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moxfirefly · 3 years

Note

Heyo! I hope you're doing well! For the new NSFW asks, how about 39: "do you have a mommy kink", "no", "do you want one?" with leonardo, I've been waiting for a mommy kink with leonardo so I figured now would be a good time to ask lol 😂

Y’all heathens have to reignite my “Leo Has A Mommy Kink” debate.

So yes of course I can.

Rated Explicit (18+ only)

There are several aspects about Leo’s life that he quite enjoys keeping private.

You don’t earn the nickname Honor Boy without exactly living up to it. So naturally he doesn’t go about voicing things that needn’t concern his chatty brothers and their abilities for dumb nicknames.

It just doesn’t concern them that he’s, well he’s not the purest of the bunch. So what he likes to blow off steam and said steam requires particular things for it to be blown off. Nobody needs to know how much he’s read up on rope play and shibari (it’s artistic he swears) and nobody needs to know that his own internet history searches could rival that of Donnie.

And nobody needs to know that he may have a slight, tiny, minuscule, itty bitty mommy kink.

He feels his neck already all hot and sweaty when it comes to you, so it was quite uncalled for (in his mind) for you to talk kinks with him one late night in his room. Because contrary to Donnie who isn’t ashamed of his likes, Leo is still working through that. He doesn’t know how exactly to voice it, he isn’t stoked about sitting down with Donnie (who would be the most understanding) because he’s a little repressed to this day.

But you’re much more open, shameless and so nonchalant about it. He quite envies it to be honest, how you can laugh and giggle your way through a list you found online and have been reading to him about kinks.

And yes Leo’s laughed too, some of them sound so bizarre and not in the least bit appealing.

And yes he’s tried not to look too shameful about knowing some that you’ve never heard of.

“People really make a kink for anything, I bet there’s somebody right now inventing a new one” You scrolled on your phone, grinning when you landed on one in particular you knew all too well. You sat up a little straighter on Leo’s bed and cleared your throat.

“Daddy kink? Does is spark joy or not?” You gave your best game show voice and Leo shook his head with a chuckle. “I dunno, not really, there’s better authoritative names” He clears his throat, trying not to allude too much to what would end him if a girl ever said it to him.

“I suppose you’re on to something there, I’m either or, maybe in the heat of the moment who knows” You do notice that some of these have probably hit home for him, he had been a little more talkative before but as the list progressed, the more shy he got.

Something about that makes you so astonishingly delighted.

“Once a guy called me Mommy and I have to say, awakened something in me” You studied his reaction, Leo swallowed and did not in anyways let his eye stray towards you.

Oh boy.

“Do you have a mommy kink?” You flat out asked him, grinning. Leo kept his eyes anywhere but on you.

“No” With just a little more conviction he could’ve made it believable the poor soul.

“Do you want one?” You ask him with every seductive incentive that only serves for Leo to swallow.

You sit up on your knees and rest your hands on his shoulders, Leo can’t really stay with his eyes glued to one of his bonsais forever, so he caves.

Oh god does he cave.

“What’s wrong sweet boy?” You coo at him, hands running up his hot neck and resting on his cheeks. “Is my precious little boy embarrassed?” You caress his cheek, even going so far as to adjust his mask and Leo feels like he’s going to scream because blood rushing to places it shouldn’t right now.

“It’s ok, mommy’s goodest boy doesn’t have to be embarrassed about anything, yeah?” And you have to bite your lip from smiling so much when Leo honest to god shakes his head at your inquiry. You thumb his bottom lip and lean in close enough to feel his warm breath. “Have you been good? Have you been the most good boy for me?” You watch his tongue dart out to lick his dry lips as he nods.

The surge of power that shoots through your veins, it was definitely something you us become a fan of. But Leo’s reaction had been way more entertaining than that of your old flame. Your eyes landed on his lap, clearly this had pulled a very interesting reaction out of him. “Tsk tsk, did I say you could get excited?” You chastised him, tapping his lips with your finger.

How the night shifted to this was beyond Leo, he was lost in the mood, in the heat behind your words and there was no way he could stop his cock from filling up due to it. A part of him wanted to be embarrassed, he considers himself such a strong willed person, not easily cracked but yet here you were making putty out of him with such sweet words. You leaned in, voice a whisper. “Are you okay with this? Want me to stop?” You wanted to check in after all, but you would not continue if this was overstepping any boundaries with him.

Leo took a shuddering breath.

“No...mommy”

You bit the inside of your cheek, that shouldn’t have made you so hot. With a soft fingertip to the middle of his plastron, you followed a path downwards toward his already tenting shorts. You heard him gulp and once your hand was inside you gripped him with every intention of making squirm.

And messy.

Because Leo has to appreciate some messes.

“You’re such a good boy, my good blue boy” You jerked his cock slowly, each pump deliberate with the goal of hearing him struggle to autores a noise. A strong hand found your thigh and gripped it, several choked moans and whines escaping him. Pressing your lips to his cheek you hushed him, you kissed the spot just as you began to speed up your movements. Leo’s hips wanted to buck up into your tight grip, he felt your lips travel towards his ear and a smug tone that only served to make his cock leak. “Who has a mommy kink after all?” Oh he would’ve crawled into a hole and the way you giggled only made the situation worse.

He felt himself cum without warning, which only made the situation even more amusing for you, some of it shot up towards your shirt as you kept pumping. Leo didn’t even know if he could muffle his sounds more by. “Messy messy, you ruined mommy’s shirt” You grinned, still lazily stroking him as he slumped back against the pillows. His soft blue eyes found yours, if he could turn red he would’ve been by, you leaned down and kissed him.

As you pulled away, Leo gently reached for your stained hand and brought it towards his lips.

“May I clean my mess up...mommy?”

You bit down on your bottom lip and nodded.

Oh this would be such a fun new thing for the two of you and even as Leo (embarrassed to high end but still greatly enjoying himself) licked your fingers and palm of his own cum, he knew as well that maybe sharing his likes wouldn’t be so bad after all.

#tmnt bayverse #tmnt leonardo x reader #leo tmnt #leonardo tmnt #tmnt leo #tmnt leonardo #leo #Leonardo #leo x reader #leonardo x reader #smut prompts #ask #scholastic dragon #ns*w

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skiyoosmi · 3 years

Text

to the stars above | z.

featuring. zhongli (genshin impact)

genre. fluff, angst, smut, ancient-liyue!au

word count. 5.4k

marga's notes. aAAAa look look, it's my first commission!! school has kept me really occupied for like the past month but after pulling a few all-nighters, i've finally finished my responsibilities along with this little baby! once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to my bubs @ramannnn for trusting me with this one <33

Nobody knows when the world began, how it came to be and why it continues to be. Even I, whose mind is filled with nothing but wonder for it, have no idea. One thing I am quite sure of... is how mine did.

It all started with him— a man of many titles, different identities yet at the end of the day, all these monikers are the same; it's all him. He adored Liyue more than anything else, knew it like the back of his hand. He went where the winds lead him, stayed where the moon shines upon him, stood where the golden sun kissed his skin. He found serenity in the walks he travels as he goes about his day, the sceneries his eyes take in and the calm sounds the nature resonates for him. And as if it was fate decided upon by the Celestia, it led him to me. Suddenly, my little world that used to be nothing became everything... quickly and all at once.

An exasperated sigh escapes from my lips, frustration and disappointment filling my whole being as I stare at the blank parchment paper I held in my hands. Another day was again wasted with no progress, I thought, mentally beating myself up for not being productive enough. Before I could further drown myself into such pessimistic ideas, I snap out of it and let my eyes cherish the view that lies ahead of me. Though I feel a little guilty for taking Vermeer's place, I can only whisper an apology with little to no sincerity. Because truly, nothing can beat the picturesque landscape of Luhua Pool— the crystal clear waters that would most probably reflect my face like a mirror if I were to ever look at it, the ruins that ignited the spark of curiosity within me, wondering about the pasts it holds and the stillness and feeling of peace it gives me as I sit in this cliff. Feeling somewhat a bit better, I place my things on top of the old bag I bring no matter where I go. There's always a better day for writing, I tell myself as a form of consolation, bringing my slim arms up to begin stretching. I've been sitting on this log for quite a long time now, after all.

"It seems like you are in a bit of a dilemma," a deep voice comments from behind me. Out of surprise, I lightly jump and turn my head towards the stranger. Right at that moment, it felt as if all the air circulating inside my body had been depleted. Captivating was an understatement as to how he appeared before me. With the sunlight striking his face and accenting his unique features further, he stood with his hands behind him, head tilted as he looked at me with interest, all while keeping his dignified posture.

"Oh, hello. I am afraid so, yes," I respond, or rather, mutter under my breath since I was not really used to having sudden encounters with other people, nor am I fond of it. I tend to keep to myself, finding it much more peaceful than having to tend to others' overbearing expectations and demands which is partly the reason why I chose to live in the outskirts, far from the center of Liyue that contrasts my comfortable abode, "I apologize. I failed to realize that somebody other than Vermeer liked to stay here," I told him, arching my eyebrows a little when he let out a breathy chuckle.

"Oh, you have no need for such formal apologies. I do not always go here, at least probably not as often as the man you call Vermeer. I was simply taking a walk and I think I got carried away by Liyue's view and eventually, my feet led me here," he explains, a hint of sheepishness present in his tone, "and I guess I'll have to thank my feet for that."

Because it led me to you, interesting one. For many years, it will remain unspoken, kept by the strange man to himself and unveiled once his heart gives up from the resistance he upholds.

For the following hours of lounging around Luhua Pool, I learned a lot about the stranger— he calls himself "Morax," and like the god of Liyue, he enjoyed history and is extremely knowledgeable about it, aspiring to know and understand everything of the world, he often brews tea, even going as far as inviting me once I am free from any form of work. Just as he shared facts about himself, I did too.

"So, Cheng, you said you have a bit of a dilemma?" he inquires, slightly angling his head towards the direction of the side I'm sitting on. I nod my head up and down, mouth forming into a small pout of disappointment as I remember that today has not been that progressive.

"Yes. I am trying to write a novel, you see. Something that will leave an impact on this world so that even if I may pass, I will still live on the memories of people," I tell him, an ambitious expression present on my face. He hums, eyes going over the terraces that make up the current view we have and the two huge statues standing by the ruins, "Why so?"

I pause for a moment to think of a reply, "I guess I just do not want to let someone alone in this cold world. Wouldn't that be too cruel and sad, to just leave them with nothing?"

If I'm able to write words that will provide comfort to my readers, then maybe... just maybe the world will be less lonely... even for just a little bit. At least, that's what I thought as silence consumed us, the sun setting as if to remind us that finally, another day is nearing its end. Now, what will tomorrow bring?

"Well then, I do hope I will be able to read at least some of your works at least once," he speaks as he stands up, lightly dusting away his clothes, "It certainly has been a pleasure to be your company, Cheng."

As he walks down the slope of the hill, his somewhat broad back facing me, I call out, "Will you be back?"

He stops and turns, a soft smile is plastered on his face as he responds, "Only time will tell."

But time was no friend of mine. At least that's what I have come to realize as many days passed without him returning to this place. Though maybe it's only because it almost felt as if time slowed down and I was only eager to see him again, something I have scolded myself to— what a fragile heart do I have to already seek a stranger's presence? That is what others call love at first sight, a devilish portion of my mind whispered cheekily within me and I gasped in disbelief, "Absolutely not," I lightly slap both of my cheeks, "I'm just too coped up in my own world. I probably need to go see more people."

That thought remains a simple yearning though because once again, I find myself lounging around the same spot in Luhua, a quiet hope ignited within me, fulfilled when I hear the familiar voice he adorns as he speaks, "You're here."

I release a sound that is between a giggle and a breathy chuckle, "And I see your feet had led you here once more?"

"They were curious, or should I say... I was," he explains as he takes a seat beside me, his posture remaining solid despite the uncomfortable position.

"Of what?" I ask.

"Of you," he simply replies, unaware of the sudden yet unsurprising effect it had on my heart that was already beating rapidly with just his mere presence. I try not to be so showy of it though, too embarrassed to even think of how fast I became fond of him.

But it was no wonder. After all, he himself was an interesting one; from the way he carries himself, the way he speaks, and the way he's just him... all and every action hold so much dignity that it just leaves me almost breathless and in awe every single time my eyes finds their way to his figure— and to think that this was just our second meeting? My mother would most probably let out the most shameless giggle as I tell her these thoughts, pushing me and teasing me like a normal person in their teens would. I shake my head to get out of these thoughts, listening to Morax as he tells another wonderful tale, almost making me think that he lived it himself with how he knew it, going over even with the smallest details.

"You know, Morax, you have such a good memory to remember all of those things despite simply hearing about it," I suddenly speak up in the midst of the silence that engulfed us while he tries to think of the next story to tell, "I hope I can stay in them too... in your memories, I mean. I know I am far from being the most interesting person but for some reason, I wish for that."

He pauses, eyes trailing slowly towards me, beyond my knowledge, before he lets out a somber smile. You already are, is another one of him that becomes an afterthought.

I heaved out a sigh before shaking my head again, "Ah! Why do I keep having such lonely thoughts? Forget about that. Please do not mind me, alright? I think I really need to stop being stuck in the mountains."

I pick up my small bag and shuffle inside it, letting out a quiet sound of 'aha!' as a sort of celebration when I successfully got a small book out, "Here."

He blinked his eyes in confusion, wondering what it was I handed to him so I spoke in delight, "You told me you wanted to read at least one of my works so, here. I am warning you though, it is not like the ones that sell best in the bookstores. It might bore you, or weird you out like what others say."

"What others say?"

"They say it's too unrealistic, too impossible... but I believe otherwise. We live in a world where gods and adepti watch over us. What makes my story impossible then?" I ponder, him still being confused.

"What is it about anyway?" He asks, having no idea of what the context my book had.

"It's about an archon who began living as a simple man in Liyue."

Our meetings became more frequent after that and eventually, we got comfortable with even just the presence of each other, having no need for long talks and such, but just peace. Today, like any other day, Morax was just reading the book I gave him, while I was thinking of what my next story would be about. Occasionally, he looks at me with an odd expression that is almost equivalent to astonishment, as if I have done something so great that it made him look at me that way.

"What made you think of this plot?" he asks all of a sudden, not forgetting to put a piece of paper that served as a bookmark on the page where he stopped just in case he accidentally closed it.

I hum, thinking about my answer to his question, "Hmm. Truth to be told, it was just a mere wonder for me. Archons and the adepti, although not entirely immortal, live so much longer than an average human does, watching over us as we go about our daily lives, waiting for sudden wars to break out and then fight the enemies that attack us. Growing up, those were the things that all the people around me told me. So I began to wonder, do they ever get tired? Is it not too taxing to keep on doing that? What if... they just lived with us, among the crowds? Because I think it is too lonely wherever they are. Would it not be better if they were with us, rather than above us, so they could at least have memories to live by?"

Morax does not give a response, or rather, he finds it difficult to find one. Still, it does not stop the affection that spreads within him. He does not say it out loud, but for someone who prefers to be alone, Cheng was full of empathy. And somehow, that did wonders to Morax's heart.

"Now that I think about it, I kind of actually want to address my books to them now," I hum once more, "It would be like a message for them: Do not be too lonely even if we pass. Because of your help, through these stories, we can show you that we lived a good life."

I huff as soon as I finish my sentence, "Although one of those who read it said that was impossible, because according to them, why would archons give up their power to live a life where there is only simplicity?"

Morax let out a sound that made it look as if he got offended himself, "Archons can do that, can they not?"

"I know! That was what I was saying to them. Anyway, I am not forcing them to like what I wrote. It's just a story, after all. It can do no harm," I shrug, beginning to fix my belongings as the sun began to set, "I should go now, Morax. It is still quite a long walk to my home."

"I want to live a good life too," he suddenly tells me, making me halt and turn to him in confusion, "With you. The good life and memories you shall tell in your stories, can I be part of them too?"

The universe does not stop for anyone, nor does time— science will consistently proclaim this fact matter what timeline we shall live in. No matter how much someone begs to the Celestia to grant their wish of controlling, or stopping time, no one will be able to do such things. But somehow, it seems like when it comes to him, everything is possible as I feel my world stop at his words, just like the way it also began when I met him. And as if planets were colliding with each other, I suddenly felt my heart crash upon him and as if out of instinct, I let go of the truth.

"Of course. It would be the greatest thing to have you."

Life was strange in its own way. That is what I have come to realize in this simple life of mine.

Despite the fact that the "me" of the previous year has never even thought about putting my whole being on my sleeve, it is pleasingly odd how right now, I find myself in this kind of situation with the man who swept me right under my feet and claimed my heart as his.

“You're cold," I whisper amidst the silence of the night in my abode, my index tracing the ears of the man who had me sitting right on his lap, the shorter strands of his silky hair tucked behind them. So, so alluring.

He takes hold of my wrist, planting a soft kiss on its side, all while maintaining eye contact as he quietly drawls, "Then I suppose you can keep me warm tonight. Will you?"

As if in a trance, I nod my head, letting him take the lead as he laid me down, back against the soft mattress, him following on top with his arms supporting his build. With arising confidence, I circle my arms around him and pull him down, bringing our lips together, a sigh of relief escaping both of our mouths as if to say, "Finally."

I wonder if he thinks the same way as I do— that this was Celestia in its own way. I felt like I could do anything as long as it was with him. The kiss felt like the power we once suppressed from each other became a supernova that changed our world's course all of a sudden. But despite the tension and heat we both emitted at the moment, there is a warmth that engulfs me the same time he fully wraps his arms around me.

I am here. I will always be here.

No noise disturbs the peace we have created, only the quiet sound of crickets reach our ears but even that fails to distract him from what he's doing. He gently tugs on the sash that keeps my coat tied. Nimble fingers explore the remains of my clothing, loosening all until I am set free from them.

His eyes raked over my body, an expression of awe plastered on his face for so long that it made me somewhat conscious. Because as he unravels his to me, I am enlightened by the fact that my figure is nothing worth comparing to his — not even close. A hint of sweat glints from his skin due to the moonlight, making him look even more ethereal. But who was I to complain?

So instead, I look down, fiddling a little with my fingers as I feel my cheeks heat up. How is it that I only realize now what kind of situation we are currently in? Before I further drown in such shameless thoughts, he lifts my head up by the chin, an amused look on his usually-gentle face, "Are you feeling shy, beloved?"

I meekly nodded, to which he lets out a soft laugh and whispers, "Don't be. You are the epitome of beauty itself. If you don't believe me, allow me to show you nothing but truth tonight, I swear under the moon and all these stars."

He dips down and captures my lips in a kiss once again with more passion, if it was still even possible.

"You are made for me, as I'm made for you," he proclaims as he thrusts inside me after minutes of preparation, soft pants and groans following his statements. I can only whimper in response, pain evident in my tone at first with my hands lightly clawing at his back. I pray to the heavens above that they don't leave awful marks after this.

He halts and utters an apology, thumb caressing the bone of my cheeks while he waits for me to adjust. He scans my face after a few seconds, relief flashing in his eyes when I nod for him to continue.

"I... b..." I try to speak out but the pleasure overwrites any sensical thought that goes through my mind. He slows down a little, looking over my face and smiles, urging me to talk.

"Stay with me, beloved. We still have all night," he tells me, encouraging me to voice what has been on my mind.

"I... I belong to you, always have and always will..." I manage to croak out, voice quite hoarse due to the sounds that I let out previously. Perhaps pleased with what I have proclaimed, he begins going even deeper and at the same moment, I begin falling deeper.

"Yes, yes, you do," he repeats like a mantra, his voice sounding more and more desperate to reach his high. I cry out with him, creating a harmony that even the best bards shall be ashamed.

It was a long night— the longest yet most beautiful night I have ever had in this simple life of mine. And in that moment, as we reach the stars together, I knew right there and then that this man is someone who will be etched in my heart for as long as I live, deep into its roots— for him, it shall beat and it shall love.

You, who are reading this, most probably have had enough of these teeth-rotting praises I kept on writing. But what can I do except to apologize? These words are the only ones that can flow out of my mind and mouth to show how magnificent it was to be loved by him.

Well, nothing significant really changed. He was still the same gentleman I met, if anything, more gentle. Just like in the beginning, he made my heart flutter every chance he gets, no matter how many years have already passed.

We built a dynasty together.

But maybe I should have known that ours were also bound to crumble like the ones that have long existed even way before us.

Days, months and years went on, I realized that he was actually the opposite of me— unlike me who was clearly not parallel with time, he held it right on the palms of his hand. I was not blind, nor was I a fool, I can clearly see how he looks like he has not aged a day, all while I was here, maturing more and more each second that passed by, the amount of signs of me aging increasing significantly.

Morax. Knowledgeable of history as if he lived it himself. Time. All these thoughts eventually congest my mind as realization dawns upon me. He was not merely a man named after the god himself— Morax was him, he was Morax.

"How appalling," I mutter with a hint of sadness and dismay in my tone. I stood in front of the mirror, fingers hovering over my face, wrinkles appearing as I scrunch it. A pair of firm arms snake its way around my lean waist, chin resting on one of my shoulders as he hums his words, "What has got your beautiful mind occupied, my beloved?"

Taking hold of his arms, I turn my body around to face him, a somewhat melancholic smile etched on my face as I look up at his much taller frame, "You are a sight to behold, even to this day." He arches one eyebrow out of amusement and curiosity, wondering why I suddenly started pouring him compliments. After all, my shyness prevents me from consistently doing so. Nonetheless, I continue speaking, "I wish... I could be with you even when everything changes into a whole new world."

I lifted a hand up to cup his cheeks and began rubbing it lovingly, a lone tear finally dropping from my eye as soon as I closed it, "but I cannot, I do not have the ability to do so... I am but a mere mortal, after all."

His eyes widen as he finally discerns my actions and concerns, immediately opening his mouth in hopes of consoling me but I beat him into speaking, "It's alright, Morax. I have been putting the pieces together for a while now. I am in no way angry. I just..." I pause, gulping hard before my lips start to quiver, "... I cannot imagine how lonely it must have been. And now... I think about it and I... I do not want to leave you alone again."

My cries eventually start becoming louder, something that is very new to the both of us, seeing as I have always been composed. Love can change a person into a whole new being. I remember a book I have read once and at the moment, I can only agree. Maybe it was the way my heart clenches at the mere thought of him walking alone, or the way I can imagine us taking our last breaths together yet I know that will never happen— but either way, it was painful.

He whispers sweet nothings to my ears, placing light kisses on my temple as he leads us to the bedroom to rest once my tears have finally ceased and I have calmed down. His hold on me gets tighter every time I let out a small hiccup due to crying, almost as if he was telling me that he was feeling the same pain as I was.

Hours pass by as we lay in silence. My tears have long dried up but we remain coped up in each other's arms.

"Would it not be interesting if you bear the name Zhongli?" I ask him in a somewhat croaky voice.

He peers down and tilts his head, "Now where did that thought come from?"

I shrug, or at least try to, and look up at the ceiling as we shift our positions to lay on our back, hands finding one another and intertwining, "Hmm... nowhere. Just a name I wanted to give you in case that you are needing a new one."

"Oh? How come it would be interesting then?"

I look at him with a comforting yet sad smile.

"Because it means it's time to leave, to go somewhere far away... and unfortunately, I will have to leave soon."

He furrowed his eyebrows together, "Do not say that. Who knows? Maybe you will be able to live a hundred years by my side. Besides, I think it sounds lonely. I do not think I would want to get reminded of the fact that you are not here with me."

I hum, "But if you bear the name I gave you, wouldn't it feel like I never went away? That no matter where your feet take you, no matter how far you go, I am and will always be with you, just as I have vowed."

The wooden door leading to my writing room slowly slides open and Morax's head peers in, an adorable smile plastered on his face, "You have been quite busy these days, beloved. I do not wish to disturb you but I am starting to long for your presence."

I let out a shameless giggle, "Alright, alright. Just let me write down a few more words while I still have ideas to input."

He peeks on the parchment paper out of curiosity, taken aback when he finds his name on it, "You are writing about us?"

I nod proudly, "My last piece."

"... But why?"

I smile and approach him, taking his hand and placing my forehead against his after he lowers his head down to my level, "I told you, did I not? I do not wish to leave the person I love with nothing. So that you will not be lonely, my words will be with you. I will be with you, always..."

"... and to tell the gods... to tell you, that I loved every second of my life with you— that it was, indeed, a good life."

"Who are you, young man? Are you my son?" I speak with a very hoarse voice, squinting my eyes at the figure in front of me, as if my poor vision will allow me to do that.

I hear a melancholic yet gentle sigh come from him before he takes my rough hands and looks afar, "Don't mind me. I'm just someone who vowed to be with you for as long as time lets us."

"Oh.... really? That’s quite endearing," I hum, "Well, may I know your name?"

"This… I think I may just have an idea to whom this book is for," Paimon trails off, looking over at the traveler who was in the same trance as her, "Paimon thinks we should let the strange person we saw a while ago give this directly to Zhongli!"

Lumine nods, turning around and starting to run towards the direction they were at previously, recalling the person named Cheng who gave them the novel they just finished reading. They were unique, dressed in layers of robes and it was almost as if they lived in the old times of Liyue. Even the way they talked and moved screamed ancient.

Just as they turned the corner, a woman near the Liuli Pavilion called them over, "Traveler! Here!" As they approach, Lumine cranes her neck to look around the area but to no avail, the strange person was long gone.

"Are you two alright?" the woman asks, much to their confusion, "I saw you talking to literal air awhile ago and I was worried you have eaten something strange."

The pair looks at each other in surprise before Paimon replies, "You didn't see anyone? Like a person dressed in the strangest attire? They dressed really anciently!"

The door of the Liuli Pavilion opens and there goes Zhongli, a calm expression morphing to an awkward one when he realizes he barged into an ongoing conversation. He apologizes for the disturbance and despite the curiosity he had upon overhearing bits of Paimon's statements, he starts his walk back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. At least not until he hears Paimon call his name, "Zhongli! Wait! A person named Cheng. Do you know them?"

He abruptly stops and turns to the two, eyes wide for a second before it returns to his usual demeanor, "How... how do you know of them?"

"We met them," Paimon says, as if it was the simplest thing to do, "Well, honestly, we don't know because we were apparently speaking to nothing but air! It's so odd!"

He stays still, honestly having no idea of what response he should give them because he himself found it hard to believe.

"Well anyway, they asked us to give you this nov— wait, where is it? It was just in your hands a while ago, Traveler!"

In the midst of the loud chaos made by the two in the middle of Liyue, he thinks he knows what to do and where to go now.

It was the day of the Rite of Parting, an event where he's supposed to be taking part of, even just a part of the audience. But he finds himself hanging around the Wanwen Bookhouse, eyes scanning the shelves until it stops at a familiar name engraved on the cover of a book.

"Oh! Greetings, Mr. Zhongli! I see you took a liking to a very great and romantic novel," Jifang comments as she sees the book in his hands.

He looks at her, "Is it really great?"

She gasps in delight, "Yes, indeed! Almost all of the Liyue folks have enjoyed this story! You can say it is a classic, especially for readers! Cheng definitely outdid themselves with this one! Such a mysterious person yet equally amazing. Imagine? Being able to make such a beautiful love story with Morax? They don’t mention the present name they gave Morax though, such a shame. Maybe it was due to old age, they wrote it until the last moments of their life after all. Anyway, I have to get back to work but enjoy reading that masterpiece!"

He feels his heart swell in pride upon knowing his lover had his wish come true. His nimble fingers carefully open the pages of the book and hours later, as he sat inside the Funeral Parlor after taking the novel home, he finds himself absorbing each and every word Cheng have written, the loneliness sitting idly inside him subsiding little by little.

I found solace in the countless cups of tea you brew whenever I encounter distress with my works, the endless stories you tell with a smile so beautiful that not even the most heavenly scenery can vanquish, but most of them all, the feeling of your hand intertwining with mine, providing me with serenity no one else has ever done before. Under the moonlit night of Liyue, I remember your wistful amber eyes, staring deep into my soul as you proclaim your love and desire for me. How foolish was it of me to think that I could live this life without even experiencing such warmth and intimacy?

It is a banality, really — how I wish to become a well-known writer with unique tales and yet the story I am telling is something so common to folks that they have most probably heard similar ones before. But I guess this is what it means to love and to be loved. Everything is like a cycle that just keeps on being repeated, yet we never get tired of it, of the feelings it brings. So, thank you, Morax. Words will never be sufficient to show how grateful I am to you for showing me a whole new world but I suppose this is still a way for me to give back to you.

With this little book of mine, I hope my heart reaches yours regardless of how many eras may have passed before and after us. So, my beloved, do not be too lonely without me. Even if you find yourself longing for my presence, just open this and my heart shall be with you.

This belongs to you, it always will.

And I do, as well.

#genshin impact #zhongli #genshin x oc #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #zhongli x oc #zhongli x reader #genshin headcanons #zhongli headcanons #genshin scenarios #genshin fic #genshin fluff #genshin smut #zhongli smut #zhongli imagines

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everafterkeiji · 3 years

Text

Song: Certain Things by James Arthur

Summary: When the setter's decision led him to a war with his heart.

Pairings: Keiji Akaashi x fem! reader

Word count: 5.3k

Genre: angst

A/N: i used to listen to this song nonstop and it just suited how sad this is so no happy endings for this one🤺

"Keiji!"

You watch as she runs up to him, engulfing him in the sweetest hug you could ever imagine. How you envy the feeling of being welcome in his arms. His eyes soften at the sight of her, as she rambled on how amazing he was. He gives her his heart fluttering smile as he lets his palm set on her shoulder, kindly thanking her for watching and supporting him throughout the entire game.

Did your shouts of love become silent to him?

She grabs his towel, patting it lightly on his forehead as he blushes finding the gesture extremely embarassing for the girl he longs for to just wipe away his sweat. He tries to stop her but she insisted, even grabbing her water bottle and giving it to him, asking him to drink some water and rest.

"Hey hey hey- look at me please."

Bokuto says, coming from behind you. You turn to him with water baring eyes, a heartache eating you up with every second you continue to watch. Bokuto sighs as he pulls you in his arms, his chin resting on your crown, as he caresses your hair as you let out an agonizing sob. Bokuto sees the way Akaashi didn't bother to spare them a glance, as Akaashis overall being was captivated by the girl that was beside him. He coes her, whispering how he's got her and he'll never have the courage to let her go, the way the dark haired boy did.

"We won today yeah? Why don't we celebrate?" Bokuto tries to tone his voice in his usual cheery self but feels defeated when he sees her. Y/N looks up at him, he tenses up as he holds your head, an instinct that you were going to look again. You were mid way into letting your eyes land on them but Bokuto stopped you as he held your face in his palm, looking at you with an expression you were well familiar with.

"Y/N."

" 'Taro, shit I'm sorry!" You shouted before wiping away your eyes as his heart winces seeing his friend poorly attempt to regain the sunshine that she once was. Puffed cheeks, swollen eyes, red tinted nose, what a cruel sight yet she dared to cover all of these with a smile. It was disgusting how she made it look so believable, fooling almost everyone that witnessed her little facade. Bokuto falling for it countless of times but has learned to tell the difference every now and then, fitting in for the spot of her once best friend who knew exactly what she was truly feeling.

Akaashi would've read her like a novel he loved but it seems like it wasn't as timeless anymore.

It was now up to Bokuto to handle the shattered girl, even when her own broken heart pierced through her like a knife everyday.

"I-I know a good place to eat at! Maybe then I can treat you for being my favorite ace?" She offers with a sickening chuckle. She was achingly trying. He only gives her a smile, accepting her efforts of hiding how empty she felt. He lets his arm fall on her shoulders, comforting her with everything he can do.

"Oh! I'd like that, kind of like a double date huh? Seems like I get to treat my favorite setter too!" Akemi states, eyes darting towards Akaashi as he becomes flustered with her words. Bokutos eyebrow furrows, and with a pout he tries to insist that you didn't want her to accompany them, but you let your arm come before him as he questions your decisions.

"Sure! The more the merrier right, Ko?" Akemi claps her hand as she gathers her things, Akaashi doing the same. Bokuto takes notice of your longing gaze as he pulls you with him.

"So is that right? I'm your favorite?" Bokuto teases, as you laugh punching him lightly on his shoulder. He chuckles but was taken by surprise as you wrap your arms around his neck, standing on your tip toes to reach him. He immediately wraps his arms around your waist as you pat his hair, nuzzling your face in his neck as you smile, feeling gratitude for an amazing friend like him.

"You were fantastic earlier, I'm sorry for being so-" Bokuto cuts you off with a shout of triumph, making you confused as he pulls away. He wouldn't let her continue her sentence, knowing he couldn't stand hearing her blame herself for something she couldn't handle.

"Ah! What a starter! Thanks Y/N! No wonder I'm the best huh?" He shouts closing his eyes, putting his hands on his hips smiling to himself. You laugh, enjoying how it fed his confidence. Akaashi turns to the two of you watching how Bokuto oddly portray his muscles as you laugh loudly. Akemi smiles beside him, finding the duo quite suited for each other

"They should date! Bokuto makes her so happy!" She claims, as Akaashi blinks, shaking his head turning to meet her green eyes.

"She hates guy who shows off their muscles like that. She think's its a bit cocky." Akemi laughs at Akaashi, since what he said sounded like a known fact.

"Maybe everything can change when she's with him."

She states, making his eyes widen. Impossible. She can't just switch her words just because of Bokuto. He says to himself. Once he hears how genuine your laugh was and realizes that the ace was the cause of it, he stiffens at the thought of the you and the captain together. Akaashi was the one to introduce you to him so it was a surprise you two would come together like that, especially when he felt how Bokuto adjusted to you quite quickly.

"Ooh Y/N likes that color! Will you get it for her, Akaashi?!" Bokuto asks, pointing excitedly at a plush toy. Akaashis blue eyes turned to the location where the finger was pointed and he smiles seeing an immensely cute plush toy he knew you would love but this glee ends when he realizes that Bokuto managed to remember your favorite color.

"Bokuto-san, I'm impressed you knew what she liked." He said with an amused smile. The other boys eyes glimmered in the moonlight, remembering your past conversations with him.

"It's easy! Y/N always talk about many things and it's so freaking awesome. You've known her for the longest time right 'Kaashi? She's so cool." His words bring a smile to the setters lips, loving how Bokuto got along with you so well.

"Oh wait! Akaashi!"

"Yes, Bokuto-san?"

"Well! You've been with her since you were young right? So that means.. you like her!"

Akaashi coughs on his water looking at Bokuto. Bokutos cackle echoed through the air and his words consuming Akaashi's thoughts.

"I do like her but not romantically ok?" He defends, but Bokuto let's out a displeased scoff skipping ahead of the flustered setter. Happily moving knowing he's got him on a hot seat.

"That can change Akaashi!"

And it did.

For Y/N to watch Akemi casually serve Akaashi his food, it was like being tortured in a chamber or watching it to make your brain rot. They look perfect, she thinks. Bokuto was eating happily beside him, and setting aside how hurt she was, she chose to ignore the throbbing of her heart. Akaashi was in front of her as Akemi was in front of Bokuto. The two were in well conversation as Bokuto tried to gather your attention while he brings up how excited he was for a new move.

Dropping your chopsticks, you curse as you got out of your chair to bend down and reach it. Grabbing it in your hands as you look up to see a hand covering the sharp corner of the table. Your eyes follow it and realizing it was Akaashis hand, protecting you if you were to hit your head. This minimal effort was enough to set your soul on fire, admiring how he was able to act so quickly and composed. You return to your seat, Akaashi watching you steadily to make sure you were back. You give him a nod, thanking him for being observant as he smiles to you instead.

Just maybe.

You feel the rising heat on your cheeks as you sip water, hoping it were to ease your frantic heart. You observe Akemi, and painfully suck in the harsh truth that you couldn't deny. Everything that Akaashi has told you about his dream girl, the list of expectations he's had, it was all her. The embodiment of what Akaashi wants to hold, to love and to keep. You hear how her laughter sounded like gentle music, even her personality radiated nothing but sunshine.

All you can do was sigh, when a dream like her already has captured the heart of the young boy you grew to love.

She drops her phone, somewhat mirroring your actions beforehand. Akaashi turns to her immediately, as your heart took another strike seeing him mimic the same actions he had with you. Hand covering the edge, with a gentle hand on her back as she picks up the device leaving you stranded in strings of pain. She smiles at him, casually resting her hand on his as a thank you. Akaashi immediately blushes before placing his other hand on top, eyes lovingly holding onto hers.

The string of hope that you held on for dear life, immediately broke as you let the cup of water fall from your hands, taking an excruciating hit as you were brought back to the silent beating of your heart.

I'm certain that I'm yours.

Or at least I thought.

Bokuto calls your name multiple times as he frantically wipes the spillage of the water that was on the table and on your attire. You felt towels pat your lap gently as Bokuto still continued to put effort in grabbing your attention. Akemi looks at you concerned, worried for whatever thought that you had in mind was enough for you to completely lose your grip on reality.

"Y/N, hey!"

"I didn't think I'd be able to stay with you this long, Y/N." He says with a smile as you walk with him. It was early in the morning, both on your way to school. Coffee in both hands as you give him a pout, finding his statement in a different tone.

"You make it sound like you're unfortunate." You joke as Akaashi laughs beside you, sipping coffee before letting out a satisfied sigh.

"You've been with me even before I got in Fukurodani. I'm just really happy I've found somebody to turn to." You smile as your fingers brush against each other in which at the contact made you both blush. All the tension that was held in the moment was a bunch of unheard confessions, both unwilling to let them speak.

"I'm lucky I have you too, Kei."

"Seems like someone isn't technically happy of sharing the spotlight with me." Akaashi teases pointing at a very sleepy Bokuto who was walking up to you two.You giggle at the setter, while his blue eyes stayed on your smiling lips, relieved that it didn't fail to make him smile as well.

"Y/N."

A stern voice makes your gloomy eyes trail over to a pair of blue ones you were addicted to.

"Y/N? What's wrong with you? You made a mess." He says, completely knocking you off your limit. You stood up, hands on the table with your head down as Bokuto grunts knowing exactly what was bound to happen.

"I'm sorry Akaashi."

"That was reckless. You could've spilled it all over us, even Akemi-"

Bokuto winces when the name slips off of Akaashis lips as you hastily grab your wallet placing the money to Bokuto and mumbling a sorry before rushing to leave, tears falling from your tired eyes once you were out of the restaurant. Bokuto observes the way Akaashis eyes remained enlarged when it hit him how harsh he was. The captain wished that this worry of Akaashi would last long, since this was his first time seeing the setter show any concern for the poor girl in such a long time.

"Bokuto, will she be alright?" Akemi asks him, as he lets out a shrug of defeat. Akaashi bit his lip feeling the responsibility of his actions weigh on both him and the ace. He knew that Bokuto would never be able to comfort her the way he does, and reading her expressions when she left, reassuring her wouldn't be as easy.

Because he was the reason why she was hurting, not even realizing the damage has been done too many times already.

Your feet felt like weights as you ran, feeling the burn of guilt pass through you. On your way to pick up some snacks and refreshments for their match, a certain sight caught your eye leading you to your current decision.

"Yes thank you!" You say with a smile before, leaving the store with the things you bought. You rub your eyes, hating how early you had to catch a bus for their match. This was your only chance to watch them again since you avoided Akaashi for days, making Bokuto your company. You apologized dozens of times to Bokuto for leaving him in an awkward situation. Of course he forgave you, deciding to treat you to a movie instead to erase your worry.

Suddenly a familiar voice spikes up your interest, your head turning left and right to find Akemi. Instead, a tall man walks pass you carrying a bag that you've seen multiple times. You shrug, not wanting to lead to conclusions knowing how Akemi was genuine with her admiration for Akaashi.

"Haru-san!"

Akemi greets, arms wrapped around the waist of the man. You turn to see the two hugging and you gripped the plastic bag in your hands, as Haru places a gentle kiss on her forehead making you stunned even more.

"So where we going later?" He asks, as you lower your head, trying to control your breathing. This is impossible. How could she just lead him on like that! You despised how you weren't able to save Akaashi from the beginning, and now it was your turn to drop a heavy bomb on your best friend.

"We'll meet up later okay? I'll just attend my friend's match."

Friends.

You immediately walked away, weakened at what she just said. No matter shape or form, Akaashi would be hurt, completely. It hurt you that you'd have to see the painful expression on Akaashis face. You bit your lip, trying to avoid the look of dismay on your best friend. You let out a sad sigh as you began to pick up the pace in your walk.

Is it his turn to feel hopeless?

You've tried your best to avoid him. The tension being unresolved between the two of you yet you were happy Akaashi understood why you've created distance between you and him.

Knowing the two were inseparable, you were the one to adjust whenever Bokuto would be heading to practice or even going to lunch. Although, Akaashi gave you some space knowing his outburst completely set a different side to your friendship. You two have never really fought in such a way, he knew even if it was a small fight there was a distinct aura that surrounded the two of you. Beyond what happened, he knew you were facing some other problem that he was clueless of and him adding to your issues wasn't helping the both of you.

So whenever the dark haired boy saw you bid goodbye to Bokuto whenever he was on his way to approach the captain, it stung in his heart.

Akaashi sighs beside Bokuto. Koutaro was prepping himself up completely, pressing his palms to his cheeks. They were up to play soon and the blue eyed boy wonders if she would be able to make it back in time. While he wonders about you, his mind swerves to Akemi. He finds himself foolishly smiling at the thought of them holding hands at the restaurant so he looks at his phone, finding her contact and glancing at their photo.

Next to her contact was yours, which he was hesitant to tap on. He shuts off his phone before seeing Bokuto wave frantically with a smile on his face. Akaashi looks at you, eyes shining knowing you made it just in time to bid him goodluck and hopefully to clear up the quarrel. You felt your heart leap with every step, a war in your head in how you were going to tell him. Your hands tightened as you walk over to them, Bokuto patting your head showing how delighted he was that you were there. Akaashi wonders if you could even spare him a glance.

" 'Taro! I have your snacks but- promise me you'll be the best out there and maybe I'll treat you later!" You say as Bokuto punches the air, his mind in a frenzy at the scenario in his head of eating his favorite food.

You turn to Akaashi, shakily grabbing his arm as he stiffens at your sudden contact. He looks at your weary eyes as you desperately tried to calm down.

"Keiji, can we talk?" Why did you say it like that? He asks himself. His name has never sounded so troublesome before. He fidgets with his fingers as he trails behind you as you lead him to a more private place. You felt the shivers reach your body, immediately bringing coldness at how anxious you were. This was the first time in days where you two would be able to converse properly again.

As you make your way to a corner, Akaashis feet was tapping furiously, scared of what you were going to say. He waits for you to speak as he watches you take a deep breath as you hold his arm once again. Softer than before but it felt like a desperate touch.

"Kei- you do trust me right?" Akaashi nods immediately, lips frowning at the tone of her voice. Is she going to leave me? Please say no. He wanted to get this over with so he wonders if you were just going to rip off the bandaid and end the friendship even if he was willing to apologize multiple times. But then, how could you end it just because he was right about being reckless?

"Akemi- she has a boyfriend, Keiji-"

"You came.. to tell me this?"

"Akaashi- I-I know you like her but"

"God Y/N how could you.." Akaashi exclaims as you aggresively run your fingers through your hair, before grabbing his jacket trying to make him stay. He stands there in shock, as rage and envy flow through him overwhelming him in the process. His hands form a ball as it tightens quickly at the thought of how Akemi was just being nice all the time.

Akaashi looks at you only to find truth in your eyes but his heart betrays the both of you, now broken and in denial that the girl he adored was dating somebody that wasn't him.

"Akaashi, please listen to me! I don't want you to get hurt..believe me!" You pleaded, throwing away how hurt you were from the drastic change in his tone.

"Hurt? So you think you're being considerate then?" Akaashi questions her with spite in his tone. His demeanor towering over her as she crumbles at his voice. Akaashis heart coming back to the reason why it was guarded in the first place.

"Keiji.. you know that's not what I mean!" You defended yourself as Akaashi scoffs. It was mocking you how composed he looked yet the tone of his voice was laced with pure hatred. Deep down, Akaashi accepted the fact that he could never really win Akemi but he was blinded by the pain that you brought him.

"You're just jealous, Y/N. Stop lying." He continued, making you shake your head as you tried to grasp his jacket again but this time your hands barely touched the fabric making your heart gasp at how Akaashi was out of your grip.

"I didn't know you could pull off being a liar, and I don't see myself being a friend with a trait like yours."

The tears flowed down your cheeks as you let out a shakey breath, in disbelief at what he just said. I'm not lying, Akaashi. You promised me you trusted me.

"You said you t-trusted me, Akaashi! How could that change for you!" You shouted as he was brought back to Akemis words.

"Maybe everything can change."

"You promise I'll be okay?"

"I've got no reason to doubt you." He says smiling as you lean your head on his shoulder, tracing random lines and doodling away on his soft skin. Under the beautiful tree, with purple painted skies with clouds up above. After a stressful day on your side, the setter took notice of how you've let yourself fall onto your insecurities once again so he took it upon himself and brought you to a silent place to show you how you shouldn't worry about anything, comforting you with his kind words and him trusting you that would be able to regain your old self again.

"Certain things hurt and you're my only virtue." You confess as his heart spikes up its speed with your response. You sat up, gazing at the houses who seemed too tiny from your distance. You held your knees to your chest with lips formed in a relaxed state as you lean on your arm that was on top of your knee.

And I'm virtually yours.

Akaashi remained with his back on the grass as he admired your features wondering how you could ever put yourself down, when you took away his words whenever you were with him, hiding it perfectly and keeping his admiration far from you to avoid the continous breaking of his heart knowing he'd betray your beloved friendship.

I adore you, he thinks to himself as the only thing that reflected in his eyes were the girl he's lost to his wrong decision.

"You changed and it's disappointing. All because of jealousy? I've been with you for so long, how did you become selfish?"

Selfish. I must've been crazy then, you think. You let out a bitter chuckle, Akaashi frightened at this side of you you've yet to show him before. It was like poison consuming your body, in which the poison came in the form of his words.

"All I've ever been is selfless, god I even let you fall for someone else when I've been in love with you for years."

You took a step back as Akaashi stood where he was, feeling as if his feet couldn't leave the floor as he lets himself drown in your confession. He gulps as he was struck with regret since he had no idea how to respond to you. His eyes trail to the floor as he struggles to find the words.

Then the battle began, between in what he knows whose right for you and his heart who wanted no one else but you.

He was miserable. A side of him wanted to say how much he's waited for you to bid those words to him and claim that he's felt the same as you, but the other side wanted to badly decline knowing he was stuck in choosing you and Akemi. Akemi who has effortlessly tugged on his heart strings and gained it with her gentleness and beautiful personality, and you who's promised to stay forever and loved him longer than anyone else has.

Don't make me choose on who I love more.

He knew the time would come where his decisions would bare another heavy mark on him. He's already made a terrible one by putting his heart in the hands of Akemis instead of yours. He wishes there wasn't a deadline to this difficult decision, but to him it seemed like if he doesn't choose now, he'd feel the pain everyday.

"AKAASHI! LET'S GO!" Bokuto screams as Akaashi turns his eyes to you in a swift move, finding your eyes covered in tears but how come you looked like you felt nothing? You sniffle as you give him a warm smile, a reaction he didn't want to see knowing it wasn't a smile that could bring him joy.

"Goodluck, Akaashi."

He takes a step forward trying to capture you in his arms but Bokuto grabs him by the arm pulling him away from you, Bokuto saying goodbye to you as well and reminding you the promise you gave him. That moment, all that Akaashi wanted to was run and replace the silence he gave you. You deserved to hear what he truly felt, but his words were trapped as he still had to examine if he was choosing the right ones.

But he ran out of time.

The game starts and he prays for his performance to be at his usual best. Once Bokuto had the setter to himself, Akaashi couldn't hold back and told him what happened. Bokuto felt horrible for both of you, while feeling revengeful to Akemi since he too fell for her sweet gestures to Akaashi thinking that she actually liked him. Importantly, Bokuto badly wanted to be there for you. He knew how much you liked him so for you to confess so suddenly during your argument, it had the grey haired boy worried about you.

He couldn't blame Akaashi, as much as he wanted to. He acted in a way because he was suffering, but they didn't realize they both were. Though, he wished Akaashi could've treated her better, believed her. Bokuto believed her the minute Akaashi told him, and it was because he trusted her completely and she wouldn't speak out without a reason meanwhile Akaashi chose to hold onto denial.

And as they play, Akaashi looks over to the stands, searching for you when he came upon Akemis. The pretty girl with an arm wrapped around her shoulder as Akaashi loses the ball in his hands from the view.

"Akaashi, please listen to me! I don't want you to get hurt..believe me!"

"You said you t-trusted me, Akaashi! How could that change for you!"

Like the ball falling to the floor, his heart went along with it.

Scream. That's what he wanted to do. How absurd of him to get it wrong twice, there shouldn't even be any room for mistakes. I can't believe I lost her..again. Akaashi thinks. There was a painful ache in his heart, yet he couldn't set it free not wanting to let down the team. Especially in a match like this. He wanted to break, to land on the ground and let his consciousness scold him for hours. He deserved it. He should've learned but he was trapped inside a world where he thought Akemi would've been his everything, when he was blind to how powerful his love for you all this time.

Come back to me.

"Akaashi!" Bokutos hand reach his shoulder and all he could do was stare at a pair of blank eyes. Before the ace could ask what happened, Akaashi was clutching on to Bokutos jersey harshly taking the older boy by surprise.

"She was right." Akaashi utters as he points to the crowd making Bokuto squint just to find where Akemi was. Once he finds them, he sighs sadly before trying to come up with a response to cheer the boy up. It was obvious that Akaashi was too affected to perform properly. Lip quivering as if his world was destroyed twice.

"Doesn't that mean the only thing you can come back to is Y/N?"

Akaashi looks up to him, confused. Bokuto patted the boys shoulder with a soft smile.

"Look over there." This time, it was Bokutos turn to point to the other side of the stands to see you glancing over them. Akaashis eyes glimmered at the sight of you, like life was brought to him in an instant. Happiness couldn't be the only word to describe his emotions.

You were watching.

And he was going to win. Just for you.

This brings him a massive wave of energy, not digging into his thoughts. You smile wiping your heavy eyes seeing him back to his usual self. In his heart he was happy but a mistake shouldn't be rewarded by a smile.

Sticking to his promise, they won but an unfamiliar feeling sets in his skin making him stop in his tracks making Bokuto look behind him to see Akaashi with his hand on top of his chest and eyes straight to the floor. Bokuto grips the phone in his hand, biting his lip and looking down, his heart aching as well.

"Bokuto-san, where is she?" His voice cracks, a tear finally escaping his eyes. He lets out a soft sniffle looking everywhere for a trace of you. Bokuto just shakes his head as a response and Akaashis eyes widen as he harshly wipes away his tears with the sleeve of his jacket. Written in his lips and eyes, Akaashi was exhausted. At first, he thought that letting go of his emotions would be the answer but now he was letting them free yet he didn't wanna scream anymore. He already felt his throat dry at the realization.

"Doesn't that mean the only thing you can come back to is Y/N?"

You sank in your seat, numb to how wet your cheeks were from the continous flow of your tears. Your chest was heaving up and down but your eyes were already closed with tight lips pressed into a line. There were certain things you wish you could've done, but staying wasn't an option when you've gone through multiple battles already. This was the last straw.

Even if you did wanted to fight for him, would he do the same?

You let out a sigh as you open your eyes seeing the road and reminiscing on your last walk with Akaashi.

"What's her name again?" You ask, kicking a rock to the side before shoving your hands inside the pocket of your blazer. Akaashi smiles out of bliss at the thought of her smile and once you've got a glimpse of his expression, you question the drop in your heartbeat as you see him blush before fidgeting with his fingers.

"Akemi." He says, his heart beating loudly. Saying her name already brought the setter in touch with his emotions. It was unlikely for him to feel his heart flutter, but being around Akemi brought him to smile whenever she was there, get anxious to respond to her, and get a flush on his cheeks at the thought of her moments with him.

The name rings in your ears as you were greeted by the silencing beat of your heart. You watch as he turns to you since you've trailed behind him. You visualize how you've seen him with Akemi during lunch and that's when you knew.

It's never going to be me, is it?

"Let's go, Bokuto-san." Bokuto bit his lip, waiting for you to go to them and proving him it was all a prank.

"Akaashi-"

"She left already and I-" His voice breaks making Bokuto gaze at him in pain.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make her stay, Akaashi." Bokuto whispers. Akaashi drags his sleeve to his eyes again, hating how his eyes grew heavy with the tears that escaped his sorrowful blue ones. With a tragic wound embedded in his heart, he spoke.

"I couldn't either."

#haikyu x reader #haikyuu!!#akaashi keiji #akaashi angst #haikyuu akaashi #akaashi x you #bokuto x reader #hinata shouyou #nishinoya x reader #sugawara x y/n #tsukishima fluff #tsukishima x reader #daichi sawamura x reader #hinata x reader #akaashi x reader #hq akaashi

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natromanxoff · 3 years

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Queen live at Elland Road in Leeds, UK - May 29, 1982 (Part-2)

Fan Stories

“We got a coach from my home town (about 2 hours from memory) and drank an ocean of lager on the way, by the time we got there we needed the toilet so badly we could have exploded! We got into the stadium and waited for the first band of the day. Soon enough a not very well known (to me) American band came on called Heart. They weren't bad but did nothing for me. Then came The Teardrop Explodes who tried and who I reckoned did quite well despite the flying bottles of liquid being hurled at them from the crowd. After them was Joan Jett complete with Blackhearts who got the crowd going with "I Love Rock'n'Roll" mainly because Brian appeared at the side of the stage with his daughter to have a look. Eventually after a long wait the stage lights dimmed and a strange cranking sound started up and then you were suddenly aware of the drum beat to Flash thumping out and spotlights chasing around the stadium. This went on for a minute or so and the excitement was unbearable. All of a sudden in an explosion of smoke, lights, guitars, drums... Brian, John and Roger are there blasting out the opening part of The Hero. Seconds later in a gleaming white leather jacket out runs Freddie and it begins... A moment I will never forget along with many others from Queen shows since and before it. I can't say which show was my favourite as I loved them all but that moment WAS Queen, the sheer power, the anticipation, the fantastic musical ability and above all else the way they gave people what they crave more than anything... wonderful memories.” - whiteman

“29th May 1982 - a really nice warm day. We only lived a few miles away so walked down to Elland Road - I can't believe it - Queen live in my home town at the home of the greatest football team in the country (well maybe not now!). Got to the ground early and were allowed in by security, such a relaxed atmosphere. Saw band's soundcheck - great! So hot sun, never went behind stadium roofs. Got best suntan I have ever had! Heard Teardrop Explodes - not bad. Then you are aware of the beat of flash thumping out around the stadium, the smoke rises and bang - they are on! The greatest gig I have ever seen from the greatest live band in history. God bless you, Brian, Roger and John. Rest in peace, Freddie - we will never forget.” - Michael Quine

“This was my second ever gig, the first being Rory Gallagher the year before (I am sure I once read that Rory was one of Brian May's favourite guitarists). Anyway, being only 14 and not yet in the habit of getting off my face at gigs,I can remember that day very clearly. I am convinced I saw someone throw a hamburger at Julian Cope (Teardrop Explodes were going down like a lead balloon), and just as Julian was opening his gob to sing, he CAUGHT IT IN HIS MOUTH. A huge cheer went up, then they stomped off. Somebody, possibly Queen's manager, came on and told everbody to behave. I also remember a fan getting on stage and Freddie expertly rolling him off the stage. I didnt like the Hot Space album much but was chuffed they were still a hard rock band. I bought the next edition of Kerrang mag and the write up of the gig said STUNNING. Great memory.” - Edwin

“I was 15 years old in 1982 when I attended my first ever concert. Fortunately for me, it was QUEEN's show at Leeds AFC ground in the North of England. I remember when my ticket arrived in the post, possibly 2-3 months before the concert, as was often the case in those days. I stuck my ticket on a cork notice board in my bedroom and could barely contain my excitement over the coming weeks. Every morning, I would wake up and look at the yellow ticket, wishing the days away. I imagined everything that could go wrong would. Queen would cancel the gig, I would break my leg, the family pet would die on the morning of the concert and it would be too insensitive of me to go, the transport wouldn't turn up or would break down, there would be a pile up on the motorway, I'd lose my ticket en route, etc, etc. As it turned out, May 29th 1982 was a hot and sunny day, perfect weather for an outdoor gig. I was CRAZY about Queen and had been since the age of 9 but I really didn't know what to expect on that day. Myself and three friends took a coach organised by my Dad's company from Lancashire across the M62 motorway to Leeds. Our excitement began to really take a hold when we arrived at the football ground and we followed the droves of people towards the turnstiles. To me, this was something on a really big scale and I could already hear the hum of the crowd inside. Not really believing that we were actually about to witness a Queen concert, we found our seats on the West Stand, offering a great view of the stage. I remember marvelling at Queen's new lighting rig and the equipment that adorned the stage, shining in the afternoon sunshine. The ground was almost full at this point and the pitch was heaving with people. The atmosphere was relaxed as people bathed in the sunshine. I remember two guys climbing the fence from the stand and attempting to get a better spot by running into the crowd and losing themselves on the pitch. Their efforts were in vain however as they were quickly located and ejected back into the stand by two security guards. We bought some black Hot Space tour shirts (I wore mine with pride until it literally fell apart) and a programme from a vendor inside the ground and waited for the first band to take the stage. A guy near us shouted and punched his way through Heart's set and then left just as they vacated the stage. Obviously not a Queen fan! The Teardrop Explodes suffered at the hands of the Queen congregation and found themselves battling against a shower of bottles and assorted missiles. Other than that, I don't really remember much about the support bands. I think that Bow Wow Wow were billed to play (an odd choice) but I can't recall if they actually turned up. No matter, we were about to witness what is still one of the best gigs I have ever attended.

As the dusk descended upon us, the giant floodlights were extinguished one by one and the memory of the roar that followed still sends shivers down my spine. Dry ice drifted across the heads of the crowd on the pitch as the intro tape of Flash thumped out of the PA and the strange 'grating' noises added to the recording created a foreboding atmosphere. Two of our party were on the pitch and to this day remember their chests thumping in unison to the powerful rhythm. A sea of hands clapped in perfect time to the beat. To me, this was already an amazing experience. And then the big moment. Freddie, resplendent in dazzling white made his entrance to The Hero and the blaze of the lights. An apt number to start with. Before he had even sung a note, the audience were locked tightly in the palm of his hand. Such an entrance, such a showman. "You're a F***in amazing crowd", he exclaimed after the first rush. The beginning of the gig is, in truth, my strongest memory of the show itself. In particular, the "Flash!!!" vocals cutting through the night air with so much volume. I recall being shocked at the sheer power of Queen's performance and the clarity of the huge sound they harnessed. Morgan Fisher's keyboards during 'Action This Day' sounded bright and hypnotic. Freddie's intro to Fat Bottomed Girls caused quite a response too; "the bigger the t*t the better it is!". I also remember the follow spots darting wildly over the crowd during 'Tie Your Mother Down' and everybody going crazy. Oddly enough (and this is something I still swear by to this day), I was in a Maths lesson at school the following Monday and I swear I had a flashback of this and could actually 'hear' the music being re-played in my head. It was a weird moment and life was never quite the same again. We talked endlessly about our experience for months to come and one of my biggest regrets is not jumping on a train to attend the filmed Milton Keynes show a week later. Having been to so many gigs since, I can honestly say that there is nobody who has been able to top Queen live; I was lucky enough to see the band five times between 1982 and 1986, including Wembley Stadium and their last show at Knebworth. I think that my personal favourite was their performance at the NEC in Birmingham on 'The Works' tour in 1984. People were literally stood there with open mouths, unable to believe how good they were. Leeds is definitely up there too. I recall Brian May stating that he thought it was one of their best performances ever. I can't argue with that Mr May. I've often wondered if an audience shot cine film or even just photographs exist from the Leeds gig. It would be a dream come true to see my memories come to life again.” - Keith Lambert

“I can't believe it was 30 years ago that I attended my first ever gig at Elland Rd Leeds in 1982. I was 17 years old at the time, I was into Queen when I first heard seven seas of rhye, which was so different to all the other stuff around at the time. I'd heard them live on tv, and had Live Killers. Also I used to buy bootleg cassettes of all of their tours from 74 onwards. But nothing could prepare me for that day. They should have played this gig at Old Trafford Manchester, my home town, so I was gutted when the residents opposed it. Tickets were very easy to come by, believe it or not, cos Queen were not seen as a relevant band at that time. Also touring the Hot Space album didn't seem to excite anybody. So, Billy no mates had to go on his own, haha. My memory is a bit hazy, but I will try my best. I got to the ground about 1pm, and was lucky enough to have a pitch ticket. I got right to the front, well about 10 yards from the stage, slightly off centre and to the right. If I told you I never moved from that spot all day and never spoke to anyone, would you believe me? One of the reasons for this is the rivalry between Manchester and Leeds, also I was only a kid, haha. Not sure who was first on, probably Teardrop Explodes, Julian Cope, I remember while they were throwing bottles at him, picked one up and started hitting himself with it and stretching his arms out saying he was an Argentinian bomber or something. It was during the Falklands war, remember. Then Heart came on, not really my cup of tea, and I had a lie down on the tarpaulin and tried to go to sleep. Then Joan Jett, who was better than the rest, but not really exciting. During the band changes, I remember the roadies polishing Roger's drum kit and climbing up ropes and those threepronged lights, which before I saw them move I thought they were cameras. Queen took ages to come on. From my recollection and I might be wrong, they didn't come on until 10pm and went off around Midnight. I heard later that they got fined so much per minute for being late on stage but they wanted to wait until it was dark for the lighting rig to take effect. If you watch the Bowl DVD you will notice it was light when they came on stage there. But that was being filmed by Channel 4. But it was absolutely pitch black when they came on stage at Leeds. Then the floodlights went off, smoke started to appear and strange noises started, which I can't describe, sorry. Then Flash's Theme started, it was loud, very, very loud. I knew they were supposed to be loud and this was the part that scared me. The ground was thumping, the bass just pumping away. The these 'cameras' flicked into life, with men on them. The intro seemed to last for a very long time. Then BANG Brian appears with the first chord of The Hero and a flash of the biggest white light I've ever seen and will never forget and the absolute loudest noise I have ever heard just hit me. The intro was quite in comparrision to this. When I play Live at the Bowl, I tend to repeat the intro and The Hero, virtually every time, because it was definitely a life changing experience for me at that moment, just incredible. Then Freddie appeared in brilliant white again, I was that close, I swear His hair seemed blue because of the mass of white lights. His voice, so loud, so clear, honestly, I can't describe that moment properly. I heard Freddie swear, saw Roger spitting, quite a lot, over his drum kit and onto the stage, I was bewildered.

When they did Play The Game and also Somebody To Love, when Freddie was doing the intros for them and it will sound strange to those that weren't there, but I didn't know what the songs were. I thought they was new unreleased songs. The reason was they was so loud, It kind of deafened you and then kind of sunk in what they were about to play. Then the rest of the gig flew by and I was singing my head off. Everyone was, but you could only hear Queen. Again my memory may be wrong, but I read afterwards that Queen had paid for residents to move out of their homes for the day. These houses were monitored and they said that the sound was like Concorde flying 10 feet over your head... Yep I will buy that. For all that and for all the bad things said about it, The Works tour, which I went to all the 4 origional England gigs they had planned, was the best tour they ever did. The set list was fantastic and the lighting rig was incredible. Not as loud, I also add. I also saw them in Manchester, 86. They had to be off stage by 10pm and noise levels had to be adhered to. I was too far awy to see them and the screens didn't come on because it was too light. Also I couldn't here them properly. I've watched the mMagic Tour gigs on DVD etc, but for me, that was the poorest tour they ever did. So that's it, hopefully some of you can confirm my bad memory, or say I'm wrong. Hopefully not bored you all. But it was the greatest musical experience I ever witnessed and I am proud I was there.” - Paul Wakefield

Part-1

(x)

#queen #queen band #roger taylor #freddie mercury #brian may #john deacon #queen concerts

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rainbowsky · 3 years

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🐜 Dealing With Antis On Tumblr

I want to discuss an issue that is becoming a bigger and bigger problem here on Tumblr. Namely the increasing number of antis and toxic fans that we are seeing on this platform. I have been getting more and more asks that are just people copy-pasting anti rhetoric and looking for a platform, probably shopping it to multiple blogs in hopes that somebody will post it.

Even if I responded to such an ask and disagreed, I've given it a voice on my blog and essentially broadcast that anti message to all of my followers. Someone among my followers will be curious enough to potentially get sucked into the debate and, by extension, into the antis’ sticky net of evil lies.

Some Definitions

A glossary of BXG terms can be found here.

BXG - BoXiao Girls/Guys. People who ship GG and DD and/or believe they are in a romantic relationship.

Anti - In the context of this post, someone who is actively and stridently against GG and/or DD and/or against BXG. Someone who tries to spread hate and lies to take one or both GG/DD down. May or may not be part of a troll farm or internet water army (i.e. paid to do this work).

Toxic Fan - In the context of this post, a fan of either GG or DD who is actively and stridently against either GG or DD, and/or against BXG and/or against the idea that GG and DD are in a relationship. Someone who tries to spread hate and lies to turn people against one of them, and/or to turn people against BXG. Could also be someone who is partway toward thinking/doing some of these things but hasn’t fully embraced it yet.

A Bit Of Background

I started as a BXG on YouTube and for quite a while it was just a fun environment with friendly, open discussion and a mutual support of GG and DD in the comments of most videos. At first there were hardly any antis that I saw, but gradually over time I began to see more and more of these boilerplate looking messages showing up in the comments of various channels where we were discussing BXG topics. Fan wars also began to become a huge problem.

One Channel in particular was heavily targeted by antis and toxic solos because of his almost exclusive focus on news about GG and DD. Unfortunately he didn't do much to police those people, and for a while his channel was completely overtaken. The comments of every video were a cesspool of active anti recruiting and toxic fan wars.

At first he made some videos where he tried to unpack some of the issues that were being debated, but ultimately he ended up changing the direction of his channel entirely. Now it’s a pale imitation of what it used to be and, given the direction it’s taken, I’ve even suspected at times that he might have become infected with some of the ideas that were being spewed in those comments.

As YouTube became increasingly hostile I started spending more and more time on Twitter. There were already a lot of antis on Twitter when I got there, but it was not unbearable. It was still possible to have interesting exchanges without encountering too much BS.

However, the number of antis and toxics has increased exponentially over time and now that platform is positively crawling with multiple obvious troll farm anti accounts and toxic solos, and even a few toxic BXG. You cannot move or breathe on Twitter without running into them. Their presence colors the discussions there so that the overall tone is often hostile, defensive and unwelcoming.

When I came to Tumblr, I was so relieved to see that there didn't appear to be any significant presence of antis here on this platform. In fact I don't think I encountered any of it for the first couple of months that I was here despite spending a lot of time actively discussing topics every day. It was so refreshing to be able to enjoy the fandom without being attacked, or without encountering any of the disingenuous, misleading slander that I’d seen everywhere else.

I’m sad to say that I’ve been seeing a rapid increase of antis and toxic fans here as well. It’s now something I encounter pretty much daily. I regularly get asks that are obvious anti boilerplate, and more and more of the comments and questions I see both in my inbox/notes and on other blogs seem to have taken on a tone that is hostile to either GG or DD and/or BXG.

Alongside that are more and more voices that are what I think of as ‘the fleas on the dog’. People who are not at the heart of the anti shitbaggery, but rather who are just misguided fans who feed off of anti messaging and boost those lies whenever they see them as they become increasingly converted to those evil, false views.

Our community here has been excellent for a long time, but it is quite clear that it’s no longer safe from those threats.

I recommend that BXG keep their eyes peeled for this kind of garbage because if we don't nip it in the bud we will find ourselves overrun just like YouTube and Twitter.

Advice For Bloggers: Curate The Community

Remember that for every ask that you answer, whatever message they've posted in your ask box is going to be broadcast to all of your friends and followers. This means giving a platform for anti rhetoric. Anyone reading the ask will read the anti message first and could fall sway to whatever is being said, regardless of how much you object to that message in your response.

If you post a potentially toxic ask you better hope your audience is sophisticated enough to see through the rhetoric or else you are unwittingly becoming a tool for hate.

Not only that, but any topic an anti or toxic sparks off will become the issue for debate among the community and will begin to color the overall attitude and discourse over time.

Many of the issues that haters put up for debate are intended to slyly undermine any positive sentiment toward the target. For example, when people debate whether being gay is a choice or not, they do so to instill doubt into the minds of others and to lend credence to the notion that being gay is a deviant lifestyle choice. When people bring up ‘black crime’ they do so to prey upon the fears of white audiences and emotionally distance them from the idea of people being unjustly murdered by cops.

I think it’s important to approach community discussions with that in mind, and to be careful about what we put on people’s dashboards because it will have an impact on both the tone of the community and the overall sentiment toward GG and DD, and even BXG.

Here are some practical tips I use when dealing with dubious asks:

Delete and ignore. There are just some messages I absolutely refuse to give a voice for on my blog.

If there’s something I want to respond to but I don’t want my audience to see the original message, I’ll just make a post saying, “To the person who wrote me about endorsements, here’s what I think...” or I will copy/paste the ask into a new post and edit out the parts I don’t want people seeing on my blog, for example, “Hi I’m new to the fandom and I really like your blog. I read on Twitter that (anti rhetoric removed). I don’t know if I agree with that, but I remember seeing a video where they seemed angry with each other. What do you think?” and then respond to that.

Keep an eye on the responses to your posts. Anti rhetoric will certainly appear in the notes from time to time and should be cleared out when encountered.

View and read everything critically through the lens of “What is the message behind the message?” Be cautious and conscious of how the ask itself - or any discussion it could generate - might influence your audience, their perspectives and opinions.

Remember that one message breeds another and another. If you take a toxic or dubious ask, expect to be inundated by more of the same. People who find a platform for those messages will use the f*** out of that platform.

Consider only responding to controversial topics when they're brought up by people who are not hiding behind anon.

Remember that not all issues need to be discussed publicly. If someone seems to be spewing anti rhetoric or toxic fan rhetoric, rather than start a public debate involving anti perspectives that everyone will see and potentially be swayed by, it might be worthwhile to take it up via private message.

This may sound like a lot of paranoia, but trust me I have seen it in action. This is real, and a real threat to our little oasis of love.

If any particular blogger wants more information please feel free to contact me via private message (no Anons). Sorry, but unless you are a BXG blogger who regularly answers Anon questions, I will not discuss certain aspects of this problem with you in any more detail.

Advice For Readers: Read Critically, Ask Trusted BXG

You are of course aware that not everything you read about GG and/or DD is true and you probably already read information about them with an eye to what might be inaccurate. Doubly important is to read information about them with an eye to what might be intentionally misleading, or to what might be trying to take one or both of them down. If something tends to make one or both of them look bad, there’s a really good chance that is the intent of the author.

Be cautious about the sorts of ideas you might be unintentionally spreading through the community by talking about anti messages. You might be sharp enough to realize it’s a bunch of lies, but the people you are discussing these things with might not be quite as discerning as you, and they might get sucked into views you didn’t intend for them to learn from you. It’s always best to avoid repeating, reblogging, retweeting or spreading these messages around in any way. The fewer people who see them, the better.

If you are submitting an ask to a blogger, especially if that ask is going to be anonymous, be careful how you phrase it so that you aren’t unwittingly parroting hateful rhetoric or copy/pasting anti rhetoric or hate into someone’s ask box.

If you come across something that seems hateful it’s far better to block and ignore (and report, when appropriate) than it is to engage in debate. The most powerful weapon against hate is to not fuel it or give it a voice in the community. Fan wars actively harm GG and DD and only benefit the antis. Don’t become free troll farm labor for the antis.

Beware of your own curiosity. You do not need to understand these topics in order to support GG and DD, and it’s safer to be in the dark about them than it is to explore them. A lot of the anti messages are extremely sophisticated and misleading, and are carefully crafted to appeal to fans. Don’t assume you are immune to their rhetoric. Many unsuspecting fans have been caught up and turned into antis.

If something looks fishy and you’re unsure, contact a trusted BXG for more info. I think almost every blogger would be happy to help you assess things and help you steer clear of this garbage.

Trust your intuition. If something makes you feel bad, steer clear.

Advice For 🐜: Get Lost

Let me be abundantly clear:

You will not find a home for hate on my blog.

I will not post messages against either GG or DD.

The toxic behavior you engage in is hurtful to others. Please stop.

Find something more constructive and meaningful to do with your time.

TL;DR

We’re all here to love and support GG and DD. We are fortunate to be able to bask in wonderful GGDD content and in the love that we all have for them. Let’s protect that by not giving hate a voice here. To avoid/fend off an infestation we must stomp 🐜 whenever we see them. Not by engaging with them, but via delete, ignore, block (and report when appropriate).

It’s far better to not know anything at all about anti rumors, scandals and fan fights than to dig into them. We do not need to know those things in order to be BXG, or to support GG and DD. I think a lot of fans feel obligated to know what’s going on, and that’s not the case.

Standard disclaimer: This is my opinion based on my own personal experience. This message is intended to be supportive, not prescriptive. You might have different ideas - even better ideas. If so I’d love to hear them.

And of course we all know that BJYX is fake and this is all fan fiction. Thanks for reading.

#bjyx #yizhan #bxg perspectives #antis go home #fandom reflections

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marvelmusing · 3 years

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Making Time

Mobius M Mobius x Reader

Part 5

Series Masterlist • My Masterlist

“There's nothing, sir.” The analyst says, looking up from the computer to inform you and Mobius.

“Have you used the magnified nexus threshold?” You ask him. Mobius nods in agreement.

“That one should be setting off alarms if somebody steps on the wrong leaf.”

“Wherever they are, I'm not sure anything survives.” The analyst argues.

“Yeah. Don't underestimate them. You see anything down at Roxxcart? They're gone. Leaping across time, plotting their next massacre.” You glance over at Mobius. He seemed a little shaken by whatever Renslayer told him after her meeting with the Time-Keepers. B-15 stops beside Mobius,

“Any news on C-20?” She asks. Mobius doesn’t look at her as he answers,

“No.”

“We need to find them.” She insists, her gaze fixed on the timeline in front of you.

“We will.” Suddenly an analyst perks up.

“We've got something. Temporal lock.” Everyone watches the timeline as a branch extends from the main line, faster than you’ve ever seen before.

“Okay, that's not someone stepping on the wrong leaf.” Mobius comments.

“You ever seen a branch like that?” You ask the two of them. B-15 shakes her head faintly.

“No.”

You spend the morning gathering paperwork for Mobius. You organise all the mission reports regarding the Loki Case and before long Mobius arrives to collect them.

“Thanks [Y/N].” He scoops the files up from your desk. You smile up at him.

“No problem. How’s it going with Loki?” He sighs, leaning against your desk beside you.

“I don’t know. He seems quite defensive, so I’ve left him in a Time Cell.” You nod.

“What’s he said?” He laughs softly.

“He said the TVA’s lying to me. Obviously some kind of lie he’s trying to spin.” You nod again, lost in thought. “You alright?” You glance back at him.

“Yeah, of course.” He pushes himself away from your desk, adjusting his grip on the files.

“I’d better get this to Renslayer.”

“If you need anything, I’ll be here.” He nods,

“I’ll see you later.”

“See you.”

It isn’t long before Mobius is back. He’s striding through the cubicles, heading straight for your desk.

“Come with me.” Is all he says. Which is all it takes for you to stand up and follow him. You’re both quiet as you make your way to the archives. Mobius finds a deserted corner, and tucks the two of you away behind a row of shelves.

“What’s going on?” You whisper, as you watch him pull a TemPad out of his pocket.

“I’m not sure yet.” You watch the screen as he scans through the most recent files.

“That’s not your-“

“It’s Ravonna’s.” You look up at him sharply. He looks a mix of anxious and excited, like he goes when he’s close to a breakthrough on a case. You look back at the screen when something starts playing. It’s a video of C-20. The hunter that was enchanted by the variant.

“You're not hearing me. I was there. This was real, what I saw. This is a place that I've been. This wasn't the TVA. This was a memory. I lived down there. I went to that bar. I had friends. I had a whole life on the Sacred Timeline.”

“Calm down.” You hear Renslayer say to her.

“Calm down? I'm a Variant. So are you. So is every single person in this place.”

“I'm ending this.” The video ends, the face of Renslayer paused as she stops the recording. You look back at Mobius.

“Ravonna said C-20 was dead. That the variant had scrambled her mind.” He tells you.

“She seemed pretty upset. But not scrambled.” You say. He nods,

“I think Loki was right.”

“What do we do now?”

“I don’t know. But I know where to start. I’ll go get Loki, you get Sylvie.”

“Sylvie?”

“The other Loki variant, that’s her name.” You nod. The two of you make your way out of the archives. You spilt up, Mobius going to Loki, you going to find Sylvie. You approach the time theatre where Sylvie is being kept, before asking the hunters on guard to let you in for an interrogation. The hunter closest to you offers his baton, which you accept with a smile. As the doors open, you see a woman sat on one of the chairs in the centre of the room. Her hair is slightly damp, and her legs are propped up on the desk in front of her. She glances at you as you enter the room. Once the door is closed you say to her,

“I’m a friend of Loki’s. I’m going to get you out of here.” She looks up at you in surprise, though before she can respond the door opens. You spin around to see Renslayer stepping into the room. She takes one look at Sylvie before saying,

“Who else was in here with her?”

“Sorry, ma'am, B-15 insisted.” One of the hunters responds.

“Put out an alert for Hunter B-15. She too has been compromised by the Variant.”

“She too? Who else has been compromised?” You ask her, feigning innocence and praying that Mobius is safe. She gives you an unwavering look.

“Agent Mobius. He unfortunately became very unstable, and was consequently pruned.” The baton in your grasp trembles.

“Pruned?” You repeat quietly. Not Mobius. Please, no. The hunters move forward to seize Sylvie and you use that to your advantage. You slam your baton into the back of his head, before swinging at the other one beside you. Once they’re on the floor, you twist the baton, the end glowing as you lunge at Renslayer. But she’s too quick. She dodges. Grabbing your baton, and using your momentum to push you against the wall. Holding the baton in both hands, she pushes it against your throat. You squirm and struggle against her. One of the hunters forces a time collar around your neck, then you’re reversed to back where you were a minute ago. The hunter hands the time twister to Renslayer who takes it with a smirk. Hot tears of frustration and grief flood down your face. You attempt another lunge at her,

“You little bit-“ You’re reversed backwards in an instant. A small sob wracks you as you stare at her. “He trusted you!” She turns back to the hunters.

“Let’s take them both to the Time-Keepers.” The hunters grasp ahold of you and Sylvie, and March you down the corridors, towards the elevator leading to the Time-Keepers. You hold your head high, despite the tears staining your cheeks. As you reach the elevator the hunters stop. You hear Sylvie whisper an,

“Are you okay?” To which he nods faintly. You glance over at Loki. He returns your gaze.

“[Y/N], I’m so sorry.” He whispers, looking as heartbroken as you felt. You swallow hard,

“It’s not your fault Loki.” You tell him.

“I’ve got them from here.” Renslayer tells the hunters, who then let go of you and leave. The four of you step into the elevator. After a small conversation between Sylvie and Renslayer, which makes you hate her even more, the elevator doors open and you step out to meet the Time-Keepers.

“Gracious Time-Keepers, as promised, the Variants.”

“After all your struggle, at last, you've arrived before us. What do you have to say for yourselves before you meet your end, Variants?” The Lizard in the middle says, looking down at the three of you. Loki speaks first.

“Is that the only reason you brought us here? To kill us? I've lost track of the number of times I've been killed, so go ahead. Do your worst.”

“You and your bravado are no threat to us, Variant.” Sylvie shakes her head.

“Oh, no, I don't think you believe that. I think...” As she steps forward Renslayer reverses her back, but she continues, “I think you're scared.”

“No, Variant. You're nothing but a cosmic disappointment. Delete them.”

“No, I'm not done with you yet.” There’s a buzz, then your time collar drops to the ground. You look at door to see B-15 with Sylvie’s sword in hand.

“For all time. Always.” She says, throwing the sword to Sylvie which she catches.

“Protect the Time-Keepers!” Renslayer orders. Then the fighting breaks out. You manage to fight off a few of the Time-Keepers guards, though Sylvie and Loki do most of the work. You watch as Sylvie throws her sword at the Time-Keepers, swiping the head of one of them. With a crackle of electricity, the head bounces along the steps to land in front of Loki.

“Fake. Mindless androids. It never stops.” Sylvie throws the head down angrily.

“Then who created the TVA?” Loki asks.

“I thought this was it.” The two of them appear to be having some kind of moment, so you look away. Only to be grabbed by a guard who’s regained consciousness. As you push him away you notice Renslayer advancing towards Loki. You cry out his name in warning but it’s too late. Loki disappears in a fizzle of sparks. Sylvie charges at Renslayer, seizing her baton and pushing her against the steps. You stand at Sylvie’s side with your baton raised.

“Do it.” Renslayer goads.

“No.” You say.

“You’re going to tell us everything.”

Tagslist: @n0obmaster69 @mackycat11 @wibblywobblyjeremybearimy @boriqs @aloisia @fandom-lover-4 @lam-ila @momos-peaches @gracey07 @morganwilliams @greeneyedblondie44

If you’d like to be tagged just ask!!

#agent mobius x reader #mobius m mobius x reader #mobius imagine #mobius m mobius #mobius mcu #mobius x reader #mobius loki #agent mobius #loki 2021 #marvel x reader #marvel fics

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changeling-rin · 3 years

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Is there a character list for Dimensional Links somewhere that I've just missed? Cuz I was following along with the pokemon post really well until, abruptly, I wasn't. Maybe stick a link to it in the notes at the head of the fic (on AO3, I have no idea how that'd work on fanfiction. net) Sorry to bother

You know, I forget sometimes that new people like to follow me. I think there’s this bit in my brain that says, “Oh, you have all the Followers you’re ever going to have, there’s no such thing as New People” and then I forget to explain all the things to the New People who do, in fact, exist.

So! I’m guessing the part where I lost you was either at Oni or at RSE, so I’m gonna start with Oni and go down from there.

Oni, depending on whether you read the FF.net version or the AO3 version, you may not have met yet. If you haven’t, then... whoops, Spoilers, sorry. He’s the Fierce Deity. I headcanon that he’s the Link from the SS Prequel Manga, the one that Hylia decided to lose her divinity for, and then he got put into a mask for Reasons That I Have Not Revealed Yet and then Majora happened, and, well, it’s Majora, so.

RSE is my shorthand for Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, (like how I use RGBV for Red, Green, Blue, and Vio) and they are the trio of Links from the TriForce Heroes game. I also may refer to them as the TriLinks. They’re some of the planned Link appearances for the spin-off/sequel idea for DL that I’m working on (because how could I not, you know?) and while I feel like I’ve talked about my sequel boys quite a lot, please see the above New People comment for the reason as to why I forgot people might not have read those particular posts.

Rune is also a sequel boy, being the Link from Breath of the Wild. He’s quiet, good at cooking, naturally has numerous memory problems, and is immediately going to trigger every single one of Dusk’s Older Sibling Instincts.

Lux is another sequel boy, he’s the Link from Hyrule Warriors. He’s chronically upset about everything, all the time, and also I made him mute because I could and also because you need to have a nonverbal Link somewhere, it’s an insult to canon otherwise.

Lyric is also a sequel boy, and he’s the Link from Cadence of Hyrule. He likes to dance, is also really good at dancing, ironically can’t play an instrument to save his life, and probably sings along to the Universe Music.

Now, the OC boys are the two Links that I’ve entirely made up, from one source or another. Codex is the Link from another story I write, The Top 100 Things I’d Do If I Ever Became An Evil Overlord. Originally he wasn’t intended to be his own thing, but then somebody asked me what his name was and why he was writing the list, and suddenly he turned into a beleaguered college student with way too much stress on his plate, and the Evil Overlord List turned into his college thesis paper research. He’s snarky, sarcastic, and running on entirely too much caffeine and too little sleep to be entirely coherent but screw you for pointing it out he’s fine, thanks very much.

Wraith, on the other hand, was entirely an accident. It started when somebody asked me what would have happened if Demise had actually won back in Chapter 19 (Lightning, Which Is Also On Fire), and like the angst-stunted person that I am my brain decided to make it funny by having all the dead and defeated Heroes start haunting Demise to make his life miserable. This then evolved into, ‘Well who’s stopping Demise then?’ which evolved into, ‘Well obviously the Links are gonna go find somebody to do that’ which evolved into ‘Well that means the new kid can see ghosts’ and then suddenly he had a name and a cheerful sunshine child personality and the concerning ability to see and interact with dead people. Even in hindsight I’m still not entirely sure how Wraith happened, but he did, and I love him.

I hope this helped, and sorry for the confusion!

#hullitronics #Changeling Answers #DL Questions #The Sequel Boys #The OC Boys #Sorry for the confusion #it still surprises me when people like my stuff #for some reason it genuinely doesn't occur to me #and I forget that I need to explain it #Sorry again

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heir-of-talon · 3 years

Text

Another chapter with my favourite ship. But maybe I should wreck it?

HEIR OF TALON 3

Warnings: explicit/underage

Summary:

Garret and Ember spend a day together trying to have fun.

Boy of summer

Garret

I woke up aroused and confused entangled in Ember's warm body. She was asleep, with her thigh carelessly thrown across my hips, her arm resting on my chest with the palm over my rapidly beating heart. I laid motionless for a while enjoying the touch of our bodies, feeling her breath on my neck and wishing that we could stay like this forever. But how could we with all the work awaiting us? This was not a good life for a young girl. Not that I knew much about it, yet still I could see her fading away, every time I saw her she was less lively, less herself and more tired, sad or angry. She insisted that this was what she wanted, that this was important to her. But the Order was less and less important to me. With each group of survivors emerging I could see, that the Order of St George was founded on values, that I could no longer share or excuse. I only continued as their commander to ensure, that the Order will not bounce right back and attack the dragons. But maybe being away in order to protect Ember from a change of hearts in the Order I was failing her in other ways, that were just as important. There, bleak thoughts chased away excitement and pleasure. I needed to get up and get active to clear my head.

I tried gently to wriggle free of Ember's limbs when she tensed and a pair of green eyes snapped open pinning me with intense gaze. The tension and expression melted away almost immediately and she smiled lazily. "Good morning commander" she said raising on one elbow to gaze down at me. Her fingertips slowly traced irregular patterns on the bare skin of my chest sending sweet thrills into my stomach. She pouted her lips and my thoughts strayed to another time, when she was touching me like that, a cargo bed in a clearing in some forgotten end of woods. I wanted her so much, I gathered her closer to my chest with my one arm. "Good morning ma'am, any special wishes for your humble servant?" She giggled and patted me mockingly. "Don't! Think if somebody hears us now? That would ruin the alliance. They would think I have you in thrall." She teased. "Maybe you do?" I said solemnly. "I do what?" She asked. "Have me in thrall. Because I feel that I would do anything for you without giving it a second thought". I looked deep into her eyes letting the joke and the truth sink in. Ember smiled and kissed me, pressing her body closer to mine. I ran my hand down her back and ass and felt heat kindling again in the pit of my stomach. She felt my cock pressing at her thigh and purred with delight before she straddled me grinding her breasts and belly against my upper body. I held her and kissed her, tasting her tongue and breath. I wanted her, my loins were on fire aching with desire and she was right there on top of me, warm and eager. I wanted her to burn me again, if she must. I just needed to be as close as possible. Some part of me seemed melting and running into her already. I felt my heart burning for her when my hands slipped under her t-shirt and stroked her back and sides of her breast, that were pressed tightly against me. I gripped her ass with my other hand. We needed to get her out of these clothes. I peered into Ember's eyes to tell her that and my voice caught in my throat. I could feel blood chilling in my veins. The impression was there and gone but I suddenly felt strange premonition and a thought crossed my mind, that she could just as well be on another planet the way things were. As if some illusion got dispelled by whatever I found on the bottom of the smiling green eyes. So I took her face in both my hands, kissed her briefly and asked. "What do you want to do today?"

"How about nothing?" She said. "I should probably go to my office and grant a ratification of Viper's agreement." She mused, her forehead creasing. "What are you going to do?" She asked. "I'm taking a day off to maintain my dragon girlfriend" I said smiling. "She can literally breath fire and bite my head off and I've been rather neglecting her lately..." Ember smiled happily and kissed me. "Deal. I cannot believe it is the soldier who talks me into skipping work!" She laughed. I rolled to the side making her to lay down beside me and kissing her. We kissed and touched for some time and it was great even though some of the strangely unpleasant feeling lingered in my chest. At last Ember declared herself famished and we decided to leave the bed and seek some breakfast.

*****

I walked towards the waterline with my newly bought and waxed surfing board. Ember let herself woo into buying a new high-tech board that doesn't require waxing by the attendant at the surfing shop and course centre by the beach. Then she proceeded to huff and puff and roll her eyes when I waxed mine with the attendant giving me tips and talking about how fine the weather was for surfing. When I was finished she ran towards the water and now waited for me in shallows beckoning for me to hurry. "Come on Garret! What is it? Are you regretting our bet?" She grinned. I said nothing watching distant surf ahead. "Don't worry, I'll treat you kindly when you lose." "How generous of you." I answered and started deeper into the water. I was exhilarated I could almost feel the vastness of the ocean surrounding me, the freedom calling to me. I looked at Ember and could see, that she had the same revelation. She was grinning madly with her eyes shining, there was nothing left of the exhausted girl in crumpled suit from yesterday. She might be CEO of Talon but she looked more like an overworked intern. It was quite a swim to reach the swells, but neither of us complained. Finally we were there and the wave was coming. Ember's attention focused completely on getting ready to catch it, so I decided to strike back. "How much money?!" I shouted. "What?" She seemed confused her eyes still focused on incoming swells. "How much money you bet on me being pounded more than you?!" "Million dollars soldier boy, you are going down!" She shouted and made to stand up anytime. "I cannot match that!" I teased her. "Million dollars against a daim!" She grinned madly and tried to stand up. I followed her suit and after wobbling a bit went tumbling off into turquoise waters. When I emerged and got water out of my eyes I saw Ember already recovering her board visibly enjoying herself.

Her enjoyment was somewhat diminished when, after three more approaches, where we both got wiped out, I managed to catch the wave and ride it without falling. The experience was almost overwhelming, after months of running, fighting and then managing what was left of the Order, I have almost forgotten, what it is like to do something for the sheer feeling of it. Three more rides and Ember was scowling, she fell off every time and finally, I could not enjoy this anymore. "Let's call it a day!" I shouted to her. "No! You don't get to win this easily!" She seemed close to tears and I could not stand the thought, that I have somehow caused this. I could not remember Ember being such a sour loser. I waded all the way to her and hugged her tightly. "Ember, it's not fun anymore. Let's go and get something to eat." Food managed to lift her spirits nine out of ten times. She looked at me as if she was about to say something nasty, but then she seemed to relax.

We got out of water, changed into dry clothes and drove to a steak house not far away. Over a steak that could cover her whole upper body Ember seemed to cheer up a bit. I watched amazed as the enormous piece of meat disappeared fast in this slip of a girl. It was fascinating, how could I ever have missed this ravenous appetite?

"Go on. Mock me. I deserve it." She said. "Come on Ember, can't we let it go? Or maybe agree on best out of three..." I did not care a bit about this wager, and it definitely was not worth Ember's discomfort for me. "No! I've lost miserably and now have to explain to Archivist, why exactly we have to transfer one million dollars to you." I was dumbstruck. "Don't even think about it! I wouldn't accept it. I didn't mean it seriously." She must have hit her head. "A bet is a bet. You might not have meant it, but I did." She said. "Why? Why would you want to bet a million to a daim on anything?". I was incredulous. "Because I was sure I'd win? Because I have all this millions and apparently can't use them on anything that would bring me joy..." Ember was tearing up again, it pained me to see her so fragile, she was definitely not well. I stood up and slipped into our booth on her side of the table. I put my arm around her shoulders and pulled her to my chest. "I don't want your money Ember. I love you. I want you to be happy. I know you feel that changing Talon is your responsibility, but maybe someone else could help to administrate the changes?" She looked at me doubtfully. "If you have that much money, maybe pay uncle Liam and aunt Sarah to take care of you in Crescent Beach until you turn eighteen? You could surf every day after school with Lexi and Calvin." I stopped seeing her gaping at me. Then she started to laugh, somewhat joyless, until it turned into sobs and she was weeping and I had no idea what to do other than to hold her.

At last she came to herself. "Oh Garret, how wonderful this would be. But it's impossible." "Why? Why is it impossible Ember? I am sick of the Order. They are adults, let them clean their own mess. We need to do other things in our lives than their bidding. Isn't that why you've rebelled in the first place?" She watched me in silence. "I would gladly leave the Order. Even if that meant I'd have to go to school and work at a gas station. If it meant that I could be with you." I stopped having said all I had to say.

"Oh my! Garret, you truly mean it?!" She said at last. Then she looked very conflicted. "They will never let us go Garret. I don't know if I can live a normal life. This is too much!" But I could feel that she was considering it, so I said. "You don't have to decide right now. Just think about it. I want very much to be with you. Even if you stay in Talon. I could be your bodyguard." Finally Ember's gaze softened. "You would do that for me? Leave the Order?" She said. "I already did. Something just got messed up underway and we ended up exactly, where we started." I said. I have been thinking a lot about our current situation and with each day, when I was away from Ember, fighting Order's battles in a war where there was neither honour nor fortune for me to win, I saw clearer how life was slipping through my fingers. It was possible that it would take more than human lifetime to change the Order and Talon. And even though I was granted extended life by Riley I felt, that this time would be wasted just as well. We would not be as we are, to move on, once the process is advanced enough to let it continue on its own. Ember was already changed beyond recognition after mere months of this life. I caught myself more and more often at hating the Order of St George and Talon and all the mess I was handling on the behalf of both. We had a choice. We've made this choice once, we could make it again. So I put my arms tightly around her and said. "I want to be with you Ember. You've told me, I can live for centuries. But my mind and heart are still human. I miss you. I feel I'm wasting my life being away and struggling to keep control of an organisation, that I'd rather leave. We could be together. I would take care of you while you're taking care of your business." Ember twisted in my embrace putting her arms around my waist and pressed her face to my chest, hugging me tightly. I held her feeling once again the rightness of this, this was where I was supposed to be. This was what I should be doing. At last she looked up at me with shining eyes. "I want that Garret. I miss you too. And Talon can be too much. But I'm afraid that if I just cash out few millions and leave, I'll wake up surrounded by Vipers some time soon. Talon must be at least partially dismantled before it's safe to leave it alone." She started frowning her look vacant. "Then let us work towards this together." I said. "Okay, let's do this together." She said calm now.

I moved back to sit in front of my cold food. Fortunately I have eaten enough before Ember started crying. We ordered waffles with softice for dessert and headed for Ember's apartment. In the car Ember spoke suddenly. "I think I'll give you the million anyways... don't protest. You don't have to use it if you don't want it. Think about it as something you're keeping safe for me, should I ever need it. Like an emergency trust found." It did not sit well with me. "Only if you consider my offer." I answered. "About Crescent Beach." "Deal, I'll think about it." She answered a bit too smugly. We drove back to city listening to old rock songs playing from the radio. Sun was slowly setting and the world was cast in this unreal light, that made it look like a place from a fairytale, like anything was possible.

***

We tumbled onto Ember's white sofa right after entering the apartment. Any weariness from being pounded and peddling for hours left me instantly. Ember pulled off her t-shirt and I cupped her warm soft breast in my hand feeling her heart beating wildly inside it. I bent to kiss it, tasting her skin and hard pointy nipple when my phone rang.

Only two people had this number, it was only to be used in case of emergency. "Ember it's emergency number." I said apologetically and fished the phone from my pants. It was Tristan. It could wait. I put it on silent and moved to lay between Ember's legs again when she braced her hand on my chest. "If it's an emergency shouldn't you check it?" She asked. I should but I don't want to. I thought, and aloud I said. "It's Tristan, he probably wants to know when I will be back." "Still you should check." She said pulling on her t-shirt and pressing her knees together leaving me with few other options. I groaned with disappointment and nestled in another corner of the sofa.

"What is it?" My voice was raspy and my tone was slightly impatient. I cleared my throat. "Have I interrupted something commander?!" Tristan sounded uncharacteristically sour. "Yes, get to the point." I was sure my discomfort could match whatever he felt. "An hour ago commander Knight, six of his people and his wife and daughter arrived. He claims to be commander of some southern chapterhouse, that I have never heard about. He says they're top secret intelligence team. Anyways he's already questioning alliance with dragons, threatening us all with persecution for treason and claiming command over Western Chapterhouse including you and me. So you better get here before he executes someone commander." Shit. Apparently I could not catch a break either.

I quickly reported news to Ember. "You should go right away Garret." She said solemnly. "This sounds serious and dangerous.... for our plans. You and Tristan are the only people inside the Order of St George, that I can trust. We can't risk you getting sidelined by some conservative bloodthirsty commander." As more and more blood circulated in my body I could see her point and had a few of my own to add, but I hated leaving her like that. "I don't want to leave you." I said. "You are not leaving me. You go away to make preparations for our escape." She gave me a brave smile and I kissed her hungrily, letting my hands roam her body, trying commit to memory as much of her as possible, the touch of soft warm skin, the taste of her lips, scent of her hair. I was about to suggest we wait with it till the morning, when she pulled away. "Go Garret. Call me when you know more. I'll help you any way I can, remember." She kissed me again. "I love you Garret. Even though I can't surf anymore." She added and followed me to the doors where she kissed me once more and stood watching, when I waited for the elevator.

#ember hill #fanfiction #julie kagawa #talon series #talon saga #garret xavier sebastian

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anastasiaenache003 · 3 years

Text

Killer Queen

Summary: A mysterious killer walks anonimously on the streets of London. A young woman and a young man meet at the restaurant.

“Caviar and cigarettes

Well versed in etiquette

Extraordinarly nice

She’s a Killer Queen”

Word count: 3,5k

Warnings: mentions of death

The last beams of sunlight hit the white wooden bedside table through the half-open curtains, revealing an elegant dark-brown revolver and a pair of burgundy velvet gloves. The room remains silent for a few solid minutes before something shifts in the background- the bathroom door creaked open, echoing in the empty apartment. Barely-heard footsteps approach the light-gray wardrobe, as well as an unknown female silhouette. Long and thin fingers linger over the silky fabric of the pale-blue jumpsuite, then move on to the woolen knitted beige sweater and the cashmere mini-skirt. These could have made a great clothing choice the other day, but today, she needs to shine in the limelight; today, each and every eye must watch and admire her.

Her gaze falls upon a cocktail silk wine dress with golden embroideries alongside the shoulder line. She gently takes it out of the grand wardrobe and carefully places it on top of the bed as she wanders her eyes upon it: delicate, yet sensual off-shoulder collar, narrow middle that would clearly bring out her slim figure and a flamboyant fluffy skirt that goes just bellow the ankle. "Perfect!" she thinks. The woman then proceeds to the right corner of the room- she keeps her Moet and Chandon in her pretty cabinet. She takes out a tiny bottle and pours herself a little champagne in the glass, just to calm down her nerves a bit and to set the mood for the following evening. The champagne bubbles tickle her tongue, then her throat, until a calming heat envelopes her chest. "What a feeling", she barely whispers, "to drink from a vintage bottle of Moet... Why can't they serve it in each and every restaurant? Ah, screw them all!" she adds as she puts the glass down on the cabinet and then says, haughtily:" Let them eat cake!", just like Mary Antoinette.

* * * * *

The old horologe strikes seven times, announcing the departure time for our mistress, as little "clicks" of a pair of onyx high-heels echo in the large hotel hall, lightened only by the orange streetlight. Luckily for the young lady, the hall is suspiciously empty for such an early hour, for it usually would have been crowded with new guests, chit-chatting all the way round. Soon, the elevator takes the woman downstairs, where awaits her another „prey", as she likes to call her clients.

The lobby was, in contrast to the floor hall, packed to the fullest with different sorts of people, creating a light noise: clerks, bussinessmen, simple voyageurs and old but rich gentlemen and ladies, everyone seems to be extremely focused and to have an extremely important thing to talk about with the hotel staff. However, as soon as she appears in the doorway, a white fur coat on her shoulders, the noise muffles and each eye focuses in her direction, devouring her each gracious movement. Of course everybody knew her and what she was doing, and yet some things still remained unknown to the public eye. In the local press, she was commonly recalled as a „built-in remedy for Khrushchev and Kennedy"; her "exquisite and specific" way to solve things has always been thrilling the audience, but something was stopping the journalists to intrude in her personal life, something only a handful of people knew, but were never going to talk about.

This evening, she was expecting a special "guest". She has been told, by the company she has been working for, to expect, at any time of the week, an invitation she couldn't decline, from a well-known wealthy young man. A table for two had been set in the farthest corner of the luxurious restaurant, creating a quite intimate atmosphere to chat: the candle-light was coloring the surroundings with a warm reddish light, as the table was enclosed by thin silky curtains, secluding it from the rest of the restaurant.

* * * * * *

The young man had arrived, as he should, a few minutes earlier than our precious lady. As a matter of good service, he has been served with an aperitif consisting of black caviar tartelettes and, upon his wish, a packet of one of the most expensive cigarettes. As he blew the smoke through his half-open lips, he was peering at the hotel guests, wondering about yet another of his illegal affairs- the perks of being the head of an extremely dangerous Yakuza syndicate. He was breathing dollars while golden coins were running through his veins right to his little black-haired head. He carefully ran his fingers across the pocket knife case he was carrying in one of his jacket's pockets; just in case, he always thought. He tried to hide as much as possible his true identity, and yet he liked to be precautious.

This was his first time ever travelling to London, so he decided to have a day off his dangerous and complicated duties, preferring to spend it as he would love to. That included spending a night with a rather outrageous and beautiful woman. As from what his closest friends have claimed to know, this was the hotel where a mysterious and extremely good-looking young lady chose to stay at from time to time. They said he would recognize her immediately, so he didn't ask for further explanation. It was a bit strange of him not to do a full research about the person he was about to meet; this time, he felt like it was of no use. He just wanted to relax, once in a while. What could a charming young lady do to him? How could she possibly harm him?

* * * * * * *

10 minutes later than the client, that was the no.1 rule for her. No matter what, she had to wait for 10 minutes before making contact with her customer. She'd stopped by the bar and ordered a glass of champagne and while sipping it, she had been revising the fastidious plan she'd got in her head. Standard procedures, for about half-an-hour, a brief moment of relaxation and then...

Suddenly, she spotted him in the furthest corner of the restaurant, half-hidden by the silk curtains. She didn't mistake him for somebody else, it was clearly the person she'd been told about. It seemed he noticed her too. Slowly, she climbed off the bar stool, picked her golden sparkling clutch and made her way to the unknown man. The clock on the wall was showing 19:20.

As she approached him, she took in his features: he must have been in his mid-thirties, considerably wealthy and even a bit handsome. When he firstly spoke to her, she was slightly taken aback by him being so well versed in etiquette: he kissed her hand, then he offered her a seat at the table, not forgetting to constantly compliment her about her astonishing (if that wasn't true) appearance tonight. However stunned she might have seemed, she managed to exquisitely return the favor, behaving extraordinarily nice towards the young man. She asked him questions about himself, about his job, about what he was pursuing during his short visit in London, which was just a time-killer technique. Soon, they were sharing a bottle of mid-18th century red wine, showing apparent signs of mutual attraction towards each other while chit-chatting about every possible subject.

* * * * * *

"I've been told that this beautiful town is home to a terrific and mysterious killer who loves torturing his victims in some "specific" ways. Is it true, kitten?" asked the man with hints of suspicion in his dark black eyes. The young lady looked him straight into the eyes and replied with a cocky smile on her lips:

" Well, she's a Killer Queen indeed! All gunpowder and gelatine, some still wonder if she uses dynamite with a laser beam to kill her victims..." she added half-joking while sipping her wine.

"It is a she, then?" he smiled. "I definitely wouldn't have thought that a town like London could be terrorized by a... young lady, maybe just like you- "

"Don't judge a book by its cover, the saying says" she sharply answered. "The rumors are still valid, and once you met her, she's guaranteed to blow your mind. Anytime" she accentuated the last word on purpose.

"Touché!" the young man exclaimed and took another sip from his glass. "But still, from what I heard, she's supposed to work as an extravagant and luxurious courtesan, in order to... you know... attract her clientele or whatsoever. How do the papers say? Recommended at the price, insatiable an appetite-".

"Wanna try?" she finished, gazing in the distance, clearly having remembered something which made her lost in her thoughts for a couple of minutes. He noticed it and, not wanting to disturb the moment, relaxed into the cushions, lightened another cigarette and sat with closed eyes, smoking from time to time. The restaurant was now half-empty, so the music could be heard clearer in the nocturnal silence.

"What's the tune they're playing right now?" he suddenly asked. "I don't remember hearing it."

"It's My Melancholy Blues" she breathed out. "An old but a good one. Haven't heard it in ages!"

"I think it's beautiful..." he whispered, looking up at the ceiling and blowing the smoke in the air. "Shall we go upstairs, kitten? It's almost too late, and this place is about to close its doors. Plus, we'll be able to continue our acquaintance in a more intimate atmosphere, don't you think so?" he added after a few seconds, louder this time.

"Then what are we waiting for?" she smiled coyly. "Finally! It took you ages to say that", she thought to herself. Without waiting for his response, she headed to the grand elevators who would take them up to the luxurious apartment she was staying in. "Don't worry, my dear", she purred in his ear as the doors closed, "I promise I will make this night unforgettable for both of us! The best is yet to come..."

* * * * * *

"You know, I do resonate at some level with this enigmatic killer lady we've been talking about downstairs" the young woman started as she stepped out of the steamy bathroom.

"Like... how? Don't tell me you're a killer too!" the man laughed. "It would be so pathetic for me not to have noticed it in advance! But I must admit, you really don't look like one, to be honest..."

"Like I told you before, don't judge a book by its cover. Appearances might lie", she spoke as she put on her white bathrobe. The view from the floor-to-ceiling window in her room was spectacular: night-time London, sparkling with infinite colorful lights of the Christmas decorations, and a thin moon in the dark-grey sky, still covered by solitary clouds.

"Oh, so I must be precautious with you, kitten?" the man spoke with a husky voice.

"Like I said, I do resonate at some level with the killer woman" she repeated while pouring herself some water in an empty glass.

"I'm all ears to hear your story, kitten".

She looked him up and down with hooded eyes. "Glad it will be the last you hear tonight", she thought.

"So, as you might have already known, the lady preferred, in order to avoid complications, to never have the same address. Never in her whole life. That's where our first common thing pops up: I'm a runaway since the age of eighteen, so I constantly change place in order not to, you know, get caught..."

"Can I ask you who do you run away from?" the man propped his head on the elbows, curiously.

"It's a prohibited topic that only a handful of people get to know about me" she cut him. "Oh, don't be so fucking ridiculous! Don't act like you don't remember at all that night! We both know you're not that innocent!" she shouted in her mind. "Anyway, the young lady didn't meet any problems with finding herself a new and secure place. Among people, she was known as a rather well-educated person, with an exquisite sense of modesty, intelligence and natural beauty. In conversation, she spoke just like a baroness, which gave her a carte-blanche in her relationships with some quite wealthy people-".

"Well, here I can't complain, you spoke indeed like a baroness at the restaurant. My fair lady..." he continued, "I can only bet that you're well known among the London royalty..." he wondered, looking at her with admirative eyes. She returned the look and sat closer to him on the edge of the bed.

"However, there is a point where our destinies do separate, you know?" she stated, caressing his jawline. "One day, she met a man from China. A gorgeous young Chinese man who she fell in love with instantly. Then, she went down to Geisha Minah, one of her closest friends, in order to get a sort of prediction of her future with this man" she continued her idea. He was listening to her carefully and attentively, watching every move of her lips as she talked, the changing light in her green eyes, the way the warm light from the bedside lamp was creating unique shadows on her beautiful face. He tried to kiss her, but was suddenly shushed: "Wrong decision, to be honest", she whispered, probably referring both to his unsuccessful attempt and to the storyline. "Eventually, she got upset, a feeling which grew into anger as she found out later that her dear friend and her "future" husband have been seeing each other for quite a long time behind her back. Being both a vulnerable and an explosive type of person, she decided to end the things fast."

"She killed them?" the man asked.

"The geisha's corpse was found near a river. In fact, pieces of her corpse. Some of them, probably the upper-half of the body, were locally skinned. Terrible view, not gonna lie" she told him.

"Oh... that's... I can't even find words to say something...It's... sadistic, evil!" he tried to find the right words. "Wait, and what about the poor guy? Had she done something to him?" he asked, nervously.

"She'd decided that his time hasn't come yet; maybe it was the simple fact that she still loved him and that there was a slight chance that she'd forgive him. But I tend to think that she wanted to leave him for a better moment to get her full rage on him", the lady hummed.

The young man fell silent for a few moments before he asked: "And why, may I ask, she became a serial killer? If the problem was only between her and these two people?"

She stood up and went to her white wooden cabinet. As she was rummaging through it, she spoke again, with a darker tone than before:" I haven't finished the story yet." The room fell silent once again, this time for a longer period of time, the silence being interrupted only by the cars roaring in the distance and her barely-audible humming of a childish song. "Then again incidentally/ If you're that way inclined..."

The tension was now growing heavy; it appeared that sparks of electricity would burst out of the air if someone dared to speak. Suddenly, the man's gaze fell upon the bedside table where the dark brown revolver had been laying. With a questioned look, he turned to our dear lady and asked her about it, already breathing heavily and starting to question what was going on in this room. Her response was quite of unusual one: she turned around, a huge grin spread over her face and eyes looking up and down the poor man's figure. "I told you that the story isn't finished yet", she teased.

She took a few steps closer to the bed and finally revealed what she was hiding behind her back.

"A scarf? Why on earth would you...?" he began but didn't manage to finish his sentence, as her hand pushed him down onto the mattress. She gently put a finger on his lips and mouthed a "relax" while hovering over him. "Let me take good care of you", she purred as she started tying his wrists together with her silky red scarf. Not knowing what to expect, the man decided, however, to relax into her touch and soon he felt hypnotized by her perfume, coming, naturally, from Paris.

"This young lady wasn't interested in cars. She couldn't care less about them" she suddenly admitted while tying the knot.

"Why did you say that?", he whispered.

"Just remembered", she muttered. "A funny detail that always made me laugh, even in such moments like this one", she admitted, laughing. "Okay, now that we're done here, I demand you to close your eyes", her words were now barely audible, yet so sensually pronounced that the man obliged immediately.

"There you go, sweetheart", she smiled to herself, "I found you, after all this time!"

She climbed off top of him, just in order to get her elegant revolver from the bedside table. She took a few seconds to admire it, especially her little artwork on its left side: "Fastidious and precise". Exactly how she was going to act next.

"Drop of a hat she's as willing as// Playful as a pussy cat// Then momentarily out of action//Temporarily out of gas//To absolutely drive you wild, wild", she hummed as she loaded the gun. Fastidious. She bended over the man like a feline. Having noticed the strange sound, he suddenly opened his eyes and, with a shocked look, stared at the revolver in her hand. She stopped and looked back at his puzzled expression, grinning cockily. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you not happy to see me? Oh, say something, otherwise I might think you aren't really excited to meet me.", she punctuated the last words, purring in his ear," You know that if I don't hear a word from that pretty mouth of yours, I might get really, really sad", she spat. "And you won't like it, at all".

He would have loved to say something, but the shock was still blocking all his body muscles. "What's wrong, sweetie? Cat got your tongue?", she asked him, innocently.

Something in her voice made something click in his mind. "It's you...", were the only words he managed to form. "The mysterious London killer... It was you, all this fucking time! How haven't I noticed it from the beginning? Oh, what a fool!", he half-shouted in desperation. All this time, she was watching him, all beaming with the anticipation: her pupils were extremely dilated, her cheeks got a hint of rose, but her breathing was still pretty stable. Precise.

"The story hasn't got an ending", she whispered, positioning her revolver at his temple. "Yet".

Primal fear could be seen in his dark eyes as he felt the cold gunpoint poking in his head. A drop of sweat ran down his forehead as he was shaking with fear.

"Any last words?", she looked him straight into the eyes.

"I just wish you would be killed as ruthlessly and mercilessly as you did with your victims... Bitch!", he growled with anger.

"Say hi to Minah from her dear best friend", she spat, disgusted.

Gunshot. Silently as possible. The blood instantly covered the pillows, as well as the remains of his brain. "Gross", she uttered. "Not the best way to die, I absolutely agree with you", she added, "but the ideal one for dogs like you".

She stood up from the bed, admired her another artwork for a few brief moments and then lifted the phone receiver from the cabinet.

"Office? Target successfully hit", she spoke with a metallic voice. The other side of the telephone went silent just after she finished her sentence. She put the receiver down and looked around, trying to compose her thoughts. The next thing she did was to dress in her casual clothes, a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt and a grey hoodie with a pair of old sneakers. The rest was meant to be left in the hotel room. She grabbed her suitcase, prepared in advance, and headed towards the exit door. Looking back once more at the dead corpse laying on the bed, she smiled. "Who waits the longest, gets the best", she said out loud, as if he could hear her, and disappeared silently in the dark hall.

* * * * * *

"The original victim of the London "Killer Queen" is now officially dead. Yoshito Takashi, aged 34, found dead in the Ritz hotel room where the killer is supposed to have stayed for a short period of time. Killed with only one silent shot from the vintage 1910s revolver, Takashi was found dead three days after the crime has been done. Further details are yet to be announced by the police. Further investigation will be held in the next days. The Ritz Hotel, one of the most famous hotels in London and Europe will be closed during the whole period of the investigation. The killer's whereabouts remain unknown."

* * * * * *

"Agent 303? A new target is waiting for you", the speaker stated with a plain voice.

"I'm ready. What am I supposed to do?", the lady asked, sipping her coffee.

*This is a fanfiction, a result of a song challenge that I found somewhere in mid-November and posted on Wattpad. I would like to “re-post” it here, so I could delete my Wattpad story( its format is just not for me, sorry). And no, it does not include any kind of mentions of the band members, it is just how I see the song:)

**It looks like I’ll be more and more active on Tumblr these days because I suddenly felt an urge to write...:)

#killer queen #queen fanfiction #song challenge #fanfic #fanfiction #oc fanfiction

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justinsdaysinthedark · 5 years

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Post #2 - Thank You

What an overwhelming 36 hours it's been. An endless amount of phone calls & messages of support got me through what was an agonising day of waiting yesterday. This blog was started to keep my family and close friends informed about my journey but it's grown into so much more.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every single one of you that took the time to reach out and wish me the best of luck. A simple message of support may not seem like much to you, but when you're in a situation like mine it means so much. Thank you.

Monday night provided the worst sleep I've had in weeks. Keep in mind, i've had some terrible sleeps in that time! Why? It was nerves. Simple as that. I was nervous for the gastroscopy and biopsy. It wasn't the procedure itself but the anaesthetic side to the operation. I haven't been under since I was five and the unknown had my measure. What if they didn't put me under fully? What if I could feel the procedure? What if I woke up early? What if I didn't wake up at all?

In retrospect, I lost sleep over nothing.

With the little sleep I did have, I woke up Tuesday morning earlier than normal. I was expecting the gastroscopy between 8:30am - 11:30am and knew I was booked in for a Radionuclide Ventriculography (RVG) scan of my heart later that afternoon.

Since being in hospital, 9am has been my regular time to get up, shower, brush the chompers - y'know, get ready for the day of sitting in my little 3x3 room and watching the world go past. Tuesday however, I was up and about at 7:30 - showered and ready. I hate feeling dirty, so if my procedure was at 8:30, I'd be ready to go.

Breakfast rolled around at 8:00 and I had to politely decline it as I was required to fast from 12am for the procedure.

This is about the time when my previous blog post took off and messages started coming in for the remainder of the morning. Before I knew it, it was 11am and nobody had been to get me for my procedure yet. I called the nurse and enquired to which I was told to hand tight, it shouldn't be much longer. Whilst she was around, she did my daily observations and it was no surprise to see my heart rate up to 100+BPM (regularly around 65BPM resting) and a slightly higher blood pressure. I guarantee this was due to the nerves.

Lunch comes around at 12:30 and once again had to politely decline. 12 hours fasting thus far - lucky I don't have an appetite still and honestly didn't care! It was around this time the doctor comes around with the results of my Lumbar Puncture. This fortunately came back negative as there was no major changes to the one I had three weeks ago. White blood cells still present with a marginally higher protein count than normal. I once again mentioned about my gastroscopy or there lack of and the doctor assumed I'd already had it. He said he'd follow it up and get back to me.

Mentally, I'm okay. Still incredibly nervous and a little frustrated I prepared myself for a procedure between 8:30 - 11:30 and still nothing. Your messages of support continue to light up my phone, which certainly kept me pre-occupied and made the time fly by.

Finally! 2:43pm and somebody comes to my bed to pick me up. "Justin Smith for a procedure? Let's go." I mentally build myself up as they take me. With my heart beating the quickest it had all day, we get going. Minutes later, we get into quite a dark room with a single scanner to my left and a glass wall. The radiographer, Liv meets me and goes through the basic questions. Name? Date of birth? Address? What are you here for? "A gastroscopy and biopsy" I reply. A few seconds of awkward silence follows so I split it with an "I think..." hoping to relieve the slight tension.

Liv replies with "not quite. We're here to do your Radionuclide Ventriculography scan of your heart."

My heart dropped. I spent the past fifteen minutes mentally preparing to go under and it's not even for the right procedure; I almost feel robbed!

To give you a brief understanding, the RVG scan involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into your blood stream where they then track it until it passes through the heart, ensuring the heart is healthy and working as it should to a level that it should. Why am I having this scan? Good question. The doctors wanted to get ahead of the game essentially. Providing the biopsy comes back positive for lymphoma, I will need chemotherapy. The level of that chemo will depend, however if I do happen to require a strong dose, it can have negative effects to the heart. This scan is to ensure they have a baseline reading of my heart and ensure it will be able to handle a high dose of chemo.

This scan took 40 minutes from start to finish and before I knew it, I was up in my ward again. By this time, dad had arrived so at least I had somebody to talk to and reassure me when the time comes to get my gastroscopy.

4:00pm and the time finally came. 16 hours of fasting, I was slightly hungry but by this stage, I just wanted to get the procedure over and done with. I was still nervous, but more relieved the time had come. Having dad there for the hour or so beforehand made me feel a lot better about the whole thing.

The operation itself involved a gastroscopy (camera down my throat into my stomach) and if they could see lymphnodes, get a biopsy to test.

Cutting to the chase, was it worth worrying for 16+ hours? Not at all. All I remember is them checking my blood pressure, putting something in my cannula and asking me to count to 10. I got to 12 and next thing I know, I woke up coughing my lungs up in recovery with a nurse next to me. Luckily, the coughing only lasted for about fifteen minutes and that was just a result of irritating my throat.

Apparently, the gastroscopy went well and they were able to get a couple of good tissues from the lymphnodes to biopsy. Additionally, they also took the following photos whilst they were inside - I have no idea what they're of or even if anything is okay, but I thought they were cool!

For the first 45 minutes after the procedure, I felt fine. I was great! I felt incredibly thirsty and hungry but I assume that was simply due to the fact I hadn't eaten. Things from here turned pretty quickly once I had some dinner and a glass of water. I started to go downhill pretty quickly - feeling incredibly fatigued and tired....essentially dopey. It was from here I knew I just needed to have some rest and I'd wake up better in the morning. Needless to say, I was asleep by 9pm and basically slept through the night...except for when the nurses woke me up at 11pm, 12pm. 3am and 5am.

Waking up this morning (Wednesday July 17th), I instantly felt a lot better than I had last night. Admittedly, I had a bit more of a sleep in than I generally would've - it was great. I use the term 'sleep in' lightly though - it's nothing like a sleep in at home! What was the plan of attack for today? Well to be honest I wasn't too sure. A doctor yesterday mentioned briefly about a bone marrow test however the nurses and doctors on had no idea about one and couldn't see one booked in. I hadn't eaten since the night prior however the nurses got me to fast once again whilst they investigated. As a result, breakfast was staring me right in the face and I couldn't even touch my beloved weetbix, milk and sugar!

The clock ticks over to 10:37 and a Young, lanky doctor comes by. "Hi Justin, I'm Alex and I'll be doing your bone marrow procedure today..." Alex went on to explain the procedure, risks and what to expect. As he finished and started to walk away I had one last burning question. "When are we doing it? Later this afternoon?" "Now" Alex replied.

Woah. Wait. What? Hang on two seconds. I'm not prepared for this. You mean now...as in like, once Alex had finished preparing? You betcha....

Now I was under the assumption I'd be getting knocked out as I had done the night before however Alex proceeded to explain they'll put some medication in my cannula that "makes you feel like you've had four or five beers" as well as some local anaesthetic. No point being worried or scared about it - if it's getting done bedside, it couldn't be near as bad as the lumbar puncture, right? Once again, like I have been for the past few weeks I was completely and utterly wrong.

First though, what's this procedure involve? Basically, blood, white blood cells and platelets are produced in your bone marrow. This can be accessed via key areas of your body depending on your age...for me it was my hipbone - left side to be exact. The aim of the procedure is to get these fresh samples of blood, white blood cells and platelets as well as get a sample of my bone marrow - generally one small sample of the bone.

Alex got me curled up in the fetal position, lying on my right and basically began straight away. A few local anaesthetic needles numbed the surface before he inserted a needle in to collect the blood samples. This part was similar to a lumbar puncture, but I couldn't feel as much internally.

Alex then stated he was starting the bone marrow collection, which was without fail the worst part of this whole experience so far. He used the large needle with a blue handle, which can be seen below.

Alex hit the bone and advised me the next part was only going to tickle a little bit. What's he do? He starts to screw into my bone. Whilst I couldn't see, it felt very similar to uncorking a bottle of wine. Whilst he went in no deeper than 1mm, christ it hurt. The worst part was yet to come. Much like the pressure behind uncorking a bottle of wine, this happened too. Alex yanked the sample out and the pressure and pain was immense! Done. It's all done. Thank goodness. Then Alex said the words I didn't want to hear next. "Y'know what Justin? We want to make sure we only have to do this once, so let's get another sample, eh?"

Oh my lord. Are you kidding me? Whatever. Lets do it. I want to get it over and done with. I don't even think I replied, just mumbled something along the lines of whatever. And thus, the process happens again. I've attached photos of the two samples below, which I thought were pretty cool!

I must admit, Alex was incredible during the procedure. I asked at the start to keep me informed throughout the whole process. I'm quite an inquisitive character when things are happening that I don't know what the process is and this was no different. Alex not only kept me informed, he did as much as he could to keep me as comfortable as I could be during such a procedure. One thing I was incredibly surprised at was how much blood was on his hands!

Not much happened throughout the rest of today to be honest. Courtney, dad and mum came to visit but that was it. The doctors advised they are expecting the result of the biopsy tomorrow afternoon (hopefully) however they said it could take anywhere up to 72 hours from the procedure - which puts it at Friday night or Monday. Where does that put me? Same boat as I have been throughout this entire process - just waiting for answers.

I was advised that the results could come back either negative or inconclusive. Whilst this wouldn't be ideal, it's unfortunately just going to be another roadblock in this venture. In preparation the results don't come back the way we probably expect the, too, I'm booked in for an ultrasound of my gall bladder tomorrow. That will be their next avenue to answers. I suspect this is because my PET scan showed up significant areas in my gall bladder and I suppose that's not exactly a vital cog of the human body...so I suspect they'll just remove it, cut it open and see what's inside. But that's nowhere near a medical analysis of what's going to happen.

Before I finish for tonight, I'll leave you with how I am mentally. How am I going despite all this? Y'know what? I'm actually the opposite to what you probably think I am. I'm in the best mental state I have been over the past six weeks. Why? I think it's because we're close to (hopefully) getting an answer or at least following a more solid path to answers.

I end tonight with a final thank you. Thank you for all the messages and endless love. It's helping - trust me, it is.

Juzz xx

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issysindieblog · 6 years

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INTERVIEW - SPINN

SPINN are quickly winning over a fan-base across the UK from locals in their hometowns in Liverpool where they grew up to now adoring teen girls and this comes as no surprise to anybody. They have the cheek yet optimism of a new band despite completing their final lineup only last year and will no doubt continue to roar through the UK music scene and gain an army of avid supporters in years to come. This month, the boys are embarking on a tour of the UK, playing a series of gigs up and down the country from Glasgow to Bristol. They finish the tour off on the 28th September back in their home-city of Liverpool (O2 Academy 2 Liverpool). They've impressively already managed to sell out three of their six dates and have recently announced that they have been signed to American label, anti fragile music. The thing that the band are chuffed about though? The fact that one of their songs, It's Not Getting Better, was played on Made in Chelsea earlier on this week.

SPINN have released eight songs so far, including a self-titled EP which was released in April of this year. Singles of their's include catchy 'It's Not Getting Better' which is a song that stays in your head for days after first hearing it's memorable lyrics ( "you know it's killing me being here, killing me, being here.”) and groovy guitar lines which resemble that of early work from Blossoms.

Pictured below, SPINN.

So, (currently) 180,000 monthly Spotify listeners, a UK tour this month with half of the dates sold out and a growing army of supporters, I had questions for Johnny from SPINN and these were his answers... Maybe I'm slightly biased, but I think that these are the best answers to an interview that I've ever read.

1. Was there a particular moment that you realised that SPINN were becoming popular?

I was once getting a meal deal in Tesco and I saw somebody walk in the shop wearing a SPINN teeshirt. I was absolutely buzzing that somebody was wearing some of our merch and later on they messaged our Instagram page and said they'd seen me but had been too scared to come up and say hello. The same thing happened to me when I saw Ex-Everton Winger Steven Pienaar in a different Tesco. That made me realise we were doing something right, I still think we've got a while to go before we can say we're properly popular though. Just got to keep working innit x

2. Away from making music and gigging, what are your favourite things to do together?

Honestly just knocking about with each other like we always have, is what we like to do. Usually it can be anything from just walking around the shops together to going on nights out and staying up till 8AM. Last week Louis had to stay at my flat and we spent the time going to Tesco and prank calling Sean.

This has been a very Tesco centric interview I'll try and steer away from that for the rest of it. Right that's besides the point, as long as we're still knocking about together and taking the piss out of each other, we'll enjoy it x

3. You're going on tour soon, do you each have an essential item you will take with you?

I try to bring a book of some sort for the drive currently, it's Nine Stories by J.D Salinger

Andy ALWAYS brings a hairdryer and various hair products, rocking a bowl when you're on the road ain't no easy fete!

Sean usually just brings himself, that leather jacket he's always got on. A spare bass guitar wouldn't go a miss either, though. Once he left his on the side of the motorway when we were on the way back from Derby, good times.

Louis brings his Aston Villa blanket and 20 Litres of Vape liquid, the little fiend.

4. What/who are your major influences?

Collectively: The Drums, The Smiths, The La's, The Cure, Orange Juice, Ride, My Bloody Valentine.

Individually: Too many to list xoxo

5. Let’s fast forward five years from now, what do you see SPINN doing?

Ideally I'd like to get to the level of Wolf Alice or The 1975 are at now, that would be the dream. If we keep on working then I can see no reason why we can't get there, if we don't then that's fair enough, but we have to at least try! Anyway that's the dream, as long as we can make a living off the band and keep writing music that develops and matures with us then I'll be happy.

6. Do you have any pre-gig rituals?

I always have to go on stage last, I don't know why. At particularly big gigs we listen to 'I Am A God' by Kanye West before we go on, because it's such a good tune for getting hyped to. Other than that, apart from the odd bout of stage fright it's usually just a beer with the boiz before going on.

7. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

I think our songwriting has definitely improved. When we listen to our new stuff compared to our older songs, it's just in a different league, that only comes with experience though. I think that us touring has definitely helped us realise what is what in terms of song structures and live performances. So to answer the question properly, yeah we've got a lot better (even though we thought we were boss before when we weren't lol).

8. Can you describe each member of the band in under ten words?

Andy - A man who loves his haircut more than life itself.

Sean - Donned in a tight leather jacket he's often quite hungover.

Louis - A small man, usually asleep in his Aston Villa blanket.

Me (Johnny) - Taller than the other four, basically the god of dancing xoxo

9. How long have you been playing together?

Louis joined about a year ago, but we've been a band for about 2 and a bit years. Saying that, I don't think we would be SPINN without Louis so therefore I'm gonna say a year.

10. What has been your favourite and least favourite venue to play so far?

My favourite was The Magnet in Liverpool. There's so many boss memories there but now it's been turned into one of those chain comedy clubs which is something that chips away at my soul every time I walk past.

My least favourite was The Sitwell Tavern in Derby. Everybody who came to see us was lovely and so were the other bands and the promoters Dominic (just wanted to make sure if they read this they know I had a boss time at the gig and in the chippy afterwards ;) ).

But, and it's a big but, the pub had fuck off massive "The S*n" flags up all over the gaff which frankly isn't something we like to see anywhere, as we think that that rag is scum, sorry not sorry.

SPINN set out on their debut headline tour this month at the following locations:

21st September - Surf Cafe, Tynemouth

22nd September - Broadcast, Glasgow

25th September - Record Junkee, Sheffield

26th September - Hy Brasil Music Club, Bristol

27th September - Thousand Island (formerly Upstairs at The Grage), London

28th September - O2 Academy 2 Liverpool

Tickets are available to buy now at https://www.musicglue.com/spinn-band/ and all of SPINN's music is available to stream on Apple Music and Spotify.

#interview #review #music review #music blog #spinn

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theticklishpear · 7 years

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Recently I've noticed that a lot of my writing problems seem to stem from the fact that I don't fully understand what a scene is, or how to construct one, if that makes any sense. I'll sit down with my outline in front of me, ready to write, but nothing comes to mind because I even though I have this outline, even though I know I have to get from point A to point B, I don't know how because I don't know how scene(s) in between play out. Would you happen to have any tips/advice to help?

This is a great thing to notice about yourself. Every now and then we realize we don’t really understand something we’ve been using our whole lives, and it can make us feel like we’ve missed something simple–it can be embarrassing–but it’s important to recognize these things and do the learning to fill in that gap. I’m really proud of you, actually, for coming to this realization. Scenes are the blocks we put together to create our story, so understanding them and how they’re put together is just as crucial as understanding humans so you can write characters. So let’s break this down.

You know about plot, right? The really common depiction of plot:

It’s made up of scenes that create a story that culminates in the big climax and then tie it all together and end, right? That’s basically what a scene is, except plots are just on a larger, whole-story scope. Scenes are moments in time when something happens to character(s). Some scenes take place on-screen, meaning that the author decides to write them out in a narrative way for the audience; and some scenes take place off-screen, meaning that they happen, but the author doesn’t put them on display for the audience to “see” but may sum up what happened through the mouth of a character.

Scenes include:

Exposition such as who is present and where the scene is taking place. You want your audience to understand who they’re with and where they are. Without those two things, your audience will have a hard time following what’s going on or who is doing what. Establish early in the scene by using names and a short description of the area. “Kira found Maxim waiting in the store room,” is quite sufficient to begin with. You can expand and sprinkle in details about characters and location throughout the scene, but always find a way to establish it at the beginning to grow on later.

An action taken either by the character or taken upon the character. These actions can be as simple as a conversation and as complex as a siege on a battlefield, but something has to happen in a scene. Somebody has to see something, hear something, say something, or realize something. I like to think of scenes as including climaxes, too, even if those climaxes are small and pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of the whole story line. The climax could be someone finally saying something they’d been holding back; it could be realizing another character’s plan; it could be seeing someone across a room in an unexpected place; it could be anything but if your story had a really dramatic soundtrack playing with it, it’s the moment when it goes “bwaaaahm” and the audience realizes something plot-wise just happened.

Scenes have goals, and those goals are twofold: Your characters have goals (Maxim is in the store room to find the wine that just arrived, while Kira is looking to confront him about the crows that follow him), and you as an author have a goal (The crows are important to the plot, so I want this conversation to reveal information to the audience about Maxim’s connection with the Thirteenth God whose servants are crows). Knowing beforehand what you’re trying to have a scene do for your story can help you guide the scene toward a more meaningful position within the overall plot. Maybe a scene is more geared toward a character plot or a subplot that’s not really big, just an added layer–you should still have a goal of what you want the audience to get out of the scene that furthers whatever plot the scene is about.

Finally, a scene resolves. For this, the resolution doesn’t have to be a big long thing; it’s the “getting out,” the moving of the audience from this scene to the next. In film, you can just cut to black, but with writing, there’s the moment where someone walks out of a room, or runs back to town with the news, or gets up from a chair. That last final thing that tells the audience that the scene is done and they’re going to go do something else now. It’s the transitions, kind of.

Let’s take a scene and pull it apart:

Here we have the exposition section. This is a transition from one scene earlier into another, so the first sentence goes with the last scene, but from where the POV peeks in the door where Miss Ananda sits, it’s a new one. We get a brief description of Miss Ananda (who is earlier said to be a gorgon) and we’re told that Lex also sits in the room. So. We have 3 characters in a room. That’s the set-up.

Here’s the rising action, where the characters have this conversation. It’s setting up what’s to come during the climax. It’s character interaction to build them up and get a bit of their personalities out to the audience. It builds until:

Here’s the climax of this scene. The conversation all comes to a head at a moment when they really get to the point of what they’re talking about. Better yet, Miss Ananda puts her foot down in direct adversity to Lex. The butting of heads isn’t important to the construction of all scenes, but it is the point of this conversation within this story’s overall plot. Even just a hug, which acts as a catalyst for character development can be a scene’s climax. What’s this scene building to? That’s what you need to focus on.

The final piece to this scene is the resolution. For this scene, it’s the winding down. It’s the realization that Miss Ananda really means it, and she’s got reasons for it. It’s bringing the tension back down a little bit, but not completely, because there’s a whole ‘nother scene (and frankly the entire rest of the story) right after.

Those are the basics of a scene, though, Anon. Basically the same elements of a plot on a smaller scale, focusing on what characters are doing and why. Plots tie thousands of scenes together, scenes that sometimes don’t focus on the overall plot, but only on one of the small subplots, and weave all those scenes and moments into a cohesive story for your audience to read. I don’t know if this explanation really helped at all, but I hope so! Good luck! -Pear

#writing #writing tips #plots #pear responds #posts by pear #pear writes #singers of sand and sea #Anonymous

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