#I think I’ve formulated my thoughts well here

[quino7]

Finished holyland, hard decision but I think it managed to make its way to a 10/10. This manga isn’t really unique in its story or art, but what makes it special and brings it up to the level of the rest of my 10/10s is just how perfectly done everything in it is.

The protagonist, Kamishiro Yuu, is just so amazingly done. How he makes a monster of himself just to protect the only place he really knows how to live. The way that, unlike most manga, it still kept in mind his suicidality even after he’s gained the strength to fight for himself. For most of the series he doesn’t fight for much of anything, he fights because these streets are the only thing that make him feel alive. He keeps getting up even after he’s been beaten horribly because it’s the only way he knows how to survive. If he can’t keep fighting he doesn’t belong in his holyland

With all of that in mind, Holyland is at its best when it’s thought of as a tragedy. Despite what the majority of characters in the series see him as, Yuu is not a good person and he’s not good at being a person. All the way from his actions in the beginning you can tell this story is going to end in tragedy. At so many points he’s offered ways out of being the Thug Hunter, some of them letting him continue his passion of fighting. But he inevitably returns to the streets once again. The irony of him building himself up in strength at status, which in turn ruins him even further and eventually leads up to his death. And his death was so well foreshadowed, every time he fights on equal footing he comes out on top, but time and time again he’s blindsided and easily defeated, it comes as no surprise that he’d die a pathetic death, even though he fought so hard and found reasons to live for his death was inevitable. Even from the beginning everything pointed to his life on the streets being a tragedy, he willingly threw himself into the abyss that became his holyland, and never made his way out

I also want to praise the fights. The action is solid, but the way the author goes so far into depth about different attacks and why they work and the strategy behind everything. It’s just fun to know everything that’s going on.

#holyland #manga review #I think I’ve formulated my thoughts well here

[paper-crab]

It’s cold

summary: it’s late and it’s cold outside and matt is avoiding your questions

warnings: unintentionally a bit suggestive

wc: 998

“What are you doing up?” Matt asks you. He’s visibly shaking from the chilly Boston weather, but he’s wrapped in a hoodie and a blanket. He lifts the blanket up, creating a spot for you on the little outdoor loveseat.

“I could ask you the same question,” You roll your eyes at him, taking a seat.

“I’m enjoying the night.”

“Yeah because you enjoy oh-so much.”

“Well, aren’t you just a little bundle of sunshine tonight.” He says, sarcasm dripping from his voice. Despite his lingering words, he scoots closer to you. “What can I say?” You shrug, leaning into his body in an attempt to conserve some warmth. The chill is beginning to seep through the blanket, and you understand why Matt was shivering earlier.

“It’s not every day you get to freeze to death with a stinky guy.” You tease, chuckling at his bemused expression.

“Hey! Where did that come from?” Matt yawns, leaning his head on your shoulder. His teeth are still chattering, cold nipping at both of your covered skin.

“If you’re so cold, why don’t you go inside?”

“Why don’t you?”

“Who said I was that cold?” He lifts his head from your shoulder, giving you a knowing glance. Your body is shaking too. “Okay, maybe I am a little cold.” You say, trying to remain a facade of indifference despite the chill.

“What are you doing out here anyway?”

“I told you, I’m enjoying the night.”

“None of that bullshit Matt, what’s going on?”

“You first, what’s running through that pretty little head of yours?” He says, pulling the blanket up to his chin and snuggling up more.

“I asked first.”

“I asked second,” Matt softly murmurs, giving you a challenging look. “Guess neither of us are getting answers.”

You sigh at his difficulty, leaning into him even more. Huddling together is doing wonders for your collective warmth. You feel like penguins, getting so close together.

“I’ve just been… thinking.”

“Wow, that’s a first.” He grins. You maneuver to punch his arm.

“Hey, it happens! Occasionally…” You whisper the last part, shaking your head at his antics. “But seriously, just needed some fresh air and quiet. You know how loud Chris plays his music at night. I thought the cold would help clear my head.”

“Has it?”

“What?”

“Has it cleared your head?”

You clear your throat. “Wouldn’t you like to know,”

“I would.”

“Well, I’d like to know why you’re out here.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” He smiles, proud of himself for using your jokes against you. “Yes, actually. That’s why I asked. Now get on with it or I’m going to leave you to freeze by yourself.”

As they huddle together, the tension rises. Matt hums, seemingly trying to formulate sentences and get out what he wants to say.

“You know,” He starts, his tone edged with curiosity and a hint of frustration. “Sometimes I wonder what you’re hiding.”

“What I’m hiding?” You retort, laughing in his face. “Yeah, I’m the one doing a lot of hiding right now.” Your face stiffens under his gaze. You are hiding something, but right now, it seems like Matt is hiding more.

“Maybe not right now,” Matt counters, his voice softer, “But I’ve seen it before. You deflect.”

“Like you’re doing right now?”

“Touché.”

The accusation lingers in the air, making you feel slightly uncomfortable. Matt can tell, a mix of defense and vulnerability appear in your eyes; like you’re putting your guard up. Despite knowing he’s right, you feel like you’re being too exposed to him of all people. “You can't expect me to open up if you won’t do the same.” You say, turning away from him. You’re prepared to stand and leave, but you feel him grab you, weighing you down.

“I was thinking about you when I came down.” His gaze softens and his grip loosens, letting you know you’re free to go.

You don’t.

“You were thinking about me?” Matt lets out a puff of air, white coming out of his mouth because of the cold. His gaze remains steady, hesitation in his voice. “Yeah, I just… wanted to check on you.”

“Why?” You’re unable to hide the confusion you feel from his words, and as the admission sinks in, your chest feels a bit lighter.

“Because… I care about you,” He nervously smiles, voice barely above a whisper. His stare shifts, hopping from star to star. In that quiet moment, there’s a million thoughts running through your mind, the most prominent one being ‘I want to kiss him’.

For a brief moment, the world around you seems to fade away. The soft glow of the moonlight shines between you two, no sounds around able to take away from the ambience. Even though you’ve had this revelation, you don’t move.

“I care about you too, more than you know.”

“I might have an idea.” He replies softly, a gentle understanding written over his face. While he might have hesitated earlier, he refused to let this moment slip from his grasp. “Can I kiss you?” He’s mere centimeters from your face, breaths mingling in the nippy night air. Your chest tightens in anticipation as you lean even closer to him, whispering “Yes.” against his lips.

In quiet understanding, he leans forward. Refusing to take a peck, he deepens the kiss, effectively stealing your breath.

There’s almost a magnetic pull guiding you together, an almost imperceptible sensation courses through you. Matt refuses to let any of that slip away, so the second he can breathe again, he’s right back to kissing you.

The chilly air fades into insignificance. Matt is the only thing that matters right now.

“Can we go inside?” He mutters, shuddering. “Yeah it’s cold dumbass, why would you come outside in the first place?” You say, pressing another kiss to his lips.

“Why would you follow me?” He picks up the blanket, extending a hand to pull you up from the loveseat.

“I’d follow you anywhere.”

#chris sturniolo #matt sturniolo #sturniolo triplets #nick sturniolo #matt sturniolo x reader #sturniolo x reader #christopher sturniolo #matthew sturniolo x reader #matthew sturniolo #nicolas sturniolo

[katsukiizmoon]

bodyguard or bestfriend! katsuki who practically lives in your personal space, he's only "looking out for you" and "making sure you're okay" he definitely isn't dependent on feeling your warmth against him, he definitely doesn't get antsy when you're not near him, not at all

Second time writing this, tumblr ate it the first time 🥴 but no because I bet he leaves his shit there and then forgets.i have so many thoughts on this

Katsuki has practically raided every square inch of his apartment. He’s checked every basket, drawer, nook and cranny of the place— and he’s found four pair of boxers. Total.

There’s no way.

A frustrated groan leaves his lips when he notices missing sweatpants. His face twists into a scowl while he shoves the last of his dirty laundry into the washing machine. He snatches the detergent and tosses it in, pressing the button and turning on his heel.

He storms out of his apartment and shoves his keys into the door, locking it. And you know something’s off the moment he arrives. He huffs and puffs like he’s going to blow your house down. All the while, you sit perched on the couch with a basket of laundry and a no-brain-needed show on.

“I’m goin’ fucking insane.” Katsuki grits, carmine eyes peering into your ceiling.

You hum and toss a pair of panties into a nearby basket. A sigh leaves him as his chest sinks beneath the black tank top.

“You always are— but why now?” You raise a brow at his glare, resisting a snicker.

Your fingers lay purchase on a pair of his sweats. Effortlessly, you begin to fold and separate the rest of the laundry. Another pair of his sweats are in your hands as you pause to look at him.

“Searched the damn place top to bottom,” a sigh “- can’t find my shit. Got four pair of boxers. I’m losing it.” He grunts with an exasperated groan.

Katsuki peels his gaze from the ceiling to meet your own. You begin to chortle and snort.

The pair of sweatpants in your hands meet his face with a dull thud. Without thinking, katsuki yanks the offending fabric away and growls.

“Oí, asswipe-“ The second pair meets his face before he can finish and it takes all of three seconds for it to register.

“.. why d’you got my shit?” He takes a deep breath, just like his therapist told him to, trying not to jump to conclusions.

“You always leave your shit here— I’ve got an entire drawer. You’ve even got a toothbrush and face razor in my bathroom.” You challenge, holding up a pair of boxers you’ve just found in the basket.

Katsuki blinks. He has been over a lot. But it’s only because you can’t take care of yourself— you’d die! The blonde runs through memories of cup ramen and expired snacks in your fridge and pantry. His eyes roll.

“Well, I need my shit, brat.” He chooses to say instead.

You glance at the TV to see two of the girls arguing over what food to have at a party. Typical, there’s always that one bitch who wants fruit at a candy land themed party.

“Go for it, it’ll end up back here anyways-“ you chortle and toss a pair of clean boxers his way “-you’re over five days a week.”

Ruby orbs narrow, brows furrowing as he takes playful offense to your statement. A grin plasters across his face and he leans in.

“Wouldn’t have to if a certain shithead could take care of herself, now would i?” Katsuki taunts and assumes victory. He looks proud of himself.

Your brows shoot to your hairline and you laugh wildly. The task at hand half forgotten, fingers reaching into the basket to grab a random article of clothing and throw it at his head.

“Oh please, you come here for back rubs and head scratches.” The teasing tone of your voice has his eyes rolling. Hard.

Katsuki looks down at the fallen fabric and snorts. Big hands put the pink, scallop trim panties in the basket to your right while he formulates a good answer.

You’re not completely wrong.. but you can’t know that.

“Nah I c’mere cause’ you’ll get a scurvy if I don’t.” He lies, grabbing a towel to fold.

Banter continues on and off through the night. He talks shit on the show you’re watching but gets invested anyways. Like always. A plate of steaming curry is served for dinner and afterwards you show him to the stash of his items stored away in your bedroom.

He grumbles and flushes a peachy tone, throwing most of the items in his bag. He leaves two or three pairs, though.

You get lectured again on groceries even though he’s the one that cooks. And, now? There’s a grocery list on your fridge that says “k: bringing order on Monday” in not too-pretty handwriting.

Katsuki finds himself basking in the warmth of your hands later. Pretty fingers rub his taut muscles and tug at the roots of his hair. Nails drag up and down, up and down his shoulder and back casually. He’s out like a light in minutes.

He wakes up and chooses to ignore that he’s already left another set of clothing in your laundry basket.

#he gets nervous two days later trying to go on a “no staying over streak #and ends up in your place anyways #[ best friend au ] #< ping ! > #[ katsuki ] #bakugou x reader #bakugou #bakugou x you #bakugo x reader #katsuki bakugou x reader #bakugou katsuki x reader #katsuki bakugo x reader #katsuki x yn #bakugo x yn

[myseungsunglove]

Only You | Ksm

Pairing: Kim Seungmin x reader

Warnings: fluff because when do I not, honestly

Word Count: 800

𖠫Summary: an honest conversation with your best friend sometimes results in surprising revelations.

✎A/N✎: I swear to god I just keep writing when I’m sleepy. That’s when inspiration strikes and it’s never what I’ve already outlined. Anywho, have another unplanned little Drabble because who needs plans anyway? I also didn’t want my first fic of the year to be the horribly painful, angst Bang Chan fic I’m working on. 🥺

◠ ◡ ◠᭚ιαᵕ̈

「© January 2, 2024 by myseungsungheart」

“Do you ever think about dating?” you ask, laying in the bed all cozy facing your best friend.

“Dating? With our job? You’re a riot, you know that?” Seungmin deadpans.

“So you don’t even entertain the thought?” you ask, a little surprised.

“We’d never get a moment's peace,” he relents. “It’s kind of something we accepted when we became idols, I think,” he smiles at you, his eyes searching your features trying to understand where this conversation was coming from.

“Hmmm,” you respond, your brow furrowed. In honesty, you’d only really ever thought about dating one person. Kim Seungmin. You’d loved him for a while now, but like he had mentioned, dating in the industry was a crazy thought. And there is the small problem of him only seeing you as a best friend, but that was neither here nor there. Tonight, as you lay in the bed next to Seungmin, all you can think about is what it would be like if you had chosen a different life. If you had met Min and you were interested in each other. What it would be like to be wrapped in his arms and kissing his sweet lips.

“Have you thought about dating?” he asks, scooting a little closer to you.

“No, not really,” you lie.

“Now why don’t I believe that?” he teases, his eyebrow quirking up.

“Shut up,” you groan, rolling onto your back and rubbing your hands over your face. “I’ve really only ever thought about dating one person, but know it’s hopeless really,” you admit reluctantly.

“One person hmmm?”

You steal a glance at him and he is staring at you and somehow he has gotten closer. When did that happen?

“I shouldn’t have brought it up,” you mumble, his stare making you hyper aware of his body only inches away. You roll onto your side, your back to him.

“You know,” he whispers, his lips now close to your ear as his arm snakes around your waist and pulls you back against him. “You’re really the only person I’d want if I had entertained the thought.”

His confession surprises you, your heart racing in your chest. You turn your head to look at him, your eyes meeting briefly as he glances at your lips then back into your eyes. He leans in and presses his soft lips to yours and it’s as if all the air has been sucked out of the room. You roll over completely then, your hands falling on his neck and you hold him against you, kissing him with fervor.

“Please say I’m the one person,” Seungmin smiles against your lips. “Cause I’ll be that one person. Even without a moment’s peace, I swear to god if it’s you, I can do absolutely anything.”

You roll on top of him then, straddling him before leaning in and kissing him passionately.

“You’re the only one, Min,” you breathe against his lips. “I’ve wanted you for longer than I care to admit.”

“Well,” he manages, your forehead leaning against his. “That makes two of us.”

You pull away and look into his eyes, and they’re big and round, and god they make you weak.

“Why’d you say you don’t think about dating?” you ask, your brows knit together.

He licks his lips, his eyes flitting between yours as he formulates his thoughts.

“I didn’t want to give the impression that I think about other people when I don’t,” he admits. “I’ve always known dating would be hard and that, at the end of the day, if I was going to go through that, you are the only person who would ever be worth it.”

“Min” you breathe, emotions rising up in your throat as you fight off tears. “Seriously?”

He chuckles. “Give me some credit, y/n-ah. I’m nothing if not serious,” he smiles before kissing you once more. The kiss is slow and meaningful. Laced with unspoken words. It’s intoxicating in the best way. “Let me take you out,” he says, pulling away from your lips, his eyes round but determined.

“We go out all the time,” you laugh.

“Fair. But this time you’ll be my girlfriend which makes it new and exciting. We’re always affectionate, so we won’t necessarily even have to hide much,” Seungmin says matter of factly.

“Except maybe the kissing part,” you say, kissing him quick, a smile spreading across his lips when yours meet his.

“Yeah, except maybe that,” he agrees. “So is that a yes?”

“Yeah,” you smile at him. “Guess my best friend is now my boyfriend, eh?”

“Two things can be true at once,” he smiles.

#stray kids x reader #seungmin x reader #Kim seungmin Drabble #Kim seungmin one shot #Kim seungmin fluff

[theminecraftbee]

so in the smallishsona au, I think I’ve mentioned some of this, but joel’s velvet room situation is as follows:

his velvet room itself takes the form of a small yacht, fording its way across an endless sea of souls. obviously, as is the case with most persona games, he mostly only sees the inside, but there’s an unnervingly endless blue sea outside. sometimes, joel swears the sea foam looks like butterflies—or maybe faces. joel has to say, if igor and jimmy aren’t lying, and the form the velvet room has taken says something about its guest—well, this has gotta be someone else’s, right? because joel’s not a big fan of water at the moment. (it is not someone else’s.)

speaking of igor and jimmy: igor is just igor, and the only canon persona character in this au (with a BIG asterisk for. the butterflies). for the non-persona fans: igor is the mysterious master of the velvet room, and helps our protagonist fuse personas. he is offputting in appearance, but despite his seemingly evil aesthetics, he is genuinely at heart a polite and kind entity who wants what is best for his guests.

helping igor is his attendants, a different one for each guest. joel’s velvet room attendant is jimmy, the only non-hermit in the au (rather intentionally, even; the fact jimmy isn’t a hermit is a fun nod to his other worldly nature). jimmy helps keep track of joel’s deck of personas in the compendium and, through joel, is going to learn about humanity. he’s also MEANT to be helping guide joel in the trials of being a wild card… but he IS jimmy.

I think joel gets to form a direct social link with jimmy and i think that link is the hanged man, pending that I don’t think of a better arcana here.

as for fusion itself: I’m going back to the “personas on tarot cards” aesthetic, except instead of forming magic circles/spreads to do fusions, the fusion ritual is shuffling a deck. for fusions, jimmy hands igor a deck, then igor takes it, shuffles the cards to fuse in, lets joel cut the deck, then pulls the top card to give to joel. other persona rituals involve other games you can play with cards… even if those games are being played with tarot cards here.

the aesthetic of jimmy having a big book for the compendium remains, though.

and those are my velvet room thoughts for the au! as I continue to formulate things…

#smallishsona au #now that I actually want to write bits of this I’m trying to flesh out a timeline also but don’t worry about that right now

[ryuryuryuyurboat]

under the mistletoe

synopsis: christmas brings out quite the interesting sides of people.

genre: fluff, little bit of crack at the end

characters: lyney x gn! reader

warnings: reader is referred to in 2nd person, mistletoe, uhm reader n lyney interaction is a little awkward, i'm going by my personal thoughts on how the house of the hearth (and arlecchino) would be like (kind of)

a/n: i really really wanted to write this and i had to get it out of my system so here is a very belated christmas fic for y'all hehe likes, reblogs and comments highly appreciated!!

©2023 ryuryuryuyurboat. do not repost, translate, plagiarise, or modify in any way, shape or form.

masterlist

christmas at the house of the hearth had always been rather… anticlimactic, to say the least. ‘father’, of course, would make time to celebrate with her children, with a larger-than-usual spread for dinner, and she would make sure to prepare small gifts for everyone, but there was always something about the atmosphere that simply felt off. maybe because of the nature of this family, you’d tell yourself, but you just couldn’t help feeling hollow every time the festive season rolled around. this year was no exception.

you’d volunteered to help out in the kitchen with a few others; and you were assigned to deal with the pastries with none other than lyney. big win, considering how his deft magician fingers would make folding the puff pastries much easier. 

to no one’s surprise, thanks to great teamwork (read: him doing the work and you being moral support with a side of helpfulness), you both sped through your task and completed it way earlier than you were expected to. a little disappointing, though, for you were hoping to spend more time with him– you inwardly sighed as you rinsed the flour and butter off your hands.

it seemed your hopes weren’t completely dashed— for you did run into him again, quite literally, just as he re-entered the kitchen hoping to nick a quick snack. a quick apology, and you moved to your right to walk past him; he moved to his left in an attempt to walk past you. he smiled apologetically, moved to his right— alas, you’d also moved to your left. repeat. then a sigh.

“we’re quite the uncoordinated pair, aren’t we?” lyney shrugged, no sign of exasperation anywhere on his face.

“seems like it.”

“yeah, well–” he stopped himself, looking upwards. “mistletoe,” he observed, and your breath hitched.

“...yeah.” well, you know the rules; and so do i.

a beat of silence.

“you could’ve moved away, y’know.” his periwinkle eyes bore into yours. 

“so could you.”

lyney gave a light laugh, though it sounded forced. “but i didn’t.”

you could hear your heart pounding in your chest– it was a wonder he hadn’t. now or never, hm? “yeah? well, neither did i.” you finally pointed out, watching as his eyes widened ever so slightly.

“so…” his voice was barely above a whisper now. “does this mean that, you– i– um.” 

he glanced aside, something forlorn in his expression. “you’re sure?”

it took you a moment to formulate a reply. “i don’t think i’ve ever been more sure about anything.” you finally breathed. 

his face was inches away from yours– you could feel his warm breath fanning your face, he was moving even closer…

a clink caused the two of you to jump apart, looking around for the source of the noise. 

“...sorry.” a pair of cat ears twitched as his silver-haired twin blinked at you both.

“lynette!!”

taglist: @yinyinggie @lynyluvr @kazemiya @meidnightrain (send ask to be added to taglist!)

if you liked this, do consider dropping me a follow for more :>

#astronetwrk #・ nouveau livre ˎˊ˗ #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #lyney #lyney x reader #genshin #genshin impact #lyney fluff #genshin fluff #༄the vessel’s voyages #scrolls of yore✒️ᝰ

[523rdrebel]

When Feelings Aren’t Logical

Tech x Reader (gn)

Warnings: Implied RSD- Rejection Sensitive Disphoria

SFW- Mostly just fluff, Tech comforts reader.

I wrote this for a friend and, with their permission, am sharing here for anyone else who my struggle with what we like to call gremlin thoughts.

Divider by @snotbuggle

You’d curled up in your favorite fluffy blanket, just the top of your head peeking out so you could stare into space. Your thoughts spiraled down, down, into the darker shadows of your mind.

They’ve been different today. Did I do something?

They’re so quiet… Are they mad at me?

Oh my gosh! What if they don’t like me anymore? 

What if they never did!?

Were they just pretending?

Am I useless?

Tech entered the room, face down in his datapad. Probably working on something important. When you didn’t greet him in your usual way, Tech stopped abruptly, lifting his head to regard you with concern. He observed your position, curled up in your comfort blanket, the lost expression in your eyes, and he deactivated his datapad, stowing it away safely and crossing the room to sit down next to you. “My darling, what do you need? Have you eaten today?”

It was just like Tech to lead with solutions, knowing how you forget to eat when you’re particularly overwhelmed.

You shook your head and sighed, your heart clenching painfully at his obvious care and affection. You tell him about your thoughts, about how you were afraid that your friends didn’t want you anymore, or worse yet, that they never did. The words spilled out rapidly, panic increasing as you verbalized your feelings, “I just— I can’t help but think that I’ve done something wrong. Or what if they’ve never really liked me at all and they were just pretending? Or what if I offended someone and now they don’t want to talk to me anymore? Did I–did I mess up?”

Tech wrapped you in his arms, giving a gentle, reassuring squeeze, “Hush now, love. If any of your friends were offended by something I am certain they would speak to you about it.”

You could see the gears working in his mind as he formulated solutions for you, it filled your heart with warmth, but did not quiet your feelings, “But– what if they didn’t? What if they were so offended that they never wanted to speak to me again and then I’ve lost my friends and— I don’t want to be alone.”

“Have they ever given you reason to believe that they would not approach you directly? And, my dear, you would never be alone. You have me.” He pressed a soft kiss to your temple, punctuating his point.

“Well no… but I just–”

He nodded, holding up one finger with decided assurance, “If there is no evidence to suggest they would leave you for no reason, then you can safely deduce that they are not upset with you, and they did not leave you. Logically, you know that they still care for you- Correct?”

“Yes, but–”

“But? What further argument do you feel has merit?” His voice was softer, his affection for you made plain.

You sigh, shaking your head lightly, “Sometimes– sometimes feelings aren’t logical. I don’t disagree with you. And I know you’re not wrong here,” You tap your temple, “but there is still this fear inside… It doesn’t always make sense. It’s just how I feel.”

He pulls you closer, sitting you firmly onto his lap where he can wrap you in his arms more securely. He presses another soft kiss to your head, “Hmm. Then I will just have to keep reminding you. And I am certain your friends will as well.”

HAPPY LIFEDAY TAGLIST:

@anxiouspineapple99 @wings-and-beskar @starrylothcat @secondaryrealm @arctrooper69 @sev-on-kamino @littlemissmanga @wolffegirlsunite @dystopicjumpsuit @idontgetanysleep @clonemedickix @sunshinesdaydream @followthepurrgil @yubnubhub @nahoney22 @jediknightjana @dangraccoon @wizardofrozz @freesia-writes @mythical-illustrator @echoxbuggs @trixie2023 @ezras-left-thumb

#RebelWrites #Comfort Fic #Fluff #star wars #the bad batch #tbb #tbb tech #bad batch #Tech Fluff #Tech Comfort #Warning: Implied RSD #divider by Snotbuggle #Tech x Reader #Tech x Reader GN

[aealzx]

Fishing his cell phone from its pocket wedged under his shell, Raphael hit the speed dial for Mikey. The easiest way to check on him was just to call him after all. Especially since they had two additional bases now that he and Leo were taking turns manning for this rotation. That explained why Leo had been caught since the other three weren’t with him. But it didn’t explain why their alarms hadn’t been tripped. Unless Leo had been outside the base on patrol, like he sometimes did when he was restless.

Okay Mikey that’s five rings, pick up the phone-

“You’re speaking to the greatest turtle of all time, hero of the realms, Nexus Champion, Michael Angelo Spliterson.”

For once Mikey’s voice was a welcomed relief instead of a complete annoyance, and Raphael found himself smirking instead of wanting to throttle him. “I’m gonna beat you for that, bozo,” Raphael responded, more on reflex than an actual threat.

“Awww, but Raphy buddy, you’d actually have to win against me for once to do that,” Mikey shot back. Harmless banter at this point. Despite the hundreds of sparring matches they’d gotten into, Raphael still hadn’t managed to win against Mikey even once. But they had saved each other's lives often enough it no longer truly mattered.

“Well get over here then.”

“Uh, I’ll pass,” Mikey declined quickly. “Got the ole second base to watch over y’know. Can’t leave her on her own. What would Don say if I just abandon-”

“I mean it Mikey. Get over here, Leo’s been caught by Augustine,” Raphael interrupted, ton growing completely serious now.

“HUH-?!” Mikey’s outburst cracked over the speaker and made Raphael pull the phone away from his ear. “Whadda you-?? Start with that you-! I’ll be right there!”

The call ended with a beep before Raphael could give a retort, but he just sighed and lowered the phone to tap a different speed dial. They would need their usual backup for this one, and he also had some words to get out. Thankfully this time his call was answered on the second ring.

“Yo Raph, what’s up? Miss me that much?”

Casey. The one that had been with Leo on base sitting duty that night. “Say goodbye to your son, then get back to home base asap. I’m gonna kill you for losing my brother,” Raphael growled simply, then took his turn to end the call without a goodbye. It would be better to talk to both Mikey and Casey at the same time, in person.

Once both people were contacted Raphael slipped his phone back into its place and approached Don, raising a brow as he was mildly impressed once again by how fast his genius of a brother was manipulating his precious computer. Touch screens and a custom keyboard really sped up his process, as did state of the art equipment. Coming to stand at his shoulder, Raphael remained quiet, knowing Don would speak when he formulated his thoughts enough around what he’d found.

Sure enough, it was only minutes of watching screens flashing by incomprehensibly that Don started his report. “Interesting. I ran an analysis for interdimensional breeches, and there’s a significant outlier from the usual comings and goings of people like the Daimyo and the others we’re used to visiting.”

“So…….,” Raphael started, a request for Don to pause and let him catch up with his own thoughts. “Augustine succeeded in creating an interdimensional machine despite us having stolen what she needed for it?”

“Yes…. and no,” Don confirmed and denied. “It wasn’t stable. The bridge between dimensions was quick, and horribly uncalculated. Like a misfire from trying to modify a weapon. I think she was trying something else, and got more than she bargained for.”

“An accident,” Raphael reworded simply, then sighed. “Great. And we still don’t have enough evidence to get her locked up?”

“Not yet. But this might be a tipping point once we get it solved,” Don responded with a mirthless chuckle. If only it were that simple. Augustine was eccentric, and unstable, but apparently still too valuable for the EPF to be willing to let her go. “I’ve got a good guess where she’s hiding out now. Three of the signatures converge at one point, including the one that matches the readings I’ve remotely pulled from our third outpost. And the location is part of our list of potentials.”

“...Texas? Really?” Raphael complained, raising a brow when the location was singled out on the display.

“Yep. Texas.” Don nodded, then caught sight of an entry register on another screen and turned to meet the one who’d arrived.

“Guys! You gotta help me- I think Leo’s gone missing! You gotta help me find him.” Casey’s arrival to the home lair was announced via a stomping run as he shouted his distress, one of Leo’s swords in his hands. “He went off to do a patrol like he does, but then he didn’t come back, and then I went looking for him to come back here, but all I found was his sword thing, and he never leaves that laying around. I think he got snatched! Do you have a tracker or something on him?”

As Casey started to explain his side of the story, Raphael could only fold his arms as both he and Don stared blankly at their friend. It may have seemed like a weird ploy with ulterior motives, but after having spent so many years with the man they both knew that Casey wasn’t faking anything. He just apparently didn’t have two dots connected in his mind just yet.

“....Did you figure that all out before or after I called you?” Raphael asked simply, continuing to give Casey a dry look.

“What? Uhhhhh…… After-.... Ohhhhh,” Casey seemed confused at the apparent unrelated question. But Don and Raphael could swear they could see the dots in Casey’s mind clicking together as he remembered what Raphael had called about in the first place. “You guys already know. Heheh. Uhm….. So where we going?”

Don could only chuckle as Casey sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Before he could answer Casey the room gained another body as Mikey came dashing in. “I’m here! Let’s go! Bags are packed! Are we flying or driving?” Mikey rushed, stopping to jog in place once he reached the landing the rest were on.

“Hold on, bro. We haven’t even gone over a plan yet,” Raphael chastised, though he couldn’t hold the amusement from his tone.

“You can debrief me on the plane. Or truck. Whichever. Time’s a wasting,” Mikey continued, still jogging in place. “Did you get to talk to him? Or get a picture? Bad guys love sending kidnapping pictures. Does he look- Oh!”

At the mention of a picture Don clicked a few keystrokes to change the view of the monitors back to the video they had received. Catching sight of it, Mikey abruptly stopped moving, turning to gape at the picture. “Woah….. Ohhhh no, the crazy lady grabbed some other poor mutant ninja turtles inste- wait- is that ME? Mini me? He’s so small. But the orange headband is my thing- ohhhhh we didn’t stop her, did we.”

Raph had to snort at Mikey’s reaction to seeing the other two mutant turtles that had been kidnapped along with their brother. Only then did he start moving to comply with Mikey’s earlier prompting to get going. “Accidental cross dimension kidnapping. Is what it looks like anyway. We won’t know for sure until we ask their names once we rescue them.”

“Alriiiight. Time to finally bash this lady’s head!” Casey cheered, rotating his arm with a fist and moving to follow Raph.

“Ah ah. Not you. People with kids under the age of ten are strictly on backup duty, remember? You stay here and keep an eye on April… and Master Splinter since I’m assuming he’ll be on babysitting duty again. Keep them and Junior out of trouble, alright?” Raphael countered, whipping around to poke Casey in the chest and push him back.

“Awwwww maaann. Really? That applies even for rescue missions?” Casey whined, though he didn’t seem too upset about it. He did get to stay with April and their son after all.

“It applies for all missions. Especially breaking into government bases,” Don confirmed, slinging his prepacked backpack over his shoulders. “I’ve already messaged April, she and Leatherhead will meet you here and infiltrate their systems to give us support. Make sure Master Splinter gets to bed on time too, will you?”

“Guhhhhh, finnnee. Just punch someone good for me, alright?” Casey relented, making a show of throwing his head back in a pout. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of your dad too. Just don’t take too long.”

“We’ll be back before you know it,” Raphael assured. “You better not eat all the nachos,” he added as a warning, pointing a finger at Casey as he and the others left the raised terrace.

“Stealth plane Mikey. We’re headed to Texas,” Don directed, taking the lead to their underground hangar.

“Texas?” Mikey repeated, pausing verbally to consider a thought. “You think we can grab any kolaches while we're there?”

___________________

Previous Next (image of bloody mouth)

___________________

03 Mikey is just fine X'D He's just at a different, smaller base.

by the way, the 03 boys are in their 30s for this, if it wasn't apparent from them being scarred up and having more armor and stuff X'D

#my art #tmnt 2003 #rottmnt 2003 crossover #cross dimension kidnapping #tmnt crossover #03 Mikey #03 Raph #i posted this to the wrong blog at first #hahaha X'D derp #long post #writing

[a-casual-kpopfan]

Concert Joy - Hyeju

You are uncomfortable.

“Oh my god, I can’t contain my excitement!”

“Me too! I’ve been waiting for this day for so long!”

It’s not as if you aren’t looking forward to the concert. Let it be known that you were one of the earliest people to book the tickets, right as the website opens. It’s just…

“Kya! I can’t wait! I’m going to see him up close!”

You bought the tickets so that you can come here and enjoy the music and live performances from one of your favorite artists, and not listen to almost 100 thousand people yelling their lungs out due to excitement.

If you had it your way, you would have been content to just stay at home and wait for some low-quality videos that will be uploaded later on YouTube. But things rarely ever go your way, well, at least when it comes to her.

“Isn’t this exciting, hun?” Directly to your right you can see your girlfriend’s excited face as she looks around in awe of the venue, and the numbers of people surrounding her.

“Well,” you take a few minutes to formulate an answer in your mind. “Partially. You do know I prefer somewhere quiet to enjoy music.”

“Don’t be such a party pooper.” Hyeju scrunches her face. “You can’t always hide inside the house; you need to go out and experience things like this as well.”

You hum at her answer, chuckling slightly. “You’re making me sound like I’m a shut in.”

“Well, you’re basically one.” Hyeju snickers, earning a flick on her forehead, courtesy of you. “Hey!”

“Am not. I just don’t like going to crowded place.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. But you must admit, this place is so huge.” Knowing that staying on the current topic might just bring your mood down, Hyeju diverts to a different one. “How many people can this place hold?”

“As of now, we have more or less 100 thousand people in the venue.”

“100 thousand people, just to see a single person perform…” Hyeju falls silent at the thought, seemingly thinking of something.

“What’s on your mind?” Seeing your excited girlfriend’s mood suddenly fall off worries you for a bit, especially when it’s her who wants to attend the concert in the first place.

“Nothing, really. It’s just” Hyeju pauses, looking around “I don’t know, I’m just jealous, in a way? Like, imagine 100 thousand people gathering in one place to see you perform, how would that feel I can’t even imagine.”

“Well, maybe you should have auditioned to become an idol back then.” You chuckle, waiting to see Hyeju’s elbow hitting your arm as per usual. But instead of that, you are met with a crestfallen Hyeju, who’s fidgeting with her hands.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” You lean against her, placing a soft kiss on top of her head along with your apology.

Hyeju remains silent, which worries you greatly since the girl has never let you off without a snarky comment of her own. Her silence speaks volume, and that means you fucked up.

Fortunately for you, it is right then that the concert started with the idol walking onto the stage, giving you an excuse to brighten Hyeju’s mood up.

-----

Your ears are in pain.

And not just your ears, you can feel your heart beating loudly to each beat of the music, which can be said a lot about your current state of being. Many associate that feeling with excitement, with enthusiasm and exhilaration.

But not for you, you feel suffocated, and overwhelmed. You feel exhausted from your heart beating so loudly, and you feel that your eardrums are ringing loudly, giving you fear that they might erupt at any given moment with all the yelling around you.

Surrounding you on all sides is a sea of excited people yelling their lungs out to cheer for the idol. your girlfriend included. It truly didn’t take much to cheer her up. One minute into the first song, and she is already singing along with her low, but warm voice that you can barely appreciate with all the other voices from the surrounding audience. Really now, why is it so hard for a guy to appreciate his girlfriend’s voice?

Of course, with all the loud music and yelling around you means that you can’t help but focus onto the performance itself instead of distractedly falling into your own thoughts like usual. While the performances are good, you can’t help but lament the fact that you can’t really hear it all that well with the yelling mixed in. You’ll have to watch it again on YouTube then.

But then, you glance to your side, seeing Hyeju genuinely enjoying her time at the concert, even if her yelling is one of the main causes giving your eardrums their ringing. If Hyeju is happy, you don’t really mind.

And so, you reign over your annoyances and enjoy the music and performances, since you have already paid for it.

Things are going well, that is, until….

“Kyaa!! Oppa!”

“Oppa! Notice me!”

“Oppa! Oppa!”

“I love you, oppa!”

Oh yeah, this.

As if the combined voice of 100 thousand people isn’t enough to deafen your ears, the cheering really takes things up another notch, with how random and chaotic they are.

It’s ok, it’s fine, you think to yourself. This is normal. Fans just really love their idols, you understand. You keep telling yourself that and just try to enjoy the music.

“Oppa! I love you!” You feel your heart drop as you hear Hyeju’s voice joining in with the cheering. Despite thinking rationally to yourself that this is normal, you can’t help but be shocked a bit.

How long did it take her to say it to you? How long did you have to wait to hear it from her own voice? And this idol just…gets to hear it? Like that?

Safe to say, the rest of the concert goes by with you hardly paying attention to the performances, feeling like a puppet whose strings were cut off.

-----

After a few hours later, you now find yourself back in the comfort of your bed, resting away from the long day. Well, as best as you can of course, because your mind seems to not want to give you a break.

Tossing and turning for a bit, you end up laying on your side, thinking back to the concert and the cheering that you’ve heard. Certainly, it isn’t uncommon to hear cheering like that. You have followed the idol scene enough to know that cheering can be considered somewhat common, so your girlfriend joining in the cheering should be normal. It is completely normal.

But why do you feel so disheartened still?

Letting out a sigh, you decide that it would be better to try and sleep than torment yourself further with useless questions that only serve to keep you awake at night. However, imagine your surprise when you feel a pair of arms wrapping around your torso, and a presence pressing against your back. Didn’t she fall asleep the moment she lay down on the bed?

“Did I wake you up?” You feel her head nodding against your back.

“I’m sorry. Let’s go to sleep now-” You hold onto her arm, rubbing it gently as she hugs your chest from behind “You were thinking something again, weren’t you?” Hyeju interrupts you, sounding not as sleepy as you thought.

“I’m sorry?”

“You were thinking of something. That’s why you weren’t asleep yet.” Before you have the chance to counter, Hyeju continues “It was the cheering, wasn’t it?”

“…” Hyeju hits the bullseye, making your tongue tied for a while.

Taking your silence as confirmation, she then rolls you onto your back as she leans her body up, resting her arms underneath her chin as her eyes look at you, smiling gently.

“I was caught up in the moments so much, I failed to realize that I hurt you unintentionally. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize, it’s not your fault. I was just being dramatic, as usual.” You manage to say something, your hands reaching up stroke her messy hair gently. Hyeju leans slightly against your palm, humming a bit.

“You know. I realized something at the concert.” She says, with you raising an eyebrow as your response.

“You know people always say that idols are humans too, and that they deserve to be respected and not to be put on a pedestal.” You are losing her more and more as she goes on. “But a part of me believes that: being an idol means that you are already putting yourself on the pedestal to be admired by everyone, to show your best self to the whole world.”

“Uhm-” You are once again interrupted by Hyeju placing a finger on your lips.

“Shush, let me finish please.” You nod. “Thank you hun. So, what I was saying is that idols are meant to be admired and appreciated from afar. They do not know each one of their fans, and they can’t be blamed for that. You can love them all you want, but inevitably they can’t reciprocate it. Because they might not even know who you are.”

 Hyeju head lowers down to your chest, her ears resting right above your heart, feeling every beat of it. “Me cheering for him like that doesn’t mean that I truly love him the way that I love you. I am not delusional enough to think that one day my favorite idol might notice me thanks to some random luck, and he magically falls for me. That just isn’t happening.” Her hand finds its way to yours, intertwining softly.

“The love I have for him, simply is the admiration and appreciation I have for him as a fan for all his music and effort. That’s it.” Her head is raised again, now hovering above your face, as you can feel her shoulder length tickling your face a bit, but you don’t mind, as you gaze into her eyes.

“Honey, the love I have for you, is indescribable. I love you with everything you do, no matter how big or small, no matter how smart or stupid.” She smiles, ever so gently. “With you, I can be myself wholly, without afraid of showing you my best or worst, because you’ve already seen and embraced me for who I am.” She lowers ever so slightly, your lips touching for a quick kiss. “An idol might never reciprocate the love I have for them, but you are different. When idols inevitably retire, new ones shall replace the old. But no one can ever replace you.”

“I love you, so, so much. I’m sorry for making you worried, but I’m also thankful that you indulged me so much.” Without waiting to hear your reply, she places her head at the crook of your neck, digging herself deeper into you.

“I love you too.” You finally process enough of her words to utter three words. Yet she can feel your sincerity. Of course, she can, she’s your girlfriend.

“That is obvious, stupid. Let’s get some sleep.”

Wordlessly, you embrace Hyeju, laying there listening to her breathing until it becomes even again, before managing to slip into sleep, your mind truly at ease.

What is but a few simple cheering when you already have her heart, and she yours? ~~~~~~

A/N: A little piece I wrote up for CKF and I hitting 2k followers recently, I will personally be taking a break from writing as life is catching up to me. I'm sure CKF can handle things without me for a little bit.

Till we meet again. - Ghost

#loossemble #ctdenm #son hyeju #hyeju #male reader #kpop fic #kpop x reader

[ghostchems]

kisses to keep your lover quiet during sex + with copia ?

this ended up bein 1.1k words because i missed writing cardinal copia. 18+, mdni, it’s smut, there’s SMUT. basically… two people desperately fucking in public.

The Cardinal had stolen you away after class. You weren’t sure why at first — you always tried your best to pay attention and participate, especially due to his reputation among the students. When a lesson was going well, he was gracious and kind, but when it wasn’t, he had no problem humiliating students and being generally cruel to the class. He scared you but you couldn’t help but be intrigued and drawn to him, wanting nothing more than to be a perfect student for him. Copia pulls you down the hallway and into a small, dark alcove.

“C-cardinal, I am sorry if I’ve done something to upset you. It was never my intention, I-“ He cuts you off by resting his finger on your lips, then traces the outside of them and then continues down your jaw. You swallow thickly as your wide eyes meet his mismatched ones, blown wide with lust. “Cardinal…” Your voice is low but the way it lilts at the end of his title makes it sound like a question. Copia’s hand moves further down your jaw to your neck, wrapping around it and giving it a soft squeeze. You gasp, feeling the coldness of the glove’s zipper against your throat.

“Sorella, you are la mia studentessa preferita.” The Italian rolls off of his tongue and he presses in closer to you, cornering you in the alcove. You’ve never been this close to him before and you notice that he has freckles scattered across the bridge of his nose and a few on his lips. His lips. You stare at them, taking in the crisp black paint on his upper lip and the fullness of his bottom one. They tug into a small smirk and he squeezes at your throat again, forcing your eyes up from his lips. “Like what you see, eh?” You open your mouth to speak but before you’re able to, he’s already kissing you. His lips feel just as soft as you imagined and his mustache tickles.

Copia slots himself between your legs, his free hand moving to cup your ass as he grinds against you. Your hands fall to his chest, smoothing over the red suit he is wearing, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. The kiss is hungry, his lips working feverishly against yours and you part them for him. You taste each other and he moans into your mouth, his tongue dipping inside it. Your head feels light, your eyes squeezing shut as you kiss him back, your hands drifting slowly up and resting behind his neck. The Cardinal presses into you as far as he can, the hardness between his legs only growing and rubbing against your legs.

You’ve often thought about him this way, his lips on you and his body painfully close but you never expected to find yourself in this position outside of your own imagination. But here he is, hands tugging the hem of your habit up as he breaks away from your lips. The two of you are left breathing heavily, his warm breath hitting your face while he continues to bunch up your habit. His hands slip between your legs and you mewl as his fingers start to ghost over your panties.

“Do you want this, sorella?” Copia’s voice is low and husky, his eyes half-lidded and his lips already swollen from kissing. Your brain is too scrambled to formulate words so you respond the only way you can think of – leaning in and pressing your mouth to his neck, right above his black collar. The sound he makes is delicious, a deep throaty moan as his fingers slip into your underwear. He presses a gloved finger against your entrance and you groan against him, your hips jerking into his hand. The Cardinal pushes his finger inside you, pumping it steadily before adding another. You are gripping onto him now, your nails digging into the back of his neck as you bury your face against him.

He curls his fingers inside of you, your mouth dropping open and giving a soft groan into his suit jacket. The added friction of his gloved leather fingers inside you hits you in all the right spots, your hips rocking against his fingers. Your muscles start to tighten and there’s fire on your abdomen as he continues. Your hands move from the back of his neck and frantically reach for his cock, already hard and throbbing between his legs. The surprise sound that vibrates up his throat makes you flush, his fingers pulling from you swiftly to help you undo his pants.

The two of you fumble, the heat growing between you. You almost giggle at how difficult it is for both of you to unzip his pants, your hands getting in the way. Finally, his thick cock is free with a grunt and he grabs you roughly by the hands, forcing them away as he settles himself between your legs.

“P-please, Cardinal, please.” You huff. He lets go of one of your hands and clasps one over your mouth and you can taste the zipper. His other hand drifts down and helps guide his cock into your entrance. Copia pushes in slowly, your hands finding his shoulders as you moan against his hand. His eyes are almost fully shut and his lips part with a soft sigh. He removes his hand from your mouth and drifts both of them down to cup your ass and lift you up against the wall to get a better angle.

You wrap your legs around his waist and his hips stutter at the new sensation. He holds onto you tightly and he keeps up a steady pace, his hip thrusts into you with measured strokes, aware of being in a public place. You get lost in the way he looks while fucking you, his smooth brown hair falling into his face and his mismatched eyes boring into yours.

“Y-yes, dolcezza.” The Cardinal hisses, his fingers digging into your ass hard enough to bruise. You already feel it rising inside you, your breath hitching and your blood rushing to your cheeks. His thrusts become more erratic, more wild as he struggles to keep his moans quiet. You feel one of your own rumbling up from your throat and though you try to stifle it, the sensation is too strong. Your orgasm washes over you and the loud moan slips from your lips. The Cardinal is quick, his mouth crashing into yours to swallow up your sweet sounds. He groans into your mouth as he buries himself deep inside you, spilling his seed.

Your legs slip from around him and your feet hit the floor but he keeps his hands still firm on your ass. His seed spills down the inside of your legs as you try to smooth out your habit. Copia presses his forehead to yours, the both of you panting quietly.

“E-eh, perhaps we can use the classroom next time?” He breathes, his lips quirking into a smirk.

“Next time? Will there be a next time, Cardinal?”

“I hope so, Sorella.”

#copia #cardinal copia x reader #papa emeritus x reader #Cardinal Copia #papa emeritus iv

[inuhalfdemon]

No One Can Know... (4/?)

Word Count: 2,270

Chapter 4

"Meet me on your best behavior, meet me at your worst…" - Death Cab for Cutie

Wondering who-the-fuck-in-Hell would be there knocking this late at night; Lucifer opened his door. Seeing that it was, in fact, Alastor standing at his threshold with a seemingly pleasant smile across his face; Lucifer immediately bristled.

“What in fuck’s – wait. Is that wine?” Lucifer peered behind Alastor’s waist; seeing his separated shadow clasping a large bottle of Riesling and a pair of wine glasses.

“Yes. I thought it might pair well with our…discussions. May I?” Alastor asked him, politely.

“…yeah, ok.” Lucifer stepped aside; letting him in.

Alastor stepped inside; his shadow following close behind. The shadow paused briefly beside Lucifer; offering him the bottle. Lucifer took it, and the shadow swept further inward to be closer to Alastor. Looking at the label; Lucifer closed the door.

“Where in Hell did you get this!?”

“I don’t just deal in souls; your grace.” Alastor told him. “And I’m rather partial to a rare vintage every now and again. This one has been made ready for us to enjoy.”

“No shit. Damn.” Lucifer led him to a small suite; directing him and his shadow to some plush chairs and an ornate table for them to recline by. There were less rubber ducks and circus trinkets scattered throughout here than were piled in his work-room. Alastor didn’t seem to pay much attention to the surrounding room though; his gaze never straying across items, walls, furniture, etc. He was very focused on his business here.

Alastor’s shadow; taking the bottle from Lucifer – opened it and began pouring wine into the two glasses. Alastor and Lucifer both sat down. Lucifer reached across for his wine glass; then leaning back he asked:

“So…what the fuck do you want to talk about?”

“I’m sure you are well aware of the subject matter that I wish to address with you tonight.” Alastor said; taking his own glass from the table and gently swirling the liquid. His shadow excused itself into a dark corner nearby.

“Hm…how forthright of you. You seem to be in a more…agreeable…mood tonight than you were yesterday.”

“The extermination is merely a couple months away…I had hoped that I might avoid having to address my…“rut” until sometime after, but I’m afraid that won’t be the case.” Alastor explained. “I’d like to discuss the best…approach to the problem; if you are so inclined.”

“Uh, huh.” Lucifer said dismissively. “So, what exactly are we discussing then?”

“I’m afraid that the effects of the cycle will greatly influence my duties in safeguarding Charlie and the hotel. During that time, I won’t be getting much sleep and –“

“Do you actually sleep?” Lucifer interrupted, prodding him.

“Yes.” Alastor answered him honestly. “Maybe not as much as most but I do require a reasonable amount.”    

 “I must have really taken the wind out of your sails.” Lucifer tipped his glass to his lips. “I didn’t anticipate you coming here and being so candid with me.”

“Yes, well, I can admit when I’ve made an ass of myself.” Alastor allowed.

Knowing this was as close to an apology as he was liable to get; Lucifer stated: “Well, I won’t say that I’m sorry. If anything, I think I should have gutted you sooner.”

Lucifer waited for Alastor to make a quip at that but then; he said nothing. Instead, he raised his own glass to sip from – offering no comment.

Interesting.

“Ok, so I assume you are wanting to formulate some plan going forward, is that it?” Lucifer clarified.

“Indeed. Initially, I preferred the idea of you safely displacing me from the hotel until I cycled out but, the timing is not ideal. There’s too much to be done and I don’t like the idea of leaving the hotel unguarded for any extended length of time.”

“Ah, lock you away in a tower just like you’re Rapunzel and I’m the dragon.” Lucifer japed; unable to help himself.

“I don’t recall a dragon in that particular fairy tale.” Alastor remarked.

Lucifer nearly choked on his wine. “The fuck do you know about fairy tales!?”

Alastor shrugged then waved him off; “Essentially…I suppose, but it’s not a good solution; not now.”

“Oh?” Lucifer absently traced a sharp claw around the rim of his wine glass. “How long do these things usually last for you, anyway?”

“You are somewhat familiar with Cervidae demons, yes? You’ve commented on it once before. We are commonly known for our deer-like tendencies. One very prominent one being that we experience fluctuating periods of cyclic mating periods or “the rut”. There’s a lot that gets rather muddled with it though; it’s confusing even for us demons that experience it because each and every individual is different in the timing, frequency or intensity of their own personal mating cycles.”

“Sounds frustrating.” Lucifer offered.

“It…is. I never know when a rut will happen or for how long. I can usually tell when one is approaching due to certain…changes. Even now though; I know one is coming I just don’t know when. I could start the cycle tomorrow or in a couple of weeks; it’s terribly inconvenient. Judging by personal experience; my cycles range anywhere from part of a day to several weeks. Unfortunately; avoidance is what lengthens the period. If I…sate, the need and rather quickly, the period tends to be much less.”

“So what if I contact Asmodeus? I’m sure we could find you some willing participant from the lust ring to fulfill whatever needs you need satiating.” Lucifer suggested. “He might even have another Cervidae in mind.”

Alastor shook his head. “I’m not comfortable with that. I assume when you offered and agreed to our deal that it was implied that you would be the actual one to…manage this. I’m afraid now it might have to be quite literal. Lilith wasn’t wrong in saying that I’ve killed other demons during my rutting. After your explicit demonstration yesterday; I am confident you would be well equipped in governing my actions.”

 “Honestly, I meant it in whatever way you wish to take it. I’m no prude.” Lucifer shrugged; tipping his glass. “While we’re on the subject though; I’d really like to know –“

“If you are referring to my moment of sexual homicidal infamy; I’d rather not discuss it.”

Lucifer very much wanted to prod more into it; but, he could see that Alastor was making a great effort here in being professionally courteous. Which led him to his next question;

“So, what exactly is your deal with all of this?” Lucifer asked him; setting his wine glass down now. “You’re here pitching off your plans to me like we’re discussing something terribly unpleasant. I get that you might think sex is beneath you; or rather you’d prefer you didn’t need it but, c’mon…if you have to go through it anyway, why not own it and enjoy it?”

“You misunderstand. It’s not my perception of sex that has anything to do with it.” Alastor told him. “I simply don’t…care for it.”

“What?”

“Apart from when I am in rut; it holds no interest to me.”   

“None? Whatsoever, just….nothing?” Lucifer gaped at him.

“Truly.”

“So, you just can’t get it up unless you are in one of your rut thingy’s?” Lucifer was trying to make sense of this.  

“Not exactly…” Alastor huffed. “With enough effort; stimulation and finding the right mindset – sure…but, it doesn’t just happen. It’s really and truly something I don’t care to think about or pursue, otherwise.”

“I can’t…I can’t wrap my head around that. I mean I-I could fuck anything that moves. Not that I really would but, well…you know.” Lucifer shrugged.

“No…actually, I don’t.” Alastor reaffirmed.

“So, do you – do you like know what you want to actually like…do?” Lucifer asked him.

“How do you mean?” Alastor’s ears slightly leant back; whether it was him being uncomfortable by the question or a display of true confusion; Lucifer couldn’t tell.

“Mutual masturbation? Oral? Anal? What have you?” Lucifer threw out.

Alastor’s ears stiffened; pressing further back. Definitely discomfort.   

“When I’m in in rut; I’m sure anything and everything will be open and on the table.” He sighed.

“So do you like, turn into an even bigger asshole when your rutting?”

“No, not quite…that more tends to happen to the time leading up to it.” Alastor was telling him; briefly remembering his friend Rosie dismissing him from a brunch they were having in Cannibal Town once telling him: “come back after your damn rut; honestly, you’re worse than a woman!” He couldn’t remember details; only that he was terribly aggravating to her that day.

Meanwhile; Lucifer was waging an internal battle. So, you were PMS-ing yesterday? He very badly wanted to say it…he very nearly did, but he reigned it in; feeling it prudent to continue with the good footing they had established here.

“It’s more that I’m…” Alastor was continuing with his answer. “I’m just – Well, I can be a lot in those moments.”

The Radio Demon promises a good time… Lucifer thought, then he asked:

“Ok, so circling back. When or where are we going to…hash this all out?”

“I’m naturally crepuscular; and I’m generally more nocturnal in my activities. I can easily manage myself during the day. If we spend too much time at the hotel; even in my radio tower – we run the risk of being found out or discovered. If I spend too much time here or elsewhere; it leaves the hotel vulnerable. I propose we go back and forth; it won’t be so different to my normal activities – no one would think to question it at this point – and I have Niffty and Husker established so that if anything were to happen while I’m away; I’d know and can be there almost immediately.”

“Hm…yes, that might be wise. We can always tell Charlie that you and I buried the hatchet, as it were, and are meeting to discuss ideas with how best to proceed with the upcoming exterminations. She’ll wish to be included – of course – but if I tell her it’s something you and I are bonding or getting to know each other over; she’ll let it be.”   

“How…very manipulative of you.” Alastor commented; ears perking up. He was…impressed.

“Yes, well…” Lucifer reached back for his wine; lost for a moment in his thoughts. Then leaning back in his chair again; he offered:

“You’ve been very…frank with everything tonight. Do you have any questions you wish to ask me?”

“This meeting Charlie has with Heaven…do you think it will accomplish anything?” Alastor had in fact; been holding onto some questions.

“No.” Lucifer told him bluntly. “I don’t but, Lilith foresaw Charlie asking me to arrange it. I’m not…comfortable with it but Lilith will be there – Charlie won’t know that, of course – but it’s the only reason why I’d allow my daughter to go up there without my being there with her.”

“Do you think Lilith will succeed with her plans?” Alastor asked him, wanting to know. “Do you think that she can actually overthrow Heaven?”  

“If anyone; it would be her.” Lucifer finished off his glass; Alastor’s shadow quickly slid out from the corner to refill it for him. Lucifer nodded to it, taking a sip as it shifted itself back away. “She’s been planning this for some time now, making sure everything falls into just the right place at just the right time. The only hiccup we’ve ran into was you slipping yourself between the cracks but maybe that was fortunate for us – it remains to be seen.” He gave Alastor a hard look.

“If I get what I want from this, I’ll be as beneficial to your cause as I possibly can.” Alastor told him. “But, why are you choosing to do this? Weren’t you amiable toward Heaven; even after everything?”

Lucifer sighed. “Lilith has been with me through all of it…since the beginning. I’ve tried to make the amends to my mistakes; tried to make Heaven see that what we did…it wasn’t for the intentions that they thought. I’ve been fighting a losing battle for thousands upon thousands of years…Lilith stood by me; supported me all that time. Now, it’s time I stood by hers. We got nowhere with my plans and ideas for our future; so it’s time I supported hers.”

“How disgustingly devoted of you.” Alastor made a face and movement of his tongue; like he had actually tasted something terrible.

Lucifer laughed. “That’s just who we are. We depend and rely on each other.”

“So…she really has no issues with…this? What you and I are going to be doing?” Alastor asked him; wondering. “Call me ‘old fashioned’; but I’d hate to come between a man and his wife.”

“Lilith never would have agreed to it if she had reservations.” Lucifer told him. “She wasn’t lying when she told you that our relationship has been…unconventional, at times.”

“Hm…” Alastor remembered his wine and sipped from the glass.

“How long has it been for you anyway?” Lucifer asked him. “I’ll be coming out of a bit of dry spell myself; Lilith tends to get focused on other things when they’ve claimed her interest and I haven’t found much motivation in seeking out an outlet.”

“Years?” Alastor though. “Very nearly a decade, maybe.”

“Fuck.” Lucifer blurted. “You’ve got me beat then. You weren’t kidding when you said these mating cycles of yours were unpredictable.”

“Also part of the reason that I’m relying on you…specifically. I’m not sure just how…enthusiastic I might be.”

“So, how will I know that you are in rut?” Lucifer questioned him.

“Oh, don’t worry – my King.” Alastor fixed him with a sharp gaze. “You will know.”

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

Scene inspired by: @applepartysins fanart/comic here

Chapter 5

#hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fandom #alastor #fanfiction #hazbin alastor #hazbin hotel alastor #hazbin hotel fanfiction #my fanfic #lucifer morningstar #hazbin lucifer #lucifer magne #alastor and lucifer #alastor x lucifer #lucifer x alastor #hazbin hotel lucifer #radioapple #lucifer hazbin hotel #appleradio #alastor's shadow

[dapperrokyuu]

Alright now that I’ve seen the end Slay the Princess, who’s your favorite princess?

Ill do you even better and give you my top 5/the ones Id love to get if I played the game, just to see their sequences in the end and how itd reflect on that version of the player (literally made a list for fun just before you sent this ask, hehe).

Admittedly, a lot of this is informed by aesthetic and then enjoyment of their routes because I came into (watching Manlybadasshero play) the game after some fandom osmosis–thus, understanding I wouldnt have all my thoughts together within one playthrough. So I cant say Ive devoted my satisfactory amount of attention to speak on the princesses’ narrative presence... But I did rewatch their routes and “Thoughts on this vessel?” sections a bit to formulate a stronger opinion. Here we go...! (Buckle in, fellas, haha ha h a…)

1. Adversary/Eye of the Needle

The Adversary and the Eye of the Needle are very hand in hand imo, and I love the progression into a dragon-like appearance for the latter, especially in combination with the cabin becoming akin to a dragon’s den. This (combination of) routes stands out the most to me (as far as Manly has played) because I personally feel its the one where the princess is the most active and engaged. Whether its being beaten to death or running for one’s life, the route was very exciting for me! And it was intriguing how the princess and player felt the most on equal ground because they are both intent on pursuing some objective. Its just that in this case–and this is how this princess exceeds and is an overwhelming presence compared to the player–the princess is set on a choice they dont care to deny and the player is a creature of the habit called “deliberation,” as narrator aside, in-universe reasons aside, the very structure of Slay the Princess has taught you to constantly pause and consider your choices.

It contributes to the tone of the routes so well! Even if you can sit forever in the Outside World, the game progresses like a split second decision and/or that any time given to you is at the princess’s turbulent discretion. In a game where your choices tend to matter most (which, frankly, they do, its kind of the whole point, but you may not know that your choices are what caused this situation yet, lol), the princess seeming to supercede you and the narrative and the concept of death is!!! Powerful and quite something, lol. And poignant, considering *gestures vaguely but particularly at the Narrator*.

Otherwise, I love how theres apparently many more and amusing divergences in this route (that Manly did not showcase) and the ending is pretty cathartic. And to keep this a bit short, yadda yadda, dragon dens is where they store and protect their treasure and in this case, the treasure is fighting you, yadda yadda, as the vessel of growth, the princess’s embracing of the cycle of violence between you two is her latching onto the only avenue of growth she can perceive (as opposed to escaping–since you didnt offer that option prior–and dying since thats tend to be the stop to the concept of growth), yadda yadda- 

2. Spectre

This princess’s voicework is probably my favorite! The whispering under the regular voice acting is just really neat, doing a great job setting a tone of something delicate, chilling, and unnerving. The princess’s design shifts between cute and scary very well too! Her personality is probably my fave overall; while her “thoughts on this vessel?” section highlights her embodying kindness and understanding, they only exist to an extent that is fair. Which is, well. Fair. And I think it extra emphasizes the understanding aspect, with how the princess is aware of her circumstances and the injustices that have occurred yet is willing to let bygones be bygones. Shes coy, sincere, and pragmatically deadly, which is a full spectrum of delight for me!

The moment that really gets me regarding her character is when you say youre gonna leave her. Other decisions lead you to working together or demonstrating you have no intention to with some form of violence–both resulting in the Spectre just responding fairly. But the “leave” option truly shows that the Spectre doesnt/never intends to act out in malice, since Spectre responds out of desperation to avoid perpetual loneliness, pain, and emptiness. Theres an aspect of “fairness” here too (youre abandoning and hurting her more after having murdered her), but the choice comes after a breakdown and deliberation as opposed to an immediate retaliation. Even then, Spectre laments that she didnt want things to be this way but youve made her worse. Other stand out moments are when Spectre goes, “Youre funny when youre confused. But I didnt give you permission to touch me,” and the player’s moment of patheticness, lol. 

This route really hints onto the meta aspects of Slay the Princess too, which is neat! The whole “want to end the world” convo, Spectre just wanting to go home, reality being what is in front of us vs. static truth/objectivity, whether destruction being one thing leading into another vs. the same thing reborn, glass on the floor, and the narrator being like Spectre as a memory of a person…I dont have much to say here currently–still need to ponder, itd be a whole other conversation, Im a bit tired, lol–but its tons of food for thought that I enjoy! Yay, Spectre!

3. Prisoner

Fun fact: this is a rewriting of the extreme word vomit that was me lamenting over how I was kind of confused about the Prisoner but chose her for the sake of a 5th (note the placing change) and then discovering the absolute genius she is!!! Basically, my only exposure to the Prisoner I had was Manly’s recent playthrough, which contained (what Ill call) the Chained Together variation and didnt even have her “thoughts on this vessel?” section due to the game going into the final sequence immediately after. The Prisoner’s section in that final sequence befuddled me because I couldnt connect much other than a theme of “inevitable change,” and even when I dug up the Prisoner’s “thoughts on this vessel?” elsewhere, I couldnt put it all together…until I watched (what Ill call) the Head Trophy variation in the middle of my initial writeup.

Regarding what I enjoyed prior to recognizing genius, I really enjoyed how the Prisoner conducted herself–her curtness and resignation was very unique. Her form was created as a result of the player cutting off her arm, instilling a matter of fact-ness to her that allows her to slit the player’s throat later (got this from the Wiki, Manly didnt show this part). Upon waking up once again chained and chained even more, I interpreted the cleverness aspect from the Prisoner’s “thoughts on this vessel?” section as being able to come to terms with her situation, play along, and bid her time in hopes that her patience (that she emphasizes) would eventually reward her. After all, the Prisoner was willing to pretend she and the player met for the first time until the player prompts otherwise, even saying they dropped “playing the game”--very meta of her! Thus, I interpreted the Prisoner as the princess completely embodying/accepting her role in the game; she couldnt leave when she defied her role last time, so she was fine continuing to wait this time. As a character who realized they were a character and systematically changed their behavior to attempt a new avenue of escape, I thought that was the extent of the Prisoner’s cleverness and was satisfied…enough.

AND I WAS WRONG. DELIGHTFULLY WRONG. I assumed the Prisoner was completely fine with her potentially only means of escape becoming not one, since she didnt seem upset or disappointed. Which was frankly incorrect, as her rude curtness is a result of her being miffed with you. Why? Because her cleverness actually alludes to the fact she had a plan for escape the entire time, and you utterly fucked it up! Which, tbf, she shouldve shown more reaction than curiosity to dissuade the player, but I digress- During the Head Trophy variation, you realize that the Prisoner had a plan this entire time to deceive the Narrator and she succeeds so well because she also got me and got the player. How often do I get got? It was amazing! From the stare as the Prisoner takes the knife away from the player, to the smile before That All Happens, to the wink as it occurs and after, it may speak to an underestimation thats set up due to the Prisoner’s appearance and behavior, but reflecting on all the signs that She Planned This dismantles that perception and reaffirms that the Prisoner is a person with depth beyond what you expect from her and those in her role. As I viewed the Prisoner as a caricature of the princess’s role in the first place (the whole point is that the Prisoner is exactly like the princess in appearance except the chained/locked up aspect is exaggerated), this route is so striking for me with its interrogation of victimhood, how victims are treated/viewed, and how that may be unintentionally stripped of their personhood and reduced (into a caricature of solely “a victim”). The Prisoner puts it quite nicely when the player attacks and she “suddenly” has a ton of fight in her, stating, “Im not a damsel to be helplessly murdered!” …Im not sure if I put it into words the best, but I hope this is understandable. To top off the topic of Prisoner’s cleverness, its a neat detail (I dont know if this is intentional) that the Prisoner does the opposite of what her prior princess form did: the player cut her arm to free her last time, she cut herself out this time and the player “died” the last time, she “died” this time. Beyond recognizing there was a Narrator beyond them she should fool, the Prisoner also reasoned that since having the player kill her is likely not favorable, dying by her own hand might just be fine! The Head Trophy variation is just more poignant when you note that her “thoughts on this vessel?” section talks about how the Prisoner protected herself when others could not but for her plan to work, she has to put complete faith in another.

As 1000% better the Head Trophy variation is in the Prisoner’s route, I do have a soft spot for the Chained Together variation since, from both the Prisoner and the Narrator’s perspective, it must be a hilarious emotional rollercoaster. The Prisoner’s plan failed and shes now stuck with the loser who made it so…for potentially forever! The Narrator probably oscillates between an uneasy concession that while both gods are not dead, they are locked up forever and an utter dread that things may fall apart at any time and thus, the world is practically doomed with no way to change that. The Prisoner doesnt have to decapitate herself, which makes her freedom extra cathartic in the relief she likely felt and didnt expect…and also extra sad in how she found it was nothing but cold and is quickly taken away. Theres also something to be said about how the player joins the princess in her perspective by chaining himself up and that they both inform each other’s perspective, leading to their escape together: (1) since the princess isnt starving to death, the player also doesnt, which is a surprise to the Voices and (2) the player showing up again signaled that change is indeed possible to the princess, perhaps causing the ability for the world to erode around them. Maybe the latter is the Voices informing the player, causing the change…? But I like to think its the initial thought since the cabin could and shouldve have eroded prior to the player’s arrival, assuming the Prisoner understands the concept of erosion…which, I assume she does- Anyways, the route is as emotional as it is kind of wacky, which is up my alley!

4. Witch

This princess is the one I enjoy the most aesthetically. Im a sucker for both witches and cats, what can I say? The allusion to the fable The Scorpion and the Frog really tickles me, and ultimately, whatever decisions made in this chapter are some form of hilarious. Whether we’re both dying on the floor with broken backs or handing a blade to someone who immediately stabs you, its great. I do enjoy the progression into the Thorn chapter, especially with the immediate regret from the Witch and the following reconciliation in Thorn’s chapter, but Thorn is not as funny and aesthetically pleasing as Witch princess for me, which is why she is not here, haha.

Her “Thoughts on this vessel?” section adds a lot of depth to her, since the way the Witch presents herself is very superficial and guarded. Particularly the statement about the Witch making for a “righteous” heart, in combination with her ability to just slip out of her chains. She couldve freed herself at any time, but chose to stay and confront you. Which I feel speaks to the bitterness aspect, as the Witch feels its only “right” to pursue an answer to her pain–whether it be the player’s penance or punishment. The game’s thoughts on bitterness are made even more poignant when you realize the Witch’s ends are either death (hers and/or yours) or a transformation into another state.

5. Tower

This route is just incredibly cool in how she takes over the narrator and the little divergences of the narration’s phrasing to be in her perspective in the voiceover. The progression into that route was amusing for me to think about because I think the shift of perspective that transforms the princess boils down to either “the princess had the might of a god to have defeated you,” “your sudden stop during the fight was a blessing from god to the princess,” and/or “your sudden stop was because your recognized the value of the princess’s life as larger than your own (‘larger than life,’ referring to her bigger form as the Tower and godhood itself).” The Tower calling you disappointing is funny, but what also sticks out is how she said she wanted company before turning into the Tower. Even as the Tower with the ability to just free herself, she chose to wait for you because thats what she wanted, and I think that plays on the relational idea of “What is a god without a believer?” since she’s willing to have the player as a priest or pet, lol.

How this route differs from the Adversary route is interesting, as the Tower is indeed also an overwhelming presence whose decisions matter more than yours not because her single minded relentless pursuit of it but because of the power to overwrite yours. Its a twist on the player’s and princess’s roles until now, but instead of making them equal like in the Adversary, the roles were reversed on who decides and who is forcefully changed as a result of that decision. Of course, you cant take the ability to choose from us, as a player completely, but its about the best you can do, I imagine. And not to mention the “defiling” aspect when you slay the Tower, dragging her down from godhood to an equal (humanity?) or perhaps her original state of someone who responds to your decision as usual… I think this route connects deeply to the meta aspect of Slay the Princess, since this state is where the princess is closest to the “concept of change” and the concept of their true self as a god. It makes the “thoughts on this vessel?” section very poignant because change in itself is indeed a constantly dominant, terrifying, and arguably divine force in its inevitability.

Honorable Mention to...the Damsel!

I really like the deconstruction of her concept, but that also means I feel that liking her is completely counterintuitive to that very deconstruction, lol. Her route is very straightforward in what it does, but it kind of has to be. Meaning it does what it set out to do very well.

This took a bit and is so much more than you asked for, so thank you for your patience and acceptance. Im just bonkers and bananas, so if I have it partially done, I might as well go all the way instead of going in depth on only one, lol. It was a fun exercise in pondering deeper about the princesses and dipping my toes in the ~meta~, but I will also readily say that Im not at all nearly deep enough into Slay the Princess as a whole to be confident on my takes, so this may have just been a session of Talking Out Of My Booty. Nonetheless, I hope this was enjoyable and thank you for prompting me to think about it! The order of the princesses changed throughout this answer, and it may be fun to guess what order they were written in, lol. Id love to hear about your fave/faves if youre interested in sharing as well~! And please, have a lovely day too!!! c:

#a wild ask appeared! #thanks and also Im so sorry adnbladkj #but also maybe not and youre welcome??? I dunno boss #a showcase of how theres tons of thoughts up there theyre just in a dam constantly threatening to spill out and it either manages to stay #there forever or is a FLOODDDDD- anyways #slay the princess #I guess. in case anyone would find this an enjoyable read- gotta think on the game a ton more but bandwidth mayhaps Ill get there someday #*shrugs* I still gotta get into my cha*ns*w m*n thoughts... <- so I dont spam/mistag lol

[jobean12-blog]

Boyfriend

Pairing: Ari Levinson x reader, Lloyd Hansen x reader (Mafia AU)

Word Count: 1,222

Summary: You’re at the club with Ari while he’s taking care of some business and you get an unexpected visitor. 

Author’s Note: So I’ve been listening to Dove Cameron’s song ‘Boyfriend’ a lot lately and this idea sort of just formed in my mind. I’ve used the lyrics for some of the dialogue and the mood of the song as well. Listen here. Thank you to my love Ali @maladaptivexxdaydreaming for letting me yell my thots are her for this and helping me formulate a more solid plan. I may do more for these two because we talked about something else that I would like to include. Thank you all so much for reading! Much love always! ❤️❤️❤️Divider by my sweet friend Daisy @firefly-graphics thanks so much🥰

PS Here is PART 2 for this story- either can be read alone but just in case: Angel and Demons

Warnings: softness and fluff mixed in with teasing and tension and talk of violence, gun usage and, implied smut sort of (18 + ONLY PLEASE!!!)

You’re snuggled against Ari’s chest, his arm securely wrapped around you and his hand resting along your bare thigh, caressing the soft skin as your fingers mindlessly comb through the hair that peeks out from the open buttons of his shirt.

Safe and comfortable in his lap you nuzzle his neck while he talks business with two men whose names you’ve already forgotten.

He shifts and pulls you closer, taking your chin between his fingers and lifting your face to his.

“I have to close this deal angel. I’ll be as quick as I can,” he promises.

You pout playfully and wrap your arms around his neck, closing the distance and kissing his lips. His large hand cradles your cheek and he lifts you up so you’re straddling his lap. With a good squeeze to your ass, he pulls away, resting his forehead to yours.

“Behave,” he warns with a wink.

“Of course,” you purr and kiss him again before he stands, his lingering glance the last thing you see as he disappears onto the crowded dance floor.

You brush your fingers over your still tingling lips and smile to yourself while you pull out your phone. You’re lost in thought as you scroll through your social media and it isn’t until the man in front of you speaks that you realize you have a visitor.

“I can’t believe we’re finally alone,” he croons, raising his brows. “And to think I almost left.”

You look up with a start, narrowing your eyes as you look him over.

“Lloyd,” he states when he holds out his hand.

You stare at him then drop your eyes to his hand. Tentatively you reach out and he grasps your fingers, bringing your knuckles to his lips and kissing them softly. Your breath hitches and you quickly tug your hand away.

“What’s the matter sunshine? Don’t want to tell me your name?”

“I’m not sure yet,” you say, your tone snarky.

“That’s ok,” he answers with a wink. “I already know it.”

Lloyd smirks when he sees your eyes widen, his own dropping to the short hem of your dress and all the exposed skin of your legs.

“What are the chances that he’s not with you,” Lloyd ponders. “I can’t believe he just left you to sit here alone.”

His eyes shamelessly travel up your legs and over your cleavage, darkening before they settle on your face.

Your mouth hangs open, the boldness in his words and actions rendering you speechless for a moment. Clearly he doesn’t know who Ari is.

“I’m not alone,” you scoff when you regain composure. “In fact, I’m…”

“Listen sunshine,” Lloyd murmurs, waving you off and leaning forward. “I’m going to cut right to the chase.”

This time you cut him off.

“You listen…Lloyd? Was it? Don’t bother. I’m not interested,” you state. “I’m waiting for someone.”

You shoot him a warning glare and lift your chin as your arms cross over your chest. His eyes instantly drop back to your breasts and he licks his lips.

“Let me at least give you some advice,” Lloyd croons.

“First of all,…stop calling me sunshine. Second, you’re going to keep talking whether I want to hear it or not so…”

“Ooh, I like your sass sunshine. I bet that pretty mouth can do a lot more than talk back.”

His fingers smooth over his mustache and he spreads his legs open wide as he sits back, casually throwing his arm over the seat of the booth.

“You should,” he starts, ignoring the way your eyebrows are drawn together in anger, “come home with me.”

“I can’t believe you think that you can just…” you start to grit out.

You don’t even finish your sentence before he’s talking again.

“Just leave with me tonight and I promise you won’t regret it princess. I can give you everything you want and more,” he murmurs. “And I can do it all better than him.”  

You’re about to tell him to fuck off but movement on the dance floor catches your eye and you watch the crowd part as Ari walks back to you. Your lips turn up into a smug smile, one that has Lloyd looking over his shoulder.

“Better than who?” Ari says, sliding into the seat next to you and lifting you back into his lap.

To Lloyd’s credit he doesn’t bat an eyelash, his demeanor remaining cool even as he addresses Ari.

“You, Levinson,” Lloyd laughs. “Better than you.”

Your hand slips inside Ari’s shirt and you toy with the chain of his necklace, his warm skin calming your nerves.

“Enlighten me Lloyd. What exactly can you do better?”

Ari cocks his head and waits, his fingers slipping beneath the hem of your dress to tease your skin in slow circles.

“Everything,” Lloyd replies, setting his gaze on you once again. “And that’s a promise princess.”

You glare at Lloyd and unable to contain your obvious displeasure, lean forward and press your palms into the table.

“I guess I have to repeat myself…like I said before, I’m not interested Lloyd.”  

You punctuate each word, holding up your finger when Lloyd opens his mouth with a retort.

“Don’t make me say it again,” you sneer.

You curl yourself back around Ari and rest your head on his broad shoulder.

Lloyd’s grin only grows, his eyes hungry as they drink you in. “Ballsy. I like it.”

He lifts his gaze to Ari, the look in his eyes challenging. “I can see why you keep her around Levinson. Gorgeous and feisty. Bet she’s a ton of fun to tame.”

You feel Ari’s entire body tense, his muscles taut with his barely restrained control and when Lloyd’s eyes drift back to you and he adjusts himself in his pants, Ari snaps. Without warning Ari has you out of his lap and has his gun pointed in Lloyd’s face.

Lloyd’s hands lift up in surrender, the action mocking and Ari cocks the gun, his thick finger pressing lightly on the trigger.

“If I ever lay eyes on you and your trash Stache again Lloyd, it’s going to be when I’m burying you in the ground. Understand?”

Ari stares at Lloyd before he lowers the gun, his hand closing around yours as he leads you out of the booth.

Lloyd’s next words make Ari go still.

“Not if I bury you first Levinson. Did you forget? I can kill anybody.” Lloyd simpers. “Then…she’s mine.”

Ari gives your hand a soft squeeze before he takes a step into Lloyd’s space, crowding him against the booth. Ari leans down, his face only inches from Lloyd’s as he moves swiftly and wraps his hand around Lloyd’s neck.

Ari squeezes and Lloyd makes a choking sound but his smile never falters.

“Stay. Away. From. My. Wife,” Ari warns.

Ari releases him, a low growl rumbling through his chest before he slides his arm around your waist and tucks you into his side.

“Let’s go home angel,” Ari whispers before kissing the corner of your mouth.

Your arms wrap around Ari and you breathe him in, sparing Lloyd one last warning glance as you walk away.

Lloyd inhales, rubbing his neck as his lips turn up into a triumphant smirk and he breathes, only loud enough for you to hear, “until next time, sunshine.”

@book-dragon-13 @christywantspizza​ @dreamlessinparis​ @goldylions​ @hiddles-rose​ @jhangelface0523​ @loki-laufeyson-1054​ @lookiamtrying​ @loricamebackyetagain​ @randomfandompenguin​ @rebel-stardust​ @seitmai​ @patzammit​ @suchababie​ @justile​ @breakablebarnes​ @weekendgothgirl​

#ari levinson #ari levinson x reader #ari levinson x you #lloyd hansen x reader #lloyd hansen #ari levinson x female reader #ari levinson fanfiction #lloyd hansen x you #ari levinson imagine #mafia!ari #mafia au #chris evans #chris evans characters #chris evans x reader

[theautumnpicker]

Be next, what you have ever been, Infinity

Gale proposes with a special ring of his own creation. Astarion thinks he's teasing. Read on AO3 here. Happy birthday Rambo @mystraguideme!!!

“…if you would honour me with your hand.”

Gale is playing the part well, that is certain; he had dropped to one knee and is now holding up a ring box between them. The ring itself is a pretty little thing, a solid gold statement ring in pattern that resembles a sunburst, or perhaps a crown.

Astarion laughs and offers his hand. “So this is why you’ve been locked away in that study of yours for so long. This is no ordinary ring, I imagine?”

As Gale slips the ring on his left index finger—a perfect fit, naturally—he remains on his knee. “Indeed, my love, you have the right of it. It is imbued with a powerful enchantment of my own creation.” Astarion can hear the note of pride in his voice. “A spell designed to protect the wearer from sunlight.” Gale lifts a finger as if in warning. “At the moment, the magic has … limited charge. For your own safety, I’d recommend using it for no more than three hours per day. But worry not, I am still working to refine the spell and extend the duration, and I will not rest until—”

“Gale, it’s perfect.” Astarion cuts him off, resting his newly-adorned hand on Gale’s cheek and watching him lower his hand. “This is already more than I ever could have hoped for. Thank you.” But there is still a measure of doubt on his lover’s face, and Gale remains for some reason kneeling on the ground before him instead of standing up to embrace Astarion.

Before he can ask what’s wrong, Gale surprises him a second time, his voice full of trepidation. “I can’t quite help but point out that you haven’t given me an answer.”

For a moment, Astarion is genuinely at a loss as to what he might be talking about. All at once, it dawns on him, and his right hand flies to cover the expression of horror on his face. “Sweet hells, you’re serious?”

Gale, for his part, is reaching up towards him, his voice pitched with desperate anxiety. “Of course, the ring is not contingent upon your agreement to marry me. It occurs to me only now that it might seem—of course, you can keep it—” His face is flushed red with mortification, the usually-eloquent wizard stumbling suddenly over his words.

“Oh, you sweet, romantic fool.” Astarion can’t help himself. He pulls Gale to his feet and wraps his arms around him, shaking with silent laughter, though even he isn’t quite sure what could be so funny about this situation. “By the gods, you really mean this?”

“More than I’ve ever meant anything in my life. But of course, even if marriage isn’t what you imagine for us—”

“No. I mean, not no. I mean…”  It’s Astarion’s turn to stumble over his words now, as he pulls back from their embrace. “I honestly never seriously thought about it.” He winces, because he can tell Gale is a little crushed. “I’m not saying no! I just— I suppose I have questions.”

“Such as?”

It takes Astarion a moment to formulate his swimming thoughts into a coherent question. “I want to know what I’ll be getting myself into. Is this forever? Or is this for the next few decades, until your life reaches its, ehm…” There’s no pretty way to say this. “… natural conclusion.”

“Until I die, you mean,” says Gale, with a tone of voice that is somewhere in between amused and affronted. “Of old age, more wizened and wrinkled than Elminster.”

“Well. Yes.” Astarion raises an eyebrow. “You don’t think it’s a question worth asking, given the circumstances?”

“I suppose that’s fair. A lifetime with me must seem like the blink of an eye to you.”

Though Astarion winces, he can’t bring himself to disagree. He’d marry Gale anyway, he thinks, and count the next 60 years as the best of his life. But he’d rather know beforehand if there is an expiration date.

“If you really must know, I intend to stick around. If you’ll have me. I have a few ideas in the works to that effect. Though I imagine that must make it more intimidating, not less; I mean, gods know what I’ll be like after twenty years, let alone two hundred. I understand if you’d rather not commit to an eternity—"

“Yes.” Astarion silences him again with a kiss. “Yes, forever.”

#bloodweave #ficlet #astarion #gale dekarios #baldur's gate 3 #my fic #long post

[victoriadallonfan]

Mistborn: Well of Ascension Review

Is It Good: Yes

Does It Have Flaws: A lot

Is It Problematic: Sometimes

Would You Reread: No

Would You Recommend: Yes

Spoilers below

I’ve listened to positive and negative reviews of this book to help formulate my thoughts

So overall, I think there’s a great book buried underneath a slog of really repetitive material.

Brandon is great at writing a mystery, but it’s hindered by the fact that we get incredibly uninteresting scenes that just have Elend, Vin, Zane doing the same song and dance over and over again.

I was 200% more invested in Sazed investigating the Hero of Ages compared to the political drama Elend and Vin dealt with. Or Vin dealing with “wanting to wear a dress” (more on that later).

I really love how Eldritch and Sinister the cosmology is, even as I knew from Stormlight Archives what it would be. It’s handled far more horrific here in a good way compared to Stormlight, which was a letdown imo, so this was enjoyable.

I also really love Sazed’s magical abilities. Allomancy is neat, but the story points out that Mistborn are just.. so powerful they make other Allomancers feel pointless, worldbuilding wise. But Sazed’s powers are more limited while also being far more interesting in applications, so I loved that we got to see that more in depth.

Most of the characters are good, and enjoyable, even Breeze.

Now for the bad.

Breeze and Allrianne relationship is just… disgusting. I really don’t understand the purpose of having a near 40 year old man having sex with a barely legal woman who just recently turned legal iirc. Why was this added as a story beat? Why are some of the characters that aren’t Vin and OreSeur not more grossed out by it?

And no, having the “she seduces me!” reveal does not help.

Secondly, none of the antagonists are good. Sure, they are hateable, but they all lack any sort of impact. Zane is the worst because he is quite possibly the most cookie-cutter CW Bad Boy stereotype in existence, monologuing like a bad anime character about how “we are different”/“why do we listen to them?”/“they just don’t understand us” ala Lysanderoth. And he dies from the worst “reveal” I’ve ever seen; it was so cool how Vin used pewter dust to blind the Inquisitors and improvised weaponry to bypass the skill gap. Here it’s just: “Lmao I just wait to attack bypass your precog, get good”, which I’m pretty sure does not track at all with what we see in the first book (or this one).

Despite Lord Ruler having little presence in the first book, he at least had PRESENCE

Finally, the way this book handles women and skaa is just so odd. It feels as if the story/characters/Brandon treat women as having a hive mind for being obsessed with fashion; in fact, it’s part of Vins struggle that she loves dresses but can’t find the “strength” to wear them. Meanwhile, no male character obsessed over fashion nearly as much, even Breeze who admits part of his design is an act for others. Likewise, there’s no woman who thinks fashion is stupid or just indifferent.

I don’t hate the idea of Vin struggling with newfound femininity vs her own biases, but it’s just so blandly set up that I can’t feel invested.

And I will lose my damned mind if I have to hear one more “you can never understand a woman”/“teenage girls aren’t rational” comment, even from other women characters!

Also, besides Tyndl and Vin, there aren’t any really any women in power nor is that explored. Even Allrianne - who is just… meh as a character over all - has no political power without her father and she’s basically a femme fatale cliche as well. None of the Skaa have female leaders, for example.

And speaking of Skaa, those poor guys. Going from brave freedom fighters and rebellions, even prior to Kelsier, to idiots who are treated as fools who need the privileged Elend and his like to guide them all to the right answer (or they become manipulated or are in fact corrupt). I don’t even hate Elend, but the way Brandon puts him in this position is just such a shame. The story doesn’t even let him explore his ingrained classism or racism/specism for the Skaa or Kandra

Like I said, there’s a great book under all this stuff. But it’s pulled down by - in my opinion - a lot of faults that verge on problematic.

Good but it could be better

#mistborn #well of ascension #Mistborn well of ascension #cosmere #brandon sanderson

[taffycandyqt]

Seeing someone who writes for the 03 characters beyond just the turtles is making me insane (/pos) like thank you for giving April and Casey some love! Wanted to say that first! But can I request fic where 03 Casey’s spouse (I’d prefer he/him or they/them be used for reader please!) gets kidnapped by the purple dragons or something and everyone’s like awww shit but actually reader comes back ten seconds later saying “I just taught those morons why they don’t mess with a jones” or something I’m sorry if this is formatted weird I’m just really excited to see someone writing for a character I’ve been obsessed since I was thirteen 😭

I'm so happy I write for a character you love!! Your so sweet this req got me giggling and kicking my feet!!

Don't Mess With A Jones

2003 Casey A. Jones x gn reader

Very slight angst, fluff, slight crack

Warnings: mentions of blood (like twice), angst if you squint

You and Casey have been married for a while now. In that time you both thought that the Purple Dragons were out of commission after the turtles took down not only Shredder but Hun as well. That was a stupid assumption apparently.

You were missing. You were missing and the only thing in your place was a note from the Purple Dragons. And of course it was about the turtles. If he wanted you free the turtles and himself had to give themselves up to the purple dragons.

Yeeeeeah, no.

Instead of doing what they asked Casey went straight to the lair to formulate a rescue plan. Casey being Casey however, he did it... less than gracefully. Once he was lowered into the lair via ancient elevator he was yelling and effectively freaked out all the turtles there.

Everyone gathered at the entrance weapons bared and ready to fight off whatever unholy being just cursed their home. Upon seeing it was Casey though, they put their weapons away while Raph yelled at him to get it together.

"Cas- CASEY! CHILL OUT!" He shouted while gripping his shoulders. After he had calmed down he was able to ask, "What happened?"

"It- it's y/n. Look." Casey handed him the note. Before Raph could properly read anything important though, Leo took it and began reading it. This prompted an annoyed huff and arm cross from Raph.

"What's it say?" Asked Donny looking over Leo's shoulder with Mikey trying to get a better look. Emphasis on 'trying'.

"The Purple Dragons kidnapped y/n and the only way they'll set them free is if we all, including Casey, give ourselves up."

"That's lame. How dumb do they think we are?" Commented Mikey.

"Dumb as you apparently." Raph quipped in response.

"HEY!"

"Does it say anything about where they took them?" Don asked.

Leo handed him the note, "They did give an address of where they want us to go. It's hard to say if y/n is there or not."

Donnie continued to study the note. Mikey made his way over to look too and Don moved it towards him a little to make it easier for him to read.

"So what are we gonna do? We can't exactly walk into an obvious trap." Raph directed his question towards Leo.

"I'm not sure yet. When we had run ins with the Purple Dragons in the past there wasn't the life of an innocent on the line. On top of that we know the Purple Dragons aren't exactly the patient type. So whatever we do come up with we're gonna have to act fast."

"Leo, I can't lose them. Kay'? I already lost too much to the Purple Dragons, I'm not losing y/n too."

"No one's losing anyone today Casey. Not in my watch." Leo looked around at everyone.

"Oh!" exclaimed Mikey, "What if we all went to one base of the purple dragons that we know about? We go stealth and look around for y/n!"

"That would be too risky Mikey, and it would take too long to. If none of us find y/n we could be waisting precious time." Leo told him, "I'm going to talk to Master Splinter. He might be able to see this from a different angle."

Grabbing Leo's shoulder Casey asked him, "Umm how long do you think that's gonna take. I'm kinda freaking out over here."

"Hey, Case, you need some water?" Raph offered, "Could help. At least a little."

Casey looked at Raph and then back at Leo.

"I'll be as quick as I can." Leo told him. And with that Casey was following Raph to the kitchen to get some water. Don went back to his lab to pack some equipment for some inconveniences that might present themselves during the rescue. While Mikey was back to reading comics on the couch.

After Casey had chugged his water he began to pace around the lair.

"Dude you gotta chill out. Y/n will be fine." Mikey smiled over the couch in hopes of getting Casey to sit down.

"I can't CHILL Mikey! I've got a real bad feeling and the longer I'm here the more I feel like I should be up there looking for them."

"Your anxiety is understandable but maybe you should rest had breath a little. Sharpen your mental focus a little for when we do go out to get them." Donny advised.

"I am mentally focused."

"Hey, maybe just let the guy be huh? Nothing we can say with calm him down anyways." Responded Raph.

Just then Leo came out of the dogo and with confidence stated, "I have a plan."

Everyone came from their respective areas and gathered around to hear what Leo had to say.

"First we are gonna need-" just then everyone heard the sound of "elevator" to the lair open. Then out stepped you. Bloody, battered, slightly limping, and a bat wrapped with barb wire in your hand.

"Y/N!", Casey ran to hug you. After giving you one big, slightly painful, squeeze he looked at you concerned, "What happened, what did they do to you? Oh I'll kill em' all of em'."

"Nothing much happened really," you responded and he looked at your face, "just taught them a lesson about messing with a Jones."

Casey had never felt so proud of you. Gosh he loved you so much. The pride that you were his, that you were so amazing and you were his. He hugged you again, softer this time, and buried his face in your hair. You were bloody, covered in wounds, and smelled like a combination of blood, sweat, and dust, but he didn't care. You were safe.

"Wait. Did you just... beat them all up then?" Asked Mikey.

------------------------------------------------------------Not gonna lie, figuring out how to write this one was a little challenging but in the end I can say I'm very happy with it!

#tmnt 2003 #TMNT #teenage mutant ninja turtles #2003 casey jones #2003 casey jones x reader #casey jones x reader #casey x reader #fluff #crack #Angst #tmnt fanfiction #Fanfic #fanfiction