 

"What are you laughing at, French fry?" (y/n) sneered as she turned to Monsieur Man, thoroughly irritated to learn that he'd witnessed their whole failure. 

He stood in the doorway to the other side of the cafe, nursing yet another coffee as he watched bemusedly, highly entertained by how his American cousin floundered so spectacularly. But he didn't react to her sore-loser sourness, flashing her that charming smile again like he did with all the ladies and nodded toward the entrance. 

With a small amount of strained effort, the group shuffled around to see what he was looking at, feeling faint when they faced a band of more merry mimes. 

Ray gasped loudly when he countered three more pasty-faced men, one clutching Napoleon's pants as the other two flanked a lady mime. 

She wasn't just any old weirdo, though, staring at them down her nose with pursed lips. There was something different about her than the others, not just the small accents of red in her outfit; above her white face and stencilled eyebrows, a pretty little crown sat nestled on her pinned-up hair, a symbol of authority in the mime world. 

"It's more mimes!" Miles cried, suddenly feeling like a sitting duck as he accidentally elbowed Mika in the ribs when he jerked in surprise. 

"They've come from their hive!" Ray growled, glad he'd taken his chance to wrap an arm around his sweet girl, protectively holding her against his chest. She turned in his arms to hold onto the kids, pulling Miles and Mika closer as she glared at the head mime, knowing she was as vicious as they came. 

"Is that...a Mime Queen?" Mika gulped, leaning back into the woman for comfort as the Queen pretended to act something out, holding a blue plate with a slice of toast. 

"And is she squirting invisible honey on a piece of toast?"

"Of course she is!" Captain Man exclaimed angrily, silently furious with himself for being duped so quickly when he knew their tricks so well. "I told you I'm right about everything!"

"Stop gloating, doof! They're...laughing at us..." (y/n) breathed out, her mouth dropping open when she indignantly watched all four mimes bent over, laughing their lungs out. They pointed and giggled, chuckled, chortled, and barked like a pack of hyenas, much to their anger. 

But no matter how much the team struggled, growled, or begged, they couldn't get free. The slinky was surprisingly sturdy, so knotted and jumbled that the links couldn't be undone, even if Chapa bit it, if Ray puffed out his chest, if (y/n) yanked it, or if the twins tried to untie it. Watching them struggle, muttering curses and harsh words as they knocked against each other, was hilarious, and the mimes retreated to the corner to plot revenge. 

With their enemies rendered useless, they turned to the Mime Queen for orders, hissing and giggling as they imagined all the fun of stealing the national treasures before their eyes. 

"We gotta stop those mimes!" Chapa exclaimed as the others tugged her one way and tossed her another. And to make matters even better, Monsieur Man sat on the sidelines, chuckling at every slip-up they made. 

"I'm trying. I'm just stuck!" Miles replied curtly, squirming against his friends and teachers to try and loosen their bonds, but it was no good. Bose was really ahead of the curve with that goddamn slinky. 

"I can't believe this stupid thing actually works..." Ray mumbled to himself, furious that he had his sweet girl pressed against him, gyrating, and he couldn't do a damn thing. Not to mention that his young protégés were at risk like fish in a barrel, and to top it all off, that smug idiot was loving every second.

"...and stop laughing!"

"Stop being funny!" Monsieur Man shrugged, his shoulders shaking mirthfully, much to the other hero's fury. 

It was too much for poor ShoutOut, who felt the pressure of every more than most - the mimes, that asshole, their infuriating bonds, the urge to protect the treasure, the reputation of her whole country on their shoulders. Succumbing to the stress, she released an almighty scream from deep within her diaphragm, reverberating so powerfully that it blew the door shut and knocked the mime squad over. 

"It worked!" Mika gasped softly, shocked that she'd managed to activate her super-scream when it was typically so elusive. 

"About time..." Ray muttered quietly, earning himself a sharp jab to his elbows from his wife. 

The kids were slowly but surely getting better at their powers, which Miles proved when he wormed an arm free and managed to thrust it in the arm. He vanished from the huddle, and with his disappearance, the slinky loosened enough to drop to their feet. Now, the tables had turned. 

"Hey! Nice job, AWOL!" Miss Danger exclaimed gleefully when she took her first unencumbered breath for the first time in fifteen minutes. The group immediately jumped apart, scared to be roped together again, even if the Mime Queen and her minions were still winded on the floor. 

"Where'd he go?" Chapa asked, scouring the room for her teleporting friend, but he was nowhere to be seen. He could've gone anywhere in the world knowing the unreliability of his superpower. Still, there was no time for a debate. 

The Mime Queen recovered from the minor attack relatively quickly, and her subjects followed when she got to her feet. She put up her fisticuffs, ready to battle the heroes to her last breath, glaring at them as they shook off the shock of Miles' teleporting. 

"Who cares?! It's queen-punchin' time!" Ray barked, dancing on his toes like a boxer as he readied himself for a fight - and boy, he wanted to sink his teeth into it. (y/n) copied his movements, drawing her fists close to her face as the kids did the same, following his lead. 

"Ahhhhhhh!" Ray bellowed his battle cry, brawny arm raised high above his head as he charged, desperate to pound the Queen into the ground. She met his attack with equal tenacity, leaping with the grace of a ballerina before she brought her fist down on his cheek. 

The hero tumbled to the ground like a sack of potatoes, dazed by the brutal blow as the other mimes circled his sidekicks. They were efficient, keeping (y/n), Mika, and Chapa away from their boss as the Mime Queen beat him while he was down - not very sporting of her. She kicked and clawed at him, trying to squish his skull with the pointed heel of her boot, and it was more than Ray's job's worth to swiftly roll out of the way before he was jelly on the floorboards. 

"Captain Man!" (y/n) called out worriedly, dodging the mime who tried to drag her around by her hair as she watched her beloved doofus rolling around to preserve his life. The woman was vicious, snarling with each foot stamp, but she had to trust him to care for himself. 

Mika and Chapa relied on her expertise to keep the mimes at bay as they battled to protect the treasure. The former wrestled with one to retrieve Napoleon's pants while the latter worked with her teacher to throw another against the wall. Monsieur Man nearly spilt his espresso as the mime bashed against it with a groan. 

Still, he was amused anyway, thinking Miss Danger looked very pretty in her uniform. He sighed contently as she held the mime by the throat, unabashedly slamming his head against the bricks as Chapa dusted her hands off. 

Across the room, Ray had escaped the Mime Queen's clutches, taking his chance to swipe her feet out from under her. Luckily for his French cousin, he didn't see how his soft eyes followed her, wondering what it would be like to have a pretty assistant like her to fight by his side. And what a sight she made, tossing another mime into Chapa's hold, only to roughly throw him to the ground. 

"Waaaaaah!" Mika shouted as she tried to activate her scream on her opponent as he whimpered on the floor, still refusing to release the pants. "Okay, this worked a few minutes ago!"

"Miss Danger, get over here and help me with the queen!" Ray yelled to his wife, making her anxiously dart from him to the children and the remaining artefacts on the counter. She'd fight by his side in a heartbeat, but a hand on her arm stopped her. 

"What the--?"

"We have to secure the treasures!" ShoutOut implored, knowing they'd merely stupefied the miming minions. They'd only need a minute to recover and swipe the treasures again - Ray would surely be okay on his own. 

"Who cares about the treasures? Give me my wife!" The man argued, ducking and weaving against the evil woman before him. "We gotta take out this queen before she lays any more eggs!"

"Eggs?!" Chapa gasped, having never heard anything so weird and grotesque. 

She didn't want to know how that was possible, but she didn't have time to question it, watching when Ray tried to punch the Queen several times. He gave her a succession of swift, straight lefts and rights. Still, she miraculously evaded them, floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee. 

"What?" He mumbled when she mimed, moving something out of the way, distracting him for a split second. It was long enough for her to whack him across the face, much to Monsieur Man's amusement, as he tumbled to the floor. 

"Oh, shut up, you smug ass!" (y/n) growled at him before rushing over to her husband, unnecessarily worried, but she couldn't help it. "Doofus, are you all right?!" 

"I'm fine, darlin'..." The hero swiftly reassured her with an enamoured smile, wiping his lip to chase away the fleeting pain before lightly gathering her in his arms. There was no time for more comfort, but it was enough to quell her worries until he picked up a smooth, pale object from behind the counter. Well, that was worrying, and he turned to Chapa with a stern frown. 

"Eggs that hatch into mime larvae! Keep up!" He growled, his tone varying wildly from how he gently addressed his sweet girl as he brandished the disturbing egg at the girl. 

The Mime Queen didn't take too kindly to her enemy holding one of her...children and angrily yanked it from his dirty mitts before kicking him in the guts. The brutal blow knocked the wind out of Ray, who grunted and panted as (y/n) turned a disgusted and shocked scowl at her. She didn't take too kindly to see her husband hurt. 

"Hey!" She shouted, pointing an angry finger at the nonchalant Queen as Ray hunched over the counter. "No one kicks my doofus!"

In a daring, deadly charge, the heroine took everyone by surprise and tackled the Queen, pulling her to the ground for what could only be called a bitch fight. Straddling the woman's torso as she blinked up at the ceiling, she slapped her silly across the face, hoping to rearrange her pointed features or, at the very least, make it sting. 

After pummelling her cheeks a little, she scrambled to her feet, dragging the Queen with her as the children watched with wide eyes and mouths. God...remind them never to threaten her husband. She was lethal, taking the lady mime by her collar and launching her over the counter without mercy - it was less than she deserved. 

With the Mime Queen down, the mimes resumed their fight, brawling with the children as Ray straightened and rushed over to his breathless girl. 

She couldn't be hotter in his eyes, worthy of a thousand kisses, not that the girls cared if they shared them now. Chapa was busy with her mime, trying to zap him with some electricity to retrieve the Daft Punk helmet. Still, he was too slippery, slapping her hand away at the last minute. 

The scarlet lightning missed him and flew to Mika instead. Goddamn, it burned her skin like hellfire, pulling one of her ear-splitting screams from her throat, which luckily took down the mime. Unfortunately, as he tumbled, he crushed the precious helm, shattering it into a million billion shards. 

It was neither Daft nor Punk, just fragments of something formerly great, making the kids cringe as the treasures fell through their fingers. 

"Sorry!" ShoutOut exclaimed woefully as she stared at the ruined helmet, feeling endlessly guilty since the scream was unintentional - indeed an accident, but tell that to the people of France. 

"It's okay..." her friend said breathlessly, more thankful for the rescue than the loss of the treasure. 

Still, as she took a breather, Ray and (y/n) were plunged into the fray again as the Queen snuck up behind them, enacting her revenge by curling an arm around (y/n)'s throat. She had a little foresight, sensing the encroaching danger soon enough to jam a hand between them, but it was a barbaric attack. 

"Can't...breathe..." she gasped, flailing against the Queen and the iron grip threatening to crush her windpipe. Ray was ready to kick the woman's head in, seeing red when his wife's eyes narrowed, fighting to free herself, but Chapa moved quicker. 

Thinking on her feet, she grabbed the first weapon she saw - the beloved mouldy baguette that Marie loved so much. She didn't hesitate as she seized the slightly squishy yet stale French stick. She only saw the desperate need to free her friend as she stormed forward, brandishing the disgusting thing. 

"All right, lady. Ba-guette wrecked!" She exclaimed, particularly proud of her sick quip as she cracked the bread over the Queen's shoulder, making her release the heroine and collapse. 

Breathless, (y/n) fell against Ray's chest, unbothered by the mouldy crumbs all over her uniform since she was safe and unharmed, with only a few bruises for her super-regeneration to heal. Even Ray was stunned, instantly holding his sweet girl, but damn...

"Ba-guette wrecked?" He echoed incredulously, but there was a grateful glint in his eyes as the girl nodded sheepishly. "Okay, Chapa..."

"Thanks, kid," (y/n) said graciously, rubbing at her sore throat as her doofus smiled proudly and tittered over her health. She was fine, but the same couldn't be said for Mika, who'd been left to face the mime minions while they battled the Queen. 

"Uh, little help?" She called out awkwardly, struggling with one of the henchmen as he took inspiration from his lady and encircled her in a deadly embrace. 

Still, he was no queen, merely holding onto the girl for dear life as was his duty, so it didn't take much for her friends to free her. Glancing at one another, the couple and Chapa turned to the mime with bared teeth, threateningly stepping forward and screaming like they were about to tear him limb from limb. 

It was enough to scare him shitless, and he released Mika without hesitation, making a break for it like only a mime could. 

"Thanks..."

"No problem." The girls smiled at each other as (y/n) squeezed Ray's hand, glad to have a moment to breathe now that the mimes were scattered. They'd done pretty well to say they'd lost a third of the team, but the peace didn't last, not when Miles randomly teleported back into the room. 

He'd been across the ocean and back, bursting here, there, and everywhere before finally returning to his friends, eager and ready to fight. Unfortunately, he was a tad tardy, looking around for any enemies while his friends clutched at their heaving chests - did he have to sneak up on them like that?

"Aw, man. I missed my chance to punch a mime?" The boy whined after squealing, visibly deflated, when he realised that every mime was either unconscious or gone. 

Still, he wasn't disappointed for long, not when a loud, obnoxious, high-pitched alarm balled through the cafe, bathing its walls and residents in red light. The heroes looked around suspiciously, wondering if it was another mimey trick or something else to worry about. Yet, Monsieur Man leapt to his feet in delight, bounding over to them with all the energy and friendliness of a Golden Retriever. 

"The strike! She is over!" He announced joyfully, much to their confusion. It had barely been going on for a day - how could it be over already when they'd only just arrived?

"What?"

"Yes, the France has purchased me a pretty pink motorcycle," the smarmy hero explained, casually flicking through his social media before beaming at his stunned American counterparts. "Now, beep, beep, beep! Out of my way! I am Monsieur Man! Ha-ha!"

"God, I hate him..." (y/n) sighed as she watched the Parisian disappear through the entrance, skipping like a little girl at the thought of riding through the city on his bike, golden locks billowing in the wind. Well, as long as his garlicky smell was as far away from her as possible, she didn't care, tucking herself into Ray's side, smiling at his grumpy face. 

Some use he was; he could've at least stayed to help them round up the mimes before running off to play with his new toy, but no matter. The team were used to getting their hands dirty and doing all the work, so they gathered the mimes and their Queen up in no time. 

Bose's slinky - who Miles reported was safely at the Man's Nest like they feared - helped bind them together in a tit-for-tat style. They huddled in the middle of the room, snapping and gnashing their teeth like wild animals as Chapa helped (y/n) finish the final knot, ready for the cops to collect them. 

They thought it was a job well done, clapping each other on the back and taking a minute for themselves when Marie burst into Hip Hop Paris. She looked like she'd run halfway across the city, stray hairs flying away from her sweaty face as she fixed her gaze on them. Miss Danger would bet ten dollars she knew what she was about to say...

"Captain Man! Mademoiselle Danger! The strike! She is--"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. She's over. We heard." Ten dollars to her. She was ready to go home, tiredly tucking herself into Ray's side as he wrapped an arm around her waist. France was a little too hectic for them--and a little too weird. 

"Did you protect our French national treasures?" Marie asked in concern, only to pale when the couple and their sidekicks winced guiltily. They could barely look her in the eye, let alone explain that they'd either been crushed or smashed. 

"Well..."

"Uhhh..."

"Not even a little," Chapa replied in her signature deadpan, barely using a fraction of the remorse or tentativeness as her friends. She stood with her arms folded, not flinching when Marie's face fell because what was done was done. They'd defeated some mimes; that was something. 

"Hey, the pants made it," Miles exclaimed when the yellowish garments caught his eye, having been discarded by one of their opponents during the fight. They looked a little dusty, but otherwise, they were perfectly unscathed, and he bent down to pick them up for the concerned hostess. 

"Oh, wait, AWOL--" (y/n) started, reaching out to try and explain that old clothing tended to be delicate and easy to rip, but she was too late. The boy didn't reach for the board behind the pants; instead, he grabbed the leg, accidentally tearing the stitching when he pulled it too hard - and Napoleon's trousers were ruined forever. 

"Never mind..." she muttered timidly, cringing when Miles stood up with the material still clenched in his fist. 

"My bad. That's on me." At least he was noble enough to admit his mistake, not that it comforted the woman. 

"What are we going to do?" She cried, tears gathering in her eyes, which never moved from where the pants formally laid, unharmed and relatively pristine. How was she supposed to tell the nation that the ones they'd hired to protect them were no better than the ruffians who wanted to steal them?

"Oh, well. We...are gonna go home," Ray told her awkwardly, looking at his pretty girl, who eagerly nodded despite her morality saying otherwise. She didn't want to stick around for the angry mob to come with their pitchforks and torches, and Ray much preferred his own bed for many reasons, eyeing the door as Marie glared. 

"You cannot just leave!" She exclaimed haughtily, not that the hero gave a damn - he didn't answer to anyone...well, no one but his wife. "You came here, made a lot of dust-up, and destroyed all of our stuff!"

"Well, y'know..." (y/n) said awkwardly, not knowing how to explain it other than... "America."

"Nice one, sweet girl..." Ray chuckled in her ear as Marie tossed her arms in the air and marched off, undoubtedly to clean up the mess they'd made. 

Still, she left their exit clear, and the group happily tiptoed toward the door now that they'd escaped a major telling-off. 

"Can we go home, please?" She asked sweetly, smiling up at her doofus as he squeezed her hand. How could he refuse a request like that? He felt utterly exhausted after such a dramatic and lengthy trip, and nothing sounded like a better remedy than curling up with her in their bedroom to watch a cosy rom-com--one of her favourites, preferably. 

So, leading her by the hand with the children following like chatting ducklings, he guided the team toward the door...only to be halted again. Ray had to grit his teeth to stop swearing, especially when he recognised the smooth, shiny head that ambled through the door like nothing was wrong. 

Schwoz. He'd soon made himself scarce, the bald little weirdo, fleeing when they could've used another extra body during the battle, even if it were merely a meat shield. But something was off, namely the gorgeous woman with her arm wrapped around his shoulders. He didn't...did he?

"You guys! I met the love of my life!" He announced with one of the brightest smiles (y/n) had ever seen, and despite her tiredness, the romantic sight lightened her heart. 

She could see why Schowz had fallen for the lady; she was tall, cheery, and beautiful, with her hair falling around her face in soft curls, pretty pink makeup, a flowery dress, a matching scarf, and an elegant handbag. She was everything and more for the handyman, who beamed with such a delicate creature on his arm, even if she was almost double his height. 

"Aw..." she murmured, melting when the lovebirds smiled at each other, yet Ray wasn't so touched. 

"We're leaving," he ordered curtly before seizing (y/n)'s hand and dragging her through the door. She could barely steal another glance at the couple, feeling like she was losing her real-life rom-com before she could sink her teeth into it. Talk about a killjoy. 

"Doofus!" She exclaimed, digging her heels into the ground as he marched into the street, barely looking back at her. 

"But I just found true love!" Schwoz argued, refusing to give up his beloved's hand when he'd dreamed of this moment all his life. It wasn't fair; everyone else, even Ray, with all his flaws and failings, found their soulmate, so why couldn't he? It was heartbreaking, especially when a rough hand grabbed his shoulder. 

"I said, we're leaving!" The man hauled him through the door, and the love of Schwoz's life slipped through his fingers like sand. They stared at each other mournfully as the children hurried past, not wanting to be entangled in something so complex. 

Even the captured mimes looked gloomy, which (y/n) didn't miss as she tripped over her feet on the way out. One look at Schwoz's wobbly bottom lips and teary eyes and her feet glued to the pavement, stopping abruptly in the street, much to the frustration of several baffled Parisians. 

And if she stopped, the others stopped too, refusing to leave Miss Danger behind, even though they could weirdly ignore the genius' silent hiccups and sobs. 

"Doofus, what are you doing?" She asked coldly, although when Ray whipped around, he saw more confusion in her face than disgust. 

"You said you wanted to go home..." he replied simply, shrugging as if nothing was wrong despite her folded arms and Schwoz's trembling form. "So, we're going home."

"And what about everything back there?"

"What are you talking about?" He frowned, much to his wife's apparent disgusted shock. She stepped away from him as the kids looked at the couple with blank stares, wondering what to do since they were having a bit of a domestic. 

They deemed it best to step to the side and start their own conversation; experience told them that fights and arguments were vanishingly rare and often ended before they barely started. They discussed everything from the weather to the dichotomy of good and evil - anything to give them space. 

"Okay, don't be doofus all your life," (y/n) groaned, giving him a mildly bemused but mostly exasperated look. Even he wasn't that dense, merely playing coy because he knew she was irritated. "I'm talking about Schwoz and that French woman. Y'know, the love of his life."

"So?" Ray asked, tentatively placing his hands on her hips. He was gently surprised to realise that she wasn't totally pushing him away. 

She sighed and returned the touch, reaching up to fiddle with the zip on his tunic, knowing that he could be unnecessarily, stupidly, ridiculously dense sometimes. But she knew deep down that he wasn't cruel, just...silly. Such a silly doofus. 

"So, he should go be with her. You can't just rip them apart!" The heroine exclaimed, and Schwoz nodded weakly, pining for his sweetheart. He wanted to go and take her in his arms, just as Ray did with his sweet girl, but he wouldn't move with permission, too fearful of what the hero would do. 

"Eh, he'll get over it..." the man replied casually before taking her soft hand. He wanted to take her home more than anything, eager to board the first plane and forget everything about this irritating trip, but (y/n) would budge, standing still with a face like thunder. 

"Raymond..." she said firmly, taking his face in her hands so he could look into her eyes. "What if we lost our chance like this?"

"What...?" Ray gasped, heart fluttering at the implication, even if vague. 

He didn't question anything to do with her, too thankful that he'd landed the girl of his dreams to want to know what his life would be like if he one day woke up to find out everything was a dream. The thought felt like a knife through his heart, turning the man with unwavering nerves into a shuddering mess. 

"What would you have done if, all those years ago, someone took me away from you and said to get over it?" (y/n) proposed softly as the same emotions ran through her mind. 

It was unimaginable; they were so solid and dependable, the couple everyone could rely on to always be together because they were soulmates. They were the universe's plan, star-crossed, and whatever else, snuggling closer when they wondered...what if they never fell in love?

"I'd rip their head off," Ray said quietly, and (y/n) didn't argue when he wrapped his strong arms around her as if he was terrified she'd disappear. 

They were silent for a minute, hearing nothing but Schwoz's deep breaths and the children's debate over smooth orange juice or the one with bits in it. He kissed her head gently, so thankful he could say his ring was on her finger. "I'd go through hell for you, darlin."

"And I'd do the same for you..." she promised, pecking his cheek before pulling back to look at him with a soft smile, sighing. 

"So, don't you think Schwoz deserves the same?"

"But sweet girl...it's Schwoz!" The hero exclaimed, glancing at the sorrowful genius, who looked worse for wear. Even Ray could see how torn up he was, and he felt a little bad, but come on... It wasn't like any of his relationships ever succeeded--like Ray could talk about his past flings. 

"But doofus...nothing! Send him back there, or I'm not sitting next to you on the plane!" It was an empty threat; (y/n) always had to sit next to her doofus, needing to hold his hand on take-off so she'd never make him bunk with one of the kids. 

Still, it inspired a slight panic in the hero, who gasped in horror and held her tighter at the thought of sitting beside...Chapa. 

"You wouldn't!"

"Oh, I would! Come on, doofus...do it for me. And for Schwoz. And for the Frenchy lady," she argued, soothingly rubbing his chest while fluttering her eyelashes - tempting and convincing him in only a way she could. 

Ray sighed, weighing up every option. He hated the idea of losing Schwoz, knowing more than anyone that when a man fell in love, he'd forsake his every faculty and responsibility to pledge his devotion to her instead. He'd undoubtedly move out and start a new life, and he'd lose one of his oldest friends - that's why he was cruel...to be kind. 

"...Fine. But just because I love you." After a few minutes, he heaved a heavy sigh, meeting Schwoz's gaze, who hoped with all hopes to have the green light. One nod toward the café, and his face lit up like a Christmas tree, shouting a million thanks before sprinting toward the love of his life and all the possibilities she could hold. 

"I'll take it!" (y/n) squealed, looping her arms around his neck as she held him close, her beaming grin matching Schwoz's and the kids as they silently watched how he ran like the wind. It was weirdly kind for the man, who hated to see him go, but her happiness was worth it. 

It would be like that one day; everyone would move on until it would just be them left - just him and his sweet girl. Henry left, and Charlotte, Piper, and Jasper left, too. Danger Force wouldn't last forever, either, and Schwoz wouldn't work for him indefinitely, not when, hopefully, they retired and had kids. 

Not everything lasts forever, and Ray was gradually getting used to that fact, reassured that the love of his life was eternal. A love that would last a lifetime. 

"Y'know, there's a heart of gold underneath that grumpiness."

[chaotickori]

Karasuno's Second Fall - Ch 1:

Rating: T Warnings: Car/Bus Crashes, Major Character Death Word Count: 624 Summary: They had just won against Shiritorizawa, that was a peak in their lives, but everything goes down in flames. Now follow what happens with the crows when they fall once more. AO3 [Next Ch]

The bus buzzes with the excited energy of the volleyball team, but no one can judge them, they're floating on the high of beating the strongest team in the prefecture. Karasuno was ecstatic, they made the comeback they had been talking about, they were going to nationals. Hinata was practically bouncing out of his seat, talking animatedly with a sparkle in his eye “Did you see my spike, it went bam, then swoosh.” Tsukishima could feel a headache brewing behind his eyes, unable to sleep with all of the noise around him.

The tired middle blocker sits up in his seat, sending a lighthearted glare at his teammates, though mostly aiming it at the small spiker. “Are none of you idiots tired, we just played a full five-set game.” Daichi, hoping to placate the grumpy teen, held his hands up, negotiating with the rest of the team. “Tsukishima is right guys, we should try and use this time to restore some energy, so how about we settle down for a bit?” The captain then lays back in his own chair letting his eyes slide shut as he tries to catch some sleep. Soon the bus was quiet with only a small amount of noise coming from where Coach Ukai and Takeda were conversing at the front.

The bus was passing over a cliff overlooking the broad expanse of the ocean, the sun slowly setting into the horizon. A storm passes overhead drumming rain down on the bus, and slicking up the road. Coach Ukai sits in the driver's seat, a cigarette between his lips as he pays attention to the road. Takeda is in the passenger's seat, catching up on some sleep so that he can corral the team when they make it back. Everything is going smoothly, only an hour and a half left in the drive, then they would be back at the school.

Ukai stays concentrated as he drives, a bit wary of the wet conditions on the road. Everything in the bus is calm, the only noise being the light hum of the engine, and the distant rumbling of thunder after bright shocks of lightning. He takes the turn around the corner of the cliff slowly, and carefully, but that doesn’t change what is about to happen. He could see bright headlights coming straight for them, a truck swerving crazily, taking up the whole road.

There is nothing that he can do to stop the inevitable, he opens his mouth to yell out to the team, to try and warn them, but it’s too late. It was like time slowed down as the truck came in contact with the front of the bus. He felt as his body is thrown forward into the steering wheel, knocking the wind out of him, and causing his head to get light. All he could think is that these kids don’t deserve to go out like this. He has no worries about himself, his mind is only on the kids, even in what could be his final moments.

When time speeds up again the bus is mid-air, over the side of the railing, and heading down the cliff. The first impact of the bus on the cliff knocks him out cold. Noise fills the bus as people jolt awake as the bus free falls down the cliff, smashing against the rocks. There are screams, mixed in with the crunching of metal and crashing of glass. The bus hits one ridge particularly hard, a large crash overpowering any other noise, a blur of blonde and black flying out of the window. As the bus continues to descend the cliff at high speeds bodies are thrown out, and others are made unconscious due to the force.

[yuniemaki]

series: genshin impact pairing: beidou x ningguang rating: T genre: sickfic, hurt/comfort part 1 of flowers of teyvat read on ao3

The cough is a persistent parasite, announcing its presence at the most inopportune moments like a certain boat captain. It greedily sucks out all the air from her lungs and rattles her ribs; it leaves her shaking and gasping for breath.

“It’ll pass,” is what she’d said when the coughing first began, waving a gloved hand dismissively. 

“It’s been a week,” her secretary frets, documents in hand. “Lady Ningguang, perhaps you’d like to consider—”

“Lantern Rite is almost upon us,” Ningguang interrupts, shakily reaching for her mint tea and taking a few sips. The warm liquid washes down the last of the sour taste in her mouth, soothing her scratchy throat. “Lady Keqing needs our full support.” She catches sight of the dejected look on the young lady’s face and sighs, setting her teacup aside. “But… you could cancel all my unimportant meetings for the day, dear Baiwen. I will take it easy.”

Baiwen nods, taking her leave. Ningguang returns her attention to the scroll unfurled across the length of her walnut desk. It is a proposal penned by Keqing’s hand on how they can bring the Lantern Rite celebrations to Qingce Village once again this year. At least, that's what she was told when the Yuheng brought it up to the Jade Chamber. She’d been too focused on keeping the cough suppressed while Keqing gave a speech on the specifics of her plan.

It’s odd how her head feels like it’s been stuffed with silk flowers today. The words seem to dance around the parchment, passing through her wooly brain but not quite sticking, like oil meeting water. Her brow furrows; she re-reads the scroll again, but she understands so little that it might as well be written in another language.

It’s a little too hot, Ningguang thinks, and her qipao is damp with perspiration. She wipes beads of sweat off her neck, rising from the table. The world abruptly lurches forward; Ningguang digs her clawed fingers into the wood, managing to stop herself from tipping forward. Her claws aren't so lucky — they break off with a snap. 

When the world rights itself again, she slowly releases her death grip on the desk, and walks over to the window. The Tianquan slides it open, instantly greeted by a gentle breeze.

It caresses her clammy skin; she shivers and slams the window shut instead.

That is not the only noise to echo in her ears. In the silence of her office, she becomes aware of foreign noises within — the careless, heavy footsteps of a certain buffoon descending the spiral stairs; the soft, high-pitched pleas of Baiwen as she haplessly follows. 

Ningguang pinches her nose with a sigh, looking up just as Beidou barges into her office, her fur cloak carelessly draped over her broad shoulders. Baiwen throws up her hands in surrender and leaves. The brunette stands in the middle of the office and grins, albeit a little too mischievously. 

Archons. Did she—

"Heard you're taking the afternoon off, Ningguang," the pirate booms. The Tianquan is becoming painfully aware of a dull throb beginning to build towards a crescendo at the base of her skull. "Care for a game, then?"

Ningguang bites back a sharp retort sitting at the tip of her tongue. She can never understand why Beidou's very presence both gratifies and irks her. Perhaps it's because she's flattered that the captain visits often these days, but her timing is the absolute worst. Always. 

Regardless, when Beidou leaves — well, Ningguang would liken it to the warm sun giving way to the lonely night.

"And here I thought you were coming to pay your fines without a summons, Captain," the Tianquan replies, stopping shy of pouting.

Read on:

[rainythefox]

Nightfall (Ch.23)

Synopsis: Pre-Resident Evil 1, slight-AU/Canon Divergence. Claire Redfield comes home to visit her brother Chris for the holidays but gets caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Albert Wesker, the Captain of STARS, after stumbling upon dark secrets. She can’t call the law; Wesker is the law, and she can’t tell Chris. She is trapped…Claire/Wesker & Slight Chris/Jill (Wesker & William Bromance). Rated M for smut, language, violence, adult content.

AO3 Link

Chapter 23: If You Love Something...

Warning: This chapter contains smut and has some gore/mutilation (but not in the same scene!) Enjoy! ;D

Her fingers glided along the oak railing as she peered down into the dining room below. Breakfast was being served to the mansion's residents, the fireplace aglow with a cozy fire. The constant hollow clack of the grandfather clock reverberated the walls, even above all the chatter.

Ada frowned at the gathering, feeling a little guilty for leaving without saying goodbye to John. She had to, though. It was for the best.

Her pocket beeped. Ada reached inside and pulled out her PDA, her other hand carrying a full suitcase. She knew who it was even before reading the text.

Don't be late.

It was nice to know that even miles away, Albert still felt the need to keep her in check.

She quickly typed up an answer. Enjoy your week off :P

After pocketing the device, Ada opened the door to the main hall, smiling to herself. She descended the main staircase and headed for the front double doors. She finished buttoning her fur coat, ready to step into the crisp morning after Christmas.

"Thought you could sneak out of here without saying goodbye, huh?" A voice called to her back. It was John.

She gave him an apologetic smile as he approached. "Well, you know me. I hate goodbyes. Besides, I'll be back in a few weeks. Just on assignment."

John crossed his arms with a frown. "Yeah, conveniently after getting into big trouble with the Colonel. Is there something you aren't telling me?"

Ada softly laughed. "That was just a big misunderstanding. Everything is fine. I am simply following Lord Spencer's orders."

"If you say so," he mumbled, disheartened. John Clemens was so nice and incredibly normal compared to most here. It was a wonder he was still chief researcher in the Arklay Laboratory. It was a wonder William hadn't eaten him alive.

Ada pecked him on the cheek. "Goodbye, John. Take care of yourself, okay? I'll be back soon."

"But I…I…"

"My cab's waiting."

"R-Right. Take care, Ada. See you soon."

The agent nodded with a warm smile and departed. Her warmth was trumped by the biting cold outside. Despite getting into the cab and driving away, despite admiring the beauty of the snow-covered Arklay Forest glinting in the warm morning rays, the cold remained. The same cold this line of work knifed into her, continually marring her heart piece by piece.

The cab ride gave Ada the opportunity to reflect on the damage this time. She'd acquired much intel for the Organization, which was always good for her health and wallet, but at what cost? Albert had certainly procured way more power this round. That didn't negatively impact her though. In fact, it did the opposite. He owned her more than The Organization did, their lives intertwined perpetually it seemed. That didn't mean Ada had to turn a blind eye to the innocents Albert decimated in his never-ending pursuit for more power.

Like Claire.

It's just how things are, she had to remind herself. It was part of the natural order of this world. Claire was collateral damage like countless other sacrificial lambs to the wolves that truly ruled the shadows. Not only had Claire found her way into the jaws of the most ruthless wolf of all, she had somehow managed to tame him, if only a sliver, in her favor.

Albert would consume her eventually, though. Slowly. Painfully. It was his nature. Ada knew it firsthand, and, in the end, Claire would too.

It would hurt Ada more than she cared to admit, but…it was just how things were.

Sergei, Roth, and Bennett – even Finley, Crawford, Lowery, Bard, Mueller, and Irons – all got what they deserved. Though some were gone for good, Albert was just getting started with the others. In the end, he had successfully won the biggest chess game within Umbrella to date…right under Spencer's nose.

The cab parked. Ada got out and, after a short walk over salted pavement, entered Grill 13 in downtown Raccoon City. It was the morning after Christmas, yet traffic was as busy as ever. Vehicles covered the freshly dozed roads, going here, going there. The people on the sidewalks did the same, bundled up, their own destinations in mind. So oblivious. Sometimes Ada was envious of their ignorance.

She found The Organization agents inside at a booth. She ordered a coffee and a small healthy breakfast, their waitress the same kind of clueless to her table's true intentions. Not three friends having breakfast…just three strangers exchanging information and money at the expense of innocent lives.

The woman agent was in charge. Selena was her name. That's all Ada knew about her. No last name. Ada wasn't even sure it was her real name. Selena was older than her, with dark hair, skin, and eyes. Beautiful, graceful…cunning. The man with her was more Ada's age, stand-offish, with red hair. Ada had never seen him before.

They ate breakfast, they faked pleasantries, they discussed the intel Ada had handed over. On occasion, the door would chime as it opened, causing a breeze of iciness to draft over their booth as customers came and went.

Selena smirked, flipping through some pages after Ada had finished telling them about the situation with Aaron Roth.

"We've yet to meet Dr. Wesker in person, but he continues to impress us. Putting a muzzle and chain on Spencer's guard dog was never a possibility in our eyes, and yet he managed to pull it off and take over Roth's expansive network. You've known him for some time, yes? Tell me, what is he like? His file is quite confidential within my higher-ups."

Ada frowned. There was no single way to explain Albert. There were hundreds of words that could describe him…merciless, calculating, pragmatic, despotic, vain, ambitious…

They could never even begin to understand him.

"He's…something else. You'll just have to see for yourself."

Ada got her payment and left, Selena's question still bouncing around her mind. Even she couldn't explain Albert Wesker to herself. She hated him, she respected him, she even thought she loved him in some capacity. Moreover, he just fascinated her.

Most men bored Ada. Most men were the same, no matter how inherently good or evil they were. Few and far between were truly different and intrigued her. Albert was one of them. His immoral nature aside, Albert saw the world in a way no one else ever would. He was someone no one would ever be able to assess, understand, or control. A force that could surely one day devour the world.

Wesker scowled at Ada's text before pocketing his pager, eyes now firm ahead as he followed his usual path within NEST. He glanced at his watch, taking another winding hallway without even looking at the painted directions. He had plenty of time before his shift at the police department, but speculated why William had such urgency to begin with. His ID wristband flashed red with a padlock icon. Spencer had stayed true to his word for Wesker's "holiday". He was now locked out of all Umbrella premises and operations.

That's where his "escort" came in. Matching his pace, she was the one to get him clearance into William's domain. Monica was her name, he recalled, another of William's high-ranking researchers. Forward, ambitious, cutthroat. Fortunately, she was also smart and didn't attempt superfluous conversation.

Another beep from his pager informed him Claire was home with no updates. That wouldn't last, however. Claire wasn't a homebody.

"Here you are, Dr. Wesker," Monica purred once reaching William's laboratory. "I paged Dr. Birkin and he will fetch you promptly." She batted her eyes at him. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Without looking at her, he waved her away with a flick of his wrist. She wasn't gone long before the door chimed and slid open, revealing William with bags under his eyes, a wrinkled lab coat, and five o'clock shadow. His partner's countenance stretched into a sleazy smile at Wesker's arrival.

"Hey Al my pal! Let me get the door for you!" He snickered.

Wesker sighed and entered, already irked, but William wasn't finished. "Need me to check your email while I'm at it? I mean, what all did Daddy ground you from again?"

"Spare me your antics, Will. I do not have the time today."

"You never have time for my antics."

"Yet here I am."

"Someone hasn't had their coffee yet! Luckily, your best bud's got your back. C'mon!"

Wesker followed after his partner, where they proceeded through two more Administrator chipped doors into the back of William's lair.

"What exactly is the purpose for summoning me here so early and with such urgency? You know I have a shift at the RPD soon and I do not need any further inconvenience should Spencer discover me being here."

"Fuck Spencer, this is important!" Will spat as he poured them coffee. After handing Wesker his cup, the Golgotha creator nodded towards the next section of his laboratory. "In the glass cage."

They approached the large glass observation room, where Wesker immediately discerned a familiar face. On the other side of the panels sat the bruised and beaten Stephan Bennett. He quickly sprang to his feet like a frightened animal when he noticed them.

Wesker cocked his head, almost interested, but it soon soured into a glare directed at his partner.

"I know what you're thinking!" William defended. "You had your fun using him as a demonstration for Claire, and now are thinking of a spectacular sendoff that will satisfy you, right? Well, I have just that! Just for you, buddy!"

"Is that so?" Wesker asked, unconvinced.

"You're gonna love it, Al, trust me. He's gonna die an excruciating, violent death for hurting Claire, just you wait!"

"I'm at the edge of my seat," Wesker said dryly.

William fiddled with the controls, and the metal door at the back wall of the observation room slid open. Bennett spun around, slowly backing away until he connected with the glass. Out shuffled a zombie, although Wesker quickly distinguished the characteristics that made it stand out from others.

"Playing with Crimson Heads again, Will? Such a lackluster finish for scum like Bennett, and regrettably not worth giving up my morning."

"Now hold your horses!"

The zombie was faster than normal, its rotten flesh turned crimson from the V-ACT process, time, and a satiated metabolism. Claws had formed where fingers and toes once were. After another onceover, Wesker recognized the clothes and remaining facial features.

"Is that…Lowery?"

"...Maaaybe…"

Wesker turned to him. "You turned Lowery into a Crimson Head? I figured you would've subjected him to the G-Virus."

"Well, I had a better idea!" William grinned like a little kid and pointed as Lowery chased Bennett around the glass cage.

"What the fuck?! Let me out of here! I'll do anything! PLEASE!" Bennett pleaded. With a broken arm and hand, he couldn't do much beyond evade and scurry like panicked prey.

"See anything different about this Crimson Head?"

Wesker had already noticed. "Claws are longer. There are bony plates along the dorsum and the scapulae are protuberant. More muscle mass. Mouth now has sharp denticulation. The brain is more exposed. No lips. The eyes are sunken in."

William nodded with a hushed squeal. "Yes!"

Wesker sighed. "What did you do?"

"Okay, so you know how the V-ACT process creates Crimson Heads, right? After time and a healthy metabolism, zombies infected with the Epsilon strain of the T-Virus will eventually slip into a dormant state and transform into a more dangerous creature. In the event of severe trauma, if the change is close enough and the head is still intact, they can mutate even faster."

Wesker nodded, listening to his words over Bennett's incessant screaming.

"Well, I took the Epsilon strain and kinda…'mutated' my own. And well…in the same process, created something even better than Crimson Heads!"

"...Interesting."

"Just wait until you see it! The time is right! This is why I called you down here in such a hurry! Behold, a new discovery!"

William hit another button on the controls. The machine gun hanging in the observation room ripped through Lowery, cutting him down before he could maul his quarry. Bennett collapsed on the floor, gasping, whimpering, looking all around with wide eyes. The Crimson Head twitched on the floor, blood oozing out from several bullet holes.

"Alright Lowery, you whiny bitch, it's finally your time to shine!"

It didn't take long for the strange zombie to reanimate once more, only this time the process was frenzied. Bennett shrieked, springing to his feet and running to the farthest corner of the cage as the body convulsed on the floor.

"What the hell is happening?!" their prisoner yelled.

Bone snapped, muscle wrenched, sinew twisted and extended. Blood spilled out as it looked as though something was emerging from the Crimson Head…like a macabre butterfly from its hellish cocoon. The outer skin was tossed aside and the creature let out an ear-piercing scream.

It was incredibly fast, launching itself through the air to land on the side of the glass, sticking to it like an insect, and climbing the walls with no hassle. Wesker stepped forward, interest quite piqued now, and ripped off his sunglasses.

The creature's body was pure muscle, protective bony plates and sinew wrapping its joints and appendages. The brain was completely exposed. There were no eyes, no facial skin, just a skull-like snout and a mouth filled with white spindly teeth.

"What the fuck is that?!" Bennett shouted.

Lowery's evolved state howled at the noise, at the movement, and leaped across the glass cage with agility akin to what they'd seen in Hunters. With a powerful swipe of its talons, it caught Bennett's shoulder as he dodged, tearing him open. The claws hit the bulletproof glass with a loud bang.

The injured prisoner raced for the opposite side of the cage, but the creature was quicker, scuttering across the floor, nearly on its belly, gaining on him. Then a long, rope-like tongue shot out of its snarling mouth. The barbs on the tip impaled Bennett's chest and lifted him into the air, an agonized cry gurgling from his lungs.

The specimen slammed its prey down on the tile over and over. A couple of sickening splats later, it tossed its prey off its tongue and pounced, ripping into him like a wild animal and gorging itself.

Wesker didn't even realize he was smirking through the whole thing until Will punched his arm. "I knew you would love it! Guess what I call it! Come on, guess!"

Wesker tore his eyes away from the feasting creature, Bennett nothing more than a mangled mound of flesh and bone, and looked at his partner. "Something creative, I'm sure," he said sarcastically.

"I call it a Licker!"

Wesker sighed. "...Because of the tongue?"

"Because of the tongue!" Will squealed in delight. "Genius, right?"

"Will this be your next prototype?"

His old friend waved him off. "Nah, I did it for funsies."

Wesker chuckled. The partners simultaneously drank their coffee, side by side, watching the Licker smear Bennett's remains all over the cage.

"I'm sure as hell keeping this new strain of T-Virus to myself though! No telling what else I'll be able to do with it. I mean, I just fixed six months of standstill at Arklay in three weeks! Fucking science fair rejects!"

"With you, anything is possible. I cannot wait to see it."

"Merry Christmas, brother."

"And a Happy New Year." Wesker smiled.

"Ah, yes. 1998! It's gonna be a big year for us! I can feel it!"

They toasted their mugs, the Licker's spine-chilling howl of death and horror a harbinger of what was to come.

The coffee shop was quaint and clean, sitting over a nice view of Circular River and Clock Tower Plaza. The water shimmered like diamonds in the morning rays, the eastern horizon paling pink as the sun rose.

Claire enjoyed the peace. She enjoyed the everyday normal routine around her: People ordering coffee, laughing over some donuts, stifling their yawns, and going about their day. There was the clinking of utensils as customers stirred their coffee, the shuffle of newspaper as an old man turned the page in Raccoon Times. Upbeat music softly played through the speakers around the cafe.

Claire had dropped Chris off at work and gone for a morning jog at Raccoon Park. It would be a long while before she went out to the hiking trails again. Now she sat at a booth alone, sipping her latte while waiting for a friend to show.

In all the chaos that had ensued since coming into town for the holidays, she hadn't had a chance to hang out with Megan. While Claire had plenty of friends in college, including Traci (whom she finally called), Megan was her childhood friend who remained in Raccoon City, choosing to attend the university here. After all, Megan wanted to be a CRNA, and Umbrella had an innovative nursing program.

Claire was early, but that was okay. She needed the alone time, if only to figure out all the fraught thoughts floating around her head. She had managed to bury them for a short time, but after what happened yesterday evening with her uncle, she could no longer ignore them.

The Christmas Party at Barry's was tonight. She wanted to have them all decoded and resolved before then.

"May I?"

The male voice made her tear her gaze away from the serene view of the river. Her heart jumped, not at all expecting the familiar face.

She slowly nodded, confused, watching closely as William Birkin sat down across from her. He raised his hand at a passing waitress with the friendliest of smiles. "Hey there, Rochelle! My usual?"

"Of course, Dr. Birkin!"

"Thanks, sweetheart!"

"W-What are you doing here?" Claire asked.

William looked…better since she had seen him Christmas Eve night. No longer distressed or even disoriented. Although he still looked tired - Does he ever get any sleep? - he was now clean shaven and his clothes were neater.

"Oh, I was just in the neighborhood," he half-joked, the sparkle of his blue eyes, the upcurve of a mischievous smile a reminder that he could be just as charming and deadly as Wesker when he wanted to be.

"Did Wesker send you?" Because Claire knew his answer was total bullshit.

Rochelle brought William his coffee. "Here you are, a large peppermint mocha with three shots of espresso!"

"You're the best! And make sure you add this young lady's bill to my tab, yeah?"

"Of course, sir!"

After she left, William's fake smile of pure friendliness and chivalry fell somewhat. It was softer now, a hint of playfulness and curiosity as he looked Claire over with a sip of his drink.

"Al doesn't even know I'm here, actually. I might've haggled his agents keeping an eye on you to tell me where you were though."

Claire shook her head. "Why? What do you want?"

"Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Claire frowned, tensing. What did he mean by that?

"I'm kidding. Geez, you act like I'm gonna take you into the woods and shoot you or something. Here."

She glared at him as he slid a large sheet of paper across the table. Claire was hesitant to touch it. It was blank, mostly smooth except for a couple of faint creases. She slowly flipped it over.

The younger Redfield's frown quickly receded, upturning into a bright smile. It was a drawing of a red cat snuggled up with a smaller yellow cat in a bed of flowers. A message in the corner read: Dear Claire, thank you for being my best friend! Merry Christmas, love Sherry.

"This is…" Claire couldn't even finish. It was beautiful, it was sweet. She was truly touched by the gift.

"My daughter sure has taken a liking to you, Claire. Although, it's not hard to see why."

Flattered, she looked back up at him. "You came here…just to give me this?"

Will smiled wryly. "Well…partly."

Claire sighed. That made more sense. "So why else are you here?"

"I actually wanted to apologize for how I left things with you before. It wasn't right."

Guarded, Claire slowly nodded. "Okay." She decided to go out on a limb here. "I take it you and Albert made up?"

William chuckled, lifting his mocha to his lips again and taking a drink. "Wow, so personal, calling him by his first name. Who'd have thought!"

Claire blushed, but glared at him.

"We did. It was a simple…misunderstanding. I overreacted." William frowned, looking out onto the river. "Truth is, Al did what he did to protect me. As always."

His eyes returned to her, more solemn now. "He protected you, too."

She felt put on the spot and quickly defended herself. "He put me in those situations to begin with…for his own purposes."

Will shrugged. "Sure…but he didn't leave you to rot, did he? Unlike the others that came before you…Getting Roth was the point of this whole damn thing. Sergei was just the bonus, thanks to you. But I have never seen Al go out of his way to completely annihilate other players the way he did just because of what they did to you. Bennett especially suffered."

"What happened to him?"

William chuckled. "If I told you, I'd have to kill you." He winked at her. "Nah, I'm kidding. You'd sure as hell have to say goodbye to your freedom though. Let's just say the bastard suffered the most tortuous, horrific death imaginable. Good riddance, right?"

Freedom. Did that mean Wesker was going to let her go?!

And why did part of her enjoy hearing about Bennett?

"Why are you telling me this?" Claire asked, confused about William's motives.

"I wanted you to know how special you are."

Claire blushed again, taken aback, unsure how to respond.

"I mean, you're a clever girl. I'm sure you've already put one and two together with your uncle? – Piece of shit by the way."

Claire's heart leapt to her throat. "What did Albert do to him?"

"Who cares? The point is Al's never done something like that for anyone."

Claire tried to dismiss it. "So?"

Will sighed, leaning back against the booth, rapping his fingers on the table. "You want to know one of the reasons you are significant to him?"

Claire had struggled with that this whole time. She swallowed hard, nodding.

"You don't use him."

It was such a strange, astoundingly unexpected reason. Claire blinked, dazed, making sure she had heard correctly. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She shook her head, readjusting her thoughts. "What do you mean? He uses people all the time."

"Well, sure," Will agreed. "That's perfectly fine in his eyes."

"So he doesn't like to be used back?" Claire snorted. Typical narcissist.

"He's used to it. It doesn't bother him. He compartmentalizes shit like crazy." Will shook his head. "Deep down, a part resents it though. He can't stand to be controlled in any way. Stems from our…not so pleasant childhood. You're like a breath of fresh air, I guess."

Claire lowered her eyes, swishing her coffee around, trying to force herself not to feel bad for them.

"I envy you. I really do."

Stunned, she looked back to find his handsome face now casted a frown, one that carried a lot of guilt, if Claire read correctly.

"I wish I could give him that," he admitted, looking away.

"What do you hope to get out of telling me this?"

"Nothing," he said. "Absolutely nothing. You have Al's respect, Claire. You have his affection. It's no small feat. Cherish the phenomenon…that's all I'm saying."

"William, can I-"

"Claire?"

Megan! Her friend stood beside their table, bundled in her coat, a small purse hanging off her shoulder. She removed her hood, revealing her dark curls. Her honey brown eyes went from Claire to the stranger seated opposite. Not suspicious. Curious.

"Well, would you look at the time? I have to get to work!" William announced, sliding out of the booth, taking his triple shot espresso with him. He gave a charming, handsome smile. "Thanks for babysitting Sherry, Claire! Oh, and do try the blueberry scones. They're to die for!"

Without another word, he left. Megan slid into his vacated seat, shuffling off her coat with a confused, yet amused grin. "Who was he?"

"Just some guy I know. I babysit his daughter sometimes," Claire replied, watching where William's back had disappeared, her stomach unsettled.

"Well, sorry I'm late. The morning traffic is always hell!"

Claire put on a big smile, hiding the mixture of feelings William had brought about. "For real!"

"Ready for breakfast? I'm starving!"

No, she wasn't. She no longer had an appetite. She felt queasy, but forced that smile to remain. "Of course I am! I've been waiting on you, haven't I?"

Ever the jokester herself, Megan countered her teasing with a raised middle finger.

Christmas music echoed through Barry's warm and inviting two-story home. Outside, colorful lights illuminated the house and yard, like many others in the suburban neighborhood. The aroma of party food lofted around Claire and Chris as Barry practically yanked them through the front door.

"'Bout damn time you two showed up!" Barry greeted, squeezing them both in a big bear hug.

"Yeah, well, some of us had to work today, Barry!" Chris said, already peeking around at the guests. If Claire had to guess, he was searching for someone in particular…

There were so many people here already! Claire recognized quite a few of the partygoers. Most of them were cops from the RPD. She also recognized the Kendo brothers chatting with Enrico Marini and Richard Aiken.

Claire was both relieved and bummed to see the STARS Co-Captain here. She wasn't completely sure of their scheduling, but it seemed Enrico and Wesker rotated shifts quite often. If one was working, the other was not. With Enrico being here, it was a good indication the leader of STARS wouldn't be showing up.

"I'm just giving y'all a hard time. Party's just getting started!"

It wasn't two seconds later that Forest flew by them, sliding along the hardwood floor in his socks with a beer bottle in each hand. "Woooooooo!" Claire snorted a laugh while Chris sighed.

"Poor Joseph's gonna cry for weeks about missing this," her brother said.

"He'll get over it! Besides, he came to the Halloween party." Their old friend and host motioned to the kitchen and living room while they stood near the foyer. "Like usual, most of the party is gonna be here and downstairs in the basement. Got everything hooked up. Kathy and the girls are visiting her mom so it's just us…just don't get too crazy, alright?" He nudged Claire. "Don't be outdrinking all these guys, Claire!"

Obviously, it was a joke, but Chris huffed anyway. "Pshh, she can have one drink, that's it!"

Claire rolled her eyes just as the doorbell chimed. Barry laughed and answered the door behind them. It was Jill! Her short hair and beautiful face were splashed with flashing colors on the porch, a white wisp of breath escaping her lips. Like the rest of them, she was dressed up for the party.

Claire smiled. Gorgeous as always. Chris's awestruck smile and raised eyebrows indicated he was thinking the same thing.

Barry dragged Jill inside with the biggest grin, placing her right next to Chris before casually tugging Claire back a couple steps with him.

"Well, would you look at that! Mistletoe!"

Chris, still admiring Jill and attempting to greet his good friend and partner, blinked and looked up, confused. Jill did too, but quickly cast Barry a mischievous glare after spotting the little green leaves tied in a red bow.

"I was standing under this damn thing with you for five minutes, and you didn't say shit 'til just now?" Her brother shook his head.

"Can you blame me?" Barry asked. "I didn't want to kiss you!"

Chris sighed, turning to his partner. "Jill, he's obviously being an ass, don't worry abo-"

Jill stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. Her smile was flushed, cute, and her eyes still held that mischievous gleam. All the guests lost it, whistling and cheering as Jill disappeared into the kitchen. Chris's face was as red as the bow on the mistletoe. Her brother, for all his nerve and confidence, was dumbstruck in an instant. He touched his cheek, his eyes following Jill's path to the kitchen. Yep, Claire just lost her brother for the rest of the night. He was gone in a flash, leaving Barry guffawing beside her.

"That was evil," Claire laughed. "I like the way you think, Burton!"

"Hey, those two need all the help they can get. Everyone can see it but them."

He wasn't wrong.

"Just…stay away from the mistletoe around all these guys, alright? Especially Forest."

Claire snorted. "Please."

Sporting that goofy dad grin of his, Barry patted her back until Robert Kendo called him over. Claire made her way into the kitchen to get some food and, of course, her one drink. She was delighted to find Chris, Jill, Forest, and Brad chatting and promptly joined them while making a plate.

"I thought you were flying back to your hometown to see family for Christmas, Chickenheart? What happened?" Forest asked.

"Going next month," Brad answered, picking at his plate. "You guys really should visit Delucia. Not near as cold and…well, crazy."

"I could definitely go for warmer weather," Jill admitted. "But the craziness is part of RC's charm!"

"Speak for yourself," Claire snorted. "I hope I'm vacationing on an island this time next year!"

"Are you pouring yourself a glass of wine?" Chris interrupted with a scowl.

Claire paused. "Yeah, why?"

"Beer. Just one beer."

"Actually, you just said one drink. You didn't specify."

"Well, I'm specifying now!"

"Bro, one glass of wine will be fine. She's among friends," Forest defended.

"It's not Claire I don't trust, it's…"

"Who's gonna take advantage of her with one glass of wine - here with all of us? Well besides me, of course." Forest winked at her. "They totally know we'd kick their asses if they messed with her! – After she kicked their asses first, of course."

Chris glared at his best friend, but Jill put a hand on his arm. "It'll be fine, Chris. Let her have a little fun."

Her brother sighed. "Alright, alright. Fine."

"You guys gotta try this jalapeno dip, holy crap. My mouth is burning but I can't stop!" Brad said, waving his hand over his mouth.

"You're such a wuss, man," Forest teased.

They visited and snacked in the kitchen. Jill told them about her call to her parents on Christmas. Barry soon herded them into the living room to mingle so he could prepare more food. Chris and Jill approached Enrico, shaking his hand and greeting him amiably and respectfully. Enrico returned the favor, a wide grin shining under that dark mustache of his. It was nice to see at least one of the STARS Captains was genuinely good.

Claire was drawn into an interesting conversation the Kendos were having about gun customization, until the doorbell rang again.

"Could someone get that? A little busy here!" Barry hollered from the kitchen. "Not you, Forest!"

"Aw c'mon, it was one time!" Forest groaned at her side.

Claire shook her head with a giggle. "On it!"

She swished her wine around and took a sip before answering the door. Her breath hitched, and she froze, nearly dropping her glass when she recognized the guest on the other side.

It was none other than the leader of STARS himself. Her captor. Her lover. The man that had been the catalyst to the past two hellish weeks of her life: Albert Wesker.

He was dressed in a dark blue button-up shirt with the cuffs rolled back, dark trousers and shoes, a similar style to what she had seen him in before, chic but not as formal as he was at Bard's party. With no sunglasses, his eyes seemed even more icy blue in this light. He was holding an expensive looking Scotch bottle.

The corner of his mouth slowly twisted up in a pleased smile. "Ms. Redfield…what a pleasant surprise." He spotted the glass in her hand. "Are you supposed to be drinking that?"

Claire sharply inhaled through her nose and smiled crossly at him. "I don't recall that being an issue at Bard's party…or your house for that matter."

He smirked. "Touché, my dear."

Claire struggled with all she'd learned about her uncle and what William had told her. Wesker waited patiently for her to let him inside, amused, not bothering to hide his roaming eyes. If she didn't let him in shortly, it could cause a scene. Releasing an unsteady breath, she pulled the door open further and reluctantly stepped aside.

"Good girl," Wesker purred as he entered.

Claire shut the door harder than intended and followed him. Just as she had expected, the guests greeted Wesker with high respect and admiration. He was like the charismatic popular kid at school that everyone liked or wanted to be. She watched as he effortlessly charmed them all – No! – played them all, as he always did.

"Captain, you actually came!" Jill said, smacking her boss on the arm.

"Yes, well, your note was quite motivating."

"See? I knew you weren't a total Grinch!"

"And look, you brought us a present!" Forest leaned in to read the label.

Wesker pulled the liquor away from the Bravo Omni-Man, as though his subordinate would break it with his eyes. "I don't think so, Speyer. This is worth more than your week's salary."

Forest scowled. "Aw, c'mon, Captain. That ain't fair."

"Life isn't fair," Wesker enlightened and handed the bottle to Barry when he joined them.

Barry lit up like he was given a brand new gun. "Aw Wesker! Aren't you the sweetest? You know, Kathy just loved the last one you gave us."

"Isn't this favoritism?" Forest grumbled.

"Are you hosting a party for your comrades at your house?"

"...No."

"Okay then. Until you do, no bottle for you. However, I'm sure Barry wouldn't mind sharing…even with someone with as poor a palate as you." Wesker gestured to the beer Forest was holding.

"Hey, leave my beer alone!"

"I mean, Wesker has a point," Chris snickered. "That beer tastes like straight piss. You might as well be drinking out of a urinal."

"I'll dunk your head in a urinal in a minute, Redfield."

"Fine!" Barry groaned. "I'll let you try it…but just a taste! Besides, isn't it time for our annual beer pong tournament?"

"Yep." Chris grinned. "I'm gonna smoke Forest's ass like I did last year."

"Hey, I was distracted by Elliot's sister. Man, was she hot," he defended as they followed Barry into the kitchen.

Claire snorted. "Never change, Forest."

"Aw, Claire. 'Twas only a crush! You're my main girl. We're still getting married, don't you worry!"

"Keep dreaming." She refused to look at Wesker, afraid of what she might see.

"It's reassuring knowing my best men subject themselves to such puerility on a whim," Wesker stated dryly as Barry opened the Scotch and poured samples for a few of them.

Enrico took one. "Tell me about it."

"What the hell you talking about, Marini? You usually watch us!" Forest scoffed.

"Yeah, watch…laugh at. Babysit, really."

"How sweet of you, Captain."

"We all know it's because you can't hold your alcohol, Cap. We understand," Richard snickered with a smack to Forest's arm.

Enrico laughed, pointing at his two men. "You're lucky I don't make you two knuckleheads do a hundred push-ups. Besides, you're the ones who're playing beer pong like college kids."

"Claire, you're an expert. Is beer pong still the 'thing' at college parties?" Forest asked.

Claire, now seated at one of the barstools, swished her legs as she thought. "Eh, maybe if you were in college twenty years ago," she said, staring right at Barry, Wesker, and Enrico.

Forest did a spit take with his beer and had to wipe his mouth.

Claire smirked. "Nowadays, you'll mostly see-"

"Don't finish that!" Chris yelled, appalled.

Barry shook his head with a sigh. "Same teams and rules as last year then?"

"Yes," a few answered.

"Except I'm trading places with Brad this year," Jill announced.

Chris whirled on her. "What?!"

"Yes!" Forest fist pumped.

"What's wrong, partner? Don't think you can beat me?" Jill teased.

"N-No…It's just that…Brad threw up last time."

"In Kathy's Weeping Fig, I should add," Barry mumbled before savoring a mouthful of Scotch.

Brad was a little green already. "Do I have to play?" He looked pleadingly at his Captain.

"Don't look at me, Vickers, I'm off the clock. You are at the mercy of your peers."

"Alright, alright, let's move this down to the basement," Barry announced, leading the way.

Enrico rubbed his palms together. "Yes, I'd like to watch a few rounds before I have to leave."

Chris handed Jill her drink. "I'm not gonna go easy on you."

"Counting on it."

And so the partygoers migrated downstairs into the Burtons' large basement. The setup was made for socializing. Another bar was down here, along with a spot for ping pong, pool, and air hockey. The party's music blasted throughout the house from a large stereo surround system connected to a big screen television. It might as well have been Barry's "man cave" with all the military medals and photos, as well as the locked gun cabinets.

Claire watched for a little while once the beer pong tournament commenced, but eventually returned upstairs. She'd seen plenty of drinking games in college. Besides, with Chris, Jill, Barry, and Forest busy, that didn't leave her with anyone to talk to, really. There were female cops here besides Jill, but all Claire overheard them talking about was how hot her brother and Wesker were. None of the guys dared to talk or flirt with her knowing she was Chris's little sister.

At least she didn't have to worry about Wesker. He and Enrico were hanging out watching the tournament.

Besides the music, it was quiet upstairs. Claire snacked a little in the kitchen, tempted to try the Scotch Wesker brought as it sat on the counter, but…she promised Chris. Soon, Claire was on the couch scribbling answers in one of Kathy's crossword puzzles. After some time, tuning out the noise from the basement, she heard voices ascending the stairway.

"...in any of that. Now he's crying about protocol? And he's wanting to run for mayor one day?"

Enrico?

"The probability is high. You should consider taking his place as chief eventually."

Wesker!

It took all of her willpower to not look up as they walked behind her, heading for the front door. Claire pretended to erase something on her crossword while eavesdropping.

"Become a pencil pusher? I can't see myself retiring from field work anytime soon. Besides, you're better at the politics than I am."

"I would die of boredom," Wesker said. It was still jarring to hear and see him act so normal.

"You know it!" Enrico laughed.

"Just remember what Sharon said. No taking work home with you."

Sharon? Claire had to think for a moment, but recalled that was Enrico's wife's name.

"I'm working on it." The front door opened. Claire felt the breeze slither in, giving her a chill. "Alright, I'll catch you tomorrow, Wesker. Don't let our boys get too rowdy."

If Wesker said anything she didn't catch it before the door closed. Claire tensed as his footsteps quietly came up behind her once more, and she strained to keep her eyes on the puzzle.

"You're missing out on all the fun, dear heart," he purred behind her.

Claire's heart shot into her throat, despite expecting him to address her, but she kept her cool and did not look at him, even as he left her for the kitchen. The urge to follow him eddied through her. She fought it. She was proud of herself.

She stared blankly at the page, refusing to relent…until he came into her periphery, until a glass of Scotch followed. Wesker was patient as he offered her the drink. Claire forgot about her promise to Chris and ultimately gave in, taking the tumbler with a grateful smile. He held her gaze a beat, then joined her on the couch.

When Claire brought the glass up to take her first sip, Wesker scooped up the crossword on her lap, a clever ploy to caress her leg. She was quite aware of his intense gaze on her in the corner of her eye, but kept her focus on the golden whiskey as she swirled it.

Wesker glanced the puzzle over curiously. "Your next word is 'metamorphosis'." He wryly chuckled and tossed it onto the coffee table. "You look ravishing, by the way, darling."

She tried in vain to quell her delight to his honest praise…and took another drink.

The Scotch was flavorful, slightly smokey, and way smoother than any whiskey she'd ever had. After a few big sips, she was brave enough to ask what was eating her.

She turned to him. "What did you do to my uncle?"

Claire barely caught Albert's ghost of a smile from his head being tilted as he listened to the boisterous laughter and chatter downstairs. Soon, his eyes locked with hers.

Despite the seriousness of her question, she was still smitten with him. His handsome features, his stylish apparel, his intoxicating cologne, all impacted her greatly.

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

Claire deeply inhaled. "Liar. I told Sherry how my uncle took everything from Chris and me after our parents died. There was a photograph I really wanted back – and then out of nowhere, he shows up on our doorstep telling us he's giving it all back after not speaking to us for years. He just so happened to have that photo on him. Now, I know Sherry couldn't have hunted him down and changed his mind. But you? You must've eavesdropped on us. My uncle was terrified for his life. It was you."

William also confirmed it to her this morning, but she wasn't about to bring that up…

Albert's lips quirked. "It's something you've wanted for so long, what does it matter what I did to him?"

"Why did you do it?"

"That's irrelevant…It's obvious I did it because I wanted to. Out of the kindness of my heart. I care about you, after all."

Claire's heart soared, but she swallowed it back down like a lump in her throat. "You don't do anything out of the 'kindness of your heart' unless there's something in it for you."

Her captor/lover snorted. "I disagree. Several times I went out of my way just for you, Claire. With no benefit to myself. It's Christmas, is it not? Consider it my gift to you, my dear."

"How…did you 'convince' him?"

"Let's not get into the details, shall we? The point is Mr. Walker had a change of heart in the end."

Claire glared at him, but it only caused him to chuckle. "Oh, don't give me that look, dear heart. You Redfields do love your self-righteousness. Your uncle would have never changed his mind on his own, you know that. I did you a kindness, in more ways than one. I could have killed him. It's what he deserved, but I spared him, for you. I knew you wouldn't approve."

Two sides of her were conflicting again. Part of her had hoped her uncle would've done the decent thing on his own…that she and Chris would've gotten their belongings returned to them the right way. The other part agreed with Albert. Her uncle deserved this. He had robbed his sister's orphans of sentimental and important mementos. Chris and Claire were nearly separated because of him.

But the world hadn't cared about that. Their uncle had all the rights, according to the law, because they were underage, because nothing written stated otherwise. It would've done no good for Chris and Claire to go to court now. Wesker had bypassed all of that, though. He made it right, he made it right by her, no matter the circumstances.

It was only then she realized how much the part of her that agreed with Wesker overpowered the rest of her, insidiously snuffing out her old morals.

Another boom of laughter echoed from downstairs. Wesker flicked his eyes to the floor, straight-faced. Knowing her analytical lover, Claire was certain he was wondering what the point of it all was. The cheering made Claire down her Scotch.

Never distracted from her for long, Wesker watched her drink it down in amusement. She sat the tumbler on the nearby coffee table, peering at the second-floor staircase. The burn that tickled down her throat soon absorbed into her bloodstream, simmering her body.

"Yeah…you're right. Fuck my uncle."

"I'm always right."

She looked at him, momentarily admiring his playful yet egotistical smile.

"Thank you." She meant it. Wholeheartedly.

Wesker frowned, as if he wasn't used to those words and didn't know how to reciprocate. Or perhaps he was surprised by the genuineness of her gratitude.

What Claire did next, she was sure he would reciprocate. She kissed him.

One deep, gratifying kiss that left them craving more. Claire stroked her hand down the inside of his thigh, gesturing her head for the staircase, and then sprang to her feet. A half second later, more laughter bellowed from the basement over the music.

Wesker smirked at the commotion, smirked at her proposal. When he stood, hot blood flushed through her body at a giddying speed. Heedless of her electrified smile, Claire quietly led him upstairs and past Moira and Polly's empty room to the closed door of the guest bedroom.

She turned the doorknob and entered the dark room. A soft white light streaked across the floor from the other side of the window, a street lamp, and it mixed with faint blinking hues from the Burton's strings of Christmas lights. Claire knew this room. She had crashed here a few times. There was a queen-sized bed in the middle of the room, a stand with a lamp on each side, a dresser and a few hanging photos. One day, it would probably be Moira's when she outgrew wanting to room with her sister. For now, though, it was all theirs.

The pale glow from the hallway was snuffed out when Wesker slowly shut the door behind him. The hushed groan of the hinges adrenalized her, and she spun around to face him.

His steps were silent as he approached, his form shadowed except where that same handsome smile shone through glints of red and gold.

"So you wish to show me gratitude for what I did for you?"

"...Something like that." Her time with him was nearly up. Claire was seeking a parting gift for them both.

"I must say, dear heart, I'm surprised in you…Taking such a risk with Big Brother right under our noses?"

"I'm pretty sure we'd both agree it's worth the risk."

His lips quirked in arrogance and amusement - but also in agreement.

"Have me all figured out, do you?" Wesker reached up and stroked her hair.

Claire would bet her motorcycle she knew him only a fraction. However, she'd also seen a side of him no one else ever had. That alone gave her credibility.

"Not all of you," she cheekily replied. "But if I'm wrong, prove it."

His smirk didn't falter, and even in the shadows she saw his eyes twinkle in matching satisfaction. They caught the red orbs outside and, for a terrifying moment, reminded her of her dream the other night. Then, his hand clamped shut around her hair, ripping her back to the passionate present. She winced as he pulled her to him, where his lips crashed into hers.

Claire eagerly returned his hungry kiss, ignoring the painful yet stimulating grip on her locks. Each fervent kiss, each squeeze of her fingers upon his chest, each inhale of his cologne tantalized her.

Keeping her hair prisoner, Wesker shoved her towards what she assumed was the bed until her back hit the wall. It didn't break Claire from making out with him. No, that only came when he tugged her tresses to the side, exposing her neck.

She groaned when his lips claimed her there. His muscular arm wrapped around her lower back, pulling her groin into his. Her eyes sealed, her breaths hitching as she stroked his head and chest. She thirstily rubbed herself against him as he sucked on her neck. He freed his hand from her hair and brushed up and down her curves. The sensation of his hand snaking up her shirt, squeezing her breast, gliding across her skin, left goosebumps in its wake.

She was wet and he was hard. Just as nature intended.

Claire sunk her claws into his flesh, actually feeling she might go insane. "Albert, please," she rasped. "I can't take it anymore."

His throat rumbled with a soft chuckle near her ear, and he retreated long enough to kiss her on the lips once more. "Working on your obedience, I see, yet I am not surprised you are still impatient as ever." He withdrew from her and Claire felt empty without him. "I suppose given the circumstances it cannot be helped, so I will let it slide this once."

Claire glared at him, inhaling in frustration. "Gee, thanks."

"Remove your pants."

Part of her wanted to fight him, despite how badly she wanted this, but this wasn't the time nor the place. Her brother and everyone else wouldn't be playing beer pong forever.

She stripped her lower half quickly. Her captor didn't give her a hard time over it as he scooped her up immediately after. Claire's legs wrapped around his hips instinctively and he slammed her back into the wall. His lips found hers again. His tongue darted into her mouth so he could suck the breath out of her once more.

Her hands groped her lover frantically wherever they landed. She gasped when he undid his belt and set his bulging member free. Wesker held her steady with one arm, Claire had no worries he would drop her. His other hand tested to see if she was ready, but she had been ready since they arrived here. Her blood, near boiling, pounded in her ears, carrying an electrical charge that sparked through their touch.

If this was to be her last time with him, she wanted him more than ever before.

When Albert pushed himself inside her she moaned into his mouth, giddy with desire, burning from an insatiable fever. She returned his claiming kisses, digging her nails into him as he began thrusting into her. Having her pinned against the wall, Wesker chose a hard and dominating pace and did not relent. When he moved his face to kiss and nip at her jaw and neck, it took all of Claire's remaining shred of control to keep from letting the whole party hear her.

Hearing Wesker groan made her shiver. Each hard and possessive plunge into her drove them both closer and closer to the edge. Claire again found herself not wanting this to end. Wesker's hold on her was resolute, as though he would never let go. The same way her tight pussy squeezed around his throbbing dick shoving in and out of her.

They came nearly at the same time. The euphoric rush flooded Claire and she was forced to drown an explosive moan erupting from her very core. Wesker's final two thrusts pressed her to the wall with his weight. The rippling aftershocks as he pumped her full enraptured her. All that was left was to hear their huffs and beating hearts as the high buzzed around them.

After one assertive and tender kiss to the thumping pulse on her neck, her lover released her.

Claire leaned against the wall, slightly panting. She retrieved her pants and put them back on, feeling his thick warm cum ooze within her. Albert adjusted his clothes as well, watching her. The guest bedroom remained dark and quiet, besides the flickering Christmas glow, with only the soft tick of an alarm clock in tune with her heartbeat.

"I suppose we better return before our absence is perceived…unfortunately," Wesker stated with a sigh. He stepped away from her to move for the door.

"Wait!" Claire whispered, clutching his wrist, rubbing where he had roughly kissed her neck moments before.

It was time to ask once more. She needed to know where they stood now, no matter what his answer would be.

"I need to know. Are we through now? Am I…free?" Claire held her breath, terrified he would say no, only to realize she was more terrified he would say yes.

Wesker didn't answer, his eyes not leaving her. Each passing moment, the knot in her stomach ballooned, and she realized she wasn't breathing. Briefly light-headed and sick to her stomach, Claire realized what his silence entailed.

He frowned. "After everything you have witnessed, it is not something I am able to grant."

She ignored how her heart wrenched. "That's bullshit! I did everything you asked!"

He calmly reached out and took her throat, but didn't squeeze. "The only alternative is that I kill you…I do not want to, but if you leave me no choice…"

Hot tears quickly hit her eyes. From anger. From hurt. From realization. She was foolish to think he would ever release her. "We both know we've gone through enough together that you can trust me. You know I wouldn't say shit."

"I won't deny that."

"Then tell me the truth. Why won't you really let me go?"

There was a slight twinge in his jaw, and he didn't even blink. "Because I don't want to."

Wesker's blatant honesty was both a relief and a slap to the face. To finally hear him say it out loud confirmed her suspicions and fears, confirmed what William, Ada, and even Roth had warned her about.

She swallowed, despite his hold on her neck. "Haven't you ever heard the saying 'If you love something, set it free'?"

His laugh chilled her to the bone. "'If it comes back, it's yours. If not, it was never meant to be.' Fate isn't a predetermined agency, Claire. It's something we choose and take hold of ourselves. And I have taken hold of mine." He gently squeezed her throat and then let her go.

"What about what I want?" Claire asked.

"And what do you want, dear heart?" Wesker asked with another ghost-like smile. "I know you, and nothing indicates to me you want out. By all means, however, look me in the eye and sincerely tell me I am wrong. I just might be persuaded."

Claire glared at him, gripping his forearms. Her lips parted, ready to do just that, knowing she wanted her freedom…and yet, she spoke nothing. Part of her didn't want it, wasn't ready for it. She would only be lying to herself if she continued to deny it.

She shook her head, frustrated more with herself than with Wesker's knowing smirk. "I'm leaving back for college so what's the point?"

He saw right through her bluff and chuckled. "Darling, there isn't a single place you can go where I cannot have my eye on you."

At this point, his words came at no surprise to her, but they did deflate her bravado somewhat.

Albert wrapped his strong arms about her waist, his next words quiet and conciliatory. "I will return most of your freedom, however the same conditions apply. So long as you employ discretion, you have nothing to fear. I will refrain from using you in future stratagems -" he shrugged. "- mostly. So long as you are mine, you have my protection and adherence."

Claire huffed. "You aren't giving me much of a choice."

He smirked and bent to kiss her temple. "Then I think we understand each other," he whispered in her ear.

Her captor/lover left for the door, pausing only when his hand turned the doorknob. "Merry Christmas, dear heart."

When he was gone, Claire slid down the wall onto the carpet, clasping her head in her hands, fingers digging into her scalp. It will never be over…

(Author’s Note: Only the epilogue remains, then a sequel that will follow the events of RE1, RE2/3, and Code Veronica, while focusing on Wesker and Claire’s relationship on a deeper level. Thank you to everyone who has followed this story, it means so much to me!)

[shadowlight17]

CloneShipping Big Bang Sneak Peek!

Here is the sneak peek for Squad Two!! @cloneshippingbigbang

So excited to bring this to you all! It's my first time podficcing so this will be fun! PRESENTING With @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan as Author. And as Artists @artoforesteia, myself, and Lightning Dropkick (who is also Beta). Fic Title:

Time is an Illusion, The Galaxy Makes No Sense

Rated: Mature. Word Count: 50,300

Pairings: Brill(OC)/Boss, OC/Fixer, OC/Sev, OC/Scorch

Tags: Temporary Character Death (Boss), Game Mechanic Shenanigans, Brain Surgery, Clone Commandos, Republic Commando, Alternate Universe, A/B/O,  Clone Trooper Discrimination, Clone Troopers Deserve Better, Sheev Palpatine is His Own Warning, Yandere Clone Troopers, Dark Clone Troopers, OC/Boss, OC/Scorch, OC/Fixer, OC/Sev, Possessive Clone Troopers, Dub Con, mentions of non con off screen, The Force, Magic-ish

Major Archive Warnings: Major Character Death, Dubcon.

Summary:

Boss has an Unusual Defect, one that makes it seem like he can travel back in time to a point in the past. Usually, once he has been healed up at a bacta tank dispenser. One of the things that he realizes is, not only is he shifting through time, he is shifting through Alternate Dimensions and Timelines, most of them are very similar to the ones that he originally came from, and some of them are very different. But as a Commando, he was trained to roll with the punches, and flying blaster bolts, and is determined to keep his squad alive. No matter how many times he has to die in order to get a happier ending.

Snippet and Sneak Peek below!

He... pauses and listens, asking questions and slowly following after Sev. Quiet and determined- and interested in that cure- and offering his help, in what little can, what with knowing only enough medical stuff to patch himself and his vode 'e up mid- and post-battle.

Still- Sev encouraged his interesting Other Things- rather than eyeing his blaster with the desperate gaze that he's seen in other vod'e- he's still on Being Watched- for... Suicidal Ideation. Just in case. Boss listens and learns much as the geneticists allow him to of the testing and what they are doing- them finding the Cure- and then later a shelf-stable version of it.

One that he very studiously learns how to make- his joints, oh, how they ache and crack, even though getting the rapid aging cure helps, he is still suffering the after-effects of the rapid aging, before it had been shifted to normal nat-born aging rates for a near-human species.

Still- during one of the times that they are helping the Rebels out with administrative tasks, teaching tactics, and whatnot, which helps them, most of these nat-borns are very painfully civilian.

It's interesting, teaching other skills to fight and defend and tactics to kill and harm. Then the alarm klaxons ring, and as the Empire descends on them, Boss makes sure to help others evacuate and fight.

He sees Sev get dragged on a transport- who turns to look- eyes widening in alarm as he sees Boss not on the ship as the last transport takes flight while he is still on the ground- Sev is trying to move there is noise and light and heat and pain... light, darkness, and a howling silence.

Boss's eyes snap open and his eyes flicker around swiftly as he tries to assess where he is, when it is, and what's going on. He mentally frowns as he looks around, everything seems... bigger- and he notices the harsh white walls and blinding- not blinding lights.

Kamino. Why the kark is he all the way on Kamino? That doesn't make sense- he should be somewhere in Kashyyyk not on Kamino. Perhaps it was because it had been so long since he had done a Return?

Hm... Finishing using the bacta tank dispenser on Kamino he walks- almost wobbling, Sweet karking force how young is he? He finds a mirror and sees a cadet just barely out of decanting peer at him in the mirror.

Well, kriff. He's back years in the past- before the start of the War, and well before the Rise of the Empire- and the fall of the Republic. Which had been more decaying into the Empire- but alas, such quibbles are for those that care about politics and mega-conglomerations.

One of the first things that the tubie-cadet Commandos are taught is how to use the bacta tank dispensers. The only times they are sent to the medics are for is when they get shots and their annual medical checks that all vod'e have to take.

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!

[ao3feed-crimeboys]

Potions and Catcidents

by kai_ros

There was a kitten in front of Wilbur's cauldron.

Wilbur did not own a kitten.

"Tommy?" Wilbur called out, slowly approaching the ginger kitten. It looked incredibly angry which made the witch more apprehensive.

"Tommy, did you bring a cat home?"

Words: 1125, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 8 of kae's sanity descending into madness: now a series!

Fandoms: Dream SMP, Minecraft (Video Game), Video Blogging RPF

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Characters: TommyInnit (Video Blogging RPF), Wilbur Soot

Relationships: Wilbur Soot & TommyInnit

Additional Tags: TommyInnit is Just a Little Guy (Video Blogging RPF), Cat Shifter TommyInnit (Video Blogging RPF), Witch TommyInnit (Video Blogging RPF), Witch Wilbur Soot, Potions, Potions Accident, Chaos, Fluff, The Writer's Block MCC Aqua Axolotls, The Writer's Block Minecraft Championships 2023 (Video Blogging RPF), woo!!

[professormembranexreader]

Nightmare! Membrane x Test Subject! Male! Reader pt2 (H&C)

RECAP

Professor Membrane was testing out his dimensional scope on you, causing you to disappear from that reality and into the nightmare dimension where Nightmare! Membrane resides. He has agreed to help you find a way home, but he doesn’t intend to keep his promise. ———————————————————————

Outside POV

When (Y/N) woke up the next morning, he was awfully warm. Warmer than the previous night, at least. He opened his eyes and looked around the room he was in, mind refreshing itself on what happened the night prior.

This… wasn’t what he wanted to wake up to.

If he was being honest, he’d rather wake up to his cat, Princess, laying on his face than be somewhere he didn’t truly recognize. But hey, beggars can’t be choosers, right?

(Y/N) shrugged off the thick blanket and heaved himself out of the bed. The hardwood floor was frigid, sending shivers up his spine. With a yawn, he went to the doorway.

There was a mirror hanging on the door. (Y/N) looked at himself — there were his standard dark circles under his eyes. They seemed slightly better than the last time he looked in the mirror, though.

“Enough mirror gazing,” (Y/N) said to himself, refocusing himself on his situation. He was going to find out when he could go home.

(Y/N) made his way out of the room, and looked out at the staircase to his left, then down the rest of the hallway. It continued down for two more doors. If he remembered correctly, it was supposedly Gaz’s and some other room.

(Y/N) started down the staircase and saw who he assumed to be the Gaz in question. She was playing a game on a handheld console, but (Y/N) had no clue what it was. It didn’t remind him of any that were in his world.

But he wasn’t in his world.

He finished going down the staircase and walked behind the couch, trying not to draw any attention to himself.

Unfortunately, this didn’t work.

Gaz whipped her head around, revealing her lack of a lower jaw. She didn’t seem to have any skin on her face, yet her eyes were closed. How…?

It didn’t matter, however, as she started growling and salivating. “We’re going to enjoy experimenting on you! Hahaha!” (Y/N) backed away until he felt his back press against something cold.

“¡Ey! Él es un invitado. ¡No experimentes!”

(Y/N) craned his neck up to look at the odd version of Membrane. (Y/N) gulped and smiled sheepishly. Membrane looked down at (Y/N) and put a hand on his shoulder. Gaz huffed and turned back around, playing her game.

Membrane grabbed (Y/N)’s hand and lead him to a staircase leading down. They descended the stairs, and Membrane guided (Y/N) to what seemed very similar to the device that brought him here in the first place — minus the fact that it wasn’t quite finished.

“Is this the Dimensional Scope?” (Y/N) asked.

Membrane nodded before whipping his head to be inches from (Y/N)’s. “How did you know that?”

Gently pushing Membrane’s face away, (Y/N) replied, “It’s what the other Membrane called it. Calm down.”

To that, Membrane picked (Y/N) up by his shoulders. “How does HE know what I’m calling it?”

“Because you are the same person. Now can you please set me down?” (Y/N) sighed and rolled his eyes. This was getting ridiculous.

“Oh, right. My apologies.” He set (Y/N) back down and brushed his clothes off. “But at the rate I’m proceeding, you should be able to go home soon.”

(Y/N) squeezed Membrane tightly, whispering a small thanks. Taken aback, he paused before returning the embrace with frightening intensity.

(Y/N) tapped on his arm. “Can’t- Breathe-“

Membrane sheepishly smiled and loosened his grip before setting (Y/N) down completely. “But, once again, in about a week it should be ready to go.” He paused and picked up a tool to continue working. “In the meantime, I’d suggest you pick up a book or some other hobby.” (Y/N) slowly nodded, and he watched Membrane start working on the project once more.

With a hopeful sigh, (Y/N) walked back up the staircase, only to be greeted by a knock on the door. (Y/N) looked at Gaz before opening it.

(Y/N) craned his neck up to look at who was casting a looming shadow over him. Holy fuck, was this Bitters? She was as tall and spindly as ever, but with a huge hunch and and weird tendrils coming out of her back. Her legs were also closer to an insect’s, as there were several joints around the knee area (or what (Y/N) thought was the knee area).

But the worst part was when she spoke. “Where is the pathetic parent of this household?”

(Y/N) smiled as wide as he could, and through that strained grin he said, “One moment!”

(Y/N) then slammed the door in Bitters’ face. He ran down the stairs to Membrane’s lab.

Membrane looked up from the Dimensional Scope. It looked like it was finished. But that wasn’t important!

“What is it, (Y/N)? You look stressed.”

(Y/N) panted a bit, before wheezing out, “It’s Bitters.”

(Y/N) didn’t know it was possible, but Membrane somehow grew paler. “Go distract her while I hide this,” he barked. “And take as long as possible!”

(Y/N) slowly waked back up the stairs. Gaz raised an eyebrow, to which (Y/N) put a finger to his mouth and pointed to the door. Gaz nodded and went back to playing her game.

(Y/N) opened the door a crack and Bitters clawed the edges of the door and frame.

“WHERE IS HE?!”

(Y/N) peeked at her through the sliver of the outside world he could see. “Uh…” Not knowing what to do, he defaulted to his customer service experience. “Hi, welcome to the Membrane household. How can I help you?”

“Well I was hoping you’d clean up the spill on aisle fi- wait. This isn’t the store! You tricked me! Where is Membrane!”

“Uh he’s washing his hair-“

Bitters looked at (Y/N), thought about it, and shrugged. “Well I guess I’ll come back later exCEPT HE DOESN’T HAVE HAIR. He has that weird spike thingy but I’ve seen it move and bend — that thing isn’t hair.”

“Who said that’s what he meant when he told me that?” (Y/N) smirked.

Bitters made a grotesque face and shook her head, attempting to clear her mind of that thought. “I MUST see him. LET ME IN!”

A hand materialized on (Y/N)’s shoulder. (Y/N) looked up; Membrane nodded. (Y/N) smiled and flung open the door so that Bitters fell on the hardwood floor.

Shoving herself up, she reached the ceiling of the room, glowering down at Membrane. “Where is it?”

“Where is what?”

“The science!”

Membrane crossed his arms and sighed. “For the last time, it’s al up here,” he said, pointing to his head, and it’s driving me INSANE… literally.”

Bitters squinted, but sighed. “Nothing ever happens around here anymore.”

She then ducked out of the room and stomped back to wherever she was going.

(Y/N) sighed. “That was a close one… the Dimensional Scope looked like it was finished; do you think I could go home?”

Membrane looked to the side, avoiding (Y/N)’s gaze. “Well, you see… I was hoping that you would…”

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow and motioned for him to continue.

“Stay here?”

(Y/N)’s heart sank. He wanted to comfort Membrane, but there was no way he could. He had to go back home.

“I’m sorry, but I have to go. You’re really nice, but I really, really miss my cat.”

Membrane mulled over the prospect of sending (Y/N) back home. As much as he didn’t want to, he knew it was the right thing to do.

Membrane guided (Y/N) to where the machine was hidden. He strapped (Y/N) into the machine. “Ready?” he said, defeated.

“Mhm.” (Y/N) smiled. “And Membrane?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For everything.”

Membrane chuckled and set the Dimensional Scope to the highest setting.

“¿Listo?”

“Yep.”

“I’ll miss you, (Y/N).”

And with the flick of a switch, (Y/N) was once again in their own world. Leaving Membrane alone with his thoughts.

Membrane decided to destroy his Dimensional Scope, trying to get rid of any reminder of (Y/N), but he was still plagued with (Y/N) in his thoughts.

Maybe someday he’ll forget.

Maybe.

[ao3feed-tywin]

Long May He Reign

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/F2i6r7x

by Minsyal

The Hand of the King spends years vying for the princess's affections. Only fate would have it that the two cannot be. As Aerys Targaryen II slowly descends into madness, can their love survive his instability and the war to come?

Words: 6996, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Game of Thrones (TV), A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/M

Characters: Tywin Lannister, Rhaegar Targaryen, Aerys II Targaryen, Grand Maester Pycelle (A Song of Ice and Fire), Jaime Lannister, Cersei Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Barristan Selmy, Arthur Dayne, Lyanna Stark, Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon

Relationships: Tywin Lannister & Original Female Character(s), Tywin Lannister & Reader, Tywin Lannister / Reader, Tywin Lannister/Reader

Additional Tags: Romance, Angst, Fluff

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/F2i6r7x

[kindlythevoid]

1 and 2 for the ask game perhaps?

Oooh, okay!!

I kind of just went off, so in the interest of space:

1. What story (stories?) are you writing rn that you’ll most likely publish next? ∩(´∀`∩)

Hopefully? One of two stories.

The one that I started earlier is my Fallout 4 fic called The Stapinski's, which is my take on a Fallout 4 Minutemen runthrough with Nate and Nora surviving. I know that traditionally in the story Nate was in the military and Nora was a lawyer, so I'm keeping that, except Nate is, like, a surgeon/doctor/medic and Nora has ASPD. It'll mostly be written in a series of snapshots, with one longer intro story and then parts of the main Fallout story that I think would be interesting/changed with these versions of Nate and Nora. However, I'm unlikely to post it until I do another runthrough of Fallout 4 which... idk when it's gonna happen, ha ha!

The second story is my Baby Driver x Fast and Furious crossover fic. There is a chronic lack of Baby Driver fics in general, but especially ones in this crossover, which is devastating. But this one fic had Brian and Debora as siblings and I really just sunk my claws into that concept and started typing away. I don't really have a solid plot, per se?? It's super self-indulgent and takes place after Baby gets out of prison and... at some point in the F&F franchise (probably after the 4th or 5th movie, there are just so many, ha ha!!)... but I'm having fun with a more Debora-centric fic and the interactions between the everyone!! (I also may or may not have stayed up reading an official handbook on classifying prisoners for this fic?? I sincerely doubt it'll affect the plot in any way, but I did and if anyone is curious, it's thought that Baby went to Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison.)

Realistically? The next installment of Rewind, which as of right now is called In Every Stitch and Seam. I am technically still on break, but it wasn't meant to be an indefinite break, oops!! It's just. So Ridiculously Long. This one I am more or less sure of the direction and have a vague notion of what I want each chapter to look like, but writing it has gone... slowly. I'm still working on chapter 6 (out of possibly 21) and I want to be farther in before I start posting so that they don't have too many loose ends if I accidentally drop the ball later on. (Sorry, y'all!!)

But yeah, probably not anything soon. I'd love to keep posting, but, unfortunately for me, nothing is finished, ha ha!

2. What story (stories?) are you writing rn that will most likely linger in your head for an undetermined period of time? (*´▽｀*)

Soooo many stories. I really really want to get around to posting soooo many stories that I have in my docs and my notes app and what-have-you. I really do have so many fics that I haven't posted, it's devastating. (Each one being unashamedly self-indulgent and written so many years ago definitely is not contributed to that, no, not at all.)

I'll focus on written stories instead of just story ideas... I have a few Assassin's Creed ficlets that may never see the light of day. One's, like, a Hallmark AU fic?? With light undertones of mafia?? It's soooo olddd, smhhhh. (∩∀`)/ There's also, like, a genuine songfic that I wrote forever ago. That I could absolutely be persuaded to post, but it's part of a series and the rest of the series wasn't finished and at this rate probably never will be.

This really just descended into early cringe me, but back in the day when I first started reading fanfics, I would notice the billion and one fandoms tagged in a single fic, never read them, but assume that somehow?? they were including each of them in a coherent story??? or something?? (Tbf, I think some of them were, and kudos to everyone who was able to do it, but for the most part I'm pretty sure they were just requests or something) Anyway, so lil ol' me decided to do something like that, too. And the best way I could think of this, for some reason, was to put all my fandoms, each and every one, in a single neighborhood. Each fandom had a house, everyone had a backstory, there were multiple stories detailing the history of each house and one story about my "latest" fandom moving in. I kept track of literal hundreds of characters as people in every day jobs in the town. It was insane. I still pass by it in my docs sometimes and smh. In conclusion, no, this will never see the light of day.

Okay, that was a lot, but absolutely why I made this game, so thank you so much for asking!!

Kindly,

The Void

[ecoamerica]

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!