#so she ended up fleeing out of shame/fear

[northern-passage]

Okay but what does your BG3 character look like?

Also, and maybe a little fun thing to think of, how would they fit in the world of The Northern Passage?

hahaha i've posted a little about her over on my other blog but here are some screenshots:

and i drew her here :-) (warning for nudity lol)

her name is mercy (based on a very old dnd character i've had for years and also the original mercy and where the default name in tnp came from hehe) she's a disgraced monk that was street fighting in baldur's gate before getting kidnapped by the mindflayers.

as for how she would fit into the world of tnp... there's not an exact equivalent of a monk in the tnp world but there are spiritual followers for the gods that live in cloisters. if i had to pick one for her i'd say the stormbringer. she has a criminal background, she can be a little morally grey but she mostly tends towards being nice and helping people which i think would fit best with the stormbringer. maybe she'd be hanging out in blackwater when everyone passes through...

she's not very Monk-like except occasionally breaking out some deep monk wisdom which i imagine always catches everyone off guard lmfao

[tojikai]

Sundered 7: TIES

Pairing: Gojo x reader

• Part 1  |  Part 2   | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Alt. Ending

Genre: Angst

tags/cw: angst, babydaddy!gojo, babymomma!reader, motherhood, insecurities, arguments, mentions of sexual assault

word count: 6.0k

And he was happy. But never the happiest.

Naomi couldn’t count how many calls she had made but the wetness in her cheeks is proof of how frustrated she already is. “Please, pick up.” She bit the inner side of her cheeks, tapping her feet on the tiled floor. Naomi regrets what she did. She regretted that she still proceeded despite knowing how wrong it was.

She warned herself not to be greedy at the beginning of their relationship. She remembered telling him they’d take it step by step, not rushing anything because they were determined to make it work. Now that she’s thinking about it, maybe he’s only determined because he wanted to forget about you so badly.

“Mom, please. He threw me out.” Naomi spoke on the phone, tapping her feet as she stood in the middle of her room with her things around her. She took all the things necessary and left. Satoru would probably put everything she left in the trash but that’s the least of her concern right now. She lost everything she had with Satoru and it’s all because of her stupidity.

“What did you expect? You sexually assaulted my son and you want me to help you?” The woman hissed at her. Naomi was naive; thinking that she’ll have her back just because she wanted her for Satoru. “If anything I could even get you arrested—” She began but Naomi was quick to defend herself.

“You’re part of this. Didn’t you basically tell me to use a child to keep your son?!” Tears of anger pooled in her eyes as her hands shook in fear, fury, and heartbreak. Naomi remembered when Satoru’s mom would free her schedule so she could spend time with him and Yui. She would suggest activities and let Naomi tag along and that’s how they started to fall for each other.

Or rather, that’s how she started to fall for him while he just wanted an escape.

“But I never told you to do that to my son! Naomi, do you really think someone would side with you on this?” Every corner of Naomi’s room felt like they were closing in on her, ready to squeeze her till she was nothing but dust. Of course, no one would be with her. No matter what Satoru’s mother told her, she still chose to follow it so the blame’s on her.

“For someone who finished school with flying colors, your mind is dull.” She chuckled, letting Naomi hear all she truly is. “You got a pretty face, you know? That’s another reason why you caught Satoru’s eyes easily.” At that point, Naomi didn’t know if it was still a compliment. She’s pretty and kind, and smart and perfect for him, like she said. But why can’t she have all of him?

“But I’m afraid that pretty face would be useless now. If I were you I’d go start over alone somewhere far.” She clicked her tongue, cutting Naomi’s thoughts off every time she tried to voice them out. “Like, imagine graduating only to get jailed over some dumb, desperate shit? Naomi, you screwed up. And that’s why you lost all chances with my son.”

Naomi shook her head, the warmness of her emotions dampened the smooth skin of her face. “No, you made me…” She breathed out, covering her mouth before running her fingers through her hair. “I didn’t want to do that…No.” She bawled and bawled but the line only went more and more silent.

She fucked up and she’s right. The shame and the loss of self-respect are not something she could live through in this city. She must go, she must leave. Like how they always did when she was a kid; fleeing the scene with her embarrassment of a family who can’t live without humiliating them. They have no decent source of living so they gotta strive.

Now, she’s doing all of it again, all while losing all of it. Again.

“Save yourself. I won’t let them know of your plan. After all, you were once of help to my child. I’m truly sorry.” With that, the call ended; with Naomi sitting on the floor as she put a balled hand over her throbbing chest, and the thought of going away to start as someone new settled in the middle of her head. Naomi learned a lot from all the troubles she went through.

This time, she learned that you could have someone's body but their heart could still be somewhere else.

—-------------------------------------------------

“What is it?” Satoru heard through the phone speaker. Taking a deep breath, he shut his eyes, letting relief flood his veins and calm his shaking flesh. “When are you free?” There was a long pause before Satoru’s father replied, “You know I can make time.” Clearing his throat, Satoru massaged his temples, thanking the heavens that his nightmares weren’t real.

“Let’s meet later if that’s alright.” He whispered, scared that his voice would break. Satoru knows that he is the only link between the relationship of his parents. Just like how his older brother would’ve been the connection his father was hoping to keep his first, real love close. Until they got tired of it all; the matters brought by his mother. And him.

Just like how she drained Satoru out. And right now he just wanted to run away from her too.

“Of course, just send me the exact time.” Satoru nodded as if his father could see him, “Are you alright?” He asked after a few seconds as if sensing the trouble from his son’s voice. “Yeah, much better now, at least.” Satoru rubbed his eyes as he shook his head, eyeing the negative results of the vaginal swab test. “Dad, Mom can’t know.”

He’s almost sure that the request would prompt questions from his father, knowing that he’s aware of how close he is to his Mom. But he was surprised when he simply agreed, murmuring an “Okay.” before letting his son end the call. Satoru pictured him on his office chair as he nodded away, brows furrowed with worry like he always is when it comes to family matters.

When Satoru was a child, his nanny would tell him that his father wasn’t always so workaholic when his ex-wife was still there, co-parenting with him. After she ran away and left, his father started to immerse himself in work more. He knows that he tried with his mother since they were already there and married. But it was just never the same.

His father was happy with them. But he could never be the happiest again.

Leaning back on the chair, he put a hand over his eyes and let his frustrations stream down his cheeks. He let out a shaky sigh, grabbing the papers before looking at them in a brighter light. It’s negative. Nothing happened. You woke him up just in time. He tapped on Naomi’s contact, quickly typing his last message before attaching a photo of the results.

‘I’m mailing the rest of your things tomorrow.’ It only took a minute for her to respond with an apology but Satoru doesn’t care anymore to read it. He blocked the number as soon as he made sure that she received and read the message. He doesn’t want to be anywhere near her.

He knows he is wrong for not telling her about his feelings as soon as he can. But that doesn’t equal what she did to him and what she almost got them into. Satoru checked the clock before sending the time to his father, hoping to end all of this mess before the mess ended him.

His mother has been calling him nonstop, and he always had to pretend that he was not home during the previous days. He stayed in watching movies with his little girl, sending you videos and pictures every now and then. He slept in her room during those days, a desperate attempt to calm his brain down. His head hurts from overthinking.

Putting the papers back into the envelope, Satoru took it with him to his room. He made sure to put it in his bedside drawer, just in case some other shit comes up. If this happened before, he’d probably think that Naomi is not that kind of person. But after what she did to him, all of the trust and admiration she has for her went to waste.

Changing into something more comfortable, Satoru tried to take a quick nap. He doesn’t want to look this tired when he meets his father. He’d probably convince him to get a general checkup just to make sure that nothing was wrong. Satoru knows that if it weren’t for him, his father wouldn’t ever put up with his mom. He’d probably spend his whole life searching for his ex-wife.

A few hours of nap felt like nothing because when Satoru woke up, he still felt tired. The only difference is his heartbeat doesn’t sound like it’s trying to come out of his chest anymore unlike when he was waiting for the results. A little progress is still progress; just like how he’s trying to make it all up to you.

If Satoru’s being honest, he’d fall down to his knees and beg you to take him back if you asked him to do it. The only thing stopping him is his brain telling him how happy you are right now and how he wouldn’t want to destroy that. He can’t force himself to stop thinking about you but he can force himself to move on if it’s for you.

Satoru leaned his elbows on the kitchen counter, reading a text from his father saying that he was on his way. Another text was from you; it was a picture of Yui holding up a coloring book and a crayon. He was just with her earlier but he misses her already. He wondered if he could visit when he doesn’t have other things to do even if it’s not his schedule yet.

Sending a response with a small smile on his face, Satoru heard the doorbell ring, signaling his father’s arrival. He peeked through the spaces of his window curtains to ensure that it was him before opening the door. Satoru’s still unsure of what he’ll say but he hopes that his father can give him a better solution.

Satoru thought that if he ever cut ties with his mother, it’d be for you and Yui’s safety. He didn’t think that it’d be for him too. “Dad,” He gave his father a hug as he stepped in, following his son as they walked to his house. “What’s going on?” He asked as soon as Satoru closed the door. They walked to the kitchen, settling on one of the barstools.

“It’s because of mom…” He began, placing a glass pitcher atop the counter.

—---------------------------------------

“Smile~ We’ll send this to Dada.” You cooed, pointing at the camera as you tried to take a picture of your daughter. At first, she didn’t want to do it, wanting nothing but to play with her book and crayons but when she heard that her Dad wanted to know about it, she got real creative with the pose. “You don’t listen to Mama, anymore.” You pouted at her as you hit send.

She scrunched her nose, sticking out her tongue at you before picking on her colors. You still can’t forget how dead Satoru looked when he dropped Yui off. You wondered what he talked about with his mother that caused him to be like that. Even with the soft tone of his voice, you could hear roughness that probably came from the lack of sleep.

If it concerns you, then you definitely have to know. His mother probably said something bad about you, but you doubt that it’s affecting Satoru by how he was talking and looking at you. He just looked so done with all of it, but even so, there was still a tender look in his eyes when they met yours.

You sighed while looking at your phone as you waited for a text from Toji. He’s been so busy with work lately, you’re just glad that you already talked about your problems. You had a feeling that it wouldn’t end well had it stayed unsaid for a couple more days. It wasn’t completely back to normal, but at least, you’re both trying to make it better for each other.

“I would try,” He whispered to your ear as he hugged you from behind, “I can’t promise not to think of her–“ You turned around, looking up at him with a solemn look in your eyes, “I’m not asking you to not think of her, that’d be selfish of me.” He nodded, kissing your forehead, “Alright, what I mean is, I won’t make any comparisons.” You hummed.

“I need you to stop worrying about Satoru and I.” You put your head on his chest, “I know it’s easier said than done, but I just want you to know that I am with you.” Your fingers traced figured on his skin, “I’m keeping that in mind.” He placed his cheek on top of your head, sighing deeply as he let go of you.

“I’m taking Megumi to my Mom’s.” He pushed your hair back with his fingers, making your eyes flutter close as you felt his face get closer to yours and his breath ghosting on your lips. “I’ll see you later.” He pecked your lips, “Take care, I love you.” He murmured as he gave you a long kiss, before turning to get their stuff.

One thing that you notice about Toji is that he never waits for you to say anything back. You don’t want to take the words lightly, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t feel the same way as him. You still have a long way to go, and you don’t want to rush anything. When you mention it to him, he just says that he needs you to hear it.

“Mama, look!” Your daughter pulled you out of your head as she showed you a picture of a cat, “Dada buy Yui.” You looked closely at the picture, laughing as you realized that she was talking about the cake that they ate. “Yeah, you're right! That's what Dada bought you!.” You patted her head as she giggled.

“Yui, baby. Did meemaw come to see you?” You held her small hands, trying to keep her attention to you. “No. No meemaw.” She pulled at your hair gently, trying to color it with her crayons. “What about…what about Naomi?” You can’t help but chuckle as she pretended to think, eyes looking up as she pouted her lip.

“No Naomi!” Her answer gave you a bit of an insight. You would assume that maybe she was just busy, but hearing about how Satoru’s mother reduced her workload made you doubt it. Satoru sent you tons of pictures during his time with her but you thought that Naomi just wasn’t in the frame.

If the ‘talk’ between her and Satoru didn’t end well, you could only assume that he already told her about it. He’s probably down because he wouldn’t want to hurt her like that. With all the progress Satoru has made, you doubt that he’d be so happy to have broken a heart. She was still once a friend to him.

A heavy feeling settles in the middle of your chest, like an anchor weighing your heart down, thinking about how his mother would probably find a reason to drag you for it. But if that’s the case, you’re sure that Satoru wouldn’t let harm come to you.

With how gentle Naomi was, you couldn’t think of a worse thing to happen.

——————————————

“What did she do this time?” His father looked away, clicking his tongue. If one would ask Satoru, his parents would’ve probably divorced years ago if it weren’t for him. His father knows how he is with his mother, and the thought of giving him a hard time switching between the two of them pained him.

Satoru wished that he thought about it too before he decided to go and selfishly start over with someone else. Your words the night he confessed to you echoed in his head. He came to a realization that you probably wanted to ask him to come back but held yourself back as he let you know how happy he was with Naomi.

And he was happy. But just like his father, he was never the happiest.

“I don’t really know how to open this up to you…” He bit his lip, “…But I just want this to be over, Dad.” Satoru felt so vulnerable at that moment. The only time he had a talk this serious with his Dad was when he found out about your pregnancy. It was just more of a news, unlike right now, which is a call for help.

“Naomi…Mom and Naomi talked about…” His father’s eyes coaxed him as if sensing his distress. “Naomi tried to…” Shaking his head, Satoru breathed out. “Naomi wanted to conceive. Because our relationship was falling apart.” He can see his Dad’s brows pull together to a scowl, probably getting a hint of what happened.

“She talked to Mom about it and she…” The man sat up straight, bouncing his leg like he already knew what his wife did. “She said Mom brought up the thing about how you and him got together.”It was hard to talk about this to his father, knowing how sensitive it can be for him. “Naomi told me about it. I recorded it, just in case—”

“Satoru, what did your girlfriend do?” Satoru looked down, fingers fidgeting like he was a kid again. “And your mother’s involved? What happened?” Rubbing his face, Satoru threw away all his fears. If he’s not going to fix these problems, then who will? “She got me drunk, and then she tried to sleep with me.” He blinked fast, watching his father’s face.

“I heard her talking to Mom on the phone, and I took it from her. That’s how I found out that she played a part in all of it.” It was hard for him to accept. The person he used to protect, the one he always tried to understand was the same person who betrayed and put him in this position; the position that also made his father the person he is today.

Another long silence surrounded them. His father’s hand was balled into a fist, covering his mouth as he blankly stared at the marble surface. “Where’s Naomi?” His father pulled out his phone, and Satoru could tell just what he was about to do. “I don’t know. I’m sending her things away. I’m cutting her off. I’m filing a protective order against her and mom–“

Satoru didn’t get to finish his sentence before his father spoke again, probably finally taking in the information he just provided him. “I’m divorcing your mother.” His mouth fell half-open. His voice was low, serious, and full of all the grief that he’s been feeling for years ever since he lost his first wife and son. “And I’m sending that woman to jail.” He added, raising a finger.

“There’s…I don’t want that.” He breathed out, earning a questioning look from his dad. “You don’t have to send her to jail. I…I messed up if I just told her that I still have feelings for Y/N, then she wouldn’t have resorted to that. She wouldn’t have talked to Mom and this wouldn’t have happened.” He stood up, leaning on the counter as he squeezed his eyes shut.

Satoru thought about it too when he caught her in the act. But after some reflection, he realized his shortcomings, his mistake of not just telling her about what was really going on. Even though there was no excuse for what she did, Satoru can’t help but feel like he’s the one who caused all of this to happen. And he probably really is; a victim of his foolish choices.

“But other than that, I don’t want Y/N and Yui to be caught up in this. I don’t want to expose them to this kind of problem, they’ve been through so much because of me already. I just want to do better this time.” Thinking about dragging you into another mess made Satoru feel weak. He promised to make it up to you, and he’d do anything to prove that.

His father put his phone down on the table, taking in a deep breath just to calm himself. “But you’re not stopping me from divorcing your mother.” Satoru doesn’t know if it’s right to agree to that. It felt like he was encouraging the separation of his parents; celebrating his mother’s heartbreak.

But his father’s been suffering heartbreak for years. It’s only fair to set him free.

“It’s up to you. I…” Satoru shook his head, sure of the decision he was about to make. “...I don’t think I can just forgive and forget what she did. It’s not something small, and I’m not a kid anymore, Dad.” His eyes itched, ready to let his tears go any minute. “I don’t even know if I still want to be associated with her.” He turned away, sighing as he blinked away his pain.

When he and Naomi went for the examination, he made her spill all the details regarding the said conversation with his mother. It took everything in him not to fly into a rage while breaking down as he heard of it. All this time, his mother saw him as a pawn to keep his father, regardless of whose life she was tearing down; Satoru’s, his father's ex-wife, and his first son.

“I wanted to take you away when you were a kid.” His father admitted, looking ahead as he reminisced of the decisions he made. “I wanted to just take you and raise you with your brother. Of course, with the hopes of getting my ex-wife back.” He leaned back, tapping on the screen of his phone. The bitter tone in his voice can’t be missed.

“That was my plan when I found out about you. But when you were about a year and a half old, she disappeared. All I knew was she was…tired; drained of all the chaos that our son and her were exposed to. What with having to co-parent with me as I was with your mother.” His eyes played the emotions he chose to hide away many years ago.

“I know you know about this. She and I got divorced. I thought it was over for us, I thought I made the right decision to turn away and try another start. And I was dating your mother. Then we had you.” His arms were crossed and Satoru could almost see the similarities between his feelings to how he used to feel about yours and his relationship.

“Then, realization came running for me; haunting me in my sleep. I was ready to get her back again, but it was too late. She was already gone.” Satoru absently poured water for his Dad, listening intently to his story. “So, I felt like the only thing to do was to marry your Mom. I reminded myself that still have you, I can’t just spiral down.” He smiled at Satoru.

“I tried to convince, tried to brainwash myself that it’d be fine. That I could learn to love her and I did. Just not the kind of love that lovers have.” If his mother could hear his Dad right now, she’d get shattered. Satoru doesn’t want to see that, but she would have to. She has to understand that she’s putting this man through.

“I loved her because she loves me; because she cares for you and me.” Leaning over to pick up his glass, he looked his son in the eyes. “But true love is unconditional, Satoru. It should not have a reason.” He took a sip, pursing his lips before continuing. “Reasons might vanish, and when it does, so will the love you feel for that person.”

In the middle of it all, Satoru could only think of you. Why does he love you? When did he realize that he loves you? How did it happen? He doesn’t have an answer for it. He cannot find a reason for it. He doesn’t remember loving you just because you put up with him, he doesn’t remember falling for you just because of the life you created together.

All that he knows is that one day, he woke up and he already knew that he was in love with you. Like he’s been doing it for years; like that’s all he’s ever known.

—-------------------------------------------------

“I’ll keep in contact with you regarding the proceedings.” Satoru’s father spoke on the phone, stepping inside his mansion and smiling at his helpers. He asked Satoru if he wanted to have a word with his mother but the thought of having to look at her after what she tried to make his ex-girlfriend do makes him feel dizzy.

“Honey, you’re home.” The woman tried to welcome him with a kiss and open arms but he quickly turned his head, rejecting her. “Come up to my office, we got something to talk about.” The mask of a loving wife was quickly covered with fear and dread.

“What about in our room? So, you can rest.” She nodded her head once, trying to coax him but he was tired of closing his eyes and numbing his heart from feeling the pain and regret of having to lose the love of his life for the comfort that this woman offered him before. “In my office. It’s not a small matter that I could sleep on.”

Leaving the woman baffled, he made his way upstairs, not waiting for her to walk beside him. There was a deafening silence in the big room, save from the footsteps of her husband and the door of his office slamming with such force that it sent a crack in her heart.

She took a deep breath and ran her palm on top of her dress, thinking of all the reasons she could give him just to prove her innocence. She didn’t want any of that to happen. She didn't think that Naomi could be so dumb as to come up with such a heinous and unpleasant plan.

That wasn’t even what she did to Satoru’s father. It was just working to keep them together. And that’s why Satoru came.

With her found determination, she held her head high. Swallowing the terror rising up her throat as she let her thoughts convince her that she did nothing wrong. She never explicitly told Naomi to do that, she’s the one who schemed that. There’s nothing to be afraid of.

She walked up the stairs, caressing the smooth, cold surface of the handrail. Satoru wouldn't allow anything to happen to her. He’s her boy, her pride and joy. He’s the only ally she had when his father was openly pushing her away.

Satoru wouldn’t just ruin what she and his father had because of baseless information from his sick girlfriend. Entering the office, the man sat on his swivel chair. Forehead pressed to the heel of his hand. “What is it, dear?” She smiled sweetly at her husband, appearing unaware of what he had in mind.

Oh, how she wished she was just unaware of it all. She wished that she didn't know what the problem was. She wished it wasn’t what she thought it was and that she was just overthinking because of how– “I want a divorce.” Those four words halted the spinning of her world.

“What?” She raised her brows, checking if it was just her mind playing tricks on her and making her hallucinate. “I want a divorce. And I want it as soon as possible.” His eyes no longer held any emotions towards her; no sadness, bitterness, fading love. None. Not even pity.

“Listen, honey, I didn’t think that Naomi would do–“ She took quick steps towards him, hoping to get him to listen. “So, you knew about it?” He glared at her, “You knew about it and you didn’t tell me anything?” He shook his head, and she could only open her mouth.

“Doesn’t matter. Satoru told me everything.” He stood up from his seat, towering over her as he stared her down. “It’s nothing like that–“ She breathed out, panicking. “I’m not really interested in what you told Naomi. I’m just thankful that my son’s safe.” He stepped away from her.

“What I want to do right now, is to be free from this.” It’s over for her. All the alibis that she was composing, thinking of for this moment are useless. He doesn’t need an explanation, this was simply the final push that he needed to kick her out of his life. And probably out of Satoru’s too.

“Please, don’t do this. We’re already too old to–“ She tried to grab his hand and he only grabbed it with the other to put it away. “You’re right. We’re too old, our son’s too old for me to still pretend that we want to be in this position.” Shaking her head, she stepped in front of him, blocking his way. “Please, listen. I wouldn’t do something that could harm–“

“I know,” His voice was calm. “Of course, to harm him wasn’t your intention, right?” She nodded eagerly, thinking that he was finally listening to her. “But you wanted to decide for him. You got in between him and Y/N, then pushed this woman on him because you thought you knew best for your son.” Tears fell down her eyes, and she lost all hope.

“Now, look at what you did to him.” He gritted his teeth, stepping forward to get her out of his way. “But this is not just about our son anymore. This is also about me, finally choosing to do what I should’ve done a long time ago.” Opening the door, he spoke to her one last time. “All you have to do is sign. The actions that your son will take is all up to him.”

With that, he left her with all of the nightmares of their past coming back. How he only wanted the best for his sons, how he wanted to take full custody of Satoru, how he wanted to get back together with his ex-wife, and how he only married her because she was gone. She was never the first option. She was never the original pick.

She wasn’t chosen, she just happened to be already there.

—————————————

“Hey,” You heard Satoru speak as Toji opened the door for him, nodding. This was kind of similar to how they first saw each other but you’re just glad that this time, it’s a lot calmer. Megumi ran to his father, peeking up at Satoru as he waved at him.

“Yui, your Dada’s here.” Toji left the door open to let Satoru in. Megumi was holding onto his pants, staring back at Satoru. “Yui Dada,” He picked his toy up, staring at a distance before walking closer to him. “Blue!” You laughed from the kitchen, as you packed some snacks for the little girl.

Today, you’re going to the zoo as Yui requested. The animal drawings from her coloring book got her asking you to call her Dada late at night, just to babble about it. “He’s referring to your eyes,” Toji spoke as he went back to the living room to pick up some of the toys.

“Megumi, it’s not good to point at people, what did I tell you?” He warned the toddler as he went back to your room, eyes meeting yours as you made your way to Yui's room. “Ah, yes. Yui and I have the same eyes.” Satoru smiled at the child.

“Dada!” Yui ran towards him, stomping her shoes extra hard to show him how they light up with dancing colors. “Woah! Did Mama buy you those shoes?” He opened his arms, urging the little girl to run to him and she happily did, giggling as she nodded. “It’s awesome!” You smiled at how he tried to flatter his child, encouraging her to do a little jump.

“Where are we going today?” You asked her in a playful tone as you put the lunch bags on the coffee table in front of them. “Zoo!” You watched a Satoru give her a sincere smile, patting her hair gently while complimenting her little butterfly clips. “I’m sure Megumi’s been to the zoo before.” He poked the little boy's tummy.

“Yeah. Animals. Bears and lions.” He stood behind you, peeking at Satoru as he talked. Megumi isn’t usually shy, but he doesn’t easily warm up to people. “We went there on his second birthday.” You almost jumped at Toji’s voice behind you as he picked up his child. “He’s a smart kid.” Satoru answered with a friendly smile.

“You guys should come. If you want..” It surprised you that he was initiating something like that. Although, you know that Toji wouldn’t be so comfortable with that and would most likely reject the offer, it’s still nice to see that Satoru’s trying to make an effort to get along with him.

“That’d be nice but his grandma's waiting for him,” Toji answered, chuckling awkwardly. “Dada work,” Megumi added, earning a hum from his Dad. Making sure that the bag is packed with everything Yui needs, you zipped it up. “You ready to go now?” You tapped the toddler’s cheek, feeling Satoru’s gaze at you.

“Alright, let’s get going.” Standing up with his daughter in his arms, he took the bag from your hands. He put the toddler down to hug her friend goodbye, before walking hand in hand with her outside. You laughed at how she kept squealing with each step she took, looking up to see her Dad’s reaction.

“You guys have fun, alright? I’ll just lock the doors before we go.” Toji pulled you to him, giving you a kiss. “I’ll be back later.” You put your hand around his neck, standing on your tippy toes before pecking his neck. With that, you walked out the door to join your toddler who was patiently waving at you from her car seat.

“Okay, it’s zoo time!” You wiggled your brows at her as you slammed the door shut, making her giggle. You checked your face in the mirror, trying to ignore Satoru’s soft eyes as he watched you. “How are you?” You tried to start a conversation but it was quickly interrupted as you searched around for your daughter’s binky.

“Maybe we left it inside,” Satoru spoke, opening Yui’s bag to help you find it. “Yui, where did you put it?” Remembering how she placed it on the coffee table as she showed off her outfit to her father, you started to unbuckle your seatbelts but Satoru stopped you. “It’s alright, I’ll get it.” He was already stepping out of the car before you could stop him.

Satoru jogged up your steps, knocking a few times before proceeding to open the door. Toji was just about to open it for him when he entered, “It’s Yui’s pacifier. She left it.” He put on the most polite smile he could muster, wanting nothing but to get rid of the awkwardness between them if they were both going to be in your life.

“Oh, alright. I thought it was someone else.” Toji let out a rather awkward chuckle, not knowing how else to react or what else to say. But just as Satoru uttered ‘thanks’, Toji remembered the thing he’s been thinking of for almost a week now. “Uh, Satoru,” He called, making him pause as he held the door open.

Her brows raised, waiting for him to say something. Toji doesn’t know if you’d be happy about this but it’s better than just letting his feelings, thoughts, and opinions all pile up inside of him. This is for you and Yui. Not just for him.

“I’ve been thinking about our situation with Y/N and… I was wondering if you could set aside a bit of your time for a chat?”

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[nthspecialll]

I think we sometimes as a fandom tend to hyper-focus on certian characters' backgrounds simply because we like the character when in reality other characters who might not be as interesting has way better backstories, because no, Javier, Arthur and John are not the only ones with sad backstories

Like why does no one talk about what happened to Leopold's sister? Why does no one talk about young Lenny tracking down and killing folk? Why does no one talk about Javier actually in a way working for the government for a while and the reason why he killed that powerful military man? Why does no one talk about why Dutch is called Dutch and not by his actual first name? Why does no one talk about Bill's worst childhood fear coming true? Why does no one talk about both Swanson and Micah saving Dutch's life or that Tilly is also a murderer?

Anyways here is a full explanation of all the Van Der Linde gang members backstories.

Sean MacQuire

Sean Macquire and his father lived in Ireland possibly with more family but had to flee because the English (who were at the time in charge of ireland) were chasing them. They fled for their lives and they were in Boston for a month before his dad was shot in his sleep, showing the remaining Sean that there was truly no honor or shame in the world.

He was then sent to a reform school, which we all know was abusive and a living hell, so he ran, living as a low-life thief, he was a teenager, when he in a bar somewhere in North Elizabeth saw Dutch and Hosea and liked Dutch's watch. He followed the two into an alleyway and threatened them at gunpoint, however they laughed at him and told him to shoot, so he did, except the two others had noticed him first and taken the bullets from his gun. Sean started crying, thinking they were going to kill him but instead of doing that they gave him a home, a place to belong.

Lenny Summers

Lenny's grandparents as well as parents were slaves and his mother was born on a cotton field and taken away from his grandmother, who hadn't even known she was pregnant, immediately. His grandmother was then told to simply get back to work.

After the civil war, the old overseer kept making advandages towards Lenny's grandmother, to a point that in the end she needed to kill him and just barely escaped being lynched. Lenny's mother never saw the grandmother again.

Lenny's mother later met Mr Summers who was an educated man and taught Lenny to both read and write, however when Lenny was 15, his dad was beaten to death by several drunk men. Lenny stole a gun, tracked and hunted down the men, shooting them and showing no remorse even years later.

Kieran Duffy

Kieran Duffy's father was an Irishman who came to America with a dream of farming. It was there that he met Kieran's mother and not long after having Kieran, they both passed due to Cholera and not shortly after that the stables that he worked at to support himself threw him out. He decided to join the army to support himself but it didn't last long before he quit due to it "not working out well."

After returning from the army, he fell into work with a bunch of unnamed outlaws, though they all passed away, leaving him alone once again.

At some point he ran into the O'Driscolls who gave him a choice, to ride with them or to get killed, esencially forcing him to join them and work as a stable hand for them, though he was at the bottom of the latter simply working with the horses before being kidnapped by Arthur Morgan and joining the Van Der Linde gang.

Leopold Strauss

Leopold Strauss was born into severe poverty in Austria and his family struggled heavily with food. By the time that Strauss was only twelve, his older brother was beating up nightwatch men for whatever cash and food scraps they had on them. By that time Strauss's father had already sold his younger sister Anna, by the age of nine, into bonded labour to be able to provide for the rest of the family.

When Stauss was seventeen he was sent with his uncle to the US due to health problems, however the hellish sight of Brooklyn gave Strauss's uncle a heart attack on the spot, leaving Strauss alone in a forgein country. To survive he began doing illegal money scams and after doing so for years Dutch picked him up.

Tilly Jackson

Tilly Jackson was the daughter of a slave and became an outlaw by the mere age of twelve, running with a gang called the Foreman brothers who kidnapped her but after murdering the leaders cousin after he made advandages on her, she had to flee. She returned to her mothers workplace but found that she had already passed.

Later Tilly ran into Dutch Van Der Linde and as he was already taking care of John Marston and Arthur Morgan, he took her in, becoming just as much as a father figure to her as to the boys.

Micah Bell

Micah Bell was born directly into a life of crime as his father Micah Bell jr was a petty but ruthless and violent outlaw. Already when Micah was 17 him and his father were on run from the law as they had slid Jean and Roscoe Briggs throats and later hung them as well. His father was also his primary partner in crime, however he also seemed to have teamed up with his brother Amos a few times as well, however Amos regretted his past life and started a proper one with wife and children and threatened to kill Micah if he came close.

Micah had several partners in crime later in life, including Joe and Cleet who appears later in the game, as well as a fellow named Norman.

Micah runs into Dutch Van Der Linde in 1898 in a bar as Dutch is trying to sell some stolen goods, however the deal doesn’t work out and Micah steps in to help Dutch and save his life, earning a place in the gang.

Bill Williamson

Bill Williamson, also known as Marion Williamson, was born into an abusive family with a father who lost his mind to alchohol, even going to the point of mixing moonshine with whiskey. Watching this Bill always feared falling in love with liquor and suffering the same fate.

Bill always showed signs of being more of a troubled kid and being sent to a reform school did not stop him from building s solid criminal record as a kid.

Bill would later apply to the military and serve in the 15th infantry, fighting against the native americans before being dishonorably discharged for deviancy and attempted murder in 1892. For a year after he lived rough, truly falling in love with liqour and stealing from people om the side of the roads, one time being robbed himself by a "woman" (likely a cross dresser or genderqueer person).

In 1893 Bill tried to rob Dutch and got angry as the man simply laughed at him, however he calmed down as he was allowed a spot in the Van Der Linde gang.

Daniel(?) "Dutch" Van Der Linde

Dutch's mother was an english woman named Greta and his father a dutch man who lived somewhere near Philadelphia who fought in the civil war and died, which is why Dutch hated southeners.

Dutch's nickname rumors to come from his father's desperate attempt at keeping touch with his ancerstory.

When he was 15, he left home due to troubles with his mother whom he never got along with and simply saw him as a disobedient and troubled kid. He wished for freedom above all so to gain this he started a life of crime and in mid 1870 met Hosea Matthews.

Hosea Matthews

Hosea was born in around 1844 and lived the majority of his earlier life in the mountians, growing to love fishing and hunting. His father was mostly absent, living a life of "sin and debauchery that would make an emperor blush." Hosea saw his dad only about three times in his life but loved him none the less.

He tried to make his way with comedy as a stage actor, however he turned to petty thieft, stealing from his audience and later others in town. He was caught by the sheif stealing a chicken and sentenced to be hanged. Luckiy for Hosea the town folk saw it as a punishment too cruel and a riot broke out which ended with someone shooting the noose around Hosea's neck, allowing him to flee.

Mid 1870 Hosea found Dutch sitting by a campfire and decided to rob him, however found that Dutch had already robbed him. Hosea feared for a moment for his life but it ended with the two of them laughing it off and teaming up.

Molly O'Shea

Molly O'Shea was born into a wealthy Irish family, set up to live a proper and educated life, however she quickly got bored and showed little interest in the life set up for her, so she ran off to America in search of adventure and excitment. At some point she ran into Dutch Van Der Linde and found an interest in him and his life style, only to later genuiently fall in love with him.

Arthur Morgan

Arthur Morgan was born to Beatrice and Lyle Morgan in northen US. His mother died in his early life and he never really got along with his father whom there are rumors was abusive. Lyle lived a life of petty crime and was arrested and executed. Arthur saw his father die and although not having the best relationship, Arthur kept his father's hat and picture.

In 1877 Arthur was 14 and a wild delinquent. He ran into Dutch and Hosea, being picked up and taken under their wing, taught not only the ways of crime but also skills like reading, writing, hunting and so on.

Uncle

Uncle was born in Ohio (insert Penelope Braithwaithe shutter) with the only family present being his parents who died when he was nine and an "uncle" named Jeb whom Uncle hints at being a pedofile.

After his parents death he was on his own and was forced to a new city where he had to care for himself, and from that time to the game start in 1899, we know he has been married at least twice.

Uncle tells many stories of his past such as going to Africa and being worthshipped like a god by the locals, however the truth of these stories are highly doubted due to his tendency to lie. He does tell stories of being a "one shot kid" in his younger days, the truth of these also being doubted, however it may have been his tricket into the Van Der Linde gang.

Susan Grimsaw

Along with Hosea, Dutch and Arthur Susan was one of the founding memebers of the Van Der Linde gang, having run into Dutch during a poker game where both he and she found interest in one another, causing the curious couple and their unruly son to stay in the area a bit longer, paying poker long into the night while Susan sat on Dutch's lap.

Having gotten into a romantic relationship with Dutch, Susan was allowed to join the small group and even stayed when Dutch moved on to Annabelle, now serving as a form of housemother, making sure that people did their work, took properly care of themselves and made camp feel like home.

You can also hear Susan talking to Mary-Beth one time in camp, admitting that she had a fiance once however he went to heaven.

John Marston

John Marston was born in 1873 to an illiterate scottish father born on the boat to New York and a prositute mother who died during his birth. At first John lived with his father who constantly spoke of Scotland and his love for the country, however he was blinded in a bar fight south of Chicargo and later died when John was eight. The true cause of his father's death is unknown however John was told it was a barfight.

John spent a few years in an orphanage before running off and living on his own, at the mere age of eleven commiting his first murder by shooting a man, though he claims it was not his fault.

At the age of twelve John had been caught stealing from homesteaders who planned to have him hanged, however Dutch stepped in and took him under his wing.

Orville Swanson

Swanson used to wrok as a Clergyman but after indulging in the "earthly pleasures", being seduced by alchohol and sex, he lost his family, job and in the end faith, though he desperately tried to regain it.

At some point or another he fell in love with a woman named Margaret, though she was already married, so he simply added bigamy to the list of sins he had already commited. When the two of them were in San Fransisco, the law finally caught up wth them and while she fled onto a ship headed for Shanghai he was stuck and never saw her again.

Under unknown circomstances Swanson came to save Dutch's life and due to Dutch's debt to Swanson he was allowed to join the gang.

Mary-Beth Gaskill

Being a woman of good nature, Mary-Beth did not struggle getting close to her victims after having found herself needing to find a living in the streets. Due to her looks and personality she could with ease fool the richer men into thinking they were saving a poor maiden in need while her fingers slipped into their pockets.

It was through this that Mary-Beth got in trouble with not just the law but her victims as well. One night she had gotten a few foul men on her tail that she ran into the Van Der Linde gang who saved her and asked her to join them.

Charles Smith

Charles Smith was born to a Native Mother and a free African American father, all three of them living fairly happily with his mothets tripe together with a few other free men before the US army chased them away.

They continued to live together but a few years later Charles' mother was captured by the army, leading Charles' father to fall into alcoholism and a deep depression.

At the mere age of 13 Charles left his father and began to live on his own, becoming a supreme survivalist from an early age.

Some point during the late 1898 ran into the Van Der Linde gang in the Grizzlies and joined them.

Simon Pearson

Simon Pearson's family were whale hunters and although Pearson wished to follow in their footsteps it did not go that way due to the whale industry having lessened by the time that he got out of school. Having been forced to look for new employment options, Pearson joins the Navy where he even managed to get stranded for fifty days on a ship filled with plauge, watching his friends and coworkers slowly drop one by one.

After having returned from the Navy Pearson begins to struggle financially and takes a loan, however unable to pay it off loansharks comes after him and it is during one of these attempts at getting to Pearson that the Van Der Linde gang saves him and brings him to camp as a cook.

Abigail Marston

Abigail Marston, originally born Abigail Roberts, was orphaned at a young age and started roaming around bars, scraping whatever few coins she could take from folk before starting a work of prostitution, making an earning by selling her body and at some point running into Uncle at a bar who introduced her to the gang.

Now living with the gang, Abigail still worked as a prositute up until falling pregnant with Jack Marston by John Marston.

Josiah Trelawny

Josiah Trelawny was born in England though he has no memories of his life there, he later imigated to America where he starts working as a conman and trickster. It was during this line of work that he met yhe Van Der Linde gang and joined them bur with a special advandage as he, unlike the others, was allowed to appear and disappear as he pleased, always knowing when Dutch planned to cut him off and return with a big hit.

Josiah has a family living in Saint Denis concisting of a wife and two sons named Tarquin and Cornelius. Just as with the gang, he would disappear on them for months.

Karen Jones

Karen Jones lived as a scam artist in her early years and absolutely loved the outlaw lifestyle and hoped for a bit more which partly drove her to accept the Van Der Linde gang's invitation, hoping to achieve more.

Javier Escuella

Javier Escuella was born in Mexico to a drunkard father who worked for Allende' (a main antagonist in rdr1, a military man) uncle. When he was young he saw his own uncle as well as four other separate men get casterated and fed to pigs for simply suggesting fair wages for their work.

Javier moved on to become a violent and known bounty hunter and revolutionary, fighting against what he saw as a corupt system.

Javier ended up killing a powerful former military man for a woman that he loved, fearing for his loved ones life he fled to America where he knew no english and had no work or food, leaving him starving.

It was in America that he ran into Dutch as they both were trying to steal the same chickens. Dutch took Javier in, fed him, gave him a family and a life, leading Javuer to idiolize Dutch also for his revolutionary ideals.

At some unknown point someone attempted to kill Javier, leading to him having a prominent scar on his throat.

Sadie Alder

Sadie Alder grew up in a harsh envioment and from a very early age learned how to hunt and ride to care for herself, things that Jack Adler fell in love with. The two of them married september 1896, moving to a ranch in Ambarino where they had three happy years of marriage before the O'Driscolls arrived at their cabin.

[ladybirdswritings]

Pride & Prejudice - Coriolanus {Young} Snow x Reader

Summary: You’re birthed into a lively family in dire need of financial stability. As the eldest, you’re paraded around to be married and much to the dismay of your mother, you deny every hand offered. Yet unbeknownst to you, a man of great power and influence, Mr. Snow, is lurking in the shadows, waiting for his chance to have you. Steamy Pride & Prejudice retelling with young snow and you! Alternate universe, au!snow <3

Notes: I hope u girlies eat this up, getting scrapped otherwise </3 — as always, thank u for leaving comments and loves as it keeps me motivated!

next chapter

one

You’d much rather be at any other breathing, standing tower of gold trimmings and cracked pillars in existence.

At any building filled to the brim, simply overflowing with tiered skirts and lively grins… offered hands and gentlemen donned in fine suits, pockets suffocated by their own riches.

Yet you cannot be; for mama has ordered your presence to be most dire and mandatory. Although you did consider fleeing for the highest hilltop or feigning ill, you knew well that mama would find you or see straight through your falsehoods.

“My my, you look as though you’ve got something unsweet taped to your vicious tongue.”

You scowl at the blonde goddess most confusingly known to be your sister, and she only flips a ringlet of gold behind her poised shoulder.

“I think it to be quite clear how dreadful I find this. No need to observe aloud, sister.”

Her mischievous sapphire orbs glow with enjoyment, face pink and flushed — skin glistening under the gold lanterns flickering above.

You’ve watched happily from your seat, she’s sure to have danced with at least twenty men now.

No wonder mama has no fears or worries about Jane. She is just guaranteed to run off and be married within the upcoming season, it only makes for less of a distraction for mama— she’ll be glued to you like quill to paper.

It is not as though men do not want you. Oh, they do. Most ardently.

The trouble is only that you do not want them.

How horrible it is to be confined to four lonesome, frayed walls with nothing more than your books and your wit to keep you company. Married to a man who will most certainly be your senior, who busies himself with trivial matters and leaves you to be cold at home.

You would much rather drown yourself in the river stix than face a fate so melancholic.

You wish to be an odd thing, to run away into a cottage and spend your days parted from the people who surround you. You will read books of men made from dreams and you will find comfort in knowing that you will not be wed to a man who will only discontent you.

Of course, that would bring great shame upon your family, ruin them. So it seems you will end up a spinster or a governess. Both fates, although not as you may hope in your dreams, still offer more joy.

“Forgive me for having fun. It is not why I displease you however, perhaps if you picked your pretty head up from that book and stopped waving the hands that greet you away— you would know this. Mama has sent me. The duke, his sister and a dear friend of his have arrived here. Here! At our party, can you believe it?”

You huff out a sigh laced with annoyance, flipping to the next chapter of the dilapidated thing in your hands.

“No, I truly cannot.” You mutter, yet you cannot spare the fresh page even a glance before it is snatched from your clutched fingers.

A first edition, it shreds from its spine and erupts a gasp from both you and Jane. Mama’s cyan gaze is cold and anxious, feigning a tight smile.

That one was your favorite.

You do not lift your head, you do not notice the three towering men who look down upon your reserved oak wood bench in interest. Mama clutches the duke’s palm in an embrace of suffocation, yet you do not pay it even a little mind as you drop to your knees in your pretty dress to find the strayed page.

“My god, where are your manners — girl! Please do not pay her rudeness any attention, she gets sickly over these things. Sweetheart, up now— we can buy you another.”

Her voice is cold, devoid of any admiration. It is a lie, too. Your family cannot afford even a singular chapter of a new novel, let alone a first edition. You should be the one plagued by frustration, yet you feel as though it is you who is doing something wrong.

Even so, your eyes search the floor with great fervor, landing on a polished leather shoe which suffocates chapter twelve.

You wince, preparing all the words you can to kindly request the stranger lifts his big foot off of your paper. Yet they dissipate in the back of your throat.

The man, he bends at his knee as he frees the old thing from his sole. Your eyes lift to greet him, then.

He is a mess of blonde locks, unruly compared to that of the others with hair long enough. Theirs are tamed with ribbons, his only sits atop his head. His eyes are a cold color, one you cannot explain. They are commanding, fueled with great intensity.

Beyond all of this?

He looks most certainly miserable.

He does not wish to attend tonight, one glance proves this.

He spares you no words as he passes you the paper, eyes locked upon the contents of it. He offers you a hand of assistance, too.

You ignore it, wincing at the disgust your mother expresses.

You need no aid as you lift to your feet and dust the old thing off, he follows you — becoming a tower taller once he stands.

Jane, you are grateful now that she is still here. She laughs most uncomfortably, placing a polite hand upon your shoulder as she snatches the page away. Far more gently.

“My dear sister, may I introduce you to your grace — sir Sejanus Plinth of Newbury. Alongside him, his sister — Grace Plinth and their dearest friend, Coriolanus Snow, also of Newbury.”

You know well that you’ve just about boiled a vicious pot of scorching water, one you’ll have to face the many consequences of. A quick glance stolen toward mama proves it.

With a soft sigh, you curtsy to the men before you. A show of respect which you most certainly do not have for them. They are just as unimportant as the others, grand status or not. Including the miserable looking blonde with cold eyes.

“Lovely to meet you. This is truly a grand gathering you’ve all put together…” Sejanus offers with a smile of pearl. You peer up at him, his eyes stealing quick glances at goddess Jane.

Mama goes off on a tangent about how much she adores hosting gatherings as much as attending them — and it’s all a mere buzz in your ears.

Your eyes shift toward the sister, Grace. She’s scowling at you… how peculiar.

“Jane, forgive me if this is far too forward but — I would be most honored to be the last dance you partake in this evening.” Sejanus swallows back his nerves, wincing at the sound of his own voice. Sweet Jane doesn’t bother torturing him, she only nods a shy head.

“Oh, come Grace! I must show you how my youngest daughter performs on the grand piano!”

You feel poorly for the scowling girl who is whisked away by mama. Jane and Sejanus follow alongside them, but part as soon as the music begins.

Both of your palms come to a clasp— shifting weight on your heels as you watch Jane twirl and giggle a golden sound, so beautiful you are certain it could bring each and every single gentleman in attendance to their knees.

Well, except the miserable Mr. Snow.

Your eyes drift to him then — and you catch his gaze already locked upon your stature. He averts it hastily, staring at what looks to be the far wall after he is caught.

Does he plan to lurk here like a shadow’s phantom for the entirety of the evening?

“Do you dance, Mr. Snow?”

His jaw is a sharp — tense thing. It clenches in surprise at your voice. He doesn’t spare you a glance as he answers.

“Not if I can help it.” Is but all he offers before returning to a miserable state of silence again.

By god, to garner more than a mere word is equivalent to the act of tugging teeth loose. You purse your lips, turning your head away to find another question you could offer.

You do not bother, however.

For the first time in all your life, in all the seasons you’ve suffered — you wish to dance. Not because you find it to be fun or any more stimulating than a novel but; rather because you would be far more joyous away from him.

Beyond this, it would make mama less angered when the gathering reaches its end.

You do not offer him a word of parting before you plunge into the lively crowd. A man with blonde locks, not quite as icy as Mr. Snow’s own tousles, offers his hand.

You lose yourself in the rhythm, pretending to be that of a girl in one of your novels. Whisked away by a mysterious, dancing stranger who offers more than just a meaningless hand.

You pretend the blonde is to be a grand lover, one who will care for you beyond material needs. Beyond what is expected and a bore.

You pretend, and when the song ends — so does each and every one of your mindless fantasies.

To normality once again…

[unsuredreamer]

Savior

Bridget Hearts 🩷 x fem reader

it's so shit I'm so sorry, but i feel like every idea just flees out of my head atm 🥲

"I will destroy you!" Uliana roared, preparing herself to run after Bridget. Eating too many flamingo feathers had its side effects, and it was about time she found out that when someone says 'don't do it' you simply listen.

It enraged you. She was so stupid, yet everyone feared her. How so? You'd never understand why they didn't stand up to her. What would she do? Run after you? It was all she was capable of, after all.

You needed to put a stop to her dumb frantics, so you stepped up with your dagger, holding it close to her neck.

"Oooo, we dont wanna do that, do we?" You grinned, basically threatening her with death. It was exciting, thrilling. Being just a step away from getting rid of someone, having that power over them. Being in a possession of their life thread, having the scissors steady in your hand. It was amusing to you. The goosebump on your skin shows from the rush you felt deep inside.

The dagger you held so close it was pinning her skin, making a slight dent. Her breath on hold. "I suggest you step away from our princess of hearts or you'll make an excellent sushi tonight, darling." You mirrored her peers' shocked expressions. None of them daring to step up to you. You were feared amongst them, being slightly older than the rest of the students, and kind of crazy too. It had its advantages having your twisted history behind.

"Marinated octopus. How does it sound?" Or would you like something last season? Shrimp pasta?" You smiled ominously, pricking the sharp end deeper in her neck, almost making it bleed. You could sense the blade cutting her first skin, making her immediately stumble back.

"You- You're mad!" She managed to yell out, holding her fresh wound before she took her turn, walking away, or should you say, basically running away. Your graceful dagger flew after her pinning itself right beside her head, trimming her friends hair in the process.

"Might be, just a little bit" you giggled, making the blade return to you with a swift wave of your hand. Turning yourself to the other group, you fixed your button-up shirt. Red and Chloe standing in awe at how well mannered you seemed even though you almost committed murder right in front of their eyes. Red thanking you internally for saving her mother. "But aren't we all?" You grinned, your cheshire cat-like smile making everyone around you blush. You were charming, to say the least, although it was not thanks to your name. "Look at that," you pouted, pointing at the shattered plate in front of you. "She wasted such good cupcakes. What a shame"

"Don't worry, Y/n, i think I have enough for everyone!" Bridget smiled brightly. "Thank you for your savior service" She bowed jokingly, giving you one of her famous smiles in return.

"And look at you cupcake, How could anyone not like you?" You waved your hands in the air, making her broken belongings whole again. Holding it our for her. "This plate was too pretty to be broken. Dont let yourself be broken, beautiful, " you winked before dissappearing into thin air. Red and Chloe blinking a couple of times to check if they saw right.

"Woah, who was that? Hot, sexy and amusing?" Red spoke up, getting a glare in return from both Bridget and Chloe. "I'm just saing" the girl threw her arms in the air in a defensive manner.

"That was Y/n. We don't really know much about her" Bridget dreamily explained, holding her beautifully decorated plate close to her chest.

"Only that she's done some horrible stuff. And she's kinda insane" Ella blabbered, rolling the cupcake trolley.

"It was for good!. And she's right, we're all mad here" Bridget butt in, snapping herself out of her daydreams.

" If you can call cutting someone's lim-"

"Ella, they don't have to know that" bridget laughed nervously, taking another plate from her trolley "She's not that bad how they make her out to be-here you go-" The pink haired princess walked around giving out more of her delicious cupcakes. "She is actually so nice-"

"She commits crime at least 3 times a week, and her go-to 'entertaining' hobby is watching people stumble and fall over this tree root" Ella butt in pointing at the object.

"But, she paints me pink roses and brings me many different ingredients for my sweets. Isn't that nice?" Bridget hummed, making red and chloe look at themselves

"Do you think what i think?" Red whispered to her fellow 'friend', the other just nodding her head.

-

"You know, I think you should ask Bridget out for castlecoming" Red blurted out while walking after/stalking you around the school.

"Yeah? Why is that so?" You giggled, holding a book about baking. You were currently at the library, just trying to make your way to the comfy corner made specifically for residents of the library. Unfortunately, you couldn't use it if you weren't reading a book of some sort. Hence why you took ahold of whatever, with intentions of taking a nap in the place.

"Well, you seem to be liking her, aaaand she seems to be liking you too" You laughed, you loved being in these kinds of situations.

"Well loves, what made you think I like this princess?" You looked up from your book, you let's be real, were not paying attention to. The question made them rethink everything.

"You-She-em" Chloe tried, but nothing made sense

"I guess she's alright" You grinned at their troubled expressions.

Princess of hearts was more than alright. She was everything and nothing at the same time. She was the air you breathed and the hard ground you walked on. She is like the ocean breeze early in the morning, the sunbeams lightly musking your face and the cold water splashing your body. She lit up the whole room with her bright eyes and cute smile. Like a walk through a rainy forest, she made you content and calm. Her delicate and soft features fairly contrast to your strong ones. It made you only more drawn to her.

"Wouldn't you want to take her out?"

"You're very persistent. interesting" you hummed "And why would I do that, Red my love?" You flew up from your comfortable place, spinning around doing flips. Red grimacing at the nickname, Chloe glaring at you "Chill Charming" The snort you let out made chloe burst out one of her own "I will take your mommy to the dance Red. Don't want her turning out evil, do we?"

"How do you-?"

"Well, I might have or have not overheard you twoooo, talking maybee" You flew circling them both, extra dragging your words making them annoyed "Aboouut an evil Queen who likes to behead people, whom also happened to be your mom and she sentenced your mom to death" You grinned spitting it all out in one breath "Crazy little woman"

"So now you know"

"Yeah, that's what I said. Are you deaf darling?" She was ready to jump you but got stopped by Chloe, thankfully. "I'm going, my children. I have to make a proposal for your mom now, do i?"

"Only my mom not hers!"

"Of course!" You laughed, dissappearing in the frame.

-

"Hello Bridget" You whispered into her ear appearing behind her. Your lips musking her skin. she stopped breathing for a hot second, staring intensively at her notebook. A beautiful yours heart shaped necklace with lots of cards and sweets drawn on the page. Her slender manicured fingers held onto a pencil, touching up some lines. "That is amazingly jaw-dropping." You kept on whispering

"Thank you" She whispered out herself, turning her head to the side. Her lips almost touching yours in the process. Her big brown eyes dropping down to your lips, then back up to your own enchanting ones.

"You know if you want to kiss me, you just have to ask" You leaned closer, bumping your noses together, giving her your biggest grin possible.

"What if i do?" Her sudden confidence made you stumble a bit back, but her quick grip on your collar dragged you in closer "...want to kiss you" she breathed out into your lips. you felt every bone in your body snap.

"Then we might just have to do that" You looked down on her lips, almost closing the blank space between you two if it weren't for the sudden yank of your shirt from the back.

"Please don't do that here" Red grimaced, secretly smirking when she saw you on the ground.

"Party pooper!" You floated up placing yourself between two girls. "Ohh, such a sunshine!" You threw your arm around Ella, the girl too stiff to shrug it off.

"Whatever"

"Sooooo, Ella tell me how's it going with little prince Charming" You grinned against her cheek, she blushed hard at the mention of him

"Did he ask you to the castle coming yet?" Bridget asked excitedly, almost pushing you off the bench.

"He did, but I'm not going. i think i made my point clear-"

"Oh c'monnnn. At least he asked you" Bridget pouted "I wish someone would ask me" the girl dragged, looking down on her drawing, popping her head on her palm. Red looked at you, raising her eyebrows.

"Cupcake" with just a single word everyone was looking at you, not a bit of your confidence faltering away. With a wave of your hand a pink rose appeared, well developed with only a single thorn and two leafs. "Could I take you to castle coming?" you asked in all seriousness, presenting her the rose. Her eyes widened at your gesture.

"Well, there weren't any roses for me, surely," Ella grinned, wiggling her eyebrows at the other girls.

"So what do you say, princess?" She threw her arms around your neck, engulfing you in a tight hug.

"Hell yes! I'd love it, actually. " She smiled widely, giving you a kiss on the cheek. You felt the blood rushing in you. You loved the feeling of her lips on you, her touch. She was so soft, like a pillow. So delicate. It made you want more.

You never thought about the princess of hearts that way. Actuallyy you did, once or twice. But before that, she was always just there. Just someone you'd defend before Uliana and her crew. Someone who did cool card tricks and someone who was so easily prank-able. But you wouldn't dare. She was good-hearted, almost perfect. No one was that pure, and still, here she was, pure as the driven snow. A pretty girl there was no denying. You've never imagined what her touch would feel like if it lingered on you a bit more than a few seconds. Or if she's keeping any secrets, she had to, right?

-

"You know Bridget, you look absolutely gorgeous" You smiled, not sarcastically, a true genuine smile you haven't done for years. It made her blush for the millionth time this evening.

Your hands were resting on her small waist, hers on your shoulders, making her fingers intertwine on your neck. Slowly swaying your bodies together in the rythm of the music. Not your thing completely, but her presence changed it entirely. It was probably the last song of the night, leaving only a few couples in the ballroom. But you both had such great fun you wouldn't wish on heavens to go home right now. Just being here with her was the right place, and you felt it deep inside.

"Thank you" Was all she made out "Thank you for taking me here" She laid her head on your chest, placing you both even closer.

"No worries. I could do it a million times if it meant getting to spend time with you. My heart" you swayed both of you slowly, the song never ending.

"I loved tonight, I'm glad im here with you. I hope we'll be able to spend more time together" She looked up at you, her big brown eyes staring closely and longingly. Your heart is beating rapidly in your chest. You placed your hand in her hair, grabbing the back of her head.

"Of course we will. I'm making sure of that" Her eyes lit up, brightening the whole room for you. You were absolutely in awe, speechless. She had never looked better. The dim lights only making her singular features pop more. No one will ever look better than her.. At least you won't be looking at them. You've got your only one star, your moon. She was not yours, but she will be. "Can I kiss you?" The sudden question did not startle her in fact she did not mutter a word. A single nod with a smile was all that it took.

You will be her savior forevermore

[archangeldyke-all]

arranged marriage between royal!Sev & royal!reader pls 👁️👁️

OOOOOOHHHHH

men and minors dni

your betrothed does not seem happy about the situation at hand.

to be fair, up until five minutes ago, you weren't either.

apparently, being a grown unmarried woman is more shameful to your parents than your attraction to women. so they've scoured the world for another unmarried royal woman who shares your proclivities as they call it, and sent a letter to her father.

all without your knowing, of course.

you weren't aware that your visit to the foreign nation of zaun was anything more than a show of alliance until last night, when your parents revealed their ruse to you.

apparently, you are to be married.

the only reason you aren't screaming and trying to flee the wedding currently happening, is because you've caught sight of the woman you are to be marrying in three minutes.

she's gorgeous.

you're shocked into silence, all your protests and complaints about the morning evaporating the moment your eyes land on the woman scowling at the end of the aisle.

your mother chuckles beside you, and you glare at her.

"y-you didn't tell me she was--"

"what? good looking? you didn't think i'd marry you off to some inbred asshole, did you?" she teases.

"well..." you trail off. you kinda did. your mother giggles.

"you'll be happy to know that she's incredibly intelligent, she's her father's main military consult, and she spends most of her time in her own estate in the mountains about mile away from the palace."

she just keeps getting better and better. you suddenly feel... inadequate. an entirely new anxiety settles in your stomach, your fears of not liking your bride-to-be evaporating at the sight of her.

"w-what if she doesn't like me?" you whisper.

your mother snorts, and then the music swells.

you're walked down the aisle by your parents, the three of you glittering in jewels and gold.

your fiance stands at the end of the aisle, a small frown on her lips as she watches you approach. you feel like you might throw up. she looks like she's being held hostage.

when you reach the altar, you stand awkwardly in front of your bride as her father's voice bellows to the crowds gathered in the palace. "we are gathered here today to celebrate the love of our next generation of leaders..."

"fuckin' bullshit." your bride mutters.

you snort grossly under your veil. your mother elbows you hard, but your fiance's eyes spark, just a bit.

"i... i take it you didn't agree to this either?" you whisper.

the princess-- sevika, you've been told-- smirks, just a little. you wouldn't be able to tell if you weren't standing six inches away from her. "you could say that."

you almost gasp when she reaches forward and grabs both of your gloved hands. you manage to catch yourself, realizing that she's just following the wedding proceedings, and then try to put your head on straight as you gently thread your fingers through hers.

she's studying your hands with a furrow in her brow. you squeeze her, and her eyes dart up, her eyes squinted as she tries to make you out through the veils over your face.

"so..." she whispers as her father blabbers on. "how do you like zaun?" she asks awkwardly.

you choke back a laugh, and her lips twitch a bit at the muffled sound. "it's lovely. i was given a tour by boat yesterday-- the water here is beautiful."

"you'll like my estate then. or... our estate, i guess." she mutters. "it overlooks the spot where the river opens into the ocean. it's..." her eyes are soft and affectionate as she talks.

"beautiful." you whisper.

her lips twitch again, and she nods. the crown on her head tilts forward just a bit, and you gently reach up and straighten it for her, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear before bringing your hand back down to hers.

the crowd rustles with an awkward silence. both you and sevika look around, trying to figure out what's happened.

"lift her veil." silco-- sevika's closest advisor-- hisses out from over her shoulder. sevika blinks rapidly, then bites her lip to keep from laughing.

you almost smack her hands away when she reaches forward.

you're a princess, sure, and you'll be married regardless of what she thinks of you-- but you really want her to like you... because it's starting to feel like you might like her. and you've only known her for five minutes.

for one horrifying moment as sevika focuses on tucking your veils over your crown, you wait to see her reaction.

but then, her sparkly silver eyes flick down to yours, and a surprised little smile breaks out across her face.

"o-oh." she whispers. you gulp, and her father's voice booms. something about loyalty and honor and the unity of two nations. you're only focused on her, though. "hi." she says shyly.

you let out a relieved laugh, squeezing her hands in yours again. "hi." you giggle. sevika's tiny little smile only grows, crinkles forming around her eyes and an adorable gap-tooth revealing itself. "y-you..." you look over your shoulder at her father, blathering on. "you're very beautiful." you whisper.

sevika's responding grin makes your knees wobble. "it's funny you say that, i was just thinking the same thing about you." she says.

you gulp, looking down at your intertwined hands and then back up at your future wife. "i-i was much more upset about this whole ordeal ten minutes ago." you admit.

sevika opens her mouth to say something, but then she's cut off. "and now, as a seal of their love and commitment to unity, the brides shall kiss." her father's voice booms. she grins, and leans forward, kissing you softly.

you drop her hands, wrapping your arms around her shoulders. sevika hums into your mouth, her arms reaching out to hold your waist, pulling you closer and closer and closer--

"ahem!" your mother coughs, nudging you.

you and sevika pull apart, gasping for air and giggling at all the shocked, gawking faces in the crowd. "whoops." she whispers.

you lean forward and bury your giggles against her shoulder as your parents and her father exchange gifts and shake hands.

sevika leans down while the focus is off the two of you, and whispers in your ear. "so, are you wearing white 'cause you're really a virgin?"

you giggle against her shoulder and nip her earlobe, beyond thrilled at the way she squeaks and jumps a bit. "you'll just have to find out, won't you?"

"fuck-- you think we can skip our own reception?"

"no, but i do think we can find an empty room in this big ass castle to sneak away to. get to know one another a little better." you tease.

sevika barks a loud laugh, inturrupting her father's rambling, before she swoops in to kiss you again.

the scandalized gasps from the crowd are entirely worth it.

behind you, you hear your mother tiredly mutter something under her breath to sevika's father. "oh, fuck. this may have been a horrible mistake."

taglist!

@fyeahnix @lavendersgirl @half-of-a-gay @thesevi0lentdelights @sexysapphicshopowner

@shimtarofstupidity @chuucanchuucan @badbye666 @femme-historian @lia-winther

@ellsss @sevikaspillowprincess @emiliabby @sevikasbeloved @hellorai

@glass-apothecary @macaroni676 @artinvain @realgreeniebeanie @k3n-dyll

@sevsdollette

[sallowsdiary]

:) is called a smiley face. I purposely put it at the end of my question in hopes it would bother you & it did. Thanks for that hilarious reaction!

P.S. Albania or Moldova you say? Interesting choices for an escape plan & actually caught me off guard! Feels like I just got my privacy invaded somehow… because I’m from a neighboring country, Montenegro. Of all places to escape, you had to pick East Europe?

P.S.S. Heard she found your diary! How’s that Obliviate idea sounding now? :) Ha ha ha.

Oh, I see now—that little thing is a "smiley face." How… simple. I must admit, I didn’t expect something so innocent to be the source of such torment. Well played. It’s a good thing you’re in Slytherin, you’re giving us all a run for our Galleons in the art of subtle psychological warfare. Well played. I’m practically quaking in my robes. Though, I’ll have you know, I’ve spent the last hour glaring at a piece of parchment, trying to figure out how to cast a counter-jinx on that infuriating little symbol. No luck yet, but I’m not giving up.

Now, about the whole East Europe escape plan—clearly, I didn’t think that through. Now when I inevitably flee in shame, I’ll know there’s a friendly neighbor nearby who can point me to the nearest hideout. Maybe we can even exchange escape tips—like the best places to hide a journal that’s definitely not a diary. Just a thought. Though, knowing you, I’d probably end up in a “scenic” location involving a very steep cliff and a lot of sharp rocks at the bottom. After all, I’m not known for backing down from a challenge. And I hear that the best way to conquer a fear is to face it. Or in this case, have an extremely awkward conversation with it.

And yes, you’ve heard correctly—she did indeed find my diary, or journal, as I’ll continue to insist. Thanks for bringing it up—it’s not like I’ve been pacing the Slytherin common room for hours, mentally drafting a dozen different Obliviate charms. How delightful for me. I’m just weighing the pros and cons of erasing her memory versus the potential consequences of accidentally wiping out every last thought she’s ever had about me. Because that would be tragic, wouldn’t it?

But let’s not dwell on that. After all, nothing screams romantic tension like a botched memory charm and a good old-fashioned chase through the corridors of Hogwarts. Perhaps I’ll just take my chances and hope she doesn’t spread any rumors about my penchant for overly poetic metaphors and questionable escape plans.

So, thank you for your concern, and for the emotional whiplash that is this conversation. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on how it all unfolds—assuming I don’t Obliviate myself in the process. And one last thing—thanks for invading my privacy by letting me know my privacy’s been invaded. I really appreciate the heads-up. I’ll just be over here, drafting up a new journal entry on how absolutely splendid it is to have you and your smiley faces in my life.

—Sebastian

P.S. Next time you decide to mess with my head, try to go easy on me. I’m fragile, you know. And by the way, I’ve got my eye on you now. You’ve crossed into dangerous territory with that smiley face business. Consider this the beginning of a very friendly, very sarcastic rivalry. Smiley face or not, you’ve got a wicked sense of humor. I’m considering taking up Occlumency just to block it out. But thanks for the friendly update, really. I might just start using those annoying things too—purely for the sake of irritating you back, of course. Ha ha ha. :)

P.P.S If you’re ever in Montenegro and see a guy who looks like he’s hiding from his own life, well… do say hello, won’t you? I’m sure you’d find me in no time, armed with more of those infernal smiley faces to drive me to the brink of insanity.

P.P.P.S. Yes, I’m aware of the fact that I’m still writing to you despite my better judgment. Clearly, I’ve lost all sense of self-preservation.

[feyhunter78]

Among the Sun Ch 16

Description: Miguel and you attempt to become friends, so he introduces you to his daughter. Ch 16

Miguel breathes in the scent of your hair, buries his nose in it, basks in the feel of your form against his. He has missed you, missed your touch, your gaze, your voice directed towards him. He feels raw, cracked open and exposed, his flesh and secrets bare for you to pick through. But you treat him with such care, stitch up his wounds with a tender touch, your voice soothing as you do so.

Friends, you will attempt to speak to each other as friends once more. He is a man, half monster, ruler of the strongest empire, and yet he feels giddy at the prospect. It is shameful, but he cares not, he will do all you ask if it ensures you will no longer turn away from him.

“Miguel, are your eggs not to your liking?” You ask, your fork full of the very same food.

He shakes his head, leaving his thoughts and returning to his place across from you. “No, they are good, I was merely lost in thought.”

“Dare I ask what about?” You smile at him, gods he has missed your smile.

He answers your question with one of his own. “Do you wish to meet my daughter?”

You freeze, and he fears he has misspoken, perhaps it is too early.

“I do not wish to disappoint her.” You say quietly, laying your fork down.

“How could you disappoint her? My horizon, you are incapable of disappointing any living being.” The truth, his truth, rolls off his tongue easily, as easily as her newest title of adoration does.

My horizon, that is truly what you are. The one in which he finds rest, the one he seeks out each and every day, the one who his every actions begin and end with.

“You do not know that.” You say, a ravishingly beautiful look of bashfulness comes across your face.

“I do, she will adore you as I do.” Though, he will have to be sure to tell Gabi that she must not yet call you mother, for fear it will send you fleeing.

“If you are certain…” You say, twisting your cloth napkin in your hands.

“I am, we shall visit her after we have finished eating.”

He bids you to wait outside, explains he must prepare her for visitors, remind her to speak in the common tongue, so you are able to understand her.

Gabi lights up when he enters, tiny hands reaching out for him. “Papá! Papá! Is it time to play? Can we go see the horses?”

He scoops her into his arms, wiping a small bit of jam from her cheek. “Perhaps later, mija, first there is someone you must meet.”

“The princess?” Gabi asks, squirming in his arms, attempting to get down and dash to the door.

“Wait, wait, mija, we must speak.” He says gently.

She pouts at him but stops squirming.

“The princess is not like you and I; she scares more easily, so you must be gentle with her, she does not know she is your mamá yet, but she will soon.”

Gabi’s eyes water, and it is as if he has been stabbed, the knife plunged deep, twisted then pulled out slowly. “She does not want to be my mamá?”

“No, no, mija, she does, she simply does not remember.”

Gabi’s brows furrow, but her tears dry up. “Why?”

“Magic.”

“What kind?”

“I do not know.”

“You know all things, Papá.”

Miguel chuckles and brushes a kiss to her forehead. “I do not know this, but I swear to you, I will try to find an answer for you.”

She nods, and wraps her arms around his neck, burying her face in the crook of it. “Can I see her?”

“Yes, if you would like.” He rests his hand on her upper back, walking towards the door.

“Yes, please.” Gabi says, raising her head slightly, her tiny horns bumping against his chin.

Miguel bites back a wince and opens the door, beckoning you forward. “Y/N, meet my daughter, Princess Gabrielle of Nueva York.”

You smile softly, coming to stand on one side of Miguel, putting yourself in Gabi’s eyeline. “Good morning, princess.”

“Good morning.” Gabi mumbles, hiding her face in Miguel’s neck once more.

He laughs, rubbing her back reassuringly. “Why do you hide? I believed you wished to meet Princess Y/N.”

You make a cooing sound, and his heart flutters at the soft expression on your face.

“She is shy, forgive her.” Miguel says.

You shake your head, smiling. “No need, it can be quite frightening meeting new faces.”

“Gabi, do you wish to show y/n the gifts I brought you?” He asks, urging her to engage with you.

She perks up at the mention of her gifts and nods.

He lets her down, and she grabs your hand, leading you over to a large chest.

“Papá, open please.” Gabi says, waiting for him to open her toy chest.

Miguel does as she asks, then steps back and lets her present each and every toy to you, detailing its name, origin, and importance to her.

You listen patiently, asking questions that cause giggles to burst forth from his daughter, and soon you have Gabi in your arms, her eyes closed as she sleeps soundly on your shoulder.

“She is quite lovely, an intelligent girl.” You say, your voice soft as you sway back and forth with Gabi.

“Bright for her age, I have spared no expense in her education, she will be empress, after you.”

You smile and move towards Gabi’s bed, gently setting her down.

Once she has settled, you both exit her room, Miguel closing the door gently behind him.

“Do tell me if I have pushed too far.” He says, worry creeping in. Perhaps he has rushed this.

You shake your head, resting on hand on his bicep. “No, you have not. I enjoyed my time with her, and you.”

The tension in his body begins to slowly dissipate. “I am glad.”

You clasp your hands in front of you. “I have been meaning to ask you, regarding memories of mine that I have been attempting to piece together…”

“Please, ask, and I will attempt to answer to the best of my abilities.” He offers you his arm and leads you back towards your chambers. New chambers he has gifted you, proper ones, ones with no tunnels, most importantly.

“You said it was your mother who cursed you, but I do not remember ever hearing you speak of such things when we were younger.”

Miguel casts his eyes about the hall. “I did not wish to scare you, or perhaps lead you to believe that the curse could be broken.”

“The rumor was that the previous empress cursed you?”

“She attempted to, but my mother’s deal took precedence.”

You nod, and fall silent, continuing to walk alongside him.

“There is no cure, no reversal of the curse, a deal was struck while I was still in my mother’s womb, she wished to see her blood on the throne.”

You shiver. “To seek out such foul beings, to curse your child, I cannot imagine.”

“Neither can I.” He says, voice quiet, a hollow feeling in his chest.

“Where is your mother now?”

“Dead, the price of the curse.” He remembers the rasp of her breathing, the blackened skin, the poison coursing through her veins, it had haunted his dreams, the very image burned into his eyelids until you finally returned.

You stop short, turning on your heel, your eyes soft, brimming with sorrow. “Oh, Miguel, I am so sorry.”

He shakes his head, his hand coming up to cradle your cheek. “Do not be, she was a selfish woman, there was none to blame for her death but her.”

You mimic his movements, your palm cool against his cheek. “Still, grief is a specter that haunts all who live and love.”

He leans into your touch, eyes fluttering closed, his tail wrapping around your ankle, an unintentional action, but one you do not shun. “I do not fear specters, not while you are beside me.”

Your words are quiet, he nearly misses them, too absorbed in the feel of your skin against his. “Nor do I.”

TL: @not-aya, @belos-simp69, @deputy-videogamer, @sxnasbitch, @minimari415, @syndrlla97, @gejo333, @lady-necromancer, @zeyzeys-stuff, @tayleighuh, @loser-alert, @envyjmoney, @allysunny, @princessloveweird, @freehentai, @xlittlebubx-blog, @berry-potchy, @drefear, @jkthinkstoomuch, @ihateuguys, @yuuotosaka3, @queenofroses22, @ray-rook, @lollipopin, @faexsins, @drefear, @scorpihoooe

[dotster001]

May I ask for Octavinelle with a gn!reader who is very scared of the ocean like to the point where they cover their face and cry or cling to nearby things. Not swimming pool or streams but the actual ocean. May I ask for boys to help them overcome the fear. As like a comfort fic.

Comfort from the Depths

Summary:Gn!Reader

A/N: this fic came out longer than I initially expected...but I really enjoyed it in the end! I hope you like it too! Tag list still packed so good luck 😂

"We want you to come home with us for spring break!" Floyd shouted excitedly, causing Azul to sigh, and Jade to smirk.

"What happened to our plan, Floyd?"

"I got excited!"

The three looked expectantly at you, but all you were doing was gritting your teeth, and trying not to cry.

"That's…. that's so great, guys, but I don't think I can. I made other plans."

"No you didn't. Jade checked," Floyd said with a grin, not seeming to catch onto the hidden signs you were giving off.

"Oh, did you?" You glared at Jade. "Well, uh, I only recently made plans, I'm sorry."

"Then cancel them," Floyd said matter of factly, his scowl making you miss Jade and Azul sneakily sharing a look.

"Such a shame," Azul sighed, "of course we understand, I'll just have to tell my poor mother that our human friend will not be staying with us. And she was so very excited to meet you too…"

"I'm sure we can return the extra ticket to the concert, and the extra ticket to the museum, and the one for the sea princess symposium..."

"Yeah, and Mama Ashengrotto can return all the ingredients she bought to make your favorite meals, so that you'd feel more at home on your first night," Floyd said sadly.

The three of them released a synchronized sigh of disappointment.

"No, no, I know what you three are doing. You're trying to make me feel bad and change my mind."

Sigh.

"Seriously, I mean it!"

Sigh.

"Sevens! Fine! I'll cancel my plans!"

The three smiled knowingly. 

"Excellent, we leave at 7 am tomorrow," Azul said.

"Tomorrow?" You squeaked out.

"Unless there is some sort of issue?" Jade asked.

"Nope. No. No issue," you said, voice cracking.

….

"Grim, how hard would it be to flee the country?" You asked, laying flat on your back, staring at the ceiling.

"I dunno, why are you asking me?" 

"You're the one from here!"

"Why do you want to flee anyway? Aren't you supposed to join the scary fish trio on a trip over spring break?"

"Yeah, that's what I'm running from," you flipped onto your stomach, burying your face in your pillow.

"Why?"

"Mmmph."

"Wait, you're scared of the ocean? But you swim in the pool all the time?"

"Mmmph."

"The ocean isn't that different from a pool. I mean it's deeper, and has more fish poop, but-"

"Mmmph!"

"Fish poop should be the first thing you think about! What are you even talking about? Calling me crazy," he trailed off with a pout.

You flipped back over onto your back.

"Look, Grim, I know deep down it's "illogical" or whatever, I just don't know why I'm scared of the ocean. But whenever I'm near it, I cry, and scream, and claw scratch marks into whatever poor soul happens to be near me."

Grim thought for a moment.

"What if we ask Deuce to give us a ride to the beach on his blastcycle? Then we can try and fix you before you leave for your trip, in the morning."

"I don't know, Grim…"

"Henchhuman, I know what I'm  talking about. Besides,"he crawled up to your face, and rubbed his cheek against yours affectionately, "you're really close to those guys. I think you'll have fun if you are able to go."

"Thanks Grimmy, you're the sweetest."

"Yeah...but also Idia says if he gets to babysit me, I can play as many video games as I want!"

Sigh.

"Okay, I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Let's go!"

….

One call to Deuce, and a trip on the blastcycle later, you were at the beach. You assured Deuce you'd call him to pick you up when you were done, then changed into a swimsuit, and stood at the edge of the beach with Grim.

"Nope," you said, trying to remain cool, but already feeling the tears come to your eyes, and your body shut down.

"You're so close, Y/N! You just have to take one more step and you're-"

"Nope."

You turned to run, and bumped straight into something solid.

"If these are the plans you have to cancel to hang with us, then I must say, I'm offended you hesitated to agree to our plans."

"Jade," you stuttered.

"Shrimpy, the ocean isn't that scary, look!" Floyd laughed loudly, picking you up around the middle and running towards the sea.

"No no no!" You screamed and shut your eyes, loud enough to deter most people.

Floyd would never be most people.

"Floyd!" Azul yelled in a panic.

"You know Floyd is into immersion therapy, why would you invite him," Jade laughed, not seeming upset at all.

Meanwhile, you were clinging to Floyd, sobbing. 

"Open your eyes, Shrimpy," he whispered.

You shook your head.

"I've got you, I promise. Open your eyes."

Maybe it was how kindly he said it, but you found yourself slowly opening your eyes.

You noticed he had only gotten far enough into the sea the have his feet covered.

"I'm gonna take another step, Kay?" He whispered in your ear. 

You shook your head again.

He tightened his grip, and said," I will not drop you. Plus Jade and Azul are going to change and swim ahead so they can be there if something goes wrong."

"Azul would never," you said through your tears.

"Do you truly think so little of me?" Azul said with a sigh as he stared at the potion he and Jade were about to take. "Besides, if you have to face your fears, it's only fair I face mine."

Then he walked into the water, drank his potion, and dropped himself backwards into the ocean.

"Well, that's a tough act to follow,"Jade smirked, drinking his own potion and diving into the sea.

You and Floyd watched the ocean for a moment, and waited. Bubbles slowly rose to the surface, and out emerged Azul and Jade.

"Azul…" you trailed off.

"I know. Hideous," he groaned.

"No, no! You're beautiful."

Azul silently slipped back below the water, causing both the twins to laugh.

"Aw! I believe you embarrassed him."

"Come out, I wanna see you blushing!"

A single tentacle flicked water at Jade.

"Alright Shrimpy, can I take another step?" Floyd asked.

You nodded, clinging tighter to him.

He continued taking slow steps into the water, making sure to ask if you were ready before each one. You had slowly been inching your way up his torso, but now there was nowhere left to go, and the next step would mean you actually had to touch the water yourself.

"Can I-"

"No!" You shouted, squeezing Floyd tight enough to give him a run for his money.

"You've been doing a great job, we can take a break for a moment," Azul said.

"But we're so close!" Floyd whined.

"Floyd," Jade said, clearly a warning of something you weren't fully aware of.

Floyd pouted, but stood still as stone, while you dug your nails into his  scalp. You heard someone swim closer, and felt them rub your back soothingly.

You took a deep breath, and exhaled an "Okay, I'm ready."

The water was cold on your feet, but Floyd was warm. Warm and safe. Even though he definitely wanted to be fully in the water.

Which the other two seemed aware of.

"Okay, we're going to trade off," Azul said, reaching for you. 

"I'm not ready for another step!" You shouted in poor Floyd's ear, gripping him even tighter.

"We won't take another one. I'm just going to shift you over to me."

You nodded and shifted into Azul's arms. He was already wet, making you wonder if it would be easier moving forward with him.

Now free of your viselike grip, Floyd shouted, "Wahoo!" And dove headfirst into the water.

You and Azul giggled as he reemerged in mer form, and shook his head like a wet dog.

"Okay, Let's go," you said, softly smiling now that the tension had eased some.

Azul swam forward, and you continued your progress. Slowly. Slowly. But progress anyway.

"I think you're ready for your last test," Azul whispered, rubbing your back.

"Are you ready to go under?"

You stiffened, and he added, "Only for a second! Jade and Floyd will be right here too. You will be safe."

You felt the twins join your impromptu huddle, now appearing more like an intimate group hug. Stealing your nerves, you took a deep breath, and held it, as the four of you went under the water.

You looked around you and noticed the three of them glowing. They had told you about their bioluminescence, but up to this point you'd never experienced it. You reached out to touch Azul's cheek, and suddenly you were back above the water, hearing the twins loudly guffawing.

"Well," Azul coughed, refusing to make eye contact. "um, so yeah. We think you're ready to come with us. How do you feel about it, though?"

The three stared at you expectantly.

….

"Don't forget to write!" Grim said as he hugged you in front of the mirror.

"I'll only be gone a week!"

"And bring me back souvenirs. Lots of them."

"Okay, Grim. Be good for Idia."

"Yeah, Yeah…"

Jade put a hand on your shoulder.

"Are you ready?"

You looked at your three friends, nodded, downed your underwater potion, and took a step towards a new adventure.

[erikageiger]

Time to Reflect - a short fic (Sebastian Gaunt / f!Wayfarer)

Summary: After ending the war against the Isle of Dogs Syndicate on a bitter note, the Wayfarer storms away to let Sebastian face the consequences of his actions. Some time later, she returns to find out how the Vagabonds are doing.

Warning! Contains spoilers for the Vagabond questline ending!

----------------------

Halo had found that the easiest way for her to handle the mysteries of her origin... was to follow orders. A sense of direction, some time to prepare for her next quest, and the feeling of having a life to retreat to when needed - it was perfect.

And so, her relationship with the Vagabonds grew as she made herself useful to the gang. Making shit happen, as Gaunt put it. She quickly became a friend, and trusted member. ...although Gaunt had his snide remarks about how she handled things.

But when the day came when she had dealt with the lieutenants, making Gaunt almost furious with her for letting the others get their wishes. Things got heated as the base was attacked, and Gaunt had no choice but to leave her the task to kill Black before he fled London.

Only, Black wasn't actually fleeing. And Halo was instead met by the traitor Nelson. She wished to find a peaceful solution, which led to her deciding the fate of the Vagabonds and the future of London.

While it was her suggestion, the peaceful option had a catch. A catch she couldn't accept. So she instead chose to shoot the Top Dog where it hurts.

Gaunt was pleased, unlike some of the Vagabonds who heard him make a victory speech mostly focused on himself. She confronted him about it, pointing out that Winston, Anthony, and Johnny were the ones with the ideas, and that she was the one who did most of the dirty work. When he shot back with the fact that he was the leader who had worked ten whole years to keep things working, she had never been so angry.

She told him it took an outsider who wasn't scared of defying him to "get shit done," and that she'd leave him to soak up all the blood he wanted while she took a break from this whole ordeal.

It took some time before she went back to the Vagabonds. She sometimes felt guilty about it, fearing what would happen after what she told Sebastian and now that the war was over. She dealt with the syndicate and Black... what now?

---

After exploring Ol' Blighty some more and being useful to some other factions, she was ready to check up on the group she thought of as family.

It was late when she entered the bar, hoping to find Anthony or Johnny playing pool, maybe Syd and Yvette chatting about the community... but it was empty. Save for Sebastian. All alone on a bar stool.

"...they haven't left you, have they?"

Snapping around, his healthy eye widened when he saw her, "...Halo. ...thought you had abandoned ship."

"I'm still a Vagabond," she pointed out, tipping her lucky hat that rarely left her head. "Gotta report in when I can. ...if there's still something to report to?"

He sighed and turned back to his drink, "Barely. Still got the community, but... less interest in being a gang."

Relieved that it's not completely disbanded, she went around the counter to get herself a drink. "Probably because the Vagabonds lost their purpose, with the dogs gone..."

"Oh, fuck off," he calmly took a swig of his drink.

Glancing around, she did notice that Jan had made a few improvements since last time she'd been there. "...you're right, I should have some faith in the gang... how have things been?"

Keeping his eye on his drink, he responded, "...it's gone to shit. Dog stragglers have tried to join, folks have been fighting, and..." he gave a hesitant sigh, "Syd's missing."

Syd, the old man she had spent a few evenings with, teaching him to read and write. "Missing? ...did he say anything about where he was going?"

"Dunno... was too busy arguing with Anthony," he admitted with a hint of shame. "Yvette thinks he wanted to get away from the "hostile environment", ...the weakling."

The idea of poor old Syd trying to read while the others were arguing, it hurt to imagine. She would have to look for him later, confident that he likely was hiding in the library or something. Right now, she had some more questions for Gaunt.

"Found anything for the gang to focus on to try and unite them again? ...other than being hostile to former enemies and ruin the chances of attracting new members?"

He glanced at her, clearly annoyed but seemed to bite his tongue at the sight of her slight glare. She wasn't backing down and knew how he'd greet former IODS members. And if they couldn't let in people who only joined the Syndicate to put food on the table, were they really an ally to the common folk?

"...we're trying to rebuild Bromley, develop it so more people can live here."

A surprisingly simple response for someone with his tongue. "Whose idea was it?"

Hesitant, but he admitted "Yvette and Anthony's."

Placing her drink by the seat next to him, she watched him as she walked back around to take the seat. While she had been concerned that he'd still be angry, he was surprisingly compliant.

"Glad to hear it. Bromley is a nice place," she took a sip of her drink, "...and how's the blood-thirst? Still savoring it?"

He began to sound more frustrated but kept quiet a moment more, ...almost like he was feeling ashamed. "Yeah, I'm still savoring it - what of it?? Am I not allowed to?? ...just regretting I wasn't the one to do it..."

She nodded, remembering how it felt so strange for him to so quickly let her be the one to put an end to Black. He chose to stay behind and keep the Vagabonds safe... which was one reason she believed he deep down really cared more about his gang than his desire for revenge.

"Tell me, Halo…" he turned to look at her, "what exactly went down that night?"

Thinking for a moment, Halo took a quick sip before recalling it, "It all went as you'd expect, at first. Fought my way through the train, killed a dozen dogs. But in the last car, I met Nelson, sitting at the head of a long table with a radio. …he explained that he had no choice but to be Black's informer, the sick bastard threatening to kill you if he declined the offer." Turning to face him, she made sure Sebastian understood that it was serious, "He really did want to keep you safe, keep the promise he made to Gabriel."

He didn't seem to be able to muster much rage and actually showed a glint of sorrow, "…pathetic little blind raisin…"

"He didn't see any other option. …and his last mission was to try and convince me to join Black too... with the threat of eradicating all the Vagabonds."

"That sly little-…" Sebastian once again couldn't bring himself to react too loudly, making it clear to Halo that it was a good thing he was drinking. He didn't seem the type to get violent after a drink, just emotional, which was likely another explanation for why she's never seen him drunk before.

"I never considered it," she assured, "instead I… had the idea to suggest a ceasefire. And before you get cross on me, I knew you wouldn't accept it… but I figured if you had waited ten years, what's another week or two working together with the Syndicate and then… accidentally take Black to the wrong meeting room or something?"

Taking a moment to process it, he chuckled, "…you and your wits."

"…of course, it didn't work. I didn't have to fight my way to him, at least, carrying a little olive branch. …but the way he talked almost had me shoot him mid-sentence. Nelson told me Black understood how the world works… but all I heard was money money money. It's true that money has power… but it means nothing when there's nothing to buy. …anyway, I convinced him that this feud would only lead to both sides losing, since the real enemies are in the shadows… like that Agent Smythe I've told you about. …and he agreed, happy to move on and work together to make a stronger East London. …on one condition."

It got silent as she gathered her words and glanced at Sebastian to see how he was taking things so far. Despite being intoxicated, he was listening intently.

"You. You were the only obstacle, and Black would only accept a truce if I was the one in charge of the Vagabonds. …you would never accept the peace, so I would have to trade your life for the ones who'd die if I declined. …I tried to be hopeful, thought about suggesting I'd try and reason with you…"

He chuckled, chuckled some more, then burst out with laughter. She eventually joined, seeing the comedy in it.

"What a comedian…" He commented as he calmed down.

"Like I said earlier, figured you could maybe like the idea of returning the favor, kill Black when meeting for a supposed peace treaty… but I knew neither Nelson nor Black would've humored me. …can't remember what Nelson thought about the idea to kill you. ...but I knew I couldn't do it. Even if it meant peace and a lot of lives saved, I… I just couldn't. I wasn't choosing between peace and war… I was choosing between you... and being Black's ally. And having heard his… absolutely disgusting speech about buying people… Gabriel's ghost must've guided my gun when I shot him in the fucking groin, preventing him from escaping while I dealt with his goons."

"Fuck yeah!" Gaunt quietly commented.

"Dealt with everyone in the room and went up to him, shoved him back to his little balcony and shot him in the head."

"Died like the dog he is…" Sebastian growled, "Quite the grizzly sight, what you left behind. Bloody fantastic, me ol' china. …did he have any last words."

"…he tried to bribe me. I said money can't buy him mercy, said the bullets were from you and… then he mumbled something I can't quite remember. But I remember shooting him so he didn't get to finish it."

"Lovely…"

"I... managed to disarm Nelson and throw him into a wall to give him a chance to surrender while I dealt with Black, but just as I reached him… He told me to tell you he was sorry, then shot himself with a pistol he found. …I guess he couldn't live with the guilt."

Glancing over at Sebastian again, she noticed he once again seemed a bit sad, quietly looking away and taking another swig of alcohol. "...serves him right, the slithering worm…"

She couldn't tell if he meant it, with how quiet he was, but she didn't pry. So, it was done. She had told him what happened, how she avenged his parents and the Vagabonds. How she refused to join Black, and even refused to kill him when it meant saving lives.

She would wonder sometimes if it was the right thing to do, seeing all the dead Vagabonds outside, but focused on the fact that Black was a monster. And it didn't feel right to involve the Vagabonds in something bigger than their slice of Ol' Blighty. No, until she knew more about London, it was best to let the Vagabonds keep their lives casual and focused on a brighter future, gather strength and the freedom to decide if they want to join another conflict.

And Sebastian… well, she hoped he'd be done with his thirst for revenge now, so she could get to know him better. Under the thick veil of vindictiveness that was now crumbling after the alcohol, there was a person who hadn't been able to simply live his life for ten years. And not knowing a lot about that person, it felt even more wrong to kill him. He'd been a prisoner for someone else's crime. It didn't excuse his behavior, but it was enough for her to protect him.

...she hadn't really forgotten what Black's last words were, she just didn't want to mention how Black called her Sebastian's bitch for protecting him.

It… wasn't important.

"…why did you choose not to kill me?" he asked, breaking the silence. "Black is one reason, I know… but I know for a fact that you're a fucking softie… You'd do anything for a peaceful solution… and I'm not the type people would miss… So why?"

"…because I'm a fucking softie," she simply responded.

He chuckled, "…fair enough. …but you knew it meant fighting at the heart of Canada Square. All his bodyguards, and then fighting your way out… -That- doesn't sound like a softie."

"…it's the same softie who burned down their prison boat, their warehouse, and stole a train of supplies," she pointed out, "all while fighting dozens upon dozens of dogs."

"So you're bloodthirsty, is what you're telling me?"

"Just doing as I'm-…" She sighed, remembering Black's last words. "…following orders. I'm following orders and doing what I think is right."

Taking another swig, he glanced at her, "Still doesn't answer my question."

"…the fuck you after, boss?! I'm not your bitch, I just-… Ugh…"

"Never said you were," he commented, "just wonderin'… since you haven't been a member for very long, it's strange to think you'd be so loyal. ...not to forget our last interaction... and even now, with the gang in shambles... you're here..."

Taking a good look at him, she was puzzled, "…THIS is how you are when drunk? …you should drink more often, think some more."

It being quiet again, she calmed down and focused on finishing her drink. In the corner of her eye, she saw Sebastian finish his with one last big swig, then get off his stool and turn to her. Looking away, figuring he'd just call it for the night, she was caught off guard when he grabbed her shoulder and pushed her around to face him. Slipping off the bar stool with her back against the bar counter, she froze, trying to process why he trapped her like this, his hands on the counter behind her.

"…you really care, don't you? …you care about me?"

She didn't know what to say. Part of her wanted to scold him for what he was doing, point out how weird it was for the strong leader to ask such a question… But she knew he was being vulnerable with a friend, and it was the chance to help him become himself again, get him back on his feet. So she had to take it seriously. She had to be honest.

"…yeah. I do. …you-" she was interrupted when he suddenly pressed his lips on hers.

He reached up a hand to hold her in place, and while she wasn't sure about it, it felt good to reach her hands up to his torso, let one sneak up to his neck. It felt good. Weird, but good. She had never been kissed before, but... she had seen some paintings that gave her some ideas on how to handle it.

Suddenly, he pulled away, freezing for a moment as if he heard something. She pulled away her hands just in case and waited. But there was nothing, so he relaxed and turned back to her, "…this never happened."

He wanted it to be a secret. "…okay," she gently whispered.

His hands left her and she felt the cold of the empty bar, watching as he slowly walked towards the stairs to the apartment. She didn't have a bed up there, her place being down the street, so they would go separate ways now.

But it couldn't end now, could it? "…Sebastian?"

He stopped and turned a little bit, but she couldn't speak - she didn't know what to say. So she just gave up, "Good night… See you tomorrow."

Turning further to glance back, he tipped his hat, "…'night, Halo."

...

And then she helped unite the Vagabonds, takes Sebastian with her on adventures so he can reflect and heal from the years of hatred, and eventually have him apologize to his gang for his behavior, everyone happy to be the good old Vagabonds again... and Sebastian grateful to have someone supportive and patient by his side.

Oh, and she found Syd, he's okay. :D

I know I'm making my character a bit of a Mary "Fixes Everything" Sue in this, ...but this ain't meant to be realistic. XD

[slashvivor]

Dumb Blonde!

Wes x Reader Drabble

Pretty Little Liars: Summer School

Warnings: Violence, Threats of Violence, Threats of Rape, Slut-Shaming, Misogyny, Reader uses She/Her Pronouns, No actual Smut

You’re the resident actress among the Millwood Massacre survivors, and have your vanity challenged when you finally face your Final Girl Test.

“Oh, God…” The words trailed off my tongue as I took in the sight before me, a chapel decorated with rows of horrifying masks on planks. The sight left me sick to my stomach, a fear building within. The fear I felt when I had been locked in the confession booth was nothing compared to this.

I knew I had to run, scream, flee, whatever, but my body didn’t seem to want to cooperate. I wasn’t like Imogen or Faran, I didn’t have an inner strength that went on for miles - I was just a shallow theatre kid.

My hand slowly left my mouth as I stumbled backwards, screaming inwardly at myself to run. My ill-planned means of escape were thwarted when my back hit something cold and hard behind me. I spun around in shock, gasping desperately as I found Archie Waters standing before me. I had never been so close to him, to seeing the mask, and bile threatened to spill out of me as I shuffled backwards, hands desperately reaching for a means of self-defence that didn’t exist.

“Get the fucking way of me!” I suddenly gripped a piece of a bench beside me, that ripped away with a shocking easiness. “I’ll fucking kill you!” My threats were a clear juxtaposition to the tears now freely running down my face. It was clear to both of us that I wasn’t capable of defending myself, never mind killing someone.

However hopeless I felt, it increased tenfold when the doors at the end of the church suddenly swung open, to reveal multiple men in horrifying masks swarm in, led by Bloody Rose. “No, no…” I sobbed quietly, continuing my walk backwards, my eyes beginning to burn from how much they were popping out of my skull in shock. “Please, just stay back!”

I tried desperately to think of a way to escape, to prove myself a final girl just like the rest of the group. My eyes desperately scanned the building for a means of escape, as the silent Archie tilted his head, now standing before his allies. The image of him surrounded by his peers made it clear to me that I was all alone in this, and only I could save myself. The sudden rush of survival instincts led to my eyes landing on the giant stained-glass windows, and despite not knowing what floor we were on, I took off without hesitation.

My lungs burned as I ran at full speed towards my potential doom, the sound of deafening footsteps echoing behind me. I reached out desperately for the escape when suddenly, masculine hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me backwards harshly, sending both me and my assailant to the floor.

My head hit the floor with a bang, and for a moment, I could taste blood. The world tilted on its axis as I tried to sit back up, but something I couldn’t quite pin struck me across the face, my face erupting in pain. My dizziness was staggering, and I could only dumbly look up at the figures standing above me as my vision cleared.

The sudden realisation it was Archie Waters and Bloody Rose standing side by side, sent me clumsily reaching for the wood I had dropped - only for my efforts to be foiled by the boogeyman himself stepping onto my hand, causing a sickening crunch. “FUCK! Fucking fuck!” I wailed desperately, my words coming out a spluttering mess as I cradled my limp hand.

“Why?!” My question was even a surprise to myself, my entire body burning in agony as I managed to sit up. “Why are you doing this, you sick fucks?!”

My breath caught in my throat as Archie suddenly reached towards his mask, and pulled it backwards to reveal - Wes. Tabby’s micro-aggressive, misogynistic manager at the Orpheum. I stared in disbelief as memories of our previous encounters raced back to me. His flirty yet inappropriate remarks, his offers of casting me in a movie, his lingering glances.

“Because, gorgeous, before there can be a final girl…” Wes reached into his pocket, and I flinched, assuming the worst. When he pulled out a camera, my fears were proven right. “The dumb slut has to die.” My face flushed a dark red, blushing in embarrassment at his words - at the entire situation.

I shook my head, trying to make sense of what was happening. “But this is…this is my final girl test.”

He scoffed with delight, his eyes twinkling in amusement. “You don’t have what it takes to be a final girl. That’s as clear as day.” I swallowed nervously, plagued with memories of being overlooked to play the main character in Tabby’s many short films, despite being the only one with acting experience among our friend group.

“Final girls are a beacon of light, of innocence. They overcome their ordeal because they are good, pretty, little virgins.” His hand that held the knife suddenly pointed it at me, close enough to send a shiver down my spine. “But you’re vain and shallow.” Wes crouched down suddenly, his face mere inches away from my own. “And everyone knows you’ve spread your legs for half the guys in this town.”

I flinched at his words, my mouth turning dry. “That’s not true, I’m-“ My words were cut short when suddenly the knife was pushed onto my cheek, moments away from being deep enough to draw blood.

He continued his misogynistic monologue, staring into my undoubtedly fear-filled eyes. “Basically every guy but me - and God knows, I’ve given you plenty of chances.” He began to drag the knife downwards to my chin, a silent threat that he could kill me and not break a sweat. “It’s always the biggest sluts who act high and mighty.”

“But despite that, really, I’m giving you what you always wanted.” I blinked in confusion, as he drew the weapon away and stood up. Wes titled his head once again, though, without the mask, his smirk was clear as day. “You’re going to be the star of your very own movie.”

He held the knife up, the weapon glinting from the moonlight leaking through the windows. “And princess, this won’t be the only thing I stick in you tonight.”

[gale-gentlepenguin]

The city of lights in ruins, a world where the villain almost has the complete victory, and his last step is to catch the 2 heroes he's been chasing from the start. Our heroine, hidden by the shame of failing everyone. Our hero, knowing the truth about him and the villain, now with a ragged suit and hood, stopping everyone he can, just that this time, he completely erase them from reality. A last attempt of making him come to his senses our heroine returns just to see who he had become.

She said she wouldn’t run away anymore. In the 3 months she had hidden herself she had realized she couldnt hide forever. She needed to face the villain, she needed to help her partner, her comrade, her friend.

But as she arrived outside, the villain’s control over the city was… gone. The city was in ruins. The last thing she remembered was the city was basically under the complete control of her arch nemesis, but now… it was more like a ruins.

As the heroine looked around she did see it, people, they were hiding. She approached cautiously.

“Lady Luck?” A small child spoke.

The heroine turned to see the eyes of the small child filled with hope.

“Don’t worry young one, I’m back. And I will put an end to Tyrant’s reign.”

The child looked up to her.

“The Tyrant is gone…”

Lady Luck’s eyes went wide.

“What? But then why is the city like this?”

“Lady Luck?”

As soon as the hiding people heard the voice they grabbed the child and ran. Fleeing for their lives.

Lady Luck turned to the voice and saw a hero in a ragged suit, a hood covering his head, but the piercing green eyes were impossible to miss.

“Catlamity?”

The hero rushed and hugged her.

“I thought you were gone forever! Thank goodness you’re back!”

Lady Luck hugged her partner back. Relieved that he was still alive despite the hellscape that was their city’s remains.

The two broke the hug.

“So catch me up to speed, what exactly happened here… also what’s with the hood and tattered costume?”

Catlamity took a second.

“Oh right you’ve been gone for a while. So long story short, After you left I got captured by the Tyrant sent an order to capture us. But since you were gone, I was the only one left. And the citizens had turned against us. So that was tough. I was basically fighting the entire city. Even my friends were gunning for me.” He laughed as he mentioned the last part, clearly off kilter.

Lady Luck was silent as she listened.

“After a month of being hunted, I realized I was starving and tried to get some food… but they caught me and handed me off to the tyrant. And the tyrant tortured me for a few weeks, trying to get the info on where you were out of me, good thing I didn’t know where you were.”

Lady Luck felt that was a punch to the gut.

“Though in his arrogance he started talking about how once he captured you, he’d absorb our powers and create a new perfect world. Turned out that the Tyrant was my Father the whole time. Totally explains his distance. Can’t be a villain and a good dad.” Catlamity said as he tried to play off that disturbing tidbit

“Kitty…”

“So after finding that out and realizing I was a mess, so the Tyrant then thought it would be a great idea to Corrupt me and then turn me into one of his enforcers. Unfortunately for him, I decided to activate my power at the same time, so I completely destroyed everything in a 10 mile radius. Including him! Well I saved money on a funeral there. But the city is still a mess and filled of Tyrant supporters, so I’ve been cleaning up ever since.”

Lady Luck realized what he meant. The reason the city is in ruins, the reason they say the tyrant is gone, why the people are running in fear. It was Catlamity… he had destroyed the city.

“Alright, it’s okay. I can fix it all kitty.” Lady Luck said more to herself than to her partner.

“I know you can, so how do we flush out the last of the Tyrant supporters. I think a few fled while we were talking.”

Lady Luck felt her stomach drop.

“Catlamity, those aren’t villains. They were just…”

Catlamity sighed

“He got to you too.”

“Kitty you had your mind messed with, you aren’t well. I can fix this, I can use my powers and bring things to how they were before.”

“You mean where we have to protect an ungrateful city that betrayed us the moment a villain gets the upper hand. Go back to living under the Tyrant’s heel. Go back to the life of suffering in silence as my father’s pawn!? No, forget that! The city is perfect as it is, it’s in the state it was always meant to be, not a facade of lies and shiny mirrors. This is the true city, a rat infested hell scape where vermin claw and scheme to get ahead and will toss aside anyone in there way.”

Catlamity grabbed her shoulders.

“A city where your most trusted friend will leave you at the first sign of trouble.”

Lady Luck took a deep breath and kicked him in the gut, sending him backward into a wall.

“I’m sorry kitty, I’m sorry I left, I’m sorry for letting you suffer. I’m sorry for my cowardice and weakness… you have every right to hate me. But I can’t let you hurt anyone else. I won’t run away from my mistakes and regrets. I will save you, even if I have to die to do so. I’m not abandoning you ever again, no matter what.”

Catlamity stood up, a malicious grin appeared on his face.

“So be it Lady Luck. Once I end you, I’ll put an end to this rotten city and make sure to start a new. After all, before creation comes destruction”

[nonsensical-shitposting]

Okay, trying to get my rough ideas for the Team Snakereverse AU onto the screen (and also test out my editing capabilities)- the original concept for the AU was just to reverse the initial positions of Vi, Kabbu, and Leif from canon, but then it snowballed immensely from there. Here’s our lovable protagonists, with descriptions of what they’re up to under the cut:

Sick of her job as an underpaid, overworked contractor scavenging from the Fallen Hive, Vi was exiled from the Bee Kingdom on the termite overseers’ orders after she tried to organize a strike. She’d barely arrived in Defiant Root when Astotheles’ Metal Island Mercenaries struck the settlement, during which Vi distinguished herself by helping fight off the mercenaries armed with nothing but a pair of hastily-repaired bayonets trashed by termite soldiers (which she refers to as her “Beeyonets”). Disillusioned by the mercenaries’ modus operandi and disgusted with the local termite garrison’s reluctance to properly defend Defiant Root during the raid, Vi took off in search of somewhere she could meet with like-minded bugs and help put an end to the Termite Kingdom’s imperialism and negligence, both in the Bee Kingdom and across the rest of Bugaria. At first, she thought she’d found a place like that in the Ant Kingdom’s Underground Haven, but quickly learned that the bugs there were more interested in debating minuscule details of theory rather than taking any kind of action and got herself kicked out for complaining about this too much. Upon finding the Explorers’ Association, she realized a job there would give her a perfect cover for traveling across Bugaria searching for other prospective revolutionaries... and, hey, if she’s being honest, the idea of getting to track down ancient treasures and making sure they end up in the hands of bugs who actually deserve them (such as herself) sounds pretty good too!

Already badly injured, Kabbu was left semi-conscious after being thrown into an ancient crystal early on in the battle with the Beast, resulting in Bit and his master dragging him into a hiding place and telling him to wait for an opening to flee, which he did only to watch both of them die as they tried to bait the Beast into following them away from where they’d left him. Realizing too late that being slammed into the crystal had given him control of earth magic, a furious Kabbu buried the Beast alive, tearing up vast tracts of the surrounding swamplands before coming to his senses. Fleeing in shame and fear, Kabbu blamed himself for his friends’ deaths, believing that if he hadn’t been there they would’ve been able to escape from the Beast and survived, and resolved that he would never explore or use his new powers ever again. Kabbu took a desk job at the Explorers’ Association upon arriving in the Ant Kingdom in an attempt to punish himself and continued holding himself to his vow to not explore. Unfortunately, seeing a bright, driven young bee on the verge of being rejected as an explorer weakened Kabbu’s resolve, and before he knew it he was volunteering to team up with Vi temporarily so she could get an Association permit. Kabbu privately promised himself that he’d quit and return to his old job the moment Vi found someone else who’d be willing to join her exploration team, but now that he’s getting attached to both of his new friends (especially considering how much more he’s been starting to feel like his old self after adventuring with Vi and Leif), he may end up asking for his temporary placement on Vi’s team to be made permanent.

Discovered by Vi and Kabbu in the upper levels of the sunken Rubber Stronghold, this blue-and-yellow moth is a unique case in that they’re actually two beings sharing one body. The first is Leif, a moth who died in the Stronghold after a flood cut him off from his team during a scouting mission, and the second is the cordyceps that crawled into his body and inadvertently got his brain working again, which Vi dubbed Corder upon learning that connecting to Leif’s brain had allowed the cordyceps to develop a mind of its own. Leif is not exactly happy with the circumstances of his resurrection (which Corder has been very apologetic about), but both recognize that they can’t currently survive without the other, so they’ve worked out a deal where they copilot Leif’s body until they figure out a more permanent solution. Due to Leif’s lack of combat abilities, Corder’s been trying to fill in there by letting out one of its sharper-edged tendrils and making it look like a whip, though for the sake of keeping up their cover it has to control one of Leif’s hands to hold the “whip” when other bugs are around. Yes, they do get a lot of questions about whether a whip is really a practical weapon- one thing Corder and Leif can agree on is to make a running gag out of responding with different, increasingly ridiculous answers every time.

[dragonagekeeper]

War Table Operations / Dragon Age Inquisition Polls

See quest and choice descriptions from Dragon Age Wiki/Keep below

Alliances: From the Heart is a war table operation in Dragon Age: Inquisition.

The conflict among the nobles of the Orlesian capital has come to a head. Lady Richelieu has been busy promoting an arranged marriage to solidify the positions of the current players, with considerable status reserved for her as matchmaker. The object is the pairing of Lord desRosier with Lady Thibault's daughter Celeste. All who have status enough to speak seem to be in agreement, but we have received a number of letters regarding the matter.

From Lady Velise Thibault:

My daughter will dutifully comply, but I know her feeling. She will speak to no one. I would have you remind her that we are servants of our chosen world, but it serves us as well. It is her name that is stabilizing this alliance. It conveys power that should not be misdirected to matchmakers.

From Lord Pierren desRosier:

Frankly, I'll be glad when the matter is settled. I've no desire to inconvenience the young Celeste beyond what name-sharing "Lady" Richelieu recommends. This has been a cock-up from head to tail.

From Jecin Leandre:

I pledge to the Inquisition. If my dearest Celeste is willing to sacrifice to ensure this alliance, then I can only do so much. My name may not be enough for some, but she will have my protection indirectly, through service to you.

Josephine

Lord desRosier was all too glad to receive various concessions to abandon the current squabble in favor of more honorable pursuits. I believe they involve acquiring various trophy animals in bloody fashion. That allows a less politically desirable - but more personally desired - pairing to occur. The wedding of Jecin Leandre and Celeste Thibault will bond their families in alliance. To the chagrin of Lady Richelieu, I suspect. Matchmakers only truly benefit when the names are sufficiently grand. The ceremony will take place in the capital. I'm sure it will be lovely. Josephine

Leliana

Jecin Leandre is no longer in the capital. The wedding of Lord Pierren desRosier and Celeste Thibault can take place without fear of incident, so long as the bride can stomach it. Although... it is worth nothing that it is merely the names that need be partnered to satisfy Orlesians. They are hardly strangers to the idea of courtly duty tempered by the existence of a paramour. I might also note that the only one suggesting Lord desRosier be the controlling influence in this matter is Lady Richelieu, who has her own interests. The wedding is set to take place in Val Royeaux, if you take an interest. Leliana

Cullen

Strange events, Inquisitor. The troops I sent to train in the Free Marches report two extra soldiers not on the standard roll. It is of no concern, however, as they are familiar, they barely take up more than one space in our caravan. A shame they will miss the wedding in Val Royeaux. I wonder if anyone has told the Lady Richelieu that at least one very important guest will be absent? Cullen

Jecin and Celeste never met

Jecin and Celeste never met. (I couldn't really find anything about this choice. I assume this is the default state if none of the War Table quests are completed.)

If the Inquisitor refuses to get involved:

2. Jecin and Celeste died

The lovers died, ending any hope of alliance between houses.

Celeste Thibault and Jecin Leandre are killed when fighting breaks out between the desRosiers and Leandre families over the match. Lady Richelieu and Lord desRosiers can be found on the Upper Level of the Summer Bazaar in Val Royeaux, oblivious to Celeste's fate.

If completed with Cullen:

3. Jecin and Celeste eloped

Jecin and Celeste eloped fleeing the Lady Richelieu's matchmaking.

Lady Richelieu and Lord desRosiers can be found on the Upper Level of the Summer Bazaar in Val Royeaux, oblivious about Celeste's fate.

If completed with Leliana:

4. Pierren and Celeste had an arranged marriage

Setting aside love, the couple that married were politically expedient.

If Celeste agrees to marry Lord desRosiers, Jecin pledges himself to the Inquisition, saying that she is sacrificing herself for this alliance and that he can do no less. If the Inquisitor tells Celeste that she should marry for duty but love in secret, she plans to reunite with Jecin as her lover, with the blessing of her new husband Pierren. Lady Richelieu is not particularly pleased by this course of action.

If completed with Josephine:

5. Jecin and Celeste married for love

Married properly and for love, Celeste and Jecin were delighted.

The Inquisitor can attend the wedding ceremony, which is held on the Upper Level of the Summer Bazaar in Val Royeaux. Lady Richelieu will also be in attendance, threatening to nullify the proceedings if she can to stop the marriage between them. She is shocked to find the Inquisitor in attendance, and displeased if they decide to give the union their blessing. When Lady Richelieu criticizes Celeste and Jecin for ruining their houses, they retort that they'll make a life and a name just to spite her, and that there's no point in matching power to power just to gain more power. Lady Richelieu blames their youth for their stance. She thanks the Inquisitor for coming to the wedding, saying that they've certainly made an impression. Jecin also pledges his life to the Inquisition.

[dontbotherwiththepronunciation]

Warning:

for talking about overall canon-compliant ADWD (and some ACOK, but mostly ADWD) Theon plot fuckedupness.

for possible thramsay + Jeyne??? Threyne? Is that the dynamic name???? I don't know if this qualifies as thramsay or anti-thramsay. I struggle with those tags. It's not a shippy post AT ALL, but it talks about the canon dynamic between Theon & Ramsay + Jeyne and the one horrible scene, you know which one.

Nonsense. Not something I actually believe just a string of thoughts.

Random string of thoughts triggered by random stuf:

A while ago I wrote a half-joke post where I said that there is something liberating about the reek persona because no one really expects anything from him anymore, and I stand by that, but have some qualms about it too, because there might not be expectations, but there are requirements.

And I think that, unlike in his attempts to prove himself as Ironborn or to rule the North like a Stark would have, this time someone believes in him! Someone believes he might achieve the full potential of his new intents and could be qualified for a position in Winterfell, and that person is *drumroll please* fucking Ramsay Bolton!

Ramsay doesn't just want a submissive servant that will do things out of fear, he already has those. What he wants is Reek! And the more I think about it Reek isn't a blank canvas. Reek isn't just an even more traumatised version of Theon with even less agency. He is not a monster out of Ramsay's own creation. He is a replacement.

Reek, the original, not the off-brand version, was not just a quasi-slave. He was a companion who shared Ramsay's bloodlust and taste for violence. Reek was an eager necrophiliac who liked hunting women. Roose doesn't even know if Ramsay is the way he is simply because he is Ramsay, or if this has something to do with Reek, who acted as this strange type of caretaker figure (maybe fraternal, maybe paternal, maybe something even more fucked up).

So, in his weird way, I think, Ramsay isn't just getting off on Theon's humiliation. He clearly enjoys it, but it's not what he is searching for, because he knows the shame and the humiliation are Theon's, not Reek's. He wants Reek's enjoyment and willing participation. And it's fun how every time that Theon follows through Ramsay's orders and commits atrocities he gets some sort of promotion because he is acting more according to the figure he is meant to be. After Moat Cailin, he gets a chicken and is allowed to move to the Kennels, where he can befriend the dogs who used to accompany Ramsay and Reek (1) on hunts, like a preparation for what is to come. Later he makes Theon participant in Jeyne's rape and, while I am a believer in canon compliant very non-consensual thramsay and I see this as a rape of Theon too, this type of violation is one where he can't just lie back and "take it" or disassociate. He is not meant to be the victim closing his eyes and hoping it ends fast. He is meant to be a participant who might even enjoy it, while still truanting and mocking whatever little remains of Theon before discarding him.

"What do you think of her, Reek?" asked Lord Ramsay. "She …" What answer does he want? What was it the girl had said, before the godswood? They all said that I was pretty. She was not pretty now. He could see a spiderweb of faint thin lines across her back where someone had whipped her. "… she is beautiful, so … so beautiful." Ramsay smiled his wet smile. "Does she make your cock hard, Reek? Is it straining against your laces? Would you like to fuck her first?" He laughed. "The Prince of Winterfell should have that right, as all lords did in days of old. The first night. But you're no lord, are you? Only Reek. Not even a man, truth be told." - The Prince of Winterfell, ADWD

The man laughed. "The wretch is dead." He stepped closer. "The girl's fault. If she had not run so far, his horse would not have lamed, and we might have been able to flee. I gave him mine when I saw the riders from the ridge. I was done with her by then, and he liked to take his turn while they were still warm. - Theon VI, ACOK

We have no real idea of how that night went except for Theon’s confirmation of him performing oral sex on Jeyne, another preparation for what, I think Ramsay would wish in the future. Reek (1-3) fucking a dead girl (Arya - assumed dead, Jeyne - socially dead as her identity was taken from her).

I don't think Ramsay just wants a submissive Theon who is terrified of him. I think he wants one who cooperated and maybe even enjoys Ramsay's debauchery and evilness. He don'ts just want to humiliate Theon, he wants to eradicate him. He wants Theon to no longer exist so Reek can take his place. And I find this so entertaining to witness because even then, Theon is constantly failing but in his own way Ramsay is a patient teacher. He doesn't negate Theon, he just makes arrangements (mutilating him) as to make him more fitting to this new version of his childhood companion.

So many fanfics involving those two often have Theon refer to Ramsay as "master", (and I don't want anyone to feel like I'm trying to shame them, do whatever you want, it's fanwork!) but it always throws me off whenever I read that, because in canon, Ramsay is so weirdly obsessed with trying to make Theon/Reek (3) his friend.

Ramsay seems to really want to have a genuine friendship for once and it's so fucked up and it sounds ridiculous because no one should treat friends like that, obviously, but I think in his own compeletely deranged way, he does wish for someone who is more or less similar to him and values him. Think about the bastard's boys; they are not his friends. They are informants to his father and while we know they are brutal, they don't seem to enjoy the same levels of sadism as he does (still pretty horrible though). Ben Bones, who is made to go hunting with him whenever he goes searching for a new woman to rape and kill is implied to be a rather reluctant participator who likes the dogs better than Ramsay.

Reek (1) on the other hand was a gift for him alone who taught him, cared for him and accompanied him, and I keep seeing this in the few occasions where Ramsay refers to Theon/Reek (3) as his friend.

At the sight of Reek, he smiled a wet-lipped smile. "There he is. My sour old friend." To the men beside him he said, "Reek has been with me since I was a boy. My lord father gave him to me as a token of his love." - Reek I, ADWD

When the last of them were gone, Ramsay Bolton turned his smile on Reek. He clasped him by the back of the head, pulled his face close, kissed him on his cheek, and whispered, "My old friend Reek. Did they really take you for their prince? What bloody fools, these ironmen. The gods are laughing." - Reek II, ADWD

[pixiedustandpetrichor]

For the @sapphicmarauding prompt, wound

Narcissa stepped over the Dark Lord’s body where it lay on the floor, a gaping wound in his forehead. Lily stood in the middle of the room, frozen, a gun hanging loosely from one hand, and Harry clutched close with her other.

“I got your patronus.” Narcissa broke the silence, crossing to open the nursery window— the corpse was starting to stink up the place already, the awful wrong smell of the Dark Lord’s blood.

“I killed him.” Lily seemed not to have heard her, and Narcissa wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, easing the gun from her grip.

“It’s alright,” she comforted, nestling her face in the crook of Lily’s neck, breathing in her scent— warm and flowery and alive. She was shaking, they both were, from the relief of it all.

“I don’t feel guilty.” Lily laughed, and gave Narcissa a bitter smile. “It was just… so easy. If only-”

“Shh.” Narcissa whispered, holding her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “We don’t know what might have happened. You saved so many people this way.”

“But not James.” Her voice cracked at the end of the sentence, though she didn’t look devastated, merely sad.

“I’m sorry about your husband.” She wasn’t. She’d walked around his body in the hall and hadn’t felt a thing, too filled with fear for Lily, for Harry.

“I’ll be alright.” Lily smiled softly, shifting Harry, who only cooed.

Narcissa smiled back, heady with relief and love. She pressed two more kisses to Lily’s hair, just because she could, and grinned at Harry, who babbled gleefully at her, apparently relating the night’s events.

“Dumbledore will be here soon.” Lily muttered, and Narcissa groaned.

“In that case, I need a drink.”

She held out a hand, and helped Lily over the body, down the worn steps into the cool of the night. The Dark Lord was dead. Lucius would soon go to prison, or at least be so shamed no one would question if she got a divorce. Lily was alive and holding her hand, tight in a death grip, as though scared to let go of the two people she held, lest they fade like wind, like souls fleeing the world.

Narcissa squeezed back. All would be well.