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the-anxious-youth · 7 months

Text

Bubbles II

Pairing: Buggy x gn!Reader

Summary: Now that Buggy has agreed to help you find Nami, the two of you get closer, and shenanigans ensue.

Warnings: none, general flirting but nothing too spicy, the reader is written as gender neutral but Buggy does call them pretty, some talks of insecurity but it's more comfort than hurt

Word Count: 4.7K

Author's Note: Here's the highly anticipated part two of my Buggy fic! He's quickly become one of my comfort characters so writing about him has been fun. Also, I made some major changes to the plot in regards to rescuing Nami because I felt I couldn't do it justice since I haven't seen episode 7 yet and didn't want to mess up such an emotional scene. Thank you for being so patient and I hope you enjoy! (Up next is a Shanks fic, so keep on the lookout for that) banners by cafekitsune

Part 1

Luffy’s eyes brightened when he saw you, a cheerful aura surrounding your captain. His smile triggers your own, and you walk up to him, holding Buggy in your hands. Luffy looks down at the clown’s head, and his smile grows even wider.

“Did you give him a makeover? It looks great, Y/N!” says the enthusiastic man, always in a good mood. You chuckle and nod in response, thanking him softly. Out of everyone in the crew, Luffy had always been the most supportive and you’re glad his reaction was the polar opposite of Zoro’s.

“Good news, I got him to tell me how to get to Arlong Park so we can rescue Nami!” Your tone is cheerful, and your Captain’s face reflects how you feel.

“Really? That’s awesome! How’d you do it?” Luffy leans against the side of the boat, visibly impressed by the way you’d been able to tame the beast, considering that a few hours ago, they all thought they’d have to torture it out of him. Looking down at Buggy, you smile softly, debating on whether or not you should tell the whole story. Before you can answer, Buggy lets out a laugh and responds for you.

“Guess I just have a soft spot for them,” he says, sending a wink in your direction. By now his flirtatious confidence is fully restored. Luffy watches the two of you making eyes at each other for a few seconds, before breaking the silence.

“Well, I’m glad you worked it out.” Luffy notices how your eyes sparkle when looking at Buggy, but he decides not to comment on it, instead moving to pull out a map. Spreading it across a table, he gestures for you to come closer.

“So this is where we are right now, approximately.” Your captain points to a spot on the map, and you recognize it as part of the East Blue. You gently place the clown’s head on the table, allowing him to look at the map. “And this is where we think Nami is,” utters Luffy, pointing his finger to an area adjacent to where he said you all are.

“You’re heading in the wrong direction, pal.” Buggy chuckles as he says this, not surprised that your crew wasn’t good with directions. After all, Nami was the navigator, the impact of her absence being very visible. Not waiting to hear what Luffy has to say, the clown continues.

“Arlong Park is on the other side of the East Blue, next to Cocoyasi Village, which is along the coastline.” Since he doesn’t have hands, he tilts his head to gesture towards the location of your desired destination. Your captain nods with a smile.

“I think I know where that is. See, was that so hard?” Luffy says teasingly, looking down at Buggy with a cheeky smile. The clown just glares in return, his smile not reappearing until you gently pick him up in your hands.

“Need me to go tell the others or do you want to do it?” You ask softly. Luffy smiles at you before responding.

“I’ve got it. I am the Captain after all.” He says cockily, though you know he means no harm. You chuckle and nod, finding his happy mood contagious.

“Yes, you are.” He pats you on the shoulder before heading off to inform the rest of the crew of the new developments. You look down at Buggy, his amorous grin causing the heat to rise to your face.

“Now what, sweetness?” He says, his tone smooth. Cocking your head at him, you hum while thinking.

“How about some food? I’m getting pretty hungry and I bet you are too.” You smile at him softly, to which he admires your face.

“You have no idea,” the clown mutters, excited at the prospect of food. Carrying him in your arms, you head to the kitchen, which incidentally is where the rest of the crew seems to be chatting.

As you walk into the room, everyone turns to look at you. Luffy smiles at you gently, Zoro’s face is humorless, and it seems like he’s still irritated about earlier, Sanji’s eyebrows furrow, confused to see you so happy with the clown, and Usopp wears a look of amusement as if he’s just along for the ride. For a moment, everything is quiet, before you decide to walk over to the pantry to find something to eat. Snapping out of his daze, Sanji walks over to you, the others resuming their discussion.

“What can I get for you, dear?” says the cook, gazing at you with a suave smile.

“Just a snack please, enough for two.” Your tone is soft, and you don't miss the look of surprise on Sanji’s face when he understands what you are referring to. You don’t notice it, but Buggy’s face is smug, enjoying watching the other man squirm. Sanji is silent for a moment, his face turning concerned.

“You do know he’s a bad guy, right? Remember what he did to that town?” asks the chef, leaning closer to you, to which Buggy scoffs.

“Lighten up, blondie, you weren’t even there.” Spits out the clown. His tone reads annoyance, not wanting the chef to impact your view of him. Sanji glares down at the head, crossing his arms.

“Yes, I remember. I just figure you get further with people using kindness.” Sanji’s eyes soften at your words, internally reminding himself that this is just who you are. He sighs, before meeting your gaze.

“Just be careful, okay? I don’t want you getting taken advantage of,” he says softly, and you smile at his words in an attempt to comfort him.

“I’ll be fine, I promise.” Chuckling softly at the blonde man’s concern, he nods his head, doing his best to smile back at you. He opens one of the cupboards and pulls out some snacks, handing them to you carefully.

“Let me know if you need help, alright?” Sanji’s eyes still hold some worry, but his easy-going smile is back on his face. You nod in response, thanking him for the food before heading to the top deck, wanting to get some fresh air.

Unbeknownst to you, the rest of the crew watched your interaction with Sanji, teasing him as soon as you were out of earshot.

“Is someone a little jealous?” teases Usopp, to which Sanji shakes his head, brushing him off.

Back on the deck, you take a seat on a blanket, putting Buggy’s head down next to you. He looks up at you with a sense of wonder, admiring your features.

“So what sounds good, apples? Crackers?” You gesture to the pile of snacks in front of you, a soft smile on your face.

“Just give me whatever you don’t want,” says the clown, his smile widening at the surprised look on your face.

“I thought you were this tough guy who only cares about himself?” Your voice is gentle, with a hint of curiosity. He chuckles at your words, shaking his head softly.

“Don’t believe everything you hear, doll.” His eyes twinkle as he speaks. “Who knows, maybe I just like you.” Feeling the heat rise to your face, you look down bashfully, not sure how to respond.

“Apples it is then.” Reaching over to grab one of the apples, you pull out the knife Sanji gave you and start cutting it into smaller pieces, slipping one into your mouth every so often. The clown just watches you, taking the opportunity to admire you while he can. Secretly, he plans to charm you so that you’ll leave with him once this is all over.

After cutting the apple into enough pieces, you move to give one to Buggy, when an idea comes into your mind.

“Here comes the choo choo train!” You say teasingly, waving the apple slice around like you would for a toddler. His eyes narrow at you, and you can tell he’d be crossing his arms if they were with him.

“Very funny,” he says unamusedly, though there is still a hint of a smile on his face. Chuckling at his response, you finally give him the apple slice, and he watches you while he chews.

“I didn’t pick these apples out so if they’re bad it’s not my fault.” You smirk at him cheekily, and he just shakes his head before swallowing.

“It’s fine,” he says, still smiling at you. “Trust me, I’ve eaten much worse.” Taking an apple slice for yourself, you pop it into your mouth, taking a look at the view around you.

“The sea sure is pretty,” you comment, admiring the fluffy clouds above you.

“Not as pretty as you.” Buggy’s statement makes you turn your head toward him. Searching his eyes for insincerity, your eyebrows furrow as you find none. By now you’re sure you’re blushing, and you look down at the apple to hide the apparent flush on your face.

“You’re quite the flirt, aren’t you?” Anxiety fills your chest, wondering whether his words were truthful or just a way to lower your guard. You fiddle with your fingers, sparing glances in his direction. Almost as if he can hear your thoughts, the clown speaks up, his tone softer than before.

“I’m being serious, you’re gorgeous, babe.” His eyes scan your face, hoping you’ll believe him, the corner of his mouth upturned into a soft smile. You just shake your head softly, his cheeky smile prompting your own. Gaining some confidence, you respond in a pert tone.

“Yeah, well you’re quite the looker yourself. I bet the girls go crazy for you.” Buggy’s cocky demeanor falters for a second, used to giving compliments rather than receiving them. He laughs nervously, thankful for the makeup on his face for hiding the blush on his cheeks.

“Depends on how you define crazy,” he says, tilting his head slightly. Even though you can’t visibly see the flush on his cheeks, his demeanor tells you enough. Chuckling to yourself, you reach for an apple slice, observing the clown as you chew.

“I guess we’re both not used to compliments.” Timbre hushed, you watch as he nods, silently agreeing with your statement. The two of you exchange friendly conversation, slowly opening up to one another. Before you know it, the sun is setting on the horizon as the day comes to a close, and all the snacks you got from Sanji are gone.

“If your captain correctly follows my directions, we should arrive at Arlong Park within a day.” Buggy’s tone is kind, something unusual for him, though there’s still a hint of playfulness. Nodding in response, you move to pick him up, being careful as always. He always gets a weird look on his face when you treat him with such fragility, and you assume it’s because being treated in such a way is unfamiliar territory for him.

Walking down the stairs, you head towards your room, smiling at your crew members as you pass them. Stopping by the kitchen to get some fresh water, you run into Sanji, who seems to be writing something down in a notebook. Probably his meal plan for tomorrow, you think to yourself. The chef turns to you as you enter, surprised to see you still with the clown.

“Aren’t you getting sick of watching him? Why don’t you let one of us take a turn, you’ve been on clown watch all day.” He says with a concerned smile.

“That’s okay, I don’t mind.” Sanji looks at you as you speak, his eyes scanning over your face as if it were a puzzle to be deciphered. His eyebrows furrow, revealing his confusion. To him, watching a pretty person choose to hang out with a homicidal maniac was like watching a scientist write poetry, it made absolutely no sense. He narrows his eyes for a moment, debating on what to say.

“Well, if you’re happy I guess.” His tone indicates that he wants to say more, but is restraining so as to not upset you.

“I’ll just get some water and I’ll be out of your way,” you say mellowly, the awkward tension becoming uncomfortable. At your comment, Sanji sends a flirty smirk in your direction.

“You’re never in my way, darling.” Feeling the blush rise to your cheeks, you nod quickly and head to grab the water. You couldn’t see it, but if looks could kill, the glare Buggy was giving the chef would have knocked him dead. After finding the water, you make a beeline for your room, not wanting to deal with more problematic interactions. As Sanji watches you leave, he wonders to himself how the clown has caught your interest, clearly not understanding the appeal.

Shutting the door to your cabin, you let out a sigh, gingerly placing Buggy on your bed, and moving to sit next to him. He notices the change in your mood, already missing the smile on your face.

“Everything okay, dollface?” His tone is the gentlest it’s been in years. The last time he could recall speaking in such a manner was with Shanks, and that was quite a long time ago. Nodding slowly, you start to fidget with your fingers, signaling your uneasiness.

“There’s just something about the way he looked at me like I was doing something wrong. It just reminds me how I don’t fit in with the rest of the crew.” You bring your hand up to start picking at your lips, the anxiety in your gut triggering the habit that appears whenever you get nervous. The action does not go unnoticed by the clown, and he tries to think of a way to calm you down.

“Hey, don’t do that. You’ll get scars,” Buggy says gently, wishing he had his body with him so he could grab your hand and pull it away from your face. Pausing your movements to look at him, you notice how concerned he seems, which ignites a strange feeling in your chest, comfort perhaps. You chuckle softly before replying, watching how his eyes never leave your face.

“It’s a little too late for that, I’m afraid.” He doesn’t match your laughter, aware of your attempt at deflection. A deep pit of sorrow seeps its way through his chest, which feels strange considering it’s not currently attached to him. It’s at this moment when he realizes how much he cares for you and decides that when you find Nami and the rest of his body, you’re coming with him. He’d be damned if he let anyone make you feel anything other than happiness. For a few minutes, you just watch each other, deciding what to say. In the end, Buggy is the one to break the silence.

“I know what it’s like to not fit in, but trust me when I say you’re a treasure, and anyone who doesn’t see that is an idiot. This crew is lucky to have you, they should be making you happy, not sad.” He smiles at you, his usual teasing nature completely gone in exchange for raw sincerity.

“Look, I know we haven’t known each other long, but I meant it when I said I had a spot for you on my crew. You’d be treated like royalty, which is exactly what you deserve.” Unlike the first time he said it, you actually consider what it would be like to join him, the thought bringing a small smile to your face.

“There’s that gorgeous smile. You’re too pretty to be sad, angel.” His words may be flirty, but he means each of them wholeheartedly. You chuckle and blush breaking into a full smile.

“How are you so sure your crew will like me?” You ask softly, tilting your head at him.

“They’d be stupid not to like you. And even if they don’t, their Captain does which means they don’t really have much of a choice.” He smirks up at you, enjoying the little giggle you let out. “At the end of the day, they’re below me and you’d be beside me, so at the very least they’d respect you. Knowing my crew though, I can pretty much guarantee they’ll like you.”

You listen to him speak with a smile, and for the first time in a long time, you feel like someone actually understands you, even if that someone is technically your crew’s rival. He grins as you nod, observing you with an almost wondrous look.

“We have to find Nami first though, okay?” You declare, pointing your finger at him playfully. Buggy laughs and nods, swearing that neither of you will leave before the redhead is found. A yawn slips out as you chuckle, the fatigue from the day reappearing like a weight on your shoulders.

“It’s late, we should get some sleep. Besides, tomorrow’s the day we rescue your friend and I’d rather you didn’t fall asleep on me.” He says with a smirk, and you nod, giggling softly to yourself. Pulling back the blanket, you move to lie down, placing Buggy’s head on its side on a pillow in front of you.

“Good night, Bugs.” The clown smiles at the nickname, gazing at you fondly as you snuggle up with the blanket.

“Good night, darling.” He says softly, watching you close your eyes. He takes the opportunity to study your features, afraid that if he looks away he’ll forget them. After a while he hears your breathing even out, signaling your unconscious state. Only then he closes his eyes, hoping to dream of you.

—---

The next morning goes by quickly, everyone preparing for the rescue they’re about to attempt. Buggy’s directions were correct, and Arlong Park was visible just on the horizon. The energy is full of excitement and anticipation, with everyone looking forward to seeing Nami again. Right now, you’re sitting on the deck surrounded by the rest of the crew as they discuss the game plan.

“You know the layout of Arlong Park, don’t you, clown?” Zoro’s tone is harsh, and Buggy has to physically resist rolling his eyes. He’s placed on your lap, something that keeps catching the eyes of Sanji, perhaps with a hint of jealousy. The only person who isn’t actively glaring daggers at him is Luffy, though that doesn’t say much considering the pirate is always happy.

“Yes, but I won’t be much help as a head, so we need to find my body first. Then we can go after your navigator.” If it wasn’t for your gentle touch on the sides of his neck, he would’ve gone off by now, annoyed at being treated like a prisoner.

“I can help with that,” you pipe up, and everyone nods in agreement. The group discusses some more, everyone being assigned various roles to assist in the operation going smoothly. After that, you all gear up, your goal being to reattach Buggy’s head to his body before you can help the others. Soon, the boat is docked a little away from your destination, not wanting to signal Arlong’s men of your arrival.

Trekking through the foliage, you finally make it to the gates and split into groups, deciding that it’ll be easier to cover more ground that way. Your group consists of yourself, Buggy, and Sanji, as the chef didn’t trust the clown being alone with you. The blue-haired pirate directs you towards a hidden entrance along the side of the park, one in which you hopefully wouldn’t be spotted. Following his directions, you come across a small clearing in the trees, Sanji following right behind you.

“Where do you think your body is being kept?” You ask quietly, hoping your voice doesn’t tell Arlong or his men of your locations.

“Probably somewhere amongst the carnival games. Since he’s taken it I’ve noticed they’ve been throwing something at it, probably darts based on the sensation. Arlong likes to mess with people anyway, so it would make sense.” Nodding, you head towards that area, allowing Buggy to tell you where to go since he’s the only one who’s been here before. Not long after, you stumble upon what you’re looking for, Buggy’s body pinned up against some balloons. Breaking out into a large smile, you look down at Buggy, and he grins back up at you.

“Wow, you were actually right,” Sanji comments, his words full of surprise and bitterness, his distaste for the clown painfully obvious.

“You say that like it’s a miracle.” The clown says in rebuttal, sharing the disdain for the chef. Suddenly, Buggy’s head flies out of your hands as the various parts of his body reattach themselves. Once he’s back to being a whole person, he hops down from the wall, running towards you with joy written on his face.

“It feels better than I even remembered!” Says the clown, running his hands up and down his arms. He turns to you with a grin.

“Now let’s go find your friend.” You nod at him, his happiness triggering your own.

While searching for Nami, you run into the rest of your crew, who seem to be in a bit of a hurry.

“What’s the matter? Did you find her? Is she okay?” Right as Usopp is about to answer, a familiar voice rings into the air.

“Miss me that much?” You turn your head in the direction of the sound, and a huge smile breaks out on your face as you see Nami running towards you. She smirks at your expression before continuing. “We need to get out of here before the rest of the Arlong pirates find us, we can catch up later.” You nod quickly, picking up your pace, and start running behind the others, Buggy at your side.

Once you all are far enough away from Arlong Park, the crew stops to properly greet Nami, yourself included. You can tell she’s not much of a hugger, so you make sure your embrace is short. As you all talk amongst yourselves, Buggy stands a few feet away, not wanting to interrupt the moment. After everyone had a chance to talk to the red-haired girl, she finally notices the clown standing awkwardly a few steps away and furrows her eyebrows in confusion.

“What the hell is he doing here?” She asks shortly, starting to walk in his direction. You quickly move to stand in front of her, preventing the two from fighting.

“It’s okay, he’s okay,” you say quickly, and are met with a confused look from the girl. “He actually helped us find you. I mean, we had no idea where we were going until he showed up, considering you are our navigator.” She scoffs at the idea of Buggy willingly helping someone who isn’t part of his crew.

“Oh yeah? How’d you get him to do that? Torture him or something?” Nami looks at Buggy suspiciously, not believing that he actually did something nice for once. You shake your head, chuckling nervously, not sure how to explain the whole ‘I gave him a bath and we kinda connected’ thing. Lucky for you, Buggy speaks up.

“Your crew member here is very convincing.” He takes a step forward, gesturing to you with a cheeky smile. She just watches the two of you for a moment, finally connecting the dots between Buggy’s friendly attitude and your flustered demeanor.

“Huh. Well, that’s something I didn’t expect to see today,” says the redhead, her timbre nonchalant.

“What didn’t you expect to see, Nami?” Sanji quickly asks. Now that she’s back, Sanji is taking every opportunity he can find to speak with Nami.

“Y/N hooking up with the clown. They didn’t seem like the type but I guess we all have secrets.” She looks at you with a smirk, a deep blush blossoming on your face. The rest of the crew looks surprised, especially Usopp, now that your little fancy has been blatantly stated.

“Wait, you have a thing for the clown captain? How am I only finding out about this now?” Usopp asks with a smile on his face.

“You really haven’t noticed? Even though I can’t possibly fathom why, they’ve been spending every second together the past few days. I mean, they’re always blushing around him, and that’s a sign of only one thing.” You’re surprised that Zoro seems so calm now, especially considering the way he reacted in the beginning. There’s no smile on his face, but he doesn’t appear to be upset. “You really need to be more observant of your surroundings, Usopp.” The swordsman shakes his head, baffled at his crew member’s ignorance.

It’s Sanji who turns to you next, a mix of emotions on his face. “So you two are really a thing?” he asks hesitantly, not sure if he really wants to hear the answer. By now you’re sure your face is deeply flushed, not used to being put in the spotlight.

“Let’s just say I’m pretty fond of your crew member,” Buggy looks at you cheekily, enjoying the blush on your visage. Sanji stays silent for a moment before nodding, leaning closer to say something to you.

“Just be careful, darling, okay?” His voice is gentle, and he backs away as soon as he sees the glare the clown is giving him. Suddenly Nami walks up to Buggy with a tough look on her face.

“If you hurt them, I’ll make sure you’re just a head, permanently.” He immediately puts his hands up in surrender, knowing that she fully means the threat.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, they’re too precious.” The look on the clown’s face shows his fear of her, a sight that almost makes Nami’s lip quirk.

“Good.” She turns back to you, the smile returning to her face.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I’ll actually miss you.” You knew this was the closest Nami got to being sappy, and you moved to give her one last hug.

“I’ll miss you too, Nami. Keep the boys in check for me, will you?” The navigator chuckles at your question, letting you go from the hug.

“Oh I will, you don’t need to worry about that.” Despite not knowing you for long, Nami secretly always liked you, finding you the most enjoyable to be around, unbeknownst to you.

Turning to the rest of your crew, you can tell they’ve already figured out your decision. You walk up to Luffy first, who’s beaming at you like a little boy.

“We’ll miss you too but I can tell this is what you want.” Your lips tug upwards at his statement, appreciating the way he values your wants and desires. “You know you’re always welcome on the straw hat crew, right?” His question makes you smile, and you nod in response. Stepping closer, you give him a tight hug which he happily reciprocates. ‘Always so touchy’ you think to yourself fondly. After pulling away, you say goodbye to the rest of the crew members, even getting a small “good luck kid” from Zoro.

“Until we meet again.” You say to all of them, nodding as a sign of respect. They wave at you as you walk away, following Buggy to go find his crew. As you’re walking, he stops abruptly and turns to you.

“Oh! I forgot something.” Raising your eyebrows, you start to open your mouth to ask him what he meant, when suddenly he carefully grabs the back of your neck, pulling your lips against his. Your eyes widen for a second out of surprise, but you quickly close them and kiss him back, moving your hand to his bicep. He grins at you after you pull away, taking pleasure in the shy look on your face.

“Cat got your tongue?” The blue-haired man says softly, referring to the conversation you had the day you first met. You giggle and shake your head, hiding your face in his chest. He laughs and wraps his arms around you.

“You’re too cute, you know that? Now come on, I’ve got some people to introduce you to.” You look up at him as you pull away, smiling as he grabs your hand to lead you to his crew.

©️the-anxious-youth, 2023

Please do not replicate/repost :)

#my writing #buggy #buggy fanfic #buggy fanfiction #buggy x reader #buggy the clown x reader #one piece x reader #one piece

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boxofbonesfic · 1 year

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Title: Tonality [2]

Pairing: Prince!Geralt x Princess!Reader

previous chapter

Summary: “The white wolf wants you. He’ll have no other.” As you grieve the loss of your father, your mother marries the king. Whilst you struggle to acclimate to your new life, you begin to suspect the interest your new brother has in you is less than familial.

Warnings: 18+ Only, Dark Fantasy, Darkfic, Step-cest, Medieval/GoT inspired AU, (Future)Smut, Dubcon/Noncon, Manipulation, Gaslighting, Obsessive Behavior, Possessive Behavior, MINORS DNI!!

A/N: oop, another addition to the story. i hope it both answers some questions and then raises more, lol. as always, mind the warnings, and please enjoy! 😊🥰

By the time someone comes to fetch you to break fast, you are already awake. Helped into your cumbersome new gown by your lady’s maids, you pace in front of the cold fireplace. You pray the prince avoids the meal entirely, you’ve no wish to face him after—

Your face heats, and you press your hands to your warm cheeks. You don’t want to think of it, but you can’t help it, your mind conjuring images of the prince staring at you with flushed cheeks and dark eyes, his lips curved in that cruel smile—

Better to avoid him altogether.

A soft, almost nervous knock comes upon the door of your chambers, and upon opening it, you discover Kassandra on the other side. She sinks into a deep curtsy, bowing her head.

“Good morning, Your Grace.” Awkwardly, you incline your head in return. “Her Majesty requested I fetch you to break the fast.” She chips happily at you, and you wonder if her good mood is true, or if she has created it for your benefit.

“Lady Kassandra,” you say, edging out of your room and closing the door behind you. “I trust you are well this morning.”

“Oh yes, Your Grace.” She threads her fingers together as a blush reddens her pale cheeks. “I did dance quite late into the evening.”

“I’ve no doubt you must have secured many a betrothal,” you say, and she giggles, covering her smile with the palm of her hand. “You did look quite lovely.” For a moment, you are not princess and lady in waiting—it is almost as though you are friends. Friends. Here in Rivia, you are surrounded by more people than ever before, and yet you find yourself lonelier than ever.

“You are too kind, my lady.” Kassandra seems to find her way easily through the castle’s labyrinthine halls, and it makes you wonder how long she has been here. “Twas you that bewitched the court—if you don’t mind my saying so, Highness.” Her words almost make you stumble, your foot catching against stone.

Your cheeks smart with heat, and your brows knit together in disbelief. “I—It was my mother who married the king.” You do not take yourself for a great beauty, not like your mother, but frustratingly, Kassandra shakes her head.

“Her Majesty was a sight to behold,” she agrees. “But I expect, had you not retired early, Your Grace might have received another offer of betrothal.” Kassandra casts a sly look in your direction. “Or two.” You look away, embarrassedly recalling Lord Olthar’s proposal, his skinny, red-faced son peeking out at you from behind his fathers robes. The thought of allowing him any closer than that turns your stomach, and you shake your head.

“One was quite enough.” You’ve no wish to be married, especially not to Lord Olthar’s spawn. “I should hope to remain in Rivia longer than a week before a match is written in stone,” you say dryly. You’re due a betrothal, that much you know—your eighteenth summer had come and gone without one, and just when your mother’s nattering had reached its peak, the fevers had come for your father. And then, a betrothal was the last thing on anyone’s minds.

”I am glad the king did not accept Lord Olthar’s proposal,” Kassandra admits with a small, secretive laugh. She leans in conspiratorially. “They say his son is rather… over fond of horses.” Her words illicit a gasp from you, your hand flying up to cover your mouth.

You laugh too. “I dare not imagine the wedding.”

“Fit for a queen.”

“The Queen of Horses, perhaps,” you retort, and the two of you dissolve into a fit of quiet giggles.

“I imagine His Majesty will have much higher standers for your betrothal, princess.” She smiles at you reassuringly. “I do not think Lord Olthar will try again.” You nod in return, grateful for her good humor.

“Hopefully I shall not have to think on mine own for quite some time.” Your thoughts are preoccupied enough these days without adding ones of a husband to the array.

“Not inspired by the ceremony?” The low, dark voice makes you turn. Lead forms hot and fast in your stomach at the sight of Prince Geralt. Even during the day, the prince strikes an intimidating figure, wide shoulders and barely tamed silver-white hair. Today, it is partially pulled back behind his ears, loose strands framing his chiseled jaw. Kassandra goes red as she curtsies, blushing deep crimson from the roots of her pale hair to the collar of her dress.

More out of habit than respect, you bend your knees as well, inclining your head. His appearance is sobering, the jovial mood instantly darkening.

“Good morning, Your Majesty.” It is all the politeness you can manage. His face looms still in your mind’s eye, his hair falling across his dark eyes as he drove into her, his hand curled in the hair at the nape of her neck—

You suppress a shiver.

“Apologies, Your Grace!” Kassandra rushes to appease him, striking a chord of frustrated irritation within you. “We simply—”

The prince waves a dismissive hand. “It is only be expected, I suppose.” He says silkily. “I know few women who do not await their wedding day with thoughts of bliss.” When his molten amber eyes rest on you, you shiver. His voice takes on an amused lilt.

“Perhaps things are different in Redania, little sister?” You do not like the way the word drips from his tongue, as if another were in its place, one you don’t know, but that makes the the flesh at the back of your neck prickle just the same. His familiarity irks you as well—Prince Geralt speaks as if he knows you, as if he has spoken more than five words to you, not counting the ones uttered while he had been… otherwise engaged.

You swallow against the tightness in your throat. “Perhaps,” you say. The words are clipped, as if you have bitten off their edges. You know you shouldn’t, but you can’t help it, the barb slipping from your tongue before you can pluck it. “In Redania, one must wait until after the wedding to consummate the marriage. Does that policy hold true here as well?”

Prince Geralt does not give you the satisfaction of a reaction, his features schooled into cool impassivity.

“I believe so, princess.” There is a dry sort of amusement coloring his words, as if to tell you the blow you’d tried to inflict was meager at best. “It appears we are not so different after all.”

You grind your teeth.

The prince falls into step beside you, setting the pace. To your frustration it is a leisurely one; walking with his arms clasped behind his back as he drags the conversation out. You wonder irately if he is doing this on purpose—you had walked with Kassandra to the hall the previous morning, and it had only taken half the time, you’re sure of it.

”It was a great honor to attend such holy proceedings.” Kassandra’s voice seems to make the prince’s lip curl, and he cuts his eyes at her, sparing her only the barest of glances from the corner of his eye. You know, though, that the words are meant for you.

“Yes, truly.” The prince hums. “And how wonderful our Queen should be fortunate enough to experience them twice.”

Outrage bubbles up in your chest at the insult of his implication, and it takes all of your strength not to respond in kind. You glance at Kassandra, her passive expression evidence that the prince’s sly remark has either been absorbed without question or gone unnoticed entirely. For a moment you imagine his smile goes smug and self-satisfied as your own lips press together into a thin line. Your mind races as you try to formulate a response—this is not a game you are used to playing, one of guileful words wrapped in loose pleasantries, and you feel woefully unprepared for your part in it.

“Fortunate indeed,” you reply, forcing yourself to keep your tone light and airy. By now, the great hall is in sight, servants bustling through the busy corridor as you approach the hall. “A wisely made match, would you not agree, Majesty?” A gaggle of nobles surround the king and queen, their heads swiveling at the sound of your voice. The satisfaction you feel as Geralt’s lips curl into a scowl is a new feeling, one you are not sure you like. —he cannot continue the game, not now, not without open insult. You can tell he does not enjoy being called to heel, least of all by you.

A chorus of good morning’s and your grace’s assail you like raindrops until you are practically dripping with them. You are familiar with only a select few of the faces surrounding the king and your mother, but not many. You recognize Lord Strom, Kassandra’s father, who shares the same sallow features as his daughter. He is flanked by a woman with a pinched, irritated looking expression; you had been introduced just before the wedding ceremony had begun, but you cannot recall her name now, only her relation to the king. A great-aunt—you think.

As you enter the hall, you note that it is already clean, all evidence of last night’s festivities gone, save for your mother, standing before you. Small tables have been set out for the visiting nobility lucky enough to be granted this brief audience with the king. The large table on the dais is already heavy laden with food, servants flanking the table on either side of the king’s chair as they wait for orders. Breakfast at home had been a family affair, gathered around the table in the hall. This, like every other event you have witnessed since arriving, is public spectacle.

Your mother preens at the attention. She flits from person to person, accepting their congratulations with regal grace. Once upon a time, behind the dusty pages of books she wished you would not read, you and father had called her the Pretty Peacock, the way she bustled about the manor and clucked her orders at the matron and her staff. Here, though, it seemed less amusing, and more… purposeful.

Though your mother seems to move amongst these people with ease, you struggle to follow her example, weaving serpentine through the crowd of courtiers, which parts like butter to a hot knife in her wake. Her gown is of a similar color scheme as yours, pale yellow with silver and gold embroidery embellishing her hem and sleeves. The crown of delicate silver and black leaves rests atop her head, the black jewel at its center sparkling. She turns to you with a smile, embracing you warmly.

“Trust my daughter to appear as her name is mentioned.” Your mother’s delicate, feminine laugh makes you want to curl in on yourself as the eyes of her fawning lady’s maids fall to you. “Did you enjoy yourself?” Though you cannot see him, you can feel the prince’s eye upon you with almost physical sensation. The hair at the back of your neck pricks up.

Why does he watch me? You chance a look over your shoulder, and your back stiffens. There are people between you still, a safe barrier, but there is no mistaking it—the prince’s eyes are locked on you, and he makes no effort to hide it. You turn quickly back to your mother as he produces a slim knife from somewhere, and spears an apple from the table with it. The crunch as his teeth break the skin rings uncomfortably in your ears.

“T’was fine,” you answer her quickly, hoping your small, curt smile is enough to convince her. “I danced, some.” It is a lie, but one she either does not recognize or one she cares little about. One set of eyes is appeased, and falls from you. The others bore hot holes in the back of your dress. The king approaches, and you note the affectionate pass of his hand over your mother’s arm. You curtsy low, again, more out of instinct than conscious thought.

“Come now daughter, we are family now, are we not?” He laughs. “Rise.” His expression is warm, but you feel the word roll inside your skull like a loose marble, or a pebble in your shoe. It is unfamilitar and uncomfortable coming from his lips, but you bear it as best you can.

“Y-yes. Family.” The king walks with his hands folded behind his back, a habit you cannot help but note that he shares with his son. You have dreaded this, the game of getting to know one another over the cold corpse of the man who had raised you. It stings, as you knew it would. It feels insane to you, to behave as if all the years of your life prior to this were but a footnote, and this the true story. Perhaps it is you who are insane, the only madwoman adrift in a sea of sensibility.

“Your mother tells me you’ve a great love of books,” he continues, unaware of the rolling turmoil that rocks your stomach. He casts a long glance sideways at you and at first, you cannot tell if there is reprisal or approval in his words. Then, he offers another smile, this one warm, genuine. “I trust you’ve found the archives enjoyable.”

Your mother’s laughter cuts through the moment like a knife. “Oh, don’t encourage her, my love,” she says. “We shall surely lose her in yellow old pages.” The gallery of painted faces behind her titters with amusement, and at the same time, you feel your cheeks begin to smart. Perhaps it is the syrupy sweet my love tacked to the end of her sentence that makes your eyes burn with hot, frustrated tears, or her casual disparagement, you are torn for choice. You shake your head, forcing another smile as you blink them back. Perhaps you are simply being oversensitive, seeing what is not there.

“Thank you, Majesty.” You fold your hands together as you follow the king and queen up to the dais, and move to take your seat. “I shall have to bring Kassandra along with me. Perhaps if I am buried in parchment, she may yet dig me out again.”

You are relieved when the conversation shifts from you, allowing you to stare sullenly at the spread before you in peace. It is startlingly familiar, your mother’s need to ensure that every eye is upon her at all times, and you find that you are perhaps glad for it. It is exhausting to play at happiness and not feel it, and every second you do not have to keep up the pretense is one you are grateful for. Even if it comes at the expense of a little of your pride.

That gratefulness dissipates like smoke in the wind as Prince Geralt seats himself next to you. However intimidatingly large he had felt as you and Kassandra had made your way through the halls, he feels doubly so now. Though he has his own chair and place at the table, it feels as though it is too small to contain him, and he spills over into your seat anyway. His thigh is pressed tightly against your own through your gown, and no amount of subtle shifting on your part seems to remove him. You grimace, and the servant who is pouring water into your goblet gasps, and bows her head quickly.

“Apologies, Your Grace, I have offended you!” Her distress begins to turn heads, and you hurriedly attempt to placate her, shaking your head with a weak smile.

“No, no, it’s nothing—”

“Yes, princess,” the word drips from your stepbrother’s lips like black honey. “Whatever is the matter?”

You glare at him. He is pushing you, trying to force you into a confrontation for no reason you can discern—other than his own blasted amusement. You are tempted to give him what he wants, your own accusations waiting eagerly at the tip of your tongue. And you have your pick of poisons to dispense; his foul behavior the night before, his insult to the queen—

But as you look down the table, you see few allies. King Vesemir looks at you with an apathetic sort of curiosity. And your mother… her doll-like expression appears concerned, but you can read it for what it truly is. The way her eyes narrow, her mouth tightened just so at the corners—

She is angry.

You can hear her without her speaking, and your mind conjures her reprisal perfectly, even without her input.

You are making a scene. You know that is what she would tell you. Be silent. Be seen, not heard.

“Nothing.” You wish you could slap Prince Geralt, slap the concerned facade right off of his wretched face. “Nothing at all.”

—

The grass beneath you is brittle, and you can feel it crumbling into dusty nothing as it crunches beneath the soles of your bare feet. The low-cut hedges have grown out crooked and gnarled from neglect, their roots erupting thirstily from the baked earth to choke the narrow pathway. The garden is different now than it was when you had left, but you know it still—home. The manor looms gloomily above the garden, sticking out of the barren hillside like a jagged tooth, glaring angrily down at the cracked flowerbeds and baked earth.

Everything is dead here.

The icy wind that whips at your cotton shift, tangling it about your legs is dead, carrying with it the sound of grinding bones and last breaths. From the parched fissures in the dead, hungry dirt, you can hear whispers, and you press your cold, shaking hands to your ears to block them out. You do not know the reason, but nevertheless the knowledge remains in your bones as if you were born with it—

I mustn’t listen. I mustn’t hear the dead.

You press your palms against the sides of your head until it aches, dragging your feet through the dead, overgrown grass as you make your way through the garden. You want to leave, to turn around and leave this place, this terrible mirror, but your body will not obey. Instead, your unwilling legs carry you further and further into the spiral of dry, overgrown hedges and cracked pavement. The ghostly voices continue to rise in pitch until they are screaming, tortured cries leaking up from below as you approach the center of the garden.

It, like everything else here, is wrong, gleaming as if polished in the dim light of the dead sun. It is white like bone, and black, sluggish muck leaks from the trumpet of the nymph carved there. The sly, mysterious smile carved on her marble lips has been replaced by a grimace of abject terror, and when you follow her stone gaze, your eyes widen with the same emotion. Your hands leave your ears then, covering your mouth to try and dampen the horrified gasp that leaves your lips.

Your father stands before you.

He is still a distance away, walking slowly toward you through the garden. His eyes are blacked out, but not completely, black wriggling over the whites like a child’s scribble, black thread weaved through the skin of his lips, suturing them shut.

He is horrible.

He begins to open his mouth, and it yawns wide, the threads snapping—

You sit up, a hand clutching at your chest. You stare around the room, panting as your mind attempts to place you in your still unfamiliar surroundings. Your heart is still races from the dream, your hands clammy and trembling. The taste of dry earth coats your tongue, and your throat feels cold and parched, as if you had walked the cold gardens truly, and not only in your dreams.

You can still see it, the rotting black threads holding your father’s withered lips shut, the black writhing ink scribbles across his eyes—

“No.” You mutter the word softly as you press the heels of your palms to your closed eyes, pushing hard until colored spots dance in your vision. You do not want to think of your father that way, his body moldering in the earth, rotting away like he had never been in the first place. It had felt so real, the cool distant glare of the white sun, the arid earth beneath your feet—

“A nightmare.” You say it aloud to no-one. “Nothing more.”

The morning sun paints a bright stripe across the blankets through the curtains of the four poster bed, and you tug them further open, squinting. Everything in your chambers is as it was the night before, though the fire in the hearth has gone down to cinders, and a copper tub has been set before it. You step out and into your slippers, noting the steam that still rises from the water. They must have brought it in as you slept, though you had not heard them do so.

I slept… unusually deeply.

You disrobe, stepping into the water with a grateful sigh. You sink in until you are mostly submerged, your nose hovering above the surface as you stare pensively at the window, studying the gray, muddled shape of the buildings beyond it. You do not want to think of the dream, or your father, but both seem intent at crowding at the forefront of your mind.

You know your father would tell you not to ignore it. Dreams mean things, he would say. What did it tell you? But there is no meaning you can discern from your nightmare, other than that you miss your father, and you wish he were still here, with you.

After you finish in the bath, you dress yourself. Instead of the multi-layered gown set out for you by your lady’s maids, you rummage through the wardrobe for one of the loose, flowy dresses more typical of your warm countryside home. You find one at the back, and as you slip into it, you feel more settled, more yourself. The creamy, peach colored fabric has one long, bell sleeve, and drapes modestly across your chest, exposing the top of one shoulder. It is less cumbersome than the heavy, three piece set they chose, and when they enter to help you, you can see the surprise written on their faces.

To their credit, they say nothing, simply helping braid and pin your hair, before setting the small silver circlet you wear at your mother’s insistence upon your brow.

It is long past time to break fast, but nevertheless, your request for a scone with butter and sweet cream is met without fuss down in the kitchens. As you eat, Kassandra marvels at your dress.

“I quite like it, Majesty,” she says, clapping her hands encouragingly as she circles you. “No corset? I do wonder if my father might permit me to have one made in its likeness,” she moans rather piteously. “Though I doubt he shall be pleased by my asking, it is quite bold, if you do not mind my saying so, Highness.” You look down at yourself, and then raise an eyebrow.

“Why should he find your request offensive? I mean no insult, but I do believe our dress more…modest than those of fashion here in Rivia.” Even Kassandra’s low cut gown exposes the tops of her breasts, the bodice molding to her body,pushing them out and up before rising back up to play at covering her shoulders. She laughs behind a hand at your ire.

“I suppose it is all a matter of personal opinion, my lady. I do find Redanian fashion quite lovely, if this dress should be a fair representation.”

“ ‘Tis.” You reply, finishing your biscuit. From your place by the windows, just outside the kitchen, you can see down into the gardens. Though the sight of them is sullied by the memory of your stepbrother’s wanton behavior, the glint of colored glass catches your eye. “What is that?” You ask, pointing at the colored shafts of light as they seemingly beam upward from the ground, the source blocked by lush greenery.

“The roof of the chapel,” Kassandra says. “It is made of stained glass.” At your confused look, she continues. “The chapel is beneath the keep, Majesty, it’s roof is the center of the maze. It is quite beautiful, should you wish to see it, my lady.” Intrigued, you nod.

“Yes, thank you. I would.”

Kassandra leads you down into the bowels of the castle, and you feel the walls grow cold around you as daylight through the arched windows is replaced by the soft glow of candles. The construction looks much older down here, the stone pitted and smooth not from polish but from the passage of time. Upstairs, the corridors had been crowded with courtiers, lords and ladies all seeking the king’s approval, or waiting for their opportunity to serve at his request.

Instead, you take note of the priests in their pale robes, black ink sigils drawn onto the skin of their foreheads and the expanses of their cheeks beneath their eyes. They keep their heads bowed and shoulders stooped as they shuffle through the halls in penitent silence.

“Why do they paint their faces?” You ask quietly.

“So that the gods might receive their prayers.”

The chapel’s carved doors bear images of the gods you do not worship, the wood branded with the sigil of the king—the head of a wolf, it’s mouth open in an eternal snarl. Inside, the air is thick with incense, and it takes you more than a few labored breaths to grow used to it. The inside of the chapel is long and narrow, its walls lined with alcoves featuring enormous statues of the gods. Kassandra gestures to the ceiling, trailing her fingers through the shafts of colored light that stream down, bathing the sullen atmosphere in muted color.

“Is it not beautiful, lady?”

“Yes, it is.” You speak truth—the glass is beautiful, unclouded and the colors true. Images of faith are splashed across the colored surfaces; a great wolf standing beneath a full moon, devouring a beautiful maiden, the three-faced Mother bathed in the golden light of the sun, and the Spider, sitting in the center of her silver web. You watch as Kassandra makes a sign with her right hand, her middle finger and thumb pressed together. She brings it reverently to her forehead, before dropping it to her chin, and then the center of her chest.

It is a quiet, sullen sort of reverence, one you see mirrored in the bowed heads of the priests, and in the quiet, droning chants the monks at the pulpit continue without pause. But there is no joy here. No voices lifted in worshipful, devoted song, nor dances with arms stretched to the bright and brilliant sky. Those are the rituals of worship you know, the ones your father taught you. This place, like the garden in your dream, feels dead.

If there ever were gods here, they have certainly gone, now.

“Who is this?” You ask, pointing to the wolf. It’s golden eyes seem to follow you around the room as you trail after Kassandra, and it makes you think uncomfortably of the prince. She stops in front of it’s stone copy, and she makes the sigil again, finger on thumb, forehead, chin, chest.

“Father Wolf.” She says as she rises. “It is said that he devours the moon each night, so that it may be reborn in the morning, as the sun.” She cocks her head. “Do you not know the stories, Majesty?”

“She would not.” You turn to see one of the priests. In his hand, he holds an incense box, sluggish white smoke pouring from the gold painted slats. “Her Majesty hails from Redania. They hold to the old faith there.” You watch his eyes narrow as they drop to your gown before traveling back up to your face. His lips curve into an unfriendly smile. “I did not think to see Your Highness here.”

You raise an eyebrow. “In my experience father, it is a poor monarch who expects to rule people she knows nothing about.” Kassandra ducks her head, covering her mouth to hide her smile at your diplomatically worded impertinence.

His cheek tics. “Of course, Highness.” He bows his head in a manner you know is meant to be respectful, though the acid that drips from his words is anything but. “The people shall be pleased that you are so…familiar.” He drums his fingers against the incense box, before fixing you with another small, curt smile. “They do not react well to the southland’s…” He pauses to search for a word. “Heathenistic rituals.”

The words fly to your tongue before you can swallow them back, flying from your lips with righteous indignation.

“Are you quite sure the heathen rituals you fear are not your own, Father?” His mouth twists with anger, but you do not cower in the face of it, jutting your chin out stubbornly. You have taken little pleasure in the shifting of your station, but his brazen disrespect sets a blazing fire in your chest. You are a princess, and you will not be spoken to this way.

“Father Rame.” Your belly fills with hot iron at Prince Geralt’s voice, his tone warning. So irate were you with the priest that you had taken no notice of his approach. The prince leans against one of the stone pews, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “You would do well to hold your tongue, lest my father remove it.” The priest drops into a low bow, his lips curling into a scowl. “I do not think he would take kindly to your… implications.”

“Apologies, My Prince, I meant only to—” Geralt raises a hand, and Father Rame’s words die in his throat.

“Go. And perhaps I will… forget to inform the kingsguard of your offense today.” You can tell the priest is unsatisfied, his hands clenching into tight fists in the sleeves of his robe. Nevertheless, he issues you another stiff apology through his clenched teeth, before he turns on his heel, his robes billowing behind him.

“Thank you.” You spit the words out as if they have burnt you. “For your assistance.” Geralt’s amber eyes dip the way Father Rame’s did, and you hate the way they drag across every inch of you before coming to rest on your face. Instead of scornful disapproval, you find something else there. Something darker you refuse to name.

“My pleasure, princess.” He purrs the words, and you feel them like a physical caress. You try to hide the shiver that travels down your spine, gooseflesh erupting on the back of your neck and arms in its wake. He glances at Father Rame’s retreating back. “I would pay him no heed. The good Father can be… Zealous.”

“That is certainly one way to put it.” You remark dryly.

“He will not bother you again.” He says it with a finality that makes you shift uncomfortably under his gaze.

“I hope not.” You brush a speck of imagined dirt from the bodice of your dress, and the prince’s eyes follow the movement.

“Your gown is lovely, sister.” He says, and you swallow against the sudden lump in your throat. “I have not seen its like since last I was in Redania.”

“Thank you.” You stiffen as he moves towards you, slow steps carrying him in a small circle around you and Kassandra. You force yourself to endure his inspection.

“Oh yes.” He fingers the hem of your sleeve before you step back, a little. “I hope you do not mind me imparting a bit of… Rivian wisdom?”

Do I have any choice? You force a smile. “Please.”

“This is a married woman’s color, Sweetling.” His eyes are molten honey.

“W-what?” You do not know which words you were expecting to fall from the prince’s smug lips, but it was not these. “I—”

“I hope you take no offense,” he drawls, though the expression on his face says otherwise. “I only mean to inform.”

“H-how interesting.” You force a small smile, before turning quickly to Kassandra.

“My head aches from the incense,” you say, turning away from him and striding toward the door. “We should take our leave.” With a stiff, reluctant bow, you turn from the prince. “Excuse us, please.”

“By all means.”

Kassandra squeaks, hurrying after you with her skirts gathered tightly into her hands. As you push angrily through the entering group of priests and out into the corridor, you can feel two sets of eyes on your retreating back—

Geralt’s, and the wolf’s.

to be continued…

Thank you for reading! Please check out my masterlist for other, similar works, and follow my library blog, @box-of-bones-library for updates. ❤️

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elusive---ivory · 1 year

Text

Yandere!Superhero x Reader

I wanted to see what would happen if I made someone that's supposed to protect people, then make them yandere. Muahahaha. TW: yandere tendencies, manipulation, power

He's a bird! He's a plane! Nope, he's your neighborhood-friendly superhero. He's the strongest and most courageous man. Men and women swoon over such a generous and kind-hearted hero. His powers are limitless, and he can fly higher than the sky itself.

He'd never believed that he would be able to save the world. Of course, there's the Villain of the story, but he's just as harmless as the Hero. The Hero is a very social person and practically knows everyone in the city by name.

However, he had his eyes set on a very special person.

You were new in town, and excited to see the big city. People were nice and kind. You could see yourself blending in well with the community. Little did you know, you lived right next to the sun-powered superhero, Solar Man.

Sunny was thrilled to have a new neighbor. He had a good reputation with the folks he lived around.

To him, it was always fun to meet new people. When he knocked on your door, and he saw you, he was speechless. He had a pie that his old lady neighbor had baked, which he promptly dropped. You smiled, gently, helping him pick what's left of the pie off the floor.

"Ah, butterfingers." He smiled brightly. "I'm glad we were able to save this pie!"

You laugh. "Oh, absolutely, Cherry is my favorite."

He could melt in the memories that made him fonder of you. It was charming to have a superhero look over the city, but he carefully selected you. You were the only thing on his mind. He dropped down to where your apartment. He was now wearing his superhero outfit, a bright blue jumpsuit with painted-on sunbeams. He appeared at your balcony with a smug look.

You smirked, seeing through his superhero disguise. "Sunny? Is that you?"

He let out a heroic laugh. "Sunny? Oh no, citizen, I am Solar Man; protector of the innocent."

You chuckle to yourself. Unlike the people of this town, you immediately saw through his cheesy superhero disguise. You were the only person that cared for the safety of the Hero. He's spent his life serving others, but he feels like it's his destiny to serve you.

His obsession starts out so innocently. You were his best friend after all. But, as he got closer to you. Sunny started feeling a burdened feeling. If there was any other person, then he'd be fine. He'd be great even, but his feelings for you were so strong. You were seeing different guys and girls throughout the city. However, you didn't feel any connection with them, like you did with Sunny.

He knew it, too. He was broken up by his heartache until the Villain showed up. His nemesis used his weakness against him. You were captured by Victor.

Victor kept you in his very 'well-hidden' lair, where the Hero has been multiple times. You weren't alarmed, but you were cautious of your surroundings.

The Hero arrived, with much haste, but there was something different about him. His eyes were much darker, and his expression was that of rage.

"Ah, Solar-man, it's time you see what happens when things don't go according to your plan." Victor yelled out.

Sunny swooped up Victor and started throwing him in the air, then punching him into the ground. He started punching Victor over and over until he was completely purple with bruises.

Sunny stopped himself. He could look behind Victor and see his reflection. He turned to see your horrified expression. You could tell that he'd gone too far.

Sunny solemnly looked over at you, completely mortified by his actions. "...I'm so sorry... I should've been there to protect you."

You sigh, and hold him close. "I can protect myself, Sunny. I can see the stress is getting to you. Maybe you should take a break from Solar Man for a while."

His expression softens as he holds you close. He smiles gently. "Maybe you're right. But, just know that I would do anything for you. Anything.."

#yandere #male yandere x reader #yandere x reader #yandere boyfriend #yandere superhero #yandere superhero x reader #yandere x darling #yandere boyfriend x reader #yandere boy #male yandere #yandere male x reader #yancore

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hopepunk-humanity · 4 months

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hey there!! i have an eensy weensy story that feels silly to tell, but when it happened i thought of this blog...

so i stayed at school later than usual today to watch a school play (she kills monsters, which was amazing) -- it had been raining pretty heavily for a while before i left.

i walked a pretty long way until i got to the train station to go home; soon after i entered, a kind stranger let me know that my backpack was open. i smiled, thanked them, and zipped up my backpack, quietly thinking, "oh! what bad luck, for my bag to be open in the pouring rain!"

but it felt nice for a stranger to be so kind to me. of course it sucked to get my school stuff all wet, but i was glad that, if my stuff should get wet in the rain, there should be a kind person to tell me my bag was open. if i had never left my bag open, this person and their compassion would've never entered and lit up my life, even if for just a brief moment.

not to say that i'm glad i left my bag open, no... it's just that, most of the time, at least one good or nice thing will come out of a bad experience. that's how i like looking at things. it sucks that my stuff got wet, but it sucks a little less because someone was nice to me in turn.

and this has changed the way i think of things... if my train gets delayed, or i forget something at home, i'll be annoyed, but at the same time i wonder and am excited about what little good thing might come out of it. of course, this is harder to apply to bigger frustrations and sadnesses, especially in the moment in which they occur, but i think it still helps.

one of my cats recently passed away; on that day, i wrote a song for him. i hadn't written a song in a while before then. i am so terribly sad about his passing, and no good thing that is caused by that could ever reverse its infinite tragedy -- but at least, in a little way, it was nice that i could finally get back into songwriting. no, his passing was not a good thing, and of course, i would rather it not have happened, but i guess the point is that there will always be joys, even infinitesimally small ones, no matter the darkness surrounding them. and those build up to something when you put them together, right?

getting back into writing songs; the kindness of a stranger; watching an amazing play my friends are in; my other cat licking me on the hand when i hug her in tears... i am in such deep darkness at the moment, mourning my dear kitty (school/applying to college/a billion other things have also been stressing me out) but there are little pinpricks of light, little stars out in the distance... they don't light much up, nor do they eliminate the darkness, but they're something beautiful amid the horrible, something to look at and wish upon... and that counts for something.

i apologize for the long ramble. thank you so much for this blog; it gives me the strength to keep looking for those twinkling stars. i hope you have the most wonderful day <3

I think this is what it means to "look on the bright side". Too many people use that phrase to mean "ignore and brush aside the pain, just be positive!". But truly looking on the bright side is finding these twinkling moments among the darkness, making an effort to see the stars amongst the night. The night is still there; it's important to acknowledge that, and give it space. But so are the stars. That's important too, and admiring them makes the night a little easier.

#hopepunk #asks answered #smile-files

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enniewritesathing · 7 days

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memory management (💉1)

⏮️Previous || (📚Previous Stories) || Beginning ▶️

(While Jordan mutters about losing Rock, Paper, Scissors and thus, has to be in the lab while he can sit and observe the whole trial, Mark looks down at John.)

(He's had an uneasy feeling all of this week. Truth be told, he's had it ever since John stared at him while he was completely unconscious. Mark felt what he was going to do to him. The time that Jordan was attacked really didn't help things at all and that was some time ago.

(Still. There was something else about John that he couldn't quite put his finger on...)

(The Werewolf awakens in darkness.)

(He's been here before. He always has. Nothing surrounds him. Or was it the other away around?)

(With a grunt, he sits up with ease. There are no chains binding him, no ropes tightening and squeezing like a snake coiling around its prey.)

(Just like that. Honestly, he should be glad.)

(But he isn't. He can't remember the last time he's been free like this. No. Something's wrong. This doesn't feel right.)

(The Werewolf can hear soft, muffled voices. Metal being shifted around. The hiss of gas... but this sounds different. It doesn't sound closed off or the fact that it feels warmer. He's somewhere else.)

Charles: "Jordan, is he ready yet?"

Jordan: "It'll be between ten and fifteen minutes."

Charles: "I see."

"Alright. We'll take this time to go over everything."

(That voice... it's him!)

(Charles clears his throat.)

"Tonight we are doing the reversal trial. The purpose of this is two fold. First, we are going to force John to transform by accelerating his heart to the PT. Second, once it's been established that he is in his werewolf phase, we'll force the werewolf into revert back into the human state."

Daniel: "May I ask how do we do that? We don't know what the other threshold is."

Jordan: (low hiss) "Dan!"

Bernard: (slight exasperation) "Dan, why are asking that?"

Charles: "No; this is a good time to ask questions. We will find this threshold by de-acceleration; this means that we'll have to induce cardiac arrest. The arrest is considered 'resetting' and it will be brief. We'll have to capture and sustain a lower heart rate below his PT."

(He pauses, making a pointed look at Daniel.) "The primary method will be via intracardiac injection so we don't have to worry about absorption."

"As for time, we'll aim for five minutes. If after five minutes Johnathan shows no signs of reverting back, we will try again; as many cycles as it takes."

"Of course, this brings the terrible risk of death... but that will only occur when and if we exhaust all options."

(He looks down at John, studying him. Even in this state, he's more princely than ever.) "I have faith in Johnathan. He has yearned this for years. He will emerge victorious. Any questions?"

(How the hell am I going to get out of this?)

// Next ⏭️

#ts4 #the sims 4 #sims 4 #simblr #sims 4 story #ts4 story #the sims 4 story #story tag: memory management #oc: john #oc: the werewolf #oc: charles #oc: daniel #oc: jordan #oc: bernard #gif warning #i do love the whole 'oh goddamn it you're asking a stupid question'

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violet-fire-cat · 3 months

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👀

Hehe I'm so glad I got sent a few of these! I'm gonna have fun rambling about aus now! Lots of rambling. I'm not kidding. This one at least is uh- long. Oops.

As I said before, a lot of my AUs are Ethubs focused, but hopefully you guys don't mind that! 😅

Soooo, let's see, which one should I start with, hmmmmmm. Let's go with one I was talking about with a friend a lot a few weeks ago!

And that would be -

Assassin Creed AU 🗡️ Well- it's inspired by Assassin's Creed anyway. I am not well versed enough on the series lore to do anything that sticks to it too closely. I wanted to play around with ideas a bit anyway. But I started playing one of the games again a while ago and that's where the ideas came from.

Assassin AUs have been done before, yes. But this one is mine!

Etho is an assassin, somewhere in the 18th/19th century, and has been with the Assassin's Brotherhood for most of his life. He's very good at what he does. He's smart, quick, and stealthy. Like a ghost with a knife. You won't know he's there until his blade has found it's way into your throat.

The Brotherhood consists of various other Hermits, including; Doc - retired assassin now serving as the groups main medic Tango - his targets often go out with a bang. or with fire. Grian - death from above Cleo - master of poisons and deadly concoctions Impulse - weaponsmith, where you go for a new knife or gun Zedaph - creator of gadgets and nifty tools and Mumbo - the spymaster. Kinda. Not really. Far too squeamish for assassin work. So he handles information gathering, sorting out jobs and targets, etc

They work together to take out criminals and other bad people who are causing issues in the area. As well as probably aiming to solve some sort of ancient mystery like in the games. (Though I haven't figured that part out yet.)

The story is mostly focused on Etho, a lot of what I have is about his and Bdubs' relationship too, but there's other stuff as well. Rambling continues under the cut ~

Etho doesn't interact with civillians much. But then he meets Bdubs. Bdubs is not affiliated with the Brotherhood. He's a craftsman. He works with wood, leather, and sometimes metal, making tools and clothes mostly, but weaopns too, and selling them in his little shop. Etho goes there on a whim looking for quick repairs or a replacement.

Bdubs is a pretty ordinary guy just going about his life. He has no idea what's in store for him when he meets Etho that day.

Etho is- odd. Tall and mysterious, and dressed in strange clothes. Bdubs doesn't know what to make of him. But treats him like any other customer. He does what's asked of him, Etho pays well. And he finds himself with a regular visitor.

Etho isn't entirely sure why he keeps going back there. He knows other people with the same skillset that he could go to instead. But there's something about Bdubs... There's something drawing Etho to him in a way he's never really experienced before.

Gradually, they become friends. And with time, that friendship progresses. Etho slowly falls in love with Bdubs, and realises that he's so screwed. He's never been in love before. And these- these- emotions. Are not easy to deal with! He doesn't know how to handle Bdubs being so gentle with him, so kind and smiling so sweetly.

And. Yeah. Things develop. A very touch starved Etho craves the gentleness and kindness that Bdubs gives him so easily. Etho has friends, sure, but this is different. Someone detatched from the violence of his work. Someone willing to care for him and love him despite all that he is. It's like nothing he's ever experienced before.

Bdubs never expected to get tangled up with someone like Etho. Danger surrounds him. Etho could leave one day and just. Never come back. But behind all that. Behind the layers of Trained Killer. There's a sweet, slightly shy guy that Bdubs can't help but love.

It's not all plain sailing though. No no. There's drama and chaos too of course. The nature of Etho's work kind of requires it. One time Etho returns to base badly hurt, and in a state of 'I thought I was going to die and all I wanted was to see you again,' he's asking Doc, who's looking after him, for Bdubs. Another time, Bdubs gets captured by the bad guys and Etho and the other assassin's have to rescue him. There's heartbreak as events leave Etho thinking that Bdubs doesn't want to see him anymore. And the difficulty of tracking down an assassin who doesn't want to be found. Etho becomes over protective at times, which Bdubs isn't fond of. But panic ensues when that protectiveness leads to Etho hurting Bdubs accidentally. Bdubs doesn't know what to think of seeing Etho kill someone. Knowing it happens is one thing, actually seeing it happen is another.

There's ups and downs, and I want there to be some overarching mission that Etho and the rest of the Assassin's are working towards. But I don't know what that is yet. I need to brainstorm and play the games more I think.

However, meanwhile, in the present day. Another young man, funnily enough also known as 'Etho', has somehow gotten himself roped into an investigation being done on his ansestor. A- distant cousin. Or something. He thinks. But the guy was an assassin. Which is cool. Fancy technology he'd never heard of allows him to relive the 'genetic memories' of the assassin. See what he experienced and learn about his life. About the things he did, the people he knew, and the events he was a part of. Hoping it'll help them find answers to something that's going on now.

This Etho, nerdy computer science graduate Etho, is very confused but overall rather fascinated by it all. Though he realises quickly there's a lot more at stake here than facts and figures about centuries old history. He learns a lot about his assassin ancestor and the life he lived. Maybe... Maybe too much. He's not sure that he wanted to know about the more- private parts of the guys life. It's interesting that the man the assassin was in love with looked a lot like one of the technicians working on this investigation, though. It's probably just a coincidence. The odds of it being anything else are far, far too small. But he is rather handsome, so surely you can't blame Etho for having a bit of a crush on him...

And- I am going to stop there or I could ramble all night dfghj. I love this AU a lot, if you couldn't tell. I'm probably forgetting things, but this is already more than enough to get an idea of how things go! There's assassins! And drama! And romance! And it's so much fun!

Thank you Anon for giving me an excuse to ramble endlessly about my AU! If you want to ask more about this au though then please do! Aaand maybe I'll draw something for it at some point too, I've been wanting to for a while hehe!

#hermitcraft #ethoslab #bdoubleo100 #ethubs #hermitshipping #hermitcraft au #violetanswers #and yes I know that in Assassin's Creed the assassin in the past and the guy in the present aren't like- super similiar #but I don't care #that's what I wanted to do here 'cos I thought it'd be fun to play around with #and then I get TWO Ethubs romances in ONE au! How cool is that!#but yeah this is about 1000 words of my rambles so I hope it's at least nice to read pfft

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nogacheloveka-blog · 2 months

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The Bad Sanses somehow ended up in the Backrooms. №12

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prev 11

This is the translation of the another post from Russian to English. I understand English, but it is very difficult for me to write in English, so I asked chat GPT to help me. I have corrected some parts, but there still may be mistakes.

I thought the inspiration had run out, but no! I am so glad about this fact! Glad that I have the strength to continue drawing and writing the story.

At work, I often have to work overtime, so after the shift, there is only time to eat and sleep. There is hardly any time for researching the wiki and drawing. It doesn't sound very good, but the work itself is not difficult, and I will have money to live 🤷‍♀️

I have read quite a few levels recently. I see that a lot has changed since the last time I was interested in this topic.

I continue my experiment with marking the test from the perspective of different characters =)

Level 5 was not bad. In the sense that it was still a place of indefinite size with a random set of rooms. But they were all getting used to liminal spaces, and the elegant expensive furniture and designer interiors pleased the eye. Especially after the faceless rooms of the previous levels. The only thing that was not pleasing was the presence of people nearby. They were not visible, but the mere thought of them did not allow relaxation.

🌙 For Nightmare, this place was valuable as the first convenient crossroads level. He also hoped to meet the Society of the Lost Hall, as mentioned in the knowledge base. This meeting could bring interesting information if Nightmare could interest them in something. But at the same time, he did not want to encounter the local devil. This meeting did not bode well for his wards. It remained to be hoped that the creature only visited semi-mad loners (Nightmare looked at the thread that made his team part of Error in the eyes of the Backrooms, and calculated the overall level of sanity that resulted. The result was not dismal. He had everything under control).

It also became evident that this world leaves its mark on his wards. They changed in the same way as Nightmare. Gradually. Almost imperceptibly. He tried to ensure that this did not harm their common goal. Indeed, in Dust's case, these changes turned out to be positive and did not cause concern (Nightmare feared that Dust might return to babbling with hallucinations). Moreover, Deathmoth met often and was intelligent enough to slightly fuel Nightmare's negativity. Insects did not possess strong emotions, but they were easily provoked by external influences.

🦴Dast felt a strong fatigue and fell asleep the moment he sat in one of the comfortable soft chairs. The insects snuffling under his clothes no longer bothered him at all, and the tickle of their legs became pleasant and comforting. Butterflies peacefully floated above his head, flying into his skull like dreams.

Rest had a good effect on his morale, awakening hunger. Dust realized how irregularly he had been eating. This explained his profound exhaustion and weakness. Due to stress, he had not been listening to his body's needs and had been hungry for quite a while.

Horror generously made him a sandwich, and Killer (who also had a sandwich in his hands) shared a handful of sweet Flowey Seeds. Dust hadn't felt this good in a long time. But looking at the Almond Water still made him nauseous. He drank very little, giving the remaining liquid to Deathmoth, who followed him in a pack.

The fur at the base of moth wings resembled cat fur. Dust indulged himself in running his fingers carefully over it.

⛔Error decided to delve into studying the code surrounding him. If on the early levels the code didn't seem too complex (was it a warm-up?), now it seemed that some parts became inaccessible to him: links led to empty memory cells, variable values were taken from nowhere and unpredictable changed within loops (it didn't look functional). Understanding what was happening became more difficult. It required focus.

Engrossed, Error didn't immediately notice the danger. At first, it seemed as if someone had touched him. He was already preparing to erupt in anger when he realized that no one was nearby. It wasn't "Someone," but "Something." Another strange impulse passed through space, brushing against the scattered blue strings in the surrounding area. Nightmare seemed to have felt it too, judging by the ripples on his liquid covering and his wary gaze. Error sent more strings around the room (he snapped at the others' attempts to find out what he was doing. The group immediately became wary, and Horror woke up Cross), trying to gather more data on the vector of this impulse. It felt like a growing wind, but it didn't interact directly with objects. The same sensation can be felt during a rapid descent. A tickling sensation in the gut.

When he opened the code editor, something strange was happening with the coordinates (not that these constants were in order before). Right before his eyes, an unknown programmer was creating a loop to calculate the equation for... Wow. Right now, another space was passing through their room. Or rather, not even the room, but one of the points on its plane. Like an infinite silk scarf through a small silver ring. And this point was moving, expanding, as if an invisible tornado (actually an invitation). Theoretically, this should move everything it touches to another place, but the objects in level 5 space remained in place. Several blue strings snapped.

Before Error could warn the others about the danger (you're exaggerating), he fell into a ...0%...

🪓Horror saw Error go into a reboot, typical for transitioning to another level, and managed to grab onto his black jacket. Then his damaged skull rang from hitting the white floor. The Destroyer crashed into his chest a moment later. Cross screamed in surprise nearby, and Dust cursed. Killer behaved fairly quietly, although something loudly cracked after his fall (it's not bones, is it? God, please, no). Horror tried to turn his head to check, but shut down.

⚔️ Cross, perhaps for the first time during his entire stay in the Backrooms, managed to find a comfortable place to sleep. Previously, he always had to sleep on the bare floor or leaning against Horror's massive figure, which was warm and didn't mind frequent tactile contact.

When his rest was interrupted, he had too little time to grasp the situation. He noticed the tense Nightmare and Horror next to Error. In the next second, something seemed to drag him through a bottle neck (the short path felt similar). He plummeted down like a cannonball.

Cross gathered himself and thanks to this, landed on his feet. In contrast to the rest of the group.

Horror fell quite awkwardly, pinned down by the unconscious Error. Cross hurried to drag the Destroyer away and inspect his friend. But everything seemed fine, no serious injuries. His damaged skull hadn't shattered further, even his HP was almost full, just a couple of scratches and bruises. Cross turned to see the others.

Nightmare was found in the distance, looking disoriented. His outlines seemed blurry, and he slumped against the wall (is he in pain?). But as soon as the Keeper of Negativity caught someone else's gaze, he straightened up and quickly assumed a composed demeanor.

🔪Killer fell onto one of the Deathmoths accompanying Dust. Its chitinous wings cracked loudly and finally detached, with several legs bent in the opposite direction. The insect thrashed in agony, and there was little that could help it. The skeleton itself was unharmed and contemplatively watched its "safety cushion." Dust tensely froze, watching the injured butterfly. But before he could come to any decision, the Killer's knife plunged into the Deathmoth, instantly ending its suffering.

Dust was definitely ready to kill him (too bad he held back). Well, that will make the Killer's life more interesting until Dusty cools down. It used to be difficult to provoke him into a fight, but if the lives of a couple of butterflies allow him to capture his attention... the Killer will consider this option in the future. It's interesting, will their group find any more Strange equipment? That would be nice. It seems these items allow for some amusing tricks.

Nevertheless, Dust took the lifeless body of the insect. Was he going to bury it?

---

The group allowed themselves to stay in place until all of them regained consciousness, and then moved forward. Mostly, they encountered empty white corridors with occasional locked passages leading to laboratories and production areas. According to the records, they were on level 15. And it was unpleasant. There were no clear exits on this level, and the way they got here was hard to describe as... reproducible. Seriously, what the hell?

One of the laboratories was open. Inside, there was futuristic medical equipment that Dust immediately tried to use. Surprisingly, it worked! The dead insect came back to life, but its coloration changed (these colors triggered unpleasant memories).

The next significant event was the appearance of a human.

Nightmare belongs to Jokublog Killer belongs to RahafWabas Dust belongs to Ask-DustTale Horror belongs to Sour-Apple-Studios Error belongs to CrayonQueen Cross belongs to JakeiArtwork

#bad sanses #cross sans #dust sans #error sans #horror sans #killer sans #nightmare sans #the backrooms #au #undertale au #bad guys in backrooms #bad sans gang #art #undertale #utmv #level 15

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gayuu-the-necromancer · 1 year

Text

William Rex Chapter 9

WARNING! This story contains mentions of human trafficking and mental health issues.

｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

William: "My eyes were not deceiving me."

William: "You are noble, greedy,.....kind and strong."

The heat of the eyes that pour into me and I was so drawn into them.

I feel like I'm going crazy and that my heart is thumping against my chest.

(Ah....No)

(I can't look away)

The sound of my own heart is making noise behind my ears.

(But....why can't I look away?)

(Is it because I'm going crazy? If I am, why can't I look away?)

My heart was brought back to life by one word that William gave me.

Like buds waiting for spring, they begin to tear apart, leaving reason behind.

(Am I really....)

Do I want to bathe in this heat more?

William: "......Now."

William opens his mouth and comes back to himself.

William: "I'll leave the rest to Ethan and the others. Let's not stay too long at the crime scene."

Kate: "....Yes."

I seemed to have forgotten how to breathe and for a moment he was dizzy and shaky on my feet.

Kate: "Then....I'm looking forward to working with you."

Ethan: "Rest assured that we will make sure that she is given the proper treatment."

(I'm so glad they all didn't end up marooned in a place like this....)

The girl sleeping in my arms was handed over to William's men and we got onto the carriage.

As I sat down, I felt both relieved and exhausted all at once.

William: "You must be tired, get some rest."

William: "If you need a place to lean on, you can use my shoulder or lap. Whichever you like."

(Whichever I like....)

My eyes follow William's body before the option of refusing comes to mind.

The feeling of being hugged on the way home after the mission at the bank comes back to me vividly.

----FLASHBACK----

William: "Come here."

Everything he gave me went deep into my body and gently caressed and soothed me.

(I want to feel that medicinal and poisonous....warmth again)

(Lean on him, now)

-----FLASHBACK ENDS-----

William: ".....Kate."

William: "No one will blame you for being true to your desires."

(True to my desires.....)

(I remember the same words being said to me once before....and I countered with....)

I would rather not have desires than suffer if they don't come true.

In the first place, I thought that I, who had silently watched someone else's hopes being crushed, was not qualified to fulfill my selfish desires.

(But only to William, if at all)

(In front of this person.....who sees through my pettiness and my shabbiness, but forgives me.....)

(I'd like to be honest)

(Just like I was able to voice my desires to help that little girl just a few minutes ago....be true to my heart)

Kate: "William, I'd like you to.....lend me your shoulder."

William: "I'd be honored. Of course, with pleasure."

Gently pulling me closer, I rest my head on his shoulder.

I can smell that rose scent from the quality jacket touching my cheek.

(....Smells good)

Breathing deeply, the rationality of my surroundings melt away and crumbles along with my core.

William: "Good night, Kate. Sweet dreams."

William gently brushed my messy hair back over my ears.

(This hand has not changed since the day we met)

(A hand that brutally kills people. A hand that plays piano gracefully, without feeling sorry)

(Nevertheless....)

Not only is it not horrible, but I'm not even sure I want that temperature.

Is it because I have gone crazy?

｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

"Who killed you?"

"Me."

Then a voice follows.

"Is that wrong?"

"If you were killing your heart so that you wouldn't get hurt and could be happy."

"The hearts that have been unleashed freely may be badly hurt and unhappy down the road."

"Is that really a good thing?"

Kate: "Good morning, William!"

William: "......."

William: "Good morning. What's the matter? You're up awfully early today."

Kate: "Usually, I would always have to knock on your door or look around to search for you, but today I thought, I would wake up early and catch you before you disappear."

(I want to like myself today more than I did yesterday)

I might be crazy now, but I would not want to go back to being the person who stopped at the door.

Kate: "Actually, I was wondering if you were still sleeping in your room, so I...."

Kate: "I just wanted to see you get up in the morning and leave your room."

William: "Fufu...sorry, I always let you wander around in this unfamiliar castle, huh?"

Kate: "No, I'm glad you did. I got to know this castle better while I was looking around for you."

William: "Hmmm? So, did you find a place you like?"

Kate: "Yes....the nice window overlooking the garden, the kitchen is always beautiful...."

Kate: "Also the hallway where, for a few moments in the morning, the light shines through the large windows and it's like a flower blooming on the floor."

Kate: "Oh and...of course the hall where you play the piano too."

(Hm....?)

William: "I'm glad you're liking your temporary lodging."

(Maybe William is....I wonder if he was purposely accepting my time walking this castle alone)

Seeing for yourself so that you can know and accept this place.

My heart is buoyed by the kindness that may have been poured out without my noticing.

(If I ask him, he will surely answer back with a question, asking 'What do you think?" so....I'll just take that as a yes)

Kate: "So, what are your plans for today?"

William: "I decided when I woke up this morning that I would go along with whatever you wanted to do today."

Kate: "Me?"

William: "Whatever you want? We will do anything you like."

(....In that case)

Kate: "I want to go visit the people who were forced to work in that workhouse."

The people I saw yesterday were in shambles physically, but more than that, their self-esteem had been crushed and their hearts were dead.

Even if they receive treatment in the hospital and their bodies recover, they cannot get back on their feet if their minds remain dead.

(But I feel like if there is someone who cares about them and listens to them....)

(It might inspire their minds)

Just like William did for me.

Kate: "I just want to say 'I hope you guys are doing well."

Kate: "Or I can at least send a bouquet of flowers and a card anonymously, even if I can't reveal my true identity. Can I.....?"

William: "Fufu...of course you can."

William: "I knew you would say that, so I already arranged for a carriage."

Kate: "That's great.....huh?"

William: "Hm?"

Kate: "H-How did you know?"

William: "I guess it's because I realized yesterday that you're the kind of person who wants to protect someone so badly that guilt crushed your heart."

(.......Nn)

He smiled at me lovingly, and I suddenly felt shy and looked away.

Kate: "....You see through everything. Is there something William doesn't know?"

William: "Of course."

Kate: "Like?"

William: "Like....."Why do you like to ask so many questions?"

Kate: "......Do you dislike it?"

William: "Haven't I already answered that question before?"

William bends down and slowly whispered into my ear.

William: "I don't dislike it. In fact, quite the opposite."

｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

William: "I don't dislike it. In fact, quite the opposite."

Kate: "....Mm."

My heart jumped and I stopped breathing for a moment.

------Options-----

What do you mean by 'quite the opposite'?

Say no more.

I'm glad.

--------

Kate: "I see. I'm glad."

(What, what am I saying?)

William: "Ahahaha!"

(I don't know what's wrong with me, I can't pass if off like I did before...)

(It's the kind of thing William would probably say to anyone...But I'm still happy)

William looked at me with amusement as I desperately tried to keep my composure.

I am frustrated that this attitude seems to affirm my expectations.

(If he keeps saying things like 'I like you' or 'I'm glad you're happy' to.....anyone)

(Then just like me.....)

Then my heart will keep on rolling towards him before I can have a reason to catch it.

William: "Let's go then."

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

Kate: "The Royal Hospital....in such a magnificent place?"

Holding a bouquet of sympathy flowers, I visited a large hospital with several towering wards.

William: "Yeah, I was hoping for some kind of temporary luxury for the people I ran into on my Crown assignment who couldn't get back to their daily routine right away."

William: "The most convenient place to set up such a special ward was in the Royal Hospital, where Her Majesty's authority extends."

(I see....)

Kate: "Did William, by any chance, create it? That special ward?"

William: "Mmhm. I did it for me."

As we walked the long path to the entrance, William carefully explains.

William: "It takes time for those who have been oppressed, deprived of their will, lost or forgotten their self-esteem, to regain their identity."

William: "There's not enough room in the city of London to wait for that."

Kate: "Why is it necessary for you to help....victims get themselves back on track?"

William: "Because I like to see people act as their own masters."

Kate: "Act as their own masters....?"

William: "It's about facing your desires, being prepared to accept the consequences, and following through."

William: "Just as you said 'I want to help' and stood with the little girl in your arms."

Just as the sun shines through the clouds, the shadow of the hospital falls at our feet.

At the border between sun and shade, William stopped once.

William: "There's a lot of fear involved in wanting to do what you want and having to pick and choose among so many options."

William: "Whether happiness awaits you or misfortune awaits you...."

William: "You can't blame anyone for the consequences of the choices you make and want to make."

Slowly, William's black leather shoes step across the boundary into the shadows.

William: "......That's why the moment you're about to step out is so beautiful."

William: " I want to see the moment when the desire after the conflict is vividly revealed."

William: "There is no reason. It's just my instinctive craving."

William's eyes, as if remembering something, are feverish as if mesmerized.

It was much like the heat I felt in William's eyes at that workhouse.

William: "In other words, I give sick people proper treatment, food, clothing, shelter, and time to think."

William: "I appreciate the way they choose how they will live their lives in the future."

Kate: "....I don't know how the patients feel about it."

Kate: "The return you seek is also what they want."

It is the freedom to choose, of one's own volition, not to be trampled on by anyone.

Kate: "You talk as if you are forcing me to do an equivalent exchange, but it seems to me that you are just giving."

William: "....If that's how you see it, then maybe you're right."

｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

William identified himself at the reception desk and the director greeted us.

The patients brought in last night all seemed to have very severe symptoms.

It was going to take some time before we are allowed to visit them.

Kate: "Um...I'd like to put this bouquet in the patient's room."

Director: "Oh my.....thank you very much. We'll make sure they receive it."

Kate: "......Thank you."

Director: "But....I am surprised that the Count would talk about that ward in public."

Upon receiving the bouquet the Director looked at me with interest from behind his glasses.

William: "She's special. There is no problem with her being known. If necessary, I can show you a letter from Her Majesty."

Director: "No no. I am sure that Her Majesty the Queen will not deny what you are doing."

(Does the Director know about the Crown....or is he an endorsing collaborator who agrees with William's ideals?)

In any case, I can see that he seems to be building a trusting relationship with William.

William entrusted him with the people he helped. That alone seemed to me to be enough to make it unnecessary for me to be vigilant.

Director: "More importantly.....Count, a patient who is about to be discharged from the hospital has asked to speak with the person who helped her for the last time."

William: "Oh, her. I don't mind, but our conversation will be through the door as usual, right?"

(Through the door.....?)

........

As we walked through the corridors of the special ward, I heard that the girl was the victim of a human trafficking case that William had solved.

When he rescued her, she was locked in a cage, though she never saw William's face.

She wants to talk to him because she has heard him decry the killer.

Kate: "Why do you only talk to them through the door?"

William: "The more you get involved, the greater the need to keep your mouth shut."

William: "I don't bother to let people know who I am if they haven't seen my face."

Kate: ".......But, don't you want to see them step out?"

(I guess you can't see them directly through the door....)

William: "I'm happy as long as I get to watch them fly away from the ward."

William: "You can see its beauty in profile from a distance or....also through a door."

A knock on the hospital room door and the director enters.

Director's voice: "Your King has arrived."

The director's calm voice is followed by light footsteps approaching the door.

Kate: "King?"

William: "That's the nickname she gave me because I was giving orders to her captor. 'The King."

Kate: "Fufu....."

Girl's voice: "Um....are you there?"

William: "Yes. Hello. I heard you're going to be discharged soon. I'm happy for you."

William answered firmly to the modest but earnest voice that flew in from the other side of the door.

Girl's voice: "T-Thank you for coming.....I'm feeling better now. I also had a nice dream."

William: "I'm glad. What did you dream?"

Girl's voice: "I saw a dream where I was growing flowers.....so I decided when I leave here.....I want to grow flowers."

Girl's voice: "I never want to back to that aunt and uncle."

Her words, full of determination echoed heavily in my heart.

(Ah.....it's true. Even through the door, I can tell)

(That this child can stand and walk.....by herself as her own master when she leaves the nest from this hospital)

William: "...That's a nice wish."

Just accepting that commitment, as William always does with me.

He laughed softly like rain in spring.

Girl's voice: "Also! .....If I recognize your voice on the street, may I give you a flower?...........just one.........if you don't mind?"

William: ".....These words alone are more than enough for me."

Girl's voice: "..................I see. Okay......Umm....."

William: "Hm?"

Girl's voice: ".......................thank you."

The girl's voice was a little wet with tears.

William: "Yeah. Take care of yourself. I wish you all the happiness in the world ahead."

｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

Kate: "......."

William: "You don't look happy."

Kate: "....You. You saved a lot of people. Not just last night, but all this time."

Kate: "But no one who is saved knows you."

Not even a single flower reaches him.

(Someday, I'll have to say goodbye to William like that too.....)

(William even listened to the voices in my heart that I was killing.....and set me free)

Without William, I could not have even brought the flowers here like this.

I'm sure he did the same with the girl, the other patients, and the people he met at the 'tea party'.

(Also....)

(Why wouldn't William accept the desire to give something back?)

He just gives and gives and gives and that makes me frustrated.

William: "I'm not some kind-hearted philanthropist."

William: "Not even a righteous man like your favorite, Brian."

Kate: "....I know that."

William: "All I want is for my loved ones to be able to live the life they want."

William: "For what I want to protect, I kill those who harm it."

William: "What we are doing is no different than a butterfly. It's a 'selection of life."

William's blood-colored eyes stare at me.

It was like a beautifully crystallized jewel, frozen in cold resolve.

William: "But even if it were a sin, I wouldn't be my master if I didn't."

William: "The power that can only be described as 'evil', is born with the ability to twist people's wills.......and take away their freedom."

William: "I decided to use it to carry out my self-righteousness."

William: "That ward is my self-righteous box garden. You can laugh at me as if I were an arrogant god."

Kate: ".....I won't laugh."

Kate: "I suppose that when the day comes for us to part, I too will wish......to give you flowers."

William: "Fufu, oh yeah?"

A gruesome death to those who trample freedom and will.

For the oppressed and voiceless, they are loved like a benevolent rain.

Dangerous and frightening, kind and forgiving. His conflicting components lived together without contradiction.

(The power to subvert the will of man and take away his freedom....is a power that can only be described as 'evil')

One can't help but feel the cruelty of luck that William, a man who respects free will and choice, was born with such power.

Kate: "What was it.....that made you decide to use that power?"

William: "Looks like Kate has more questions that usual, today."

Kate: "Because you have a lot of mysteries."

William: "I want you to say, 'unraveling fun."

I make firm eye contact with him to keep him from going up in smoke.

Kate: "......You exposed your heart, and keep no secrets to yourself."

William: "Hahaha! You're being very bullish."

William: "You're not the same person you were yesterday."

Kate: "I am a noble, greedy, gentle, and strong person like you said."

William: "Fufu..Hahaha....that's right."

I'm miffed when William chuckles in a funny way.

(......Even though you said so)

William: "You've got a cute sulky face, you know that?"

When he caught a carriage, William smirked.

William: "Come, I'll tell you an old boring tale. I'll make it short."

Chapter 10

#ikemen series #ikemen villain #ikemen villains #otome #cybird #cybird ikemen #cybird otome #ikemen villains william #ikemen mc

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actuallyastingray · 3 months

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Hello again Supablr!

So bad news, my personal takes series, as fun as they have been, are now completed. All good things must come to an end.

Better news, the reception I ended up getting from the community has helped to resurrect my writing muse, which means I am glad to keep creating more content for you to enjoy

Best news, rather than do another takes-esque list, I'm planning two full sets of one-shot stories surrounding the Super Leagues biggest stars.

The first set, which I've decided to call Rookie of the Year, will be set sometime post Rookie Season but before the main series, and focus on Shakes getting some one-on-one bonding time with the other Strikas.

The second set, Off the Pitch, will instead focus on various side characters in the Super League and their struggles off the field.

I already have about half a dozen drafts up and running and I hope to have the first fic done by next week. Just a forewarning, I do not have a set writing schedule with my current job so these will be done when I get them done. I might also post these on AO3 once I get going, but they will all be on Tumblr.

Anyway, see you all soon with the first release.

#supablr #supa strikas

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choochooboss · 2 months

Note

We‘re not even halfway through this comic but I love the atmosphere in it! Getting only brief glimpses at Emmet helps to keep up the suspense of how he’s dealing with being on his own for the first time and how there is an empty space next to him in all the pages so far. Your decision to cut out the exchange between Emmet and the shopkeeper further emphasizes that. Also every page that shows a bit of Emmets face so far it has been mostly in the shadows too. As if the warmth and coziness around him doesn’t seem to reach him…

I am someone that is spending the holidays without their family for a decade now. (I have since moved on from this. There isn’t any real bitterness here so I’m fine and started spending the holidays as happy as possible with likeminded people who don’t have the means to celebrate so we’re celebrating together, sorry for that brief rambling about myself)

What I‘m trying to say is that I totally relate to this comic so far. It’s always a confusing time when the holidays rolls around and you feel as if the joy surrounding you doesn’t really reach you. Again keeping Emmet mostly in the shadows and not showing his face much further shows that as well. I don’t know what the next parts will bring but I’m loving it so far and as someone who can kinda relate to it all its sad to see Emmet on his own and I hope the comic is going to get an outcome that won’t be too sad and lonely…

Either way once again I am so impressed by your work and the attention to detail you put into your work! Thank you for the update and keep up the good work! (But try not to overdo it, take breaks and stay hydrated and remember to stretch enough!)

HNNNGHHH you put these things into words PERFECTLY I am kicking my feet in excitement-!!

Also very sweet of you to share your personal story (and care for my wellbeing, thank you!!). The idea of being able to spend the holidays in a maybe less traditional way, yet still perfectly capturing the meaning of it, is something incredible. So glad you guys have each other and make the effort so you can spend a lovely time!!

Just, wow!! I can feel how you may relate to this series and what Emmet is going through here in your own unique way. I won’t spoil how things will go in this story, but I truly wish our precious twin brothers to have a happy ending!! In any case I hope keep delivering a touching experience!

Thank you so much for your kind words and amazing analysis!! A great pleasure to hear how much thought you’ve also put into these!!

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myimaginedcorner · 2 years

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SCALES OF JUSTICE - CHAPTER 5 UPDATE!!!

Hello everyone, it's been so long! We met for the last time when spring was blooming at our doorstep, yet now it's already time for autumn's golden rain. Study and work are once again part of our busy lives, and with them, a new chapter, which I'm so glad to finally announce. Yes, you've heard correctly - Chapter 5 is now available for you to play, as a small gift to savour with your hot tea and cosy blankets!

As usual, I welcome any feedback, specially now that my beta-tester is quite occupied with her MSc (a strong woman in STEM, she is). If you have any issues, recommendations, or comments in general about my work, feel free to text me here or make a post in CoG forum, where I will be answering you to the best of my capabilities.

NEW THINGS IN THIS UPDATE:

Explore Menai, Hero's only seaport.

Find a way to progress in your quest, and pay the price for it.

Discover a nomadic human tribe, and learn about the old gods.

Encounter the elven scientist, and lurk through his observatory.

Visit the satyr district, and dive into the culture of Nature's children.

Chapter 5 is 65k words long, and it has three main routes for you to follow. Each route is determined by your species, for this is a chapter mostly dedicated to your own character and their relationship with the surrounding world.

SPOILER ON CHAPTER 6:

Chapter 6 is also going to be focused on the MC, yet this time, they'll be joined by ONE RO whose late appearance leaves them in need of a little bit of attention...

It will also hopefully have a deeper dive into the politics of Hero and Vannais, as the concepts of 'hero' and 'villain' will start resurfacing in their importance.

DEMO DESCRIPTION AND USEFUL LINKS:

Scales of Justice is a fantasy game situated in another world, far away from Earth. There are plenty of species living together in harmony, but the human race is currently split in two civilisations: the one known as Hero kingdom, which is ruled by ‘heroes’, and the one named Vannais kingdom, controled by ‘villains’. Both nations hate each other and the fight between ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’ here is something that happens on a national level. The game is focused on lore, on character development and your own perception of the world: perhaps, your MC just wants to live a peaceful life... or maybe wants to save the world.

Or even rule it, if you’re into such things.

If you want to know a little more about this project and read the first 5 chapters, I will leave the link to the game here -> https://dashingdon.com/play/myimaginedcorner/scales-of-justice/mygame/

If you want to discuss anything on CoG's forum, I leave the link for SoJ here -> https://forum.choiceofgames.com/t/wip-scales-of-justice-new-project-announcement-and-demo-release/101088/16

If you want to send me a more extensive feedback, here's my email -> [email protected]

Any mistakes, concerns or questions you have, feel free to contact me through Tumblr! I am very excited to share this story with all of you, and I want to make it as good as possible with your help!

#scales of justice #interactive story #hosted games #choice of games #update #new chapter #thank you for everything

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mmkin · 2 months

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The lessons have been concluded...

I can't believe it happened, but the final chapter of my Tahnorra story, Lessons, has finally been updated! It's been a long time in the making, but I am pleased as punch to finish this story and give Tahno and Korra their sassy, happy ending. The final chapter can be found here on my AO3.

Content warning - definitely 18+/NSFW but all consensual, no trigger/content warnings.

Chapter mirrored under the pics and cut.

Chapter 5 – Love Lessons

This chapter is set after Korra has had her full Bending ability restored.

o0o0o0o

Tahno trudged home after a long day of delivering messages. He had a better appreciation for the working man now, working all these shifts for minimum wage. It had felt weird moving back home, especially since his teenagehood had been tumultuous, and he fought with his parents quite when he was younger, but now he got along better with them. His parents had bought a small house a few years ago, and he sat in a wicker chair in the modest front yard, taking a breath of fresh air.

His mother came out, giving him some tea. He had to admit, it was nice having her fuss over him. He had been so used to being independent and supporting himself. He didn't want to be a mooch, but he had to admit, it was nice being 'mommied' again. He sipped his tea, thinking of Korra. It’d been months, but the memory of her had not faded. Nor did he think they would ever. He’d taken – and been taken by – the Avatar, and though he was older and more experienced than her, she’d taught him quite a few things in and out of the bedroom.

If Korra knew what Tahno was thinking about, she probably would have smiled. It was good to be back in Republic City. She was glad that she had finally started to understand how to access her past lives for help. If the spirit of Avatar Aang could restore her Bending and give her the knowledge to restore other people's Bending, she wondered how truly powerful the Avatar Spirit was. Anyway, she wanted to try to help restore the Bending to the people who lost theirs to Amon. It wasn't right for innocent people to have a part of them taken away. It would be a long time before the city was in balance again, but she wanted to try.

Korra remembered the promise that she told Tahno that if she ever figured out how to restore someone's Bending, she would let him know. "Naga, help me find Tahno," she instructed her polar beardog. Naga led Korra further inland, into an area that looked to be modest and middle-class, with houses lining much of the streets, dotted by an occasional grocer or other shop. A few Cabbage Cars and lower-end Satomobiles were parked on the sides of the road.

Tahno looked up as he heard someone's surprised yelp from a few doors down, and looked over the low wall that surrounded his parent's yard, eyes widening as he saw a familiar creature. "Korra!" he called out, waving. She smiled at him and waved back and led the beast over to him before she climbed off Naga.

"Naga, don't eat those." Korra scolded her dog as she sniffed some of the shrubs. He came through the gate and hugged her in a friendly way. "I'm really glad to see you again, Korra," he said warmly.

"It's good to see you too. I have good news. Would it be alright if I sit with you and talk?"

Tahno blinked. Did she mean… His heart started beating quite fast.

"Of course. Naga can come too, but there is not that much room in the yard, she will need to be careful." he cautioned as he led her within the walls. His mother, seeing he had a guest, brought some tea for Korra, He led her to the other wicker chair, sitting across from her. He looked different now, a little more worn but also with an appealing sense of maturity that replaced his cocky swagger. He was still in his delivery uniform.

“That time in the South Pole was what I needed. I finally connected with my past lives and Avatar Aang's spirit restored my Bending and gave me the knowledge to help restore other people's bending." she smiled. "Lin Bei Fong was the first person I tried this technique on and it worked! She can Barthbend again! You’re the first person that came to mind after I healed her."

He was silent for a moment, processing the fierce churn of emotions within him. He would get his Bending back! Yes! Finally! He tried to not seem too excited, and he took a deep breath, trying to be cool. "That is wonderful news, Korra. I'm really glad you got it back, and good for Lin, too."

"Well, would you like me to give you your Bending back?"

"I think you know the answer to that, don't you?"

She grinned and stood up. "Well, you're going to have to kneel for me," she smirked. "Oh, uh, don't be frightened when my eyes start to glow. I need my past lives to help me when I Energybend."

He nodded and got to his knees, it felt a bit weird since he had been in the same position when he was de-bended. He felt her thumb against his forehead, and her hand on his chest. He took a deep breath as she closed her eyes and summoned the help of her past lives to Energybend.

Somewhere deep within, he wasn't sure if it was his head or chest or elsewhere, but it felt like Korra had opened the block that Amon imposed on him, and he closed his eyes as he felt the tension release itself, like a dam that had been broken. The chi flowed through his body like water racing into dry channels, and he let out a short, shuddering moan, one that was almost of pleasure and relief.

His eyelids fluttered open, and he stared into bright blue eyes. Her thumb slid from his forehead so that she could cup the side of his face with that hand as she gave him a gentle smile. "Come on. Try to Waterbend."

Tahno looked around before he saw the teacups and flicked his wrist, The water in them rippled. He moved his fingers, and the water snaked out. Gods! It felt incredible! He flexed his fingers, causing the water to spin and writhe around them in a ribbon.

The water gently plopped back into the cups before he pulled her in for a bear hug. She buried her face against his shoulder, and they stood like this for several moments.

"It feels incredible to Waterbend again,” he sighed happily, knowing he was stating the obvious but it had to be said nonetheless.

“Oh, I know the feeling.” His body felt strong and warm, and she leaned into it.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” she admitted quietly before she looked back up at him. His hair was combed, hanging at the side of his face, a little longer than before. ”Hey, now that you have your Bending back, you can make your hair look fabulous again." she teased. “Pretty boy.”

"Ahh, I also missed you calling me that."

"And I missed hearing you call me, Uh-vatar."

"Uh-vatar." he said in a playful singsong tone.

"So what have you been up to these past months?" she asked as she took her seat again on the wicker chair.

"Well, I took a job as a deliveryman," he said, motioning to his uniform. "It doesn't pay as well as Pro-Bending, of course, but I've learned a thing or two about having a real job."

“Do you think you’ll return to Pro-Bending?”

He shrugged. "I'm not sure." Moving back in with his parents and taking a regular job was essentially starting a new life. Now that he had his Bending back… he knew one thing was for certain. He could not repeat the things he'd done in the past. Sure, he'd been young and stupid, but he'd still made conscious choices, and some of them had been pretty bad. It'd also been nice not dealing with the pressure of dealing with the public and paparazzi. In a way, coming here had been something of a detoxification process. Just because he had his Bending back didn't mean he needed to let toxic people back into his life.

Not that he hadn’t been a toxic person himself at times…

"I don't know. Maybe I could become a healer like my mother. It's a decent-paying job and I'll be able to help people. I’m not entirely sure I want to return to Pro-Bending," he admitted.

She nodded thoughtfully. “I guess that’s because of…” she trailed off, but both of them knew what she was talking about.

“If I do go back… and that’s a huge if, things are going to be different. I'm a little ashamed of the person I became."

“Just a little?” Korra asked dryly. He regarded her with a sheepish expression.

“I’m older and wiser, Korra.”

“Pfft. You’re not that old.”

"Gee, thanks." he grinned at her as he lightly touched her cheek.

"Hey, I'll still be around Republic City for a while. I got Avatar work to do, so maybe we can hang out more."

"I really would love that. I remember the day we spent at the beach.”

She smiled warmly at that. “Glad to see I’m not the only one who remembers that fondly.” They rose from their seats, and he gently kissed her forehead. She hugged him, and he wrapped his arms around her tightly, resting his chin on her head.

“I’ll see you around, then?” she asked as she pulled back.

"Of course. You know where I live, you can come bother me any time." he teased.

“See you later, pretty boy,” Korra said before she mounted Naga, and Tahno stood at the gate, watching them make their way down the road.

o0o0o0o

Tahno had been seeing Korra regularly, sometimes she came over to his parent's house, other times he took her out for dinner or walks, sometimes he took her out in his Satomobile, other times she would return the favor and take him around on Naga. Since he got his Bending back and wanted to make use of it, he was now shadowing an acquaintance of his mother's as an apprentice healer.

Korra rode on Naga to Tahno's place, wanting to spend the afternoon with him. She'd spent the morning at the Police Headquarters helping to restore the people's Bending. After a few, it was tiring. She knew it would take a while before she could undo all the damage the Amon had done to his victims. It was nice to get away from her Avatar duties and hang out with Tahno.

The man in question was meditating in the yard, and this time there were no shouts of alarm or surprise. So he did not become aware of his friend’s presence until Naga came along the wall that enclosed the yard, their shadow coming across his face and cutting off the sunlight that shone through his eyelids. He opened his eyes and grinned before he rose to his feet.

"What's a pretty little thing like you doing in a place like this?" he asked with a grin before he rubbed Naga under her chin.

"Stopping by to spend time with you. How's your apprenticeship going?”

"Pretty good, actually," he said, talking a bit about his day and what he had learned. "I'm learning so much about Waterbending. It's opened my eyes," he admitted.

"I can imagine. I felt the same way when Master Katara started teaching me about using Waterbending to heal."

"So.,.. what did you want to do tonight?”

"How about we head to the beach? Maybe a moonlit swim?"

"Sounds like fun. Let me change into something more appropriate." And get something else, he thought as he went into the house. He came back out, looking a bit nicer, his hair was also in the waterfall that she knew and was fond of. he grinned up at her and let her help him onto Naga. Holding onto her, loving the feel of her body against his.

"You seem to be in a really good mood today," Korra commented as Naga ambled down the road.

"Oh, I am," he said as he rested his head against her shoulder. The beach greeted them with a pleasant vista, the afternoon sun hanging over the horizon as they slid off Naga and started taking off their boots and socks. He dug his toes into the sand as he listened to the waves crashing against the rocks and sand. Not only that but with his Bending restored, he could feel the water that surrounded him. It was much like a mother's embrace, encompassing and comforting.

The trio ambled down the beach, Naga occasionally darting forward to sniff at something or play in the water. He felt her hand seek out his own, and offered it, feeling her fingers intertwine with his. Pausing in his steps, he turned toward her.

"How do you feel about me?" he asked as he looked down at her. She blushed and blinked, regarding him with a smile.

"I enjoy spending time with you. I've seen you change as a person, and I'd say you're probably my closest friend."

"Really? I'm your friend?" he paused. "Is that all? I mean, I'm just curious, since we've been more than friends…"

She was thoughtful as she stared out at the waves for several moments. "I am fond of you," she finally said.

"What would you say if I said I cared for you? I mean, deeply?"

She turned back to him. “I care about you, too.” She squeezed his hand.

“Am I someone you would consider spending your life with?”

Her eyes widened as she absorbed the implications of what he was saying. Their relationship thus far had been made up of different things. In the beginning, there had been animosity, yes. Then there was the flirting and teasing, the playful challenges and snarking, and then… there had been genuine care and affection. And respect.

And now, they had moved beyond all that, though neither of them gave a name to that new level, at least not yet.

“Well… with you… that's something that is… worth considering," Korra finally said. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a necklace.

"I made this for you," he said gently. "I would be honored if you allowed me to court you."

Korra was speechless as Tahno handed her the necklace. She looked at the image he had carved on it and saw that it was an abstract design of a seashell engraved on a blue stone, she was reminded of the necklace that she had seen Master Katara wear. She was silent for a moment before she stepped forward to hug Tahno and whisper, "Yes."

He nuzzled her and hugged her fiercely, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I’m glad you liked the design. I almost went crazy trying to figure out what to do for the design, I wanted it to have a special meaning for both of us."

The idea had come to him when he recalled that day they spent on the beach. There’d been no sex, yet it had been an incredible day with her, and it was what helped him realize that his attraction for her went beyond a carnal level.

“It fits,” she said as she felt the design under her fingertips. He let her study the pendant before placing the necklace around her shapely neck.

"You look beautiful." he breathed as he touched her cheek. "But then, you always do."

She pulled him in for a kiss, sucking on his lower lip. He stroked her hair, feeling like the happiest man in the world.

o0o0o0o

It had been about a week since Tahno’s proposal. They had decided to take an afternoon off to have a picnic at the beach and enjoy time together. Korra strolled up the street on Naga to Tahno’s house, eyes sparkling as Tahno’s mother greeted her before retreating inside to give the young couple some privacy.

"Well, there's my beautiful, gorgeous, sexy fiancee," Tahno said with a grin as he drew her into his arms.

"Aren't you looking handsome and fabulous today? Ready for a fantastic day at the beach?"

He flipped his waterfall. "Baby, I've been ready for it all week." He wiggled his eyebrows at her, giving her a playful leer. She chuckled at that before he went inside to get the basket he'd packed and a blanket. She secured them to Naga before the two of them climbed on her. It was almost funny to think that he was now riding Naga regularly after their unpleasant first meeting.

“How’s work going?”

"Pretty well. I'm older than most of the other apprentices, but since I was a Pro-Bender, that has helped me advance quickly in some ways." They chatted a bit more about their work before arriving at their beach.

“Well, here we are. At our spot,” he whispered warmly into her ear. She chuckled at that.

“Yes, our spot.” She looked up at him fondly before they slid off Naga, spreading out the blanket and sitting down for their picnic after taking off their shoes so they could curl their toes in the sand. He opened the basket and took out several goodies that he’d helped his mother make, including gyoza, rice balls, and vegetable wraps.

“I also brought along marshmallows we could roast. And chocolate to dip the fruit in. If you’re willing to Firebend, that is,” he said as he brought out a container of fruit and a bag of the puffy confectionery as well as a ceramic container filled with pieces of solid chocolate.

“Ooh! Yes, I can make us a fire in a bit.”

"You already make me hot in my pants." Tahno teased as he took a bite of his gyoza.

"I'd be disappointed if I didn't," she smirked before she munched on her wrap. He took out a rice ball, munching on it as he stared out at the vista. The sky was starting to take on colors at its fringes, indicating that afternoon was turning to evening.

“I’m just about ready for my treat,” Korra said before she lifted the clay pot, applying a judicious amount of Firebending to melt the chocolate. To ensure it was melted through and through, she stuck her pinky finger in it, stirring before lifting the digit to her lips. Her tongue darted out, and she eyed him as she slowly licked her finger. He felt a familiar surge of heat that had nothing to do with Firebending…

"Now I'm imagining drizzling that chocolate along your naked body and licking it off.…"

"Mmm, I bet your cock would taste wonderful with chocolate smeared onto it."

"I do believe it would." he grinned as he dipped a strawberry before eating it. Korra took a strawberry, making a show of licking the strawberry clean of the chocolate before taking a bite.

"Mmmm... perhaps you would like to remind me more of your licking skills later..." he said with a smirk, eating another strawberry.

“Maaaaaaybe…” came her drawl as she dipped another strawberry.

"Since we're teasing one another and talking about sex... why don't we do it here?"

Her eyebrows raised in interest. "Sex on the beach? That's rather bold."

"We're alone, Naga is keeping guard, and we're both skilled Waterbenders, and you're the Avatar. Don't tell me you're afraid of a bit of sex on the beach." he grinned.

"I'm not afraid," she pouted. "This place has a special meaning for us. Sure, I'm up for some hot sex on the beach with my hot fiance," she smirked. "So..., we gonna get naked?"

He pulled off his jacket and shirt before wiggling his way out of his pants, wearing nothing but black undershorts while she did similarly, sitting back down on the blanket in her panties.

“You look good shirtless,” she said as she ogled him, making no secret of it. He grinned and puffed out his chest, flexing his arms and posing for her. Unable to resist this stroking to his ego – other parts of him would get plenty of stroking soon enough – he swayed his hips, doing a bit of a dance for her. The sunlight shone on his pale skin, casting it a rich gold in the waning light. With the waves crashing behind him, it made for a stunning show.

He smirked at her as he slid off his underwear, now dancing naked, completely au naturel on the beach, looking like a god that had just emerged from the sea. Her eyes widened, and she welcomed the hot stab of arousal that passed through her core.

He approached her and crawled onto the blanket towards her with a seductive purr, tugging at her breastwrap with his teeth. She giggled and batted at him lightly a couple of times, but allowed him to divest her of the garment as he growled at her playfully. Her hands reached up to massage her breasts for him, and he closed in to suck the left nipple, nuzzling the warm mound of flesh.

She leaned back on the blanket, letting out a sigh of contentment as she watched him attend to her breasts with his hands and mouth before he moved down to her underwear. Lifting her hips, she watched as he divested her of the last of her clothing, tossing it aside to the side.

"You look good enough to eat," he said with a purr. "Almost as good as a strawberry..." he joked. She rolled her eyes, but she had to admit his teasing could be amusing sometimes… and he let her tease him back. When she felt his hands on her thighs, she whispered his name, pulling her knees apart. He wasted no time in pleasuring her, and she had to muffle her cries. The last thing she needed was someone walking in on them!

She lay there in a haze of pleasure as Tahno sat back on his knees, unsurprisingly erect as he looked down at her. She looked at his turgid flesh for several moments before an idea came to her, and she grabbed the chocolate. Dipping two fingers after reheating the chocolate, she dripped the warm treat along the top side of his cock.

“Fuck, Korra…” he breathed, watching her tongue slather up and down him, licking the chocolate off his stiff flesh, his cock twitching happily under the ministrations. "Does the good girl want a lolly?' he could not help but tease as he sat back. Fuck, it felt so good, and he watched as she savored her treat as he felt her hand massage his balls. She was rewarded with a new treat when he had his orgasm, but she continued licking him, ensuring that all traces of chocolate and semen were gone. Which did a pretty damn good job in ensuring that he remained hard.

She sat back, and he was certain she would ask if she could ride him. His cock ached for it, and he wiggled his hips, making the hard flesh bounce. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Mmm, I'd love to take your sweet, sweet ass again," she smirked at him. He gave out a mild groan of dismay at that.

"You want my ass? Not my cock?" he chided lightly.

"I do want your cock, but you did enjoy that one night when I played with your ass."

"I admit nothing," he said with a mock huff, crossing his arms.

"Your ass is mine, pretty boy!”

"All of you is mine." he shot back, flipping his waterfall.

"Mmmm, I guess it is." She smiled, stroking the stone of her necklace.

"You look hot wearing nothing but that. Well, hotter than usual." he grinned. "Come here, baby." He held out his arms to her. She wiggled close and snuggled against him as he kissed her forehead. Her fingers trailed along his chest.

"So, you gonna let me claim your ass again?" she smirked.

"Why should I?" he mock challenged.

"Because I'm the Avatar and I said so." she teased.

"Oh, don't tell me you're going to be lording that over me through our relationship," he mock grumbled.

"You're just gonna have to deal with it." she grinned. To that, he could only blow a raspberry.

"Mmm, hey, we haven't tried bondage in any of our sex play. If you let me ride your ass, you can restrain me and tease me,” she offered. His lips spread into a lecherous smirk as he imagined the possibilities.

"Now, that's more like it," he said.

"So we have a deal then? See, I can compromise."

"Isn't that what marriage is about?" he replied in his usual smart-ass way. Yes, he stopped being a jerk, but he was not going to stop being Tahno. Korra lightly punched him in the arm before blowing a raspberry.

“Come on now, show me that gorgeous ass of yours,” she commanded as she Bended some water, manipulating it in the shape of a cock and anchoring it to herself via its other end, effectively making a double-ended dildo.

She preceded to attach the water strap-on to herself so that she was sporting her own cock. Looking over his shoulder with a sultry gaze, he assumed the position, rolling over onto his knees and swaying his hips, wiggling his butt at her. She came up behind him, giving his cheeks a firm squeeze and a light spank.

He gasped quietly and nibbled his lower lip, his cock aching. Noting his reaction, she spanked him several times, his skin taking on a pale rose hue as he writhed, wiggling at her. Korra tapped his puckered opening with the tip of her water-cock. She heard him take a deep breath, but he did not pull away. She reached down to rub his back as she pushed her hips forward.

“...Ohhh…" Tahno let out a moaning exhale as she slid in all the way, fingers digging into the blanket as he clenched around the intruder. And then, as he relaxed, there was only enjoyment. He lowered his shoulder, resting his head on his arms as he felt the head of Korra's 'cock' rub against his prostate as she pushed in and out, causing precum to drip from his cock.

“Yes,” Korra said in encouragement and approval before using her Bending to make the water vibrate within both of them. He jerked and gave out a small mewl of surprise before he arched his back in delight.

"Oh, spirits." he moaned, his penis aching even more than it was, straining against the air as it sought some relief for itself, twitching, some precum beaded at the tip. She increased her pace, panting as she worked herself to her climax, the vibrations and thrusting bringing him near his own, but he was unable to go over the edge, however close he hovered near the brink.

Finally, she pulled out, and Tahno looked over his shoulder with a shaky smile on his face. He couldn't believe how fucking hard he was. She discarded the water by Bending it to a distant spot before rubbing his ass. Her hands slid over the smooth curves of his rear end.

“Now, wasn’t that fun?” she cooed, pressing her breasts against his back as she leaned over.

"Yes," he admitted with a smirk. "And I know you enjoy being on top, in more ways than one."

"A deal is a deal though. Now it's your turn to be on top and tease me." she smiled sweetly.

"Then lie down like a good woman,” he said in a mock commanding tone. She rolled onto her back and propped herself on her elbows.

"Spread wide." he purred. As she did so, he summoned water to bind her hands and ankles, turning them to ice, and leaving her spread open. Before he touched her pussy though, he formed an ice-cube and touched it to her right nipple, seeing her gasp.

“Hey, that’s cold!” she whined.

"So it is," he said casually, teasing her with it for a bit before moving to her other nipple. She hissed at him as he continued to tease her nipples. She could very well Waterbend out of her bindings, or melt them if the cold became too much. But she was being a good girl, and remaining where he put her.

"Perhaps I should touch this to your clit..." he whispered.

“Oooooo! No!” Korra said with a horrified gasp.

"Don't worry, I'm not that cruel..." He traced the ice cube around her navel but did not go any further south. She watched him with hooded eyes, wondering what he would do next. He slid the melting ice along her body until it was almost gone before he climbed on top of her, gently tickling her armpits and sides, she was bound and in no position to resist. She let out a giggle at that, squirming against him.

"I love the sound of your laughter," he said as he poked her sides before placing a kiss on her cheek. He'd waited long enough, and his aching flesh was so red at the tip it was almost purple. With a wave of his hand, her binds were loosened, and he climbed on top of her, sliding the tip of his cock along her slit before pressing forward just a bit. She moaned and arched, and he pulled his hips back. He teased her some more, however, playfully nudging her quivering slit with his cock before pulling back a bit, and then poking her again, pulling back when it seemed like he would push in.

"Quit stalling and get inside of me already!" she pouted.

"What's the magic word?" he teased.

She growled at him. "Now." She paused for a bit before saying quietly, "Please."

He kissed her on the lips before burying himself within her in one single thrust. She let out a loud groan as she registered the feeling of his length buried in her throbbing cunt.

"This is what you've been waiting for, Korra?" he asked with a knowing smirk. She nodded eagerly, showing no hesitation.

"Ffff... yes.... that's it, you know what I love..." He continued to thrust slowly so he could enjoy the clenching. She grinned at him before she clenched around him firmly, not wanting to let him go. It was not long before he picked up the pace, and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“You make me feel so good,” Korra purred as she stroked his face with one hand.

"That's my job. But it's a job I enjoy," he replied, leaning down to kiss her. She kissed him back, sucking on his lips and playing with his tongue while his hand traveled down to her clit, now playing with it as he continued thrusting inside of her.

"Keep doing that, I'm so close." she groaned. He nodded and did just as she asked, before giving out a pleased cry as he came. It took several more thrusts from his cock and fingers before Korra achieved her climax, and he moved in a languorous but steady pace, drawing out the pleasure for both of them. When he started to soften, he slid out and plopped down at her side.

Korra sighed in contentment and snuggled up to Tahno, wrapping her arm around his middle. After some time basking in their companionship, he spoke. "All that fucking has gotten me hungry."

"Yeah, I'm a little hungry too. Say, you wanna roast these marshmallows? That would be a great post-sex snack." she grinned.

"Some sugar after the sugar I got from you? Sounds good!" They collected their clothing, insulating themselves against the cooling of the evening. She pulled out some provisions for Naga and a large leather canteen of fresh water, Bending some sand and rock into a temporary bowl so Naga could eat.

The Avatar lit fire to several pieces of suitably dried driftwood while Tahno relaxed on the blanket, watching her.

"Such a hard worker, you'll be a good wife." he teased. She snorted at that and rolled her eyes.

"Being a Firebender has its perks. I can easily keep myself warm and keep a fire going."

"I'll be expecting you to keep me warm, of course, it will be part of your wifely duties."

She gave him a feigned glare, and he grinned. “Hey, if you can lord your Avatarhood over me, then I can lord my manhood over you,” he said before he flipped his waterfall and taking on a lordly expression. Nonetheless, he got up and found several more pieces of wood on the other side of the beach, and between the two of them, they had a steady fire going. He took two sticks and cleaned the tips before placing marshmallows on them.

They both liked theirs with a bit of a crisp on the outside and giggled as they carefully let the outer layer burn a little before pulling the treats away from the fire.

“Mmm, this is so good,” Korra moaned as she locked a bit of melted marshmallow from her finger.

"That's why I brought it along," he said with a grin. "Although you make a tasty snack, too…"

She gave him a playful growl before roasting a fresh marshmallow, and they talked and joked, sometimes feeding the other person their marshmallow. As the fire died down, they laid back, watching the sun go below the water. They knew they should be going soon, but he didn’t want to get up, not when he was high on sugar and sex, with the Avatar loosely spooned up to him.

"And to think none of this would have happened if I hadn't offered you these private lessons…"

"Ffff. I remember you wouldn't leave me alone, no matter how much I taunted you back."

"Admit it, you enjoyed our banter."

"I enjoyed watching you reel back and squeal in fear when I called for Naga to roar at you when we first met." she pointed out.

"Not as loudly as you squealed when I ate you out for the first time." he shot back.

"I hope we have many more relaxing and fun days like today has been in our future together." she yawned. He nodded and wrapped his arm around her shoulders as he licked the last of a marshmallow from his thumb. He looked down at her with a fond smile.

"I love you."

She snuggled contentedly against his shoulder. "I love you too."

o0o0o0o

HaefacielSmilingTitan - Back when The Legend of Korra first aired, I was a Makorra fan. That changed with Tahno’s infamous “private lessons” double entendre. I wasn’t alone in thinking that Tahno and Korra would be a fun and sexy couple. The LoK community certainly delivered producing delightful fanart of Tahnorra. “Lessons” was started a long time ago and I’m so happy that this epic is finally completed and available for fans to enjoy.

StyrawberryCatBeans – So, me and Haefaciel worked out this story way back when Korra was still airing, and recently we got to talking about Avatar and One Piece (which is my current main fandom, lol) Due to various stresses in real life I had not gotten much writing done in the last few years, and the writer's block was terrible. However, late last year, I had an event that shook things up and some of that shakeup was good. I have gotten more writing done in the last few months than I have in the last couple of years, and it's amazing. I finished this story and also posted a story I also co-authored with Haefaciel, called 'Spoken Truth' which is about Ming-Hua and Ghazan. (oh yeah baby)

Even with Korrasami being canon, we both still ship Tahnorra, and we had chatted about how it’d be great if Korra was with Tahno and Asami. Who says she has to choose, Asami’s also smart and sexy and has a gorgeous waterfall in her hairstyle, so when Korra’s tired from sexing Asami and Tahno, she can watch them have gorgeous waterfall smex.

Yeah, we got a little corny and cheesy there, but what's the point of having a friend if you can't share these corny and cheesy moments? So if you enjoyed this story, please come and check out my other works. Have a great day and let's hope 2024 is better than the last few years! Lord knows we need a (looooooong) break from all this fuckery.

#tahno #korra #fanfiction #writing #villain gets the girl #avatar the legend of korra #tahnorra

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pearlywritings · 2 years

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The bitter aftertaste of what could've happened

synopsis: Zhongli does not have any regrets giving up his gnosis. But only because he was right on time to gift the last immortal life of an adeptus. To you.

pairing: Zhongli x reader

tw: kind of hurt/comfort, you two are at some point of an established relationship

word count: 1,3k+ words

author’s note: this drabble is an outcome of a sudden thought i had at night. I assumed that once lost his gnosis Zhongli is no longer capable of things he was while being the Geo Archon and Prime Adeptus. He still can do things like other adepti can, but not ones like creating mora and new adepti. And i am a sucker for an immortal someone being with another immortal, less drama with mortality in my life pls

"...Oh, it seems that some of your friends have arrived."

As patient and reserved as Zhongli is, he wishes for this farce to finally be over.

Signora's voice, laced with an almost friendly lilt, holds power and authority. She almost sounds mocking, but in her thoughts she surely means to be.

Rid of any emotion amber eyes observe the scene in front of him: the Traveler who gets angrier and angrier by the mention of what happened in the land of Barbatos, which is of no interest for the one who looks after Liyue; Signora, who finds great pleasure in reminding the events and, as a result, driving the Traveler up the wall; Paimon, whose face turns from stunned to shocked to curious and then back again; Childe, who tries not to show how hard the defeat hit him both in his failure to destroy his, Morax's land and in disbelief that his own colleague kept him in darkness for so long.

He could've felt pity for the ginger if his heart wasn't filled with pure rage, rage he hasn't felt since the times of the Archon War when every day could be the last one but every new enemy wasn't. Now the land he helped to mould and maintain for almost four thousand years has nearly been destroyed by a stupid Snezhnayan boy. Because to the immortal being he is nothing but a baby who was given a ticking bomb to play in the abode where among all the people resides someone the stoic man holds very dear to his heart.

But Zhongli knows how to keep a stone face - as the Prime Wielder of the Geo powers it is his nature. So he silently listens to the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger complain (as a child he is), until Signora has finally had enough of him. She is a woman of quick and efficient business and that the dark-haired man can respect.

His fingers uncurl, presenting a chess-looking intricate piece. Gnosis, the god's heart. The thing that allowed him to have power that humans can only dream of and pursue in their wildest fantasies, the thing that was nestled in his chest during all his life, through the horrors of the Archon War and beyond, the thing giving up which he is going to be Zhongli forever, not Morax, not Rex Lapis, just Zhongli, the Wangsheng's funeral parlor consultant, a tea and a good story enjoyer, an almost human being if not for the hundreds years more that he can live peacefully.

Years he can live peacefully with you.

As he passes the little, seemingly idle thing to the woman in front of him he can't stop himself from thinking that the timing played in your favor. If it was just a couple of weeks later…

His attention is once again occupied with his surroundings and he forces his mind to clear. It helps to stop thinking about a dreadful possibility that was left in the future that would never happen. He made sure of that.

As he explains his plan, as he praises his people, Qixing and Adepti, as he expresses his satisfaction with how everything has played out, he can't stop the unwelcome feeling clawing at his chest, at the stone of his heart, leaving tiny ugly scratches.

He is glad everything is finally over. With Fatui Harbingers leaving his land finally and the announcement made by Qixing he can excuse himself and part ways with Traveler.

It has been a simple day, nothing much done in comparison to the times of old when he carved mountains with bare hands and rearranged the land as he pleased, as his people needed for comfortable living, yet he is exhausted, the energy sucked out of him completely by a whirlwind of concealed emotions.

Walking the streets he is so familiar with he indulges himself in the memories. Memories of months even years prior to now that he spent among humans still as an Archon. To observe, to make conclusions, to prepare himself to his new future life properly (though there still are aspects he is very bad at, but you two are working on that). That's when he met you.

If an older version of himself, Morax, had been asked, the Geo Archon would've scoffed and said that any kind of companionship not sealed with a contract had nothing of interest to him.

Yet here his newer version - Zhongli is, loving a human so passionately and indefinitely to the point where he is willing to postpone the one possible contract between you - marriage - for as long as you need.

He pleaded with you only one thing. Revealing himself to you completely with every wall taken down, he pleaded with you to give him an answer - would you be willing to spend eternity with him, in any form of the relationship that'll bloom later on. He wasn't going to pursue you further, he was ready to give up those years of his courtship and your reciprocation of his feelings, if you chose to stay mortal and a life where you weren't trapped by immortality, there you wouldn't carry it as a burden.

He knew even years of dating was not an indicator of a future stable, centuries long relationship, but for you he was willing to do everything, to accept any answer. And when you sat him down to talk everything through his heart found it extremely appealing - how thoughtful and enterprising you were.

In the end, with all things discussed you smiled at him and said "if I am to have hundreds upon hundreds of years to live, I will gladly accept it. We can take our relationship step by step, take breaks if needed, go travel separate ways to reunite later. I will be sincere," enveloping his hands in yours, you squeezed them, looking him in the eyes. "I am very fond of you, Zhongli, and I will never betray your trust. If you are willing to wait for my heart to finish its path from fondness to love, I'll be happy to have you and give myself to you in return."

And it was perfectly fine with him. You are an intelligent person and if you say you are sure, then who he is to question you. After all you helped him figure out mortal life, now it was his turn to assist you with immortality. Plus honestly? If you never fall in love with him in the end, he'll be happy to be by your side as a friend.

The only problem is he can't get the dreadful understanding out of his head: was he later with using his power of the Prime Adeptus to turn you into one, giving up gnosis would be a point of no return for both of you, since he lost the power to ascend as well.

As his contract prescribed he couldn't tell a soul about what was going on. So the thought was gnawing at his mind whenever he held you in his arms and pressed his lips in a modest kiss against your forehead.

Now, he hopes, he can tell you and have comforting proof that the adepti markings adorn your body and you are not going to slip through his fingers like sand.

When he comes home you do not take long to walk out of the kitchen to greet him, to welcome his stiff and tired body into your arms. Your lips are pressed to his temple and you sweetly murmur.

"You have finished your duties, dear. Please, rest now."

And like that, with your loving smile, with the soft glint in your eyes that are on him, with your palms rubbing the expanse of his back and words of idle chit chat leaving your mouth, the aftermath of what could've but will never happen tastes less bitter.

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #zhongli x reader #genshin x reader #genshin zhongli #zhongli

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eventinelysplayground · 6 months

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This is an entry for @aquagirl1978 event A Series of Firsts. I haven't finished Shakespeare's route yet so hopefully I got his personality and the vibe down right going off what I have gotten through and the event stories I have. Possible TW it mentions death, no details just that a death has happened. I may also do another entry but not sure about that one yet.

Merry Christmas my Juliet

Snow blanketed the outside of the villa. It was the afternoon of Christmas Eve and Shakespeare sat in his chair by the roaring fireplace with a cup of tea in his hands. As he sipped his tea he looked around the room that was decorated for the holidays and decades worth of memories came flooding in.

Look Will I made a skirt to go around the bottom of the tree! Do you like it? Aye verily much so though it seems mine eyes aren't the only ones that admire it. Huh? Ahhh Puck stop chewing on it. What a bad little rabbit! If you keep that up Santa won't bring you any presents.

Can you grab the stockings for me please. Thy wish is my command…My Juliet there seems to be an extra this year or did you decide Puck has a need of one. No it's not extra and it's not for Puck either. Though they will likely be Pucks size at first, hopefully not as mischievous though.

Ahhh no no no don't pull on that! Will I need help! Mitsuki are you alright? Let me hold the tree,what is going on? Your daughter nearly pulled the tree down on herself grabbing at that bell ornament! We're going to have to take them all off the bottom branches. Aye I think tying it to that beam would be prudent as well, lest a tragedy befall us. What a bad little girl scaring your Father and I like that Elizabeth, if you keep that up Santa won't bring you anything.

Look at that ornament father! I think mother would like it don't you? Hmmm I believe you are correct Edward, shall we buy it for her then?

We made these cookies all by ourselves Father! I helped decorate them. My they appear so….festive. Here have this one Father, aren't they good? My sweet Jane I am at a loss for words truly. Now off to bed with you all the hour is late. Tell me my darling, do we have any strong drink about?

Grandfather! Grandfather! Well well such excited little children today! Now since you've all been very good children I'm sure I have something for each of you. Elizabeth, Jane these are for you. Thank you Grandfather! Now Thomas this for you. Gah gah bllth! Yes yes you are very welcome my boy and for you Edward…Wow a train set, thank you Grandfather! Comte you spoil them too much. Nonsense Ma Cherie it's Christmas after all, also this is for you. Good Comte you seem to outdo yourself every year. I enjoy it Will, this one's for you.

Will I'm glad you waited until after the festivities but you really don't need to sulk. Then tell me what I am to do? My daughter has not only found a lover but it is another resurrected by he who carried out my own. Think of it this way at least since he knows everything already we don't need to hide anything. We'll be able to stay in their lives and when they have children one day... I pray thee stop right there! Oh Will, how about I give you your favorite present now. My mood will not be improved by that. Oh really now?

Wills reverie was interrupted by a cheerful voice calling out to him.

??: Father are you home? We came early to see…

??: Grandpa! Grandpa!

Shakespeare: Hark I doth hear the voices of little angels calling.

Two smiling little girls came bouncing over to Shakespeare and clamored into his lap. Following close behind them was a young woman who slowed her steps as she took in her surroundings. As she surveilled the scene in front of her an expression of shock and then a big smile graced her face.

Shakespeare: My sweet Jane, what is with your expressions today?

Jane: I'm sorry Father just I wasn't expecting it to look so nice in here.

Shakespeare: Do you not have faith in me?

Jane: It’s not that…

??: She’s been convinced you'd be sitting here wallowing in grief and despair and insisted we come early. This is from Le Comte.

Jane: Wolf!

Mozart just shrugged and handed Shakespeare a small wrapped box before walking over to examine the Christmas tree.

Jane: Oh it looks like you're running low on firewood. Wolf why don't you and the girls go and get some from out back. Perhaps you can even make snow angels for Grandpa while you're at it, I'm sure he'd love that.

Shakespeare smiled at his youngest daughter's clumsy attempt to get everyone out of the villa. All Mozart could do was sigh as he called for his children to follow him back outside. Jane fidgeted for awhile before sitting down on the sofa placing her hands in her lap. They sat in silence for a few moments, Shakespeare watching his daughter whose attention seemed captivated by the tree.

Shakespeare: Speak plainly Jane. Your words will not offend me.

Jane: Father…..all right. I was worried about you, we all have been. You've seemed so lost and not like yourself since Mother died and well this is the first holiday since then and…

Shakespeare: Thou hast always been so sweet and empathetic Jane. Too much so I think at times much akin to your mothers spirit, yet it has served you well it seems as it did her.

Shakespeare smiled weakly as he looked at Jane, her face very much like her mother's. He could see the worry in her eyes for him and he turned his attention to the tree to try and lessen the pain.

Shakespeare: Shall I speak truth to you?

Jane nodded silently.

Shakespeare: Twas not my original intent to partake in festivities this year. Indeed this life of mine has lost much of its splendor with your mother's departure from it. Fate would seem to have other ideas though and rest the pen away from me. I happened upon a most peculiar sight the other day.

Jane: What did you see?

Shakespeare: Nothing spectacular just a couple walking beside the Seine one afternoon. The lady was lamenting though about the extravagant gifts she'd just been lavished with and how she could not possibly accept another much to her gentleman's protests otherwise. It plucked at my heart and my memories sinking me further into despair at first. That night my dreams were filled with words and images of my departed love, when I awoke I was momentarily overcome with sadness but then a strange comfort overcame me.

Shakespeare took another sip of his tea before turning back to face his daughter.

Shakespeare: Undoubtedly grief still grips me yet however my dreams although sorrowful also offered me continued hope. I am but a humble poet yet because of your Mother I wrote some of the most wonderful stories. Not just to play out upon a stage but that played out in every moment of this near eternity of mine. Do you think your Mother would go easy on me if I put out such works now as to disappoint my fellow players?

Jane: No I don't think she would.

Shakespeare: Aye henceforth although they may not be worthy of a standing ovation I must continue to pen more works, to carry on our story lest once my time finally does come to an end and we are reunited I will be unable to face her. So I started by deciding to decorate as we had every year.

Jane: Mother always loved everything about Christmas. I'm so glad you're feeling even just a bit better Father.

As the afternoon turned into evening Shakespeare found himself surrounded by all his children and grandchildren basking in their soothing warmth and fond memories of Christmases past. Before he retired for the night he paused once more in front of the Christmas tree. He reached out to a ribbon tied around one of the branches in a bow, another memory of his departed beloved filtering through his mind.

Merry Christmas Will! How did you divine my heart's wish for this merriest of days? Hehe it wasn't too hard you always say you want me and well every present has to have a ribbon.

Shakespeare smiled to himself as tears welled in his eyes.

Shakespeare: Merry Christmas my Juliet.

#ikemen vampire #ikevamp #ikevamp shakespeare #ikemen vampire shakespeare #series of firsts ccc

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