#commander lurker writing about writing

[just-some-random-blogger]

OMG "A Ring is Merely Jewelry and Marriage a Contract" is an absolute masterpiece!!! You're so talented it hurts! I'm really in love.

What do you think about part 2? We really need more whipped daemon and his snarky wife😭 more protective Havoc😭 more caraxes who's absolutely in love with the reader and she's just as in love with him petting and cooing over him while daemon stands next to her in disbelief like 'what about me? why does my dragon get all the love I was meant to receive from my wife??'

Fire & Havoc

Daemon Targaryen x Stark!Reader

Summary: If marital bliss meant engaging in tomfoolery and murderous intent, then you were knee deep in it with your beloved Targaryen prince.

Word Count: 2k+

Warnings: Fem!Reader, a vague mention of Daemon touching himself, arranged/forced marriage, wife!reader, daemon is absolutely smitten, enemies to lovers, fluff, typos, etc.

A/N: ur so blessed that i love this fic so much and actually had plans i did not get to write when writing it so here you go nonnie, ur one of the few who's been able to convince me to make a part 2. lol i realized what i did may be quite different to what you were expecting, so i do hope you still enjoy <3 So yeah, as mentioned in by the anon, this is a part two of this fic. I dont think you would need to read it to understand, but i highly suggest you do though I'm tagging the people who commented that they wanted to read more in the first part so hiii! @aralezinspace @em-the-lurker @blue1006 @mukduk-not-murder @min-jianhyung @deniixlovezelda T_T I hope they all work Part 3 "Frost Bite"

I whistle at Havoc and call her out her name. She leans away, snarling, her bared teeth was laced with saliva. It dribbles on the guard beneath her, whose pulse was undoubtedly echoing in her ears.

"Down," I command, knitting my brows at the angry, large canine.

Havoc retreats, growls not at all dampening as she comes to over to me. I give the wolf a pointed look when she reaches my stool and grab her snout, raising a finger, "what did I just tell you?"

Havoc immediately deflates, ears flattening as she sits before me.

Elias, who has she had been training with, props himself on his elbows and wipes his face, before ultimately standing, "it is a wonder that she listens to you at all, princess."

I turn to the man as he catches his breath, then to his fellow Gold Cloaks, just as my handmaiden, Belidea, walks over to me with a tray of breakfast.

I pull away from Havoc the very moment she whines at the smell of my food. I shift on my stool and I give her side eye. She licks her snout as she wipes her faces.

Clever, but her puppy dog eyes not to work on me.

When she nudges her nose on my leg, I push her away after I take a bite of my sausage, "no. You've already eaten, you glutton."

Havoc, even if she did understand, did not care to listen to my words and propped her head on my thigh, causing me to raise my tray overhead. I click my tongue at her and hiss, "Havoc. Away with you."

The Gold Cloaks watching chuckle at the sight of the animal that was ferocious mere moments ago and now begging by my side.

Havoc, whose large head usually towered over me when I was sat down, was impossibly low on my thigh. Her eyes are locked on my tray, and if she well wanted to steal it from me, she could have. But she was my puppy after all, and so she begged.

I shake my head at her and sigh. I whistle, and immediately she sits up in an alert stance.

I rise from my seat and hand Belidea back my tray as I get the sausage. Havoc licks her lips as she sees the meat in hand.

I point a finger at her and command, "stay."

Havoc's head tilts as I draw the sausage near her and yet repeat my command, "stay."

"A cruel game, don't you think?"

I pull away slowly from Havoc then turn to my shoulder, watching as Daemon walks over to me, armor covered in blood. I raise my brows at him, "it's not a game. I'm teaching her to obey my command."

He walks beside me, and Havoc licks her snout when he sees him.

"Stay," I command yet again, snapping my finger, "focus on me, Havoc."

Daemon chuckles, leaning close to me, "it seems your pup quite likes me better now."

I hum, "she would quite like to devour you in your current state, make no mistake."

After saying this, I throw the sausage off to the side and Havoc merely turns to it, still in her spot. I smile at her, "good," then nod, "go get it, girl."

Not a single moment is wasted and Havoc lunges on the small piece of meat and chops it down with no difficulty whatsoever.

I take this as an opportunity to turn to the prince who was peering down at me, "why are you covered in blood?"

Havoc is quickly behind me, licking my fingers. I turn down to her and tell her to stop just as Daemon responds, "I rolled in your bedsheets, wife."

I look back at him with a dark look, but he only returns it with a smirk. He sighs, "yet another cycle of yours passes and our marriage still has not been consummated."

I feel anger rise up my throat, "I'm sure the women you see during your nightly escapades suffice, do they not, husband?"

Havoc does not allow the prince to respond as she walks over to him and licks the blood on his attire. Havoc was not fully grown yet, but the top of her head was nearly as high as mine, and so you can imagine why Daemon did not find it in him to annoy me any further.

I snort as Havoc pushes me aside to lick Daemon's chest all the way up to his neck.

He speaks in High Valyrian, commanding her like his dragon, but it obviously does not work.

I chuckle as Daemon fumbles back and raises his hands, "down, girl."

Much to my surprise, Havoc actually listens. I waited for him to make the mistake of not further asserting his dominance, but he does not. He straightens himself up and peers down at her, "sit."

Havoc sits at once and I chuckle in disbelief, "consider me faintly impressed."

"I have merely taken advantage of the all encompassing scent her master has," he attempts to take my hand but I pull away from him before he even gets close.

"You will not touch me until you tell me whose blood is on you."

Daemon's eyes crinkle, "and so I shall touch you after?" He steps forward, "wherever I may prefer-"

"You may attempt to touch wherever," I narrow my eyes at him.

His lips curve at my harsh tone then releases a chuckle, "elk."

"Elk?" I repeat in slight disbelief.

"Yes," he hums, "I thought Havoc and Caraxes could eat together."

My lips press together tightly.

"And perhaps if my wife is so disgusted by the blood on me, she shall join me in my bath and lend me a hand."

I step closer to him and tilt my head, "you already have two to keep yourself company."

"But it's not quite the same is it?"

I roll my eyes as I turn to Havoc and whistle, "come along then. You should continue with your game with the Gold Cloaks."

Daemon watches as I instruct Havoc for a moment before heading to his bath. His expression was soft, juxtaposing the horrible sight of blood and dirt covering him. If anyone saw his expression, they'd believe he was in love.

After our training session, I head back to my chambers, debating if I should like to take a bath myself. Daemon should be done by now anyway.

I walk into our room, finding my husband was nowhere in the area. But then my stomach drops. I hear rapid splashing sounds and my name being gutturally called out in the bathroom. In my haste, I burst into the room and heave, finding Daemon in the tub, stroking his-

"Fuck," he whines quickening his pace, making my face contort as I turn away and storm out.

It doesn't take long for me to hear what I would have rather not. Daemon releases a long whine and my entire body burns in embarrassment.

He is hard of breathing when he calls out, "take it as a compliment, wife."

I release a scoff as I hear him come out of the water. I turn to him when he walks up to me but regret it when I see that he is fully naked. I avert my eyes and shake my head, "you are truly vile."

"You will learn to burn for me as I do you, pretty girl," Daemon heaves as he walks over to me, leaving a trail of water behind him, "I will require you to give me an heir eventually, as you will I."

When draws closer as he mutters, "Belidea tells me you swoon over every babe you set your eyes upon. I shall give you your own if only you-"

I shove him away when he reaches for me.

He chuckles as he reels back. He raises his hands then gestures, "then will you hand me the towel behind you?"

I scowl at him and turn quickly behind me, seeing the towel hanging on the chair. I grunt as I grab it and throw it to him, making him chuckle yet again.

"You are so fiery, yet as timid as a child," he says as he wipes himself down.

"And you are simply a child," I blurt, making my way to the closet to grab his clothing, "look at the absolute mess you've made."

I walk over to Daemon and shove the clothes into his arms, "why should I have a child with when you're already one?"

The corner of Daemon's lips curve, "are you mothering me, my love?"

I roll my eyes, "fuck off," I say as I trail over to our bed, "quickly make yourself decent, there is a matter I must discuss with you."

"I doubt I need be decent to discuss something."

"Then allow me to rephrase it: I require you to be decent to before I discuss anything with you," I say as I sit on the side of the bed and busy myself by looking at my nails.

Daemon chuckles, "kill joy."

"I could do more than kill your joy, my love," I mock.

His amusement intensifies and I hear him shuffle with his clothing, "that's the spirit."

After a few moments, I steal a look to my side and find that he has put on his breeches and was already making his way towards me. He jumps onto the bed, throwing his tunic aimlessly on the mattress and stretches, resting his hand behind his head.

I turn from him over my shoulder, disgusted, and grab the towel, roughly rubbing his soaking hair with it before he further wet the pillows.

"Alright," he grabs my wrist chuckling, "if you continue with your mothering, the maids will begin to gossip."

I pull away from him as I shift to look at his stupid face and bare chest, "I'm travelling to the North next week."

All the amusement in his face vanishes.

I keep my silence for a moment, taking in how his jaw clenches.

"Well," he raises his brows, "is it to escape me or because your father died?"

I let out a dry chuckle, curling my hand into a fist at the mention of my father, "neither."

Daemon's expression softens, "neither, hmm?"

My face sours, "because I know I cannot escape you, Prince Daemon."

"Very good," his lips curve.

"Havoc is beginning her heat cycle," I straighten up, "you do recall when she attacked those men w-"

"I do not blame her," Daemon sighs, relaxing, "those sorry fucks came to her abode to gawk at her. Serves them right."

"Daemon," I roll my eyes, "I am sure her aggression excites you, but at the end of the day I am her master, and you will not be so amused when she attacks you."

He licks his lips upon hearing that, and suddenly strokes my spine with the back of his hand. I pull away from him and furrow my brows, but the smile on his lips only grows, "how exciting to know that not only did you run into my bath marked with worry and concern, but that you also do not want your pup to harm me."

Before I could crush his delusion, he jumps off the bed and grabs his shirt, "now do not spoil my glorious mood," he then grabs my arm, "come, we must feed our beasts if they are to be as amicable as we are."

I pull away from him, but he does not allow me. He makes sure to trap my wrist in a hand even when he puts his arms through his sleeves.

At the very least I am glad he loosens his grip a bit as we make our way to the dragon pit.

It seems we caught them just in time. Havoc was being lead by her keeper, one from the North who she knew, and barks, rushing towards me the moment she senses me.

Daemon watches at the large thing lowers herself for me.

Just then, the whines of Caraxes rips through the air. I am agitated momentarily for the sake of my worf, but Havoc is no longer alarmed by his cries and in fact even shifts to a playful stance at the sight of the dragon. I relax as I stroke her in an attempt to calm her down

"Heel, girl," Daemon commands, walking over to Caraxes, "you do not want to play with a hungry dragon."

"Heel," I repeat, making Havoc straighten up and whine.

We all meet each other in the middle, Caraxes, lead by his keeper, greets us with his screech. Havoc, beside me, responds with a howl, and I cannot help but chuckle at them.

Daemon strokes Caraxes as he bends his head down, but when the dragon pushes him to the side, and heads for me, he is left speechless. Caraxes huffs out hotly as he brings his snout close enough for me to reach.

The unexpected gesture makes my heart jump to my throat. I listen in to for Havoc's growls, but hear nothing but dragon sighs and Havoc's pacing paws. I place my hands on Caraxes, pushing him back a bit when he forces too close that I nearly fall. I give Havoc a look and chuckle in disbelief when I see her nuzzle against the dragon.

"Incredible," I mutter in astonishment, turning to Daemon.

Daemon says something in High Valyrian, and I hear the keeper laugh at it.

I do not enjoy the stunned look on the prince's face and I begin to grow agitated. It doesn't take long it to disappear though. I roll my eyes at him when he says, "you have bewitched my dragon into treason."

"You ever think that maybe the only reason why Caraxes hangs around you is because he has to?"

All at once, we are both ignored as the two great beasts avert their attention to the food served to them. Caraxes is given an elk and a half, and Havoc is given the remaining part.

The dragon keeper draws near to me and speaks in High Valyrian. I look at him and nod slowly though I do not understand.

"He said it is not uncommon for dragons to be temperate to their rider's mates," Daemon says, pressing close to me, "just as I suspect the same thing for Havoc."

I eye him as he looks on to the feeding beasts, "just because I tolerate you does not mean I consider you my mate."

He responds to me in High Valyrian and I roll my eyes at him, turning away. Daemon does not know I can see his stupid smile from my peripherals as he looks down on me.

#daemon targaryen x reader #daemon fanfic #daemon targaryen #daemon fluff #daemon x stark!reader #daemon targaryen fluff #daemon x you #daemon x reader #daemon targaryen x you #house of the dragon fanfic #hotd fanfic

[adrisventari]

pin pin pin

hi hello, I am adris I like draw/write/ponder/be consumed by video games (read: Guild Wars 2), music, theatre, books, television, etc.

I refuse to have a sideblog, all the shit happens here, as organized as I can make it.

a few fun facts

queer, she/they, demisexual

21 years of age

jewish american

I work in theatre so my engagement on any kind of platform is sporadic at best

hobbyist writer/illustrator, professional seamstress/atelier/stitcher

a fun combination of being neurodivergent and nervous makes me a huge lurker, so if you see me lurking, hi

welcome to the scream zone, tag guide below

~tag guide~

misc

#tunes (related to music)

#writing (related to writing)

#art (related to art)

#chatty (random life things and responses)

#points (related to causes/movements/information I care about, you should look at it)

#giggledick (it made me laugh)

#mwah mwah (I kiss it)

#tbd (theatre/fashion/costumes)

major characters

#ariaami veilkeeper (charr, mesmer, the commander, aurene's champion, wayfinder, disaster)

#enansi (sylvari, engineer, black market participant, pathetic little man, covered in blood and slutty)

#adalasa elise (human, elementalist, former pact lieutenant, elonian ambassador, wife lover)

#jodnil stormbringer (norn, ranger/revenant, former pact lieutenant, aurene's first champion, comfy cozy gay creature dad)

#gehix (asura, guardian, former pact lieutenant, medic, dad, insufferable caretaker friend, will not be billed for therapy)

#validine (sylvari, thief, former pact lieutenant, almost mordrem, died??? 1328, mistwalker, fractal dweller)

#chatty

[brendaonao3]

So glad you've joined us in the TG:M love, B!!

For the Top Gun Ask Meme, how about 2, 3, 9 & 21? Sorry if I'm being too greedy, I'm just excited lol

Hi there, Nonnie!!!

Happy to be here - although I've been a lurker in the Top Gun fandom for a LONG time. I offered to write it every year for Yuletide, but never got paired on that fandom. :D

And there's no such thing as too greedy, so let's do this!

For the Top Gun Ask Meme

2. Who’s your least favorite character?

Eh, not a "least" favorite because I think they've all served a purpose narratively speaking, but Cyclone was both very one-note, and very inconsistent, as far as his character went. I know they were going for him being this foil for Mav as far as their ideas about duty and honor and how to run a successful mission, but (and this isn't a knock on Jon Hamm, who's always great) it just wasn't well executed. Either let him be the asshole who doesn't mind getting everyone killed if it serves the mission, or give him a growth arc that make his actions on the carrier make sense.

3. Who’s an underrated character?

Warlock and Hondo, my loves - they are both SO underrated, and deserve way more praise and adoration. Warlock also clearly commands respect among his peers, and seems like a good TOPGUN instructor and I just wanted to hang out with him and hear all his stories about all the pilots he's seen come through the doors, and all of the missions he's flown. Plus, Warlock & Maverick clearly have a history and respect each other, and I'd love to know when they first crossed paths.

And Hondo - oh man, I could write an ode to him and how COMPETENT he is and how GOOD he is at his job and how well he knows Mav and how he works, and how kind and empathetic he is, and how much he loves what he does and who he works with - he's just the best. I would read 100k fics about him all day and be the happiest.

9. What’s your favorite scene in either movie?

Oooh, that's tough. The intro bar scene in TG:M is an absolute masterclass in character introduction and also establishing group dynamics and tension, and that first scene in OG Top Gun where Mav & Goose go back for Cougar is a perfect introduction to who Mav is as a person and pilot and friend.

21. What is one scene that you would add to either movie?

I already talked about wanting the Mav/Bradley talking shit out scene, so I'll talk about another one that I wish had been filmed/made it in, and that's Bradley's reaction to Ice's death and/or him and Mav reminiscing about Ice after the funeral. I get why it's not in the film, but I just wanted some moment that acknowledged who Ice was to Bradley, and maybe a moment of truce for Bradley & Mav to mourn this man who'd meant so much to both of them.

(Again, why we have fic, and I've read some great ones - I really should do a rec list at some point)

#brenda answers things #top gun headcanons #tgm headcanon #top gun #top gun: maverick #beau cyclone simpson #solomon warlock bates #bernie hondo coleman #we respect and love hondo in this house #maverick&rooster #these were fun

[commanderlurker]

How to write those scenes you haven’t figured out:

Just don’t write them. Can’t be bothered.

#commander lurker writing about writing

[pog-sad-muffin]

Vilbur and Reader pt 4

Summery: tommy is having a rough time in exile but who is that behind the scenes? “What did you do?!"

!TW! Blood, cursing, violence, manipulation, implications of death !TW!

-----

Y/n's POV

Now that I have been spending more time in the overworld, my 'body' has started developing more. most people can see me but few can hear me, they are: Dream, Ranboo, Dad, Fundy, Techno, and of course Will can hear me.

I wonder if Will is holding up his end of the procedure? I think as I drift through the prime path. I mean ever since he started visiting Tommy in exile he has seemed.... different, to say the least.

Wilbur's POV

I'm not sure when it started exactly, but I feel myself splitting in two ever since hanging around Tommy. But for now, I will be residing with Tommy to continue the plan. Everything I do depends on the execution of the plan.

"Tommy? Where are you going?" I ask as I see Tommy leave his exile vacation. I hear him scoff lightly.

"I don't know Wilby. But not here, that I am sure of." I flinch at the nickname Tommy gave me a few years back. I smile sadly at the recollection.

"Well, what about Techno. Brothers look out for each other. Don't you remember?" I propose, wishing he accepts. If he approves then I will have to let Y/n know the plan is operating sooner than we anticipated. I think, writing down a mental memo. I need to talk to Y/n soon anyways. It has been a while since we have gone back to the underworld, and it's showing. I am noticing the memory loss and color fading from my 'body'.

-

Dream's POV

I walk at a brisk pace, noticing the time I hurry up more. Dang it, I'm going to be late. if I am again they will kill me. I start mumbling without comprehending it, shortly I am at the portal.

-

3rd POV

What Dream failed to acknowledge was that somebody unwanted was eavesdropping on everything. Curiously they follow Dream to the gathering spot. it takes five minutes for the suspicious 'they' that Dream was talking about. The unwanted pursuer was in shock at who they saw. Y/n. How could they?! They were meeting Dream. And- their thoughts cut off, listening into the conversation.

"I have what you asked for." Dream stated, voice quivering slightly. Peaking out from around the tree, a rather poor hiding spot if you ask anyone, they see Y/n's eyes narrow in on Dream. And if you were to look close enough into them you would see the red tint, flickering skeptically in their eye.

"Fine... you and your beloved George will be comfortable another day." their voice echoing, giving the stalker and Dream shivers down their back. "Now leave, I have what I needed. You know what you need to do next. Correct" Dream quickly drops a barrel down.

"Y-yes ma'am" Dream says, voice cracking. He bows and speed-walked away. Leaving a floating Y/n and a startled, perhaps even more than Dream was, stalker.

"I know you are there, come out before I lose patience." the lurker, slowly but surely comes out from behind the tree. They were quaking at the sight. Somehow the phantom of the already tall person had grown. When they used to be 6 foot 5 to now 7 feet of tall, immense, superiority. Their presence alone commands attention. "I knew someone would find out, but I was unsuspecting that it would be you," Y/n smirks before the spectator and calmly waltzed around the petrified figure.

"Too bad it was you, I kind of liked you... My dear."

-

Tommy's POV

Ghostbur had gone off to do something I am by myself now. What now? Ghostbur did say something about staying with Techno for a while. That could work... Wait, where does he even live? I sigh, "this is getting me nowhere," I grumble. All of my stuff is packed up at this point.

"Tommy where are you? Come on out I have a surprise." I hear Dreams sing-song voice carry over my camp. Panicking I grab all my things and try to sneak out. Dang it! He wasn't supposed to be here today! my panicked thinking drowning out the sound of Ghostbur approaching me.

"Why are we hiding?" Ghostbur whispers from behind me. Holding in a scream I whip my head around. I put my finger to my mouth to tell Ghostbur to be quiet. PLEASE DON'T FIND ME! I pray silently. Closing my eyes, I let my ears perk up. Dream isn't saying anything anymore. I hear his footsteps around the camp.

"Tommy. I'm not playing around come out NOW!" Dream yells, irritation in his voice. I wait until I hear his voice on the other side of the camp. three, two, one, NOW! I sprint out of my hiding stop and out of the camp. Let's hope Dream didn't notice me leaving. I think in a rush, scrambling my way out. "Where are we going?" Ghostbur says, floating beside me.

"To Techno, you were the one that suggested it after all," I said out of breath. Hiding behind something in case Dream had followed me.

"Tommy. I have to go now. See you later." Ghostbur says before fading away.

"Oh... see you then."

-

Y/n's POV

"Y/n? Are you here?" I hear my twin say. My mood brightens up.

"Hello, how are you. It's good to see you again." I say smiling and turning around to face him.

"oh, oh gods. w-what happened." Will stutters, seeing the blood covering me.

"Well... someone got in my way. So I fixed it!" I giggle, seeing his face morph into sadness.

"Did you kill them?" he asks, sighing in relief when I shake my head no. "Who... who was it?"

"Well, that's not important right now."

"Who was it." he sounds panicked.

----

Thank you for reading, let me know if you have a request!🖤

#mcyt x reader #dream smp x you #wilbur x y/n #mcyt fanfiction #dream smp x reader #philza x reader #sbi x reader #vilbur #sibling reader #siblings #ghostbur #logstedshire #tommy x reader #tommy exile #dream smp angst #techno x you #lmanburg #character death #tw voilence #tw swearing

[adelindschade]

Hello 👋 a long time lurker on your tumblr. I love your fic and how you write all the characters and their relationships. The gwynriel banter is really *chef’s kiss*. I was just kinda wondering after reading the latest chapter notes on ao3, how the hell are you gonna introduce Emorie(is that their ship name?) because mor seems very anti Nesta and we know what Emerie does to all the ppl that think that way. I am just very excited, that’s all.

Hello friend! Thank you so much for this! I love blabbing on and on about my modern au - so I always welcome this opportunity! Please, continue to grace me with your curiosity. :D I'm happy to oblige.

Pictured below my inspo for Mor. (Petra Solano from Jane The Virgin.)

Let me introduce her- because we established she is an independent Latina just like Em. HOWEVER, Mor grew up well to-do, before she was disowned by her father. By that, I mean multi-million hotel industry on the Miami coast. This girl got lucky because her estranged cousin Rhys took her in, and she developed her own empire from the ish she learned growing up. She has some props - she earned that.

Cassian is an idiot to think these two would just be enamored with each other off the bat because they both like the same sex and share a Latin heritage. HE'S DUMB.

Let me remind you: CUBANS AND DOMINICANS ARE TWO VERY DIFFERENT SPECTRUMS OF CARIBBEANS. Yes, they are loud, they talk with their hands, known to be feisty and unafraid, they talk seriously, and they LOVE baseball. But that is where the similarities stop! Also - NYC & MIAMI ARE VERY DIFFERENT CITIES WITH VERY DIFFERENT MINDSETS. Upscale Miami versus BX? *side eye* East coast vs South coast? major polarization!!

The conflict is going to be rich!

See, you have no-bullshit, HBIC Emerie - take no prisoners and GTFO out of her way. She doesn't give a shit who she impresses - she earned her respect and you better give it, or else she'll remind you who TF you're talking to like a real New Yorker. She ain't afraid to remind you where she came from. BX represent. Loud and proud.

Then you have little miss social butterfly, soiree queen who demands all eyes and commands attention just from walking in the room. She is tall, stunning, smart and subtle, even if her fashion is hot, red, and fierce. She looks shallow but her tongue is sharp, and she's quick to put someone in their place.

You put these two dominant personalities across battle fields, two things happen: they begrudgingly admit to respect the other for holding their fronts or b) bloodbath because tempers are SOARING! No one in their right mind would think either would hold their tongue. Shit is going to be said - and it's going to be personal.

Now, they'll have their own gunners:

Az, Cass, and Rhys are team Mor because someone needs to humble Emerie's smart mouth. About fucking time since it keeps running. Feyre holds her judgement - but that's her friend. They know Mor can ruin a life with a few words and a unblinking stare.

Nesta, Gwyn, and Elain know better. Emerie can be cut throat. That girl nearly shot a man. You think a cute little Cuban is going to hold her own against a lawyer?! The queen of roasts and arguments? CEO of these hands? Ambassador of deez streets?

You get this:

MEANWHILE - THEIR AUDIENCE:

#asks #rwylm #emorie #acotar modern au #pihu1906

[fablesrose]

Tell Me a Story 3

Summary: It’s go time

Word count: 2,188

Pairing: cop?!Dean x mafia!reader

Square filled: Crack

Warnings: shooting

Masterlist ~ Bingo Masterlist

A/n: For @girl-next-door-writes​ make me feel bingo. This only has a little bit of crack, but it was sure fun to write! One more part after this!

“Hey Angel.”

“Hey Hot Shot,” I smiled as I held my phone to my ear, the nicknames had settled in for us over the past couple of weeks, and I couldn’t deny that I liked using them. “The next monthly meeting is tonight, you ready to put on a show?”

He laughed, “Like it’s ever an act with you sweetheart.”

I snorted, “Yeah, sure.” I sighed, “Alright, for real though, be a loving boyfriend, but don’t be stupid.”

“Roger roger.”

“I guess I’ll meet you there.”

“Yup.” He hung up the phone promptly, leaving me in silence.

I rubbed my hands all over my face, “He’s a professional who’s only acting this way to make it natural and so he can get some sort of promotion. Don’t look too far into it. You’re probably going to go to prison anyway once this is all over with.” Despite telling myself this over and over, it really didn’t make a difference. I groaned and tried to force my face to relax from the smile I was wearing.

I banged my head once against a nearby wall, “Okay, time to get ready to get this over with.”

Before I knew it I was watching Dean pull up and park near my apartment as I walked to the meeting building.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your car?”

“Only every time you see her,” Dean fell into stride beside me.

“I thought we were gonna meet there.”

Dean grabbed my hand, “And how would that look, the boyfriend not escorting his very important girlfriend into an extremely dangerous crowd?”

“Fair point,” I squeezed his hand, smiling softly to myself.

The door squeaked as we opened it, giggling at nothing.

“Glad you love birds could join us.” Chuck sat at the front of the room, looking rather impatient.

I took my place, Dean beside me, and nodded soberly.

“Let’s begin.”

Naomi stepped forward, “Of course, sir. I have some things that need to be looked-”

“I don’t care about that,” Chuck waved his hand as he cut her off.

It took everything in me not to laugh.

“Some of my… sources, have told me that Doctor Hess wants to make a deal with me.”

There was a couple beats of silence before Meg got brave, “Uh, and who is that?”

“The leader of the Lettermen, obviously.”

The room erupted in laughter.

“Letterboys? Really?”

“Yes,” Chuck snapped at us, trying to shut us up, “and Y/n is going to set it all up.”

That sobered me up quickly, “Pardon?”

“You are going to set up the deal. You’re gonna be our middle man.”

I felt my insides shrivel. What he means is that I’ll be the scapegoat.

“Sir, I’d like to accompany her on this assignment if you don’t mind,” Dean said as he took a half step forward.

“I do mind. Starling will be working this alone, directly with me.”

“But sir-”

I placed a hand on his arm, “Dean.” I shook my head, telling him it wasn’t worth it.

He set his jaw and didn’t press any further.

“So, It’s settled then,” Chuck clapped his hands together once, “that’ll be all, you’re dismissed.”

I glanced at Naomi who looked annoyed at not getting her business done, but she wasn’t brave enough to get snapped at again.

It wasn’t much time later when me and Dean were walking back, alone again.

“Why did you do that?”

“Dean-”

“Why did you stop me from pairing up with you?”

“Because, you were doing a great job at being a loving boyfriend, but I also told you not to be stupid. What you were about to do was incredibly stupid.”

“So you’re gonna do it alone?!” Dean sounded angry, I wasn’t exactly sure why.

I turned to face him, “Yeah, I am! I’ve done stuff like this before, and I’ll have to do it again! But do you understand what this means for us??”

“No, I don’t.”

I grabbed him by the shoulders, “We can do something with this… Maybe I can…”

“We can do some sort of sting operation,” Dean quieted down like he was understanding.

“Exactly! I’ll set something up, I’ll feed you all the information...” I nodded my head, “we can do this.”

“Fine,” he turned and started walking again, “you’re still going to be doing most of this alone though.”

“Don’t worry Dean, I won’t mess it up.”

I thought I heard Dean mumble something, but I didn’t ask what it was. The rest of the walk was quiet until we reached where his car was parked.

I ran my hand along her, looking for scratches that didn’t exist.

“Stay safe, alright? I can’t be losing you now, Angel.”

“I will, don’t you worry Hot Shot.” I smiled at waved as he started her up and drove away.

Let’s cut to me probably doing something stupid, but it is the fastest way to get stuff done in these situations.

“I think you’re on the wrong side of town, ma’am.” A group of boys approached me as I walked a quiet street, deep in Lettermen territory.

I sighed, “You’re probably right, but I also heard through the grapevine that a Doctor Hess wants to make a deal. That ring any bells?”

They all glanced at each other before one addressed me, “Stay here.”

I leaned against a nearby building, choosing not to answer him vocally.

After a while, a man closer to my own age approached me.

“Doctor Hess?”

He laughed, “No, my name is Mick Davies. I’m more of a spokesperson. And I’m assuming you’re not Chuck.”

I smiled back at him, both of us keeping our distance, “Yeah, you wish. It’s Y/n.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

His smile dropped into a more serious expression, “You are correct when you mentioned a deal. Details are still in need of some finalizing, of course, but the basics are, if you share with us some of your… resources that we hear you have, helping us get on our feet, we’ll give you a part of the profits and keep our boys on our side of the line.”

“Intriguing...” This could be big. If I played my cards right, I could maybe bring down the mobs on both sides of the city. Now to play some cards… “If we come to an agreement of terms, Chuck wants a face to face settlement to seal the deal.”

“I don’t think that will be a problem.” He pulled out a card from his pocket, “My contact information, so we can work out the details before the deal.”

I stepped forward and took it, “Well, it’s been a pleasure, hope I see the least amount possible.”

“Likewise.”

And like that we both turned and went out opposite directions.

That wasn’t as bad as I thought it was. Maybe this will be easy.

But now to convince Chuck.

“They want the sealing of the deal face to face or it won’t happen.”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

That wasn’t as bad as I thought it was. Maybe this will be easy.

Now to tell Dean the good news!

“Dean, call me back.”

“Dean, I’ve got something to tell you.”

“Hot Shot, if you don’t answer this damn phone I swear I’m not going put this meeting up.”

Why was this not easy.

The meeting was set. It was to happen in an isolated location just outside of town, two weeks away. Chuck was going to bring the goods, loads of weapons and drugs. I had to be there to back Chuck up, as I’m sure Mick would be there to do the same for this Doctor Hess.

“Dean, I sent the information to your phone, please be there with as many men as possible. From your old job, just to be safe.”

I wanted to actually talk to him. I shouldn’t want that. I’ve gotten too close. It doesn’t matter anymore though. He’s stopped talking to me mid job. The worst case scenario is that I somehow get found out and killed. The absolute best case scenario is that everyone goes to jail except me. The one I was fearing most though was the one where I never see Dean again. Unfortunately there were a bunch of options where that happens.

I kept telling myself that it was just a job to him. That this would benefit him. That he would never want to associate with someone from the mafia in normal circumstances.

Maybe going to jail would be good for me.

My phone rang with an unknown number popping up on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Hey Angel, sorry, I broke my phone.”

“God dammit!” All that worrying for nothing. All the stress that he was somehow dead or leaving me to deal with Chuck by myself. Wasted.

“What?”

“I have been trying to reach you all day. I got the meeting set up, its in two weeks. I’ll send you the place. Both Chuck and Doctor Hess are going to be there with a metric ton of damning evidence in the form of illegal weapons and drugs.”

“That… is awesome!”

“I know right?? I’m gonna need you to bring in all your people.” I soaked it in for a couple of breathes, “I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he’s arrested.”

“You’re not going to be there.” His voice was firm, it was commanding like there was no room for argument.

“Dean...” I spoke regretfully, oh how I wish I could listen to him, “if I’m not there, this all falls apart. This isn’t a personal choice, I have to be there.”

“You could get hurt.”

“Same with every day of my life.”

He sighed, “Fine, but you’re gonna wear a wire so we can communicate.”

“Dean, Chuck may be stupid enough to let you in as a cop, and he may be stupid enough to do this meeting face to face, but he’s not stupid enough-” I paused, “I take that back, he may be that stupid.”

“So it’s settled, you’re going to wear a wire, and I’m gonna bring in all the law enforcement fire power you could ever dream of.”

I laughed, “Deal.”

The meeting came all too quickly. I was wearing a wire, like Dean asked me, but I did not enjoy it, it seemed to be all that was on my mind. Everyone arrived separately. It was decided that I would arrive first and scout out the area, kicking out any lurkers. Then Mick was to show, then the bosses.

Dean was talking in my ear, telling me that they were ready, that anytime now Chuck and Doctor Hess was going to be arrested.

“The profits of the supplies will be split 70/30 right?” Chuck was chatting with Doctor Hess, me and Mick farther out.

Hess huffed, “That’s hardly enough to cover our other expenses, 50/50 split.”

“Come on Doc, there has to be something in it for me, 60/40.”

Her stare was withering, but Chuck was always an idiot, “Fine.”

They shook on it and Chuck directed her to the product a little ways away.

“Chopper is coming in to get eyes, then we’ll fall in,” Dean said.

I hummed discretely to tell him I heard and started to glance around the dark sky, supposedly looking for stars.

Eventually the helicopter flew in with a spotlight shining down on us.

“Finally,” I spoke out loud, glad this was going to be over.

But I might have spoken a bit too loudly since Chuck pulled out a gun, “You bitch!”

I faced him, my arms crossed against my chest, “Been called a lot worse you motherfucker.”

“FBI! Drop the weapon!” Dean was at the front of the group in an FBI vest, aiming his gun at Chuck. The rest of the agents surrounded the area and quickly started arresting Hess and Mick.

Chuck hesitated, but in the end he shot at me. I tried to move quickly but he still grazed my shoulder. Chuck looked like he wanted to shoot me again, but Dean took two shots before he could, one to the hand holding the gun and another to his leg, effectively making him drop the gun and fall to the ground. Dean directed a couple of agents to Chuck while he ran over to me.

“Man, you really are a hot shot Hot Shot.” I laughed as I pressed a hand against my shoulder.

“I can’t believe you just stood there as Chuck aimed a gun at you. That is so dangerous,” he made sure I was comfortable before he called for a medic.

“Chuck isn’t that great with precision weapons, look, he just grazed me!” I laid my clean hand on his arm, “Thank you. This means so much to me, I don’t know how I could ever repay you.”

The medics came and started to push Dean back so she could get to me.

“You helped get Sam out, how ‘bout we stay in touch and we’ll call it even?”

I nodded, “You got it Hot Shot.”

“They’ll take good care of you, Angel.”

Best Buds: @kitkatd7​ @snarky--starky​ @confetti-its-an-imagine-blog ​ @kaogasm​

Dean: @akshi8278​ @msmarvelouswinchester

TMAS: @flamencodiva

#dean x reader #cop!dean #mafia!reader #spncreatorsdaily #Girl Next Door's Make Me Feel Bingo #make me feel bingo #fbi!dean #dean winchester #crack #tell me a story 3

[mapleandgingeroatmeal]

CR2E109- Frigid Propositions

Ooops! I've been moving and then road-tripping the past few days, which makes for a high volume of podcast consumption and a very low amount of blogging time. I also have a week off now, so I plan on going back and categorizing my Rumblecusp thoughts, because I have many. For now though, I want to keep up with this project so I'm writing while things are fresh in my mind. So! With that said, here's 109 thoughts!

I always love a shopping episode. Is that weird? Idk, they're usually light-hearted and role-play heavy, which are two things I love. This one was no exception.

It's so funny to see everyone go completely fucking wild the first time they get any kind of wealth in their pockets. Illegal Fireworks! All the paper in the city! A million stink bombs! A 5,000 gp ring that I will never need! It makes sense for people who live so much in the moment to spend the way they do, but god its also so funny how ecstatic they are to have spends .

Fjord and Yasha are so good together?? Hey? Fjord is such a charismatic guy, he should be good at this, but Yahsa has zero impulse control and he likes to be spontaneous sometimes, so it's like she sucks all his common sense and people skills right out of him when they're together. What a great dynamic omg.

Veth is totally That Mom who makes everyone take terrible matching-christmas-pajama photos and I am so here for it.

It makes me happy to see Veth with her family, but I do always get this feeling like the relationships she has there are so forced and fleeting. They've never spent more than a few days at a time together since she's been back! Matt even makes a point of saying how much Yeza's changed and has become a different person in her absence. I honestly feel Veth and Yeza are really tip-toeing around each other at this point.

Also we went through all of Rumblecusp and we haven't once had a convo about how Veth is feeling/adjusting to her new body? I want that info so badly, but I also totally feel like this is a deliberate character choice on Sam's part. He knows how to constructively interrupt if he wanted a scene of her talking about it, which makes me think Veth is in hard Denial Mode about her feelings and wants and needs rn.

(also over in Widowbrave land, Veth could've given Caleb anything, but she chose a thong?? If that's not a you-can-join-me-and-my-husband-sometime flirt then wtf is it?)

Ashley Johnson came for my entire soul with that church scene. "I think I'm being rebuilt, too". EXCUSE ME I'M SOBBING?? I have been so in love with Yahsa's ard since Obann, some day when I have time I'm gonna scream for an hour about the Wings scene.

Ok not that long ago I said that I wasn't feeling the Fjorjester buildup super hard; I am now revising that opinion. Travis has definitely been laying the groundwork. That unicorn was Fjucking adorable, and I love how he matched Jester's goofy playful energy when he gave it to her. You can see him trying so hard to speak her language and it's just so precious.

And it was so interesting that Caleb pushed them together with the knowledge that he's been a little in love with Jester for a while. I guess he's seen enough of how her and Fjord pretty obviously feel that he's trying to get himself over that one. Also the fact that he may lose Veth has forced him to confront how in love with her he is

It really is incredible how far Beau and Caleb specifically have come. None of these guys are at all who they were at the start, but I feel like the change is most obvious on them. Caleb isn't quite at forgiving himself, but he's slowly letting himself be happy. Beau is reading books and allowing people to love her and commanding a position of responsibility.

Caduceus is finally opening up to friends about his issues and I'm so proud of him? Even if it's just that very little bit. Beyond what he said to Yasha specifically, you can really tell by the things he doesn't say that he's been doing some quiet self-reflection. I mean, "patience can curdle into apathy", hello, projecting much there bud? Think maybe you're not even talking about Yahsa's issues so much any more?

also we got a hint of aro/ace Cad here with his comments about finding the dancing awkward. I am so excited that talks is back, and I cannot wait for someone to ask Tailesen about the choice to create a character with that identity specifically. God I love Caduceus Clay with all my heart and soul. I would die for this wise baby cow man.

AAA I've gotten to Eiselcross I cannot fuckin belive I'm here!! I know I'm still many episodes behind, but I've officially reached the place where I really started seeing enough cr around my lurker feeds to decide I should get into it myself. So it honestly feels like I've reached some arbitrary "caught up" point in my head, bc from here on out I vaguely saw fan reactions to live episodes as they were released. I know whats coming here, and I am SO EXCITED to see it all for reals.

I might be able to do a pseudo-livebloggy thing with the next few episodes since I'm on break, so if there's anybody out there who actually reads these things and was sad I skipped so much, maybe that will make it up to you.

#critical role #cr2e109 #cr catch-up

[starr-fall-knight-rise]

HASO Origins, “Maverick.”

This took a very very strange turn while I was writing it. Also warning, it is a bit creepy in places, to explain a few things. So I hope you can enjoy anyway 

Maverick stood silently at the head of the chapel, her hand resting on the lectern as she listened to the distant rumbling of engines/ It was quiet in this room, as it usually was-- a good way to get away from the outside hustle and bustle of the ship. Not many people came here, in fact, she would wager to say that not many people knew of its existence, but that was ok with her.

She turned crossing her arms and leaning back against the lectern. There were no spiritual images or crosses in this room. Maverick didn’t trust either of them. Religious symbols and iconic images, were, by their nature corruptible, a fact she knew all too well. Better to leave the sanctity of a sanctuary up to the faith of those who believed.

Not to mention that this was supposed to be a non-denominational place of prayer, which is why only half of the room had pews (three to be exact) and the other half was an open floor with prayer mats rolled into tight bundles in the corner.

She closed her eyes again, but that was when the door at the end of the room opened.. IT almost startled her, but she kept her cool 

She lifted her head and watched as the door opened and a curious head peered inward.

She watched with a raised eyebrow as the Commander pushed the door the rest of the way open looking both confused and a bit shocked as he stepped into her abode. 

He turned to look around spinning in a tight circle, “No one told me we had a chapel.”

“I thought you of all people would know that. Thought you would have explored the entire ship on your first day.”

“Guess I just never got around to it.”

He turned to look at her, ‘“What are you doing here.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, “Do you read your ship’s crew directory, commander. I’m the chaplain.”

He stared at her, “Are you pulling my leg?”

“No.”

“Wow you’re serious…. I didn’t know you were religious.”

She turned away, “You never asked.”

“Wait, I thought chaplains couldn't bear arms in combat.”

“That was a luxury of a different time before the third and fourth world war.” She stepped down from the podium and sat on one of the pews. He sat next to her, 

“wow … guess I never really saw you as the… type.” 

“And what type is that?”

Off to her side he struggled to find the words, “I don’t know… I suppose you just seem so….. So.”

“Rational.”

“I didn’t say that.”

She waited.

“I mean, you never seemed like the type to put your life in the hands of someone else.”

She chuckled, “I believe in a god, commander, but if bullets are flying at my head, I’m going to duck.”

“So…. what brought you here…. To the ship I mean. I guess I don’t know much about you.”

She clasped her hands on her lap leaning back against the pew to look up towards the ceiling. The ambient yellow light in the room was soft, almost comforting, “Turns out space is a great way to get away from your demons.

***

The Cogs were quiet today, and overhead the city was still. Maverick moved silently through the understreets followed by the constant hum of flickering overhead lights. Many of the bulbs had burnt out years and years ago, but there were still some that remained. A distant grinding reached her ears as she slipped into the shadows.

The city was shifting again, as it always did.

Some people didn’t like it down in the cogs, they worried that the support structure would fail, and the upper city would come crashing down into its foundations crushing everything beneath it. IF she looked up she could see the underside of the city, and the slow rotating gears and pipes which pumped water and waste through the upper half of the city, where the buildings were White and pristine…. The way of the future.

But she preferred the lower city, she knew how to survive here, on chapel row specifically, where there were more churches over a square mile than there were houses. Holy buildings of all denominations crouched here in the shadows, in a dystopian darkness. She often wondered about the people who had lived down here during the time of persecution after the third world war, when the government had fallen and anarchy had driven religious groups underground. Either way, things were different now, most of the occupants had moved into the upper city taking their religion with them and leaving their holy sanctuaries behind. Small nondescript buildings, towering Gothic cathedrals, and red brick facades with crumbling white steeples.

She passed by one of the Gothic temples now caught by the um of distant chanting…. The cultists were back in her city, and she didn’t like that much. They didn’t understand what denomination this building had stood for, all they knew is that it was big and imposing and added to the aesthetic of their zealotry.

She turned the corner passing into the doorway of one of the open brick churches, small and austere on the inside piled with discarded folding chairs and a faded blue carpet moldering with time. She liked this church, it had no religious icons, and had never been undedicated. There was still a proprietor who visited this place every Sunday, and with him he brought food and supplies from his own home for her, not that he needed to.

Since she was the only patron, he was more than willing to let her sleep in the place as long as she kept it clean.

It was her sanctuary down here in the dark.

And her sanctuary was growing smaller and smaller by the day.

Some called her superstitious, but she could feel it, moving through the underground streets and listening to the cogs jostling overhead.

It did not want her here.

Perhaps she was just making things up, but what was the point in ignoring a feeling like that. 

She picked up her things from inside the sanctuary and moved back out into the darkness. Maverick had a serious set of rules when entering old churches, especially ones down here in the dark.

Always check for occupants, there were lurkers like her, the silent parishioners, who moved through the streets. They had their favorite abodes. Generally attics and basements, and rectories. It was actually ok to explore those places because you knew someone felt safe enough to live there.

It was actually the places without graffiti or disturbed furniture that you had to worry about, though her fascination with such things was unhealthy. She had explored this place for most of her teenage life, after  failing to find work at her young age. However, every day she seemed to find something new .

Today had been no different.

While exploring the outer edge, she had come across a large oaken door, hidden in a dark alley towards the pipes. It was covered in years of grime and filth, but the intricate carvings over the door interested her. So she returned for her things and came back silently jimmying the door open and cracking it inward until a waft of musty air blew up in her face.

She stepped inside.

The room was lit by a dull, and distant ambiance filtering in from above. It was a large room with many pillars and pews and a lectern. The floor was mostly stone but there was carpet running up the central isle.

Maverick stopped in place taking a deep breath as she listened.

Maverick followed a certain set of rules when entering abandoned churches. First, a feeling, feel the air around you, listen for any sort of warning. Feel…

Everything seems silent…. Is that uneasiness her, or something warning her off.

It doesn’t seem so bad, so she continues onward.

Never stay too long in a place like this. Don’t overstay your welcome.

Don’t sleep in the pews, and don’t return if you lose something.

Don’t take anything either.

Try not to touch more than you must.

And always, always look for the religious symbols…. Religious symbols can always be corrupted or perverted. They are some of the easiest targets, and if you see one walk calmly from this place. Walk calmly.

She stepped down onto the floor and walked up the central aisle towards the lectern. Above it hangs a cross, and everything seems fine. She glances around, there is no graffiti, but perhaps that has to do with the concealed location of this building. Something uneasy stores inside her, but she keeps onward. She can believe in the rational and the supernatural at the same time.

She understands that the mind can play tricks.

She imagines candles burning around her, the arm honey glow lighting the room and casting shadows high against the vaulted ceiling. She looked around for a while admiring the silence, though something felt…. Strange , like a distant buzzing at the back of her mind she couldn’t quite shake.

She paused again, listening, but still heard nothing.

She walked to the door behind the pew, likely leading into the rectory, and followed its path inside. 

There she found beds undisturbed with time, a small kitchen and an office. She looked for religious symbols, but found none.

She continued onwards foraging mountain the top of a set of stairs down into the basement, where they likely kept old hymn books and chairs for events. Perhaps they had held activities down here for the children.

Her feet creaked on the steps as she made her way downwards into the dark.

Light was filtering in from somewhere, though she couldn't see.

Her feet stirred up plumes of dust as she reached the bottom of the steps.

She paused turning in a circle.

And froze

There were the missing icons, pile on the floor crosses thrown half hazard against each other top heavy and dragging the upper cross towards the floor…. Upside down.

The world around her grew dark. Inside her head something was screaming for her to get out immediately. And she felt its presence. She could feel it, a cold creeping thing welling up out of the darkness, pulsating and whispering.

The whispers filled her head.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs running down towards her

She clenched her fists chest tightening. She would not run, she would not scream, she would not react.

She would not invite it in

It was stronger than before. Stronger with the strength of her morbid curiosity to go places she knew she shouldn't. It’s power scared her, though she would not let it know that.

She would not acknowledge it.

She turned on the spot.

Feet pattered across the floor behind her.

She placed one foot on the step and then another, and then another. She couldn't see now, though she swore there had been an ambient light before. She was completely blind.

One step after another, she climbed the stairs hand tracing against the wall.

And heard the rushing footsteps racing up the stairs after her.

She did not speed up.

She could feel it at her back, its oppressive presence looming over her, tickling at the back of her neck.

It wanted her to react.

She.

Would.

Not.

She whispered inside her head fighting against the sounds that were sent to drive her to fear. But she knew fear was a weakness that allowed him in, and she would nto allow him in.

He could not touch her, could not interact with her, could not do anything with her unless she allowed it.

She had been dumb enough to walk into his abode, but she would be protected enough to walk out.

The more she walked the more frightened she became. Her heart had risen into her throat, it was as if her head filled with static.

Voices rose from the surrounding rooms.

Feet brushed against stone behind her, but she did not turn around. She would not turn around.

The chapel was darker than before, it seemed oppressive.

The cross was hidden in shadow.

The doors were so close.

The pews began to rattle. Doors were open-and-shut.

It rushed at her back again, goading her to turn around.

She reached the door, pushing open with her hands and stepping out onto the street.

She hadn’t realize the missing feeling of light when she had entered, her curiosity getting the better of her, but she felt it now as it washed down over her and drove the darkness back.

The world around her flickered as she walked up the street as the darkness followed breathing down her neck.

But now she had something to hold onto. 

The light.

She held it, followed it.

Everything around her was silent.

A bulb above her head flickered and exploded sending sparks cascading down towards the street. 

She should never have gone in. Her curiosity had led her to places she should never have been. It ha led her right to IT. A thing that she had met on several occasions before, but this time she had walked right inside it’s home.

She wanted to run.

But she didn’t.

She could feel it’s anger rising, and that is when she reached the old front facade of the red brick church. She reached out a hand to push open the door.

“Maverick.” The voice sounded right in her right ear, so close she could feel the breath warm and humid against her neck.

She almost spun around, but at the last moment grabbed onto the doors and flung herself inside.

Scrambling down the hall and into one of the side rooms.

Breathing hard

The feeling was gone, and she was left with silence and the resounding ring of cogs over her head.

She shivered…

And here in her sanctuary she knew what she had to do. She had to get away from here before her curiosity brought her any further, before it tempted her with some sort of adventuring down into the dark.

She stayed there for five days running out of food on the third and going hungry the next two. That is when the proprietor of the church came and found her  waiting on the steps of the podium for her before an empty chapel.

He knew something was wrong, she could see it on his face

He had stepped through the fog of darkness as he entered.

“He offered to take her away, and she agreed.”

Better to fend off the darkness in the sun.

The ride up had been harrowing, she could feel the darkness building around her rising to a crescendo just as they were rising from the deep. She did not look back, and left no trace of herself for it to mourn where it paced at the edge of the tunnel.

He offered to take her home to his family, but she did not want to bring him into this.

With the sun overhead and a silence without the cogs, she took a buss and began to run. She didn’t know where she was going. But she did her best to seek out the light finding people and places that would provide it forcing herself to avoid exploring old building and abandoned churches which she met along the byways. They beckon her, but not in the way that a smiling fend would, but in the way that a tall faceless man beckons from the edge of the woods.

She kept running and running and running, but the need always seemed to follow her.

She feels that she can’t get out.

She finds the hottest the brightest place she can. A city in Texas.

And there she finds the poster. She is hungry and lonely, and knows she won’t be able to last much longer.

She needs a distraction.

And that is where she finds herself walking onto a rickety old buss surrounded by strangers. The sun streams brightly in front the windows. She hears a voice towards the back where one of the seats is open. A young man is speaking on the phone in Spanish. He’s bright faced, a pretty boy with model-quaffed dark black hair and  almond tan skin so clear it was practically unfair. 

He hangs up the phone, and she throws herself down beside him.

  He looks over, 

“Sup.”

“Nothing much.” He says smiling and holding out a hand, “Ramirez.” Even his smile is perfect, perfectly white, she’s almost jealous.

“Maverick, so what brings you on this ronchy ass buss.” inside her head she adds Are the marines starting a modeling agency 

There he goes smiling again, “Long story.”

She leans back in her seat. This seems like it would be a good distraction, “Go on, I have time.”

-

Space is old, but humanity tends to attract things. Space is quiet, and peaceful, and she finds that it closer to the Divine than most places on earth. 

Since that day she had only encountered the presences once more.

And that was on a dead civilian transport where the occupants had gone mad, and the people have driven themselves to death or insanity.

But she knew how to handle it.

Space was safe, so he would probably stay here a while. 

[larryssunflower]

The Non-Royal Romance, season two, part two

last part of season one     teaser trailer      season two, part one      masterlist

tagging- @ravenpuff02 @simplyaiden-blog @msjr0119 @butindeed @mfackenthal @choices-lurker @american-duchess @drakelover78 @monosodiumglutamateme @crookedslimecreatorpasta @mrsdrakewalkerblog @traeumerinwitzhelden @gardeningourmet​ @speedyoperarascalparty​ @agent-zephyrkah​ @liam-rhys-x-mc-x-constantine​ @snyggflicka​ @texaskitten30​ @annekebbphotography​ @irishwhiskys-blog​ @nomadics-stuff​ @catlady0911​ @twinkle-320​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​ @drakewalker04​ @bigmemesplz​ @jovialyouthmusic​ @sleepwalkingelite​ @pintobom​ @moneyfordiamonds​ @mskaneko​ @lauzales​ @princessleac1​ @kingliam2019​ @queen-arabella-of-cordonia​ @drake-colt-lover-99​

- Thank you all for your support and I really do apologize for taking so long with this! You would think having all the time in the world because of Quarantine would make me write more… guess not lol. But in all seriousness, I have been going through serious writer’s block right now but I hope you guys like this part! I made it a little longer than usual for you guys ;) I can’t wait to continue this story further! love you all <3 -

warning- there may or may not be some smut at the end hehe ;)

Blinking away sleep from my eyes, I sit up, stopping when I see Drake, sitting in a chair beside me, watching me with a soft look in his eyes. I blush slightly, feeling insecure having just woke up, knowing I look like a hot mess. “Ah, good morning Princess,” Drake murmurs amusedly as I stretch my arms above my head before looking at him with a tired smile. “You know I’m Queen now, right?” I retort, my voice slightly hoarse, making him smirk. “Touché,” He comments with a slight nod. I chuckle and start to remember last night, how I asked him to stay when something hits me. “How long have you been awake?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me. He couldn’t have stayed awake the whole night, right?

He seems surprised at the question and takes a moment to think. “About 36 hours, why?” He asks nonchalantly, turning his head to the side. I choke. “36 hours? How are you alive??” I demand incredulously, my eyes wide, half in shock, half impressed. Drake chuckles, looking down. “For a time when I serving the navy, I was trained to stay awake for 72 hours,” He explains, and I’m taken aback yet again. “How?” I ask, making him smile slightly, looking down. “It’s a sniper’s tactic traditionally, which helped them stay awake while watching or following a target for a long period of time,” He says, somewhat tentatively, “It works by creating a fantasy or imagining a scenario which includes the target, to keep them attentive and focused at the task at hand.” Drake concludes. I nod along, thinking for a moment.

I glance up at him, my stomach suddenly fluttering. “So you created a scenario about… me?” I ask softly, and his cheeks redden slightly. “Y-yeah,” He admits. A grin spreads over my face. “Drake…” I start slowly, “what’s the fantasy?” I ask, my eyes flicking up to meet his. He brings his hand to scratch behind his neck, and his eyes shifting to the side. “Well-“ Drake’s cut off by aggressive pounding on my door, making me flinch, my heart stopping.

Drake is instantly on his feet. My eyes widen as I recognize the voice shouting through the door. “Hey! Alana!! I know you’re in there! Open up!”. I laugh in shock, making Drake look at me, surprised. I clamber off my bed, rushing over to the door. “Alana you can’t just-“ Drake starts, coming after me, but I fling the door open to reveal someone who has been at university for the past four years, my sister. “Kai!” I exclaim, throwing my arms around her, making her giggle, hugging me back. “Alana! god, it’s been too long!” She gushes, squeezing me tightly. I pull away to take a good look at her. I feel emotional as she smiles at me, looking so grown up. “Wow, Kai, you look older than me! How is that possible?” I laugh, making her shrug playfully.

“It’s all the studying! I swear I’ve aged about thirty years just to get a damn Bachelor’s,” Kai chuckles, her eyes drifting over my shoulder. “Oh! Kai, this is my bodyguard, Drake,” I say, turning so she can see him. She nods at him, and he does the same back.

I grab Kai’s hand, dragging her inside. “Come in! We need to catch up.” I demand, marching her to my couch in the corner of the room. Drake walks to the door, motioning that he will be out in the hallway, and I nod with a smile.

“Gah! I’m so excited for you! I used to dream about this time when we were younger, thinking about you being Queen and engaged! It’s so exciting!” She exclaims, her face bright. I force the best smile I can. If only she knew how complicated all of this is. “Well it’s not all perfect,” I start, but she cuts me off. “Well of course. You still have that Assassination situation, and I’m sure the wedding planning is going to be crazy, but no matter what you need, I’ll be right here.” She implores, holding my hand.

A huge wave of gratitude washes over me and I smile with a sigh of relief. “Thank you Kai, I really appreciate it. It also helps that you are way more educated than I am,” I say with a chuckle, and she just grins. “I’ve always been the smarter one, I think you should learn to accept that,” She retorts cheekily, making me roll my eyes. “Whatever,” I chuckle.

The door opens after a gentle knock, Drake sticking his head in. “Hey, Maxwell’s here-“ and before he can finish his sentence, Max barges in, squealing with excitement when he sees Kai. Drake just rolls his eyes in annoyance, making me grin. I know he secretly loves it, although he will never admit that. “Little K!” Maxwell exclaims, running over. Kai gets up excitedly, wrapping him in a hug.

We all catch up for a moment before Maxwell turns to me. “Oh yeah! We have that barn-raising today, so you guys should probably get dressed.” Maxwell says, and I groan at my forgetfulness. “Oh, I came just in time then!” Kai says excitedly.

“Let’s go catch up somewhere else and let my dear sister change in peace,” Kai says, grabbing Max’s arm, and guiding him out. I wave after them with a chuckle as Max starts to fill her in on the past four years.

—-

Our car finally arrives at the small patch of farm where the building of the barn has already started. A crowd of nobles are helping construction workers lay down the foundation, clearly sweating on the warm summer day. The paparazzi are snapping photos here and there, while others wait in the shade for new nobles to arrive, ready to assault them with questions for their magazines and gossip columns.

Drake turns around in his seat, facing Kai and I. “Are you two ready?” He asks, and I nod. “Yeah, I guess so,” Kai mumbles, seeming nervous. It’s her first time being introduced to the press. Like me, she was hidden her whole childhood from Cordonia. It actually ended up helping her when she went to university in France, because no one knew who she was. Her intellectual success depended on her work, not her title. I’m not surprised she is nervous, not too long ago it was my first time being in front of the press at the derby. God, that feels like a century ago.

Drake opens my door, holding his hand out. For a moment I’m back to that day, and Drake is still here, holding his hand for me. If only things had changed. In the beginning, I had dreaded the inevitability having to be engaged and married to someone I didn’t love, but after meeting Drake and slowly falling in love with him, the thought of being with someone else became painful to even consider. If only I was on the engagement tour with him as my fiancé, not as my bodyguard. I take his hand and step down, making eye contact with his beautiful deep eyes for a moment, before I look away, feeling loss as soon as my eyes leave his. He helps Kai down, and the three of us start down the dirt path to the barn, the hot summer wind already wrapping itself around me like a thick blanket. The paparazzi spot us, and the vultures descend. In seconds they are crowded around us, shouting and snapping pictures, blinding us with their flash.

“Who is this woman with you?” “Alana! How are things with Liam?” “Have you found the Assassins yet?” “Who are you wearing?”

“Okay folks, back up!” Drake shouts, him and Kai’s bodyguard creating a barrier between us and pushing them away. “Come on! Just one comment!” One reporter begs, and Drake looks over at me. I nod reluctantly in approval. “The Queen will give a statement, so shut up and let her speak,” Drake says in a commanding voice and within seconds the paparazzi quiet down, eagerly holding out tape recorders towards us and positioning their cameras. I clear my throat nervously. “Thank you all for uh, coming out today, I appreciate it. This is my younger sister, Princess Kai, she just graduated from University and will be accompanying me during the engagement tour,” I begin, my palms already starting to sweat. I am hopeless at public speaking. “We, unfortunately, haven’t found anything on the assassination yet, but we are working tirelessly to find out who orchestrated that horrible event. And Liam and I are doing well. Thank you,” I finish the statement to my incredible relief, already cringing at my choppy, awkward speech. The paparazzi only respond with more questions and I’m about to leave when Kai stops me, her hand in my arm. “wait,” she whispers to me before turning to the paparazzi.

“Hello, I wanted to make sure to personally introduce myself to you all. As my amazing sister said, I just graduated from University and I am so pleased to finally be home in Cordonia. It breaks my heart to be home at such a scary time, where the people and nobles alike are scared for their lives. But I assure you, as my sister said, we will work tirelessly until we find who is responsible. In the meantime, all we can do is help unite Cordonia, and remind people of love, kindness, and hope in this troubling time. Because that is what Liam and Alana’s union stands for, the perseverance of our incredible country and the unity of our nation. Now, if you lovely people don’t mind, we have a barn to build.” Kai finishes effortlessly with a firm nod, before looping her arm through mine and leading me toward the barn.

I stumble after her in shock. I open and close my mouth wordlessly. “Wow. You are incredible at speaking- words-” I stutter, further proving my point of being helpless at speaking, making her laugh. “Yeah well I learned a lot about diplomacy and public speaking at school, but to be honest its a second nature at this point,” She says simply. We are quiet for a moment, the only sound being the crunch of our shoes on the dirt.

After a moment, I break the comfortable silence. “You reminded me of dad,” I say suddenly, making her stop, her eyes soft. “Really?” She asks, a hopeful smile on her face. I nod. “He was always incredible at speaking, you know that,, I always admired him for it,” I mumble, a sadness falling over me. He died when I was eight, Kai was only five, but she still misses him just as much. I was always a daddy’s girl which made life after his death so much harder with my distant mother who only got worse as the years went by.

“Hey, just because you aren’t the best at public speaking doesn’t mean you won’t be a great leader,” Kai reassures me, but I just snort. “Let’s hope so,” I say, making her laugh.

“Ah, You must be the famous little sister!” A voice says, and we look over to see Liam and Leo walking up to us. Kai nods with a polite laugh. “That’s me! You must be the fiancé!” She enthuses, and he nods with a grin. He kisses her hand respectfully, before turning to me. “Hey babe,” He says sweetly, planting a kiss on my cheek. “Hey,” I mumble, and instinctively my eyes immediately snap up to look at Drake, who is watching Liam closely, his eyes narrowed. I try to hide my smile as I look away and notice Leo approaching Kai.

“Hello gorgeous,” Leo says with a bow, kissing Kai’s outstretched knuckles. She squints her eyes at him for a moment, clearly looking him over with distaste. “I believe the term you were looking for is ‘Your Highness’,” Kai responds flatly, only making a smirk spread across Leo’s face. He nods. “Of course, Your Highness,” He says slyly, amusement in his eyes. Kai just rolls her eyes before turning to me.

“Ready to raise a barn?” She asks. I chuckle and nod. All four of us, the bodyguards following, head over to the construction site and start hammering, lifting support beams, and painting wood strips.

—

Kai and I paint the newly applied wooden slats of the barn side by side. We chat as we do so, filling each other in on all the gossip of the past four years. “Max finally asked Allie out? I’m so happy for them!” Kai gushes, and I smile at the bittersweetness of the situation. It’s great to have Kai back again, but it’s sad because we have missed out on so much of each other’s lives.

“So, I saw what happened between you and Leo,” I whisper tentatively, glancing over my shoulder to look at Leo, who was helping Liam hammer the support beams. Kai groans with a roll of her eyes. “Ugh, do not get me started. I know all about his ‘bachelor lifestyle’ and how he treats women like disposable tissues. All the women at uni knew about him, and when I told them where I was from, all they could do was gush about him constantly. I don’t get it. He flirts with anything that has two breasts and a vagina,” She scoffs, shaking her head, painting with a new sense of anger. I snicker at my usually composed sister. “So you don’t like him then?” I ask cheekily, making her look over at me with a dead-pan expression. “No.” She says flatly, making me snicker more. At least we can agree on that.

A hand comes up suddenly, touching my shoulder gently. I jump, turning to see Liam. “Hey babe, I think it would be a good idea to be doing some things together, you know, for publicity?” He says, glancing over at the paparazzi hanging around, snapping pictures here and there but looking quite restless. “Oh, that’s a good idea! Yeah, you guys should do that!” Kai nods, and I reluctantly smile. “Yeah, let’s do it then,” I say with fake enthusiasm, before following him.

Liam and I start to do little things together like painting window panes, securing them to the walls, helping hoist materials to the roof, all the while, getting top-notch ‘candid’ pictures for the paps. Eventually, a good amount of the press leaves, clearly getting all the photos needed. “Well, that was fun,” Liam comments, and I nod. We stand in an awkward silence before I speak. “Yeah, I should probably get back to Kai, we have a lot to catch up on,” I say quickly, and Liam nods. I turn around, heading over to Kai before I look up and stop in my tracks.

My jaw drops as I spot Drake, shirtless, pulling on a rope to help maneuver a pretty big beam. My mouth feels dry as I observe the way the sun shines over him through the unfinished roof. Blinking dumbly, I watch his muscles shift in the midday sun, seemingly in slow motion, a sheen of sweat gleaming on his lean figure. “Damn. That’s your bodyguard?” Kai says beside me, snapping me out of my daze. I clear my throat, forcing myself to tear my eyes from his fit form. “Uh- yeah. He’s great.” I mumble, suddenly feeling really hot. “Hey, do you reckon you guys got some good shots with Liam?” Kai asks, and I nod. “Yeah- um, they should turn out great,” I say absentmindedly, grabbing a spare paintbrush and joining Kai at the wooden panels.“Are you alright?” Kai asks, looking at me with concern. I chuckle. “Yes! I’m just a bit hot after all this work! It doesn’t help that it feels like 900 degrees outside,” I laugh, making Kai nod in agreement.

“I have a solution for that problem m’ lady’s,” Maxwell says from behind us, slinging both of his arms over our shoulders. “And that is?” Kai asks with amusement, glancing over at Max’s enthusiastic face. “Well, there is a certain spa not so far from here. If you ask me, it’s the perfect thing after all this hard labor,” Max says with a pair of pleading puppy dog eyes. I snort. “Okay Max, we can go,” I smile, making Max let out a cheer, before going to inform Liam and Leo. “I missed you guys,” Kai says with a sweet smile. “Trust me K, we missed you too,” I grin, my heart happy. It’s nice to have family together like this again.

I sneak a peek back over my shoulder at Drake to see him shaking hands with one of the other construction workers, buttoning his shirt, his suit jacket resting on his shoulders.

In another world, I would be standing in front of him, finishing his buttons for him, straightening out his jacket, and planting a kiss on his lips to finish it off. Like an actual couple. I sigh, before going back to painting the barn.

—

After a quick celebration for the now completed barn, Liam, Leo, Maxwell, Kai, and I head over to the spa, the sun starting to set and the world beginning to cool down, satisfied with the work we put in all afternoon. “Its actually way more satisfying than I thought, seeing our hard work being translated to an actual finished building!” Max enthuses. “And what ‘hard work’ did you do exactly? It almost seemed like every time I saw you, I think you were taking a ‘break’” Liam grins with feigned confusion. Maxwell mocks offense with a dramatic scoff and a delicate hand on his chest. “Dear Liam, never have I been so offended! You just happened to see me between my bursts of intense labor,” Max dismisses, making the rest of us laugh.

“I’m pretty sure the person who did the hardest labor was Mr. Walker,” Kai starts, turning to a now surprised Drake, who was following us with the other bodyguard. “You were helping pull a huge beam, most people would need two others to help with something that size,” Kai says, impressed. The rest of us turn to look at Drake for his answer. Clearly uncomfortable with all the eyes on him, he clears his throat. “Oh, well I know a couple of the construction workers and they needed an extra pair of um- hands, so I helped out,” He says, averting eye contact. I smile at his stubborn humbleness. It’s adorable.

“Well good job man, good to know the man working to protect my fiancé is a hard worker,” Liam says, clapping his shoulder. Drake just nods, his jaw clenching. As we continue our walk, I wonder if Liam is purposefully condescending towards Drake. It really seems like it.

Kai decides to join Max in his car to the spa, and Leo quickly follows. They encourage Liam and me to get some ’alone time’ by driving separately. Liam, Drake, and I reach my car, both men reaching to open the door for me at the same time, making them stop. They look at each other for a moment. “No need to worry about that Drake, I can open the door for my fiancé,” Liam says, an edge to his voice. Drake glances over at me. I just nod, so Drake backs away. “Of course,” Drake says unenthusiastically, allowing Liam to open my door. I get in, and Liam follows, closing the door. Drake gets in the front with the driver, and we follow Maxwell’s car to the spa.

Liam’s hand feels foreign as it rests on my knee protectively. “You look beautiful today Alana,” Liam says in my ear. I smile. “Thank you, you look handsome, as usual,” I respond. His hand drifts from my knee to find my left hand, his thumb running over the surface of my decadent ring. I watch as he does so, the familiar feeling of guilt creeping up my throat. “I can’t wait to marry you,” Liam mumbles softly. I glance over at him. He looks up at me with a smile. “M-me too,” I stutter, the guilt overpowering my heart manifesting into sadness. I hate doing this to him. Being engaged, making him think I love him when I fear that I never will. My eyes flick up to the rearview mirror to see Drake watching us. I quickly look away to the scenery outside the window, forcing myself to not let the tear that’s threatening to fall show how broken my heart is.

In about ten minutes of silence, we arrive at the spa to my relief. Liam quickly opens our car door, getting out first, before Drake can even go to open it. Liam seems proud of himself as he holds the door open to me, his hand held out like Drake’s usually is. Drake stands behind Liam, looking frustrated. I take Liam’s hand getting out of the car before brushing softly past Drake and meeting up with the rest of the group inside.

—

We unwind in a private room, equipped with a hot tub, a cold plunge, and lounge chairs. Some of us go off at different times to get massages and facials, before coming back so we can all enjoy the room together. At some point, Maxwell shows off his baby hippo tattoo that I encouraged him to get one night when we were pretty drunk. Kai nearly falls off the lounge chair with laughter. I even catch Drake shaking his head slightly, a grin pulling at the corners of his mouth.

“Good idea on coming here buddy,” Liam comments, making Max smile with cocky satisfaction. He leans back, folding his hands behind his head cooly and stretching out fully on the lounge chair. “Don’t worry about it, I just require that you continue to talk about how awesome and incredible this idea was for the rest of our lives, and how much you admire me,” Max shrugs confidently, making us roll our eyes.

“Yeah, you get to be thrown into the plunge for that,” Leo concludes, making Liam nod in agreement.

“W-wait what?” Max asks, sitting up, his eyes wide. Leo and Liam suddenly grab him, making him squeal as they head over to the cold plunge. They throw him into the freezing water after a dramatic count to three, his high pitched scream cutting out as he is submerged underwater. Kai and I laugh as Leo and Liam nod, looking pleased with themselves until Max grabs their ankles, dragging them into the water, their expressions changing pretty quickly. Kai and I laugh even harder, clutching at our stomachs as the men surface, their hair stuck to the forehead with sour expressions on their faces.

“That’s what you guys get for being jerks!” Kai shouts playfully. “Oh sorry, would you like to join us?” Leo asks, turning his head to the side. “I think she does,” Maxwell confirms, as they get out, heading over to us. Kai gasps, getting up quickly. “No! I hate the cold!” She exclaims with a grin, backing up. The boys suddenly start after her, making her shriek with laughter as she gets chased around the room. I grin, watching them. After they successfully get her in the plunge, Leo and Maxwell turn to me. “Unless you want to have the wrath of the Queen against you, I would suggest you back away,” I warn, making them glance at each other, before deciding its not worth it and backing away, starting a splashing war against Kai.

Liam gets out, heading over and sitting next to me. “How are you feeling?” I ask cheekily as he wraps himself in his towel. “Cold.” He says with a laugh, making me chuckle. “I can see that,” I say with amusement. “Hey, want to join me in the sauna? The hot steam sounds very appealing right now,” Liam chuckles. “Yeah, sure,” I say, getting up. We head down a hallway, the sauna just behind a marked door on the left.

Liam turns around, and he sighs. “Walker, it’s not necessary for you to follow us everywhere we go,” He says, making me turn to see Drake standing behind us, his eyes narrowed at Liam. “It is my job to protect her,” Drake says sternly, holding his ground. “Not for long. Last time I checked, that’s a husband’s job,” Liam snarls, inching towards Drake. “I’m sorry, last time I checked, you two are only engaged,” Drake responds, inching towards Liam as well, his fists balled. I widen my eyes, stepping between them. “First of all, I don’t need anyone to protect me okay? And I especially don’t need you two fighting over protecting me like I’m a child. Drake, thank you for your concern, but we will be okay. Liam, Drake is just trying to do his job, and I need you to respect that,” I lecture them. Drake nods, looking down. Liam backs up, looking embarrassed. “God,” I swear under my breath, shaking my head and walking into the sauna.

Liam and I sit on the wooden seats, enjoying the hot steam enveloping us. I lean back, closing my eyes. I feel my muscles finally relaxing, the stress and soreness from building the barn starting to dissipate.

I open my eyes to Drake kissing my neck, his stubble scratching over my sensitive skin, making me gasp slightly. “Shh, it’s alright, I’m going to make you feel good princess,” He whispers hoarsely in my ear, making me moan breathily, goosebumps rising all over my arms. His hands are running slowly up and down my bare back, his mouth moving down my body. I run my hands through his soft hair, tugging slightly, earning a throaty groan from him. I watch him as his mouth gets lower and lower-

“Alana! I think you fell asleep,” Liam says beside me, gently shaking my shoulder. I jump slightly, looking over to see Liam sitting next to me, watching me with a concerned look. I chuckle, bringing my hand to my forehead, feeling embarrassed. “Sorry! I had no idea I fell asleep,” I say sheepishly, my cheeks burning as I sit up straight. My face feels really hot, I just can’t tell if it’s from the steam or the dream. Liam chuckles. “You seemed like you were having an interesting dream,” He says, making me nod with a gulp. “Yeah, I uh, don’t remember it, you know how dreams can be,” I stutter. He just nods in agreement. “Hey, lets head out, I’m feeling a little light-headed,” I say quickly, getting up.

As we open the door, the cool refreshing air washes over us. Drake turns around to face us, making butterflies flutter in my stomach as we make eye contact. All I can think about is the dream, the way he was feeling me. “Yo Liam! come over here!” Leo shouts from the main room. Liam shoots me a smile before walking over the group. I stay behind, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, glancing over at Drake, suddenly feeling nervous around him.

He slightly furrows his brow. “Are you okay?” He questions, glancing over me. I gulp, with a nervous nod. “Y-yeah, I’m fine, I just fell asleep in there and feel a little light-headed,” I mutter, shifting on my feet. Drake watches me for a minute.

“You’re acting strange,” He states, making me scoff. “Me? I- am not acting strange,” I say, trying to sound casual. Drake leans in, his eyes roaming my face as I stare back at him, my heart pounding. “Did- Did you have a hot dream about me?” He asks a grin pulling at the corner of his mouth.

My mind goes blank on defenses, making Drake’s grin grow wider. “You did didn’t you?” He asks a look of astonishment on his face. My face gets even hotter, only being able to stutter in response.

Drake glances down the hallway, then back at me, before grabbing the back of my neck, pulling my lips to his. I gasp against him, kissing him back. He suddenly breaks off the kiss, making me sigh in defeat. not again. I glance back up at him, waiting for the usual excuses he tells like ‘this isn’t right’ or ‘you’re engaged’, but he doesn’t say anything, just stares down at me.

He grabs my hand and swiftly drags me into the bathroom on the other side of the hall, locking the door behind me. I blink up at him with wide eyes, waiting for him to say something. He just pushes me up against the closed door, kissing me again, rougher this time. Oh. I kiss him back hungrily, basking in this feeling with him, the way his large hands are tugging me closer against his frame, how his lips move in sync with mine. He breaks the kiss, his mouth right beside my ear, his warm breath fanning across my cheeks. “I hate seeing you with him,” He murmurs lowly, making me gulp at his deep voice, arousal shooting up my body. “mhmm, why is that?” I ask coyly. “because you’re mine,” Drake snarls with a protective squeeze, making goosebumps rise on my arms. I lean back so we are face to face. He stares at me for a moment, his pupils blown. “prove it,” I whisper slowly. His gaze becomes determined and he deftly moves his hands to roughly grab just below my ass, hoisting me up. My legs wrap around him instinctively, biting my lip at the feeling of his hands digging into my thighs and the cool wall against my back.

His lips find mine once again, quickly and with purpose. I start kissing him back, a sound of surprise erupting from the back of my throat as I feel one of his hands move to the inside of my thigh, making my stomach flip. “Is this okay?” He breathes slowly and I gulp before nodding rapidly, my heart suddenly hammering with anticipation. He smirks and his fingers reach my core, making me gasp, heat flickering up my abdomen. I feel a rush of adrenaline shooting through my veins as I realize what’s happening. I groan as his fingers move expertly between my legs, making my toes curl in pleasure, the knot in my stomach growing. I squeeze my thighs around his waist to garner more friction, moaning at the feeling of his touch. “you like that princess?” He growls, his voice deep. I nod with a soft moan as I throw my head back, making Drake take the opportunity to kiss the sensitive skin under my jaw, the various sensations overwhelming my senses. His fingers start to move in tantalizing circles around my clit, making me whimper in pleasure, grinding down on his hand. I can barely keep still, overcome with the intoxicating feeling of being with Drake.

The knot builds and builds until my chest is heaving as Drake continues to touch me, and in a second, the knot comes undone and I chew my lip to stop myself from crying out as I finish, seeing stars. Drake gently helps me on my feet as I try to catch my breath, my knees weak. “I- wow,” I pant, earning a slight chuckle from Drake. For some reason, I feel embarrassed, but when I look up to see the way he is looking at me, all of the apprehension vanishes.

He gently raises my chin, gazing softly down at me. “I cherish you, more than he ever can” He murmurs, making me fall for him even more, something I didn’t imagine was possible. I smile back up at him, looking into his sincere eyes.

“I only have eyes for you Walker, you know that”

—-

end of part 2 :)

I hope you guys liked It! I’m sorry if the smut is bad, I haven’t written in so long and I’m still not very good at writing it haha! sorry again for how long this took

#The Non-Royal Romance #the non royal romance #tnrr #trr #the royal romance #choices #choices fanfiction #playchoices #playchoices fics #choices stories you play #choicesfanfiction #drake walker #mc x drake #trr drake #alana rhys #liam rhys #fanficiton #smut

[chaoticspacefam]

2020 In Review: Wordcount Tag

I was tagged for this by @actualanxiousswampwitch​ , thank you! I’m not sure who’s already done or been tagged for this cause I am, once again, late to the party LOL but I shall (no pressure and sorry if you’ve already done it!) tag: @rainofaugustsith​ , @darth-bagel​ , @thatmmolesbian​ , @thelastenvoyyy​ and anybody else who wants to do this. Yes, I promise I mean you!

Words: 45,314

Published: 0 (I’m not counting the couple of Six Sentence tags I’ve gotten, they’re snippets of an unfinished piece & are included below instead :), or roleplay replies, cause that feels like cheating lol.) I actually wrote a lot more than I thought I had, this is a rough guesstimate as well, as my oneshot WIPs tend to be all over the place across something like 6 different documents, some of which have existed since 2018, so I had to guess at how far up to count from the end for some of them, but I think it’s a fair guesstimate XD I also have included lore/worldbuilding docs in this because that was a 3-month long Lockdown 1.0 Boredom/”Canon is a trash fire so I’m ignoring that and making up my own lore” passion project and I’m goddamn proud of how much I wrote for that. It’s the most I’ve written in one stretch (think I finished it over a span of 3 nights or so, once I’d done all the research and made all the notes ofc ^^)

Not Published: 45,314

The Breakdown:

swtor - 45,314

for creeping shadows (my main longfic/part one of the subterfugeverse series) - 1,553  - Aria, stop being difficult! *shakes fists* XD

oneshots - 16,223

lore/worldbuilding (for subterfugeverse naturally) - 23,001 (is this ALL tomato alien lore? pretty much, yes, yes it is :’D ~400 words is “the WIP reworked timeline to correlate my worldbuilding with the canon timeline that was released”, but 98% is just...me thinking way too much about Purebloods and how they deserved way better goddamn lore. I blame @fluffynexu ‘s amazing tomato worldbuilding posts,  reading them when I went looking for “canon” lore one day for the rp is what got me started down that rabbithole (it’s awesome and if you haven’t already you should totally go check hers out too :DD), I had a “fuck you then canon I’ll do it myself too >:L” moment and once I started I couldn’t stop until I’d crapped out literally over 20k words on the subject *whispering* thank you LOL)

zephyrverse au bonus oneshots - 4,537 (stuff I wrote to fill in time gaps or “just cause I had a plot bunny”, relating to mine and k-christine’s zephyrverse au rp. None of these will likely be posted publicly, but they still deserve to be counted as words I wrote this year :’D

As you can see, most of my “muse” this year came from sporadic oneshots :’D The Ahaszaai twins also properly plot-bunnied their way into my brain in late 2019 and haven’t stopped making a nuisance of themselves the whole fucking year. Every time I tried to carry on with a chapter, one of the two of them would pop up like “Nooo write about ME! pay attention to ME!” - Yes, Ni’kasi, I will get to you this year, I promise XD

New Things I Tried:

Just Writing. Not worrying about whether “it wasn’t part of the next chapter” or “it comes from a part in the story that I’m nowhere near close to posting yet”. If I felt like writing something, or for a specific pairing/feeling/scene, whatever. I wrote until I ran outta muse juice. Yeah, it meant I didn’t technically “finish” anything this year BUT - the important thing is I wrote stuff. and that’s all that really matters, eh? :’D

Polyam ships! May not seem like a big deal but I spent a long time talking myself out of them because of internalised toxic monogamy and finally saying “you know what, fuck it! I can ship three or more people together and it can still be a perfectly wholesome, healthy and loving relationship and that’s okay” was a BIG thing for me this year.

Dialogue Scripts: which I didn’t count as wordcount because really it’s just word vomit of general tone/inflection and dialogue that I came up with right before falling asleep which I didn’t want to lose. Basically, if an exchange or a particularly punchy or moving line of dialogue popped into my brain but I wasn’t ready to write the whole scene that it fit into out, but didn’t want to forget the line(s). I wrote it out in movie script/script-style roleplay fashion e.g. Character’s Name: (emotion, hand gestures etc.) [Dialogue here] and so on. I know this is probably a well known trick of the trade, but I never took it seriously until this year. Seriously, do it. It’s great.

Favorite Thing I Wrote:

Hmmm, a snippet for Andronikos/Ni’kasi that I started this week which isn’t posted yet (saving it for this week’s Six Sentence Sunday so look out for it! :D) was pretty fun to work on, I love their dynamic and Kas is suprisingly fun to write for.

Also the Aria/Vano proposal scene that I posted a snippet for the week before last. I’m having great fun with that scene, and I really enjoy putting a non-serious spin on the classic “proposal scene” tropes. Can’t wait to finish it, though it may be a while before the full one goes up on AO3, as it depends whether it ends up fitting in as part of the mainfic or as an additional oneshot

And I have a D’leah/Kissai oneshot that I need to give another once-over before I finally yeet it onto AO3 and Tumblr for you guys to see :’D

Favorite Fic I Read:

@sleepswithvillains Eleanora/Quinn fic, Helplessly Hoping. I’m horribly behind on chapters and I gotta catch up and read the finale this week, but it’s been a helluva great ride and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the story! <3

Also The Invitation collab with @tishinada featuring Zas and Fiona had me squealing, I can’t wait to catch up on HH and see more of these two, they’re adorable ;-; @a-muirehen​ ‘s Relu/Merkara series of course! I’m a complete sucker for (friends to lovers to in Ariano’s case but yea pfpfpf) enemies to lovers ships and these two are just so good, I am on the edge of my seat every time we get a new snippet for them, ngl (grimace emoji) @darth-bagel ‘s Sylvas/Graz’zt and Sylvas/Liz/Rilfaen snippets which they’ve been spoiling me with on Discord @mercurypilgrim ‘s Ven’fir/Quinn AU oneshots, Cloudbank (Western was a particular favourite, but all are very good!) and of course @rainofaugustsith ‘s Lana/Viri updates are always fantastic, some personal favourites from this year were Almost There & Memory of Healing :3 (I totally still go back to read Commander & Advisor too sometimes, getting to see Viri be a little diabolical and messing with “MiNiSTeR LoRMaN!” was and still is my favourite thing XD)

If I’ve left you out I’m sorry!! These were the ones that stuck out in my memory, but I’ve loved everyone’s writing this year, it’s been great :3

Writing Goals:

to actually finish and post chapter 8 & 9 of Creeping Shadows. Then we’ll get to the meat and potatoes of the story and maybe Aria will stop being a brat and fighting me every time I try to stick to a semi-regular update schedule Get off my butt, finalise the name and get started on Ni’kasi’s part of the Subterfugeverse story. Maybe run the updates in-tandem with Creeping Shadows but idk if I want to wait till after CS is done before I start posting Kas’s side, or do them side-by-side yet, we’ll see ;) Keep writing! I know better than to pressure myself by setting a specific word count goal, that’s never worked well in the past

At least 2 chapters of each of the works mentioned above would be great though, more would be better! We’ll see how I go

Words of Thanks:

honestly, to everybody in the fandom I’ve met this year. Anybody that I follow, thank you for being there and engaging with me and/or posting amazing content for me to look at! I came over from deviantART where the SWTOR fandom is incredibly small and generally quite inactive and the contrast since moving over here has been incredibly uplifting. I very nearly cancelled Creeping Shadows and stopped posting fic for my SWTORverse altogether because I got next to no engagement on dA and it was very disheartening to the point where I felt I could enjoy the game and the rp partners I had, but the solo projects I’d put so much thought, time and love into already weren’t worth continuing. You guys took that spark and kept it going and I really don’t have enough words to say how grateful I am for that. Even if I haven’t published much this year, making posts on this tumblr, interacting with everyone and working on lore, plot points and so on for Subterfugeverse has kept me going through the Hellish Year of Nightmares that was 2020 <3

to the amazing new friends I’ve made in this past year, who have listened to me ramble about headcanons, character backstories, writing snippets (and rambled/sent some back), keep being awesome: @walk-ng-d-saster , @darth-bagel , @kyber-heart , @deepseacritter , @thedinalixlegacy to further friends and meme tag buddies, I get so excited every time I see a mention for a new meme or ask game in my inbox, so thank you!! : @mimabeann , @palepinkycat , @a-master-procrastinator , @raven-of-domain-kwaad , @actualanxiousswampwitch , @thatmmolesbian , @a-muirehen to my regular commentors/rebloggers/likers/askbox lurkers, I see every one of you and every time your users pop up I grin like a kid in a toy shop: @starlightjedi , @sparkles-and-rust , @wilvarin-chan , @sunsetofdoom , @ask-an-andalite , @thelastenvoyyy . @lyrishadow and more because Tumblr only goes so far back and I have the memory of Swiss Cheese. If you regularly comment, like, reblog, or anything, from me, know that I see you, and I love and appreciate you for it! <3

I couldn’t possibly remember to tag everyone and I promise if I missed you out it’s not because I hate you! Anxiety just sometimes be a bitch and I don’t wanna look like a clown calling someone a “friend” if I’m not explicitly sure we are, in fact, friends. I think you’re all awesome and I’m so glad to have moved over here and met you all <3

#long post #wordcount year review tag #elven's writing: stats #repost bc i goofed some links woops sorry everyone #^^; #will i eventually post any of this stuff? yes! #i will. i just...don't know *when* the time will be right for most of it hahaha #the only bits i won't post are the zephyrverse-specific oneshots cause i just don't feel like i want to #but everything else will (eventually) in some capacity be thrown into the void for all of you to read #shameless friend appreciation post #shameless mutual and follower appreciation post #<3 #swtor sort of

[radramblog]

Shameless self-promotion (kinda)

I’ve kinda been meaning to talk about other things what I do, so here’s a bit of that, I guess. I should probably get used to talking myself up, seeing as I am actively on the job hunt at the moment.

It’s worth noting that even as this post is titled “self-promotion”, this blog is really the only public content I am making that is just me, myself, and I. The things I’m going to be discussing have me contributing, but I’m not like a lead organisational entity or what have you.

It’s also worth noting that these are some instances of some Niche Nerd Shit. So keep that in mind. If you don’t like Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon, I’ve got bad news for you.

Might as well go in the order I just put up.

Commander’s Herald is a website that I believe was formed kind of as an offshoot in part to EDHREC’s Articles section, as a hub for deck techs and columns about MTG’s Most Popular Format (it’s official!). I’m not sure how well this is going to go for them, but it’s been chugging along since the start of the year without having the backup EDHREC has of, you know, being attached to an incredibly useful database, so fair enough.

I am not a writer for Commander’s Herald, to be clear. I don’t know if I play enough of the format to really contribute something useful on a weekly/fortnightly basis, even though I do talk about the game weekly on this very blog.

What I was a part of was the CUT! series run by one Travis Stanley on the site. It’s effectively a contest about creative deckbuilding under tight-ish restrictions- as an example, the first round required a deck with only Standard cards, 10+ Artifacts, and a Commander (or pair) from Commander Legends. It’s been really interesting how these have turned out so far, and the concept sounded really fun to me, so I put myself down to be part of the…show?

Many months later, I got my shot in as part of the fifth heat (though I think each round is completely separate), tying in to the release of D&D: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms- thus I had to build a deck with a commander built around that. I’m not going to go into it that deeply, since part of the contest is writing up a 800-900ish word dech teck to go with the list, but you can find the article here.

My Drizzt Do’Urden list did, in fact, make me go to the finals, for which the post (and new decklist and post) can be found here. It’s probably too early to tell at time of writing, but it looks like I have a solidly commanding (heh) lead to win that too with my Minn list, so that’s pretty sick.

I do enjoy this sort of creative build challenge a lot. It’s reminding me of my first Cube build, where my options were heavily restricted because of, well, myself (and yet it ended up not being cheap), and it gives me a great excuse to strut my particular brand of deckbuilding. In this case, to a somewhat larger audience than this blog gets.

Speaking of slightly larger audiences, I suppose I should talk about the podcast I’ve been on, The Writer’s Locke.

While I’ve mentioned the Nuzlocke Forums multiple times on this blog, I haven’t really gone into the weeds of it- I’m thinking of making a much grander post about it in future. But I am a longtime lurker of said forums, and due to the marginally increased presence of Aussie dorks, gravitated towards the writers/storylockes corners of the site’s membership.

In case it wasn’t obvious from me maintaining a very silly blog for a decently long time, I’ve felt for a while that writing was probably my most viable creative outlet, and as a result, I’ve felt for a while that I should contribute something to this corner of the internet, considering how much it means to me. Unfortunately, I’m about as confident in my creative writing skills as I am my saxophone skills (in that it’s been a very long while since I tried and I’m not sure I had any promise then), I’m terrible at starting and committing to projects, and I’m pretty shy, so I haven’t really gotten anywhere on that front.

However, an opportunity arose when some of said Aussie Dorks started to organise a podcast by and for the membership of this community. A half-audiobook half-discussion series that is utterly and extremely devoted to niche Pokemon fanfiction. For the first season, I ended up in the latter (discussion) half of that spectrum for three episodes, bringing somewhat of an outsider’s perspective to the whole thing- after all, even if I have been part of the community for many years now, that doesn’t mean I know jack or shit about how to write things and what makes stories good. (I mean, I know a bit, but yknow). I’ll link the forum posts for those episodes here, though they should be available on most podcast-based platforms:

-Episode 8, where we discussed Protagonists,

-Episode 9, where the topic was, of all things, Gijinkas,

-and Episode 10, which was about Worldbuilding.

The second season of the cast is still ongoing, albeit after a bit of a hiatus (life happens, baby), and for this one I’m signed up not as a discusser but as a reader for one of the fics that makes up the audiobook section of the podcast. In particular, I’m reading Carousel, a very low-Pokemon high-feelings, nonstandard sort of piece, and I believe the one that headlines every episode in the season. Like, for some they’ll just do a couple chapters and leave the rest for you to go through, such that we can show off multiple people’s voices and multiple people’s writing in one season of podcast, but seeing as Carousel has relatively short chapters and neatly fits one per planned episode of the cast, we’ve just got me doing the whole thing of it.

Being on a podcast, even one as ultimately low-key as this one, has been a bit of an interesting experience. Recording those discussion segments with Rainey and Garchomp (who also happens to be Carousel’s writer) was a lot of fun, and though it’s a bit more stressful, I am having a good time lending my voice to the story. If nothing else, it’s decent practice for D&D and the like, though I’m still convinced that my voice for Suicune (iirc she’s supposed to sound, like, “smoky”, which is not a thing my voice does) is pretty terrible. Considering how awkward the protagonist is, though, I think I’m a good fit for that at the very least.

I wouldn’t actually know, though. I haven’t listened to any of the episodes with my voice work in them. I know not liking the sound of your own voice is fairly common, since you don’t sound how you think you do, but I find hearing my own voice bloody abrasive. I was thinking about writing a whole post about it, actually, but I guess this is that. I was kind of hoping that this whole process would get me more used to it, but that hasn’t happened so far, obviously. I would like to be on a more casual podcast at some point, it seems like a lot of fun, although adding to the legion of white_dude_with_podcast.wav feeds isn’t really something I’m the most interested in.

Oh right here’s some links.

-Episode 1, where I read chapter 1,

-Episode 2, chapter 2,

-etc, etc. We’re currently up to the 6th episode of the 10-episode season, for reference.

I guess that’s it, there’s only really the two of them so far. Ultimately, while I’m much lower on free time than I used to be, I would like to be producing more I the realm of #content. As long as it keeps being fun and interesting, I want to be doing it. I guess it’s just a question of how long that ends up being, and how I find myself doing it.

But I think that’s a problem for future me.

#ramble #self-promotion #nuzforums #(i guess) #idk if i should be tagging like EDH and stuff when that's not even half the post

[commanderlurker]

This WIP kinda got out of hand so I put in heading styles to figure out where the hell I am in the writing process. So many ‘More here’ and ‘This needs writing’ headings. I just...

And then there are the sections that are JUST dialogue with NO dialogue tags. But they are a problem for second draft lurks. First draft lurks needs to sort her shit out.

#commander lurker writing about writing