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#had a little fun drawing something that’s not canon to my personal vision for them (bc i don’t have them breaking up ever LMAO)
sapphic--kiwi · 2 months
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gustholomule week day 5: tattoos
based on my friend @disco-girl ‘s fic for today (which was based on a conversation between my friends and i about matt getting a really stupid tattoo)
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galaxytastes · 7 days
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Okay, but consider... Mystic Messenger main 7, except in Genshin's universe. What visions do you think each of them would have? Or who wouldn't have one, if you believe so 🤔
Ohohohoho, thank you for asking me this! My friends and I have talked about this plenty of times and have come up with vision/weapon headcanons for all of them (including Rika and Vanderwood, of course.) If you think otherwise or want to share your headcanons, please let me know. I love talking about Genshin and Mystic Messenger 🤓
Here they are listed in the order of how I first played the routes <3
Jaehee: Geo bow! She'd be very polite and defensive in her combat style; maybe an off-field support? Her signature drink would obviously be a little latte. Maybe her passive has to do with buffing certain albino actors.
Zen: Hydro polearm. This one was tough and I had to talk to my friend about it a little bit, but I think hydro polearm would suit him best. Graceful, allowing him to use his whole body in combat. He'd be a hypercarry DPS and he'd have a tiny sneeze voice line for when you walk near kitties.
Yoosung: Anemo catalyst. I had an idea that he could have a "game controller" as a weapon, using it to control his attacks from a step back. As much as I know he would love to be a huge claymore wielding knight in shining armor, I'm just being realistic.
Jumin: Cryo sword. Jumin can be confrontational at times and maybe a bit rude, but I think he would be a very meta off-field DPS. He'd have a very princely fighting style, sort of like Albedo's auto attacks. You guys are so lucky I can't draw, you don't know how bad I want to see Genshin Jumin now... I had to pause to daydream for a minute.
Saeyoung: Electro polearm. This one I was a little biased on, because electro is my favorite element and I project onto this loser so much, BUT I genuinely think it would fit him. He could make little gadgets to help him fight or maybe a cat robot... It's hard for me to decide if he'd be more defensive or offensive, because I could definitely see both.
V: Anemo bow. V would not want to get up close and personal when it comes to a fight. As my friend perfectly worded it, "anemo would be great because of how much he blows everyone off." He is flighty, sneaky, dare I say cowardly at times (cough, most the time). He would love a bow; something he could use from far away and behind an enemies back. I think he would definitely have some sort of martyr style ability, like a loss in his HP would boost his own attack or something.
Saeran: Dendro catalyst. Similarly to how Childe switches weapons in his skill, Saeran could switch (Ray and Saeran). He could have a catalyst style flowery attack mode, where the dendro "poison" leeches from the enemy, but also he could switch to a polearm! In this mode, its more offensive and thorny. While I completely agree with this headcanon, it is not at all my own! My dear friend Breezy came up with this idea and I loved it so much, it became canon to me.
Rika: Cryo catalyst. Rika, like Saeyoung, could absolutely be both offensive and defensive in combat, but I enjoy the idea of her being a dependable support unit. Maybe with a shield of some kind? She'd have the prettiest move set, really angelic.
Vanderwood: I almost forgot Vandy oh my goodness, forgive me. Pyro claymore! I think he’d have some kind of sexy combat style using smoke and he’d work perfectly with Saeyoung, of course. Overload VanderSeven. Something off-field and “undercover”, but he’d hit really hard. Maybe a burst DPS with support capabilities! He’d have like four voice lines about Saeyoung and they’d get progressively more exhausted yet charmed… Love you Vandy
Again, these are all just my (and my good friend's) opinions and fun headcanons. If you would be interested in full summaries of their kits I have headcanoned, I would love to share in more detail :D Thank you for reading!
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Pretty good answers, you can take a break from answering my questions they aren’t going anywhere lol take as long as you need :)
1: some ppl give the superfamily different “abilities” instead of the typical kryptonian power set to separate them, besides Chris does the rest of the family have different powers? For example I can see Jon having super saiyan red/orange hair that can boost his heat vision or can create a mini sun to heal or boost his family’s power.
2: since Chris likes spider-man, does he ever “web swing” across the city using his dark powers? Plus tie up bad guys using the dark powers too? I can see him tying up bad guys by the feet upside down hanging from a lamp post and spinning them around XD
3: any thoughts of making the duo wear matching outfits with the starburst name/logo on the front?
4: does mar’i do the same stuff as Jake like in previous asks? Does slapstick like the three stooges, aims for the crotch on a 10, uses the Nightwing sticks, etc…
5: let’s say Kon/Tim is sleeping on the couch, what would they do as a prank? Draw on their face, fart on their face, put shaving cream on their hand and tickle their nose with something, belly flop on top of them, etc…
6: not a question but a fanfic idea: overusing the Nightwing entity causes Chris to act similar to Spider-Man while wearing the venom suit creating a meaner & maybe evil Chris; Jake and Chris battle it out in the rain with Chris brutally hurting Jake close to death. Right before he delivers the killing blow, Chris has flashbacks of him and Jake doing fun stuff, Chris at the last second takes back control and holds Jake and cries that he is sorry.
1. Well Conner canonically has what’s called Tactile Telekinesis which allows him to hold a whole variety of objects and items with his mind in mid air, Kara can also probably channel a bio electric aura around her for an extra layer protection against energy or even magic attacks even though it can mess around with her heat vision abilities and finally to say Mon El, he had the ability to detect points on either a humanoid body or on select architecture that he can use to either strike or climb up (akin to Karnak from the Inhumans). The sole one whose powers are somewhat either enhanced or a near copy of Clark’s power set is Jon.
2. More likely it’s Jake who uses his grappling hooks akin to swing Spidey style as his ability of flight isn’t as pronounced as his sister’s. Any flight he achieves has to have a running and dropping start to them; basically any short flight he gets being a sort of natural wing suit on him. Now as for Chris webbing up crooks of all sorts via the shadows on their legs, I can probably see that in addition to a sticky note left for the cops to pick up says crooks that reads “Bad Guy(s)” just like how his teacher Dick does it
3. While a certain possibility for very rare occasions like say an actual multiverse Crisus event, they wear enough blue on their individual outfits already and yet those respective splashes of burnt orange and yellow keep them distinct. So, matching outfits is possible but not entirely probable and necessary.
4. A little bit but she has her own tiny touches and takes things that distinguish her from her brother. Mainly shed lean more on sitcom snark and ‘high brow’ comedy akin to what Grandpa Alfred showed her (Probably shows including “Blackadder” and “Are You Being Served?”) as opposed to slapstick. For her combat prowess, less likely to go from hits below the belt but a tad bit more vicious in taking down villains and she primarily uses her starbolts and enhanced strength along with Tamaranean fighting styles her Mother taught her and back
5. Jake’s go to mischief technique in these cases is a trick her sister and him have learn from their Father since the latter was all too fond of doing it during his days at the circus; take a small marker and doodle of silly and funny drawings on any part of the sleeping person that’s sticks out of the blankets. Chris quickly picked up on it ever since he was about 8 and anytime either of them happened to be awake first thing in the morning can their respective Uncle for Jake and Big Brother for Chris are dead asleep, they’ll wake up later to find some ink on them. And it’s not just the faces either….let’s just say if they to wear socks that night, there’s a 50/50 chance that those socks would be off them and sure enough there’s some doodles there as well.
6. It’s certainly a tempting enough story arc I can see happening with a minor tweak or two. Mainly, it’s the Flamebird entity being tapped into by Thara Ak Var that tends on being the berserker of the two ancient deities due to its more appropriately firery nature as opposed to the more cold and dark Nightwing. That said, I see Chris losing control of his powers and temperament being a consequence of all of the Nightwing entity’s bearers since mere mortals, even Kryptonians, aren’t immune to the entity’s presence affecting their minds with continuous overuse overtime. So with that, Chris after the battle makes a vow to no longer solely rely on the Nightwing entity for emergencies during superhero fights. The entity itself understands this and even encourages Chris to find other ways to save the day of possible.
Thanks for your patience, friend. It’s appreciated @gothicghost2000
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therivershaverunred · 11 months
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Hello! You may remember me from AO3~
I want to ask you a few questions while giving you a few ideas~
The question is how are you able to make a Dark!Dick~? I might struggle to write him like that because I always envision him as the fun big brother~
The ideas I want to share with you~ While I already did that in the latest chapter of your NSFW art, I want to expand a little more~ Raven would be wearing a maid costume when serving the Batboys, having Dick as Slade's apprentice to capture Raven, having Raven in the mercy of libertine Batboys in a historical France (without the more messed up parts), or dark!Domestic DickRae, maybe with a crib nearby~
I hope you like these ideas~
This is the supply my inspiration needs right now, thank you! Let me just hand them over to my muse who is going to fuse them with more twisted energy and reconstruct them into more desirable form >:))
The question actually had me taken aback lol, I'm never the best author to begin with and I constantly struggle to churn out non-awkward sentences, so being asked for writing advice is new to me :)))
I reckon that you're placing Dick on too high of a pedestal, thus writing him being part of a vile, diabolical scheme (even when he only had one foot in it and doesn't actually play any imperative role) seems like a dishonorable thing to do. The only feasible tactic when it comes to molding a dubious character is to change your perceptive of them, they are human, they are breakable, they are susceptible to the effects of the drastic shift in their environments. You have problem visioning him as anything but the perfect ball of sunshine who help people get back on their feet like a good brother, and that's interfering with you being able to stain that image of him.
Dick has demons flying in his head and a scarred heart full of troubles (this is already established in the comic, it's canon so don't worry about making him OOC). Exploit this, use it as a setup for your plotline, have him listening to the voices in his mind in lieu of tuning them out, and the important thing is, let him sink. Don't bother yourself with trivial concerns like 'Is this becoming of him' or 'Nah this is way to beneath our golden boi', he has to descend into madness, that's the whole point of choosing the negative arc over the positive one and build a dark character.
And don't mistake dark with being cold, standoffish, desolate or having an angsty vocabulary and always whine about their misery, because, I'll be frank, that's how you write an epic edge lord, not a crime lord. That dark part isn't their core personality or their entire nature, it's only the result of having something inside them snapped and leaving behind a hollow space, followed by a warp of their psyche. Nothing else, though. In other words, their morals are looser and they are more willing to solve matters in a more extreme methods than most idealistic characters, but they aren't necessarily evil. They can be kind and caring without having to pretend, they can give motivational advice and hold you as you cry in your darkest moment, they can spare beggars some changes on a good day. But if they are crossed, all Hell broke loose, and they simply go Hannibal on the idiot dumb enough to do that.
I personally enjoy the concept of sweet, lovable devils. They cannot even be considered morally grey with the shit they have done, but when they are not bathed in blood, they are gentle and supportive and draw people towards them with their calm, reasonable personality. They are not masking, that's simply who they are.
They're trickier to pull off than the typical raging idiot who never stop wanting people to know how life was hard on them and they have no other choice, of course, since their actions always seem to be in conflict with their nature, and one wrong decision can ruin them for good. But I think they are interesting characters to construct as long as you know how to handle their story and psychology.
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foundationhq · 3 months
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Hey admins~ while I like you guys give a lot of freedom I'm a bit stuck with all the choices 😂 I'm indecisive what can I say lol. Any way you guys can give us hints on your vision for the opens? I'm struggling 😭
hello, thank you for your inquiry! i understand where you are coming from, since we have more of a sandbox approach to character creation. i imagine that there would be doubts if a character would fit the verse, especially if you're hesitating on a muse you've put your heart into. :< rejections are never fun and i will stress that during our review process, what we mainly look for is team composition, not what a muse "should be" about.
i avoid prescribing roles because i've ran a "skeleton" rp before (truth be told, it was more of a "bio" rp with detailed backstories) and it was really successful! however, in the end, i felt disappointed in myself because while i was able to see my vision come to life, i did not feel i had done enough to elevate the creativity of my players. i always want to improve not only as a writer, but an admin too in facilitating a supportive writing community.
however, i see lately that people want a little more guidance! so i hope no one minds if i draw the curtains on how we came up with these skeletons below. please feel free to use these as a guideline, but if you have another idea for your muse, go with what calls out to you! i sincerely hope this motivates the writing process for those working away on their apps.
every skeleton is, in a way, tied to an exploration of ethics and morality. each raises a question on how can one enact the concept of justice, when all the parameters for justice and fairness is wholly a social pact with an idea of "good."
[𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺]; what happens to the victims of the choices the foundation makes to keep the peace? is it right for them not to know what happened? how does the foundation know they're not leaving ghosts of people by forcing them to forget?
[𝐻𝐼𝐺𝐻 𝐹𝐼𝐷𝐸𝐿𝐼𝑇𝑌]; science is rife with historical and current-day ethical conflicts, all for "the betterment of society." what research goal are they pursuing that they feel justifies the experiment? how far will someone go to "advance" science? what personal reasons come into the mix?
[𝐾𝐼𝑁𝐺'𝑆 𝐺𝐴𝑀𝐵𝐼𝑇]; how far is too far when pursuing revenge, even if it would be justified? who should atone, and in what way? how does one measure vindication? at what point does the pursuit of justice become tainted by wrath?
[№2 𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐶𝐼𝐿]; in the act of wanting forgiveness, the desire of exoneration usually does not come from the victim. what are the pressures on the innocent for providing "absolution" to the guilty? what are the consequences of turning the other cheek? how can those who were hurt heal during the process of forgiveness?
[𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐹𝐸𝐶𝑇 𝑆𝑇𝑅𝐴𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅]; how do those in a lower standing of "power" deal with the inequality they often face in their lives? what causes apathy in those affected the most by these unjust circumstances? is there anyone who is allowed to "look away" to keep going?
[𝑅𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑅𝑆𝐸 𝐸𝑁𝐺𝐼𝑁𝐸𝐸𝑅]; how does a moral exemplar deal with a huge mistake? can a single misstep overturn all the goodwill they've created? additionally, what ethical issues arise in the field of academia? whose efforts are recognized, whose work go on uncredited? what biases do those in power have when creating a "canon" of academic work?
[𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸 𝐻𝑈𝐺𝐺𝐸𝑅]; what code of ethics do we as humans abide by? is that line of justice skewed by our anthropomorphic lens? what are things that exist in nature that conflict the interests of people? can one advocate for something that may harm people if it protects "the other"?
[𝑉𝐸𝐿𝑉𝐸𝑇 𝐺𝐿𝑂𝑉𝐸]; when negotiating opposing sides, what constitutes a "right" compromise? who are the people making these promises, and how do they represent the people they're making deals on behalf of? additionally, is it right to judge someone's social climb when they came from nothing? is it morally wrong to want to serve one's self-interests if those actions also help others?
[𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 𝑈𝑁𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸]; where does liberty and freedom coincide and clash with the ideas of justice and equality? how does one navigate what to restrict and what to allow? who makes those choices for everyone? how does the dissemination and suppression of information influence public perception?
in conclusion, thank you for your feedback and i hope posting about our process when creating these skeletons helped you in your choice! i strongly suggest reaching out in dms with what you're envisioning so that we can assist you with resources or musing for your app! :>
> 𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚛 🅟
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ariespellz · 2 years
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hello, good day !!! i wanted to request a monogamous and romantic matchup ^_^ i'm transmasc he/him and my sexuality leans towards men mostly. i'd like canon universe! i imagine myself having an anemo vision and polearm user from mondstadt, so i prefer someone from mond (it's my comfort region </3). my main love language is physical touch both giving and receiving, and sometimes quality time (giving). i like showing people my interests and hobbies, like showing them a movie or book, talking about certain topic in detail, etc. my favorite trope is definitely friends to lovers; i need to have a strong and intimate connection with a person to be sure i want them in my life, i love the inside jokes and knowing every detail about each other, taking care of e/o and the casual displays of affection.
personality: i'm pretty extroverted, very very passionate about my hobbies and likes and generally very funny. i'm a friendly person with everyone and i love having new fun experiences. i wear my heart on my sleeve almost all the time and i can have a lot of energy with the right people. i have a habit of analyzing/observing everything and everyone around me to the point where i notice many things that other people don't. i value loyalty above everything else, and im very protective and affectionate with my close friends and family. i have a strong moral compass but often worry about what other people might think about me for it; still i wish to inspire and encourage other people to be the best version of themselves : ]
hobbies: i love love drawing digitally and traditionally, especially making new characters and fanart. i like fiction and science-y stuff in movies, books, tv shows, anime, etc. i'm also a beginner at piano but i enjoy it a lot! i love music that makes me feel a lot of emotions and artists that are very passionate on their songs.
for some extra details i'm an enfp 7w6. my sun sign is leo, pisces moon, aries rising, gemini venus.
i hope that's good enough !! your works are SO so beautiful and sweet and they make my brain go soft and smooth no thoughts <3
hi hi!! thanks for requesting (and for the compliment :')) it made me smile so hard hehe)
after careful consideration, you've been paired up with...
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... BENNETT !
my little mew mews. you're so cute I SWEAR.
your high spirits always make his day better, and he's always so nice and kind and he gets shy when you hug him and UGHH<3
you're the reason the cavalry captain and sister rosaria believe in true love. when they train you two and see you interact??? they have to repress a GENUINE smile. that's your power on people.
his dads love you. you are their new kid now.
even the people who usually avoid bennett like to watch you two interact.
you just,, ignore his bad luck!! and when asked about it, you're always honest.
"even grocery shopping is an adventure with him!"
and yeah that's true.
he's a bit dorky but we love him that way hehe.
his preferred love languages to receive are quality time, words of affirmation, and physical touch.
to give i guess the five of them? maybe a preference for quality time. but because he knows you like physical touch, he does his best<3 (he's a bit awkward about it, because he's scared something will happen ಥ‿ಥ)
he's inexperienced, and sometimes pure chaos, but still 100% worth it
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FIRST STEPS: meeting.
there wasn't an "official meeting" per se. you both knew each other, either from getting a glimpse of the other in the city, or from the people's stories.
"the unlucky guy" you thought when someone mentioned him.
"the cool adventurer" is what his mind went.
out of curiosity (or boredom. maybe both), you found yourself asking katherine about him. she mentioned his adventure team, and how it needed members, an you pondered about it.
"i'll talk to him. and if he's nice, i'll join."
the first conversation went pretty smoothly. both of your extroverted personalities made it not-so-awkward.
you had approached him after he killed a few hydro slimes near windrise.
"hello! you're bennett, right?"
"oh, hi!" he looked bashful. "and you... uh... (y/n)?"
"that's right! it's nice to finally meet you"
he was easy to get along with.
yeah, a thunderstorm shook you both out of nowhere, and some abyss mages teleported right next to you when you found shelter...
but that was all part of the experience!
the uncertainty, the thrill, and a companion who is just as adventurous as you...
yeah, that sounds perfect.
"why didn't i talk to him sooner?" you both think.
and so, benny's adventure team now had two members.
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FRIENDSHIP: spending time with one another.
adventures with bennett were never dull. something was bound to happen.
and maybe it was thanks to those experiences that you two soon became inseparable.
he (somehow) got the cavalry captain to train him with the sword, and wanting to do the same, you chased sister rosaria around until she accepted to do the same with your polearm.
(totally not because she likes your chirpy nature)
she wasn't very talkative, or especially nice, or even sober most of the time, but she was more patient than you expected.
oh, and when the two cryo users got together? bennett and you had a blast.
domains with him were awesome, even if the artifacts were mediocre at best.
you two could communicate with glances, reading one another like an open book.
so it wasn't had for you to tell when he was upset.
he had been unusually quiet today. you two had met up in 'cecilia garden', intending to farm for materials. he was there physically, but very... out of it.
"ah, don't worry!" he chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "i'm just a bit tired today." you didn't want to doubt him, but he was a bad liar.
it didn't take him long to tell you what happened
apparently some guy in the guild snapped at him
as much as that angered you a bit, you knew comforting your dear friend was more important
"he can say whatever he wants. i love spending time with you! you're great!" you ruffle his hair a bit and he giggles. "the domain can wait. let's go back to my place and play board games. we can invite fischl and razor!"
ah... good times, good times.
he loves your artstyle! he doesn't know a lot about drawing, but he can assume how hard it must be
so he's like, your n°1 fan
SERIOUSLY.
he'll praise every single line you draw on a paper more than the Mona Lisa, and he means everything wholeheartedly.
"sorry, bennett! i have to go home early today." you were stretching after an afternoon of training.
"it's fine! i'll see you tomorrow?"
"yeah!"
kaeya smirks as rosaria starts to drag him to the tavern
knowing damn well what he's doing, he turns to bennett right before he leaves and says something like "you two are a cute couple."
bennett did not sleep that night.
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ADVANCES: feelings and confession.
let's be honest here:
you don't have to be a genius to tell wether or not bennett has a crush on you, even if he says nothing about it.
he becomes twice as clumsy AND his luck is even worse than usual
and that says A LOT
kaeya feels a bit bad about what he caused (maybe he should've let the guy live in ignorance?)
rosaria finds it both amusing and cheesy (and a bit adorable, if she's being honest)
fischl tries to help, but her weird wording makes it had to figure things out (oz has officially given up on the topic, and there is no way you're translating that)
razor thinks nothing of it, which (ironically) makes him the most helpful one (he offers his honest opinion and advice. something in the simplicity in them makes it reliable).
"but, let's reflect." the cavalry captain interjects, giving you room to talk. you had come to his office some minutes ago, and by now, you had completely forgotten the reason.
after months of hanging out, of inside jokes, of laughs and silences...
...did you truly see him as a 'best friend'?
it was so casual for you to think about how nice would peppering kisses across his face be
or the burning desire to walk side by side with your hands intertwined
and--
oh no.
"oh yes." kaeya says.
so you get up immediatelly, shutting your mouth after those blabbers came out.
he's smug about it, too.
he didn't need alcohol to get you to talk!
you stammer, nervous for once. his smile has reached his eyes at this point. he makes a gesture with his hand, dismissing you.
"go get him, tiger!" he exclaimed with a (weirdly enough) soft expression. you thank him with a shout.
using your vision to help you glide, it doesn't take you too long to spot the one you were looking for.
"bennett!" you call out, breathless. he stops in his tracks and fischl, who was next to him, looks at you full of confusion. "we need to-, i-, uh..." you send fischl a look and she realizes your intentions. she smirks, excusing herself briefly before leaving.
at that, bennett got a bit anxious; twiddling with his thumbs and kicking the ground beneath him lightly.
"so, we've been good friends for some time now, and i think i might have a crush on you?" you clear your throat as his eyes widened. "and you don't have to say anything if you don't want to, but i'd like to take you out sometime. like, a date?"
great day for the both of you.
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DATING LIFE: how your days as a couple are.
he is the sweetest man out there.
it's not that different to how your friendship was, but now you get to kiss and cuddle him
so i'd say it's better
as stated before, he gets really shy with physical touch, even if he likes it a lot. you'll have to ask him to return it at first
also, you won't have a single normal date (poor guy :'))
he's super supportive and always encourages you! he manages to convince barbara to help you with the piano lessons (if you hadn't been able to do so before) and sometimes you go to concerts together
by the way, kaeya feels like a proud dad (kinda. we all know how strange the guy can be /hj). rosaria would rather die than to admit it, but she's very happy for you two.
fischl congratulated you two in the most poetic way you've ever seen. hand gestures included. oz was more humble about it, but still gave his best wishes
honestly? the people of mondstadt already treat you like you were married
it gets weird sometimes but they have no bad intentions
OH AND HIS DADS
OH BOY
they'll tell you either every single story about bennett being unlucky or how he talks about you in embarrassing, excruciating detail (embarrassing for him lmao. you have the time of your life).
your lucks balance out every once in a while and you have a nice afternoon outside without any surprise attacks
overall, you inspire him a lot. you have a good-hearted nature that makes him feel safe around you
he's a great bf, super caring and loyal :(<3
you two are so sweet. i want to adopt you (so does the entire city) /hj.
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giransbunnywife · 2 years
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Old Times Sake
Summary: She was just a pretty young waitress when they met, though the chemistry was palpable. She would not only become the only thing that Giran could think about, but she would also be the beginning of his undoing. Reminding him of just what he enjoyed most about his job.
Warning(s): self insert x canon, lemon spice, heavily suggestive, borderline smut
Disclaimer: This fic includes my self insert oc shipped with a canon character. There is also a slight mention of an oc as well.
There had been plenty of beautiful people in his lifetime that had roused his curiosity. Though, none of them were quite like her. This particular woman held an interest that he hadn’t felt in a very long time. She had come at a time where the old bastard had slowed down that part of his life, focusing mainly on his business, among other things. All it took was one flash of her beautiful smile, and the man was falling back into old habits.
When they had first met, she was only a waitress at a club that he had been taking a few clients to. The area hadn’t exactly been unfamiliar to him, but clubs weren’t too good for his type of business nowadays. Many years ago he might have found himself in this kind of scene, and it felt a little like old times. Even more so considering that particular night, he’d invited an old friend to join them as a part of a connection that he was hoping to make. He knew that neither of them would be able to resist such an opportunity, and he’s always looking for a way to make a little extra for the recommendation.
Their original waitress had barely even caught a glance while they ordered drink after drink, discussing business and having brief friendly conversation. Everything was very professional, as it always is with the two of them at this point in their lives. Giran and Jiro had been working long enough to know what works for them and what doesn’t, and they know exactly when to get down to business. Neither of them like to beat around the bush, though they always know when a client will need a bit more persuading than others.
This one in particular that they met with that night had a bit of a tendency to draw things out. They liked to have a bit of fun with their business, which meant that the two of them had to compensate with heavy drinking and indulging in conversation. Making the client feel like they were special, but not in a way that was too on the nose. Something that Jiro was the best at.
A fact that his friend knew very well, considering that he was the first person he asked to join him that evening.
Giran had lost track of time during that meeting, losing count on how many drinks they had ordered due to the client’s incessant talking. He knew that he was much of a talker himself, of course, but that hadn’t meant he couldn’t see it in someone else. He’d already entered the meeting knowing just how much time he’d have to spend chatting, but the individual was already starting to test his patience.
But lucky for the client, their waitress had begun a shift change halfway through the meeting. The new relief had just trotted by their booth, introducing herself and explaining the switch to her new customers. From the moment that she stepped into his field of vision, it felt even more like being back in the fucking saddle. That old feeling, coupled with the friendly business partnership, and a beautiful woman who he absolutely needed to have for himself. Things just felt like they were falling right back into place.
And he was feeling all too good about himself that night not to indulge.
He still remembered what she wore that first night, with a little revealing outfit similar to her coworkers to fit the vibe of the club atmosphere. A sparkling bralette that fit snugly against her frame, and tight jean shorts that hung high on her hips and squeezed her thighs. She was as beautiful as she was charming, giving a smile that could rival the sun. None the wiser to how that beauty of hers was affecting the man right in front of her.
Giran took a sip of the remainder of his whiskey, eyeing her up and down as she gave them their refills. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her, something that his friend beside him noticed immediately. The bastard had completely stopped talking, ignoring the client’s grueling voice in favor of this new hottie right before his eyes. A woman that he would argue would be the most beautiful that he’s ever laid eyes on.
“I’m Violet,” She said with a flip of her purple hair that curled around her face, “I’ll be taking over for the night. If you guys need anything, just give me a shout.”
Placing her hand on her hip, she waited for a clear indication that they had heard her and didn’t need anything at the current moment. It had been a busy night for her, and she didn’t have much time to stand waiting for too long. But she always wanted to make sure that she took enough time for all of her customers.
Her eyes flicked across the three of them, only getting a small response from Jiro given that the other two were preoccupied.
“You’re good, Miss.“
“Thanks,” She said while tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
Her eyes flicked over towards the man who had been staring at her rather intently, barely making it a point to even hide it from her.
Once their eyes met, Giran had absolutely no shame in letting her catch him in the act. In fact, the smirk that started to grow on his face only further proved that fact. He gave a small nod towards her, taking a small sip of the fresh whiskey she had brought. Even then he barely even glanced away from her, which only made her cheeks burn brighter.
She cleared her throat, mumbling a quick word before turning on her heels to continue her work.
As she walked away, he got a good view of her ass and the way that it looked in her tight shorts. He didn’t think that she could get more beautiful, and yet she was beating out all of his expectations. If he wasn’t already sold on her yet, this would have sealed the deal for him. This woman was someone that he had to know. In more ways than one, if the opportunity presents itself.
And it sure as hell did, one way or another.
That night during the meeting Violet came around to check on them a few more times, still passing glances with Giran and trying to ignore the burning in her face. They barely spoke a word and yet she couldn’t stop glancing over at him, knowing that he was always going to be looking right back at her. And every single time he’d be giving her that same smirk, looking through her very fucking soul.
Against her better judgment, she grew rather curious about the man and his intentions. They clearly had something growing from just a glance, even though he wasn���t the typical type that she would attract. That fact made the situation all the more tempting for her, and throughout the night she found herself focusing intensely on the way that he was looking at her.
It wasn’t until later on through the night, after the client had left and business was over, that Giran called her over for the check. He and Jiro decided to have one last drink each for old time sake. They suggested that she surprise them with something that she thought they might like, which ended up being the bartender’s choice. And once she brought them over, Giran was insisting that she stay for just a minute to chat with them.
“I’m sorry… I’ve got work to do and customers—“
She nervously played with the ends of her hair, not knowing just how cute she looked to him.
The more that she stood there, the more delicious that she was to him. With every passing second he could just imagine what he would do if he had a night with her. The things that he would show her and offer to her. Anything to keep that beautiful smile on her face. After all, there could be more in store for him after, if he were lucky enough.
Giran watched her heavily with his smirk growing, though it was turning into more of a grin by the minute.
“Don’t worry about it, Sweetheart. Gotta make your money any way you can.”
She practically snorted, keeping her personal comments to herself. It had been no question that this man was well off, given how many drinks he’d covered on his own tab, making sure that everyone knew money wasn’t an issue. A comment like that coming from him just felt a little… humorous.
Before she walked away for the night, he stopped her for one last question while pulling out a cigarette from his coat pocket. He let his eyes trail down her frame for another long moment, almost solidifying his choices and hoping to god that she agreed. He was going to think about that body of hers for a long time after she’s gone, otherwise.
“What time do ya get off, beautiful?” He asked.
Her cheeks burned, stuttering a bit in her reply.
“In another couple of hours…”
“Sure you’re gonna be hungry by then. I’d love to take ya out somewhere… if that’s something you’d be interested in.”
Violet swallowed, barely registering the man’s words and knowing that her face was about to burst. It was an adorable sight to behold by both men, but especially him. The bastard definitely didn’t need that confidence boost, but it was already too late. She let it slip that his words affected her, and that was the moment that she knew she was fucked. Not only that, but Giran knew that she was going to be fun as hell to play with. He just had a feeling.
The night had gone off to a great start, and it was only going to get better from there.
She had agreed to go out with him that night, though it was completely in a daze. Most of her decisions that night were far off from ones that she would normally make. Something came over her that night when he looked at her, and the rest had become history. She couldn’t exactly pinpoint it then, but something had stirred in her that she had never felt before. And she had chased the feeling then, and she continued to chase it from then on.
The two of them would continue on to have dinner together, where they would hit it off nicely. Giran would show off his wealth in more ways, buying her anything that her heart desires off the menu at the fanciest restaurant he could find at such short notice. The same place that had been his friend’s whom he had just been having drinks with. The old bastard had owed him one after some time now, and Jiro wasn’t about to argue with him on a night like tonight. Besides, he liked having a front row seat to his friend’s antics.
They shared drinks and conversation, with him using every excuse in the book to swoon her. Smooth words spilled past his lips one after the other, wanting to keep her blushing and giggling as much as possible. Once he had gotten her loosened up a bit, she was starting to become just the fun that he had expected her to be. Even a little bit more so, which was only brought out after she had some drinks.
He learned about how long she’d been waitressing, wanting to get herself through her online classes in the hopes of broadening her horizons career wise. The man had a way of making people feel comfortable around him, a trait that he learned through years of experience. Not to mention it was always a part of his personality, which had always been a bonus with making contacts. Especially for more of the pleasure kind.
Violet was eating it up that night, finding all these qualities in him quite attractive. From the jump she found him extremely attractive, though outside of the realm of her usual type. There was a spark that she couldn’t quite pinpoint, a feeling that doesn’t normally come around for her all the time. This kind of thing was outside of her wheelhouse, but she wasn’t exactly hating the feeling. She’d been in the presence of a man that knew exactly what he was doing, and that fact excited her more than she’d like to admit.
She opened up to him about things that she wouldn’t have expected to on the first night, though a part of it could have been the alcohol in her system. The two of them seemed to click, and they talked about everything that night.
The rest of the restaurant was already gone when they started to get closer, barely even noticing the lights that had dimmed and the cleaning crew that began to circle around them. Violet was hanging off of him with red stained cheeks and heavy bedroom eyes, barely able to keep her hands to herself. He’d be lying if he said that he didn’t enjoy it more than he had intended, wanting to ravage her in that very spot.
One thing led to another, and the two of them were entangled in the back of a cab with her grinding in his lap. They barely made it in the door of the hotel room before tearing each other’s clothes off. And it would stay like that for hours, with her voice bouncing off the walls and disturbing the neighbors. Not that either one of them would care.
She was all that he wanted and more, leaving an imprint on him that night. There wouldn’t be a moment of peace for him anymore after knowing of her existence. That time together was all it took to leave him wanting—needing more. She would continue to plague his mind for days to come, until they could see each other again.
Giran would make damn sure that he would see her as many times as she would allow.
Which would lead to the two of them continuing on to see each other rather frequently, setting up a schedule for more nights just like that one. Sometimes he would show up to the club and wait for her shift to end, other times he would insist on meeting up at the hotel after a long day of business. But every day it always ends the same, with her back on the hotel mattress and his name rattling against the walls.
Violet had no idea that it would end up like this, but she would never complain. Not when the sex was as good as it was, and Giran had excited her as much as he did. The man had a way of making her feel like a Princess every time they were together, always making sure to take her out before they fucked. The lead up was always her favorite part, and she could always tell that he enjoyed it just as much. Getting to wine and dine her, building her up for the main event when he made her cum more times than she could ever count.
They had an arrangement that suited both of their needs, and she couldn’t see how it could get any better. Not only did she get amazing sex, but she could also experience things that she normally wouldn’t have on her own. Sometimes Giran would even send her home with gifts, though she still had a hard time accepting them when he did.
Their routine had become something that she looked forward to and almost missed while he was gone. Sometimes she wouldn’t hear from him for weeks until he came calling to set up a dinner with her, while other days he’d insist that she stay a weekend with him. It was never the same thing twice, which she understood after some time. They never got into the heavy details, but she knew that he was in some kind of shady business.
It didn’t take a genius to know that he was up to something after seeing the people that he works with, nor does Giran himself look like a normal guy. That’s what excited her most about him, after all. It turned her on not knowing exactly what she was getting into with him. Even though part of that scared her, that was part of the fun.
It’s been months since that first night, and they were still as consistent as ever. No one knew about their arrangement other than those that had been present since the beginning, and they both liked to keep it that way. They still had the same routine as always, meeting up at a specific hotel every time. Giran had become a regular at this point, which is why he always went to a place that he trusted. No one asked any question, knowing full well that he was good for the money and that it would be in their best interest to avoid poking further. They wouldn’t want to lose such business, after all.
The man had been a little busier with business lately, and hadn’t gotten a chance to see his favorite girl. He’s left her a few messages here and there to check on her, but as far as their usual fun, there hadn’t been much to tell. These kinds of days always end up with him calling her at random when he has an opening on his schedule, though the truth of the matter is always different than he lets on. At least, here lately, most of those openings are always his intention. There’s never happy accidents much anymore, because that’s how much she’s on his mind.
He hadn’t known a woman to affect him like this in quite some time, though the more that they spent time together, the more different that it seemed.
But he was getting a little ahead of himself.
This particular time, even though he was swamped with meetings and business arrangements, he still couldn’t take his mind off of her. Every little moment to himself was filled with memories of her in every position imaginable. All of the ways that he’s made her scream and whine with pleasure, shuddering until her whole body practically convulsed. He could see the image of her naked form underneath him or above him, rattling around in his brain for hours. She became the biggest distraction in the world to him, and she had absolutely no idea.
Occasionally he would ask her for a photo or video once she became comfortable, but it always ended up not being enough. He would always miss the touch of her skin and the smell of her perfume. He’d never imagine that a cute little waitress that he met by accident could drive him as crazy as she did. But now that he had her, he didn’t want to waste a second in making sure that he enjoyed her as much as he could.
Violet got a phone call from him during her shift, insisting that she come out with him again. She liked hearing his voice, speaking to her in a tone that made her thighs squeeze together. Just that small conversation with him alone was enough to make her breath jagged and heart rate quicken. She knew that she had missed him, but she had no idea that her body would react this way with just a phone call. So when he suggested that they go out to dinner that night, she was incredibly quick to agree.
She couldn’t see the grin that formed on the man’s face, enjoying the sound of her being rather eager to see him. That told him all that he needed to know about what type of mood that she was going to be in that night. He knew that she was going to be up for it considering how long it’s been since the last time, but he had no idea just how excited that she was. Though, hers could be completely matched with his own, even if it didn’t seem like that on the surface.
Once again they met up at the restaurant, something different than their usual routine to treat her, knowing exactly what she liked after all this time spent together. He brought her to a place with a menu that he knew had multiple of her favorites available, and he made sure that the wine he ordered was perfect. And if it wasn’t up to her standards, he would make damn sure that they accommodated her.
There would be nothing but the absolute best for his favorite girl.
Violet showed up to the restaurant in one of his favorite dresses, a short purple number that clung to her figure and left little to the imagination. She smelled like lilac and rose, a mixture that came from her perfume and lotion from after her shower. But it was perfect for him, and he found himself kissing along her neck the moment that she sat down beside him. He breathed in the scent of her and devoured her form with his eyes, unable to stop himself from undressing her with them. She was a vision before him now as she had ever been before.
Which was how the two of them ended up leaving the restaurant early, only getting halfway through their meal and drinks before Violet was getting fingered under the table. They were like fucking rabbits from the very beginning, unable to keep their hands off of each other. Not even a delicious dinner could have swayed their patience, though he promised to make it up to her later with room service and more if they had the time. Even if she weren’t complaining in the least bit.
Giran had almost considered just bringing her back to his place, and he would have if he didn’t already have the hotel reservation. This entire back and forth between them wasn’t originally going to last this long, and because of that he kept the hotel as their meeting place. But he was starting to feel the need to bring her back and keep her there for as long as she wanted. There hadn’t been a single person that he’s brought home in a long time, and she was about to be the first fucking exception.
Once again they were back in the same hotel room, underneath the sheets and entangled in one another. The night was like every other night, though the passion was much stronger than it had ever been before. Though it started out as a fling, there was something that was starting to feel different about all of these times. The connection was obvious whenever they were deep in conversation, but with every single heated night together, it began to show through even the sex that they had.
He took his time with her like always, listening to her screams and boring them into his brain for later. There wasn’t a single inch of her skin that he didn’t explore, leaving marks in his path and making sure that this moment was a constant reminder for her. He wanted her to leave here every time with the memory of him on her body. And he liked seeing them next time, if time would permit it.
She came again and again on his tongue. Hours passed spent between her thighs, with his head getting squeezed by them with every orgasm. His tongue played with her clit until it was aching and sore, and even then he never let up on her. She would no doubt wake up the next morning with a soreness that only he could have provided. Yet another thing that he would leave for her until the next time that he could beat his own record of her cries.
When he had his fill of tasting her, he would insist that she ride him, knowing that her body would be heavy from the prior treatment. He loved to lay back and watch her straddle him, pulling through the shaking of her legs and throbbing core to sit down on him. He’d watch her slowly take him inside of her, hissing from the way that he stretched her open and slid right inside of her extremely wet pussy. Though she’s still slightly sore from him eating her out, she doesn’t hesitate for a moment to slowly bounce on his cock.
She knew how much he liked to watch her, building up her momentum before she started shaking the headboard. Her hips moved in perfect motion, knowing exactly what he liked from her and how he liked for her to fuck him. The way that he wanted to watch her have fun riding his cock, taking out her pleasure and using him for all that he’s worth. Using him to cum again and again, just like he had with his tongue. Until the only thing that she could think about was the next time that she could find release, and the way that his name sounded from her lips.
And that was just the beginning of nights with the two of them. Reaching pleasure to the highest possible peak, knowing that this is absolutely the best that it fucking gets.
Violet was roused by the sunlight peeking from the curtains, pouring softly over the sheets that sprawled around her. The only thing covering her skin were those same sheets, draping over her form and hiding very little. She looked comfortable curled onto the mattress with her hair splayed around the pillow underneath her. Seconds passed while her eyes adjusted to the soft lighting of the room, gently rubbing her eyes while she shifted in the bed. The softness of the sheets and the mattress kept pulling her back down, lulling her back to an almost successful sleep once again.
But something kept pulling her back awake, no matter how many times she found a perfect spot. The small shifting nearby alerted her senses even more than they already were, causing her to shift more with a small perk of her ears. Her eyelids began to flutter open more, seeing the small bits of movement from her peripherals. Once they adjusted to the environment around her, she was finally able to look at the man nearby who was getting dressed.
Immediately her brain was reminded yet again of the night before, watching Giran sliding on his shirt and slowly buttoning it up. She remembered how those hands wrapped around her thighs and squeezed every inch of her body. Every twitch of his fingers and tense of his knuckles just made her mind flash in pieces of memories. The rush of emotion caused her to take a second, heavily watching him dress before she spoke up.
He still hadn’t noticed that she was awake yet, his back to her as he adjusted his sleeves.
“Baby?” She purred softly, voice slightly squeaking from the heavy sleep she was just in.
He watched her head perk up from the pillow, looking at him with tired eyes and bed head that cutely framed her face. He’d be lying if he said that he wasn’t enthralled by the way she looked right now, loving her beauty even whenever he was sober. All the clear mind had done for him was solidify how good of a choice he made going to that bar when he did.
Chuckling softly, he threw on his watch and continued getting ready with the nice view in front of him.
Violet continued to watch him with fluttering eyes, running her fingers through her hair. Her movements were slow and languid, barely functioning while sleep still hung over her. The sheet began to fall even more, partially exposing her breasts. Such an image would be burned in his brain for days to come.
“Sorry, did I wake ya, Sweetheart?” He asked with a subtle smirk, “I tried to be quiet for you.”
“Are you leaving?”
She was too tired to process the way that she asked the question, knowing that any other time she’d be kicking herself for seeming too clingy. They’ve only been physical in their relationship, and the last thing that she wanted was to make him think that she was expecting more. But she couldn’t help herself… She was growing rather attached.
Giran, however, thought it was quite adorable. The smirk on his face had only grown wider, grabbing his coat from a nearby chair and throwing it onto his shoulders. He gave a small nod towards her in response, speaking up once he had straightened out the creases on the material until he was satisfied.
“I have some things to get to in about an hour,” He said, “Couple of meetings and phone calls.”
She gave a nod, though she couldn’t hide the disappointment on her face fast enough. It wasn’t exactly her fault that her emotions were hard enough to regulate, let alone when she was tired. Hiding her feelings were even more difficult when she was fatigued, and he already knew her well enough to know every tick.
But yet again he found it endearing.
“I understand… Last night was fun, though,” She said in a cute tone.
His eyebrow lifted, catching the way that her cheeks flushed once he turned his full attention to her.
Walking back towards the bed, he reached out to run his fingers through her hair. The softness of his touch was welcomed, and she leaned into him just as his hand shifted to her face. His fingers brushed against her warm cheeks, before trailing down to thumb her chin. Brushing it against her lower lip, he made eye contact with her while noticing the way her eyes melted with his gaze.
“It was,” He agreed with a low tone, “Ya always know how to drive this old fuckin’ bastard crazy, don’t you, baby?”
She swallowed, unable to look away even though her face continued to burn from his words. Even her own caught in her throat, almost forgetting how to breathe for a short moment while he stared at her. The deep chuckle that fell past his lips only deepened that same feeling within her.
“Do you… do you need me to go?”
Her chest burned from his touch as he brushed his fingers against her skin. A small silence stirred between them, before he spoke up in a tone that was light and sweet. Something that he was using more and more for her these days.
“No, Beautiful. I’ve got the room booked for a couple days, but you’re not obligated to stay if ya don’t want to. But I’d love for you to be here when I get back.”
She pursed her lips tight, seeing the sincerity on his face. It caused her heart to skip a few beats, and though she still was unsure of her full feelings, she could feel the intensity of her attraction to him through her entire being. There wasn’t a thing that this man couldn’t do that would not make her weaker than she already was.
Violet loved to hear him admit to wanting to see her more, knowing that she felt the exact same way. But ever since the first time they met, she’s always been careful not to overstep. This was an arrangement that she was unfamiliar with, and therefore didn’t know how to act most of the time. Then again, for him this time was much different than any other.
“I wanna stay.”
“Yeah?” He asked.
She nodded, breathing in the scent of his freshly sprayed cologne. A smell that she had become all too familiar with, and one that she brought with her many times after their meetings. It would no doubt linger as a memory burned in her mind for the days that he’s gone, waiting for the chance to be able to swim in it once again. Something that once she got a hit of, there was absolutely no turning back.
Giran leaned in a bit more, playing with the ends of her hair closer to her bangs. He always loved feeling the softness of her curls between his fingers, making sure to be gentle enough not to disturb her style. Though, given at this current moment that she was still donning her bed head, he was sure that she wouldn’t care too much. But there was still a gentleness in the way that he rolled them between his fingers, letting the curls fall softly back onto her shoulder.
“Well, then, why don’t you stay and order some room service, huh?” He said with a slight grin that grew wider with every word he spoke, “And I’ll get us some dinner tonight on my way back. After, I’ll make it up to you for leaving by doing what I did last night.“
The small drop in his tone made her body tremble, and her eyes flickered down towards his mouth with her teeth nibbling at her bottom lip. She could feel the hitch in her breathing, right before she let out a small giggle. The sound was enough to drive him crazy, seeing the sparkle in her eyes and knowing that his words had excited her. If she weren’t careful, he’d have to be a little late to his meeting on account of her cute fucking ass.
“I can do that.”
“Yeah, I know you can…“
Another giggle slipped past her lips before he kissed them softly at first. Slowly, the kiss between them turned more passionate and feverish, with her hands grasping at the material of his shirt. She leaned up until she was sitting on her ankles, feeling his hands starting to slide down her back. Seconds passed while they continued to get lost in each other, neither of them wanting to pull away, and finding all the more reason to deepen the kiss. Small moans were muffed against his mouth, and she would no doubt be trying to rip his clothes off at any moment.
Giran’s self restraint was something that he was proud of, which made it easier for him to grasp her wrists and slowly pull them down. He gently pulled away from her, groaning softly with a rather pleased smirk on his face. If he had his way he’d stay here and take all of his calls from inside this very hotel room. He can’t remember the last time that he felt this compelled to stay with someone before, and yet here he was, itching to break all of his rules.
“I’ve gotta get goin’, Beautiful. When I get back you can hang on me as much as you damn well please.”
Even though Violet pouted a little, she pulled away from him and fell back onto the comfort of the mattress below her. She watched with her same intense blue eyes as he grabbed his keys and the rest of his things nearby.
With one last heated kiss to her lips, the man whispered softly and deeply only inches from them. Just enough to make sure that he left an impression on her, knowing that she was going to be sitting on them for the rest of the afternoon in wait for his return. He could practically see the pleading in her eyes, and he didn’t have to read her mind to know all of the things that she was thinking about.
“Make yourself comfortable, but not too comfortable. I want ya just like this when I get back,” He said with a grin, “I’ll call you when I’m done and we’ll decide dinner.”
“Sure thing, Baby~”
She made sure to speak her words with a slight seductive purr, laying across the bed with her hand under her chin.
The man breathed a heavy sigh as he reached for the door, giving her body another long and lingering glance. If he believed in that kind of thing, he’d be thanking the fucking gods for his self restraint at this very moment. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her delicious form, thinking about all of the things that he could be doing with her instead of leaving for the day. All the meetings that he’ll be sitting through, the phone calls he’ll be handling, when he could just be in bed with her screaming his name again.
He shook his head, clicking his tongue and throwing open the door before he could change his mind.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Baby. I’ll tell ya that much,” He said with a chuckle.
Violet laughed, blowing him a kiss with a flash of that same beautiful smile that he loved.
With another small glance in her direction on his way out the door, he made sure to burn the image of her in bed in his memory for later. He might have been stalling a bit too much, but he was never the man that let go easily. His stubbornness won out every single time, especially when it had to do with her. He might not admit it out loud, but he had a soft spot for her already.
As he was walking out the door, he made one last comment to her that had her head perking up a little bit from the spot she lay.
“You play your cards right, and I might just bring ya home next time.”
She saw his eyes for just one last second before the door closed, and she only barely saw the smile that he gave. With her heart thudding in her chest, she waited to hear the sound of his footsteps falling down the hall, before falling back down onto her back. There was a long pause, one that stretched out over several seconds until there was no doubt that he was already in the elevator, on his way down.
Slowly, a smile stretched onto her face, until her cheeks practically hurt. She finally let the giggles slip from her lips, no longer concerned with how loud she sounded or how bright her cheeks burned. The emotions crept onto her until it practically consumed her. Not a single thing could ruin her good mood, and she wasn’t in the headspace to think too clearly about her actions. All that she could do was lie there with her heart fluttering in her chest and an excited smile on her face.
This arrangement was turning out to be something way more than she had ever bargained for, and she sure as hell was not complaining.
And little did she now… she wasn’t the only one.
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mythicamagic · 3 years
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Sesskag Week: Day One ‘Green’
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Title: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before
Summary: Kagome witnesses Inuyasha and Kikyo in another loving embrace and runs away, stumbling straight into Sesshoumaru that moonlit night. (My attempt at an old fandom trope.)
Rated T
Words: 4,000
You can read this on Ao3, Dokuga and Fanfiction.net 
AN: I just wanted to try my hand at an old sesskag fandom trope that I reckon was in the height of popularity from the early 2000s- 2010s. Other tropes from that time included Abusive Inuyasha, no one knowing what the canon end or final battle was like, and mokomoko being sentient. Ah...old memories. If this fic feels like it's from a bygone era, well...that was the intention lol. For Sesskag Week Day One - Green.
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Standing frozen stiff, Kagome stared ahead. A gasp remained locked behind her teeth. Slim fingers dug into the bark of a tree she'd hidden behind, gazing around the trunk towards a couple cradling each other tightly.
This was the second time. The first had hit harder inside her chest, the slam of heartbreak cracking the fragile shell of first love that had closed around her heart.
But she'd made a promise to Inuyasha; to remain by his side. She needed to get over this haze of green misting her eyes, the jealousy roaring through her veins. Inuyasha and Kikyo used to be lovers, it was perfectly natural and humane to want to hold his lost love.
That didn't make it any easier to see.
In fact, the emotion welling up in her throat threatened to burst louder than before. Fearing the strength of her own reaction, Kagome stepped back. She took another, then another, whirling around to flee into pitch-black darkness.
I wanted to be more mature about this, she thought. The tears stinging her eyes bespoke of her anger, worry, and heartache- like an old wound had been freshly ripped open anew.
Kagome couldn't be understanding or mature, not like poised Lady Kikyo likely could. Kagome was 15, emotive and sparking. She was fire, passion, a roaring flame of anger that could climb so high nothing would stifle it.
Stumbling over tree roots in the dark, quiet woods, Kagome ran blind. When she felt that she'd covered enough ground, far away from the lover's embrace, she stopped abruptly in the middle of a meadow. Sweat beading her temple and throat burning, she threw back her head.
And yelled.
She threw all turbulent emotions into it, crying so loud her windpipe protested. The noise became horse and broken before she stopped.
Standing within that moonlit clearing, Kagome caught her breath, tears threatening to spill over.
"Must you make such noise in the dead of night?" a steady voice drawled.
Her chest constricted, breath halting. Shadows peeled off from the trees, a figure revealing itself under the moonlight.
Kagome blinked hard, trying to fight tears as Sesshoumaru stepped closer. She moved back to keep distance, vaguely wary. Shit, she'd forgotten her weapons.
He wasn't an enemy per se anymore but they weren't exactly allies either. Since he'd adopted that human girl, they seemed to be in more of a stalemate. Nonetheless, the caprice of the Killing Perfection's moods were unpredictable.
"M-my bad, I didn't think anyone was around."
"You cried like a wounded animal," his lips curved, as though enjoying the thought. "Take heed, girl; such wailing will disturb demons with keen hearing- and not all are as forgiving as I tonight."
"Right, duly noted," she mumbled, rubbing her arm. Damn it. She'd just wanted a place to cry. Sesshoumaru was the last person she wanted to feel vulnerable around.
Golden eyes slid up to observe something beyond the trees. Turning to follow his line of sight, her chest constricted- glimpsing a trailing soul collector in the sky.
"Inuyasha's dead priestess uses those creatures, does she not?"
"Y-yeah, they're Kikyo's soul collectors."
His attention returned to her face, resting heavily there. It disquieted her until at length, he finally made a noise. "...Hn."
The Daiyouki smoothly pivoted, walking out of her available vision to meld within thick darkness again, but she sensed him linger beneath the trees, perhaps taking a seat.
"Keep the snivelling to a minimum."
Kagome startled, blue eyes widening. The first tear fell- closely followed by the second. Soon a stream of them flooded down her face, and she crumpled to her knees, palm clasped tight over her mouth as she tried not to sob.
She wasn't sure how or why. How she could suddenly fall apart in front of him when Kagome prided herself on not crying in front of anyone if it were possible. The why also remained a mystery- why did he invite her to stay? Sesshoumaru was not a charitable sort. Perhaps his sadistic streak enjoyed the salt of endless tears.
Kagome stayed there, quivering in the moonlit clearing for a good while, grass cushioning her bare legs, arms wrapped around herself protectively. When at last the sobs abated, she shakily stood.
Without a word to the demon who had watched her like a voyer of her pain, Kagome headed towards the village after piecing herself back together.
She couldn't see Sesshoumaru's expression, nor the way in which citrine eyes followed her figure until she stepped out of sight.
---
It wasn't like Kagome cried after every damn encounter with Kikyo, though they did leave her worn and exhausted. She felt mighty proud of not bursting into sobs the second Inuyasha's eyes lingered on her a little too long. But Kagome could bear that. She could bear many things.
It was fine, totally fine. She was fine!
Until she wasn't.
It had been two months since that emotional night and thankfully Sesshoumaru hadn't acknowledged her fine display of despair and teenage hormones. In fact, he seemed a little quieter during their encounters while hunting for Naraku, pinpointing her amidst her friends and eyeing her carefully sometimes.
So it was with mild surprise that Kagome stumbled into him again on one such occasion where she needed a good cry. And then again a few weeks after- followed by another encounter near a waterfall a month later. Every time, Sesshoumaru said nothing. He merely waited a respectable distance away, not particularly looking at, nor acknowledging her sorrow as she let out pent up frustrations.
What should be an immensely private thing had changed. Kagome wasn't sure what to feel about it, especially when he began erecting barriers around the area.
Almost like he was ensuring her privacy while continuing to invade it himself.
"W-why…?" she choked out one evening, sitting upon a log with only the Daiyoukai for company. Inuyasha and the others were none the wiser, sitting back at camp further within the forest. "Why are you here, hanging around? Is it fun for you to watch this?" her anger simmered, misdirected.
Sesshoumaru's lazy gaze slid over to her, reclining at the base of a tree. He huffed, drawing a knee up to gracefully drape an arm over it. "Your wailing is an assault on my hearing, I derive no pleasure from this."
"Then what's the deal? I find it hard to believe you're doing it for me."
"Hn, you are correct, I am not," he freely admitted. "This act of concealment is out of acknowledgement. Warriors must not show weakness in battle, nor to anyone but a select few. I am merely ensuring your wish to hide your pain is successful since you are so terrible at doing it yourself," inhuman eyes pinned her in place. Her breath stalled at their intensity. "Your desire to conceal tears and weakness is unexpected for one as emotional as you."
Kagome picked at her fingers. "It's not out of a sense of duty or warrior pride as you seem to think. I just don't like burdening people with my problems. Only...all this energy piles up and explodes out as anger at Inuyasha anyway, I'm not suppressing or hiding anything at the end of the day," she gave a self-deprecating smile. Letting out a long whoosh of air from her lungs, Kagome turned to him.
"For what it's worth, thanks. For uh- concealing me. I still think it's odd that you're going to all this trouble but I'm grateful."
He arched a brow, unruffled and outwardly placid.
Wiping the remaining tears away, she gave a weak smirk. "Urgh, I blubber so loudly over a guy I really shouldn't be in love with. Kinda stupid."
"Indeed," he drawled without sympathy, glancing away.
"And you're still a jerk," she hummed, smiling slightly. But a weird, considerate one. Was it possible to be both considerate and a jerk?
Sesshoumaru did not look at her, tilting his head back to gaze at the branches overhead.
"You 'blubber' so loud a 'barrier' is necessary in order to keep your privacy. Inuyasha would catch your scent otherwise."
"Can Naraku see us like this?"
"The barrier does not mask us from sight, it merely hides scent. It is effective on Inuyasha and other demons but the spider could easily survey us from a distance."
Kagome sighed, rubbing her eyes. "Gotcha," she murmured, falling into a strangely companionable silence with him, before asking; "have you ever been in love?"
His reply was immediate and crisp; "no. Such things are for fanciful beings."
Biting her lip to keep from mentioning his 'Great and Powerful Father' had fallen victim to such fanciful things too, she hummed.
Sesshoumaru frowned in her direction. "Speak."
"I just think- when you do experience love, it's gonna knock you off your feet."
He sneered, "you think yourself an expert on the subject?"
"Gods no! Do I look like one?" Kagome grinned, gesturing to her tear-stained cheeks.
Sesshoumaru searched her face, visibly relaxing slightly. He tilted his head, surveying his sharp nails. "For what it is worth, if I had an opinion on the matter- which I do not," he assured. "I should think your fanciful 'love' emotion is not supposed to cause such pain. I question your dedication to it."
"My feelings for Inuyasha aren't something I can turn off. Believe me, I would if I could," shifting she gazed up at the stars, smiling gently. "Wow, Ursa Major looks so clear and close tonight."
Youki brushed her senses, her only warning. Soft grass crunched beneath boots as Sesshoumaru joined her on the log, sitting beside her. Mokomoko brushed the exposed skin of her knee. His eyes narrowed. "You are referring to the stars?"
Kagome blinked with surprise at his sudden piqued interest, raising a hand to point them out. "Yeah, a constellation. Ursa Major starts there and ends there," her finger drifted.
Sesshoumaru's blank features became lofty, huffing. "That is the incorrect name for it. Those stars are called Satoko."
"Who told you that?"
"My instructor when I was young. And this collection," he reached out, plucking her hand out of the air and redirecting her point to another constellation, "is Mineko, a volcano spirit."
Her skin burned at the contact, feeling his calloused palm, rough from years of training- clasping the back of her hand. Kagome blinked, feeling strange. Her stomach jumped, and she felt grateful and confused when he released her.
"I-I see! Tell me more about them, are they linked to your demonic heritage?" Kagome asked, flexing burning fingers in her lap.
Even hours afterwards, the sensation of warmth and strong youki flitting over her flesh continued to itch at her skin.
---
"I don't want to talk to you! JUST BACK OFF!"
Inuyasha's expression flickered, open hurt briefly appearing before white ears pinned flat to his skull. "FINE! Go running home again, see if I care!"
Kagome stormed away, hands balled into fists. She didn't call for Kirara to fly her to the well, she couldn't be bothered to haul herself back to the future and continue their long and tired trend of long-distance pining followed by disgruntled reconciliation.
She was tired.
Miroku, Sango and Shippo were tired too, judging from the multiple sighs sounding out behind her.
Before she could step out of earshot, she heard the monk murmuring to Inuyasha, encouraging him to follow her and make up. Likely to save everyone the hassle of another drawn-out spat.
Oh no.
Hadn't anyone listened to what she'd said? She didn't want to be chased in some coy 'let's have a fake argument' way. Real hurt and bone-weary annoyance soured her mood.
Hurrying away, Kagome began to run alongside a stream, jogging through a sparse forest and hoping to put distance between them. So lost in her thoughts of avoiding the Hanyou was she that Kagome burst through a youki barrier without noticing, glancing over her shoulder with paranoia.
By the time she detected wafts of steam brushing her skin, it was too late to stop. She gaped upon facing forward, almost crashing headfirst into a well-sculpted chest.
Long strands of silver against bare skin caught Kagome's dazed attention, gaze travelling up to find golden eyes staring down at her. Sesshoumaru paused half-naked before a hot-spring he'd likely intended on bathing in, tipping his head to one side in a silent demand for explanation.
"Kagome!" a distant voice resounded through the trees.
Panic erupted inside Kagome's heart and she turned to the demon. Her hands latched onto his remaining arm, blue eyes stinging.
"Please..."
She couldn't articulate what she wanted, even though it was so simple. Something thick clogged her throat.
The Daiyoukai lifted his attention to the trees. He then moved swiftly.
Sesshoumaru tossed his red and white hankimono over her, enclosing it tight around her body. It shielded Kagome from sight as her vision became swallowed by white silks.
Kagome jolted as a hard force shoved her down into dewy grass that perspired from heady steam saturating the air. Before she could react to the plains of a lean body pressing against hers, his weight pinning her to the ground, she heard branches shaking. Twigs snapping.
Her loafers were ripped off her feet, tossed somewhere further away. Likely out of sight. She heard them clatter over the sound of her drumming heartbeat, unable to see what was going on.
"What the- Sesshoumaru!" Inuyasha snarled, sounding slightly out of breath. "The fuck are you doing, hanging around here?"
A clawed hand minded the folds of the hankimono apart just enough to expose the side of Kagome's cheek- firm lips pressing against it. She stiffened. Sesshoumaru kissed her skin heatedly, his sigh billowing hot breath over her sensitive skin.
"Clearly I am enjoying myself with a woman. Do not interrupt, whelp."
Kagome could barely breathe, face turning steadily red. She lay frozen, reeling.
"Keh, whatever. Just tell me if you've seen Kagome pass through here."
He must not be able to smell me...
"Can you not keep tabs on a simple miko, brother?" Sesshoumaru purred, his hand gliding over her covered thigh, stroking back and forth. "Did she flee from you? I cannot say I blame her."
A snarl ripped through the hot springs. "Piss off! I'll find her myself!"
Furious sounds of bushes being slashed aside rang out, Inuyasha's swears becoming fainter as he drew further and further away.
Left with a demon straddling her and enclosed in luxurious silks, Kagome exhaled. She blinked, briefly dazed as the cover was lifted from her face, eyes adjusting. Dappled sunlight stretched across Sesshoumaru's face as he lingered close with an unreadable expression.
Kagome swallowed. "Thanks," she managed to say.
She's never been this close to a guy before, well not like this, anyway. Inuyasha carried her on his back or occasionally in his arms if the situation got dire, and they'd hugged. But this felt different.
Sesshoumaru braced himself over her using his one available arm, corded muscles leading down to a tapered waist. He was handsome in an aristocratic, cold sort of way – all hard angles and sharp edges. Her polar opposite. The heat of his bare skin bled through her school uniform, their hips melded together, and Kagome was struck by something painfully obvious that had eluded her until now.
There were...other options besides just Inuyasha.
Clearly, the Hanyou knew this little nugget too, since he flitted between herself and Kikyo.
But really, Kagome hadn't given it much thought. Hojo liked her but was easily dismissed. Kouga liked her but she'd always been too busy to really give him a chance.
And Sesshoumaru?
Her attention was helplessly fixed on him while the demon craned his neck down, scenting her hair.
Sesshoumaru had never been on the table before. Did he even look at her like that?
Golden eyes slanted to meet her, half-lidded. Her stomach did a flip, thighs twitching. Soft pink lips parted, and his attention flew to her mouth, lingering.
Before she could say anything, Inuyasha's voice sounded out somewhere close by again. "Damn it, Kagome! Just come out! Quit hiding!"
Kagome found herself sighing- stilling when she caught Sesshoumaru's dark rumble. His lips peeled back with displeasure, body leaning up and away from hers, climbing off.
Remaining sprawled on the ground for a moment, she calmed her racing heart. Picking herself up unsteadily, Kagome unwrapped the hankimono from around herself, awkwardly folding it as best she could and handing it back.
"I better go."
He inclined his head. "Until next time."
Next time.
Her gut wrenched. The next time she became upset with Inuyasha chasing after Kikyo. Oh wow. It really had become something so commonplace it felt inevitable.
That wasn't right or normal. That wasn't how she wanted to live, was it? Anticipating one crying session after another?
"Actually, let's meet up," she said, setting her shoulders back.
Surprise brightened his gaze. Sesshoumaru's lips twitched, "meet up, hm? You make it sound like an illicit affair."
Her expression darkened, "no. I'm not into that," she snipped, pushing her vindictive mood down. This was not an offer out of petty revenge. She just wanted to see him out of choice for once. "I brought a telescope. Let's use it tomorrow when it gets dark."
He agreed to it, watching her leave in that quiet, interested way he usually did. Kagome glanced back in time to see him partially turned away- hankimono clenched in his grip and lifted to his nose in a careful inhale.
---
Kagome actually felt quite happy about the meeting. Anticipation had raced through her veins during the entire day, though she didn't breathe a word about it to her friends.
After finishing up her food, she'd hung around camp late into the evening, before inching away with a weak excuse.
She didn't notice Inuyasha's keen eyes trailing after her, too preoccupied with hurrying around a nearby waterfall and retrieving her telescope that she'd hidden behind some rocks earlier.
Carrying the heavy thing up to the crest of a decently sized hill, she staggered upon finding the Daiyoukai already awaiting her at the top.
Kagome stopped and stared. She then felt a genuine smile curve her lips. How strange, that he could invoke such a reaction.
"Did I keep you waiting?"
Sesshoumaru lifted his chin haughtily, grunting. "I am not some lost puppy following you around, miko. I sensed your approach from my camp and generously decided not to stand you up."
Kagome grinned. What a big response. Almost like he was lying.
Giggling softly to herself, she arranged the telescope set, angling it up to face the distant cosmos. "Okay, you're gonna love this. I'm going to bore you with astrology and point out zodiac signs."
"These fancy foreign words do not sound boring," he uttered, leaning in close to view the stars with faint amazement, perhaps not anticipating the clarity of their view. Kagome felt his hip brush her side, her cheeks immediately blazing red. She tried to temper her reaction but failed miserably, looking at him briefly.
His placid features were much too close, familiar dark youki humming in the space between them. Comforting. Golden eyes met hers, ever watchful. Waiting.
"Sesshoumaru!"
They immediately flew apart as though they'd been doing something scandalous, Kagome's heart leaping into her throat.
Inuyasha stood a little ways away, teeth on display, hand resting on his sword. "Get the hell away from her!"
"Inuyasha- wait," she tried to cut in, but Sesshoumaru was quicker. Lifting his remaining hand, he fed youki into it, allowing deadly fingers to elongate into murderous talons. However, much to her surprise, he faced Kagome while flexing them.
"I will kill her if I please, Inuyasha," he rumbled. "She is a mere fanciful human."
Blue eyes widened, but Kagome clocked onto what he was doing immediately. It lingered there under his calm features that he tried to harden into contempt.
He was playing the villain. For her.
Likely out of some misguided desire to keep everything at the status quo, because he believed it would be easier on them both if they weren't seen as friends. Everything halted inside Kagome. She felt like she'd been coasting through her days without really questioning it.
"Bastard!" Inuyasha snarled, ripping his sword from its sheath.
With a strange sense of calm, Kagome raised her head. She then stepped in between them both, placing her fingers atop Sesshoumaru's sharp, transformed ones.
"That's enough," she said quietly, lowering his large hand.
"K-Kagome? What're you doing? Get back!"
"I said; that's enough, Inuyasha!" Kagome grit her teeth, tension gripping her fiercely- until it abruptly left all at once, rendering her exhausted.
"We need to talk," she said softly, gazing at him meaningfully.
Inuyasha blinked, lowering his sword as his ears pricked and lowered.
Turning to Sesshoumaru, she smiled weakly. "We're going to have to cut this meeting short, sorry."
"We can always reschedule."
Kagome gentled, a warmth pooling inside her that she hoped to revisit soon. However, the Daiyoukai hadn't made it three steps away before familiar laughter spread over the vast countryside beyond their hill.
Miasma leaked out of the sky, waning flowers on their stalks and killing the grass, rendering it dulled brown.
Naraku appeared in all his true, villainous glory- at exactly the wrong time nobody wanted to deal with him. However, absolutely no one could ignore this fight, as a completed Shikon jewel rested in the palm of his hand.
Kagome's stomach dropped. She automatically accepted her bow and arrows from Sango and Miroku when they arrived, looking grim-faced and out of breath. Inuyasha lifted his sword again with determination blazing in his eyes.
The Final Battle had begun.
---
They say 'time heals all wounds.'
Kagome would like to have a word with whoever 'they' were because this sentiment proved false. Time muted pain. It concealed it under layers of civilian life, responsibilities, family dinners and get togethers with friends, but her deep wound never really healed. The pervasive desire to return back to a life that had been stolen from her.
She couldn't say it had been perfect in the Feudal Era but she still missed it terribly. Missed her friends, travelling, exploring, strengthening her burgeoning powers.
She also missed someone she hadn't anticipated longing to speak to.
After killing Naraku and getting her hands on the jewel, Kagome had made her wish;
'I wish Kikyo would come back to life.'
It had resulted in trapping Kagome in the future, the Bone Eater's Well closing, barring entrance. She'd figured the look on Inuyasha's face had almost been worth it, his gob-smacked expression kind of hilarious.
Perhaps the wish had been an out of nowhere impulse. Who knew. All Kagome knew was that a part of her had died that day on the hill with the telescope- the candle of first love snuffing out. She still cared for Inuyasha of course, she wouldn't have wished Kikyo alive otherwise, but the act said something. They'd never be anything more than friends.
After trying her hand at dating a few boys in class, Kagome had broken up with them and remained single for the better part of a year. There wasn't anything wrong with them, per se, but it had felt disingenuous.
It wasn't them she wanted to speak to.
At the age of 18, the miko got her chance. Inexplicably, and without warning or provocation, the well reopened again one night.
Kagome stirred awake, lured downstairs by the promise of magic. It pulsed strongly like before, so she slid her legs over the rim of the well without fear that it would be a oneway trip.
Leaping down while still clad in her patchwork style pyjamas, dark hair whipped upwards as blue light swallowed her whole.
Immediately the smell of city smoke was replaced with distinct smells of petrichor. Fresh scents guided her feet to land gently on the bottom of the well, looking up at dark, cloudy skies.
Climbing out and feeling moisture lingering in the air dampening her hair, Kagome looked up, breath hitching.
The clearing looked exactly the same. Achingly nostalgic.
It sprawled empty and lonesome, awaiting her in complete silence. Kagome noticed the dirt disturbed around the well from how often she and Inuyasha had travelled through it.
Breath catching, hot tears stung her eyes.
Laughing weakly to herself, Kagome tried to rub them away in vain, more rolling down her cheeks. Unlike the usual times though, these were happy tears. Relief threatened to buckle her knees.
"I'm home," she shuddered.
"...Welcome back."
Snapping her head up, Kagome swallowed an embarrassing noise, warmth melting into her expression. She took a step, and then another, walking over to Sesshoumaru as he stood a little ways away, moonlight highlighting his hair.
"Y-you're here?"
Golden eyes flitted over her face, gentling a touch. He reached out and brushed pale knuckles against her jaw, catching tears upon it. "I sensed you. As usual, you blubber too loud, miko."
Choking on a sob, Kagome laughed, catching his hand and pressing her lips to the inside of his wrist.
Sesshoumaru stiffened, attention zeroing in on her. Kagome held his gaze as best she could with watery eyes, smiling.
"Date me," she stated plainly.
No second-guessing, no 'will they, won't they?' no more pining or questioning. Kagome refused to do it again.
He seemed somewhat taken aback by her forwardness for a moment, before a strange kind of intensity livened his expression. He wound his single arm around her waist, pulling her in close.
"What boldness, Kagome," he purred, lips ghosting the side of her ear. "But you can do better than that. Are you certain that is all you want from me?"
Kagome blushed hotly, shifting to catch his eye and smirk. "I just made it back here after three years. Let me catch my breath," she teased, hooking a hand under his yellow obi. "But...yeah, I might want more soon, you jerk."
Sesshoumaru rumbled with approval, swiftly ending the charade of teasing and swooping in. His lips claimed hers firmly, and it was not a kind, sweet kiss but she didn't mind, pressing herself against him. His tongue delved into her mouth, brushing against hers as a clawed hand snaked up into dark hair, gripping tight.
Smiling against his mouth, Kagome trying her best to keep up with his rough kiss as he bit and sucked her lips, inhaling her scent. He almost seemed elated, kissing her so quick and eagerly, like he'd been starving for it.
Out of curiosity, Kagome slid her palm over his chest, finding his heart racing.
Sesshoumaru broke away to plant heated kisses against her neck. He panted, the hand in her hair shaking with want of her.
Kagome stared, slowly looping her arms around his shoulders. "You...want me?" she said quietly like an obvious revelation. It felt so strange and surreal.
He huffed with amusement against her lips. "Hn, it appears you have made me fanciful, miko."
Brightening and smiling widely, Kagome pushed up on tip-toe. Guiding his mouth down with palms cradling his striped cheeks, she kissed him again, pouring every powerful emotion left unsaid into it.
End
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true-blue-megamind · 3 years
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FAN THEORY SUPPOSITION SUNDAY: The Warden
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SPOILER WARNING!  It’s still a thing, and, if you haven’t yet, you still need to watch Megamind.  (If you have seen it already, however, you need to see it again.  Because it’s awesome.)
Yes, yes, the post is three days late this time.  Real life has to take priority and such. So sue me.  (Don’t really do that.  LOL!)
For that same reason—or more accurately because this week has exhausted me—I will attempt to make this post shorter than usual.  We’ll see how that goes.  My money is on “not well.”  LOL.
Anyway, today we’re going to look at a subject that often divides the Megamind fandom: the Warden and his relationship with Megamind. There are several fan theories—I mean, suppositions—surrounding this, but I’m going to be focusing on a few of the main ones.
The first of these is that the Warden was actually a father figure to Megamind when he was young, allowing him to be raised in jail not out of cruelty or disinterest, but because it was the only way to keep him safe from shadowy government agencies that otherwise would have performed all sorts of experiments on the blue alien.  This both accounts for why a child would be allowed to grow up in what is clearly a high-security prison for dangerous adult criminals—something that, admittedly, needs some sort of explanation—and fits with widely accepted sci-fi and comic book tropes. (From Area 51 to mysterious “Men in Black” type organizations, fiction is full of government agencies created to study extraterrestrial life and technology.)  Some even go so far as to suggest that the Warden may have tried to adopt Megamind officially, but was blocked from doing so by these same entities. On top of this, such an idea also offers room to re-imagine the Warden as a much more interesting, complex, and sympathetic character.  Indeed, there has been some excellent fan fiction written about this pseudo-parental relationship.
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Art: Fathers And Sons Day by tabbydragon
There is some evidence to support this.  The first is that, although the Warden behaves harshly toward Megamind in the “jail-break” scene near the beginning of the film, Megamind himself seems to be trying to engage in a playful exchange: pranking the older man, wishing him a good morning, and even teasing him.  While some say that this is simply Megamind’s personality as well as his determination to always appear indominable, others suggest that, perhaps, the blue man is trying to recapture a lost amiability between himself and the prison Warden.  It is possible that, when he was younger and less villainous, Megamind might have exchanged friendly jokes and greetings with the man in charge of the jail he called home.  It has even been suggested that the Warden is so hard on the blue man at the beginning of the film not because he hates Megamind, but because Megamind’s life choices have hurt and alienated his father figure. This idea finds some support in the facts that, when Megamind leaves jail to confront Titan, the Warden wished him good luck, and at the end of the movie, that same man seems genuinely happy as he watches the television broadcast of his one-time prisoner being named Defender of Metro City.  Finally, there is some evidence from the comics which, although not truly considered canon, as I’ve mentioned before, do offer some material for fan theories.  In the “episode” entitled Bad Minion! Bad! Megamind runs into the Warden in a bar, and the latter offers the former advice.  There is certainly a somewhat fatherly feel to the scene.
The second theory is exactly the opposite: that the Warden either did not care for or outright disliked the former supervillain.  Unfortunately, as fun as the Warden/Father Figure concept is, this second, darker idea has far stronger evidence to support it in the film itself.  (Try not to hate me, everyone.)  These clues range from the obvious to the subtle, but there are quite a few of them to be found.
During the first scene in which we see Warden interact with Megamind, he doesn’t behave like an angry, disappointed father—at least not a good one.  He isn’t merely surly toward Megamind; he is absolutely nasty. The Warden verbally condemns the alien, telling him that he’ll “always be a villain,” and essentially steals what he believes is a gift for the blue man, even taunting him by saying: “I think I’ll keep it!”  This hardly seems like the actions of someone who once felt any sort of affection for the extraterrestrial.  That same portion of the movie holds another clue as well: the screens monitoring Megamind’s brain activity.  Indeed, in original concept art for the film, the system appears both more invasive and more nightmarish.  It seems that, far from protecting Megamind, the Warden may have actually allowed him to be experimented upon.
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Next, there is the newspaper article at the beginning of the title sequence, which bears the headline “Hometown Boy Makes Bad.” It’s hard to see what the paper says, of course, even if you bother to really notice it, but luckily for us Liz (Demishock) wrote a wonderfully thorough blog post which, among other things, provides a transcript of the “news story.”  In it, the Warden is quoted as referring to young Megamind as a born villain as well as abnormal.  
You don't know this kid. I've watched the little criminal since he was in diapers. This kid is just a bad seed. I've got experienced, hardened criminals in here who are afraid of him - I mean, have you seen the size of his head?…  It's not like he's a normal kid… I mean, have you gotten a good look at his gigantic blue head? I don't know where you come from, but where I come it's just not right.
Granted, there seems to be some truth to what the Warden is saying, as the article also mentions that Megamind, who can hardly have been more than seven years old at the time, has basically been put into solitary confinement for the safety of other prisoners following an unnamed incident, adding that the other inmates “refused to point fingers for fear of retaliation.”  (This fits with the fan theory that young Megamind would have had to both fight and develop a fearsome reputation in order to protect himself. You can read more about that in the post How Strong is Megamind?) However, the Warden seems to dwell a lot on the fact that Megamind looks alien, and he displays an obvious dislike for the young boy.
Finally, there is evidence hidden in the school scene, although it’s easy to miss. In an amazing two-part video series, Megamind: A City of Deception. YouTuber The Theorizer illustrates several hidden clues about Megamind’s early life and how it it led him to embrace villainy.  (I will very likely write another post going into more detail about that at a later date.)  One thing that The Theorizer discovered is a seemingly innocuous detail in the background during the popcorn scene.  Take a moment to examine the images below.  Look closely at the blackboard and you’ll see a paper cut out of a school bus.  Look even more closely at that and you’ll find something odd: the bus is full of crayon-drawn children except for one figure: an adult male, riding in the back of the bus, who looks suspiciously like the Warden as he appears at the beginning of the film. 
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In a movie where so much attention is given to small things—I mean, seriously, the animation team actually went through the trouble to write a news story for a paper that was on the screen less than ten seconds—this cannot possibly be a coincidence.  (You can learn more about the artists’ amazing dedication to detail in my post What’s Hidden in the Animation?)  Although it is vaguely possible that Megamind, painfully aware of how much his appearance was despised, chose to draw the Warden’s face instead of his own, most fans believe there is a darker reason for this oddity.  
Think about it: the Li’l Gifted School for Li’l Gifted Kids is built close by a jail with a strangely similar name: Metro City Prison for the Criminally Gifted.   It’s clearly a small academy, yet the only two known aliens in the city—who, by the way, have extremely different social backgrounds—both just happen to attend there.  And now the prison warden appears to be somehow involved with the elementary school?  It’s bizarre.  Add to this the fact that the young alien adopted by a privileged family—a boy who possessed super-strength and laser vision—seemed inclined to be a bully, (as is made obvious by the kickball scene,) and a disturbing fan theory emerges.  Adults realized that Wayne Smith, the child who would eventually become Metro Man, might prove dangerous if left unchecked, and came up with a plan to turn him into a hero instead.  Wayne was showered with praise, conditioning him to seek public approval, but a superhero needs a nemesis.  The strange-looking, unwanted blue boy who’d already been labeled a criminal would have seemed like the obvious choice.  If this is true, then Megamind was purposefully, albeit covertly, groomed to become a supervillain from a young age, and the Warden played a major role in doing that.
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So there you have it.  Two competing fan theories concerning the Warden’s connection with Megamind.  Both have some evidence supporting them, and there are fans who are firmly dedicated to one or the other.  Which is true?  Did the Warden care for Megamind like a son but distance himself when the boy turned to villainy?  Or did he judge and despise Megamind but come around to liking him when he finally realized what sort of person the blue man was deep down?  The fact is that those questions can be argued for hours on end.  No matter which of these suppositions you prefer, however, the mere fact that even a minor supporting character is complex enough to offer room for this debate speaks to the impressive amount of work and devotion that went into creating this amazing animated film.
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beevean · 3 years
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SEGA and its most recent Sonamy side – more canon than ever
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[Translator’s note: this article was originally written in Spanish by @latin-dr-robotnik​]
Hello again! Today we’d like to discuss about something that’s been happening recently, and probably taking Sonic fans by surprise: what is going on with SEGA and its stance about Sonamy?
At the beginning of this year, to celebrate the 200 articles on Seaside Hill Paradise, I finished what I call “the Sonamy trilogy” of articles that I started in 2018 and which cover different themes, such as:
SEGA and the eternal issue of the Sonic-Amy dynamic
“I love you” – Forbidden words in Sonic
SEGA and the eternal issue of “Sonic’s girlfriend”
The idea was to offer a more-or-less complete analysis about the many facets of their dynamic in the last 27 years; a dynamic that, you may have noticed, is not that easy to pin down, and that we’ve been updating almost regularly (although I also intended to investigate on other dynamics, like Knuckles and Rouge’s for example, and write about them). Generally speaking, in these articles I don’t draw objective conclusions about the status of the ship in canon (despite the fact that the available information tends to confirm it in various occasions). I also like to repeat myself and say that shipping is supposed to be for fun, not for tearing each other’s hair in that black hole of misery that is Twitter, but recent events left us slightly perplexed, and this is why we’re here once again.
We left the status of the Sonamy canonicity with these two peculiar instances back in August: Sonic mentioning his “girlfriend” in the Japanese version of Sonic Battle, and the Twitter account of SEGA of Europe saying Sonamy is their “favorite videogame romance”. Now, let’s recap a bit…
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Sonamy in Sonic IDW... Round 3
[SPOILERS ALERT FOR IDW SONIC #14-#35]
In 2018, when IDW just started, I decided to study a little how the Sonamy dynamic worked in this new universe. To our surprise, the comic didn’t waste time in dropping its biggest bomb, in one of the cutest scenes we had seen in ages. Since the very beginning, IDW proved that it didn’t intend to deceive those fans that looked for a bit of development of both characters.
I wrote an article about it in June 2019, and it coincided with the beginning of one of the most infamous arc I’ve seen in a Sonic comic for a long time: the Metal Virus Saga. The question is, what has happened since then?
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Well, in 2019, with the same accuracy of an aimbot, I said “We’ll probably see some new interactions between Sonic and Amy sometime around IDW #20”. And wouldn’t you know, as misery and tragedy settled in that arc, it was exactly around IDW #20 that we saw some Sonamy interactions: both exhausted, to their limit, with a Sonic that couldn’t even touch Amy to soothe her pain, due to him being infected with the virus.
The arc developed like this in what felt like an eternity, to finally conclude in one the most absurd ways in Sonic history. But it wasn’t a complete disappointment, as, after months and months of asking and discussing on the internet about how much Sonic and Amy deserved a hug at the end of the arc… it actually happened.
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Since that moment in IDW #32, we shippers thought that it was what both of them deserved after so much time spent separated and pushed to their limit to survive, but also that after the end of the arc everything would go back to normal. However, what we didn’t know was that the Sonamy train had no intention of stopping, not in IDW, nor anywhere else.
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A recurring detail in IDW Sonic is that Amy’s tail starts wagging every time she sees Sonic, as if she was a happy dog. I swear, it happens every time.
Come IDW #35, once again we have some hugs and bits of dialogue between our hedgehogs. For sure, the question here isn’t their relationship itself, as it was for IDW #2, but rather the issues this arc is slowly dealing with. But it’s really nice to see them again, sharing that closeness that they’ve had in the comic since the beginning– be it with some gestures of affection, a wink, a gesture, a private joke.
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My favorite image is the first one, Belle’s reaction to seeing Amy hugging Sonic. It’s like she’s thinking “oh, is she his girlfriend?”, and she wouldn’t even be wrong in thinking that.
It can’t be denied that IDW Sonic provided us the conversations and the emotions that the games seldom do. Certainly, the comic has its share of issues and it’s not really a story that I personally follow for its own merits (it’s more because it’s still Sonic, for my interest for things like this, and Belle’s existence… whom I already ship with Tails, sorry not sorry), but what it does well it does really well.
For now, we have to see how IDW Sonic will follow the development of the characters, especially in view of the closure of the current story and beyond. And we may be done with this part of the article, but there is still a lot left.
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Sonamy in merchandise
Taking us completely by surprise, recently SEGA launched, in collaboration with Hot Topic, a series of Sonamy-themed t-shirts. No, seriously.
So many people told me this as soon as the voice spread (you know who you are, thank you guys for thinking about me <3), and I can’t help being still surprised that this is actually a thing. T-shirts with lines like “You’re my favorite”, “Love in the fast lane”, and my personal favorite, “S&A Forever”, with drawings of Classic Sonic and Amy… in SEGA-approved products. I don’t know if you realize how much of a big deal this is, even more than “Celebrate the 25 years of Sonic’s girlfriend” from 2018.
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One of the things that surprised me the most (aside from how explicit they are in officializing the relationship, and the fact that there are still 2 months left before Valentine’s Day 2021), was the decision to use Classic Sonic and Classic Amy. I tried to understand this decision by analyzing the simplicity and easiness with which the Classic designs convey a message (let’s not forget that Classic Sonic was so iconic because it was specifically designed to convey his expressions without words), besides the fact that they’re inherently cuter than their modern designs. There’s also the controversial aspect of post-Adventure Sonamy, with all the dubbing and weird interpretations that the fandom made over the years… By comparison, the Classic design are a much simpler choice.
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What is actually going on?
Well, let’s take a step back and think about what we just saw. The way SEGA has been recently trying to push Sonic and Amy in front view (and for the entirety of 2020, based on the articles I mentioned in the beginning) tells us the harsh truth we all have to accept sooner or later: Sonamy sells, and it sells a lot.
From a strictly business point of view, the ship is so iconic and popular, with fans and detractors alike, that it would be absurd for SEGA to ignore the chance to print these two characters and get a load of money. As I said in my 2018 article, despite the fact that in Japan Sonic isn’t as big of an icon as it is elsewhere, they know pretty well that Sonic + Amy = love, and they have huge amounts of merchandise to back it up. It’s in the West that because of different cultural values, of which we’ve already talked about, along with some internal resistance, left this aspect of the franchise a little on the side. But they’ve been trying to fix it… and how…
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Let’s not forget that a decade and a half ago Sonic Team seriously favored Sonamy. They officially said it, Sonic X was their purest view of Sonic they had at the time.
Outside of the business perspective, I believe we’re facing the moment that we’ve been waiting for: it’s time they’ll establish once and for all the dynamic of these two characters, following more closely the original Japanese vision of Sonic. I said many times that, in trying to change canon, the West, especially SEGA of America, did nothing but confuse fans and generate more discussions than needed, by introducing different data and portrayals that contradict the canon established by Sonic Team.
We’ve talked about Unleashed and emotional support, about Sonic X, about the major moments that opened the door to interpreting this dynamic as something more. We don’t threaten at gunpoint those who would rather stay away, but we respond to those declarations that still try to violently discredit the simple fact that Sonic and Amy, who are most of all close friends, form in some measure a couple that, even with its imposed limitations, manages to captivate fans and not fans everywhere in the world. Even the Simpsons used it as a joke, and that says a lot.
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What the future has in store for us.
Unless something else happens in this last month of 2020, this is the most complete compilation I can offer at the moment about the status of Sonamy in the fandom and in the official canon. Yes, canon.
It’s impossible to ignore the signals. As you may have noticed, I’ve been considering Sonic and Amy as an official couple, with its clarifications (for example, that at the end it’s more of a friendship, that it’s not a romantic relationship in the most explicit way, that it’s more of a personal perspective to justify a more mature vision of the relationship in the future, not right now), but nowadays I think that SEGA has spoken loud and clear. I think canon is ready to negotiate the idea that Sonic and Amy, apart from being excellent friends who would risk their lives for each other in a heartbeat, have something else on their hands (probably the other’s hand). This won’t automatically translate into a kiss, or a complete love declaration (although Sonic X came close…), or a commitment to a formal relationship like we know them in real life. SEGA canon affirms that Amy is “Sonic’s girlfriend” and nothing more. Outside of that detail, they still pretty much function as friends interacting with a little flirting here, and a little Sonic running away there. It’s the basis of their dynamic, now enhanced by the fact that SEGA is giving us a clearer message.
I think that this all may culminate in a game or an animated series, but I wouldn’t completely count on that. It is good to recognize how far the official position goes on this issue, but at the same time I want to reaffirm that there are things that are better left in the hands of the fandom, and in the meantime that IDW or any other continuity gives us hugs, winks, gestures and words of encouragement, we as the fandom will take care of exploring other avenues and hypothetical scenarios.
This is all I have to say on the matter for now, and I hope you’re happy with this wonderful Sonamy experience we’re going through – I certainly am. See you next time!
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themandhoelorian · 3 years
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Dincember - November 30: Snow
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summary: Din’s determined to make your stay on this miserable ice planet as short as possible, but you and the kid don’t mind taking your time in the snow.
pairing: din djarin x gn!reader
warnings: angst that quickly becomes fluff, episode 10 spoilers, the smallest bit of canon-typical violence, some swearing?, the cute little green dude, Din is Soft for you uwu
word count: 3.1k
a/n: ahhh hi welcome to my first fanfiction ever!! I’m excited and very very nervous about posting this, but I've been wanting to write my tin can husband for a while and thought dincember might just be the push I needed to start. part of me hopes I’m just screaming into the void, but if you’re reading this, I hope you enjoy it! happy dincember y’all <3
***
Din doesn’t like snow. 
It’s cold and wet and irritating and it creates a layer of frost on his armor that leaves stubborn smudges on the beskar even after he’s dried off. It’s a practical nightmare that Din quite frankly doesn’t have the patience to deal with, but the snow itself isn’t even what bothers him most.
It’s the planets that are covered in it that he really can’t stand. 
Din’s been on his fair share of ice planets, and not once has he found something appealing among the white plains, just deadly ravinaks and mindless criminals and giant ice spiders. If he had his choice, he would never step foot on one again. 
He’s not sure why any reasonable person would want to either.
So when he hears you gasp from the copilot seat as the frosty white orb comes into view, he assumes that it’s because you’re dreading having to land on this ice planet too.
He knows this is what he hired you for, to follow him wherever he needed to go and take care of the child, but he can’t help but feel a little bad that he’s brought you to yet another dreadful planet. Whenever the three of you land somewhere dangerous, which recently has been more often than not, he insists that you and the child stay on the Crest so he knows you’ll be safe. You never complain, always complying to his requests with a shy smile and dutifully looking after the child, but he can tell you’re growing weary of being holed up in the ship all the time. 
Your eyes don’t sparkle like they used to, the way they did when you first joined his crew and you would break into a dazzling grin every time you landed on a new planet. 
You don’t talk to the kid in excited whispers anymore as you teach him about the forests or the oceans or the sand, giggling as you bring his little green fingers to the ground and let him feel the difference in the landscapes. 
Din’s afraid he’s killed the wonder traveling with him used to bring you, he’s afraid he’s ruined it for the kid too, and Maker, he wishes he could see your face light up the way it used to. He wishes he could see you and the kid overwhelmingly happy again.
But here he is, leaving you both stuck in the middle of a frozen wasteland for what’s sure to be a less than happy few hours while he goes off to find another bounty. He wants to apologize before he leaves, but he can’t seem to find the words for how kriffing bad he feels. Even if he did, he knows you would just brush it off anyways, offer him that sweet smile that makes his face heat up and assure him that the two of you would be just fine on the ship.
So instead, he instructs you to keep the ship running, to stay warm and be ready to take off as soon as he gets back, before he hurries off into the dense swathes of snow. He doesn’t even tell you to stay on the Crest, in too much of a rush to leave before your dewy eyes can convince him to forget the quarry and take you somewhere nicer. 
He’s halfway to the location when he realizes it, but he figures there’s no use turning back to remind you when he’s sure you wouldn’t want to go outside, not when white flakes are starting to dust the already cold air. 
Besides, he’s determined to make your stay on this planet as short as possible anyway. 
Luckily, the target’s in the first cantina Din steps into and doesn’t put up a fight. Well, he tries, but the dumb sucker thinks he can just run, and he doesn’t get more than a few meters out the door before Din shoots him through the chest. 
Usually, Din would scoff at a quarry that slow, but this time, as he ties up the body, he’s just grateful that the target’s lack of mental and physical prowess means he can get you all off this planet that much sooner.
In fact, it’s only been a few hours since he first left, and as he makes his way back to the Crest, Din assumes he’ll find you right where he left you. You probably haven’t even put the kid down for a nap yet, and he’s almost proud of himself for making the turnaround so fast. He may have brought you to this awful place, but at least he’s making sure you barely have to spend any time on it. 
He almost doesn’t feel bad anymore, almost tells himself it’s okay that he left you and the child stranded on the ship again, but then he approaches the Crest and realizes things aren’t exactly as he left them.
The first thing he notices is that the hull door is open. He’s almost certain he remembered to close it, even in his rush to leave, but even if he didn’t, he’s sure you would’ve shut it for him. 
But then again, you’d been in the cockpit when he left, so maybe you had just stayed there and didn’t realize the door was still open. That would make sense.
When he gets a little closer though, he realizes he can’t hear the hum of the engine and that the headlights have been turned off. That he can’t explain. He told you to keep the ship running, and you’ve always followed his instructions. If nothing else, surely you’d want to keep the heater going in this weather. He can’t think of any reason why the Crest shouldn’t be running right now, unless something happened to you and-
No. No, that’s not possible. 
He always engages ground security before he leaves. There’s no way anything could’ve gotten onto the ship. But he was in a rush this time, and he’s not even 100 percent positive he closed the hull door, and kriff, did he really mess up that badly?
Not only did he make you wait on this stupid ice planet, but he also left you and the kid vulnerable to whatever dangers lurk in its snow covered hills because he forgot to secure the ship?
Maker, now he really feels bad for bringing you here.
Before he knows it, Din is sprinting towards the Crest, leaving the quarry’s body behind so he can move faster through the snow. He starts heading up the ramp, ready to scope out the ship, but then he hears faint laughter coming from the other side of the hull. He freezes at the noise, his body tensing as the edges of his vision go red. 
Apparently ice planets make for stupid criminals, Din thinks, because between the quarry he just picked up and whoever the hell is gloating right outside the scene of their crime right now, he’s sure he’s never encountered so many witless assholes in one place. He’s almost glad for it though. At least he’ll be able to put a bolt through the little frozen brain of whoever had the gall to raid his ship and mess with his crew.
He draws his blaster and paces towards the back of the ship, making sure his steps are silent now that the laughter has stopped. He takes a breath before darting out from behind the Crest, blaster raised, finger on the trigger, but he doesn’t find the thief that he’s looking to shoot there.
He just finds you lying on the frozen ground, making faces at the child as you support him on your stomach.
At first, Din is just relieved to see the two of you seemingly unharmed, but the comfort he feels quickly morphs into confusion. He wonders if something happened to the ship that forced the two of you outside, but then the child swats at your face and you giggle, the sound so pure and carefree that he knows nothing’s wrong.
No, you just decided to drag the kid out into the cold for fun.
He sighs and lowers his blaster as he watches the two of you, too caught up in whatever game you’re playing to notice his presence. Maker, maybe ice planets really do make people dumber, the snowflakes fogging up your head the way it does his visor, because he knows if you were in your right mind you wouldn’t have taken the kid out into the snow, and you definitely wouldn’t be lying with him in the ice, completely exposed to anyone passing by.
“I thought I told you to keep the ship running,” he barks.
You sit up abruptly at the sudden noise, pulling the child instinctively to your chest as you whip your head in his direction. Panic flashes across your eyes for a second, but when you realize it’s just him, it melts into a sigh as you offer him a small smile. 
“Oh. Mando. Hi, we were just...”
But then the kid sees that Din’s returned and coos loudly, trying to squirm out of your arms so you’ll let him down. You oblige, placing him gently on the soft ground, and he waddles over to Din with his tiny arms outstretched.
Din picks him up, and the child bubbles with excitement as he positions the little womp rat in the crook of his arm. Din studies him, searching for any signs of distress, but he finds none, just big eyes shining with nothing but glee. 
That’s strange. He was sure the kid would hate snow after what happened last time. 
He snaps out of his train of thought when you make your way towards him, brushing ice off your shoulders and back. 
“Sorry, he was getting a little antsy when it started snowing, so I thought he might’ve wanted to play outside for a little bit,” you explain. “I didn’t want to leave the engine running while we were out here, and I thought we’d have enough time to get everything going again before you got back.”
You’re right in front of him now, so close he can see the small crystals of ice that dot your hair. For a second, he forgets himself, consumed by how breathtaking you look against the icy landscape, and it’s only when the child shifts in his arms that Din catches himself, remembering that he’s supposed to be mad at you for not following his instructions.
“Wasn’t he scared of it?” he demands.
You shake your head, looking down at the child and running a thumb along his ear.
“He seemed a little nervous at first, but I got him to warm up to it pretty quickly. We were just about to head inside, but he wanted to stay out here a little longer, isn’t that right bubs?”
The child hums contentedly as if to agree with you, shifting his gaze between your face and the helmet, but Din keeps his eyes trained on you, trying to figure out how you could’ve gotten the kid to like the snow so easily. The encounter on Maldo Kreis had left him wary of any icy terrain, he can’t imagine what it must have done to the innocent child, but somehow here he is, looking as happy as he’s ever been playing with you in the frost. 
He must have been staring at you for too long because before he can put his finger on how you were able to change the kid’s mind, your face is twisting with worry and you’re starting to apologize again.
“I know we probably should’ve stayed on the ship, but I…” you hesitate before giving him a sheepish grin. “Playing in the snow was one of my favorite things when I was little, and I wanted him to know what it was like too.” 
Din should be mad at you. You didn’t do the one thing he asked, and you could’ve put yourself and the kid in danger by going outside on a cold foreign planet. He should reprimand you, make sure you know how stupid it was to do that, but then you look up at him, your eyes sparkling as they catch his through the visor, and it’s like someone’s lifted the beskar from his chest, cool air filling his lungs as he breathes fully for what feels like the first time.
He can’t remember the last time he saw you like this, so in awe of the world and eager to share it with the child, with him. Din thought he’d killed all the joy the two of you felt, but no, here it is again, radiating strong and warm from you and the little being babbling in his arms, and he feels whatever anger he had managed to harbor melt away.
How could he be upset when you two were so happy again? 
“It’s okay,” he sighs. “Just- I need you to be more careful when I’m not here. I don’t want you two getting into trouble when I can’t protect you.”
“I know, I know. I promise it won’t happen again.” 
It’s a simple affirmation, but your voice is steady, your gaze holding his with so much weight that he knows you mean every word you say. Din knows that he can trust you, so he just nods, deciding there’s not much use in wasting more breath on the topic.
He’s about to turn back to the ship, ready to get you all off this planet like he intended, but the child whines before he can move, pointing a tiny finger at the ground where you had been playing. Before he can ask what’s wrong, you take the child from his arms, speaking in that melodic tone you save for doting on your small companion.
“Oh, you wanna show your dad what we were doing, huh bubs?”
He coos in agreement, and you smile before nodding at Din to follow. You lead him to where you were lying and place the kid down next to two vaguely body shaped depressions in the snow. The kid toddles towards the smaller, shallower one and looks up at Din with bright eyes.
Din’s been with the kid long enough that he knows he’s supposed to act excited at this, but it’s a little hard to do when he has no idea what he’s looking at.
He turns his helmet to you in confusion, only to find you already staring at him with an amused expression. 
“Have you never made a snow angel, Mando?” you tease.
“A what?”
You grin at his response, and Din feels his face heat up. He can’t tell if it’s from being embarrassed at not knowing or if it’s just from seeing you smile at him.
“A snow angel. You lie down and move your arms and legs up and down, and then the mark you leave behind kind of looks like an angel.”
The kid makes his way back towards Din while he studies the tracks in the snow. He can kind of see an angel in the design he’s guessing you made, but the child’s-
“Well, it’s supposed to look like an angel,” you add. “But the kid’s so small I guess it's hard to tell. Maybe I should have taught him how to make snowballs instead.”
“No, you made the right choice,” Din interjects. “He doesn’t need anything else to be throwing around with his mind tricks.”
You laugh, nodding in agreement, and he feels his chest expand again at the levity of your voice. He wants to make you laugh again, be the reason you’re so openly joyful, but as he’s racking his brain for something to say, he feels a light tug on his cape.
“What is it, buddy?” Din asks as he kneels next to the child. He doesn’t respond, just starts waddling back towards the patterns in the snow while holding onto the cape, tugging harder once its pulled taut and he can’t move any further. 
“I think he wants you to make one too,” you note.
Din sighs as he stands, gently removing his cape from the child’s small hand. As much as he enjoys seeing the kid happy, he thinks it’d be a little ridiculous for him to take part in the childish activity, and he’s not too fond of the idea of lying on the cold, wet ground.
“I’m afraid I don’t know how to,” he reasons.
It’s a lame excuse, he knows, but it’s technically true, and he thinks it might be enough to get him out of this little game.
But when you roll your eyes at him, he knows that’s just wishful thinking.
Well, it was worth a shot.
“He did it, I’m sure you can figure it out too,” you accuse, gesturing at the kid who’s plopped himself on the ground. “Come on, bubs, why don’t you show your daddy how it’s done?”
The child doesn’t move though, just tilts his head at you and lets out a confused noise. You shake your head as you make your way to him, but instead of picking him up like Din expects, you just pat his head, striding past the “angels” you made earlier.
“Fine, you lazy little bean,” you say. “I guess I’ll just show him then.”
You sit in a fresh patch of snow and beckon at Din to join you. He’s about to refuse, tell you that it’s time to get back on the ship and leave, but then your bright eyes catch his again.
Maybe it’s worth giving in if it’ll keep that twinkle in your eyes.
“It’s just a little snow, Mando, it’s not gonna kill you.”
Din sighs, pulling his pulse rifle off his back and setting it down before grabbing the kid. He places the child between the two of you as he sits down, following your lead as you lay back in the soft ice and begin to move your limbs. 
It’s about as enjoyable as he expects it to be, which is to say not at all. The beskar makes him sink deep into the frozen layer, and he can feel the cold moisture seeping through the gaps in his armor. He’s about to ask how you could genuinely find this fun, but the sound of your laughter mixing with the child’s stops him.
He turns his head to watch you, taking in the way your eyes squeeze shut as your arms draw patterns in the snow, the way the light reflects off the white ground, making it glow around you.
The way it kind of makes you look like an angel.
Suddenly, Din feels warm despite being covered in ice, and he understands how you got the kid to like the snow so quickly. 
He thinks he might be starting to like it a little too.
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troquantary · 3 years
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Didyme, Part 2: Something, Something, Plato's Allegory of the Cave
Continuing from here, and we’re doing sub-parts for this bit. I’m genuinely surprised I had this much to say. (And fun fact, I almost lost the entire goddamn post, but fortunately I was copy-pasting into Word just in case. Not today, Satan.)
2.1. What Canon Tells Us
Didyme’s murder by Aro (and with Caius’ apparent assistance, either during or afterwards), is only mentioned on the page in Life and Death, the 10th Anniversary gender-swapped version of Twilight. Edythe/Edward mentions it briefly when discussing the painting of the leaders Carine/Carlisle brought back from Volterra, but it’s just background information with little narrative weight. I bring it up just to highlight Caius’ involvement and knowledge -- I’ll get back to that.
Now, here’s the “canon” backstory we have to work with. Per the illustrated guide, Didyme was Aro’s younger sister, and he turned her at some point after meeting Marcus, Caius, and Athenadora. Interestingly, the Guide doesn’t say anything about Aro returning to Didyme out of brotherly love; apparently he just wanted to see if she would have a powerful gift like his, only to be underwhelmed (”disappointed,” according to his Guide entry) by her actual ability -- she made people happy just by being around them. Then she and Marcus fell in love, sharing “the strongest romantic bond of any of the Volturi” (from Marcus’ Guide entry), and this prompted a suddenly very single Aro to seek out his own mate, Sulpicia. The Guide says Didyme “distracted” Marcus from Aro’s goals, and that the pair eventually made plans to split off on their own, leading Aro to murder Didyme so he could hold onto Marcus and his valuable gift. Although nothing written so far suggests that Aro even liked his sister, the Guide does state that Aro “truly loved her” and that his grief upon killing Didyme was genuine.
Apparently Caius’ role in all is was something Meyer thought up later, because none of the leaders’ Guide entries mention him being in on it. (You can’t see me, but I’m staring pointedly at Part One.)
2.2. Fuck Canon, Actually
(This just seemed like the funniest place for a cut. Continued below~)
I’ll be honest with you, person who’s persistent/unfortunate enough to still be here: very little about this murder scenario makes sense to me. I’m going to start with the “disappointing” nature of Didyme’s gift and that it was supposedly much less useful to Aro than Marcus’, because that’s just...stupid, frankly, and there’s no way Aro would have missed the inherent utility of Didyme’s gift. I don’t even have to read into anything to get this idea -- the Guide itself shows us how useful it is! It says right there in Marcus’ entry that Aro went off to turn Didyme, and returned with his sister, “along with the first members of the guard -- vampires who were drawn to Didyme’s aura of happiness.” That is a direct quote.
Just -- I practically shrieked when I read that. You’re telling me that Didyme’s gift was the stated reason their coven got its first subordinates, and I’m supposed to believe that Aro thought that was disappointing? Fuck off! Fuck off!! Even if Didyme’s happiness aura isn’t as powerful as Corin’s opium haze, well, Aro doesn’t have Corin yet, does he? He has every reason in the world to want to keep Didyme around, drawing other vampires to his cause -- even if most of those vampires aren’t gifted or skilled enough to join the guard, it’s still good PR.
At this early stage in the Volturi’s rise to power, it isn’t a good time to lose Didyme -- or any of his inner coven, really. Yet Aro apparently considered her disposable enough that he killed her. I can’t square this with what we know about Aro: that he’s still coherent despite holding god-knows how many people’s lives in his head; that he’s very intelligent; that he’s cunning, charming, and persuasive. Aro, once he learned they were thinking about leaving, would have tried to talk to Didyme and Marcus and done everything in his power to convince them to stay just a bit longer, until the Volturi’s position was more secure. And maybe he did; the timeline of all this is hazy, but nothing in the Guide suggests that Aro jumped straight to duplicity and murder. Clearly, though, whatever negotiations or arguments he presented failed. So what does their desire to leave the Volturi at this critical stage say about Didyme, or Marcus for that matter?
2.3. What It Says About Didyme and Marcus (Mostly Headcanon)
Brace yourself, because we’re into full headcanon territory now. To follow me, please refer to @therealvinelle ‘s meta about the larger mission of the Volturi and why they’re necessary, because I’m starting from the perspective that the Volturi are ultimately a force working in vampires’ and humans’ favor. While Meyer and the Guide would have you believe that Aro’s just power-hungry, actually looking at the impact of the Volturi and the benefits of enforcing secrecy shows that his broader vision isn’t just world domination, but establishing a world in which vampires and humans can both thrive and endure. There’s no way the rest of the inner coven was unaware of this goal; we know Aro talks a lot, so he’s certainly talked his coven’s ears off about this.
Now, we know very little about Marcus and what he was like before he was all dead inside. Based on what would be a logical balance of personalities, with Aro as lead decision-maker and Caius as ruthless enforcer, it seems likely that Marcus was originally the voice of reason and/or mercy. I also think Marcus would have had a strong sense of duty. The Guide says that Aro was the first friend Marcus had as a vampire, and I believe that Marcus cared about him very much and was committed to the Volturi. I think he would have been genuinely conflicted about leaving, especially considering the stabler, safer world the Volturi have been striving to build, and which they haven’t yet secured. Again, it’s a very bad time for any of the leadership to split off -- but in the end, Marcus and Didyme are going to do it anyway.
What for, though? Why leave? @theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin has an interesting take on that question here: that Didyme saw that she and Marcus would be locked into the Volturi life and a thankless existence for eternity and tried to opt out while she still could. I like it a lot, it’s a great post and that scenario makes sense, but the tone of it feels...too forgiving. Maybe that’s because I’m evil. But the way I see it, given the magnitude of the Volturi’s mission, and its (at best) very tenuous grip on power at the time Marcus and Didyme plan to leave (they haven’t even defeated the Romanians yet), jeopardizing the entire operation so that they can pursue their romance unburdened strikes me as...well, fundamentally selfish on some level, so much that I find myself side-eyeing Didyme and Marcus for it. Although to be clear, it’s not the desire to live their own lives apart from the Volturi that I find selfish, just the timing of their departure.
Honestly, I’d like not to vilify another female character if I don’t have to. Given everything I’ve just said, I see Didyme in much the same way as I see Bella: not a bad person, but someone with definite selfish tendencies. At best, she’s likely short-sighted or naive if she doesn’t see how leaving the Volturi at this stage is fucking them over in a big way. However, I hesitate to read into the happiness aura as a straightforward indication of Didyme’s fundamental goodness; I think she probably was kind, charming, and delightful to be around, hence the nature of her gift -- but that capacity for selfishness is still there. (I’m certain Meyer wants us to take her gift as proof of Didyme’s goodness, to reinforce how evil Aro is for killing her...but I think I’ve made my disdain for what Meyer wants me to think pretty clear.)
2.4. MURDER MOST FOUL
I am not saying it was justifiable or okay for Aro to murder his sister. I’m really not. It’s actually better, from a character standpoint, that it isn’t okay -- that Aro has to carry this with him for the rest of his life while Marcus sits in the throne next to him, reduced to a husk, so that in effect Aro has lost them both after all. It’s got that Greek tragedy element @theoriginalcarnivorousmuffin​ mentioned in her post. (Even better from that standpoint, the Guide implies that Aro found Chelsea relatively soon after killing Didyme, which compounds the tragedy.) I mean, it’s terrible, and it hurts me because I love Aro, but it’s compelling stuff.
What I am saying is, I can see how their insistence on leaving might have deeply hurt and offended him. And that brings me to my issue with the calculated murder scenario the Guide gives us -- I still think Didyme’s gift is too valuable for Aro to throw away by killing her in cold...venom (or whatever), even as the price for keeping Marcus in the fold. Plus, there’s the fact that Aro does love Didyme, and I imagine her gift makes it very difficult for people to think of harming her...when they’re calm, anyway.
Yeah, the only way I can really see the murder happening is if Aro killed Didyme in the heat of an argument about her leaving, possibly even by accident -- except you can’t accidentally kill a vampire, can you? It’s a very deliberate process wherein you have to dismember them and burn every piece, which also means it probably takes long enough that any irrational, overwhelming rage would wear off before you were done. But now that you’ve started....
I mean, at that point it would certainly be awkward to put your half-rubble sister back together, and Aro would be in a whole other load of shit even if he did. It’s possible, given what we’re told, that Aro could have lashed out and yanked Didyme’s head off before snapping out of it, only to realize that his sole option now is to finish the job. If he doesn’t kill Didyme now, she and Marcus won’t just leave, they’ll be sworn enemies of Aro from then on. And thanks to Didyme’s gift being the draw for a lot of the guard, and the inherently bad look of a leader who would brutally attack his own sister, a chunk of the guard would probably leave with them, destroying Aro’s plans. No, the only way to salvage it is to follow through.
Then Aro has to call in Caius for help with the cover-up, because it wasn’t actually planned and it’s just pure luck that no one walked in on the murder as it was happening.
And maybe Aro learns a hard lesson about learning to let people walk away, leaving the possibility open that they could be drawn in again. Because if Aro had just waited, he would have found Chelsea, and with her gift he could have had Marcus and Didyme back again.
Assuming everything didn’t fall apart as soon as they left, of course. But that’s a whole other what-if scenario.
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fific7 · 3 years
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Dangerous and Divine - Part 10
Billy Russo x Reader
Summary: Billy Russo is an itch you don’t want to scratch. But he’s all over you like a rash.
A/N: This does not follow canon, it’s mainly fluff & lemon zest 🍋 In case you hadn’t guessed, this is my ‘Real Love for Russo’ AU. The GIF is from Exposed, unreleased pilot show in case you’re wondering 😌... Billy vibes.
Warnings: 18+ NSFW due to sexual content including oral and unprotected* sex between consenting adults. A little voyeurism. Some drinking & swearing.
*Irl, please don’t go wild in the country without protection.
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(My GIF)
His eyes looked huge as he gazed at you, “I, uh... think I’ve fallen in love with you.” He stroked your cheek, “And it scares the shit out of me.”
You realised you must look like a fish, your mouth had dropped open in a big O. No sound came out of it though, as your brain had frozen solid when you’d heard Billy’s words.
He looked at you, worried frown on his face, “I know! I know what you’re gonna say. It’s too fast. I think it’s too fast too! - but I can’t help how I feel. It’s like I’ve run into a wall or something. Can’t stop thinkin’ about you. Wanna be with you all the time. Wanna make love to you all the time.”
You scratched the bristly hairs under his chin, running your fingers through them and into those on his neck. Still trying to think of what to say.
“Uh, I...” you stuttered, thinking ‘good start, “...Billy, I really like you. I’m enjoying being with you, and I’ve definitely got feelings for you. Already. And it scares the living shit out of me too. Not sure exactly what they are just yet,” you smiled at him, and were relieved to see him smile back. “But, yeah, I think I’ll hang around so I can find out. If that’s OK with you.”
He was still smiling, and leaned over to kiss you softly. “That’s more than OK with me. We can both be scared together.” Your arms went round his neck, your lips dotting little kisses onto his eyes, his nose, his cheeks, his lips. “Yeah - let’s do that.” His eyes were still closed and a happy little smile had appeared on his face.
Oh, and Billy?” Dark eyes opened slowly and looked at you, “You know how we didn’t use a condom?” A tiny little frown on his brow, “Yeah?” “There won’t be any mini-Russo’s running around, don’t worry. I’m on birth control.” He chuckled, “Okay, I suppose that’s good to know. Wouldn’t have been a problem if it did happen, though.” You burst out laughing, “Really? Not a problem for you, so you say, but have you thought about how it might’ve been a problem for me?”
He sat up a bit, “Well... no I guess I didn’t. Would it be that much of bad thing?” You lay down and stared up at the ceiling. After a moment or two of silence, you hummed and said, “Well, having kids is not in my immediate life plan, but I’m not ruling it out.” Billy perched his chin on your shoulder, and you turned your head to meet those deep dark eyes again. He grinned, “Okay, I hear you. Guess it’s not in my plans right now either. But I have to say, we’d make beautiful babies.”
You smiled, “Maybe... but you still aren’t getting me pregnant and locking me in the kitchen!”
Billy had just laughed, giving you more of the puppydog eyes.
»»————————————-———- ⚜ ———————————-————-««
After Billy had finally enjoyed a very pleasurable joint shower the next morning - he’d been fantasising about that ever since that time she’d locked him out of her bathroom - he’d dropped her at the Chelsea café before heading out to Anvil. He had a huge smile on his face as he thought back to the two of you playing around under the warm water of her rainfall shower, having immense fun and indulging each other with erotic pleasures.
But then his smile faded a little bit. His mind had moved on and was now playing over their conversation from the previous evening. Should he have told her how he felt? Not that he’d meant to, to be honest, but his sex-drowsy brain and loved-up mindset had let his mouth just blurt it out. It wasn’t like he was lying or anything, he’d just not planned for it to happen that way or at that particular time. She hadn’t said she was in love with him, but he was very pleased that she’d actually admitted she had feelings for him, which was good enough for him for the time being.
He was making his second cup of coffee by the time Frank arrived, so made him one too. The two buddies lounged back in their chairs, sipping at their caffeine hits, and Billy started catching Frank up with the dramas of the previous day, who listened with an increasingly amazed look on his face.
When Billy got to the bit about Madani’s visit to Anvil and what she’d done as soon as she arrived, Frank swore out loud and said angrily that he shouldn’t leave it like that, he should report her. Billy sighed, “Now’s not the time, Frankie. My girl’s got the right idea, she wants to wait till the case is done and then we’ll see. Madani’s crazy mad enough right now without us stirrin’ up more trouble for her.”
Frank grumbled, “Even more unhappy havin’ to work with her now. She’s a loose cannon.”
Billy shrugged, “You know we don’t have a choice, Frankie. And it was my dumb idea to lead her on in the first place.” He looked over at him, “This hotel meet tomorrow should bring this whole fuckin’ thing to a close.”
Their case was coming to a head. There had been shady goings-on back in Afghanistan when the two friends had been in the Marines, involving black ops and drug-smuggling which had led to Madani’s then-partner getting killed, and Billy getting his Anvil funding from CIA bad guy Rawlins. He was dead now too. And Madani was determined to get his remaining accomplices, one way or another. Homeland was using an undercover agent to lure them into a trap with the promise of selling them video and phone tap evidence, and Homeland had agreed to work jointly with Anvil on it.
Frank and Billy had insider knowledge which was crucial to keeping the undercover agent safe from discovery. They were originally arrested after the gun battle which ended Rawlins’ life because Anvil had muscled in on the confrontation between him and Homeland, and Frank had killed Rawlins in the course of it. Once the remaining two accomplices were under arrest - tomorrow hopefully - Homeland had promised Billy and Frank that all pending charges against them would be dropped.
Frank frowned, looking like a huge irate teddy bear, “It better,” he said darkly.
»»————————————-———- ⚜ ———————————-————-««
You were immersed in paperwork, but your mind kept wandering. It was a busy little bee. All the stuff that had happened yesterday... it was a lot to take in. Madani’s two visits to you, her full-on assault of Billy, and then... Billy and what he’d said. Yeah, those three little words.
You could tell by his eyes when he’d said it that he’d surprised himself. At least he was as scared as you were. Did you love him? Really not sure. You definitely had feelings for him, that was for damn sure. When Madani had told you she was seeing Billy, you could have cheerfully murdered her. And again, when Billy told you what she’d done to him.
He’d told you this morning that in all honesty, if you hadn’t been in his life, his prior persona would have just let her carry on with it. You’d appreciated that he was being completely truthful with you, about that and also about stopping her in her tracks. He’d actually seemed quite shocked about how she’d behaved. And really not looking forward to seeing her again.
But he’d also told you that the case should be coming to a close tomorrow, and he couldn’t wait for it to be done and dusted. He also said he had a surprise for you which he’d tell you about tonight.
A smile crept onto your lips as you thought about seeing him that night. He was going to pick you up at your place and then head over to his, as he was cooking you dinner this time.
»»————————————-———- ⚜ ———————————-————-««
Billy was flitting around his kitchen area, tea towel over his shoulder, wooden spoon in hand, picking up and moving pots and pans around his cooker, and basically just being a domestic god.
You were sipping wine, sitting at his kitchen table and watching this vision unfold in front of you, as you’d been told that you weren’t allowed to help. He looked edible, never mind the food - which smelt delicious. Billy was making pasta with meatballs in a tomato sauce, joking that it wasn’t quite as fancy as the lunch you’d made for him. And he’d also sliced fresh crusty bread with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar alongside for dipping.
“How’d it go with Mizzzz Madani today?” you asked, drawing out the “Ms” mockingly, dying to know what had happened. You could hear his sigh from where you were sitting. He looked over his shoulder at you, running a hand through his hair and frowning as he did, “Uhhhh... how can I put it? Really. Fuckin’. Awkward.”
He turned back to the food steaming away on the cooker top, continuing, “She just literally glared at me for the whole briefing. Like if she’d had knives with her, they’d all be stuck in me right now. Didn’t speak a word to me the whole time.”
“You know, Billy - that really fuckin’ annoys me! She’s the one who created the whole situation.”
Again a sigh, “Well, like I said to Frankie before the meeting, it was my dumb ass that thought leadin’ her on was a good way of getting her to keep us in the loop.”
“Yeah, you’re right but listen, she escalated this beyond reason when she stalked me and jumped you! You know what, Billy, once this is done and you and Frank are free and clear, I’m going after her ass.”
Billy started dishing up, chuckling as he did so, “That’s my girl!” “Billy, I reckon she thought I’d crumble when she marched into my café with her power dressing and big shiny badge. She picked the wrong person to piss off!” Strolling across to the table, Billy put the two plates of food down along with the cutlery, leant in and kissed you long and slow. “Mmmm,” he grinned, “yeah, she really did!”
His eyes softened, and he whispered, “I love you.” “Oh Billy,” you whispered back, and kissed him. Then you drew back, looking down at your dinner, “This looks and smells amazing!” “Stop changing the subject,” he grinned, sitting down and starting to eat. “Now that I told you, I’m just gonna keep saying it to you, and one time you might say it back to me!” You stroked his jaw, dragging your fingers through his beard, “You big sap.” He nodded, “Uhuh.”
“Now, tomorrow...” he continued, “...we’re finishing this thing. Can’t tell you details, but we’re gonna be based in one of the big hotels downtown. I’ve booked a room. Can you bunk off work to spend some time with your boyfriend? Sexy times in a fancy hotel room before he goes on his mission... and afterwards?”
You smirked, “Might do. If he makes it worth my while.” Bigger smirk from him, “He will, you can bank on it.”
»»————————————-———- ⚜ ———————————-————-««
Billy had dropped you home after dinner; he had to head back to Anvil as he, Frank and their team needed to get prepped for the next day. You felt quite giddy when you realised he’d taken time out just to make you dinner. Maybe you did love this guy!
You texted Jake & Jen to say you’d decided to take the next day off, but they could of course get in touch with you if need be.
Jake: No problem, have a great day off 😌
Jen: Lucky you!!!! 😉🥵
You laughed at Jen’s reply, cheeky woman! She’d guessed exactly what you’d be up to on your day off.
»»————————————-———- ⚜ ———————————-————-««
Packing an overnight bag after you’d showered and dressed very early the next morning, you made sure to include some pretty lingerie. Billy was in for a treat.
Speak of the devil. Your phone chimed with a new text.
Your Boyfriend: I’m outside your place, my angel 😘
You: Do you have to be on time, all the time? 🙄😌
Your Boyfriend: Ex-Marine, darling 🥷😉😘
You: OK big boy, I’ll be down in 5 😘
Your Boyfriend: 🍒🍆😈
Twenty minutes later, you were driven into the hotel’s underground carpark in Billy’s SUV (no Wraith today!) and he asked you to wait in the car until he came back for you. Once he returned with the keycard, he took you up to the lifts via the fire exit stairs, so you wouldn’t have to walk through the lobby. Very cloak and dagger, you thought.
The hotel room was very fancy indeed, all boutique hotel chic. You’d just put your large tote bag down beside the bed, when two arms grabbed you, spun you round and threw you onto the bed. Billy nuzzled into your neck, making low growling sounds. His hands got busy unfastening your shirt, so you started on his, both of you kissing each other’s skin wherever you could reach it.
Billy groaned, “Angel... sorry, this is gonna have to be a really quick thing, m’nearly due to get kitted up for this fuckin’ op.” “That’s okay,” you gasped, “just get your clothes off, Russo.” He grinned, sitting up on his knees and stripping off his shirt, followed by his boots, jeans and CK boxer briefs. You were just lying there, eyes drinking in that fine body of his, until he took hold of his erection and gave himself a few strokes, stiffening even more. That snapped you out of your trance, and you sat up and stripped off your clothes quick as a flash.
You and Billy then kind of leapt on each other at the same time, and you found yourself tumbling backwards again onto the huge bed with Billy on top of you. He slid two fingers gently inside you before finding your clit and rubbing at it hard with his thumb. He was kissing your neck and then your breasts, licking your nipples roughly, making you give little squeals.
His fingers left you, and you felt him move his hard cock between your legs with his hand. He pushed inside with one big thrust and you gave a big, deep sigh at how good he felt inside you. Hearing Billy sigh out your name as he buried himself in you, you thought you also heard a click. Billy was kissing you hungrily and had started thrusting into you at a pretty fast pace. All thoughts of anything else went out of your head.
»»————————————-———- ⚜ ———————————-————-««
Dinah Madani had calmed down quite a lot over the last 24 hours.
She’d drunk herself into oblivion when she’d got home after leaving Anvil, and had to sit through that excruciating briefing with Russo and Castle the next day nursing a raging hangover. Did she regret what she’d done? Any of it? No, she didn’t.
To put it mildly, she wanted Billy Russo, and had thought she was going to get him. While she knew that she’d lost her head over him, that she’d looked so desperate when she’d jumped him in his office, she really didn’t give a shit. Madani had decided to take a shot at getting him back, and she’d taken it.
It hadn’t worked. That had really surprised as well as humiliated her. What did that bitch have that she didn’t? Anyhow, yeah - he’d kicked her to the curb, so she was just going to have to take it on the chin and move on. Not that she was happy about it, and easier said than done.
She’d decided to hunt Russo down in his room and go over some last-minute details with him. And if she was honest, maybe see if being in a hotel bedroom with him changed the dynamic any. The hotel manager had given her a master keycard as she was Agent-in-Charge of this undercover op. She was going to go in unannounced she decided, well she was the boss on this op after all. Maybe Russo would be in the shower, she mused to herself, with a pleasurable thrill.
As she opened the door and walked in, about to call out his name, what she saw did not please her in the slightest. Billy Russo’s naked tight ass thrusting up and down, him sighing and groaning out loud, lying in between a pair of legs, and she could just guess who they belonged to.
Wanting to turn round and get the hell out of there, Madani found herself rooted to the spot. It was like car crash TV... she just couldn’t bring herself to look away. So, she stood there and just watched.
»»————————————-———- ⚜ ———————————-————-««
@blackbirddaredevil23 @galaxyjane @omgrachwrites
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thattimdrakeguy · 3 years
Note
Okey! Some Autistic Timmy thoughts, coming right up! (Most of these are self projection lol😅)
1. HATES chalk. Like really, really hates it. The texture is the WORST it gets on his hands and he HATES it so so so much. He touches chalk and immediately has the urge to rip his skin off. The first time he touched chalk as a toddler he actually started crying.
2. Needless to say, his life is pretty unstructured. This doesn't really bother him, HOWEVER, if his "suiting up in the cave" routine is interrupted it WILL mess up his entire day. If he's suiting up at home or anywhere else it's fine, but for some reason he's particular about the cave routine. Luckily Bruce is also a very routine oriented person so it's not a big deal, but when someone else is in charge and it changes it bothers him. He can still function perfectly well, he just gets more anxious than usual.
3. Kraft mac n cheese is his comfort food. He measures out the ingredients exactly so it will taste the same every time.
4. Watched a documentary about ocean creatures when he was 8 and memorized the whole thing. Can and will tell you the creepiest and most disturbing facts from it if prompted to.
5. Rocks in his chair when he's sitting and thinking, to the point where the floor around his desk has scratch marks. He's fallen over and bonked his head many times and it drives Alfred insane.
6. This one is actually supported by canon to an extent but I think he really likes labelling things with the Robin symbol. It's fun and easy to draw and it gives him a little serotonin boost every time he see's one of his things labeled like that. Bruce noticed it and always makes sure to label all of Tim's new gear before he gives it to him. To make things easier to distinguish, of course. Because it would definitely be so easy to mistake the primary colored xx small clothes and gadgets for belonging to anybody else.
Sorry, not all of these are directly related to autism I guess. I just put things that I see commonly in myself and other autistic people that I thought he might also do. Love your blog btw!
I honestly really love these to be honest, cause I can really easily picture Tim doing all of these kinds of stuff. Like it fits in amazingly well with his personality. I mean I don’t know about the chalk and Mac and Cheese, but that’s purely because I don’t think you could tell that from a personality, but you can get what I mean lol. It’s all great.
I actually had the Robin one myself too, at least kind of. Maybe not a label specifically on everything, but I can picture him just having a Robin symbol of everything that’s his rather it was bought that way like the symbol on his shirt or a backpack, to the labels and tags on other things because Robin just means so much to him. 
Now it’s got me imagining it on LITERALLY everything, like Dick, Cass, Babs maybe even, and Timmy himself all having a sleepover party in the living room or cave or something, and someone nearly grabs Tim’s pillow and blanket and he gets jumpy like “Hey, no, that ones mine!”, which isn’t even tellable at first because this ones just his plain pillow and blanket, not his merch one. But he yoinks it out of their hand and shows them a personally made label in the form of a little tiny tag on them both.
If you put out all of the Batkids stuff in front of you (I’m imagining like all neat and folded and each person’s stuff is in their own little group next to the other people’s stuff’s also grouped), it’d be so obviously Tim’s (I mean besides no one else being able to fit into his tiny tiny clothes). Like “Okay, Robin flashlight, Robin lunchbox, Robin jammies, Robin blanket, Robin socks, Robin shirt, Robin labeled short pants, Robin cap, Robin band-aids, Robin sweater, Robin jacket, Robin briefs, Robin wrist watch, Robin nightlight, Robin label on the grappling hook, Robin label in the boots and as a shape on the sole, Robin toothbrush, Robin hairbrush, Robin--okay hmm. Who’s is this?”
Not that he wears all of it at once, but just having the option makes him unreasonably happy, and he can’t even really explain it to a Dick or Cass who may ask, but it just does.
Dick sarcastically asks him: “Was the Robin identity and costume not enough?”
When there’s a mess somewhere, you can always tells what’s Tim’s to be able to give it to him.
I also really like the one about his routine cause it feels like that thing that would just nag at Tim and he can’t really explain it. Like everything's going well, he has everything, but the school changes the schedules for everyone and Tim’s just uncomfortable for the rest of the day. He just doesn’t like it.
Ends up making him do these little checks to make sure he has all of his gadgets too, and Bruce could’ve sworn he checked like twice already on everything, but Tim just has to do it or else he’ll be upset for the rest of his night.
Same with Y.J. when he goes to Mount Justice he also had to do these routines and Bart and Kon catch on and try to mess it up sometimes when they’re feeling extra pranky, but I figure either Cassie or maybe even Slobo of all people figures out why Tim always seems perpetually grumpy or upset at them afterwards, so they eventually knock it off. Included with an apology even if it does sound half-assed at first.
Like I could go all day with the little visions popping in my head with the headcanons, but I really like it.
Oh! And thank you for enjoying my blog! That's amazing of you.
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genaleah · 3 years
Text
ANSWERING WILDCARD QUESTIONS
For the first time in about a year maybe??? Some of these might be even older than that.
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Yes, it is Korka! I definitely want her involved, she’s a wonderful character and there is a *lot* of fun paranormal stuff going on in this setting that she can help them research. Also, I’d just love for her and Nelson to become friends!
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Thank you! I love him a lot, and it’s fun to picture him interacting with the other guys. They’d all make for some interesting uncle figures, but they might not be that great in terms of role models.
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OHOHO. Devilish laugh. That’s a wonderful idea, and a good way to keep him occupied at some point. He’s a great character, but he’s incredibly powerful, and I want these dudes to solve their own problems whenever possible. 
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A good question! I don’t remember most of my dreams, but there’s usually a consistent look to the vivid ones. Lots of water, mountains, creeks, and high, winding roads. There are also a lot of buildings that are closely integrated with nature, even though I have almost never seen construction like that. 
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I had not, but now I have! Here’s a trailer, for anyone else that missed it:
https://youtu.be/33HXHaaagsw
I really like these new models! I’m looking forward to watching a playthrough when that’s available. Just like with Rhombus of Ruin, I don’t think I’ll be able to play this one myself.
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DOUBLE FINE, I WISH TO SPEAK WITH YOU- no, I’m kidding! I think great minds think alike. But I’m really excited to learn more about that character and possibly involve them in this whole au eventually. 
I’ve actually tried to avoid almost any info about Psychonauts 2 so I can go in mostly-blind, and a lot of the characters are vague to me. It’s fun to look forward to, but it’s also a little harrowing because I don’t know how to anticipate for it!
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N...NO..... I NEED TO... Honestly those are old enough that it might be a good idea for me to re-make them, as well as the playing cards I made for the mega playlist cover. I think it’d be nice to remake them as vectors... that might make for a nice art stream sometime. I’ll mention publicly if I start doing that, and sharing any of these conceptual Wildcards arts when they’re done. 
And if you’re just curious about what the tarot cards for the other characters are going to be, it’s this:
Eddie: Judgement, The Magician, The Emperor
Manny: Death, Justice, The World
Sam: The Chariot, The Tower, Strength
Max: The Devil, Wheel of Fortune, Joker
Although! I may actually give the Moon card to Max instead of the Devil, and replace the missing card from Nelson’s selection with the High Priestess?  🤔  I’ll decide when I get to it.
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Could be! I’ve flip-flopped occasionally on if I want the split-a-cab gang to participate much in the story. I think they deserve a break, and splitting an apartment in New York seems like a good situation for the four of them.
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Oh boy, that must be so disorienting for him. The Psychonauts deal with a lot of hippy-dippy weirdness in a seemingly organized way, but it seems like they’re not as paranoid about safety as a real federal organization would be. Not necessarily a good thing, considering one of their camp counselors went AWOL one day, and the head of the Psychonauts got kidnapped the next. They kinda need to get their act together.
Fun fact, in one of the earlier drafts of Chapter 3 I was actually going to make Nelson get scanned by the equivalent of a metal-detector for malevolent thoughts at the door and get really spooked by it, but I decided against it.
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YEAH IT’S ON THE LIST
Honestly, a big bulk of the plot in this just regards characters having to face their mental health struggles... via facing it as literal internal demons, unstable powers, etc.  It’s going to take a little while for any of Eddie’s teammates to realize how MUCH he has going on under the surface because he does a pretty good job of hiding it. “Needing to help others above ever helping themselves” is a hard issue to notice if you’re not looking for it. But it’s a guarantee that once they find out he needs help, they’ll give it; whether that’s making sure he’s not working himself too hard, or fighting off demonic cultists. Care comes in many forms.
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SHE NEEDS TO REST.... POOR SYBIL (on the upside, they don’t TECHNICALLY work there, so she might be fine most of the time.)
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Strong Bad isn’t a Psychonaut! He’s just a vlogger and a petty (psychic) criminal. It’s honestly not very different from canon.
Free Country, USA is a smalltown hotbed of psychic activity. Nearly everyone there has some mild capacity for supernatural powers, but nobody really notices or cares. Strong Bad just pops the tops off of cold ones and.... sometimes alters reality, a tiny bit. But mostly just in regards to media. The cartoons, comics, etc, that he invents and talks about have a tendency to suddenly voip into existence and nobody knows how. I swear, there’s actually a line of him saying something to this effect, but I can’t find it anywhere.  Don’t worry about it! Nobody in town is ever going to do anything truly nefarious with their powers, so it’s not a high priority on the Psychonauts’ radar, just a weird footnote.
The only reason Homestar is an actual agent is because he seems like exactly the kind of guy to sign up for a job like that on accident and then stick with it. And he’s a talented telekinetic! None of his other friends know about his job or notice his absences.
And just for fun, here’s some weird instances of psychic overpowering that happened in the cartoon:
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(Poor Strong Sad)
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I’ve actually answered this one before! BAM  Pretty sure all of it is still accurate.
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Nelson: He sees floating sheets of paper containing notes, questions, etc. Anything that he wants to know more about regarding that person. The notes are subject to edits, cross-outs, ripped pages, etc.
Guybrush: He sees the item that the person is carrying that he wants most. As he gets to know people better, he sees them for their useful skills first.
Manny: His view of most living people is not very kind...
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The people he’s closest to will eventually look a lot less garish. More like a flattering, camera-ready versions of themselves.
Eddie: Sickass sketch drawings that look like they belong in the margins of a composition book. The illustrations improve as he gets a better picture of where they’d fit in the internal lore of his mental world.
Sam: A lot like Nelson; Sam pictures case files, though his are a bit more in-depth.
Max: Max’s visions of people are highly personal and uncomfortable for those who witness them. He sees Nelson as a puzzle with a piece missing. Guybrush is a ripped up voodoo doll. Manny is a forgotten ofrenda. Eddie is a powder keg with a long, lit fuse. Sam is Sam, but he’s the wrong one.
I also got two questions that were pretty big subjects, or that I didn’t want to repeat, so I’m gonna cover them pretty broadly:
REGARDING [X] CHARACTER OR SERIES INCLUDED IN THE AU
Sure, I support it! I’ve gotten this question a few times in regards to things that I haven’t had time to delve into yet, or I’m not interested in, so I’m not going to include it into the AU myself. But if you want to explore an idea like that, feel free! This AU is pretty dang collaborative.
My main focus is just on the main 6 properties: Psychonauts, Puzzle Agent, Monkey Island, Grim Fandango, Brutal Legend, and Sam & Max.
But my general rule of thumb for “characters that exist somewhere within the background of this story” are any other properties owned by Telltale, Lucasarts, or Double Fine. And considering all of the licensed games that Telltale was getting into before it kicked the bucket, that includes some really weird characters, even up to the Venture Bros. I loved that series, but I’m not really interested in doing anything with them for this story! Partly for my sanity, the canon I’ve picked are already a lot of content to play with. 
ASSORTED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WILDCARD AU DISCORD
There’s no particular criteria needed to join the discord, and it’s not strictly on a need-to-know basis! Because it’s been a long while since anyone has joined, I've been hesitant about adding new people in... But I‘ve decided to try sending invitations again! Everyone who had asked about it in the past will be getting a ping by me in about a day or so, since I want to double-check if you’re still interested. If you’ve been nervous to ask you can reply to this post or message me privately.
Some things to keep in mind before asking or accepting the invite:
If you’re not a friend or a follower I recognize, I will likely double-check your tumblr along with some other current members before sending the invite. 
Here’s the Rules page, so you know what to expect before you join: 
Be Mindful - Respect other people's boundaries, don't do or say things that would cross the line. If your behavior makes other people feel uncomfortable or unsafe, I will remove you from the chat. In most cases I will try to resolve things with you and offer a chance to do better, but that will depend on the severity of the situation. And if you have any concerns regarding another member of the chat, you can contact me privately.
Health Boundaries - While discussions of mental health do occasionally pop up, do not rely on the chat for help. None of us are equipped to handle serious mental health concerns, and it will only cause distress for everyone. Please seek real help if it is needed! If you rely on people beyond the point that they have asked you to stop, I will remove you from the chat.
NSFW - Generally speaking, try to keep NSFW talk to a minimum. Swearing and humor is fine, but don't get too explicit please! Discussions should usually keep to a PG-13 / occasional R, but no NC-17.
Spoilers & Censorship - Please use the spoiler function to hide story spoilers, as well as discussions and graphic depictions of gore/excessive blood/body horror/severe psychological horror. Include a content warning so that people know what they could potentially be seeing when they click on the censored content. If the spoilered content is the subject of a back-and-forth discussion, please use another warning when you are switching to a different spoilered topic. (Note that these rules were added to the chat later, so be careful when using the search function or back reading.)
The canon series involved with the Wildcard AU are Psychonauts, Puzzle Agent, Monkey Island, Grim Fandango, Brutal Legend, and Sam & Max. Please be mindful of story spoilers!
Channel Organization - Also be mindful of which channel you're in and move a discussion over if need be! That way they don't get too clogged with unrelated info.
Creative Criticism - When it comes to writing, art, or character creation; try to be open to suggestions from others! Nearly all of the creative work in the chat is collaborative, so input from others is important! Creative criticism is not the same as judgement, and is not a personal attack.
Have fun! - Discussions move quickly in this chat! Don't feel bad if you ever need to step back, whether it's because of the speed or a disinterest in whatever current topic we're focusing on. If you ever want to come back, we're happy to have you and can give quick explanations if you feel out of the loop! :thumbsup:
We’re a group of approx. a half dozen to a dozen people, either posting very very quickly in a span of a few hours or barely anything for a few days. We’ve been in an activity uptick lately and there’s about a year and half of back content, too. If it’s hard to keep up on, not that interesting to read through, or you just have a hard time gelling with the group that's already there, there’s no shame in just lurking or dipping out if you need to.
We also talk a lot about Psychonauts OCs, so anticipate that.
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doitwritenow · 4 years
Text
IronStrange Starter Kit - Master Fic Rec List for all Y’all Because You’ve been Asking and I’ve been Avoiding
Hi! All you anons and askers, I made a list!!! Hopefully some of these are what you’ve been after. :D
(Please reblog this, lol, I spent too much time on it...) 
General rules: These are complete unless indicated otherwise, and end happily unless indicated otherwise. There’s a variety of ratings, as I have no qualms against smut, but I don’t usually read it outside of a larger plot. So I don’t think there’ll be many explicit stories on here. Word counts vary; I indicate general length but don’t go into specifics. What else, uh... Bold stuff is the headers and general subjects. I link the titles. Block quotes are author summaries. Enjoy!!
Okay so first off, there are a couple of Fandom Staples who just have leagues worth of good short stories, and if you haven’t read them, then definitely treat yourself to the array:
A Thousand Futures of Me and You - VisionaryGalaxy (Vishanti, what a legend, ily so much). This is a series of unconnected one-shots, each their own and covering a variety of tropes and moments and themes and AUs. They’re so fun (and/or painful and/or thought-provoking and/or tense and/or sexy)! In-character and amazing, consistantly. 
Prompt Collection -  amethyst-noir (Arbonne). (Also a legendary human). This is exactly what it sounds like: a series of prompt fills in all sorts of tones. You’ll almost certainly find something here that feels like it was just made for you!
Alright, onto the individual stories and series!
Long fics/series:
The of overqualified hands and pi figures series - lantia4ever. (This was my first Ironstrange story, and it is no less magical now.)
A series of one-shots, all set in the same alternate verse in which Tony and Stephen first meet following the events of the first Avengers and then continue to meet after that throughout the canon up until Infinity War and eventually beyond it. Becoming friends - and more along the way.
Time After Time - fancylances. (I love love LOVE this one. Highly recommended.) 
Tony Stark is unstuck in time. Stephen Strange might just be the only person in the universe qualified enough to help.
Citizen Erased - Imagined. (This author. Just... such a wonderful, talented, stunning person who makes wonderful, talented, stunning works. This story is masterful.)
What do you do when no one in the world ever manages to remember you?
Anyone who sees Tony Stark promptly forgets he ever existed after mere seconds. When everyone he has ever cared about has lost their memories of him, he goes to Stephen Strange, possibly the only one who can help him lift the curse. But a terrifying danger is coming, and saving the world isn’t an easy job to do when no one can remember who you are.
if only the gods had mercy on us and it’s sequel a soul too deep - orphan_account. (Vishanti, this series...  It’s so beautiful and emotional and heart-breaking and heart-warming. And it has so few views for so many words! One of my absolute favorites, VERY highly recommended.) 
Tony Stark loved Stephen Strange. He loved him more than anyone could ever imagine. But then a terrorist group attacked the convoy. Then there was a car accident. In the middle of it all, there is tired, battered love. (And, maybe, a little bit of genius)
From the Top - lucifersfavoritechild. (Everyone reads this fic. Written by the blogger Monarch Of The Ironstrange Ship, it’s an MCU rewrite around the relationship. Very fun.) 
“Stephen, if you’re . . . there somewhere . . . when I drift off, I’ll be with you again. I can’t wait.”
|| Personally, I think the MCU would be much better as a love story between Stephen Strange and Tony Stark. Don't you?
Starting from Iron Man, and going all the way to Endgame, with all the appropriate stops in between. Let's take it from the top.
UNFINISHED: Skin Deep - Mystical_Magician. (Super cool premise, and super interesting to read! The dynamic here is very fun.)
A battle that should have finally killed Stephen instead launches him into a parallel universe. Exhausted from centuries as Sorcerer Supreme, he chooses instead to explore this new world in any animal form except human. Having hoped for peace at last, he can't stand to be looked up to, to be responsible for others, to have the world on his shoulders.
If he'd hoped to avoid excitement, however, he really should have stayed away when he noticed an enormous explosion and a falling metal suit of armor as he passed through Afghanistan.
UNFINISHED: The End of Infinity - FriendlyNeighborhoodFangirls. (Self rec. Very long, very slow-burn. Canon-compliant Endgame fix-it. I’m trying so hard, lol.)
In 2023, the battle for the universe has been won. At a cost no one can forget, the fight is over—for all but one. Stephen Strange has an idea. An impossible idea spanning dimensions and timelines, life and death, and the lines of good and evil. But he's played impossible odds before—perhaps he never stopped.
All that Loki wanted was to fight, one last time, for the fate of his universe. So when he finds himself fighting for another, crashing into the past, he has a few intended words for the wizard that forced him there. But not before he finds a boy. Or, more accurately, before the boy finds him.
Peter Parker had been waiting for the next mission. He just doesn't expect it to come from the future, armed with a ridiculous story demanding a ridiculous quest. And he doesn't expect not to be able to tell Mr. Stark.
Tony Stark is trying to rebuild from the Civil War, knowing that someday, something will come that he needs to be ready for. And he doesn't know it yet, but two universes are trying to rebuild around him, and that something is already here.
Seven Stones. Five dead. Two universes. And one impossible quest to tie it all back together.
UNFINISHED: Sunrise in Exile - Ragdoll (Keshka). (Another fandom favorite! And for good reason. This is really really good!) 
Tony does the math and realizes their best chance to save the universe is by... not confronting Thanos on his own turf.
So he steals a wizard and a spider and a space ship. And he runs.
(Three humans and an A.I in space, the alien friendships they make along the way, and discovering how science and magic might coexist in a universe where they can be one and the same.)
Shorter plotty ones: 
Out of Suffering - Mystical_Magician. (So this author??? THIS AUTHOR??? Very very good, much yes, very good.) 
Stephen Strange does not like people, but 14,000,605 lifetimes of fighting and dying alongside this small group have worn down his walls. He likes them, gods help him. He might even consider them friends. It’s really for the best that they all go their separate ways once Thanos has been defeated. In their eyes, he’s barely even an acquaintance.
Now if only Tony and Peter would stop surprising him.
moros - spookykingdomstarlight. (Almost got a spot in the angst section. Very good). 
There were fourteen million universes Stephen had birthed into existence and let die and, in far more than he cared to count, the visitor standing before him had become something… dear.
Shaking is Caring - mariadperiad20. (This is just STUNNING. Highly loved.)
5 times Stephen's hands would shake, +1 time they didn't.
It's Kinda Chalky - DestielsDestiny. (This one’s pretty short, but definitely worth it.) 
You can live an entire lifetime by looking into someone’s eyes. His sister used to say that all the time. Stephen never gave it much thought back then. These days, he can think of little else.
Something Magic - Imagined. (Beautiful!)
There is only ever one rule that matters:
do not fall in love with the enemy.
An Idiotic Theory - FriendlyNeighborhoodFangirls. (Self rec! I tried to be funny.)
His wizard has been cursed, again, and Tony's already used up his luck for the day.
(Stephen says it's not a curse. He says Tony's whole daily-allotted karma-based luck theory has minimal merit, citing the fact that Tony had come up with it while he was drunk.)
Tony really should have saved his miracle.
Love Through Time - babywarg (morphaileffect). (I love this one. It sticks with you.) 
Tony discovers an old drawing of, and finally remembers, his invisible friend Stephen from when he was a child.
Alternates - doobler. (Super cool!)
After being punked by a lowbrow magician, Stephen finds himself falling through doors to otherwordly dimensions. How will he ever get home?
132 - 28ghosts. (Soulmate AU! Very fun, incorporates Stephen’s time-loop with Dormammu.)
Ninety-nine point eight percent of humans have a soulmate mark that tells them the age their soulmate will be when they meet them. Tony Stark has a mark. It's just that his is...different than most people's.
(Or: six people who aren't Tony Stark's soulmate, and one who is.)
and when the world falls (I will fall with it) - HeavenChild. (Another multichap soulmate AU. Absolutely lovely.)
Tony will give anything to those he loves.
People will take everything he gives before leaving him in shambles.
Rhodhey, Pepper and Vision have had enough.
Or the five times Tony had his heart broken and the one time he didn't.
i saw the end of the world - JumpToConclusions. (Why has no one read this fic??? It’s so good!!! Stephen knows the future since he saw it on Titan, and things grow more complex from there.)
Tony and Strange are trying to make this work, this being remaking The Avengers. ...And maybe they'll stumble into something else along the way.
Tiresome heart, forever living and dying - Mystical_Magician. (R e a d  t h i s  p l e a s e. The mythology is so cool and the symbolism is so beautiful and the prose is so satisfying. One of my absolute faves.) 
As a fledgling crane, Stephen was too curious for his own good, and it was this curiosity that led to Eugene Strange finding and stealing away his feather robe. Trapped in human form, cruelly forged into the perfect son, not even his father's death freed him when his robe was so well hidden. He only managed to break his father's mold after breaking completely in the aftermath of his accident, and slowly gluing those broken pieces back together at Kamar-Taj, but not even magic could find what had been hidden. Enter Tony, after the defeat of Thanos.
Fluffy ones:
From The Outside - Live. (Hilarious.) 
Being a sentient life-form surrounded by humanity can be hard. Especially when said humans just can't admit their feelings for each other.
Sleeping Iron Man - Golden_Asp. (Another fun one. Perfect balance of ridiculousness with a touch of angst to make it interesting.) 
Stephen Strange stared at the Avengers on his doorstep, Tony Stark flung over Steve Rogers' shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "He touched something, didn't he?" "Yuup." or The one where Tony touches Sleeping Beauty's spindle, is put into an enchanted sleep, and everyone, even Rocket Raccoon, take their turn kissing him. But Tony only has one prince charming.
Doctor Ob(li)vious - lantia4ever. (One of my very favorites. So cute.) 
Stephen starts getting some weird looks from the Avengers, spanning across disturbed, confused and even scared all the way to curious. He dismisses it at first until weird turns into knowing.
And knowing turns into realizing...even if the scheming teenagers had to all but paint it on the walls for him to do so. Oh wait...
Applied Combinatorics in Two-Player Games - 28ghosts. (Short and fun and full of snark.)
After a battle, Tony Stark and Stephen Strange argue about games.
-
“Chess is not a solved problem.”
“Has been since ‘97, Kasparov versus Deep Blue. Kasparov, 1; Deep Blue, 2; three draws.”
“Chess is a game, not a problem.”
The Courtship of Peter Parker's Father (Figures) - flyingonfeatherlesswings. (Peter plays matchmaker! Adorable.)
Peter couldn't stand to sit by while Tony and Stephen danced around each other any longer. Something had to be done.
Speaking Eyes - Vrishchika. (Not Steve Friendly. Tony is amazing in this. And Stephen is so fantastically dramatic.)
Tony has always had expressive eyes.
The Signs of Sleep Deprivation - FriendlyNeighborhoodFangirls. (Another self-rec. <3)
"Tony said to put the potato in the dishwasher, so that's what I did."
Sometimes, Avengers just show up to say hi. Sometimes, they all show up at once, and Tony makes an party out of it. Sometimes, he invites the snarky, oblivious, somewhat insecure wizard because, and Peter quotes: "everyone else is coming".
Sometimes, something needs to be done.
Show Me Your Scars (And I'll Show You Mine) - Imagined. (Adorable. Lovely. Imagined does it again.)
The worst part is that Stephen keeps tucking his hands away, just as Tony wants to hold them. He keeps hiding them, surreptitiously, no matter what they’re doing. It’s only when Tony kisses Stephen, or hugs him, that he feels the hands settle on his back, uncertain, ready to pull back within seconds.
It only makes him want to cuddle up to Stephen even more, but he backs away, not sure if it’d be welcome.
Promise? Promise. - sharonscarters. (AU, kidfic, absolutely adorable.) 
A four year old Tony Stark runs away from home and finds his Guardian Angel.
What The Doctor Ordered - wakandan_wardog. (Post CW. Kind of not Rogues friendly? So fun, makes me smile. I re-read this one a lot.)
The Rogue Avengers are called back to New York because the heavy hitters are going to be needed against Thanos. Of course, there are some truths that Steve Rogers will need to accept sooner rather than later. Tony Stark has moved on and Stephen Strange will not suffer fools lightly.
Hurt/Comforty ones:
Among The Chaos of The Stars (You're My Safe Harbour) - ShootMeDead. (Oh my vishanti. OH MY VISHANTI. So so so so SO good.) 
Stephen has always been able to hear the stars. Tony is the only one who can silence them.
each night like a white noise frequency - Phierie. (I ADORE THIS FIC. OKAY. I LOVE IT. READ IT.)
Stephen is no stranger to making hard choices. He doesn’t regret his actions on Titan, but months later they weigh on his mind heavier than ever; the cracks begin to show.
Just An Accident - CucumbersInGold. (I really like fics with Stephen’s hands and the difficulties thereabout. Idk, just one of my favorite things. This is beautiful). 
Stephen's hands act up.
Learning, Unlearning - Caaaaaaas. (More character study than anything else. Really good.)
Whatever Stephen wanted with life, life just didn’t seem to know what to do with him.
In which Stephen learns and unlearns some very important lessons.
your eyes have their silence - doctortwelfth. (Oh look it’s another scars fic. I told you I liked them.) 
Tony is gentle with Stephen’s hands even when Stephen forgets to be.
Burning Lines Into The Snow - petroltogo. (Not very Steve friendly. Short and sweet.)
Post CW: It's not just the team that's so broken they are barely able to comprehend how many parts they're missing now, how many have been ripped and twisted and torn. It's Tony as well, right down to the core, the damage so far-reaching even he doesn't know how to fix it.
And then there's Strange, who has his own way of covering the cracks.
Old Bones - CJtheWeeb. (Owch. Dumb geniuses trying to be invulnerable.)
Sometimes Stephen Strange has great days, where he was nearly pain free and his hands still enough to where he could pick up a cup of water and barely spill a drop.
Today was not one of those days.
something taken, something new - meowrails. (So in-character. The premise was a little off to me, but I’m so glad I decided to read this one. I really really like this fic.)
The ChronicConnection implement and app allows a person that lives with chronic or illness-induced pain to transfer their burden temporarily to a willing loved one.
Tony and Stephen sign up as beta testers.
Angsty ones (happy ending unless otherwise mentioned):
day one - days4daisy. (THIS IS SO GOOD OKAY IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE ON THIS LIST READ THIS).
Three days in Stark Tower. Stephen must be in bad shape if he just agreed to this.
His Merlin - babywarg (morphaileffect). (This author keeps showing up on this list because they are A LEGEND. A LEGEND I TELL YOU.) 
As a child, Tony imagined himself a Knight of the Round Table. Little did he know he would grow up to be a king. And that he would have a wizard by his side to lead him to either glory or destruction.
there is no heart for me like yours - turtle_abyss. (Soulmate AU! Wonderful. <3)
Being able to feel your soulmate - a phantom touch, a bone-deep awareness - is a divine torture. To know, but not see. To seek, but not find. To feel someone holding your hand and not be able to hold theirs.
Grace - StrangeMischief. (*cries in beautiful fic* Happy ending!)
“Pain’s an old friend.” 
Us...Me - StrangeMischief. (This will hurt you. So melancholy. Pepper and Tony live their life, and Tony remembers. Not a happy ending.) 
“I don’t believe in happily ever after.” 
One-Thousand Cranes - FriendlyNeighborhoodFangirls. (Self rec, sorry. Hopeful ending.) 
After it all, a man with shaking hands makes a wish.
courtesy - deathofglitter. (Dealing with the fourteen-million futures. So good.) 
Stark looked at him like he looked at the amulet that rested on his chest like a steady promise - dutiful, a bit burdened, and trying to hold a profound lack of personal emotion whatsoever, still personal enough to protect as anyone would a precious object.
La Douleur Exquise - BananasofThorns, StrangeMischief. (More pain. Pepper and Tony, and Stephen watching and trying not to wish. Very good, no happy ending.)
The before was easy. There were fewer boxes in their minds and no chains around their hearts. There was no hurt. No tears. No dreams.
But those days were long gone.
Stigmata - babywarg (morphaileffect). (AU! Soulmates again. Very interesting, beautifully done.)
Since Stephen was little, mysterious wounds have appeared and disappeared on his body, leaving mysterious scars. His mother says it's because he's one of a Pair, and he's absorbing pain meant for someone else.
*wipes brow* PHEW! That gotta a little more in-depth than I first intended... Have fun, my MysticIron friends. Happy quarantine. 
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