#the implications of which are at the heart of the plot
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
reitziluz · 1 year ago
Note
whats ur ocs fighting styles like? even the ones that dont how would u imagine them go down?
ahh damn this is interesting to consider. i've been kinda intentionally de-emphasizing the fighty bits, because i've recently been rather sick of fighting scenes and duels interrupting, or worse yet, taking over the fun stories i'm trying to read.
that being said. over half of them have actual training and experience. and for one of them, i keep hallucinating elaborate fight choreographies...
kimon: sort of military background (it's complicated) as he was sort of a field healer for a while. as a kid, he was taught a martial art focused on magic knives that can do the evil healing trick of "congrats, you've been akira'd to shreds." he actually can do it with just his hands now, if he manages to touch bare skin, but has a very strict code against doing that. smart and cool-headed, very focused on Getting The Fuck Out.
vaal: hooooooooo boy, the surprise soulsborne boss!! literally the main character concept for em is "former living weapon." the twist is that e was deployed against abominations. like going solo against a dragon. imagine one of them slender, super fast mechs doing shadow of the colossus battle, with something like a lance loaded up with magic bullshit. so specifically a living guided missile system...? (this all is still very much under construction and as stated, i'm not super into specifics in fighting, so bear with me.)
but i've also talked about how e would work in more one on one type of fights with a friend, and we landed on something in the general direction of boreal outrider knight and artorias from dark souls. i bet there's good matches in bloodborne too, but i'm not as familiar with its bosses. e also absolutely Delights in the hunt, despite everything.
arin: absolutely not a fighter. chaotic flailing. could sneak up on someone focused on someone else and bonk them in the head. they would be able to do the in-world equivalent of macing someone, like they would carry it and know how to use it.
tess: not a fighter either. she has it in her to be a commander type, but with her experience etc, it manifests mostly as her knowing how not to endanger herself or others more than they already are. a part of their very formal upbringing was probably something equivalent to like, fencing as a sport.
sam: she works/has worked as a (security) guard. all about keeping things under control, de-escalating, stopping fights before they start. owns a mace/staff/thing with a tazer sleep spell incorporated. she does a martial art also as a hobby, but i haven't landed on the exact style yet. think of like, olden time-y boxing or wrestling matches. she feels a bit more of a wrestling sort of gal, but pugilist is such a good word, i'm torn!
leskel: very much has other people do the fighting for him. also if you tried to bonk him, you'd get fifty magic traps blowing up in your face. but then he'd surprise you again and go pontiff sulyvahn on your ass. the combination of formal dance and heavy swings, i just vibe with it so much. though he's still probably relying on some supernatural stuff to greatly boost his capabilities.
2 notes · View notes
badbtssmut · 10 months ago
Text
Reckless and sweet
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
What if you are equally in love with two guys and really can’t choose? You date them both. But when Taehyung and Jungkook find out about you playing them, they decide to dick you down together, you were the one greedily taking two dicks anyway, so what’s the problem?
Contains: attempt at porn with plot, implication that fortune tellers don’t work, reader will get caught so prepare for some feelings of anxiety, fear, etc, the guys tease reader when she’s caught, reader is dating them both without them knowing, text AU mixed with story writing, reader is a cute coquette girly, some angst, reader will have sex with both guys
Smut JK: Missionary, pussy licking and fingering, his face in her pussy
Smut Tae: riding, boobplay, from behind
Smut both: taking turns, blowjobs, missionary, reader is told she has a slutty face, dirty talk, they both cum in her, boobplay
Admin note: make sure to open the images, tumblr might crop some of the convos
Tumblr media
“What brings you here, dear?”
"I can't choose between two guys. I… need help."
The fortune teller nodded knowingly, her fingers shuffling the tarot cards. "The cards will guide us," she said, spreading them out in a maze like pattern. "Let us see what the future holds for your heart."
You watched the fortune teller as she turned over the cards, one by one, the flickering lantern light illuminating each card. "There it is.” She tapped the card. “This card stands for “soulmate” and in combination with this card, it leads to…” Her hand inched closer to the two photos you had laid out. "I see, I see. This card shows that this young man is the one for you." She tapped on the photo. "The cards don't lie."
"Oh…” You slumped into your chair, a little disappointed.
“You seem disappointed, were you hoping for the other man?”
“No, that’s… not it. It’s nothing.”
Why tell her that this is your fifth attempt today to consult a fortune teller? And that everyone gave you a different story.
You stood up and paid her for her service. "Thank you for your help, Madam. I will take your words into consideration."
Tumblr media
You weren’t a bad person, really. You didn't seek Taehyung and Jungkook out with the intention to cheat on them; all you desired was an unbiased answer, just a little something to ease your indecisiveness and help you decide. But… the results of all the tarot readings were inconclusive.
Your best friend told you to pick already and not lead them on any longer.
But that was easier said than done.
Your best friend wouldn’t understand, she isn’t you, she doesn’t experience the guys the same way you do— you were convinced if she had the same predicament that she would do the same thing you did.
But she didn’t have the same predicament, she had her soulmate already. So, you wouldn’t expect her to understand.
You stared at the phone in your hand, your thumb hovering over the texting app that will connect you to either Taehyung or Jungkook.
Which would it be?
You let out a sigh, putting the phone down.
Why did this have to be so difficult? You couldn’t recall the last time you had to make such a damned difficult decision.
Then, the doorbell rang, ripping you out of your focus. You got up and headed for the door, and once you opened the door, you were met by the delivery driver.
"Good evening, Miss. I have a package for you."
"Thank you.” You accepted the package and closed the door. You looked at the package and noted that the sender was Kim Taehyung.
“Gosh, he’s so sweet.” You smiled. He knew that you had been feeling blue lately and must’ve decided that he wanted to cheer you up a bit.
But if he knew the reason for why you were down, he would’ve probably smashed and broken this present in a thousand pieces.
You opened the package, carefully, not wanting to rip the packaging, and took out the present inside.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
It didn’t take long for you and Jungkook to retreat to the bedroom after you arrived at his place, and you were soon lying naked on his bed, his tongue exploring every inch of your pussy, his fingers buried deep inside you. Your legs shook with anticipation, a soft moan slipping from your lips as your hands tangled in his hair, pushing his face deeper into your pussy.
“I love how wet you get for me. All soaked and ready to be fucked," Jungkook flicked your clit with his tongue, before he moved away and started to pump his errection. His fingers were still inside of you, his fingers curling and hitting that sensitive spot deep within.
"O-oh!” Your body curved along with his movements.
“Yeah? That’s a nice spot, hm? Like it right there, feels good there?”
You could only nod, your voice trapped in your throat.
Jungkook continued to finger you, his thumb circling your clit, and you felt your orgasm build up. However, before you could hit your climax, Jungkook pulled away, and replaced his fingers with something much better.
He slowly thrust into you, filling you up, and his head dropped into the crook of your neck, his hot breath tickling your skin. "Ah, fuck."
You were a moaning mess underneath him, your eyes closing as the pleasure intensified. You wrapped your arms around him, holding him close. The both of you didn’t speak; simply enjoying each other's bodies connecting.
Jungkook's thrusts increased in speed and power and you could feel the familiar coil tighten again, your body arching as you cried out.
"Close, close…” You panted.
"Come, baby. Let it all out," he whispered in your ear, leaving kisses on your neck.
That was all you needed, and your orgasm came crashing down, a loud moan slipping from your lips.
Jungkook wasn’t far behind, riding out your waves of orgasm until he, too, came.
After the sex, Jungkook went to the kitchen to prepare dinner and you stayed in bed for a few minutes, and decided to check your phone for any notifications, and you saw a message from your best friend.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
You joined Jungkook in the kitchen, sitting at the kitchen island as you watched him cook. His broad shoulders and toned back faced you, and he was only wearing his joggers which he put on after the sex.
It was a nice distraction from the earlier chat you had with Ara. Part of you thought that you went too far, but another part of you felt like it was justified to respond the way that you did. She was constantly pushing you to choose already, but she failed to realize just how difficult it was for you to choose. Both men were absolutely perfect and there was zero fault in them… and that was the whole problem. You had waited for one of them to mess up; to start an argument with you, tell you they were an ex felon, kick a puppy, yell at a service worker, shove an old lady… ANYTHING. But their faults never came, not once have they slipped up and made you think that you wanted to break up with them.
Ara's words played over and over again in your mind.
You are doing this to protect both men's hearts. Yes, that's it.
“Babe?” Jungkook's voice interrupted your thoughts, and you realized that you were staring at the table. He had set the plate in front of you and sat opposite of you, but he noticed you neither acknowledged the food or him. “You okay?”
You blinked and looked up, seeing the concerned look on his face. You managed a smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry… I just was thinking of something.”
Jungkook was smart enough to know that something was bothering you, so he didn’t let go, and pressed; “What’s going on?”
You hesitated, looking down at your food, pushing the noodles around with the chopsticks.
Jungkook reached across the table and held your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Just... tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can help."
You looked up at him. Your expression softened, and you sighed, deciding that you needed to tell him what was going on.
"Well..." You started, your heart pounding against your chest. “I was speaking with my best friend and…” You took a deep breath, gathering the courage to tell him the truth. You were really going to do this, weren’t you? It felt somewhat… relieving to do this. No more sneaking, no more having two accounts, no lying or cheating anymore.
“She disapproves of our relationship because we are moving too fast.”
You couldn’t do it.
You were such a coward.
“Oh, I am sorry babe, what do you think? Are we moving too fast? I mean, we are in a good place right now, right?” Jungkook asked.
You felt a little bad for making him worry, so you shook your head and gave him a smile.
"We are in a good place. Don't worry about it, she's just worried and doesn't know you."
"Should I meet her?” Jungkook asked.
“Meet who?”
“Your friend, silly.”
Oh boy. If he was meeting her, there was no telling what could happen. What if Ara ran her mouth? What if she told him everything? What if she messed up? No… it was too risky.
“She’s… an exchange student abroad, but if she ever visits home, I’ll let you know, and we can meet up. How about that?"
The lies just kept piling up…
Tumblr media
“I missed you.” You murmured against his lips.
“I missed you too.” Taehyung deepened the kiss, his hands slipping underneath your shirt. His touch made your skin tingle and your stomach flutter, his hands were warm and big and his fingers spread over your back, pressing you closer against his chest.
“Did you?” You asked, between kisses.
Taehyung smiled, his tongue caressing your lips, before it slipped into your mouth. You let out a moan, your hands running up his toned arms.
His hands trailed further up, cupping your breasts and you gasped, breaking the kiss, but he didn't give you time to breathe, his mouth capturing yours again. His tongue was dancing with yours and you were left breathless when he eventually broke the kiss, his hands kneading your breasts.
“Mhm, I did. A lot. You are always on my mind. When I wake up, when I go to sleep, during work, when I am working out, in the shower, even when I eat, you are always on my mind, y/n"
His confession made your heart explode, and you felt heat rush to your cheeks, you didn’t expect that answer.
Taehyung took your hand and placed it on his groin. "See what you do to me, hm?" He said with a smile.
Soon, you were riding his cock, his errection peeking through the open gap in his pants, and your panties dangled onto your ankles as you rode him. His hips on your waist and he was guiding your body, making you move the way he wanted.
"I love it when you fuck yourself on my cock," he grunted. “Keep going, love.”
And that you did, until you physically weren’t able to anymore, and Taehyung took over, laying you down onto the bed, and you laid on your stomach, your hips propped up with a pillow as he started to fuck you from behind.
You couldn’t help the cries escaping your mouth, as he pounded into you, his cock hitting your g-spot with precision. Your fingers gripped onto the sheets, your face buried into the mattress.
His hands were on your waist, holding you steady as he fucked you senseless, and you could hear his heavy breathing. Then, one last pump, and he came first, letting out a deep groan.
He slowed down for a moment, before riding out his orgasm in you, until you came. Your orgasm came crashing down on you, and you whimpered and cried around his cock, and as you laid there trembling, you asked yourself; how were you ever supposed to choose between them?
It didn’t matter.
You didn't want to choose between them.
You couldn’t choose between them.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
And like that, time passed by. The two of them showered you with gifts, attention, love, and affection nonstop, every day. You were constantly on the fence, debating whether you should stop or not… but it all just felt too good, you couldn’t imagine life without either of them.
The snow crunched underneath your feet, the cold air brushing against your skin as you walked through the snow covered park, and it was getting colder by the minute. Your hands were shoved into the pockets of your coat to keep you warm.
“Are you cold?” Taehyung asked, at which you nodded. He took your hands and held them. “Do you want to go in the Gondola lift?” He nodded his head in the direction of the ski lifts, and you glanced over.
“Yes, that looks fun, let’s!” You followed him, holding his hand. You stood in the queue for a few minutes, wrapping your arms around Taehyung and resting your head against his chest as you snuggled up to him.
Soon, it was your turn and Taehyung held the door open and you scooted right next to the window, glancing out. The view wasn’t that noteworthy yet but you were sure that would change soon.
“There, now we are all together. The three of us."
Huh? You turned your head and looked at him. Taehyung stepped in, and sat next to you, and you noticed the other man standing in the doorway.
Jungkook.
A pang of happiness temporarily shot through your chest, you had missed him and you loved seeing him again, but then a realization dawned on you; they knew about each other.
And that realization quickly morphed into fear, and your heart began to pound.
You were caught.
You jumped up and tried to make a run for the door, but Taehyung grabbed your wrist and pulled you down, forcing you back down on the bench. “You’re staying right here.”
“N-no, I want to go, no!”
Your gaze flickered back and forth between them, and you felt like a trapped animal, your body frozen as your mind ran wild.
Jungkook locked the door behind him and sat down to your left, while Taehyung sat on your right; you were sandwiched in between them.
No, no, no, this couldn’t be happening.
“Why are you so shy all of a sudden, babe? Usually you are so talkative, aren’t you?" Jungkook mocked.
Your eyes filled with tears, and you lowered your gaze, ashamed. Afraid to look them in the eyes.
“Don’t you like our surprise? We prepared it all for you, love.” Taehyung placed a hand on the back of your neck, his touch causing you to flinch, and he forced you to look at him. “I thought you wanted us both, and now that we are here, you refuse to talk to us? Is that how it is?"
You didn’t answer. You couldn’t answer. You didn’t know what to say, what to do. "Answer him," Jungkook's tone was icy, and your body shook, you were petrified, unsure of what they would do to you. And just like that, you kept your gaze on your lap, and you managed to not say a word all the way back to the end point of the ski lift ride. At the end of the ride, Jungkook and Taehyung guided you back to the cabin, where things between the three of you would change forever.
Tumblr media
“If you want two cocks so bad, then fucking take them both.”
You were on your knees, in between the two of them, as they took turns thrusting their dicks into your mouth, one after the other. Their moans filled the room, along with the occasional gagging sound that you made.
Your body was in overdrive; it was as if your brain couldn’t comprehend that your two favorite men in the world were face fucking you both right now.
You didn’t expect it but… you were soaking wet.
“That’s it, show Taehyung how we always do it when he’s not around, don’t be shy baby.”
Taehyung pulled his cock out, and now Jungkook was the one in your mouth. You drooled over his cock, and his hand rested on the back of your head, pushing himself further inside, his errection hitting the back of your throat.
Taehyung took your hand and wrapped it around his cock, and you started to rub him off as you continued to suck Jungkook off. The two men groaned as they hovered over you, and you didn’t think you could hold it any longer.
“I’m wet, really wet, need cock, please.”
At that, Taehyung pulled you onto your feet and picked you up, before laying you down on the bed.
“Wet? Show us then, babe.” Taehyung cooed, pulling your clothes off you, and now Jungkook was in the room as well. “Spread those legs, show us how wet you really are. Do you need cock?"
"Yes, yes, please!" You spread your legs wide, exposing yourself to them, and having both of their eyes set on your pussy made you even wetter.
"This pussy is so greedy, and so fucking needy, it's dripping. Look at that.” Taehyung’s finger lingered down your folds, teasing your entrance. “So wet for us.”
Jungkook got onto the bed, deciding he’d be the first to give you what you want; cock. He hovered above you and slipped his cock in, and you moaned as his length filled you up. You wrapped your arms around him, as he thrust in and out.
This must be a dream.
Taehyung placed a hand on your cheek and turned your face to the side, his hardened cock staring right back at you, and you opened your mouth, inviting him in.
Both men fucked you, and your mind was completely blank.
Taehyung chuckled. “Damn, that pussy really is wet huh, those sounds are something else."
You couldn’t reply, as your mouth was stuffed with his cock, but you knew exactly what he meant, the lewd sounds your pussy was making was embarrassing, but also turned you on more and more. Taehyung’s hands trailed to your chest, kneading your tits. “You love it, don’t you? When we both fuck you. That slutty face tells me everything I need to know, and I bet this greedy pussy is going to come all over his cock soon, won’t it?" He pulled out his cock out of your mouth.
“Yes.. love it.” You tilted your head back, your back arching as Jungkook started hitting you in a good spot. “O-oh…”
Taehyung moved next to Jungkook and his tip teased against your swollen clit, the head rubbing against it, and that nearly sent you over the edge.
“A-ah!” You gripped onto the sheets, as the knot in your lower belly tightened, and your body tensed up, your pussy walls clenching around Jungkook’s cock.
“That’s the spot?” Jungkook teased, gripping onto your thighs to keep you in place as he picked up the pace.
“That does seem to be the spot, look at her face, she loves that spot.” Taehyung started to smack your clit with his cock, and that sent you over the edge, the knot in your stomach exploding, and you came all over Jungkook's cock, a loud cry escaping your mouth. As you came, your pussy milked his cock, hard, and he couldn’t last much longer, his cum shooting deep inside of you, Jungkook rocked his hips back and forth and only stopped when he was sure that every seed was spilled inside of you.
Jungkook pulled out, making way for Taehyung, who eagerly lined his cock up to your entrance. Jungkook came to lay down next to you, pressing his lips against yours as Taehyung pushed every inch into you, filling you up again.
"That's it, take that cock, love, Jungkook really warmed up that pussy for me, hm? It's squeezing my cock, so tight."
Taehyung fucked you with fast and deep strokes, his cock sliding in and out with ease as you were soaking wet, drenching the sheets underneath you. Jungkook started to kiss your tits instead of your lips, his tongue swirling around your nipples.
Your body was completely overwhelmed by pleasure, your head thrown back, and your mouth hanging open, your cries filling the room. You felt Taehyung grab your leg and push it over his shoulder, and pull you closer, his cock hitting deeper and faster, and you didn't know how much longer you'd last.
"Please, more, don't stop, don't stop." You begged, your breathing becoming faster.
Jungkook kissed your neck, "Such a greedy pussy, and it loves being fucked, doesn't it?" He grabbed your hand, holding it as you gripped onto it.
"Mhm, it loves it." You whispered, glancing at both men. Oh they were so perfect, they were everything you ever dreamed of, and more.
"Tell him you love it, baby." Jungkook encouraged.
"L-love it, so much, ah, ah…” You whimpered as Taehyung picked up the pace, your body bouncing up and down the bed, your tits bouncing all over the place, and it was all too much. You reached your high, another orgasm rushing through your body, and you cried as your pussy clenched around his cock.
"Yes, yes, that’s it…” Taehyung grunted, his pace now slow and deep, wanting to feel your pussy massage his cock and then he finally released himself, his hot seeds filling you up, and he rode out his orgasm, until there was nothing left to give.
“Oh…” You whimpered, turning to your side, completely exhausted, closing your eyes for a moment.
In the end, you didn’t have to choose.
1K notes · View notes
yourlocallunatic · 3 months ago
Note
I desperately need more Ridoc teasing and in control. That was one of the best smutty fics I’ve read in a long time
Payback
Ricoc Gamlyn x Fem!reader 18+
summary: Ridoc loves to tease you and flirt with you, sometimes it might go a little too far. So you decide to show him what it feels like. He doesn't take it as well as you thought...(Follows Fourth Wing plot, before anything bad happens, I love the peace lol)
warnings: Smuuuutt! piv sex, oral sex (m receiving), fingering (f receiving) improper use of signets, dom!Ridoc, brat tamer!Ridoc, itty bit of praise & degradation kink. lots of dirty talk too many feeling (I couldn't help it, I love love)
wordcount: 6.9K (lol)
notes: thanks for the request and love! I could not get the scene from OS were Ridoc and Vi are arguing and she says how ice starts forming at his fingers when he's getting angry out of my head. I just had to include it. Can't stop thinking about Ridoc and his cold ass hands (might need to dedicate a whole post to it lmk if you'd wanna see that)
Tumblr media
You were friends Ridoc. Just friends. Nothing more. He was a rider, you were a rider, you had your squad, your section leaders, your wingleaders. Everything was normal and as it should be.
Until it wasn't.
You couldn't pinpoint exactly when it happened or what exactly Ridoc had said to make you want to get back at him.
Maybe it was the day he'd called you beautiful right after you'd fallen in the river during flight maneuvers. Your dragon had plucked you out of the water and returned to the flight field where everyone else was, your clothes were sopping wet, and drops of water slid over your face. The rest of your squad was laughing at you (like the annoying friends that they were) even Ridoc laughed. But that was before he wiped a drop of water off the tip of your nose and spoke in a low and somewhat sultry voice.
"You're so beautiful when you're wet..." your face had heated at his words, not understanding exactly his lewd implications until he continued. "Wonder what else gets you that wet..." You'd pushed him away and screamed at him, scolding him for talking like a pervert. Rhiannon was not far behind in lecturing him.
Or maybe it was the full week he refused to call you anything other than princess. He regularly used the pet name in a way that made your heart flutter. But he was your friend and that's just what Ridoc did to his friends—tease. He'd still use the nickname with you on occasion, but only when he really wanted to annoy you.
Perhaps it was once he developed his signet and realized he could use it to absolutely annoy the shit out of you and your whole squad. He had started by wrapping his fingers around Violet's hot mug of tea when she wasn't looking and freezing it solid. Next, he woke up before Sawyer and froze his door shut, resulting in him being late to formation. But the kicker was when Ridoc discovered that he could dramatically cool his body temperature and even form frost on his fingertips. So in the moments you'd least expect it he would lightly drag his fingertips along you, the cold shocking you to your bone. At breakfast, during formation, he even went too far one time to grasp your upper thigh during battle brief. The chill ran all the way up your spine to the base of your skull, the contrast of the cool of his fingers and the heat so close to your center drove you crazy. You yelped at the feeling and disrupted the whole class, which caused Ridoc to burst out laughing.
No, no, it had to be the time when he straight up asked to sleep with you. That must've been what made you decide to get your revenge.
Violet had been complaining about how she missed sex and Liam offered to find some candidates for her. Ridoc decided to throw his name in the ring, saying he'd be happy to oblige her at any time.
"There’s no way Liam would pick you for Violet out of a lineup," Rhi chimed in, "He has good taste."
"Seriously, I need Liam to find someone for me. I miss sex too..." you joked, adding to the conversation.
"Well princess, like I told Violet, I'd be happy to help out," Ridoc said, leaning over next to you and messing with your hair. He was always flirty with his friends, that's just what he did, but honestly, it was getting too much.
"No thanks, I'll pass," you chuckled lightly as you tried to calm your racing heart.
"C'mon pleaseee," he all but begged you. You rolled your eyes at him in answer—a regular one of your responses to his antics—but he didn't accept it. The fingers that were messing with your hair found their way to the back of your neck and a steady flow of coldness jolted you in your seat. He leaned his head in closer before speaking once more, "You know I'll make you feel incredible sweetness, can I please just spend one night with you?" His cold fingers gripping the back of your neck and his warm breath on your face...holy Dunne...you knew Ridoc was hot but would today be the day you confessed your feelings?
Before you could asses the waves of arousal flowing through you and decide if you wanted to kiss him or not, Ridoc burst out laughing and removed his hand from you.
"I totally got you that time!" He held a hand to his chest as he caught his breath and you finally came to your senses.
"Fuck you, Gamlyn!" you cry and lay your head on the table in embarrassment.
"What happened?!" Sawyer asked from the other side of you. You groan in response curling further into yourself.
"I fully just turned her on, dude! Right before Physics too!" At this point tears were streaming out of his eyes from laughter
"Aw, Ridoc, ew! Don't be such a perv!" Rhiannon scolded him. Your face was still tucked in your arms on the desk.
"But she liked it," he said in a sing-song tone, his laughter finally subsiding. No. That's it. Ridoc was a fucking relentless, teasing, asshole of a flirt and he had to get a taste of his own medicine. You swing your face up from the table, the redness on it surely not gone yet, but it is about time someone said something to him.
"You better watch your back Ridoc," you snap, pointing your finger and digging it into his chest, "I'm gonna make sure you get what's coming for you."
"Ooo feisty, huh? We'll see about that, Princess."
And thus—the game began.
The first week you started simple, just as he had. You'd woken up in a particularly good mood as you knew that was the day you were going to turn the tables on Ridoc. You made your way to the dining hall in the morning and sat where you normally did with your squad and waited...Ridoc was always late in the mornings, he was a night owl and was regularly in other people's rooms. Not that it bothered you…no, you weren't jealous. No. Of course not. Nope. But surprisingly he was somewhat on-time that morning and his floppy brown hair fell over his forehead in the perfect messy way it always did. You kept your eyes on him as he made his way through the food line and to your table, completely disregarding your breakfast in front of you.
"What are you planning?" Violet asked through her mouthful of food, eyeing you suspiciously. You kept your gaze, not even breaking it to respond to your friend.
"You'll see," you smirked.
As he approached closer you scooched over, creating a spot at the table for Ricoc, and patted the bench in earnest. And waited again. You knew he would make a comment.
"Hm, someone's excited to see me this morning," There it is. He walked right into your trap.
"I can't help it..." You sigh, doing your best to sound sincere (though, it wasn't difficult to be sincere with him)
"Hmph?" he groans in response, mouth full of food.
"You just look sooo handsome this morning, want you next to me," you rest your cheek on one hand that's propped up by your elbow, and the other hand reaches out and slowly twists in his dark locks. You gaze at him, watching him closely in anticipation. His eyes shift looking between your own, looking for something. Gods...his eyes, so warm, so full of light. You want to get lost in them, in the joy they hold, in the stubbornness and fearlessness, and fuck. He was starting to laugh.
"W-what?" you stutter, retracting your hand from his hair.
"Gonna have to try harder than that, sweetness," the smile never leaves his lips as he digs into his breakfast.
"AHH," you grumble and stand from your seat. How the fuck did he win this one? You storm out of the dining hall, immediately starting your next plan.
"What in Malek's name did I just watch?" You hear Rhiannon's voice fade out as you leave.
The second week, you stepped up your game. Big time. If you couldn't flatter him you would flatter yourself. It was Tuesday night, squad hand-to-hand practice. Your normal training clothes weren't very favorable for your figure, you normally stuck to the standard issue training pants and boots and a plain long-sleeved top, but it was spring now, the weather was warmer, and no one would question your change in attire. So you changed. You wore the smallest and tightest of your training tanks, one from before you gained muscle as a rider, and at the very bottom of your armoire, you found your old tights. They were meant for training so it wasn't anything scandalous, you'd just outgrown them. But because of the tightness of the leggings, you did have to forego your undergarments to avoid any panty lines.
"Damn, girl. What's all this about?" Rhi asked you as you two and Violet made your way to the training room. You tugged on the straps of your tank to ensure your breasts stayed in place. Yeah, very tight.
"It's...hot out," you respond, not at all convincing them.
"Is this about you trying to get Ridoc back for getting you all hot and bothered before Physics a couple of weeks ago?" Violet speaks up, amusement imminent in her voice.
"He did not get me 'hot and bothered'" you defend yourself, "just...a little turned on. He just won't stop teasing, just trying to show him how it feels!" you continue your defense.
"This is seduction. Not teasing," Rhiannon says. Whatever. Is that not what Ridoc was doing to you? You just roll your eyes and continue into the training room, eyes immediately seeking out Ridoc. You find him on the mat, sparring with Sawyer. The fight was pretty evenly matched, Sawyer had a little height on Ridoc, but Ridoc had a little more bulk on him. Fuck, those muscles, straining the sleeves of his shirt. You shook your head and cleared your thoughts moving closer to the mat. You walk right up to the edge of it and cross your arms, subtly pushing your breasts up and closer together.
"Looking good boys," You say, gaining their attention, hoping you could draw Ridoc's away just long enough for Sawyer to get the high ground. Unfortunately, you overestimated Sawyer's ability to keep his eyes where they need to be.
"Woah." Sawyer sighed lightly under his breath. You rolled your eyes at him and looked for a reaction from Ridoc. He just looked you up and down slowly before tackling Sawyer to the ground. Seriously? 
Sawyer just bumped down a notch on the friend poll. 
The boys finish their match quickly, Ridoc taking the win after Sawyer lost his focus, and exit the mat. You stay at the edge waiting for Ridoc to pass you and acknowledge you in some way other than giving you a once-over. He saunters over slowly, a light sweat glistening his forehead and leans down right to your level before speaking.
"You look good too, princess," your face heats and your heart beats faster at the excitement of your victory over him. Until he keeps talking. "But...I've already imagined your body enough times to not be surprised at how good you look." You don't know if it's anger or arousal that's causing wetness to pool at your core, all you know is that he's won. Yet again.
That same night you tried again and failed. You thought maybe sparring with him and getting your bodies closer would get him going, but it proved the opposite. You'd ended up underneath him, heat coursing through your veins. However, you could've sworn you felt something poking at your lower stomach, maybe it was just false hope.
By the third week, you knew you'd have to come up with something really good. But you didn't. You tried to search for something that you could do to get back at him, but everything you came up with was either not good enough or too good, to the point where you think it would just backfire and you'd end up turned on again.
It was a Friday and all your friends decided it was time for a much-needed study night—aided by some alcohol. You walked into Sawyer's room defeated, still not have come up with anything good enough to tease Ridoc with. The room was full, Sawyer laid sprawled across his bed with Violet sitting at the foot of it, Rhiannon and Liam lay on the floor with their texts open in front of them, then there was Ridoc. He sat on the chair at Sawyer's desk, facing your friends and ignoring the books on the desk, his legs were spread wide and his hands were crossed behind his head. He smirked as you walked through the door and looked around for a place to settle down.
Your eyes crossed the room and landed on Ridoc, your gaze lingers on him for maybe a moment too long, but that one moment was enough for a stupid thought to enter your brain. Hopefully, stupid enough to work.
You throw your bag and jacket on the ground and step over the books laid on the ground, making your way to Ridoc. He opened his mouth to say something but closed it quickly when you plopped right down in his lap. He was stunned silent for a moment before wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you into him to settle you into his embrace.
"Oh? Go right ahead I suppose," He says cockily, but you catch the hint of confusion in his voice.
"What? There was nowhere else to sit," you feign your confidence and try to ignore the feeling of Ridoc's arm around you.
"I would have gladly moved to avoid whatever this is..." Rhiannon says from the ground in disgust. You ignore her comment and begin a conversation with Liam, trying your best to pretend you weren't sitting in Ridoc's lap. But once you got a drink in you, and a little more, it became very difficult to ignore. That was when you had your next bright idea.
Violet was talking about her issues with Riorson and you nodded along as she droned on with her complaints, your brain was a little fuzzy and you were growing bored of her repeating the same thing. After a while your body had relaxed perfectly into Ridoc's and as the conversation flowed your body relaxed even more and the little thought wormed it's way into your brain. You didn't think about the implications of your actions before you wiggled your ass and slowly ground down on his lap. His grip tightened around you waist, a warning maybe?
You waited for his arm to loosen around you before you made your next move, letting the conversation around you continue you once more ground your hips down onto his lap, doing your best to make it look like you were just adjusting. His grip tightened again, and this time you felt his cock begin to harden underneath you. You were winning this time.
You don't wait this time before moving again, fidgeting in your seat as you hear Liam trying to defend Riorson in the background. Ridoc didn't let up on his hold on you, this time wrapping his other arm around your waist and digging his fingers in deeper. He grunts lowly behind you as you grind your ass harder down onto him. The harder you go the harder his fingers on your waist grab and his bruising grasp suddenly grows cold as he grows harder. Oh fuck.
"This the game you want to play?" His voice was right next to your ear, his hot breath causing a chill to run through you. You can't stop, not now, you were so close to winning this. But his voice. And his arms around you. And his cold fingers. No. You turn your head a little to the side, your lips so close to his as you respond.
"Hm, I'm just giving you what you deserve."
"Yeah? Okay, princess. We'll play that way then," His words were low and gravelly, filled with arousal. You nearly moaned out loud. But he was fast. Only a second later he shoved you from his lap, you stumbled to stand as the conversation around you died down. You swing your head to look at him and ask him why the fuck he just did that but he had already gathered his things and was halfway out the door, mumbling a quick "Gotta go." and leaving you speechless.
"What's up with him?" Rhi asks, sending a questioning look your way. Your astonishment slowly turned to a feeling of pride and a small smile appeared on your face.
"Let's just say I finally got him back," you smirk and move back to the chair where he sat, the seat still warm.
That's what you thought at least.
Another week passed and you were confident you had gotten your revenge on Ridoc. He hadn't said anything about the incident, leading you to believe that he was just embarrassed. Oh how wrong you were.
It was late, the hallways dark, only lit by a mage light or two. You couldn't sleep so attempted to make your way to the flight field for a late-night flight. But you didn't make it very far before you were slammed face-forward against the wall. You tried to reach for the daggers on your belt but the assailant already had your wrists in their grasp. Your breathing picked up, a slight cry crawling its way out of your mouth in fear and you could hear your heart beating in your ears. Over the sound of the blood rushing through your head, you heard a slight shushing behind you, and warm breath on your face. Your senses came back to you and you felt the freezing cold hands on your wrists. Ridoc.
"Shh, shh, just me, sweetness," his voice was still teasing despite the immense fear you just showed. Your body relaxed instantly, slumping against the wall and letting his arms hold you up.
"Gods, Ridoc!" you keep your voice low, still aware that it's very late at night. "What the fuck are you doing?!" He hums in response, foregoing verbally answering your question. His face was still close to yours and he inhaled deeply before burying his face in your neck. "Ridoc, wha—oh..." A breathy sigh leaves you when you feel his hot tongue trace down your neck.
Shivers ran down your arms, covering you in gooseflesh as you melted even further into the wall. His hands move from your wrists and run all the way up your arms then back down to your waist, all while his tongue keeps moving. His cold touch finds its way to the hem of your shirt and slowly moves it up, his fingers glide across your the expanse of your stomach your body practically vibrating at the feeling. His mouth moved on your neck slowly and you didn't expect it when he bit down lightly.
"Ah! Fuck," you groan at the feeling, your panties surely soaked through at this point. Ridoc chuckles out a light, melodic laugh and leisurely withdraws his face.
"You like that?" He breathes out. Your brain was so foggy with arousal you didn't even think before responding.
"Mmm, yes," you crane your neck, reaching for his mouth with your but he retracts further, his hands falling from you, leaving your body colder than it was with his frozen fingers against you. He backs away even more as you turn around, his back almost against the opposite wall of the hallway. "Ridoc?" you sounded pathetic, you were sure of it.
"What, princess? I thought this is what you wanted to play now?" His voice was so gods-damned cocky. A wave of disappointment ran through you as he walked further away and down the hallway. Away from you in all your desperation. "Don't look so sad," he call out to you in a mock pout, "you'll get what you want eventually." Fuck. Him.
You withheld from your nighttime flight and instead made your way back to your room in haste. Stripping your pants off and laying on your bed as soon as you shut the door. You may be pissed at him, but he was still ridiculously hot and turned you on to no end. You rub your clit in furious circles, coming to your peak quickly and moaning out Ridoc's name. Well, you'd get back at him twice as hard.
The next day at breakfast you leave your food untouched, your thoughts running too fast for your sleep-deprived brain.
"Hmm...someone's sleepy," Ridoc says as he settles onto the bench next to you, far too close for comfort. "Wanna talk about what's keeping you up?" he asks knowingly.
"Not particularly," you snap back.
"Was it a guy? Or a girl? Finally find someone worth sleeping with?" He continues his teasing. Your first reaction is to be annoyed, you roll your eyes in response, but you still have a little confidence left.
"Yeah, actually," you answer him, sitting up in your seat straighter and scooting just a tad closer to him.
"What?" you could've sworn he sounded a little hurt.
"Mhm. He keeps walking around me though, just wish he would fuck me already, had to take care of myself last night," he coughs lightly and looks down at his plate, you take his moment of shyness as an opportunity and slide your hand over his thigh, moving it up slowly to where his cock started to harden. But that moment doesn't last long.
"Yeah? Maybe it's cause he's trying to teach you a lesson for being such a brat," his tone grows darker the further up his leg you get and you can't help the flush that seems to go through your body at the thought of him getting hard for you.
"Well, maybe he wouldn't have to teach me a lesson if he wasn't a brat first," you make your move in sync with your last word, cupping his hard cock with your hand. It was a step up from what he'd done to you last night. A really big step. Fuck, he was thick, you did what you could to fully grasp him from the confines of his pants but it was difficult with how large he was.
Ridoc wasn't taking any of your shit, he grabbed your wrist and moved it away from his center then pulled to bring you closer to him.
"You're gonna regret that, sweetness," How did he manage to sound so teasing and so sexy at the same time? "You thought last night was bad? I'll have you on your knees begging for me next time," Your body stills at his words, you've exhausted all your courage and were left in front of him defenseless. He stares into your eyes as your body begins to tremble with need. He managed to get to you every single time, but at least this time you'd known for sure that you were also getting to him.
"Will you guys please just shut up and fuck already?" Rhiannon finally shouts, slamming her cutlery down on the table. "It's making me fucking sick."
"Sorry, Rhi," Ridoc pushes away from you, easily masking his emotions while you still sit in agony. "Not my fault," that breaks you from your trance.
"Not your fault? I–I'm not–"
"Save it, princess," He shuts you up way to easily, standing swiftly and exiting the dining hall. Your head falls to the table in defeat and embarrassment.
"You two are seriously disgusting," Liam speaks up. "And that's saying something." You groan in response, whining at the teasing from your friends. But even through your embarrassment you couldn't get Ridoc's words out of your head and you tried to push the thought of begging on your knees for him out of your head.
Over the next few days, you did your best to avoid Ridoc. Not that you didn't want to see him—it was the opposite really—you just weren't sure if you could handle any more teasing (seduction) from him before breaking. He'd caught your eye a couple of times a subtle twinkle in them every time, paired with a smirk on his face. That alone was enough for you to want to get on your knees for him.
It was exactly five days later when he came back to you to fulfill his promise. Five agonizing days without speaking to Ridoc. You tried to convince yourself that it was just because he was turning you on, but you knew the truth. You knew it was because you had real feelings for him, and you were afraid he didn't return them.
You'd just finished training for the day and were ready to crash for the night, your back sore and arms tired from holding out against Imogen. You closed the door to your room behind you and lay on the floor to stretch your stiff muscles. You hadn't even been alone for a minute before your door burst open and shut again in quick succession.
"Ridoc?" he rotates his wrist slightly and you hear the lock on your door click behind you and he locks it with lesser magic—something you still haven't mastered. He stalks over to where you are on the ground, your body propped up by just your elbows and before you know it he's on top of you. Kissing you. Hard.
Your arms give out beneath you but Ridoc is there, wrapping his arms around you and holding you up.
"Couldn't—mph—wait another fucking minute," he grunts out as you begin to return his kisses, struggling to keep up with his fast pace. His words. His mouth on yours...you could've sworn you'd reached the afterlife and Zihnal had favored you. You keep kissing him in earnest, not caring that he decided right now to give in for whatever reason. What did make him give in right now?
"W–wait, why now?" You try to push him away gently but he resists trailing kisses down the side of your neck. He mumbles between them, something unintelligible, you push him harder "Ridoc, can't hear you." he gives into you and pulls away slightly to speak clearly.
"I said, you're wearing that fucking shirt again," you look down and it clicks in your head, this was the tiny training tank that you wore that one day to tease him. And you had worn it again for training that night, not even thinking it would do anything to him after the first time.
"Oh so you just saw my tits and couldn't hold back," you taunt. He does not take to your teasing well and grabs your face with one hand, his cold fingers squishing your cheeks together.
"Don't forget what you did the other day, sweetness. I'm not going back on my word," You feel your body being to submit to him, but you still want to push him a little further, you weren't quite done with your game yet.
"Hm, want me on my knees?" you question, craning your neck to try to capture his lips again. He ignores you and stands, walking to the door.
"Fine, I'll leave."
"No! No, stay! Please, Ridoc," you scramble up from the ground, not quite making it to your feet as your pleading begins. This can't happen again, he can't leave you to take care of yourself once more. You could've been begging for life itself with Malek with the way you felt.
"Seriously? All it took was three words and you're doing exactly what I want you to," he turns from where he stands by the door and looks down at you pathetically. There you were. On your knees. Begging him.
You honestly couldn't care at this point that you'd given up completely on your goal to tease him back. You needed him. Just as you needed air to breathe. You'd surely regret your actions tomorrow but there was no way you could wait any longer.
"I give up, okay! I just need you to touch me, please..."
"Think you're gonna get away with it that easy? After all your teasing..." he tsks and walks closer to you, moving his hands to his hips to unbuckle his belt. Your mouth waters at the prospect of his cock in your mouth. You reach your hands out impatiently to take over the job of removing his belt, but right when you get there he slaps your hands away. "No hands. You're gonna take what I give you, princess." you nod in understanding, opting to behave and listen to him so he doesn't threaten to leave again.
He removes his belt and undoes the button on his pants, sliding them and his boxers down just enough to pull his leaking cock out. You'd felt it the other day, yes, but seeing it was something else. If your mouth was watering at the thought, you're sure you started drooling at the sight. He pumps himself a couple of times, spreading the wetness at the tip with his thumb before he sticks his hand out in front of you, mumbling out a "Spit." you listen, spitting in his hand and letting the excess drool fall down your chin as you look up at him through your lashes. He continued to touch himself a little longer before you realized what he was doing. He was waiting for you to ask for it.
"Ridoc, please...can I please?" you ask as soon as you realize what's going on. You notice him drawing in a deep breath to keep control before he answers you.
"Please what?"
"Ridoc! I asked nicely," You pout and start to bring your hands up again before deciding otherwise, knowing you'd get in trouble.
"Yes, you did. But I want to hear you say it," You could tell he was having a hard time holding himself together and you were too, so you gave in.
"Wanna suck your cock, please—" You couldn't even finish before he grasped your jaw again and opened your mouth up, shoving his thick cock inside. You choke at first but quickly adjust and start to get to work.
"Good girl, see what happens when you obey?" his words shoot straight to your pussy, his praise making you even slicker.
"M–phm," you agree, your response muffled. He moves slowly, but you know it's more for his sake of not finishing too soon than it is for your sake of not choking again. He fucks into your mouth and you bob your head in rhythm, soothing the underside of his cock with your tongue. He tasted amazing, better than you imagined when you touched yourself.
"So good, princess," he groans and wraps his fingers in your hair and pulls your head off him, your lips leaving him with a pop. Drool streams down your chin, tears threatening to fall out of your eyes. You try to move forward again but his hand in your hair holds you back. "You're not done behaving are you?"
"No, no, I'll behave," you answer with a shake of your head.
"Good. Take your clothes off and sit on the bed." You move quickly, not wanting to spend another second without his hands on you. You remove your shirt first while kicking off your boots, then make quick work of your pants and lean back to sit on the edge of your bed. You cross your legs at the ankle and swing them back and forth, impatiently waiting for Ridoc as get walks closer to you. He reaches his hand out and plucks at the thin strap of your bra. "All of your clothes," he says sternly. You grow slightly nervous to be completely naked in front of him with him being mostly clothed.
"But—" your words are cut off with only a hard look from him. You stand again and reach around you to pull your bra off. Ridoc's grip on his cock visibly tightens as your tits bounce free. You keep your eyes on him and lean down, taking your panties off and dangling them in front of his face before dropping them to the ground with the rest of your clothes. "Happy now?" you snark, though still keeping the smile on your face to show him you would keep behaving.
"Very," he sighs before pouncing on you. He captures your mouth with his lips again, licking into your mouth to wind your tongues together. His fingers ran over your body deftly, the light touches driving you mad. But his fingertips grew colder, they were literally ice against you and you whine at the feeling.
He was losing control, he wasn't able to keep his signet in check.
He didn't acknowledge his signet taking hold, instead, he broke away from your kiss momentarily to remove his shirt and shove down his pants even more. You reach out to touch him, disregarding anything he might have to say about it. Thankfully he seems too lost in his mind to bother with it, so you run your hands along his body your fingers feeling their way across his muscular back, and pull him closer to you.
Fully undressed now, Ridoc glides his hands further down your body as he continues to kiss you deeply, your own hands tangled in his hair. He clutches your hips hard and moves one hand to your aching cunt then drags his fingers through achingly slow.
"Ridoc! 'S too cold!" you gasp at the feeling of his frozen fingers at your core. But he ignores your complaint and keeps moving his fingers through your slick.
"So fucking wet," he moves his head away from your mouth, leaning back to admire your pussy. "You're dripping, sweetness, did you get this wet just from sucking my cock?" You nod your head in response. "Yeah? You've been wanting this for a long time, huh?
"Please, need more."
"More? I gave you my cock...I'm touching your pussy...what more could you want?" You groan in annoyance at the fact he's making you beg more.
"Ridoc, please! Want you to fuck me, please, I've waited so long..." You cry out pitifully, his fingers still fondling your center.
"Yes, you have, but you were acting like a slut," He plunges two of his fingers deep inside of you, curling them upwards to give you the friction you needed, sinful moans flew from your mouth. "If you just asked me to fuck you I would have, princess."
Despite his dominating tone, the last of his words held a sweetness to them, you knew that if you truly did ask him, he would've done anything for you. But instead there you were, begging him to fuck you while his ice-cold fingers did the job his dick should be doing.
"Ridoc, I need you, please, I need your cock inside me, I'm sorry for teasing! Just please, fuck me!" Your voice was desperate, embarrassingly so. But he wanted you begging and he got it. Seeming satisfied with the job you were doing he pulled his fingers out and stuck them in his mouth, licking them with a tantalizing look on his face and a deep guttural groan.
"There it is," he says as he pulls his fingers from his mouth, "just needed to say sorry, princess, that's it. Good job, I'll fuck you now, don't worry." His voice sounded sweet, but there was a darkness masked underneath it. If you didn't trust Ridoc so much you might've been worried about what was in store for you, but you knew he'd never hurt you.
He grabs a hold of your hips again and pulls you right to the edge of the bed before rolling you onto your front and pulling your ass up. Then, before you know it you're filled to the brim with his thick cock.
"Ah, fuck!" you shout. Pleasure coursed through your entire body, your brain fuddled in ecstasy. Ridoc leaned forward, pushing his cock into you impossibly deeper in the process, and craned his head right down to where your face was smooshed on the bed.
"Tell me if it gets too much and I'll stop, okay, sweetness?"
"Mhm," you answer, too lost in the moment to give a real response.
"No, not gonna cut it, use your words," He didn't move, refusing to do so until you listened.
"I'll tell you, promise," you utter.
"That's it, who knew the slut could be such a good girl?" His tone regaining it's cockiness. He started fucking into you slowly after answering, but his pace picked up fast, very fast.
You felt like you were being completed, his cock fitting you perfectly, rutting deep against your cervix as his fingers bit harshly into your hips, pulling you back against him in deep motions. You covered your mouth with your hand, doing your best to contain how loud you were being.
"Gods, you feel so good, princess. Like you were fucking made for me," you moan into your hand at his words, just the thought of you being made for him, being the one for him, had you keening. Wishing you were the only thing he would ever touch again, the only being he would even taste again, touch again, breathe again.
Your sorrowful thoughts didn't last very long, the feeling of him surrounding you taking over. You loved him. You loved him. You loved him.
"I love you."
You blanch. Afraid of what you'd just said. You go to slap your hand over your mouth, wait. Your mouth was already covered by your hand. You didn't say that. Ridoc did.
You revel in the joy, the splendor, the indulgence of the words. But also the feeling of him fucking you so deep and hard. It was all too much too fast. Your climax approaches fast, not giving you any time to prepare before you're coming all over his cock, tears break free from their walls, flowing down your face in rivulets. You squeeze hard around his cock as you orgasm and his pace falters.
He pulls out after your cunt stops pulsing and strokes his dick a few more times before he's spilling his seed across your ass, saying a string of curses as he does so.
Your body falls lax against your bed and you feel Ridoc wiping himself off of you with soft fabric and wrapping his arms around you, pulling you up to lay the right way up on the bed. He adjusts so he lays first, dragging you to lay your head on his chest. He loves you.
"There we go, c'mere swee—" He sits up quickly, your head rolling off of him as he shoots forward, hands moving to your hips with soft touches "Oh, oh fuck—oh my gods I'm sorry, princess. I'm so fucking sorry, I—I didn't mean to." You tilt your head and look to where his hands barely graze your hips, there your skin is frostbitten into the shapes of his perfect fingertips. Your mind whirs and you look at his face, worry etched over it so clearly. His eyes swim with tears. He loves you.
"Did you mean it?"
"NO! Gods, I'd never...I think I just lost control and—and I can't even tell you how sorry I am princess, gods I can't—" his lip trembles and he moves his hands away from you to run them through his hair.
"Ridoc, no. Do you love me?" you reach to take hold of his face, turning him so he's looking you dead in the eye. The tears don't fall from his eyes and they soften, his body relaxing as he sees the look that has so obviously been on your face for so long.
"More than anything..." He melts into your hold, the affection such a drastic change from him just a few minutes ago. You don't let him say anything else before you move in on him, locking your lips together again. The kiss wasn't as desperate as your ones from earlier, but just as passionate.
"I love you. I have for a while I think..." your voice draws off as you think back to how you acted toward him. "Sorry for being so bratty...just wanted to tease you back to show you how it felt." His gaze switches from a loving look to one of amusement before he tosses his head back in laughter.
"It's okay, sweetness, can't you tell that I like a little bit of excitement?" you giggle along with him.
"Yeah, I guess..." you say, still a little nervous.
"Gods, you're so fucking hot, can't tell you how hard it was to hold myself back from you for so long." You smile, confidence flooding back through you.
"Hm, good to know." You push him back onto the bed to lie again before you crawl into his arms. The place you'd so long desired to be in. You glance down at your bodies entwined together, like roots that grew into each other. His hand still absentmindedly tracing around your lightly frostbitten hips. The marks didn't hurt too much, just enough to remind you he'd been there. You still loved his cold hands.  
517 notes · View notes
keferon · 5 months ago
Note
"thinking about how no one wanted to be swerve's roommate" excuse me who said you could break my heart at the end of the communication post in the tags
Sorry haha
But really though. Swerve's plot line in IDW felt so bitter for me because It was supposed to show that Swerve has people who care about him and yet no one wants to share a room with him.
It's like. Yeah you're fun and all, but there's too much of you so imma go live anywhere else.
Also the implication of like....Swerve's body was laying there, and no one noticed until Swerve's hologram collapsed. Which means that not only no one wanted to live with him, no one was visiting him either.
I'm not 100% sure I remember It correctly though. It was some time since I read mtmte.
473 notes · View notes
bluelockmaniac · 9 months ago
Text
👑 .𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
ft. crown prince!itoshi sae x commoner!femreader x second prince!itoshi rin (only bc you are rin's fiancée)
🗡 synopsis. you were chosen to be the second prince’s fiancée for rin’s convenience, but fate had different plans when you fell for his older brother, the crown prince, instead. as you start hearing strange voices during your engagement ball, sae falls victim to alexis’ curse, which only your love can break. what happens when news spread of the crown prince's revival and rin finds out?
⛓ content warning. 13.3k (yikes)ノ royal au ノ classism ノ cheating themes & pdaノ⚠ rin is rude, offensive, & insulting ノ your parents & sis for plot are assholes ノ semi-arranged marriage (?) ノ reader is illiterate ノ narration heavy ノ reader gets called whore once ノ implied death & gorish description ノ implied stranglingノ animal murder ノ minimal implication of shorter readerノthe relationship with sae is highkey rushed now that i reread it.
notes. this took me two weeks+ to finish ahhh. i thank my past self for being obsessed with manhwas so muchh, and ty to rhymezone for saving my ass w/ the ancient poem. first time using capital letters when writing fanfics, only bc it's really long though, eeee.
Tumblr media
In the Twilight of the Eclipsing Red Moon,
When Stars Align and Shadows Loom,
The Great’s Fate is Sealed in the Veil of Night,
By the Hand of One from Mystic Light.
But From the Dust of Forgotten Lands,
Shall Rise a Heart with Common Hands,
With Lips of Rose and Spirit Warm,
To Bring the Order, End the Storm.
A Crown of Old Shall Find its Grace,
In the Embrace of a Simple Face.
But Do not be Fooled, One Shall Not Bloom,
For This, Will Lead to One’s Gentle Doom.
Tumblr media
“I beg your pardon, Your Majesty,” your father stammered, “M-My eldest daughter has fallen gravely ill, and I fear she physically cannot journey to the Grand Empire of Aquaria tomorrow!”
The king’s eyes flared open in shock as the words reached his ears. His grip on the plush armrest of his throne tightened, the baroque carvings digging into his palm.
“What?!” He yelled, dismissing the fan bearer with a sharp glare before rising from his throne and taking two steps forward. His shadow covered large over your father’s trembling figure. 
“She chooses now, of all times, to be stricken with sickness? At a crucial time for our kingdom? Such insolence!” He descended three more steps and glared down at him. “Did you forget that His Imperial Highness has specifically requested a lady from your clan?”
“I—”
The king struck his scepter harshly against the floor, silencing the man. “All the other houses of your garbage clan bore only sons,” he spat, “She will go, and that is final!”
“Actually…” the commoner’s lips pointed upwards in a well-rehearsed smile as he placed a hand over his heart in false politeness. “I have another daughter. She’s eager— eager to fulfill her duty. She is twenty, two years younger than the prince, but still of age.”
King Orion arched an eyebrow and his mouth twisted into a sneer. “Very well,” he replied, waving his hand in disinterest as he returned to his throne. “Summon her.”
In truth, the king’s concern wasn’t with Aria, your older sister. He cared little for which daughter was offered up to Aquaria’s second prince. It was a political necessity, nothing more— a favour to His Imperial Highness, Prince Rin. Or more like a fulfillment of Rin’s rather odd request that came with a threat. As long as someone from your clan was presented, it mattered not to him whether it was your sister or some other sacrificial lamb for the slaughter.
At the call of your name, the guards creaked open the heavy doors, and you entered the throne chamber slowly. When you reached the foot of the throne, you lowered your body in a curtsey bow, your gaze fixed on the scarlet carpet that stretched beneath you.
“It is my greatest honour to stand before you, Your Majesty,” you said, though your indifferent tone made it clear to anyone listening that you longed for nothing more than to be anywhere but here.
But you knew the truth behind this charade. Aria wasn’t ill. She was the jewel of your parents’ eye, their pride and joy, shielded from the Empire’s gaze like a pirate’s precious treasure. You, on the other hand, were the forgotten one– the daughter they kept hidden, a mere shadow in their halls, easily discarded when it was convenient. To your father, you were a little more than a weight around his neck, an extra mouth to feed, a burden he was eager to rid himself of.
The king’s eyes scanned you up and down, his expression visibly souring as he took in the sight of your tattered ankle-high, brown dress and scuffed boots. Disgusting.
“Ugh,” he muttered under his breath, leaning on one elbow as he sneered at you. “She’ll do, I suppose. Pretty enough for their tastes.” He turned to his chancellor with a condescending wave. “Have the maids find something more… suitable for this one.”
The chancellor bowed deeply, “At once, Your Majesty.”
Tumblr media
“Alright, you’ve packed everything, haven’t you?” your mother asked as she rubbed Aria’s shoulder comfortingly.
Your gaze drifted to the battered briefcase lying at your feet. You had stumbled upon it by accident, shoved into a forgotten corner of the dirty attic, coated in layers of dust and practically falling apart at the seams. With a sigh, you bent down to pick it up, nodding as it threatened to collapse.
“Yes,” you murmured, a bitter smile tugging at your lips, “There was hardly anything to pack, anyway.”
Your father scoffed, rolling his eyes as he wrapped an arm around Aria, who had begun to shed what you knew to be crocodile tears. The act was almost laughable. She suddenly broke free from their grasp and rushed over to you, flinging her arms around your waist with a dramatic sob.
“Y/N!” she cried, “Please take care of yourself– hic– I’m going to miss you so much!”
You hesitated for a moment before stiffly returning her hug. She was a liar, through and through, and you both knew it. 
Before the act could continue, the distant sound of hooves clattering against cobblestone paths captured your attention. Gently, you pried yourself away from her clutches, turning toward the approaching sound.
Your breath hitched. The Empire’s Royal Carriage was quickly nearing, and it was no exaggeration to say that its massive size dwarfed everything coming its way. It was magnificent, its gleaming white exterior and elegant navy blue designs that were above the huge clattering wheels. Silken curtains furnished the windows, embroidered with golden threads that caught the eyes of your greedy family. But what truly stole your attention was the shining silver crown perched atop the carriage, with Aquaria’s Royal Crest.
“Listen–” your father’s obnoxious voice cut through your admiration. He leaned close, his voice coming out in a hiss, “You better behave yourself, got it? If you mess this up, it’s not just you– it’s all of us. Understand?”
You shrugged off his threat with a nonchalant nod, “I’ll do my best.”
The sounds of the porcelain horses neighing were suddenly right behind you. They looked so soft, so immaculate, that you had to resist the urge to reach out and glide your fingers through their carefully groomed manes. But you knew better. This was no place for such frivolities.
The royal coachman descended from his designated seat and approached you. His right hand gracefully flew to his heart and he bowed slightly, his eyes closing for a brief moment.
“Greetings, my lady,” he said, straightening himself elegantly as his brown eyes met yours. He took your worn briefcase from your hand and placed it gently in the carriage’s wide storage compartment in the back. Then, he slid aside the long curtains and extended his hand toward you.
This was it. The moment you stepped into that carriage, you would leave this wretched life behind forever. No more grime, no more being hidden away like some shameful secret. You would be free– or at least you clung to the hope of freedom. 
Taking the coachman’s hand, you felt the fine material of your simple sage gown– one begrudgingly gifted by King Orion– brush against the spotless steps of the carriage. You could hardly believe you, of all people, had the privilege of entering something so grand, so expensive.
For one last time, you glanced back at your so-called family. They stood there, masks with feigned expressions of sorrow worn over their faces. But you weren’t fooled, and you certainly weren’t going to indulge them. Instead, a slow grin crept across your face and you mouthed a few words that served as a final act of defiance.
“Shitty lives for shitty people, I guess.”
Tumblr media
“.... lady,”
“My….”
“My lady!”
“Hm…” You muttered drowsily, your eyelids slowly fluttering open to the sight of the coachman and several other servants peering in at you with concerned expressions. Startled, you shot upright, your hands grasping the seat beneath you. “Y-Yes!”
So far, you were off to a great start.
But now, as you finally stepped out of the carriage and beheld the regal palace before you, every bit of exhaustion from the long ride seemed to dissolve. The sight of it stole your breath and you tried to conjure up a word to describe it, but words escaped you. Beautiful, perhaps, though even that felt insufficient. Magnificent, maybe. 
There were towering stone sculptures and a large marble fountain in the center, its water elegantly cascading down like it was raining crystals. The front lawn was meticulously trimmed and maintained till perfection. The walls of the palace shined, built from pale limestone that you recognized from years of working with fire and sedimentary rocks. And at the peak of the palace dome, a lone flag fluttered in the breeze, proudly displaying the Royal Crest of Aquaria.
Your home now.
Yet, no lines of maids awaited your arrival at the main entrance, as you’d always imagined from reading those fairytale books you’d find tucked away in your attic. And there was certainly no sign of your supposed fiancé— His Imperial Highness, Itoshi Rin, the Second Prince of the Empire.
But then again, it made sense. You were just a humble village girl, after all— hardly worth the attention of someone as important as him.
The sudden neighing of a horse behind you jolted you from your thoughts, and you spun around. There, your gaze locked with the prettiest set of eyes you had ever seen— legendary teal irises framed by lashes so thick they casted a shadow on his cheekbones.
If the palace was magnificent, then he was simply breathtaking. 
Your heart stuttered in your chest as you instinctively took a step forward toward him, prepared to pinch fistfuls of your dress and bow down to him. 
He must be your fiancé, you thought. How could he not be? Those eyes were a symbol of royalty. His dark, reddish hair swayed with every blow of the wind, and the way an exquisite sapphire brooch shone against his royal attire screamed authority.
What did they call this phenomenon? Love at first sight? But then—
“Welcome back, Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince!” a unified set of voices suddenly echoed from behind you in greeting, and you whipped your head back to see every servant and the carriage driver on their knees, their heads bowed low, and their hands clutched to their chests.
Crown Prince? Your breath caught in your throat. The Crown Prince? In other words, the future Emperor of Aquaria?
His gaze left yours to briefly sweep over the kneeling palace workers, before he waved his hand dismissively. “Rise.” he ordered. His deep voice made you feel a sudden tightening in your throat, and you had the urge to obey though you weren’t even on your knees.
When his eyes returned to you, you flinched, every nerve of your body feeling on edge. You drew in a sufficient amount of fresh air and held onto bunches of your gown, bowing respectfully.
“G-Greetings, Your Imperial Highness,” you stuttered.
Sae guided his horse to a halt and swung his leg over the saddle, dismounting and landing on the grass smoothly. He gave the mare a gentle pat, and you suddenly felt conscious as he approached you in long strides.
He stopped just in front of you, eyes seemingly studying you. “You are?”
You swallowed nervously, daring to meet his aquamarine gaze. “Y/N,” you said softly, “The Second Imperial Prince’s fiancée.”
His eyes narrowed and he closed them fleetingly before opening them again. “I see… That foolish younger brother of mine.”
You remained silent, unsure of how to respond. Your sparkling eyes flickered to his mare standing patiently beside him for a moment too long. Her coat was as white as fresh snow, and it almost hurt your eyes the way the sunlight reflected off her.
He noticed. “Oh, her?” He nodded toward the horse, gesturing for you to come closer. “Go on. You can touch her if you wish.” 
Your eyes widened in disbelief, trodding towards him in excitement. “May I, really?”
“Sure, whatever,” he muttered nonchalantly, though his gaze softened slightly. He was more focused on observing the horse’s reaction to you.
With careful hands, you reached out and gently raked your fingers through her silky mane. A delighted giggle escaped your lips as the fauna neighed softly and nudged your hand for more of your kind attention.
“She’s beautiful,” you whispered, and he hummed in interest. You paused for a moment, glancing at the prince curiously. “What’s her name?”
“Celestia,” he replied, pulling on the horse’s rein before folding his arms over his chest. He watched you interact with the animal. “She rarely warms up to anyone, but it seems as if she likes you.”
Your eyes lit up with surprise and you smiled, your fingers still tangled in the horse’s mane. “Celestia is a beautiful name… It suits her. She’s as white as the moon.”
For a brief moment, the prince turned his head to the side, as if he was hiding something from your view. He wouldn’t admit it, but he’d trust anyone his beautiful horse liked. His fingers slipped through his tousled red hair, and though his voice slightly carried a tone of arrogance, it was also laced with something else. “Tch. Thanks. I named her myself.”
You laughed lightly, “How old is she?”
“Turning nine soon,” he answered, giving her a pat. “She’s the mother of a black stallion.”
Your eyes twinkled in awe, fists clenched in front of you as you beamed up at him. “She’s a mother?!”
Sae raised a brow, leaning back slightly. “You’re standing too close.”
“A-Ah, my apologies, Your Highness,” You stuttered, retreating several steps just in case. “I… I seem to have forgotten my place,”
“No, it’s quite alr—” He started, lifting a hand as if to stop you from backing away, but was interrupted by one of the pesky servants from Rin’s wing of the palace. “...”
“I-I apologize for interrupting y-your conversation, Your Imperial Highness,” She panted, bowing low, “But The Second Prince has requested his fiancée’s presence for a private audience.”
Sae clicked his tongue in annoyance, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer before he mounted Celestia. “I guess it cannot be helped. Fine, whatever.”
Your heart sank slightly, a wave of disappointment looming over your ethereal features. Your pretty eyes downcast and fists clenched lightly by your sides. You had hoped to stay just a little longer, either with the man you had mistaken for your fiancé or perhaps with the beautiful horse. You weren’t sure which had captured your fascination more.
You thought that, perhaps, if Rin was not unlike his brother, then marrying him probably wouldn’t be so bad.
Still, with a deep breath, you held onto your skirt and followed the maid. But just before you left, you glanced back over your shoulder at the First Prince with a smile so pretty it could coax the sun out of the sky and make even the stars envious.
“See you around, Your Highness!” You called out, waving your arm before turning around to trail after the servant woman.
Sae stood frozen for a heartbeat, his thoughts clouded by the ghost of that smile. Something stirred in his chest, something unfamiliar and probably unwelcome. He huffed quietly, silking his hand through his hair before muttering under his breath.
“Yeah… see you.”
Tumblr media
Your heart raced as you stood before the polished double doors of Rin’s chamber. You swallowed hard in an attempt to calm your nerves. Your breaths came in shallow, like there was some sort of invisible weight pressed against your chest. 
Your hand hesitantly hovered mere inches from the door. You hadn’t even met the man and yet the tension was thicker than when you had personally greeted the crown prince.
The maid beside you fidgeted, clearly just as anxious. She stammered softly, “My lady…  j-just knock and wait for his word. I-I’ll take my leave now.”
You nodded, watching her scurry away so quickly as if she couldn’t wait to be out of the prince’s domain. You blinked in thought— if the servants in this wing were this jumpy around him, it didn’t bode well.
You took a deep breath, trying to steady your trembling fingers. After whispering a few reassurances to yourself, you finally raised your knuckles and knocked gently on the door.
No answer.
A few more seconds passed before you tried again, but this time you heard a deep, irritated voice call out.
“Enter.”
You gulped and planted your hands on the heavy door, pushing it open. The moment you stepped in, you held in your breath. The interior was extravagant beyond words– a room fit for royalty, as expected. 
Your enlarged eyes scanned the deluxe chamber, mouth unintentionally falling agape at all it held. But the awe immediately vanished as your gaze landed on Rin. The prince stood by a grand archtop window with his back to you, gazing down at the Aquaria Royal Gardens— which, to compare in size, were bigger than your whole village fit together.
He turned at the sound of your entrance, his sharp eyes immediately narrowing with a look of disdain. His voice was flat, yet annoyed. “Quit ogling and close the door behind you.”
It was an order, and you felt your body immediately move on its own. Your hands fumbled as you quickly shut the door, unable to keep the heat of embarrassment from rising to your cheeks. You lowered your gaze, focusing on the rosa aurora marble floor beneath you.
Rin’s eyes raked over you, his foot tapping on the floor impatiently. His eyes were just as icy as his brother’s, but where Sae had a certain aloofness, Rin’s coldness felt like a blade to the throat. He eventually crossed his arms over his chest and looked at you condescendingly, “No proper greeting?”
Your mind scrambled. “Ah..!” Your fingers gripped onto the fabric of your dress tightly as you bowed stiffly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Y-Your Imperial Highness,”
He let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing a hand over his face as if the very sight of you was an inconvenience. “Horrible posture,” he muttered. “Your etiquette needs a lot of work.”
Your heart sank further, and humiliation washed over your whole face. You straightened up and pursed your lips together tightly, the words sticking to your throat like superglue, afraid that whatever you’d say next would only make matters worse.
He remained quiet and turned around, walking to the large seating area in the corner of his chamber. You hesitantly followed after him, taking a seat right beside him on the burgundy plush.
He eyed you sideways, clearly displeased. “...Really?”
“Um…” You shuffled your feet awkwardly, the fabric swishing against your ankles. “Sitting in front of you would be presumptuous of me… How dare I make eye contact with someone as great as you, given my position?”
He rolled his eyes at your words. “How audacious.”
“Oh— Your Highness, you’ve got an eyelash on your cheek,” You started, instinctively reaching out to brush it away. But before your fingers could make contact, his hand snapped out, roughly swatting yours away.
“Don’t fucking touch me, commoner scum.” He hissed.
You immediately withdrew, rubbing your stinging hand gently. You bit your bottom lip to keep quiet. “I apol—”
“Go sit in front.”
You obeyed without question, your body moving on autopilot as you rose from the sofa, taking a seat across from him. If you hadn’t the guts to defy your parents, what made you think you could defy a prince? You didn’t even have the strength to be angry; you were too preoccupied with trying to hold yourself together under his oppressive gaze.
What followed was more of an interrogation than a conversation.
“Can you read?”
“No.”
“Write?”
“No.”
“Table manners?”
“I eat with my hands.”
“... Can you do anything at all?”
Your fingers twisted nervously in your lap as you swallowed thickly, embarrassment creeping up your neck. “I can make really good vegetable soup...”
“...”
The silence stretched out, and you could feel your self-worth slowly becoming nonexistent. After a moment, he stood with a sigh, making you flinch. 
You averted your gaze to the window and you tapped your foot anxiously against the floor. You realized you were swallowing thick lumps of nothing more than usual. All his questions were glazed with layers of dripping haughtiness and it hurt when you realized how useless and worthless you were as you answered each one.
“No, this is good,” He assured, almost to himself, as he began unbuttoning his white shirt. You looked up at him, confused.
“Good?” You repeated softly.
Rin approached you with his shirt halfway undone. He stopped just in front of you, leaning down with an expression so intimidating it sent shivers sprinting down your spine. “Do you know why I chose someone as lowly and pathetic as you, peasant?”
You rubbed your clammy palms together and paused. “I think I might have an idea,” You whispered.
“Oh? Continue.”
“You want to win the public’s favour, perhaps?” you guessed carefully, “because it shows a connection to those of lower status…”
He raised a brow, “Hm. You’re smarter than you look.” He admitted.
But his next words made your blood run cold. His hands found your shoulders, his fingers gripping onto them with not much force as he leaned closer. Your gaze ashamedly darted down to his peeking sculpted chest before flicking up to his eyes.
“After I’ve become emperor instead of that shitty brother,” he whispered, his breath hot against your ear, “you will bear my child. Then, I’ll find a way to get rid of you.”
Your whole body was trembling as soon as his hands left your shoulders. You could feel your teeth clattering slightly as you stared at the floor, unable to speak. You tilted your head up and watched as he slowly slid off an oval-cut sapphire ring, rimmed with shimmering stones of diamond, from his finger.
“Give me your hand,” He ordered impatiently.
You nodded immediately, extending your hand in front of him with starry eyes. Without a word, he slipped the opulent band onto your ring finger, careful not to make contact with your skin. You pulled away and admired the accessory— you’d be set for a thousand lives if you sold this heavy thing.
“Thank you…” You smiled softly.
“This ring is a royal heirloom, along with one other,” He warned, pointing to the Crest engraved in the gemstone. “Do. Not. Lose. It.”
Your heart pounded in your chest as you stared at the ring, nodding quickly, “Yes… I won’t.”
“Good. Now go. The maids will show you to your chambers. Be ready for your etiquette lessons tomorrow.”
You rose from the sofa shakily, bowing once more. The difference between this man and the one you’d met earlier was staggering, and you already had a not so vague idea on who you preferred.
“Then I shall see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Your Imperial Highness.”
Tumblr media
Your eyelids felt heavy as you tried to open them. You blinked once, twice, three times– your vision blurred with remnants of sleep before gradually sharpening into clarity. But what you saw around you was anything but familiar. 
Gone were the days of waking up to dusty cobwebs and the cracks and crevices of a wrecked ceiling that you had grown used to. Instead, your eyes met a vast, polished quartz ceiling, glistening in the morning light. Above you was a fancy chandelier, its long golden-framed vines dripping with crystals, and glass trickled down from the hooks. 
You shifted beneath your plush cover and froze for a second, because this soft sensation was just as unfamiliar. No more prickly stacks of straw or thin, rough blankets. No, today, you had woken up in luxury.
As you sat up, memories of yesterday flooded your mind. Oh, right. You were absolutely shocked when you were first led to your room. You could say you were floored by its elegance– far larger and more lavish than any room you had imagined you’d get. Though it still paled in comparison to Rin’s personal quarters, it was hard to grasp that this space was your room.
You remembered indulging yourself in a little tour last night, exploring it in awe. There was a massive walk-in closet, filled to the brim with fine dresses and gowns of rich silks and satins. Accessories like cocktail hats, jewel-studded heels, and purses of gorgeous colours, all of which you couldn’t wait to try, filled the shelves.
The grandest thing you had ever owned prior to this was a ring made of a flower’s stem.
But as you rubbed the sleep from your eyes, you felt a shiver run up your spine. Your heart jumped as you realized someone was in the room, and you let out a small squeak, instinctively clutching the covers.
“So you’ve finally woken up, my lady,” came a gentle, slightly amused voice.
You blinked rapidly, your gaze locking onto a pair of soft amethyst eyes. The young woman standing beside you had ginger hair that fell to her shoulders in soft curls, her pale cheeks peppered with specks of pretty freckles.
“W-Who are you…?” You asked carefully.
The woman set a pair of fluffy cotton slippers on the floor beside your bed, then gave you a small curtsy. “Eleanor, my lady. I am your lady-in-waiting.”
You slid your feet into the slippers, still feeling a little dazed. Eleanor busied herself with smoothing the bed linens as though it were the most natural thing in the world. “Meaning..?” you echoed, sitting up straighter.
She chuckled lightly. “Meaning I’ll attend to your personal needs and assist you with your duties to make sure you are well taken care of.” She gave you a smile, “You’re new to all this, aren’t you?”
You looked down at the marble bashfully, nodding your head, and admitted softly, “Yes…”
“Haha, that’s quite alright. But let’s not waste anymore time! We have to get you ready for today!”
“... Huh?”
Tumblr media
You were absolutely pampered.
The question constantly lingered— what had you done to deserve this? Probably nothing but you were thankful that you went in the stead of your older sister.
Just a short while ago, you had been treated to the greatest bath of your life, courtesy of Eleanor. She had insisted it was part of her duty as your lady-in-waiting, but it seriously felt like a ritual reserved for queens. She skillfully massaged your muscles and rubbed your scalp with rosewater serenade. And when her hands worked authentic vanilla lather across your skin, you smelled like a warm, freshly baked biscuit. An upgrade from your baths in the river.
Currently, you were seated on a leathered stool as Eleanor combed through your hair with care. The reflection in the mirror in front could leave you gushing over yourself for hours. Your gown was a waterfall of midnight blue silk with intricate silver embroidery. Your waist was still uncomfortable from the pressure of the tight corset, but the result was definitely worth it. 
A delicate web of pearls hung from around your neck, cool against your collarbone. You absentmindedly toyed with the silver tassel earrings as Eleanor finished adding the final sprinkle of silver glitter to your styled hair.
“You look absolutely breathtaking, my lady!” She exclaimed as she clapped her hands together to dust off the excess shimmer.
You smiled admiringly, turning your head left and right. “Thank you, Eleanor. I never thought I could look like this...”
You stood from the stool, walking towards the door before her voice stopped you in your tracks.
“Wait, my lady!”
You turned, watching as she carefully presented a delicate box etched with faint leaf patterns. Nestled inside were a pristine pair of white fine lace gloves that were long enough to elegantly reach the elbows. 
“His Imperial Highness the Second Prince has ordered that you must wear these whenever you are with him,” She said quietly.
“Ah. Thanks.”
You understood. It was slightly disappointing that your fiancé would go to such lengths to avoid touching you. Was the prospect of touching you truly that distasteful to him? But you shrugged off the thought and removed your heirloom ring before sliding the gloves on. You put back the ring on top. It wasn’t everyday you got to wear something this refined. Perhaps it would be everyday from now on…
But then, the memory of Rin’s chilling words echoed through your mind. “Then, I’ll find a way to get rid of you.”
Your heart clenched and you shook your head. As long as you did as commanded, you were sure you’d be fine.
“Let’s go, Eleanor.”
Tumblr media
Your body tensed under the penetrating gazes of the countless servants. Their stares followed you as you walked down the Main Hall of the right wing, heading towards the heart of the palace.
They weren’t even trying to hide their gossip. Why would they? Servants here were no ordinary peasants, they were people of the lowest class of nobility. Sons and daughters of Earls, Counts, Barons.
“His Highness must be smitten,” one maid said, “Just look at her dress!”
“Isn’t she from the slums?”
“And she wears the Royal Heirloom on her finger!”
“So, the rumours were true, then?”
“I heard she thought she'd be marrying the Crown Prince.”
“Pftt, That’s embarrassing.”
The hushed whispers suddenly quieted down to zero, and you assumed it was probably Eleanor’s doing because you could literally feel her piercing gaze though she was trailing respectfully behind you.
“It’s alright, Eleanor, leave them al—”
The words died in your throat the moment you caught sight of him– the man you first encountered when you arrived at the palace. He was exiting the Council Hall, deep in conversation with what looked like an advisor or high-ranking official. Your heart skipped a beat as you instinctively lifted the hem of your dress and rushed towards him.
“Your Highness!” you called out, your voice chirpier than you had intended.
He turned at the sound of your familiar voice, his eyes widening just slightly in surprise. For a fleeting moment, it seemed you had embodied the grace of a princess… had your heel not caught beneath you. You stumbled, eyes squeezing shut as you braced yourself for the fall. But instead of tasting the cold, hard floor, a pair of strong hands caught you, steadying you by your waist.
“Careful,” he warned softly, his hands lingering for just a moment before falling back to his sides. “You’re not used to heels.”
You laughed awkwardly, but you could not hide the disappointment that washed over your expression as his hands left you. “No, it’s my first time.”
He paused. His eyes stayed on you for a moment longer than they should, taking in the way your dress perfectly complimented your figure. But he realized this, and his gaze quickly shifted to the golden deer emblem mounted on the wall.
“You… look different,” He continued, rubbing the back of his neck.
The hall suddenly felt hot, or maybe it was just the heat radiating from your face. You dipped your head, fiddling with your clad fingers. “Oh, do I…?” you sputtered softly, but you silently cursed yourself for replying in such an awkward manner. Of course you looked different!
“Ahem,” Eleanor chimed in, coughing into her fist dramatically. “Not to interrupt, but I hear some alarming footsteps…”
“If you slack off one more fucking time, I’ll display your decapitated head on a pike to serve as an example for your pathetic kind!” a voice yelled from behind.
Rin stepped out the Council Hall, his face an angry scowl as he finished lashing at the minister who scurried away like a frightened animal. His eyes then flickered towards you and his older brother, and his expression soured further.
He turned to look at your lady-in-waiting, speaking sternly. “I thought I told you to bring her to my study,”
“We were on our way, Your Imperial Highness,” Eleanor responded politely, bowing her head.
“Incompetent.”
Rin’s attention shifted to you, noticing the lacey white covering up to your elbows. Without warning, he inched forward and closed the distance between you, his hand snaking around your waist. You tensed as his not unwelcome grip pulled you closer, your palm instinctively flying up to settle on his chest. You looked up at him gently, hesitantly, but his eyes weren’t on you– they were locked on his older brother.
He eyed his brother suspiciously, “What are you still doing here?” He asked. “Shouldn’t you be preparing for your trip to Berlina?” 
“Berlina…?” You repeated in confusion.
“The Kingdom of Sorcery and Magic,” Eleanor quickly whispered into your ear, leaning in with her palm covering her mouth.
Sae’s expression remained indifferent, clearly unbothered. “Shouldn’t you be focusing on more important matters right now?” He let his eyes wander lazily towards your hand on Rin’s chest before he smirked. “Like… sharpening your embarrassingly inadequate swordsmanship skills?”
Rin’s face contorted in anger and his neck flushed a deep red. His grip on your shoulder tightened just enough to make you wince. “You bastard… You’ll regret this.” He seethed through clenched teeth. 
The Second Prince glanced back at Eleanor in disgust, “You’re dismissed.”
He looked back at you, noticing your extravagant dress, before furrowing his brows. “The dress you’re wearing is too fancy for a day with no important occasion.”
You glanced down at your blue gown and shrugged. “Eleanor chose it for me,”
“Who?”
“—I personally think it suits her just right.” Sae broke in suddenly, wearing a smirk on his face as though he found pleasure in annoying his younger brother.
Rin narrowed his eyes at him. “Who asked for your opinion? And what were you two talking about, anyway?”
The Crown Prince hummed, leaning against the wall behind him. “Let’s see. Well, I told her she looked different, and helped her up when she tripped on her heels.”
“Tch.”
“But be careful,” Sae’s lips twitched into a small grin, his gaze drifting to meet your eyes. “keep your eyes on this beauty else I might steal her from you. Isn’t that right, my lady?”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
“Your Highness, even if you joke around like that, I don’t think my heart can take it–” you whispered, and Sae chuckled lightly, though Rin quickly pulled you behind him.
“That’s enough, stay away from her.” He glared, barely affecting Sae. “Your little jokes aren’t funny.”
“Who said I was joking?” The eldest quipped nonchalantly, and Rin just rolled his eyes.
“Let’s go.” He exasperated, holding onto your wrist and dragging you alongside him.
As his hand guided you away, you looked over your shoulder, searching for a familiar pair of tourmaline eyes. Ones identical to those of your fiancé’s. But instead, all you saw was a broad back and auburn hair shifting as he walked away in the opposite direction.
Tumblr media
Rin slammed his fist against the hardwood of his desk. That interaction seemed to have spilled gasoline to the blue flames in his eyes, which were already burning with rage. “That bastard thinks he can keep playing games with me!”
You remained still, hands folded patiently over your abdomen. The last thing you wanted to do was provoke him further.
After a tense silence, Rin let out a sigh and collapsed into the plush seat behind his desk. “It’s alright,” he began, his voice softening just slightly. His gaze locked onto you in a way that made blood rush quicker through your veins. “You’re my ticket to becoming the emperor—” He leaned forward. “I need you.”
Your breath hitched in your throat at those words, but you knew not to expect much. Still, you mustered a sweet smile. “I’ll do my best, Your Highness. You were mentioning today’s schedule…?”
He leaned back, propping his arm on the armrest. “Right. My father is holding our engagement ball next week. Every noble house will be there to congratulate us. In the week leading up to it, you will perfect your manners and court etiquette. Understood?”
You gulped hard as a huge bag of responsibility was suddenly thrown onto your back. A week? To not work on, but perfect everything?
“...Understood.”
“... After you master public speaking skills,” Rin went on, “you’ll focus on formal dining etiquette. I don’t want you embarrassing me by eating with your hands. Then, you’ll have dancing lessons and study Royal Dress standards. You also need to be familiar with Aquaria’s history, diplomacy, and customs– especially royal protocols and responsibilities, and….”
His voice continued on, listing task after task. Your head was spinning, and you thought you were going to faint and collapse to the ground. This wasn’t the fairytale you’d imagined. You signed up for the fun part of being a princess— the ballgowns and the makeup, and maybe kissing the prince. This was a chore, the kind that made growing carrots and potatoes seem like heaven in comparison.
“By the end of this week, I expect you to be flawless. I’ve brought in the best tutors for reading, writing, and everything else– all that easy stuff. Do not disappoint me.”
You nodded automatically, but not before adding an innocent thought that had slipped into your mind, in a slightly sarcastic manner. “Have you perfected your swordplay, though?”
Now the temperature in the room seemed to drop down to zero as he bore his narrowed eyes at you. You felt a cold shiver run up all your bones, and your knees weakened. “You think you’re funny don’t you? Do you really want to play this game with me?”
Your bravado crumbled. “N-No…”
“Then get some rest,” he ordered. “Your training starts this afternoon.”
You nodded and quietly turned to leave the study.
Tumblr media
Six long days had passed by since your lessons began. Six mentally and physically exhausting days.
Your dance instructor was a strict middle aged lady with sharp eyes and an even sharper tongue, who worked you till your feet were bruised. She made you balance books and vases on top of your head as you marched back and forth, her shrill voice cutting you off whenever your posture was horrible, or when you mixed up the steps for a dance made for another song. Although you loathed her guts, you couldn’t deny the significant improvement of your poise.
The dinner etiquette lessons, however, offered a time-out from that hag. Yes, you learned the basics of formal dining– how to keep your elbows off the table, chew with your mouth closed, use the silver utensils correctly, and pat your lips clean with the patterned napkins. But, the best part, or reward, was tasting the delicacies they served. Truffles, lobster coated with butter, and tender lamb chops. And then there were the fancy desserts– macarons pumped with ganache filling, puff pastry, tartelette au citron, éclair au chocolat, and more.
All of which you had never dreamt of tasting in your life, you who had never tasted anything more luxurious than a loaf of bread.
You also learned how to read and write, not for the reasons you preferred, but good nonetheless. You had found a particular fondness for the history lessons, which were not tedious at all. You were focused at all times much to your mentor’s surprise. Learning about the Royal family’s reign— how they had ruled over neighboring lands for centuries, managing resources, trade, and finance— fascinated you.
But your ears always managed to tune in and pick up the subtle gossip rotating among the maids and servants in the halls and libraries, so you had learned a few things.
The two princes were locked in a one-sided rivalry. One was fighting crystal and pickaxe for the crown, while the true heir showed little interest in the throne he was destined to inherit.
Sae, the eldest, wasn’t just entitled to the crown by birthright. He excelled at everything– swordplay, defense, archery, and horseback riding for royal ceremonies or simple trips to cities. His skills were polished to literal perfection. Rin, on the other hand, was skilled, but not extraordinary. He always lived in the shadow of his brother.
Yet Rin’s desire to become emperor wasn’t merely a wish— it was a burning, desperate need, an ambition to prove himself worthy. To finally win against Sae.
Killing his brother, of course, was out of the question— such an act would be treason. Besides, Rin didn’t just want him gone; he wanted Sae to see the moment when he ascended the throne, to admit defeat, to acknowledge that Rin had bested him.
Rin believed that the key to winning favour with their father—the current emperor—and the people was to flaunt his achievements, which, to remention, were not as good as Sae’s. But his sharp tongue and cold demeanor made it difficult for him to win many hearts. Sae learned to place a mask behind his foul words, whereas Rin still struggled to.
And that’s where you came into the picture.
You weren’t just his fiancée; you were part of his strategy. He’ll show you off before the court and the public, showcasing to the world how he transformed a mere commoner, a peasant, into someone of worth. 
You came from a disgusting, needy village, yet now you stood in royal fits. To Rin, you were a symbol showing his ability to elevate those beneath him. A tool to gain the favour of the people. You could read and write now, you were beautiful, and in the eyes of the kingdom, you had the potential to become the empress one day— if, of course, Rin managed to seize the crown from his brother.
It was late at night, and the moon’s natural light filtered through your curtains. You moved to your huge window and brushed aside the rosegold-embroidered fabric as you peered down at the Royal Gardens. The view was similar to that of Rin’s, since your chambers were three spare rooms away from each other.
You were exhausted, but you always had time to admire the water spilling down elegantly from the angel sculptures’ stone lips, or the beautiful shrubs clipped into topiaries. 
But all the exhaustion you felt moments ago suddenly vanished when your eyes caught sight of someone unexpected. 
It was the Crown Prince. You had seen Sae around the palace during these tiring six days, and you’ve engaged in many small talks with him without Rin’s knowledge. Conversations flew naturally with him, he asked you about your life before the engagement, and though you were initially hesitant, you found yourself speaking openly with him. There was a strange ease to Sae that, oddly enough, only you seemed to feel.
You stared at him a bit too long, your gaze almost boring a hole into him, and he sensed it.
Pivoting on his heel, he made direct eye contact with you from below. A soft gasp escaped your lips, and you hurriedly pulled the curtain closed. But he could still see your silhouette, and when you peeked your head out slightly from the curtain, you could’ve sworn you’d seen him chuckle.
With a quick gesture of his hand, he beckoned you down to the gardens. Your pretty eyes widened, but you found yourself nodding eagerly with no hesitation. How could you refuse?
Panting softly between giggles, you rested your hands on your knees.
“I can’t believe you ran to meet me in your… nightgown,” Sae remarked, his lips curving into a subtle smirk.
You straightened and boldly stepped closer until you were only centimeters away from him. Your eyes twinkled in the moonlight, and you shone a smile brighter than la lune. 
Sae’s breath caught in his throat as your face came full view and he felt his body still. You were Rin’s fiancée– he shouldn't be looking at you like this. But the glow of moonlight was making it hard…
“... You’re beautiful,” the words slipped out naturally.
Heat flooded the sweet curves of your cheeks at the way he said it so casually, so suddenly. Your gaze dropped to the freshly cut grass, your fingers nervously tucking a loose strand of your hair behind your ear. 
“Thank you,” you muttered quietly, your voice barely above a hush.
Silence followed. But comfortable, nonetheless. Then, you noticed his hand, palm up and waiting in front of you. You blinked up at him in confusion.
“I am aware that I am in no position to do this, but…” He paused, “May I have this dance?”
Your eyebrows shot up comically in surprise, glistening doe eyes widening for the hundredth time tonight. Your heart was thumping so fast you thought it might burst from your chest, and you feared he might hear it.
It was risky, you knew that. If Rin were awake, he might have been watching from his window– his chambers were so close to yours. You knew how much he enjoyed looking from his window from the time you’ve spent together in the past week. But, he had dismissed you earlier to rest and this moment alone with Sae was tempting.
Hesitantly, your hand hovered over his before relaxing and letting it fall in his grasp. You met his gaze, and you shyly whispered, 
“I know we’re not supposed to be doing this… but I want to.” Your fingers intertwined with his, and you smiled softly. “May I have this honour, Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince?”
Sae glanced down at your hand weaved between his fingers. His brows furrowed in a frown, and a wave of panic washed over you. You literally felt your heart leap out of your chest. Had you overstepped your boundaries?
“I was only kidd—”
But instead of pulling away, he gently hooked his finger under the wristband of your glove, sliding it off your hand. You felt warmth bloom across your cheeks as he slowly removed the other glove too, making sure to leave his touch lingering on your bare skin.
“You don’t need to wear these ridiculous gloves to bed,” he said, “It’s unnecessary.”
Your cœur fluttered. “I… I just forgot,” you mumbled, embarrassed. 
He rolled his eyes, but his lips quirked into a smile as he clasped your now bare hand, while the other found its place on your waist. The fabric of your silk nightgown was thin, and his touch felt intimate, direct, and you could feel his fingertips pressing lightly against your skin.
He led you in a slow dance gracefully under the protective gaze of the serene moon, delicately spinning you before your arms naturally draped around his neck. His hand slid to the small of your back, pulling you closer. He looked so good, he smelled so good, his touch so gentle. You wanted him.
“Do you like these gardens?” He asked suddenly, giving you another twirl.
You nodded, lacing your fingers in his. “I do. It’s quiet. The palace can be… overwhelming.”
Sae raised a brow, “Overwhelming, huh? For someone like you, I suppose it would be.”
The words stung slightly, but there was no malice in his voice. You dared to meet the eyes you came to adore, “And you? Why are you here, Your Highness?”
He paused, then turned slightly. “I’m avoiding another council meeting. You’d be surprised how tedious it can be listening to old men argue for hours on end.”
You laughed softly, and for a brief moment, his eyes softened. He pointed toward a part of the garden in the distance. “Come with me,” he said simply. 
You followed, trembling as the Crown Prince led you with his fingers gently wrapped around your wrist. When you came to a stop, your breath caught in awe. Before you were roses of every shade– deep crimson, soft peach, porcelain white, and candy pink.
“They’re gorgeous,” you gasped.
“Right.” Sae bent down and plucked a single red rose from the bush, turning to you with a small, rare smile. “The red ones are my favorite,” he murmured, carefully tucking the rose into your hair.
You smiled sheepishly, gently patting the rose he’d placed. “They remind me of strawberry ja—”
“They remind me of blood,” he interrupted with a casual voice.
You blinked, startled by his answer. “R-Right.”
He chuckled softly, rubbing the area around his neck. “I can see why Rin chose you.”
You looked at him for a few seconds before quickly shaking your head. “He didn’t choose me, he just wanted any girl from our clan. My older sister was supposed to go, but I went in her stead. Besides, I’m nothing special… just convenient.”
“Convenient?” His gaze darkened slightly before his hand came up to rest on your chin. “...Don’t sell yourself short. You’re more than that.”
Your head quickly tilted down and you began to fiddle with your fingers, then with the simple lace adorning your neck. “Your Highness– stop saying things that make my heart, I don’t know, hurt?”
“Oh?” He placed his hands gently on your cheeks and you looked up at him lovingly. “That isn’t good for Rin, is it?”
You shook your head, “No, it isn’t. But he doesn’t make me feel this way.” You boldly placed your palms on his shoulders and stood on your tippy toes, and as soon as he leaned down slightly in approval, you pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
He tapped his forehead against yours and smiled. His heart was beating a bit quicker, and he found it dangerous. “Well, I’m afraid I must leave now.” He drawled.
Your heart sank a little, your ethereal eyes flicking down. You nodded slowly, “Thank you for your time, Your Highness.”
He looked down at you, his expression softening. Slowly, he lifted your hand to his lips and pressed a chaste kiss to your skin. “It was a pleasure, my lady.”
If he couldn’t hear your heart thundering in your chest one thousand miles per hour moments ago, then he sure could now. As he disappeared, you placed your hand over your chest, rubbing over the spot where he’d kissed.
It seemed like Sae had yet again bested Rin in a game neither had realized they were playing.
Tumblr media
Tonight was your engagement ball, the grand celebration that would officially announce your impending marriage to Rin.
You were both in his chamber, dressed fully in fancy outfits. He wore an elegant white attire adorned with the brooch of Aquaria and a navy blue sash draped across his chest. You wore a pitch black gown embroidered with gold, matching gloves, and heavy golden jewelry that Rin had exclusively bought for you. 
The party had already begun downstairs, the grand ballroom filled with the most important guests from across the empire. But the grand entrance of the soon-to-be bride and groom had to wait for the Emperor’s speech, set to occur an hour after the festivities commenced.
“It’s a lunar eclipse,” you mused admiringly, leaning against the window. The moon, bloody red from the umbra, hung in the night sky ominously. “I’ve read about the phenomenon in the Royal Library. The stars look so close… they look like they could fall right into our hands.”
Rin rolled his eyes and walked closer to you, resting his hand on your further shoulder. He stared out the window in boredom. “How poetic,” he muttered sarcastically. “Even the moon is congratulating us tonight.”
You turned your gaze from the sky to him, your hand gently smoothing out a small wrinkle on his sash. “It’s time, isn’t it? We should head to the Ballroom.”
He grumbled in response, pushing your hand aside as if your touch was unnecessary. 
The intricate grandfather clock suddenly chimed loudly. Midnight had arrived.
Tick.
“In the Twilight of the Eclipsing Red Moon…”
Tick.
“When Stars Align and Shadows Loom…”
Tick.
A strange voice seemed to rise from nowhere. You flinched visibly, a shiver creeping up your spine as the tiny hairs on the back of your neck stood up. You quickly found Rin’s hand and grasped it tightly. 
“D-Did you hear that?” You shuddered, voice trembling.
He raised an eyebrow. “Hear what? You’re imagining things.”
You shook your head, swallowing hard. “No… I swear, I heard something– like a voice. It was…”
He scoffed, shaking his head dismissively. “It’s just the clock ticking. Don’t start getting all nervous on me now.” His grip tightened around your hand, but you doubted it was for your comfort. “You’re going to be on your best performance for me, Got it?”
You hesitantly nodded, your gaze lingering on the moon for a few more seconds. The red, eerie glow still haunted your thoughts. You reluctantly turned away, looping your arm through Rin’s to exit the chamber and enter the grandeur.
“Yes…”
Tumblr media
“And I want to thank you all once more for attending tonight’s ball,” The Emperor’s proclamation boomed from behind the closed doors. The attention of every soul present was on him. “I would now like to announce the formal entry of The Second Prince of Aquaria, and his fiancée, a soon-to-be princess, Y/N!”
The large doors, decorated with orchids and bloody red roses, parted dramatically to reveal you and Rin hand in hand. The Royal Guards on each side immediately stiffened and raised gloved hands to their head in salute. 
The aristocrats hushed immediately and their eyes followed as you both stepped onto the red carpet, descending the grand staircase and heading towards the two thrones.
You halted just below the steps of the thrones, immediately lowering your head in a bow of respect alongside Rin.
“Greetings, Your Imperial Majesties,” you murmured, lifting your head as you learned to.
“... Thank you, Father, Mother,” Rin’s voice followed formally.
Your gaze shifted towards the Empress. You particularly loved her as her lovely crimson hair always seemed to remind you of Sae. Oh, speaking of the Crown Prince, where was he? You hadn’t caught a glimpse of him yet. 
You turned your head, eyes subtly scanning the room in search of a distinct redhead. And in the corner of your eye, you found him leaning casually against a balcony pillar, arms folded over his chest and eyes closed.
Your gaze softened at the sight of him before refocusing on the mob of aristocratic ladies and noblemen that had rushed to circle your betrothed as soon as the Imperial Greetings were over. They approached and offered smiles under snobby and vexing expressions, backhanded compliments under the guise of praise.
“Such a refreshing choice, Your Imperial Highness!” A brunette lady gibed, fanning herself with an elegant fan as she slyly smirked, “You’ve truly outdone us all in… originality.”
A Lord chuckled beside her, his laugh insufferably pompous. “I must say, Your Highness, I certainly admire you embracing such humble roots! A prince of the people! Ho ho ho!”
“I’m glad we have such a reliable prince who values all his subjects equally!”
“It is odd that His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince hasn’t found a lady yet.” One brought up.
An Earl added, “That’s true. He’s supposed to step up to the throne sooner or later. He needs an heir once he becomes Emperor.”
You squeezed Rin’s hand discreetly as he bit his lip in frustration at the mention of his brother. He needed to restrain himself at least this one time. 
“I appreciate your sentiments–” he began, but faltered for a split second. “No I fucking don—” You squeezed his hand again, giving him a gentle nudge, and he cleared his throat. “Your support is reassuring,” he finished with a strained smile.
As your fiancé continued chatting with the backhanded nobles, your attention kept drifting towards Sae, stealing quick glances every now and then. He had begun conversing with a group of higher officials and ministers, likely discussing Berlina, The Kingdom of Sorcery and Magic that he had frequented many times to strengthen the Empire’s growing alliances.
Loud enchanting music began to play from the orchestra and many already established couples began to dance in the center. Expensive and rare gifts began to pile at your feet, congratulatory offerings from various guests. Rin accepted them indifferently and reluctantly offered his thanks with as much enthusiasm as the stone sculptures that lined the ballroom.
“This jewel was found in the Ancient land of Topion and is thought to bring good fortune!”
“This exotic bird from Elakis produces gold everytime it sings!”
“This sword is forged by a legendary ghost smith whose body lives in the volcanic depths of Loo!”
You froze when Sae stepped forward as the next gifter, and it seemed like the entire room was also holding its breath. He approached, your widened eyes drifting down to the elegant box in his hand. He opened it, revealing an intricate necklace with shimmering, round pearls.
“An authentic pearl necklace crafted by the Merman Emperor of Eau.” Sae presented with his usual calm demeanor, making it hard to believe that he had spent days negotiating with the merman to create a necklace exclusively suitable for you.
Your mouth parted in surprise, and the words tumbled out. “Oh– thank you! It’s… beautiful.”
Rin rolled his eyes, gently fisting your hair and lifting it to expose your neck. “You didn’t have to do that,” He hissed through gritted teeth, looking at Sae with teal eyes that crinkled in hate.
Sae met his brother’s glare with a simple hum, fastening the beaded necklace around your neck. You bit your lip tightly as his touch lingered on your skin, looking down at the pearls that beautifully settled against your collarbone. “That would be disrespectful to you both, I’m afraid,” He said. “Even Our Father, the Emperor, has offered her pleasantries.”
Rin clicked his tongue and looked back at you, wrapping his arm possessively around your waist and pulling you closer to him. He pressed a quick kiss to your forehead, catching you by surprise. The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes at the gesture.
“Come on, darling,” Rin emphasized as he spat out the term of endearment, though he internally cringed and wanted the ballroom to rupture and swallow him whole. The pet name left a bitter taste at the tip of his tongue. “It’s time for our dance.”
You nodded, your lips parting to speak, but, “Of course, Your High—”
“The Great’s Fate is Sealed in the Veil of Night…”
That haunting voice again. Your ears were ringing. You quickly squeezed your eyes shut and froze in your tracks.
“...By the Hand of One from Mystic Light.”
“I-It’s the voice again!” You whimpered, hands flying to your ears in a desperate attempt to block out the sound. “I hear it!”
Rin scoffed loudly, glancing left and right at the guests who were exchanging confused looks. Sae, on the other hand, seemed out of it, with half-closed, bleary eyes.
“Quit it, you fool!” Rin cursed in annoyance, his patience snapping. He grabbed you by your shoulders and yanked you to his chest away from their judgemental gazes.
“Voice? I don’t hear anything,” a lady whispered.
“Neither do I,” someone else chimed in.
A voice snickered, “She said ‘again’.”
“His Imperial Highness must be marrying someone with auditory hallucinations.” The words stung as they left another noble’s mouth.
Then, in an instant, the ballroom plunged into darkness as the bright chandeliers went out. The ballroom was only illuminated by the glow of a large bolt of lightning, and a thunder rattled so violently it deafened you and shook the windows. When the bulbs flickered back on, a shrill lady’s voice pierced the silent room.
“T-The Crown Prince! He’s not moving!”
All eyes shot to Sae, who lay motionless and graceful on the floor, hand on top of hand. He looked calm, as though he was merely resting. 
You gasped in fear, hands flying to your mouth as you tried to stay balanced on your feet. Rin’s eyes in particular were the widest. The atmosphere in the room immediately shifted to terror as everyone noticed the ink-blue vines creeping slowly up his neck, thorn designs wrapping themselves around his throat.
“T-That’s… Alexis’ Curse!” The Emperor panicked.
You had read about it. Alexis’ Curse—an ancient legend of a wizard scorned by love. His heart had been shattered by the daughter of a shoemaker, Michelle Kaiser, who had chosen her Earl lover over him. She always refused Alexis’ advances, and the gifts he’d always present. 
Enraged, Alexis had cursed the Earl, condemning him to a fate of eternal sleep unless the one he loved kissed him to break the spell. The curse wasn't one of eternal youth, however—the body continued to age, to decay, until there was nothing left but ugly bones. 
But because Alexis had disposed of his inked body in his tower, the Earl had died alone, Michelle never finding him.
The curse had become a myth, that Alexis’ wrath was aimed at those of high status, warning them of the dangers of meddling with those beneath them. 
But the nobles’ faces were literally drained of colour because what had once been myth was now terrifyingly real, before their very eyes.
Tumblr media
It had been a few weeks since the disaster during your engagement party.
They had sealed Sae’s lifeless body deep in a chamber within the Main Palace’s basement. You attempted sneaking in multiple times, but you failed– the entry was heavily guarded and there was too much risk. And besides, if slipping past your lady-in-waiting wasn’t hard enough, Rin had become increasingly possessive as the possibility of being promoted to Crown Prince rose. That is if he was elected as so in the Royal Committee Meeting.
He was proud enough that he’d permit small acts of closeness– letting you remove your gloves when in his presence, even sharing his chamber. So, you would never risk waking him up while trying to sneak into the basement.
You recalled the aftermath of the disastrous ball vividly:
“I never knew he was so pathetic,” Rin sneered that night, running a hand through his dark hair before resting it at your throat and squeezing lightly. “Falling in love with you? A commoner? He must be out of his mind.”
He chuckled as he released you, pulling you into his chest.
“The whole Empire is so stupid. They think he fell in love with someone else. But it’s better this way.”
Yet despite Rin’s actions, your thoughts remained with Sae. You’d spent the weeks caring for Celestia, his white mare, as well as tending to Rin’s black stallion which he had never bothered to give a name to. You learned from the stable workers that Celestia was the mother of the charcoal horse.
Tonight, however, a once in a red moon opportunity presented itself. Your fiancé was away on royal business in Yelund, negotiating financial matters with their government in place of the Crown Prince. You took this chance, knowing it was the only one, and decided to sneak out.
You left your chamber, clutching a cage with a rat you’d found in the servants residence. You made your way through the darkened corridors until you reached the entrance of the basement. You hid yourself behind a large stone pillar and took a deep breath, tossing a small block of cheese across the room as a distraction. 
The guards were alarmed by the subtle noise and quickly whipped their heads and ran towards the sound. You bit your lip in concentration— everything was going according to your plan. You quickly released the rat from its cage, watching it scurry across the concrete, and silently slipped into the Royal basement. You sighed in relief as you heard a guard's voice.
“Oh, it’s just a rat. Guards, get back into position.”
You slid off your heels so that your bare feet barely made a sound as they grazed the stone steps of the staircase. The basement wasn’t very illuminated if not for the dim candles that hung on the wall, and the stench was not horrible as you thought it would be. Instead, it smelled like preserved jasmine.
You were at the last step when you put your hand on the concrete wall, trying to catch your breath.
At the bottom, in the center of the relatively smaller room, stood a rectangular crystal glass box. Inside it, Sae lay perfectly still. The sight of him made your gaze soften and your heart clench as if it was put in a meat slicer. His skin was pale, but it was bolded, in contrast, by the inky blue vines tracing thorn and rose patterns across his body. 
His cheeks and ears were faintly flushed by a baby pink dust, and his lips looked so soft, so gentle, so inviting. Stray strands of his red hair lay on the cushion beneath him, his long lashes resting against his cheekbones.
You were aching as you approached the enclosure. Your fingers trembled as you pressed them to the glass, your breath slightly fogging the surface. Tears blurred your vision as they began to roll down your cheeks, and you leaned down to gently caress his cheek with your bare hand, feeling the coolness of his skin.
You sniffled and your palms went to rub your glossy eyes, before you straightened up and curled your fingers on the glass in a tight grip. He looked beautiful, you thought, with roses that matched his hair colour surrounding him all over.
“Your Imperial Highn— no, Sae—” you whispered, “I… I love you, too.”
You cupped his face with quivering hands, your thumbs rubbing sweet circles on his skin as you contorted your body awkwardly to reach him. The glass was positioned high, at your waist’s level, so you had to twist your body and bend to touch him intimately.
Sae remained unmoving, yet you had hoped that somewhere deep within his slumber, he could sense your touch, or the sincerity of your unsteady voice confessing your reciprocated love.
As you leaned in to kiss him, that same sharp voice that you always hear yet again cut through your ears, and you instinctively covered them with your hands for protection.
“But From the Dust of Forgotten Lands,”
Your heart thumped faster in your chest as you tried to shake it off.
“Shall Rise a Heart with Common Hands,”
Beads of cold sweat trickled down your temple— you could never get used to the voice, no matter how many times you’d heard it.
“With Lips of Rose and Spirit Warm,”
Your hands fisted at the cotton under Sae, inhaling deeply before bending down until your face was inches away from his.
“To Bring the Order, End the Storm.”
Your lips hesitantly hovered over his mouth before you fluttered your eyes shut and pressed them against his in a kiss. Your lips together were so soft, yet they weren’t moving against each other like a mutual kiss would. They locked seamlessly in a way that felt strangely natural, as if the pair were made for each other. 
Your lips lingered against his for a few seconds, and you wanted to relish the moment more, but you felt a subtle shift in Sae’s body. A faint flinch, almost imperceptible, ran through him, and the blue roses on his skin suddenly began to glow.
You pulled back before you could fully comprehend what was even happening, your lips just brushing his as you turned and sprinted towards the stairs. Fortunately, the guards on duty were in the midst of a shift exchange, so you assumed you had gone off flawlessly.
But not entirely.
A certain awakened man had caught a glimpse of your hair as it bounced during your escape.
Tumblr media
The first light of morning stabbed your eyes, and they fluttered open abruptly as you realized Rin’s hands were on your shoulders, shaking you harshly. His face was itched in a deep scowl, his breath hot against your skin.
“What the fuck is all this about? This is what I come back to, you fucking whore?” He fumed venomously.
You blinked in confusion– your head was still fogged with sleep, after all. 
“W-What..?”
The usual tranquility of the whole palace was broken by hurried, squeaky footsteps and frantic voices. News of the Crown Prince’s revival had spread like wildfire through the Royal Quarters: the sleeping prince had defeated the curse and had awakened after only a few mere weeks.
The servants and maids rushed through the hallways, scrambling to prepare for what would be an unexpected audience. Gossips and rumours flowed through every corridor of the palace faster than the head maid brewing herbal tea in preparation for noble guests.
And in the Royal Gardens outside, hundreds to near thousands of noblemen and noblewomen who were alerted of the Sae’s revival gathered, dressed in their finest dresses and suits. 
Oh, you were so fucked.
“M-My lady, this isn’t good!” Eleanor cried as she ran into your room, “Hundreds of guests have arrived in the Throne room, and both princes are there too! His Imperial Majesty is now urgently awaiting your presence!”
Your hands instinctively wrapped around your abdomen, and you suddenly felt nauseous. Your body shook slightly, your teary eyes fixing themselves on the ground. You loved Sae, you really did, but doubt was gnawing at your organs. Kissing him felt right in that moment, yet you were starting to regret ever doing it. 
What if he didn’t want your help? What if your peasant lips had tainted him? What if he didn’t want you?
“I… I don’t want to go,” you hiccuped, walking around your room in circles. “I’m so stupid, I should have never—”
“No, my lady,” She interrupted gently. “You must.”
You gulped and nodded hesitantly. Rin’s anger lingered in your mind like salt and pepper— his eyes were boiling over with rage, his face tinted a deep crimson red. You had never seen him like that, and now, as you stepped into the crowd gathered in the grand hall, all heads turned to look at you in a way that made you even more uncomfortable.
But the Emperor, however, did not seem angry. Weird enough, he looked elated for reasons you couldn’t yet pinpoint.
As Eleanor had said, Rin and Sae were both present, standing opposite each other like the rivals they were. Rin was struggling to contain the way he was absolutely fuming, while Sae was blatantly staring at you with no intention of hiding it. Unlike the way you usually reacted to the Crown Prince’s gaze, you felt rather nervous, flexing and unflexing your fingers.
You pinched the fabric of your simple gown and bowed low, and the thin patterns of the marble floor never seemed so interesting.
“Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty,” you addressed. 
The Emperor nodded in acknowledgment, before turning his attention to Sae expectantly. “My son.”
“Yes, father.”
Before your wracked mind could process what was happening, Sae suddenly began striding toward you. Rin was a considerable distance away from you but he also furrowed his brows in confusion. A million thoughts started to run through his mind and he felt the unease creeping up his spine. Had they planned something behind his back?
Sae came to a stop in front of you, and your breath caught in your throat as you felt his arms, so muscular despite being under layers of hand-crafted clothing, loop around your waist and pull you close. Your face pressed against his chest, and your hands awkwardly hung near your sides despite being desperate to place themselves in places they’d beg to touch.
Loud gasps and surprised awes of the hundreds of uninvited, stunned guests echoed throughout the large room.
“Hey, what the heck–?” Rin suddenly snapped, biting down on his lip so hard that blood seeped out, the iron leaving a metallic taste on his tongue.
He didn’t like you, not really, but he had finally claimed something– someone that his older brother desired, and now it felt as though Sae was taking you from him. 
It irritated him to no end, the way Sae’s hand gently patted your hair and the way you sheepishly smiled into his suit like an idiot– who the heck did you think you were? How could you? How fucking dare you?
And more importantly, why was the Emperor fine with this? Why was he chuckling so carelessly akin to the circus’ fool? What was going on?
But your mind was already in Saturn. You were lost in the Crown Prince’s musky scent and the oh-so-delicate taps of his fingers on your head, and when you heard that voice again, you closed your eyes knowingly and smiled for the first time in what felt like forever.
“A Crown of Old Shall Find its Grace,”
“In the Embrace of a Simple Face.”
“Y/N.” Sae’s voice broke through your thoughts and the voices of gossip in the crowd died down instantly. He tilted your chin up gently, thumbs caressing your face sweetly before his hands found their place on your cheeks.
Your eyes darted left and right nervously, avoiding his gaze. He'd never called you by your first name before. You shook those thoughts away and met his gaze. “Yes…?”
“You know,” He started, “To break the curse, the feeling of love must be mutual…”
Your cradled head nodded in his hands in embarrassment, and you felt heat creep up from your neck to your ears. “I’m aware,”
“So?”
Your eyes widened and immediately snapped down to the floor, watching your simple heels shuffling softly. You couldn’t help the soft giggle that escaped past your lips, and you only hoped that no one had heard that. You looked up at him affectionately.
“I love you…” Your voice dripped like melted caramel on his tongue, so sweet.
He smiled– a real, genuine smile that no one besides you could see– and leaned down, whispering an “I love you too,” before sealing his lips against yours. The kiss was gentle, and you let out a soft sigh as your fingers curled onto the rich fabric, gripping onto his attire tightly. His lips were warm as they moved against yours, unlike the cold, unmoving lips that you had claimed a while back. 
When you finally pulled away, your eyes fluttered open, dazed with bleary eyes, little hearts seemingly etched into your pupils.
The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, and maybe a few rolls of the eyes and glares from jealous noblewomen or daughters of Lords who had hoped to have Sae all to themselves, though you barely registered anything.
Why would anything matter, when you were here, openly in his arms?
“His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince is in love with his soon-to-be sister-in-law? This is hot news!”
“The Second Prince didn’t love her anyway.”
“He didn’t? But was it really a marriage of convenience, then?”
“No way, he must have been in love. What’s there to gain from a commoner?”
“But what could a village girl like her possibly offer the Crown Prince?”
The Emperor suddenly rose from his golden throne and stepped down the carpeted stairs, standing in the center. He cleared his throat and raised his scepter high in the air.
“I, the Emperor of the Royal Empire of Aquaria, officially dissolve the engagement between Y/N and the Second Prince, and announce the engagement between her and the Crown Prince!”
Rin’s eyes twitched. His fists clenched tighter by his sides, knuckles white and nails digging deep into his palms. He felt humiliated in front of so many people, but it is said that what goes around comes around. 
“Huh? But Father, she's—” Rin began, but the Emperor turned his head and shot him a threatening glare. 
“Emperor’s order.” With a voice that sharp, there was no possible room for argument.
You also stood frozen, mouth hanging open in disbelief as you blinked at the Emperor in the distance. But Sae’s fingers tipped your chin back up and his lips latched onto yours in a bold, open-mouthed kiss.
“Look at me,” he murmured as he pulled back slightly to look at you, his breath warm against your skin.
Your breath hitched, your gaze locking onto his. “Your Highness… I can’t believe this is happening,” You whisper-yelled in excitement, your hands waving around uncertainly.
He gently poked your cheeks. “You’ll take my last name since you don’t have one.”
You pinched yourself to check if this was all just a dream. If it was, you didn’t want to wake up. But it was all too real. The Crown Prince was now your fiancé. You were going to be the Crown Princess, and eventually, the Empress. And you were going to take his last name because commoners do not have the privilege of family names.
And despite everything, you strangely felt no deep remorse. You had slightly opened up to and grown fond of Rin in the past few weeks– he had those moments, but with you in his brother’s arms right now, you felt something different. You felt bad, but at the same time you didn’t. It wasn’t guilt. It was more complicated, but in the end, you didn’t dwell on it. You didn’t need to.
Rin stood in his spot motionless like a fallen angel’s statue, face hidden by a brush of his dark bangs. His eyes were fixed on the floor and his hands were clutching onto his pants like if he removed them hell would break loose.
His plan had backfired on him. Initially, he had chosen you, a commoner, as his fiancée to gain favour with the people, to appeal to the majority of Aquaria’s population, who were commoners themselves. It seemed like a strategic move at the time. His father, the Emperor, was known for his peculiar love for equality and would occasionally volunteer in villages, much to his dismay. Rin had believed marrying you would show his alignment with his father’s baffling… values, and would increase his chances of becoming the next ruler.
But no. His darn prodigy of a brother had bested him once again. Sae was better at everything: swordplay, horse riding, diplomacy, even winning nobles’ hearts. And now, his brother had not only fallen in love with his fiancée, a dumb commoner from the slums that he had chosen to boost his image, but also managed to make her fall heads over heels for him as well.
If that hadn’t infuriated him enough, he despised how his father wore that sickeningly proud smile on his face as he clapped his hands together, and how the couples were cheering and twirling like morons on the floor. While he stood stiff and awkward in the corner, insides seething in mixed emotions, hearing your stupid giggles and his brother’s irritatingly sweet reassurances of a better life with him. Sae had taken everything away from him, and it felt like salt being rubbed into an open wound.
But Rin hated his older brother, and he hated you too.
So on the night of your wedding, the chambermaid in your room let out a blood-curdling shriek, her face as pale as the moonlight that shone through the window. 
Cruel streaks of mulberry and plum bruises painted the delicate canvas of your neck. The once-pure white of your nightgown now blemished with spreading stains of deep cherryrose dye called blood, seeping through the fabric and into the silken sheets beneath. 
A severed porcelain horse’s head lay propped beside the body with vacant eyes, and scattered across the carpet were shattered remnants of a pearl necklace.
“But Do not be Fooled, One Shall Not Bloom,”
A dagger, its handle carved from true blue sapphire, was loosely wrapped between cold, limp fingers of a lifeless corpse sprawled across a river of red.
“For This, Will Lead to One’s Gentle Doom.”
Tumblr media
© 2024 bluelockmaniac — do not repost, copy, translate, modify, etc my work on any platform !
882 notes · View notes
once-a-traya · 3 months ago
Text
i've been thinking a lot about the way kingdom come: deliverance ii structures its romances. it's interesting, in the sense that they all feel bespoke - short fling or long term or in-between, there's no hard and fast system that applies to all characters. most games with romances stick to a rhythm: you have the initial flirtation options, then there's a companion quest (or multiple companion quests), then you are 'locked in', and finally you get a scene at the end.
anyway, spoilers under the cut.
the romance with katherine is the closest to that model. which makes sense! she's a traumatized person who needs to be convinced henry is reliable, and she also doesn't know him, so the flirting is apt. it stretches across the entire game, because trust-building takes time and action (sidequests), and much like the romance with hans, a lot of the 'romance' moments hinge on non-romance moments you have with her throughout the story. romance in this game is part of a continuum of human interactions; it's something you can lean into if you want, not a reward toggle.
rosa's romance lasts while rosa is plot-relevant, and is contingent on you flirting with her and giving her the feeling that she and her capabilities are respected. you have to spend time with her and back her up, basically. then there's the various flings, which are all context-dependent. and theresa, which is technically a full-blown romance even if she's only on-screen for five seconds, because henry makes it a romance by bringing her up and speaking of their time together - in that version of the story, she's often on his mind. (but, like the other romances, you have to actively bring her up in the epilogue yourself; the game doesn't hand you "here's your reward romance content")
which leaves us with some interesting implications re: hans and henry. there are, as far as i've been able to find, five heart-icon dialogue interactions between them in the game, one of which is The Big Scene. none of the four romance dialogue options before that are flirty. the flirting happens outside of that, in all the non-romance sections, in ways that can be brushed off as bros-being-bros if you're into that. in fact i'd say most of the development that makes the romance possible happens in the non-romance sections.
the romance choices just let you lean in a little further.
the first romance dialogue comes at the midway point; it's hans apologizing for being a dick and henry can then respond to say it's fine, hans can always rely on him no matter how he behaves, he's the closest friend henry has. the second comes at maleshov, right after henry has staged an elaborate rescue for hans, and it's about henry reassuring a panicking hans that he will always be there for him and they can handle any situation together. the third romance dialogue comes halfway through the italian job and is missable - it's henry telling hans he's missed spending time with him, and repeating that when hans tries to joke it off as a 'yes we should go wenching again soon' kind of deal. finally, the fourth is shortly afterward, with henry worried about hans's claustrophobia, and stating, 'I care about you. maybe more than you know.'
hans brushes all of these things off, it seems like, but then by the Big Scene it's obvious he's been thinking about them a lot. and then hans is the one who makes a move, not henry (though you have to pick the option to trigger it). notably, even if you end the romance scene early by leaving or fumbling the moment, hans makes it clear he thought henry had feelings for him.
so if the difference between non-romanced and romanced katherine is flirting + her feeling she can trust and rely on henry, and the difference between non-romanced and romanced rosa is flirting + her feeling respected by henry, what's the difference between non-romanced and romanced hans? well. it's henry being earnest about his feelings, and going out of his way to make it clear that he cares about and values hans above everything else.
and that, maybe, in this time of extreme trial, he's safe to make this move on.
the extended implication of that is that hans had romantic feelings for henry all along, of some sort or another. he just doesn't address them in a non-romanced path because he doesn't feel confident to abandon plausible deniability and leave the safe, charged ambiguity between him and henry. not outwardly. possibly also not inwardly.
anyway, it's interesting. it also means that the entire game is technically the hans/henry romance arc. and i think that's neat.
368 notes · View notes
chlorinecake · 11 months ago
Note
sunghoon.
= 𝓙𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 ── P.SH 💬
in which your long distance bf craves your contact...
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
pairing. ⌂ needy boyfriend sunghoon x f. reader ⌂ contains. mostly suggestive content but with tons of explicit implications, flirting, a bit of fluff, somewhat perv!hoon, long distance relationship au (sawie) ⌂ word count. 1160 🖱 ⑅ path to bookshelf ◍
Tumblr media
❝ Incoming Call from Sunghoon ❄️ ❞
Your laptop screen read spontaneously.
Ahh, yes… the love of my life among many other luxuries, you smiled within yourself, just as you pressed the green ‘answer’ icon.
Though, it had been roughly thirty minutes since then, with the clock on your computer screen now displaying an oddly habitual series of digits...
2:57am
You and your boyfriend's conversation started off strong with wholesome pleasantries and heartwarming exchanges as usual…
But as the hour grew wearier, the topics on the table became more and more raunchy by the minute… not that you were complaining, that is…
And neither was he…
It had literally been over a week since Sunghoon last saw you in the flesh… since he last got to feel you in his arms or taste you on his tongue…
And so, FaceTiming had become a great method for you two to stay in touch on a more personal level whenever he was away for work.
Click.
You got up from your bed to make sure that your bedroom door was locked, but also to make sure that Sunghoon knew you were wearing his favorite pair of plaid pajama pants...
The one's he had sent as an “X-mas in July” gift...
“Your ass looks good in those,” he started from behind the screen, folding his toned pale arms over the pillow he laid on.
“Just wait til you see what's hiding underneath,” you returned seductively, adding the word “tomorrow” at the end to which Sunghoon sighed.
“Right, because I've already been waiting forever and a day to relieve my sexual tension this week… another day to the prison sentence wouldn’t hurt…”
“Awww,” you pouted facetiously at him, “I thought you liked it whenever I teased you.…”
“In-person, sure. That’s when I can handle it, but online? Pfft,” he says, running an impatient hand through his hair.
“Fine… let’s play a game to take your mind off of things—”
“I bet I can guess what color panties you’re wearing right now…”
“Sunghoon!?” You exclaimed with shock, making your boyfriend smirk shamelessly at your adorable reaction, “and do you expect some sort of reward if you guess correctly?”
“After three tries, yes,” he nodded, clearing his throat slightly before proceeding with his series of guesses.
“Hmm,” he began, “are they that one lacy black pair you have with the bows on the side?”
“No,” you answered while laughing, “and just guess a color, not a specific pair…”
“Alright alright… hmm,” he hummed in thought, looking above as if an answer would fall from the sky.
“White?”
“Guess again,” your voice sang playfully this time, “you have one chance left now…”
“Shit, okay… I have a suggestion then…”
“Uh oh, plot twist,” you said, making him chuckle slightly, “go on…”
“How about you just show me your panties and then I’ll tell you what color they are?”
“Gosh, you really know a way to a woman’s heart, don’t you Hoon?” You asked rhetorically, ‘tsking’ at his fraudulent suggestion.
“Of course I do… taking a guess here, but you’re supposed to start between her legs, right?”
You shook your head at your boyfriends words, letting an exaggerated sigh escape your lips… “Even if that were true, it’s not like it’d benefit you right now, anyways…”
“Oh? And why’s that?”
“Because you’re behind a screen,” you began matter-of-factly, “miles and miles away with only your right hand and some amateur porn to keep you company…”
“But I have you, too, princess,” he smiled, adjusting himself on the mattress so he could get closer to the camera, “unless you’re thinking about leaving me already…”
“Please, I would never,” you say in an almost offended tone, “that would be child neglect…”
“Oh, so you’re my mommy now?”
You gave him the best side-eye you could muster, making him chuckle at how you cute you looked in your oversized glasses…
“If you’re into that, sure,” you finally answered.
“Well then your baby wants to see his mommy’s tits,” he replied almost instantly, innocently nuzzling his chin into his pillow, “and without the bra this time, thanks…”
“I’m not showing your sick ass shit,” you returned while laughing, throwing up a few ‘L signs’ with your fingers as he chuckled at your rejection, showcasing his pearly fangs.
Letting himself calm down from laughing, he cleared his throat before speaking again, “My next guess is white, then…”
“But you already guessed white earlier?”
“And I’m guessing it again,” he repeated, making you quirk a suspicious brow at him.
“If you’re trying to imply that I creamed my pants, you’re wrong.”
“Oh my God, ____,” he sighs dramatically, adjusting his laying position on his bed once more, “can you just tell me that I’m right so we can fuck already?”
“Oh, so you waited all this time to tell me that sex was supposed to be the reward?!”
“Well, yea, I figured it was obvious,” he shrugged nonchalantly.
“Damn, Hoon… when you put it like that, it makes me think my body’s all you want…”
“You know that’s not all I want, baby,” he corrected, licking his lips while stretching out the tiredness in his back, “I just don’t like being in the position to beg for it, y’know?”
“Welcome to my world…” you said.
“Thanks for having me,” he smiled back, rubbing his eyes as a frustrated groan left his mouth.
“What’s the problem now, you big baby?”
He hid his face in his pillow before speaking, “I’m horny and youuuu are not helping…”
You rolled your eyes at your boyfriend’s attempt to fault you for his frustration, “I wouldn’t be much help to you anyways given the distance…”
He abruptly lifted his head from the pillow to flash you a dumbfounded look, “Babe… why’re you acting like e-sex doesn’t exist?”
“Because it’s literally 3 am and I trust that you can be patient til I can see you properly,” you clarified, adding yet another “tomorrow” at the end of your sentence.
And all Sunghoon could bring himself to do at this point was pout, hiding his face in the pillow once again which made you giggle at his sulking.
“Babyyyy…. C’monnn, you can wait for me, can’t you?” You asked in a sickeningly sweet tone, tilting your head at him in a cooing manner.
“I’m literally two seconds from slapping my dick against the screen because of your face right now,” he confessed shamelessly, making you burst into a fit of laughter.
“You’re so out of pocket for saying that,” you giggle, covering your face slightly to hide how flustered you appeared.
“You didn’t let me finish,” he said, a giggle still present in your throat as you tried regathering your emotions.
“Continue, continue…” you whisper with a warm smile on your face now, looking like a split image of the crying emoji in this moment.
“Thank you,” he scoffed with feigned offense, “but yes… I can wait til tomorrow… just for you, angel…”
Tumblr media
tysm for reading this quick lil fic ✗⚬メ𝟶 a/n ℓօⓥe always ⋆⋆⋆
Tumblr media Tumblr media
460 notes · View notes
lostinlovingrevery · 4 months ago
Text
Redamancy
Old Man Logan X F! Reader
A/N: Something short and fluffy, I'm just on an old man logan kick rn
Plot: You miss him, he misses you, he decides to do something about it.
Warnings: Fluff, a tad bit of angst (but it's just cause you guys miss each other so much <3) implications of sex but no smut!
Word Count: 1534
Tumblr media
“I miss you” 
You stood at the doorway, your arms crossed as you watched Logan sit on the edge of the bed with a groan, as he bent over to untie his shoes. He looked up at you, and you immediately felt bad when you saw the exhaustion in his eyes. You walked over, kneeling down to help him untie his shoes.
“You don’t need to do that sweetheart.” He mutters softly. You continued anyway, pulling the laces free, and pulling each shoe off, carefully setting them to the side. You stood up, and his hands went to your hips, as he looked up at you. “I’m sorry.” He says in a soft, raspy voice.
You brought your hands to his face, cupping it gently as your thumb softly stroke over his cheek and you shook your head. “No, I am. You’re tired.” You leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I know you’re working a lot so you can take care of us.” 
He let out a soft sigh. Your hands reached up into his salt and pepper hair, twining into his curls,  and softly scratching his scalp, making his eyes flutter shut as he tipped his head back, enjoying the small head massage you were giving him, as his hands moved circles around your hip. He let out a deep breath- almost of relief, as he leaned his head forward, forehead pressed against your chest, and you moved to wrap your arms around him. 
It made your heart ache to see him so tired, so sore. When you met him, he had just started looking aged, when the adamantium poisoning was just starting to take its course in a way that his regenerative factor wasn’t able to keep up. Slowly, but surely you could see the change in him, aging his face and body, scars that never disappear. You’ve begged him to let you take over, you could get a good job and make the money needed to support the 4 of you in this little smelting factory. The man, no matter how much you loved him, was stubborn as an ox though and refused. You couldn’t understand why, when it seemed like a simple solution. He’d tell you to stop when you brought it up. 
Now he’s picked up more hours as a driver, which may seem like a simple job for most, but you could see how tired it made him. Sitting in the same position for all hours of day and night, dealing with drunks and thugs, and the occasional bitch, staring at the road, maneuvering traffic filled with assholes. You’re sure Logan had better ideas of how he would spend his old age. 
With him gone, you and Logan don’t get to partake in the joys of a relationship as often as you used to. He was usually wiped, unable to do anything more than come home and sleep- with coaxing from you to eat and shower. You just missed the intimacy, but you never wanted to make him feel worse about it. In the end you knew it wouldn’t matter, because he was at least coming home to you
Alive.
You gave him another kiss on the top of his head, before moving to help him undress. He allowed you without complaint- which was telling how tired he was. Normally, if you try to help him in any way, make him think he wasn’t capable of doing things himself, he gets cranky as hell and lets you hear it- usually to your amusement. Especially since he wouldn’t have any problem helping you with things you were perfectly capable of doing. If you weren’t there to make him do it, he’d fall asleep in his clothes, and shoes and with how heavy he was it was nearly impossible for you to undress him so he’d be more comfortable. 
Once undressed, you climbed under the blankets into his side. He pulled you to his chest, your cheek resting where his heart beats, his hands softly scratched up and down your arm, the sound of his breathing lulling you to sleep. 
He laid awake, despite how sleep called his name. He couldn’t get out of his head how sad you looked when you told him you missed him. On one hand, it warmed his heart to know you cared, that you wanted him at your side- though he couldn’t fathom why. On the other, it broke his heart. He didn’t want you to think he didn’t miss you just as much, that most of his thoughts isn’t filled with you while he was away working. He loved you, more than anything. That’s why he had to work, to keep you, and Charles, taken care of. He wasn’t sure how much his time on Earth was left. There was a time where he’d want nothing more to be able to finally disappear into the dirt, rot away and finally rest. 
You though, kept him going. 
He was going to make it up to you. You both were over due for a good time out in the town. His mind created a plan, something special for tomorrow, and he finally drifted to sleep, with you in his arms.
The next day went on as normal. You’d wake up first, starting to get up, only for Logan to playfully pull you back into bed by your hand. After a morning of catching up in both conversation and physical intimacy that you certainly missed, you went and made breakfast, while he checked on Charles. 
The rest of the day went as normal, you took your turn taking care of Charles, and chatting with Caliban, while Logan went and worked for a bit. He told you he had some customers who requested him for a day shift - but it was a lie. 
It was around 5 when you came back to the smelting plant, planning the rest of your evening- likely being spent alone again. Going into your bedroom, you noticed something on the bed. You walked away, confusion on your face as you realized it was your red dress- the strappy silk one that always drove Logan crazy. Next to it was a pair of matching pumps, and a note that says, 
‘Get ready, pick you up at 6’ 
You picked up the note, recognizing Logan's messy scribbles and grinned, your heart fluttering at the action. He must have snuck home while you were with Charles. Did he plan something? 
You quickly went and took the fastest shower you’ve ever had. Shaved, facial care, skin care, everything. You had to push through the exhaustion you felt, but Logan clearly had something nice planned for you and dammit you were going to make sure you were dolled up for him. 
You pulled on something lacey for your undergarments, and then pulled on the dress, before doing your hair and makeup. You couldn’t actually remember the last time you and Logan actually went out and did something together. At least something romantic. Next, you put on some earrings, and a necklace Logan got you for an anniversary awhile back. You looked at the time, 
5:46
He’s probably out there waiting for you already. He was a bit of an early bird in that sense. You grabbed a jacket, one of the more stylish ones, your bag, before quickly making your exit out of the smelting plant. You pushed open the door to the hot desert- finding Logans limo waiting there, just for you. 
The driver side opened and he stepped out, wearing a classy three piece suit, his hair a bit more style than usual. His eyes met yours, and their corners crinkled as he gave you a warm smile. He walked around the limo to you, as you met him half way. 
“You look gorgeous darling.” He says immediately, before holding up the bouquet of roses to you, making you gasp as you excitedly took them in your hands. His hands reached to rest on your hips as he moved to softly kiss your cheek. You beamed up at him. 
“Lo, you didn’t have to do all this-” You say, “I don’t want you to think-”
“I missed you too.” He cuts you off, leaning into you, his nose brushing against yours. “I got reservations at your favorite restaurant.”
You let out a laugh of disbelief. “Really?” You asked, he nodded. “Aren’t you tired? I don’t want you to push yourself for me- you need to rest.” You say in concern.
“I know I get tired darling, but I could never get tired of you.” He says, bring a hand to tip your chin up to him, as he looked down at you with a fondness in his eyes. “You’re the reason I keep going.” 
You felt your lip quiver a bit and swallowed back the cry that tried to escape your throat. You bit your lip, looking down at the roses he had gave you, and your smile grew on your face again. “Lets go then.” you say, grabbing his hand and both walked back to the car, a pep in your step as you both look forward to the evening Logan had planned.
179 notes · View notes
dumbbitchenergy17 · 4 months ago
Text
Where the Wild Things Are - Chapter 13
Tumblr media
Chapter Thirteen: Family Reunion
Plot: Wild men or monstrous infected creatures, the world is wild and ravaged by Cordecyps but some are raised in it and flourish becoming a wild thing.
Word Count: 3.3K
Pairing: Joel Miller x Platonic!Teen!Reader, Ellie Williams x Platonic!Reader
Warnings: canon-typical fighting/violence, injuries, harsh language, tw: description of intense injuries (DISLOCATIONS/BURNS), trauma from abusive mother, description of child neglect/abuse, GROSS MEN ALERT!
—————
I'm going there to see my mother She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm just a-goin' over Jordan I'm just a-goin' over home
I'm going there to see my father I'm going there, no more to roam
I'm just a-goin' over Jordan I'm just a-goin' over home
The Tipsy Bison ha a stillness that the patrons noticed the normal presence of Joel Miller but tonight it was much more intimidating as he waited there. Ellie returns holding a glass for Joel and herself, his signature whiskey on the rocks, and water for herself.
“You’re too filled with anxiety you gotta chill,” Ellie pushes the drink to him and he gives the girl a look before accepting a drink. He takes a bitter sip from it before looking out the window to the approaching sunset.
“It’s sundown,” Joel says trying to stand but Ellie forces him back down.
“Come on Joel have some faith in him,” Ellie reassures him and he huffs but settles back in his seat taking his drink down like a shot. There seemed like a sort of tension in the air just waiting for something to snap. The door to the Tipsy Bison opens and Joel relaxes seeing it is only his brother who enters. Tommy comes over to the table and pulls up a chair.
“Look I talked to Maria and the council the best they can offer is removing both Y/n and Lila from the house until we can get to the bottom of it. But if neither Y/n nor Lila give us evidence that abuse or anything is happening in that home…” Tommy hesitates to speak knowing it would piss Joel off, “They would go back to them.”
“That’s bullshit, Tommy. She goes Y/n wrapped around her finger, she could beat her black and blue, and still she would defend her.” Joel says slapping his palm on the table.
“Look I know it’s not ideal but it’s the best we can offer,” He raises his hands in defense, “I also talked to Maria about other stuff though…Joel, when’s the last time we saw Y/n’s mother?” Both Joel and Ellie give him a confused look at the absurd question.
“Just answer for my sanity.” Tommy urges and Joel thinks about the last time they interacted.
“Probably in the early years of the outbreak, we were all together in Dallas before we split,” Joel explains and Tommy nods.
“So say like…about eighteen years ago,” Tommy says and Joel unconsciously nods if his math was right yeah around that time.
“Holy shit,” Ellie says having caught on and Joel gives her a confused look before looking over at his brother.
“What?”
“Did you hook up with Y/n’s mom?” Ellie asks quite loudly and Joel shushes her looking around to make sure no one heard. “I’m serious did you?” Joel looks over at his brother with a face reading ‘Well did you?’ he sighs pinching his bridge.
“It was only a few times,” Joel mumbles, and Tommy coughs under his breath ‘Bullshit’ which Joel glares at him but takes in the implication. “There’s no way she’s…”
“Joel think about it, I didn’t even notice it but she looks like a mixture of you and her mother but she acts fully like you,” Tommy explains and Joel looks away, “You haven’t looked at her and not seen yourself…or even Sarah?” The comment of his deceased daughter makes him turn to his brother and Tommy can see it on his face. He has thought about it, it’s been on his mind since that night he brought you home from the clearing. Why does he keep blending memories of Sarah with you when you should have no place in his mind or heart? But he can’t help it.
“Let’s say she is. You saw her reaction to seeing her mother and her father, who could be her actual father,” Joel says and Tommy gives him a look.
“That man looks nothing like her, sure Lila does but Y/n no fucking way,” Tommy says and Joel sighs putting his head in his hands. There had to be a reasonable explanation for all of this. Your mother had to know who the father was, and if he was the father why would she keep it from him? Unless she didn’t learn until after they parted ways and there was no chance of reconnecting in this world. Too many thoughts ran through his head and he wanted to just be clear of them.
A loud crack fills the air and everyone in the bar is brought to the attention an edge to the room. Joel sits up straight and his gaze darts around at the other patrons who seem to freeze trying to listen to what that noise is. The doors to the bar swing open and Joel catches a glimpse of your father with a shotgun before it erupts into chaos.
A round shatters the table within the time Tommy flips the table over to shield them as Joel grabs Ellie protecting her from the blown-off wood.
“Joel Miller!” Derek shouts and another shot is fired but not aimed at them but at the bar. Joel flinches seeing the barkeep sent back dead before he hits the ground with the shotgun he tried using in his grasp. Other patrons scream ducking to hide from the violence happening before them. “Come on out Joel…I wanted to ask some advice you know father to father.” His voice calls out and Joel keeps his back pressed against the wood glancing over at the shotgun that lies just feet away.
“Tommy get Ellie out of here, find Maria, and get the girls out of here,” Joel whispers to his brother and Ellie gives him a look.
“We’re not leaving you, Joel!” Ellie whisper-shouts.
“I’ll be fine! Ellie listens to Tommy do everything he says,” Joel orders, and Ellie frowns but nods, “On my signal you to head to the kitchen door.” Both Tommy and Ellie nod as Joel grabs the whiskey glass calming his racing heart. Quickly he rises and throws the glass at Derek hitting him on the head Joel rushes to the bar as Ellie and Tommy rush to the kitchen doors. Derek fires at the doors as the swing closes. Leaning against the bar counter the shotgun in his hands silently looking to see it loaded with two shells.
“No one else needs to get hurt Joel,” Derek calls out sounding closer, “I’m dying to ask for your opinion since you’ve been with my wife. Do you think Y/n will be just as good?” Red takes over his vision as his finger rests on the trigger.
“I mean after I kill you I’ll go show the kid some father love,” He laughs cynically, “Before I then blow her brains out.” Instantly, Joel appears when Derek turns away shooting at his knee. Derek screams falling to the ground and Joel kicks away the shotgun and sends a swift kick to his ribs forcing him on his back.
“Where is she?!” Joel yells and Derek laughs already knowing he’s dead. “Where is she!” He roars.
“She’s dead even if you find her. Every raider wants her head on a spike.” Derek says and there’s a flash of silver as he tries to stab Joel but he easily pulls the trigger killing him right there and then. Emptying the chamber, Joel searches Derek finding a handgun with a few clips, and takes his neck. The patrons hidden in the Tipsy Bison perk up now that the threat was eliminated.
“Barricade yourselves in,” Joel says passing Derek’s shotgun off to one of the people that he’s seen on patrols, “Don’t let anyone that you don’t recognize.” He says before leaving the bar and seeing the chaos happening outside immediately thrown into fighting for his life. He was going to find you even if he was going to die doing it.
You fight at the restraints in the dark pulling with all your strength to try and free yourself. You bite down on the rag and pull your left hand with all your strength feeling the burn and pain as you scream. A sickening pop as your thumb is dislocated immediately swells and hurts as you scream. Sliding your hand free as it fits through the restraint, you reach over to start undoing the other strap. Only a sliver of light comes from outside but it’s past sunset which only makes it darker. With your other hand free you sit up and work at the restraints on your feet, your stomach aches with the still raw burns. The sudden pop that fills the air makes you freeze until you hear screams fill the air. Hopping off the table and feeling around for a light switch the room was bathed in light blinding you for a second. Grabbing the door handle and tugging at the door handle it doesn’t budge as more pops and screams fill the air. Looking around the basement it just looks like storage of random junk of whoever was the previous owner. In the far back, you find an old recurve bow with a quiver of arrows. Slinging the bow and quiver over your shoulder you head to the window high in the air. Pushing the table as it scratches the floor to the window you stand on it undoing the latch, easily breaking the flimsy screen where you slide the bow and quiver through before sliding out afterward. Slinging the quiver your shoulder already nocking an arrow feeling the pain in your thumb holding the bow but you push through. You are between two houses and you follow to where the window to your bedroom should be it is slightly opened and you push it further and you climb inside. You are silent as you leave the room entering the hallway on the first floor, creeping along the walls peering into any open rooms not finding anyone on the first floor but the aftermath of what you assume the raiders preparing their attack. You hear movement upstairs and you freeze aiming your bow at the stairs where you hear the heavy footsteps, a man most likely moves amongst the top floor and you map out where he’s heading. He opens a door and you stare at the ceiling where he would be, he’s in the bathroom. Stalking up the stairs avoiding easily the ones that creak finding yourself at the top landing and you see on the other end of the hallway a man with his back towards you taking a piss with the door wide open. Raising the bow you watch him finish his business zipping up his pants as he turns a rifle slung over his back. His eyes widen as the life leaves him and the arrow goes straight through his eye as he falls back crashing into the toilet. Lowering the bow you move into the path raiding him of any belongings, taking the automatic rifle that you sling over your shoulder, and shoving the multitude of extra clips into your pockets, you take his knife tucking it in your belt and he also has a handgun with only a clip full while taking a thigh holster.
“Hello? Momma? Daddy?” You hear Lila’s voice call out and you rush back to where her bedroom is trying to open the door but it’s locked.
“Lila I need you to do me a favor,” You say, “I need you to go in the closet and cover your ears for me. Don’t come out until I say so.” You hear some shuffling before she calls out again.
“I’m in the closet!” Taking the handgun pressing it as close to the door lock as possible and pulling the trigger. A loud noise fills the room and you step back before sending a harsh kick to the door and it easily flies open. Rushing into the room you open the closet door seeing Lila hidden within the hangers her hands still covering her ears. She rushes into your arms and you hold her tight pulling her back to look over her and she has no injuries besides teary eyes.
“I heard screams…and you have a bunch of ouchies,” She says tearing up and you wipe them away.
“I’m alright Lila but we aren’t safe here we have to go,” You say and you find your pack in her room loading it up with some of her clothes before putting it over your shoulders situating your weapons, the bow over your shoulder and the arrows held from your pack, you hold the rifle in your hands.
“Where are we going?” She asks looking at you in her hands clutching one of her stuffed animals. You weren’t sure where, if Jackson was compromised you didn’t know. You weren’t even sure if the others were alive. You could go back to the cabin to recuperate before heading North. Your original plan when you first met Tommy and Jesse, reach Canada and start fresh there.
“We’re heading to my home,” You say, bending down and holding her cheeks, “I need you to be brave and listen to everything I say you understand.” She nods her head and you press a kiss on her forehead.
“Okay let’s go,” You hold her hand as she follows you as you head down the stairs making sure she doesn’t see in the bathroom before stopping right before the front door. You just needed to get to the stables get Red saddled up and you were out of here. Part of you wanted to try and find the others but the little girl clutching your leg is your priority.
Get to the stables, tack up Red, head to the cabin, and then head north.
You take a deep breath removing the safety of the rifle before opening the door and seeing the empty streets before you, “Come on.” Quickly you head down the street seeing some of the bodies on the street, some are people of Jackson but others you don’t recognize, raiders you have to guess. You hear Lila whimper silently crying.
“Don’t look at them, Lila.” You order and she clutches onto the strap of your backpack as you both continue down the streets. It seemed the more residential areas were deserted or already run through as the number of raiders and Jacksonian people fought towards the main gate. Sticking to the alleys and familiar paths you took to avoid the main street when working at the stables. You’re quick and efficient in taking down raiders before they even react to you and Lila. You press against the half-wall of the market stalls glancing at the stables that were so close. You just need to get there and tack up Red and you’d be good.
“M/n!” A voice calls out your mother’s name and you flinch and you see Lila perk up about to speak but you cover her mouth. She struggles a bit but you hold a finger to your mouth telling her to be quiet and she settles. “We found Derek’s body dumped outside the bar, we still haven’t found Miller yet.” You hear your mother curse.
“Fucking find him already, it’s a small town he can’t hide far.”
“Another thing, we stopped at the house…Issac is dead and your daughters are gone..” The man says and your mother bursts into rage.
“Fucking find that piece of shit and kill her!” She roars and people rush off. Settling down until the loud pop fills the air too close for comfort and a shoot-out ensues. Holding Lila tight to you as her cries muffled in your shirt.
“It’s Miller!” Someone shouts and you perk up. He was near but you didn’t know which one, Maria, Tommy, or Joel. Looking back at the stables seeing an opening with everyone distracted, slinging the rifle over your shoulder before turning to Lila.
“I need you to be extremely quiet and once we get inside go inside Red’s pen and hide in the hay can you do that?” You ask and she nods. You wait for the right timing before scooping her up and running full speed to the stables, and sliding through the gaps in the fences of the dry lot that connects to the stables on the opposite side of the fighting. Finding Red’s stable lifting her over and she drops down into the hay quickly hiding herself among it. Red paces already on edge from the fighting happening around them you hop over the wall into Red’s pen before heading outside the stables grabbing her saddle pad, the saddle, and her reins before rushing into the stall. Red moves impatiently filled with anxiety that you feel as well.
“I’m sorry Red I know this isn’t ideal,” You say throwing the saddle pad over her before quickly adding her saddle your hands shaking with the buckles to fully attach it. Each pop of gunfire only adds more fear to you. With her saddle secure you rip off your pack and strap it on the saddle, sliding the rifle into the holster built into the saddle. Grabbing the reins trying to gently and as fast as possible to get her bridle and bit on Red seems to understand the urgency and cooperates. With her all set you go to grab Lila when you hear someone stumble inside the stables curses coming from a gruff voice.
“Fucking dick,” He curses and you press yourself against the wall hearing an empty magazine fall to the ground and the sound of him fumbling with getting the other in when you strike. You rush up behind him pouncing on his burly back and digging your knife in his shoulder. He cries and slams his head back and you feel your nose crack but hold on. He tries shooting behind him but you keep close to him as you keep stabbing at him. He slams his back on a large pillar making you wheeze in pain but you see your stabs are getting to him as life drains from him. Giving a final stab he falls to his knees blood pooling around his head. Gasping for air to catch your breath when a hand grabs your hair and you scream as they drag you out of the stables.
“I found her!” They yell dragging you through a group of raiders who send glares and look thirsty for blood. You’re thrown to the ground smacked your face to the ground as you are pinned down. There is your mother speckled in blood looking down at you beside you is Joel pinned to the ground it doesn’t look great, blood but you aren’t sure if it’s his or others.
“It didn’t have to end up like this Y/n…if only you listened to your mother.” She says almost with pity and you growl thrashing in the raider's arms.
“You’re not my mother!” You hiss and she comes over kicking your square in your ribs making you cry out.
“Stop it!” Joel yells and she turns her attention to him.
“Oh no, you want to step up as a father?” Your mother spits, “You’re about eighteen years too late.” She turns back to you.
“Where’s Lila?” She demands and you glare at her.
“I’m not letting you hurt her.” You spat and she looked indifferent.
“You think I care about her, she’s just another burden like you were. That’s why I had to get rid of you,” Your eyes widen at her confession, “You were so stupid and willing to be snuck out of the QZ to find your dear mommy some medicine. You were supposed to get infected so we had an excuse to kill you, but you just had to live.” She crouches down and you hear the cocking of her gun as the cool metal presses against your forehead. You see Joel thrashing as he shouts but you don’t even hear it.
“Be glad I gave you the family reunion you were so desperate for,” Her finger rests on the trigger and you’re unsure why you aren’t afraid. Maybe you’ve expected death for a while, whether from something simple or by infected. To be executed by your mother in front of your father wasn’t how you thought it would go.
Where the Wild Things Are Tags
@afictionaladventure16 @amy172 @amyispxnk @ashisabitgay @batgurl42 @bobbypickl3 @christinamadsen @clovergray @cozyphine @daemontargaryenwhore @darthrue @daughterofthequeen @ellistyle @enamoredofbella @endo-bunny @enfppixie @enfppuff @feenoire @feralkidz @fictional-character-whore @frootloops1213 @gods-menace @gundham11037 @ilovehotdadsandshit @ioonatv @jmillersgirl @kaiwai @kitdjarin1 @lainekyuu @legoemma @lemonlaides @lorenaloveslewis @love-giselle @lovelyygirl8 @lunawants @maelartasch @marvelandhamilton @melonmochi @minaridior @mmkkzz @n7cje @oscarissac2099 @pandorascosmic @phoenixgurl030 @poetoflawed @queenofthekill @randomhoex @rannifer @rhaenyramistress @scoliobean @screechingsandwichtriumph @severussimp @sevikasleftarm @shotgun-shelby @stargurl99 @stickthegremlin @strangesthirdeye @supernerdycookietrashblrr @theclassicvinyldragon @theredvelvetbitch @todoroki-simp @tracysnook @viviio3o @wife-to-pedro-pascal @your-shifting-gurl
If your name is crossed out tumblr won’t let me tag you for some reason. Sorry :(
183 notes · View notes
verloonati · 13 days ago
Text
Thoughts on the Interstellar song contest:
Okay this was beat for beat a very predictable story, but enjoyable enough with plenty of side characters that actually feel pretty fleshed out in a few lines with the exception of the hellions, more on that later, but for an episode that was supposed to have a lot of cool alien design it's a bit of a shame that they were mostly in the background. I would have loved a bit more songs as well.
Now the Hellia plot is really fucking tacky, especially in the context of it being an eurovision episode and the eurovision being, in reality, one of the biggest zionist propaganda outfit towards its european allies. Making the Hellia thing a direct parallel to the palestinian genocide makes it really gross that the story's resolution is 'if your getting genocided you shouldn't take arms about it, you should instead sing a good song to an impossibly global audience and gain their sympathy'. Which also makes the Hellion's plot of wanting to kill everybody in the audience really disenginuous. It's a typical case of the 'rebel for a just cause is taken by extremism' trope and ESPECIALLY within the context of an actual real life genocide it puts itself against as direct comparison, ESPECIALLY on the very day that genocidal state is pushing yet another of their deadlier offensive yet, it just makes it a really liberal take that has no bearing with how the world works.
the hellion design also feels really weird because 'human (or human adjacent since earth blew up) with horns' are victim of the worst discrimination is a RWBY 'no but anime girl with animal ears are the one being discriminated against'. Also plays into that trope of a black man being the most space racist character, but fret not he learns the error of his ways after hearing a sad song.
Freddie fox's performance as Kid is the one thing that kind of save his character despite the writing and implications of his character. He just oozes that maneskin cringy Bisexual Mick Jaeggery emo adjacent asshole persona, it's awesome. i bet he reeks of cold tobacco as well.
Belinda change of heart on warming up to the doctor do feel a little bit sudden, we only had her for four episode and that only just started in story and the engine. Another gap to fix for big finish with an ellipse or something
The songs were awesome i do wish they were more
Dugga doo Dugga doo Dugga doo Dugga dugga dugga doo
I have no idea who the fuck rylan is. But his inclusion as actual real life tv host Rylan Clark is so stupid it cycles back to awesome. So does Graham Norton's inclusion. The implication of Earth being gone since 2025 at this point is hilarious cause it means that Rylan is gonna get cryogenically frozen and smuggled out of Earth to eternally host the space eurovision within the current real life week.
The visuals of the actual terror attack are awesome. Like genuinely horrifying and haunting. there's that one shot with a mass of people getting sucked out in the void, it's one of dw's most beautiful visuals ever imo.
On that note, i really wish people would have stayed dead. I understand that would maybe be a little too far, but come the fuck on. it gives the doctor's crash out a lot less impact, because like. He just told us that 'they can survive' which like. we know how a dw episode goes, if we're told they're actually still alive, we know they're gonna get revived at the end. The optics of the doctor beating the shit out of a desperate guy trying to do something about his people's genocide is yeah. not great. tho love the character detail of him doing all he can to not bloody his actual hands.
I'll wait until the finale to give my thoughts on susan.
wish they would stop calling him last of the time lords. The Second Gallifrey destruction killed a lot of people sure but like. This wasn't during the war, there was a LOT of exiles and renegades. Where are those. The master is out there, rassillon is out there, the sisterhood is out there. Tecteun made it out until flux. like why does he keep saying that, it's good branding but it makes no sense
RANI TRUTHER KEEP WINNING, mrs flood cameos were really fucking annoying but yeah she is the one and only, hate that she does get bigenerated it's supposed to be a rare almost unheard of thing, i do hope it's the last one we get, but god do i love Flood getting immediately subservient to her new self.
95 notes · View notes
empressofthewind · 7 months ago
Text
Rating Reactions to Seeing Shinigami for the First Time
A comprehensive (and probably biased) list :-)
~~~
Chapter 1 - Light
Tumblr media
Falls on the floor and screams, then recomposes himself and very unconvincingly pretends he expected this. This is the first we get to see of Light's Perfectly Normal And Chill Guy persona and I have to say it's not a strong introduction to his acting skills. He gets points for entertainment value though, and also for managing to scream without attracting the attention of his family???
Rating: 8/10
~~~
Chapter 7 - Kiichiro Osoreda
Tumblr media
This is the guy who performs the bus-jacking that forces Raye to show his ID. It's a very entertaining scene, but he's being controlled and his reaction is therefore inauthentic, which makes it difficult to give him an accurate rating.
Rating: 0/10
~~~
Chapter 26 - L
Tumblr media
This one doesn't technically count because L is merely hearing about Shinigami rather than seeing one, but it's too good not to include. He silently falls off his chair while actively solving a murder case in which the main cause of death has been heart attacks. Naturally the entire task force panics and thinks he's dying, and he does nothing to assuage these concerns. Absolutely iconic of him. Also makes for brilliant foreshadowing.
Rating: 10/10
~~~
Chapter 46 - Misa
Tumblr media
We don't get to see Misa's very first reaction to meeting Rem, but we DO see their reunion during the Yotsuba arc, and she is horrified. She screams just like Light and L did, and her fear persists as long as Rem's hand is covering her mouth. She reacts pretty much how I would expect the average person to.
Rating: 5/10
~~~
Chapter 53 - Soichiro
Tumblr media
Another pretty standard reaction. Falls backwards, screams and immediately reaches for his gun. Nothing remarkable about it.
Rating: 3/10
~~~
Chapter 53 - Aizawa
Tumblr media
Exact same reaction as Soichiro, but he gets extra points because this panel of them both panting on the floor is utterly delightful. The eyes?? The pose???? They look like a pair of petrified crabs. I'm obsessed.
Rating: 8/10
~~~
Chapter 53 - L (again)
Tumblr media
L has heard that Shinigami exist and already knows that there's a "monster" attached to the notebook, so he's not surprised at all by the time he actually sees Rem. Instead, he starts having such an intense and paralysing epiphany that he doesn't even notice Light taking the Death Note from him. The least dramatic reaction so far but incredibly on-brand for him in every way.
Rating: 6/10
~~~
Chapter 70 - Rod Ross
Tumblr media
Freaks out once he actually sees Sidoh, but he's incredibly relaxed about the notebook flying beforehand. His line "I wouldn't be surprised if it's alive" is hilariously ironic given that the notebook does turn out to have a living component to it, and this does, in fact, surprise him.
Rating: 7/10
~~~
Chapter 70 - Kal Snydar
Tumblr media
One of my favourite reactions purely for the implication that Rod might have recruited an 8-foot-tall man in a monster costume. Perfectly reasonable assumption to make.
Rating: 9/10
~~~
Chapter 70 - Mello
Tumblr media
Much like L, everyone around him is panicking, but he stays impressively nonchalant. Immediately starts plotting ways to manipulate the demon creature for his own gain. This is essentially L's reaction if he was 90% more unhinged.
Rating: 10/10
~~~
Chapter 101 - Near
Tumblr media
Only character to look genuinely happy about seeing the Shinigami which is an instant 10 for me. He gets an extra point for having the most precious smile ever <3
Rating: 11/10
223 notes · View notes
himasgod · 5 months ago
Text
Morax x Reader
Where Morax manages to win the tournament
Tumblr media
A tournament, a curse, a child. Your mother, The Queen Phoenix, holds a tournament across Teyvat to see who will win the hand of her daughter, you, the Princess Phoenix, in marriage. After many weeks of combat, Morax emerges victorious, joining you in a marriage bond, winning your soul, uniting your hearts. However, Guizhong, who was once in love with Morax, will not allow you to lead a happy life while she walks the fertile lands of Liyue.
(Hello everyone and thanks for meeting here once again! I'm going to explain this request that I think you'll love! It will be divided into two parts, the first one, in the scenario where Morax wins, and the second one, which will be a scenario where King Deshret wins. Enjoy!)
The sun shone brightly over the grand tournament grounds in Liyue, a spectacle that drew warriors and spectators from every corner of Teyvat.
The Phoenix Queen, a figure of regality and grace, stood at the highest balcony, her fiery plumage glowing in the sunlight. Her gaze, sharp and discerning, swept over the assembled fighters as they prepared for battle. This tournament was her desperate solution to secure her daughter's future, the hand of the Phoenix Princess, was the prize for the victor.
You watched from a secluded corner, your heart heavy with apprehension. You had reluctantly agreed to this arrangement, although the idea of ​​being offered as a prize unsettled you deeply. Your mother's intentions were clear: to find a worthy protector of the Phoenix bloodline's legacy. But the implications weighed on you; would the winner value you for who you were, or simply as a trophy?
The tournament progressed over days, filled with breathtaking displays of strength and skill. Warriors from Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine and even distant Natlan competed fiercely, but two names rose above the rest:
Morax, the steadfast Lord of Contracts and Geo Archon, and King Deshret, the enigmatic ruler of the Sumeru sands. Both men were titans in their own right, their power undeniable and their ambitions inscrutable.
The final match was set: Morax versus King Deshret. The air was electric with anticipation as the two warriors stepped into the arena. Morax, clad in golden armor that gleamed with the essence of Liyue's mountains. Opposite him, King Deshret's crimson robes swirled like desert winds.
The clash was nothing short of legendary. Morax's precise strikes and unyielding defense met Deshret's raw power and unpredictable tactics. The ground shook under their blows, and the audience was left breathless as the battle unfolded.
Finally, with a calculated strike that shattered Deshret's weapon, Morax emerged victorious. The crowd erupted in cheers, but a quiet tension lingered in the air.
Morax's victory was both celebrated and scrutinized. The Phoenix Queen, satisfied with the outcome, arranged the wedding with grand ceremony.
You, though still uncertain, found yourself drawn to Morax's unwavering presence and the quiet respect he showed you.
Months passed, and your bond deepened.
You loved each other.
You gave birth to a child, a precious baby boy who carried the legacy of both the Phoenix Clan and the Lord of Geo. Your happiness, however, was short-lived.
Guizhong, the Goddess of Dust and Morax's closest confidant, watched from the shadows.
Once, she had been a pivotal figure in Morax's life, their bond rooted in trust and shared ideals. But now, she felt abandoned, replaced by the Princess and the family they had built. Her jealousy festered into hatred, and she plotted her revenge.
One fateful night, under the cover of darkness, Guizhong struck. She infiltrated the palace, her knowledge of its layout allowing her to move undetected. She stole the newborn from his cradle, her heart hardened against the infant's innocent cries.
Her destination was Qingyun Peak.
When you discovered yout missing child, you heart shattered. The protective instincts of your Phoenix blood ignited, and you vowed to bring your baby back. Summoning your strength, you pursued Guizhong.
Meanwhile, Moon Carver heard the baby's cries echoing across the peaks. Alarmed, he rushed to warn Morax.
Atop Qingyun Peak, the confrontation reached its climax. Guizhong stood at the edge of the precipice, the infant cradled in her arms. You arrived, your wings blazing with fury.
“Guizhong,” you called, your voice trembling with both rage and anguish. “Return my child, or face the wrath of the Phoenix Clan.”
Guizhong turned, a smirk playing on her lips.
“You took everything from me,” she hissed. “Now, I will take everything from you.”
Without hesitation, she released the infant, sending him plummeting toward the abyss.
You screamed, your wings propelling you forward. But before you could reach your child, a golden blur streaked past you.
Morax, arriving just in time, caught the baby in his arms, his Geo shield protecting them both from harm. Relief flooded through the you, but it was short-lived.
The sight of your child in such peril, the culmination of Guizhong's betrayal, who was being caught by the Yakshas and Xianyun, unleashed a fury within you unlike anyone had ever known.
Drawing upon the ancient power of the Phoenix Clan, you invoked the curse: the birth of the Dark Phoenix of Calamity. Your flames turned black, consuming the air. Your eyes burned with unholy fire as you transformed into a being of destruction.
Morax, cradling your child, watched in horror as his beloved succumbed to the curse. He called out to you, his voice breaking.
“Stop! You must fight this!”
But your rage was beyond reason, your power spiraling out of control.
The skies above Liyue darkened as the Dark Phoenix's flames spread, threatening to engulf the land. Morax, torn between his duty to protect Liyue and his love for you, made a heartbreaking decision.
Placing your child in Moon Carver's care, he turned to face his wife, his spear in hand.
“Forgive me,” he whispered, “I will save you, even if it means losing you.”
Your battle was devastating, and it lasted a whole week.
The clash of Geo and cursed flames shaking the very mountains. Morax fought with all his strength, not to kill, but to subdue you.
Finally, with a strike infused with the essence of his contract to protect and love you forever and ever, he sealed your power, returning you to your original form. The curse was lifted, but the cost was immeasurable.
You lay unconscious and lifeless.
Morax knelt beside you, his heart heavy with guilt and sorrow. He vowed to protect you and your child, no matter the cost.
Although the flames of the Dark Phoenix were extinguished, the scars left on his hearts and on Liyue would never fade.
Many, countless years later, this story was heard by the children running around Liyue Harbor, as Zhongli finished the story with a cup of tea in his hand, slightly trembling.
Your story became a legend, a tale of love that echoed through the ages.
Here is my masterlist, in case you are interested in any more of my work or want to send me a request, they're opened and would help me so much! <3
335 notes · View notes
daffodils-and-viscera · 6 months ago
Text
i've seen a lot of posts comparing mastermind to truth seekers but hear me out: ozzie's
SO this may be long buckle in. these episodes kinda have the same plot?
Tumblr media Tumblr media
blitzø has found himself in a bit of a sitch, as it were...
Tumblr media Tumblr media
our beloved dramatic gay owl is at home watching gabriela pine over alejandro, when suddenly... blitzy is in trouble! omg let's get cunty and go save the day!!
Tumblr media Tumblr media
however, despite showing up and saving lives (he may have literally saved blitzø's life in mastermind but that outfit from ozzie's changed all our lives forever soo...) blitzø isn't necessarily ((outwardly)) happy to see stolas (((we all know he does not mind stolas' ass in his face but stay with me here)))
Tumblr media Tumblr media
stolas' privilege allows him to be immediately heard and not punished by the people who would never listen to blitzø's side of things, and stolas gets to be his dramatic lil bitch self and we love to see it
Tumblr media Tumblr media
in ozzie's, blitzø has his past come back to haunt him in so many ways, he is put in the spotlight and he is decidedly not comfortable there, being called out for all the shit he's done to fizz and verosika and even m&m - HOWEVER! as we all now know, all of those people actually care about blitzø and he was just being his lil destructive self. he is given the chance to defend himself but it's overwhelming and he kinda freezes up
in mastermind, blitzø is being outright blamed for things he didn't do but like.. he actually didn't do any of that ! and yet he can't defend himself because nobody would listen to him even if he wasn't gagged.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
the difference between these 2 episodes is in stolas' behaviour when HE is put in the spotlight- at ozzie's he is freshly separated from stella and probably hasn’t done anything social for a long ass time and he’s not used to being in public. and here’s this thing that he thinks is gonna be fun and will help blitzø but he is not able to express himself so he hides and the result of that is blitzø pushing him away, literally doesn’t want to touch him
in MASTERMIND our birdy babe is singing his lil heart out with no regard for what anyone else thinks of him or what might happen to him, which is so beautiful (but also stolas pls try not to inhale the water).... when he doesn't hide his feelings from blitzø we see how perfect it could be when their inner worlds merge and they are finally on the same page, and blitzø does the furthest thing possible from pushing stolas away !!!
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
(he did however still neglect to consider octavia's feelings when he decided to drop everything for blitzø... with devastating implications in mastermind) sorry to bring the mood down but this needs to be pointed out
Tumblr media Tumblr media
in ozzie's, stolas tries to invite blitzø to his place (and we all remember how well that went)........ blitzø goes home alone and loona is not there, he is all alone and sad curled up on the couch on his phone looking at all the people he believes he's let down and it's heartbreaking
when stolas goes to blitzø's place in mastermind, stolas gets all the love and support blitzø has to offer and loona is there too and blitzø curls up on the couch on his phone looking at all these people who love and support him!!! and then he makes the couch all comfy for stolas and he’s not alone?? like they’re both so not alone that it hurts my heart to think about. these 2 have so much love for each other and yeah there's gonna be tough times ahead but they are not alone! !!!!
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
basically both eps end the same? but also everything is better now? because blitz was loved before he just couldn’t see it through all his nonsense
and stolas is still in a messed up situation and he's still kinda problematic and he couldn’t see it before through all his nonsense but now he’s more self aware?
the real difference is they have each other now! they are so not alone it makes them look stupid!!
anyway this is the longest post i've ever made sorry if it's rambly i have adhd and a lot of feelings about these two
197 notes · View notes
wordslikesilver · 11 months ago
Text
I am once again thinking about Hoarah Loux, the only man Marika ever trusted and the only man she ever loved. It’s such an insane thing to think about the fact that the second last boss of Elden Ring is Some Guy. He is literally just A Human Man. Marika looks at this fucking raving barbarian man and decides to My Fair Lady him into a Lord like the deranged woman she is by assigning him a babysitter to perpetually gnaw on his neck whenever he’s in public. As insane as all that sounds, let’s break down that imagery a little because it’s actually really good! His babysitter is the king of beasts, a lion named Serosh, who digs his claws and his fangs into Hoarah Loux’s body to keep him suppressed and restrained enough in temperament to now be fit to be named Godfrey, The First Elden Lord of Queen Marika.
Serosh is frankly quite mysterious as far as what he actually is goes but as far as story themes go, he’s a really interesting symbol of lordship. The lion basically IS Godfrey’s crown, it’s what makes him Godfrey. The symbolism is essentially stating in a very overt way that this man is more savage than all the beasts of the world. In Elden Ring, beasts with five fingers indicate an enlightened or elevated intelligence, blessed by the greater will. It’s fascinating how it’s basically stating that Serosh is more intelligent, refined and noble than Hoarah Loux, that this man is more wild and savage than the greatest of all the beasts in the world. That only a beast king could teach this man to be a Lord. Godfrey can rip him apart anytime but he doesn’t. It takes more than strength of body to wear a crown and he knows it. He needs Serosh to honour and do right by Marika. He is showing his opponents a courtesy, as he puts it. Morgott takes after his example and so too is Radahn inspired by him. It’s really wonderful imagery.
There’s more to the symbolism. My knowledge of alchemy is, I completely admit, too surface level to elegantly speak at length but I’ve done some light reading online to back up my confidence in what I’m saying. We know Miyazaki loves dark edgy anime like Berserk and I posit that he also gained inspiration from the anime/manga Hellsing, in which the main character recites the line “I am the bird of Hermes, eating my own wings to make me tame.” This line comes from the Ripley Scroll and is theorized to have many meanings but popularly is presumed to mean giving up higher philosophy and knowledge to live normally on the earth as a human. Miyazaki uses lots of alchemical symbolism in his works, Elden Ring especially (go watch Quelaag’s videos!) so I could be totally full of shit about hellsing but I’m completely confident that Godfrey is meant to be an inversion (like literally everything else about his character) of what the Bird of Hermes represents. Godhood is a prison, a shackling. The entire plot is Marika (and Ranni tbh) trying to escape that imprisonment. Godfrey loves Marika enough to chain himself down, to eat his own wings, to pull out his own teeth and claws for her to make himself tame and ascend to lordship.
What’s especially fascinating about him is that he carries Serosh out into the badlands with him, as the opening cutscene shows. Cut dialogue indicates he already knew the Elden Ring would shatter and the tarnished would be beckoned to return. That Marika told him her plan in full before she took from him and his warriors the grace of gold and sent them away. A line from him saying to trust in gold, always, that it will guide our fates to our true destiny has wonderful implications I would certainly love to expand on in another post maybe. Hoarah Loux was just a human man and Marika trusted him enough to tell him everything. Trusted him with her gambit to escape the shackles of godhood. This is the fascinating part about taking Serosh with him. Keeping himself disciplined enough to remain a Lord when he returns. To hold back his aching heart just enough that he could follow through on this dark plan and allow his wife to protect him from the machinations of the greater will by sending him away. Also note that in that opening cutscene, he’s being crucified, with a lion about his shoulders and spear buried in his abdomen. They could not be milking the Jesus imagery harder if they tried. The Bird of Hermes is also thought to represent Christ, more points for that symbolism.
I love Godfrey so much as a character. He loved his sons and he loved his wife. The tenderness that he holds Morgott with is enough to make me cry. How he wished he could’ve seen him sooner, I’m all too sure. He’s the only other character we see guided by grace in the entire game. Marika guides you and her beloved husband, that’s it, that’s how much she trusts him. When he rips Serosh from his shoulders, you understand how Marika felt such faith in him. In Elden Ring, it is through battle that you face the true self of an opponent. Godfrey reveals to you Hoarah Loux, Warrior Chieftain of the Badlands. It is a test. Are you worthy to free her? Can you do what I could not? I have shown you courtesy enough as a Lord. You served me well, Serosh. I relieve you of your burden and feel only gratitude for your service. Now begins the test. Are you, tarnished, stronger than the only man who was strong enough to bear the burden of Lordship? Are you stronger than the only man that Queen Marika ever trusted? Are you stronger than the only man she ever loved?
285 notes · View notes
cherrifire · 1 year ago
Note
Hi :D Logic behind the latest batch of cutie marks? if you feel like sharing :)
Hello everypony ^-^ It is cuie mark info dump again ^-^
Before we start, reminder that Grian + Tango do not have cutie marks because they are a hippogriff and a Kirin respectively. Non-pony creatures do not have cutie marks :)
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's get started!
Mumbo's Cutie Mark
Tumblr media
I'm the proudest of this one because it'd simple but affective.
Mumbo's cutie mark is a tangled-up red wire which has been cut at the ends to expose the conductors. The wire is also particularly made to create an 'M' shape.
Similar to Impulse's cutie mark, Mumbo's is related to electricity for his investment in redstone. Electricity being the closest thing to it. That said, I gave Mumbo a wire because it is the baseline of all electricity. It connects everything together. From the power source and into whatever little machine or contraption you've built, wires are needed to keep it all powered! So I thought using it as a cutie mark would work really well for Mumbo. Sometimes he can just bring people together just like a wire does for electricity.
(And the little knot in the wire is just a little something to indicate Mumbo may be a bit of a mess)
Additionally, with the wire being in the shape of an 'M' it could stand for Mumbo while also being in the shape of a mustache too :)
Scar's Cutie Mark
Tumblr media
Capitalism baby! Scar's cutie mark is of a red top hat next to a bag of bits (the currency in my little pony is called bits and are essentially gold coins).
At heart, Scar is a swindler. He's full of joy and whimsy sure, but he has a real talent for selling little trinkets to anypony who takes a look at his store front. In my head, Scar is essentially the flim and flam of this AU. He's a wandering salespony who shows up from time to time with things to sell from all across Equestria! That's where the little bag can be interpreted as a bag of coins, or a bag full of mystery items he's collected over the years.
Also, the top hat is there to represent Scar's salespony flair.
Joel's Cutie Mark
Tumblr media
Joel's cutie mark is of a greek stone pillar and a chisel.
There are a couple of meanings to this one. The first one is pretty obvious, Joel loves to build! He's a fantastic builder with an eye for design. So I chose a greek pillar to represent one of my favourite builds of his, Stratos! But of course, a simple pillar can be used for lots of things and that's where the second meaning comes in. To hold things up! Joel holds himself up to on pretty high pedestal. He's very full of himself and I honestly can't blame him. Joel is great! So of course I had to represent his ego in his cutie mark somehow.
Jimmy's Cutie Mark
Tumblr media
Jimmy's cutie mark is of a little canary bird. Another cutie mark with two meanings behind it!
First, is the obvious one. The canary in the coal mine. Misfortune will fall upon the canary to indicate to others that the journey may be too dangerous to continue. A bad luck charm if you will or a bad omen. And that's the surface meaning of his cutie mark that everypony knows it for. Jimmy is the poor clumsy pony in town who always seems to hurt himself before things go wrong.
However, there is a second meaning. Canary birds are also supposed to happiness and harmony. This is the main core of the cutie mark which gets over looked. Despite the bad implications of his cutie mark, it does not stop Jimmy from spreading joy wherever he goes. He's kind and joyous, keeping a positive attitude no matter what.
(I of course have a Ranchers plot point where Tango says this to Jimmy to cheer him up about his cutie mark one day. Tango, who has never had a cutie mark and does not understand their importance, says he doesn't see Jimmy as bad luck, but instead feels joy when Jimmy smiles no matter the situation. But that's a story for another day 🤭)
712 notes · View notes
elkian · 6 months ago
Text
More about GGG's finale and core plot (that is, BIG SPOILERS BELOW)
One recurring trend is loneliness. King's actions help connect people, and our protagonist continues in her footsteps, but the loneliness of the characters who play antagonists is especially notable.
The God Awards (which I've mentioned before, the whimsy of them made me totally blip over the red flags and implications) mention Inspekta doing everything for them. What would they be without him, Capochin asks?
"Lonely!"
Inspekta gathered the lonely hearts together. Gave them purpose. Gave them a charismatic leader to follow.
Saul is one of the most antagonistic non-Bizzy humans, and a recurring refrain in Milldread is how lonely everyone is. How gatherings are now somehow either discouraged or outright illegal (hmm, wonder whose idea that was). In fact, most of the Milldread citizens only have good or at least compassionate things to say about him.
(Sometimes I feel like the antagonists are shown a little much compassion given the way this plot goes, but it is also important to remember that deprogramming cultists etc. is based around showing compassion and reminding them that the world is not innately hostile to them. And there's only so much a single game can say in the span of a few hours, so, like, I get it.)
In fact, you have to insult Saul twice to progress in Milldread. How do you do this?
One, you get a dog to make a dog noise, and Saul loses it and comes over to harass the dog (and fail).
Two, after this point, he'll say that he "hates that shaggy little man". This is the line you need to give Budd to progress. When he asks for an insult levied at Saul, you can travel the town... and find that everyone has good things to say about him. He's misled, he's actually very sweet, his friends miss him.
It's very telling that the only way to effectively insult Saul to Budd is to use his own words to do it. Even writing this, I realize that this also implies a bit of a persecution complex with Saul - the people around him don't hate him, or even think he's particularly incompetent. They're worried about him. They understand that he's stressed. He was lead astray by a bad element but he snaps out of it (with help) in time to rejoin his community.
And speaking of throwing words back in faces...
Capochin shows a pretty regular skill for recognizing voices when you fling words at him - it's funny, because a lot of people in this game don't, so he's an outlier and that's amusing. In the battle against him, it means you have to work around him - you can't use his own words against him directly.
Instead, you put words in "Inspekta"'s mouth and bring that to Capo.
He shows an awareness, to a level, that this isn't really Inspekta talking. But this realization is a long time coming, and he can't repress it anymore. He can't deny reality when it's thrown in his face, when he's all alone, when nobody wants to work with him anymore. When even his god is only using him, spending more time with the Godpoke, leading him astray.
The Bizzyboys (and Hector; Yugo Limbo said that all of them come from Drain, hence them looking alike(?) ) evoke a very specific type of person, to me: the incel. Or at least, something adjacent. They're all referred to as "he" as Bizzys (I'm of a mind that Bizzyboys are all he/him while Bizzy, as, like, an honorary gender, mostly because it's just a silly idea; though in retrospect it also meshes with the enforced similarity situation). They're all lonely. They've banded together under a mutual purpose, but they don't really support each other.
And when they start to, between Hobbyhoo and BuzzHuzz? When they begin to collaborate, talk about taking a break from all this fash shit "investigating"?
Capochin shuts them down. Hard.
And Patty says he's scared of Capochin, but the other Bizzies say he would never hurt any of them. But when Capochin blows his top, all of them get really timid.
Capochin not getting involved in the violence until there's literally no one else to hide behind is so cliche that it almost just seems like a joke, until I took in the rest of the story.
Playing this game makes me think a lot of Fallout: New Vegas, a game where you can also destroy fascism and avert a cataclysm as a vaquero-themed courier.
One thing that becomes achingly clear in FNV is how the Legion is a cult of personality: it's not just the Legion, it's Caesar's Legion. Legate Lanius is terrifying, yes, but nobody talks about him as a leader so much as a warrior. Once Caesar dies, it seems obvious to me that the entire thing is going to crumple like a house of cards. Caesar didn't leave any backup plans, any true heirs, because the whole thing was his vanity project. There's no point to the Legion without Caesar, and he never once considered that there should be.
Inspekta and the Bizzyboys work very similarly. The whimsy and goofiness of the setting, which we also see in Smile For Me, lead me to miss some major red flags (I am also just. very dense.), which is a known problem in real fascism - the use of cutesy facades to cast absurdity on any claims of propaganda.
Anyways. My point is that the Bizzyboys seem at first to be a group, but are really more underlings in a cult of personality. Everything falls apart when faith in the system - in Capochin, in Inspekta - is lost. And Capochin is the Joshua Graham to Inspekta's Caesar; both of them culpable, both of them seeming in charge, with Capochin primed to take the fall as soon as things go wrong. But he volunteered for that! He wanted to be Inspekta's #1! The right-hand chump! The prime goon! He's getting everything he ever worked for, so don't question the system, Capo, because that's the same as doubting Inspekta. And doubting Inspekta means you're not a good Bizzyboy. Means you're ungrateful. Means that maybe what you have should go to someone who'll appreciate it.
They literally have their names stripped away - and I think the constant belittling and name-withholding of Patty, who genuinely displays real competence and intelligence at points if you pay attention, is a deliberate ploy. You don't want to be like P. You don't want to be a failure. Look at you, earning your letters! You almost have a full name! Not like that loser at the bottom of the barrel. You're a real winner, here.
And you, P? You need to try harder. Look how Alexei has his whole name back for doing hardly anything! How can you fail to get even a single letter back, compared to him? When Patty asks for his name back in Milldread, Capochin mentions solving mysteries - mysteries of "what does Capochin want for lunch", etc. It's silly, but it's also sinister. It's the most overtly self-centered bit of Bizzy lore we get for maybe the whole game. Capochin outright says he comes first and we laugh because of the delivery.
(The videos are fantastic, because they really set up the reveal in a lot of both subtle and unsubtle ways. Even the very first video, where Capochin insults Patty for asking a scripted question, before moving into the answer, is foreshadowing for the constant emotional abuse all of the Bizzys and Patty in particular are subjected to. There's probably much more I'm forgetting.)
Under the whimsy and humor of the game is a very real statement about cults and fascism and the kinds of people they recruit, and how they do it. They amplify the concerns of the disenfranchised and alone, people who have difficulty connecting with a community. They give those people somewhere to belong, ideals to uphold, and targets to gang up on.
Anyways. Good game.
164 notes · View notes