#s l o w l y been making my way through the asks in my inbox HGSDLK;FJSDF THIS IS FROM SO LONG AGO I'M SO SORRY GBD;LKFAWME

[ninja-knox-ur-sox-off]

yes

[joanquill]

Hiding from a Stalker with Moriarty Brothers + Von Herder

Can I ask for a scenario fic where a Fem! Reader runs up to the Moriarty Brothers + Von herder pretending to be their girlfriend becuuse of a stalker

Albert, William, Louis James Moriarty, and Von Herder

Tag/s: Fem!Reader, Scenario

Albert James Moriarty

"Miss (L/N)!" Sir Acheron called out for you as you squeezed in through the crowd, hoping the number of people would help you hide.

"Excuse me... Miss (L/N), please wait!" the man kept calling out, his eyes locked on you as he made his way through the crowd.

'This is bad...!' you gulped as you quickly walked around, hoping to lose him as he followed you through the dance floor.

'Is he gone..?' you thought, turning your head around as you walked, bumping into someone.

"Sorry! I didn't see-!" you quickly apologized as you faced forward, seeing it was Albert James Moriarty, his suit now drenched in wine as the crowd gasped.

"Insolent girl!"

"Ugh, how improper..."

"How dare she...!"

"Are you all right, miss?" he asked, seeing your frantic state.

"Miss (L/N)!" Sir Acheron called as he reached you, making your blood freeze.

"A-Apologies, my lord…! Shall I help you with the stain?" your voice cracked as you took out your handkerchief, wiping the wine out with shaky hands as the crowd glared at you.

Albert raised a brow as he looked at Sir Acheron, connecting the dots.

"I believe helping me get a new set of clothes would be a better alternative?" Albert suggested, stopping your hand.

"Shall we?" he smiled, linking your arm with his as you walked out of the dance floor.

"O-Of course!" you agreed, sighing in relief as you followed along, hearing Sir Acheron scoff as he left the scene.

"I can see why you would bump into me despite me standing still," Albert whispered, making you nervously laugh.

"Right… Sorry again about the stain. I know quite the talented tailor in town, though!"

William James Moriarty

Your eyes darted around the street, hoping to see at least one shop still open for the night to hide.

You gulped as you saw the man's shadow growing on the ground, hearing his footsteps quickening and closing in on you.

Desperate, you quickly made your way to the department store, only to be stopped by the security guard.

"I'm sorry, miss. We're closing in a few minutes,"

"No, no… You don't understand." you grabbed his arm in fear, "Please, I just need somewhere to-"

"-Sorry, darling. Have you waited long?" a voice chimed in, making you and the guard turn your head to the sound.

It was a nobleman with blond hair and red eyes smiling at you both.

"W-What?"

"Sorry, I lost track of time," he apologetically laughed, walking up to you.

"Shall we get going?" he asked, looking over to his side.

Following, you saw the man stalking you stopped by a lamplight, making your blood curl.

"Y-Yes," you smiled, taking his arm, "Let's go…" you muttered, following the man as you kept your eyes on the stalker.

"There's a police station a couple of blocks from here," the nobleman whispered, making you widen your eyes.

He only looked at you with a wink.

"I'm sure we can convince the officers to help, along with a restraining order if needed."

"I see…" you sighed in relief, feeling your body relax for the first time that night.

"Thank you so much…" you muttered, feeling your eyes tear up in relief, "I thought I was a goner.."

"Here," the man gave you a handkerchief, which you happily took.

"Don't worry, that man won't hurt you now."

Louis James Moriarty

"There you were!" you beamed as you grabbed Louis' arm, catching him by surprise.

"(Y/N)? What are you-"

"Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you," you sighed as you hugged his arm, your whole body shaking as you hid your face.

Louis raised a brow as he looked around, seeing a man staring at you both in the dark.

'Oh...'  he thought and frowned, wrapping an arm around you.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry," he smiled as he pulled you close, hiding you from the man's sight.

"For how long has he been following you?" he whispered, making you gulp.

"I just noticed him an hour ago..."

Louis frowned at the answer as he put his coat on you, catching you by surprise.

"You seemed cold," he explained, keeping you close as you left the department store.

"Did he do anything to you?"

"No, he was just following me the whole time," you answered, pulling his coat close to your body.

"Sorry... I know you wanted to buy a gift for William's birthday,"

"What are you apologizing for?" Louis sighed, keeping an eye on the stalker following you both, "That creep isn't your fault," he reasoned as he called for a carriage.

"Let's get you home for the time being," Louis whispered as he helped you up the carriage.

"What about you?" you asked as you grabbed his hand, "You might get hurt,"

Louis breathed out a smile as he removed your hold, "I'll be fine. You're the one he wants,"

"Then what are you gonna do?"

A dangerous glint lit up in Louis' eyes before he lifted his head and gave you a courteous smile.

"Just giving him a lesson he won't forget,"

Von Herder

"Honey!" you called out as you hugged Herder from behind, almost making you both fall over.

"Huh? What-" he muttered, feeling you hold him with trembling arms.

"Um... Miss? I think you got the wrong-"

"-Honestly... I thought you said we were meeting in the cafe?" you sighed with a shaky breath, still holding onto him.

Furrowing his brows, he gently hugged you back, feeling another presence behind you not too far away.

'I see...'  Herder sighed, noticing the growing hostile air closing in on you two.

"Sorry, sorry! It must have slipped my mind," Herder played along with a cheery voice, pulling you away from the presence and linking his arm with yours.

"Now then, what should we eat?" he asked as he led you away from the presence, hearing you sigh in relief.

"You can decide this time," you replied, resting your head on his shoulder.

"Sorry, miss. Are you all right?" Herder whispered, still feeling the presence following you.

"Yes, I'm okay... Thank you for playing along," you whispered back, your hands still shaking.

Herder frowned as he kept you close, thinking of a possible solution.

"Oh!" he beamed, stopping abruptly with a grin.

"Sorry, honey. Can we make a quick stop?" Herder asked as he pointed at a mechanics shop, making you raise a brow.

"I don't mind. But what for?" you asked as Herder smirked.

"You'll see," he answered vaguely as you both entered the shop.

"It will be quick, miss...?"

"(Y/N)," you smiled, "(Y/N) (L/N),"

"Miss (Y/N)," he finished as he rummaged around some parts.

"If you don't mind, I might have a solution on how to protect yourself,"

[alziel]

i was so glad the second i saw your post abt accepting both Luka and smut 😭 may i request for Luka smut then i love him so much he's such a redflag

“ Affection „

: GN!Reader (Amab)

Summary: Spicy interaction with our beloved Luka

Warnings: Service Top!Reader,Power bottom!Luka,Riding(reader receiving),Creampie,Handjob,Nipple play

A/n: YAYAYAYY, my first request!!! I'm sorry if this seems sloppy!TT. Also I cannot imagine this guy whipping out a dick and fucking someone..

«---------------»«---------------»

Ah..How did you even get here? How did a simple cuddle session turn into a heated moment? Currently Luka was sitting on your lap stroking your dick. He would sometimes speed up the pace then slow it down to tease you.

“Oh my, darling, tears are starting to roll down your face.” Luka teased while speeding up the pace once again, making you arch your back by the sudden sensation. You didn't notice that tears started to fall down your face, to caught up with the waves of pleasure. “You look quite adorable~”

Of course he would. This is Luka we're talking about. You whimpered once you felt him slow down. “L-luka please..” you managed to speak.

“Please what, dear? You have to speak fully if you want to get what you want.” He teased, this guy is going to be the death of me..

“Y-you already know what I w-want..!” I spat out, he suddenly gripped my dick making me choke out a moan. Shit that felt too good.

“I don't tolerate brats who doesn't know their manners.” He warned, how ironic for you to say that when you keep teasing me through my arousal. I quickly grab his waist and place my forehead with his.

“Please L-luka, let me cum? I've been s-so good to you h-haven't I?..” I blabbered, making sure to look desperate. “Please please please please please..” I thought endlessly while waiting for his response.

“Well since you asked me so nicely, I can't just deny you so cruelly..” I cheered silently, I yelped when he suddenly pushed me down until my head hit the pillows.

“O-ow Luka what the--HNNGK!” I bit my lip once I felt something warm surrounding my dick, the feeling of his warm walls almost, ALMOST, sent me through my orgasm. “O-oh fuck..”

“A-ah~..” He moaned, I finally opened my eyes to look at him. His eyes were closed shut,blush covering his cheeks and ears,messy hair sticking to his forehead,hands gripping my shoulder for stability. He looked so pretty and beautiful, he always look like he had been sculptured by angels.

I snapped out of my trance once he started to bounce. Gosh it felt like heaven, did he fuck someone before? No way this is his first time. The sounds he's making sounded so enchanting too--literally everything about this man yells majestic.

“A-ah that's it--you just take it mngh..like a good pet.” He stated breathless, moaning and whimpering between the sentence. I just nodded mindless, too focused on the drowning feeling. But one thing that caught my eye were his nipples, it was all perked up and pink. As if it was screaming for me to suck on them..and so I did. “W-what are you do--oh~!”

I started to suck on one of the buds, swirling my tongue on it and lightly nibbling on it. He seemed to enjoy by how his bouncing got sloppier but his moans grew louder. I brought up my other hand to start teasing his other nipple, lightly twisting and squeezing the pink bud. He brought his hand to rub my scalp, encouraging me to continue.

“F-hah-uck! Keep going doll..m'so close..” I followed his orders and continued to bring stimulation to his nipples, going a lot rougher than before. His moans got louder and started bouncing a lot faster, I could feel it coming again..

“Luka pleaseee..please let me cum--fuck don't stop,don't stop,dont--AH~!" I came inside of him, burrying my face onto his chest, gripping his hips tightly to the point it looks like it'll bruise. White slimy residue painted his insides while the rest started to escape outside of his hole. Soon he came after, splattering onto my chest and his stomach.

We panted while we ride our high out, his hand never left my scalp. Soon he started to chuckle, I slowly looked up to him with a confused expression. “What's so funny?..”

“That was fun.” he admitted while looking his lips, he pinned me to the bed once more. “Let's do it again~”

I gave him a wide eyed shock expression "H-hold on! We just finished a moment ago, shouldn't we take a b--Luka, Luka baby..Luka-!”

Ah this is going to be a long night indeed..

[luvyeni]

hi again !! i'd love to request a smut drabble for renjun where he enjoys overstimulating f!reader when he gets jealous

CRAZY SMILE; HUANG RENJUN

pairings. boyfriend!renjun x fem!reader

wc. 437

warnings. edging, oral (f. receiving), renjun is mean, borderline crazy

i hope you like it 💗!

you don't need renjun to tell you he's jealous, you know by the smile...that crazy smile.

—

through any of the other members eyes, his smile could be mistaken as a sweet, loving smile— but you, you knew that smile... you were fucked

were you flirting with haechan? of course not, but renjun didn't see it that way, the way you'd lean into haechan when you laughed at one of his jokes, or the way haechans hand would touch your shoulder, renjun didn't like it, and was gonna make sure you understood.

"go to the room." was all he told you when you got home, but you knew he meant to take off all your clothes, and that's exactly what you did.

"baby, you never listen." he walked into the room, going into the drawer, pulling out the handcuffs. "arms up, now." he cuffed your arms the the bedpost. "i tell you all the time i don't like you being all touchy with the members, and you never listen, even though you're aware of what happens." he sat down next to your naked body.

"i..i w..wasn't- i didn't ask you to speak did i?" you shut right up. "i love when you're pliant like this." he chuckled, his fingers touching your slit making your hips twitched.

you weren't sure what it was, but when your boyfriend was jealous, he became a sadist, he loved to see you squirm, he especially loved to edge you.

—

"r..renjun- fuck, im gonna cum!" you squirmed, legs shaking, pulling at the cuffs as your boyfriend ate you out like a mad man.

"p...please l...let me cum."

the cruel boy below just smirked agaisnt your folds, before pulling away leaving you high and dry for the 4th time that night. "n..no please." you whined...and he laughed, he laughed right in your face. "baby, you're still on that?"

he used his thumb to toy with your puffy clit, stroking it. "i...i- y...you what?" he mocked you. "i..im s..sorry." he pouted with fake sympathy. "baby if you were a good girl, and had listen to me and not flirted with haechan in the first place you wouldn't be here right now, you would've been able to cum ages ago." he pullied away once again, ruining yet another orgasm.

"no, p..please, i need to cum." the tears in your eyes, made renjun's cock twitch. "poor baby." his kissed your wet cheeks, undoing his pants out, pulling his cock out, stroking it.

relief washed over your spent, sweaty body once he tapped it on your clit, finally getting a bit of pleasure. "mmh, your cunt feels so good." he rubbed his cock up and down your pussy. "so wet."

"r..renjun, please put it in, please, please." you were begging for a release , but it fell on deaf ears, renjun didn't care, he could cum just from this, your tears on fueled him to keep edging you— he loved when he got to do this, it was almost sick how much he loved it.

he used his tip, pushing it into your aching hole. "f...fuck baby, im gonna use you just like this, fucking you with the tip of my cock." he moaned. "do you think you could cum just from that, hmm? baby if you can cum just like that, then you cum, this is all you get."

"o...okay."

he fucked his tip into you, occasionally pulling out to rubbing it along your swollen clit. you feel the knot in your stomach tightening and tightening. "r...renjun, i..im gonna cum- shit! " you were practically there, but you should've known renjun wasn't gonna let up on his punished.

he pulled his tip out, jerking his cock off, cumming on your stomach. "no!" you screamed, having your orgasm ruined once again. "n..no, p...please, please." you were crying, and twitching.

renjun wiped your tears, undoing the cuffs, kissing your cheek, with that same smile... that same crazy, sadistic smile.

"sorry baby, but you were too late, maybe haechan could come help you."

©️LUVYENI

[tmpestuous]

Moth to a Flame - 4

series masterlist

summary: Bucky Barnes was the love of your life, and you were his. There was no denying it. But after two years of dating, you found yourselves on different paths and decided it was best to go your separate ways. The only problem was how drawn you’d always be to him even after moving on.

pairing: College!Bucky x Reader

chapter warnings: alcohol, drinking, implied (stated) sex, bReAkUpS?, angst, fluff, i think that’s it

word count: ~5k!

a/n: an update finally… i sincerely apologize for the inactivity but life has been more than stressful lately. i have the course of this story planned so hopefully i can push out a few updates for you all over the course of december and hopefully finish it! thank you for your patience. 

“You should be with him,

I’ll let you go from time”

*

“You should give him another chance, you know,” Bucky said softly as he gazed out at the water before him. 

He had brought you out to the lake to calm your nerves after he found you crying on your bedroom floor, always knowing how to best comfort you. You two were seated on a bench, watching the moonlight illuminate the water through its reflection. 

“I’m surprised you’re saying that,” you joked as you looked over at him, your eyes tired from their overuse. “You said you wanted to fight him not even an hour ago.”

Bucky chuckled. “Listen,” he leaned forward on his knees. “It’s his first fuck up, and I know he cares about you. I know you care about him too. I reacted the wrong way when I saw you earlier today, I let my emotions get the best of me. But I still meant every word.”

You sighed. “I do care about him, it’s just…” you paused. “I expected more, you know? I’ve gone to all of his big moments since we’ve been together. I’ve been to his stupid frat parties when I didn’t want to go just because he wanted me to be there. I’ve done my part; I don’t know what I did wrong for him to not do his.”

“Hey,” Bucky turned his attention to you. “You have done nothing wrong. He was irresponsible and that is not on you.”

“So why exactly are you telling me I should give him another chance?” you asked, avoiding the topic of your self-blame. 

Bucky shook his head. “I dunno, I just don’t like seeing you sad. He’s a good guy, he made a mistake. I made lots of mistakes with you—”

“None that really hurt my feelings, though,” you cut him off. 

“I know,” he agreed hesitantly. “But they were mistakes nonetheless, and you never held a grudge too long with me.” You giggled, making Bucky furrow his eyebrows. “What’s so funny, Y/l/n?”

“I don’t think anyone can hold a grudge against you for too long, Barnes,” you said as you raked your fingers through his hair to push it away from his face. “You’re you.”

“So I’ve heard,” Bucky responded, his conversation with Atlas after the seminar creeping into his thoughts. “Still, what I said still stands. Just talk to him.”

You nodded. “Okay.”

T W O  W E E K S  L A T E R

Studying for an exam was indeed the bane of your existence, but studying for an exam you thought you weren’t prepared for was by far a lot worse.

Forcing yourself not to get swallowed up in your schoolwork was starting to get really difficult, and your exam for your 6:30pm class had you up at 7am this morning to study. 

The library was somehow even quieter in the early morning, the silence forcing you to play some music lowly through your headphones because it had started to make you uncomfortable. 

Around 11am, you had been studying for 3 hours with appropriate breaks during the time span. As you were about to take another one, you saw a familiar face that’d only make you feel better.

“I’d say you look like shit when you’re stressed, but I would very much be lying,” Bucky joked quietly as he sat across from you.

You and Bucky were… different.

It’s odd to say that your relationship with each other has changed drastically in the span of two weeks, but you both felt that it was a lot less hurtful to be around each other. You invited the warm feeling. 

After that night on the bench in front of the lake, you were a lot more open with each other. Cracking jokes about your previous relationship that would have left you crumbling in tears months prior. 

It felt nice to have your best friend back.

“This test is slowly going to kill me, but I desperately need to eat,” you said as you closed your textbook and finished up the notes you were writing on your iPad.

“We can grab lunch, if you want?” Bucky offered, “I don’t have much going on today before my only class at 2:00.”

Narrowing your eyes at him, you mentally questioned why he’d already be eager to leave the library if he had only just got here. “Did Nat put you up to this?”

Natasha had been on your heels revolving anything and everything in the last two weeks, not letting up on the Atlas situation either in the slightest.

“It’s not that serious, Nat, I promise,” you said. 

“It’s hate sex, Y/n. Not even me and Steve would do such a thing.”

You shook your head with a chuckle. “It’s not like it was planned, it just… happened.”

“With no conversation, not even a hint of him telling you why he didn’t show up to your presentation, and no sight of an authentic apology that doesn’t end with him in your pants. I mean, when did you all of a sudden decide to want him all up in your guts anyway?”

“Natasha Romanoff!” Natasha shut her mouth as soon as she went to retort. “He apologized. As a matter of fact, he won’t stop apologizing. I’d rather him put his energy into something else anyway.”

“Do you really think he’s sorry?”

“He’s just gonna have to show me over time. Bucky said it is his first fuck up,” you mentioned, not getting your conversation with Bucky out of your head.

“I cannot believe Bucky told you to give him another chance,” Natasha slid her jacket on. “That man is still in love with you.”

“Isn’t he seeing someone?”

“Aren’t you?” she rebutted.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

She winked before leaving your dorm without another word. 

Chuckling slightly, Bucky pulled on the straps of his bookbag.

“She told me to find you,” he admitted. “Make sure you aren't drowning in this test. What’s it on anyway?”

“Different theories pertaining to the mind. I’m pretty well versed on who said what and their reasoning, but some of them are a bit confusing and the professor helped a bit, but he’s a philosopher through and through.”

You closed the case to your tablet before shoving everything in your bag.

“So we’re getting lunch?” Bucky raised his eyebrows as you exhaustingly zipped your bag up.

“We’re getting lunch.”

The dining hall was a bit across campus from the library, so you were glad you had Bucky as company. Your newfound dynamic brought you a sense of comfort with him you hadn’t had with him in a while—steps in the right direction to avoid the tension that’s been looming all semester. 

Walking into the cafeteria, you and Bucky ordered and paid for your food before going into one of the booths, sitting across from each other. Bucky stared at you with a stifled laugh as you dug into your food, resulting in you glaring at him.

“Don’t laugh at me,” you said, mouth half-full.

“Don’t talk with food in your mouth or you’ll choke,” he teased and you rolled your eyes playfully. “How’re you and Atlas?”

“Just going straight to the important questions, are we?” You retorted after swallowing.

“I’m just checking in.”

Shaking your head, you shrugged. “We’re… okay, I guess. He still hasn’t really confessed anything about flaking, but I also haven’t really asked.”

Bucky nodded. “Are you going to?”

You shrugged again. You weren’t sure if you wanted to open the possibility of another argument with Atlas, especially since you hadn’t had one since him ditching you. He seemed remorseful, trying to make up for it with time, but the thought of not knowing always bothered you in the back of your mind.

“Enough about me,” you said abruptly. “How are you and Sharon?”

It was Bucky’s turn to shrug. If he was being honest, he didn’t know how he felt about Sharon. She was a nice girl, but he wasn’t entirely positive that she’s 100% into him and vice versa.

“We have good moments; I just don’t know where it’s going.”

As you were about to reply, Natasha and Steve crashed the booth without warning.

“If it isn’t my two favorite people after Steve,” Natasha said as she scooted in next to you, giving you a side hug. “I’m glad we found you here.”

“What trick do you have up your sleeve, Nat?” you asked, knowing your roommate and best friend a little too well.

“I’m sure you know this already,” she leaned into you before turning her attention back to everyone at the table. “Party tonight at the frat house on Fulton. 9:00 PM sharp. We need a break now that midterms are finishing.”

“Sounds fun,” Bucky agreed. “I’m in. Y/n?”

“I’m not sure I have a choice with the redhead next to me,” you said, making Natasha giggle. “I will be late though, I have my last midterm for this class today and I’m taking every single second I can get to perfect it.”

“We shall meet you there then,” Natasha said before you all continued finishing your lunch.

1 0 : 0 0  P M

To Bucky’s surprise, this party had gotten live faster than he expected. A 9PM party usually meant everyone started pregaming at 9, showing up at around 11-12. But the amount of bodies within this house had him wishing he’d shown up later. It wasn’t like he had much of an option, with Natasha rushing everyone out at 9 to head over. He said it’d be best to wait for you to get back so you can all go together, but Nat had assured him you told her it was fine to meet her there. 

On the bright side, Sam agreed to be the designated driver which meant he could actually drink for a change. He wasn’t a huge drinker, fancying his occasional whiskey, but he felt he hadn’t had a chance to let loose all semester. Bucky definitely wasn’t trying to get wasted, but he wanted the warmth of a few drinks that made him incapable of being trusted to drive.

Bucky couldn’t help but keep an eye out for your arrival, knowing how stressed you were about your test and even offering to study with you before and after his only class of the day. You had gotten a few texts from Atlas throughout, Bucky noting your frustration and overstimulation from everything and making you take a few breaks here and there, which you were grateful for.

Bucky knew Atlas was never going to be fully fond of him and his friendship with you, but he couldn’t really blame him. He knew he’d probably react the same way if he were in such a situation, but he also knew that he’d never purposely ruin your relationship. Atlas cared about you and you cared about him, which was enough to preserve in Bucky’s eyes.

You always caught a few longing glances from Bucky, but he was oblivious to it. You knew what was cycling through his head, as he did yours, but your current dynamic was going so well and neither of you wanted to go back to square one.

Bucky was on his fifth drink of the night when you walked in, begging him to make you the strongest drink possible without a greeting to precede it.

“How’d it go?” he asked you in your ear so you could hear him over the music, prepping his same drink for you, but with a bit more to take the edge off. 

“It was fine, I’m just glad it’s over,” you sighed as you took the cup out of his hand within seconds of him handing it to you, downing the entire drink before demanding another.

“Slow down,” he warned before making you a second one.

“I need to get drunk tonight, Bucky, so you can help me by making sure no one fucks me up or I will go elsewhere,” you warned back playfully, and he could see you meant no harm when he handed you a second, third, and fourth. Soon enough, you had already passed him in drinks and he saw as you looked giggly already.

Atlas had walked up to the both of you, making Bucky look on his phone to avoid the awkwardness. 

“I didn’t know you were here already,” Atlas pulled you into his arms, placing a chaste kiss on your lips. “Are you… drunk?”

You giggled in response. “I need another one,” you hiccuped before going back to Bucky, who was entertained with swiping aimlessly on his phone. “Barnes.” Bucky looked at you with furrowed eyebrows as you took his phone out of his hand, shoving it in your bag. “Get off your phone, we’re here to have fun.”

“Your boyfriend’s here, Y/n, go have fun with him.”

Shaking your head, you grabbed him by the shoulders. “We’re all here to have fun, c’mon!” You pulled him forward, Bucky and Atlas both trying to make sure you didn’t trip over your own feet. You ended up pulling Atlas into the mix as well, who was already more than uncomfortable. 

Dancing in between the both of them, Natasha was giggling in the corner, earning her a hard glare from Bucky. He knew he wasn’t gonna live this one down, but he slipped away from your view once all of your attention was on Atlas instead of partially on him. 

“That’s gonna be a messy conversation, huh?” Natasha asked as Bucky finished making his way over to her and Steve. 

“What are you talking about, Romanoff?”

“Atlas hasn’t had a drink all night and he looked like he’d rather crawl in a hole than dance with his girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend,” she watched as Atlas carried you upstairs, taking another sip of her drink. “Wonder how that’s gonna play out.” 

Atlas was dying to get out of the crowd, taking you upstairs to his room which you happily accepted, throwing yourself on his bed after he put you down to lock the door. Another giggling fit came out of you, and Atlas sat next to where your lying body was on the bed.

“What’s so funny, Y/n?”

He didn’t sound too thrilled, having the notion that drunk actions were sober thoughts in the back of his mind. When you got here, you made your way to Bucky. Not him. That on top of the most awkward situation he’d been in with Bucky since he started dating you, he was starting to lose his patience a bit, but he knew he couldn’t bring it up while you were drunk. 

“You’re funny,” you said with more giggles to follow. “You’re maaaad.” You sat up, a bit too quickly which Atlas noticed, holding you stable by the shoulders so you wouldn’t get dizzy and throw up. You stared at him and bopped his nose with your index finger, giggling again. “Don’t be mad, Atlas.”

“I’m not mad, Y/n,” he responded in a shy yet stern tone. “You should probably go to bed.”

“Mm, no,” you said with a quick head shake, wrapping your arms around his neck as he wrapped his around your torso. “I’m not tired.”

“You’re drunk,” he said, laying back as you fell on top of him. “Let’s go to bed, okay? We’ll talk in the morning.”

“I don’t want to sleep,” you pushed up off of him, straddling his lap. “And I don’t want to talk. There’s nothing to talk about.”

Atlas scoffed. “There’s a lot to talk about, Y/n.”

“Like what?”

“We’re not doing this right now, you’re drunk,” he said as he removed you off of his lap gently, placing you back on the bed. “Let’s just go to sleep.”

You shook your head, suddenly starting to feel your buzz get killed. “No, what is it that you want to talk about so bad?”

“I’m not doing this right now, okay?” he said, pulling one of his shirts for you to change into. 

Rolling your eyes, you reluctantly got changed, getting into bed as he slid in behind you, knowing the following morning was going to be irritating. 

And that it was.

Waking up slightly late, you were surprised you weren’t sporting a raging migraine from the previous night’s endeavors. Atlas was no longer in bed and the bass from the speakers downstairs blasting music long gone. You checked your phone, seeing a few texts from your friends who you left without a goodbye.

Bucky <3

Hey, everything all good? 

We’re heading out in a bit. Not sure if you drove here or not if you want a ride back

I would assume your phone’s dead but all the messages are delivering

Nvm all good. Atlas just told us you went to bed. See you tomorrow loser

Future Russian Spy (Nat)

Where is your drunk ass at

Hoping you’re not getting laid again

Sleep is for the weak but I’m glad you’re resting. Let me know if you need a ride back tomorrow when u see this

You had driven to Atlas’s place, but given the fatigue you had, you texted Nat back asking for a ride. After doing so, you got out of bed, deciding it was best to take a hot shower and at least make yourself look human for the day. Atlas came back into the room after you were dressed and brushing your teeth with the spare toothbrush you’d left here the last time you slept over. 

“I made breakfast,” he said, standing in the bathroom doorway.

“Not hungry,” you said, rinsing your mouth with water. “But thanks.”

You were pretty intoxicated last night, but definitely not blackout drunk to forget the impending comments from your boyfriend about whatever was bothering him. Not to mention, the last thing you were looking for was an argument at 11 in the morning after you just woke up.

“Can you please not be difficult right now?”

Stopping in your tracks as you were about to grab your jacket, you turned to face him. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?”

Atlas sighed. “I’m not arguing with you, Y/n.”

“I never said you were,” you rebutted. “You wanted to talk, so let’s talk.”

“Do you seriously not see that nothing is getting better between us? You were throwing yourself at Bucky right in front of me last night, and he has a girlfriend. You don’t even seem regretful.”

Scoffing, you rubbed your hands down your face. “I’m not repeating myself for the thousandth time to you, Atlas. You know how I feel about Bucky, and he and Sharon aren’t even dating.”

“You still love him.”

“I will always love him, that’s what you don’t get!” You yelled in frustration before exhaling deeply. “Bucky and I didn’t end on bad terms. We didn’t end because he cheated on me or I ruined his life. I will always have love for him, regardless of whether you think it’s platonic or romantic. I can’t just change that.”

“Well, you need to,” he replied flatly.

You chuckled. “You’re giving me an ultimatum?”

“Me or him, Y/n. I can’t play second-fiddle to Bucky Barnes anymore. It’s me in your life or him.”

“You can’t sit here and give me ultimatums like I’m constantly the one that’s doing you wrong.”

Atlas crossed his arms across his shoulders. “I knew this was going to come up eventually. You’re still mad at me.”

“I have never been mad, Atlas. I just wanted an answer. And that was so fucking difficult for you to give me.”

“Maybe you should ask your little ex-boyfriend what happened that day.”

“It’s always about Bucky with you,” you dejected. “I’m starting to think you’re the one that’s in love with him.”

“I’m serious, Y/n.”

Throwing your hands around in frustration, “What could Bucky possibly know abou–”

“He’s the one that told me to leave!” he interrupted you. When you simply stared at him without words, he continued. “I showed up. Bucky told me to leave. I fucked up the night before, I get that, but I was there. I made it after you walked in and Bucky told me to up and leave because I couldn’t support you in the state I was in. So if you need someone to be upset about, maybe start with him.”

Staring at him in disbelief, you scoffed again, shoving your jacket on your shoulders, checking your phone to see Natasha text you that she’s outside. “I’ll talk to you later, Atlas.”

“When you come back here, I want an answer.”

“Yeah, whatever,” you said, starting your day off with an immeasurable amount of frustration, which Natasha could feel radiating off of you as you got in the car angrily.

“I’m going to ignore the fact that you slammed my door and ask what happened.”

Sighing to yourself to calm down, you leaned back in the car seat. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Fiddling with your fingers, Natasha was talking your head off but you could not hear her one bit. You know Bucky was mad about Atlas not showing up, but it wouldn’t make sense for him to sabotage you like that. Was he telling you to give Atlas another shot because he felt guilty? Did he not want to be the reason things fell out? 

No, that wasn’t Bucky. He would never do such a thing. 

Sighing to yourself, Natasha snapped you out of your thoughts in the middle of the diner you were seated at having breakfast food at 1pm. 

“Are you even listening? What’s got you so distant since I picked you up?”

“Are we seeing Bucky at any point today?” you avoided her question.

“I told you he’s meeting us here with Steve. What’s going on?”

Knowing how Natasha feels about Atlas, you decided to wait until Bucky made it before jumping to any conclusions, assuring her that it was no big deal. It’d be better to hear it straight from Bucky than being mad at anyone over anything yet, and you knew Bucky would tell you the truth.

At least that’s what you’d hoped.

Almost as if on cue, Bucky and Steve walked into the diner, looking around before Bucky spotted you with a smile, tapping Steve to draw his attention in the same direction. You half-smiled back, but Bucky knew something was off. As the boys made their way over, Bucky sat next to you in the booth, looking over at you with concern.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, making you shake your head.

“We didn’t order for you guys not knowing what you guys wanted,” you said as you slid both of them the menu, leaving Bucky confused while Steve was excited. 

“Bucky and I have been thinking about bacon since we left the dorm,” Steve chatted looking at both you and his best friend, which you returned, but Bucky couldn’t take his eyes off of you. “Buck?”

“What’s wrong, Y/n?” Bucky asked you again, Steve diverting his attention towards you. 

“That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out for the past two hours,” Natasha interjected, and everyone at the table was now staring at you.

You sighed, looking down at your hands in your lap, biting down on your bottom lip. “I don’t know.”

“Did that asshole do something again?” Natasha asked, clearly starting to get riled up. “I swear to G—”

“Nat,” Bucky cut her off sternly, giving her a glare. He knew you were nervous about something and anyone getting angry would just make it worse. 

He always knew how to read you.

“Did something happen after we left? This morning?” he asked softly while Steve ordered for himself and Bucky.

“He told me it was you, Buck,” you responded hesitantly, causing Bucky to shake his head in confusion. “The presentation. Him not showing up. He said you told him to leave when he got there. Before you walked in?”

Shaking his head again, Bucky was now annoyed. “Bullshit.”

“Bullshit?”

“He showed up during Banner’s slot, Y/n. Yeah, I told him to leave, and if that was wrong on my part, I’m sorry, but I would never force him to leave if he actually showed up on time.”

“That and he smelled like a bad liquor store,” Steve added.

“He was only going to make things worse. I’m sorry for telling him he should leave but—”

“No.”

“No?” Bucky questioned your interruption, not quite catching on.

“You’re not apologizing. You did what you thought was best, and he lied to me about it again anyway.”

Feeling defeated, you urged everyone to move on. Bucky felt bad that you had to find out in such a way, and the urge he got to beat Atlas’s ass was even stronger than it was the day everything happened. 

After you all ate, you went back to the dorm and relaxed for a bit before asking Natasha to give you a ride to get your car at Atlas’s house. The gang all asked to meet up at Bucky, Steve, and Sam’s dorm for drinks and games, so you told Natasha you’d meet her there.

“You sure you’re gonna be okay?” she asked for the second time that night.

“Yeah, I’m just gonna get my car and go,” you unbuckle your seatbelt and open the door. “I’ll see you at the boys’ place, okay?”

Nat nodded before watching you walk towards your car and driving off. Unlocking the vehicle, you saw Atlas rushing out of the front door from your peripherals.

“You weren’t even gonna come inside?” he said as he walked up next to you.

“Don’t think picking up my car requires me to go inside, does it?” you retorted with an attitude, not really wanting to talk.

“You know why I’m asking.”

“Well, I wouldn’t think it’d matter considering Bucky has no involvement in the reason why I’m breaking up with you, Atlas.”

Stunned, Atlas stared at you incredulously. 

“Cat got your tongue? Or are you coming up with some other lie you think I won’t find out about?”

“Y/n—”

“Save it. We’re done. If you think I’m choosing Bucky over you, then maybe I am,” you cut him off, tears filling up your eyes. “Now that I think of it, I’d choose him over you every single time, Atlas. He’s never lied to me, never treated me like I was less than him, and he sure as hell would never make me pick between him and someone else that he knows I care about. I’m over it, I can’t do this anymore. We’re done.”

Getting inside of your car, Atlas decided not to say a word as he watched you pull out of his driveway and drive off. He definitely had other ideas in mind.

Meanwhile, you were trying to gain your composure as you made it back to campus and to the boys’ dorm. You managed to get yourself to stop crying but given the amount of it you just did, you knew it was evident on your face.

Even though it might be the worst option at this given moment, you wanted nothing but to jump into Bucky’s arms. You wanted his hugs back, you wanted to feel his warmth again.

You wanted him back. You knew it was dumb to even think of, but you couldn’t help it. All of your emotions were crashing down on you and you finally knew why everything was weighing so heavy on your shoulders for the past few months.

You never wanted to move on. It was foolish to even think of doing, let alone actually doing it. Bucky was always going to be it for you. It’s him. It’s always going to be him. 

But much to your demise after opening the door to the boys’ dorm, you walked in to see everyone in the living room.

Including Sharon.

Everyone looked up at you, seeing your face and immediately asking what happened.

Again, including Sharon.

“Um– sorry, I didn’t want to be a buzzkill or anything, I just—”

“You’re not,” Sharon spoke up again, and you couldn’t help but notice her hand on Bucky’s thigh while she spoke. “We weren’t talking about much, just some updates on everyone. Right?”

Everyone agreed.

“Updates?”

“Yes, like Barnes here making it official with Sharon,” Thor added eagerly.

You looked back at Bucky, who suddenly looked like he wanted to throw up.

“Are you okay?” he asked, not wanting to talk about the bombshell news that just got dropped on you.

“Yeah, I-I’m fine,” you shook your head. “Don’t worry, I just got into a heated argument with my mom is all. Um, I actually forgot something in my room that I should grab so I’ll be back.”

Natasha knew your excuse for leaving was full of shit the second you walked back out the door, telling everyone she was going to check on you. She walked downstairs to see you sobbing to yourself in your car, thankful you didn’t drive off yet.

Opening the passenger door and getting inside, Natasha pulled you into her embrace.

“I know it wasn’t some argument with your mom that got you like this, so what happened with Atlas?” Natasha asked right away, knowing you weren’t calming down anytime soon unless she knew how to help.

“I broke up with him.”

Well, she wasn’t expecting to hear that. 

“Oh,” she said, rubbing your back up and down. “I’m sorry—”

“For Bucky.”

Or that. She definitely wasn’t expecting to hear that.

“Oh.”

“I’m such an idiot, Nat,” you sobbed into her shoulders. “I just broke up with him and now Bucky’s with Sharon and I can’t tell him that I broke up with Atlas because he’s gonna ask why and I—”

“Hey, hey,” she lifted your face in her hands to look at her while you cried. “We’re gonna figure it out, alright? You’re gonna be fine.”

You nodded, even if you weren’t fully convinced. But little did you know, everything was about to bite you in the ass.

[bisexualhomelander]

An expensive sex toy, a snooping supe, and a surprising amount of foot fetish

S E X T O Y | H O M E W E L L

Her house smells like her and her perfume and the coffee she drinks. He feels drunk just from entering it, and it does quell some of his anxiety at breaking in to be so engulfed by her.

She's not home, having left for a meeting, and so he reverently wanders into her bedroom, a pilgrim at a holy site.

Her bed is neatly made, her closet so orderly. His hands wander over her blouses, filling his lungs with the lingering scent of her. And then he sees it. At the bottom of the closet. A sleek golden rounded appliance he's seen before. He snatches it up. He intimately knows the buzz of it, the sound. The way it makes her shiver when she pushes against it.

The light in the bedroom is turned on.

She stands there, hand still on the light switch. Her pulse is rapid, her eyes wide, but only for a second.

He's a scared child again, the spotlight hitting his eyes so brightly. Instead of putting it back, he clasps the toy tightly, a comfort. "Madelyn, I- it-"

"What are you doing?"

"You forgot to lock your balcony door, I was just- Someone might come in and-"

"Thank you for reminding me." She moves across the room to close it, effectively trapping him here. "Now tell me why saving me from a burglar necessitates you going through my things. Has someone been hiding in this closet?"

His face feels hot, and his eyes brim with tears. "I'll go," he whispers, but the shake of her head cuts him off.

"No, you're not going anywhere."

His heart is hammering. He wants to beg her, wants to be at her feet to ask her to just let him go, he would not return. He would.

She gives a little sigh, voiceless. She leaves, her footsteps echoing in the high rooms of her home, stilettos clacking down the stairs. The clinking of glass.

Madelyn returns with her usual quick gait. She stops in the doorway, lifting one leg and then the other to remove her shoes. She is holding a glass of cognac, and he is mesmerised by how her fingers are wrapped around it. His tongue flicks out for just a moment before he can catch himself.

Barefoot, she walks over to her bed and sits down on it, facing him. "You seem fascinated by this one."

He looks down at the toy.

Madelyn sips her drink. "Do you know how to use it?"

He does, and she knows he does. She probably knows how he has found out. He nods because his voice is trapped in her eyes.

"Good. This will be easy. If you want it so badly, I'll allow it." She supports herself with a hand on the bed, balancing, one knee on top of the other. His eyes wander down her legs. He can see her toes through the sheer black pantyhose, her nails painted a tasteful mauve.

"Pull your pants down."

He obeys.

"Turn it on."

He can't hide behind the suit anymore, and he knows she can see the way his dick twitches when he hears the toy buzz to life. He wants so much to cover himself, but her words alone make him jut his hips forward, presenting himself to her.

She smiles against the rim of her glass, tapping her foot in a rhythm he doesn't hear.

"Make yourself come."

The toy feels like too much immediately. It makes his teeth sting with the way it stimulates him, and he wants to jerk his hand away again, but that would be bad of him, and he's been so bad he can't put another tally on the list. Instead he just whimpers his discomfort, wordlessly asking for her to make it better.

Madelyn puts her glass down next to her and seems satisfied with simply watching him.

Homelander instinctively presses the toy closer against his dick, just that bit further, pushing through the initial discomfort and finding that where it ends, pleasure awaits him, shooting straight up his spine.

His knees are buckling with it.

The sleek golden little thing nearly slips from his hand when his cramping fingers accidentally find a different setting, deep vibrations shaking his body apart.

Madelyn raises her eyebrow in acknowledgement. She knows what he his feeling, knows his exquisite suffering because this toy has touched her first.

Not knowing what to do with his free hand, he simply makes a fist behind his body, trying to stand as proud as his weakened knees allow.

He whines, head tipping backwards, eyes burning with a fire not born from shame. And he comes.

"Oh, my sweet boy. Isn't that better? Isn't it better when you do what I say?" She pushes herself up, walks toward him, switches off the vibrator for him while he's still pulsing, shivering in the aftermath. "You got semen on my floor."

It is her hand that pushes him down first, but when he is on his knees, it is her foot that finds his back and gently presses him forward.

His lips meet the floor in a kiss he would much rather press against her naked calf. Instead, he drags his tongue against the rough floor, licking up the stains he made until the room is as clean as he had found it mere minutes ago.

At work the next day, she does not acknowledge what happened, but when he flies past her house, the balcony door is still unlocked.

[profound-bouquetbird]

Hello! ✨️

Can I request a long fluffy & smut (only lime!) oneshot with prompts: "U-um, Y/n? C-can I p-please t-touch your breasts?", “Hunter… You k-know we’ve been d-dating for a long time now. It’s o-okay if you want to touch me sometimes. If you want to— you know, t-touch my breasts or something… Y-you’re allowed to.”, “A-are y-you s-sure, Y/n?”, [But he is way too shy to just do it. She shyly grabs his hands and gently puts them on her bare chest made his face went completely red with steam coming out of his ears.], "H-hunter, you’re a-allowed to m-move your hands. Y-you can f-feel all you want. P-please gentle with me.”, “W-Woah they’re so soft…”, “S-Sorry, what am I-I supposed to do again?” and “J-just.. l-lick and suck t-them you want, H-hunter.” about ageup!Hunter (TOH) touchs his shy!female!human!reader's breasts for the first time in guest room at Luz's house when everyone was gone for movie night? I live for flustered ageup!Hunter! 💕 Please?? 👉👈

Gahdayum- I honestly just absolutely love this request. Anyway, as to not make this a/n longer im going to be starting the oneshot now

Oh yeah, this was not proof read

Hunter and Y/n were currently sitting on the couch, that was located in the guest bedroom, Hunter was just playing with Y/n's hair while she was scrolling through her phone

But Hunter suddenly got a lewid idea, that made his face turn bright red. He stopped playing with Y/n's hair, making her stop and turn towards him with a questioning gaze

"What's the matter Hunter?" She asked, turning off her phone and putting it to the side. Hunter's face seemed to get brighter as he only turned away from her

"No-nothing." He stuttered, Y/n frowned and sighed, putting a hand on his back as she looked at the back of his head

"You know you can tell me anything." She said, smiling lightly towards Hunter, even though he wasn't able to see the smile

"U-um, Y/n?" He started, she hummed in response, making him take in a shaky breath, "C-can I p-please t-touch your breasts?" Her eyes widened in shock as she blushed heavily, but she still found the strength to reply

"Hunter... You k-know we've been d-dating for a long time now. It's o-okay if you want to touch me sometimes. If you want to— you know, t-touch my breasts or something... You're allowed to." She said, Hunter turned around to face her looking in to her eyes, seeming mesmerized as he opened his mouth to speak

"A-are y-you s-sure, Y/n?" He asked, Y/n smiled as she could feel her cheeks flaring up

"I'm sure, Hunter." She said, Hunter seemed to pause as his gaze switched from your eyes to your chest, you could practically see his blush grow, but he seemed... Hesitant

Y/n sighed, grabbing his hand gently as she lead it under her shirt. Hunter let out a shaky breath, squeezing her breast lightly, she laid on her back, letting out a soft moan

Hunter freezed as he was too scared to move his hand, he though that if he were to move his hand an inch that he would hurt his girlfriend, Y/n seemed to notice this as she rugged on Hunter's hand slightly

"H-hunter, you're a-allowed to m-move your hands. Y-you can f-feel all you want. Just p-please be gentle with me." She stuttered, getting her hand out of her shirt as Hunter's hand started to roam freely

Hunter was massaging her boobs lightly as she closed her eyes, smiling warmly as she put a hand on Hunter's shoulder

"W-Woah, they're so soft..." He mumbled, Y/n laughed lightly as she watched Hunter staring at her chest, watching his hand underneath her shirt

"You know, you can l-lick them if yo-you'd like." She stuttered, Hunter switched his gaze, so that now he was looking at her. With wide eyes he pressed his lips together to make a thin line, but he sighed and got up

Hovering over her he lifted up her shirt slightly, grabbing one of her breasts he looks towards her with an embarrassed look

"S-sorry, what am I-I supposed to do again?" He asked, starting to massage Y/n's boobs lightly as he waited for her answer

"J-just.. l-lick and suck t-them if you want, Hunter." She sighed, the boy above her nodded s he ducked his head down. Opening his mouth he started to leave light kisses on her chest, making the girl beneath him giggle and moan slightly

Hunter then put one of her nipples in his mouth as he started to lightly suck and lick the area, whilst the other boob was being massaged by hunters hand

Y/n moaned lightly, putting a hand in hunters golden locks, grabbing a fist full of his hair as she rugged lightly, as to sign for hunter to switch

And he did, letting go of the boob as he went to treat the other in the same manner. Y/n but her lip as she scratched Hunter's scalp slightly

But the two or them were caught off guard when they hearf the front door open and a familiar voice yelling

Hunter quickly got off of Y/n, pulling her shirt down he quickly wiped his mouth and laid down next to her, wrapping a hand around her waist. Y/n quickly picked up her phone as they pretended like nothing had happened

"Y/n, Hunter!" They heard Luz yell

"Yeah?" They yelled back, they could hear footsteps as the door to the guestroom opened

Running down the stairs she quickly jumped in front of them

"You guys will not believe what plot twist this movie had!" She yelled in excitement

"Well don't spoil it!" Hunter yelled, Y/n giggled quietly as she looked at how enthusiastic Luz was

"But I just have to tell you!" She yelled, and quickly started to explain the plot. Hunter quickly covered his ears as Y/n listened to Luz rant with a warm smile

While Luz was distracted, running around the room re-creating sceenes Y/n could feel Hunter's breath against her ear

"We'll have to continue that another day." He grinned, making Y/n turn a bright red before turning towards him as she opened her mouth to speak

"Maybe I could give you a hand next time."

A/n: this oneshot isn't exactly long but I kind of enjoyed writing it 🤷‍♀️

[loner4-life]

His Guardian Angel

Word count: 3.5k

Reader's quirk: memory manipulation, similar to Shinso Reader, can control someone's mind. But whereas Shinso commands his victims. Reader can go inside her victim's mind and control specific things, such as motor skills, memories, and emotions (to a certain point.) Effects last for 10 minutes.

○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○

Eijirou was your best friend, you've known each other since middle school.

You did everything together, told each other everything. Which is why it was so agonizing

when he started dating someone.

Now to be clear, you weren't mad he was dating someone.

You were mad at how downright annoying she was. The way she talked was nails on a chalkboard. You weren't the only one who felt this way.

Nobody in the group could stand her but Eijirou seemed so happy so no one wanted to ruin that.

However she hated you especially. At first you thought it was just her being protective and jealous which you could understand to a certain point.

But she would go out of her way to make sure kiri wouldn't even hang out with you. He would always cancel plans or reschedule. Only to cancel again.

◇

You heard your alarm go off as it shook you from your sleep. You sat up with a groan as you grabbed your phone.

You can't say you were surprised that you didn't receive your what used to be usual morning text from Kirishima

You drug yourself out of bed and get yourself ready for your patrol that morning.

Since your quirk was similar to Hitoshi Shinso's you both ended up working at the same agency Aizawa worked at before he retired, The Purple Revolutionary Agency.

Once you got there you walked into the building and to your desk. You did paperwork while you waited for your team to be called for patrol.

Once you finished your paperwork you looked around quickly to see If your boss was around.

You swiftly pulled out your phone to cure your border for a moment. You decided to take a look at the official hero rankings just for fun to see if they had been updated.

Your eyes widened as you saw Kirishima's name at the number four spot. "Oh my god!" You whispered.

You hurried into a hallway as you dialed Ejirou's number. It rang twice before it clicked, "hey Y/N! What's going on?" He asked.

"Have you checked the hero ranks?!" You asked excitedly. "I haven't, why?" He asked curiously. "You're at number four!" You cheered.

You heard him gasp, "w-wow! Really? I- ha!" He rambled in disbelief.

"We should celebrate tonight l! You, me and the gang. You can bring Maziki if you want, I'm sure everyone won't mind." You lied through your teeth.

You knew he would want his s/o there of course, but you couldn't help but think she was gonna make it about herself.

"Well, should we go to our bar tonight?" He asked. "That sounds great." You paused. "It's been forever since we've hung out." You said quietly.

You heard him sigh in. A guilty tone. "I know… I'm really sorry y/n, I don't want you to feel like I don't miss you and the gang." I started, you cut him off.

"We get it kiri it's ok I swear" you said in a cheerful tone. You heard him laugh, "you're a good friend."

You wrapped up the conversation before hanging up just in time to go on patrol.

~

Your patrol was relatively calm, just petty theft and such.

If anyone you chased after gave you trouble you simply used your quirk and made them return what they stole and wait for officers to show up.

You looked forward to hanging out with your friends tonight. You were so proud of Eijirou.

Your shift soon ended and you went back to your agency, did some last minute paperwork before heading home to get ready.

◇

The door chimded as you walked in the bar, you walked up to the hostess table. " hi, I'm y/n, I'm with the pro-hero party." You said.

The hostess nodded as she flipped through the reservation book. "Ah of course here you are, right this way Ms. L/N." The hostess responded as she led you to your table.

A cheer went up as you walked in the room, "there she is!" Mina said as she ran up and hugged you.

"I save you a spot next to me" she smiled before leading you to the table. You took your spot before ordering a drink. "Ohh it's been too long guys!" You smiled at everyone.

"I even missed hanging out with you" you teased, pointing to bakugou. "Pfft- tease all you want, someone's gotta keep you dumbasses in line." He quipped before flagging down the waitress.

You laughed as you looked over to kirishima, before you could congratulate him you noticed something. He wasn't smiling, he of all people should be smiling. He was frowning at his phone, like he was lost in thought.

“Kiri?” you asked as you waved your hand in front of his face, attempting to grab his attention. He was snapped out of his trance before smiling at you, “hey! Isn't this great? Everybodies together!” He smiled wide.

You nodded, “ yeah it is great, but i was just wondering. Are you ok? You seem upset.” you asked with concern. He shouldn't be upset, you thought to yourself, it's his party.

“Oh yeah i'm fine!Maziki just texted me saying she was gonna be late so i'm a little bummed, but as long as she makes it right?” he said brushing it aside.

Your smile dropped a little, “yeah, as long as she makes it” you said quietly as the waitress showed up with your drink. You took it from him and thanked her before taking a generous glug from it.

An hour passed, laughs were made and drinks were had, you and Eijirou weren't much drinkers, you had a light buzz at best. Kaminari had just said something stupid making Mina laugh so hard she started shaking you making you laugh, however the jostling made you a little nauseous.

“Ugh, i feel a little queasy, i'm gonna step out front for a sec, get some fresh air.” you told everyone with a smile.

You stood up before grabbing your jacket and stepping out front. You took a deep breath of cool air before taking a moment to appreciate the ambiance of the street light.

You were shaken from your thoughts by chatter nearby. You looked over and saw a woman getting out of a car and turning to the driver.

"Yes I'll be over tonight baby" she cooed to whom you assumed was her boyfriend. Any normal person would turn away at this point but something seemed familiar about her.

You observed the conversation a little more, "when are you gonna leave him? I want you 24/7 sexy" the man purred.

You analyzed the women further before nearly gasping, it was Maziki. "I know, he's like a puppy, I can never go anywhere without him going, where are you going? When will you be back?it's annoying" she sighed.

"But don't worry, I'll drop him soon, the dudes a bimbo anyway." She leaned in to kiss the driver. " I'll see you Sunday ok?" She smirked before shutting the door.

The car sped off leaving her as she walked into the bar. She didn't notice you. There was a slight ringing in the air. You tried to comprehend what you witnessed.

Maziki was cheating? Why did you of all people have to find out first.Do you tell eijirou? you thought. Was it your place? Of course it was. Wasn't it?

Eijirou was your best friend. But what if he wouldn't believe you if you told him, what if he thought you were lying. You couldn't risk it… could you?

You quietly walked back into the bar, scurrying past everyone and taking you sink once more.

"You feel better y/n?" Eijirou asked. You looked up at him, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, that fake smile plastered on her face.

"Y-yeah, fine" you forced a smile. Safe to say your night was pretty much over after that. You had tuned out most of the night until everyone started going their separate ways.

Thus was your chance to tell him. It was the right thing to do, even if it hurts him. You saw Eijirou talking to Kaminari with maziki.

You hurried over, "hey eiji! Can I talk to you for a sec?" You asked, making it seem like you weren't about to crush his world.

"Oh, sure!" He responded as he excused himself from his previous conversation. Maziki shot you a hateful glare, "babe, I wanna go home." She pouted. "We will honey just one second ok?" He smiled.

She scoffed before flicking her hand in a "shoo shoo" motion. You led him outside and away from the entrance by a few feet.

"Hey uhm, I have something to tell you" you said, twiddling your fingers. "Ok, go ahead," he said with a confused smile. You took a breath, this was it. Youhave to tell him, you repeat yourself.

"It's… you're…" You couldn't find the words. You cleared your throat, " Eijirou it's maziki… she's" you were cut off by a slam of a door.

"She's what?" Maziki spat, "better than you? Yeah that's about right." She hissed. "Ziki?! That was uncalled for, apologize to her" eijirou scolded pointing to you.

"Why should I?! She's been trying to be a homewrecker even since we met.!" She screeched. "Because she's my friend!" Eijirou yelled. There was some back and forth between the two of them before you blurted. "Eijirou she's cheating on you!" You said quickly before covering your mouth.

Both of their eyes went wide, and Eijirou turned to you, "what?.." He asked silently

"I saw her kiss another man-" you were abruptly cut off by searing hot skin against your cheek.

"How… dare you!" She yelled. "That's such bullshit you little bitch!" She screamed before letting out a yelp when Kirishima grabbed her raised hand. " put your hands on her again and I'll have you arrested for assault on a pro-hero." He said slowly.

She looked almost hurt, 'don't tell me you believe her?She is just trying to split us apart." Maziki said.

Kiri let go of her wrist, "Yeah I do, because y/n doesn't lie, unlike other people I know" he spat. "What are you saying eijirou?" Maziki stuttered.

"It means we're done, I had suspicions for a while but didn't want to acknowledge it, this just confirms it. So I hope he was worth it." Eijirou spoke.

" Get your stuff from my place, all of it better be gone by Sunday" he choked before walking away quickly.

You paused for a moment before chasing after him, "Eiji?" You called,... silence.

You hurried in front of him, "eijirou" you said once more. He stopped in his tracks right in front of you. His chest rising and falling quickly. "Come to my place until Sunday, you'll need somewhere to stay right?" you offered.

He didn't look at you, just started past you. You couldn't tell what he was feeling. "Eijirou…" you said once more. "Please?"

He finally looked down at you, there was no smile on his face like there always was, it broke your heart. He finally nodded in response to your offer. "Ok, here my car is over here” you said softly as you grabbed his arm and let him towards your vehicle.

The drive back to your home was quiet, the only noise breaking the silence coming from the softly playing music on the radio. “Kiri I-” you started, but he interrupted. “y/n please..” he muttered as he stared out the window. “Ok” you said.

You soon pulled into your building’s parking lot and parked your car, the two of you headed up the stairs to your place before you unlocked the door and led him inside. It was awkward, things were never awkward between you two.

"Do you need anything l?" You asked as he sat on your couch. "A drink" he mumbled. You gave a silent "ok" as you walked to the kitchen. You poured him a drink and walked to the living room to hand it to him.

You took a seat next to him, "so… are you ready to talk, I don't mean to pressure you. I'm just worried about you kiri" you said. " I just don't understand." He started. "How did we get here?" He asked as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Was it my fault? Did I do something wrong?" You rubbed his shoulder, "Eijirou no, no no it was not your fault" you told him comfortingly.

"Then why did she do it?I thought we had something, I know you guys didn't like her but… god" he sighed. "She's just one of those girls who run a good thing… they're not all like that."

You said trying to help. "How did I fall for that… two years gone, just like that" he said, snapping his fingers. " I'm sorry" you were lost for words, you were never good at this.

"It's not your fault," he responded. It was silent for a moment before you began to hear sniffling. You looked over and saw his face in his hands as his shoulders shook.

You wrapped your arms around him and pulled him to you. "y/n, please d-don't use your quirk on me" he whimpered.

"I'm not eijirou, I would never make you cry with my quirk, but it's ok to cry you know" you said softly.

"I never cry, I'm the sturdy hero after all" he laughed in between his shaky breaths. You held him for what seemed like hours as he cried, you stroked his hair to calm him. It was what he'd do and has done for you after all.

Soon he stopped and sat up, "Thank you… I needed that y/n" he said smiling slightly. His smile made you smile, "there is the smile I know and love." you said.

He nodded before staring into space for a moment, "so what should i do now?" He asked looking back at you. You thought for a moment.

"You heal, you move on and you find someone who truly cares about you and treats you how you deserve" you said, grabbing his hand and intertwining your finger with his.

The silence was peaceful this time, eijirou turned to you curiously. " Why did you hate her so much?" He asked you, you looked away, "I don't know… we've just been such good friends for years and… I couldn't stand the way she treated you. It always seemed like she never put you first." You explained

"But I felt like I couldn't tell you… I didn't want to ruin something just because I was a little jealous." You sighed.

He smirked, "jealous? Of her, why?" He asked. Your cheeks felt warm, " I mean…yeah, I don't know I just… you're awesome Kiri and I-" you stopped. "Nothing, nevermind" you waved your hand.

" No, what? Come on, I have to know now." He teased you. You scoffed as you smiled, "Ok fine, I had like… a huge crush on you" you blurted as you covered your face shamefully.

"Woah, for serious?" He asked. "Yeah, and I felt terrible, having feelings for someone who's dating someone else? That's terrible." You mused.

Eijirou pulled your hands away from your face, his hands felt rough from the scars of being a hero, but they were so gentle at the same time. " It's not terrible, and I wished I had known, back then because well… I felt the same way." He said.

You looked to him, "what?, you did?" You couldn't believe this, the two of you could've been something? Could you have been happy?

He nodded, "I feel ashamed, I never found it in me to tell you, I know that's unmanly… I just didn't want to lose you as a friend if you didn't feel the same… I didn't want you to be uncomfortable around me." He said, you could tell the tears were threatening to fall from his eyes.

"Oh kiri…" you placed your hand on the side of his face. "If only we had been braver then" you smiled, "Can I be brave now?" He asked.

You raised an eyebrow with a smile, "be brave?" You asked him, he smiled before leaning in closely. Your breaths were felt on his lips as his breaths were felt on his.

His lips were centimeters from your, "be brave Ei" you whispered. With that he closed the gap between the both of you. Your eyes flutter shut as you let yourself drown in the feeling of Kirishima's body against yours.

He pulled away after a while, the both of you panting. He went to kiss you again, desperate for that feeling with you, but you stopped him.

"Wait wait, should we be doing this? I mean you did just get out of a two year relationship…" you asked him. I mean of course you wanted this, you've wanted this for years. You weren't going to ruin it now. "I just don't want this to be a rebound," you explained.

"No no, it's not, I want this y/n, I want you, we'll work out the details later." he smiled. "Then fuck it" and with that you kissed him again, pulling him down as you fell on your back on the couch.

Your fingers ran through his hair, you're glad he never chopped it off since graduation. His kisses gradually moved to your neck, biting down softly when your neck meets your shoulders.

You let quiet whines fall from your mouth as his hand slid up your leg, not used to feeling this kind of touch from someone you truly cared about.

"Is this ok?" He asked as fumbled with the hem of your top. "Y-yeah yeah, I want all of you eijirou~" you purred in his ear.

His hand continued its journey up your shirt before it found the foam cup that cradled your bust so nicely. You thanked whatever God there was that you decided to wear a bra that clicked in the front.

It made it a little easier for the man you had so desperately wanted all these years to finally give you what you wanted.

He quickly unclipped your bra, the relief of tightness on your ribs put a small smile on your face. A smile soon replaced with a face of pleasure.

You gasped as his thumb swirled on your nipple, " you nipples are hard baby~" He whispered as he kissed you once more.

"What can I say, you're just so sexy" you teased, "well that makes both of us" he responded as he pulled his hand away before taking off his shirt, tossing it in some miniscule corner of your living room.

"Wait wait, can we take this to my room?" You asked. "Of course sweetheart," he smiled. You yelped as he scooped you off the couch and against his chest, you instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist and your arms around his shoulders l.

You giggled as he took you to your bedroom, he paraded inside before he turned and sat on your bed, you in his lap. You took off your shirt as well, along with your bra.

His eyes fell on your breasts, but it wasn't the usual stare you'd get from one night stands. He was innocent and genuine, merley mesmerized by your natural beauty.

"Like what you see red?" You smirked as you pushed him down, his back against the bed, his hands fell on your hips naturally.

"Very much~" He responded. You smiled, "I like being above you like this~" you said as you leaned down to kiss him, "I want you Ei, right here, right now" you said, locking eyes with him. He nodded as he quickly undid his pants followed by your hurting to take off yours.

You practically drooled at the sight of his cock popping out from his boxers, a light slap being heard as it hit his lower stomach. "Jesus-" you gasped as you got in his lap, grabbing his member, pumping it a few times.

"Fuck y-y/n" he whined as he balled up the sheets in his hands. "Are you sure you are good with this?" You asked. He nodded his head quickly, "yes I'm sure, I'm fine y/n, I just want you and only you."

You smiled, "ok" and with that you took his hot throbbing girth and guided it inside you. You cried out as it filled you. Low whines from him being heard.

"O-oh my god" he gasped as his hands gripped your hips. You began to roll your hips as he thrusted up into you.

You could barely focus on anything as the amount of pleasure you were feeling almost became too much… almost.

"Eijirou, I- fuck, so good" you whined like a dog. Your hips began to stutter as you could focus on keeping them moving.

You were caught off guard when he quickly flipped your positions with one another. You were under him and you almost came from the sight of him, all sweaty and panting for you, his face saying nothing but pure love and pleasure. The room smelled of sex and sweat as the both of you went at it like animals.

His head dropped into your neck, "I'm so close y/n, I wanna cum with you" he whimpered. You cradled his face with your hands as he looked into your eyes.

"I'm gonna cum Eiji, cum with me, p-please" you whined, his eyes glowed a little, an indicator that someone was under the control of your quirk. You weren't using it on him for malicious intent of course. You just wanted his mind on you and what he was feeling.

His hips faltered before both of you let out a cry of bliss, you both breathed heavily as he collapsed on top of you.

You stayed like that for a moment, enjoying each other in your most vulnerable. "You ok Ei?" You asked, hoping this whole night wasn't a line you crossed. "I'm perfect hun, just perfect" he said with a cheesy smile.

"Are you?" He asked back, you nodded with a smile l, "Yeah, I'm perfect too"

[youllallriseintheink]

One For All, Chapter Five

In an AU where the protagonist never fell from the sky, the Survey Corps will have to pull together and make use of every resource at their disposal to face the challenges present in Pokemon: Legends Arceus. There will be surveyshipping.

This is the second-last chapter.

---

The silence in the cave was deafening. Cyllene stepped forward. “Very well,” she said.

T e l l   m e,   h o w   d i d   i t   f e e l   t o   l o s e   y o u r   p a r e n t s?

"Telepathically?" Cyllene asked. She hadn't seen reason to think about that in ages. But as much as she didn't like where this trial was going and feared what else Mesprit might ask her to recount, Hisui needed the red chain. And if she could do it without tarnishing her image to the others, it would be for the far better.

E v e r y o n e   h e r e   w i l l   h e a r   y o u   e i t h e r   w a y.

Cyllene hesitated.

I f   y o u   c a n 't   t e l l   t h e m,   I   c a n   s h o w   t h e m.   B u t   y o u   m u s t   s h a r e   y o u r   e m o t i o n s   t o   p a s s   t h e   t r i a l.

"Show them, then."

The cave walls gave way to an illusion of a house in the countryside surrounded by farmland. The illusion of a tall, armoured man walked through the group and knocked on the door, which was opened by a nervous-looking girl of about twelve with long ice-blue hair.

"Hello? Who is this?" the girl asked.

The man shifted uncomfortably. "My name is General Kamado," he explained in a somber tone. "I've heard that your parents went missing."

The girl nodded. "They've been gone for two days. Have you seen them?"

Kamado hesitated. “In a sense, yes.”

The girl seemed to see the writing on the wall. She let out a nervous laugh as her eyes went wide. “They’re alive. You saw them alive, right?”

Kamado said nothing, but his pained look said everything.

“No. No… No. How…?”

Kamado took a deep breath. "They were found impaled and their bodies dragged into the underbrush. Most likely a random act by Johtonian ninjas. I'm sorry."

For a moment, the girl was in shock. And then she burst into tears and started crying into her hands. A wave of panicked distress hit Cyllene, and, if their faces and wet eyes were any indication, everyone else in the cave. Mesprit was making them all feel how she'd felt.

"Do you have any relatives that would take you in?" Kamado asked. "I'm sure there must be neighbours, at least."

The girl didn't even look up. Kamado took her in his arms and brought her in close, allowing her to bury her face in his chest.

"Come with me," Kamado said. It was something that Cyllene understood as an adult to be a more self-driven act than she'd known back then. Kamado and his wife had been unable to have children, and it would not have been difficult for him to find another place for her. Still, it had been the best thing he could have done for her. She'd needed the oasis he'd provided.

N o w   w e   w i l l   s h o w   t h e m   w h y   y o u   j o i n e d   t h e   w a r, Mesprit explained, and the scene shifted to show an only slightly older Cyllene looking out the window, the deep bags under her eyes visible even in the early morning light.

Cyllene shut her eyes tight. Rei thought of her as so brave and heroic. This would change that. More importantly, it was treading far too close to things she did not want any of them to see.

A woman entered the scene and sighed. "I wish you'd at least try to sleep," she said. "I worry about Kamado not coming back, too. But he's survived every battle he's been in so far, and he's seen a few!" The woman smiled in a weak attempt to be comforting.

Cyllene turned to the woman. "How old do I have to be to help out at the camps?"

"You'd be old enough now."

"Then I want to be where he is as soon as possible."

The scene shifted to Cyllene sitting with a group of soldiers, comically small next to most of them. Kamado was amongst them, and being able to see where he was served as an immense comfort. "Hey, wanna learn how to fight, pipsqueak?" asked a large, red-haired young woman.

"Sure," Cyllene said. Before long they were squaring off in a field, swords in hand. Metal clashed against metal, and Mesprit allowed the others to feel her excitement. Zisu was clearly holding back, but not as much as she was expecting to for a beginner. It had given Cyllene the idea that maybe she could do more than keep Kamado in her sights- maybe she could take revenge on Johto.

The scene shifted again to her and other soldiers in armour, marching toward a similar group of Johtonians in a field- foot soldiers and archers to the front, with the samurai vanguard close up behind them. Thankfully, Cyllene couldn't find herself in their ranks, so it was unlikely anyone else could. But she could feel bloodthirsty excitement in her chest, another emotion forced on her by Mesprit.

No, not this. Not in front of the clan leaders, Cyllene thought as the apparitions of archers and footsoldiers phased through their group. She didn't need them to see her bloodlust.

D o   y o u   w i s h   t o   t e l l   t h i s? Mesprit asked.

Just as Mesprit finished its question, a Johtonian samurai broke formation- perhaps out of panic or suicidal impulse- and ran, pushing through the Hoennian ranks. On instinct, Cyllene drew her sword to defend herself from the attacker, but the apparition faded right through her and attacked instead a Hoennian soldier with a stance almost identical to her own. The soldier struck the sword from the Johtonian's hand, knocked them down, and lowered their blade towards their throat. A distinctly female scream came from the armored figure, whose face was hidden by a helmet. Cyllene was momentarily stunned. She wasn’t expecting a woman. But there was no room for hesitation. She slit the Johtonian’s throat, stood up, and fell back into formation.

I killed a woman. Why does it matter that it’s a woman? Many of us are women, too. Why did that catch me off-guard? Cyllene thought, numb as she marched forward and arrows from the archers began to rain.

Suddenly, Cyllene felt a hard tug at her hair. Mesprit was right in front of her, trying to get her attention.

I   a s k e d   t h r e e   t i m e s   i f   y o u   w a n t e d   t o   t e l l   t h e m   i n s t e a d   o f   s h o w   t h e m, Mesprit explained.

Despite herself, Cyllene took a moment to respond even as the cave once again became a cave. She glanced back at a horrified-looking Rei. She could have saved him from seeing this.

“What is the next question?” Cyllene asked, returning her attention to Mesprit and sheathing her sword.

Y o u 'v e   k i l l e d   p e o p l e, Mesprit stated. H o w   d i d   i t   f e e l?

"The only people I killed were enemy soldiers. It was my duty to Hoenn."

N o t   w h a t   I   a s k e d.

"It... does no good to think of that... but you leave me no choice. I expected to enjoy taking revenge on Johto. I… did, at times. I don't know how many people I killed and how many I merely wounded, but severe wounding isn't always an improvement on death. I've caused screams- men, women, boys, children so young I'm not sure whether they were girls or boys. I hated Johto, but I did not enjoy that. But it was necessary whether I enjoyed it or not. My actions were correct. It shouldn’t matter if my feelings were."

B u t   i t   d o e s,   t o   y o u.

Cyllene remained silent.

T e l l   t h e m   h o w   t h e   w a r   h a u n t e d   y o u, Mesprit ordered.

Cyllene closed her eyes and tried to put it into words she’d be willing to say. It was impossible. "Show them," Cyllene said. It was the only way she was going to complete this.

Cyllene turned her back and walked past the others. She could hear memories play out behind her. The first one was one in which, during peacetime, she’d thought a Johtonian was attacking and Kamado had to hold her down to keep her from hurting anyone. The jolt of panic that Mesprit forced through her shook her up so badly that nothing she heard registered after that. She was a trembling mess, hoping that the others didn’t look back at her. She wanted to tell them that that had been years ago, that she wasn’t like that anymore, that it had only caused her to be dangerous once. But there was only so much faith she could inspire in this state, and regardless, the damage was done. The damage was still being done. And she was too keyed up to even know what it was.

O n e   l a s t   q u e s t i o n,   a n d   i f   y o u 'r e   h o n e s t,   t h e   t r i a l   w i l l   b e   c o m p l e t e.   H o w   d o   y o u   f e e l   a b o u t   t h i s   t r i a l?

Cyllene turned back to face Mesprit, back to her steely professionalism. "It is an appalling waste of time and of my usefulness as a captain. The Survey Corps needs to think of me as a strong and infallible leader, and our allies need to see me as impartial and reasonable. You have helped us to save the world, but there was no reason for the cost."

W e l l   t h e n…

Mesprit plucked out one of its plumes and handed it to Cyllene.

"Thank you," Cyllene said, taking it. Thankfully, the loathesome creature faded away after that.

"Our next location is in the Coronet Highlands. We'll travel on our flying Pokémon and stay low enough to find the rest of the Survey Corps. With any luck they will be gathered at the ruins Cogita described," Cyllene commanded the others, voice steady. She turned to exit the cave and began walking past the others, averting her eyes from whatever reactions they might have had. "Do what you will after the sky is fixed, so long as you do not breathe a word of this to anyone. But until then, you will follow me." There was a moment of uneasy silence as the group left the cave. “Please,” Cyllene added.

"Y-you got it, ma'am," Rei replied, "None of it leaves this cave! And we’re right behind you."

Cyllene didn’t look back.

Outside the cave, the red sky persisted, painting the landscape in its oppressive gloom. It was all the reminder Cyllene needed that now was the time to focus on the immediate.

The flight was short, and before long the six landed in front of Cogita and around two dozen Survey Corp members.

"Ah, there you are," said Cogita. "Did you bring the keys from the lake trio?"

"Yes," Cyllene replied, digging out the plume as Rei and Laventon did the same with their respective supplies.

"Perfect. While you were gone, I led the Survey Corps to harvest enough origin ore to make a few pokéballs from the red chain. We decided that would be the best use for it."

Cogita took the three items and carried them to the center of the Celestica ruins, the Survey Corps as well as the six following along to watch what was sure to be a mystical process. Once she was there, apparitions of the lake trio appeared and levitated the items from her hands. The items spun, bathed in red light, and then transformed into a beautiful chain of red gems that fell back down into Cogita's hands.

Cogita turned back to the group. "There. Now, what do you say, Survey Corps? Shall we do the crafting ourselves and allow these six a chance to rest? The lake trials aren’t easy. And lord knows that you have quite the challenge ahead of you."

"Thank you, Cogita,” Cyllene said.

It wasn't far to the Galaxy Team's nearest encampment, where the group started a fire and put on some food. The cries of Pokémon filled the air as the less intelligent ones played outside their balls and the cleverer ones bayed at the foreign sky. It was loud enough to save the six from attempting to make awkward conversation to distract one another from the reality of facing their allies or fellow Galaxy Team members. The group especially gave Cyllene her space, sensing that she was in no mood for casual interaction.

Laventon sent out the strange trio of Pokémon he’d brought- the specimens he called a rotom-mow, a porygon-Z, and a bronzong.

“Alright, you three,” Laventon called out over the noise, “If you have any special world-saving powers you’d like to share with me, now would be the time! Because time really is of the essence right now, and, well, um… I’m afraid it’s been hard to figure out exactly what you do or how you work biologically, or, well, anything about you, really.”

The three Pokémon looked at each other and appeared to laugh at him before joining the other Pokémon in the encampment at their play.

While Laventon watched the strange Pokémon, he felt someone grab his shoulder. It was Adaman, and Irida was standing beside him.

“You need to talk to Cyllene,” Adaman said.

Irida nodded in agreement. “It makes sense that the trial would shake her up, but she can't lead the mission while she's this fragile. You’re closest to her. You need to either comfort her or make her step down.”

Laventon looked back at the captain, who was tending the fire, apparently deep in thought. “I’ll talk to her,” he said.

Laventon sat down next to Cyllene. “Perhaps bringing those enigmatic creatures wasn’t my wisest move. But I couldn’t have forgiven myself if I found out later that they could have saved us!” he started, trying to keep the tone light.

“You have your typhlosion. That will be enough if you are separated from the group.”

"Do you want to go for a little walk, captain?"

"No," she said firmly, still looking to the fire.

"Please?"

Cyllene sighed. "Fine," she answered, getting to her feet.

Cyllene led the way into the pines, eyes forward.

"You know, you're nothing special to me," Laventon said. "Er, um, I mean, you're nothing different to me. Um, wait." Laventon sighed heavily. "What I mean, captain, is that I studied in Johto. My work had nothing to do with the war, but I met plenty of people who were affected by it.”

“And you can use that information to decide whatever you please once the world is saved. Until then, you follow me regardless of how it bothers you that I could have enjoyed hurting some of those people.”

“That isn’t what I meant at all. You're not anything I couldn't understand. Even if you were, you've proven yourself as a leader. And you didn’t do anything wrong during the war. Your feelings may have been complicated, but-”

Cyllene stopped dead. “I killed people. I chose to fight as soon as I was allowed because I wanted to kill people.” Her hands were balled into fists, and they were shaking. “I allowed Rei to witness a person bleeding to death. I don’t even know what else Mesprit showed you. And the clan leaders- what were they saying to you?”

“That you’re reasonably shaken up. I promise that’s all. None of us fault you for that, I’m sure of it.”

Cyllene looked back at Laventon. At very least, she knew he could trust him on that. Laventon knew how others thought. He was far better at that than she was. If that's what he saw, and if he were telling the truth, then he was probably correct. “Thank you,” she said.

“Do you need a hug?” Laventon asked, opening his arms.

Cyllene stepped into Laventon’s embrace, returned it, and cried, just like she’d cried in Kamado’s arms so many years ago. She’d lost her parents, lost her innocence, and then forged herself into a good and strong leader, both in action and in appearance. But it still felt so good to get the comfort she would have moments ago said she neither needed nor deserved.

After a while, the two separated. "Thank you," Cyllene said, her breathing returning to normal.

Laventon flashed his goofy smile. "Of course. We need you clear-headed for what's ahead, after all! Do you think you’re ready to lead?"

“Yes,” Cyllene said. Laventon could see the fire returning to her eyes.

“Jolly good! Shall we return to camp?”

“Yes.” There was a pause. “No. Before we return, there is something I’d like to tell you.” Cyllene looked Laventon directly in the eyes. "Laventon. You are my subordinate, and as such I wanted to keep an image to you. But, now that there are no secrets... I want you to know that I..." Cyllene squeezed her eyes shut as though bracing for something painful. "I love you. If we survive this, and you feel the same way, I would like to be with you."

Laventon crossed the space between them and kissed her on the lips, to which she immediately reciprocated. 

[umbralsound-xiv]

Prompt #17 - Gratitude (Extra Credit)

Characters: Bexy and Eir The Lavender Beds, Present Day

The kitchen had begun to hold some comfort; a place he could go to be useful, to find some sense of normalcy in the chaos that plagued his mind.

Flour traces his clothes, his footsteps. Cinnamon and ginger stick in the air, a faint, light scent that often heralded his cooking. It was early enough, but no hour that anyone would have been surprised to see him at. Dough is rolled, and cookies are cut out in perfect golden circles to be set on a tray destined for the oven.

The sound of footsteps is always something that steals his attention now. A knot rises into his throat, gaze levelled at the stairs, anxious to see who descended.

Heeled boots come first. Then, crimson and midnight embellished with gold, as a long tail trailed behind the Seeker, tipped with blue. Bexy offers her greeting as Eir pulls into view, and for once the Viera seems to settle at her presence.

"Good morning, Bexy." His tone was a little more even, less wavery than it had been. He even furnishes her with a smile, turning only for a moment from his work.

"Good morning, Eir." Bexy's grin widens with the greeting, slipping into the kitchen. "Or should i say... Future brother in law?" The words leave her lips with a laugh, full of joy and warmth. "You asked her, finally!"

"I am unsurprised that y-you know already." Eir remarks, offering an amused huff. "Yes. I d-did. I... D-did not want to wait a-any longer..."

"And now i just have to wait until the wedding!" Bexy sighs, exasperated. "But... The wait will be worth it. She deserves to be happy, Eir. You both do." Curiously, she eyes Eir as a sheet of cookies is set into the oven, but says nothing for it.

"...I am t-trying my best." He smiles, a little softer, before a reminder leaps into his thoughts as Bexy moves to the remaning rolanberries in the fruit bowl. "O-oh! I... W-wanted to... Give you something..." He begins, leaning to the icebox. A small wince danced over his features for the dull pain in his side, but he makes no verbal complaint over it, now.

"Oh?" Now, she was curious. Head tilted on her shoulders, she watches him as he moves, eyes widening only as the bright red tart was withdrawn from the icebox, and settled on the counter.

"...F-for you. I... D-do not have words to be properly thankful, b-but... I hope th-this goes some small w-way to show my gratitude. For... A-all you have done f-for us." Eir glances away, suddenly unsure of how it would be recieved. "I... L-learned to make one. T-to your p-preferences. I... Hope it m-meets your standards."

Bexy's response doesn't come immediately, instead wedging somewhere in the back of her throat. It was clear by her expression that she hadn't expected it, stopping on her path through the kitchen to instead turn and regard the offering. She stares, and then lifts her gaze to stare a little longer at him, by which point Eir had begun to rock a little anxiously on his feet.

"...You made this... For me?" Bexy begins, before continuing. "---You learned to make this, for me." The question hangs. Eir nods, and at the admission, she smiles. "...That's very kind."

"I-it was... T-the least i could do. I... I hope it tastes a-as it should. I... W-was not sure how it was s-supposed to taste, but..."

A brow lofts, and Bexy immediately moves to the stack of plates, to pluck just the one from the top. A knife retrieved, she cuts a slice; generous, to set on the plate... And offer to him.

"Then, you can find out." Bexy smiles, as Eir takes the plate with some hesitance. He'd heard the tales of her and her rolanberries; and seen firsthand how seldomly she shared them. "We'll eat breakfast together. And i can find out a few things. Like your preferences for the wedding!" Grinning, she sits, waiting for him to join. But he instead stares at the slice, and back to her.

"...Bexy?" He says, a little unevenly. As though he might decline the request, or otherwise have some hesitance for it.

"...Yes, Eir?"

He instead moves to the cabinet at the far side of the room, lifting the kettle.

"...Tea?"

Painted lips curl into a smile, as she plucks one of the rolanberries from the top of the tart.

"...That would be lovely."

[anerdyfeminist]

Re: the topic of how nostalgic this year has made me…2 different people in the past 2 days have reminded me of how I used to be a math tutor. (Idk how, but I had totally forgotten that was one of the many things absorbing my time back in the era of the Start of Family Crises Years. I’ll blame lack of sleep and said crises.) I mean, sure, I tutored friends and stuff all along the way, but what I mean I had forgotten specifically is how in HS my junior and seniors years, like any good nerd, I went through a process to become an officially school approved tutor for everything that came before calculus. They sent me kids who were struggling whose parents asked for help and I got to charge $20/hour. In 2001 that was EYE POPPINGLY high and I had a sweet hustle of prob like 3-6 students at a time I met with a couple times a month. And that rate of pay was almost four times my minimum wage food job.

God I hated math though 😂 I could do it well and I really enjoyed tutoring others and finding ways to help someone’s specific needs to “get” a concept. Looking back, that was a preview of so much of the work I’d do in youth development for years after. My childhood friend and I were catching up the other day and she told me I was better at explaining 8th grade math than her teacher 😭 I was so flattered. Unfortunately my dad pressured and pushed me so much about math and made it so anxiety producing that I forget that I was naturally probably quite talented at it back then (my brain has changed m a s s i v e l y in this regard in the passing 20 years.)

Makes me wonder how I would have been if my dad didn’t do that shit.

Then, unrelatedly, today Ronald randomly reminded me I used to tutor an extremely annoying boy who he based a character on in his latest script 😂 It was so weird to have these 2 memories come up back to back, w/o having mentioned it to Ronald or anything. The brain and memory is so mysterious. Some stuff from that period of time I can remember in such detail it’s like I’m tasting and smelling the early aughts and other massive things aka my math side gig were completely out of my mind last week. Wouldn’t have passed a test on it about myself.

[worksinprogress1]

The silence in the cave was deafening. Cyllene stepped forward. “Very well,” she said.

T e l l  m e,  h o w  d i d  i t  f e e l  t o  l o s e  y o u r  p a r e n t s?

"Telepathically?" Cyllene asked. She hadn't seen reason to think about that in ages. But as much as she didn't like how this trial was going and feared what else Mesprit might ask her to recount, Hisui needed the red chain. And if she could do it without tarnishing her image to the others, it would be for the far better.

E v e r y o n e  h e r e  w i l l  h e a r  y o u  e i t h e r  w a y.

Cyllene hesitated.

I f  y o u  c a n 't  t e l l  t h e m,  I  c a n  s h o w  t h e m.  B u t  y o u  m u s t  s h a r e  y o u r  e m o t i o n s  t o  p a s s  t h e  t r i a l.

"Show them, then."

The cave walls gave way to an illusion of a house in the countryside surrounded by farmland. The illusion of a tall, armoured man walked through the group and knocked on the door, which was opened by a nervous-looking girl of about twelve with long ice-blue hair.

"Hello? Who is this?" the girl asked.

The man shifted uncomfortably. "My name is General Kamado," he explained in a somber tone. "I've heard that your parents went missing."

The girl nodded. "They've been gone for two days. Have you seen them?"

"They were found impaled and their bodies dragged into the underbrush. Most likely a random act by Jhotoian ninjas. I'm sorry."

For a moment, the girl was in shock. And then she burst into tears and started crying into her hands. A wave of panicked distress hit Cyllene, and, if their faces and wet eyes were any indication, everyone else in the cave. Mesprit was making them all feel how she'd felt.

"Do you have any relatives that would take you in?" Kamado asked. "I'm sure there must be neighbours, at least."

The girl didn't even look up. Kamado took her in his arms and brought her in close, allowing her to bury her face in his chest.

"Come with me," Kamado said. It was something that Cyllene understood as an adult to be a more self-driven act than she'd known back then. Kamado and his wife had been unable to have children, and it would not have been difficult for him to find another place for her. Still, it had been the best thing he could have done for her. She'd needed the oasis he'd provided.

N o w  w e  w i l l  s h o w  t h e m  w h y  y o u  j o i n e d  t h e  w a r, Mesprit explained, and the scene shifted to show an only slightly older Cyllene looking out the window, the deep bags under her eyes visible even in early morning night.

Cyllene shut her eyes tight. Rei thought of her as so brave and heroic. This would change that. More importantly, it was treading far too close to things she did not want any of them to see.

A woman entered the scene and sighed. "I wish you'd at least try to sleep," she said. "I worry about Kamado not coming back, too. But he's survived every battle he's been in so far, and he's seen a few!" The woman smiled in a weak attempt to be comforting.

Cyllene turned to the woman. "How old do I have to be to help out at the camps?"

"You'd be old enough now."

"Then I want to be where he is as soon as possible."

The scene shifted to Cyllene sitting with a group of soldiers, comically small next to most of them. "Hey, wanna learn how to fight, pipsqueak?" asked a large, red-haired young woman.

"Sure," Cyllene said. Before long they were squaring off in a field, swords in hand. Metal clashed against metal, and Mesprit allowed the others to feel her excitement.

The scene shifted again to her and other soldiers in armour, marching toward a similar group of Jhotoians in a field- foot soldiers and archers to the front, with the samurai vanguard close up behind them. Thankfully, Cyllene couldn't find herself in their ranks, so it was unlikely anyone else could. But she could feel vengeful excitement in her chest, another emotion forced on her by Mesprit.

No, not this. Not in front of the clan leaders, Cyllene thought as the apparitions of archers and footsoldiers phased through their group. She didn't need them to see her as bloodthirsty.

D o  y o u  w i s h  t o  t e l l  t h i s? Mesprit asked.

Just as Mesprit finished its question, a Jhotoian samurai ran, perhaps breaking formation out of panic or suicidal impulse- pushed through the Hoennian ranks. On instinct, Cyllene drew her sword to defend from the attacker, but the apparition faded right through her and attacked instead a Hoennian soldier with a stance identical to her own. The soldier struck the sword from a Jhotoian's hand, knocked them down, and lowered their blade towards their throat. A distinctly female scream came from the armored figure, whose face was hidden by a helmet.

"Stop this. I'll say it," Cyllene asserted. The bloody battlefield faded back into a peaceful cave.

Y o u 'v e  k i l l e d  p e o p l e, Mesprit said. H o w  d i d  i t  f e e l?

Cyllene sheathed her sword before answering. "The only people I killed were enemy soldiers. It was my duty to Hoenn."

N o t  w h a t  I  a s k e d.

"It... does no good to think of that... but you leave me no choice. I expected to enjoy taking revenge on Jhoto. It caught me off guard that it was a woman. I don’t know why. I don't know how many people I killed and how many I merely wounded, but severe wounding isn't always an improvement on death. I've caused screams- men, women, boys, children so young I'm not sure whether they were girls or boys. I hated Jhoto, but I did not enjoy that. It was merely necesary."

T e l l  t h e m  h o w  i t 's  h a u n t e d  y o u, Mesprit ordered.

Cyllene closed her eyes and tried to put it into words she’d be willing to say. It was impossible. "Show them," Cyllene said. It was the only way she was going to complete this.

Cyllene turned her back and walked past the others. She could hear memories play out behind her. The first one was one in which, during peacetime, she’d thought a Jhotoian was attacking and Kamado had had to hold her down to keep her from hurting anyone. The jolt of panic that Mesprit forced through her shook her up so badly that nothing she heard registered after that. She was a trembling mess, hoping that the others didn’t look back at her. She wanted to tell them that that had been years ago, that she wasn’t like that anymore, that it had only caused her to be dangerous once. But there was only so much faith she could inspire in this state, and regardless, the damage was done. The damage was still being done. And she was too keyed up to even know what it was.

O n e  l a s t  q u e s t i o n,  a n d  i f  y o u 'r e  h o n e s t,  t h e  t r i a l  w i l l  b e  c o m p l e t e.  H o w  d o  y o u  f e e l  a b o u t  t h i s  t r i a l?

Cyllene turned back to face Mesprit, back to her steely professionalism. "This trial is an appalling waste of time and of my usefulness as a captain. The Survey Corps needs to think of me as a strong and infallible leader, and our allies need to see me as impartial and reasonable. You have helped us to save the world, but there was no reason for the cost."

Mesprit plucked out one of its plumes and handed it to Cyllene.

"Thank you," Cyllene said. Thankfully, the loathesome creature faded away after that.

"Our next location is in the Coronet Highlands. We'll travel on our flying Pokémon and stay low enough to find the rest of the Survey Corps. With any luck they will be gathered at the ruins Cogita described," Cyllene commanded the others, voice steady. She turned to exit the cave and began walking past the others, averting her eyes from whatever reactions they might have had. "You will follow me until the sky is fixed. Do what you will afterward. But do not breathe a word of this to anyone. Do not speak of it."

"Y-you got it, ma'am," Rei replied, "None of it leaves this cave!"

Outside the cave, the red sky persisted, painting the landscape in its oppressive gloom. It was all the reminder Cyllene needed that now was the time to focus on the immediate.

The flight was short, and before long the six landed in front of Cogita and around two dozen Survey Corp members.

"Ah, there you are," said Cogita. "Did you bring the keys from the lake trio?"

"Yes," Cyllene said, digging out the plume and Rei and Laventon did the same with their respective supplies.

"Perfect. While you gone, I led the Survey Corps to harvest enough origin ore to make a few pokéballs from the red chain. We discussed it and we think that would be the best use for it."

Cogita took the three items and carried them to the center of the Celestica ruins, the Survey Corps as well as the six following along to watch what was sure to be a mystical process. Once she was there, apparitions of the lake trio appeared and levitated the items from her hands. The items spun, bathed in red light, and then transformed into a beautiful chain of red gems that fell back down into Cogita's hands.

Cogita turned back to the group. "There. Now, what do you say, Survey Corps? Shall we do the crafting ourselves and allow these six a chance to rest? The lake trials couldn't have been easy. And lord knows that you have quite the challenge ahead of you."

"Thank you, Cogita, Cyllene said.

It wasn't far to the Galaxy Team's nearest encampment, where the group started a fire and put on some food. There were many noises from Pokémon as the less intelligent ones played outside their balls and the cleverer ones bayed at the foreign sky. It was loud enough to save them from attempting to make awkward conversation to distract one another from the reality of facing their allies or fellow Galaxy Team members.

While Cyllene tended the fire, Laventon sent out the strange trio of Pokémon he’d brought- the specimens he called a rotom-mow, a porygon-Z, and a bronzong.

“Alright, you three,” Laventon called out over the noise, “If you have any special world-saving powers you’d like to share with me, now would be the time! Because time really is of the essence right now, and, well, um… I’m afraid it’s been hard to figure out exactly what you do or how you work biologically, or, well, anything about you, really.”

The three Pokémon looked at each other and appeared to laugh at him before joining the other Pokémon in the encampment at their play.

Laventon sighed and sat down next to Cyllene. “Perhaps bringing them wasn’t my wisest move. But I couldn’t have forgiven myself if I found out later that they could have saved us!.”

“You have your typhlosion. That will be enough if you are separated from the group.”

"Do you want to go for a little walk, captain?"

"No," she said firmly, looking back to the fire.

"Please?"

Cyllene sighed. "Fine," she answered, getting to her feet.

Cyllene led the way into the pines, eyes forward.

"You know, you're nothing special to me," Laventon said. "Er, um, I mean, you're nothing different to me. Um, wait." Laventon sighed heavily. "What I mean, captain, is that I studied in Jhoto. My work had nothing to do with the war, but I met plenty of people who were affected by it.”

“And you can use that information to decide whatever you please once the world is saved. Until then, you follow me regardless of how it bothers you that I could have been the one to hurt some of those people.”

“That isn’t what I meant at all. You're not anything I couldn't understand. And even if you were, you've proven yourself as a leader. Nothing we saw in that cave changes that for any of us. I know them enough to be sure of that."

Cyllene stopped dead. She knew she was a good leader, both in action and appearance, both of which were extremely important. She had not known that she had allies and subordinates so loyal that such a failure in appearance wouldn't shake their loyalty. But Laventon knew how others thought. He was far better at that than she was. If that's what he saw, and if he were telling the truth, then he was probably correct.

"Thank you," she said.

"Of course. We need you clear-headed for what's ahead, after all!"

Cyllene could imagine Laventon's sweet smile before she even looked back to see it.

"Laventon. You are my subordinate, and as such I wanted to keep an image to you. But, now that there are no secrets... I want you to know that I..." Cyllene closed her eyes and grit her teeth as though in pain. "I love you. If we survive this, and you feel the same way, I would like to be with you."

Laventon crossed the space between them and kissed her on the lips. Cyllene relaxed immediately and reciprocated, running a hand through his curly hair. When they separated, she was bewildered for a moment. Soon, they would be heading up the mountain, possibly to their doom. But they had this moment, and that was something worth treasuring.

[strywoven]

@lcstkey has requested a story : ∗ 75﹕ sender  and  receiver  go  on  a  hike . [Verona]

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅.

❝ Come , quickly now , lest we miss her ! ❞  Never is the Valk quite so EXCITABLE , it must be a special occasion ( though what that occasion is , she did not happen to mention it to the poor keybearer being hastened along with her ) .  But it assuredly seems i m p o r t a n t , with the way she hurries , the way she radiates such eagerness.  The energy is infectious , even if queer , the realm around them responding in kind , seeming to BLOOM & FLOURISH ; flowers giggle-gossip as they pass , boughs of trees wave and bend to brush the tops of their heads , the forest itself becomes rife with an upbeat chord , plucking and preening along to their rushing about.  Yet one must wonder: just w h a t is it that has managed to put her in such spirits ?

The two must look right strange , indeed : an odd pair of women dashing almost mindlessly through the wood , the blonde dragging her raven love behind as she giggles and trips along to keep pace with her counterpart.  And at last , after a lengthy trek through groves and thickets , Verona comes to a halt , allowing Selena to do the same beside her.  She stands still , points of ears pricked and alert , listening intently to the innate musicality of the world and all it might have to disclose to her.  With a nod , she turns towards Selena , her grin returning , ❝ As of late , you’ve only ever really interacted with the HUMANS of Fantasia , ❞ She shrugs , correcting herself , ❝ Well , them and my Familiars.  But , today , I have an old friend of mine I think you might like to meet.  She has been looking forward to meeting you , at least. ❞

From the wood , the trees h u m and m u r m u r amongst one another , seeming to shuffle aside to make way for a youthful-looking entity that leaves trails of sprouting greenery in her wake.  The spirit peers from ‘round the bend of an oak , blinking wide-eyed and curious like a fawn , hair unfurling and whisking about her head as if caught in eternal breeze.  This , THE NATURE SPRITE .  She spots Verona and dashes outwards from hiding , swirling around the Valk to the tune of chime-like notes.  Gathering up the blonde’s hands , the spirit bounces in the air , speaking without speaking , plainly immensely happy to see her companion.  A curious trill sounds when she cocks her head , tipping it to acknowledge Selena.  She points at her , and Verona nods , the spirit throws her hands in the air and t w i r l s about , sending waves of petals and flora flowing around them.

Verona smiles haplessly , brushing the flowers from her hair and turning to the Keybearer beside her.  ❝ Dear Heart , I wanted to introduce you to one of Fantasia’s many spirits , ❞ A hand motions to the sprite who waves excitedly , grinning , ❝ That is our Nature Sprite.  I have known her since I first took my oath to protect Fantasia. ❞  There comes a brief silence , one where the sprite looks e x p e c t a n t l y between the two warriors before , finally , Verona sinks down to one knee.  ❝ Since she has known me for so long , and knows the realm the best , ❞ She begins , taking up one of Selena’s hands in her clawed own , ❝ I wanted her blessing before finally asking something that has been on my mind for these last few months , ❞ It feels as if the whole of the forest has come to listen to the proposal , ready and curious and heavy with anticipation , ❝ Dear Heart , I know we have seen much together , but I have always felt that our story had just begun.  Everyday I wake up to you , is an honor , is a pleasure.  You remind me of the Light I thought I lost so long ago.  And you , always you , Dear Heart , are the song I find my way home to.  So , will you … Marry me ? ❞

[skythesnake]

Fury of Nations - Chapter Three

Previous Chapter: 2

Chapter One: 1

Next Chapter: 4

Chapter 3

Since leaving Vishal, I’d had my fair share of what my parents called “culture shock”. But when I got to the war camp, it was somehow worse. Yes, two of the four other squad mates used Hand Signs with me, and there were other Vishali, but it felt weirdly alienating to have everyone else communicating in one way, and then communicating with me in an entirely other way. It felt like I was being left out, even though I could understand Tsaballan pretty well, and could technically speak whenever I wanted. On top of that, some of the other Vishali were… well, full of themselves. They refused to speak out loud at all, and were almost hostile to those of us who did choose to speak aloud at times. It was made even worse by the fact that one of my squad mates made it clear that he hated me simply for being Vishali. The highlight of my day was visiting the cooks. There seemed to be a strange camaraderie among the cooks that I hadn’t seen in other places. People of all different races shared stories as they made food in a hot kitchen.

“Ah, Shinael! Have you come back to steal a bite of food before dinner?” A Hidalni cook asked, winking at me.

‘Who, me? I would never! I just want to make sure the food will satisfy my picky squadmates.’ I signed back, barely remembering that a smile is how you express a joke. Another cook touched my arm to get my attention, I turned to see an Alanaean who had arrived a few weeks before I did. 

‘You taste? Tell how good it is?’ She asked in broken hand sign. I nodded and let her lead me over to a pot where she spooned a thick sludge into a bowl and handed it to me.

‘M-O-N-D-Y-L S-T-E-W’ She signed. I showed her the sign for stew and she nodded.

‘M-O-N-D-Y-L Stew. Alanae cooking.’ I lifted the bowl and ate some, letting it sit in my mouth for a moment to take in the flavor. I thinned my lips at her.

‘It’s very good! What is the spice you used?’ We talked for a while more about the ingredients, many of them native to the northern countries. I left her to her stew and wandered through the kitchen again until I found Coit, a Vishali cook I knew from back home. 

‘Hello Shinael. Have you considered my offer?’ They asked. 

‘I appreciate it, Coit, I do. But my place is with Squadron 13. I can alter a meal to make it taste better, but I am no special cook. I best serve as a spy.’ Coit nodded

‘I understand. Just know that we will always welcome you should you choose to join the cooks. We’re always in need of a taste tester.’ I nodded and we sat in silence for a moment.

‘My shift is nearly done. Maybe you can help me with this last batch of Jrenish and then we can wander around and find something to do?’ They asked. I accepted and walked over to the ovens with them where they pulled out a pot of what I assumed was Jrenish. 

Wandering around turned out to be a very good idea. Though I’d been here for at least three days now, I hadn’t had the opportunity to explore. Coit had been here a few weeks before I had, so they’d been around a few times. They informed me on some of the things I hadn’t been keeping up on. People regularly get mail from people back home, but no one tells you, you just have to go check at the kiosk next to the front gate. There’s a small train station a little to the south that takes you to and from the nearest town, Tsashen, but it’s a little expensive. As we walked, Coit waved at several people, mostly Vishali spies I trained with and other cooks I’d seen around. 

‘You’ve really made a lot of friends here.’ I commented. They thinned their lips at me

‘Yeah. It’s strange how much a war like this brings people together. Especially people in specific communities, like the cooks and’ they stopped signing to gesture to those training in the pit as we passed, ‘believe it or not, the soldiers.’ It was after training time, so anyone training at this point did so because they wanted to, not because their schedule demanded it. I thought back to Talyn and how, though he wasn’t really nice, he was more respectful towards Ta’eel and Kishan than to others. Kishan, because they’re squad captain, Ta’eel because she proved herself to him in beating him in a fight the first day they arrived. 

‘I think I can believe that. Even in Vishal, little communities were always pretty tight. I had a few friends who never missed a meeting in their respective clubs. I guess it would make sense for that to extend to other cultures too.’ Coit nodded and then looked at me with a strange expression.

‘You know…’ they paused and stopped walking to look around at the cabins on this side of the camp, ‘other races aren’t that much different from us. Each person is an individual with their own capabilities and aspirations. Just because one is Fijari and one is Vishali doesn’t mean they can’t get along, nor does it mean they’re so different from each other.’ They nodded at Talyn who was talking with Fijari twins and their Tsaballan Squad Captain I’d previously met. Talyn never really expressed joy that I saw, but he looked as close to happy as I’d seen him so far, sitting around their campfire speaking in Fijari which the Tsaballan had apparently learned some of. Coit knew of my complaints, specifically those about Talyn.

‘But what if… the Fijari doesn’t see it that way?’ I asked. Coit shrugged.

‘Then that is their problem. If the Vishali wants to put in the effort, they might try reaching the Fijari in a way the Fijari will respond to and work from there.’ Coit thinned their lips slyly at me.

‘Inter-race communication can be difficult when you’re raised to believe it is. But no culture is too different to find common ground between individuals.’ They left me there, still considering their words before I even realized they were gone.

[pheonyxian]

Baldur's Gate 3 Sexless Any% Part 3

I think some of my mutuals are using this as an actual way of knowing what BG3 is actually about so I figured I'd use this edition to talk about the plot and npcs a bit. Might slow down or stop these at some point? I thought the original premise was funny but I don't know if it's liveblog an entire 100 hour game funny. Regardless feel free to block the tag I'm adding if you don't want to hear any future rambles. Do love/hate it when a game I didn't intend to like so much gets its grubby mind flayer tentacles wrapped around my brain so hard.

The OC PC: RPing through the game as my OC Ank. I wasn't sure if picking an oc with strong psychic powers would rub against the mind flayer plot but so far it's been a perfect choice. Ank is traditionally a villain but I'm not playing a villain for my first play through, so it's been fun to rp him in a scenario where he's g o o d and his life didn't take a turn for the worse. He's also traditionally blind, but obviously the game isn't set up for that. I was originally just imagining cutscenes playing out differently if sight was involved, but maybe it'll be more interesting to consider him in a pre-blinded state. I'm sure certain repeated actions in the ocular region won't have any u n f o r t u n a t e effects.

Mind Flayers: The setup for the plot is that mind flayers have infected you (and your companions, and a large number of npcs) with mind flayer parasites and you have to remove them before you turn into fully grown mind flayers. Except for some reason you haven't turned yet and you get cool psychic powers with them.

The Guardian: In addition to making your own character at start, you also can character create your "guardian." Everyone I know just hits the randomize button because they've already spent an hour fussing over every detail of their character, but I knew this was coming and already planned my guardian out. And uh, like I said, Ank's traditionally a villain and the only guardian-like character he's ever had is uh... I'm going to be honest with you, if the guardian turns out to be the big bad of the game that's going to be funny as all fuck. I'm sure there's very little chance of that though, it's not like there's anything evil about telling you to s h o v e w o r m s i n t o y o u r s k u l l.

Withers: Withers is more of a mechanic than a character. I do want to know his story though. He's an undead or lich or something who will revive dead characters (for a cost) hire generic undead companions (for a cost, I guess if you want to resign your poor companion's unfortunate fate) and change your cast (for the same cost as undead friends.) I guess money still has use in the afterlife. I haven't had to use his services yet but I've had a lot of close calls and dwindling Revivify scrolls so it's only a matter of time.

Volo: Just Gale but a bard. Not a playable character Bard mind you. At least not yet. I don't know what his deal is. He offered to extract the mind flayer parasites with a pair of needles which I almost agreed to to see if he'd actually poke Ank's eye out.

And updates on companion stories:

Shadowheart: Decided that after a week of traveling and nearly dying together it was appropriate to breach topics again. Pretty sure the game expected me to ask these immediately once the option was available but like I said, we respect boundaries in this house. Anyway, Shadowheart's a cleric of Shar, who by context I'm assuming is bad. The way she put her worship didn't sound that bad, about embracing the darkness as a way of stripping falsehoods, right up until she started talking about toppling governments and killing innocents, so I'm keeping her at a 2/10 for being batshit insane.

Also her magical artifact is required for keeping me alive and she stole it and do we really want the e v i l cleric to have that kind of p o w e r over M E?

Lae'zel: Lae'zel sits at the very strange crossroad of honorable and completely ruthless. She's totally fine with killing your enemies but you have to do it the right way, and b r a i n w o r m s isn't the right way. I'd say the right way is whatever works. 7/10

Gale: All of my attempts to pry into Gale's backstory (boundaries? what boundaries?) were foiled by poor dice rolls so no updates on his dark and traumatic past. I did give him two magical artifacts to slurp up because he looked like he was going to die of heat stroke at camp. I've been avoiding spoilers but I had heard that it's hilariously difficult to not accidentally romance Gale due to a bug, and the fact that you can start his romance path without realizing it. Thankfully Ank is smart enough to realize that when you cast spells together that makes the air smell like rosewater it's time to high tail it out of there. 2/10 as smooth as a slip n' slide.

That said, I don't know if it's been patched yet, but according to the internet there's like a 50/50 chance the game thinks we've already banged. Tbd on that one. Sexless any% is slowly turning into Oops! Fucked Everyone thanks purely on technicalities.

Astarion: Based on the way people talk about him I genuinely thought the pompous personality was just a facade and that he'll eventually tip his hand and reveal he's been evil this entire time. But honestly based the bits of backstory he's (refreshingly, compared to the rest of these idiots) given out I think he's just the guy who, once given the keys to power, will drive right off sanity road. Regardless, he used to serve an abusive vampire lord so I guess we're going vampire hunting in the future. 10/10 bad influence gay best friend who tells you to chug and shove parasites up your eyes.

Wyll: Wyll is a warlock who serves a fiend that forces him to hunt down and kill demons, which sounds like a fine deal until some tricky wordplay came in. After refusing to kill Karlach (Tiefling, not demon) his patron changed him into a Tiefling too. Honestly? Upgrade. 6/10 nice guy but surrounded by more colorful characters.

Karlach: Ok here’s why Karlach is a 10/10 character even without taking sex appeal into consideration. She’s a Tiefling who served in some demonic war against her will and had her heart replaced with an infernal engine that constantly burns her and anyone she touches with searing hot pain. Despite this she has constant big sister energy and her biggest complaint is how touch starved she is. I don’t even care if it comes bundled with a sex scene, Karlach is getting a goddamn hug before the credits roll.

[crushofthedecade]

the thought of having to lose you

it’s been impossible to fathom

you always helped me find myself

constantly getting lost, in my dark mind

you were my flashlight

guiding me to my best self

made sure I got aquatinted comfortably

there’s no amount of gifts or gratitude

that I could offer enough to thank you

given- I always find myself back here

to this thought of, what happens after this

if you don’t reciprocate, if you go, no us

my skin crawls, stomach turns

at the thought of having to settle

with anyone besides you

I can’t have someone else’s hands

touch, no one could ever compare-

my mind rejects the thought of the other

so instead I constantly think…

how can we not end up together

clearly soulmates, surly in my mind

sure everything else can be so messy

growing up, our own chaos to weather

tidal pool the entirety of our teens

shit’s been hitting the fan nonstop for years

just accepting the weight of it all, going x3

but when I’m in front of you

the world makes some sense

it all slows down, nervous system reboot

I breath different, I think different

feel it in my spirit, you’re devinely chosen

life’s worth it all.. in so little words

I keep trying to put it in the right way

no idea how to profess this to you-

I wish you saw things the way I did

embarrassed, for my bigger than life feelings

always thought that i feel much more for you

that I was just whatever to you…

but you showed me differently

because your actions said it all

sprinkled with your thoughtfully chosen words

completely transcribed in your kisses

seeped into my membrane by your touch

there is nothing truer than this, us

I feel you telling me that without saying it

but I must be hopeful wishing,

hopeful thinking

hope you don’t go

I have no idea how you wouldn’t

no clue as to what’s next

going with my gut, and I’m spilling it

feeling the heaviest gravitational pull

s t a y a w h i l e l o n g e r,

I wanna say much longer, like 4 evers

asking whatever amount of now

my crazy idea, feel this out together

we don’t have to heartbreak alone

when the only person who gets us is us

why can’t we hold each other through the storm

instead of battling the waves alone, like before

iceberg thru our hearts, ship could sink

rather than possibly drown on different sides

won’t you jump with me into the middle

plunge into the scariest part, together

really with you it seems less terrifying

because it’s always going to be okay

hard, but okay, no matter which way..

we can figure out anything, side by side

God made my heart like this for you

it’s no mistake, none of this ever was

never would be, if I could be our life boat

I’m really tryna cruise with you infinity

♾️