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skipper1331 · 9 days

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Secret (2) // Alexia Putellas

| Part 1 | Part 3 |

She didn‘t try to follow you.

She didn‘t try to text or call you.

She didn‘t try to fight for you.

She let you.

She let you walk through that door.

She let you go.

They say that you only really appreciate something when it is no longer there - she understood that now. It never occurred to her how terrible it must have been for you to be her "secret," even if she never wanted it that way.

Plagued by the fear of what others would think or what would happen, she dreamed of a love without worries and anxiety; in her eyes, this love only happened behind closed doors. She didn't realize how bad it actually was for you, even though she knew exactly that you wanted a typical romance book love story. She didn't deserve you and even less deserved that you had put up with her in secret for so long.

You, on the other hand, were caught up in your anger. You had put up with this secrecy for over a year, but a limit had been crossed - your heart ached just in her presence.

She had managed to nestle herself in your heart with her charming smile, her sparkling eyes and her elegant but captivating nature. She was Alexia Putellas, of course she had done it. She could do anything when she set her mind to. She had won the Ballon D‘or twice, the World Cup and dozens of other trophies and titles - only the title of calling you her wife, she hadn't managed.

In the nights where she couldn‘t sleep, she had dreamed of marrying you - you were different. Any feelings she knew before no longer existed. It was only you.

And you were no longer hers.

After your break up with the Catalonian, your motivation started to rise again as the weight you had been carrying in your heart and on your shoulders wasn‘t there anymore. You went out with your friends, explored the city a bit more and focused on yourself. You deserved to be happy and you knew that. You treated yourself with new shoes (shoes you had been eyeing for awhile) and finally an own Netflix account.

In training, you went to your absolute limits, playing wonderfully and yet having fun - the love to the sport filled your veins again.

You were glowing - the new look suited you.

But when you were at home, it was different. Two people met at the doorstep. Person 1 who glowed and person 2 who sulked. As soon as the threshold was crossed, personality 2 took over your body, mind and soul. Your broken heart showed itself. You hadn't managed to remove the second toothbrush in your bathroom or empty Alexia’s drawer yet. Her clothes were yours too, you wore them as soon as personality 2 needed the comfort which was needed constantly.

You cried.

You screamed into your pillow.

You ate ice cream, chocolate, anything.

Watched sad shows and movies.

And cried more.

Nobody seemed to notice your switch of personality - who should?

No one knew that you and Alexia used to be a couple..

No one knew that your heart was broken..

I‘m capable of handling that on my own.

I‘m an independent woman.

..except one person: Alba.

unknown

hey, it‘s Alba.

Ale told me what happened.

If you need someone to talk to (a friend), feel free to message me:)

You appreciated that she sent you a message, her intention probably kindhearted but she was Alexia‘s sister after all.

You replied with 'thank you' and sort of an appreciation.

Time would heal your wounds. Hopefully.

In the nexts weeks, you focused on the upcoming uwcl matches and getting enough recovery after your training sessions.

You like to think that you didn‘t even look at Alexia but you knew better than that. She‘s Alexia and breathtaking, you could not not look at her.

But you tried your hardest not to give in when she looked at you, looking at you with those sad doe eyes. Sometimes it seemed like she wanted to approach you or even say something yet she never did, she stayed silent.

Was it wrong to hope for her approach? That she would just kiss you in the middle of the pitch?

Maybe it was wrong but you couldn’t help it. You loved her and you knew she loved you too. And love, no matter how much you want it sometimes, doesn't just disappear. It always leaves its mark.

Added to that, Alexia wasn‘t just anybody - she was the first person with whom you truly felt the butterflies and every cheesy book describing feeling.

She could have been your greatest love story - the love story you always wished for.

"Good luck" Alexia said, her hand brushing against yours as she walked past you.

She smiled a bit, immediately looking away, joining Aitana and Keira.

"Good luck" you whispered back, surprised that she had spoken to you, nonetheless kindly accepting that she did.

The first leg against Chelsea went alright, Aitana opened the score as you made it 2-0, 5 minutes before the ref blew her whistle.

You shook hands with each opponent and talking to your friends for a bit.

"Oh please, I’m your biggest fan, swap your jersey with me" the dramatic voice of Niamh Charles shrilled through the conversation you were having with Guro and Erin. You laughed, Niamh‘s arm around your shoulder, "oh please, please" she fake cried, the girl nothing but laughter in her voice.

"Aren‘t the dozens of my jersey enough?" you joined, laughing.

It was an unspoken rule whenever Niamh and you faced each other to swap jerseys as the two of you had met in the u-teams, becoming friends in an instant and being close friends ever since.

"Nah, babe, you know I can never get enough of you" she rolled her eyes, pressing a sloppy kiss to cheek.

Disgusted, you wiped it off and shoved her away.

Alexia watched the scene in front of her with fire in her eyes, oh how she hated Niamh - the green eyed monster talking.

"Jealous?" the soft voice of Ingrid pulled her back to reality.

"¿Que? No! I’m not jealous" Alexia’s accent was thick, her voice raspy and mind completely somewhere else.

"You should ask her out, I think she likes you" the Norse proposed, tapping the Catalonians shoulder as she walked to Frido, leaving the captain alone.

Ale had always suspected that Fridolina and Ingrid knew about the two of you because they were your best friends, but that wasn't the case. Alexia realized that only now since Ingrid had suggested asking you out - you had always been honest and respectful with her wishes - accepting them, even though they broke your heart day by day.

No one knew that you were more than just teammates.

They were clueless.

You were amazing.

And she was stupid - stupid to think that you would tell anyone when you hadn't even told your best friends and stupid for letting you go.

The second leg ended up in 2-1, 4-1 on average which meant that Barcelona would play in the Champions League final.

You were thrilled when the ref blew his whistle, so happy about the fact that you had the chance to win the trophy.

On the other hand, you felt bad for the Chelsea players, they had given everything as they tried their best to win. Unfortunately for them, it wasn‘t enough. You approached Niamh who had tears in her eyes, pulling her in a hug. You comforted her the best you could but loosing an important match would sting for awhile, no matter how much you praised the defender for her game.

"You know, I will burn your jersey at home" the defender chuckled, nonetheless taking her jersey off while you did the same - swap.

"That‘s only fair" you grinned, wearing now the blue shirt.

Once again, Alexia glared at Niamh, hating the fact that you were wearing 'Charles 21' on the back instead of 'Alexia 11' or 'Putellas and your number' but she knew it was her own fault.

If she had just listened to you or introduced you as her girlfriend with such pride right from the start then she wouldn't be in the situation of a broken heart and jealousy.

She loved you and was forever sorry for hiding and neglecting you.

You deserved better than that, way better.

Winning the champions league felt euphoric.

The final match had been intense, both sides fighting for goals as the ref showed many yellows cards.

But Barcelona did it, they had done the unthinkable - beating Lyon and taking their revenge.

It didn‘t matter that the score was only 1-0. That one goal meant more than anything to everybody of the team. You felt so much pride and joy, the stadium chanting while you received your medals and lifting the trophy.

You wanted to cherish this moment forever.

"I‘m proud of you" la reina stated as she stood next to you. You didn’t even notice that she had approached you.

"Thank you, Ale, it means a lot" you smiled at the midfielder. Your smile was so genuine and wide, your eyes sparkly and shiny - you looked so beautiful, in Alexia’s eyes.

She couldn’t help but kiss your forehead.

You let her.

Her lips lingered for a moment, pulling back with rosy cheeks before she walked to her mother and sister who were waiting in the stands.

Your eyes followed the Catalonian, her mother hugging her tightly while Alba looked in the direction Ale came from - she saw you and waved.

Back in Barcelona, the team + family/ friends went out to celebrate. Drinks were getting drowned, songs were being yelled and dance moves were being showed. The vibe and mood was amazing, everybody letting loose after the last few intense weeks.

You couldn’t remember how many drinks you‘ve had but it was a good amount - each of them delicious.

Making your way over to the bar, you ordered yet another drink. You wouldn’t say you were drunk per se but you also weren’t sober anymore.

Nobody was, or cared.

You won the champions league, you were allowed to party.

While you waited for your drink, a familiar unfamiliar voice talked to you, "hola"

you turned to the side, seeing the younger Putellas standing next to you.

"hi" you replied.

"Congratulations! Your goal was amazing" she beamed while you smiled and mumbled a thanks. "my sister can be an ass, you know? Oh yeah, you do." she giggled at her own joke - she clearly wasn‘t sober either, "but she loves you. She‘s been sulking for weeks."

You tried to listen the best you could, questioning if you would remember the conversation in the morning.

"She even told mamá about you and how she fucked things up"

You gasped, "no way! She talked about me? I‘m so shocked"

The sister laughed, playfully hitting your chest as you joined her laughter - eyes watching the two of you.

"You should make her jealous"

"Yeah, sure" you replied, rolling your eyes, "as if Ale‘s jealous"

"More than you think. She doesn’t like your friend Charles, for example. 'she should wear my name' blah blah blah" Alba explained, your mind spinning for several reasons.

"How should I make her jealous then?"

"Easy. Follow me" the girl grabbed your arm, pulling you on the dance floor, "hey! my drink" you grumbled, the Putellas sister ignoring you.

She turned around, looping her arms around your waist as yours went around her neck. You followed Alba‘s lead, Shakira blasting through the speakers. Looking around, you searched for Alexia. It didn‘t take long to find those pretty eyes who looked nothing but angry. Her jaw was clenched, hands balled into fists as she shifted uncomfortably around.

She was not enjoying the show.

"Bet she‘ll be here in 3…" Alba leaned in, "2…." as you did the same, "1…"

Strong hands on your hips pulled you away, a protective arm smacking around your waist, Alexia glaring at her sister - so much fire in her eyes, "you‘re allowed to look but do not touch what’s mine" she growled, "now leave" her voice was stern and firm. Your ex girlfriend stood now in front of you, looking at you, checking you out while Alba walked away, winking at you.

"You look nice" the girl smiled charmingly, the green eyed monster completely gone.

"What was that?!"

"I said you looked-"

"No. Do not touch what’s mine?!" you mocked, your heart secretly racing at her possessiveness.

"I won‘t let her kiss you!" her voice was raised, jealousy pumping through her veins again, "I‘m the only one who will do so" the thought of you ever touching, kissing, loving someone else made Alexia furios.

She loved you.

"Do you understand me?"

The alcohol in Ale‘s system made her bold, confident and possessive - she didn‘t care who was watching or listening. All she cared about was you.

You had never seen her like that before - openly jealous, with her hands on your hips and chests touching in public - it was hot. She was hot.

"Yes, I do" you replied, somehow starstruck.

"Good girl"

You died on the spot.

Was it hot in here? It definitively was! Or was it just Alexia?

It was just Alexia.

Your knees went weak, your heart was racing and skin on fire.

In a crowded bar, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues she smashed her lips against yours. You responded as eagerly while she tried to pull you impossibly closer - oh, how she had missed you and your kisses.

This kiss wasn‘t like the ones you shared before, it was pure need.

"Let‘s go" the midfielder mumbled, trying to catch her breath, the same as you did. She waited for a respond - your consent - before she left.

With you.

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vellicore · 3 months

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Twisted Pairing: Step Dad!Lloyd Hansen x Step Daughter!Reader

Word Count: 600+

Warnings: stepcest, voyeurism, female masturbation, nudity, implied future anal, minor daddy kink, dubcon/noncon if you squint, reader is early twenties, age gap.

Request: Lloyd Hansen, Step Dad, “What’s the matter? You’re acting like you’ve never seen a naked man before.”, and anal. Requested by: anonymous

A/N: I'm sorry I've been so slow with writing these. January has proven to be much more difficult than I had anticipated. I promise the stories are coming, and I am looking forward to doing your requests. This isn't my best work, but I still had fun writing it. It has not been beta read, so any mistakes are my own. As always my work is intended for adult audiences so 18+ only! Minors DNI. Pay attention to all tags and warnings. You are responsible for your own media consumption.

Writing Event Masterlist (still in the works)

From the first time Lloyd saw you he knew he needed to have you. That’s the thing about Lloyd Hansen, he always gets what he wants. He’d only married your mother because of the connections she provided. With her he’d be able to spread his business out throughout the country. What he hadn’t expected was the delicious present she had been hiding.

Tonight your mother was out with friends from college. Lloyd knew this was the perfect opportunity to get what he’d been craving. You. He could picture you up in your bedroom reading one of your countless books. It was cute how you always seemed to find ways to avoid him. Whether you wanted to admit it or not, he knew you felt something too. There was a magnetic pull between the two of you, and tonight would be the night he finally gets what he’s needed.

Lloyd makes his way up the stairs and stops outside your bedroom door. He’d expected to hear nothing, but instead he could hear what sounded like quiet whimpers. His eyes flutter shut as he leans in closer hoping to be able to hear you better. “Oh… Oh fuck, Lloyd.” There was no denying what he heard that time. You were in there touching what belonged to him. Without giving it a second thought, Lloyd quickly began to undress himself. This hadn’t been how he planned to do this, but when the opportunity presents itself how could he say no?

Once undressed, Lloyd opens your door. It takes you a moment to realize he’s standing there, and boy was he thankful for that. For that meant he was able to get a full spread eagle view of your soaked cunt. He watched as your finger meticulously rubbed your clit. The little moans that left your mouth were like music to his ears. It was when he let out a small grunt of approval that your eyes finally opened.

The look of embarrassment washed over your face. But that look quickly turned into confusion and horror when you spotted that he was naked. Your eyes traveled down to his hard cock which was now between his large hand. Lloyd’s smirk grew when he saw that your eyes appeared to be glued on him. “What’s the matter? You’re acting like you’ve never seen a naked man before.” His eyes never once leave yours as he slowly strides across your bedroom. “Oh come on, sunshine. We both know what you were just doing — who you were thinking about. Come on, be a good girl, show me.”

The more he talked, the more your body seemed to tremble from nerves. “I - I don’t know what you’re talking about, Lloyd.” He rolls his eyes at your attempt to play dumb. He wasn’t going to allow you to continue your charade of being so called innocent. “You really want to play that game? Fine, show me. Prove to me that you’re not soaked right now. Because you and I both know that your little pussy is dripping for me. Dripping for your step-daddy.” His words cause a small to leave your lips.

Maybe just this once you can give into your desires. Maybe just this once you can be bad.

Lloyd could hear a semblance of a plea when he watched you lay back on your bed. Your legs spread wide, inviting him to come give you both what you need. But Lloyd lets out a small tut and shakes his head. “Sorry, sunshine. That pussy isn’t what I’m interested in right now. I’d rather fuck your untouched hole. Turn around now.”

#vellicores writing event #lloyd hansen #step dad lloyd hansen #step dad!lloyd hansen #stepdad!lloyd hansen #lloyd hansen x reader #lloyd hansen x fem!reader #lloyd hansen ficlet #lloyd hansen fic #lloyd hansen drabble #chris evans #the gray man

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atinylittlepain · 1 year

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gif by @manny-jacinto

Baby Blue - A Joel Miller Story

Joel Miller x f!reader/f!oc

joel miller masterlist

Joel loses a bet to Ellie and is forced to chaperone a dance in Jackson. He might not mind it as much when he sees that their pretty neighbor is also chaperoning.

warnings | 18+ light on the angst, heavy on fluff, SMUT

a/n | this can be read as a standalone or as a continuation of Sweetness, it's just fun either way :)

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

Joel lost a bet. He had taken Ellie out to practice her shooting, lining up old cans as targets. She was getting a little too cocky about her aim, so he had upped the ante, moving the still-standing cans a few more yards away, stacking them in a pyramid.

“If you’re so good, kid, I’d like to see you hit just that top can there.” He pointed out to the can on top of the stack. Ellie scoffed.

“Easy. You don’t think I can do it, old man?” He just shot her a look out of the corner of his eye, crossing his arms over his chest. Ellie was grinning.

“Do you bet I can’t do it?” She had caught him that day in a half-decent mood, so for once, he was game to play along.

“What’s your wager, kid?” She thought for a moment, before her eyes lit up wildly and she fixed him with a grin. Joel was suddenly a lot less interested in playing along.

“If I hit that can, you gotta sign up to chaperone the dance they’re throwing next week.” Joel actually groaned at that. When he had heard from Maria about their plan to host a makeshift prom for all the high-school-aged kids in the town, Joel had thought to himself that there might not be anything he missed less than the concept of a bunch of hormonal teenagers nervously fucking around in a humid gymnasium for a whole night. He had chaperoned one dance before, Sarah’s first and only homecoming, and his heart seized at the memory of how he almost blew a gasket watching Matthew Brown getting a little too handsy with his daughter. Needless to say, when they had asked at the next town meeting for adults to volunteer to chaperone, Joel had not offered his services up.

“Ellie, there’s gotta be something else. I’m not going anywhere near that dance.”

“Well if you’re so sure I’m gonna miss, what’s it matter anyways?” He cocked an eyebrow at her.

“And if you miss, what do I get?”

“If I miss, I’ll stop bugging you about your very obvious crush on our neighbor.” Ellie hadn’t let up about the young woman next door, not since Joel’s fake birthday when she had helped Ellie bake that cake for him. What the girl didn’t know was that the pair had shared a kiss that night, but since then, Joel had been hopeless. He’d greet her whenever he saw her around, and they’d exchange a few nice words, but everytime he talked to her his brain went fuzzy with the memory of that night, and he’d yet to “make a move” as Ellie had been goading him to do ever since.

“Alright, kid. Let’s see what you got I guess.” They shook on it. Joel wasn’t really worried about it. Hell, he didn’t even think he could make that shot, and if it meant getting Ellie off his back about their pretty neighbor, he was game.

He had sorely underestimated the kid, which was why he found himself in the old Jackson rec center gymnasium on a Saturday night, watching a bunch of puberty-ridden children of the apocalypse dance with each other to old cassette tapes from the eighties. This certainly hadn’t been on his end-of-the-world bingo sheet.

He leaned back against the cement wall, his eyes scanning the crowd for Ellie until he found her awkwardly dancing with Dina. At least he didn’t have to worry about Matthew Brown tonight. It was mostly other women chaperoning, and they had all given him weird looks when he came to volunteer. He had thought to himself that next time, he’d move the cans a lot further away.

But then he saw her on the other side of the gym, his lovely neighbor in an equally lovely light blue dress. The dress itself wasn’t anything special, a short-sleeved thing that fell at her shins, but on her, Joel reckoned it was still the prettiest thing he’d seen in at least the last twenty years. Her eyes met his from across the gym and she smiled brightly, already walking over towards him as Joel’s brain began to blare the oh shit alarm. She sidled up next to him, bumping her shoulder into his.

“Joel Miller, can’t say I was expecting to see you here. You lose a bet or something?” His eyes went wide as he looked at her. She just laughed.

“Sorry, I had to. Ellie told me.” He huffed out a laugh, shaking his head.

“That kid is gonna be the death of me.” She shrugged, offering him a grin.

“She’s certainly a spitfire, that one. You know, she always asks me if I’ve talked to you lately, always telling me that you’d like to see me.” Joel felt absolutely mortified, his eyes sweeping anywhere but towards her to hide his embarrassment. He caught Ellie’s gaze out of the crowd, and the girl looked so smug he’d like to dissolve into nothing on the spot. That damn kid. He shook his head, turning his attention back to his neighbor and trying to pull himself together. He cleared his throat.

“You, um, you look real nice.” Her smile started to ease the panicky feeling in his chest. She lightly swayed the skirt of her dress.

“Traded some of the tomatoes I’ve been growing this summer for it. Certainly not the same as what I wore to my own prom, but I guess it works for a chaperone.” He offered her a slight smile, rubbing the back of his neck and watching her smooth her hands down the skirt of her dress.

“Do you remember much of your own prom?” She laughed.

“Oh yeah. I wore this awful shiny purple dress and had matching butterfly clips in my hair. My date’s cufflink actually got stuck in one when he tried to pull a move in the back of the limo we rented, nearly scalped me he yanked so hard.” Joel couldn’t help the laugh that came out at that.

“Sounds memorable. I take it your date didn’t get too far in, uh, making his move?” She just let out a low whistle, shaking her head and swaying into his side again.

“What about you? Do you remember your prom?” He sighed, altogether liking the feeling of her shoulder continuing to brush into his too much.

“Hmm, I think mine was a little before your time. To be honest I don’t think we even made it to the dance, just ended up, uh, parking.” He blushed furiously as he got the words out, instantly regretting it. She just hummed.

“Wow, didn’t take you to be that kinda guy, Miller. I’m scandalized.” He could see by the smile threatening to creep onto her face that she was kidding.

“Did you at least wear a suit?” He scoffed.

“Of course. Gotta wear a suit to prom. I wasn’t that much of a heathen.” She quirked her brow at him.

“What color?”

“Blue.” “Navy?”

“Uh, not quite.”

“Like a royal blue then?” Joel just sighed, his shoes suddenly very interesting to him.

“No. You’re not telling me you wore a baby blue suit to prom are you?” He huffed.

“It was the 80s, alright? Everyone was wearing them, thought it was cool.” Her laugh was big and bubbling, eyes crinkling up as she looked at him in disbelief. She finally caught herself, resting her hand on his bicep and giving it a squeeze.

“I’m sorry, Joel. I just– never in a million years would I have pictured you in a baby blue suit and now I’m probably gonna be imagining it until the day I die.” He shook his head, not able to fight the smile breaking out at her delight in teasing him. He willed her to keep her hand on his arm, and she did, curling her fingers lightly and letting out a sigh.

“Laugh all you want, but my date thought I looked good that night.” She hummed, tilting her head up at him.

“I’ll buy that. But you look pretty good tonight too.” He choked on an inhale. He knew her flirting was entirely gratuitous, all he had on was a button down and jeans, the same thing he wore everyday. She leaned into his side.

“Whaddaya say, Miller. Will you be my prom date?” He let out a breathy laugh, feeling the blush creeping up his neck again. Maybe it was the sound of “the Cure” fizzing in the background, or the dizzy feeling he was getting watching the swish of the hem of her dress around her bare legs, but Joel finally decided to go for it. He tilted his head down to catch her gaze, a wry smile cracking across his face.

“I’m flattered, darlin. Thought you’d never ask.” The grin she gave him was her brightest yet, and Joel felt like he was melting on the spot.

They spent a while like that, leaning into each other against the back wall and snickering about nothing, lobbing flirtations back and forth. One of the other chaperones stopped by and slipped her a flask that they started passing between them, warmth quickly settling into both their features. Joel hadn’t felt this at ease in a long time, with her arm slung around his shoulders like they were the only two people in the room. She sighed resting her cheek on his arm as he glanced down at her.

“You know, even after he yanked my hair, my date still tried to make another move.” Joel scoffed but she just nodded.

“Mmhmm, he dragged me into the men’s bathroom, tried to get me to give him a handjob, pfft. I smacked him in the face and left right then and there, had to call my mom to come get me.” She laughed, but Joel wasn’t finding anything funny about it. Even though it had been at least two decades ago, and whoever this punk was had probably long been turned into a walking mushroom, Joel still briefly felt a twinge in his chest that he’d like to knock the guy’s lights out. He felt ridiculous, instead drawing his attention back to her and tentatively letting his hand wrap around her waist.

“That’s a really shitty prom memory.” And then, his tongue loosened by whatever they had been swigging from that flask, he said something way too bold.

“You wanna make a better one?” Her fingers stilled where they had been lightly playing with his shirt collar. She was just as shocked as him at his words, but she quickly caught herself, melting back into a smile.

“Well, depends who I’m making it with.” Joel was already slipping his hand into hers and turning heel to tug her along behind him out of the gym and into the hallway. Her breathy laugh of his name made his heart kick inside his chest. He was startled however, once they got out into the empty hall as she pulled him back towards her, tripping over his feet until they crashed together in a kiss. His hands quickly found purchase on her waist as she tugged him down by the hair at the nape of his neck. He couldn’t help the low groan that thrummed through his throat when she licked into his mouth. She pulled back with a wet click of spit, taking a big gasp of air. Joel’s knees felt weak at the sight of her, lips swollen and parted, chest heaving in her pretty blue dress.

They were interrupted however, by the sound of chatter spilling out of the gym and into the hall. Joel’s eyes landed on another door, pulling her behind him and into what must have once been a supply closet. Luckily, when he flipped the lightswitch it worked, and they were back on each other in an instant, a tangle of tongues that was admittedly taking him right back to his highschool years. He walked her back until she was pressed up against the door, their hips slotting together, seeking more however they could get it. Her hands were grazing up and down his chest, sliding along the waist of his jeans in a way that was making him feel dizzy. His palms started to wander as well, from her waist down to the swell of her thighs, making her gasp when he squeezed the softness there before dipping around to her ass and he thought to himself that she was perfect in his hands.

He was snapped out of the swimming reverie that was kissing her when he felt her fingers starting to work at his belt buckle. He was quick to take both her wrists in his hands, pinning them back against the door. She huffed at him and he could only breathily laugh at her frustrated expression

“Nuh-uh, darlin. This one’s gonna be all you, alright?” She smiled, her head lolled to one shoulder.

��We gonna go parking after this, prom date?” Joel grinned, already kneeling down in front of her.

“Something like that.” While he may have felt like he was back in highschool, he still had his very-much-not-teenaged knees and back to deal with and he was feeling it as he got down on the floor in front of her. He figured the pain would be worth it.

His palms gently curled around her ankles, skimming up along her calves and the backs of her thighs as he rucked up her dress along with him. Her breath hitched when his hands squeezed at her hips, not taking her eyes away from his as he thumbed at the band of her underwear.

“Is this ok?” She nodded, but it wasn’t enough for him. He gave her hips a harsh squeeze that made her gasp.

“Need you to tell me, darlin, please.” She drew one of her hands to card through his hair, tugging lightly at the scalp to get him to tilt his head up towards her. Her eyes were blown wide, and she squirmed in his grip. Joel felt like his head was going to explode just looking at her.

“It’s good, Joel. I want it, want you, please.” It was all he needed to hear, laying an open-mouthed kiss to the top of one of her thighs before sliding her underwear down her legs and helping her step out of them on wobbly feet. He drew the hem of her dress back up and she seemed to get the hint, bunching it up in one fist to keep it out of the way for him. He let his mouth wander up the plush inside of her thigh, breath grazing over her cunt in a way that made her shiver in his grasp. When he dipped away, however, trailing down her other leg, she breathed out a long whine. At that, he let his teeth graze her skin, nipping just a bit unkindly at the softness.

“Patience, prom queen, I’m getting there.” She scoffed.

“Oh, I’m prom queen now?” She went to say something smart, but was cut off with a broken gasp when he finally dragged his tongue through her folds.

“I’d sure give you the crown, darlin.” With that, he dipped back into her heat, drawing his tongue up from her fluttering entrance to her clit and swiping over the bundle of nerves there. He could feel her thighs shaking where his rough palms were splayed, and he drew her one leg by the back of her knee over his shoulder to open her up even more to him. She keened into his mouth, sighing out soft curses mixed with his name as he worked her over. It wasn’t lost on Joel that it had been a long time since he had done anything like this, but judging from the way she was tugging on his hair and canting her hips into him he hadn’t lost his touch.

“Fuck, Joel– want m-more– please– need more.” He rested his cheek on the swell of her thigh, bringing a hand up and slipping two of his fingers into her tight heat. The moan she let out was more of a cry at that, and Joel’s head went swimmy again at the feeling of her clenching around his fingers.

“Want you to come for me, darlin. I know you can. You wanna come for me?” She nodded frantically at his goading words, and Joel dipped his face back between her legs to lick harsh stripes against her clit as his fingers continued to steadily pump her. He came up for air for a moment, watching her face scrunched in pleasure above him, the sight made his cock twitch in his jeans.

“Please, baby, come for me. Just let go, pretty.” It was all it took to send her over the edge, her hips jerking in his grip and her cunt pulsing around his fingers as he fucked her through it. She let out a few warbly gasps of his name, tugging his hair to get him to stop working her over through the sensitivity. He finally pulled away and she hissed as he helped her get her foot back on the ground, slumping back against the door and gazing down at him with a hazy smile, her dress fluttering back down around her legs. Joel stood with a groan, his knees screaming in protest but he was quickly distracted by her pulling him in by his collar for a stomach-churning kiss. She pulled away with a gasp, eyes searching his.

“Joel, wanna feel you please. Want you to fuck me.” He groaned at that, dipping his forehead to rest on her shoulder and shaking his head lightly. She stilled in his grasp, and when he looked up at her again, a worried look had settled over her face. He couldn’t help the disbelieving laugh that rumbled in his chest, that this woman standing before him actually wanted him that much. The furrow between her brow deepened, but he was quick to lay a kiss there, stroking the arc of her cheek with his thumb.

“I want you too– believe me. But I’ll be damned if the first time I have you is in a fucking supply closet.” She let out a wild laugh at that, her eyes crinkling up as she looked at him and a warmth melted through Joel’s chest at the sound.

“You know, I thought you were kidding about the whole parking thing.” Joel grunted, stealing another kiss from her before guiding her out of the closet.

“Fuck parking, I’m gonna take you home, darlin, if that’s alright with you?” They were already walking out of the gym but she still squeezed his hand and shot him a wicked grin.

“Sounds good, prom date, lead the way.”

When one of the chaperones checked the door that had been left ajar, they were only slightly horrified to find a pair of panties strewn on the supply closet floor.

#joel miller smut #joel miller angst #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller fluff #joel miller x you #joel miller x reader #joel miller #tlou fanfiction #the last of us #tlou

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lazy-sixteen · 9 days

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I was thinking about the themes of One Piece, and what differentiated out characters we see as good versus bad, especially in a work that takes a really accepting view of different moral standpoints and values (Coby and SWORDS's justice is very different from Sabo and the RA's justice but they are both presented as good guys we'd want to root for).

So like, why do we root for Luffy following his dream to be Pirate King, but not Teach?

What about hating Crocodile who wanted to create an ideal society free of the WG but not the RA who want something similar for whole the world?

Big Mom who wants to create a place where all sentient are equal and get along versus Koala and/or Otohime who dream of that same thing for humans and fishmen?

I mean the obvious answer is that protagonists and their allies tend to be likeable - they are usually drawn prettier, have less kick the dog moments, and we get more time with them as an audience. They have to be on some level, or no one would read the manga.

But from an in-story perspective, I think its a an under looked facet of Luffy's character, for him chasing his dream is more important than obtaining it. It's why he turns down Rayleigh straight up offering to tell him where Laugh Tale is, and what is on it. What is important to Luffy isn't so much becoming Pirate King, it is being free, having fun, sailing with his friends on the journey to be Pirate King.

It's why he helps Vivi in Alabasta, Cricket in Skypiea, Shirahoshi in Fishmen Island, and the Wano crew in uhh Wano (the journey wouldn't be fun if he'd abandoned his friends to do it)

It's why he takes dangerous detours to places like Little Garden or Sky Island or Punk Hazard(the journey wouldn't be fun if he didn't get to explore)

It's why he risks his life against Arlong for Nami and declares the entire world his enemy for Robin and literally threatens to starve to death to get Sanji back ( the journey wouldn't be fun if he can't do it with his crew by his side)

All of this is why, Luffy isn't afraid of dying either. He can die at any point on his journey to being Pirate King, and feel no regret because the journey itself was the important part.

Compare this to two other D.'s Law and Blackbeard.

Law's also relentlessly pursuing his dream when we meet him (stop Doflamingo to avenge Cora), and he is miserable.

Law in trying to achieve his dream whatever the cost keeps putting himself in situations he hates.

He leaves his beloved crew behind because the mission is basically a suicide run. He cozies up to the Government he hates and hands his heart over to a morally bankrupt mad scientist he's obviously disgusted by. He plans to get Doflamingo in trouble with Kaido, which mean 1) he likely won't get to punch out Mingo himself, 2) there is a high probability of civilians getting caught in the crossfire/dying horribly.

This journey sucks. If Law had died during any point of this he would have been the world's most pissed off ghost.

It's Luffy and the Strawhats busting in and transforming that journey that puts Law on the path to success with his dream and with not being so goddamn miserable.

Like screw Caesar, let;s have Luffy kick his ass and then you fix the children he was experimenting on. Screw playing nice with the government, do what you want and call us your allies instead. Screw Doflamingo, you and Luffy go beat him up and the rest of us will pull his government/crime family down around his ears.

And it works! Law's grumpy and annoyed and cursing Luffy out, but he tells Mingo he believes Luffy can pull out a miracle and looks more at peace watching Doflamingo and Luffy brawl - knowing that he'll die or succeed with his ally/friend - than he ever did with his fool-proof plan.

The journey before destination thing is also why Blackbeard feels like a special type of evil in OP despite there being technically worse/more evil villains, because Blackbeard always prioritizes his dream over how he gets it.

He'll stay in the shadows for 20 years to increase his chances of success (wouldn't it have been more fun to be a captain like he obviously wants?)

He'll kill his crewmate, turn his commander in for a reward, then kill his captain (wouldn't it have been more fun to stay friends, he never indicates he hates/dislikes them?)

He invites strong people - and strong seems to be the only criteria - to join his crew, though tbh their personalities often suck. I don't recall any panel of his crew just hanging out or joking around which even Baroque Works, Buggy's crew, and Kaido's Beast Pirates get (wouldn't it have been more fun to recruit people he can befriend, not just people he can use)

Like obviously Blackbeard feels like the antithesis of Luffy - even though they are both all about chasing their dreams. Luffy's all about the chasing, and Blackbeard only cares about the results.

#one piece meta #monkey d. luffy #marshall d. teach #trafalgar law #also another theme of the manga is romance (classical sense)#and the process of chasing your dream is so much more romantic #than the absolute ruthless prioritization of results

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romanarose · 10 days

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Banner by @winniethewife

Oscar Issac/Pedro Pascal Fan Art and Fiction Pride Event 2024

Hello friends!

Let's try this again and I'll try to be more clear to not invoke discourse. That being said, it is *my* event and if you'd like to run one a certain way, go nuts. However, this is how I'm doing it.

I had a lot of fun doing Dead Dove December and the Triple Frontier Anniversary Event so I decided I wanted to do an event for pride this year! I know it seems far away right now, especially given how many of us in north America are still cold af, but I wanna give everyone time!

Each week of pride will have a theme to write or draw for (you don't have to do all of them! Think of it like kinktober.) at the end, I will put out a masterlist (or multiple depending how many)so we can all share each other's work.

Why?

Oscar Isaac and Pedro Pascal are both allies to LGBT people, Pedro having played multiple queer rolls and having likened his sexuality to that of Prince Oberyn. Despite none of the characters being canon queer, Triple Frontier specifically lends itself to queer stories. Recently, theres been a rise in stories of Oscar characters in relationships or Pedro characters in relationships which I love.

What I'd really like to do is encourage people to think past x fem!reader or canon presentation of characters. I want to encourage gay, lesbian, bisexual relationships, trans readers, trans interpretations of characters etc. More content guidelines will be in the what section.

Where?

Primarily tumblr.com, our very own shithole hellsight. However, especially given tumblr's censorship vs. twitter, I am encouraging posting on twitter or wherever you'd like. If you post something elsewhere, send me a link or send me a post you made about it on tumblr and I'll promote the link.

Additionally if you only write on ao3, I'd love for you to participate too! Once again, just send the link!

When?

in order to do the week by week themes and hold all of June, there will be 6 weeks from May 26th-July 6th

Each week will have themes. I won't be policing the weeks and these so if you do the 1st week on july 3rd, that's fine. The themes are keeping in mind both artists and writers. I only got one artist for DDD, a great piece and I've love to see more! Ideas are just for spit balling, do your own take!

May 26th-June 1st: Coming out. Ideas: Coming out to family, lover, friend. Finding gender affirming clothes/hair, first pride

June 2nd-8th: Transitioning Ideas: Surgary, surgery scars, starting T or E, binding (safely!!!)

June 9th-15th: Sex/kissing First time together, first time with certain biology or the same sex, sweet kisses, smut showing scars,

June 16th-22nd: Food, fashion, fun

All things queer culture and culture of different religions, racial or country backgrounds, queer fashion, gender affirming clothes, Keshet (קשת), listening to Lady Gaga or Bruce Springsteen, watching a queer movie

June 23rd-29th: Struggles Rejection, reconciling faith and identity, missing family that rejected one, comfort, candlelight vigil, day of remembrance.

June 30th- July 6th:Strength Asserting ones or a partner/friend/family's pronouns, standing up against hate, being loudly and proudly yourself, pride events

Who?

Writers and artists in any form are welcome. I also want to encourage working with each other, writers and artists together!

For characters: Any Oscar Isaac or Pedro Pascal character has to at least be in the relationship. Other characters in universes can be done, such as FishBen.

Reader can be anyone, just properly tag! If you want to come out to Marc Spector as bisexual, do it!!! If you want Joel to take care of you after top surgery, do it!

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE QUEER TO PARTICIPATE!

However! Please do your research if writing or drawing an identity not yours. There are trans, nonbinary, gay, lebian etc bloggers all over tumblr who write about their experience, please divert to first person testimonies rather than assumptions.

What?

A few rules

MUST contain more than male character x fem!reader. Male character x fem!reader x male character does not count unless the two male characters are romantically or sexually involved or one or the reader is trans. Any Q's, dm me!

This is not a dark event. I'm not going to be policing the content matter but I really want to primarily focus on the pride. However, as a bisexual, gender non-conforming person I know a lot of pain can still be involved. What we are not doing is suicide, death, self-harm, or non consensual activity. If you have questions or would like to make a case for something, just dm me!

This is not inherently NSFW, but there is absolutely NSFW allowed. Always tag everything properly.

The usual no's like bestiality, incest, underage nsfw etc

As far as minor characters, SFW MINOR CHARACTERS IS ALLOWED. You can write or draw lgbt themes because being LGBT is not inherently sexual. For example, teenage Santi coming out as trans to Frankie or your own version of Ellie and Joel's talk about Ellie and Dina kiss. That being said, I'd prefer to reserve this to teens. Again, any questions or ideas that don' quite fit into parameters, just ask!

As always, I am allowed to use my discretion. If I do not want to include something, I won't. However, I know that there are rifts in the fandom. I won't be excluding you out of personal bias. As long as I don't have you blocked and you haven't plagerized or done something really bad to people, you'll be included. I'm not letting petty beefs get in the way. Harmful actions will, however. I need to protect my peace and keep

NO REAL PERSON FANFICTION. Do not write about Oscar Isaac or Pedro pascal being gay or trans and do not make any assumptions about their sexuality or gender identity. Oscar is happily married to a woman and Pedro has expressed his sexuality is like that of Oberyn Martell but has not elaborated much further, nor should he have to. Just leave ‘em be. You can speculate elsewhere but that’s not what this event is for.

How?

Simply tag me, @romanarose and use the #OscarPedroPrideEvent2024 please please please use BOTH so it's easier for me to find!!!

When the event is over, much like DDD I will compiled them into a masterlist and posted. This is a chance for every blog, big and small, to get a moment in the sun and to share each others works! Remember, reblogging, comments, and interacting is what makes this a community! I want to create an environment that is welcoming and we all help each other.

Please feel free to reach out to me for any questions or clarification!

However, if you go issues with me writing men kissing, chracters being trans, queer readers etc, I'm not really open to debate.

~A nonbinary bisexual <3

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lillysbigwilly · 1 year

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i fcking love streamer!ellie but what if reader was the streamer?! imagine ellie being a huge fan and always leaving comments during her stream. she's also internally freaking out when she meets the reader in person and experiencing gay panic, at the same time, because "holy sht she is the prettiest person i've ever seen in my entire fcking life."

okay it’s official, anon i absolutely love you, you god 🤍

streamer!reader x Ellie Williams head canons

can i appoint myself the queen of streamer!ellie head canons or is that narcissistic (leave requests my loves)

it would 100% start off with ellie being bored shitless, hopping through tv channels, netflix, youtube etc before finally turning to a streaming sight.

she loves gaming and often finds herself on that platform however she’s never seen you before that day. you were pretty big, rolling in about 50k viewers per stream but you were more of a baking stream, qna stream person rather than gaming

however, your friends had persuaded you to play a story game for that stream. you honestly couldn’t remember the name but it was some sort of zombie apocalypse one

it was fun and ellie actually sat through your whole stream.

after that, she had subscribed (in which you read out her username and she literally almost screamed hearing your pretty voice say her name) and she watched every other stream after that

she favoured the baking ones, seeing you all dressed up with a cute lil apron on over your clothes.

and ellie liked you even more when you made weed brownies live. saying they where ‘funny’ brownies so you didn’t get demonetised

she thought you were absolutely stunning and quickly ranked up to one of your favourite fans with her silly comments and the sweetest complements on each of your streams.

plus she sent you a lot of money.

it was actually after your birthday stream that she met you in real life.

she had been watching for a little over a year and you had gone out with your friends to celebrate your birthday after a short stream

as you were walking down the road to meet said friends , you noticed a pair of eyes on you which wasn’t unusual since you were pretty well known however you recognised her face from somewhere.

ellie’s eyes widened as you walked closer to her. her cheeks flushed red as she subtly looked you up and down. gay mother fucking panic.

now the girl knew she didn’t like men and only liked women but shit did you solidify it. she had been with girls before but you were something else

“i know you” is the first words you said to ellie and her heart just about stopped beating. sure, you acknowledged her online. even becoming mutuals after a comment she left on your post made you laugh but you knowing ellie? impossible “ellie right”

she didn’t trust her voice so she simply nodded. her response made you smile.

you gave her your number, it was dangerous. you didn’t know if she would leak it or whatever but you still did it and it was the best damned decision ever.

you know what they say about lesbians moving quick as fuck. yeah that was true for you and ellie. literally going on a date one week, making it official the next and then she practically moved in after that

neither of you mind, ellie chipped in with food and rent even though you told her you had enough.

(imagine you had ended up with dealer!ellie😳 that itself is a whole other story)

she would start joining your streams, fans would speculate and obviously it was true but they didn’t need to know that just yet.

it was only when you were spotted together holding hands and kissing that i officially came out that you we’re together (celeb tearoom type shit. TMZ drama alert and all that covered it)

you would often try to correlate outfits when you streamed together, if you had pink on then so did she.

there was the usual jealous people that commented against ellie and it did hurt at the beginning. nothing a few words of encouragement and steamy nights with you couldn’t fix.

seriously though, most of your fans adored her. she was quite shy at first and saw how absolutely smitten you were with each other. obsessed with the way you looked at each other when the other looked away

cooking streams that end up being a nightmare. flour and shit everywhere.

speaking of flour. the fans realised you had a special someone in your life when flowers started appearing in the back of your streams. often hung upside down so they last longer.

you eventually get matching tattoos, little hearts on your wrists both with red ink. meaningful but not big. you were both sure you were in it forever but just in case.

(unrelated but imagine ellie with a nose ring)

your fans were nosy sure but they were damn respectful - minus the odd few. if it was obvious you were on a date, all dressed up and i’m a fancy restaurant, they will not interfere which you were super appreciative about

the fans could tell you were in love with each other from day one

#the last of us #fanfic #ellie williams #wlw #tlou2 #ellie williams x female reader #ellie tlou #headcanon #ellie williams headcanons #ellie x reader #streamer!reader #fan!ellie #gamer!ellie #streamer!ellie

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vorrentis · 7 months

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Jihyo x Mina - Much Needed (1/2)

I GUESS TUMBLR HAS 1000 BLOCK LIMIT THAT I CAN'T GET PASS SO THIS IS 1/2, 2/2 WILL BE IN ANOTHER POST.

IF ANYONE KNOWS HOT TO FIX, PLEASE MESSAGE, THANKS

This is a quick and short smut shot so l'm sorry if it's not as story driven.

A deleted FxF fic I had before and now brought back, still working on Jeongyeon's fic btw.

ENJOY!

Tags: FF, shower, oral, scissoring, fingering, 69

Words: 19,733

=============================

Today was going to be a fun day for Twice, some more than others, but a fun day nevertheless.

Today Twice were shooting commercials for the new Nintendo Switch (yeah, yeah, I know it's been out for a while, but go with it).

They were each to split up into three different groups: The maknae line, a four-member group of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, and Momo, and a duo of Jihyo with Mina.

Each group had a different game to perform and setting to showcase how portable the switch can be and the games it had.

The maknae line had a set of a living room playing Super Smash Bros Ultimate, the four-member group were stationed in a car playing Animal Crossing, and the duo of Mina and Jihyo was exercising with the newly released Ring Fit Adventure with the new Ring Fit accessory.

And today, Mina and Jihyo were the first ones to start their commercial.

It wasn't really a commerical shooting like the other two, it was more of a record yourself passing a few levels and enjoying it.

There wasn't a crew involved for these two, but the other seven had a set for them and even had to travel a bit for their site.

For Jihyo and Mina, it was their studio at JYP and there were two Nintendo staff members that guided them on how to start the game and such.

After that, they left the two alone in the room for them to enjoy.

When finished, Jihyo and Mina would tell them and the workers would collect the cameras and film in them.

That's it.

Easy enough the girls thought.

And they were enjoying it.

It was quite a workout and the two were surprised that it generated quite a sweat for a game.

It was also fun too and the two thought about getting this for them back home with the other girls to enjoy as well.

"And, there you go." Jihyo smiled as Mina clapped at her side.

"Good job Jihyo." Jihyo turned and beamed at Mina. "You think that's good for the film," she pointed at the camera at the corner as Mina nodded.

"Oh yeah, that was twenty minutes of footage, more than enough, unless they plan on having us play for a while."

"Hehe, that I wouldn't mind, this is a nice workout...alright, it's you turn." Jihyo directed as Mina stood up and was handed the Ring as Jihyo went to sit behind Mina as Mina started her level.

"Good luck Mina.!"

"Yup." Mina said as she started to jog in place.

THREE MINUTES LATER

Mina was on a roll as she was doing the activities the game was offering.

She was enjoying it very much as she posed and did everything the figure in the game did as well.

Jihyo was enjoying Mina's happiness and smiles as well as she sat behind Mina, watching her.

(AN: Imagine this, but Jihyo is a bit further behind Mina)

However...

Jihyo wasn't paying attention to the game as much as her eyes wandered somewhere else.

It's too bad for Jihyo that Mina decided to wear some very nice tights today like herself and while Jihyo wore a skirt, Mina forgoes that and decided to wear a shirt that barely reached a bit over her waist and it really showed off Mina's well fit body...okay, Jihyo meant Mina's butt.

Out of all the girls, Mina was the top when it came to taking care of her body and Jihyo observed that it was worth it as she saw how defined Mina's ass was.

And it certainly didn't help that the game made Mina jump, jog, twist, and turn and it made Mina's butt pop out even more than Jihyo found that way more interesting than the game itself...and no, this wasn't the first time she did some sightseeing on Mina.

Yup, Jihyo, the leader of Twice, was into girls.

A lesbian.

She didn't know exactly when, but she can say around her middle school years that she found girls to be more attractive and easier to be around than guys.

And it was the day she asked another girl to the last year of middle school's dance event and got her day ruined when she responded...

'that's weird and you're weird'

...and walked away.

Poor Jihyo felt her heart split in two upon hearing those words and ran home with tears.

After seeing her depressed state coming home, her mom asked what's wrong and with no thought about how different it was to like girls more, Jihyo told her what happened and that's when her parents had a talk about her sexuality.

It was quite a discussion that Jihyo can recall each and every meaningful word.

They even supported her after hearing those words and Jihyo thought she was weird too, but her parents told her to never call herself that.

It was who she was.

And since that day, Jihy didn't let that go to her head and kept her head up high, but she did keep her sexuality hidden from her friends of course.

She didn't know how they would take it, even though her mom told her that it was okay to tell them, just be careful about how they reacted, so Jihyo didn't tell them.

And as time went on, neither her trainers nor new friends with Nayeon and Jeongyeon and it was easy to hide...ahem 'was'.

As the training went by, Jihyo tried to keep herself in check but being surrounded by cute and beautiful girls, it was difficult since Jihyo couldn't quite keep her eyes to herself.

But she did her best to focus on her training until a certain J-line member came through those practice doors.

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

FLASHBACK - 2014

9 months before Sixteen started

"And...finish."

Both trainee Jihyo and trainee Yoo Jeongyeon posed for the mirror as the music died down until their breaths were the only sounds in the room as they dropped their arms to their sides and returned to regular stance.

They were actually training until they started to fool around with the last song to blow some steam off.

"That was great," Jeongyeon stated as she rose her hand and Jihyo did the same to give a high five to another.

"Even our actual practice, I think it's our best ones yet."

Jihyo shook her head.

"No, I messed up on the second song, I turned the wrong way during the second verse." Jeongyeon shook her head.

"Oh come on Jihyo, we've been dancing for an hour and you point out one misstep. No one is going to be complaining about that. You were perfect."

"Perfect is a hundred percent that was ninety-nine percent." Jeongyeon rolled her eyes.

"You got to stop being so critical about yourself Jihyo," Jeongyeon walked towards the corner of the room, "you're already the best here. Now sit down."

Jihyo took it and sat on the floor of the dance room. She felt the sweat pouring down her nose and her feet were a bit burned by the amount of time.

Perfecting a dance for what seemed like hours would do that.

"Here." She managed to look upwards to spot her fellow trainee Jeongyeon with two water bottles and two clothes out with both hands as Jihyo reached up sluggishly.

"Gamsa..." Jihyo accepted one of each and opened the cap of water as Jeongyeon sat down with her and mirrored with the water.

After taking a gulp of refreshing water, Jihyo lowered the bottle and took a breath in and out.

"Thank you for practicing with me Jeong, you didn't have to."

Jeongyeon shook her head while applying the cold cloth to her forehead.

"I wanted to, I have to train too you know. We're not all the best." She joked as Jihyo chuckled and Jeongyeon smiled. "Well, while we're resting, you heard the news around Jeongyeon said as Jihyo shook her head. "A new trainee is joining JYPE today."

Jihyo got curious.

"Really?"

Jeongyeon nodded.

"And she's from Japan as well. Like Sana and Momo. Jeongyeon explained as Jihyo nodded.

"This place is getting more and more new girls. Well, when or if she gets here, we'll greet her with warm welcomes." Jihyo said as Jeongyeon nodded.

However...

'Oh god, this place is getting more and more new girls. She's gonna be another pretty one like Sana and Momo...! can't even keep my eyes off them...'

Jihyo kept her smile, but she was gyrating herself in her mind that many cute and pretty girls were in this agency already, and since keeping her sexuality a secret...it was damn difficult.

"Yeah. Its rumors but I heard that she was an amazing ballet dancer. Been at it for ten years."

Jihyo nodded, taking in that information.

"Ten years huh, anything else?" She asked as Jeongyeon shook her head.

"Nothing besides that. Think we should give her a warning about Sana?" Jeongyeon grinned as Jihyo chuckled.

"Hehe, I'm sure she'll be fine. Sana will keep her hands to herself."

'Not that I'm complaining when she does it to me'

"You're talking about the impossible."

Jeongyeon furthered as they both gave a small laugh. "So, anything new with you?" She asked Jihyo.

"Nothing, the only new thing is my dad had-"

SQUEAK

Jihyo stopped as the door opened and a head popped out of the opening.

"And this is-oh, ohiyo Jihyo, Jeongyeon!" Sana's smile lit up the room as she gave a head bow towards both Jeongyeon and Jihyo waved at her.

"Ohiyo Sana," "Ohiyo," both girls replied.

"Uhm, I'm sorry, am I interrupting?" Sana asked while not entering the room yet as Jihyo shook her head.

"No, what's up?" She asked Sana as Sana looked behind her and then to Jihyo and Jeongyeon.

'I'm showing a new girl around."

Both Jihyo and Jeongyeon heard and turned themselves to Sana.

"The new girl's there?" Jeongyeon asked as Sana nodded. "Do you mind if we say hi?"

"Of course," Sana turned her head, "There's a couple of my friends here that I want to introduce, is that okay?" Sana spoke in Japanese as both Jihyo and Jeongyeon couldn't understand what she said. "Great."

Sana opened the door more and as she walks inside, Jihyo noticed the newcomer trailing behind her...and her breath hitched.

I'm using present Mina, feel free to use any photo

Jihyo's eyes fall on a startlingly beautiful woman, and she can't seem to tear her eyes away from her. Her chestnut-colored hair flowed down like a waterfall falling just past her shoulders and the perfect amount of makeup that emphasized her visuals.

She's dressed casually, in a pair of skinny blue jeans and a dark short sleeve top that hugs her slight curves in all of the right ways.

Her eyes are surveying the room and for a moment Jihyo got lost in their beauty.

Astonishingly dark eyes; kind but looking a little timid as she looks around.

"Jihyo? Jihyo?" Jihyo jerked, turning back to the sound of Jeongyeon's voice who was standing. All three, including this goddess that walked in, were staring down at her and Jihyo felt her face flush, and her heart starts to pound.

"H-Huh?" Jihyo muttered, clearing her suddenly dry throat. "O-oh ahem, s-sorry..."

Jihyo quickly rose to her feet.

Jeongyeon quirks an eyebrow and shakes her head.

"Jihyo, Jeongyeon, this is Myoui Mina." She turned to the new girl and Mina nodded back as her eyes went to Jihyo's and Jihyo was hypnotized as she saw Mina's faint smile.

'Myoui Mina...'Her name echoed in Jihyo's mind and she found it flowing ever so soothing and beautiful like her and her heart raced with heat that it felt like fire.

"Ohiyo Mina." Jeongyeon welcomed her, knowing just a tiny bit of Japanese with both Japanese girls of Sana and another: Hirai Momo.

"Ohiyo..." Mina's voice was soft and gentle and Jihyo's first impressions of the girl kept rising.

"Hehe~" Sana turned to Jihyo, "she's starting today here with us," she continued, 'I'm showing her around until Momo arrives so she can hang with us to feel more relax." Sana then turned to Mina, "Mina, these are two of my friends: Jeongyeon," Sana talked in Japanese as she pointed at Jeongyeon who bowed to her and Mina returned the action,

"and this is Jihyo." Sana pointed at Jihyo as Mina turned to her and Jihyo gulped as Mina sent shivers down her spine.

Jihyo raised her arm and weakly waved.

"O-ohiyo...

"Ohiyo..."

Both girls stared at one another as Sana and Jeongyeon alternated looks between the two.

"Anyway..." Sana voiced as Mina looked down and Jihyo turned to Sana, "Imma continue showing Mina around. She turned to Mina, "shall we go?" In Japanese to Mina as she looked at Sana and nodded. "Great!

Then I shall leave you two to your training."

Jeongyeon nodded as Jihyo side-eyed Mina as she was looking around the room, "come on Mina, baibai you two~"

Sana walked back towards the door as Mina took a look at Jeongyeon and bowed and turned to Jihyo and bowed as well, but Jihyo swore she took a second longer staring...at least that's what she thought as Mina turned and followed Sana out the room and Jihyo felt the gravity lessened in the room as she took a silent, yet deep breath.

"You alright? You looked kind of lost there." Jeongyeon asked as Jihyo turned to her and nodded quickly, maybe too quickly.

"'Yeah, maybe I'm a bit tired after all..."

"You tired? Never thought I heard those words from you." Jeongyeon grinned as Jihyo gave a faint smile at her remark, "well, at least we got to meet her. I think she'll fit in fine soon enough, she looks like a singer as well. Wonder how long she'll be here as a trainee?"

"Who knows." 'Hopefully for a long while.'

"Hmm, well with those three together, maybe a Japanese trio is being planned. Although we are in Korea...ah well, we'll see what happens.

So what now?"

"Uhm...c-can we just sit for a minute?" Jihyo needed to calm down and Jeongyeon stifled a chuckle.

"Hehe, sure we can."

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

SHUT

"Well what you thought?" Sana asked as they turned from the door they left down the hall on the right.

"They seem nice." Mina said as Sana nodded.

"They really are. Everyone here is pretty great."

Sana noted as Mina nodded.

"So.. they're trainees like me?" Mina asked as

Sana took the moment to stop.

"Mph-hm, they both are very wonderful singers and dancers, but Jihyo is the best around."

"That girl?" Mina asked as Sana nodded.

"Jihyois the complete idol package: her singing is pure talent and amazing and she can pick up on choreography pretty quick, she has a very positive personality and is super friendly with everyone. It's sad really that she's been here for so long. Ten years now."

Mina's eyes widened and looked back as if Jihyo was there.

"Ten years?" She repeated, "..why isn't she an idol already?" Mina asked as Sana sighed and shrugged.

"Sometimes things don't go your way but Jihyo is patient enough to wait for her shot.

But that's why Jihyo is an inspiration to me I know it sounds weird and sudden that you just met, but trust me, she works harder than anyone here. No matter where she's either practicing her singing or dancing in that room." Sana pointed to her, "and I have not once heard her complain when we train together, only compliments and encouragement and assistance to me when I thought it was tough."

Mina saw the smile on her face enlarged.

"Even when we first met, I hardly understood the language, but Jihyo learned some phrases for me like good mornings and training and eating. I was very appreciative of her for that and wanted to be friends with her right then and there. She's really amazing to know and I know that you'll become good friends with her too...if that's what you want that is." Sana smiled as Mina looked back for the third time.

'Wow...'

Mina looked back at Sana and nodded.

"Great, then I'll ask if we can get lunch with her and Jeongyeon with another friend. Be right back~"

Sana walked back to the door as Mina took a breath.

'Jihyo. She does sound amazing. She was really pretty too.' Mina gave a small smile and a tint of red from embarrassment.

She shook her head just a bit to relax. 'Dang, day one and I'm already thinking of '

"Alright~ " Mina swiftly turned to Sana walking towards her, "it's settled, we're having a group lunch with them. Hopefully, more of our friends arrive as well."

Mina nodded slowly and dropped her current thoughts.

She didn't expect her first day to be going so well, she was terrified at first, but being with a fellow Japanese friend in Sana and having more friends soon who all seem to be nice made Mina feel at ease greatly.

Course there was the training to be done with but Mina was willing to put everything she had into this.

"Arigato Sana for helping me today. I appreciate it." Mina bowed slightly as Sana hummed

"Hmm~ Of course Mina, every person here goes through their days scared." Mina got into a regular stance, "I was a wreck on my first day, but as I said, meeting Jihyo and her friends made it all easy and we'll help you with anything no matter what."

Mina smiled as Sana walked forward as Mina followed her.

"I meant what I said about Jihyo, you can learn a lot from her. I do hope she gets her chance soon. Nine years isn't easy to wait out, but Jihyo is strong. She'd be one of the best idols out there easily right now. As a solo or in a group too. If she does join a group, she'd be one amazing leader too. I'd choose her to be one if we were together."

Mina found Sana's admiration for Jihyo to be impressive.

'I should get to know Jihyo a bit more.'

Mina smiled at the thought.

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

ONE WEEK LATER

Jihyo breathed in and out.

Today was the first training session of Mina since she arrived and she and Momo were to start with her.

What was shocking was that Mina actually asked Jihyo personally if she could be there with Momo...well, Sana did.

Sana had training but Nayeon and Jeongyeon and in the afternoon so she wasn't able to attend, but Momo volunteered to go with her.

Jihyo accepted quickly, maybe too quickly, but the smile on Mina's face evavorated any doubts and Jihyo was excited but nervous.

Sana explained afterward that Mina asked her to ask Jihyo.

Of course, she was the first to arrive, early than usual...like always, but today, Jihyo was excited yet nervous.

This was the first time she and Mina were going to practice together after a week since she arrived.

They've been chatting mostly for lunches, but Mina hasn't actually done anything but getting a foothold of the place and spending most of the time being around Mom and Sana due to the language and them being the same nationality, but Jihyo understood completely and was happy that she was fitting in just fine.

She was suprised that she spoke Korean much better than Sana and Momo when they first came, but she wasn't as fluent which is understandable, but she was more impressive than Jihyo thought she would be so it was normal to communicate with her.

But Jihyo smiled and took every moment to find out more about Mina, even though she felt anxious around her still.

Jihyo felt strange.

The same kind of strange that she had for a few girls over the years.

But this was different.

It was a whole new kind of strange.

Why?

She barely knew the girl at all, yet she was so cativated by her looks, the simpliest motions, the way she speaks, her smile, ugh, her smile, that god Jihyo going for miles.

It was an entirely new feeling that Jihyo couldn't get over like she did with her prior crushes, Sana being the most recent one, but she got over it as she found Sana to be more of a sister than a girlfriend.

But Mina, man Mina was on her mind 23/7 ...what? Even Jihyo had to think about other things too.

SQUEAK

The door opened as Jihyo smiled.....but started to freak out the moment her eyes laid on Mina entering.

She was wearing white shoes, grey sweats with a black graphic tee and Jihyo couldn't help but be stunned.

Just a simple workout outfit and Jihyo found her beauty tenfold.

"Uh, ohiyo Jihyo." Mina waved as Jihyo had to get her thoughts back and waved back as normal.

"O-ohiyo Mina." Mina approached Jihyo as she gulped and stood ready. "You ready?"

Mina nodded.

"Where's Momo?" She asked as Jihyo shook her head.

"She's always late, don't worry." Jihyo answered as Mina nodded. "Nervous?"

Mina nodded once more as Jihyo knew how she was feeling as well.

"I've been there too. Don't worry about anything, you'll be fine. here you can make every mistake and I'lI be there to help you." Jihyo wanted Mina to get as comfortable as Mina gathered a new surge through her upon hearing Jihyo.

"Hai...arigato." Mina smiled and Jihyo relished that, but she turned away without staring too long.

"Ah, so should we wait for Momo or."

"Jihyo?" Jihyo looked back at her. "Can...can we talk about something?"

That was unexpected.

"Uh, sure, you okay?" She asked as Mina nodded.

"Hai, it's just, well, I wanted to thank you for being here." Mina held her right forearm with her left hand in an embarrassed manner that Jihyo found undeniably cute

"Oh, heh, it's no problem at all Mina. We're all here to help each other." Mina nodded and Jihyo had a question for her, "but may I ask why did ask me to be here as well?"

Mina looked down at Jihyo's shoes.

"Well... Sana and Momo explained that you're the best. So I thought...if I should learn, it'd be better with you...gomen...I know I'm a rookie, but I just wanted to thank you for your time to train me." Mina did a small bow as Jihyo was speechless and after a few seconds, she smiled awkwardly at the thought that Mina wanted to learn from her and even let out a chuckle.

"Hehe...uh, well, god l'm flattered Mina, but please don't say I'm the best." Mina got back into regular stance, "I appreciate Sana and Mom's words, but I don't want anyone to think that I'm the best, I still have lots to learn. And don't think that just because you're a rookie doesn't mean I'll say no to you wanting help. We're all here as trainees and we should all each other no matter what. Even out of JYPE." Jihyo stated and she didn't feel any worry about saying it because it was true.

She would be there for any of the trainees as they were all going for one goal: debuting.

And there was no competition with any of them, so Jihyo saw no point in not helping out the others.

Mina heard this and instantly her body felt elevated and a new view of Jihyo was seen through her as she admired her words.

'Sana was right, she really is a leader...kind hearted too.'

With that Mina...

"Then...do you mind if, uh, we train more together after?" Mina asked and Jihyo's heart raced at Mina asking her to train more. To hear that Mina wanted to train with her more had Jihyo jumping on the inside.

"Mina, I would be happy to train with you."

Mina smiled instantly.

"Really?" Jihyo nodded.

"Of course Mina, anytime you want."

Jihyo saw Mina's eyes lit up and her smile instantly appeared.

'Oh god, how can someone be so damn beautiful and undeniably cute at the same time...thank you Sana and Momo.'

"Hai, arigato Jihyo."

"No problem Mina...so should we wait for Momo, or start?" Jihyo asked.

"Start."

Jihyo nodded as she headed to the music station as Mina watched her back, smiling at how amazing and friendly everyone was here...a certain someone more than others.

==========================================

TIMESKIP

ONE YEAR LATER

Oct 19, 2015

It was a grand momentous day for the nine women who have formed some months ago.

TWICE's debut song was released on YouTube and it was racking in numbers.

They watched it multiple times and it still got them as their feelings skyrocketed from their first song.

Every girl cried with happiness.

All their hard work, sweat, and patience finally paid off, and while every girl was happy with themselves as they were now full-fledged idols.

So much so that a celebration was spent in their dorm with their song being repeated all night with dancing, food, and drinks (alcohol-free) and goofing off until one by one, each girl dropped as sleep and fatigue took them as they headed to their rooms...except for one.

It was past midnight and the leader of Twice, Jihyo was basking in the barely lit room, watching the MV still on the TV.

An idol...Jihyo finally achieved her dream.

Ten years.

A decade it took her, but she got it.

She was now an idol, now part of a group and even the leader as well.

She pass through Sixteen and now she was here.

But she wasn't done, not by a longshot.

Her new members are looking up to her and Jihyo promised to be not just the best damn idol, but the best damn group and also the best damn leader in the world-

"Still up?" Jihyo flinched as she leaned forward and stared to her right and her heart swelled over Mina standing there in pajama pants and a pink no sleeve top. "Gomen, I didn't mean to scare you." She walked to her as Jihyo leaned back on the couch.

"Oh, it's fine. No, I can't sleep. Still too excited."

Mina settled down on the couch as Jihyo told herself to relax. Mina looked at the screen of Dahyun and Chaeyoung's rap portion but looked to Jihyo.

"So am I. I still can't believe it, I mean we've filmed for weeks for it, but to see it right there on Youtube for everyone to watch. Our first song." Mina smiled as Jihyo's heart raced. "I never thought I would debut so soon either.

Or the fact that people wanted me to be on Twice." Mina stared at her lap. "I know it's been months since we've formed, but it still feels incredible that I have fans you know." Mina turned to Jihyo as Jihyo shook her head.

"I don't think it's surprising, people loved watching you, Mina. Every performance you were in was always great and, well, you're pretty amazing to watch and listen to as well."

Jihyo blushed but the faint light made it impossible to see as Mina showed her angelic smile, but if you look closely, she was in the same state as Jihyo.

"A-arigato Jihyo. You're pretty incredible to watch and listen to as well." Jihyo felt warm in her stomach. "But I can't take all that credit...Jihyo, I want to thank you. It's because of vou l'm here."

"Mina-"

"Please, I've been meaning to thank you for a while, but now it's best now that we're alone.

When I first arrived, I've only listened to songs and karaoke and that's it, so when I first arrived through those main doors, I started to think, what if I didn't have what it takes to be anything in this line of entertainment." Jihyo was about to intervene, "I was so stressed and nervous, yet, I didn't want to turn and leave thinking what could have been. I came here to try my best and whatever happens, happens."

Jihyo thought those thoughts too.

"But then I met the most wonderful friends that I could have to ask for in you eight along my journey here, from trainee to Sixteen and now our filming and MV release, it's been amazing to experience with you eight."

Jihyo smiled warmly, but Mina looked down at her lap as she brought a hand up to her hair and pushed it behind her ear.

"But...it's because of you that I kept on going Jihyo."

Mina nodded and looked right at Jihyo and it caused her to have small heart attacks.

"After I first met you in the studio, Sana told me about you, about how you were here for almost ten years. I couldn't believe that you went that long, but Sana explained that you never gave up, you kept on going no matter how long it took for you to debut and kept training and working hard on everything you possibly could do."

Jihyo nodded just slightly.

"And I'll admit, after Sana told me about you, I didn't think she was telling the truth, but you told me yourself that lunch, and I was amazed, yet scared. Scared about how long it would have taken me to train, scared that you and Jeongyeon and Nayeon and Sana had so much experience, surely you girls wouldn't want to waste time with me, a first-day trainee, but I was wrong."

Mina reached out and placed her hand over Jihyo's as Jihyo's heart was on fire.

"But after our first training session together, you all have been there for me, but you Jihyo, you've been there day one and held nothing back to aid me in anything and everything whether it was in the agency or out of it. Not only that, you gave me the courage and strength to keep on going each day. And we trained each and every day, I felt that I wasn't going anywhere or wouldn't be able to do this, but you were there to make me feel otherwise. Sure there was the others, but it wasn't as close as you and I were Jihyo."

"..."

"And eventually when we were picked to be part of Sixteen, I was stressed that we would fend for each other, but no...you kept helping me whenever you could and not just in our group performances, but even in our rooms, you were there to talk and comfort me when everything felt so down."

Mina took a deep breath.

"There were days where I wanted to give up...but you wouldn't let me, not by forcing me to stay, but by being you and being my friend. And because of you Jihyo, I'm here. I'm here as an idol, here in a group with our first single, with amazing friends, and with an incredible leader whom I'm glad to be with."

Jihyo felt her emotions going high.

"And it's all because of you Jihyo. I am who I am now because of you...arigato Jihyo."

"Thank you for everything you've done for me in the past nine months. I promise that I'll be the best I can be and more to return what you've done for the rest of our time."

Mina ended with a small gratifying smile to her leader and it made Jihyo feel every happy emotion in her system.

So much so that Jihyo couldn't take it and brought Mina into a hug as Mina hugged her back.

"Mina...thank you. I promise to be the best leader I can be too and to be there for you for anything you need still okay? No matter what...I'm glad you're with me, Mina." Jihyo whispered as Mina hummed.

"And I promise the same to you. And I'm glad you're here with me too."

Okay, that feeling that Jihyo had before... yeah, it evolved.

===============================

TIMESKIP (STILL IN FLASHBACK)

One year later

Since that night, Jihyo and Mina became close, very close.

Not as close as Jihyo would have wanted, but she'll take it regardless.

Whenever it was something to do outside or inside, both would seek the other out to be paired up.

Both would hang in their rooms, doing anything the other wanted.

And Jihyo was with Mina every step of the way of their songs, concerts, photoshoots, and Mina was very appreciative of her.

No complaints.

No worries.

No stress.

That is until today...

'You can do it Jihyo, two words...two words...'

Jihyo sat there alone in her room, a million thoughts going through her mind at once; she honestly don't know what to think anymore.

She's tired of living a lie, but yet, the lie has made her life what it is today, but yet, wouldn't she be happier?

Wouldn't she be happy that she could finally be comfortable with herself and can finally stop worrying?

...Well, it's never that perfect, nothing ever goes down well with subjects like this.

'Everyone will be mad at me because l've been lying to them this entire time."

The nine of them have been through so much together and Jihyo didn't want to tarnish anything moving forward.

What would they think of her after telling them that she liked girls?

She sighed softly, what was she really afraid of?

Maybe it's just the different lifestyle, it's not easy being gay, society spits on you, they take away your rights, probably become an ex-idol for fans that are that much uncomfortable.

It's just not the life for her, but it's not like Jihyo had a choice.

She didn't choose to play for the other team, she was born with these damn feelings towards other women, and sometimes she hated it!

She hated that she can't be herself.

She hated lying to her friends.

And Jihyo was only human.

She's ever-changing and slowly, she's growing.

She could build an image and try to maintain it for as long as she could but she wouldn't be able to keep it up forever.

And every moment she spent with Mina, she realized that the facade would end sooner.

Mina was different, and Jihyo meant that in every sense of the word.

She was unlike any person she's met before.

She was unlike any girl she's met before.

She was always moving.

She's never met anyone quite as quiet as Mina who walks instead of runs and a choice of few words instead of talks, but Jihyo found that pleasant.

Her first impression of Mina was still the base of her impression now: beautiful, talented, dedicated, diligent but Mina was determined to prove that she could do better.

What Jihyo lacked intact, she made up for in perseverance.

Oh, how she had loads of it.

When Jihyo was not being swept up by her training, Mina was hauling her along sometimes literally, but it impressed Jihyo for Mina to train this hard as her.

No one else made her smile quite as much as Mina did.

And no one else put in as much effort too.

Only Mina.

And Mina did that only for Jihyo.

She was unique that way.

Mina was different.

Falling for Mina was different.

It was not only different but also inevitable.

She hated that she has these kept feelings for Mina hidden for SO LONG and she can't do anything about it.

It's horrible and Jihyo felt horrible.

But she can't come out.

She just can't do it,

Jihyo was terrified.

She didn't want to be hated by everyone, especially her sisters because she's been lying to them, besides her parents, she's never told anyone she's gay, never.

There have been so many times Jihyo thought and even tried coming out, but she failed every time.

The three reasons above were what made her want to confess but then she gets scared and yeah, it doesn't turn out well.

But Jihyo couldn't take it, she wanted to tell her sisters, she wanted to tell Mina that she was into girls; into her.

Even if Mina didn't swing that way, Jihyo couldn't hide these feelings any longer.

And today, today was the day...or so she thought.

She tried to muster to tell at least Naveon or Jeongyeon first, but fear got to her and it was too much to bear.

Today she wasn't all there and so quiet that even her members asked what was wrong and all she could do is lie and say 'everything is fine, just tired'

Just tired.

What a sad lie.

In fact, she just left dinner after not being able to eat even a spoonful of rice.

She excused herself and came into her room.

Jihyo groaned at how sad that must of looked and closed her eyes.

"All because I can't tell them who I am...all because I can't tell Mina how I feel...how pathetic..."

KNOCK KNOCK

Jihyo heard a soft knock at her door, "yeah?" she said mildly as the door slightly opens the love of her life slowly slips in.

"Hey Jihyo," she says softly, walking over to Jihyo's bed and sits down next to her, "you okay? You left dinner early and you've been in here all day, we're worried about you."

Whenever Mina knows there's something wrong, she won't stop until she finds out what it is and has done all she can do to help as Jihyo has done for her, one of the infinite reasons why Jihyo loves her.

"I'm fine Mina; I just have a lot on my mind that's all," Jihyo says softly.

"Well, what's on your mind?" Mina asks, "Is there anything I can help you with, you know I'm always here to listen." Jihyo smiles a little, Mina always wants to help everyone and she absolutely hates it when she can't; she also hates it when anyone won't let her help them.

Even just meeting a few weeks after she got into JYPE Mina has been around Jihyo with Sana or Momo to help translate as they hanged or trained, honestly more training as guided her.

And through Sixteen, whenever they were together or in the Minor or Major rooms, Mina helped Jihyo through it, she didn't stop until she made me smile, and not once did that smile not made Jihyo's heart beat, and never failed to put a smile on her face.

And a reason why Jihyo kept her secret, she didn't know what Mina will think.

"Jihyo?" Mina says slightly worried, her voice pulls Jihyo out of her thought.

"...nothing you need to worry about," Jihyo says, "just some things about family, nothing bad, that's all."

She lied.

She lied again.

"Hmm, so what's the real problem?" Mina asks not buying her answer.

Jihyo gulps, she planned on doing this, she could just tell her now, tell her everything,

She could come clean, and it would be off her chest.

All she has to do is tell her, just two words.

Jihyo turns to her and she looks into her eyes,

Even with an apprehensive feel, they're so beautiful, so dark, so full of care and so filled with love.

"...Mina...I-" Jihyo can't even start her sentence, her voice fails her, her heart's beating faster in her chest.

She waits patiently, her eyes growing full of concern.

Jihyo can't do it.

She can't tell her, but she has to, she has to do it!

She couldn't keep living this lie!

She didn't want to keep living this lie!

She couldn't handle it anymore!

Mina grew more worried as Jihyo's breathing increase.

"Jihyo, what's wrong?" she asks leaning forward and placed a hand on Jihyo's right arm and her body shuddered.

With a breath, Jihyo let her eyes give away everything she was feeling and she started to tear up, causing Mina to part her lips.

"I-I'm scared..."

Mina has only ever seen Jihyo cry three times: winning Twice, after their first concert, and their first award.

But to hear her idol being scared to tears pained and haunted her.

"H-hey, it's okay Jihyo, I'm here, I'm here for you."

Jihyo sniffed and gulped and took a couple of failed attempts of breathings.

"There you go, easy okay, I want to help you Jihyo, tell me what's wrong?"

"I-It would ruin everything if I did..." Jihyo spoke.

Now Mina was scared herself.

"You have no idea how much it could ruin things. I've been lying about it for too long now to just come out and tell the truth! It would ruin my friendships with you eight, especially you Mina!" Jihyo look down at her hands scratching into her thighs as Mina was trying to lower the tension as best as she could.

"Jihyo, no matter what, nothing will ruin anything with us nine. We're family." She notes softly. "No matter what it is, it won't change anything. I will still be at your side and you will still be one of my best friends, I care about you more than anything. I'll always be here, no matter what, I promise."

She whispered.

It was a line that was used a lot by people who often didn't really mean it.

But Jihyo knew that Mina meant it.

She truly felt safe with her.

But how was she supposed to even bring such a subiect up? It seemed impossible to her.

There's only one way the conversation could go unless she felt the same as her.

She honestly doubted she would.

She summoned up as much courage as she could, taking a breath and steeling herself.

"...I like girls. And I mean it sexually..."

Mina's lips parted as Jihyo didn't dare look at her.

There were a few moments of silence as Mina processed Jihyo's statement.

Jihyo figured as much, her taking in this information. At least she didn't get yelled at, but then again, Mina never raises her voice.

Jihyo let out a shaky sigh as a few more tears fell down her face.

"...r-really?" Jihyo nodded. "Y-you?"

Jihyo merely nodded.

"I-I can't believe it..."

"I'm so sorry for keeping it from you girls, I understand if you're upset."

Jihyo's eyes lowered, not ready to take the heat from Mina.

"Jihyo..."

The leader of Twice closed her eyes, shame enveloped her being, but she had to be ready to hear all the negative comments and insults from her love.

It'll break her heart, but Jihyo wanted to-

PLACE

Jihyo stopped thinking as she felt her right hand being covered on her thigh.

"Y-you have no idea how happy I am."

Jihyo slowly turned upon hearing those words.

Did...did she hear that right?

"W-what...?"

Jihyo expression changed to a wild one as Mina...

"Heh, I'm also into girls."

"..."

Jihyo gulped, taking that information down her system like her saliva.

"...Y-you're joking..."

Mina shook her head.

"I'm not joking, I'm gay as well. Since middle school." Mina pressed a hand to her chest.

Now this time it was Jihyo's turn to turn forward at the shower of thoughts.

Not only did she came out, but to hear that Mina, her crush, was also into girls!

Then...then it could be possible!

Maybe!

Just maybe!

"I-I can't believe that I'm not the only one, and it's you as well." Jihyo turned to Mina smiling ever so beautifully at her as Jihyo's heart was doing somersaults.

"I-I can't either," Jihyo muttered. "Mina don't joke with me."

"Jihyo, I promise you, l'm not. A-are you joking-"

"No...oh wow..."

Both gave an awkward smile to another.

'Should I tell her? I have to tell her right?! I mean...I have to!'

Mina turned forward and closed her eyes, releasing a sigh of relief as Jihyo pondered.

"Wow, I guess you know it feels so good to get that off our chest huh? I was so nervous to let you and the others know about my orientation since being a trainee."

She wanted Mina to tell Mina her feelings so bad.

She didn't want to live in a "what if" question anymore.

If Mina accepted, fantastic.

If she didn't, oh well.

"I have to! I got this far and to hear her say she's like me has to be a sign!'

Jihyo wasn't going to hold back this time.

"This is crazy, so crazy but so relieving and-"

"Mina." Mina turned to her and again, she saw Jihyo look so nervous once more, "..there's more."

Mina was visibly confused.

'What more can there be...unless...Jihyo likes someone...someone else...'

"There's more, the reason why I wanted to come out...not because I wanted to finally let you all know but I-I wanted to let you know the most because I was tired of hiding who I am, but more importantly, I was tired of hiding my feelings...for you."

Being shock was an understatement for Mina as she leaned back from Jihyo.

"I care so much about you Mina. So, so much that I-I have massive feelings for you..." Jihyo already said it so there was no hesitation to repeat it. "and I can't hide it anymore Mina," Jihyo got out. "You are so amazing and words can't describe how much you mean to me. Everything from our trainee days to our debut to now...you mean the world to me Mina...you're everything I could want in a girl: caring, talented, beautiful..."

"..."

"...and that's why I was afraid because I didn't want to ruin what we have.... understand if you don't share the feelings, but I couldn't hold it in any longer...I-I just wanted to tell you how I feel about you.

This was it.

Jihyo could feel herself trying to step over the edge, her entire soul prying on this moment.

The time came to a standstill as Jihyo drew what seemed like a never-ending breath.

She watched Mina's eyes widen...out of shock?

Out of disgust?

Out of excitement?

It was impossible to tell until Jihyo felt her cheeks being grabbed and forced to turn to Mina.

But it was a flash as her eyes widened, her body stiffen as Mina lunged forward and smashed her lips onto hers.

Mina was kissing Jihyo.

The J-line member kept pressing forward for a few seconds before releasing her lips from Jihyo's, her hands on her cheeks still as Jihyo was only able to stare at her smile.

"I-I feel the same to you Jihyo."

Jihyo felt a dam breaking in her heart.

Raging rivers of warmth, joy, excitement, arousal, and multiple other euphoric emotions flooded every inch of her body.

She felt her mouth turn upward into what she could only imagine was the dopiest, love-sick grin as Mina cracked a similar, but much more beautiful, smile.

"You mean a lot to me too Jihyo...you mean so much to me as well hehe...." she murmured over her shoulder added with a light chuckle.

Jihyo was so, so happy.

Mina reciprocated her feelings just as strongly as Jihyo felt them, and she could tell Mina was relieved too by the way her arms shook slightly around her.

Jihyo finally snapped herself out of her trance and returned the embrace, gently at first before daring to squeeze her tighter. It felt good, probably the best feeling Jihyo had ever experienced so far, even more than being on Twice...okay maybe just as much.

But that tight embrace was soon topped by an even better sensation when Mina pressed her lips against hers.

Jihyo closed her eyes, holding onto her partner's shoulders as she returned the kiss, thankful that her brain had registered it properly and she hadn't jerked away in surprise.

She loved Mina so much, and she wanted to convey it through the contact.

The kiss was sweet and yet so telling, quenching a thirst they had both lived too many months dehydrating from.

Mina's insides stood tall and excited, swiveling in delight as she felt Jihyo kiss back, still amazed she had brought herself to initiate the contact.

Her heart was still throbbing, but being pressed up against Jihyo like this so warmly for support, her pulse felt more elated than anything.

At last, they broke apart, panting slightly as Mina rested her forehead against hers.

"Wow.." Jihyo breathed. "Wow, hehe! D-Does this mean-"

"It certainly does," Mina smiled. "And it means we have tons to talk about, but it means that I want you too Jihyo, so much."

Jihyo's lips quivered as there was a moment of silence as they both let everything sink in. Three minutes ago they were just Twice members, but now they were-

"Girlfriends?" Jihyo babbled. "We're girlfriends now aren't we?"

"Maybe after a date or two, but that's right." Mina was too happy to keep distance between them, so she stepped in and hugged Jihyo again in a silent attempt to display her joy.

Jihyo eagerly returned the contact, willing to hold her like this for the rest of eternity if need be.

Moments passed as they reflected on the events that had just transpired, still a little shocked, but more than anything content and excited and oh so warm.

"Wow..." Jihyo breathed again. "w-we're...oh wow."

"You were making me so nervous today," Mina admitted. "But I'm happier than words can express, Jihyo. I don't know what to say either."

"Then let's not say anything," Jihyo murmured, tucking a lock of soft onyx hair behind Mina's ear before pressing another, gentler kiss to her lips.

Mina was so happy she felt she might cry, and in the end, a few tears did slip down her cheeks.

Jihyo pulled back to brush them away with soft fingers.

"My Mina," she mused to herself, "all mine."

"And my Jihyo, mine as well." Mina mirrored as they both leaned forward to-

SQUEAK

"Mina, is everything-gasp"

Both Jihyo and Mina jumped in their place as they heard the door being opened and Sana was standing there, eyes widened and mouth opened.

Both Mina and Jihyo were beyond embarrassed by being caught both by kissing and now that thev're lesbian.

What's to happen now, they didn't know, but now by being together, that lightened the ordeal, but even so, they weren't prepared for this...okay they should have been more careful, but everything was getting too much.

"W-were you two just-...are you two..." Sana pointed at both of them as she walked in closer, closing the door behind her.

Mina was beyond the color red of embarrassment so Jihyo took charge.

With Mina's returned feelings, it was a hell of a lot of stress taken off her, but still, with letting the others know, she was scared of their reaction too.

Jihyo took a deep breath and nodded, but was filled with anxiety about how fast this was going.

"Yes, Sana. Mina and I...we're gay...and we're together."

Saying that was a godsend to Jihyo's and Mina's feelings as Mina looked towards Jihyo.

Sana stopped in place.

"No...way..."

Jihyo nodded.

"I know Sana, I'm deeply sorry, but we'll explain every."

"Ahh! It's about time!"

"...eh" "...eh"

"Do you know how long we were waiting for this to happen!?" Sana outstretched her arms

...y-you knew?" Jihyo asked as Sana nodded.

"Well of course I knew! We all knew! We live together pabos! For god sake, we sleep in the same room!" Sana waved her hands around, "obviously Nayeon and I caught you checking each other out loads of time!"

Both girls were frozen in time.

"Ah I'm so happy for you two!" Sana looked like she was going to cry as well, "and before you ask, yes we're okay with you two, we always have been okay with it if anything happened between you two." Sana explained and that made Mina's and Jihyo's anxiety drop.

"Y-you are?"

"Yes, Jihyo we all are. We don't care about what you are or who you like, we love you both no matter what. You're still our leader and our penguin no matter what." Sana smiled and assured them and that hit Jihyo and Mina hard. "Just maybe don't tell manager-unnie yet though or anyone for that mat-ah Mina.

Jihyo turned to Mina and that did it, tears dropping down her cheeks like rivers and after seeing her new girlfriend cry, got Jihyo to start tearing up as well again.

Both were from happiness and relief.

In a span of no less than five minutes, both Jihyo and Mina lives went up for the best and every negative thought they had gone away instant after instant.

Before Jihyo could do anything, Sana came forward and hugged Mina in a flash.

"Don't cry, Mina. Please." She soothed as Mina burrowed her head into Sana's shoulder.

"Ahe...g-gomen sniff...l-I'm just so happyyyehe.." And Mina started to cry into Sana's shoulder as Sana patted her back.

Jihyo felt her hand being squeezed as Mina's interaction brought Jihyo into the hug as well as she joined near Mina's head and gave her a kiss on the side.

"I'm happy too Mina. So happy..." Jihyo let her tears drop as well as the three shared this hug together.

With their newfound relationship and with Sana's confession of the other members happy for them, Jihyo and Mina couldn't be anymore ecstatic to live in the open now and with each other for the next six years like this.

===========================

FLASHBACK OVER

PRESENT TIME

"Jihyo."

Jihyo's eyes shot up to Mina's turned head.

"We're not gonna have any film if you keep staring at me like that."

"But it's the best thing to watch~" Jihyo grew a large smile as Mina rolled her eyes.

"We're shooting a commercial, remember work first." Mina pointed at the camera in the corner, "now I have to delete it and start again."

"I know, gomen...but you can't blame me due to those sweats of yours." Jihyo pouted as she heard Mina laugh.

"I needed to wear something to work out in.

Just sit in front of me then." Mina didn't turn as she was focusing on the camera.

"Aww...well, I do need a small convincing to do so~"

Mina turned to Jihyo as she stood up and walked towards Mina.

"Jihyo, sigh fine, but then we work okay." Mina pointed at her as Jihyo nodded.

"Then we work, now come here~"

Mina smiled as Jihyo got up to Mina, grabbed her by the neck, and kissed her girlfriend full one.

If the kiss wasn't obvious enough, Mina and Jihyo are still a couple.

Apart from their own group, no one else knows about them, not even their manager still.

It was even arranged that Jihyo and Mina would switch bedrooms with Momo and Jeongyeon to leave the room for them to have their private time together...and no, it wasn't ALWAYS that kind of 'private times'

It was merely for them to be together without disturbing or being interrupted by Nayeon and Sana.

Plus it worked for them as well with Sana and Momo along with Nayeon and Jeongyeon being closer to one another.

Their manager took notice but disregarded thinking Jeongyeon and Momo were happier with the two.

Ever since then, the two have been inseparable, even during out in public, but they wouldn't showcase any couple acts out, merely being close to each other.

So much so, that their shipping name rose to the very top of the Twice ships, but all the members laughed it out though.

And so here we are.

Jihyo went towards her, and she stood to greet Mina.

It's a romantic novel cliche, to say they melted into each other's arms, but they did.

It was as if their bodies wanted to meet, each wanting to accommodate the other so that they fitted together perfectly in a tight embrace.

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

I GUESS TUMBLR HAS 1000 BLOCK LIMIT THAT I CAN'T GET PASS SO THIS IS 1/2, 2/2 WILL BE IN ANOTHER POST.

IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX, PLEASE MESSAGE, THANKS.

#twice #park jihyo #myoui mina #mihyo

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sturn777 · 19 days

Text

ᴛᴏᴜʀ

chris sturniolo x angelina hamilton

chapter one

ALL OTHER PARTS

sturniolo.triplets

Liked by SkylarHamilton, MattSturniolo and 583,726 others...

sturniolotriplets TOUR DATES! TICKETS GO ON SALE AUGUST 9TH 2:30 PST 5:30 EST! Excited to see you guys 🦌🦈🦇

nicksturniolo Bats on top 🦇🦇🦇

chrissturniolo 🦌

user crying from europe

-> skylarhamilton ME TOO GIRL!! 😭😭

user BUYING TICKETS RIGHT NOW?!!?!!!!!

user raaah they all look so good 😍😍😍

skylarhamilton praying to god you just randomly switch up and come to the uk 🙏🙏🙏

-> sturniolotriplets Another time maybe 🤷‍♂️

-> skylarhamilton SCREAMING WHAT

-> skylarhamilton NICK PLS BE YOU I LOVE YOU 💕💖💗💞

-> nicksturniolo Love you more!!

-> skylarhamilton I DIED.

user Y'ALL IM SO EXCITED

user THRE CMIS TO MY CIY WTF OMG IM ROLNG ONIUA TE FLOOR I CAT BREATHE HELp

-> mattsturniolo Lmao me too

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user id beg my mom to go but she just wouldn’t let me 🥲🥲👎

user THE TICKETS ARE BOUGHT

mattsturniolo See y'all there 👋👋

Skylar Hamiltons birthday had been hectic already and it was only lunch time. First of all Skylar had woken up way before Angelina which was unplanned as Angelina had saved the decorations for the morning, the girls cake hadn't been finished by the bakery, some of her presents still hadn't come in the mail and most of the teenagers friends hadn't knocked at the door to join her party.

Angelina had tried her very best to make do with what they had. Turning blowing balloons up into a 'party game', picking up a cake that didn't fit the theme from the stores instead, and was currently trying her best to make a fun party even though only three out of the twelve girls invited had shown up.

What annoyed the siblings was that they had notice. It wasn't like it was a rushed invitation that had been handed out at the start of the week. No, in-fact they had invited people at least two months before to know what to prepare for, the girls who hadn't shown up had been in the group-chat that was made and were seemingly excited about it all.

But what pissed off Angelina more than it did Skylar, was that the girls who didn't show up were hanging out together and posting it on their public stories on every possible social media account possible. Lord knows she was damn near pulling up and screaming in their faces, but she kept herself calm.

So Angelina sat on the sofa and watched Skylar and her three friends; Jess, Sophia and Charlie. They were currently playing a stupid game one of them had bought over. It was some type of card game that had them rolling on the floor in laughter, so Angelina couldn't complain.

All she was waiting for now was the doorbell to ring. Her phone sat on her thigh, refreshing her texts every few seconds (sometimes minutes as she would zone out or get distracted by the teenagers in-front of her).

Once the doorbell rang she would be able to collect Skylars main present, the one she had bought not too long ago after doing quite a lot of research after the teenagers ramble in the kitchen one morning a few weeks ago.

"That's not even funny! I'm just— I'm—!" A cackle tuned itself in too Angelinas ears. Jess was struggling to catch a breath whilst speaking, Skylar and Sophia were both laid back on the carpeted floor with their hands on their stomach. The sound of laughter not even escaping their mouths as they were laughing that hard. Angelina smiled to herself, snapping a few pictures of the three that she would make sure to send to them all like she had been doing all night.

The TV played quietly behind them, a youtube video playing of the brothers their car, discussing something random topic each time Angelina would pass by. Skylar seemed to enjoy their channel a lot, along with the friends sat in the living room, and Angelina didn't really watch any youtube at all so she was open to anything. She would consider herself a 'fan' but not like the type she's seen occasionally on her for you page.

The dark skinned girl snapped out of her thoughts as the doorbell rung, the teenagers in-front of her not even noticing in the midst of their fit of laughter. Angelina stood up and walked towards the door where her friend, Maya, stood behind the wood.

Maya smiled towards Angelina, "Hey! How are you?"

"I'm good you? You have the thing?"

"Yeah I'm good, and of course." Maya smiled towards the dark skinned girl. Lifting the small, sealed envelope that was sat in her hand. "I would stay but I gotta run, tell Skye I said happy birthday!"

Angelina nodded with a smile, shouting a 'thanks' as the girl walked back towards her car, shutting the door and moving back into the living room. The group of teenagers were now sat on the sofas, the TV's volume turned up slightly as they were all focused on the current video playing.

Charlie looked up as Angelina walked in, "Hey, where'd you go?”

"Got something for the birthday girl." Angelina smiled, gently chucking the envelope onto her sisters lap which caused Skylar's eyes to drift downwards and her eyebrows to raise.

"What is it?" Skylar questioned, Angelina only shrugging in response and plopping herself down on the other sofa. Sophia and Charlie only smiled as they encouraged the girl to open the envelope quicker.

Inside the envelope was a small sheet of paper, small graphics decorating it. "Read it out then!" Sophia sighed, nudging Skylar in the ribs. Skylar only beamed a bright smile after skimming through the note.

"Dear Skylar, you are invited to the Sturniolo triplets verses tour in Orlando Florida on the eighteenth of October. Unluckily for you, your sister will be joining you but I hope you have a good time. Your flight leaves in three days, get packing."

The four girls squealed all together, jumping up and down in a small group huddle. Skylar separating herself from the other three and jumping onto Angelina, hugging her tightly.

"Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome Skye, just know you're doing the dishes for three days."

tags: @st7rnioioss @its-jennarose @timmyscomputer @kriissy4gov @liz-stxrn @sunrisemill @mattssluttywaist @riasturns @mx0qin @junnniiieee07 @sturnzsblog @mattslolita @ariieeesworld @alorsxsturn @nonameisthegameandilovejake

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into-september · 6 months

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"Destruction" is the worst episode of Miraculous Ladybug

Oh hey guys, remember way back in April or something when I said I was doing this? Well, the one year anniversary of its premiere is a suitable time to post this, particularly since yesterday saw the airing of the last piece of canon to come out in a while, which happened to be set immediately after these events.

With the always obligatory reminder in place that I generally think that “Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir” is in fact a good TV show whose appeal potentially reaches beyond its merchandise-mandated target group, it has an unflattering pattern of introducing the juiciest story threads and then just… do nothing about them.

The topic of today’s sermon isn't in isolation the worst offender. But it is thanks to this that the worst offender happens at all, so I'm not gonna be nice about it.

Scroll past to skip the negativity.

So, “Destruction”, possibly the most eagerly awaited episodes of out S5 if you don’t count all the false advertisement that was “Revelation”. I remember finding this episode uncharacteristically charmless for this show when I first watched it. They've been onto heavy topics before, but those episodes still had that je ne sais quoi that gives this show such heart. But re-watching "Destruction" I found it lacking already from the first scene, and felt it only in glimpses. It's just not fun.

The episode is also poorly paced, no way around it. It is inexplicably a flashback to two episodes ago which is not evident from the start. More than half the runtime technically consists of Marinette and Alya having a sleepover. The battle and its game-changing outcome is over at 12 minutes into the episode, which is barely past the halfway point. After that, we spend five minutes - a quarter of the episode's full runtime - on a flashback re-playing the same battle but now with verbal exposition explaining Marinette's clever plan. Mind that the confrontation between Marinette and Gabriel lasts for all of seven minutes, meaning that the flashback is nearing the length of the battle itself.

To top it of, it's bogged down with lengthy exchange between Gabriel and the kwamis just to make clear that the haters on the twitter were totally wrong when they bitched about Orikko being OP because actually its powers were something else than we established last season. Here's a bonus plot hole which has nothing to do with everything else I'm going to nag about: Orikko allegedly can't give out the powers of time-travel because no kwami can replicate another kwami's powers. Except for Nooroo and Duusu, I guess, who have done so on several occasions. One of the more remarkable being the episode which first heralded the event that "Destruction" set in motion: "Timetagger".

And who can forget that this was the second time in three episodes where Ladybug and Cat Noir had Monarch at their mercy but spent so much time giving triumphant speeches that he gets away.

Or that that in fact was the second time on the same night.

But while those things certainly make the episode poor, they are not what makes it the worst.

What makes this episode the worst isn't its technical failures, but about the way it leaves its feces all over the themes and the character arcs it seemed like the show had been building up until this point. Moreover: in the role it plays in S5 and the Agreste storyline, and how the show's refusal to touch it again creates a black hole in the season at large, and arguably in the show as a whole.

I. THE INESCAPABLE CONTEXT OF WHAT CAME BEFORE IT

The art of telling a story is the art of highlighting what matters and leaving out what doesn’t. In a well-crafted story, no matter the medium, no detail is insignificant. Every word is carefully chosen, every line or hue made with intention. The curtains aren’t blue just because, and Miraculous Ladybug has made too many meta jokes to hide behind the claim that it’s just a silly rom-com for kids. It has trained its older audience into looking for context and connections; after “Mr. Pigeon 72”, you can’t insist that nothing that happened earlier in this show matters for what happens later. Titles matter a lot in a show where episodes are titled after the villain-of-the-week who usually is the thematic mirror to what our heroes are going through.

“Destruction” is the fourth episode somehow named after Adrien, and the third somehow named after Plagg. You bet this matters.

As some might know, "Kuro Neko" is not my favourite episode. That's not to say I don't like it! It's cute! It's playing a really interesting scenario! We get Plagg hanging out at chez Marinette! But to enjoy it, I have to willfully ignore the storytelling incompetence it flagrantly displays. Because the moment you peek beneath the surface of the events happening to consider theme, motifs, and narrative parallels, it's just

"Kuro Neko" is the second episode that is named after Cat Noir. The first one was "Cat Blanc". There is a thematic connection between the two; not a very clear one and probably not an intentional one, but all the same: both episodes are about an alternative to Cat Noir. One is the result of his father's violence; the other is Adrien's own attempt to become more like the person he presents around his father. They also both show us Plagg and Adrien negotiation Adrien's relationship to Ladybug, and how Ladybug and Cat Noir negotiate that same thing.

"Cat Blanc", for all its apocalyptic visions, starts and ends with hope. It starts with Marinette’s hope at confessing to Adrien, to Adrien’s hope in finally knowing Ladybug’s identity and knowing her like he’s yearned for for three seasons. Those hopes lead to disaster, but the episode ends with Ladybug finding Cat Noir on the Montparnasse Tower, where he is singing his lullaby about the kitty being "all alone without his Lady". As is fitting, Marinette breaks the pattern: after having just witnessed a world turned to destruction because the two of them loved each other, she leans her head on his shoulder in perhaps the most romantic gesture she's ever given him.

"Kuro Neko", in contrast, starts with Adrien resigning the job when he realises that Ladybug no longer needs him and that makes him feel bad. It ends with him coming back and verbally accepting that Ladybug doesn't owe him any exclusive treatment; he isn't her unique partner, just one of many. Where the final scene of "Cat Blanc" seemed to confirm that Ladybug is indeed the answer to Adrien's solitude, the final scene of "Kuro Neko" and its continuation in the first scene in "Risk" both make clear that the opposite is now status: Adrien has to accept the painful fact that as much as Ladybug might be the most important person in his life, Cat Noir does not hold a similar space in Ladybug's.

(The end of “Strike Back” of course claims to remedy this, but those words don’t ring very true when to Marinette’s knowledge, nothing of what went wrong today had anything to do with her keeping secrets from Cat Noir. More damning: Marinette never follows up on her purported regret. In all of S5, she never once sits down to share all those secrets with Cat Noir. Status from "Kuro Neko" still stands, and Adrien is fine with that now. This has nothing to do with the many problems “Destruction” creates, but talking about “Kuro Neko” by necessity means talking about how it wasn’t fixed even if they put the words in Marinette’s mouth. And now back to our scheduled programming)

"Cat Blanc" and "Kuro Neko" by their very existence bring up a thorny topic: That Adrien being Cat Noir isn't wholly unproblematic, and that both Adrien as an individual and Ladybug as the Guardian might have legitimate reasons to question that choice. This has always been obvious to the viewer who knows Hawkmoth’s identity, but the show itself eventually starts calling attention to that from an entirely different angle - namely that of his powers.

Lest we forget: The first episode of S4 that aired wasn't the first episode chronologically: It was "Furious Fu", wherein we learn that The Order of the Guardians has it out for Plagg specifically, and where Ladybug's status as The Guardian is almost revoked on the grounds that she's letting him run around unsupervised. This question of Plagg's whereabouts comes up again in the only episode that is named after Adrien sans Plagg: "Ephemeral", a re-play of “Cat Blanc” except not good. This whole subplot is quickly forgotten, though it being the only one of Su-Han's complaints that weren't about him being a boomer, it's also worth remember that "Destruction" technically happens a couple of hours after he made his last appearance. One might expect that his one consistent lesson would be important enough to echo a bit in the episode where it’s proven to be justified.

"Destruction", as not only one very early episode of the season promising to finally bring about some significant and not the least permanent changes to their lives, but indeed an episode happening on the same night as Ladybug's declaration of regret and Cat Noir's renewed declaration to be her partner, would by its title and its topic seem like the obvious place to finally resolve what "Cat Blanc" and "Kuro Neko" both asked us to question: The existential terror of Plagg's powers, why it is that Adrien is uniquely chosen to temper them at Ladybug’s side, and how Adrien feels about being the one to carry that responsibility.

Yeah. Well.

II. ADRIEN'S PRESENCE IN "DESTRUCTION"

Where "Kuro Neko" and "Cat Blanc" place significant focus on Adrien Agreste in his civillian life, in "Destruction" he appears on screen for a total of 25 seconds - most of which are another flashback to a previous episode, and whose purpose is to highlight Gabriel's hurt from the cataclysm, not Adrien's thoughts about what is happening.

Cat Noir's presence is also marginal. Three minutes of screentime pass from his first appearance until the battle is over. Said battle is the turning point in the war between the heroes and Monarch, thanks to neither Ladybug's powers nor Monarch and all the kwamis, but Monarch using Cat Noir's powers for an impulsive act of self-mutilation. Cat Noir is distraught over this, turning desperate when Monarch first start toying with the idea and being near tears after he carries it out.

I'll get back to the impact of this event, but for now I'll point out that the aftermath is brief: After Monarch escapes, our heroes have this exchange:

LB: We had him, we almost had him! The kwamis were safe, they were right here! CN: I cataclysmed him! I can't believe this, I just cataclysmed someone! Granted it was Monarch, but - there was a real person behind that mask, and it must have hurt him terribly! Milady, you gotta fix this! LB: Cat Noir, Monarch just ran away with my lucky charm! Without it, I can't fix anything. I can't call on my powers and undo the effect of the cataclysm. There's nothing I can do...

We then cut to the slumber party, where Marinette tells Alya that she and Cat Noir "split up" immediately after, and Alya comforts her. From this point in the episode, Cat Noir and Adrien only appear in flashbacks. First a fifty-second flashback wherein Marinette sets up her convoluted plans, then a few seconds of him moving his statue in the wax museum before Monarch appears.

In the episode that more than anything should thematise Adrien, Plagg's powers, and his relationship to his father, Adrien is on screen for a whooping four minutes and twenty seconds.

And because I am that devoted to proving my point, I went and timed all of Alya's on-and-off appearances, which clocked in at a total of five minutes and six seconds.

Alya is of course core to the slumber party which frames the setting of the entire episodes. Moreover, it is with Alya that the emotional arc of the episode ends: it starts with Marinette tormenting hersef watching a Ladyblog report about Monarch's recent win, for which Alya chastises her. The last scene (before Gabriel pulverises the miraculous) has Alya reassure Marinette that she will get the kwamis back. When she regrets her lack of superpowers, Marinette in turn reassures her that Alyas true superpower is being her friend. The journey of the episode was for Marinette to stop blaming herself for messing up, and learning to rely on Alya's support in the new turn the war has taken.

...

IN THE EPISODE WHERE ADRIEN KILLS HIS FATHER.

III. SIR NOT-APPEARING-IN-THIS-FILM

In the episode where Gabriel commits suicide on his son's miraculous, here are some things that got more screentime than the son forced into using his only source of liberation to kill his father:

Flashbacks to past events (four minutes and fourty-five seconds)

Alya (five minutes six seconds)

The kwamis (six minutes and nine seconds)

Bet you can't guess which one is the only kwami who doesn't appear in this episode!

...okay, and Duusu, but you get the point. In the episode detonating the nuke that is the gruesome potential of Plagg's powers, and the potential damage Adrien might deal with them, Plagg never appears on screen.

In the episode highlighting the presence of the kwamis and their importance to their holders, the kwami whose presence is the most thematically tied to his holder's character arc is completely absent.

In the episode irreparably going into the only kwami whose powers is straight up murder, the kwami who The Guardians have singled out specifically as particularly dangerous, the kwami whose irresponsible nature has previously caused problems both to Adrien privately and Cat Noir professionally, said kwami is never even mentioned.

It's almost as if we're not supposed to remember that it is because of his presence that this whole tragedy was possible.

IV. THE EXISTENCE-DEFINING HORROR OF A CATACLYSM GONE WRONG

And ain’t that a funny one, when the gruesome potential in Plagg’s powers was the driving factor in Adrien’s first true crisis as a hero?

Marinette faced her moment in "Origins", where she gave up on her miraculous after the first disastrous attempt. She knows that she is the only one who can do something about the situation, but refuses out of her own lacking courage. She only becomes Ladybug of her own choice when she realises that she can save Alya's life. After this, Marinette never again questioned her place. She would grieve the burden on occasion, but she never once thought anyone else could do better.

Adrien, as we all know, was the polar opposite: he jumped right into it without reading the manual, had to have Ladybug pick up the pieces after a rash cataclysm, and never doubted his calling again until he realised what Plagg’s powers could do when used on a living being.

The NYC special has Adrien quit for reasons that had nothing to do with being unsatisfied with Ladybug's HR policies. It is in part because he effed up his duty as Paris' substitute guardian, but it's certainly also because of the recent horror he just witnessed: his hand forced by someone else nearly killed Ladybug, and killed Uncanny Valley instead as she stepped between them. Adrien just saw a mother weeping over her daughter's corpse, and how only the lucky presence of Ladybug's powers could undo the damage caused by his, unintentional thought it might have been. Adrien would of course never kill anyone on purpose, but Uncanny Valley’s temporary malfunction was a brutal display of what would happen if he stumbled the wrong direction with the gun loaded. Ladybug might have the duty to protect Paris, but Cat Noir has the duty to not to disintegrate people on touch.

The show never before discussed the weight of this burden in Adrien’s presence. “Cat Blanc” did it from Marinette’s side, but this never was a consistent story thread, only briefly brought up as her remembering why his knowing her identity is a bad idea. The sabbatical in “Kuro Neko” has nothing to do with Plagg or with Adrien’s sense of duty, and where you’d think this would be where Marinette finally brings up the issue bridging the NYC special and “Cat Blanc”, neither of the two are as much as alluded to. That Adrien has the power of murder has yet to be explicitly discussed in the show proper, but in combination with his personal relationship to Hawkmoth being a ticking irony bomb, the question of can he even bear it is inevitable.

That Adrien’s post as Cat Noir wasn’t as given as Marinette’s as Ladybug is echoed in the amount of times that Adrien has either quit or at least contemplated doing so (“Syren”, NYC special, “Wishmaker”, “Kuro Neko”). He likes being Cat Noir more than Marinette likes being Ladybug, but he lacks her iron certainty in the role. It is notable, then, that THE ONE TIME where Marinette questions her part, it is after Cat Noir has quit. She says this, out loud, in words. When Cat Noir’s powers become too heavy for Adrien to carry, then Ladybug, too, disappears.

So surely "Destruction" must be the point where this is finally comes together - where Adrien's history of quitting meets his ultimate crisis, where his powers abused on a human being of flesh and blood forces him into confronting the potential cost of being this particular hero, which will foreshadow the ultimate choice he’ll have to take: between being Cat Noir and being his father’s son. And where his choice, in turn, will define whether Ladybug can exist.

Or not.

Maybe we'll never again have Adrien think about how he probably murdered a man. Maybe we'll just - oh I don't know.

Have him start trying to cataclysm people?

Repeatedly?

While showing none of the horror at himself which he clearly had in the aftermath of accidentally cataclysming the villain responsible for his later victims’ possession?

And in the end, after never calling attention to Adrien’s new and trigger happy ways, we’ll have him give in to his fear, claim that he isn’t strong enough to responsibly use Plagg’s powers, and send his miraculous away for Ladybug to use alone, because it turns out that “Kuro Neko” was right and the NYC special was wrong: she can be Ladybug without him.

Growth, amirite.

V. IN THIS HOUSE WE DON’T TALK ABOUT PATRICIDE

Dramatic irony was the main engine driving "Miraculous Ladybug" from the start, and it was Adrien who bore the brunt of it. Not only did he spend four and a half seasons in unrequited love with a girl who rejected him for himself; he spent five seasons doing weekly battle against his own father.

The superpower war between father and son isn't just a source of story tension, however: it is inextricably mirrored in their relationship as family, where the father is openly abusive and the son is magically incapable of protesting. The show repeatedly makes A Point about how the freedom Adrien so wants, is one that he only gets through being Cat Noir, and the only way Adrien is capable of fighting his father - albeit ignorant of it - is with Plagg's powers.

Cat Noir defeating Hawkmoth was necessary not just for his story as a superhero, but as his character arc as a normal boy.

And in "Destruction", this is exactly what happens. Thanks to Plagg's powers, the path to Adrien's freedom is finally paved, in the most gruesome and unwanted manner possible. Adrien might not get the big cathartic show-down with his evil father, but technically he was the one to bring him down.

But we don't talk about that. Except for his one (1) line after Monarch escapes with Ladybug's lucky charm, Adrien never again brings up the fact that his being careless with a cataclysm certainly maimed a man, by precedent (Aeon) possibly killed him. Rather than a story arc about Adrien being afraid of his own powers, it’s only now that he starts aiming it at people when he’s under emotional duress. This could of course have been one hell of a story point if it was intentional, but by all accounts, it wasn’t. When Adrien never again reflects on his having probably murdered a man, or reasons that Monarch is probably fine since he’s clearly still around so maybe a cataclysm isn’t so bad, and he never dwells on his nearly murdering two of his friends, there can’t have been any connection intended here. Moreover: when Adrien is scared of his miraculous towards the end, it’s not about its capacity for normal murder when he’s having a bad day, but its capacity of ending the world if he happens to be akumatised.

Gabriel is likewise disinterested in the cause of his impending disintegration. You’d think the man would feel some kind of special resentment towards Cat Noir and his powers, you could think this was where he’d get to re-thinking his relationship to the two people who are sitting on the keys to solving all his problems. Maybe he’d start doubting himself now, bearing the ultimate testament to his magical hubris. But no. The cataclysm wound is there and it’s a problem, but the reason it happened is completely irrelevant to the man who did this to himself and unknowingly, to his son.

That is almost as mind-blowing as the fact that they really had a straight up patricide happen on screen. Sure, death was never the intention of either of the two parties, and Adrien certainly holds no blame for what happened. But Gabriel must have at least known what he was risking, and even if the soft-hearted Adrien would somehow reason away the gravity, Plagg would certainly now. By its very nature, this one cataclysm drags out and distils a plethora of questions about both Adrien’s role as Cat Noir, about Gabriel’s vision of himself and his goals, and about their relationship not as father and son, but as villain and hero. The gruesome narrative irony looming over all this is in that regard just the icing on the cake.

There is certainly an Oedipal layer to the drama of Gabriel and Adrien, though the often more scandalous incestuous angle is considerably downplayed here. Even so: By the denouement of S5, Adrien has successfully killed his father and set up a home with his mother. That really happened, but we’re sure not going to investigate how this influenced the relationship between two nemesis, between father and son, between Adrien and his kwami.

The cataclysm in “Destruction” turned Adrien from anguished shoujo love interest to the hero of a greek tragedy, but the show is dead set on pretending that it didn’t.

VI. SO THEN WHAT WAS THE POINT

In isolation, "Destruction" comes across as weird more than anything. It's named after Adrien's kwami, it spends an inordinate amount of screentime on Adrien's father, it reaches back to Adrien's perhaps most defining moment as Cat Noir as it fundamentally changes the game between our heroes and our villains as one of them is finally dealt a damaging blow - which in turn sets Adrien's life down a path towards tragedy that must be interfered with for him to have a happy ending by the end of the season.

And yet, Adrien is a peripheral presence in it. Marinette and Gabriel dominate the screentime, Alya and the kwamis are consistently present as the thematic chorus at their respective sides throughout, the episode plays its events twice in order to make it clear that Ladybug is too clever for Monarch's miraculous, the emotional arcs that are followed are the follow-up on where Marinette and Alya stand after the disaster in "Strike Back" as well as Gabriel's renewed vigour. Adrien's only contribution to the episode is to follow Ladybug's instructions and to make clear that his relationship with his father is still awkward. The episode depicts probably THE most important event of the show, but this event is treated almost as an afterthought, and the horrors of it are confined to one (1) line of dialogue from Cat Noir.

The only thing in “Destruction” that is brought up in later episodes is that Gabriel is now actively dying. If they wanted for Gabriel to live on a countdown for his date with the grim reaper, there were countless other ways about it: Have it be his use of too many miraculous which backfires, have him having used the peacock before it was fixed, have it be too much evil on the hands of Nooroo, have him get a serious call from his doctor, have him screw up Tomoe's machinery, have him develop a drug problem. This is a fictional narrative; its twists and turns are absolutely in the hands of the writers, teenage girls being irredeemable or not. It was never vital that this happened by cataclysm specifically.

So what was the point, then? Did we truly turn our magical girl show into a Greek tragedy for the shocked pikachu faces only?

The one thing I somehow haven't seen people bring up, is that "Destruction" makes it impossible for Adrien to learn Monarch's identity. According to the writers themselves, the reason lies in two of the other episodes named after him: "Cat Blanc" and "Ephemeral", wherein he learns his father's identity and is promptly akumatised. This is of course bullshit: both these cases relied not on Adrien learning his father's identity, but on Gabriel specifically scheming to traumatise Adrien with both the Hawkmoth reveal AND the fact that he's been living in the same house as his mother's dead body for the last year or two (timeline here is spectacularly contradictory). There was anothing inevitable about this. You're the writers. You could've set up a scenario where Adrien didn't learn about his father's crimes as an act of psychological warfare, and where he'd have the time to absorb it, to grieve and to find support by the time he'd confront him with it. Having every person close to Adrien keep life-defining secrets from him “for his own good” is, by god, not a good look on anyone involved here. Still it’s understanable, at least for those who aren't either adults or gods of destruction.

"Destruction", however, serves as an explanation for the gaping plot hole in the epilogue: Marinette tells Alya, she tells Su-Han. The one she doesn't tell, though?

The partner who was at her side before Alya or Su-Han ever appeared, and stood by her in far worse storms. Because telling Cat Noir the truth would mean telling Cat Noir that he dealt Gabriel Agreste the killing blow, and ain't that a nifty way to ensure that Marinette won't. Because if Adrien does learn Monarch's identity and the truth about his fall in future seasons, Emilie better hide those garment pins.

The truly damning part of "Destruction" isn't so much what the episode itself does. It's what it doesn't do. It's the storylines it cuts short and leaves behind, and it is the storyline it by its very existence introduces, but which the show refuses to touch.

Per title and content both, "Destruction" should be the culmination of thematic storylines from "Cat Blanc", the NYC special and "Kuro Neko". It’s not; it’s not even about Adrien, and Plagg isn’t even present in it. Moreover: its lacking presence on future episodes make it painfully evident that ambitions, there were none. Those storylines were either aborted like Adrien picking up Felix's spyglass in the S4 finale, or the show never did mean for there to be such a thing as "layers" to this story about a boy who becomes a hero to unknowingly break free from his superhero father.

The real reason why "Destruction" is the worst episode of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir is that it obliterates the most cohesive character arc this show had going for it, and that this was done on purpose.

#miraculous ladybug #ml criticism #mlb meta #blah #adrien agreste #gabriel agreste #storytelling #mira

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cedarxwing · 2 months

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Faust allusions in Hannibal

"I believe that Hannibal Lecter is as close as you can come to the devil, to Satan. He's the fallen angel. His motives are not banal reasons, like childhood abuse or junkie parents. It's in his genes. He finds life is most beautiful on the threshold to death, and that is something that is much closer to the fallen angel than it is to a psychopath." - Mads Mikkelsen on Hannibal as the Devil

I'm not a Faust expert or anything, but I've been balls deep in Wikipedia for the last week and here are my findings:

Super Short Summary of Faust:

Faust is an old scholar dissatisfied with life. One day Mephistopheles (the Devil) shows up and offers him a deal including unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. The particulars of the deal vary by version:

Original Faustbuch: Mephisto offers 24 years of service, and then Faust must serve him forever in hell.

Goethe: Mephisto will serve Faust until he experiences a moment of perfect satisfaction, after which he'll be dragged to hell. (Mephisto also makes a secondary bet with God that he can tempt Faust away from righteousness and into damnation.)

Gounod's opera: Mephisto turns Faust young again and wins him the beautiful Marguerite's heart. He also offers knowledge and power, but the story is more about Marguerite.

In most versions, Faust is damned to Hell at the end. In Goethe's version, Faust finds his moment of perfect satisfaction, but Mephisto doesn't succeed in tempting Faust into sin, so Faust ends up going to Heaven.

Explicit References

I won't list all the times the script refers to Hannibal as the Devil, but they're fun to look for. :)

The first explicit reference to Faust is in Sorbet (1x07), when Gounod's Le veau d'or plays while Hannibal gathers meat for his dinner party. This aria is Mephisto's manifesto on human nature:

"The calf of gold is the victor over the gods! In its derisory (absurde) glory, The abject monster insults heaven! It contemplates, oh weird frenzy! At his feet the human race, Hurling itself about, iron in hand, In blood and in the mire, Where gleams the burning metal, And satan leads the dance"

People are slaves to greed and easily tempted away from their morals--a nice description of Hannibal's perspective on humanity and his favorite pastime. I also like the implication that the rude people in his Rolodex are damned souls that he's come to reap.

This is a quote from Hannibal Rising when Hannibal watches Faust at the Opera Garnier with Lady Murasaki and the Paris Police Commissioner (which, wow, this chapter is practically Phantom of the Opera fanfiction). It's funny, because at that point in the novel, Hannibal is more Faust than Mephisto, so he's contemptuous of himself. Later, once he's undergone some, ahem, character development, the book quotes Goethe:

"I'd yield myself to the Devil instantly, Did it not happen that myself am he!"

This is probably the origin of the "Hannibal is the Devil" interpretation.

Also, I just want to point out that it's not particularly unique to be contemptuous of Gounod's Faust. He's a skeevy old man who fucks up his own life and everyone else's out of boredom, which is very human and relatable, but not very likable! We're all Fausts who are contemptuous of Faust, just like we're all rooting for Hannibal and contemptuous of Chilton.

Another quote from Goethe. Faust says this line while complaining that he has to choose between a simple/familiar/earthly life and a life unbound by earthly limitations (x). The double meaning of this line perfectly sums up Dolarhyde's predicament. He gave up a normal life to experience something otherworldly, and now he's fighting against the Red Dragon to save Reba.

This line also summarizes the temptation Hannibal dangles in front of Will. "Don't you crave change, Will?" A moment of perfect satisfaction, after which his soul will forever belong to Hannibal. This moment comes to pass when they kill Dolarhyde and go off the cliff, a metaphorical fall from Heaven (better explained here: x).

Not to get too lost in the weeds, but I would argue that killing Dolarhyde wasn't really a sin (maybe it was a sin to let those prison guards die, but killing Dolarhyde was self-defense and he was a serial killer for Pete's sake), so Hannibal lost his bet with God (Jack), and Will (Faust) is going to heaven after all, just like in Goethe's version. Maybe this idea would've been explored in Season 4, who knows.

Faustian Bargains

Once you strike a bargain with Hannibal, your soul belongs to him, and he can collect it at any time. The whole show is a series of people falling for this trap (except for Will, to Hannibal's never-ending frustration).

Some characters go to Hannibal seeking "otherworldly knowledge" while others are motivated by material greed. Gideon wants to know the Ripper and pays the price. Chilton and Sutcliffe commiserate with Hannibal in their medical malpractice and are punished accordingly. In Digestivo, Alana/Margot accept Hannibal's offer to take the fall for Mason's murder (and also get Mason's sperm) so they can inherit the Verger fortune.

The Faustian bargain motif is most apparent in Season 3, when Hannibal starts making characters explicitly ask for his help:

And, of course, the bargain Hannibal waited three seasons to strike:

Bedelia is the purest manifestation of this. She makes not one but two deals with Hannibal. The first was to help her get away with murder. The second was to take her "behind the veil" in Florence, where she acquires otherworldly knowledge and experiences. This is framed as "lucid greed" on her part, and maybe not just greed for knowledge, depending on how much she made off her lectures about being Lydia Fell! Hannibal spends Season 3a trying to get her to "participate" and makes some headway before his plans are derailed. She gets her come-uppance in the post-credits scene.

Finally, the most heartbreaking deal Hannibal makes:

Abigail's soul belongs to Hannibal as soon as she accepts this offer. In Mizumono, she willingly goes to her fate. :(

(Again, I'm not an expert, so if I got anything wrong please correct me!!)

#hannibal #nbc hannibal #hannibal meta #faust #bedelia du maurier #alana bloom #will graham #abel gideon #frederick chilton #margot verger #francis dolarhyde #cedar writes

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lovely-necromancy · 7 months

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Gifted Snapdragon ch.1

pairing: Astarion x Genderless Tav (called Flora but other wise not given an appearance)

Summary: A long slow burn starting from the beginning of the journey, and going on for far long after the game ends. A story for soft Tavs who have some morals and just want to help this boy heal.

Warnings: a slow burn to put Jane Austin to shame, canon compliant mind control and manipulation

A/N: I have not played BG3 yet (my computer unalived itself right after I made my character) so until I get money for a new pc I have to rely on longplays of the game on youtube. Apologies if characters or events seem off.

To think that running a simple errand for your older sister; a few days trip to Baldur's Gate to retrieve her wedding gown from the bridal hall, that's what got you into this mess. The travel wasn't horrible but you'd made it no further than five meters into the city before you'd been captured by the mind flayers. Taken aboard the ship, stuffed into a pod, and been an unfortunate soul to be infected with a worm that was currently squirming away in your brain. The dragons had been a real fun bit – you'd have to remember to tell Fauna all about them and how they'd left you in a fiery wreckage of a flying ship, left to fall right out of the sky. Though your sister would hardly find that bit amusing, she may if you emphasis the outlandishness of the ripples of psionic energy that had saved you from being but mush on the beach just mere feet above the ground, suspended.

Though you couldn't have been too sure that that was what had happened, as a fog had come over you mid fall and it almost sounded as though someone was speaking to you before you made contact with the sand. Your eyes catching on nothing but an empty beach cast a glow with the flames of the fallen ship. No one else was there.

You sit up and take a few calming breaths in time with the waves crashing on shore. The calm washes over you as the water pulls the sand with the tide, with adrenaline lowering in your system by the breath you begin to assess yourself – checking over yourself for any signs of damage or tear. Finding none but the dull itch left in your eye from that creature you stand.

Upon straightening yourself, you glance towards the flaming ship off a little ways from your landing. Time to put more space between you and that awful vessel.

As you turn you spot the prone figure of the woman you'd helped out of the pod aboard the cursed cruiser. Her name was Shadowheart if the landing didn't cause any damage to you brain that would have made that name up. You move swiftly to her side and slide down to you knees; gently you shake her awake. Her eyes are glazed and bleary when they first open, the unfocused gaze falls on you and soon recognition ignites in them.

Sitting up she takes in the chaos around the two of you.

“You're alive...I – I'm alive. We're alive but that doesn't make sense, how is this possible?” Shadowheart swiftly rights herself and stuffs her mysterious trinket into her pocket.

Scanning the area with a furrowed brow you frown, “I'm not quite sure I understand it myself.”

Upon a further inspection you realize someone is missing from your little party, “Wait a minute, the Githyanki warrior, where is she? Do you think she's fallen further along the shore?”

“Possible, but I'm not sure you should concern yourself with her, Gith aren't known for their friendly dispositions. I'd say you out grew your usefulness to her and she went back to worrying about herself. Which is what we should be doing. We'll need to gather supplies, find food, and shelter, but most importantly we'll have to find a healer.” she takes a step closer, “We may be free of the ship but we are still infected and at the mercy of those beasts.”

A little shocked you stare at her with surprise, “We? You – you want to stay together?” you ask – and it comes out in a much smaller voice than you'd intended.

“Mhhmm.” she nods, “We need each other right now, we can watch each other's backs. I can't think of better company than that of another half-elf.”

You give an understanding nod of your own, “That sounds like a fine plan. I'm called Flora by the way, wasn't much of a chance to tell you on the ship.”

To which she smiles brightly, “Very well, nice meeting you Flora.” she offers a mock bow, one you readily return.

“Well met, Shadowheart.”

Standing back to your full heights you catch each other's eyes and start to laugh. A little silliness amongst this mess does help to lighten the mood.

With those pleasantries out of the way and a renewed sense of vigor the two of you begin to head off the beach and in search of some type of settlement; when Shadow heart puts a hand on your shoulder, a gentle grasp that squeezes her fingers into your shirt just a bit, “I – I just want to thank you...again. For freeing me from that pod, so much was going on that it would've been easier on you to just leave me. But you didn't and I'll remember that.” with a nod she pushes her hand off your shoulder and mentions for you to lead the way.

The two of you travel through the wreckage of what looked to be a previously beautiful and serene beach: now bodies and viscera lay painted around every corner and crevasse it seems. And the little brain creatures seem to be posted as sentries scanning the shore for any survivors who'd made it through the crash.

An unsettling feeling fills your veins at the thought, quickly you crouch behind a large stone and look back to the brunette half-elf who follows your lead.

Speaking in a low and hushed whisper to not get noticed, “I think it's best if we sneak around those things for the moment, could get dicey if we -”

A scuttling sound, wet and sloshing with each supposed step, has the two of you pin straight and scanning your surroundings. Unable to find the source near, Shadowheart peers around the rock – now spotting three of the creatures milling about in a pattern. Coming back to meet you she silently nods her agreement.

Thinking of a plan to get the two of you out of here unnoticed proves more difficult than you'd initially thought. You know next to nothing about mind flayers and even less about the worms and these brain babies. Taking the chance you peak back around the rock and at the creatures following the same pattern that Shadowheart convey to you in a mimed manner. However, after watching them for a while you noticed something peculiar – the brains don't look up, they seem to only have the ability to perceive with a limited range of sight...one that only saw on the ground and not above.

That was it if the two of you could take to higher ground you'd have no trouble with the mutated organs and may even have a bit of an upper hand on them if you were able to keep your eye on them from a safe distance.

Doing your best through a series of hand gestures and trying to have Shadowheart follow your own line of sight you convey your plan.

The she elf seems to be on autopilot listening to you and following along with your gestures. And you catch the exact moment that the plan clicks for her. Dark eyes widen and her mouth goes slightly slack as the realization hit her like a crashing mind flayer ship.

Soon, it's quick work for the both of you to jump atop a few stones and climb more sturdy rock formations to get on top of a metal platform – broken pieces of the once flying ship. It's almost too convenient that you'd both managed to get around three of those creatures and now you were mere meters away from entering the grasslands.

Hopeful to reach some kind of cover from any lurking sentries you hasten your pace.

It looks like you weren't the only ones who'd made it out of the beach. Up ahead you spot a mop of silver curls just in the brush. Speeding up – creating a bit of distance from Shadowheart, who was preoccupied ensuring nothing noticed your departure from the beach – you find yourself closing in on an elf seemingly slightly older than yourself.

Red eyes are quick to find you, his face reads relieved while his stance suggests tension lies underneath. He beckons you closer.

“Help,” he calls as he motions for you, “I have one of those brain creature things cornered just in the grass over there. You can kill it can't you? Like the others.”

You had managed to kill a few whilst aboard the ship but that'd been with help from Shadowheart and the Gith woman. You're a little doubtful you'd be able to handle one on your own.

Still, taking into account Shadowheart's current distance from you, you figure it wouldn't hurt to at least give it a go. So, you nod, “Yes, as long as it's just the one. I should be able to handle that.”, taking a step closer and then surpassing the man.

“It's there can you see it?” he asks voice giving a tremble – or perhaps that was the tickling ringing you heard in your ear.

Your focus zones in when the bushes give a little shake.

You stay where you are refusing to take another step forward since the bushes are too dense to see through you'd miss the signs if the creature lunged out at you.

A gravely voice cries out, “Run!” and soon a boar is running free and away from your direction.

You chuckle and shake your head. The man has been through a lot this day, you all have, it's absolutely reasonable he'd make the assumption a young boar hiding in the brush was one of those creatures. While your relieved it was just a silly boar you're still concerned if the man needs a rest. Until you turn to see the glint of a dagger held to you.

Since the elf has it wielded towards you, Shadowheart makes no attempt to move to your aid – in fear of provoking him to cause actual harm.

Looking at the man you can tell this isn't the first time he's found himself brandishing a weapon, more specifically a dagger, to someone; no his stance is too set, too firm, and the placement of the blade indicates he won't hesitate to use it if need be. However, if he'd wanted to hurt you there was amble time while your back had been turned and Shadowheart was further away. Slowly you bring your hands up hoping to alleviate any tension in the elf that could result in him slicing you on reflex.

“Now, I just want some answers. I saw you two scuttling around the ship – you're in leagues with them aren't you? Those tentacled....urgh!”

You and the elf stumble forward and the worms in your brain communicate to one another. Much like with the introductions with the other two women on the ship you are bombarded with visions from the man's perspective. A sense of prowling on a dark street, then the tentacles from his capture, the worm, and light so much light. Then a glimpse of yourself through his eyes, a young thing with wide doe eyes and all the grace of a baby deer as well.

In turn he is plagued with visions from your perspective.

“Wha- what was that? What is happening?” he asks his grip on the dagger loosening as he lowers it to rub his temple harshly.

“It's that worm. We believe it's connecting all of us.” you fight the urge to mirror his position – it really has been of no help to stave off the pain.

His posture straightens slightly looking to you – but not quite at you, “The worm? Of course the worm – well I guess that explains a few things.”

Then the elf focuses his gaze on you once more, “And to think I nearly decorated the ground with your innards. Apologies.”

Noting the relaxed stance and lowered blade you relax yourself, dropping your hands to your side once more. And you are quick to offer him a small smile, “Apology accepted, it's been quite the day for us all I believe.”

A short chuckle spills from his lips, it's there you realize you keep staring at them as if drawn to them – his tone flows like a river, an unpredictable calmness. The sound reminds you of Fauna; star above and below you hope you make it through this, she'd never forgive herself if you died doing her a favor.

“What a – kind spirit.” he gestures in a manner you can't tell if to insult or praise you before he continues on to introduce himself, “My name's Astarion, I was in Baldur's Gate when those bests snatched me.” his expression turns just short of a snarl at the admission.

Placing a hand over your chest you introduce your little party, “Flora,” sweeping a hand to motion towards your fellow half-elf who holds a scowl over her features, not unlike the one she'd held before you released her from the pod, “and she is called Shadowheart.”

He follows your hand with an “Of course she is,” before he returns his gaze to you, opening his chest as he stands with his hands placed on his his lower back and a smirk decorates his face shifting his weight around, “A pleasure.”

You nod a little in agreement, sparing another last glance to your companion to see she is still just as wary of the elf before you.

“So,” Astarion, calls gaining your attention once more, “do you know anything about these worms.”

There's a quiver in your lip you can't shake as you pout glancing off to the side. Delivering bad news...politely was always difficult for you. With the matter of a painful transformation before you all ceased to exist as yourself...well that required more tact than you held.

“Um – yes, well unfortunately it seems they'll turn us into mind flayers if we don't find a way to get rid of them.”

His eyes grow wide and he blinks a time or two before a disbelieving laugh falls from his lips, somehow the sound sours the smooth river tone. Its weight adds to the already oppressive air amidst the wreckage of the crash site.

“Turn us into- ha. Hahaha – why of course whatever else could it have done aside from turn me into a monster.”

It may be the stress of the day but Astarion seems to have a habit of talking to himself.

Astarion speaks up again this time with an optimistic sort of lilt, “Although if it hasn't happened yet, there's a chance. If we could find an expert – someone who knows a great deal about these beasts and can control them we may have time.”

You perk at the sudden change in tune.

“Oh! Well, we were thinking more along the lines of just getting rid of them – not controlling them but yes all the same we are looking for a solution as well. Would you care to join us? Our odds must be better together after-all.”

His expression is once again drawn back to shock, as if he hadn't expected an invitation. Considering he did hold you up at knife point you can understand but again it has been a...very trying day for you all.

“Oh, hmm well I had been ready to go this alone. But maybe it isn't a bad idea after all...you know sticking with a herd.” he smiles and you take in the refreshing warmth it brings out in his features. Nearly hides the horrible bags he holds under his eyes. Much different than the earlier smirk that seemed to be his default expression, and only seems to draw your attention to the exhaustion apparent in his eyes.

“And you seem like a useful person to know.” once again the smirk is back on his face, and you can't help but sigh at the loss of such a charming expression, “All right, I accept. Lead on.” he gives a playful bow to which you offer a polite laugh.

If these were the characters you managed to attract after such a tragedy you must truly be blessed by the stars.

Turning around, Astarion right behind, you catch Shadowheart's dour expression: seems she'll take a bit to warm up to your new companion. But you'll all need all the help you can get if you want to be freed of these brain worms. Cocking your head slightly as you catch her gaze, you try again to convey a mute conversation to her. She nods and looks away, upset but understanding of your decision to request the elf's help.

She'll be civil to ensure your success.

The three of you make your way through the sparsely forested plain. You take note that Astarion, who you'd assumed would keep a distance, has fallen in step with you, flanking your left. Perhaps it's because you hadn't left your small village much, but it's a strange feeling to have that spot occupied by someone other than Fauna. Would it be rude if you ask he not take that spot? It does seem like a natural progression on his part though as Shadowheart has taken the spot on your right.

It's just strange for you. And you can't stop the occasional glances but overtime it seems Astarion has caught on because he'll return the favor and offering a small smile. It leaves you feeling guilty about being particular about something so mundane for those who weren't raised in a set.

It's during a short rest in the party that you strike up an another conversation with Astarion. You all having found a fallen log to take a seat on, the difference between your two companions couldn't be more night and day. As Shadowheart's rigid posture and practice of taking as little space on the log as possible was countered by Astarion nearly draping himself on the log.

“Astarion, do you happen to know where we've landed? Shadowheart and I haven't the fainest clue.”

The older elf had been admiring the barren landscape, no small amount of wonder and adoration shimmering in his eyes as he takes it all in. When his gaze falls on you it is near dazed.

“ 'fraid not, I'm simply city boy. So, I can't say I've been through these parts.” He returns to gazing out to the grassy knoll, you still give a nod though he isn't looking at you anymore.

“We should head to Baldur's Gate I have someone waiting for me and I'm sure there's bound to be a contact they know in the city who can help us.” Shadowheart voices, a little of a shock as she hasn't mentioned wanting to go to Baldur's Gate before.

A slight scoff comes from the man, “Let's hope we aren't too far, or in the Fyewilds, stars only know how long we have before the change is complete.”

“This isn't the Fyewilds, they are a much denser and lusher forest.” Shadowheart cuts in.

And you nod in agree with the young woman, “Yes, unfortunately this isn't the Fyewilds – if it were I'm certain we'd be able to find a healer for this affliction. Naturally gifted healers and all.”

After that you three fall into a not uncomfortable silence as you gathered yourselves and got back on the trail.

True to his word Astarion was showing himself to be every bit of the city boy he'd proclaimed, as he gets tangled constantly on the low branches that you and Shadowheart have little trouble avoiding. You have to stop yourself from laughing when he curses at branches for snaring his clothes for the tenth time.

It's during one of these moments, waiting for Astarion to untangle a wispy tree branch from his hair and catch up to you two, that you notice movement in the plain just ahead of you.

A purple hued figure barely moving lays in wait – and it's already seen you.

“Look,” you whisper harshly, garnering the attention of both. “A downed mind flayer.”

As you take a step Shadowheart holds her arm before you, stopping your movement. “Careful, those things are dangerous even when injured.”

Sticking closer together, more a tight pod now, your party of three approaches the dying monster. You could end its life once and for all right now... … …if only you didn't feel compassion. Compassion?

The thought strikes you like a young wizard's first fireball. Uncontrolled with a lot of force riding behind it.

Compassion for this – this thing, you aren't sure you could call it a person given no evidence that it feels any sort of remorse for the lives it's effectively ended and ruined. Not if making you feel compassion towards it as it lay dying was any indicator.

You try hard to take a step away from the beast, you notice Shadowheart and Astarion attempting to do the same with similar results. None of you can move away. The mind flayer has you in its grasp. Soon your thoughts are drowned out, overrun with its will: and you hear...no more like feel the words that flood into your brain.

“You can't move, can't think...thinking is done mercifully for you. It will be a joy to serve – and to die for it an honor.”

Your face is cast in a full grimace as you realize this thing is trying to overpower your thoughts and emotions. To possess your mind and force you to love it, admire it, worship it.

A rush of anger floods your body. Perfectly timed as the creature's mind seems unable to focus itself on you.

How dare it make you feel – how dare it tell you how to feel. This thing infected you, gave you a death sentence and it expects salvation in the form of your own life. As though you fight for survival was trivial compared to its own. But you were no puppet yearning to be told to dance with a pull and tug of your strings – you were your own person. Your thoughts were yours alone and not to be twisted and manipulated into a petty illusion of freedom and will. Anger raises in you and tears dance along your water line.

You lurch as the mind flayer comes back into your head with a vengeance; a vice locking your mind into obedience. It needs sustenance to survive and with your very being you can provide.

The parts of your mind that are still yours fight with everything they have, it isn't determination nor the urge to survive. It is pure unbridled spite and rage. You are your own person, not a pawn to be toyed with an sacrificed when the need arises. You break free of its thrall with a gurgled yell.

“Argh!”

White flashes before your eyes from the force you jostled back into your mind. Haggard breaths leave your chest heaving as the few tears that had gathered spill and cascade down your cheeks.

The monster lies exhausted, defeated. Its eyes -wet, not unlike the glossiness of your own, orange pearls that radiate malice.

What nerve it has to be the one cross with you as it had any rights after invading your senses. Playing at the recesses of your mind uninvited. To be angry that you broke free of its will – what a damned child.

While normally violence in reference to your anger wasn't your preferred outlet, this was a unique...a special circumstance. Building all your negative emotions from your chest you imagined pushing all that down, down though your body and guiding it into your leg. Which you lifted high above the flayer and with all that rage and energy dropped it down as hard as you possibly could. For a moment you had the fear you'd injured your ankle, having felt a pop underneath from the force of the kick. Though it could have simply been your boot going through the monster's skull.

Blood and brain matter fly from the impact, splashing back and covering your leg and other bits of you. You do not turn to see the reactions of your companions.

A grimace paints your features as you now live with the consequences of your anger. While there is shame for the display you'd provided them, you feel no remorse for the killed creature with the shattered skull.

The tears spill and a warbled cry leaves you.

It's small but enough to spring the two elves out of their stupors. Shadowheart pipes up, “Death was too good for that monster.” she says with no shortage of venom.

Astarion nods mutely, eyes lingering on the leg of yours now covered in the remnant of the mind flayer, and you yourself are hard-pressed to disagree.

You heave out a breath and find your voice after a long pause,” True. But I'd rather it be dead then left to lure another infected over to complete its revival. Best finish it than leave it to recover.” you wipe at the viscera that had splashed up on your cheek with the edge of your sleeve.

Without consorting with your companions you restart you journey, marching forward to find supplies or a settlement. While the latter is more preferable you'll need supplies to set up a camp if you don't stumble upon civilization by nightfall. However, Shadowheart catches you by the shoulder and forces you to come back to a stop.

“Are you alright, that was a lot back there and...no offense you don't give off the killer vibe. We can rest a minute if you need to breathe.” she says it gently and in a hushed whisper as though you'll shatter at anything more.

The tears have long since stopped but your gaze still feels watery and foggy. A slow tickle of bile rises to your throat and you struggle to speak around it. A harsh swallow followed by another shuddered breath you look to her with a tired smile, “I'll be fine – just a long day,” a sarcastic chuckle falls from your lips and even you can hear how hollow and broken it sounds; a person toeing the line of a breakdown, “Nothing a bath won't fix, I'm sure.” your hand finds her on your shoulder and you give it a reassuring squeeze.

Astarion having caught up to you both once again flanks your left and in a show of theatrics agrees with you.

“Oh, now that is one thing we can most certainly agree on. A nice warm soak, perhaps some bubbles, and of course let's not forget a nice glass of wine. Sounds like a wonderful evening after all this.” he all but moans at the thought of such a mundane evening in.

The laughter that it draws out of you is much more genuine and has both your party members looking at you with ease. One narrowly avoided breakdown done with and the rest of the journey ahead.

In all fairness you weren't completely good to travel after all, which you noticed when you were shocked to find yourself face to face with a fallen caravan. Having looked as though it broke down and was simply left to rot out here.

The landscape surrounding still suggested you were in the grassland but nothing seemed familiar. A glance to the sun showed it'd been hours since you were last aware. More than a little wary at the missing time you are quick to ease as you take note of Astarion and Shadowheart walking up to your sides.

“Oh good find. Didn't notice that from the trail, maybe there's something useful here.” the she-elf says before going to inspect the vehicle.

As she passes you notice a pack on her back that hadn't been there before. Chalking it up to your missing time, you don't really question it.

“Good to have you with us once more.” Astarion says watching Shadowheart tear the caravan apart for supplies.

Not much more is said as the two of you wait for the she-elf. And it isn't long until she finds a hidden compartment that holds a small chest. She tries to open it but a lock stops her. Looking up to you both she asks, “Any one have a lock pick?”

Astarion huffs, “Hardly, but I do possess a certain skill to help us. One moment.”

He pulls a loose nail free from the caravan and kneels to the chest, placing the needle in at a slight angle his ear twitches. He rises back up before he toes the nail with the tip of his boot, aligning it so he can place a well aimed kick and the chest pops open.

You clap at the show he'd put on and he gives a small bow accepting the praise for his talents.

As his reward he lifts the small bag of holding from the chest. Useful.

“Going to share what you've found?” Shadowheart calls as Astarion inspects the contents. He delivers a flat look her way, tossing a book he's pulled from the bag.

She catches it with ease.

“Some patience wouldn't hurt you.” returning to his task, his hand raises again with bundle of cloth held in it. This time he directs the throw to you.

Clumsily you catch the bundle. And oversized pair of pants unfurl before you, along with a set of socks. You'd all but forgotten your soaked leg, but now you could feel how the cloth of your current pants clung to your leg.

Pulling another book from the bag Astarion shrugs. “Not much I'm afraid. But there's a few more pieces of clothing and a bed roll in here.”

“Ok, that puts us at two bed rolls then possibly three if someone wants to compile the clothes into one.” Shadowheart nods.

Seems you've missed the item collection, hopefully not much else happened while you weren't coherent.

“Any tents?” you ask making your way to the back of the caravan for privacy.

“Found four, took them in case of rain we have a cover.” Shadowheart calls as you switch out your pants for the fresh pair. Rolling the new waistband up so the legs don't completely cover your feet. They are bulky but will do for now.

Rounding the corner holding your soiled pants you aren't sure what to do with them. Astarion and Shadowheart are flipping through their books as you approach. Astarion looks up first, placing his book back into, now, his bag of holding.

“Oh, please don't take those. Leave them here. They won't do much good now. I doubt that stain will come out just toss them on the wagon.” he motions and steps back and away from you worried you'll request he put it in his bag to hold on to.

Looking down at your hands and the pants, “If the worm doesn't do the job, Fauna will surely kill me for this.” you sigh, but relinquish the pants to nature. “You ready to get moving? A lot of ground to cover before nightfall and we still have a few hours to spare.”

Shadowheart places her book on the caravan, Astarion stares after her cross before grabbing the book back up and placing it once more in the bag – before following after.

It was an aimless mile you'd walked before seeing a distorted purple sigil in the side of a rock. An unstable portal, without thinking you'd walked up to the malfunctioning spell curious to who caused it and why.

You approach the sigil on the stone, magic glitters and swirls from it erratically, as if malfunctioning. It looks slightly dangerous. Still you reach up to touch the sigil and are shocked – quite literally by the portal.

A snicker can be heard from Astarion, which you deserved it was an incredibly daft thing to do, touching such volatile magic. Your lucky all it did was shock you...that is until a hand pops free of the small portal suddenly, startling the lot of you.

“Uh, hello. A hand anyone?” a male voice calls from the other side of the portal.

Like the applause you gave Astarion earlier for opening the chest, albeit slower and more wary you clap for the hand's appearance. In a sense you feel vindicated by the withering sigh that leaves the she-elf behind you.

Another huff of a sigh is pulled from the portal, “Perhaps I should have been cleared. To clarify: a helping hand would be appreciated.” the hand continues to beckon you closer.

Looking over your shoulder the others seem unphased but overall unmoving and unlikely to help. You guess saving this poor magic user would be your task then.

Placing a hand over the sigil you attune yourself to its frequency, no use in you also getting stuck in a portal with no way out. You focused in on easing the chaos of the portal that you have yet to note any change in behaviors, the magic user on the other side can tell the difference and comments you.

“There we go, whatever you're doing is working wonders! Now a quick tug should do the trick.”

A little wary of getting pulled in due to your lack of strength you beckon Shadowheart over to aid you. As you grasp the arm she wraps around your waist and helps you pull out a wizard donned in a rich purple robe. He falls to the ground, thrown in between you two and Astarion; you and Shadowheart steady each other to keep from falling as well.

Once he rights himself the wizard starts off this new round of introductions, “Hello, I'm Gale of Waterdeep.” he grips your hand and shakes it firmly and roughly. “Apologies, I'm usually much better at this.”

It feel as though cotton has been stuffed into your ears. His words are muffled to you though you know he is obnoxiously projecting his voice despite there only being three of you.

Your hand is still in his grasp and his focus is still entirely set on you: unaware that Astarion stalks behind him, circling as he makes his way back to you and Shadowheart. The wizard takes no notice of the posturing and continues talking.

“Hey, I know you, don't I? Well, in a manner of speaking that it. You were on the nautiloid as well.”

You share a look with the other two and you all have furrowed brows and tight frowns but give muted nods to Gale. It's then he takes notice of the other two in the party.

“Ah, hmm funny didn't take elves for the silent type.”

“Half-elf.” you and Shadowheart chime.

“Oh, alright fair point, well then I can only imagine you three were also on the receiving end of a rather unwelcomed insertion in the ocular region.”

A shudder run through you at the replaying image of the worm's teeth before it disappeared into your eye socket.

“I'll take that as a yes. This parasite if you weren't aware – after a period of excruciating gestation it will turn us into mind flayers. Through a process referred to as ceremorphosis, which let me assure you: it is to be avoided!” he scans the party taking you all in, “None of you happen to be a cleric, by any chance? Maybe a doctor? A surgeon? Scarily accurate with a sharpened knitting needle?”

You like to chalk this up to a stress induced day for the man, you can't shake the feeling that he likes explaining concepts to people...or the sound of his own voice with the way he speaks without letting you get a word in.

Unsure of what to say or if it would even matter to the man, you remain silent. It surprises you when Shadowheart speaks up for your group, “You seem to know a lot more about our condition to know that it is out of the realm of most clerics.”

Gale takes his eyes off of you and directs his gaze over to the she-elf.

“Most, keyword, no doubt. But I find myself hoping to be in the presence of the few. You don't happen to be one of them?” he directs his attention back to you with the last question, feeling the arcane energy that is at your disposal.

Shaking your head you offer an apologetic frown, “Afraid not. I can handle most surface injuries and other basic first aid tasks but this is way out of my league.”

“Shame, no natural family gift from the Wildes then?”

The first sentence from his mouth that rang crystal clear in your ears. It sends a chill through you, who was this man and how could he tell you hailed from near the Wildes? You can feel the stares of your other companions on your back.

“Nothing that would be useful in this instance. My born gift was animal speech.”

Gale is easy to brush off the news, “No harm in asking. As we've established few can. Not exactly a common affliction as it were.” He smiles at you all, “Well, I suppose we'll need a healer and soon too.”

You force yourself not to frown as you toy with the plain black band on your middle finger. Spinning it as a pit forms in your stomach waiting for Gale to finish his thought.

“How about we lend each other a helping hand once more and look for a healer together?”

And there it is, just what you feared. He's joining the party. You spin the ring a few more times calming yourself before turning attention to the other two. Astarion's gaze is unreadable, but he offers no objections. On the other side of the coin is Shadowheart who's gaze is filled with near childish hope and she avidly shakes her head when she's caught your eye.

Swallowing the bile in your fog in your throat you make the decision.

“Th – that would be nice, we need all the help we can get.”

The large grin on his face reaches his eyes and radiates warmth but it leaves a cold pit in your stomach. Something in his way of speech unsettles you, you will tread carefully with the wizard around...perhaps it would suit you to not be so open and forthcoming on this journey.

“Most excellent. A parasite shared is a parasite halved. Or something to that effect.” he jokes.

You give a polite smile and nod, turning to the others you start to open your mouth when Gale interrupts.

“Oh! But before you think you're about to embark on a journey with a most ill-mannered man; thank you for pulling me out of that stone.” he sounds genuine.

But you'd completely forgotten that you had indeed rescued him from being trapped in a portal.

He continues his speech. “It was an act of foresighted kindness I assure you, for I have the feeling ample opportunities will present themselves for me to return the favor.

With a simple nod you try and brush off the ominous feeling he's left you with. Fiddling a little more with you ring. You do well to school your features as you turn and call for Shadowheart.

“Will you take the lead, I'll fall back for a bit.”

Concerned she steps towards you, “We can take a rest if you need, no need to push yourself.”

A thinly veiled lie, and poor timing since Gale is now part of the party and puts in his two gold pieces.

“Actually, not to be that guy, we most assuredly need to push ourselves. Once again time is very much of the essence here.”

Looking to Gale then back to Shadowheart you give her what you know are your patented puppy eyes and implore her to listen. “That's right, we need to cover as much ground by nightfall. I'm good to take up the rear, I'd just hate to be zoned out and miss something, or have someone get hurt while we have limited supplies and resources.”

Her dark pools search yours, though you know she can't disagree: you know she believes there is some life debt she owes you or something existing in a similar nature. But as it is time is too valuable to waste on another break right now. Begrudgingly she nods and starts off on the path towards the forest. Gale looks to her before facing you and offering a closed eye smile, following after the brunette.

You spin your ring as your gaze follows after him, you have a weird feeling about him. Not bad or dangerous just strange. And you aren't sure why; everything seems normal with the guy. You'll have to keep an eye on him for the time being.

So lost in your own thoughts you don't take note that Astarion has stayed back with you. He waited until both were well out of ear shot before speaking to you.

“So, we've picked up a wizard who managed to get stuck in his own portal? Hardly a promising introduction.” you jolt in surprise as he breaks you out of your thoughts. He chuckles at your reaction and offers a charming smile.

He is hardly wrong about that though, maybe that was the reason for your unease – just how much help could an incompetent wizard be? Sure he had knowledge, but aside from a few terms he'd thrown out you'd all already known most of what he'd said. Was it really beneficial to have him tag along?

“You aren't wrong...” you finally say after some deliberation, “but we also do need all the help we can get.” your eyes lower as you finally concede that point with yourself, “Besides he seems like he knows a lot on the subject.”

Astarion makes a sort of snort scoff and places a hand on your lower back gently guiding you to move and follow after the others before they get too far from sight or worse double back to find you. “I'd hardly say that. He knows about as much as we do aside from a few terms. He's well read if anything and that's not much of a help when it's left him in the same position as us. He brings nothing to the party except two more parasites – so do not allow him to bully you in such a way.”

You look up to him confused, “Bully me?”

He hums, “Oh please, those quips about your magic background and snubs to your born gift.” he glances at you from the corner of his eye glinting in a strange way from this angle. “You intimidate him, a wizard so incompetent he gets lost in his own spell. Meanwhile here you are possessing the ability to commune with beasts and save him from his own magic. You have more control in your hand.”

“...I'll keep that in mind.”

#baldur's gate 3 #baldurs gate astarion #astarion x tav #astarion fic #astarion romance #astarion x reader #astarion x mc #bg3 #fanfiction #Gifted Snapdragon

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