#this version of blade gets his own tag now.

[ddarker-dreams]

blade literally pouting until you come back and kafka immediately assigns you the job of cheering him up

"..."

"...?"

"..."

upon returning from your latest job, blade instantly took to acting as your second shadow. this, in and of itself, isn't unusual. you stopped questioning this habit long ago, as it clearly pleases him. what you do find unusual is the unnerving stare he's currently directing your way.

"... is something wrong?"

after a second that seemingly lasted forever, he shakes his head.

"hm," you hum, placing a finger to your cheek in thought. "this isn't fair, y'know. your poker face is so convincing that i almost believed you."

he crosses his arms over his chest. "what would you have me say?"

"plenty of things!" you exclaim, to which he grimaces, realizing his mistake a moment too late. "that you think i'm just the cutest thing ever, how much you've missed me, all your thoughts, feelings, deepest, darkest desires— mmf!"

blade's gloved hand covers your mouth, putting a premature end to your tirade.

"are you finished?" he deadpans.

you nod.

he considers you at length before releasing you, muttering under his breath about you being a 'lousy liar.' you notice how his gaze lingers on your lips. a brief flicker dances within his eyes, hinting at the fervor he constantly battles to contain.

suddenly, it dawns on you.

"oh!"

you close the distance with an apologetic smile. "i did forget something important, didn't i?"

standing on your tiptoes, you steady yourself by wrapping your arms behind his neck. out of habit, his hands find your hips, securing you further. your lips almost connect — before mischief gets the better of you. you change your destination to his cheek, planting a chaste kiss there.

he blinks, slowly processing what's just occurred.

you prepare for a swift escape.

blade, however, foresees your intentions, and tightens his grip. effectively trapped, you squirm in place, chuckling nervously to dispel the building tension.

“close, but not quite,” he scolds. then, he lowers his voice to a whisper. “try again.”

[bunnliix]

Disobedience - Matz x Reader ft. San

The full version of what you can find here!

I technically have more of this to write, but like I kinda lost motivation at the end, so maybe a part two might happen?

Inspo for this is my favorite moot @herarcadewasteland who gave me these amazing ideas for this insane smut.

Pairing: Seonghwa, Hongjoong, & San x reader, Seonghwa x Reader x Hongjoong Summary: You just wanted some attention from your boyfriends. But you went a step too far, and now you're in for it. WC: 1.8k AU: Idol AU Genre: SMUT warnings: SMUT MINORS DNI, brat!reader, Hard doms! Matz and San, punishment, cockwarming, degredation, dumbification, restraints (handcuffs), collar and leash, reader gets ignored, tears and crying, edging, voyeurism, reader is a big brat and gets punished for it, hair pulling, reader gets stepped on Nets: @newworldnet Tags: @herarcadewasteland @mingisdoll @bethelighthalazia

You always knew that pissing off either of your boyfriends was never the way to go. It only landed you in huge trouble that left you bruised and sore for days afterwards, but you never learned, always doing it over again. Seonghwa had been practicing a new set of choreographies by himself, as he needed some extra practice, but you wanted his attention, since all of the other boys were busy, including your Joongie. So you tried your best to get him to take a break from practice, even tackling the taller man as he sat on the ground watching a playback of his latest attempt. 

That was your mistake, and the last straw for your oldest boyfriend. He growled, sending a shiver up your spine, before he grabbed you by your hair and pulled you off of him. You sprawled out onto the wood floor, slightly dazed as your hair was still being gripped tightly by your boyfriend. He doesn’t say a word to you, making you realize you’ve fucked up. He pulled you up with him, his hand moving to grab your wrist as he pulled you out of the room, as you almost trip over your own feet trying to keep up. You knew at this point, you were getting punished and not by Hwa, but by Mommy and Joong. You gulped as the reality set in, but you were determined to get what you wanted, attention from your boyfriend, so you doubled down on what you were going to do and say when Seonghwa brought you to your other boyfriend’s studio. 

Without knocking on the door, he pushed it open, startling your other boyfriend. Hongjoong took off his headphones, turning to look at the two of you walking in - well Seonghwa walking in and you being dragged behind him. You were thrown to the floor as Seonghwa pushed you down onto your hands and knees, a foot in between your shoulder blades to keep you there. “This lil brat decided to distract me from practice and then tackle me. All because she couldn’t be patient and wait for me to be done so she could get attention.” Seonghwa said, barely opening his mouth in order to get the words out.

Hongjoong quirked an eyebrow. “Oh, she did that, did she? Well, princess, you’re really trying to push our fucking buttons today? First you annoy Hwa enough to make him drag you here, which then makes me have to focus on you, instead of my work that I have to do. All for the sake of a little attention, hmm?” He looked down at you, his stare reminding you of the time he couldn’t find the camera at the MAMA awards, and it sent shivers down your spine, knowing you were really in trouble this time.

But no matter what the smart option would be, you decide to open your mouth and say the one thing that would get you in trouble. “Well I wouldn’t have to do any of those things if either of you would fucking pay attention to me!?” You half yelled at the two, staring Hongjoong directly in the eye.

His glare intensified, raising an eyebrow at your words. “Come here. Now.” He said, his tone betraying nothing.

You expected Seonghwa to lift his foot so you could get up and walk towards your other boyfriend. But he didn’t, keeping his foot firmly on your back. 

“Crawl. To. Him. Pet.” Seonghwa said, making sure you heard each word. 

You scoffed, turning to look up at him. “How about no. Now let me up.” You retorted.

The captain got out of his chair, heading for one of the shelves in his studio, before grabbing a leash and collar out of one of the baskets in those shelves. He brought it back over to the two of you, putting the collar on you and then attaching the leash, before he leaned back in his chair. 

“Now pet, either you crawl to me on your own, or I’ll do it for you, hmm? And don’t think about getting up. I’ll just pull you back down, and Hwa will make sure you stay down.” Hongjoong laid out your options.

You decided to test your luck and try to get up, only for Seonghwa to press you back down onto your hands and knees.

“He said crawl, brat.” And that was all the taller man said to you as he continued to look down at you.

Hongjoong pulled at the leash, making you crawl to him. You tried to crawl as slowly as possible, wanting to rile him up more. When you finally sat in front of him, he looked down at you with a wild grin, and with that, you knew you were fucked. 

Seonghwa passed the two of you, sitting down on the couch as you watched him. Your chin was grabbed, and your head was forced to turn back to look at Joong, as he made eye contact with you once again. 

“You wanted our attention, hm? Well now you’ve got it. And I don’t think you’ll like what comes next.” He said calmly, but his tone conveyed that he was anything but. “Now are you ready for your punishment, pet?” He asked.

You rolled your eyes, not feeling there was anything you needed to be punished for. You wanted their attention, was it so hard for them to give you the attention you needed. 

A tug of your collar pulled you back to the present, making you quirk an eyebrow at Hongjoong. He stood up, though his glare at you when you tried to get up made you stay in your place on the floor. He kept a hold on your leash as he moved to open one of the desk drawers, pulling out a pair of handcuffs. He walked the few steps back over to you and walked around behind you, squatting down to pull your arms behind your back, a clicking sound notifying that your arms were being restrained. 

He pulled you up off of the ground, pushing you towards Seonghwa who was watching the two of you from the couch. You fall into the eldest man’s  lap, hearing chuckles above you as your head falls into his chest. 

“Awww look at you, falling into my lap like a cute little bunny.” You heard from above your head, before you felt arms pull you properly into his lap. “There we go.”

You look at Hwa, seeing no compassion in his eyes for you at the moment, only looking annoyed at how bratty you’ve been. He quirked an eyebrow at you, before he looked past you at his boyfriend. You can’t see what they’re doing, only knowing that they’re silently talking to each other. Next thing you knew, Seonghwa reached down to unbuckle his pants to reveal his cock, and well, maybe wearing a skirt wasn’t the best option today, since all he had to do was reach under and pull your panties to the side. He did so, thumb finding your clit and rubbing it lightly to get you wet enough, which wasn’t hard. You quickly slicked up enough, and by the time you had, you were well on your way to an orgasm. Just as you were reaching the peak, Seonghwa’s thumb removed itself from your clit. 

“I was so close, why’d you stop!” You whined, pouting at your oldest partner.

“Brats don’t get to come. This is a punishment after all.” Seonghwa simply said.

And before you could retort, he lined up his cock with your pussy and pushed into you, leaving you to whimper as you felt the stretch of your walls, head falling down to lean on his shoulder.

“Hwa, please.” You said, slightly begging for some mercy, only to receive a chuckle in return. You tried moving around to make it feel more pleasurable, only for him to tsk at you. He stayed still, looking at you like you bored him.

“You’re not allowed to move, hm. Brats don't get anything. So you're gonna sit here darling, and not move a muscle, and you'll get no stimulation at all from me. You wanted to sit on my cock, well you got your wish. Just not how you expected it, hmm?"

He then picks up his phone from beside him, shifting his attention to that instead. You whine and complain, saying that it’s not fair that he’s not paying any attention to you. He continued ignoring you, with the exception of telling you, without looking your way, that,  "The longer you complain, the longer you get nothing." 

Hongjoong silently watched the two of you, before he turned back to his own work, which had been rudely interrupted. You whine as you try and get comfortable in your current unfortunate position, unable to get yourself fully comfortable. Unable to turn and see the clock in the room, time felt like it went on forever, and you lost any sense of time. As time passed, you felt yourself get closer and closer to breaking, wanting nothing more than for your two men to touch you. You were almost ready to apologize to them, to beg for them to touch you. Your whines get louder and louder, attracting the attention of the two men, though Hongjoong’s gaze only lingers for a moment or two, before he moves his gaze back to his work. Tears well in your eyes as you feel you can’t take much more of this, and Seonghwa chuckles at seeing the tears in your eyes.

“Hmm, are you giving in that easily darling?” He asks, looking at you finally, as a tear rolls down your cheek.

Meanwhile, Hongjoong was facetime San, needing his help with the guide recording. San answers that he’ll help, but then he hears your whines and whimpers in the background, and this triggers his curiosity. He makes a comment about hearing you in the background, playing the concerned friend who’s just curious. 

“If you’re that curious, why don’t you come and see for yourself?” Hongjoong replied to his question. 

San quickly nods, hanging up the phone as he heads up from the gym within the company building. You had no idea what had occurred, having no thoughts except that you wanted this torture to end. Tears flowed down your cheeks and falling down onto your shirt, Seonghwa just watching you.

The door opened, and you saw someone walk in from the corner of your eye, and turned your head to see San. He chuckled as he walked over to the couch, looking down at you with a condescending smirk on his face. Stopping next to you and Seonghwa, he raised an eyebrow at your predicament, as you looked up with him, tears still running down your face. 

"Aww, what did the dumb baby do this time to get punished?" He asked mockingly.

[vacayisland]

HIII i saw that you were taking request so im just asking if you could make a John dory x reader insert fanfic?

John dory meeting his spouce on the mission with Branch and Poppy when they find Bruce and hits it off with them while their is working at Bruces little diner?

@!; It's always a "vacay" with you. John Dory (JD) / Reader

"Summary"! John Dory didn't expect meeting the love of his life on a mission to save his brother; yet here he was, finding himself oh so fascinated with you that Spruce, Branch, and Poppy are having to physically pull him away from Vacay Island! "Tags"! Fluff! A lil awkward. Also, not proof read. I need to research JD a little more before writing another fanfiction about him, yet I tried my best with his personality!

@!; The last thing that John Dory expected from this mission was to find someone who completed him wholly, fully, and completely. The last thing he expected, when arriving to Vacay Island was to fall in love, head over heels for another Troll. The last thing he expected to come from this mission was to find someone who finally understood; understood him and his ways and how he is. Who made him want to be better while helping make him better; and in turn he helps them be a better version of themself. And it felt like some sort of weird destiny. They were only going to the island to find Spruce; a mission with one end goal, one way to go. Yet, when following Spruce (now Bruce) into his co-owned resort, singing had caught his attention right away...

Branch and Poppy kept following after Spruce, who hadn't turned around yet and kept trying to wave the two off while claiming his band days were over and to keep it all hushed-hushed. Though JD had stopped half way through the walk, hearing a tune flutter through the speakers of the indoor seating area. His interest had been captured, it was held captive with ever flutter of the sweet notes that wafted through the air. Though he slowly started to back up to follow his younger brother to get Spruce, he kept his eye out for the person who held such a lovely voice. "This is my wife, Brandy!" JD had swung himself on top of the bar top just as Bruce was introducing his wife. He was about to wave them off, though took a quick double turn when he actually saw who Bruce's wide was. Then grew even more confused when Bruce was bombarded with 10... 11... maybe 12 kids?! "How do you?-" JD pointed towards Brandy and Bruce, managing to interject between all the kids and chaos; Asking the one question that him, Poppy, and Branch were thinking - maybe less Poppy, and more him and Branch. Yet still, how would such a relationship even work? Nevertheless work so well where they had so many children- wait no, JD scrunched his nose as the thoughts that came to mind. He subtly leaned away from the two, glancing between Branch and Poppy and Bruce and Brandy. He turned them out for a moment, glancing back at the open sitting area as everyone chatted and spoke, laughed and cackled, just having a good time. And that's when he saw a flash of color, different from the other warmer-tones. JD didn't notice the way his breath caught in his throat the moment you swung by, landing on the counter top with a skidded stop. Despite wearing roller blades, the wheels didn't bother you. "Brandy! You got the food for Skid and Mary?" "Oh hey! Guys, that's (Y/N), a worker of mine." Bruce cut in as Brandy nodded, ringing a bell before a basket of fries and burgers were pushed out from the kitchen. She would take them, slide them across the counter to you, and you would, as though these plates weren't triple your size, hooked your hair around the holes of the basket. "Thanks, gotta run! Oh- hey Bruce." A wave, bright smile, and you were off; having stopped in for a brief moment but completely capturing JD's attention once again. He couldn't help but watch as you skated off, dragging the plates behind you while dodging whoever and whatever came your way. "So they was singing." JD blurted, not exactly meaning to. Though he captured his brothers and Poppy's attention. Bruce simply crossed his arms, "Oh, (Y/N)? Yeah! They always sing while they work, sometimes they even take a break to entertain everyone with a musical number." Though JD didn't catch it, Branch give him a skeptical look; being quicker to catch onto the way JD looked on you and the slightly softer tone he had.

@!; JD wasn't sure what attracted him to you yet, but he found himself looking for you every second of their stay trying to convenience Bruce to come help save Floyd. Even during the 'Brozone's back' performance, he looked for your face in the crowd; trying to see if he could catch a glimpse of you and your rolling skating antics. When they were done, while Poppy and Bruce's family were cheering them on, his eyes were stuck on the crowd. His nose scrunched as he tried to keep old thoughts out of his head, wondering why you weren't here praising him for his singing or anything like that. No, he cannot think like that. He's growing, he's outgrown that mindset- "Earth to JD!" JD snapped out of his thoughts at Poppy frantically waving her hand in front of his face. A hard blink and he turned over to the staring company. Brandy had a knowing look, in which JD squinted at trying to decipher. Poppy playfully punched JD's arm, "Oh, good to have you back!" A big grin paired her child like antics, in which JD only laughed and brushed off. "What are you talking about, I've been here since the beginning. After all, I'm the one who found Floyd's lett-" Yet he wasn't able to finish before Branch cut in. "Yeah, half here. Ever since we stepped foot here you've been," And Branch waited no time drawing a circle at the side of his temple, pairing it with a whistle; effectively calling JD insane, or mainly out of it. Poppy playfully slapped Branch's arm away from his head, saying something about how that was rude to do. Branch smiled a little, but tried to keep a straight face, as he gestured over to JD with a 'come on' type of look. Poppy glanced over to JD for a moment then back at Branch, a silent agreement that she would try to make unobvious. Bruce simply chuckled at their antics. "What? What's funny?" JD pointed at Bruce, narrowing his eyes a little as his more laid-back brother. "Oh nothing.." And there was a hint in Bruce's voice that made it sound like there was more. Yet he didn't say anything, arms crossed, as he gave JD a knowing look. An oddly, really knowing look. It threw JD off. He wasn't that readable anymore, he wasn't how he was when the band was together and his brothers shouldn't know how he is! He didn't like that look. So he glanced away from Bruce. Yet there was a feeling in his gut that JD knew that Bruce had some sort of hint of what was distracting him.

@!; The mission had been delayed a day. Bruce needed to stay back for a day longer to help Brandy with the kids and figure out all the logistics of leaving so suddenly. JD had gone off on his own, letting Branch and Poppy do their own thing, as he went to go walk on the beach. There wasn't much else to do than to walk on the beach and take in the scene. He didn't exactly want to get into the water, despite how impressing it might be to you- And there his mind goes again! JD cursed himself and cursed his thoughts and cursed you!- Then he paused, with a scrunch of his nose. He couldn't curse you no matter how much he was irritated you infiltrated his thoughts. He hasn't even spoken to you! How would he know you would even like him? That he would even like you! "A little help!!" JD's attention snapped behind him as he heard the shout from an all too familiar voice. Yet he didn't have time to react, seeing a troll barreling towards him with their arms extended and a panic-stricken look. JD jumped out of the way, landing in the sand and purposefully with more force than needed to dig himself in. You whizzed by him and he quickly shot his hair our towards you, wrapping it around your waist and trying to hold onto the friction from the sand to slow you down. Yet, maybe he should have dug himself in deeper. He knew this as soon as his left foot lost footing and he shot forward, dragging across the sand and towards you. He tried grabbing onto something, yet you both only crashed into each other; And while that helped to stop you, it also caused you both to barrel and roll into the shore of the ocean, effectively drenching you both in salty water. JD groaned, laying in the mushy sand floor, feeling the waves crash up against him and recede slowly back once they came. He felt groggy, a little disorientated, yet he didn't have much time to reflect on that feeling when someone began to shake him. "Oh my god! Please don't be dead- please!" And with a few slaps to his cheek, JD shoved a hand into the face of whoever was trying to bother him at this moment. There was a silence for a moment, maybe out of shock, before JD heard the person beside him let out a deep sigh. It was a sigh like the weight of the world had been lifted off the person's shoulders, releasing them some sort of trouble or entanglement with liability. JD opened one eye when the ocean drew back again, keeping his eyes half-lidded, as he tried to see who was with him in the ocean. He swore he nearly died the minute that he saw you, soaking head to toe and looking down at him with the most worrisome look. He jolted up to a sit, not realizing his hand was still cupping your mouth until a moment later; When he drew it back, glancing down at it and back up at you, then cautiously placing it beside him. "Are you okay?" And despite how awkward this situation could be, you didn't make it that way. And JD slightly hoped it was because you saw the look on his face; The silent apology he couldn't bare himself to say. He's been working on himself, but he's not that level of worked on yet. Especially since he knew he owed a few people some big apologies.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine." JD mumbled after a minute. He took in a deep breath before placing his hands on his knees and standing up, letting out the breath in a long sigh as he did so. "Oh- um! That's good." Your smile was anxious, a little weary, as you still sat in the mushy sand in the fire range of the waves. JD offered you his hand. You took it, allowing him to help you onto your feet. And that awkward silence along with a prolonged holding of hands. JD wasn't sure why, but he noticed the way your hand fit perfectly into his like all your hands were made to do was hold each other. He kind of didn't want to let go, but did so for the sake of comfortability. It would be awkward to hold hands with a strange, right? And no matter how many fangirls they had felt with in Brozone, JD would never know that answer. He guessed yes, by the way your eyes shifted to the left in an uncomfortable fashion. Yet he saw the way your eyes flicked back to his the moment he let go. He noticed the way your hand dropped to your side limp-like, and the small smile that crept to your face. There was some sort of glint in your eyes that drew JD in again. Though he couldn't exactly tell what that sparkle was for; he just hoped you were going the same way his brain was. "Hey," A pause, you were chewing over your words. "Would you like to talk over a basket of nachos?" "Were you reading my mind?" JD cocked up his eyebrow, giving you a snicker as he saw the cheeky look that rose on your face. "Maybe I am, you'll never know! But I have an employ discount I still have to use and this seems like the perfect occasion to take my break." And you grinned a grin that made JD feel like you were looking right through him; That you knew all his flaws and strengths all at once and yet still loved him for every single one of them. And maybe he was insane to think so. And maybe JD should get to know you better before he jumps to conclusions. But, shit, you had him hooked in a way no Troll has had him before.

.ᐟ this work is published and owned by @vacayisland. please do not plagiarize, copy, or steal this work; like, reblogs, and saves are appreciated :D

[buddierecs]

angst buddie fics

all mature rating!!! make sure to kudos/comment on these amazing works :)

leave the light on (i'll be coming home) by: hmslusitania "an accident on a call leaves buck with custody of chris after eddie is... missing presumed. while they navigate their new family circumstances -- and fight to stay together, despite eddie's parents' best efforts -- a john doe wakes up in a coma ward with no memory of his own life beyond the knowledge he has a son named christopher and, somehow, he needs to get home." word count: 44k important tags: amnesia, mourning, grief, hurt/comfort, getting together, happy ending tomorrow will always and forever now be today (tomorrow is our always and forever) by: withmeornotatall "eddie gets trapped in a time loop on the day buck marries natalia" word count: 43k important tags: time loop, minor buck/natalia, weddings, love confessions five minutes by: onelonely_tortillachip "after the lawsuit, buck decides to take a small vacation to take a break from the stress of coming to work each day to a group of people who can't forgive him. he decides to fly back to wyoming to the ranch he worked on as a younger man. but the flight he is scheduled to take doesn't make it to its destination" word count: 71k important tags: post-lawsuit, emotional hurt/comfort, airplane crashes, found family, depression, oblivious!evan buckley, grief, survivors guilt i'll feel you forget me like i used to feel you breathe by: turningthepages "a car accident leaves eddie without ten years of memories. he forgets meeting buck, falling in love, getting married, and bringing two more kids into their life. as eddie struggles to adjust to this new life, buck struggles with being in love with someone who doesn't want to remember him. oh, and they have really cute kids." word count: 128k important tags: amnesia, car accidents, hurt/comfort, married!buddie, hurt!eddie diaz, insecure!evan buckley, slice of life, future fic when it comes back to you by: gisellelash "the one where eddie and buck meet when they work together on eddie’s uncle’s ranch, and again when eddie walks into the 118 eight years later." word count: 21k important tags: different first meetings au, first love, internalised homophobia, second chance, emotional hurt/comfort, mental health, soft!buddie, boys in love both blade and branch by: daisies_and_briars "the chances of being struck by lightning twice are incredibly minute, but buck still manages to pull it off. during a double date with marisol and natalia, nonetheless. eddie manages to resuscitate him, but as buck recovers from yet another trauma, eddie can’t help but notice there’s something very different about him. he’s not quite sure what version of buck he got back." word count: 62k important tags: paranormal elements, slow burn, hurt!evan buckley, eventful comfort, emotionally hurt!eddie diaz like when the sun came out by: spaceprincessem "buck can see ghosts au" word count: 39k important tags: ghost au, hurt/comfort, mentions of suicide, happy ending, boys in love, getting together the light's been out through, baby by: hattalove "six months after the near-fatal shooting of a member of the lafd, footage of the incident surfaces on social media." word count: 15k important tags: shooting, minor buck/taylor, getting together alone again tonight with you by: woodchoc_magnum "in which eddie and ana are dating, buck is secretly in love with him, and christopher isn't handling it well." word count: 37k important tags: pre-relationship, pining, team as family, jealousy, season 4 standing on the brink of emptiness by: woodchoc_magnum "in which eddie is struggling in the aftermath of being shot, learning how to take care of himself and realising he's in love with buck; and buck is dating taylor, taking care of eddie and christopher and trying to figure out why he's so goddamn confused about everything." word count: 70k important tags: season 4, injury recovery, ptsd, slow burn, minor buck/taylor, pre-relationship, getting together

[andraxicated]

Pairings: blade x reader (prerequisite au) | jing yuan x reader Synopsis: You never knew coming to this world would tie you down there forever Tags: fake dating | fluff | stellaron hunter! reader | kith kith fall in love mwah a/n: I did this mini fic to cure my writer's block but it made it worse. blade's version of this will be completed soon!

~first meeting

You easily slipped into the Xianzhou within its state of unrest and its security that was too lax for Silver Wolf's standard. You walked through the streets, admiring the bustling nightlife and feeling a sense of melancholy washing over you. You're waltzing onto an unfamiliar land by having blind faith in Elio alone, basing your journey on his word.

There's an indefinite objective here. You're just wandering aimlessly amidst the sea of people. That was until someone grabbed your wrist, effectively pulling you back to be met with gold eyes and a smile.

"Found you"

"Jing Yuan?!" You whispered shocked, ready to fight or flight. It has already been made clear that you are not an enemy, they even let Blade and Kafka escape. So why is this man holding onto you?

"Before you do something, let me tell you that you are cleared of your charges and we acknowledge that the Stellaron Hunters pose no threat to us." Jing Yuan starts to speak, pulling you to the side to avoid inconvenience to the passerby. "I just want to talk."

It's ridiculous really. Sitting in front of the general and watching him chow on the noodles. Your own dish is waiting to be eaten but you can't help but be fascinated by the man in front of you. Taking your sweet time to glance over every detail of his—hair, eyes, lips, and body. You even took note of his gait on the way to this noodle shop that he recommended.

Sometimes the rumors are true.

"Are you gonna eat?"

You grimace, finding it uncomfortable that your forces were hostile to each other before but now he's acting like you've been friends for a long time.

"No. I don't know what this is." You glance at the food and lean towards him with narrowed eyes. "And maybe you're cohorts with the owner of this place and put some kind of substance to make me spill the truth about what I know."

"What do you know?" Jing Yuan doesn't seem to care and continues to feast on his meal. He momentarily looks at you before going back to his business.

"I don't know anything. I don't even know why I'm here." You lean back with an exasperated sigh. Truthfully, you're hungry and this dish seems utterly appetizing. You take the chopsticks and cautiously take a piece, chewing and waiting for some side effect to kick in but alas, nothing came. Only a burst of flavors that made your tummy protest for more.

"Is it good?"

You glare at the man in front of you, choosing not to speak and instead focusing on the steaming bowl. A smile stretches over his lips as he watches you eat, seemingly letting your guard down until you stop and raise an eyebrow at him. Jing Yuan only chuckles and shakes his head as both of you continue to bask in the silent dinner.

It lasted until he opened his mouth and let out the most ridiculous, out-of-this-planet proposal you've ever heard.

"Can you be my fiancée?"

Needless to say, you stared at him like he'd grown a head or two while his smile is kept on his lips, patiently waiting for your response to his question.

"No. Are you kidding yourself?" The only thing running through your mind was getting out of here after you're done and making him pay for it. He has to be fucked up in the head to suggest that to you of all people.

Jing Yuan puts down his utensils and stares at you ravaging the dish. In a few seconds or so, he successfully predicts you'd choke and watches you cough up your lungs, pushing the glass of water towards you which you hurriedly gulp.

"Now that you've calmed down. Let me speak." He sighed and leaned back. "This will be just pretend dating. I ask for your assistance in this matter and in return, you will benefit from this arrangement-"

"Wait. Stop right there" You point a finger at him accusingly. "How will I-"

Jing Yuan inwardly groans 'stubborn as ever'.

"Let me finish speaking, yes? The reason for this arrangement is that my parents have recently reached out to me about marriage. They have already selected some of the finest ladies in the Xianzhou but ultimately, they'd leave the choice up to me." He left out the asking for grandchildren part as he pours himself two cups of tea, one that slid over to you. You didn't need to know that conversation anyway.

You briefly look at your small reflection before tuning back to his words.

"I have a long life ahead of me and I don't think it's the time to be occupied with marriage. I have to think about that when my job as a general is done and everything is smoothly handed to Fu Xuan. Simply speaking, I don't want it right now."

"Look here general. I don't care about your sob story or whatever reason this is happening. Tell me what's my benefit in this or I'm leaving." You shrug.

Jing Yuan stayed silent for a few moments, studying your features with wandering eyes that lingered far too long for your liking.

He suddenly said something that rocked your world at its very foundation. The purpose of your visit falls right from his very lips.

"I know about you, I'll tell you about your past."

Your lips started quivering, eyebrows coming together, and mind scattering on how to know if this man in front of you is lying. Jing Yuan just dropped a bomb on you and this one could very well be a joke. But you don't think the poker face he's donning right now is a sign that he takes this lightly.

"Proof?" You whispered, silently hoping that he was telling the truth or you'd blow this place up in an instant.

"I have pictures"

"And?"

"You're there with me."

If Elio told you about staying, then you must have had a link to this planet and the long-life natives must have also known you before. Such as this one sitting in front of you.

Jing Yuan continues. "You also have scars all over your body. You wanna know why? Because it was almost destroyed from suffering a huge injury in a fight, but apparently, you got away." Your lips parted, unable to speak and you started to unconsciously touch your arm and move your thigh if it's still intact. "You were also once mara-struck, that's probably why you don't remember anything."

"Where did you get this information? From the jade abacus? Or from yourself?" You asked Jing Yuan even though you already know what his answer is gonna be.

"I'm afraid I'm gonna have to tell you that later at the end of our arrangement...So, what is your answer?"

This won't come easy as he's practically dangling a carrot in front of you. You suddenly stand up but the punchable smile stayed on the man's face. Turning to leave, you take one glance at him while you weigh your options.

This was encounter something Elio failed to mention but you never fully trusted that lunatic anyway. You finally gained a lead on your self-searching journey and you're gonna do whatever it takes even if it means forming a 'relationship' with a man you barely know.

"Tell me everything you know and I'll cooperate."

~falling in love

Jing Yuan doesn't exactly know when it all started. His heart just started beating faster when you were near and he felt empty when he couldn't see you for days. The grey-haired man longed for you to the point he'd have no motivation to function when you're not visiting him.

Did his feelings start years ago when you were still mentees?—he doesn't think it matters. But one thing is for sure, each moment spent with you in the past was deeply embedded in his heart no matter how hard he tried to bury it.

And this fake relationship thing fueled his feelings even further, he feels sick to be honest. If he said no to his parents then that'd be the end of it. Why did he even drag you in it? Maybe because it was a spur of the moment decision to find you and barge into your life.

"There's someone taking photos." Jing Yuan breaks the silence and immediately reaches for your stiff hand, not letting you go when you attempt to pull back.

"What? Who are they? Shouldn't we knock them out?' At your response, he looks at you like you said murder is okay. He sighs, suddenly interlacing your fingers together and swaying them as you look at it in horror. You think you were truly horrified that your heart started to pump a little faster and your dinner felt like rising.

"Let's act like this for the meantime until they go away. Most likely they're gonna sell the pictures for the newsletters. I'll put a notice for it to stop in the morning."

But the person doesn't stop following both of you, they think they're sneaky but your senses are on high alert the whole time. If not for Jing Yuan's hand, you would've pounced on the photographer already.

"What do you think will make them go away?" He asked and at this point, he was running out of options. Jing Yuan was a very patient man but he doesn't like someone tagging along on what's supposed to be time with you.

"Beating up works but I'll ruin your reputation so cross that off." You jokingly respond and he laughs. Your lips stretched into a small smile upon hearing him.

"I know now." He whispered near your ear and stopped you from walking, your back was facing the building where someone was lurking. And for a second, his golden eyes met the photographer's who deflated on the dangerous glint he showed.

Jing Yuan's hand snakes up to your waist, pulling you closer and stiffening your body.

"Hey!"

Your hands flew to his chest in an attempt to push back. You could very well push him, separate your bodies in this shared heat but you didn't. Frankly, you enjoyed the way he was touching you and this thought made your cheeks burn.

"Let's give them a show" Jing Yuan pulled you even closer and your hands on his chest were soon going to be squished. Where else could you put your hands other than around his shoulders? He smirked at your face, finding this ordeal amusing.

"What show?"

You thought the show he was talking about was dancing. You were in the perfect position for dancing.

"This"

But Jing Yuan had other plans and was thinking very differently from you. He leaned in so close that your eyes went wide and your breathing quickened. Puffs of air from his mouth lightly ghosted over your lips, leaving your body tingly as your mouths were inches away.

"Can I kiss you?"

His question passed by you in a daze but you nod your head anyways because it just felt right. The way his soft lips enclosed against yours, gliding and feeling the smooth expanse left him wanting more. More so that you feel yourself dipping back because of his harsh lip-locking.

Yet Jing Yuan feels kind of ticked, he pulled away and saw you open your eyes confused.

"Don't just stand there. Open your mouth." He ordered as he leaned in once again. You followed what he said, opening your mouth in a raunchy expression of affection that you soon find yourself losing to. He's very much glad that you began playing with his tongue too, feeling him smile against your kiss.

You never knew it was possible to feel a burst of emotions like that—like happiness.

[writingforstraykids]

Loveeed "I need a hug", can I request a nswf version of that with like the same beginning? 😍

I need a hug - nsfw edition

Pairing: Minchan

Word Count: 1614

Warnings/Tags: angst, emotional hurt!comfort, fluff, fwb to lovers, smut, sub!min, dom!chan

Chan looks up from his laptop at the timid knock against his door. “Come on in,” he calls out. Glancing at the time displayed on his laptop screen makes him frown. Who of the kids could possibly be still up at that time after their concert ended hours ago? Minho answers his question by quietly slipping inside his room and closing the door. His hair falls around his face, still damp from his shower before, his eyes glistening suspiciously. The soft lilac hue of Chan’s lights dances across his finest features, making Chan’s breath hitch at the sight. He stops in the middle of his room, freezing in place and contorts his face a little as if he’s debating to leave again. “Min?” Chan asks softly and turns toward him. “You’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” the younger one utters a response, fidgeting with the sleeves of a black sweater Chan recognizes as his own. 

He bites back a sigh and shakes his head. Minho hasn’t been fine in weeks. He’s been pushing himself beyond his limits for the group over and over again, staying late at the practice room, helping his members perfect their moves, and listening to their worries. “There’s no shame in admitting you’re not.”

Minho closes his eyes for a brief second as if he’s in pain. “But they need me to be okay.”

“How can I help?” he changes tactics, tilting his head at him. 

Minho shrugs his shoulder. “I tried everything, hyung,” he says barely audible. “I’m so tired, but I can’t get comfortable to find any rest. Everything hurts,” he explains, subconsciously taking a few steps forward. “I took a long bath, stole some of your ridiculously expensive shampoo, made some tea…I even stole your sweater because they’re warm and cozy.”

Chan reaches out for him, taking his hands and pulling him forward the last few steps separating them. “Nothing worked?”

“No…I-I guess I need you,” he whispers, and Chan’s heart melts right there. He knows how much it means for Minho to come here and ask for this when he feels that vulnerable. It wasn't the first time they'd pushed the boundaries of their friendship like this, and still, it feels so new every time. “I know you’re working and everything-”

“No, no, none of that,” he says firmly but kindly. “If my hardworking Minnie needs some love, that’s what he’ll get,” he announces and gently guides him into his lap. 

Minho buries his face in his neck with a soft sigh, inhaling Chan’s so familiar and soothing scent. He wraps his arms around his neck lazily, and tears shoot to his eyes as Chan wraps a fuzzy blanket around him, slipping his arms beneath it and wrapping them around him. Chan rubs his back, and after a minute of comfortable silence, he hesitantly slips his hand beneath his sweater. Minho tries his best not to let the soft sound lingering on his lips slip at that but subconsciously tightens his grip around him. Chan’s hand feels warm against his skin, giving comfort to his aching body. At first, it rests on his lower back, but then he starts moving, rubbing soothing circles up his back and pressing down gently between his shoulder blades and neck. It’s ridiculous how much such a simple touch means to him. He always admired his only hyung among the group for so many things. It didn’t help that to him Chan was stunningly handsome and had a smile that brightened his darkest days. Now that he knows how he sounds and looks, being intimate with him doesn't help either. 

Minho feels lonely so often in a world where he has to deliver and function to be accepted. He doubts himself more often than he’d like to admit and is almost envious of how easily Chan accepts that about himself, often showing it openly. It seems easier than eating it all up and pretending to be just fine. In all his worries and doubts, Chan became his safe place. The one he felt like he could be more open around, the one who held him without any judgment when things got rough. Shit, Minho loves his hyung.

Chan loves the feeling of being needed, and he loves Minho even more. The younger has been the rock keeping him from drowning more often than he could count. He loved giving him back part of what he did for him, so naturally, at all times. Chan cautiously threads his fingers through his hair, smiling softly as Minho melts into the touch, a soft sigh escaping him. “That’s okay?” he checks in, and Minho hums lowly. 

“Very,” he whispers, nuzzling his face deeper into Chan’s skin as the older starts massaging his scalp, easing all his worries for now.

Chan tenderly drops his head against Minho’s and allows himself to relax in the feeling of Minho clinging to him. “You did amazing today, you know that, right?”

“I did okay,” he hums, eyes fluttering close as Chan scratches his scalp.

“More than okay, Minnie,” he insisted. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you,” he whispers, touched, can’t helping the warmth spreading through him at his words. 

"Need me to keep touching you or more?" he checks in, and Minho slowly lifts his head, locking eyes with him. 

"Already prepared myself," he confesses, and a soft groan escapes Chan's lips. 

"Fuck, you're so incredibly hot sometimes," he admits, and Minho smirks playfully. 

Chan drops the blanket to the floor and watches Minho getting on his knees and shuffling down his pants and boxers quickly. He lifts his hips, pushing them down to his knees. Minho doesn't waste much time and fumbles for the bottle of lube stored in Chan's desk. He spreads a bit over his hand before stroking Chan a few times. A soft smile covers his lips as he watches Chan's face relax, clearly welcoming the touch after their long day. 

It doesn’t take long, and Chan is buried deep inside him, hands gripping his hips to steady himself for a moment as they get used to the feeling. Minho braces himself on his shoulder as he experimentally lifts his hips. A relieved moan escapes his lips as he sinks back down on him. Chan gazes up at him as Minho works out a rhythm, face flooding with pleasure. He lifts his hand to cup his cheek and smiles as Minho leans into the touch. Chan lovingly fondles his thumb right above his eyebrow, easing out his worried frown and brushing it against Minho's lower lip. Minho's lips part with a soft moan, eyes sinking deep into his. "Channie," he whispers. 

Chan hums in response, a little overwhelmed by how vulnerable Minho looks with those wide, wet eyes. "Kitten?" he asks softly as Minho remains quiet beside his little sounds of pleasure. 

"I don't deserve this," he whispers, afraid of his voice failing him. "You shouldn't have to take care of me." 

Chan shakes his head firmly, and his hand wanders down to the back of his neck. He pulls him in close and gently nudges their noses together. "Stop talking," he tells him softly. "You, kitten, only deserve the best…so I'm the lucky one here." 

Minho blinks at him, stunned, and stops moving, eyes brimming with tears all over again. "I love you, Chan hyung," he says, and his eyes widen in shock once he realizes the impact of his words. Chan stares at him, stunned for a moment, and looking at him is enough to know he means it. "Shit, sorry," Minho croaks out and moves to climb off his lap. 

Chan's grip on his hip tightens, and Minho blinks at him, confused. "I love you too, Minho baby," he says, and nothing has felt as right as those six little words in a while. "Always have and always will," he adds, and a weak chuckle leaves Minho's throat. 

"You're ridiculously cheesy," he comments, and they smile at each other before their lips meet in a long, passionate kiss. Minho's head drops back with a moan as Chan starts kissing down his neck, and he quickly buries his hand in his hair. His other hand comes up to cover his mouth in shock as Chan slams his hips up into him. 

Chan chuckles and does it again, watching Minho's eyes roll back, struggling to keep down the noise. "Min, if loving me means you want to be my boyfriend-," he says and moans sweetly as Minho clenches around him. "-then we can stop hiding around the dorms, so let me hear you." 

Minho's hand drops down, gripping the fabric of Chan's shirt as he hits his prostate next. "Oh, fuck, right there," he moans out in pure bliss. 

Their moans mix, only muffled by them kissing passionately. 

Chan watches him tense up only shortly after and shivers at the broken sound of his name. Minho paints his sweater, holding onto him, head dropping against his with soft, weak sounds. He soothingly rubs his back, surprised as Minho already starts moving again. "Kitten," he breathes out, moaning softly at the needed friction. 

"Don't stop, Channie, need you so bad," he confesses and finds himself in Chan's bed only seconds later, the older one hovering over him. His head falls back into the pillow as Chan thrusts into him, deep and forcefully. He pulls him down, desperate for a kiss, and wraps his legs around Chan's waist. He doesn't care that they're still mostly dressed. He doesn't care that his cum is all over Chan's sweater. He doesn't care that the others could probably hear them. All that mattered was Chan. Always had and always would. 

MASTERLISTS | PROMPT LIST | GUIDELINES

Taglist: (Please let me know if you want to be added to/removed from the taglist!)

@atinyniki @mal-lunar-28 @lilmisssona @aaasia111 @galaxycatdrawz @kthstrawberryshortcake @channieaddict @soullostinspaceandtime @malfoygalaxies @rebecca-johnson-28 @michelle4eve @lixie-phoria @gxtwllsn @xxstrayland @kibs-and-bits

[flightfoot]

Do you have ML fic rec with supernatural theme? Smt like Spellbound or Bell the Cat thing perhaps?

You're in luck, I love supernatural/fantasy ML fics! I tagged everyone I know the tumblrs for, feel free to tag anyone I missed!

COMPLETE FICS:

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Dreams of You by @chocoluckchipz

Dreams had long been his only escape. Dreams of Ladybug, the girl who had always been there for him. If only in his dreams. And only while she was also sleeping. Because with the first rays of sunshine gliding over her skin, with the first fluttering of her eyelashes, from the moment she opened her eyes in the morning, memories of Adrien would vanish from her mind. She would go on living her life. He would always be the only one who remembered. At least until they meet in the real world and fall in love all over again, something that would’ve been easier to do if Adrien wasn't a prisoner in his own home.

---

May I Introduce Myself, Your Highness? by @chocoluckchipz

Whether picking up a stray animal off the streets or saving a dying child at the market, Adrien had always strived to be the best version of himself. Truly, he would've been the perfect candidate to be snatched up by a kwami, were he an orphan, dying somewhere remote after a short life full of nothing but suffering and misery. Yet as it stood, the sole heir to the French throne had little to complain about. Apart from, perhaps, a complete absence of a love life. That is until a mysterious girl, wandering around his gardens at night, catches his attention.

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How Marinette Learned to Stop Worrying And Love The Ball by @rosie-b

Hidden from the crowds thronging around the busy fairy portal in Paris's town square, a fae gate sits at the edge of the forest, locked, rusty, and full of ancient magic. Marinette thinks that this abandoned gate must not work anymore... but one day, a fairy disguised as a black cat steps through it.

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a winter so warm by @rosekasa

winters were hard for even the best of vampires, but at least adrien had marinette to keep him warm with her cuddles.

december was going to suck without her. so it was only to be expected to get extra cuddles in before she left, right?

(well, not really, considering those heating supplements he was taking, but she didn't need to know about that).

---

Stitched Together by @nedjsmlfavs

Stitch Witch Marinette was just supposed to be having a nice, terrifying outing with her best friends. She never expected to find a magically trapped kitten, but here we are! Whatever happened to this poor little guy?

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The Mer-Human Race by @rosie-b

Bringing her hand closer to his lips, Adrien tried to plant a kiss on it, but Marinette pulled away before his lips could touch her.

“Save it for your girlfriend,” she said teasingly. “Or do you still not have one yet?”

Adrien smirked and crossed his arms.

“It’s a girl,” he said. “And I know her in real life. That’s all you get. Now, let’s get back to planning, shall we? We have a mermaid to beat.”

---

See This Chance by @19thsentry-blog

Luka died in 2016. Yep. Crushed by the Arc de Triumph when Mayura’s Robustus slammed into it. It was kind of a big deal, but once you’re dead, you’re dead—especially when there’s no Lucky Charm to bring you back.

Luka’s been dealing with it in the typical ways.

Written for FeLuka week 2023.

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the legend of the firefly by @agnes-writes

“She’s… beautiful.

If he were to describe her, he’d say that they bottled summer in her eyes, and painted the night sky in her hair. Her lips are curved into a wistful smile, eyes trailing the thicket of trees where Adrien stands.

Her gaze sets his heart stuttering in his chest as it softens, and Adrien almost believes that look is meant for him.”

OR: A pair of lovers create a romance that transcends time, and leaves a mark like no other.

---

Anchor by @liiinerle

“Marinette. Please take that sabre out of your neck.”

“Right. Thanks. I forgot it was there.” She grabbed hold of the guard and pulled; the blade slid out like it had only been run through butter. After dropping it on the floor, she picked up one of the teacups and picked up a biscuit from a tin she’d brought in; she placed the biscuit on the saucer plate and handed the whole thing to Kagami, who could only really resign herself to accepting it.

-----

Marinette has raised Kagami from the dead, and also happens to be dead herself. It turns out some bad choices were made in the past. But that doesn't mean they'll lead to bad outcomes for them now.

---

delicate in every way but one by katrinette

When Marinette finds a wanted ad that provokes just enough questions in her mind that she can't help answering it, the reward is sweeter than she could have imagined.

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whose woods these are (I think i know) by Reiaji

Four years after his future turns to cinders, Adrien is a servant in the house he was meant to inherit. Disowned by his father and abused by his stepmother, his days are filled with drudgery until he meets a masked huntress in the forest behind his father's chateau. As his friendship with Ladybug turns to first love, he dreams of a future spent at her side. Then, on the eve of the Princess's masquerade, he meets his guardian—and is granted a wish. [Ladrien Cinderella AU]

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don't you worry child by @mexicancat-girl

Marc and Nathaniel have a good life, married and living together in a cottage in the woods. But they consider having children at some point. Marc in particular really wants to start a family with his husband. He knows the fey are real, so he goes searching in the woods to find one to strike a deal. He may get a bit more than he bargained for in the process.

---

hella enchanted by @xiueryn:

Years ago, Marinette's father died and she was left with her awful stepmother. With magic forcing her to obey every command, she lived as a servant and gave up hope. When a man appears, searching for the very fairy that blessed her, Marinette decides to give life one more try. AU.

(a different ella enchanted au.)

---

How Could I Not? by SorryJustAnotherPerson

In fairy tale books, Princesses were saved by nights from ferocious dragons. Those books were not their story, but Rose was happy to flip over a new page with her Juleka every single day.

Many years ago, she was put to this tower by her parents and her kingdom, along with a fire breathing dragon, so she could find her prince charming one day. How foolish for them to not calculate her falling in love with the dragon. I mean seriously.

How could she not?

Once Upon A Time by kao_rei:

"Humans fear wolves. I mean, we're horrible, sickening creatures, aren't we?" Adrien laughed.

"I don't think so," Marinette muttered. "Well, not anymore when I met you."

Marinette's days are all the same—she puts on her red cape, makes deliveries for her parents' bakery, and goes home to rest before another busy day. Adrien is a wolf-boy who watches her from afar, awaiting the day they finally meet to change their stories.

While falling in love may bring about some challenges, they're willing to fight through them together because they'd never settle for a "the end". They want a "happily ever after", too.

(In which Marinette is Little Red Riding Hood, Adrien is the Wolf, and they fall in love somewhere between deliveries, flower fields, and shiny red apples).

---

life's waiting for you by @mexicancat-girl

Marc is the shy and soft-spoken Prince of the Underworld, used to being ignored at best and feared at worst. He greatly admires Nathaniel, the Prince of Nature, who’s much too out of his league. Handsome, kind, charming, and charmingly modest, with hair as red as a rose and talented artists' hands. Yearning for the love of a nature deity when he’s a deity of death is beyond ridiculous, so Marc keeps his hopes low. But an encounter at the border between the Underworld and the surface leads the two to speaking, which leads to Marc showing Nathaniel his writing and Nathaniel his art. And from there blooms a beautiful friendship…Or maybe more.

---

to love beauty is to see light by sagansjagger

Young common-mer Adrien will do anything to please his father, Gabriel Agreste. Adrien will even alter his tail, that hideous thing. But the sea witch he seeks out is not who he expected. A common-mer striking up a friendship with an anglerfish-mer is taboo among mermaid kind, but Marinette Dupain-Cheng is too interesting for Adrien to just leave her alone...

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Ghost of You by its_just_iori

It finally happened. The akuma attacked at the wrong time. They weren't prepared. For the first time, there was a casualty. Someone was killed. Marinette doesn't care that her identity was exposed to the world; she can't stop blaming herself for what happened. If only she'd been ready... if only she'd done more... There's nothing for Adrien to say. There's nothing he can do other than stay by her side and help her through this pain.

---

The Pink Lady: Marichat May 2018 by seasonofthegeek

In this story, Chat Noir, Carapace, Rena Rouge, Queen B, and Paon are the heroes of Paris. The Ladybug Miraculous has been lost for almost a century and it takes all of their combined power to cleanse akumas sometimes but they’ve found something that works since they don’t have another option. Hawkmoth is one of their villains, but not the only one plaguing Paris. Chat Noir happens upon an old hotel one night on patrol and discovers something and someone he didn't expect.

INCOMPLETE FICS

The Beauty of a Rose by properjitterbug

In the small town of Bellerose, Marinette and Adrien are childhood friends while secretly pining for each other. They lead happy lives until one day a long, forgotten promise is stirred awake; changing their lives in ways they couldn't imagine. With time marching on, Marinette is left to chase after ghosts of her past as a strange creature appears in the depths of the mysterious forest. Arc 1: Chapters 1-11: Complete Arc 2: Chapters 12-?: In Progress -- Werecat!Adrien x Marinette

Note: this one's M-rated for a reason.

---

what worse luck by GuardianKarenTerrier

He doesn't know what happens. One minute he's struggling against the leash spell, the next he's tripping on his own momentum as the magic suddenly snaps, as he tastes freedom for the first time in- in ever, probably. Adrien doesn't stop long enough to think about where he's going or why. He just bolts. (Marinette's spell goes wildly off-target, but it's a stroke of luck for everyone involved that it does).

---

fire lily petals by @fragileizy

“Do you believe in soulmates?” His little witch looks up from her mortar and pestle, setting a heavy book in front of him at the table. The weight of the textbook upsets the flame of their oil lamp enough to scatter and smudge the shadows around them, and he stares down at the page for something to do instead of looking at her glittering eyes. Of course I do, he wants to say. Of course I believe in soulmates. I believe in it every time you look at me, Marinette. It’s as true as the demonic seal that stains my chest at our contract— it’s as true as the demonic seals that burn on your ear lobes that you keep hidden with your hair at our contract. But he’s a coward. He’s nothing more than a coward. The great Chat Noir, the legendary demon who has fought countless demonic wars, who has looked at the concept of death thousands of times, helpless to the way this witch looks at him. “It’s very... fairy-tale-like. Is it not?” Part One: Chapters 1 - 20 Complete Part Two: Chapters 21+ In Progress

---

Living With Dragons by @nomolosk

Stifled at home, Prince Adrien just wants to have an adventure. Accidentally captured instead of her mistress, Marinette Dupain-Cheng just wants to go home. But when you're living with dragons, things are bound to get interesting, and both of them might just end up finding something they like better. Set in the world of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede.

[3motionally3xhausted]

This took a few... 16 hours when it was meant to be a silly little comic to sorta introduce my many AUs/Fics centered around Izuku. I'll give a little context for the joke and introduce the AUs below the cut

I've actually already introduced the "Phantoms AU" (hence why it has a tag) but its changed quite a bit since I last talked about it. But he's kind of a minigod, constricted to a human form. Since he's literally not human, he's thousands of years old. (In the scenario that he would meet other versions of 'himself' he would feel pretty out of place.)

"And Thus, We Live" is actually not my original concept, it comes from a fic I read a while ago, I'm not sure if the original author has an active tumblr. Anyway, at the end of the war, Izuku and Shigaraki both die and get reborn as twins. So he lived to be about 17 the first time, and after being reborn, if he keeps counting, that makes him 33.

In "First and Last in Line" Izuku is Yoichi, AFO's younger brother. He has a revival quirk, so he's died many times and is roughly 200 years old.

Now, the rest of them are 15/16 like usual (Except the Bladed AU, which starts when he's younger) so they don't really add anything to the joke, but since I added a little reaction panel, I figure they deserve a little context.

"Sleep When I'm Dead" is about Izuku getting hit with a quirk that makes it impossible for him to fall asleep until he dies. I think this one also came from a fic I read, but I can't remember

"Eyas Izuku" is literally just Izuku being Hawks' son where his mom was murdered and his step-father is a piece of shit. It's a lot of hurt/comfort with Hawks trying his best to take care of this kid he didn't know he had. (This is the only one I've posted so far, but I've been in a block for a while)

"Instinctive Nature" ....I have a love hate relationship with this one as the author but Izuku's quirk caused his apartment to collapse when he was a kid, Inko died, but he and his little brother survived. They lived on the streets for several years until Overhaul took an interest in Izuku's quirk (Only good things happen after that, I promise)

"Bladed" Izuku was taken in by AFO as a kid and given a quirk, he grows up with Tomura as a brother until heroes raid the base, Tomura dies, and he escapes. He struggles to adjust to life at an orphanage, but accidentally befriends Hitoshi along the way :)

[alicentsswornshield]

@wolfie-1221 posted a list of their fav rhaenicent fics 🤌 10/10 recommendations

I've been inspired to share my own list since I've been spending probably too much time on ao3 - hopefully it will be helpful for anyone looking to start reading rhaenicent (note that few are already mentioned in the above mentioned post)

My favourites (in no particular order):

(WIP) Seven (by @comicxgrl)

The story follows two alternating timelines and you're equally invested in both. It's so so well written, you fall in love with the characters immediately, the pacing of the story line is incredible and with only 5 chapters published, I think story is slowly set up for the main arc. The author is an architect and you can feel the thought process and clear intention behind every line and action.

(WIP) Out of sun (by @lumyart )

Rhaenyra and Alicent share a complicated past. Skip 10yrs later, Alicent is an excellent surgeon, has three kids and a husband. Their paths cross again when Targaryen Enterprises start being involved with Alicent's hospital.

Tags for this story are #bdsm #makingkinkemotional #emotionalslowburn - I think that's all you need to know?

I feel like it's really hard to write about bdsm w/o making it feel gratuitous. That's not the case here. @lumyart involves it as one of the main plot points of the story. It explores the emotional/psychological reason/need behind kinks and how those relationships differ etc. The push and pull in their relationship is dizzying, as the story progresses we get snippets of their past and what went wrong between them and how did they get where they are now. It almost feels like you're uncovering a mystery. There's many layers to the story and each chapter gifts you one piece of the puzzle.

See also: Blame it on Fate (morning show au we deserved) | silver sparks (wish this was the s02 hod script)

Love is complicated (by @molter-writes)

Absolute favourite of molter's fics and that's really hard to decide on.

This story made me want to start a campaign to get @molter-writes to actually write a rhaenicent Notting Hill AU.

Don't even read the summary. Just read everything and anything by @molter-writes , it will always deliver strong writing, a compelling storyline and characters that you can't help but fall in love with.

Bodhrán beat (by @molter-writes)

I'm not a monarchist but I will make an exception for this modern royals au. Whatever you think this fic is about, you are mistaken.

Only one chapter posted so far but it's so so good. I don't think you realise how unwell I was after I read it.

See also: (WIP) leaf and blade | (Completed) grey ridge (ríl liatroma) | (Completed) ride the dragon (and do it quickly) | (WIP) song of the exposition

(WIP) Lying (in the hollows of your heart)  (by @wakesirens) 

I usually read only modern AUs (because of the misogyny in Westeros, I have enough of that irl thanks) but this fic is amazing nonetheless. Keeping Baelon alive and him being king gives us an alternate version of Rhaenyra's life. One where she's his most trusted advisor and representative of the Crown but she's not bound to the throne/realm in same way as the heir. This allows her to still attain power and freedom usually not afforded to women. Oh and Alicent works in a brothel.

What you wanted (by mrdcai)

Berlin, spies, complicated past, angst

Again it's just excellent writing! This one only has 1/3 chapters out but I'm already convinced that it deserves to be among top five fics. Only downside is that the story will only have three chapters, though a part of me is hoping that the author will change their mind and make it a longer story.

Side note, I keep imagining Alicent as Olivia Cooke's character from Slow Horses... great spy/thriller show btw

See also: Desire (I want to turn into you)

Some other fics I loved:

(WIP) Honey, make this easy (by nerdsofdeath)

Alicent is a history professor at university and Rhaenyra is her new TA. It's a slow burn and v angsty 😭

Midnights Like This (by pure_black_wings)

College AU, they're two idiots in love that don't know how to cope.

War of Hearts (by Silanahfire)

Rhaenyra Targaryen is barren and the realm needs an heir. The King and Grand Maester Mellos found a solution in the scripts of Old Valyria. Alicent Hightower will carry her child, even if the estrangement between the two seemed impossible to end. An arranged marriage waits both.

(WIP) You Broke Me (by skullgamerscy)

Angst 😭

The Silver Queen and the Lady in Green (by Wandering Fan)

This is AU in every sense of the word. The author built a whole different world with its own lore. Very very slow burn

[chi-the-idiot]

Full credit to @electronicdelusionstarlight 's post on what if the voices stayed with their respective princesses post the ending, as my inspiration for this came from this very idea. (this version goes more off of the idea that after the gods left the voices each were given their own reality to live with, rather than off of the more correct "we leave as mortals" ending)

(also this is probably a completely inaccurate portrayal of The Cold and The Spectre, but please just go with it for now lol. I may change it later)

OK BUT HEAR ME OUT,

The Cold, who wakes up inside the cabin, finally with a body of his own, with the Spectre sitting next to him.

The Spectre, who tries to keep her distance from him and explains what happened with the two gods, and that she can't really explain why he came back to her.

The Cold, much like her, can't explain why they're both there, but since the Narrator isn't around anymore to dictate his life, he decides that it would be too much of a hassle to kill her.

The both of them remain in the cabin together, as there is no civilization around them (does civilization even exist at this point?) and it's better to go insane in company that go insane alone (or at least that's what the Spectre says, the Cold couldn't care less).

The years pass, and they've grown into a common pattern: the Cold wakes up and fiddles around the small house he has fancied for himself in the once old cabin, while the Spectre follows him around, telling him about what she saw outside the window last night, or commenting about what ideas occurred to her for small decorations to "their house", her words, not his (or so he claims, but each time she mentions it, his eyes look softer, and his feathers seem to puff out ever so slightly). Depending on wether the Cold is going to cut some wood or go hunting, the Spectre may tag along or not by possesing his body. If it's the former, she will spend her time looking around for pinecones or pretty flowers, and collecting them inside a small basket. If it's the latter, she will stay at home and make some decorations to their little home using the items collected.

The Cold is quiet, methodical, he never does something if it is redundant to him. The Spectre, however, is (ironically) filled with life, with an appreciation for small details and the nuances of life surrounding her. He never admits it, really, but he appreciates the attempts she makes to make him happy when she can.

It isn't always sunshine and rainbows. As much as she is vivacious she also isn't clueless, and things can get ugly when in a fight. She may also sometimes get a bit mournful about the life she lost, and although she tries not to outright pin the blame on the Cold (she knows the situation was out of their hands and it did bring the gods a happy ending after all), it's difficult to forget his quiet stare as he dug the blade into her chest. She gets quiet on those days, and if confronted about it, its likely a fight will start between them.

But at the end of the day, she chose to let bygones be bygones, and every day he proves to be changing and growing into someone worth forgiving. He never quite stops his frigid ways (he never hesitates when it comes to hunting, which is exactly why she stopped going with him on those trips), but he has started smiling more, and being more reciprocal of her attentions, in his own weird way.

And one night, many years after he first woke up, as he lays on the roof of the cabin watching the stars, her conciousness next to his, he will come to understand why he appeared here after the gods left, oh so long ago now. And he will whisper, a slight tone of wonder in his voice, into the quiet night, so that only she can hear what she thought would remain unsaid for the rest of his days. And she will smile, and the Cold will feel a warmth in his chest that he thought he would never feel, and he will find that he doesn't hate it as much as he thought he would.

"I love you"

[mysticstarlightduck]

OC Pinterest Tag!

Thanks for tagging in this wonderful game, @thecomfywriter (here)! This was fun!!! Thanks for creating such a fun tag game!!!! <3

Rules: create a pinterest board for your ocs (if you don't already have one) and create a video of the featured posts that represent your character the best. then, post a thread of your main casts' aesthetic board videos.

I'll go with my boi Rhys Whitewood, from Scrapyard Boys, for this one!!! Full Character Moodboard Here

Also, I'm gonna share some songs from his character playlist (still in the works lol) as well!

Million Dreams - The Greatest Showman (P!nk Version)

I close my eyes and I can see The world that's waiting up for me That I call my own Through the dark, through the door Through where no one's been before But it feels like home They can say, they can say it all sounds crazy They can say, they can say I've lost my mind I don't care, I don't care, so call me crazy We can live in a world that we design There's a house we can build Every room inside is filled With things from far away The special things I compile Each one there to make you smile On a rainy day

Falling Apart - Micheal Schulte

I am sleepless for a weekend So I start to say goodbye Say goodbye to all that we had Say goodbye to what we lost [...] And we were running out, through the storms, through the night We were running in the dark, we were following our hearts And we would fall down, and we would slowly fall apart We would slowly fall into the dark The cold times arise And the cold times arise

Elastic Heart - rock version by Written By Wolves

Wanted to fight this war without weapons And I wanted it, and I wanted it bad But there were so many red flags Now another one bites the dust Yeah, let's be clear I'll trust no one You did not break me I'm still fighting for peace I've got thick skin and an elastic heart But your blade it might be too sharp I'm like a rubber band until you pull too hard I may snap and I move fast But you won't see me fall apart

A Little Fight Left - Tommee Proffit, Fleurie, Jung Youth

Where do I begin I saw this day was coming since I was a kid We used to pray until it happened so it did Always a battle for a better way to live See the truth for what it is I decided that I never compromise from within And for that reason we’ll be standing in the end As long as I can draw the breath to move my lips I'm in, Imma get back up again No matter how bad that it gets You can walk away You can turn and leave I’ve still got a little fight left in me Take it all away I’ve got blood to bleed I’ve still got a little fight left

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart, @ray-writes-n-shit

@the-golden-comet, @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid

@lassiesandiego, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams and OPEN TAG

[commander-rahrah]

Only for him - Gale x GN!Reader

Pairing: Gale x GN!Reader Word Count: ~ 530 Warnings/Tags: act 2 spoilers, angst, hurt, talk of death and blood, eventually happyish?, no use of y/n, some in game dialogue Setting: Act 2, Ilithid Colony under Moonrise Towers

archiveofourown: here

masterlist: here

I've been flipping back in forth between my fics, while also finishing up my most recent playthrough of my fighter Tav x Gale romance save. And I couldn't help but want to make more of an angsty/hurt version of the conversation you have with him when you convince Gale to not blow himself the eff up in Moonrise Towers.

For the purposes of this tiny little ficlit, Tav/Reader is a melee tank (fighter, paladin, etc.) Folk Hero who has been through the ringer, lost many people and is just very... very tired. And has been waiting to get their own happy ending for so long that they thought it would never happen.

Anyways, I have enough on my plate with my two fics so I'm not committing to anything but I really enjoyed fleshing out this little headcannon dream I had while playing my newest playthrough. And I think Gale deserves all the love too! Thank you for reading, and if you liked it let a girl know!

`✵•.¸,✵°✵.｡.✰ ✰.｡.✵°✵,¸.•✵´`✵•.¸,✵°✵.｡.✰ ✰.｡.✵°✵,¸.•✵´

"This is it. I must do as Mystra commands." Gale took a steadying breath, his brown eyes looking anywhere but you. He had them focused ahead, on the monstrosity that was the so-called Absolute.

His leather boot took one step forward, but his movement halted as you stepped in front of him. Your heart was aching, a real physical pain cracking through it. "Gale, you cannot do this. Please, don't do this." You begged, your armored hand wrapped around his bound forearm.

You watched his throat bob as he swallowed thickly, "What choice do I have? More than just a goddess counts on my courage: whole worlds hang in the balance." His dark eyes looked at you sadly, anguish etching the features of his face as his wrist turned so he could hold back onto you. His fingers trembling like it would be his last touch.

Your lips quivered as you stepped closer to him. Even in this dank, evil abyss under the Tower you breathed in his familiar, warm scent. "I have spent my entire life fighting and bleeding. All I have known is death. I have stared it down on my knees, shattered and broken - even if it never came to take me, it took everyone else. And I was… so tired, so ready to give up." Tears were welling in your eyes, emotion crawling up your throat until your words choked out of you. "But then I met you. And all of it, every screaming muscle as I swung my blade, every aching bone as I took another hit, every drop of blood, every scream and tear shed... all of it was worth it. Because it led to you."

Tears were streaming down both of your cheeks now, leaving lines of clean skin as it cut through the dust and dirt and blood that stained your face. "Please, Gale - my love. Don't do this. We have time. We can have time." You grabbed either side of his face, his brown eyes softening as you tipped your forehead onto his. Your voice was a whisper, "I choose you, Gale. Not the wizard, not the sacrifice or Goddess' pawn. The man I love. Choose me back. The one who loves you. We can find another way together. I love you."

"I love you too. Much more than myself. More even than Mystra. Whether I condemn this world or not: I choose you." He nodded, his forehead still pressed tightly to yours as he pressed his lips softly to yours.

It was not the time nor place for such gentle acts of love. Not with an abomination around the corner, not with an undying man waiting to unleash his evil machinations on the world so close by. But you could not help yourself, not when it came to Gale. You pressed your lips harder to his for just a moment longer, memorizing the feeling and taste of him before you pulled away.

The pair of you nodded at each other breathlessly, eyes shifting with determination.

You would draw your sword and hold up your shield again. You would fight another day. Fight for another lifetime. You would stare down and ward off death once again. If only for him. Only for him.

[chaotic-major]

I hope the Star Rail tag isn’t tired of me yet…

Anyways—

I JUST FOUND SOMETHING OUT THAT HAS TO DO WITH DAN HENG’S LORE!

So, I was reading Bailu’s character story, as she is the only Vidiyahara character released for now, and I came across something HUGE.

Taken specifically from her character story part 4, this message is written by a Preceptor, the mysterious people(?)(beings?) who are acting as her guardian until she is of age. The parts I’ve highlighted specifically pertain to Dan Heng’s backstory.

In the first picture, I’ve highlighted a passage explaining the charm on Bailu’s tail.

It is called a Dragonhorn Pilory, and it is restricting how much of her powers she can use, her massive amounts of power at her young age being deemed dangerous. The reason why they are restricting her power?

To stop a repeat of the disaster that the Inhibitor Lunae caused.

If that title sounds familiar, you’ve probably see the leaks for the name of Dan Heng’s 5 star form.

Dan Heng Inhibitor Lunae.

Now, what did the Inhibitor Lunae do, you might ask? Well, it isn’t gone into detail, but they call it “The disaster of the sedition of the Inhibitor Lunae”.

I looked up what sedition means:

TO INCITE REBELLION IN PEOPLE AGAINST AUTHORITY.

Dan Heng was the pervious Inhibitor Lunae. That fact is confirmed by two facts, mainly.

It is part of his official title and name of his 5 star version

No one currently holds the title of Inhibitor Lunae.

In the second picture from Bailu’s character story, the Preceptor mentions that Bailu will be given the title of Inhibitor Lunae only after her coming of age ceremony.

Which confirms that no one holds the title as of right now.

(This also suggests that the title of Inhibitor Lunae could be above the title of High Elder, but there’s no proof.)

So, to sum my theory up:

The reason why Dan Heng was kicked out from the Xianzhou Loufu, was because as the Inhibitor Lunae, he stood up and rebelled against a higher power.

But whom is it? The Preceptors.

Bailu mentions in her character story 2 that she doesn’t like how the Preceptors are basically looking over her and her shoulder at all times.

(The highlighted parts are Bailu’s own words as she complains about the Preceptors.)

Dan Heng’s rebellion against the Preceptors was shut down by them and had him killed then imprisoned after his rebirth. At some point he was released from his prison only to be sent off the Xianzhou Loufu. This makes sense with his character story 1:

His rebellion against the Preceptors would also explain the bad blood between him and Blade, that he canonically admits to being the cause of.

How it caused that rift? I’m unsure, but it is a very large possibility.

Anyways, this is likely the insane ramblings of a lore player, but I just had to get this out.

[teecupangel]

kinda late on the weekly schedule but, what do you think about the latest chapter?

My thoughts on Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (one of these days, I should really just make a tag for them like '#teecup analyze and reacts to acft webtoon' or something XD)

Official English translation (the free chapters anyway) here

Hahaha, it’s fine. I was pretty busy with the moving and unpacking anyway so I only got to read to the latest chapter yesterday XD.

Jennifer gets another mention which is nice.

This part is an important one as it does show what the Assassin Brotherhood is fighting for.

Free will and the right for everyone to decide their own fate, not be bound by the plans of dead ‘gods’.

We’ll get back to Edward’s speech later because I have a few things to say about that but, for now, the way this is presented:

The close-up of the Shimazu Clan’s crest would imply that the Shimazu Clan (or ‘Shimazu’ Sei) has a beef with the Assassins personally that ended in destroying their vision of order or something but, while I’m not all that familiar with how rich and powerful the Shimazu clan is today, they seem to still hold some power even if they are no longer a ruling family from what I can read.

I am unsure if she’s talking about the Constitution of Japan which rendered titles meaningless (which would have weakened the Shimazu Clan in general) or the destruction of the order kept by the Shimazu Clan in connection to the ‘results’ of the Battle of Sekigahara because that’s one of the main information that we have on the Japanese Brotherhood. They put their lot with Ieyasu Tokugawa while the Shimazu Clan (and, I suppose in AC lore, the Templars) placed their lot with Ishida Mitsunari. Tokugawa’s forces ended up victorious but Tokugawa didn’t really punish the Shimazu Clan and let them keep their lands and titles so… I won’t be surprised if these Japanese ‘pirates’ supposedly under the Shimazu Clan had gone rogue from the clan itself, disgruntled members of the clan who didn’t want to bow down to Tokugawa although that’s a bit sorta ‘???’ because the Battle of Sekigahara happened in 1600 and Edward’s parts are set in 1725. I mean, grudges can go on for a very long time so not that “???!!!” but still a “???”

(I will have to point out that my JP history is spotty at best and my familiarity with the Shimazu Clan is even spottier and wiki doesn’t even have a separate page for Shigehide Shimazu who should have been the lord of Satsuma and head of the Shimazu Clan during 1725 so, yeah, maybe something big did happen to the Shimazu Clan that would explain why ‘Shimazu’s Sei’s line of ‘destroying order’ is set in a panel showing the Shimazu Clan's crest)

Webtoon is a stealth promotion and prologue to AC Red Theory: The Assassin that we will play in AC Red is a rogue Shimazu shinobi (we already know that AC’s Shimazu Clan employs shinobis thanks to this webtoon) and they’re the Japanese ancestor of Noa Kim. ‘Shimazu’ Sei’s line of ‘destroying order’ is a reference to how this Shimazu assassin had destroyed the Shimazu Clan’s order in some way.

Anyway!

I guess this is confirmation that Edward has already married Tessa by this time.

Sidebar: not important to the plot (maybe) but Edward, if you’re hunting crocs, that means we can finally see you use a rope dart, riiigghhhttt???

With that out of the way...

Alright, let’s talk about Edward’s speech more.

First of all, this line:

Not an analysis but more of a comment. I would have gone with “gold and glory” instead of “glory and treasures” even if “glory and treasure” could have been a more accurate translation of the Korean version because “gold and glory” is a phrase most commonly associated with pirates which could have been used as a reference to Edward’s past as a pirate.

Now for the sadder analysis, there is something tragic about this line:

Edward is talking about this in reference to why he had become and stayed as an Assassin, even going as far as touching his hidden blade.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that he is touching the Assassin’s insignia with two of his fingers while his pinky is touching the pirate symbol. This is most probably to show that he remembers and learned from his past as a pirate and how being an Assassin is both his present and his future. More importantly:

“If you decide for yourself what’s right and do everything in your power to uphold that idea… Even mortals like us can overcome fate and leave behind something meaningful.”

That entire speech is meant to represent Edward’s loyalty to the Creed and believing he is doing the right thing and wishing to leave something meaningful behind.

The tragedy comes when you remember that there is one Kenway who did ‘decide for himself what’s right’ and ‘did everything in his power to uphold that idea’

Edward Kenway's own son and a Grand Master of the Templar Order: Haytham Kenway

Even if he was indoctrinated by the man who ordered the death of his father, he still stayed with the Order after learning the truth and even went as far as trying to kill his own son to keep the hold of the Order in the colonies although, yeah, an argument could be made that Haytham was planning to die by his own son’s hands during that final battle but that does not change the fact that Haytham remained loyal to the Order even after knowing the Order is the reason why his father died.

Not only that but Edward’s death and Haytham’s indoctrination were fated. The Isus needed Ratonhnhaké:ton to take the key from Haytham and hide it for Desmond to find when the time comes so Edward's life and death had been fated to happen so that Haytham may become a Templar and travel to the colonies.

In the end, Edward Kenway didn’t overcome fate, he became just another cog in the machine called the ‘Calculations’.

But…

His vision of what it means to defy fate? His thoughts of upholding the Creed which became what he believed to be ‘right’?

It was inherited by his grandson: Ratonhnhaké:ton.

Even if they never met… Ratonhnhaké:ton embodied what Edward wanted to leave behind. And Ratonhnhaké:ton’s life wasn’t dictated by the fates the moment he had buried the key for Desmond to find.

He wasn’t like Altaïr whose dying breath had been to give a final message to the prophet for Desmond to hear.

He wasn’t like Ezio who only finally stepped out of his role as Desmond's prophet after leaving the Brotherhood and having a family of his own when he was already in his 50s.

Ratonhnhaké:ton built his own future after he buried the key. The past of the American Brotherhood was built upon the choices Ratonhnhaké:ton made of his own free will.

To leave something meaningful behind.

[another-goblin]

Warning: giant text dump

1.3 is coming soon and I still can't get over how they did our dragon boy dirty in 1.2, namely the beach scene. (I feel like I'm the only person who sees it this way, so maybe I'm missing something)

(pictured: mullet gang beating up a child)

First, if we want to respect Dan Heng's wish to be seen as his own person, then DF's history is just that, some other guy's history, and DH should be judged by his own merit. So what did we know about him before he left the Express in 1.2 - he's quiet and reserved (that's cool, even small expression of emotions from this type of character feels like a revelation), he's protective of his friends (awesome), he has the past (though currently he doesn't accept it as his past, so let's say he's misattributed with somebody else's past), and he's so traumatized by some immortal murderous weirdo chasing him all arount the galaxy that he sees him in his nightmares.

His loyalty to his friends is so strong that the moment he finds out that Blade is on the Luofu, he's prepared to risk his freedom to protect his friends from Blade. So far so good, until we get to the beach scene.

He encounters Blade and engages in a fight with him for a couple of seconds, and then just stands there doing literally nothing while some brave kid fights Blade to protect DH, even though he defeated Blade many times before. Then he catches Blade's sword with his chest and turns into a cooler Daniel (which would be a nice revelation if it weren't spoiled months ago by leakers. Imagine how awesome it would be if it was a total surprise! But we can't have nice things, thanks to leakers who don't tag their leaks) So yeah, dragon, whatever.

And then he shows zero emotions! What happened? Have they forgotten to write his reaction in the script? I can only conclude that it means that he has full memories of his past self as well as the knowledge that he'll turn into a dragon if killed, so he expected it to happen. But even then I expect some reaction! I mean, it makes it so much harder for him to be just a normal human guy DH now. But nope, not even a frown. (one way I can explain it is that he knew that he'd turn into his stronger form when killed, and it'd help him to better protect his friends from Blade. There is no evidence of that in the cutscene, so I don't think that's how we are supposed to see it)

And then it gets so much worse!

It's not a game-ruining thing, it's just so baffling. Like, I'm not even disappointed, I'm confused by the writers' decision to make Dan "Step aside, I have no interest in stoking conflict" Heng to fight a child, especially when it was so easily avoidable. I mean, I genuinely appreciate all the memes and jokes that resulted from it, but good guys just don't do that! It's like 101 of being a decent person. (I hope Welt has another version of that "How not to be evil" book he gave to Luocha. DH clearly needs it)

What it feels like - imagine two high school bullies in a kid's movie, played by 35-year-old actors, beating up our child hero, played by an actual child. And these two are both MMA champions, and they don't hold back. And the kid just wanted to protect his school and his friends. And we are supposed to root for the bullies.

And let's not forget that DH came to the Luofu specifically to save his friends from Blade. But instead, he teams up with Blade to beat up a child, so that he could faster get to his friends to protect them from Blade. Make it make sense, game!

Someone could say, what was he supposed to do? Let's not forget that characters don't have agency, they do what they are written to do. And the situation develops the way it's written to develop. So the question should be, could it have been written differently? For example, he can fly now!!! He could've just left and flew to his friends while Blade is busy murdering a child! Or talk to Yanqing and explain the truth. Or dodge his attacks until JY arrives. Or just surrender - I think his friends would understand this choice (again, until JY arrives). Or literally any other way this scene could have been written.

Even if we absolutely have to have a boss fight with Yanqing for some reason - make us play as just Blade and let IL join the fight to save Yanqing, showing him that he was mistaken about IL being a bad guy. Instead Dan "I'm not him and I don't have his Awesome Ancient Powers" Heng unleashes his Awesome Ancient Powers onto a small kid.

What are players supposed to learn from this? That Dan Heng is a child beater? It's literally the first thing IL DH does, it's like his second character introduction. And what a second first impression it is. Or is it a foreshadowing of the crime DF has committed ? Did DF burn down an orphanage, fueled by his hatred of children, or something?

And for those who want to feel sad - imagine if Yanqing turned out to be a bit less sturdy. Imagine JY arriving at the scene just to witness his friends murdering his son. Imagine DH explaining to March that he was in such a hurry to see his dear friends that he absolutely had to kill her "widdle baby"

(I'm glad to see from the 1.3 trailer that he'll return to his normal form. Continuing with his theme, he can always say that it was that IL guy who nearly killed the kid, and not him)

Also, Yanqing did really well against two legendary warriors. I hope at least he'll get some character development from this.

[mareenavee]

WIP Whenever~

Hello my friends <3 Been tagged by @thequeenofthewinter to participate in WIP Wednesday Wife Worship Wednesday! I never get to play this because Nyenna and Athis have... so, so many problems. But today we do, because Nyenna is dreaming. Having brain nonsense, really. But first, tags.

Let's go! Tagging the most esteemed @paraparadigm, @changelingsandothernonsense, @thana-topsy, @rhiannon1199, @snippetsrus, @orfeoarte, @inquisition-dragonborn, @the-storytellers-seer, @archangelsunited and @polypolymorph!

Below the cut, part of Chapter 28 from The World on Our Shoulders.

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She heard the wind before she felt the morning mist on her skin. Things were slowly greying, like a light after she’d hidden under her covers. The sun, maybe, though she couldn’t recall when last she’d seen it. It hid behind clouds, mimicking her own hesitation. She opened her eyes, not having realized they’d been closed before. Whatever this was, with how quickly the image changed, she was thrown off balance at best. But the mist — yes. This felt familiar. Something like Whiterun, out by the river. Yes. The tundra cotton. She could see it now. She could feel her hands and feet where they’d only been vague concepts before, and liminal ones at that. She sighed and flexed her fingers. She’d never seen Skyrim in the height of summer, but she’d always imagined it like this — warm, plenty of flowers. Even bees buzzing, working as if all was exactly as it had always been and not this odd dream-version of things. Nyenna turned her face to the sun, let herself bask in its warmth as if she was one of the scraggly trees which dotted the landscape. She reached her arms toward it, and a dusty blanket fell from her shoulders with a strange, muffled, heavy sound. “What are you doing?” came a voice. Familiar, but distant. Something ached in her chest at the sound. Athis. Gods, she missed him. Her heart hurt trying to decide if he was really here or if this was some cruel madness. Likely the latter. She turned anyway, her grey mage robes billowing in a warm breeze that cut across the plains. He was as beautiful as she remembered — all the stress gone from his eyes, none of the weariness held in his shoulders or jaw. The weariness she’d caused. “Waiting for you,” she felt herself saying, though this seemed like a lie. He accepted it easily. He ran a hand through his ginger hair, ebony mail gleaming in the summer sunlight. She closed the distance between them and crushed into his embrace, heedless of heavy layers of metal between them. He didn’t say anything, only shifted to hold her against his chest. He smelled of mead and snowberries, like he always did. The memory struck her like steel against steel. Like she’d only dreamt of leaving, and she would wake up any moment now, wrapped in his arms, skin against skin. “I waited so long,” Athis said, voice quiet and somber, incongruous with the life that thrummed through this place, like the cry of Nirnroot at the river’s edge. “I’m sorry. I was on my way back to you,” Nyenna said, and somehow, that too was a lie. She tried again, forcing the words from her throat, which still hurt. “I miss you.” “Do you?” Athis asked. Not sarcastic, nor accusatory. A question, which needed an answer. A real one. “Of course.” He accepted that, too, and kneaded the muscle of her shoulder blade as he held her. He’d looked off into the distance, eyes focused on the mountains or the clouds. Mist gathered on his beard, his armor; he seemed like a permanent fixture here, rooted deep into the soil, never to be cut down. And she loved him. The ache of it was tearing her apart. She’d do anything at all — anything — for this to be real. For this image to love her back. She looked at him and felt rootless. Unmoored. A scrap of parchment fluttering in an ethereal breeze, belonging nowhere and to no one. He took her face in his hands, expression still oddly distant, eyebrows knit in confusion. He kissed her and her eyes fluttered closed. This was was right. If she had to be lost in a dream, then she was glad it was one of Athis.