#territorial male nonsense

[sweetsaladpainterranch]

The Rival (Part 2)

(Summary: Alastor sought to possess one of the only does in Pentagram City for the rut season, however, you wanted a mate, not a master. But what happens when a handsome new buck shows up one day and tries to capture your attention away from the Radio Demon. Who will you choose?)

Hey, so here is part two as promised (I rewrote it like 40 times 😅) please continue keep in mind that it's just practice for a beginner's writing class

***

Alastor POV

GOD, DAMN HIM ALL OVER AGAIN! How dare this bastard come into HIS territory and make eyes at HIS adorable doe. And how could Charlie, the naïve ninny, allow this…this interloper into their hotel as a guest? Going as far as to prevent him from watering the front lawn with the other male’s blood (and perhaps impaling his head on the entrance gate) in warning for any other foolish would-be usurper. He felt that the spice garden could use some Canadian reindeer mulch.

 Alastor couldn’t help but feel he was behind the eight ball thanks to his agreement with the Princess to not lay a finger on any who sought the hotel’s services; however, she even placed the rake next to your room. It seemed like she expected you to show him around and ensure he acclimated to the new environment without issue. To be a friend to this new guest. Was there no end to Charlie’s flagrant disrespect?!

You had had to walk him down to breakfast once because he had gotten “lost” in the hallways and ended up “accidentally” darkening your door asking for assistance. However Alastor knew it was intentional on the misguided reindeer’s part. It was as if James thought he could capture your heart within the span of a five-minute walk to the lobby. Nonsense. But, Alastor noticed how you sported a slight blush when you rejoined the others, with the newest guest in tow by the hand, in response to whatever inane attempt at charm he had thrown your way.

If the flannel fiend wished for a duel, Alastor would gladly oblige.

He had made certain that his precious doe’s hotel door frame was properly marked with scoring from his antlers and his shadow insisted on being posted on guard at night in case of any “lost” reindeer. This didn’t seem to bother you, as your instincts most likely told you to let the males fight it out, so he continued his pissing contest. For instance, no matter where you were, so was Alastor. He continuously shirked his hotel duties in favor of gluing himself to you and if he wasn’t (very publicly) rubbing against your neck or hair to leave traces of his heavy musk, and attempting to jump-start your heat with his pheromones, he was feeding you from the same plate as himself or whispering sweet words into your sensitive ears.

Oh yes, he saw with satisfaction how your ears twitched in contact with his warm breath and how you shivered slightly at his honeyed words of love. He also didn’t miss the glare that the Canadian continuously shot towards him, and aimed a shit-eating grin of his own right back, as you once again unconsciously relaxed into Alastor’s side.

***

Oh yes, The Radio Demon was absolutely certain that HIS doe would choose HIM as the superior mating option like she did every season over the trash that begged for a mere glance from her direction. HE was the one who always provided protection for her during this fragile time. HE always saw to her meals and ensured her nutrition as is the responsibility of the courting male. And HE was the one who you harbored romantic feelings for.

…Those same warm feelings that slept within him as well…

Alastor tried to shut the thought down before his mind strangled itself in a black cloud of doubt. To say that he was wholly unfamiliar with genuine romance, even throughout his many decades in Hell, was an understatement.

He huffed heavily through his nose.

Carmilla better have a good reason for dragging him away from his territory at such a time. As he begrudgingly made his way to the overlord meeting, Couldn't look weak during a season now could he? Alastor reflected on the last time he had allowed his heart to open itself for another long ago. It ended in his technological "friend" nearly voiding him to make a quick buck.

 …Never again…

 It certainly didn’t help his mood that the start of the rut season was ever hot on Alastor’s heels, but he could only wait for his pheromones to trigger his doe’s heat so every second away from you felt frustratingly wasted. He wondered if your body was taking longer than usual in response to the multiple suitors.

…What if she’s with him…

He shook his head as if trying to forcefully repel the vision of you accepting the other male’s advances. Laughing at James’s crude sense of humor turning into allowing him to drift ever closer to you and eventually seizing his chance to- no, his doe would never betray him.

...She's not mine...

It felt like a stone had settled in the pit of Alastor’s stomach at the thought of you being moved even emotionally by another. Ok fine! He was not the most romantically inclined during the rest of the year, but it wasn’t like you weren’t well aware of this relationship's transaction.

…What if she throws me away too?...

Alastor’s grip nearly broke his cane in half, but he didn’t notice in his shock at such an intrusive thought. She’d never reject him. He remembered how it felt like the whole of Hell suddenly stopped spinning the moment he found you hunched and bloody from defending yourself after an entire herd of bucks had stalked and cornered you in an alleyway. He normally never went out during a rut (can’t let anyone see his body’s weakness) but, even from the hotel, he had smelled something too alluring to ignore. A doe in heat.

Alastor thought you were magnificent in your demon form; legs bent like an actual cervid, claws sharp as knives, and covered in the blood of those filthy bucks who tried to take you by force. Even now the image continues to take his breath away.  

…I know her heart needs more…what if I …

No, that is not what this agreement is. You used him and he used you. Just like every other lost soul in Hell, you were leveraging your Satan-given circumstance to better your situation under his powerful allowances. Romance was merely a tool at best and a distraction at worst (Alastor tried to convince himself).

…What if her body chooses the other male’s pheromones…

He stopped dead in his tracks, just a short distance from the Carmine compound, as the surrounding windows shattered, and nearby demons fled from the intensity of his sudden static outburst. He felt his antlers grow and his bones shift in the fury that overcame him at the image of you held under the other man. Keening and gasping James’s name in your desperation to find relief from your heat. A loud snarl escaped him. Dammit! He never should have left her!

…What if his name is on her lips right now??!...

 Alastor had never phased through the shadows so fast in his afterlife.

***

Your POV

The kiss ended as quickly as it had begun once you felt yourself suddenly pulled into a suffocating nothingness, you opened your eyes to see that James was being violently shaken around in the air like a ragdoll. Only then did the blood in your ears stop pounding long enough for you to hear the sharp screeching of a ruined record and the overwhelming sensation of staticky pinpricks uncomfortably all over your body. Your instincts kicked in and you immediately scanned the yard for the cause of the disruption though you already knew its source as Alastor’s shadow was winding around your body protectively, but also in a restraining manner.

Your eyes searched for Alastor and found him, standing in between you and the flailing reindeer, to be almost unrecognizable in the most demonic appearance you have ever seen him and it broke your heart. Shit, he must have seen James kiss you and maybe even heard what you two had discussed. His body was completely stretched out and bent at impossible angles as he laughed manically at his rough treatment of James and snarled wildly, “HOW DARE YOU LAY YOUR FILTHY HANDS ON MY MATE!!!!”.

“ALASTOR! STOP IT!”, you cried out in hopes of capturing his attention away from James, but it seemed as though your voice had only made things worse as Alastor flung his prey high into the air with another laugh before turning his attention towards you.

Heavy footsteps rumbled through the air as Alastor stomped towards you menacingly slow like a predator taking his sweet time in devouring its next meal and you pulled at his shadow with all you were worth to free yourself of its confining hold. “Please wait!”, you pleaded with the Radio Demon (this wasn’t Alastor anymore). Surely he was about to kill you just like every other demon who he felt had crossed him and their screams and lifeless eyes danced in your memory, but, until now, you had never felt fear of the same fate. You knew hot tears were pouring down your cheeks and you tried to look as small as possible as the giant deer finally made his way towards you with the most strained smile you had ever seen split his face. It seemed like the green stitches that lined the smile were about to pop and you saw the black void of The Radio Demon’s eyes that were pinpointed by fastmoving golden dials.

You could only continue to sob and whimper out pleas for your life, quickly losing your voice in desperation, as Alastor kneeled down and bent his neck to look into your eyes before growling fiercely in your face. It wasn’t really understandable, but it sounded like the accusation that you could see in his twisted face and your heart sank even further. Of course, he must be feeling betrayed and angry, however, he also looked a bit…hurt? It was only for a moment but you were sure of what you saw and it made you wonder if this was really because he felt mating competition from the other male. You couldn’t ponder this any further, though, because you were suddenly whisked away from the hold of Alastor’s shadow in a vice of muscled arms, a firm chest, and white fur.

The fuck?!

“GIVE HER BACK TO MEEE!!!!”, Alastor roared so loud that your ears began to bleed and tighten even further against your skull.

You were quickly placed onto the safety of the hotel’s nearby back porch and looked up to your new kidnapper, only for your mind to completely blank as you took in James’s transformed body and the eerily powerful aura that radiated from his very soul. He walked in a circling motion towards Alastor as the two sized each other up. James now had two sets of strong, bent deer-like legs that attached to the abdomen of, what you assumed to be, a huge reindeer. His humanoid torso connected to the deer body and his shoulders to his head was adorned with spikes of thick, black antlers that grew more massive and curved as they reached the crown of his hairline. You recognized this form.

Dude was a freaking cervitaur? Wait…are DxD characters actually real??!

You noticed that thin vines lined his antlers with small, colorful flowers growing on them and that with each powerful step he took new plants sprouted from the contact of his hooves with the ground. James’s expression was marred with a threatening look towards Alastor and he began to kick out his back legs into the dirt as he twisted his, now thicc neck, from side to side in a warning display of his impressive but deadly rack.

The Radio Demon didn’t back down, however, returning the gesture as he coiled his body before both demons sprinted directly at each other as two harsh cervid howls rang out through the air like a thunderclap.

***

I really hope that you liked reading this! I enjoyed focusing on Alastor's side of things and James's demon transformation that is actually inspired by a DxD character. The cervidtaur, though James's powers will differ a bit, I believe that the fight of the next part will show off how awesome of a character design it is. 😊(See the pic below) I think I spent like a week researching reindeer aggression signs and how to write in a dude's pov 😂

Taglist: I hope I did this right!

@Xalygatorx , @songbirdpond , @bitter-rabittt, @sakuraluna2468, @cinnamon-galaxies, @speedycoffeedelight, @diffidentphantom, @wtf-why-do-i-gotta-do-this, @eris-norwega, @anngray1369, @ladyadrasteia666, @wends, @prime-in-time-and-space, @supeersimpeer, @sirens-and-moonflowers, @type-ink, @fantasyhopperhea, @martinys-world, @apad-ravya, @galaxywolf3, @thoughfullovercreator, @Boogiemansbitch, @helluva-simper, @alastorsgirl48, @ohmylovewhereartthou-blog, @need-a-life-or-grass, @michi-keinz, @milkissesx, @ari42, @valerie-is-in-the-cupboard, @lil-glum, @amariskygal, @strawberryoverlord1893, @cherry-cola-100, @noellebellq, @lettuce-frog16, @junieshohoho, @phoephan-123, @dreamraven13

[theodorecanaryhood]

Protective, possessive and Passionate

Jason Todd x Male! Reader

Warning: swearing, drinking and sex

It was no secret that your boyfriend, Jason, is extremely protective of you. He likes to make sure you’re safe, even if he is in the line of fire, he also wants you to always remember that you’re his.

‘See how that looks’ Jason turned your face a little so you could see clearly the red mark on your neck.

Jason always marked his territory for other men to see, for them to know you’re off limits.

Jason drove you to work, holding your hand in his, you never complained and always thought it cute. A guy as big as Jason, to be so needy and like a puppy at times.

‘Have a great day, love you’ Jason spoke softly as he kissed you.

‘Bye, love you too’ you replied as you got out of the car.

Your work day was filled with the usual nonsense that entails. Making you spend all of your working hours wishing for some sleep.

Everyone has that part of the day that they dread, yours happened to be a coworker. Adam. He never left the fact he likes you hidden.

‘Hey, how was your weekend?’ He asked, smiling at you.

‘Hey, it was fine. Had dinner with my boyfriend’s family. Yours?’ You asked to be polite, not really caring about the answer.

Adam knew that you have a boyfriend, but he never seemed to care. He still tried to get it on with you.

He’d worked there for about a year now and still took every chance he could, as it was coming up to the office work party, you prayed that Jason could make it.

Perhaps the size of Jason would make Adam back off, Jason is big dude and can be pretty scary at times.

Jason held onto your thigh as you both watched Netflix, the newest show you both thought to watch sucked you right in.

‘Shall we go to bed?’ Jason asked as the credits began to roll, you sleepily nodded.

Getting into bed with Jason was always something amazing, he would hold onto you so tight.

The huge puppy that is Jason liked to hold onto you all night. Never letting you out of his sight, or his grip.

You hadn’t let it bother you too much, you were just thankful that Jason was able to come with you. Protect from the lustful eyes of Adam.

Jason knelt onto the floor as he found your shoe laces were coming undone.

‘Hey lovebirds’ your work-bestie, Naomi, smiled as she greeted you both.

Giving you both a hug and a kiss in the cheek, you placed your hand on Naomi’s small baby bump.

‘Not long to go now’ you chuckled as she smiled, lifting her top to show off her new accessory.

The three of you walked into the building together as you found it dimly lit, music playing and a bartender on site already.

‘Thank God, I need a drink’ Jason stated as he made a beeline for the bar.

‘Can I get two whiskeys please? And a lemonade?’ Jason winked as Naomi rolled her eyes with a small smile.

‘Oh fuck’ the words fell out of your mouth like vinegar.

Naomi stroked your arm gently as she blocked you from Adam’s sight.

Jason was aware of what this coworker was doing, but he didn’t know what he looked like. Or if he was coming.

‘Oh hey you, how’s it going?’ Adam cheered as he saw you standing with Naomi.

You smiled as Adam leant towards you, seemingly unaware of the 6ft plus giant next to you both.

‘Another coworker?’ Jason asked curiously, you nodded. Hesitating the next few words.

‘This is Adam’ you took Jason’s hand in yours as you saw his face switch.

The three of you tried your best to stay away from him, but Adam always ended up near you somehow.

‘Hey babe, gotta get going home or I won’t want to get up ever again’ Naomi smiled softly as she gave you a hug.

‘You two rest up’ you winked as Naomi left, all the while with Jason in the bathroom.

This left you alone for a few minutes which you would find scary. You had mental words with yourself, Adam is only a man, nothing more. But he still bothered you.

‘Where’s your boyfriend?’ Adam asked as he came and sat next to you.

You pointed to the bathroom door, Adam only edged closer to you.

You shifted a little in your seat as you felt Adam get closer to you, his body heat felt like it was setting you on fire.

‘You know, four years is a long time to be with one person. Maybe you should have a little break from him. I could show you a good time’ Adam spoke as you felt disgusted.

His words were like venom and you could feel yourself getting close to doing something you’d get into trouble for later.

‘Come on y/n, let’s have some fun while your man isn’t here. He’s a wimp who doesn’t deserve you’ Adam continued.

The smell of Whiskey was strong from Adam’s breath, he’d been drinking tons and not seeming to stop. Though, him drinking didn’t make a difference as he was like this sober.

Before you could say anything in response there was a giant hand that had taken hold of Adam’s shirt collar.

‘Don’t touch my boyfriend again, don’t even look at him. You disrespect him like that, you get me to deal with and I can assure you, you don’t want that’ Jason growled lowly in Adam’s ear.

You could tell from Adam’s face that he was regretting his words, the tower that is Jason was now in his face. Eyes looking deep into his soul.

It was a success as Adam had finally got the message, but Jason was still angry.

Needing to blow off some steam, Jason drove you both home. Jason threw you on the bed when you both got in. Practically lifting you off your feet and carrying you there.

‘Get in all fours for me baby’ Jason said, anger still present but he spoke with love towards you.

Jason wasn’t angry with you, he never could bring himself to be. He was angry that another guy had the audacity to try it with you.

‘Uh’ you called out as Jason slid his length into you, your eyes rolled back.

‘Who does this belong to?’ Jason asked, as he began to find a rhythm.

‘You, Jason. I’m all yours’ you called out, Jason smiled as he gave your asscheek a good slap.

Your phone lit up as it rested next to you in the bed. Jason checked to see it was Snapchat.

Snap from Adam.25 was all it said, Jason smiled to himself as he punched in your code to unlock the phone.

Still with his huge dick deep inside your ass, you were too busy moaning in pleasure to notice what was going on.

Jason snapped you on all fours as Jason hit it from behind, your fingers gripping onto the pillows, you biting your lip to stop yourself from letting out moans.

‘He busy, text back later’ Jason typed into the phone with one hand, clicking send.

Then tossing your phone back where it was as he slammed deeper into you.

‘Fuck, Jason’ you called out as Jason got even deeper.

Safe to say Adam got the message and never tried anything in with you again, he also got a word from HR after a sexual harassment complaint was logged.

You were thankful that Jason could be so Protective, Possessive and also how passionate he is. You would’ve preferred for Jason to not make a statement with you on all fours. But it worked.

You smiled as you fell asleep on Jason’s chest that night, him holding you as he buried himself into a new book.

[cinnaleaf]

ESSENCE OF US - CH 4: YOU, ME, US*

Please read responsibly. This fic will get hot and heavy as the story progresses, 18+ only MDNI | READ CH 3 HERE | MASTERLIST | READ CH 5 HERE

summary: a fleeting encounter with a mysterious Trent leaves you wondering if fate is playing a bigger match. your paths continue to cross in unexpected places as the fragrances around you mirror the growing tension between you. maybe it's just a coincidence..or maybe its destiny in the making.

warnings: extreme fluff, SMUT, unprotected sex, oral sex (male receiving), language, implied anxiety genre: fluff, angst, slow(ish) burn romance wc: ~6.5k a/n: y/n did a number on this man, he's enamored! i wanted to evoke every emotion with this one. hopefully it worked bc i had to dig deep in my feels for this.

You were already awake when Camille barged in, coffee in hand with a grin plastered across her face. The scent of jasmine filled the room from some flowers Trent sent earlier; the jasmine flower was woven intricately into the stems of a garden rose bouquet, curling through the air like a gentle reminder of him. It made your heart race every time you caught a whiff, butterflies enveloping your body as you tried to think of anything other than match day. “Okay mystery girl,” Camille announced as she plopped onto your couch without hesitation. “How are we feeling about being in WAG territory?” You groaned, throwing your head back against the couch cushion, “Ughhh, you’re not helping Camille. I’m not a WAG!” You took a sip of coffee, biting your lip as the feeling of uncertainty twisted around in your stomach. “I don't know if I'm ready for all of this. It's a lot.” Camille stood up, giving you her full attention, “Real talk, if you can survive running a business then you can survive this. You're the most capable person I know.”

You smiled nervously, “It's just...different. Everything is so intense. It's happening so fast.” Camille raised a brow, her curiosity growing. “Okay..I gotta know. How did this even start? You didn't tell me you knew him already!” You exhaled, setting your coffee aside as you explained the story in full detail, Camille's eyes widened in disbelief. “Your meet-cute with TAA happened on a train?? Why the fuck was he on a train?”

You laughed, shaking your head. “It was completely random..and then it took me so long to realize it was him. He said he just wants to be like everyone else.” Camille's jaw dropped, “So, he could have a private jet and he just... chooses to be on the train? That's kind of hot.” You rolled your eyes, but the nerves still lingered below the surface. “Yeah but..I just—I don't knowww. I feel like I'm getting swept up in it because it feels like a fairytale.”

Camille sat back down, leaning in as her expression softened with her trademark sass. “Y/N, you've bumped into this man three different times in two different countries. Sometimes you just gotta ride the wave. But…” she paused, raising a finger, “keep your head on straight, yeah? From what I know, Trent's great but he's still a baller at the end of the day.. so, no tripping head over heels immediately. Just see where it goes if that’s what you really want.” You smiled, still feeling the weight of the situation clinging to you. “Ugh, but what if it's too good to be true?” Camille shrugged, giving you a no nonsense look. “Maybe, maybe not. You can still see where it goes. Worst case scenario? You have some crazy stories you can use as inspiration for a new line. Best case? Liverpool’s most gorgeous WAG.”

The nerves in your stomach were hard to shake as you settled into your seat with Camille. The weight of Trent's name on your back felt heavier than you anticipated, it felt like there was a spotlight shining down on you. You didn't want Camille to catch on to that though.

“Okay Y/N..how are we feeling now?” Camille teased as she nudged your arm. You rolled your eyes, snorting “I'm not feeling anything right now. Just trying not to have a public meltdown.” 

She gave you a side eye as she laughed, “Stop being dramatic and just enjoy the match girl.”

Camille kept cracking jokes to try and soothe your nerves as the match started, it helped, but only for a moment. You felt a rush of excitement watching Trent on the pitch, it was like he was born to be out there. You tried so hard to focus on him and the game, but every time you caught someone glancing in your direction your nerves spiked again. You leaned toward Camille, keeping your voice low “Do you think anyone’s noticed?”

Camille scanned the crowd, looking around dramatically before turning back to you with a grin. “You're wearing his shirt..in the best section. But nah, you're blending in.” She winked, amused at your discomfort. You placed your focus back on Trent, watching him on the pitch as he sprinted across. Part of you wanted to shout and cheer him on, but the other part of you was still battling the fear of being seen, especially in his shirt. As if the universe decided to dial up the pressure, Trent glanced up into the stands, locking his eyes on yours as his familiar smile spread across his face and blew you a kiss. You tried to keep your cool, but the butterflies in your stomach were having none of it. Camille noticed immediately, nudging you excitedly. “Ooo Y/N, look at him! That's all for you!! We're getting a highlight reel moment right now.” You smiled, feeling a bit more confident as Trent's eyes caught yours before he turned back to the match.

But then the talking started. It was faint at first but grew louder as people stared between you, Camille, and the name on your back. Your heart began racing and you could feel the attention shift as if everyone was putting two and two together. Camille noticed your expression change immediately and swiftly leaned in, her voice low and firm. “Hey hey. Eyes on the pitch, not on them.” You swallowed, taking a deep breath as you tried to shift your focus back to the match, but the stares were hard to ignore. Camille nudged you again, pointing down toward the pitch. “Look at him. Don't let them get to your head. He wants you to be here. Remember that.”

You took another deep breath, trying to calm yourself down. She was right. You weren't here for anyone else, just Trent. You refocused on the pitch, feeling your nerves calm slightly. Camille, who was always the best at calming your anxiety leaned in and whispered “He's been looking at you so much. Just focus on that.” And with that, you found yourself slightly more relaxed as you watched Trent's presence on the field. At the end of the day, none of the cameras or whispers mattered. The only eyes you cared about were already on you.

When the whistle blew for halftime the crowd erupted into chatter and movement. You exhaled deeply, grateful for the break while Camille stretched dramatically next to you. “Okay, I'm getting a bev. Want anything?” Camille asked, already scanning around the crowd. “Just water,” you replied, glancing around nervously as fans moved about. 

“Water?? We’re at Anfield babe. You don’t want anything stronger?” Camille smirked, nudging you playfully. You laughed, shaking your head, “No thanks. I need to stay calm, not get buzzed.” Camille rolled her eyes, “Fine, water it is. Be right back.” As she disappeared into the crowd you leaned back into your seat, trying to focus on the positive energy surrounding you. The tension in your chest started to loosen but then you heard a conversation happening behind you.

“Isn’t that the girl who owns ‘Love Notes’?” a voice asked, which provoked your curiosity immediately. You froze, daring not to turn around but listening intently. “Oh my god, yeah! It is her,” a second voice chimed in. “I follow her on Insta, her brand is blowing up. Did you see the new collection she teased?” 

Your heart skipped a beat as your body stiffened, unsure of how to feel about being noticed so quickly in public.

“Yeah she's killing it. I’ve been dying to work with her” the first voice continued, “I was actually thinking about reaching out to see if she’d be down to collab for her next launch. She seems so sweet.”

A mix of pride and panic built in your chest. They didn’t seem to notice that they were talking loud enough for you to hear them. “She definitely has the ‘it’ factor, she’s gorgeous. But you know how it goes…one bad headline and it's over.” the second voice said casually, as if they were discussing the weather and not the career you worked your ass off for. Your heart sank as you took in their words.

“Especially if she’s really with Trent. That's all anyone will care about. The press is going to eat her alive, poor girl.”

Camille’s words from a couple of days before echoed in your mind. 

Don’t give them more fuel. Just be chill. But it felt like it was already too late for that. People were talking about you regardless, you were suddenly feeling overwhelmed, a spiral of panicked thoughts repeating in your mind. 

Is that really what’s going to happen? 

Camille returned, oblivious to your inner turmoil. “Here’s your water, Boring.” she teased, handing you a bottle before plopping back down in her seat. “Anything exciting happen?” You forced a smile, trying to push away the sudden stab of discomfort before staring blankly down at the pitch, “Nope, just enjoying the view.” But your mind was racing. The two girls behind you had planted a seed of doubt in your mind, one you just couldn't shake. You worked too hard to build your business from the ground up and the thought of being reduced to ‘Trent’s girlfriend’— if it ever even went that far, gnawed at you. You tried to shake it off and focus on the match, but your fears lingered like a heavy rain cloud. 

What if this really does change everything? What if this overshadows everything I’ve built?

When the second half started, the cheering of the crowd faded into the background as you mulled over the weight of the strangers’ words. You hated that it was affecting you so much, but you didn’t want to be reduced to a footnote in Trent’s life. Camille noticed your silence and leaned in, “You okay?” she asked in a concerned voice. You nodded but you couldn't bring yourself to speak. Every time Trent touched the ball the crowd erupted and your heart pounded. There was no denying the connection with Trent, it was there from the very beginning, but this public life? 

It terrified you. 

Liverpool won but you barely registered it. The uncertainty that had been swirling around in your chest was a full storm, pulling you inside your head as you overanalyzed every little thing that had occurred since meeting Trent on the train. Your phone vibrated in your lap, thrusting you back into reality. 

T: Meet me by the side exit, we can head out.

You exhaled, grateful he understood how you felt about being in the spotlight. Despite having his life on display, he was growing increasingly mindful of your boundaries when it came to your personal life. 

On my way.

Camille nudged you playfully, noticing another shift in your mood when you looked at your phone. “Oop, is that your man?”

You nodded, speaking quietly, “Not my man yet..but yes. He wants to head out. I just don't want this to blow up.” Camille squeezed your arm in support, “Don't let it. Control the narrative. Go have fun, babe.” You appreciated her words but as you slipped through the crowd towards the exit, you started to wonder how long it would be before Trent's world came crashing directly into yours. You made your way through the corridor near the exit, spotting Trent leaning up against the wall with his hands shoved into his pockets. You admired how easy it was for him to look so good without trying, just being around him made you feel calm..and the view wasn’t bad either.

“You again?” he teased, looking up at you. “First it was the train, the café, Paris, now Anfield?” I'm starting to think you're stalking me.” You laughed as you rolled your eyes, playfully pushing your hand against his chest. “You can’t escape me now.” Trent chuckled as he pulled you closer. “Y’know..we did everything backwards. Random meets, sex..but we haven't had a proper first date.” You raised an eyebrow, wrapping your arms around the back of his neck, “And whose fault is that?” He smirked, leaning down slightly to meet your eye. “My fault for sure. But I'll fix that real soon.” You grinned, lightly massaging the back of his neck with your fingertips. “I'll hold you to that.” He gave you a quick peck on the lips, “Enjoy the match?” he asked, in a soft but curious voice. You bit your lip, hesitating for a moment before answering. “Yeah..it was fun. Parts of it anyway.” Trent pulled back slightly, his smile faltering. “Parts of it??” You sighed, glancing down at the ground before meeting his eyes. “Everything is moving so fast..people are talking. I just don’t want to lose myself in all this.” His expression softened as he gently cupped your chin, forcing you to look at him directly. “I get it Y/N. It’s a lot. But I won’t let that happen to you, you’ve worked too hard.” You smiled, leaning into his touch; his reassurance meant the world to you, but you still had some lingering doubts in the back of your mind. You took a deep breath, deciding it would probably be best to lighten the mood. 

“So…where are we going for our first date?” you teased, as you and Trent headed toward the car. He grinned, opening the car door for you, “I was thinking we could do a private cooking class. We could make something fancy..it’ll be just us and the chef. Lowkey..no pressure.” You slid into the passenger seat, raising a brow, “You? Cooking??” Trent laughed as he got into the driver's seat. “Don't doubt me! I have some skills..sorta. But that's what the chef is for. We can have fun, maybe a little competition.” You giggled, buckling your seatbelt. “Okay..but don't be mad when you lose.” He leaned over, kissing you quickly before starting the car. “Oh yeah? We'll see about that Y/N.” 

After arriving at Trent’s, he led you through his house, his hand resting on your back as you navigated the space before settling on the couch for a cuddle. The two of you had been lounging for hours, your feet resting in Trent’s lap. The TV hummed in the background with whatever show you decided to binge, but you really weren’t paying attention anymore. You stretched a bit, glancing at the time, and sighed. “I should probably go…” you said softly, trying to prepare yourself mentally but not really wanting to get up. “Gotta get back to work. I still have so much to do.”

Trent, who was absentmindedly running his fingers along your legs, smirked. “Or you could stay longer.” You laughed, but the way his hands were sliding up your leg made you feel a little dizzy. “I..I can't. I have to work.” He leaned forward, placing a kiss on your ankle “I'll go with you tomorrow. I’ll help,” he muttered. You laughed, rolling your eyes playfully. “You?? What are you going to do? Stand guard all day?”

“Maybe” he said with a grin. “Just teach me. Like how you’re learning my world, I want to learn yours.” Your heart rate increased as his kisses trailed higher, reaching your knee. 

“I can't think when you're doing that” you whined, trying to keep your composure but failing miserably. He knew exactly what he was doing and it was working. “Then don't think.” he whispered in a low and husky voice, making you thrum with need. You bit your lip, trying to stay focused. 

C'mon.. be strong. Don't let him distract you Y/N, you told yourself. 

His kisses moved to your neck, your mental strength quickly slipping away. Your body was reacting faster than your brain could keep up. “I really need to get going..” you managed to say, not really sounding convincing at all.

“Stay,” he suggested as his lips moved dangerously close to your ear. “Just stay the night and I'll take you back in the morning. I’ll wake us up.” You tried to focus on the reasonable part of your brain. The part that knew you had to get up early to meet deadlines, but Trent's lips found your neck again and your brain went foggy. “Trent..” you tried, though your voice betrayed you. “I can't just—”

“Why not?” he interrupted, moving his lips to your collarbone. “I'll go with you tomorrow. It'll be fine.” Your body started reacting before you could come up with a decent argument. His kisses were soft, so slow, and perfect with each one sending waves of heat to your core. All rational thoughts dissipating. “Y/N, you know you want to,” he whispered.

Oh, he was absolutely fucking right and that was the problem. 

Your heart was racing as his hand moved to cradle the back of your head, pulling you closer. You were rapidly losing the battle to keep it together. "I really..should..go," you barely managed to say, it sounded weak even to your own ears. You could barely breathe let alone think straight. “Stay with me tonight,” he whispered, voice full of promise. “I'll make it worth your while.” You let out a soft moan, barely able to hold it back as he kissed you deeper. Your thoughts of leaving were long gone, being drowned out by the feeling of being wanted, desired and completely out of control. 

“Okay..I’ll stay,” you managed to say in a faint whisper, but he heard it. He pulled you onto his lap swiftly, your legs straddling him. “Mmm good,” he murmured, his hands roaming your body as they reached for the hem of the shirt you were wearing. “You looked so fucking good in my shirt today. But I need it off now.” He lifted the shirt over your head, immediately moving to the clasp of your bra to unhook it. You giggled, running your hands up his chest as you began to roll your hips in a teasing motion. “Ride me, baby. I wanna see you move,” he whispered.

You bit your lip, rolling your hips against his lap as you began to feel him harden between your thighs. The sensation made you gasp and Trent let out a groan as his hands squeezed your hips. “Fuck, you feel so good already.” He lifted you up off his lap, pulling your bottoms and underwear off before removing his own. You shifted your hips, slowly lowering yourself onto his cock as he filled you completely. The feeling made both of you gasp as your hands tightened on his shoulders. You started to roll your hips in a slow, but teasing rhythm. Trent groaned as his fingers dug into your waist. 

“You like it when I ride you?” you asked, your voice breathy as you moved your hips with more urgency against him. “I fucking love it,” he mumbled as his head fell back against the couch. “You look–fuck..so fucking pretty on top of me Y/N.” His praise encouraged you to move your hips faster and harder as you rode him. Every roll of your hips sent waves of pleasure through you as your moans turned into desperate gasps. “Write your name on me baby,” Trent growled, his voice now strained as his hands tightened on your waist. “I wanna see you really fuck me.”

You laughed, not fully understanding what he meant. “My name?? Like this?” You started to spell your name with your hips, continuing to grind against him. “Yeahhh. Just..like..that.” he groaned, thrusting his cock up into you in a way that made you gasp loudly. “Look at you taking me so good baby.” Your laughter quickly turned into loud moans due to the intensity of his thrusts, each one driving you closer and closer to an orgasm. The passion between you two was off the charts. Every touch and sound pushed both of you closer to the pinnacle of ecstasy. 

“Oh my goddd. Trent...I can’t–” you gasped as your body began trembling, the tension inside of you snapping as you continued to ride through your orgasm despite your thighs burning from exhaustion. Trent groaned beneath you as he watched the way your body shook with pleasure. “Gonna make me cum moaning my name like that.” he grunted, his voice rough as he thrust into one last time, his cum spilling inside of you.

For a moment, you both stayed tangled in each other, still trembling from the intensity. You were breathless and slumped against his chest as the aftermath of your orgasm washed over you. Once you caught your breath, a wicked thought crossed your mind. Before Trent could fully recover, you slipped off his lap and kneeled between his legs as you parted his thighs. “What are—”

You silenced him with a kiss to his inner thigh, “Shhh.. just relax,” you whispered in a teasing voice. Trent's breath hitched as soon as he realized what you were about to do. His fingers tangled in your hair as his body tensed with anticipation. You licked a slow, deliberate path on his shaft, pausing as you reached a small, sensitive patch of skin just below his balls. You flicked your tongue there and his reaction was instant. “Oh fuckk—” Trent gasped, his hips jerking involuntarily as a deep groan escaped him. “Holy shit.” You smiled, loving the way he reacted to you. You licked that spot again, teasing him with enough pressure to make him squirm. His hands tightened in your hair as his head fell back against the couch. His body was trembling with each flick of your tongue, his moans filling the room as he let out a string of curses. 

“You're unreal,” he moaned in a strained voice. You continued your slow assault, your tongue tracing the sensitive line along the underside of his dick before swirling around the head. You looked up at him through your lashes as your lips curled into a wicked smile. You sucked gently on the tip before moving back down in a zigzag pattern with your tongue. Trent groaned loudly, his body shaking as his hips bucked toward your mouth. 

“Where the fuck did you learn that?” he gasped, his voice filled with disbelief and pleasure. You didn't answer him. Instead, you wrapped your lips around him fully and took him deeper, your tongue working in a rhythm that had him at your mercy. “Shit..keep going..please," he moaned as his grip on your hair tightened the harder you sucked. Your movements were purposeful and teasing. “Fuck. Baby, I'm gonna cum.” Hearing him moan like that spurred you on, and you hallowed out your cheeks to take him deeper; your tongue still tracing the sensitive spot beneath the head that had him trembling. “Fuck, fuck, fuck. I'm cumming baby,” Trent gasped as his body tensed beneath you. You didn't pull away, you kept his cock in your mouth as he spilled into you, his groans loud and raw as he came hard. You swallowed every last drop, your lips still wrapped around him as you continued to suck him gently through his aftershocks to savor the taste of him. Trent's body slumped against the couch, his chest heaving as he dragged a hand over his hair lazily. “What the fuck Y/N?” he muttered in disbelief. “You're something else.”

You grinned as you wiped the corner of your mouth, climbing back up next to him to nestle into his side. “I told you to relax.” Trent laughed, pulling you into his arms and giving you a deep kiss. “You're stuck with me now. I'm never letting you go.”

“Good.” you whispered against his lips. “I have more where that came from.”

After spending some extra time on the couch enraptured in the night's events, you glanced at your phone and your eyes widened. It was already 1AM, and as much as you loved spending time with Trent, you had to wake up in a few hours. You felt Trent shift underneath you, his fingers brushing over your back. He pressed a kiss to your shoulder and you knew he wasn't done just yet.

“Don't even start.” you stated, already knowing where this was headed. As much as you didn't want to admit it, you were tired after so many rounds. “What'd I do? I'm just enjoying my view.” Trent grinned as his hand traveled up your waist. You laughed as you nudged him playfully. “Well 'your view' is getting up to shower and go to bed.” He groaned, dramatically throwing his head against the couch. “You trying to run away from me now?” You rolled your eyes, standing up to make your way to the bathroom as he watched your every move. “I'm not running away. I just don't want to be all sweaty and gross.” He was already up and following you, “Damn. You're just gonna leave me out here like that..after all we've been through?” You shot an amused look at him over your shoulder, “Why are you being so dramatic?? It's just a shower.” 

Before you could say another word, he caught up to you and wrapped his arms around your waist. You turned to face him, your back pressed against the sink as you tried to hold back a laugh. “You're not going to let me shower in peace, huh?” Trent's hands moved to cup your chin as his lips brushed against yours in a teasing kiss. “Nah, not a chance,” he muttered before giving you proper, deep and slow kisses.

“Trent..” you murmured between kisses. “If you don't stop we're never going to get any sleep. It's really late.” He laughed, clearly not giving a fuck. “I'm not tired yet,” he teased before kissing you again, his tongue tracing the curve of your bottom lip. “We can stay up..” You pulled back a little, lightly pushing against his chest. “Nooo. I'm getting in the shower. Behave! Or get out.” Trent grinned as he stepped back to turn on the shower before looking over at you. “I'm definitely staying,” he said, with cheeky confidence.

Steam filled the bathroom as the water hit the tiles, and you slipped past him to get under the water. Trent followed close behind, his hands already finding their way to your waist as he pressed his naked body against yours from behind. “You're being so clingy” you teased as he leaned in to kiss your neck. “Can you blame me after you just took my soul like that?” You turned to face him, the water streaming between your bodies. “Don't make me regret inviting you in here.” His hands slipped down to your hips as he pressed you against the cool tile before finding your lips again. “Just making the most of our night.” The kiss deepened, his hands were everywhere. On your waist, your ass, tracing the curve of your back, pulling you close until there was absolutely no space left between you. When things started heating up again you laughed, breaking the kiss and pushing gently at him. “If you don't stop we’ll be in this shower all night.”

“Ah, okay okay. I'll be good then.” he said, though his hands were still cemented on you. 

Once you were both clean, you stepped out the shower. The bathroom was warm and steamy. Trent reached for a towel and wrapped it around you. His playful banter from earlier softened and was replaced by something more tender as he dabbed at your skin with the towel. He grabbed a bottle of lotion from the counter, squeezing some onto his hands. “Can't have my girl out here dry and ashy. C’mere.” You burst out laughing at his comment, “Hmm..'your' girl?” You gave him a teasing look, trying not to smile. “I don't remember you asking.”

He grinned up at you as he kneeled down, gently smoothing the lotion over your legs. “Ah, you're right. Guess we have to talk about that, huh?” You giggled, crossing your arms as you watched him work his way up. The way he focused on you made you feel things you weren't really expecting to feel. “I guess so. I'm not yours until you ask and you haven't asked.” He stood up, leaning in to press a quick kiss to your shoulder as the fresh scent of the lotion mixed with the leftover steam from the shower. “Got it. But I'm still not letting you be ashy. My girl or not.”

You burst out laughing again, the sound filling the bathroom as Trent gave you a fake offended look, as if lotioning you up was the most important task he'd ever done in his life. His hands moved deliberately as he massaged the lotion over the rest of your body, his fingers trailing lightly over your skin. “You're a mess but I'm kinda into it.” you said, feeling your heart melt at how sweet and tender he was being.

“Only for you Y/N.” Trent replied as he gave you a peck on the lips. He rummaged through a drawer before handing you an old, worn LFC shirt that smelled like him, and a pair of his boxers. “Put this on, you’ll sleep better.” You smiled as you slipped the oversized shirt over your head. He watched you as you pulled on his boxers, which sat low on your hip since they were too big. “Feeling better?” he asked.

“A little. But I'm sooo tired. I need sleep” you whined. He let out a dramatic sigh, pretending like he was annoyed. “All that effort and no cuddle? No reward? C'mon.” You laughed, pushing him lightly as you made your way to his bed. “You're cute, but I still have to work in the morning.” He followed you, still being needy as he wrapped his arms around you from behind, both of you settled in the bed. “Yeah, yeah. The shop,” he said in a soft murmur. He pulled the covers over you both. The way he held you close to him without making it feel like a big deal was so sweet. It felt natural and easy. “Goodnight,” you whispered as your eyes started to close.

Trent's voice was soft, “Goodnight, beautiful.”

You stirred awake the next morning as faint sunlight crept in through the blinds in Trent's room. You shifted slightly, feeling Trent's arm wrapped around your waist. It was comforting, but something felt too peaceful.

Too perfect. 

You opened your eyes, reaching for your phone on the bedside table. It was 9:37AM.

“Shit!” you exclaimed, sitting up quickly trying to wake yourself up fully. You smacked Trent on the chest. “Trent, get the fuck up! We're late!” He groaned, still partially asleep as he muttered something incoherent and tightened his arm around your waist, pulling you back down on the bed. “Gimme five minutes.”

“GET UP!” you yelled, pushing against him. “We're late, late! I have to open up and we're still at your house!” Trent slowly opened his eyes, his face scrunching in confusion before finally realizing what you said. “What time is it?”

“Past 9:30! I was supposed to be there by now, you were supposed to wake us up!” He laughed sleepily, rubbing his eyes as he sat up and stretched his arms. “Universe had other plans for us like always.” “Oh yeah? The universe wanted me to be late because you couldn't keep your hands off me last night?”

Trent swung his legs over the side of the bed, laughing. “Maybe so.” He stood up, his toned torso catching your attention before you snapped yourself out of it. “We're awake now though. Relax, we'll make it.”

“Relax?? A business can’t run itself!” you scoffed. You got up, hurrying to the bathroom as you tried to pull yourself together. Trent followed you, moving a lot slower than what was acceptable for how late you were. He leaned against the bathroom door, watching you with amusement as you tried to tame your hair. “You look fit in my clothes y’know.” You shot him a look. “We're not doing this right now Trent. I'm gonna be late forreal and it's your fault.”

“It was worth it though.”

You were annoyed at first but as you turned to face him, the annoyance faded when you looked at his satisfied smile. “Maybe..but I still have to get to work.”

Trent smirked, stepping closer as he wrapped his hands on your hips. “I'm sorry. Couldn't help myself.” You shook your head, leaning into him for a quick kiss. “You're lucky you're cute.” He deepened the kiss for a second, knowing it would annoy you before pulling away laughing. “Stoppp! I need to get ready,” you whined, gently swatting him away. “We need to stop by my place so I don't have to wear your boxers to work.”

“Boxers and all, you're still the hottest girl out there.” You grabbed your phone, beginning to head out the door. “Shut up and lets go!” The two of you bolted out of his house, Trent still pulling on a hoodie while you jogged to the car in his oversized shirt, his boxers fluttering around you as you tried to check the emails on your phone. Trent unlocked the car, you slid into the passenger seat muttering to yourself. “Oh my god how are we this late?” 

He shrugged, “The universe wanted us to sleep in.” 

You laughed, tossing your head back, “Will you shut up and drive?”

“I'm just saying!” he exclaimed, pulling onto the road. “Fate or whatever you wanna call it..that's why we're here aren't we? Maybe the world wants you to chill.”

You shot him a glare. “I'll 'chill' after I open up the store.” Trent turned up the music to something that matched the sunny morning as you glanced at him, a loving smile creeping up on your face. You couldn't deny the connection between the two of you. The sex was amazing but it wasn't just physical stuff. The ease you felt with him despite being the most anxious person ever, the laughs you shared, the way he made you feel like time was an illusion...that was something else.

But you had absolutely no time to be thinking about that right now. 

Zero.

Once you got back in town, you quickly stopped at your apartment and sprinted inside to polish yourself into something more presentable. When you finally arrived at Les Notes d'Amour you were running around, unlocking doors, turning on lights, and trying to remember every little detail you needed to put in place. Trent followed behind you lazily with his hands in his hoodie pockets, looking entirely too relaxed. “Need any help?”

You were still frantic as you glanced over your shoulder. “I think you've caused enough chaos the past twelve hours.” He laughed as he started to wander around the shop. “Just making your day more exciting.”

“Exciting? This is stressful.” you echoed, shooting an annoyed look at him. “It's different.”

You couldn't stay mad at him though, not with that beautiful face and dazzling smile of his. He looked like he was having the time of his life watching you scramble around the shop.

After things finally settled down, you leaned against the counter. Trent wandered, scanning the shelves of the different fragrances and oils. “So what's this new collection you're working on?” Trent picked up a small bottle, giving it a curious sniff. “Tell me about it again.” You shrugged, feeling a little deflated as you leaned on your elbows. “It's supposed to be about unexpected moments in life..like chance encounters. But I haven't figured out how to tie it all together.” Trent raised his eyebrow, coming to a realization. “Kinda like us, yeah?” You shot him a look but there was something in his eyes that made your heart feel like it may burst out of your chest. “Maybeee…”

He picked up a bottle, wafting it in the air. “What's this one?”

“That's bergamot,” you said, walking over to stand next to him. “It smells fresh. I was gonna use it to represent the first time we met.” Trent looked down at you, surprised. “The train?” You nodded, “Yeah..when you had on that ridiculous outfit.”

He grinned, looking into your eyes, making you feel butterflies. “Yeah, yeah. I remember.” Trent picked up another scent. “What about this one?”

“That's cardamom. From when we saw each other at the café.” He brought his hands up to your face, faintly tracing the outline of the cupid's bow on your lip with his thumb. “and Paris?”

You picked up two bottles, one pistachio, and the other ylang-ylang. “I thought these could represent Paris.” His expression softened as he leaned in to kiss you. 

“Paris was nice.”

“Yeah..it was,” you agreed, pressing your lips to his for a kiss. At that moment, it felt like a missing piece of you had just connected back to you. Trent pulled away from you slowly, “Y’know what's missing?”

“...What?”

He leaned in, his voice low. “An aftershave. Something for me.” You burst out laughing. “Are you being serious right now?” He shrugged, grinning from ear to ear. “Yeah..you said I need to step my game up. Let me be your muse or something.” You gave him a teasing look, "Oh, now you want to be helpful?”

“I'm just saying..I'll test it out. I’ll bring it to all my matches. Just for you.” You rolled your eyes, still laughing at him. “Maybe I will.”

The air between you thickened, not from the scents surrounding you, but from something far deeper. Something that was undeniably felt yet still unspoken. The quiet understanding that every moment you shared with Trent had woven itself into something you couldn't explain. You didn’t feel like you were even close to defining what the two of you were. Yet, the gravitational pull between you was so strong, so sincere. It wasn't just attraction or a coincidence, it was like the universe took these random moments and stitched them together. 

You looked at him, so calm and comfortable in your space, your world. His fingers brushed against a glass bottle with the same ease he carried with everything else. His presence wasn't loud or overwhelming. But it lingered, like the perfect note of a scent that stays with you after it fades from the air. It felt like you were both waiting for something you couldn't name. 

Love was just like that. 

Soft at first, barely noticeable. Like the first trace of a perfume in the air, you might even miss it if you weren't paying attention. But just like the notes of a carefully crafted scent...it settles into you. It deepens, wrapping itself around you until it becomes something you can't imagine being without. Love didn't need to be loud to be transformative. It didn't need grand gestures or declarations. Sometimes it simply shows up quietly, filling in spaces between words and moments. It changes you in ways you don't see coming. 

Every laugh, playful nudge, and quiet glance had woven into something deeper...even if neither of you had spoken it out loud yet. 

“I don't know how this happened,” you whispered, your voice trembling as you looked up at him. “It feels like—” 

He nodded, his hand brushing lightly against yours. “Like we weren't supposed to meet any other way.” It felt like fate had nudged you into each other's paths.

Every missed chance or twist of time was always meant to bring you..

Right here.

When love feels like magic, it's called destiny. When destiny has a sense of humor, it's Serendipity.

READ CH 5 HERE

i think this may have dethroned ch 3 as my fav..feeling very lovey dovey atm 🕊️ if you made it this far, thank you for reading! feel free to share any thoughts in my inbox.

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Thank you!!!!! So I was thinking of something like the reader is a childhood friend of Aelin and she meets Fenrys on Rolfe's ship and she realized they are mates but she was to scared to tell him and then Maeve came and she went with Rowan, Lorcan and Elide to rescue Fen and Aelin. More fluff after.

You're amazing!! ❤️ ❤️

This is a mix of these two requests and the some more insanity that I just threw in here. So just enjoy a little enemies to lovers goodness. 🤍✨

Anchor

You know when you meet a person and straight away you just know that it won't work? You can practically feel the aura around you clashing. The tension lingering. The heaviness. The calculated looks. That's how it was with Fenrys. The ongoing battle to not give into the desire to slash his throat when he babbled his cocky nonsense. As a male he wasn't too bad for the eye but boy oh boy when he opened his mouth.

"I still think you two should just...", Aelin stated but you only clanked your cup on the table. "Don't bother finishing that sentence", you pointed a finger her way earning a low growl from Rowan who was set across the room, "Oh don't you start, you territorial hawk". The male narrowed his eyes at you but you thew him just as much of a sharp glare.

"Okay, you two that's enough. I don't need you two fighting", Aelin reached for your hand, squeezing it gently in the hope of getting you to turn your attention back to her. She knew how you viewed all males. Life hasn't been kind in that sense. Same as with Lysandra there were boundaries. A deeply buried fear of being used again. Of being dominated. Repressed. Pushed around and used.

Hence why Aelin was willing to leave you behind if sailing in a closed-off ship with a handful of fea soldiers seemed way too much for you. But of course, you went. You brushed it off as if you weren't phased by it even when your body screamed at you from the moment Rowan had reached out for your hand to help you onto the ship.

"Just... if you worked together", but you shook your head. You knew where this was going and sure you wanted to help but the answer was going to stay the same. What she was asking of you was too much. It required too much. It was too personal. Too intimate. And you hated the male. Even if you agreed it would never work. "I love you and I want to help but if we can't do it without him getting involved, I'm not doing it", your words were cold. Colder than you would have liked but you just weren't ready to step over that line.

Rowan shook his head and Aelin's eyes softened. Without a doubt, they were doing that weird mind-to-mind communication that mates did. You just stood there waiting to be dismissed. Even if you knew that you could have easily walked out yourself. With a sigh, Aelin turned your way, "Alright, get some sleep. We have time to figure this out". You wanted to say that there was nothing to figure out but you kept your mouth closed.

The cold midnight breeze hit your skin as you stepped onto the deck. It wasn't all that surprising that none was out, all cooped up in their little cabins. You braised yourself on the side of the ship, looking ahead of yourself. Letting your mind get as clouded as the sky in front of you.

"Here to poison the ocean with your venom?", the voice startled you, making you grip the wooden brim but you didn't turn around. "Go inside pup, before your fur gets damp and you'll complain about it for the rest of the trip", you snarl back, hoping that the lack of attention would keep him away. Yet instead you bear a light chuckle and the footsteps that get louder and louder.

"Don't worry the undercoat will keep me warm", Fenrys purr as he nudges your shoulder slightly, making you glare at him even more, "Cheer up, we only have another handful of days together". You flash him the most ingenuous smile you could can, "Not unless I jump off the ship and drown myself". Fenrys cackles some more, "I'm sure the fishes would return you in a short while".

The bickering when on and on. Spitting insults where they fit. Having people separating you from one another at times but mostly it was the silent brooding. The death glares and the bitterness that for the most part did more damage than words.

Until this morning. You woke up with a jolt even before the sun had risen. Hand on your chest as you looked around your cabin. It was empty. The door with your makeshift lock was still closed. Yet something felt wrong.

Throwing your legs over the edge you moved to sit up but the pain that pierced through your chest made you frown, a light gasp slipping past your lips. You stilled for a moment, letting your body find itself steady once more. But the nudging didn't ease. It urged you. As if beckoning you to move, to do something.

Some fresh air, you thought to yourself. Some fresh air would help, you were sure. Leaning onto the walls on your way up to the deck you could swear the walk there was never as long. The coldness hit you like a brick, almost making you stagger back, yet you stepped forward. The pain only grew, making you almost want to claw at your chest.

"What's up with you and your night walks? Don't you know some of us want privacy?", you threw your glance to the side where Fenrys was sitting on the upper part of the deck. Somehow seeing him here made you feel slightly better, yet you still muttered, "Get lost", before your eyes darted to the shadows dancing across the ship. Each of them makes you turn around over and over again.

"I don't want what kind of funny stunt you're pulling but you can give up the act", Fenrys grumbled at the sight of you frantically turning around the deck. Only when you started clawing at your skin almost drawing blood did he smell the fear that was practically dripping off you. "Y/N", he called out a lot more softly, rushing down the set of steps.

"I won't do it, leave me alone, I won't do it", you muttered, breathing picking up. Fenrys stepped closer. He knew that approaching someone while they were in fight or flight mode was dangerous. You needed to be extremely particular with your actions. He'd seen many soldiers dying because they had chosen the wrong path of approaching an army friend after a particularly traumatic fight. Many had lost their lives to a fear blackout.

So when Fenrys reached for you, his movements were as slow as they could be. Gently sliding down your forearms, moving down to your palms, before he carefully laced his fingers with yours, making you stop the frantic attempt to look out for whatever you were afraid of. "I'm not insane", you crocked out and Fenrys instantly nodded, "Of course, you're not. I would never think that". Your eyes met his for a brief moment and Fenrys could swear the depth of them could drown him. But then the most painful cry slipped past your lips as you fell to the floor.

The door to the desk opened with a thud and Aelin followed by Rowan and the rest spilled out. Aelin called out your name, stepping forward but hitting a wall that you must have summoned. Her hands braced the surface as she tried to find a crack so she could get in. "Fenrys", Aelin called out in fear, catching the male's glance.

Your cries only grew louder as you fought whatever that was torturing you from within. "You need to help her", she practically cried out at the sight in front of her, Fenrys shook his head in confusion. "She is a psychic, she needs to let the vision flow through her but she hasn't... Fenrys", Aelin crocked out watching as you moved your hands over your temples, scratching the skin. Fenrys quickly pulled at your wrists, pulling your hands away from your skin.

You tried to break out of his grip but Fenrys didn't budge. Pulling your hands closer he moved them towards his lips, kissing both of your palms before, before placing them onto his shoulder. "You're a stubborn, stubborn girl", he muttered, gently cupping your face. Your body twitched, he could see you fighting it. He could tell that you were afraid. He just wasn't aware of what exactly. Of the process of seeing or what that meant for the future.

"Let go", Fenrys muttered softly, making you let out a low growl as you sink your nails into the male's shoulder. "Let go, before it destroys you from within", yet you shook your head, gritting your teeth as hard as you can. Already seeing the flashes of your consciousness slipping. Fenrys mouth thinned into a tight line, "Let go. I promise I'll pull you from down under. I won't let go", his words made your heart skip a beat. The world around you stopped. It felt like you couldn't hear anything. You couldn't make out anything. Yet in that nothingness, you could still feel it. Feel him. Feel Fenrys who stood there right beside you.

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head and your mind finally slipped. Fenrys was quick to catch you in his arms. Wrapping you up in his strong embrace, while you muttered words under your breath in the language that he couldn't understand. Lowering you carefully, Fenrys nestled you in his arms. Watching every expression on your face. Every frown, every movement of the muscle made him wonder how long he would have to endure this.

A sharp pain pierced his heart right as the stream of blood trickled down your lip. A fear like Fenrys had never felt before. It shifted something within him, as he reached for your face, "Ei, no, no, you don't linger in there. Come back", he called out frantically, tapping your cheek slightly. But it's like you didn't hear him or didn't want to. All of a sudden all Fenrys come to hear and feel was you.

The sound of your painful breath. The way your heartbeat becomes less powerful. The way your smell suddenly started to shift. The wolf with him howled. His blood ran cold and then he felt it. A thread of light that suddenly pulled from within his chest and toward you.

And even if it frightened him, Fenrys clasped onto that thread with all that he had, pulling you towards him. Filling the painful wounds on your side with nothing but love and care. It felt like a cruel joke in the given moment but he couldn't give you up. Every part of his body was screaming at him to keep fighting.

And then it all went static. It all stilled. Fenrys was surrounded by emptiness. For a second it felt as if he had died and then a hash inhale of breath set your heart beating again. Fenrys pressed you even closer to him. Fighting the tears that were burning his eyes.

"I would like some air", you mumbled and Fenrys instantly pulled back, allowing you more breathing room. Your face looked tired, sweat covering your skin. Yet you gave him a weak smile. "I take it back. I don't want to give you to the fishes", he muttered under his breath. You reached for his cheek, brushing some of the damp hair away from his face, "Good because I don't want to jump".

[ax-killjoy]

☆ Vulnerability

Synopsis 𖦹 : for the time in what seems like a life time. Jake Sully is terrified.

note 𖦹 : I hope this synopsis makes sense :,) i’m bad at these. Also i rlly hope this makes sense, if not it becomes part of Killjoy’s sleep deprived nonsense.

Jake Sully x Male!Reader

Tw !: panic attack, mentions of weapons, arguments (nothing bad !)

Jake doesn’t remember it completely. Almost as if a soldier took over his body. One second he hears his youngest son tell him that a couple of avatars were found on forbidden territory. The next second he can feel the rain against his skin, and then hears the sound of his axe strike an avatar at the neck. The second after, he hugs his children who are silently crying, trying to reassure them but the world around him seems distant.

The next he’s arguing with you, scared at the inevitable that he has to leave this place. Leave being Toruk Makto behind him to protect his family. “We cannot be here, Quaritch is hunting us down. We are active targets !” He says, your lips turn to a thin line. “You cannot ask this, Ma Jake ! you-you cannot ! YOU CANNOT ! This jungle, this tent, the people, the kids. THIS IS OUR HOME”

“HE HELD OUR KIDS, HE HAD OUR KIDS RIGHT UNDER HIS KNIFE” He loudly grits, and the tent falls silent. His eyes begin to get glossy, “I-“ His voice is stuck in his throat, he finds it hard to breathe, it’s harsh like waves breaking. Suddenly he’s hot and cold at the same time, his body numbing.

He feels small again, as if he was back in his human form. Stuck in a wheelchair and a mask just so he can breathe. God he feels pathetic. He hasn’t felt this way, since…since he found out his brother died. He hasn’t felt this terrified since he found his brother in a body bag.

“Ma Jake ?” he hears, but his hearing becomes muffled and his sight is beginning to get blurry. His hands start to tremble, he was so stuck in his head that he doesn’t notice you walking towards him. “I don’t know what to do.” He chokes out. He tries to say more but it feels as if he’s being strangled.

“Love, breathe.” he hears, he feels something warm grab his hand and lift towards something else warm. His palm lands on a surface, he can feel it pulse. A heartbeat.

“Ma Jake, breathe with me. Come on, Inhale.” He hears, and he feels his other than grabbed being grabbed towards a plush stomach. That rises up and down ever so slowly. “Again, with me. In-“ he hears, and does. His sucks in as much breath as possible, and he lets it out just ask you commanded . “Good job, again. In-“ and he does, suddenly things are slowly coming back. He cries still, he tries to not make a peep. Only small whimpers come out, with soft tears down his cheeks. “I don’t know what else to do.” He whisper out, his ears falling back. He leans into your touch, finding safety in your warmth. “the kids shouldn’t be here to expierence this, to go what we went through.” He rasps, and he feels you hum.

He looks at you, “and look, I don’t got a plan. I don’t know what to do. But i can protect this family, that i can do.” He grits, he tries to seem strong but he cries still. Tears are salty, his tears taste salty. He watches as you close your eyes, and your lips slightly quiver as well, a tear falls from your cheek and onto his shoulder. “okay.” you whisper, it’s quiet.

“i love you so much, Ma Y/N” he sniffles, hugging you tightly. Hiding his tears in the crook of your neck, softly kissing your neck and shoulders. You hug back, as you silently cry. “We’ll get through this.” he hears you say, and he wonders whether that was for him and you, or maybe a prayer to Eywa, or if you were saying it to give yourself the silghtest comfort. He couldn’t tell.

“Yeah.” He affirms, “We’ll get through this.” He repeats, and his thoughts. This was a prayer to eywa to protect his children. Begging for the children to experience a Quaritch free childhood and adulthood, to expierence no more Sky people. Begging that his children never see him this vulnerable ever again.

The exact children that watch from outside the tent, scared for their future, and their parents.

[thelordofgifs]

Obscure Tolkien Blorbo: The Final!

Nerdanel vs One (1) Rivendell elf who sings tra-la-la-lally

Nerdanel:

Nerdanel, called The Wise, was the wife of Fëanor, and known as a great sculptor. She refused to follow her family to Middle-earth in the revolt of the Noldor.

Best known as the woman who looked at the hot mess that is Fëanor, went “is anyone going to marry that?” and did not wait for an answer, Nerdanel is also so much more than just the beloved wife of Fëanor. Most notably, she is a sculptor (apparently a male-dominated field in Noldorin society) - her statues are so life-like that the friends of the depicted would go up and talk to them! She is also wise enough to land the epithet Istarnië, which means Wise One, and she is the only person Fëanor ever listened to, which borders miracle territory. Although when she married the pretty young crown prince of the Noldor, people said she was not good-looking enough for him, Fëanor begged to differ, as they had seven kids together, which is the largest amount of kids any Elven couple ever had. There must have been a lot of passion there (or maybe they just really wanted a daughter?). Although Nerdanel always seemed to have wise counsel for her husband, apparently she did not put up with his, as she was close friends with Indis, his stepmother he did not like. Unfortunately, their marital bliss did not last; when Fëanor pulled a sword on his half-brother Fingolfin (Indis's son) and was exiled, she did not come with him and instead stayed with Indis. This is often seen as her inventing divorce, although a more boring reading could simply suggest she disagreed and did not fancy accompanying him (LaCE does say Elven couples could keep separate households for extended periods of time). She also did not think about coming to Beleriand with him after he swore his terrible oath, although she did beg for him to leave her at least one of her kinslaying spawn sweet adorable baby boys (preferably the one she very ominously tried her hardest to name The Fated as a baby). I suppose the resulting, kind of permanent, separation, could definitely count as divorce.

she is a sculptor and an artisan so skilled that Feanor’s love for her competed with his own love of craft and creation. She raised seven sons and pleaded for their fates with Feanor because of how much she loved them and even though she loved him too, she stuck to her own beliefs and refused to leave Valinor….she’s so girlboss and she said you can go be a tragic archetype but our children don’t deserve that and also I will stay right here. We love a woman who refuses to give up her joys and her home even for a man she loves and ESPECIALLY since it was Feanor….the strength of her will is insane. I love her.

One (1) Rivendell elf who sings tra-la-la-lally:

One of the Elves of Rivendell who sing tra-la-la-lally in The Hobbit.

This one specific elf sings tra la la lally with the rest but he is slightly off key and the other elves bully him for it

they’re SILLY!!! We need NEED more silly elves!! Like who are these weirdos just hanging out in the trees of Rivendell? Did they know the dwarves were coming and gather their friends to specifically climb those trees to sing nonsense at them? Do they just normally sit there and sing about every little thing they see? Is this a traditional Rivendell thing or are those elves just really strange? I’m obsessed with them they’re everything to me. Elves are oft portrayed as being Too Serious in this fandom and silly elves need rights too! Silly elf rights!!!!

Final masterpost

[myeyesarebrighter]

On the wegovy note, I’ll think about something good that makes me want to keep going. This is not “the easy way out” or whatever nonsense people spout off.

I’m down 35lbs, and would ideally like to drop 20 more. I never dared to set a starting goal in the beginning, 55 felt like too big a number and I didn’t believe it was possible. That’ll get me to a size I’m very comfortable at, however it’ll still be firmly overweight BMI territory. Another 20 (?) or so below that would get me to whatever the “not fat” land is called. I mean, maybe I’ll approach not fat BMI, we’ll see I guess.

Having the last 20lbs in sight is wild. 20 lbs sounds like a number I can lose, a thing I can do with the meds, but maybe even some of that could be possible without the meds… which just makes it feel like I can do it.

I’m not going to worry about getting off the meds yet. But it’ll be something to handle eventually.

I’m still at 1.7mg now, so I have another dose level to still move up to. I started in October 2023, have had some skipped weeks, and had a long plateau at 1.0mg.

My blood pressure has come down, A1C is lower, snoring has stopped completely. I have less joint aches, better stamina, and have officially landed myself back into straight sizing and out of plus sizes completely. Getting dressed is a bit more fun and clothes are just more comfortable again. I fit into chairs better and think my next flight will be a very different experience. I sat in theater chairs last weekend without feeling like I was encroaching on anyone’s space. Just existing in the world made for standard sizes is easier. And dare I say, I turn the occasional male gaze again, which is kind of a weird thing that suddenly dries up after 40 in a lot of ways.

I have Ozempic ass, that is no ass, which is so weird bc my ass has always been banging. It’ll come back I’m sure. I don’t know about Ozempic face bc wrinkles don’t stress me and I’m just happy to have cheek bones again. My hair is falling out periodically, which is just a lovely thing my body does under stress of any sort. It’ll cycle back in again soon and make for lovely grow in baby hair wildness.

This has been a vain post about vanity. But it’s nice to see and feel the changes finally, and it’s needed when the road is honestly just hard.

[ask-monster-men]

Sea shanty

Borealis x male reader

Summary: the reader is a pirate who's singing sea shanties along the dead night of the sea...seems someone else hears

Warning: violence, blood, monster, murder, monster eating a human? (Literal not metaphorical)

The night was cold and the seas were calm, you where wrapped up quote nicely as you starred mindlessly out at the waves that gently crashed upon the side of the ship, rocking it gently.

The work and life of a pirate was to be frank horrible, the food was wreched and the salt used to preserve it only fueled your thirst for clean drinkable water...to bad your surrounded by salty water.

Sometimes you ponder if the salt had gotten to your fellow pirates as they started to ramble about creatures and myths, complete nonsense to you...but the way they looked so utterly petrified as they spoke shook you in a way.

A chill went down your spine as you tried to shake the skeptical thoughts out of your head and just focus on relaxing, a whistle had started to sing from your lips as the cold air started to strike at your body.

Somewhere in the water a creature lurked, stories of his existence had rattled the pirates and started rumours. The creature heard something sweet, a song...a human whistle.

A part of him wanted to immediately rip the human to shreds and another wanted to quietly listen to its sweet song while it lasted...still he couldn't stand to have the human ships in his territory, no matter how sweet the song is sang.

He popped his head out of the water and viewed a man leaned over the side of the wooden vessel by himself, he squinted harshly and quietly scaled the ship. He carefully carried his hulking body up the ship in a way the human man couldn't spot him, his attention ed turned to a door...a door headed straight to the dorms.

He felt that familiar hunger inside of him and he instantly gave in, practically rushing and barrelling himself down the stairs causing you to instantly look over only to see a blurr go into the dorms.

Confusion and fear struck you as you instantly flushed your back against the side of the ship..."what the fuck?" You breathed out shakily as everything your fellow crew members warned you had come and hit you like a truck...and then the screams came, men yelling and cursing, the sound of riping and tearing bullied your ears.

You covered your ears and collapsed onto the ground as it became all to much, a cowards move you knew but what else could you do?...you started to whistle. For some reason as a way to perhaps comfort yourself you started to whistle.

The creature...borealis. he had head this and half way through ripping someone's torso in half he stopped, his head perked up and he looked up the stairs to where that sweet sound was coming from. Slowly he climbed up the stairs like a preditor, the door had long since been ripped on the hinges.

The silence was almost worst than the screams...you knew they where all dead, all your friends who where practically family had all been ripped to shreds and devoured.

You opened your eyes to see this thing stare at you, his eyes wide and predatory, his body was big and purple with stripes of a darker purple with a yellow belly patch that climbed up his neck, his arms all for of them...no wait all 3? One looked like it had been ripped of violently a long time ago.

Borealis didn't know why but the human whistle calmed him, it made him curious and attracted to the source. He starred at this small human man, a pathetic sight to him as humans did nothing but disgust him...but their songs where so so sweet.

He thought about ripping this humans head off...hmm yes a quick kill would be fit, he stood up and reached his full height, 8ft at the head and 11 at the horn/crown. He walked towards the human man, blood dripped and poured off of him as his steps drew closer; he watched as the human man started to squirm in fear and terror.

[obsessivevoidkitten]

Attracting a Mate

Female Yandere Scorpion Hybrid x Gender Neutral Reader (CW: Kidnapping, venom, no smut, mentions of oviposition, general yandere behavior) Word Count: 1.2k (I hope everyone likes this, this was done because someone requested a female Talin, so they act very similar. I am attracted to all genders so I do not mind making yanderes that are not male, I just don’t do female readers.)

 Ever since Tahlia saw her brother Talin’s tiny human mate she simply had to have one for herself. So feisty, energetic, cute, and the perfect size to pick up and move easily. You could even stuff em’ full of eggs apparently so one would definitely make a good incubator.  Tahlia did not want another scorpion-person as a mate, going into one’s territory could be dangerous if they were not seeking a mate or already had one, and if one entered her territory it could be dangerous if they did not have the best of intentions.  But these cute humans were no threat, and besides she wanted to be the strong provider in a relationship and mating with another of her species there was always a chance there would be a contest for dominance. And of course they might not even stick around after mating and she did not see any possibility that a human mate would ever want to leave.  Why would a human leave her? She was so much bigger and stronger than any other human, so surely to any human she would be the most fit mate, able to provide security, land, and food far more easily than one human could provide for another.  But how could she even find a human that was in need of a mate? She decided that she would have to travel if she was serious about having what her brother had stumbled onto.  You were part of an expedition team set out to explore the now open Treragar borderlands, near the edge of the desert. There were botanists, zoologists, geologists, a cartographer, a couple artists to draw specimens and landscapes, and you, a research assistant helping the botanists and zoologists.  The people native to this country would not even come within miles of the borderlands, telling strange tells of large skittering beasts and deadly serpents, the expedition members did not believe such superstitious nonsense, though there was a supposed disappearance of one of the first field scientists willing to come here, but it was far more likely that they just got lost and succumbed to the heat rather than any impossible fantasy beast nabbing them.  The expedition was slowly making its way to the predicted location of an oasis, and studying and documenting anything interesting along the way. The border land deserts may look barren and dead at first glance, but there was life to be found even in this harsh habitat.  The scene was almost fantastical, with sandy hills that were as white and smooth as milk. Were it not for the harsh heat of the midday sun and the sparse scrubland, anyone could be convinced they were gazing upon an endless scene of snow.    Your first days of the expedition were spent trudging through the sand and brush, collecting samples as directed. Seeds, leaves, flowers, shed scales from a creature yet unseen.  At night you would go to the far side of camp, you were not very friendly with the others and preferred to remain alone. You would start a small fire, heat up your rations, and then put out the small blaze before going to sleep in your sleeping bag.  One night you were so exhausted that your eyelids felt like they were made of lead, and you drifted off to sleep while waiting for your food to heat up. The scent of food cooking and the light of the fire caught Tahlia’s attention, who had traveled far from her land in search of a rare human mate.  She observed you silently, getting as near to the camp as she dared, she looked upon all the humans, most of them huddled on one side of the camp, but you left all alone.  Poor thing, must be the only one left mateless, so desperate for a mate to come and take care of you that you passed out while tending to your beacon that had so effectively attracted her. Well, no need to worry anymore, Tahlia was going to take good care of you.  The large scorpion woman approached carefully to the edge of the campsite where you were sleeping peacefully.  She did not want you waking up when you were sleeping so cutely, and she wanted to bring you home as fast as possible so she stung you quickly with her harmless paralytic venom that would make sure you would stay peacefully dreaming. She was anxious to communicate with you, but Talin had told her how his human had been so excitable and determined to play when he first found them.  Better not to cause any noise that may alert the other humans to her presence, she was in their territory and did not know how they would react.  When you woke up from the best sleep you had ever had your cheek was resting against a soft warm pillow… wait… that wasn’t right… and you were now leaning against something not laying down flat on your back as you normally slept…  That’s when you realized you were snuggled up close into the bizarrely warm bare chest of a woman. You blushed deeply as you inhaled her strong but not unpleasant scent. Had one of the other expedition members gotten drunk and wandered over to you? Had they gotten you drunk too? Your mind was a bit hazy.  You looked up and realized you had no idea who this woman was, her long red hair, pale skin, and surprisingly muscular physique were entirely foreign to you.  And where the hell were you? This was not camp, this was some kind of cave or burrow.  And then you looked down and shrieked. Dear gods, the stories were true, from the waist down she was a huge white and black chitinous arachnid, some type of scorpion beast.  You flailed wildly, falling back and landing on your butt. You scrambled to get up and ran in terror for the early morning light trickling through the entrance of Tahlia’s den. But your scream had woken the scorpion lady.  “Oh, you want to race little mate? So early? I think we should eat before we play!” You could not understand her and even if you could you were more focused on fleeing. She rushed after you and caught you right after you had taken your first step out of your new home.  She held you tight to her chest and nuzzled affectionately before making noises you could not interpret. “Oh, wow, Talin was right. Human mates are so eager and playful. I am just so so lucky I found you! Running off like that could have been dangerous before you had me to protect you~”  “Don’t worry my precious gem, we can play as much as you want later, but for now let me get you some food.” Tahlia picked you up easily in her muscular arms, her large biceps not even straining as she placed you back in her nest. She stroked your hair gently before going to prepare you a meal. You were too terrified to move… at the very least it did not seem like your life was in danger yet…  Maybe after you ate you two could play a while before she filled you full of nice eggs, she was sure you would love that. Keeping her new mate all cute and needy and full of eggs would certainly make sure you would never ever want to leave your new den right?  

[nolan-chance]

Imagine they're in a sitcom and these are their promotional images.

"Which sitcom?" I hear you asking, and let me tell you it's DiamondChance Collection of course! 💎🎲✨💕

OK no, I just, like flat backgrounds.

ANYWAY HERE ARE SOME SWEET SWEET DIAMONDCHANCE HEADCANONS! (Under the cut because I think it's a lot lol)

There are some nasties at the end, so, be careful :p

Nolan is pretty chill in every aspect of his life while Montague is not as flexible, he's very disciplined.

Despite how much they love each other, they're not a 100% healthy relationship. Due to their personalities they're constantly arguing, no matter if it's something big or small. The good thing is, even when things escalate quickly, they let it die rather quick.

Although they have TONS of differences, something brings them together: None of them feels like they belong somewhere. Sure, each has their own team but know pretty well not even them can stand them. Both are used to that, but, deep down, wish to have someone. They think the other is the right one, and feel quite comfortable, or at least comprehended in certain degree.

MONTAGUE 💎:

He's very jealous, he does not trust Nolan. He know he's the only man he loves but he gets jealous when he's very close to other man either way.

When it comes to women he's always watching. He'll try to get in between, taking his had, hugging him or calling his attention in a way or another. He thinks he has to mark his territory.

Despite that, he does not like public display of attention, but still, he'll sometimes try to hug him.

He can get very clingy from time to time. Being love deprived for so long affected him, so he might get anxious when he's not around.

He's very likely to talk about him out of nowhere. If something reminds him of him he'll let everyone in the room know.

He's the one who will apologize most of times. No matter if it wasn't his fault, Montague would always try to fix things to be in good terms with his boyfriend.

He's an early bird, something Nolan dislikes because it means he has to wake up early too, even if he always let him stay in bed a bit more time. Pretty obvious, Montague does not cook at all, but he always orders for breakfast to the room, not for him (he doesn't like to eat in the bedroom) but for Nolan. Still, Nolan always ask him to eat together.

He gives him gifts his because since the only way to show love had known is by gifting material things. He'll also gives him flowers. That's something Nolan doesn't like very much but accepts either way, he thinks that's very feminine but also cute.

He does not use pet names or nicknames. He straight up calls him Nolan, or Chance when he's angry. Sometimes his tongue slips and he calls him "dear" but it doesn't happen often, at all. Still, he has no problem telling him he loves him, or that it's the most important person in his life.

Nolan physique is not the greatest and it's pretty obvious he's not with him for that, but because he loves his attitude, even when it's hard to deal with from time to time, or most of times.

Despite that, there are parts of Nolan body that drives him crazy. His big brown eyes are the thing he loves the most, the other, his smug smile. He loves to see him smile.

He can't figure out why he loves his corporal scent so much, he swears it drives him crazy (he knows pretty well is not his perfume)

Quite obvious, but he loves to kiss him. He even blows kisses at him when he's not close.

Actually, he speaks very little, something that's great because Nolan won't shut up a single second. He loves to hear him talk, no matter if it's pure nonsense.

NOLAN 🎲:

He had never been in a same-sex relationship. Montague is the first man he has ever liked in a romantic way. He never even considered if he could possibly like men until he came to his life. Still, he insist he does not like men, he just likes Montague.

He's not sure of Monty has had more male partners before but he assumes he had, mostly because he takes their relation as something very normal for him (and by some comments he drops from time to time). Meanwhile, Nolan is still confused about his relationship, sometimes even ashamed. He'd go as far as denying he's in a relationship with him, something Montague absolutely hates.

He feels he doesn't bring anything to the relationship. He loves him for sure but sometimes he feels it seems he's not interested, like being forced to be with him. The thing is, he's used to let the other part being the one showing interest, but he's slowly learning to show a bit more his emotions.

He's not jealous, at all. He perfectly knows he's the only one in Montague's mind and heart.

He's a troublemaker and expects Montague to solve everything, including discussions regarding their relationship. He'd rarely accept he did wrong and/or apologize with Montague (he's, in a way, very immature)

He get's pretty childish around Montague, since he doesn't has to keep his facade of cool guy or serious menace. He feels he can be himself no matter what, Montague won't judge him.

His way to show affection is through physical contact, he loves to hug him. Of course, Montague doesn't like it much, but he'll allow him to kiss and hug as much as he wants once they're in a more private space. Either way, Nolan will always find a way to touch him.

He's not very good with words, he can tell him how handsome he is, that he likes him a lot, but he will rarely tell him he loves him. He just can't say it.

Sometimes, in very rare occasions, he makes him some gifts (something small like cufflinks, a fancy pen…). He simply knows there's no way he can impress him, but, knowing how considerate is Montague with him, he wants to show him back some love in the same way he does. He knows he feels loved when he's given things. Montague adores those gifts, he actually uses it despite owning/being able to get things that are way better/fancier/expensiver.

Nolan gives Montague macarons throughout the day, no explanation, he just has one when Montague least expects. And he's always happy to eat it. Macarons are his favorite sweets and he's happy whenever he's given one, he feels loved knowing he's always in Nolan's mind.

He uses plenty of nicknames/pet names for him. He'd call him Monty, Mont, Monts, king, diamond, handsome, sweet, babe, sugar… Whatever crosses his mind. He also comes up with something if he has to mock of him. He rarely calls him Montague.

Nolan loves Montague's lips. He loves to see him when he's speaking, and of course, he loves to taste it. He also loves his eyes, both for the colors of it and because of he can shift from absolutely scary to totally sweet and tender in no time. He also loves his hands, he loves when he caress him.

He loves his white bangs too, he usually plays with it because it draws his attention a lot, but in some other times he'd just mess with it to cause him annoyance.

Actually, he loves to annoy him. He loves to see him happy for sure, but he also loves to get on his nerves (despite the fact it could be a bit childish on his part). He thinks he's particularly hot when he's angry.

💕🔥SEXY TIME 🔥💕 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MONTAGUE 💎…

Loves to top. He's the one who is horny most of times so he would not doubt a single second to touch him in inappropriate ways.

He may get carried away sometimes and get a bit more aggressive. He likes to spank Nolan and also being spanked, something that doesn't sound as something as bad, but it's totally new for Nolan. He also bites a lot, and scratches. On the soft side, he has a thing for licking (specially, Nolan's face and nipples).

He's not very noisy, he'd mostly grunt and growl.

His favorite position is missionary, both because he loves to have total control over his partner and because he can see Nolan's face all the time.

He's not a fan of using protection, something that worries Nolan (?). He also loves to cum inside him.

He loves oral sex, both give and receive. Still, it's something that doesn't happen often since Nolan is grossed out of doing it. Despite that, he sometimes tries it, to please Montague's desires, some others because he really feels like it.

NOLAN 🎲:

While Montague's sexual drive is very high, Nolan's is a lot lower, normal. Still, Montague always finds ways to get him in bed.

Loves to bite Montague's lips. He knows it turns him on and it's the only thing he'd bite by his own will.

Has no problem being bottom. He had never imagined being bottom since he had only had experience with women, but he likes the way Montague makes love to him.

Loves to ride Montague, just because, he feels comfortable being on top of him (and loves to touch his naked chest).

Thinks Montague's length is very big. This is no problem most of times since Monty takes more than enough time to prepare his body, but it gets troublesome when he is hornier than usual and wants to hurry things as much as possible.

He always carries condoms and lube in his vest, he knows he has to be prepared to deal with Hornytague (?)

He thinks Montague's refusal to use protection is some kind of fetish.

He moans a lot but will try to muffle it as much as possible, he feels ashamed of doing it.

Sometimes he will ask to switch places. Montague won't refuse, he also loves feeling Nolan inside of him. Still he'd act very bossy, asking him to spank him or bite him. That's not Nolan's style but he does it anyway.

He still has to find his favorite position while topping, but he's liking sideways a lot.

Nolan, as active, is kind of soft. He will focus in the movement of his hips, on please himself and his boyfriend with no aggression of any kind. He's most likely to touch nonstop, caress Montague's body, probably squeeze his chest with his hands, he has to feel him close to him, and Montague loves it.

______________________________________________

And I think that's all for now, I told you it was a lot gashjks Anyway!

DiamondChance is real, baby!!💎🎲✨💕

[theconstitutionisgayculture]

Something that's been bother me for a while is when people insist Amaterasu from Okami is genderfluid or whatever made up term they're using now. The supposed evidence is some characters referring to her as male, but the same characters also refer to her as a dog which never gets brought up. The only other evidence is the secret Golden Fury attack where she pisses on an enemy, she hikes her leg like a male canine would, but female canines do that when marking territory or asserting dominance.

These people are so up their own asses.

Okami was released in 2006. This is Amaterasu

See the heroically raised snout? The action pose? The broadly set shoulders? All of these in 2006 (and beyond) would easily be seen as indications of a typical male heroic character, especially in an animal that doesn't have anthropomorphized human gender signifiers like boobs or makeup. Now I haven't played the game, but I think it's much more likely that the characters who call her "he" are just making a natural assumption based on the times and how the character is presented. If there's any "message" here, it's possibly that they shouldn't assume a hero is automatically male. And that's if there's that kind of message there, which considering it's a Japanese game from 2006, is probably unlikely. What's more likely is that the lines are meant as a joke, or they're badly translated.

But yeah, this is the kind of brain rot you get from the pronoun brigade. Their entire life centers around this nonsense, and they have to force everything through that lens in order to feel good about themselves. These people need therapy and self-esteem, and they need to get off the internet.

[evilios]

Being within the limits of a specific cultural zone (say, the "male feeding territory", "Apoline" war sphere, hunting and herding grounds) means that individuals are adequate to it as they do not utilize any other, inadequate behavioral models. Switching zones (for example, by entering the "domestic" area overlooked by Zeus) implies immediate "code switch" into a different behavioral pattern that responds to the semantics of the space around and fits its "cultural markers". Some of the behaviors typical of the ancient people appear as nonsensical to the "modern" society, such as the ability to not feel any moral guilt over actions committed when in a different behavioral territory while dwelling in another one, as well as the capacity to judge similar actions. Such behaviors might come off as disingenuous to us, but, in reality, we are merely attempting to project onto the ancients the norms and ideas of the integral structure of one's personality that would be alien to them.

- Вадим Михайлин, Дионисова борода: визуальная организация поведенческих практик  в древнегреческой  пиршественной культуре (RU)

- Vadim Mikhailin, Dionysus’ beard: visual organization of behavioral practices in Ancient Greek feast culture (extract trans. by me)

[vellichxrr6782]

CHAPTER ONE, fever dream high.

SYNOPSIS: your well-wishing managers suggest a preposterous idea, to combat your sharply decreasing fan-following.

CHARACTERS (in this chapter): childe, jean, zhongli.

CW/TW: childe and reader overreact, childe is already dating someone else.

WORD COUNT: 1.7k words.

<- previous chapter | cruel summer masterlist | next chapter ->

"so... let me get this straight."

falling in love is unplanned, unnecessary, and uncalled for. 

that was what you told yourself. you had your goals set in front of you, and love was just a little pastime. 

unfortunately, for you, you didn't really have time to pass with pastimes. 

"you want us to date...?" you finished, your disbelief obvious in your tone. you crossed your legs, fidgeting with your fingers. 

maybe that’s why the mere idea of love was enough to set off your fight-or-flight response. morbid, and quite frankly, ironic, considering you were an a-list actress who acted in romance movies most of the time.

"well, pretend to date.." your manager, jean clarified. her voice was a little shaky, as if she already knew your answer. 

what. the. hell. your only emotion in that moment was disbelief. you’d certainly been asked to act in some odd movies with odd plots, but this wasn’t a movie. this was real life. and your one trustworthy manager had just stabbed you in the back by even suggesting such a preposterous idea. 

(you are most definitely over-reacting right now.)

unacceptable. 

"come again?" the unfortunately-familiar ginger-haired male beside you raised a brow, just as bewildered as you at the mere thought. “us…both?” he pointed to himself, then pointed to you, his voice hesitant as if he were treading into dangerous territory.

"pretend to be in a relationship, childe." childe's manager, zhongli spoke calmly, taking a sip of his tea as if he were unbothered. "for the media." 

for the...media? relationship? love? kissing? foreign words. absolutely foreign words to you. 

your schedule and your own rationality didn't allow you to fall in love. not to mention, your poor partner would get caught in the limelight, which they might not even want. you didn't really want your private life to be on display for everyone to come and give their opinion on.

you weren’t a big fan of change, especially when the change came in the form of childe ajax tartaglia, with his many names but only one sole purpose in life; to be the death of you. 

and you knew, people said, “you’re going to be the death of me,” in a romantic sense.

but childe was going to be the death of you because you loathed him.

with all the above information taken into consideration, you knew your answer immediately.

"NO!" on instinct, you both yelled in chorus, aware of how terrible this idea was. 

"calm down, let us explain- " jean began, waving her arms around frantically. 

"your explanation will not change my opinion. jean, you know how i’m against faking things to the media's satisfaction." you crossed your arms defensively, and jean sighed, opening her mouth to explain. 

"just hear us out- " 

"there's nothing to hear you out about! i have a girlfriend, for archons' sake, zhongli! what, you want me to publically cheat on her?" childe furrowed his brows, and zhongli kept his composure, shrugging. 

"break up with her, then." zhongli nonchalantly spoke, his gaze firmly fixed on the tea in front of him.

"gods, i didn't know you out of all people could be so insensitive!" childe snapped at his manager, and jean raised her voice, clearly exasperated from all the yelling. 

"if you would just not jump to conclusions, and let us explain, it would be absolutely splendid." 

you and childe sat down on the stools beside each other, zipping your mouths to hear whatever nonsensical explanation your managers had come up with. although you were certain it would do nothing to change your mind, of course. you were just as stubborn as childe was.

"everyone knows about the undeniable chemistry between you two." 

"please phrase it better." you made a disgusted face, impatiently clicking your shoes against the floor. 

undeniable chemistry made it sound like you were willing to go on all-fours, running around trying to smooch childe in public.

that’s a very… unflattering visual. you made a mental note to erase that from your mind forever.

"your acting is so convincing, that your fans genuinely think you both are in love." jean continued, cautious of every word she was saying, as if she was walking on eggshells, "and you both are a popular pairing in most movies and shows you're casted in. this makes you two a very anticipated and highly-adored pairing.”

"and?" childe frowned, exasperated. "you're telling me stuff i already know. i know i'm amazing. you can skip over that, y'know?"

"you're shameless, that's what you are." you said, narrowing your eyes in distaste. “you are a pathetic excuse for an actor.”

"well, at least i don't have an ego the size of my head, to the point where i don't think about others and only care about my own image and act like a spoilt brat-"

"childe." zhongli glared. "jean, continue." 

"...but when you check your recent popularity reports, they seem to be going down by quite a bit, due to a new actor taking the screens." 

now this was news to you. 

every month, there was a popularity poll released for teyvat’s entertainment industry. ranging from actors, to dancers, to singers, to almost anything that would be considered a part of the industry, the higher ups would write a proper article on who was rising to the top, and who was falling off the charts. 

it was a simple yet subtle tactic to motivate stars to do better in their work, and see where they currently stand. 

you and childe had been at the top for almost two years. it was absolutely wild how many people were loyal and adoring fans of you both, especially when you two worked together. you were quite used to being number one. 

and as stated before, you did not like change. so this sudden decrease in your rank? how could you let that slide? 

"who's this new actor?" you spoke, in your newfound sense of hurt-pride. "and what do you mean, i'm not doing as well?"

"see what i mean when i say, 'only care about my own image'?-" childe whispered loudly. without hesitation, you stomped on his foot. he cried out in pain, immediately scowling at you when he recovered.

"the media will soon move on from you both and focus on the rising star, thus resulting in a drastic decrease in both your popularities." zhongli put down his porcelain cup on the table, hands on his lap. "so me and jean thought about ways to get you both back on the headlines."

"might as well commit a crime. then i’ll be sure to be in the headlines." childe murmured, "kaeya has been rather annoying these days. i'm sure no one will notice if he disapp-" 

"please, no." jean raised her hand, and childe sank into his seat in disappointment. "since the public is anticipating a confirmation regarding the both of you dating... we assumed-"

"the only way to let you both be the 'next big thing', was to confirm that you both are indeed, in love." 

was this the most stupid yet intriguing idea you’d heard all your life? yes.

did you want to do it for your rank, even though you would actually get a stroke if you dated childe? also yes.

your head was spinning at the mere thought of having to play a stupid game, just to get your number one rank back.

and with such high stakes, too? acting to be childe's lover in the movies was already such an annoyance.

childe, or ajax, has acted in many, many movies with you over the years. enemies, friends, lovers and strangers. just through movies, you felt like you've experienced all the stages of a relationship with him. 

and to make it an actual, official relationship? 

well, it was still acting. a fake relationship. so has nothing changed? you'd still be pretending and faking your emotions. would it really be that bad then? considering you’d have to lie to everyone around you, maybe.

contemplative silence filled the room.

"you only have to do it for a few months." zhongli reassured, but it didn't help lift the atmosphere much. "till the shooting for the newest movie you both have been working on is done." 

"you guys can officially call it quits on the premiere day of the movie you both are currently working on." jean nodded in agreement with zhongli. 

"it's like a contract of sorts." zhongli smiled, "so please consider and accept our offer. and keep in mind that we do whatever we do with your best interests in heart." 

"...i need some time to think." you straightened up. 

"i don’t, it's a no from me." childe got up, dusting invisible dust off his clothes. "sorry 'bout it. but i'm not pretending to like someone because i'm not as popular as i used to be. my life isn’t a movie, and i can’t play the role of y/n’s lover behind the screens."

"childe, please reconsider. this could be a huge push for your career. you'll be thankful in the long run." zhongli urged, standing up to follow behind childe, who was already about to leave, sparing no second thoughts.

"i'm not lying to the people who admire me, neither will i lie to myself." he turned towards the door, sighing. "... but still, let's see where things go." 

he left, and the room went silent.

you didn't know if you should've been disappointed that childe said no, or relieved. for now, you’d be relieved. besides, what’s the harm in being second sometimes?

“well, i was looking forward to the premiere, imagine if no one showed up, haha.” jean crossed her fingers, hoping this would work.

and it sure did.

“what?” you seethed, “no, not at all. everyone will show up.” 

“well, the actor who’s currently beating you both is also working on a movie, rumoured to release around the same time as yours.” zhongli smiled, “considering your sharp decrease, i’m certain that by the time the shooting for the movie is over, you both are doomed.” 

doomed.

that word echoed in the back of your mind. 

childe peeked in through the door, “sorry, forgot my keys.” he grabbed the keys laying on the table, and waved. “see ya-” 

“ajax,” you called, your back straight, a serious look in your eyes, which made him nervous. “break up with your girlfriend. you’re getting a new one.”

published on; 28th february, 2023. writing belongs to @/vellichxrr6782 on tumblr.

[fsfghgee]

Au mix of MK1/MK original, in which 18yo Tomas is being sought after by a few Lin Kuei male Nobles. The fact he's a European is a attractive quality as well as his skills in Smoke magic. These elite warriors ask the old Grandmaster for permission to court the sweet, handsome Tomas. Of course Tomas feels flush and little excited at the prospect of marriage, having a family and being seen as worthy of being a Lin Kuei and a spouse to them.

Bi-Han is furious that his father forces him to be the chaperone of all of Tomas courting so no funny business doesn't go pass the kissing. The truth is he struggles with his feelings for Tomas and envy and jealous of being just a witness. Especially seeing Tomas enjoying the flirting and

Father and son confront each other, the old man knew of Bi-Han's feeling for Tomas and said if he wants to make Tomas his future consort then court him as well. But remember it's Tomas's choice. Also the father mentions that Sektor is also seeking to have Tomas as his consort too. Bi-Han goes for it! As he does hate Sektor as he could challenge him for Grandmaster position! And for Tomas!

Imagine the smut-smut- and fight nonsense between these two and the rest.

Well, I tried my best. Sorry if I missed something! I hope you like it! ^^

Hidden Feelings

Bi-Han (Sub-Zero) x Tomas (Smoke) | 18+

- Tomas, the stray dog that my father took in, have you seen him anywhere?

-I haven't seen him since he was sent to meet with negotiators. - Bi-Han looked around on pure instinct, but in his brief search he found no one resembling the european. - Why?

- Forget it.

- I can help you fin…

- I said forget it! - Before Cyrax continued to insist, Bi-Han left stressed towards the castle. Fed up with being part of his father's idiocies, so angry that anyone passing by could tell it wasn't a good time to ask him for anything, he just wished his Grandmaster's premonition would happen soon.

Having to accompany his adopted brother on yet another night of courtship was not what he expected from an "important and confidential mission" when summoned by his father weeks ago.

"Aren't you the one who's always telling me to never trust a sorcerer?"

"But not that their premonitions and veiled threats should be taken lightly."

- Of all the orphans that could appear... - Bi-Han muttered frustrated as he hurriedly crossed the castle's corridors. - Father had to find an omega to bring home...

"A foreign omega on top of that"

He hated the fact that he had an omega adopted brother and much more how much attention he attracted. Not just between Lin Kuei warriors, but from rival clans as well…

It wasn't once or twice that Bi-Han stopped Tengus from kidnapping him, when the slavic boy insisted on leaving the territory alone on sporadic hunts.

- I would kill for the chance to woo him.

- A european has his charm and so on, but I prefer asians like myself, having children with a european is…

- A dream that I will never realize. - Bi-Han rolled his eyes in pure disgust when he heard the voice of young warriors in one of the corridors of the huge library - Imagine children with unique features like gray hair, those blue eyes...

- How long have you been in love with the Grandmaster's adopted son anyway? - He expected to find Tomas studying some book recommended by Xiaoqing, the Lin Kuei's Elder Arcanist, not two... - You've been sighing for him for so long that I don't even know anymore.

- Well…

Bi-Han tired of hearing more of the same about the young european, growled in frustration and quickly left the library.

He was looking for the room of Kuai Liang, his brother and best friend, with the intention of talking and perhaps convincing him to offer to take this weight off his shoulders. Kuai Liang knew him well enough to see through his actions, understand his frustrations, and try to alleviate them the best way he could. Although Bi-Han never said exactly what he felt, Kuai Liang was good at reading him.

- I never imagined that Hedi could be so sweet... - Kuai Liang just smiled and nodded while the youngest talked excitedly about the last date with one of his suitors. - The way that…

- Brother?

- Kuai Liang.

Tomas remained with his back to the door and Bi-Han standing just in front, surprised by the older man's entrance and too embarrassed by the thought of how much he had heard.

- May I help you?

Bi-Han just pointed at the gray-haired one. And as if Tomas could guess that it was him they were talking about, largely because he was too used to Bi-Han simply ignoring his presence or making signs that only Kuai Lian could understand, he turned to look at Bi-Han.

- Father wants to talk to you about another romantic rendezvous... - Kuai Liang couldn't help but frown at the disgust he felt his brother had in every word said. - Another idiot interested in you.

- Bi-Han. - Rebuking him, Kuai Liang stopped questioning himself.

"Maybe he's just tired."

- Another one? But already?

- Hurry up. I don't have all day.

Tomas snorted, saying goodbye to Kuai Liang briefly, quickly following behind the cryomancer who was already leaving the room at a fast pace.

The silence was welcomed and appreciated by the cryomancer, Tomas knew that. Although when he spoke, Bi-Han had an annoying tendency to love the sound of his own voice, often piping down anyone nearby before they could even express their opinions properly.

He knew that Bi-Han was stubborn and not interested in other people's opinions, just one more trait inherited from his mother, besides his appearance.

Tomas liked to think that his and many others' fascination with Bi-Han was because of his extraordinary strength, powers capable of building wonders, destroying with ease and rebuilding even more grandly, all housed within a warrior who was blessed with the angelic appearance – adapted to the masculine sex – of the beautiful young woman that his adoptive mother had once been, combined with the excellent proportion of a male body worked from an early age…

- Why are you always so excited about these encounters?

Tomas almost chocked in his own saliva when he heard Bi-Han's voice suddenly sound. It wasn't like him making idle conversation. Not with him.

- Why wouldn't I be? Unlike you, I don't want to end up alone. - The older man's grit of teeth and sour expression were invisible to Tomas who just continued to respond indifferently, following behind Bi-Han with quick steps. - Kuai is already engaged and soon I won't have him around like I do now. And between being with someone who respects me and someone who despises me after my father is gone, I prefer the first. - He spitted acidly before leaving him behind.

Uninterested in anything Bi-Han could say to mock him as usual.

__________

When Bi-Han entered the Grandmaster's office, Tomas was already waiting for him sitting in one of the guest chairs, in front of his father, talking about what he had thought of the suitors so far.

- None of them seemed suitable to him so far. - Bi-Han exclaimed monotonously, ignoring the younger man's irritated look and his father's questioning one as he took his place next to the gray-haired one.

- What do you mean by that? Tomas has only praised everyone so far. - Bi-Han just rolled his eyes at his father's naivety. - Is there something I should know and Tomas isn't telling me?

"He speaks as if he doesn't know the slavic dog's pathetic tendency to overvalue any act of kindness, regardless of the ulterior motives that may be hiding..."

- Tomas? - At the eldest son's silence, he addressed the youngest. -  Can you explain?

- I already told you everything, father. Everyone has been extremely respectful so far. I would be honored to be joined in matrimony with any of them.

- Well, earlier today I received a proposal from our master armorer. - Grandmaster smiled minimally, leaving his children apprehensive. - His eldest son, Sektor, will go on a date with you next week.

- Sektor?! - Bi-Han and Tomas repeated in unison.

- Do you have a problem with that?

- No. Not at all. Just… - In fact, Tomas was confused. - He never seemed to like me very much.

- He must be shy. Give the boy a chance.

Tomas nodded emotionlessly.

- Of course, it would be unfair of me not to give him a chance.

- That's the right thing to do. - Bi-Han just looked at the Grandmaster angrily before taking a deep breath, looking back at his closed fists in his lap. - His father was always a great friend of mine. I'm sure his heir will be a great master armorer in the future. And as a key part of our clan, marrying him will be a good way to honor their family's loyalty to us and keep yourself protected when I'm gone.

- I don't like when you talk like that... - The adopted son's concern got a tired smile from the Grandmaster.

- Death will come to meet me sooner or later. I just hope to die with honor and knowing that all my children will be safe without me.

Bi-Han suddenly stood up and asked to leave. Finding his son's behavior strange, Grandmaster denied the request and asked Tomas to leave them alone.

- What do you still want from me, Grandmaster?

- Cut the irony, Bi-Han. I'm your father. And you know you should treat me as such.

The younger cryomancer just rolled his eyes and sat back down when his father motioned to do so.

- What's your problem now?

- Anything. There's nothing wrong.

- I know you. I know you too well... - The older man got up from his chair and walked to Bi-Han, gripping his shoulder with one hand. - Tell me what's going on, son.

- I don't think Tomas is ready to get married.

- Why do you think so?

- He's only 18 years old. - Sulking, Bi-Han moved away from the older man's touch when he got up too. - If my mother were alive, she wouldn't allow this circus.

- What do you really mean, Bi-Han?

- You're practically selling him! - He stated angrily. - You will leave him in the hands of whoever bids highest…

- Bi-Han…

- He belongs here! In the castle! His place is... - Grandmaster just watched his son shaking with rage. There wasn't much he could do when he saw him like that... So disturbed. - His place is here! He must stay with me!

- Y-You… - Amazed, he could barely finish a sentence. - Would you like to court Tomas?

- What?!

- Do you? Don't you?

- I… I���

- I'm sorry I never noticed how you felt about him. I had my suspicions, but… - Grandmaster just reflected for a brief moment on how much Bi-Han reminded him of his late wife even in this. - Well, you never saw him as a brother, after all. I think I worried for nothing because of that. You've always protected him well... More times than I can count now. However, I cannot be unfair to others… - Bi-Han raised his eyebrow in skepticism. - If you have feelings for Tomas, you have my permission to court him. I won't stop you. But it's his choice to accept your feelings or not.

warning: yaoi, rough sex, mpreg, 18+

[thewordkeep-ffxiv]

Longing

Ale Camoa Rehw-Bidit, Viera, Rava

Protector of Village Camoa, Warder of the Treetop, Beholden to Worldly Wind

Keeper of the Green Word

Child of the Golmore Jungle in the Kingdom of Dalmasca

There were no days off from being a Wood Warder. Duty demanded patrol through furious monsoons, watch through the muggy, roasting heat of the dead of summer, and sweeps through the inky-black still of night. The Green Word would not be denied, her secrets preserved no matter the cost, and Ale, as this Warder was named, had surrendered his life to the task.

He cherished the moments of respite. When borders were clear and there were no chores in his hidden abode to upkeep, Ale would take a swim in the lagoon near his home or watch the sun set over the canopy of the jungle. He'd soothe to the patter of rainfall in the quiet solitude of his tree-hut home, wondering how different his life would have been had he not been born male, an automatic sentence to a lifetime of solitude. Would he become a great dancer like he had originally dreamed, traveling from village to village, and towing merriment with him? Would he carry physical pursuits of hunting or gathering for the village? Would he be bonded with someone? Have children? Watch them grow?

Dreaming of those possibilities soothed Ale from nightmare from time to time, passed the idle time, and eased the loneliness. Sometimes such dreams amplified that loneliness, and Ale would find himself on the far edge of his territory, gazing down the top of a cliff to the village he had called his home throughout most of his childhood. The village he would live and die to protect. The village that would forget him, and his dreams, as it served to raise more protectors of the Green Word. The scent of roasted boar would waft from the rooftops, reminding Ale of the feasts the village would often share together. He'd hear the idle din of settling village life--tools tinking and clanging here, a sharp peel of laughter there, someone barking orders, someone grunting through carrying a heavy load, and so many more sounds and smells and sights blended together to form the atmosphere of a peaceful life. Ale longed to stroll into that village, to greet the women there, steal a bite to eat, tease the children, debate nonsense with neighbors. He yearned to dance to claps and cheers, to see smiling faces around him. He ached to be a harbinger of happiness, of life.

But that was not his life, and the longer he stared at what could have been, the more he'd miss what once was. So Ale would step away from the village again, throw himself into checking snares and fishing and patrol after patrol after patrol after patrol… and killing any and all intruders. A harbinger of death.

Ah, was there more to life than this?

[itsclydebitches]

The Bumbleby scene feels too random at this point. It’s like they literally picked the scene out of a hat to “confirm” it. As you mentioned, the don’t even hold hands. You’re telling me that’s more intimate than the freaking cheek holding head touched in V8? Wait a minute, didn’t everyone think BB started back in V6 after they killed Adam? What the fuck is even going on anymore?!

People have always shipped it, but yeah, 'canonizing' them started post-Volume 3 and ramped up into 'Oh damn I think they're really gonna do it!' territory in Volume 6. We've got:

Yang grappling with Blake leaving post-Beacon. (She's not, for example, similarly concerned that Weiss 'abandoned' her too. Yang shouldn't have any idea that Weiss was essentially kidnapped by her dad)

Tender and then rejected hand-holding in the shed at the farm

Agreed upon hand-holding while fighting Adam which, yeah, a lot of people read as the moment they 'solved' their relationship troubles, seguing into something new. Hand-holding is often used in RWBY to indicate a romantic relationship, the only problem with using this as a confirmation is that all our other examples also have something more overt: Saphron and Terra are married, Nora kisses Ren/he says "I love you," etc.

Adam's "What do you see in her?" line. Although, this one is severely complicated by a contradiction in the fandom. Many fans claim this implies that Adam recognizes Blake's interest in Yang precisely because she was once interested in him - how can you like her over me? That's compounded by his motivations changing from being politically focused to what feels like stalking and hunting down an ex. However, these fans don't want to admit to the other implications that Blake and Adam were an item due to a lot of anti-men sentiments, biphobia, gold star lesbian nonsense, and the like. Basically, some fans want to use Adam's potential relationship with Blake as proof that she's in a relationship with Yang now, but not actually admit that they ever had that relationship because ew, how could perfect Blake like a male villain? There's also some of that with Sun: fans using Blake's interactions with him to support an interest in Yang ('She has a type!'), but simultaneously denying that blacksun was ever a possibility because that supposedly (not actually) threatens the sanctity of her One True Sapphic Love.

Forehead touch after Adam dies + a promise to never leave

More hand-holding in the airship

Blushing over Yang complimenting her haircut

Having fun pre-outing in Atlas that kinda implies it might be a date, but no one actually establishes it as a date and everyone is going out together, so...

Taking silly pictures together when they get their licenses

Nora's comments to Ren about how they're likely more than friends

Yang being worried about Blake even though she fought with Ruby

Yang tenderly cupping Blake's cheek when they're reunited

Blake loosing it when Yang "dies"

Tackle-hug when everyone else gets...uh, a knee touch?

Blake being flirty, leaning in, finger brush

Weiss' "It's about time" comment

I've probably missed some stuff, but the point is that it's been four years (or even six years depending on how far back you're willing to go) and we're still in this flirty, teasing, ambiguous stage where, as demonstrated above, reading a romantic relationship often requires making a lot of assumptions that rely on having a lot of trust in your writers. I don't know if I'd call all this random, but it is a holding pattern. They blush, hold hands, and others vaguely comment on what they might be. But unlike our straight couples, we're not given anything solid to canonize them with.

I mean, even if you're a fan who believes that these little breadcrumbs are enough to prove the love between them (and here I'm addressing the fandom at large, not you specifically, Happygaynoises2) we get how the queer couples aren't given equal treatment, right? Pyrrha kissed Jaune. Nora kissed Ren. Ren said "I love you." Jaune asked Weiss to the dance. Weiss blatantly chases after Neptune. Ozpin marries and has kids with Salem. Everyone but Adrian has married, straight parents.

Compare that to our queer rep (with May being an exception due to her gender) and it's pretty obvious that this glacial "slow burn" has less to do with the needs of the story and more about RT hesitating to make two of the main girls unambiguously queer. After all, if most of your fans are happy with those breadcrumbs and a canonical relationship would drive away the homophobes... why not just toe the line to keep both groups around, giving you more money?

That's a form of queerbaiting and it's why so many of us remain nervous. I seriously hope given what we've seen so far that this will FINALLY be the Volume when we can set the 'Will they, won't they?' to rest. But who can actually say.