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atiny-piratequeen · 2 days

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Doᥴtor's Assιstᥲᥒt

Summary: The Doctor needs an extra hand perfecting a new aphrodisiac.

...Well, you wont be using your hands, but that's besides the point

𓆩⟡𓆪 Pairing: Fem!Reader x Geb(Yunho)

𓆩⟡𓆪Genres/Aus: Against the Tide Verse (its an Au in an AU-), Non Idolverse, Smut

𓆩⟡𓆪Tws: Swearing

𓆩⟡𓆪Sws: (Everything is Safe, Sane, and Consensual), Consentacle Tentacles (Vines), Bondage, Fingering, Consensual Sexual Experimentation, Aphrodisiac Use, Fingering, Objectification

𓆩⟡𓆪Rating: Explicit/Mature (18+)

𓆩⟡𓆪WC: 800+

𓆩⟡𓆪A/n: For any of my non AtTiny who want to know who Geb is and how he’s tied to Yunho…idk maybe read a bombastic in progress work of art that explains it all cough cough.

This was a popcorn commission from the lovely @atiny-dazzlinglight that I finished a bit ago but life happened and I didn’t post it till now. Sorry for the hold up and I hope you and all my AtTiny can enjoy~

𓆩⟡𓆪AO3| Taglist Form (Please make sure your urls are updated and able to actually be tagged) | Commission Sheet𓆩⟡𓆪

𓆩⟡𓆪Network Ping- @kwritersworld| @k-vanity | @cultofdionysusnet𓆩⟡𓆪

𓆩⟡𓆪©atiny-piratequeen. do not repost, translate, or use my works𓆩⟡𓆪

⭑･ﾟﾟ･*:༅｡.｡༅:*ﾟ:*:✼✿　　✿✼:*ﾟ:༅｡.｡༅:*･

“F-fuck, oh my God-”

“My, that’s an interesting reaction.”

Had it had been any other day, you might have been able to conjure up a bratty response. Instead, you look up through the tears blurring your vision, lips quivering as you angle your head up for a kiss.

“I see the purple one has a stronger effect on you than the red one from earlier did. Poor thing, you look like you’ll melt right out of my lap if I weren’t holding onto you.” Geb mused, his vines writhing along your skin, pulling and tugging you close to his chest as he angled his head down.

You whimper, a sliver of pink slipping past your parted lips as you lick at his own, successfully enticing him to kiss you.

“More.” You beg as large hands find their home on your waist, caressing and mapping out every curve, tracing every stretch mark, all while stunning ice-colored eyes remain fixed on your face.

“I wonder what would happen if we mixed them. The warmth of the Flame Lily mixing with the stimulant enhancement in the Clivia-”He went off mumbling under his breath, humming as he wrapped his arms around you, idly rubbing your clit in circles as he talked himself through formulas for more nectar combinations.

He was off in his own world, truly and completely, and it made goosebumps rise on your skin to both be doted on, and spoiled, but also to feel like you were just another object in the room as the good doctor‘s fingers pinched and rolled your clit idly.

“Please-”

“Mm, maybe if I increase the dose by a few grams, it’ll last a bit longer, I don’t like how easily the other dose wore off.” He mused, resting his chin on your shoulder. You squirm, clenching on nothing, legs twitching in his vines. He didn’t say a word to you, muttering in English and another language you didn’t understand, sorting through his thoughts.

You open your mouth to whine again, but a gasp of surprise tumbles through instead. His hand had worked its way lower as he distracted himself-and apparently you-with his mutters. Warm, slightly calloused fingers curl over your thigh, massaging for a moment, before working between your lower lips.

You jolt the moment he touches you. It seemed the purple concoction he’d given you minutes ago had left you much more sensitive than you’d expected.

The vines twitch and contrast around you, tightening and keeping your legs spread as those long fingers push into you, and you’re flustered by the way his attention snapped into focus at the whorish moan the action drew from your lips.

“O h~ It seems like I found the perfect mix, did I?” He purred, kissing up the base of your neck and smiling as he worked those fingers in and out of you, scissoring them apart as you arch your back.

You’re almost embarrassed at how wet you are, arching your back and gasping pathetically as he curled his fingers up.

“My, this is wonderful news. I believe I’ve found the perfect balance for this.” His voice rumbles through your head, and it's now that you realize his fingers were coated in the aphrodisiac he’d been muttering out. You shakily glance down, cheeks flushed as the pretty liquid falls to the floor at his feet as you remain held up by the vines, joining droplets of your essence onto the floor.

Your eyes flutter as you clench around his fingers. Goosebumps rise on your skin as he alternated between thrusting his fingers in with deep, near methodical motions, curling and searching for that delightful spot, and quick, off-beat thrusts.

“Geb~ G-geb fuck, yes yes yes nn-” its now you realize you’re drooling, your arms being pulled behind your back by his vines as a slow, deceptively calm smile stretched across his face.

“You can make a mess. We’re only just getting started.” He promised, kissing you and pushing more of the sweet-tasting nectar onto your tongue through it. You feel your body jerk and tighten, kissing him sloppily as you make a mess of his fingers, hand, and the floor.

His eyes slowly drift down to the puddle that’s left behind before he ran his hand over the top of your head, kissing the tears that had fallen from the corner of your eye away.

“Are you still alright, my love?” He rumbled, his gentle voice bouncing around in your head. You nod, body buzzing in delight as you look at him, whining in offense when he pulled those long fingers out of you.

“No-”

“-ah ah.” He quiets you, holding your gaze as he ran his tongue over the mixture of nectar and cum on his fingers.

“Like I said. We’re only j u s t getting started. Catch your breath. I still have many more to try with you.”

⭑･ﾟﾟ･*:༅｡.｡༅:*ﾟ:*:✼✿　Tag List　✿✼:*ﾟ:༅｡.｡༅:*･

@kimnamshiks @atiny-dazzlinglight @angel0taiyo @jacksons-goddess-gaia @gettin-a-lil-hanse @yunhofingers @seomisaho @ateezwonderland @smallfrye @spooo00oky @shymexican @stardragongalaxy @horizonmoonfics @delphinium3000 @xuxibelle @twistedsiren @soluvcore @dreamyinception-world @justatiredhuman @serialee @yungiland @shingisimp @drunk-on-hwa @perfectlysane24 @asyamonet22 @bangteezbaby @universe-sighted @skmoonchild @babiebumm @jess-1404 @violetwinters @xlilehx @ateezswonderland

#fie writes #kwritersworldnet #cultofdionysusnet #k-vanity #against the tide #AtT #geb oneshot #jeong yunho smut #jeong yunho x reader #yunho x reader #kpop mythology au #yunho smut #AtT smut #kpop fanfic #ateez fanfic #ateez smut

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tampire · 7 months

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Bad Mom / Good Mom

The Little Mermaid Season 2 Against The Tide Episode

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springdandelixn · 1 year

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Against the Tide - Part I

Summary: Your life takes an unexpected turn as the leader of the biker gang that took over your town sets his eyes on you.

Warnings: unwanted touching, power imbalance, abusive undertones, more to be added as the series progresses.

Characters: Dark!Biker!James Conrad x F!Reader, Michael from Legion and Billy Lee from Bad Times at the El Royale (biker au)

A/N: I have taken a dive into newer territory and it’s such a thrilling experience. It’s a first I’m writing for James Conrad so please be gentle. I do dedicate this piece to one of my babies, @michelleleewise 💙 Belated Happy Birthday, dear. Also a belated happy birthday to @coldnique!!

As always, your feedback is highly appreciated and reblogs would be amazing. And of course, I hope you guys enjoy! 💙

Against the Tide Masterlist

You turn your head to face the back of the bar when you hear the commotion coming from the kitchen, the din of Melody’s angry voice mixing in with the clack of the pool balls from the other side of the bar and the music playing from the speakers. Luis, the new hire, must have messed up another customer’s order, probably burning the burger patties like he did last night.

You feel your phone buzz from your back pocket and pull off the simple black apron tied around your waist. Turning off your alarm, you peek from the kitchen window and tap your hand against the metal surface, a chuckle leaving your lips as you see Melody’s fuming face.

“What?!” She snarls and you only roll your eyes playfully at her rage.

“I’m taking my break.” You tell her, holding out your hand after. “Cigs.”

She pulls a pack from the back of her pocket and slaps it on your hand, giving her a playful wave with your fingers before looking at Luis and laughing at the way he frowns when Melody goes back to scolding him.

The summer night breeze is a welcome sensation when you step out of the bar and walk over to the side of the building where the cars and motorcycles of the patrons are parked. Tapping the pack against your palm you take the nicotine stick that slides free and tuck it between your lips.

Shaking the lighter, you flick your thumb against the small metal gear, watching the flame come to life and lighting the tip of the cigarette. You take a long drag, watching the embers eat at the roll of tobacco before huffing the smoke up into the air. A small sigh leaves your lips as you can’t help but contemplate what your life has become while watching the smoke form clouds around the full moon that shines in contrast to the dark sky.

All your life you’ve only been in Westmoor, never once venturing away from the small town, even if it’s just to visit the next one over. You once had plans of leaving the place you call home when you were a teenager, to abandon the miserable and abusive life you’ve come to know since you were born—your alcoholic father seeing you as a burden and your mother too afraid to fight back once he cracks his hand against your cheek.

You were free once your mother died from illness, running away from home and finding solace at Ol’ Sammy’s place. The old man treated you like you were his own, his wife, Eleanor, showering you with the love and affection you’ve never known. They’d even ward off your deadbeat father when he would storm up to their porch, demanding money you owed him for raising you.

You felt like you had a family in their presence but even so, your desire to leave just drew stronger. For there was truly nothing but hardship in this town. Yet no matter how hard you tried, saving every penny you can from years of working at Nick’s, leaving just seemed impossible.

Especially now with the gang of bikers that have seemingly taken over just about a year ago. Coming into town and claiming it as their own, with every resident scared for their lives as they shamelessly flaunt their power. They made it their job to make their presence known, terrorizing businesses and taking money for protection that isn’t needed. For no one comes to Westmoor to cause havoc, the only visitors being passersby and hunters during the fall.

The roar of a motorcycle pulls you from your thoughts and you stand rigid against the wall when you see the gang parking their bikes in front of you. You feel a chill run up your spine at their sudden appearance. It’s Wednesday and you know they’re not supposed to be here, Nick telling everyone at the bar when they’re scheduled to collect.

“Hey there, sugar,” Billy calls as soon as their engines die, the burly man getting off his bike and casually striding over to where you stand.

You do your best to keep your guard up, you know better than to face them alone. Rolling your eyes at Billy’s greeting, you drop your cigarette to the ground and stomp your foot on it to kill the embers before walking away. But a yelp of surprise leaves your lips when your pulled back, the air punching out of your lungs when your back hits the wall, eyes growing wide as Billy presses his hand against the concrete surface, trapping you.

“Leaving so soon?” He teases, the hair sitting over his lip moving in waves as he juts out his lips. “We just got here.”

“I’m done my break.” You say in annoyance, pressing your fists against his chest, trying to push him away. “Melody will be furious if I’m late.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind you taking a couple more minutes if she knew you were with me.” His breath already reeks of alcohol, making your stomach turn as he leans closer to your face.

“That’s enough, Billy.”

Your spine tingles in fear when you hear James’ voice, Billy giving you another smirk, turning your head away when his fingers rub against your cheek when he pulls away from the wall.

Out of all the bikers, James is the one people fear the most. His calm demeanor is nothing but a front to his hidden rage. You’ve witnessed first hand when Richard, one of the bar patrons, beat him in a game of pool, the man never coming back to Nick’s after he was bedridden for almost a month.

He’s stopped drinking, his wife, Ingrid, said when you went over to their place to drop off a pie Eleanor made. But the brace around his neck and the bruises you saw decorating his face when Ingrid opened the door a little too wide said otherwise.

“You got a light?” James asks as he stands in front of you. You reach into your pocket and hold out the lighter, keeping your expression stoic when he cups your hand with both his, flicking the flame to life before lighting his nicotine stick.

You pull your hand back when he finishes, tucking the lighter back in your pocket and standing still as he takes a drag and huffs out the smoke, his blue eyes never leaving you.

“What are you doing out here all alone, dove?” He asks, his gaze lingering down your body before he meets your eyes again.

“I was on break.” You respond in a monotone voice. “Was just about to head back.”

“Is Nick in?”

“He called out. Said his wife is sick.”

“Is that so?” He chuckles, taking another puff of the cigarette, cringing when he blows the smoke at your chest. “I guess we came here for nothing, boys. Unless you can make it worth my while?” He asks and you quickly slip away when he leans in closer, your heart pounding hard against your chest when he grabs you all of a sudden. “And who gave you permission to leave?” You shiver at his tone, hushed yet menacing.

“I have to go back to work.” You reason, wincing as he tightens his hold on your wrist when you try to pull away. “You guys come in and have a drink, so your trip isn’t wasted.” You say in a rush, your voice shaking as you speak. “On the house, as much as you want. I’m sure Nick won’t mind.”

“C’mon, boss.” Billy interjects, his voice sounding like an excited little kid about to get a ice cream from the shop. “I also want to challenge Mikey to a game of pool.”

A grunt echoes at the side and you see James’ right hand man, Michael, standing and watching you impassively at the side. His tattoo-covered arms are crossed over his chest, his finger leisurely rubbing the base of the gun that hangs on his holster as if waiting for the opportunity to use it.

“Very well.” James groans and drops the half finished cigarette on the ground, releasing your hand all the same. “But you’ll be the one to serve us. No one else. Understood?” He demands.

You nod and quickly scurry away from him, your annoyance instantly flaring when Billy slaps his hand against your ass when you pass him.

The stuffy atmosphere is a welcome distraction as you walk back into the building. Melody stands behind the bar, the anger from earlier replaced with a smile. But as soon as she sees you, her lips slant and you know that she knows something isn’t right.

“What’s wrong?” She asks.

“Conrad and his minions are here.” You quickly tell Melody as you make your way at the back of the bar, the smile on her face quickly fading at your announcement.

“What are they doing here?” She whispers, turning her back when the boys enter the bar, helping you grab their drinks from the fridge.

“They’re looking for Nick.”

“Did you tell them he isn’t here?”

“I did but they won’t leave me alone.” You bite back, popping the caps of the bottles before setting them atop a round tray. “I told them they can have drinks, on the house.”

“What?! Are you stupid? Nick will be—”

“He’ll be happy that we kept them happy. You know how Conrad is.” You hiss, taking the tray. “And the last thing we need is for him to burn down the bar.”

“Fine.” She says in defeat. “I’ll try to call Nick, maybe he can make them go away.”

You don’t say anything. You already know as well as she and the whole town of Westmoor that it’s impossible to get rid of James and his men.

#james conrad #captain james conrad #james conrad x reader #dark james conrad #dark!james conrad #biker au #against the tide #kong skull island au #james conrad au #coconut bun stories

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meiko333 · 10 months

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The Little Mermaid (2023) Icons

Like and/or reblog if you save/use

#disney #the little mermaid #the little mermaid 2023 #against the tide #j. elle #official art #ariel #halle bailey #sparkly #glitter #icons #square icons #icons by me

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m4g0rtz · 11 months

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Today's polish made my eyeballs SO happy! 😍 I know I have posted a lot of aqua flakey polishes before, but this one takes the cake! I don't know if it's the variety of iridescent flakes or the color of the jelly base, but there is something about this one that just screams of summer at the beach to me. And man on man did it look spectacular matte. This is Against the Tide from Cuticula.

#nail polish 218 #manicure #cuticula #against the tide #blue #jelly #flakey #matte #♥️😍♥️😍♥️

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a-reality-dream · 4 months

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#audio post #Celldweller #Against the Tide #Wish Upon A Blackstar #Spotify

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dark-night-star-light · 11 months

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Spirit Animals: Against the Tide (Reread pt. 5)

DISCLAIMER: WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR BOOKS ONE THROUGH SEVEN AND BOOKS ONE THROUGH FOUR IN SECOND SERIES.

Masterpost

Chapter 1

“ . . . it was enough to instantly and badly burn any foot, or boot, or paw . . . ” (2). How did the four get on top of Muttering Rock during the climax, then???

“Kings and empires had risen and fallen since his imprisonment, but still, he waited” (2). Foreshadowing Kovo saying that it’s better for kingdoms to fall than for the Wyrm to claim its host?

Kovo and Gerathon bickering like siblings is lowkey funny???

Chapter 2

“‘She’s just jumpy. We all are.’ ‘I wonder why’” (8). Abeke and Meilin’s relationship has regressed significantly . . . damn.

“Except that Abeke’s family usually made her feel uncomfortable and small and worthless, while being with Conor was easy and warm” (9). Abeke’s abusive family literally makes me so angry. Also “being with Conor was . . . warm” . . . she probably means that literally and figuratively, considering what happened in Arctica.

“‘ . . . I saw what happened when Conor and Meilin chose their families over our quest - and when Rollan nearly did . . . ’” (9). Abeke is the only one that hasn’t attempted to choose her family over the quest somehow. Huh.

“The falcon shrieked, which might have meant, ‘Oh, put your shirt back on’” (13). REJECTED.

“‘That’s not fair,’ said Rollan. ‘That’s barely hilarious at all’” (16). He does have a point.

Chapter 3

“‘They probably already know,’ Meilin said unhelpfully. ‘Since someone is passing them information, as you might remember’” (20). Meilin is so mean in this book.

“‘I thought we were friends’” (20). That’s literally so manipulative of Meilin. She was being hostile first.

“‘ . . . you realize that was the second time you were conveniently captured so you could be used as leverage against us?’” (21). The first time was Glengavin, right? But she wasn’t even used as leverage then???

“ . . . every time he thought of Shane, he wanted to punch something . . . ” (21). The third time Conor has expressed interest in punching Shane, you guys. In case you’re keeping track.

“‘I knew that boll weevil in my soup last night looked suspicious’” (23). LOL.

“He had a strong, sinking feeling that this mission was going to end with loss and disaster” (25). The foreshadowing is done with a heavy hand in this book. Not sure if I’m a fan.

Rollan and Meilin arguing for a whole page be like: Actually, I’m right-

Chapter 4

“Nope. Don’t even think about it. I refuse to be eaten by sharks” (34). I talked about this briefly during my Hunted reread, but the tone of the story after the first book is vastly different from the first book’s tone. It gets lighter and more joke-y. This quote is another example. “Nope” is a word that is too informal to have ever made an appearance in the first book.

“ . . . oh, and PS, also had deadly sharks snapping and lunging only a few feet away” (35). This book is even more informal in tone than the past three. Again, it makes sense given the change in author, it’s just interesting.

“‘Hruumf,’ she observed at the sky” (37). This is so cute.

“The top of a rockback whale was clearly no place for her, and hey Jhi was trying her best to do as Meilin had asked” (38). Yeah. Yeah, I wonder why that is.

Chapter 5

“‘Foolish stupid crazy stupid lunatic brainless-’” (41). Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the extent of cursing in this book.

“Then she started pointing to the shark bites and barking orders at everyone swimming or paddling around the whales” (44). She’s ordering people she doesn’t even know? What an icon.

“With a whoop, he did a cartwheel in the sand and fell over” (44). This is too hilarious.

“Uraza turned up her nose, flicked her tail, and stalked off toward the jungle of dark green trees visible at the top of the beach” (45). She’s back to her arrogant self, lol.

“Two islanders ran up as Kalani took off her dripping green seaweed cloak; one took it from her with careful ceremony, while the other handed her a new, dry green cloak” (47). Kalani has servants?

“‘Compassion and respect! So THERE’” (48). LMFAO.

Chapter 6

Does Abeke have trauma from island jungles?

I actually think that Ngaio and Tangaroa’s spirit animal might be the best in the whole series. Really. They literally play hide-and-seek together. That’s so cute. Also totally what I would do if I had a spirit animal.

“She almost missed the freezing wind and icy, insect-free snow of Arctica - but not really” (53). Didn’t Abeke grow up on a hot savannah? She really shouldn’t be preferring coldness to heat.

“‘Probably because he expected you to help them,’ Kalani said. ‘Instead of acting like an embarrassing mule-headed pig’s snout’” (55). This is such a teenage insult, it’s funny.

Ngaio and Tangaroa’s relationship is probably the best spirit animal bond ever.

“‘This lunatic is nearly as old as a whale king. Show a little respect for your elders’” (57). Didn’t she just call him “an embarrassing mule-headed pig’s snout” though?

“Abeke could tell that Meilin was ready to stab something. Fun was not something any of them had time for, not with the future of Erdas at stake” (58). This would be so fun to draw.

“Definitely no falling into the crocodile-infested river” (61). Seems like something Rollan would say.

Can’t Abeke call foul play on Tangaroa for the river stunt?

“It reminded Abeke a little of Kunaya, the kitten she’d rescued on their trip to find Rumfuss” (63). Oh yeah, that reminds me, what happened to Kunaya? Did Finn take her? New headcanon: Donn-Kunaya parent-child relationship.

Chapter 7

“Briggan came back from sniffing the undergrowth, licked Conor’s hand, and sat down on his foot” (66). The image of this is too funny.

“Briggan was trying very hard to look dignified, but it would be very hard for anyone, even a Great Beast, to maintain his dignity while wearing a bouncing orange hat” (68). Grumpy Briggan.

Nightshade Island is cursed because of the First Devourer War catalyst event happening there, I’m pretty sure.

Bruh, Meilin is literally physically abusing Rollan? I hope this is a one-time thing-

“‘Jhi, for the love of Mulop, would you stop rolling around like a drunk chimpanzee?’” (72). Meilin is kind of psychologically abusive toward Jhi as well.

Chapter 8

“‘Meaning people who’d rather throw a meal away than give it to a starving orphan’” (74). That wasn’t Rollan’s code of honor, though? It was don’t steal from sick or poor people, and don’t steal if there’s a better way. I guess there’s a footnote there, then.

“‘If anyone knew where we were going - if anyone spoke of this island to us - if someone helped us get there even just by giving us a canoe . . . ” (75). Why can’t they just ask someone to give them a canoe and not tell them where they were going? They can lie.

“‘I’m not sure his head is going to fit in the canoe anymore’” (76). LMFAO.

Ah yes, Essix’s iconic blood-curdling shriek.

Meilin thinks being with Rollan is like being with a panda: parallels.

“If the word tapu hadn’t already existed, Meilin thought someone would have invented it just to describe this island” (82). That’s probably what happened, though???

“It was a little weird if she thought about it, and a little weird that she liked it, and a little weird to think about Rollan at all . . . ” (83). You don’t say.

“‘I can still control Jhi . . . ’” (85). Meilin feels so toxic in this book? Like more than normal??? It’s concerning.

“ . . . [Tarik and Rollan] looking almost like father and son . . . ” (87). Foreshadowing.

Chapter 9

“Conor, Abeke, and Kalani had spent most of the day lying in a shallow hole, covered with palm fronds . . . They were waiting for it to get dark” (90). Why didn’t they just wait for it to be dark before coming? Then they wouldn't've had to be in a cramped hole.

“Conor wasn’t sure what system she was using for the symbols” (93). I kind of want to know how Kalani is marking the walls so they don’t get lost, as well.

For some reason, I remember them meeting Timone on the island itself, not in the cave system??? Huh.

“‘You can’t take us anywhere near the tribe!’” (94). Is he trying to warn Kalani about the Bile’s effects?

I kind of want to know what Timone was doing wrong with his bond to make Waka resist him before he took the Bile.

“‘That no-good shark-faced backstabbing son of a jellyfish’” (97). Kalani has such descriptive chain insults.

Chapter 10

“If only the Bile didn’t exist in the first place” (102). Foreshadowing the end of the first series?

Kovo, a Great Beast, and one that thinks humans are stupid, gives the Devourer the Bile, a substance that enslaves animals to humans. Very logical of him.

“‘You mean - he would have come to me anyway?’” (103). So that means the first Devourer is literally not even old enough to be bonded. He’s not even eleven years old.

I’m not really a fan of the use-dreams-to-further-the-plot-or-explain-things trope, and this is no exception.

“‘Thank you, Jhi,’ Tarik said. ‘Yes,’ said Rollan. ‘Thank you very, very much.’ ‘Why would it be here, on the beach?’ Meilin demanded” (108). Meilin is the only one that didn’t thank her own spirit animal.

Chapter 11

Wow, they killed a whole-ass Komodo dragon.

“They had to run, and hope against hope . . . ” (112). Hope against hope? Kind of a cool line.

Abeke! Riding! Uraza! It’s mentioned in Tales of the Great Beasts that Uraza was too proud to let just anybody ride her.

Katoa seems so cool. Like if he were human, he’d be one of those chill, laid-back surfer-type people.

Chapter 12

If Meilin has a grandfather, how come she never tries to see him? We don’t ever meet him either. Is he dead?

“They would be furious - for five minutes. Then they would roll up their sleeves and start cleaning it up” (118). Kind of reminds me of Meilin: angry during the war, but afterward she helps rebuild Zhong.

“‘She’s not,’ Meilin said. ‘I thought so at first, but . . . we are meant for each other” (119). Meilin was kind of abusive to Jhi for the majority of this book. There was a cute moment after Jhi found the shell, but before that, it was all verbal lashings.

Is this dream Jhi attempting to warn Meilin?

“‘Worse,’ murmured Jhi. ‘Oh, Meilin . . . I can’t tell you, but you need to know . . . ’” (121). So, she is trying to warn Meilin. Can Gerathon control the animals, too? I mean, she can control the humans that control their spirit animals, but can she control the animals directly? I’m pretty sure she can-

Chapter 13

“‘Has anyone ever told you that your trust issues are all over the place?’” (124). Yeah, get her, Rollan.

“Lenori was on the beach . . . ” (124). Where has Lenori been all this time?

“‘Kalani is a wise and strong queen’” (125). Isn’t she sixteen?

“She looked straight at Abeke. ‘That’s the person who killed my father’” (127). She is in for a surprise. Also, she was good with Abeke in the last book? In one of the previous books, she makes an effort to not let her distrust for Abeke show outward.

“Rollan found himself appreciating the fact that at least his spirit animal had a face” (129). LOL.

“‘I fear that something awful is about to happen’” (132). Heavy hand with the foreshadowing there.

Rollan’s carpet memory with his mom . . . awww.

“He wondered if he and his friends would survive long enough to see a day when they could just enjoy a place like this . . . ” (138). Really, this needs to happen. Canonically.

“‘Float there unhelpfully like a wet piece of silk if the answer is yes’” (140). HA. Also, she should’ve switched that to no.

“‘I’ll go first,’ he offered” (141). So Rollan was scared to get onto the Kingray, but he’s willing to be the first to go into a giant hole?

Chapter 14

“The wolf sniffed at the tentacle and sneezed . . . ” (143). This kind of reminds me of the line in Fire and Ice. Parallels?

“‘Remember the tall ones from last time?’” (144). What is Mulop referring to? What humans? Conquerors from the First Devourer War?

“ . . . being the only underwater Great Beast” (145). But the Great Beasts had to migrate to the Evertree, which is in the middle of Nilo . . . how did Mulop . . . ?

Mulop’s question-answer talking is so funny.

“‘I thought the war was the Devourer’s idea, and Kovo and Gerathon were just helping him’” (148). Yeah, I thought that, too. I really don’t remember anything, do I?

“‘Kovo wanted to rule Erdas. Why?’” (148). I kind of wish easter eggs about why Kovo did what he did were planted while writing this series, instead of Kovo just pacing in his cage muttering about how he wants to crush the human race. Also, he’s a Great Beast. Doesn’t he already kind of rule, in a way?

“‘We also guard the secret of the bond between humans and spirit animals. That is the source of power’” (148). The Evertree???

“‘Very few still remain with their Great Beasts. Tellun’s. Cabaro’s. And mine’” (149). Didn’t Olvan say that the four fallen’s and Kovo and Gerathon’s talismans went missing after the First Devourer War? The Conquerors have Gerathon’s, obviously, but where are the others, then?

“‘It is a terrible thing,’ said Mulop. His deep green eyes bored into Meilin’s. ‘You will wish you had been kinder, little warrior’” (152). So Great Beasts can sense the Bile? Also, why didn’t Mulop, just, like, tell them that Meilin had taken the Bile?

Chapter 15

“‘Essix would have warned me if we were being followed’” (158). Only if Essix knew.

“‘Plenty of boats to carry us straight to Stetriol and into the hands of the Devourer. Aren’t we lucky’” (159). LOL.

“She could see at once that the enemy had planned for this attack . . . ” (159). Okay, so step one: Gerathon looks through Meilin’s eyes. Step two: she . . . tells the Conquerors??? How??? Isn’t she in Stetriol? It’s not like she can send messages? Or does she control them instead of telling them???

“Zerif tucked the Iron Boar back into his shirt, still grinning smugly. Abeke wanted to smash something. Ideally his face” (163). I personally think we should allow Abeke this basic human right.

“A heartbeat later, Essix dropped from the sky and drove her talons and beak at the Conqueror’s face” (164). GO FOR THE TALISMAN, ESSIX! THE TALISMAN.

Chapter 16

Oh, here it is.

“Abeke was taller, but Meilin knew ways of holding people that made it almost impossible for her to break free” (168). Does that mean that Gerathon can only work within a person’s arsenal of skills? Can she force someone to fight if they don’t know how?

“It’s me. I’m the mole” (168). *dramatic music*

“Did my father do this to me?” (168). If he did (he probably did), then he quite literally got himself killed. He tricked Meilin in drinking the Bile → Gerathon can see through Meilin’s eyes → the Conquerors swarm the Lake of the Elephant → General Teng is killed.

Also, why? Why did he want Meilin to have a spirit animal so badly? It is mentioned that Meilin’s mother and all four of Meilin’s grandparents had spirit animals. Maybe he felt isolated and didn’t want his daughter going through the same thing?

Also, how did he even get Bile??? Where did it come from??? Why was he just willing to give it to his daughter? So many unanswered questions . . .

This is referred to several times throughout the chapter as a “betrayal”. But it’s not??? It’s not even close??? Betray is defined as “to treacherously reveal information or secrets”. Meilin did none of the above. So this isn’t a betrayal.

The only person doing anything evil is Gerathon, who they already knew was bad. Obviously, that doesn’t make it any less devastating, but it’s not a betrayal. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk.

“Jhi was being controlled by Meilin exactly the way Meilin was being controlled by Gerathon right now” (170). Which allows room for some level of resistance, right? Also, it feels like they made Meilin ridiculously toxic in this book in particular to foreshadow this. She was less toxic before this and barely toxic at all in the first book.

“ . . . it would only take a moment for Rollan to switch talismans . . . ” (172). Can you not use more than one at a time?

“I’m the mole . . . I’m the reason the Conquerors are winning the war. I’m the reason they’ve always been able to find us; it’s my fault they have the talismans they stole from us. It’s my fault my father is dead” (174). Literally none of those things are her fault. They’re really all her father’s fault. And again, referring to her as the mole is inaccurate.

Chapter 17

Again, saying Meilin is the mole is inaccurate.

“‘Why didn’t the Greencloaks protect her?’” (177). Honestly, yeah.

“‘I’m glad you guys are safe, too,’ Conor said . . . ” (178). Yeah, about that . . .

“Conor stared at him in disbelief, his green eyes wide and confused” (179). I think this is the first time we’re getting canon Conor eye color?

Okay question: couldn’t the Greencloaks have just stopped trying to collect talismans and instead focus on building their army for the war? Because so far, the Conquerors haven’t actually gotten the talismans themselves, just stolen them. They probably wouldn't have either, considering that the Great Beasts only gave theirs up because the four fallen were there. So if the talismans stay with the Great Beasts, neither side will get them and Kovo will never be freed?

Final thoughts and rating:

I like Kalani as a character and her insults are definitely top tier. Tangaroa and Ngaio are definitely my favorite bond thus far. I liked how Conor doubted Abeke in certain places then felt ashamed. It really made him feel more 3D and not like a perfect angel that trusts everyone, because in a situation like this, it’s a bit impossible. The author did a good job of conveying Nightshade Island, like I could picture it in my head, and I usually can’t do that very well. It wasn’t really the physical description itself that was so good, it was the way it made you feel that was done exceptionally. Sunlight Island’s cave system was really cool in my opinion, and I wish it could’ve been revisited at a later point in the series. I enjoyed Mulop’s personality a lot, it’s nice to see the Great Beasts show some character and really come to life. The plot twist was definitely pulled off perfectly, and was clearly foreshadowed with the sleepwalking and whatnot. I think Meilin’s devastation was written quite nicely. I enjoyed Abeke’s slow realization that her family was pretty abusive towards her. I also liked how Rollan’s mother and his feelings about it didn’t weigh the story down too much, only at critical points. A very good choice in terms of writing efficiently.

Meilin choosing to help the whales redeems her a bit, but I still think the way they decided to make her ridiculously toxic right before the reveal was a bit unnecessary. Meilin was definitely more toxic than needed in this book. Personally, I think they should’ve taken it down a couple notches. Mulop not just telling the four that Meilin had taken Bile was a questionable choice. I think easter eggs and hints toward Kovo’s true motive, stopping the Wyrm, should’ve been planted in this book instead of making him out to be this human-hating villain that is bent on ruling Erdas. Just small things, like Kovo perhaps worrying about a “mysterious ancient force” or justifications involving how he will “save Erdas”.

Rating: 8/10

#draeyem rereads spirit animals #against the tide #spirit animals series #spirit animals books #sa spoiler #abeke #conor #meilin #rollan #zerif #tarik #kalani

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writtenonreceipts · 2 years

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I know no one really cares about this fic, but I’m nearly 6k words into the next update and I love it so here’s a snippet for Against the Tide: (it’ll still be a little while til I update, buuuut)

Aelin sneered at him. Aye, she’d not waited for him. She’d not acknowledged that he’d been assigned to keep his watch on her. But she was her own woman. Her own captain. And if the king or Hammel couldn’t respect that—well. Perhaps they knew her too well to expect this betrayal on her behalf. But she didn’t care.

“I am mine and mine alone,” Aelin replied.

She could see the cruel smirk on Hammels mouth and the flash of his gray eyes.

“So be it,” he said.

And gunfire broke the day.

#against the tide #att snippet #att rowaelin #snippet

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oldfilmsflicker · 1 year

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new-to-me #31 - Against The Tide

#2023 in Films #Against The Tide #Sundance #Sarvnik Kaur #52 Films By Women #Directed By Women

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babyspacebatclone · 10 months

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I just finished reading the YA The Little Mermaid novel Against the Tide.

It’s good!

I’m, however, very conflicted.

This book is an AU for me, because there’s two things that in my kind go against the canon of the 2023 movie, one slight I could forgive, one just huge and debilitating.

On the plus side, it’s got great worldbuilding, and I love Ariel and her character growth though it.

Non spoilery expanded thoughts below the cut.

First the canon issues: The big one is Ariel learns something about “The Sea Witch Ursula” that, in my opinion, would mean she would never trust her.

And I don’t know why, because - it could have been written around? Hint it in a way that the audience understands what’s going on, but Ariel not making the connection makes sense.

I personally hate the detail, because I honestly liked what was given in the 2023 movie better, but that’s spoilers for both.

The second issue is the timeline: this book is set on the Coral Moon the year Ariel is 15, and production notes say she’s about 18 in the movie.

I can see the characters growing enough in those 3 years to be where they are in the movie, but… It’s a stretch.

It’s not a spoiler to say the daughters of Triton are estranged to put it mildly at the beginning of the book - that’s chapter 1 stuff.

But the extent of their trauma, compared to the camaraderie they show in the movie at the shipwreck, especially if they only get together as a family annually on the Coral Moon (therefore 2 times between the events of the novel and movie)…

It’s possible, but I myself don’t like it.

But that’s a small thing, and I only bring it up because of it’s synergy with the Ursula thing.

On to the worldbuilding…

In isolation (aka as an AU), I absolutely loved everything. I guessed 90% of the evil plot in the first chapters, but that’s me being an author and consciously aware of the rule of narrative detail and common tropes. I was hoping my guess of the villain was wrong because of that, but the fact I wasn’t isn’t a knock against a YA novel - Penn and Teller being able yo tell how a magic trick works doesn’t mean the trick isn’t amazing on it’s own!

(I’m not saying I’m on a Penn and Teller level, just their show is a great example of what I’m talking about)

My complaint in making the novel a prequel of the movie is that it treads a lot of the same themes - breaking generational prejudice, for example.

Which is not a bad thing, you’re reading a The Little Mermaid novel, giving the readers what they like is a good thing.

It just feels frustrating in the context of the timeline, that in 3 years Triton doesn’t trust Ariel’s opinions of things if this book were canon.

(this isn’t on the same level as the above timeline snag, Triton feeling hatred towards the humans is still 100% in character and justified in context. it’s the “not trusting Ariel for a second” when she’s literally had to drag him by the beard to listen to her and then force him to make systemic changes to how he rules that feels out of place in such a short timeline.)

Pinning the plot on the prejudice theme ends up feels like a rehash of the movie, as it doesn’t lead in organically to how the family reacts to Ariel.

But, as I said, a lot of this is fitting the novel into canon: As a standalone, the themes are well explored and Ariel’s journey is great.

i loved the characters, although I read the book to learn more about the sisters and the estrangement plot point meant I didn’t get nearly as much if that as I wanted. You get their personalities, but it’s all filtered through their love for Ariel as their baby sister, so it doesn’t explore each girls’ individual personality beyond the ways they resent each other.

Or how they respond to trauma, but I’ll let you read the book there.

Overall world building is excellent! The writer in me cringed at first at the level of “this is exotic!” detail sharing (the “clamshell bed” with “seaweed covers”), but gradually it felt more like an extension of Ariel’s fascination with the world: even things that are common and normal to her get a level of precise observation that is in character.

And I love Flounder, this is one detail I consider canon to the movie!!!

Overall a great read if you’re interested, I’m up for discussing spoiler stuff if anyone else is!

#the little mermaid 2023 #against the tide #ya novel #the little mermaind: against the tide #book review #the issues of telling a story #and welding it into the canon

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acourtofpaperandink · 11 months

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Book Review: The Little Mermaid Against the Tide By: J. Elle

Post by: BookGirl The Little Mermaid Against the Tide By: J. Elle Cover: I love this cover. It’s just beautiful and it wraps all the way around the book. The colors are great. There are some fun details from the story. It’s just lovely. And yeah I know I’m not normally a fan of characters on the cover but if anyone was going to do it right it was Disney. Story: ★★ So I have to confess I just…

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#against the tide #disney #disney books #j elle #the little mermaid #the little mermaid against the tide

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springdandelixn · 1 year

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Against the Tide - Part IV

Summary: Your life takes an unexpected turn as the leader of the biker gang that took over your town sets his eyes on you.

Warnings: noncon/dubcon, physical abuse, graphic violence, coercion, and manipulation. Some may be added in the future but always prepare your flashlights.

Characters: Dark!Biker!James Conrad x F!Reader, Michael from Legion, Billy Lee from Bad Times at the El Royale, and Thomas Sharpe from Crimson Peak (biker au)

A/N: The weekend is finally here! I hope y'all have a blast and enjoy some rest.

As always, your feedback is highly appreciated and reblogs would be amazing. And of course, I hope you guys enjoy! 💙

Against the Tide Masterlist

Days and nights pass by in slow monotony as your mind constantly rocks in and out of limbo. Your body is still feeling too weak from the beating your father bestowed upon you, that you consume nothing but hot broth and medication as you feel your stomach to be too fragile to take in anything more than what is provided; a fact you’ve proven after heaving the toast that Thomas brought you one morning.

The clothes you wore that fateful day are gone, replaced with a shirt that’s too big and underwear you know isn’t yours. You want to ask how this has come to be, who changed you while you were unconscious in the days past. But you don’t voice your concerns; you stopped doing so after being ignored so many times. Succumbing into the purgatory you’re bound into and hoping that, one day, you’ll be free to go home.

Thomas is the only anchor that settles you. Despite his silence unnerving you, his presence calms you—a familiar face in this foreign place. He’s the one nursing you back to health and tending to your wounds. And for that, you are thankful even if he is working for the enemy.

You stir awake one morning as the rays of the sun kiss your face. The heat is a welcome sensation as it pushes away the morning breeze seeping in through the windows. You blink away the sleepiness and groan as your shoulder throbs from lying too long on your side. Your throat, scratchy from being unused, uttering nothing more than a ‘thank you’ and a ‘good night’.

You look around to see any signs of Thomas, needing something to quench your dry throat. But as you try to push yourself from the bed, your body goes rigid when you feel an arm tighten around your waist, holding you down and preventing you from moving away.

“Where do you think you’re going?” James’ familiar voice, laced with sleep, brushes against your ear.

You don’t understand. Why is he here? Why is he sleeping beside you?

“You think I’d sleep somewhere else?” He groans as if reading your mind. “This is my room, remember? And this is my bed.” You keep still when he moves, pulling you flush against his chest and biting down on your tongue to stop yourself from making a sound when he takes a deep breath and nuzzles his face against the back of your neck. “And besides, the bed is big enough for two.”

The beating of your heart is the only thing you hear amidst the silence. Your hands ball into fists as James continues to press himself against your back, sweat beading at your forehead and your neck as the heat from his body, the blanket and the morning crowds you.

You try not to think, to ease yourself back to sleep, and hope that when you wake up once more, he’ll be gone and you’ll once more be alone. But your thoughts won’t quiet down, questions of why running around in circles, making your pulse climb higher and higher in a state of panic.

He’s far too close to your liking and you barely have any clothes on you. The blanket being of no use to shield you, to save you from the man on the bed. And your anxiety only seems to be spiking when you feel something hard press between your ass, a hum leaving James’ lips, his hot breath brushing against your shoulder as he pulls back only to push his erection once more against your ass.

The door suddenly opens and your eyes grow wide when you see Thomas standing at the threshold, a tray clasped in his hands, staring at the both of you on the bed. Shock is evident on his face and you silently plead for him to help you when he cautiously walks into the room.

“Boss,” Thomas intones, voice tight as he lays the tray atop the bedside table. “Th-e sher-iff is here t-to see you.”

“Tell him to wait, runt.” James drones. You squeak when he moves his hips once more, rubbing his clothed cock against your panties. “I’m still sleeping.” You hear him grin, your breath hitching when he runs his hand up against your side, the fabric of your nightshirt riding up along with his movements.

“He said he has to see you now.” Thomas pushes, his fingers flexing as he runs his eyes at the length of the bed, glancing quickly down at you before facing his boss once more. “Says it's urgent! Something about the rat.”

James’ hand stops its ascent and you feel the tension immediately thicken in the room. Thomas doesn’t move and neither does James, as if both men were engaging in a deadly stand-off. A small sense of relief then washes over you when the latter pulls away, the bed jostling at his sudden movements.

But a surprised yelp leaves your lips when his hand smacks against your ass as soon as he stands up, the rustle of fabric playing behind you, blanching as the thought that he was only in his underwear slips in your mind.

“You better be telling the truth, runt.” James sneers as he nears Thomas, the smaller man taking a step back when the other leans closer, his hand grabbing onto the collar of Thomas’ shirt. “Because if you’re not and this was some dumb ploy for you to cockblock me, it will be your blood staining my bike. Understood?”

Thomas nods and drops roughly on the ground when James shoves him, your body going rigid when your eyes meet the cerulean glare of the gang leader.

“You stay where you are, dove. I’ll be back as soon as that pig leaves.”

You only realize you were holding your breath when James finally leaves the room, tears prickling in your eyes as the fear of James being too close seeps out of your veins. You didn’t know what he would have done if Thomas hadn’t interrupted him and you thank your lucky stars that, despite being such a downfall for your childhood friend to join the notorious gang, you’re thankful for it all the same.

“Are you okay?” Thomas’ voice comes close and you nod as you take deep calming breaths, your hand latching on to his when he takes yours, squeezing his fingers as you try to find comfort in his touch. “I’m sorry I didn’t arrive sooner.”

“No—it’s okay.” You breathe, looking at your friend with a small smile before reaching over to wrap your arms around him. “Thank you for helping me. Really. Thank you.”

“I haven’t been much help lately and I’m sorry for that too.” He mumbles against your shoulder as he hugs you back, leaning your head against his as he runs his hand up and down your back. The gesture soothing you. “Eleanor passed by last night when Conrad was asleep.”

Your ears pique upon hearing her name, pulling away from the hug to face Thomas with curiosity.

“She wanted me to give you this.” He pulls back all the same and reaches into his back pocket, pulling out a silver object that has your eyes widening at the sight of it. Immediately, you take it from his grasp. “She said it gives you comfort every time Sammy is taken to the hospital and hopes that it gives you comfort while you’re here.” You feel your tears brimming in your eyes once more and you quickly wipe them away before they roll down your face.

Sammy gave you his old lighter a week after he and Eleanor took you into their home. Told you how lucky it was for the many times he’s lost it and found it again, adding that it would bring you the same luck it gave him. It was the thing that made you feel safe at night, thinking it to be a weapon to use against your enemies, against your drunk-beat father.

And even when Sammy can no longer fix it, a frown on his face when he told you that it was dead, you still kept it. Not because of the luck he kept saying it has but because such a mundane thing was the first present you ever got in your life, given by the man who had no business to care for you yet treated you as his own.

“That means I’m still in town?” You ask, clutching tightly on the silver contraption.

“We are, but at the outskirts,” Thomas confirms, yet apprehension paints his features. “Sammy and Eleanor only knew you were here because Sammy followed your truck when Billy was driving it.”

You want to ask what James did when he saw Sammy at his doorstep and if he and Eleanor are safe and unbothered by the gang or even your father. But you hold your tongue, not wanting to spook Thomas now that he was talking.

You’ll ask again another time or wait for him to willingly give out any information. You’ve gone so long without asking, what’re a couple more days?

The text of the novel you’ve been reading since the afternoon begins blending with each other. You’re unsure if it’s because of exhaustion or the sense of unease that slowly creeps up your skin. Purple and orange hues paint the sky, a picturesque view framed by your window, signaling the descent of the sun and the arrival of nighttime, and with it, James.

He never came back after that morning, leaving you on your own much to your relief. But each time you hear a murmur coming from the main room or a creak of the floorboards, the hair on your body stands in alert, his subtle threat of returning still lingering around you along with the unwanted sensation of James’ touch.

Still, you try to focus on the inscription on the pages, saying the words softly under your breath to ease your anxiety. But it’s no use. There is no calm to be had in this godforsaken place littered with the devil’s apostles. Only uncertainty and fear, unanswered questions if you will live to see another day or wake up amongst the dead.

Giving up, you place the hardbound atop the side table and lay down on the bed, tucking yourself tightly with the blanket even as the hot summer air fills the room, making the space stuffy and too warm for your liking. Nonetheless, the humidity won’t stop you from protecting yourself and keeping the gang leader at bay.

You force yourself to sleep, waiting for the night to completely take over and shroud your—no, James’—room in darkness.

The minutes bleed into hours and your eyes eventually start to droop, the rhythm of your heart slowly on its march as sleep consumes you, taking you into the vast oblivion. You wish for a dreamless slumber, to not see the faces of the people that haunt you while awake—your deadbeat father and James Conrad and his goonies.

Your body suddenly shakes and you jolt awake, eyes blinking wildly as you try to regain any sense of coherence. You yelp in surprise when James’ face comes into view, inches away from your own, and you push yourself against the headboard, holding up the blanket to cover yourself.

“Get dressed.” He says, a playful smirk on his face.

Articles of clothing are then tossed on the bed, your eyes drifting to them. Your own clothes. The one you wore at the general store—all clean and void of any blood.

“What?” You ask curiously, your guard still up as James stands idly by the bed.

“I said get dressed. We’re going somewhere.”

You look around, the room is still bathed in darkness except for the light coming in through the open bedroom door.

“Wh-where are we g-going?” You stutter, reaching for the clothes on the bed and clutching them against your chest.

“It’s a surprise, dove.” A smirk forms on his lips, the mattress dipping from his weight when he takes a seat. You flinch when he leans closer, his hand pressing gently against your cheek, slipping it lower to grab your chin and making you face him. “And I know you’re going to love it.”

I no longer hold a tag list but if you wish to be updated with new fics I release, follow my archives blog, @springlibrary , and turn on the notifications.

#james conrad #captain james conrad #james conrad x reader #dark james conrad #dark!james conrad #biker au #against the tide #james conrad au #dark fic #tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston characters #coconut bun stories #kong skull island #kong skull island au

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