#shouldn't be able to make it's because it's a story and it was a stroke of luck that propels him through and it's because we all want to see

[vraska-theunseen]

i started watching a youtube video about cinemasins that just kind of mocks it for yknow being a content machine and whittling media criticism down to incredibly simple superficial observations like "this things has tropes/cliches" (not even mentioning how a lot of times those tropes and cliches are literally just. customs. things people do in real life, cultural details that someone would include in a story because again real people write things and they live in the fucking world. wearing all black to a funeral for example i remember they called that a cliche a lot) or "the director made choices" or "this thing is in a genre and has scene decoration fit to the genre or meant to convey meaning to the viewer!" like those are bad things instead of how you tell stories and by and large depreciating the ability of its viewers to conduct media analysis and watch things genuinely and appreciate art and meaning. okay the youtuber didn't say all of that specifically a lot of that is my opinion based on how in middle school i watched cinemasins a lot and observations i've made about people the same age as me who i can surmise also watched cinemasins based on how they watch movies and nitpick things like "this thing has tropes" and "this thing would never happen in real life/a person would never say or do this in real life" because cinemasins has distilled in them a lack of ability to engage in a story as a story crucially i cannot say it simpler than that as a story as a narrative someone wrote based on an idea they had because it was cool or to do something or mean something or have an effect and everything that happens is written by someone or a choice made by an actor because these aren't real people and the purpose of art is to AUUUGHHH I GOT DISTRACTED AGAIN!!!! THE POINT OF THIS POST IS i was watching the video and being like haha yeah hate those guys and then they played a clip from cinemasins to demonstrate what they meant and hearing the cinemasins guy's voice knocked me flat i had to pause the video and come write this post bc i had to recuperate

[authorhjk1]

Any chance that there will be a karina sequel for the main story where she would come back begging for more or begging to be a side chick/mistress or something?

Interlude: Training

(Karina X Ahin X Male Reader)

"What is going on here?"

You step into your living room with a frown on your face. You just came back from a morning run on the beach. Ahin was still sleeping when you left and you didn't expect her to be up already. And you definitely didn't expect to see another woman with her.

"Hi babe."

Ahin gets off the couch. You raise an eyebrow as you realize that she is wearing a long white dress. But then you remember that she had some sort of charity to attend to today.

You reluctantly lean down to kiss her back. Despite Ahin getting off on you sleeping with other women, it's weird to see her with someone you've slept with. But then again, Karina is also working with her anyways.

"Hi."

You can tell she is a little shy right now. Her outfit indicates that she must have come over right after a performance or something.

"Just give us a minute."

Ahin turned towards Karina and is now leading you into the kitchen.

"What is she doing here?"

Your girlfriend doesn't let go off your hand.

"She wants you."

"I will take her with me once I'm ready for work."

You are well aware of your promise to Ahin. No other woman in this house. And yet, you are barely able to hold yourself back. You haven't seen Karina in a couple of weeks. And it feels like she becomes more beautiful everytime you see her.

Ahin catches your impatience. A sly smile appears on her lips.

"She isn't here, just because she wants you to fuck her now."

You are confused. Judging from her outfit, you thought she had something important on her mind, having to get here immediately after her performance. And you don't know what else she would want from you.

"Karina doesn't want you to fuck her only today."

Ahin's eyes seem to tell you something, but you are still in the dark.

"Then what does she want?"

"You."

That word makes you frown.

"What? Doesn't she know we..."

"She does. The two of us talk, you know?"

"I know. So why...?"

"She-"

"I need you."

You look past Ahin. Karina is standing behind her, hands clasped in front of her body.

"I get that. But-"

"You don't."

She hesitates, before she takes a step forward, now standing next to your girlfriend.

"I need you. Really need you."

You don't get what she means. She didn't catch feelings, did she?

"I-I always get so jealous when I hear another idol talk about you. It makes me hate them. Like they are stealing something from me."

You glance at Ahin, which Karina seems to have caught.

"It's different with Ahin unnie. She is your girlfriend. You love her. I get that."

Karina's words now flow out of her, almost as if she is rapping. It seems like she held this in for a while now. You have to concentrate to be able to catch every word. Your Korean is still not perfect.

"I respected her too much to say something until now. And-And I don't even know what this is. I-I can't be in love with you, right?"

A shiver runs down your spine. Is she serious?

"I-I mean the only thing we do is having sex. And I don't even know a lot about you. And yet, I-I always get so jealous when..."

Ahin strokes Karina's shoulder to calm her down a little.

The younger of the two takes a deep breath.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is, I need more of you. I'm not satisfied with only meeting you occasionally. I need you more regularly."

You can tell she is biting back an 'always'.

"Have you thought about the possibility that this isn't me, but-"

"But the sex?"

Karina shakes her head.

"I wish. I wish I could just tell you I've become a sex addict, thanks to you."

You feel oddly proud. Although you shouldn't be. If that's true, it is a little concerning.

"But it's not sex in general. It's sex with you."

"Okay."

You need a little time to digest what just happened.

Before you are able to say anything else, Ahin's voice makes you look at her.

"I-I'm willing to share."

She is obviously hesitant, but after another moment of thinking, she finally nods. Determined.

"I'm willing to share you with Karina."

"But aren't you already...?"

"Sharing you with other girls? Kind off. But no. I know you fuck other girls all the time. But you always change it up a little. It's not a problem, since you don't focus on anyone in particular."

Ahin takes Karina's hand.

"But I'm willing to make an exception."

You are quiet, waiting for her to finish. This is something you've never thought of. The fact that your girlfriend let's you sleep with other women still feels like a dream. But what is she proposing now?

"Karina sleep with you whenever and wherever she wants. Including this house. But don't expect me to just ignore the two of you, when I'm here too. When I'm here, I always come first."

Karina nods in agreement.

"Good. You can come over as much as you want. I can clear out a drawer for you in the bedroom. I doubt you would be staying in one of the guest rooms."

Ahin turns to you.

"If that's okay for you of course. The other rules still stand though. Don't have feelings for anyone but me. And don't get her pregnant."

"I doubt that anyone of us would want that."

You chuckle, but you catch Karina biting her lip.

How much of you does she really need?

"It's settled then. Since (y/n) still has to shower after his run, I'm guessing you would like to help him out?"

Karina nods eagerly. You can't help but get hard at the thought. If Karina is staying at your place regularly from now on, you wonder if every single shower you are going to take is going to turn into a threesome.

As Karina leaves you and Ahin to head towards the bathroom, you pull your girlfriend into a kiss.

"I know that this can't be easy for you."

"I would do anything to make you happy."

She kisses you back.

"What about your own happiness?"

"You don't get it, do you?"

You raise an eyebrow as Ahin laughs at you.

"All of this confirms that I'm with the best man I could ever have. Every female celebrity in this country wants you. But I'm the only one you love."

You lean down to kiss her forehead.

"I really do love you."

When you pull back, you look behind her as if you are looking after Karina.

"What if she does want more than just sex?"

"I don't know. But as long as you are loyal, I'm not really worried anyway."

"Wait. I have an idea."

When Ahin sees your mischievous grin, a devilish smile forms on her lips, while she listens to your proposal.

Karina moans as she gets woken up. Except for the blowjob she gave you in the shower yesterday, the rest of her day went on as usual. After you and Ahin picked her up from her dorm, Karina only then realized what she got herself into.

The three of you stayed up for quite a while. Despite her being a hard working dancer, she has never felt this sore before. Her thighs still feel like pudding. She can't see them, covered by the blanket, but red marks are all over them. Her pussy feels used, but in a good way. Like she got rid off all the stress she had inside of her before. Hickeys cover her entire body. Mostly her chest and thighs. But she vividly remembers Ahin, biting and sucking on her neck, while you made her impale herself on your cock. A feeling Karina will probably never forget.

It's your girlfriend's voice that finally makes her open her eyes.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. Breakfast is ready."

Before she can reply, Ahin is already gone. A little disoriented, Karina throws the blanket off her tired body. She looks around your bedroom, trying to figure out what to wear. Despite spending the night, she wasn't able to get a good look at the room. She was busy getting plowed into the mattress, while Ahin told her what a good slut she is.

Karina feels shame flowing through her veins. She already felt bad for asking Ahin to share her boyfriend. And although it was dirty talk last night, it might be what Ahin actually thinks of her.

The young girl's clothes are still downstairs. She left them there last night. For a moment, she thinks about borrowing something from Ahin, but she quickly shakes her head. She is already using her boyfriend. She can't also steal her clothes.

"There you are."

Ahin gives her a sweet smile as Karina steps into the living room. While Ahin is fully dressed, Karina is only wearing one of your shirts.

"Please. We already ate."

Ahin points at the full plate on the table.

"Where is (y/n) by the way?"

Your girlfriend chuckles.

"Why? Are you having second thoughts about this?"

"N-No!"

Karina quickly shakes her head.

"He is working. (Y/n) will be home later. Maybe around six."

As she sits down at the table, Karina glances at the clock in the kitchen. 12 pm. Was last night really this hard on her?

Karina only realizes that Ahin is standing behind her, after she finished her breakfast.

"Wait. What are you doing?"

She is too surprised to answer. Her fork in her right hand and her phone in the left.

"Don't worry about it."

Ahin has already tied Karina's legs to the chair by now.

"Would you mind taking the shirt off?"

"What? Why?"

Despite her questions, Karina finds herself doing what she is told. She feels awkward sitting naked in your living room, while Ahin is fully dressed and tying her to the chair.

"Let me make some room."

Instead of pushing the table somewhere else, Ahin takes the chair Karina is sitting on and pushes it towards the middle of the room.

"What is going on?"

Karina looks around. Her body is completely tied to the chair. The three of you came up with a safe word for her last night. Would Ahin still listen to her now?

"Look at this."

After stepping in front of her, Ahin takes something out of her pockets.

"That-That's a used condom."

"Correct. It's (y/n)'s. From last night."

"But-But I saw him cum in your mouth. Several times."

Karina feels her cheeks heating up as she says those words out loud.

"He did. But he made me spit it out."

"Why?"

"So you can have it."

"What do you mean?"

Ahin starts to open the nod she put into the condom last night.

"Open your mouth."

Her voice isn't loud or demanding. Just dominant. Just giving simple orders. And Karina, despite hesitating, does what she is told.

"Good girl."

Ahin praises her, before she holds the condom over Karina's mouth. A thick globe of your cum falls down, landing on her tongue.

"Don't swallow."

Karina doesn't move, but your taste is already lingering on her tongue. It takes her a surprising amount of self-control to not just gulp it down.

Ahin takes Karina's face into her hands, before leaning down. Her tongue invades the younger girl's mouth. Karina moans as your cum swirls around her whole mouth. Ahin slowly steals it from her and eventually stands straight again. Karina's mouth is completely empty. Only your taste remains.

With envy in her eyes, the younger girl watches how Ahin takes a big gulp, swallowing your cum.

"I expected you to put up more of a fight."

"Y-You caught me off guard."

The older one chuckles.

"That just means you don't appreciate this enough, yet."

She holds up the condom.

"Let-Let me try again."

Karina's desperate tone makes Ahin smile. She holds the condom over Karina's mouth again, slowly letting some of your cum fall onto your tongue.

"Keep it in your mouth."

To the younger one's surprise, Ahin just leaves her. She walks out of the living room, without looking back. A minute or two later, she reappears. A small pink object is lying in her hands.

"Did you swallow?"

Karina shakes her head, unable to talk with your cum in her mouth.

"Good girl."

Karina's cheeks heat up at the praise.

She feels Ahin working on her waist after she leans down. She wants to know what she is doing, but she can't move her head, without letting your cum fall out of her mouth.

A shiver runs through her as the small pink object touches her clit. The cold plastic gives her goosebumps. Karina knows what this is.

"Now, you don't have to do anything. Just sit here and enjoy yourself."

Ahin leans down, her face close to Karina's.

"But don't swallow. You are only allowed to swallow when you cum. Understood?"

After a moment, Karina hesitantly nods.

"Very good."

Ahin pats her head, before taking a step back again.

The younger girl's eyes dart down to the pink remote in her hand, which she only noticed now.

Karina's breath hitches as she sees Ahin pressing a button. The vibrator on her clit starts to do it's work. The setting is low at first. Enough to make Karina struggle to stay cool, but not enough to get her off.

She looks up at Ahin, not sure where else to look.

Her body starts to tremble, when Ahin turns it up a notch. Karina's spread thighs quiver. The urge to rub them together overwhelms her. It almost feels like your cum in her mouth becomes heavier.

"Try to breath through your nose, sweetie."

Ahin's voice drips with honey as she strokes Karina's hair.

Hidden from the younger girl's view, her finger presses the button once more.

A moan escapes Karina's lips, almost making her swallow instinctively. It's getting harder for her now. Her breathing becomes heavier. The vibration on her clit is now getting her off. She can feel herself starting to get wetter.

"Good girl."

Ahin kisses Karina's cheek.

The younger one's nostrils flare as she tries to steady her breathing. The warmth in her core starts to grow. She desperately wants to cum. She wants to feel your sticky seed flow down her throat. And yet, she tries to hold on, afraid she is going to spill something.

"You are almost there. You are doing so well."

Ahin's soothing voice isn't helping her at all. It only encourages Karina to close her eyes. She focuses on her breathing, trying to blend out the fact that she is tied to the chair, your cum filling her mouth.

Karina almost lets out a yelp as she feels Ahin's hand on her chest.

"Sweetie, you are doing such a good job."

The constant praise makes Karina moan. She feels validated. As if Ahin is telling her that it's okay to be a slut. That it's actually good. That it's a good thing Karina is addicted to another woman's boyfriend.

"If I remember correctly, you liked this a lot last night."

Karina almost squeals in pleasure as she suddenly feels Ahin's lips capture one of her nipples. She could swear that a drop of your cum is slowly running along the wall of her throat. It's slowly making it's way to her stomach. Sinful evidence of her almost failed attempt to keep her composure.

Ahin's lips and tongue feel more like torture than pleasure at this point. She switches between both nipples, giving them equal attention. Meanwhile, the vibrator on her clit makes Karina's tremble even more. She can tell her incoming orgasm isn't that far away anymore. A minute at most. Maybe. Or maybe only a couple of seconds.

Karina's nails dig into her own hand as she tries to find an outlet for her pleasure. Since they are tied to the chair, she can't hold onto something else.

Ahin delivers the final blow, when she lets her hand wander over Karina's midriff. It passes the pink vibrator and reaches her pussy.

The older girl lets it circle around her lower lips and Karina's resistance breaks. Her body trembles and shakes as she orgasms in the middle of your living room. She is almost completely silent. That last remaining functional part of her brain is doing its best to keep your cum in her mouth. It's an almost impossible task.

But Karina manages to hold on. Once her orgasm subsides, she opens her eyes. She is greeted by a smiling Ahin, who is patting her head again.

"Good girl."

Despite her desperate longing to take a big gulp, Karina waits for permission. Only then does she realize that the vibrator is off.

"You earned it. Swallow his cum."

Karina closes her eyes again, before she gladly lets your thick seed flow down her throat. She never felt so rewarded. It feels to her like your cum tastes ten times better than it usually does.

When Karina finally opens her eyes again, Ahin is holding up the condom again.

"You know the drill, sweetie."

Ahin sends you another picture as you step out out of your Ferrari. Just like the last one, it's mainly Karina, who is still tied to the chair. Her body is covered by sweat now. She looks tired and worn out.

Stepping inside your house, you hear moaning from inside the living room.

"Almost there, sweetie. You are doing good."

Your girlfriend's voice makes you smile as you walk towards it.

The scene in front of you makes you instantly hard. Karina is still bound to the chair. Her mouth is almost overflowing with your cum. You catch a couple of used condoms decorating her thighs. Her black hair is sticking to her forehead and cheeks. Meanwhile, Ahin is standing behind her, leaning over and fingering Karina to another orgasm.

You watch as she silently climaxes, her body fighting against the chair and the ropes. You wonder how many times she already came like this. It seems like Ahin just emptied the last condom in the younger girl's mouth, who is now swallowing it's former contents with a big smile on her face.

"Babe!"

Ahin sees you first. She walks over and kisses you, pulling your head down to match her hight.

"H-Hi."

You smile at Karina.

"Would you mind letting her go?"

Ahin walks back and starts working on the ropes that keep Karina in place. You see deep red marks as they come off one by one. But Karina doesn't really seem to care. Once they are off, she gets off the chair.

Her legs are shaking, but she manages to walk over to where you are standing. Her nude body presses against yours, her tits rubbing against your shirt as she looks up at you.

"I-I need your cum. Please. I really need it."

Her whines make you chuckle. It seems like it worked. To prevent Karina from catching any further feelings, you had to make her so addicted to your cum that she can't think about anything else when she sees you.

"Ride me first."

You sit down on the couch, Karina following you.

"Don't mind if I order take out. I'm starving."

Ahin walks away as if you and Karina are just going to watch a movie or something.

Instead, Karina quickly tears your pants off your body, before straddling you.

"Please cum quickly. I need it."

"You already mentioned that."

You bite your lip as Karina sinks onto your shaft. Her pussy wraps around your cock as she glides down to the base.

"Oh god!"

She moans louder than ever before today as she starts bouncing in your lap. Her tits do the same right in front of your face. You can only contain yourself for a couple of moments, before you take them into your hands. You play with them, while Karina keeps riding you.

Just as Ahin did earlier, you start sucking on her nipples. It makes Karina moan louder as she throws her hips towards yours.

"Oh god! Oh god! Oh god!"

Now that she doesn't have to keep your cum in her mouth, she can finally voice her pleasure freely.

"Please make me cum on your cock. Please!"

You place your hands on her waist and start using them to control her movements. You make her pick up the pace quickly.

Karina moans and mewls as she is forced to ride you as fast and as hard as she can. She tries her best to make you cum quickly. She tries to keep eye contact. She tries to flex her abs. She tries to tighten her walls. Anything that makes you want to blow your load into her needy mouth.

After ordering teokbokki, Ahin has come back into the living room. Without a word, she walks up to the two of you, reaching around Karina's waist.

The younger girl moans loudly as she finds herself in a similar position from last night. Ahin's hand starts to play with her clit, while she keeps bouncing on your cock. You keep your face buried in her tits, while Ahin latches onto her neck.

"Gonna cum!"

Karina closes her eyes, throwing her head back, almost headbutting Ahin, who quickly moves out of the way. Your girlfriend starts whispering dirty things into her ear again.

"Be a good slut. Cum on his cock."

She keeps rubbing the younger ones clit, while your grip on her waist increases in strength. You are going to leave marks again.

"You are now his cum dump. His cum drunk whore."

"Please!"

With a loud plea for you to cum in her mouth, Karina orgasms on top of you. Her pussy pulsates around you, her walls squeezing you again and again.

"Get off. I'm gonna cum."

Without even noticing it, Karina swallows by herself after having orgasmed. As if Ahin trained this reflex into her.

With the older girl's help, she manages to slide off of you. Your cock is drenched in her juices. Ahin leans forward and takes you into her mouth. You groan as her skilful tongue dances around your cock. She cleans you up, almost making you cum in her mouth in the process.

"Karina, open your mouth."

Like the good slut she has now been trained to be, Karina opens her mouth, sticking her tongue out. You feel Ahin's tongue swirl around your tip one last time, before you give yourself a couple of quick strokes.

Karina lets out a deep moan as she feels your warm cum hit her tongue, her mouth, her lips and parts of her face. She almost orgasms again without even touching herself. Her brain now connecting your cum with her own pleasure and orgasms.

Before she can savor your taste comfortably, Ahin captures her lips with her own. While for you it looks like they are just kissing, the two women on her knees fight a fierce battle with their tongues. Ahin leans in further and a moment later, Karina finds herself lying on the floor of your living room, Ahin on top of her.

[sports-on-sundays]

all my fault / LN4 / PART 1

Summary: Lando x girlfriend!reader - Lando blames himself too often and you think it is stupid.

Warnings: crying a little

Requested: Take a wild guess- no

Author's Note: After seeing Lando's little qualifying issue this weekend I wanted to just write a little thing because I'm a little silly. Also Part 2 which tkes place after the race-

"Lando- Lando." You take his chin in your hands, forcing him to look at you.

He tries to look away even still, but finds it too difficult to not let his eyes fix on your intense ones. "Yeah...?"

You lean in and gently kiss him. His face looks so stony, but you know him enough to know that look is what comes right before he breaks.

You wrap your arms around him.

He's stiff.

"Hug me," you order.

He twitches, and lets himself fall into you. Lets you hold him. You hear him sniff, and murmur, "Hey, Lando. Lando, just look at me."

He glances, and a tear slips down his cheek. "It just makes me so..."

"Lando, stop blaming only yourself."

"But Y/n, it's my fault! The team is doing great and I'm the one who just wasn't able to dri-"

"Shut up! What are you talking about?"

Another tear. "If Oscar could do just fine then-"

"Stop comparing yourself!"

"I have to! It's the only way to-"

"Lando!" You give him an icy little look, before pulling him into a hug again.

He's quiet, resting his head on your shoulder.

"You're okay," you murmur. "You're good, okay? You need to reach your own personal best. Don't worry about your teammate, your rival, or anyone. Besides, you always impress me."

"P19 isn't impressive."

"I know you tried your hardest."

He sniffs again. "And my hardest wasn't enough."

"You're twisting this. You make it out to be that every single time things go wrong it's because you're bad. You're not. You're amazing."

"I'm haven't-won-a-race-kind-of-amazing."

You ignore that comment. "Sometimes it's circumstances. Sometimes other people in the team mess up. Sometimes there's miscommunications and mistakes that have nothing to do with you." You stroke his cheek. He swallows a lump in his throat, eyes still watery.

"I shouldn't cry over this."

"Sometimes tears are because of lots of reasons. And it's good to cry, Lando. And you know I don't mind when you cry. Everybody cries. You've comforted me in my tears, too. It's okay."

He studies your face, sniffling again. He wipes his eyes with the back of his hand, sighing. "I guess... we should go to bed... I mean, I've got nine places to win back in order to even score a point-"

"Shhh. You're right, you do need sleep. Wait to stress about that for tomorrow."

But instead of going to bed, he just sinks into your arms again, and you're happy to give him more time.

[codenamesazanka]

dark post-canon. The War is over. Heroes have won. It's time to rebuild. Except--

The new Hero Public Safety Commission immediately gets down to work. Rebuild an even stronger Tartarus; add a self-destruct system so that if Villains ever try to break in or out again, just kill them all. More intense Quirk Counseling for all children who even the slightest bit act out of the norm; catch them before they can put on a mask. Suppress any news of the heteromorph riot - that will only stroke more division. Parade the Hero Kids out as The Greatest Heroes, and really wring every bit of wholesome success story out of them - interviews, merch, candy shaped in their likeness. This will help restart the economy. They can even export Hero goods out of the country since they're globally recognized heroes.

As the plans are drawn out, the kids are at first uncomfortable, gradually turning horrified. This wasn't what they fought for. This is going to make things worse. Todoroki wants his brother to be able to stay with his family, not be isolated and locked away even more. Uraraka protests that quirk counseling alienates kids, makes them feel like freaks who can't share their pain. (Also, they are not letting her keep her promise of giving Toga blood.) Shoji says that it's because news never come out of the rural areas that no one thought to help the heteromorphs; it's because their pain and grief came out that light can shine on them. And Deku-- well, the war brought to surface so many problems. They can't just smile and pretend it's all fine after all that destruction. All For One and Shigaraki showed him how there are such lonely, empty people out there, whose pain can run wild - they should be helping those people, instead of focusing even more on the glory of Heroes.

The new HPSC waves away their protests. They're extremely grateful for the kids for helping them win the war. Though... what they're saying sounds like sympathy for the Villains that created this mess. Sounds like saving Villains, which... they really wished the kids hadn't done that. It wasn't part of the battle plan. It was nice and all, but so risky! Not all Villains are so easily changed. They saved... what, two villains out of the hundreds that were involved in the war? Statistically, that's useless. Anyways, look at Deku. He killed AFO and Shigaraki, and it's all for the better.

Plus, the UA kids are still that - children. They haven't even graduated from 10th grade. What do they know about maintaining and leading society? Do they have any concrete ideas about things like policies and development? Specific enactable agendas?

The plans keep getting drawn, without any of the kids' input, if they had any in the first place. Future's coming fast, and it's looking like everything is going back to the way it used to be - except the way it used to be is exactly what led to the war. Something needs to be done. They need change; they need real reform.

So somehow Deku ends up in front of Mr. Compress.

Mr. Compress congrats Deku on the Heroes winning. Sarcastically thanks him for killing off his leader and imprisoning all his friends. Tells him to go away, an old man needs his rest. Deku asks for help, and Mr. Compress insults him. Deku says he's heard of Harima, and how he was a folk hero, stealing not because he was a Villain for his own gain, and helping people not because he was a Hero in it for the wealthy or fame. If Mr. Compress is Harima's great-great-grandson and following his will, shouldn't Mr. Compress help try to change things for the better?

Mr. Compress doesn't see the point. He tells Deku that Harima tried to change things by, yes, stealing to send a message, but did his best to minimize harm; tried to do good by redistributing his spoils. He was popular and loved by the people, just like a Hero, but hated by the powers that be, and so ended up being labeled a just a thief and Villain in the history books, his reformation was never achieved that way.

Which is why Mr. Compress threw his hat in with the League. Shigaraki was his greatest bet on changing society, but it seemed it just didn't work out. Harima couldn't change things; even someone like Shigaraki couldn't change things; if someone like Shigaraki existed and still can't change things, what's the use?

And besides, Deku went and killed Shigaraki. He did what was always done - defeating villains. But suddenly now he cares? After the damage is done? Why should Mr. Compress care about helping him at all.

...

then idk. got stuck. no idea how Deku's going to get out of this one without doing something radical. maybe even something villainous. But I think the Compress + Deku dynamic can be interesting.

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Francis Drake Main Story

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors.

(Drake?)

His aquamarine eyes gleamed coldly in the darkness.

Mitsuki: "Did I say something weird?"

Drake: "Nah, it's probably just the way you see things. I can't understand it, though."

Slightly furrowing his eyebrows, he turned his gaze to the water's surface.

Drake: "For me, betrayal meant death."

Drake: "There was the risk of dying from betraying and the danger of being killed in retaliation for betraying. No matter which side I stand on, death is always close by."

Drake: "I can't read people's hearts no matter what they say, and even if I believe them, you never know when they'll turn on you."

Drake: "I don't have the time or the ability to consider the other person's circumstances."

(There it is again.)

(He easily fits into social circles, but there's still this cold side to him.)

(I guess this is related to his past, after all.)

Drake's tone sounded as if he had cut off his emotions, giving a glimpse of what he must have experienced during his time as a pirate and a soldier.

Drake: "If I betray someone, I do it with the understanding that I may die. If I'm betrayed, I'll chase the other person to the ends of the earth for revenge."

Drake: "If I can't achieve revenge, I'll curse the whole world like a sailor wishing for destruction on an eternal voyage."

(.........)

The smile he wore had a somewhat cynical and pessimistic atmosphere, making me shiver.

(For someone who has lived through battles like him, my way of thinking might seem naive.)

It wasn't just his way of thinking.

Even taking just one aspect like 'betrayal,' it felt like everything about the world he had walked through was different.

(He feels distant.)

(But then again, he might think I still don't understand him.)

Mitsuki: "I chose to believe because I wanted to believe. You're the one who made me want to follow through on that feeling."

Drake: "Me?"

I nodded in response to his questioning gaze.

Mitsuki: "Don't you remember? You invited me on a boat before, just like today, and listened to me."

Mitsuki: "You said that living in a way that goes against my own wishes is the real betrayal."

------------Flashback------------

Drake: "If you're always thinking about those people and sacrificing your desires, you'll miss out on life."

Drake: "In that case, you should choose the path you believe in."

Drake: "In my opinion, living in a way that goes against your own wishes is the real betrayal."

---------Flashback Ends--------

Mitsuki: "When you said that to me, it made me realize that I shouldn't betray my own feelings."

Drake: ".........."

At that time, it was undoubtedly thanks to him that I was able to let go of my negative thoughts and reconsider my own heart.

(His words back then still resonate in my heart.)

After conveying my feelings, he spoke up.

Drake: "You really are a strange woman."

Mitsuki: "Huh?"

Drake: “I could never trust someone enough to be okay with being betrayed.”

Drake: “And yet, you started to think that way because of my words.”

Mitsuki: "Yeah."

Drake: "I don't get it."

Drake: "Still, I'm amazed by your stubborn kindness."

He said something dismissive, yet he reached out and gently stroked my cheek.

Mitsuki: "Drake?"

Drake: “I don’t know why, but despite your ridiculously naive thinking, I can’t ignore that you secretly feel sad behind that stubborn kindness.”

Mitsuki: ".........."

His touch was so warm and ticklish, and it felt like heat was spreading from there.

(I don’t understand it either.)

(Sometimes I feel so far from you, yet you’re still here for me.)

Understanding him was like trying to catch a wave.

However, the warmth we shared at this moment was undeniably something I could believe in.

After a while, the sound of a bell echoed in the quiet night.

Drake: "We should probably head back soon."

Mitsuki: "Yeah, everyone must be worried."

(Although I want to stay like this a little longer.)

Drake: "Actually, maybe I won't go back."

Mitsuki: "Huh?"

Drake: "You said something nice, so I kind of wanted to go against it."

Mitsuki: "..........."

Drake: "Kidding, let's quietly leave before the city lights go out."

After exchanging banter, we returned to our usual atmosphere.

Mitsuki: "Thank you again today, Drake. I always end up talking to you about everything."

Drake: "I also talk however I want, so it's a fair trade. Don't worry about it."

He faintly smiled while rowing the boat.

I felt like I was slowly starting to understand him, yet at the same time, I still felt like I didn't understand him at all.

(For example, where does he get that coldness he sometimes shows?)

------------Flashback------------

Drake: "Trust, huh? People can easily betray you. You never really know what someone's thinking deep down."

Drake: "Well, I’m sure you’ll be fine, so you don’t need to worry about it."

Drake: "Real betrayal is much more merciless."

---------Flashback Ends--------

I remembered his words and actions that had been stuck in my mind for a long time.

Mitsuki: "Drake, there's one thing I'd like to ask."

Drake: "Hm?"

Mitsuki: "Have you ever had someone betray you badly?"

Drake: "..........."

Drake: "Well, yeah. Being betrayed and betraying others was just a part of everyday life for pirates."

Despite my bold question, Drake smiled.

However, his gaze momentarily darkened as it wandered across the river's dark surface.

Drake: "But the first memory of betrayal in my life was from my mother."

(His mother?)

Drake: "You see, my mother comes from a somewhat special and prestigious lineage."

Drake: "However, one day, she got pregnant and eloped with a man."

Drake: "With me in tow, my parents traveled from town to town to escape."

Drake: "Life was tough, but they were kind. My mother always looked at me with gentle eyes."

Drake: "But when I wasn't even ten years old, our escape suddenly came to an end."

Drake: "We were captured and brought back by the clan members who were chasing us, and my mother died as a captive."

Drake: "In her final moments, my mother averted her gaze from me and said,"

『 I should never have given birth to you. 』

Mitsuki: "She seemed like a kind mother, so why would she say that at the end?"

Drake: "Who knows? Maybe she couldn't take it anymore."

Drake: "Because I was born, she became a disgrace to the clan and was hunted down."

He shrugged his shoulders and let out a bitter laugh.

Mitsuki: "What happened to you after that?"

Drake: "I managed to escape on my own, but when I finally found my father, he already had a new family."

Drake: "I had nowhere to go, so I resorted to committing petty crimes to get by."

When he met Karen, he mentioned doing similar things around that time.

Drake: "One day, I sneaked onto a ship, only to find out it was a pirate ship."

Drake: "Instead of being thrown out, the captain took me in, and the rest, as you can imagine, is a tale of piracy."

Drake: "After I got my own ship, I began receiving missions from the Queen."

His words abruptly cut off in the middle of the conversation.

Mitsuki: "Drake? Sorry. If you don't feel like talking about it..."

Drake: "No, it's not that. I just had trouble recalling things I'd almost forgotten."

Drake: "Well, it just means I've gotten used to betrayal with this kind of upbringing."

He spoke nonchalantly, but deep inside, his heart must've been wounded when his mother told him that he should never have been born.

(That was his first experience of betrayal.)

(But did his mother truly feel that way?)

(She went through so much, even running away, just to give birth to the child of the person she loved.)

I suppressed the questions that arose in my mind.

It would be too optimistic and irresponsible to say that there might have been reasons behind his mother's words based solely on fragments of the story I heard.

Because I can't truly know the truth inside someone's heart.

(But...)

------------Flashback------------

Mitsuki: "I wonder if that girl has a family."

Drake: "Even if she does, having a blood connection doesn't necessarily make them a good family."

Drake: "I don't have a place to miss or a place to return to."

Drake: "I'm fine with being a flying Dutchman."

---------Flashback Ends--------

Drake's somewhat lonely mutterings crossed my mind.

(There is a deep and cold sea in his clear eyes.)

(Even if our ways of thinking are different, even if he says he can't understand...)

(Can I, even just a little, be there for him like he was for me during tough times?)

With these thoughts welling up, something natural slipped out of my lips.

Mitsuki: "Hey, Drake..."

Drake: "Hm?"

Mitsuki: "You might think that people can betray others, but no matter what, I won't betray you."

Drake: ".........."

Mitsuki: "I won't break promises or push you away. I promise."

Mitsuki: "So please try to believe in me."

Under the twinkling stars, I gazed at him sincerely.

He, in turn, stared at me as if trying to expose my heart.

Drake: "Mitsuki."

Drake: "Even if I were a villain trying to deceive you, would you still not betray me?"

(Villain?)

I couldn't imagine him deceiving me like that, but...

Mitsuki: "I won't betray you. I don't want to betray you."

(Having someone trustworthy will surely be a support.)

(I want him to have that kind of support, even though he has lived through betrayal.)

As I waited for his next words, only the sound of the rippling water filled our surroundings.

Then...

Drake: "Ha...ha...ahahaha!"

Mitsuki: "Drake?"

For some reason, he burst out laughing.

Drake: "No, sorry. Different people asked me to believe in them, but they all had excuses or were begging for their lives."

Drake: "You're the first one to ask me to believe without any benefit for yourself."

After laughing for a while, Drake gently placed his hand on my head.

Drake: "Well, if you put it that way, I'll try believing in you."

Drake: "You won't betray me, and I'll believe in you. It's our promise."

Drake: "Like a pirate's code."

Mitsuki: "Okay! I promise."

A special connection formed between us, and a smile naturally spread across our faces.

Later, when we returned to the mansion, I visited his room before going to sleep.

Drake: "What's up, lil' fawn?"

Mitsuki: "I wanted to give you something as a thank-you."

Mitsuki: "Will you accept this?"

What I handed him was:

Drake: "A shell bottle?"

It was a small empty bottle I got from the kitchen, filled with sand and seashells I found in a miscellaneous store. Looking through the bluish glass, it resembled the ocean.

Mitsuki: "You love the sea, right? Paris doesn't have one, so I made this so you can feel the ocean as much as possible."

Drake: "Heh. It's beautiful."

Mitsuki: "The sand inside is called star sand and sun sand. They say having it grants wishes."

Even if I don't know why he came back to life, I secretly hope that his wishes will be fulfilled.

Drake: "A sea in the palm of my hand. Nice."

Drake: "I'll treasure it. Thanks, Mitsuki."

(I'm glad he liked it.)

In response to Drake's smile, I nodded with a content heart.

Alone in his room, Drake threw himself onto the bed, playing with the shell bottle Mitsuki gave him in his hands.

With every tilt, the sand and seashells swayed inside, creating a sound akin to the rustle of gentle waves.

Drake: "Give believing a shot, huh?"

Drake: "Those words suit me the least."

Was Drake's sarcastic smile directed at Mitsuki or himself?

Outside the window, a crescent moon was floating, just one step away from being a full moon.

Previous Part╎Masterlist╎Side Story 2

[sylvia-forest]

[CN] Shaw's Extrajudicial Hunting Heart Date

⚡Warning: This post contains detailed spoiler's for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!⚡

[This date was translated with the help of Google translate and by my lovely friend!]

✧[Section 1]✧

Steward: Sorry, no one can leave the villa until Mrs. Laburnum's family heirloom is found.

Suddenly a dissatisfied commotion arose within the feminine figure, a man took the lead and stood up.

Man: You want to detain us? Do you know who I am?

His subsequent words were forced back by the black muzzle of the gun in the butler's hand. The crowd let out a murmur, but the butler raised his jaw indifferently.

Steward: I know who you are, sir, but you also need to know whose territory this is.

The melodious music flowed in each other's eyes, and I pursed my lips and took a few quiet steps back, looking sideways out the window.

Sure enough, dozens of cars drove up from the mountain road not far away, and surrounded the villa layer by layer.

Villa, theft, undercurrent, treacherous situation…

For a moment, I almost thought I had stepped into some third-rate gang movie.

Flashback starts—

—a week ago.

MC: Ahhh I can't think of it— I am bored–

I lay on Shaw's bed and rolled around in boredom. Shaw stopped typing on the keyboard and raised his eyebrows.

Shaw: What, are you bored with me?

MC: Nah!

MC: I still have a script for a crime movie to write, obviously I listened to the criminal investigation lectures and found the material but I still feel that the immersion is not enough......

MC: It's hard to take a vacation now, and I'm still thinking about it.

Shaw: I understand, so you think your script is too bland, and you want the protagonist's story to be more exciting? MC: That's about right,.....

I just sighed halfway, when my vision was suddenly blocked by a letter that floated in.

Shaw: For you. MC: What's this?

Shaw: Good stuff to inspire you.

I opened the envelope and there was an invitation letter inside. Although the South Asian characters with curved strokes are illegible, I can still understand the Chinese attached below.

MC: Dear Ling Lin, I sincerely invite you to come to Danfei Mountain Villa to attend the birthday banquet of Mrs. Laburnum… MC: Wait a minute, who is Ling Lin? This Mrs. Laburnum, Who is it again?

Shaw: Ling Lin is my pseudonym. As for Mrs. Laburnum, you shouldn't care who she is, it doesn't matter. Shaw: I did an errand for this lady, and she was so pleased with my business skills that she's inviting me as a VIP. Shaw: Round-trip plane, pick-up, and drop-off at the manor, all-inclusive on the opposite side. Shaw: It's a pity that I happened to have something to do a few days ago, and I was thinking about how to push it off. Shaw: If you are willing to attend this banquet for me, then you are Ling Lin.

Shaw moved his finger holding the invitation letter to the side, and nodded as if pointing something, his upturned eyes were full of cunningness.

Shaw: Have a great time, and… make sure not to reveal anything.

—Flashback ends

_

MC: If I had known, I wouldn't have accepted Shaw's invitation. .... Is this what he meant by spiritualism? MC: Dropping me in a gang villa?

Angrily, I rubbed the little man with Shaw's face a hundred times in my heart. At this moment, the door of the banquet hall was pushed open.

The person who came was wearing a black suit, and the twilight fell on his eye-catching blue-purple hair, which was reflected in my stunned pupils.

?.? [In English]: Chief, your garden is cleaned up.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

✧[Section 2]✧

MC: Apart from not being able to leave the villa, am I free within the villa?

Shortly after the party was over, I immediately called for a waiter. The other party nodded respectfully to me after hearing the words.

Waiter: Certainly. Miss Ling Lin, you are our honored guest, and we will meet all your requirements. MC: Then I need a bodyguard because you guys scared me today.

I raised my head confidently, with a deliberately arrogant tone.

Waiter: Okay, let's arrange bodyguards for you... MC: No, I have a candidate. MC: It's the handsome young man who came to report to your steward this evening. Waiter: These… this list of people was found from outside, a little impolite, not aware of the rules, maybe we should… MC: Is it because they don't know the rules?

I let out a wow sound and slowly stroked the diamond ring on my finger.

MC: What I need... A bodyguard to calm me down. Waiter: …… !!Sorry, I didn't understand Miss's needs, I'm going to ask someone!

The waiter, red-faced, hurried away, and in a few moments came with the man I had asked for.

Waiter: Shaw, this is our honored guest, take good care of her and meet all her requirements, understand?

Shaw: …..

Shaw stood behind the waiter and glared at me, his voice coming through his teeth.

Shaw: I know. MC: Well, you're a good boy, so come on in and have a little chat.

I grinned as I pulled Shaw's tie and led him inside, closing the door with my foot in the process.

Shaw: Hey, what are you trying to do —woo

He stumbled under his feet and I accidentally pushed him onto the bed.

I looked down at Shaw condescendingly, and ground my teeth.

MC: Shouldn't I be asking you that? MC: You asked me to attend the banquet, then you became the guard, what games are you truly playing?

Shaw: Just…the fun game.

Shaw lazily lay back, stretching out his hands.

Shaw: Don't you think what happened today is very interesting, just to provide inspiration for your exhausted script? MC: ——Incredible the heck!

I was so angry that I rushed over to pinch his face, but he grabbed my wrist.

Shaw: Tsk tsk, you’re quite a firecracker, you can catch on instantly. MC: I'm not mad, it's because you didn't say anything… Shaw: Okay, okay, let me give you a little spoiler. Shaw: Didn't I say that Mrs. Laburnum is not important? It's because this birthday banquet itself is a cover, and the real purpose is that someone wants to conduct an underground antique trade. MC: I didn’t understand, they made their deals, why confiscate the guests…. Shaw: Because when the bad guys were clearing out, they realized they were missing one of their Golden Crowns.

Shaw: Although they suspected that some of you distinguished guests might have tampered with something, they didn't dare to say it directly. So, they had to come up with a made-up story to buy some time. Shaw: After all, even though they claimed they couldn't find the family heirloom and wouldn't let us leave, in reality, it's at most three days. If they don't release us by then, things could get much more complicated. MC: ……

I couldn't say the words "that's how it is", because my mind was still dizzy.

I looked at the confident and flamboyant face under me, and vaguely felt that what he "spoiled" was probably just the tip of the iceberg of the whole incident.

And he probably has more scripts than I imagined. I opened my mouth.

MC: So you haven't answered my original question - what exactly are you doing here? Shaw: Me?

Shaw chuckled. The palms clamping my wrists pulled me down, and I couldn't help but fall into his embrace. 

Shaw: I'm worried about Miss Ling Lin, so I'm here to be her bodyguard.

Hmph, who would believe it! Big liar!!

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

✧[Section 3]✧

Before I knew it, I had been detained here for two days. But early this morning, Shaw disappeared, and he didn't send me a message until just now.

Shaw's message: "If you want inspiration for the script, come to the garden's artificial mountain now. I'll broaden your horizons."

I hesitated for a while, but in the end, I couldn't hold back my curiosity, and while secretly spurning myself, I immediately walked towards the garden.

In the past two days, due to the impact of the theft incident, the manor has been followed by gang members.

There were far fewer guards in the garden, but they were not absent. I forced myself to walk past them calmly and finally stopped by the rockery.

MC: Where is he?

Shaw: Here, I have been waiting for you for a long time.

Shaw peeked out from behind the artificial fountain, gesturing towards me. I circled around and discovered there was a hidden door right in front of me.

He walked into the secret passage first, and I quickly followed, looking around curiously.

MC: How do you know there was a secret passage here?

Shaw: What's the point of being in the intelligence business if you can't find out this much information? Shaw: There are many secret paths in this garden, not just this one. Shaw: For decades, there has been no peace here, and Mrs. Laburnum has expanded her business so much. Just in case, she must keep a way out for herself.

Judging from Shaw's tone, he was quite familiar with the disputes in this area. Could it be that this was also part of the work of the intelligence dealers?

During the conversation, we have come to the side of the secret passage. After he scratched the password, he entered something, and the door opened.

This was indeed a dressing room for VIPs. Shaw pressed the button, and after the wardrobe was lowered, a shelf full of guns rose up.

MC: This is….

Shaw: Weapons room. Do some pre-war preparations and pick the best ones.

Shaw looked at the firearms with prudent eyes, as if he was appraising antiques.

MC: You... still know how to appreciate firearms? Shaw: Of course, I am professional.

Shaw squinted at me and sneered.

Shaw: Would you believe me if I told you I had military training in this area? MC: Really? Shaw: Wrong, all learned from online shooting games. You're so stupid to believe everything I say. MC: …..

At this time Shaw had finished picking, and took down a gun from the shelf. He sat sideways on the cabinet, rolled up his sleeves, and was about to open the magazine.

MC: You are hurt?

Only then did I notice that there was a long wound hidden under his sleeve.

Shaw: ... It might be that I accidentally scraped against something during the morning stroll, I guess. MC: A wound this long, how could it possibly have been scraped without noticing! I'll go look for a bandage, just wait a moment.

The weapon room was well equipped, I quickly found the medicine box, and dug out bandages and potions from it.

MC: Hand.

Shaw obediently handed me his arm, his eyelashes were lowered the whole time, and his brows would twitch suddenly only when the cotton swab passed across the wound.

When I wrapped the thin ribbon for him, he suddenly raised his head.

Shaw: Would you like to be closer to the "stage"? MC: What do you mean? Shaw: Take you to experience something more exciting. MC: ….. Shaw.

I rolled up his sleeve for him before looking at him seriously.

MC: I don't have to ask you what your role is in this, but you can't use me to perfect your "script". Shaw: …..

Shaw opened his mouth as if he was a little surprised that I would say this, then he smiled, did not reply to my words immediately, but took the magazine from the rack.

He casually held the bullets in his mouth, first cleaned the parts with pine oil, and then loaded the bullets neatly one by one.

The black glove caressed the cold gun barrel familiarly, and the hard weapon was like a docile plaything in his hands.

I've seen this kind of expression in antique shops and on the stage, but at this moment, appearing in the bloody weapon room added a touch of charm to his eyebrows and eyes.

My heartbeat inexplicably became a little faster, Shaw seemed to feel me holding my breath, and suddenly raised his gaze.

With a twist of his wrist, the long gun barrel provoked my jaw, which was frivolous and dangerous.

Shaw: Miss, do you want to think about it again? Shaw: I'll be your bodyguard.

—

Under the night, a car slowly drove away from the mountain villa, and stopped beside an inconspicuous forest after lingering on the road for a few laps.

I was taken out of the car by Shaw, and we arrived in front of a warehouse under the guidance of several men in black.

Man in black: Go in.

The chained gate opened with a bang, and the light from inside made me close my eyes, and when I opened them again, I found a familiar person - the steward of the villa.

There were several packed packages around him, and the men in black with guns all around seemed to be protecting these packages rather than protecting him.

The steward stared at me sullenly at this moment, then turned to look at Shaw, and asked something in the local language.

Shaw raised the corner of his mouth and pressed my shoulder.

Shaw: Yes, I've looked into that. Shaw: Among all the guests, only "Ling Lin" was fake, because the real Ling Lin should be a man.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

✧[Section 4]✧

I took a deep breath and looked at everyone in panic.

MC: I...I'm really Ling Lin!

Shaw: Is that so? But according to the information I found, this Ling Lin is not only a man, but also possesses a lightning Evol. Shaw: Last time he relied on this trick to help Mrs. Laburnum solve a big problem... Boss, you are someone close to Mrs., do you have any impression? Steward: I did hear the woman talk about it on the phone. Shaw: Isn't that enough?

Shaw clamped my neck with one hand and held my wrist with the other, leaning against the side of my neck with a dangerous smile.

Shaw: Ms. Ling Lin, show us your lightning Evol.

This guy is a real showman!

I slandered him fiercely in my heart, but the expression on my face became more and more broken. After a few murmurs, I lowered my head helplessly.

Click.

All of a sudden, several guns around the steward were aimed at me, and Shaw quickly waved his hands when he saw this.

Shaw: Hey, hey, don't be so eager to see blood, boss, how unlucky. Shaw: It seems that this counterfeit chick maybe someone who played a trick. Before I find out the relationship between her and the "Golden Crown", my suggestion is not to touch her. Steward: Find out? Where is the time for an investigation now?

The butler raised his voice, his face flushed with anger.

Steward: Tonight, the goods in my hand must be sold! Shaw: So you mean, don't check the whereabouts of the golden crown, and trade directly? Steward: Nonsense, do you know that the transaction has already been targeted by that woman and the police, if you don’t let go, we’re all over! Shaw: This is against the rules. The boss on my side asked for all the goods on the list. Steward: What do you mean?

Shaw maintained the posture of "holding" me, and raised a wanton smile towards the opposite side, and the other hand was filled with electric current.

Shaw: I mean... how dare you do bad things under Mrs. Laburnum's nose?

Click — everyone did not react to the moment, the brightly lit warehouse suddenly went dark.

Steward: —Backup power! Where's the backup! When the light turns on, kill them both!

Chaos exploded in this small space, and when the lights were turned on again, everyone froze on the spot.

Shaw: Just now your old man said, who do you want to kill?

Dozens of pitch-black gun barrels were pointed directly at Shaw and me, but we only had one gun on Shaw's side, but no one dared to attack us.

I was half squatting beside Shaw, holding a blue and white vase in one hand, with an ancient painting at my feet, and looking at the crowd with a smile on my face.

MC: I'm a delicate girl, and if my hand shook when the gun went off, and I accidentally shattered this national treasure porcelain vase; MC: Or if blood splattered onto this ancient painting at my feet, it wouldn't look very good, would it? Steward: ……

The butler's complexion was already so ugly that it couldn't get any more ugly, and the voice was squeezed out from between his teeth.

Steward: Who the hell are you guys? Cops? Shaw: Cops? Hahaha how is it possible!

The broken golden eyes were full of arrogance and cunningness, he pulled the trigger.

boom—

Everyone was startled by his sudden empty gun, and when their gaze returned, they noticed that Shaw had something new in his hand. 

It was the locator.

Shaw: I'm wanted by the cops...just a normal bad guy who works for money.

The warning bell rang throughout the stretch of mountains, and the steward was in danger, and was escorted to the other side by several burly men.

—

A woman in a suit came over to us after counting the antiques in the warehouse and saying something to her communicator.

Woman: Mr. Ling Lin, madam is thanking you and your partner. Woman: But Madame has a question. Why didn't you follow her plan? Shaw: Because I don't like to be on schedule. I didn't listen to you when we cooperated last time, didn't we get things done as usual? Shaw: By the way, is it possible to pay now?

Woman: …..

The woman was shocked by Shaw's straightforwardness, she exchanged a few words with the communicator in a foreign language and then nodded.

Woman: Mrs. said that the wrongly packaged golden crown will be repackaged and given to you.  Woman: She also said... "Mr. Ling, at your age, you have such vision and skill, maybe she can give you a wider world."

Shaw: Sorry, I'm just a college student tormented by a dissertation project and have no interest in your career.

The person being explored by Shaw’s Tai Chi was hit back, and they smiled with a sense of understanding, choosing not to say much more, then turned around, and left. 

[T/N]: In this context, "Tai Chi" likely refers to a martial arts technique or action that Shaw used to counter or respond to the other person's investigation or exploration. It could be symbolic of a skillful and effective defense or response.

I folded my arms and raised my chin at him.

MC: Can you tell me the whole story now?

Shaw: Okay, but there's really not much to say about it.

Shaw: Mrs. Laburnum has already detached from the responsibility, but her subordinates always have people with suspicious moves, therefore she found me to help, checking out who is being so restless. Shaw: She gave me an invitation letter because she wanted me to act as a guest and mix in with them, but I feel that this position was too slow for collecting information, so I might as well send you. MC: Then you became the middleman in the transaction between the two parties? Shaw: Pretty much. Shaw: It's in my nature to have it both ways. MC: By the way, that so-called golden crown...in the end, How did you lose it? Shaw: What do you say?

He winked at me. I immediately reacted.

MC: ——You stole it?!

Shaw: What do you mean, "steal"? It's not nice. Shaw: I snuck into the manor with the antique inventory and found it in one of the least guarded areas, so I hid it. Shaw: If I hadn't delayed them this long, how could we have caught them? MC: ……

Although everything Shaw said made sense, it just made people want to grind their teeth.

Shaw: Why this face? Oh, I forgot to compliment you, you are upset, right? Shaw: All in all, we worked well together this time, and your acting— was sloppy, but you did manage to fool the other side. MC: Tsk, Thank you for the compliment. Shaw: So you have participated in such an immersive game, do you think it was exciting enough, do you have any inspiration? MC: Yes, and I'm going to give you a part in my play.

Shaw: What role... Ugh!

Angrily, I stood on tiptoe, vented my anger, and hit Shaw with my forehead.

Seeing him clutch his chin in astonishment, I couldn't help laughing.

MC: A big bad guy who takes his girlfriend on an adventure!

—

🔫 Call

[chaifootsteps]

One thing about Hazbin that makes me sad is that I was so inspired and kind of obsessed with it over covid. I really thought it was going to be the next big thing and had the potential (note: potential) to be an insightful story about redemption and what it means to be "good person." I really was hoping it would do into ideologies and how good is subjective and can be variable, but that doesn't diminish the importance of trying to be the best you can to the world and those around you. I always liked how Charlie's song in the pilot seemed to focus on the plethora of "not to do's" and how being positive will get you into Heaven, which is superfical, but I was so excited to see her grow and understand what it means for someone to be worth redemption and even if they are, would the powers at be allow them into heaven.

Then Helluva Boss happened. And I am actually glad it did, since it really let me check my Hazbin expectation. I genuinly think season 1 had problems, but overall a genuinly okay season. I would have made some/quite a few changes, but it works. Season 2 feels so aimless and no overarching story. Season 1 can semi get away with that because it is the start so things are getting started, but it also had some themes of Moxxie's and Blitz's sense of self and the relationship with Stolas. I really didn't ship Stolitz, since they are not my cup of tea (I find little too creepy sometimes), but I was curious where things were going to go.

I think Hazbin genuinly has Helluva as a blessing and a curse. Hazbin had cracks but overall the pilot is more enjoyable than Helluva in my opinion. There are things I don't like, but I had some hope things would get ironed out for a grand show. Helluva really had me tamper my expectations for what I will see in Hazbin, but it also killed my intrest and excitement. If this is Vivzie at her best, then what is Hazbin. Did rhey have a writers room to critique the story or are we going with Viv's vision. I will say the quality of the show completly depends on how much of a writers room workshopped her ideas. I think she has fantastic ideas and concepts but is poor on the followthrough. It could still have a chance if theg brought writers in to help her.

I also worry that with the amount of time between the pilot and the release Hazbin fans have had more time to read and develope more insightful character and if Helluva is any example, then I worry that we shouldn't expect much from Hazbin.

I also don't think Vivzie has done much late 19th and 20th century history reading, since most of her characters were born, lived, and died then, but it only takes 10 minutes of googling and just wiki (a sourse viv has access to) to see how little research and sense went into some character backstories. You gotta at least know some broad stroked of when there were born, what they were around for at what ages and when they died. Strangly I think Husk is biggest offender, but I bet Alastor the more the show goes on will take the cake. If Mimzie shows up, I bet she's also barely researched since her asthetic and death date don't line up if you want her to be like that when she died. I have been reading for unrelated reasons books of early 20th century history of the US and around the world. I could write paragraphs on the issues of Husk historically and how we barely makes sense or doesn't. I know it's a fictional work, but some of these are bad, and it makes Viv look ignorant. You don't need things to be perfect for your show, and I would implore people to take some creative liberties, since the past is super complicated. However, I shouldn't be able to google questions and read wiki for 10 minutes to destroy your character idea completely since the backstory becomes impossible almost instantly. (HUSK)

Now Helluva is doing something and the show I waited years for I feel might be a dud. I can't say it didn't have positive impacts on my life since it made me curious to try new hobbies that reminded me of the characters. It's dorky but I kept my reasonings to myselr and just enjoyed the activity. I now habe nee friends, hobbies, and skills (and no one knows why I did this).

Anon, are you sure you're not me? Because the covid lockdown was exactly what led to me getting into Hazbin, and then attached enough to ignore Vivzie's stacking red flags for a while. It kept me sane during that miserable summer, which just so happened to coincide with some very difficult fandom stuff. It got me through when my grandma died.

Admitting the show wasn't the one we all dreamed of would have been one thing. Discovering what a tremendously awful person Vivzie is, that was a lot harder.

[harrowharks-iliac-crest]

Day One

Regarding Nona—Hot Sauce is watchful—The City has a bad day—Nona gets a bedtime story—Five days until the Tomb opens.

Some kind of log. Some kind of countdown. The tomb will open! Is the whole plot of this book (well, Nona's part, anyway) just over five days?

Because, I assume, Alecto the Ninth would start when the tomb opens - I think it said so at the end of Harrow the Ninth.

Let's see.

1

“I like it. I like the water, I like her hands.” “Her hands?” “They’re the things around me—maybe they’re my hands.” The pencil scratched loudly on the paper. “How about the face?” “It’s the picture face.” The sketch they’d made for her, the one locked in the secret drawer where they put all the really interesting things,

Nona is recounting a dream, or a vision. The water could be water from the River, or water surrounding the Locked Tomb - the person whose hands and face she sees is the person on the picture. Whose picture?

Gideon? Harrow? Wake? Alecto?

I have nothing to go on here, so it remains open.

Being the worm with problems did not worry her. Just being able to dress herself was charming. In the bad old days she used to have to be helped even with the nightshirt, because she couldn’t be trusted not to get stuck with it halfway over her head and get all hot and upset from claustrophobia. It was incredibly important that she not get upset like that again. She had only ever had two tantrums in her life, but it would be humiliating to have a third.

They weren't wrong. I fucking love Nona already. Worm with problems? Getting stuck in clothes and having a meltdown? I relate.

But all Camilla said was, “Don’t hyperextend,” crushingly, and worse, “Go see if Pyrrha needs help with breakfast.”

Okay, so we have Camilla and Pyrrha - there were three mentioned in HtN's epilogue, and I assumed it was Camilla, Coronabeth and Judith, since those three stuck together for the duration of HtN. Apparently, I was wrong.

She hedged cunningly. “At least please can you write down, I love you, Palamedes, please, from me? At least write, I love you, Palamedes, from Nona.”

Palamedes! Is Camilla writing things down for him...? For the future?

There was thin blue light coming through the joins in the curtains, and an orange glow from the worn-out hot plate mostly blocked by the other person she lived with.

Pyrrha. "The other person"... does that mean...??

She counted up the tally marks and said, “That’s the seventh one this month. But that’s not fair when you keep making them. Palamedes will say you’re skewing the data.”

Palamedes is here referred to as an active resident...!!...

Nona ate while Pyrrha brushed out her hair in short, brisk strokes, letting its fine black sheets fall over Nona’s shoulders.

Noting the colour black here; not red, like I'd theorised from just seeing the cover. Black hair opens up a whole new other realm of possibilities. Could Nona be living in Harrow's body? Pyrrha's presence suggests this might be the case - as she was with Harrow's body at the end of the last book; or, once again, it could be someone entirely different. Perhaps they're even dyeing her hair.

Camilla said unhappily, “Eggs? Have we not invented a new protein?” which meant it wasn’t Camilla at all. The easiest way of telling who was who was in the eyes.

And there it is - confirmation of what I was suspecting! Camilla and Palamedes have achieved some form of Lyctorhood, Palamedes is alive in Camilla's body!!

Yaaaaay!! My boy is BACK and I predicted correctly! Didn't think it would have already happened at this point, but hey, I'm not complaining.

Oh, but this bit is interesting as well, right after:

Palamedes had soft cool eyes of brownish grey, like bare ground in the cold mornings when Nona had been little,

So Nona has some childhood memories - are they hers, or her body's? Does the distinction matter? Yeah of course it does - if Nona has her own life and her own memories, it shouldn't be that hard to figure out who she is - they still don't know. If she's hijacked someone else's body, doesn't know who she is and is remembering someone else's childhood, that would be a very different story altogether.

Moving on:

“Then this is our last chance to make a difference. Give us orders, Commander.” Pyrrha was audibly chewing. “Stopped being that when I died, Palamedes. It was a courtesy title, anyway, and there’s an embarrassment of commanders here if you want ’em.” “Pyrrha,” he said, “why are they running now? Why would Blood of Eden run when they have the best hand they were ever dealt? Why would they run when common sense, good tactics, and foreknowledge must tell them all that this is the best moment to make a stand? The time you’ve spent—the insights you’ve had that nobody else has been privy to—and you’re truly telling me you don’t even have an inkling?”

This is really interesting - are they with the Blood of Eden or not? They are discussing tactics, as the area they're living in is clearly being fought over. Pyrrha wants to run away, Palamedes wants to save people - a bit of a deadlock.

Pyrrha balanced a mirror on the table and shaved her face. Nona loved the clean, bright smell of shaving soap, and to see Pyrrha swiftly and expertly scrape the dark russet-brown stubble off her cheeks and from around her mouth, and the little wet red marks that appeared. When she reached over to touch one freshly smooth cheek, the marks were already wrinkling up and disappearing.

Interesting - not only the gender stuff going on here, but that Pyrrha clearly still has some Lyctoral powers despite Gideon having perished in the River. Do Camilla and Palamedes have the same?

That was the whole problem, wasn’t it? Nona wouldn’t cough even if the wind blew the smoke straight into her face, and Pyrrha wouldn’t burn any colour other than her deep cool brown.

Points for Nona being in Harrow's body, also with Lyctoral powers. Where's Gideon Nav in all this?

They have protocols for going out - hiding, waiting, code words. Camilla wants to fight - Heralds? Are the Resurrection Beasts still after them? I suppose they would be, if they hunt Lyctors, and there's three right here, even though none of them are "standard" Lyctors.

What a great chapter, a great start. I can't wait to read more.

[peakyscillian]

Bend The Rules | Cillian Murphy Series

Summary: Cillian is unhappily married, to someone who doesn’t care about him, surely he can bend the rules? Warnings: Cheating, drama, Smut, Mature themes, sexual content, language. Angst Minors DNI Pairing: Cillian x Fem!Reader Part: 11 - Short Chapter A/N: No disrespect to Cillian/his family this is purely fiction.

Bend The Rules | Part 11

Masterlist | BTR Masterlist

Part Eleven.

The next two weeks at work were a blur, you kept yourself hidden away in the wardrobe department, mainly filing, sending off clothes to storage, sending out invoices as the season was wrapping up in a few weeks. You had been assigned to a few minor roles for fittings, but no-one from the main cast was sent your way. 

You’d seen Cillian a few times, he looked exhausted, the sharp bones of his face making him look drawn, he hadn’t looked at you once when passing, he’d left messages for you, that you kept moving to the archive function on your phone.

Your sister had been begging for you to come back to London, but you needed to finish off this job, you needed to prove yourself. You weren’t going to run away. 

You knew going to his apartment was a mistake, but god you just wanted to be close to him one last time, not have him walking away from you in your kitchen, the last memory of him.

You knew you were punishing yourself, he had tried to talk to you, tried to fix everything.

You’d arrive on set early on the final Friday, half a day to get through before everything was finished off, so you could run back to London and forget about Manchester. 

You were surprised to see Cillian sat outside the wardrobe department, reading one of his many books, coffee by his feet.

He looked up as you got closer, an unsure smile on his face as you unlocked the door, he followed you in “Please talk to me” he broke the silence, you busied yourself with unpacking your bag, setting up your laptop “what's there to say?” you asked, not looking at him afraid you’d crumble the second you locked eyes with him. 

“You leave in the middle of the night and I don't hear from you? You won't hear me out about this whole fucking mess? There’s a lot to fucking say” he was leaning against the wall. 

You finally turned to look at him “I’m the one this is punishing, I’m losing my fucking job because of this, because of her" you spat, anything to do with her put a bitter taste in your mouth, "and maybe I shouldn't have come round the other night but you didn't fucking stop me” you were trying not to shout at him.

“Losing your job?” Cillian was shocked, surely not? “Lucinda can’t keep me on for the next however many seasons because no one will trust me, because I’m some kind of harlot lurking in the wardrobe department stealing husbands” you felt hysterical, you hadn’t said anything like this out loud in weeks. 

Cillian moved away from the wall, stepping towards you, you shook your head “and this is such a fucking mess, because I love this job, everything about this has been my dream and now I can’t stay” you swiped at the tears rolling down your cheeks.

“Even if I could stay, I wouldn’t be able to, I can’t be around you, I can’t see you everyday and know how much you hurt me, how you lied to me” you grabbed for a tissue.

Cillian knelt down in front of you “I haven’t lied, I promise I haven’t, fuck I know I’ve hurt you, I wish I hadn’t hurt you" he stopped catching his breath before he carried on, "but I need you to know everything I told you, about me and her was true, I want to work this out, I want you” he looked close to tears, his hands resting lightly on your knees stroking his thumbs over the material of your jeans. 

You shook your head hiccuping as you covered his hands with yours “I want you, but not like this, I can’t do it like this. I've got to leave” 

Cillian sighed “why are you punishing yourself? We can work this out”, you diverted your gaze to the floor “this isn't how I wanted us to be, this isn't the amazing love story I thought we could have, I've got to go”’

Cillian bit at his lip, “Please don’t” he stood up trying to keep everything in check, trying to keep his emotions at bay. 

“I have too, what kind of life is this Cillian? I can’t do it, fuck I’m so stupid because I told you, I told you someone was going to get hurt and what a big surprise that it’s me” you laughed lightly. 

You walked across to him, hands cupping at his face “I’m going back to London, going to spend some time away, you’ll be okay, you needed out of your marriage” his hands were on your hips.

“Can’t I make you stay?” he asked, you shook your head, standing on tiptoes brushing your lips with his, “We obviously weren’t meant to be Cill” you sighed as you both pulled away. 

“We were meant to be, just the wrong time” he shrugged, “definitely the wrong time for us” you added, fingers hooked with his.

“I meant it when I told you I love you” he licked across his lips, you nodded “I meant it to, but now everything that’s gone on? It feels tainted” you let go of his hands knowing it was getting harder to walk away from him. 

“Will you let me know how you are, in a few weeks? Once you’ve settled back in London?” he asked, hopeful to still have some contact.

You nodded “give me some time, you’ll be back in Dublin you don’t need to worry about me” you tried to joke, he smiled “I’ll always worry about you, fuck you’re always going to be on my mind” he cupped his hand under your chin. 

You cursed yourself for the tears that started to fall again “don’t Cill-” you felt your lip quiver as he wiped away the tears.

“Please just leave before I do something that makes it harder, again” you looked at him, as he nodded dipping to kiss you one last time. 

You waited until he had closed the door, until you were sure he was out of the building before you locked the door and let yourself cry.

-

Taglist @cillmequick @runnning-outof-time @look-at-the-soul @gypsy-girl-08 @heidimoreton @thomasshelbee @forgottenpeakywriter @shelbydelrey @allie131313 @cillixn @midnightmagpiemama @zablife @queenshelby @missymurphy1985 @janelongxox @cloudofdisney @being-worthy @vhscillian @radioheadgirl @elenavampire21 @datewithgianni @magicalpieex @camilleholland89 @cilliansangel @uchihacumdump @inkandpen22 @ysmmsy @lyarr24 @anotherhitandrun @alreadybroken-ts @flyingjosephine-blog @moral-turpitudes @duckybird101 @lostgirl219 @blyanyan @flippittygibbitts @stevie75 @winchestergirl22 @stars-of-scorpio @lespendy @lovemissyhoneybee @pocket-of-possibilities @otterly-fey @gotohellandbackforyou @tinyminxie

[becausesomething]

Chapter 11 - The (re)beginning of the relationship

warning: feelings and smut

Eriss POV

I woke up to a noise, it was difficult to get used to the dim light and the tiredness I felt. I feel a hand on my shoulder.

-I prepared some snacks for you, you need to eat something. And you should go sleep somewhere more comfortable. - says Killer, patting me on the head.

-I don't want to leave him alone, I'm afraid. - I feel tears filling my eyes once again.

-We all do, but he is strong and you did the best you could. He will wake Eriss up, trust me. Do you want me to stay here and rest?

-No, it's almost time for medication. Then, I'll call you later. Thanks. - he nods and leaves, closing the door.

I squat down on the sofa, holding my legs and start crying uncontrollably, once again.

When I saw him on the floor passed out, covered in blood, I was floored. The fear of losing him took over me, I wouldn't be able to go through that pain again. It was Wire that managed to bring me to reality, and I had to swallow all the avalanche I felt and fulfil my role as a doctor. I managed to treat the wounds, but they will leave marks, however his arm was too destroyed to be accepted by the body that was already struggling between life and death.

I get up and start examining it once again. My heart stopped for microseconds each time I allowed myself to appreciate his serenity, his dishevelled red hair, his bare torso covered in bandages, the black pants that fit his appearance so well.

I hadn't realized it, but I spent my days talking to him, telling him the story I wanted him to hear instead of pushing me away, the adventures until I found him again, my wishes for the future.I pull up a chair and sit next to it, leaning on the bed, I take his hand and intertwine our fingers.

-Kimi was my first passion for all the discovery that the female body caused in me, but Kid, it was you who always left me breathless at the simplest touches. I shouldn't have ignored my feelings. I'm sorry, it was never my intention to hurt you. I wipe away the tears and pat her face.-Because of me, we close ourselves back to what we feel. Which made me finally understand everything I felt and the answer was always in front of me. That's why you have to be strong, I need you, as captain and as the man in my life.

I let out a sigh and curl up in his arm, eventually falling asleep again.

-I fell asleep again, I think it's night, I better go get more coffee.

I'm about to get up when I feel Kid's fingers stop me.

-Don't go, stay with me. I'm weak, but I don't want to lose you again. Eriss promises...-his voice is weak, but she couldn't be more relieved knowing he was starting to recover.-

I promise Eutass, I won't go anywhere again. - I start crying again and hug him.

-Ah, it hurts!

-Oops, sorry. Try to sleep again. - he quickly falls asleep again.

Kid was starting to show signs of improvement, I gave in to his request to go to his room instead of staying in the infirmary, but I still wouldn't leave his side. I took advantage of the fact that he was sleeping and went to take a quick shower. I lost track of how many days I hadn't rested properly, I felt my body relax with the hot water. I wear tight black shorts, a black crop top and put my hair in a bun.

When I came out of the bathroom, Kid was trying to get up.

-Kid, you shouldn't make any effort, the wounds are deep and can open again. - I run to him and just in time to catch him.

-I can't stand lying down anymore. I want to take a shower, I think it will help me.

-You're so hard-headed - he pouts, fuck, I can't resist - okay, I'll call Killer to help you.

-No, I can do it alone.

-No, you can't, the wounds are recent, you need to be careful.

-Then help me, no one will know better than you.-I...it would be better if we talked first...I don't want things to get awkward between us again.

Kid POV

-Eriss, it's an order. You are our doctor and the most competent person I know. - I stroke his face.

Killer had told me how devastated Eriss had been, but he still managed to treat my wounds and never left my side again. I felt it when she was talking to me, I remember it vaguely because I was under the effect of medication, but the most important thing was the feeling she emanated from me. During the fight with Shanks, when I saw Eriss being surrounded by enemies, my heart froze and I just thought that I didn't want to lose her.I also want to give you an opportunity...

-Do I really have to go into the bathtub wearing my boxers?

-Yes, and don't even think about taking them off, you're already lucky enough to let you take a shower.

She sits on the edge and takes a sponge and starts to wet my body. I took a pretty good beating, my body is full of cuts and very deep wounds on the side where that shit ripped off my arm.

She's gentle, but I still let out a few grunts of pain from the wounds on my neck and stomach.

-Am I hurting you? - those velvety coloured eyes shine and warm my soul.

-No, it's just uncomfortable.

-I thought I was going to lose you. My world stopped when I saw you on the floor lifeless. - she drops her strong posture until now and begins to cry desperately.

- I'm sorry, I was an idiot, I should have told you.

-Princess - I hug her and pull her towards me - I should be the one asking for your forgiveness, I shouldn't have been a scoundrel and made you suffer even more.

Her crying becomes even more intense and she clings to my neck.

-I'm fine, you can rest. You've taken care of me until now, it's time for me to start paying you back. I also want you to be the woman of my life. - She leans on my shoulders, careful not to rest on the wounds and looks at me with a look of astonishment.

- I may have heard one or two of the conversations you had with me.

I take one of the strands of her hair and start to twirl it around my fingers, making her relax and smile like I haven't seen in a long time.

[mauswife]

Representation does matter. I think I see the point you're trying to make here but it falls flat because you're missing the point of why representation even exists or matters. If it doesn't matter, why would incels throw a hissyfit and shout "FORCED DIVERISTY1!1" whenever they so much as smell the sight of a non white person? We all have stories to tell. Blatantly saying the stories of people who aren't white cishet men don't matter and shouldn't exist is telling on yourself quite a bit.

A little black girl being told she's beautiful and not ugly for her dark skin when media tells her only beauty exists in white skin isn't "ego stroking".

A queer person seeing a love story where they can experience angst, heart break, and intense love isn't "comfortable".

A disabled person seeing a story of perseverance where they're not made to be a punching bag and actually shown to be on equal footing with their able peers isn't "easy".

Media should be transformative, and what's more transformative than presenting disverse stories. YOURE the one saying media is fun when it has people who aren't like you, yet you're arguing media should ONLY have people who are like YOU. Why are you the only one who gets to be in media? You just said that media should present people outside your sphere of life so why are you so opposed to seeing queer people, people of color, disabled people, women etc. They're all outside your sphere of life so don't you wanna see them? Starting to think you just don't like being reminded we exist 👁👁👁👁

[writing-good-vibes]

Did you you decide to do that story where Roger….husband,father and Adulterer teaches Corey how to swim

ahh i can't lie i have been thinking about this story, thank you for asking and giving me an excuse to talk about it more !! also, i love that description of roger lol

this story only really exists in my head at the minute, but hopefully i'll put it together in a better way than i'm about to, so that it can exist as a bonus chapter for the main story. basically, besides it being about learning how to swim, it's also about corey and roger hugely blurring the line between flirtation and fatherly support.

to set the scene: they do make it to the pool -- one of those big blue hotel pools with glass windows looking out at the city and a sauna off to the side -- after their post-breakfast activities. corey stays firmly at the edge in the shallow end, watching roger swim laps.

corey tries to insist he's okay where he is, but roger keeps playfully trying to lure him further into the pool and swim laps with him ("work up that appetite of yours") and corey kind of has no choice but to admit he doesn't know how to swim.

honestly, swimming really hasn't come up that often in corey's life, so he is just a little embarrassed at having to admit this for basically the first time to someone (even though plenty of people can't swim).

this admission takes roger by surprise to be honest, he really just assumed it was a given that corey -- an adult -- would be able to swim. but he reigns his reaction in, tries not to let corey see his surprise, because he knows it would only embarrass him further. "hey, that's okay. how about i teach you, hm?"

roger taught jeremy to swim when he was 4 or 5, not that long ago really, and the similarity in the situation is absolutely not lost on him.

they start with the total basics, letting corey get used to just floating in the pool, first on his back and then with his face in the water. before they get to more effective swim strokes, roger stands a few feet away and lets corey doggy paddle his way over to him. corey, pink-cheeked with embarrassment or exertion, complains "i can see you moving", because roger isn't being half as sneaky as he thinks he is about taking a few steps back as corey gets closer.

when they move onto "real" swimming, corey almost shivers when roger puts his hand on his stomach to keep corey up so he can kick his legs. neither of them mention it when roger's thumb just barely slipping beneath corey's waist band. neither of them say anything when roger's fingers glide down the back of corey's thigh when he tells him to keep his legs straight.

maybe roger shouldn't feel as proud as he does when corey swims his first clumsy length of the pool, but he does. he taught corey that, he literally and figuratively held corey's hand, he gave corey this milestone.

corey keeps close to the edge the whole way, but they do end up in the deep end and roger absolutely shouldn't like it so much when corey clings to him instead of the pool-edge when he realises he can't reach the bottom to stand up.

their kiss tastes like chlorine.

[collegecraze]

Hi pretty! Can you share some tips on how to outline?

Hi! I can try my best. Please excuse me if I don't make any sense, haha.

Typically I like to start out with my premise, or my big idea. What is that idea that made me go "Ooh, I really need to make a story out of this!" It's important to recognize this as a premise and not your entire story. If you conflate the two, you may end up writing a story or VN without any real end in sight. If your goal is to have a completed work, make sure you take the time to develop your ideas beyond the premise. Example of a premise: "A drug dealer and a ballerina fall in love, but her family disapproves of the relationship."

Most premises can be followed up by the simple question "Okay, so then what happens?" This is what you should be working through in your outline to answer. But before that:

Extrapolate your premise into a plot.

I like to skip straight to the end, to ensure I have a goal post that's been set before I go through any other plot beats. So from my premise, I have an answer to that "So what next?" question.

Endpoint example: "The drug dealer becomes a ballet dancer and gets married to his ballerina love . They live in happy harmony." It's better to work in broad strokes at the start of outlining, because I've found its so much better to push through and not get hung up on making things perfect. This is what editing is for and you can't edit a story that doesn't even exist yet. You can't edit an empty page.

Major Plot beats

Once I have my premise and my endpoint, I'm able to think about major plot events that need to happen in between. These are points of no return and can often change the trajectory of a character's life or personailty. Depending on what you're writing there shouldn't be like, 20 of these. I'd imagine 3 or 4 BIG events should be enough. Write them down as simply as you can, one sentence max.

Big plot beats example: "Drug dealer meets Ballerina" "Drug dealer sacrifices something to spend more time with Ballerina." "Ballerina's family reports Drug dealer to the police." "Ballerina proves Drug dealer's innocence." I keep things big, vague and open-ended intentionally, because in the beginning of outlining, if you get caught up in details you will risk getting stuck way easier. Keep everything fluid. These major plot points all lead to the end goal I already established. All of the points above beg the question, "How?"

Flesh out your plot beats

This is the part that I think most people start at, which is immediately jumping into the how of major plot points. It doesn't really work for me, because it still feels a little too rigid at this point. Each of the plot points above now need to start tapping into any of the work you've done on characterization. Who are our characters? What's the setting like? The time period? Is this a sappy romance? Is it raunchy, fast-paced smut? All of these external considerations will help you further flesh out what leads up to and follows the points you established above. Lets say this is a sappy romance set in 90s NYC, and the drug dealer is a broken-hearted asshole who thinks love is a joke, while our ballerina is a naive, hopeless romantic. I might extrapolate the first plot point above this way: "Drug dealer meets Ballerina" - Drug dealer just got out of a rough relationship. - Ballerina runs into him while moving out, spots a cute teddybear that fell out of his move out box. -She attempts to return it, but he's mean and bitter towards her. Throw out any and all ideas here, nothing is too bad to write down, because you never know if its a stepping stone to another plot point. Maybe, since I know I need the Drug dealer to sacrifice something in the future, I can establish his attachment to something in this plot beat. Thoughts like this allow you to have a rough idea of where you are and where you need to go, so you can plant small seeds that can be super impactful later. Once you have a big list of points you can start to narrow things down, keeping everything still open to grow and move as you actually settle down to write. I'm a big fan of keeping things open and fluid, because writing does tend to take on its own life, but as long as you know how you want things to end, you should be on a good track! I hope this helps and sorry for the wall of text lol.

[empire-at-war]

KINKTOBER DAY 25

kink of the day: Uniform

additional kinks/warnings: dirty, messy sex

characters: Vic and Julien :)

A/N: yes, I occasionally ship my own OCs with each other. These two are bitter exes who still think about each other a lot, apparently.

here’s some amazing art of these two idiots on Nar Shaddaa

***

Right off the top of his head Vic could tell several stories in which thinking with his dick had gotten him in big trouble. He'd gotten shot once, stabbed and beaten up several times, and one time he had ruined a marriage and an intergalactic trade agreement, all because of one, amazing blowjob in an elevator, but none of those incidents could even begin to compare to the mistake he was about to make right now.

“That wasn't part of our deal.” Julien's voice was steady, but he didn't LOOK steady. More importantly, Vic realized he hadn't said 'no'. “Deals change.”

Julien retreated back to his stupid desk and turned his back on Vic. He was clearly stalling, busying himself with taking off the white gloves that went with his immaculate dress uniform. “I just.... I can't.” He didn't seem able to elaborate. His shoulders were tight with tension. Vic was strangely calm. He always was, once he had reached a decision. A few long strides closed the gap between them. Granted, this was the worst decision he had ever made. The absolute worst. But Vic had never been one to half-ass things. “Vic...”

Part of him knew that he should leave right now, before he went too far and there was no going back. He knew this, but instead of taking a step back, instead of punching Julien in the face as he had imagined himself doing so often, he grabbed a fistful of the immaculate white fabric and pulled the bastard in for a kiss.

The beard was new. It was surprisingly soft against his cheek. Vic had expected some resistance, some protest at least, but the lips under his parted eagerly for him, or perhaps desperately would be the better way to describe it.

The soft little moan that escaped Julien's lips definitely sounded desperate. He had closed his eyes, and only when Vic loosened his grip and released his jacket, did he open them again. Had they always been this green? Julien was panting, lips red and parted, face flushed a dark crimson, but he still didn't say 'no'. Vic let his hands run up and down the uniformed chest, stroking the brass and tracing the starched collar with his fingers. His hands were greasy, and left visible marks on the pristine fabric. He couldn't recall seeing Julien in a white uniform before, but he had to admit it looked good on him.

“You're getting my uniform dirty,” Julien complained, his voice a bit too shaky to have any authority.

“Looks like I am,” Vic laughed, leaning closer until he was only inches from the pale blonde hair on Julien's neck. The skin above the starched collar was sticky with sweat. Not one hair out of place on the admiral and his stupid imperial regulation haircut, but he actually shivered as Vic leaned closer. Damn. Last chance to step away and walk out now...

“You're going to get it all messy....” Julien's voice got even more shaky and thick with arousal. Vic could see the bulge starting to form in his uniform pants, and he knew for some reason that as soon as he touched it, he would have crossed some imaginary line. There would be no going back. “So? You always liked it when I made a mess on you.” Vic chuckled, sliding his hands lower to hook into the belt buckle. “Didn't you?”

“That's ridiculous. I don't want your dirty hands on my things,” Julien lied, the strict face he was trying to pull off failing as soon as Vic pushed his own pants down and took himself in hand, giving his cock a few long strokes. The expression on his face when he saw the piercing was very satisfying, Vic wasn't going to lie, he loved the way Julien's eyes widened and his mouth fell open. There was a little voice in the back of his head telling him that this didn't make sense. Julien should have seen him pierced before, shouldn't he? But he pushed that thought away and rubbed his cock against the pristine white fabric of Julien's pants, enjoying the way the admiral's ears turned red too.

Something was off about this, Vic could sense it, but he couldn't bring himself to think too much about it right now. This felt too good. He couldn't stop. He stroked himself faster and was consumed by the fantasy of finishing all over Julien's pretty uniform, the one he was so proud of, to cover the bastard in his cum and…. There was a loud noise, a beeping. That didn't make sense either. Wait. What was... Before Vic could finish jerking off, the blaring alarms of his ship tore him from his dreams. He sat up on his bed, cursing violently, before he jumped out of the bed and dragged himself to the bridge to deal with the situation, trying to ignore his throbbing cock and more importantly, what he had just seen in his dream. Whom he had just seen.

That bastard was just going to continue to make his life miserable, wasn't he? Even after all those years.

[tangerinecherrygal]

Small S&B S2 rant for my two followers or; SOC and S&B shouldn't have been combined (opinion)

Hi, this is my opinion and if anyone here enjoyed both seasons then I'm so happy for you. There are things that I enjoy that my friends don't and them pointing that out isn't a personal attack on me. Different strokes for different folks :)

Ok, first, since season 1 I hated that they combined both series. The story between Alina and the crows was completely different and felt disjointed.

I do wanna say I have read the first S&B book and I don't think I'm finishing the series because, i didn't like the way it was written. I also couldn't finish season 2 for some of the reasons I'm going to list now. However, I'm still able to critique how the show felt and it felt messy.

The relationships: (Season 1 mostly)

The relationships between everybody but Mal and Alina felt very forced and sudden. Like when she kissed the Darkling I was like, you've talked for a total of 45 minutes??? and it feels like those were their only interactions. In the book it was also like that but I feel like if they just focused on the s&b storyline then the writers could rectify this.

Also the 15 minutes of Nina and Matthias and then they're in love?? Even if this is a backstory that isn't in the books they could explore it in a different show. That storyline was so interesting and could've easily been a show by itself. The same for the rest of the crows.

Kaz and Inej's interactions mostly involved Jesper (who I loved). So I didn't really feel the chemistry with them. Buuut... the friendship between them felt very real and was so fun to watch. These actors are so charming and suited the characters I think.

The pacing (Both):

Because they combined the storylines they couldn't explore the relationships much like I said before. Also, they couldn't show much development, especially Alina developing her powers. In the books they explained why she was so weak but didn't in the show. I think it was a nice point. (The analytical part of me wants to say it's a good allegory for how suppressing parts of yourself can wear you down. Since this is a YA series I feel like it still has life lessons so that's how I took it). They could have given us more time with Mal and Alina's friendship too, instead of those flashbacks. Alina getting 'over' Mal also felt like it came out of nowhere.

In season 2 it's even worse. Already in the first episode it felt like we had no time to settle into the new situation. Of course, it's going to be fast paced bc they're on the run. I'm talking about how it feels like I'm watching a a playlist of under 5 minute s&b then soc videos. I saw someone say that they were trying to combine all 6 other books. In the 8 episode slots that stupid Netflix gave them??? Ok guys.

Things they should have changed: When Alina got mad at Mal for not responding. It makes their friendship seem less authentic. Yes, I know she's quite young and scared (me too), but she's also able to be a bit rational. It's unbelievable that she wouldn't consider there may also be some other reason that he hasn't responded even if it's for a moment. If she maybe thought that he might not have been able to respond or if he was outside of the base camp and he couldn't get the letters yet. Then she could realize that she can't rely on him so much and needs to support herself. This would also make her confidence later feel more reasonable because it feels like she's working on it for herself.

More time with the Darkling in the first half. In the books I was annoyed that she went from being terrified of him to trusting him implicitly without much reason. Maybe if he was more involved with giving her advice then she might feel like she would be able to trust him.

Genya's hair. I can't deal with bad tv wigs, I think since I started being more interested in drag. This is a more petty thing but in the words of drag queen, Katya: If you have a fantasy show you're adapting for the screen, you can pull it together. If there is a fantasy world that you're adapting, [you've] got to say one thing, "this world is not real." This is not Ken Burns, we can take a little bit of liberty. We can do a low light, do a bang, we can experiment with some texture, we can make it whatever we want. Just make it look good. People get hung up on the good part. Like they could have at least given her some side swept bangs to hide the hairline. That was so twisted and evil I think. My girl was done so dirty.

This is more of a question. Why isn't Alina's surname Starkova?

The dialogue: What the hell? The downgrade between the writing from the previous season to this one. I'm not going back to watch and find exactly what I mean. But some of the dialogue felt so unedited and cringey. They are capable of snark and one-liners, they proved that in the first season. I think it was Nikolai that was the worst so far and the actor was working hard to make those lines work.

Finally, I hate you Netflix: (impromptu netflix rant)

I understand that most of the problems I mentioned could be fixed if they had more time. They could have a better chance of making the combined stories work. The other option is to keep the eight episodes and just adapt s&b.

The 8-10 episode format can't work for everything. GOT could do it but it takes a lot to pull that off for a fantasy show and not every production can do that with the constraints.

Also netflix clutches it's purse tight when it comes to non Stranger Things related content. $28m? For a FANTASY SHOW of a hugely successful book series? That's less than a single ST episode. Netflix open your purse girl, we know you have the money.

It's obvious they crammed a bunch of stuff into this season so if netflix cancels it, then they could have appealed to all the fans and wrapped it up. At the expense of quality :/. If netflix wouldn't cancel all their shows after one or two seasons, then i believe this wouldn't have happened. Idk how they expect to make legendary shows if they won't take that risk and let the fanbase gradually grow. That's how GOT, the office and breaking bad etc became so iconic.

I liked season one and thought it had a lot of potential. I was so disappointed that i didn't like this season.

[theyhaveacavetroll]

Hi

Your last story makes me think about a request with the trio : after his time in prison, Saul dislike to be attached in the bed. But Farah and Andreas don t know that

I hope you will like it :)

Oh friend, this is my bread and butter!

Fic:

He's ok until the handcuffs clink against the bed.

It's amazing how fast Saul goes from lost in pleasure to wanting nothing more than to vault off of their bed, and to his horror and panic, he can't move. He is tied down, he can't move, he can't move -

The chains bite into his wrists constantly. He's cold, his clothing hanging off him in tattered rags, and he can feel the guards leering at him. If they come at him - if they try anything he's prepared to hit them but they've gotten smart lately, attaching the chains to the ring on the wall before they hit him. He's afraid they'll escalate soon, and he won't be able to stop them.

He rubs at his wrists again - and finds them suddenly unfettered. He frowns. He's uncuffed. And - and not cold anymore.

And someone is stroking his hair and holding him, he realizes, and the walls of his prison cell turn back into the walls of his bedroom. He is at Alfea.

Farah is there, he realizes, and suddenly he's not cold anymore and his wrists are free because his lovers have released him. He's free.

"Saul? Are you with us?" Andreas asks softly, and Saul looks around himself. He's in their bed. The blankets have been pulled around him, the handcuffs are gone, and Farah and Andreas are sitting on either side of him, watching him with concern. Or rather, Andreas is watching him with outright worry, and Farah looks as though she would like to set something on fire.

Oh, he thinks, and embarrassment, red-hot and terrible, washes over him. Oh fuck.

"You saw that, didn't you?" he asks, and Farah nods.

"I'm sorry, but when you started to panic -" she explains, and Saul hangs his head.

"How bad?" he asks, and the way that Andreas reaches out to take his hand is answer enough.

"You're safe now," Andreas promises. He sounds subdued and more than a little guilty. "I'm so sorry, Saul."

"I didn't know that was going to happen," Saul apologizes. His face must be on fire, it must, as must his ears and the back of his neck judging by the heat gathered under his skin there. "There's nothing to be sorry for, you didn't know -"

"There is and I am," Andreas insists. "This is my doing."

Oh, Saul thinks again, and finally comprehends what it is Andreas is apologizing for. Well - yes, that's true, broadly speaking. It's not important at the moment, though, and it hasn't been since the moment they'd all realized exactly how bad Rosalind's treatment of Andreas had been. Not since she'd died.

He's still naked and Farah's just seen - that, he recalls again, and huddles down into the blankets. He wants very badly to cover his face and never be seen again, but since that's not an option -

"D' you think I could get dressed?" he asks. "In private, maybe?"

He hates how much his voice shakes at the request, and he hates more that he needs the reassurance that privacy is an option again. He hates what prison has done to him. It's humiliating.

"Of course," Farah answers. She gets up, off the bed, and Andreas follows her, slowly and reluctantly. They turn away, and Saul notices for the first time that Farah and Andreas have already managed to pull on their underthings, at least. Andreas has gone a step further and dragged on a t-shirt, and Farah has a robe on. It took time, then, to pull him out of his own head. Damn it. Saul hastens out of the bed, pulling on his clothing in record time, then gets back into the bed and clears his throat.

"Alright," he says, "I'm decent." He shouldn't be relieved. He shouldn't feel as if Farah and Andreas have just done him a massive favor, but they have, both in turning away and in the way they return to the bed with alacrity, climbing in beside him as if nothing had gone wrong. Farah wraps an arm around him, and Andreas, although he still seems quiet, does not hold himself apart from them. Saul reaches for his hand, and intertwines their fingers. "There's nothing to forgive," he repeats. "And if you still insist, then I forgive you. If it helps any -" He clears his throat, still embarrassed. "If it helps any, knowing you weren't dead meant I could stop torturing myself with it, stop beating myself up for what happened after all those years. You came home, and you made things right. That's what counts."

"You don't have to -" Andreas starts, and Saul cuts him off without mercy.

"I do, and I will," he echoes Andreas's own words back to him. "I'm fine now. A little shaken, and I'm not letting either of you tie me up again, but I'm alright."

"I'm sorry, Saul," Farah offers quietly. "If I'd had any idea -"

"You wouldn't have done it," Saul finishes. "I know. Lesson learned. We can probably rule out wax and ice play, just for the record."

Andreas and Farah both grimace.

"Don't start apologizing again," Saul warns, and his lovers look somewhat abashed.

"How long were you chained in that manner?" Farah asks softly, and Saul sighs.

"Too long," he answers. "The guards got clever 'round about the second week and it went downhill from there." He doesn't elaborate. He can't. He doesn't want to, and from the look on Farah's face, he doesn't need to.

"You're safe now," she promises, and takes his hand. "No more chains."

"And no more guilt," Andreas adds.

"I promise if you do," Saul answers, and leans over to kiss his lovers on their temples.