#today on drawings from this month i'll never finish...

[oshaskell]

[misfit0789]

Revealed Secrets

Emily Fox x Reader

Summary: Emily and Alessia reveal some secrets to the team.

Word Count: 4.6k words

Warnings: None, just fluff :)

My longest fic yet! And special thanks to @alotofpockets for helping with the final details of this!!

Emily POV

I walk into the Arsenal clubhouse my gym bag slung over my shoulder held up by my right hand. My coffee held by my pinkie, index finger, and thumb with my phone held between my middle and ring finger against the cup, my keys held with my pinkie by the key ring in my left hand.

"Foxy!" I stop and turn and see Katie, Caitlin and Leah walking into the clubhouse, Katie waving at me. I smile and lift my hand with my coffee up in greeting. "I see nothing has changed since you won that gold medal. Still going to that same little café non of us have been to yet." I roll my eyes and turn to continue on my way into the locker room.

"As I told you before, I will never go to a different café willingly. Nothing compares to this coffee. I won't be swayed to leave. Their food and pastries remind me of home." I hear feet moving quicker to catch up, and turn to see Katie next to me. I glance back and see Leah and Caitlin shaking their heads at Katie's antics.

"Well then why won't you ever let us join you? From what I hear you only have let Alessia and Lotte join you. I get you all went to college together but I want to try this food that is so amazing." Katie says as we reach the door. I open it walking to my locker. I hang up my bag and set my phone and keys down on the shelf in my locker, and take a sip of my coffee as I turn to face Katie who followed me to my locker.

"They have, all of you have been busy to join us. All of you have been more than welcome to join Less, Lotte and I any time you wanted. What more do you want me to say?" I say before turning to get changed for practice.

"Fine, then why don't we make it a group thing. We'll meet at…" Katie looks at the logo on my cup, "Cosmic Cookies after training today and see if this place is really as good as you say." Katie says loudly drawing the attention of the others still in the locker room. I sigh and agree.

"Okay fine, can we get to practice now?" I ask. She agrees before walking to her own locker. I finish changing and grab my phone to send a quick text.

To My Baker [7:54 a.m.]

Just a heads up. More than just the UNC girls and I after practice today. The whole team will be by. Might want extra cookies on hand.

From My Baker [7:56 a.m.]

Done, I actually just finished a batch of your favorites. Text me when you are done and I'll put them in the oven so they are warm when you guys get here.

To My Baker [7:57 a.m.]

Thank you! I love you and I'll see you after practice!

From My Baker [7:58 a.m.]

I love you too!

I set my phone in my locker and take a quick look around the locker room. Seeing just Kim in the room I hurriedly slip off my wedding ring, having forgot to take it off this morning, and place it on the shelf in my locker before making my way out to the pitch for practice.

~~~~~

"Alright girls job well done today! No practice tomorrow so rest up before the game this weekend. See you in 2 days for a light session before gameday." Jonas says before dismissing us to the showers. I try and be quiet hoping Katie forgot about-my thoughts are cut off by arms wrapping around my shoulders. I look and see Kyra and Katie on either side of me.

"So I hear we finally get to try this place you keep secret from us," Kyra says.

"It's not a secret. The name and logo is on this cup I have every morning practice. You guys just never asked to join or try the place so I never said anything." I shrug them off my shoulders.

"Oh please we have asked you about it everyday since we noticed you showed up here with the same logo on the cup for a month straight. You just brushed us off." Leah pipes up turning to look at us from where she was walking ahead of us with Lia, Beth and Kim.

"Guys leave her alone, you get to try the place today so let it go," Kim says to the three. I mouth my thanks before further pushing Kyra and Katie away from me.

Once in the locker room I forego showering to get to the café before the others. I quickly change and pack my things. I'm almost out of the door when I'm called back.

"Why are you in such a hurry Foxy? I thought we could carpool, since only three of us here know where this bakery even is." Leah says. I give her a really look but she just shrugs. "What? You Lotte and Less are the only ones on the team who have been there. I've lived here most of my life and have never been to or even heard of this bakery since before you transferred here."

"Look, the owner is an old friend who moved to London around the time Foxy did. They opened the cafe around the corner from my apartment. I brought Foxy over on her first day with Arsenal to help calm her nerves. She was addicted to coffee in college so I thought a cup might help her relax on her first day." Alessia speaks up. I give her a grateful look. She sends me a subtle nod in return. "Let Em go. Lotte and I can car pool some of you. The rest can follow us there. Em told me earlier she has something to do before we all met there." Leah nods in response to Alessia so I take that as my queue to leave.

I quickly make my way out to my car. I open the door and throw my stuff in the back seat slamming it shut before opening the drivers door jumping in the seat, pulling the door closed behind me. I press the break and start button to turn my car on. I give it a minute to start up and let my phone connect to the Bluetooth in my car. Once connected I press the phone button on my wheel and select my wife's contact. I put the car in drive as the call dials out.

"Hello?"

"Hey love. I'm on my way to you now. I wanted to have a minute with you before the chaos ensues" I smile hearing her giggle.

"I'm sure it won't be that bad. It’ll be nice to meet the people you, Lotte, and Less talk about all the time."

"You will regret those words. You've never met Kyra and Katie. I'm envious of that." I whisper at the end causing her to laugh again.

"I'm sure I'll be fine, you forget who I grew up with?" It's my turn to laugh this time knowing just how crazy her family is. I see her sister everyday.

"Never. Love, I'm just turning the corner to the café now. I'll be in shortly."

"Okay baby. I'll see you in a minute" I tap the red phone on my car's screen to end the call. I turn into the parking lot of the café and pull into an empty spot. I press the power button to turn off my car. I grab my phone and keys before getting out of my car and making my way to the café.

I open the door to the café, the bell above ringing signaling my arrival. I look to the counter and smile as I see my wife at the till handing a customer their box of baked goods. I walk over and stand to the side allowing her to finish up.

As we make eye contact she holds up her index finger to me signaling me to give her a minute. I nod and continue to watch her in her element. After a couple minutes she turns to one of her employees.

"Hey Adam, can you take over up here? I have a batch or two that need to get in the oven." The boy nods moving towards the till. My wife walks over to where I'm standing. The gate that separates the front of the café from the kitchen the only thing between us.

"Hello my love," I whisper to her when she unlatches the gate and pulls me closer to her, her arms going around my waist. I stand on my tiptoes to wrap my own around her neck, pressing a kiss to her lips. I slowly pull back and rest my forehead on hers.

"Hello beautiful," She whispers into the air between us. I give her a soft smile as I look into her eyes. I take a moment to admire her wondering how I got so lucky. She pulls back and removes one arm from my waist to guide me further into the kitchen.

She releases her hold on me to grab two trays of cookies and walks them to the oven. I lean back on a counter with trays of cookies already baked. I take a quick look at my wife and once I confirm her back is to me I snag a cookie off the tray and take a bite. I hold back a moan from the taste of the cookies. I've been with her for years and her baking never seizes to amaze me.

"How was train-Babe!" she cuts herself off, I look up like a deer in headlights mid-bite of the cookie. I give her a sheepish smile before stuffing the rest of it into my mouth. "Em!"

"What?" I try to ask, but it comes out all muffled with the mouthful of cookie.

"I can't bring you anywhere can I?" She asks walking up to me. She grabs the rag from her apron using it to brush off the cookie from my face before placing it back in her apron-pocket.

"Well if you stopped making such delicious cookies then there wouldn't be a problem. And to answer your unfinished question training itself was fine. Before and after until I left not so much." She gives me a questioning look.

"Why? What happened?"

"Katie and some of the others were ganging up on my about why I always have coffee from here and why I've never invited them besides Lotte and Less here before. When I tried to leave they stopped me again but Less spoke up with an excuse, fibbing just a bit…" I trail off as she begins to move around the kitchen cleaning up.

"What do you mean? Why did she lie?" She asks putting a baking sheet and mixing bowl in the industrial size sink.

"Okay, maybe it wasn't a lie per say but she told them you're an old friend who moved here around when I did and she brought me here on my first day at Arsenal because she knew from college that coffee calmed me. She knows as well as I that you like your privacy and if it was known who you are it may break your bubble. I just hop they can keep their mouths shut when they meet you today."

"Em, it's fine. I knew my bubble would only last so long. If I'm honest I'm surprised it has lasted this long. You know my sister, she is not the best secret keeper, plus you'd think more people would be able to figure it out. I'm really okay with people knowing who I am, whether that be as your wife or as-" We are cut off by the sound of the door ringing along with a voice calling out.

"Y/n we're here!" I groan hearing the Alessia.

"Looks like it is time for chaos. I love you baby," I wrap my arms around her waist for a quick hug. I pull back and press a kiss to her lips, "I'm going to sneak out the back so they don't see me. It will give you a second of peace." She nods pressing another quick kiss to my lips before I move to the back door in the kitchen.

Y/n POV

I watch as Emily leaves through the back door. I take a deep breath, but jump before I can move as the oven beeps for the cookies.

"One second Alessia!" I call out grabbing my oven mitts before turning back towards the oven to take out the cookies.

"Hurry up will you?" Alessia calls back. I roll my eyes as I set the trays on the counter to cool. I remove the oven mitts and make my way to the front of the café. Just as I step behind the register where Alessia and her team are waiting I hear the bell on the door and see Emily walking into the shop. I smile as we make eye contact, before turning to Alessia.

"I can take over now Adam, can you clean the tables in the corner off for these girls?" He nods and moves to grab the rag and bucket from the back before going to do as I asked. "How can I help you girls?" I look at the others behind Alessia who stare at me in shock. I chuckle and turn back to Alessia who has a smirk matching my own at their reactions. Aside from Emily and Lotte as they know who I am.

"You know Emily, Lotte and I's orders, let's give Kyra, Katie, Caitlin, Beth, Viv, Kim, Steph and Leah a minute to recover," Alessia laughs. I nod and turn to start making their orders.

"Wait!!" Kyra yells seemingly the first to recover. "You look just like Alessia!" Katie is the next to recover as she smacks the back of Kyra's head causing the girl to whine in pain.

"That's because they're twins you idiot,"

"That we are. I'm Y/n it's nice to meet you all." I smile and wave.

"Less why did we never know you had a twin? You've been on the Lionesses for years but we've never seen or heard of you having a sister." Leah asks.

"That would be because of me. As Less was getting recognized I wanted to be kept private. I wanted to be able to make my own name for myself." I explain causing a few of them to nod.

"That makes sense," Beth adds. The rest seemingly recovered from their initial shock of Alessia having a twin and are now studying the menu on what to order.

"Since that's out of the way Lotte, Less, Em I'll grab your usuals while the rest of you decide." I turn and head into the kitchen leaving the girls at the counter. As I grab the cups for their drinks I can hear the girls talking.

"So Lotte and Em, you knew Alessia had a twin and never said anything?" I heard Leah ask.

"We all went to UNC together Y/n majored in business. You guys know what the three of us majored in. Lotte and Alessia roomed together and Y/n and I got roomed together. When Lotte, Less and I weren't at practice all four of us would hang out and work on homework or taste test any new recipes Y/n/n had come up with." I hear Emily respond. I smile remembering most of those "taste-testing" sessions were just Emily and I. I hear Alessia scoff likely remembering the same thing.

"So it seems Y/n has always wanted to open a bakery. What got her into that?" I hear one of them ask.

"That would be because of our grandmother. She and Y/n used to bake all the time when we were younger. When our brothers and I were outside kicking a ball, Y/n was in the kitchen watching or helping our grandmother bake." I hear Alessia answer, just as I finish their orders. I place them on the tray and walk back to the front of the café, balancing the tray on my left arm.

I stop at the counter setting the tray down and pass their drinks and pastries." Here you go ladies," I smile as my hand brushes against Emily's noticing the blush on her cheeks. Even after all these years I have the same effect on her. "Now do you ladies know what you'd like?" I set the tray to the side and grab my notepad to take their orders.

Once I have their orders Adam makes his way back over to the counter. "Adam do you mind running the register? I have to grab these ladies their orders."

"Of course not, I can handle the front. Kacey should be in any minute any way to help so you can spend the time with your sister. We will have it covered." He says, I give him a smile and nod.

"Thanks Adam, I really appreciate it," He gives me a smile back and turns to help the next customer. The girls walk over to their table while I make my way back to the kitchen to work on their orders.

I make quick work of their orders setting them on two trays. I balance one on my right arm and hold the other on my left hand before moving to where the girls are sitting.

As Alessia and Emily see me approach Alessia goes to get up and help me but Emily places a hand on her arm to stop her.

"I'm pretty sure the others would like to enjoy their pastries and coffees, not have them spilled all over the floor." Emily says standing herself causing the others to laugh. Emily makes her way over to me and grabs the tray balanced on my arm. "Let me help," she says softly I nod giving her an appreciative smile before passing out the orders.

"Well that's one way to tell the difference between you two. Alessia would have fallen with those before she even made it to the counter," Katie says causing the others, including myself to laugh. Alessia sits back in her seat crossing her arms.

"You guys are mean," She pouts, I laugh and finish passing out the order before moving to stand behind Alessia. I place my hands on her shoulders giving them a reassuring squeeze. I feel her lean back into my touch.

"You know she's right Less, you've always been the clumsy one," I say, she huffs out a breath before slowly nodding.

"I guess," I press a kiss to her head before sitting in the seat between her and Emily. I feel Emily grab my hand under the table and lace our fingers together. I smile and give her hand a squeeze. I look around the table seeing the girls enjoying their treats but also looking at me. I sigh.

"Ask away," most of them start talking at once causing some of the others in the café to look over. "Woah! One at a time!" They all quiet down and raise their hands causing a few of us to laugh. "From what I've heard from these three I'm going to regret asking you first, but go ahead Kyra."

"It's nothing bad I promise," The girl starts, I nod for her to continue," Since you and Alessia are twins, who's older?" I smirk and glance at Alessia to see that pout back on her lips.

"That would be me, older by 10 minutes," I smile proudly. I see Alessia roll her eyes.

"Yes you are, and you like to remind me every chance you get," she grumbles. I laugh and release Emily's hand to wrap Alessia in a hug pulling her into my body.

"Yes, but you have loved having an older sister who looks out for you," She sighs but nods relaxing into my hold.

"Is it just me or is this a different side to Alessia we have never seen before?" Leah asks.

"Oh this is normal for them. Y/n and Alessia have always been touchy like this," Lotte speaks up, Emily nodding in agreement.

"Yup you never saw one without the other attached. If not attached she wasn't far behind. Only times they were apart was when Less had practice or camp or when Y/n was in the kitchen." Emily adds.

"So you guys live together?" Beth asks before taking a sip of her coffee. Alessia and I shake our heads.

"Nope, we did but Y/n moved out a couple years back," Alessia answers pulling back from our hug. I sit back in my chair and take hold of Emily's hand once again.

"Can I ask a question now?" Katie speaks up. I sigh and nod. "Are you single?" Caitlin slaps the back of Katie's head, "Ow! It's a valid question!"

"No, next question," I respond moving my left hand to rest on top of Emily and I's interlocked hands.

"Wait! You're not single? Why didn't I know this?" Alessia fakes shocked. I roll my eyes and nudge her with my shoulder causing her to laugh.

"You've met her you idiot,"

"Oh I know, I just like poking fun. After all that's what younger sisters do isn't it?" I roll my eyes and briefly let go of Emily's hand to flick Alessia in the head. "Ow!" I smile and grab hold of Emily's hand once again lacing out fingers. She squeezes my hand three times, I squeeze hers three times back. Emily adjusts so she is leaning her head on my shoulder.

The questions continue from the girls. I answer them as best I can through Katie and Kyra seemed to have teamed up to keep pushing about my partner.

"Guys she just met you, if she doesn't want to tell you she doesn't have to," Steph says stepping in after their eighth time asking. I give her a grateful look. She offers me a smile. They both go to protest but Steph, Caitlin and Kim give them a look to stop asking causing them to sigh but agree.

The others break off into their own conversations leaving Emily, Alessia and I to talk quietly to ourselves.

"I though you were okay telling them?" Alessia asks confused.

"Oh we are. I just lie making them guess. From what you two and Lotte have told me they cause you guys enough grief, if they want to know bad enough they can work for it," I say.

"Babe, they just met you and you're already driving them crazy," Emily comments giving my hand a squeeze.

"It's fun! Besides I'm surprised no one noticed the ring on your finger yet. How long have you been playing here?" I ask jokingly. From what I've been told these girls are some of the smartest yet stupidest bunch. "Besides Em, you have been glued to my side since I sat down and not one of them have said anything," I point out causing her to blush. I press a kiss to her cheek causing Alessia to laugh.

"You have a point. You and Em have been touchy since you started dating. It got worse when you proposed and worse again when you got married. You both have been pretty tame today," Alessia comments. I roll my eyes and nudge her shoulder causing Emily to whine softly from me moving away from her.

"Sorry my love," I whisper moving back towards her, and pressing a kiss to her head when she leans back on my shoulder. "Like Em said, I just met the girls I don't want to scare them away…yet" I mumble at the end causing Alessia and Emily to laugh. "What? You both know these girls can get on your nerves."

"Hey! You guys have told her we get on your nerves?" Katie asks, having overheard our conversation. The other conversations halt at Katie's comment. The two give her a knowing look causing her to shrink back in her seat. "Okay point taken. Now back to the topic at hand. This partner of yours Y/n who are they?" Katie asks leaning forward in her seat, awaiting my response.

"Since you can't give it a rest I'll tell you this. You know her." They look at me curiously.

"All of us?" Kyra asks. I nod.

"I'll give you guys three hints to figure it out." Katie, Kyra, Beth and Leah nod. The others not as invested in knowing as those four.

"Okay, clue 1 -" I start before Leah cuts me off.

"Wait! How long have you been with your partner?" she asks.

"Since college," I answer before continuing, "Clue 1 they play professional soccer." the four groan in response.

"We figured that much! You said we know them! How else would all of us know the person?" Katie exclaims causing customers to look at our table again. Katie gives a sheepish smile before apologizing.

"Fine, you want another clue?" I ask causing them to nod. "She is a defender,"

"That doesn't narrow it down too much! Do you know how many defenders we know?" Kyra asks.

"I never said they'd be easy clues." I comment. The rest of the girls aside from the four questioning me snicker at my response. "Final clue, she plays for Arsenal." I say. Emily squeezes my hand before pushing her head closer to he trying to be obvious. I look at the others whose eyes widen as they realize just who my partner is. I nod and bring my left index finger to my lips signaling them to keep quiet as the other four bicker with each other about who on the team it could be. Their eyes widen even more, if possible, when they notice the ring on my finger. I smirk reaching for Emily's coffee with my left hand before taking a sip.

"Wait?!? You're married?!?" Kyra yells. The others turning to look at me in shock. I chuckle and nod.

"Yup, we just celebrated our two year wedding anniversary." I answer, the girls continuing to look at me in shock.

"I think you two should just put them out of their misery and tell them," Alessia laughs.

"Babe?" I shrug, turning to look at Emily.

"As much fun as this has been I think you've tortured them enough baby," She says pressing a kiss to my lips then cupping my face with her hand to guide me into a kiss. I smile placing my hand on her cheek trying to deepen the kiss only for it to be broken by one of the girls.

"Foxy?! You're married?!" One of them shout. I pull away from Emily, moving my hand from her cheek to wrap my arm around her shoulder pulling her into me.

"Yes. Yes I am, She smiles proudly leaning her head back on my shoulder. I smile down at her pressing a kiss to her temple before leaning my head on hers.

"How did we miss Foxy being married?" Leah asks causing the others to shrug in response before Kim speaks up.

"I knew," the others turn to look at her in confusion. "What? I pay attention unlike the rest of you, besides she left her ring on when we met when she first joined the club," I chuckle knowing Emily has forgotten to take off her ring a lot. I look around the table watching the others talk amongst themselves trying to figure out how they missed that big detail about their teammate. I lean farther back in my seat looking between Alessia and Emily.

"I can see why you guys love them so much. You all really are a family," I whisper to them. Both girls smile at me and nod.

"They're your family now too. Welcome to the chaos." Alessia chuckles. I smile looking around the table at the girls my sister and wife have come to call family.

"Fine with me. I love them already,"

[probablysimpledreams]

Let Me Take Care of Ya, Yeah? (Hawks x reader: NSFW)

a/n: holy shit I meant to finish this like 2 months ago but then it just sat in my drafts until today loll BUT here's a lil hawks smut for yall<33 been thinking about how much of a #freak he secretly is and how he'd enjoy period sex (a lil too much lol) so here's a pic on it!

cw: period sex (and Hawks is v into it), afab reader, possessive Hawks

wc: 1747

Despite only dating for a few months, you have already crossed off many of Hawks' "firsts." First date, first kiss, first blow job, etc. And after he woke up to you loudly cursing a new one was added to the list: first period he was home for.

Due to his insanely busy work schedule, he had actually never been home when you've started your cycle before. So between that and the fact you are the first person he ever dated, Hawks had no clue what to do. He stayed frozen in bed, watching as you scramble to get up and examine the mess you had unknowingly made in your sleep.

"Shit I'm sorry Kei," you apologize. He stays quiet as he thinks about and processes the situation, making you frown. All you can think about is how disgusted he must be.

"What? No don't apologize baby," he confidently reassures you. A handful of his wings detach from his back smoothly before quickly attaching to you and pulling you into the bathroom. "You just do what you need to feel good, I'll handle the rest ya?" He calls out from the bedroom as he begins changing out the sheets. His feathers move around the bathroom, drawing you a warm bath and rubbing against your face affectionately before returning to Hawks.

Now that you were out of the room, Hawks let his confident demeanor fall as he scrambled to grab his phone. He began going down a Reddit rabbit hole to learn about periods and, most importantly, what he as your boyfriend should be doing when that time of the month comes. He wasted no time flying off to store so that when you got out of the bath you'd be greeted with your favorite take out order, chocolates, and a sweet note before heading out to work.

As he patrolled the quiet city streets, Hawks couldn't stop worrying about you. He wanted to do more for you, the need to take care of you stronger than usual. He decides to fall back down the Reddit rabbit hole, hoping to find more he can do for you. His eyes widen, smirk tugging at his lips as he begins reading the benefits of period sex. After a quick read, he sends you a sweet text before sliding his phone back into his pocket, thinking long and hard on what the night will bring

---------

The sun setting marked the end of his patrol shift and thankfully the Commission had no other tasks for him. Hawks basically teleported home, happily entering the apartment as he headed towards the bedroom. The exhaustion in his body began washing away the moment he laid eyes on you laying in bed, wearing one of his old t-shirts and pair of boxers as pajamas while you scroll on your phone. The scent of your body wash and lotion becomes stronger as he moves further into the room, causing his wings to twitch in anticipation. Your attention moves from your phone screen up to your boyfriend, smiling as he climbs onto the bed. Before a word could leave your mouth, his begins kissing you rough and eagerly.

"Missed me huh?" you teased, giggling as you try to catch your breath. You start start playing with his hair, thinking he needs some gentle affection before heading to bed. However as his lips began trailing down your neck, lightly nipping at the exposed flesh, you realized his true needs. "Mmm K-Keigo....but I'm on my period," you weakly protested, trying to push him away.

"Yeah I know," he responds quickly before returning to kissing your skin.

"And you still want to have sex? You don't just want a blow job or something?"

He laughed at your question, making your eyebrows furrow. One of his hands goes to cup the side of your face, thumb rubbing your cheek gently as his other hand moves to your waist, fingers teasing the elastic of your underwear. He smirks as your expression relaxes, body reacting to his touches. "Let me take care of ya, yeah?" he whispers in your ear before kissing your forehead. "Gonna make you feel so good baby," his hand slides in your underwear, fingers rubbing between your folds causing you to squirm. The way your body reacts plus the wetness of your arousal and blood coating his fingers makes him moan. After a few more teasing touches, Hawks pulls his hand out and examines his fingers. The shine and hint of red on his skin made his cock and feathers twitch.

"Stay here, Imma grab a towel for you to lay on. I have a feeling you're gonna be messy~" he teases as he gets off the bed, heading into the bathroom. He returns quickly, allowing his feathers to place the towel over the sheets as he holds you in his arms before placing you onto the towel. Once back in bed he wastes no time getting both of you fully undressed, roughly kissing your lips before moving to your chest.

"Mmm ffffuck K-Kei!!" you cry as he kisses around your collarbone and slides two fingers inside you.

"God you're so wet baby," he groans as he fingers you. The sound of him fingering you echoes throughout the apartment and it drives him crazy. He loves pleasing you, so every sound from your body and mouth has him chasing more and more. He feels you clench around his fingers, a loud moan leaving his lips as you suck him deeper into you. He takes it as his sign to go faster, thumb rubbing your clit before the fingers inside you curl upward. The intensity of the pleasure and heightened sensitivity from your hormones cause your orgasm to wash over you without much warning. Hawks praises you as he fingers you through your high, cooing sweetly in your ear. But you can't focus on anything other than the overwhelming pleasure taking over your body as you grip onto his shoulders, crying and shaking before your body sinks into the bed. You feel sweaty, your mind cloudy, and body still trembling as you lay out on the towel. Once you regain some form of composure your gaze moves to your boyfriend whose expression was once you had never seen on his face before. You watched as he stayed above you, his gaze sharp on his fingers coated in your cum and blood. His expression was animalistic, hungry even. Hawks was no stranger to blood on his hands, but this was different. This was a piece of you. A new way to mark you as his, a new way to provide you pleasure. He had never seen you cum so hard and fast before, it was driving him wild. He takes his stained fingers and begins tracing circles on your inner thighs, chuckling as you whine and as the blood sticks to your skin like it does his. He felt closer to you than ever before, and was not ready to let that high go away. His wings puffed out as he grabbed his dick, whining as he pumps it slowly. Your cum and blood left on his fingers began mixing with the precum leaking from his dick, and the sight made him shudder.

"Ready for more baby? Gotta make sure ya feel real good," his voice is dripping with lust and it makes you want to rub your thighs together. You had never expected to see him like this, but you sure weren't;t complaining. You were so use to men not caring about your pleasure or needs, but here was your gorgeous boyfriend almost cumming from the site of pleasuring you during the time of the month you loathed.

"P-please Kei," you whine, all those needy and horny feelings washing over your body again.

"Anything for you ______," he leans down to kiss you gently before sliding his dick inside you. You both moan into the kiss as you feel him stretch you out and he feels you squeeze around him. "Fuck this pussy is so good...too damn good," he babbles as he begins fucking you. He starts out gentle, worried he may hurt you if you're still feeling overstimulated from earlier. The knot in your stomach is already forming but you're too overwhelmed by pleasure to speak, so instead you tug harshly at Hawks' hair to communicate your needs. He picks up instantly on the message, moving from slow thrusts to rough, quick ones. You whine and cry out his name, back arching off the bed as tears fall from your eyes. Your hands don't leave his hair, tugging at the messy golden strands as he pulls you closer and closer to that sweet release.

"Y-you like that huh? Like how-fuck-good I fuck you huh baby?"

"Y-yes yes ahhhh," you somehow manage to choke out the words. Your praise only makes him needier, pulling himself fully out of you before slamming right back in. It only takes a couple more rough, deep thrusts until you're cumming around him again. He fucks you through it, once again praising you as you come undone around him. You cry and whine as it takes him a couple thrusts more until he cums hard and heavy inside you, pushing it as deep inside you as possible. You watch as his wings spread out behind him, shaking as he fills you up.

The room now is quiet aside from you both panting, and the scent of sex lingers like a thick fog. He pulls out of you before collapsing against your chest, a stupid cheesy grin painted across his sweaty face. You couldn't help but smile back at him, pushing strands of hair out of his face.

"Cramps feeling better?" he asks, gently rubbing your lower stomach.

"Mmhmm," you nod, melting into his sweet touches. "However now I'm sore for a whole different reason," you laugh. His cheek flush before he laughs with you. The two of you stay cuddled up in bed, not caring about the sweat or blood sticking on your skin. He peppers a few more gentle kisses, nuzzling into your neck as he lets out a few soft coos. The vibrations from the sound against your skin tickles, causing you to squirm and laugh.

"I love you Keigo," you sigh happily, rubbing his back and smiling at the way his wing flutter when your finger tips grace over them.

"I love you too ________," he hums, eyes beginning to fall close. "So damn much."

[flymetosnarryland]

There is no way back.

Aiming for colour with this one. (And that means I'll show what Severus is hiding under the glove 🤫)

I really don't like the "hurry" we live in. It's like… everything has to be done for yesterday, if you get what I mean. This feeling is my shadow and it's kinda killing me inside because I want to do- draw so many things and even more but I can't skip "the progress" part, which is slow as hell. So I'm not finishing shitloads of fanarts and sometimes it's really bothering me. In the same time I'm happy because I managed to learn to share unfinished stuff, not keep it in the drawer, you know, far away from everyone. I feel like this hurry-thingy don't want to let me go. Like… if I want to draw something, there is that thought in the back of my head: "finish it today, in two hours or so; if you don't, you will throw this idea away and will never come back to it!". It's weird, it sounds like a threat in my brain, hehe. I don't know how to explain it, but I just realised this is another part of my "old way of thinking" that I have to say goodbye to. Maybe writing it down will help me to remember that I don't have to hurry anymore with doing fanarts. With drawing for myself at all. Of course I'm not talking about doing one art in a month, because that's... no, just no, lol. But giving myself, you know, a permission to work on something at least couple days... it sounds nice.

[shinibobo]

✨ Meowdy chat! ✨

Coming in with something a little different today. As some of you might know, I've been posting a drawing of some sort everyday for almost a month ( #bobo's daily doodle )

I've got no intention of stopping these daily doodles, though I know eventually I'm gonna start running out of steam .... Which is where I'd love to request some help from you all!

Have a sonic character you want to see drawn? A headcanon? A scenario? Or maybe even a ship you'd love to see? Feel free to drop your suggestions in my ask box, and I'll see to maybe using it in my next daily doodle! Maybe you'll get me to yap a little ..

Please note that I will NOT draw the following: Proship, NSFW, original characters (oc), and I may ignore your ask if it makes me uncomfortable (not much does though)

I CAN draw these though: Sonic AU designs, headcanons/ ideas about sonic characters, most ships (refer to the other list for context), robots, and more! I prefer Sonic related asks at the moment, but any of my other current interests are accepted too!

I'll update this post as frequently as needed, but that's about it! Above everything else, I implore everyone to be respectful and kind in leaving asks and towards others that put asks in my box.

To end it off, here's a sketch of that one Shadow and Sonic chao art that I started in late February and NEVER finished... I might kick it back up again :]

[roseareeh]

Ink | Customer! Eddie Munson x Tattoo Artist! Reader

Notes: OOF this took me a while, but it's here! Enjoy!

Words: 3k

Warnings: Drinking

Eddie was your favourite customer for multiple reasons.

For one, the tattoos he wanted were exactly what he wanted. Two, he loved every idea you had, and also made his next appointments every time you finished a piece. Plus, he tips well, which is a nice bonus.

On the other hand, you had to shamefully realise that you developed a small crush on him. Which is funny, considering his tattoos were skulls, snakes and bats while you had a huge Sailor Moon sleeve on your right arm and nothing but flowers on the left one.

You were Eddie's favourite tattoo artist. With your chatty self, you always managed to distract him from the pain with stories from your life. Your artwork was nothing less than amazing, and always up his lane. He thought it was funny that you specialised in black and white for anything weird or creepy while he always walked into your pink and purple tattoo shop with a variety of Disney movies playing on the TV standing on a wooden shelf, mounted to the wall.

In addition, he had a crush on you. He's had crushes before, but not like this. This one was different than the others. Maybe it's because you always told him about what your Dachshund at home was up to, or when you told him your brother asked you to be your nieces godmother. It was just...special. His special time between you and him.

Today, he wanted a black and white cecropia moth over his shoulders and upper back. Eddie was so excited for this appointments the entire week, so much so that he was already grinning while walking in. "Who do we have here.", you said with an equally wide grin the second you spotted him. "Your favourite client, I assume.", he said while taking off his jacket. It was very clear that Eddie was your favourite customer, although you never said that out loud. "Considering we're all alone, you can assume correct.", you replied. As per usual, he made his way over to your station and waited for your okay to take his shirt off. "What ya' think?", you asked as you showed him the drawing of the moth. As per usual, it was perfect. "Alright, so you can take off your top for the stencil. Amy is coming in later today, so if you want the partition then just let me know."

This wasn't your first time seeing him shirtless, yet you couldn't help but look a bit from the corner of your eye. You hated yourself for this dumb crush, it was beyond unprofessional. On the other hand, Amy met her fiance at the studio as well. "I think I'll be fine without it, but thank you." He put his shirt underneath the chair, which was your que to get the stencil on his back.

"Alright, you ready?" He got comfortable on the chair, you put The Little Mermaid in the VHS player and started tattooing. "Same procedure as always, when the pain gets to much I'll tell you about Hot Dog." That was your Dachshund, who you also lovingly addressed as your son. "What have you been up to?" Eddie told you about his recent gigs, how band practice went and that Gareth proposed to his girlfriend at the last gig. Especially the last part made you happy. Gareth came in for a tattoo as well a few months ago, and he was such a kind person. He got quiet two hours in, which was your que to start talking. "Hot Dog is getting a sister. I found an elder dog at the shelter, and I'm taking her home next week." Eddie found the pain much more bearable when you talked to him. Your voice was like music to his ears. He even noticed how your voice changed whenever you talked about Hot Dog. "What's her name?", he asked in an attempt to forget about the pain. "Marly. She's an 11 year old german shepherd with maybe 4 teeth left." Eddie stiffled his laugh to not mess up the tattoo. "Hot Dog likes her a lot, that's why we picked her. Maybe I should bring both some time." Of course they couldn't stay in the studio, but you and your colleague Amy had a small staff room that they could stay in whole you worked on his tattoos. "Would be nice.", he said. His tone was an indicator that he needed a break. "Outline's done, I started on the shading, time for a break."

You put some paper towels on his back and fixated them with tape before letting him go outside for a smoke break. "All shirtless?", you teased him. He chuckled while looking for his cigarettes in his jacket. "It's just the backyard, nobody's gonna see me." You giggled a bit and watched him walk out the backdoor for his smoke break. In the meantime, you had a quick snack and tidied up your station. Eddie always had two cigarettes, you knew him that much already. Since the Cinderella movie was long over and already played twice, you also looked through your VHS collection to pick a new movie. He came back in while you were deciding between movies. "Got a good pick?", he asked while putting his cigarette away. "You mind if I switch it up and put in Sailor Moon instead of Disney?" How could he, when your grin was so adorable. "No Disney? How scandalous.", he joked. You laughed a bit while getting up to replace the VHS. "You can lay down again, I'll be there in a minute."

You kept talking him through the pain with silly stories. How your niece got into the cookie jar and his in the closet with it, that Hot Dog messed up your couch, that your brother had to help his daughter practice ballet in a tutu of his own. Eddie was laughing along until you told him about the terrible date you had last week. "So we went on a walk, and he asked me if our kids would be born with tattoos since I messed with my DNA." That was the only part that was mildly funny through his jealousy. "But I pretty much ran when he said he'd propose on the spot. Haven't called him since, and I don't want to." You noticed that he got oddly quiet after that. For what? For a few minutes, the room was filled with sounds from Sailor Moon playing on the TV.

Meanwhile, Eddie's jealousy was what kept him distracted from the pain. How could a guy get a date someone so perfect and mess it up so bad? He wouldn't treat you like that. "You okay there?", you asked him. He let out a low hum in response, music to your ears, and made up a quick excuse. "It's just really painful right now." That was no surprise, you were shading on his shoulderblades right now. It's reasonable enough to you. "Just watch Sailor Moon, I think you'll like it more than you think. And let me know if you need another break."

"Thanks, (Y/N).", he mumbled. Just as expected, he sat like a rock despite the painful tattoo placement and the odd quietness. Was it actually that bad?

Amy eventually came in to set up her station, and her client came in 30 minutes later. After another 3 hours, you told Eddie that it was time for another break. "I could finish it if you give me 2 more hours, give or take. You think you can handle that?" Finally, he seemed normal again. "I think so. I'm gonna take a longer break though, I need to eat something." You nodded in agreement and let him take his break while you also ate something and looked over at what Amy was tattooing. "I can put on Care Bears for you, if you'd like.", you suggested once you saw the Love-a-lot bear tattoo. Seeing the eyes of Amy's client light up was a dead giveaway. In a few minutes, you had the first season of Care Bears on the TV and it seemed to help her client a lot with the pain.

Eddie was done with his break after 20 minutes. He looked much more relaxed, which made you feel more relaxed also.

"Do you feel better?", you asked him in a hushed tone. "Yeah, we're just getting to the hard part right now.", he replied while laying back down. It was still odd, because even when he was in a lot of pain he didn't like complete silence. Wait...was he...

"Amy, can you take five and check something?", you asked your colleague. While she was a bit confused, Amy went to the staff room after checking with her client. You could hear some distinct chatter from Eddie and the other client through the door. "Did something happen with the orders?", she asked in a concerned tone.

"I think Eddie's jealous.", you simply stated. With a raised eyebrow and crossed arms, she asked "That's what I had to pause my session for?"

"I'm serious. I mentioned my awful date last week, and he's been off since then. He doesn't even talk or anything, he's a chatterbox!" Another eyeroll from her. "Give him the plus one ticket you have for the afterparty. You're awfully honest when you drink, and from what I heard he likes that too. And if it goes to shit, you'll loose a client. It's shit, but you wouldn't see him again." She was right, you knew that. "Right. Yeah, right." You scratched your head and went to the door again. "I'll do that, thank you." She still gave you a sympathetic smile as you two left the room. "It's gonna be fine. Promise."

He handed you the money he owed you for the tattoo, and you handed him the plus one ticket. "What's that?", he asked with knitted eyebrows. "There's a tattoo convention in a month, and the afterparty is on the second day. It would be lovely if you could come." Finally, he had a smile on his face again. "We also have a booth at the convention, so maybe you could come and say hello."

"I'll make sure to be there.", he said with a smirk while putting the ticket into the front pocket of his leather jacket. "I'll be seeing you before my next appointment then." Eddie left with a small wink. A wink?!

When the day of the afterparty came around, you put a lot of thought into your makeup, hair and outfit. When going shopping, you ended up picking a backless, white dress that was only held up by two spaghetti straps. It was so you could show off the pink and purple wings tattoo perfectly while also showing both your full-sleeves. Considering it was summer, it was also short so your legs tattoos would be shown off.

Of course the main intention was to show as much of the art on your skin as possible. A side intention was just in case Eddie would be there. He hasn't been at your booth the whole weekend. Why should he come now?

You put your hair into a ponytail and finished your makeup before leaving for the location. Since you planned on drinking, you called a cab, kissed your dogs goodbye and left.

It was loud. Really, really loud. Dre Day by Dr. Dre was being played while people on the floor were dancing together, in groups or alone.

"(Y/N)!", you heard someone yell excitedly. In hopes of it being Eddie you turned around, but it wasn't him. Still, it was a friend who lives four states over and always came to the convention. That was nice, too. "Steph!", you yelled back excitedly before the both of you hugged. "Come on, let's drink. What have you been up to?"

And drinking you did. Eventually, both of you and her girlfriend ended up on the dancefloor with Destiny's Child in the background. You sort of gave up on Eddie turning up, until you bumped into him.

"Shit, what are you doing here?", he asked while theatrically swinging his arm around your shoulders. "I'm a tattoo artist, Eddie!", you said with a giggle. The close proximity didn't even matter right now, that's how much you had to drink already. "What are you doing here, huh?" Steph saw you and him, smirked and continued dancing with her girlfriend.

"You invited me!", he yelled over the loud music that just turned up. Dr. Dre was a stable at this party, apparently. "Oh yeah!", you yelled back, followed by a hearty laugh. "Because you're hot and I wanna see you more!" Eddie just laughed and walked towards the bar with you, arm still around your shoulder. "I like the things you're saying.", he said eventually. Both of you hopped up on a barstool and ordered another drink. "I wanted to see you sooner, but I had to work!", he told you in a slurred tone. The only thing you did was giggle, and then both of you got your cocktails. "What's that?", he asked you while watching you take a sip. "Piña Colada. Wanna taste?" Eddie didn't expect you to stick your tongue out instead of handing you the glass, but he just laughed and kissed you instead of even bothering to think. He stood up from his barstool to stand between your legs while you two made out.

To the both of you, unbeknownst to the other, this felt like it was meant to be. Why did you hold back for so long?

His hands travelled from your thigh up to your waist and squeezed the flesh on it. You let out a small moan into the kiss, which made him break it for a short while. "I think I wanna take you home.", he rasped. A grin appeared on your face and your hand ran through his hair. "I think that's a great idea."

And to his home you went. That's where you woke up the next morning, naked in his bed. Eddie was still snorring next to you, also naked, with one arm lazily drapped around your waist. "Fuck.", you mumbled while trying to get up. There was a stinging pain in your head, and while still being naked you ran to the nearest bathroom to throw up. It was obvious where it was, considering Eddie labeled it with an old bar toilet sign.

After you were done throwing up and washed out your mouth, you spotted Eddie in the doorway in nothing but low-hanging, grey sweatpants. "Good morning.", he said in a low tone. His voice was still raspy from waking up. Your response was a grumble while you sat down on the edge of his bathtub. He saw you naked last night, it didn't matter anymore. "Here, put it on." Eddie handed you an oversized Metallica shirt and your underwear from yesterday. "Thanks.", you mumbled before slowly getting dressed. He turned around to give you some privacy, but there was undoubtedly tension between you two. "I'll make you breakfast, and I'm guessing we need to talk then.", he said, then walked off.

You heard the clinking of pans and plates while still trying to grasp what really happened. You had sex with your favourite client, no memory if you two even used protection, while drunk out of your mind. One part of your brain thought Finally, while the other part throught How?.

You removed your makeup as much as you could (although your lipstick was already off from last night), then walked into his kitchen.

Eddie had a studio apartment, so his living room, bedroom and kitchen were all combined in one big room. The only thing that separated his bedroom from everything else were some shelfs with DnD figurines and books in it. "You feel better?", Eddie asked you while you sat down on the high stool he had by his kitchen island. "A bit. Head still hurts." He slid you an aspirin with a glass of water. You gratefully took it and gulped it all down with lightning speed.

"So, about last night.", Eddie started while putting scrambled eggs and bacon with some toast on your plate. It smelled so good, you wished you had that every day. "Do you know if we used protection?" was the first question that left your mouth. The risk of having a baby with someone you weren't in a relationship with was terrifying.

"Honestly, I don't know. I didn't see any...packaging.", Eddie replied as he sat down next to you with his own plate in hand. Your head fell into your hands with a loud groan. "Fuck...", you mumbled after a while. "It's no offence to you, but I really don't want to have a child with someone I'm not dating."

"I mean, we could."

Your head shot up at his words. To him, you looked like a deer in headlights. "You're serious?" The stammer in your voice was clear, but Eddie didn't know how to interpret it. But now that you two have gone this far already, nothing he would say now could make it worse. "I've liked you for a while now. I really, really like you. And I wouldn't be opposed to being your boyfriend."

Those words were music to your ears. What a great day, despite the hangover. "As much as this goes against any client-artist ethics I have, I like you in that way as well.", you said with a big grin. It lit up the room, so much that your eyebags and residue makeup weren't remotely visible anymore. "How about you take me to get a plan B, get my dogs and find somewhere to eat for lunch?"

Eddie started grinning at your suggestion. "Getting plan b and meeting the dogs sounds like boyfriend-girlfriend activities.", he said. You got down from the high stool, stood between his legs and wrapped your arms around his neck. "You know me more than most of my friends. I think we can skip the awkward 'what are we' phase."

Both of you leaned into a kiss, a sober one this time.

"Eddie?", you yelled from your bathroom. Hot Dog and Marly came running in with your boyfriend, hearing the nervous undertone. "Everything okay?", he asked before turning the corner and seeing a pregnancy test in your hands.

"I...don't think the plan B, uhm...worked.", you stammered.

[seraphicsage]

Lady Atreides

A/N this is the first chapter in a Feyd Rautha x reader that I've been writing over the last couple months. Please I beg comment and reblog if you like it otherwise I'll never have the motivation to finish

Summary: Reader was betrothed to Feyd at birth and since has formed a close relationship with him. Now her family is dead and they're working to outsmart the Bene Gesserit

Chapter 1

Waking up on the floor of a cell was not how I was expected to start the day, the pounding in my head made sense for me though. I hauled myself up to a sitting position, leaning against the wall and looking around me. As I sit there for a few minutes I try to remember the previous day. Another fight with Jessica, not out of the ordinary, not going to dinner, also not out of the ordinary. Anything after that is a blur. Fuck. Where am I? 

I hear the sound of muffled footsteps coming closer. I quickly shoot up and search myself to see what was removed from me before I was thrown in here. Weirdly, nothing. I pull a small knife out of where I’ve hidden it by my thigh, pointing it in the direction of the sound. The dark door slides open and I hold my breath, trying to ready myself to attack. 

To my complete relief I know the face that’s standing on the other side of the door. He takes 3 long steps towards me and engulfs me in his arms. For a moment I relax, then I remember where I am and quickly pull back, pointing my knife at him again. Truthfully, he could easily overpower me but it gives me some sense of control over the situation, and honestly I know he wouldn’t hurt me. He doesn’t seem surprised by my reaction. “Why am I here?” He seems hesitant to answer my question, watching me intently. “Answer me!”

“I am unsure how you will react.” He brings his arms behind him, standing tall and not elaborating. I almost want to slap his stone cold face.

“Well the longer you wait the worse I’m going to think it is. And the more likely I am to try and stab you.” He chuckles at that, and I try to stop myself from smiling but the idea of it is funny. “Just tell me.” He lets out a small sigh. 

“My uncle sent my brother and the Harkonnen armies to Arrakis, to take the planet back.” I am not surprised they did, I expected it even, I am more confused on how that means I am here. “They killed everyone, including your family, bar a few prisoners. My uncle allowed you to live as we are betrothed. I assured him you would be loyal to the Harkonenns first so as long as you cooperate, he shouldn’t have an issue with you.”

That sounds like the start of a deal I may not like. “He could find anyone to marry you with the power he has. Why would he want an Atreides?” His uncle is a ruthless and merciless man, he must gain something from me staying alive. 

“I am the na-baron and I told him I wanted you. The Harkonnen line needs to be continued with pure blood. Having an Atreides accept his takeover may mean the other houses will follow suit. And this way those witches will not interfere. I am sure my uncle will expect more from me in exchange for your life, however it is not as though he doesn’t already have power over me for now.”

“So, this is it? They’re all gone, and I’m here now? To stay? We just have to work around your uncle for now?” He nods and I lower the knife. Relief consumes me and I cannot help the large grin that overtakes my face. I’ve been waiting for this day my entire life. Years of resentment built up for my family and finally I am free of them. I feel Feyd draw closer, invading my space again to put his hands on my shoulders. He knows how long I have waited for this day. I lower my head and press it against his chest, taking it in; I let out a small chuckle without meaning to.

“You’ll be moved to your own rooms today. They’ll need to do fittings, medical exams, and I’ll introduce you to your maids. My uncle will want to talk with you as well.” That sends a shiver down my spine, but I nod into his chest to show I’m listening. “I know this is a lot, an adjustment for you. However, you know this is only the start, we need to be careful.” 

I take a deep breath, grounding myself and remembering where I am. I stand straight and bring myself to meet his eyes, he always looks at me with such care when we’re alone. “I know, I’m ready. This has made things easier, my family cannot interfere anymore.” 

He nods in agreement and he walks me to what must be my room, where two girls are standing waiting for me, with their heads down. “I have some things I need to attend to, they know what needs to be completed today and I will take you to see my uncle later,” he says, pressing his hand to my back for a brief moment. I meet his eyes and nod in return, watching as he turns to leave. If this is his way of introducing them to me then I’m going to need to teach him actual manners.

I’m left awkwardly standing with these two girls. They’re both standing so stiffly, heads down, hands clasped. I hesitate for a moment but decide to just take the lead, “Hi girls, should we make some introductions? What are your names?” They both stay quiet for a moment and their hesitation is practically palpable. I understand it, they are servants in the Harkonnen house and I can only imagine the fear they must feel; this will not work if they cannot even speak to me however. “I understand your fear, but I assure you that I do not use the same methods as the Harkonnen family. I wish for us to be comfortable with each other, it would be nice for me to have some friends here, and I can do my best to protect you.” I try my best to reassure them but I really don’t know what to say to make them trust me. I need allies in the staff and my maids seem like a good place to start.

Thankfully, they introduce themselves after another moment of hesitation; Nyla and Becca. They walk me through the tasks for today, starting off with getting measured to have new clothes made for me, followed by being checked over by the doctors to ensure I am in good health. We find that we get along well, I encourage them to talk to me a little when we are alone and they seem like sweet girls. 

The most frustrating part of my day is when the doctor refuses to share with me his medical assessment - apparently it is not my concern. The medical exam was exhausting enough. Thankfully after arguing back and forth with the doctor for a few minutes, Feyd walks in. Suddenly the doctor is much more agreeable. 

Feyd pretty much immediately ignores the doctor and asks me if everything is in order. “Well I don’t know. Apparently the results of my own health inspection are ‘none of my concern’.” Feyd turns to the man and tells him to share the results. The doctor hesitates but thankfully does not try Feyd’s patience.

“She is in fit health, she is fertile and apart from a slightly lowered blood pressure, which is to be expected given the circumstances, she is completely fine. The blood pressure will likely sort itself out over the next few days but it is worth getting her checked again in a week to ensure that she is ready before the wedding.” I can see the way he is glancing between us, as if he’s waiting for a small bomb to go off. I suppose he is. 

I lie down on the bed, letting the tiredness wash over me as the tension in the room remains almost audible. I see out of the corner of my eye that Feyd grips onto the doctor’s shoulder and drags him out of the room and there is a muffled thud from outside of the closed door. I hear the door open and his heavy footing come towards me. I turn to meet his eyes as he crouches beside the bed next to me. There’s small blood splatters on his face and likely his black suit too. I bring my hand up to try and wipe it off for him and I can see how intently he’s watching me. 

“You’re tired,” he states firmly. I nod in confirmation, the Harkonnen methods of a full medical exam are tiring, not to mention the stress of the day and everything that’s still to come. 

“I take it that the fact that you are here means that it is time for me to speak to your uncle?” I keep my hand against his face as we watch each other. He looks ever so slightly concerned, which for him means he is very worried, but he nods all the same. 

“Will you be okay?” he asks after a moment of hesitation, despite knowing there is nothing we can do either way. Although I know it’s more about assessing the situation to make it go as smoothly as possible. 

“I will be,” I run my finger along his cheek for a moment, “I can manage. It is important that we let him get his way, he needs to think that he has control over me as well. If he doesn’t trust me then our plans won’t work.” I murmur, largely to myself but in Feyd’s direction. I know that he can see that I am thinking out loud because he makes no move to respond. 

He moves slightly to press a barely-there kiss on the palm of my hand before moving to stand up and offering me his. I take it and stand up, letting the rushing in my head pass for a moment as he holds me firmly. I look up at him, readying myself for what’s to come. “Let me do the talking okay? He has to hear it all from my mouth or he may think you are trying to protect me or cover for me.” He doesn’t like the idea but he agrees, knowing I’m right. I stand firm and we walk together to the Baron. 

When we walk into the room, I’m greeted with the sight of the Baron towering over us in his suspender chair. My throat fills with disgust at the man in front of me, but I swallow it down and still my face, lowering myself into a bow when I approach. “Lady Atreides,” he greets me, “I hope you are finding your accommodations satisfactory.” I can hear the sneer in his voice though I behave as though it isn’t there. 

“More than satisfactory my Lord Baron, I thank you for your hospitality. I understand that it is due to you, that I have been kept alive since you’ve reclaimed your territory.” I keep my chin high, standing straight. 

“Reclaimed? Interesting choice of words. You do not seem disappointed to have lost your home, your family.” 

“Arrakis was never my home, nor was I ever close with my family. My father was a weak man, falling for a Bene Gesserit concubine and never truly holding onto his power. He did not deserve the power given to him. Arrakis needs a powerful leader, someone who knows how to deal with the spice trade and the Fremen; my father is not that man.” 

The Baron watches me for a moment, I meet his eyes and ensure that I do not falter. “You approve of your betrothal to the na-baron?” He changes the subject, indicating where Feyd is standing, a few steps behind me.” 

“I do, I have always known that it is my role and I am grateful for it.” He seems to approve of this answer because he dismisses me moments later. I lower myself into a bow before turning and leaving the room. Feyd does not follow me.

tag list: @avidreader73 @aoi-targaryen @wiseyouthinfluencer

[chosaraki]

Valentine's Day❤️

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Eli Jang

Johan Seong

Eugene

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Eli Jang:

The morning sun entered through the cracks of the beige curtain, scratching Eli's face as a soft reminder that that would not be an ordinary day. The cell phone on the dresser vibrated silently, but he had already been awake for minutes, with Yena nestled in his left arm, the light breath of a child mixing with the silence of the room.

On the other side of the bed, (y/n) slept with a serenity that made him smile inside. The face half hidden by the sheet, the messy hair and a slight trail of lilac paint still on the nails - probably from the night before, when she finished the little outfit she sewed for Yena to wear in the park.

Eli wasn't romantic for words. He wasn't good with flowers or statements. But there, at that moment, lying between the two people I loved the most, I knew that that was your Valentine's Day gift. It was whole - even after so many pieces.

(Y/n) woke up gently minutes later, feeling the heat of Eli's hand intertaced in yours. She smiled without opening her eyes, his fingers already drawing lazy circles on the silver wedding ring on her ring.

- You woke up before me - he murmured, with a hoarse and sweet voice.

- I just wanted to look at you a little - he replied low, as if he didn't want to break the charm.

She turned around and kissed his cheek. A simple gesture, but for Eli it was worth more than any poem.

—————

In the kitchen, (y/n) prepared breakfast using her personalized apron - the same one she sewed last month, with the name "Yena" embroidered in pink on her chest. The table was already set with fruits cut into heart shapes, homemade breads that she baked herself, and a simple note next to Eli's mug:

"Thank you for being the man I choose every day. Happy Valentine's Day."

He read in silence and smiled sideways. He took the ticket carefully, as if it were too fragile for the world he came to. He put it in his wallet, along with the old photo of Yena as a baby.

(Y/n) approached from behind and wrapped Eli with his arms, his chin resting on his shoulder.

- You don't have to do anything great today. Just stay here with me. With us.

- That's all I really wanted - he replied, tilting his head to touch hers.

—————

Later, the three went to the park. Yena wore the set made by (y/n): a light floral dress with a small hand-sewn bow on the chest. Eli carried the backpack with the toys, and (y/n) took a folded blanket to have a picnic on the lawn.

Between laughter, Yena's races and spontaneous photos, time seemed to slow down.

In the middle of the afternoon, while Yena slept under the shade of a tree, (y/n) handed Eli an envelope made of recycled paper, sewn at the edges with golden line.

Inside there was an elegant black vest, handmade by her, tailored to Eli's thin body, with an almost imperceptible detail: a small letter "Y" embroidered near the heart.

- For when you go out with us... or just want to remember that you have a home - she said, shy, fixing his collar with affection.

Eli swallowed hard. I never cried in front of anyone. But at that moment, he had to blink several times. He touched the vest with his fingers as if touching something sacred.

- I'll never be able to give you something up to this - he murmured.

(Y/n) smiled tenderly and touched his forehead to his.

- You've already given me everything, Eli. The peace you try to find... is the same as you give me, every day. Just stay with me. Just choose me, as you chose Yena.

He kissed her right there, in the middle of the park, in a restained and intense way, like everything he is. A kiss that said: "I don't know how to promise the future, but I know that the present is yours."

—————

At night, back to the small apartment, the two lay down with Yena between them, sleeping peacefully. (Y/n) stroked the child's hair while Eli watched in silence.

- Happy Valentine's Day, Jang Hyun - she whispered.

He looked at the ceiling, then at her, and replied in a hoarse voice:

- Thank you... for sewing a place for me in your heart.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Johan Seong:

The fine rain fell on Seoul on that cloudy afternoon on February 14. The streets were full of couples, intertwed hands, shared laughter, promises murmured between shy kisses.

But Johan Seong watched everything from afar, from the top of a building, with his hands in his pockets and his heart tight, as if he were still that boy who watched the world have fun through the window of loneliness.

That date... had always been empty for him. It was something for the others. Normal people. People who knew how to be good without having to protect themselves with thorns.

But this year was different.

Because this year, he had you.

And you were... everything he didn't know he needed.

—————

Flashback: the present

Leaving the top of the building, Johan went down the stairs every two steps. His black coat was already soaked, but he didn't care. The mind was focused on a single goal: to get home. For you.

While walking through the wet streets, he remembered the chaotic morning:

- "JOHAN! Are you going to leave like this?! Without drinking coffee, without giving me a kiss?!”

His voice echoed in his thoughts.

He hadn't answered. He just slammed the door with an angry face. And why?

You're welcome.

Or rather... for insecurity. Fear. That rotten thought that he wasn't good enough, that at some point you would leave him too. That all this love you offered had an expiration date.

But you - you, with that heart the size of the world - never backed down.

—————

When Johan opened the door of the small apartment they shared, the light of the heated room contrasted with the cold coming from outside. The smell of cinnamon tea and sweet rice filled his nostrils.

You appeared in the kitchen, with your apron stained with flour, your hair pinned anyway and a meek smile, the same as always.

- "Welcome, my hurricane of bad mood," you said softly, without irony, but firmly in your eyes.

He closed the door and stood still. Dripping. Trembling. Silent.

- "Are you... still here?" He murmured, low.

- "I will always be."

You walked up to him, took his face between your hands as if it were made of glass and said:

- "If today was difficult... if your inner monsters screamed louder... it's okay. But don't fight with me. Let me fight with you."

That phrase broke something inside him.

Because no one ever wanted to fight next to him. They just faced him or abandoned him.

—————

Johan pulled you hard for a hug. A desperate, suffocated, almost hurt hug.

- "Sorry for earlier... I just... I... I don't want to ruin it."

You put your face on his chest and said, simple:

- "You're not a mistake waiting for it to happen. You are the home I chose."

He felt his eyes burn, but he didn't cry. Not there. Not with you smiling like that. Instead, he walked away, took something out of his coat pocket and handed it over with trembling hands:

- "I didn't know what to give you... so I did it."

It was a necklace. A small dark stone wrapped in silver. Nothing expensive. But made by him. Carved for hours in silence, with bruised fingers.

You held it as if it were a treasure and said:

- "It's perfect. Like everything that comes from you, when it comes from your heart."

——————

Later, sitting together on the couch, with his head leaning against your lap and the TV playing some romantic program, you played with the wet strands of his hair.

He murmured:

- "You're too light for someone like me."

And you answered:

- "And you are the shadow that teaches me to see the beauty of what is hidden."

He laughed, tired.

- "If you knew who I was, what I've already done..."

- "I know. And I'm still here."

Silence.

Johan took his hand and kissed his fingers, one by one. Then, with a voice lower than a whisper:

- "If I ever lose you, I won't go back to being who I was. I... disappear."

You touched his heart with the palm of your hand and said:

- "So never lose me. And never forget: love is not a perfect person's thing. It's something for people who don't give up."

—————

That Valentine's Day night, Johan Seong - the boy who only knew abandonment - slept with his head on the lap of the woman who saved him.

Not with exaggerated promises.

Not with expensive flowers.

But with something he never really received: presence, tenderness and choice.

And finally, he believed - even for a second - that maybe... just maybe... he also deserved to be happy.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Eugene:

The night sky of Seoul was clear that night of February 14. The city lights were reflected in the panoramic windows of the penthouse where Eugene lived. Everything there exuded control: from the moderate brightness of the chandelier imported from Austria to the subtle sound of a string quartet in analog recording.

Eugene, as always, was impeccably dressed. Tailor-made cut suit, navy blue tie and a calm smile on the lips. But his eyes behind the round glasses were looking for something with contained anxiety.

She hadn't arrived yet.

And she - y/n - was an unknown that not even he could fully predict.

When the door of the exclusive elevator sounded with a low ding, Eugene straightened up, like someone waiting for an opponent worthy of respect.

She came in.

Black silk dress with oriental cuts, meticulously pinned hair, light makeup that only enhanced the natural severity of her face. His eyes, as serene as they were dangerous, stared at him as if analyzing an opponent on a go board. She walked gracefully - but never gently. His steps had purpose. Always.

- You're late, - Eugene said, offering a smile that could be affection or provocation.

- And you're impatient. - She replied, depositing a small sealed box on the table. - I imagined that, as a strategist, you would know how to better manage your anxiety.

Eugene's smile gave in briefly to a low laugh. That woman was his favorite paradox. It wasn't sweet. It wasn't passive. She wasn't submissive. She challenged him in every word, every gesture. She understood the game - and played of her own free will.

- Are you testing me today too? Even on a romantic date?

- I'm not the type who adorns feelings with flowers. If it bothers you, let me know. I'm sure there are many willing to smile in the right tone for you.

Eugene approached, stood in front of her with his hands in his pockets.

- But none of them would make me think so much. None of them would know what you know. - Her eyes stared at her with a rare sincerity. - None of them would make me question my own control.

She looked at him in silence for a moment. A small movement - the corner of his mouth rising minimally - was his only smile.

- Control is illusion, Eugene. But you're too stubborn to accept that.

- And you're the only illusion I want to keep close, even if it costs me the whole empire. - He said, his voice low, almost reverent.

Dinner passed with refined conversations, subtle provocations, comments on corporate movements, secret acquisitions, even diplomatic scandals. No "I love you" was said - but every look carried the weight of a thousand silent promises.

At the end of the night, when she approached the window and observed the city below, Eugene stood behind her. He didn't touch her - he knew she didn't tolerate touch without purpose. Instead, he spoke softly:

- If one day everything falls apart, including the Workers, I want that's all to remain.

- This what?

- You challenging me. Like now.

She turned her face slowly, sharp eyes like ice daggers.

- So stay worthy of the challenge, Eugene.

And, for the first time that night, she kissed him.

Brief. Rational.

And yet, devastatingly intimate.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[gingerteawrites]

"I wanna be yours" - Gojo Satoru

A/N: Fellas, I have returned! Been wanting to post more often, so I'll try actually making a schedule for myself. Anyways, enjoy :)

Content: JJK sorcerer!reader, kind of canon, Gojo x reader, mostly fluff, teeny weeny angst

Gojo Satoru had always gotten everything he wanted in life. Many called him spoiled, but being a prodigy came with its perks. No one ever dared to stand in the way. And those who did never stood for long anyway.

So from the moment you were transferred to Jujutsu High and his crystal eyes laid on you, he knew he wanted you. He marveled at the way you treated your students and fellow staff members. The sweetness of your smile haunted his dreams. He had made up his mind, and nothing could get in the way.

Except you. You got in the way.

"Hey, sweetheart? Wanna grab desserts after classes are done today?" He asks, leaning against your desk as you finish grading your students' tests.

"Sorry Gojo," you look up from your paperwork, adjusting your frames on your nose. "I've got to finish up some lesson plans."

He sulked openly, lips pursed as he lifted his blindfold. Frustration gnawed at his insides. He'd been trying to go out with you one-on-one for months now. But you always found a way to turn him down.

"Can't spare me a little time?" He drew closer. You could feel the cursed energy radiate off of him. Even when he wasn't trying, the Strongest's aura was something that could not be ignored.

"Next time, okay?" Your eyes returned to your papers, and he sighed in defeat.

There was never a "next time".

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

The Kyoto sister-school exchange event had just concluded. Cursed energy flowed through you while you worked on healing the injured students. "Thank you ___-san." Itadori beamed at you, the worn out skin around his knuckles slowly repairing.

"You're welcome Yuuji-kun." You returned the smile, standing up to move towards Shoko who had just finished patching up Maki.

The students, fully healed started to part ways. You made sure everyone was set and after a small debrief with Yaga on the special grades' attacks, you walked outside the main building.

"Is Gojo still meeting with the higher-ups? I can't believe they managed to attack us here." You mused, sitting on one of the benches outside the classrooms with Shoko.

She took a long draw from her cigarette and lazily turned towards you.

"I promise you he would appear right this second if he could." Her smoky voice danced in the afternoon breeze. "Couldn't resist you being here." She spoke as if it was fact.

You shook your head to yourself, looking down at your lap with a chuckle. "Pfft, he's just flirty Ieiri. I don't think too much of it." The idea of having Satoru's attention was not unpleasant. His presence always made your heart beat a little faster, after all. But you would never give yourself false hopes. He could have anyone he wanted, and the prospect was more than enough to make you want to keep your distance.

Shoko just shook her head, the cloud of smoke hanging around her parting when she stood. "If thinking that is what helps you sleep at night," she waved with a turn "I'll see you."

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

Too many things had happened. Getting attacked by multiple special grades, half of the school destroyed, the kids hurt. The balance of the Jujutsu society felt like a wreck and you knew that October 31st spelt even more trouble.

You sat in one of your empty classrooms, head on the desk with your eyes fixed outside the window. You had to prepare for Shibuya. A deep sense of anxiety gnawed at your insides, causing you to close your eyes in hope of some respite.

However, the sound of doors sliding open prompted them open, turning your head to identify the intruder. There stood Gojo with his blindfold off, a rare occurrence.

"Hello, sweetheart." He approached your desk, pulling a chair to sit beside you.

"Hi, Gojo." You replied, tired voice barely carrying through the room. His azure eyes traced your features.

His hand slowly coming up to brush against your cheek. And you didn't pull away. The soothing touch was oh so welcome. It drew you out of the anxious hole your mind was digging.

"Before we go out there." He paused, voice uncharacteristically soft. Smooth. Not putting on a show, but deeply honest. "Before the fighting starts... I need to be sure."

"Sure of what?" You couldn't help but lean into his touch. He chuckled, almost humorlessly.

"I've been trying. In not so subtle ways." He spoke quietly. "I just want to hear you say it. That you truly don't want me."

Your eyes widened, body stilling. The wind blew in through the window, the chill of the outside filling the room.

"Satoru... I..." Your mouth gaped, in a desperate search for words.

"I wanna be yours." He assured, thumb brushing across your lower lip. "Even if it's the last thing I do." He took in a deep breath, drawing closer so that there were only a few inches left between you. "Will you let me?"

Your thoughts melded together into a hazy mush, breath taken away by his words. By his closeness. You weren't sure you could formulate the correct words. To express how much you wanted it too. How much you wanted to be his. How much you reveled in his closeness, despite the parts of your mind that screamed that it was hopeless. That he was too good for you. That this could end too soon for either of you.

So you pushed all thoughts away and acted on instinct. You closed the gap, plush lips meeting his in a tender embrace. Your hand rested along his jaw, pulling him closer and he responded to your invitation, gently slipping a hand around your neck. Your lips moved in a soft tango, rhythm dictated by your frantic hearts. Kissing until your lips were tinted red with passion.

You finally parted and rested your foreheads against each other, and Gojo let out a chuckle, a quiet thing, teeming with joy.

"That was the first time you've called me Satoru."

You smiled. "I want to be yours too, Satoru," he pressed a tender kiss on your cheek, his lips pulled into a wide smile.

The future had never seemed more uncertain, and the balance of the jujutsu world barely hung on by a thread. But in that moment all Gojo could feel was unbridled joy.

"Thank you, my love."

Comments and reblogs are much appreciated(❁´◡`❁)

[tsubaki94]

Seeing that @green-with-envy-phandom-event is starting today I thought I could post some of the lineart I submitted for the event.

Here's the Snowball fight which I had spent a couple of hours composing, it's my only entry from the Disabled AU but was lots of fun to make. I'm looking forward to seeing what it's going to look like colored.

In case you are wondering where the Phantom comic is or when the next page will be out I can only say that I don't know. There are almost six chapters sketched out so there will be more.

However, (and I don't like to talk about personal stuff but feel like you deserves to know why there hasn't been an update.) Frankly, I've had a low period where I haven't been able to create much at all. It's been hard to motivate myself to finish the sketches and make pages for the comic. I am doing it for my enjoyment, so when it feels like a struggle, I take a break and do other things.

Now bad news never comes alone, and my grandpa passed away suddenly last month so I'm now going to help my mom with the funeral that is next week. It's going to take a lot emotionally from me but I am combining it with meeting some great friends while I'm there.

Hopefully I'll get back to drawing the comic with a couple of pages each month. Heck, the Next chapter is 40 pages long and I'm getting excited thinking how they are going to look when I'm finished with them.

Oh well. Now you know.

Hope you are all enjoying Greenwithenvy2024

[thunderousjustice]

Abgerny character design in my AU, Melodies category.

Extra

Okay, after publishing Beats and Effects designs, it's time to publish Melodies designs! Sorry for being absent for quite some time, it's because I have a lot of work to do to prepare for living in the dorm and going to university in a few months (yes, I'm going to go to university because I just graduated a few weeks ago). During that time, I tried to find some free time to finish drawing Melodies, and this group took me the longest to think of their outfits because I couldn't figure out how to draw them to fit their careers lol. Barry and Wally had their outfits for a long time, but Vurr, Kori, and Molly couldn't think of any. It took me 3 whole days to figure out their outfits (I was really burned out at that time, okay? When I finished my errands, the only thing I wanted to do was "rest", not draw. Drawing is just a hobby that I do when I feel like it, not all the time like many artists do). Okay, enough of that digression, let's get into today's content. As you can see, Melodies is a bit more special than the other casts. This is evident in the fact that Vurr and Wally have their own logos that reflect their animal avatars in the VR world. Kori has two designs, one before his pet chinchilla dies (Kori without the chinchilla coat) and one after his pet chinchilla dies (Kori with the chinchilla coat). And Molly has the "???" sign after her violin career. I'll slowly explain the reasons for putting these designs on the characters in order.

First up is the Vurr's. The reason I put Vurr's logo on the back of her laptop is nothing more than to "decorate" Vurr a little bit to make Vurr stand out from the rest of the characters, lol. Vurr's design is pretty "plain and bland" compared to the other characters in my opinion. So to make Vurr not look too much like a side character, I put a little effort into drawing a pink fox logo on the back of her laptop to make up for her already plain design. (Vurr's logo doesn't affect the main story. So don't expect too much from a "decoration")

The Wally logo is included because it is important to the main story and Wally in particular. If anyone has ever heard of a group of people who call themselves "Motorcycle Club", you will know what they are famous for. But if you don't know and have never heard of it before... then you should study it yourself because I am too lazy to explain it lol. If I were to explain it, it would be too long. But I will briefly tell you the background of Wally in my AU that motivated him to join the Motorcycle Club called "Pecyn Blaidd" (meaning "Wolf Pack" in Welsh).

"Wally was born into a family with a lot of problems. Mostly from his "father" who often abused him both physically and mentally. His mother often did not dare to stop him and let Wally be abused by his father often (but she still loved Wally, she was just afraid of her husband). Wally could not stand it one day and decided to run away from home temporarily. Along the way, he came across a motorcycle club called "Pecyn Blaidd" and saw their work together, which impressed Wally very much and he decided to join them immediately when the club's Vice President invited him to join because he saw potential in Wally. As time passed, Wally began to feel a "sense of belonging" in the club that he joined, something that he could not find in his own home. He had many friends in the club and was highly respected by them for his ability to coordinate with members effectively, to the point of being promoted to "Sergeant of Arms", which was quite a high rank that suited Wally's abilities. However, the club was not all good because there were many times that the club committed illegal acts and had conflicts with other motorcycle clubs. There were many times that Wally often got involved in such matters, causing problems with those close to him, especially Carl, who was his best friend and often warned him not to volunteer to do bad things that the higher-ups ordered, but Wally often did not listen and often claimed that he did it because it was his "duty" and that he had come too far to back down now. Wally's stubbornness and aggressive behavior often led to him arguing with others, to the point where some of them ended their relationship with Wally. Only Carl tolerated Wally's bad behavior because he believed that Wally could be improved if he was given the right guidance."

Why is Kori's occupation a scientist in your AU? Well, the reason might sound a bit random, but I think Kori is someone who likes to spend most of his free time burying himself in books to learn about various things. The creator said that Kori gets irritated easily and prefers to be alone. People with this personality type usually like to do quiet activities, including reading books. So Kori burying himself in books might suit him well (I think). It's also another reason why Frank likes Kori, even though Kori treats him like trash, lol. In my AU, Kori is a scientist like him (even though Kori doesn't specify that he's a scientist who's good at something like Frank) and has more knowledge than Frank, which makes him interested. Frank usually ends up getting kicked out by Kori out of frustration and annoyance because he likes to ask Kori about things too much, which distracts Kori from works a lot, lol.

The last thing is the "???" after Molly's violinist occupation. This part is considered a "secret", just like the nationality that Paul lied about in my AU. But I'll give you a hint as to why Molly has the "???". Basically, Molly has two occupations. The first occupation is a violinist. As for her second job, Molly chooses not to mention it for the safety of herself and those around her. She has a secret mission that, if completed, will reveal something that she has been "hung up on" since she was a child, and she will do whatever it takes to make it happen. (Don't worry, Molly is still a scaredy-cat, she just gets serious (in her own way) when she is faced with a danger she is willing to put herself through.)

Okay, that's the gist of it. I've explained a lot, and some of you might got too lazy to read til now. That's all for today. See you next time in the last category of Abgerny character designs, "Vocals"! (I know you guys are expecting the most from William's design in my AU, but unfortunately, William's design in Wendigo form "will not be revealed" in the next post. The next will reveal William's design in "Normal mode", not in in Horror mode. It will be a while before I get to the point where I draw the Horror design of Abgerny's character in my AU, so don't expect too much for now, lol.)

Someone: What about Barry? What is his information-

Barry and the others' info will definitely be done after all the character designs are done, okay? I like everything to be done in a systematic way, otherwise I get confused and forget what I'm supposed to do.

[emerxshiu]

Kirby And The Forgotten 3rd Anniversary - Part 1

"Eco of my reborn soul"

I know it isnt the 25 yet but still, happy 3rd anniversary to the game that rewired my brain chemistry and rots my mind away (seriously i cant stop thinking about it) as much as i love it, the game makes me sad, it makes me sad i'll never get to experience it again like the first time, that ill never be able to play it completly blind (i already knew lots before i got the game) no matter how many times i replay it it will never be the same, it keeps aging and i do the same alongside it, knowing that ill never be able to go back to what once was, just thinking about the game makes me so happy, so happy it doesnt let me sleep, so happy i have to run around my room and jump, but it also makes me sad, so sad a lump forms in my throat, so sad it makes me so nervous of everything. im absurdly attached to this game and the characters.

And strangely, all of this reminds me of fecto, believe it or not. while i dislike the tought of fecto elfilis and forgo being the same character, i do like, chaos elfilis and forgo being one, its just forgo, sure morpho's soul is in there, and the other beast pack souls, but, that IS fecto forgo want to admit it or not. it should probably look like mix between morpho and forgo, yet it looks almost the same as elfilis, no matter what it went trough, no matter how much time goes by, they still cling to its former glory as fecto elfilis, an angel, a divine being, even tough its long gone.

being set on an abandoned planet with visible signs of aging doesnt help this certain bittersweet feling the game causes in me.

I tend to play forgotten land at least once a month, usually i only collect some coins and then do lab discovera again, lately i had been forgetting that, and today when i played it it felt, so different, i was on the verge of tears half of the time, especially hearing the music for some reason, remembering all the light-hearted memories i have in that little cartridge, how id take pictures of every cutscene frame, how i made two very stupid errors and only survived on a sliver of health the chaos elfilis and never did the ultimate cup z again because i did not want my deaths to extend beyond my already failed treasure roads. Aahh, sorry this game is so very dear to me and i talk lots about it, most of my content is about it, i think daily about it. and i cant help but share this love with everyone. and sorry for the incoherence i dont actually know to express my feelins well so everything ends up being redundant.

I should probably talk about the drawing now, the whole time thing i just talked about? i think no better drawing of mine to accompany that this one, sure, there isnt any symbolism or whatever of that in there, but its the external thing, i started this ‎the 2nd of may of 2024 around ‏‎21:27:39. yet i only recently finished it on the 22 of this month, thats 2 months away from a year! tough i have to be honest in a majority of those months i wasnt making any progress. tough if you follow me and seen some posts of mine, you can see wips of it, back when i was coloring, and when i said id post this when i returned, also yeah im returning fully today even tough technically its tomorrow, the actual anniversary. ejem- continuing, so, this is to me one of my most iconic drawings i have made, not for being popular or anything, but by the history i have with it, funny that i consider my drawing for katfl's 2nd anniversary my most iconic, tough i mostly mean the sai2 version i never finished. and also this was my first try doing lineless art, even tough it could be better i kinda think i did good, and ive started liking doing lineless, so expect it to be a bit more common in my drawings from now on. oh and also what holded me back the most from completion was the background god the background for some reason i tough itd be a good idea to fill it with something (i think its obvious what i wrote there but ill refrain from saying) and have it be written in forgotten land's lenguage.... done by hand, mostly due to me not having the font back then and more recently when i was finishing, i liked the idea of it being handwritten more, and i still do prefer it, but because this idea popped into my mind, but basically, i wanted it to look like its trying its hardest to be organized, clean, perfect. yet it looks off as it slowly degrades and progressively becomes shakier. an organized chaos, sorry i dont know how to explain, but uhhh

that took me 2 days to write, and it barely reaches 4 lines, sure, i could have done it faster if i concentrated and stuff, but hands do start to hurt after hours of redoing and redoing the letters because you cant just get them right. So i ended up using the font

Also, it was made during my trying to redesign my chaos elfilis era so bad thing, i still have to redesign my gijinka and set on one so thats gonna be fun! ...its even more fun how the drawing has a gijinka that is practically only gonna be seen on this one and i still have to change it yippie...

The part 1 you say? (if you noticed) well well well...as much as said i think this drawings as iconic to me, and how much i spent on it and everything, i find it quite underwhelming, and also i did not want to post a year old drawing for the anniversary, so i did another one, but i wanted to return with this one as promised, but i also wanted a more recent drawing for katfl and being the ever work obsessed katlf addicted i am, basically, uh, im gonna be celebrating katfl's anniversary whole week, maybe even more days than that the lenghts i go for this game man...id even get my memory wiped just to experience it again. i wanna bake a cake in its honor, i want to learn to sew and make plushies to those left forgotten in the game. i want to do those figures. i want to eat the game. dare i say it will be the cause of my death? /ref

You shouln't keep Chaos Elfilis waiting soon tough,

Let's go play with them!

edittt: forgot to mention this silly thing but while drawing and writing for the entire time i was listening to the dream discoveries tour and eternal echo of the thrilling tour-our-our on loop for a completly and truly sane and inmersive experience and i did not want to make it shut up at all

[xsw-st4rt34]

DAY 8: WAIT

Yaaaaaaa sorry, I'm going to stop making such dark backgrounds, someday, originally it was going to be worse but you wouldn't appreciate the details

Finally Alphys appears directly ...I love them both so much in case you haven't noticed.

Ghosts can't appear in cameras. P.S. I have so much changed information about ghosts, I'll do a recap someday.

I'm still trying to figure out how to draw quickly because I'm used to finishing things in months, but this one was started and finished today, so... We're doing well(?)

And, I think NEO was the first form of MTT, probably no one will ever get that out of my head. He likes the calculator shape and appreciates it because after NEO, besides simply being more comfortable for his soul, he is finally not made like a weapon, even if he doesn't look human at all.

It was more like relief than anything. And YES, HE IS SAD, again, because he doesn't want to be a Human eradication weapon.

Ehhhhh, when MTT fights in the genocidal or semi-genocidal route with the NEO form he uses another design, one that is not uncomfortable and that can be appreciated much more, btw I guess that apart from the meaning of The sacrifice that NEO already implies, implies overcoming his past yaay (again, We will never let him live in peace)

On my phone it looks so blue, that's not how the original picture looked :(

I love NEO, so much so much so much, did I already say that I adore him?? I will cry forever

[mrs-gauche]

Hey guys! 🙂 It's the end of 2024 and I realized today I haven't posted on here since finishing Veilguard.

Well, to make it short.. since then, I've spent a lot of time thinking about it, replaying it, watching my friends who are DA casuals and not into fandom play it (which was very enlightening but also hilarious 😂), so now.. I feel like I'm at a point where I know exactly what my issues with this game are and I've made peace with it. I still love Dragon Age! And I love parts of Veilguard and I had a ton of fun playing it (though probably for all the wrong reasons 🥲). When I first finished the game, I cried tears of happiness that after ten years my favorite character actually somehow got a beautiful Happy Ending and closure, but also tears of sorrow that this marks the end of the story that was set up back in 2009.. and tears of mourning that this story had all the potential to be so so SO much more.

Dragon Age is a very weird franchise in that all the games have been, in many ways, vastly different from each other and to be a fan of the whole series means to recognize all its flaws and changes, but still loving it because of its unique core elements that glue it together and make it so special. I could sit here for hours trying to put into words what I think went wrong with Veilguard, but I know many people have already done so far more eloquently than I ever could. This blog was always meant to be just a positive little corner to share my love for these games and silly VA stuff with other people and I'm sure I will eventually reblog all the two million posts I've liked over the past month, both positive and critical. But for now and the new year, I want to focus my time and energy on just being creative, getting back to drawing and trying to realize ideas about DA I've had for a looong time and that's my way of "emotionally recovering" (that sounds so dramatic 😂). 💜

With that being said... What a crazy decade year it has been for me personally in this fandom... So I want to look back at it, just some rambling under the cut, 'cause I'm a little sentimental now, I guess. 🥲

Before I created this blog, I was mostly just a lurker on here for many years, despite being a fan of BioWare games since.. uh.. forever? lol But I was always waaay too insecure about my English, let alone my own art. I also have social anxiety, so maybe that was part of the reason why I decided to finally create this blog at a time when the fandom was at its most dormant? lol (There is also a whole separate post for another day about how Mass Effect influenced me personally and how it made my biggest dream come true, the enormous honor to voice a few NPCs in (the German version of) Andromeda. Still the craziest thing to ever happen to me. lol)

So, seeing all the crazy excitement and the fandom fully revived this year and all these months leading up to Veilguard was both incredibly overwhelming, but also the most fun I've ever had as being part of a fandom! This year also marked the first time I posted my own art online and I can't even put into words how crazy it was seeing the response to that and I still can't believe that Trick Weekes not only commented on but also reposted it, that is still f*cking insane to me and I'll never forget the morning I woke up to see that. lmao

So yeah.. THAT happened. Followed by what I think has to be one of the weirdest, craziest marketing campaigns I've ever seen. lol Going back to 2022, we truly had it all...

A title announcement on a random Thursday that was probably done so that it would not be confused with the Netflix series announced a few days later. A tie-in comic more than a year before release that was... a little pointless? lol A vinyl collection that spoiled the composers a year before release. A title change literally two days before the first trailer. A reveal trailer that left many in shock because of its tone shift and complete lack of the former title character. A line of Game Informer articles that left us often times with more questions than answers. Every single article being deleted the very next month due to GI shutting down. An actor panel at SDCC happening right as Sag Aftra went on strike. A "fandom" party that had nothing to do with Dragon Age. Jason Derulo. An artbook that accidentally revealed the release date with its pre-order, which was then deleted. Twice. Memes about roadmaps. A second trailer that in hindsight probably should've been the first one. An audio drama by a different writing team with some baffling (but funny) lore mistakes. A combat showcase starting off with a disclaimer that "footage had been edited due to spoilers"... followed by THE biggest spoiler in literally the first ten seconds. The first IGN video with super spoilery dev commentary. A hand-on preview event with 140 people leading to spoilers galore... Did I mention spoilers? lol

That was when I stopped looking at stuff online, so I don't know what happened after that, but WOW, what a crazy ride that was. 🥲 Truly a DA4 Summer to remember and I'm unironically so grateful to have witnessed it in real time with all of you. 😂

Then finally, after ten flippin years of tinfoiling, speculating, reading crazy development stories and clowning around at every gaming live event, Veilguard was finally released and it will probably go down as the most emotionally charged Halloween of my life. lmao

Then it was time to actually play The Veilguard. Which took me about a month.

A month filled with what I can only describe as a crazy rollercoaster of conflicting emotions. Aside from everything having to do with Solas, I'd say my personal highlights of the entire experience was seeing Felassan (I screamed), the PHOTO MODE and even one hilarious "breaking the fourth wall" moment, where I would frantically run around in Elgar'nan's trap in "Blood of Arlathan", to a point where I would yell at the screen "SOLAS, I COULD USE SOME HELP NOW, HELLO???" and hearing his flippin voice literally two seconds later going "Yes, you called?" and I freaked out so hard I dropped the controller. 😂😂😂 Also, as someone who romanced Alistair in my first playthrough of DAO and brought him to the final battle not knowing he would sacrifice himself, you can imagine my flashbacks when I saw Davrin dying at Tearstone.. who I had romanced. 💀 Or the Dark Ritual flashbacks when I saw Morrigan wanting to talk to me right before the final mission. lol Getting the Felassan rune actually made me tear up a little. There are many little moments like that that I loved or that made me emotional, but ultimately.. Veilguard is a game that, for all the amazing graphics and cutscenes and flashy combat.. the more I think about the story and the lore (or lack thereof), the more I end up confused and trying to figure out what it is that's breaking the immersion to me in a way that the previous games didn't.

But anyway... I finished Veilguard, though the DA craziness of 2024 wasn't over just yet and I didn't know that the best was yet to come in December. lol

So.. Years ago, one of the main reasons I created this blog was to make silly "appreciation posts" about Solas' German VA and ramble on about my love for his performance.. I even remember making a post on here like three years ago talking about how I would sadly never EVER get a chance to meet his VA personally, because that man never ever goes to any fan conventions or public events. lol

Well... GUESS WHO I MET AT THE GERMAN COMIC CON EARLIER THIS MONTH!!!

YES GUYS, without sounding like a weirdo (because despite my obsession with voice acting, I don't care for VAs social accounts or anything beyond their work as a VA), but after years of jokingly referring to this blog as the "Ozan Ünal Appreciation Blog", and kinda the reason I made this blog in the first place, I finally met the man himself and it was probably the best friggin fan experience I could've wished for. 🥲🥲🥲

See, I've met a lot of different VAs at Cons before, who were all super nice and awesome to talk to.. but let me tell you, this guy has such an incredibly contagious positive attitude and charm!! lol Me and my friend were literally the last to stand in line at his booth before the event closed, there were TONS of people (there were quite a few VAs at the Con, but his booth had BY FAR the most people in line the whole day lol) and yet he made sure to take the time to talk with every single person, asking questions, was genuinely interested in our opinions, joking around and just generally SO FRIGGIN NICE. And he's just a very chill and funny dude? lol

And it was so funny, because there were SO many people and yet apparently I was the only person that day to talk to him about DA and Solas and he was SO excited about it 😂😂😂 (I bet like 90% of the fans talked to him about his VA work on Vampire Diaries, The Big Bang Theory, Gravity Falls and Nicholas Hoult lol).

And of course, because DA4 happened so recently, it was still fresh in his memory. He told us that he even watched some Let's Plays and asked what we thought of the game and I'm still laughing so hard, because he was literally like "Oh yeah, the lore is MASSIVE and it was so overwhelming and I could barely keep up with it, the whole time I had no idea what I was talking about.. like, what exactly IS Mythal??" LMAOOO His performance for Solas was so good and so convincing and now I'll always have to picture him standing in the recording booth, no flippin clue what he's actually talking about. lmaoo And then my friend was pointing at me like "She's actually a walking lore encyclopedia" and then he was like "Oh, you should've been in the booth then!" lol

And I'm actually quite upset on his behalf now, because he also told us how, when the English VAs were officially announced, he had actually made a post on social media about how he was returning for Solas in DA4 and how he got in so much trouble for that because EA told him they were going to make an official announcement.... AND THEN THEY NEVER DID??? Like, I was desperately waiting for an announcement about the German voice cast and they simply never made one, we literally had to wait for the credits to be published? (Also, the German and French version have only one female and one male voice for Rook and no one knows what happened there, we tried to contact them about it, but no response so far?? It's like they don't even care.) That's EA for you...

Anyway, we then chatted a bit more about his other work and stuff and he recorded an audio for me (I actually got him to say the "Vir shiral malasa, bellanaris" GUYS AND IT SOUNDS SO GOOD, like I was so nervous, asking "Could you do elven..?" and he was like "Sure, it's been a year, might be a bit rusty" and then he just knocked it out of the park?? lmao So I have both Lavellan's AND Solas' WEDDING VOWS NOW. 😭😭😭❤❤❤❤❤)

So yeah, that was my meeting with Ozan flippin Ünal and what an awesome guy and amazing VA and what an "epic conclusion" of this year of the Dragon (Age) 2024. lol And the timing feels so strange now, because, in a way, it feels kinda like coming full circle?

Like I said in the beginning, for years I was always mainly a lurker in the fandom and the reason why I created this blog was to join in on the hype/speculation train for DA4 and to talk about Solas' German and French voices and share my silly edits and gifs. And now I've played Veilguard AND I've met Ozan Ünal.. both things that, at some point, I wasn't sure were ever going to happen.....

So.. In terms of my fandom experience, this year was crazy and whatever 2025 brings and whatever happens with this blog or DA in general... I love this fandom (especially my little Solasmancer bubble <3) and I love Dragon Age and whoever's reading this, here's to 2025 and I hope you have a Happy New Year!! 💜💜💜💜💜

[yayasvalveplay]

I promised I would bring you more of this DW Au branch today and I also promised Wheelie

Alright back on track, let's get this second part started:

While Requiem doesn't go after her immediately, he only caught a glimpse of the little thief, he did see something that caught his attention, the thief had a mark engraved on the plating of her shoulder. It didn’t take a lot of thought to notice that it was the mark of the biggest breeding facility there, The Red Hydrargyrum. (Footnote: Hydrargyrum is latin for mercury and there is a mineral called Cinnabar that is also known as Red Mercury, the mark of the house is also the alchemical symbol for mercury mixtured with a succubus tatto I found online)

I had to fight tooth and nails with Ibis Paint just to make this as again my drawing skills are lacking.

After taking his carrier back to his personal shuttle and asking for a mechanic to fix it for him. He goes to the Red Hydrargyrum and asks to speak with the owners, twin frame femmes by the names of Dirtydeeds and Dirtcheap, and asks around for a small yellow flight frame. Enthusiastic thinking that Swirl caught the optics of a rich mech, they noticed the badge of the DJD in him, all DJD bots are like the best of the best, General Tarn is very meticulous with whom should work in his division, Dirtydeeds says that if he wants to spend the night with young Swirl to test her attributes he would have to wait for her debut by the end of that lunar cycle (month) unless he was willing to pay double, or better yet triple, so he would have the right to her Prima Nocta (The way a breeder's first time is called).

But no, actually he's there in pursuit of a criminal as she has just stolen a very important component of his private work shuttle and according to decepticon law he has the right to punish her howhever he sees fit. Overhearing the conversation a young breeder in training and Swirl's best friend (they are amicas actually, but autobot slaves aren’t allowed to perform the ritual so their bond isn't legally recognized) by the name of Sketcher, sends her a comm message detailing her what she just heard and warning her that if she wants to escape she NEEDS to do it NOW.

Swirl says she's not escaping without Sketcher, to which her amica just answers that if doesn't escape right now she's telling the DJD officer the place she keeps the ship (It's a lie, she would never do such a thing, but if she would trade her own freedom for her best friend to be free). With tears of cleanser in her optics, Swirl finishes the last work in the ship and makes a spark vow to Sketcher saying she will come back for her. "Then I'll be waiting for you, when you come back to me" is all she says before ending the comms and deleting it from her systems.

Being extra careful now because of the DJD officer, Swirl times the take-off with the firework show from Rodimus Departure party, the sound and lights from it are a good cover for her flight. She also trails behind a large merchant ship, whose mechs had a stop there for some *fun*, as they don't have as many cameras on their backside so it's easier for her to remain in a blind spot. And she follows them to a small colony where she stops and steals some energon and shanix, due to the fact her escape was sudden she wasn’t able to take many reserves, so she didn't have a lot of energon and shanix, forcing her to land sooner than expected. But next stop she's going to Cybertron.

The Capital of the Empire is full of autobot slaves, especially in places like the Dead End and the Gladiatorial Pits, so what's just one more in the midst of hundreds of thousands? But first she needs to change her appearance, after all an autobot with a flight frame and yellow painting is quite striking, she would be instantly recognized. So taking a drastic decision, Swirl removes her rotor blades and hides them away in secret stash in the shuttle while also forcefully scraping the branding from the breeder house and with the shanix she stole goes to a shady recoloring store for a new painting. (I don’t know what new colour she could be, so that's up to you Yaya, choose away!)

Now properly disguised and with plenty of fuel and shanix, the voyage to Cybertron continues. It takes a loooong time, around a lunar cycle (a month) before she's yet again landing her ship in secret with the help of a merchant ship (As an autobot slave she's technically not allowed to own and fly a ship, but the illegal market around some places has disguise modules so she's not noticed by the signal towers. Thank Primus she remembered to buy one at her first landing.

Now finally on Cybertron and more specifically The Gladiator pits, she immediately finds trouble, or more specifically trouble finds her. While exploring around she is met with a scene of an orange autobot, who's just slightly taller than her, surrounded by multiple bigger armed bots. But he's winning, he's kicking their afts and mocking them with funny rhymes while doing so and soon enough all of them are in fallen in the ground, passed out. Or that’s what it seems, one them silently stalks behind the orange bot with a sword, ready to strike. Without thinking she just screams "Behind you!!" and instead of stabbing him straight through his middle, it cuts his side, not very deep but a pretty wide cut, before he kicks them so hard they hit the other wall and pass out.

Now, with all opponents actually defeated, the bot turns towards her with a glare, that is before he hisses and clutches his side. Energon stains his fingers and spills onto the ground. Swirl rushes to his side and just tells him "I can help", he stared and starts saying "Why should I even trust yo-" but she's already taking bandages and, 'Is that a weld?', from her subspace. "I don't need trust if it is to help someone in need", then she's making him sit in a craddle and she's carefully welding his sides together, thankfully it was a long but somewhat superficial cut, and she is wrapping it tightly with skilled servos that he's only seen in the doctors called to the pits for emergencies.

After finishing she says, "The fire of my weld helped clean any impurities, but you should still do your best to clean it with some solvent and cleanser before changing bandages, I think two sun cycles (days) would suffice" he simply stares for while before saying "The name is Wheelie and yours?" She pauses like a gyrodeer caught in head lights, before slowly and hesitantly saying "Call me Selestine" staring at him with the most beautiful and bright blue optics he has ever seen.

And that's a wrap! I'm very satisfied with this, been a long time since I wrote something so much so quickly.

Also I put a little reference to an anime I love, whoever guesses the anime it references gets Brownie points!

Goodnight Yaya and Yaya Nation

Good morning. I immediately went to bed after reading this. And now it's a fresh new day so I can think about thinkgssss.

I adore this. I really do. Sari having an amica is such a cool touch. Also love the breeding mark you made. It's so well done and thought about.

As for what colors she uses. What if she uses red and blue, and specifically the closest color to her carrier. She doesn't know why she choose those colors. But it just felt right to do.

And ohh Wheelie and Sari meeting for the first time. And already he's getting flustered. She's so beautiful. Why does it feel like she's holding the allspark within her optics?

[littlemissgeek8]

Reflection Ruesday

So there's two versions of this post game going around today, and while I did get tagged by @thedissonantverses for the one version, I figured I might as well be an overachiever and do BOTH! I will warn in advance that only one of these examples is Bioware related because I really didn't do much in the way of fanworks for Bioware games until like, last year? But hopefully someone out there appreciates it anyway! And thank you to @becausedragonage for creating this fun little idea!

Also preemptively tagging some folks b/c the bit under the cut might not be everyone's cup of tea: @hyperions-light @biowaredisasterbisexual @mageofquandrix @sandcastlekings @seaglassmelody and anyone else who has anything they want to share!

First, @woundedsoul12 wanted people to share a published work that they personally liked that they felt didn't get much love. So, I'm gonna bring around a sketch I did back in November of Darvia and Varric getting a little quiet moment during the mission to Halamshiral. I hadn't really poked my head into the fandom much at that point, so it got a bit lost in the shuffle.

And secondly, we have the usual version:

What to do: Go through your writing, art, gifs, etc. that you started but never finished and find something you love. Brush it up a bit if you want and share it. Tag me and use the tag Reflection Ruesday (it'll grow on you, I promise) and I'll comment and reblog. Then tag some other folks you think might enjoy it.

As previously stated I don't have any Bioware-related works to dredge up, but I got hit by an old special interest this week and realized I still really love the snippets from a magical-boy-inspired Ghostbusters AU from like, 2013. So, uh, if anyone feels like reading some 11-year-old writing from me, here's a little taste. Who knows, maybe I'll actually finish it someday!

Excerpt 1: Ray

The floor under my feet lurches. I look around nervously to see my friends responding the same way. Egon shoves his glasses back up his nose with a slightly unsteady finger. "It would appear that the defeat of the node guardian is having an unexpected seismic effect on this structure," he says matter-of-factly. "In English, Egon?" Peter asks. "This whole building's coming down!" I say, hoping my voice doesn't sound as nervous as I feel. The ground is growing more unsteady by the minute. "By my estimation we have less than five minutes to get out," Egon says. Winston swears. "We're on the top floor! We'll never make it down in time." "Unless..." All three sets of eyes shift to me. My hands go all clammy, and it feels like my heart's going to beat right through my chest. "Me?" I ask, my voice squeaking through my tight throat. "It's the only chance we have, Ray!" Egon's voice is urgent. "But--" I swallow and try to talk again. "I've-- I've never transported anyone but myself! And the battle took so much of my strength... I don't even know if it will work! Or even if I can get us outside of the building!" By now, the floor is buckling so much it feels like the deck of a ship during a storm. Debris from the ceiling is raining down around us. "Ray, for heaven's sake, JUST DO IT!" Peter shouts, nearly falling over. Winston grabs him and hauls him upright. I tighten my grip on the staff. It just has to work! "Hold on tight!" I yell. When I can feel three hands holding onto my coat, I raise the staff and visualize our intended destination. "Mass Shadow Transport!" The dark purple shadows swarm up around us and for a moment the bottom falls out of the world and the dark building fades into spinning purple nothingness. Then, I can hear wind. Birds. We made it outside. Winston and Peter stagger back, Peter collapsing onto the grass with a thud. Egon doesn't seem to have been bothered by the disorienting transportation, though it's always hard to tell with him. I turn to face the dark structure that we left. With a massive groan, it collapses in on itself in a shower of obsidian black rubble. My stomach lurches as I realize we would have been trapped if I'd waited any longer. With the adrenaline gone from my muscles, it's all I can do not to collapse on the grass in a quivering lump. "Admirable job," Egon says from behind me. "Yeah, thanks Ray." Winston's voice is shaky, but relieved. "Does anyone else's mouth taste like socks?" Peter asks dryly. I know he's trying to diffuse the tension, but it's not helping. I can still hear the structure collapse in my head. Peter must have noticed, since all of a sudden he's poking his head around my shoulder. "Are you all right, Ray?" Winston asks. "He looks kinda green," Peter says. "Not pretty. Your hair's the wrong color for it." "Ray?" Egon says. Just as I open my mouth to speak, my stomach heaves. I only just make it to some nearby bushes before my lunch comes up.

Excerpt 2: Peter

Dana is at her locker with her back turned. I take a deep breath and wander over, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. She looks up as I lean on the locker next to her. "Yes?" she asks. "Can I help you?" Sometime between kindergarten and now her voice has gotten deep. I'm not complaining or anything; it's kinda sexy. "Dana Barrett, right?" I ask. Not that I needed confirmation or anything, but it's a great conversation starter. "Yes." Whoops. I guess Ray was right; she almost immediately gets defensive on me. Not what I was planning on, but she hasn't shut me out completely. I decide to play my trump card now and hope that does it. "Pete Venkman. I just moved back into the area. We were in the same kindergarten class, remember?" She softens just a bit, and actually smiles. "Of course I remember you." Score! "You were the one that got sent down to the principal's office for eating glue on the second day of school." Crap! I mentally slap myself in the face. I was hoping she'd forgotten that. "They called you 'Peter the paste-eater' for about four months, right?" Mayday! This is not going well. I need something for damage control, and I need it fast. Otherwise, I'm going to end up as "Peter the paste-eater" for the rest of my LIFE! I slide in and decide to throw on the charm. "Yeah, well we all do dumb things as kids. It's a miracle we even live to see Middle School, much less High School." She chuckles. "Some more than others." Ouch. "So, you have first lunch period or second?" I ask, trying to change the subject without sounding desperate. "Second, and I need to get to class," "But the Minute Music hasn't started yet--" Right on cue, the music comes on. You know, I get that all the teachers in this school are nostalgic for the sixties, but this is the third straight day that we've had nothing but Beatles hits. You'd think they'd shake things up once in a while. Dana grabs her books and straightens up. For a moment, I catch her eyes, and I can just feel a connection-- "PETER!" --and the connection shatters like a shot-put through the neighbor's good china as Ray nearly bowls me over in his enthusiasm. "C'mon Peter! We need to get to the cafeteria so we can claim our table! Egon's got some great ideas he wants to discuss." Dana smiles. "Goodbye, Peter." She closes her locker and melts into the crowd. I'm so frustrated, it's all I can do not to throw my ridiculously heavy history textbook at that stupid speaker in the hallway that won't shut up about how it wants to "hold my haaaannd." Instead, I just push my way through the crowd and down the hall to the cafeteria, Ray right behind me and still talking. Like the overachiever he is, Egon's already gotten a table. Thanks so much for ruining my moment for nothing, Ray. I dump my books on the table and line up for food. With tray in hand, I return to my seat, sandwiched in between Winston and Ray. "How'd your meeting with Dana go?" Winston asks almost immediately. I shoot Ray a glare, then turn back to Winston. "Well, she didn't slam the locker door in my face." "She's probably saving it for the second date." Egon doesn't even look up from his notebook, and his expression never changes. Until that stone-faced mask cracks a bit with a tiny smile. As nice as it is that Spengs is showing a bit of humanity, I wish it wasn't at my expense.