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gojosprettyprincess · 3 months

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Tw - Stepbrother choso, soft dom Choso?, fingering, pussy eating, squirting but reader didn't know what it was, oversimulation, ass play. Reader is 18 about to start college and choso is 23. This shit is honestly pretty filthy. I'm sorry for any errors.

(Twitter link for visual at the end)

Thinking about...

Your mom getting remarried to another man and you having to move into a new house and adjust to your new household, it wasn't going to be easy, it's a whole different chapter of your life beginning, and a lot of things are going to change and be different.

But no matter what you vowed to try your very best to make everything easier for your mom, whatever it takes. She been through a lot in her past relationship and now she's finally happy and smiling so you'll do anything you possibly can to keep it that way. It's just so weird being the only child and now having to get used to having a new sibling, he was 5 years older than you, you don't really interact with him that much, you just wanna get all this over with till you can finally move out and begin college once summer ends.

Well things just happened to take an unexpected turn pretty fast.

"Be a good girl for Onii-chan and keep still yeah?" he whispered to you while slamming two of his long thick fingers into your cunt nonstop. It was too much, he already made you cream 2 times on his fingers already, yet he still kept going, scissoring and curling his digits against your tight walls while he fucks it in and out of you, the wet squelch of your cunt filling the room. He had you laying on his lap with your body folded on half, one of his hands gripping your thigh while the other is plunging into your cunt, you couldn't help but squirm on top of him.

"T'much, c-can't anymore please, t'much cho" you whimpered, nails sinking into his forearm.

He looked down at you smirking, "Cum f'me one more time then I'll stop, deal?", you reluctantly nodded your head, your poor cunt was so sore from all the times he'd do stuff like this, which is every night when your parents are asleep he'd sneak into your room and play with your poor little cunny so he can prepare you for when he's gonna give you the real thing and fuck you silly with his thick cock.

"Fuckkk princess, you have no idea how much I wanna sink my cock into this cunt right now", He hisses, feeling your walls tighten around his fingers, his cock straining to be released from his boxers.

"Need you to cum f'me right now, c'mon princess you can do it". He encourages, fucking his fingers into your slopping cunt knuckles deep, faster and faster, hitting your sweet spot while he brought his thumb to your clit, flickering and rubbing small circles on it as he helped you climb to your orgasm.

Your head fell back against his chest as you came undone on his fingers. You cried out as he continued pumping his fingers inside of you throughout your orgasm, your toes curling while your eyes were rolling back of your head.

His eyes were glued to your body and face, paying attention to how your body reacted while your cumming, how you look so pretty with your eyes rolling back, he can't wait to see that exact scene but with his cock splitting your tight in half instead.

You came so much, your juices were leaking onto his lap, he licked his lips looking at how creamy your cunt was glistening, as he slowly began pulling his fingers out of you. Strings of your slick connecting to your cunt and his fingers before it snapped when he pulled away.

"Such a messy girl, see all the dirty mess you made princess?" he chuckled "What kind of big brother am I if I don't help my sweet little sister clean all of this up?" He questions before he manhandles your body from his lap and places your back onto the bed.

He quickly got between your thighs, pressing both back towards you so your body could be folded, he took a moment to stare at your leaky wet cunt, the way there's cum dripping out of your entrance, leaking down to your asshole it was so messy. He dragged his tongue to your asshole before licking all the cum off it in one swipe up to your cunt, then he started lapping your entrance, making sure to clean and lick all the cum off with his tongue in the process so he could taste you, he loves eating your cunt so fucking much, the taste drives him absolutely crazy, always making him coming back for more. It was delicious.

'F-fuck!" you hiccupped "N-not so fast cho, s'much slow down please" you cried out, trying to push his head away, tugging on his hair, only to earn a groan from him while he ignored you and kept slurping on your cunt like a hungry man that just gotten his favorite meal.

He kept swirling his tongue on your clit while his fingers are digging into the soft flesh of your thighs, eyes fixated on your lewd expressions while your loud moans and cries filled the room.

It was just too much; your legs were shaking, you tried to move yourself but couldn't because of his strong grip on your thighs. All you could do is lay down, whimpering and crying as he feasts on your poor cunt. You felt your tummy start feeling weird, everything started feeling strange, like something different was about to happen. The new sensation of your body being stimulated launching you over the edge, making you jolt and writhe.

"Oh my god! Oh my god cho! Something's coming, feel so weird fu-fuck!" you warned, panicking as you attempt to try and push his head away only for his grip around your thighs to get tighter, he starts sucking your clit, as he pushes two of his fingers into your soppy fuckhole, fingerfucking the shit out of you, it was honestly so fucking nasty, the noises that were being made, literally everything. He was acting like an actual fucking animal, groaning into your pussy while he's slurping and sucking on your clit, as his thick fingers working its way in and out of your wet sloppy cunny. Your brain gets all fuzzy and blank as you released whatever it was, clear liquid gushing out of you like a fucking water hose, your back arching against the bed as you grip onto the sheets screaming, you might've even woken your parents up for fuck's sake. You squirted all over Choso's pretty face, his shirt was drenched, his fingers, everything. Yet that nasty motherfucker still kept licking up your leaking cunt, his tongue lapping up all your juices from your dripping hole then he makes his way to your asshole, circling his tongue around your puckered hole before giving it a few kitten licks, making sure that he licks up every bit of your pussy juice since it seems like a burden to him to let any go to waste. Flickering his tongue on your hole as it's fluttering and winking against the pad of it, his long fingers still slamming into your poor tired hole. It was so fucking much that you felt like passing out as you start crying and whimpering even more.

After he was 100% sure he licked your cunny and everywhere else squeaky clean and was satisfied, he pulls away from you, panting and trying to catch his breath before moving closer towards you, he picks your head up with his arms, cradling it while wiping away your pathetic tears.

"S'okay princess I got you it's okay" he allows you to catch your breath as you calm yourself down. "Did so well f'me, such a good girl, aren't you?". He cooed, planting a kiss on your forehead.

"Cho-choso what was that! What happened!??" you asked nervously. "It's nothing bad baby, don't worry about it, you did a great job".

"Gonna make you do that same shit again tomorrow but on my fucking cock got it?".

Bonus

Visual on how he was eating your cunt but he was def doing way more than that since he's such a sick desperate fucker.

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altsvu · 4 months

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i love what you did with my last ask so i just knew i needed to do another. how about a aaron x black!reader she's 7 months pregnant and over the phone has a discussion with aaron about the baby's skin color telling him "what if when it gets older it gets killed" and even aaron has to take a breath but over all jack heard the convo and is confused because he's like 8 and doesn't understand race like that and you and aaron explain it

complexities of race

pairing: aaron hotchner x pregnant!black!fem!reader

wc: 1.3k

cw: underlying mentions of current climate (iykyk), brief mentions of race/racism, fluff, pregnancy

a/n: girlll your prompts are so amazing, i love that you give me a challenge 🫶🏽🫶🏽 this was so hard to write not gonna lie, but of course i enjoyed it nonetheless!!! also this is the first fic of 2024! :) also i’m sorry it took me so long to write this!

criminal minds masterlist! ✯ taglist!

✯✯✯✯

“Aaron... I have something to tell you.” you smiled, leaning against the frame of the living room walkway. You hoped that he would be just as excited as you were, all those nights making love paid off.

“Sweetheart... you’re smiling, grinning even. What is it?” He asked.

“I’m pregnant.” you gushed, revealing the pregnancy test that was hidden in your hand.

Aaron’s eyes lit up in excitement. He rushed over to you and pulled you into his arms. “Oh, Y/N, that’s amazing!”

You were crying tears of joy, you were super excited to finally have a baby with the love of your life.

Fast forward to 7 months, you were thriving through all the symptoms of pregnancy. All the motion sickness, waking up in the middle of the night to throw up, the kicking, just to name a few.

Aaron made sure to be there for you every step of the way, from the moment he found out you were pregnant up until now. He would rub your belly a lot, give you foot and shoulder massages, satisfy your weird food cravings, and even read to your unborn child when he could.

You had no worries about this pregnancy. Until the intrusive thoughts started coming. Being a soon to be mom, you didn’t know if it was mother’s intuition, or just the simple fact that you were a black woman living in America. You started thinking a lot about how your baby would be when they grew up. Facing racism almost everywhere you went was not fun, which was why learning how to handle a situation like that was extremely important. You didn’t want your child being made fun of for their skin color or the way they look and not being able to see their self worth, see how beautiful they are, and that comments like those are baseless and have no real meaning.

This was something that needed to be discussed with Aaron. He sees the world differently than you do so it was important to you that your significant other understand your feelings and experiences. It wasn’t going to be like any other conversation they have had about racism; this time it involved a child, an innocent child.

You were at your grandparents’ house for the weekend and you decided to call Aaron to talk while you had some downtime.

He answered the phone fast and the two of you got into conversation quick. He asked you if you were doing okay and that he missed you and couldn’t wait until you came back so he could take care of you. You expressed that you missed him as well and asked him how he and Jackson were doing.

Then you decided to let the cat out of the bag.

“Aaron?”

“Yes love?”

You exhaled out of your nose. “There’s something I’m worried about, uh, for this pregnancy. Or at least something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about for a while.”

“What is it?”

“Our baby is black. I just- I dunno, what if... our child gets killed when it goes out into the world on their own? This world is a sick place and it’s hard to raise a black child.“

Aaron paused for a bit. He knew what you were saying was the truth, and nothing but the truth. But he had no idea how to respond. Growing up, he never really knew what it was like to be made fun of because of the color of someone’s skin, let alone now in today’s world, where people get killed just because of it.

“Y/N, I want you to know that our baby will be protected to the fullest extent. Everything that you told me is all true, and I don’t want to dismiss any of your feelings.”

“I know, and I appreciate you for that.” you answered.

All of Aaron’s words were reassuring, but you still didn’t think he understood. It’s not that you were mad at him for that, you didn’t blame him for anything. You wanted to educate as much as possible.

You were the oldest daughter in your family, and seeing how your other siblings were raised, you wanted the best for your child.

You continued talking to Aaron about it in hopes that those intrusive thoughts would go away sometime soon.

✯✯✯✯

You were back from your grandparents’ house and you were now sitting on the couch at Aaron’s place, which became yours as well since you moved in with him.

He had something important to talk to you about, and a part of you thought it had to do with the phone conversation a few days ago.

“Is everything okay?” you asked.

“Yeah, um, it’s just Jack. He overheard our conversation the other day and he’s been asking questions and I think it would be best for the both of us to answer those questions.”

“I think that’s a good thing. He’s growing up and these are conversations that need to be held. I’m happy to help him understand as best as I can.”

Aaron took your hand and smiled. “I agree.”

A few hours later, after Jack came back home from school, the three of you sat at the dining table enjoying the meal Aaron cooked. Beforehand, you had told Aaron that you were gonna use the eggs in the fridge as an example since Jack was still so young to understand technical terms.

“So, Jack, we wanted to talk to you about something, and it’s very important, okay?” Aaron started.

“Okay.”

“So I know you’ve asked about what race is and things like that. I wanna show you something, okay? I think it will help you understand.”

You got up and got a white and a brown egg from the fridge as well as a spoon and placed them in front of Jack.

“Which egg do you want to break?”

“The white one!” Jack exclaimed, taking the spoon and breaking it.

You smiled softly. “Okay, good. Now how come you decided not to break the brown one instead?”

“I thought it would look different on the inside.”

“Well, do you wanna see something cool?” You asked. Jack nodded in response. You took the spoon and broke the brown one.

“They look the same on the inside.” Jack noted.

“You’re right, Jack. The eggs look different on the outside, but when you break them open, you see that they look the same.” Aaron started.

He explained to Jack that people have preferences for a lot of tangible things, and how it can apply to actual human beings. For only being 8 years old, Jack was very attentive to what you and Aaron had to say, and was asking all the right questions.

“Because the baby growing inside of me is going to look different than you, people may not like that. But my baby is a human too.”

“Is that why you were scared?”

You nodded. “I went through it too, and I just want to keep my baby safe.”

Jack went over to you and hugged your belly in response. It made you smile from ear to ear.

✯✯✯✯

“Hi beautiful.” Aaron said, kissing your cheek.

It had been evening time at this point and Aaron had just tucked Jack into bed, and you were lying down in the other room reading a book.

“Hi,” you responded back smiling.

Aaron got settled in with you in bed and cuddled. “Do you feel better about everything now?”

“Honestly, I know that deep down inside, those feelings are still there and will arise at some point but being able to talk about it freely is refreshing.” you admitted. “And that’s okay.”

He smiled. “That’s good. I’m glad Jack was able to take part of this conversation with us.”

“Me too. Surely we’ll have even more engaging conversations like this.”

✯✯✯✯

taglist: @averyhotchner @storiesofsvu @ssaic-jareau @blackbeautifulqueen @mstrinnyb @will-on-the-internet

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adventuringblind · 6 months

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A female McLaren team principal and Max verstappen They hate eachother but one day after a bad race for McLaren they tease and flirt with eachother and make out

Burnt Sienna

Max Verstappen x Reader

Summary: I followed the request! Without any angst!!!!

Warnings: Reader is older than Max (just for reference, I usually write younger readers because this is really self-indulgent and im younger so felt ), teasing and flirting, playful banter, alcohol consumption

Notes: HCs because I'm tired, but this made me giggle

Masterlist

Becoming the McLaren team principal came fast, and as a shock

The year Lando and Carlos both came to the team

Being the same age as Carlos means absolute chaos at times

It means joining in PR video shenanigans

Then knowing Lando also means eventually meeting Max

Of course Lando would bring him around

The one person you despise

Turns out it goes both ways

But not really

You can't like someone from your rival team

Right?

It's easier just to hate 'em

This weird pretend hate relationship goes on for a few years

Well - pretend on her side at least

If Max is pretending, you would have never guessed it

It comes crashing down on you after a bad race

And it doesn't help that Zak is already up your ass about Daniel

Whom you adore

It's a terrible thing to be put in a position like this

You sit at a bar alone

Thinking

Drowning in self-conscious thoughts and your favorite drink

Alone until a familiar Dutch sits right next to you

"Just you?"

"I'm really not in the mood."

"Well, that's obvious."

Max is laughing

His face isn't flushed, and his words aren't slurred

This is dangerous territory because your sober brain is not working

"How's Daniel doing?"

"Why don't you ask him yourself?"

"I'm just trying to make conversation. You look like you need a friend."

Well, he's technically not wrong

"I'm surprised you aren't here to gloat."

"I don't have to gloat for you to know we're the better team."

His smirk is annoying

"Plus, I don't need to give you anymore reasons to hate me"

Shocked

How is she supposed to respond now?

"I don't hate you?"

"You don't?"

"I actually like you more then I should"

Well, there went any chance of being his friend maybe-

"Really? So this whole time I've been pretending to hate you, you've been doing the same?"

If she were sober, maybe the alarm bells would be ringing

"I can see you staring at my lips you know."

Smug as always

"Is it such a bad thing to want to kiss you?"

"No, but not tonight. Let me take you back and get you cleaned up, and then I can kiss you properly when you're sober in the morning."

"Only if you promise this is real and I won't wake up alone?"

"After years of pining after you, you'd have to kill me first."

"Maybe then we could get ahead of Rebull finally."

"Doubtful"

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081314 · 10 months

Text

Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss – Chapter 4 (Part 3)

Following is part 3 of my translation of Chapter 4 of Book 7: The Ruler of the Abyss. This part contains episodes 7-66 to 7-68. This concludes Chapter 4.

Main storyline spoilers after the cut!!

Episode 7-66

Sebek: …. By the way. You haven’t once yet fallen asleep, Silver. Even though you typically nod off throughout the day, be it in the middle of a conversation or during training.

Silver: That’s…. For some reason, I never get attacked by those sleeping spells when I’m inside a dream.

Sebek: Ha! So it’s when you’re fast asleep that you’re finally awake, eh? How laughable.

Silver: You’re right. I wish I could stay awake like this in the real world, too...

Yuu: You’re always sleepy?

Silver: Yeah… Ever since I was little, I’ll get these sudden bouts of drowsiness out of nowhere.

Grim: I totally get it! Whenever I’m in Trein’s class, or when I sit outside on the bench after lunch, I conk out.

Silver: …The type of sleepiness you’re talking about is probably a bit different from mine. In my case, regardless if I’m walking down the hallway or in the middle of a conversation with someone… or even when I’m practicing my swordsmanship, I’ll suddenly become incredibly drowsy.

Grim: Wait, even when you’re sword fightin’? Do you stay up all night playin’ video games or something?

Silver: No, I always get plenty of sleep at night. I don’t know what causes it, either. My father’s taken me to more magical healers than I can count, but… No matter where we went to, they’d always end up throwing in the towel, unable to find out what was going on.

Yuu: (Actually, that reminds me… I’ve been having those dreams a lot more often lately…)

Silver: If I could just find the cure for this sleeping habit, it’d be one less thing for my father to worry about.

Grim: Oh, yeah. I just remembered. Sometimes you call Lilia “Father”…. Is that, like, a nickname or what?

Yuu: I’ve been wondering about that, too.

Silver: Aah… No, it’s not a nickname…

Grim: Huh? So how come you call ‘im that?

Silver: When I enrolled at NRC, Lilia Senpai told me to keep this a secret from everyone to avoid causing any issues with the other students, but…. I’m sure it’s fine if I tell you two. Lilia Senpai-… Father took me in when I was orphan and raised me. He’s my actual parent.

Grim: Huh? Wait, so Lilia’s… He’s literally your dad!??

Yuu: Okay, I didn't see that one coming!

Silver: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to confuse anyone. I try to be careful and call him “Lilia Senpai” while we’re at school… But calling him “Father” is just a force of habit at this point.

Sebek: You humans may find this incredulous, but in Briar Valley, ‘tis not at all unusual for aged fae to appear much younger than they actually are. My mother, for example, is a fae, and though she’s older than my father, she looks younger than him.

Grim: Huh… But still, Lilia looks exactly the same four hundred years ago as he does now.

Silver: Yeah, but… Even though he looks the same, he’s totally different from the father I know. I guess I... I really didn’t know anything, did I.

Imperial Guard A: Gaugauu! Shaa!!

Sebek: Yes, sir! We apologize for causing a disturbance. We shall retire at once.

(The Imperial Guard departs)

Sebek: Now look what you twats did! Your little uproar incensed our Imperial Guardsman senpai! Listen to me, our goal here is to reach the fortress and deliver this letter as soon as possible, and then immediately return to “Briar Castle” so that I may admire our Lord’s pearl-like visage!! Humph!

(Sebek departs)

Silver: Yeah. Let’s all get some sleep and get ready for tomorrow. Good night.

(Silver departs)

Grim: ….Uh, Sebek just totally changed the plan on us. Man, looks like we’re really in it now, Yuu.

(Yuu nods)

Grim: I wonder what kinda dreams Ace and Deuce are havin’ right now… *mumble mumble* Zzzz….

Yuu: Goodnight.

Silver: …..Yuu, Grim, wake up.

Grim: *grumble* …It sure feels weird goin’ to sleep and wakin’ up inside a dream.

Silver: Did you sleep alright? You should go wash your face in the river. It’ll perk you up.

Grim: Yikes! The water’s freezin’!

Silver: The spring water in the Thunderclap Mountains is cold all year round. The continent that Briar Valley sits on is located much farther north than Sage’s Island, after all. The mountains always get covered in snow during the winter… We’re lucky we didn’t land here in the middle of winter, even though this is just a dream.

Sebek: The Imperial Guards shall soon embark. FINISH WITH YOUR TOILETTE AT ONCE!

Silver: …We need to stay focused, Sebek.

Sebek: Just whom do you think you’re addressing? You best keep your wits about you, you dolt.

Grim: Okay, let’s hit the road!

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: Now then, if we want to take the quickest route possible to that fortress, our best bet would be to cut through the Canyon of Howling Winds over in the northeast. However…

Baul: We’ve also received reports of the “Iron Ones” being spotted at the base of Dragon’s Tail Mountain and the villages along the coast. Before we traverse the Canyon of Howling Winds, it might be a good idea to canvass the Verdant Moors first.

Lilia: Geez… We keep throwing them out over and over again, but they just come right on back.

Baul: In the name of the Imperial Guard, we will drive them out past the Canyon of Howling Winds… NO, WE’LL DRIVE THEM OUT PAST THE CORAL SEA ITSELF!!!!

Lilia: Tone it down. The west side of the Canyon of Howling Winds still belongs to the fae. The real battle won’t begin until we reach the Crimson Plain.

Baul: Yes, sir! We’ll remain vigilant.

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: If we head directly northwest, we’ll reach the Canyon of Howling Winds in about half a day…

(Two Iron One soldiers appear)

Lilia: Yup, and here they come. A couple of nuisances.

Iron One D: You assholes sure did make yourselves at home at our camp yesterday!

Iron One E: There’s no telling what Lord Henrick’ll do to us if we report back empty handed…!

Lilia: Heh. That’s fine with me. I hope he gives you brats a good spanking!

Iron One D: Shut your damn mouth! You better prepare yourself, Vanrouge!

Lilia: Kishyaaa!

Iron One E: Eeeeep!! P-Please, spare us!!

Baul: You’re the ones who came back and picked a fight with us after we let you go last night, you idiots!

Silver: Please, wait! They’ve already surrendered! You can’t….!

Iron One D: W-Wait, it’s you! Ahh, you came to save us!

Silver: Huh?

Iron One D: Wha-… I guess I was mistaken…

Iron One E: You idiot! There’s no way “that person” would come all the way out here. But I mean… They do look alike.

Baul: Stop quibbling! Go back to the Canyon of Howling Winds and get the hell out of here!

Imperial Guards: Kukeeee!!

Silver: …I wonder who they mistook me for?

(Battle map conversation)

Baul: The Canyon of Howling Winds is up ahead.

Sebek: If I remember correctly, the lands to the east of the Canyon are under the “Iron Ones’” control, yes?

Baul: NO!! They don’t own anything- this entire continent belongs to us fae! ALL THEY’RE DOING IS SETTLING DOWN HERE AND ACTING LIKE THEY OWN THE PLACE!! DON’T FORGET THAT!

Sebek: M-My sincerest apologies!

Lilia: Keep it down. I can hear the clink of their armor.

Baul / Sebek: …!

Iron One A: Maaan, Lady Leah sure is cute, huh… She’s like a beautiful flower blooming amidst the squalor of that damn fortress…

Iron One B: I know, right? It’s hard to believe she’s Lord Henrick’s little sister.

Iron One A: And she’s always so nice to use, too…

Iron One B: But you know, I heard she and the “Knight of Dawn” are in love with each other.

Iron One A: Wait, what! Aww, come on. Why’d it have to be him! I don’t stand a chance.

Lilia: Oh, my. I had no idea the famed “Knight of Dawn” had a lover.

Iron One A: Well, it’s just a rumor. But man… It sucks to admit it, but even as a guy, I gotta say he’s real good looking.

Iron One B: And his hair’s soft as silk… Ugh, I’m so jealous! I can see why Lady Leah fell in love with him.

Lilia: Oh, yeah? I’ve never seen him take off his helmet. I’d love to catch a glimpse of his face, too.

Iron One A: Yeah, he hardly ever takes that thing off- Waaah!!???

Iron One B: A fae!???

Lilia: We’ll have to cut our chit-chat short. Get ‘em!

Imperial Guards: Garurururu!

Iron One A / Iron One B: Aaaahhh! Somebody, heeellllp!!

(The two Iron One soldiers run away)

Lilia: Tsch. Scaredy cats.

Baul: We can’t let them regroup with the “Silver Owl” members gathered at the Canyon of Howling Winds.

Lilia: Yeah. After them, quick!

(Canyon)

Grim: Waaaah! This wind is crazy I’m ‘bout to get blown away!

Yuu: It really does sound like the wind’s howling.

Lilia: These strong winds come down from the Thunderclap Mountains, and they blow through the gaps in the rock formations down here.

Sebek: Argh… Even just walking is a challenge.

Lilia: As long as this wind’s blowing, any projectile attacks will miss their marks. That doesn’t apply to our magic, of course. We fae consider this place a natural stronghold.

Grim: Huh? I hear somethin’ weird mixin’ in with the wind…

(Rumble rumble rumble!)

Imperial Guard A: Kukeeeeee! Gyagyaaa!

Baul: Something massive is coming this way! The hell is that? A stone golem!?

Lilia: No, that’s… It reeks of iron and oil! Troops, at your ready! Here it comes!

Lilia: Go to hell, you iron monster!!! Hiyaaaaah!!!

Iron One A: The armored excavator’s taken serious damage!

Iron One B: What the hell are these guys! How'd they take down the excavator like that!?

Iron One C: There’s no way we can beat them without the excavator. Retreat! Retreaaat!

(The Iron Ones flee)

Baul / Lilia: Haaaah, haaah……

Everyone: Haaahhh…. Haaah…..

Baul: W-What is this… this iron golem!?

Silver: Haaah….haah…. Looks like it’s got a shovel attached to it.

Sebek: The “Iron Ones” seemed to refer to it as an armored excavator. Judging by the name, they must be employing this device in their construction operations.

Grim: Phew… Now that ya mention it, I feel like I’ve seen somethin’ like this before back at the port town on Sage’s Island, when there was some construction goin’ on.

Baul: So they’re using this device to dig up the earth? How bizarre!

Lilia: When the hell did they even… Not even twenty years ago they were using plows made from trees to dig up the ground, and now this. They must’ve used this thing to tear up the mountains. They’re gonna strip the Thunderclap Mountains bare in the blink of an eye at this rate. …For the time being, we need to report back to Lady Mallenoa. You, messenger, hurry back to the castle and let her know what just happened.

Imperial Guard A: Kekeeee!!

Lilia: Ugh, now my entire body reeks of iron and oil. I’ll need to wash this shit off… Blech. There’s a small lake just past the canyon. We’ll setup camp there tonight.

(Campsite)

Lilia: Aah, that hit the spot.

Grim: I wasn’t expectin’ Lilia to try an’ eat those frogs he caught in the lake.

Sebek: Thankfully things ended without incident, as we went and caught some fish in a panic…

Lilia: What, you guys didn’t know? Those frogs weren’t poisonous.

Silver: Erm, them being poisonous wasn’t really the issue… Ahem! Um, fath- I mean, General Vanrouge. May I ask you something?

Lilia: Hm? What?

Silver: Both the “Iron Ones” and the Imperial Guards keep mentioning some people named Henrick and the “Knight of Dawn.” Who are they?

Lilia: Hmm. Sounds like they aren’t very well known in other lands, then. Henrick is the human man who acts as the leader of the “Silver Owl”. He’s greedy, crude, and big as a barrel. He’s always kicking back and relaxing in their fortress to the east, and he hardly ever comes out… But there was one time, quite a while back, when he came to Briar Castle with a requisition in hand. Lady Mallenoa didn’t listen to him one bit, though.

Sebek: He brought forth a requisition!? Though his men are the ones tearing up these lands!? Absolutely shameless!!

Lilia: And as for the “Knight of Dawn”…. He’s the commanding officer of the “Silver Owl’s” guards. Their group goes after magical stones and precious metals, and they’ll even tread into some pretty dangerous places. For example… Places like the west side of the Canyon of Howling Winds, where we so-called “insurgents” run rampant, as well as the nests of the magical beasts that reside on the Thunderclap Mountains. And that’s why they employ guards to protect them - ones very skilled in fighting, to boot. Amongst their ranks, the “Knight of Dawn” is ridiculously powerful.

Silver: …! If you even recognize his strength, that’s…

Lilia: He protects the fortress that sits on the eastern tip of the continent, over on Cape Sunrise. That’s how he earned himself the moniker “Knight of Dawn”. He’s an expert swordsman, and I can’t even tell you how many of my comrades he’s beaten. We followers of the night know no fear, and yet our people will cover their eyes and run away in terror at the sight of his shining white armor and his golden hair.

Yuu: I wanna see him myself now.

Lilia: He accompanied Henrick that time he came to Briar Castle, so I did see him then, but… He had his iron mask on, so I didn’t catch a glimpse of his face. According to rumor, he’s supposed to be quite the looker. People say the diurnal fae must’ve blessed him with beauty.

Grim: Woah. So he’s got a pretty face and blonde hair, huh. Maybe he kinda looks like Vil.

Sebek: Hmph! To hell with beauty! All a knight requires is strength! And when it comes to strength, not a single person in this land rivals Sir Lilia, General of the Right!

Lilia: Duh… Is what I’d like to say, but I’ve never fought him myself. He’s always protecting that fortress, and he hardly ever goes past our side of the canyon. I’d certainly like to go up against him, though.

Silver: So in other words… If we go to this fortress, you might be able to fight the “Knight of Dawn”, then?

Lilia: That’s right. …And there’s rumors that Levan, the first to set out to that fortress with one of Lady Mallenoa’s letters, even ran into him.

Grim: You mentioned that Levan guy a couple times before. Who is he?

Lilia: The Dragon-eyed Duke, Levan. The cornerstone of our country’s diplomacy efforts. He was Lady Mallenoa’s eyes, always at her beck and call… And he was her husband, too.

Sebek / Silver: !!!!

Silver: Don’t tell me… Was he in charge of those delegates who went missing…

Lilia: Yes, that was Levan. He was an aristocrat, and the best damn envoy we had. He told his wife and their egg that he’d be right back, and then he up and left the castle without a trace… Geez, just where is he wandering around now? And who does he think’s going to have to look after the princess and the egg while he’s gone, huh? I’d love to find some clues on his whereabouts and bring them back to the princess…

Sebek: ….. Ugh… *sniffle* …! Uwaaaaaaaaaaah!!

Grim: Yikes! The heck did ya start bawlin’ for!?

Sebek: Nary a soul could listen to that story and leave with dry eyes!! Why, just think how Sir Lilia, the princess, and His Eggcellency must be feeling right now, to be left behind by their dear companion…! Oh, it’s too much! It’s simply too much!!

Lilia: That’s just how things are nowadays. Stuff like this happens all the time. Besides, he could show up again out of the blue someday…. And until he returns, I have to protect the princess and her egg with my life. Just like I promised him…

Silver: Father…

Lilia: Didn’t I tell you to quit it with the “father” thing? I’m only 300 years old, you know.

Silver: Ah, my deepest apologies. I didn’t mean to…

Lilia: I’ve been rambling too much…. When I look at you guys, all these old memories start coming back to me. I’m going to bed. You all hurry up and go to sleep, too.

(Lilia departs)

Silver: …Good night.

Sebek: Ugh…. *sobs*

Silver: Sebek, it’s about time you stopped crying. I get that you’re sad, but… It won’t do you any good if your eyes are all puffy tomorrow.

Sebek: These are not tears of sorrow! They are tears of rage!! If it weren’t for humans, for the “Silver Owl”, then the Young Lord’s father would still be….! In the real world, both of his parents are gone. Even Lady Mallenoa – she only exists here within this dream!!

Silver: !! That’s…

Sebek: Tell me, why did the Young Lord have to lose his parents! Tell me, Silver!!

Silver: Don’t ask me that…

Yuu: I get how you feel, but…

Sebek: I cannot bear this anymore. I cannot continue to stand around just twiddling my thumbs. We must protect Lady Mallenoa with our lives – together with Sir Lilia! For the Young Lord’s sake!

Silver: I don’t know how many times I have to keep telling you this, but this is all just a dream, Sebek. It doesn’t matter what we do here, the real world isn’t going to change.

Sebek: If that’s so, then... Then why don’t we just stay here?

Grim / Silver: !!??

Grim: Are you crazy!? The whole reason we came here is to try an’ wake up!

Sebek: If we refrain from journeying back to reality, then the Young Lord will be able to live together with his mother, here inside this dream. And you, Silver! You can stay by Sir Lilia’s side! What more could you ask for!?

Silver: …! That’s… No, we can’t!

(*gurgling*)

Grim: Ack!? That yucky black stuff’s comin’ back!

Silver: It’s the darkness! …It must’ve gotten wind of Sebek’s emotional state. Is it trying to pull him into an even deeper sleep!? Sebek, take up your weapon! The darkness is going to pull you under!

Sebek: If we could just stay here within this dream…. Then the Young Lord could….!

Silver: Sebek!

Grim: The darkness got ‘im!

Silver: We can still bring him back! Yuu, Grim, lend me your strength!

Grim: Geez, this guy is such a pain!

Silver: Haaa….haaa…. It just keeps coming back! At this rate, we’ll…

(Silver’s ring starts to glow)

Grim: Silver! There’s something glowin’ by your chest!?

Silver: This light, it’s… the ring my father gave me?

Darkness: (*gurgles*)

Grim: I think the darkness is scared of that light!

Silver: It’s like there’s power emanating from whatever the ring’s light touches. Just what in the world is this ring…?

Grim: Who cares! Hurry up and get rid of this stuff already!

Silver: Okay! O Light, dispel the Darkness!!

Darkness: (*melts away*)

Grim: It spit out Sebek!

Silver: Sebek! Are you okay!?

Sebek: Uggh… What… happened?

Grim: You started throwin’ a tantrum sayin’ how much you wanted to stay here and then the darkness stuff got ya.

Sebek: …I see. I….

Silver: Sebek, you’re right. Life would be so much easier if we just stayed in this dream… But.. But even then… we have to find a way out of here. Just think about all our classmates trapped in sleep, what about their futures! What about your family waiting for you to come home! And most of all… What about Lord Malleus!! He’s out there somewhere weaving this world of dreams in his solitude!

Sebek: ……! But if Sir Lilia awakens, then he’ll…

Silver: I know. But even then, there’s no doubt in my mind my father would try and get Lord Malleus to see that what he’s doing is wrong.

Sebek: That’s… Yes, I’m certain he would.

Silver: A retainer’s role isn’t just to obey his king and agree with everything he says. At times, remonstrating our Lord is an important part of our duty. I’m sure my father taught you that, too. Right?

Sebek: …You’re right, Silver. Long have I been troubled over my defilement against the Young Lord. The way his eyes burned with sorrow and rage as he glared down at me… I shan’t ever forget the sight. I still have my doubts, I’m still not certain that returning to the real world is what’s best for the Young Lord’s happiness… But I… I cannot forget my dream! My wish! TO BECOME THE GREATEST RETAINER THE YOUNG LORD SHALL EVER HAVE!! And I cannot achieve that trapped here within this illusion.

There is only one person I shall ever serve, only one person I respect with all my heart and would lay down my life for, and that is the Young Lord – the real Young Lord! The one who bears the heavy burden of his solitude and walks together at Sir Lilia’s side. The one who loves gargoyles and ruins and frozen desserts… Who dons the same uniform as we do and attends Night Raven College together with us – the crown prince of Briar Valley he may be… The real Young Lord! Him and him alone! …!! I shan’t indulge in these dreams any longer! Just you watch – we shall return to the real world and join him at his side!! I shan’t waver a second more…. Do you understand, Silver!!

Silver: …Heh. Now there’s the Sebek I know. You better not go back on your words.

Sebek: Hmph! I don’t need to hear that from you! …*sniffle*!

Grim: Good grief. Sounds like Sebek’s feelin’ better. He’s back to his loudmouth self, at least.

Sebek: I do apologize for my irreprehensible behavior, beast- I mean, Grim. And Yuu.

Grim: What the? You’re sayin’ sorry? What’s next, are pigs gonna start flyin’?

Yuu: Wait, he called us by our names!

Sebek: N-Now then! I shall retire forthwith! You all best soon get to sleep, as well! GOOD NIGHT!!!!

(Sebek departs)

Grim: Would ya quit screamin’, it’s the middle of the night! Good night!!

Silver: …He gets like that when he’s hiding his embarrassment. I promise you he's feeling very thankful to you both right now. People misunderstand him a lot, but he’s actually a really compassionate guy. I hope you two will keep being his friend.

Grim: Nyeheheh. That all depends on his attitude! *Yaaaawn* Man, I’m exhausted. We’ve been walkin’ around and fightin’ all day today. I’m goin’ to bed. Good night.

Silver: Good night.

(Grim departs)

Silver: ……

Yuu: What’s up?

Silver: My heart wavered at Sebek’s words for a moment there. If we stayed in this dream, then Lord Malleus and father wouldn’t have to… you know.

Yuu: Yeah, but…

Silver: Ah, don’t worry. I know that’s not right. But if I ever start clinging to this dream and I get engulfed by the darkness… Yuu, I want you to stop me. No matter what it takes.

Yuu: Of course.

Silver: ….Thank you. The nights here are cold when it’s sunny during the day. Keep warm and get some rest. Good night.

Baul: We’ll be setting off soon! Hurry up and get ready to go… Uwaah!

Sebek: Good morning….

Baul: Your eyes are all puffy. Did an insect sting you or something?

Sebek: Ah, please don’t mind me. ‘Tis but a bit of edema.

Baul: A-Alright. Fine, as long it’s not any sort of disease. We’ll leave behind anyone who gets sick!

Lilia: Time to head out. Let’s go pay a visit to the “Silver Owl’s” turf.

Baul: The shortest route to their fortress would be going east along the river that runs through the Crimson Plain. However… There aren’t many places to take cover on the plain, and it’s likely we’ll end up running into the “Silver Owl”. Not far from here, to the North, there’s a Mysterium forge. I think we should stop there and have our weapons repaired.

Lilia: And if we want to focus on searching for those missing delegates, scouting the area around Dragon’s Tail Mountain is also an option… Hmm.

Episode 7-67

(Battle map conversation)

Silver: There’s smoke up ahead. It might be a bonfire…

Lilia: Seems the “Iron Ones” are setting up camp. They’re making our beds for us and preparing our dinner, huh. What wonderful hospitality.

Baul: General…

Grim: Wait, they got grub for us!? Then I got no choice, I’ll have to put on my A-game here.

Lilia: That’s what I like to hear. All right, you lot. Let’s take care of one last job and then call it a day. Kishyaaaa!

(Battle map conversation)

Sebek: Sir Baul! I’ve your meal ready for you.

Baul: …I don’t like the food you lot make. Just leave me be.

Lilia: You already ate their food before, shouldn’t matter if you have to eat it again. Now's not the time to be picky.

Baul: Picky? That’s… General, you’re way too indifferent about things.

Lilia: Tsch. This is why I can’t stand you well-bride types …Pride isn’t going to fill your stomach, you know. …*sigh* Lady Mallenoa always has something to say about food, too. I remember that one time she kept quibbling about something I made her.

Silver: Did you, erm… Did you cook something for her?

Lilia: What? Of course not, I don’t cook.

Sebek / Silver: Huh!?

Lilia: Why are you acting so surprised? If you can eat something raw, there’s no use wasting time cooking it. All I made for Lady Mallenoa that time was some jerky. She wouldn’t stop complaining about it, saying it was too dry and salty and whatever. In the end, Levan stepped in and summoned a pot or something and made her some soup. You know what she had the nerve to say? She told him, “You really are the only one I can count on!” Unbelievable… …I guess he had the edge over me there. Even though I was the only one who brought along something to eat with me.

Baul: Lady Mallenoa ate jerky…? How exactly did that come about?

Lilia: I got caught up in another one of Princess Tomboy’s little whims and we got lost in the forest one night. This was back when Levan, Lady Mallenoa and I were kids, and we hadn’t learned how to fly yet. The forest was covered in a thick fog that night, and we couldn’t see a thing. Levan was absolutely miserable, heh… I’ll never forget his face. But Lady Mallenoa was taking everything in stride. I guess because everything was so new to her, but she was having a lot of fun. Me and Levan were exhausted from walking around all night, but she kept us up until sunrise with her blabbering, saying she just couldn’t sleep… …I’ll probably spend the rest of my life wrapped around her little finger.

Sebek / Silver: ….

Baul: And how did you all end up returning to the castle after that?

Lilia: Some Imperial Guards came and found us the next morning. Even though it was all Lady Mallenoa’s idea, I was the one who got a earful about it… *sigh* …Being friends with that woman is just one pain in the ass after the next.

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: Wait a sec, look over there.

Baul: They’ve got a wagon and one of those iron golems with them… It’s one of the “Silver Owl’s” platoons!

Lilia: They sure are walking slowly. They must have a lot of goodies loaded up on that cart for us. Looks like they haven’t noticed us yet. Perfect. Let’s go!

Imperial Guards: Gaugauu! Gyarururu!!

Baul: Ha ha ha ha! Look at that! They’re running with their tails between their legs!

Lilia: Kay, let’s see what all they’ve got here. There’s magical stones, food, and… a suit of armor made out of Mysterium. It’s got the Land of Briar’s coat of arms on it.

Baul: Grrrr… Damn them! Damn those “Iron Ones” – every single one of ‘em!

Sebek / Silver: …..

(The Darkness appears)

Grim: Ack!? That black stuff’s here again!

Yuu: It’s coming straight for us!

Silver: The three of us will deal with it. Yuu, get behind me. You ready, Sebek?

Sebek: Naturally. And we’ve no time to waste, let us finish this quickly.

Grim: Nyahahah! Those guys were no match for me!

Sebek: Do not boast over something so trivial! Let us return to Sir Lilia and the others at once.

Silver: Right. We don’t want to get left behind. Yuu, Grim let’s hurry.

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: The enemy’s fortress is up ahead. We’ll stop here and get something to eat first.

Sebek: Understood. Then we shall begin preparing a meal at once.

Grim: Hey! There’s some tasty lookin’ fruit growin’ on that tree over there!

Sebek: …There’s a fair amount of them, and they look just ripe for eating. However, they’re located incredibly high up that tree. Now how should we go about collecting them…. Even if we attempt to use our magic, if we should let even one fall to the ground, we’ll alert the enemy to our presence. And we cannot allow that to happen. Be quiet and give up on your quest, Grim.

Grim: Noooooooo! I want me a piece of that fruit!

Lilia: Keep it down, you brats. You’re telling me even though you’re studying magic at school, you can’t even control your powers good enough to pick some fruit? That’s pathetic.

Sebek: Yes, however, there’s a large amount of foliage impeding our way, and to attempt to pick them without making a sound would be…

Lilia: Fine, guess I don’t have a choice. I’ll show you brats how it’s done.

Sebek: T-That’s much too risky! The enemy is in the vicinity. Even for someone of your abilities, Sir Lilia, it’s….

Lilia: Stop worrying. There’s only one time in my life I ever missed my mark.

(Lilia uses his magic)

Grim: Woah, you dropped the fruit right in my lap for me!

Sebek: And he did so in the blink of an eye, with nary a sound…! That was truly splendid, Sir Lilia! To think, someone of your caliber could have ever missed their mark… Just what was it that you were aiming for at the time?

Lilia: Who knows.

Grim: This stuff is super sweet and tasty! *munch munch munch*

Lilia: If you don’t hurry, Grim’s going to eat them all. Here’s one for you, catch.

Sebek: Y-Yes, sir. Thank you.

(Battle map conversation)

Iron One C: Fae! It’s the fae! Capture them!

Baul: Argh! When did they get behind us!?

Sebek: Sir Baul! They’re approaching from the front, as well!

Lilia: Shit, it’s a pincer attack! Split it into two groups and take them down!

Silver: Yes, sir! Yuu, Grim, go take shelter behind that boulder there!

Silver: Haaaaaaah!!

Lilia: Haaah, haaaah… We get all of them?

Silver: Haaa, haaah…. Y-Yes, sir. I think that machine was the last one…!

Lilia: Heh…. You can hardly stand on your feet right now. The shit's about to start hitting the fan, kid. I’m saying this for your own good - scram already. Go back home. You can probably find refuge at the humans' port town up ahead.

Silver: …..No. No, we're staying with you! We aren’t going back home!

Lilia: This is our problem. It has nothing to do with you lot. There’s no reason for you to stick around.

Silver: I do have a reason! Because I’m your….!

Lilia: My what?

Silver: Your so-…….! …At any rate, I just want to…. I just want to help you all.

Lilia: You seriously are a weird little human, saying something like to a fae you just met…. *sigh* If you’re going to get that riled up about it then I’m not going to stop you. Do what you want.

Silver: Yes, sir. I will.

(Battle map conversation)

Lilia: There’s a ghost town up ahead. Let’s take a break at one of the cabins, it’ll at least keep the wind and rain off us.

Sebek: A ghost town…? Don’t tell me, was it destroyed by the “Iron Ones”!?

Lilia: No. Stop jumping to conclusions. Most of the people there worked at the nearby mine… But it shut down after they dug up all the Mysterium. And everyone just up and left after that.

Sebek: I see, so that’s what happened.

Silver: Wait, these footprints…

Baul: No doubt, they belong to the “Iron Ones”. They’re heading for town. Looks like there’s a good number of them.

Lilia: Ha. Looks like they had the same idea as us. It sucks they beat us to it, but… We’ll just have them set up camp for us. This is our last job for the day. Let’s get to it.

Imperial Guards: Gugiiii!!

Lilia: This place is a mess… But the house is in pretty good condition, all things considered. We’ll camp out here tonight.

Silver: Is that a… spinning wheel over there? I guess the people who lived here must’ve worked at home, in addition to mining.

Lilia: Don’t you go touching that stuff here willy-nilly. This was originally a fae home, and some of the stuff here could be enchanted.

Sebek: However, there’s quite the thick layer of dust about… Perhaps we should clean this place up a bit. There’s a doll lying on the floor over there. It appears to be a… an animal donning a suit of armor? Heh, it’s making quite the gallant expression.

Silver: And check out the wall over there. Looks like they were recording someone’s height as the years passed by. I’m guessing kids must’ve lived here at some point.

Lilia: ….Why the hell do kids have to be so damn messy.

Silver: Do you, erm… Do you prefer keeping things clean, General Vanrouge?

Lilia: No? I don’t even own enough stuff to make a mess with in the first place. But I already know when Lady Mallenoa’s egg hatches, she’ll be forcing babysitter duty on me. And when that little brat makes a mess, I’m going to be the one who has to clean up after it, right? I’m getting depressed just thinking about it. I hate kids. They’re loud, they do whatever they want, they cry over the littlest thing… And worst of all, they’re weak. I get chills just thinking about looking after something that gets worn out so easily.

Silver: ……..

Sebek: Given the right circumstances, you might change your mind someday. Say if… Say if your family were to grow, for example.

Lilia: My family? I have no intention of having a family. I never have, and I never will… *sigh* I’m exhausted. I’m going to bed.

Baul: Then I’ll keep watch… And you brats, stop with the meaningless drivel.

(Lilia and Baul depart)

Silver: …Sebek. Thanks for looking out for me.

Sebek: You’ve no reason to thank me. 'Twas simply the truth I spoke.

(Silver Owl’s Fortress)

Sebek: We finally made it. So this is… The “Silver Owl’s” stronghold, then.

Baul: Stop goggling at everything! We’re here as delegates of the Land of Briar. We have to make sure to give off a stately air. Be confident.

Silver: …..It’s strange. There’s a ton of “Iron Ones” outside the fortress, but not a single one in here.

Lilia: …..No! It can’t be!

(The doors slam shut)

Sebek: What!? The doors closed all on their own!

(Something starts rumbling)

Everyone: !!??

Imperial Guard B: Gauuu!?

Lilia: That sound, it's...! Everyone, to arms!

Episode 7-68

Grim: Pfew… Haaa… D-Did we beat it?

Silver: Appears so… Is everyone okay?

Magical Armor: Creaaaak… Groaaaan…

Lilia: !!! Look out!!

(Lilia takes the hit for Silver and collapses)

Silver: Father!!!

Lilia: How many times… Have I told you… don’t call me... “father”…

Sebek: You wretched piece of junk! So you could still move about, eh? How dare you strike Sir Lilia..!? Haaa!!

Silver: No…! Please, pull yourself together!

Baul: Out of the way, human! General, take this potion!

Lilia: Ack… *gulp gulp* …Blech… Haaa…. Shit, that hurts.

Baul: You need to rest! An injury like this isn’t something to take lightly, even for you… Why on earth did you…!

Lilia: …That’s I want to know… Damnit… When I saw Silver was about to get hit, my body just moved on its own.

Baul: You fool! Did you not devote your loyalty, you life, to Lady Mallenoa!? So why… Why would you take a hit for a feeble little human of all things...!?

Lilia: I know, I know… This isn’t like me at all…

Silver: General Vanrouge…!

Lilia: Listen, boys. The moment you think you’ve won is when you’re at your most vulnerable. Don’t forget that.

Silver: Yes, sir…!

Lilia: Oh, would you quit it with the sniveling. I drank the potion, didn’t I? I just to rest for a little bit, and then I’ll be good as new.

Silver: (I knew it. Even in a dream, you’re still… You really are still my…!)

Imperial Guard B: ….Gyaooo! Gyaooou!

Baul: What did you say? Neither Henrick nor the “Knight of Dawn” are here!?

Lilia: …This isn’t looking good…

Imperial Guard A: Kishyaaa!

Baul: Messenger! You’ve returned!

Imperial Guard A: Gyagyaaa! Shyaaa!

Baul: W-What on earth…! General, I have news! Briar Castle has been… Briar Castle has been completely surrounded by the “Silver Owl”, and Henrick and the “Knight of Dawn” are leading the charge!

Silver / Sebek: Wha-…!

Lilia: ….!

Part 1

Part 2

Please note: We will not know what the proper translations of the new places and character names introduced in this chapter are until the official English localizations are revealed, so please take my translations of them with a heavy grain of salt.

#twst spoilers #lilia vanrouge #baul zigvolt #twst silver #sebek zigvolt #twst #twisted wonderland #the ruler of the abyss

214 notes · View notes

blade-that-was-broken · 17 days

Text

John looked at him as if he was a ghost.

Bruce almost waited for him to approach, try to give him some control over the situation, but with a blink and the internal reminder that his brother was literally missing an entire leg, he walked up closer. He then paused and hesitated.

John noticed. He cast his eyes towards the floor, his shoulders tensing. Bruce realized he was probably staring which, yeah, that was probably awkward and uncomfortable. John could barely look at him, it was so jarring from the confident, boisterous teenager he remembered. "Yeah, sorry. It's weird to look at. Or not look at, considering it's not there.”

His leg, Bruce realized.

"No, I just..." he drifted off, running a hand through his long hair. He wasn't entirely sure what to say. Everything had happened so fast, his brain didn’t really have any time to catch up. "It's been a long time."

It was a lame reply.

"Yes," Joh nodded and continued to look mildly uncomfortable. His therapist stood there patiently, letting them talk but it still felt weird. "I... uh.... I don't mean to be rude but… uh... what are you doing here? How did you find me? Why?”

That was a lot of questions.

Not even unreasonable questions either.

Bruce wasn't sure if he really had much in the way of an answer. Not one that would make him feel better. Everything had happened so fast. One moment he was being told his brother who he hadn't seen in over fifteen years was in the hospital with severe injuries the next he was on a plane ticket, standing in front of him. His brother, scarred and missing a leg.

"The hospital found me."

Bruce didn’t realize that probably wasn’t the gentlest answer.

John schooled his face well.

"Oh."

But even Bruce could see the disappointment.

Something curled uncomfortably in Bruce's gut. For maybe the first time ever, Bruce realized he had never really gone looking for John. Not once. He probably never even considered the possibility. By the time Bruce had finally been able to get out of the house, he barely thought about his older brother. He was like some bare, distant memory. That realization sunk in his chest and made him sick to his stomach.

John probably thought Bruce didn't give barely two shits about him.

He was going to prove otherwise.

John was here, standing in front of him, breathing and Bruce wasn’t going to let another fifteen years go by.

"You're coming home with me," Bruce blurted out, although it came through in a tone that left no real room for argument. "The hospital said you have no address?"

John didn't answer. He just kind of stared.

"You are coming home with me," he repeated. "You're going to meet my wife and my kids and probably be their favorite uncle." Possibly the only uncle they would really get to know, considering Clay wasn't on speaking terms with him for years and Floyd was traveling constantly. Grandma couldn't handle so much travel so she pretty much never came which meant little with Branch.

"You're married?"

He nodded. "You're back in my life now and I am going to keep it that way. You'll be staying with me. Someday, if you want, you can get your own place or something but I don't think you'd want to leave the area. We live in a great place, perfect weather, great good, amazing..."

"Uh... Bruce?" the therapist interrupted, leaning forward.

"Oh! Yes?"

"I think you might have lost him. This is a lot to take in so perhaps slow down just a bit."

John was staring at him. Yeah, he looked a bit confused and uncertain.

"Right, right. Sorry JD. Let's go back. I live in Hawaii and I live in a great place. And I would really like you to come with me. Would you like to come home with me?"

John eyed him warily. "You don't have to do that."

"I want to," Bruce replied and it was one of the most genuine, honest things he had said in his life with such conviction. "I think we have spent far more than too much time away with no contact. And I think you would like it there."

"Okay."

"Good, good. I already told my life. She's practically... dying to meet you," he said but upon John's expression, he continued. "Okay, so maybe not dying but she's pregnant and she's never really got to spend any time with any of my brothers and well she..."

"I can help."

"What?"

"I can help," John repeated. "With whatever you need."

"You really don't have to... like this isn't..." he stopped upon seeing the therapist's cut it out expression and looked back at John. He was so serious and determined. Right. Military. He might need something to do. "You know what? An extra set of hands would be great. I've spent a lot of time at the resort and this pregnancy has been waaaaaaaaaay different."

"I can help."

"Ever worked with or lived with a pregnant woman?"

"I spent a leave with one of my squad mates and her pregnant sister so... yes?”

Okay, so Bruce wasn't exactly expecting that one. But good to know.

"Alright, John, let's get you sitting down," the therapist interrupted, gentle but firm. "And then I can discuss your exercises with your brother. You need to keep doing them."

"Whatever," John muttered. As he got back to the wheelchair, Bruce followed awkwardly to the room he was staying in before the therapist pulled him aside.

"You have to understand," the therapist said. "His life has completely changed - physically, emotionally, mentally."

"I know it's not going to be easy," Bruce tried not to scoff. He wasn't stupid. What John had been through - even aside from his injuries - Bruce didn't even know but he knew there would probably be a lot. It didn't matter. John was his brother and one he hadn't been in touch with for fifteen years; he was going to make up for it now and get him all the help he could.

"He's not... going to bounce back very quick. You should expect bouts of depression and frustration, not just with mobility but with the change of everything. He is very used to a certain level of capability and mobility, as well as military life in general. I would highly recommend finding a group and other resources to help him adjust to civilian life."

Civilian life.

That was a term Bruce had heard very often, as he knew his state was home to quite some military bases and training facilities, so there was not exactly a shortage of soldiers, but it wasn't one he was very used to using.

But his brother was a soldier. And this new everything was very civilian. Bruce was a civilian, Brandy was a civilian. It was all very different.

His whole life was about to change.

Both of them.

#I’m not angry at Bruce for not looking or even thinking too #not only was he raised for several years with his mother trying to effectively erase the memory of his brother #that kind of thing… idk some things you just get mixed up with a new life you don’t think of those things #granted canon Bruce didn’t look for John or any of the others either #so it’s not entirely out of character #soldier on au

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earthearthearththearth · 7 months

Note

Could you do John Ward headcannons?

I have some on my main account that I will repost as well.

John Ward Headcanons

-He does like to sing, i got this idea from the Faith Chapter III preview trailer on the New Blood Youtube channel.

-On top of that, I think he is a skilled piano player. Before becoming a priest, I think he would do this for the church and still would on occasion if the events of Faith didn't happen. Nonetheless, he still plays, just not to the public very much

-Found family. Father Garcia becomes his father figure and Lisa is his sister. This is canon to me and I love it.

-Plagued with nightmares of what happened during the injection

-Not shy, but reserved. I think this is canon, but in my mind he's constantly just a little too formal until that facade is either broken through or ripped from him.

-Used to be a social butterfly when he was a child, though he was always the passive one. Lisa however was firey and a go-getter, the complete opposite of him.

-speaking of lisa, I think she is a bit older than John, say about three or four years. I think he sees her as an older sister

-Never will take care of that limp. He just lets it do its thing

-After failing Amy's exorcism, he became suicidal to the point where he considered doing his own sacrifice on himself

-Bisexuality is canon

-I think that he did really love Molly, but considering they got married shortly after he got out of the psych ward, I think he just proposed to make himself look more normal. It was never meant to last. But they remained good friends

-All his parents are dead

-He is so deathly afraid of failure oh my god. He gets the time wrong and asks you if you want to shoot him like a crippled horse

-Likes to read!

-Wanted to pursue a music career at some point but as you can imagine, this did not work out

-Hates horror movies. To be real, i don't think he'd like any movie all that much

-reoccurring nightmares about those deer beating the shit out of him. It used to scare him but now he just thinks it's weird

-used to be scared of EVERYTHING. Walk by him too fast and he perks up like a scared cat

#headcanons #faith #faith airdorf #faith the unholy trinity #faith game #john ward #john thomas ward

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greetings-and-salutations · 2 years

Text

““Hey, Eli! I’ve Got Something of Yours!”

Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz x Reader

Masterlist

(Gif not mine)

Requested? No

Summary: It’s not easy finding your soulmate. It’s even harder when they don’t use their real name…

soulmate au: Once you turn exactly 16 years old a tattoo will appear on your wrist with your soulmates name. (If your soulmate turns 16 first, your tattoo will appear when theirs does)

Warnings: starred out swear words, alluded to violence, assault, warring karate dojos, mildly OOC Demetri Alexopolous

Pairing: Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz x Fem!Reader

“Bro!”

“Happy birthday, man!”

“Gonna throw a killer rager for you tonight, you in?”

“Yeah, dude, it’s gonna be sick!”

Eli Moskowitz, or Hawk as he was more commonly referred, offered his friends a brief smile, thanking them for their well-wishes on his big day, but much too preoccupied with his own thoughts to give them any more than that. His focus, regrettably, was far more so on the phone in his hand. The device, though not unlocked, still displayed the time just fine, and that was, after all, what had been encompassing his attentions.

You see, Hawk had been born almost exactly sixteen years prior, at 11:49am. This particular fact meant that, in precisely two and a half minutes, his life would change forever. Because, at 11:49am today, his soulmate’s name would appear in permanent black ink on the inside of his wrist.

“Guys, leave him alone. He’s clearly not paying attention to you.” Tory said, smirking a little and gesturing towards her own wrist, which was blank, but got the message across just the same. Hawk made a face at the girl, but wasn’t really annoyed. Nothing could ruin his mood today.

“When are you supposed to get your tattoo?” Mitch asked, joining into the conversation. Hawk didn’t look up from his phone as he answered.

“Minute and a half.” He mumbled, running his thumb absentmindedly over the empty spot on his arm. Mitch’s eyes widened across from him, the others’ following suit. No one has known the exact time. That is, until the Mohawk-clad boy had just said it. Mitch spoke up for all of them.

“D*mn, dude. Well, good luck.”

Now this comment, while certainly well-meant, earned a sudden frown from the birthday boy. He’d been so excited to find out who he was to spend the rest of his life with, that he hadn’t even considered the other possibilities; that they might be one of the unlucky pairs who didn’t live near one another, or God forbid, never even met…

The alarm on his phone went off, knocking Hawk from his nerve-wracking and unwelcome thoughts, and the boy looked at the time.

11:49am

+ + +

“‘Eli Moskowitz’? Who the he*l is ‘Eli Moskowitz’?” (Y/n) took in her now ink covered wrist, shocked above anything else at its sudden appearance. Her birthday wasn’t for another few months, but she guessed it wasn’t so weird that he would be older than her. Didn’t stop her from being completely blindsided, though.

All (Y/n) had wanted that day was to get through her math class in one piece. Getting her soulmate mark randomly five minutes before the bell rang was not exactly high on her “to-do list.”

“How am I supposed to know? I didn’t even know it was your birthday today.” Her best friend, (Y/f/n), fired back, clearly annoyed by the lack of information she’d been given. (Y/n) was quick to correct her.

“It’s not.” She reassured, not wanting (Y/f/n) to think she’d been keeping things from her. But, it seemed, the thought couldn’t leave the other’s head fast enough, as another swiftly took its place.

“Ooooooh so he’s older. Sexy.” She commented with a smirk. (Y/n) rolled her eyes. That was clearly not what was important at the moment.

“You’re not helping.” She complained, her eyes returning to the loopy letters on her skin, trying to pick her brain for anyone she might know with a matching name, or perhaps with a birthday today, but ultimately coming up short. Who could it be?

The bell rang loudly, distracting (Y/n) from her thoughts, as she moved to collect her things. (Y/f/n) did the same, before turning to wait for the newly minted soulmate of one “Eli Moskowitz.”

“Come on, it’s lunch time. Maybe we can ask around there.”

+ + +

“(Y/n) (L/n)”

Hawk was just about 100% convinced he was going to lose his sh*t. It was 12:30, almost forty minutes since he’d gotten his tattoo, and he still had absolutely no idea who his soulmate was.

Not from a lack of trying, of course. The boy was glad he’d had lunch that period, for he was certain he wouldn’t have paid attention in any of his classes, his mind completely overtaken with questions about (Y/n).

He’d searched every social media site he could think of for anyone whose name matched his soulmate’s, but either she didn’t have any accounts, or she didn’t use her real name; a fact that, Tory kept reminding him, wasn’t too strange of a thing to do. But if he couldn’t find her online, what was he supposed to do?

“You could ask around?” Mitch offered, him and the rest of the Cobra’s getting tired of watching their unofficial-official leader pout like a toddler.

At this point, Hawk felt like an idiot. Why hadn’t he come up with that idea himself ages ago? It seemed so obvious now that someone had put it out there.

He stood from his chair so fast it almost fell over, teetering dangerously on its hind legs behind him, not that Hawk would have noticed, nor cared if it did, his eyes far too focused on searching the cafeteria for anyone he deemed “suspect”…

+ + +

“I mean, you could always go ask someone over there.” (Y/f/n) gestures towards the other side of the cafeteria where the football team and the warring karate dojos sat; the “popular kids,” for lack of a better term, and the only people (Y/n) had yet to bug about the mysterious “Eli Moskowitz.” (Y/n)’s eyes widened to the size of saucers at the idea.

“I’m awkward, are you crazy?” She all but screamed. Though, with the entire high school population currently packed into one room, each and every one of them talking over one another, she doubted anyone cared all that much for her volume. (Y/f/n) rolled her eyes at the girl’s dramatics.

“You will be fine…” But suddenly, she wasn’t looking at (Y/n) anymore. Her gaze having zoned in on something over her best friend’s shoulder, and a lightbulb seemed to go off in her head. Needless to say, (Y/n) was considerably concerned. “Here, I know Demetri. Let’s ask him if he’s heard of him.”

And before (Y/n) could argue with her, (Y/f/n) was waving down this “Demetri,” who quickly made it to their table with an awkward smile, and a dorky t-shirt to rival even the best of the nerds (Y/n) had been prodding for information just moments ago. In the nicest way possible, Demetri didn’t look like he belonged with the cool kids…

“Hey, do you happen to know an “Eli Moskowitz?” This one got her soulmate tattoo randomly today and we can’t for the life of us figure out who he is.” (Y/f/n) spat out in one breath, but (Y/n) didn’t have time to be either impressed or concerned about that, as she watched Demetri’s eyes widen in shock… and recognition.

“You know him?” She asked hopefully, knocking the boy from his stupor. He nodded quickly, though there was a weird look in his eye. (Y/n) couldn’t fathom why, but she didn’t necessarily care all that much to figure it out either. Demetri knew Eli…

I’m gonna meet my soulmate…

“C’mon. I’ll take you to him.”

Now, (Y/n) wouldn’t say she regretted accepting Demetri’s offer to introduce her to Eli. Knowing what she does now, she doubted she’d ever have had it in her to go up to him on her own, but she wasn’t necessarily the fondest of being blindsided, especially not for the second time that day. Demetri’s grip on her arm tightened, and his loud voice boomed across the cafeteria, calling out tauntingly to a boy (Y/n) was certainly not expecting. She contemplated whether or not she’d ever been speechless before, deciding this would quantify as a first, as Demetri’s words met her, and everyone else’s, ears…

“Hey, Eli! I’ve got something of yours!”

+ + +

Hawk turned at the sound of Demetri’s voice, not understanding what he could mean. That is, until his eyes met the girl, who’s arm was held tight in Demetri’s vice-lick grip. Could it be?

“This is yours, right?” Demetri asked with a cheeky smirk, holding up her wrist to show, clear as day, “Eli Moskowitz” inked on it. And Hawk’s heart stopped.

She was so beautiful. Her bright eyes, and soft-looking hair; the boy practically swooned. All he wanted to do was wrap her up in his arms and never let go. This girl was his; the universe said so, and he wanted her to know just how excited he was to spend the rest of his life with her.

But, presently it seemed, she was rather held up…

“Demetri, get your hands off her.” Hawk ordered, through gritted teeth. He was trying to stay calm. He didn’t want to scare (Y/n). Not to mention the fact that she was still very much in the line of fire. If she got hurt Hawk didn’t know what he would do with himself. Demetri grinned, condescendingly, back at him.

“I don’t think I want to just yet.” He commented, his fist tightening around her wrist. (Y/n) looked up at him nervously.

“H-hey, that hurts…” she mumbled, but he ignored her. Hawk’s blood was practically boiling.

“Demetri, I swear-“ He started, but the other boy wouldn’t let up. He was playing a dangerous game with the little “hostage situation” he had going on…

“You can have her, when you swear to stop messing with Miyagi-Do.” He demanded. It was clear Demetri hadn’t thought this through. Hawk knew, the minute (Y/n) was out of harms way, his fist would be making a sizable dent in Demetri’s face. He didn’t care what he had to promise to get it there. It was happening. And once Demetri didn’t have Hawk’s soulmate as a human shield, there would be absolutely nothing to stop him.

“Hands off first.” He ordered, trying to catch (Y/n)’s gaze, if only to reassure her, but her eyes were glued to Demetri’s hand on her, where she was currently trying very hard to pry his fingers away, but to no avail.

Hawk figured, in any other context, he’d find her inability to do something that involved physical strength quite adorable. He*l, he was already daydreaming about being called over to her place to help her move furniture or open pickle jars (what can he say? He’s a simple guy), but, right now, it wasn’t cute. Now, it was dangerous.

Demetri looked at Hawk, visibly trying to decide whether or not he should believe him, but, though he tried hard to hide it, the worry on Hawk’s face was clear as day. And so, he let go…

+ + +

This was definitely not what (Y/n) wanted to do today. Yesterday, all she had to worry about was turning in her English paper on time. And now, whether she liked it or not, she was in the middle of a gang war.

But, she also knew she wouldn’t trade the way today went for anything in the world. She found her soulmate, and, even though he had strange spiky red hair, and an entourage of cronies ready to fight all his battles for him, Hawk was perfect, and he was all hers.

And she would certainly much rather be in his tight grip right now then Demetri’s. Hawk, for starters, wouldn’t be in the process of leaving a handprint shaped bruise on her arm, like Demetri was, either knowingly or unknowingly, doing at that moment. She figured knowingly, as her pleas and attempts to escape went on deaf ears.

She was ignoring the conversation happening around her, putting most of her energy into readying herself to snitch and scream for a teacher, when suddenly Demetri’s hand was gone. (Y/n) looked up between the two boys, wondering what she’d missed but deciding it wasn’t worth it to stick around and find out. Her wrist hurt and her soulmate was right in front of her. She had more important things to worry about.

“(Y/n)?” And that was all the prompting she needed, her body moving faster then her brain was, and when they caught up to one another, she was already hiding in her Mohawk boy’s chest, his arms wrapped around her back protectively, which she greatly appreciated.

“Get lost while you have the chance.” Hawk suddenly spoke threateningly, and (Y/n) figured he was talking to Demetri. She didn’t even look up to see if he had heeded the warning. Demetri whatever-his-last-name-was had officially made the list of people (Y/n) didn’t care what happened to. He was a jerk, and the girl would definitely be questioning (Y/f/n)’s judgment on being on a first name basis with him, but all that could wait. The confrontation was winding down, which meant, (Y/n) would finally be able to talk to the boy she was meant to spend forever with…

+ + +

Hawk was still breathing heavy as he watched Demetri scurry off back to the rest of the Miyagi-Do p*ssies, all his confidence gone now that he’d lost his leverage. Idiot…

But the, slightly unsteady, rise and fall of a chest against his own was enough distraction to get his mind off the subject and onto something much more important… or, rather, someone…

“You’re okay now… I won’t let him touch you.” He promised, knowing that the pair of them most definitely had gained some onlookers, wondering what the he*l was going on, but Hawk didn’t care in the slightest. If they made fun of him later for being protective of his girl, he’d just beat the crap out of them like always.

“I believe you…” (Y/n) mumbled into his shirt, her sporadic breathing having calmed immensely, or at least returned to somewhat normal. Hawk let out a sigh of relief at the realization, but before he could even think about saying anything, she was speaking again. “I didn’t wanna-I mean-I wish we didn’t meet like-like this…” She continued to talk directly into his chest, though Hawk heard her just fine, and his heart clenched at how sad she sounded. He wanted to rip Demetri’s head from his shoulders for doing this to her, because she was absolutely right. This wasn’t how they were supposed to meet one another, but it was too late now…

“I know. But, hey, we met, right? That’s what’s important.” He said, running his hands up her arms in what he hoped was a comforting manner. She nodded slowly in agreement, the top of her head brushing against his chin when she did.

Hawk smiled a little at the motion, still completely floored by how absolutely perfect she was. Her height, he was now noticing, perfect for hugs, a fact he would most certainly be taking advantage of from this point forward. Well, no time like the present… “C’mere you!”

(Y/n) shrieked in delight, a loud laugh leaving her body, as Hawk’s grip tightened around her waist, the Mohawk-clad boy spinning her in his arms with a wide smile of his own. That laugh… God, he could get used to that.

“Eli! Put me down!” She cried out, and Hawk, who didn’t think his smile could get any wider, was promptly proven wrong.

He didn’t let anyone call him Eli. Ever since the new look, he’d been “Hawk,” and anyone who thought differently was greeted with a swift fist to the mouth. That is, until the small word left (Y/n)’s lips. Hawk decided then and there that he never wanted to hear her call him anything else.

“Seriously, I’m wearing a skirt!” She complained, though she didn’t sound all that angry. Hawk was quick to do as she asked anyway, his hands moving to the bottom of said skirt to make sure it was sitting right, as her own straightened his top.

“Hey, Eli?” She said after a moment, her eyes once again meeting his. He nodded for her to continue. She dramatically pouted, an expression Hawk knew would trick him into doing anything she wanted over the course of their forever together.

“I don’t know if I’m gonna make it through Spanish class after all this.” She said with a sigh, to which Hawk chuckled, leaning in to whisper back to her.

“Don’t tell Señor Chang, but you’re definitely not going to Spanish class after all this.” He punctuated his statement with a suggestive wink and (Y/n)’s gasped, smacking his shoulder lightly, though her uncontrollable giggles did away with any semblance of annoyance.

“Shut up!” She managed to get out, before tucking herself back into his chest, probably to hide her quickly reddening cheeks, though Hawk didn’t mind in the slightest, as his arms wound back around her waist. It felt so right, like they were always meant to be there.

Yeah… Eli decided. I could definitely get used to this…

Part 2?

Tag lists are open!!!

Tags: @electriclcvewp @kaqua

#cobra kai hawk #eli moskowitz #cobra kai #eli cobra kai #karate kid #hawk moskowitz #cobra kai fic #eli hawk moskowitz #hawk cobra kai #eli moskowitz fanfiction #eli moskowitz x reader #eli moskowitz fanfic #hawk moskowitz x reader #eli moskowitz soulmate au #hawk moskowitz soulmate au #cobra kai soulmate au

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buckysgrace · 11 months

Text

Thirty Four

CW: period sex lmao

“Hey,” Billy sighed as he plopped down next to her on the bed. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at the blonde boy that was now laying down next to her. His skin looked even more golden than before, and his freckles were more prominent among his cheeks and nose. She figured it was from being in the sun for so long the past few days, “What are you doing?” He handed her half of his chocolate bar, which she gladly took. She probably ate it much too fast, but it satisfied her cravings and her sweet tooth. He barely had any bruising that she could notice from Friday with Neil. She was glad, she didn’t want the constant physical reminder of how she had sold him out. She felt guilty enough as it was.

After the last night they had been together, Billy had been preoccupied with work. He had been doing doubles the past three days and barely seen her. She wasn't sure if that was because he actually had to work, or if he was doing it so he could avoid her. She still wasn’t sure what she had done, but figured she was overreacting at the same time. Her period seemed to come the morning after he left her alone, at the worst time, and she had spent her days in the shower crying over her confused feelings. She had decided that if he could easily ignore her then she could do the same. She stayed far away from him, not even allowing herself to look at him for too long. It was like he had soon figured it out and had spent the past night driving her crazy with subtle touches and longing looks. Still, she stayed away. She didn’t want to be the first one to break. It looked like he had finally had enough. She felt almost smug about it.

Everything was still weird to her. Her mom had been acting like nothing had happened, while Neil was acting like Kim was the worst thing to happen to her. Still, he didn't yell or treat her the same way that he treated Billy. She supposed she was grateful for that. She had wanted to talk to Billy about everything, but he acted like he was too busy to deal with her. Except for last night, but she was far too bitter to deal with him by then. Max was away more than what she was around. Kim felt lonely, not quite understanding why her mom was so set in stone on staying with someone like Neil.

“Wishing I was born a boy,” She whined pathetically, holding the stuffed cow he had gotten her, close to her chest. It was more comfortable than her pillows and she had gotten accustomed to waking up with it wrapped in her arms. She still had Billy’s shirt tucked away and had no real plan of returning it to him, “How was the pool?” He still smelled of chlorine as he turned to face her, looking a bit perplexed.

“Why would you want to be a boy?” He rubbed his hand up her waist slowly, playing with the hem of her shirt, “It wasn’t too bad. Those little shits are annoying.” Billy responded. Kim knew better though. She knew that he enjoyed teaching the little kids to swim much more than he liked screaming at the older kids. She tried to ignore the burning on her skin from where he had touched her. She sighed softly, wishing she could indulge in his actions.

“I can’t do anything,” Kim grumbled, holding the stuffed cow under her chin as she chewed on the last remainder of chocolate, “I’m on my period, but I’m not pregnant.” She told him, smiling playfully as she shifted on her pillow. She wondered if she pressed the pillow up in just the right position that the cramps would slowly start to fade away. Billy smirked mischievously as he turned to face her, his necklace dangling against his black tank top. She thought about tugging on it until he was closer to her.

“Lucky for you, I know the perfect remedy,” He pushed her red hair out of her face, trying to get a clear look at her. She wrinkled her eyebrows in confusion, “Do you want to know what it is?” He sounded too eager as she considered him. She had a feeling it was completely inappropriate.

“More chocolate?” She asked playfully, half hoping that it was true. It took a lot for her sweet tooth to be satisfied. He shook his head, twisting her hair in ringlets around his finger before tugging on it softly. She shot him an irritated response but he simply placed a kiss against her nose gently. She felt her entire face break out into a blush from his sweet gesture.

“No it doesn’t involve chocolate,” His lips trailed across her cheek, warming them as he dipped into her neck, “It’ll make you feel good.” She felt a familiar feeling growing between her legs as she focused on how his lips moved against her skin. She hated how easily he had this effect on her, only it felt as if it was twice as bad.

“I like chocolate though,” She gulped, growing a bit nervous as she felt her hips shift forward towards her comforter as Billy sucked on the spot on her neck that drove her crazy. His teeth grazed against her skin softly and this time she couldn’t resist grinding her hips down into the bed. She felt his lips curl into a smile and she was sure he was proud of the effect that he had over her, “Billy, I can’t.” She whined, forcing herself to stop. Everywhere he touched felt like it affected her more than usual. Even rutting against her blanket felt that much more pleasurable. It was like torture.

“Why?” He mumbled as he dove back into the crook of her neck, licking at her skin softly. She felt a soft moan leaving her lips as he did so. Everything he did made her feel on the edge and ready to submit. She wished she could fight her body a bit harder, but she felt like she melted right against him.

“I’m bleeding,” She whined again, sounding like a small child, “It’s gross and dirty. It’ll get everywhere.” She huffed, trying to remind him why it was a bad idea. He scoffed, drawing back enough to face her.

“It’s natural, so it can’t be gross and dirty,” He reminded her, his blue eyes watching her expression amused, “Plus, it’s just a bit of blood. I don’t mind that.” She stared at him, almost horrified. It sounded so taboo. She hadn’t ever read or heard about someone having sex on their period before. Surely, there was some uncertain rule that this was completely off limits. The way that Billy watched her told her otherwise.

“You don’t care if you get covered in blood?” She asked simply, fiddling with her hands and not quite believing what he was saying. She was sure his dick was his favorite thing in the world, and she couldn’t imagine him wanting to get it dirty. He grinned.

“I’ll wear a condom, plus,” He drew circles on her arm softly, “It’ll help with your cramps. I promise.” She peered at him for a moment, wondering how on earth he could know about that. She quickly thought about how many women he had been with and reminded herself that she didn’t want to know how he knew. She would probably be traumatized by the end of it. Still, she found herself growing tempted as she thought about his words. She was cramping a lot and she wondered if it really did help with her the pain she was feeling at the moment.

“Alright,” She whispered as she glanced back towards him, “Um, where should we do it? I don’t want to ruin my blankets.” Billy was scooting off of the bed as soon as she agreed to have sex with him. She looked at him curiously as he crossed her bedroom to leave, and she was unsure if she should follow or not.

“I’ll be right back!” He yelled from the doorway. She was baffled for a moment as she shook her head, pulling the stuffed cow back to her chest so she could rest her head on it. She watched as he appeared quickly, carrying a stack of towels. He kicked the door shut behind him, “Get up really quick.” She did as he asked, sitting up at the edge of her bed as she watched him move one of her pillows and cover it with towels.

“How do you want me to lay down?” She asked him, uncertain of where she was supposed to move. He held onto her gently, laying her hips down across the pillow so her bottom was up high in the air. She crossed her arms in front of her chest, resting on her elbows as she tried to adjust. Kim was unsure, feeling as if she was in a similar position to what she was when she told him they shouldn’t do this anymore. Despite having towels spread to cover every possible inch she still didn’t feel like this was very safe, “Is this hygienic?” She asked suddenly, sitting up on her elbows a bit so she could look at him. He chuckled, squeezing her butt as he answered her question.

“Yes, the only bad part is the mess, but I’ll worry about that. I just want to make you feel better,” He persuaded as he pressed his hands against her hips softly. She liked the way his fingers massaged into her skin. She nodded, trying not to feel embarrassed when he slid her shorts and underwear down to her knees. The scratchy towel rubbed up against her as she tried to adjust again until the pressure on her stomach from the pillow was comfortable, “Better?” He questioned. She glanced back at him, looking at the cocky smirk on his face.

“I guess so,” She mumbled as she played with her fingers, resisting the urge to pick at her nail polish. No matter how hard she tried to paint her nails she couldn’t help but pick at them. She listened to the sound of him pulling his pants down his thighs. She had the sudden urge to turn and watch him, “It doesn’t hurt this way does it?” She thought of another question, so she had the excuse to turn and face him. She felt excitement growing in her lower stomach as she stared at his hand pumping his hardening length between his legs. He pulled out a condom and slid it over himself, looking at her amused like he could tell what she was doing.

“No,” He smiled, moving his hand slowly up his length. Kim wished that it was her small hand that had a hold of him, “It will feel really good. I promise.” He traced his dick up between her wet folds and she quickly turned away, not wanting to see the reaction on his face when he finally realized he’d be getting blood on him. His reaction never came. He pushed his tip inside of her slowly and she found her mouth opening in awe from how easily he pushed into her. There was no friction between the two of them as he filled her quickly to the brim. He leaned on top of her, sighing in relief as his warm air fanned her face.

“That’s nice,” She breathed out truthfully. She had been worried that the feeling of his cock being stuffed inside of her would make her cramps more painful. He had been right, she seemed to be relaxing more at the feeling of his dick inside of her. She laid her head forward softly, feeling as if she could nap like this, “Oh my god, Billy.” She panted out, the side of her cheek dragging along her pillow with his movements.

“I told you I’d take care of you,” She could hear the smirk in his voice as he thrusted forward again, and she resisted the urge to grind back against him. She whined softly as he dragged her hips back against him, his cock nudging against her bundle of nerves. She clenched her hands into fists around her sheets, “You feel so good baby, so fucking good.” He praised and she bit her lip, feeling herself wince a bit from how harshly he was gripping her. She understood suddenly what he meant when he had said there was pain that could be pleasurable.

She was thankful everyone else was already gone because her moans were filling the empty house and bouncing off of the walls. Billy was pulling her hair out of her face again, desperately kissing her neck as he drilled his dick into her. She yelped, facing him surprised as he bit down on her shoulder hard. She watched as he pulled away, the marks from his teeth remaining against her skin.

“Does it feel good, baby?” He whispered softly, dragging her hips back against him as he grunted. She gasped, feeling her eyes clenched shut as the feeling of his cock hitting her g-spot traveled up her back and down her legs. She cried out, nodding frantically as she watched him. It felt so good, and she didn’t want him to stop, “Use your words.” His eyes narrowed and he slowed his movements against her. She thought of how he had made her sit on his lap, filled with his cock and unable to move. She didn’t want to repeat that again.

“Feels so good, Billy,” She moaned out, fairly sure she sounded like the videos of the women he watched, “Love your cock so much.” She promised him, biting her lip hard as he smacked her bottom. She felt her walls fluttering around his hard cock, pulling him in deeper every time he pulled back out. Billy yanked on her hair softly, making her look up at him.

She stared up at his ocean blue eyes, noticing how dilated they looked. She traced the lines of pleasure across his face and felt herself clenching around him as she thought once again how wrong all of this was. No matter how much they convinced themselves, it was wrong. Her mouth was parted as she moaned again, and he took the opportunity to let a line of drool drip down from his mouth onto her lips. Her tongue darted out to lick up his saliva quickly, not wanting to waste a single drop. She could feel her clit throbbing again after doing that, it always made her feel so bad when he’d spit on her.

“You’re such a good girl,” He praise as he relaxed the grip on her hair and let her lean forward towards her pillows again. She was glad as she was able to easily hide her blush, though she was unsure if he would even notice from how flushed her body felt from their activity, “Taking my dick like a little whore, doing what I say.” He was grunting as he spoke, his

She could feel her ears turning red from the sound of her pussy squelching around him, the sound echoing in the room. She was so wet. She tried not to feel too embarrassed because it was clear that Billy clearly loved it by the way he was cursing above her. She liked listening to the sounds he made, liked feeling that she made him come undone in the same way he did to her.

“Hear that baby, that’s all for me,” He grunted against the side of her face, whispering huskily into her ear. She nodded; mouth open as she concentrated on how good he was making her feel at the moment. His tongue flicked against the side of her cheek as he squeezed her hips even tighter, “Tommy would never fuck you this good. He’d never treat you as good as what your stepbrother does.” She cried out when he bit the side of her neck. He had never bitten her before and now he had done it twice in one session. She whimpered, rolling her hips back against him in agreement. She was sure that no one else would ever make her feel this way.

“You’re so good to me,” She pleaded through her moans, sweat dripping from the back of her neck as she found herself growing near her orgasm. The muscles in her stomach were tightening in a more intense way than ever before. She found it hard to speak as he drilled into her, the pillow he had set underneath her was almost flat from how hard he was fucking her, “M’close.” She breathed out against the side of her pillow, clinging to it tightly.

“You gonna come on my cock?” He was grunting against the side of her face as he went between kissing her neck and biting her. She liked it all the same, “Gonna be a good girl and come for me?” She felt her muscles clenching together in her stomach as she became more frantic for her release. He was pushing into her so easily.

“Billy,” She whined out as he looked up to face her, “You fuck me so good.” She spoke breathlessly as she did her best to roll her hips back up against him. She couldn’t be too sure, but she swore she saw his cheeks blush.

He tilted her head back, kissing her roughly as he stuck his tongue inside of her mouth. She whimpered softly at the feeling of him slamming into her repeatedly as his tongue flicked against her own. He squeezed her hair softly, pulling her up so that she’d look at him.

“Are you my good little cock slut?” He asked roughly, angling his hips so that he hit that spot inside of her each time as sparks raced up her back. She felt her toes curling as she nodded frantically, forgetting that he was holding onto her hair so tightly.

“Yes,” She whined as he used his other hand to smack her bottom again. She was beginning to realize that she liked when he did that, “I’m your good cock slut.” She repeated his words back towards him, looking up at him with her best doe eyes. He dove his head in again, crashing his lips onto hers as he wrapped a hand around her neck and licked inside of her mouth. She was whining in awe, thrusting her hips back as she tried to push him in ever deeper.

“So fucking needy,” He tsked as he pulled away. She wanted to point out that he seemed just as needy with the pleasure etched on his face and the way the rhythm from his hips had become unsteady, “Your little cunt is so tight and wet.” He breathed against her face, groaning into her ear as he snapped his hips forward again. She dug her fingers into the stuffed cow, feeling her walls clamp down on his hard cock.

“Oh, oh my god, Billy!” She shook around him, her back arching up against his sweaty chest as she came undone around his cock. Her eyes clenched shut as his lips sucked on her neck and she was sure he was leaving another mark on her. She thought of Neil suddenly, moving her head away so it wouldn’t be too obvious, “Fuck.” She whined out in awe as he continued to hit that sweet spot inside of her. His hips stilled as he toppled on top of her with a loud groan, filling the condom.

“Feel better?” He asked after a second, his lips pressing against her nose softly. She nodded, still in a haze as he circled his hips and his dick rubbed against that spot again. She yelped softly, unable to bring herself to another orgasm.

“So much better,” She told him earnestly, “No more though.” She whimpered softly, still feeling him pulsing inside of her. He pecked her lips gently, pushing the red strands out of her face so he could look at her clearly.

“Do you mind when I call you that?” He asked suddenly. She blinked at him confused, not quite sure what he was talking about. She looked at his swollen lips.

“Call me what?” Her breath was finally starting to settle back down on her lungs as he played with her hair gently. She really liked when he did that and wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not. She was worried she would actually get attached now that he was acting so sweet to her.

“A slut,” He seemed to consider it for a moment, “I can stop saying it if you want. I don’t want to make you feel bad. You’re not really a slut, you know that right?” She sat up a bit, trying to focus on him and not the feeling of his dick inside of her.

“What?” She repeated again, trying to make sense of why he was saying this, “Oh, is this about what your dad said? No, I don’t mind when you call me that. Trust me, I’ll tell you if I don’t like something. I know I’m not really a slut.” She responded shyly, feeling intimidated by the way he was watching her. She was more than happy pretending to be Billy’s slut. She didn’t necessarily want to break that dream. Billy nodded, looking at least relieved over what she had said. She hated Neil for always ruining everything.

Billy raised off of her after a moment, pulling out softly. She felt horrified at the sound that echoed between her legs and the rush of wetness that pooled out after him. She listened to him ripping his condom off and wondered if she should move to clean herself. She was sure she was a mess. It didn’t take long for him to grab one of the other towels and clean her softly before pulling her underwear and shorts up over her hips.

“Do you want to join me for a shower?” He asked suddenly as his hands lingered against her lower back. She turned to face him, noticing for the first time how her arms felt as if they were beginning to go numb from being in the same position for so long. She smiled nervously, feeling like a shower would be nice.

“Sure,” She responded shakily as he helped her to the side of the bed. She grimaced when she looked at the blood-stained sheets and then back towards him. He didn’t seem bothered or disgusted as he wrapped them up in a ball, “Sorry.” She mumbled, feeling embarrassed.

“Why are you sorry? I’ll clean it up, it’s just a bit of blood.” He laughed it off as he stuck out his hand and helped her stand. She felt her face burning again, realizing he wasn’t letting her hand go. This would be the second time they had held hands and he hadn’t immediately pulled away from her.

“Yeah, okay,” She responded a bit unsure of herself as she stood near him, watching how his blue eyes grew brighter from the sunlight hitting them, “Are you going to the Fun Fair?” She blurted out suddenly. He looked at her amused as he tilted his head.

“Fun Fair?” He questioned, chewing on his bottom lip. She felt her hand squeezing around his and she was worried he would pull away from her. She shifted awkwardly.

“You know, for the fourth of July. I think Mom wanted us to go,” She was referring to her and Max, but she didn’t want him to feel excluded. She thought this could be another way that they could all bond, “It might be fun. You like roller coasters.” She told him softly. He looked surprised that she would remember that.

“Sounds a bit nerdy but I guess I can go,” He chuckled as he walked out of the room, keeping their hands interlocked as they walked. She was biting her lip hard, trying to keep from saying something out of turn. She wasn’t sure if she had misheard their conversation the other night. This seemed to be very monogamous to her. He pushed the bathroom door open and locked it behind her, “I’m sure they just want us to babysit though.” He pulled his hand away from hers as he headed towards the tub and turned the water on. She felt as if she could still feel his hand in hers as she watched him.

“Oh, I’m sure,” She smiled sheepishly as she danced around the fact that he didn’t have to go if he didn’t want to, “I’m sure there will be a lot of kids.” She watched as he began to undress. She shifted before she did the same. This would be the second time they’d be showering together. She hoped her red face wasn’t giving her thoughts away. She still hadn’t been able to go into their parents' room after their little fiasco. She hadn’t heard anyone complain about the sheets either and she began to feel a bit guilty about it. Billy still seemed unbothered.

“I’m always surrounded by damn kids,” He muttered under his breath. She knew he was putting on a tough act but didn’t say anything. They were almost in July, school would be starting before long, and the pool would be closed down. She wondered what he would do if he didn’t get the spot at the mechanics garage, “As long as you buy me food I’ll go.” He told her, his blue eyes looking at her mischievously as he pulled his shorts down. She looked away quickly, ignoring the thing dangling between his legs.

“I could buy you food?” She questioned him as she undressed and slowly made her way into the tub. The water was still too chill for her liking, so she turned it up a few notches despite his protest behind her, “Although, you ate all of my popcorn and candy the other night.” She told him, letting the water hit against her back and calm her nerves. He stepped in front of her and closed the shower curtain.

“You weren’t complaining when Steve was doing it,” He made a face as the water touched him but seemed to slowly grow adjusted to the temperature as he fought for the spot underneath the water with her. She took a step back when he began to shake his wet hair like a dog, “How is it my fault he ate it all?”

“You had your own snacks with Tina,” She reminded him, a playful smile lighting up her features as she put her body soap on her sponge, “And you still ate all of mine.” Billy grumbled under his breath, and she shook her head as he protested. His hands began to snake around her body as he rubbed the suds into her skin.

“I’ve got it,” She told him as she started to wash herself off. She glanced at him again, noting how he looked almost offended from how she had pulled away from him, “I don’t want you to get messy again.” She explained herself, hoping he didn’t think she was mad at him.

“I mean, you bathed me.” Billy reached as his fingers brushed against her hips. She kept herself from jumping away, her skin sensitive from how he had gripped a hold of her earlier. She shook her head.

“I did not clean you there. I was trying to get the puke off of you, which was disgusting by the way,” She mentioned as she got her long hair wet again. Billy was wiggling his way towards her again, “Plus, I’m pretty sure you just want to play if you get your hands down there.” She knew she was right by the way he grumbled. She wondered if he could be addicted to sex in the same way he relied on drugs and alcohol. She thought that it may explain a few things.

“You just ruined all the fun,” He mumbled as he used her shampoo bottle to wash his hair. She stared at him curiously for a moment, watching as he lathered the soap through his blonde curls, “Hey, are you going to return my shirt?” He changed the subject, still massaging the soap in his hair as he turned to face her. She took the opportunity to put shampoo in her own hair, trying to ignore how she had been trying to avoid giving it to him entirely.

“Oh yeah, it’s in my room,” She responded as casually as she could, acting like she hadn’t been wearing it to bed every night, “I can get it after the shower. She was hoping by then that he would forget about it again. She didn’t want to give it up. It smelt like him. She liked how big and baggy it felt on her, and if she closed her eyes tightly enough, she could still feel the flames from their skin touching.

“You can keep it,” He said after a minute, “It was old anyways.” He quickly added, brushing it off as he turned away from her and started to wash his toned body off. Her eyes lingered against his tanned skin. She dropped her hands from her scalp, trying to drink in the details of his skin.

“Oh,” She tried not to feel too giddy inside. It sounded like he hadn’t wanted it anyways and she didn’t want to seem that desperate, “Thank you.” She smiled anyway, rubbing her hand across her arm as she watched him. He glanced towards her again.

“I told Tommy to leave you alone. I think he finally got the hint,” She snapped her head towards him as she began to wash the soap out of her hands, “No, I didn’t hit him. He’s actually my friend, I don’t think he’d really do anything dumb.” She figured he was referencing Jason and the other boy at the moment. She nodded unsure as she continued to wash her hair.

“I didn’t think Neil would get so mad,” She admitted, unsure if she should bring up his father at all, “I didn’t think he’d care.” Billy snorted and she looked at him confused as she began to put conditioner in her hair. He looked at her as if she was clueless.

“You’re like his little golden child. You don’t ever do anything wrong, and you get good grades. He likes you more than he likes me.” She frowned but Billy didn’t seem bothered as he took over her spot under the water again. She knew he wasn’t saying it to sound mean but it made her feel guilty all over again. She didn’t know if she should apologize or not. He beat her to it as he started to speak again. She wondered if he was talking so much because he had missed her the past few days too. She began to wash her hair out quickly, noticing how the water in the shower was beginning to cool down. Billy waited until she was finished before he shut it off.

“I really thought you were ignoring me,” Billy handed her their towels as he began to quickly dry himself off. She watched the remaining droplets of water drip down his toned stomach before he wiped it away, “I was beginning to think that I did something wrong.” He admitted as he stepped out of the tub. Kim began to dry herself off, feeling a bit sheepish as she watched him. She didn’t want to admit that she did think that he had done something wrong by leaving her. She knew what his reaction would be if he said that.

“It was just my period,” She mumbled softly, “I wasn’t really ignoring you. I was just moody.” She lied softly as she worked on drying herself off and not staring at his muscles as he moved. She wished he could understand how she just wanted to lay with him for a while after sex. She liked when they acted like they were close like this. He nodded as if he accepted the answer, and she began to feel her thoughts wander.

“How did you lose your virginity?” She asked suddenly when he was beginning to redress, and she was still drying off. She lingered in the tub, not wanting to make a trail of blood on the floor. Billy looked up in the mirror, meeting her eyes in the glass.

“Uh, babysitter,” He replied, looking away from her to brush at his wet curls, “I think I was twelve, I think it was right before my thirteenth birthday.” She stared at him, pausing her movements as she stared at his reflection. He had been that young?

“With your babysitter?” She tried her best not to sound like she was judging him. She was more concerned than anything, “How old was she?” She began to dress herself after drying her skin off. Billy chuckled, turning to face her.

“I think like eighteen. What can I say, older women have always been attracted to me.” He teased, looking unbothered as he began to style his hair. She didn’t like the feeling that was growing in her stomach.

“Billy, that’s kind of gross. I mean it would be like if one of your friends got with Max and she’s older than what you were then.” Kim walked up to the counter and started to brush her hair. He glanced at her, looking a bit amused.

“It’s different. Don’t worry about it,” He reassured her, tilting his chin up in the mirror as he examined his neck. She realized he was looking to see if he needed to shave again, “How’d you lose yours?” He teased, drawing the conversation back towards her. She rolled her eyes, trying to hide the smile as she brushed out her wet curls. She realized that one day someone else would ask her that question and she would either have to leave out details and lie or casually admit that she had let her stepbrother take her virginity in some dingy motel.

“Yeah, pretty sure you know.” She responded slowly, turning away from facing him. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest as he leaned forward and pressed his lips against the corner of her mouth. She glanced towards him, resisting the urge to touch where he had kissed her.

“I’m going to clean up your room. Take your time.” He swatted her butt, smirking at the glare she sent him as he walked around her. She sighed, looking in the mirror and noting how red her cheeks were. She wasn’t sure about the feelings that were swarming in her chest, but she ignored them, not wanting to complicate anything else. She quickly dressed herself again. She turned, lifting her shirt up and pulling down on her underwear as she noticed five small bruises near her hips. She could feel her body growing warm again as she realized what they were from. She quickly pulled her shirt down, ignoring how hard her heart was beating inside of her chest. She picked up her towels and opened the door, letting the steam exit the bathroom.

She stepped out into the hallway, not noticing Billy as she walked down towards her room. She figured he must’ve stepped out to smoke as she didn’t see him in his room either. She opened her door and tried not to think about what had just happened in here.

She stepped into her cool room, noticing how he had already taken her sheets to get them cleaned. She tried to ignore the boiling sensation in her stomach as it flip flopped. She didn’t know how to react to him being so kind to her. She wasn’t used to it. She hadn’t ever seen him act this way towards any of the girls he had been with before. She stepped up to her bed curiously, tilting her head as she looked at the stuffed cow, he had won for her. A smile spread over her face when she looked at the chocolate bar and the pink carnation laying neatly on her bed.

#billy hargrove #billy hargrove smut #billy hargrove x oc #billy hargrove stepcest #tw stepcest #tw pseudocest #stepcest #billy hargrove x original character #Cruel Summer

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mamawasatesttube · 2 months

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Do you have thoughts on how kon would be as a big brother to Chris and Jon? I've read Chris and Jon's comics and I'm writing a thing with them but I want to have their big brother be part of their character/internal problem solving even if he doesn't (as of yet) appear. But I've only read yj and superboy is unfinished/on my tbr so I'm going to the Expert

(If you have any thoughts opinions on Kara's familial relationships you can include those as well)

OOH OOH YES DO I EVER!!!!!

every time i think about kon as a big brother i immediately think of sb94 annual #2, which opens on kon taking a kid flying for his birthday and joking about him being superboy jr., kind of like his little brother. then we move to cadmus, where it turns out the prototypical experiment #1 (whereas kon was #13) has awoken and escaped his containment pod. he fights kon briefly, believing himself to be/wanting to be the "real" superboy, but is injured and collapses in kon's arms afterwards. it turns out he's not stable outside the pod and is dying; despite kon's best efforts to get the cadmus doctors to save him, he only lasts another few minutes. i'm personally never ever getting over kon's face when it happens (right after they both find out their dna donor was paul westfield):

SO!! with that being established backstory: i think kon would be soooo excited to be a big brother. he'd talk a big game and want the kids to think he's cool, and of course, he's a mega dork (he'd try to get them both into wendy, and if they didn't like it, he'd be offended). but imo, he's also gonna be so protective of them right off the bat, in large part because of poor clone #1. he's got a lot of feelings about people he's gotta protect, and little siblings are sooo high on that list.

one thing is that i don't think kon really thinks of clark as his dad. of course, it depends on the point in the timeline where you're really introducing chris and jon (because like kon was dead by the point of last son introducing chris, and fitting jon into new earth is always a fun puzzle), but (to be clear this is to an extent my hc also) by the time he's living with the kents, kon no longer wants superman to be his dad. i do think he does at first ("i wish i had parents" in sb94 #85 paired with how reactive he is about shooting down superman being his dad in sb94 #94), but when he moves in with the kents that dies down pretty fast. but he'd way rather the kids call him their big brother than, like, their uncle. that's so uncool (haha see, 'cuz uncle sounds kind of like uncool--aw, whatever)!!! it makes him sound so OLD!!!! he's not an uncle!!!

so overall i think it's like. he's a fun-loving and protective figure. they probably think he's So cool for a while, then get a little older and go oh wait. that's a dorklord. i do think jon throws one hell of a tantrum the day he finds out he's never gonna get ttk even if he grows into all the other kryptonian powers, though.

(i also hc that chris can get some weird funky powers other than ttk, not ttk itself, bc its like... kon is THE ttk guy, and thats a metagene designed to emulate kryptonian powers, so it feels a little weird to take something that specific and give it to another character who doesn't have any of the narrative reasons to need it. someone who knows more abt editorial please do correct me if i'm wrong, but i'm pretty sure they only gave chris ttk because prior to infinite crisis, the nightwing in new krypton shown to be using ttk was supposed to be kon, and was changed last-minute into chris.)

so like, he'd be a figure they can count on, someone they regard as always in their corner if they yell for him. he'll take the heat if they get in trouble (he spoils them. lois however has a very uncanny ability to tell if kon's taking the blame for something they did). i think as they grow older they might be like ...why's kon our brother but he doesn't live with us? and doesn't call our parents mom and dad? because kon stays with the kents but just hangs out with them all the time, and he calls clark and lois "clark and lois", and understanding that their family isn't nuclear might be a learning curve for them.

as for kara, i'll try and keep it brief bc this is already long i'm so sorry sdkhj but i generally operate in the realm of postcrisis kara, aka linda lang. she's roughly the same age as kon and she's got a Lot of feelings re: new krypton and her own guilt and her duty to her family, as well as whether she as supergirl can really measure up to superman. i love her. i think she would Adore having baby cousins because they mean her family is growing, after all the people she's lost. that said i think it's very possible she's a little awkward with kids because she just doesn't have that much experience with them. but i think she'd teach them to draw, and she'd really earnestly try with both of them. she'd LOVE to teach them about krypton, too.

#answers #noon-shadows #kon #kara #chris #jon #superfam

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nkjemisin · 1 year

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Hi!

I’m currently struggling to go to sleep the night before a big solo performance for a school event, so I figured I’d ask one of my favorite authors a couple things I’ve been wondering about. (Does flattery still work on people?)

So, I believe I remember you saying something along the lines of “people ask me why I write about weird sex magic. It’s because I read Greek mythology, and it has a lot of weird sex magic.” And I’m paraphrasing that horribly, but I was wondering, what things *have* you drawn inspiration from? I’m in love with the way magic is portrayed in both the Dreamblood books and the Broken Earth trilogy (I’ve yet to read the inheritance series), and I was wondering what inspiration you had? They feel kind of different to me—dreamseed and it’s counterparts seem really rooted in the four humors and the way some older mythos have a big fuss around the seed of gods and all that fun stuff, but the magic in Broken Earth feels a lot more . . . introspective, I guess? It seems like you’ve written it to be much more focused on the individual’s own perception of it, and that influences what they can do/how they do things. And I don’t really think I’ve seen anything that leans into that angle, as far as mythos goes. (Though I really, really cannot claim to be knowledgeable in that.)

And for the second thing: do you have any tips to becoming a good reader? I can read *fast*, but I really feel like I don’t get more than just the surface and shallow ideas about the message/themes the author might intend. It always seems like people are able to come up with very introspective, in depth dissections of their favorite characters and books, and I can’t help but look at those sometimes, and go, “wow, what was *I* reading?” I guess that it might be a learned skill, but I don’t really know where to start. I guess I also wanted to ask about what themes and such you wanted to incorporate into the Broken Earth trilogy (that was my introduction to you, then Dreamblood, then the Great Cities), but that’s really just a secondary thing to this question.

Well, regardless of whether or not you answer, I just wanted to ask so I could stop thinking about it constantly. I can’t wait to jump into the Inheritance Trilogy next time I buy books.

Flattery doesn't work on me, but I do love to talk shop, so... 😄 Cutting for length:

To your first question, about the different ways I depict magic -- first, it's not just Greek mythology that I use. There are soooo many cosmologies and cosmogonies out there that show gods as rowdy, horny, petty, and basically human, just with weird magic powers on top of that. The Dreamblood books are specifically informed by ancient Egyptian mythology and culture. I did some research into ancient Egyptian medical texts -- in particular the Edwin Smith Papyrus -- so I drew from those to create Gujaareh's four dream humors. I wanted Gujaareh to feel like an ancient Egypt that might have developed if magic actually worked... and if its own version of Imhotep had been a manipulative megalomaniac who decided to start a magic-controlled theocracy. tl,dr; Ancient Egyptians had a thing for humors and surgery and gods that were into sex lettuce, so that's what I claimed for Gujaareh.

With the Inheritance Trilogy I ranged more widely in what I mooched from existing cosmologies, because I wanted to build a belief system that resembled real-world stuff but wasn't just our world's gods in costume. For example, I noticed that lots of systems suggested that existence or human genesis begins with gods banging or fighting (or both), so I came up with a creation myth chock full of gods banging and fighting. Familiar hanger, new clothes on it.

But the Broken Earth books aren't about gods. There's a mythic frame "explaining" the Seasons and past disasters and Father Earth and so on, but that wasn't the focus. I was more interested in the ways we apply myths to people, treating some marginalized groups as simultaneously superhuman and subhuman... but never simply human. Same for the Great Cities books. It's meaningful that other cultures have discovered the existence of city avatars and worked them into their cosmologies, but only as a bit of detail to make the world more complete. Again, the mythology isn't the focus there.

I can't help you on becoming a good reader, sadly, because I am a very bad reader these days. I have a lot of trouble shutting off my "inner editor voice," which is a thing that I've heard a lot of other pro authors (and editors, and reviewers) mention. People in my business spend years developing the ability to spot problems in writing... and the inner editor is what happens when you stop being able to shut that ability off. The typos, the clichés, the patches of language that could've been trimmed out, all of it just starts to glare. The thing is, all books have issues like this, and most of the time they're not even errors, just... pecadilloes. The little things that are part of reading work made by human beings. They mean the writer was tired and didn't proofread as closely as they should, or maybe the writer was waffling on word use and inadvertently ended up using one a little too much, or maybe they were having a fight with their copyeditor about spelling and missed a grammar flub. Just part of reading. But if you, like me, have an inflamed inner editor, then instead of taking in the whole picture of whatever the author is trying to show you, you get nitpicky. You get irrationally angry at typos. You hyperfocus on the author's tendency to use one word too much. (A writer friend told me I use too many "plinths," for example.) You spend time thinking about structural issues and not noticing the language, or vice versa.

But since I'm currently in self-imposed reading rehab, maybe this will help you: For me, it helps to move away from what's familiar. I read a lot of stuff outside the SFF genre, because it's easier to shut off my inner editor when I'm less familiar with the tropes, the styles, the concepts. I've also really gotten into audiobooks, for example, because when I can't see the text I can't critique it, or at least not as instantly. So that's all I can suggest. If you've developed the habit of gulping down books, find a way to throttle the flow, so to speak. Try playing audiobooks on half speed, to train yourself to patience. Read outside your comfort zone, which will force you to slow down and take things in because of the unfamiliarity. Maybe try ebooks with the text blown up a lot, so that you have to turn the page more often; I don't know, just spitballing now. Maybe folks will have better suggestions in the comments. Hope it helps!

#answered asks

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blazehedgehog · 11 months

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Ignoring how current writers have been nudging in this direction, do you think Sonic and Amy have any genuine chemistry with each other?

I'm going to upset a follower or two and say... no, not really.

Their dynamic started out as a trope: Amy, the kid, falls for an older free spirit. It's the same thing as a 9 year old reading an issue of, like, Tiger Beat magazine or something and developing a crush on Justin Bieber or whatever celebrity "cute boy" is currently the "in" thing.

The joke being that instead of fawning all over him from the pages of a magazine, Amy Rose confronts him in person, and he has to be like "Uhhhh, thanks, but no thanks." But she hangs around anyway because she's crushing super hard. It's meant to be cute and one sided and harmless.

It became a problem when Amy started getting aggressive about it. When she began talking about forcefully taking Sonic. It very quickly stopped being cute. There are multiple horror movies about that exact topic.

They thankfully backed down from that, and I didn't mind how simple and cute it was in, say, Sonic Unleashed, where it went back to being just this nice little crush she had. She was there to support Sonic.

Where I start to draw the line is something that started with Sonic Boom, where Sonic is portrayed as someone in a position to reciprocate Amy's feelings. It's supposed to be funny, but there's this undercurrent of "will they/won't they" where they both kind of get nervous when the topic gets brought up and neither wants to admit feelings for the other.

That's just as weird to me as the days where Amy was expressing her love for Sonic violently, because Amy is definitely supposed to be younger than Sonic.

This is its own whole can of worms, because some would (rightfully) say that ages in Sonic games don't matter. It's rare that anyone acts their age anymore, and that's true of the modern interpretations of the characters.

And then there's the whole thing about age differences in relationships at all. Some people are only comfortable with a difference of 2-3 years, while others are comfortable with much wider gaps.

I'm of the opinion that the older you are, the less it matters. If you're 50 and you're dating someone that's 40, I would argue there's not much difference there. The more mileage you have, the smaller the differences become.

But if you're, like, 15? And you're dating someone that's supposed to be 10 or 11 years old? Then it gets real weird, real fast, for a multitude of reasons. We grow up a lot in a very short amount of time. And I say this as someone who, when he was 17, had a girlfriend that turned 16 while they were together. I was sat down and given "the talk" about how, when I was 18, it would be a long time until she was also 18.

You know. For reasons.

So while you could say that the modern interpretations of these characters all act roughly the same age (with Tails and Cream as an exception), I still remember the days where Amy Rose was meant to be this young little groupie with a one-sided crush on this older guy that rejected her advances.

Flipping that script and saying that Sonic is actually a little reciprocal now...?

Ew.

Doesn't matter how appealing they make Amy to Sonic. Ew ew ew.

#questions #melcodriggs #sonic the hedgehog #sega #sonic team #amy rose

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mishydraws · 3 months

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Very... very unfortunate life update

Hi, everyone.

Ok, I don’t want to waste your time but I wanted to be upfront about what’s going on in my life just so you all know.

Last night I got what is probably one of the worst emails that could have ever appeared in my inbox? Our landlord has given us a 60-day notice to get out. For context, my mom and I have been living here since the year 2000. We have never been late on rent or missed a payment despite every difficulty life has thrown at us in that time and this has completely blindsided us.

We haven’t spoken to any of the neighbors yet but some of the wording on the notice makes me think that they may be kicking out the entire building. Or maybe they’re just targeting those of us in the non-renovated units because we’ve been here so long and they could charge a new tenant much more with a quick kitchen and bathroom upgrade. Renoviction is a new word I just learned. I don’t know. That’s what happened to my brother at his last apartment. They kicked out everyone in his building, renovated, raised the rent, then let new people move in.

They suddenly started increasing our rent every year like clockwork a few years ago so I’ve had a feeling they’ve been trying to price us out for a while but I didn’t know they could just… tell us to leave just because they can. Rent consistently paid up and everything for 24 years.

The notice we received really doesn’t say much so it’s all speculation I guess. It doesn’t state a reason why it just says we need to be gone by March 31st.

But basically, I’m really not doing well right now in all honesty. I slept for maybe an hour last night and it’s like a switch flipped in me as soon as I read the email. My stomach has had this weird knotted feeling ever since and I can’t stand up for more than a few minutes before needing to lie down again in case I either faint or vomit… I’m not sure which but it’s been this way since last night. I had to stand up at the sink to wash one singular dish from dinner and I could barely do it. At least I didn’t see the email until after I ate last night because I still have no appetite now.

However bad I’m feeling I know my mom is probably feeling worse. She has been for a while. She’s getting older and my dad is no longer alive. Aside from my brother and one irl friend I still see in person regularly, we have no family or other support system in this country and are well and truly on our own, staring down the barrel of homelessness if we can’t quickly secure a place and move decades worth of our life there before the end of March.

All of this to say, I don’t know what our usual art shenanigans here are going to look like during this time. I am incredibly stressed to the point where I am physically ill but I also can’t pause and step away because I do need the income that I receive from your support of me/my art here. It’s just the reality. I’ve never been particularly Big And Successful with what I do so your support means all the much more and makes a real impact on my life.

I am so sorry if this dampens your mood at all today or if you notice a decrease in the quality of art I’m able to deliver over the next few months but I will try my best to keep things rolling and let you know if there’s any particular delays to expect.

To top it off, I requested a tour of a nearby apartment last night (more expensive than our current) and the name of the person who just texted me back has the same name as our current landlord. Who wants to start taking bets? I know for a fact they own a lot of property in the area so this isn’t looking promising.

Anyways. Sorry for this downer of a post. If we’re not homeless in 2 months then… I dunno. I’ll have somewhere indoors to do art? Yay? You can imagine the housing market we’re dealing with being in California. The prospect of moving at this point has always been one of my biggest fears but we’ll see if we get lucky real fast 😢

If you've ever thought about supporting my Patreon or anything else, now and over the next few months might be a good time if you can swing it. Maybe it'll help us secure a place to move if I can point to it and be like 'Look! A whole income!' 🥲 Idk man.

There's an art update in the (public) post I made if you want to see what we're at least trying to work on for sticker club through all of this.

Mishy

#mishy talks

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stargazingcarol · 1 year

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Into the blue, out of the blue.

Part one: Into the blue.

CHAPTER 3

Pairing: Jake Lockley x reader, Marc Spector x reader, Steven Grant x reader

Summary: You meet your neighbor and you're pretty sure he's American. But why is it that the next times you see eachother he speaks in a British accent. As you keep meeting you start falling for Steven. And then he disappears for a while and he's back and he tells you about Marc. But he also tells you about Layla. You really like Steven but now he's kinda married? What now?

Trigger warnings for the series: mental health problems, angst with a happy ending, fluff, slowburn. (A/N: i may add more warnings as the fic procedes).

A/N: In this chapter we see a little bit more of readers...problems. the moon knight system is not the only one with mental health problems/trauma. If anyone has any questions about the story my askbox is always open! Thanks for reading and also i DON'T do taglists. Sorry about that!

Chapter 3

Was it normal for a pair of people to become friends so fast? You kept asking yourself that. Was it weird that you were neighbors? You tried to shake the feeling that being friends with your neighbor was weird. Dr Williams told you it was fine, that friendships start at the oddest of places. That had made you sigh and stop your overthinking most of the time, sometimes it started up again but her words came to the front of your mind like a lullaby and you nodded like she was there saying them to you in real time.

As much as Steven had wormed himself into your life in the past few weeks, you could also feel him distancing himself, unwillingly it seemed. Almost not even noticeable by him.

He was missing more and more friend dates and sometimes you could cover for him, as in, lying to him, but other times you couldn't.

And you had to witness Steven's face falling, turning sad, distressed, sour. You tried to cheer him up sometimes but most of the time you couldn't. You will talk and his mind will be elsewhere. And you knew by the distanced stare he had, away from you, sometimes behind you, or other times at your eyes but he wasn't there, he was somewhere else and it was a little weird. You had to snap your fingers to get his attention. He would smile awkwardly and you would bite your lip and before he could say he was sorry for zoning out you would go back to your story.

Maybe his bad sleeping habits were getting to him.

You loved talking to Steven. You seemed to have lots of stories throughout your life and Steven just seemed to have facts about random things. He was very smart but he didn't seem like he had lived a lot. Which was weird because he was older than you. But you didn't question it.

The rare times he talked about his life he would talk about his mum, how good she was, making him his favorite foods and helping him colour drawings. Those seemed to be stories mostly from his childhood, though. It wasn't much detail but you treasure it with your heart.

The last thing he told you about her was that she seemed to be traveling, she sent him postcards here and there, telling him about her travels and how much she loved him.

The things about friendships was that at some point you started doing domestic stuff.

When Steven didn't work on Saturdays he would wake you up, completely cheerful and tell you it was cleaning time.

And one thing about depression was that sometimes you couldn't make yourself do stuff. Anything.

You were better yes, in a better mental state than years ago but even now sometimes you just couldn't make yourself clean your apartment.

"At least make me breakfast first." You had said the first time. With a tiny smirk as you hid behind the bedsheets, you had taken the sheets off of you and when you got out of the bed and looked down you had let out a tiny scream.

"I didn't look i swear" Steven said and after taking the pants you left in the floor the night before and putting them on, you burst out laughing and Steven looked between his fingers and slowly chuckled.

You did notice he was red all over his face and your heart soared.

The both of you have also began to go grocery shopping and the both of you have learnt a few things here and there about vegan baking. You have never done that before but it's nothing out of this world, most of the time it tastes very similar to "normal" baking.

Steven has cooked for you a lot, and you're excited to try new things and he is glad when you give him a thumbs up, signaling that you liked it. He always has a separate dish just in case you don't like what he makes you since you're not vegan yourself.

But all of these nice moments are a reminder that Steven did try to kiss you. Right? He hasn't made a move on you again and you can't stop thinking about it. It's there in the back of your mind like an itch you can't scratch.

He didn't seem like himself after it. Like it was a totally different person. How could that be?

Just last week you had gone to visit Steven and you had let yourself in, since a month ago he had told you you can make yourself at home anytime, you had brought popcorn to make in his microwave and a movie to watch in his DVD player.

It was almost nighttime and you had enter talking loudly and when you notice some ruffling, he woke up with a gasp from his bed and you just stared at him with your mouth wide open.

Steven needed like a second to know where he was and when he noticed you were in his apartment with a bag of popcorn looking at him. No. You were looking at his ankle restraint. Your eyes going between that and the sand.

He stared at you in what looked like panic and you closed your mouth, left the popcorn and movie in his desk and went over to his bed. You sat down and looked at him intently.

"Steven, are you sure you're okay? What's with the uh--" you looked at his ankle restraint, then to him. "Sand"

You looked genuinely curious and not judgemental and he gulped.

"I still feel-- I feel like, like I'm falling apart. Like my life is not my own anymore. I don't remember a lot of what's going on and I'm sure you're lying to me about some missed dates." He watches as you flinch at his words. "I'm sorry I'm sorry. I know if you're lying to me you must be doing it for my own good but I'm not sure that's good either. And i want to be okay but I'm not--I'm not sure what to do at this point" His hands go to the sides of his head and he pulls on his curls and you shush him, he sobs and you grab both of his hands softly letting go of his curls. he lets out a few sobs here and there and you wrap your hands around his.

"I'm not sure what to say, but I'm guessing it's become worse? Your sleeping habits?" You tilt your head a little and he looks at you with tears in his eyes.

"Yeah" he looks at your hands and starts to move his fingers against yours, caressing them. "I think i started sleep walking..." He whispers.

"What if you slept with me tonight? Or are you not sleepy anymore. Sorry I woke you up by the way." You make a face and he chuckles, he brushes his tears away.

"It's okay. I think... I think a distraction will be good. What movie did you bring?" He gives you the tiniest of smiles and your heart hurts so much for him.

You don't want to bring seeing up a therapist, you know not everyone likes hearing those words said to them. And you don't know how he will react if they come out of your mouth.

You don't know what to do. You're on a tough spot but at least the best you can do right now is be a good friend. A good neighbor.

So you excitedly get out of his bed and grab the movie, showing it to him. "Ta-da. It's the most best horrible disaster movie ever. 2012. Critics hated it and people got anxiety attacks from it. But don't worry it's mostly because it's about the supposed end of the world predicted by the Mayans. And that didn't happen so it seems silly now. But if you don't wanna watch it it's okay maybe we can watch something else--"

"I wanna see it. It's one of your favorites right?" He looks at you so tenderly it makes you want to take a picture.

His curls are on his forehead and there's still a bit of red in his eyes. There's a bit of hair on his chin and jaw that you know he will want to shave later. You wished, oh so desired, he would leave his beard grow. You bet he looked really... nice. Just imagining him with a mustache is making your toes curl and your breathing go faster than normal.

The question comes back to the front of your mind: does he like you? Yes or no?

"I guess that's what has happened lately in my life" you clap your hands on your legs, you feel the fabric of your jeans and pick on it. You're not looking Dr. Williams in the eyes. You know what she's about to ask you.

Dr. Williams hums and leans back on her chair, she looks intently at you, you can feel her stare on you but you're looking at the plushie on your side of the sofa you're sitting on. A monkey with a little blue jacket.

"By the way you're avoiding my gaze, I'm guessing you know what I'm about to ask you." You finally look at her and she's smiling, not in a bad intent way or anything. She's just, smiling.

You sigh and look at your fingers, your chipped nail polish being a distraction for a second before you look at her.

"I don't like him. I don't. I swear." You say.

"Like that?"

"Yeah like that. He's my friend. Nothing more. I was just curious to if he was going to kiss me or not" you keep avoiding her eyes and she lets out a chuckle.

From the corner of your eye, you see her adjust her glasses.

"And if he kissed you, would you have kissed him back?" That question makes you flinch.

You had been open to friendship, with anyone. You liked making friends. You didn't have much of those here after moving to London a few years ago. And making friends in your twenties is hard no matter what anyone says. But you weren't too...keen on liking someone again. Not after so so so many years of not liking anyone. Not after so much sadness that was brought to you by your sad teenage years.

You didn't think you were ready to face this part yet. You didn't want another....unrequited love added to the long list of unrequited loves that trailed behind you like a tail.

"No-- Maybe? NO. Absolutely not. No. No" You furrow your eyebrows in thought and Dr. Williams hums again.

"I sense some hesitancy in you. Do you want my opinion?"

You stay silent, looking at her shoes, black loafers that shine under the white light of her office. "On if I like him?" You mumble.

"Yes."

"I don't think so." You decide. But even if she doesn't say it you know what she would've told you. You could hear it in her voice in your head and everything. 'In my opinion, i think you do like him. And that's nothing to be ashamed for. He seems like a nice fellow. He may even like you--' LIES. You did NOT like him. And he did not like you. End of story.

"Well. Maybe you should reevaluate your feelings for him." Dr. Williams says and you groan, glaring at her and she chuckles. "Just saying. I'm your doctor after all. I'm supposed to give you tips on how to deal with stuff but if you won't admit some things then we can't move forward."

She gets up and leaves her file about you on the desk next to her. She fixes her clothes and turns to look at you. You're looking at her with an unreadable look on your face. Eyes distant. She sighs and sits down next to you, she moves the monkey plushie and she's about to put it away but decides against it. She grabs your hands and places the monkey and instantly you hold tightly to it.

"Liking someone is not the end of the world. And who knows, maybe he will end up liking you. And if it doesn't work out we can work through it. Me and you, together." She lays a hand on your arm and you look up at her with tears in your eyes that you're trying really hard to not let fall.

"I just don't want to go back to being so... blue, that i can't think, i can't take care of myself, i don't want to be... Depressed." A tear falls from your eye and Dr. Williams hugs you tightly.

It's not the first time she has hugged you but it feels as equally as comforting as it does everytime she does. Which is rarely.

You sigh and silently pray it's going to be okay. That you're going to be fine. And if not that Dr. Williams will help you if needed.

Sighing, you stare at your door for a moment, deep in thought. Lots of things are going through your mind. Lots of what if's. Good and bad if's. You shake your head trying to get rid of it. You don't want to think, you don't want to do anything but you need a distraction.

Taking the keys out of your pocket, you turn the lock and step in.

Just as you step in you feel something crumble under your shoe. You look down and move your foot, to see a paper on the wooden floors. You pick it up.

I will be gone for a few. Don't wait up for me. I'll come back.

- Steven

You furrow your eyebrows. Few? Few days? Weeks? Months? What the fuck?

#steven grant x reader #marc spector x reader #jake lockely x reader #moon knight x reader #moon knight system x reader #moon knight #marvel #moon knight fic #moon knight fanfic #my fic #into the blue/out of the blue story #mcu fanfic

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reflections-in-a-critical-eye · 4 months

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top ten first watches of 2023?

I assume you mean films, right? Anyway, top 10 in no particular order.

Crash was a long time coming, but it took a podcast I used to listen to weekly to finally get to this Cronenberg classic. Bodily modifications? Violent eroticism? Body as a machine? Death & eroticism? It has it all and much more.

For those of you in your 20s and 30s (or even older) who feel alienated in the urban landscape, surrounded by crowds whilst feeling lonely and yearning for any type of human connection, this film is for you.

It's no secret that Brian de Palma wanted to be Hitchcock since he was a baby (I assume, but it sure does look so). You can see it in so many movies of his and Body Double is a perfect example. It even has the misogyny down to a T. But it's also really good and I'm a fan of voyeurism in cinema (from a critical position mostly). This is like Rear Window and Vertigo mashed together, but with 80s hair.

Now this was probably the highlight for me this year. Editor by day, sex worker by night, Kathleen Turner is a force in this film, alongside Anthony Perkins, the perverted priest. But if that is not enough to do the trick, the cinematography and that anal sex scene might do the trick 😉

Who knew Joan Crawford had such a big issue with wire hangers? Not me, but I sure found out in that crazy scene that has one of the most memorable meltdowns in cinema. Every shot of Faye Dunaway screams "I want that Oscar, god damn it!"

Fedora is the late 70s version of Sunset Boulevard and it has the same director. Not as good as that classic, but my god, the clothes! I'd watch it again just for the clothes, particularly that white suit Fedora is wearing in the garden of her villa when she receives that honorary Oscar.

I don't think there's any Paul Schrader film that I didn't like. It wouldn't make sense to call him underrated, but he's better than others from that 1970s gang (cough *de Palma* cough). In Hardcore, a father finds out his daughter went to Los Angeles and started acting in porn. He gets the confirmation when he actually sees her in one film in some shady movie theater. It's a weird and very uncomfortable scene and by comparison, not much, knowing how it will unfold later.

Of course Madonna is always in control of her image and what she allows to be seen or how she comes across. But that doesn't mean there's nothing genuine there, on the contrary. And the camera captures that. The backstage, the everyday conversations, the relationship with the dancers. Real people with real emotions and the more darker parts are allowed to slip in through the cracks. On top of that, it has footage from her tour in 90-91, a reminder of how Madonna is one of the best performers out there, making me wish there'd be a time machine so I can see her live during that time.

For anyone who is a fan of Sex and The City, how about a late 1930s version? Fast pace dialogue, outfits to die for and a cast made almost entirely of women.

The second Cronenberg on the 2023 list. I watched M. Butterfly after seeing Madame Butterfly at the opera. The film is slightly different and it deals with some of my favorite themes in fiction and media lately: gender identities, criticism of colonialism, orientalist fantasies that obscure realities and so much more.

#m thoughts #top 10 films in 2023 #crash david cronenberg #m butterfly #body double #hardcore 1978 #fedora billy wilder #mommy dearest #women 1939 #in bed with Madonna #crimes of passion #vive l'amour

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usedpidemo · 11 months

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so i went to my first ever concert and...(storytime!)

Generally speaking, I don't like the concept of concerts. For the longest time, I've never had any interest in attending one. I've been disillusioned by the idea of them as a whole, with no disrespect to people who attend them. Even before the global pandemic that shut down live events, ironically, despite being on my headphones/speakers 90% of the time, I don't like crowds and extremely loud audiences. It also doesn't help that many live artists nowadays are just not good stage performers or lipsync or in some cases, aren't as pleasing to hear as the studio mix that I could easily play on Spotify. My mantra, which has always been my mother's as well, was "Just listen to the CD." This also explains why I don't really buy CDs anymore and stick to streaming instead.

It's now 2023, and as the old adage goes, things change. I've become a K-pop fan, live events are back, and there's this push to have me leave my house a lot more than I should. I'm no recluse like Bruce Wayne, but I certainly don't like going out when I could be relaxing and playing video games in my spare time even as an adult. Growing up made me realize that there's plenty of things that I should do, even at least once. I'm nowhere close to dying—I think so at least—but I definitely felt the need add some spice into my life and have some fresh memories to keep now that the pandemic's over.

Anyway—I've never been to a concert, and my older sister's only concert experience was seeing Fall Out Boy when she was in her teens that she desperately begged mom to see, and she was all the way up into the nosebleeds. Now obviously I can't go and see IZ*ONE anymore (sadblob) and every big act carries extremely large demand for them. My sister failed to secure Blackpink tickets for their tour even with the membership presale, and the experience was so frustrating and damning that she stopped listening to the group for a while. There's so many things that can go wrong even as early as ticket sales, so I understood that any concert I wanted to go to should be absolutely worth it.

It was during our vacation back in February when IVE announced that they would be bringing their fan concert around Asia, with June as the set date. I can remember seeing it trend on Twitter while waiting in the car; the hype was fucking real. I knew I had to be there by any means necessary. The campaign began as soon as we got back to our hotel. They said yes.

One thing I want to say is: fuck online ticketing. It sucks, big time. Anything that can go wrong, can and will go wrong. Yet some part of me was so uncertain and wanted to test the murky waters again. I got in touch with a third party way before they announced the ticket selling date, and I was so fixated on the success rate of the seller, against the advice of my family. It wasn't until two days before ticket selling that I was given a proper talk, saying that it could be a potential scam and that I should camp out the night before to get the best chances. Ultimately, I gave in and settled at a hotel close to a hotel without many fans. They ended up being right. I ended up first in line and got the best package for a little over $200. It was so difficult to keep my composure the moment I got the tickets all the way till I got home.

Fast forward to a little over a month. The family also booked me a nice hotel close to the venue days before the show so we wouldn't have to face insufferable traffic. I couldn't sleep the night before the show—not because I was excited and all, but I was genuinely feeling restless. It ultimately didn't matter as my mood and overall energy never diminished once I woke up 2.5 hours after finally sleeping.

You just know it's gonna be a good day when the first sign is making new friends out of nowhere. At breakfast, I befriended two Japanese tourists for some reason. My smile was wider than it normally was. It's so weird greeting people with amped up optimism that at times, it felt like main character energy, which was typically uncharacteristic of me. Mind you, I only had 2.5 hours of sleep.

An hour later, venue time—at least close to it. The concert organizers and local fanclubs held a fanhub that was already filling up the floor with a line that stretched around in a loop. So I bailed and went to the cafe across the street from where the actual concert would happen to get free shit. Saved myself almost $25 dollars from buying the I'VE IVE album because of a cupsleeve event being organized by a remnant of WIZ*ONEs. A big W if you ask me.

I even met up with some of my readers too! Cray and Nomad, if you're reading this, it was great finally meeting you. It was awesome to fanboy and connect with guys I've been talking to online for the past two years in person.

Afterward, we went inside an hour before show start, and people were already screaming like they showed up and it was just staff bringing out towels and water bottles. Then the lights went out and holy shit, everyone lost their shit. It wasn't a sold-out show but the audience's energy made it feel otherwise. They were singing instead of following fan-chants.

It should surprise no one that everyone killed it. Yujin is the 4th gen ace and no one can tell me any different. Wonyoung was absolutely fantastic in crowd control and drawing the audience in and lived up to the center title. They added both title tracks from I'VE IVE and changed up two of the cover songs for the unit stages, otherwise the set remains mostly similar to the ones in Korea and Japan, the only difference being new outfits and alternate color ones.

I'm gonna dedicate this section specifically for Liz. Consider me bias wrecked. She was not only an elite vocalist but she performed like the rent was due, holy shit. Blue Blood (my favorite stage of the night) in particular really gripped me and never let go. I was genuinely shook at how terrific she showed out in the performances. If anything, she's the 2nd best performer of the group after watching the footage.

There was an emotional moment at the end as the show was winding down. The members were lined up for the group photo when a fan video played and half of the members cried. Leeseo, Rei, and Yujin all cried and it was a wholesome scene. Rei mentioned how this was one of their first performances as a full group following her health hiatus and she was moved by the overwhelming support of the fans. Wonyoung also promised they would return—hopefully later than sooner I'm not loaded at the moment—which invalidates the stupid argument international Dives were having on Twitter. The girls felt their support, cried their heart out, and that's all you need to know.

After the event, there was a hi-bye session for all VIP ticket holders. They sent everyone else out, so it started 20 minutes after the actual ending. They kept reminding us that we weren't allowed to record or take photos of the event, but apparently someone at Starship was filming the whole thing? So there's a possibility that I might end up on YouTube, heh. Since we were on the left side of the stage, we were among the last to go up and meet them.

Holy fuck dude. I wasn't nervous while watching everyone else go up and meet IVE, but once the staff told us to form a single line and we slowly made our way around the stage, my heart began to go buckwild. You just don't know what to say or do when that moment comes—like how do I make this memorable or at the very least, not cringe? One thing I do know was that we all agreed, as a section, to walk past them as slow as humanly possible; five seconds was not enough. I was so unsure of what to do as I slowly walked up the steps to the point I was practically mouthing 'Jesus take the wheel' or else I'd melt into a puddle, lose my shit, do something stupid, or maybe all of the above.

Jesus Christ. They looked so fucking flawless. You honestly couldn't tell they were sweaty and exhausted after performing for 2.5 hours.

From left to right, it was Rei, Gaeul, Wonyoung, Yujin, Leeseo, and Liz. Liz was the first member I met, and she completed my half-heart gesture. From there, my brain blanked for a good three seconds. My mouth was still uttering 'Kamsahamnida' but that scene seemed to stick long past that moment. I couldn't register Leeseo, Yujin, and Wonyoung's reactions—I knew they were smiling and waving—but then my brain suddenly went back up as I met Gaeul and Rei's eyes right as we made our way out. I went to the bathroom and uttered a relieved, awestruck 'Holy shit.'

God. I don't know if I will ever move on from such an experience. I'm still thinking about the interaction as I write this little thought diary, and my mind keeps replaying the interactions with Liz, Gaeul, and Rei. All of them had lovely smiles and were so happy even though they clearly were gassed out, and I was in utter shock trying to comprehend what had happened. Famous streamer IShowSpeed met his hero Ronaldo the same day as the concert and if you've seen his video, he practically plays out all the emotions I wanted to feel after meeting them. I've not played any K-pop after the concert aside from English versions of songs and most certainly I've avoided IVE songs aside from rewatching my concert fancams because I'll just melt into a giddy pile of goo watching it, telling myself 'I was there.'

My sister only listens to Blackpink. She agreed to take me to the venue provided I buy her tickets, so this was a consolation or redemption of sorts after failing to secure tickets for the Born Pink tour. She's a Dive now. She couldn't stop raving over Wonyoung's beauty but she eventually found all the members to be cute and beautiful. It feels great to finally share a sweet moment with my sister despite the turbulent relationship we have.

In an ideal world, I'll be watching Le sserafim and the other IZ*ONE members when they perform/arrive here. Of course, there's many obstacles in the way, and I'm not loaded with disposable income. Seriously, these tickets were more expensive than a veteran group and they're supposed to be rookies! But the entire experience—the energy, the performances, and the ending—made every coin I spent worth it. If this ends up becoming the only concert I attend in my entire life moving forward, I'm glad it was an unforgettable one.

Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo, thank you for making my year and giving me a core memory I can fondly look back on. I fucking love you guys.

#update #storytime

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cheemscakecat · 23 days

Text

Missing in Action 9

Chapter 9: Boiling Point

Spy plays a prank he should not have, Scout has a realization, and something goes wrong.

TW: Heavy Angst. We’re at the turning point people

Overall, the last two weeks were a breath of fresh air for Jeremy. New Spy was very aware of his comedy potential, and every time he went into battle he outdid himself.

Something changed on that first Monday after those weeks.

There was this one BLU Scout from the Appalachians, in some hillbilly town or whatever. He had a reputation for talking about the woods like it was a rich person’s house. Talkin about some kind of monsters who ran the forest, who he was Buddy-Buddy with.

So in other words, he was a superstitious nut job that even Demoman didn’t take seriously. He always made a big fuss about how his team acted in the forest -any forest- like they were gonna offend “the owners”.

Jeremy disliked the guy because he also talked smack about “city boys”, and being from Boston he was the main target of that smack-talk. And people called him annoying…

They happened to be stationed in some forest in Colorado when New Spy got to fight this BLU Scout and his team. So that meant BLU Scout was being extra annoying to his team, and Spy noticed fast.

He turned invisible and started following the App Scout around the battlefield, saying spooky stuff like he was a forest ghost getting mad about the teams. And at first, it was really funny listening to BLU Scout try and get along with the ghost. Until it wasn’t.

His team turned off their comm links because they were annoyed with his warnings. And Appie started to panic. Spy stopped saying stuff, but that didn’t help much because BLU thought his team was about to get punished for being in the woods. Jeremy had been following them in case something went wrong, but he’d been expecting an angry breakdown, not fear and crying.

They knew Merasmus was real, but Jeremy had never thought something really lived up in the Appalacians. Now that he had to see the man horrified, it seemed a heck of a lot more believable. For all he knew, there was some kind of forest guardian out there, it wasn’t like he’d been to the Apps!

“Please don kill my team. I know we’re mercenaries, but we ain’t the ones who chose the battlefield. An they ain’t from the forest, nobody ever taught em to respect the ones in charge here. Please don make em disappear, they don know what they’ve done to yer home!”

Spy turned visible to the crying BLU Scout and dropped his weapons. BLU stared at him blankly through his tears. “I am sorry. I did not think this was so serious.” Thankfully, Spy also knew the joke had crossed a line and he wasn’t afraid to try and apologize. But Appie was furious.

Spy got slugged in the jaw and Jeremy had to knock out the BLU enemy to protect him. Scout learned a long time ago that this guy’s underfed lookin body was way stronger than it looked. And he had that anger adrenaline. He grabbed Spy by the arm and ran off before BLU Scout could wake up.

————————

Them boys messed with the Appalachian Scout and his paranoid beliefs. Engineer knew he and the grown teammates should’a warned Spy not to do it, but they were all used to his older self. The one who wouldn’t try the forest spirit prank. But in any case, Spy looked haunted by what he did, and Scout brought him to learn more about the weird mountain beliefs.

Engineer was from Texas, which was a melting pot within a melting pot, dependin on where you lived. He’d met people from that area. He knew enough to talk to the boys.

“Well, not everyone believes in it, but that forest has a strange feelin to it. Eerie, like your bein watched by something that ain’t human. Some of the locals insist that if you’re polite, the supernatural won’t bother you none. Unless it starts whistling at you.”

Yeah, there was a reason why Dell wasn’t superstitious. At least not to most things people believed in. But he did have to wonder if that mountain plain would be a good place to look for Merasmus. He’d have to mention it to the others as a potential lead.

“Anyways, that there BLU Scout has been workin as a merc for years. He oughta know by now that other forests don’t work like the Apps, even if the stories are true. So try not to feel too bad about your little prank buddy. We know you won’t try it again.”

Somehow, that didn’t seem to snap Spy out of his funk. But he forced a smile and a polite thank you anyway.

————————

The only bad thing about the past two weeks was that Scout still had Spy dreams. It was like his mind was twisting itself into a pretzel to try and pretend like he should miss Spy. And these last two weeks, it had been mostly dreams about their time in Teufort prison.

Jeremy almost missed the hanging nightmares, because at least those reminded him why he was so angry at his deadbeat dad. He was never planning to tell the truth the old coward. Not even when they were on death row. And he didn’t say anything or look when Scout got dropped on the gallows.

Maybe it was dumb, but he kind of wished Spy turned to look at him on instinct, lookin all concerned. Instead of not lookin at all. Cause the only people that did look were the drooling, stupid townsfolk celebrating the hanging. Their eyes all hungry, holdin their stupid hanging merch.

Then again, there was a reason Jeremy lengthened the chain on his dog tags. And stopped wearing a shirt to bed. And kept his blanket below his nipples so it wouldn’t touch his neck. He didn’t know what he’d do when it snowed. Ok fine, maybe the dad dreams were better.

This batch of Spy dreams took place when he still had the broken arms. He hated not being able to move like normal, even something as simple as squatting was a bad idea without the whole use of his arms. There was a lot he couldn’t do on his own, and Spy ended up helping him.

To Jeremy, it felt like his dad was just cherry-picking easy things to do for him, to pretend like they were on good terms and he was a good parent. It was gross. It should be gross. And he shouldn’t miss Spy for doing the bare minimum when they were trapped together for months.

About a week before, Scout had dreamt about the first time Spy combed out his hair. He didn’t want to be babied, especially in front of another inmate they didn’t know, but Spy was insisting. Jeremy remembered their argument.

“Spy I don’t need your help, stop it!” “Nonsense, you can’t lift your arms to comb it yourself. And if you get angry enough trying, you’ll break that metal contraption on your back.” Way to have faith. “Shows what you know. I’ve had this haircut my whole life. Trust me, it never gets matted.”

Scout felt Spy hesitate for a second. “How do you know that?” Something about the way Spy asked made Scout feel the same worry as when teachers asked him too many questions about home. So he explained, against his better judgement. “Well, Ma had a lot of little sons and not enough time to comb all our hair. So she had all our hair cut like this so even if we ****ed up combing it, it wouldn't get matted.”

Spy went quiet and stopped combing for a long time, and Jeremy could tell he was staring at the wall because he didn’t feel eyes on him. “Well all the same, I’d rather do this than risk your cast getting broken. These Teufort people either know how to work a taser or fail to tie their shoes, and there’s no in between. I don’t trust them to fix your cast.”

It took Scout waking up for him to realize Spy was judging his Ma for the hair thing. As if he had any right, when he wasn’t there or giving her the money she needed! Besides, Jeremey turned out fine! Yeah he’d never had longer hair and learned to style it, and yeah new Spy’s hair looked really cool, but he was fine.

He- he didn’t want to judge his Ma for anything. She was the one who was there for him, and she had enough ungrateful children already. Even if he did wonder what he’d look like with New Spy’s hairstyle.

This dream on the night of the Appalachian Scout’s freak out was a doozy. It had been real difficult to sleep in the prison bunk with the stress of being hung soon, and the people being weird. But it was even harder for Jeremy because of the metal connector on his cast.

It wasn’t like they set him up with one of those fancy hospital beds for hurt people, it was just a normal bottom bunk. So the metal dug into his spine and the soft skin between his shoulders. He’d wake up from that digging feeling then fall right back to sleep.

But one night about two months in, he woke up and didn’t go right back to sleep. It was hard to crane his neck with the cast, especially lying down, but he saw Spy standing next to the bunk bed ladder on their shared bed. He was facing away into the whole room, with his back to Jeremy’s head. Didn’t even notice he’d woken up.

Naturally, he didn’t feel great about Spy just freaking standing there all night, and he wasn’t moving. So he piped up.

“What are you doing?” He whispered. Spy turned to face him in surprise, and then they heard a heavy thudding noise further in the room. Spy went back to facing into the room and Jeremy heard Joey Murders grumble. What was he doing up? It was the middle of the night.

“I’m an insomniac by nature, and this cheap bunk isn’t helping. So I’ve been practicing good posture.” Seriously? “Do you have to stand at the foot of my bed?” “It’s not the foot if your head is laying over here. And this bunk belongs to both of us, so I’m well within my rights.”

“So let me get this straight; you’ve been standing like a creep at the head of my bed for two months, and you just chose not to tell me?” If Scout didn’t believe that Spy had his ability to fart removed by Medic, he’d be really grossed out by the chances of getting farted on in his sleep with his mouth open. He had too much experience with his brothers pulling similar crap growing up.

“I thought it would only annoy you, and we only own this side of the room. If I were at base, I could just stay up in my smoking room and read, but here I’d bother you and our roommate. Besides, this way if you need help going to the restroom, I’m close.” It bothered Jeremy that Spy wasn’t facing him to talk. And that he didn’t have a great argument for chasing him off. It was quiet for a moment.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you, Scout. It’s your bunk too.” “Well, uh. Thanks for helping me with crap. At least I’m not super old and peeing all over the place, but still.” “It’s fine. And even if you were old, I’d prefer that over Sniper marking his territory. But you should get some more sleep.”

It took Scout waking up to think about how dumb it was that Spy hadn’t been sleeping, and how obviously he was lying. After Jeremy got his casts off and had a few days to get used to his arms, Spy told him he was going to try to sleep more and stop standing around like a creep. And he did. He started sleeping a lot more.

But then he remembered that Joey Murders was awake that night. And that Spy had been staring off towards his side of the room. It made him stop and think for a moment.

Joey Murders was a civilian serial killer who probably killed some women or people who were not strong enough to win a one on one battle with him. Scout had always assumed that his strange roommate was also on his best behavior in prison but… Murders didn’t have anything to lose. Even in Teufort, the cops had to have found some reason to suspect him.

Maybe he was the kind of guy to attack him and Spy. His old man had been eating with his back turned to Joey when he up and stabbed him. At the time, Jeremy got mad at Spy and said he was getting them in more trouble. But maybe he killed Murders for good reason.

Murders kept trying to sneak up on Scout when he had his arms broken and was fast asleep. So Spy had been staying up and standing in Murders’ way to keep him safe. And he hadn’t figured that out until now.

But Spy also didn’t baby him after he could use his hands again. After he could move his legs into a better angle for kicking Joey’s face into mincemeat. He trusted him to take care of himself. Jeremy sat on his bed feeling a lot of confusing emotions about it, not knowing if he should be angry at Spy, or worried, or missing him more.

The sound of new Spy screaming snapped him out of it.

———————

Something was wrong with new Spy, and the whole team could see it when they arrived at the smoking room. Chairs were overturned and Spy was screaming in French, pacing, and pulling on his hair.

“Vhat’s wrong?” Heavy asked. Spy snapped his head towards the biggest teammate, and they could all see how pale and undead he looked. There was a wildly hateful look in his eye, which only grew as he broke a full bottle of wine on the side table. Purplish red wine spilled on the old wood and rug like blood. Spy gripped the broken bottle like a knife and charged at Heavy.

Medic reacted fast and turned on the Medigun in time to heal Heavy right as Spy stabbed him through his vest, aiming for his heart. Everyone was shocked, so shocked that Spy had time to ignore Medic as an obvious target and glare at Sniper. Thankfully, Heavy was fine and caught new Spy before he got the change to attack again.

For about half a second, they thought Heavy’d be able to hold Spy down with his big arms. But Heavy moved slow, and Spy was hopped up on hatred, adrenaline, and fury. He started kicking almost as fast as Scout could, and shuffled his arms around at full strength. Heavy tried, but it was like trying to carry an angry street cat, and Spy got loose.

Spy jammed his fingers into Demoman’s eye, then when he was still distracted lifted the right blast guard so he could punch him in the nuts. Medic was rushing to help Demoman, but Spy ignored him again; choosing to pick up an armchair and throw it at Pyro’s head. Engineer rushed to help Pyro, and again, Spy ignored a teammate for no apparent reason.

New Spy picked up the glass bottle that he dropped, dodging Heavy as he tried to catch up. Then he went after Sniper with it. Snipes did a good job escaping a backstab and any other fatal attacks, but he wasn’t fast enough to stop Spy. Jeremy noticed that Spy hadn’t targeted him either, so he crossed his fingers and charged in to try something.

He grabbed Spy from behind and lifted him like 3 inches off the ground. Then he started spinning in place to make them both as dizzy as possible. Spy still had the bottle, but didn't actually stab at him with it, so the dizzy trick worked.

Demoman and Engineer each grabbed one of Spy’s arms after Scout let go, trying not to puke. But instead of struggling to free his arms like a normal idiot, Spy twisted his torso and legs to get them off balance, and then pulled on his arms so they’d bump heads and let go.

Soldier finally got the memo to attack their teammate [it was actually good that he didn’t do it on instinct], and grabbed Spy by the throat to strangle him or break his neck. It would be bad if he succeeded, but at least Medic was there, and they were at base. Oh wait, was the respawn machine even on at night? Pauling had a lot money decisions to make and-

Spy choked Soldier right back, apparently at full force because Solly didn’t immediately snap his neck. Then he let go with one hand so he could rip off Soldier’s helmet and started punching him in the face. And he was punching real hard and fast, so fast Solly didn’t have time to react before getting dizzy again.

Sniper and Pyro ran over to try and separate them, but Spy just picked Soldier up and threw him at them like Scout’s idiot brothers cheating at bowling. The problem was Spy was out to kill, and everyone else really didn’t want to hurt him [Soldier did, but that wasn’t news]. Jeremy had a plan though.

”Engie, Medic! Follow my lead!” He ran towards new Spy and grabbed him in a firm hug. Like he expected, Spy wasn’t attacking him. He didn’t attack Engineer or Medic when they also started hugging him, even though Medic was still as creepy as ever.

“Calm down man, we’re not gonna hurt you.” Spy choked out something half-sad half-enraged in French. “Herr Spy, we do not understand what the problem is. And I wish I could say we speak French, but we don’t. Please breathe for a moment and tell us why you are so angry.”

Spy hesitated and started to breathe better, which made him think better too. Some of the color returned to his face and he seemed to break out of whatever hate trance he was in.

“Ze smoking room? We were not.. you three were not..” He looked around at the shaken teammates and Soldier, who was fine somehow. “Oh- Oh God, it wasn’t real, was it?” Spy sank to his knees and the trio took the chance to let go of him, and make room for the others to come over. “I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry!”

”What happened lad? You lost yourself for a bit.” Nobody was mad, thankfully. They were really more worried than anything. Spy hesitated to answer. “I do not know if I should say. Clearly it was a night terror I should not have believed… But I did.” “I think ya owe us an answer, mate. If yer having nightmares that bad, we gotta know for next time.” Sniper was right. They didn’t; know what set Spy off, or if it would happen again. And new Spy knew it.

“Is this room bugged? With ze same cameras as the rest of ze Base?” He really thought deadbeat Spy would leave cameras around his rooms? Well, to be fair, he didn’t know the guy. “Naw. He wouldn’t leave the Admin’s cameras in heah. Liked his privacy.” So did Sniper, who lived in his van. Helped him avoid the cameras. Spy sighed and held his legs to his chest with his arms.

“Then I will say. And I hope it will not offend you. It was a stupid nightmare, but it felt real.” Spy swallowed hard. “Medic, Engineer and Scout were not there, but we were told ze whole team was soon to die. You did not care at all, and…” It took Spy a while to continue. Nobody bugged him about it, clearly he was worried about cameras for a reason. When Spy did look up and start talking again, he was on the verge of tears.

”And my.. my two year old son was there with you. You had convinced him that death was.. fun. He was saying things that were not good, not health-ful.” Nobody knew what to say to that. Jeremy really wanted to say something nice, but he didn’t have words. Why the Hell was he having nightmares like that?! Nobody on the team was crazy enough to hurt a baby like that, not even Medic and Pyro! New Spy sobbed, surrounded by the broken glass and spilled wine and hurt teammates. “I thought it was real. I’m sorry, I’m so very sorry, you are very nice people!” Without thinking, Jermey found himself getting on the floor with Spy and hugging him. He didn’t really do hugs that often. He hugged Pauling when she turned out to be okay on Grey Mann’s island. And sometimes he hugged Ma.

His brothers thought hugging another guy was weak behavior, even if it was with another brother. And even though he didn’t agree with them, their stupid judgement stopped him from being a hugger a long time ago. But not this time. And he figured he was right, because Spy leaned into him and kept crying.

Somehow, he didn’t feel like a man beating people up and then crying was weak behavior at all. Especially if it’s for his kid’s sake.

———————-

Medic was right about that de-aging curse. It was probably meant to make Soldier hurt or scare Zhanna when confronted with something he didn’t remember.

They knew part of the nightmare had to do with the last wishes, the not caring about death thing that made grown Spy colder to the team. But not the baby being in danger. They didn’t know what triggered that idea. And they sure as Hell didn’t like it.

They were gonna tear Appalachia apart if they had to, that stupid wizard needed to pay. And Spy needed to be turned back into his normal self before he had another cursed episode.

Engineer told them about the possible lead and they sent a message to Pauling the next morning.

#tf2 #dadspy #tf2 spy #tf2 scout #sad lad hours #angst fanfic

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