#we are not so important as to be masters of magic

[givemeallyourpenny]

The travelers in Octopath Traveler are fascinating for many reasons. The reason that has me awake well into the night right now is the differences between characters of the same class and how different game mechanics tell you a lot about their respective personalities. Keep in mind while reading that it has been many months since I beat octopath 2 and I’m only halfway through octopath 1.

This is most easy to see with two of the classes that seem to change the least, Hunters and Warriors. Both keep the same magic element, or lack there of in the warrior’s case, both keep most of the same utility moves, both still heavily favor martial abilities. However both use their weapons very differently.

Let’s start with the warriors. Olberic and Hikari both favor their swords in cutscenes, you could say it’s their signature weapon, and use their spears as a backup in combat. It’s interesting to note this is opposite how these were used in history. Where they differ is how they use those weapons. Hikari uses his sword for quick strikes and complex maneuvers while using his spear for powerful thrusts. Olberic uses his sword for strong sweeps and cleaves while keeping his spear for fast and random jabs. Hikari’s main sword skill works mechanically very similarly to Olberic’s main spear skill.

This reflects their relative personalities well. Hikari tackles his problems through quick and clever action while Olberic is more straightforward and blunt in his approach. To borrow some trope terms Olberic is more like the team Big Guy while Hikari feels more like a Lancer. Both of these men would say you can learn much about someone by how they wield a blade, and they’re definitely right.

Then we come to the hunters H’aanit and Ochette. First let’s highlight their similarities: they both use the exact same elemental attack, Thunderbird, and no other magic, both favor their bow over their axe, they have some of the same utility abilities, and both fight side by side with captured monsters. And that’s where the similarities end, but even their similarities already show differences. H’aanit only has skills tied to her bow while Ochette at least has one ability for her axe. And then there’s their capture abilities which change so much between the games it’s honestly hard to think of them as the same thing, They have completely different feels and trying to describe that would take a few paragraphs on its own so I’ll stick with their bow skills for now.

At first glance they seem to have the opposite skills than you’d expect. The impulsive and energetic Ochette carefully picks her targets with Precision Shots, while the Stoic H’aanit makes wild volleys. But dig deeper and this makes perfect sense. First these styles fit the ones who taught them very well, both were taught by a master with the opposite personality as themselves. However there is also the fact that H’aanit’s speed shooting style of archery, one that sacrifices accuracy and damage for stager potential, requires far more experience and skill to effectively pull off. It makes sense then that the barely teenage Ochette wouldn’t go for it.

There’s honestly so much more to unpack with this. Some classes completely change which element they use, some use more magic skills while some use more weapon skills and others still use more utility skills. Some change their unique mechanics at a fundamental level, and have access to different passive abilities. And all this isn’t even touching on how the Octopath 2 cast simply has more mechanics to work with.

In conclusion I am a giant nerd who enjoys coming up with story and character driven reasons for changes likely made to enhance gameplay experience. But more importantly mechanics are an important tool for characterization and we should pay attention to them. In any case I have so much more thoughts about this and hopefully now so do you!

[autumnslance]

Destiny

When EW first dropped, and mutuals began to get to Elpis and its sidequests, I received a few messages where I was told that I had to do them, for a particular one important to PunchyCat.

Now, in my own WoL's canon, Aeryn's the only one who goes to the First and Elpis...but in an AU where an energetic lil catgirl is the WoL instead, the true stable time loop has occurred, and her best friend's existence assured!

Kleon's love for his concepts, his desire for their success, isn't new among the people we meet in Elpis, either, between visitors or staff. There are quite a few people we bail out of trouble who were simply reluctant to harm any of the observed concepts, even.

The Maira and Alkaios quests are a bit more interesting now, at the end of the raids and patches. Not only do they manage to say certain lines almost word for word as their divine counterparts millennia later, but we learn in this quest that Alkaios was always a master of time magics, and often called upon when multiple creations needed returned to the land.

There's a solemn but lovely little ceremony, and WoL's contributions lead to Maira's creation and addition of lilies to the short memorial service given to the fallen okyupetes (the side quest intersecting with the MSQ quest about the feral lykaones).

Hermes was so alone in his head and dark thoughts, he seemed to think no one else cared about the lives so casually taken, that everyone was cavalier with the concepts. But there are traditions and ceremonies and sincere apology to and hope for the creatures' souls by the researchers. They grieve, but also recognize the cycle of life and aether, and that the okyupetes' loss can renew the land and give forth new creation, too.

If only Hermes could have understood, but he was a poor fit for his role in many ways, and it only made him shut into himself further, until disaster. He's very much a case of "your brain lies to you" when it comes to depression.

If only, if only. But then, there'd be no story, if not for his tragedy.

Still, we can wish that he had seen he wasn't so alone in his beliefs and his love for the creatures of Elpis as he thought.

[hippiegoth97]

Into the Fire: An Eddie Munson x Reader Story Pt. 9

Collage by me :)

Master List

Part 8

Tag List: @rafescurtainbangz @voyeurmunson @xxbimbobunnyxx @taintedcigs @mediocredreams

@slowandsteddie @angel-munson @eldermayfield @munsonsbtch @babygorewhore

@rattkween86 @violetpixiedust @bimbobaggins69 @purplehazed-h @morning-rituals

@eddie-van-munson @msgexymunson @munsoneightysixx @impmunson @mysticalstar30

@jenniquinn @oneforthemunny @succubusmunson @ddeadly-succubus @prettyboyeddiemunson

@sanctumdemunson @stalactitekilla @s6raphic @hellfirenacht @birdysaturne

@ohmeg @h-ness1944 @pretendthisnameisclever @ahoyyharrington @micheledawn1975

@costellation-hunter @josephquinnsfreckles @leelei1980 @yourdailymemedelivery @spacedoutdaydreamer

Content Warning 18+ Only, Minors DNI: Swearing, mentions of smut, smoking, fluff, light anxiety, teasing, LGBTQ+ themes, struggles with sexuality, violation of privacy

Word Count: 12.1k

Divider by @strangergraphics

Part 9.1: Walking on Sunshine

Wednesday, April 5th, 1989

The remaining days of you and Eddie having the house to yourselves have been pure bliss. He wakes you up with kisses every morning, which usually leads to amazing morning sex. After that, you share a shower and some breakfast before Eddie leaves for work or a few deals. You study until he comes back home, and he goes down on you as a reward for working so hard. The rest of the day is spent either trying a new page from the book he gave you, or snuggling up to him while he continues crafting the new campaign, or both. You've occasionally distracted Eddie from his tedious planning by giving him head, earning a few utterances of 'slut' and 'good girl' from his lips as you do so.There's a perfect balance of connection and intimacy in your relationship, you cherish every minute you get to spend together. 

Mom and the kids are coming back today, she called this morning before they got on the road. Eddie doesn't have to work, so you've just been cuddled up on the couch watching TV. You’re laying between his legs, his large hands massaging your shoulders as The Price is Right plays on a low volume. "You excited for everyone to come home, love?" Eddie speaks softly to you, working your tired muscles between his fingers.

"Yeah, I've missed them a lot. But it's also been really nice having some time alone, just the two of us." You reply, eyes fluttering closed as you melt in his touch. It's innocent enough, but everything he does is like magic.

"I know, sweetheart. I've definitely enjoyed being here with you too. Although, I think Wayne has been missing me. He waits up for me to go change for work so he can chat with me. I feel kinda bad for leaving him all alone. He doesn't exactly have a lot of friends." He sounds sad, guilty even. Wayne's done so much for him, the least he can do is be around to spend a little time with him.

"Baby, I'm sorry. Why didn't you say so? I know he's important to you, I feel selfish for having you here instead of the trailer every day." You lean your head upside down to look at him, gazing in his eyes. He just smiles at you, finding your position a bit silly.

"It's not a huge deal, Y/N. I told him why I haven't been around as much, he understands. He said we should have dinner with him some night before he heads off to the plant. He'd like to get to know you better. But only if that's something you wanna do." Your eyes widen at this suggestion, dinner with Eddie's effective parent? That's a big step, but it's one you’re very eager to take.

"I'd love to! Did you have a particular day in mind?" You scramble to face him, straddling his lap. He chuckles at your enthusiasm, putting his arms around your waist.

"Well, I was thinking…Friday?" He knows it's a bit short notice, but there's another reason for the particular day he's chosen.

"Sure!" You lean in to kiss him, and he gladly meets you in the middle. You pull away a second later, realizing what day next Friday is. "Wait a minute." You raise an eyebrow at him, and he just smirks at you.

"What?" He asks, playing dumb.

"Isn't Friday our one-month anniversary?" You don't really expect him to hold milestones like that in high regard, but then again, he always seems to blow expectations out of the water.

"Why, yes it is, I'm so glad you remembered!" He laughs, speaking sarcastically. You smack his chest playfully, he's such a cheeky little shit sometimes. It's crazy to think you've almost been together for a whole month. It feels like just yesterday that Eddie accidentally hit you with his van and graciously bandaged you up. "So, what'd you get me?" He asks, sneakily trying to figure out what kind of gift you'd give him.

"You'll just have to wait and see, baby. Can't ruin the surprise." You say in a sultry tone, though in reality you've got nothing planned. You're sure you can figure it out, finding time to take a secret shopping trip tomorrow.

"Well, I'm certainly looking forward to it, babydoll" His lips meet yours again, warm and slow. You begin to put together a plan for the perfect gift for Eddie, but you're gonna need some help. You make a mental note to visit Robin at Family Video to see if she'll assist you.

"I suppose I can't get a hint about what you're getting for me either, hm?" You ask, keeping your face very close to his as you speak.

"Nope. My lips are sealed, princess." He smiles slyly at you, his tongue playing at the edge of his mouth. He's very excited to give you your present, he just knows you're going to love it. "Hey, how long do we have until your mom and the kids come back?" He squeezes your hips, sending you a very clear message. You glance at the clock behind you, before turning back to Eddie.

"About three hours. You wanna go to the bedroom?" You ask coyly, batting your eyelashes as you play with his necklace between your fingers. Your hips grind into his lap once, making him groan.

"Anything for my sexy girl." He replies, snatching you into his arms so he can run down the hall and toss you onto the bed. You laugh at his antics, he's always up for a round with you. The two of you take your time, savoring every kiss, every touch. You're in no rush at all, your only goal is to enjoy each other in every way you can before everyone comes home.

Hours later, you hear the front door opening. The sounds of Mom calling out to you and all the kiddos running around stirs you from your post-fucking nap. Eddie's arms are holding you tightly, and he's snoring while drool forms a wet spot on his pillow. "Baby, wake up. They’re home." You try to wriggle from his grasp, but he just grumbles and tightens his grip. "Eds, come on." You carefully nudge him with your elbow, and his eyes squint open.

"What is it, sweetheart?" He asks, sleep staining his voice. He's so adorable like this, his hair lays over his face a little, and you can feel the muscles flexing in his arms as they cradle your naked body.

"Everyone's home. We gotta get up." You give him a quick kiss, bringing him into the waking world. He attempts to deepen it, but you stop him.

"No fair." Eddie whines, but you continue to make your way out of bed to redress. He sits up to look at you, his hair a frizzy mess. You giggle at him as he rubs his eyes, earning a glare from him. "What's so funny?" He asks in annoyance.

"You're just so cute when you're sleepy, but you can also be quite the grump." You turn away, reaching down to pick your discarded clothing from the floor. You hear him hop out of bed, running over to you.

"I'll show you a grump!" He shouts, trapping you in his grasp as he starts tickling you. You shriek in surprise, dropping your pajamas back on the carpet.

"Eddie! Quit it! We gotta get dressed!" You try to plead with him, but he refuses to heed your words.

"Who says we need clothes? I've always preferred being naked anyways, and I definitely prefer you naked." He cackles maniacally as he relentlessly wrestles you to the ground. You're laughing so hard, gasping for air, when there's a knock on the door.

"Sugarpuff? Is everything alright in there?" You hear Mom on the other side of the door, concern lacing her tone.

"We're fine, Ms. Henderson. Be out in a minute!" Eddie calls to her, still tickling you ruthlessly. Your stomach hurts from your laughter, and your face has gone beet red.

"Oh! Sorry, kiddos! I'll leave you to it!" She replies with a chuckle, walking back down the hall to help unload the car.

"Alright, you better get off me now. I feel like I'm suffocating." You struggle to speak, and Eddie thankfully yields this time. He helps you off the floor, gathering both your clothes to put back on. Once you're dressed, you walk down the hall to greet everyone while holding hands.

"Y/N! Eddie!" Dustin exclaims as you enter the livingroom. He runs to you, capturing you together in a tight hug. The other kids immediately join in, huddling around the two of you in a large cluster. Mom, Nancy, and Jonathan stand awkwardly, exchanging sympathetic looks with you and Eddie as the children continue to smother you.

"Well, I see the little demons missed us." Eddie quips, trying his best to return every hug as the kids shuffle around to take turns.

"It's really sweet. We missed you guys a lot. too." You squeeze each one of them real tight, your heart lighting up with affection.

"I'm sure you two found plenty of ways to keep busy." Erica says, giving her usual attitude.

"You know it!" Eddie replies, giving you a wink as your cheeks turn red. The room erupts in laughter, leave it to those two to always bring the humor. The hugs stop a little later, and the kids pile back into the cars to be driven back to their homes. Dustin rides along to see them off, and you and Eddie are left alone yet again. "We've gotta stop meeting like this." He jokes, wrapping his arms around you once you hear the vehicles pull away from the house.

"Oh, I don't know. I think I quite like meeting you, in every way." You say just as goofily, giggling as you go in for a kiss. You place your hands on his chest, his heartbeat thrumming into your right palm through his shirt. You keep the kiss brief, resisting the temptation to shove your tongue into his mouth. Your head lays against his shoulder, contentment blooming inside you. You just stand here, listening to each other's low breathing in your simple embrace. A mental picture develops in your mind, filing this moment away to keep for whenever you're apart. He kisses the top of your head, stroking your back with his fingers. "I love you, Eds."

"I love you too, sweetheart." He hugs you a bit tighter, and your arms snake around his torso to deepen the hold. Warmth radiates from Eddie, which always makes you feel safe. You nuzzle against him, trying to get even closer.

"You're so cozy, darling. I love being close to you. Can we take another nap? I'm still tired from earlier."

"Of course, baby. You want the bed, or the couch?" He asks quietly, not wanting to disturb the calm energy between you.

"Couch, please." You reply, loosening your grip on him so he can lay down. He gets comfortable, holding his arms out for you to join him.

"C'mere, sleepyhead." He coos, and you lay on your side between his legs, resting your head on his chest. He puts his arms over you again, and your eyes flutter closed as you lose a fight with a yawn. Eddie smiles at your cute noises, listening to you sigh and fuss as you try to get in a perfect position. When you stop adjusting, he notices your breathing slow down. You look so serene, eyes closed as your chest rises and falls steadily. He settles his head against the arm of the couch, closing his eyes to drift off to sleep.

Later on, Eddie's carefully nudging you awake as Mom brought home some KFC for dinner. "What is it, love?" You ask groggily, the words muffled against his chest. You lift your head, noticing Mom and Dustin taking out plates and forks to dish out the food. The smell of chicken fills the room, and your mouth waters. Your stomach growls at the scent, making Eddie chuckle.

"Sounds like you need some food, princess." He grins at you, patting your back to prompt you to stand up. You feel a little unstable as you get on your feet, almost stumbling as spots fill your vision. "You okay?" He asks, always concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine. A little dizzy, I just need some water." The spots dissipate, and you go to the kitchen to grab a glass. You fill it at the sink, gulping down the whole thing in one go. You refill it before turning off the tap, walking over to the dining table to have a seat. Eddie sits in the chair next to you, taking your hand in his. You gaze at him, smiling kindly. He returns the look, bringing your hand up to his lips to press a gentle kiss to it. You can't help blushing whenever he does this. It's so simple, yet very effective at driving you crazy. He lets you go as Claudia and Dustin bring the food over to the table.

"Hope you're hungry, kiddos!" Mom says cheerily, glancing at the romantic exchange between you two. It's like you're a whole new person in her eyes, finally experiencing the happiness she knows you deserve. She's spent so many nights praying for you to find a way out of that tough shell you hid yourself inside when your father left, though she never let the true amount of worry she's felt show outwardly. Ultimately, she knew you had to find your own way out, and luckily Eddie’s come along to assist you. "Aw, you two are so darn cute."

"Mooooooom." You groan, pleading with your eyes for her to lay off. She puts her hands up defensively, focusing on dishing out the mashed potatoes and macaroni.

"Sorry, sugarpuff. I'm just happy to see you happy. Is that a crime?" She asks in jest, and you feel a bit bad for acting like a child about it.

"No, it isn't. Sorry." You almost mumble, reaching for the biscuits. You take one for your plate, gesturing the box of them at Eddie to see if he wants one.

"Ooh, yes, please!" He smiles, grabbing one for his own plate. He holds your gaze, noting your agitation. He leans in to you, speaking quietly. "Relax, angel. You realize things will go similarly at dinner with Wayne, right?" You just nod, forcing yourself to soften up. You can't help it, the walls still have a habit of trying to spring up every now and again. Your goal now is to eventually smash them to pieces, but that won't come as easy as you'd like. "How was the trip, Dustin?" Eddie asks, thankfully changing the subject.

Dusty perks up, practically bursting at the seams to tell you all about it. "It was amazing! We went fishing, and hiking on that old trail to look for wild berries. And of course we made tons of s'mores, but Jane kept burning her marshmallows!" He laughs at that last part, and you can't help sharing his joy. He proceeds to tell you every little detail of their vacation, and you listen intently. Sure, it kinda sucks that you missed out on the trip. But the way Dustin speaks about it, it’s almost like you were right there with them. The remainder of dinner goes smoothly, the four of you exchanging light conversation as you devour the food.

When you're thoroughly stuffed, you help Mom clear the table. Leftovers are put in the fridge, and dishes are rinsed and set aside for the morning. You exchange 'good night's with Mom and Dustin, before heading off to your room with Eddie. You plop onto the bed lazily, with your boyfriend following suit. "You tired, love?" You ask, feeling much more awake than you did earlier this afternoon.

"Not really. Why?" Eddie replies, reaching for the book on your nightstand. He'd started reading it to you before bed the last few days, Stephen King's Carrie.

"I'm not either, I think we napped too much today. But you can read to me if you like. I love hearing your voice." You sit up against the pillow, letting your head rest on his shoulder.

"And I love reading to you, princess. You always watch me so intently, hanging on my every word. It's really cute." He pokes your nose with his finger, making you giggle. He opens the book to the marked page, snuggling closer to you before he starts reading. "Billy popped the headlights off as they breasted the next hill, dropped the gearshift into neutral, and killed the ignition." His velvet voice sways into your ears, feeding you a tale of empowerment and revenge. He makes it through almost the entire book before you're struggling to keep your eyes open. You insist he can continue, but he knows better than to let you miss anything. "Baby, it's okay. We can finish it another night, but you need to rest. And I've gotta work again tomorrow."

"Fine. I’ve got errands to run tomorrow anyway." You grumble, not wanting to surrender to sleep just yet. You've heeded its siren's call too many times already, but you can't find the energy to fight against it.

"Oh, is that so? Do you need a ride?" He asks, hoping he'll be able to sneak a peek at your shopping. He knows you've got nothing as of yet, you've been too busy spending time with him at home.

"No, no. I'll bike, I don't need you snooping around. I may be half-asleep at this point, but I'm not falling for your trickery." You lethargically wave a finger at him, a goofy look spreading on your face. "You're a sneaky little weasel, Eddie. And I can't have you ruining the surprise."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Y/N." He chuckles quietly, trying not to shake you too much as he laughs. He helps you sit upright again, slipping out of bed temporarily to flick off the light. You cling to him the second he lays back down, getting as close as you possibly can. He lets you get comfortable, laying his arms over you once you stop wiggling. "Goodnight, love." He whispers to you, unsure you've even heard him.

"Goodnight, baby. I love you." You say faintly, drifting off soon after. A contented smile grows on his lips, and he follows close behind you into a deep slumber.

Part 9.2: Photograph

Thursday, April 6th, 1989

"Princess, I gotta get up. We slept too long, I'm gonna be late unless I leave, like, right now." Panic laces his voice, which jolts you into the waking world. You rush out of bed, helping him gather his things and get dressed. The clock reads 10:30am, and his shift starts at 11:15. He'll be lucky to make it on time, you hope his boss won't be too hard on him. A few minutes later, he's practically running out the door after giving you a quick peck on the lips. "I'll see you later, sweetheart." He barely gets the words out before the front door shuts behind him. You won’t actually see him tomorrow for dinner. But that gives you plenty of time to start getting his gifts together.

"Hey, Mom? Can I borrow the Polaroid camera?" You ask, looking to find her eating leftover fried chicken for breakfast.

"Of course, sugarpuff! It'll need more film, though. We're almost out."

"Cool. I'm going shopping today. I'll make sure to pick some up." You reply, going to the pantry to get a poptart. You put it in the toaster, leaning against the counter as you wait for your pastry.

"What do you need it for? If you don't mind me asking." Mom's curiosity always gets the best of her.

"Just working on a present for Eddie. It's our one-month anniversary tomorrow. And we're gonna have dinner with his uncle at the trailer." You explain casually.

"Oh, Y/N! I'm so happy for you! Has it really been a month already? It seems like just yesterday you came home with all those bandages!" She gives you a big hug, overjoyed on your behalf. You return the embrace, smiling at the thought of your first night with Eddie. It was so special, and every time you've been together, it only gets better.

"Thanks, Mom. I'm really excited for tomorrow!" You can't contain your joy, you've never been so happy in your life before. It's an intoxicating feeling, and you hope it never ends.

"You really love him, huh?" She asks, already knowing the answer.

"Yeah, I do. He's so amazing, Mom. He's kind, and sweet, and funny. He listens to me, and spending time with him is always so much fun. No matter what we're doing, it's like the world disappears and it’s just the two of us. You know what I mean?" You look at her, hoping she understands what you're saying.

"I do, kiddo. Your father and I used to be like that." Her face is smiling, but her eyes read as sad, almost bitter. Your expression falls a little, wondering if you and Eddie are doomed to end similarly. "Oh, Y/N. I don't mean it like that. Eddie's different, I can tell. He truly cares about you, more than anything in the world. There's no way you'll end up like us, I promise." She takes your hand, trying to reassure you.

"I know, Mom. I feel kinda bad, though. I'm not meaning to rub it in your face." You say guiltily.

"You're doing no such thing, sugarpuff. A mother should always be happy when her child finds love, okay? And I swear I'm so goddamn happy, I could just explode!" She laughs, bringing a small smile back to your face. "You picked a good one, sweetie. Everyone can see it, his love for you is written all over him."

"You really think so?" You question giddily, biting your lip.

"I know so! I'm your mother, aren't I? Where do you think you get your brains from? I'm a smart cookie, you know!" She laughs again, and you can't help joining in with her.

"Of course you are, Mom. You raised me and Dusty on your own, and you've done a damn good job at it. And I'm forever thankful for that." You squeeze her hand, exchanging a look of mutual love and respect. The toaster pops, signaling your breakfast is ready. You put the tarts on a paper towel, standing at the counter to eat with Mom. You don't say much else, just quietly munching in each other's presence. When you finish, you excuse yourself to your room to get dressed. "I better get ready if I'm gonna have time to get everything I need for tomorrow. But I enjoyed this little talk, Mom. We should do it more often." You give her another hug.

"Any time, sugarpuff. I take it you're biking today?" She asks, before letting you out of her embrace.

"Yeah, first time since the day it got wrecked. It's been gathering dust out there." You haven't really thought about it, but Eddie has managed to drive you to school every single day since that fateful Friday. You haven't even tested the bike to make sure it’s repaired to your liking, you've honestly been a bit scared to get back on it.

"Well, just be extra careful, okay? I doubt everyone is as patient and kind as Eddie is, especially in this town." She warns, worry plaguing her features again.

"No, I know. I'm in no rush today. I’ll be careful.." You reply, walking down the hall to your room. You throw on some jeans and the Hellfire shirt Eddie gave you, wanting to have an extra piece of him with you today. You tuck the hem into your pants, mimicking the way he wears it. You dump out your backpack, leaving your books and studying materials on the bed. You put your wallet and cigarettes inside the bag, before slinging it over your shoulder. You head for the entryway, slipping into your shoes.

"Have a good day, sugarpuff! And be safe!" Mom says from the couch, waving goodbye.

"I will, Mom. See you later." You walk outside, strolling across the yard to your bicycle. You look it over, ensuring there's enough air in the tires, that they rotate properly. The front one is a little mismatched, you guess Eddie's friend didn't have the exact replacement for it. You don't mind, it's just a slight color difference. As long as it's functional, that's all that matters. You bring it to the edge of the road, letting it dip off the curb to the pavement. You apprehensively take a seat, staring at the empty road ahead of you. You're anxious about riding again, last time ended with you getting all scraped up. You can do it, sweetheart. Just take it slow. Eddie's voice soothes you inside your head, putting your anxiety at ease. "I can do this." You speak aloud as you exhale deeply, putting your feet on the pedals to get moving.

Your ride goes smoothly. once you get over the initial fear. It’s like the accident never happened. You make your way downtown, easily navigating the busy streets until you reach the department store. You park your bike outside, walking in with a newfound confidence. There's a decent amount of people inside. Moms helping their kids pick out new shoes, husbands looking for anniversary and birthday gifts, and plenty of teenagers browsing the aisles aimlessly. You locate some Polaroid film first, which is easy enough. Next stop, the kitchen section, in search of a cookbook. You figure it like this, Eddie makes amazing French toast and spaghetti. So, a book of recipes could help him develop his skills. He positively lights up in the kitchen, cooking is clearly an expression of love for him.

"Something I can help you with, Miss?" An employee asks as she walks up to you. She can't be much older than you, though she acts very mature. She has a white plastic tag on her blazer, naming her as 'Liz'.

"Um, yes. I was wondering if you could help me find a good cookbook for beginners? It's a gift for my boyfriend." You speak awkwardly, you're not one to ask employees for help in stores. But it would be rather  rude to deny the help if it's offered to you. Plus, you don't exactly want to end up purchasing too complex of a book.

"Of course! Follow me." Liz is more than happy to assist you, and not just because it's her job. You follow behind her, zoning out to the sound of her heels clicking on the tile floor as she leads the way to the item you're in search of. When you reach the shelf, she quickly picks out a couple choices. "These are best for when you're starting out, you can never go wrong with a Betty Crocker!" She hands them over to you, and you briefly look them over before deciding to buy them both. "Wise decision. I'm guessing he needs all the help he can get."

"Oh, no. The things he does know how to make are amazing. I think these will broaden his horizons. Thank you for the help, I really appreciate it." You smile at her, hoping she'll leave you alone now. She's nice enough, but the next thing you're shopping for isn't something you really want her help with.

"Any time. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" Liz asks, smiling wide.

"No, but thanks again!" You politely dismiss her. She nods, turning on her heels to find a new customer to help. You walk around the corner, locating the section you've always dreaded looking at in a department store. Lingerie. You've never really had a reason to shop in this part of the store before, and you don't find yourself to be particularly sexy either. Eddie calls you that all the time, and when you're with him, you almost believe it. Using this logic, you decide that even if you're not super confident about this, he'll enjoy it anyway. You look around at the displays, your eyes nearly boggling inside your head. Quadriplegic mannequins showing off lacy bras and panties, neatly organized tables and racks practically bursting with choices, almost every color of the rainbow on show.

"Hi! Is there something I can help you find?" You're startled as yet another employee accosts you while your eyes scan over the forest of intimates you've lost yourself in. You turn around to find an even younger woman than Liz, with teased hair and an obnoxious gum-chewing habit smiling at you. Her name tag reads 'Mandy'. "You look a little lost, girl. Are you looking for something as everyday wear? Or for someone special?" There's no judgment in her voice, she appears eager to help you find something you'll feel comfortable in.

"Um, it's my one-month anniversary with my boyfriend tomorrow. I need something that'll blow his mind." Your voice trembles as you speak, you don't mean to confess such a thing. Her face doesn't change much, except for a slightly warmer smile.

"Well, I can already see he's a very lucky guy." She says, taking in your figure for a moment. It's not suggestive or anything, more like she's checking your measurements with her eyes. "I think I have just the thing." Mandy walks away, leaving you standing frozen in place. A few minutes later, she brings back a beautiful black lace set that makes your lungs deflate. "This also comes in red, white, pink, nude, and navy. But, the black is most complimentary to your skin tone. And if it interests you to know, the panties are crotchless." You almost laugh when she says that, you've never even considered that as an option.

"Wow, um, he'll definitely love it." Is all you can manage to say, unable to make eye contact with the woman.

"Oh, you'll also need some pantyhose, let me grab those for you." Mandy hands you the set on the hanger, and you check the sizing while she's away. Your eyes widen, she got your exact measurement without even asking you. Seems like Mandy deserves a raise. She returns with the stockings, placing them on top of the small stack of items you've accumulated in your arms. "I also recommend wearing matching heels with this, if you have them. But that's up to you. Did you need anything else?"

"No, thank you, Mandy. I appreciate the help, truly. You're really good at this, by the way." You reply sheepishly, and she just laughs.

"Why, thank you! I hope your man appreciates the effort you're putting in for him." She gives you a wink.

"Oh, believe me he does!" You giggle, blushing at the thought of him. You seriously cannot wait for Eddie to see you in this, his eyes might just pop out of his skull. You mosey over to the checkout, trying to ignore the old crone at the register giving you a disapproving look for purchasing the lingerie set. She begrudgingly hands you your shopping bag once you’ve paid, and you stroll out the front door. You carefully put the items into your backpack, hopping on your bike to ride over to. Family Video.

Once you arrive, you've managed to catch Robin leaving her shift. You get her attention, waving to her. She comes over, unsure what you're doing here. "Hey, Y/N! It's been a while. What brings you here?"

"Well, um. I actually have something to ask you." You're very nervous to ask for her assistance with your little project, you don't exactly know her super well. You might end up freaking her out.

"Sure! What's up?" She says cheerily, very eager to assist you. Shit, everyone is ridiculously helpful today.

"So, me and Eddie have been dating for a month now." You start slowly, easing Robin into it.

"Oh, right! He came in to rent movies to watch with you that one time!" She pipes up, before realizing she's interrupted you. "Oh, sorry. Go on." She gestures at you, bowing her head slightly.

"Right, well, I bought something to wear as a present for him tomorrow. But, I wanted to take some...photos in it. Would you mind helping me out?" You're almost flinching as you await her answer, this whole thing is so strange. You're sure she'll say no, or that it's weird to ask. You just want to run and hide at this point.

"No fucking way!" Robin exclaims, before clarifying. "I mean, of course, I'll do it! I'm just surprised you're doing all that for him! I mean, he's nice and everything. I never took you as the kind of girl to do that. Not- not that there's anything wrong with it. I一" She continues to babble, but you stop her before she makes herself lightheaded.

"Robin, calm down." You grab her arms, trying to get her to slow down. She can really go on a rant if you let her, and God help you if you do.

"Sorry, I haven't really had anything interesting to do in a while. It's all shifts at the video store, and listening to Steve complain about having too much sex." You both laugh at that, and Steve leans out the door to wave at you. You wave back, and he looks worried that you're talking about him. Robin turns to you again. "So, you wanna do this right now?"

"Uh, yeah. You think my bike’ll fit in your trunk?" You ask, glancing at the car Robin was heading towards before you caught her attention.

"Oh, yeah! Bring it on over, I'll pop the trunk." You wheel the bicycle to the car, helping her place it inside. "Perfect fit. You still live with your mom, right?" She asks, slipping into the driver’s side. You go around to the passenger side, getting in next to her.

"Yeah, you know the address?" You ask, surprised that she remembers after all this time.

"Oh yeah, me and Steve have dropped Dustin off many times. I know the route like the back of my hand." She grins at you, clearly she's been in need of some girl-time. Her demeanor puts your nerves at ease, you've always found her to be a trustworthy person. You couldn't have asked a better friend for help.

She pulls into your driveway a little while later, and you notice Mom's car is gone. She's at work and won't be home for hours, which is good. You definitely don't want her to interrupt your little photoshoot. Robin parks awkwardly, causing the car to jolt. "Sorry, I'm still mastering the art of driving."

"I can tell." You wince, the ride over has been quite nauseating. You aren't one to get car-sick, but the way she kept going and stopping was like a boat riding the waves. She gives you an apologetic glance, clearly embarrassed at her lack of skills on the road. "It's okay, Robin. I don't mean to be rude." Her mood lightens, and you lead her inside the house and to your room.

"Nice place. I don't think I've ever been inside before." Robin says, taking in the family photos and shag carpet as you walk down the hall. You open the bedroom door, and she giggles at the sight. "Wow, it's very girly in here." She spins around to look at everything, oddly intrigued by your living space. "It's really cute." She says as she meets your eyes.

"Thanks!" You smile kindly at her, she seems a little out of her element. Robin's always been a little odd, but you admire that about her. You set your bag down on the floor. "Wait here, I gotta grab the camera." You say, and she plops down onto the edge of your bed. You retrieve the camera from Mom's room, checking to see how much film is left. Not much, good thing you picked some up. You walk back in, closing the door. Robin seems to have located the D20 and booklet from your nightstand in your absence, flipping through the pages with widened eyes. "Oh, my God! What are you doing!" You shriek, cheeks going red as she's found something very private and personal to you. You snatch the items from her hands, putting them inside the nearest drawer and out of sight.

"Sorry, they were just...out. I wasn't meaning to pry, I got curious." She looks down at her hands, ashamed for embarrassing you. You sigh, plopping down beside her.

"It's fine, really. But if you breathe a word about it to Steve, or anyone for that matter, I’ll have to kill you. Slowly and painfully." You warn, cracking into a smile to show her you're not that serious about it. She laughs at your words, glad that you're not too upset.

"Can I ask something, though?" Robin says quietly, meeting your eyes again.

"Yeah, anything." You reply, unsure what her question might be.

"Exactly how many of those pages have you and Eddie tested already?" She inquires, cocking an eyebrow at you.

"Um, about half of them. We've gotten a few repeats, you know, with the die leaving it up to chance and all. He made it for my birthday, actually." You recall, cheeks heating up a little as you speak.

"Way to go, Y/N!" She gives you a high five, further lightening the mood as you share another laugh. "And I figured it was his doing, I'd recognize his artistic style anywhere. Dustin's always showing Steve all the cool stuff Eddie draws for D&D, and I just so happen to be around to look over his shoulder."

"Eddie is very talented. He made me this, too." You hold up the guitar pick around your neck, and Robin leans in close to read it.

She gasps at how adorable it is, truly surprised. "Oh, my God, that is so sweet! I never took him for such a romantic."

"Me neither, but he's always had an affinity for turning expectation on its head." You can't help your gaze drifting as you think about him, your cheeks blushing deeper. Robin takes notice, quickly getting excited.

"You love him, don't you?!" She slaps your arm playfully, drawing your attention.

"I really do!" You give an ecstatic nod, meeting her eyes. "You wanna know a secret?" A sly smile plays on your lips, and Robin can't resist a juicy detail to save her life. She nods silently, eyes sparkling with glee. "He said 'I love you' first."

"No fucking way!" She cries ecstatically, jumping off the bed to pace as she soaks this information in. "When did he say it? Was it really romantic? Does he mean it?" Her mouth spits out a long stream of questions at you, desperately needing to know everything about that day.

"I'll tell you all the details, but please, sit down! You look like you're gonna explode." You chuckle, patting the bed again. She lets out a deep breath, taking a seat once more. Her head rests in her palms as she sits cross-legged to patiently listen to you. "Okay, so we'd only been seeing each other for about five days. Eddie was picking me up from school, and he was in his cute little work uniform. I'd been thinking about him all day, so we did it right there in the parking lot, where anyone could see. We looked into each other's eyes the whole time, it was sooooo intense. And then afterwards, he said it. Of course, he got all adorably flustered and almost talked himself out of it!"

"That is insane! For him to say 'I love you', and so soon? Damn, you must be something really special to him." She marvels.

Your smile falls when the word 'special' leaves her lips. "I sure hope so."

Robin catches on to your uncertainty, digging a little deeper. "What do you mean?" She puts her hand on yours, which takes you aback. You tense up, relaxing once you realize she's just trying to comfort you.

"I mean, he tells me how 'special' I am all the time. And he's so sweet, and kind. I'm sure he means it. I just wonder if I'm really worth all that. You know?" You keep your eyes trained on your lap, slipping towards the deep dark pool of self-doubt again.

"Look, I may not know you super well or anything. But from what Dustin tells me, you're pretty fucking amazing! Plus, Eddie isn't the kind of guy to waste time on people or things that he doesn't deem worthy. So, quit sulking, and let's take some sexy pictures!" She squeezes your hand, pulling you back to sunshiney reality.

"Thanks, Robin. You're a good friend." You speak softly, smiling again. "I just have to change first, a lovely saleswoman named Mandy helped me find the perfect thing to wear. Oh, can you dig around in my closet for the black strappy heels? She recommended I wear them with it." You go for your bag, unzipping it to pull out the lingerie and Polaroid film.

"Uh, sure. But don't get mad if I'm lost. I've never been too savvy on women's fashion." She replies, reluctantly sliding your closet door open. Luckily, there's only one pair of shoes in there that match your description. She lets out a relieved sigh, grabbing the heels and bringing them back to the bed. Robin catches a glimpse of the black lace, eyes bugging out. "Yowza! You're really going all out, aren't you?"

"I suppose.” You shrug. “It's not the only thing I got for him. He's actually a pretty good cook, but he doesn't know how to make a lot of things. So, I got him a couple cookbooks. I think he'll like them. Although, I'm sure he'll enjoy this a hell of a lot more." You joke, closing your bag again. You stand upright to start undressing, and Robin awkwardly turns away from you. "You don't have to look away. It's just us girls here." You chuckle, there she goes being strange again.

"No I- I know. Just uh....naked people make me uncomfortable." She stutters, and you feel bad for laughing.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't think about that, but do what you need to do." You try to let her know it's okay, not wanting to be yet another person who treats her differently.

"Thanks. Most people don't get it." You can hear a smile in her voice, giving you one too. You remove your day clothes, taking the lacey set off the hanger. You hold it in your hands a moment, running the soft material through your fingers. You can't wait for Eddie to feel it 一feel you一 for himself tomorrow. You start with the bra, slipping your arms through the straps and closing the clasp. You're facing your vanity, watching yourself become clothed in the beautiful fabric. You admire your reflection as you put on the crotchless panties, the garter belt, the pantyhose. Once the stockings are secured to the belt, you turn around.

"You can look now." Robin shuffles to face you again, taking in the sight before her.

"Holy shit! You're so hot, you just might kill him!" Her jaw falls open, unable to believe how gorgeous you are.

"Well, I certainly want to knock him dead, but not literally." You giggle as you come over to the bed. You slip on the heels, boosting your height by a couple inches. You turn on the balls of your feet, checking the mirror again. "Hmm, I feel like I'm missing something. I think this look needs makeup." You sit at your vanity again, applying some light foundation and rosy blush. You line your eyes, adding a dark shadow to your lids. You finish it off with a cherry red lip. Perfect. You leave your hair down, tousling it with your hands a little to give it a sexed-up appearance. You make one last inspection in the mirror, nodding in satisfaction. "Okay. I'm ready now. The camera is a little low on film, but I bought more while I was out. So, shall we?" Robin seems to have spaced out, her eyes glued to your torso. She notices you looking at her, averting her gaze immediately.

"Sorry, yeah. Let's get to it!" She laughs nervously, taking the camera in her hands. Robin stands as you climb onto the bed, tentatively holding the viewfinder to her eye as you figure out your posing. You start simple, sitting at the edge with your legs spread wide and feet planted on the floor. You grip your shoulders, letting your elbows rest against your tits. "Ooh, that's a nice start." Robin comments, getting ready to take the shot. "Don't forget to give a sexy smile." She adds, and you happily accept her suggestion, tilting your head to the side. The camera snaps, and the picture spits out the front of it.

You quickly move into a new pose, laying sideways with your head propped up on your elbow. Your other arm runs down your leg, stopping at your lower thigh. You spread your fingers apart, slightly pressing into your flesh. Another click of the camera goes off, signaling for you to move again. "You know, I wasn't so sure about this before. I was so nervous even being in the lingerie section in the store. But, actually wearing it now? I feel amazing." You marvel at your sudden burst of confidence, unable to believe wearing sexy underwear is enough to make you feel this good about yourself.

"Well, you seem like a natural to me." Robin replies, focusing on aiming the camera to keep herself from staring at your beautiful figure.

"Thanks." You're on your hands and knees now, giving the illusion of you crawling across the mattress. You arch your back, and lay the tip of your tongue on your upper lip to suggest that you're licking it. Robin captures it, and that's the end of the old film. You retrieve the new pack for her, and she quickly loads it in. "Hey, you wanna come closer? I'd like to get some of me laying down." You ask as nicely as you can, not wanting to order her around.

"O-okay." Robin replies, slowly inching her way over. She refuses to bring the camera away from her eye, keeping the other one tightly closed. You lay back, splaying your hair around the pillows. Your arms reach straight out across the bed, and you slightly bend your knees with your legs held together. *click* You bring a hand to your breast, squeezing it. And you playfully bite the index finger of your other hand, keeping your legs in the same place. *click* You position your arms lazily by your head, and arch your back off the bed. You let your mouth sit slightly agape, letting out a small sigh. *click*

"That's probably enough for this position." You say, noticing Robin's shaking a little from leaning over so far to hold the camera above you. She moves to the side of the bed, and you lay down on your stomach. You bend your knees so your feet are in the air, ankles crossed. Your chin rests on your fist, giving a playful look. *click* You sit up on your knees, back turned to Robin. You turn to look over your shoulder at her, another sultry smile displayed on your red lips. *click*

"Can I make a suggestion?" Robin pipes up, which almost startles you as she's been pretty quiet this whole time.

"Sure."

"Can you lay your head upside down over the edge?" You do as she asks, which lets your hair hang almost to the floor. "And then hold your legs in the air, knees bent like the other pose you did while laying down." Again, you imitate her request. "And...I dunno, hold your hands out to the sides, gripping the edge of the mattress." You do. "And let your mouth fall open, like wide but not too much. You know?" She really seems to have an eye for this stuff, you make a note to tell her she should pursue photography. *click* “Amazing.” She comments.

"I think one more should do it, but what I have in mind is probably a bit vulgar. Are you okay with that?" You ask, not wanting to make Robin any more uncomfortable than she already is. Even when she was leading you for a moment, her voice was trembling.

"That's fine." She replies, still aiming the camera. You get in your final position, sitting on your knees again but facing her this time. You're giving a three-quarter profile, and you slip one hand between your legs. You don't actually touch yourself, that wouldn't be appropriate. But you pretend you are, bringing your other hand to your chest again. You gently cup your breast, and let your head fall slightly back and to the side as you let out an exaggerated moan. *click* Robin almost drops the camera after the last photo is taken, she's shaking like a leaf now.

"Are you okay, Robin? Was that too much? I swear, I was just pretending." You get off the bed, going to her. You take the camera from her grasp, helping her sit down. She avoids looking at you, still trembling.

"I-I know. It's okay, I'm just..." She tries to form the words, but they won't bring themselves forward. She didn't expect to be so attracted to you, and she doesn't want you to find out and think she’s creeping on you.

"Robin, whatever it is, you can tell me. Here, let me put on a robe." You pull your robe from the closet, slipping it on to cover up. You sit back down beside her, taking her hands in yours. "What happened?" You ask, unable to figure out what exactly went wrong here. Her eyes are glistening, almost like she's going to cry. She looks at you, realizing how close your face is to hers. Her eyes flick to your lips, breath stuttering as she stares at their inviting red hue. She turns her head away, ashamed for thinking about you like that. You're straight, and have a boyfriend. There's nothing coming from your end, she doesn't want to make a big deal out of this. You noticed her looking at your mouth, the same way Eddie looks at your mouth before kissing you. "Oh." You say simply, understanding what's going on here.

"What?" Her eyes snap to you again, brows furrowed as she's confused.

"I think I know why you've been so nervous. I don't want to assume anything, but I want you to tell me. And if I'm right, I just want you to know that it doesn't bother me." You say calmly, putting a hand on Robin's shoulder.

"Okay, but please, don't tell anyone. Only Steve knows, and I can't have everyone in town knowing this information." She pleads with her eyes, and you comprehend just how important it is to keep her secret.

"I understand. My lips are sealed, okay?" You mime locking your lips and throwing away the key, making her crack a smile.

"So, I....like girls. And I didn't really think about it when you asked me to help you, I just wanted to be a good friend. But seeing you, in that, and that last pose. It was a bit much for me. I'm...very attracted to you." She winces at the last sentence, afraid that you'll freak out. But you have nothing but a kind look on your face, unphased by her words. "But I know you're straight, and with Eddie. I totally respect that. I can just be friends, if you're okay with that." She looks down again, waiting for you to throw her out or something.

"It's more than okay. Friends get feelings about friends all the time, but they usually pass. It's a natural thing to be attracted to people, Robin. I'm not weirded out by it. You haven't done or said anything out of line, alright?" You do your best to reassure her, but you understand something like this must be terrifying for Robin. If she tells even one wrong person, the whole town knows what she is and judges her for it. You pull her into a hug, and she softens into it. A few tears fall from her eyes to soak through your robe, but you don't mind.

"Thank you, Y/N." She says, barely above a whisper as she tries to contain her sobs. It's so frustrating for her to have to go through this process with someone any time she wants to come out. Her anxiety kicks in, there's always the possibility of the person rejecting her or telling other people. Sure, she's only told you and Steve, but she has to repeat this awful process every single time for the rest of her life. Always worrying about rejection, hoping for acceptance. It's not fair, but in a time like this, and a town like Hawkins, that's the way it is.

"You're welcome, although I feel like I'm doing the bare minimum here." You laugh, causing her to giggle through her tears. "Thank you for sharing yourself with me. That can't be an easy thing to do."

"It isn't. But so far, it's been worth it. Now I have two friends who know, that's twice as many as I had before. I dream of a day where everyone I know knows, though it's not very likely in our lifetime." Her voice is hopeful, but also tinged with melancholy.

"I'd like to think that day will come much sooner than expected. That's the optimist in me, I suppose." You joke again, which she finds amusing. You pull away from the hug, craving a cigarette. "Hey, you want a smoke? Figure you could use one after all that." You offer, standing up to retrieve the pack from your bag.

"Oh, no thanks. I don't smoke." She scrunches her nose, finding smoking to be utterly disgusting. She wipes her eyes, getting up to grab her things.

"That's alright, if you wanted to stick around though there's beer in the fridge." You'd like to hang out with her a bit longer, but she seems ready to leave right about now.

"Nah, I better get home. Thanks, though. We should hang out again sometime. You can bring Eddie and I'll drag Steve along." Robin offers.

"Sure thing!" You bring her in for another hug, before letting her go. "Oh, do you mind putting my bike on the side of the house? I meant to take it out before coming inside. I guess I got ahead of myself."

"No problem at all. I got it. I'd hate for the neighbors to see you in your underwear." She teases. "Bye, Y/N. I'll give you a call to hang out sometime, okay?"

"Sounds great, Robin. I'll see you around." You smile at her as she leaves the room, closing the door behind her. You hear the front door open and close, and you take your cigarettes over to the window. It slides open easily, and you pull a cig from the pack, bringing it to your lips. Flicking the lighter, you breathe the smoke in deeply. You hold the box loosely in your hand, brushing over the cute message written on it with your thumb. You're still on the same pack Eddie left in your bag a couple weeks ago, as he usually offers you one of his own whenever he's around.

You set your cigarette on the windowsill for a moment, walking toward your dresser to look over the photos Robin took. You bring the stack over to the window, continuing smoking as you inspect them. Fuck, they are gorgeous. They're a tad amateurish, since you've never done this before, but Robin is a decent photographer. Eddie is going to absolutely lose his shit over these. When you see the final shot with your fake moan, your eyes widen as you look at yourself. It's like you're seeing a completely different person, but it's just... you.

You finish your smoke, flicking the spent butt into the grass. You shut the window, drawing the curtain and putting the photos in your bedside drawer. You change back into your clothes, hiding the lingerie away for safe keeping to wear tomorrow night. The next hour or so is spent digging around the junk closet in the hallway to locate an envelope for the pictures, and either a gift bag or some wrapping paper for Eddie's cookbooks. There's fishing poles, board games, old photo albums, and various items scrambled inside the closet. You eventually locate the bin for gift-giving supplies, pulling it out. You sit on the floor, sifting through the mass of paper and bows in the thick plastic container. The front door opens again, with Mom strolling inside. "Hey sugarpuff, how'd your shopping trip go?" She calls to you, placing her purse on the hook by the door while glancing in your direction.

"It went very well. Eddie's gonna love his presents." You call back, finally finding some wrapping paper that isn't for Christmas or a birthday. You also find a red envelope that’s the perfect size for the Polaroids. You put the bin back in its place, shoving the random items that fell in your excavation back into the closet haphazardly. You meet her in the kitchen, setting the things you retrieved on the counter. You go to the pantry, taking out a snack-size bag of Lay's to reward yourself for your hard work.

"What’d you get him?" She asks, cracking open a Diet Coke and taking a big gulp.

"Well, he's a pretty good cook. I got some books of recipes for him to try." You answer before popping a potato chip in your mouth.

"Is that so? What does he make for you?" Mom questions curiously. She's quite eager to hear you talk about Eddie, she's his biggest fan at this point.

"Um, French toast, and spaghetti. I know that's not a lot, but when he makes them, it's the best I've ever had." You smile at the thought, the mention of French toast reminds you of how Eddie licks the stray syrup from your chin when you inevitably make a mess.

"Ooh, look at you! You always blush when you talk about him! It's so cute!" She squeals in delight. You can't help rolling your eyes, focusing on your snack to avoid her gaze.

"Yeah, I guess I do. Been hearing a lot of that lately." You can't help it, Eddie can make you so weak in the knees with just a look. Every word he says to you is kind and loving, every touch so warm and adoring. Even during the short periods where you have to be apart, he plays around in your mind all day. The mere mention of his name is enough to drive you wild.

"That's a good thing, Y/N. Everyone sees how much you care for one another. I'm sure Eddie gets an earful from his uncle about it, too. You're not the only person in the world with an 'overbearing' guardian, ya know." She chuckles, taking another sip of her soda.

"I suppose you're right. Apparently, Eddie tells Wayne all about me. It made him blush when his uncle brought it up one time." You giggle, remembering how red his face got. It was so devastatingly cute.

"I'm happy to hear it, sugarpuff. Are you all studied up for your final exams?" Mom's really kicking into high gear today, touching all the bases.

"Oh yeah, I crammed almost every day you guys were away while Eddie was at work. I'm anxious as always, but I'm definitely ready for it."

"Good to hear, I'm sure you'll ace everything. You always do, my little brainiac." She pulls you into a hug. "Well, I'll leave you to wrap your presents. You excited for tomorrow?"

"Yes, but also kinda nervous." You bite your lip, unsure how tomorrow will go. You've thought about it nonstop, agonizing over every potential answer to every potential question.

"What's there to be nervous about? It sounds like Wayne really likes you, and it's not like Eddie's proposing or something. Right?" She raises an eyebrow, wondering if that's even a future possibility.

"No, no. It's waaaay too soon for that." Marriage has never really crossed your mind before, and you doubt Eddie has thought about it either. The word itself sounds so final, scary, even. "Living together came up in conversation last week, actually. And we both want that someday, just not right now. I've got school, Eddie has Wayne. Plus, we have, like, no money for an apartment." Mom just looks at you as you list the many reasons as to why you can't move further in the relationship just yet.

"Is that really all that's stopping you? Money?" She asks seriously. Your eyes widen, her phrasing making you suspicious.

"Mostly, yeah. Everything else can be worked around I guess, why?" You give her an odd look.

“I'm just thinking, maybe I can help you out. Is this something you really want?" She knows you've never really asked her for anything, even as a child you didn't care to ask for extravagant things. As gifts, or otherwise. Maybe this can be her way to give you something you truly want, to reward you for all your hard work. You've made her so very proud, never backing down to a single obstacle that stands in your way in the pursuit of success.

"Mom, be serious! It's too early for that! And you don't exactly have extra money to throw around." There's no way in hell you're letting her pay for your rent. If anything, you should be paying her for letting you live at home for so long.

"Hey, now. We do alright. And...I may or may not have been squirreling away a few extra bucks here and there to give to you when you need it."

"Mom, no way! I can't ask you to do that!" You shake your head, coming up with every excuse in the book to shut down the idea.

"But you aren't asking, sugarpuff. I'm offering. And look, if it's still too soon for you, I understand. How about this? When you and Eddie have been together for six months, revisit the conversation with him. And if you both still want this, I'll pay for the first couple months, okay?" Your mouth tries and fails to form a response. Mom has always been so supportive of you, but this? She's already done so much over the years, this is overdoing it. "You don't have to say anything. Just...don't say no, for now at least. Think it over for a bit. When the time is right, come back to me. Deal?"

"Deal." You manage to squeak out the word, quickly embracing her again. You squeeze her so tight, this is the best gift she's ever given you. "Thank you so much, Mom. I love you."

"Love you too, kiddo. Now, go on! You've got some wrapping to do!" She pats your shoulder, shooing you away to return to your task.

"That I do." You beam at her, still flabbergasted at what she's offered you. "You're the best mom in the world." You say gratefully, heading back to your room with your things.

"You're damn right I am!" She laughs as she calls after you. You close the door, breaking out into a happy dance once you're all alone. You know this isn't a sure thing, but it's exciting to have some semblance of a plan in place. You debate telling Eddie, though maybe it's best to not get his hopes up. As much as you love each other, you're still in the 'honeymoon' stage. You could tell Robin though, she can keep a secret. You'll tell her all about this and your date as soon as you find the time.

You set the paper on the bed, pulling the books out of your bag. You hold them in your hands, feeling how thick and hefty they are. You really hope Eddie likes them, though you could probably give him a carton of cigarettes and he'd be happy. He's relatively easy to please, especially when it comes to you. You can't wait for tomorrow, your talk with Mom has definitely put your mind at ease. You have no reason to worry, it's just dinner. Wayne adores you, and Eddie loves you more than anything. You proceed to wrap the books together as one gift, it just seems easier that way. You've always been an expert at wrapping gifts, a skill you've graciously accepted from your mother. There's nary a wrinkle, tear, or sloppily placed piece of tape to be found.

Once the books are perfectly encased in the dark blue paper you dug from the closet, you put them on your vanity for tomorrow. You pull out the photos, looking through them once more before sealing them in the envelope. You locate a pen, writing 'Eddie, My Love' on the envelope in perfect cursive. It goes on top of the books, and you sit on your bed to look at the sealed presents. You wish it was tomorrow already, time never moves fast enough when you need it most. You hear the phone ring in the living room, and Mom picks it up.

"Eddie's on the phone for you, Y/N!" She shouts to you. That's odd, hopefully he's not calling to cancel or something. You leave your room, skipping down the hall to the phone. Mom hands it off to you, walking into the kitchen to nonchalantly eavesdrop on your conversation.

"Eddie?" You ask, curious as to what he's calling you for.

"Hey, angel. I've missed you today." Eddie speaks sweetly.

"I've missed you too, baby. What's up?"

"Well, I've got some bad news. Wayne isn't feelin’ so hot, so we'll have to do dinner another time." He sounds genuinely disappointed, he was so looking forward to sharing a meal with you and his uncle.

"Oh, okay. Do you need to stay home and take care of him?" Your heart sinks, you were really looking forward to this. But you know health comes first, and you can always celebrate another day.

"I actually offered to do that, but you know Wayne. Always a stubborn bastard, and he doesn't want me getting sick and potentially giving it to you. I was thinking we could go out somewhere. It's also occurred to me that I've been an improper gentleman, as I haven't taken you on an actual date before." He chuckles, making you giggle. He's so funny when he speaks formally.

"That would be great!” You chirp. “Not that I mind how we've done things so far. We're both not really ones for crowds." You add, so he won’t think you find the time spent together thus far as less than you expect from a relationship.

"Very true. But every girl deserves to go on nice dates, especially when they're you." God, he's such a charmer. You don't know where he gets it from, but it's so amazingly sweet.

"Well, far be it from me to say no. Where were you thinking of going?" There's not exactly a lot of options in Hawkins, but you'll have a candlelit dinner in an alley behind a fish market if it means you get to be with Eddie.

"I was thinking...a picnic in the park? I've heard those are very romantic." You can hear the smirk on his face, visualizing it in your mind.

"Oh, are they now?” You tease.

“I’d like to think so, sweetheart.” Eddie jests back.

“Well, I'm looking forward to it. Any notes on what I should wear?" You ask, your tongue poking into your cheek. You just can't help yourself sometimes.

"Something comfortable, and easy to get out of. You know I think you look gorgeous in anything...and nothing at all." His voice has darkened a little, sending a chill down your spine as he speaks directly in your ear.

"Naughty boy." You reply with a sultry tone, looking behind you to make sure Mom's minding her P's and Q's. You continue once the coast is clear, she must have gone to her room. "I might just have to punish you if you keep that up." You hear him gasp on the other end, wishing you could see the bulge growing in his pants right now.

"Oh, I'm counting on it, darling. You have noooo idea." He nearly purrs through the phone. You almost whimper at his words, he really knows how to push your buttons. Apparently Eddie can hear your breathing change on the other end, wasting no time in pushing you further. "What's wrong, princess? You feelin' a little hot under the collar?" He's teasing you ruthlessly now. If only it were possible to pull him through the phone so you could pounce on him. But you know better than to give in so easily, two can play at this game. 

"Oh, you know what? I am feeling a bit anxious, I may just have to go to my room and relax." You emphasize certain words, hoping he catches your drift. You take it a step further when he stays silent. "It's too bad you're not here to help me, I guess I'll just have to do it myself." He tries to stifle a groan, but the end of it still slips out. "What's the matter, Eds? Did you light a fire you can't put out?" You flirt back, licking your lips. This is fun.

"God, you're so lucky I'm not home alone right now. Otherwise, this would be a much more detailed conversation. I better go, something has come...up." He clears his throat, swallowing hard. You both laugh at that, and you'd be lying if you didn't want to have some private time of your own after how you've been speaking to him. "But I love you, and I'll pick you up around five. I'll see you tomorrow, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Eds. And tell Wayne I said to get well soon. See you later." You hang up the phone, turning to find Mom standing right behind you. "Jesus Christ! Mom, what the hell are you doing?" You shriek.

"I'm guessing your conversation went well?" She asks with one of her signature knowing looks.

"Mom! Please tell me you weren't spying on me! I thought you went to your room!" You groan, any arousal you had running for the goddamn hills. Your cheeks burn red, and you sit on the couch with your face buried in your hands.

"I was, but I needed something from my purse. I wasn't meaning to hear anything. You're not exactly subtle." Claudia chuckles, not really finding this to be a big deal. She remembers being your age and talking to your dad like that when they were in high school. It's only natural to be playful with one another. She wishes you weren't so upset over it. "Y/N. It's really not an issue. You're not a kid anymore, I can't expect you to be innocent forever."

"Oh my god, just stop it! I could just about die from embarrassment right now. I'm going to bed." You rush off to your room, not wanting to speak another word about this. You retreat to the one space that's all your own, slamming and locking the door. Five more months can't go by soon enough, you need to get out of this fucking house. You fall head first onto your bed, screaming into the pillows. You stay like this for a moment, wondering what Eddie's up to right now. If the end of your call was any indication, he's probably laying in bed, thinking about you while pleasing himself. You envy him, there's absolutely no way you're doing anything remotely arousing tonight. Not after Mom listened to you talk dirty over the phone. You'd cry about it if you weren't so tired. You haven't even bothered to turn the light off when you unexpectedly pass out for the night.

To be continued…

[rose-colored-tarot]

Personally I've never been a fan of the "magic is a beast that needs to be tamed" metaphor. Magic is more like the ocean: powerful, terrifying, capable of unbridled force. But at the same time, it is gentle, warm, the lifeblood of millions of people. The folk who know the ocean know you cannot harness it's force, you must work within or around it, lest it destroy you. Similarly, magic is great and terrible and gentle and kind, all at once. And those who work with it need to work WITH it, not reign over it. Because the primordial forces have no rules about biting the hand that feeds you.

[eurydiceshadowsong]

The Celestial Enigma

. . . I seem to be unable of grasping the strings behind Astral Magic's inner workings. The Sun School revolves around Sun damage, which is easy for any wizard to understand. However, it also used Fire/Myth/Life magic as well. This was harder to get, but as the Sun school comes from Fire, and the two schools that come from Fire (Myth and Life), it's more plausible. One Elemental school, two Spirit schools, the Moon and Stars schools work the same way under more in-depth studying. Then Sun Magic uses Fire/Myth/Storm spells, while using "Solar" buffs rather than "Sun" buffs. Not to mention the school's ability to enchant preexisting spells, making them stronger, or completely changing their school identity. A blight upon my treasure cards, no doubt, but a useful one if I could make use of it. Are these all different schools and the terms are interchangeable, or are each Astral school just an umbrella of many different schools? Is a "Sun" wizard different from a "Solar" wizard. Are Enchants and Polymorphs subsections of Sun magic and Moon magic respectively? Would I refer to Sun Magic as "Pure Sun" and Fire/Myth/Life Sun Magic as "Sun"?

I feel that the complexity of Sun magic is equally shared by the other two Astral schools as well, in ways that I or the Spiral has yet to see. I had recently visited the Chancel (a subsection within the Solarium) and conversed with a statue named Phaeton (I assume him being able to talk is related to Magic in some way). He referred to my Pyromancy tactics as "Primitive", but he shared nothing more than vague comments, even when I asked him to be specific. Maybe I'll figure out more about this mysterious type of Magic later. Though, my current theory on how it may operate could be entirely misplaced as it is. Now I wonder how much I know my own Fire Magic...

11/7/2023 - Eurydice ShadowSong

(This was an attempt at an in-universe blog written by my main character. Minus the tags, which are just me ranting lmao. The goal of said blogs atm are to write about things I find interesting through the eyes of how I think my wizard would see it.)

[breadbrobin]

the trees

clarisse la rue x reader — percy jackson and the olympians

[fem!daughter of apollo reader]

summary: you have a very specific skill set that helps your team with capture the flag, and clarisse thinks it’s fascinating. in fact, she thinks you’re as fascinating as you think she is.

warnings: swearing, arguments, fighting, PINING, heights i guess (reader is up a tree), possibly ooc clarisse but not too much i hope.

word count: 2.5k

(so the brainrot has (inevitably) spread to clarisse. there’s gonna be a part two to this as well, so lmk if y’all want it (tbh i’ll probably post it anyway but still). oh and also i love her and i am a clarisse apologist and lover until the day i die)

(sort-of-enemies to sort-of-lovers, but more like idiots to pining idiots (in a tree))

(part 2 here)

———————————————

archery wasn’t the only thing you were good at, but it was by far the best thing you were good at. a daughter of apollo: master of archery, mediocre of music and magical at making weird ass noises. bird calls, animal sounds, imitations—you name it, you could do it.

and those were useful tactics in capture the flag, for sure.

annabeth chase was a master strategist, and you had to give it to her: she remembered everyone’s strengths, weaknesses and alliances while you couldn’t even remember what you’d had for breakfast that day.

as always, you were tucked up in a tree, around halfway up. you weren’t too high, so that you could speak and people wouldn’t automatically know you were above them, but you weren’t too low so they couldn’t see you.

you kind of liked being in the trees now. after three years of capture the flag and around six months of freaking out every time you climbed above ten feet, you were finally used to it. it was almost calming; a way for you to relax after a stressful day and pretend that nothing around you existed.

until the red team came by, that is.

that’s what you were waiting for. the flag was around fifty feet to your right. your job was to be a lookout and a distraction.

it was your favourite part of the game, getting to trick people and shoot arrows at them when they came too close, allowing the blue team members around the bottom of your tree to pop out and disarm their opponents.

it wasn’t a trick you used every time—not even the ares cabin are that stupid—but when you did use it, you had the time of your life.

there was a snapping branch to your left. you straightened up from where you were leaning against the tree trunk behind you and peered through the leaves. you were perched on a thick bough, hidden by leaves and branches, but able to see enough through them that you could do your job.

you could hear voices, but you couldn’t see anyone.

you listened carefully. you knew that voice.

you realised with a start who it was.

clarisse la rue.

fucking clarisse, man. she drove you insane. and not for the reason she drove most of camp insane. no, unlike almost everyone else, you were attracted to her. in fact, you were, annoyingly, in love with her, you’d have to admit. it was infuriating.

you could hear her cutting through the forest. it was strange. she didn’t usually come for the flag. usually, she hunted in the woods and caught stragglers. she didn’t want the glory as much as she wanted the fight. to her, winning the battle seemed more important than winning the war.

regardless of why, you could hear her voice. she was talking to her siblings below you, creeping through the foliage.

the sun was warm on your face and you send up a brief prayer to your father.

from your lips slipped an almost perfect impression of your blue team guards. you’d used this trick last game, but clarisse hadn’t been there, so she wouldn’t know. “i can’t believe they put us on guard duty again.”

they all froze in their tracks, looking at each other, then ahead in the opposite direction from the flag.

you held in a snicker. “ugh, yeah, it’s the worst. i mean, why can’t we do anything fun? i wanna fight clarisse!”

you could see the smirk curling on her lips and you had to stop yourself from blushing.

you continued this cat and mouse game. the ares kids below you fanned out, aiming to surround you. it would have been a smart move, if there was actually a flag there and not just a tree.

slowly, they inched in, then leapt out.

“ahh!! you caught us! i’ve been impaled!”

they looked around in fear and confusion but clarisse looked straight up. she always did.

“hey, angel, nice voice,” she mocked. “wanna come on down?”

you shook your head. “no, thanks, i’m comfortable.”

she raised and eyebrow, seeing your arrow drawn and pointed directly at her. “that’s not necessary.”

“isn’t it?” your arrow flew and, though she hit it away, you teammates came pouring out of the foliage, having been waiting for your signal.

a fight ensued. it looked like it was going well for a short while, then the tides turned.

they weren’t as caught off guard as they usually were. hell, clarisse was even smiling!

with what looked like very little effort, the ares campers effectively destroyed your teammates. they were left disarmed and defeated, and you were stuck in a tree. typical.

as her siblings took their weapons, clarisse looked up at you. “you wanna come down now?”

you shook your head. “rather not. the view from up here is pretty good.”

she muttered something to herself, but you couldn’t hear her. then she spoke up. “what if we come up there?”

you drew your bow back immediately and an arrow pierced the dirt right in front of her foot.

she looked down at it, then back up at you, an amused smirk on her face. “right, silly me.”

that surprised you. she was usually cold and cruel in capture the flag, always taking no prisoners and leaving no survivors—in a technical sense. you’d seen people nursing their minor wounds after the games when your siblings forced you to help out in the infirmary (not that you’re much help in there, but regardless), and everyone heard the stories they’d tell of clarisse appearing out of the ferns and attacking ruthlessly. so why was she not being so ruthless today?

she was certainly cruel in her fight against your team members, but any other day, she would have thrown her spear at you or thrown one of your arrows back, or even climbed up anyway. instead, she just smirked up at you, content to wait.

“where’s the flag, bows?” she asked, using a nickname she’d only used a few times, one that referenced both the bows you used and the bows you sometimes put in your hair.

you shrugged. “dunno. they don’t tell me anything. i just get out here and told to be annoying.” your traitorous eyes flickered to the direction of the flag. you’d never been good at lying.

and curse her, clarisse noticed. she always noticed when it came to you, it seemed. whether it was catching you in a lie, catching you when you were admiring her or catching your every move when sparring, she always noticed.

she nodded at her siblings and they moved off. “i’ll wait here. try and flush our squirrel out.”

if they were confused or surprised, they didn’t show it.

once they were gone, clarisse plucked the arrow from the dirt and studied it. “this is new.”

“sam from hephaestus made them,” you said meekly. why would she stay behind? it didn’t make sense. you weren’t a threat, or even a good fight.

her face darkened. “oh. and where is your boyfriend now, then? hm?”

your cheeks flamed. “he’s not my boyfriend.” and it was true. he wasn’t. despite the fact that he liked you and made things for you all the time, your heart was decidedly with another. and she was right below you, tossing your prized arrow aside like an old tissue. “he’s on your team anyway. you should know where he is.”

she smirked again. “oh, yeah. i remember now. that’s right, i sent him to try and get our flag. he didn’t even make it five steps before he was attacked.”

her bitter laugh made your heart clench. was it pity for sam or your feelings for her, or both? you weren’t sure. either way, it was starting to get on your nerves.

it was silent for a long time. she looked up at you every few seconds, then at the tree, like she was gauging how hard she’d have to push you for you to die on impact. her eyes were sharp and her smile was sharper, and fuck you were attracted to her.

you cleared your throat and broke the silence, hearing fighting off in the near distance. you would go and help, but the only way for you to do so would be to tree-hop all the way to the flag, and while you could do it, it wasn’t the best idea. “why did you stay h—what are you doing?” you aimed an arrow at her.

“relax, angel, we both know you won’t actually shoot me.” she was climbing up the tree. fast. “and don’t worry, i’m not gonna push you out or attack you. i don’t like looking up at you.”

call you stupid or whipped or whatever, but you believed her. you lowered your bow but didn’t lessen the tension on your string. she’d almost reached your branch when you swivelled around to face her. you moved fast, your arrow returning to its holster and you body facing the trunk of the tree with your legs swung over each side of the wide bough. your dagger was swiftly removed from its holster and pressed under clarisse’s chin.

she laughed at you.

you faltered slightly. “what?”

“nothing,” she snickered. “i just saw it coming. now scoot back.”

you dropped your dagger and shifted backwards, glad the bough was strong.

she clambered onto your branch easily, sitting facing you with her back against the tree trunk, a smirk on her face.

you sighed bitterly. “you see everything coming.”

she shrugged. “pretty much. but so do you.”

“that’s the gift of divine premonition,” you grumbled. it could be useful sometimes, but all you really got was a sense, a feeling or, occasionally, a single frame of a moment. right now, though, your senses were so clogged with her vanilla-strawberry and leather scent, and with her, that you could hardly think, let alone experience a minor prophecy. not to mention the fact that if you did, you’d probably fall out of the tree.

she shrugged. “isn’t that useful?”

“yeah, when it actually works or doesn’t make me pass out.” you shrugged. “it’s temperamental.”

she hummed in thought, leaning back and crossing her arms. her knees were mere centimetres from yours.

“what are you doing up here, clarisse?” you asked.

she shrugged, but you could see a shift in her demeanour when she said your name. it was like the muscles in her shoulders relaxed for a moment, then tensed again. “didn’t want you to escape.”

“so you let your other prisoners escape?” you gestured to the ground, where your teammates were sitting around fifteen feet from the tree in a circle, plucking the grass.

clarisse raised her eyebrows at you in amusement. “oh, i think they’re fine. they’re too scared of me to do anything, anyway.”

you narrowed your eyes at her. “i don’t think you’re that scary.”

she rolled her eyes. “sure. but everyone else does. so you’re wrong.”

“it was my opinion. my opinion can’t be wrong if it’s my opinion.” that was another thing: you were never one to start an argument, but by god would you escalate it.

“your opinions wrong if i say it’s wrong,” she huffed, her jaw tight.

“not how opinions work, babe,” you said lightly, using your dagger point to carve away at the bark beneath you.

she smacked your hand to stop you. “you’re gonna dull it!”

“the point is already dull!” you protested, poking your finger to show her. it indented, but didn’t draw blood. “see?”

“so, what, you threatened me with a butter knife? i’m offended.”

“it’s the idea of it that cuts deeper anyway. the primal fear of being gutted by a dagger. in capture the flag at least.” you shrugged, carving a wonky flower in the bark. “it’s more about threats than action.”

clarisse rolled her eyes. “and what if a monster comes and attacks you, and all you’ve got is this blunt dagger?”

“you ever seen an archers muscles?” you turned slightly and flexed your shoulders. you could see her eyes follow the sharp lines of your shoulders and back. “i’ll use force. force is more effective than sharpness. you know that.”

“and yet, my weapons are all still sharp.” she snatched the dagger from you and pulled out a whetstone from a pocket in her cargo pants. she began sharpening your blade.

“hey, don’t—“

she smacked your hand with the flat of your own blade when you reached for it, and you withdrawn with a hiss, shaking your hand. she laughed. “i guess force is more important, huh, angel?”

your cheeks were hot. “don’t call me that.”

“why, you worried you might like it?” she looked up, teasing. her eyes narrowed at the look on your face and then she grinned. “you do like it.”

“no. shut up.”

she laughed again, but it was a little softer than usual. she looked back down at the dagger. “did sam make this for you?”

“yeah, w—clarisse!” you gasped as she dropped it off the bough. or, more accurately, threw it off the bough. “what was that for?”

she shrugged. “it’s not that good. i’ll get you a better one from the ares stash. don’t worry.”

you glared at her. “that was mine, though!”

“it was blunt and poorly made,” she protested. “it wasn’t good enough for you.”

the way she said it made you think there was a double meaning there.

“he’s not good enough for you,” she said, softer, proving you right.

your eyes were wide and your cheeks were flaming. “what?”

“you heard me.” her softness was staying, it seemed. if you weren’t mistaken, her hand was reaching for yours. “he’s not. you know he’s not. why do you like him?”

before you could respond, a horn blew in the distance and cheering erupted from around the forest. red team had won.

clarisse didn’t look happy. she leaned back—you hadn’t even realised she’d leaned forward—and glared at the bough between you both.

“congratulations,” you said softly. “you deserved the win.”

“yeah, we did.” her voice carried very little enthusiasm.

you studied her face for a minute, like you were committing every feature to memory. “clarisse…”

she didn’t respond. instead, she swung her leg over the bough and started climbing down. only when she got two branches down did you begin to follow her, hurrying in your attempt to catch up. you couldn’t. no matter how good you were at something, she was better.

she nodded at you as she walked off, your foot caught in a tight spot.

once you’d finally got down, your teammates were surrounding you. some asked you what had happened, some accused you of being a double agent for them, some asked if you were okay.

you answered them all absently as you all walked back towards the stream, but your heart wasn’t in it. what the hell was going on?

you’d reached the stream by the time you realised you’d left your dagger behind, and you were back at your cabin, trying to fall asleep, when you realised that it didn’t bother you at all.

(part 2)

[sophiaseo34]

Kitchen Remodel Contractor & Expert

[thedomesticanthropologist]

Slowly replacing Astarion's clothing in game is really like... significant.

He never got given anything new. If he stole or bought new things they must have been taken from him- just think about his skills as a rogue, the nights he was out, and yet his clothing is ancient and repaired many times and it'll click for ya

So when you get him new armor, putting away the faded filigree from 200 years- an outfit outdated but so dapper it may very well have been what he'd been buried in as a noble the night he clawed his way out of his coffin to get to Cazador - it just kinda hits different.

Now, in the context of the game of course your armor changes many times, you take what you can get and don't get attached cause you're likely to need to replace it for an upgrade soon etc etc.

But his camp outfit. The threadbare, carefully laundered ruffled shirt and leather pants that have been re-stitched along the seams untold times so he can remain presentable. To show he cares. To show its important to him to look good. If you choose to give him new clothes to wear every night,

You're giving him (likely, unless his clothing got rarely replaced due to being utterly destroyed during torture or accident) his first new wardrobe since he was alive

Comfortable thick fabrics that were put together within the last decade, not the last century. He can't see himself, doesn't know how it really looks, but he can stare down and guess. You can dye his clothing too, and if you take that as literal (like magic dye that can change clothing could exist and not just be a game nechanic for the player to play with) then you can imagine him going through seller's wares when you find them, picking out the rarer dyes in his favorite colors.

Making his new clothing his

Wearing something that he's never had to lure someone to their death in for his Master. Wearing something completely separate from his past.

And maybe carefully folding his old outfits, putting them away in a traveller's chest. Maybe he feels attached to them, like that rag of a blanket we see him taking with him places. Maybe he keeps them forever. Maybe not. Maybe after everything's said and done, he burns his old clothes.

I have feelings about Astarion and his relationship with clothing and armor OK 🥺

[rweoutofthewoods]

fanfic/fandom ettiquite guide

Okay, I've seen some things recently that make me think there is some need to make a master post of some general fandom and fic ettiquite just because some people may not know and I think there's a huge wave of fanfic becoming more mainstream especially on apps like tiktok.

If you don't like it, don't engage with it!! I think this above all, is the golden rule of fandom. The internet is made for you to be able to mute, hide, and censor things you don't like. DO THAT! don't make a career off of hating things. This goes along with the three laws of fandom, which u should check out FIRST OF ALL.

DON'T GATEKEEP!! If you're posting about a fic, art, ANYTHING link it, credit it! Don't post a tiktok about a fic and then refuse to give the name. Not only are you failing to credit the creators of this content, but you're taking away from the fact that fandom is a COMMUNITY where content is meant for everyone.

Ao3 is an archive. You're going to see things you might not like or even find offensive or uncomfortable. But fanfic is not meant to be censored. Ao3 is made to be unfiltered, people can post anything and everything. Posting fics on other sites simply to shame their content not only brings MORE attention to it, but it's pointless. If you want a website that is censored go to wattpad. And of course, if you don't like it DON'T READ. You can filter your tags and warnings on ao3 so it won't show you that content.

Along those lines LEARN HOW TO USE AO3. There is no algorithm, it is not tiktok. You don't need to censor words in your tags. Your fics are not magically getting pushed out to people. Make sure you're using "person 1/person 2" for romantic relationships and "person 1 & person 2" for non-romantic relationships. Make sure things like non-con and underage are tagged under the warnings. AND AS A READER, know how to filter ships and tags to find the content you want. You can filter by kudos, certain tags, exclude certain relationships or characters etc. USE IT.

Do not create placeholder fics or other "non fics" on ao3. This is against their terms of service. You can (and probably will) be reported, this annoys people endlessly. We don't want to find a fic and open it to see "I haven't written this yet, sorry!" JUST SAVE A DRAFT OR DO IT IN A DOCUMENT? this seems like way to rack up hits, and it comes across as disingenuous, I don't see a real valid reason to make placeholders.

HOW TO WRITE AN ACCEPTABLE COMMENT: long is not important. A simple "loved this!" will make an author happy. DO NOT say any variation of "update pls?" regardless of how nice you think it is. Authors update when they can.I'm not the only author I've seen unhappy with this. JUST WAIT, either it will be updated or it won't, and either way you will live. If you have nothing nice to say about a fic?? MOVE ON. Don't leave a hate comment.

Do not rate or publicly shit on fanfic! A lot of authors know many people, and the chances of that author seeing whatever you're saying about their work is very high. If you don't like it, click off and read something else. If it's still living rent-free in your mind, that sounds like fan behavior to me. And there is no standard fics are supposed to meet, don't rate them.

Don't cross-post fics. Don't put fics on other sites, don't put translation on other sites. DON'T DO ANYTHING with a fic without checking with the author first. On that note, also don't post fics on GoodReads etc. unless an author explicitly says it's okay.

IF YOU DO NOT MARK YOUR BOOKMARKS AS PRIVATE AUTHORS CAN SEE THEM!! If you're going to say anything that isn't positive, you better mark that as private or better yet, move on. Don't say anything on a public bookmark you wouldn't want the author to read.

YOU CANNOT PROFIT OFF OF FANFIC, don't sell bound fics! Don't bind fics if the intention is to sell them. You're potentially creating a lawsuit for the authors of these fics and putting the existence of fanfic in danger. I've seen multiple authors debating taking fics down because of binding issues, just don't do it. AND IF YOU'RE BUYING BOUND FICS YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM. it's selfish and I wish bad karma upon you.

You wouldn't think I'd have to say this but don't plagiarize or use AI to create fics/art etc. firstly making ai write something IS a form of plagiarism. bUT ALSO just write your own content. If you can't, then writing fics etc. is just not for you. No shame about it!

DON'T ASK AUTHORS TO BETA FOR YOU!! You wouldn't believe how many people have asked me to beta their fics for them, I AM NOT A BETA. I HAVE a beta because my proofreading skills are shit. If someone wants to beta they will offer, or go find a blog or somewhere where people are looking to beta. Like @needabeta You can even make a post asking around for a beta, but don't go bug your favorite authors to proofread your fics.

Really just don't harass authors. Of course, don't be afraid to send nice dms, asks, or comments if their inbox is open, but don't spam them especially if they don't reply. Respect boundaries! Don't send nasty anons, everyone knows this is a sign of jealousy and obsession. You're only succeeding in making yourself look bad. Ask yourself why is this author living rent-free in your mind, hm??

If you don't like a ship, stay away from the content geared towards that ship. There's no reason for you to be in people's inbox harassing them over a ship. It's never that deep. If you truly hate it so much, go consume the content for ships you DO like.

Stay grounded. This goes to both fic authors and readers alike. Hits and popularity are not the mark of a good fic. Getting a lot of hits doesn't mean it's good and NOT getting many doesn't mean it's bad. I'm tired of seeing tiktoks asking "so what's the next big fic?" WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE A "BIG FIC"? go look through the ao3 tag and find something you like to read, it doesn't have to be what everyone else is reading.

Headcanons are not law. People can think whatever they want about the characters. If you disagree with someone's hc, just move on... and just because a headcanon is popular, doesn't mean everyone has to abide by it. Be creative!

Don't treat artists and authors like celebs! We're all in this together! We're all losers who like the same characters and ships. Of course, compliment and be kind to all creators because we put a lot of time and effort into creating fan content for you all, but don't worship anyone. Don't treat them weirdly or make a post like "omg x followed me!" that's a bit weird. If you want to be excited, dm your friends and giggle together, but acting like authors and artists etc. are celebs only creates the room for people to stop seeing them as normal people and start acting rude or entitled. And many people are uncomfortable with it!!

TLDR; stop creating so much negativity in fandom spaces. At least in MY fandom it's just constantly shitting on ships, fics, art. It's hate anons, antis, and constant fighting about every headcanon. I'M TIRED OF IT! Learn to filter out content you don't want to see, and move on with your life instead of spreading more negativity.

If you have anything you think I should add shoot me a comment or an ask and I will add it! I'm sure I didn't get everything :) this mostly applies to my own experience being in the hp/marauders fandom for a good 10+ years, and I'm sure it varies slightly from fandom to fandom.

[queenothegeeks]

Awkward creator reader drabbles

This is based off a previous post about the reader being an awkward creator.

(warning, this all based off of chaotic ideas me and a friend had while on call, and this is not beta read, so I apologize for any bad spelling or grammar)

Imagine, just, having tea with Zhongli, and he's just talking about wine or something boring idk, and he notices that you look a little zoned out, like, eyes glazed over, mind clearly elsewhere. While he’s worrying about The Creator not liking him or whatever, you are just trying to figure out how to process being in another world, with all these people that you know everything about, but at the same time, don’t know anything at all. 

When you notice him looking at you weird and not talking anymore, you worry that you may have missed something important. So you just blurt out the first thing that came to mind, to fill the silence. 

“It's kinda funny that you're working under Hu Tao. She’s like, a billion years younger than you. Also, you should cool it on the adventuring, you might throw your back out gramps.”

And then, realizing what you said, you just grab your now lukewarm  (yes, he was talking for that long) cup of tea (or whatever else you want if you don’t drink tea)  and take a long sip, trying to hide your red face. 

(Bonus, you choked on your tea) 

Imagine going to Fontaine, and just gawking at the scenery there. Imagine, in order to find out about where in the timeline you are (and because you want to see some of your favorite characters) you decide to go to the opera house, and see if there's a trial going on, where you can ask Furina or Neuvillette about the wellbeing of Fontaine. Instead, you find a flier for Lyney and Lynette's magic show at a nearby theater. Deciding to go, you pay the ticket master, who looks in slight shock as the creator buys back row seats like a normal person (you were too scared to ask for a better seat while paying, so you just asked for the cheapest one) 

Sitting down, you wait nervously for the show to start, all being completely ignorant of the panic and rumors backstage. 

“The creators here! At our show!?”

“Calm down, it's fine, we don’t even know if it’s true.”

And, just to stir the pot, a tall lady sits next to you. You feel like you should know her from somewhere, she just seems so… familiar. 

Realizing you had been staring for quite a while, you turn your head back to the stage, waiting for the show to start. About midway through the show, you realize who it is you are sitting next to.

The knave, fourth of the Fatui harbingers. 

At the end of the performance, you shift in your seat, suddenly wayyyyyy more self-conscious than you were at the beginning of the show.  Wanting to say everything and nothing at the same time, you decide it's best to shut your mouth for the time being. It’s probably not even her, why worry-

“Excuse my rudeness, would you happen to be the creator?”

She knew you were of course, hence why she chose to sit next to you, instead of the front row seat that was reserved for her, as it always was at one of her children's performances. 

“I.. am… but you can call me y/n! I don’t really like fancy titles or anything! Would you be the Knave? Or do you prefer Arlecchino? ack-wait , sorry. I’ll shut up now, let's start fresh, what do you think of the show?”

You half say-half shout, flailing your hands around, and then shrinking in your seat, trying to become as small as possible. Arlecchino chuckles.

“I think it was a lovely performance, as they always are. My children are very talented, you know.” 

“Y-yeah! They're really great! I have to go! Great meeting you miss-Arlecchino-Knave-ma’am” 

You say as you bolt out of the room, the embarrassment and social awkwardness you naturally possess driving your feet. 

(Bouns, you tripped over your own feet and wanted the floor to swallow you whole) 

@lorkai

[hoshifighting]

The Perfumist

Synopsis: As Joshua, a master perfumist with an uncanny ability to blend scents that tell stories, joins forces with Y/N, a bold and ambitious businesswoman, their collaboration becomes a journey into uncharted territory. Beyond the aromatic world of fragrances, an electric chemistry begins to simmer between them, like an intoxicating perfume that lingers in the air.

Word count: 4.8k

Reader! Businesswoman, Joshua Hong! Perfumist

Warnings: smut, joshua dom for a while, oral (f. receiving), fingering (f. receiving), penetrative sex, smacking, unprotected sex, overstimulation, exhaustion, biting, hair pulling, etc.

Y/N, a successful businesswoman with a thriving beauty empire, found herself on a quest to create the next iconic fragrance for her brand. After much research and countless recommendations, she heard about Joshua Hong, a renowned perfumist whose creations were whispered to be nothing short of olfactory masterpieces.

Determined to make her vision a reality, Y/N contacted Joshua and arranged a meeting at his prestigious perfumery nestled in a charming corner of the city. As she drove up in her sleek imported car, the anticipation of the meeting ahead filled the air. Y/N, dressed in a chic ensemble that mirrored her business prowess, stepped out of her car and left the vehicle in the hands of the valet.

Entering Joshua's establishment, the delicate chime of a bell announced her arrival. The perfumery, with its exquisite crystal bottles and intoxicating scents, captivated her senses. The air was alive with a myriad of fragrances, each telling its own story.

Little did she know, Joshua was watching her entrance with keen interest from behind the counter. His sharp senses instantly caught the alluring notes of her fragrance—sweet, velvety, and sensual—creating an invisible trail that left an indelible mark on the air. He couldn't help but be intrigued by the mysterious woman who had just walked into his world.

As Y/N approached Joshua, his eyes met hers, and he couldn't shake the enchantment that her presence brought. With a warm smile, he extended a hand in greeting.

"Welcome, Y/N. I've been eagerly anticipating our meeting," Joshua said, his eyes reflecting genuine interest.

Y/N, impressed by the ambiance of the perfumery and the charisma of the perfumist, reciprocated the smile. "The pleasure is mine, Joshua. I've heard so much about your talent, and I believe you're the one who can bring my vision to life."

Joshua, ever the observant perfumist, couldn't resist a bold statement, "I must say, your choice of fragrance is impeccable. I couldn't help but identify it the moment you walked in."

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise. "You guessed it on the first try?" she exclaimed, a mixture of amazement and curiosity in her voice.

Joshua chuckled, "It's my job to understand and appreciate scents. Yours, however, is truly exceptional. I can't help but wonder if it's a reflection of the woman who wears it."

The second visit to Joshua's perfumery was a delightful continuation of their collaboration. Y/N couldn't help but admire the delicate bottles that adorned the shelves, each holding a promise of olfactory enchantment. The soft glow of the ambient lighting added a touch of magic to the air. As she explored the fragrant haven, Joshua appeared from behind the shelves, a smile playing on his lips as he greeted her. "Y/N, I'm delighted to see you again. How 'bout we hit up the workstation?”

Y/N reciprocated the smile, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Absolutely, Joshua. I'm eager to be a part of the process."

Joshua gestured for her to join him at the workstation, where vials of concentrated fragrance and meticulously prepared ingredients awaited. As they began the process of diluting the concentrated fragrance into the solvent, Y/N couldn't resist a playful comment, "I'm just thankful I didn't have a bout of rhinitis today. Imagine sneezing and ruining the masterpiece!"

Joshua chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Yes, that would have been a tragedy. You might have missed out on some exceptional elements I prepared just for you."

Their banter infused the air with a light-hearted energy, and Y/N found herself drawn to Joshua's warmth and charm, as they diluted the concentrated fragrance in the solvent, the chemistry between them became palpable. Joshua made sure Y/N was involved in every step, explaining the significance of each ingredient and the artistry behind the blending process. It was more than a collaboration; it was an intimate dance of creativity. 

As they worked side by side, Joshua, ever the attentive perfumist, ensured she was an active participant in the process. His forearm brushed against hers, and he couldn't help but feel a subtle electric charge between them. In a moment of shared laughter, as they bottled the fragrance, their hands worked in harmony, and the tension between them seemed to intensify. The subtle exchange of glances, the proximity of their bodies, and the shared laughter painted the perfumery with an atmosphere of undeniable connection. 

Joshua, with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, held small testers close to Y/N's nose, inviting her to experience the evolving fragrances they were crafting together, her fingers instinctively wrapped around Joshua's forearm as he presented a particularly captivating fragrance. The touch was fleeting, but the connection felt profound. Joshua, in turn, felt a surge of warmth coursing through him. 

As the weeks passed, Joshua and Y/N's collaboration on the fragrance project became more than just a professional endeavor — it blossomed into a shared passion that drew them closer each day. Today marked the culmination of their efforts, and as they stood before the finished masterpiece, a sense of accomplishment and anticipation hung in the air. With a warm smile, Joshua asked her to wait for a moment. He disappeared behind the counter, returning with a small bag adorned with a beautiful bow. Handing it to her shyly, "I wanted to give you a little gift, something as a token of gratitude for this incredible job we've shared."

Curiosity danced in Y/N's eyes as she carefully untied the bow and opened the bag. Inside lay a breathtaking glass bottle, a true work of art. The bottle was a delicate crystal, intricately designed with swirling patterns that caught the light in a mesmerizing dance. The stopper, adorned with a silver crest, added a touch of elegance to the piece. Y/N's fingers traced the contours of the bottle, marveling at its beauty. "Joshua, this is stunning. What is it?" Joshua grinned, his eyes filled with pride. "Open the tap and try it yourself."

She opened the tap, and a fragrant mist enveloped her senses. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply. A smile lit up her face. "This smells amazing, Joshua!" He chuckled relieved, his gaze fixed on her. "It will smell even better on your skin, I promise. I made sure the fragrance absorbs well into your skin."

Gently taking the bottle from her hands, Joshua guided Y/N's hair back with utmost delicacy. She tilted her head back, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. The vulnerability of the moment was palpable as he, with a gulp, admired the view before him. With a careful hand, Joshua sprayed the perfume, letting the fragrant mist settle on Y/N's skin. A sigh escaped her lips, and a delighted smile graced her face. He had poured his creativity, passion, and affection into crafting a fragrance that was not only a work of art but a personalized gift for her. 

Joshua, still caught in the enchantment of the moment, looked at Y/N with sincerity in his eyes. "Y/N, this fragrance is one of a kind. No one else will have a perfume like this because it was crafted specifically for you."

Y/N's eyes widened with surprise and appreciation. "Really? That's incredibly thoughtful, Joshua. I can't believe you put so much effort into making something so unique."

"Whenever you wear this, remember that it's a scent that belongs to you and only you. A fragrance born out of creativity and the moments we've spent together." He says holding her hand.

Y/N smiled, clutching the bottle close to her heart. "I will cherish it always, Joshua. Thank you for creating something so special for me." A surge of gratitude and affection compelled her to express her feelings. With a soft smile, she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Joshua's cheek. His heart fluttered at the unexpected gesture, and a warmth spread through him.

As Y/N began to make her way toward the exit, she turned back to Joshua with a twinkle in her eye. "See you at the perfume launch, right?"

"Of course!" Joshua replied with enthusiasm. The prospect of showcasing their creation to the world, and seeing Y/N again, filled him with anticipation.

With a final smile, Y/N left the perfumery, leaving Joshua standing amidst the scented air, still savoring the warmth from her kiss. As the door closed behind her, he let out a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through him. He couldn't help but marvel at how a project that started as a professional collaboration had transformed into something more. The simple act of Y/N's kiss on his cheek had awakened emotions he hadn't anticipated. Joshua couldn't suppress the grin that crept onto his face as he gave a small slap on the wooden counter, the sound echoing through the perfumery.

[…]

The night of the perfume launch was aglow with excitement and elegance. Y/N stood in the midst of the store, where the air was alive with the mingling scents of their creation. Guests admired the exquisite bottles displayed on elegant tables, sharing compliments about the unique and captivating fragrance. With a glass of champagne in hand, Y/N found herself scanning the crowd, her eyes searching for the one person who had become an integral part of this journey—Joshua. The room was filled with a buzz of conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, but her attention was focused on finding that man with beautiful eyes and a breathtaking smile.

"Looking for someone, darling?" a soft voice whispered near her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Y/N turned, and there he was—Joshua, looking dashing in a well-tailored suit, his eyes reflecting warmth and his smile as captivating as ever. A surge of joy and relief washed over her.

"Joshua!" she exclaimed, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "You made it!"

He nodded, a twinkle in his eyes. "Himself."

Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of completeness as Joshua joined her side. Together, they stood amidst the celebration of their collaborative effort. The store, adorned with the fruits of their labor, was a testament to their shared creativity and the journey that had brought them to this moment.

As they mingled with the guests, sharing stories of the perfume's creation and accepting compliments with humility, Y/N and Joshua couldn't help but steal glances at each other. The air was charged with a shared sense of accomplishment and a silent understanding of the connection they had forged.

[…]

The event had come to a close, and the salon was now quiet, its walls echoing the laughter and conversations that had filled the air earlier. Y/N, exhausted but exhilarated, took a moment to herself in front of the mirror. She smiled at her reflection, appreciating the effort she had put into presenting herself for the evening.

As she lowered her head, taking a deep breath to alleviate the fatigue that had settled in her body, Joshua's voice, low and warm, broke the silence. "Sorry about saying this just now, but you look stunning..."

Y/N looked at him through the reflection of the mirror, not turning around. "You're still here?" she inquired, her gaze shifting to the empty street visible through the large windows.

"Oh! Sorry, should I go? I just wanted to make sure to say goodbye to you, properly" he replied.

"You can stay. Don't worry about it," Y/N reassured him.

Joshua walked closer to her, and she observed him through the mirror once again. He stopped when his chest was almost pressed against her back. "So... goodbye?" he asked, looking at her figure in front of him.

She turned around to face him, and their proximity was undeniable. "In a proper way, you said?" she teased.

"Mhmm," he responded, his hand finding her waist while the other cupped the side of her neck. His gaze lingered on her lips, waiting for the courage to take over.

Without further words, he closed the gap between them, pressing his lips against hers. Y/N, surprised at first, quickly melted into the kiss. Joshua held her close, his grip firm yet gentle. A soft moan escaped him as he savored the sensation of her soft lips against his, the world outside disappearing as they lost themselves in the shared moment. Joshua's hand on Y/N's waist tightened slightly, pulling her closer. His other hand, still cradling the side of her neck, allowed his fingers to gently trace the contour of her jaw. Y/N, overcome by the intensity of the moment, responded with equal fervor. Her hands found their way to Joshua's shoulders, fingers gripping the fabric of his suit. The gentle exploration of their tongues became a seamless exchange, a language spoken only between them.

The salon, once a canvas for showcasing their creation, now bore witness to a different kind of artistry—a passionate interplay of two souls drawn together by the magnetic pull of shared longing. Soft sighs escaped them as the kiss deepened, a silent acknowledgment of the emotions that had simmered beneath the surface. Breaking away for a moment, they gazed into each other's eyes, breathless and vulnerable. The reflection in the mirror captured the aftermath of their shared desire, the air around them still charged with the electricity of the kiss.

"I... I didn't plan for that," Joshua admitted, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and longing.

Y/N smiled, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Sometimes, the best moments are the ones unplanned."

He chuckled, his thumb gently brushing over her lower lip. "I suppose you're right." He says touching their lips again. 

The intensity of the moment hung in the air as Y/N and Joshua continued to revel in the aftermath of their passionate kiss. A low, involuntary moan escaped Y/N's lips, a visceral reaction to the electric connection between their bodies.

Joshua, his eyes darkened with desire, felt the vibration of her moan reverberate through him. He tightened his embrace, drawing her even nearer, their bodies molded together in a dance of longing. The chemistry between them was undeniable, a magnetic pull that seemed to transcend the physical space around them.

Their breaths mingled, warm and unsteady, filling the silence of the salon. The scent of their perfume creation lingered, adding an intoxicating layer to the charged atmosphere. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as they held onto each other, bodies pressed intimately close. Y/N, with a soft sigh, tilted her head slightly, inviting Joshua to explore the delicate curve of her neck. The tender, vulnerable skin there seemed to beckon him, and he responded instinctively, placing a lingering kiss along the exposed skin. The sensation sent shivers down Y/N's spine, her fingers tightening their grip on Joshua's shoulders.

With a graceful turn, Joshua shifted Y/N, their bodies now intimately close. His chest pressed against her back, and her hips brushed against his in a magnetic alignment of desire. 

Joshua's hands traced a slow and deliberate path down the smooth expanse of Y/N's back, his touch sending shivers through her as he explored the exposed skin. The backless dress, a subtle invitation, offered a canvas for his gentle exploration. As his hands reached the lower edge of the dress, he paused, feeling the delicate fabric against his fingertips. With a deliberate and tender touch, he lowered the dress strap, revealing more of her bare skin. The fabric slid down, unveiling the elegant curve of her back and the tantalizing allure of the moment.

In the hushed aftermath of their intimate encounter, Joshua's voice, a low and intimate murmur, broke through the silence. "I could recognize this smell anywhere. It's you," he confessed, his words carrying a depth of connection that went beyond the physical. "This scent is yours, and now, it's etched into every part of me," he murmured. 

As the air in the salon crackled with anticipation, Joshua's hands expertly navigated the intricate details of Y/N's dress. With a slow, deliberate movement, the dress found its way to the floor, pooling around her feet like a cascade of silk. The unveiling left Y/N standing in the dim light, her skin bathed in a soft glow, and the air charged with an electric tension.

Joshua's lips, now free from the fabric that had concealed them, hungrily sought the warm expanse of Y/N's neck. As he captured the delicate skin between his teeth, a mixture of pleasure and desire coursed through her, causing her to arch slightly against him. “Ah, Joshua!” 

As he held her close, his touch shifted to her chest, the echo of her moan hung in the air, a melodic response to the tender exploration of Joshua's hands. As he continued to tease and caress. In a breathy whisper, she called his name, the sound a plea and an invitation. Joshua, attuned to her every nuance, looked into her eyes with an intensity that mirrored her own desires. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice a velvety murmur that danced on the edge of anticipation.

Her response was a mixture of vulnerability and longing. 

"You," she admitted, her gaze unwavering. The perfume-laden air seemed to thicken with the weight of unspoken promises, and the mirror reflected the mutual hunger in their eyes.

A seductive smile played on Joshua's lips as he heard her desire, and with a promise in his eyes, he decided to give in to the shared longing. "You can have me," he whispered, the words resonating with a raw sensuality. As the room pulsed with anticipation, Joshua began to reveal his toned body with a deliberate slowness. Piece by piece, fabric slid away, exposing the sculpted contours beneath. The dim light in the salon accentuated the lines of his physique, casting a tantalizing glow on the skin that was now revealed.

Y/N watched with hungry eyes, the air between them thick with desire.

With a confident yet gentle touch, guided her to the counter. The smooth surface cool beneath her skin, she arched slightly, her anticipation palpable. The salon, once a stage for celebration, now transformed into an intimate setting for their shared desires. With a controlled urgency, Joshua pressed his body against hers, bending her over the counter. As he felt the subtle movement of her hips, a soft moan escaped Joshua's lips. 

His hands slides to her stomach, lowering his touch, with a deft touch, Joshua pushed aside the thin and delicate panties. The material yielded under his fingers, revealing the throbbing and wet pussy, waiting for him. He travels his fingers through her folds, making her neck relax, laying her head on the counter. 

Joshua, guided by the unspoken understanding between them, threaded his fingers into Y/N's hair. With a deliberate and slightly rough pull, her head tilted backward, exposing the vulnerable curve of her neck. His other fingers sliding into her pussy in a fast movement. In response to the unexpected sensation, Y/N's lips parted in an "O" of pleasure. 

Joshua, attuned to the nuances of Y/N's responses, felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere as her moans filled the salon. A furrow formed on his brow, a mixture of concentration and desire. As he continued to work his skilled fingers, he couldn't help but be captivated by the sounds of her pleasure. "You like that, don't you?" he murmured, his voice a velvety whisper that hung in the air, a question loaded with a deep understanding of their shared desires. 

"Answer me," Joshua's command, accompanied by a tightening grip on Y/N's hair, hung in the air like a potent force, demanding her response. 

Overwhelmed by the intensity of the sensations coursing through her, Y/N found herself unable to form coherent words, so she nods affirmaly.

She feels a hard slap displayed on her ass, flesh burning at the sensation. “Answer me properly!" The curling of Joshua's fingers added a new layer of sensation, a deliberate move that intensified her pleasure, making her scream gripping the counter tighter. 

"Y-Yes" she stutters, her response carrying the weight of submission and arousal. 

Y/N, overcome by the intoxicating sensations, found herself unable to contain the urgency in her voice. Her breathless whispers turned into a plea as she begged Joshua for more.

"Please, more," she gasped, her voice carrying a mixture of need and desire. The air in the salon seemed to vibrate with the charged energy of their intimate exchange.

Joshua, reveling in the power dynamics of their connection, looked into her eyes with an intensity that mirrored her own desires. "Tell me what you want," he commanded, his voice a low and authoritative murmur.

Her response, a melodic blend of pleasure and assertiveness, filled the room. “Fuck!.. I want to you fuck me!” she declared, the words tinged with both urgency and a hint of aggressiveness. 

Joshua, savoring the dynamics of their intimate exchange, bit his lip with a subtle sense of amusement. "Getting angry, are we?" he teased, a chuckle escaping his lips. The air in the salon held a charged tension, a delicate balance between pleasure and the edge of something more.

Y/N, caught in the whirlwind of conflicting emotions, whined in response. Tears began to roll down her face, a manifestation of the intense mixture of pleasure, desire, and vulnerability that enveloped her. Her pleas became more urgent as she begged Joshua for the fulfillment of her desires. He looks at her situation, arousal already dripping on his fingers, following the way to the floor.

He decides to kneel, spreading her legs, so he can suck her clit, hot tongue flicking the sensitive bud fast. Y/N grabs his hair, screaming his name repeatedly, not being able to hold the knot in her stomach, feeling a wave of weakness washing over her.

Joshua's voice took on a tone of authority as he declared, "You're such a bad girl. I didn't give you permission to cum.” The words hung in the air, laced with a mix of playful scolding and a deeper undertone of dominance. "You're so mean Joshua…” 

Joshua, with a smirk, retorted, "And you're mean for teasing me all this time. Did you think I wouldn't notice the touches, the way you let your shirt fall off your shoulder, or those looks you gave me?" His words carried a subtle mix of reproach and amusement. He continued, sliding his dick inside of her slowly. "I had to control myself at max. You're not innocent in all of this… Oh!” 

Y/N, caught off guard by the sudden shift, gasped in both surprise and delight. He starts to fuck her fast, the intimate sounds of their connection filled the salon. The rhythmic slapping of skin against skin echoed in the space, creating a sensual symphony.

He found that perfect spot that sent a jolt of sensation through Y/N's body. In response, Y/N tightened, her body instinctively reacting to the exquisite touch that sparked an intense surge of pleasure. As the intimate dance of pleasure continued, Joshua, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, couldn't help but let out a whimper. He laid his head on Y/N's shoulder, the vulnerable gesture mirroring the profound connection they shared. Joshua, seeking confirmation, asked, "Is it right here?" In response, Y/N, caught in the throes of pleasure, answered with a mantra of "Yes, yes, yes, yes." 

As Y/N turned her neck, revealing her face to Joshua, she met his gaze with an aroused expression, intensifying the connection between them. Her subtle yet deliberate move invited him to witness the raw desire reflected in her eyes. Joshua, captivated by the sight, felt a surge of arousal as he quickened his movements. In response to the escalating pleasure, he couldn't help but moan, the sound carrying a mix of desire and a hint of vulnerability. The salon, once a space for artistic creation, had become a theater for the unbridled expression of their shared passion.

"Please, don't do this to me" he murmured closing his eyes. 

Sensing the impending wave of pleasure, he stops keeping his dick deep inside of her, making her knees tremble when she feels the tip of his cock pressing hardly on her g spot. Joshua pulled Y/N's hair with a rough grip. The sudden, forceful gesture was met with a gasp from Y/N, who instinctively sought to stifle any potential scream by taking in a sharp breath. 

Y/N responded with a rhythm of tightening and loosening, caught in the throes of pleasure. Joshua, feeling the flow of her reactions, rolled his eyes back in a moment of bliss “Fuck, fuck, fuck! Stop doing that, I’ll cum!” He cries. 

Her, with a breathless yet commanding voice, told Joshua, "Let it come." Her words carried a mix of encouragement and desire, urging him to fully embrace the impending release.

Joshua, attuned to her guidance, allowed himself to surrender to the oncoming wave of pleasure, moving his hips again. His cum dripping her puffy pussy, while he keep going fast, feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, found solace on the crook of Y/N's neck. Tears welled up in his eyes, the oversensitivity taking him, while he motivates himself to bring her own climax. 

His fingers plays with one of her nipples, while the other rubs her clit fast. Joshua’s sensitive moans on her ear, made her orgasm take care of her entire body. As Y/N's knees gave way, she felt a rush of overwhelming sensations, and her vision blurred into a sea of white. The echoes of Joshua's voice reached her as if from a distance, muffled by the intensity of the moment. Her body quivered with the aftermath of their shared climax, and she felt a wave of weakness washing over her.

Joshua, sensing her faltering strength, reacted with widened eyes. He held her tightly to his chest, a mixture of concern and tenderness etched on his face. With genuine worry, he called out to her, asking if she was okay and calling her name. 

Joshua swiftly reacted, gently sitting her on the counter. He wrapped his arms around her trembling body, cradling her face in his hands. "Oh my god," Joshua murmured, his voice a tender mix of relief and worry. He held her close, the aftershocks of their shared release still coursing through both of them. Y/N, gradually awakening from the profound experience, felt the warmth of Joshua's embrace and the reassurance in his voice. As Y/N gradually regained her composure, Joshua, still holding her close, looked into her eyes with genuine concern. "Are you okay, darling?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of worry and tenderness.

With a weak yet appreciative smile, Y/N managed to muster a soft "Yes." She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss at the corner of Joshua's mouth, a silent gesture of gratitude for the care and support he had provided. "You scared me," he admitted, a mixture of playfulness and sincerity in his tone. Y/N, still catching her breath, smiled at Joshua. "Sorry, it was just too good," she said, her eyes reflecting a sense of satisfaction and amusement. 

As they began to dress, the atmosphere in the salon retained the lingering echoes of their shared laughter and the sweet, velvety notes of their fragrance. Y/N, looking up at Joshua, couldn't help but playfully continue their banter, "Who would have thought a perfumery collaboration could lead to such... discoveries?" Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of playfulness and affection.

Joshua, still savoring the joyous atmosphere, responded with a tender smile, "Life is full of surprises, isn't it?" They shared a moment of quiet contemplation, appreciating the twists and turns that had enriched their journey and deepened their connection. As they finished dressing and the air in the salon began to settle, Joshua, still sensitive to Y/N's well-being, asked with genuine concern, "Would you like to rest?"

Y/N, appreciating his thoughtfulness, nodded with a grateful smile. "Yes, that sounds nice."

Joshua suggested, "My apartment is nearby. We can go there if you'd like."

[dyhlanobrien]

first kiss prompts

'' you sure you wanna do this? ''

'' we can take things slow. ''

'' you're the best first kiss i've ever had. ''

'' i'm quite nervous. ''

'' you're doing good. ''

'' close your eyes. ''

'' i've never done this before. ''

'' i want [our first kiss] to be special. ''

'' no pressure or anything. ''

'' i thought [the kiss] was great. not that i have much to compare to. ''

'' wanna practice? ''

'' just get it over with. i'm tired of not knowing what it feels like. ''

'' i'm gonna remember this for a while. ''

'' i like kissing you. ''

'' that... was terrible. sorry. ''

'' do you wanna make out? ''

'' i really want to kiss you right now. ''

'' kiss me and you'll find out. ''

'' permission to lean in? '' '' permission granted. ''

'' i'm not a delicate flower. kiss me like you mean it. ''

'' if anybody were to kiss me... i would want that person to be you. ''

'' i've been wanting to kiss you for a while. ''

'' teach me how to do it. ''

'' are you nervous? ''

'' i don't want you to be disappointed. ''

'' can i get another one? ''

'' why don't you come inside? ''

'' i haven't mastered the art of kissing yet. ''

'' you're a great kisser. ''

'' teach me. ''

'' is there such a thing as love at first kiss? ''

'' kiss me again, but don't stop this time. ''

'' can i kiss you? ''

'' wanna go slow? ''

'' if you're uncomfortable, or think it's too much, pull away. ''

'' i love it when you kiss me. ''

'' it's important that you're comfortable. ''

'' it's cute, this thing you're doing. '' '' being all nervous? ''

'' how far do you wanna go tonight? ''

'' i can't have my first kiss be with some stranger, so could you please practice with me? ''

'' i don't want your first kiss to be terrible. ''

'' you've never kissed anyone before? ''

'' you're going to have to guide me through this. ''

'' do i just... close my eyes and lean in? ''

'' [our first kiss] is going to be magical. ''

'' of course i want to kiss you. ''

'' you just can't help yourself, can you? ''

'' kiss me. ''

'' i would love to kiss you, actually. ''

'' you mean—you and me? kissing? ''

'' and right now, i think you should kiss me. ''

'' this is nerve-racking! ''

'' did i do good? ''

'' you did wonderful. can't wait to do it again. ''

'' did we just kiss? ''

'' you kissed me first. '' '' i definitely didn't. ''

'' we don't have to do this if you don't want to. ''

'' you were literally all over me. not that i mind. ''

'' why won't you come here for a second? ''

'' don't speak. just kiss me. ''

'' come kiss me. ''

'' did you enjoy it? ''

'' how was it? ''

'' can we do it again? ''

'' holy shit—that was awesome! ''

'' kiss me again. ''

'' oh. my. god. ''

'' you should call me sometime. ''

'' that was pretty nice. ''

'' wow... that was unexpected. ''

'' pretty nice, huh? ''

'' one of us should probably say something. ''

'' you're blushing. '' '' i know. ''

P.S. these are not mine. I found them on a deactivated blog, and I was unable to reblog. But I really want them to be sharable, so here they are. Enjoy, use, tag me in your creations.

[kimberly-spirits13]

Please Don't Leave (Fear Gas)

Jason Todd x vigilante reader

Synopsis: After returning from a mission to take down an organization similar to the one that trained you to be a powerful assassin when you were little, all you want to do is shower. Life is peaceful waiting for Jason to come hime until you get a call from Stephanie saying that Jason was blasted with fear gas.

Warnings: Mentions of needles, IV's, trauma, death, PTSD, that kind of stuff

FYI: Reader was raised in a Red Room type place and has powerful magic but it's not a super important part of the story, it's just mentioned

Word Count: 2488

It was late at night, and you were winding down to shower and go to sleep. Tonight, was your night off after being away on a short mission for the League. You were tired and sore all over, and all you wanted to do was freshen up and wait for your boyfriend to come home so that you could sleep. Jason was meant to be home in around 20 minutes, and you were waiting for him to come back. Steam from the shower filled the room and you stepped into the shower and closed the door behind you. The lather of your shampoo in your hair made a bubbling feeling on your scalp and the smell of your shampoo created a calming feeling around you. Ease washed down your spine as you turned washed the shampoo from your face and started conditioning your hair when your phone suddenly lit up. You wiped your eyes and got the conditioner out of the way so that you wouldn’t get it in your eyes. The caller ID read “Steph” and a feeling of dread creating a gaping pit in your stomach.  

            “Hey Steph.” You answered, “What’s wrong?”

            “Are you in the shower, not on patrol?” She asked, “Never mind, just, Jason got hurt bad and we need you at the Manor ASAP.”

            “Okay I’m coming, uh-“ A sense of urgency got you moving faster than you’d want to be at this hour, “what happened, what’s wrong?”

            “Scarecrow bust gone wrong. He created a new toxin that is more intense than usual. It makes you relive physical feelings with phantom pain.” “We’re five minutes ETA from the cave. Jason keeps calling out for you and it’s the only way to lower his heart rate before he has a heart attack. He’s reliving the night in the warehouse Y/N.”

            “Okay, okay I’m coming” You got choked up talking to her.

            Realizing that your sense of dread was right, you put Steph on the speaker and started washing the rest of your conditioner as fast as possible. There was no time for drying your hair and you got into clothes as fast as possible as Stephanie explained what was going on. You started running towards your door and grabbed the emergency duffle bag that you kept in the closet in case something like this happened. Sprinting towards the front door in a cold sweat, you locked it and realized that your lights were still on.

            “Lumine off (lights off)!” You snapped a finger towards your lights and the apartment went dark.

            You held onto your bag and took a breath, closing your eyes and thinking about Wayne Manor, “suscipe me huc (take me here).” 

            It was quiet all the sudden, with a breeze filling the room around you and a bright light dropping you on your feet. When you opened your eyes again, you were in the living room of the manor where you suspected someone would be.

            “Ms. Y/N!” Alfred stood with a quick bewilderment, clearly expecting you to use the front door and not the living room as an entrance, “Master Todd is in the cave. I shall lead the way.”

            You and Alfred started for the cave, your bag still in hand and anxiety becoming more and more intense. Alfred pressed a button into the clock and an elevator was revealed. Starting into the elevator first, you pressed the button for the cave before Alfred had a chance to.

            “Sorry about the scare Alfred.” You said suddenly realizing that you had startled the sweet man.

            “Oh no worries. I’ve plenty a fright with this gaggle of vigilantes.” He said this with a smile in his voice, trying to make you feel less intense. 

            You gave him a smile before returning to a worried, slightly stoic expression. When the bell chimed and the elevator door opened, you ran towards the med bay where you saw Dick and Bruce hauling Jason to the table. Jason’s eyes were rolling back into his head, and he was coming in and out of consciousness. You ran over and helped support his body weight so that you could be close to him. Jason was screaming something about the Joker. He was flinching and convulsing like he was being hit repeatedly. As Dick and Bruce hauled him closer to you, trying not to get punched.

            “We got him here as fast as we could, he got a direct hit jumping to stop Scarecrow from releasing the gas into the water supply.” Dick explained as you held onto Jason and Bruce barked out orders to everyone around.

            “Okay, alright, Jason, look at me babe Jay!” you set him down on the table and held him up by his sides, “Jay I’m here, you’re okay, you’re alright. Hey, hey! Calm down, you can do it love. Breathe for me, you’re okay I promise.”

            Jason held his head up and looked at you with bloodshot eyes. His pupils were blown out and he was shaking with cold sweat. 

            “Y/N/N?” He muttered out quietly in sobs, “I need you; I need you. Help me.”

            “I’m right here Jay, lay down. Breathe for me Jay.” You started pushing him back lightly so that Dick could hook him to an IV and get antidote going.

            Dick came up behind you and got the shot ready for Jason when Jason’s eyes went wider than you thought possible, and he started pulling you towards him and screaming like he was being set alight.

            “Y/N, no!” Jason shrieked and started throwing punches towards Dick like he was fighting for his life, “Get away from her Joker!” 

            Dick ducked behind you and away from Jason’s sight, realizing that Jason was hallucinating again. The poking of the IV and Jason being pushed backwards caused him to grab onto you and start screaming hysterically. A look of absolute terror filled his face, and he started calling for you again screaming for help. 

            “No please! Y/N where are you?” Jason started flailing around and you called for Dick to get a sedative since he couldn’t handle being laid down.

            “Jay, honey I’m right here, right here. Joker isn’t here, you’re okay. I’m okay.” You grabbed his cheeks with your hands and pulled his face towards you. To relax him as much as possible ran your thumb over his cheek and pushed the hair in his face out of the way. Jason held your arm as gently as he could, even in as much stress as he was in, and looked at you like you were a lifeline. 

            Dick came over and injected a sedative into Jason’s arm while you were keeping him distracted. Jason shot his eyes over to where he felt a pinch on his arm and started gasping for air like he was dying. It was like he was reliving his death all over again. His eyes shot back to you, and he started crying harder.

            “Please don’t leave me. I’m going to die, please stay with me.” He cried to you.

            “It’s okay Jason, I’m not leaving, I’m right here, you’re okay. Close your eyes and breathe for me Jay.” You ran your fingers through his hair as his labored breathing became less and less abrasive. 

            “Don’t leave me.” Jason’s eyes dropped shut one last time and he went limp on the table. It was quiet in the cave again.

            You didn’t let go of Jason’s face and tears welled in your eyes before you blinked them away and sniffled. Dick was still standing next to Jason monitoring his pulse which was now evening out as much as it could. 

            “Y/N, I’m sorry this happened I-“ Bruce came over to you and laid a hand on your shoulder. His mask was off, and you could tell that he had cried at one point. He was upset seeing Jason reliving everything that he had been through, just as the rest of you were.

            “It’s okay Bruce, it’s not your fault.” You sighed heavily, realizing that your hair was still dripping from your shower, “Where’s Scarecrow now?” 

            “You’re not going after him.” Bruce said, “GCPD has him under tight supervision in Arkham.”

            “He should be in Black Gate and not some mental asylum. He knows what he’s doing.” You said, “And you know his gasses don’t affect me anymore B.” 

            “I know that but-“ You cut Bruce off before he could finish.

            “Besides I promised Jason, I wouldn’t leave him, and I hold fast to my promises.” 

            Bruce nodded, “Tim, Damian, and Cass made sure he didn’t get away. Damian reportedly put Crain in a temporary coma.” 

            “Maybe Crain won’t wake up.” You muttered under your breath as you took Jason’s hands in yours. 

            Tim came inside the cave along with the rest of the heroes. “How’s he doing?” 

            “His vitals have stabilized, we narrowly avoided him going into cardiac arrest.” Dick reported, “we should clean his wounds and get him out of his uniform.” 

            “Antidote hasn’t fully kicked in yet, we need to wait before he’s not under the influence of toxins anymore.” You said, “removing the IV will trigger another attack.” 

            “Someone needs to watch him too. Incase his vitals flip, or he wakes up.” Tim said, “Who takes first shift?” 

            “I’ve got shifts.” You said, “Go hit the hay.”

            “Y/N, you can’t stay here alone.” Dick said, “Someone can stay with you.”

            “That’s fine, but either way, I’m not leaving.” You spoke. 

            “You have to sleep at some point, eat, use the bathroom.” Dick was trying to convince you to get to sleep. He knew that your mission was arduous and had to have taken a toll on you. The League had called you on a mission to help locate and dismantle a group of assassins, like the ones you were trained with as a child, using magic to increase the abilities and reach of the organization. You were the most familiar with the group’s tactics, and the most powerful member in the league to deal with this, so naturally, you were sent. The mission took a mental toll of you because of the similarity it had to your childhood, and you needed the rest to recuperate. 

            “Dick it’s okay. We don’t need two people going manic over nightmares tonight and if I need something; I can literally wave my fingers to make it happen.” You waved your fingers around, creating a blue hued light around them to prove a point.

            Not wanting to continue to argue, Dick subsided and went to hit the showers with everyone else before coming back downstairs to keep you company. He had brought you a blanket and another little pillow, knowing that you wouldn’t get up and leave Jason. 

            A few hours later Jason was dressed into something more comfortable that wasn’t his suit and his wounds were disinfected and stitched where they needed. You had fallen asleep and woken up a few times while keeping watch. A day had passed since Jason’s run in now and you were exhausted. One of the times that you had woken up, you realized that Jason was stirring. You looked at him, watching for signs that he was waking or going back to sleep. Looking at the time, you saw that it was 2:46 AM. The blue light from the Bat Computer lit up the cave gently.

            “Y/N?” Jason called out quietly while moving himself to where he thought you were.

            “Hey Jason.” You said quietly, “I’m right here love.”

            “Did I die?” He asked, searching for an answer in your face.

            “No Jay, you didn’t. You’re right here, you’re okay Jay.” You said, tears starting to well in your eyes again.

            “Don’t cry Y/N.” He lifted his arm and whipped under your eyes, “You know, I didn’t want to see you again like this doll.”

            You let out a small laugh through your nose, smiling a little, “you scared me so much Jay.”

            “I’m sorry Y/N, I never try to. I’m so sorry Y/N/N.” He looked sad very suddenly as he was still watching your every move.

            “It’s okay, it’s not your fault. You were just doing your job.” You gave him a knowing look, “At least I was back in town.” 

            “I missed you.” Jason worked his hand up your arm and sat up to kiss you before groaning in pain.

            “I missed you too, now lay down before you bust your stitches.” You helped him lay back down before nestling your head into your crossed arms on the side of the bed.

            “You know that does not look comfortable at all babe.” He said, starting to coax you onto the Med Bay bed he was laying on, “It’s also cold in here. Are you cold? I’m cold.” 

            “If this is your way of telling me you want me to sleep with you in that cot, you could have just said.” You stood up and helped Jason scoot over a bit.

            The quiet hum of the Bat Cave was the only thing that filled the room, along with the soft beeping of the heart monitor. Jason’s breathing was steady, and you thought he was asleep until he started talking again.

            “Were you here the entire time?” He asked, glancing towards you.

            “I told you I wouldn’t leave you.” You said, “I don’t break my promises with you.”

            “Y/N, you know you didn’t have to.” Jason looked guilty, like he committed a crime in keeping you with him.

            “No, no, I needed to stay with you Jay. I couldn’t leave you alone the way you were. I didn’t want you to wake up alone in this place.” You explained, grabbing onto his hand. 

            “I would have found you.” He said softly.

            “That’s the problem. You would have hurt yourself while going looking.” You smirked some, laughing to yourself slightly. 

            “I can’t argue with that.” 

            “How was your mission?” He asked rubbing circles in your palm.

            “It was… a lot.” You sighed, “That was not horrible to relive again at all.”

            There was sarcasm in your voice to hide your hurt when you spoke about the mission. 

            “I know the training you’ve gone through, intense enough that the fear gas doesn’t work on you.” Jason said, “you’ve seen enough that nothing scares you much anymore.”

            “Well, you dear, scared the ever-living life out of me.” You poked his side.

            “I’m sorry.” Jason was endearing and serious now.

            “Jason it’s okay.” You looked at him with intensity, “You did what you had to do. I’m proud of you, not upset with you.” “I love you, Jay.”

            “I love you Y/N.” he said with a softness. 

            Silence drifted over the two of you, and eventually, you were confident enough to fall asleep when Jason had finally drifted asleep. In the morning, you’d worry about sorting out affairs and making sure Jason was alright so that you could go get a good shower after your mission. 

[zapreportsblog]

hi!! can you do volturi x secretary!reader (platonic) who's just TOO GOOD AT HER JOB. she spells carlisle correctly, she doesn't interrupt, and she's like really professional. ALSO YOU FOLLOWED ME BACK LIKE I WAS SO SURRPISRD THANK YOU HAVE A GOOD DAYYAYAYYA

❝she’s just too damn good❞

✭ pairing : volturi x reader

✭ fandom : twilight

✭ summary : (Y/n) is the best damn secretary the volturi could ask for

✭ authors note : aww of course I’d follow you back :)

✭ twilight masterlist

The grand entrance hall of Volterra, Italy, echoed with the weight of centuries-old secrets and power. It was within these ancient stone walls that the Volturi, the ruling vampire coven, held their dominion. Aro, Caius, and Marcus, the three elder vampires who led the coven, sat upon their thrones, their crimson eyes filled with an ageless wisdom.

Their previous secretary had met an unfortunate end, her fate sealed by a single, costly mistake. Now, it was time to find a new secretary, one who could handle the delicate matters that crossed the Volturi's path.

(Y/n), a human with a reputation for competence and diligence, stood before the Volturi leaders. She pushed her glasses up on her face, the light catching the lenses and reflecting an intense determination in her gaze. She had no intention of failing in this prestigious role.

Aro, the most talkative of the trio, addressed her with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I trust you won't follow in our previous secretary's footsteps. Her errors cost her dearly."

(Y/n) met Aro's gaze with unwavering confidence. "No need for the warning, sir. I take my work very seriously. I'm here to ensure that every detail is meticulously attended to."

Caius observed her with a critical eye, his expression stern. "You are aware that our affairs are highly confidential, and discretion is of the utmost importance?"

(Y/n) nodded, her resolve unshaken. "Absolutely, sir. My lips are sealed, and I understand the consequences of breaching that trust."

Marcus, the most reserved of the three, merely regarded her with a measured gaze. "We shall see if your actions align with your words."

(Y/n) straightened her posture, ready to take on her new responsibilities. "You won't be disappointed, gentlemen."

With that, she accepted the role of secretary for the Volturi, stepping into a world of secrecy, power, and ancient vampires. As she walked away, she knew that she had taken on a role unlike any other, one that demanded her utmost dedication and discretion. The reflection of her determination in those glasses was a symbol of the resolve she brought to her new position, one that she intended to uphold at all costs.

(Y/n) settled into her new role as the secretary for the Volturi with a fierce dedication. Her efficiency and attention to detail quickly became apparent to the coven's leaders. Aro, always one to appreciate those who could fulfill his demands promptly, decided to put her to the test.

One afternoon, he strolled into her office, his graceful presence demanding attention. (Y/n) looked up from her desk, her fingers flying across the keyboard of her computer as she organized files and scheduled appointments.

"Ah, (Y/n)," Aro greeted her with his customary smile. "I have a task for you."

(Y/n) nodded, ready to take on any request from her employer. "Of course, master Aro. What do you need?"

Aro explained, "I need you to post an aid about a tour for fifty people for tomorrows feeding, a rather impromptu event. I would like you to schedule it for me.”

(Y/n) didn't miss a beat. She continued typing on her computer, her eyes darting across the screen as she worked her magic with scheduling software. "Consider it done, master Aro."

Aro was taken aback by her speed and efficiency. He had expected this task to take some time, but within mere minutes, (Y/n) turned her screen toward him, displaying a perfectly organized tour for fifty attendees, complete with dates, times, and an itinerary.

His crimson eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and admiration. "You work remarkably fast, (Y/n)."

(Y/n) looked up with a confident smile. "I pride myself on being efficient, master aro. Is there anything else you need?"

Aro chuckled, clearly impressed. "Not at the moment, my dear. Carry on with your excellent work."

As he left her office, (Y/n) couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She had proven her worth to the Volturi leader, and her efficiency would undoubtedly serve her well in this world of secrecy and power.

In the serene garden of the Volturi castle, Marcus often found solace among the flowers that his late mate had once lovingly tended to. He wandered the garden, lost in his own thoughts, the weight of his immortal life bearing down on him.

One day, as he strolled along the carefully manicured paths, Marcus noticed something extraordinary. The flowers that had once withered away had begun to regrow, vibrant and beautiful as if brought back to life by some unseen force. He couldn't help but be struck by the sight, the memories of his mate's love for these flowers flooding his mind.

Marcus approached a lower guard who was on duty nearby, his curiosity piqued. "Who has been taking care of the garden? These flowers, they are flourishing once more."

The lower guard, a vampire who had served the Volturi for centuries, nodded respectfully to Marcus. "It is the human, my lord."

"The human?" Marcus asked, intrigued. "What is their name?"

The guard, who knew the human by the name the Volturi called her, replied, "The secretary (Y/n), my lord."

Marcus considered this revelation, the name sparking a distant memory. He had heard the name (Y/n) mentioned in passing, but he had paid little attention. Now, it seemed this human was not only tending to the garden but also reviving the memories of his lost mate.

With a nod of appreciation, Marcus continued to admire the blooming flowers, a silent acknowledgment of the human named (Y/n) for her care and dedication. In the garden, among the resurrected blooms, he felt a connection to his past and a glimmer of hope for the future, all thanks to the efforts of this mysterious human.

In the dimly lit halls of the Volturi castle, Caius, one of the coven's leaders, was growing increasingly frustrated. He had been searching for his favorite cloak, a luxurious garment of deep crimson, for what felt like an eternity. His irritation had escalated to the point where his voice echoed through the corridors as he yelled at everyone in his path.

"Where is it? Who has taken my cloak?" he bellowed, his tone venomous.

Vampires scurried to avoid his wrath, their wide-eyed expressions betraying their fear of their temperamental leader.

In the midst of the chaos, a soft and calm voice cut through the tension. "(Y/n)," Caius snapped, his crimson eyes narrowing as he turned to face the human secretary, "(Y/n), have you seen my cloak? I cannot find it anywhere."

(Y/n) stepped forward, holding Caius's missing cloak draped carefully over her arm. Her voice was composed, unruffled by his outburst. "Master Caius, you left this in your office. I've noticed it had specks of dried blood on it, so I've had it dried clean."

Caius was momentarily taken aback, his anger dissipating as he processed her words. He couldn't believe it. The usually distant and indifferent human secretary had not only found his cloak but had taken it upon herself to ensure it was cleaned.

"(Y/n)," Caius said, his voice softer now, "you did this for me?"

(Y/n) nodded, her gaze steady as she met his crimson eyes. "Of course, Master Caius. It's my duty to assist in any way I can."

Caius, still in disbelief, reached out to take the cloak from her arm. His fingers brushed against hers, and he felt a strange, unfamiliar sensation stir within him. He couldn't deny that her thoughtfulness had left a mark on him, one that he couldn't easily dismiss.

As (Y/n) excused herself and left the hallway, Caius watched her retreating figure with a newfound appreciation. It was a small gesture, but one that had touched him deeply, and he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this human secretary than met the eye.

The grand trial room within the Volturi castle was filled with a weighty silence as the three kings, Aro, Caius, and Marcus, gathered for a discussion. The subject of their conversation was none other than their human secretary, (Y/n).

"She's good at her job, almost too damn good," Aro commented, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "I can't seem to find a simple mistake in her work."

Caius nodded in agreement. "She's quick, and her work is effective. It seems we'll be keeping her around long-term."

Marcus, who often remained silent, offered his approval with a subtle nod.

The kings reached a unanimous decision. They would offer (Y/n) a gift, one that would bind her to the Volturi for eternity. They sent their most trusted enforcers, the twins Alec and Jane, to fetch her.

Alec and Jane, swift and efficient as always, found (Y/n) in her office. They approached her with the precision of a well-practiced routine.

"(Y/n)," Alec began, his tone even, "the masters request your presence in the trial room."

(Y/n) blinked in surprise but complied, following the twins to the room where the three kings awaited.

Once inside, (Y/n) stood before the Volturi leaders, her heart pounding with anticipation. Aro spoke first, his voice dripping with charm.

"(Y/n), in the short months you have been with us, your dedication and efficiency have impressed us greatly," Aro said, his crimson eyes locked onto hers. "We value your contributions, and we would like to offer you a gift."

(Y/n) couldn't hide her surprise. "A gift, masters?"

Caius stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "We offer you immortality, (Y/n). A chance to join our coven as one of us."

The offer hung in the air, a life-altering decision that (Y/n) had never expected. She considered her options carefully, her thoughts racing. The weight of eternity was a heavy burden to bear, but the allure of becoming part of the Volturi coven was undeniable.

After a moment of reflection, (Y/n) finally spoke. "I'm not sure what to say, masters, but thank you for the offer."

With her acceptance, the kings nodded in approval. The twins, Alec and Jane, moved closer, their hands lightly touching her body. “Alec -“ aro calls out and in second Alec has (y/n) wrapped in his dark smoke, her senses numbing within seconds. “Don’t worry dear, it’ll be over in no time.”

Over the course of three days, (Y/n) underwent the agonizing process of the vampire transformation. She endured the fire of change, sometimes which were numbed by Alec per the kings request and now she was emerging from the ordeal as a newborn vampire, her senses heightened and her existence forever entwined with the Volturi.

As her eyes fluttered open in her new immortal life, (Y/n) realized that she had become a permanent part of the Volturi coven, her loyalty and dedication recognized in the most profound way possible.

[badwitch-if]

OG DEMO + AU DEMO

**a note about the demo that won the vote**

Magic is all too real and witches reign supreme.

This is a story of excess & indulgence. Luxury & depravity. Lust & love. Horror & debauchery. 

But mostly it's a story of rediscovering your inner witch. 

Bad Witch is set in a matriarchal, gothic universe eerily similar to our own, where magic runs the world. And at its core, it is a love letter to the incredibly strong and vibrant friendships that we forge in our youth, and how they ultimately shape the people we become.

Witxhes dominate the upper echelons of society, and magic has seeped into every facet of day-to-day life, for witches and humans alike. Humans were relegated to a lower class of living and as witches tend to be quite opulent & over indulgent [and more often than not revelling in their own personal vices], the bougie Season of the Witch began. Witching Society flourished and quickly overtook over the world, trickling down to influence even those without magic.

SO WILL YOU BE A BAD WITCH, OR A GOOD WITCH?

You were born to one of the most ancient and thus, important witching families; the only child of a famous mother and an even more infamous grandmother. Your ancestors were among the very first witches to lead the revolution, desperate to create a world where their children would never again die by human hands.

Your childhood was rather lonely and spent under the tutelage of the worlds best witches and academics, whilst your mother did her best to ignore your existence whenever it didn’t directly benefit her. And so years later you would often joke that your life really began once you were accepted into Ariadne Academy, the premiere school for exceptionally gifted Witxhes.

You were placed in a coven with eight of your peers; girls and boys who would quickly become your family, until it was almost like you couldn’t remember a time before them. They shared your all-consuming hunger for magic and knowledge and experiences, traits that made your coven [nicknamed the Silverlakers] an unstoppable force within the Demonhall arena. Everything was going so perfectly until it suddenly burned down around you, leaving your coven a husk of its former self.

Aaand this is currently where the stories splinter off.

OG DEMO — In the OG demo, your coven is still somewhat intact. MC’s feelings towards them may or may not have changed, but on the whole, the Silverlakers are still functioning as the overachieving badasses they were at the academy. They’re still your best friends, your soulmates, your lovers. You love them and they most definitely love you — it’s just one big lovefest. 

As a master alchemist you tediously work through trials of your newest potion while still coasting off the success of your last serum, the wildly popular Moon Juice. The story focuses on the unnaturally strong bond that exists between the remaining Silverlakers, and the powerful magic you’ve wrought because of that. The incredibly deep but complicated friendships that you built are maintained to this day, and still just as co-dependent... or have they been making you feel stifled or claustrophobic? 

You can choose how your relationship with Ash progressed post-breakup. Was it messy and dramatic, or did you keep going back to them, again and again? Have you and Ori been just the bestest friends all this time, or have things gotten a bit awkward?

AU DEMO — In the AU demo, your coven was broken following the loss of one of your own. You all went your own ways and everything that you shared was left by the wayside. You’ve spent the better part of a decade running away from your Silver Lake family, the only real home you ever knew. But now, against all of your better judgements, your returning to York. Only for a few days, of course. A couple weeks, tops. 

You haven’t returned since you absconded after graduation, when you used a somewhat controversial but entirely contrived excuse for your disappearance. And as if The Fates themselves had seen to it, you once again find yourself thrown together with the other witches formerly known as Silverlakers. Their reactions to your return are not at all what you had expected, and you’re left second-guessing what actually happened all those years ago.

No matter how deep of a rift was left between your coven, Ori was the one who really refused to give up on you. In their very unique way, they practically strong-armed you into maintaining some kind of contact. Of all your former covenmates, you are hands down closest to Ori. Your breakup with Ash, no matter how it was done, was shocking and cut deep. You can choose whether to stand by your past actions or try to make amends with your first love. 

Both the OG & AU stories will feature opportunities to reconnect with: the former childhood friend turned academy rival; as well as the young professor from your university years. And despite their shorter and more mysterious descriptions, they are both main RO’s, along with Ash & Ori.

Will you try to repair the broken connections plaguing your coven, or forge a brand new path? Will you decide to confront the nightmares of your past face on in the Demonhall arena, or continue to ignore the literal demons that chase you?

TW/CW: violent & horrific imagery; explicit language; explicit sex scenes (with options to fade to black); misandry (within context of the story); mentions of blood/gore; child abuse (past tense against MC); very questionable magic usage; frequent scenes where NPCs are intoxicated, under the spell of drugs or magic, as well as just as many options for MC to imbibe; elder abuse; voluntary magical torture

~ Fully customisable character — you can currently play as a woman, man, or non-binary person; straight, gay, or bisexual. Customise your character's personality, style and how they reacted in major moments of their life leading up to present events,

~ Choose how to react to your current coven dynamics — fight to save your soulmates & strengthen your long-established bonds, or play around on greener pastures with other witches

~Experience the Witch's Journey through the Major Arcana – but will your MC make it to the final tarot reading?

~ Meet your familiar and decide which form it takes, with your familiar's animal impacting the story

~ Set up a cozy, witchy corner to call your own! A few options include a reclaimed lighthouse, luxurious penthouse in the sky, and a secluded cabin in the woods

~ Continue to cross sexual conquests off your list of Lovers to Bed, or get serious and pursue a more serious connection. There are currently 4.5 love interests [all gender variable] as well as an optional poly route. I'm also considering bringing back a character who was cut from the OG story... TBD!

~ Decide what happened to MC's relationship with Ash, in the years since graduation. Have they drifted apart while leading separate lives, or have they been on-and-off for the better part of a decade?

~ Get answers & closure by chasing down ghosts from your past. Give yourself over to the demons in your past, or fight to find a balance between your life and the monsters at the gate.

~ Explore the ever-changing hellscapes of Demonhall and confront your demons, or keep those traumatic memories in the past where they belong

~ But above all else, choose which path your character takes going forward. Chase your dreams and loves, or turn your back, light it up & watch the world burn around you.

During your time at Ariadne Academy, rumours swirled nonstop about your coven.

You got along too well.

You loved each other too hard.

Some people said you were a bunch of weirdos, while others whispered [a little too loudly] that all of your parents had conspired together, bribing the Witches Council to put you all together in one coven. But back then you couldn't give a shit about anyone or anything outside your Silver Lake home.

You found your first love within your coven, as well as seven other soulmates. And for a long time, that was all you needed.

☆ Elijah Akos {m}

☆ Suki Aoki {f}

♡ Aisling Casablanca {f} // Asher Casablanca {m}

♡ Oriana Helyr {f} // Orion Helyr {m}

☆ Belladonna Humphrey {f}

☆ Endora Stills {f}

☆ Hazel Trout {f} — Deceased

☆ Bren Wylder {nb}

The grandiose and horrifying Demonhall is a favourite pastime for Witches young and old. Two opposing covens enter the arena (or as it's lovingly called by fans, the Demon Dome) and are sealed inside. Usually a timer is set for 6 hours, but some exhibition games run a 'last Witch standing' simulator, that can go on for days. 

At the core of every Demonhall arena lies it's true power, a demonstone. The crystalized heart of a demon powers and creates unique and dangerous environments for covens to progress through. Whether it's a futuristic, neon playground; the dilapidated ruins of Titans; or a much too lifelike version of the floor is lava, each unique setting has been randomly and lovingly crafted by the demonstone. 

Just as each demon is unique and come with their specific set of baggage challenges, so do their corresponding arenas. Some are more manipulative in luring you into their traps, while others don't waste time in throwing everything they've got at you.

The object of the game, quite simply, is to challenge & toss opposing witches out of the match, using whatever spells & curses, or hexes & charms you keep in your arsenal. All while avoiding the real terror of the Demonhall, the demon itself.

For over a decade, your life revolved around Demonhall. You were the Lead for your coven, meaning you often bore the brunt of whatever the demonstone was hurtling at you. Your Silver Lake coven dominated the amateur Demonhall circuit for the better part of a decade. You and your covemates were elevated to a level of celebrity that few others at Ariadne Academy could relate to, as you were splashed across dozens of magazine covers before you were 18.

You planned your life around your obsession and love of the game, and as your graduation approached, you fielded dozens of offers to play for top-tier professional teams. But then... the unexpected happened during a match and you lost a member of your coven.

☆The First Love☆ ...& Ash's playlist

Aisling Casablanca {f} // Asher Casablanca {m}, 31

Ash was your first love. You dated for several years during your time at Ariadne Academy. You grew up together in your Silver Lake cottage and soon after you met, you found it hard to deny your teenage crush. 

You bonded over a mutual (rather mad) obsession with Demonhall, and it didn't take long for that bond to translate onto the arena. The Silver Lake Demonhall coven dominated the competition, thanks in large part to the connection you shared with Ash.

You made plans together to follow your passions after graduation, and even courted the interest of several top-tier professional clubs. They wanted you both, and were willing to restructure their teams around you & Ash.

But life happened, and you surprised everyone when you suddenly broke things off with Ash and the Demonhall teams. Instead you followed a secondary love and traveled across the world in pursuit of cryptozoological mysteries. 

In the decade that you've been working out in the field, Ash has been named Demonhall MVP for three years in a row. Their legions of adoring fans have only multiplied. Is there room for you in their life nowadays, or is it truly too late?

☆The Best Friend☆ ...& Ori's playlist

Oriana Helyr {f} // Orion Helyr {m}, 30

Ori has been your longest and closest friend. No matter what your relationship was like with the rest of the coven, you could always count on Ori having your back. And sometimes being a shoulder to cry on, during the rockier parts of your relationship with Ash. In a way, it's always felt like the three of you had your own kind of connection, but at times, that could put Ori in the middle of your shit with Ash.

Ori is a highly sought after Master Architect, one of only two in the country. They’re instrumental to the buildings integrity and the future success of it’s residences. Ori often spends weeks onsite, crafting intricate enchantments around the bones of the structure, ensuring not only structural safety but doing everything in their power to position them for prosperity.

There's never been any fronts or facades with Ori, just transparent (sometimes brutal) honesty. You've never had to pretend around them and you might even be your truest self when you're with them. And then the two of you would stay up all night, talking and watching movies, and polishing off copious amounts of alcohol. In fact, many of those nights ended up serving as inspiration for your new experimental potion, a cure-all hangover draught.

In the years since the academy, Ori has tracked you down across the globe too many times to count. It always seemed like they had some magical way of knowing when your life was going to shit and they'd spontaneously turn up with boxes of wine & chocolate, immediately taking over your kitchen to cook up something utterly delicious

☆The Lifelong Rival☆ ...& Poe's playlist

Viridian ‘Poe’ Black {f/m}, 31

Poe was one of your very first friends, long before the academy. Your mothers ran in the same high society circles and so you were often left to your own devices. For Poe that usually meant running off into the woods to scout for berries and beasts, or tirelessly watching or reading up on anything to do with Demonhall. And in fact decades later, you've still never met anyone as obsessed with the game as them. Even as a kid, Poe was haughty and overtly snobby; they always knew exactly what and who they liked, and rarely strayed outside the lines.

But for some reason or another, you were someone they happily tolerated and actually seemed to like. Much to their delight their Demonhall fanaticism eventually infected you as well, and you spent countless hours debating the various forms, methods, and positions of the beautiful but deadly game. The two of you would often daydream about your future life at Ariadne Academy, and their eyes lit up with unabashed glee when they spoke of how together, you would bring about a new era of Demonhall. But then came the week before coven placements. And even after all of their extensive testing, you & Poe weren't placed together.

After that Poe very rarely spoke to you and altogether stopped responding to your many messages over the years, and just like that, the delicate friendship you once shared was snuffed out. And while they'd always been sarcastic and biting, that had rarely been directed towards you. Until you were put in competition, both academically and in the Demonhall arena, and then you were introduced to an entirely different side of Poe. The one that knew your weaknesses and just when to exploit them, who seemed to take a particular happiness from your defeat.

☆The One That Got Away☆

Julia St. James {f} // Julian St. James {m}

Jules is the youngest of nine children and grew up in Bilbao, Spain. They were generally spoiled as a child, doted on by all of their siblings, aunts and uncles. They could never want for tutors or toys or courtiers, but it was all rather tiresome.

They would later travel the continent as a young apprentice of a new philosophy, but they were never alone; always in the company of their cousins, Vix and Maz. Jules developed a deep appreciation for the fine arts and very delicious things during this time away from home.

Jules has now perfected the balancing act, living in both worlds. They work tirelessly as a professor of Theological Witchcraft but lately they've been feeling the pull to leave the classroom and get back out into the world.

☆ ... ☆

[howtofightwrite]

I'm writing a scene where a cultivater (chinese martial artists who fights ghosts) falls in a forest and I'm trying to figure out how someone who fights on rough terrain would train to fall. I tried looking at martial art/parkour/stunt man tutorials, but I feel like a lot of the basic techniques (rolling, and slapping the ground to distribute weight) wouldn't work well on uneven ground. I also tried looking at hiking advice but they just say to fall on your pack. Any insight?

Chinese cultivators don’t fall, they choose to reacquaint themselves with the ground.

That sounds like a joke, but the best way to understand Chinese cultivators and Chinese fantasy media is to realize that martial arts are the gateway drug to magic. And that will get you into a lot of trouble if you follow that all the way into Martial Arts Give You Superpowers, which is both the outgrowth of the western understanding of Chinese culture and a trope rife with orientalism. Cultivation seems simple on the surface when you’re watching Chinese media, but it’s more than martial arts, it’s more than religion, it’s more than mythology, (though it is all of those too) it’s a genuine transition into metaphysics that reorients how we understand and interact with the world around us. The concepts we see in cultivation come from real martial arts philosophy that you find in Tai Chi, Shaolin, and most other Chinese martial arts. They come from real religions including Daoism, Buddhism, a healthy dose of Confucianism, general mythology and mysticism from a wide range of subcultures, and, to an extent, Animism. If you aren’t doing your reading with the Eight Immortals, Journey to the West, The Legend of the White Snake, and others then you should dig in. I also really suggest watching the live action C-Dramas whether they’re true Wuxia or more Xianxia idol dramas (and in this case the idol dramas are better because the action is slower) so you can acquaint yourself with the stylized martial arts portrayals, a wide variety of choreography, character archetypes essential to motif based storytelling, and the most important aspect of all—wire work.

Understanding and conceptualizing stunt action done on wires is essential when you’re trying to visualize and create action scenes in any East Asian genre. Your first instinct might be to dismiss the stylized movement as unrealistic (it is) but remember that it’s also genre essential. Hong Kong action cinema has a very specific feel to it that’s very different from the way Western cinema structures and films their fight scenes. Even when you’re writing, you’ll want to find ways to imitate it through your visual imagery on the page.

Probably the best way to contextualize cultivators is that they’re wizards who do martial arts. They’ve learned to transcend the limitations in our understanding of reality through knowledge and study to perform superhuman feats. How superhuman? Well, it gets wild. They can be anywhere from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon/Who Rules the World fly through the trees levels to Shang Tsung’s “I’m going to slam my hell reality into your normal reality because commuting to work is too much of an inconvenience.”

Which is to say, they don’t always fight ghosts. Sometimes they fight other martial artists, sometimes they fight other cultivators, sometimes they fight demons, sometimes they fight gods, and sometimes they fight incredibly overpowered monkeys. They’re often monks living in seclusion on a mountaintop, but not always. Cultivation is more of a state of mind. Anyone can do it if they learn how to absorb spiritual energy from the world around them through meditation and breathing exercises. Gods cultivate. Humans cultivate. Animals cultivate. Remember, the demons and the ghosts cultivate too. Sometimes, your master gets reincarnated as a demon. Sometimes, you do. The amount of wacky spellcasting you can do is dependent on how much energy you’ve cultivated, which is dependent on how old you are and how good at cultivation you are. Using the power means you need to cultivate more energy, the greater the spell or difficult the battle then the more energy is lost.

This is important to the question of: how does a cultivator fall?

Metaphorically? Existentially? Physically?

When we’re talking physically, wire work becomes very important. Think of your cultivator as being on wires. If they have the knowledge and understanding to do it, they can slow their own fall through the air to land harmlessly on the ground or twist over like a cat and launch themselves back off the ground to fly at their opponent in a counter attack. If they have the knowledge and understanding, they can teleport. If they lack the knowledge and understanding or want to trick their opponent, they can hit the ground like a sack of potatoes. If they’re relying on basics, they can also smack the ground to counter and spread out the impact then use the momentum from that fall to roll back onto their feet. They’ll do it no matter what terrain they’re on because it’s a basic technique that’s trained into their foundation to the point it’s a reflexive action. Any force distributed away from, and reducing impact on, important body parts like your spine is better than nothing. It’s better to sacrifice your arm than be paralyzed. At its heart, that’s the point of the technique. If you’re able to walk away with a functioning spine, it’s done its job. Your shoulder hurts? That’s normal. Your arm is sprained or broken? Sucks, but that’s better than the alternative that is paralysis and death. For reference, learning to fall was the first lesson my Wushu instructor ever taught me. It is that basic.

A lot of the time when portraying cultivators in media, the goal is to show them as being beyond the limitations of standard martial artists. How vast the gap is between the cultivator and the average human is dependent on both the setting and the cultivator. So, the average martial artist who possesses superhuman talents but hasn’t dedicated themselves to a life of cultivation and cultivators who are new to the path are going to be on the rung below and more likely to be knocked on their ass. Cultivators in the mid-range are more likely to have crafted or trained in solutions to being knocked on their ass which put them in a less vulnerable position while recovering and empowered/enhanced their martial arts. Cultivators in the top tier are usually straight up masters at spellcasting, if they deign to fight at all. Gravity need not apply. Rember, the time it takes you to hit the ground and roll to your feet is time your opponent has to launch a counter attack or move to a better position. Also, it means you’ve taken your eyes off your opponent. This is bad enough against a normal human opponent. Against another mostly immortal or ancient magic user this risks a terrible outcome.

Cunning and strategy are both as important as skill. Wisdom, knowledge, and hard work outweigh talent and raw potential. You’ll have to decide how esoteric you want to be and what limits you want to set. I really urge you to do this because the danger of power creep is real and especially prominent here. A character’s growth in power is often linked to their growth in character or their arc, as they gain a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them their skill increases. The self-discovery/self-reflection/self-interrogation/intense suffering to reach enlightenment portion is just as important and intrinsic to the martial arts portion of Martial Arts Give You Superpowers. It’s easy to focus on the Superpowers or the Martial Arts parts of the equation and miss the genre necessity of character growth. This growth often happens through heaps of steadily increasing trauma. Or, failing to undergo that by being too powerful and thus unable to progress is the joke like it is in Qi Refining for 3000 Years. (Go to hell, Bai Qiuran, you hilariously overpowered monstrosity.)

The irony is that the trajectory in character growth is the same trajectory the average student experiences when practicing martial arts. The only difference is that the power arc is inflated. This includes overcoming ingrained truths that you believe about yourself, about your own abilities, what you believe yourself to be capable of (both good and bad,) about your biases toward yourself and other people, your biases about reality in general, your understanding of good and evil, the potential upending of right and wrong, and facing the greater complexity found in the world at large. The stripping away of these illusions, coming to terms with uncomfortable realizations in a more complicated world, and the gaining of new understanding and confidence are vital to that growth.

Skill isn’t just represented in the power creep, it’s also found in a character’s sophistication and complexity in their approach to combat and life in general. Their awareness both of themselves and of other people, their ability to read intentions, their predictive abilities, their complexity in initiating their own strategy and tactics while also recognizing and countering the plans of others. It’s their insight into human nature and their cunning. It’s not enough to be powerful. The world is full of powerful people and not so powerful people who have the capacity to be just as dangerous. This isn’t Goku and Freeza slamming into each other while the planet explodes in nine minutes. You also need to be smart. It’s also not about being a better person. It’s about being a self-aware person. A person who is self-actualized. Monkey’s growth is in his awareness of the world around him through his experiences and in approaching problems differently rather than becoming less of a little shit. If you grow up in the West, one of the issues you’re going to face is thinking of these hurdles as materialistic rather than emotional or intellectual.

A lot of Western media misinterprets the concepts of “giving up” as physical sacrifice. One of the popular examples is physically sacrificing the person we love. In order to have enlightenment, we must be separated from them. We can’t physically be with them anymore. Whereas under a Buddhist structure, what we are actually sacrificing is our own ignorance, our own preconceptions, and beliefs that keep the world comfortable. Under this structure, we’re sacrificing our preconceived notions of who our loved one is. The person that we invented when we first met and we must force ourselves to come to terms with who they really are. The outcome of this isn’t necessarily going to be bad, but it’s still painful. The person we think we love could be perfectly wonderful. However, they’re not who we imagined. If we choose to hold onto the illusion we created, to ignore the realization that the illusion is the person that we love, we’ll only end up causing ourselves and our loved one more pain. We must fall in love with them all over again. Coming to terms with that is painful. All pain comes from ignorance. In sacrificing, letting go of, or overcoming our ignorance, we grow.

These are the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual challenges necessary for a cultivator because they allow the cultivator to level up. Yes, level up. Whether this is coming from the influx of gaming culture into media at large or because the concept synergizes with the Buddhist goal of progressing through the Six Realms toward nirvana, leveling up is how a cultivator’s increasing power is often depicted. Of course, once we reach the next level we can’t go back except by falling or failing and are no longer the person we once were. This then gets mixed in with Daoist principles of finding divine understanding by living in harmony with the universe. The more understanding we gain of the world, the more energy we can absorb as a result, but our original goals may be lost or changed in the process. If a character begins their journey on the path of revenge, their newfound contextualization of the situation that caused them immense pain may force them to give that revenge up or find they don’t want revenge anymore.

Failure is also an option and often a common part of the story. These stories usually follow characters through multiple lives and rebirths over hundreds and even thousands of years, especially if they’re also gods. This is the existential fall. The fall to the Dark Side. All our heroes are going to go through it at least once. This is also why a lot of Chinese media ends in tragedy with hope for the next round.

-Michi

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