#forgive me fandoms but I must tag | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ahsxual · 4 months

Text

Dark Sins - II

Pairing: William Afton x Fem!Reader

Summary: After what happened, you tried so desperately to forget about William Afton, the man who couldn't leave your mind no matter how hard you tried it. But desire is a dark sin, a feeling that makes human beings do things against their will.

Genre: Smut

Warnings: minors don't interact + 18, guilt, office sex, cheating, choking, sassy reader, p in v sex (no protection), spanking, Dom!William x Sub!Reader, possessive William, daddy kink, spanking (one slap), softer William at the end, married William, age gap (reader is on her 20s, William is 50), cursing, student!reader

Word Count: 2,7k

Part I & Part III

A/N: Part II of Dark Sins was unexpectedly requested by you, so here I am posting it! I didn't expect so much support after not writing fics for 3 years (can you believe??), but I'm glad to be back! Ly guys <33 @fandom-maniac-anime here's your tag, hun! ^^

It's been weeks since that little "incident" with William and you couldn't managed to take the thought of fucking your boyfriend's dad out of your mind. You knew it was wrong, you knew it was filthy, but you couldn't forget about William's tongue and fingers inside of you, making you cum so hard until you saw stars. It sent shivers down your spine everytime you thought about it and it made you feel so guilty... Sure, Stu made some mistakes in your relationship, but nothing compares to what you did to him. You didn't know what to do: was it better to tell Stu the truth? No no, he would never forgive you and you would ruin his relationship with his stepfather, even tho it wasn't completely your fault... should you just broke up with him? That wasn't an option either, because you loved Stu dearly.

Your mind was a mess and you couldn't focus on anything. Not even your studies, which complicated things because you had an important exam in a couple of weeks. You were now in your room alone, reflecting on what you should do to make things feel right again. That's when you had an idea that could help you get in line again and distract you from your forbidden desires.

"Hey babe, can I talk to you?" you asked Stu, your boyfriend, when he answered your call.

"Sure baby, is everything alright?" you heard Stu becoming worried which was unlikely of him. Your heart started to beat faster when you thought about the possibility of him discovering your darkest secret, but you pushed it away quickly.

"Well... I was thinking of, you know, do something for me. Something I think that would be good for me." you could practically sense the confusion that Stu must have felt when you said those words.

"And... what's that?" you heard him chuckle on the phone, a typical reaction from Stu.

"I think I should get a job... like a part-time, so I can get some money and be more financially independent, you know?" you started chowing your nails nervously, before you heard a hysterical laugh from your boyfriend. Now it was your time to get confused. "Why are you laughing? I'm serious, Stu!"

"You, working? Come on babe, you must be joking! Why do you need a job? That's for desperate people. And you're not desperate." he laughed like what you just said was the best joke he had ever heard.

"What? Why do you say that? That's not true!" you felt a little bit offended by Stu's comment and immaturity. Stu was a rich and spoiled guy, of course he would think that way.

"My dad works with those people, Y/N. And even he thinks that those people are desperate just to gain a few bucks." when you heard the word "dad" come out of his mouth, you stopped breathing for a moment, making you cough. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." you lied. There was a silence between the two of you, since you weren't sure of what to say. You were lost on your thoughts, before you heard Stu speak again.

"Listen... if you really want to get a job or a part-time, fine. I'm sure my dad can help you with that." you felt trapped, like your heart was going to explode and your mind was screaming for you to refuse his help and forget the idea of getting a job with his dad's help. You didn't really need it, you just wanted to occupy your mind with important things and be as busy as you could, so your mind wouldn't be able to think about things that didn't matter.

"Yeah, I would really appreciate that." your mouth betrayed you, speaking for your lust instead of listening to your rational and morals.

"Fine, I'll talk to him then." he said with a smirk on his face and paused. You knew something was up since Stu always wanted something in return when he made you a favor that he doesn't agree in the first place. "Buuut, you need to do whatever I ask for two weeks! No matter what it is!" you rolled your eyes, knowing that he would ask something against your will.

"Sure babe, what is it?" you smiled at his excitement, even tho you felt suspicious about his request.

"Me and the boys want to spend a week out. At... Billy's house." your smile immediately fadded away when he mentioned Billy's name. You were worried about the strange and probably bad influence Billy had on Stu, but after what happened a few weeks ago, you knew you couldn't be mad at him. "Come on doll, you know I won't cause any trouble! You know me!" he laughed at his own words, which made you laugh as well.

"Yeah sure Stu, I totally believe what you just said! Not even you believe it!" you both laughed, until you decided to let him have fun without complaining. "When will you guys go out then?"

"Oh fuck, is that a yes??" you could feel Stu's enthusiasm.

"I mean, I don't want to be the nagging girlfriend who doesn't let her man go out with his friends." even tho you felt nervous about Stu spending a week away from you, specially in Billy's presence, you couldn't forbid him to do something he really wanted to.

"Nahh, don't worry about it. You're the best, babe. We'll go in two weeks after our last exam. And don't worry, I'll talk to my dad right now. He's downstairs." your stomach sank when you realized William was at Stu's house too. You haven't seen him since then, avoiding him as much as possible.

"Thanks, baby. I love you so much..." tears started forming in your eyes, guilt consuming you by each second. Maybe Stu being away and enjoy his time with the boys would be good for both of you, since Stu was a very clingy boyfriend. You didn't mind it at all... but it became incredibly difficult to show affection towards Stu and have sex with him after everything.

"Love you too, sweet cheeks." were his last words before he hung up.

..................................................................................

Two weeks had passed and you were saying your goodbyes to your boyfriend. You would definitely miss him. Now you were in your room, looking at William's business card deciding on either or not you should go to his office. After a few long minutes debating if you should make an appointment or not, you called the number when a kind, older woman answered.

"H-hey good afternoon, I wanted to make an appointment with Mr. Afton if it's possible?" you started sweating and shaking a little bit, a ridiculous reaction to such a simple act, you thought.

"Yeah, sure! We have a vacancy for an appointment in two hours, a client canceled half an hour ago his appointment. Do you want me to make a reservation for you, ma'am?" the lady asked, and if you thought you were nervous before, now you were panting.

"Yes, that would be great." you swallowed hard, your throat becoming extremely dry.

One hour and a half passed and you were now facing the mirror, trying to calm yourself down until you felt ready to leave your room. You were dressed in a pink skirt with a small, white top that defined your breasts. You felt pretty, yet you perfectly knew this outfit would be seen as provocative to your boyfriend's dad. Why were you doing this?? Why would want to get pretty for a man who's twice your age?? Those thoughts were pushed away when you gained the courage to leave your house and went straight to Mr. Afton's office.

"Come in." you heard that deep, masculine voice... the voice that you unconsciously dreamed of hearing again. You took a deep breath before coming in and closed the door. After a moment, you saw William staring at you in disbelief before a small smirk came to his face. "Well, I wasn't expecting such an... unexpected, yet very welcoming client to come".

"I just came looking for a job, Mr. Afton." you stuttered a little bit, William's big blue eyes staring at you intimidatingly.

"I'm sure you are... sit down." he chuckled and you frowned confused before sitting down like he told you to. He started reading your curriculum attentively like he was reading his favorite book, before he looked at you silently.

"So... what do you advice me, sir?" oh that nickname... always so obedient, his little girl. Yes, you read that right. For him, you were already his.

"Well, I have a... very interesting job option for you. I think you would love working there actually, and for a part-time, it should be all good." he smirked dangerously and you looked at him confused once again, waiting for his advice.

"What is it then?" you asked curiously, before he got up from his seat slowly to make you both coffee. You accepted, since you didn't want to be rude.

"A sex shop." he said it like it was so normal to him. You almost spitted your coffee and started coughing a little bit. "It's also near my house and I know the owner very well. He told me a while ago he needed a pretty employee to... you know, attract more costumers." you looked at him shocked and speechless. No words came out of your mouth and William enjoyed the effect he had on you. "Do you want the job or not?" this time he went serious and approached you, his hands interwained in front of you to show power over you.

"Isn't there any other option? I don't think Stu-"

"My son has nothing to do with this. It's your life, your choice. Don't waste my time Y/N, you have to take this seriously. Otherwise you can get your pretty ass up and leave." he shouted sternly and went back to work on other client's files, completely ignoring you.

"O-Ok, I'll do it!" you said impulsively since you felt trapped. You wonder how William knew so well the sex shop's owner like he said. Does he buy a lot of sex toys? Is he that kinky? He must be so experienced... your thoughts were interrupted when you felt a strong hand grabbing your neck before putting you on top of his desk, him standing between your spread legs. "W-what are you doing-"

"Shut up now, bunny. You're getting on my nerves and I don't like that one bit. You think I'm stupid? That I didn't notice how you dressed up to me like an innocent girl just to get a reaction from me, huh?" his grip on your neck tighten and it became harder to breath. "You're nothing but innocent, sweetie. And you're gonna prove to me right now how filthy you really are. The side no one knows about, but me. Not even Stu." his eyes were darker then before and you felt your core getting wetter. You knew he was right and the worse of it, you didn't feel guilty anymore. You've had already sinned, so now you just let yourself go and followed your deepest desires without anyone to stop you now.

"You know what?" you challenge him with your eyes and words, before you started rubbing yourself against his already hard cock, making him confused and frown for a moment, waiting for your response. "Maybe you're right. I'm a little dirty fucking whore who's desperate to be fucked by my boyfriend's father. I've been touching myself while thinking about you... and since what happened, the only way Stu could make me cum, was if I thought it was you fucking me instead." you tried to speak the best you could due to the lack of oxygen, but it was enough to drive William insane. He stared at you incredulously, admiring your honesty with such ease. He suddenly pulled you to him and kissed your neck roughly, leaving hickeys and love bites on its way. You gasped at his roughness and the fact he was marking you as his, so everyone else could see it.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. My son won't see the way I marked you, even tho I would like to see his face once he realizes you're mine now." he whispered seductively into your ear before bitting your earlobe. He continued his attacks on your neck while he unbuttoned his pants, taking his erected cock on his strong hand and started to touch himself. He then undressed your top and bra effortlessly, like he already did it so many times during his life, before putting one of your erected nipples in his mouth. He was sucking and biting the sensitive flesh, making you moan loudly. "Shh baby, you're on my work place, don't forget it."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Afton. I'll try my best to be quiet." you promised breathlessly, pleasure consuming you at a dangerous rate.

"Good girl..." his low voice made your pussy pulsate into nothing, making you desperate for this older man's touch. "But for now on, call me daddy, understood?" he tried to remain serious and control himself, so he wouldn't cum before fucking you.

"Please daddy fuck me already, I can't wait anymore..." your desperation was palpable and it only made him even more proud of the power he had over you.

"You're mine now, bunny. Is that clear?" he said before pushing your drenched panties aside with his fingers and finally entered you. You both moaned loudly and you only prayed that no one heard you. "Fuck, you're so tight..." he pounded into you faster after giving you just a couple of seconds for you to adjust to his large size. You bite your lip until it hurted, so you wouldn't make too much noise, but it was becoming unbearable.

"Please daddy, I can't stay quiet!" he understood you needed help, so he put one hand on top of your mouth and nose and continued to fuck you hard.

"Say that you're mine... fucking say it!" he growled into your ear in a way that scared you, so you decided to give him want he wanted.

"I'm only yours daddy, I need to cum please!" you cried out pitiful pleads, meaning every word you said. He suddenly changed your positions, grabbing your body while he barely sat on the desk for support and pounded into you almost in the air. His strength surprised you and the new position touched your g spot just perfectly, making you cum within a few seconds. He knew you were about to cum, so he quickly grabbed his tie and put it into your mouth so it could muffle your moans.

"That's it babygirl, cum for daddy and make me proud. Prove to me I'm the only one who can pleasure you this good." he spanked you hard on your ass and that was all you needed to reach your limit. Your orgasm was intense and it made your legs tremble, which made your pussy squeeze William's cock as well. He came right after you, letting out a growling moan that turned you on so much, before he loaded his thick sperm inside you. He then turned around so he could sit on his chair with you on top of him, both of you trying to catch your breath. After a while you both stared at each other's eyes deeply, his now softer cock still buried in you and he didn't seem to care about the risks or if he would get you pregnant.

You knew all of this was extremely wrong... you knew he was much older than you and would never want anything serious with a young girl, specially when you were dating his own son. But the way he was looking at you right now told you something different. His eyes became softer now that he was looking at you, showing a bit of care and... love? No, it couldn't be. Stu told you that his mother and William weren't on good terms lately and probably didn't have sex anymore, but maybe that was something that made you believe William could possibly care about you and wanting to make you his. All those thoughts and theories were put aside when you impulsively grabbed William's face and kissed him. He reciprocated without any hesitation, his experienced and soft tongue tasting like coffee while his big hands pulled you closer and grabbed you like you would escape from him at any moment. The kiss wasn't rougher and primal like the sex you had. No. It was soft, slow and passionate... a kiss that you believed only people who were in love could do.

Your heart started to beat faster, desperate to feel and discover more about his softer side, and that made you realize something: was I falling in love with my boyfriend's father?

342 notes · View notes

bonefall · 5 months

Note

So, I'm writing an essay on the whole STATE of misogyny in WC for one of my university classes, and I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of things! No pressure of course, please feel free to say no!

A) Could I reference your good takes with appropriate harvard referencing and links back to your blog?

B) Are there any specific moments from the books that you think should be covered the most?

C) The end result will be a visual essay, so it's like those fun infographics people on Tumblr make on like ADHD and stuff, so when it's done, would you like to be tagged to read it?

(Sorry for anon, I'm nervous lmao, but if you'd be more comfortable I'll resend this off anon)

AAY good topic! You've got a lot to work with. Absolutely feel free to reference anything I've written, and tag me when you're done.

While you're here and about to write something so legitimate, I'm also going to recommend you check out Sunnyfall's video on gender in Warrior Cats. She breaks down the arcs into numbers, directly comparing the amount of lines mollies have to toms, and examining the archetypes women are usually allowed to be.

I think it's a must-have citation in a paper about WC misogyny.

...and, I think it's insightful to look at the WCRP Forum thread about the video. Note how the respondents immediately come into the thread to complain about how the video is too long so they didn't watch it, dismissing Sunnyfall as not being entertaining enough to hold their attention, even whining that she starts with statistics to prove her point, which I'm convinced she did exactly because they would have cried that she "had no evidence" if she didn't.

I am not a scholar, so I don't know how to document or prove that the books have an impact on the audience outside of anecdotes. But I think if you do write a section about fandom, it would be worth mentioning the in-universe and metatextual apologia for Ashfur and its reflection in the real world discourse, the authorial killing of Ferncloud because of fan complains, and the utter defensiveness against the discussion of misogyny you see outside of Tumblr.

You may also want to check out Cheek by Jowl, a collection of 8 essays about sexism in xenofiction by Ursula K. Le Guin. There's a very unique manifestation of authorial bias in animal fiction, having a lot to do with how the author views "the natural world," and it's worth understanding even though Warrior Cats are so heavily anthropomorphized.

So... Warrior Cats Misogyny

I think discussing individual instances can be helpful, but I'd implore you to keep in mind what's REALLY bad about WC's misogyny is framing and the bigger picture.

Bumble's death is shocking and insulting, but it's not just that she died. It's that the POV Gray Wing sees her as a fat, useless bitch who took his mate so she deserves to be dragged back to a domestic abuser, and he's right because the writers love him so much. It's that Bumble's torture and killing only factors into how it's going to hurt a man's reputation.

It's how Clear Sky hitting, emotionally manipulating, or killing the following women,

Bright Stream (pressured into leaving her home and family)

Storm (controlled her movements and yelled at her in public)

Misty (killed for land, children stolen)

Bumble (beaten unconscious, blamed nonsensically on a fox)

Alder (child abuse, hit when she refused to attack her brother)

Falling Feather (scratched on the face, subjected to public abuse and humiliation)

Tall Shadow (thrown into murderous crowd, attacked on-sight in heaven)

Rainswept Flower ("blacked out" in anger and murdered in cold blood)

Moth Flight (scratched on the face for saying denying medical treatment is mean, taken hostage in retaliation against mother for the death of his own child, which he caused)

Willow Tail (eyes gouged out for "stirring up trouble")

Is seen as totally understandable, forgivable, or not even questioned at all, when killing Gray Wing in an act of rage would have been "one step too far" with the ridiculous Star Line.

"Kill me and live with the memory, and then let the stars know it would only matter if a single one of your murder victims was a man."

It's the way that fathers who physically abuse their kids out of their ego (Clear Sky, Sandgorse, Crowfeather) aren't treated anywhere near the same level of narrative disgust and revulsion the series has for "bad moms", even if they're displaying symptoms of a post-partum mood disorder (depression, anxiety, and rage), an umbrella of mental illnesses 20% of all new mothers experience but are heavily stigmatized with (Sparkpelt, Palebird, Lizardstripe).

It's Crookedstar's Promise giving him two evil maternal figures in a single book, while bending over backwards to make every man in a position of power still look likeable in spite of the fact they're enabling Rainflower's abuse. Leader Hailstar is soso sorry that he has to change Stormkit's name for some reason, in spite of leaders being unaccountable dictators the other 99% of the time, and Deputy Shellheart functionally does nothing to stop his own son from being abused or even do much parenting before or after the fact.

It's the way men's parental struggles are seen sympathetically, and they don't have to "pay for it" like their female counterparts (Crookedstar's PPD vs Sparkpelt's PPD, how Daisy and Cinders are held responsible for Smoky and Whisper being deadbeats, Yellowfang's endless guilt for killing her son vs Onestar's purpose in life to kill his own), even to the point where a father doesn't have to have raised their kids at all to have a magical innate emotional connection to them (Tree's father Root, Tom the Wifebeater, Tigerstar and Hawkfrost).

It's less speaking lines and agency for female characters, being reduced to accessories in the lives of their mates and babies, women getting less diversity in their personalities, with even major ex-POV characters eventually becoming "sweet mom" tropes.

You could zoom in on any one of these examples and have an amoeba try to argue with you that "Oh THIS makes sense because X" or "Ah well my headcanon perfectly explains this thing" or "MY mother/girlfriend was abusive/toxic/neglectful and I've decided that you are personally attacking ME by having issues with how a character was written or utilized," but the beleaguered point,

That I keep trying to hammer in, over and over, across books worth of posts,

Is that these are trends. More than just a couple one-off examples. It's the fabric that has been woven over years, showing a lack of interest in, or even active prejudice of, women on behalf of the writers.

LONG STANDING trends, which have only gotten worse as the series progressed. From Yellowfang being harshly punished with a born evil son who ruins her life in TPB and the mistreatment of Squirrelpaw that begins in TNP, all the way up to the 7 Fridgenings of DOTC and Sparkpelt's PPD being a major character motivator for her son Nightheart.

So, I would stress that in your paper, and structure it less as "the Sparkpelt slide" and "the Yellowfang slide," and more as "The paternal vs maternal abuse" slide, and "the violence against women" slide. They're really big issues, there's tons of examples for each individual thing.

Anyway to leave off on a funny, look at this scene in Darkest Hour that I find unreasonably hilarious,

"Everyone who matters to me; my truest friend, my sensible and loyal warrior, the wisest deputy I've ever known, and 2 women." -Firestar, glorious idiot

He can't even think of a single trait for either of them what the hell does "formidable pair" mean lmaooo, when I finished a reread about a year ago this line killed me on impact.

#bone babble #cw misogyny #warrior cats analysis #SO good luck!! Absolutely ping me when you're done I wanna see lmao #Full disclosure I'm bad at responding to DMs because I open them and then forget #But I can try to answer your questions #Feel free to send questions in tho. You don't have to come off anon if you don't want i don't mind #I cannot stress enough. I'm just a guy who likes to yell about cats.

244 notes · View notes

cha-melodius · 6 months

Text

Five Ten Under 500

There have been a bunch of open tags on this one but @three-drink-amy tagged me directly so here goes. To start I have to say it's wild to me, as someone coming from small or quiet fandoms, and who joined the RWRB community well before the movie, that netting under 500 kudos is now considered a lower number in this fandom. A couple of years ago it meant a lot to me to hit 500 kudos for the first time on a fic. Anyway.

I've loved seeing everyone's lists (so many new fics added to my tbr!), but they've also reminded me that there is a definite recency bias, especially among fics that didn't already have a good number of kudos. So, all of my choices are fics that were released before the movie came out. Even with that, I couldn't stick with only five, so you get five more under the cut (and I still had to leave out a lot of fics I loved, including others from the same authors listed here).

Culper Ring, 1778–1783 by @historicallysam This is a series of 10 vignettes set during the American revolution and not one of these fics has over 100 kudos, which is a crime. So well-written and researched, and full of intrigue and feelings, I will always champion this series of fics.

Why Do We Even HAVE That Curse? by @cricketnationrise The Mummy AU. Who doesn't love The Mummy?? I might be biased because I betaed this one but if you love action and adventure and romance, you must read this!

The Way You Seemed by @orchidscript 1950s High School AU—think Grease but gayer. I think this might be one of the first Cora fics I read, and it bowled me over. The vibes, the romance, the historical accuracy, it's so so excellent.

Red, White, & Royal Ballet by @tintagel-or-cockleshells Ballet AU. Everything you want out of an enemies/rivals to lovers arc, and so much excellent ballet. Includes videos!

Love and Hate at the Farmers' Market by @myheartalivewrites Farmers market vendors AU. This is soooooo adorable and about to be very seasonable! Never get tired of Alex being mad about Henry's very existence.

El Chico Del Apartamento 512 by @14carrotghoul A cute little enemies-to-lovers neighbors AU and an absolute riot!

Soli by @cheesecurdsgravyandfries Orchestra AU! As an oboist, Henry as principle oboe owns my entire heart. This is so sweet and lovely!

make the yuletide gay by @dumbpeachjuice The concept behind this one is absolutely unhinged, but it's just as hilarious as you would expect from our dear peaches. Put it on your list for reading this holiday season!

a pillar i am, upright by inmoonlightigetseasick Surprise surprise, another historical AU. Medieval knight/prince, together at the front of war. Really wonderful development of their relationship and truly excellent vibes.

and if you'll forgive me the self-promotion...

The Spirit of Giving by yours truly Also for the holidays, a neighbors AU that leans heavily on the food as a metaphor for love trope.

#fic recs #rwrb fic recs #rwrb #red white and royal blue #firstprince #firstprince fic recs

110 notes · View notes

hgejfmw-hgejhsf · 2 months

Text

WIP Wednesday!

I DID write yesterday, but I DIDN'T schedule my post! How's that for a fun little twist? Forgive me, y'all, I've spent way too much time at work this week, so the little things must entertain me at this point.

I want to thank my lovelies @onthewaytosomewhere, @zwiazdziarka, @suseagull04, @littlemisskittentoes, and @sophie1973 for tagging me already today!

Have a teensy tiny bit more from chapter 2 of At the End of a Bar, that's now going to have 3 chapters oops did I actually say that because I want to be a bit of a tease today, sorry not sorry.

“Noted. And not intended.” “Good, Alexander.”

Zero-pressure tags for lots of humans whose work I wanna exist inside the walls of and scream about it in the tags after the cut! Also, if you are a writer and you see this and you want ME to exist inside your walls and scream about what you're working on in the tags, feel free to always tag me! I love this fandom, and I want nothing more than for all of us to have all the cake available in all the different flavors and styles. More cake is always good cake!

@adreamareads @affectionatelyrs @agame-writes @anincompletelist @barbiediaz @bigassbowlingballhead @cha-melodius @cricketnationrise @daisymae-12 @duchessdepolignaca03 @firenati0n @gayrootvegetable @getmehighonmagic @guillermosfamiliar @happiness-of-the-pursuit @heybuddy-drabbles @indomitable-love @indestructibleheart @inexplicablymine @junebugclaremontdiaz @kiwiana-writes @leaves-of-laurelin @leojfitz @lizzie-bennetdarcy @magicandarchery @msmarvelouswinchester @mulderscully @ninzied @notspecialbabe @priincebutt @rockyroadkylers @ships-to-sail @songliili @sparklepocalypse @ssmtskw @stereopticons @theprinceandagcd @thinkof-england @tintagel-or-cockleshells @typicalopposite @user-anakin @vanillahigh00 @violetbaudelaire-quagmire @whimsymanaged @wordsofhoneydew

#wip wednesday #rwrb fic #rwrb fanfic #rwrb fanfiction #my writing #my wips #my fics

38 notes · View notes

midnightpink · 3 months

Text

sing one we know

read it here on ao3

Against all odds, Katsuki wakes up. Understandably, surviving a war changes some things.

After his fight with Shigaraki, after the war has all ended without him, Katsuki now has to figure out how to navigate the space between worthiness and forgiveness. At the end of the day, the easiest way to describe it is probably just love.

by: froggenbie

Words: 33,586, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Collections: Favs, twin stars my little starboys ♡, Favorite Bakugou Angst with a Dash of Fluff, BkDk My Beloveds, The My Hero Archives, bkdk fics that ARE A MUST!!!, misc favourite fic, are we too young for this?, best of bkdk :’), bkdk starter pack (the classics), ao3 tag protective bakugou katsuki, stories that touched me, 🌌 The Witch's Library, eat sleep breathe bkdk, bakudeku sfw fics, The All Time BKDK Greats, Minhas favoritas <3

Fandom: 僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Class 1-A (My Hero Academia)

Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, of sorts, Post-Canon, ill explain in the notes, Friends to Lovers, does that even encompass bkdk at all? no but its fine, Bakugou Katsuki is Bad at Feelings, Soft Bakugou Katsuki, Mutual Pining, i will write something SO TENDER, like if you’ve read anything else by me before i promise you this eclipses that, Slow Burn, for 33k words woo, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff and Angst, #class 2-a’s slice of life except they’ve got ptsd!, Character Study, saw a tag once that said “siri how to write bakugou fucking katsuki” and yeah. i felt that, Getting Together, whoops had to make sure that was clear They Will Kiss

#mha #bnha #bakugou katsuki #izuku midoriya #deku #bkdk #bkdk fanfic #fic rec

28 notes · View notes

bluejaysandblackbats · 2 months

Text

Lily of the Valley

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: Jason Todd dies and comes back to life. As the League takes him in, he navigates his morality and family values over the years.

Chapters: 14/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Talia al Ghul, Ra’s al Ghul, Damian Wayne, Barbara Gordon, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Sheila Haywood

Relationships: Jason Todd/Original Character(s)

Additional Tags: Immortal Jason Todd, League of Assassins Jason Todd, Protective Talia al Ghul, Good Parent Talia al Ghul, Jason Todd Needs a Hug, Good Sibling Jason Todd, Hurt/Comfort, Adopted Children, Resurrected Jason Todd

Chapter Fourteen: Baby's Breath

His tenth nightmare or hallucination in three days. Ra's didn't allow anyone to see Jason during that time. The first two days, all Jason did was sleep and wake up screaming, but the third day was different. Jason sat up in a panic, but there was no screaming. Ra's waited for Jason to speak, but he didn't have anything to say. Instead, Jason broke down and wept. Ra's hesitated before wrapping his arms around Jason. "It's alright-."

"I'm sorry I failed you-."

"You wouldn't have fallen had you not been ill. In fact, I'm proud of how you carried yourself despite your attraction to Saru," Ra's grinned.

Jason blushed and pulled his shirt up over his mouth. "Is it obvious?" Jason asked. Ra's shook his head.

"But you are attracted to her?" Ra's questioned. Jason sank into his pillow as he nodded. It was just Jason's luck that Ra's decided to show his more casual side as soon as Jason developed his first crush. He wasn't sure if he preferred this side of Ra's or the cold and distant one. "Jason... I've been thinking. I was going to send you on another assignment straight away, but I've decided I'll give you a choice." Ra's was sincere, and Jason felt like he was being tested.

"Would you like me to go?" Jason asked.

"It's not a test. I'm asking you what you want," Ra's replied.

Jason answered without thinking and wasn't sure he said the right thing. He didn't get a chance to ask Ra's anything further before Ra's left him alone in the room. Jason climbed out of bed and tried to follow Ra's into the hallway, but it was empty. He awakened with a start and nearly screamed as he met eyes with the Ra's he knew. "I'm not dreaming, am I?" Jason questioned. Ra's felt Jason's forehead.

"What did you dream about?" Ra's asked. Jason bowed his head.

"You want to send me away again... Don't you?" Jason mumbled. He bowed his head and hid his face in his hands. Ra's took Jason's wrists and shook his head.

"No, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about," Ra's whispered as he felt the healed wound on the back of Jason's head. "Restored..."

"I'm ready to do whatever you ask," Jason replied.

"Good... Go see your mother and get some rest. There'll be no training for you today or tomorrow," Ra's commanded as he helped Jason out of bed. Jason looked into Ra's' eyes hoping for approval or forgiveness for his failure. "You're an al Ghul in every sense of the name. Now go to your mother."

Jason smiled and stepped forward until he mustered the courage to embrace Ra's. "Thank you for accepting me. You have my undying loyalty," Jason swore to him. Ra's wrapped his arms around Jason, and he let go. He seemed confused by the outward display of affection, but it didn't shake him the way it would've shaken Jason had the tables been turned.

Jason ran down the hall, searching for Talia, and she grabbed him, cradling his face in her palms. "You must be starving," Talia smiled. Jason nodded and embraced her. She kissed the top of his head and led him to the kitchen. "I worried you wouldn't be on your feet this early."

"Is Damian awake?" Jason asked.

Talia nodded. "He's in the kitchen. He's eating a snack before training," Talia replied as she wove her fingers through his curls. "It's midday... I'm sure something is cooking for lunch."

Jason took her hand and followed her to the kitchen, where Damian sat at the counter eating jicama. Jason snuck up on Damian and wrapped his arms around the child. "Could I sit on your training today?" Jason requested.

"Gē! Of course," Damian replied excitedly. Jason smiled and sat next to him as he grabbed a bite of Damian's raw vegetables. Talia looked fondly upon her sons as they ate and whispered for one of the cooks to serve Jason's dinner early.

Talia told him he wouldn't be training until the week's end as he gorged himself on his meal. "You've grown," Talia noted out loud.

"I have?" Jason asked. Damian nodded.

Talia nodded. Jason beamed and pulled his hair back into a bun before returning to his meal. Damian waited patiently for Jason to eat. Once Jason finished his meal, he picked Damian up and spun him around. "Di, you ready to go?" Jason asked. Damian nodded as Jason set him down. "Are you training with Saru again?"

Damian covered his mouth, and Talia shot him a glance. "Didi," Talia warned.

"But she told me," Damian whispered loudly.

Jason's eyes widened, and he crouched down to meet his eyes with Damian's. "Didi," Jason sternly whispered, "What did she tell you? Did Saru say something about me? Because I'm willing to fight her again. I'm not afraid of her." Jason's heart raced as he considered the prospect of seeing her again.

"Do you want me to tell her you'll fight her?" Damian asked.

"In four days... Ra's won't let me fight before then," Jason replied, "Will you go tell her for me?"

Damian nodded and pressed a kiss to Jason's cheek before running off. Talia smiled and shook her head. "Can we talk later?" Talia asked. Jason nodded. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm confused... I feel like things are different than before I left," Jason confessed as he followed her to the training room.

"Is it frightening for you?" Talia asked.

"Ra's said something kind to me," Jason replied. Talia stopped in her tracks.

"He did?" Talia questioned. She knew it wasn't in her father's nature to give a kind word without reason. It wasn't something that came easy for him.

"He said I was an al Ghul," Jason answered. She nodded.

"Never think otherwise," Talia grinned.

22 notes · View notes

middleearthpixie · 2 months

Text

Something in the Night ~ Chapter Ten

Summary: Following the Battle of the Five Armies, a seriously wounded Thorin Oakenshield returns to Erebor to recuperate and eventually ascend the throne as king. With the deaths of Azog the Defiler and his son, Bolg, Thorin no longer has to worry about the bounty the Defiler placed on his head and can instead concentrate on restoring Erebor to its former glory.

Nina Carren of Esgaroth has one goal—to make Thorin Oakenshield pay for unleashing Smaug the dragon unto her home—where he destroyed the town and killed her family. The Defiler might be gone, but his bounty remains very much in place, and she fully intends to collect on it.

Finally, the opportunity shows itself for her to do just that, only to have it go horribly awry. Wounded and now at his mercy, neither Nina nor Thorin stopped to think what might happen, should things not go quite according to plan…

Pairings: Thorin Oakenshield x ofc Nina Carren

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 5.3k

Tag List: @mrsdurin @i-did-not-mean-to @fizzyxcustard @lathalea @legolasbadass @xxbyimm @kibleedibleedoo @arrthurpendragon @exhausted-humxn-being @knittastically @notlostgnome @myselfandfantasy @medusas-hairband @guardianofrivendell @jotink78 @ruthoakenshield @frosticenow @quiall321 @dianakc @msjava1972 @glassgulls @evenstaredits @heilith @asgardianhobbit98 @way-too-addicted-to-fandoms @sazzlep

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here.

Nina shared up at him with green eyes gone almost perfect round as she said, “I—I’m afraid I know not what you mean.”

“It took me a bit to figure it out,” he went on, “but you were there. That night my Company and I attempted to break into the armory and were caught. You were in the crowd, near the front, not far from where Bilbo stood.”

“No, I—I’ve never been to Esgaroth and I’m afraid I’ve no inkling as to who Bilbo even is.”

“Of course you don’t, for he was with me. But, I remember you, Miss Nina. You and another woman who bore a strong resemblance to you. You stood out, both of you, because of your hair.”

As he spoke, he reached out to catch one of Nina’s wild corkscrew curl between his fingers. He couldn’t help it. He’d never seen hair that deep, almost burgundy color before and since she first joined them, he tried to remember where he’d seen it before. It wasn't until he came into her chambers and saw it loose about her face that the memory of a beautiful red-haired woman in the snow leaped to the forefront of his mind, for that was just how she looked that night. Her hair a wild tangle about her face, about her shoulders, with snowflakes dotting it like seed pearls.

She shook her head. “You must have me confused with someone else.”

“No.” He let the curl slip through his fingers. It was soft, almost silken, and he had the maddest urge to gather it in his hands. “It was you.”

“Your Highness, I—”

“I know it was you, Nina. Tell me, what became of the woman who was with you? Who was she and what she to you?”

“She was my sister. She…” Nina’s eyes shone with tears as she met his gaze and his heart sank as she finished with a whispered, “she died in the inferno. I found her on the opposite shore the next morning and please do not make me tell you more about it.”

“I am so sorry,” he murmured back. “I did not mean for the dragon to take his anger out on your people. That was never my intention. It was the last thing I would have wanted.”

She pressed her lips together as her eyes overflowed, tears streaking over the curve of her cheeks. Without thinking, he brushed his thumbs along her cheeks, sweeping the tears from them. “Forgive me,” he whispered, cupping her face in his palms, tilting it toward his. “I know that means nothing, that my words are worthless, but I am so very sorry my actions led to the death of people you loved.”

Her lips trembled and she leaned into him, her head coming to rest against his chest as she dissolved into tears. He wrapped his arms about her, tucked her close against him and let her cry, his rough-hewn henley growing damp against his chest.

Finally, she went still against him and when she lifted her head, her eyes were red and puffy. “I beg your pardon,” she whispered, swiping at her nose with the back of her hand. “I didn't mean to blubber all over a king.”

“Worry not about it,” he told her. “It is the least I deserve.”

“I just…” She drew in a deep, if somewhat shaky breath, and then offered up a sad smile. “It’s been a while since I allowed myself to think of Lenna. She was my dearest friend in the world and I miss her. So very much.”

“If I could go back and do that night over,” he told her, sweeping his thumbs along the remnants of tears still streaking her skin, “I would do things so very differently. And in the aftermath, I’d have honored my word without question.”

This time, when he met her gaze, he felt the oddest thing. It was almost as if the air were suddenly charged, as it felt before a lightning storm. But he heard no rumble of thunder and as the leaves shifted above their heads, it was to show a clear night, the black sky spangled with thousands of stars glinting like gemstones against a bed of black velvet.

Her eyes were bright, brilliant emerald beneath their silvery veil of tears, but they drew him in just the same, and in a way he’d never felt before. That crackle in the air grew stronger and then he realized what it was.

He wanted to kiss her.

He remembered seeing her that night in Esgaroth. Her hair caught his eye, that deep, glossy burgundy color and wild about her face, as it was now. He could not hear her, but he saw her look at the woman beside her, her sister Lenna as he now knew, and when she smiled, he’d swear he actually felt his blood grow warmer. That smile, so pure and raw in its joy, did something to him and he made a promise to himself that he would find out who she was and when he rid the world of Smaug and returned to honor his word, he would make certain someone introduced him to her.

Of course, that wasn't how things worked out.

But now he had a second chance and he would not make the same mistake.

His thumbs went still against her soft skin. Her lips, full and no longer trembling, were more inviting than any he’d ever seen before. And when the tip of her tongue flicked out against her bottom lip, he almost sighed with the sensuality of it.

She held his gaze easily, and as he leaned toward her, she lifted those full, inviting lips in anticipation of their first kiss.

“Thorin, are ye in there?”

Dwalin’s voice broke them apart, had him leaping backward as if touching her stung him. Gathering his wits about him, Thorin cleared his throat. “We are, yes. Come in.”

The door swung open and Dwalin said, “I thought we were going to supper?”

“We are.” Thorin glanced over at Nina. “I just came to fetch Miss Nina.”

Dwalin arched a single brow. “Is everything all right?”

“Everything is fine,” Thorin told him as he caught Nina by the elbow before she had the chance to refuse to join them. “Shall we?”

Fortunately, she did not speak up about not wanting anything to eat, and with any luck, no one would notice the hint of color along her sharply angled cheekbones, or that he’d probably not be able to stop staring at her.

All through supper, Nina felt Thorin’s gaze on her. Actually felt it. Although she’d heard people say this, she’d never experienced it for herself until now.

And if that wasn't enough, her doubts about her plan had grown tenfold since he stepped out onto her terrace.

He was going to kiss her. And what was worse?

She was going to let him.

What was wrong with her? How could she capitulate so easily?

Because he apologized.

And he meant it. She saw the agony he carried in his eyes, heard it in the softness of his deep, almost growly voice, felt it when he’d wrapped her in his arms. He wanted to take her pain from her and for a moment, his embrace had done just that.

She had heard of dragon sickness, as whenever talk of the Lonely Mountain circulated through town, accompanying it was the speculation that the King Under the Mountain had succumbed to it for a time. No one ever came out from it though. Or at least, that was what everyone said.

Yet, he had.

He sat beside her at the long table they shared with Thranduíl and his son Legolas. From the corner of her eye, she saw him lean toward Thranduíl, who sat, of course, at the head, as they chatted. Dwalin across from them, alongside Legolas and while he on joined in Thorin’s conversation with the elf king from time to time, he mostly spoke with the younger elf.

Nina, who knew none of them, remained quiet, concentrating on the delicious supper of venison and root vegetables in a spicy sauce. It was the most food she’d seen in her life, even more than had been presented at Rivendell.

She was in a quandary now. For so long, she’d thought of nothing but revenge on Thorin Oakenshield. She’d planned her life around it. She'd longed for the day when she took him out of the world and got paid a pretty penny to do so.

This was a twist she had not seen coming, and it left her at a loss.

The Thorin she had imagined was far different from the one she was coming to know. That Thorin was a monster in dwarf form.

This Thorin was anything but.

Conversation floated around her, yet their hosts paid her no mind. They didn't know her, of course, where they’d had dealings with the dwarves before and of course, Thorin and Thranduíl shared the bond of kingship, although their relationship seemed formal at best.

“So, how did you come to be in the company of dwarves?”

This came from across the table, from an elegant she-elf with red hair several shades brighter than Nina’s own. Tauriel, she thought her name was. She seemed to know Thorin and Dwalin already, judging by the warm greeting they’d each given the other when they first arrived in the open air dining room.

“Me? I simply happened to be in the right place at the right time.”

“She leapt between me and an arrow,” Thorin broke in, setting his fork down to lift his napkin to his lips.

“Leapt between you and an arrow?” Tauriel’s dark eyes widened. “Where did this happen?”

“On the road to Rivendell,” Thorin explained. “An orc pack happened upon us.”

“An orc pack so close to Rivendell?” Thranduíl asked, his forehead furrowing slightly. “They do not normally come so close to either there or here.”

“Elrond said they’d been having a bit of trouble lately,” Dwalin explained, reaching for his tankard. “In their disarray, they have come bold.”

“They are no longer in such disarray.” Tauriel shook her head, bringing her napkin to her lips before adding, “The rumor is they are under new leadership.”

“Is that so?” Thorin asked. “Who?”

“I only know his name is Tarog and he is somehow related to Azog, but I know not how.”

Dwalin let out a heavy sigh. “Wonderful. One more thing for us to worry about.”

His gaze alit on Nina and she hoped no one at the table saw her stiffen. When she met his stare, it was to see his eyes were those cold slivers of ice once more. Forcing what she hoped was a reassuring smile to her lips, she said, “You needn’t worry at all. Extra eyes and an extra blade, remember.”

“Aye, I remember,” Dwalin replied evenly.

“We will be fine,” Thorin said, reaching for his tankard. He lifted it for a long drink, then set it back and wiped his mouth before pushing away from the table. “Now, if you will all excuse me, I am going to go and get some much needed sleep. I bid you all good evening and will see you in the morning.”

Dwalin also rose. “I think that sounds like a good idea.” He looked over at her. “What about you, Miss Nina?”

Her impulse was to say no, that she wasn't tired, but she had the feeling that would arouse suspicion, so she forced a smile and got to her feet. “Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Good evening, Your Majesty,” she directed this at Thranduíl, then bid the others a good evening as well.

Dwalin fell into step with her as they left the dining room. “Why was Thorin in your chambers earlier?”

“You would have to ask him what prompted it,” she told him with a shrug. “For I haven’t a clue.”

“It’s a bit concerning, about this Tarog, don’t you think?”

“I wouldn’t know one orc from another,” she replied as offhandedly as she could manage. “Just as I don't know who Azog is or was. My dealings with orcs are only when they cross paths with me. I do not go in search of them.”

“Still, it’s odd, that they grow bolder, supposedly have a new leader, and yet, you just happened to be where they were as well.”

She stopped then. “What is it you accuse me of, Dwalin? Of being in league with this Tarog, whoever he might be?”

“I am saying it is a strange coincidence, is all.”

She glanced at Thorin, far enough ahead of them that he apparently didn't notice the whispered confrontation going on behind him, then turned her attention back to Dwalin. “Tell me, do you think it odd that I am supposed to be in league with that filth, and yet you saw me cut down as many as I could?”

“I saw nothing of the sort, lass. I saw you just happen to be between Thorin and an orc arrow.”

She rolled her eyes as if he’d obviously lost his mind. “And yet, he lives still and there is no sign of any orc pack here, is there? You should stop being so blasted suspicious, you know this? I’m growing tired of being accused of playing you false when you have no reason to accuse me at all. Now, if you don't mind, I’ll bid you a good evening.”

She shoved by him and marched to her chambers, and much as she wanted to slam the door, she didn’t. Instead, she just closed it by, dropped the latch in place to lock it, and moved to the terrace once more.

The air was cold now, despite the fact that the earlier breeze had died. She sat on the wide railing, staring out into the dark forest, trying to calm her mind enough so that she might try to get some sleep.

Her plan was in shambles now. She could still feel Thorin’s massive hands against her cheeks, could feel how gentle his touch was as he swept the tears from her skin. She had the feeling his kiss would have been just as gentle. Gentle, but tinged with hints of fire. And had Dwalin not interrupted…

Dwalin.

He could prove to be a problem, though. He knew she wasn't as she presented herself, he just didn’t know how right he was to be concerned. At least, up until that night, anyway. Now, as she turned her gaze to her sword, still propped against the wall just inside the door, she had the feeling she would not be able to raise it against Thorin.

But he could never know the truth of why she was there, of how she came to be in his company, and why she offered her services to him.

With a low sigh, she let her head fall into her hands. How did it become so complicated? She had always thought that no matter how many times Thorin might apologize for that night, she would never forgive him. Her hatred of him and the anguish caused by what he had taken from her was simply too great.

So, why did she only want him to kiss her so badly?

She was tired, that was all. Tired and worn out and it had been a long time since anyone held her. Come morning, after a good night’s rest, her resolve would renew and things wouldn’t be quite as complicated as they seemed right then and there.

At least, she hoped they would’t.

It was amazing what a decent night’s sleep in a comfortable bed could do for a body. Her mind might still be a jumble of tangled thoughts, but as she lay there, atop a soft mattress, tucked between smooth, fresh linens, Nina could forget, if only for a moment, everything else.

A hint of jasmine hung in the air, wafted through on the light breeze that wound its way into her chambers. In the distance, birds chirped and the sunlight that filtered through the canopy of leaves was almost pure gold in its radiance.

She stared up at the woven vines and limbs that made up the vaulted ceiling in her chambers and she smiled as several birds flittered through to nestle in those branches. For a moment, she didn't care if she ever left Mirkwood. For a moment, everything was perfect.

She stretched, then snuggled back into the pillows, which were as soft as the linens. Thorin had made no mention of when he planned to depart, and she rather hoped they’d stay a few days to regain a bit of their energy.

That hope was dashed a moment later when there came a firm rap at the door. “Miss Nina?”

Thorin’s low voice sent a shiver through her, one that was equal parts delicious and disturbing. “I’ll be there in a moment.”

She sat up and tossed back the quilts, then got to her feet to pad over to the door. As she tugged it open, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him on the opposite side of the threshold, looking just as refreshed as she felt. “Did I wake you?” he asked.

“No. I was just being lazy.”

His eyes widened as they moved over her and she almost smiled. Her night rail was thin, but not immodest, although the pale blue ribbon holding the neck closed had loosened while she slept. Although the cotton parted, it did not show much more than just the beginning of her décolletage. Still, it was somewhat amusing, watching those pale blue eyes, fringed with such thick black lashes, widen, and seeing the hint of color that swept along his cheeks, above the dark hair of his beard.

When the silence stretched between them, this time she did smile. “Thorin?”

He started, then offered up a sheepish smile. “I beg your pardon, of course.” He cleared his throat. “I came to see if you were planning to come to breakfast.”

Her stomach rumbled on its own, and she smiled. “I don't suppose you would believe me if I tried to say no, would you?”

“Not likely, no.”

“Then, give me a moment to dress and I’ll be out.”

“I’ll wait outside.”

He didn't wait for her reply, but bobbed his head and left her to dress in peace.

It only took her a few minutes, since her meager wardrobe was little more than two changes of trousers and tops. Perhaps, if they would be there a few more days, she could sneak off to one of the streams and wash at least one change of clothes. The trousers had become conspicuously baggy.

So she dressed in the not-so-baggy (although a bit dirt-spattered) trousers and the cleaner of the two shirts, then swept her hair back into a loose knot and secured it as best she could, which took some doing, as she only had a tiny handful of pins.

Thorin waited for her, as he said, just beyond her door and she smiled. “You did not actually have to wait. I could find the dining hall.”

“I know but I dislike walking into a room alone. Especially here.”

“Why?”

They strolled along the walkway and he glanced down at her. “They stare.”

“Oh, no. Not that,” she drawled, nudging him with her shoulder. “How dare they.”

“I know, it sounds silly, but… My relationship with the woodland elves is rocky at best. Thranduíl and I are civil to one another, but there is no great love between dwarves and elves.”

“Why?”

“It’s a long and rather dull story, and one I’d rather not rehash, if it’s all the same.”

“I understand.” She stepped off to the edge of the walkway. “It’s so pretty here in spring, when everything begins to bloom. I’ve never been here before, and I had no idea what to expect.”

“The last time I was here was in autumn.” He joined her, resting both hands on the woven wood. “And it was anything but pretty. The air even seemed different. Dark and heavy.”

“I hear this place is enchanted.”

From the corner of her eye, she saw him nod. “It is, indeed. In some places, the enchantments are harmless, but in others? Dark magic is woven through them, so one has to take care.”

“Dark magic? Here?” She turned to him, her hip bumping against the rail. “Where?”

“One of the streams is said to be heavy with it, but I don't know which one. It’s best to assume they all are and avoid them. I know one is imbued with some sort of sleep magic. It knocked Bombur out cold.”

“You say that name as if I am to know who or what a Bombur is.”

That earned her a smile. “He is one of my people. We passed through here on our trek to Erebor.”

“And found out the hard way to avoid at least one stream. Why not just ask Thranduíl which ones to avoid?”

“At the time, he and I were not on speaking terms.”

“And yet he let you pass through his realm?”

To her surprise, a hint of color rose along his cheekbones. He shook his head, a sheepish smile coming to his lips. “Not exactly. We tried to get through unnoticed, but were attacked by spiders.”

A shiver rippled through her. “Spiders?”

“The size of houses, yes. The elves came to our aid, although I highly doubt that was intentional.” He linked his fingers, leaning on his forearms as he turned his gaze to the woods around them. “So, in the end we were not so much guests as we were prisoners.”

“Prisoners? One king to another?”

A dry laugh bubbled to his lips, one that was deep and low and although it contained no humor, it was hardly an unpleasant sound. And for the first time since they’d left Rivendell, he wasn’t dressed for the elements, but instead looked far more relaxed in trousers and a simple black rough-hewn henley. He’d pushed the sleeves up, stretching them about his thick forearms, and she had the strangest urge to trace along the muscle that ropes those forearms, to trace along the leather bracelet woven about his left wrist.

“I was a king in name only, remember. My kingdom belonged to a firedrake from the north named Smaug. So, no, it was not one king to another. We would probably still be in the dungeons, had Master Baggins not thought to swipe the keys or had he not come up with the idea of using wine barrels to escape.”

“Wine barrels?”

“It was quite the sight, I’m sure. All of us crammed into those barrels, bouncing down the rapids, at the will of the currents.” His smile faded. “Orcs found us here and Kíli was wounded in battle against them.”

“Kíli?”

“My nephew. My younger nephew, to be exact. He was struck by a morgul shaft.”

“What? Did it kill him?”

“It might have, had it not been for one of Mirkwood’s captains, Tauriel. She recognized the symptoms and knew what to do.”

“He was lucky she was there.”

“Indeed.”

She shifted, leaning on one elbow as she smiled up at him. “I cannot picture you riding in a barrel, though. Especially downriver.”

“Had I not been there, I’d agree with you. But that was how we escaped imprisonment. We paid Bard to smuggle us into Esgaroth and then—” He cut himself off abruptly, turning back toward the woods. “Well, you know the rest.”

“I do,” she moved closer to him, “but you can speak of it, if you wish. I always wondered how you managed to get into Esgaroth without the Master knowing.”

“The same barrels. Only Bard hid us beneath pounds upon pounds of fish.”

“Ew.” Her nose wrinkled at the image. “That must have smelled awful.”

“Awful is not the word for it. But, we survived.” He went quiet again, just staring off into the woods.

“Thorin?”

“What?”

“Were you lying at the time? When you promised to share the wealth of Erebor with us?”

He didn't say anything for a long time, but looked from the woods, to her, and back again as the silence stretched between them. Then, he drew in a deep breath, and exhaled in a long, slow sigh. “Yes.”

She thought as much but it still stung to hear him admit it. Before she could say anything, though, he went on. “I would have promised anything if it meant convincing the Master to aid us. My quest meant that much to me, to my people.”

He turned to her then, his eyes serious and dark, “But know this, it was never my intention to bring harm to anyone in Esgaroth. We tried to kill the beast ourselves. Tried to drown him in the gold he so coveted. But we failed and for that, I can never be sorry enough.”

She straightened up. “We should go to breakfast.”

“Nina,” he caught her by the arm as she pushed away from the railing, “you must know I mean every word.”

“I do, Thorin.” She looked up at him and nodded.

“Good. And I hope one day you’ll be able to forgive me as well.”

“I’m not angry with you. I’ve made my peace with what happened that night and I’ve gone on. You should as well.” Without thinking, she reached up to lay her hand against his solid shoulder. “But, you should also be careful. There is still a bounty out on you, you know. It did not die with Azog.”

His eyes widened, then sharply narrowed. “How did you know about that?”

“I overhead two men discussing it at a tavern in Bree. Why do you think I offered my assistance to you?” She glanced down at the huge hand still on her arm, and then met his gaze once more. “I don't know why he hunted you, but someone will look to collect on it. From what I understand, he offered a substantial amount so…”

“So… you were there… in the clearing… intentionally?”

She nodded, although her heart sped up as she waited for him to ask which side she was on, protecting him or collecting on the price on his head. “I was. I tracked you from Dunning. I tend to blend with my surroundings when I wish to, and no one pays what they think is a boy any mind, so I could slip through crowds and the like with ease.”

But apparently the thought never crossed his mind, for all he said was, “You followed me?”

“I followed you. I thought about approaching you at the Grey Bear, but then had a bit of a to-do with the owner and by the time I freed myself from it, you were gone.”

“A to-do?”

She nodded. It almost frightened her, how easily the lies rolled from her tongue. At one point, she’d have burned with shame for lying on so grand a scale, but at the same time, she couldn’t very well tell him to truth, either. “He thought I was skipping out on my tab. I just wanted to catch up to you and offer my service and he didn't want to hear that, so…”

He smiled. “You are full of surprises, do you know that?”

“I have my moments, I suppose.”

A soft laugh bubbled to his lips, his eyes going from sapphire to cobalt once more. “I imagine you do, Nina.”

He said it softly, the air between them crackling with a mysterious electricity. The fingers on her arm tightened. He pulled her closer. He bent to her.

His lips were warm and soft as they captured hers, the coarse hair of his beard tickling against her skin. He released her arm to slip his about her waist, to the small of her back, and tightened to pull her flush against him. His body was every bit as solid as it appeared, heat rising from him to sink into her as his mouth moved slowly against hers.

One hand slid up, along her back, into her hair, where he dislodged several pins. Her eyes closed as he bent her back, his lips parting, the tip of his tongue brushed her lips and the sensation had her snapping open her eyes, and she abruptly pulled away from him.

Guilt twisted her insides at the confusion in his eyes. “Have I overstepped?” He let out a mirthless chuckle. “No, forget I asked that. Of course I’ve overstepped. And for that, I truly apologize.”

“Please don’t,” she told him, catching his hands in hers. “You didn’t overstep. But—”

She stopped, pressing her lips together. She’d been about to tell him the true reason why she was there, why she was in that clearing, but the words died on her lips. He would be furious and she would not fault him in the least.

And truly, the only thing she wanted was to fall into his arms, to lose herself in his kiss, to fall into his arms and lose herself in him. Forever, if that was even possible.

If only it was.

“But what?”

She drew in a deep breath. “But… it would be a mistake for either of us to let anything happen, for either of us to even think anything could happen. A terrible mistake.”

She braced herself for his anger, just as she had for any of the boys of Esgaroth who thought to try to steal a kiss from her, only to find her shoving them away from her. More often than not, the boy in question blamed her for not allowing him to take liberties, although she made herself perfectly clear what would happen if any did.

But there was no anger, just a sense of resignation about him as he slowly exhaled and nodded. “As you wish.”

“We should just go and get breakfast and pretend this never happened.”

“Again, as you wish.”

A heaviness settled about her. “On second thought, I’m not very hungry. Do go on though, and eat.”

“Nina—”

“Please. Just—just go.”

Darkness slid through his eyes. “Very well. Remember what I said about this place. Do not do anything foolish.”

“I will. You needn’t worry.”

“I won’t.”

“Good.”

With that, he turned and without another word, resumed his stride toward the dining hall. She stood there, rooted to her spot, and just watched him until he rounded a bend and she could no longer see him. Then, she turned back to the rail, bending to rest her forearms on it, just as he had only minutes earlier, and let her eyes close as her shoulders slumped.

How had this happened? It was all so simple. Find Thorin Oakenshield, end his life, collect the bounty from Tarog. That was it. That was all she had to do.

Curse it all, why had it gotten so blasted complicated?

Because he was not the monster she’d built him up to be in her mind. He was no more that monster than she was. He was actually the opposite—a fair-minded, competent leader who put his people before himself. He’d learned from his grievous mistake and was trying to do right.

He no longer deserved her anger, for he truly regretted what he’d done. She saw that for herself. Heard it for herself in his voice and his words.

So now what?

Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Crying would solve nothing. It was a waste of time and energy and she had other things with which with to concern herself and a tryst with Thorin Oakenshield was not one of them.

There was still plenty of ground between Mirkwood and the Long Lake. She would do what she set out to do and be done with it. Then she would collect her money, find somewhere she hadn’t been before, and begin anew there.

But, even as she made her decision, she had the feeling she was about to make the worst mistake of her life.

#Richard Armitage #AU #The Hobbit #Thorin Fic #Thorin Oakenshield #Is it hot in here?#Hobbit Fic #Romance #Hobbit Fanfic #Thorin x OC #Fan fiction #The Hobbit fan fiction

19 notes · View notes

justgleekout · 5 months

Text

Are We Ever Gonna Be Okay Again?

Summary: An alternate timeline in which Kurt did go to Lima for Christmas and he and Blaine had that much-needed heart-to-heart.

But uh-oh! It's angst and they cry.

Rating: G

Words: 2273

Additional tags: Missing Scene, Fix-It, Episode: s04e10 Glee Actually, Alternate Timeline, Blangst, angst with hopeful ending, Mostly Canon Compliant, talks about cheating

Notes: Would you believe it? I've written something again!

It always bothered me that Kurt and Blaine never had a real conversation about Blaine's cheating. So this is me exploring the hows and whys and filling the gaps the writers had left. This is heavy on the emotional (bl)angst. Sorry, I like to inflict pain on this fandom.

And of course, thank you to the best beta in the world @esperantoauthor (Esperanto on Ao3)! <33

Read on Ao3

When the doorbell rang, Blaine was shaking. He hadn't seen Kurt since the opening night of McKinley's rendition of Grease. And that encounter had left him almost feeling worse than when he left New York after Kurt and he had just broken up. Blaine felt nauseous. He tried to swallow the feeling away, but his mouth was dry. He opened the door and when he saw Kurt in the doorway it was all he could do not to cry.

“Hey,” Kurt said, his voice barely above a whisper, and he gave Blaine the faintest of smiles. A smile so small and unsure that Blaine almost wished he hadn’t smiled at all.

The air between them was thick and heavy. With so many things yet unspoken, so many emotions unshown. Blaine wanted to reach out. He wanted to enfold himself in Kurt's arms, but he didn’t want to scare Kurt away, so he settled for a small, “Hey,” in return. “Do you want to come in? It's freezing.” The incredible normality of that sentence made him sick to his stomach. Nothing about this was casual and they both knew it.

“Yeah, okay.”

Blaine stepped back and Kurt entered his house.

“Did you want to come up to my room?”

Kurt shrugged. “Sure.” He tried to smile again, but it didn't reach his eyes. He followed Blaine up the stairs into his room and sat down on the edge of Blaine's bed. His back was oddly straight, and he stared down at his hands.

Blaine closed the door behind them. He didn't know why he closed the door; his parents weren't home. Maybe it was to keep Kurt from running away. To hold them together. To shield them. Blaine took a breath and sat down on the bed next to Kurt, making sure to leave enough space between them.

“So..” Kurt said. He glanced at Blaine. He looked apprehensive and it hurt Blaine. It felt awful to see the person he loved, look at him with fear and doubt and not be able to reach out to comfort him especially because he was the reason Kurt felt like that in the first place. “How have you been?” A question usually thrown into small talk so casually now felt incredibly heavy.

“Awful,” Blaine said truthfully. If this was supposed to be a heart-to-heart, he might as well be honest.

Kurt nodded, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. “Me too.”

“Kurt, you must know how sorry I am. God, I am so sorry I don't think I will ever be able to say it enough for it to cover the severity of how much I mean it, but-”

Blaine was sure his heart stopped when he felt Kurt's hand on his leg. “I know. I believe you,” Kurt said. “And I meant it when I said I wanted to forgive you. But it’s hard for me, Blaine. I thought I could trust you with my life and then you…”

Blaine flinched. “I know.”

“But maybe we can talk about how we can move forward?” Kurt prompted. He actually looked hopeful.

Blaine bit his lip. He wanted to move forward, but he couldn’t do that without moving back for a bit. He took a deep breath to gather the courage to speak, “I would actually really like to tell you what happened and why I did what I did.” It came out faster than he had hoped, but he had said it. “I also want to explain how I felt when you-”

Kurt stiffened and retreated his hand. “You don't get to blame me for cheating, Blaine,” he said slowly.

Blaine felt like he had been slapped in the face. Where did that come from? “I- I'm not blaming you. I just want to explain how I felt. I-”

Kurt closed his eyes and shook his head. “I don't wanna fight about this again.”

Blaine wanted to take Kurt's hand, as if touching him would make him understand, but he didn't. “I don't want to fight about this either, Kurt, but we never really fought about it in the first place. We never even talked about what happened… you just decided you didn't want to hear what I had to say and let me drown in guilt.”

“Oh, I’m sorry I made you feel guilty for cheating on me,” Kurt snapped and stood up from the bed.

Blaine stared at Kurt. The fear and sadness he felt before, made room for frustration. “Kurt, you know that's not what I mean.. I- Can we please just talk about this? That's why you’re here right? To have a conversation?”

“I’m not going to listen to you just trying to defend yourself, Blaine.” His voice was cold and flat.

Blaine started to feel the desperation rise in his chest. “You are not listening, Kurt.” He was forcing himself not to cry, though tears were burning in his eyes.

Kurt pursed his lips and started walking to the door. He was leaving. “This was a mistake.“

But before Kurt could reach the door knob Blaine stood up. “Can you please just listen to me!?” Blaine snapped, tears finally falling. He didn't want to raise his voice. He didn't want to fight, but Kurt just wasn't hearing him. “This is a big part of the problem, Kurt! You don't listen to me. You don't want to hear what I have to say, but I just- I need to explain. Please just for once listen to me!” Kurt couldn’t leave now. Not again.

And for the first time, Kurt was quiet. His eyes were spitting fire, but he was listening. He was finally listening.

Without taking so much as a breath, Blaine continued. He had held these feelings inside for so long, now that he had started, he couldn’t stop the words from pouring out. “Every time I try to talk to you, you shut yourself off. You ignore me, you change the subject or you get angry. And I am sick of it. If you want to give us another shot, even just as friends, I need to be able to share my part of the story as well. You don’t think I hate myself for what I did? I cried myself to sleep about it for weeks, Kurt. I am not trying to play the victim here, but do you even know why I cheated on you? Do you think I did it because I was horny and because you weren't around I just asked the first person that wanted to fuck me if I could come over? You really think that?” At this Kurt’s expression changed slightly. He still looked furious, but Blaine could see something else behind his eyes.

“I felt so alone, Kurt. I was scared. I had convinced myself you didn't love me anymore and I couldn't even tell you any of this because I could never get a hold of you for longer than two minutes. And when you finally did have a second to spare we only ever talked about you, which only strengthened the feeling I had that I just wasn't important to you. I felt completely replaced. You didn't need me anymore.”

Blaine saw that the anger in Kurt’s eyes had subsided a little. He had a pained expression on his face now and had defensively wrapped his arms around his chest.

Blaine took a deep breath. He had thought about what he was going to say next, but he never dared to say it out loud before. “I- I think maybe subconsciously I cheated on you so that that would be the reason you didn’t want to be with me anymore… not because I wasn't good enough or because you had just… fallen out of love with me.” Saying it somehow felt worse than thinking it. “I also desperately wanted to feel like I meant something to someone again.” Tears were now falling down Blaine’s cheeks. He didn’t want to think about what he was about to say next, he knew it would hurt Kurt, but he had to tell him. He just had to. “So when this guy, Eli, added me on Facebook, I thought… I don’t know, I thought maybe I would feel better.”

Kurt flinched. He squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head away as if to block out what Blaine was saying.

Blaine continued, “Maybe it would numb this ache in me. Maybe this was the only way I could get you to care. Or maybe I just wanted to protect myself against the pain. But whilst I was doing it, it mostly felt like I was punishing myself. For what, I don't really know. I guess for being stupid enough to believe I would be important enough for you to want me around when you moved to New York. I still don’t fully understand why I did it. All I know is I was hurt, and panicking and confused. And then, right after I did it, I knew I had made the biggest mistake of my life. It felt so wrong to be with someone else. I realised that no matter how bad things would've gotten between us, it was worth fighting for and I just threw it all away in a single night. The only thing I wanted was to undo what I did. And knowing that was impossible was the worst thing I've ever experienced.”

Blaine was dizzy. He felt such a deep-rooted all-consuming guilt. He knew it wasn't an excuse. The decision he had made on a whim in a state of panic had ruined the best thing he had. He had not only broken Kurt’s heart, but his own too. Being with someone else, giving his heart and body to a random guy so carelessly had made him feel sick. He felt gross and empty and he couldn’t even blame the guy he did it with because he didn't do anything wrong. He hadn't even known Blaine had a boyfriend.

“I don’t know what I even expect from you, Kurt. I can’t ask for forgiveness. I understand if you decide you don't want anything to do with me, but just... I needed you to know. To understand maybe? I made the worst mistake of my life and I’ll never be able to undo what I did even though I would in a heartbeat.”

“I’m sorry.” Kurt's voice was so faint Blaine almost thought he had imagined it.

“You- what?”

“I’m sorry,” Kurt repeated. “I’m sorry I made you feel that way, Blaine. I- I had no idea.”

Blaine looked into Kurt’s eyes and saw that they were shining with tears.

“I was so immersed in my new life. I was excited about everything that was going on in New York. I was making new friends and I am sorry I became blinded to how you were feeling. All when I promised you, you weren't gonna lose me. I promised and I failed you.”

Blaine couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Never in a million years had he expected Kurt to apologise. He didn’t even know he needed to hear it until he did. “Kurt, I-”

“But you still hurt me, Blaine,” Kurt said, but there was no venom in his voice. Not anymore. “You broke my heart and my trust and I don't think I deserved what you did to me-”

“Of course you didn’t!”

“-But, I am glad you told me, and I’m sorry I didn’t listen when you needed me to hear you. I think I needed to hear this to move forward and try to forgive you. And I want to forgive you, Blaine, so bad, but I just… can’t. Not yet.”

“I know.” It hurt to hear Kurt say that, but he knew he really couldn’t expect anything different. Kurt needed time. He needed to process everything Blaine had told him, but Blaine could wait. Even if he had to wait years for Kurt to fully forgive him, it would be worth it. “Can I…” Blaine hesitated. “Can I please hug you?” he dared to ask, hoping he wasn't pushing his luck.

And then, before he knew it, Blaine was enveloped in Kurt’s arms. Completely taken aback, it took Blaine a second to register what was happening. He then slowly curled his arms around Kurt’s back and buried his face into Kurt's shoulder. He squeezed his eyes shut and tears started falling again, and they kept falling until he was sobbing in Kurt's arms.

Kurt squeezed him tight. He held Blaine close and rubbed his back as Blaine clung to him as if he needed it to survive. It had been almost three months since he had been able to hold Kurt and he didn't dare to let go, afraid Kurt might disappear if he did. Blaine heard Kurt sniffle next to his ear. He was crying too.

They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other. The physical connection was like a godsend and the ache in Blaine's chest didn't feel as sharp anymore. Maybe, just maybe, the hole in his heart could finally start to heal. “Thank you,” he murmured into Kurt's shoulder when he had calmed down a bit, and then, “I love you." These last words said so softly they were barely audible as Blaine hardly dared to say them out loud at all.

They pulled apart and Kurt wiped the tears from his face with his hand. He gave Blaine a swift smile. “I love you, too,” he whispered back.

“Are we ever gonna be okay again?”

“I hope so.”

#glee #klaine #kurt hummel #blaine anderson #klaine fanfiction #my fics #4x10

39 notes · View notes

tarajenkins · 4 months

Text

It's that time again

Time to make a massive post for my thoughts on the Lord Vauthry side of the new Encyclopaedia 3! ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ Spoiler alert: they aren't positive at all, lmao As it turns out, there is a convenient cover-our-ass disclaimer right off that this book is diegetic. The information in it is supposed to have been gleaned from the Scions. The Scions who, especially in the case of Eulmore's ~dark secrets~, would know jack shit about fuck all.

Admittedly, Hydaelyn should've known at least some of this through the death of her last Oracle, but for whatever reason it slipped her mind to tell us any of it in-game. Whoops!

Or maybe she was relying on that child to be the stopgap against the Rejoining happening too soon, like Selch. She could've at least given credit where it was due, if so. >:T

Twitter had a huge pearl-clutching shitfit the other day about that Oracle's death, which boiled down to "EW GROSS FATTY BEAT A CHILD TO DEATH OMG". The OP showed a screenshot of the page which mentions that Vauthry attacked the Oracle after having a nightmare that she would kill him. But they chose not to link the FIRST part for whatever reason, where it stated the Oracle in question had been fighting Sin Eaters alongside Ran'jit before Vauthry was even born. So unless this Oracle was an infant slayer of Sin Eaters, Vauthry was the child in that scenario--at age TWELVE. A twelve-year-old somehow defeated Hydaelyn's avatar, who was a skilled fighter trained by Ran'jit himself. (Ran'jit was a Master Assassin at five years old, btw. No, really.)

That said, the fanbase in that post naturally bought the OP's failure to math the way Estinien buys his hair ties: like suckers. Players were parroting the misinformation via solo posts and showing their entire ass on fatphobia in this character's tag all day. And, of course, where the fandom forgives and forgets the atrocities of almost every other character, people suddenly seemed very invested in making Vauthry enjoyers EXPLAIN THEMSELVES because this character did THIS.

When that was called out for the glaring hypocrisy, one poster replied it's just that "people are shocked at child abuse suddenly being mentioned and relevant."

Except child abuse has ALWAYS been mentioned and relevant in this game. It also applies to Vauthry himself. Emet-Selch essentially killed Vauthry before he was even born, dooming an infant to a life of madness and violence by fusing the baby with a Lightwarden. His father groomed him on lies for a power grab, Ascians further manipulated him in his madness to raise the Virtues, Ascend Gaia's parents, and who knows what else. What would you call that, if not abuse? Thank Emet-Selch for the previous Oracle being murdered. That wasn't going to happen with a 12-year-old who wasn't corrupted by a Lightwarden.

But, let's be real. All the derision of the character's weight during that Twitstorm made it extra obvious what makes him ~problematic~ to them. For their faves, it's "it's just fiction uwu" or the classic ~moral relativism~. For Vauthry, it's rabid foaming because it's clearly a Moral Failing to enjoy THAT character, and we who do must be harassed for it! Case in point, the Twitter OP even pulled out the old uwu ~at least I'm not a ~Vauthry shipper uwu" chestnut, I kid you not. At least, rabid foaming on behalf of vidya game children everywhere until I asked if it was finally time to discuss how many pixel children were murdered by the Rejoinings or Garlean occupation, for a start. Kids freezing in the Brume, etc. Kids made monsters by corrupting them in the womb. You know. A Tuesday. Crickets, then.

"I can't imagine Vauthry ever being a child", someone else posted.

They showed him as a baby in his mother's arms, in the Echo flashback. It's not hard. But I guess it's easier to dehumanize a fat character than it is to think a little.

If anyone else wants to be pissed at me saying all this as they were years ago, I really, really can't be arsed to care. It's rare NOT to see this character's fatness derided in just about any discussion of him. It sure was in his Twitter tags the other day. And, well. Every day. If you want to prove me wrong, though, confront that behavior when you see it, make shutting it down the norm, instead of whining how I'm "too rude" and so that invalidates my points somehow. No shit I'm rude when this "great community" has all the wit of bullies on a playground. Go tone police them instead, maybe.

ANYWAY

On the plus side, some of this new sorta-lore does seem to still back up some of my original in-game theories, but he was already twisted by the corruption from birth. There's no denying that anymore at least, no more hearing stuff from the fanbase like "uwu Emet-Selch gave him a GIFT, Vauthry just abused it uwu". (Who am I kidding, the last part will still happen.) Also, since the actual writers of this book don't stand behind anything written in it, I can still give him the happy ending in AUville that he should have had canonly. ⸜( ˙˘˙)⸝ ♡

What the purpose of this book is when nothing in it is concrete, I have no idea. But if Square can't back off their unimaginative fatphobia, can they at LEAST make Eulmore make sense?

NOPE ( ᐛ )b

Vauthry's father was named Veronth Mudthane, and in this retcon they imply he took more than a minute to decide that allowing a rando to corrupt his baby without asking his wife first was a swell deal. "The Scions" should've at least known the Echo shown in-game just…completely refutes that. But this book also has a blurb for Anogg but shows a portrait of her brother Konogg, so I honestly have to wonder if "The Scions" even played this game.

Vauthry's mother, as per usual, is not given a name or otherwise addressed at all. Because reasons.

"A euphoric Veronth went on to spoil his offspring in extravagant fashion, showering this "new god" with adoration bordering on worship. Such treatment would warp any child's mind, and Vauthry was no exception: he grew up willful, wanton, and possessed of an awful temper."

No exceptions except: Alphinaud, Alisaie, Nanamo, the fandom darlings of Ishgard (arguably excluding Emmanellain but for some reason he always gets a free pass), Hildibrand, Sark Malark, I'm sure I am forgetting some but you get the idea! There's only one difference, I wonder what it could be--

reads book's description of Vauthry's "corpulent chest"

--ah, right. The shitty tropes barely disguised as storytelling. Double standards! It's not just for jackasses in the fanbase anymore! "The Scions" are trying to lay this on "spoiling", when the child was fused with a Lightwarden. Ask Titania how that went for them.

The book goes on to say Vauthry murdered both of his parents at age nine in a fit of temper. You read that right: age nine. With witnesses. Somehow. They go on to mention the witnesses may have been okay with it perhaps because of "a growing mastery over his Lightwarden powers of domination". You know, those powers of domination that didn't exist in-game when Alphinaud chastised the Eulmorans for willfully ignoring the plight of the rest of the world. Those powers of domination that, when they finally were exerted in-game, resulted in the Eulmorans staggering around like drunks, muttering and supremely useless.

In-game, Vauthry wasn't "dominating" anything until he sprouted meatwings and fled to Gulg. Otherwise, Tristol would never have been able to ask to leave? Alphinaud would've been affected, even if the WoL was shielded by the Blessing of Light. Kai-Shirr would have chopped his arm off gladly. The Eulmorans would be blameless for everything Alphinaud and the narrative blamed them for.

In any case, both in this book and in-game, the writers completely gutted their own narrative of Vauthry and/or Eulmore being symbolic of All Things Bad. It's pretty impressive. Vauthry was corrupted by a Lightwarden, like Titania; his mind and behavior were compromised by this from birth. And if he DID control the Eulmorans the whole time, then they had no free will, either.

The book claims Vauthry used Ascension as a cruel game and delighted in ~revealing the truth~ to his victims as they became Sin Eaters. But they never explained why there would be a need to hide any truth with this latest spin on the dumpster fire that is the Eulmore arc.

In-game, there were rules to even request Ascension of him, and it was limited to and at the discretion of the formerly rich free citizenry. Workers could be granted it, but only if their patron vouched for them. The free citizens apparently had to wait until they were at their natural end, as per the Warbler's patron. The random disappearance of so many people from the stagnant population of that tower over the years would cause a panic by any stretch of the imagination. Word would get out, because workers on the inside were shown to be able to visit loved ones in Gate Town. Only allowing Ascension at the natural end of life would cover all that part up, except Vauthry was only 29 years old. The opportunities for Ascension: The Game would've been about as often as Minfilias spawned in that one century. (Which, according to the game, was totally hundreds on hundreds of Minfilias!) Either way makes zero good sense. The convoluted lengths they went through for the sake of these cheap fatphobic tropes is staggering, I s2g.

Meol still doesn't make sense, either. They doubled down on the "fat character eats people" trope in the book, but tbh I've come to expect unoriginality from anything directed by Naoki "Diversity would be unrealistic in my giant magic summon fantasy game" Yoshida.

Sin Eaters are said to have been found in cages next to a butcher table sort of setup, even though in-game, Sin Eaters have no bones, blood, or meat. In fact, the sparklies they dissapate into upon death are rather important to the narrative, as that is what turns people into new Sin Eaters. Meol, you know, that dish which was still entirely optional, and so really contradictory to using it as some master plan to MC the populace.

TL;DR: This is what happens when you phone in lazy tropes instead of a story for a last-minute arc and call it a day. Imagine what we could've had if they'd done some actual thoughtful writing. Also TL;DR:

Mood, Your Lordship

#ffxiv #vauthry #long post #eulmore #character analysis #encyclopaedia eorzea #encyclopaedia eorzea 3

28 notes · View notes

concussed-to-pieces · 1 year

Text

Fandom: Boku No Hero Academia/My Hero Academia

Pairing: Pro Hero!Mirio/AFAB Villain!Reader

Rating: Holy shit M.

Summary: As an individual with a pretty unimpressive Quirk, it hadn't taken long for you to stray from the straight and narrow. Until, of course, a certain pro hero from your past turned up on your doorstep…

A/N: Welcome all, welcome to our last installment! I'd like to thank you all for coming along on this little tale. 💚 Enjoy!

Tag List: @hijackser @nonstop-haikyuu @zombiexbody @buttons-beads-lace @swift-omg-no @ectoplasmictoast @tartimaar-bloggeth @plaguedoctorsnake

Part One: Breathing Room

Part Two: Consequential

Part Three: Sunshine; Golden Boy

[!TRIGGER WARNING!: This installment contains emotional duress and unprotected intercourse between two consenting adults. Stay safe!]

You gasped against his mouth but your surprise didn't last much longer than that. Instead you leaned into the kiss, a little giddy when a strong hand gripped the back of your neck to hold you still.

"I'm not going to know what to do." Mirio whispered, his eyebrows drawn low in concern. "I've never done anything like this before. Never had the time for it."

"I'll let you know if I don't like it," was your answer, just as soft.

Mirio's hold tightened momentarily. "You'd better. I won't forgive myself if you don't." As you nodded, his serious expression eased. "Okay." He breathed, "okay," and then pressed an entirely different kiss to your lips. It was wet, hot, full of tongue and his teeth accidentally hit your own more than once. It was only after your noses bumped that he pulled away with an awkward little laugh.

"Why'd you stop?" You asked, panting a bit.

"Breathing was tough." He was panting as well, that signature smile brightening his formerly-pensive face. "More?"

"Do you want more?"

"Yes."

"Then okay." You grinned, threading your fingers through the hair on the back of his head and pulling him in.

…

He couldn't think straight at all.

Your hand had slipped down to unbutton his jeans a moment before and you were currently stroking his cock through his boxers which was…great, incredible, but he was definitely not going to last long if you kept that up.

"H-Hey," Mirio began shakily, groaning into your mouth when you kissed him. "Hey, I uh…look, if you keep-"

"I know." The smirk you gave him sent a shiver through his entire body. You looked so pleased with yourself. Maybe you just enjoyed having him at your mercy for once. Normally when the two of you clashed, you would only just manage to flee the scene.

But-

"Don't you want--" Mirio's breath hitched. "-don't you want me to…uh--well, y-you know."

"We've got all night." You soothed, your hand doing anything but that.

Mirio's whole body tightened up in response and he was vaguely dismayed by his lack of endurance. To be fair, he reasoned pragmatically, I've never had someone else touch me like this. "I'm going to-" he paused, scrambling to think of what the hell he was going to say, oh God why was this so embarrassing-

"Come for me?" You suggested and all Mirio could do was nod dumbly, his hips rocking into your palm. "Where would you like…?"

Oh God. Mirio's mind whipped itself into an immediate frenzy at the possibilities, the possibilities, on your face, in your mouth, on your chest, your stomach, inside- "I--mouth?" He managed to ask, his voice rasping low.

You knelt without another word, placing the head of his cock on your tongue. Togata's entire being focused down on that one point of contact, his brain going blank. He heard some noise come out of him, it must have come from him but he didn't think he had ever made a sound that deep, it felt like it was rolling from the middle of his chest.

He only regained a portion of his senses when your palm pressed firmly on his thigh, holding him still to keep him from bucking any further forward--was that your throat–Mirio choked a little. "Holy moly." He gasped, confused when you snorted.

You pulled off of his cock, still snickering a little. "Gotta' say, I've never heard that one before." You said after swallowing.

You swallowed.

"Is it okay for you to do that? I've heard--I mean, I don't know about the taste, so you don't…" Mirio trailed off, sure that his face was bright red.

You made a dismissive sound, accepting the hand up from the floor. "Not a big deal to me, don't sweat it." He still felt a bit bad about it, but if it didn't matter to you…

Mirio took you by the upper arms again, pressing your back to the door as he plunged his tongue into your mouth. You made a startled noise, then it was as if you melted against him. Your fingers plucked futilely at his clothes like you were searching for some kind of anchor, or maybe you wanted skin to skin contact?

…

Mirio pulled his shirt off over his head which satisfied your brain for the time being, and you leaned back to take in the sight of his upper body. "I love your hero suit, by the way." You crooned when he ducked in for another clumsy, breathtaking kiss.

Mirio tilted his head, seeming confused. A flush began to work its way up his neck as he clearly realized what you meant, the young man looking self-conscious. "Is…is it too much? Should I change it?" He asked worriedly.

"Don't you dare!" You laughed, giving him a playful poke in his chest. "You have any idea how tough it was to focus on dodging your attacks when all I could think about was-"

"Okay, okay, whoa there." Mirio cut you off with the protest, waving his hands. "Were you--what, while we were fighting?!" He sputtered.

"A villain never reveals their secrets." You teased, winking and getting a reluctant chuckle out of the young man. "I'm only sorry my uniform wasn't tailored to inspire those same thoughts in you."

"I was always more concerned about whether I would accidentally hurt you." Mirio admitted bluntly. "I wasn't gonna' pull any punches, but I didn't want to use excessive force either. I know I…I could be kind of a lot when I cut loose."

"That was half the fun!" You protested, making him laugh again. "Especially when you'd grab me and you'd be all worked up and irritated-"

Another kiss silenced you, Mirio now pink to the tips of his ears. "Sorry, I-I didn't mean to be. I'm supposed to be kind of unflappable, y'know." He mumbled.

"Oh don't worry, I don't think anyone else noticed. I only noticed because I knew you for so long." You tapped his jaw. "You get a vein that starts building in your neck and your jaw goes tight."

"I do? Geez, I'll have to work on that." The young man sounded somewhat dismayed. "Can't have people reading me that easily."

"It's better that way. You want the normies to remember that you're still human, right?"

Mirio went still, his expression darkening. "I…yeah, you're right." He then cupped your cheek, gently easing your face to one side. "I'd like to do this again, I think." He murmured, pressing a few light kisses to your neck and the bruise you sported on your shoulder. "This human stuff." He clarified needlessly, and his smile was tinged with sorrow even as he spoke. "I never know when it'll go away."

"You're not dead yet." You felt like an idiot as soon as the flippant, automatic response left you, but Mirio appeared to agree with your sentiment.

"I'm going to take full advantage of that, I promise." His smile brightening, he went so far as to give you a little wink. "Now come over here so I can uh…do…what people do when they hook up."

"Alright, we can move to the bed." You allowed, laughing as you pulled your shirt off over your head. You ought to have known that any sort of gravity the situation may hold wouldn't last for long in the wake of Mirio's perpetual good cheer. This was just a hook up between old friends and, hey, you figured if he performed well you'd be gracious enough to consider looking over the paperwork. Whether a reward for him or you, you couldn't really say.

Mirio had bounded to the bed, but the way he was looking at you now gave you pause.

You hesitated, fidgeting with the sleeves of your discarded shirt as confidence slowly bled out of you. "If you're not comfortable with this-" you began, hoping that he was simply nervous.

Mirio's swallow was audible. "You just look really good." He stated, his voice soft and layered with an odd, unfamiliar heat. You could feel your own temperature rocket up in response, a flushed sensation spreading rapidly at the young man's obvious interest.

You did your best to appear unaffected, though your leisurely saunter was nearly ruined by your stumbling out of your pants. "Oh?" You mused, trying to free your trapped leg in a cool and collected manner. "I'll admit, that's pretty nice to hear. You're not hard on the eyes yourself, Mi-"

Hands grabbed just beneath your rear and you were abruptly pulled in between Mirio's legs, the young man staring up at you with something akin to hungry awe. You shivered without meaning to, startled and also a bit excited by this turn of events. You could absolutely live with Mirio taking the lead, if only because it might yield humorous results.

"Now what?" You purred, slinging your arms back around his neck.

Mirio wordlessly hefted your legs up over his thighs, spreading you wide in his lap. He then kissed the fingers of your right hand, one by one, before requesting in a low voice, "show me what you like, Sunshine."

…

This was fantastic.

Fantastic.

There had never been a time in his life that he had felt like this and he wanted to remember every detail of it, etch it into his brain with indelible marks.

What you liked was, apparently, something that he could provide, which was immensely encouraging. As was the sight of you splayed in his lap, your body trembling and voice hitching even as you instructed him to move his fingers like this.

"Y-You're pretty good at this," you praised, panting.

Your words sent a shiver down his spine and Mirio straightened up, feeling very self-satisfied as he quickened the pace of his fingers. He could hear how wet you were and the idea that he had done that (or had at least helped a bit!) gave him the confidence to ask, "can I try something?"

The eyebrow raise he got in reply made Mirio cringe a little, but then you were laughing and telling him to go for it. "I'll let you know if I don't feel comfortable with it, Golden Boy."

"Okay, good." Mirio made a spinning motion with his free hand. "Turn around for me?" After you repositioned yourself in his lap, Mirio pressed his lips to the back of your neck. You quivered under the touch, making a soft sound.

"Don't tease me," you whispered.

"I won't." He promised, fingers trailing over your chest to your nipples. "I just want to feel you." His hand slipped lower, down your stomach to his rapidly-hardening cock. Mirio hissed out a breath, cupping his dick and then sliding it against your pussy. With one large hand keeping it pressed to you, he used the other to gently pluck and tug at one of your nipples, making you arch back against his chest.

"Mirio…" you whimpered, your breathy voice music to his ears. The young man nuzzled his face into your neck in reply, mouthing at the sensitive skin he discovered there while he slowly worked his cock back and forth over your pussy.

Togata abruptly realized that you'd had enough when you canted your hips just so, causing the head of his cock to slip into your entrance without his intent. "Oh! Sorry, I-" Mirio's words ground to a stop as you shoved his hand to the side, leaning your entire body forward.

"Fuck me–" you swore, the muttered curse combined with the hot, tight slide of your pussy making Mirio's breathing shudder. You were so wet from his definitely-not teasing that the young man could feel you soaking the base of his dick already, even if most of his brainpower was currently focused on holy hell don't come yet, please don't come yet, this feels incredible.

Your palms pressed down on his thighs and you wriggled, likely situating yourself more comfortably, but Mirio grabbed your hips before he could think twice about it. "Wait." He gasped, biting his lip in an effort to maintain some sort of composure. "Wait, don't move. Just--g-give me a second."

"Oh that's right." You couldn't have sounded more self-satisfied if you had tried, Mirio was certain. "This is your first time, Golden Boy?"

"D-Don't-" He wanted to protest, really he did. Just because he hadn't had sex before didn't mean he was unaware of it, unaware of the urges of his body. His own wants and needs had just…well, they had never really taken priority is all. Then your nails were lightly scratching his thighs and the denial died on his lips.

"Hey, I'll take good care of you." You crooned, your smug tone only riling the young man up further.

Mirio's eyes narrowed, his mind racing to come up with something that would throw you off balance. He wasn't exactly knowledgeable in this field, but he might be able to…

Without another word he wrapped an arm around your waist, his other hand seizing your ribs. Then, he laid back, dragging you with him.

…

Holy shit.

Mirio, sweet, heroic Mirio, the golden boy, currently had you at his mercy. Restraining you with nothing but his own strength, the young man worked you down until you were fully seated on his cock. You moaned, startled when he shifted you to once again have your back to his chest, his hold on you methodically changing to finally coax your legs up into a full Nelson.

"Holy shit." You gasped, Mirio's fingers laced firmly at the back of your neck encouraging you to look down and watch him penetrate you. "H-Holy shit, Mirio-"

"Don't worry." The young man's voice seethed hot against your ear, echoing your confident words from moments before. "I'll take good care of you."

"Oh I–believe it." You whimpered, biting your lip.

Mirio rocked you down into the cradle of his pelvis, seeming to enjoy the idea of you watching him. "This okay?" He grated out, the concern heartwarming but ultimately unneeded.

"Fuck me, Mirio!" You cried, more than a little panicky at the thought of him stopping. This was the most excitement you'd had in ages, you weren't about to tap out before the fun even began! "Please, please please, I want you-"

Mirio wordlessly planted his feet on your bed, arching his back and thrusting up into you. You keened out, helpless to do anything but get fucked by the large hero. The feeling was breathtaking, a complete surrender of control that left Mirio free to do whatever he liked to you. Currently that appeared to be stretching you to your limits, his cock rubbing in just the right way to drive you to your breaking point. You weren't sure when you had started chanting his name, and you had no idea how you managed to find the breath to do so in the first place.

Mirio, for his part, seemed content to rut against you and pant in your ear, the normally-talkative young man all but silent. He suddenly shuddered bodily, muttering something and then adjusting his grip to ease the strain on your neck. "Probably wasn't too--comfy-"

Truthfully you hadn't even noticed, but you definitely felt the relief once he changed his hold on you. Your thanks died on your lips as the hero continued his single-minded mission, the air leaving your body too quick for you to get out a sentence.

"Gonna' come," Mirio grunted, then, "f–uck, want you to come though." The unexpected swear caught you off-guard, your body tensing up at the low, desperate tone of his voice. Something about witnessing Mirio's rigid control begin to fray was fascinating, and you found yourself hoping that you'd get to see more.

"In me," you managed to say, relishing the groan you got in reply.

The hero shifted, arching beneath you while he fucked up over and over, and with one final, deep plunge, his muscles went taut. "N…not yet, not yet." You could feel the hammering of his heart in his chest, the trembling of his body as he strained and then after what felt like forever, he let go of you.

…

Mirio fairly collapsed, going limp. "Y' 'kay?" He gasped, hastily relinquishing his hold on your body. You, apparently in the process of catching your breath, sufficed with a thumbs up to reply.

Mirio felt a laugh threatening to escape and he did his best to ward it off by skirting a hand down your chest and stomach to stroke slowly, slowly over your clit. Judging from the way you shivered and arched up into his palm, he got the feeling that it had been the right call.

"I want–" he paused, trying to think of how he could say it differently and just settling on, "I want you to come too, okay? Show me what I should do."

You inhaled quickly, your hand moving to cover his. Your index finger urged his own forward, drawing lazy circles while the heel of your palm kept him from retracting his hand. Not that he would have, of course! Mirio was intensely interested in finding out how he could get you to come, especially considering that you had managed to get him off so easily before. His own impressive recovery period notwithstanding, he still felt like you more than deserved to enjoy yourself if you were able to.

Judging from the noises you were making and the way your body was writhing, you were extremely able.

Mirio latched his other arm over you just beneath your chest, pinning you down as best as he could.

"I've got you now, villain!" He exclaimed, grinning broadly while he grappled them to his chest. The miscreant lashed out, yelling and trying to kick him, but their attacks passed harmlessly through his body. "Careful! You'll hurt yourself." Mirio chided, snagging the tail end of their deep hood and tearing it off of them with one sharp jerk. "Now let's see-!"

You? Mirio froze.

Seizing your advantage in his moment of distraction, you managed to wrestle free of his hold. You glared at him with wild eyes, a smirk growing on your face when he remained silent. "What's the matter, Golden Boy? Usually you can't shut the hell up." With that, you slung yourself over the edge of the roof. Mirio heard you hit the fire escape with a metallic clang, your running footsteps quickly fading away…

"I've got you now, villain," he teased, hearing you snort in reply.

"Shut up, you're such a nerd." You said with a breathless laugh, shoving your forehead against his jaw. "I'm not going along with your weird roleplay kink."

"Roleplay-" Mirio began to sputter indignantly, about to list his protests because of course it was a joke, he was joking, but he decided to shove his thumb against your clit instead. With his cock still inside you he found he could feel your reactions, even the ones you tried to hide, which he was sure might be considered playing dirty. He couldn't really bring himself to care much though, considering the fact that your fingers were digging into the hair at the nape of his neck.

"H-Hey–" you panted, sounding a little confused. "Mirio, w--Mirio, holy shit."

"Is it alright?" Mirio cautiously asked, hoping that your reactions weren't being caused by something aside from pleasure.

"It's great, fuck, fuck-" You were trembling, seeming torn between fucking down onto his cock or up into his hand. This led to stuttering motions that Mirio slowly eased into the rhythm of, his pelvis shifting up to meet you and elongate the motion. Your whole body was pressed to his and, while Mirio had a difficult time splitting his attention between the sounds he was wringing out of you and keeping his fingers moving, he liked to believe he wasn't doing too badly.

You suddenly tensed up and the hero choked, feeling your pussy throb around him. "Fuck." You breathed, going limp in Mirio's arms.

"Wow." Mirio gasped, grabbing your hips and thrusting upwards. "Wow, Sunshine." His brain completely deserted him as he chased his own completion, dissolving into nothing but nonsensical muttering and panting. "S' tight–" He groaned and it was as if you tightened even further, forcing him to do nothing but grind himself against you like a man possessed.

You pitched forward to brace yourself on his thighs and that was all it took. Mirio buried his cock inside your cunt and came, his hands trembling before latching down hard on your hips.

…

You stared up at the ceiling, stunned speechless. Mirio simply continued to gently clean you up with a washcloth. When you finally broke the silence, it was to ask, "where the hell did you learn how to rail like that?"

"Good?" He asked cautiously.

"Yes Mirio, fuck's sake," you laughed, your mind still hazy.

"I mean, I-I dunno', it was my first time so I'm not really sure."

You shifted your weight, catching his wrist. "You weren't kidding earlier? I figured you were just trying to maintain that sterling reputation you've got."

Mirio didn't meet your eyes, seeming a bit embarrassed. "W-Well, what good would have come out of lying? You'd have figured it out pretty quick."

Deliberately softening your tone, you replied, "Thank you for being honest with me, then. Even if it could be awkward."

"You deserve honesty," Mirio insisted, "and you deserve safety."

You sighed heavily, flopping onto your back and rolling your eyes. "Alright, let me use the bathroom and then you can pitch me your incredible scheme." You raised a finger to ward off the excited outburst you could see he was about to unleash. "I expect to have my record scrubbed. I'm not joining some stuffy group on garbage terms just because you think I would 'work hard and succeed' or 'it's what's right'. You know you can trust me. If you want me involved, you can go to bat to convince your peers to let me function without imposing unnecessary restrictions."

Mirio looked incredibly serious. "Done."

You reached over, giving his hand a shake. "Well then Golden Boy, sell me on your plan and let's get me that hero license."

He pulled you into him instead, his eyes searching your own. That serious expression didn't wane in the slightest, even as he leaned down to kiss you once more. "I'll keep you safe." He murmured. "You don't have to be afraid anymore, okay? I'll help however I can."

"Sh-Shut up, Golden Boy." You blustered, flicking the tip of his nose before making your escape to the bathroom. Before you did anything else though, you braced yourself on the sink and studied your reflection in the mirror for a few moments. Was it hope or just the idea of it, daring to brighten your expression from its usual frown?

Maybe…maybe this hero stuff isn't so bad.

81 notes · View notes

prolix-yuy · 6 months

Text

PedroStories HallowReads Celebration

A Spooky Salute to Writers!

There are literally hundreds of fics out here that have stolen my heart, but here are a few of my favorites. Forgive me if I wax poetic about some of these, but I think you'll love them just as much!

For other stories I've loved, check out my fic rec tag!

🎃 Here are my recommendations for @pedrostories’ HallowReads Celebration 🎃

My favourite fanfics I read this year

Point A to Point B by @amywritesthings Description: Escorting a former Empire prisoner of war to a Rebel Alliance safe zone? It should be a piece of cake. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. My thoughts: My space sister even when she's off in another galaxy far far away (aka another fandom), Point A to Point B was one of the first Din series I read that was in progress at the time I started. Nothing made me quite as excited as giving my blow-by-blow reactions to Amy's spectacular story, and I'll come back to a few of those...ahem...firsts time and time again. The writing style is crisp and gorgeously detailed, and I love her religious Din so very much.

Lie to Me by @iamskyereads Description: A recent transfer to the DEA from the FBI makes you a target of hazing from your co-workers. Choosing to forget your bad first day at a bar puts you on a path towards meeting a new acquaintance. An expert on deception and psychological profiling, you are adept at catching liars. What happens when an increasingly stressful work environment begins to test the limits of your personal life and the one man at the center of it all, Javier Peña? Afterall, everybody lies about something. But how many are you keeping from yourself? An AU of Season 3 of Narcos My thoughts: Skye writes some of my favorite "it's canon now" stories, and Lie to Me is a shining example of what her creative mind can do with Season 3 plus an incredible reader character. I have never read a story where the reader was so different than me but also someone I'd so badly like to be that I could really imagine it to be true. Plus her Javi is so thoroughly rendered in perfect introspection I half expect scenes from the show to have Carino in the background. A must read!

Surrender by @ezrasbirdie Description: Weeks after the events in Kansas City, Joel and Ellie stumble across a woman lost in the Nebraska wilderness. With her knack for foraging and unending patience for Ellie's ceaseless questions, Daisy quickly becomes an asset on their journey. But between Joel's capriciousness towards her presence and Ellie's fierce loyalty to her guardian, she can't help but question her place with her new companions--especially when she catches Joel's gaze lingering more and more when he thinks she isn't looking. My thoughts: Listen, I know there's a lot of Joel out there right now, but this Joel? You need to read this Joel. A glorious character study of an intensely broken man finding a new start through the eyes of a complex and powerfully realized OC. There are whole chapters that have me in a chokehold, and the pain is so stunningly offset by the beauty they find in each other. One of my favorite things Birdie has written (and there are lots to choose from!)

Celestial Navigation by @write-and-buried Description: Dumped and drowning in a summer storm, you duck inside a coffee shop to hide from your broken heart. Covered in plants and hand drawn images over exposed brick, it seems like a slice of heaven. The owner brings you a blueberry muffin and a promise; you’ll fall in love with him before the new year. My thoughts: How can I not mention the story I salivated over every week waiting for a new chapter? This Dieter has all of the hallmarks of canon Dieter with so much more depth and a unique twist to his character that works perfectly in this sort-of AU. Every description is lush and ripe, sensuality used to lull you into horny heaven. Gorgeously realized and a wonderful contained read again and again.

Intimidation Tactics by @whataperfectwasteoftime Description: You and your partner, Marcus Pike, are investigating a case that brings you far too close to something much more dangerous than your average art thief. My thoughts: Penny came out of the gate SWINGING with this series. Marcus and Dave's chemistry is electric, and the three of them together weave attraction and devotion into something much more grounded and confident than I expected. Their relationship blossoms so fully I can't imagine it any other way.

Wild Abandon by @starlightmornings Description: Post-WWII, set in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Ezra Joe Collins came home from the war looking to hide away in the wilderness. His simple, quiet life is turned upside down when you show up in his garden, hungry and desperate, with nowhere else to go. What starts out as a grudging friendship quickly transforms into something that will knit your very souls together — but as you soon discover, such a bond comes at great cost. My thoughts: Kaylie's masterful execution of this thematic story kept me on the edge of my seat for weeks! The setting and voice is some of the most unique writing I've come across, and the threads she weaves together to make the full picture come to light had me gasping. Plus Ezra is the perfect balance of hedonistic and mysterious, just the way I like him.

Beloved fanfics with my comfort characters

First Class to Tatooine by @mandosmistress Description: You’re a flight attendant who’s so entranced by your melancholy, beskar-clad passenger that you decide to cheer him up with some first class treatment. And although the Mandalorian seems to think he can forget his woes between your legs if he tries hard enough, despair and violence seem to follow him no matter how hard he tries to shake them. My thoughts: Mari's fic was some of the first I read in the fandom and if I'm ever missing Din I come back to this story. Her young Din fics are transcendent, but I'm so in love with this post-TBOBF story and the angst she pulls out of it.

Kinktober 2022 by @chaoticgeminate Description: You’re a fanfiction writer turned novelist, which was great since it was the path you wanted your writing to take you down in life. What you never thought would happen was meeting the Javier Gutierrez, who you actively write smutty fanfiction about from his film with Nic Cage, and you especially didn’t expect him to have a crush on you. Fast forward several months of dating, with a good chunk of your relationship being distance due to his constant traveling and having to go home to Mallorca, when he surprises you with a prompt list and a vacation planned around exploring it. You haven’t even worked up the nerve to tell him about what you write and post to Tumblr about him as a character yet. My thoughts: Who doesn't want to live in a world where some happy accidents bring you together with Javi Gutierrez in a sexy funfest full of feelings, healthy relationship conversations, and mind-blowing smut? Plus Kelly made me almost cry several times featuring my beloved Murch in her stories and now our RCs are best friends forever.

Palomino by @fuckyeahdindjarin Description: Unable to get a refund for a week-long horse-riding pack trip you’d booked with your ex, you decide to go solo. As it turns out, a rebound with a cowboy named Jack while traversing the wild landscapes of Wyoming might just be what you need. My thoughts: Palomino is a triumph of a fic by the incredibly talented Cee that is a must-read if you like anything horsey. Even if you don't, come for the soft-spoken cowboy we were robbed of in TGC and their adventures together. Cee took so many unique turns that had me intrigued with my heart clenching at each new chapter, and the ending is truly something beautiful.

Fanfics I wish more people knew about

Calculated Risks by @pedrito-friskito Description: I took a calculated risk, but fuck, am I bad at math aka - this started as friends with benefits but you’re ridiculously good in bed and not as much of an asshole as originally thought and now I’m kind of in love with you? a saga. My thoughts: Kay's Dieter is a chaotic mess in the best way, and she pairs him with someone just as messy and perfect for him. They traverse some highs and lows together, but the love is so carefully threaded through you have to root for them.

Vibes by @mandoblowmybackout Description: Sex toys, Din Djarin, neurodivergent reader and so many feelings? What's not to love? My thoughts: The number of times I've closed my eyes and thought of scenes from this series is too large to count. As sexy as the concept sounds, the trust and care that Ash takes to give these two the love they deserve is even more exhilarating.

Kitten by @boliv-jenta Description: The reader meets Nico at a swingers party. Will he just scratch an itch or carve a place in her life? My thoughts: Liv has so many fics I adore, but the exploration of Nico as a character and how his and Kitten's experimentation grows is just masterful. Plus she gives us one of my favorite OC side characters and so many twists and turns I was gobbling up each addition the moment they came out!

Fanfics with my favourite trope/AU

Love Triangles by @littlemisspascal Description: Soulmates with Identifying Marks AU, including a ridiculous amount of pining, misunderstandings, and Dieter being Dieter. My thoughts: Rae's writing never fails to make me feel the widest spectrum of emotions. This AU is so fun and thoughtfully fleshed out, with a wild but kind Dieter, hilarious nicknames, and a soulmate twist that had me a gooey mess by the end.

Stranger At My Gate by @leslie-lyman Description: A time-traveling Pero. A modern woman trying her best. A kitchen full of possibility. A helping of Midwestern kindness. A dash of magic. And a whole lot of Christmas spirit. My thoughts: I read this around the holidays and it was the perfect treat for my time-travel-Pero-loving heart! The world Leslie creates is so warm and homey I want to live in it always. Plus big gruff Pero melting down for Tessa makes me want to cry, it's so wonderful.

A Galaxy Far Far Away by @grogusmum Description: This fic is as much a story about Din, Grogu, and Reader as it is a little love letter to an old home of mine, during an idyllic time in my life. As with most authors, there are characters who are a reflection of them, and that is certainly so for reader characters in fics. And it is so here, but only a little, but the cottage, the town, the festivities are directly from life. I hope they come across kind of like characters in their own right. My thoughts: Every time I get a new piece of this story it melts me again. The love in this is quiet and gentle, and Grogu is a sweet little menace we adore. The slow growth of love is truly the star, and I'll forever want to live in this town with a big teddy bear of a man and his mischievous son.

The Language of Flowers by @lowlights Description: You’re the only daughter of a wealthy Victorian family living in the countryside. The head gardener, Din, catches your eye and your heart. A series of clandestine rendezvous put both of your futures in jeopardy. One question persists: could you ever truly be together? (A Din Djarin AU) My thoughts: Gardener!Din owns my heart, my nethers, a large piece of my brain. The Victorian vibes are off the CHARTS, and while there's the looming doom of their secret relationship always present, I still fall back in love every time.

Fanfics I NEED to read

A Girl Walks Into a Bookshop by @oonajaeadira Description: Set a couple of years after the events of the film. Ezra owns a bookshop. You walk in. My thoughts: This has been on my TBR forever and I feel like I need to set aside a day to just binge it. I know it'll make me soft. I know it'll give me all the feels. I just need to prepare myself for it, preferably with a warm drink and a cozy corner to melt in.

Meant to Be by @radiowallet Description: Oberyn Martell has spent his life as a second-born prince enjoying all the pleasures that Dorne has to offer, staving off any notion of an arranged marriage under the guise of searching for his soulmate. But after defeating The Mountain and avenging his sister's untimely death, Oberyn returns home to his brother still without a true heir. And so Doran states his plan: To name Oberyn Lord of Sunspear and have him take a wife, soulmates and lovers be damned. So what happens when the fates of Westeros send him an independent and troublesome woman from the north that just happens to fit the title of both bride and soulmate? Which feelings does one bow to? To bend or to break? And what does it truly mean to be meant? My thoughts: Cat's unique take on a Soulmate AU with an unlikely Pedro boy has been tantalizing me for months! And to hear her say that it's one of the formative stories that's developed her unique voice just makes me want to read it more!

Clean Sheet by @haylzcyon Description: Former FBI agent turned tortured crime-author Marcus Pike has never gotten the hang of complacency. The weight of monotonous days stuck writing a loveless character into predictable plotlines is heavy - but he finds ways to shoulder it. Newly divorced and the owner of a print shop where Marcus orders copies of his working drafts, a slip-up in order packaging sparks a fast blooming friendship between you, and reveals a side to Marcus that you've only dreamt of. My thoughts: AUTHOR MARCUS AUTHOR MARCUS I know this is going to get me yearning and I cannot wait for him to meet-cute his way into my heart.

Like a Moth to the Flame by @the-scandalorian Description: monster!Din, sort of a dark Beauty and the Beast AU My thoughts: Oh god. Oh godddddd. Monster!Din. I can't. I need a minute. I'm gonna be such a problem after this story and I need to be ready for that. I'm looking so disrespectfully at this story Simone.

Thank you to each and every writer who's on this list (plus dozens more) and whose words are forever imprinted in my brain, for better or worse. Happy Spooky Season!

#pedrostorieshallowreads23 #prolix fic recs

33 notes · View notes

donnabenevientosimpingzone · 3 months

Text

Complex feelings and absolute pandemonium about my mental health aside- going back to reread and look at old posts to relive memories (mostly the very bad cuz I was not a good person when I was in the fandom and am beyond embarrassed about it-) has been an absolute disaster of a healing journey.

May be redrawing some old sketches as a checkpoint of that, so comic updates are going to slow.

I ask that everyone remain polite to my wishes and not tag anyone who you see my art addressing. For example if a draw or redraw fanart from a fanfic, do not reblog tagging the author.

Most certainly I am not remembered fondly by those people, and that’s okay.

In my answer to the Donna headcannons ask, I included one very specific relationship headcannon. It’s not a coincidence- that was me. Back when I was part of this fandom during its peak- I was that lil toxic jerk that ruined shit for other people. I have no excuses for this- young and dumb, pretherapy, unknowingly, flat out being stupid- it doesn’t excuse my actions. As much as I wanted to be a good person- I was not- I did good things- but at my core I was rotting. I still am tending to parts of it.

People are going to remember me as that lil toxic jerk. That’s why I hope ya’ll respect my wishes as I redraw old stuff. Everyone deserves to enjoy their passions without someone, something- a memory- ruining it (again) for them.

I’m sharing these redraws because there’s a story here I hope people take inspiration from. Whether the story is about forgiving others for their past mistakes, learning that you’re not alone, or embracing your embarrassments- that’s different for every person. If that story is lost on people, I have every right to delete it all.

And as for that headcannon, Donna has and always will be the person who trekked beside me through this hellscape that is my mind. As I’ve written stories and drawn more where she gets that happy ending, I see a road for myself- as corny as that could have possibly sounded. There are weights I carry that I must learn to let go- memories of people who have come into my life for a season and changed me forever that probably even despise me now- and one of them is going to be Donna eventually.

Eventually.

For now she’s still very much on the forefront of my mind lmao.

Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk<3

And for you, you know who you are- the one who was the largest victim of my toxic foolery and had the unfortunate responsibility where I crashed upon you from tumblr dms and just wouldn’t leave you the fuck alone because of your work- if you’re by any slim possible fucking chance you’re reading this: thank you for moving on. It sounds so silly, but abandoning me was the right choice, despite all my abandonment issues. I cannot ask for forgiveness after the manipulative bullshit I did to you- the best that I can ask is that your best is an even better person then before for those that’ll have the blessing to be let into your life. Which, from what I’ve read on the latest update to said work, I am reassured you have.

#donna beneviento #shitpost

20 notes · View notes

un-unavoidableanxiousball · 4 months

Text

✨ Meowpheus ✨

────────────※ ·❆· ※────────────

<- Previous Part Next Part ->

────────────※ ·❆· ※────────────

Masterlist Masterlist²

Prompt used: Panic Attack

Rating: Teen and Up

Fandom: The Sandman

Pairing: Dream of The Endless/Hob Gadling

Characters: Dream of The Endless, Hob Gadling

Tags: angst, hurt/comfort, possible out of character

Warnings: panic attack

Word count: 936

────────────※ ·❆· ※────────────

╰┈┈➤ PREVIOUSLY

Hob's jaw practically hit the floor. Where before a cat was lying on the couch's armrest, now sits his Stranger.

Silence stretches as Hob's staring wide-eyed at his Friend, and Dream avoids making eye contact.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

Spending time with Hob has been a rare delicacy. He got too comfortable.

Oh, how Dream wishes to curse his sister for her timing, but he won't. He has foolishly forgotten it wouldn't last forever, didn't even know when Desire planned to end this charade. He couldn't stand the thought of it ending at all.

The moment Death has come, he was instantly filled with dread. He saw the confusion on Hob's face at Death's actions and could anticipate Hob's realisation, hurt, and inevitably betrayal.

He had to brace himself for rejection and Hob's justified anger.

Perhaps Hob will forgive him again?

No. No, before it was out of his control to miss their meeting. But this— this was intentional. Perhaps it'll be the last straw and Hob will want him to leave and not come back. That thought alone coiled his being tight bringing out a humid storm inside him.

He doesn't want to lose him. Hob is his friend, he takes the loneliness away. He doesn't want to but Hob deserves better. If he'd wish it Dream will go back to being alone again.

Distantly the Dreaming is enveloped in a dense fog, so thick that if one were to slice it, it would only leave a faint cut; making it all that difficult to move. Few unlucky denizens, scrambling for shelter, were slowed down, practically unable to move further. Nightmares with their sharp edges come to rescue dreams not strong enough to manage these conditions.

It will feel wrong, he will feel wrong. Alone again. Too soon.

Hob deserves to be free of him but oh, how he'll miss the human's warmth. It's unfathomable and ultimately unavoidable, he'll get used to being cold again. He must. Hob's worth it.

He can already feel the upcoming cold; a sharp, white noise of irritating itches.

The Dreaming's air stilled as the mist has frozen, dreams and nightmares alike feel disbelief, and andrenaline. The ice is of irregular shape - crystal-like, and sharp shards forming from the rain stab surfaces with hisses and whizzes.

Unbearable, it'd be unbearable but Dream will endure. For Hob.

No. Better not to think of Hob, it'll be too painful. Yet it was the thought of Hob that made him steel his resolve inside the glass.

He hears nothing. Everything? It's ringing, humming?

Hob? Yes Hob. Soft Hob with bright gentle eyes and joyous smiles, comfortable and warm and safe.

Where is he again? Silence is buzzing within him. When did the air go stale?

Wrong. What's wrong? What did he miss? Hob might know. Hob's clever.

Dream stills as melodic notes reach him.

*Fr---d! Dr--m?*

No, not notes, voice. Warm and concerned. Safe... Is that Hob's voice surrounding him?

*...d you to c-me back.*

Hob.

*You're safe. I'm here. You c-*

With Hob, safe. Yes. What is he doing here? Did Burgess get him too?

*-ry later. Gonna touch you now. Okay Friend?*

The moment Hob's hand made contact with Dream, time resumed in the Dreaming. All shards, previously suspended in the air, violently plunge to the ground with a shatter.

Hob's touch was enough to startle Dream back to Hob's flat and away from Burgess's basement. Not yet enough for Dream to calm.

"I need you to focus on me. Alright?" Hob's concerned voice fully reaches Dream. Then hesitant, Dream slowly drags his eyes upwards to Hob's face. That earned him an encouraging smile. "Good. That's it. You're doing great." Hob says and leads Dream's hand to put against his chest, then "I want you to match my breathing now."

Dream mimics the slow and steady movement of Hob's chest. After a while Dream has found his voice; his mind fully present with Hob.

"I'm sorry." He says and then Hob's smile turns sad.

"Nothing to apologise for my Friend. I'm no stranger to panic attacks." Hob says, gentle.

Dream's eyes flutter shut to stop tears from appearing. Why is Hob gentle with him? He surely doesn't deserve it.

"I should leave. I'm sorry for intruding, Hob Gadling."

"Who said anything about leaving? And you truly didn't bother me or intrude." Hob blurts out, hand darting out to grasp Dream's arm as Dream started to stand. "While I can't deny I have questions. They can wait. I'd rather be sure you're alright Stranger." Hob spoke with a strained, nervous grin, his grip on Dream's arm weakening.

"If...I'm alright? Certainly you must wish me gone for invading your privacy..?" Dream questions, unbelieving.

"Not really, no. I-" Hob licks his lips from nerves, "-I think it helped, helped you that is. Spending time with me. I don't know what happened to you Stranger," Dream tenses slightly, "-but you can come by. Anytime, doesn't matter. If it helps, I'll gladly give you my time." Dream glances at Hob's eager, honest eyes.

"You still want my company even-?" Dream begins, voice filled with emotion.

"Of course." Hob cuts him off. "I fought tooth and nail for the title of being your friend, Stranger. You're not getting rid of me that easily." Hob jokes but Dream can see nothing but the truth in that statement.

"I...Thank you Hob, my Friend." Dream nods, then "I owe you an explanation. I shall meet you tomorrow... I have something to attend to."

With that Dream makes his escape to the Dreaming leaving behind a stunned Hob Gadling staring where seconds before stood his friend.

────────────※ ·❆· ※────────────

<- Previous Part Next Part ->

────────────※ ·❆· ※────────────

@fandom-free-bingo

#dreamling #fanfic bingo #bingo #writing prompts #the sandman #dream of the endless #hob gadling #FandomFreeBingo #FrostyEditionBingo #meowpheus #hurt/comfort

25 notes · View notes

arcielee · 7 months

Note

Let's spread some positivity! Tag some of your fellow content creators here and let them know why they are absolutely amazing!❤️

Okay, so I am relieved because I got two of these anons 💜 This will be some of my HotD favorites and forgive me if anyone slipped my mind. I just love reading the talent that floods my dashboard... and I let this sit in my drafts for fucking weeks because I hated the idea of forgetting someone.

So, just consider this just a few of my favorites, part 1. 😅

Anyway, Read More to save dashboard space!

@sylasthegrim I was obsessed with your work on ao3 and you were so gracious with every inane comment I left on your every chapter, every story posted. Love is a Downfall was one of my first HotD fanfics I read and I was a woman obsessed. Thank you for being so wonderful. 💜

@hamatoanne You are one of my og Tumblr kindred spirits and I have loved every story you have shared with us. Your writing is brilliant and gets better with every new piece you share. You have this brazen fearlessness with your words that I adore, and you are one of the sweetest people I know on this hellsite. 💜

@squirmhoney I just adore you writing style, the palpable tension you create in a one-shot or a series, just the raunchy deliciousness that leaves me clutching my damn pearls. 💜

@lonnson I truly adore your artwork, your writing, and your wit. The gods have truly favored you with your apparent talent (but also us, since you are so kind to share with us your writing and art) and I feel lucky to call you a Tumblr kindred spirit. 💜

@myfandomprompts Your humor has me cackling like a loon. I love your stories, your gifs, your random posts that have me a grinning fool. I love getting glimpses for whatever will come next, just blessing my eyeballs with your brilliance. 💜

@theoneeyedprince I love your prose and your pacing to create a narrative that allows me to just disappear from the real world. Your Aemond is just perfection and you are a gem. 💜

@inthedayswhenlandswerefew Maggie's Suffering Sundays are one of my favorite things. Your story telling has made me into a lifelong fan and I will literally read anything that you create. (Case and point, me in my Ben Hardy era.) 💜

@theromanticegoist Your talent, your prose literally breathes life into me. You have a flow to your words that reads like a dream and every piece posted is my comfort fic. Thank you. 💜

@myfandomprompts Your creations, your stories are some of my favorite. I know your talent is not limited to HotD (thank the gods) but you are just so truly wonderful and it must be said. 💜

@barbieaemond Your creations, from gifs to stories, are some of my favorites on this hellsite. I adore your brilliant brain and everything that comes from it. Your humor and wit have me cackling maniacally and I don't give a damn who hears it. 😂💜

@chattylurker Your reblogs bring me to life and your tags have everything so organized. You are a true gem in this fandom. 💜

Some of my favorite writers include: @aemonds-fire @evermorre @solisarium @sapphire-writes @namelesslosers @hightowhxre @lovelykhaleesiii @fan-goddess @dreamsofoldvalyria@dcmnatio @st-eve-barnes @lauraneedstochill @fairysluna @humanpurposes @farity @jacevelaryonswife @marthawrites @devthlyangels @zae5

Those whose art takes my breath away @cyeco13 @slytherincursebreaker @bluecoffeebeanz @paintb0x @anamiguelmendes @azperja (but their writing is also just as brilliant!)

#☆ arcie's fic recs #i love my talented tumblr kindred spirits

33 notes · View notes

exitpursuedbyavulcan · 1 year

Text

The Silver Dragon (32/?)

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Original Female Character

Word Count: 4559

Story Summary: Lady Arianwyn Targaryen, the Lady of Runestone, was seeded by her father, the Rogue Prince Daemon Targaryen, in an act of unbridled hatred, and borne of her mother, the late Lady Rhea Royce, as a desperate grasp at revenge.

Ignored by her father, and alone following the death of her mother, she is raised in King’s Landing alongside her cousin, Prince Aemond Targaryen. As they grow, the two find themselves indelibly bonded. But their lives are far from the fairy tales they read, and as tensions in the family rise, they find their paths may diverge.

Will they be pulled apart when the dragons dance?

Chapter Summary: After her visit with the King, Arianwyn returns to her husband.

Warnings: Adult content, Minors DNI.

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay with this chapter! Tuesday night, I picked up the second book in a quartet that I had started months ago... and now I'm almost done with book four. Don't ask me how it happened, it just did. Hopefully the content of this chapter makes up for the wait!

Series Masterlist

Taglist: @thelittleswanao3 @trap-house-homiecide @50svibes @literishdegree99 @dc-marvel-girl96 @henriettadreaming @multiple-fandoms-girl @gyuxmilk @somemydayy @kittykylax @whore-of-many-hot-men @slavicvvitch

(Please let me know if your tag isn't working, and I'll do my best to correct it! And if you would like to be added to the list, just shoot me an ask!)

The Sound of His Voice

As soon as she closed the bedchamber door behind her, Arianwyn exploded into racking sobs. Alicent immediately rose from her chair, and Ser Criston abandoned his post by the door to collect her from the floor.

“Oh, my dear girl,” Alicent said, rocking her gently in her embrace. Then, with a wave of her hand, she directed Criston to enter the bedchamber and ensure the King was not dead – that his passing was not the cause of Arianwyn’s current state of despair.

Criston emerged only moments later and shook his head.

The King was still alive.

Arianwyn had buried herself in the Queen’s embrace, her sobs showing no sign of wavering anytime soon. She was still angry at the King for all he had done. But more than that, she was angry at herself for being so saddened by the impending death of a man she proclaimed to hate.

Why should she mourn the man who had hurt her so badly, and wounded Aemond in his very soul?

Because, despite her anger, despite her inward shouts of protestation that she hated him, she did not. Not entirely

She loved Viserys. A part of her would always love him.

The sobs and cries came harder, seizing her, body and soul, so entirely that she could feel nothing else but the pain in her chest, the roiling in her stomach, and the stinging in her eyes.

“I know, darling,” Alicent whispered into her hair, stroking the silver curls with all the gentleness and love of a mother. “It is cruel that we must witness him this way, but we can take comfort in that it grants us the time we need to say goodbye.”

Goodbye.

Arianwyn had said so much more than ‘goodbye.’ She had laid bare all of her messy, complicated feelings for her uncle and refused him forgiveness, as was proper when one was on their deathbed.

Would the Seven ever forgive her for that slight?

Despite all the lessons and warnings from Septons and Maesters, Arianwyn had no desire to go back into the King’s bedchamber and apologize for her words. Nor to forgive him.

Forgiveness may be a virtue, but, like respect, it must be earned. Viserys had never done anything to deserve her forgiveness, and now he never would.

As her sobs subsided and her weeping calmed, all Arianwyn desired was to return to Aemond.

“I want to go home,” she whispered into the Queen’s shoulder.

Alicent pulled her even tighter to her chest, furiously rubbing circles on her back. “You are home, darling.”

Arianwyn shook her head, struggling to find the right words through her emotional haze. But there was only one word that came clearly: “Aemond.”

That, the Queen understood. She released her niece and summoned Ser Criston to help them both stand. After taking a moment to straighten both dresses, she took Arianwyn’s hands and helped her hold onto the Kingsguard’s arm.

Arianwyn heard Alicent give Ser Criston instructions, but they sounded distant and muffled. When they started moving, slowly, to accommodate her unsteady feet, she realized that he was taking her back to her apartments. To Aemond.

She turned back to the Queen to offer something. Her thanks, her sympathy, or perhaps her apology. But no words left her lips.

Still, Alicent smiled sweetly and nodded. She was concerned, but she took no offense.

Barely managing to smile back, Arianwyn turned to the door that Ser Criston now held open and left the King’s chambers – including that accursed model of Valyria – behind.

As they stepped into the corridor, Ser Adrew Dutton joined them. The cheerful Valish guard had been her protector for the day, and for it, Arianwyn was glad. He had been by her side since she left Runestone as a babe and had never failed to cheer her.

She had fond memories of Ser Adrew abandoning his post by the door to join her in play when she was a small girl, helping her to build towers of blocks that she could never have managed on her own. On Dragonstone, he had taken it as his personal duty to cheer the entire tower. He was not always successful, but he had, on many occasions, made her smile when she was sure she never would again.

It could only have been a blessing from the Seven that he was there, rather than any of her other knights (who she also adored but were far more formal and serious than Adrew) to support her.

He only allowed Ser Criston to take her to the end of the corridor before he stopped and held his arm out for his Lady. “I will escort her from here. You may return to your duties, Ser.”

“The Queen tasked me with returning her to her chambers, Ser,” Criston replied, his tone strictly professional.

Arianwyn’s head had cleared enough for her to actually hear their words. Without speaking, she removed her hands from Ser Criston and gripped Ser Adrew’s arm tight. Both men knew her well enough to know what it meant.

Criston stood down, but looked into Arianwyn’s eyes. “Are you all right, Princess?”

Leaning into Ser Adrew’s side, she shook her head.

“Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?” he asked.

Again, Arianwyn shook her head.

A twinkle entered Ser Adrew’s honey-brown eyes, and he grinned crookedly as he spoke. “Perhaps Ser Criston could show us that ‘face’ that he declined to make for you earlier. Would that cheer you, Princess?”

The memory of Jaehaerys’ instructions came slowly, but when it did, the suggestion made the corners of Arianwyn’s mouth quirk up.

For Adrew, it was an emphatic ‘yes.’ He braced his arm, bringing the Princess’s gaze to the other knight. “Surely bringing a smile to her face would do more good than the redundancy of having two equally capable knights escorting her through the most secure castle in the realm?”

Ser Criston looked like it pained him not to argue, but he sighed and dropped his head. “Very well.”

When he looked back up, his lips were puckered tightly in mock anger, as if he had just tasted the most bitter of lemons. His usually serene brow was somehow both raised and scrunched, creating countless lines across his forehead and the bridge of his nose. Despite this, his eyes were as wide as he could make them. Though she imagined Jaehaerys had wanted them to project righteous anger, they were filled with only embarrassment and disbelief that he was actually doing this.

But Adrew had been right. At the ridiculous sight, Arianwyn barked with laughter. Just as she had been racked with sobs, a fit of childish giggling now overtook her entire body, forcing her to hold on to her guard’s arm to stay standing.

That the humiliating ordeal had cheered the Princess so thoroughly did tempter Criston’s embarrassment. Enough for him to smile when she looked back at him, though it only sent her into another fit of laughter.

“I will consider that my duty done,” he muttered, glaring daggers at Ser Adrew. “Good night, Princess. I hope you feel better on the morrow.”

After Ser Criston had withdrawn back into the King’s Chambers, Adrew leaned down to Arianwyn, who was finally calming from her hysteria. “Not for one moment did I actually believe he would do it.”

Again, Arianwyn laughed.

At the door to her and Aemond’s chambers, Arianwyn finally released Ser Adrew’s arm. Throughout their walk through the Holdfast, her mind kept slipping back to the King, what she had said to him, and what he had done or allowed to happen to her and her husband. But each time she frowned, Adrew gripped her tighter and said any number of ridiculous things to lighten her heart.

She was far too exhausted to thank him properly that night, but she resolved to make it up to him later. So, for now, she simply lifted herself on the tips of her toes to kiss his stubbly cheek. “Thank you, Ser.”

Adrew looked down on her with the fondness of a father. “It is not only my duty to protect you from physical harm, Aria,” he said. The pretense of protocol all but forgotten. He had protected her for 19 years; he had earned the right to use her name, just this once. “I will also protect you from those who would harm your heart.”

Overwhelmed by gratitude and affection, Arianwyn was again at a loss for words. So instead, she wrapped her arms around his broad, bronze-armored shoulders and embraced him.

Daemon had never been a father to her. For a long time, she thought Viserys was the closest she would ever have.

How foolish she had been to think that.

Half of her guards from Runestone had been with her nearly all her life.

Ser Adrew, who had played with her and made her smile.

Ser Christor Hardyng had always asked her countless questions when she returned from the library or her lessons. At first, she had found it irritating, as though she was being forced to attend another lesson. Over time, she realized that not only was he genuinely curious, having received little education in his own youth, but that teaching him what she had been taught had helped her to retain her knowledge. It meant that on the few occasions when Aemond could not recall an answer, she usually could.

Ser Ruban Woodhull was the most protective. He had always accompanied her to the Dragonpit, never fully trusting the great beasts to not harm her. When she rode through the city, he kept his horse near her window and glared at anyone – noble or lowborn – who looked at her too long. The first few times Aemond had snuck into her rooms, it had been Ruban who pinned him to the wall. Convincing him that the Prince meant no harm had been no easy task.

Ser Sterlan Coldwater, despite his gruff appearance, could always be counted on to serve as an accomplice when she and Aemond needed a mischievous hand. Whether it be keeping watch as they snuck into the kitchen for an extra serving of dessert, distracting the librarians so they could keep reading well after their curfew, or even sending a secret raven to Kiran earlier that day, he was always eager to volunteer to help.

Ser Simon Mullynn was always melancholy, but that was no bad thing. When she had been sad, sometimes what had helped the most was him simply sitting silently by her side, letting her know she was not alone. He even, on the occasions when she was genuinely despondent, held her hand. It was the most emotion she had ever seen from him, the most vulnerability he ever showed. Knowing that he trusted her so always made her feel better.

And dear Ser Warren Crayne. Ever steadfast, she could hardly remember a time when he was not by her side. From her first flight on Emrys to her banishment to Dragonstone, he was always there. Offering fatherly advice, providing support when she needed it most, and flashing a reassuring smile with a twinkle in his eyes.

No, Arianwyn did not have a father. She had six.

And she would never take them for granted again.

“Prince Aemond will be waiting for you,” Ser Adrew said, gently pulling away from the embrace. He smoothed the shoulders of her dress and straightened a few stray curls before reaching for the door. “I know this may be asking too much of two newlyweds, but please, try and get some rest.”

“Prince Aemond is already abed, Princess,” Kiran said, looking up from the fire with soot smudged on his cheeks.

He was sweeping out the hearth, the fire long extinguished. With his right arm perpetually in a sling – the limb had been stunted and weak from birth – he had to secure the dustpan against his knee. While Arianwyn felt the urge to offer her help, she soon realized it was unnecessary; he had the task well in hand.

When he saw the tired, sad look on Arianwyn’s face, his eyes went wide, and he stammered to try and offer what comfort he could from his place on the floor. “I believe he is still awake, though. Likely reading.”

“Thank you, Kiran,” she replied. “For all your help today, you’ve been wonderful.”

Blushing under the praise, he ducked his head back to the hearth. “Just trying to do my best for the Prince. To do what I can to thank him.”

That was a thread that Arianwyn was desperate to follow. But like her thanks to Ser Adrew, it would have to wait until she was not so tired, and every bone in her body was aching for her husband.

“Elsie, could you help me prepare for bed?” she asked the young maid sitting at the table, relacing her riding leathers. “I would do it myself, but there is every possibility that I may fall asleep on the dressing room floor. I will need your help to prevent that.”

The girl could barely suppress a smile. “Of course, Princess.”

Mercifully, Elsie was gentle and quiet, speaking only when necessary to keep Arianwyn awake. Otherwise, she only hummed faintly as she combed the knots from the Princess’ hair, rubbed meadowsweet oil into her skin, and clothed her in a soft cotton nightdress.

Arianwyn’s eyes were half-closed when she stood from the vanity and swayed slightly on her feet.

“Can you make it to the bed on your own,” Elsie asked, “or should I guide you?”

“I can make it,” Arianwyn assured, patting her hand on Elsie’s. “You and Kiran can retire for tonight. There will be plenty of time in the morning for relacing, and I have never seen the point of cleaning a hearth only to light a new fire the next day.”

Elsie laughed as she exited the dressing room. “There is a purpose for it, your Highness, but I will save that explanation for another day.”

Arianwyn wasted no time in pushing through the other door, the one that led straight to their bedchamber.

And there he was. She would never tire of that sight.

Aemond was reclining on the bed with a large book in his hands. He wore no bedclothes. He never did, for he ran too hot. Or at least that’s what he always said. But it went beyond that.

Everywhere he went, for nearly all his life, he felt as though he was wearing a costume. That of a dutiful son and Prince, a calculating warrior, and a fierce dragonrider. The only time he ever truly felt like himself was when he was alone or with Arianwyn.

Once she was taken from him, the only place he could escape his endless life of masks was alone in his bedchamber. Here, he would only be himself. No green clothing, no blades, no leathers, and no eyepatch. The one item he never took off was his sapphire, for it reminded him of Arianwyn, the only person to ever truly see him as he was.

He made no move to cover himself for her – why should he? She had seen all of him, inside and out. So, instead, he only smiled as she entered. “I thought for a moment you would not return until morning. Did you read them the entire book?”

The sound of his voice brought some life back into Arianwyn’s veins, but she still collapsed onto the bed beside him. She burrowed into the furs and blankets he had piled on her side, leaving only a sheet for him, and pressed into his chest.

“Just the one story,” she mumbled. “The Red Wolf.”

“Mmm,” Aemond frowned as he made a sarcastic sound. “Yes, I remember that one. And how did the children like it?”

Arianwyn wrapped her arm around his waist and squeezed, perhaps a little tighter than she needed to, but she was dissatisfied with his tone. “Jaehaera and Maelor had no complaints, and Jaehaerys and I had a wonderful discussion.”

“It must have been for it to keep you away for so long.”

As quickly as his presence had relaxed her, his words now made her tense once more.

Aemond felt it – her jaw clenched against his shoulder, her fingers curled slightly against his side, and her breath hitched. “Aria, what’s wrong?”

She didn’t want to say. But she had to.

“I went to see the King,” she whispered.

Now, Aemond tensed. He knew his father was in a poor state. His mother had asked him to go to his chambers to say goodbye. But he had nothing to say to that man. Or rather, he had too much to say.

But Arianwyn had gone. She had spoken to him. She had been stronger than Aemond to face the man who caused them so much suffering.

He wanted to know what happened. And he didn’t. He wanted to ask how the King was. And he didn’t. He wanted to know what she had said. And he didn’t.

He was afraid to know anything more. And he was afraid to remain in ignorance.

“Will you read to me?” Arianwyn asked softly, beginning to trace a Rune on his chest. In his current state of mind, he had no idea which.

Aemond looked down at her, confused by the timing and content of her request. “It is a book of military strategy – not to your interests.”

“I don’t care,” she declared as she pushed further into his chest and tightened her arms around him, wanting to be as close to him as possible. “I just want to hear your voice.”

Her presence and touch cooled him and slowed the frantic beating of his heart. He stared at his page, waiting for the text to come back into focus before he began. “A siege should always be considered the final measure, to be taken only when all other superior tactics have failed.”

Arianwyn closed her eyes, allowing all her senses to fade away while she focused entirely on the sound of his voice. Low but gentle. Quiet but firm. Every word, every syllable, was carefully pronounced. He could be reading absolute nonsense, and still, it would soothe her.

“Few armies have ever possessed the resources necessary to come out of a siege with a true victory. Even if the cloistered enemy is defeated, the victors often emerge having suffered not only a loss of life but of something far more dangerous: morale.”

His voice hitched once, when Arianwyn’s hand began moving against his chest again. She did not trace Runes, only nonsensical shapes that, he quickly noticed, began moving lower and lower as he read.

“Both knights and soldiers are creatures of war. They require action as much as food and blood as much as water. To force them to stand idle is cruelty. Should the siege last too long, not even the whirlwind of bloodshed that ends it will – Gods, Aria!”

Her hand had left his chest and made its way around his swiftly hardening member. She stroked him slowly, lazily, as if she was only doing so to keep her hand busy as she listened to him. It was entirely maddening.

“Keep reading, please,” she said with infuriating innocence.

“Aria…”

“Please?” she asked again as she finally opened her eyes to look at him. She continued her ministrations, running her thumb over his tip to collect the bead of precum gathered there, seemingly unmoved by his subsequent groan of desire.

But there was such desperation in her silver eyes that Aemond could not refuse her. “…not even the whirlwind of bloodshed that ends it will sate them, making the force harder to control and more likely to fight recklessly.”

“It is for this reason that a siege must be ended as swiftly as possible. History shows us that after ten days, the damage to company morale is ir-” he could not stifle his moan when Arianwyn sat up, momentarily releasing him, and removed her nightdress. Her nipples were already peaked, and he could spot glistening wetness between her folds as she climbed across the bed to straddle his thighs.

She stopped with her hand hovering over him. “Keep reading,” she insisted.

He knew she would not move unless he obeyed. This newfound confidence was thrilling. Just the sight of her above him had his cock twitching and hips rolling to try and find friction. But she pushed his hips back to the bed with both hands, holding him in place until he began again.

“…the damage to company morale is irreparable.” The moment he began to read, her hand resumed pumping his length, and it took all his strength to remain focused on the words. There was no restraint left to stop him from rutting into her hand and squeezing her between his legs to try and coax her closer to where he wanted her.

“However, there have been examples in history… Aria! …there have been examples wherein a siege upon a useless target has been successfully utilized as bait to draw out a more desirable… f-fuck, Aria! … a more desirable one.”

Arianwyn had inched herself forward and released his cock from her hand only to begin grinding it against her wet folds. In the back of his mind, Aemond realized what she was doing and wanted desperately to guide her. She had never taken him with so little preparation. But his vision had narrowed to see only the book before him and her breasts bouncing above it.

“Keep reading,” she commanded again. She could not look away from his face. His violet eye flicking incessantly between his book and her. His slackened jaw working desperately to form words despite each tantalizing brush of her skin against his. And his beautiful lips trembling as he struggled to speak.

But speak he did, each word sounding gruffer than the last, each syllable sending a thrill down her spine. She had read to him so often in the past, but this was the first time he had read to her – and it certainly would not be the last.

“A small target, such as a farming village or small port, can be targeted by a larger invading force. It is recommended to have – at a minimum – two men for each opponent within the target’s walls – Aria!” She was immensely glad she sent Kiran and Elsie away, for he screamed then, as she guided herself down onto his length.

He had always taken such care to prepare her to take him, as he was so large and she so inexperienced. But she had distracted him too well, and he had no time to bring her to release even once.

The stretching sensation was more intense than ever, even when he had taken her from behind. She lowered herself slowly, stopping when the pressure was too much to allow her time to adjust. But she never waited long.

Aemond could not form a single word until he was fully sheathed inside her. But, even then, only one escaped his lips, over and over: “Aria!”

She was too stunned by the feeling and sight of him below her to move. He had been pressing against the headboard so often and so hard that hair formed a tangled halo around his head, and his eye was glazed over as he looked up to her, a pleading in his brow that he could not express in his blissful state.

But she did not know what to do next. When Brynna had briefly, in her poppy-addled stupor, mentioned riding Aemond, the Queen had silenced her so quickly that Arianwyn did not have the chance to glean any details as to how.

All she could do was listen to the needs of her own body and hope they would satisfy him as well.

Unsure whether she could lift herself onto her knees so soon after the exertion of lowering herself so slowly, she settled for rolling her hips back and forth to start.

At her very first gyration, Aemond shouted and dropped the book, sending it tumbling to the floor. He reached for her, grabbing her by the shoulder and pulling her against him for a demanding kiss.

Gods, they had not kissed yet. The realization surged through her as their lips met, and he devoured her with teeth and tongue. She returned the same passion he showed her, moaning at the kiss and the pleasure their new position brought.

By pulling her against his chest while he was propped against the head of the bed, Aemond had inadvertently found an angle where the tip of his cock pressed perfectly against that spongy spot inside of her that brought stars to her eyes. Not only that, but her clit was also finding friction against him and the wispy white hair at the base of his cock.

She ground down on his hips, pressing harder and harder against that spot. Then, once she was sure of the angle, she cautiously lifted herself up and down, savoring the sensation of being filled over and over again, and the warm pounding against her most sensitive spot.

“Aria,” Aemond moaned against her lips, trying valiantly to help her in her ministrations, but his arms were too weakened by his pleasure. There was nothing in the world but the feeling of being inside her and the soft noises she made each time she fell back against his hips.

“Keep reading,” she pled, knowing that the sound of his voice was the only thing that could increase her pleasure.

He groaned, “I dropped the book, Aria.”

“Please,” she begged, gazing into his eye. “I need to hear you.”

“Iksā gevie,” he said, rolling his hips up to meet hers with each syllable. You are beautiful.

She gasped, falling forward until her forehead was pressed against his. Her hips never stopped as she clasped his jaw in one hand and supported herself with the other braced on the bed.

“Tolī, Aemond,” she whined. “Ivestragon tolī, kostilus.” More. Say more, please.

He obliged as he began fucking up into her in earnest, infinitely pleased when she returned his vigor from above. “Iksā vok. Iksā se qēloss��s. Iksā se hūra. Iksā se vēzos.” You are perfect. You are the stars. You are the moon. You are the sun.

Her desperate whimpers turned into cries of euphoria as he continued, feeling her walls clamp down on him as they both neared their climax.

“Iksā tolvie run sȳz isse se udir. Se Avy jorrāelan. Avy jorrāelan lēda mirre bona iksan. Avy jorrāelan, Aria. Avy jorrāelan, Avy jorrāelan, Avy jorrāelan!” You are everything good in the world. And I love you. I love you with all that I am. I love you, Aria. I love you, I love you, I love you!

He came just breaths after her, hands seizing her hips to hold her steady as she shuddered against his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck as they both slid down the headboard to lie flat on the bed.

Arianwyn was so exhausted by the emotions of the day and her release that she could not even bring herself to roll off of Aemond’s chest nor pull any blankets over them. She just lay there, inhaling in his scent and listening to the sounds of his heaving breath.

But Aemond had finally returned to at least some of his senses, lifting her limp body off him so he could fetch a cloth to clean them both. As he worked, she stared at his face with bleary but reverent eyes.

“Avy jorrāelan, tolī, Aemond,” she said, the particulars of Valyrian pronunciation lost as she slipped closer and closer to sleep. “Avy jorrāelan sīr olvie bona kostan renigon ao isse ñuha ānogar. Avy jorrāelan, se nyke jorrāelagon naejot gīmigon bona ao gīmigon ziry.” I love you, too, Aemond. I love you so much that I can feel you in my blood. I love you, and I need to know that you know it.

Though she had fallen well asleep by the time Aemond set the cloth aside and slipped back into the bed beside her, pulling her flush against his chest, he replied, nevertheless.

“Nyke gīmigon ziry, Aria. Se issa skoros tepagon nyke ābrar,” he whispered as sleep came for him as well. I know it, Aria. And it is what gives me life.

Next Chapter

137 notes · View notes