#such a tender moment... so glad they could enjoy themselves

[alastxrs]

Could I request Angel Dust being absolutely pampered by his boyfriend, who's a switch but usually a top because he knows Angel prefers to be bottom?

𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄

Y/N is a cannibal

Son of Rosie!

He is 5'11

He is a switch

His mother raised him to be a perfect partner!

Alastor is a teacher to him

Has almost killed Valentino

They met because of Charlie and Alastor

Angel Dust and Y/N have been dating for a few months (Y/N acts like they've been dating for years)

Y/N is a switch

❝𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘! 𝐈 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐅𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔~!❞

Angel Dust quickly turned his head the minute he felt arms wrapped around him and a smile formed on his lips.

His boyfriend truly made his life better when he returned to the hotel after a rough shoot with Valentino, Y/N was one of the reasons he was glad to be in hell. Valentino was getting into some weird shit so he needed the gentle touches.

The spider demon fixed their position so he was facing the smaller demon before he kissed his forehead. "What is it, suga?" he asked softly.

Y/N had this weird thing for spoiling him rotten; whenever they were on dates, when they were at the hotel, even during sex he was getting spoiled like crazy! He loved it don't get him wrong, it just caught him off guard some days.

On the last date they had gone on together, his boyfriend had taken him to this crazy good restaurant and he felt like royalty with the food they had ordered.

He didn't deserve to be spoiled.

The taller man would accept it if the other demon was genuine about spoiling him.

A grin formed on the short demon's face before he dragged Angel Dust into the shared bedroom. Before they entered the room, Y/N stopped them and gently caressed his cheeks.

"Just letting you know, I'm crazy in love with you and you deserve to feel loved."

They entered the bedroom with candles lit, rose peddles around the room, and calming music playing. Fat Nuggets had a little bow tie on as he was relaxed on his small bed.

A surprised look was plastered on his face.

The small cannibal looked nervous as he rubbed the back of his neck with a smile on his face. "I figured you were having a rough day when you texted me how Valentino was on your ass." Y/N began rambling while gently rubbing the pornstar's hands. "I just wanted you to feel special tonight- no sex unless you are up for it! I also managed to get us your favorite snacks and-"

Angel immediately kissed his lover on the lips and the other kissed back, the kiss was passionate and gentle as they pressed against each other.

The spider demon pulled away yet leaned his forehead against the cannibal's forehead. "Thank you suga! It means everything to me that you thought about this just because I told you my boss was bein a dick," he said with a relaxed smile.

The same grin that Angel fell in love with was on his lover's lips.

Y/N pecked him on the lips again before he moved them to the sofa that was in the room before he grabbed two glasses for the two of them.

"Well, let's have a relaxing night!"

As they settled onto the comfortable sofa, Angel Dust poured them both a glass of their favorite drinks, ensuring that Y/N's glass was filled to the brim before topping off his own. They clinked their glasses together in a silent toast, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared understanding and affection.

Throughout the evening, they laughed and talked, sharing stories and getting to know each other on a deeper level. Y/N's infectious energy and charisma filled the room, making Angel Dust feel relaxed and at ease in his presence. They lost track of time as they lost themselves in each other's company, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together.

As the night wore on, they found themselves drawn closer together, their hands intertwining as they leaned in to share a tender kiss. At that moment, surrounded by the warmth and intimacy of their shared space, they knew that they had found something truly special in each other. And as they basked in the glow of their love, they knew that their date in their room was just the beginning of many more magical moments to come.

It was going to be like this a lot especially since the cannibal knew his spider partner more than anyone.

Angel Dust was glad to be in love with Y/N.

[galebrainrot2024]

Gale x Tav NSFW 18+

Um, here's some thirst for you. Femme Tav

Contents: Mutual pleasure, mage hand, Epilogue Party so... in a public space. NSFW18+ minors DNI

“There you are,” Gale murmured against Tav’s ear, wrapping them in a hug from behind. She felt the familiar fluttering in her chest, felt the warmth of where her skin was bare against his. Although they had been together for a few months since the Elder Brain, it was as if they were two teenagers unable to control their impulses and keep their hands to themselves. Gale nuzzled his face into her neck, taking a deep inhale. “Gods you smell so incredible.. just wait until we get back..” he muttered lustfully. 

“We haven’t even left yet,” she laughed, turning around in his embrace to wrap her arms around his neck. He grinned and bobbed his face in for a faux kiss before retreating playfully. Tav pouted, “Not even one?” 

Gale smirked and brushed his lips against her neck, painstakingly kissing up the delicate skin before capturing her lips in a tender and passionate kiss. He slipped his tongue into her mouth, eager to taste her, eager to feel her tongue against his as his hand cupped her face. He let out a soft groan and his hands lowered, squeezing her backside. He pushed his body closer to her, wanting. “Gods, I’d have you right now if we weren’t already running late...” His hands continued to explore her, hiking her skirt up to graze the delicate skin beneath, tracing the line of her underwear. Tav moaned, feeling her hips pull to his and the half bulge in his trousers. The tell-tale sign of arousal spread between her legs. 

“If we’re running late, why are you still tempting me?” She insisted, though she loved being doted on. Every morning was very much the same - Gale would be running late for lecture, needing one more kiss, one more touch. It was never enough.  

He chuckled and bit her neck, his voice a seductive growl, “I’m insatiable.. you should know that by now. I could have you a thousand more ways and it wouldn’t be enough for me." His hot breath caressed her skin and she shivered, "Besides... I want you to think about the wicked things I have in mind for later. A little teasing of what to look forward to...” With that, he released her and groaned as a contagious smile spread across his face as he admired Tav. “Gods, I love you.” He combed a hand through his hair, his black pupils blown wide with desire, concealing their brown coloring. “I can hardly wait. Now, shall we? Before I loose any sense of decorum and control, we have a party to get to.” 

*** 

They arrived fashionably late to the sound of wolf-whistles from their companions.

“There are the two love birds! Thought you might have forgotten about tonight, too busy getting it on to remember your old friends.” Wyll said in jest, though it wasn’t far from the truth. 

“Hardly,” Gale said, his hand resting deftly against the small of Tav’s back. She felt the electricity in his touch, shivering as the arousal simmered still beneath her skin. “We wouldn’t dream of missing this.” 

Shadowheart interjected, taking Tav’s hand in hers to pull her friend away with a coy smile. “You won’t mind then if I steal her for a bit? We have so much to catch up on…” Gale raised his eyebrows to look to Tav who gave him a lopsided grin. 

She was elated to see her old companions and friends and although she knew Gale was nervous about the evening, she had reassured him countless times on their trip over that he was charming, friendly, and that they would be as glad to see him as they were her. 

“Shadowheart… did I see you come in with Halsin?” Tav pursed her lips while grinning, giving her friend a knowing look. “We’ll only be a moment..” Tav said, though she knew she and Shadowheart and Karlach would likely spend the entire evening gossiping. 

“Please, don’t let me stop you, go enjoy yourself.” He said the phrase in a bit of an unfamiliar, sing-song voice. Tav looked at him curiously before allowing herself to be led away by Shadowheart. 

“Tell me everything,” Tav gushed, turning her head to see Gale watching her. Despite their time together it still made her skin burn when he gazed at her, watching her hungrily despite the atmosphere. It made her dizzy, needing to chase the high of what was to come. The tension that built as they flicked their eyes to one another made her stomach flip and she desperately tried to focus on Shadowheart. 

“I need to grab a drink,” Shadowheart said, mid-tale of her adventures since they last met, “Can I get you anything?” 

Tav shook her head, appreciative. “Whatever you’re having.” 

Shadowheart grinned and squeezed her hand before standing up. “I’m so glad you came.” 

The moment Shadowheart left Tav alone, she saw Gale cover his mouth as if he were whispering something. Her eyes narrowed as they locked on him, her brow heightening inquisitively. He shot her a devilish grin and she felt a stirring at the edge of her skirt. She looked down, horrified it might be a snake or creature but was met by a mage hand. What was he up to? 

Tav saw Gale was deep in conversation with Wyll - though, it was evident Wyll was doing most of the talking. Gale’s eyes remained locked on hers and the hand grazed her calves and lifted her skirt to find shelter. No one had seen and Tav’s eyes widened as the realization dawned upon her. 

She saw Gale lick his lips and smirk, his lips parting a bit, his eyes fixed on her as she felt the hand deftly brush against her thighs, tracing idle patterns. She felt her breath grow heavy and shallow and squirmed, trying to shoo the hand away. Before she could, she felt the fingers trace along the seams of her undergarments and she felt the pulse of her arousal between her thighs. Her lips parted and she felt wetness begin to saturate her, her legs spreading subconsciously. Tav was utterly distracted as the hand teased her mercilessly, hooking into her underwear and brushing against her pelvic and hip bones, against the curve of her butt and not quite yet to the source of her arousal. 

Luckily, Shadowheart was intercepted by Minsc so wouldn’t be returning with their drinks anytime soon. She shot her an apologetic look and Tav waved her hand as if to say ‘it’s alright,’ and twitched with desire when she felt the hand graze her inner thigh. Shadowheart gave her a curious look but turned her attention back to Minsc. 

Tav’s face bloomed crimson, the rush of pleasure sending echos of bliss through her body. She shot Gale a look as if to question his motives and she saw him chewing on his lip, his cheeks flushed, holding his face in his hand as he watched her. He shrugged and gave her an imperceptible  wolfish grin. 

She felt the fingers firmly run over the center of her underwear, touching her over the thin fabric. She felt her breath hitch and she throbbed, needing more, wanting more, her underwear completely soaked with her arousal. 

Tav moaned quietly as the fingers slowly pulled her undergarments off, and Tav scooped them from the ground to put in her pack . She swore she heard a low grunt from Gale, no more than fifty feet away when he saw her do this. Their eyes hadn’t left one another except for brief gazes to see if anyone had noticed. They hadn’t. 

Without the cloth barrier, the hand was free to move about and it was suddenly fridgid which made her yelp in surprise. Luckily it was a sound only Gale was attuned to and she saw his breathing intensify, brushing his thumb against his lower lip. The sensation of the cold between her throbbing, wet thighs was startling and erotic, and she felt herself lean into the touch. To steady herself, she leaned against the nearest tree, facing Gale so he could watch her. 

Her hands fell to her sides and she gripped the bark as the hand explored every fold, as it brushed against her sensitive bulb with a firm, slow caress. She saw Gale moving his hand, manipulating the mage hand from afar, eager for what came next. 

A low moan escaped her as she felt the cold fingers enter her, thrusting deep and deliberately into her, massaging her internally and caressing her sensitive clit. She felt herself clench around the fingers, her body pulsating and throbbing with need and pleasure. She begrudgingly resigned herself to him, allowing the arousal to wash over her in a rush. Her eyes fluttered shut and her lips parted, chasing after the sensations. This was absolutely sinful, unreal that Gale would do this here, now, and she noted the excitement in his eyes - she bit down on her lip which earned her a slight groan from Gale. She smirked when Wyll looked at Gale curiously and he was distracted, pulled back into his conversation despite the hand moving within her. 

Tav felt an aggressive thrust, hitting the sensitive nerves and it made her whimper again, her fingers digging into the bark. The way the hand massaged her, the thumb grazing over her clit as its fingers pushed into her and ravaged her, she was moments from release. She felt her breath grow ragged, quick, and her body squirmed. Goosebumps rose on her arms. She felt her knees buckle, locking eyes with Gale. The hand was suddenly warm, the sound falling from her lips ungodly and deep as the warmth intensified her pleasure, her hips bucking to meet it. She dipped her gaze to Gale’s groin, noting his evident arousal.

She wanted him and he knew it. She wanted more than the mage hand. She wanted to take him into her mouth, to please him beyond anything he’d experienced. Thinking of his saltiness, of his girth against her tongue made her whimper. She bit down on her lip, drawing blood, to suppress her cries as the hand moved almost urgently, the thrusts growing more intense. Every muscle in her body was clenched with primal tension, the need to tumble over the precipice overwhelming. She felt feverish and she gripped the tree to stabilize herself as it massaged her, bringing her to the edge, “Oh gods..” She murmured, the sudden dam of pleasure breaking as she climaxed, trembling violently. It felt as if the quiet moans were punched out of her and she saw Gale intake a sharp breath and take a long, slow sip of his drink, shoving a hand into his pocket to conceal his arousal. 

She shut her eyes, leaning her head back against the tree, trying to steady herself when she heard Shadowheart. “Are you alright? You look feverish. Do you need to sit down?” The concern in her voice made her blush from embarrassment, yet the knot in her stomach from the private moment she and Gale shared was ever hungry.

“No, no I’m alright I promise - just… I’ll be right back.” Tav pushed away from the tree, storming over to Gale, his expression fiendish.“Do you mind if I interrupt,” Tav said, not waiting for Wyll’s answer as she dragged Gale away by the hand, his dark laugh filling her ears. 

“What do you think you’re doing…” Tav stumbled for the words, both excited and frustrated, though not angrily. Frustrated because she craved more. 

“Oh,” Gale said, stepping towards Tav to murmur in her ear, “It seemed to me you enjoyed that plenty..” his fingers brushing along the small of her back, “I couldn’t help myself…” 

“Can..” Tav’s voice shook, her body still thrumming with carnal pleasure, “Can you please try to behave?” Although she said this, she knew it was half-hearted. 

“Hmm… if you insist. It’s not my fault you're such a tempting minx.” Gale kissed her deeply, holding her face in both of his hands. She moaned against his mouth as his tongue massaged hers teasingly. "Until later, then. Now go, before I change my mind.” 

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

Hello! I have been a long time fan of your work but finally got the courage to send a request. Could your write headcannons/scenario or whatever you like about about Nozel who has a crush on reader and reader really likes him back but she compares herself to Acier and doesn't think she is good enough for him and house Silva. Nozel thinks she does not return his feelings until he figures it out or finds out how she feels from someone else. I think it will be really sweet to see Nozel overcome his insecurities and comfort reader's as well.

Hiya~! ^^

I have seen you regularly in my notes, and am glad to hear that you've been enjoying my work. I know I took more than my sweet time with this, but I hope that you enjoy it nonetheless ^^

Pairing: Nozel Silva x f!reader

Genre: Hurt-comfort

Fanfic type: Oneshot (from Nozel's and reader's pov)

Length: ~2,0k

Content: Themes of self-doubt (on both reader's and Nozel's part), some crying, Nozel being hesitant, well, Nozel being Nozel (does that count?? he's not exactly the best when it comes to comforting, but he tries!), Nozel comforts reader, semi-open ending (future of the relationship isn't properly established), but still, a happy ending, a hug with Nozel

Nozel sat by his desk, late at night, accompanied by nothing else than the candle on his desk. Its flame vibrated with each breath he made, not that he noticed it. The flutter and the dance of the source of light that, no matter how small and tender, was as if alive, and cast its light onto the desk and the room.

But his eyes did not see it. His senses paid no mind to it as his mind was engulfed into other things. The events of the day. Which... did not make sense.

Or they did, and they didn’t.

For quite some time he had known that most women in the kingdom would pledge themselves to him, as his partner, if he only mentioned it. Not because they loved him, but because of his status. And wealth.

There was a sickening aftertaste to the thought, but... it was a fact. Most would gladly welcome his advances just because of... who he was, on paper; the merits, the name, and the titles. Not because of who he was as a person. Which was why he had never before pursued anyone. He simply couldn’t have trusted most with their genuine emotions when it came to himself.

Until he had met you.

He was sure that you weren’t untruthful with your interactions, conversations, smiles and laughs with him. Oh no. You were being honest with him.

Your strength, your grace, and your... entire being... were genuine. Which was one of the reasons, or so he presumed, why he had fallen in love with you.

After much deliberation, he was sure, and had admitted it to himself, that he did, in fact, love you. And thus, he had sent the flowers, along with a card, as a setting for asking you to accompany him to a restaurant on the following day, for dinner.

But... Well, he hadn’t been sure of... what to expect. He had hoped that you’d accept. He had hoped that you’d... maybe look surprised at first, but that you would have accepted.

But you didn’t.

You had told him that unfortunately you were busy. That your schedule was quite packed.

The conversation had been brief, but he could recognize excuses when he heard them.

And so, he took the hint.

You weren’t interested in him.

And so... he found himself wondering, if he really was that unlovable. Which would be his own doing, not yours, of course but...

He couldn’t shake the thoughts, and the nagging feeling of ... loneliness.

And I dared to... hope that she’d... he managed to think before closing his eyes, and letting a heavy breath flow past his lips.

Perhaps it’d be better to not dwell on those emotions, for the night. He still had a lot of work to complete.

----

The ceiling of your bedroom was dark, lit only by the faint glow of the silver moon and the stars outside of your bedroom. The air was still, but light. And no sound disturbed the moment, the room and the space which seemed untouched by even time itself.

And in that room, you wondered about what... what he might see in you.

Sure, you seemed to have a lot easier time conversing with him than most, you were not blind to the fact. And you did care for him. You really, really did.

Your heart ached for him in a way that you couldn’t explain, which was why, when he had asked, it had felt as if your body was screaming for you to accept the request. Accept a dream come true; a dream that you hadn’t really even dared to hope.

But... another thought, though spoken with a much more quiet tone from the back of your head, which seemed to whisper: ‘Will you be good enough? Are you sure that you’re good enough?’

And... was someone really good enough to marry into a family that was still known for someone like Acier Silva?

She had been strong, beautiful and gentle. She had been someone that was still known to be the grace and gem of the House of Silva. Someone who wasn’t weak, no matter how you chose to see it.

But you... when you started to think about it, list every insecurity you had... Well... Could you really follow in the footsteps of someone like her?

Not many could but... maybe someone might.

However, that someone... wasn’t you. You were far away from the pristine knight and woman that had been Acier. It was clear as day to you.

And so... you had to wonder what exactly Nozel had seen in you.

But whatever it was, was a fallacy. You were convinced of it.

So... no matter how much your heart wept at the moment, of which spoke the glistening tears that climbed into your eyes, it had been your ... responsibility to... not lead him into thinking that you might be something more than... whatever it was that he thought you to be.

No matter how painful it might have been... you felt that you... owed it. To someone. Maybe yourself. To shield yourself from first daring to hope that you might be enough for him, and then... only find yourself getting your heart broken. So, it was better to just... deal with the pain, now, than some time in the future.

Which was why you rolled onto your side, in your bed, and squeezed your eyes shut as a quiet sob broke past your lips.

---

“I heard that you asked someone out for a date,” Nebra had commented during afternoon tea before Solid had arrived.

Nozel glanced at her from the corner of his eye without a reply. This was not something that he wanted to discuss, with anyone. And no matter what might have been Nebra’s intentions, he couldn’t be sure that she’d be... exactly pleasant about it.

“And I hear that you were turned down,” she continued, making Nozel put down his tea cup.

She was getting a little bold with this conversation. Which was... somewhat uncalled for, because Nebra did respect him. Or so he had thought, until this moment.

But still, he said nothing. Hoping that she would take the hint of him not wanting to discuss the matter any further. It was hurtful enough without whatever comment she might have.

“But I also hear that... she’s pretty heartbroken,” she thought out loud while putting down her own teacup and picking up a tiny sandwich from a plate.

He frowned, quite visibly. Because that statement didn’t make sense. After all, you had been the one to turn him down, not the other way around. So... it didn’t... it just didn’t make sense. Unless it would have been some ... ploy to coax attention, which... was very unlike you.

“Oh?” He only uttered, trying to sound as collected as possible. And for that purpose, a mere utterance such as that was the best.

Nebra let out a hum of confirmation. “Something about not living up to our mother’s legacy,” she shrugged. “Just something I overheard,” she added before taking a bite of the delicacy.

“Hm,” he uttered again, confused, saddened, annoyed, and happy, at the same time. The jumble of emotions inside of him seemed to twist and turn in a way that he wasn’t sure... what he’d make of it.

But one thing he did know was that he needed to talk to you.

---

“We need to talk.”

That had been what he had stated to you.

There had been a sense of urgency in his tone. Along with a mixture of emotions that you couldn’t quite name. And yet... there was an essence of something that you didn’t think that you’d hear from the great, proud, Nozel Silva: a plea.

So, you nodded. Just nodded. And let him escort you to the side, where he looked at you for the longest time, as if he wasn’t sure from where to begin.

He wasn’t sure, but still, he needed to begin from somewhere.

“I was told...” he begun, and cleared his throat. “That... you... turned down my previous... suggestion on the accounts of you not... living up to the memory of my mother.”

There was something rather... ludicrous to it when he said it out loud. But... that was what you thought. That you’d never be good enough for him.

“And I’m...” he uttered, stopping there, not sure how to continue that thought. Maybe because he didn’t know where to go from there.

You wouldn’t really have known where to go from there either.

So, instead, you continued with your thought. “I’d never be good enough for you,” you stated. As if a fact.

“So you decided for me, what I deem good enough for myself?” He asked, quirking an eyebrow.

And while it wasn’t an uncalled for question to ask, it didn’t exactly make you feel better.

But... you also didn’t have a reply to the question. Because... that was what you had done. You had decided, for both of you, that you weren’t enough for him.

“Look...” he started as his eyes fell to the side, and a faintest of blushes decorated his cheeks. “You are... the first person who... I met, that wouldn’t... if so chosen, be with me for my status and wealth alone,” his tone was quiet, and apprehensive, as if he was scared of speaking out the words. “And that takes... strength,” the latter word, was confident.

His gaze lifted to yours, which only spoke of his certainty. He was being honest with his thoughts.

“It takes a backbone,” he emphasized. “And... you have the kind of grace that would be... Sometimes being a knight isn’t graceful. But even in those moments, it is of upmost importance to carry oneself with dignity.” He sounded more like he was speaking out of a place of work.

But it carried forth the sentiment.

“I have seen that grace, and dignity, in you,” he added. “And you’re also kind... gentle and beautiful,” his eyes averted again. “You are smart and capable.”

Whatever hesitance that was in his tone, wasn’t because of words spoken out of malice, but out of laying his emotions bare; out in the open.

“And... while I can see why someone with such qualities wouldn’t-“ he paused. The confidence in his words, seemed to halt in place, as if hit a wall, during the brief silence that appeared between the two of you. “Deem someone as... insistent as.... myself I...” he trailed off, cleared his throat and took a deep breath. “I can’t imagine why such a person wouldn’t deem themselves fit for the House of Silva.”

His gaze lifted again, and looked at you with the most earnest of expressions.

But you didn’t have words to give him.

What words could you have given, after a testimony such as that? Especially when it came from a man, who was distant, most of the time; a man who seemed to show no emotions. And yet, now he was there, with you, telling you just how much he thought of you. In a way that he could.

You took a step forward, and wrapped your arms around him middle, sinking your nose into the fluff of his cape, which smelled like rose water and bergamot.

His body tensed with your touch. But he didn’t move away. Not as much as lean away from your touch.

Instead, after what must’ve been only a few breaths, he leaned in, wrapping his arms around you, as a reply.

“It is not you, who is unworthy,” he whispered, right next to your ear.

And in that whisper, you could feel his emotions, the gentle nothings that his heart wished to utter. The very presence of his soul, even if only as a hushed tone, barely a whisper.

Where might all this lead, was still hidden from you. But... wherever that might have been, the destination of the road, on which you were stepping, together, you were certain that would be better, than the road left un-ventured.

[buttherainbowhadabeard]

Unpopular Opinion: David Tennant Should Never Have Returned To Doctor Who

When a teary eyed David Tennant as The Doctor uttered the words “I don’t want to go” in his 2010 generation scene, it was a heartbreaking moment for fans. Saying goodbye to such a universally loved incarnation would be hard, but this was Doctor Who. Change was inevitable, and often, exciting.

So when the BBC announced that Tennant would be returning to the iconic role 15 years on, as part of a series of 60th anniversary specials, I was sceptical. 

It looked like I was the only one though, as the internet erupted with anticipation and jubilation. I, however, thought the 14th Doctor reveal was a huge distraction that disrespected both the outgoing and the incoming actors.

Don’t get me wrong, Tennant is one of my favourite modern Doctor’s. His mid 2000s run as the 10th Doctor was funny, frightening, heartfelt and unforgettable. He had some of the best companions and villains, and some of the smartest and most compelling stories. But all good things come to an end, and now his emotional first exit felt a bit hollow. 

His return really took the shine off Jodie Whittaker’s finale. Yes, her years as the 13th Doctor were responsible for some of the worst Doctor Who storylines in recent memory. But this was hardly her fault, and instead of enjoying her last moments as The Doctor and reflecting on the good bits (the first female Doctor in the show’s history), fans were shouting at their screens for her to hurry up and regenerate so their favourite could return. It was almost like the show was doing a reset and hoping we’d forget about her.

It also meant that the now 15th Doctor (Ncuti Gawta, the first gay, black Doctor in the show’s history) had to wait a little longer to make his debut, which seemed on-the-nose too. 

The BBC were making it crystal clear who they thought their most popular Doctor was. Tennant has had more screen time than any other modern era Doctor, and now he’s the only one still alive and kicking post regeneration across all eras. Haven’t they ever heard of 'jumping the shark' or having too much of a good thing?!

He had four consecutive seasons from 2005-2008, with a fake regeneration at the end of Series 4 that saw him get cloned and live happily ever after with Rose Tyler on parallel earth. From 2008-2010 he travelled sans companion in a series of specials, before reluctantly regenerating into Matt Smith. In 2013, he made an appearance alongside Smith in the 50th anniversary special.

And now in 2023, he’s done three extra episodes alongside Catherine Tate reprising her role as his much loved Series 4 companion Donna Noble. These specials ended with him bi-generating (one Tennant Doctor, one Gatwa Doctor - don’t ask!) and continuing on as The Doctor, complete with his own TARDIS. He will, he says, stay put on earth to let Gatwa go off and have his own adventures. How generous of him! 

Firstly, Tennant’s latest run didn’t feel like a 60th anniversary either. Instead it felt like a very late follow up and conclusion (or even an alternative ending) to Series 4, so the opportunity to include other cameos and celebrate the show’s rich history was lost.

In ‘The Star Beast’, the monstrous Meep really just provided a reason for The Doctor to see Donna again. In ‘Wild Blue Yonder’, The Doctor and Donna fought creepy doppelgängers of themselves (again, talk about self-indulgent!), and in ‘The Giggle’, Neil Patrick Harris’ promising Celestial Toymaker did little more than put on a funny accent and do a funny dance.

Sure, it had some fun and heartfelt moments. I'm glad the DoctorDonna Human-Time Lord metacrisis has been resolved. The Doctor's tender moments with Donna were nice. His two redheaded companions (Donna and Mel) holding his hands as he "regenerated" was touching. Even Tennant and Gatwa's interactions were surprisingly sweet. However, the whole jaunt just felt like an excuse to reunite Tennant and Tate and capitalise on their lingering popularity. Which leads me to my second point… 

No other actor has been able to continue on as The Doctor, so the fact that this is the first exception to the rule shows that the studio is very obviously playing favourites. They are keeping Tennant’s sprightly sneaker wearing, pin stripe suited spaceman up their sleeves to roll out whenever they please. If the ratings plummet, the can bring Tennant back. If the fans want it, they can bring Tennant back. If Tennant wants it, they can bring Tennant back. Does anyone else smell a spin-off?

Thirdly, I don’t buy the idea that The Doctor can be - and wants to be - domesticated at all. Despite everyone telling him that he needs to stop and slow down, he has never once done so. In every incarnation, he/she is an energetic, chaotic and forever on-the-go entity that can’t stand waiting or having to sit idly by.

So, all of a sudden we're expected to believe that he’s going to stay with Donna and her family and just hang out on earth like a regular human? I doubt it. He even said it himself to Rose in Season 2, when trying to justify why he can’t settle down. "You can spend the rest of your life with me. But I can't spend the rest of mine with you." If bi-generation had have happened to Peter Capaldi’s 12th Doctor, I might have accepted it better because he said he wanted to rest. It would’ve made more sense there.

And lastly, but probably most importantly, everyone loves a bit of nostalgia, but bringing beloved characters back from the dead to get ratings up again isn’t a good enough reason. In reality, it just reeks of lazy writing or a lack of creativity, and in turn, a lack of closure. The whole point and poignancy of a show like Doctor Who is that The Doctor must change and move on, as we, the audience, have to move on.

When someone plays The Doctor, they do it for a limited time but they leave a lasting legacy. Having Tennant on standby undermines that. I want the writers to invest in their new actors and have faith in their new adventures instead of having earlier models waiting in the wings.

So for me, the best thing about these three specials and the finale wasn’t that Tennant didn't have to say goodbye this time. It was that Gatwa finally got to say hello...

[aimikokoro]

Dickkory's fanfiction 💜💙

Dick Grayson returned home after a long night of patrolling the city as Nightwing. Exhausted, he called out to his girlfriend, Koriand'r, affectionately known as Kori, hoping to be greeted with her warm presence. "Kori, babe, I'm home," he said, his voice carrying a touch of weariness.

As Dick entered the apartment, he noticed a faint sound of singing filling the air. Intrigued, he followed the melodic trail to the source, eventually realizing it was coming from the bathroom. His curiosity piqued, he approached the slightly ajar door, hearing Kori's voice growing clearer with each step.

To his delight, Dick discovered that Kori was taking a shower, her melodious voice blending with the gentle rhythm of the flowing water. Standing there, leaning against the door, Dick couldn't help but smile at the intimate moment. He savored the enchanting sound of her voice and the feeling of being privy to this private performance.

Lost in the moment, Dick allowed the melody to wash over him, silently appreciating the beauty of Kori's uninhibited singing. He found himself captivated by her uninhibited spirit and the genuine joy she exuded. The sound resonated with the love he felt for her, a reminder of their shared experiences and the unbreakable bond they had formed.

Suddenly, Kori turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, wrapping herself in a towel. As she reached for her clothes, she caught sight of Dick leaning against the door, his eyes fixed on her with a fond smile. At first startled, she let out a small gasp but quickly realized there was nothing to be alarmed about. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of her amused and slightly playful boyfriend.

"Enjoying the view, huh?" Kori teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Dick grinned and stepped closer, his voice filled with affection. "How could I resist? Your singing is as beautiful as you are."

Kori blushed and playfully rolled her eyes. "You're such a charmer, Dick Grayson."

He took her hand in his, a tender gesture that conveyed his love and admiration. "I'm just grateful to have you, Kori. Your presence and your voice bring so much joy to my life."

Kori laughed, leaning in to give him a soft kiss. "Well, I'm glad my singing has a fan. Next time, though, feel free to join me in the shower instead of just lurking outside."

Dick smirked, his playful nature shining through. "Maybe I will take you up on that offer."

They shared a laugh and held each other close, grateful for the love they had found in one another. In that moment, they cherished the comfort of home and the freedom to be themselves, knowing that their bond would only grow stronger with each passing day.

[shreyamistry]

“after everything we’ve been through, you still don’t think that i love you?” for andy x mc ❤️

Pairing: Andy x M!MC

Prompt: “After everything we’ve been through, you still don’t think that I love you?!”

Word Count: 1800+

Summary: The night of Andy and Kendall’s first college homecoming together rolls around. What should be fun, partying, and dancing soon turns south when the pair sneak out for a moment alone together.

A/N: please enjoy 🥺 I’ll be opening requests if anyone is interested. Rules and Prompts.

Thanks for reading I hope you like it! 🫶🏻🩷

* * * * * * * *

College students shuffle about an auditorium as music pounds loudly in the air, the school’s homecoming in full swing. Sweat and vintage cologne and perfume fills the air with an intoxicatingly disgusting aroma as bodies collide dancing in tune to the music that threatens to deafen them. The 70s theme brings most of the party goers decked out in fun high fashion, long skirts and dresses, a plethora of denim jackets, and paisley patterns used in an almost nauseating display of colors, styles, and fits.

Andy and Kendall find themselves wrapped up in one another’s arms, completely oblivious to the rest of the world. Their friends have separated as well, dancing with their own dates or each other for those who went stag. Kendall’s hand tightens around Andy’s as he spins them about the dance floor before pulling them in close, kissing him on the back of his ear.

“Are you having fun?” Andy asks sweetly into his ear.

Kendall laughs breathlessly, “So much. It’s nice.”

Andy grins, holding him close in his arms. They sway to the music just enjoying each other’s company feeling like the only two people alive. Kendall realizes how lucky he was to somehow end up picking the same college that offered Andy a full ride scholarship with his athleticism, a college pro-league basketball player. Granted, he’s a year above Andy, he’s glad to be able to enjoy the next three years together and even more grateful he doesn’t have to wait for them both to be in town to hangout and make out. Neither wanted long distance, but they would’ve made it work for each other.

His fingers tighten around Kendall’s shoulder, his arms taunt and strong around Kendall’s smaller frame. He felt safe in Andy’s arms, enjoying the feeling of swaying together to the tender loving ballad filling the warm air around them. The smell of Andy’s cologne tantalizing and delicious in his nostrils, he wants to capture this moment and remember it forever. Solid shoulders and the sweet masculine aroma radiating off his gorgeous and perfect boyfriend, what more could a man ask for?

“Though,” Kendall chimes in, twisting in Andy’s arms to face him with a grin. His hands moving to the lapels of Andy’s suit, his touch light as a feather as his fingers drag along the velvety fabric with little friction. “What if we just… I don’t know… disappeared for a while. Together. Alone. Just me and you.”

Andy smiles cooly at him, “I would love that more than anything. Or whatever.” Clearing his throat with a blush spreading warmth across his cheeks.

Kendall pushes him on the chest with a teasing scuff before leading him out of the auditorium to something more secluded. Unlucky for them, a handful of other couples have the same idea, they walk around corners of the campus auditorium building finding more and more couples who have broken off to make out in secrecy. They giggle to themselves as they make a rush to go outside for that alone time, the cold autumn night chill nipping at their fingers and face. They jostle about between one another, hand in hand with exuberant laughter the pair finding themselves in a world of their own creation.

Andy’s hands are warm and comforting as the pair find themselves now having wandered into the courtyard sitting on a freezing cold bench. Thigh to thigh, Andy brings Kendall’s hands to his mouth breathing warm air against the freezing cold skin to keep him warm. Kendall blushes in the cold night air watching as his boyfriend warms him up in the night breeze. He sighs in relief getting a quirk of an eyebrow from Andy in response.

“Hmm?”

“Nothing.” Kendall reassures, “it’s a relieved sigh. I’m just… I don’t know, I guess I just feel so happy.”

“Is that so?” Andy inquiries as he moves on the bench to turn and face Kendall, their knees brushing together. Cold hands tucked between Andy’s warm ones. “All because of your sexy badass boyfriend?”

Kendall nods with a laugh, “Only because of my sexy badass boyfriend. But really though, I know it’s stupid, but I didn’t come to homecoming last year. I was…. Scared I suppose. So it’s nice that we have had an entire homecoming together with no monster attacks.”

“Yet,” Andy teases with a grin. Kendall rolls his eyes. “I’m teasing you.”

“I know.” Kendall nods thoughtfully trying to force a smile to his features, “I just want to have a sincere moment with you. No goofy, no laughs, just us.”

“Jeez,” Andy clears his throat, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it meant so much to you.”

“It’s okay.”

Silence falls over the pair as they stare out at the stars above them, hands that once found themselves intertwined now pulled away and resting in their respective laps. The wind whisks against the pair, the cool night air that was once refreshing moments ago now feels bitter with a kiss of frostbite at the awkwardness created between the pair.

Kendall only feels safe with Andy anymore, having barely survived the night with Noah, Jane, and Mr Redfield he couldn’t force himself to relax or calm down unless Andy was with him. Especially in large groups, it's Andy’s comforting presence that calms him down and makes him feel grounded in such unusual experiences. He knows full well he shouldn’t have taken the tone he did with Andy, but he couldn’t help himself, his brain doesn’t work the way it should sometimes. He just wants to share a special moment and feel the love that he feels for Andy back.

Andy sighs, he hated this. Lately they’ve been arguing more and he could never quite figure out why, everything seemed so perfect to them from his eyes. He wanted to crawl inside of Kendall’s head poking around until he learned what plagues his wonderful boyfriend’s mind. He scoots closer on the bench before pulling Kendall into his embrace, his hands running up and down on Kendall’s own. He wants to take the pain away from Kendall, he knows Kendall never fully opened up about what happened in those ruins with Jane and Noah, he knows how it affects the way Kendall acts and he wishes he could fix that pain every second of every day.

He nuzzles into his neck, peppering soft kisses against the smooth skin he finds. His arms tightening around Kendall’s body, soothing hands running up and down his arms to help soothe the ache in his bones and mental fatigue.

“Tell me what’s wrong, babe.” Andy whispers sweetly, his lips moving from the warmth of his boyfriend’s cheek.

“Why haven’t you said it yet?”

Andy faces scrunches with confusion. “Said what?”

“That you love me.” His voice cracks, shattering both of their hearts in a way that makes Andy’s heart stop beating.

“What?” Andy scoffs and laughs all at the same time. “After everything we’ve been through, you still don’t think I love you?!”

Kendall sniffles, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m being crazy - I just…” he groans loudly, a mixture of wanting to scream until he feels normal or less pent up in chest. He knows deep down Andy loves him, but with the reunion thoughts of Noah he’s unable to think clearly, the trauma coming in treacherous waves. He couldn’t stop himself from feeling suffocated; he could still feel the searing burn of Redfield’s claws. “You haven’t said it yet. I just - I’m overthinking I guess. We’ve been exclusively dating for a year. You asked me out at the year reunion of what happened and I waited and WAITED and waited for you to finally say it back and you haven’t. I just wish I could feel normal and think normal, but everything feels so intense and suffocating.”

“Kendall,” he says sweetly, “I love you.”

“You’re just saying that.”

“I’m not.” Andy reassures, hands finding resolve on Kendall’s warm cheeks, the contact instantly melting the both of them. His fingers brush against the smooth skin of his face, his thumb dancing dangerously against his lower lip with a cheeky grin. “I seriously can’t believe you didn’t think I loved you, after everything we’ve been through. You’re my rock. My world. I guess I never thought to say it because I thought you knew.”

“It’s just nice to hear.” Kendall sniffles, his face nuzzling against Andy’s fingers that have continued to warm against his skin.

Fingers brush tears away, “I promise you, I love you more than I’ve ever loved another person in my entire life. You are my entire world, Kendall. And then some.”

Kendall laughs sweetly, the tears that roll down his cheeks constantly getting brushed away as Andy leans in to kiss him sweetly where the tears fall. The lingering taste of salt under his kisses remind him he’s real and this moment is real. His heart surges with love for his adoring boyfriend.

“You’re my world too, you know.” Kendall whispers against his hands, his lips drawing a sweet kiss to the inside of Andy’s wrist. “I’m sorry. I’ve been feeling weird lately, I guess with the two year reunion I haven’t felt like myself. Like I’m constantly worrying about making sure you’re okay and that if something happens you’ll be okay and-“

“You’re perfect.” Andy whispers, “don’t apologize. I love you. I love you. I love you.”

“I love you more.” Kendall whispers sweetly. His fingers enclosing Andy’s hand bringing it to his lips, kissing each fingertip softly. Before letting Andy’s hand cup his cheek once more letting himself enjoy the warmth he craves.

“I love you most.”

“I love-“

“Shut up, I’m gonna win this because my love for you is more than your love for me.” Andy grins, the pair staring at one another for a long silent second before blushing fiercely with a sweet laugh from the both of them. Adoring eyes continue to gaze into one another with intensity. A force that draws them together pulling at the both of them.

One of the hands on Kendall’s cheeks moved to the nape of his neck drawing him into Andy’s warm waiting mouth. Kendall laughs earnestly, letting Andy’s lips capture him in a head spinning kiss, the warmth of their faces against one another and the heat from Andy’s breath making him shudder involuntary from the cold around them.

“Not possible.”

“Very possible, now shut up and kiss me again.”

Andy pulls Kendall into a long kiss, heat passion and so much love behind each one. His fingers danced along the smooth skin of Kendall’s face down to his shoulders meeting the fabric of the suit he wore. He draws Kendall in closer, their bodies flush against one another feeling the warmth of each other’s bodies radiating off one another.

Andy’s lips are insistent and hungry, his cold hands warm against Kendall’s warm skin drawing every ounce of warmth he can. Tongues clash innocently before Kendall’s head inclined to the left, deepening their kiss. That needy feeling suffocating in his chest at feeling all of the love and passion in every moment they’ve spent together and every moment they will spend together.

Gasps leave Kendall’s mouth as he nuzzles his forehead against Andy’s trying to calm himself down, his heartbeat racing with frenzy. His mind hazy and disorienting, the only thought swirling around his head. I love you. I love you. I love you.

“I love you Andy Kang.”

Andy grins stealing one final kiss, “I love you more Kendall Dev’on. Almost as much as I love kissing you.”

[writernopal]

🦎The Angel's Lyre🦎

A snippet wherein the author is slowly falling in love with describing the majestic Lizardfolk vessel, The Angel's Lyre. She was one of the first ships I ever characterized in the original telling of AASOAF, so as cool as some of the others are, she is very near and dear to my heart and I'm so glad I can FINALLY do her justice in canon. Enjoy this snippet or don't! Do whatever you want! BUT if you are going to read it, I highly recommend reading it to The Flower Garden by Joe Hisaishi. (excuse any mistakes, this is largely unedited 💙)

WC: 946 CW: none

I arrived at the bottom of the stairs that led to the main deck above. From here, the once muffled sounds from down below were now clear and identifiable, as if I’d just raised my head above the water’s surface. The low of hum of men going about their duties acted as a sort of tenor to the bassy sound of the sails flapping in the wind. The groaning of wood and straining of line harmonized with them, ever backed by the choir of the waves, repeating their shh-ah, shh-ah against the keel and hull of this ship and all others who’d cleave them until the end of time. I carefully ascended, skirts clutched in hand to avoid tripping, but nearly lost my footing once I reached the top. Not because of my indulgent imbibing the night before, but because it felt as if I’d just passed the portal to another world. And it was breathtaking.

Every surface was painstakingly carved with motifs depicting the grandeur of The Holtep Empire. The rising of their divine goddess Kava, spear pointed heavenward, and whose features were sharp enough to cut stone. The triumphs of many storied warriors, among them the familiar one of the Son of the Moon, greatsword victoriously aloft as the moon gave way to the shining sun. And of course, their emblem, that of a three-headed Lizardfolk clutching Oepus in its claws. A reminder that they believed themselves to be kings. Gods even. And each work, robed in rich red and gold paints, lustered with an incomparable fire and life in this western sun. 

Her four masts towered overhead like giants, each one handsomely decorated with scale-like engravings, as if strangled by the bodies of giant snakes. And her yards were wide. All proudly hanging white and gold brocaded sails, adorned with moving men in all colors and forms across their widths. Each one worked tirelessly to catch the wind precisely as their crewmates on the deck below instructed. I’d never been to the theater, but the way they moved, with such grace and certainty, evoked images of the elegant dancers I imagined might perform in a place like that. Gliding across the stage with all manner of pomp because they knew they were beautiful…

The decks themselves glistened in the afternoon sun from the sea spray and the ballista seated at her waist and bow glimmered along with it. Their filigree, as rich looking, perhaps more than any others I’d seen, rippled in the golden light as if these armaments might at any moment draw breath, stand upright, and strut alongside me. Ropes and barrels and devices I couldn’t even begin to name, made their home all along the ship, tended to by clusters of men performing their equally mysterious duties. None noted my presence, entranced instead by their vessel’s care and appearance like that of a dedicated potter to the lump of clay that spun on his wheel.

And now, in the calmness of observation, I could appreciate that she was the sort of vessel to have a quarterdeck and a poop deck. The latter term always sounded comical to me, but any trace of how funny-sounding the term was melted away as I looked upon her so directly. Both decks possessed handsomely bowed railings, calling to mind the tender and swelled shape of her instrumental namesake. And indeed, from those parts did sound a song. The rich voices of the men stationed there floated about the decks and air so pleasantly that I wished I could levitate, if only to blanket myself fully in their tune. And somewhere buried in that fortress was the wheel. I couldn’t see it, but I didn’t doubt it was a sight to behold. Perhaps like a crown on the head of a king.

I was not a sailor, but even I knew that calling The Angel’s Lyre ‘a ship’ was a disservice. She was a work of art. A masterpiece. Glorious and graceful and musical and dream-like. I could understand now why men so easily took to believing these masses of timber and nails were living, breathing beings. Why they named them. Why they would dangle themselves from dangerous heights and even be willing to die in service upon their decks. A single, indispensable truth, and one so expertly hidden that, despite always being seen, was rarely perceived. They were the blood to her life and the air to her lungs. And she belonged to them as much as they to her. Each capricious, but loyal. Tempestuous, but resolute. And with the sea stretched so far beneath them both, the sun on the horizon, and the wind to their backs, who in all the world could rightfully fault these men for loving such a dangerous mistress?

AASOAF 3 Taglist: @outpost51 @thelivingdeceased @faelanvance @captain-kraken @illjustpretend @elshells @writeblr-of-my-own @the-mindless @zestymimblo

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[marshmallowprotection]

KAAAAIT I just finished reading your fic Iris, and I just wanted to GUSH.

I absolutely loved how you handled the themes in the story. It felt so real and studied and had me completely wrapped up in it from start to end. The tension mixed with the tender moments had me hooked completely ahhhgg. I loved how the story explored different moments in the past interspersed with the present because it really do be like that when you're going through trauma omg. I also really loved seeing the exploration of all the loose ends that weren't really tied off in the secret endings, especially as they connected to the ways Another Story explored them.

Not gonna lie, goddd it got me thinking so hard about if MC in Another Story was actually Iris from your story... just if Ray had acted before they could join Mint Eye themself in the AS universe. Not me totally naming the in-game MC Iris moving forward because I am a huge sucker for the idea that they are soulmates that will find each other no matter the timeline...... ;_; 💞

Thank you for the incredible story!! I'm always excited to read your works, and I can't wait to go through more of them! I've been going through some rough stuff as of late, and your stories have been helping me a lot with that ❤️

Thank you for enjoying Iris! That story was an actual labor of love because ever since 2016, I wanted to write something about being Unknown's assistant, but I could never figure out how I wanted it to be. I'm glad I waited because I figured it out eventually, and I so very dearly love Unknown and SE Saeran as characters. I might be one of the resident Ray Stans, but make no mistake, I fell in love with those two at the beginning. I see myself in them. Which is why it was damn important to me to make sure I handled that situation right.

Iris is a reflection of what trauma does to you and to everyone around you. It's about what happens when you hurt people intentionally and unintentionally, and how you figure out just how to make something of your life after hitting rock bottom. Saeran's story is one that many can relate to, and I hope people see themselves in Iris when they're in the process of unpacking the story.

Shifting between the past and present was a very pointed plan. As Saeran remembers more and more of his past, the more he starts seeing what he did with Iris... the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beauty in it all. I do hope the little surprise with you know who at the end was worth it considering the story was building up to that from the get-go. I left little crumbs for that but I'm happy to hear someone liked that!

Iris is one of my favorite Reader-Insert characters.

Here, I'll give you a little fun fact from that story since you sent me a review. Did you know in the story I'm Saeran's therapist? Nobody has ever noticed that and I figured it's time to drop that fact.

[thescarsilivewith-if]

I suspect tumblr has eaten my first to your harem questions (probably because of the length...) so here are my thoughts again. (Apologies for clogging up your inbox if the first one indeed arrived.)

I was pretty happy to learn that the game had a harem, especially one which wasn't the typical 'Cut-throat, every person for themself, backstabbing everyone and their parent to get their child to be the heir' dynamics which is so often found in these situations. Instead, we have a harem of mostly supportive people (Dehjyr excluded) who got brought together by the Queen's will but still found themselves as a relatively stable familyish unit.

I really enjoy the various consorts and the potential they bring to the table of the story. It would be easy to focus on Dehjyr's influence alone but I think there would be a lot MC could talk about with them. Surely, they have experience and knowledge (What were the years in the palace like while MC was gone? What was off about the population, the servants, the workers? What news did they recieve from their families at home?) and especially a network they can fall back on. Also, I think they could offer emotional support to the Monarch. Yes, MC had a great father but they must have spent time with the other consorts as well and maybe there are some things the Monarch would never reveal to their siblings/ROs but would be more open to sharing with the consorts. Or maybe the Monarch could come to them for advice on matters of the heart or how to prevent dissatisfaction on their own harem, should the MC go the poly route. That said, a ruthless Monarch would also have much to gain from manipulating the consorts, potentially in an effort to secure their own standing.

As for the siblings, I love that there are so many and keep wondering if there are any conflicts amongst them? They have very different personalities which could clash. Are there some (friendly) rivalries? Who are they emotionally vulnerable/open to/with? Really, I'd love to have a moment where the Monarch is able to sit down with all of them and listen to what the four years were like for the siblings? There must have been so much helpless anger, so much anxiety and stress. Yes, Sahyra (and MC) got hit the hardest but that doesn't mean that the rest of the siblings were unaffected. But there also must have been little moments of joy snatched between all the darkness. Depending on the Monarch, I imagine they must be gladdened to hear about it all.

Which kind of answers your last question, what I'd like to see with the harem.

I am very glad to see that the closeness of the members of the harem is appreciated! I love large families and parenting done by multiple people so this was the ideal situation. MC will need all the support they can get, and the consorts might offer just that - after all they have always stood by your side.

The consorts surely have some valuable information for the monarch if they'd ask for it, and honestly they would be happy to help them regain control over what would have never been taken from them. But of course a manipulative monarch could also gain a lot from their knowledge and position with the servitude.

Oh, the siblings have their own dynamics for sure. For example, Cheyann and the twins have more than once end up in arguments over little things as they have both ended up becoming a bit aggressive over their things during the imprisonment by Dehyjr. Thenje, on the other side, became even more avoidant.

If your MC wants to get closer to the harem, there will definitely be small and tender moments between them - and along the way the consorts and kids might even talk to the monarch about what happened during those years they thought them dead.

[intcritus]

Fingers gentle in tracing over Itachi's scars, warmth under the moon and humid nights ring around the ears with soft thunks of bamboo shoots and pond decore. Babbling that wasn't irritating but calm enducing to even his mindscape. Fushimi merely watched as his lover slept in his presence, like the shadow stuck to his very feet, the beast in human skin still screamed beauty and deadliness in his slumber. Gentle with each caress and movement of his wide palm to tenderly release Itachi's hair from his loose ponytail, a habit of the Oni's, the larger of two merely continued to pet and pamper his mate.

Though his gaze did lift upon the door shuffling in near silence. The Mother of his beauty, merely checking in on them, it seemed and he couldn't help but smile with the tenderness of a smitten fool for her son. Mikoto, was a divine being in her own right, and like Fugaku, he felt pride and over the moon to have such a beauty alike, in his own arms. The words didn't need to be spoken, but the door shutting was enough to allow his focus to return to his love. Leaning down to blot out the stars so he could press his lips to his lover's temple and adjust himself to lie just beside him. / @nvrcmplt

mikoto knew that fushimi was the man for her son. though her approval ranked above the rest, it was obvious that the uchiha was quite taken with fushimi and his people. to her clansmen, they were family, that was how easily they settled into this chaotic family. it didn't matter that some of them were different, nope. even fugaku, who was the most stubborn man hadn't taken but a day to bond with one of them. clarence, what a lovely child he was. fugaku was a stability that he needed. kenta, oh, that one was her secret favorite. he was a mischievous child, but so generous in his helping with her errands around the compound. though, she always urged him to rest, no need for him to be on go when he was safe here.

fushimi though, she had witnessed a great deal between her son-in-law and her child. the love between them was palpable, even their gods had approved and blessed them repeatedly. a very rare occurence, but then she had grandchildren to fawn over and that in itself still made her giddy. her aim had been to check on them, especially after itachi and sasuke had had, what oleg had appropriately called the zoomies, and had tuckered themselves out.

chuckling quietly to herself, she slides the door to their room open, stopping in the doorway at the tender scene before her and even more so at fushimi's sweet smile. it makes her heart warm knowing her eldest son had encountered such a love that he sleeps so soundly. yes, she truly had all faith that her son was well-loved. and fushimi looks at her son like fugaku looks at her when he thinks she isn't looking. smiling fondly, she steps back and shuts the door, slanting her gaze at her husband.

❝ ━ did he eventually fall asleep ? ❞

fugaku grunts in response but even he can't hide the fondness and tenderness in his gaze. when his wife raises a brow, his shoulders slump, a faint grin, ❝ ━ it took a bit, but they're resting. wouldn't let me go for awhile. ❞

mikoto shares his grin, knowing that the growing bond between him and clarence was a delicate one but as far as the uchiha was concerned, clarence was one of them. ❝ ━ i'm glad, you enjoy being a father once more, don't you ? ❞

he shrugs, but the faint grin doesn't leave his features and he tugs his wife in close, kissing her forehead. there's no need to linger here, their child was in good hands, just as their other child was resting peacefully for the moment. family was everything to him as the patriarch, and it was finally complete and he was humbled by it. guess it was time for him to relax a little when it came to his children, but then he'll always want to protect them from the world and themselves. regardless, he's grateful that his oldest....ah, one worry assauged.

❝ ━ it's nice, isn't it ? there's so much to look forward to with our family expanded. they fit in quite wonderfully....❞ more gentle prattling fades with their parting footsteps, the moonlight casting a glow over the compound. and somewhere, being pestered by an immortal is sasuke, who is putting the older male into a chokehold, quietly calling him brother. what a good night....

[ohjustkreat]

Closing the Distance

A Shuri x Riri Fanfic

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A/N: Hi everyone! Not much to say other than thank you! As always, Enjoy!- Kreat

Table of contents

Available on AO3/Wattpad (Kreat)

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Chapter 16

"Okay, babe, I think that's everything. I'll have the rest of my stuff shipped over."

Various packing supplies scattered the almost empty dorm room. The earlier part of the couple's day was filled with tying up Riri's loose ends. The day had passed in blur.

"Hey, did you talk with your professors? I know your final exams are approaching." Shuri still felt some ping of guilt knowing her girlfriend's leaving was partially her fault. She thought the least she could do was make sure Riri was okay academically.

"Oh, uh, yea. None of them seem to have a problem with me taking my exams proctored online. I don't think they're worried about me passing anyways." Riri let out a soft chuckle.

"I don't think so either." Shuri placed the box she was holding down. Closing the space between them, she pulled Riri in for a kiss. "Come on, let's finish cleaning this up. Ayo and Aneka should be here soon."

Riri sighed as she started cleaning up the scraps and bits of trash around the dorm. " You'd think I'd feel some type of way about leaving but I'm actually , I don't know, glad. It just feels like a fresh start. Somewhere from all of this."

"Mm, why's that?" Shuri questioned.

"A new start? Things were kind of getting boring here. Before you got here anyways. Guess I got kind of spoiled after being in Wakanda." Riri laughs.

"Funny how I just wanted to escape from there." Shuri responded. She had tried to keep thoughts of her homeland in the back of her mind. The events of the last year were like fresh wounds, still tender to the touch and painful.

'I'm kinda glad you did." Riri said, a sly smile growing on her face as she began to walk towards Shuri.

"Is that so?" Shuri said, biting her lip in anticipation as supple lips inched towards her own.

"Mhm." Riri answered, this time it was her who pulled Shuri's face, stealing a kiss.

Just as they were about to deepen it, the door swung open.

"I hope we're not interrupting?" Ayo's unexpected voice surged through the couple causing them to jump away from each other.

"Bast!" Shuri shouted.

"Damn, could y'all knock or something?" Riri asked, now slightly frustrated.

Aneka laughed, "We suspected this would be funnier."

"And we were right. Now, are you all packed and ready? We need to leave soon." Ayo said, still smiling.

"Yea, I think we're ready." Riri answered.

"Any word from Okoye?" Anxiety clung onto Shuri's words as she questioned Ayo.

"Not yet. It's been radio silent. I'm sure we will find out more information once we arrive."

"I'd prefer knowing the situation before landing, but I guess we have no choice. Thank you, Ayo." Shuri was becoming frustrated at the lack of knowledge at her hand. It always seemed as if she were in the dark.

Sensing her girlfriend's frustrations. Riri started to draw her fingers across Shuri's back. The small efforts proved successful as she felt her girlfriend relax under her touch.

"Can we have a second? We'll be down in a moment." Riri asked Ayo and Aneka.

"Okay. Someone will have your things shipped, Riri if Shuri has not told you. We'll be waiting in the car."

"Thank you, again." Riri responded.

Ayo and Aneka let themselves out, leaving the couple in the dorm.Shuri pulled riri into her arms, taking the moment in. Her voice broke the bittersweet silence first. "It's always something. I'm glad I have you though. And I just want to say I'll do my best to support you as you,uhm, as we, step into this new chapter of our lives together. I'm not sure what we're about to step into, but I'm by your side every step of the way."

Riri felt tears threaten to spill from her eyes. "Babe, don't make me cry. Thank you. For always being so supportive. And for always being there for me. I'm excited about this next step. And relax, everything is going to work out Okay? " Riri received only a nod from Shuri. "I love you, Shuri."

"I love you, too, Ri."Shuri grabbed her tighter, not wanting to let go. Even if the dorm was small, any distance between them was too much in Shuri's eyes.

"Alright, enough sweet talk, we gotta go." Reluctance laced her voice, as she wished she could stay in Shur's arms forever.

"Fine." Shuri rooted her eyes as she went to help Riri grab the few bags she was actually taking with her.

As they headed out of the dorm building, Riri stopped. Thinking to herself, she took a minute to take in the fact that she was really leaving. She was grateful for all the university ahd to offer. And this wouldn;t be the last time, just a goodbye for now. Not only was she leaving the university, but also the safe haven Riri and herself had created. A space that was only for them. Oftentimes she found herself contemplating how Shuri and herself would navigate the world they faced. One that wasn't built for them and seemed as if it had turned their backs on them.

"You good, Ri?" Shuri wore a puzzled look, she could tell her girlfriend was thinking about something. She was lost in her thoughts.

Riri snapped out of her thoughts as she turned around, her eyes falling on Shuri's. "Yea, babe I'm good. Let's head out." Riri grabbed Shuri's hand with her free one and they made their way across the campus to the parking garage.

"Look who decided to join us." Ayo sarcasm cut through the frigid air with a warm sense of familiarity.

"Are you always this impatient?" A small smile played on Riri's face as she approached the warrior.

"Only when we have business to attend to." Ayo responded jokingly as she took the bags Riri and Shuri carried, loading them into the vehicle.

Both Riri and Shuri rolled their eyes at Ayo's usual antics as they proceeded to get settled into the SUV. Once everything was loaded into the trunk, the group began on the first part of their journey.

As city lights turned to starry skies and buildings turned to trees and forests, a feeling of calmness took over the group as well. Conversation was traded for silence, as Shuri and Riri cuddled each other in the backseat. Ayo held Aneka's hand from her seat in the front. The wind howled outside as a cold front had been settling in the days before. Coming upon the side road to the safe house, the calmness quickly slipped from the air. A sense of uncertainty taking its place. The vehicle came to a stop once it reached the cement floors of the safe house.

As Riri stepped out into the cold air, she bit back a laugh. Shuri threw her a confused look.

"At some point, you need to fix that desk."

Shuri rolled her eyes before responding, "Unfortunately that won't be any time soon."

"Yea. And I don't think we're catching that Bull's game anytime soon either."

"Full of jokes tonight are we?"

"Just trying to lighten the mood. Your mind seems to be in another place. Somewhere I can't find."

"I don't know. I guess I'm just worried, But we can talk about that on the way. I think they're almost done loading. We should probably go ahead and board."

"If you say so. Come on, let's go." Riri knew better than to push Shuri when it came to her emotions. Her usual sarcastic and hardened self she portrayed fooled many, except Riri. Riri thought of Shuri as her favorite book No matter how many times she read it, there was always something new she discovered. A new piece of information that only made her love for the Wakandan grow.

Boarding the plane, Shuri gave one last glance through the window of the Royal Ralon. She had

been so concerned about Riri, she had failed to think of what her role in all of this was. Returning to Wakanda meant facing all the things she had been trying to escape. In her short time here, Riri had taught her how to care again. Her heart had been hardened by the trauma's of the world, but were softened by Riri's warmth. Shuri had come to learn that no matter how far she ran, her problems would follow her. And rather in the physical world or her nightmares, she was learning how to not face them alone. So long had she been isolated and confined in the realm of her family, relationships outside of that weren't a necessity. Her work had been her only priority.Yet her family was gone; her throne taken. What did she have left? Who did she have left? She realized that in running away from loneliness, she found the answer to these questions. She found them in Riri. Shuri glanced at Riri who was scrolling through her phone.

"Is everyone prepared for take off?" Aneka said at the controls, pulling Shuri out of her trance like state. Receiving a nod from everyone, Aneka pulled at the controls until the airship was out of the safe house and onto the makeshift air strip. Once in the air, Ayo and Aneka talked quietly amongst themselves. Occasionally, Ayo would throw a glance at her other passengers. At some point both Riri and Shuri had fallen asleep, Shuri's head resting on top of Riri's. Who was nestled into Shuri's side, her head on Shuri's shoulder.

"Did you hear how Okoye sounded? Something's off. Something she did not feel comfortable talking about over the phone." Aneka sighed as she put the ship on auto-pilot and turned to face Ayo.

"I am not sure what is going on. We should be getting more details soon. Let's just get there first." Ayo responded as she grabbed Aneka's hand, squeezing it tenderly.

"You're right. I think I'm going to get some rest. We should be arriving soon. Would you mind taking the controls?" Aneka asked as she stretched and got up from her seat.

"Of course, my love. Get some rest." Ayo switched seats.Sitting down, she took the ship off of autopilot. She wasn't sure if they were nerves or excitement that pulsed through her as their destination became closer. She didn't let that stop her from navigating the ship through the sky. Once in view, those same feelings returned. As she landed the ship, she heard movement behind her.

"I guess we're here." Shuri's raspy voice broke through the quiet ship.

"Home sweet home, Shuri." Ayo called out from her seat.

Moments later, Riri and Aneka woke up as well. Not being able to sleep through the ship's descent or their girlfriend's talking.

"We're here babe." Shuri said, rubbing Riri's back who was not fully awake.

"Shuri, what time is it?" Riri asked, still full of sleep.

"Sometime in the morning. Come on. Let's go so we can figure out what the hell is going on." Shuri responded.

Shuri's feet touched the green grass surrounding the airfield. Almost as soon as everyone one had unboarded, they heard the sound of marching in the distance. Looking out into the field, they saw teh Dora Milaje come into view. Their red suits illuminated by the sun. Okoye in front, leading them to meet the party. Approaching the group, they stopped not too far from them and gave the infamous salute. Everyone but Riri returned the salute. Riri made a mental note to ask Shuri if that was something she should be doing.

"Shuri, it is so good to have you back and in good health." Okoye said, dropping her arms.

"At ease." She barked the command at the warriors.

"It is good to be back." Shuri responded, embracing Okoye.

"And it is good to see you again, iIron Heart." She added, offering Riri a warm smile.

"Thank you for welcoming me. It is an honor to be here again." Riri replied.

"I hate to cute this reunion short, but M'baku had requested your audience in the throne room. He saw the Talcon when it landed."

Shuri looked at Riri who looked worried. "It's fine, babe. I might as well get this over with. Okoye, will you have the rest of the Dora Milaje escort Riri to our quarters? And you can take me that over-sized Gorilla." Shuri commanded more than asking, a look of determination now in her eyes.

Riri had noticed the power shift. She sensed it the moment they had stepped off of the Royal Talon. Shuri had stepped back into her leadership role. Her entire aura was different, stronger. As if her homeland had been tied to her strength. Riri knew it wasn't the time, but seeing her girlfriend in this light only made her more attracted to Shuri.

"You ready, Ri?" Shuri asked, pulling Riri out of her thoughts.

"What, oh , uh, yea,babe. Sorry, just taking all of this in. I'll see you later?" Riri asked.

"Of course. This shouldn't take too long." Shuri pulled Riri in for a kiss, not caring about their audience at the moment.

"Everything's going to be okay. And I'll be waiting for you when you're done,okay?" Riri said as she broke their kiss and stepped away to join the Dora Milaje.

"Okay. See you soon." Shuri turned away and began to follow Okoye.

"Now, let's go see what we're dealing with." Shuri's face hardened as she began walking towards the city and onwards towards the palace. She only received a nod from Okoye who was walking with a new sense of pride after having her leader return.

As they approached the city, they were met with cheers and shouts. The return of their beloved Black Panther had caused such celebration. Not concerned with the antics, although grateful, Shuri continued with Okoye by her side. Never stopping to interact with her fellow citizens. There would be time for celebration, but that time wasn't now. Coming to the palace steps, Shuri felt the threats of anger boiling under her skin. Just the mere sight of the palace bought back still tender memories. Making their way inside, Shuri quickly found her way to the throne room. As angry as she was, she was also impatient. Standing outside, she waited until the throne doors were opened. Once the doors opened and M'baku came into sight, she had to fight her emotions. The sight of him on her throne, her family's throne, it enraged her.

"Ah, Welcome back little panther." M'baku said coyly.

"Don't call me that. What are you doing on my throne?" Shuri spat out, walking towards the throne. Before she could get to the steps, she was met with the spears of his warriors.

"Ah, she is fine. Let her pass. And leave us. Close the doors as well."

M'baku instructed his men. He watched as they hesitantly lowered their weapons and walked out the throne room.

"Start talking, M'baku." Shuri demanded.

"I had to be sure we were alone first." M'baku's voice was filled with a concerning tone, one Shuri wasn't familiar with. Standing up from his seat, he made his way towards Shuri."The elders do not think you are fit to be the Queen or the Black Panther. Shuri, they wanted to kill you. And they wanted me to do it. In combat. For the throne."

Shuri pulled away from him in shock. "So that's why you-"

"Yes, if I challenged you while you were gone it was forfeit. But Shuri, that's not all. They want to strip you of Black Panther as well. I'm on your side, and I will do what I can do to protect you. I promised your mother that. But I need you to keep this quiet until I have more time. Until we have more time. I don't know what they are planning, but it's big."

Shuri was still in shock.

"Shuri say something?"

"What do you expect me to say. I need some time. We will talk about this later." Shuri said, responding the best way she knew how.

"Fine. Meet me later tonigh. Outside te city walls. You know where." M'baku said.

"Hm, of course you would pick that spot. And fine. I'll see you tonight. Don't make me regret this M'baku."

"You have my word. Now go before someone starts to get suspicious. The elders seem to have eyes and ears everywhere. Be careful, I'm not sure who we can trust." M'baku Shuri a nod.

Shuri didn't respond as she gave M'baku a nod in response and exited the throne room.

What had she just come back to?

[sarastuss]

THE SWEET MUSIC SURROUNDS : the royal promenade of 𝚄𝙻'𝙳𝙰𝙷 full of life! 𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, ━━━━ people chattering, familiar faces spotted within the crowd. RADIANT SMILE UPON LUSH LIPS, to have all enjoy this moment of 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 ... for this moment, duty does not weight heavy on anyones shoulders. SHE SENSES HIS PRESENCE, something she would not get wrong even midst all this crowd. ( she had asked him to join, &. she can not deny the warmth in her chest. ) ... not when he stood beside her now, 𝐈𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐒, 𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑! ( you are sure to light up the room, hero. ) perhaps her eyes can do the speaking, as she looks up at him ━━━━ for so many things brew upon her tongue, but she can't settle on what to say. BUT THEN SPARK OF MISCHIEF FLASHES WITHIN HER HUES, she feels the gentle beat of the music, ❝ come with me. ❞ &. quick as ever, her fingers wrap around his hand, 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐈𝐌 through the crowd.

@godcell did i just agree to dance?

ANGELIC LAUGH SLIPS PAST NYX LIPS : she does not seize her movements, ... 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑! she knows if he wished, he could free himself from her tender grasp ━━━━ how glad she finds herself that he does not. ❝ perhaps, ❞ A TEASE LACES HONEYED TONE, her smile never fading. she reaches her goal, &. they find themselves outside, the music quieter, but heard. 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐒𝐊𝐘 ━━━━ sarastus turns swiftly on her heels, facing him now. one arm upon his shoulder, other taking his, &. guiding it slightly upwards, ❝ we deserve to celebrate properly too, don't you think? ❞ &. eyes glimmering, from joy, &. from the starlight.

[zorkaya-moved]

❛   i like myself better when i’m with you.  ❜   - gojo :3

@pyreign

Gojo Satoru was a clingy man, a confident man, a loud man, a terribly lonely man. She hoped that he was lonely only in the past, not that he remained lonely now. The power above all granted one the ability to stand above all, but it also put one on a pedestal that'll continue to isolate them. Zarina was isolated by upbringing and - partially - by choice, her powers and her being the descendant of Russia's most powerful curse continued to keep her away from the crowd, humanity being eaten away by frigid apathy and deathly grip of Mother Winter's wails. Satoru Gojo, on the other hand, was the strongest of all. A human with a power akin to gods. He was beloved by Heavens and feared by Hell, a human who perfectly balanced between godhood and mortality. A man who was one in the world, a unique case, but so distant and so isolated by the society he was surrounded by. He could be obnoxious, he could be louder than thunder, he laughed when he wanted to cry or step aside, he had many qualities and vices inside him... like any human would. So painfully human, so beautifully mortal. 

Zarina smiled at him. He was honest; he was so honest through his touch and his presence. They had grown closer, closer than ever expected. The two strongest. She remembered how she saw him before: I'm glad Gojo Satoru was born. It was so twisted, so cruel, so cold. Who knew her opinion of him would... No, it didn't change. She was glad he was born. She was glad he was born because now they were here and together. They were living in the same time, in the same moment, in the same second. Their heart beat in unison, reminding them both that they're alive and well. How strange. Sokolova never expected to look at someone with such unhidden warmth and gentleness yet have that strength still behind. 

No one loved the Frigid Moon before him, not by full choice. And not everyone enjoyed her company. However, Satoru said he liked who he was with her. Certain people would put it down as they liked themselves better compared to this apathetic witch's behavior and acting; scheming was in her blood. Gojo didn't make it sound like that. It made him sound tender, sweet, and genuine. Whenever he would show such a side to himself, her heart would melt. There was no need for teasing and for laughter; there was only a need to let him know that she appreciated him and everything he represented. 

"I liked you even before you've had me in your life," she says but wishes to elaborate more. Zarina doesn't enjoy stopping when she can express the affections that swell inside her chest, her heart, her soul. "I love you whole." She brings her hand up to cup his cheek, eyes of ichor shining warmly when looking into his eyes of the clearest and brightest sky. "Your moments of distance because I know you'll come back, your moments of clinginess because I know you let me see you and hold you, your moments when you laugh a bit too loud when you find something absolutely hilarious even if others don't, your moments when you make everyone's lives a living nightmare through jokes and your unyielding confidence." Her thumb caresses his skin. His virtues and his vices, she loves them all. "I adore those moments when you make yourself at home at my apartment, even before we got together. I adore the moments when you show such precious and human emotions while being around me. And... I adore it when you let me be this close to you." His trust is essential, and so is his well-being. He lets her hold him, he lets her love him, he lets her remain by his side. "I will never walk behind you, Satoru. I'll always walk right by your side. Stubborn or not, strongest or not, a human will always require a companion by their side."

Zarina then boops his nose with her index finger, her melodic laughter ringing in the room as she looks at him like he's everything she ever wished for more and more. Because he was. He was everything to her. Her Sun, her Sky, her Love, her Soul. Her life, her dream. Her humanity.

"I like myself more when I'm with you as well," she confesses and her tenderness is still as evident as always when it comes to such important topics when warmth blossoms between them. Warmth, not heat. Not desire, but yearning and adoration. "You've shown me... that even I can be warm and I can care for you so tenderly. Thank you... for loving me and letting me love you."

It's strange. Such heavy conversations were expected to be awful, heavy, and hard to go through. They laughed in the face of danger, and they put on masks for reasons that were all too different. One was so painfully human and forced to let his ego become one of a hero, protecting the world behind him. The other? The other pretended to be more human just so someday her lies could become a reality, snow melted beneath the brightest Sun. 

As you are the honored one, she thinks. I'm the one who'll equal all.

[gotatext]

JUDE & ROMI — DAY TWENTY-NINE.

location : bedroom.

time : first thing in the morning.

featuring :  romi  /  @romistav

𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲𝘆.

first morning waking up in the villa, and he’s got romi in his bed. honestly, not bad going, considering how up and down the two of them seemed to be yesterday, although he’s hoping that the up and down beneath the sheets made up for that. so far, jude’s basically been romi’s walking dildo without much in the way of pay back, but he doesn’t mind it that way. he’s the one who’s got to graft, after all, and it helps that he’s a giver. when he stirs, he can’t tell what time it is, only that his hand is thrown over romi’s waist and their heads against his chest. for a moment, he doesn’t move, trying to gauge if romi’s awake before he ruins this tender moment by opening his mouth, his hand sliding gingerly down their side to see if they stir.

romi v.

it feels pretty silly now that they were making such a fuss about not wanting to share a bed with anyone on the first night but it was something they think they would have held themselves to had they not shared that moment after the challenge and the mess in the pool. to romi, it is still rather shocking that he apologized to them. they managed to get a few hours of sleep between charlene's antics and the second apology he gave them during the night. they were aware of his arms around them the whole time or the way they would turn and it'd be them pressing up behind him. now, they've been awake for a couple of minutes but they're enjoying paying attention to the pattern of his breathing too much to disturb him. it doesn't take long before they feel him shift, the gliding of his hand producing slight goosebumps on their skin. romi turns slowly so that they're laying on their back now, securing his arm around them still, gaze meeting his. "good morning." she reaches out to trail her fingers along his jaw.

𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲𝘆.

eyes still closed, romi’s presence comes to him by touch and sound alone, their fingers on his jaw, their whispered voice against his ear. he’s a heavy sleeper, would spend his whole life lazing in bed if he could, an avid supporter of the four o’clock nap, even when he’s at work. he doesn’t speak, just lets out a groan, rolling over to cover romi with his entire body weight for a second, before slumping back down beside them. “hiya. sleep okay?” he’s fucking wrecked, not even sure he can do another day of eat sleep graft repeat, but considering he’s woken up with his number one bird in his bed, he’s not even sure he needs to. “can we not… get up right now. i kinda just wanna stay here and snuggle.” is romi a snuggler? he should probably have established that before spooning them all night. his hands fasten around their hips to pull them closer, his eyes still pinched shut when his mouth searches for romi’s in the dark.

romi v.

a smile spreads across their face as he brings his body over to spread on top of them, ready to playfully shove him off but he's already done that himself in an instant. "i slept alright." they move their head closer to him, hoping that's enough indication that if they didn't sleep great it wasn't because of anything he did. they're glad that jude isn't a bright and early morning person because neither are they. truth be told, they'd be more than happy to spend the entire day just laying there with him. "we don't have to get up at all." as if production would let them get away with that. their hand comes down from caressing his face to rest on his chest. romi only hesitates for a moment, more to do with the fact that they had just woken up, before turning enough to meet his lips with their own. they didn't expect this to be how they would be waking up their second night of casa but they're certainly not complaining, there's a certain level of excitement they feel at the prospect of getting to spend another day by his side. they pull away only enough to be able to talk, their lips still mere inches from his. "we can just stay here all day and i can keep kissing you."

𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲𝘆.

“alright?” jude repeats, incredulous, put out, humbled.  “only alright? jesus christ, tonight i best be pulling out my magic tricks to entertain you before bed tonight then, bloody hell.”  he’s not actually joking about the magic tricks, but when he’d told naomi he was pretty good at sleight of hand she'd told him that was a massive fucking ick to literally anyone who jude would consider actually datable, so probably best not to bring that up until the ring was on the finger and the only way out was like, major legal fees, at which point leaving him would probably be more of a faff than it’s worth. his hand tangles through romi’s hair as they draw their heads closer, forehead to forehead as he gathers them in his arms. it feels pretty fucking domestic to be waking up in a bed with romi, kissing despite the morning breath, bodies already winding back together. not that he’s complaining. he’s done domestic. he’s done the whole live-in-girlfriend scenario that borders on toxic when your lives become completely inseparable from each other. he’s the version of himself he likes the most when he has someone to take care of, someone to protect, but he gets just as easily jealous and possessive and falls victim to cold feet and a wandering eye. but is it even worth thinking about the multiple ways in which this could go wrong when he’s got a week tops to entertain the possibility of it going right?  “staying here and having you kiss me all day sounds pretty fucking tasty, i won’t lie, romes.”  one hand slides around the back of her head to draw her lips back against his, his other hand tugs at the duvet, drawing it up over their faces to keep the overhead lights out. fuck wearing sunglasses at this time. "won't you get hungry?"

[lightcreators]

@moonshinemuses​

Misty  times  that  had  erupted  from  a  particular  chessboard  had  never  ended:  nor  that  mist  made  future  prospects  complicated,  where  a  constant  presence  hadn’t  been  enough  to  hold  a  king  slowly  decaying  in  his  distress;  nor  rain  of  suffering  to  which  a  meeting  in  a  chessboard  of  a  persistent  rain  had  left  no  light.  Perhaps  it  was  due  to  this  habit  ingrained  for  years  now,  in  this  long  period  of  a  rivalry  on  high  spheres  in  which  he  had  played  role  of  a  mastermind,  that  he  offered  an  amused  smile.  A  present  temptation  to  use  sarcastic  sentences,  to  assert  mimics  of  derision,  to  take  advantage  of  this  short  moment  to  engulf  himself  in  playfulness  appear  on  his  lips,  which  were  simply  closed  in  a  simple  smirk.  The  Underground  always  had  been  lonely  without  her,  and  he  passed  so  many  centuries  removed  of  her  presence  old  habits  no  longer  managed  to  show  through  as  before  …  replaced  themselves  by  others  customs  anchored  inside  his  behavior,  to  which  open  echo  of  his  heart  was  an  expression  known  only  to  her  …  and  of  the  kid  whose  keen  gaze  he  could  neither  avoid  nor  his  spectacular  comprehension  of  his  noble  self  in  every  corner.  Inside  ancient  times,  when  barriers  of  his  heart  had  been  untouched  and  never  damaged,  perception  of  that  latent  sadness  wouldn’t  endlessly  controlled  for  be  less  guessed.  That  part  of  himself  that  he  lose,  that  fragmented  lock  which  he  had  rendered  unreachable except  for  his  Queen  had  been  forcibly  destroyed  could  never  find  sufficient  healing  or  strong  protection to  be  reassured  on  guarantee  of  the  lock  installed:  he  had  in  his  concerns  of  this  immortal  and  a  worrying  look  of  witches,  without  feeling  any  relief.  Though,  not  everything  was  about  responsabilities,  when  his  mind  couldn’t  hardly  wander.  He  had  always  eyes  about  evolution  of  Lelouch  vi  Britannia  path,  when  regardless  absence  of  an  presence  and  constant  mocking  voice  in  his  ears,  he  remained  that  silent  presence  protecting  him  from  danger,  but  couldn’t  remove  this  guilt  eating  him  within  except  to  be  this  compassionate  shoulder  whose  tender  affection  he  would  refuse  even  now.  He  was  unable  to  temporarily  forget  the  kid  in  his  thoughts,  to  whom  his  trust  was  becoming  hesitant  on  any  magnificent  display  he  could  honor  his  presence,  and  feared  that  he  would  see  him  again  considering  the  Underground  as  a  holiday  club  in  which  he  could  do  anything  he  wanted  —  like  sitting  on  his  throne  when  he  was  away  or  risking  mocking  Thanatos.  Beyond  having  to  think  of  this  kid  in  a  broad  perspective  his  divine  reassurance  brought  little  results  —  between  constant  thoughts  of  fear  of  being  ignored,  and  occasional  remarks  in  distortion  of  his  behavior  in  grudge  of  sensation  of  having  been  forgotten  …    ❝  Here  you  are  again  at  home  ~ ☆  ❞  He  welcomed  her  playfully  and  brightfully,  even  if  he  sensed  his  hues  of  joy  were  more  measured  and  still  had  heaviness  of  his  pain.    ❝  We’ve  waited  long  enough  for  this  moment,  haven’t  we  ?    ❞  He  asked  rhetorically.  For  a  brief  moment,  germination  of  an  idea  of  a  party  appeared  in  his  mind,  nevertheless  had  lost  that  urge  for  a  long  time,  to  be  suddenly  resurrected  in  an  occassion  …  however,  although  it  seemed  plausible  in  the  means,  these  fragments  of  illusions  would  shatter  further.  In  front  of  her,  he  could  allow  himself  a  pout  of  displeasure  at  realization  that  he  wouldn’t  be  able  to  be  all  smiles  at  a  party  —  although  that  dark  world  of  the  Underground  would  have  a  temporary  enchanted  opening.  Although  the  kid  knew  how  to  give  Halloween  honor  by  giving  bloody  candies  to  a  certain  Witch  of  Origins  to  whom  the  witches  laughter  of  approval  was  an  macabre  melody  …  Sometimes  he  considered  this  as  an  indirect  praise  to  his  honor  from  this  kid,  even  if,  unfortunately,  his  amused  observatory  had  received  some  aftereffects  from  his  little  games.    ❝  I’m  glad  you  came  to  enjoy  your  husband’s  company~  I  was  ready  to  throw  you  a  party  to  light  up  the  Underground  a  bit,  however  I  doubt  I  have  right  mood  for  it  …  well,  I  didn’t  no  desire  to  have  to  justify  myself  to  Hypnos  and  Thanatos  again.  Recently,  express  requests  haven’t  stopped,  it’s  so  endless  that  I  prefer  to  distort  that  pressure.  He’s  the  kid  out  there,  he  needs  my  attention  twenty-four  hours  a  day  in  his  time.    ❞

[elysialm]

“ even morsels of affection are like feasts to a starved soul.  ” from ayato !

@metsurisen

It seemed strange to hear such words from the renowned and noble head of the Kamisato clan. He reminded her of a star shining in the sky, leading others forward. Politics and such business was so familiar to her, it almost made her chuckle from nostalgia. Even here, in Teyvat, all was about politics for those who were strong and who had power in their palms. But even then, this power could become a cage that will change countless people, no matter how strong they were.

Elysia would show him an understanding and a kind smile, holding the cup of a green tea carefully between her palms. The warmth radiating from it soothed her soul and made her wonder about just how tender it felt to be within the Kamisato estate. Ayaka was such a kind-hearted girl and her older brother - Ayato - was just as lovable. Their parents raised them well, it can be felt and seen through their looks and through their behaviors. It made her smile to herself more often than not, finding beauty in the time of silence simply because she was connecting dots of magnificence from the past of this land. It was beautiful on its own, pertaining the eternity of purple and pink - similar to the Archon of Inazuma and the certain pink haired miko from the Narukami shrine. She enjoyed this land, its tranquility and its rumbling beneath said tranquility, the calm before storm and the storm itself.

This is why upon Ayato's words does her gaze soften. Does he wish for the same treatment as others or is he comfortable where he is? She's heard of the tale how he ascended to where he is, through hard work and diligence alongside wit beyond his age. It makes her think of Kevin, how a young boy was thrust into the battle to become the beacon and the symbol of fight against Honkai. Kamisato's leader isn't Kevin, he isn't, not even close, but that's what makes him so uniquely different and wonderful as well. Elysia chuckles softly before taking a sip of her warm tea. It's bitter, but the sweets provided to her were so sweet that it was a perfect combination.

" Are you a starved soul, too, Ayato? " The maiden tilts her head to the side. People who stand atop of the power pyramid might become lonely, isolated, silent. This is why no matter the status, Elysia's love remained unconditional and her affections were genuine and true despite others' thoughts and views. Her teasing smile reappears as she continues. " I have a lot of affection to give! You don't have to be shy and just say it. No matter how dignified and high-ranked you are, one such as yourself should not deny wishing for warmth. That's why I - Elysia - the adorable Miss Pink Elf, will be more than happy to share my affections with you! "

It's undeniable that what she says is true, looking straight at the other without a hint of hesitation or doubt. The one who sits before the Kamisato's clan head is none other than the so-called goddess of unconditional and true love, a warmth extended towards others without any malice. The mischief and teasing would be present once in a while, well, most of the time. It's always fun to watch others, to see them smile or laugh or move forward. The determination in everyone's gaze... It makes her feel hopeful, happy, honored even. Honor from bearing witness to such a magnificent sight.

" I'm glad that you took some time off to have tea with me! Sitting in the office is not good for you, no matter how important a job is, " For a moment, her voice reigns the serious note but it quickly dissipates. Her mind returns to Mobius and MEI, to those who would close themselves for hours and sometimes drive themselves to exhaustion. It's not a happy sight, not filled with blossoms of life. She wishes not to see a life so vibrant to wither away in a short moment, Ayato was still young and had so much ahead of him. " If you ever starve for affection, while I am here, don't hesitate to call! Hehe, I won't tell anyone~ Actually, how about this? I'll help you deal with the ronin and you let me give you affection! I want that type of reward, any other compensation just doesn't sound fun at all. "

She truly only wishes to do this, huh? Poor Kamisato Ayato, having to deal with such a bubbly and energetic maiden who doesn't seem to be bothered over the words she chooses. After all, she speaks her mind without missing a beat - such pristine approach.