#shoutout to awful women

[dumbferal]

Dottie pls

was going to draw her anyways so why not go all out for the primadonna girl herself 🙏

#moral orel #moral orel fanart #dottie trophywife #shoutout to awful women #myart

[tumblasha]

the way i adore wilhelmina slater, she's a trans ally! she performs in drag shows occasionally!! sure she's a bully and a little evil, but i can look away

#i support womens wrongs #wilhelmina slater #ugly betty #ugly betty (2006) #also i'm noticing that there's so many jokes abt betty being a lesbian hmm #and all of the men she 'falls in love with' being absolutely awful evil and despicable #i'm seeing something #i'm manifesting something #shoutout to #america ferrera

[pixiecactus]

what's with continuously calling arya a "weird girl", she's just an outdoorsy and outgoing type of girl, i do myself think is a lot weirder wanting to be mostly a broodmare at the age of eleven.

#but that's me i guess #i myself was a weird girl growing up and seriously is such a wrong take on arya stark's character #i'm the embodiment of that tumblr post “shoutout to the weird little girls that ended up being weirder men” #and yes i cannot deny the fact that in my first reading of asoiaf i liked arya due to her being gnc #and i felt a connection to her character due to being a trans boy in an awful environment to grow up in (catholic all girls school) #and i was bullied for not being feminine enough by other children and adults alike #but it's clear to me when you read arya dany and even cersei's chapters that grrm is trying to critic westeros's patriarchal society #and showing how patriarchy affects all women #with that said is so weird to me that the asoiaf fandom does not understand something as simply as gender roles are a social construct #a song of ice and fire #asoiaf #arya stark #anti asoiaf fandom

[undertaletwo]

How was your ut2 experience in a nutshell

i heard about it from a mutual and asked a friend if she wanted to play with me and then i met prisonmaster cirno and froguelass and marisa and my brain was rewired forever

#bri talks #shoutout to undertale 2's awful women there are several<3

[hrtsdevils]

you’re no prize either. | jh86

summary actress!reader instagram au.. she’s a star!!! miss lucy gray baird herself. she dated jack. the fans know it. they hate on each other!

pairings jack hughes x ex!reader

a/n i’m obsessed with tbosas and idk where else to perpetuate my obsession fc is rachel zegler!! my love!

november 27, 2023

yourusername

liked by tomblyth, colecaufield, ryleighwhite_, and 653,289 others

yourusername oh the love i have for this cast, this movie, and lucy gray baird. my life has changed so much, and for the better!! i’ve met so many new people and learned so many new lessons ❤️

shoutout to queen suzanne for creating the loml lucy gray ☺️ and shoutout to everybody for making tbosas possible! i love you all

ps i sang the ballad of lucy gray baird with real experiences in mind.. iykyk;)

tagged nyrangers

view all 23879 comments

ryleighwhite_ YOURE SO CUTE AND SO PERFECT AND I MISS U ❤️❤️ (so does daws)

yourusername @/ryleighwhite_ I MISS U GUYS?!!! i’ll see u soon! next rags game?

ryleighwhite_ @/yourusername YES!! as long as u wear devils gear ☺️

user292 mercers the opp 💀

tomblyth so much fun working with you, mockingjay ❤️❤️

yourusername @/tomblyth youre my bff. I LOVE YOU.

user54 HER AND TOM ARE EVERYTHINGGGGG!!! never thought a man could make me like peepaw snow

colecaufield congrats!! it was a great movie:)

yourusername @/colecaufield COLEE thank you so much i tried very hard!!!

colecaufield @/yourusername you’re so awesome

trevorzegras @/colecaufield wrong team

yourusername @/trevorzegras sorry jack’s boyfriend

user45 I LAUGHEDDDDDD she ate him up

user76 @/user45 ate what?? the crumbs 💀

lhughes_06 good job y/n

user76 not her leaving jack for knock off draco malfoy like 💀💀

user32 @/user76 you’re so weird they aren’t even dating lmao

user76 @/user32 okay well she still flopped!! glad lucy bird died

user59 @/user76 i love jack and her but she is not a flop… she has the #1 movie in the world rn and what does jack have???

user76 @/user59 his sexyness!

yourbff UR SO GOOD AND INSANE AND TALENTED AND MOMMY

yourbff I LOVE SEXY INDEPENDENT WOMEN!

yourusername @/yourbff sexy indepdnent women love you

yourusername @/yourusername indipejdent

yourusername @/yourusername independent!

user86 no one’s gonna talk abt her going to the rangers game i’m deadddd she’s obsessed

user09 queen lucy gray baird future oscar winner

november 27, 2023

jackhughes

liked by trevorzegras, user76, lhughes_06 and 157,902 others

jackhughes workin hard or hardly workin?

i like katniss evergreen better anyways 🏹🏹

tagged colecaufield

view all 4936 comments

user35 this bitch has never watched a hunger games movie in his life

user59 jacquelyn… what is that caption… delete this rn!

user76 @/user59 it’s him eating lucy bird up

user59 @/user76 ur sm like jack!! you can’t spell these names right

colecaufield why are u associating me with your perpetual hate

trevorzegras @/colecaufield WRONG. TEAM.

_alexturcotte @/trevorzegras jack cant even spell everdeen right im not on his team rn either

jackhughes @/colecaufield @/_alexturcotte you guys are cruel

colecaufield @/jackhughes you’re cruel

_alexturcotte @/jackhughes LEARN TO SPELL!!!! put some respect on katniss’ name

lhughes_06 why?????

jackhughes @/lhughes_06 what did i do

lhughes_06 @/jackhughes you’re so dumb

user45 she was my fave wag.. whyd he fumble!!!!!

user34 @/user45 goodbye y/n! we hardly knew you 🙁

nicohischier I loved Y/n in TBOSAS

colecaufield @/nicohischier real of you nico

user09 i wanna know what happened between them LMAO

_quinnhughes i thought u liked the movie? u said u watched it when it came out lol

jackhughes @/_quinnhughes BRO

yourusername @/jackhughes aw jack how heartwarming!

jackhughes @/yourusername you’re horrible.

yourusername @/jackhughes well you’re no prize either 😉

#jack hughes x reader #jack hughes #nj devils #luke hughes #cole caufield #new jersey devils #dawson mercer #alex turcotte #trevor zegras #hockey blurb #hockey instagram au #hockey fic #nhl insta edit #nhl fic #nhl hockey #nj devils hockey #quinn hughes #hughes brothers

[lunariamv]

curbing yandere gojo satoru ♡ yan gojo x fem reader; obsessive + possessive behavior, manipulation, gaslighting, slight misogyny, stalking, attempted kidnapping, violence, death shoutout to the anime death battle matchup threads on reddit so i could write this dumb shitpost gone girl and breaking bad vibes accidentally (lol)

Okay, what the hell. This is not fair.

Life has seemingly cursed you if this is what your fate is. Ever since you were little, your jerk-off parents were controlling psychopaths. They prioritized the clan. It's always been about the needs of the family and never you. Your clan, a bloodline of gifted sorcerers, with incredible powers passed down the family tree. They're incredibly prestigious, and super airheaded. The childhood you had was filled with training, studying, and striving to be the best to prove your worth. Thank the gods you were able to keep your wit and you never became an arrogant husk of your former self as a result of your stressful upbringing.

Since the clan wants to breed nothing but powerful sorcerers, they try to keep the family to be strictly sorcerers of a high class… which was why as soon as you were brought into the world, you were assigned to marry someone from another powerful family. Mind you, that you had never met. A betrothal out of your control, and it was to a nameless, faceless spouse. If that wasn't already terrifying, it wasn't until you were older that you finally met them, and desperately wish you hadn't.

He's too weird for you. Gojo Satoru had given you the ick when he tried to get incredibly mushy with you. The first impression was so awful it left a permanent scar on your potential relationship, and never healed. Honestly, you didn't see how people thought he was hot. In fact, you thought he was kind of stuck up. Sometimes you'd find yourself thinking, maybe if someone inflates his ego enough, his head will explode.

You know who you actually like? Nanami Kento! The two of you met in Jujutsu High, and you've been head over heels for him ever since. He's handsome, intelligent, and stern, your ideal type. Though Gojo tried his hardest to keep you away from him, it was nearly impossible to stop your schoolgirl crush from blooming. So it really sucked when he quit being a sorcerer while you and Gojo continued on to be alumni. Still, you made time to visit him when you could. Even though Kento came off as strict at first, the two of you had pretty good chemistry.

Then one day he disappeared without a trace. Everyone who cared had written him off as the salary man who just needed a break, but you didn't buy it.

So for the past few months, you've been investigating his disappearance on your own. Gojo keeps trying to hinder you, monitoring your actions and intervening under the guise of 'trying to bond with his fiancé,' but you're pretty sure he knows something. Hell, maybe he did it.

Needless to say, you're incredibly skeptical of Gojo. Ever since you first met, he's leaned into the whole fiancé romance trope way too hard, which you despised, since you held feelings for someone else. It's so annoying, how this grown man acts like a lovesick puppy around you. Saying you were disgusted was putting it mildly, and this resulted in you rejecting his advances at every turn. Even now you're trying to push the limits on this whole 'fiancé' thing. Maybe you should just cut ties with your family and break up with him. What exactly is stopping you?

Gojo. Gojo is stopping you.

Unbeknownst to you, Gojo's been madly in love with you for as long as he can remember. Primarily due to the fact that you were strong and capable enough to be his equal. Not only that, but the fact you weren't easily phased by him drove him absolutely crazy. Even when the mask was off and he wore his glasses, you didn't treat him any differently, compared to most women who melted in his presence. He loved messing with you and trying to win your affections, so much so it's become a game to him. The sardonic, witty personality you have contrasts with him well. The two of you are clearly made for each other, so why do you play so hard to get?

Gojo was currently resting at his nice apartment. Consumed by thoughts of you, his cute soon-to-be wife. Unlike you, he was incredibly excited about the marriage. In fact, he wanted to just hurry up and tie the knot already, if it weren't for you being hellbent on trying to stall it for as long as you could. He might be considered traditional, but part of him wanted to know if he could turn you into a stay at home housewife. You'd definitely protest, seeing it as demeaning, but he liked the idea of you only being subservient to him alone. You'd live a quieter life, safely at his side, and you'd be solely for his eyes. At the moment, he was stalking- watching you on his phone tracker. It should be about now…

Oblivious to this fact, you were heading to your new apartment. Merrily, you had just gotten it and (oops!) forgot to tell Gojo about it. Before you went to the building though, you decided to get a snack at a nearby café. For the first time in a while, you leisurely went through your phone, paying more attention to your device than you normally do. It was just to do some cleaning up of apps you didn't need anymore. That's when you saw it.

What the hell is this thing…?

Never in your life do you recall installing this app on your phone. It was submerged, buried in the endless pit of your apps, as if it was playing hide and seek. At the top bar, you could see something was running, too, and it was sucking up your battery. Narrowing your eyes in confusion, you pulled up your search engine and looked it up.

Oh, it's a tracking app?

The reveal was so unsettling that you find yourself smiling. An amused yet horrified chuckle escaped you. Eyebrows furrowing, you muttered under your breath. "Oh no, get this shit off, I don't want this…" As you were saying that, you were deleting all of the suspicious looking apps on your phone. You even went ahead and did some extra research about tracking and put up some extra scans.

The white haired man frowned in displeasure upon realizing the GPS was stuck. The blip was frozen. Either it was as awful as the reviews warned, or you figured it out. What a pain. Regardless, he still held your last known whereabouts right there. Guess he shouldn't rely on technology so much and instead do things the old fashioned way, right? With that in mind, he went out to the last place the marker had placed you.

Back at your place, you were resting on your couch. You were still trying to wrap your head around the tracker on your phone. Who put that there? Gojo, most likely. He must've set it up the last time you two crossed paths, while you were distracted. While you wanted to be shocked at that reveal, you couldn't say you were surprised. He always struck you as a weirdo, to the point you were under the impression that he was borderline obsessed with you or something. It doesn't shock you in the slightest that creep would stoop this low.

Perhaps this was the tipping point you needed. After all, he just violated your privacy, and who knows what other things he's done. Holding up your phone, you called your parents to break the 'terrible' news. Needless to say, they didn't take your declaration to call off the wedding very well. No doubt this would kill relations between your family and the Gojo clan. Though, you found yourself feeling rather apathetic to the matter.

For nearly all of your life, you had taken a backseat for the good of your lineage. Years and years of enduring painstaking training, studying, and then a forced engagement for them, and for what? Virtually nothing in return. It wasn't even going to a good cause anyways, as this involuntary construction of human life served only to benefit an outdated, egocentric family tradition. The only 'good' you can argue you've done was saving lives as a sorcerer, which was just a byproduct of their success.

In that call, you told them to disown you if it pained them that much to have a disappointing daughter. To fully break away, you'd move to another country or something. Even though your intent was to sever the ties, there was a sliver of remorse deep in the recesses of your heart. Despite your cruel upbringing, you did feel some attachment to your parents. They were your family, and they were all you had. However, you couldn't marry someone you didn't love. Especially someone who was this clearly unhinged.

They were protesting all the while before you hung up. After a moment, you dialed another number.

There's a slight deep chuckle over the line. "…Well, it's about time." Gojo's voice ardently crooned over the phone. You could practically hear the smug grin on his stupid face. He sounded rather pleased that you finally called him for a change, like he had been waiting for this moment his whole life.

The cocky tone voice in his voice almost made you laugh. Almost. It seemed you beat your parents or his in delivering him the bad news.

"Hi Satoru." You said casually, as if you weren't about to drop a bombshell on him. Then you spoke the following lines. "I'm sorry, but I can't marry you."

There was a brief pause. One that drew on for an uncomfortable amount of time.

"Mm…? Did you say something, (Y/N)? I didn't quite catch that." He asked innocently. However, you're absolutely certain he heard you the first time. Even so, you decide to be nice, and twist the knife even further.

"I said," Your voice becomes more stern as you narrowed your eyes. "I'm sorry, but I can't marry you Gojo. The wedding is off."

"It should be obvious, but I'm not too fond of you, and I'd rather marry someone I actually love." The words flowed out of you like a river. A cool wave of relief washed off you as you truthfully spoke your mind. Speaking the truth felt incredibly good. For once, you felt like you were taking control. No more sitting aside, waiting for someone else to tell you what to do.

There's another split second of silence before Gojo spoke again. "(Y/N), I sincerely think you should reconsider." He drew a breath. "Think about your family, remember what this'll mean for them. Both your family and mine have been waiting for this since we were kids. Do you really want to do this to them?" He's trying to be rational, trying to convince you otherwise. If he was as crazy as you're theorizing, he must be suppressing his anger right now. Though, you're just as insane as he is. You know this'll drive him to his boiling point, and with that in mind, you continued your sprint across the thin tightrope.

"No, I'm pretty sure. Don't bother, I've already informed my parents about my decision. I hope you can forgive me for being selfish." At least you're kind enough to apologize. With that, you pulled your phone away from your ear. A digit hovered over the red button.

"(Y/N)--" Before he could reply, you hung up the call. Relief washed over you. With a genuinely content smile, you went back to whatever you were doing before.

On the other line, Gojo sat there motionlessly with his phone, the dial tone ringing in his ears. Silently, he held a haunted expression on his visage. Pale with wide eyes, it was like he had seen a ghost. It quickly faded once the anger set in, and his face twisted into a furious scowl. He's practically seething. Why are you doing this to him?! He wasn't oblivious to your tendency to reject his advances, but he didn't expect you to go this far. He'd figure you'd come around eventually, not throw it all away! All you had to do was go along and marry him. It was going to be perfect.

No, don't worry. Gojo faintly smiled to himself. This is still salvageable. He just needs to talk to you in person. Once you're face to face, he'll get you to change your mind, with a little persuasion, of course. Trying to suppress his raging anger, he calmed himself down as he swiftly walked down the streets.

Unbothered, you were laying on the couch, currently browsing the web for potential places to go. Singapore seems really good right about now…

"(Y/N)? Open the door!"

Ugh, there he is. It surprisingly didn't take that long for him to find you. To be fair, you deactivated the tracker a block down from where the complex was. He most likely found it and then asked your landlord for your door. Kinda stupid of you.

With a tired sigh, you lowered your head and fell silent for a moment. Maybe if you ignore him, he'll give up and go away.

Of course, he doesn't. Suddenly, your front door was violently kicked open. The loud slam made you gradually raise your head, drawing your attention. Your gaze flicked over to it, and lo and behold, Gojo was standing there at the entrance.

"…Well that's rude." You uttered with a nonchalant tone. Was breaking your door really necessary? Wonder what the costs are to get that fixed…

Maybe he was trying to play along, because he ended up gently closing the broken door behind him. He walked dangerously closer to you. "(Y/N), please. I'm begging you to reconsider." He spoke up. Although his voice was sultry, a smooth cadence like marble, there was a mild urgency hidden in the depths. "I love you. You're my darling fiancé, and I want you to marry me."

Standing up, you narrowed your eyes. A disapproving glare formed on your features. Perhaps in another life, or another universe, you would've found his declaration sweet. It was truly heart stealing stuff. Something that would make you melt into his arms like chocolate. Unfortunately, you wouldn't fall for it in this timeline. "How many times do I have to say it, Satoru? I'm not into you."

Tilting your head about an inch, your gaze bore into his. If he wasn't so upset, he would've been reveling over how gorgeous you looked right now. "I've officially broken up with you. So while I'm asking nicely, give up while you still have your dignity." You warned him.

Your threat garnered a low chuckle from Gojo. To him, it was nothing. While he did consider you to be 'equals', there was a clear difference in strength. He was one of the strongest sorcerers in the world, if not the strongest. While you were no doubt strong, he was much more powerful. If anything, he should be saying those words to you.

"That's cute." He nonchalantly commented with a smoldering glance. While his tone held intense admiration, the grin on his face was condescending. Either way, it's gross, and made you grimace slightly.

Despite the growing tension in the room, you refused to back down. If he was going to try to force you to be with him, you'd gladly fight against it. After all, it'd be a shame to let all your intense sorcery training go to waste. When he stepped closer, you got into a fighting stance.

Gojo stepped forward, and you anticipate it. His Limitless.

You’ve sparred with him before, so the concept of his ability wasn’t foreign to you. Taking a deep breath, you watched him carefully. Heightening your awareness, your focus sharpened, and you seemingly step out of your body for a moment. The heightened focus was like an astral projection.

The man dashed towards you in the blink of an eye. He went to strike, and you swiftly moved with a deflect. However, your counter attack doesn’t hit and you’re sent skidding back a few feet. Gojo chuckled again, and you could tell from that and his attack that he’s not taking this seriously. You’ll make him.

The two of you start fighting. Gojo engaged by trying to hit you, and his movements were fast, but you’re able to counter him to the best of your ability. Still, he’s holding back, and you figured that asshole enjoyed messing with you. Even so, you still used all your strength to fight back. If he wouldn't give his all, you most certainly will.

Meanwhile, Gojo realized you’re serious about putting up a fight. He’s been holding back as to not hurt his darling fiancé, but this was starting to become a pain in the neck. Might as well put an end to this already, even if it meant knocking you out.

In an instant, Gojo came at you. Time decelerated to a drag, and you forced your body to the side. With one swift motion, you evaded his grab for you. Following your movements, a sharp breath escaped you.

That’s when you observe the two of you had fully switched places. Finally, after dancing around him, your form was by the door, and it’s prime time to make an escape. To subtly inch toward the exit during the fight, that had been your plan all along.

Unfortunately, Gojo had long anticipated this ploy of yours. He simply played along because he could easily stop you. He raised a hand.

That’s when you call it. Limitless.

Gojo was going to close the gap and catch you. You wouldn’t be able to hit him. It was over.

Though, there was no fearful look in your eyes. They were stern and full of conviction. “That notion… I'll veto it.” You declare softly.

Silence followed your words. There was still a large gap of space between you two. What should've happened was a deletion of space, there was nothing of the sort. Caught off guard by this revelation, Gojo stopped and furrowed his brows slightly in confusion. His outstretched hand dropped about an inch.

What just happened?

His split second bewilderment opened a window of opportunity to you. Taking advantage of his stunned disposition, you spun on your heel and took off running out of the building.

Thankfully, you got the feeling in your leg back in the nick of time. You ran away.

A sigh escaped your lips. Back pressed against the side wall of the locked bathroom stall, you stared at the tile for a moment. The women's restroom of this coffee shop was empty, the only sound being the constant hum of the ventilation. Once you believed you were ready, you delved into your pocket and took out a card. Flipping it over, you read the printed numbers and inputted them into your burner phone. It was only a few seconds of ringing when the other line picked up.

You lowered the card. "I'm looking for a Hoover Max Extract Pressure-Pro Model 60."

It was burning hot in the car, so you had the windows rolled down. The cool wind blew your hair back, a reinvigorating feeling to the senses. You were driving down a long stretch of road. No other cars or people in sight. The yellow baked sun highlighted the dry, sandy grass patches surrounding you that seemed to go on for miles. With one hand on the wheel, you pushed up your sunglasses before resting your arm on the window of your SL Mercedes. Traveling to a new country was a whole different ballpark, but you were going to make it work. After being cooped up in a stuffy cargo plane, the open road was a sigh of relief.

Growing up, you and Gojo went to the same schools together to Jujutsu High. This meant he knew your sorcerer abilities pretty well. As far as he knew, your curse ability boiled down to energy manipulation.

Although the ability is labeled as ‘energy,’ the underlying truth was that's only the surface level explanation. There's more to it. The true extent of your abilities was kept a secret, thanks to your discreet, privileged family. As a child, you were told you had been graced with intense power. Though, you were vowed to keep quiet about the secret art you had.

The power to negate power.

In order to perfect it, you’ve been training it all your life. Surprisingly enough, this was the first time you’ve had a sincere reason to use it. For the binding vow that accompanies it is concerning.

At the price of negating forces of nature, altering the flow of destiny, an suitable exchange must be made. By contingency, the exchange offers up a functioning part of your body. A fair trade.

“To negate something means to willingly negate a piece of you,” your mother would tell your younger self.

The moment you cancelled Gojo’s Limitless, you had lost the feeling in one of your legs. It had gone numb, like a useless piece of plastic. In that state, you wouldn’t be able to move too fast. Thankfully, it came back quickly so you could make your escape.

For that reason, it was a double edged sword. Dangerous, but handy. You’d have to keep on your toes for the rest of your life, and you’d have to keep up your physical fighting, but as far as sorcery goes… Gojo can’t touch you. And you… can certainly hit him.

Thanks to your ability… you were able to escape him that day.

It was incredible. Being able to take control of your life, gave you a rush that you’d never think of ever having.

Once you escaped, you did everything you could to discreetly change your identity. Using your leftover riches from your family name, you were able to call in a person to help you ‘disappear.’ Gojo would never be able to track you. And with that, (Y/N) (L/N) vanished off the face of the earth. She was gone.

It was a nice, sunny day. You were relaxing at home.

It's been three years since then. By now, you should try to settle down, right? However, your cautiousness made you hesitant. If Gojo ever did come for you, the last thing you wanted was for someone to get caught in the crossfire. Like Nanami.

Upon reminiscing, you frown in realization. You never did find out anything about Nanami’s disappearance, didn’t you? Maybe he was dead after all. It wouldn't shock you if it turned out Gojo made him vanish. It'd line up with how creepy he had been thus far.

You offered him a small prayer in your mind. Hopefully he was at peace, wherever he was now.

After that, you went out onto the backyard porch. The crashing waves of the ocean ahead always set you at ease. The warm sun heated your skin. Leaning against the wooden railing, you closed your eyes, and lost yourself to the sound of nature.

"What a lovely sight." The sudden voice made you jump. What scared you the most was not that it terminated your solitary without warning, but that it took you years to forget about that cadence, until now.

Standing a few feet away on the platform, leaning against the railing, was a forbidden sight. A man that shouldn't exist in your little safe paradise. Somehow, he got here undetected, past all of your locks and security cameras.

Gojo turned to you with a charming smile. As if this was a reunion between two old friends. In a malevolent way, it was. "Though you could do much better than this, it's a nice place."

Remaining silent, you didn't say his name. You wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

How did he find you? Your benefactor, with no ties to the Gojo clan, changed your records, your appearance, and virtually anything that had to deal with your identity. Not a single trace was left. And yet, here he stood in your home.

Why couldn't he just leave you alone?

There were plenty of women out there he could easily have. Any of them would be happy to grant his desires, or even replace you as his estranged wife. You didn't understand why he insisted on having you.

"Why won't you give up already?" You asked calmly, an apathetic look in your eyes. At least three years have passed since you escaped the shackles of your predetermined live. Plenty of time for him to move on and find someone else. In a way, hiding was supposed to be your form of encouragement.

Between the two of you, he was much more stubborn. Arrogance paved the way for greed, and he refused to lose when it came to anything. A man with the mentality of a spoiled child. Such entitlement of course, extended to you. He didn't give up because he didn't want anyone else. Letting you go and moving on was too easy. Why settle for something he can get with ease, when it was much more exciting to chase what he can't have?

"I've already told you, (Y/N). Millions of times over…" He stepped closer while you retreated back. "I love you." His voice was warm and genuine.

"And it's a lie." You retorted with a razor-like glare. If he truly cared as much as he says, he would let you go. He wouldn't still be here. It was a selfish act, not one out of love. Perhaps he did a long time ago, but his sentimental emotions were corrupted by his egotism. "If you loved me, you'd leave me be."

"(Y/N). Why are you so selfish?" He asked, and you paused. As if a switch had been flipped, his expression grew cold. "Running away from your family, running away from me, and running away from us. You had a good life, and became a powerful sorcerer. Why would you throw that all away? For cowardice? For your insecurities?"

He held up his hand. A hopeful, promising shine was in his eyes. "I came here because I refuse to give up on you. I care about you. Come back with me, and I promise to help you. We'll get through this together. I'll make you happy." He proposed with a warm smile.

A pit formed in your stomach. Even now, he's still trying to manipulate you. Twisting the narrative to belittle your desire for freedom as an insecurity. Justifying his stalking and chasing after you as some sort of savior situation. That your autonomy was something that needed to be fixed. If you weren't so disgusted, you could see yourself laughing at the absurdity of it all. "No. I don't want to go anywhere with you." You gave him your answer.

"Aaah… that's not the right answer." He sighed with a hint of amusement. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he turned his back to the railing. Then he faced you and held out his hand.

He tried to use his ability, but you were quick to stop him. Your arm went limp, but you raised your leg. Kicking him as hard as you could, he was sent flying through the wall. He quickly recovered and got back up.

He dashed forward, and you swiftly dodged out of the way. You got a few good hits in, since he was wary to not use Limitless in excess against you. Now that he couldn't use it to protective himself, everything was fair game. You threw anything you could that was in the house. Lamps, décor, and even furniture. He dodged most of them.

"Enough with this, (Y/N)!" He called out to you. The house was nearly destroyed from all the fighting. Gojo grumbled under his breath. Now that he was aware you could nullify his ability, he had to get creative.

Suddenly, he disappeared from your vision. Heart racing in your chest, you glanced around the room and kept your guard up. There was no running outside, because he could be waiting at the exit.

You turned and sensed something. With your energy magic, you charged the tv to make it explode. Gojo emerged from the shadows and came at you. He was using his Limitless. You had no choice but to nullify it and prepare to counterattack, but suddenly, your mind went blank.

Just now, you had rolled the dice, and yielded the worst possible results. The worst part to neutralize… your brain. It made you lose.

When consciousness came back to you, Gojo was holding you in a tight grip. Pointed at your neck, the tip an inch away from your skin, was a syringe.

Gojo was breathing heavily. Pressing his built chest into your back, you could hear him in your ear. It was a good effort you put up against him, but now it was over. At last, he had you. "Let's go home, shall we?" He hummed with delight.

Before he could move, you snapped your fingers. A explosion of smoke erupted from your body, and the mass coated the air like a screen. You threw your head back, crashing into his face. His grip weakened slightly and you stomped on his foot with all your might, and jabbed your elbow into his abdomen. With a grunt of pain, he fully released you. Not wasting any time, you ran forward and dashed out the back door.

You spun around to see him emerge from the smoke to give chase. Reaching a hand into your pocket, you darted to the edge of the porch. You vaulted over wooden railing and jumped off. In your hand was a small device. You pressed the button.

A large explosion blew up your beloved home. There was a loud, thunderous crash. Debris flew in all directions, and the source was consumed in fire. Once your feet landed onto the sandy beach, you took off running.

On the run yet again. All the money you spent on disappearing the first time had significantly depleted your sources, and nearly the rest had just gone up in flames. You'd have to get creative with your next disappearance, for whatever time you had left.

As you were running, you suddenly stumbled and halted in place. The dizzy spell was so faint, it took you a second to recognize it. During that fight, the syringe must've touched you.

The unknown drug he gave you… you had no idea how much time you had until you passed out. However much time you had, it most likely wasn't enough to hide where you couldn't be found. All of your options were drying up.

Frozen, you stared at the ground. A blank expression haunted your tired features as you fixated on the gravel at your feet.

Was this it? It's all over?

Closing your eyes, you took a shaky breath. It's not. With your remaining strength, you continued running.

Gojo's manipulative speech to you, at first you completely dismissed it as nothing but deceptive garbage. It was bred on twisting your actions to make him seem like the victim. A gaslighting trap, to warp your perspective of reality, and convince you to return to him. Almost like the domains he put his enemies in. At least, that's what you originally thought. After reflecting upon it, you realized that there was some truth to his words. Even when fabricating lies, there will always be a hint of truth hiding in the cracks.

Maybe he was right.

All you've done is run away. In your youth, you fled from living a normal life to become the perfect child your parents wanted. At the expense of your childhood. You ran away from mistakes and imperfections to strive for greatness. Once that was over, you ran away from your family when they needed you most. Then you ran away from Gojo, from your relationship and your engagement. Here you were, proving him right by running away again.

If you kept going, you'd never be able to stop running. This track you set yourself upon, it was an endless one. A nonstop cycle of running on a wheel, with no destination. Gojo, while rendered vulnerable for the moment, was still immortal in the grand scheme of things. He held too much power. Untouchable and relentless, he'll be chasing you forever.

Perhaps… it was time to stop.

When you finally came to a halt, you were near the edge of a cliff. Below, the gathering ocean, crashing against the rocks. The comforting sound you had come to admire. The sun was setting in the sky, and the stars were finally revealing themselves. You've always wanted to come here, but you never found the opportunity.

"(Y/N)…" Gojo called your name. Though he sounded tired, there was a hint of teasing to it. It was the end of the line, after all. Even if you tried to jump, he could catch you. This game of tag had finally reached it's conclusion. "It's over. There's no need for this."

Silently, you met his gaze. The light breeze swept your hair as you stood still. A few seconds passed when you eventually parted your lips. "You're absolutely right." You said with a faint smile and soft eyes. "I'm done with you. Farewell, Satoru."

A bold choice of words. As much as he rather wouldn't, Gojo decided he'd have to hurt you, just so you couldn't run away anymore. Upon stepping back, you suddenly found yourself in a new space. The area around you was a celestial realm, a starry prison. He called his Limitless, and cemented you inside a domain. This way, you couldn't evade him. Even if you nullified it, he could just cast it again and again until you gave up.

So, he didn't know you were on the verge of collapsing. That was perfect.

Once more, you opened your eyes wide. They began to glow. Channeling all of your curse energy, you took his power, and turned it off.

Upon doing so, there was a sharp pain in your chest. Blood stopped pumping and your breath slowed to a cease. It was then that you lost feeling in your head, then your body. Falling back, you lost your balance and went over the edge. Your vision was growing blurry, and everything felt cold. Faintly, you could feel your body falling.

Cancelling his ability wasn't the ultimate goal. The consequences were. To negate all of his powers at once, you offered up the most important function of your body. The heart of the machine. It was held for as long as you could, and you made it.

Finally, you were away from him. To the one place where he couldn't get you. It might've been one last run, but it was something you did of your own volition. Nobody told you what to do, and you freely made your choice. Maybe Gojo could have given you a promising life, but you would never be happy. This outcome was what satisfied you. Your legs had grown tired from running, and now you could finally rest.

rip girlie

i like how at the start i was trolling but at the end it just got sad :')

dividers: cafekitsune

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#yandere #yandere x reader #gojo x reader #gojo satoru x reader #gojo satoru x you #yandere gojo x reader #yandere gojo satoru #jjk #jujutsu kaisen #fem reader #x reader #x female reader #yandere x female reader #yandere writing #writing #one-off writing #tw dark content #tw dark themes

[book-of-baba-fett]

Illicit Affairs - Chapter 22

Captain Rex x OC

Previous Chapter

Chapter Summary: In the final chapter, Talia reflects on how she's grown once receiving positive news from the war front that gives hope to the future.

Chapter Rating: M

Warnings: MAJOR angst, death, grief, alcohol,

A/N: Y'all it's finally here. More notes to come at the end, but thank you for your support in this wild ride. Firs though, a shoutout to @cyarbika for letting me use Kork in this fic, tbh defining how I view 79s, and for holding this plot in for what, a year now lol?? and the biggest love to @galacticgraffiti - you have been my guide for this entire fic, I wouldn't have made it here without your beta reads. ilysm 💜. also thanks for letting me borrow your OC, Eya!

Ao3 Link

Series Masterlist

21 BBY – Coruscant 

Talia had been in bars probably from too young an age; her early missions with her Master often brought them to the seedy corners of the galaxy in search of information. What she lacked was the experience of going out and enjoying a bar, and 79’s was a much different atmosphere than the bars she had been in before. When the doors opened, she was slammed by the bright lights, the loud music, and the thrum of relief and energetic comradery bouncing off every surface.

There were holoscreens illuminating half the walls, clones engaging in drinking games or other friendly bets, beautiful men and women dressed in revealing outfits in the hopes of finding a partner for a night. It was a lot for Talia to take in: the lights, the noise, the energy a near concussive assault on her senses. But once she settled in the booth with the men she had only known a short amount of time yet had already grown to care for so much, it all calmed down somewhat.

         Talia was surprised by how easily they welcomed her, but then again it had beenChurch’s insistence that had brought her out in the first place and Storm’s assurance that had swayed her. She didn’t want to be in the way, thinking that going out with the men she commanded would just burden their night off. But as she sat with them, and they tossed around jokes from the recent campaign, she saw it for what it was: a need to debrief and decompress after the stress. She felt honored that they included her, and even realized how much she needed something like this instead of going to the Temple or even hanging out with her civilian friends who just wouldn’t get it. Talia was still getting used to the title of General, still felt weirdly empty when her hands ran through her hair and she no longer felt her Padawan braid. So, it was nice to have a night where she didn’t have to think about any of it.

The downside to her inexperience in bars was she had no idea what to drink. She followed the boys lead and drank the awful free beer they were served, but decided she couldn’t stomach the stuff. When Storm noticed her displeasure he did her the favor of ordering her a gin and tonic, which he informed her was his usual drink. After she downed it and was already sporting a light buzz, she decided to treat her men to something a bit better than the standard beer, and ordered a round for all of them. She excused herself to a round of cheers, her cheeks warming in a flush from the alcohol. The bartender was more than happy to give her a recommendation for a better ale and recommended a cocktail for Talia to try.

        The feeling of being out of place inched back in as she patiently waited for her round of drinks, tapping her fingers on the counter and trying to blend into the crowd when she was bumped from the side.

“Excuse me, I’m sorry ma’am, the crowd pushed a lot more than-“ a clone’s voice sincerely apologized, only to cut off as Talia turned to see Captain Rex’s face darkening from a flush as he recognized the Jedi next to him. “Oh, General Riva! I’m so sorry I didn’t see you there. And I’m sorry again for knocking into you-“

Talia chuckled at his flustered words, but shook her head, “It’s ok, Captain. It’s crowded in here; I had to fight my way to the bar.”

Rex’s face relaxed at that, a small grin even toying at his lips, “Well, you could just use the Force to part the crowd, be more efficient.”

Talia snorted, then blushed from the embarrassing noise that had escaped her, but Rex didn’t seem to notice. “The men already seem intimidated by a Jedi being here, I don’t need to draw more attention to it.”

“That reminds me, I should probably make sure my boys are on best behavior tonight then,” Rex grumbled, tossing a look over his shoulder at a booth filled with clones in the 501st blue armor. Talia hadn’t worked with them enough to know all their names yet, but she recognized a few from a recent mission. They seemed to be having fun, or maybe having an argument by the way some of them were pointing and shouting at each other. Maybe a bit of both, Talia supposed.

“Don’t dampen their fun on my account,” Talia said, “We all need a break.”

Rex huffed out a laugh and nodded at that, “You can say that again. And you wouldn’t dampen their fun at all; in fact, I’m worried it would be the other way around.”

“What do you mean?” Talia asked confusedly.

“Oh, nothing,” Rex answered quickly, as if he had gotten too close to admitting something he didn’t want to say. “Just that...I think my men wouldn’t leave you alone, that you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your night without them bothering you.”

“Oh, they wouldn’t bother me!” Talia insisted. “I liked working with you all on Taanab; Fives and Echo had me cracking up.”

Rex shrugged. “Echo can control himself, Fives on the other hand…”

“Oh yeah, he’s a flirt,” Talia cut in. Rex looked at her wide eyed then laughed. “You think I didn’t catch any of that? I can’t imagine what he’d be like with the influence of alcohol.”

“Again, why I hope they don’t bother you.” Rex muttered, once again casting a glance back at the booth, only to see some of the brothers, including the one in question, watching them at the bar.

Rex sighed and murmured something under his breath then glanced back at Talia. He straightened himself up, facing the bar again, “What are you drinking? Can I get you a round?”

“I already ordered,” Talia explained, nodding her head in the direction of the bartender,  “and I wouldn’t let you get me a drink anyway. In fact, I’m getting you one.”

Rex shook his head, “I can’t let you do that.”

“I insist. You serve under Anakin; I know you must be in dire need of alcohol,” Talia said.

Rex laughed again, still shaking his head, “I’m fine with just the Kork.”

“Wow, you are a horrible liar,” Talia observed, smirking as the Captain attempted to deny it. She wasn’t even using the Force, but after experiencing the stuff herself she assumed you had to lack taste buds to enjoy it. “I don’t see how you guys can swallow the stuff.”

“The fact that it’s free helps,” Rex admitted, “But really General; I’m fine.”

“Nonsense,” Talia waved off as the bartender came back around with Talia’s drinks. She glanced at Rex, ready to take his order when Talia cut in, “Could you get another one of these ales for the Captain? And put it on my tab?”

The bartender was off before Rex could argue, “Thank you, but you don’t have to.”

“I know, but I want to,” Talia insisted. “It’s the least I can do.”

“Well, usually it’s the clone buying the girl a drink in here,” Rex offered, a slight smirk on his face. Talia’s face felt warm – a weird reaction, she thought.

“Guess you’ll just owe me a round the next time, Captain,” Talia replied. “I have to say it’s nice to see you on a night out, you seem a lot less... stressed.”

“In truth, this isn’t my usual thing. I was convinced to join,” Rex explained.

“Same here,” Talia added, “Sometimes, our men know what we need more than we ourselves do, I guess.”

“But we can’t admit that to them.” There was that smirk again. Talia tried to ignore the way it lit up his face, how it enhanced how handsome he was. It had to be the alcohol in her, making her warm and encouraging her eyes to linger on his face. 

“And for what it’s worth, it’s “You kind of have,” Talia said, earning a confused look from Rex. “Naboo? The Gala?”

“Oh well… I don’t think that’s fair to count because I didn’t know you were a Jedi.” Rex offered, his hand reaching to scratch the back of his neck. “And you weren’t exactly off duty.”

“Fair, fair,” Talia shrugged.  “But then I was much better dressed for a night out.”

“You look perfect,” Rex said it so simply but stopped himself suddenly, the skin on his neck and cheeks darkening slightly. Talia’s own cheeks burned once more, but she didn’t know what to say in return. Rex also seemed speechless at his own admission, and for a moment they lingered on it, silent but surrounded by the loud music and conversations echoing around them. Talia searched for a witty response, or even hoped some words of thanks would leave her tongue, but instead found herself horrendously lacking any reply. Not from embarrassment or discomfort, but almost because Rex’s words had caught her off guard. Talia felt she should say something to ease the blush creeping in on the Captain as he obviously seemed as surprised by the compliment he had paid her.  She supposed she could offer the same reply back, but felt lame and she didn’t even know why she was at a rare loss for words, but she didn’t get a chance to salvage her own lapse.

 “Captain!” They were interrupted as Fives pushed his way in beside Rex, wrapping his arm over Rex’s shoulder and admonishing his brother teasingly, “Stop flirting with Talia so we can get on with the game!”

Talia didn’t think it was possible, but Rex’s face darkened further as his jaw dropped. His eyes darted back to Talia as he sputtered out “I wasn’t-“

“Sure sure,” Fives waved off, his voice slurring a bit, “you’ll just deny it again. General, looking great as always, but I’m going to steal our captain for a bit.”

“Sorry for holding him up for so long,” Talia answered, her cheeks still aflame. She directed a small smile back at Rex, who looked torn between dying of embarrassment and like he had the temptation to kill his brother. “Have a fun night, hope to see more of you soon.”

“Thanks, you too, Talia,” Rex said as Fives dragged him off. Talia watched them go, her cheeks aching from the smile stuck on her face. It was weird, he had only ever referred to her as General. She liked the way her name sounded coming off his lips.

19 BBY – Coruscant

79’s hadn’t visibly changed much in the time since Talia had first walked through its doors, yet the way she knew it had evolved entirely. It wasn’t an unknown space; it was filled with memories. Its walls echoed with the joy of time spent away from war with friends who she would never forget, some who had grown to be like family… and Rex, who was so much more. Talia knew the workers, had collected bits and pieces of their lives through conversation and they felt as ingrained to the place as the clones who it was built for. As she walked in, Talia smiled in greeting at the large Nautolan bouncer, Eya.  Those who didn’t know them would see them as imposing from their size, the tattoos decorating their violet skin, the spikes protruding from their knuckles and the cybernetic eye that contrasted to the deep black of their organic one, but Talia recognized there was a strange, comforting softness underneath the façade. They were also friends with Storm, who Talia had come to 79’s with that night, and he stayed back to chat with Eya while Talia grabbed a booth, seeking a private space for the conversation she wanted to have. 

The 412th’s last campaign had been relatively easy work, but they had missed the battle on Coruscant, something that seemed to bother the men as they wanted the chance to defend the center of the Republic themselves, but sometimes other duties called first. They were granted leave as soon as the campaign had ended, and Talia felt relief when they approached the planet and she didn’t see much damage on the surface. Coruscant had been her home for as long as she could remember, the whole planet and the temple especially had always seemed so untouchable before the war. The bombing of the temple was a stark reminder of how war could always hit unexpectedly, and she was grateful the siege of the planet hadn’t lasted long.

As the Venator approached Coruscant, they received the news that was the cause for her and Storm’s meeting tonight. Master Kenobi had engaged Grievous in battle on the Utapau system. With Count Dooku dead, the Separatist leadership was fractured, and if Obi-Wan could defeat Grievous, they would crumble and the war would be over. It was strange to hope, considering how many times the General had evaded defeat before, but something felt different this time. He didn’t have Dooku to crawl back to for support, and Grievous didn’t garner the same level of following that the charismatic Sith had. Without Grievous and Dooku, there was no one to step in, no way the Separatists could still fight. 

In other news from the war front, Talia had received word from Rex. Ahsoka’s mission on Mandalore had been a success, and they had captured Maul. Talia had never been more afraid for Rex than she was when she heard what his mission was; Maul had haunted her dreams for too long. She had taken that as a warning that something would happen to Rex on Mandalore, fighting against the former Sith. It would have been too cruel for Talia to lose Rex to Maul, to someone who had caused so much pain and suffering for her already. Especially when they were finally at the cusp of victory, on the brink of what they were fighting for.

Things with Rex weren’t fully back to what they had been, but that was what they had agreed upon. They needed to focus, be on their best without the distraction that they brought to each other. But it was better than the weeks they had spent apart, trying to act as if the other didn’t exist. They still sent each other messages, updating with what was going on in their respective corners of the galaxy, chatting if they had a free moment but truth be told, those were rare to come by. It wasn’t much, and it left a craving for more, but it also gave a promise for what they could have when this was all over. Somehow, Talia knew they would come out of this stronger than they had been before, that Rex and she could build something new off the foundation they had. And it felt like the will of the Force was suddenly on their side, like something would finally move to end this war, to end all the pain that had been inflicted on the galaxy. But to Talia, it would be a new beginning.

Storm joined her, with two gin and tonics in hand, and slowly slid into the booth. They had come here together a few times one on one. Sometimes they said a lot, like in the early days of the war when they took time to learn more about each other in ways they couldn’t just by being in proximity commanding together. Other times, they sat in silence, too weighed down by exhaustion or grief to thread words together. Storm had even confided some of his personal life to Talia, some nice stories about a handsome Pantoran man he would see sometimes on shore leave. Talia had never been able to divulge the same level of information – until today.

“Everything alright, General?” Storm asked as he watched Talia staring thoughtfully across the table, her mind distracted as she tried to ignore the apprehensive twist of her gut.

“Everything’s fine,” Talia said in a half truth. “And how many times do I have to tell you, when I’m here you can call me Talia.”

“Just as many times as I’ll have to remind you: as long as you’re my general, that’s what I’ll call you,” he said as simply as always.

Talia’s gut twisted further, “That’s actually why I wanted to come here today.”

Storm nodded but didn’t probe. Storm wasn’t the type to pry or push people beyond what they were ready to talk about. But he could always tell when someone needed to talk or would be there if they asked. Talia took a sip of her drink and took a deep breath before addressing what she invited him here to say.

“I’m going to be leaving the Jedi Order,” Talia blurted out, a bit more bluntly than she would have liked, but it felt easier to expel the news rather than to linger on it. “This campaign was my last with the 412th, unless something goes wrong with Grievous on Utapau and we still have a war to fight, but I don’t see that happening; all the signs are saying this is about to end.”

Storm’s face was unreadable, but he nodded. “Does the Council know? Does Master Plo know?”

Talia’s gut twisted again at the mention of Plo’s name, in all her thoughts of how this would go, she still had a hard time picturing how her master’s master would react to her defecting from The Order. “I wanted you to know first, I felt like I owed you that after all we’ve been through together.”

Storm nodded once again, but this time, his demeanor shifted. He seemed less tense, like the meaning behind Talia’s words struck a chord with him in a sentimental way. There was also a flicker of mourning in him, or maybe it was just the echoes of Talia’s own feelings for him – how she would miss working with him. Storm settled back in the booth, his eyes meeting Talia’s again as the curve of a rare, teasing smile toyed on his lips.

“Does this have anything to do with a certain blond captain of the 501st?”

Talia’s jaw dropped as her cheeks burned – there was no way… ”How long have you known?”

“Had my suspicions for a while; I knew you had a crush on him,” Storm teased as Talia sat mortified. “And it was obvious he had a soft spot for you. Then I saw him sneak into your tent on Turia, and that confirmed it.”

Talia shook her head in disbelief, “But you never said anything-“

“What would I say? It’s not my business what you do in your personal life,” Storm said simply. “I figured if you wanted to tell me, you would. Which is what you’re doing now. So I assume I’m right then, you’re leaving the Order for him?”

“Yes, well, partially,” Talia admitted. “The truth is, the path of the Jedi isn’t one I see myself walking anymore. At least, not in the confines of the Order. I want more, I need more from my life. And Rex gives me that.”

 “What will you do? Without the Order?” Storm asked.

“I don’t know,” Talia answered, and for once those three words weren’t laced with fear or anxiety. They felt oddly freeing. “There’s so much out there. I could go to school, I could volunteer with shelters like the one we found on Turia. I could visit planets without having to fight a war on them. Hells, I could get a job here at 79’s if I felt like it. I could also just do nothing for a while. I’m not sure what I’ll wind up doing, but I feel like that’s a good thing.”

That seemed to be all Storm needed to hear, because he softly smiled at her in that reassuring way. “Then I’m happy for you, even if I’ll miss working with you, General.”

“I just said I’m leaving – you can say my name!” Talia laughed. Storm only shook his head.

“Technically you haven’t told the Council, so you haven’t relieved yourself of duty. Therefore, you’re still my General.” Storm took a sip of his drink, his eyes flashing as he teased.

“You have to be so literal?” Talia rolled her eyes but still giggled.

“Rex knows if he ever hurts you, he’s a dead man, right?” Storm said seriously, though a crack of a smirk lingered on his lips as he continued, “Though I guess I should give you a similar threat since he is my brother.”

“I can bet a few members of the 501st will beat you to it, maybe even Commander Cody,” Talia shrugged, earning a chuckle from Storm.

The doors to 79’s slid open, and a group of shock troopers marched in, heavily armed. Talia frowned; she didn’t recognize the patterns on their armor as being any of the Corrie Guard members she knew. She glanced a curious glance at Storm, and saw her look of inquisitiveness mirrored in his face. 

She began to ask him what he thought was going on, when a sharp pain pierced her head.

It was an ache that seemed to shake her entire body, drenching her in a cold sweat. Images flashed in her mind of barrages of blaster fire, flashes of clone armor, piercing blue lightning, a Jedi fighter falling from the sky, and a menacing laughter mixed with cries of pain. She couldn’t focus on any of it, feeling too much and nothing all at once. She was vaguely aware of Storm attempting to check on her, his voice muffled by the others that echoed in her head crying out. A comm was going off, its shrill beep adding to the pain in her head. Every hair on her body stood on end, she was overwhelmed by the cold that had seeped into her, chilling her straight to the bone. She couldn’t make out anything, her visions were too blurred, but through all the chaos she could tell something was horribly wrong.She had to push through it, numb the visions and try and warn Storm that something had happened, even though she couldn’t make sense of it. Catching her breath, she looked up to Storm to explain what she had felt.

All she saw was his blaster pointed at her.

It was a beautiful night on Naboo, with the stars shining brightly over the navy sky. The full moon cast a glow over the gorge their spaceship was hidden in, its light reflecting over the river as it flowed through. Rex could see the outline of the palace in the distance, illuminated by lights in its windows and balconies, a symbol of the culture and beauty of the planet. It didn’t seem right that a place of such beauty was the setting for such mourning.

Everything seemed to be in a haze still. Rex couldn’t easily place how much time had passed in Galactic Standard time since the Order. Nothing felt real as he tried to process all that had happened, all that had changed. He never would have thought it possible that the Republic would fall, yet it happened in a matter of minutes with work completed by his own men. He still had blood and dirt caked on his armor from burying his brothers on the moon. He still winced when he moved from the shots that had hit him in his escape, his head still ached in the spot his chip had been removed. The chip that had been a part of him since he was created, the one Fives had discovered, exposed and tried to warn them about but instead was shot over. He had tried to look into it more after Fives died, but he could accomplish little without arousing suspicion. He knew Kix had his own questions too, then Kix disappeared. Rex should have questioned that more too, but he was too numb, too in denial over losing another brother. The idea of it all being connected was too much. Now he cursed himself for his own idiocy, seeing what should have been obvious. If Rex had pushed harder, if he had fought alongside Fives or continued the search after his death, would that have been enough to prevent this madness?

After their escape, finding out news while evading any attention had proved difficult. They knew the fighter they had would be flagged at any Imperial  controlled port, but they needed fuel and to confirm how widespread the Order was. Ahsoka had held on to some small semblance of hope that it wasn’t as bad as she feared, but Rex knew better than to hope. He knew what it was like, to lose control of his mind and identity at a simple phrase. He saw how it instantly changed the brothers he was with and he knew there was no chance any clone could fight it.  Once they had finally landed on some asteroid fueling station, the news was so much worse than they had feared.

Rex had never seen Ahsoka so broken as she was when they saw the news about Senator Amidala’s death. Ahsoka had been muted when they were burying the dead from the Venator, devoid of emotion in a stoicness that fit what Rex knew of the Jedi and how they dealt with grief. But when the report about Padmé played, it seemed to break the thread that had been holding Ahsoka together. She burst into tears, a wracking sob  shaking her entire body, and Rex knew it was more than just from her closeness with the Senator, for he knew that if Padmé didn’t survive, that meant Anakin was gone too.

The final blow was the news broadcast they caught of the Jedi Temple, with smoke billowing from its great towers as the reports broke about the Jedi’s treason. Ahsoka had to watch her old home burn, and Rex watched in muted terror, keeping himself together so it wouldn’t be worse for the kid, but the only thing on his mind was Talia and praying to things he didn’t believe in that she had somehow made it out. 

When Ahsoka asked if they could go to Naboo so she could see Padme’s funeral procession, he couldn’t find it in his heart to tell her no, even if every bit of reason in him was screaming that it could only be a bad choice. He cursed himself even more for letting her go alone, but as a clone he couldn’t blend in. So instead, he kept watch, left alone with his own thoughts as he tried to avoid glancing back up at the palace too often, because it reminded him of a night a lifetime ago, and the woman he met there.

Half the reason Rex was in such a haze was because his thoughts were filled with Talia. When he had been under control of the chip, he had not been Rex anymore - he was CT-7567. But there had been a small portion of his sense that tried to force its way through, a dull nagging in his head. He couldn’t make it out, it was like a rustle in the wind on the back of his mind.  Through the haze of trying to accomplish his mission, to follow the order to execute the Jedi, images of Talia kept entering his mind. The second he woke up after Ahsoka had removed his chip, and he realized the implications of what had happened, those images were brought to the forefront as he feared for Talia. But he couldn’t dwell on it then, he had to focus on surviving. But she was in the back of his mind the whole time, that fear plaguing him whether she was fighting in the same way he was that very moment. Or had it been quick, had she not even noticed before anything happened?

No, he couldn’t think like that. Rex shoved those thoughts deep inside him, because if he dwelt on them too long then the air was too thick and he wouldn’t think of anything else. He would think of the images of the Temple burning, of the Emperor’s speech about how all Jedi would be hunted down, and he would think about how all the messages Rex had tried to send her had gone unanswered.

Ahsoka’s figure appeared out of the darkness, slowly walking back towards Rex and the ship. She didn’t say anything, and he wouldn’t probe her and  ask about it. They had agreed it would be safer for the both of them if they separated soon, rather than risk attention by traveling together. Rex didn’t like thinking about the kid on her own in the Galaxy, but he already had plans in the works that he knew she didn’t want to be a part of and he didn’t blame her. She had fought enough. He had agreed to take her to Naboo, just to make sure she was OK on an Imperial controlled planet. He would drop her off after, but before he did, they had one more stop.

Waves crashing filled Rex’s ears, the thick smell of salt water lingering in his nose. It was hotter, more humid than when they had been here, something that would have been unbearable when they were stranded. In all honesty, at first it was hard to tell if this was the same island; Rex had charted the planet after they had been rescued, but its surface was littered with many similar atolls and sandbars that disappeared as they were covered by the tide. But as the fighter approached, Rex could see the shuttle still crashed on the shore, only in a further state of disrepair than what they had left.

Its durasteel floor creaked under Rex’s footsteps, the hull was weakened by rust and damaged from their original crash, plus the repeated bashing of waves. Barnacles and other traces of ocean life had left their mark in the shuttle, with a coat of sand and grime lingering over what was once a well-engineered shuttle in the Separatist army. Rex approached the cockpit, stopping as he examined the scorch marks still visible from when he had to cut the door open. The cockpit was in equal ruin to the rest of the shuttle, its controls long lifeless and stripped for the communicator they had made to call for help. He glanced at the wall where he and Talia had first kissed, where he had first lost control and plummeted headfirst into their reckless, beautiful, tragic love affair.

Rex exited the shuttle, trudging through the ankle-deep water back to shore. Ahsoka stood in the distance, giving Rex his moment. For what, he didn’t even know. He had avoided her gaze when they first arrived, and just like he didn’t probe her after the funeral, she asked no questions now. Rex supposed she had a feeling there was more to this visit than pure sentimentality, and he guessed a part of her had always known that his and Talia’s relationship went beyond a soldier and a general. 

The beach held no signs of the camp they had set up, it had been washed away by weather and the sea, no memory of what had been. As Rex stood alone, he wondered if he was the only person left in the galaxy who this insignificant spot held any memory for.

As his vision fogged, he wondered why he had bothered to come here, as if he was expecting Talia to be waiting along the shoreline, ready to meet him like they had promised the last time they were together. But that was a promise for a different outcome, a different galaxy. He had hoped being here he could somehow feel her presence, and know she was out there, but he felt more blind than he ever had in his life. And the words ran through his thoughts, words he didn’t want to think but were becoming more and more real by the minute.

Was she gone? Was Talia dead?

He didn’t know whether to scream or cry. He kicked the sand at his feet, a fruitless attempt to get out the rage and frustration festering in him. He fell to his knees, eyes locked on the horizon as he watched the sea, swallowing thickly as he failed to hold in the tears that cascaded down his cheeks. He had done well, holding it all in through everything, but coming to the one place he associated so heavily with Talia, where the memory of her took over his mind, broke him. Half of him wanted to take on Palpatine himself, to seek revenge for Talia, his brothers and all the Jedi. But then another part of him wanted it all to be over, for his fighting to be done. He had done enough of it, and what good had come of it?

Rex wiped his face, and breathed in and out, placing his palm on the ground and clenching his fist around the sand. He had come all this way, for what? To be with the ghosts of his past, of Fives, Jesse and Talia, all whose deaths could have been prevented had he been a stronger man?

He reached into his belt, dug in the pocket of his pouch and pulled out the thin silver chain with the coin-like pendant, his thumb gliding over the raised bumps and lines etched into it. In his hand was the last thing left of her, the only tangible proof that she had been real. Rex considered burying it in the sand, the only memorial that she would get. But he couldn’t find the strength to let it go.

 Should he wait? Spend the rest of his days on this beach, motionless as the galaxy spun on, just for the chance that she might arrive one day? Rex almost chuckled as he imagined how frustrated Talia would be at him if he did that, that she would roll her eyes and make a comment about his stubbornness. Then she would flash him that teasing smile, with that steely glint in her eye and say, “You can’t give up on me that easily, can you?”

The sound of the waves was rushing over him, a faint line of pink tinting the sky as the sun began to set. They had been so close to having it all, so close to finally starting a new life without the war and a hope for what they could really be without all the obstacles around them. Instead it was the end of everything. But as much as his muscles ached and urged him to rest and to grieve, that wasn’t in his nature. As Talia always liked to remind him, he was too stubborn for that. 

Rex collected himself and pushed up from the ground, clasping the chain around his neck; now it wouldn’t matter if anyone saw him wearing it. Sitting in his grief wouldn’t bring back the brothers he had lost, but he could do something for those still out there. And Talia…the harshness of reality had already settled in his mind, but he had to still fight for her, had to believe she was out there. She had survived more hells than anyone should, but he knew she had more fight in her. If anyone could have made it out, it was her. That’s what Rex told himself as he approached the fighter.  Rex still had some fight in him, and he would fight till the last breath to take back what the Empire had stolen from him.

--

Author's note - so how much do you hate me lol.

I know what you're probably thinking - 'wtf iris where's the rest of it' 'how dare you'' 'WHAT ABOUT THE MAUL SUBPLOT??" and to which I say - all will be answered in time. But I really wanted to thank you - because anyone reading this note is someone I basically owe my life to. When I was a kid, I used to write little flipbook pages and had a mini dream of being an author one day. That dream got kicked out of me quickly just through my own insecurities because I would try and write in middle school and hated every word. Then during covid, I was binge watching the clone wars and rebels and reading fic and thought "hey, what the hell why don't I give this a shot" and the ideas of Talia and Rex were the first I had, even before I was publishing any other fics. I posted other ones as a test, just to see if anyone would even bother to read and I was always so lucky from the beginning to have such fantastic support. Some of you have been here from the beginning, some have joined along the way, and you've all been so patient and understanding as I've dealt with blocks. It's cliche but I could not have finished it without having y'all around. I've cried reading some of your comments, and have been so touched when some of you have messaged talking about how much you've connected with Talia. She's so personal to me, I really have a part of my soul in her and I was terrfiied that people would hate her but the responses to her have been so positive and I can't express how much that means to me. I also got so much more love for Storm than I was expecting (but I guess I shouldn't be surprised because who doesn't love a good clone captain) but I also am so sorry to y'all. I won't leave y'all hanging long, in fact things have been in the works for awhile (in fact I was more hyperfixated on those things and that's why finishing this felt so long).

Taglist: @djarrex @justanothersadperson93 @paige6768 @saltywintersoldat @clonecyare @dinner-djarin @whore4rex @swlover2187 @collectoroffics @pinkiemme @twistedstitcher27 @frietiemeloen @a-c-lee @ashotofspotchka @galacticgraffiti @itsagrimm @rexandechosandwich @immortalhdx @queen--kenobi @stankferrik @aquaamethyst96 @mavendeb @alwayssnivellus @rain-on-kamino @staryskyforever @amyroswell @lucyysthings @manqoz @ilikemymendarkandfictional @punkpirate82 @paperplanes221 @saturnsokas @starstofillmydream @wild-karrde @purgetrooperfox @sleepingsun501 @burningfieldof-clover @seriowan @samspenandsword @sunshinesdaydream @ariadnes-red-thread @babygirlrex0504 @arctrooper69 @cw80831 @dhawerdaverd

#captain rex #captain rex x oc #star wars fanfiction #the clone wars #Captain rex x reader #star wars #captain rex fanfiction #illicit affairs fanfic #ia fanfic #oc fanfiction #original female character #star wars oc #talia riva #tcw fanfiction

[courtofterrasen]

I’m just about done with finals, so I decided to gather up a quick list of over 50+ different POC women characters with actual good stories and character development as well as what they’re in, since you guys seem to be complacent in accepting mediocrity🥰

I know there are A LOT more REALLY GOOD characters out there, like Firebird from Marvel for example, but these are all characters from media that I either have personally consumed or know a lot about that I can think about off the top of my head. So if anyone wants to keep the list going in the comments, please feel free to add on

Charlotte- Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Shuri- Black Panther (MY LOVE😭❤️)

Okoye- Black Panther

Nakia- Black Panther

Queen Ramonda- Black Panther

Katara- ATLA

Korra- LoK

Toph- ATLA

Azula- ATLA

Beauregard- Critical Role: Campaign 2

Fy’ra Rai- Critical Role: Exandria Unlimited

Opal- Critical Role: Exandria Unlimited

Deni$e- Critical Role: Campaign 3

Deanna- Critical Role: Campaign 3

Lady Kima: Critical Role: Campaign 1/ Legends of Vox Machina

Laerryn: Critical Role: Exandria Unlimited: Calamity

Veth Brenatto- Critical Role: Campaign 2

Mirko- My Hero Academia

Ahsoka (people refer to her as a POC character even though she’s a Togruta)

Moana

Mulan

Tiana- Princess and the Frog

Esmeralda- The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Nani- Lilo and Stitch

Raya- Raya and the Last Dragon

Mel- Arcane

Ambessa Medara- Arcane

Sevika- Arcane

(Special shout out to Ekko from Arcane because he’s SUCH A GOOD CHARACTER)

Storm- Marvel comics

Wonder Woman- DC comics (she is Mediterranean, which is located in the North Africa/ Europe/ West Asia region, for the incels who are going to try to fight me on that. Just because your skin has less melanin than people “think you should have” does not invalidate you being a POC)

Nubia- DC comics

Special shoutout to General Nanisca in The Woman King. I have not watched it yet, but I’ve heard a lot of great things

Valkyrie- Thor Ragnarok

Gamora: Guardians of the Galaxy (though, she’s not human, she’s a Zen-Whoberis, but her actress is Dominican and Puerto Rican)

Ava Silva- Warrior Nun

Sister Beatrice- Warrior Nun

Sister Lilith- Warrior Nun

Deyha- Genshin Impact

Candace- Genshin Impact

Xinyan- Genshin Impact

Janai- The Dragon Prince

Ursula- Once Upon A Time

Mulan- Once Upon a Time

Lucyna “Lucy” Kushinada- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Mermista- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Catra- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Lonnie- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Netossa- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Entrapta- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Perfuma- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Mara- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Frosta- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

(All of whom are Etherian’s, not Terran’s, which would equivalate people from earth)

Mazikeen- Lucifer

Wednesday Addams- The Addam’s Family/ Wednesday

Calliope “Cal” Burns- First Kill

Talia Burns- First Kill

Yennefer- The Witcher (actress is of Indian descent.)

Triss- The Witcher (some debate can be had about this due to her character in the games being white and her actress in the show having South African heritage. I enjoy them both equally)

I would add Pocahontas to this list, but the Disney recreation of her story is an extremely incorrect and awful retelling, so I implore you to go and look up the story of Amonute/ Matoaka, which is the true name of Pocahontas. It’s not an easy story to hear, but I feel as though people need to know her true story instead of Disney’s romanticized one.

Also, if you guys REALLY want a good female POC pirate story, check out the story of the most successful pirate in the world named Ching Shih, aka Cheng I Sao. She was a woman born in Guangdong, China in the late 18th century and worked as a prostitute until she caught the eye of Cheng I, the notorious Commander of the Red Flag Fleet. After buying and marrying her, he noticed her intelligence, leadership skills, and determination, so he began to teach her about life in the high seas. She quickly adapted and helped him lead his fleet, and when he died she assumed full control over his fleet and amassed 1,800 ships and 80,000 pirates under her control and became the most feared pirate leader of her time. It’s a VERY cool story

#notice how they’re all GOOD COMPLEX CHARACTERS #and how Phee is not😮 #you all need to raise your standards #phee is a bad character #and surface level at best #criticizing a character who just so happens to be poc for their bad writing is not racist #but criticizing a character BECAUSE they’re poc is a completely different story #want to talk about a strong black woman #here you go #I really do love shuri #I adore her #she’s so cool #and so smart #and she’s such a badass #and she’s so pretty😭 #anyone on this list could demolish Phee #tech and phee #tech x phee #the bad batch phee #tbb phee #phee genoa #star wars #the bad batch #tbb #bad batch #your idiotic comments fuel me

[eywaite]

Basic Training

Romancing Pandora Day: #7 ~ MLM

Pairing: Human Prince Lo'ak x human male reader

Words: 9.1K

Summary: A rebellious royal is the damning of any kingdom, those were the words that have been ingrained into Lo'ak since he was young. Did he listen? No. But the consequences to his actions are well worth the disgrace.

Warnings: Aged-up character, NFSW, MLM, male reader, royal human AU, sub Lo'ak, oral sex (male receiving), rimming, fingering, anal penetration, creampie, size difference, size kink.

Notes: Because the Avatar fandom has many female readers (shoutout to all my Avatar loving Kings out there 😚💋), I have decided to give reader a name but keep him description free. HE IS NOT AN OC! So you can imagine him to be whoever you want or as yourself or as an OC. But it was so much easier to write this way. Also, I'm sorry this is so long lol.

Credits: Credit to @/Lyra on Instagram for the beautiful human Lo'ak art. Credit to @cafekitsune for the MDNI and Support banners.

Na'vi Translation:

Ohazo te Keorä Na'ìlu'itan: Reader's name

Kelutral: Hometree

Koaktan: Old man

Skxawng: Idiot, moron

Oel ngati kameie: I See you

Ma: Vocative marker used to indicate whom the speaker is addressing. Can be used with a name.

Yawntutsyìp: Darling; little loved one

Mawey: Be calm

Lo'ak te Suli Tsyeyk'itan; the youngest son of King Jake and Queen Neytiri, second to the throne and Prince of the Omatikaya kingdom. A stature of strength and courage among his people. Beloved by many and cherished by all.

Those will be the words etched into his grave one day. But it's not the complete picture. Doesn't show every side to the well known prince. It's missing the most important piece: A womanizer that became the thorn in his father's side.

As much as Lo'ak has managed to keep up his elaborate front of being a good son and royal, it never fooled anyone, everyone knows the real golden child of the family was his older brother, Neteyam, and Lo'ak would never amount to his or his father's achievements. Not with the way he loved women and liquor. And certainly not with the way he handles royal life.

Everything of importance were translated to nothing but boring equivalence to a good time in his head: Policy meeting were there to kill his mind and bore him with stupid laws no one will actually remember. War counsel gatherings are there to remind him of the many battles his father has won, disciplinary talks were reminders at how much better Neteyam was at whooing and aweing the other rich royal needed to help keep the commerce running. And combat training was just a monkey show in disguise since no true hard exterior warrior acts like the buffoons in his brother's command. At least, that's what Lo'ak likes to believe.

There was no counsel Lo'ak knew well, but there was no party or gathering he wasn't invited to.

Young royals and aristocrats alike beg on their knees for Lo'ak to make even the slightest of appearances at their soirée, pleading in finely handwritten messages that Lo'ak took weeks to reply to knowing damn well he's going at the promise of free booze and loose women.

Because what's better to a high class heir or heiress with endless fortune than having their Prince attend their humble gatherings? Sure to bring word back to his parents about the wonderful time he had knowing full well the scandalous and adulterous behaviors hosted at said party will never reach Their Majesties ears, not when their Royal Highness was the talk of the night with a couple of women at each arm and handfuls of glasses of the finest champagnes and wines their kingdom's vineyards could offer.

What better to the royal maids and butlers than a hungover Prince that'll do anything to keep his disheveled state a secret from his nosey brother and annoying sisters? A kind words and a helping hand with the vomit is sure to earn themselves a hefty tip that'll keep their family happy and healthy for years after only one night away.

What better for the Knights and King's Guards that serve the royal family to their death than a Prince that's never around to protect? A sly wink and a favour of lying about his attendance to his daily training washes their hands of him and provides a month's supply of any bitter, hardy alcohol of their choosing.

These deals could never made with Neteyam. It's almost laughable how well behaved his older brother is and it's even more neck aching how well behaved everyone is around him, especially his guards – the same guards that let Lo'ak slip out of his training for the eighth year in a row.

Neteyam knew of some of his younger brother's endeavors and chose to ignore than in exchange for his occasional one nightstands with his chambermaid would stay between the brothers and no one else; not even his promised wife-to-be. Lo'ak loves to wave that bit of information over Neteyam whenever the older brother tries to rein in the family's problem child.

Kiri truly never gave a damn about any of the crude things her brothers do, preferring to spend her time in the library with her grandmother or with mother in the gardens. Rather keeping her nose stuck in a book studying foreign philosophies than hearing of her brother's newest conquests.

And Tuktirey was too oblivious to life to even understand a morsel of what's going on. Spending her days wreaking havoc in the castle at all times while the servants chase after her. Forever keeping her status as the family's favorite sibling and child.

His siblings were amateurs. Lo'ak has been trading and bargaining for every ounce of his freedom since he was old enough to count. Wrapping the other royals around his finger with his scandalous but tight lipped ways. Letting the servants have whatever they want for their discretion and helping him look like the honorable prince people still believe him to be. Even ignoring the sideways looks the guards would give him if it meant he could get out of training.

This is how his life should be, not the dangling pressure of something he never wanted. But, as his father would say, he needs to suck it up and soldier on. Which is a funny thought considering Lo'ak doesn't know anything about soldiering.

The hardy breakfast feast spread out around the grand dining table is steaming it's delicious scent into the air as Lo'ak enters the dinning hall, smiling at his favorite bowing butler as he saunters in. "Mr. Stxeli, how's your morning been, old man?" he asks, snatching a apple off the side serving bar and tossing it into the air, catching it before taking a large bite out of it's crisp outer shell.

The older man sends a amused but still annoyed look to the young prince, "Very well, thank you, sir. A warning on when you would be joining the family breakfast would make it even better." Mr. Stxeli tells Lo'ak, giving the young man a knowing look, eyeing the dark spot barely hidden by the loose dress shirt he's wearing. Both knowing full well this conversation was not about Lo'ak's unannounced arrival to family breakfast instead of taking his meal in bed.

Out of all the servants in Kelutral Castle, old Mr. Stxeli was Lo'ak's favorite. He was the first of the serving staff to hide Lo'ak's first of many transgressions, and he's continued to hide them ever since.

"Sorry, koaktan, I'll remember to fair warn you next time." Lo'ak smirks at the senior butler, taking the plate offered to him and walking to find his seat next to Neteyam. Since Lo'ak often eats in his room – nursing a hangover – his place at the table isn't set, but Lo'ak pays that no mind, pulling out his chair and sitting next to Neteyam before taking one of his forks that Neteyam offered him.

Neytiri eyes her son, not as happy as he thought she would be seeing her son down for breakfast on time. "Is something the matter, Mother? Do I not look presentable enough for breakfast?" he asks, pulling at his finely pressed linen dressing blouse for any stains, running his hands down his high waisted, black dress pants for any tears.

Before his mother can answer, his father looks up from the head of the table, looking over the letter he was reading to peer at his family. "Thanks have been sent to us from the Metkayina Kingdom. King Tonowari and Queen Ronal are pleased with the building supplies we traded them for."

"Good," Neytiri says, sipping at her aromatic tea." I was afraid the Queen would have complaints about the wood again." her jeering comment makes Jake hide a smile.

"Much like your complaints of the state of the seeds sent to us?" he counters, making his wife smile behind the rim of her cup.

"The ones Mama called grotesquely rotten?" Tuk asks, tilting her face away from the maid trying to wipe off the strawberry jam smeared across her mouth.

Kiri finally looks up from her book at that, shoving her face right back into the pages to hide her laughter. Lo'ak beams a smile at his sister as he too covers his smile with a mouthful of eggs, even Neteyam sips at his coffee to look unbothered as his lips quirk into a grin.

"Yes, my princess, the very same ones." Jake laughs. His face settles down to a more somber expression as he turns to Neytiri again, "And, they have agreed to our deal." Jake tell her, giving her a pointed look as he hands the letter to Mr. Stxeli.

Neteyam suddenly stiffens at Lo'ak's side, letting out a quiet sigh that sounds like something Lo'ak has never heard from his brother: defeat. Kiri darts a concerned look at Neteyam, but the older brother shakes it off with a quick look at Tuktirey. Lo'ak pokes Neteyam's thigh, leaning over to whisper, "What's the matter–?"

But his father voice cuts him off before he can finish his thought or for Neteyam to answer. "Kiri, take your sister to your Grandmother's chamber and help her pack, she's visiting your uncle for the month and needs help." At his words, Kiri rises from her chair and takes Tuktirey's jam covered hands, groaning at the sticky feeling as she grabs a maid to help her clean Tuktirey before finding Grandmother.

At their departure, Lo'ak feels the air in the room leave with them, his chest tightening as his palms begin to moisten from the anxiousness building in him at the look his father has settled on him. Lo'ak was very used to the disappointed looks others would give him, the jeering comments mumbled under their breath and sideways looks they'd throw at him when they thought he wasn't looking. But never has he had to deal with the same soul chilling disappointment swimming in his father's eyes.

Jake's hard stares never breaks away from Lo'ak even as the young Prince averts his eyes, looking at the gilded crown molding hanging above him or the pristine white table cloth under him, anywhere but in the distain tainted eyes of his father.

"A fortnight ago, Duke Akwey from House Olangi sent me a concerning letter regarding you and his daughter, 'Imey."

Lo'ak's chest caves in on itself at the mention of the Duke's daughter, a fun night but extremely clingy and boring in nature. She wouldn't let Lo'ak go all throughout her birthday party and she didn't let him go all night either. He swore he'd write to her and maybe visit her again in the following weeks, but completely forgot. Now the spoiled Marquise is taking her revenge by breaking the one rule every young royal knew to follow: Never tell the higher ranks.

"I also received a similar letter earlier this week from Duchess Ikeyni from House Tayrangi about her twin daughters, Nìsìlpey and Säsìlpey regarding some damage done to one of their antique sofas."

Lo'ak shrinks further into himself, collapsing into his chair as he stares at him hands. Ah, yes, the second reason why he didn't write to 'Imey, her cousins were just a little more enticing. The twins were sensual and passionate and very fucking insatiable. It made for a very good and memorable night that blow 'Imey out of his every thought.

The one thing the Tayrangi twins were not was subtle, and held a very close relationship with their older Olangi cousin.

Neteyam gives Lo'ak a very telling sideways glance towards his younger brother. Leg crippling embarrassment trembles through Lo'ak when his mother's gaze resembles that of his Grandmother's when she learned how much mature one of her prized stallions produced in one day.

Lo'ak feels his very soul disintegrate within him, "Father, I–"

"Do you understand what you have done?" Jake's voice elevates as his body grows rigid. "Your mother has strived to uphold the words of your Grandfather, I have worked myself to the bone day and night to keep this kingdom and it's people alive and thriving."

Neteyam winces for his brother, "Sir–"

"And now your actions have destroyed the reputation generations of this family have worked to build. You have single-handedly demised this land by your need to fuck every woman in sight!" Lo'ak shudders as his father screams his infidelities into his face, his every word like a punch to Lo'ak's dwindling body.

Neytiri clutches her husband's clenched fist, soothing her thumb over the taunt skin pulled over his knuckles. She turns her own fury fueled gaze at her son, "A rebellious royal is the damning of any kingdom"

Those words make Lo'ak's boil, embarrassment turning to anger at his mother's words. That phrase has been shoved down his throat since day one, branded into his mind at all times. It proves what his parents are really mad at, not his mistakes but that their precious reputation is soiled by their disgraceful son.

"What a load of shit." Lo'ak mumbles to himself, ignoring the pointed look his older brother sends his way along with the subtle elbow jab to his ribs. Lo'ak despises the bullshit drilled into him from infancy that the family's reputation went above all else, that nothing mattered more than keeping the family name spotless.

Jake huffs like an angry bull, "And to top everything off, one of our former guards transferred over to your uncle's battalion and told everyone of your bribing. Which your uncle had to painstakingly describe to me." Jake cringes into himself at the memory of hearing his son's rebellion from Tsu'tey's painfully detailed letter. Further driving the embarrassment of the whole situation into the already open wound of lies and deceit Lo'ak has made through the years.

At this point, Lo'ak wishes he could melt into a pathetic pile of mush on the floor and disappear completely, praying that the Great Mother allows the ground to open up and swallow him whole. "Father, I am ashamed of wh–"

"Save the bullshit," Jake cuts him off. "You and I both know you have no regrets. Agreed?"

Lo'ak nods slowly, "Yes, sir."

Neytiri rises from her seat, causing a chain reaction for the other three men to rise with her. She holds out her hand towards Mr. Stxeli, causing the older man to immediately place the letter from earlier into her awaiting palm, bowing before retreating back into his corner next to the delicious breakfast now grown cold.

"The only alliance you haven't shaken with your actions is the Metkayina Kingdom, and mainly because this alliance is still in it's infancy." she declares, sending another disappointed look his way.

Jake takes the letter from his wife, "They have agreed to house you for several months believing you desire additional training."

Lo'ak's head which was hung in shame and reverence whips up in shock. "House me? Several months? What do you mean they'll house me for several months?!"

Neteyam turns and grips Lo'ak's arm in a tight grip, "Take your blessing and move on, little brother." he tells him, hoping he can convince Lo'ak that a outburst at this stage will translate to sudden death if their mother's stare is any inkling as to how she's feeling.

Lo'ak wretches his arm free, moving around his brother to stand at his father's side. "Going to train with a bunch of reef dwellers will not fix this situation. I have made my mistakes, but it's not without reason, you never allow any of your children to have any freedom and that's completely bull."

Jake sets his shoulder straight, back straightening as he stands to his full height, coming face to face with his son that stands over his father by a few inches. "You would do well to remember who you're talking to, boy."

Neytiri is quick to grab at her husband's arm, Neteyam mirroring her actions with Lo'ak, however grabbing his younger brother more rougher, using all his strength to dragging Lo'ak back to his side of the table. "You skxawng! You speak to more than just our father, you're speaking to your King!" Neteyam chastises him, shaking him to emphasize his words.

Lo'ak looks at Neteyam, finding the same disappointment in his older brother's eyes that dance in his parents critical gaze. The tension in his body subsides as Neteyam slowly loosens his grip. Lo'ak looks to his parents, "I understand what I've done was wrong, but I won't leave my home as punishment."

The rickety carriage sways aggressively from side to side, throwing it's cargo so roughly it dents and scratches the suitecases tied down ontop. Lo'ak is uncontrollably slides from one side of the leather bench seat to the other, smacking his shoulder into the side of the wood panelling, bruising his shoulder.

"Son of a bitch!" Lo'ak cusses, gripping his throbbing arm. Spending a day and a half at sea on a first class ship from the Royal Navy didn't stop the constant sea sickness Lo'ak suffered from, and three days crammed into a tiny, rusty carriage has only amplified Lo'ak's simmering rage. It's bad enough he was basically dragged kicking and screaming from his room and being thrown unceremoniously into a taxi carriage that was waiting to take him to the harbour, but to be tortured on land and sea has made the luxury acquainted Prince an ill patiented soul.

Banging loudly on the roof of the carriage, Lo'ak peers out his window at the driver and calls out, "Is there any way you can stop running over ever rock in sight? You're killing me, good sir."

The driver chuckles, leaning over his seat railing to make eye contact with the pissy royal. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but the closer we get to Metkayina country, the worse the roads get."

"Typical. Of course sea people don't give a damn about their roads, they probably enjoy seeing their visiting guests all disheveled and thrown around by the ride." Lo'ak thinks, giving the driver a curt smile and a wave of thanks before death gripping his seat to stabilize himself from the sudden jerking of the carriage.

"Oh, Great Mother help me..." Bile suddenly rises up Lo'ak's throat as his stomach flips from the all the movement. He covered his mouth, swallowing down the disgusting, acidic taste before it triggers him to hurl all over the backseat; he's still trying to recover the amount of fluids he lost at sea.

The next half hours is nothing but a guessing game on whether or not the poached eggs and venison patties he had for breakfast will make reappearance, the overwhelming smell of fish and seawater not helping the Prince's dire situation. Lo'ak almost cries out in bliss when the driver yells out, "Ah, Your Highness! You've almost reached your destination, look at your new home!"

Pull the privacy curtain aside, Lo'ak looks out his window to drink in the wide expanse of beautiful, crystal clear waters and vibrant tropical islands. The rough terrain making more sense when Lo'ak sees the rocky sand road paved out of the thick jungle greenery surrounding the exquisite castle. The intricately designed castle is build into the weaves of a grand mangrove tree, it's solid rock and marble structure stabilized by the strong roots of the old tree.

The bumpy ride quickly turns smooth as they enter the grand courtyard, the smooth slate rock providing relief for the few minutes they travel across it. A spike of fear jolts up Lo'ak's spine when the carriage abruptly stops as the small, stalky driver jumps down from his seat and begins taking down his suitecases with the help of the servants rushing over to collect them. Doubt roots him to his place as he wonders if he should have fought harder to stay, being uprooted from his home and thrown into this strange and foreign land making him want to cry.

But any tears he would dare to shed are instantaneously blinked away and a stunning smiling taking it's place when the door to the carriage is swiftly swung open. Lo'ak struggles to hide the shaking in his knees from being stiff and the trembling in his hands from fear as he climbs out, stretching his leg in a tall stance after being seated for days.

In front of the beautiful castle stands four individuals, royalty dripping from every inch of them. From their delicately braided hair, to the beautifully woven clothes they wear and finely made jewelry, to the signature clan tattoos that decorates their dark skin. Every single one of them are impeccably beautiful and disciplined that it's hard for Lo'ak to look away when a very tall, broad man approaches him.

"Oel ngati kameie, ma Prince Lo'ak," he greets, his fingers touching his forehead then extending towards him as his head dips. The show of respect and kind smile fits the reputation of the well known King of the Metkayina. Lo'ak copies the same action that was done towards him, "Oel ngati kameie, ma King Tonowari, I'm honored to meet you and to be allowed to stay in your beautiful home."

Lo'ak swallows around the lump growing in his throat when Queen Ronal walks around her husband's towering form, eyeing the Omatikayan Prince with suspicion. Lo'ak greets Queen Ronal and gives her the gentlest smile his nervous self can muster. "Your land is beautiful, Your Majesties."

Queen Ronal gives him a curt nod and a small smile before turning to the other two, younger people standing behind her. "We have much to do as rulers, our children will be your guides until Ohazo can meet you." Before Lo'ak can question who Ohazo is, Queen Ronal turns on her heels and takes her leave, King Tonowari following along by her side.

A gorgeous young girl walks up to Lo'ak, long silky locks cascading down to her shimmering teal dress, the girl looked like a walking goddess of the sea as she gives him a deep curtsy before giving him a traditional greeting. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness, I am Tsireya."

Lo'ak takes her soft, small hand in his, turning it over so he can place a tender kiss on the back of her hand. He looks up at her through his long lashes, "The pleasure is mine, Princess Tsireya."

A dark shadow casts over Lo'ak as the finely dressed and bulky young man behind Tsireya all but yanks her away from Lo'ak's delicate touch, settling a cold stare at the prince. "I am Ao'nung, my little sister and I are pleased to meet your acquaintance. We hope your stay will be pleasant and our rules will be followed." Ao'nung's tone is deep and welcoming, but his expression matches his mother's perfectly. His punctuation on how little his sister is and how their rules will be followed, it's clear Ao'nung won't let Lo'ak within a hundred feet of Tsireya for his entire stay.

"Of course, Prince Ao'nung. I plan to learn all I can and enjoy my stay, but I promise, none of your rules will be broken." Lo'ak glances down at Tsireya tucked into her brother's side, giving Ao'nung a soft nod in understanding.

The Metkayina Prince's hard stare never wavers as he turns to enter the high arched doorway, commanding the waiting servants to gather the suitecases and take them to Lo'ak's room. Tsireya rolls her eyes, taking the arm Lo'ak offers her. "Forgive my brother, he thinks I'm still a child with no clue on how the world works." she sighs, a tinge of sadly leaking through her cheerful exterior.

Familiarity pricks at Lo'ak's heart at her words, her fake facade not very different from his at times, her swift smile that covers her growing pout is like a knife to Lo'ak's heart. He learns quickly that he too would be protective over her sweet soul as if she was his sister, and he would treat her with the same respect he gives his own sisters.

"Don't worry about it, I know the feeling. But good brothers often are overprotective." Lo'ak smiles as he remembers all the times Neteyam has stood up for him and guided him even when Lo'ak didn't want it. Flashes of the morning Lo'ak made his unwanted departure run through his head, the fear etched into Neteyam's face when the carriage pulled away from the castle with Lo'ak inside making bile rise in his throat once again. The memories turning endearing to depressing as he suddenly misses his older brother.

Tsireya peers up at the frown that's made it's way onto Lo'ak's lips, she pulls on his arm, eagerly guiding him inside the cool castle. "Come! You must see your room!" she says with glee dragging Lo'ak up the grand spiral staircase made out of pure crystal, the steps covered in bleached beach wood that accentuates the pristine blue rug.

The castle seems never ending, every turn and staircase causing Lo'ak to lose his bearings, chasing after overly excited Tsireya as she speed walks down the halls making Lo'ak run after her like he was following a guide in a elegantly made maze.

Breathlessly, Lo'ak clutches onto the door frame Tsireya stopped in front of, feeling embarrassed by how winded he was, holding his breath to hide his gasps for air only for black dots to scatter across his vision, giving up on seeming casual and takes deep, panting breaths.

Tsireya stretches her arms out to gesture to the luxurious room in front of her, "Welcome to your new home!"

The room is spacious and lush, polished wood molding leading down to a dark wood floor, a large canopy bed stands in the middle of the bedroom opposite to the solid marble fireplace, the familiar soft furs covering the bed and floor are from House Aranahe, another sign of the Metkayina's long reach, Duchess Etuwa doesn't trade with anyone. It was also very clear that Tsireya has decorated it with the brightly colored bedding and vibrant curtains.

Lo'ak fingers the fine fur between his fingertips, the texture reminding him of his favorite horse's mane and the long rides they would take back home in the richness of the forest he loves so much. The sudden pull of happiness and sadness on his heartstrings feels like a heavy stone has been placed into his chest, but Lo'ak shakes the weight off as best he can and remembers to be polite. "It's very beautiful, thank you."

Tsireya claps in pure joy, "Yay! I'm so glad! We will leave you to settle in, ring the cord if you need help unpacking." she tells him, gesturing to the sturdy, burgundy rope hanging from the ceiling before turning and trotting down the hall.

Ao'nung watches his sister leave before looking at Lo'ak, positioning himself to go in the opposite direction. "Ohazo will certainly have his work cut out for himself." Before Lo'ak can question what he meant, Ao'nung had already rounded the corner and down the hall.

There's that name again, the same name King Tonowari said to expect a meeting with, and now Ao'nung chiding words further Lo'ak's confusion on who the hell this person is. Are they a welcomer that will show him the kingdom before? Is he an inspector the royal family want to pass him through before letting him stay? Is he the chef looking for his food order? Who the fucking hell is Ohazo?!

Lo'ak pushes his frantically growing thoughts aside and decides to settle his mind by settling in; if he's stuck here, might as well get comfortable. He spends the next few hours sorting through his luggage and putting it away, folding what's been jumbled in the ride here, pressing and hanging up his dress wear and even polishing a pair of his favorite shoes that were scuffed up.

A uneasy feelings falls over Lo'ak, his fingers going stiff and back straightening at the flip of his stomach, the hairs on the back of his neck raising at the heavy weight of a stare on his back. Dropping the pants in his hands, Lo'ak whips around, fists clenched and face set in a dark expression on the intruder that's watching him. But instead of finding a cowering servant peeking at him or a maid pretending to busy while they watch from across the hall, he's met with a pair of intrigued eyes boldly staring at him.

The man holding such a gaze on him is... breathtaking. Never has Lo'ak seen a man so poised and fine looking that is also so masculine. His towering, muscular form nearly taking the whole of the doorway as he leans against it casually with his arms crossed over his barreling chest, long curls framing his face and setting off his eyes that are boring into Lo'ak as he just gapes at the man like a complete idiot.

Finding his words and swallowing to moisten his suddenly dry throat, Lo'ak squints at the man, keeping his tense posture. "Is there something I can help you with?"

The corner of the man's lips quirk up in amusement, shifting off of the door frame and standing to his incredible height before taking a slow step into the room. The man does a deep bow that leads into a traditional greeting as he rises, "Your Highness, I'm sorry for startling you. I am Ohazo te Keorä Na'ìlu'itan, first guard and commanding officer of the Metkayina's military, second to His Majesty, the King. I have been requested to help train you in our ways and I humbly except the honor."

"Oh, this is Ohazo; well no wonder everyone speaks of him, he's so incredibly well spoken and highly regarded. And so very attr–"

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ohazo. I appreciate your future help in my new... endeavors." Lo'ak says, forcing himself to relax under Ohazo's intense gaze. "I admit I don't have much experience in the water and didn't do so well with my training back at home." Lo'ak fights the urge to wince at the many memories of his times being thrown around the courtyard by his guards... and his brother.

Ohazo gives him a dazzling smile, "Don't worry, Your Highness, I will teach you everything at your own pace."

Lo'ak truly does relax at that, thankful somebody will actually let him learn in his time. Lo'ak smiles back at him, "Thank you, I'm going to need all the help you'll give." Lo'ak laughs at himself, feeling odd at the heat that flushes his features when Ohazo lets out a hardy laugh.

"And there are no need for such pleasantries all the time, you may call me Lo'ak." he says, waving off the stuffy pleasantries his family constantly stick to. If he's trying to make a new name for himself, it starts with the people he'll be closest to: the serving staff.

"Of course, Y–" he catches himself and Lo'ak can't understand why his knees feel weak at the confused smile Ohazo gives himself. "Of course, Lo'ak." the deep timber of Ohazo's voice all but purrs the Omatikayan Prince's name as it rolls off his tongue.

Lo'ak feels stuck as Ohazo gives him a deep bow and a nod goodbye. Nobody has ever made Lo'ak this incapacity by such unknown feelings after a first meeting. The smooth glide of the bulking soldier as he steps out of the room and starts down the hall is startling, somebody so big moving with such ease and grace was not only enjoyable to watch, but puts a good view for Lo'ak's future.

Ohazo's massive hand grips the doorway before he passes, "See you at dawn, ma Lo'ak."

Lo'ak snaps out of his trance, "What?"

Nobody told Lo'ak that training took place before the heat of midday, that most warriors and hunters were up before daybreak warming up their trained muscles to exert themselves to their limit everyday without fail. Nobody told him that the circus like routine his brother puts his guards through was not only necessary, but fucking hard!

The cold, wet, mud clings to Lo'ak's worn body as he's thrown into the ground for the umpteenth time this week. Their wasn't a muscle in Lo'ak's body that wasn't screaming for relief, praying he's seriously injured soon so he doesn't have to endure this torture anymore.

Ohazo was an excellent teacher, taking pride in his training and stature and hopes to mold his trainees into someone respectful and worthy of fighting for The Crown, but Lo'ak was hopeless. He had missed years of training and discipline that came with the straight backed, uptight way his brother used to stalk around the castle with. There wasn't an ounce of muscle on Lo'ak that wasn't there for just display or for girls to run their dainty fingers across.

What's even worse is that Ohazo always pairs him with the biggest and strongest trainees, pushing Lo'ak to his breaking point only to force him further. Yelling at him to get up, manhandling his body off the ground and back on his feet before the pain can even set in, shoving weapons he's never seen before into his hands and telling him to aim and shoot even if it kills someone.

Lo'ak is at his wits end with the disrespectful treatment he's being given simply because he's royal, his anger building when he imagines the sneers and cackles they probably let out behind his back whenever he retreats to his quarters.

"On your feet, Suli!" Ohazo's booming voice screams out from across the training yard. Lo'ak lays limp in the mud, hoping to hide from the giant stomping his way. A big hand lands on his sore, scratched up back, yanking him up and out of the dirt with one hand.

Lo'ak's feet dangle over the air for a moment before Ohazo places him on his shaking leg, swiping his long fingers down the back of his shirt to wipe away most of the mud and gravel sticking to Lo'ak's ruined shirt. Ohazo wraps his hands around Lo'ak's shoulder and shakes him, "Back into reality and join the ranks." he says, giving Lo'ak a bright, encouraging smile.

Lo'ak strains up against the growing ache traveling from his shoulders into the knotted muscles in his neck, looking up at the line of trainees biting back their snickering at the disgusting state the wannabe soldier of a royal is in. Lo'ak sneers up at Ohazo, "No."

Ohazo's encouraging smile fades, eyes narrowing down to pinpoints, "I'm sorry?"

Lo'ak steps back, shaking off Ohazo's hands off his shoulder. "I've had quite enough of your torture, thank you. I'm tired of being your joke." he spat out with as much venom he can muster under Ohazo's darkening gaze.

"I have quite literally been thrown around for the last few weeks by men you know I can't fight. You have screamed and yelled at me until my ears start to ring and manhandle me into any place you like, leaving me there with no guidance. You had your fun, you've made your jokes, and you have proven your point. Spoiled, rich royals don't belong in your field, and I agree. I quit!"

And with that, Lo'ak storms out of the training grounds, hollering laughter from his fellow trainees stabbing him in his already broken back.

The winding pathways overgrown with thick vines and glowing flora are like a mind melting torture device for visitors trying to find their way around, every path looking the exact same as another, frustrating Lo'ak further than he already is.

For the third time Lo'ak finds himself facing the ocean, trapped in this stupid forest island for an hour now. "Son of a bitch!" he screams, punching a unsuspecting leave, causing it to break off and flutter to the ground.

"What did that poor plant ever do to you?"

The familiar, warm timber causes a shiver to run down Lo'ak's spine, legs locking and shoulder sagging as he can feel Ohazo's expecting gaze setting heavy on his back. The rough texture of a thumb pad soothes down his spine, seizing every unexpecting muscle in Lo'ak's body. "Your back really is scratched to hell." Ohazo muses, smoothing the raised, irritated scratches covering Lo'ak's lower back.

The heat emanating off of Ohazo's big body is unexplainably welcoming, his large fingers surprisingly soft as he moves the tattered shirt aside and examines the damage scattered across his back and shoulders.

Lo'ak bites his bottom lips, hiding his rising whimper at the delicate touches on his marred skin. He steps away from Ohazo's tender touch, turning around to look up at the oddly calm warrior standing in front of him. "I hope you know my intentions were never to harm you, Your Highness."

Lo'ak's head dips in embarrassment, his earlier outburst replaying in his head, but nothing in him can come to regret his words. "I understand, but–"

Ohazo suddenly cups Lo'ak's chin, turning his head to the side to examine the small cut trickling blood from his temple. "And I only did what I did because you are capable of more."

"Bullshit!" Lo'ak tries to yank his face free, but Ohazo's other hand cups his neck, keeping him in place.

"I put you against the biggest and strongest of my warriors because the potential for you to learn, to fight well enough to defeat those with significantly more power over you is almost tangible. You have such great potential."

Lo'ak averts Ohazo's staring stubbornly, but listens all the same. "How the hell could you believe that? I've had my ass handed to me over and over again and I never won a single fight."

Ohazo chuckles, deep and husky into Lo'ak's ear, his hot breath fanning across his face, tickling a small scratch on his neck as he wipes away the blood off of another cut. "Yes, that's true. But you never gave up. Fight after fight you charged in with the same confidence of a skilled warrior. It was very impressive."

"Blame my father." Lo'ak thinks, knowing damn well his stubbornness in proving he can do the unthinkable comes from his once airhead of a father.

Ohazo gentle guides Lo'ak to look into his eyes, shocking the Prince with the care swimming in his tender gaze. "You are very impressive, Lo'ak, and I really do believe you are going to become a fine warrior one day."

Lo'ak's heartbeats stutters, a strange sensation setting off butterflies in his lower stomach, causing heat to flood his face and his hands begin to tremble. The last time Lo'ak felt like this he was standing in front of his first crush when he was ten, tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth as he gaped at her much how he's gaping at Ohazo now. "T-Thank you, Your Excellency."

Learning from his fellow trainees that Ohazo not only held the title of Lord from his knighthood, but also held the title of Count, was surprising but completely believable. Ohazo was sophisticated and calm even in the face of Lo'ak's outrage, being trained from young for royal life and the uptight ways of the royal people. Combine that with the impressive body formed from years of training and grace he's devolved under pressure... he's perfection walking.

"Great Mother, help me." Lo'ak thinks as he feels the unmistakable swelling of his cock inside of his soiled trousers. A man has never made Lo'ak feel like this, but every part of him is eager to explore it.

Ohazo grins at that use of his title, a deep rumble of a hum vibrating through his chest. "I thought you said that no pleasantries were need?" he says, tilting his head as Lo'ak clears his throat of the all so familiar knot building there.

Lo'ak nervously laughs, "You started it."

Ohazo smiles even wider, "I did, didn't I?" he teases, his long fingers playing with the braids on the back of his neck, finding a bead to roll between his fingertips.

He's so close, enticingly full lips on display just inches in front of Lo'ak's face, Ohazo's tongue darting out to wet his lips as almost he can read Lo'ak's very thoughts.

Was it really a stupid idea to tilt his head up just a little bit and see if their lips will meet? Ohazo is so close, and his touch is so tender as his fingertips stroke the sensitive skin on the top of his spine, causing goosebumps to erupt across Lo'ak's body that it's almost like he's begging for Lo'ak to move first from the unexplainable look in his eyes.

In a unexpected and clumsy action, Lo'ak leans up and pecks Ohazo on the lips, ungracefully falling back a step to far and stumbling into the tree not far behind him. Lo'ak is ready to die from embarrassment and go on to live in the afterlife with his disappointed grandfather.

Instead of recoiling in disgust or laughing at his tumble, Ohazo clutches onto Lo'ak's hands, lacing their fingers together and folding Lo'ak's hands behind his back, making it impossible for the Prince to move away from his advances. Ohazo's muscular chest presses into Lo'ak's, pinning his body against the tree, completely wrapped in Ohazo's strong embrace.

Ohazo's lips are warm and soft against his, every pull of his lips are like he's starved, devouring Lo'ak in a hungry, passionate kiss that leaves the prince melting further into Ohazo's hold. The soft nip on his bottom lips immediately makes his mouth open, inviting Ohazo's long tongue to lick into his mouth, adding fuel to Ohazo's ever growing fire.

Lo'ak's body grows impossibly hot, feeling his mind cloud with a bone deep desire he's never felt before for another living soul, panting into Ohazo's mouth to catch any air he'll let him have. Ohazo is just as hungry as Lo'ak, pulling him back in whenever Lo'ak tries to breathe, sucking on his tongue and biting his bottom lip to hear the sweet whimpers Lo'ak lets out, humming in appreciation at the pleasuring sounds.

Ohazo's hands are restless in their exploration on Lo'ak's body, gripping and squeeze every inch of skin he can grab, taking care to not squeeze too hard on any of the marred skin painting Lo'ak's body. His large palms land on his ass, engulfing the plump cheek with ease as he harshly grabs and squeezes at them, causing Lo'ak to gasp in surprised arousal at the abrupt ass grab.

Lo'ak has to push on Ohazo's chest to make just enough space for him to breathe properly, the fresh gulp of air being taken away instantly as Ohazo runs his lips across the tender scratch on his throat, licking the sensitive skin before laying a gentle kiss on it. His lips wander to the other side of his neck, sucking a vibrant bruise onto Lo'ak's dark skin, making quick work to begin a trail of blooming bruises onto Lo'ak's neck and chest.

"Ohazo–!" Lo'ak yelps when the man's hands push his ass up to bring his hips to his, grinding the impressive bulge in his pristine trousers into Lo'ak's own tented pants.

Ohazo huffs a wet laugh, peering into Lo'ak's lust drunk eyes. "Your Highness? Is there something that you need?"

The vibration of Ohazo's words rumble through his chest and into Lo'ak's, feeling like a purr as he says them against his skin. The large bulge pressed into him twitches, causing a unwanted moan to escape Lo'ak's kiss swollen lips as his already hard cock pulses at the idea of Ohazo getting so turned on by kissing him, the earlier embarrassment of getting so worked up leaving him as he grinds down for more.

Ohazo follows the uneven grinding Lo'ak started, moving his hands off Lo'ak's ass to his hips, guiding them in slow, circular movement so overwhelmingly slow that Lo'ak whines, gripping Ohazo's hands in an attempt to move them so he can freely hump himself against Ohazo's strong, thick thigh.

When Ohazo doesn't relent in his slow attempt to drive Lo'ak crazy, he instead grabs Ohazo's hips, using them as stabilization as he sinks to his knees, coming face to face with the intimidating outline of Ohazo's hard cock. Sure, Lo'ak has been sucked before, but to be the one giving oral was completely different from receiving; yet the palatable hungry on Lo'ak's tongue was too insistent to ignore as he slowly cups the bulge, giving it a light squeeze.

Ohazo groans above him, threading his long fingers through Lo'ak's messy braids. "You do not have to, we will do something else–"

His words are cut short by Lo'ak roughly tugging down his trousers, practically clawing the material off until the offensive clothing falls down and his huge cock springs free, a line of precum leaking from his engorged tip.

"Ah– fuck! Easy, Lo'ak." Ohazo growls, pulsing in front of Lo'ak's widening eyes.

"Fuck," Lo'ak echoes, stuck staring at the twitching cock just an inch from his face. Following the guide in his head from all the times he's been on the receiving end, Lo'ak thumbs over Ohazo's sensitive cockhead, smearing his precum down his pulsing shaft that Lo'ak can barely wrap his fingers around, slowly stroking back up with a slight twist to the sensitive head. He's rewarded with a sudden thrust into his tightening fist.

Ohazo lets out a shakey breath, "Feels good, feels so good, My Prince."

Lo'ak groans at the term affection that comes from Ohazo's bite swollen lips, his sounds being drowned out by the slick sounds of Lo'ak's hands working Ohazo's thick cock, the erotic moans being ripped out of him making the ache in between Lo'ak's legs grow until he's squeezing down on his cock to stop the pain.

Sticking out his tongue, Lo'ak catches a droplet of precum, brows raising in interest at the salty taste. Wanting to taste more, Lo'ak kitten lips the tip, building until he's gentle suckles on the leaking cockhead, causing the warrior over him to brace himself on his arms against the tree, rocking a few inches in and out of the warm embrace of Lo'ak's eager mouth and exploring tongue.

Ohazo groans loudly, cupping the back of Lo'ak's head and pushing him down, causing the inexperienced Prince to gag around the thick, hot invasion of Ohazo throat fucking him. Letting go, Ohazo pulls his cock out of Lo'ak's throat, leaving just the tip resting in between his lips. "I'm sorry, Yawntutsyìp." he pants, swallowing hard. "You just feel so good."

Lo'ak hums, leaning down to push Ohazo's cock back into his mouth, a tear rolling down his cheek as he gags again.

"Ha!" Ohazo gasps as his balls start to draw up, years of neglecting his own pleasure showing in how quickly he needs to cum. "Lo'ak, I will release prematurely if y–"

Lo'ak ignores him, hallowing his cheeks as his tongue massages the underside of Ohazo's cock, swallowing around the throbbing cock so tightly it makes the warrior seiz up, spilling his seed into Lo'ak's mouth. His hand tangles into Lo'ak's braids, burning his scalp with the grip he has in them, riding out his orgasm with small rocking motions onto Lo'ak's tongue. Ohazo takes a deep breath before pulling his still throbbing cock out of Lo'ak's mouth, grunting at the lose of his warmth.

Peering down at Lo'ak, he notices the Omatikayan has gone still, cheeks still hollow and lips puckered as his brows furrow together, a bit of pearly white cum dribbling down his chin. Ohazo uses both hands to cups Lo'ak's face, crouching down to examine the distraught state his Prince has gone into.

Ohazo notices Lo'ak still hasn't swallowed, biting his bottom lip to hide his growing smile. "Lo'ak? Have you never tasted male cum before?"

The adorable little pout on Lo'ak's lips widens as his eyes mimick that of a lost puppy. He shakes his head, wincing as the salty seed swishes around on his tongue. Ohazo softens his gaze, thumbing Lo'ak's pronounced cheekbones, "Then give it to me, My Prince."

Bringing him into a kiss, Ohazo nips at Lo'ak's bottom lip, encouraging him to slowly open his mouth, following Ohazo's tongue so his own cum floods his mouth. When all the seed is transferred over, Lo'ak is quickly flipped onto his stomach, Ohazo's strong hands pulling Lo'ak's trousers and undergarments off and discarded quickly as Ohazo rips off his shirt.

Lo'ak yelps as Ohazo spreads his cheeks, a hot, wet sensation dribbles onto his puckered hole. He claws at the ground, dirt covering his hands as a silken tongue laps at him. Looking over his shoulder, Lo'ak watches as Ohazo's long tongue teases his hole, a layer of white covering the wet muscle, dripping down into the puddle Ohazo's cum has formed.

"Ohazo! Please! N-Need you, please!" Lo'ak pleads, thrashing around Ohazo's invading tongue but unable to move out of the warrior's strong hold on his bottom. Lo'ak's cock throbs, a mix of pleasure and pain coursing through him as his sensitive cock rubs against the rock covered ground. Lo'ak moans as one of Ohazo's thick finger starts to stretch his virgin hole, pointed tongue easing any ache his second finger joining might cause.

"Mawey, Your Highness. I will take care of you." Ohazo soothes him, leaning his much larger body over Lo'ak, pressing his pelvis down against Lo'ak ass, spreading out a hand on Lo'ak's back to keep him in place.

Ohazo's fat, leaking tip slowly stretches open Lo'ak's tight hole, causing the Omatikayan Prince to squirm and whine underneath him, gasping out his name when Ohazo pulls him to his hands and knees, wrapping a hand around his neglected cock and slowly stroking him to distract him from the pain. Ohazo's pelvic bone finally meets the swell of Lo'ak's ass, burying his cock to the hilt into Lo'ak's inviting, satin walls.

Burying his face into Lo'ak's neck, Ohazo moans into his ear, "Does my cock feel good? Do you enjoy your small hole being stretched out around me?" he taunts. Lo'ak nods, panting and gasping for air. He never imagined an object this big could fit anywhere in him. Ohazo's long, thick cock has bullied it's way into Lo'ak's body so far he's convinced he's in his throat, blocking his ability to breathe.

Ohazo gives Lo'ak a deep thrust, rocking his whole body forward to force an answer out of him. Lo'ak yelps, clutching at the hand Ohazo has wrapped around his hips. "Yes! Oh, Great Mother, yes, you feel so good!"

Giving a content hum and a sloppy, wet kiss to his cheek, Ohazo draws his hips back, pulling out until just his tip rests inside the tight heat of Lo'ak's body before moving back in, unable to keep away from the soft, pampered skin and small frame of the forest royal's body. The single thrust leaves Lo'ak reeling, whimpering and crying for more.

"What do you want, Your Highness?"

Lo'ak looses all formers of his pride or ego as he starts begging, "Please fuck me! Your Excellency, I need you to fuck me with your big cock." he cries out, pushing back to spear himself further onto Ohazo's length.

Ohazo runs his hand down the length of Lo'ak's spine, petting him as if he was an irritated animal that need soothing. Cooing at him, Ohazo leans forward to wrap his bulky body over Lo'ak, pressing his firm chest into Lo'ak's sweat soaked back. "Your wish is my command."

Instantaneously Ohazo's hips snap forward, building up to a quick and brutal pace that leaves Lo'ak speechless, only the most whiney and pathetic sounds leaving him. Ohazo's deep and pleasuring thrusts pound into Lo'ak's poor little hole so quickly it leaves a tinge of pain in the wake of the all consuming pleasure washing over him.

Lo'ak reaches for anything to ground him, fisting handfuls of dirt before Ohazo grabs his hands and intertwines them with his own above Lo'ak's head. The consistent rocking of their body creates this tangible heat in the air, the scent of their sex all he can smell as Lo'ak gasps for air in between his never ending babbling.

Ohazo grins down at him, snickering, "Enjoying yourself?" The only response he gets is a long drawn out moan punctuated by Lo'ak's fingernails digging into his palm.

The thick tip of Ohazo's cock repeatedly rams into the unknown place deep inside of Lo'ak, sending sharp bolts of pleasure down his spine and into his raging cock that Ohazo is relentlessly tucking at. The searing pleasure builds, knotting his stomach and numbing his limbs as his mind goes fogging, drunk off of the pleasure Ohazo's beautiful cock is giving him.

"O', Lo'ak calls out, saying it louder to catch Ohazo's attention as he tries to pull his hands free to get his raw cock out of Ohazo's grip. "What is it, My Prince?"

"T-Too mu-ch. Wannacumwannacumwannacum..." he chants over and over again, constantly rocking in and pulling away from Ohazo's strong hands.

Kissing his temple, Ohazo angles his hips so every thrust is perfectly aimed to grind against Lo'ak's sweet spot. "Then cum for me." he tells him, teasing Lo'ak's hyper sensitive slit.

In an instant Lo'ak's thick, white cum is decorating the ground, clenching down around Ohazo as he sobs out his pleasure. Ohazo continues to fuck Lo'ak through his high, drawing out every last drop of cum from Lo'ak's raw and overstimulated cock.

But the rocking never stops, Ohazo's quick, shallow thrusts growing faster and sloppier as the second's drag by, rubbing and using Lo'ak's aching hole to reach his own release. Ohazo moans at the little whimpers Lo'ak lets out, telling him how well he's doing as his balls tighten and draw up for the second time tonight. Ohazo gives two more quick thrusts before stilling, trembling as his orgasm runs through him and paints Lo'ak's satin walls white, spilling oout and bubblling over on the ground.

Both men stay in this position for an unknown amount of time, basking in each other as they come down from their highs. "Everything hurts." Lo'ak admits, keeping his head against the rocky ground under him. Concerned, Ohazo gentle lifts his head up, wiping a bit of dirt off his forehead. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, but I think I pulled a muscle when your trainee kicked my ass earlier."

Ohazo can't help but roll his eyes at the Prince's delicate self, slowly pulling out and rolling their bodies over so Lo'ak can lay prawled out across his chest. The early evening air is quiet, small birds singing their songs as little bugs fly off. Lo'ak lays there half dazed on Ohazo, playing with the ends of his long hair.

"So, when will I move on from advanced classes? I'm hoping for a little more one on one time with you in the future. Just you and me." he says, smiling up at Ohazo with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Ohazo's chests rumbles with a boisterous laugh, "Oh, My sweet Prince, you haven't even begun basic training yet. But I promise, from now on, all our lessons with be one on one." he tells him, nuzzling the side of Lo'ak's temple. "Just you and me."

©️Eywaite2024 | All rights reserved. Do not republish, steal, repost, modify, translate or claim any of my work as your own.

𝓣𝓪𝓰𝓼: @tallulah477 @eyweveng @neteyamsoare @blue-slxt @sulieykte @puddle-nerd @softsnowydreamer @fadedpetal @xylianasblog @luvv4j4ybe11

#romancingpandora2024 #loak #lo'ak #lo'ak sully #lo'ak sully smut #avatar human au #human lo'ak #lo'ak x reader #lo'ak x reader smut #lo'ak x male reader #lo'ak x male reader smut #lo'ak x human reader #lo'ak x human reader smut #avatar #avatar smut #avatar the way of water #atwow #atwow smut #avatar 2 #𝓣𝓲𝓻𝓮𝔂𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴𝓼

[creppersfunpalooza]

wouldn’t it be so silly if my ocs had tumblr

(0 notes)

🎀 metallia’s-banned-account Follow

there’s this one girl i absolutely fucking hate but i need to know what brand of hair dye she uses oh my god. completely unrelated note does anyone know the most effective way of prying open a window without causing permanent damage or any noise? thank you, luv lia 💜

🔁 bunnicula Follow

I’m reporting you.

(25 notes)

🪽 reaperofcupid Follow

HELLO TUMBLR!💞 Have any unresolved love conflicts? A crush you just can’t get out of your head? stop by for a free love potion! i’ll also grant additional wishes that are within my range of capabilities. tips optional (in the form of life force and/or magic <3). you’ll find me if and when you need me!~ xoxoxo

(205 notes)

🧿 priest-of-pawns Follow

going out on the TOWN!! turns out being in the church has some perks lol. we’re volunteering to oversee a few services. excited af. maybe i’ll even get to read some new people.

🔁 priest-of-rooks Follow

FUCK YEAH WE’RE GOING OUTSIDE 💯💯💯 NEW FRIENDS FRESH MEAT

🔁 priest-of-pawns Follow

let’s try to keep the body count low this time okay???

🔁 priest-of-rooks Follow

I’ll try!

🔁 the-church-of-ocellus Follow

aw, you two deserve to live a little. go wild! -celly 👁️

(6,368 notes)

⌛️ allthateverwas Follow

hAhA wAtch thIs gUyS

🔁 thetalesofarabbit’s-banned-account Follow

HELP. GET ME OUT OF HERE. PLEASE.

(1 note)

🌿 fairest-of-folk Follow

@reaperofcupid is a SCAMMER. do NOT buy from him!!!!! i want a REFUND!!!!!!

🔁 reaperofcupid Follow

bitch it’s free. i hope you know how stupid you look right now. now how about you explain your issue like a rational client?

🔁 fairest-of-folk Follow

oh nvm it’s working now :3!! i think!!

🔁 reaperofcupid Follow

lovely. now fuck off.

(15 notes)

🍬 mai-kandi Follow

shoutout to my girlfriend :D!!!!! who may or may not be an FBI agent!!!!!!!!! 💖💖💖 babe you can tell me if you are!!!!!!!

🔁 bunnicula Follow

Uhm. Not exactly. Love you too though! 🖤

(52 notes)

🔷 da-official Follow

Productivity is up 6%! Keep up the good work! New approved hypotheses and studies being released to the public soon!

🔁 the-black-rabbit’s-banned-account Follow

WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU????? WHO’S RUNNING THIS FUCKING ACCOUNT??? THAT’S NOT ME. THAT’S NOT ME. IM TRAPPED ON SOME STRANGE PLANE OF EXISTENCE. WHO’S PRETENDING TO BE ME???

🔁 tbr-official Follow

If anyone is aware of who was behind the impersonator account, please stop by my office to report them to me. Thank you, TBR.

(341 notes)

💉 dr-venstal Follow

Looking for volunteer drug testers! Your help contributes to a better future! You’ll get a free lollipop if you participate! <3

🔁 metallia’s-banned-account Follow

nerd.

🔁 dr-venstal Follow

Well, that’s a bit mean.

🔁 metallia’s-banned-account Follow

do i look like i care. go cry in the bathrooms or whatever you gay people do idc.

🔁 dr-venstal Follow

bisexual.

🔁 metallia’s-banned-account Follow

sorry do you want me to cry with you or something? yeah i’m bisexual so what?? do you think calling me that hurts? i was kidding about the gay thing. i also like girls. wow surprise. i kiss women. i am married to a woman.

🔁 dr-venstal Follow

I’m bisexual, Ophelia.

(532 notes)

🎸 yourfavoritebloodycunt Follow

new phone new account. apparently people thought i was a werewolf for a while lmao.

🔁 just-hollywood Follow

YOOUR USEENMAE IS RVRITUAH

🔁 yourfavoritebloodycunt Follow

HUH????!!!?!??

🔁 just-hollywood Follow

YOUT USERNAME

🔁 yourfavoritebloodycunt Follow

WHAT’S WRONG WITH MY USERNAME???

🔁 just-hollywood Follow

IT’SfyfucjUGNY BRITISH.

🔁 yourfavoritebloodycunt Follow

i’m deleting my account. kms. goodbye internet.

(13 notes)

💎 eshimaislegallyblonde Follow

Hellooo! Does anyone have room for a new flat mate?? I do have a certain price range, but I’m working on getting a better job at the moment <3. I love true crime podcasts, coffee shops, sweets, the color pink, and horror movies. I’m fine with all different kinds of music and I’m always open to new things! I’m looking for someone with similar interests, so that way we can develop a closer friendship!

🔁 o0spooky_lover0o Follow

YOU’RE MOVING OUT???????? :{

🔁 eshimaislegallyblonde Follow

oh god oh fuck callum you weren’t supposed to find this. look you’re really sweet but the weird screams coming from your room are starting to freak me out at night.

🔁 o0spooky_lover0o Follow

Oh. okay yeah that’s fair!!!! good luck!!!!!!!!! :3

(3 notes)

#oc #ocs #crep’s ocs #oc rp #text post #fake post #unreality #oc posting #fake posts #character blog #character blogs #roleplay

[goosemixtapes]

max's top books of 2023 :3c

as usual, these rankings are based on some arcane mix of objective quality + my personal enjoyment (previous year's lists)

it was another weird reading year! i did a lot of reading for school, more so than in the past; some of it was really good and some of it was, uh. well, some of it was william wordsworth. nothing i absolutely loathed, though (most of the reads i disliked were books i could at least appreciate on an art/history level), which is cool. so i'm bringing back the runner-up category. did not make it onto my top ten list but were really good anyway: beartown by fredrik backman (books that no joke made me understand why people are insane about sports) and the GORGEOUS re-release of my dear @yvesdot 's debut, something's not right, which i have read before but will always gladly revisit again.

my top anticipated release for 2024 is alecto the ninth again.

(but shoutout also to just happy to be here, king cheer, and henry henry. trans people! shakespeare, even!)

and the list! in increasing order of enjoyment, with pictures this year!

10. The Common Liar by Janet Adelman

no, i can't believe i'm doing this either. i can't believe i did all that preamble and the first book on my list is an academic thesis analyzing shakespeare's antony and cleopatra. but also? it's the only book anyone ever needs to write about shakespeare's antony and cleopatra. janet adelman said it all. which is cool, because i have a fixation on that play, but also sucks, because i was also trying to write an essay on it and mine wasn't nearly as good. btw if anyone wants to buy this for me, somehow, for the $120 it costs on amazon because academia is awful, i will send you my address,

9. Robert Icke's Oresteia

i don't need to say anything about this play, because it's the source of "this was always going to happen. she's been dead since the beginning." that should be enough. but after becoming deranged about the oresteia last year, i finally read this, and holy shit, this adaptation of the story is so fucking genius and icke's writing is so fucking good. it's antiwar! it's about mental illness! there's gender! the fucking ENDING! (i have a pdf if anyone would like it. anything to plug this play bark bark bark rufrufruf grrrrrr)

8. Down Girl: the Logic of Misogyny by Kate Manne

this is a little bit cheating, because i haven't finished this book yet, so maybe in the final chapters manne will say something like "what if we blew up every orphan" and i'll have to retract this. but right now it's fucking excellent! i've been making an effort to read more nonfiction lately, and this one shines; manne sets out to analyze misogyny not as a personal hatred of women that some men harbor, but as an intricate and structural system forcing women into the role of Giving (attention, affection, power, etc; sometimes their lives). and it's sooooo smart. some of it is stuff i already know (and some of it is Academic Philosophy TM that goes right over my head), but manne articulates her point excellently and i can feel it rearranging my brain, so it's going on the list for longevity and skill!

7. Dictator by Robert Harris

does this book objectively deserve to be on this list? you know what, yeah. i'll say it with my whole chest. i don't like how harris writes women and there are plenty of things to pick at in his cicero trilogy, but i had so much goddamn fun reading it that i can't not put it on the list. this was my year of being really really into cicero, and this was fun to read alongside e-pistulae. harris is sooooo good at making ancient roman politics gripping. the last scenes of this book. augh. ack. ough!

6. Detransition Baby by Torrey Peters

there are a lot of valid critiques of this one (a lot of bad critiqus, too, but such is writing literally anything about transness), but i fucking adored it. i LOVE dual timelines, i LOVE unlikable characters, and i FUCKING LOVE TRANSSEXUALITY! moreover, i love that peters isn't afraid to Go There, to poke at the messy ugly sides of transness (and queerness in general) that i think a lot of us don't like acknowledging, especially to cishet people whose view of the community is already skewed. i don’t think this is the One Great Trans Novel; i think there are a lot of great trans novels, and we need more. but this one did hit me RIGHT in the chest, and i couldn't put it down.

5. Wrath Goddess Sing by Maya Deane

the iliad but achilles is a trans woman and she's fighting the war on both mortal and divine levels and she and helen have an insane homoerotic half-god rivalry and everybody is fucking crazy. pitched as "for fans of TSOA" but as i said in my review if TSOA is a pleasant but watery iced tea then this book is gasoline laced with crack. there is a bisexual transgender threesome. i fucking love women. book of the fucking summer

4. White Teeth by Zadie Smith

i probably enjoyed wrath goddess sing more, but i can't not rank this book highly on this list. this book is such a fucking masterpiece. it's tolstoy for the modern age. it's a sprawling multi-familial multi-cultural multi-generational epic about race and gender and religion and science and humanity and britishness. smith's prose is fucking amazing; her character work is even better; this book has no plot but it uses its length sooooooo well. the first zadie smith i've read, but by god there will be more. she wrote this at TWENTY-FIVE. that's fucking CRAZY. do you know how much control over your craft you have to have to write this at twenty-five. bonkers. it is also the only enjoyable book i read in my modern literature class, so shoutout to white teeth for keeping me sane,

3. The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel

this book is ostensibly about bechdel's relationship with exercise. it is actually about bechdel's relationship with her own body, her own soul, her desire for individualism in the style of the transcendentalists, transcendentalism in general, mortality, and aging. i can't really tell you more than that because i didn't actually "read" this so much as i absorbed it through my skin like a frog while trying not to tremble like a little purse dog. i am not gonna lie man i did not have a very good. um. august. or september. or october november december. so this book really could not have come at a better time. alison bechdel i am obsessed with you

2. The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel

ALISON BECHDEL I AM OBSESSED WITH YOU!!!! this one narrowly edges out secret to superhuman strength because... well, i'm sort of rating the entire comic strip's run, and dude. holy shit. i love lesbians so much. this strip is such an important piece of lesbian history; it reminded me that a lot of the things lesbians (and LGBT people in general) argue about and deal with today are... the same things we've always argued about and dealt with, from intracommunity label discourse to global politics to hitting on women badly. but history aside--it's also just really fucking good! it's really funny! if you are a neurotic leftist, as so many of us are, it's hysterical! it's smart! it's hot! it's heartwarming! i read it over the first half of the year, in little bits and pieces, and by the end i felt like i really had gone decades with these characters. really just. so good. the power she has the range she has

1. the suzanne collins reread

okay. this one is definitely cheating. because i usually like to keep this list to books i'm reading for the first time, and i HAVE read the hunger games and the underland chronicles. but i read them, like, almost ten years ago, and i was not prepared to be so thoroughly fucking bodied by them this time around, now that i have critical thinking and analysis skills. we all know the hunger games is a fucking banger, so let me pitch the gregor the overlander series: something of a modern alice in wonderland setup, where the eleven-year-old main character falls into an underground world full of strangeness, except this world isn't whimsical, it's dangerous and stuffed with giant talking animals like bats and rats and cockroaches. there's a war on. there are plagues. there are war crimes. there is a plotline that is extremely explicitly about ethnic cleansing. there is some of the most heartbreaking fucking shit you've ever read in your goddamn life. there is also a rat who quotes macbeth and the underlanders revere a guy named bartholomew of sandwich. this series is for middle schoolers. i cried. not when i was a middle schooler reading it the first time; i mean now. so i'm breaking my no-rereads rule, because it really would be a lie to say that my best reading experience wasn't revisiting all of collins' work with my friends (yes, i read TBSOS; i think it's fine but not great). sorry to give publicity to an author who definitely doesn't need my help, but a few years ago my #1 spot went to shakespeare, so.

if you've read this far: thank you! please tell me your thoughts! tell me your favorite books of 2023! tell me which books you're excited for in 2024! and have a very lovely new year :)

#max.txt #misc book tag #readings

[the-irrelevant-trumpeter]

OKAY PERCY JACKSON SERIES THOUGHTS REAL QUICK not in any particular order just what my brain is spewing

(spoilers obviously)

okay so like. it was so good. screaming crying throwing up like!!!!

walker leah and aryan are all excellent and i'm so excited to see them throughout the rest of the show

special shoutout to leah because in these first two eps she's had a lot less screentime than the other two and yet she has completely stolen the show for me

forgot that jason mantzoukas is in this and got jumpscared lmao

the car and then minotaur scenes would have been really good if i had been able to see them

i feel like i was expecting luke's scar to be bigger. this isn't a complaint or anything, just an observation.

"NO I AM SALLY JACKSON'S SON" slayed so hard like i screameddd

percy praying to his mum <3333 there's one thing percy jackson will do and that is think of his mum as a goddess

also HIM BURNING THE JELLYBEANS 😭😭😭

also also him telling his mum that he really feels like he's made friends when you know he's talking about luke is TRAGIC oh no the final episode is going to be sooo good and so heartbreaking. oof.

i really REALLY liked virginia kull as sally, but a lot of the dialogue in her scenes felt a bit clunky to me. idk i know they need exposition and all that, but some of it felt a bit weird. especially their conversation right before she was killed

okay i know a few people in the tag have already talked about this, but sally and gabe felt a little off to me. i know the posts i've seen have said that they downplayed how completely and utterly awful gabe is, and while i do think it was downplayed a little bit, he was still bad enough that i didn't feel like that was a major issue. the part that didn't feel quite right to me was the way sally argued back at him. i feel like what she says to him is kind of what the audience should WANT her to say (because gabe's a dick), but the point is that she doesn't say that, because sally jackson loves percy so damn much that she willingly endures that until she is able to get out of that situation. i swear i'm not going to be like "tHiS iSnT hOw iT iS iN tHe bOoK" much, because it's an adaptation and it's going to have to make some changes and that's fine! but in the book, percy states that he's "never heard her raise her voice or say an unkind word to anyone, not even me or gabe" and keeps on emphasising how she constantly withstands gabe and doesn't move against him because of her love for percy, and i just feel like that's an important aspect of her character. also i feel like sally arguing back at gabe is going to make her finally killing him less impactful. and i think it probably also plays a part in gabe's assholery being downplayed. because the argument they have there feels much more like "oh we're so dysfunctional ha ha" instead of "this is an abusive household". you know what i mean? idk i get that it was meant to be a #girlboss moment, and a part of me was like "YEAH GET HIS ASS", but i do feel like that moment didn't serve sally's character as well, changed the dynamic of sally and gabe's relationship, and negatively affected the impact the story will have when percy gives her the means to get rid of gabe and she takes it. this is a very long dot point i'm sorry.

mr d pretending to be percy's dad was SO FUNNY

clarisse is too pretty (/pos), like i was barely paying attention in her scenes because i was literally there like "women <3" thank you dior goodjohn

"you fell in love with god... like jesus?" is a top tier line

i'm so sorry but i'm a "tah-lia" pronunciation truther and it will remain this way in my head

the cut to percy flossing in the woods killed me. like straight up killed me dead.

BLACKJACK BEING THE FIRST MAGICAL THING PERCY SEES!!! THEY'RE GOING TO BE BESTIES!!!

these are all of the thoughts i have atm, and despite my more negative thoughts here, my feelings are almost completely positive (my excitement is less coherent than my criticisms, so i didn't write about them as much). i'm really excited to see the rest of the episodes!

#idk whether i should tag this or not #feeling dangerous. i might just. #percy jackson #percy jackson and the olympians #pjo #percy jackson series #pjo series #that'll do. it's been a while since i've posted in a main tag but i am being so brave about this. #feel like i'm forgetting something but idk what so!

[clonerightsagenda]

Also while we're talking favorite episodes for Podcast Girls Week I have to give a shoutout to "The Passage" from the Pasithea Powder. It starts out giving the listeners what they want (Blanc is dead! Fake Evelyn is safe! The trio is together!) and then sneaking up from behind and hitting them where it hurts. The reveal - "I told you to believe me" - is so awful and yet so fitting given Jane and Sophie's long and complex history with trust and mistrust and medical experimentation. And the fact that even after being medically programmed to believe everything Jane tells her without question, Sophie still tries to fight it when she tells her to leave.

Listen to the Pasithea Powder! Two women with enough baggage to restart a war!

#podcastgirlsweek #perpetual perpetual ladies night #the pasithea powder #nice I had time to post both of these before work #if it's a slow day perhaps I'll think of more while I'm there

[macaroni-rascal]

Montreal Worlds Day 1!

What a lovely day, it was so exciting, I kept turning to my friend who's here with me (shoutout Jillian I adore you) and going: "Holy shit! We are actually here!" I just kept having realizations over and over that a dream I'd had for a while has come true. So damn wonderful!

Some highlights and general thoughts:

Pairs is so much more exciting in person than on TV, and it's already incredibly exciting on TV. We were seated in a place where several teams did their sbs jumps and a good amount of their throws, and it was just fucking exhilarating.

Some teams who I never found that interesting on TV/streams were so fun to watch in person, which I wasn't expecting.

The difference in speed between teams is so hilariously glaring when you're in person, one team looks like a high speed train, the next is skating through molasses.

DEANNA DEANNA DEANNA DEANNA DEANNA.

ALSO DEANNA.

AND DEANNA.

THEN ALSO DEANNA.

That entire moment of Deanna and Max, from the moment they were announced to the about 45 minutes after they got their scores, I was on such a high. The energy in the building was just unbelievable. I'll never forget that. Sending them all the love for the free today!

(Break for a nice lunch, had fish sandwich and fries, and it hit the fucking spot.)

The women were a similar but also different story, some skaters I thought I liked a lot were a little less exciting in person, while other skaters who I'd not been that into captivated me completely, Young You was one such skater. I always thought she was pretty solid, but she's got an energy in person that had me transfixed. I loved her program.

Loena turned the fucking party, what a moment that was.

Isabeau is worse in person, jesus christ those jumps are heinous.

Unsurprisingly, Kaori's speed and ease across the ice was completely unmatched, it's a shame her was a little messy in the SP, glad she's still in it though, she can get it back in the free.

Amber's fall on her loop made me deflate like a sad balloon, it was right in front of me and I nearly cried.

Josefin Taljegard I adore you so much, such a cool skater to watch, her step sequence was so amazing.

Gubanova just not having a combo made people around me making the funniest sounds, and I had to laugh quietly to myself cause it was very comical.

So much fun!

Some general happening and thoughts on the venue:

Had to get my tickets printed and picked up when I thought they were on my phone, didn't bring a photo ID with me, nearly cried thinking I'd have to back to my airb&b and then all the way back to the venue, but alas, two pieces of government ID did the trick, and all was well. We laughed so hard about it later, but what a wild start to the whole event.

FUCK THE TINY ASS SEATS IN THE VENUE. Fuck them so hard, so uncomfortable, so awful, thank god I'm on the end of a row or I would have died, maybe?! Had trouble getting to sleep last night cause my right hip and back hurt so much from those seats. They were not created for 70% of the population who are not stick thin and/or children. That's my one gripe, and that's my rant.

Why must they take the caps off the bottles of all drinks people purchase? What is that? What is the point of that? My friend brought me a water, I didn't realize it had no cap, nearly poured water all over the people in front of me. Just so confusing to me. I'm sure there's a good(ish) reason, but wowza not my favourite. (Okay, that's my second small gripe, but it's more a confusion than an annoyance.)

My friend and I came back from lunch, and people were just full sitting in our seats with a big sign for a skater?????? We asked them to move, and an old lady in the row behind us got angry at us cause it was in the middle of a skater's program and she felt we should have waited to have the people move, which seemed wild to me. I could never be that person, you have a seat, go sit in that seat????????? The audacity????

GET TO THE BATHROOM EARLY! DON'T WAIT FOR THE LAST SKATER'S SCORE BEFORE THE ICE FLOOD, YOU WILL BE WAITING 8 YEARS TO PEE. We got there early every time, and when we left the bathroom, the line was maybe 100 people long.

God, one more thing about the seats, they truly made us both (me and my friend) so unhappy and uncomfy, we are full missing the first three groups of men today because it is not worth being in pain for those early groups. Four groups is our cut off for how long we can be in the venue without a significant break. Amen.

HAVING TO MUCH FUN, DREAM COME TRUE, DEANNA WORLD CHAMPION TONIGHT THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

#konner talks skating

[girlmartok]

Left Hand of Destiny (1&2) stream of consciousness review

Overall thoughts: I really liked this book! Or technically 2 books but the second is just the continuation of the first so in my head it was just one long book (~500 pages all in all). This is only the second trek book I've read and also the second written by the actor who played the character in ds9 (shoutout to ASIT, though this one has a non-actor co-writer as well), but even beyond the star trekking of TLHOD, this was a really good read in terms of writing style, pace, emotion. It was very action and character focused which I enjoyed, and especially the characterization of Martok was so great and obviously JG Hertzler had a lot of thoughts about the character he played that translated really well on page.

The memory alpha article on TLHOD says this but I didn't really start to see it until the last half of book 2, but this is very much a King Arthur story (btw don't look at that memory alpha page unless you don't care about major spoilers lol). Down to a lady in the lake handing out mythical swords. That instance was a little heavy handed in my opinion, but I did like all of the prophetic dreams and talk of glorious purpose.

That's something to note though: if you don't like dream sequences, this is not the book for you. There are A LOT of dreams. In fact the opening scene is a dream, but it's now my new favorite opening line in a book because it jumps right in by telling you who this guy is and what his deal is:

I personally am a big fan of overt symbolism like this (even a well done cliché or two), myths and repeating cycles of heroism etc etc. And I think this book melded Arthurian drama with Klingon drama well. The Klingon-ness of this book was great. What better way to get to the heart of Klingon culture in a story but by focusing on the guy chosen to lead his people and getting it ripped out from beneath his feet and having to decide that he actually wants to be chancellor. In a lot of ways this is a story of outcasts finding their way back to where they belong, which isn't always what they expect or want in the beginning. Which leads me to...

The supporting characters really made this book. Without Pharh the Ferengi who got bullied for being as ugly as a Klingon as a child and now runs a landfill on Qo'noS, there would be no book. He's my favorite (little buddy coded to the extreme) but most of the major side characters are really well explored in terms of motivation and actions. Worf, Sirella, Ezri, Darok, Kahless, Alexander, to name a few. Alexander and Kahless were two of my other surprise standouts. And because no one who hasn't read this book knows about my new favorite guy Pharh, I will now include a couple passages I highlighted to spread the word about how great he is:

Wide array of well developed side characters aside, this book is awful for women. Yes the main antagonist is Martok's insane ex, but her character is kind of too outlandish to really have much depth. Ezri shows up at the end of book 1 and plays a big part in book 2 but honestly I'm not sure why she was even there (apart from loyalty etc, but I mean story-wise she didn't add all that much to keep the action moving ((anyone else could have been subbed in for her 9 out of 10 times and it would've made more sense tbh)) except to be another explainer of Klingon things to the reader). Sirella has a few great scenes, but not nearly enough and she wasn't allowed to do much either in terms of agency and impact on plot. Martok's two daughters are barely afterthoughts.

The main plot is that a usurper attacks Qo'noS (and specifically goes after Martok), swaying the Klingon people to their side through a combo of bioengineered charisma and the people's growing resentment toward progressive ideas that Martok (and Worf) represents. That's really only the problem in book 1, while book 2 deals more with Martok accepting the hand fate has dealt and deciding to win so they can save the decaying Klingon heart and so on. But even with the kind of cheesy setup, it rarely felt overwrought or unearned with the emotional beats. The antagonist lady is, yeah, she's a bit over the top. And before 2016 I would've said the quick flip to xenophobia and Make Klingons Great Again (I'm pretty sure they use that phrase almost exactly) in the general public was unrealistic but hey, cycles of destiny and evil constantly shifting and repeating, am I right??

There were... quite a few deaths. I guess I should've expected that, being a Klingon setting and all, but some of them hit me hard. And a few I don't think really needed to happen and kind of weakened the narrative.... maybe I'll put a spoiler section below a cut at the bottom of this to discuss those 🤪

This paragraph will haunt me for a while I think... 😀 sorry for inflicting it on others now but hey that's show business

Even with some hiccups (see spoiler section below), I loved the book pretty much. Shocker: tumblr user girlmartok loves the Martok book, but it was better than I had hoped even. The Martok focus was so good and the side characters just made it even better. Much more of a heroic fantasy than most star trek settings, which fit really well and also was refreshing. It's long! But I would recommend it if you have any interest in Klingons and/or fun little guys who go on adventures and think a lot about death.

SPOILERS ⬇️

Okay ripping the bandaid off. The way Sirella died was not chill. I mean even having her die was not something I would have included, because the story really didn't dive all that deep into her and Martok's relationship. But ramming an enemy ship so Martok could flee near the beginning of book 2... and she doesn't even kill any major bad guys doing it?? It just served no point narratively (the bad guys still outnumbered them, still caught up to them not long after) and it didn't even really affect Martok all that much beyond like one paragraph where he wants to turn around and go on a murder spree in her name... He doesn't even get to go on a murder spree in her name!!!

Bandaid rip #2: PHARH MY LITTLE BABY BOY DIES???? I was glad I had forewarning about this one because I would've been mad otherwise. I am not exaggerating saying he was my second favorite character in this book after Martok. The humor he added, yes, but also just his role as an outsider who's seen as weak by both Ferengi and Klingon, and he befriends the chancellor of the Klingon Empire, HOLDS ONTO THE CHANCELLOR'S RING FOR MOST OF THE BOOK AND BECOMES HIS SQUIRE BASICALLY 🫠💔 I don't know how anyone wouldn't fall in love with him. At least his death was done well, even though I don't think it should have happened. He at least got a murderous rampage in his name 😤 and Martok basically adopted him so he could get into Sto'vo'kor 🥺

Those were my main two criticisms of the book, and really ties into why this wasn't as great a story as ASIT, for example. A lot of things happen to Martok, but some things don't get the resolution they would need to influence him on this character journey he's going on. One of Martok's defining characteristics in ds9 is that he's a wife guy and his wife doesn't take bullshit. But then his wife dies suddenly and he's upset but he's not Upset upset, if you know what I mean. It didn't feel earned and it didn't feel necessary. Literally the first and only time it did feel like a reasonable plot device was at the very end when Worf tells him that people love a tragic victor even more than a victory. The problem is just that Martok doesn't ever explore what that tragedy really means to him.

Justice for Shen and Lazhna, Martok's daughters, who in addition to dying off screen are only brought up to highlight how shitty of a dad Martok has been. He just thinks of them (and his son Drex too but he gets more characterization solely by virtue of appearing in the narrative) in terms of himself and his love for them is more on the side of pity rather than real emotional attachment. Sirella should've been way meaner to him about that tbh.

Non character death related but a big focus of the first book was Martok losing public opinion pretty much immediately. Old friends turn against him and that really shakes him. But then in the second book... that's not really brought up again? The whole second book takes place away from Qo'noS, and yeah they mention that people will probably become less affected by the dumb bioengineered charisma after time, but I cannot stress enough how much the entire planet hated him. So he won the big battle against his foes etc etc, came back to Qo'noS and... just told everyone all that?? That goes along with the lack of fully exploring the consequences of some of these bad things that happen to Martok. It felt like a little too much piled on him and not enough resolution.

#the left hand of destiny #star trek books #star trek #martok #tlhod review #star trek book review #would LOVE to hear from anyone else who has read this btw #and sorry for the super long review. i did not even cover everything i wanted to lol #long post

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for punching my brother?

My friends and my boss say I'm not, but I still feel awful about it, and it came from a place of genuine upset so I'm putting this here.

I (21M) grew up in a not really great household. My mom died and my dad remarried to my stepmother, and then had my brother (L, 19M). Growing up, my dad and stepmother weren't amazing parents, to put it lightly, but they adored my brother because he had the 'right' magic for the family. I was always trying to connect with him, but he was really obsessed with keeping his parents' favor, and to be honest, I really can't blame him, considering how they treated me for every mistake. Long story short I got out by applying to join a group of knights (which is super important in our society) but the only group who would take me was the worst one in our society. I was super glad to get out, though, and I love my group so it is what it is. My brother, when he reached maturity-ish, he also applied to join the knights group and got into the best one (I'm still really happy for him) and within a year, became the vice-captain of it. Obviously I was disinherited and proceeded to run off.

Fast forward six years (I'm now 21) and I meet up with my brother again when I'm on a mission with my teammates (A, 15M and C, 17F). He starts laying in on me for 'running away' which I technically did do. A stood up for me, even though he really shouldn't have, and L starts making fun of my teammates, which is completely uncalled for so I tell him off for doing so and say that my team will beat his team in the annual awards festival, and he gets really mad about it, but since we're supposed to be working together he can't really do anything (C and A were both really supportive after I challenged my brother, which is really nice of them).

A couple weeks later, after we get second place in the awards festival (second place! Thanks to A, mostly, shoutout A) we have a tournament to get into an elite squad that will be dealing with a terrorist squad in our kingdom. I was pitted against L, and L won, in short. I was in a coma so I didn't make it in. There was some bigger plot in motion and the terrorists reincarnated their friends into my colleages, one of which was L. My boss woke me from my coma to help stop L with his other, scary colleague. L was trying to commit regicide, so the three of us started fighting him, and to beat him, I dropped my defense and punched him in the face. He fell unconscious and I later went on to do other important stuff once I woke up from the blood loss. I felt bad about the punching already, but then when I went to visit him afterward he was still in bed, and he gave me a scolding about liking women too much (it's my curse, apparently) but didn't end up returning to duty and later left his group. I feel like I'm responsible for it. Am I the asshole?

#aita #am i the asshole #unreality #abuse mention #child abuse mention