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the-modern-typewriter · 11 months

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wgshdwgd im sorry if youre not accepting snippet reqs </333

but could i req you write abt a villain who *everyone* is genuinely terrified of. and then the hero just politely tells them to shut the fuck up. like, villain could be monologuing or smth and hero would cut them off saying that they would really appreciate it if villain could finish up in the next hour or so because they dont want to miss bargain day at the supermarket.

uwah im sorry if i broke any rules </33 stay safe its a crazy world out there <333

"-Could you please just shut up?"

There was a moment of absolute, horrified silence. One man promptly fainted. Nobody seemed to breathe for a few seconds.

The villain turned, slowly, towards the protagonist.

They were on their knees on the floor, surrounded by armed guards ready to execute the various staff still in their building. Their expression was one of exhausted long-suffering, one hand pinching the bridge of their nose as if to stave off a headache.

"Excuse me?" the villain asked, oh so softly.

"Will you please stop talking?" The protagonist dropped their hand, levelling the villain with a look. "Like, if you're going to slaughter the lot of us, just do it, don't make us listen to the spiel first. It's been forty five minutes."

"Are you so eager to die?"

"No. But if I'm going to die, I think I'd like to get it over with. Otherwise, I'd like to just go about my day. I need to buy food before the shop closes and takeaway costs a fortune. I mean, bloody hell. Forty five minutes. Do you really think anyone here is listening?"

The villain stared.

"Like, not to be rude," the protagonist said. "But they're all scared out their minds. They are not processing the finer points of your monologue. It's just so unnecessary."

"I could cut out your tongue and feed it to you."

"You don't have anything better to do?"

"I could cut out their tongues," the villain swept a hand around the room, "and feed them to you. That sorts out dinner, doesn't it?"

"I mean, I'm vegan, and not a cannibal, but I appreciate you're more concerned with being menacing than actually addressing the issue."

The villain stared some more.

The protagonist stared back.

"The data I need is still downloading," the villain said, after a long moment. "If I let you leave, someone will do something stupid like try and call the police."

"Sure, sure. But the monologue."

"You don't enjoy the sound of my voice?"

"I wouldn't take it too personally. It's been a week. Bit overstimulated, to be honest. Anyone's voice right now feels a bit like a cheese grater on my nerve endings."

"A bit like a cheese grater."

"No offense."

The villain blinked at them, slow and somewhat incredulous. "A cheese grater."

The protagonist shrugged.

"I'm assuming you didn't miss who I am in the last forty five minutes," the villain said.

"No."

"And yet."

"It's not that you're not terrifying," the protagonist said. "I just - forty five minutes. Humans aren't set up to be this stressed for forty minutes. My head is killing me. Processing all this - if you don't kill us - is going to be hard enough without having to fit in all the life admin I'm not currently getting done."

"Come here."

"...what?"

The villain crooked a finger to beckon the protagonist forward.

The protagonist swallowed, eyeing the villain warily, but didn't make them ask again. With a glance at the armed henchmen, they shuffled forwards to the spot the villain had gestured at their feet.

"You know," the villain said, "it's been a very long time since anyone has talked back to me."

"Sorry. I'm really not trying to be rude."

"No," the villain mused, head tilting with something alarmingly like curiosity as the protagonist came to a stop. "You're really not, are you? Turn."

"...turn?"

The villain gestured again, to indicate that the protagonist should face away from them.

"...You can't just give me all the orders at once? I get this is more dramatic, but I probably wouldn't be trying your patience as much if-"

The villain seized the nape of the protagonist's neck, like scruffing a kitten, making their breath catch.

Everyone watched for the inevitable torment. The punishment. The kill.

The villain's fingers dug into the knots of tension in the protagonist's neck, power sparking up the touch.

The protagonist sagged. "Holy shit," they breathed.

"Better?"

"Um. I mean - yes - but -"

"Good." The villain glanced up to the henchmen. "Shoot everyone else."

"What? Wait - no -"

The sound was deafening.

Then the silence was, once again, absolute.

"You didn't have to do that," the protagonist whispered. "I didn't mean - if I offended you -"

"Oh, you didn't, don't worry. That's why you're still alive. Tell me about yourself."

The villain's grip stayed unrelenting on the back of the protagonist's neck, holding them securely in place.

"T-tell-?"

"We still have ten minutes," the villain said, in a tone of great patience, "before the download completes. Tell me about yourself. I shouldn't be the one doing all the talking, after all. It's very rude of me, isn't it?"

Hesitantly, the protagonist talked, watching the blood pool on the floor. What else was there to do?

The computer finally gave a quiet beep to indicate that the download was complete.

"Good. Very good." The villain gave the protagonist's neck another gentle enough squeeze. "Now. Let's go grocery shopping," the villain said cheerfully. "Up you get. Dinner's on me."

#heroes and villains #antagonist and protagonist #writing #story #writing snippet #villains #villain

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navigatorwriting · 4 months

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"Hold this for me." Before the hero had a chance to object, the villain shoved the bloodied axe into their hands and dropped to rifle through their bag.

The hero squeezed their eyes shut and took a shaky breath, trying not to think about the smell. Oh God, they were holding the villain's axe. The blood was probably still warm. The hero's chest tightened. The stench was overwhelming. They thought they might faint.

"It's not going to bite you," the villain said.

The hero's lower lip trembled. "P-please take it back."

The villain sighed. The hero felt the axe lift from their outstretched hands. They opened their eyes.

The villain was looking at them, a mix of understanding and impatience in their eyes. "If you're going to vomit, let's get it over with," they said, "but don't faint on me. You're no good to me unconscious."

They started to cry instead.

The villain let out an exasperated sigh and stooped to pick up their bag. "Cut that out, I don't have time for that." They hoisted their axe over their shoulder. "If you're not going to vomit, let's go."

"Why are you doing this?" the hero choked out.

The villain looked them up and down. They had already noticed the hero was small; it was why the villain chose to spare them. But there was more that the villain hadn't realized immediately... they looked frail. Shellshocked. And, frankly, too young for this kind of setting. They had a feeling the hero wasn't too loyal to their team's cause, or at least that's how the villain wanted them to feel. It would be easier to earn the hero's trust if their morals weren't in the way.

The villain blinked. Were they going soft?

"It's business," the villain said finally, furrowing their eyebrows, mildly irked at how protective they suddenly felt. "And it should be for you, too."

They grabbed the hero by the shirt collar and pulled them face to face, startling them. They'd be damned if they went soft on the hero already.

"Because I'm your best shot at getting out of here alive."

#writing #fiction #snippet #writeblr #hero #villain #hero x villain #protagonist #antagonist #protagonist x antagonist #villain x hero

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writtentodeath · 6 months

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can you do one where the protagonist gets overstimulated and the villain helps them deal with it? if you're still taking asks that is. I love your work so much and have missed seeing you! thanks!

They took a deep breath. “It’s called overstimulation. Maybe you’ve heard of it.”

“From the noise?”

It was mostly the noise. Protagonist gestured around them. “From everything. I feel like that should be obvious.”

Stupid, stupid. Way to antagonize the guy with the gun,

Villain paused, considering. “Do you have earplugs?”

Uh oh. Red alert. Not good. Not good.

“I forgot them today,” Protagonist said, trying to focus on not snapping or biting or hitting their head on the ground. “Bad luck.”

“I have extras,” Villain said smoothly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a pair that looked just like theirs,

“That’s- that’s-” oh, screw it- “That’s a bad idea, for me,” they said.

Villain quirked an eyebrow. Shockingly, he looked genuine. “Why?”

“I won’t be much of a conversationalist if I put those in,” they said, trying very hard for a wry smile. It didn’t feel natural. This keyed up, nothing felt ‘natural’. It was never this bad.

“You can still hear me.”

“Yes, but- well-”

“It’ll be easier to keep up a conversation if you’re not resisting the urge to kill me,” Villain said. “As fun as it is to watch.”

Protagonist clenched their jaw. Their ears were ringing and their head hurt and there were pebbles on the ground under their hands. “If I,” they started, rubbing their hands against the fabric of their pants, “If I put those in, it’ll stop the noise and I’ll- crash. No more conversing for me.”

“Crash. Explain.”

“I’ll. I won’t be here anymore.”

“You’ll freeze?”

“No, no, I’ll just be- mindless.” They cringed at the last word. This was a terrible idea and they couldn’t stop themself from spilling everything. “I can’t think, or talk or- or do anything but listen and do, if I can understand what I’m hearing. It’s rote.”

“So you’re saying,” Villain said slowly, “that if you put these on right now, you’ll quit talking back?”

Protagonist reached up to pull at a strand of their hair. Anything to focus on other than that voice. “Yes,” they managed eventually, not even worrying about the safety of lying. “But-” there was something they needed to say that was important, something to stop Villain, and even though they could see the shape of it in their head and feel the words in their mouth nothing came out. They squeezed their hand into a fist, nails biting crescents into the palm of their hand. “I thought you liked having someone to entertain you.”

“Don’t worry about me right now,” Villain said. “Put them in.”

They stared at the ground.

Villain caught their chin- skin on their skin, hot and they could feel it and it needed to stop- and pulled them into eye contact. “Put them in.”

They couldn’t think. Why were the lights so loud? And Villain’s eyes… relentless.

I’m gonna crash anyway. May as well control it.

Protagonist took the plugs gingerly, trying not to touch Villain’s hand. Tilting their head from one side to the other, they put one earplug in and then the other, settling them.

Their tension didn’t fade immediately, but it stopped growing. The noises and the lights and the feelings stalled in their mind, and settled. Everything paused, and went sluggish.

Villain was still staring at them, but they didn’t feel like parsing out the expression on their face. Or really even looking at them.

“You can hear me?” Villain said.

They didn’t say anything. It didn’t really matter. Villain said not to worry…

“Stand up,” Villain said.

Still staring into space, Protagonist stood up. The movements were slow and jerking, like they were pulling their body upright with marionette strings.

I made a… mistake. Mistake. Shouldn’t have done that. Mistake- they tried to grasp onto the thought, pull it back and figure out a solution, but it slipped away. What?

I want to sleep.

Villain was saying something. With some effort, Protagonist dragged their eyes up to Villain’s shoulders. They weren’t doing faces right now.

“-did warn me- you’re totally out of it, aren’t you? Like a lightbulb.”

They wanted. They wanted something. They opened their mouth- and didn’t say anything.

Hands steadied their shoulders, and Protagonist leaned into the warmth. It felt so good. They wanted more.

Something inside their chest reared up, pressing danger into their nerves. They shivered, and the arms wrapped around them, holding them against something warm and solid. A chest. It rumbled with laughter.

“...do this more often,” the voice said, muffled and distant.

They shook their head, squeezing their eyes shut. What were they so worried about before?

Something lifted up their legs, then they were being cradled against that warmth. What were they afraid of? They could just go to sleep…

Danger, something whispered. Protagonist didn’t pay it any attention. They were already half asleep, cradled in the Villain’s arms.

#hero x villain #protagonist x antagonist #writing #my writing #snippet #writers on tumblr

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abrokenherocomplex · 6 months

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(prequel) before the dawn

prequel to in the dark

The villain stirred awake, blinking to adjust their eyes to the darkness before they clicked on their bedside lamp. Illuminated opposite them, the hero thrashed in their bedsheets crying out wordlessly. The villain shook their head as if to be sure it was not a dream. When was the last time they’d seen their roommate in their own bed?

The villain had assumed the hero had been sleeping somewhere else. Chez some paramour or other – the hero certainly wasn’t lacking in that department. This was different. And certainly not a dream.

Their feet hit the cold floor before their brain could keep up. They approached the hero’s side of the room as the hero thrashed again with a wordless cry.

Wincing, the villain shook the hero’s shoulder. At the touch, the hero gasped awake, sitting up with such force that the villain stumbled back a step. The hero looked around wildly, trying to take in their surroundings.

“It’s okay, you’re alright,” the villain’s first instinct was to sooth, approaching softly. “Uh, you’re in the dorm,” they tried.

Sweat slicked the hero’s brow. They trembled, though the rise and fall of their chest slowly evened out after a moment.

“I-” they managed. “I was dreaming, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry,” the villain replied cautiously. “Are you… alright?”

“I’m fine,” the hero replied, rubbing a hand over their tired eyes. “Really, you can go back to bed.” They pointedly didn’t make eye contact.

The villain raised their eyebrows. “So, you can wake me up with another nightmare?”

“I don’t need you to sooth my nightmares.”

“Fine. I take it you’ve been sleeping well, then?” The villain pushed.

“Oh, shove off.”

“I’m just asking. Since I never see you, you know, actually sleep.”

The hero was silent.

“Do you want to talk about it?” The villain asked against their better judgement.

The hero gave them a half-hearted glare.

“No soothing nightmares, I got it.” The villain replied, their hands up in surrender.

“You’re mocking me.”

“I’d never.”

The pillow hit the villain’s face before they could react. Even at – they glanced at the clock – 4 in the morning the hero had impeccable aim.

“Fine,” the villain said, shoving the pillow back towards the hero. “Good night.”

The hero turned over, grumbling something about roommates and minding their own business.

It wasn’t ten minutes after the villain had switched off the bedside lamp that the hero was awake again, jolting up in bed and gasping for air like it was their lifeline.

“What the fuck,” the villain said, switching the light back on and sitting up in their own bed. “What is going on?”

The hero pointedly ignored the villain’s stare as they forced breaths in and out.

“Fine, don’t tell me. Just interrupt my REM cycle why don't you - ” the villain deadpanned before they caught the hero’s gaze slide to the bedside lamp. “… Do you want me to keep this on?”

“That-” the hero caught their breath, nodding. “That would be good.”

The villain laid back down, studying their roommate. “Huh. You know everyone’s afraid of something. Nothing to be ashamed of.”

The hero squeezed their eyes shut, as if willing themselves to be anywhere but here. “Ah yes, the dark. Terrifying.” They attempted a light joke. It fell flat. “What are you afraid of, then?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

If anything, that seemed to snap the hero out of their semi panic. They glared at the villain; a challenge posed. “I would, actually.”

“I’m sure you’ll find out.” The villain turned over. “Go to sleep.”

Surprisingly, the hero did.

@excessive-vampires kind of what you wanted?

@written-by-jayy a tag for you <3

#heroes and villains #villains and heroes #hero x villain #antagonist prompt #whump #nightmares #villain #my writing #snippet #continuation #antagonist x protagonist #antagonist #protagonist #hero

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nuttynutcycle · 7 months

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Prompt fill for @epiclamer prompt fill game! “Okay I know it was literally JUST posted but what about a switcheroo, tall villain and short hero :]'

“Little one,” he hummed, “Come out of your hiding place.” His grin sharpened as he reduced a pine tree into splinters and broken branches. “I won’t bite.”

That was less than reassuring. The protagonist clutched the stolen plans closer to her chest, barely daring to breathe.

The antagonist had sneered when he found the empty case, smiled when the protagonist barrelled out of their hiding place through a window and laughed as she ran into the forest. Equal parts leisurely and methodical, the glint in his eyes riveled the one lining the axe.

“Leave the plans behind. Still time to escape.” the antagonist cut down another tree and the protagonist winced. She curled her body and crawled under a fallen tree, moving as quickly as she dared.

After weeks of preparation, three bribed guards and nine bypassed levels of security, leaving the plans was not an option. Her breath hitched when she saw the electric fence come into view. The buzz in the air meant the antagonist had gotten the power back on before she had predicted. Stomach on the ground, she wiggled into a rotting log. Gross, but effective.

“I know your face.”

She unrolled the plans and winced at another tree crashing through the underbrush. Her eyes flickered over the diagrams, committing as much as she could to memory.

“One of my more impressive talents is my ability to find people,” the antagonist said as casually as having a chat about the weather. “And those they care about.” Another tree fell, skewering the moss below. “Can you really protect everyone?”

No, but that’s a problem for later. She took one last look at the plans, counted to three and crawled out of the log and into plain sight. The sticks hurt her hands and the dust made her cough.

The antagonist grinned, eyes shining through the haze.

“Are these your plans?” She held up the plans in mock surrender. “I thought they were your diary. My bad.”

He twirled his axe. “Giving up that easily is a disappointing end.”

“What can I say?” Her shrug did nothing to hide her tremor. “You make very effective threats.”

“One of my many talents. Drop them on the ground.”

“I’d like to make a deal,” She swallowed dryly. “I give you the plans, you turn off the electric fence for the next ten minutes.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Counteroffer – I put my axe in your knee and take the plans before your first scream is finished.”

“Shame, I was on track to win the ‘Best Legs’ contest at work.” The protagonist slowly backed away.

The antagonist laughed at that, some mirth entering his grin. The tip of the axe rested against the ground. “Alright, have it your way. As soon as my property is back inside, I’ll turn the fence off for ten minutes.”

“…I have your word?” The antagonist was many things, but in their line of work, his word was as close to honourable as you could get.

The antagonist nodded.

Maybe the protagonist would regret this, but she tossed the plans to the antagonist. The antagonist reached up and casually placed the plans on an overarching tree branch – out of the protagonist's reach.

“Thank you for returning my work.” The antagonist’s expression shifted, eyes sharpening and smile hardening.

Welp. “This was nice.” She struggled to keep her voice steady as he matched her backward scramble step for step. “But my team is waiting for me, I really must be going-“

“It was foolish,” his hand slammed into a tree beside her, sending splinters and wood chips flying, “to memorize my property.”

The protagonist’s voice faltered. “We have a deal.”

“And as soon as you’re secured in a cell and the plans are in their case, I’ll cut power for ten minutes. I’m a man of my word.” He levelled the axe at the protagonist, and this close, the bloodstains were clearly visible. “Walk.”

The protagonist’s breath hitched as she turned back towards the imposing building.

“Don’t be upset.” The antagonist said from behind, axe twirling. “Desperation suits you.”

#my writing #writing #prompt #prompt fill #snippet #writing snippet #heroes and villains #hero x villain #protagonist and antagonist #sorry this took so long!#no editing we die like men #sorry for the crappy writing

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creadigol · 10 months

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"Can you believe we actually found it?" Protagonist gripped the 'Tear of the Moon' tightly in their gloved covered hands. Years of searching, a decade of research and they had finally FINALLY tracked it down. They finally had their salvation.

"No...I really can't."

Protagonist turned to their partner, elated smile dropping from their face as they noted their partner's expression.

"What's wro..."

"I sincerely hoped it wouldn't have been you...but then again you are the best. Sorry, love, but this is strictly business." Their eyes met.

Protagonist gripped the object closer to their chest as fear overtook their heart. Their partner's eyes...their teeth...what the hell?!

"Now, now love...Don't look at me like that. I've been looking for this far longer than you have...now hand it over."

All those years, all the time spent together, the inside jokes, the shared moments, the shared everything...how had they never noticed their partner was the very thing the government commissioned the two of them to destroy?

#cottagecore #writers #vampire #vampcore #vampire prompts #writing promt #writing #creative writing #writing community #writer #snippet #halloween #human x vampire #relationship #protagonist x antagonist #protagonist #plot #character creation #editing

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thepenultimateword · 1 year

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Secret Santa Snippet

This is my secret Santa for @yourheartonfire , I hope that you like it!

Prompt: A swordfight, between a protagonist with fancy formal training and an antagonist who's a back alleys dirty tricks kind of fighter. It can be friendly sparring or deadly combat, but there should definitely be some suppressed romantic feelings there

“Wooow,” the assassin drawled, spinning their blade lazily in their hand. “Nice uniform. Did they also give you that fancy sword?”

The soldier’s knuckles tightened on their weapon’s hilt, making the leather wrappings creak. “Don’t do this.”

It was not what they had imagined saying to the assassin if they ever met them again. No part of this sick situation had ever intruded upon their many daydreams and curious musings. In their minds eye, their friend was always still back at the orphanage, teaching kids the basic steps of combat like the old swordsman had once taught them. Or if not there, somewhere far and free from this land that hated them. Somewhere warm. And safe. They weren't supposed to be the very type of person that the soldier had sworn to fight.

“Why? Because we know each other?” They still spun their shortsword nonchalantly, as if none of this, their personal history or the soldier’s battle prowess, mattered, but even after all these years, the soldier still knew their tell: the tufted end of their tail lashed anxiously at the earth, stirring small puffs of dust around their ankles. “Gotta say, I heard you’d grown up, but I wasn’t expecting time to be quite so generous.”

The soldier’s cheeks flushed involuntarily. They had to fight the urge to hug themselves as the assassin’s golden eyes roved up and down, hungry and sharp-edged, cutting right through the plating and undoing every link in the chainmail beneath, exposing them to the world. 15 years ago they might have welcomed it. They still would have blushed, and the assassin would have teased their shyness, but they also would have gently guided them through it. A relationship at their own pace, soft and slow as leaves in a late summer creek.

They did not feel that same safety now.

The soldier raised their sword higher. “This is you’re last chance to walk away. One more step and I will consider you a threat to the crown.”

The assassin raised their brows. They stepped forward. “You probably should have considered that a long time ago.”

They lunged.

The solider barely braced themselves in time, catching the assassin’s wicked blade along the edge of their own before it gashed open their face. It was a bold move, if the soldier was a little slower it would have gotten them, but the footing wasn’t firm enough to hold against their strength.

“Sloppy.” They shoved forward, pressing all their weight all at once against the assassin’s weapon.

The assassin stumbled.

The soldier’s sword slid up and free with a light shink.

“You still go right for the throat. No care for how you’re going to hold the position later.”

The assassin glared. “Don’t preach your fancy training to me.”

“Don’t be jealous–”

The assassin scoffed. “Jealous? Jealous? Being jealous would imply that you have something I want, and I would die here, crawling in the mud, before I rolled over as one of their dogs!”

They lunged again, this time nimbler, feigning another blow and ducking the soldier’s return swing. The soldier barely whipped around in time before the point of that wicked blade found itself a home between their shoulder blades.

“You’re really trying to kill me.” As soon as it was out, the soldier bit their tongue.

“Were you not? I’m sorry, sweetie, it seems there’s been a misunderstanding.”

Suddenly the assassin was right up in front of them, one hand flat against their chest.

“What are you–” The soldier cranked their head in search of the sword, but then Villain’s tail wrapped around their knee. The end brushed the inside of their leg, sending a traitorous shiver down their spine.

“You still like me,” the assassin said, hand drifting up to their cheek now. Clawed fingers slid into their hair, just gentle enough not to scratch the surface, and their thumb trailed gently back and forth along their cheekbone. “Even after all you’ve done. After selling your soul to see mine damned, you like me.”

They laughed, a musical, hissing sort of sound that showed off the pearly points of their fangs.

“Does your boss know?” The points of their claws sank into their scalp. The soldier winced, attempting to pull back but only earning themselves a tighter grip on their hair. “I’m sure the king would have quite the shock to know one of his precious vassals consorts with demons. Or is it fine because it’s just the one? It is just me, isn’t it?”

They wrenched the soldier’s head to the side. It was almost as if they were on the verge of tearing their hair straight out, even as their face leaned carefully in, breath soft on their cheek and voice oh so gentle.

“It might hurt my feelings if you’ve been playing around with other monsters.”

“Get off me!” The soldier beat the flat of their sword against the assassin’s hip. A sharp, searing pain ripping through their thigh immediately followed. The soldier screamed.

The assassin drew their sword back scarlet, and the soldier collapsed the to the forest floor, a gush of warmth soaking their pantleg.

For a moment the assassin only stood over them, twirling their bloodied blade once, consideringly. “Huh. It seems I don’t want you dead. But don’t think I won’t do it if you press me. Just stay down and let me finish my job.”

They strode for the crashed carriage, dead driver still hanging out of their seat.

“No!” the soldier pressed their palm to their wound and wobbled to their feet. They gritted their teeth against the muscle-tearing agony as they dragged themselves stiffly forward. “You don’t understand!”

The assassin glared over the shoulder. “No, [Soldier], you don’t understand. You think we’re still kids playing games. We just whack each other a few times until we both get tired, call it a draw, and go home, but sorry, dear, we’re not kids anymore. I’ve been charged to kill the prince, and that is what I aim to do. Stay out of my way or die with him.”

“You’d…you’d really kill me?”

“I wouldn’t be killing my [Soldier]. I’d be killing another piece of the putrid infection that took them away.”

The assassin took a couple of steps forward before pausing again. This time they didn’t turn when they spoke. They stayed facing their target, shoulders straight and taught, tail lashing.

“You know they burned it down?” Their voice came out barely louder than a whisper. “Right after they took you and everyone else who benefited them out. They did it in the night while we were asleep. Most of them died.”

The soldier’s stomach clenched, almost like someone had taken their insides in a nauseating death grip. “I…I didn’t know.”

“Of course not. You were busy preening.”

The soldier surged forward furiously, slick hand slipping off their leg. “You don’t know a thing about me! I’ve been doing all I can to save you! All of you!”

The assassin scoffed. “Really? And where are the fruits of your labor? Have you actually done anything?”

“It’s a long road to peace.”

“Not so long as you’d think.”

The assassin wrenched open the door to the carriage.

“No!”

The soldier stumbled on their next step, falling to their knees a few feet away.

The child scrambled back against the back of the carriage, knobby, white breached knees drawn to his ridiculously large cravat.

“What…” In a blink, the uncertainty was gone and the assassin hauled the child out of the carriage by the arm. “What is this?”

“The crown prince.” The soldier dragged themselves a little closer and held up both hands cautiously.

“No. No!” The assassin shook the prince in their fist causing him to whimper. “The crown prince is grown. He’s the pompous, pretty brat who gives all those puff speeches and insipid sneers.”

The soldier swallowed, not taking their eyes off their charge.

“That’s what we would call a stand-in. A double. An assassin deterrent. If you thought he was the prince why did you track my carriage?”

“Because I knew it would be you.”

“What?”

“Who else is good enough to be the prince’s personal bodyguard? I know what I saw when the carriages left, but I knew, somehow, he would be with you.” Their gaze flicked down to the trembling, wet-eyed child in their hand–he was doing a remarkably good job keeping the majority of his emotions on the inside. “I still have to kill him. Child or not. This line has to end.”

“Wait!” the soldier grimaced at their own abrupt movement, gripping their leg once again. “Wait. Just…let me show you something. Please.”

The assassin hesitated. “Put down the sword.”

The soldier dropped the heavy, gilded blade without hesitation.

“It’s about the kid. Can you…can you bring him a little closer?”

The soldier was beginning to feel a little dizzy, but they had to hold on a little longer. For the kid. For [Assassin].

“If this is a trap, I will gut you,” the assassin said, but they still took the few steps between them, transferring the point of their blade from the child to the soldier’s throat.

The soldier made brief eye contact with the prince. “Forgive me, my liege.”

The young royal nodded, squeezing his eyes shut. He must have known what the soldier was about to do. He still felt humiliation over his differences, defects the other royals called them. The soldier was doing everything to cure those notions before they took too deep.

With a strong wrench either direction, the soldier ripped a large tear in the back of the prince’s trousers.

A black, tufted tail slipped out.

The assassin dropped him.

“Wh-what…? What?”

The soldier siezed the child up in their arms, scrambling on their rearend a few painful paces back before looking back at the assassin’s pale and confused expression.

Their mouth moved numbly. “[Assassin] meet [Prince]. The crown prince. His safety is not the only reason the royal has hid his identity with a double. He… He’s not the queen’s, but he is the king’s. That doesn’t make him legitimate, but it does make him fit to rule. And with no other heirs…” The soldier met the assassin’s eyes. “He’s going to change everything. He’s going…he’s going…” Their voice cracked. “Please.”

The assassin stared, predator eyes swimming with something unreadable. Mercy? Regret? Determination?

The soldier fumbled behind them for their abandoned sword. They weren’t getting out of this by running.

The assassin took a step forward. They brought their blade in front of themselves just as the soldier’s fingers caught the end of their sword hilt. The soldier pulled the blade toward them, one arm shaking as they used the other to clutch their charge close. They raised the sword in front of themself, and…

The assassin stabbed their short sword into the earth.

In moments, their old friend was knelt beside them, ripping a long piece of fabric from their tunic.

“Ridiculous, stupid, noble-hearted…” the rest was lost in a spew of unintelligible grumbling as the assassin wrapped the length of makeshift bandage taughtly around their leg. Their fingers moved fast and gruff, but they lingered a moment over the tie.

“I thought you changed. I thought you were like them.”

The soldier took a shuddering breath. “I have changed. But never like that. I’d never betray what I know is right.”

“Why are you such an incessant goody-two shoes?” The assassin chuckled lightly, giving their leg an awkward but playful shove before pushing to their feet.

“One of us has to be,” the soldier joked nervously back.

The assassin yanked their sword free with a small spray of earth and leaves, wiping it briefly on the ground before sliding it back in its sheath.

A beat of silence passed as the assassin turned back toward them.

“I’ll tell the guild the situation,” they finally said. “You…may see me again soon.”

Their tail flicked softly against the soldier’s ankle. It was light enough that it could have been an accident, but from what the soldier remembered, the assassin very rarely made accidents…

They smiled softly. “I’ll…keep an eye out.”

The assassin nodded and turned to the prince, bowing shortly. “My liege.”

The future king opened their mouth to respond, but when nothing came out, they only nodded nervously back.

The assassin chuckled. “I’m not being forgiven so easily, am I?”

The prince huddled closer to the soldier’s chest.

“Yeah, didn’t think so.”

With one last nod, they turned on their heel and began the trek back into the trees. They only got a few steps before stopping again.

“I missed you.” It came so quiet the soldier barely caught it against the wail of wind in the branches. They did not wait for a response. With a last flick of their tail, they were gone.

The soldier stared after them, barely seeing the empty clearing in front them as they murmured a reply to the empty air.

“You too.”

#protagonist x antagonist #assassin x soldier #human x monster #fantasy #supernatural #supernatural creatures #sword fight #writblr #writeblr #creativing writing #writing snippet #secret santa #fantasci tumblr #fantasci snippet

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shylilbunny15 · 7 months

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Writing Prompts

Prompt 1: Villain x Hero

C.W. Aquaphobia, Thalassophobia, Suggestive, Violence, Angst, Blood.

Perhaps this was the answer! Villain thought to himself. Exhilaration was pumping throughout Villain's body. Giving him a true high. It was only an hour ago Villain was worried he wouldn't be able to go through with this.

"Are you ready to give me an answer"? Villain grinned, velvet and malice in his voice as he pulled Hero to the surface, hands still wrapped around her neck.

Hero gasped for air, trying to hold on to Villain's arm. Hero wasn't sure how much more she could take. She was freezing in the cold lake; any attempt to push villain from off of her would result in another episode of brutal blows to her body like the other 7 times proved. Coughing, shivering, bleeding all of this was driving her crazy, not to mention the constant close calls to drowning Villain was putting her through but, the cherry on top of this horrible cake of torture was the ringing in her ears. This ringing that she couldn't tell was from being doused in water until she couldn't breathe, or from Villain's beatings upon her figure. The ringing the made Hero lightheaded. The ringing that caused Hero to fight the acid conjuring in her throat. The ringing...the damn ringing that drove Hero to have this pounding headache- like having a cinder block broken upon your head. Hero knew she was running out of time. That whatever Villain was doing, she'd have to think of a counter before her mind left her incoherent.

"Well"? Villain pushed. "I'd like an answer; quite rude of you to ignore me". Grip tightening around Hero's neck, leading her to meet Villain's Gaze.

". . ." Panting and Shivers were all Villain got. "You know...it feels great. Seeing you in such a distraught state. I could get used to this. I'm sure you feel it as well. Adrenaline rushing through your veins.. doesn't seem to be doing much in your case".

An annoyed sigh escapes Hero's lips.

"We both know I could end it here. However, I'm being patient and awaiting your answer, dear". Villain's face was showing some concern aside from what was possible annoyance. Villain felt bad about doing this to their poor Hero, but he knew in the end, he was doing it for her own good. It was all good. From the plan of baiting Hero in by running into the snow coated forest, to knocking Hero down with a quick blow on the head, and now all Hero had to do was give their answer. Of course..Villain want an answer, but..Villain wanted "The Answer" upon which they were looking for. Either way, the result would ultimately be the same, Hero didn't need to know that of course.

"Take...a fine guess"! Hero snarled, coughing up a mixture of their own blood and the lake water. Assuming this was an answer to Villain's previous question, a sly smile made its way to Villain's face.

"Oh..but I'd love to hear it upon your lips"~ Villain cooed.

Hero's voice grew sharp, and tired. " "Fuck..yo-" was all Hero managed to get out before being submerged into the lake again.

Villain on top of Hero, the hold on her starting to bruise Hero's neck.

Villain's Gaze upon Hero struggling violently to come to surface was almost soulless. Though his eyes held anger, desire, obsession, yet pity.

"Such a shame.." Villain trailed. "Vulgarities come out of the most beautiful things...it'd be better if you used those lips to answer correctly instead".

It was painful. Everything hurt. Hero was tired, her muscles tense and aching, head spinning and pounding, but wasn't it better? Hero couldn't possibly give in to Villain..could she? No one in their right mind would agree to such an arrangement! It was simple though. Hero agrees to go with Villain- wherever that may be; villain takes care of Hero and as long as Hero obeys and listens like a "good Hero" Villain would consider taking their crime doing at a slower pace. Villain implied a strict "no deal breaking" at the end of his offer, but wouldn't that be Hero's freedom on the line? That's it- there's no way!

Yet here she was reliving a trauma. Maybe I could just let go..here. Hero thought. There it was. For a few moments Hero's thrashing and fighting resistance stopped.

Villain seemed to take notice, but didn't falter.

Ahh...but the others. The city still needs protecting. Promises made, friends in the process of being made, many depending on Hero. Could I even call myself a Hero regardless of how many times I've saved the nation if I just give up?

Pain, burning on her insides, muscles aching, body littered with bruises, cuts and scrapes, but none of it mattered, compared to the burning in her chest. Not just from holding her breath, but also from a feeling of determination. That was it! The adrenaline had sided with her body, giving Hero a rush of strength.

With the last bit of strength Hero had, she sprung up, breaking to the surface of the lake. Fist colliding with Villain's nose.

Villain's hold on Hero's neck broke away, as he stumbled back a few steps, hand already drenched in crimson. Droplets of blood falling into the lake; tainting the clear, subzero, water.

Villain's expression exhibiting raw yearning, infatuation and enthusiasm. His eyes said it "raving manic".

As quick as villain had made eye contact with Hero, so had his fist with Hero's stomach. With Hero on her knees, Villain attempted to submerge the weakened Hero once again. Only this time, Hero seemed to be putting up more of a fight, even though it did take everything she had in her to do so.

"Oh, Come now, Dear; This is absurd"! Villain scoffed. Irritation beyond clear.

Hero was burning with rage. What had she done to have such an act driven upon her?! Hero managed to grab hold of Villain's shirt, flipping them over with Hero on top now.

"You're weak"! Villain taunted as he took Hero by the wrist, pulling her close. Swift and hard Villain head-butt Hero, allowing himself to maneuver his leg and send Hero tumbling into the water.

Villain rose up eyes locked on Hero's form. He couldn't help but laugh. "Can't you see it"?! Villain gave a genuine smile. "Your condition is only worsening, you're on the verge of crumbling, I know it hurts, and yet...you're still going- still..fighting".

Hero stood up, legs shaking, breath ragged, and mind screaming to just give up.

"That is why I'm doing this. Even when death has its hands around you, you still fight. That burning fire in you. I don't know where you get it from. So passionate, only for it to become a wildfire such as now".

Hero remained still trying to keep her balance, listening to Villain. "M-My...my will to live. So, that's what's driving you to do this".

"Not quite-"

"Insane". Hero mumbled.

"What"? Villain questioned.

"you're fucking insane"!! Hero shouted, hysterically; laughter of the same form soon followed.

Villain watched, a frown exhibit as he watched Hero curiously. "You're not well..come with me". No wonder she didn't say anything, she was confused! Villain had figured it out. Hero needs his help, to be taken care of, and it could only be him. Villain! Besides Hero wouldn't have to worry about the crime when they had villain with them. Anyone else who dares to hurt his Hero, well..let's just say he would make sure they could never do so again.

Bangs covered Hero's eyes as she started to shake. Not just from freezing, but what seemed to be anger. Hero let out a shaky breath. "No..". Hero breathed.

"No"? Villain repeated.

"you wanted an answer..there it is." Hero began to stagger, holding her stomach.

Villain watched the Hero as though looking at a complex game of chess. Lost in thought. "Perhaps a bit more convincing is required". Villain said, making his way to Hero.

Hero prepared herself for whatever attack Villain would try. Though, once Villain reached Hero, he didn't attempt to hit her. "I'm not going with you" Hero implied, standing her ground.

Villain gave a tiresome sigh. "I see now. It's that spiteful fight in you; suppose I'll just have to tone it down a bit" Villain muttered, tightening his glove.

Maybe it was Villain's swift movements or maybe it was Hero's current condition, but she'd barely been able to see him move before sending a punch straight into her chest. Knocking the breath right out of Hero, sending her into the lake once again, submerged.

Villain took hold of Hero's neck, looking down at Hero thrashing underneath him, trying to come to surface. Hero tried everything their mind would allow. Kicking, pushing, scratching. Nothing was working.

There it is. Like a switch. Flick! Hero couldn't comprehend or think, she'd fallen numb. Releasing her hold from Villain, Hero's body went limp.

After a moment, Villain brought Hero to surface. Watching half lidded eyes blink at the sudden light.

"I don't intend to kill my prize. Like anyone would..I'll take very good care of it" Villain mocked, his voice smooth and oddly enthusiastic.

Hero couldn't take it anymore, the shivering, aching muscles, tired eyes..and of course the bothersome ringing. Hero gave way to the darkness consuming their eye sight, falling unconscious.

Part 2

https://www.tumblr.com/shylilbunny15/744971270168379392/writing-prompts?source=share

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kaiwewi · 2 years

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A Game of Patience

Can be read as a standalone or a continuation of Our Little Games. Found this on my external hard drive the other day and can only vaguely remember writing it. Must have been over a year ago xD tw: touch starvation, kinda smutty?

Synopsis: you’re the protagonist, who fell into the antagonist's clutches. Now they'll be taking their sweet time toying with you.

They card their fingers lazily through your hair, gently scraping their nails along your scalp. Starting at your hairline, they slowly move to the back of your head, leaving a delightful tingle behind wherever their fingertips made contact.

You can’t help that soft sigh from escaping, or the way you lean into the touch, cursing just how much you crave it.

Goosebumps start to bloom on your shoulders and cascade down your arms as the feather-light caress travels over the back of your neck.

You expected them to stop there, but they don’t.

Shivers run down your spine even before their hand reaches the spot between your shoulder blades. The muscles in your legs begin to quiver.

Damn, they’ve really got you now. It’s nothing like your last encounter with them. This time, right from the very start, you’re under no illusions whatsoever as to who’s the one in control here.

You gasp, teeth catching at your bottom lip. You dare to glimpse at them from the corner of your eyes, whispering their name. And doesn’t your voice sound a little too urgent, a little too eager? Heat rushes to your cheeks.

Oh, the look in those eyes! They’re practically devouring you with that gaze and they seem in no hurry to stop toying with you, to finish what they started. And why should they be inclined to show you mercy? They’ve got you right where you assume they’ve always wanted you.

There’s no escape.

Something about that makes your stomach twist in a not so unpleasant way.

Fuck.

By the time their fingers arrive at the small of your back the breath leaves your trembling lips in shudders. The sensation of their fingertips still haunts your skin, even as you can already feel the fingers of their other hand settle on your hairline again, once more beginning that torturous descend.

Embarrassingly desperate, you press yourself against their body, shamelessly whining a plethora of pleas into their ear.

Their low chuckle and that smirk adorning their lovely mouth threaten to make your knees go weak. They lean in even closer, humming against the shell of your ear and, oh god, that sound settles on your mind like velvet.

“My poor, needy darling,” they purr, “I’m not done with you yet.”

———

For my other stories, visit my [MASTERLIST] ♥

#protagonist x antagonist #hero x villain #heroes and villains #foemance #rivals to lovers #enemies to lovers #touch starved #snippet #writing snippet #writing #my writing #creative writing #fiction #writeblr #writers #writers on Tumblr #Our Little Games

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lokh · 8 months

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tee hee <- brainrot accelerating

#unfortunately. i am now seriously considering shuro/laios #and like to imagine snippets of a fic that will never be written.........#shuro is..... not a fan favorite LMAO #once more i find myself commandeering a lonesome dinghy....#in my heart . la/bru forever #the dynamic is similar but. i dont think kabru was ever truly antagonistic about laios #he just wanted to figure out what his deal was #shuro..... doesnt really care about what his deal is lmao he just finds him stifling #and then the sister thing too. but listen. Listen.#i would need to reread. more slowly #but also how their interactions change once shuro finally blows up at him............

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enby-mori · 7 months

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I do think Dororo is a trans man. Do you know why?

Because Osamu Tezuka wrote trans characters for decades.

#major characters #as major as you can get in series that go all over the place #love interests #antagonists #its either said outright or implied #ive only read snippets of the manga and a few episodes of the anime #but i have read about 70% of blackjack #so #dororo #osamu tezuka #my archive

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the-modern-typewriter · 11 months

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"My god." The stranger studied the protagonist, idly pinning them up against the bathroom wall. "That is incredible. You are incredible."

"I -" They didn't know exactly how they had expected the meeting to go, but it wasn't like this. "I didn't mean to startle you. The bartender gave me your change."

They shifted in the stranger's grip, which was about as effective as a mouse squirming beneath a lion's paw.

"Mm. They would, wouldn't they?" The stranger's head tilted as they wet their lips. "Wow. My own little doppelganger."

"I'm not - I'm just Riley."

"Riley," the stranger echoed.

"...And you are?"

The stranger laughed.

The two of them looked identical. It was uncanny. Obscene, in the face of the simmering hunger in stranger's face, that the protagonist would never have recognised on their own.

The protagonist shifted again. They politely cleared their throat.

The stranger smiled, honey slow. "You can keep the change. I don't need it."

"R-right." When the protagonist caught a glimpse of the stranger across the hotel bar, they had followed them to the bathroom. Not to be creepy or anything. They'd just been...curious.

"New to the city, are you?" the stranger said.

"Just passing through! Can you - can you let go of me?" It sounded like a question. The protagonist tried again. "Let go of me."

It was obvious that the stranger didn't like to be followed and didn't expect anything good from anyone doing the following. Which, fair. Still, it must have been obvious after the initial instinct that the protagonist was hardly stalking them for some untoward reason.

They'd just wanted a glimpse. To double check that their mind wasn't playing tricks on them.

The delight of discovery faded beneath the stranger's bright and wondering gaze and they rather wished that their mind was playing tricks on them.

The stranger's grip eased, mercifully, after a moment. Their palm smoothed down the protagonist's front with an eerie and less merciful possessiveness. The smile they flashed, though, was exactly the same one that the protagonist had seen a hundred times before in the mirror.

"Get a drink with me," the stranger said, and they didn't correct it into a question. "I want to hear all about you. Incredible."

It was, admittedly, incredible.

By the time they'd established no family connection, no easily apparent trick or explanation, it was late. The stranger - one Carter Eden - was charming when they wanted to be, but the protagonist couldn't shake their unease and the memory of those strong, weirdly familiar fingers fixing them in place as if it were nothing.

It explained something, though, of the looks the protagonist had been getting since they arrived. The treatment. The assumption that they were a creature of wealth, power and influence. Carter Eden was certainly that.

"Well, this was - something," the protagonist said, managing a smile. "I should get going though."

They wished now, too, that it had been a pub. Somewhere with less obvious rooms that they were obviously staying in.

"Mm." Eden was leaned towards them across the table, face cupped in one hand, intent. It might have been dizzyingly flattering in other circumstances. "This really was quite something, wasn't it? Serendipitous fate, perhaps."

The protagonist smiled again and pushed to their feet.

"You're so like me," the stranger said. "And yet...so utterly not. I just want to see everything you do." They sounded mesmerised. Intoxicated on more than the small amount of wine they'd shared. They stood too.

They were, of course, exactly the same height. Same build. Same everything, except the posture and mannerisms.

"Pleasure meeting you," the protagonist said, with a stiff politeness.

"All mine."

They woke up the next morning, with the stranger sitting in their room, watching them sleep with that same consuming curiosity.

The protagonist's belongings - wallet, ID, everything - were gone. Spirited away somewhere in the night, beyond locked hotel room doors and ordinary life.

They froze. Fury and fear swelled in their throat in equal measure.

"Good morning, gorgeous." The stranger rose, tossing them clothes that were most certainly not the protagonist's old and comfortable ones, and far more indeed like the antagonist's garments. "I'm afraid you're coming with me."

The protagonist knew then that they never should have followed the devil into the bathroom.

#guys I watched the scapegoat #I enjoyed it but I would have made so much more of the doppleganger dynamic #not like this obviously #this was just for funsies #protagonist and antagonist #writing #story #ficlet #fic #fiction #creative writing #writing snippet #doppelganger #gothic double

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navigatorwriting · 5 months

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The villain found them on a rooftop on the west side of the city. They landed a few meters behind the hero with a soft thud, just loud enough to announce their arrival. The hero didn't turn around, only stared straight ahead, gently swinging their legs from their seat on the edge of the building.

"Hey," the villain said quietly. "I heard what happened today."

When the hero didn't respond, the villain sat down next to them and continued. "I'm sorry it had to be like that. We've all been there."

The hero nodded slightly. Good, the villain thought. A reaction. That meant the hero wasn't completely numb.

"Do you... want to talk about it?"

The hero sniffed, the corners of their mouth tugging downward ever so slightly.

Well, it was worth a try. The villain patted the hero on the shoulder. "You made a hard choice. It's okay if you can't come to terms with it yet."

The villain was about to stand up and leave when to their surprise, the hero put their hand on top of the villain's, holding it to their shoulder. The villain froze, unsure what to do next.

The hero stared straight ahead, eyes unfocused on the setting sun. "I knew it was possible." They tilted their head thoughtfully. "And it was bound to happen at some point. I know I'm taking a risk with everyone I tell, it just...." They took a breath. "I just hoped it wouldn't be them."

The villain said nothing. There was nothing to say.

They remembered their own failed confession, a lover who couldn't come to terms with their split life. The villain had felt guilty for weeks after the incident. They still couldn't shake the image of their lover's horrified expression as the agents dragged them out of their shared apartment. The worst part was when the villain still had to break up with their lover after the mind wipe; the two of them met in a cafe and the villain had to pretend like nothing had happened. They gave some made-up excuse to end the relationship, and they could do nothing but sit there as they watched their lover's heart break for the second time in two days.

"Who was it?" The villain asked.

The hero took in a shuddering breath. "My mom."

Ah.

Wordlessly, the villain pulled the hero into a hug and held them against their chest. The two of them sat like that for a long time.

#fiction #snippet #writing #writeblr #hero x villain #hero #villain #protagonist #antagonist #protagonist x antagonist #villain x hero

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writtentodeath · 5 months

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I've been so excited to see your posts on my dash again! It says your askbox is open for prompts so could I potentially request: Two immortals, and one has kidnapped the friend of the other because they’re jealous that the other immortal is spending time with a mortal over them?

“I don’t mind if you have your toys,” the antagonist said, “I certainly have my own, though I’m less sentimental about them than you are.” they drew closer to the protagonist, blade biting into their neck. It couldn’t do anything to them- the skin would close over after the first spurt of blood- but it still sent a shiver of excitement racing over their skin.

“You can do whatever you want on your own time,” they continued, “But when I call, I expect you to listen.”

The protagonist snorted. “I can do whatever I want. I’m certainly not wasting my time obeying your every whim.” “And what you want is apparently to waste your time obeying the every urge of these ants.” the antagonist’s hand flashed, and a knife buried itself in the wall beside their friend’s head. Through the gag, their friend let out a startled scream.

The protagonist lurched forward. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t break my stuff,” they said as conversationally as they could manage. “I’m pretty fond of it.”

“You can get another one,” the antagonist said idly, and picked up another knife.

The protagonist caught their arm before they could throw. “Don’t,” they said, voice low.

The antagonist regarded them with some amusement, but didn’t pull their arm out of the protagonist’s grasp. Instead, they leaned in closer. “I’m pretty sure,” they said, breath hot against the protagonist’s face, “that I can do whatever I want, and I don’t have to waste my time listening to you.”

“You are such a dick.”

“I’m the only real person on this planet, sweetheart.” the antagonist jerked their head towards their friend. “The rest of them? They’re nothing. They’ll never understand you. They’ll never be on your level- not emotionally, not mentally.” They shifted their arm in the protagonist’s grasp, turning their hand to grab the other’s arm at the same time and pull them even closer. “They aren’t worth your time.”

The protagonist drew back, glaring. “And you are? You, who have infinite chances to become a tolerable person and yet with every one you decide to settle even further into a complete scumbag?”

The antagonist let go of their arm. “If I were you, I’d be more careful about insulting me.” They twirled the knife over their fingers.

Inadvertently, the protagonist glanced back at their friend. They were watching the pair, wide eyed.

“I think I’d be doing you a favor,” the antagonist said.

The protagonist stepped in between their friend and the antagonist, catching their eye. “Fine. Sorry for hurting your feelings. I’ll pick up your call next time. Now me and my friend are going to go.”

The antagonist tapped their chin. “You know… I don’t think so.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t think you’re actually sorry.”

“You’re a jerk. Of course I’m not actually sorry.”

Another knife hit the wall by their friend.

They hadn’t even seen it leave the antagonist’s hand.

“Okay! Okay! I’m sorry, I am, I don’t want you to hurt anyone.”

“Prove it,” the antagonist said.

They sighed. “How would you like me to prove that I’m sorry?”

“Stay.”

The protagonist blinked. They had expected humiliation, to have to kneel or crawl or grovel, not whatever this was. “What do you mean.”

“You’re going to go over and put on those cuffs, and you’re going to stay with me until I’m satisfied that you’re not going to keep ignoring me.”

The protagonist paused, considering.

“Take your time,” the antagonist said kindly. “I’ll just do some target practice while you think it over.” they readied another knife.

The protagonist yelped. “Don’t! Look, I’ll do it, just let them go first.”

The antagonist smiled, their eyes dark, and pressed a key into their hand. “Of course. Why don’t you go over and help them out.”

They rushed over to their friend and unlocked one of the cuffs. Their friend stared at them, tears in their eyes, shaking their head.

“Don’t worry,” they whispered, “I’ll be fine. Antagonist is a bit of a pain but they can’t hurt me.”

A knife whistled past both of them.

“Once you have the first cuff off, put it on your own wrist,” the antagonist said.

The protagonist took a breath, and clipped it onto themselves. Then they did the same with the other.

Their friend worked the gag off of their head. “I’ll get you out of here,” they whispered to the protagonist. “I’ll get help.”

From across the room, the antagonist laughed.

Their heartbeat picked up.

The friend turned to face them. “What’s so funny?” They asked. Their voice shook ever so slightly on the question.

“Unfortunately,” the antagonist said, “I don’t think you’re going to be getting any help at all.”

“Oh really?”

“Oh yes. You see, Protagonist wants to be here.” the antagonist locked eyes with them. “And they don’t want you getting in any trouble at all. Isn’t that right?”

The protagonist clenched their jaw. “That’s right,” they managed. “Friend, look. I know Antagonist better than anyone else. I’ll be fine. You can’t- you can’t come back. They’ll kill you.” “I’ll kill you,” the antagonist agreed. “So why don’t you run along and pretend this never happened? I’m sure you’ll see your dear friend again in- well, maybe fifty years?” They glanced back at the protagonist. “They’ve always been a bit stubborn. It might be longer.”

“Don’t listen to them,” the protagonist said. “Just leave.”

Stiffly, their friend left.

“Now,” the antagonist said, walking back to the table of blades, “let’s practice paying attention, shall we?”

#antagonist x protagonist #my writing #writing #protagonist x antagonist #snippet #writers on tumblr

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