#this is just straight up my dislike of rose talking

[sprnklersplashes]

me whenever someone compares ruby to rose tyler: oh my god shut up shut up SHUT UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP me whenever someone compares ruby to amy or clara: OH HOHOHOHO *rubs hands together gleefully* YES YEEEEEEESSSSS YEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[girlboybug]

Shades of Cool

“my baby lives in shades of cool, cold heart and hands of aptitude.”

or the one where joel can’t seem to stay away from you despite his efforts to. but it’s not like he tried very hard to begin with.

what’s playing 🎧 : shades of cool by lana del rey

pairing : joel miller x female!reader

word count : 9k

CONTENT WARNINGS : SMUT, creampie, breeding kink if u squint, oral f receiving, fingering, loss of virginity, virginity kink if u squint yet again, tummy bulge, unspecified age gap and joel kind of has a thing for it, unprotected sex, (pls wear a condom guys im just a mf on tumblr) multiple orgasms, a tad of overstimulation, allusions to male masturbation, dirty talk, pet names, mating press, prone bone, light dom/sub dynamics, reader def has some unresolved daddy issues mean!joel but theres some soft joel

TRIGGER WARNINGS : minor character death/reference to his death but he literally doesn't exist in the show i promise, canon-typical violence, mentions of blood, mentions of guns, implied/references to sexual harassment

a/n : this is my first time uploading to tumblr, forgive me if my layout is funky lol, anyways pls enjoy <3 read the second part here

you swallowed hard when you saw joel making his way towards the alleyway you two routinely met up in. watching as he did his typical side to side glance, casual in presence but it was muscle memory for him to ensure the safety of his environment no matter it’s location or the mundaneness of it. 

you quite disliked the feeling that pricked your chest and quickly spread inside the cavity, overflowing up into your throat and drowning out any coherent thoughts in your mind whenever you saw joel. 

it was annoying. pathetic even. just a silly schoolgirl crush you hoped would go away in time. 

you put aside the fluttering feelings for later, and waved, catching his attention. he sent a curt nod, rubbing his palms together before pushing them into his denim pockets. “hey.” he greeted you, if you could really call it that. 

you took whatever you could get from him, so you smiled, parroting it back with a nervous politeness. 

“do you have the uh…” you trailed off, feeling embarrassed that you struggled to even verbalize what you were trading. 

he raised a brow, folding his arms over his chest, looking at you expectingly. “i got it. you got the rations?” he finished speaking for you and you nodded enthusiastically, hurriedly pulling out the thick wad of rations you worked your ass off for. 

he shut his eyes with exasperation for a few seconds before hovering his larger hand over the wad, miraculously dwarfing your own hand. “don’t wave it around kid, jesus,” he sighed, shaking his head while palming it and sliding it away into his back pocket. 

“sorry…” you muttered embarrassedly. 

he didn’t reply, and instead handed you a box, bright purple and pink and your gaze slowly rose up to his face with a slightly ajar mouth. “uh. joel.” you started, voice leading into an upward trail of confusion. 

“if i wanted tampons i could have easily gotten this myself.” you wanted to hide the slight irritation in your tone but he caught on to it, unfolding his arms to jab the top of the box with his index finger. “how about you open it smartass.” he instructed dryly, moving backward and refolding his arms. 

your eyes lingered on him tryingly for a few more seconds, huffing quietly to yourself before flipping the cardboard flap up. 

again. tampons. 

you tilted it towards him and he dragged his hand down his face tiredly. he dug his hand into the box, the tampons shoved to the sides, revealing a small pistol. 

your mouth fell open into a comical O shape, laughing in awe. “oh!” you giggled and joel stared at you blankly, already feeling a hankering for a straight shot of whiskey at the bright and early hour of 8:30am. 

“very creative.” you beamed and it seemed as though joel fought back a smile behind a glare. at least, you told yourself that. 

“just enough for gullible people.” he pushed at a button of yours, just a little, and you paused for a second, shooting him a playful glare. “whatever,” you exhaled through a quiet chuckle. 

“thank you joel, i appreciate the um. tampons, i was running low.” you played along with the bit and he rolled his eyes, nodding, already ready to go back home. 

“sure thing.” he was about to turn and walk out of the alleyway but something held him in his spot. 

he took in a deep inhale before making eye contact with you, rendering you back into your nervous state from when he first arrived. 

“why do you need a pistol? we’ve only ever traded for small things. why the sudden big order?” he has absolutely no clue why he’s asking you this, or rather, he has no idea why he’s letting himself ask this. 

he shouldn’t care. he doesn’t. 

you stiffened, straightening your back and holding the box to your stomach, hands cupping the bottom of it. “just to keep at my place. thought i’d feel safer with it.” you answered truthfully, making sure to not go further into detail. 

his squinted eyes stay on you for awhile, unsure of what you needed to feel safe from. “are you uh…in any trouble?” he asks and you feel a little excitement ignite in your lower belly. 

is he worried about you?

“no! no not at all, i just…i don’t know,” you try to laugh it off but the silence between you two just feels heavy instead. “why do you ask?” you question and he shrugged. 

“if you’re in trouble, i don’t need it somehow coming back to me. i got enough shit i need to worry about.” he answered and the bubble inside you popped and deflated almost immediately. 

“oh, well no need to worry about that. it’s nothing like that, you’ll be fine.” you decided to end the conversation there, a cold feeling of humiliation that prods at your shoulders and throat alerting you that it’s best to just walk away before you can say anything else that might make the situation more unbearable. 

“thanks joel.” you added, quickly making your way out the alleyway. “be careful with that thing.” he called out after you, and you feel the bubble slowly start to shamelessly inflate itself once more. 

maybe he does care. even if it’s just a little. 

—

you hid the box in the shoddy nightstand you had lugged up into your apartment from off the street one night, and exhaled lowly, pursing your lips. “this is good.” you stated to yourself. 

the whole reason why you wanted a gun, was kind of useless if you really put some actual thought into it. 

it really was just for the comfort of your mind, putting the nerves you had at ease. like a security blanket of sorts. 

fedra soldiers occasionally conduct inspections, making a mess of people’s homes to look for any contraband, firefly propaganda, weapons, anything that so much acts as an eyesore to them is grounds for permanent confiscation. 

there’s a specific solider that just makes you uncomfortable, makes your skin prickle up into sharp goosebumps and makes your stomach churn like dry gears rubbing up against each other. 

the way his eyes follow you around, rejoicing in his power over you and how you cowered away from him. 

they come in as pairs to inspect and even if they didn’t, he was still taller, stronger, heavily armed and trained and could kill you in front of a crowd of people and still face no consequences. so a singular witness wouldn't stop him from breaking the rules.

if anything, you’ve probably just put yourself in more danger carrying a weapon. but you felt that if you had it, you maybe had a fighting chance in case push came to shove. 

you collected yourself into your very depressing excuse of a bed, lifting the fraying crotched blanket over your body, pretending you were anything less than semi uncomfortable.

the next morning, you woke up with a slightly sore feeling that resided in just about every crevice of your body but you ignore it, as it’s a common thing to wake up to if you’ve got what basically feels like laying on a napkin as a bed, and using what feels like an even thinner napkin as a blanket. 

you readied yourself to participate in street clean up, since you had to take on more shifts than usual to make up for the hefty chunk of rations you gave to joel. 

—

a bandana resided around your nose, neatly but tightly tied behind your head, doing…definitely not enough to cover the stench of cleaning the sludge off the streets. 

"the fuck would i need coffee beans for asshole? hit me up when you’ve actually got good shit to trade.” you overheard two guys a few feet away from you bickering, your ears perking up at the mention of coffee beans. 

you remembered joel vaguely mentioning how he’d kill for a cup of coffee, and you agreed on that sentiment, even though you’ve never once had coffee.  the point being, he’d been out of coffee for awhile, unable to find anyone who has it, and you figured maybe scoring him a bag would be a nice sign of gratitude for the pistol. 

you pulled down your bandana, walking over to the guy once the other one walked off. “hi, um i didn’t mean to eavesdrop but i heard you have coffee beans? i’d be willing to trade for them.” 

“i don’t take kindly to nosy—“ he cut himself off mid sentence once he turned to look at you, his eyes dragging up and down your body and you wondered in that moment if it was worth the hassle of talking to this. thing. 

but then you thought of joel, and how maybe he’d smile at you, thank you with a tight bear hug and suddenly, it did all seem worth it. 

“yeah, yeah i’d definitely be happy to trade with you,” he grinned and you laughed, trying to hide your disgust with fake excitement. “great! what would you want for it? i have some spare shampoo bars, a pair of wool socks i was saving for winter, or—“ 

he cut you off this time, leaning into your space closer and you instinctively backed away. “i was thinking maybe something different.” he alluded to something that made cleaning up literal shit off the street seem a lot more pleasant. 

your face fell and you lifted up your bandana. “yeah, nevermind. thanks anyway.” 

you turned on your heel and he groaned, calling after you. “the socks…” he huffed, rubbing the side of his chin. “are they soft?” he mumbled, avoiding eye contact. 

you tugged down the bandana again, smiling brightly. “very!” 

—

you scheduled another meet up with joel, excited to gift him the bag of coffee beans. 

you were slightly sad to let go of the socks, your feet always got so cold in the winter and the nights were already starting to increase in frigidness, but it’s okay, you could always find another pair of socks again, but you didn’t know if you’d have another chance to pleasantly surprise joel like this. 

against joel’s typical judgment, he said to just stop by his apartment, feeling too tired to lug himself down into the alleyway again. 

but all you heard from that was he trusted you enough into his personal space. which, as much as joel would deny it, is true. 

he could clearly envision you apologizing to a fly for so much as being in its way, so inviting you over posed as nowhere near a threat. 

you knocked at his door, hiding the bag behind your back before he opened it. the wind got knocked out of you once more at the sight of him. he was very much older than you, easily the age of a man who could be your father, but that didn’t erase any of his attractiveness. 

in the deepest part of your subconscious, you knew that that’s what added onto it. 

“hi!” you chirped and he stepped to the side, widening his door to let you in. “hi.” he repeated, drier but, not unhappily. 

“what’d you wanna trade for again?” he asked, his hand rubbing the side of his stubbly jaw, and you had to look away, knowing you’d just watch him in silence if you didn’t. 

“actually,” you hummed, nearly bursting at the seems with glee. he watched you curiously, unaware of the slight smile on his face as he watched you tip toe closer with your hand still behind your back. 

“i didn’t come by to trade. i got you a gift!” he rested his palms behind him on the small table, his broad shoulders seeming even broader now and you wanted to run your hands across the expanse of them. 

“a gift?” he asked, breaking you out of your trance. he sounded genuinely shocked, almost unable to believe you. “mhm!” you nodded, a smile still etched on your features. 

“close your eyes, and open your hands.” you instructed, and he tilted the side of his head to you, wordlessly saying really? 

you nudged your chin, motioning for him to listen, your way of replying with yes, really.

he eyed you before shaking his head, standing up straight and closing his eyes, his palms bared out for you, muttering a quiet, i have no idea why i’m listenin’ to you. 

you plopped the bag of coffee into his hands, sing songing a soft “now open!” 

he opened his eyes, his lips parting in awe. he laughed out of disbelief, and your heart soared with joy as you saw him smile, and widely at that. 

“kid…you…why? i mean, god, thank you, but why?” he asked and you shrugged, rocking back and forth on your heel to your toes. “take it as a thanks for my pist-i mean tampons.” you joked and he chuckled, shaking his head and putting the beans down onto the table. 

“well, thank you, that’s mighty kind of you.” he looked downward at you, and you looked back up at him, trying to memorize the way his lips were curled, the sweet lines by his eyes and the way he just seemed so happy by such a small act of kindness. 

“no biggie!” you replied, and he darted his eyes away for a moment before turning back to you. “do you know how to use your gun?” he asked and you felt your face grow hot with slight embarrassment. 

“uh. i mean you just aim and pull the trigger right?” you asked honestly and he blinked a few times before shaking his head. “okay so you don’t.” and you squinted at him. “i could teach you. get you some extra bullets too.” he remedied the half joking comment with his offer and you perked up. 

“yeah? you would?” you asked excitedly and he nodded. “‘course. you just went from tolerated, to slightly more tolerated in my book. so i’m gonna help you not accidentally shoot yourself in the foot.” 

you didn’t like how you actually felt a twinge of sadness at his obvious joke about only tolerating you. he was kidding, but sometimes it was hard to tell because he had the same monotone, slightly annoyed at everything everyone has to say, kind of voice. 

and you were a sensitive person, and even the most harmless jokes could manage to sting you. 

“well jeez aren’t you sweet.” you complimented with sarcasm. joel threw on his flannel, ignoring your comment. you stepped aside while he made his way to the door. 

“you comin?” he looked at you, opening the door behind him, waiting for you to follow. you turned around to look behind you stupidly, then back to him. “what?” you asked confusedly and he fought the urge to roll his eyes and take back his offer. 

“we’re gonna start now.” he inclined his head out the door, motioning for you to come along. and who were you to decline doing anything with joel. 

—

joel was here. in your apartment. in your space, in your air. he was sitting on your bed, the place where you’d occasionally, frequently shove your fingers into places you just knew joel would be able to reach with no effort. 

he ran his fingers over the barrel of the gun, drumming against its ridges and for a moment you felt a bit envious over the literal inanimate object. 

“cmere,” he patted the space next to him, waiting for you to be seated so he could get started. 

with wobbly legs you made your way to him, smoothing over your jeans in an attempt to secretly wipe away your clammy palms. 

“show me how you hold it.” he placed it in your hands and it felt foreign to the touch. it was heavier than you expected it to be but you tried to conceal your inexperience by holding it the way you’ve seen others handle their firearms. 

you pointed it at the door, pretending that soldier was in front of you, finger on the trigger and hands at the bottom of it, supporting your grasp. 

he observed your hold, a low hmm coming from the back of his throat. “not terrible.” he adjusted your hands, your skin latching onto his heat, claiming it as yours as his body hovered around your side. 

“how’s that feel?” he asked and you cleared your throat, blinking a few times and avoiding his close stare. “it uh, it feels better.” you answered and he clicked his tongue, nodding curtly to himself. 

“alright. now, when you run out of bullets, the magazine at the bottom might drop out but if it doesn’t, you’re gonna take it out and reload, you wanna be fast if you’re in the middle of, well whatever situations got you needing to pull out a gun.” there was a slight cadence of a joke in his gun lesson 101, and it made a giddy feeling return to your tummy. 

he reached in his back pocket, pulling out what you assumed he meant by magazine. 

he explained the logistics of your newly owned weapon, trying to use terms you’d be able to follow along with, not unaware of how you were watching and listening intently, hanging on to every word he spoke. 

you were too damn obvious. 

—

you saw more of joel after that, bumping into him in places you usually didn’t see him, yet seemingly excited every time you met. 

his aloof stare slowly turned softer when it landed on you, maybe it never changed at all but to you it definitely felt different. 

he swore it was you that had been following him, an air of playfulness in his accusations of you stalking him, but really it was him. 

he unable to admit to himself that he  wandered around the areas he knew you were usually found in, wanting to scold you for having such an easy routine to follow but he kept it to himself. 

he watched you walk beside him, taking in the sights of the town, wondering how you could possibly appreciate the hellhole that surrounded you all. 

“so how’s the coffee? any good?” you asked, turning back to look at him, feeling a hushed breath pause in your throat once you saw he was already looking at you. 

a peek of a smile ghosted over his face. “it’s good. i, i appreciate that you did that. i hope you didn’t have to trade too much for it.” guilt resided in him at the thought of you having to give more than you had just for coffee beans. he felt he wasn’t worth all that effort. 

you shook your head, laughing lightly at the memory of the trade. “no no don’t worry, just a pair of socks. they were these brown wool socks that were so soft, so i’d say it was a pretty fair trade.” 

“i’ll be on the look out for a pair like that then.” he was already figuring out who he could trade with to get you another pair of socks. “no it’s okay you don’t have to it’s-“

“hey,” his voice felt rich, calling your attention back to him. your chest went tight. “yeah?” you whispered back. 

“shut up. i’m gettin’ the socks.” there was a backbone of sternness in his lighthearted promise.

you sucked on your bottom lip through a grin before you spoke again.

“i have a confession.” you exhaled, feigning dramatics and he tilted his head towards you, watching you with worried eyes. “yeah?” 

“i lied. i’ve never had coffee before.” you lowered your head with faux shame and he gasped, shaking his head with disapproval. he paused for a moment, then turned around. 

you caught up with him, holding onto his arm, feeling hot at the taut feeling of his limb, and how he didn’t push you off. he just peered down at you, keeping you there with him. “jeez i didn’t think you’d take such offense to that,” you breathed out through a chuckle. 

“inexcusable. you’re tryin it when we get home.” the twang in his accent was something so attractive, and it only had you feeling more and more willing to do whatever he wanted. you’d drink acid if he asked of it from you in that deep southern drawl. 

you two walked back to his place, shedding a layer out of many, holding onto it as you trailed in behind him. 

he glanced over at you, then your coat. “set it down somewhere, you can have a seat.” he pointed at the round table and you quietly thanked him, hanging your coat over the back of the chair before sliding it out and sitting in it. 

“i remember you have a sweet tooth. damn near talked my head off about trading for a bag of hard candies a few months ago, so i reckon you’d like it sweet.” he mostly talked to himself when he said that, fondly remembering the way you rattled on about how you were craving for caramel drops. 

“you remember that?” you were just about swooning, unable to hide it even when joel walked back over to you, two mugs in each hand of his. “how could i not? you never let me forget it.” he set the mug down in front of you, sipping at his as he leaned back into the chair in front of you. 

you picked it up, hugging the warmth of it with your palm. you took a light sip, your eye shutting, a low quiet moan leaving your lips from around the mug once the taste landed on your tongue. 

joel stirred in his seat at the sound, busying himself with drinking from his cup to avoid making any kind of facial expressions. 

“joel,” you crooned and he felt weak. “you like it?” he asked, his lips still curled over the rim of his mug. “it’s so good, i understand why you like it so much.” 

“well, i don’t make it as sweet as that, but yeah, coffees good. not a lot of people agree.” he shrugged and you set your mug down in front of you. “can i taste yours?” 

he slid it to you and you lifted it, tasting it and almost immediately wanting to spit it out. you quickly gave it back to him, sipping the sweeter coffee to cleanse your offended palette. 

“yeah, that tastes like shit, i don’t know how you drink that.” you smacked your tongue against the roof of your mouth, the burnt taste not quite leaving you just yet. 

he rolled his eyes, taking a loud obnoxious slurp. “my tastebuds are just mature.” 

“mature for what? shit? once you hit a certain age do just you grow accustomed to crappy tasting things?” you were dipping into a more casual way of speaking to joel, causing his gaze that rested on you to turn into a view of amusement. 

“rich comin’ from the kid who still eats like she’s 5.” he rested his arm against the back of his chair, and you expired, feeling a bit defensive of being called a child. 

“i’m not a kid.” you muttered and he chuckled. “alright.” he agreed in sentiments but not in actuality. 

breaking the comfortable silence that filled the room you and joel shared, a loud bang rang from against the door. joel slid from out his chair, hurriedly pacing towards the door. 

before he could even open it, you already knew it was one of fedra’s soldiers. things were starting to feel a little too lax, it was only a matter of time until they came knocking down doors again. 

your throat went dry, stomach cinching with anxiety once he stepped inside, the same soldier that had you saving up your rations week after week to be able to afford the pistol from joel. 

his eyes flickered between you and joel, scoffing to himself. “what’s this?” he asked you, ignoring joel who stood right in front of him. 

“nothing.” you answered, intimidation and fear already prickling at your skin and racing down your spine. 

joel stood in front of you, shielding you away from him, and slowly, the fear lifted itself itself away from you, but not fully. not while he’s still here. 

“aren’t there usually two of you who do these searches?” joel questioned, watching as the solider jabbed at various things of joel’s with the tip of his rifle. 

“partners out sick. so y’all get the pleasure of havin just me.” he flashed an ugly grin at you, bending to the side to see your uncomfortable face behind joel’s back. 

he walked around, haphazardly lifting and tossing things about. 

“oh?” he bent down, squatting by joel’s bed. “what’s this?” he waved around a baggy full of white powder. joel stiffened, his nostrils flaring in anger. 

“that’s not mine and you know it.” and surprisingly it actually wasn’t. 

joel had just sold the last of his pills to a sad sap unable to sleep without them, and that was a month ago. the asshole was planting drugs on him. 

“this is not only grounds for confiscation but imprisonment. tough spot you’re in miller.” joel exhaled angrily from a quiet ragged breath. 

“unless,” he came up to you, pushing past joel to cup your chin. “she wants to, convince me why i shouldn’t take you down for this contraband.” you flinched from his touch but it only made him hold on tighter. 

joel snatched his wrist away, stepping back in front of you. “you don’t have to involve her. what do you want? rations, half of my next haul? what?” he gritted and the solider just laughed. 

“you think i don’t have easy access to all that? i want something you can’t easily trade for.” he leaned to the side, waving at you. 

joel pushed him backward, triggering the response of a rifle being shoved in his face. joel didn’t so much as waver, grabbing the neck of the firearm, pointing it away from him while his foot came and rammed down onto the front of his shin, successfully knocking him down with a loud wail of pain. 

it happened so fast all you could do was sit and watch, frozen in place as joel lost himself on top of the solider, pounding and pounding and pounding his fists in relentlessly, not stopping despite the ache trickling over across his knuckles. 

you heard a sick squelch followed by cracking noises and you knew that should’ve made you fear joel. it should’ve made you run out the door and never look back. but it did the opposite. you never wanted to stay more. 

you watched with wide pupils as he rose up from the beaten and bloodied solider, breathing hard and loud, stumbling upward to a leant stance, staring at the lifeless solider on his wood floors. 

he wiped his nose with the clean, unbloodied slate of his forearm, before dropping it back to his side to lean forward and spit over the body. 

he turned back to you, scanning your face for any hurt, fear or disgust. 

but there was none. 

before you could say anything, he spoke aloud his thoughts. “i gotta get rid of the body.” 

“do you need help?” you extended a hand willing to assist and joel shook his head a hard no. “you saw enough, you don’t need to see more. i’ll be back.” 

you stood up, pressing a hand to his chest, looking at him with watery eyes. he wanted to wipe them away from you, but he couldn’t. not with the blood that was already starting to cake under his nails. 

“joel i want to help.” you admitted, soft voice trembling and joel leaned forward, his face close to yours. “you should probably go sweetheart, you don’t need to get wrapped up further in this.” his words traveled along the coast of a gentle but solid whisper. 

“i don’t want to go.” your voice barely carrying itself loud enough as a reply, eyes following joel’s actions of walking away from you to roll up the soldier in a thin fraying carpet. 

“you should.” is all he said, walking out the door with a body dragging behind him. 

—

you went against any logical thought process whatsoever and stayed. you decided you’d make yourself useful, feeling as though the events that continually replayed in your head felt like your fault. 

you sat on your knees, scrubbing at the blood that had already set in the floors. 

you scrubbed until it hurt, and you kept going despite the fact. you dunked the scrubber into the bucket of soapy water turned brown, squeezing the excess onto the floor before rubbing it in. 

the door clicked open and your head whipped towards it, heart leaping in your chest once you saw joel stumble in. 

“hi.” you breathed and he looked at you with surprise. he saw the work you busied yourself with, locking the door before making his way to you. “what’re you doin’?” he asked gently, yet again in shock at how unabashedly kind you were to him. 

“didn’t want the blood just sitting here on your floors. ‘least i could do since it’s my fault that all happened.” you sniffled, feeling guilty at what had transpired. though the guilt was there, a sense of gratitude was even larger. 

he did that, for you. 

he bent down to catch your watery gaze. “no, no that was not your fault. just got a little carried away. ‘don’t want you thinkin’ that you had anything to do with my choices, okay?” he leaned to the side, catching your eyes that were avoiding his. “okay?” he repeated, waiting for you to say it back to him. 

“okay.” you mouthed just below a whisper. he took the bucket and the scrubber, walking to the sink. you of course, trailed behind him. 

he lifted his sleeves, turning on the faucet to rinse off the dried blood on his hands. 

he picked at under his nails, scraping the blood off wherever he saw it. which was, every inch of his hands. 

his body faced back to you, his now cleaned hands picking up yours, seeing specks of blood and dirt splattered on your hands from cleaning his floor. 

he washed you clean, and all you could do was admire him. how gentle he was taking care of you. he rinsed your skin clear of blood, drying you up and letting your hands rest back to your sides. 

“i’m sorry you had to see that.” he apologized, feeling ashamed of how little he was in control of his anger in that moment. 

you shook your head, hands shakily resting on his chest. “no, i don’t want you to be sorry.” you murmured, eyes landing on his lips. you swallowed back any fears that held you back from showing your affections any longer. 

you leaned forward, pressing your lips to his. with a pleasant surprise, he kissed back, no hesitation in his actions. his hold fell to your waist, squeezing, pulling you into him. 

he took in your air, and you gave it to him, happily, willing to offer it in all its abundance. your hand rose to his cheek, palm resting over his beard. his thumb rested on your chin, rubbing it softly. 

he forced himself to pull away, his hands selfishly unable to remove themselves from your waist. “sweetheart this isn’t a good idea. you’re too young, and i’m not a good man. i think i just showed you that.” he tried to warn you, hushed and gently, with honest intentions of keeping you away from something you’d regret being involved with. 

but the only thing you’d regret is never being with him. 

“i’m not, and i don’t care what you do joel, i want you, all of you, want you so bad,” you all but whimpered, trying to press yourself against him more. 

he was a greedy man at heart, pulling you back up for a harder kiss. there was a hot hunger that was electric between you two, a burning ignition that pulled you two in, tying an in separable twine amidst your bodies. but neither of you ever had any intentions of undoing it anyways. 

he held the side of your cheek, the other traveling from your lower back to your ass, squeezing it hard, using his grip to pull you in closer, grinding up against you right there. 

you were so needy for him that it rattled your bones. a wet clicking noise elicited from your mouths, tongues brushing up together messily. your chin dribbling with saliva. 

you moaned in his mouth, feeling the hand that was on your cheek move to hold you by the back of your head, his tilting to kiss you deeper. 

he untangled your lips, keeping himself not even an inch away, just to share the breath between you two. your tongue flicked over his lips, biting down on the bottom one before lurching forward for him once more. 

he groaned in your mouth, lifting his hand to come down and spank your ass. you whined, back arching and crotch brushing up against his. 

you two stumbled towards his bed, your back falling into the mattress. he crawled on top of you, ridding himself of his boots and you of yours. 

his knee rested on one side of your hip, the other coming between your thighs. your chest rose up into his, your back lifting off the sheets and hands coming up to paw at his chest. 

without any reservations, you rubbed against his knee, struggling to kiss him back. “feel good little girl?” he sounded gruff, strained voice trying it’s best to not moan at the way your wet little cunt managed to create a wet spot on his knee. 

“so good joel,” you gaped, kissing his neck desperately. 

“shouldn’t be touchin’ you like this, sweet little thing like you gettin handled by someone like me,” he breathed through a series of heavy pants, his hands wandering all along your sides, your hips, your thighs. 

“don’t want anyone else but you.” you whimpered truthfully, holding his wrist and guiding his hand to your chest, right above your heart. you let it drift to the left, shuddering when he squeezed your breast. 

he kissed your pulse, teeth baring out against it. he rested his hand on your lower belly, rubbing the skin under your tank top. “can i touch you?” he whispered, his beard tickling the space just below your ear. 

you nodded, running your hands all along his strong back. “please,” you bucked your hips upward, begging with not only your words but your body. 

he exhaled out a quiet chuckle, fingers working to undo your jeans, tugging them down until they were forgotten on the floor. 

he dipped down beneath your underwear, his cock throbbing in his boxers at how wet you were. so soaked it was pathetic. he hadn’t let his hand drift down to the sweet place between those thighs of yours til then, and yet you were as wet as if he had his tongue pressed up against you. 

actually, that’s not a bad idea.

he circled around your clit, watching as you revealed in it, his fingers being thicker than yours, making the sensation all the more intense. 

“joel,” you repeated his name, voice wavering in breathy gasps, his fingers rolling the sensitive button of yours. he slipped a finger inside you, eyes peering up and watching as your back rose just a little, hips pressuring downward and further onto his finger, taking him all in. 

“so soft,” he murmured, lowering himself to press a kiss to your hip. he rolled his hips into the mattress, trying ease the pressure building up beneath his jeans. 

he was too turned on, this young pretty girl he’s had his eye on for a year was sprawled in his bed, soft and soaked cunt all ready and pliable just for him and him alone. 

he could die a happy man. 

his lips encircled your clit, tongue drawing around it while he pressed into a familiar spongy spot within you. 

you sucked in a sharp gasp, the sweet sound turning into a high pitched whine. “please,” you sobbed, hands flying down to keep his head in place. 

he fucked you with his fingers, curling right up against the spot that was making you dizzy, his tongue and lips working perfectly on your little clit. 

tears flowed down your face and on his pillow, your hand coming up to your mouth trying to lessen the volume of your cries. 

“j-joel, please i,” unable to formulate any sentences, you just gave up, giving in to your moans. 

the way you squeezed around his fingers, sucking him with greed and need, made him wonder how that’d feel around his cock when he’d get to finally shove it in you. 

he growled at the thought, sucking hard around your clit. you whimpered, pushing down onto his tongue more. 

“s’too much, i cant, i,” your head rolled around his pillow, his scent, his touch, his tongue suffocating you in the most heavenly way possible. 

you squirmed in his hold, unable to escape his grip, unable to escape the way his tongue pressed flat and hard up on your clit. his beard brushed up against your thighs, pulling a giggly moan from you. 

“perfect little pussy,” he grunted, kissing your clit before dragging his tongue slowly, up and down languidly. 

he rested his forearm over your lower tummy, pressing hard and feeling the corner of his lips perk at the way you gasped, shuddering loudly and trembling in his mouth at the action. 

“joel, i think i’m—ooh,” you spoke tearfully, poor little throat already getting hoarse from crying out his name. 

“feels good huh baby,” that little twang in his deep voice curled off his words just right. all you could do was whimper a shaky sogood joel s’good. 

his finger pressed up against that spot inside you, his tongue on your clit being the sweetest cherry on top of the tooth rotting sundae. 

you were cumming, hiccuping his name unashamedly. your plush thighs coming around to cage him in, to which he paid no mind to, if anything it excited him, his rough hands gripping your ass and pulling you deeper into his mouth. 

the wind up deep inside you finally released, flickering flashes of burning hot lights spread across your limbs, slowly fizzling out as you went limp in his bed. 

he didn’t let up however, his tongue grown addicted to the way your perfect clit felt on the wet muscle. 

you whimpered, struggling to push him away from your cunt. it was just too good and he hadn’t had enough yet. 

“joel n-no more s’too much,” you pleaded weakly, and he took slight pity, pressing one last kiss before rising back up to you. 

he pressed his fingers to your lips, groaning quietly with approval at the way you took them in with no verbal orders needed. 

you were so good for him, his sweet little girl. 

he pulled them out, resting on your plump bottom lip before moving it out the way to kiss you. you moaned deeply into his mouth, bringing your arms around him, hands traveling up to his hair. 

his salt and peppered hair felt soft, weaved through your gentle fingers. you lightly tugged on it, feeling mischief in your veins at the ministration. he growled, biting down on your lip and laughing as you yelped. 

he held your jaw, pressing hard kisses all along your face, speaking stilly, his inflection so deep, so masculine, so old and wise, had you hypnotized, his words that were reserved for your ears only, were something you’d cradle to yourself forever. 

“told myself i wouldn’t crack, i wouldn’t have you like this, you’re too young, you don’t know what you want, but fuck,” he dragged his fingers up your folds, chuckling to himself at the way you whimpered, curling into his touch immediately. 

“now that i got you, ‘fraid i can’t let you go sweetheart. i’m a selfish man at heart.” he admitted, kissing your jaw. you just about exploded in that moment. you had no idea he felt the same for you as you did him, and it was the most powerful, enlightening feeling you’ve ever felt. 

“i’m selfish too,” you whispered back, puckering your lips to kiss him. “didn’t let anyone else touch me but you. just wanted you,” you looked up at him from under your eyelashes, unaware to how that little admission made the precum collecting at his tip leak out even more. 

his grasp on your hip tightened, squeezing it as he buried his face in your neck. “fuck baby, gonna give this old man a heart attack sayin’ things like that.” 

your shaky hands went for his belt, tugging on it with need. “want you joel, please?” you begged, lips pressed to his ear. he didn’t need to be begged any more, he undid his belt with one hand, pulling it off his waist, letting it join the pile of your discarded jeans and boots. 

before he could take himself out, your hands found themselves under his flannel, desperate and anxious to see what he’s been concealing away from you. “off, please,” and he wanted to say no, feeling not as proud in his physique as he once was about 20 years ago. 

“nothin special to see baby,” he countered and you shook your head. “it’s you. it’s special to me.” you suspired airily, already feeling your tummy get tight at the thought of him hovering above you, shirtless. 

he took in a deep breath, letting you unbutton his flannel. 

you undid each button, trying your best to not rip them clean off despite your rushing efforts. you slid it off his body, exhaling in awe at the sight in front of you. 

you sucked on your bottom lip, hands traveling across his broad shoulders, fingers tracing his collarbones, dragging around the scarred areas from past wounds, admiring the few freckles on his chest that trail up to his shoulders. 

he watched you, never having felt so admired before. “enjoyin’ yourself baby?” he teased, his thumb rubbing over your chin. 

“mhm,” you nodded, not caring how it looked to be gawking at him. 

you could feel the muscle from the layer of life and age over his stomach, your eyes then falling to the bulge of his biceps, instantly growing obsessed, squeezing at the muscles. 

“you’re so beautiful joel.” you spoke with such true sincerity and he tittered quietly, shaking his head. “thank you baby,” 

your wandering hands finally fell to his jeans, undoing the button and zipper, eager to see what else he’d been keeping away from you. 

he let you, more than ready to feel your touch in the place he craved the most. he was tired of having to fuck his calloused fist, trying hard to pretend it was your cute hand touching him. 

you pulled him out, feeling your jaw go slack at the length of it all. “jesus joel,” you swallowed hard, steadily jerking him off, feeling slightly unsure if you’re doing it right. you were telling the truth, when you said you’d never let anyone touch you, too hopelessly in love with joel to even imagine allowing anyone to see you in the way he’s got you. 

he grunted, unintentionally bucking his hips into the tunnel of your hand. he was thick, heavy in your clutch, veins running along the side of it, his tip round and fat, almost red with droplets of precum leaking out. 

“gonna show you what those little boys could never give you,” he promised, and you believed him, gazing at the way he reluctantly pulled away from your hold, knowing if he let you stroke him any longer he’d cum all over your hand. 

he circled your clit with the head of his cock, shuddering a semblance of a breathy moan at the sensation. “gonna be a bit of a stretch baby, tell me if it’s too much okay? i’ll try to go slow.” he kissed his promises of gentleness into your temple. 

he inched in, hands around either side of your head, foreheads pushed together while your mouth fell open, sucking in all the air in the room. the stretch was very unfamiliar, but not unwelcomed.

you held onto his shoulders for support, grasping onto them tightly, pretty plump trembling lips crying out moans that would replay in joel’s head on lonely nights. you felt fuller than you ever have before joel was even fully inside you. 

he was nudging up against spots in you that you had no idea could feel so good, and if he angled his hips any higher, the fat head of his cock would be kissing your cervix. 

“can barely fit myself in ya’ baby,” he groaned, head falling from your forehead to bury itself in your neck, kissing your hot skin to try to calm him down before he lost control and rammed himself inside you. 

your calves rested on his hips, whimpering while trying to lift yourself up in an attempt to get him to push himself further in. 

“more joel, please?” your pleas were accompanied by sponged kisses just below his ear. “gonna take it all for me baby?” he questioned you, inching in just that much deeper, and you shut your eyes, nails already beginning to crescent themselves in his back. “mhm, gonna take it all,” you swore, more than eager to have him fully within you, as close as could be. 

he jutted his hips in, knocking the wind out of you. you bit down on his shoulder, whining a drool filled mess with the way he started to fuck you, rough hardened hands molding softly around the curves of your waist. 

he was bathing in the way your little cunt took him in, squeezing around him so good just like he knew you would. he took his time, rocking into you in and out, holding your shaking body close to him. 

you could feel every ridge and vein in you, hooked onto the way he filled you up, stretching you beyond belief, making you bounce upward with every movement. 

his hands slid down over the smooth skin of your thighs, widening them further open before pushing them up, growing impatient, achingly hungry to be deeper in you. you struggled for air at his fast actions, eyes immediately rolling back at the way he began to fuck into you. 

“can’t help myself, m’sorry baby, pussy’s too good, shit,” a gruff sigh of relief leaving his mouth at the way you took him in. you didn’t care, you were thrilled to take whatever he gave you, and however hard he saw fit. 

“feels s’good, feel so full,” you cried, translucent tears free falling, the aggressive pistons of his hips causing your swollen clit to ache, begging to be touched. 

“feel me right here huh baby?” he rubbed over the bulge in your tummy and you squealed, wriggling away from the overwhelming stimulation. “ha,” you strung out, arching up into him. 

“yeah, you do,” he taunted breathlessly, loving how you were a wreck beneath him. “in so deep joel,” you mumbled against his shoulder and he kissed your hair, nodding knowingly. “i know babygirl but you’re takin me so well,” he praised, feeling so proud of his sweet girl taking his cock like a pro. 

“never gonna let anyone see you like this?” he pressed deep there, corners of his lips curling when you weep, squeezing at his biceps. “never gonna let anyone have you like this?” you shook your head, sobbing a string of no joel no, never, just you.

“perfect, tight fuckin’ cunt is all for me, aint sharin’ with no one,” he held you by the back of your thighs even further, stressing how serious he was, set on fucking himself into your soaked hole until there was a permanent shape of him within you. a shape no man could ever fit into. 

sobs of uncontrollable pleasure were the only thing you could feel in your veins, pumping your blood full of dopamine. his balls tightened, hitting the fullness of your ass, and he let himself grow sporadic, let himself take you. his fingers found your desperate clit, chuckling to himself when you croon tearfully, thanking him pathetically for touching you. 

“can i cum, please?” your requests only made him twitch inside you, his sweet girl was so polite. “go ahead baby, let it out,” he leaned down to kiss you, swallowing up your moans and cries. 

your body jerked under him, the tight vice of your cunt gripping onto him while he rubbed over your clit, pulling out the second wave of an orgasm from you. 

you broke apart from his lips, still just a breadth of a gasp away from them, brushing up against the ghost of a kiss as you pressed your forehead to his, sobbing his name while your body trembled from how hard you were cumming.  

“shit,” he slammed a hand against the wall above your head, shoving himself impossibly further in you, your legs shaking on either side of him. “good fuckin’ girl, squeezing me so goddamn good,” he fucked you through your orgasm, kneading over your breasts, groping at them and pinching at your pebbling nipples. 

you fell limp, letting yourself drown in the unraveling lengths of your climax. 

“gonna cum baby, where d’you want it?” he asked, feeling his lower stomach start to tighten up. “inside, wanna feel all of you,” you whined, kissing all along his shoulder and collarbones, messy and ravenous. 

his face fell to the crook of your neck, biting down on your soft flesh when he came, impaling you once, twice, ending it with one last hard thrust as he came in you, pumping you full of his cum. 

he didn't feel himself soften inside you, but with each of the passing minutes he decided he’d better pull out then or else he’d never leave. you winced from the removal, arms coming around to hold him with a clinginess.

he collapsed on top of you, and you sighed contently, the full weight of him resting on you could’ve honestly sent you into the deepest nap you’d ever have.  

you felt his cock, still hardened on your thigh. with sleepy eyes you looked up at him, lips on his stubbly jaw when you spoke. "you're still hard," you murmured. his fingers drew up and down your spine, and you shivered, arching yourself into him.

"that's okay, it'll go down soon." his throat got tight when he felt you wrap your hand around him once more. "we don't...have to ignore it." you trailed off, bitten lips pressing delicate kisses laced with ulterior motives into his tanned skin.

you wanted joel to use you as many times as he wanted to, a new compulsion flowing rampantly in your veins. now that you had finally gotten a taste of joel, you wanted to gorge yourself on him.

"you sure you can take it?" he asked through a hushed breath of arousal. you nodded, kissing at his lips with need.

he didn't need to be told twice, he repositioned you, letting you fall back onto his pillow with him hovering above you. he rolled you onto your stomach, holding you by your hip to lift you just enough for him to shove his flannel right against your cunt.

his rough palms encased your ass, groping at the thick flesh. he dipped down, spreading your ass and watching as his cum poured out of you. he groaned quietly to himself. you whimpered, turning to look over your shoulder as joel pushed his fingers inside, shoving his cum back into you. your chin dropped, face falling back into his pillow when he pumped his fingers inside you, chuckling darkly to himself at the way your ass squirmed against him.

every little swivel your hips made was met with friction from his flannel on your clit. the hem of it just so happened to be pressed right there. he slapped his cock over on your ass, exhaling loudly at the way it jiggled from his actions.

he aligned himself once more with your little hole, pushing himself in with ease due to the slick left from a mixture of his cum and yours. you whined, hands flying backward, desperate for any solace from his hands in yours. he held your wrists at the small of your back with one hand, the other supporting his weight to lean forward when he pushed himself all the way inside you. you cried out, his name falling out of your mouth like a mantra, your legs trembling beneath him.

he was in you so much deeper this way, stretching you out more than you thought he already could. his hips snapped up against your  ass, fully within you and hitting every single tingly spot inside you along the way.

you were already out of breath, your lungs and brain vacant of anything except for him, for joel. "feel you in my tummy," you hiccuped, tilting your head to look at him through teary eyes. he breathed out a lazy, cocky laugh, moving forward to kiss your forehead, unintentionally shoving his cock in even deeper, feeling a sense of pride at the way you gasped and whimpered at the deep intrusion.

"i know huh baby?" he chuckled in your ear, and you shivered, feeling your face grow warm from how flustered he made you feel. he was so dirty, any filters he once had were gone, the tight grip your cunt had on his cock made him downright ruthless.

he pressed his hands at your lower back, letting yours fall free to cling onto his sheets. he held you down that way, fucking into you with a newfound source of energy, his grey hairs falling over his forehead, sweat glistening over the ripples of muscles along his biceps and abdomen, his whole being going into pounding himself into you.

he wanted you to be so full of him that everyone would know it just by looking at you. the possessiveness he tried to suppress for so long had come out, and he wasn't sure if he could go back to hiding it again. but that wasn't on his mind, not when you were clenching around him, sobbing his name loud enough for everyone outside to hear.

his grunting fell to your ears, it was near pornographic, including the way you bounced with each and every thrust of his, just watching it made his chest get tight.

he needed you closer.

he pulled you back up from under your arms, keeping you flush against his chest while he continued fucking you. you were growing limp, body worn out from the rigor he put you through. but he held onto you, keeping you in his arms. his arm went under your tits, a sneaky hand coming up and groping at one, pinching at the nipple.

he buried his face in your neck, filling your ear with the low growl of his groans. "such a good girl, letting me fuck you like this, but i think you like it, and you know what else?," he drew in a heavy breath, "i think you like being fucked like a little ragdoll," you couldn't answer, he was right, but you could hardly focus on any words, his cock rendering you a teary eyed moaning mess.

"can't even respond when spoken to," he slowed the roll of his hips, hitting you in deep and slow, letting you hear him instead of the loud wet rhythm of your cunt being fucked into. "that's okay, i'll still take care of you," he chuckled, returning back to his rough pace.

"so good, make me feel so good joel," you managed to finally cry out in a series of strewn moans. his fingers trailed themselves down to your clit, rubbing in tight little circles. " i know baby, cum for me, show me how good i make you feel."

you wriggled around in his hold, your third orgasm of the night was thick in heft, a heavy wave of intense stimulation clearing your vision and leaving a white glittering hue instead. you felt joel everywhere, from the way he was buried in your cunt, to the way his hips were clasped over the curve of your ass, fitting into you like a puzzle piece.

the fervent circles being drawn over your clit was the thing that pushed you over, your head falling backward onto his shoulder, his turn to be serenaded by a string of your pretty moans. "good babygirl, did so good for me." he cooed in your ear, pressing a kiss behind it. "thank you," you meekly replied in a breathless voice.

you were the weakest you've ever felt, your poor spent body still being held upright as joel chased down his own orgasm. "gonna let me cum in you again baby? want more of it?" he panted in your ears. "please, want it joel, please,"

he gripped onto your hips, feeling his own stutter, before he pushed in deeply, stilling inside as he came in thick ropes. he finally softened, slowly pulling out of you. you winced again at the loss, feeling suddenly cold and empty. you collapsed on his bed, reaching out for him.

he laid beside you, pulling your leg up and over his waist, running a hand up the expanse of your thigh. your eyes fell shut tiredly, enjoying the comfortable sound of the two of you trying to catch your breaths.

a part of you was worried he was going to break the silence, afraid he'd call the whole thing a mistake, and lecture you on how he isn't the type of man who does relationships. you knew all of that, you just hoped he wouldn't say it and just let you soak in the moment.

almost nervously, his hand came to dance across your cheekbone softly, wanting to memorize the way your skin felt to his. "do you regret that?" he murmured and you opened your eyes, shocked at the question.

you leaned into his hand, curling your own over his. "no, never joel, why would you ask that?"

he sighed, scooting closer to you. "I'm not a good man, sweetheart, i'm giving you a chance to leave." he spoke above an octave of silence. you frowned, shaking your head. "i don't care about anything that you've done in the past or what you'll do in the future. i just...want to be here, with you, in any way you'll let me." you admitted, wishing you could say the one thing you've been harboring for a year, but you knew you needed to keep that to yourself just a little longer.

"if i had a bigger conscious i wouldn't let you," his hands pulled you into the hold of his arm that came over your waist. "lucky for me then that you're not the good man you claim to be." you whispered, the scent of coffee on your breath enveloping his senses, and in that moment, he had a realization.

he thought about how nice, how domestic it would be to wake up and share a cup of coffee with you every morning, before you had to face the day, at least you could share a moment of peace together.

"yeah," a trace of a smile grew over his lips. "you're right. i'm not." he rolled on top of you, cupping your cheeks in his large palms. "you're makin' an unwise choice little girl," a quiet rumble rested on your lips.

your arms came around his shoulders and you sighed a half laugh. "i know. i don't care."

[marlynnofmany]

Human Magic

You would think that a life gallivanting through space would be an endless string of exciting locations, and mostly you would be right. But sometimes my job on the courier ship is just a job, and occasionally that job sucks.

Like most jobs, it sucks when the people do. Today would have been unpleasant enough because of the location: a jungle area thick with plants, fog, and heat. I dislike sweating. I got to do a lot of it today. I also got my hair caught on umpteen different twigs and branches, completely messing up the braid. But all of that could have been fine if the clients were nice.

Nope! Snooty little buttheads of the same species as the captain, completely uninterested in acknowledging the rest of us, and ready to argue about the price of the delivery.

I stood there beside all the crates we’d just unloaded, wanting to take a nap on the hoversled but knowing that it would probably just make Captain Sunlight look bad. So I just sweated and waited, next to the Frillian twins and Mur, all of whom seemed to enjoy the sauna temperatures. The lizardy Heatseekers did too. Lucky me, the only one not either coldblooded or from a semi-aquatic background. They could have gotten someone else to help with this delivery, but the rest of the crew was busy loading up our next shipment. And I hadn’t realized how distasteful this would be.

“The items clearly smell rank,” argued the lead client. “Especially that crate; I can barely stand to be near it.”

“Once again,” said Captain Sunlight with more patience than these people deserved, “They smelled like that when we accepted them, as I have noted right here, and we traveled with exceptional speed.”

“I just can’t justify paying the full price for a spoiled product.”

“You are paying for the delivery, not the product.”

The argument went in circles while I sighed and undid my braid. Might as well fix that while I waited; there wasn’t anything else to do. When one of the underlings gave me a glare, I rolled my eyes and stepped behind the Frillians. Blip squared her shoulders and blocked me from sight.

How dare I catch their attention with my unsightly mammal fur? I thought, finger-combing the leaves out. No appreciation for — hm. I’d found a loose hair and also an idea.

I tucked the strand into my mouth while I redid the braid, then tied one end of that stray hair to the pen from my pocket, and the other end to my finger.

This was a trick that had gone over well in elementary school. With the fog and the way hair was exotic here, I was curious to see how it did.

“Captain,” I said politely, stepping forward. “Perhaps they would like to pay the full price if we throw in the secret of how I can move small things with my mind?”

Captain Sunlight quirked a browridge but played along. “Valuable information,” she said. “What do you say?”

The clients whispered to each other and argued for a moment, then demanded a demonstration. I happily obliged.

With the fog blocking out any traitorous rays of light that could give the game away, I held the pen out on my left palm, making dramatic flourishes above it with my right. I affected a look of deep concentration. Wiggling the fingers of both hands, I lifted my right, and lo! The pen rose into the air!

They bought it. Such goggle-eyed expressions; I had to work not to snort in laughter. Instead I stood up straight and caught the pen with my left hand, bowing while the clients all talked at once.

Captain Sunlight may or may not have known how I’d done that, but she was no fool. She took their payment as quickly as they offered it, then managed to usher everyone else back toward the ship without making it look like they were preparing to run.

“Go ahead,” she said to me. “Share your secret.”

“It’s quite simple,” I told them, snapping the hair from my finger. “All you need is a single strand of human hair.” I tossed them the pen and stepped behind a bush while they caught it in surprise.

Now, they could have chosen to laugh and offer to buy some of my hair. They could have pulled the same trick on their friends, and maybe won some bar bets or whatever. They didn’t. I’d made the right call by ducking out of sight.

They were yelling some extremely rude things when Captain Sunlight sped past and leapt onto the hoversled. “Back to the ship!” she said. Blop pushed the sled through the undergrowth at a run, with Blip jumping forward to clear a path and Mur scrambling up beside the captain. I wasn’t small enough to get away with that, so I followed behind Blop and kept an eye out for pursuit.

Luckily for us, they decided to stay there and be grumpy instead chasing after us. They’d gotten what they paid for, after all. Even if I’d used slightly more than my mind to move the pen.

“That was a great trick!” Mur shouted from the sled. “I didn’t realize your head-tentacle was useful.”

“So useful,” I called back, ducking a branch. “Sometimes that even works on other humans, though they usually figure it out pretty fast.”

“I appreciate the quick thinking,” said Captain Sunlight. “I’ll keep it in mind for future negotiations.”

“As long as they aren’t the type to end in violence,” I said. “I was pretty sure these guys wouldn’t fight us about it, but I couldn’t be sure.”

“Oh, these were former crewmates of someone I know!” the captain said. “They’ve always been eggholes.”

“Great!” I said. “I hope they enjoy the pen. It’s almost out of ink.”

~~~

The ongoing backstory of the main character from this book. More to come!

[seungkwansphd]

bite me

pairing: jeonghan x reader wordcount: 6.1k summary: no relationship is all sunshine and roses, of course, but you and jeonghan are both unpleasantly surprised at how easy it is to second guess things and slip into your old ways. it doesn’t help that nobody at work can seem to mind their own goddamn business! genre/themes: angst, fluff, smut, mostly plot, they fight and they’re both petty, wee bit of smut/makeup sex. dad!cheol, dad!dk, college friend!joshua, jeonghan w/ kids. part of the ‘we get along infamously’-verse

A/N: i have a feeling y’all are not gonna like this as much as parts 1 & 2, BUT I already wrote it LOL. but i do love seeing our main characters progress through their relationship!

also thank you @wavelikewhat​ for your input because that first draft was TRASH GARBAGE :|

    You swallowed as you walked into the office, hand clasped in Jeonghan’s. There was no reason to be so nervous, you tried to reason with yourself. You had filed the paperwork with HR and everything had been processed, so legally you were in the clear. Facing the inevitable prying, teasing, and snooping, however, was a different story altogether. You had spent a lot of time curating your dislike for Jeonghan in the office and it felt…embarrassing to admit that it had largely been a ruse.

“Ready?” Jeonghan squeezed your hand with an encouraging smile.

“No,” you grimaced at him, “But yes. It has to happen sometime.”

    Jeonghan laughed, pulling you in for a soft kiss on the head before letting you lead the way. Surprisingly, you didn’t run into anyone on the way up, so you let yourself lean into your boyfriend as you rode the elevator. You had to admit, it was nice to be able to be close in this way.

“Quiet today,” you remarked, walking towards your work area. Usually you had seen at least one person that you knew by now.

“Seems so,” Jeonghan shrugged. “I wonder if-”

“Congratulations!” a few voices rang out as you rounded the final corner to your cubicles.

“Ya, when were you going to tell me?!” Seungkwan’s voice cut through the well wishes as you saw his beet red face pop out above a cubicle divider.

“Congratulations?” Boram asked, their face clearly showing that they were out of the loop.

“YN and Jeonghan are dating!” Miseon filled them in quickly, letting out an excited giggle.

“Oh? OH!!” Boram stood up straight, clasping their hands against their chest as they gasped loudly. “My mom and dad have reconciled! It’s a Parent Trap miracle!”

Jeonghan glanced at you, holding back a smile. Everyone else was so shocked by Boram’s comments that many just turned back to their work. Seungkwan, however, was incorrigible.

“I’m not kidding, why didn’t you tell me?!” he demanded, approaching you with his index finger outstretched like a scolding teacher.

“Because I figured it would be like this!” you whisper-shouted back at him.

“We’re doing lunch today, I’m putting it in your calendar,” Seungkwan decided before storming off.

“I guess I’m busy for lunch today,” you chuckled to Jeonghan before moving towards your desk.

“Talk to you later,” he smiled, hooking his pinky into yours and squeezing before leaving for his own desk.

…

“I don’t even know where I want to start with questions, so just spill!” Seungkwan insisted before taking a sip of his lemonade.

“There’s not much to spill,” you grimaced, “We started hooking up a few months ago…and we never stopped.”

“Okay but hooking up is hooking up. Filing your 0526-15 is another thing altogether! I thought you hated him!”

“I did,” you chuckled, “But he’s actually kind of sweet.”

    Seungkwan clearly didn’t believe you, but the server came so he wasn’t able to say anything more for now.

“So help me understand one more time, how are you two even compatible? You’re so…you. And he is so HIM!”

“Those are meaningless statements,” you chuckled, even though you kind of understood where he was coming from. “I mean, I agree that on paper it doesn’t make the most sense, but it feels like an ‘opposites attract’ kind of situation.”

“I don’t know,” Seungkwan narrowed one eye at you, clearly skeptical. “He’s so conniving and argumentative. And selfish! Decidedly not boyfriend material!”

    You pursed your lips, considering his words. It wasn’t like Seungkwan was wrong. In fact a lot of these descriptors of Jeonghan were ones that you had used yourself, enthusiastically, in the past. You wondered if you had really reached a new understanding with your former nemesis or if it was, in fact, just due to the dopamine and whatnot that Minghao had mentioned before.

“I trust your judgment, I suppose. It’s just odd to see you two together after all of your endless bickering and fighting,” Seungkwan said reluctantly.

“I get that,” you nodded, “If things go south, you can beat him up for me. How does that sound?”

“Acceptable,” Seungkwan nodded firmly, reaching his hand out to seal the deal.

…

“How was lunch with Mr. Boo?” Jeonghan asked as you rode the subway together.

“Very interesting,” you laughed sarcastically, “Apparently you’re all sorts of wrong for me,” you couldn’t help but tease.

“Oh?” Jeonghan raised a brow. He played it cool, but he couldn’t deny the string of worry that drew tight in his chest.

“Yeah, apparently you’re ‘conniving and untrustworthy and decidedly not boyfriend material’,” you quoted Seungkwan with a laugh. He really did have a natural talent for melodramatics. You turned to the LED display, watching as the stops flashed by, so you completely missed the crinkle that flashed across Jeonghan’s brow.

    Jeonghan pulled on a quick smile when you looked back at him, but the cluster of worries did not leave his mind. He could easily count, on one hand, the total number of serious relationships he had been in and the bulk of those had been during his college years. To say he was out of practice at being a boyfriend, and a good one at that, was probably a major understatement.

“Any thoughts about dinner?” you interrupted his thoughts as the subway drew closer to Jeonghan’s apartment. “If you haven’t done any shopping since I was last at your place, then the fridge is probably still pretty sparse.”

“I…have not,” Jeonghan admitted.

“Shall we stop somewhere for food on the way home? Japanese? Chicken katsu curry sounds good, for some reason.”

“Mm,” Jeonghan shook his head, “I kind of just want to head home. Maybe let’s grab something at the convenience store and just cook?”

“Okay!” you shrugged before stepping out of the subway car and heading above ground. You instinctively reached for Jeonghan’s hand, but he was already several steps ahead of you, mind seemingly elsewhere. Furrowing your brows, you tried to shake it off and moved quickly to catch up.

“I think I have everything at home for kimchi jjigae except pork and tofu,” Jeonghan thought aloud as his fingers reached for a block of firm tofu.

“Rice? Should I grab some instant?” you asked, eager to eat sooner rather than later.

“Yeah, whatever’s fastest,” he nodded.

“Of course!” you nodded.

“Okay, let’s go, I’m so hungry!” Jeonghan said excitedly, grabbing your hand and leading you into a light jog. You groaned internally, but you were also hungry so you matched his pace.

…

“Jeonghan, I’m surprised,” Director Bae said, suddenly. “In the past, if a process performer had missed a deadline like this, I’d probably be talking you down from demanding their termination. You seem rather…calm about the whole thing.”

“Yes, well,” Jeonghan furrowed his brow. It was true that Miseon had come in slightly late on her deadline, but after discussing with you, you had made the very good point that her tasks were not on the critical path and it wouldn’t push back the overall timeline.

“You’re not losing your edge, are you? I know dating can make the mind soft and jumbled. Especially considering who you’re dating,” he looked at Jeonghan pointedly. Director Bae didn’t have to complete his thought out loud because everyone in the office knew he considered you to be on the soft side, when it came to management style.

“How do you mean?” Jeonghan asked, temper flaring.

“I was quite surprised when I was informed that you and YN had filed a 0526-16. You’re so different from each other,” the director continued cluelessly, “You remind me so much of my younger self. I hope you don’t let this relationship dull your ambition.”

    Jeonghan fumed. Surely this thrice divorced man was not trying to give him relationship advice? Jeonghan managed to keep a lid on his temper until he reached the elevator, but only barely. After a few frustrated, but restrained, punches to the elevator keypad he was forced to wait through the consequent, unplanned stops at different levels. By the time he was back on his floor his anger had quieted significantly, but the slight pinch in his brows was still noticeable to you.

[yn]: ‘you ok? did the 1:1 go poorly?’

[jeonghan]: ‘he felt i was being too lenient with miseon…among other things’

[yn]: ‘??’

[jeonghan]: ‘i’ll share later’

    Pursing your lips, you wondered what had happened with Director Bae that could’ve upset Jeonghan like this. He was the golden boy, after all, so it was very rare for Bae to give Jeonghan negative feedback of any kind. And as you had discussed with Jeonghan, Miseon’s missed deadline was not on the critical path, so there wasn’t any need to overreact just for the sake of overreacting.

“So what happened during your 1:1 with Bae?” you asked after you had both taken your seats in the cafeteria.

“Well, he was surprised that I wasn’t more upset about Miseon missing her deadline,” he reiterated before taking a bite of his lunch.

“But it’s not on the critical path,” you mumbled through a mouthful of rice. You were starting to feel like a parrot with how many times you’d repeated those exact words over the last three days.

“Yes, of course! But then he implied that I was going soft…,” Jeonghan waffled, not sure whether he wanted to share this specific piece of the conversation, “Because of you.”

“Me?” your eyes widened slightly.

“He said ‘relationships make your brain soft and mushy’, or something like that,” Jeonghan rolled his eyes, his temper threatening to flare up again as he recalled his director’s baseless implication.

“He’s worried that because I’m not an asshole, I’m going to turn you into less of an asshole?” you laughed, trying to play it off by rolling your eyes, “Also considering how many times that man has been married unsuccessfully, I don’t know how much I’d listen to him.”

“I know,” Jeonghan nodded, but was clearly still dwelling on the conversation.

“I think you’re fine, Hannie,” you tried to encourage him, “Bae has a short attention span. Plus you’re his work son, so I wouldn’t worry too much.

    Jeonghan nodded. He wasn’t actually worried about any fallout at work. Work son was an accurate description of how Director Bae thought of him and Jeonghan knew he could probably genuinely get away with murder before his director ever did anything about it. No, the thing that was eating at him was hearing again and again that he wasn’t a good fit for you. He didn’t think they were right, but he was starting to wonder if the others could see something that he couldn’t.

    You watched as Jeonghan thought intently. You didn’t think this comment from Director Bae was anything to get that worked up over, but you also had quite a different relationship with your director. You had established long ago that you didn’t care for or want to play the office politics game and were quite happy to let your work speak for itself. Jeonghan had always been different in this regard and you worried about how much he might take Bae’s comment to heart.

…

“It’s probably not a good thing if your girlfriend calls you an asshole, right?” Jeonghan suddenly blurted out in the middle of beers with his college roommate.

“What?!” Joshua’s neck almost snapped at the force with which he turned to look at Jeonghan.

“I mean, she wasn’t calling me an asshole, but she implied that my management style is asshole-ish,” Jeonghan rushed to clarify.

“Oh. Well…she’s right, isn’t she?” Joshua laughed out loud. He had worked with Jeonghan on enough group projects in college to recall that asshole was probably actually a little kind. “No offense to you, my evil twin, but you are kind of difficult to work with in a professional setting. You’re very particular and have a tendency to overreact when things don’t go according to your impossibly detailed plans.”

“Do you think I should be with someone more like myself?” Jeonghan asked.

“Hard to say,” Joshua answered thoughtfully, “There are benefits to both being with someone like you and being with someone who complements you, so who’s to say? Plus, you haven’t let any of us meet her yet, so I don’t really know how you two are together. Which, I need to ask, are we so horrible that you don’t want her to meet any of us?”

“No, I just…wasn’t sure if we were quite there yet.”

“Knowing you, you probably are,” Joshua rolled his eyes, “Bring her to Nari’s birthday party! Most, if not all, of the gang is going to be there!”

“Oh, that’s a good idea,” Jeonghan mused, “Yeah I’ll invite her.”

“I’m full of good ideas, you should listen to me more often,” Joshua raised his brows at Jeonghan with a self-satisfied grin.

…

“Wait, what?” you furrowed your brows at Jeonghan, wondering if you’d misheard him.

“I can’t go, I told you I have basketball league this Friday,” he repeated himself.

“You can’t skip…your recreational basketball league? For a concert? It’s my favorite group!”

“I mean, I could, but…I don’t want to,” Jeonghan finished weakly. He knew he sounded like a jerk, but they were playing the team that he had the most beef with and he had been looking forward to taking them down a peg all week.

“I-,” you opened your mouth just to close it again. “Okay,” you finally spoke again after a few moments of tense silence.

    Jeonghan rubbed his eyes, knowing that it wasn’t actually okay but not knowing what exactly he could do about it. He wasn’t going to miss this week’s game.

“I know this is a bad time to ask, but are you free in 2 weeks? My friends are having a birthday party for their daughter and they want to meet you.”

    Your lips creased together. His friends wanted to meet you. Not Jeonghan wanted you to meet his friends.

“I might be busy, I’ll have to check,” you replied curtly. You knew you were being petty, but you couldn’t help yourself. To take second place to a fully optional basketball game, of all things! Maybe Seungkwan was right, maybe Jeonghan was too self centered.

…

“No Jeonghan?” Seungkwan asked when you met him outside of the concert venue, alone.

“No, he’s busy,” you sniffed as you pulled up the ticket barcodes on your phone.

“Doing what?”

“Basketball league,” you rolled your eyes, offering your phone to the bouncer to scan.

“Basketball league?!” Seungkwan half-shrieked. “Is that a good reason to not go to this concert with you? Isn’t this your favorite group?”

“You and I agree, apparently,” you laughed at your friend, happy that you weren’t alone on your side of the issue. “I told him all that, but he said he didn’t want to skip his game.”

“Tch! I told you, he’s selfish!” Seungkwan shook a finger at you as you approached the bar. You shrugged as you squeezed yourself between two people to order drinks. Today you were inclined to agree.

“Hel-lo,” the man to your left gave you an obvious once over as you hailed the bartender’s attention.

“Ew. What?” you asked, patience thinner than usual for all men, let alone strange men.

“I’d love to buy you a drink,” he suggested smoothly.

“And why is that?” you decided to entertain him for a moment or two.

“Cause you look great in that dress and I’d love to see more.”

“Oh my god, ew! No,” you turned away from him curtly, a mildly horrified look on your face. You were grateful that your beer and Seungkwan’s cocktail arrived shortly after and you were able to scuttle away from this man and his giant chain necklace.

“Now there’s a man,” Seungkwan whistled appreciatively as you returned.

“That guy?!” you were surprised to see him looking back in the direction you came from. “Ew, he’s so cheesy!”

“He’s hot though,” Seungkwan shrugged.

“Aren’t you happily dating Seyoon?”

“I still have eyes,” he insisted stubbornly.

…

“Hey YN?” Jeonghan leaned in his office chair towards you, hoping for some quick feedback. “YN?” he tried again when you didn’t respond the first time.

“What?” you answered, but didn’t turn to face him.

“Do you have five minutes to help me review something?”

“Yes,” you replied, taking a few seconds to finish up what you had been working on. “What is it?” you turned to him, your expression concerning placid.

“Ah, um, can you proofread this problem statement for me?”

    Pointedly avoiding his eye contact, you rolled over to read the text on his computer screen. You wondered why he had asked you, problem statements were almost canned. Couldn’t he do this himself?

“Looks fine,” you almost rolled your eyes at him before returning to your desk.

    Jeonghan sighed inwardly as you returned to your desk. Your cold shoulder was painfully reminiscent of the way your relationship had been in the past. While he knew that no relationship was all sunshine and roses, he was surprised to be back on the receiving end of such intensely prickly and dismissive behavior over something he felt was relatively minor.

[jeonghan]: ‘do you want to have dinner together today?’

[yn]: ‘can’t. have plans.’

    Boram and Miseon exchanged looks. It had been a tense day in the office for their little team. You and Jeonghan were doing your best not to impact interactions with the rest of the teams, but even a person without eyes or ears could tell that you were fighting.

[boram]: ‘mom & dad are fighting :(’

[miseon]: ‘i still think it’s weird that you call them that. but agree :( 0/10. don’t recommend’

…

“How’s things?” Minghao asked good naturedly during your dinner.

“Not so good, I think,” you answered after giving it some thought.

“No?”

“Jeonghan and I are fighting,” you stated simply.

“Oh, really?” Minghao raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“I feel like he’s being selfish and I’m not sure we’re actually good together,” you mused, chewing on an artichoke heart.

“Now what makes you say that?” Minghao asked sharply. Now he really felt like you were being irrational.

“I asked him to come to a concert with me last weekend and he said no because he couldn’t miss his basketball league.” you rolled your eyes. “Everyone at work keeps saying we’re not a match anyways, maybe they’re right.”

“Who?” Minghao’s eye twitched. Despite all of your disagreements and incompatibilities, you and Jeonghan had harbored a mutual interest and respect for each other since before Jeonghan had even been hired.

“Seungkwan. Bae,” you shrugged, seemingly nonchalant. “I guess Bae told him that he thinks being with me will dull his ambition because I’m not enough of a cutthroat. Maybe things were easier when we were just hooking up.”

    Minghao thought about this for a moment. It was true that Jeonghan had ambition in his career, with goals to become team leader within the next couple of years, but at the same time everyone knew that Director Bae was a bit of a goof with a tendency to speak without thinking at times.

“Are you thinking all of this because you think it’d be easier to go back to hooking up?”

“Maybe,” you grimaced at him, still moody. “It would be easier in some regards.”

    Minghao tried to form his next sentences carefully. He knew that pushing too hard would have the opposite of the desired effect, but was also concerned that your natural tendency for holding grudges posed a very real possibility of ending the relationship prematurely.

“Do you want to stop dating him now, then? That is an option,” he probed.

    You thought for a long moment before shaking your head and admitting, “No.”

“Is this continued silent treatment productive, then?”

“No,” you repeated yourself. You felt like a scolded child because that’s exactly what you were. Yet you knew that Minghao wasn’t wrong and it was time to communicate like an adult. “This is all your fault to begin with!” you narrowed your eyes at your friend. All that dopamine nonsense.

    Before you could change your mind, you pulled your phone to let Jeonghan know that you would attend Nari’s birthday party. Immediately afterwards, you had to let Seungkwan know you were rescheduling, which was infinitely more unpleasant.

…

“I’m nervous to meet your friends!” you hopped in place to release some of your pent up energy as you waited for someone to open the front door.

“Why?” Jeonghan asked.

“I don’t know,” you shrugged. You did know. Even though you had moved your plans with Seungkwan to be able to attend Nari’s birthday party, things were still slightly tense with Jeonghan. You wanted to put on a good face and make a good impression, but you knew you had one of the worst poker faces out there and it would likely be obvious that you were fighting.

“It’ll be fine,” Jeonghan shrugged. His hands were in his pockets, so he couldn’t give you the encouraging squeeze that he wanted to. He still wasn’t even sure whether you’d tolerate hand holding at all.

“Uncle Hannie!” a delighted squeal accompanied the fast moving blur that hurtled at you through the now open door.

“Nari!” Jeonghan managed to catch her, swinging her around with delight.

“Uncle Hannie, I missed you!” the young girl looked at Jeonghan seriously.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Jeonghan apologized furiously as he carried her into the house.

“Are you my Auntie YN?” Nari peeked over Jeonghan’s shoulder at you suddenly.

“A-ah, well,” Jeonghan stuttered, unsure how to answer .

“Yes!” you cut him off swiftly, squatting to match Nari’s eye level. “Nice to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you,” she nodded expediently before asking to be let down.

“Help, she’s so cute,” you grabbed Jeonghan’s shoulder as Nari ran to rejoin the herd of children.

“Very,” he agreed before moving to greet the group of adults. “Friends!”

“Jeonghan!” several men stood up to greet him and you excitedly.

“You must be YN!” a tall man with a dazzling smile shook your hand vigorously. “I’m Seokmin. Welcome to our home and thank you so much for coming! We’re so excited to meet you.”

“Ah, so you’re Nari’s dad!”

“Guilty as charged,” he laughed, full and loud. “My beautiful wife, Hana, is here somewhere too.”

“I wasn’t sure whether I believed Jeonghan when he said you were coming,” a second voice chimed in. You looked over to see a broad man with a catlike smile. “I’m Joshua. Glad I was able to bully Jeonghan into letting us finally meet you.”

“Oh?” you chuckled, only slightly bitter. So some people could talk Jeonghan into doing things he didn’t want to do. Noted.

“Don’t listen to him,” Jeonghan scowled before calling to someone else, “Cheol, get over here!”

“Trying!” a sturdy man replied as he tried to free himself from the group of children clamoring for more piggyback rides. “Someone else needs to take a turn!”

    You were surprised when Jeonghan moved, proactively, to take his place and even more surprised at the delighted chorus of ‘Uncle Hannie’s that came from the children’s mouths. Seeing Jeonghan happily giving out piggyback rides was doing something very unexpected to you.

“Hey, I’m Seungcheol. Or Cheol, as they generally call me,” the man made his way over to greet you.

“Nice to meet you,” you smiled, eyes flitting back to Jeonghan every so often.

“He’s great with kids, isn’t he?” Cheol grinned at the way you were watching his friend with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Yeah, I guess I’m kind of surprised?” you had to admit.

“You know him from work, right?”

    You nodded.

“You might already know this, but work Jeonghan and life Jeonghan can be pretty different.” “I am learning that,” you smiled at Seungcheol.

“Did you know that he’s Nari’s godfather?”

“No!” you gasped, a smile lighting across your lips as you recalled her bright greeting from earlier. “It seems like I know nothing about Jeonghan, doesn’t it? I promise, we are actually dating,” you laughed nervously.

“How long have you two been together now?”

“Actually dating? It’s been about three months, I think?”

“Ah, well that makes sense then,” Seungcheol nodded to himself. “Jeonghan is, for lack of a better word, emotionally constipated. And what I mean by that is that it’s unusual for him to talk about things that are serious. And he overthinks a lot.”

“Ah, I see,” you nodded. It was true, you and Jeonghan didn’t have a lot of particularly serious conversations, but up until recently that had been a feature and not a defect.

“We are really glad he brought you! And despite what Josh said, Jeonghan doesn’t actually do anything he doesn’t want to do.”

    You smiled. You liked Seungcheol.

“Miss YN!” a pair of small hands tugged at the hem of your shirt insistently, “Please come with me!”

“Ah? Sure, but first what is your name please?”

“Doyun! That is my dad,” the boy pointed matter of factly at Seungcheol, “And that is my mom!” his finger moved to point at Danbi, Seungcheol’s wife.

    You nodded and gestured for him to lead you. You were pulled towards the pile of children around Jeonghan and before long you were also giving out piggyback rides of your own.

“Miss YN, why are you dating my Uncle Hannie?” Nari asked suddenly. You glanced around and were glad to see that Jeonghan was out of earshot.

“Hmm, that’s a tricky question,” you chuckled, “I suppose we like each other a bit.”

“Why?”

“Hmm. Well, he is very smart. And funny. He can be annoying sometimes, but mostly he’s nice to me and we like doing things together.”

“Hm.” Nari nodded, giving very little indication what she thought of your feedback. “He can be so annoying sometimes, I agree!”

    You laughed at the enthusiasm of her statement before asking her to share exactly what types of things Jeonghan did that irritated her so.

“Cute,” Joshua smiled as he stood with Jeonghan, watching you laugh with Nari.

    Jeonghan nodded. He was relieved that you seemed to be enjoying yourself. It had always felt too early to ask whether you wanted kids or a large family, but today was making him increasingly more curious.

“Does she want kids?” Joshua asked, as if reading his friend’s mind.

“I don’t know, actually. We haven’t discussed.”

“You should probably ask. That’s kind of a big deal for you,” Joshua’s eyebrows raised in surprise.

“We’re having difficulty communicating in general, lately,” Jeonghan finally admitted, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Well. I hope you figure it out soon, because I like her. Maybe even more than I like you,” Joshua couldn’t help but tease.

“YN, I hope you know that we will be leveraging you for babysitting now that we know how great you are with kids!” Seokmin joked after the children eventually lost interest in you and Jeonghan. “I don’t know why Jeonghan has been keeping you hidden from us for so long!”

“Same! Same, us too for babysitting!” Seungcheol’s wife, Danbi chimed in excitedly. “Doyun has never been too keen on Jeonghan, but he really seems to like you!”

    Jeonghan scowled playfully and you had to laugh.

“Uncle Hannie? Can you help me fix my hair?” Nari materialized at Jeonghan’s side. Your chest squeezed as you watched him make quick work of redoing her left braid. Who knew Yoon Jeonghan could be so domestic?

…

“I have something to say,” you sighed begrudgingly as you slipped off your shoes.

“Me too,” Jeonghan turned to you, “You go first, though.”

“I’m sorry I’ve been ignoring you. I was frustrated that you didn’t want to go to the concert with me and it hurt my feelings. I should’ve talked it out with you sooner.”

“I’m sorry too. I should’ve tried to explain why that game was important to me. I want to do things with you, but I also want to be able to do my things alone at times too.”

“No, I totally agree,” you nodded.

    Jeonghan sighed, a huge wave of relief washing over him when you smiled at him for what felt like the first time in over a week.

“I also have something else to confess,” you admitted, playfully this time, as you tugged at the front of Jeonghan’s shirt.

“What’s that?” he leaned in, the scent of his mint gum teasing your nose.

“I have a big crush on ‘Uncle Hannie’,” you raised your eyebrows playfully at him.

“Oh really?” his left brow quirked up with interest.

“I-...,” you made a face, slightly embarrassed to say what you were thinking, “Seeing you with Nari is like…sexy in a soft way.”

“YN…are you losing your edge?” Jeonghan teased, fingertips digging into your hips just slightly.

“Maybe,” you couldn’t seem to maintain eye contact.

“Or do you have a breeding kink that you never shared with me?” he prodded shamelessly.

“Jeonghan!” you gasped, pushing him instinctively, “How can you say that so casually!”

“I mean…you’re way nastier than this, sometimes,” he couldn’t help but tease. He was relieved that he could still fluster you like this.

“Go away!” you pushed at him, ears turning impossibly redder. Jeonghan held you in place firmly.

“Do you want kids?” Jeonghan inquired gently, leaning in to trail soft kisses along your jawline from your earlobe to your chin. “Eventually,” he clarified.

“...Yes, eventually,” your breath hitched as he nibbled down your neck. “Do you?”

“Yes,” he answered easily. He had always wanted kids.

“Hmm,” you hummed, but it came out more like a desperate whine because Jeonghan had decided to suck gently at the hollow of your throat.

“My god, your sounds,” he groaned appreciatively as he kissed you.

“Ha-Hannie,” you swallowed, tugging him towards the bedroom.

“Uncle Hannie?” he baited you.

“Hnn,” you exhaled shallowly, “So soft. Giving piggyback rides, slicing cake, fixing pigtails,” you mused as you climbed over him.

    Jeonghan’s eyes flashed at you. Realizing that you were so clearly aroused over such domestic things made his heart pound and listening to you say it in that breathy voice while straddling him was undoing him. And quickly.

“Careful, babe, your malewife Jeonghan kink is showing,” he teased, but he didn’t hate it.

    You flashed him a catlike grin, rolling your hips as you unbuttoned his shirt leisurely. He groaned, his erection pressing insistently against you. Your hands stroked across his chest as you pushed his shirt off of his shoulders and you trailed soft kisses down the center of his torso until you arrived at the waistband of his slacks. Your tongue toyed with the corner of your lips as you undid the button and zipper of his fly at a painfully slow pace. Jeonghan hissed at your teasing before you finally pulled him out.

“Ride me,” he requested, not interested in any delay today.

“Now?” you asked, surprised. Jeonghan was not one to turn down a blowjob.

“Up here, now,” he beckoned with two fingers. Who were you to say no? You undressed quickly before climbing over him again.

“So eager?” you grinned, shifting yourself along his length.

“I’m not the only one, it seems,” he remarked, feeling just how wet you were.

    You flushed, but couldn’t deny it, so instead you reached down and slid him between your wet lips. Pressing up on your knees, you worked your hips up and down slowly, only about halfway. Jeonghan tolerated it for a short while before he grew impatient.

“All of it, princess,” he coaxed, placing his left hand around the back of your neck and pulling your gaze to meet his.

    You clenched at the soft firmness of his tone, lowering yourself a little further, but not quite all of the way. Jeonghan’s eyes raked over you one time before he scoffed.

“All the way down,” he repeated himself. It was such a slight edge in his voice, but you picked up on it nonetheless and complied, sinking all the way down his shaft until you were flush against him. “Good girl,” he breathed, his right hand gripping your hip as he ground against you rhythmically.

“Jeonghan!” you gasped, brows knit together as you clutched his shoulders for support. You clenched around him as his pelvis pressed against your clit repeatedly.

“So good, so good,” he panted, lifting your hips up just to pull them back down, stroking into you deeply. “I wish you could see yourself,” he whispered up at you, “Taking me so good. All for me.”

“Yours,” you whined, unreasonably turned on at the possessiveness of his words. “All yours, Hannie,” you nodded, walls spasming around him as he continued to press into you, over and over.

“All mine?” he asked breathlessly, blown out pupils fixed on you.

“All yours,” you reiterated, pressing your forehead against his urgently. “Please, Jeonghan,” you begged, “Need you to cum in me.”

“Fuck,” he hissed, lips curled up into a half snarl, “My girl is so desperate for my cum?”

“Hannie, yes, please!” you plead desperately with him, “Nee-, need to feel you cum inside of me. God, I’m so close.”

    Jeonghan groaned, hands gripping bruisingly at your hips, but it only served to egg you on. Your desperate sounds mingled with his and in the spur of the moment, Jeonghan bit down on your collarbone, the sharp sensation triggering your and his subsequent orgasms.

“Wow,” you blinked, gathering yourself as you both came to your senses.

    Jeonghan pulled you tight against him as he nodded in agreement. His thoughts were a jumble after the day. Seeing how you fit in with his long time friends and their kids had cemented the fact that he did see himself with you for the long term. After your earlier words, he thought maybe you felt the same way, but he wanted to be sure.

“Do you see us together for a while?” he murmured softly against the top of your head.

“Hm?” your eyes widened at the sudden change in mood. “I…yeah, I do,” you answered honestly. “Do you?”

“Yes,” he replied almost before you even finished asking. “I really like who I am with you. You make me more patient and kinder. Everyone at work kept saying we’re not a match, so I just wanted to make sure that you like who you are with me too.”

    Tears pricked at your eyes. You were speechless at his confession.

“Is that why you’ve been distant?” you asked as the new information started to fill in the gaps.

“Oh, I guess so?” he pursed his lips, “But you were being difficult too!”

“I know,” you sank under the covers slightly, ashamed of your own behavior. “I’m not very good at apologizing. I had to have a sidebar with Minghao and everything.”

“Oh? And what advice did he give?” Jeonghan found himself wondering. Minghao was still something of an enigma to him.

“He told me I could break up with you if I wanted,” you smiled at him bemusedly, “Because he knew I didn’t want to. And then told me to be an adult about it.”

“That…sounds about right,” Jeonghan chuckled. It didn’t really help clear anything up at all about where Minghao stood on him.

“He is a Jeonghan stan,” you laughed. “He really is on your team.”

“Equally likely that he hated me more than Seungkwan does,” Jeonghan joked, a sense of relief washing over him.

“Apparently you’ve been obsessed with me since before you even got hired,” you couldn’t help but poke fun at him. “‘If possible, could I review a copy of the current internal solve?’’” you quoted the email that Minghao had shared with you.

“I’m pretty sure it’s a violation of HR policy to share that with you,” Jeonghan glanced away, blushing.

“I was curious about you then, too, if you must know.”

Jeonghan gave you a confused look so you explained.

“After your interview, Bae would not shut up about how you solved my problem with less code. I asked Minghao to get me a copy of your solution because I needed to know how.”

Jeonghan’s expression changed to look at you in a way that knocked the air from your lungs.

“You know, l think I love you?” he blurted out suddenly.

“I might love you too, Jeonghan,” you grinned before snuggling back into him.

“Wait, so what did you think of my solution?” he couldn’t help but ask.

“Acceptable, but not nearly as good as mine,” you answered honestly. A laugh escaped Jeonghan’s lips. He had to agree.

[byghostface]

//long rambling

There is a vent in the last part (about pro ship:/+ wired shipping + block list) it's naturally negative so reading at your own risk.

So in the new Batman and Robin issue #7 Nika's sister making an appearance, got me thinking of other possibilities for sibling characters to come back.

Mostly I’m thinking about Respawn since he is Joshua Williamson's own character. And He made Respawn appeared in the last issue of Robin(2021), he also brought back Mara in that run too (just some appearance in the later issue).

And now Joshua Williamson is writing Batman and Robin, so naturally he can bring some characters back in this run. He had said in an interview that he might have figured out a way(try) to bring back Maya.

Throwback to 2022 of this old wip/art I made, is about what I think the emo teens of Lazarus squad dynamic would look like.

I imagine Nika and Respaw are irritated/tolerate with each other but would stay for Damian because Nika is Damian's girlfriend and they want to stick together. Meanwhile, Damian likes to include his half-brother in some fun activities (Respawn is acting reluctant bc of his own issues but he actually likes to have friends and feel include).

I haven’t finished this art bc I was going to add more wips (with other characters like Rose and Hawke) to make it a post. I didn't finish this art back then bc I was afraid Talia fans would be mad at me for drawing Respawn.

Trust me, I hate that Talia gets associated with Deathstroke like this, but I think Respawn is a confused/mistreated teen character and Damian (bless his heart and soul) still wants to be his brother regarding the whole mess. I will explain/talk more about my thoughts on Respawn as a character and his situations once I finish these drawings and get ready to post them.

Writing/typing words is harder than drawing for me personally. Drawing is like channeling my energy into a picture and forming an atmosphere and hopefully people will understand what thoughts and feelings I was trying to convey. Writing is using more brain powers to choose the correct and cohesive words, so people would not misunderstand what I'm talking about. Especially when English is not my first language, and even so I normally don't talk(write) much in my mother tongue either…(I'm not a quick thinker, it took me a longer time to think things through, writing literally exhausted me physically and mentally more than drawing.)

It doesn't mean I don't enjoy writing, it's just not my first choice to convey thoughts… but considering I can't draw everything I have in my mind and it takes even longer time to finish any art, I just need to write down things first from now on. Tumblr is the only place I can think of that has this longer text feature blog post and I'm more familiar with this platform format. So I will still be here posting my fan content.

.

(↓Vent, if you want to avoid being block by me then read down below.)

I must say I will forever hate respawn x flatline as ship, cus I know who started this ship and their reasons behind it—Don’t let the new character develop naturally as the story goes, let’s put them in made-up weird situations first so I can prop up my own ship!😍 And get both of the new characters out of the way, since no one would defend them so I can fanon the hell out of them by making them look bad all around!🤞 (What if I stone you first hand🪨🪨💥)

And I will continue to dislike/against any shipping Damian's sibling to Nika. I simply don't like the unnecessary sibling conflict just for romance tropes! So go away boooo I hate you‼️ Not to mention the ignoring of different age range multi-ship hide behind poly… that's straight up proshipping I hate you even more!!👎

Also for people who said Nika should be crush on Damian's mother instead of him… I hate you twisted proshipper rotten smooth brain‼️‼️ She dating a boy her age and has mutual connections with him, why would she crush on her boyfriend's mother instead?? Just because Nika is a big fan of Talia??? So you telling me young ppl can't idolize adults normally without being labeled as romantic nowadays huh??( Not saying you can't crush on adults, but why crush on your boyfriend's mom? ) Your weird ass mind is showing with this ass hc be fr. Again, why would you imagine that? You just wanted to push a fake narrative of Nika being wired so you could have an excuse to make Talia and Damian dislike her (which is not true), but in fact is YOU are the weird one projecting your twist thoughts/hate onto Nika‼️💥🪨🪨

I will start to block ppl who are shipping/liking respawn x flatline (+proshipper) and STILL interact with me, read the room!! My art is not for you weirdos‼️Go away BOOOO💥 🪨🪨🪨💥💥

Can't believe I need to type this all out cuz some of you weirdos will still do these things and think is okay to interact with me and my post/showing in my notifications BOOO👎🪨🪨💥🪳🪳🪳🩴🩴🩴

(sorry for venting about random weirdos/Nika haters again, and thanks for reading.)

[the-music-maniac]

It is so rare for me to genuinely enjoy the way a cdrama straight romance is being written, so I'm holding onto these two and never letting go - y'all I'm only on episode 9 rn and I'm writing this based on what I've seen of 9 episodes but if Tantai Jin and Ye Xiwu don't get a happy ending I will actually be SO fucking upset.

And I've been sitting here and thinking about why these two hit so different for me, when I've sat through countless other heterosexual cdramas with my mom and have been unable to get invested in any of them (I got invested in danmei shows but never straight romances purely because of the way they were written) and I have a couple reasons. And because this show has eaten my brain I'm gonna talk about it and write a fucking love letter to the one show that has made me FEEL SOMETHING ABOUT THE MAIN COUPLE SINCE FOREVER.

1. This is a legitimate enemies to lovers plotline:

Like I've noticed with cdramas that are not danmei - when they write "enemies to lovers"? It's never legitimately enemies to lovers. Either the reason for being enemies is really shallow and easily solved, or only one side hates the other, or - my least favourite - they start off as genuinely enemies for a legit reason but then the guy falls in love super damn quickly at the first sign of the girl being nice and the rest of the drama is spent with the guy desperately chasing the girl while the girl is ambiguous to him before slowly falling in love. Hah? Ey why did he fall in love so quickly, huh? I thought the reasons he hated her were real and legitimate (I'm looking at you Romance of Tiger and Rose)?

This drama is genuinely attempting an enemies to lovers relationship. Like Ye Xiwu has a super legit reason to despise Tantai Jin and the same vice versa. Ye Xiwu knows Tantai Jin kills all the people she loves in the future - and yet this man is not quite that person yet, hasn't done much wrong at this point. And meanwhile Tantai Jin knows Ye Xiwu as just another one of his abusers, one he's married to - but little does he know that this Ye Xiwu isn't that person anymore. Basically, they have legitimate dislike for each other in the beginning. They don't fall in love at the first sign of the other person being not like they thought they were - as they SHOULDN'T, it wouldn't make sense. Instead they're slowly getting to know each other. And they repeatedly look out for each other in the beginning but it's clear that the motivation is not love. And even as we go, you can see that they're starting to realize that the other person might be someone worth knowing but they still don't TRUST each other. And fuck that slow burn is SO GOOD and is what's missing in so many cdramas. Even when Ye Xiwu makes up that excuse for why she keeps saving Tantai Jin, that she "likes him" - you can see that Tantai Jin is taken aback in a good way but still doesn't trust it. And meanwhile Ye Xiwu is fully aware of her real goal. Like that?? That's my fucking shit. It doesn't make sense for them to trust each other that quickly and the slow development of it is what I live for.

2. Minimal fanservice scenes that make no sense - maximal scenes that progress the relationship.

I'm gonna use the scene in episode 3 as an example - that moment when Ye Xiwu touches the flowers and gets blasted in the face with the powder and Tantai Jin runs forward to steady her. They were standing next to each other, so the show totally could've gotten away with one of them landing on the other, and another fanservice cdrama would have done that and used it as a way for them to wake up in a romantic situation. But no, in this one they someone landed APART despite the fact that one of them had his arms around the other, and the resulting camera shot was sO DAMN COOL. And the moment when Ye Xiwu fell back, it wasn't some dramatic swooning into Tantai Jin's arms. And then they both faceplanted. We love gender equality LMAO. But that's what I'm talking about, this show knows to pick it's moments. It's aware that now is not the time for a scene like that, and the lack of jarring fanservice scenes that don't fit with the vibe and tension of the moment is so refreshing. And the short fanservice romantic moments that do happen?? Goosebumps. Like for example when the flower demon realized Ye Xiwu was trying to rescue Tantai Jin and said "together then" and pulled Ye Xiwu up into the swirling thing - and they were face to face with the soundtrack swelling. Short and sweet, and both of them look suitably surprised - y'all I loved it.

3. The respect this show affords the female characters.

This shouldn't be a rare thing. IT REALLY SHOULDN'T. But the amount of cdramas where the main female lead acts all dumb and cute to endear herself to the "bad boy" male lead, and y'know what I shouldn't say act because half the time the female lead is GENUINELY DUMB - and keeps getting into deep shit so the man has to go rescue her.

Or THE ONE I HATE THE MOST, the main female lead is a competent, intelligent character that's super powerful, and then somehow loses all her braincells and ability the minute she meets the male lead because the plot needs a way for the male lead to repeatedly save her as a romantic trope. The shows that think that they can't write a romance when the female lead is on equal or higher standing then the male lead in terms of skill or intelligence. Leave. Leave immediately.

This show?? Nah. No Ye Xiwu is just as smart as she was at the beginning of the show, and even though her magic is greatly diminished she's still able to strategize and use it effectively. She's a match for Tantai Jin in terms of intelligence and ability and WHY IS THAT SO RARE TO SEE IS IT SO MUCH TO ASK FOR. And just - this is such a small nitpicky detail but the way Ye Xiwu doesn't shy away from nudity or the implication of taking off clothes - WHICH MAKES SENSE CAUSE SHE'S LITERALLY A DEITY like WHY would she be worried about shit like that? The amount of times I've seen female characters who really shouldn't be iffy about nudity shriek and yell when that stuff comes up *screams in frustration*. No but fuck I love Ye Xiwu so much, Tantai Jin went "you wanna search me? Why not get me to take off all my clothes" expecting her to chicken out and this queen looked him dead in the eyeballs and went "do you think that's a hardship" and then sat down on the bed and waited like "bet". AMAZING.

Not only that, the other female characters are afforded a lot of that same respect in the way they're written - the female assistant isn't treated as dumb comedic relief, the kind sister isn't treated as frail even though her initial scenes was about her getting sick from falling in a lake - honestly so far, up to the amount of episodes I've seen there isn't a single female character that's airheaded in that cutesy way I absolutely hate. They're different personalities, different ability levels, different intelligence levels but they're all afforded the same amount of agency as any male character in the show. And fuck, the scene in the flashback with Tantai Jin's mother? First off, I'm weary anytime they touch on tribal stuff in cdramas because sometimes it's some racist bullshit about them being brutes blah blah blah, but while I don't know if this show was accurate in the clothing or demeanor, they depict them in a very positive way - two, there's something so powerful and freeing about seeing her stride down that aisle on her own, head held high, raising her arms up to greet the emperor. They're meeting on equal terms. It was beautifully done. Basically I'm in love with the way they wrote these female characters.

4. The romantic tropes that do occur don't shove gender roles down my throat.

I feel like this is self explanatory, but one thing I've noticed is that cdrama romantic tropes seem to enforce gender roles, to the point where it no longer makes sense in the plot. Like oh this girl is super powerful? Irrelevant she still has to swoon into the man's arms. Man is the breadwinner, is the protective one, the one who gets jealous. Woman is the mediator, is the kind one, the one to be admired for beauty. I am tired. I'm BORED actually? Like I have nothing against people liking those tropes because yeah, they exist for a reason people obviously like them and it's so valid. It's not like I don't get the appeal of swooning into your partners arms. But if it's the ONLY THING you ever see? If the tropes start piling up so that the female character can only ever be soft and feminine and the male character can only ever be strong and masculine, I stop seeing them as individuals, as characters. They're now a caricature of what society thinks men and women should be. They stop having a face. And once they cease being individual characters in my mind, I lose interest.

I like the way this show handles the romantic tropes, because at the beginning it really doesn't make sense for Ye Xiwu to need saving - she's in a safe home and she has more power then Tantai Jin in terms of social standing - and even if she did need saving Tantai Jin for sure wouldn't do it LMAO AS WE SEE WITH THE LAKE THING PFFT 🤣🤣

No but because it doesn't make sense for plot - Tantai Jin is the one being repeatedly rescued even though it's not a role the male lead usually takes in these tropes. And Ye Xiwu does it in a very "swooping in like a cool male lead" type of way. Like when she shoved her brother back after he slashed Tantai Jin's robes? Damn. I'm so gay wtf. Also buying new robes for Tantai Jin *cough* sugar daddy *cough*.

And meanwhile Tantai Jin is allowed to be withdrawn and soft and quiet and still vicious and super competent but in a sassy, bitchy way. My god I love him. He's my babygirl. His little smirk after he roasts someone. I'm so bisexual actually, fuck. Both of them can just step on me But basically neither of them are 100% one or the other - not 100% masculine or feminine gender roles, it's a changing dynamic and it makes them seem like real people.

????. What number is this??? Uh

5. I think. I'm not gonna scroll up. Anyways um.

The SHOTS. The SOUNDTRACK. The CINEMATOGRAPHY.

Beyond the fact that the CGI in this show actually looks passable cause i'm sure they had a bigger budget then some danmei shows i've seen, but HOW did they inject so much bittersweet nostalgia and loss into the flashback wedding scene? That moment when Ye Xiwu runs for Tantai Jin with a sword in hand to kill the birds, her robes flowing out behind her? The demon's garden??? Tantai Jin's bitchy glittery sparkly murder hanfu??? The winter scenery, the winter cloaks, i'm just. THE HIGH PONYTAILS. MAN ARE THEY INCONVENIENT WHEN THEY SWISH AROUND BUT I STILL LOVE THEM.

Also Ye Xiwu's headdress is beautiful and fully INDESTRUCTIBLE 🤣🤣 and I love it.

I, no joke, rewatched that flashback wedding scene no less then seven times, cause I just find it that well done.

Anyways I don't have much to say here everything is just gorgeous.

6. NO FUCKING LOVE TRIANGLES (SO FAR)

Let's hope it stays that way. That is all

This is getting way too long so Imma end it here. Thanks for reading!

[futuristicpenguinwizard]

Can I have some wimp of one of your Lucemond’s fic?

Aemond was severely sick. All the maesters that saw his condition said the same thing. 'The boy is with the flower sickness' which Aemond found to be another name for hormonal problems. But he didn't know why it was so bad, or why it hurted so much. He was five days straight in his bed, he couldn't even get up due to sickness. And on the seventh day it was when they started to think that it might not be a simple sickness condition. What could have caused such a thing? Nobody knew. Queen Alicent refused to let anyone but Aemond's maesters and personal servants into the chamber. She refused to let anyone see him. On the eleventh day in confinement, the whispers began, saying that Aemond had some kind of illness, an illness that can be passed from person to person and therefore the queen would not let anyone, not even her own children, into Aemond's room. And over time, when the servants began to hear the sound of ghostly steps next to the young prince's chambers, up and down the halls, always after lunch and before dinner. Many thought that perhaps the prince had an illness brought on by one of the ghosts of Red keep, but the truth was much simpler than that, Aemond received regular visits from his nephew, Lucerys. 

On that particular afternoon, the steps were tighter, faster, as if someone was in a big hurry. And indeed, Lucerys was in a hurry that day. He wouldn't stay for lunch, he would have to go traveling with his grandsire, Corlys. He was willing to see Aemond before the day after tomorrow, which was when he would finally return. Aemond heard the soft knocks of the wall. The secret knocks between him and Lucerys. He'd be lying if he said the highlight of his day wasn't waiting for Lucerys. He didn't have much to do while confined. Aemond rose from his bed and walked barefoot to where the passageway's door was. The omega then pulled up a chair, a heavy chair that made a squeaky noise when dragged across the floor. The chair stopped along with its feet in front of a wall sconce, he made a point to climb carefully onto the chair and when he stabilized himself in the chair that was shaking from the unevenness of the floor, he pulled the sconce with both hands. 

"Aemond." Lucerys's cheerful voice was quickly present in the chamber as soon as the door was opened.

"Luke, what are you doing here?" Aemond carefully climbed down from his chair. He broke away immediately in a short laugh when he saw Lucerys' smile, who was missing one of his front teeth. Aemond found it funny, especially when he whistled through the hole accidentally.

"I came to see you." Lucerys said "I brought you lemon pie." Aemond looked down at the plate in his nephew's hand. Aemond was confined within the walls of not only his room, but also of the castle, his own walls. He was a stranger to everyone, to himself, but somehow he found comfort in Lucerys, from his jokes and his small gestures. Aemond knew his mother disliked him spending too much time with Lucerys, but he felt very close to his nephew. He felt like he belonged somewhere when they talked, when they spent time together.

"We can't be alone in the room, I'm still in my nightgown."  Aemond said, taking the plate from Lucerys' hand with an almost imperceptible smile. "Give me the fork." He extended his right hand towards the boy who was just watching him carefully. Lucerys with no second thoughts gave him the fork "Thank you." Aemond walked to the couch in his room carefully, staggering a little, due to dizziness. 

"Are you alright?" Lucerys asked. It was obvious that Aemond wasn't well, but nobody told Luke how his uncle was, if he was fine, if he was eating right. People just said Aemond couldn't play with him and Arrax, which made Lucerys sad, not only because he wanted to be close to Aemond, but also because he knew that Aemond liked to be close to Arrax, he knew the boy fantasized about having a dragon, that none of his eggs had hatched so he blamed himself. Lucerys hated to see Aemond sad, maybe that was the worst part of being friends with his uncle. Aemond always carried guilt with him, he felt like he was not enough, and even Lucerys being young he understood that, and that made him as much as sad as Aemond.

"No." Aemond was simple. "My mother said I'm sick with a terrible disease." For a few seconds, Lucerys was afraid this meant the imminent death of the person he considered to be more than his best friend.

[imamotherfuckingstar-lord]

hate to see your heart break

steve harrington x reader

summary: tired of seeing eddie lead you on, steve has to decide if he wants to confess his feelings to you.

warnings: unrequited love, pinning, eddie being kinda shitty. drinking. cursing. a/n: 3.6k. eddie's "involvement" in chrissy's death is not canon in this story.

paramore: hate to see your heart break

The lights flickered, metal pipe in your hand as a someone touched your shoulder; fingers gripping your shoulder back to a safer distance. Your lungs filled with cold air, nerves so wrecked, your bottom lip was shivering as the monster showed its face. Fear gripped you frozen for a mere second before you heard someone calling your voice and courage blossomed from the pits of your stomach – you fought harder than you ever could or would ever again.

There was no other way to make it home then to fight and with Steve Harrington at your side; you never felt braver.

….

“I need eggs…”

“There’s some in the fridge.”

“Can I use this milk too?”

Steve glanced up from the magazine he was reading, elbow prompted up against the kitchen counter. He nodded and went back to his reading, annoyed that you were in his kitchen making a birthday cake for Eddie. It wasn’t like he disliked the young man – hell, he had been in the fight last year too. He was part of the group now, but that didn’t mean Steve had to enjoy whatever the two of you had going on. He glanced up from a JCPenney advertisement and stared at you; watching as you read the directions off the cake mix box. Your eyes were heavy with thought, and he wondered why you even bothered. Eddie had been so nonchalant about the feelings you had for him, and you had been fine with the way he was stringing you along. Robin had advised Steve to keep his mouth shut, especially after the comment he had made about you being Eddie’s little puppy. He now cringed at the memory of the hurt on your face and sighed, asking if you needed help.

“You can bake?”

“No,” he laughed, closing the magazine. He walked around the kitchen counter and stood beside you, plucking the box out of your hand. You stared up at him, amused as his eyebrows rose as he read the directions. “Eggs, milk, butter…okay, doesn’t seem too complicated. How do you…preheat an oven?”

“Hopeless.”

Steve laughed and dipped his forehead against your shoulder; you never minded his constant nearness, the two of you had been close since the summer of the mall incident. He was constantly flinging an arm around your shoulder, picking lint off your clothes, or resting his head on you every chance he got. Even after Eddie and you…well, you weren’t sure what Eddie and you were. The two of you hooked up off and on for last few months, and he was always saying how much he liked having you around, but there was never an official talk about your relationship status – and when Steve was around, Eddie never batted an eye at the way he was constantly all over you. Maybe he just saw it as the two of you being close friends….

“Should we call Robin over?”

“Yeah,” you smiled and pushed Steve off, who groaned but went straight to the landline. You listened as he dialed Robin’s number and asked for her, staring down at the cake mix as he explained your dire situation. It was Eddie’s 21st birthday and he was throwing a kickback at his trailer; he proclaimed you were his special guest and begged for you to bake him a cake. Like the sucker you were when it came to him, you said yes.

“…for Eddie, yea. Okay, thanks.” Steve hung up and returned to the kitchen, a soft smile on his handsome face. “I’m going to go get her, want to come for a ride?”

“Actually, I’m going to walk over to my house real fast.”

Steve noticed the drained look in your eyes but just smiled, grabbing his keys off the counter. He motioned for you to follow, and you did, and when he locked the front door behind him, he asked if you were okay. The afternoon sun was covered by clouds and Steve wanted nothing more than to tell you to screw the cake and Eddie’s party, but he kept his mouth shut.

“I’m just tired…”

“…sure you’re up for a rager tonight?”

“Can’t miss his birthday, he begged me for a cake.”

Steve’s jaw clutched but he nodded, giving your shoulder a little squeeze before excusing himself. He promised to be back in ten and you agreed, crossing his lawn to the driveway of your family’s home. Steve turned on the ignition and watched as you walked into your house, cursing Eddie before backing out of the driveway.

….

“He’s such an asshole.”

“Agree, but technically they aren’t even together.”

“Don’t try to be the goddamn voice of reason, Robin. I don’t need that shit right now.”

Robin made a face but apologized. “She’s going to get tired of him dragging her around eventually, you just have to hold out.”

“What for? She obviously is into him; I don’t stand a chance and it – it really pisses me off that he treats her like that.” Steve gripped the steering wheel. “He has her baking him a birthday cake, but I guarantee you tonight at the party, he’s going to completely ignore her like he always does.”

“I know, I hate seeing her like that. I thought she was smarter – “

“-Robin,” he warned, and she sighed.

“You’re right, I guess sometimes we can’t help who we like. Maybe you can just swoop in and make her realize Eddie’s wrong for her? Girls like that – knight in shining armor crap.”

Defeated, Steve shrugged as he pulled in front of his house. He turned off the car and saw you waiting on his porch, Robin looked to him with an empathetic smile. “Come one,” he said quietly. “Let’s go help her bake that cake.”

….

The trailer was rimmed with people, mostly Eddie’s friends slash clients. Members of Corroded Coffin where they, as well as some of the younger kids evident by their bikes parked in front of the Mayfield’s lawn. You were happy to not see Lady Applejack’s bike outside the trailer; you would have sent her straight home.

“What was he thinking inviting the kids.”

Steve glanced over at you, platter in hand; the cake was a success. It was chocolate, as Eddie requested, pink sparkles added by Robin. You had written happy birthday on it with little white hearts all over the top, it made Steve’s stomach turn but he said nothing on the drive over to the Munson’s residence. He helped you up the stairs and threw the keys to Robin, who was late getting out of the car.

“Lock up, slowpoke,” he teased, hand on your back as he reached for the screen door. Steve looked to you and agreed on the kids. “I better not catch Henderson drinking…”

The thought made your stomach turn and when the two of you walked in, music blasted free into the air, and you quickly searched around for Eddie. Instead, you heard the familiar nicknames the kids had for Steve and you.

“Mom and Dad are here!”

Dustin waved from the couch, packed next to him was Lucas, Max and Mike. Your eyes went straight to the beer in Max’s hand and Steve groaned, telling you to take the cake to the kitchen and that he’d handle the young girl. Leaving Steve to deal with the underage drinking, you pushed past folks in band tees and ripped jeans, finding Eddie in the kitchen. He was leaned against the counter, beer in hand and in conversation with a guy you recognized from some of CC’s gigs. Eddie’s eyes went from his friend to you, and he grinned, placing the beer down to gawk at the cake in your hand.

“Oh, God, that looks delicious! Thank you, princess,” he cooed, taking the platter from your hand. He placed it on the counter and moved you towards his friend, hand on your back. He introduced you as a really cool chick and it made you wince. “She’s a total babe too.”

He kissed your cheek and your stomach dropped, eyes moving to the opening of the kitchen to where Steve stood; he nodded to Eddie and asked where the beer was. Eddie leaned into your side and whispered into your ear if you could fetch “Harrington a drink? Beers in the cooler in the living room, thanks babes.”

You stared at Eddie as he turned back to his friend, utterly confused by his passive nature towards you. Steve, witnessing the whole exchange, rolled his eyes and looked to Eddie. “I asked you, dipshit.”

The loud music drowned out Steve’s voice and you said it was fine, turning Steve around back toward the living room. He placed an arm around your shoulder and lead you back to where the others were; Robin had joined the younger kids on the couch.  You found the cooler containing the beer and grabbed two, giving Max a disappointing look as you popped open the can. She diverted her eyes and Dustin grinned, asking how his two parents where today.

“Shut it, Henderson,” Steve snapped; shocked, you placed a hand on his arm. He relaxed and apologized to the kid, asking him to move over. The couch was completely stacked, so Steve patted the arm rest, and you sat down beside him. You drank the beer as everyone conversed, the kitchen in perfect view. Eddie was still talking to his friend, and you watched as he laughed, bounced around and finished off his drink. You felt a warm hand on your back and stared down; Steve’s gaze met yours and you shrugged, dipping your head back to down the rest of the alcohol. He kept his hand on your back, fingers rubbing up and down, just as soothing as the beer.  

People were drinking and dancing, most where in their own conversations shrewd around the living room; eventually, you loosened up and joined in the conversation among your friends. Steve’s hand eventually moved away from you and a strange feeling of disappointment washed over you. Ignoring it, you listened to Robin’s story about a customer at Family Video and everyone was engaged, laughing – even you, until your eyes moved back to the kitchen.

The laughing faded into the background as you watched Eddie smiling at chick you didn’t recognize. She was standing in front of him, and he was nodding at whatever she was saying, her hand on his shoulder. His eyes were glossy, and you knew the look, recognized that eager expression. He had given you that seductive smile so many times, expressing how much he needed you, how good you made him feel. It was sickening to see him with those puppy dog eyes on someone else. Your lungs felt like they were about to drown and all you could do was get up from the couch’s arm rest. Robin paused her story and Steve’s eyes followed you out the trailer. He gave his friend a confused shrug until he looked over into the kitchen – and saw what you had.

Eddie drooling over some chick.

“Fuck,” Steve muttered, handing over his beer to Dustin. He didn’t even care if the kid drank it or not, he was too busy thinking about how hard he was going to punch Eddie, but Robin blocked him. Dustin, Lucas, and Mike stood quiet, oblivious to what was going on, but Max stood up too.

“Don’t.” She warned Steve, nodding to the door. “You should go talk to her.”

“Knight in shining amor, remember,” Robin pointed out, dissolving all the anger Steve was feeling. The girls were right, he could give two shits about Eddie – he only cared about you. He wanted to be there for you and had loved you from a distance for a long time now, but above all of that – he just hated seeing your heart break. Composing himself, he thanked his friends and pushed his way out of the trailer. The night had come over the town and he had to squint in the dark to find you sitting outside of Max’s trailer. He took a deep breath before sauntering over to you, trying to think of what he was going to say but couldn’t get a word out when he saw tears in your eyes.

Embarrassed, you laughed. “I’m pathetic.”

Steve relaxed and took a seat next to you.  He reached a thumb over and wiped away a stray tear. “Eh, we’re all kinda of pathetic.”

His casual nature made you smile and when he offered up his shoulder, you took it, resting your head upon it. Your bodies in close proximity kept the two of you warm in the cold and after a few minutes, you sighed. “I know Eddie isn’t interested in me beyond hooking up.”

Steve tried to hide his disgust at the nature of Eddie using you for sex, because it had been your choice as well – he couldn’t really fault either of you, but he was jealous. Not of the physicality of your relationship with Munson, but the fact that you chose to be so vulnerable to him. Eddie had been given the gift of having your enamored gaze on him, a look Steve had been haunted by every night as he placed his head down to rest. He hated seeing you so in love with someone who couldn’t reciprocate, dragging you around like a plaything. Even if he couldn’t have you, Steve still wanted you to be happy.

“He should be a man and tell you straight out, instead of dragging you around like- “

“- like a lost little puppy.” Guilt riddled Steve and he apologized but you moved away from him and told him there was no need to apologize. “It’s true, I know this. I just – have you ever wanted someone you knew could never want you?”

“Yeah,” he laughed, mostly for his own benefit. His fingers ran through his hair, and he sighed – holding his breath for a moment before deciding to be brave like you were the night you fight off a Demogorgon. “See, I’ve been in love with this girl for a while now.”

“What girl?” Your heart raced, trying to remember him talking about a girl but you would have known. He would have told you – you were his best friend, after all. The thought dried your throat, and your nerves shook as he laughed again.

“She’s amazing,” he let out a whistle and a pang of jealous smacked you in the heart, and you weren’t sure why… “…smart, funny, kind – but there’s a slight problem. She’s in love with someone else – I guess, a friend of mine, if you could call him that…”

Your initial thought was Nancy. “I thought you were over Wheeler?”

Steve stared, dumbfounded by your completely lack of connection and he cackled. You stared at him, confused and annoyed that he was laughing at you; you smacked his arm and he pretended to be offended, rubbing at his arm. “That’s definitely going to be a bruise, genius.”

“You’re so annoying, I’m going home,” you declared, pushing up off the steps. Steve panicked for a second before reaching for your elbow, bringing you back down. Plopping down, your body relaxed under his touch and the two of you sat quietly – neither of you saying word until Steve cleared d his throat and released your elbow.

“Remember that night at Byers? I was fucking terrified,” he remembered, dipping his head to stare up at the stars. Your looked to him, eyes going to his throat; his scars from the demobats were slightly faded now, but the pain of almost losing him had stayed with you. When Steve had been taken under the water, you jumped in after him, the others followed and when you had arrived to see him being strangled to near death – something came over you. You ripped the bats off him with your bare hands, Eddie had a habit of noting how hot it was during your hook ups, but you weren’t thinking about how attractive you were looking in that moment. No, all you could think about was how you couldn’t lose Steve – you downright refused because he was your best friend. He was the one person who could sooth away any worry with just a simple touch; he was the one that was constantly there for you…

“I remember you standing next to me,” he recalled quietly, you just stared, heart racing. “I was still hung up on Nancy, but for a split second, I was terrified of losing you more than her. Which was ridiculous since you had always been ‘Nancy’s friend’.”

It was true, Nancy had been one of your closest friends in high school and while Steve had been an annoyance in your life then, you had always had a soft spot for him. Never understanding why, you just gravitated towards him, but it was platonic, even after they broke up. Even after getting a job at the mall and seeing him everyday during your lunch break.

“I didn’t understand it then,” Steve finally looked at you, eyes a bit sad. He reached for the lapel of your jacket and chuckled. “I guess I always pretended to be annoyed with you back then, because I really did care about Nance. I thought she was the one I wanted, but…”

Your mind becomes flooded with all the small moments the two of you have shared – the little looks across the cafeteria table that felt like they meant nothing, because they weren’t supposed to. All the times you walked into the ice cream shop to bug Steve and Robin, and the smile on his face every time you asked for a free sample. The pained look on his face when he cursed at the Russian soldier who slapped you hard. The rides to drop off Robin at school, listening to music and giving her love advice – the movies he’d bring over to your place, so the two of you could watch and fall asleep on the couch. Every touch on your back, every lingering touch that brought warmth to your body, and a sense of security.

“The girl you’re in love with…” you couldn’t bring yourself to finish the sentence, afraid of a rejection that would hurt far worse than Eddie’s. Your heart pounded and the air felt like it would freeze you inside out, and then Steve sat up, and touched your cheek with his hand.

That familiar warmth enveloped you.

“…it’s you, you got to know that. The girl is you.”

His words are quiet, echoing in your ears and all he can do is stare, doing his best to analyze your reaction. Your heart slowly relaxes and all you can do is apologize. Steve’s hand falls from your face and you realize he thinks he is being rejected.

You grabbed his hand and hold it tightly. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner, I think deep down, I was afraid I’d lose you for good.”

Steve shook his head and immediately pulled you closer, his arms held your face in place, and he leaned in for a kiss. His lips on yours shocked your senses because you never in your life thought Steve Harrington would be kissing you or that it would feel like something you never had experienced.

Love.

Real love.

Kissing him back, the two of you held onto each other’s faces until he finally pulled away and laughed. “It took you long enough.”

You laughed and embraced him, arms around his neck. He cradled you then, your chin on his shoulder as he rubbed his hands up and down your back. The music from the trailer grew louder and the two of you turned to see Robin and the kids leaving the party. Steve helped you to your feet and flung his arm around your shoulder, bringing you into his side. The two of you stood on the porch of the Mayfield’s trailer, watching as your friends grew closer.

Steve glanced over to you, and you looked at him.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” you whispered back, the truth spilling out so naturally. He grinned, ear to ear, and gave Robin a knowing glance when she approached. She grinned and Max smiled, asking if anyone wanted to watch a movie.

“I stole some beers from the cooler,” she smirked, and Steve frowned, demanding for her to hand them it over. She obliged begrudgingly, taking them out of her coat pockets. The boys followed her into the house, arguing about what movie to watch and Robin plucked a beer from Steve’s arms, looking your way.

“Eddie was looking for you.” Steve gave her a look and Robin shrugged. “I told him you two left together. Want to know what he said?”

“No,” you laughed, the thought of Eddie looking for you was hilarious now. How stupid you had been to think he could ever care about you and even more foolish to think you thought you cared about him. Eddie was a good friend, but he was never what you truly wanted. He was a distraction because you were afraid to go for what your heart desired – Steve.

“Good answer,” Robin grinned.

Steve rolled his eyes and told her to get inside. When she disappeared into the trailer, Steve handed over a beer and the two of you opened them up. He held his can towards you.

“Happy birthday to Eddie.”

Laughing, you clinked the can against his. “To Eddie.”

Steve took a long sip before pulling you in for a sweet kiss, until a parade of ‘ew, gross’ came from the open window near the door. Rolling his eyes, Steve barked for the kids to shut up, but a smile appeared on his face that remained there for the rest of the night.

……

Blurb of Eddie's reaction

[bloodiegawz]

Rose Hunt-Clover (he/any)

Nicknames: Ma petite rose (Rook), Kiddo (Trey), Rosie (Epel, Cater), Little Briar (Like all of Diasomnia lmao), Ortho's friend (Idia)

House: None (yet 👀)

Class: None

Age: 12-14, but definitely younger than the boys at NRC

Birthday: Unknown

Height: 146cm

Dominant hand: Ambidextrous

Homeland: Sage's Island

Likes: Sunlight, making friends, learning

Dislikes: Being alone, darkness, others' sadness

Hobbies: Asking questions. Like... a lot of questions.

Favorite food: Just straight up dirt, also anything sugary

Least favorite food: Salty foods

Talent(s): Singing

Signature spell/Unique magic: ???

--/--

- The young mascot of the Science Club. Gave this title to himself and takes it very seriously.

- He was born of one of Rook's many ✨extravagant✨ experiments! Trey had to beg him to use a subject that wasn't like... a cat or something in case it went wrong.

- Spends their time wandering into random classes and trying to follow whatever lesson is being taught.

- Upon learning what last names are, adopted his because Rook and Trey were the first people he saw after transforming.

- He also refers to them as his fathers occasionally.

- Has shown to be magically capable but hasn't expanded on it.

- Apparently, he can communicate with flowers and most other plants, but he doesn't seem to like them because "they gossip too much".

- Absolutely loves to sing and has a surprisingly beautiful voice. She often sings her sentences, though specifically for Riddle and sometimes on Vil's request.

- He has a knack for reading body language and emotions, and will often mirror what the person he's talking to is feeling.

- Ortho is his absolute best friend.

- When inside, they're usually sleepy unless it's well-lit. Will otherwise spent their time pressed against a windowpane.

- Trey dyes Rose's hair if he attends unbirthday parties (via Doodle Suit/Paint the Roses)

- Usually isn't shy, but if she gets embarrassed will hide her face.

- Vil buys him custom outfits. Absolutely spoiled.

- He sleeps in whatever dorm will accept him for the night.

- They have an unusual amount of sharp teeth, and sometimes accidentally bites their own tongue and lip to the point of bleeding. Trey gave them tooth caps for this, though they don't always wear them.

- Along with his teeth, his nails are naturally sharp.

- Has a soft spot for romantics and love stories.

--/--

rosie!!!!!! rosie my beloved first twst oc ever <33

i finally made him an actual outfit so that's sweet! it's like a leotard with a collar? he also has another pair of slippers so he's not just wearing the ballet shoes all the time

[itsuki-minamy]

"K - RETURN OF KINGS" (Novel)

CHAPTER 10: THE WORLD REVOLVING

* List of Chapters

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia

Sukuna Gojou hates Fushimi Saruhiko.

He hates his face and attitude. He doesn't like his background. He hates his abilities. Everything Fushimi does makes him angry. He didn't even want to breathe the same air, but as a Ranker, he was there and was allowed to be next to Nagare.

However, Iwafune...

"This is your first junior, right? Please be nice."

With that, he pushed Sukuna's back.

Sukuna pouted, but he still followed Iwafune's words. He didn't mean to be nice to him, but since he was breathing in the same place, he had to confirm the other person's "standing position". For what purpose did that man come to "this place"? It is Sukuna's responsibility as a J-Ranker to know that.

Fushimi stood motionless outside the "secret base". In front of him is consecrated the "Dresden Slate", a relic that is a source of supernatural powers and signifies the victory of "Jungle".

Sukuna shouted a provocative voice behind him.

"What do you think? It's the "Slate" that your former king lost and we took."

Fushimi looked at Sukuna for a moment, then immediately looked back at the "Slate". He responded vaguely.

"Not at all. He has nothing to do with me."

He was irritated by the nonchalant response. Sukuna stood next to Fushimi and looked him straight in the face.

"It doesn't matter. Now that you've become a Ranker, you're also a player and one of the operators of this game. Ah, but don't get carried away, okay? Just because you beat my record for fastest rank promotion and you rose to the ranking in a short period of time..."

Fushimi snorted. When he looked back at Sukuna, there was a hint of contempt for the boy.

"Oh, what? Are you upset because your score has been changed? You're a very troublesome child."

Blood rushed to Sukuna's head.

"What...?! What do you mean?!"

He must have been a figurehead. However, Sukuna's shyness refused to acknowledge that with all his might. He gritted his teeth so hard that he made noise and looked at Fushimi.

"You were able to get this far quickly because you used Hirasaka! I don't like playing games that depend on people like that!"

U-Rank Douhan Hirasaka and Sukuna had some kind of connection. Sukuna was able to promote to Ranker thanks to her help. He did not trust Hirasaka, who often betrayed him, but even so, Sukuna did not dislike her.

He did not like the fact that Hirasaka had fully supported Fushimi's promotion in rank.

Whether he knew Sukuna's subtleties or not, Fushimi maintained his natural tone.

"Who trusts people? But if it's a "tool", then I'll use it. I used to use dark weapons."

Sukuna realized that strength was gathering around his temples.

When he woke up, he was in front of Fushimi with a long staff. Sukuna said with a smile on his face.

"Hey, why don't you play against me once? Let's bet 10,000 points. I'll give you a big handicap."

"Huh? It's troublesome..."

The surprised words were cut in half.

Sukuna's long staff produced an electric blade. Anyone can see the battle posture. Nagare and Iwafune are behind them, but there is no sign of stopping them. It is still within the expected range. Or did he anticipate what would happen and try to persuade him to talk to Fushimi?

"I won't kill you. We're mates, right?"

In the end, the reason why Sukuna was not convinced was because he doubted Fushimi's strength.

"Jungle" is a world of the law of the fittest. Strong players rise, weak ones crawl to the bottom. That's clear.

Fushimi Saruhiko is probably a "good" player. He scored points efficiently and reached the top of the leaderboard as the fastest. But if he wants to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sukuna and the others, he will need more proof than that.

A test of strength.

Tension ran through Fushimi's body. Seeing that, Sukuna smiled. A frail but well-behaved boy is beaten and falls to the ground. Nothing is more pleasant than that. To see that, Sukuna put strength into the hand holding the scythe.

"Hey! What are you idiots doing?!"

At the same time as his sharp voice, a severe pain rained down on his brain.

Sparks spread in the depths of his eyes and he barely stopped his faltering consciousness. When he turned his tear-filled vision forward, Fushimi was also crouching with his head in the same way.

The man who hit the two of them, Mishakuji Yukari, put his hands on his hips and spoke in a tone like that of an older brother scolding his younger siblings for being messy.

"Stop fighting among yourselves. Internal disputes are not beautiful."

"Why... did you even hit me?"

"You and your damn brute force, Yukari..."

Fushimi and Sukuna complained, but Mishakuji responded with a wink.

"It's not that fights between friends are prohibited, but now is an important time, so I want you to be a little more aware."

Sukuna looked at Mishakuji resentfully, but said nothing more. He knew in his head that what he said was true.

Mishakuji looked at the "Slate". Silently, but surely, the relic pulsed. Just as the heart pumps blood, the "Slate" creates, sends and circulates unknown energy. Mishukaji said as he looked at the situation charmingly.

"Soon the slate will bloom. At this rate, it should be close."

"The new stage created by Nagare is about to begin. I am ready."

"So be careful, Sukuna-chan. Besides, wouldn't it be more spectacular to fight in the next scenario?"

"Hmm." Sukuna snorted, still, he was convinced. It was just as Mishakuji said. It's okay to let Fushimi understand after moving to the next stage. When the time comes he will clarify the matter.

"You saved my life."

Muttering softly, Fushimi looked at Sukuna with irritated eyes. Still he didn't say anything. His sullen silence is proof that he understands the power difference between him and Sukuna. Feeling somewhat satisfied with that, Sukuna turned on his heel and walked towards Nagare, who was silently watching over them.

As he looked at that, Fushimi let out a silent sigh.

"Sukuna-chan is a boy after all."

Mishakuji said that while he laughed.

"But he is strong, you know? He is still far from being a sophisticated beauty, but in terms of power, he is on par with me, or even stronger. Even if he asks you to fight him again, refuse."

Fushimi looked at Mishakuji with dull eyes.

"...Don't worry. I don't have any hobbies that make me sweat in vain."

He then directed his attention to Sukuna, who was talking to Nagare.

While he is having a friendly conversation, Sukuna nudges Nagare on the shoulder. Kotosaka spreads his wings and shouts something, while Iwafune watches with a wry smile. Fushimi has belonged to several clans, but this is a sight he has never been able to see in any of them.

"Two kings, two clansmen, and a bird. However, they interact with each other equally, even with the two "Kings". It's a strange place."

The "King" is special. Although there are differences of degree, everyone respects them and that is why they keep their distance. To Fushimi, that was what a "King" meant.

That's different with "Jungle". The "King" is powerful, but he is just one of your allies. Sukuna and Mishukaji treat them as equals and the "Kings" naturally accept it. The J-Ranks were strangely friendly to the top of the green clan, who struggled for profit and sometimes got into trouble.

"Really? From now on, that kind of era will come. It's time for each and every one of us to have our own power and live from our own strengths and responsibilities without being controlled by anyone."

Saying that, Mishakuji smiled as if he could see Fushimi's heart.

"I think that suits you, right?"

Fushimi then looked away. Mishakuji is much more troublesome than Sukuna, who wants a showdown. Hiding that thought, he also turned on his heel and began walking in a different direction than where the "Kings" were.

+++++++++++

And then the "King" finished his calculations.

Scattered around the room are all kinds of blank papers, notebooks, copybooks, and straw paper. No, it would be more accurate to say it was a blank slate. The pieces of paper were filled with countless symbols, formulas, and memos, reminiscent of a paranoid madman's hospital room.

The "Silver King", Isana Yashiro or Adolf K. Weismann, tapped the last mathematical expression with the tip of his pen several times and then threw the pen away.

Resonant hammer effect according to the second law of the basic theory of research in physics W. Research continued privately by Claudia Weismann, a researcher who was once touted as a "two-headed genius" along with Adolf in the Third Empire. Shiro interpreted it, arranged it, and came to a conclusion.

"...This is the only option, eh?"

He meditated, no one heard the murmur. Kuro and Neko were gone. That's why Shiro could talk to himself without hesitation, looking at the sepia photo on the dining room table.

"Lieutenant, sister... I'm sorry."

Shiro... Adolf's firm decision is to put an end to a dream.

70 years ago. Dreams they shared together.

The dream that Adolf, Claudia and Kokujoji started together, and that they had together, will end with their own hands.

Shiro closed his eyes and endured the pain in his chest that little by little came out. That pain will probably never go away. He will continue to live with that pain. That resolution was already set within Shiro.

The method of happiness they once found.

Therefore, he will destroy it.

Just as he was thinking that, the intercom rang.

"......?"

Shiro stood up and headed towards the door. Kuro and Neko wouldn't have called the intercom, and Kukuri should be in class right now. He opened the door wondering who had come.

The girl standing there looked at Shiro with red eyes and muttered.

"Hello."

Shiro rolled his eyes and asked the girl, Anna Kushina.

"Anna? Why are you here?"

Eyes that seemed to see through everything darted to Shiro's face, then to the back of the room.

"Because I felt like I should come."

Just from that, Shiro understood why she had come here.

"...Thank you."

"No."

Shiro then invited Anna into the room.

There was nowhere to step in the room, which was full of documents, but without changing her expression, Anna bent down and picked up one of them. Anna probably couldn't understand the notes, which were a mix of Japanese, German, and mathematical formulas.

Still, she stroked the paper and muttered to herself.

"Destroy it."

Shiro nodded silently.

"Yes. I thought about it a lot, but it seems like that's the only option."

"Yes."

Anna said nothing and stared at the paper that described how to destroy the "Slate".

Seeing Anna makes Shiro feel suffocated.

The "Slate" has disrupted many lives. The "King" would be the best example of this. Reisi Munakata. Suoh Mikoto. And if Anna Kushina had not existed in this world, her lives would have been completely different. He doesn't believe she could have lived a normal life, but at least she could have lived as a human being.

If the "Slate" had not existed, Anna would never have awakened to her supernatural powers. A man who tried to wake up the "King" took her family. She should have been able to live an honest and modest life.

What changed that definitely was the "Slate", and it was Shiro who discovered it.

Shiro tried to open his mouth. He felt that he had to apologize to Anna. Nothing will come back like this. But, at least if he didn't do that, he wouldn't be satisfied.

At this moment, Anna murmured.

"There were good things and bad things..."

The look on Anna's face as she silently stared at the paper seemed nostalgic for something.

"...Thanks to the "Slate"."

"......"

Shiro held his breath for a while, then made up his mind and asked.

"Isn't it because of the "Slate"?"

"There is that too."

Anna recognized it easily, but she still gave a slight smile.

"But I'm sure that a lot of things happened even without the "Slate". That's why I don't want to blame anything or anyone. I think we should think for ourselves and live our lives to the fullest. That's why I came."

With that, Anna straightened her back and lowered her head towards Shiro.

"Thank you for finding the "Slate". I'm sorry it had to be destroyed."

Looking into Anna's sincere red eyes, he felt the pain in his chest suddenly ease.

He thought his dreams were sins.

He was convinced that he had committed a great sin that twisted the lives of many people.

It was still true. The past cannot be changed with a girl's impressions. What he has done is before his eyes and Shiro must take responsibility for it.

Still, Shiro was certainly saved by Anna's words.

Adolf, Claudia and Kokujoji aspired to people's happiness. He could think that the days the three of them spent together in Dresden were not a mistake at all.

"...Thank you."

Saying that with a hoarse voice, Shiro also bowed his head. Anna nodded and then silently looked back at the note he had written about his dream and how to destroy it.

+++++++++++

"What do you mean?! I can't believe you're going to fire the Captain!"

Slapping the desk, Awashima raised an angry voice.

Prime Minister's Office. Normally, the moment a voice like this was raised, the SP would intervene and restrain the owner of the voice.

Awashima also fully understood that the other party was the leader of a country and that such an attitude was not appropriate for her.

Although she understood, Prime Minister Samukawa's weak smile irritated Awashima to the point that she made her lose her sense of reason.

“Hmm.” Exhaling deliberately through his nose, Prime Minister Samukawa folded his hands on his desk.

"It literally means that. Munakata-kun took responsibility for the incident that occurred at Mihashira Tower on Christmas Day and I made him resign from his position as head of the department. In other words... he is fired!"

The proud expression on his face is characteristic of politicians who have defeated his political opponents.

"Guh.", Awashima gritted her teeth. Although she knew that it was useless to say it now, she couldn't help but say it.

"Prime Minister, what authority do you have to do such a thing...?!"

"I have authority. The enforcement authority that "Scepter 4" has was granted to the "Fourth Branch of the Family Records Division", a division of the Office of Legal Affairs. After all, you are all public servants. We have the obligation to obey the orders of the State."

"But...!"

Prime Minister Samukawa looked pitifully at Awashima, who was still trying to reason with him.

"The reason why he has been able to look so proud until now is because of the great power of Kokujoji Daikaku's "Tokijikuin" clan. It seems that Munakata-kun had intended to take His Excellency's place without realizing it, but what was the result? The secret treasure that "Tokijikuin" had been guarding for almost 70 years was stolen in just two months after being placed under Munakata-kun's control. I would have to say that he is not qualified."

Awashima remained silent.

The loss of "Scepter 4" was a foreseeable future. With the passing of the "Golden King" Kokujoji Daikaku, who created the "System of Seven Kings", the privileges of supernatural beings were slowly being usurped by most others. It's going to be bad. Munakata's defeat will only accelerate this trend.

His place is gradually being erased. Feeling as if her feet were collapsing, Awashima clenched her fists.

"Munakata-kun has already accepted his dismissal as boss."

Prime Minister Samukawa's next words left her breathless.

"That's all..."

"He also seemed to know exactly when to retreat. In that sense, he is truly a "King". If you are a confidant, why don't you sacrifice yourself for the "King"?"

Prime Minister Samukawa's smile clearly contained mockery, but Awashima didn't see it.

If Munakata had wanted to resist, he could have done so. Although he has lost his power, the "System of the Seven Kings" lives on. There is no doubt that "Tokijikuin" is responsible for maintaining the system. If he had wanted to avoid the humiliation of being fired from the boss's position, he could have done so.

Munakata did not. Awashima still didn't know what that meant.

"The other members will wait until further notice. This is your order."

Prime Minister Samukawa held out a piece of paper with a proud expression on his face. Awashima accepted the paper with trembling hands, it was clearly written as "Standby Order".

"This piece of paper..."

"This paper is important because I value formality."

After saying that, Prime Minister Samukawa laughed out loud.

At the same time, inside the Scepter 4" camp.

"Damn, what do you mean they fired the Captain?"

Domyoji shouted as he kicked a chair in the bathroom.

Just five minutes ago an email arrived from the capital's upper echelons announcing Munakata's dismissal and the order to stay away. "Scepter 4" was definitely a state-owned organization, but was actually allowed to operate as a semi-independent unit. Although he worked closely with the capital and the country, he never gave up taking orders. Furthermore, the dismissal of the head of the department was an unexpected event.

"The Captain hasn't shown up... Can you forgive me for something like this?"

Akiyama admonished Domyoji, who was still in bad shape.

"Calm down, Domyoji."

Benzai analyzed that calmly as he crossed his arms.

"So far, the government has never interfered with "Scepter 4" in such a forceful manner... but does it have anything to do with the fact that the top government seems to be in contact with the Greens? Now that Fushimi-san is has allied itself with the Greens, things I don't want to believe are happening one after another..."

"What are the Captain and Fushimi-san thinking?!"

Undirected anger is probably the flip side of anxiety. This was a feeling shared not only by Domyoji but by all the members present there.

Since their defeat at the Battle of Mihashira Tower, opposition to "Scepter 4" had become visibly stronger. In contrast, the Green Clan has expanded to the surface world and is now showing strength to reach the upper levels of government. Simply put, “Scepter 4 is becoming a "loser".

However, amidst all that, there was one feeling that the members shared.

"I don't think the Captain will get rid of his responsibility. Maybe he has his own reasons for doing so?"

It was Kamo who muttered to himself. Enomoto, who was next to him, nodded his head.

"Oh, that's right. Until now, the Captain has always solved problems in ways we never imagined. I'm sure this time too..."

"Yes, but... what kind of method is that?"

There is no one who can answer Domyoji's counter question.

It is thanks to Munakata's leadership that "Scepter 4" has been able to overcome so many difficulties. His transcendental perspective, however, is so transcendent that his subordinates often do not understand him. Munakata's move was beyond the comprehension of those who were not kings.

Still, even though it was difficult to understand, Reisi Munakata was the "King" of them.

Akiyama looked at the other members and said clearly.

"I don't know what the Captain is thinking, but "Scepter 4" and Reisi Munakata will not end like this. The time to act will definitely come. So let's wait until then. I think that is the meaning of the Captain's silence."

There were no words, but the members of "Scepter 4" nodded silently.

They have their cause, even if it is humiliated and repressed by the State. Only they knew that there was nothing shady about it.

+++++++++++

Anna looked up at the blue sky and let out a quiet sigh.

The winter air is cold and her breath is white. However, Anna's eyes cannot capture that color. The blue sky and white breath blend with the monochrome background, making it impossible to see anything but a vast ocean of color.

Anna's color blindness is something she was born with. She can't recognize colors other than red. Her family was distraught about it, but Anna was fine with it. Precisely because she couldn't recognize other colors, the red color reflected in her eyes was particularly vivid and beautiful.

If it weren't for those eyes, wouldn't she have been chosen by the "Slate"?

If it weren't for the "Slate", she wondered if she would have been able to see the most beautiful red in her eyes.

With that in mind, Anna opened the door to enter HOMRA.

"Ah, Anna. I'm glad you're home."

Kusanagi, who was on the other side of the counter, let out a relieved voice, and Yata, who was sitting on the couch, asked.

"Anna, where have you been?"

"I went to see Yashiro and the others."

"I would have accompanied you if you had told me. There is a lot going on right now!"

Anna felt a little surprised by Yata's dissatisfied words. She is now the "Red Queen". "Jungle" won't mess with her unless there's something really wrong.

Maybe in his mind, even though she is the "Red Queen", she is still a helpless girl who lost her parents, left her aunt and came to this place. Anna is part of his family, the youngest child they must protect.

Then Anna smiled slightly and said.

"I'm sorry."

"Mmm... oh."

Yata was probably aware of that too. He scratched his cheek in embarrassment and turned to the side. Then, Kusanagi said.

"By the way, Anna... Munakata-san, it seems that something terrible has happened."

"Yes."

She heard the news from Shiro that Reisi Munakata had been fired as head of "Scepter 4". She doesn't know much about politics, but she could intuitively understand that things were not going well. The weakening of the social power of "Scepter 4" means that "Jungle" is on the offensive.

"I never thought that a "King" could be fired by his country. This sudden incident seems to have caused quite a stir within "Scepter 4". The members have also been told to wait and it is unlikely that they will be able to leave their base. It seems that the most important person, the boss, has not shown up. I hope Seri-chan is okay."

Kusanagi sighed softly. The current brain behind "Homura" is definitely Kusanagi. His eyes probably see a more detailed perspective.

"At the party Seri and I attended, hosted by "Jungle", there were quite a few people who looked like they were government officials. I guess the government chose green over blue. If this continues, the world will turn green."

"I guess that's why."

It was Yata who muttered to himself. His expression was depressed, as if he was thinking about something. However, Anna could feel dark red anger swirling deep in his chest.

"Yata-chan?"

"So Saruhiko abandoned the sinking ship and betrayed it again, this time turning to the greens."

He clenched his fists tightly and the words he spat out were tinged with deep anguish. Yata and Fushimi knew each other before joining "Homura", and their relationship was off limits to other people. Not even Anna knew how Yata felt about Fushimi, who had betrayed him repeatedly.

"Misaki..."

Yata looked back at Anna, who looked worried. He then slowly got up and walked towards the exit of the bar.

"...I'll go look around again."

After watching Yata leave, Kusanagi sighed and changed the subject.

"Anna, what happened to Shiro-san?"

Isana Yashiro's investigation to counter the "Slate" stolen by "Jungle". Now that "Scepter 4" is out of power, his research could be said to be the only trump card against "Jungle".

Anna hesitated for a moment before telling him the result.

"Anna?"

Kusanagi murmured in disbelief, and Anna took the step and opened her mouth.

"...Yashiro's investigation has been completed."

"Well, then..."

Anna nodded resolutely in Kusanagi's eyes.

"He will destroy the "Slate"."

Those words were serious and little by little they permeated the silence of Bar HOMRA.

The destruction of the "Slate". They knew this was his trump card. It is also said that only Shiro who is the researcher who discovered the "Slate" can do that.

However, both Anna and Kusanagi were unsure if it would really be possible. For them, as supernatural beings, the "Slate" is something that "exists" there unwaveringly, just like heaven and earth. Is it possible to destroy heaven and earth? What will happen? It is still difficult to predict.

But it has to be done. Otherwise, the world will be plunged into chaos that will resemble destruction.

Kusanagi murmured slowly, as if he was fully aware of the weight of his words.

"...I see. Shiro-san finally found a way to do that."

"Yashiro has decided to destroy the "Slate" which was the shape of Yashiro's dream."

Kusanagi looked at Anna in silence.

"Anna, are you okay with that?"

Anna put her hand on her chest and mumbled a little.

"This red is important to me."

Anna's eyes can no longer capture the red that lives inside her.

It was something that once resided in a certain man. A red flame that burns silently while containing the power to destroy everything. The red color reflected in her eyes was so beautiful she could stare at it forever, and the warmth she felt when she touched him was surprisingly soft.

Kusanagi is also one of the people who was attracted by that warmth. She lowered her eyes and nodded.

"...Yes."

"The "Slate" took a lot from me, but I still love this red. This red saved me."

There is nothing false in the words she conveyed to Shiro at that moment. The "Slate'' took her family from her and then gave it to her. If it was thanks to the "Slate" that she was able to meet "Homura", then it must have been a blessing.

"Anna..."

Looking at Kusanagi who looked worried, Anna said resolutely.

"But it's okay to lose that."

Images of the members of "Homura" appeared in her mind.

Some of them were people she would never see again. Every day she spends with them is a treasure for Anna. Memories never fade and remain beautiful forever. However, what will happen if the world is exposed to unprecedented chaos due to the "Slate"?

Those who are present will also be caught in the confusion. And the memories are only in the past. Whatever future she has with them will disappear.

"For a long time, the only thing I could do was "see" my destiny. But now it's different. If the destiny of the "Red King" is destruction, then I will destroy the destiny that will harm the people I care about."

Anna believes that is her mission after awakening as the "Red King". Anna Kushina's role was discovered by herself, not because anyone told her.

Seeing Anna's determination, Kusanagi also nodded silently.

"...I see. I guess I've been waiting for this moment ever since I found those documents in Germany."

"Yes. All that's left is..."

Just as she was about to say that, the doorbell rang.

When she turned around, she saw a young man standing at the entrance of the bar. His casual clothing, a simple shirt and pants style, was something she had never seen before. Is this a sign that he has gone from being a public figure to a private person? Anna spoke the young man's name.

"...Reisi."

Reisi Munakata, the man who had broken away from "Scepter 4" and had come to be known as the "King of the City" gave Anna a slight nod in return.

"Hello."

+++++++++++

It was a scene too strange to be considered a dialogue between two "Kings".

Two "Kings", a girl and a young man, are at the same counter. Blood orange juice was placed in front of Anna and champagne in front of Munakata. He didn't know what they were trying to celebrate. It's not like they were trying to congratulate him on his retirement.

After taking a sip of champagne, Munakata spoke.

"What's the point of calling me "Red Queen" out of nowhere?"

"I wanted to talk with you."

A red marble shined in Anna's hand. It was thanks to that that she was able to contact Munakata, who was active in the Battle of Mihashira Tower and whose whereabouts were unknown. The fact that Munakata also continued to possess that means that he perhaps expected something like that to happen one day. After taking a deep breath, Anna spoke clearly.

"We will destroy the "Slate"."

Even after hearing this, Munakata remained unmoved. He took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and put one in his mouth.

"...I see. Without a doubt, that is an option that can be taken to overcome the current situation."

Kusanagi handed him a lighter while he searched for a light. He said with a slight smile in his voice.

"Are you a smoker?"

"I smoke very rarely."

Munakata transferred the light that Kusanagi had lit to a cigarette and slowly inhaled the purple smoke. He slowly let the ashes fall into the ashtray placed in front of him.

"For you, the "Slate" is like Suoh Mikoto's enemy."

"...I'm sorry. But it's not even that simple."

Suoh Mikoto. A former "Red King" and Kusanagi's best friend. If it weren't for the "Slate", he and Kusanagi would have lived very different lives.

But there's no point in even thinking about it. Even if he imagined a future that never came, reality won't change anything.

"The "Slate" made him live and let him die. That gave us and took away many things. I have no intention of destroying the "Slate" and giving up. However, I also think it should be destroyed."

Munakata exhaled smoke and responded.

"I agree that the "Slate" is a dangerous thing. However, the current development of this country is due to the "Golden King" and the great enlightenment of the country. In other words, the "Slate" system has profound roots in this country. We cannot afford to lose it."

"There's no point in saying something like that. Hisui Nagare is trying to unleash the power of the "Slate" and grant supernatural powers to all humans. If that happens..."

"Yes, we must stop it at all costs. However, if the "Green King" wishes for change and the "Red King" is determined to destroy it, then I, as the "Blue King", my goal is order. The power of the "Slate" must be exercised in an appropriate and orderly manner."

"In other words..."

Kusanagi looked directly into Munakata's eyes and said.

"Are you saying you want everything to go back to normal? You should back off and I'll take care of it this time."

"......"

Munakata did not respond. Kusanagi and the others cannot predict what his clear mind thinks. However, he had no choice but to make a judgment based solely on the materials he had.

That is to say...

"I don't think you can do that now."

Munakata's eyes flashed with a slight smile.

"Oh?"

Munakata, however, stopped the comment with just his voice. Does that mean that words that sound like those of a clan member are not enough to reach people? In that case, Kusanagi spoke from a different direction.

"Anna is worried about you too."

Munakata looked at Anna who was sitting next to him. The "King" girl watched Munakata attentively, without saying a word. Everyone already knows that her eyes capture more than just physical phenomena.

"...Your sword is already dangerous. If you overdo it, it will fall."

The blue "Damocles Down" means death and destruction. This also worried many people with supernatural powers. If the underlying cause is Suoh Mikoto, "Homura" cannot help but be related to Munakata's discomfort.

Suddenly, Munakata cleared his throat and laughed.

"Did you laugh?"

Munakata gently shook his head while Kusanagi narrowed his eyes and showed a hint of anger.

"No, excuse me. When I thought I was in the opposite position, it became a little funny."

"Opposite position?"

"I once scolded the "Red King" in the same way. It ended up being a waste of effort."

"......"

Reisi Munakata killed Suoh Mikoto.

If he had to say it objectively, it was probably the "right" thing to do. At this moment, Suoh's "Sword of Damocles" was also approaching his limit. Then, when Suoh himself took down the "Colorless King" who was acting behind the scenes, disaster finally struck. The only person who could stop the fall of the "Sword of Damocles" was Munakata, who was able to take Suoh's life.

If Munakata hadn't killed Suoh at that time, they would have died. Suoh would have been annihilated and Tokyo would have become a gigantic bay that would have swallowed millions of people.

Therefore, Munakata's actions were "correct."

If you can understand everything just because it is "right", there is no need to worry.

"Do you think you will be like this too?"

Kusanagi asked in a low voice. This sage seemed to be objectively contemplating even his own destruction.

A sinister premonition dominated Kusanagi's heart.

If the Sword of Munakata fell, who would have the role of stopping it?

"Reisi."

Suddenly, Anna opened her mouth. Munakata looked at the little "Queen" sitting next to him.

"What do you want?"

"You're not like Mikoto."

Munakata's eyes widened slightly as Anna spoke slowly.

+++++++++++

It was a windy night.

That night there were two groups of people breathing. The group on one side had uniforms painted solid blue and formed an unbroken formation. On the other hand, they were a group of beast-like people, each dressed in faded red clothes and emitting a ferocious aura.

"Scepter 4" and "Homura" are two clans that come into conflict and fight each other.

The trigger was something trivial. A Strain, who committed a robbery in Shizume, escaped and was eventually captured by "Scepter 4". "Homura" did not approve of that and demanded the handover of him, but there was no way for "Scepter 4", a security organization, to grant that request.

Until then, it could have just been a skirmish, as usual.

What was different about that night was that the "Kings" of the two clans, Reisi Munakata and Mikoto Suoh, led their respective clans.

When both sides found out about this, their tension increased. A battle between "Kings" will lead to destruction. Although they knew that, neither Munakata nor Suoh took a step back. They walked straight through the windy night.

And, naturally, it happened.

Munakata let out a cheerful voice.

"Stop, "Red King". This matter is under the jurisdiction of "Scepter 4"."

Suoh still had a cigarette in his mouth and smiled with one cheek.

"I don't know."

"Homura's" personnel officer, Izumo Kusanagi, who was attending next to him, spoke to him as if to intercede.

"I'd like to ask the Strain you captured earlier a few questions, that guy did the same thing in our territory, so I'm wondering, could you give him to me?"

He had a gentle demeanor, but the serious eyes shining behind his sunglasses told her that he had no intention of backing down either.

"Scepter 4". Vice Commander Seri Awashima looked at Munakata as if she was asking for an order.

"Captain."

"Of course, I can't just say yes. They're as annoying as ever."

Munakata said in deep annoyance as he pushed up his glasses.

Suoh smoked a cigarette, exhaled and threw the butt at his feet. He muttered casually as he put out the fire with the sole of his shoe.

"Burn them."

"Uoooh!"

The ten or so subordinates of "Homura" let out a battle cry all at once. Raising fists, stamping feet, and shouting in unison are the very voices of warriors on the battlefield.

"No Blood, No Bone, No Ash!"

Every time they scream, the red aura around them becomes stronger. It is because of this momentum that "Homura", who relies on their individual military strength and is far from being controlled, sometimes overwhelms "Scepter 4". With a fierce spirit in their bloodstream, the determination to fight until the end of their lives spreads through them like a fever.

At this moment, Munakata silently took a deep breath and muttered.

"We will advance with our sword in hand, for our cause is pure."

"Everyone, draw your swords!"

"Akiyama, ready!"

"Benzai, ready!"

Vice Commander Awashima and the soldiers standing behind Munakata drew their swords almost simultaneously. Unlike "Homura", whose power source is fierceness and drive, it was his righteousness that controlled "Scepter 4". The power known as supernatural power must be kept under strict control, and it is his responsibility to never allow it to spill over and disrupt the world. That's the power source of "Scepter 4."

"...Munakata, ready."

Munakata drew his saber a moment after his soldier and threw the tip directly at Suoh. Suoh let out a small laugh again at this act, which could be interpreted as a provocation. Keeping his eyes fixed ahead, he called to the young man next to him.

"Totsuka."

"I understand."

Tatara Totsuka responded with a soft voice that was not suitable for this tense situation and took Anna's hand. Anna turned her worried eyes towards Suoh as she evacuated to a nearby building, guided by Totsuka.

Suoh clenched his fist.

At that moment, an overwhelming magma-like aura surged from all over his body.

"Ha!"

It was an aura so dark, hot, and destructive that Awashima couldn't help but cover her face from it. If the two bright red fists hit you directly, your body will be reduced to ashes in an instant. Like the instinct of a creature that hates death, agitation ran through "Scepter 4".

Pressing down on that aura, Munakata took a step forward.

The randomly roaring red aura was stopped by Munakata's blue aura, and scattered aimlessly into the night. Munakata's appearance reminded him of a precision machine that takes everything, processes it in an orderly manner, and returns it to his ideal state.

Suoh slammed his fist into the palm of his hand.

Munakata prepared his saber.

Which one fell to the ground first?

When the people around realized it, the two "Kings" were already colliding head-on. Two colors, red and blue, collided, eclipsed each other and created a whirlpool while canceling each other out. Both clans began their own battles, centering on a transcendent battle that raged like a storm.

Totsuka and Anna watched the war between super humans from a distance.

The red marble that Anna looks at reflects what she wants to see using her sensory abilities. What is now reflected there is the image of the "Kings" engaged in a particularly fierce battle. Even though he was covered in wounds from fighting with fists and saber, Suoh was still smiling.

"Mikoto."

As Anna murmured anxiously, Totsuka next to her said in a carefree voice.

"Hey, it's okay. It's like a "hello" between kings."

Anna shot an accusatory look at Totsuka.

"Tatara, be serious."

"Ahaha, I'm sorry. But I don't think you should worry. King and Munakata-san are probably exchanging words by throwing their powers at each other like that."

"Words?"

"Yes. There's something about those people that only they can understand. They both understand things that not even me, Kusanagi-san, and Anna understand. That's the kind of relationship they have, I'm sure."

Hearing Totsuka's words, Anna looked at the marble once more.

Only a "King" understands another "King". Exchanging words and exchanging swords are the same in the sense that they clash with each other's existence. Anna was too young at the time to understand that. The young "King" egg, which had just hatched, could only observe his "conversation" through the marbles.

Fists and sabers clashed and, after a second, they separated. Landing on the roof of the building, Munakata let out a silent sigh and shook his head.

"You are a truly unpleasant man. I can't tell you how many times you have annoyed me since I became the "Blue King"."

Suoh clenched his fist and laughed.

"Ha. That's my line."

"Our power as kings cannot be used in vain as it is now."

"Who decided that?"

Munakata shrugged in response to Suoh's mocking words.

"It's not about deciding or not making a decision. It's about those who have power being responsible for that power."

"Considering that, you seem to be having a lot of fun too."

"Please don't joke."

Munakata told him to finish and raised his saber again.

"Disorderly use of force. Running without end. Destruction without regeneration. The "Fire King" certainly suits you. It burns and burns for no reason. In fact..."

"My chest is very tight."

Munakata smiled at Suoh who followed his words.

"Yes, that's it."

"Ha. That fits well!"

Screaming, Suoh kicked the ground. The saber and the fist collided again.

"The title "King of Order" suits you well. Trying to get into other people's lives with your long, boring sermons. So..."

"You make me sick."

This time, Munakata accepted Suoh's words. Suoh snorted.

"Oh, that's all."

Neither Munakata nor Suoh could remember when that started happening.

Probably from the first glance. Each denied the true identity of the other. Munakata could not accept Suoh's reckless use of the "King's" power, and Suoh did not like Munakata's attempt to impose a set standard on him. From the moment they met it was decided that the two would fight.

However, in reality, neither Munakata nor Suoh had any intention of killing the other.

No, there wasn't that. To be precise, he understood that "there is no way for this guy to die at this level". Even if the saber is swung without hesitation or the fist is thrown seriously, the opponent will not die. His opponent was a "King", a transcendent being like him. Only then could they fight with all their might without worrying at all.

Neither Munakata nor Suoh would ever admit that. However, they certainly liked the other person. Someone who wouldn't die even if he did his best.

The words they exchanged during their discussions were certainly tinged with joy.

"You always behave well, don't you feel uncomfortable?"

"Of course not. I'm not like you."

"Ha. I guess so!"

And they started again. Hit each other without the opponent dying. As they danced, scattering twin flashes of red and blue, they colored the night sky like two stars together.

+++++++++++

A sound was heard and the melted ice fell into the blood orange juice.

It must have only been a few seconds that Munakata looked Anna in the eyes. However, the past reflects that there is unequivocally something that once existed. Munakata certainly remembered even the few words he exchanged with that man.

Anna repeated it, as if she was tracking him.

"You are different from Mikoto."

A sarcastic smile appeared on Munakata's lips.

"I never thought I would be the one to be reprimanded. I thought his methods were very foolish."

Suoh Mikoto sacrificed herself for his way of life.

He never forgave the "Colorless King" for killing his subject and friend, and took his life. He did it even though he knew it would lead to his own destruction. This is how Suoh Mikoto lived his life. He did what he wanted. This is how that man described his actions.

And now he was trying to do the same.

Keep the "order". That's his way of life. Even if destruction awaits him in his destiny, Munakata continues his path without hesitation.

He just does what he wants.

"Reisi."

Munakata murmured as if to interrupt Anna's words.

"Either way, the "Three Kings Alliance" is no longer valid."

Kusanagi, who was on the other side of the counter, turned around and made a suspicious sound.

"What do you mean?"

"Yesterday, I was fired from the position of boss due to a notice from the government. From now on, I will no longer be able to work with you as clan boss."

Kusanagi looked accusingly at Munakata.

"Even if you're no longer the boss, you're still the "Blue King". The boys in blue are at a loss right now... what are you going to do with your clansmen?"

Munakata didn't have the words to answer that.

"Scepter 4" came out of his hands. It is within the framework of law, formality and the State that both the "King" and the clan are allowed to exist. Being an organization united under that belief, it was natural that it followed the orders of the State.

Munakata, as a private citizen and as "King", must do what he must do from now on. They will too. If you are a member of the Blue Clan, you should do what you think is right.

Munakata stood up. He ended up staying a long time. It was probably because Anna's words that stopped him made him feel unnecessary feelings.

"Reisi!"

Anna also stood up and called Munakata to stop him.

However, Munakata did not turn around. The time for exchanging words is over. Munakata knew that from now on only swords and power would be exchanged.

+++++++++++

In front of the tea table, Kuro was sitting with his arms crossed and a worried expression on his face.

Shiro is sitting in front of him, arms crossed and a serious expression on his face. Neko next to him did the same, crossing her arms with a perplexed expression on her face. Well, in Neko's case, she was probably imitating them. There's no way she could understand what Shiro was talking about.

However, the same goes for Kuro. Schwert control, second methodology, Weismann criticality prediction, Von Dreyf's extraordinary physics, Maelström's inertial guidance... Most of the technical terms and equations written in the large number of documents scattered on the tea table are incomprehensible. Still, he realized what Shiro was trying to do.

"This method will destroy the "Slate"."

Kuro frowned. That's because he knew firsthand that the method Shiro proposed was extremely dangerous.

"Is that really possible?"

"Until now, the destruction of the "Slate" was thought to be impossible. So this is a move that not even the "Green King" would have expected, and it is a comeback."

Shiro's words can be trusted. After all, he was the one who discovered the "Dresden Slate". If Shiro could be considered a leader in research, then they could do it.

But...

"But isn't it dangerous to do something like that?"

When Kuro said something that he didn't even need to ask, Shiro laughed as if he was worried.

"I guess the only thing I can do is get them to believe in me as a researcher."

Kuro stared at his face.

He thought that didn't answer the question. Shiro never said it wasn't dangerous. If we want to understand the underlying meaning of what he is saying, he is probably saying: "It is dangerous, but we have no choice but to do it."

Kuro doubted for a moment if he should accept that as his clan member and friend.

"Yes! Yes! Wagahai believes in Shiro!"

Neko raised her hand as if she were going to jump. Shiro gently stroked her head.

"Thank you, Neko."

"Ahem!"

Kuro tried to compete with Neko who proudly puffed out her chest.

"I believe in you too!"

The two blinked and looked at Kuro.

After feeling uncomfortable and clearing his throat, Kuro straightened his back and continued.

"I believe you. You will do what you have to do and go home with us."

That last word was all Kuro really wanted to say.

Hearing that, Shiro's eyes widened slightly. Then he smiled softly.

"...Yes. It's okay. It's a plan that includes making sure I return home alive."

Kuro's expression softened. It seems that Kuro's feelings have been properly conveyed to Shiro. If he was thinking about it that much, he probably wouldn't do anything unreasonable, so Kuro nodded his head.

"Ah, that's right. There was something I wanted to give you two."

He suddenly remembered something and took something out of his jacket pocket. He placed it on the table.

They were three coins that shone silver.

"What is this?"

Neko grabbed one of them and stared at it.

"You know, we didn't have a clan name or a clan mark. I felt a little jealous of other clans."

"I see, this is the mark of our clan."

"Wow... it's so bright!"

Neko's eyes shone, holding it up to the light as if it were the most precious treasure of all. Kuro also took the coin and held it tightly. It would be hard to say that it was proof of the bond between the three of them, but considering that Shiro put a lot of thought into doing it, that felt much deeper than it seemed.

"I would like to give the clan a name, but Kuro, could you give it one?"

Kuro's eyes widened at Shiro's offer.

"Oh, me?"

"Yes, I would like something nice."

Although confused, Kuro thought carefully. He has almost never given a name to anything, but if it is his duty, he will do his best.

"It's okay. That's right... When it comes to what we deserve..."

He looked around the room. Scattered documents and memories that Kuro and Neko gathered from all over the country. As he watched them, Kuro directed his attention to the kitchen.

The first thing that caught his attention was the rice cooker.

"...White rice."

"Eh?"

Kuro muttered to himself and Shiro tilted his head. By then the name had already been decided. Kuro turned to Shiro, picked up the coin with a determined expression, and placed it on the table with a click.

"Our clan name is "Hakumaito"!" (White Rice Party)

After a moment, both Shiro and Neko trembled at the same time.

"Eh, yes!"

However, Kuro was completely satisfied with his naming sense.

"Hmm. White rice is the center of food and the foundation of a healthy body. Bright white rice has been a symbol that has existed in the center of our hearts since ancient times. It is truly unchangeable. And above all, Shiro, this is your favorite food, right?

"Uh, well..."

Shiro seemed confused for some reason, but Neko seemed to like it. She exclaimed happily as tossed the coin.

"Hakumaito~!"

Nodding, Kuro took out a recorder filled with some words. He wanted to know what his former teacher would think of that name.

When he pressed the button, a soft and familiar voice rang.

"Happiness is wrapped in white rice."

Kuro looked at Shiro with a smug expression on his face.

Eh, Shiro laughed. He could see in his smile as if he had given up on something, but he still nodded.

"In fact, it may be perfect for us sitting around the chabudai. Very well, we, "Hakumaito", will work together and do our best!"

"Yes, I will do my best!"

Shiro looked at Neko with kind eyes as she raised her hands innocently. He put his hand on her head and said softly.

"Hisui Nagare called Neko "Ameno Miyabi"."

At that name, Kuro gasped.

Neko also widened her eyes and stared at Shiro.

She never talked about what Neko and Nagare talked about that day. Kuro and Shiro didn't dare to ask about it either. The fact that Hisui Nagare offered something to Neko and Neko rejected it was enough. Neko is her friend, a member of the Silver Clan. He didn't need to know anything more than that.

But still...

Shiro may have had some sort of responsibility. They held Neko. Therefore, it is possible that Neko has lost something.

"He must have researched and learned about Neko before she became Neko. If you ask him about it..."

At that moment, Neko tightly squeezed the hand that was placed on her own head.

"Shiro."

She called out loud and her shoulders moved. Neko's smile was as bright as the sun, in contrast to the anxious expression on her face.

"Wagahai is a cat! Shiro's cat!"

That's what she screamed.

At those words, Shiro blinked as if he had just woken up. Then he laughed lightly.

"I see. That's right, I'm sorry."

Kuro nodded as well and placed his hand on theirs.

"Neko and I are here as your friends. That's all that matters. This time, we will follow you to the end. I will not be an obstacle in your way."

"Wagahai too!"

At that moment, neither of them could follow Shiro.

A fight between "Kings". He was sure it will happen again this time. Even so, they will continue to follow Shiro. They already had a shared destiny. The three coins must never be separated again.

Shiro narrowed his eyes and almost nodded.

"Yes. Let's all go. To do that, we first need to find the location of "Jungle's" headquarters."

At that moment, something like an invisible shock ran through him.

Kuro and Neko could feel it too. However, it was Shiro who reacted the most sensitively. He instinctively held his head and fell on the table.

"Grr...!"

''Shiro?!''

''W-what happened?!''

During that time, the shocks were repeated again and again. Kuro was beginning to understand what were the waves that made the air tremble.

This is a heartbeat.

Heart beats. Blood pulse. Something is trying to send "power" while maintaining a certain rhythm.

To the ''King'', to the supernatural... No, probably, the objective is...

"...It's the "Slate"... it's Hisui Nagare!"

Holding his head, Shiro turned to the window and groaned softly.

"Finally, are you planning to start...?"

Kuro and Neko also looked out the window, as did Shiro, and saw him.

A gigantic column of light rose above the distant horizon.

+++++++++++

The pulsating waves became stronger and stronger.

The members of the ''Jungle'' clan watched with bated breath. Sukuna Gojou, Mishakuji Yukari, Kotosaka, Saruhiko Fushimi, and Tenkei Iwafune... all the J-Ranks were watching the scene.

The "Slate" is about to wake up.

The shackles that had kept it contained for more than half a century had been removed, and the "Slate" was screaming with joy.

Sound, light and power continued to pulse in harmony.

"So the time has finally come."

Iwafune's words seemed as if he had given up on something.

On the contrary, Hisui Nagare was trembling. It was as if his entire body was bathed in the heartbeat of the ''Slate'', absorbing it to his heart's content. He closed his eyes and felt the rhythm of his soul.

"Yes. It is here. The ''Slate'' will be released. We will be free. Finally..."

At that moment, a torrent of light erupted.

Explosive power surges from within the "Slate" and explodes as magma. Just as a seed grows into a bud, a bud into a shoot, and a shoot into a giant tree, the power it originally possessed is released and absorbed by the heavens.

The column of light rises from underground to the sky, shining brightly. It was a symbol of liberation and chaos. Yes, that's exactly what Hisui Nagare wanted.

''It's a revolution!''

Hisui Nagare exclaimed with excitement.

+++++++++++

Reisi Munakata watched silently.

The light emitted from the earth passes through the clouds, reaches the sky and rises even higher. It was a symbol of liberation. It was proof that the country's usual path of chaos had been contained and that the reality Munakata had been trying to avoid had finally arrived.

"Has it started yet? It saved me the trouble of searching, though."

Munakata turned on his heel and faced the column of light.

Many enemies will be waiting for him ahead. Now that he has revealed his whereabouts, Hisui Nagare must be fully prepared to defend himself. What Munakata had to defeat was "Jungle" himself.

On the other hand, Munakata is now alone. As a lone "King" without a clan, he must face him.

It was a battle that could not be won. "Jungle" is not only made up of ordinary clan members. The clan has two "Kings" and powerful Rankers that are comparable to them. It would have been suicidal for Munakata to fight alone after suffering defeat once.

But...

"I don't know how far I'll go, but I'll try to run to the limit."

Muttering that, Munakata stepped forward.

"That doesn't seem right, Munakata."

He heard a voice he shouldn't have heard.

He opened his eyes and looked back, but there was no one there. Fiery red hair and a calm beast look, nothing. Things that weren't supposed to be there were nowhere to be found.

He let out a self-deprecating smile.

"Absolutely."

If that person had existed, or they had stood together in front of that pillar... Those meaningless thoughts came to his mind. Munakata thought that his current self was not "typical" after all, so he began to leisurely walk on his account.

[dragynkeep]

I find it kind of weird that Miles has a massive hate boner and the only boner he will ever get in his life, you know towards Adam or any popular male character. If it's not love and adoration towards self-insert then I mean Jaune Arc that isn't no relationship towards Miles Luna nothing suspicious over here. It then might actually explain why a lot of the background characters I'm gonna say are kind of ugly for not attractive. At least there's a plus side Adam's concept art for his brand makes him very handsome you just need to slap an eye patch. Also, keep up the good work.

I get disliking characters that you made sometimes, but like my brother in Christ, you made these characters. It's also cause he straight up just doesn't understand the characters he's writing, or why people might connect with them when he can't.

Like yeah, people are gonna like Adam because he was an interesting character who opposed Blake's more pacifist methods, with an interesting background that connects to one of our main girls, with a Semblance like the other and a rose motif like their leader. It's why people use him to build more on the Faunus, Atlas and the SDC.

But Miles wrote him as a flat abusive racist and then happily talks about how much he hates Adam like he's a real person. Like you wrote Adam that way, while appropriating black struggles for this white ass character, and then make fun of people, a lot of whom are poc, when they bring this up and try to make something more for him.

Like get a grip.

[andhumanslovedstories]

I'll put my bias right up front: I'm someone who loved The Sandman ten years ago in high school where it was tremendously influential and meaningful to me, but I haven't read it in the intervening years. So all interaction I have with the show is a combination of nostalgia, overanalysis of my youth's media that I haven't thought about in a while, half-remembered recognition of story elements that blasted my tits off a decade ago, and a constant questioning attitude of "wait did they change that or did I not remember it correctly".

For me, the main problem of The Sandman TV show is that while the show is quite good at depicting the supernatural world, I don't like the plotlines with the straight up humans because I do not recognize their characterization as based in the real world. And unfortunately since Rose is our primary outsider to the magic world we spend time with, she becomes the crux of my issues. (I dislike Lyta and her plotline a lot more, but her characterization is not nearly as important to making the entire back half of the story work.)

Neither Rose nor Jed seem to react to their situations in a way that makes sense to me. Rose reacts to everything from "I have a long lost 118 year old great grandmother who gave birth while in a coma?" to "my friend is pregnant with her dead husband's dream baby" to "my brother who has disappeared from a house where his foster family has been murdered and now I'm getting a call from a man who just randomly has him and is driving him out of state" with the same level of like "huh. well that was weird." It makes sense when Abel reacts nonchalantly to his own murder because he's a mythological figure endlessly reenacting his own story. It doesn't make sense when Rose is as emotionally blasé about seeing a guy murder someone in front of her and then offer her a hotel room, because despite her role as a vortex, she's also a human being and we more or less know how humans generally react to things. You can (and should!) have characters act counter to our expectations, but you need to do the narrative character work.

But also part of this is the fault of the conceit. Like ROSE GIRL your ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat no matter happened last scene or the current emotional stakes? Undercuts narrative tension. I think the show could do a much better job with Rose's characterization over all because the cumulative effect of her scenes and her character decisions are of someone barely invested in the strangeness and stakes of what's going on around her.

(I'm also struggling to articulate how race fits into this and I hope someone smarter can better explore that or dispute me, but the change of Rose from a blonde white woman to a dark skinned black woman with relatively little changes to her story leaves some scenes feeling...unresolved? Like Rose, a black woman, raising her voice to the social worker who won't tell her about her brother, and then Lyta, a white woman, comes back privately to apologize for Rose's anger, at which point the social worker goes to check on this black child being fostered by two white people, in a room where the vibes are so rancid, and the social worker is like "I don't need to talk to the child privately, this is a good placement and I'm a good social worker"--there's something there! I don't know if the tv show should have pointed at that and gone "hey this is racism" but it feels underdeveloped in a way that undercuts the story line. It feels almost inorganic, or like a wasted opportunity to place Rose concretely in her surroundings in the waking world. But like I said, I am still thinking about this and would very much welcome other people's thoughts.)

I don't love being bothered by these things! It's very boring to watch an epic sprawling mythology like The Sandman and to be distracted by thoughts like "ummm actually it's wild that two people can just steal badges and sneak into the serial killer convention, is this one pedophile the only security at this function." Because if Rose was not there, I wouldn't be thinking that! It would be this surreal atmosphere unmoored from our reality. I'd be like sure! A serial killer convention! I love this! (And I really did love it in the comics, and might be misremembering its execution because it is such a dope idea for a setting. Such a dope idea can transcend issues of execution.) But instead, we have two outsiders, two human characters interacting with this convention, and instead of their presence grounding the scene with horrible reality, it's still so dreamlike. It feels neither magical enough to transcend nitpicks about logistics nor grounded enough to provide a contrast to the magical world and dreaming.

Anyway, genuinely looking forward to season two.

[misty-wisp]

did something big to make you dislike omori or was it just the hyperfixation wearing off

Like I personally am not here for omori stuff but I am curious (don’t answer this if you don’t want to idk)

i kinda just realized the game's writing sucks ass and the fandom is kinda lame and there's better stuff out there, LMAO

like don't get me wrong the game's well-crafted (for the most part) but the story and character writing is the weakest part. what fans assume is its strong character writing is mainly due to their own headcanons, theories, and interpretations and not what's clear-cut in the dialogue and events. there are some small details? but only so much. hell, even i fell into this trap. also omocat's a shit person lolololololololol

i think i also got super tired of the way the fandom's shaped. since it's a newer fandom, it's bound to have a lot of kids. and kids don't know a thing about what makes fandom good. from what i see (and from what others have observed iirc) modern fandoms have this issue where all the "content" is supposed to come from popular or skilled creators--not just fans in general. sure, you can draw, write, and share whatever you've got, but if you're not popular, super skilled in digital art, or just straight-up lucky, you're likely not going to get anywhere aside from a couple of notes here and there. and that's usually if the more popular blogs notice you. i can go on and on about how this is capitalism's fault but then we'd be here all day and i'd be biting off a lot more than i can chew and/or talking out of my ass

what i mean by this is, if you're going to craft a super long, arc-filled AU fanfic that serves as a sort of sequel to the source, and you're not popular or willing to bust your ass drawing art for it, do not go into it with dreams of people talking about how great the writing is and sharing their fanart outside of your friend or mutual circle. i had a wholeass crisis around the lack of attention i got despite what i thought was hard work in around june and lord almighty i think that's what really solidified my loss of interest.

also it's got that issue where if a fandom can't sustain itself on what's found in canon it's going to drown itself in AUs where the characters are completely unrecognizable and these people need to come up with OCs for the love of god. i'll admit my AU probably fell under this trap too but my glasses were too rose-tinted for me to see it

i think the main thing is just that it's really hard for me to draw or write for myself if it's a huge project i'm working on, so i'm really just sticking to RPing out longass narratives with my partner. and god that's been so much more enjoyable than posting chapters and getting like, minimal comments and reblogs on them. highly recommend

part of it's probably also got to do with an ex-friend of mine who used to be my beta reader? but hoooly shit that's a whole other tale i can spend ages covering

[palettepainter]

So happy to hear you liked the Jamie x Rand fic!

Do you have any headcanons about Jamie? Like her relationship with Janice or anything like that?

*chuckles and rubs my hands together* Oh, I have headcannons alright (and it was awesome I love Jamie and Rand sm!! They've got my opposites attract dynamic loving heart in their hands) this ended up a lot longer then I thought so I'll stick general headcannons at the top and then my thoughts on Jamie's and Janice's bond at the bottom! I discussed some of these ideas with @teds-topia who also writes Muppet works on AO3!

General Headcannons:

-I can't remember if this was said in the series but to me if felt like it was implied, Jamie is the younger twin

-Unlike Janice, Jamie's voice is very clear, she lacks that laid back, hippy drawl to her tone Janice has. She only ever sounds like that when she's drunk

-Jamie, as opposed to Janice, isn't much of a social butterfly. She's happy to add to a conversation if she feels like she can contribute something to it, but overall, she's a very driven, work focused person (picture S1 Twilight from MLP)

-Also unlike Janice, Jamie has a very straight laced job in marketing. She's a fine worker and quickly rose to the head of her department, she runs a tight ship but is actually quite fond of her work team and her job

-Despite her being the head of her department she's a very accepting person. When they where in school Jamie was one of the few who totally accepted Janice's hobbies, so she's pretty unphased by things others would consider weird or bizarre

-Always dresses very smartly, often in a blazer

-Jamie also has the ability to detect lies, however she is not allergic to them like Janice (Jamie still questions if one can actually be allergic to lies or not-)

-Can do large calculations without the need of a calculator

-She loves desk plants and is the type to give them all names. She's also heard that talking to plants can help them grow, but she gets very flustered when her co-workers overhear her quietly whispering words of encouragement to her cactus

-Since she works in marketing she can sometimes, unintentionally, come off as a little intense

-She doesn't like Floyd, it's not that she hates him, she just really, really, really, really dislikes him. She often feels awkward around him and is unsure of what to say so avoids him for both of their sakes. She also doesn't hold her tongue when she is forced to talk with Floyd, unlike Janice who often tries to see the good in every situation. Floyd tries to be nice, he's one of the few that knows of Janice having a sister, and he knows Janice misses Jamie deeply.

-She keeps an old picture in her wallet of her and Janice when they where younger

-While she does like to eat healthy like Janice Jamie isn't opposed to eating cheap microwave food or snacking on cold lasagne

-She likes routine and order, her parents never-ending support sort of back fired and it gave Jamie a strong people pleasing attitude, so when things change and she doesn't know how they'll end or how people will feel about her afterwards so she shy's away

-Behind her facade of professionalism she's actually a rather nervous, dorky individual. She enjoys documentaries on the rainforest, treating herself to an at-home spa day, going to zoo's and awing at the koala's and interior decorating

Jamie's and Janice's relationship:

-Janice and Jamie where born to two very normal, average, if a little dull and strict at times, parents. They both worked your typical 9-5 jobs with their mother taking on less hours after Janice and Jamie where born

-They where a lot closer as kids, in primary school they loved pulling the prank of pretending to be each other, confusing their poor teachers. All harmless fun, they never got into any real trouble (aside from the few times they snuck frogs and wild mice into school in their pockets). It was when the two entered their teens and went into secondary school did their bond hit a bump in the road

-Janice was a friendly student. She was bright, got along well with her teachers, and was totally unphased by classroom bullies (or so she let them believe)...but she wasn't the brightest bulb. Janice did very poorly with her grades, only really excelling in art and music. Jamie on the other hand, was very good academically! She was considered the "teachers pet". However, where Jamie excelled in her learning, she sort of sucked at making friends, preferring to instead keep to herself or shuffle behind her sister who was always the better one with talking (best way to imagine Jamie in school would be S1 Twilight from MLP)

-With Jamie being the nerdy kid with no actual friends she grew up very lonely in her later years at school, and clung to Janice fiercely. Jamie would always, always shut bullies down if she heard them muttering about her sister, she would always help Janice with her studying and try to phrase their studying material in a way she'd understand, she'd always support Janice and her weird fascination with crystals (Jamie didn't really understand Janice and her unusual hobbies relating to crystals, aurora readings and yoga, but Janice was happy and that's what mattered to her). Janice was Jamie's confidence boost, her rock to lean on and shield to hide behind when social stuff got too much, and in turn, Janice turned to Jamie first when it came to help with her homework, or to gossip about the newest energy reading she'd picked up from the new student that joined

-Years go by, Jamie graduates with high grades while Janice barely scrapped by. Over the years of the two being in school their parents ended up pushing Jamie a lot. Janice insisted her talents simply lied else where, which her parents took as her being dismissive of her studies. Janice's and Jamie's parents weren't cruel, but Janice never felt truly understood at home (it's referenced in some of the muppet movies that Janice's mum in particular often disagreed with her way of living). Naturally, their disappointment and frustration at Janice only turned into a reason to push Jamie to achieve high grades

-Jamie did genuinely want Janice to be happy, but she also wanted her sister to...well, get an actual job that paid in something other then "good vibes". Sure her crystals looked nice, and Jamie was glad they made Janice happy, but aurora readings and trapping negative vibes in crystals wouldn't pay bills. So, Janice gets a job, she bounces around a few but eventually settles into a groove of working in a hair saloon. Jamie goes off to have some high paying job, their parents couldn't be prouder! But Janice is not happy, in fact, she's utterly, down right miserable. In a spur of the moment like situation Janice quits her job and declares she's leaving to find her destiny, it didn't exactly go down well at dinner with their parents.

-Janice packs her things in a huff and despite Jamie pleading for Janice to not leave, to not go, to please just stay and they can talk this whole thing over and have a good laugh tomorrow if she'd just stay, Janice insists she's going. Both of them where emotional and may have said some hurtful things, things that neither of them really meant. (side note Jamie totally didn't spend the following weeks sick with worry, totally didn't buy some crystals meant to wish good luck to loved ones in hopes Janice would be okay and come home-). Jamie felt like Janice leaving her alone and that made Jamie scared, and Janice felt like Jamie was just siding with their parents by not believing in her

-This idea was discussed with @teds-topia: Years go by where the two don't talk but life eventually leads to the two sister bumping into each other when they're young adults, when Janice and the band are passing through Janice's home town. By some coincidence, Jamie happened to be in town for work, and the two end up wondering into each other. After their shock and unsure greetings, the two begin to relax, just a smidge, and talk about how life has been treating them. Jamie admits she's very happy to see Janice, glad that she's home, glad that Janice has come back and they can make up and be sisters again

But no, Janice happily tells her that she's joined a band, that they're just passing through for supplies, that she's on a spiritual journey discovering her calling. Isn't is wonderful Jamie?? Jamie does not thin it's wonderful, she thinks its stupid. Janice was just- just going to follow around a bunch of strangers around the world just for some dumb spiritual journey malarkey?! Jamie it crushed at the realisation that Janice really didn't come back for her, to say sorry. Janice is hurt that Jamie is being so rude and dismissive of her journey of growing. Another argument breaks out, the band beginning to awkwardly glance over at the commotion that sounds less than friendly, especially from their laid back, always happy Janice

The two sisters storm off with a huff, Janice unnaturally grumpy for the rest of the ride on the road. When Jamie gets home she promptly screams into the nearest pillow she can grab, then kicked the door and bruised her foot. She swears up and down that she is thoroughly done with Janice! To hell with Janice and her stupid soul growing journey. So what if she wanted to travel to god-knows-where with a buncha weird strangers she barely knew, if things went south it was gonna be her fault! She didn't need Janice anyway, hpmh! (Jamie still keeps that picture of her and Janice from when they where kids, often finding herself staring at it in thought when she's feeling lost herself, hoping that Janice is remembering to eat well and that she's doing okay, where-ever she is)

-I'm not too sure how these two eventually make up and become family again but I imagine it ended with the two gross sobbing and hugging

[hangeslefteye]

s/o: "I like levi's height, it's perfect for putting his head in my chest and forehead kissing"

AAAAH Levi with taller women is everythingggg <3 (öhm Hange öhöhöm) But he would get sooo insecure like remember the scene where they build train rails and Levi was ''When did you all got so big???''to boys D::: He's absolutely to type to wear hidden heels to feel better.I hope I can catch his character thank you so much for your requestt <33 I LOVEEE ANONS <33 ASK ME ANYTHİNGGG, ABOUT ANY CHARACTERR <333

***

''C'mon we alredy lost the sight of Connie and Hange''you yelled as you pulled Levi from his hand and began to run.''Oi slow brat''he called for you as he hesistated for a second.You two really had to hurry not just because of Hange and Connie but Sasha also.As soon as scout's ship landed on Marley they just began to run around excitedly and you were afraid she was going to hunt a 'car'.

As you two run behind them you heard Levi moaning with pain and faltering.''You alright?''you asked worriedly.''Yeah...let's just catch up with these idiots''he said when trying to walk but you understood something was wrong.''No, take a sit for a second''you said as you led him to side pavement.''I said I'm good''he said grumply but his face was distorted with pain.''Levi have you sprained your ankle?''you asked him.

Even if he angrily muttered''I know how to walk on straight road''he decided to sit for a moment.That's when you realised something was different with his shoes.''What's with that?''you asked showing his shoes.Were they heeled inside???No way.''N-nothing''he turned his face away from yours.''Levi are you wearing heels?''you croutched down next to him.You knew he disliked the height gap you two had so you stopped wearing heels a long time ago.''We can go now.''he said getting up still not facing you.But you too rose up to held his shoulders.''Levi no,your height is perfect.''As you spoke his eyes went back to yours like a scolded kid, he didn't wanted to talk about this.''I like kissing your forehead while you listen my heartbeat''you said softly.With this he closed his eyes and silently fell a little more into your arms.You lazily kissed his temple.''But those shoes needs to go''you mumured,lips still pressed on his temple.A muffled''mhhm''was the only thing you heard.

[ficreadergirl]

Dangerous Inquiries (ch.18)

"Roy? Ginger Roy?" he asked confused.

"Yep! What about him?" you questioned.

"Nothing!" he quickly responded.

"Really?" you asked disbelievingly. He avoided your gaze, avoiding to look at you. What was wrong? "Is something wrong?" you asked.

He sighed, shaking his head. "It's nothing. Nothing important. Forget it."

"No. Tell me." you persisted.

"No, really, Y/n. There's nothing you need to know. It's just... I just think you two might get along." he said hesitantly. You raised an eyebrow.

"Get along? You know him?" you questioned.

He paused for a brief moment before responding. "Yes. We used to work together." he explained.

"Used to?" you frowned.

"Yes. We lost touch recently though. Just forget about it." he replied, refusing to meet your gaze. You studied him for a few seconds before speaking again.

"Okay then..." you simply replied. You weren't sure what else to say.

"I have to leave now. Have a nice date I guess." he said awkwardly before walking off.

You let out a sigh. What did he mean by 'lost contact'? Did he really lose contact with him or was he lying to you. You shook your head. Whatever it was didn't matter right now. All that mattered was him coming back soon.

You started to get ready to meet with Roy. After about twenty minutes you arrived at the cafe. As soon as you stepped foot inside, you instantly spotted Roy. He was sitting at a table by the window. You headed toward him.

Once you sat down he immediately stood up to approach you.

"Hey, Y/N. How are you doing?" he asked politely.

"I'm good. Thanks." you responded smiling happily.

"So, about the date..." he trailed off, looking straight ahead. You noticed how nervous he actually looked.

"Yes... uhh... look. That wasn't my idea. This date I mean." you admitted embarrassed.

"Guys want to see us together I guess." he muttered. "So... should we split or order something and eat?" he asked. You glanced at him and chuckled lightly.

"Let's order something."

You both ordered some foods. Soon the waiter came back, bringing food for you guys. You two exchanged glances before grabbing your food. "Thanks for the meal." Roy said. You smiled gratefully at the waiter. Once he left you both started eating. Neither of you spoke much until you decided to broke the silence.

"So... you were working with Jason Todd?" you asked him curiously. He looked at you for a second before answering.

"Yeah." he answered simply.

"What happened?" you wondered.

"Nothing." he replied. Your eyebrow furrowed. He sounded defensive. He obviously disliked talking about it. You tried to figure it out, but you honestly couldn't. Maybe it was too personal.

You were silent for another minute. "You still work with Dick?" you asked curious.

"Yes. What happened?" he asked. He glanced at you, waiting patiently for your answer.

"Well... I'll be working with him after next day." you explained.

"What exactly you can do?" he questioned, sounding extremely interested.

"Well... law stuff mostly." you explained. He looked at you confused.

"Law stuff?" he questioned.

"Oh yeah. I'll graduate from law school tomorrow." you informed him. He remained quiet for a moment. His eyebrows rose slightly as his eyes widened slightly.

"Law?" he finally blurted out.

"Yeah. That's what you're surprised by?" you asked him raising your eyebrow.

"I uhm... I'm not surprised. I thought you were talking about-" he trailed off, clearly unsure whether to continue his sentence.

"About what?" you urged him on wanting to know. He continued staring at you blankly but still seemed reluctant to answer.

"Nevermind." he murmured.

Your eyes narrowed as a small frown appeared on your lips. Something seemed very fishy. He didn't seem as happy as before and he was clearly trying to avoid making eye contact with you. What the heck was he hiding? You stared at him, trying to figure him out. It was almost impossible since his face was hidden behind a mask. But you felt he was hiding something.

"Alright. If you don't wanna talk about it..." you trailed off. You figured maybe you shouldn't push him. You could scare him. Now Jason wasn't in town and in country you needed all sources you have.

"Do you always give people that look?" he asked breaking the tense silence.

"Excuse me?"

"The one where you're trying to figure out everything about everyone. The one where you just stare at them for a while without saying a word."

You blushed slightly at his statement.

"Sorry. I didn't mean anything by it." he apologized.

"It's fine. You're right. I should stop it. I'm sorry." you apologized.

"Why are you sorry? Don't apologize. It's natural act for a Gotham citizen." he responded. You let out a chuckle. He was right.

"You are right. It's a curse for Gotham people." you said amused. He chuckled.

You two finished lunch silently, neither of you uttering a single word. When the lunchtime was over, you thanked the waiter. You walked outside, and waited at the entrance for Roy. He arrived not long after.

"I'll drive you home or?" he offered. You smiled.

"Thanks but I can go by myself. Uhm..." you hesitated before speaking again.

"What's wrong?" he questioned.

"For tomorrow... graduation day. Did Kory tell you anything?" you asked him softly.

"She told me I should be your company for tomorrow." he replied.

"You don't have to if you don't want. It's really fine." you assured him hastily.

"I don't mind a little dancing." he said with a smile, causing a smile to form on your face as well.

"Great! I'll send you location of-" you began to explain, but he stopped you.

"I know where you live Y/n. I'll pick up you at 2. Is that okay or you need more time?" he requested. You hesitated for a while. You hadn't expected him to pick you up.

"No. It's o-" you started to say, before suddenly being cut off.

"I'll be there by 2. Now you want to go home or anywhere tell me and I'll drive. Okay?" he interrupted.

"Okay." you agreed.

You were at home after 20mins drive. You directly went into the bathroom for shower. After shower you got dressed and headed downstairs. As soon as you entered the kitchen you saw a gift box on the counter. It was wrapped neatly with a red bow on top of it. You furrowed your brows. Red? It wasn't Red Hood right? It had to be someone else. You cautiously reached out to open it. Once you tore the ribbon away it revealed an eyepatch. Your heart skipped a beat as you realized who it belonged to. It was white haired woman. Shit! You froze unable to move a single muscle. Why would she send you that? Did Red Hood realize you're after him? What if they hurt Dick, Kory and Jason? Suddenly your vision became blurry. Your breathing picked up speed. You tried to calm yourself down. It took you awhile to realize you were trembling. You forced yourself to take deep breaths. You slowly lowered your hand and placed it against the countertop. Your heart rate slowly returned to normal.

After taking several deep breaths and calming yourself down you took your phone to call Jason. Before you even managed to dial him his response came through.

"Hi Y/n." he greeted.

"Are you okay?" you asked nervously.

He paused for a couple of seconds.

"Yeah I'm fine." he replied. "What's up?"

"It's just... I got a present from that woman. Uhm... she sent me an eyepatch." you replied nervously. He stayed silent for a couple of seconds and then responded.

"Listen carefully. Pack your stuff and go to Dick or Kory. Don't stay there anymore."

"Wait, wha-"

"I'm serious. Go now." Jason repeated. You didn't understand what was going on so you listened anyways. After hanging up you quickly packed your things and texted Kory if you could stay at her house for some time. Kory agreed. Shortly after you finished packing and texting her, you grabbed your bag and headed to her apartment.

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