#this is literally what happens in ch 2 and 7…

[hanzajesthanza]

lady of the lake is like. nimue and condwiramurs join their autistic powers to summon ciri, the patron saint of autism

[svsss-fanon-exposed]

Examining SVSSS Canon: 1/∞

SHEN YUAN'S PIDW-READING TIMELINE

One question and argument that comes up frequently in SVSSS fandom is, how long did Shen Yuan read PIDW for? Was he following it from early serialization, or did he simply binge everything toward the end?

This question isn't exactly one that is easy to answer either-- considering that there are actually various direct quotes that could be read in contradiction to one another regarding it.

Based on the information in the novel, we are left with several potential theories as to Shen Yuan's reading timeline. In this post, I will be presenting these theories, along with supporting evidence from the novel.

Theory #1: Shen Yuan picked up PIDW and binge-read it from beginning to end for the first time in 20 days before dying

This theory is directly supported with a quote:

He’d spent twenty days binging the novel from start to finish, so he had clean forgotten that whump-filled arc of pointless abuse that covered Luo Binghe’s beginnings at the sect, okay?! (7 Seas, Ch. 1)

In the original text, this line is 他可是看了二十天才看完的. Broken down, this is literally "he indeed read it (他可是看了), it took him twenty days (二十天才）to read the whole [novel] (看完的)."

*note 可是 may also be equivalent to "however" or "but" in some circumstances, but is generally used to provide emphasis.

However, depending on where one puts the emphasis and pairs syllables in the last part, there could be different interpretations. If read as 看 完的 it implies "read the entire thing," but if read as 看完 的，it implies "finished reading." I read it the first way, but I don't know if that is the "most correct," so there is some ambiguity there.

It is also implied later that PIDW was already very long and full of plot holes when he began reading it:

So, if back when he’d just opened this baffling book, this Proud Immortal Demon Way, which was so full of landmines that it was practically high art, to the point that those landmines had become its very style... He would definitely have grabbed the brick that was the entire fifty-volume set and showed them what their brains looked like when splattered across the ground. (7 Seas, Ch. 21)

Though this could be related to the final length of the novel, and the "fifty-volume set" is likely exaggeration or metaphor. In one of his forum posts, he also says:

I understand what OP is feeling. I’ve been reading this novel lately, and it’s so damn long—long and pumped full of filler... ...All my fellow readers have already roasted the setting for the last three hundred thousand words, so I won’t say more on that. (7 Seas, Ch. 26)

This part where he says he has been reading the novel lately, implies that he began not too long ago, rather than following it for years. Of course, Airplane already at this point finds his username and comments familiar:

His eyes automatically highlighted that familiar ID “Peerless Cucumber.” (7 Seas, Ch. 26)

So it could also be said that he is downplaying his dedication with that statement. He does, however, state that the other readers have roasted the setting, but doesn't mention that he himself has done so. Additionally, the "three-hundred thousand words" mentioned may refer to the comment section, not the novel itself, so there is still some ambiguity to that point.

Theory #2: Shen Yuan has been reading PIDW long-term throughout serialization

There are multiple quotes directly supporting this theory:

He could guarantee it on all the youth and frustrations he’d wasted following this twenty-million-word-plus serialization for years. (7 Seas, Ch. 6)

and

Everything that had happened before was as unto smoke. From today forth, as he walked the jianghu, he would use this ID, which had been plastered all over the comments section for years. (7 Seas, Ch. 9)

The second quote may refer to comments sections on Zhongdian literature in general, but the first one is more directly referring to PIDW. There is a slim but unlikely possibility that he referrs to the years he has spent within the PIDW universe, rather than just reading the novel. That possibility is made even less likely by the following quote:

Next, let a veteran reader of this novel, Shen Yuan, omit the countless fanservice-y details and concisely summarize the million-word epic for everyone… (7 Seas, Ch. 1)

Where it refers to him as a veteran reader of PIDW specifically (and this TL is consistent with the original implications). It's unlikely for him to be referred to as a veteran reader if he had only been reading the novel for twenty days.

As one can see, if you go by either of the above theories, there are direct conflicts and contradictions, and arguments to be made either way. This could be written off as inconsistency. However, there are two additional options and theories which can resolve those conflicts.

Theory #3: Shen Yuan had been a casual reader of PIDW for years, but rushed to finish reading it through to the end in 20 days

One possibility is that Shen Yuan had been reading PIDW casually over several years, but wasn't caught up by the time his death drew near. Shen Yuan's cause of death is a matter for another post, so I won't discuss it here, but the following quote lends some support to this reading:

“Dumbfuck author, dumbfuck novel!” With his dying breath, Shen Yuan spat this final curse. Who could have imagined that an upstanding young man like him—who had properly purchased the website’s VIP currency and read the novel’s official version—would find himself persevering before his untimely death to finish a novel so stallion, so money-grubbing and overly padded, that it left him speechless with rage? How could he not curse? (7 Seas, Ch. 1)

Here, it seems that Shen Yuan may have been aware of his upcoming death, and so he may have wanted to hurry and finish reading the novel before he died. In the original text, the phrase is: 临终之前坚持看完的, which can be broken down as "before his untimely/sudden death (临终之前), he persisted to finish reading [the novel] (坚持看完的）, though this may also be read as "he persisted in reading the entire novel," depending on how one puts emphasis in the sentence (same issue as the first quote in theory 1). 临终 means literally "near the end," but is a term for death or one's deathbed. Another way to translate 临终之前 would be "before meeting his end."

So, because he was persisting/persevering in finishing the novel (either the whole thing or just to the end), it may be that he expected his incoming death, or that he simply wished to persist in reading the novel to its end and his death still occured unexpectedly.

坚持 implies some level of urgency or steadfastness, but it may not refer to reading the novel quickly, but simply dedication to slogging through all of the bad porn and reading it to the end, rendering this theory a bit shaky.

Theory #4: Shen Yuan had been reading PIDW since early serialization, but re-read the entire thing in the 20 days before his death

This theory would resolve all potential conflicts-- making it true that he both followed PIDW's serialization for years and read the whole novel in 20 days. As to why he re-read the full novel, perhaps it was because the final chapter had been posted or was coming up, and he wished to reread from the start in preparation for that-- this could also drive him into an even greater rage about the contents of the novel and how repetitive and filler-heavy it is, as this would become more and more obvious on a binge-reread from start to end.

One weakness in this theory, though (pointed out by @verycharismaticdragon) is that if he read it twice, it would be less likely for him to completely forget details as mentioned in the first quote. Not entirely impossible-- one can still forget details even after multiple read-throughs, but just less likely to completely forget.

Theory #5: When Shen Yuan began reading PIDW, he binged all available chapters in twenty days, before following it consistently afterwards.

(theory courtesy of @verycharismaticdragon)

While this would not be particularly likely if the quote from theory 1 and the quote from theory 3 were linked together, those two quotes don't necessarily have to be linked-- it's possible that Shen Yuan would have binged the entire novel as it was at the time he found it in twenty days, then decided to continue reading as it updated, persisting and persevering because he wanted to reach the end despite the novel's trashiness, and then ended up dying.

Particularly, this makes a lot of sense in the context of the following quote:

Even though this famous Lord Cucumber spewed criticism constantly and without end in “Great Master” Airplane’s comments sections, his subscription payments and demands for updates never waned. (7 Seas, Ch. 26)

If Shen Yuan hadn't been caught up with the novel (as theory 3 would state) then it wouldn't make quite so much sense for him to be demanding updates, and if he hadn't been reading it for even a full month, there was no reason for him to make consistent subscription payments.

*******

Ultimately, which theory you choose to believe depends somewhat on the way you view canon-- whether the seemingly contradicting statements were intentional, or whether they were merely a consistency error.

These are the only theories that I can think of, but feel free to add any additional theories + support quotes and analysis if you have them!

One final note, in regards to WHEN DID SHEN YUAN START READING?

If it's true that Shen Yuan began reading PIDW earlier in serialization, how early was that point? Was he reading it from the beginning, or did he start later?

I personally believe it was later. Though he says he was following the novel for years, that could mean anywhere from two to four years since the total serialization of PIDW took place over four years:

How could someone who’d cursed “dumbfuck author, dumbfuck novel” remember ancient content from the beginning of a serialized novel that had been running for four years and covered an in-narrative span of two hundred years? (7 Seas, Ch. 1)

While it's hard to place exactly when he started reading, it seems that Shen Yuan began to read PIDW before the Immortal Alliance Conference arc, as he discusses the novel's online performance before that point:

Before this event, Proud Immortal Demon Way’s performance online had been steadfastly lukewarm. But once the Immortal Alliance Conference Arc debuted, the reviews, comments, subscriptions, and tips all soared into the heavens. It wasn’t only because from that point forward, “Great Master” Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky abandoned the last of his already minimal moral principles... there was another important “it” factor. It was, in fact, the main element that had first compelled Shen Qingqiu to follow the novel until the end. The demonic beasts! (7 Seas, Ch. 4)

It also seems that he wasn't entirely dedicated to reading the novel before then. However, he may have caught up with the serialization a bit later-- for example, if he started reading just before the conference, he would have known that it was a little-known novel before, and been able to watch the rise in popularity in real time even if he himself hadn't caught up to the conference just yet, before only deciding to dedicate to reading the full novel once he caught up to that part.

There are many possibilities and uncertainties in regards to Shen Yuan's reading timeline, but I do think there is enough information here to form decently solid theories-- so I will leave it to my readers to decide, now that the information has been presented, which ones they think are most likely and which they wish to use in their analysis.

[hellfire--cult]

Baring Teeth {Eddie Munson x Reader} - Chapters and Warnings

Picture for Banner: pitifulbaby

Chapters: Warnings - Ch. 1 - Ch. 2 - Ch.3 - Ch. 4 - Ch. 5 - Ch. 6 - Ch. 7 - Ch. 8 🔥 - Ch. 9 🔥 - Ch. 10 - Ch. 11 - Ch. 12 - Ch. 13 - Ch. 14 - Ch. 15

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Non-Traditional Omegaverse, Slow burn, Modern!AU

Warnings: Ab*se, Violence, Mental Health, Cursing, Smut, oral sex, p in v, unprotected sex, A/B/O dynamics but not explicit, dirty talking, breeding kink, bdsm, choking, mental abuse, manipulation, depression, self sabotage

Crossposted on: Wattpad & AO3

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

Summary:

The world only reigns in Betas, the middle in between an Alpha and Omega, someone who provides children with the adequate amount of treatments and prescriptions in medications, making them fertile. That is how the world procreated and mutated into just this kind of gender.

Alphas and Omegas were a myth.

Normal jobs, normal people, normal life, great friends. That's what you want. But of course, there's always a needle somewhere that pokes and doesn't stop. Yours was called Eddie Munson.

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

This has Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics. Let me be clear, NONE of this is going to be relevant till a certain part of the story. It is a very important dynamic indeed, but there's no explicit behaviour in the characters at the beginning or in the middle of it. Like literally, PACKS DO NOT EVEN EXIST.

The smut will be MILD. I know that Omegaverse tends to go EXPLICIT, but I do not write that. There will be at some point, mentions of rut, heat, and other things that I will explain along the way. But if you are uncomfortable at some point, do not read. There will be though, dirty talking, because it cannot really be avoided. But it won't happen in all the smut, I promise.

Just treat this as a normal Enemies to Lovers AU, until the Omegaverse lore appears which won't be too explicit.

No Stranger Things lore involved.

Slowburn, of course. 

Specific topics will be included that may be triggering to some: ab*se, violence, drugs, mental health, and cursing.

There'll be no usage of Y/N in this story. 

I do not own ANY of the characters involved.

The picture of Eddie in the cover (Which is property of Pitifulbaby on tumblr) is actually how Eddie looks in this AU. Same old metal head, just with a beard and using manbuns.

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

Now: Let's go over some definitions if you are not familiar in the Omegaverse universe. (ADAPTED TO THIS STORY, OF COURSE)

- Alphas: In some stories, they may exhibit "dominant" behavior or have other temperamental quirks. They are able to impregnate Omegas. Male Alphas usually have a knot when aroused, and they go into rut for a specific amount of time.

- Betas: Betas are often presented as having "normal" human anatomy, with none of the special attributes of Alphas or Omegas. They may be the peacemakers between Alphas and Omegas. They cannot impregnate or get pregnant if not going through special treatment to do so.

- Omegas: They can get pregnant and go into heat for a few days, depending the person. Omegas are often portrayed as the most fragile of the hierarchy, with frailer bodies and painful presentations.

Alphas and Omegas have SCENT glands. They have them on their neck, wrists, and sometimes on their ankles. While Alphas scents are usually musky, dominant, rough; Omegas have a sweet, peachy kind of smell.

This scent only becomes stronger as they go into rut or in heat.

Alphas and Omegas also have a Mating gland, something that Betas do not have. This is always positioned between the junction of the neck and shoulder, and they have to bite one another to seal their bond, and be forever mates. 

It can happen that one of the two might not seal the bond, and not bite the other person. The bite will disappear in time, as well as the bond that the person that bit created, but it is a painful process for the biter. 

As there are no Alphas or Omegas in this story, the world is as we know it, except for the fertility treatments people have to go through to get a baby. 

There are no packs, no 'pups' as people call the children in this AU.

(If you have more questions, please don't be afraid to ask!)

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

Follow me for updates! ❤️

[starberry-cupcake]

I have made up from last time that was about only one chapter, this time we have 5 in a row. We finished act one, fam!

previously, in harrowbean the ninth:

this happened

I want to also thank you for all your nice comments and replies, I read every single one, I promise ♥

ch. 7 to 11 summarized terribly, here we go:

it's time to cross the river

difficult task to perform

as someone who lives literally surrounded by rivers, in every direction, I can relate

my rivers don't carry ghouls though, as far as I know

I mean, there are ghost and cryptid legends, but not ghouls that stick to the windshield of a spaceship like bugs

like these ones do

so harrow and yandere twin aren't doing fantastic

yandere twin loses it in like the first 2 seconds

harrow sees the ghosts of all the ninth kids who died for her to be alive

there's water also, but that part sounds very relaxing, actually

getting covered by water but not needing to breath

I'd be there forever tbh

but we can't, because ghoulies

mercygirl is still doing sound effects like kronk

btw we're changing her name to mercygirl because it's what I've been calling her now

I have been told by a number of you that mercygirl is your camilla so I apologize for disrespecting your blorbina

I might do it again, if the situation arises, though

mercygirl is piloting the ship and emperor the fool is just chillin' until he realizes harrow is walking about and doing theorems, which they didn't think she'd be in a state to do, so they didn't tell her not to do it

these people half-assing plans, who would have thought

mercygirl calls the emperor john

emperor johnnyboy tries telling harrow to come back from her state because she's in too deep and it's becoming dangerous

mercygirl stars talking about the death of cassiopeia (another name that's easy to remember)

says cassiopeia had a ceramics collection, which makes her worthy of all my respect

harrow was thinking "five", idk what it's about

next thing we know, we're back to our gideonless retelling of gideon

in this version, teacher explains things

he says the house was inhabited previously by "ten normal human beings of the Resurrection, though half were blessed already with necromantic gifts"

I'm tired of MATH

he says they left blueprints, he tells them about the Sleeper, he tells them how not to awaken it, he tells them about the trap door, he tells them what's under the trap door, he asks them to work together...

you know what this is like

it's like reading gideon was entering a new game and skipping every tutorial they give you

and reading this is like clicking every NPC's info and reading all that they say

ANYWAY, here is where ortus 1...

wait, this is going to be confusing

I want to call ortus from the ninth "ortus 1" and the new guy "ortus 2"

because ninth ortus was the first to show up

but new ortus is actually older and also is ortus the first

we're gonna go with ortus and lyctor!ortus, for now

so, as I was saying, this is were ortus starts becoming much more insistent in these "flashbacks" about him not being the right choice

which, he's not wrong

we know he's not wrong

and harrow is saying stuff like "unless you can summon matthias nonius" (matthias nonius is becoming a recurrent thing, let's remember harrow compared gideon to him at one point)

and ortus goes "I don't understand why you chose me" to which harrow says "there was nobody else" and ortus exasperatedly says "you never did posses an imagination"

VERY IMPORTANT THING

a skeleton turns around when they're walking and says "is this how it happens?"

we'll come back to that shortly

REMEMBER IT

(I know you all remember it, you've read this already, just act like I'm dora the explorer and play along)

next chapter starts in not!dulcinea's funeral

I'm sad I used the oliver queen grave meme already, I can't use it again to express my feelings

I'm gonna use the steel magnolias scene where they laugh at the funeral instead

so, we are introduced to the famous augustine who's name I will remember

there's some conversation about first and second generations and about not!dulcinea being chosen, and Emperor Johnny Bravo says "we were all there to meet her, all sixteen of us"

MORE MATH

I guess she was the last one of these, but maybe we knew that already, I feel we knew that already

apparently, not!dulcinea was the most reluctant to slurp her cavalier, but that didn't stop any of them, not even her, so

Emperor Johnny Quest says "for god's sake" and harrow thinks "the god who became a man and yet still invoked himself, apparently"

when she's right, she's right

that's better commentary than I could make

I have to respect augustine a little bit because he asked "which one of the kiddies did her in?" and I thought that was hilarious

he is called the saint of patience, which makes my previous comment about them being named via sarcasm very correct

it's like captain planet or the power rangers but chosen as funnily as possible

they start summoning lyctor!ortus by saying that he's interested in "you-know-what", which is both suspicious and childish and the vibes of these lyctors are all over the place

augustine thinks something's wrong, which is an understatement at this point, but ok

lyctor!ortus comes in as if summoned by the gossip and harrow calls him "the next terrible part of your life" which is saying something

lyctor!ortus comes with news of the seventh beast or whatnot that's trailing them

harrow bleeds from her ears and smashes her head on the next available surface to pass out

the mood

who could blame her

this lyctor job is terrible

it's like the end of drop dead gorgeous and harrow is kristen dunst

I'm not explaining that, in case you haven't watched a classic

we are back to the "flashbacks" and we've got a special appearance from the fifth

*studio audience claps and cheers*

they say they prefer to look into books than going downstairs, which is something one would consider if one had known what the fuck was downstairs from the start

abigail also does sound effects like mercygirl, it's catching on

abigail finds a piece of a recipe note that mentions an M and a Nigella

still no G&P

we know nigella is the cav of cassiopeia, the ceramics collector

I remember nigella's name because of the cook, which makes it funnier that it's a recipe

M could be mercygirl

abigail also gives harrow a note

abigail says that she'd like to summon the ghost of a lyctor but she's not sure how that could work or where they go when they die

ortus, magnus and abigail, in this gideonless version, are a polycule

I am convinced of that

while they're talking, magnus says "is this really how it happens?"

REMEMBER I SAID WE'D BRING THAT BACK

IT'S BACK

abigail starts telling harrow that she's got the energy of a lot of dead kids in her and harrow storms out

harrow gets angry when ortus calmly agrees about things and she doesn't want to look into why

I WONDER WHY THAT IS

harrow looks at abby's note again and now there's text on it

it's a longer version of the note she found before

it's a rant

it mentions dead eggs, implantation, some guy being sent after the OP, said guy taking pity on OP

OP is mad about all of this and doesn't use punctuation

what ortus reads isn't what harrow reads, once again

NOW THIS BIT

"ortus, I need a cavalier with a backbone" "You always did and I am glad, I think, that I never became that cavalier"

the gideon points keep adding up

harrow then goes to sleep and is like this

final thing in act I, in chapter 11, is harrowbean stabbing not!dulcinea again, which

always make sure, it's like resident evil in here

just in case, let's stab her a bunch of times

so, are these "flashbacks" happening in real time whenever harrow isn't conscious?

is it her trying to remember what actually happened?

or is it her trying to hide it?

was there actually a longer period of time between the defeat of not!dulcinea and the emperor Jon Arbuckle coming to pick them up?

a period of time in which harrow learned things that made her write those letters?

and in which something happened regarding gideon?

is the note of the implantation also related?

why was gideon born in space?

of course I'm not asking you, please don't spoil anything, I'm just asking the void of desperation and chaos right now

we'll see if any of this gets answered soon or if I just get more questions

also, guess who wasn't mentioned

see you on the next one!! I'll try to get back to the awesome replies I've been getting soon ♥

[professional-idiots]

TBHK Ch.110–Thoughts and feelings

1. I don’t even know what to say about this. LIKE!!?!!?! Especially because Akane always said that supernaturals only ever think about themselves!!! GUYS… I wonder if this is gonna affect him as a character and his outlook on the supernatural (anyway they’re literally siblings and I was sobbing)

2. SOOO CURIOUS ABOUT THIS!!!! What’s the significance?? Is it a functional key? Probably… and if so what does it open?? Maybe it controls the clock somehow???? So many possibilities 😭

3. WHEN I TELL YOU I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE HIM. This is my SON. I love him so much and I was so happy natsuhiko went to go find him 😭😭😭😭

4. He trusts him so fully!!! He genuinely thought natsuhiko was coming to save him!! He thought they were—if not friends then at least *friendly* HE THOUGHT HE COULD TRUST HIM

5. When I tell you my heart DROPPED (but I am excited by all this yorishiro talk—more on that later)

6. TBHK character stop shoving strange substances into Mitsuba’s mouth challenge (level: impossible)

7. MYYYY BABY MY BABY YOURE MY BABY SAY IT TO ME!!! IIIII BET ON LOSING DOGGGSSSSS

(AND ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PREVIOUS ALMOST DEATH)

8. Friendly reminder that Teru is the worst boyfriend ever (he’s actively watching Akane eat shit)

9. I need someone with better media literacy than me to explain what the FUCK is up with these guys bc I feel like I know but like I don’t…. Every time I think I understand shit gets weird again. Like I’m following the story but I cannot analyze this

10. HIS FACCEEEEE 😭😭😭😭😭

OK THIS CHAPTER WAS AMAZING!!! I’m so scared for 111 bc WHAT IS GONNA HAPPEN!!!! I have so many theories and ideas and ughughughugh it was so good (even though everything that happened was bad) 8/10 (I’m giving this rating kind of arbitrarily so don’t read into it too much)

So on the yorishiro thing: I think Kou might become Mitsuba’s Yorishiro. Now I know people can become them but can living people… I dunno. However, I think it’s really likely. I’m wracking my brain on what all this Mitsuba would have to value. Not his camera because that was Sousuke’s thing. And if not his camera, then what? Kou is the one thing/person that Mitsuba has grown truly attached to.

So I think next chapter Mitsuba will be dying, but Kou will somehow be able to break from the time thingy (either he wills himself awake—like has a power flare in defense of Mitsuba—or maybe someone helps him—but who 😭) and goes over to Mitsuba and while he’s crying and being all Kou, Mitsuba is gonna like think about Kou (maybe call him his friend for the first time) and somehow in the moment Kou will become Mitsuba’s yorishiro. TRUST GUYS TRUST.

Also on Mitsuba and Kou:

POOR KOU. He looked up to natsuhiko so much when they met right before the severance 😭😭 if he’s close enough, he would’ve SEEN everything happening to Mitsuba.

And also POOR MITSUBA. He trusted natsuhiko!!!!! The good news is that Mitsuba will probably fully shift sides now and possibly make a more direct effort to help Kou Yahsiro and Hanako. Genuinely though, his mom is hurt, *he* is hurt, his friend(ish) betrayed him. My poor baby 😭 why do AidaIro hate himmmm.

I would say something super smart and informed about the twins now, but as I said: nothing about them makes any sense to me.

Ugh I seriously don’t think I can wait till next monthhhhh!!!! If AidaIro lose it and actually kill off Mitsuba…. I don’t even know what I’m gonna do. 111 better be good or else 😭

[moony-2001]

Lore Olympus ch. 257-262 critique pt. 2

Aaaand we're back

Ch. 260

Hermes, Hebe, and trauma dumping

Jumping right into it, Hermes pissed me right the fuck off. I don't know why Demeter didn't want to accept the aid from the underworld, but I'm sure pride must be some of it. But for Hermes to call it an "in-law tiffy-tiff" was beyond wrong. I don't know or remember what, if any, beef he has with Demeter but read the fucking room, man.

I'm so glad Demeter took Hebe in though, like the absolute Queen that she is. One thing that disturbed me a little when Hebe and Demeter got to talking is how Rachel tries to pass off Hera's trauma dumping on Hebe as if it's nothing.

First of all, 18-year-olds are still kids. I know (at least for the vast majority here in the US) that 18 is the legal age of adulthood, but the human brain doesn't finish developing until around age 25. Even if that's how the rules in LO work (I have a sneaking suspicion they're not though, seeing as Persephone is technically stuck at age 19 for the rest of time) Hebe is 7 years off from having a fully developed brain.

Additionally, I don't like how Rachel frames the idea that Hebe found out all of this information from her mother as a now 18-year-old. I don't know if Rachel is forgetting her own damn timeline (not that there was a cohesive one in the first place) but Hebe wouldn't have been 18 at the time of finding out this information.

Remember the 10-year time skip? Yeah, that whole thing? And how 5 of the 6 Traitors were in a coma? For 10 years? In case you haven't picked up what I'm trying to put down, Hebe was 8 years old when her mother went into that coma. Which means that Hera dumped all this information on a literal fucking child who was 8 or potentially even younger since we have no frame of reference for when Hebe was told this information.

Demeter is right. It is wrong to burden your kids with that. I don't know Rachel, but from this writing, I would venture a guess that she's never had a parent trauma dump on her.

I have. Rachel has no idea how mentally taxing it is to have a parent trauma dump on you or have them drag you into the middle of their fights or vent about their spouse/your other parent to you behind their back. That is not something a parent should EVER do to a child and I'll be damned if I ever do that to mine.

And while there is a shred of truth to what Hebe is saying, about how that information helps her understand her mom, Hebe does not (and in fact should not) be part of her mother's journey to work on herself, especially at that young of an age. Your child is not your therapist.

Demophon, the not child of Demeter

I will say, I am glad that Demeter finally decided to open up to her somewhat adult daughter. Oh, what's this? Persephone looks upset and-

😀😐

of-fucking-course

Is this it?? Is this the moment when we finally find out what happened to Demeter in Attica all those years ago-

Anyway, what we find out is that while in Attica, Demeter supposedly fell in love with the King of Eleusis and had Demophon, a my little pony-looking abomination not worse than whatever the fuck the above pictures are supposed to be. But if you note my title for this portion of the chapter, you'll see it says "the not child of Demeter". And that, dear readers, is because Demophon is in fact not a child of Demeter in the original myths. And Rachel also spelled his name wrong. (You can read more about him here: Demophon of Eleusis)

It seems to me that Rachel is doing what most couples with a failing relationship do: throw a baby at it and hope it will fix the problems.

What technicality? Do you mean the "technicality" that Demeter was punished for insubordination (regardless of her intentions) and lived as a mortal for 10 years? And during that time as a mortal had a son who was born as and died as a mortal? Forgive me if I'm being slow here, but I don't see what this "technicality" is supposed to be. How is Demophon's death any different from the mortals that Persephone killed and asked if it was possible to bring back?

I'm gonna sound a little nitpicky here, but Hades is the god of the dead (and wealth) not the god of death. Believe it or not, there is a difference, and the brushing aside of that difference is the reason why people still get Hades and Thanatos mixed up to this day. Plus does no one remember what happened to Asclepius when he figured out how to raise the dead? tl;dr: not good things.

I have a feeling that all this is happening because Persephone and Hades are trying to buy off Demeter. They want brownie points with the woman who is rightfully upset about everything that is happening right now. And I'll be willing to bet that this smooths things right over with her.

Ch. 261

Off-topic, Demeter looked really pretty in this chapter #standemeter

The "technicality" and Hades' BS

I am glad Demeter gets this small bit of happiness but also:

Nice try, but that's not how that works. Get your smug, ugly-ass mug out of here. Once again, why is Demophon the exception? Because you're whipped for Persephone? Because you want a gold star from your MIL who has perfectly valid reasons to not like you?

Ah. I guess his name is Triptolemus now. Triptolemus who is the older brother of Demophon. Who is also not a son of Demeter. Sure.

NO DON'T FALL FOR IT DEMETER. IT'S A TRAP-

The sisters

It is nice for the most part to see Hera, Demeter, and Hestia interacting. I don't think that's something we've seen outside of flashbacks.

I don't, however, like this interaction between Demeter and Hera:

Yeah, no, that's not how that works. Demeter has every right to be mad at you for helping Hades and Persephone get around the fact that they "violated the laws of Xenia (hospitality)". It doesn't matter if Persephone was a "wild card". Hera had no right to marry them.

In fact, I had a conversation with anoldplace and something we discussed is how much Hera's responsibility/involvement in Persades is kinda just... brushed off. Especially if you look back at the way early chapters (I'm talking s1 early) when Hera changes her tune from "wtf, that's so gross, what is wrong with you" to "Let me get this whole ball rolling". Persephone wouldn't have even had half the interactions she did with Hades had Hera not put her in that internship for the underworld. And Demeter doesn't even know about the early stuff. Think about how livid she would be if she found out Hera was pulling the strings from the beginning. Yikes.

Different topic but the fact that both Demeter and Persephone love to swim is cute.

Ch. 262

Jfc, finally. I'm so tired lol.

Hera's prophecy

In honor of Hera's ugly highlighter-looking color, the sections shall, too, be in yellow.

I was pretty excited to see that Hera got a vision. I'm also sad that this isn't something we see utilized more often in the series. In fact, we don't really see any of the goddesses use their powers besides... oh, for Christ's sake. I don't even want to say it, it just adds to her Mary Sue-ness.

Place your bets on how long it takes for Rachel to dress Persephone in something similar, if not identical, to this.

Moving on, we see Kronos smush and kinda throw Hera away and she's left wondering:

That's cute and all, but no. Like I huffed and puffed with the whole "attempted murder" bullshit with Zeus, for one to die, they must be mortal. If gods could die, they wouldn't be gods. They would be human looking at you Demophon. I understand why the sentiment of dying is upsetting, but Hera, Zeus, whomever cannot die. I suppose similar to Egyptian mythology, they could be chopped up and have their parts scattered to the winds but from what I've seen, there's nothing in Greek mythology that details anything like that.

I did see a really funky theory that I agree with that Hera must be some kind of fertility goddess. In fact, I've seen a lot of people speculate that she was the fertility goddess on the wall of that cave that was destroyed. It would be really wonderful if that greyed-out goddess in Hera's vision was her and not Persephone. Kinda like the ultimate "taking back the power" moment. But tbh I'm not hopeful.

Persephone and Hades... yay/s

*gag* anyway-

Hades decided to give the MORTAL Demophon his whole stash of ambrosia but he doesn't really know if it will actually work and he's salty that Zeus is stingy with it.

Okay, first of all, if it's that damn important that you have ambrosia and you're going to be a salty mofo that the only person who has it is stingy with it, make your own damn ambrosia. You're telling me you've been alive for thousands of years yet the thought hadn't occurred to you once? Bffr. Watch this come back and bite them in the ass in the series finale.

Secondly, if you've never done this before, how do you know it's going to work for Demophon? I mean, it probably will because plot armor, but seriously? What would happen if Demophon just kicked the bucket all over again? Like congratulations, you re-traumatized your wife's mother who already doesn't like you.

Final thoughts

This is all just unraveling so quickly. Watch Demophon disappear and never be addressed again. I am really hoping that this series wraps up between March and May like genericpuff predicted because I am tired. I mean, I'll miss the ability to make content while the material is still piping hot, but also reading this comic is taking a toll on my health. I have never seen my blood pressure in such a state. And I'm not even the one writing the comic.

I can't imagine being in Rachel's shoes rn. I know this point has been beaten to death by everyone and their moms (myself included), but it's so clear that Rachel just doesn't give a shit about this comic anymore. And it's sad. But I also get it.

Rachel has talked about after LO she wants to do a comic along the lines of this but involving Egyptian or Norse mythology. I hope she doesn't for very obvious reasons, but if she decides she wants to step up to the plate for what will inevitably be LO pt. 2, I hope she takes the time to actually research the cultures and learn from the very egregious mistakes that she made here. I won't be there if she does.

[wonderwithin-us]

The dream you're looking for is in the work you're avoiding ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Guess who got their phone broken 💗 but it's alright, it's all ok now & I noted down all I did in the past 3 days. My exams were a little bad, really bad to be completely honest, but it's alright, it was my first time giving exams this semester and I learnt what I need to do.

11th of July, 2023 💕

100 days of productivity — day 5, week 1

Economic exam preparation ~ I was so confused, there were so many concepts I'd missed because of my sickness but I tried YouTube and notes online. Procrastination really did get the best of me. I need to lessen my use of insta, seriously, I think Tumblr is more safe in that regard.

Microeconomics — Introduction & Consumer's Equilibrium

Statistics — Introduction & Organisation of Data

I need to work on my graphs, practice more and overall concepts of microeconomics. Also, clear up my concepts on stats. It's easy, but revision is needed.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

12th of July, 2023

100 days of productivity — day 6, week 1

Economics exam, yikes. Next exam was Psych the next day, so I was really nervous because I wanted to score well in it! ❣️

However.

Procrastination got to me, again. I studied for a while then thought it was too easy and I could do it at night, which, evidently, I couldn't.

I think rather than seeing easy topics as something to skip studying or take easy, I should put more effort in them so I can get them perfect and let it pay back to me.

What is Psychology? & Methods of Enquiry

I need to work on my basic concepts, esp in ch-2, and notes. Visual learning works best for me, and making my own notes is essential to my learning 📖

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

13th of July, 2023

100 days of productivity — day 7, week 1

Dear god, I think my psych exam was the most terrible. Which hurt me the most.

I really did lose hope after this. Not only did my incredibly unclear concepts and no notes not help, but the exam was extremely tough, the questions were really vague and I didn't understand them, and the worst of all, I literally forgot I had a whole section to do as objective even after rechecking. I lost 5 marks from that, maybe more.

That really hurt.

Tomm was English exam! I had seen what had happened in the last papers, so I really worked hard here.

I mostly focused on literature, since the creative writing formats were mostly very easy and took less than an hour.

Chapters with details are hard!

Anyways, I was really anxious until the end, and kept a few detailed chapters to the morning after to revise.

I really need to work on studying chapters I've missed before the exams come. It was so messy and frustrating trying to understand all these chapters with online notes and summaries, especially when the chapters are so open ended and the teacher is so strict with answers 💌

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

14 of July, 2023

100 days of productivity — day 8, week 2

WAR!!! IS!!! OVER!!!!

Final exam day, I was nervous but it was actually quite alright!

I absolutely need to work on my speed, though.

Also, I almost always exceeded the word limit in answers. So, I need to practice my creative writing more, not just in my head, but actually on paper, and be more perfectionist in my answers in literature.

I went out with my big brother to eat street food and it was all very lovely 🍝

I also wrote a lot of poetry, which I'm really quite proud of. I also received some really good news! 💕

New week! The first week was really, really overwhelming, and I don't want my future self to end up like that again. It was exhausting and hurtful and I want to get better.

In the end, I've got a lot of stuff to work with and I'm really proud of my self to survive all this! ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* I hope nothing but peace upon my future.

[ngmn2002]

*** Ch: 110***

As always, just side notes...

Who was right to guess the yorishiro is within Mirai? Yep, me.~ would pay to be in Hanako's, Nene's, Teru's place or the owls and watch Tsukasa in action and going -far shore No.6 mode but X1000 COOLER like they were doing. the amount of self confidence he has has always impressed me. my goodness it's limitless… but this chapter is on another whole level. SO SMUG! I love that mood of his. oooooh SO COOL!!!

...

Why the yorsihrio of No.1 had to be a key of all things? ........

What nat did to Mit 2.0 on her order... what a simp. Indeed proved his words in here.

So the 'welcome between us party', the whole big-bro nat facade, the nice gestures he showed together with his lady toward Mit 2.0 were fake all along? How funny. What a shock. I didn't expect they are this sort of people. I'm shocked with nat and his lady. lol

So, I was right in the end? They are plotting things of 'her' own together. No way Tsukasa would plan for Mit 2.0 end up this way.

It's her not being able to wait to have her wish come true no matter who she will hurt. That makes her so happy.~ what a softie. lol

(can't be) Though, if the 2 were plotting to put Mit 2.0 in a situation where he'll be forced to have a yorishiro by having nat do that so they can destroy it later... hmm... judging from Tsukasa's words in here...

What a devious face. 💜 Uh, how cool-looking... Tsukasa amazed me all chapter long. What a force. ✨

Is that what he meant by calling No.3's case a 'done deal' in ch 92? The only yorishrios that are left are him and No.1's. what about old No.3's yorsirhio that's still on the ceiling?

and... I get what nat meant with his words of 2 yorishiors are left. No.1's and No.7's. I see what he meant.

I see... I see...

What happened to granting Mit 2.0's wish btw? Tsukasa, you're going to carry on with that or..... wait... maybe there is no reason... once all yorishrios are destroyed, if what she said is true..... hmm..... things are going way too fast..... if we assumed the world will be rewritten so the living, the dead, supernaturals are equal and can live together... that means Mit 2.0's wish is granted along the way? uh, that's too much thinking

Anyway, don't think Mit 2.0 will end here. We need to have Kou in the picture, don't we? His long-wanted wish coming to play???

Love how he aimed for the sleeve!!! He is not there to harm Tsu, he wants to keep him safe and protect him at all costs!!!! What an emotional moment... oooh!! the position!!! it's always the same!!!

So we have a promise to keep Tsukasa moving... The core to all we have now. It only takes a spark for a fire to start -The promised Neverland keeps echoing in my head. Promises.....

And...

Hmm, did this trigger Hanako's memory to recall a some kind of promise he made to Tsukasa or maybe himself in the past?

This might be related as well...? will Tsu really /disappear/I mean I've always wondered what will happen to him once the seal is gone? hmm... does Amane know of Tsukasa's condition or not? if he does and still see that will happen....

Hmm... what is your duty?!

So? SO?! You broke him sir. Easy on him.

After all he voiced out you went SO? How cruel. Do each of you take turns in acting rude to each other at times? What he said to you next is well deserved, Tsukasa. Even though Amane didn't mean it literally. Understand his aching, feelings, pleading. SO?! .............

on the verge of tears? Is that Amane face close to the one Tsukasa fantasize over from when he *killed* saved/protected him? What does this face of Amane mean to you Tsukasa!!! What kind of emotion do you see held in it!!! CAN YOU SEE THE HUGE LOVE!!!!

AND THIS?!

Awww, it must feel lonely while like that.. let's add it to the family. a little side 'that rejects him' of Tsu he... AkaneAoi interaction got me I will go mad if Tsukasa went Aoi mode and came up with a thing like you don't really need me, I'm disappointing by your side..

Tsukasa got him TALKING about his feelings?! WOOHOHO Finally?! I'm not dreaming?! GOOD JOB TSU!!!!!!

Come on, he actually voiced such sentence out loud?! It was there sleeping inside his heart for soooooo looooong!!!!! He said I "LOVE" you so much?! FINALLY?!

He answered the question with words?! whooohoo we need to celebrate over here!!!

Between question and answer.

Tsukasa!!! LET THAT SINK IN!!!!! in the way intented. please don't take it literally like your little self once assumed it. You see and think differently now, right?

And I was waiting for Nene to confess to him. Look at the move he took. AHAHAHA This arc is full of confessions on their side. WAAAHHH

Ok, now waiting for this next, thank you.

And later on this!

Come on, Amane! You can do it! Just take a step forward! You're almost there! I need you to reach this point, fianlly lose it and shout out all the love you have for him with all your might so Tsukasa will finally understand......

What a nice way of talking he has. Between the 2, some cool development! Keep it up, Amane! I'm cheering for you! Talk more about your feelings!! Voice them out to those you love and love you back!!

It's impressive how he is ready to let Nene go twice and with Tsukasa... that's never an option.

I assume it's within his belief of she will move on someday, and have her dreams achieved and have a nice life, she doesn't really need him there to be happy as he voiced out before. now we have a swap with Tsukasa taking his place as he takes Nene's. tragic.

While with Tsukasa, he knows they can't ever let go of each other, it's never an option for them.

Yet, Tsukasa insists on leaving him, on sacrificing himself! One time, another time, and another time! Give the boy a break!!! His heart won't take it anymore!!!

If there is a thing he won't want to ever happen it's to lose you!!! He is NOT happy without you beside him!!

He does want to be with you, but he needs to be shown you REALLY wants it. That you needs him to be happy. That you needs him beside you. He needs a reason to stay.

Ok, Amane. Give him the reason to stay by your side. Let this 'I hate you' shine. Come on, prove to Tsukasa what he is worth to you! Tell him/show him what you want for real, your real desire, what makes you happy for real. And!!! Tsukasa, accept his wish!

Would having a wish coming true make him happy if he were to lose you?! I mean, if you're not gone Nene is also saved! who cares for her wish, huh?! Amane always comes first to you, right? Your top priority is to keep the promise you made to him and grant his real wish. Didn't you ask him to decide?! He did!!! Consider his decision!!!

You always go saying people should have the chance to do what they want, alright! Between the contrasting wants of your twin AMANE and assistant, which will you choose?! One has to get lost. It's her! Care for those who care for you, not the ones who want you gone to get what they want.

Between the 2 of you... what would keeping that promise mean if he were to lose you in exchange? He doesn't want that.

Boy......

I seriously wonder if Amane knew these… would he react nicely to her? Those who treat his precious ones as if they were nothing… oh… will he be merciless?

Seriously, even though I was trying to give her a chance, even though I was trying to keep in mind she might have had a hard life and just wants to be free, with everything new I see of her I can't help but despise her and her dog more. Sheesh. They piss me off.

The true definition of selfish and hypocrosity, manipulation at its best right there.

Anyway... TSUKASA!!!

TSUKASA!!! THIS!!! THIS!!! RMEMEBR THIS?! MAKE THE CONNECTION!! THIS CONNECTION!!

.......

I can't with these 2.......

Then I remember Nene is fated to die and her life is linked to the yorishiros and I'm......... T.T ......... what is going on?! What's with all the drama?! Easy on ME!!!

I can't with all of them...

........

Uh...

About Amane going for the yorsihrios detruction in the start... so... what was his plan really? Didn't he include Tsukasa in there...?

So in the end, he doesn't want to do this? At least not with Tsukasa...

Hmm...

Uhhh.... he doesn't want to *do it right* after all?

Tsukasa... the seal is there! It is right there on your face! Don't be blind and see what it means, Tsukasa!!! Before we ask for anyone else to see it, it's meant for you!! you're the one who needs to see what beautful meanings it holds! Isn't that obvious?

Talking issues-listening issues. Providing issues-understanding issues. Isn't it the perfect combination for the perfect miscommunication? How cruel.

Hmm, it's easy to stop Tsukasa if both Amane and Nene went: we won't destroy you, how about it?

Hmm... maybe some things naturally, intended by the bad 2 or maybe Tsukasa himself? come to play to force them to?

I'm toally confused. With time I will get a grip, for now... I will leave this here.

.......

They seriously need to talk. One long talk, get over this miscommunication issue between them. Because I can't take it anymore.

........

Things escalated quickly this chapter, wooh.

[mstrchu]

is nezha eternally 12?

yeah he is he told me himself in a t&t parking lot

12 is an arbitrary number. if you're looking for a source that literally says the exact phrase "nezha is eternally 12" you're uhh probably not going to find one. you're also probably not going to find a source that outright states that he grew into an adult. i think the reason 12 has become a popular number is because it sort of straddles that point between true childhood and adolescence, but again, it's arbitrary.

in fsyy, nezha is 7 when the whole thing with ao bing and returning his flesh and bones to his parents happens, which as far as I'm aware is the last time that an exact age is given for him in that particular novel. fsyy is also not the end all be all of "canon", but it did have significant implications for both practiced religion and literature (1, ch.5). sangren also notes that 7 being the age given is important.

i've only read about half of jttw so far, but don't think any physical or chronological age is stated for him, except that sun wukong calls him "小哥" (little guy/young man/etc.) when they first meet lol.

(a couple of nezhas from this copy of fsyy)

but the exact number of 12 isn't the point behind the statement. imo the idea behind the sentiment is that nezha is culturally perceived as a child. he is metaphorically and literally associated with and representative of the traits and struggles of childhood. he is "the most popular and classic cultural image of child personification in the literature of China" (2). the portrayal of the child - what traits they embody, which authorities they subvert, how their agency develops and affects the world around them - will change with the sociopolitical environment of the country, and portrayals of nezha have always changed along with it, for the reason that his image is inextricable from that of a child's (3, 4). he is a representation, reflection, and symbolization of the youth.

(some media puts more emphasis than this on others, i.e. the songs used for the '03 cartoon opening and closing, which really emphasize him being little, being young (少年), and being the same age the presumably child singer (他的年纪跟我一般大) lol)

(this paper looks at the appearance of nezha in various medias for the past ~100 years, including adult portrayals, although it does make the assumption that adult actor = adult character and girl actor = girl character which is.. not really correct imo… also it includes 1979 nezha naohai as part of its 'adult image' era which is ????? so i would take its conclusions with a grain of salt and just look at its descriptions.)

you're also going to get a different answer if you look at it from a more religious viewpoint. as far as i know, he has religious iconography as both a child and as an adult, but his appearance is much more varied and doesn't necessarily have the same collective set of easily recognizable traits. here are some posts with artwork and statues of nezha (interspersed with some of hong hai'er): x y z.

however, the thing is that i don't think many modern adaptations can make the claim that they drew from a religious iconography basis more than they drew from the most popular cultural image of nezha. i then wish they would be more cognizant of the fact that, in the source from which they drew, nezha is most widely recognized as a kid, and treat that with respect.

obviously nezha is not always portrayed as a child. nezha is not always anything, there are just recurring visual and thematic elements that make him a cohesive and recognizable figure, i.e. the twin buns, the iconic weapons, the lotus imagery. being a child or a youth is also one of these things, and its significance, imo, is well analysed and documented.

at the end of the day this answer is only so long-winded because it's the internet. go text your parents and ask them how old they think nezha is.

[hbyrde36]

My Steddie Fics💜

Updated 04/25/2024

*Works In Progress*

I Don't Think We're In Hawkins Anymore, Big Boy

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4(final)

Ao3

After being run off the road in a freak accident during a terrible storm, Steve and Eddie find that not only have they committed vehicular manslaughter, but they’ve also somehow been whisked away to a strange land. The journey is rough and they are being hunted for revenge, but through it all Steve and Eddie grow closer than ever as they try and find their way home with the help of some new friends with familiar faces. -Or- A Steddie Wizard of Oz AU

Times Like These (The Anniversary Edition)

CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 Ch 6 Ch 7

Ch 8 Ch 9 Ch 10 Ch 11 Ch 12

AO3 Link

When Eddie finds himself back in his living room, staring down a very alive Chrissy Cunningham, after just having bled to death himself in the middle of a nightmare world, he was rightfully very, very fucking confused. -Or- What happens when the new guy, who only just got inducted into the fucked up world of monsters and mayhem, gets stuck in a time loop and finds himself responsible for saving everyone?

No Vacancy

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 9

Ao3 Link

When Eddie Munson arrives at the Buckingham Beach Motel to spend the summer with his BFF Chrissy and her business partner Robin, the last person he expects to see waiting in the lobby is former king of Hawkins High and asshole extraordinaire, Steve fucking Harrington.

Steddie/Buckingham, 90's, post-college, no upside-down au, everyone is in their mid 20's, slow burn, pining, light angst with a happy ending, misunderstandings, coming out, eddie is a little shit, and kind of a slut tbh, alternating pov, lifeguard steve, bartender eddie, meddling lesbians, idiots in love

*Completed Works*

Hellfire Ink

Written for the Stranger Things Reverse Big Bang 2023/2024

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

🎲Life is a Game (and True Love is a Trophy)

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8

Ch 9 Ch 10 Ch 11 Ch 12 Ch 13 Ch 14 Ch 15 ao3 link

Ao3 link

For years Eddie has been playing D&D with his cousin Dustin and his friends. It’s a crazy home brew campaign of his own design that plays fast and loose with the lore, weaving in heavily embellished events from their real lives. They play themselves, filling out a full cast of NPC’s with the likenesses of friends, family, and strangers. It’s been a wild ride. The game is set in Hawkins, but not quite their Hawkins. This manifestation of their hometown is full of dark secrets, including a shady government agency, evil scientists, and another dimension full of dangerous creatures hiding on the other side of reality. They’ve just wrapped their most recent session before spring break 1986. It was a bittersweet end to an epic part of the story. A blast to play through, but they didn’t beat the bad guy, and the party has been left in ruins. Eddie’s character is dead, one of their favorite NPC’s is in a coma, and the world has literally split apart at the seams. Honestly, Eddie’s not sure how they come back from this. - In 1983 Steve Harrington joined the search for a missing boy and found something he never bargained for. In 1984 Steve Harrington disappeared.

Canon was a game of D&D - AU, mystery, secrets, found family, slow burn, friends to lovers, pining, angst with a happy ending, alternating pov, Eddie Munson and Dustin Henderson are cousins, Steve Harrington and Eleven have a sibling relationship

Honey, You're Familiar (Tumblr link)

AO3 link

Written for the Stranger Things Writer's Guild Hozier Project, a collection of one-shots inspired by songs from Hozier's self titled album. The word count limit was 3,000 and I chose the song From Eden

Alternate Universe - Angels & Demons, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Mutual Pining, giving up everything for a chance at happiness, Pre-Relationship, Feelings Realization, Memory Loss, Angst with a Happy Ending

🖤The Crawl

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 (Final)

Ao3 link

Inspired by the VERY little information we have about the Stranger Things writer's plans for season 5 Time travel stories love to play with the idea that one small act can have an incredible impact on the future. What if, in a crazy twist of fate, Will Byers was rescued from the Upside Down a day early and with just a little knowledge of what was to come. Would it be enough to change everything?

POV Will Byers, POV Eddie Munson, POV Steve Harrington, time shenanigans, fix-it of sorts, angst with a happy ending, friends to lovers, falling in love, confessions, first kiss, character death, HAPPY ENDING

🩸Steve Harrington: Vampire Hunter

Ao3 link Art Link (art by Penny00Dreadful)

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 9

Ch 10 Ch 11 Ch 12 Ch 13 Ch 14 Ch 15 Ch 16 Ch 17(final)

Steve Harrington is an animator. It’s a job that involves raising the dead; sometimes as a service for mourning relatives looking for closure, often as a tool for the courts to settle disputes. Steve Harrington is also a licensed vampire hunter. Two years ago, vampirism became legal in the United States, granting its undead population citizenship. With this new legal status comes a complication for Steve, as he finds himself tasked with helping the very creatures he is accustomed to killing. Speaking of complications, Steve struggles in more ways than one when he finds himself working closely with none other than Eddie Munson, an undeniably sexy several-hundred-years old master vampire. Or, The Anita Blake/Steddie mashup that nobody asked for but I’m having far too much fun with.

Modern AU, Vampire AU (Anita Blake AU/mashup),  aged up characters, enemies to lovers, slow burn, eventual smut, dream sex, vampires, wereanimals, zombies, other supernatural things eventually

🌊Caught in the Undertow

Pt 1 P 2 Pt3 Pt 4 Pt 5 Pt 6 Pt 7 Pt 8 Pt 9 Pt 10(final)

AO3

Steve saved Eddie from certain death. Eddie doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to forgive him for it.

Post season 4, angst with happy ending, slow burn, “enemies” to friends to lovers, suicidal thoughts, POV alternating, the best uncle Wayne Munson

⛈️Shelter in Place

Part 1 Part 2(final) AO3

Written for Lex’s Spicy Six Summer Challenge! My prompt was : Hurricane When a major Hurricane is projected to hit Hawkins (technically it’s more like the remnants of a hurricane, but the residents of Hawkins don’t really know the difference or care), Dustin is worried about his new friend and DM, Eddie Munson, who lives in a trailer, a structure not known for its resilience against severe weather. He invites the older boy to ride the storm out with him and his mom at home, unaware that she has made arrangements for them to stay with family that live far away from the storm's trajectory. Dustin doesn’t want to leave his friend high and dry, enter everyone’s favorite babysitter: Steve Harrington.

[xoxomoonlightxoxo]

P&C | Ch. 2: Hey Flip Flops

➪ Playlist (Spotify) l Series Masterlist

6:30 a.m.

"Mira, Miraya, wake up!" I sigh as my body is awakened by the sound of my alarm clock and Jiah's voice.

"It's time already?" I whine, stretching my body for what seems like an hour. I can barely make out Jiah's words as they're interrupted by her yawns, but I'm pretty sure she said something about breakfast.

We quickly get ready. Check each other out for the 50th time, making sure we both look to die for because that's what boss ladies do, before finally heading out. It rained the night before so the air is extra crisp, which I love. Would rather have this than the 10-month winter season I had to endure back home.

Jiah was right, the knee-high boots definitely pulled the whole look together, we both look like two French girls. Talking about fashion, people in Korea (especially girls) know how to dress well. Everything, and I mean everything, from their hair down to their nails is polished and well put together. Mindblowing as back home I could be seen wearing the same Harvard sweater for 5 consecutive days, with absolutely no shame or will to change. So the fact that these boots are now in my possession should in itself cause a commotion, but for now, I'll settle for Jiah's reassurance and cute compliments.

Unfortunately, though, our little date had to pause as it was time to depart to our respective faculty buildings. See, Jiah is a Business major with a minor in accounting, aka money is basically going to follow her 24/7. While I'm majoring in Nursing, by choice mind you! I was going to go into Dietetics before realising that my eating habits are questionable at best, so I spared humanity this one (you're welcome). But now, if you see me in your local hospital in my cute scrubs but absolutely no clue what I'm doing, just mind your business.

Anywho, we said our goodbyes and wished each other luck. Fast forward to about five minutes, and there I was, standing in front of the building that will probably make me cry, scream, laugh, and all of the above throughout the next 4 years. Nonetheless, I have come this far right? The possibility of everything I worked for going down the drain is the only motivation I need right now to do my best.

--

As I walked out of my last class of the day, the sun was already beginning to set. To be honest, everything went pretty well, I mean as well as it could go on a syllabus day. My professors were all pretty chill except for one lady who intimidates the crap out of me for absolutely no reason. She has over 30 years of experience in this field and deals with new cohorts, which means she might be my supervisor. If that's the case I will have to pregame each clinical to not pass out in her presence.

I wanted to grab a quick coffee on my way back to the dorm when I felt my phone buzz.

Jiah: Heyy lovely, how are you? Have you eaten? Jimin invited us to a little get-together with his friends, so I'll pick you up at 7.

Mira: Hey babes, I'm great. How are you love? Sure, I'll let you know when I'm ready.

Oh my god, my first party. It's no big deal but my body has definitely become more tense. I mean I know literally no one else aside from Jiah. I haven't even met her boyfriend, barely know what he looks like. But, I trust her, so as long as I stick by her everything should be fine, right? I mean what's the worst that can happen?

I was so caught up in my thoughts which were abruptly interrupted by a body that slammed past me as I tried to open the front door of the dormitory. Ouch. I didn't have time to check who it was but they also made no effort in checking if I was okay. Looking back all I could see was a tall guy with a black hoodie who seemed to be in a rush. Jeez, people these days are just something else I swear. Whatever, I thought, maybe they were having a rough day. Nonetheless, I straightened up and made my way up to my dorm, trying to forget whatever that was as I had bigger things to think about.

--

Knock Knock Knock

"Miraya, open up, I'm here!" I could hear Jiah's screams from my bedroom as I tried to quickly unlock the door. One hand on the doorknob, the other on my dress strap. As the door swung open, Jiah was left in absolute awe.

"Sheesh, miss girl who allowed you to look this good?" she exclaimed, coming in for a tight hug.

"Girl, look at you! Screw your boyfriend and come live with me," we both giggled, knowing dam well that we both looked quite good. I mean go big or go home right?

"I'm almost done, I swear. But please, can you help me with this strap? It unclipped and I almost lost my mind, I don't know why this dress requires 10 people to assemble, but hey, it looks good!" I joke as Jiah quickly clasps the dress back into its position.

"Hey, what's this? Are you okay?"

"What?" I ask, as she walks me to a mirror and points to a bruise on my forearm.

"Oh, yeah, so silly. This guy bumped into me as I was trying to get into the building today. But, it's no big deal. It doesn't hurt." I assure her, letting out a small chuckle.

"Are you sure? Next time you see him let me know, I'll run straight into him." she urges with pure determination on her face. I can't help but smile, reaching out and going in for a hug. We talk about our day for a little while until finally leaving the dorm.

--

"So, this party? Who else is going to be there?" I quietly ask as we make our way down to the elevators.

"Oh, just, my boyfriend, his friends, and some other people from this dormitory," Jiah responds with a smile, as she presses the Basement floor.

While my nerves were somewhat calm during our elevator ride, they sure as hell were not once the doors opened and I saw the amount of people just at the entrance. My eyes were wide open as I gave Jiah a quick glance, she looked back with a mischievous yet nervous smile.

"Come on Mira, let's have fun. Let loose!" she exclaimed, pulling my arm towards the entrance. There was no time to answer or to protest so I had no other choice but to follow her into a huge studio room with disco lights and music blasting from each corner. Small gathering.

"Baby!" Jiah screamed, as her hold on my hand loosened and she ran to a boy in a black cap. Jimin. Well, at least, now I know what he looks like. It was cute watching them reunite. They have definitely missed each other, from the way their bodies melt into one another and their eyes lock.

"Miraya, come here let me introduce you to everyone," Jiah waves for me to come closer as I can now clearly see the faces of the other guys surrounding Jimin. Oh my god, no.

"Oh, hey flip flops!" Tae scrunches his nose as he waves at my yet again flushed face. I dare not to look up, hoping that if I can't see them then they won't be able to see me.

"Flip flops?" Jimin and Jiah both ask, letting out a chuckle at the funny nickname.

"Yeah, it was so funny because when we first met I was at the elevator and she ran ..."

"Ok, that's enough thank you for your input but really, it's not that serious. Um so Jimin, how was your vacation" I quickly try to change the subject before Tae sends me into another nervous breakdown. Everyone just smiles and looks at Jimin, while Tae laughs at my quick remark.

"Yeah, I mean it was honestly so nice, the boys and I went to Bora Bora. Heaven on Earth! Babe, next time, we should all go," he says looking at Jiah who has snuggled into his embrace.

"Oh by the way this is Jungkook, we drove all night yesterday from Busan, so excuse his appearance." Jimin smiles, pulling on Jungkook's hoodie to come forward and introduce himself. The poor guy seems absolutely drained but manages to let out a tiny hello with a nod. Something about him seems familiar but I can't tell what exactly.

Previous l Next

[sylverstorms]

Daniela x Maiden ---- Hunted Ch.8 (NSFW)

Ch.1 Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5 Ch.6 Ch.7

They say if you can master yourself, you can master everything. 

You have years of hunting and self-taught combat to aid you in that department. Sharp senses, rapid reactions, great hand-eye coordination to work alongside your sturdy body. All of these traits have preserved your wellbeing on multiple occasions and are undeniably your greatest strengths. 

So it is ironic that, in a mere moment, they can also become your greatest weakness. 

One minute you are lounging in your bed, reading an old Romanian folklore book that piqued your interest from the main library. You are absorbed in the light stories and drawings there, of wish-granting fairies and trees with wills of their own, so much that your eyes begin to droop. 

And then a strong gust of wind comes from outside. Whatever miniscule gap exists in the locking mechanism of your window allows the air to move the flimsy curtain covering it ever-so-slightly. At the same time, the very corner of your eye registers movement. A shadow; a bat, a monster, a trick of the light –it doesn’t matter. 

It sets you off like a fire alarm. 

Suddenly, you are leaping high into the air, eyes wide, frantic, you are bursting out of your room and you cannot breathe. That’s all it takes. Literally all it takes for you to fall apart; one stray little stimulus caught by your hunter senses and misinterpreted by your mind.

You’d smack straight into the opposite side of the corridor, if it wasn’t for the warm body you crash into, instead. The person unfortunate enough to be tackled into the wall manages to conceal the collision with a soft grunt. Their knees do not hit the ground when yours do. You’d apologize, if only you could find your voice. If your brain wasn’t closing in on you with thoughts of impending doom. If the roof wasn’t coming down to crush you– 

“Hey, hey. Seren, take it easy.” A familiar, smoky voice calls your name. Firm digits press at your shoulder. 

That… breaks you out of your panic mode a little. At least your body stops shaking. Surely, it’s a start. You suck deep breaths into your lungs, until you can finally look up to confirm who it is. Fine dark hair. Hazel eyes. Attractive jawline. Alexia crouches beside you so you don’t have to crane your neck up to meet her gaze. 

“Are you alright? What happened?” she asks and her calmness is infectious. 

“I–I almost fell asleep and then… I thought something outside my window moved.” God, you hate how breathless you sound. “I fucking –lost it.” 

She doesn’t say anything at first, merely lets you count inhales and exhales while her eyes scan your room. “Can’t be a Samce; they don’t normally fly this low or approach the warmer parts of the castle.” she muses, more to herself than you. “Probably just a bat.”

You nod when your heartbeat stops pounding raw pain across your chest. “Yeah. This a thing that… happens.” Not often, but it does. Not that you could ever get used to this kind of impact.

“Sorry to hear that.” Alexia's lips press together. You take her offered hand to stand on your feet again. “Do you want to join me for a while?” 

“Ah… wouldn’t want to keep you up.” you hesitate. 

“Don’t worry about that. I think I’ll wait for Cassandra to return from her hunt, anyway.” she shrugs. 

The two of you take slow, unhurried steps towards the human staff’s common room. You make sure to keep your voices down, not to disturb any of the other women sleeping as you pass by the locked doors of their chambers. Nobody wants to deal with complaining and death-glares come morning. 

At your destination, Alexia pours you both some whiskey, hands you your glass and takes a seat beside you on the couch. Unlike most people, she doesn’t feel the need to fill the silence with smalltalk. You appreciate the time she gives you to completely cool down. 

“It’s not like you, to freak out like that.” comes the comment, eventually. 

“It is, though.” It's a bitter reply, complete by taking a healthy gulp of alcohol that leaves a much-needed burn down your throat. “I’m not fearless like you.”

“I’m… what, now?” A thin eyebrow raises. “I think you’ve got the wrong person there.”

“No.” You shake your head. “The other maids talk of what you did. You were the first ever to escape. As well as the spark that improved living conditions here for the staff.” What guts that takes is beyond your comprehension. 

“I improved living conditions for myself.” Alexia corrects. “Rhiannon advocated for the rest, not me. I’m not that selfless or that good.” So she says, but you are inclined to disagree. 

“Well, anyway. You’re dating Cassandra.” There. Point made. If that doesn’t scream ‘fearless’, nothing does.  

The edge of Alexia’s mouth quirks up. “Not for lack of fear.” 

That answer, you were not expecting. It makes you shift your body towards her, the question evident in your expression. “...Really?”

“Of course. Do you know how long it took for my blood not to turn to ice, at that feral look she got in her eyes when hungry?” You never could have imagined she felt the same as you. Cassandra and she always look so comfortable together. “Before I ever spoke to her, she was the Dimitrescu I feared the most.”

“And how did you overcome that?” you animatedly ask. 

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” The words come out perfectly even. “Once I realized that, I could set it aside more and more. At first, it was for benefit. Then, it was for love. Until it disappeared entirely.” 

Well, that is… enlightening. 

“Everyone has phobias and traumas, Seren, whether they are aware of them or not. Trust me, the Dimitrescus are no different than us in that regard.” Indeed, you’re starting to see that. “And maybe that’s the root of the problem. Healthy relationships are hard to build between wounded people.”

Wounded...

“Whatever is haunting you, you should talk about it. In time.” And with that, she finishes her drink. “Rhiannon is best suited to these kinds of things but… you also know where to find me.”

You smile. Raise your glass to that. 

–

–

The daughters return in the ungodly hours of the morning. You hear the exact moment the heavy gates groan open from the top of the staircase, the hushed giggles that follow. Three dark, buzzing blurs make a beeline for the lit fireplace, where their figures solidify. 

Cassandra is the first to push back her hood, head turning towards her girlfriend in the same swift motion. The dim firelight brings out the inhuman gold in her eyes that much more, gleaming like a cat’s. Rich blood coats the lower half of her lips and neck, glistens like a morbid jewel on her too-pale skin. Her smile is that of a wolf’s. 

Your blood pressure rises from it, but Alexia regards her coolly, almost fondly. She’s prepared for the predator flashing in front of her face, as opposed to you, pushing backwards in pure, unrestrained reflex. But the wolf seems more and more domesticated the longer she stays there, locked in a staring competition with a human. 

What surprises you is the fact she’s not looking down on a lesser, weaker species than herself. She sees her equal. 

“Don’t you dare–” Alexia begins, but Cassandra has already pressed a bloody glove to her chin and made a point of dragging it down her neck. 

“Now you need a bath, too.” A wink. “Don’t worry if it doesn’t come right off. I’ll just have to lick hard–”

“Too much information.” Bela knocks her shoulder into her sister’s on her way up the final step in a way that's no accident. 

The low, answering growl would send most people running for the hills. Instead, the blonde ignores it, brings her hand up in a bored little wave as she passes you by. And then… the third shadow joins you, the smears on her lower face as red as her hair.  

“Hey. I thought you’d be sleeping at this hour.” Daniela says, the quiet softness of her voice dizzyingly out of place against her bloodied image. “Miss me that much?” Subtly heterochrome eyes crinkle underneath her hood.

“Let’s go with that.” You reply. 

“Well, since you’re up…” she drags the word out. “Mind drawing me a bath?” Puppy eyes. You get puppy eyes from the baby wolf of the family. 

And of course… you’re not immune to them. 

Which is why, five minutes down the line, you find yourself standing in the bathroom connected to her bedchambers, pointedly staring at the door as Daniela undresses –surely, she could do it faster?– and slips into the water behind you. You keep your mind on the decor, your back to her despite how it unnerves you, until the water has drained twice and she assures you you can look. 

Slowly, you peek with one eye over your shoulder. True to her word, the steaming bathtub is now filled with salts and bubbles, the metallic scent and hue of blood gone. Daniela is laying back amidst the foam like a princess waiting to be painted, long crimson hair sticking to the marble surface that is almost as pale as her skin. 

If you didn’t know what kind of monster she is, seeing her all relaxed here and looking up at you underneath those long lashes of hers, you’d think her a siren. Maybe she is one after all, because you approach, as if under a spell, the moment she motions you closer with a slight tilt of her chin. 

No wonder she smells so good, if this is what she bathes in every day. You wave the stray thought as soon as it forms in your head. You also make a point to keep your eyes above her collar.  

“I thought you don’t like having others around when you bathe.” you speak up, needing to steer your mind in a less intimate direction. This is the first thing you come up with, one of the first key pieces of information the older maids gave you about her. 

“Normally… no.” she admits as if also saying ‘you, I don’t mind’. “But then again I usually keep my head submerged.”

“Oh. I do that, too. The calming effect only works with cold water, though.” You’d know. You have sought out its icy embrace to numb your racing heart, your pain, your fears. Everything.

“Does it.” There’s doubt in her voice. A distant look in her eyes that makes her appear… older, for a moment. The kind that hints she’s tried this for the same reasons you have. Perhaps in a different life. 

You grimace. “The isolation part works, at least.” This is a road down loaded subjects you’re taking and it is too early –too draining– for that. You decide to steer your path in a lighter angle; “Anyway. Here I thought it was a modesty thing.” 

Daniela’s gaze shifts to yours, turning more mischievous by the millisecond and it feels oddly good that she’s back to being the little shit you know. “Modesty is not a thing~” She pushes herself forward as she says it, chest puffed out, bubbles pulled along rosy, pebbled nipples–

Until your hand shoots out and presses her back down by the shoulder. “I can see that, I believe you!” The water is scorching, but you don’t care. Your face burns more. 

Daniela giggles. 

–

–

You wait in her room while she dresses and dries her hair. Busy yourself by looking around, taking in details you missed the first time you were here. Like the blood-red rose preserved in crystalline resin she has at the corner of her desk, the scented candle on the opposite, an array of lipsticks and glosses and other girly things laid out before the vanity that bears her family crest. 

The click and soft hiss of the bathroom door make you pivot. It’s a good thing you did not take the rose into your hands to examine like you wanted, because you surely would have dropped it. 

When you brought her that black, folded nightgown, you never pictured it would hug her frame so sensually. Or that its design would purposely draw attention to her chest, or that she wouldn’t be bothered to tie it properly around her waist. 

The worst part is, none of it seems intentional, this time. Daniela is just lazily running a hand through her long hair, more focused on the pillows stacked at the head of her bed than you. She’s not even trying to be seductive and your stomach has been reduced to bits. 

Bad, bad, need to get out of here–

“Seren.” There goes your escape. “Come lay with me for a while?” Sitting up against the pillows with the covers at her middle, she pats the ample space next to her. “The bed is cold.” She’s not lying; her back is rigid, hands pressed to her biceps.

“You know, it’s really late and I do need to sleep…” you try.

“Kniiiiiight…” 

“Okay, okay, but only ten minutes!” As if the finger you hold up sets some kind of boundary in stone. 

Her bed didn’t seem so intimidatingly large last time. You pull back the covers on your corner as if they’ll bite you, then kick off your shoes and settle –with all the unbreathing fluidity of a log– half-reclining on your side, your temple resting against your fist. Daniela removes her two monster teddies from getting squished between you, sets them on her bedside table with a pat on each of their heads. 

And then… you feel her icy hands creep up your elbows. A slow sigh escapes her lips; her eyes flutter shut, head rolling closer to your shoulder.

You’re a heater for eight more minutes, that’s all you’re here for, you remind yourself over and over. But time begins to blur the closer she slides her body. Quarter… then half on top of you. 

It’s –almost– fine for as long as she’s cold. It keeps you on your toes, doesn’t allow you to sink into the royal comfort of her bed or into her. Yet… she doesn’t stay cold for long. 

Then her fingers roam up your deltoid, curl at your shoulder and her lips turn to find yours. Soft, too soft and plush, more parts lingering than kissing. Your mistake is getting greedy with what you’re given. 

You of all people know not to play with fire, but you do not stop your hand from caressing the bare skin of her stomach where her gown has pulled open. Not even when you feel the hitch in her breathing. Instead, you let your tongue take the invitation of her open mouth to tangle with hers. You miss the first alarm bell when she shifts her weight fully on the leg between hers, presses into you a bit harder, effectively pinning you down.

You don’t miss the second, when her mouth trails from the corner of yours to latch onto your pulse and too-sharp teeth graze your skin. Once. Only once. Once is enough to startle you out of your heady dream and into the danger of reality. You push at her, but she doesn’t register the force. 

“Daniela!” 

The sound of her name makes her snap back, lift herself off of you on her hands and knees. At least she does it immediately, which doesn’t necessarily set you at ease, but…

But you see how her chest is heaving and her arms are straining on either side of your head. She’s reigning her instincts back as promised, expression torn between guilty and painfully turned on. Scared that you’ll push her and run off. Scared you’ll be scared to come close again. 

And you should be. 

“I–I’m sorry.” she huffs. “I wasn’t going to bite. Just– a little mark?” she explains. “It’s the first time I feel so–” Whatever she was about to say, she doesn’t. Then she whispers, softly, “Please don’t leave me like this.”

The thing is... you don’t want to leave her like this, either.

Your own feelings shock you, yet you want to finish what you started, despite how the idea of that ‘little mark’ causes your chest to tighten. 

“Can you be good?” you whisper. 

Her eyes darken further in response. She nods. 

When you press at her shoulder and roll you both around, she puts up no resistance. And there is a startling appeal to be the one to pin her down like this, for her to allow it. To further reinforce your control, her hand carefully takes yours and guides it to her throat. 

She is being good. And she must be rewarded for it. Which is why your fingers slowly trail down her smooth skin, from her chest to her navel, then hooking into the waistband of her lacy underwear. It sticks so mesmerizingly to her legs as you slowly pull it down… 

A whimper escapes her lips the moment you touch her there. You swallow the next with your own when you press a bit further into velvet heat, establishing a rhythm between push, pull and the roll of your thumb. Daniela’s hands fly to the pillow beneath her head, gripping hard.

It’s less than two minutes later you feel how tense she is, her gasps and moans no longer muted. “Seren, Seren, I’m–”

You know she is. Her body breaks into a quaking shiver, her back arches and neck cranes. She’s beautiful and if all that is torn for you to witness this sight is a mere pillow, there won’t be enough reasons to stop you from seeking it out again in the future. 

You slowly guide her down her high, until the predatory golden glow in her eyes gives way to much gentler yellowish blue. She smiles like you’ve just discovered a new star and named it after her. Then she releases the death grip she has on whatever is left of her pillow and trails her hand down your middle. Asking for permission. For direction, too. 

After everything you’ve done, it takes only seconds for you to come apart on her fingers.

And then you get unbearably embarrassed, refusing to lift your head off her ruined pillow. She doesn’t seem bothered either way, sleepily playing with the spiky ends of your hair. Rolling, tugging. 

Way to turn a mess into an already bigger mess, you think. It’s kind of like your superpower, at this point. As if this whole situation –your whole situation– wasn’t bad enough before feelings made it to the mix. 

You are her first… and you’re about to become her first heartbreak.

Your mind begins to stress and race, until you hear her voice by your ear; “Oh, no. No, no.”

“Um…?” you lift your head cautiously. It will be easier if she regrets this. You brace yourself for it. Your heart. You can take pain and it is for the best, for everyone involved.

But Daniela is not looking at you. She’s looking at her stuffed monstrosities. 

“Babiesssss.” she tells them, then carefully slides a hand out of the covers to turn them around, so they’re facing the door. “I’m so sorry, I scarred you for life. Ugh, I’m terrible…”

You squint. Stare. 

“Seren.” She pats your nape. “You have to remind me to shield their eyes and ears next time.”

Wait.

Next time…?

[topazshadowwolf]

GoopTales 15: Morning Tears

Lyra wakes up and starts breakfast and is joined by someone who needs a hug.

Parts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15(you are here)

AO3: Ch 1 (1-4), Ch 2 (4-8), Ch 3 (9-12)

---

For most of her life, Lyra was not a deep sleeper. There was always a reason she had to stay alert. Yet, at that moment, she was dreaming and felt safe. It has been like this when she sleeps at Nightmare’s castle. Everyone there was dangerous, yet she knew they would not harm her. That gave her a sense of peace.

But she could not sleep without some level of alertness. Something felt off, and she began to rouse from her sleep.

She felt magic. That was what woke her up from her deep sleep and pleasant dream. Now that she took the time to think about it, the magic felt like Nightmare’s. Wasn’t he sleeping as well? Slowly, to avoid disturbing anyone, she sat up and looked around. The recliner chair he had been sleeping on was empty. So that was his magic. At least the boys, who were now literally boys, were still curled around each other.

She stifled a giggle as she noticed that Dust had ended up sandwiched between Killer and Cross. Ferrous had put his big head into the nest, which Dust was hugging as if hoping to pull himself to safety before falling asleep. Bill the cat was curled around Killer’s back like an oversized, fuzzy backpack. Horror was back-to-back with Cross. And a few of the other cats had joined in.

Carefully, Lyra stood and quietly made her way out of the room. No longer did she feel Nightmare’s magic. He said he would need to leave in the morning, but this early?

Crossing the hall into the kitchen, she found a note on the island counter and read it. So… he couldn’t sleep and left to find the witch who did this to them. It likely would have been better if she went, but she will not press that point. These were Nightmare’s men that were affected. Not hers.

Not that she could save her home…

Shaking off that thought, she yawned as she continued reading, seeing he reiterated that Dust had a terrible history and his magic regressed in confusion with his body. He would require a gentle diet until his magic remembered it could eat a variety of foods. Holding back a second yawn, she made her way to the cupboard and refrigerator to look for something simple to make.

Eggs… cut up fruit… toast is possible, but maybe a waffle section? Just a little should be good. While encouraging Dust to try new things slowly, small amounts of each may do the trick. Perhaps she could also engage him in a conversation; that way, he would eat slower. Though, she knew that, even as an adult, he tends to be the quieter of the four.

Lyra yawned again. She was no stranger to rising early, just not after such a deep sleep. It was such a rarity for her without alcohol being involved. In those cases, she tended to have a bad hangover the next morning. 

This was something Nightmare discouraged her from doing. While some might think it odd for him, he looked after anyone he cared about, friends, or “found family.” She happened to fit in… the middle of those two categories. So, he saw to it that she had ended such a habit. 

Tiny footsteps clicking in the hall let her know she wasn’t the only one awake. Pulled from her thoughts, she looked over her shoulder she saw Killer, who beamed happily up at her.

“wha’cha doin’?” Killer asked as he ran into the kitchen with Bill trotting along behind.

“I was thinking about what you four should have for breakfast. What are you doing?” Lyra inquired with a smile. “Is it not early? You should still be sleeping.”

“i can’t sleep… i’m rememberin’ too much,” Killer hummed.

“What are you remembering?” Lyra asked, wondering if maybe he remembered who he was.

“where i am, and that dad isn’t here…,” he replied before walking over and leaning against her leg. “can… i ask you something?” There was a somberness about him that wasn’t there before… he was seeking comfort from her too. His tiny fingers gripped her soft pajamas.

“Of course,” Lyra smiled down at him and waited for a moment for his question. It was then that she heard the soft sniffle and shuttering sigh. 

He was crying….

Lyra knelt down and pulled Killer into a hug. He quickly hugged her back and buried his face into her shoulder. “i c… i can’t remember what my dad looks like….” And with that, Killer burst into full-blown tears with wailing.

Still holding Killer close, Lyra stood and sighed. “Oh…,” What more could she even say to that? She rocked the child while rubbing his spine as she waited for him to finish crying. The poor dear.

Once Killer could speak again, he just shivered a moment before mumbling, “i re-remember what he… what he was and was like… but… but not what he l-looks like.” Killer sniffled and looked up at her. “am i a b-bad son?”

“Oh dear, no! You are not a bad son,” She hugged him tighter, feeling a little bad that he made a soft grunt as it was too tight. Even if it was, Killer clearly didn’t mind as he clung to her as tight as he could and nuzzled against her fur.

“There are things… that you won’t understand until you are older… And that is part of it. I am sorry, sweet child. I wish I could help you understand why, but this is a matter that one so young would struggle to understand.”

“okay… dad said there were things i’d learn when i get older. like how baby monsters are made. Is it like that?” Killer asked.

“Oh, well,” Lyra felt her face flush a little. “It is… not exactly like that but similar in the sense that you need to be older to understand.”

This seemed to satisfy the child enough, and Lyra relaxed as she set the child back down. “Now, how about you keep me company while I make us some breakfast. Then, we can go play outside and take care of the chickens.”

“there’s chickens?!” Killer asked excitedly.

“Yes, there are,” She said as she got the eggs. “They are the ones who made these eggs that I will be cooking.”

“that’s so cool!” Killer giggled.

As she cooked, Killer told egg puns and chicken jokes, and talked about everything that came to his mind. Lyra idly listened as he spoke. As she finished cooking, she asked the child to get the others, and he scurried off across the hall.

Once she returns home, she will need to ensure she is ready to return at any moment. With sudden and random emotional moments like that occurring, Nightmare could not be expected to handle all of this alone. Right now, he is letting his pride get in the way of allowing her to stay and help. Once reality set in, though…

She will be ready.

---

next

[campbyler]

okay, a few things

AJSJDNBDBDBSJAKSKOWOAKSNSBDNZMZNZNSNSLAKBSBDJDJSBSHDHKAKSNSMAMAKSFJFFJ

2. ”i didn’t say anything” “you didnt have to” I SCREAMED.

3. i had a feeling max was going to jokingly ask them if they kissed (i also had a feeling that the blue and yellow facepaint was gonna mix a little) so i’m quite proud of myself for guessing

4. i thought this one was super cute and sweet and i loved it!!!

5. the flirting was off the charts and i’m fucking here for it 🙏🙏🙏

6. just, overall: great job andi!! i really enjoyed this chapter, you did really well on it!

7. what in the everloving fuck do you mean THIRD?!?!???? its the THIRD TIME?!?!??

8. its been so wholesome and not angsty that im scared for the next few, but i am so ready for it (haha) (see what i did there)

9. idk if you meant for this to be an illicit affairs reference but i noticed the term “clandestine meetings” and then directly after that, we see mike “stealing glances” at will (stolen stares)

10. this chapter was literally hilarious i laughed so many times

hehe hi there! 👋🏽

tysm for everything you said!!! 😭 ch 6 kicked my ass for some reason when writing it but i'm so glad you enjoyed it! this is me now selectively picking things to specifically respond back to:

2. ok i also screamed when writing that so i'm v happy you picked up on it hehe

3. honestly it's not like they're being subtle either, so ofc max was bound to Notice

7. his memories might be a little skewed. time will only tell. or maybe i'm just a liar.

8. i see what you did there!!!! and i can neither confirm or deny what will happen in the next few chapters, but don't worry. acswy as a whole has relatively minimal angst*

(*i am probably not the best person to ask about what's angsty and what isn't)

9. at this point if you see a taylor swift reference in something i've written, it's probably intentional hehehe :)

[sevenstarsinning]

Sweat

Ch. 1 - Ch. 2 - Ch. 3 - Ch. 4 - Ch. 5 - Ch. 6 - Ch. 7 - Ch. 8 - Ch. 9 - Ch. 10 - Ch. 11 - Ch. 12 - Ch. 13

Final Chapter

The weight of everything felt overwhelming. You wanted to fix it, to make it all right again, but you knew there was no undoing what had been done. You drove back home and slid into another pit of despair that threatened to swallow you up. It felt like you were being ripped into tiny pieces and you deserved it. All of the destruction you'd caused. You never meant for any of it to happen.

After sulking on your couch for what seemed like a full 25 hours, you decided to take a shower and try to eat something. Just as you slid off the couch there was a knock at your door. You tried to remember if you'd ordered food or something and forgotten about it, but when you peered out the window you realized it wasn't what you'd forgotten, but who. Goku. He was standing there at your door just waiting for you to answer it. For a moment you got lost in the memory of running to him the second he came over. You loved how easily he caught you in his arms and carried you inside. But the memory faded and your mind was flooded with the image of a heartbroken Goku. An image you desperately wanted to bury.

You quickly stepped away from the window and kept yourself as quiet as you could, hoping he'd just leave. 

"I can feel your ki." Goku said, answering the question you'd been holding onto.

You sighed as you stood in front of the door, "you shouldn't be here." "Why?" You fought the urge to open the door and let him inside, but you couldn't handle seeing him. Especially not after everything with Vegeta. 

"Because I ruin things. I'm not a good person like you, Goku." 

"You are to me." He said from the other side, "you're the best person. My all time favorite."

You couldn't help but smile for a brief moment. He was always so sweet. But the smile faded when you remembered all the terrible things you'd done to him. "Just think of me as a villain. A bad guy that just wants to hurt you and everyone you love." You explained. 

"Most of my friends were bad guys once." He said without a hitch.

You stayed silent. There was no real argument against that. He'd managed to befriend basically everyone that wanted to kill him at some point. You didn't know whether he was just naïve or really that compassionate. 

"If I promise to stay outside, will you open the door?" He asked after a few minutes. 

"I don't think it's a good idea for us to see each other." You said. 

"Okay." He said simply. 

You waited for a second for him to say something else, but he didn't. You looked out the window again and realized he'd sat down with his back against your door. You walked back over to the door and sighed softly. 

"Goku, what are you doing?" You asked.

"Sitting down." 

 "I can see that. I meant, why are you just sitting there and not going home?"

"You said we can't see each other." He said as if it was self explanatory. 

"Yes, so that usually means you should leave." 

 "Can you see me?" He asked. It hit you then that he was taking you literally.

"No, but you can't just sit outside of my house." You said.

"Are you gonna come outside and make me leave?" He asked.

"I- what's happening right now?" You asked in disbelief that he was that sly.

You waited for a moment to see if he'd just leave, but he didn't. There was no way you could actually make him leave. He was stronger and faster. And anything you said probably wouldn't make a difference.

After a bit you decided to do the only thing you could, ignore him. You walked away from the door and headed upstairs to shower like you'd originally planned.

The warm water washed over you and for a moment you were able to clear your mind. It was brief, but needed. You were able to forget about Vegeta, about Goku, and everything else you punished yourself for.

When the water turned cold you finally forced yourself to get out. The instant your feet touched the bathroom floor you were reminded about everything again. You wiped the condensation off the mirror as you wrapped your towel around your body. A heaviness weighed on your chest. Your reflection didn't even look like you anymore. It felt like you barely recognized yourself.

After a while you got dressed and headed back downstairs to see if your visitor had left. "Goku?" You said as you approached the door. "Yeah?" "You didn't leave?" You asked. 

"Why would I?" He asked from the other side of the door, "you're my favorite person." There was no way he was that sweet and caring. It made you feel like shit for what you were about to do.

"I need you to leave." You said.

"But why?"

"I just- I need some time, Goku. I can't think clearly with you here and it's just too much." You explained.

Goku was silent for a few minutes before you heard him stand up.

"How long?" He asked. "How long for what?" Goku stepped closer to the door, "how long do you need?" "I don't know. I just need space. I can't give you a timeline." You said, "I'm sorry."

Another long silence from him started to pick at you. It felt like you couldn't stop hurting him. "Goku, I really am sorry." You said, but there was no response. "Goku?" You leaned against the door to listen for him, but you didn't hear anything. You opened the door to peek out to see he was gone. It shouldn't have surprised you that he left without a word, but it did. Part of you expected him to protest or argue in some way.

Over the next few weeks you set a goal to focus purely on yourself. Mostly you spent your time shifting between crying, sleeping, and binging ridiculous reality shows that made you forget how terrible your life was. It wasn't ideal, but the routine helped some, especially when you hid yourself away from everyone. Well, tried to anyways. "Slut, open the door." Kyla knocked. "I'm not home." You said. You could practically hear her rolling her eyes. Before you could say anything else, she was unlocking the door and walking in. "Um, what the fuck?" You sat up on the couch. "Yamcha taught me how to pick locks." She shrugged and closed the door behind her. "Why does Yamcha- nevermind. What are you doing here?" You fell back onto the couch. Your safe space. "So there's this party..." "No." "Bulma was nominated for some big nerd award or something. She invited us." She glanced around the mess you shielded yourself in. "She invited you." "No, us. She wants to be friends again." Kyla said. You scoffed, "after she fucked my boyfriend?" "Um, excuse me, but didn't you do the same to me? And now we're besties." Kyla pushed the remnants of whatever take out you had the night before into the floor and sat down next to you.

"Plus, you're like the queen of awkward sexual situations by now." Kyla said. "I'm not sure how to take that." You said with your head cocked to the side. "Please go with me? Tien is being weird and I need someone there to talk to that isn't my ex." "Wait, Vegeta will be there?" You asked. "Well, yeah. He and Bulma are kind of a thing now." She revealed. It shouldn't have made you feel anything, but it did. It wasn't what you expected. You assumed he'd just stay single and fuck whatever human he felt like without any emotional attachment. "Does he know she invited me?" "Yeah. Maybe."

"Kyla, this just sounds like a recipe for disaster." You said. "But I need you." She gave you a pout that rivaled your own, "and you owe me." "Since when?" "Since you stole my boyfriend and broke my friend's heart." She said simply.

"Fine," you sighed and finally started to move, "do I have to get out of my pajamas for this?" "Yeah, no pajamas and take a shower. I'll pick out your clothes. Move your ass." She snapped her fingers.

It took a little while to get yourself into the shower, but once you were in there you didn't want to get out. After taking your time getting clean and mentally preparing yourself, you climbed out and went to see what Kyla had laid out for you. "No." You said plainly the second you saw the dress on the bed. "Yes." She said, "and these heels. They make your ass look great." "Why does my ass need to look great?" You asked. "Because Vegeta needs to drool a little over what he lost." She said.

Another 30 minutes was spent arguing with Kyla until she eventually won by pulling the 'you stole my boyfriend' card, which was getting overplayed but you weren't going to argue it. You relented to her every request and by the time the two of you showed up to Bulma's you were feeling every ounce of self-criticism about your outfit. "Stop fidgeting. You look hot." She smacked at your hand. "I look like I'm advertising for a new escort service." You pulled at the hem of your dress to cover up a little more. "Well, it wouldn't be the worst thing for you to be paid for getting fucked." She shrugged as she opened the gate to the backyard.

You followed her in and stayed close. It didn't take long to spot Vegeta brooding off by himself. "I'm surprised Bulma is putting up with his bullshit," Kyla said, her gaze settling on him as well. "I mean, you put up with it too," you reminded her. "So did you. What the fuck is wrong with us?"

"Is the dick really that good?" You asked. "You know who throws good dick? Tien. Like, fuck." She groaned, "and he uses that third eye too." "I don't even want to know how." "See, he does this-" "Nope." You walked away from her before she could spill the details. You set your sights to the bar. There was no way you were making it through that party without at least a buzz. "You actually came!" Bulma shrieked as she rushed over to you. You barely turned around before she was hugging you in a tight embrace that took your breath instantly.

"Hi, Bulma," you said, awkwardly returning the hug. There was a brief moment you considered pulling away. After all, Bulma had fucked Vegeta before you could sort through the tangled mess of emotions eating away at you. But those feelings quickly faded because it was nice to feel a back breaking hug from Bulma again. Maybe she had done you a favor.

When she finally let you go you were starting to lose feeling in your fingers. She stepped back and looked you up and down for a moment. "Wow. Being single agrees with you." She said. "And not being single seems to agree with you." You could tell she had to have been either working out or getting a workout with Vegeta. She looked even more perfect than usual. "Well, dealing with a grumpy alien is a full time job." She laughed. "I feel like we should talk about that whole thing." You said. "Me too. I- I wanted to apologize for- well, you know. Vegeta seemed pretty sure you two were breaking up." She explained. That was news to you. As far as you knew, it wasn't settled until after that night. "His opinion differed a little from mine. I was still sorting through shit, I guess he had given up." You grabbed the drink from the bar and started to chug it. "I take full responsibility for not waiting to talk to you first. I've felt terrible about it. I really am sorry." She said. You wanted to say it was all fine, but it still stung to know he was done before you even had a chance to discuss it. Of course, you couldn't blame Bulma for that. "I know. I'm not super upset with you, but it might take some time before I'm comfortable discussing my ex with his current girlfriend." You said.

"You got it, my lips are sealed when it comes to the grumpy alien," she said, doing a zipping motion across her mouth. "Thanks Bulma," you smiled and grabbed another drink. She continued on to greet other guests and Kyla joined you at the bar. "I take it everything is okay?" You nodded as you glanced at Vegeta. "As good as it can be, I guess." "Can we just have fun tonight and forget about him? The best revenge is going on like you don't give a fuck," Kyla said. "How are we supposed to do that when he's here?"

"Get as drunk as possible and ignore all men." She grabbed the two shots she ordered and handed one to you. You tossed it back while she ordered a few more. The plan wasn't fool proof, but it was at least something. It didn't take you long to get a good buzz going and Kyla seemed to be in the same boat as she stared at you and grinned. "What's that face for?" You asked. "I have a surprise." Her smile widened. You narrowed your eyes at her, "why does it seem like I'm not going to be totally on board with this surprise?" "It's for your own good." She said before she adjusted your dress and pushed your tits up more. "Kyla, what did you- fuck." Your mouth went dry the second you laid eyes on Goku striding into the party.

"Hi." You managed. "Hi." He smiled softly. You couldn't believe how good he looked. Even after just a few weeks without seeing him, it seemed like he had changed a lot. "You look amazing. I forgot about that dress." Goku said, his eyes moving slowly up and down your body. Your cheeks flushed at the thought of the last time you wore it. He had just finished the Tournament of Power and barely got you home before he was pushing the dress up to get to you. "I haven't worn it in a while. Kyla said it was a must." You said. "I'm really glad she did." Goku said with a sweetness that only he could.

"You look amazing too," you said, "I mean, you always do, but you look... more amazing." You silently cursed yourself for being so awkward. He smiled and scratched the back of his head. "Thank you. I've been training a lot. It was the only way I could keep myself from coming to see you."

"You still wanted to?" "Of course. I even asked Bulma if she could make something to keep me away." He said. "You didn't have to go through all of that." "You said you needed space. I wanted to give you that." He explained. Suddenly the entire party disappeared and it felt like it was just the two of you again. Nothing else mattered. "I appreciate you respecting what I asked for. It helped." You said. "Does that mean I can come visit again?" He took a step towards you.

"Goku, I... " "It's okay," he sighed and hung his head in defeat. "I would like that," you said, desperate to see that smile again, "but I have a request." He perked up immediately. "Anything." "We hang out as friends again, nothing more." The last thing you needed was to rush into another relationship, but you missed spending time with him.

"You mean you wanna try it again?" He asked, glancing up at you with wide, hopeful eyes. "I miss having you around." You admitted. "Can I come over now?" He asked excitedly, making you laugh. "We're at a party, Goku." He grabbed your hand, "I can have us back to your place in a flash." You squeezed his large hand, remembering what it felt like touching each part of your body. "We- We can't just leave. It would be rude." Goku let go of your hand and let out a heavy sigh as his shoulders slumped, "but I wanna spend time with you again."

"We're spending time together now," you said. "But it's not the same, I want you all to myself," he pouted. "Hang out with me here for a while and we can go back to my place after," you suggested, already struggling to stay within the boundaries you set. "How long do we have to stay?"

"At least an hour." You said. Goku furrowed his brow and started to count using his fingers before he leaned down and whispered, "um, how long is an hour?" You couldn't help but smile. He was adorable in every way. It wasn't going to be easy being around him without getting pulled back in. "I'll tell you when it's been an hour, okay?" Goku smiled and nodded, "okay. Can we drink until then? I miss drinking with you and Kyla." "Good idea. Let's get shots." You needed more to help take the edge off.

Kyla was more than happy to join. The three of you remained by the bar having fun in your own little bubble. It felt good, and Vegeta was all but a distant memory even though he was there watching you have fun. Bulma pulled Goku away for a minute, leaving you and Kyla to order more drinks. "So, what's this about you and Goku trying to hang out as friends again? You know that won't work," Kyla said.

"Why do you say that?" You asked as you finished off your drink. "Because neither of you can be around the other without wanting to fuck." She said bluntly. "Just because we want to doesn't mean we will. It's called willpower." You said. "Yeah, sure. We'll see how much willpower you have when you're alone with him." She rolled her eyes. Kyla had a point, but you weren't going to tell her that. Just touching his hand made you want to climb him. It was ridiculous how bad you wanted him. But you couldn't cross that line again. He deserved better than you.

Tien came and took Kyla away for a moment, leaving you alone to finish off another drink. "Woman." Vegeta said as he approached you. You rolled your eyes and turned around, "Man." "I'm surprised you actually showed up." "Well, Kyla guilted me into it for fucking you while you two were still dating and for breaking Goku's heart." You explained. Vegeta grunted, "she's too involved in people's lives." "It's how she shows she cares." You shrugged. "The blue haired woman said I need to talk to you about what happened. I told her the Prince of all Sayains doesn't talk about feelings, but she threatened to shut down the gravity chamber." He explained. "What's there to talk about? We were on the rocks, you fucked Bulma, we broke up." You picked up another drink. "Do you remember the last conversation we had before I left?" He asked. "Um..." Vegeta let out a heavy sigh, "I told you to make up your damn mind about being with me or that imbecile." "Oh that's right. Then you went and stuck your dick in Bulma." You said before you took a sip of your drink.

Vegeta narrowed his eyes at you and muttered something under his breath before he continued. "That decision should have been easy if you truly wanted to be with me." He said. "It wasn't that simple. We went through so much to be together and-" "That's the point. You only took the opportunity to be with me after everything because you thought it was what you were supposed to do." He said. "I- but I wanted to be with you." You reached for your drink again, needing something to help ease your nerves. "At first, but we both know it faded quickly. Especially with your feelings toward Kakarot." Vegeta took the glass from you and sat it down, "you never would've made that decision so I made it for you."

"Hold the fuck up, are you really trying to justify cheating by saying you did it for me?" You asked, feeling your anger rise, but you couldn't deny he was right. You wouldn't have made that decision. "I did it for both of us, you frustrating woman," he grumbled. As ridiculous as it was, you couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit of appreciation. Vegeta didn't sugarcoat, and he sure as hell didn't care about sparing anyone's feelings. To have him say out loud that he did it for both of you was oddly heartwarming, but it didn't take the anger away. You had made a mess and hurt multiple people. You couldn't judge him for making the final move to end it.

"I guess I get it, but still, there are better ways to break up with someone." You said. "I never said it was well planned out." You shook your head and sighed, "this is all a huge mess." "Most things that involve humans are." Vegeta glanced over at Goku and Bulma talking, "are you going to be his mate now?"

"Just because I *sort of* understand why you fucked Bulma doesn't mean I'm ready to be friends again. I don't know if that'll ever happen," you scoffed. "I'm not asking to be friends, woman," he said, offended you would make that assumption. "Answers about my personal life are reserved for friends, not ex-boyfriends that decided cheating was the best way to break up," you said.

"Fine." He said with a grunt, "a word of advice though, if you're letting him go, then do it. That means the friendship and all." "Thanks, but I don't take advice from cheating assholes with the emotional depth of a puddle." You turned away from him and ordered another drink. When he left you looked over at Goku. He was the best person you knew. He deserved to be happy and you wanted to be the one to make him happy, but could you really?

Once the hour was up, you reconsidered letting him come hang out with you. Just being friends wasn't possible, deep down you knew that. Kyla knew it. Even Vegeta knew it. "Has it been an hour yet?" Goku whined. "Another couple minutes," you said, hoping that extra time would magically give you the answers you were seeking. "Why does time take so long?" He sighed, his shoulders slumping. He was adorable when he was needy. It amazed you that he was getting so impatient over something as simple as hanging out with you. There was no promise of sex or some grand adventure. He just wanted to spend time with you. No one had ever craved your attention the way he did.

"Goku, why do you want to spend time with me?" You asked bluntly. "Because you're my favorite person." He said, "you're funny, nice, a good cook, caring, and you can almost eat as much as me." "Do you- do you still want more with me? More than friendship?" You asked. Goku paused for a moment, looking down at the ground as if he was ashamed of his answer. "Goku?" He met your gaze again, "I want you to be with me. I want to have you as my mate and to breed you. But I know you don't want any of that so I want to be your friend." "Why me? My bad qualities outweigh my good ones by like a million to one." You said. "Not to me." You sighed, "you're not looking at the whole picture. You're just seeing the good parts. That's not realistic." "I see the bad parts too, I just don't care about them." He explained. "Goku, you can't just-" "Will everyone stop telling me what I can and can't do?" Goku snapped at you like never before, making you jump and everyone else focus on the two of you. "You, Bulma, Vegeta, Yamcha, Kyla. Everyone has told me what they think of us being together but no one actually listens to what I want." He continued.

"What do you want then? If there were no obstacles in the way, no bad feelings or pain, just you and what you want. What would you choose?" You asked. "I already told you... I want to be with you," he said. "That's it? That's all you want?" "I already have everything else I want, you're the only part that's missing," he said.

"Okay. Say you have me, then what?" You asked. "Then I'll be happy." He said simply. "How? How could you be happy with me? I ruined your friend's relationship, destroyed your heart, and I-" "You drink too much, you push people away, you don't always think about others, you have that weird toenail habit, you p-" "Stop. I get it, okay? I told you I have a lot of bad qualities." "Yeah, and even with those I still want you. You don't have to understand it." He said, "just accept it and be mine."

You scanned the area. Everyone was back to doing their own thing, but you could tell some of them were still trying to listen in. Goku was right about you. He could see you, flaws and all, and he still wanted you. It was so easy to get stuck in your ways and go through life ignoring the things you needed to work through, but you wanted to be better. Not just for him, but for yourself, and everyone you cared about. You put your drink down and looked up at him. "Okay." "Okay, what?" He asked, tilting his head. "I want to be yours."

Goku's eyes widened, "you do? Really?" "Yes. If you still-" Goku cupped your face and pressed his lips to yours in a tender kiss. The way your body reacted to him was instant. You wrapped your arms around him and pressed yourself flush against his body. Kissing him felt like a sudden wave of peace washing over you, calming your anxiety and overthinking instantly.

"I'm so sorry for hurting you," you said against his lips. He kissed you again and again, like he couldn't get enough. "You're really mine?" He asked, pulling back to look at you. "As long as you want me," you said, beaming at him.

Goku pressed two fingers to his head and the two of you instantly transported to his bedroom. "You're the only thing I want." He returned to kissing you again. "Goku," you muttered against his lips, "I need you. Now."

He quickly lifted your dress over your head and ripped your panties like they were a thin sheet of paper. Before you could say another word, his face was buried between your thighs. You leaned back against the wall for stability to keep your knees from buckling while he devoured your pussy. You moaned loudly and carded your fingers through his hair. "Fuck... I missed your fucking tongue." You said as he gripped your hips and pulled you closer to riding his face.

Goku had you trembling and coming within seconds, screaming his name and begging for more. When he sat back and looked up at you, his chin was dripping from your cum as he licked his lips. "You're better than food." He said. From Goku, that was the highest compliment. You bent down and cupped his face, "I love you." "You do?" "Yeah. I have for a while, I just didn't want to admit it. I love you so much." "I love you too." Goku stood up and pulled you down on the bed with him. He collapsed on top of you with his hips settling between your thighs. "You're still dressed." You squirmed beneath him. Goku looked down and laughed, "you're right. I am."

You pulled his shirt up and lifted it over his head. Your hands went straight to his perfect abs, running your fingers over the ripples. He pushed his pants down and gripped his cock, lining it up with your pussy. "Fuck me, Goku," you whimpered, "I need you."

"I- I know we're not doing it right now and we still need to talk about it, but could you say the other thing?" He asked sweetly. You couldn't help but smile and nodded as you ran your hands up his chest. "Breed me, Goku." You said. Goku didn't wait another second before he was sliding his cock into you. You gasped and held onto his shoulders, feeling him stretching you again was euphoric. You didn't realize how long it had been since he fucked you. "You- you feel so good." Goku stammered and paused once he was fully seated within you.

It almost felt like a dream when he looked down at you with the cutest smile. He was really yours. After everything that happened, all the twists and turns, unexpected feelings and emotions, you ended up with there with Goku. To say you were lucky was an understatement. "Are you okay?" He asked, tilting his head when he noticed you lost in thought. "I'm more than okay." You smiled and pulled him down into a kiss.

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Tuesday, April 9

Cordelia: Somebody is after me! They just tried to kill Ms. Miller? Uh, she was helping me with my homework. And Mitch! And Harmony?! This is all about me! Me, me, me! Xander: Wow! For once she's right! Buffy: So you've come to *me* for help. Cordelia: (nods) Because you're always around when all this weird stuff is happening. And I know you're very strong, and you've got all those weapons... I was kind of hoping you were in a gang.

~~Buffy Episode #11: "Out of Mind, Out of Sight" ~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

the spark (Spike, unrated) by ialwayscomewhenyoucall

Try to Keep Satisfied (Buffy/Spike, E) by ClowniestLivEver

Birthday Blues (Buffy/Spike, E) by RavenLove12

What I Like About Spike (Buffy/Spike, E) by RavenLove12

Play Thing (Buffy/Spike, E) by Maxine Eden

[Chaptered Fiction]

Catching Heat Ch. 1 (Buffy/Tara, E) by mabus101

The Witching Hour: Ch, 1/25 () by TheLightdancer

In the Company of Witches and Slayers Ch. 4/200 (Willow/Tara, E) by VladimirHarkonnen (TheLightdancer)

A Reincarnation in Sunnydale Ch. 35/? (Buffy/Angel, M) by DracoRim98

Goodbye to Everything That I Knew Ch. 28/30 (Buffy/Spike, M) by My_Barbaric_Yawp

Angel Doesn’t Know Ch. 1/? (Buffy/Spike, E) by My_Barbaric_Yawp

With Arms Wide Open Ch. 28/? (Buffy/Giles, E) by jaybird023

Ripped Stockings Ch. 1/? (Jenny/Giles, E) by TheClowniestLivInExistence

The Reason Why Ch. 7 (Buffy/OC, M) by Xyex

Switch Swith Ch. 1-10/10 COMPLETE (Buffy/Spike, E) by sunalso

Ashes to Ashes, We All Fall Down Ch 1-2/2 COMPLETE (Spike/Drusilla, unrated) by Scar_Eve

hit rewind Ch. 47/? (Buffy/Spike, M) by untiljanuary

49 Cemeteries Ch. 21 (Buffy/Spike,, T) by firemanwhenthefloodsrollback

Early One Morning , Chapter 31 (Buffy/Spike, E) by all choseny

The Neighbor's Point of View, Chapter 98 (Buffy/Spike, G) by the_big_bad

Celebrating You, Chapter 7 (Buffy/Spike, E) by RavenLove12

Sculpture of Dance , Chapter 11 (Buffy/Spike, M) by Desicat

Hope is the thing with feathers, Chapter 2-9 (Buffy/Spike, E) by will_

Her Villanelle, Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, M) by Geliot99

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork:Buffy & Spike () by novivi

Artwork:Buffy () by bethrnoora

Artwork:Cordy, Willow, and Buffy () by yarboyandy

Artwork:Angel & Cordy () by artsying-ifer

Artwork:Dark Willow & Dawn () by fox-toothed

Icons: Slayers icons () by onegirlinallthewrld

Video: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER - Barbie Promo (Fan Trailer) () by Trailerventure

[Reviews & Recaps]

BTVS/Angel Rewatch Chronicles: Seasons 5/2, Part Two by QualifiedApathetic

Mothman’s Buffy Rewatch, Season 2, episode 22, Becoming (Part 2) by mothmans-wedding-photographer

[Community Announcements]

Spring 2024 Round - Pick a Theme by seasonal-spuffyAs promised we are back for the spring round. We still haven't found a new home for Seasonal Spuffy. The sad news is that this round will be our last round on lj/dw. We hope you help us spread the word, so we can go out with a great last round.

Tuesday: Vices by comment-fic

I run a discord server for Buffyverse rarepairs. by riley-summers

[Fandom Discussions]

Was thinking about Riley being an annoying character and something came to mind. by clockwards

Sorry thinking about Buffy breaking down to Tara again and Spike and Tara’s gentle friendship. by clockwards

“came back wrong” trope except she came back normal by thirstghosting

Ughhhh ew who is this Riley bitch. by loonyoz

what if faith during her redemption arc tried being a dog walker by annieofhearts

Summarizing the shit I’ve been ranting about to my buffy freaks this week re: “you arent the source of me” by breezybeej

Oh man, the Nice Guy energy radiating off Xander when Buffy turns him down for the dance is insane. by nicnacsnonsense

Literally one of my all time favorite interactions in btvs by hersterical

nothing makes me more evil than seeing someone misinterpret daniel “oz” osbourne of buffy the vampire slayer fame. by joe-spookyy

My favorite part of Buffy The Vampire Slayer by transgender-spiderman

What if Buffy fell in love with Spike first and was the one running around like a crazy weirdo by skyegraves21

maybe i don't understand how relationships work. by momsforroadhead

Bangel and Cangel parallels II by oveliagirlhaditright

Some Bangel and Cangel Parallels I've Noticed and Decided to Compile Together for Fun by oveliagirlhaditright

these are my picks for the best Buffy episodes in every slot of each season. by coraniaid

People in whose image The First should have appeared at least once during Season 7: by coraniaid

I feel like After Life did a great job at showing depression/loss by Anyanka_Tin

Bronze: 2024 music update by thepalebeast91

Rewatcher: anyone else annoyed with Ash&Angel episodes? by Prestigious_Olive_19

How was Angel enter into the apartment Faith broke into in s1e18 “Five by Five”? by dude19832

The loose ends - and how should they have been tied up? by artmalique

What are the best storylines in your least favorite season? by sadhungryandvirgin

First time watch by BlazinAsianNation

Was Faith justified in her anger at Buffy in "This Year's Girl"? by jdpm1991

Does Angel have photographic memory? by Slayerette444

I love these dresses Willow wears, but have no idea what to look for to find them. by Xandertheokay

Would The Key's identity be safe with you if you were Tara or Spike? by PristineSituation498

What happens to watchers after their slayer dies? by Helpplease49257

Are the monks in S4 complete morons or am i missing something? by FormerlyKnownAsBeBa

How could a Giles/Joyce storyline work? by jogaforacont

Watching Buffy for the first time. About to start Season 2. by Stradiwhovius_

Xander is fine. I don't know what my problem was. by LeoraJacquelyn

Buffy/Angel Relationship Timeline by BeneficialGrade8930

the Prophecy Girl speech by BPD-and-Lipstick

"Reptile Boy" and Wolfram & Hart by SvenVersluis2001

4x2/4 a problem I have with each by ukcountrylover

Some highlights from my Sunnydale Sims 4 save file by missssinister

Unpopular opinion… by Happycatmother

Mark Metcalf as The Master by Smykster

This sub is really hostile at times. by telomeres-

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

PUBLICATION: Before Willow, Larry Was the Gay Representation on 'Buffy' by Instinct Magazine

PUBLICATION: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Took an Idea From Xena: Warrior Princess and Perfected It by Den of Geek

PUBLICATION: All 13 Buffy The Vampire Slayer Characters Who Appeared In Angel (& When) by Screen Rant

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