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beyondthesefourwalls · 1 year

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The Art of Subtlety

Summary: You were quiet, almost shy, but Bradley suspected there was more to you than meets the eye. When Jake claims that it’s impossible for a woman to successfully fake an orgasm, you prove him wrong (while proving Bradley absolutely right) right there in the middle of the Hard Deck. With his world tilted on its axis at your little display, he’s left wondering: why are you so good at faking it, and how would you really sound if he’s the one bringing you pleasure?

Word Count: 2.7K

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Reader (no use of y/n, so can be read as unnamed OC)

Warnings: Language, allusions to smut, I guess public acts even though it’s faking?

Notes: I found this buried in my WIP list and decided to finish it. Hope y’all like it!

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“She has an Oscar. Of course she can fake it.”

“What exactly is it that you’re implying, Hangman?”

Bradley wasn’t sure what he was walking up to, but it was surely something interesting, because Jake was only Hangman to Phoenix when he was doing something irritating, Bagman being her name of choice. The way it fell out of her mouth laced with venom wasn’t to be overlooked, either.

He settled into an open seat at one of the high tops in the corner they tended to take over in the Hard Deck. You met his eyes and sent him a small smile from your seat across the table, twirling the small black straw in your drink. You looked pretty tonight, in tight denim jeans and an off the shoulder black shirt. But you always looked beautiful; it was one of the first things he had noticed about you.

“I’m saying it would be noticeable to a man if a woman fakes it!” Jake exclaimed, before a slow smirk made its way onto his lips. “Not that I would know. I never leave a woman unsatisfied.”

There’s a mixture of groans and laughter at his cocky response, Coyote even going as far as fist bumping his best friend for his comment. Bradley doesn’t do either, simply shaking his head and taking a sip of his beer. The same can’t be said for his table partner.

You snorted into your drink, which immediately drew all eyes your way. You had been quiet up until now, which wasn’t unusual for you; sometimes you rivaled Bob with how much of a wallflower you could be. But Bradley had a hunch it was just because you were still adjusting to the group, not so much because shy was your default setting; he had been fortunate enough to witness a quick wit and a snarky sarcasm that kept him on his toes a handful of times since you transferred to Top Gun three months ago.

“Something to add, sweetheart?” the blonde aviator asked, an eyebrow raised in a clear challenge. To his surprise, you scoffed lightly and rolled your eyes.

“Nothing that you would probably like to hear,” you responded easily. Bradley hid his smirk by taking another drink. There was the snark that intrigued him so much.

“Well now you need to tell us,” Phoenix said, waving at you to continue, clearly wanting whatever advantage she could get at Hangman’s expense. The rest of the group agreed and jeered at you to continue. You sighed with a roll of your eyes.

“I fake it all the time, and you would never know,” you shrugged, and Bradley almost spat out his draft at the words. “But then again, it’s not surprising for a man to overlook the art of being subtle.”

Jake furrowed his eyebrows, clearly still recovering from your blunt statement. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that it’s not all loud moans and screaming of a guy’s name when a woman orgasms,” you explained, bringing your straw to your lips and finishing off the rest of your drink. After you set the empty glass on the table, you cleared your throat and rolled your shoulders. It was only a moment later, right there in the crowded bar, that Bradley noticed the shifting in your breathing. It came out slightly heavy, shaky in a breathless kind of way. You drew your bottom lip between your teeth and your eyes fluttered shut before they opened again, hooded and dark.

Bradley was entranced, feeling a flush creep up his neck as a barely audible gasp escaped from the back of your throat.

You rolled your neck to the side as you panted almost silently, like you were experiencing an ardent kind of pleasure you were trying to keep hushed. When you arched your back, he couldn’t help but wonder what it would look like if you were doing that while perched in his lap. It wouldn’t be the first time he had thought of you that way since meeting you, and after this little display you were putting on, it certainly wouldn’t be the last, either.

“Oh,” you let out quietly, touching a hand lightly to your heaving chest, “yes.”

It was subtle, like you had said, but oh, was it convincing. Bradley thought he could watch you like this all day, but it was over far too soon.

With one more soft moan, you returned your breathing to normal and a smirk appeared on your face as you opened your eyes fully. You sat back in your seat like you hadn’t just titled his world on its axis and tightened his jeans with your little display.

“So,” you drawled nonchalantly, “would you have known?”

A loud laugh broke the silence that had overtaken the group. There were tears in Phoenix’s eyes at the gobsmacked looks on everyone's faces, and you started giggling right alongside her, though much softer and tinged with embarrassment. Bradley found himself still unable to look away even now that the facade was over.

When he was finally able to pick his jaw off the floor, Jake cleared his throat almost awkwardly. The smirk on his face was half hearted and a blush covered his cheeks; it’s not hard to see that maybe he’s questioning his satisfaction rate, afterall. Or maybe he, like all the guys are looking to be, was just as flustered by you as Bradley was. Still though, that cocky persona of his shown through. He lets out a long whistle as his eyes raked up and down your body, almost like he was seeing you for the first time. Bradley’s grip tightened around his glass as jealousy crept up in him.

“Okay,” the blonde started, “you’re right. Subtlety is not my strong suit. Maybe I need some more lessons. Private ones, perhaps?”

The confidence you had been showing faded just the slightest bit, embarrassment heating your cheeks, but Bradley didn’t let you stutter out a response for long before he was interrupting on your behalf.

“The Navy doesn’t pay her enough to teach you how to find the clit, Hangman. Sounds like it might be a lost cause anyway.”

“He’s right, Bagman. Some men just don’t have that special touch,” Nat snickered, and Bradley thought she looked downright gleeful at the turn of events and the absolutely affronted look she got in return.

Laughter rang out throughout the corner again, but it had the desired effect of taking everyone’s attention off of you for the moment. Bradley turned back only to see your gaze fall to your empty glass.

“Thank you,” you murmured without looking at him, twirling your straw again. He knocked his foot gently against yours under the table. He waited until you raised your pretty eyes to his before he spoke for your ears only.

“Buy you another drink?”

You looked relieved at his offer of escaping, hopping down from the chair you had been sitting in with no hesitation.

“Yes. Please.”

The Hard Deck was crowded tonight, as it typically was on the weekends, and it allowed him the excuse to guide you to the bar with a hand at the small of your back. He let it remain there when he placed your order. You raised your eyebrows when he didn’t have to ask you for your drink of choice, to which he shot you a wink.

“Maybe you aren’t so subtle afterall,” he joked with a playful smirk.

You huffed out a laugh that broke into a groan. “I can’t believe I did that.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you,” he suggested.

“Why not?”

He thanked Jimmy when he handed him two fresh glasses, passing you your vodka and Sprite. You immediately brought the small black straw to your lips. It distracted him for a moment before he shook himself out of it and took a drink of his IPA. He spotted a couple leaving a table behind you and instead of heading back to the rest of the group, he led you there. “You just gained all of their respect.”

You gave him a clearly skeptical look. “How do you figure?”

“They appreciate it when people bite back. Challenging each other is kind of what we all do, you know? You've been here for three months, but you haven’t really let anyone get to know you. Showing that you can take what they dish out and return it back like that was bold.”

You hummed in response, moving the straw between your fingers. He wondered if it was a nervous tick of yours, a way to keep you centered. He could tell you were mulling over his words but weren’t entirely convinced. He leaned a little closer.

“Plus, anyone who can make Hangman turn that shade of red and stutter like you did gets instant bonus points.”

He got a smile for that one, accompanied by a soft giggle that had his heart racing. You looked at him from under your lashes and when you drew your bottom lip between your teeth, he felt that same flush from earlier starting under his collar. Damn, you were something.

“Can I ask you something?” he asked.

“You just did.”

Bradley chuckled with a shake of his head. You laughed again but motioned for him to continue with his question.

“Why do you…” Bradley cleared his throat, suddenly realizing just how personal his question was in nature. You arched an eyebrow, clearly wondering why he paused.

“Why do I…?”

“Why do you bother with guys you have to fake it with?”

You choked a little on the drink you just taken a sip of, slamming the glass back on the table a little harshly as you coughed. Bradley scooted closer and extended an arm to pat your back in sympathy, wincing at the consequences of his words. You sputtered for a moment and when you caught your breath, he kept his hand on your back, rubbing soothing circles.

“Sorry,” he murmured. You met his eyes again and he could see specks of colors he hadn’t noticed before; they were even more enchanting this close.

“Why do you care?” you rebutted, your voice adopting that same shy tone from before. Bradley shrugged, trailing his fingertips up and down your spine. He was so close he could smell the scent of your perfume and see the goosebumps raise on your arms.

“A woman like you…she shouldn’t have to ever fake her pleasure.”

“A woman like me?” you asked in surprise.

He let his fingers twirl the strands of your hair for a moment. It’s silky soft and he wanted to know what it would feel like to be able to really thread his fingers through it and tug.

“Mmm. A woman like you. Beautiful. Smart. Witty. Kind. Beautiful.”

Bradley saw the shiver go through your body and heard the little gasp that you let out. “You said that one already.”

A smirk tugged at his lips and he nodded. “I know.”

You stared at each other for a long moment. Your pupils were slightly dilated and your breathing just a little uneven, and the look taking over your face made his jeans feel a little snugger. He risked getting even closer, rising from his stool and standing so his front was nearly flush against your side. He noticed how your eyes flickered down to his mouth.

“So?”

“What?” you asked, clearly distracted. Bradley’s smirk grew.

“Why bother? With them?”

“I…don’t really know,” you answered honestly, “It’s not like I seek out the disappointment intentionally. it just…happens that way, I guess.”

“And no one has ever caught on?”

“Once or twice,” you murmured, gaze lingering on his lips for another few seconds before looking back up into his eyes that he’s sure are even darker than normal. “I give it away if they actually eventually make me come.”

He raised an eyebrow, two fingers rubbing circles into the small of your back. He can’t help but wonder what they’d feel like curled inside of you instead. “What do you mean?”

“I’m…um…”

With the hand not touching your back, he tucked a piece of hair behind your ear, tracing the shell of it until you shiver under his touch again. Your breath hitched and this time it was you that shifted closer, almost like you were learning into his touch.

“You’re what?” he asked. His voice dropped, coming out raspier than he intended. You were making him feel hot all over, only made worse with your next words.

“I’m pretty loud,” you revealed quietly, a perfect juxtaposition.

Bradley froze, processing this new information. A hundred different scenarios played through his head but all of them came back to you, screaming his name in pleasure as he devoured you. His cock hardened in his jeans and he swallowed thickly.

“And I know it’s not me,” you continued, and if he wasn’t so turned on, he would think that your nervous babble was one of the most endearing things about you, though the list has grown exponentially tonight, “I can get myself off just fine. So it must be them. Right?”

Your voice trailed off at the end, like you were realizing what you were sharing for the first time. But it was too late, and now there was brand new imagery in his head.

Bradley groaned and let both of his hands fall to your hips. He moved your body until you were teetering on the edge of your seat, your legs falling open so he could stand between them. He raised one hand to your face, cupping your jaw and tilting your head back in a way that ensured you couldn’t look away from his gaze.

"It's definitely not you. Some guys try to rush to the finish line instead of enjoying the scenery along the way."

“And is that what you would do?” you asked, setting your hands gently on his stomach. The muscles flexed under your touch. He wanted to feel it without his clothing working as an unwanted barrier. “Enjoy the scenery?”

“Let’s just say I like to take the long way. And despite what our friends may say, sweetheart, sometimes going slow is best. I’d take my time with you, baby.”

A tiny whimper escaped you before you clamped down on your bottom lip with your teeth, but Bradley shook his head and tugged it free with the fingers still cupping your jaw. He traced it with his thumb, marveling at how soft and full it was. He wanted to feel your lips against his to see if they would be just as soft. You watched him with wide eyes, your hands clenched in his white undershirt.

“You’d have no choice but to be loud with me, because I’d make sure you felt so good.”

“Do you promise?” Your voice was breathy and tinged with what he thought might be desperation - he desperately wanted to hear more of it from you.

“I do,” he swore, and your eyes fluttered shut for a moment before focusing back on him. He was almost certain he was reading the situation and your reactions correctly, but still, he swallowed down the urge to throw you over his shoulder and take you home with him, or even to the bathroom right down the hall. He let his knuckles caress your cheek as he pulled on his self-restraint.

“Is that something you would want?” he rasped. Instead of answering, you run your hands up his body to wrap around his neck. He went willingly when you pulled his mouth to yours. He groaned against your lips; they were even softer than he thought it would be. He doesn’t hesitate to pull you closer, but before he could deepen the kiss, you pull back. When you slide off the stool you had been sitting in the whole time, your entire body is flush against his. Peering up at him through your lashes, you give him your answer. Your voice is as confident as he’d heard it in the last three months of knowing you.

“Take me home, Bradley. I want to see if you keep your promises.”

Without a second thought for any of your friends or the open tab he had, Bradley grabbed your hand and pulled you behind him to the exit.

He was a man of his word, and he’d prove it to you.

-------- Notes: Hope you like this one!! As always, any feedback is so greatly appreciated💚

Thanks Mak and Em for your help as always!

Masterlist

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lady-ashfade · 1 year

Text

Reaction/HC’s: Aura reading reader.

Characters: Kaz brekker, nina zenik

Prompt: Using your powers on them for the first time.

Notes: Pictured female reader, this can be read as romantic if you want out up to that, the reader being sweet and kind. I could do more like this! (Pretty sure I use female terms)

Warnings: Panic attacks, comfort, little bit of angst

Kaz brekker:

Kaz hated when you first started working for him, he liked to keep his emotions to himself and never let anyone see them. But then here you are who can sense them without trying, he made you swear to never read any of his thoughts and to keep him so far away from your thoughts.

But when he heard of you it was just perfect, a new talent to have on his team. You could add so much and make thinks much easier. He had to make you one of his crows.

You kept your promise to him and never looked into his feelings or thought, to your abilities. He was a strange man to you and you wanted to figure him out, but you didn’t use your powers. You swore to do it yourself.

But at times he was just to loud. His emotions taking over himself and you couldn’t push the thoughts away. It was usually anger and sorrow, not the best mix. He was always angry but more times then others.

But as the two of you grew together and he began to trust you. He was more then a boss, the others more then friends, they were your family.

Sitting in your room calmly reading a book, your back pressed to the wall as your scan the pages. Then the overwhelming feeling of panic filled your body, out of nowhere you begin to gasp for air. Your head light and spinning around as your lungs and stomach dropped.

That’s when you knew it was kaz.

His room was right next to yours, clearly he was having a panic attack and it was so strong for you to feel. Making your way out of bed and out the room to see him, you burst open his door and look for him. “Kaz?” His body dropped on the floor as he pressed a hand to his heart, it was a hard sight.

“Kaz, it’s okay. I can help,” dropping to your knees you move just a few inch forward and staying away from him. You didn’t want to spook him. “I know it’s hard right now and the world is caving in, I need you to look at me okay.” You hated the pain in your heart but you calmed yourself quickly as to help him.

His eyes finding yours slowly, his breaths getting louder and louder. “I can ease your mind, make you calm down. Can I do that?” Asking him softly. It surprised you when a few seconds later his head nodded and his eyes closed, he was feeling guilt in that second.

After you had calm him down you sat back and took a breath as he tried to catch his. Sweat dripped down his hair and face, his shoulders rising and falling. But he was calm. Just too much for him to handle. He looked over at you when he collected himself, “Thank you.”

You turn to him and smile, “Kaz brekker, I didn’t mean to make you that calm. You never say those words.” He rolled his eyes and his face went back to its normal expression. “I will never do it again.” You laughed at his reply. “Kaz, I will always help when I can. I mean that is what you pay me for,” you grin as he looks into your eyes, “But you’re welcome.”

You could almost see a soft smile on his lips as he stares at you, almost.

“Never speak a word about this to everyone, or the only thing you will feel is pain.”

“Glad to see you’re back to normal, boss.”

Nina zenik:

She understood to a level of what you must feel like. The heartrender was overall so fascinated by what you could do but felt sorry for you at times. Sometimes it was easy for her to hear someone else heartbeat if it was too fast.

She could also tell what someone might feel just my listening to their hearts, but you went beyond that. It was beautiful to her.

She took a liking to you from the moment she met you, you were nothing but kind. She felt protective over you, she was by far your best friend.

Nina asked you a lot of questions about what you could do and how it works, showing you what she could do as well. Often you went on walks together with just her being a listening ear or you being her output.

Needless to say she understood you completely, she was offended worried for your well being. Always feeling what others feel, hearing their wants or sorrow, must be hard for you. But you assured her that it was very few moments where you get beyond overwhelmed. You stayed in your room at the crow club and only went out for jobs, but you felt happy to know she was by your side.

The wind blowing her hair and yours, the cold breeze cooling your warm skin as the moon shined down. She was sitting right next to you with a bottle in her hand as she giggled at a joke you two had said.

“What’s it like, in Kaz’s mind?” She asked curiously. You shrugged and smiled, “I try not to listen or think about it. But I can say most of the time he feels how he looks, that’s all I wish to say.” Taking the bottle from her hand you took a sip.

She hummed in response and looked out into the small patch of grass, it was nice to take a breath. “What’s it like for me?” Turning her head to look at you, her eyes filled with wonder and curiosity. You smile at her softly and looked away for a moment thinking of what to say.

“I don’t go into people heads unless I’m asked, unless I can’t control it. But,” leaning back on your hands. “You’re offended a comfort to be around, it’s like your happy a lot. Just smiling and enjoying things when you can, especially around food. But there times…” you paused and shook your head to not go any further.

“But what? You can’t just stop like that.” She shouted and pushed her shoulders against yours playfully mad. You laughed in defeat. “Fine, don’t beat me up.” Throwing your hands up.

“You get sad, defeated and it’s easy for me to feel. Then the only thing I hear is his name, like your mind is only speaking of him. I understand it though, but I want you to know we will get him out.” You place your hand on hers.

She stayed quiet and her emotions dropped, you knew you shouldn’t have said anything. “Look I’m sorry- I shouldn’t have said it, I know it’s hard for you to-”

“Make me feel like he’s with me again.”

You stopped and looked at her as her eyes begged you. Then hand you held gripped yours, “Please.” She whispered. “Nina…” you sighed as her eyes glanced over your face. Her sad eyes pleading for a release from the pain and to feel that light again.

“Lay down.” You caved in and she smiled and did as you said quickly and her mood getting better. “Think of a memory you have of him, something only of joy. Just focus on the good things.” She closed her eyes and you place your hand on her head, closing your eyes as well.

The sound of laughing and muffled talking, the feeling of warmth and happiness overflowed within you. You brought out the feeling of her body just like the memories in her mind like she was truly their again.

You heard her giggle from below you and her body move, only living in the past. You felt happy you could do this for her even if it was temporary. She stayed like that for a few minutes of just comfort, like he was with her again.

Thank the saints for you.

#nina zenik x reader #kaz brekker imagine #kaz brekker x reader #shadow and bone x reader

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bite-sized-devil · 1 year

Note

In that case, imagine Beel eating out MC cause the the rest of the bros went out for groceries

Yan, you've clearly got the goods with this thirst. Oh boy! 😵‍💫🥵

Poly MC X Beelzebub

Warning: 18+, NSFW, gender not mentioned. MC is afab. Oral MC receiving. Cum eating. MC being poly is implied.

He'd been waiting to catch you alone all week, he usually has to share you with the rest of his brothers. Which is fine, but today he wants you all to himself. Needs you all to himself.

Satan and Asmo were on groceries this week, Lucifer has business at the demon lords castle, Levi was holed up in his room playing one of his new games, and his twin was fast asleep in the attic. This is the perfect setting for him to devour you.

He wants you, desperately. Wants to spread your legs wide and lap at your perfect little pussy. He's getting more and more worked up searching for you. He needs to find you now, needs to taste you.

Finally he catches your scent as he's passing the dinning room. You're bent over the table reaching for something, wearing an old jersey and cute little sleep socks. No wait that's one of his jerseys. He transforms into his demon form at that realisation.

One of his muscular arms wraps around your waist while he leans over you and nestles his head into your neck. Your cute little giggle turns to a low moan when he licks a path up to your ear and whispers into your ear.

"Morning cutie, can I have you for breakfast?"

His other hand slides up your thigh under the jersey, loosing all his restaint when his fingers find you bare. Fliping you on your back and spreading your legs wide.

"No panties? Did you want me to find you like this?" He presses his thumb into your clit making you squirm. His other arm lies across your stomach gripping your hip to hold you in place.

Your quite little stuttered "m-maybe" isn't enough of an answer for him. He lowers his head and bites your inner thigh, before licking at the mark loving the way you're squeal turns into a breathy moan.

"Do you like it when I take you like this?" Spreading your swollen lower lips with his fingers, his hot breath giving you a taste of whats to come. He looks up at you between your legs, you're chest heaving as you pant down at him.

"Do you?" He asks you again before he licks between your spread lips. He almost doesn't register your cries of "yes!, yes! f-fuck yes!" He's too busy relishing in your sweet taste, he can't get enough of it. His tongue swirls expertly around your clit before he sucks it into his warm mouth.

He smirkes as he feels your hands grab onto his horns and try and force him further into your core. He's more then happy to give you want you want, letting go of your clit his big tongue pushes its way inside your tight wet hole. Groaning again as your slick coats his tongue.

More he needs more, his thumb rubs your clit in circles as he continues to tongue fuck you. You're clearly close to giving him what he was after to begin with, with how you're rutting into his face with abandon.

"S-so close Beel." He hears you whine. Fuck, he's never wanted you to cum so bad. Desperate to have it all to himself this time. You cry out as he latches back onto your clit and inserts two of this thick fingers in to you.

Sucking and swirling his tongue as he pumps and angles his fingers perfectly to hit that spot inside of you that makes your grip his horns tighter and scream his name.

He loves it when you cum, it's violent, beautiful, and this time all for him. Your whole body shakes as you come down from your high, moans of his name turn to panting, the tight grip on his horns now gentle strokes in his hair. And his favourite part your sweet cream that covers the lower half of his face.

He's still cleaning you up with his tongue when he hears the slow drag of feet in the hallway and then the annoyed 'tsk' before a "No fair Beel, we always share."

He growls into your pussy only loud enough for you to hear, you giggle and give a gentle tug on his hair forcing him to look into your bright, happy eyes. Your hand caresses his cheek lovingly and he wants to sink his cock into right then and there. But he turns to his twin instead, your slick still coating his chin.

"Sorry Belphie, I couldn't help it."

Anyway! Sorry this took so long, I clearly took it a little too far then a regular thirst post. I'll do better next time I swear! 🌻🌻

Pink moon dividers by firefly-graphics

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clouisluvr · 1 year

Note

AAA I loved the last one, wanted to send this in before I pass out, take your time no rush love the way you write!

Louis is naturally a flirty person, right? We all know this but I feel like a lot of the time his cheese pick-up-lines just always get him an eye roll.

So what if a survivor (reader) not only likes the silly pick-up-lines but also flirts back?

(So basically how you get together?)

Thank you 💖💖

you'd gone hunting with louis and aasim - trying your best to keep up and pull your weight. recently aasim's been complaining to marlon about you and louis slacking off, so you decided you'd try your best to make an effort. but it ends up being absolutely impossible, because just louis' presence on its own gives you butterflies. he's almost desperately trying to get your attention, "hey y/n, i know i'm irresistible, but you don't have to pretend to not notice me!".

this gets a smirk out of you which he of course notices, "see! knew you couldn't resist me." the butterflies are so strong that your attempts to focus on hunting go out the window - "very funny louis, you and i both know you can't resist me."

"well you've got me there. the second i hear that sweet, sweet voice i practically melt." aasim sighs, knowing he's in for another hunting trip where he does all the work.

your heart swells and you quip back, "well since we're being honest.. youre not so bad yourself."

"wow! that's the nicest thing anyones ever said to me!" you can hear the sarcasm in his voice as he says it, so you decide to flatter him a little more.

"alright if we're talking about voices? your singing is one of the most beautiful things i've been lucky enough to hear."

silence settles into the air and you turn back to see louis has stopped in his tracks. you gently approach him and softly ask if he's okay. his head is hung downwards. he takes a quick breath before grabbing your hand. he clutches it for a second, loosens his grip and rubs your thumb before letting go. his cheeks and nose are slightly tinted and he utters a soft "thank you." he meets your gaze and he flashes you a genuine smile, "that was the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

you grab his hand back and smile brightly at him, before aasims loud interrupting cough makes you two jump back.

clearly exasperated aasim says, "im gonna start making sure you guys dont eat the food you refuse to help find". but you can't seem to care much because louis is still smiling brightly, and your heart feels so warm.

phew! okay this is my first oneshot.. im hoping its decent LOLL my twdg hyperfixation has been a little stale for a while so im hoping this isnt ooc for louis.. and sorry for getting to this request so late! hope u enjoy louis lovers🥰

#twdg louis #louis twdg x reader #twdg x reader #twdg headcanon #twdg imagine #twdg s4 #twdg fanfiction #twdg fanfic #the walking dead game #kiki is actually active #twdg louis x reader #louis twdg

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daenysx · 5 months

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i know my posts are not in the tags so i can't really interact with people here but i still wanted to share this with you, i hope you enjoy if you see and read it, thank you!

it's all so sweet, so overwhelming.

the cold breeze of november makes you melt in your lover's arms, aemond's body is always hot, his muscular chest shines deliciously with a thin layer of sweat. he refuses to wear his top, just like you refuse to wear anything other than his old shirt despite the chilly air of his room. your bra is long forgotten next to your jeans on the floor, and your panties have been stuffed in aemond's pocket for the past hour.

he is a cruel man, he is clever as devil, he just knows you so well.

he teases you for unbearable minutes. his fingers find their ways into you, slick and sweet. he smiles, he almost laughs, because you just feel desperate for him. you surrender, you part your legs on his enormous bed. you just offer him what he wants and he takes it by giving you anything you need.

your hips move on sheets, your neck thrown back. he is almost on top of you but not quite. he holds you, his forearm under your head, his free hand stroking your folds. it's addicting, it's too much. your sounds increase, he just moves and moves.

you can see the outline of his cock, the soft material of his sweatpants fails to cover the shape of his hardness. you try to reach for him but your hand falls on bed when he strokes your g-spot with his index finger. you make a sound, a loud whimper, because he never stops. he just keeps pressing and rubbing into you, a relentless man.

"it's okay, sweetling. you know what i want, don't you?" he whispers, "i just want you to soak my fingers."

you move your hips against his hand, "aemond... i need-need you to-"

he slows down, just in case you'd need to stop. "what? what do you need, baby?" he encourages you to keep talking even if you're barely focused.

"don't stop." you say. "do it fast, like you were doing before."

aemond chuckles, it's a dark and dangerous sound. "you should give me one more word."

you exhale, "please."

"perfect." he says, moves his fingers faster inside you. "now, why don't you tell me what you want, hmm? can you do that for me, sweetheart?"

your breathing quickens, you are just so close, it almost hurts. "just wanna come. i just want to- please!"

his thumb rubs your clit. "it's okay, let me get you there." he kisses your forehead. "come on, baby. come around my fingers, you like doing that, right?"

and he's so right about that. there's something beautiful about coming with his fingers, you've always loved them. they touch you just the way you need, unlike your own fingers. yours are not as long as his, just make it harder to come by yourself the way you want to. thankfully, aemond is here, and he's obsessed with making you relax around him.

sweat drips on your forehead, your hairline wet and shiny. you arch your back, your hand fists the sheets under your body. the heat you feel is too much, but the relief is so sweet, you can't help smiling as you come for him. you can feel the wetness soaking aemond's fingers, your thighs are slick as well. your hips and his fingers have the certain rhytm, it's like a practiced movement. he keeps his fingers inside you, but you get tired after your body relaxes. you stop moving, just laying on bed, trying to control your breathing.

"look what you've done, sweetheart." he whispers, showing you his fingers after he pulls them back. "perfect girl."

the praise makes you glow. you give him a tired smile, your hand finds its way to wrap an arm around his neck. he pulls you to his chest, bodies melt around each other. you can hear his excited heartbeat, still clearly aroused, the hardness you feel under your body begs to continue. you kiss aemond's chin, your hands go down to pull his sweatpants. "help me?" you ask, eyes big with want.

he kisses your forehead, his hips lifted so that you can get him free from his clothing. he holds you on top of him, and eases himself inside you with a silent groan. the strech is perfect, you can almost hear the sound of your wetness as his cock moves deeper. you close your eyes, uncertain if he wants you to move.

aemond rubs your back as you lay on his chest with his cock inside you. his other hand finds your chin and he tries for an eye contact. "everything fine?" he asks with an unexpectedly sweet tone.

you nod, looking up to him with wide eyes. "do you- do you want me to move?" you ask shyly. you look content where you are, already tired from the day and your first orgasm.

aemond exhales as he gets comfortable under you, he pulls the covers on your bodies to keep you warm. "we can stay like this if that's what you want."

"i'm a little tired." you whisper. "but you didn't finish."

"that's okay." he says. "having you like this is good enough for me, yeah? get some rest, baby."

you nod, press a kiss on his chest. you try to relax your muscles around him as he stays warm inside you. his fingers stay on your body, keeping the covers tight around you. he kisses you back, on your forehead and that's everything.

#aemond targaryen x reader #aemond x you #modern!aemond #aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #house of the dragon #hotd #aemond one eye

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tteokdoroki · 2 years

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Okay, so no doubt you probably saw my spam of likes there on the hockey au lineup. but its just so amazing and just the most beautiful work of art i've ever read. i'll probably come back with a bunch of ideas, but i don't want to be overbearing or seem commanding. but imagine with hockey au midoriya where you have a figure skating competition and he brings the team. and theres just this group in the stands that clearly stands out

omg no worries abt the spam!! i love hearing ideas so you’re welcome any time but !! can you imagine :((

like it’s the first time in your relationship that hockey au!midoriya has come to support you at a figure skating competition because their season is over and aizawa eased up on practices so he’s super excited to see you in your element since you’re always coming to his games. deku will like pack up early after a session and the boys ask him where he’s headed :(

hockey au!midoriya getting all shy when he tells the team he’s out of town for the weekend to support you at your regionals and they all beg him to let them come along because you always take care of the team, bring them snacks and waters and teach them stretches/exercises to keep all their joints and muscles healthy. deku has to call you to at midnight the night before the first round to ask you to grab some spare tickets :(!!

now just imagine these big burly boys showing up to a rink full of pretty girls who are flexible beyond belief— sequins glistening and nearly blinding half the team, bakugou complaining that he can’t fucking see, kirishima desperate to get some snacks for the occasion and a good seat to cheer you on, kaminari and shindou are probably sniffing out numbers they can get from girls and shouto just wants some warm merch to wear.

hockey au midoriya who spots your coaches helping you to stretch, fluttering around you to make sure your costume with his jersey number embroidered into its skirt is in place. “i would tell you break a leg but i don’t think that’s considered good luck in this sport.” he breathes, freckles rising on his cheeks as he smiles down at you now in his arms— as charming as the day you first met.

“i don’t think so either,” you hum and stand on the tip of blade on your skate so you can brush your lips over his. and then deku kisses you, large hand on the small of your back, guiding you into the warmth of his chest— a good luck kiss. the team lets out a rather loud series of cheers which earn them glares from the 12 year olds in the junior section, those of which are rather intimidating.

when you skate out for your programme you immediately see your boys amongst your coaches and family, your smile for the show even brighter than before— gliding across the ice as you hear their cheers above the rest and even the music. for some reason; shouto knows all the names to your moves, the triple axel, the lutz, your sweeping camel spin.

hockey au midoriya’s eyes fill with tears, proud ones at the emotions you’re able to pour into figure skating because he never knew something on the ice could be so intricate and beautiful :( and the team have to stop him from running out into the rink when your programme comes to an end and you wave up to the boys with a proud smile.

#hockey au #deku x reader #deku imagine #deku fluff #midoriya x reader #midoriya fluff #tteokdoroki #📧. user anonymous #💌. you’ve got mail

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mazm-imagines · 6 months

Text

Whispering Love, What a Sound.

What would have happened if Raoul hadn't missed Erik in the torture chamber? Would he finally become the monster he saw in the mirror while under duress? Would Christine still love him?

3734 words. This is a bit more disturbing than what I usually write, and I do not condone any of what is portrayed nor idealize it! This is more akin to a character study. Specifically MazMs ver of the characters. CW for toxic possessive behavior, talk of a corpse, blood, attempted murder-suicide and attempted suicide. So please do not read if those topics upset you! Happy Late Halloween :') Oops... all angst!

“You finally showed yourself…” A click resonated through the room of mirrors.

“Prepare to die-!” WIthout a moment’s hesitation, the gun had fired. Bullet made contact with flesh and bones, indicating the success of the shot. Skeletal body had toppled backwards into the room it came from.

Raoul’s face had completely flushed in rage; rosy tint reached all the way to his ears, blending skin and equally peachy hair into one. Drops of sweat rolled from his forehead and over the beauty mark under his right eye. Heavy panting eroded into soft breaths, until all he could hear was his beating heart. Wordlessly the gun had dropped from his hands, making a clunk noise onto the floor.

Dear God… Dear God-! What have I done- what have I done-! I’ve… I’ve killed a man!

He keeled over, slightly gagging as if he would throw up any second. Tears had unceremoniously welled in his waterline in shock, and he didn’t even have the faintest intent to bat at them.

“I- You’ve done it…” The Daroga’s emerald eyes were transfixed on the small window far above their reach.

From the other side of the glass wall, he could hear the shriek of a woman. Her inconsolable cries broke his heart into little shards.

I’ve done it! I killed the bastard that was hurting poor Christine! He thought… he truly thought he could get between us?! He paid with his life for his foolishness!

Those shards would reform into something far more twisted, glued together by the murky darkness in his soul.

He couldn’t wait anymore to see his beloved. He ran towards the window, pressing his hands towards the wall before shouting.

“Christine! I’ve done it! He was just a man… A man that could be killed just as you and I are able to be… You are free now- free to pursue your dreams! Free to pursue our love! In fact you have no need to flee Paris at all-”

The wails only grew in his paltry attempt to comfort. Instead, a deeper voice spoke in its place.

“Boy… first off. Thank you for wiping that Devil off the face of the Earth. I am indebted to this favor you’ve done us… But Christine is in no state to speak, much less move as of now.”

“Did that bastard mark her?! Curse him! Curse him a thousand times over!”

“Calm down! She’s-”

Another cry could be heard.

“She is physically alright, but clearly she is in a state of shock.”

“Oh my Christine! Please rest my dear- we will take care of this alright?” He cried out as he pressed his cheek closer to the mirror like a madman, desperately trying to get as close to her as possible. Just as she was letting out incoherent sobs, he would smear his warm tears against the cold glass.

“Right… well. Miss, do you have the key up there? Erik mentioned a key for this room, no?” Daroga seemed to be the only other voice of reason in the room, attempting to take initiative alongside Melek.

“Yes. Currently that monster is on the floor. Heaven knows why Christine is attending to him.”

If Raoul concentrated hard enough, he could hear small apologies flowing in through the window- apologies directed at Erik…

Soon those apologies faded, and a loud thud was heard through the room.

“What was that?”

“Christine! Oh dear- she’s collapsed.”

“Christine- Christine please dear God- please be alright-” Raoul pounded his fists on the wall until they ached, and even so, he continued like a lunatic. The Daroga came behind to hold his wrists in place, albeit with a struggle. Raoul was in the spring of his life, far more youthful and stronger than the elder man, but an attempt was made nonetheless to prevent himself from injury.

“Viscount- stop this lunacy-! Please… Stay well for Miss Daae. How will you embrace her with broken hands?” Raoul smacked his hands away, facing his eyes with his own cold blue ones. Fury knit his expression into a tight scowl as he growled his answer.

“You-! Don’t tell me what to do. I killed Erik! I killed that monster! Not you! You couldn’t save your friend from Hell. I sent him there once and for all! Truly magnificent isn’t it? Thank you for the privilege of sending your son to rot down there. I think I’ll finally be able to sleep well for the first time in months!” Scowl had eventually turned into a deranged smile, which in turn devolved into mad laughter.

“...” He didn’t even know what to say anymore to the younger man. All that barking was an attempt to provoke him, but he no longer had the energy to fight back. Raoul had roughly taken him by the collar, pulling him down to meet his face on an equal level.

“You soiled my hands… because you are a coward. Never talk to us again after this. You are the reason we got in this mess, the reason Christine went through so much. Because of your spinelessness.” He spat out, venom practically palpable from the hateful words. The once wide-eyed lover the Daroga had asked for aid was now a passion-ridden beast. He was not afraid of the other man, but perhaps for him…

Raoul let go, the force slightly sending Daroga back toppling. Broken ankle didn’t help matters much either.

“Men! Stop fighting! You especially boy, I can hear you all the way up here.” Puffy brown hair reminiscent of clouds peeked through, followed by a face.

So that was Melek.

“... Yes Madame...”

“Thank you. As of now while Christine recovers. Let us think of a course of action. I am blind, so I cannot coordinate well. When Christine wakes I will request her help. But for now our best option may be to pull you two out. If the true key is in the bag, we will use that instead. If not, we try a rope instead. Alright?”

“Perhaps that is what we must do, yes… I still think there may be a contraption inside here. After all, Erik would have needed to go between rooms. I will look for a little hole or hidden door. Perhaps you and the Viscount can work together for now?”

“That sounds serviceable. Alright boy, what do you suggest?”

“I have a few more bullets… I can shoot around the window to break the contraption?”

“You men are always too violent… Of course not. If you fire and hit any of us, what do you think will happen?”

“Fine-! Fine! Since you two will be that way, I shan’t offer an idea! Call me when you need me…” He huffed like a petulant child before crouching in the corner, this was all too much for him to handle. Eyelids slowly pulled towards each other until they completely met. He could hear the shuffling of footsteps, both from the Daroga and Melek in their respective areas. Now that Erik was gone, he could indulge in a few minutes of hard-earned rest.

—

Calloused hands shook his shoulders, forcing rosy eyelashes to pry open, revealing the sapphires beneath.

“...What do you want?”

“Christine Daae is awake.” Upon hearing those words, the half lidded eyes widened in delight. Raoul immediately jumped off the floor to claw under the window again.

“Christine! Christine! Please! Say something- anything!”

“R-Raoul…” The voice cracked ever so slightly. Surely she must still be disoriented.

“Are you alright?! Oh what had that wretch put you through?! When I come over there I’ll make it all better for you!”

“...Of course. I- I am fine Raoul…”

“Christine, may I please see your face?”

“Wait a minute- I have a tablecloth… Melek and I will secure it, you and the Persian must hold onto it alright? You will see me when you come here…”

“How I desire to see you now… But I understand. Very well.”

Long white tablecloth gushed from the window, akin to the fairytale of Rapunzel. Raoul raised his palms out for Daroga to step on. He was in a far too pleasant mood to even glare at him, merely humming content and vacantly smiling. It was almost disturbing to the Daroga, the sickeningly sweet mood the man was in after all that. After the other man had gone up, Raoul followed soon after. If it weren’t for the fact that Christine and Melek weren’t holding onto the other side, he would have scrambled right up. But he wouldn’t have wanted to make their jobs any harder than it was. Christine was so very fragile, as if he could crack her bones in his grasp every time they embraced. And from what he had seen, Melek was quite similar in stature, if not more brittle from age.

His eyes immediately latched onto Christine as soon as he slid through the window frame. The collar of her dress and the hem of her skirt were both stained in crimson, and- pink?

Raoul looked beside the window, the festering corpse of Erik was merely kicked aside like trash.

As he should be. Raoul thought to himself. There was a hole in his head from where he had been shot. Ah. That explains it.

As if he would die without her, Raoul immediately ran over to Christine, burying his head in her neck where the blood was. It was slowly coagulating, sticky mess coating his cheek. His hand went to the back of her head, entangling in her golden locks while the other was rubbing circles in her back.

“R-Raoul!” She trembled in his grasp, a weak hand merely pawed at his sleeve, not even attempting to reciprocate the embrace.

“I did it… I did it for you… You are free to do as you wish now! Is that not wonderful? Is that not what you wanted? I promised to make you the happiest woman alive… Aren’t I doing that? I can do anything you ask my dear… I am no longer that boy who cries…” Without even giving Christine a moment to recompose, Raoul pulled his head back to look her in the eyes.

“Boy… will you give her a second?” Melek was attempting to wrap up the Daroga’s ankle on the sofa. The conversation unsettled her enough to want to intervene. Without even turning his head, Raoul gave a snappish response back.

“Madame… This is a matter between lovers. Please attend to our dear Daroga.” Was this really the man Christine loved? She couldn’t even see the fearful expression on the other woman’s face.

“...If you do anything to her… I swear-” She growled in contempt.

“I? If I do anything? To her? Excuse me?”

“Raoul-! Raoul! Let us go to the other room okay? Please… Melek is my friend…”

“Hm. Only because you insist~ Let us go my dear.” The soft grip he had on the back of her head loosened. Instead his hand ventured towards her left one, interlocking the fingers together. Christine awkwardly worked the mechanic behind the portrait with one hand, not having the heart to tell him to let go. Soundlessly, they had disappeared to the other side.

—

“Oh my dear Christine. I apologize, I have made a real mess haven’t I?” Not a pang of apology was apparent in his expression. His bashful smile was akin to a puppy. Making it all the more jarring to see the blood smeared on his cheek. Perhaps he was a terrifying guard dog instead, rather than an adorable puppy. He pulled out a handkerchief from the inside of his coat. Tenderly, he wiped away at Christine's slender neck. She bent her head reluctantly to give a better angle to him; but contact with the fabric against her skin made her shudder ever so slightly. It wouldn't go without notice.

"Are you alright Christine?"

"... Your face is dirty as well. Let me fix it." Christine took the handkerchief from his hand and leaned over to his cheek, slowly cleaning the blood off. The expression he held was one of raw affection: his eyes were little oceans of passion that may just drown her, and soft pink lips were curled into a smile. Christine's own eyes didn't want to look at him any longer, instead fixating on the smudge.

A hand snaked under her chin, forcing her to look at him directly.

"May I?"

"..."

"Have a kiss? Were you not worried we could never embrace like this again?"

"You are correct… I permit it." In contrast to the monotonous words, the chaste kiss Raoul placed on her lips was vibrant, a manifesto of their love. For a moment, Raoul could feel her smiling around it, it seemed she was finally coming to her senses.

For a moment, that sweet kiss truly felt like the Raoul she adored.

"Dear Christine… I must ask-" Raoul dropped to one knee, signifying the question that would soon follow. Christine gulped down on the tension lodged in her throat. He must have gotten the wrong idea…

"Would you make me the happiest man to roam the Earth, and marry me? I am not in possession of a ring right now, but as soon as we leave, I will get you the finest diamond ring on the market. And I promise that I will make you the happiest woman to roam the Earth." He beamed with his entire soul. A gentle kiss was placed on Christine's right hand in his own left, but all Christine could do was stare blankly. Raoul rose to be beside her once more.

"Christine. I ask again. Are you alright? I would have thought this would make you happy, but you seem even gloomier than before…"

"Tell me Raoul… It was an accident right?"

"Come again-?"

"You didn't kill him on purpose right? Right Raoul… I know you would never…" She nervously smiled at him. Christine silently pleaded that the Raoul that stood with her was the Raoul she knew and loved, not a bloodthirsty monster that took his image.

"What- what do you mean? Of course I did? For you… for you! You were crying so much- I couldn't stand knowing that monster of a man did this to you." Raoul inched closer, gently grasping her by her forearms. She let out a gasp, as if she remembered something.

"No- no no no I didn't want this! I didn't want this! I know you didn't want this either Raoul!" Despite the upturned eyebrows and happy smile painted on his face, the remorse in his eyes threatened to crack through.

"W-what- what do you mean you didn't want this? Why- why?! That man is- was a menace! He's killed people Christine!" His voice cracked in confusion and his smile faltered, showing the true disarray underneath.

"You- you killed someone as well Raoul! I could forgive you if it was an accident! If you held any remorse! But- how are you any different than him? He hurt people for me as well…I truly believed-! That you were better…" Christine broke down into a sob, collapsing onto the floor once it was all she could do.

"Christine…" Raoul descended down to her level as well; she hid her face in her hands in an attempt to avoid his gaze.

"I apologize… Please, look at me… I can't bear this. I can't bear to see you cry-" Despite his assurance from prior to never cry again, beads of tears formed down his waterline. Christine pried her face away from her hands to look at him. The Raoul she was talking to could have been the one she loved after all…

"Christine I- I truly did it for you… I'm nothing, utterly nothing without you. My wealth, my status, my humanity… I gave it all away for you…" His arms reached out to embrace Christine, one hand entangling in her scalp while the other rested on her back.

And how that embrace suffocated her.

"Raoul… Let go please." Silently he obliged, meeting her eyes with his own once again.

"That's not true Raoul is it? I know… you were dying to kill him. So please, don't hide your revenge under my name! I'm tired- I'm tired of hearing my name!"

"I am your dear Raoul… and you, my dear Christine… is that not the agreement we had? So why is it that you cry for Erik? What has that monster done for you that I couldn't? Do you by chance love him?"

"I cry for you! I mourn for the man I am losing! I love you… I love only you… But not like this- not like this… It feels almost as if I've traded a monster for another monster… Please! Please don't imprison me in your love just as Erik had-"

"Imprisonment? Is that what my love is to you?" In an instant, Raoul's bearing darkened, various emotions danced across his mind before he opened his mouth again.

"I did everything for you. Everything! So tell me, what should I do now… what can I do now, now that I have pointlessly killed a man! Oh I might just retch! There is no going back for me! There is no meaning! No hope! No reprieve!" From her periphery, Christine could see the polished handle of Raoul's handgun.

"No point!" Without hesitation he placed the barrel in his mouth.

"Raoul- Raoul please! If you love me in any regard- put it down!" Christine reached out to his hands with her own smaller pair. One wrong move and she may see blood splatter all over again. She was overwhelmed with tears and her throat closed around her words, nonetheless she was determined to calm Raoul down. His mouth choked a sob around the barrel, he didn’t want to either it seemed.

Raoul lowered the gun, letting it drop on his thigh as his hands buried his face instead.

"Raoul… I love you… You know I do- but this isn't good! Your life is just as valuable as mine… as Erik's. I don't make you! And you don't make me… we are people, not leeches…"

"That is why… I cannot bear this blood on my hands. I cannot hold any pride for killing my rival. I cannot call you mine, and I cannot be yours. I am no longer the 'Chagny's' black sheep either. Nor am I an officer of our navy. Nor am I your lover… Nor am I a human. I have nothing to be proud of…" Raoul sniffled loudly, rubbing his nose against his sleeve.

"That is not true… You are still merely a man… A man that makes mistakes…” Christine pulled Raoul’s hands into her own. She had swiped a thumb softly over his knuckles, before looking him in the eyes. This time her deep blue shone with all the love she held for him.

“You regret it, don’t you?”

“...I do not know, but perhaps… y-yes.” Raoul let out with a hiccup, his face had become entirely pink from sobbing.

“Is your pride really that important?"

"For a man, it is everything."

"How about Raoul? What is important to Raoul?"

"You are! Only you..."

"Not your brother or sisters?"

"They do not care for me- as you… as you do."

"I- I see…" Christine bit her lip and attempted to continue.

"I love you. And I do not think I'll ever love a man as much as I love you. But I am afraid I cannot continue this relationship, for our sake… I apologize, from the bottom of my heart, it hurts me as it hurts you. This is not good for you- for me…” Raoul felt something inside crack, shoulders trembling before he even realized. He would finally lose the meaning of his pathetic life.

What she didn’t disclose was that perhaps they could give it another try; once Raoul found himself in a better place, once he would no longer want her approval to live.

“I promise, you will find salvation. You are a good man Raoul… I know you are…" Christine reached out her arms to comfort him, an offer of friendship instead; but even so, rationale was overtaken by emotion as Raoul lunged to hold Christine in his embrace.

Perhaps if he held long enough, the two of them could merge into one, never to be separated again.

He could already feel their hearts beat into one.

"Raoul! Raoul- it hurts- I can't breathe- Please let go-" In response to Christine's plea, Raoul mumbled under his breath, squeezing tighter around her slender frame.

I will see you soon, my Christine.

From under his arms, he could feel another pair attempt to pull him away.

"Viscount what the hell are you doing to her?!"

"Let me- go-!" In the choice between holding on to Christine and hitting the Daroga, he held steadfast onto his beloved. Only with the grazing of teeth against his neck did his hands instinctively reach for the puncture wounds. Blood trickled out and stained his cream dress shirt. The opening allowed for the Daroga to drag him away.

"C-Christine?!" Raoul looked upon her wide-eyed in betrayal. She only hid her blood-stained mouth in shame.

"I'm- I'm sorry Raoul! You scared me… it hurt… I felt that I would break… That was the only thing I could think of-" A stream of apologies erupted from her throat as she gasped for air, never stopping until her eyelids closed shut, followed by the rest of her body hitting the floor.

"Christine! Oh my- oh my God… what have I done… I’m sorry… I’m sorry-! Mr. Daroga help her! Help her! You may lock me up but for the love of God help her!"

"Stop thrashing! Calm down! I will get Miss Levni from the other room but you must follow me…"

"Yes sir…" His body had gone limp, and once the Daroga had tied his wrists up with the lasso, he was obligated to follow him into the Louis-Phillippe room. He took one last look behind at Christine's unconscious body. Perhaps this is the last he would ever see her. He didn't even deserve to look at her. Raoul snapped his face back to look at his feet instead. That's all he was, scum at the bottom of her shoe. Melek was right, he did end up hurting her, because that's all he could ever do.

I’m sorry Christine… I’m sorry… For everything-

#mazm #mazm phantom of the opera #raoul de chagny #christine daae #Melek Levni #Daroga #Hatim #Erik #mod gwaaaaar #gwaaaaar writing

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alienaiver · 9 months

Text

also ever since i bought the shinsou figure ive had shinsou brainrot (did it ever really leave?)

shinsou whos a pro hero invited to a galla - hes supposed to bring a plus one, he wants to bring a plus one, but hes having gripes about inviting you, his disabled best friend. itll be a standing up for long hours, socializing and smiling kind of event; putting you through that hurts him to just think about.

but he's also so very much in love with you, and sees this as an opportunity to gradually show off his romantic notions towards you and not just to his mirror that he pretends is you in the long hours of the night.

to his utter surprise, you actually accept with clear and obvious excitement. you plan an outfit that matches one of your canes (the purple, foldable one shinsou once got you) and wear something longer fitting thatll cover your comfortable shoes with the good insoles.

it goes well, you handle everything with ease and you even hold his hand multiple times. the romantic gestures from both of you are through the roof and shinsou's dizzy with emotions. kaminari more than once winks at him and sero makes a kissy face once or twice. he gives both of them the finger discreetly while scratching his forehead. they both stick out their tongues in retaliation.

it's not until you're in the cab home that you almost collapse onto shinsou. your breathing's heavy and you seem tense from head to toe. you mustve strained yourself even if you promised him you wouldnt. he rubs soothing circles (or so he hopes) onto your palm and kisses the crown of your head.

you sleep over at shinsou's place so often that he has an extra futon just for you. you're on the couch, nursing a glass of late-night wine as he sets up your bedding, your feet raised onto a few throw pillows to alleviate the pain. you haven't said much to each other since you left but it's comfortable, quaint.

he settles on the couch with you, moving the pillows and situating your legs on his lap instead. you hand him his glass of wine but he takes it only to put it on the coffee table. he starts rubbing your feet and you can't help but laugh, its oddly intimate even if hes doing something hes done a million times before after youve walked more than your pain scale usually allows.

"pain level?" he asks and you hum before you reply, "six."

he nods and presses a little harder, works the muscle a little throughout. "distress level?" he then asks and it doesn't even take you a moment, "only two, this is pain expected after these kind of activites."

he smiles up at you, "you're really beautiful right now."

you throw your head back and bark out a loud laugh, "now? after my makeups splotched and my feet are swollen and itchy?"

his lovestruck smile doesnt change at your reaction, eye contact clearly maintained, "youre always beautiful to me, but these moments that only i get to see... theyre my favorite."

you hide behind your wineglass but steals a timid look through the glass, "youre being bold tonight."

he hums as his hands find their way further up, giving your calves a much needed squeeze, "sometimes im made brave by those around me. today especially, you sparked it in me..." he looks away for the first time, suddenly overwhelmed by the weight if his own feelings, "im in love with you. i want more moments like this."

you sit up so that you can lean into his space, your hand raising slowly to cup his cheeks, "theyve always been all yours, brainwave."

the hero name you helped him pick in high school makes him blush. hearing it from your lips always sounds more loving, more inviting than from anyone else. when he chances a look at your lips, you lean forward the rest of the way despite your shoulders and backs protests because kissing him is more important than your chronic pain right now.

shinsou knows you though, so he wastes no time in maneuvering so that you're comfortably settled as hes hovering over you in an awkward angle. he will always do that for you, put you first in ways that makes your head spin. your needs will never be a bother to him, but a comfort he will always happily oblige to, because supporting you is all he needs to retain happiness.

#UH. I JUST WANTED TO THINK ABT HIM FOR A SECOND IDK HOW ALL THIS CAMe to be. ITS 1AM I HAVE TO BE UP AT 6 TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS #LMAAAAAAO SWKWKWKKWKWWK IM SORRY #bnha x reader #shinsou hitoshi fluff #disabled reader fluff #nohr.writing #nohr.bnha #IM OUTTING MY PHONE AWAY NOW I PROMISE. BUT FICN SJIT I LOVEHIM #this was especially rotsting in my minds roaster yesterday due to it being the hardest pain day ive ever had

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faejilly · 1 year

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so, like a million years ago (aka over a year, time is a lie, shh, I refuse to double check exact dates) @awaylaughing prompted me for words! LOOK! WORDS!

Camellia (my destiny is in your hands) + Mass Effect (dealer's choice on all else) [OG prompt list]

This is, uh, perhaps more legacy than destiny, but it makes sense in my head. Hopefully it translates? Opening of ME2, F!Shepard, Joker, & Kaidan (with a little bit of Shenko for the tragedy of it all).

All Shepard could hear was her own breath, ragged and stuttering and too sharp in her throat.

For the first time in her life, she hated space, hated the bright lights that blinded her, the fact that the stars were too far away to matter, that her ship was exploding, her people were dying, the enemy was fleeing, its job done, the rest of them too small to matter, and she couldn't hear any of it.

Her heart beat so hard her ears throbbed in time, her breath too fast to match, too small, too shallow, yet she could still hear it beneath the whine of overlapping alarms. Her eyes burned with the flash of almost every alert possible simultaneously lighting up the edges of her vision, her HUD desperate to show her what she needed to know, desperate for her to fix it, help it, help them, fix them, fix everything, but still too dim to show clearly against the flares of lasers and oxygen burning burning burning.

Joker was swearing, the edge of pain clear in his voice, a hiss and a spark just audible beneath the rasp of his voice, and she was reasonably sure he'd just broken through a wall panel to access the system directly. As if he could refuse everything that had just happened, as if he could pilot an escape pod to come get her, as if his will was strong enough to turn around something without an engine or steering.

She almost laughed, felt it catch in her chest. If anyone could, it would be Joker.

“Shepard?” It was Alenko, his voice off-rhythm, unsteady, somehow both too fast and too slow, too low and too loud and yet so hard to hear over the silence around her. “Shepard, can you report? Status,” his voice caught, a swallow she could feel, could hear, “Shepard, please, damn it, Shepard.”

Her comms were still on.

Everyone could hear her breathing, Alenko had heard that almost laugh. Impossible though it seemed, that slight tremor of a breath wasn’t too faint for him, not with the way he always listened, always paid attention.

Especially to her, just as she’d always done the same for him.

She could hear Alenko’s breathing now, steady, let it steady her own, let herself pretend for just one inhale, one exhale, that there was something someone could do.

Something that Alenko could do, her Lieutenant, her XO, the best marine she’d ever worked with, that beautiful studied calm of his backing her up. He’d crossed every t, dotted every i, noticed every misstep around him, just so he could help someone take the next one and keep going…

He’d kept her going.

He’d keep them going.

He was the only one who could.

“Suit malfunction.”

Her voice sounded… normal.

Fucking N training.

She hated Anderson for a moment, almost as much as she hated space. Got her killed, the two of them, and trained her so well along the way that she couldn’t even panic about it, not when it would hurt someone else.

Kaidan.

She had to clench her jaw, close her eyes.

I’m sorry.

She opened her eyes.

“That final attack spread us all in different directions.” Her trajectory was almost exactly the opposite of Joker’s pod. Even if he could manage to steer the damn thing out of sheer fucking spite, he’d never be able to catch up.

Fucking physics. Newton was a bitch, and she’d tell him so herself when she met him.

Soon, now.

“Weaver,” Alenko’s voice was hollow in a way she’d never wanted to hear, especially not between the two of them, not when he was saying her name.

She just barely managed to mute her mic before she made a noise she couldn’t repress, rage and sorrow and cold, something that hurt her ears even more than the still whining alerts, something she couldn’t let him hear, not now, not like this, not as the last thing he’d ever–

She bit her tongue so hard she could taste copper and turned off the alerts so her mic wouldn’t pick them up, ignored the way the O2 sensor flashed as if it wanted to refuse her command.

“Get them home, Lieutenant.”

“Aye, ma’am.” His voice was solid this time, solemn, and she hated to think what it had cost him to put everything else away. “Understood.”

“Thank you, Kaidan,” she whispered. She thought she heard his breath again, just for an instant, something warm and alive and oh so far away, but then she cut her comm lines completely. She couldn’t bear to hear him say good-bye, would not allow him to hear what was going to happen next, what was already happening, the cold and the weight and the effort it took to inhale, the tremble in her arms, the battle she was about to lose to keep herself still, to stop herself from desperately scrabbling at the edges of her suit to try and find some way to fix everything that was broken.

Alenko would save as many of her people as could be saved, she had no doubts.

She just wasn’t one of them.

Good-bye, Kaidan.

#awaylaughing #mass effect #weaver shepard #kaidan alenko #jeff 'joker' moreau #f!shenko #MCD #but just the canonical temporary one!#jilly answers #me ot #jilly writes #<- !!!#no beta we die like shepard

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cookiesncreamlover17 · 9 months

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Yandere!Damian Wayne x Reader Pt.5

⚠️Warning⚠️: Cursing

🇺🇸Word Count🇺🇸: 1,551

👾Characters👾: 8,782

You could only begin to change your mind as you pulled up to the daring dark figure of this breathing taking school. This was gonna be one hell of an experience. ************************************************

It was brillant you could only think to yourself. The school looked dark on the outside exterior. None the less, it was still a breath taking few. From where you waited in the car, you could see the students that looked down clearly not bothered that they could walk into someone. Some people were talking to each other, some people were rushing around to seemingly get to their classes, some were even on their lunch period? You had come around 8:00 in the morning. You had never seen a school serve lunch this early, or maybe it was breakfast? The driver suddenly stopped the car. He stepped outside of the it, and rushed over to open the door for you. You pleasantly thanked him, before exiting the vehicle. As the door slammed shut behind you, a tall red-head girl walked over to you.

“You must be Y/n”?!

“Yup, thats me” you replied.

“Well my names Katherine, but you can call me Cass. I’ll be taking you to your classes and get you set up in your new dorm”! She says excitedly.

“Oh no no no. I haven’t moved in yet. I’m just here to check out the school, that’s all”. You say shaking your head.

“Everyone who’s visited here has always ended up staying here. We already have a dorm ready for you and everything as well as your classes picked out for you”.

“Do you guys do that for everyone”? You question.

“Just…. special people”.

“How am I special”?

“Oh, you don’t know”.

“Know what”?

“The person who payed for you to come here is extremely wealthy. It’s an honor to be in the presents of anyone who has something to do with him”! She says softly yet excitedly.

“We’ll who is this person”.

“I’m afraid we aren’t allowed to say. He asked to stay be anonymous” she said nervously.

“But! Let’s not worry about that right now. You’ve got some people to meet”!

She grabbed your right hand and raced inside the building pulling you with her. From the outside of the building you could see the most beautiful garden ever! It had flowers of all different colors, plants and leaves of all different color and shapes, and even its own fountain and a lake for the little fish, geese, swans, frogs, and more! It was truly a sight. You didn’t think it was possible but the inside was even more extravagant than the outside. And it was huge! The cafeteria had all types of foods. Even some from outside the country. It also had a lovely view of the garden outside. It was also extremely quiet, which was strange. Your school lunch was so loud that even classes down the hall could hear the lunch. As you walked further, you saw the library. It was also humongous. The shelves hung over your head. They even had a second floor of books. There had to be atleast fifty book shelves in each aisle. You had yet to even see the inside of the classrooms, they were probably as pretty as the rest of this school.

“You know that’s not all we have. We have a movie theater, detention (she mumbled quietly), thirty-five bathrooms, one hundred-twenty five classrooms, and more! We pretty much have every language you would like to learn, we have councilor, student president, various school sports which are mandatory by the way.

SNAP!

“Did you hear that”? you asked Cass.

“Hear what”? she said.

“That “snap” sound”.

“Oh, it’s probably Timothy. He’s our camera man. He’s kinda creepy and takes pictures of everyone on their first day of school. He’s no harm though. I promise” she says sticking her slim pinky finger out.

“Okay” you say hesitantly before hooking your pinky with hers.

“We should probably head over to Mr.Wilson’s office. He’s super strict, but considering your new he’ll probably be nicer” she said.

As you both began to near the door, you suddenly realized how shaky and sweaty you were.

“Whelp, it’s to late now” you thought in your head as Cass opened the door and guided you inside with a smile on her face.

“Thank you, Cass” a deep voice inside the room grumbled.

“You may go now” he added on.

“Bu-“

“Now Cass”! The man said angrily.

“Fine” Cass spit venomously, before walking out.

The man looked to be around his mid fifty’s. He had black hair that was mostly covered in gray. A clean face, but where a warm welcoming smile should be, was replaced with an angry stare.

“Are you just gonna stand there looking like a deer in headlights or are you going to sit down and listen”?! He snapped harshly.

You stumbled out an apology before rushing to a golden accent chair and sitting gracefully with your legs crossed, your head up, back straight, and your shoulder back.

“Now here’s what’s gonna happen. You got here because you were lucky. The man who payed for you to join this school clearly doesn’t know how we work around here, and im ausuming you don’t either”. He said as he squinted his eyes.

“This school is filled with countless, great opportunities. You should be profusely grateful for this. But don’t think because you got here the easy way you will be treated differently”.

“And lord help me if I hear of you causing any ruckus, trouble, attitude, I will make sure that you never EVER get to see the living dayl-“

“That is quite enough, Edgar” a deep voiced boomed from the side of you.

“Mr.Wayne! I-I was just explaining some things to Ms.L/n. We were having a quite nice conversation Ms.L/n, weren’t we”. He said turning to look at you.

“Ye-“

“I know exactly what happened. You were harassing another student weren’t you, Edgar? Just remember who pays most of the schools bills. And don’t forget that I can reveal your criminal records just as fast as I hid them. If you talk to this young lady like that again, don’t think I will hesitate to put you in a cell for longer than needed”.

The principle turned to you look at you baffled, before he apologized while looking at his feet.

You looked up to see who your savior was, and Oh My God was he hot. He had slicked back hair, piercing blue eyes, and a strong muscular body.

“I sincerely apologize miss. I simply do not tolerate people who act as though they are above others”. The man said with a straight face.

You stood there speechless. To be fair, what the hell were you suppose to say. “Thank you handsome man for saving me”.“I’ll take your silence as forgiveness” he said with a slow grin creeping up his face.

“Sorry” you mumble looking down.

“I know it may be very bold of me to ask this now, but is there a way you could find it in your heart to give this school a chance. I’ve heard from Ms.Cane that you didn’t have the best reaction to us setting up your dorm and having your classes picked out. But, as shown by the government, you fit in significantly well with this school. We all truly believe that this is what’s best”. He said, almost as if he was scared of you denying him.

“I don’t know…. You do have a beautiful school, but I think you should consider looking for a better fit. This school is for the best of the best”.

“We have looked through your records. We’ve seen your situation at home with your money. We truly feel bad, no child should have to live through that”.

“One chance. That’s all I’m asking. You can stay here one week, and we’ll make sure all of your needs are met. Please”.

With a sharp inhale you spoke. “I’ll do it”

A smile slowly crept to his face before he spoke. “Then let me introduce myself Ms……”

“Y/n L/n”

“Ms.L/n. My name Bruce William’s”

“Ms.Crane will introduce you to your classes. If you have any questions to please, feel free to ask me or her”.

“Thank you Mr.William’s”

“No, thank you. You have no idea”. He muttered while stroking your h/c hair.

As he left the room Cass walked in and grasped your hand pulling you outside.

“So! You have math and English with me! Your math teacher will be Mrs.Juan, your English teacher will be Mr.Henry, your History teacher will be Mr.Shuzne, your Language teacher will be Mrs.Aldridge, your P.E. teacher is Mrs.Dennis, your Digital Media teacher is Mrs.Sarasti, your S/t is Mrs.Satari, your S.T.E.M teacher is Mr.Normandy, your art teacher is Mr.Brown, your Strat teacher is Mrs.Amarl, your music teacher is Mrs.Jones, and your F.C.S teacher is Mrs.Arlene”. She says before taking a big sigh.

“Thank you Cass” you say with bright smile on your face.

“No, thank you Y/n”.

Cass took you to your personal chauffeur before wishing you well on your way back home, then durning around to bed back inside the school building. The driver slowly pulled the car away from the school and driving you back home. But when you had left the school the driver had given you nervous little glances. Whenever you would take your phone out he would shake his head while making direct eye contact with you. When you had turned your head sideways looking at him like a confused puppy he mouthed the words “don’t”. It had definitely freaked you out, but you were going to a wonderful school. What’s the worse that could happen?

Date: Monday, August 14, 2023

#Meeting #School #Bruce Wayne #Katherine Kane #Schedule #Rude Principle #Liar #Bruce Williams #Part 5

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utterlyinevitable · 1 year

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Where It Begins (12/?)

↪ series masterlist

12. you and me period

Pairing: Colin Bridgerton x Penelope Featherington Format: textfic Chapter Rating: T+

Summary: Colin dips out of a rave to speak with Pen. Some may say he’s smitten (not Pen though).

The second hand of her too-loud clock barely clicked five times before the recognizable ringer of The Foundations filled the cramped space of her bedroom, reverberating off the stark white walls and wooden furniture.

“Yes?” she asks in lieu, a smart smirk on her lips.

“Hello, Pen.”

He’s light and airy. She can clearly see the megawatt smile taking up half his stupidly beautiful face. He sounds like happiness, like a puppy greeting their best friend after a stint apart.

“Hi, Colin,” she giggles like a school girl for no apparent reason other than to share in his infectious joy. “Where are you?”

“Some beach party in Phuket.” She can hear it now - the music and the chattering and a whole commotion around him. “Tomorrow we're going to an elephant sanctuary -” he takes a breath, a full intake, like its on the precipice of a revelation. Then, he exhales. “You'd be so happy here, Pen.”

Oh god. The way he says it has her insides stirring in ways she promised herself she wouldn’t entertain. She can infer so many things - but she doesn’t dare dream on what he means. Doesn’t give herself a moment to ask should i book a ticket? nor what makes it so special? nor what would we do if i was there? No, she promised herself she wouldn’t fall that far again. Instead, she asks,

“Where's Ben?”

“Somewhere - I don't know.” Colin’s distracted, that much is evident in the haste of his dismissal and the low, “I'm back at my room.”

She deflects, “The party must be loud then!”

“It's a ragin' rave. Our rooms are only a few floors above the beach.”

“Send me a pic!”

And he does. Both of them breathing in time as he gives her the opportunity to revel in the scenic view.

“Beautiful,” is all she says.

“I can think of a better view.”

“Mm, can you?”

“Yeah. 5 foot 4 with the most majestic and loving..ly eyes,” Penelope hasn’t had much experience with a properly sloshed Colin in their adult lives, but she’s pretty sure he’s under the influence now. Waxing poetry in the latest hours of his night about her. Flattery gets him everywhere, she’s well aware of that neat trick of him. “and a dimple when she smiles. That smile lights up a room. And don't get me started on her auburn hair...”

“I didn't know you had a thing for gingers.”

“One ginger in particular.”

She shifts in her spot. Pulls her covers up around her further in the pregnant pause.

“Pen...”

It takes everything in her not to moan at the gravel in his voice.

“Sorry pal, you're barking up the wrong tree tonight.”

“Oh, right.” His disappointment is palpable. “Sorry for as-”

“I'm on...” she tries to insinuate. But when the line hangs there, she just says it - throws it out there because the boy has four sisters for Christ’s sake - “my period.”

“Oh. Oh, that's okay! Is it bad? Cramps, I mean.”

“A little bit. It's more heavy than anything. I'm exhausted.”

“Do you have a hot water bottle?” Colin asks like he’s running through a packing list.

“Electric heating pad.”

“And a fluffy blanket?”

“Socks too.”

“That's movie attire that is.” There’s shifting from his end. Sounds like the sliding door of his suite is closing and curtains pulling, and a thump against the mattress. “What do you want to watch?”

“Isn't it late?”

“I'm ok with it.” She can hear the start up of Netflix in the background. “What do you want to watch?”

She hums, grabbing her laptop from it’s home in her drawer. “Your choice.”

And they watch Deadpool of all things. Granted, Colin chose Bridesmaids and they both proceeded to make it fifteen minutes into the film before claiming emotional boredom.

Penelope couldn’t tell who fell asleep first.

All she knows is she woke up to the most worrisome message.

#polin #colin bridgerton #colin x penelope #colin bridgerton x penelope featherington #penelope featherington #bridgerton #bridgerton fic

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the-vault-apprentice · 1 year

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In Which the World Changes

((This thing has been in drafts since like November. Fuck it, I gotta get it out. Here ya go. Yeah, yeah, I know season of shattering is over by a long time, but real life kinda beat me up and frankly it took AGES to figure out how to work it in so... Real life is still kicking my butt so updates are gonna be slow for a while longer while I try and figure out what I want out of my future. For advance warning, any changes made to Eden itself will not be included, as the presence of Shared Memories and the fact we remain standing are both vital to me and my mental health. TGC can SUCK IT for taking them from us and I refuse to acknowledge the loss.))

"I don't like this place."

"I can see why not. It's pretty, uh….."

He doesn't like it here, either. This is obvious to her. The thought occurs that he would like the reef even less. Best not to go that way, though of course, the other option is….

The tips of her wings make little fwip sounds and the ends of her pigtails are being pulled forward and Kani learns that very strong winds can make even the most fluttery of colorful birds stay grounded. It seems to make her very uncomfortable to have her feet on the ground, and it sends a small pain through the middle of her to see it. She does not like how bright and chittery and busy this bird-lady is. But she is clearly a dear friend to some others, and Kani takes no joy in seeing her distressed. There is no pleasure to be found in seeing others hurt, not really. Not that she's ever found.

"Is there no other way down?"

She tosses her lantern onto her back and looks at the almost-giant with disdain. Does he think she would take them this way if there was another? That SHE would come this way if there was another option?

The wind paths cross her mind briefly, but to get there also requires jumping off into nothingness and to be tossed around.

"Keep your wings close, and mouth shut, else you will be eating sand in a moment."

As gloomy as the grey-green haze of the Wasteland is, there is one thing to be thankful for. In much of this realm, you cannot see Eden. The ever-present mountain and its perpetually exploding top are invisible, yet underneath the sounds of the raging storm she hears something new. And this sound makes her turn her eyes towards where the end of the world can usually be seen.

They don't hear it. Of course they don't. It's loud here. What difference is it to them?

Something moves in the corners of what she can see- That strange dark creature with its pretty eyes is looking at her. The same one? Or another? It does not matter, not really. Knowing she is being watched over by these things gives her an odd sense of comfort, and a feeling of brave starts to grow underneath her worrying. Deep breath in. Let it go again.

There is a beautiful place past here. One filled with brightness and color. Someplace she thinks they would like to see. Someplace she would like to go. She holds the image of it in her mind as she steps off the stone and into the air, not bothering to open her wing or spread her arms, letting the storm bring her ever lower. Kani thinks she heard yelling. But this is not something to fear. It is just how you enter the Wasteland- Dizzy and disoriented and a little ruffled, though otherwise alright.

The sky is wrong. I can't see. The light is wrong, the sky is broken…. And pink.

Waiting, waiting. One. Two. Three.

She gives them a minute to get un-dizzy, though she herself is buzzing to the point of bursting with the urge to GO. Words fall over her ears again, too many and too strange for her to understand them. These people talk funny. Or… Maybe she talks funny. No, that can't be it. She talks just fine. It is these new people that are strange, and poor Jack is stuck in the middle of known and unknown. Communication aside, she shakes out her arms and legs and twirls around and shows them-

I am okay. All in one piece. You see? It does not hurt us. It is only a pushy wind.

That's not what she says, though. What she says is something else.

"Follow me. There is a boat. And it will take us somewhere magic. You will like it, I think."

She holds out a hand to the tall one. He does not seem to fly.

In her mind, she thinks it will be safe. Whatever has happened to make this place so wrong wouldn't hurt the Ark, right?

The ride is long and quiet. There are questions in the air, she can feel them. What does she tell them? Everything? Some things? Nothing? No, she can't tell them nothing. She came here with nothing, and how lost she felt then… After a moment or two of more thought, she sits, hovering in the air with her legs crossed over each other. How do you explain the way things have always been? How do you give answers when you have so many of your own questions?

"Something bad happened a really long time ago. I think… We are meant to be fixing it somehow. Or helping, at least…."

The sky is still pink when the boat stops moving. And when she walks up the hill.

"I'm…. That looks bad."

"IS bad."

#sky: children of the light #season of childhood #kani's story #it's been so long since I used tumblr on my laptop the formatting is probably all weird #It's up on AO3 if you'd like to comment and see how I originally wrote it LOL

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the-clockwork-three · 1 year

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Swan Lake is a classic for a reason. Beautiful story. Amazing music. Incredible choreography. I do wish Ireland had... Literally any other ballet playing. Our cultural scene is incredibly stagnant. Just Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Anyways this is musing from the production I saw today (technically yesterday)

The set for this production was very Greek (???) to me, especially in Act 1. (Not in the sense of the phrase but actually like Greece). There was a lot of pillars, and marblesque seats and fancy pots full of flowers. The lake was a lake in the even acts and the Act 3 ballroom is very plain. However the costume design was normal, which is to say they could be from anywhere in western Europe. But they were all sparkly so that's a plus

Act one. That's a pas de trois. You cannot convince me that that dance with the bestie and the two girls is not a valid Grand Pas de Trois. A dance together, everyone gets a solo, then they are together again. Swan Lake says polyamoruos rights. And this polyamory really want a fourth, but Seigfried keeps being like "nah it's alright, you go ahead I'm going to stay here". He is NOT interested in their advances.

Random half-joking headcannons aside, the crossbow was like really pathetic. It was pure white with what looked like delicate carvings and gems and I genuinely thought it was a pickaxe for a second before I remembered the plot. It's just.... My dude that's not going to hurt a fly it looks like your mum bought you a nice decoration. Also, if your mum gives you a crossbow in the first scene I expect you to have shot it at the evil wizard by the last one. Chekhov's gun,,,, or what I like to call it, Seigfried's stupid little crossbow

Anyway MIME STRIKES BACK. We all know that ballet is incredibly tied to mime as an artform and so the only way I'll my communicating the concept of marriage from now on is by laying one hand over the other and giving loaded looks. Anyways ballet is so silly and I love it

Act 2. Cygnets. I love cygnets. Give me more cygnets. I've also performed a lot of act 2 so the music is a little burned into my brain. Watching it made my feet hurt from remembering standing still for 3 solos

Anyways, here we meet Seigfried's first, but certainly not last, cringfail moment. He is the lands worst marksman. God help us all.

Also he proves himself to be an absolute wife guy. Odette has this lovely solo and he's just on the sidelines giving her heart eyes.

Act 3 <3 I've said it before and I'll say it again. I LOVE WHEN BALLET IS CLOSER TO ITS FOLK DANCE ROOTS. Character dance? Yummy. 3/5 of the folk dances were character. AND TARANTELLA. I LOVE SPAINISH DANCES. Rad grade 4 dance f (maybe. Possibly) is my favorite dance I have ever done for a ballet exam. If you take nothing of this watch RAD grade 4 dance f. The tamberines in the fourth dance were clearly missing their cymbals though. You can hear the dancers pointe shoes clunking against the stage, you would be able to hear the tamberines. And when they smack the thing there was the merest clink. Again as I have done the tarantella in rad grade 4, I can tell you that dancing with tamberines is LOUD

And then we have Odile. My boy you're so fucking stupid. I love you, but you are good of heart, dumb of ass. But the dance was breath taking. Of course. Fouttetes<3 and then Seigfried's pirouettes à second<3 I do think the ballerina fell out of the last fouette so she might not have done the full 32, or if she did she needs to work on her technique of stopping. Show stopping though. And? Then? At the end of the grand pas de deux????? The way Seigfried gripped Odile's hand and pressed it to his cheek. Raw devotion. It made my heart wrench. My boy is just so fucking stupid.

It's also really interesting to me that the Grand Pas de Deux goes to Odile. Odette does not get the dignity other tragic heroines get. The main dance in her story doesn't even go to her. She doesn't get the fouettes. Her love, her spotlight, her story was stolen from her. I think that's what made this veiwing of swan lake different from my earlier ones, as I understand the structure of ballets now. Also this one I'm seeing live

Act 4. May have laughed when Wizard Man crawled off stage. He was so wet and pathetic. Can neither confirm or deny.

Alright back to the idea of devotion. Seigfried to his last breath looks to the sky for Odette. He tries to give her what he gave Odile by mistake, his declaration of undying love. He presses he head to her hands with a desperation. He would try a thousand times over if they had the time. Odette for her part forgives him. She raises him from the ground when he feels the weight of his sins pressing down on him. She does not hold a grudge, but that doesn't change that she is scared. She knows Rothbart is coming, and the other swans are anxious with her. But they stay together, because that's what love is, right? Staying by someone's side, through good and bad, and forgiveness.

I'll be honest, I was not expecting a kiss. Not every romance needs one yanno. Sometimes pressing one's cheek to their loved ones hands communicates just as well as a smackeroonie. And if someone never kissed me but did the hand thing, I'd believe they liked me (note to self, possible solution to icks the idea of kissing gives you.). But then they did kiss and :D tbf it's implied that they are both super dead and on the way to heaven but that's a happy end in my books

Anyways watch swan lake. It good.

#is mise an crann #egg skreev #<<< definitely less closely tied to my writing than the last one but i make the rules her mkay?

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wil-is-done · 1 year

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The Audacious Tales of the Lost Cipher and Her Daredevil Crew - Scenario 3: Lone Swordsman of the Astral Sea

Summary: Caught off guard by a Federation ambush, the crew of the Lost Cipher faces their darkest hour, until aid comes from a familiar ally.

Word Count: 6.838

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a repost.

This tale began with a pursuit.

The location, the shadowy outer reaches of the Bradyon system, once believed to be a natural dark spot for conventional radars, hence the perfect hiding hole for outlaws on the run.

The time, sometime after the larger sun reached its zenith and the smaller sun hung low, Local Galactic Time.

The pursuers, a Federation platoon of two Euclid-class destroyers and up to two dozen fighters, all loyal to the Federation to a fault, all willing to kill or be killed for their cause.

The target, the Lost Cipher and her dazed, discombobulated, dizzy crew.

The cause, a truly ludicrous amount of Smile Dip.

“Someone was supposed to chaperone!” The good captain Coraline, sitting on her rightful seat in the center of the Lost Cipher’s bridge, roared. “Who the hell was the chaperone?!”

“Dipper.” A meek voice chimed through the intercom.

Dipper threw his hands in the air, in shock, disbelief, and even outrage. “Oh, so that extra pack I slipped you meant nothing, huh? Neil? You traitorous oaf.”

“Full offense, Coraline is way scarier than you, dude.”

“You!” Coraline slammed a fist down on the arm of the chair hard, enough to dent the metal, her brows carved into a glare that could kill even the strong-hearted.

Unfortunately, her target was none other than Dipper Pines, whose resolve and stubbornness were nothing short of inhuman. “Like you weren’t busy in your room playing Peg The Nerd with your boyfriend!”

What followed was a long, loud silence. “You have three seconds to take that back before my sword meets your dick,” Coraline hissed. The temperature of the bridge dropped to below zero.

Raz, non-ace pilot and ace provocateur, snickered from the behind the wheel. “Ooh, be careful there, cap. He’s had some experience with swordfights.”

“Would you horny assholes just shut! Up!” Lili screamed, urged by the remaining vestiges of her sanity. “We have a Federation platoon right on our tail, loaded with enough shit to kill a ship twice our size, ready to plow us flat! And not in a fun way!”

Coraline blinked, breathed, sat up straighter in her seat. The weapons officer, as always, carried a point as sharp as her tongue. There was a time and a place for everything. The ability to recognize it is paramount to surviving the realm outside the law.

“Just, uh, wanted to clarify that- that me getting pegged - that’s not a thing.”

An ability that the Lost Cipher’s lead engineer clearly lacked. Coraline’s hand moved, slowly, to cover her face, as the tired captain sunk further in her seat.

“How bad is it?”

“Uh.” Dipper shook his head. Hearing that response over the intercom was an even bigger shock than the Federation ambush. “Distance 6000, closing in fast. E.T.A., fifty seconds. Fighters in twenty five.”

“Wybes, divert energy to the thrusters and rear shields.”

“Diverting!”

“Raz, full speed ahead. Don’t let them get in front of us.”

“Just how I like it!”

“Norman, plot us a warp course out, just in case.”

Norman made a noise and a nod, but otherwise provided no further comment.

“Mabel, Winnie, man the turrets.”

“Roger!”

“Okie dokie!”

Coraline left her seat, standing proud, brave, and tall in the maelstrom of incoming chaos, her cape flaring out behind her like the beautiful, terrible wings of a furious angel.

“Let’s show them how pirates do it!”

Mabel and Winnie raced through the ship, through corridors they knew better than the back of their hand, reaching the turret seats with lightning speed, nearly at the same time.

“This is Winnie! I’m at the portside turret. Switching to manual!”

“This is Mabel on the starboard side turret! Switching to manual!”

“Manual override granted. Power divergence is at max.”

Their display lit up at Lili’s command. The sea of stars replaced the darkened chamber, breathtaking to behold, and unfortunately marred by rapidly approaching dots of metallic white. With Mabel grinning and Winnie smirking, they thumbed the trigger and lined their first shot.

But it fell upon the intel officer to alert when hostiles are in the killzone.

“Fighters are in range!”

And it fell upon the captain to give the order.

“Light ‘em up, girls!”

No hesitation, no mercy. The first salvo of lasers took out six jets easily, turning them into scorched scraps and its pilots into cosmic dust. The swarm broke off, smartly, spreading out and away from the Lost Cipher to decrease the chances of a laser round to the wing, not that it stopped Mabel and Winnie from tagging one more each.

A festive lightshow was well underway, and the automated weapons haven’t even joined the fun. Under Lili’s eagle-eyed guidance, the smaller line of turrets were no less of a threat, chipping away at the scattered fighters until they too burst into an array of fire, dust, and blood. All the while, the photon peashooters of the fighters bounced harmlessly off of the Lost Cipher’s mighty shield, and their pitiful excuse for a guided missile fared little better. If not for the token resistance, it could be rightfully described as a massacre.

The scene unfolding would be cause for early celebration, for a wet-behind-the-ears captain. Coraline had her eyes glued on the radar. A second wave of fighters was fast approaching, and the capital destroyers were never far behind.

“Moving into cyber warfare range. How predictable could these normies get?” Dipper’s deep chuckle continued as he activated his cyber warfare suite, the screens unfolding in a circle around him.

Overconfidence can be a slow and insidious killer, and oh how the captain hoped her intel officer could learn that. “Stop talking and start walking.”

“I don’t walk.” Dipper cracked his fingers. The keyboard flashed to life. The dance has begun. “I run.”

To Dipper’s immeasurable disappointment, he needn’t run. The assailant’s tactics were as routine as they come. First, they aim for the life support, then the shields, then the engine. A newborn baby could’ve repelled their assault simply by mashing the keyboard. Some stragglers thought to make things interesting, going for the weapon systems and the radar, but they were too weak to matter, their numbers too little. It was a bore. However, the thought that somewhere on those destroyers, a squad of hackers, each with years upon years of experience under their belt, were being stumped by a boy barely in his teens, brought him a high better than any drug.

The same disappointment was felt by the other half of the Pines twins. Two more fighters fell to her deadly aim, marking the complete annihilation of the first wave. A second swarm was eager to replace the first, eager to die just like them. They broke formation, spreading out in pairs, keeping their distance from the ship, yadda yadda yadda, the 200th century called, it wanted its strategy back. Mabel set her sights on one particular fish in the cosmic barrel and thumbed the trigger, ready to unload.

That fighter banked a sharp, sudden curve, set its thrusters to maximum, and made a mad dash towards the Lost Cipher. The explosion as it crashed against the shields was grand, blinding, and sent Mabel into a pregnant pause.

More and more jets followed the same, shameful tactic. A mindless, suicidal strike against the shields of the Lost Cipher, faster than they could be shot down. Mabel and Winnie could only stare in slack-jawed stupor as their displays were filled with frightening, fiery red.

“Those jets are loaded with explosives and EMP charges,” Lili growled. Had she possessed powers still, the bridge would’ve been consumed by raging hellfire. “Disgusting.”

“Our shields are dropping faster.” Wybie always kept half an eye on the ship’s shield level, and though the numbers were yet to cause him worry, the existence of the phrase ‘death by a thousand cuts’ did not escape his notice.

Unlike her lover, Coraline had a cause for concern, and it wasn’t the fighter jets bombarding the shields or the approaching destroyers taking aim with their cannons. It was the dark presence emanating from the intel officer’s seat.

“Two can play at that game.” Dipper’s grin could only be described as beautifully maniacal. He cleared his display with a single swipe, setting a new stage for his next performance.

Already, Coraline had an inkling of Dipper’s intentions, and unlike the Federation dogs, she knew better than to try and curb it. “Lili, ease off the guns.”

“If you say so.” There was hesitation, but Lili’s faith on her captain far outweighed her doubts.

“Wybie, weaken the shields at point 7 and 13.”

“W-weaken?”

“The mad scientist has a plan.”

That was all the good captain had to say. A few taps by Wybie, and the two specified spots slowly lost their strength.

In perfect accordance to Dipper’s precise prediction, the fighter jets took notice of the false weakness in the armor, and were all but salivating to chase after it like the dumb dogs they are. Ten jets, five on each point, broke formation, aimed towards the weakened spot, eager to die for their despicable cause. Ten would suffice for now.

Dipper’s routine was nearly finished. Numbers, symbols, and lines upon lines of code streamed forth in maddening formation, unintelligible but to a chosen few, like eldritch texts of myth and legend. The culprit, the conductor of this chaotic orchestra, flashed a wicked smirk, unleashed an unhinged chuckle. One decisive motion, and the tumultuous tempest coalesced into a single, circular mass of black light.

“Your life…” Dipper raised his hands to the unfeeling cosmos. The executioner’s sword poised to end their sinful life. “…is mine!”

He slammed his palm against the black mass. Their fate is sealed.

“Code: Dark Prison!”

The assault was overwhelming, yet unseen. Dark tendrils emerged from his domain, traveling, ravaging through virtual space. Their target: the operating systems of ten particular fighter jets. A graze was all that it took for the tendrils to infiltrate the firewall. They cannot evade in the realm of ones and zeroes. They did not stand a chance.

First, their machines shuddered, the entire system blinking on and off, as the tendrils violated every crevice of the coding. Then, sparks, as their lights, their display, went dark. Last, the display returned, but bearing only the eternal image of skull and crossbones, and the lights returned to life, but purple, bearing the same shade as the Lost Cipher - the last color they’ll ever see. The takeover was complete.

“You wish for death,” he chuckled. “Be careful what you wish for.”

Their machines turned, with the pilots trapped inside helpless to resist. At Dipper’s command, the jets took aim at their own capital ships, and set off at maximum speed. His target: the charging cannons.

The other Federation dogs were left none the wiser. Their squadmates were preoccupied with seeking glory to notice they had broken formation. The operators on the destroyers saw nothing wrong with ten of their own moving against the current. The trapped pilots screamed for help, begged for mercy, pleaded for their compatriots to notice their plight, but all hope for salvation had been taken from them. Even the option of ejecting was no longer theirs to make. The shields protecting the destroyers, still recognizing the jets as vessels loyal to the Federation, did nothing to stop their approach. Not a soul suspected a thing, until it was too late.

The impact, and the resulting chain reaction of explosions, was nothing short of beautiful.

Dipper leaned back, legs crossed, basking in the lightshow of fire and plasma and smoke and dust, of a well-deserved victory. On the opposite side of the bridge, Norman’s nose began to bleed.

“Their main cannons have been disabled. Their ships’ overall integrity has been lowered by forty four percent. I estimate twenty percent of the crew were lost in the explosion,” he listed in cold satisfaction. “Hell, even got that five-headed dolphin in the blast.”

“The what?”

Dipper blinked and shook his head. The dolphin carcass on his display disappeared, because it was never there. “Disregard that last statement.”

Smile Dip, man.

Raz cheered, Wybie and Eggs shared a fist bump, and even Lili allowed a chuckle to slip past her lips, but Coraline didn’t let herself be swept by euphoria. Something about this scenario didn’t sit well with the good captain. The Federation could have picked a multitude of methods to truly cause them grief - a small boarding party, a cloaked bombing run, or even a precision cyber-attack. To announce themselves so brazenly, so quickly with open assault was a horrendous strategy. Almost deliberately so.

“Wanna turn around and finish ‘em off, cap?” Raz asked with a grin that split his face. Anything other than a yes would greatly disappoint him.

“No. That’s enough fun for today,” came Coraline’s firm reply. “Wybes, we’re warping out. Start diverting power. Norman, those coordinates better be ready.”

The disappointment Raz felt was immeasurable. It nearly undermined the joys of victory he experienced mere seconds ago. But he listened, and obliged. Everyone onboard the vessel did. The captain’s expert, sometimes even uncanny intuition was one the main reasons why they remain living and breathing today. And that intuition continued to serve them. Because she is correct.

“Warp signature detected! Dead ahead!”

The ship fell into deathly silence. Quiet, reserved Norman never raised his voice. Whenever he did, it was a signal, an omen, of grand significance. For this scenario, his message was simple.

“It’s a cruiser! Keter-class!”

Hell is coming.

Simply exiting warp space caused a shockwave that staggered the Lost Cipher’s shields. A fortress of steel blotted out the sea of stars ahead, nearly thrice the size of their own vessel. A crest, instantly recognizable, of ivory and crimson, depicting a snarling, vicious watchdog of Hell. One of the Federation’s famed flagship, the Krass Jagdhund.

“Oh, fuck off,” Wybie moaned. “It’s one blueprint.”

Onboard, legions upon legions of blind dogs allowed the mechanical marvel of a monstrosity, the floating palace, to perform at optimum, lethal efficiency. A brutal hierarchy ensured that total obedience was the only acceptable paradigm. From the peons, to the rooks and knights, to the bishops and queen, all conformed, in service of the king. At the palace’s peak, inside the vessel’s bridge, stood the leader, commander, king - a despicable soul without a heart.

“The Hündchen and the Ferkel received more damage than our predictions expected, but both ships are still operational.”

“The pirate ship’s shields have been successfully weakened. What is your next order, General?”

The despicable soul raised a hand. The tyrant shall enforce his decree.

“Deploy the warp jammer.”

From the stern of the Krass Jagdhund, hundreds of metal cylinders were jettisoned into the sea of stars. The cylinders broke into pieces, forming a net of neon green lines that covered massive swaths of the cosmos, before the lines vanished from sight. A cold sweat broke upon each member of the Mystery Kids. Escaping was no longer an option.

“They’re throwing up a net! We can’t warp out!” Raz’s grip on the wheel tightened, fingers growing cold.

“I knew it.” Coraline’s defiant glare never faltered, even in the face of certain doom. “This was all a trap.”

The Mystery Kids must beware, for commanding the mobile palace of metal threatening them, was none other than the wicked, immoral, General Hugh Leonard Estarossa.

“Checkmate, filthy pirates,” the tyrant boasted. “You will pay dearly for the murder of my son.”

Quite the dilemma. Ahead, a flying fortress, one of the most feared flagship of the Federation, and behind, a pair of destroyers, damaged, but still operational, itching for vengeance. Truly, a rock and a hard place.

Coraline bit her lip. The good captain could feel it. The unease, growing more palpable with each passing second. The eyes of her friends, her comrades, upon her, silently imploring on their next course of action. She had already decided, and it brought her no joy to choose this path.

“Everyone lie down and play it cool,” the good captain ordered. Every syllable tasted like bile. “We’ve broken out of prisons before. We’ll do it again.”

Their frustration was immense, their anger justifiably rising, but even more was their faith in the good captain, and in each other. Lili depowered the automated weaponry. Mabel and Winnie took their hands off of the turret’s controls. Dipper, begrudgingly, prepared to open a channel to the Jagdhund, to negotiate their surrender.

Unfortunately for our heroes, the wicked general had other ideas.

“Send this message to all units,” decreed the degenerate. “Fire at will. Take no prisoners.”

The crew sensed it. More than that, they saw it. The destroyers moving into position. The swarm of jets advancing in formation. The cannons emerging from their ports and taking aim. The energy spike coming from all directions. A stranglehold of unfeeling steel, primed, ready to kill.

“Captain,” Raz spoke, heavy and grim. “I don’t think they’re planning on locking us up.”

Not a word was spoken. Not a word was heard. The dark vacuum of space turned green, filled with the deafening roar of photon cannon fire.

The entire ship trembled. The impact was enough to knock the crew to their knees. Miraculously, the little ship with the shield that could stood strong, but under this barrage, no one had any illusion of how this story would end. The good captain, always the one to shoulder burdens, made the difficult decision - their survival was paramount.

“Neil, grab our emergency gear! Wybie, put everything into the shields!” Coraline shouted, barely heard above the violent cacophony. “Then get your ass to the hangar and fire up your bike!”

The order has been given. Like it or not, the order must be carried out. Neil sprinted as fast as he could to the cargo room. Wybie and Eggs adjusted the power as per the captain’s words. Mabel and Winnie unbuckled themselves from the turret seats. Coraline and the others present on the bridge got their feet under them and slowly made their way to the door, as the ship continued to rumble and weaken under the Federation’s brutal, relentless barrage. The unfortunate retreat seemed to be proceeding favorably, until Raz noticed a troubling sight from the corner of his eyes.

“Dipper, what are you doing?!”

Three heads swiveled at the same time, to see that the intel officer had returned to his rightful seat, with his cyber warfare suite open and running, and his hands dancing furiously at the keyboard.

“No! We are not abandoning this ship!” The look on Dipper’s face was one of stubborn, fearsome, unshakeable determination. The look of an iron will.

Coraline had seen that look before, many times. She had to choose her words carefully. “Dipper, I get that studying this ship is important to you, but you have to be alive to do it.”

“That’s the Watchdog of Hell! They don’t stop until their prey is nothing but scrap metal!” Dipper pointed a finger at the window, at the crest of ivory and crimson beyond. “If this ship goes down, I’m going down with it!”

“No friend of mine is dying a death this stupid!” The good captain meant every word, every syllable of that sentence. She couldn’t bear to have it happen. Not again. “Get your ass out of that chair before I make you!”

Dipper opened his mouth, and was preemptively silenced by a beep, a notification, from the navigation module.

Norman stumbled back to his station, and gaped. “Something just entered sensor range.”

“Reinforcements?” Lili muttered. Her mind was already running a mile a second, of the various ways this scenario could get worse.

From the bowels of the Lost Cipher, Wybie’s voice could be heard, shrieking, “One! Blueprint!”

“I don’t think so. This signature is too small to be a ship, or even a jet.” Norman leaned closer to the screen. If he didn’t know better, he’d say it was small enough to be humanoid. Wink.

Dipper, ever the curious mind, opened a map of the area. “The unknown has entered the battlefield. Range 6. No, range 2!”

“That fast?!” Raz gasped, shocked beyond belief.

A bang. Another tremor rocked the ship. Red light bathed the bridge. They were distracted, and missed the signs. The scene out the window was a nightmare made real. A shower of shield shrapnels vanishing into the dark.

“They cracked our shield! A ship got through!”

Indeed. A Federation ship had dove into the shower. Its thrusters were set at maximum power, its nose aimed at the Lost Cipher’s bridge. Its intention couldn’t be clearer.

The distance closed. Not a single crew member looked away. Defiance, to the very end.

A blur of black and red. A flash of steel. A burst of fire and smoke, erupting only inches away from the glass.

Coraline and the others raised their arms to shield their faces, by instinct, from the blinding explosion. As they lowered their arms, as the smoke dispersed, a lone figure emerged.

“Senchou,” he spoke. “our paths cross once more.”

Coraline could only laugh, incredulous, relieved.

A solitary being clad in blackened robes stained with red. An enigmatic soul who had hidden his eyes behind a dark blindfold. A fearsome warrior wielding a deadly blade that never left its sheath. The one, the only, the lone swordsman of the astral sea.

“Kubo.”

“I assume you are in need of aid?” he asked, ever humble and cordial in tone.

Another burst of laughter. “Big time.”

Raz cleared his throat, a finger raised. “Uh, by the way, the Federation is a pretty nasty-”

“I am well aware of the Federation’s crimes.” Kubo’s voice dropped, much like the chills down everyone’s spine. “No convincing is necessary this time.”

“Oh, yes, please.” Dipper opened a new window on his display. The amount of data that he would gain of the elusive figure was simply mouthwatering.

A polite chuckle left Kubo’s lips. “I see the passage of time has not quelled Dipper’s fascination with me.”

“You’re his type.” Lili smirked. She got to live another day and they now have one of their most powerful allies present. Hell of a turnaround.

“You really are,” added Norman, much as he’d hate to admit.

The reunion was quaint, but the battle never ceased to rage. From the distance, through the field of shield shrapnels, a guided missile sped past. Its target: Kubo. The crew saw it approaching. No one in the crew was fast enough to warn him. The blast consumed him in a blanket of fire and ash.

The smoke cleared. Kubo remained. Unflinching. Not a hair, fold, or wrinkle out of place. He didn’t even look upset. Or at least, far as the crew could tell. He’s a difficult one to read, even without the blindfold.

“In return, I have one request, senchou.”

Kubo spun in place. The battlefield before him was fierce, and he faced it head on without a hint of fear. He shifted his grip on his blade. His blackened robes waved like the wings of freedom in the nonexistent wind.

“If you must blink, do it now.”

The lone swordsman launched into the fray. The crew could feel the entire ship being pushed backwards. A power to rend the cosmos.

A swarm of twenty jets were first in line, come to meet their maker. Kubo was damn eager to start. Twenty swings, faster than a hurricane. Twenty jets, gone down in one glorious explosion. His sword never left its sheath.

And the swordsman has only just begun. The fighters swarmed around the Lost Cipher like flies around a corpse. The Jagdhund was still scrambling jets by the dozen. The two destroyers were ready with another salvo of cannon fire. Hundreds more fools await. Hundreds more fools shall meet the same fate.

Aboard the Jagdhund, unrest was spreading in the bridge, due to the presence of a hostile unknown on the battlefield.

“The unknown just took out the 66th squadron!” one dog barked in panic.

“What is that…?” another whined as he leaned forward in curiosity.

“It’s an alien!” The despicable despot rose from his throne. “New orders, men! Shoot that thing down!”

A crooked finger hidden underneath an iron fist marked the fallen hero.

“Show that filthy beast the supremacy of humankind!”

Kubo sensed the change. The Federation forces have shifted their focus away from the Lost Cipher - good - and were now targeting him - better. All the easier for him to purge their existence from the universe. Hell, he had cut down twenty more fighters by the time this train of thought reached its end.

Meanwhile, the crew of the Lost Cipher has found themselves in quite the unusual position - that of a spectator. Indeed, all they could do was watch as, beyond the glass, Kubo flew across the astral sea like the wind itself, leaving a trail of flames, scrap, and bodies in his wake. When was the last time such glorious carnage occurred and they were not the culprits?

The door to the bridge slid open and the rest of the crew came barreling through. Clearly, they did not wish to miss the show.

“Did I hear that right?! He’s here?!” Wybie screeched, grinning.

Raz gestured towards the spectacle. “See for yourself.”

A thousand photon rounds turned the stars green, aimed towards Kubo. Pathetic. They cannot hope to match even a tenth of his speed. He dodged them all, moving at speeds impossible to follow by the human eye. Following the pointless onslaught, came an even more pointless swarm of a hundred jets. Kubo decided, he had wasted enough time. A fraction more of his power was needed.

Kubo stared down the swarm. Even hidden behind black cloth, each foolish pilot still felt the power of his gaze. The power of his blade. The power of a hurricane.

He breathed. Reared back. Breathed. Roared. And swung. One swing. One decisive arc. The dark sea turned blinding, merciless white. And the swarm was no more. Slashed to pieces, consumed by fire, reduced to atoms.

“Oh…” It was a miracle Wybie’s legs were still strong enough to stand, as he sighed, swooning, falling. “I’m in love.”

“Who in the bloody hell is that?” Winnie wondered in reverence, stepping closer to the front window. Violence has always intrigued her.

“That’s Kubo,” answered Lili.

“Who?” Eggs turned his head. His crewmates were being unnecessarily vague.

Coraline met his eyes with an amused glint. “Exactly.”

Kubo breathed once more. The battlefield had been cleared. Only stragglers remain, and the pilots within has learned. They have shown their true, cowardly colors, orders be damned. Most would consider such circumstance a victory, but Kubo didn’t allow himself to grin, or smirk, or smile. There was no pleasure to be gained from this. No peace. No going back. Not for him.

Kubo looked over his shoulder. His hidden eye pierced the impregnable hulls of the floating fortress. Every soul onboard in their right mind should be very, very afraid. How unfortunate then, that the one soul the others look to as a leader, wasn’t.

“Why have we stopped firing?! Why aren’t we sending out more fighters?!” he barked to the whelps scurrying around the bridge. “That filthy alien is still alive!”

One bridge lackey meekly raised a finger. “B-but, General, the alien has… that was nearly all of our ships…”

“We still have the Hündchen and the Ferkel. Order them to fire!” The general glared ahead through the glass. Pure hatred delivered without a word. “This battle isn’t over!”

Indeed, the two destroyers still remain. They have moved to flank either side of the Lost Cipher, to gain a better line of sight of Kubo. Really, all they did was move closer to their own demise. Kubo knew of their approach. He knew what must be done.

Kubo adjusted his grip on his blade. He held it close to his chest, both hands on the grip, the blade dividing his visage into two equal halves. His grip tightened, the lumber beneath splintering just a bit more. Upon his call, more and more fragments of his power surfaced. He felt the winds licking at the edges of his robes. Felt them welcoming him to their secrets, to the eye at the center of the chaos. All who support him, rejoice, and all who oppose him, despair, for now all shall witness the true power of a hurricane.

Kubo raised his blade to the heavens. And released.

Everyone saw. Everyone heard. Everyone felt. The explosion of energy, invisible yet tangible. The wind surging, spiraling around him, growing faster, stronger, angrier with every cycle. The impossible cyclone forming in the vacuum of starlight, dwarfing even the steel fortress. The act of divine right - a glimpse of the power possessed by beings above mere mortals.

Eggs’ jaw hit the floor at the speed of light. “That’s a tornado. In space.”

“Dude’s been chopping ships in half with a sheathed sword.” Wybie’s grin stretched to split his face. “Just enjoy the show.”

Kubo’s first target: the Hündchen.

Coraline’s honed instincts screamed. “Raz! Gravity anchors!”

Raz rushed to the wheel and pulled a lever. The gravity anchors were set in place. A smart move by the good captain. This will get extremely bumpy.

Kubo roared. The blade swung in a wide, downward slash. The violent vortex had no choice but to follow its will. The Lost Cipher began to rumble as the colossal tornado loomed ever closer, but the gravity anchors held firm, and the ship stayed in place. It could weather a passing glance from the whirlwind. Such a blessing was not given to the Hündchen.

It tried to escape. The crew onboard finally valued their own lives more than the order of their superiors, unfortunately, a tad too late. They could only flail like fools and beg in vain as their vessel was struck with the full brunt of the hurricane. The puny thing didn’t stand a chance. The wind swept it into the maddening torrent as if it was nothing but a plastic toy.

Next: the Ferkel.

A wide, upward slash. The tornado, and the Hündchen with it, came for the Ferkel from below. It too attempted an escape. The crew too was reduced to whimpering whelps. The result was all too predictable. Another toy swept away by the hurricane. And as both ships tossed and turned and twisted in the terrible torrent, impact between them was inevitable. Metal crashed against metal. Steel was bent, ruptured, torn apart. Sections of both ships were either breached or broke apart entirely. The helpless crewmembers within were sucked out by the vortex, and left to freeze and die in the dark vacuum. A terrifying, breathtaking spectacle.

Kubo glared over his shoulder.

Last: the Watchdog of Hell itself, the Krass Jagdhund.

“Stand your ground, men!” the tyrant screeched. Panic was settling. His grip was slipping. “If I see even a hint of cowardice on this vessel, I’ll cut you all down myself!”

And the worst of him surfaces. Threatening insubordination with death. There was no love between this captain and his crew. No respect. Only fear. And only weak men rule through fear.

Kubo has no time for men like him.

He spun in place. His blade sliced the dark sea in a perfect arc. The tornado, and the burning carcass of two Euclid-class destroyers, followed his will.

Hugh Leonard Estarossa, captain of the Krass Jadghund, feared general of the mighty Federation, let his iron fists fall slack to his sides, as he bore witness to a looming storm of steel.

Upon noticing their captain’s distress, the entire crew ceased their panic, got their act together, and successfully repelled the incoming debris field.

Hah.

“Abandon ship! Abandon ship!”

“Fuck this! Fuck everything!”

“I��m taking the escape pod, assholes!”

“You take it, you’re dead!”

“Every man for himself!”

Let this be a lesson to all who hears of this tale: Fear never prevails.

There was a certain sense of hilarity to be had, witnessing the once orderly officers of the Federation degenerate into frantic, backstabbing savages in order to ensure their own selfish survival. The hilarity only reached its zenith, because all the dogs onboard seemed to think surviving was a possibility.

The first impact was the tornado. The sheer force of it pushed the entire vessel back. Fierce winds reaching incalculable speeds flayed the steel off of the ship’s frame. Cannons were bent and broken, rendered inoperable. Even if the crew hadn’t run off like headless chickens, the ship was practically defenseless.

The second impact was the two destroyer carcasses. Not even the shield of a Keter-class cruiser was able to withstand two destroyers ramming it at full speed. The metal behind it fared no better. The highest quality space-grade steel reduced to cheap scrap in mere seconds. One explosion triggered another, then another, then another. Entire sections were set aflame, all hands lost. How far the Watchdog of Hell has fallen.

Now. The final strike.

Kubo laid a hand on the sheath, and with a flourish, finally, freed the blade beneath, letting the sheath disappear into the starlit sea. The steel was black, as dark as his robes, his hair, his blindfold. Sometimes, it would reflect the light from nearby stars, like a moon.

Within the burning bridge of the Krass Jagdhund, a bloodied tyrant rose from the wreckage, struggling to his feet. He gazed ahead, through the cracking window of his post, at the swordsman in black who had dealt his doom, his eyes filled with rage, denial, and fear.

“What. Are you.”

A soul with a heart. Unlike you.

Kubo squeezed the grip with both hands, and raised the blade to the heavens. The steel changed, glowing as it surged with power, no longer dark. It shined with its own light, like the sun.

“Tatsumaki! Zankatou!”

The fortress of steel, the snarling crest of ivory and crimson, the cruel captain, the despicable soul; one strike cleaved them all in twain.

Each half slid out of alignment.

The wind carried the blade’s sheath to Kubo’s hand.

“There is nothing my sword cannot cut!”

Kubo slid the sword inside the sheath with one smooth motion.

The universe turned white. The Watchdog of Hell was no more.

The Mystery Kids shielded their eyes from the blinding blast. The Lost Cipher’s gravity anchors were pushed to its limit, screaming as it struggled to keep the ship in place. When the ship finally stilled, and the sea of stars was dark once more, the crew lowered their arms and their guard. Their eyes searched, a singular question in their thoughts.

Where is Kubo?

Their answer came when a figure in blackened robes descended from the heavens to land gracefully upon the Lost Cipher’s figurehead.

“Holy-” Eggs opened his mouth to speak, but found no words matched what he felt better than, “Bloody hell…”

“Huh.” Winnie discreetly squeezed her thighs together. Still wasn’t clear on who he is, but damn. She knew what she’ll be dreaming tonight. “I’m wet.”

One step, and Kubo floated like a feather from the figurehead to come to rest before the bridge window. Though his eye was hidden, the crew could still feel his gaze.

“Did you blink?”

“And miss a second of that show? Hell no.” The good captain smiled. How joyful it was to smile.

Kubo dropped to a polite, practiced bow. “Then I am grateful.”

“Feels like that should be our line,” Raz chuckled, sheepish.

“Howzabout you step inside so we can show you just how grateful we really are?” Mabel’s grin and waggling eyebrows promised of titillating encounters.

Lili slapped her shoulder with the back of her hand, like a newspaper to an overzealous pup. “Down, girl.”

“Please do,” Dipper breathed, his eyes shining with the glint of scientific thirst.

Norman slapped his shoulder with the back of his hand, like a newspaper to an overzealous pup. He said nothing.

“Well, a proper introduction wouldn’t hurt.” Eggs shrugged. The boy was always excited to meet new friends.

“An introduction would be lovely.” Winnie leaned forward, and purred.

Lili could only sigh. “Neil, get the leashes. Again.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Kubo raised a hand. The barest hint of an amused smile had broken through. “I cannot stay.”

“Now, whaddya mean by that?” Wybie narrowed his eyes.

His eye might be hidden, but the crew could’ve sworn he’s trying not to look at them. “I have someplace else to be. My apologies.”

“Not even for a little bit?” Neil pouted, until a brilliant idea struck him. “Mabel’s got more Mabel Juice…”

“This time, with one hundred percent more sticky nut juice!” Mabel pumped a triumphant arm to the air. The others either snickered or groaned.

“One day, I’ll get you to stop referring to peanut butter like that.” One could imagine which camp Dipper belonged to.

Kubo twisted his lips. Genuine conflict raged within him. One even fiercer than the battle that had just taken place. “I do enjoy that drink. But I’m afraid I must refuse,” he eventually replied.

“Oh, come on! You can’t just take off already,” Wybie whined. And who could blame him? Everyone is fond of this lone swordsman.

“You gotta cut yourself some slack, dude!” Raz stretched, as if in demonstration. “Let loose! Have some laughs! Jam to some good music! Eat some Smile Dip! In fact, I think we still got a packet left over.”

Kubo stilled. A sharp intake of breath went unnoticed by the crew. Music. How he longed to create such auditory pleasures again. To hold his beloved instrument in his arms once more. But such a life was behind him. Far, far behind him.

“Crew.” Coraline’s words silenced any other plea they were about to make. “Kubo’s got his own shit to deal with. He just saved our lives. The least we could do is respect that.”

“But,” Coraline stepped closer to the window, stepped closer to Kubo, missing only a literal olive branch, “in my experience, shit is always easier to handle when you’ve got more than two hands.”

Coraline smiled. The good captain’s always was infectious. The spread was rapid, and acute. They glanced amongst themselves, and at Kubo, offering only their best, brightest smiles. A promise of true and pure companionship.

“My offer still stands, Kubo.” The power of friendship only emboldened Coraline. She was certain this was what he needed. “Join us and we can help you.”

The good captain’s uncanny intuition served her well once more. Indeed, she was right. The warmth, the bond between the Mystery Kids stirred something deep in his heart. He longed for this, more than anything. And yet…

“I mean no disrespect, but my answer remains the same, Coraline-senchou.” Kubo turned away and walked to the edge of the deck, his dark robes flowing behind him in the nonexistent wind. “Mine is a path best walked alone.”

Coraline’s smile faltered. They all faltered. But upsetting their savior would be the last thing they wanted.

“I’m not gonna pretend I’m not disappointed,” she said. “But the decision is yours. We can’t force anything on you.”

Kubo’s stony visage cracked to reveal a smirk. “It would be foolish of you to try.”

A few scattered chuckles came in response. A balm, for the melancholic heart within. Our heroes knew of the unspoken inevitability. This would be farewell. For now.

“Until we meet again, Mystery Kids,” Kubo said. A promise, and a premonition. “May your tale continue to be in your favor.”

Kubo turned to face the endless, eternal sea of stars. One step. Two steps. And the lone swordsman was gone, carried by the cosmic wind, vanishing into the dark expanse.

Coraline moved to the window, to lay a hopeful hand against the glass.

“Hope your tale goes in your favor too.”

Another name for this AU could be Anime Bullshit AU.

So! That was Kubo. Or, more accurately, that was Edgy Kubo. Sort of. He’s still nice, he’s just had a bucket of black paint dropped on him. Well, a couple other things also got dumped on him. It’ll all be explained, eventually. For now, just live with the mystery.

Also. Holy shit, ya boy actually did it. Ever since I started writing again, my dream has always been to write one of those absolutely BS over the top anime fight scenes. Finally, I came up with a scenario where shit like this can happen. It caused me a bit of trouble, I’ll admit, because I ended up worrying too much about it being good, that it slowed my writing speed down to a crawl. Thank god I got over myself.

Anyway. Hope you enjoyed reading that. Stay safe out there, folks. And here are your Japanese words for the day.

Senchou = (ship) captain

Tatsumaki = tornado

Zankatou = ship-cleaving sword.

#mystery kids #kubo and the two strings #coraline #psychonauts #gravity falls #paranorman #the boxtrolls #kubo #coraline jones #wybie lovat #razputin aquato #lili zanotto #dipper pines #mabel pines #norman babcock #neil downe #eggs #winnie portley rind #The Audacious Tales of the Lost Cipher

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