Ok y'all this is a long post bear with me lmfao I promise it's worth the read

Picture it. Saul of Tarsus has participated in the completely unjustified extrajudicial execution (stoning) of St. Stephen and generally spent his time persecuting a cult of symbolic-flesh-eating weirdo hippies, wherever they hid from the watchful eyes of Caesar, who the great Satan that was Rome declared in a status of Superstitio rather than Religio. This meant there was no validity to their beliefs in the eyes of the state and Saul took it upon himself as a Pharisee to quash emerging Christians because Superstitios were not allowed at all in the Empire.

So on and on he goes opposing and harming cultists who, despite what the State had told him, seemed rather inoffensive and even noble in their aim of a crazy idea like loving one another. All of this guilt of participating in the execution of an innocent man is culminating on the road to Damascus when (here comes the hot take) my man pops a nice big hashish cake to make his longass walk in the desert bearable and ohhhhh brother. Oh boy. It's hittin. He starts seeing mirage shit dehydrated dry mouthed af in the heat and he faces his greatest trauma of being a progressively less-willing killer. He faces Prime Hippie. Jesus.

Saul is brought to his knees from the exhaustion. His inhibitions that hold back his regrets have dissolved into the sands of his footsteps on the path. He bears the full weight of what he has done and sinks into the inevitable conclusion of what he must now do, which is to keep their faith alive in himself, even if it meant Rome would throw him in jail for it (which they did), even if he had to change his name because he could not even withstand the pain of Saul. Thus, he became Paul. Sure, Paul was the Roman version of the name, but if you take into account his writings and insistence on original sin and general brokenness of humanity, you realize he is projecting his guilt into his writings.

Dude had the absolute worst trip of his life and recorded his conversion from his perspective minus the chemical help mention because let's be real, the desert just Be Doin That hallucination shit all on its own. His interpretation of Christianity was still through the eyes of a Pharisee, and he got a little fast and loose (severely misinterpreted the religion of early Christians; Islam has HUGE criticisms against him for this) with the beliefs.

Now that's in today's Bible. And the absolute worst Christians on earth hold Paul up as a paragon of their beliefs when what he was, by his own admission, was a flawed and broken and evil man who never knew just how much he had to change the story on himself to keep from going completely insane from the guilt of pelting a man with stones until his body lay still in the ground half-buried.

Little Bit Better Than I Used To Be

Catch up: Chapter 1 (Starry Eyes) || Chapter 2 (Save Our Souls) || Chapter 3 (Dancing On Glass)|| Chapter 4 (Merry-Go-Round)|| Backstage (1) || Backstage (2) || Chapter 5 (Danger)|| Backstage (3) || Chapter 6A (Love Walked In) || Chapter 6B (Without You) || Backstage (4) || Chapter 7 (Stick To Your Guns) || Chapter 8 (Time For Change) || Backstage (5) || Chapter 9 (Take Me To The Top) || Backstage (6) || Chapter 10 (Home Sweet Home) || Backstage (7) || Chapter 11a (Nightrain) || Chapter 11b (Nothing Else Matters) || Chapter 12a (Handle With Care) || Chapter 12b (I’m So Tired of Being Lonely) || Chapter 13a (Angel) || Chapter 13b (She’s My Addiction) || Chapter 13c (Patience) ||| Also posted at AO3

Chapter 14A: Where Do We Go Now?

Soundtrack: “Sweet Child O' Mine,” Guns N' Roses, 1987 [click here to listen]

She's got eyes of the bluest skies As if they thought of rain I'd hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place Where as a child I'd hide And pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me by...

Philadelphia || June 1988

Claire pushed her chair back a bit from the desk. Raised her arms. Stretched. Breathed deeply.

Reading for the eighth time the words she’d finally tapped out on the Selectric this morning, after days of rolling them around in her head.

Chief Physician

Boston Medical Center

To Whom It May Concern,

As you may be aware, I am a trauma surgeon at BMC. Twelve months ago I was placed on administrative leave by the BMC, and my medical license was suspended, pending the resolution of BMC’s internal investigation into my conduct. The investigation started by looking into a near-fatal error I committed during a surgery, and then quickly discovered that I had not only been forging prescriptions and stealing painkillers for quite some time, but also developed a severe addition to those painkillers.

As you may also be aware, I did not contest the actions taken by BMC. Subsequently I enrolled in an intensive drug rehabilitation program in North Carolina. I am happy to share that I am almost twelve months clean, having completed the program last December and successfully maintained my sobriety since then.

I have previously communicated to the Board, on several occasions, my sincere regret for what I did and my remorse for the incredible lapse of professional judgment and ethical standards I demonstrated. I repeat those regrets to you now.

Which is, in part, why I am writing you today. I wish to understand what else is required of me to return to work, in any capacity, at BMC.

Making amends for wrongs was something that Claire and Geillis had talked about a lot, during her time at The Ridge. Yes, doing that was a formal part of any 12 Step program.

But it was more than just saying sorry – it required the addict to recognize the wrongs.

To own them. To understand why they had happened, and the impact they had had on others.

Because nothing sounded more inadequate in the English language than the two words, I’m sorry.

But words matter. And this attitude shift was a crucial step on any addict’s road to recovery.

Making amends was something that Claire and Jamie had talked a lot about, too. She had seen him make amends many times, in their short time together – and quite often during their last few weeks on the road, as they traveled city to city for Print’s acoustic tour and Jamie came into contact with many people who had last seen him drunk/rude/high/demanding/hung over/acting like a total asshole during the last (disastrous) tour in ’86.

He made it a point to really talk to each person, to apologize for specific things he remembered doing. No matter if it was the venue manager, or the catering guy, or the lighting guy, or the security guard. I was a dick when I was drunk. I said terrible things. I hurt you. I’m sorry.

Two weeks ago in Chicago, he couldn’t sleep after a fucking incredible show at the old Chicago Theater. The adrenaline buzz after the show so much better than any pills or bourbon or groupie could have given him. He had tossed and turned for hours, until finally, quietly slipping out of their bed and perching in the easy chair in their suite at the Palmer House, watching Claire shift restlessly under the covers without him.

But of course, she knew when something was wrong. She woke, and turned to face him, easing up on one elbow. Watching him back. Giving him space.

When he finally spoke, it was just above a raspy whisper.

“How can you be here, Claire, when all you do is hear me talk about how awful I was to so many people?”

Her heart did break a little bit. “Because I never knew that version of you, Jamie. What I care about is who you are now.”

He sighed, breath ragged. “This shit is so fucking hard.”

“I know, baby.” Somehow she was standing beside him, and blindly he buried his face into the warm skin of her belly. She threaded her fingers in his hair, held him close as his pulse spiked.

“Deep breaths, Jamie. Focus on me. I’m here.”

He had had several panic attacks during the tour. Which could be chalked up to anything – the stress of changing hotels every day, the crush of fans and press that clustered around their tour bus when they arrived in a new city, the women who pulled down their tops in the front row at every concert, the Jack Daniels bottles and little baggies of powder left in his dressing room before the show in Wilkes-Barre.

But instead of smashing to pieces all alone, she sheltered him. He knew when to ask for help. And always found her just in time to crash against her, shaking and crying in bathroom stalls and green rooms and even once on the deserted tour bus. And each time she was so grateful for the psych rotation she’d done in med school that prepared her to help him.

But that didn’t make it any easier.

“Breathe in, Jamie. Think about how much I love you.”

He drew in a deep, sobbing breath.

“That’s right. Now exhale. I’m never going to leave you.”

He exhaled, shoulders shuddering.

“And inhale, Jamie. We can get hamburgers for breakfast again, if you want.”

He inhaled, and she felt a faint smile against her belly.

“That’s right. And out. Think about how amazing our wedding night will be.”

He exhaled. Gently bit the soft, soft skin above her bellybutton. She shivered, and smiled.

“Good. Center on me. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

She counted along with him – twenty four more deep breaths. Caressing his forehead, and kissing his hair, and loving him and loving him and loving him.

Finally when he had calmed down, she crawled back into bed, and he held her so close against him. Kissing her forehead. Whispering endless words of love.

“If I ever fuck up with you, Claire, know I’ll always own it.”

She kissed his eyebrows. “The same for me, Jamie. I’d rather be mad at you than not have you.”

He had said the same words to her this morning. A promise he never tired of repeating. Murmured against her hair when he bent over to kiss her in the bed, body thrumming with energy.

Colum had booked a studio here in Philadelphia for the day, so that the band could lay down recordings of the acoustic tracks they’d played to dozens of sold-out crowds during the tour. With the incredible press from the tour – thanks in no small part to Geordie Ash’s profile in Rolling Stone – and bootlegs in wide circulation, it was time. And for once, the band agreed with the label.

She would join him later, of course. But today she needed the time to herself, to finally write and then mail the letter to Boston.

All because of Jamie.

“You can’t stay in a state of limbo forever, Claire,” he had said one night, meeting her eyes in the bathroom mirror as he gently brushed her shower-wet hair. “And I know we still don’t know where we’ll live when we’re married. But you have the right to know.”

She had sighed, jamming her hands in the deep pockets of the hotel bathrobe. “I don’t want to go back to that life.”

He had set down the hairbrush they shared, slipping his hands into the pockets, pulling her close against him. “I know. But you can’t have that door hanging open, Claire. Whether you open it or close it, you know I support you. But you’re not doing yourself any favors by not knowing.”

She had nodded, and pursed her lips. Smiling just a little as he kissed the shell of her ear.

She blinked, and turned back to the typewriter.

I have been traveling for the past few weeks, and won’t be back to Boston for at least the next month. Although I may not be immediately reachable by mail or telephone, I’m enclosing the contact information for someone who can get any letter or other message to me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Claire Beauchamp

She gently pulled the paper from the typewriter roll. Signed her name. Took a deep breath. Began to address the envelope.

Secret Love Part 12 || Cale Makar

Requested: [ ] yes [x] no

Authors Note: This does not at all follow the plan I had in my head but uh...apparently my characters are going to do what they want whether I’m ready for it or not…  Also hopefully this will help anyone that needs a pick me up. 

Warnings: smut (unprotected-on birth control but no condom)

Word Count: 2,464

~~~~~

Waking up the morning of your fifth day in Iceland, you quickly became aware of a few things. First, Cale’s arm was wrapped tightly around your body, holding you close. Second, Cale’s soft snores echoed through the room signaling just how heavily he was still sleeping. Third, you really needed to use the bathroom. 

It was only as you moved to slide out of your boyfriend’s grasp that you became cognizant of just how sore you were from last night. It was a good soreness, the best really, and you couldn’t help but smile back at Cale’s sleeping form. You really did love him and the way you were able to connect through physical intimacy only heightened all of those feelings. Last night had been so much better than you could have imagined. 

Though you’d just showered, that was before multiple rounds of sex, so after using the bathroom, you quickly stepped under the showerhead to rinse off before starting today’s journey. 

Cale was awake when you returned to get dressed, his hair sticking up in every direction as he passed by you to use the bathroom himself. Spotting his post-it with today’s itinerary, you realized today was going to be pretty much spent in the car with only a couple stops. After throwing on a pair of comfy sweats and the t-shirt of Cale’s that had been tossed in the wash and never returned after your first time together, you finished packing up your bag so that you were ready to head to breakfast before checking out and hitting the road. 

It wasn’t until you headed to the car after stuffing your stomach that you paused, looking over at Cale. You’d been tired when you woke up, but breakfast had quickly jump-started your energy levels. Cale, on the other hand, had had breakfast and coffee and still looked like he was half asleep. 

As he opened the passenger door for you as he always did, you made a quick decision. 

“Give me the keys Cale. I’m driving.” You insisted. Cale’s mouth opened to speak but you just pressed up to kiss his mouth gently while snatching the keys from his fingers. Quickly moving around to the driver’s side of the SUV, you climbed in, immediately starting to fix the seat and mirrors. By the time you had adjusted everything, Cale had finally climbed into the passenger seat, his tired eyes watching you. 

You plugged the first address into his phone’s gps as you waited to see if he was going to fight you or actually let you drive. As you pulled out of the parking lot, it was clear that he was choosing the latter and by the time you actually reached the main highway he was fast asleep against the window of the car. 

Turning on some music, the volume low, you sang along quietly as you rode down the highway. The vistas of Iceland were stunning and you pulled over a few times to take pictures. Cale didn’t stir even when the car stopped and after snapping the pictures of the view that had made you stop in the first place, you snapped a couple of pictures of Cale sleeping. He was so attractive that your heart skipped a beat, his head laying on a sweatshirt, expression peaceful. 

With nothing but the music, Iceland’s views, and Cale’s steady breathing to keep you company, you drove for about three and a half hours before the sound of Cale shifting signaled he was slowly waking up. He didn’t speak right away, but you could feel his eyes on you, this time focused and intense. 

“Pull over…” Cale’s gruff morning voice suddenly demanded. 

“We’re almost to the first stop...we can switch back then…” You replied, assuming that was what he wanted. 

“Y/N…” Cale spoke and this time the change in tone made you shiver. His hand slid over to rest high on your thigh and just a peek over at him revealed those azure orbs that were only present when Cale was turned on. 

“Cale...seriously?” You inquired, though you were already searching for a semi-private stretch of road to pull off onto as your body’s instincts took over. 

The moment you put the car into park, Cale was leaning over to crash his lips onto yours. It was a level of need you hadn’t seen from him before and when he moved to climb into the backseat, you followed without hesitation. 

Immediately his hands grabbed your hips, pulling you to straddle one of his thighs as you pulled the door closed behind you. 

“This is mine.” He growled against your ear as his fingers gripped the hem of your t-shirt. 

“Problem?” You smirked, tugging your bottom lip between your teeth. Cale’s hands slid under the fabric, cupping your breasts through the material of your bra as he angled his thigh up against your core. 

“You know exactly why it’s a problem sweetheart.” He whispered, his voice low. 

“Well what are you going to do about it?” You whispered back. Somehow, despite the cramped space, Cale flipped you over, settling you onto his lap so that his chest was pressed against your back. Letting out a yelp at the sudden movement, you whined as Cale’s long fingers slid into your sweats, rubbing your clit firmly. 

“If you’re wearing my shirt...you’re mine.” Cale breathed into your ear, his fingers sliding through your core to press deep inside you. 

“You know I’m yours. Always.” You gasped, your body stretching around his fingers as he slowly fucked you open. 

You were a squirming mess on his lap by the time Cale finally pulled his fingers out of you, sucking them clean before shoving at your sweats. Pushing his joggers off of his own hips, Cale settled you over him before thrusting inside you in one smooth motion. The stretch around him made you whimper and immediately Cale froze, his fingers cupping your jaw and forcing you to turn your head to look at him. 

“Am I hurting you?” He breathed, nothing but concern on his face. 

“I’m just sore Cale...it’s okay.” You assured him. 

“Hurting you is never okay.” Cale insisted. “Do you want me to stop?” Shaking your head immediately, you tried to kiss him. “No...sweetheart talk to me…” Cale pressed. “What do you need? Slow? Fast? Shallow? Deep? Tell me.” 

“Slow…” You murmured, knowing you couldn’t handle fast. Everything else you weren’t sure about and Cale seemed to register that, starting with slow and shallow thrusts to see if he could build up to more. 

Ultimately, it seemed like a combination of shallow thrusts and just grinding together was exactly what you needed and after a few minutes you came all over Cale’s lap with a shout. 

“That’s my girl.” Cale moaned out softly, shifting to slide out of you without cumming himself. 

“Cale…” You breathed, tipping your head back to look at him. “I can take a little more. Want you to cum.” 

“You sure?” Cale asked, kissing along your shoulder over his shirt. Flexing your internal walls, you nodded. 

“Cum for me Cale.” You insisted, flexing your walls to clamp down on him again. “I love being with you like this.” You whispered. “The way you fill me. The way you take care of me not just physically, but in every way. I love feeling you spill inside me, knowing that I’m yours. Knowing that every time you cum inside me you’re claiming me.” 

After a few more shallow thrusts, Cale grunted your name, his orgasm crashing through his body. Simply resting on top of him as he came down from his high, you carded your fingers through his hair. 

“You good now?” You asked. “Did seeing me in your shirt really set all of that off?” Your words were teasing and Cale nipped lightly at your shoulder as his fingers trailed across your stomach. 

“This is the shirt…” He trailed off. 

“I know.” You smirked. “It’s the first piece of your clothing that got left behind. And if it causes this kind of reaction...I think I’m officially stealing it.” 

“It’s yours.” Cale murmured, lifting your hips so that he could slide out of you, a hiss slipping from your lips at the loss. Grabbing some napkins from the front seat, Cale did his best to clean you up before helping you fix your clothing. Once you were both somewhat presentable, you climbed out of the backseat. 

Figuring Cale would take over behind the wheel again, you moved to round the car, only to be caught by Cale’s fingers on your wrist. 

“Thank you.” He said. “Thank you for driving, I really needed the extra sleep.” 

“I don’t mind Cale.” You assured him. “Plus you’re pretty cute when you’re sleeping.” You declared winking. 

“Like I’m not cute all the time?” Cale asked, mocking offense to your words. 

“Cute no…” You tossed out, a squeal of laughter spilling from your mouth as Cale’s fingers started to tickle you. “Attractive, sexy, gorgeous...yes.” You amended, kissing him one more time. “Now let’s go...you’ve put us behind schedule.” You joked. 

“We don’t have a schedule.” He called, laughing while climbing back into the driver’s seat as you rounded the car. 

It only took another 45 minutes or so before Cale was pulling into a parking lot. You could see a lot of water but you weren’t quite sure why this was even a destination. As you climbed out of the car, you looked questioningly over at your boyfriend. 

“So uh...this wasn’t on my original list but I added it after the other day.” Cale explained, taking your hand to guide you down the hill and over a rocky harbor. As you climbed a set of wooden steps on the other side, your eyes went wide. Puffins...there were puffins everywhere. Thousands of them. 

“Cale...you didn’t…” You mumbled, feeling your eyes start watering. 

“Of course I did.” Cale mused. “If a little detour can make you this happy then it’s worth it.” 

Cale’s arms wrapped around you from behind as you stood watching all of the puffins. The fact that he had changed up the plans to include this just for you had your heart racing and your hands shaking. 

“Cale I…” you were a split second away from admitting that you love him when the logical side of your brain took hold. “...thank you.” You finished instead, kissing his cheek. 

After grabbing lunch from the small cafe by the harbor, you climbed back in the car to drive another 2 hours to your next destination. The entire drive you couldn’t stop thinking about your almost slip. Did he feel the same? Would he have said it back? No...it was definitely better that you caught yourself because you didn’t want to put that kind of pressure on him only a month after you’d decided to start dating. You wanted him to say ‘I love you’ because he meant it, not because he felt like he had to. 

Realizing the car had stopped, you looked around to find Cale climbing out. 

“You coming?” He questioned, brows furrowed. Swallowing hard you nodded and climbed out of the car, following Cale as he led you down a path. It was a decent walk before you reached the Studlagil canyon where the basalt stacks were a striking sight. Driving around Iceland really did feel like you had visited a dozen different planets in only a few days. Posing for some pictures you looked around for just a few minutes before heading back to the car. 

Leaning your head against the window, you didn’t even realize as your eyes drifted closed. 

From the driver’s seat, Cale glanced over at you. He wasn’t stupid, he sensed the shift in your behavior since your slip in words. And while he could pretend he didn’t, he was fairly certain he knew what you were going to say before you’d caught yourself. He couldn’t help but wonder why you had caught yourself. Were the words that you’d almost shared not true? Were they true but you just weren’t ready to share them? If it was the latter...were you not ready to share them because once again you were worried about moving things faster than he was ready for? 

That seemed like the mostly likely option, or maybe that was just somewhat wishful thinking on his part. To be honest, he hadn’t really thought about it all. He cared about you, was more comfortable with you than with anyone else, and maybe those nagging emotions he’d been feeling lately could be classified as love if he forced himself to classify them as anything. But until now, he hadn’t felt the need to define exactly what he was feeling. Now, he was certain he wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about it. 

You’d almost said ‘I love you’ and that was big. That was important. That was potentially life-changing. And maybe he’d expected it to hit him out of the blue...but maybe that wasn’t how this worked. Maybe it was all of the little things...the way you teased him because you knew him so well, the way your giggle echoed in his ears, the way you’d always supported him and wanted what was best for him no matter what it cost you. Maybe it was the smell of your perfume, the way your eyes lit up when you were happy and how you cried so openly in front of him. Maybe it was how your hand fit in his, how your body fit against him, how your lives intertwined. 

Maybe the realization that he loves you wasn’t supposed to happen suddenly, maybe it was something that pervaded every moment of every day; maybe it was something that just was, like how the sky is blue and a puck is made from rubber. 

Maybe it was something he’d known all along. But whether that was the case or not, he was certain of it now as he watched you sleep in the passenger seat. He was in love with his best friend. He was in love with you. 

You stirred as you felt Cale’s arms lift you from the car. With your head tucked into his neck you groaned softly, but Cale’s whispered words that he had you and to rest lulled you right back to sleep and it wasn’t long before you were tucked back against his body as he joined you in bed, his fingers trailing up and down your spine. 

“I love you Y/N.” Cale’s words settled any worries in your mind and though you were certain they were just a dream, you hoped for the day they would actually be real. 

NSFW Black/Reader

This is an excerpt from a Fanfiction called Bone-ifide Goods that hasn’t been posted yet. Basically Reader is in a tight spot and is helplessly trying to take care of her niece and nephew. After her sister in law up and left/disappeared with insurance money when it was announced Readers brother was missing in action and its assumed he is dead. Desperate for work until financial aide can help with her two new mouths to feed and literally on her last few dollars. She finds Bone-ifide goods, a grocery that is run by all the AU skeleton brothers Undertale, Underswap, Underfell, Horrortale, Swapfell. They help reader get on her feet as well as a job. This was going to be an explicit rating one. (I know I’m partial to swapfell sans but I adore him so he got the first sex scene.)  Feature below under the cut. WARNING THIS IS NSFW. Biting, knotting, public sex. Writing mature themed things is still very new to me so I’m posting this to get a feel. I am open to critiquing!

You guessed right.

Black had been reading your cues and he had been salivating for this moment.

Looking away shyly as he closes the cooler door behind him… eyeing you ravenously.

It had been awhile for you to have some meaningful adult time since the kids have been with you. No walks of shame from late night drinking. Nothing to quench the burning lust you've started to develop for these amazing skeletons.

Noticing that some of them have been dropping a few hints that they might be interested in you too.

You decided to drop a few seductive hints to Black. It was a slow day so Orange had Blue manning the register while you two stocked the floor leaving you by yourselves for the most part.

Now here you were about to have sex with a skeleton co-worker. So scandalous… you could be fired for this but wouldn't he as well? Hard to know and this was a family run business and all. Your hormones are raging and as he quickly closes the gap and throws his arms around you… you weren't going anywhere. His mouth on yours making the cooler almost steam from the heat your bodies were already prepped and producing.

Caught in his passionate embrace, knowing you two had to be quick. Your disappearance could easily be explained as your 15 minute break which you often took with one of the skeletons you were working with.

Black seemed to understand the need for a hasty rendezvous as well and turned you around. Thankfully a skirt was your chosen garment today and was also the subject of tease as you've subjected him to near panty shots. Your skirt is riding a little high as you bend over. Getting the poor flustered skeleton worked up and wanting as bad as you were.

He pulled your Polo over your head but left it resting and still covering your arms as you braced yourself for what was to come.

You feel him against you nipping and licking your shoulder to the crook of your neck. He places a hand between your legs to splay them and widen your stance as the other grips your hip.

Your panties are pushed aside and the waters are tested and it's safe to say you are positively dripping at this point… you've wanted him all day.

His hand leaves and you hear a zip and you moan in approval as he continues to assault your neck.

Then he pushes himself on you with the passion of a wild animal. You feel his weight pressing down but not fully,  just to show dominance. His chest on your back as he adjusts and you can feel a throbbing cock getting slick against your folds. Hearing and feeling a deep rumble from his chest… a mixture of a growl and a groan at feeling your heat.

Knowing your warm core probably feels amazing to his aching member in this cold cooler. Nipping you harshly enough to draw blood as he lines up with your opening… leaving you a moaning mess in want.

"Black please! Please!" You cry out to spur him on.

Ask and you shall receive.

Black rams it in with a guttural growl upon hearing your plea. You throw your head back as you clench his length and thickness… almost sad that it leaves only to cry out in joy when it returns… again and again…

He pistons into you as you both try to meet your end. It has to be quick so you can cool down and clean up. Then act like it didn't happen… then maybe try it again.

With the way Black is clinging to you purring and groaning with every squeeze around his cock you provide… he might just be up for another round in the near future too.

Both of you have seemed a little pent up and he starts back with tender nips as his thrusts begin to get a little erratic. You are so close, yes. You begin to rub your sensitive nub to help you reach with him.

You hear him whine and start to pull away and you realize that he might be trying to pull out… Gripping his hands and pulling him back flush against you earned a surprised huff of air out of him.

"It's okay Black. Give it to me. I want it all." You whine back and hear a ferocious snarl before he bites into you to latch his teeth into a grip.

Your eyes bulge… did he get bigger? You felt his cock almost bulge inside of you. It left you gasping as he tried to thrust.

You feel him snake a hand down to finish rubbing your clit making you a moaning mess. A final thrust from him and it feels like an explosion erupts from his cock. Sending you into your own pleasurable climax.

Feeling his cum continuously spurting against your spasming insides sending you into another but smaller orgasm.

Both of you are breathing heavy but very satisfied. Reveling in the aftermath for a quick moment. Now you had to be quick. Both of you needed to get cleaned up before you were caught.

You try to break away from Blacks embrace only to get a surprised gasp of pain and down both of you went. 

Looking down Black was splayed on the floor and you very much still connected to his penis straddling him reverse cowgirl style.

"S-SHIT! Y/N I'M SORRY! I GOT TOO EXCITED AND KNOTTED INSIDE YOU!" Black is as red as a beet in embarrassment.

"Knotted? What does that mean? Are we stuck?" You ask looking back at him incredulously.

"YES… UNTIL MY KNOT HAS GONE DOWN." Black at least looks apologetic but you are terrified.

"What!? Black, if we aren't on the floor in a few minutes they are going to come looking for us! We can't use the 15 minute break excuse if we're gone longer than that!" You try to get up again only to grunt and come back down to rest on him. Then squeak in surprise when you feel another jet of cum coating your insides.

"S-SORRY… I'VE REALLY BEEN FANTASIZING ABOUT THIS AND YOU ASKING FOR IT MADE ME LET LOOSE." He sighs and blushes.

"What sex in a cooler?" You quip at him.

"STARS NO! BEING... INTIMATE WITH YOU." Black says looking away. You know he means it if he's embarrassed.

Black has a special place in your heart… you don't quite know if you're ready to give him everything but… since he made amends, from that fiasco when you first met him, by buying you and the kids groceries when you had nothing… you had a soft spot for him. He hadn’t needed to but he did it anyway.

Then when he started saying "YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL TODAY." along with his good mornings… and giving you appreciative looks… willing to help at a moment's notice… Then when you left him speechless getting all gussied up for chaperoning Angels school dance… you had also invited him to come along with you to help keep you sane… you both had a very good time and even danced to a few songs… making it very clear how bad you both wanted to jump each other's bones…

Bad thing was… you also liked all the other skeletons. With raising the kids in mind you needed to date around and find mr. Right but that didn't mean you couldn't have some fun. Especially when Black was a potential candidate for that role.

"Y/N, Black, Code 2 at the front checkout."  You hear Orange over the loudspeakers just outside the cooler and you both blanch.

Code 2 was a sudden rush at the checkout… that you two were too preoccupied to help.

You try to lift again and both hiss… lowering poor Black to the harsh cold of the cooler floor.

"I AM SO SORRY. THIS IS GOING TO TAKE A MOMENT." Black groans as another spurt of cum hits deep inside you. It flares that tingling warmth back to life a little.

Stars… you couldn't get horny again… could you?

You feel yourself moistening more and clamping down on his still hard member… making him whimper.

You look back to apologize only to see him give you the same needy lust filled gaze.

What the heck… you were stuck might as well get off again if he doesn't mind.

Make it count before you were fired.

Feeling more cum fill you… you started your hips rocking for friction. Rubbing your clit as he began to pump once again. His moans make you clench him tighter in pleasure. Black gripping your hips harshly as you rode him.

Still cumming but still going? All the guys you've been with were typically spent after they blew their load. Far too sensitive for another round. Black was still cumming from his first and wanting to do more.

Feeling his cock rub aggressively the sensitive places inside you. Arching your back as he bucks.

Over stimulated yourself from the pleasurable pressure that was Black's still swollen member and the harsh tugs as he thrusts, not able to truly leave your womanhood.

Black instantly raises himself to embrace you further. You both aren't going to last very long as his feather like kisses begin to grip and nip. A final throb and feeling him explode within you again had you almost cry out as it hits deep within your womb. Sending pleasant shivers of coital bliss as your partner purrs coming down from his high.

You relax back into him and he nuzzles you appreciatively. Still deeply embedded in you. You still feel him twitch and release small spurts. Your abused core, highly sensitive to it all… making you whimper and moan.

Thankfully his second orgasm must have triggered his knot to go down. You feel the pressure begin to fade. Both of you quickly try to get ready.

Black gives you his bandana for cleanup and hastily hides it once you are done. His pants however were a little on the wet side. You untucked his polo slightly so it would cover the spots. 

Getting a thumbs up when you ask how you look. You both make a beeline for the registers. You got a concerned look from Blue and Orange as Orange was trying to help man the registers as you two didn't show.

Both of you hopped on and helped take care of the crowded frontline. Once it went down it was Orange that piped up.

“So… where were you two?” He asks suspiciously.

“W-we were in the cooler. We were trying to rotate stock and one of the crates fell over.” You thought it was a good excuse to be late. However Black was rigid and when Orange looks his way for verification, he merely huffs.

“YOU ASK THAT AS IF WE WERE TRYING TO GET OUT OF DOING OUR JOBS.” He glares at Orange who humms.

“Is that right? So what happened to your bandana?” Orange smirks at him as he falters. He always had his bandana…. This looked highly suspicious.

“MISS Y/N!” You turn to look at Blue as he sounds panicked

He leans in close and whispers to you. If you could call it whispering.

“IS-IS IT THAT TIME? I THINK YOU FORGOT. YOU’VE GOT RED ON YOUR LEG.” You can only gape at him then look down and sure enough there is a little trail on the inside of your lower leg you must have missed… of red cum from a now very red skeleton.

“Oh! Thanks Blue I need to go clean this up.” You smile awkwardly at him when on the inside you are mortified.

Unaware that you completely left Black to Orange’s mercy. Of which you didn’t know… he lacked.

“I wonder what sans is going to say when he looks on the security footage.” Orange smirks as Black sputters.

“W-WE DON’T HAVE CAMERAS IN THE COOLER!!!!” He yells.

“We don’t have them in the freezer. There’s a difference.” He keeps the smirk up as Black looks horrified.

“Blue can you finish with the front stock while we don’t have any customers checking out?” He calls over to his brother who cheerfully salutes. As soon as Blue was out of ear shot.

“You think I can’t tell the difference between blood and magic mister? Then there’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Orange eyes are lit an eerie orange. Black could see there was no getting out of this.

“SHE WANTED IT AND I GAVE IT. NO SENSE IN GETTING JEALOUS ORANGE.” Black smirked right back as it was Orange’s turn to gape.

Being a Gun Salesman in 2020

I haven’t been very active lately and to be honest it’s because I’m fatigued and gun posting just reminds me of work now, but this year has been unlike any other so I felt I needed to share what it’s been like being a gun salesman in 2020 - between COVID-19, riots, protests, and the upcoming election, it’s been pure insanity.

The year started off to a decent start sales-wise, we had the usual post-holiday I-got-christmas-money spending, followed by the traditional post-tax-return impulse buying. I knew with the election coming up towards the end of the year we’d see a pretty large increase in sales around then, but hadn’t expected 2020 to be anything too crazy for the firearms industry. 

Then COVID-19 became a global event.

I’ll never forget the first insane day of sales we had because it fell on Friday the 13th back in March, right around the same time businesses began having to close and people started having to go on unemployment, and unfortunately, on the day Breonna Taylor was murdered. We had a never ending stream of new customers walking in wanting to buy something for home defense, along with our regulars who were just trying to check items off their wishlist before inventory was gone. To say we had to put little effort into making sales is an understatement - everyone thought as people went on unemployment and business shuttered that immediately they would turn to theft and violence, and whatever they could use to defend themselves they wanted it and all the ammo to go with it immediately.

Depending on how many used/estate/trade-in firearms we have we would usually have around 100-130 handguns in stock, and around 80 long guns, along with a decent selection of ammunition. At one point in March we had 5 handguns left on the shelf and about 25 long guns left, all of which were only there because they were either collectible in nature or a dedicated hunting/sporting firearm. Any modern defensive firearm was gone, and all common ammunition calibers were out of stock as well. Even things like magazines, holsters, cleaning kits, safety gear, parts, etc. were getting bought up.

The good news at least was at this point we could still restock inventory. Shipping times were taking much longer than usual since every shop in the nation was hammering distributors with orders, but we were still able to order in product and re-fill the shelves in a reasonable timeframe. By about mid-May sales had slowed back down to around near-normal as we ran out of stuff to sell and everyone began to adjust to living in COVID-19 America. After our first dead week of sales in awhile I thought we were through the worst of it and things would return to normal.

Then George Floyd was murdered. 

Being located within a reasonable distance of downtown Portland put us right near the heart of protests and riots that would eventually draw global attention, and along with it came the panic buying. Business owners, residents concerned about their safety, people arming themself for what they believed was the start of a conflict - they all came in droves. What little inventory we were getting in was leaving near immediately, and with the entire nation seeing similar events happening in major cities the supply chain was gutted quickly.

It’s mid-September now and while we still see the high demand for firearms, the reality is we’re running out of things to sell and unable to restock easily. We used to be able to reserve small stashes of 9mm/5.56 in the back for customers to pick up with firearms, but that’s all long gone now with no ETA on when we’ll get more. Companies we’ve reached out to about becoming new dealers with or backordering some calibers have quoted us Q2 of 2021 on new orders. The few new defensive firearms we do restock sell within a day or two of being put on the shelf, and we’re definitely selling more than we are restocking.

COVID-19 has limited the importation and production of firearms/ammunition so badly that some many I had backordered back in April have still not been filled, and although I check daily on the multiple distributors we use they are getting such limited inventory that everything is being allocated out and not even put on their websites. I just have to hope there is anything good on an allocation email and that I reply quickly enough to get it, or that I’ll get a shipping notice from one of the many backorders we have pending.

The bigger concern for me now has become the general unpleasantness that has spread to nearly everyone. Customers don’t understand why we’re out of all the calibers or firearms they’re looking for and get angry when we can’t just order more for them. First time buyers get frustrated when their driver’s license is expired, or has an old out of state address, and they need something else for us to use to submit their background check. Background check queues that used to take minutes or hours on a busy day to clear now take weeks since over 5,000 people are in line and even though we communicate that, people still impatiently call us every few days to check where they are in line. The first time buyer who didn’t give a damn about the Second Amendment until now is suddenly an expert on their rights and is furious at us because the State Police put a Delay or Denial on their background check.

Don’t even get me started on the masks.

We’ve had more crazies coming out of the woodworks in the last 6 months than the entire 8 years I’ve been in this industry. Between multiple Delays and Denials on a weekly basis, combined with having had to ask a few customers to leave because we didn’t feel confident selling them a firearm or they were rude to our staff, it’s been stressful for the entire crew. One of our regulars who works nights and commutes right by the shop informed us he’d seen two cars parked outside the shop around 3am one morning, and after reviewing the security camera footage, we were definitely being cased. Thankfully all of our firearms are locked up in safes at night, so it’s clear to anyone looking in the windows that there’s nothing they can easily steal if they do get in, but it’s still concerning that someone might try anyway.

With the Presidential election being about two months out I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of the insanity, not by a long shot. They say an armed society is a polite society, but America is feeling less and less like a functioning society, and more and more people are forgetting how to be polite. 

In Memoriam of "Shin Evangelion: Curse"

*The following article contains a full spoiler for "Evangelion 3.0+1.0".*

I sat together with a person who was not in birth when EOE was released, and after watching the film we talked a bit and thought about the people who passed away without ever seeing this. I understand that fans from the old series and those who came from the new series may have very different perceptions of Shin-Eva. So I'd like to first correct a few things I said in my first impressions.

It may be somewhere between an honorable movie and a mediocre movie in general, but as Evangelion, it's garbage.

After about halfway through the two hours and thirty-five minutes, I started to look at my watch again and again. The double ending, which is both a personal novel and a product, was a fleeting fantasy, and the two songs "One Last Kiss" and "beautiful world (da capo ver.)" were not used effectively in relation to the story, only being played in the staff roll.

When I saw the first 10 minutes of the movie that was released last year, I thought that perhaps Paris was chosen as the setting for the story of "humanity fighting together in the face of destruction" or "the expansion of the Eva world (not G Gundam, but G Eva!)", but that was not the case at all. He just wanted to depict the battle using the Eiffel Tower as a FATALITY,　I realized that he hadn't made a single millimeter of progress since when he asked Hayao Miyazaki if I could film only this action scene of Her Highness Kushana in the re-animation of Nausicaa, he was scolded, "That's why you're no good!"

At the beginning of the film, they try to carefully describe the things behind the scenes that were not told in Eva Q.  The third Ayanami like the TV version is the main character, and they go on and on about living in the countryside, copying "My Neighbor Totoro". The large family of our parent's home that we go back to during the summer vacation is presented as an image of happiness in life and a decent human being. It is also connected to Gendou's narrative during the Human Instrumentality Project but isn't it too Showa-era and too simple a solution? I am interested in how the young fans who are children of nuclear families who left their large families in the countryside and moved to the city saw the too sudden depiction of "life in the countryside". It was almost a gag to see Ayanami walking around in a plug suit which is a sexual orientation that has manifested itself after Space Battleship Yamato, in the images of pre and post-war farming villages depicted by recent NHK morning dramas. The director, influenced by his wife, must have been immersed in the LOHAS and vegan lifestyle as a fashion statement, which is only possible because he is an urbanite with too much stuff and too much money. As for this theme, it has already been presented in the watermelon field scene in the second film, and it is merely a re-presentation of the same theme in a diluted form.

I've pointed out before that Eva Q is "a crack in reality because of the loss of reality to rely on. "It's rude not to eat what you're served!", Shinji was scolded by Touji's father, who looked like a subversion of Hayao Miyazaki's work (Gedo Senki!). I have a simple question, how can the interior of a house become so old and wretched after only 14 years? How can a community of people of all ages be formed in just 14 years?　There was a line that implied that Touji had killed someone for the village, and it is possible that the director had extremely beautified the "Showa era" as a sanctuary where people who are hurt and regret their committing murder during the war as a soldier live nearby, and when he opened the last drawer after using up all the materials, he found the image of the original landscape of his childhood.

Misato and Kaji's child, which is only described for a few minutes, is also abrupt, and I don't feel that it is more than a plot device for the purpose of staging the reconciliation with Shinji later on. Some people seem to be moved by the fact that "behind Misato's cold attitude towards Shinji in Q, there was such a conflict in her mind," but it's the opposite. All the answers are just excuses after wasting nine years of work. Even if the wounds healed and treated with a gentle "I'm sorry," after being beaten severely by a raging DV husband, the fact of the beating would not disappear, and the wife would feel nothing but fear at the sudden change in her husband. To a situation that he had set to minus 100, he spent 2 hours and 35 minutes gradually pouring water drawn from other places and past works to bring it back to zero...I've never seen such a horrible match pump. Well, now that I'm writing this, I'm thinking that I've seen this before.

The relationship between Eva Q and Shin Eva is very similar to the relationship between "The Last Jedi" and "The rise of Skywalker" in Star Wars. In a self-absorbed rampage of conjecture that did not listen to the opinions of others, the historical stage of the series that had been built up was turned into a mess, and then the destroyed story was carefully built up again from the ground using unnecessary length, and only the shape of the story was created to end it without being disgraceful, and every scene that tries to make things more exciting is a copy of past work. As for Star Wars, since 8 and 9 were directed by different directors, I was able to settle my feelings of resentment towards Ryan and gratitude towards Abrams, respectively, but as for Evangelion, the director looks like a child who has been proud to clean up his own mess and have his female cronies praise and pat him on the head. Moreover, what kind of sympathy do you expect when you are told to "I'll make amends" for the mere act of wiping your ass after defecating, in a cool, Showa-era chivalrous tone?

In this film, as a recovery from Q and a summary of new Eva, there are elements throughout the story that critics can easily relate to the old Eva. “Oh, I can talk about this in connection with that!” This is what gives them a good impression and it has nothing to do with how the old fans perceive it. The director seems to have a dedicated person in charge of communicating and negotiating with the outside, but now he wants the critics to communicate with the fans about Shin-Eva. As long as he doesn't speak for himself, he can correct their interpretations later based on the "misunderstandings" of the people in between himself and his fans. This is a very Japanese-style system of surmising feelings, a system of authority that is formed when only a limited number of cronies are informed of the true intentions of the president. If I talk about it in too much detail, right-winged Yakuza will show up very soon, so to make it short, it is an indigenous control structure unique to Japan that originated from the "Mikado behind the bamboo blind". This time the director was very conscious of that, and I was able to see that Eva, who was a challenger, has become an authority that does not tolerate any criticism.

And what fan from the past could enjoy watching the endless battle scenes after Shinji returns to Wunder in the middle of the film? One after another, the sister ships of Wunder appear--there's almost no difference in appearance, but Ritsuko is able to guess their names the moment they appear. Right after the line "I'm pretty sure there's a fourth ship," the fourth ship comes crashing upon them from underneath, with no intention other than to make us laugh, right? As well as the repeated tenseless bombardment fight with no description of damage no matter how many artillery shells are hit, and it's quite painful being poured Asuka and Mari's Me-Strong Battles which are already enough by the time of Q, continuously down my throat like a goose with a funnel in its mouth. There's no way to synchronize my feelings with the screen, and it just creates an atmosphere as if the story is going on with the unattractive super-robot action that I pointed out in Q. It's no use pointing out, but the repair and supply problems of Wille side in a world where the industry has been destroyed were shown in the farming village part, though it was inadequate. But those of NERV side, an organization of only a man and an old man, was completely thrown away.

The last part of the story about the Human Instrumentality Project is like a fanzine where Gendou, Asuka, Kaworu, and Rei are lined up in a row and complemented in turn and then dismissed, whereas EOE was a total complement through Shinji. The director has tried to upgrade his framework by borrowing them from EOE and has failed miserably. Someone who has created works by putting his emotion and flair into a copy has dabbled in copying his own work. As a result, he had to confront his own sensibilities from when he was young and had to compare the old and the new by his old audience. Frankly speaking, only the techniques have been traced, the sound and the screen have become gorgeous, but the emotion and the sense have deteriorated. The face of the giant Ayanami that was replaced with a live-action one -- probably based on the face acting of Shinji's voice actor, and the "untested ordeal" of her tweet means this -- appears in the background like a gold folding screen in the high sand at a Japanese wedding reception. You're getting tired of all this, and you're not making it seriously, are you? The battle between Eva Unit01 and Eva Unit13 in Tokyo-III, which I expressed my anxiety about before the film's release, is a scene where the company's CG team can't produce what the director expects and he is so frustrated that he has the same mindset as in the final two episodes of the TV version, "I'd rather get a minus than a red", and after that, it became like a gag scene, including Eva fights in Misato's apartment and Shinji's school classroom, as if he was staged them in desperation. The side-shooting screenshot of the little Wunder charging at the head of the giant Ayanami is a picture of ”Cho Aniki (Japanese STG)” itself, and it's also meant to be funny, right? It's a series of loose, sloppy, and tenseless scenes that can't be compared to EOE.

What the hell have the CG team been doing for the past nine years, getting paid with no progress and making Eva look like an outdated piece of crap? Didn't anyone have the chivalrous spirit of the Showa era like "Don't embarrass our boss!"? Don't be so relieved when you get the green light! The director has just given up on you! There were a few scenes where the person at the top of the editing and collage, who has been making the coolest pictures, was not given as much good material as he used to be and seemed to make desperate staging in a way that he would never have given the green light in the past. It's been more than 10 years since Xapa was established, but I guess they don't have enough talent to meet the director's vision. Perhaps because of this, the conclusion of the film is exactly the same as the old one, that the director has no choice but to use his personal feelings to finish Eva, but the film ends up being a self-imitation of "Sincerely Yours". It is sad to see a person who "surpasses the original by putting his heart and soul into the copy" start to copy his own past works on the big screen of the theater, because he has become a big name in the animation world after reaching the age of 60, and there are no others left to be copied. However, right after "Komm, süsser Tod" started playing in the old movie, the scene where the titles of each episode and the reverse side of Cels were played in succession was projected on the wall of the studio using a projector -- the title of the new movie was added.  It made me mad and thought, "Don't touch my EOE with the dirty hands of the merchant.  I'll kill you."

The last things that the man who "transfers his own life onto films" presented in his costly self-published private novel were a naked confession of his own mental history up to the point where he met his wife, which he temporarily entrusted to Gendou, and the words "I think I loved you" and "I loved you" exchanged between himself and the former lover who could not be together and themselves who had separate spouses, just a reckoning of the muddled love affair that existed behind the scenes of EOE. I half-jokingly said that the distance between the director and Asuka's voice actor was important for the end of Eva, but it turned out to be true in a different way. During the recording session, Asuka's voice actor was told by the director, "I'm glad Miyamura is Asuka," which sent chills down my spine as it conveyed the horror of a creator who doesn't hide everything about his life and relationships and uses them to create his works.

In the scene where Shinji says "I liked you too" to the adult Asuka, who is wearing a tight latex suit and drawn in a more realistic character design (making us aware of the cosplay by Asuka's voice actor), while she is lying on the EOE beach, I thought "You guys should do this in a coffee shop or something between recording sessions! Don't make us watch middle-aged man and woman having unpleasant conversations on the big screen of the theater!", I almost screamed out. I think that's the scary part, the director's one-sided love for Asuka's voice actor is falsified by having the character say that she liked him, as if it was a mutual love. The director's statement at the beginning of the pamphlet says that he started working on the sequel right after Evangelion 2.0 without hesitation, using the worldview of "Q". I'm not trying to quote the line "You can change the reality you don't like by getting on Eva.", but it's not as if he's trying to cover up the fact, but he really believes that using his strong imagery, and it made me feel a bit chilly that there was no one around to correct his misconceptions.

At the end of Human Instrumentality Project, I wondered if the fact that a senior member of the movie industry had praised the shooting of EOE by flipping Cels over as a "tremendous deconstruction" was still fresh in his mind. This time, too, it was postponed after postponement, and even though the makings have been done in time, he showed the other side of the production with line drawings and roughs. The reason it was so innovative was that it was the first time anyone had tried it then, and now, 25 years later, it's just a rut. It's disgusting that everyone is praising the master's strange drawing habit and saying, "Oh yeah, that's it, that's it." As I've said before, it's like "defecating in a sixty-nine," which was successful because the first partner happened to be a scatologist. The expression of EOE was sharp and ”Rock’n’‐roll”, but Shin-Eva's "fun of anime images" has gone into the realm of traditional art, like slow "Gagaku".

The director hadn't decided who Mari Makinami was for a long time -- he was so indifferent to her that he threw the actor's acting plan to a sub-director -- but with Shin-Eva, he's changed her into an equal to Moyoco Anno, his wife. In other words, the flashy battle in the middle of the film, which is unimportant to many viewers, is revealed to have been a very pleasant pretend play for the director, in which he has his former love and his current wife fight on his favorite robots. Once again, we are shown the director's so-what-attitude, which has not progressed even a millimeter since "I'm an asshole," and which he can complete his work only by masturbation. So it's no wonder that they couldn't depict the extremely simple catharsis of Shinji's great success with Eva Unit01, which is what most of the old fans want. Because a robot with a pathetic old man on board can't get an erection due to impotence, let alone masturbation!　Oops, excuse me, sir.

And as I said before, it's time to realize that the English language has become so popular in Japan that it's become lame. You use Infinity, Another, Additional, Advanced, Commodity, and Imaginary, just because it sounds cool to you, right?　Everyone criticized the naming "Final Impact", but I never thought I'd see the time when I'd faint from the lack of taste and coolness in Evangelion, such as Another Impact, Additional Impact.

And the ending, with the wedding report in a live-action aerial shot of the director's hometown, newbie fans are screaming that it is like, "They're doing a very positive version of the old "Return to Reality!". But I felt it was too empty and cynical because it was intended to be read that way by the director. It depicts only the elation of marriage, and the pain of getting along with a partner and his or her family with different values is cut off (well, maybe Q was expressing the hardship of married life......). But isn't the emotional weight of a marriage report much higher when you meet your partner's parents?　The fact that he ended the movie by showing his own hometown instead of his wife's hometown leaves me with the impression that he's definitively an egotistical geek through and through. "You may have graduated from a good university and are making good money in the city, but if you're not married and don't have children, aren't you somehow humanly flawed?" After 25 years, Evangelion, which was such a forward-thinking Sci-Fi, is now completely in sync with the earthly ethics of Showa-era's farmers and farm horses. "I got married and it saved my life. I don't know about you, but why don't you try?" You can think what you want, but if you want to convey it as a message of salvation, you have to express it in the content of your work, not in your own talk.

I've been married for 20 years, I have two children, both of whom are about to reach the age of adulthood, I've paid off the mortgage on my home, and I'm finally at the end of raising my children, but all of that is just an outer shell of a social skin that has nothing to do with my true nature or where my soul is! There's no connection between what kind of life an individual lives in the real world and the Sci-Fi sense of wonder, in fact, there shouldn't be any connection! If you're a science fiction fan, take a page from the great Arthur C. Clarke! I was a nerd with a negative value of 100, but when I got married, I gradually poured the "common-sense values" of the Showa era into myself, and now I'm a true man with no negative value? Don't write such pathetic fiction proudly! Listen, what you presented to the audience at the end was the same thing that someone would say to you, "You seedless stallion!" It's the same kind of unethical and vulgar message that you shouldn't be giving! The old Eva became a classic of Japanimation, and no one was able to properly scold you, or you keep away those who tried, and the result of this is directly reflected in the ending of Shin Eva!　You've reached your 60th birthday and you only have such poor social common sense, damn it!

I'm sorry, I was so excited that I lost my control a little bit, just a little bit. I think the director is relying a little too much on his wife, who is ultimately a stranger on, to be his laison d'etre (lol). If they were to break up in the future, it would certainly be the soil for the next Eva, the content and development of which is completely predictable, but that is no longer my concern. I wonder if his wife doesn't like the fact that he's mentally dependent on her like this, and that it's being shown on screens all over the country. If it were me, I'd be furious, but since she's a creator, I guess she understands how he feels. Ignoring the other person's feelings and continuing to force what he believes to be love on her, thinking that it will make her happy, seems to me that there has been no progress at all since the way he treated his girlfriend 25 years ago. The person I want to hear from the most right now is not the self-proclaimed Eva fans who are looking at each other from the side and giving positive feedback in celebration of the final episode, but his wife. If the director had a child, he would not have been able to distinguish between his own ego and that of the child, and would have doted on his child, making a documentary film about his or her growth, but would most likely have turned into a controlling and poisonous parent in his or her adolescence. And he animated his feelings for his child who was rebelling against him, without the child's permission, considering it as a one-sided redemption for the child, and the child who was exposed to the whole country about their home life would have distanced from his father more and more.

In the end, Evangelion did not become a product like Gundam, but rather a robot animation that was the director's weird personal novel. The repeated use of the word "job" in the film has stuck in my mind, but in order for the studio to survive, it had to make Evangelion a product in this new series, and I'm sure that was the initial motivation behind the production of these new films. Your real "job" was to make Evangelion the same as Gundam, to protect the people who came to you because they loved Evangelion. Years from now, I can see a future where Xapa will be like Ghibli, behead the staff and continue as a copyright management company. The director, who didn't want to be embarrassed as a creator by a new challenge adopted the safe way -- I can't believe that I have to use the word "safe" for Evangelion -- to end the new series that relied on EOE only for himself, not for the future of the people who came to admire him. That's what Shin Evangelion is all about.

The good part? The fact that he didn't bring Shin Ultraman trailer at the end of the film makes me think he has grown up a bit. If you're declaring "Farewell, All Evangelions" with the intention of hurting, disappointing, and disinterested old fans like me, then your malice is unfathomable, and that's quite a feat. Brilliantly, your intentions have permanently killed a part of me that used to be an Eva fan.

As horrifying as it is to imagine, it must have crossed the director's mind to reschedule the film and set a new release date for March 11. The only reason he didn't do so is not that he has grown up to be a sensible adult, but rather because the idea of linking Evangelion 3.0 with the Great East Japan Earthquake was a fact that is too painful for him to make it public.

Ten years ago today, many lives were lost and Evangelion was destroyed.

This fact will never disappear, no matter how much the director denies and covers up with the "true" history. If there is any mission left for me as a fan, it is to continue to pass on this fact to future generations as a storyteller. It is a huge loss for Japanese fiction that the end of the great Evangelion has become a self-recovery work of the great failure of the reboot affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and that the potential of the great Evangelion has been consumed by the self-defense of someone who cannot admit his own mistakes, and I sincerely regret it. Shin Evangelion will be forever cursed by the dead, who yearn to see the sequel of Evangelion 2.0, and the living, who yearn to see the sequel of Evangelion 2.0.

This curse will be completed when it spreads, arrives, and is burned by the powers that be as a false history. I pray that my thoughts will reach him!

We’re at the end of the road, folks.

And god damn, I feel so validated by my Sojiro characterization. Wow. Thanks for basically making me canon for ten more seconds, Atlus. XDDD

So when last we left our intrepid heroes, they were laying at the bottom of the Jail of the Abyss, because Ichinose is an asshole. So we had to fight our way back up, carrying Sophia’s unconscious body. Which wasn’t that bad; the Jail isn’t very big. We left Sophia at the door to keep her safe, and then charged back into the hall of the Ark to hack Ichinose’s exploding crystal box thing.

Ichinose doesn’t understand why we came back.

So, yeah. I guess like... bizarro-world Maruki? Maruki wanted to alleviate suffering by granting everyone’s wishes. EMMA’s going to make it so that people can’t wish for anything.

After a kick-ass hacking battle set to the new version of Rivers in the Desert, Ichinose yells at us about our right to judge. Why should humanity keep this painful world, just because WE’RE strong? Just because we’ve never screwed up or suffered?

Which, clearly she has no idea who the fuck she’s talking to.

We’ve worked too hard to listen to that kind of bullshit.

Ichinose proclaims that “humans don’t need hearts” and charges up the laser crystal to blast us again, and Sophia steps in to block the attack. She’s still fighting Ichinose’s control even though Ichinose insists that she’s just a faulty prototype.

Apparently Ichinose created Sophia in the first place because she spent a lifetime being called a heartless doll, so she made an AI to help her learn about the heart.

I think you’re the problem, but not for the reasons everyone else is saying.

But she got angry when Sophia started asking questions of her own and basically tossed her aside, until EMMA found her and dropped her into the Shibuya Jail.

And Sophia, unlike her creator, has learned and grown, and is tired of being given orders. She’s ready to make her own choices.

That is certainly a persona.

I gotta admit, they got me. I was wondering why Sophia didn’t have her arcana yet, but for some reason, I also wasn’t expecting her to get a proper persona. I’m now wondering about the implications of someone being able to code an AI capable of developing a soul that can summon a persona. There’s a zero percent chance that Ichinose had any access to plumes of dusk, which are the reason that Aigis and Labrys gained enough consciousness to have personas. So Sophia is legitimately a miracle piece of technology.

Pandora is an interesting choice, but I dunno if I can articulate that beyond a surface-level, “Oh, because she’s Hope, and Hope was still in the box.”

I swear to god, every major villain in this game is trying to be Goro Akechi. For the last goddamn time, we don’t kill people. Get up, Ichinose. We’re leaving.

Ryuji literally grabs her by the arm and drags her out, because she’s trying to stay behind. Which just confirms for me that if Goro hadn’t put up that bulkhead door, we’d have dragged his stupid ass out of the Ship, too. XD

Back to the real world, and Tokyo is blacking out, and the Tower is losing its shit.

The metaverse is fusing with reality, the Tower is becoming the Tree of Knowledge, and hell yes we are climbing this tower after all!

Morgana points out that this is the same thing that happened last year, and Zenkichi freaks out a little bit.

You’re lucky you moved to Kyoto, sir. You missed quite a bit.

I love these kids, though. They’ve got so much black humor about this whole god thing.

The metaverse encroaching on reality means that everyone has to cram into the bus in their thief gear. Zenkichi, please. Your hat. Sir.

I love climbing this tower. I’ve been here, too! Also they have butter. XD

I was expecting the Mementos version of the lower observation deck, and instead I got some weird amalgam between Mementos and Azathoth’s boss chamber.

We had to fight Metatron as the guardian of the last elevator, which is another parallel to Yaldabaoth’s archangels. And then it’s up to what I guess used to be the high observation deck to fight the big box.

EMMA insists that all humanity wants is to let it give them all the answers, and it throws them into some sort of alternate fog world full of the voices of the public.

The Thieves are all separated, trapped in the fog. Each of them has to find their way out, and they realize that the fog of the Desires is protecting EMMA. EMMA knows exactly how calling cards work, so they won’t work on her. Instead, the Thieves decide that they need to send the calling card to the public, so that they’ll become aware of their desires again and the desires will crystalize.

...oh come on, Atlus. We’re right in the endgame.

One last hacker battle to break into EMMA’s server room in the tower, and Futaba and Ichinose manage to hack EMMA itself to deliver a calling card to everyone at once.

Love you, Zenkichi. We’ve taken out two gods already. We’re good.

Confronting the Ark again reveals a bunch of freaky tentacle arms grabbing the desires, and then the box turns into some sort of massive figure that looks sort of like Yaldabaoth, except less robot and more seraphim. It literally names itself the Demiurge, so I feel like EMMA may be drawing something from the lingering dregs of Yald’s influence? It’s cool.

Clearly no one told you what happened to the last false god that thought it knew what was best for humanity. ;) “Hope binds humanity to misery” is bullshit.

After a... not very difficult first phase, the Demiurge reveals its true form, and we split into three teams to take out its support orbs (modeled after the sephirot) and the main body.

I really liked the setup for the last boss. The teams were the first instance where it was really apparent that the whole team was fighting together. Each of the three battles was happening concurrently, and destroying the orbs has a concrete effect on the main fight. I wish we’d gotten to do things like this more often, especially during the Shadow Thieves fight.

That said, the main body was actually the easiest part of the fight? All the attacks were really telegraphed, and not particularly hard to avoid. Except for the spear jab.

But it finished off with a full-team all-out attack, and that was awesome.

The desires began to return to their owners, and we get to bask in a job well done once again.

Upon returning to the real world, it’s the next morning. Sophia’s happy that she got to be a hero, Zenkichi’s heading off to properly arrest Owada, and the rest of us need to head home, because we were supposed to be home last night. Zenkichi can’t figure out why we consider him a phantom thief, since he “only joined [us] to use [us]”. Which is silly. The Phantom Thieves are built on the bonds of friendship and stalking! It’s too late, Zenkichi. You and Akane have been adopted.

I’m a little disappointed we didn’t get to tell Akane the truth. That would have been great.

Atlus personally reaches out and pats me on the head, because Sojiro has the absolute perfect reaction to his kids coming home after a nationwide manhunt for them.

I feel so valid making him serve Lavenza coffee and be completely nonplussed about a guy marrying Death. I love him. We’re so lucky to have Sojiro. XDDDD

The next day, the kids have a celebration party for their victory, and learn that Akira is going home the next day. This kid needs to catch a break. He can’t even have a few days to relax with his friends. X’‘‘D

Everyone goes to see off Akira, though we detour to Shibuya to meet Ichinose. A news report shows that Owada was successfully arrested, and apparently Ichinose tried to turn herself in to the police, and they didn’t believe a word of it.

This is just highlighting my issues with Maruki. Even if he doesn’t think he did anything wrong to society as a whole, he never apologizes to them for what he put them through. Especially Akira. Ichinose turns around and helps them stop the final boss, and her last scene is her apologizing to the Thieves and trying to make amends for her actions. Maruki’s last scene is... “If things get bad, you can start over like me! Now we’re even!” We are not.

Sophia leaves to help Ichinose learn about the heart, Akira promises to come back for winter break, the Phantom Thieves go their separate ways once again, and the credits roll.

I’m gonna leave my final impressions in a different post, because this one is long enough already. So... look forward to that?

February 7, 2021: Emma. (2020)

Another late one, people! Tomorrow might be a bit later, too, full warning. Like I said, school’s back in session, and I got students to teach and class to prepare!

When I was a kid, I was a pretty avid reader, mostly due to my mom’s drive to get me to be an avid reader. I read Shakespeare from an early age, which might be why I like it so much, and why I remember it so well. 

I also read Jane Austen’s Emma when I was 10 years old. On a related note, I remember none of Jane Austen’s Emma. On another related note, I’m fairly certain that I saw its most famous adaptation, Clueless, and I don’t remember that either.

I’m tempted to rewatch that one, since I don’t remember it AT ALL, but I figure that I’m going to place a more direct adaptation of the work first on my list of priorities. And so, one of the ONLY movies to come out last year is one my list, starring an up-and-coming “it girl,” Anya Taylor-Joy.

From what I can tell, this is a fairly popular movie on this platform, so I’m looking forward to watching it, despite knowing NOTHING about it, other than the fact that it’s a romance drama, and based off of a classic British novel by Jane Austen. Shall we? SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap

Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) lives in the 1815 English countryside, with her father, Mr. Woodhouse (Bill Nighy), and her caretaker, Mrs. Taylor (Gemma Whelan). However, this is about to change, as she is to marry Mr. Weston (Rupert Graves) that day.

Emma is a sweet girl, who seems to be ale to predict things to pass. She also set up the present marriage, although she seems not to want one for herself. However, she also seems interested in the whereabouts of Mr. Taylor’s son, Frank. He never shows up, though.

Meanwhile, the Woodhouses are visited by George Knightley (Johnny Flynn), whom her father favors, and whom Emma seems to clash with. And Imma call it now: they totally end up together in the end. I mean, c’mon.

Emma’s trying to replace Mrs. Weston nee Taylor as a governness, despite the fact that her father doesn’t want it. Emma finds Harriet Smith (Mia Goth), a young women whom she goes to school with, and apparently might be the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman. She’s also interested in setting Harriet up, as Emma prides her skills as a matchmaker.

However, Harriet’s already interested in a local farmer, Robert Martin (Connor Swindels), but Emma’s trying to set her up with a local vicar, Elton (Josh O’Connor). They go to meet Mrs. Weston, and Emma introduces herself to Elton, who she believes likes her in return.

The next day, Emma and Harriet go to the store, where the gossipy busybody Miss Bates (Miranda Hart) comes to speak with the VERY unwilling Emma, and the considerably more interested Harriet. Miss Bates is speaking up her niece, Jane, although Emma certainly doesn’t seen to care nearly as much as Miss Bates thinks she does.

On the way home, Harriet and Emma encounter Robert Martin, and Emma's definitely not a fan of that potential relationship. Instead, she regularly puts down Mr. Martin, and talks up Vicar Elton.

As Elton and Harriet begin getting closer, and Emma seems to be vindicated in support of the relationship she set up, Knightley’s...not impressed. In a conversation with Mrs. Weston, he basically says that she gets high on flattery, and while she isn’t necessarily a true narcissist, she still NEEDS approval from her peers and others. That’s why she’s setting up Harriet, who feeds her constant flattery.

In addition, her whole “never going to get married” thing doesn’t seem to fly with George, here, who’d like her to fall in love with someone who isn’t...well, a simp, let’s be honest here. And honestly, this is already an interesting character dissection, and I can dig it.

Knightley complicates matters for Emma, when he convinces Martin to write a letter, asking for Harriet’s hand in marriage. However, due to Emma’s subtle manipulations, she convinces Harriet to refuse the proposal, despite the fact that she clearly wants to say yes. And while Emma might be beautiful, and quite smart...yeah, she’s a bitch. Or, at the very least, she acts like one for her own benefit.

Knightley, pissed off about this whole thing, confronts Emma about her manipulations, and states that Martin might be the ideal match for Harriet. After calling her out, and warning her that Elton miiiiiiight be a bit of a ladies’ man, and that he’s certainly the wrong match for Harriet in the end. Emma admits that she mostly wants to keep Harriet for herself.

Autumn turns to Winter, and Emma’s older sister Isabella Knightley (Chloe Pirrie), and her husband John Knightley (Oliver Chris) (and George’s younger brother) come to visit Emma and her father for the holidays. George and Emma make amends, although Emma still won’t admit that she may have been wrong.

Christmas Day comes, and Harriet is sick, while Frank Churchill once again neglects to appear at the house of his father and new wife. George berates his neglect of his familial duties, while Emma argues in his favor, obviously harboring a crush on him still.

At dinner, Elton makes a remark about snow, causing LITERALLY EVERYBODY to leave the party prematurely, and Emma’s father accidentally leaves her behind. Elton, however, offers to give her a ride in his carriage. And in the carriage, he reveals that not only does he actually love Emma, but that he doesn’t care for Harriet at fucking ALL. Fuckin’ WHOOF.

Looks like Elton’s misread EVERY POSSIBLE SIGNAL, and Emma FUCKED UP SOMETHING FIERCE. Harriet is quite saddened by this, and is about to destroy a portrait of herself that Emma made for her. However, Emma instead keeps it. Elton disappears for a number of weeks, just as the niece of Miss Bates, Jane Fairfax (Amber Anderson) suddenly reappears.

At dinner, it’s revealed that Jane appears to know Frank Churchill, as they live in the same place. During a piano performance of Jane’s that’s WAY BETTER than Emma’s performance, it’s also revealed that Emma’s been compared to her all of her life, giving her some fat, fat insecurities!

After an awkward encounter with Mr. Martin, Harriet goes to the Martin household to visit his sisters. Meanwhile, the long-awaited arrival of Frank Churchill (Callum Turner) comes, and Emma is unsurprisingly smitten with him. He asks her for a dance at an upcoming dinner, and she accepts.

Knightley is, of course, not impressed with the worldly gentleman. Meanwhile, someone has apparently delivered a pianoforte to Jane Fairfax, and it’s pretty goddamn obvious that it was Frank Churchill. Although, it’s possible that it was George Knightley, who’s been matched to her by Mrs. Weston.

And it’s at this point that I should point out that GODDAMN THIS IS A SOAP-OPERA OF A MOVIE. The hyper-detailed intentions and events, all happening within the confines of high society and etiquette are both overly intricate, while also managing to be...weirdly enrapturing.

The next morning, after a six-week absence, Elton’s come back to town with brand new wife, Augusta Elton (Tanya Reynolds) in tow. Augusta matches Emma’s passive-aggressiveness measure-for-goddamn-measure, which, yeah, PISSES EMMA OFF.

But it’s still good news on the horizon, as Frank’s appearance has prompted the Westons to hold a ball. While Emma and Frank seem to be getting along, Elton is prevented to opportunity to dance with Harriet, only to refuse LIKE AN ABSOLUTE TAINT. On the verge of tears, Harriet’s rescued by George, and they dance alongside the rest of the partygoers.

Emma shows his appreciation for this, and Knightley returns his appreciation for her friendship with Harriet, who’s way goddamn better than Augusta. The two decide to dance together, and the two basically fall in love RIGHT GODDAMN THERE AND I AM GODDAMN HERE FOR IT.

Which sucks, because I’m, what, a little more than halfway in? No way it’s this easy.

And as Knightley and Emma realize their feelings the next day, they actually run towards each other, SEE each other...and then get iterrupted by Frank carrying Harriet post-her being attacked by muggers GOD FUCKING DAMMIT REALLY?

Plus, it looks like Harriet might be in love with Knightley now, after the previous night. HowEVER, since the previous night, Emma is now in love with Knightley, and believes that Harriet’s feelings are directed towards her rescuer, Frank Churchill. But Frank’s in love with Jane. Like, for sure he’s in love with Jane. And Knightley’s in love with Emma, although Mrs. Weston believes that he’s in love with ane, as he leant her his chariot the previous night, although he DIDN’T do that, and the chariot (and piano) must’ve come from Frank, who’s actually in love with her, not Harriet, as Emma believes. YOU GOT THAT? BECAUSE I’M ASTONISHED THAT I DO

Summer comes, and there seemingly no major changes to the love lives of our main characters. Can’t say that for George’s mansion, as he’s unveiled all of the paintings in the place.

Might be wrong about the progression of relationship thing, as George and Harriet appear to be getting along, and Emma and George suddenly...aren’t. And THEN, Jane tells Ema that she’s feeling super down at the moment, and leaves. Which is when Frank shows up, which Emma appears to not be super happy about.

Later, at a luncheon, Emma takes out her emotions upon Miss Bates who, while kind of annoying during the film, doesn’t deserve the insult lobbied her way by Emma. Afterwards, George DESTROYS her, and she...she gets it. She’s been an asshole.

After a good cry, she goes to apologize to Miss Bates, who immediately forgives her, as she tends to do. It’s also pretty quickly revealed after that that we find out that Frank has ALWAYS been engaged to Jane, since he arrived to Highbury. AND, Emma finally findss out that Harriet’s in love with George, not Frank. Which...yeah, Emma’s not a huge fan of, for obvious reasons.

However, Emma points out that George might have been trying to get Harriet involved with Mr. Martin, but also tries to step back. However, Harriet RIGHTLY calls her out this time, bringing up the fact that Emma fancies George, and that it’s because of Emma that she refused Mr. Martin. And Emma finally gets it. ALL of it.

George, hearing of Frank’s engagement, goes to comfort Emma in her time of distress. And after railing out Frank for his lying ass, he starts to confess his true feelings to Emma. But she tries to stop him, but THERE AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ LOVE BABY

And as he STRAIGHT-UP PROPOSES to her...her nose bleeds and she says no.

Finally, it’s confirmed that George was speaking on Mr. Matin’s behalf, not his own, and Emma pledges to make things right herself. She delivers the painting of Harriet to Mr. Martin, and he proposes to her. Harriet accepts, and has also finally heard from her father, who isn’t a nobleman at all, but a shoemaker. Emma still invites them over to their estate, and the two make up as friends.

And speaking of making up, George and Emma also make up, and the two are officially engaged to be wed. And it’s honestly...quite lovely. Which describes the whole film, which comes to a close.

WHEW. Now THAT...was a Recap. See you in the Review!

Soul of a Lion (Chapter 4)

Sequel to The Smallest Blade.

Summary: After the Red Lion steals them away from the Marmora base and takes them through a wormhole, Shiro, Keith, Katla, and Lance find themselves in front of a majestic castle with nowhere to go but inside. The events that unfold while they’re there will change the fate of the universe.

Also posted on AO3 under the username “kishirokitsune”.

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4 | History Revealed

Allura was in good spirits as she made her way to the dining hall, where Coran was already seated and enjoying a heaping plate of food goo. She grimaced at the thought of eating more of it. Food goo was truly an acquired taste and she hoped Hunk was making plans to look into what was available on the planet.

Before she could shuffle off into the royal kitchen for her own plate, Hunk came bustling through the door with a broad grin on his face and a tray carefully balanced in each hand. One of the kitchen droids – a little one nicknamed 'Nikbot' for all of the times Hunk used it to transport picnic supplies – scooted along behind him, beeping in a happy tone as it carried a tray of drinks.

“I made breakfast!” Hunk announced, depositing one tray laden with all kinds of fruits and berries into the center of the table. “Or, well, I found breakfast.”

Nikbot beeped loudly and bumped into his legs.

“Nikbot and I found breakfast,” Hunk amended. “This planet has so much food! We'll be set for phoebs with all of the stuff we found, even with seven of us to feed.”

Allura cleared her throat and held out her hand, allowing her four new friends to scurry down from her shoulder onto the table. “Actually, there are eleven of us. Apparently they shared a pod with me for all of this time! You're looking at the last four genuine Altean mice!”

“Awww,” Hunk cooed.

Coran leaned forward in interest. “Well, hello!”

Allura happily introduced them, starting with the large yellow one (Platt), then the smallest blue one (Chulatt), followed by the skinny greenish-one (Plachu), and finally the pale pink one (Chuchule). She made no mention of her ability to communicate with them – Hunk certainly wouldn't approve of her spying methods, no matter that her intentions were to ensure their safety.

As the mice helped themselves to the array of fruits before them, Allura gladly accepted a steaming cup from Nikbot's tray and took a long, slow sip of the hot beverage. She hummed in pleasure and then surveyed the food, giggling as she witnessed Platt open his mouth wide and fit a whole berry into it. He turned to look at her, his cheeks bulging, and Allura giggled even harder.

“It's good to see you in such high spirits, princess,” Coran remarked as he accepted one of the cold beverages from Nikbot.

“It is going to be a good day, Coran,” Allura said in response. “I thought we could go over our itinerary while we eat. There's a great deal that needs to be done around here and planning is the best way to ensure the important details are accomplished.”

Hunk shifted a little. “I was going to take more food down to the others. I don't think they're fans of the food goo.”

Allura's smile was strained. “Then I shall be brief.” She gently set down her cup and took a deep breath, reminding herself that she needed to give them a chance to prove themselves and that getting angry over it wasn't good for her health. “Our automated systems have kept things in good working order for all of this time, but just in case, I sent out the repair bots last night to see if there's anything that needs our attention. We should have that report once we return to the bridge.

“As long as there isn't anything we need to immediately address, there are tasks that each of us need to complete. Coran, I would like you to check on the engine room. You have the most knowledge and experience in that area and I trust that you'll have it in working order in no time. Hunk, I see you've already begun your work in the kitchens. Once you're certain that the kitchen bots have everything under control, you'll be in charge of the care for our guests. Should Coran need your help in the engine room, he'll call for you.”

She went on to explain that she would be checking in on the crystal chamber, which housed the various power crystals that kept the Castle running. Using her Aspect of Spirit, she would be able to recharge any of the crystals that were running low on energy. It would take her some time to go over all of them, but she predicted to be finished by midday.

After lunch, she would take on the difficult task of speaking with their guests.

Or perhaps she'd only talk to one of them.

Yes, one at a time would be best.

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“They don't really think we'll be content to sit in our rooms all day, do they?” Katla complained as she laid on Shiro's bed and stared at the ceiling.

Next to her, Lance gave a half-hearted shrug. “Maybe it's a test?”

Katla snorted. “If it is, then it's a stupid one.” She sat up suddenly and looked at Shiro and Keith, who were going through a series of warm-up stretches in lieu of their usual morning routine. “If you give me a few doboshes to look over the sensors on our doors, I bet I could disable it without anyone catching on.”

“I think we can offer more patience than that,” Shiro spoke up. He stood up straight and raised his arms above his head as high as he could before relaxing and letting them fall back to his sides. “I don't like feeling stuck either, but we can't blame them for wanting to be cautious. Wouldn't you be, if the situation was reversed?”

“I guess...” Katla reluctantly grumbled and then flopped back down, jostling Lance.

Shiro was right, but that didn't mean she wanted to hear it.

She supposed she was meant to also feel grateful that they were given nice rooms instead of being put into prison cells where their freedom would truly be stripped away. And she was! But that didn't stop the anxiety from kicking in the longer they sat around.

“If we don't see Hunk during lunch then we'll do some exploring on our own,” Shiro said.

Keith looked at him in surprise. “What if we get caught?”

“Well, I've always been good at talking the two of you out of trouble,” Shiro joked with a fond smile.

His comment eased the tension in the room and even Lance cracked a smile – the first Katla had seen from him since their arrival at the castle. It was a smile that immediately fell when they heard a knock at the door.

None of them were surprised to find Hunk standing on the other side.

“I thought you guys might want to get out and see more of the castle,” he said casually.

Katla sat up in an instant, her ears fanned out in excitement. “Can we, Shiro?”

“I suspect I'll have a mutiny on my hands if I say no,” Shiro remarked. “Keith, Lance, what do you two say?”

Lance heaved a sigh but muttered an agreement, while Keith answered by approaching the bed and helping Katla to her feet, which earned him a smile and a kiss on the cheek.

“Everything alright?” she asked quietly.

Keith nodded and turned his head so no one else could see his lips moving as he whispered: “I'll tell you later.”

With everyone in agreement, Hunk began the tour by leading them back to the kitchen and then onto a new branch in the hallway, at the end of which was an elevator. They rode it up three floors and when the doors opened they found themselves in an odd room.

Katla peered around Keith for a better look at the massive console lining the opposite wall, her eyes wide as she took in the startling amount of buttons and switches and the various touch-screens that covered it. Above the module were wide windows that stretched all the way up to the ceiling, through which an even larger and very empty room could be seen. If Katla had to guess, the lower room took up nearly an entire floor on its own.

Shiro stepped forward, his mouth slightly ajar. “Hunk, this is... Are you sure we're allowed to be here?”

“I don't see the harm in it,” Hunk said with a shrug. He waved them in and then walked right up to the console, which lit with a soft glow as he drew closer. “This is the control room for our holo-deck, which you can see down there. You can use it make your own training exercise or use one of the pre-programmed ones, like the electrified invisible maze.”

“But if it's invisible, how do you keep from getting shocked?” Katla asked.

“Oh, well, it's meant to be a teamwork-building thing. One person is up here with a map and can give directions. If you do it well enough, there's no electrocution,” Hunk explained. “Here, let me show you how it works.”

Katla barely refrained from squealing as she pushed past Shiro and Keith so she could get an up close and personal look at how everything worked.

Hunk quickly proved himself a fantastically patient teacher and he answered all of the questions she had, as well as anything Shiro or Keith asked. He walked her through the steps to creating her own program, which turned out to be relatively easy – so easy that she probably could have figured it out half-asleep and with no prior knowledge of what any button did – and then pulled up a full list of every pre-programmed exercise they had. Everything was meticulously labeled and divided into different categories and each program had different levels of difficulty that were clearly noted.

While Shiro and Keith actively participated in the lesson, Lance hung back away from the group, not saying a word but still listening to everything that was being said.

“That's about it,” Hunk told her. “Want to try it out?”

“Yes!” Katla didn't know it was possible for her voice to go that high, but she was too excited to get her hands on Altean tech to really be embarrassed by that fact. (For something so ancient, it was the nicest piece of technology she had ever laid eyes on.)

“Something simple to start out with,” Shiro advised.

Katla barely took notice of what he was saying as she scrolled through the options, oohing and aahing over the possibilities. “Uh huh.”

“Katla, I'm serious.”

“Okay, okay. Something simple,” she promised with a sigh, resisting the urge to call him a killjoy.

Hunk said something about a track, didn't he? One they could put hurdles on for an extra challenge? Katla's fingers hovered over the selection, wondering if it wasn't too simple. The option of an obstacle course was so much more tempting...

Katla selected the track and, with the exception of Lance, they all crowded around the window to watch as the floor of the holo-deck began to warp, twisting parts of itself up into tall squares and rising slightly in the center of the room so there was a clear indentation where they were meant to run.

“So, how do we get down there?” Shiro asked Hunk.

The answer turned out to be pretty simple: there was a second door to the right of the elevator they rode up on and it opened to a moving staircase they could ride down to the holo-deck. Once there, Hunk showed them a secondary control panel.

“You won't be able to change to a different program from here, but you can change the difficulty or move things around. It also has voice recognition that you can use when one of the combat programs are active. It's a built-in safety feature,” Hunk explained.

“This is all so cool,” Katla breathed, looking around the room with a delighted spark in her amber eyes. She grinned and mischievously tapped Keith on the shoulder before sprinting away. “Catch me if you can!”

Keith's grin was a little more feral as he tore off after her.

Katla laughed as she vaulted over the first hurdle. “Shiro, Lance, come on!”

It took a moment for Shiro to talk Lance into running with them, but he eventually agreed and it wasn't long before the four of them were embroiled in a fierce game of tag while Hunk sat back and watched, a smile on his face.

☆ - ☆ - ☆ - ☆ - ☆

Shiro was a little wary as he entered the dining room where he was meeting Allura for lunch. After what happened the last time he tried to talk to her, he was understandably uncomfortable about being alone with her, even with Hunk's assurance that she wanted him there.

He hesitated in the doorway when he saw her already seated at the head of the table.

“Shirotak, thank you for joining me,” she said, giving him a strained smile. “Please sit. Our meal will be out shortly.”

Shiro didn't take his eyes off of her as he crossed the room to his seat. “Is it just the two of us, highness?”

“Yes. Coran has a few things he's looking over on the Bridge and will be taking his meal there. I believe Hunk is eating with your friends,” Allura said. “I thought this would be a good opportunity for the two of us to talk and... and I wanted to apologize for my behavior.”

It was the sincerity in her voice that put Shiro more at ease. “Thank you. I can't imagine that it was easy to wake and find yourself surrounded by strangers. Is there anything we can do to help you feel more comfortable?”

“I think getting to talk will help immensely,” Allura responded. “But first, we should eat.”

As if on cue, a pair of kitchen droids rolled into the room and served each of them a plate of food. Shiro was glad that there wasn't a single spoonful of food goo in sight. (But then again, Hunk had told them there was plenty of fresh food to be found on the planet, so was it really such a surprise?)

Shiro waited until Allura took her first bite and then dug into his.

Most of their meal was spent in silence, but Shiro didn't mind the time to think over all of the things he wanted to say to her, as well as to determine what he was allowed to say. Obviously, he'd have to reveal a few things. There was only so long they could keep the Blade of Marmora a secret before someone started to get suspicious, though he was pretty sure he could get away with only hinting towards a secret organization for the moment.

By the time they finished eating, Shiro had most of a plan. For the rest, he'd just have to wing it.

“I'm sure you're wondering why I asked you to join me,” Allura said as the droids cleared away their empty plates. “The truth is, I don't know what to think about this whole situation. I know there's a reason why the Red Lion brought you here, but I don't understand why it's specifically the four of you. The original paladins all knew each other beforehand, so maybe that's part of the prerequisite? But that doesn't explain why there are only four of you and not five...” She trailed off, her gaze distant.

Shiro wondered how much of that she really meant to say. After a few ticks had passed and she didn't continue speaking, he said “I don't have an answer for that.”

Allura blinked and sat up a little straighter as she refocused on the conversation. “Then perhaps a question that you will be able to answer: do you know how the war began?”

“Growing up, I was taught that the Altean king declared war upon the Galra when he ordered the destruction of Daibazaal and that the retaliation of Zarkon and his forces was justified. I later learned that it was all a lie, but we don't know the full truth of things either,” Shiro paused, watching as Allura's expression softened from outright rage to simple indignation.

“My father was a general in Zarkon's army. My mother was convinced of the might and righteousness of the Empire, like many are, and she raised me to believe the same. It was something she believed in until they tried to take me from her.

“It's tradition for the firstborn to begin training at a young age. More than tradition, actually. It's an unspoken requirement that most follow without question. My mother hoped that because of my father's status as a general, as well as the fact that I was the only cub she was able to have, they would allow me to stay with her instead. The army disagreed. My mother ran and took me with her. She didn't get far.”

Shiro hadn't intended on divulging his past to her, but judging from the horrified expression on Allura's face, it was the right way to go. At least she was listening.

“That was the day my faith in the Empire was broken. From that moment on, I began to see them as they truly were and I did everything in my power to become too troublesome to keep around. I knew that one day I would be too old to stay in training and they would send me out whether they thought I was ready or not. When that day came, I would be able to sneak away and they would be too thankful that I was gone to go looking for me. But then came a day when I did something exceptionally... foolish.

“I saved the life of a commanding officer. I can't even say why I did it. In-fighting is common in the Empire and it's not unusual for them to be to the death, but when I saw someone try to sneak up behind her I just... moved. It's how I earned this,” Shiro tapped the bridge of his nose, where his scar cut across. “In return, Ranzaria saved me from my destructive spiral, and eventually, she introduced me to a group dedicated to ending Zarkon's reign of fear and subjugation. I've been with them ever since.”

“Shirotak, I... I'm so sorry,” Allura murmured.

“It was a long time ago, highness, and I would not be the person I am today had I not gone through those experiences,” Shiro said. “But back to your original question, no one knows how the war truly began. The Empire has done everything in their power to obscure the truth and anyone who did know died a long time ago. At least, until the three of you woke up.”

Allura bit her lip and lowered her gaze to the table. “We were allies, once. It... it is true that my father ordered the destruction of Daibazaal, but it was not intended to be an act of war, but of prevention. Sometime before I was born, a meteor struck the surface of Daibazaal and when it was extracted, it revealed a terrible rift that penetrated deep into the core of the planet. For a while, it merely seemed to be an anomaly and was carefully studied by a few hand-picked alchemists, but as time went on they began to realize that it was destabilizing the entire planet. Left unchecked, the rift would have eventually ripped Daibazaal apart and, after that, continued to spread to encompass the entire universe. Destroying Daibazaal was the only way to seal it and prevent such a catastrophe.”

Shiro frowned. “I feel like I'm missing something. Shouldn't it have been up to Zarkon to give that order?”

“Unfortunately, it was not our first attempt at closing the rift.”

Shiro quietly listened as Allura told the whole sad story about trying to use something called “Voltron” to seal the rift and how they had only succeeded in increasing it tenfold, as well as costing the lives of two people – Emperor Zarkon and his wife, Empress Honerva. In the midst of the chaos left from Zarkon's death, King Alfor did his best to maintain control and used his role as head of the Galactic Alliance to order the evacuation and destruction of Daibazaal.

“Had the situation been reversed, it would have been well within Zarkon's rights to do the same,” Allura said, though it pained her to admit it. “Of course, everything went wrong after that. Zarkon was somehow resurrected. My father thought it had something to do with the rift, though we never knew for certain. He declared war on Altea and the rest of our alliance, destroying each of us one-by-one.”

She clenched her hands and glared at the surface of the table. “I never imagined the war would go on for so long. I- I should have fought harder to use the Lions and fight back! If I'd only tried a little harder-!” Her voice broke as a single tear fell from her eyes. She furiously wiped it away and lifted her head. “No longer. This is our second chance and I will not let it go by. I want to know where you stand, Shirotak.”

“We stand against Zarkon and his forces,” Shiro answered, meeting her eyes. “We stand with you.”

☆ - ☆ - ☆ - ☆ - ☆

Coran knew that he promised Allura that he wouldn't pull an all-nighter to reconfigure the navigation system, but what harm would it do to check on one last little thing while the system sorted itself off. It wasn't like he'd be able to sleep until he knew why the holo-deck was using extra energy anyway. He'd just pop over to the control room for a quick look and then go to bed.

He looked around the Bridge one last time, checked the progress bar for the seventh time in as many doboshes, and then reluctantly left to begin his trek to his room.

The holo-deck was only a brief detour on his path and Coran swore that he wouldn't stay long. He entered the command room and had to take a moment to comprehend what he was seeing. It was more than just a little problem. The console was fully activated, as though someone was running a program at that very moment.

“Impossible!” Coran said, rushing forward. Allura had gone to bed vargas ago and Hunk wasn't known for skipping out on sleep, or for frequenting the holo-deck. He was about to begin methodically shutting everything down when he happened to glance through the window and into the room below.

Two of the Galra were there. One was the boy with unusual black hair and the other was the girl. They were playing around on one of the climbing courses, occasionally dropping to a cushioned mat below in order to start all over.

Coran found himself relaxing the longer he watched them play. It was as they dropped to the mat at the same time and began a game of chase across the floor, breathlessly giggling, that Coran realized it was an oddly familiar sight.

A long time ago, he'd been blessed enough to witness the beginning of a truly great romance. It was one full of laughter and life and only grew more beautiful once Alfor was able to catch his beloved princess. A love that was cut tragically short.

In the room below, the boy caught up to the girl and pulled her into his arms. His balance must have gotten knocked off because they went down in a tangled heap, huge smiles upon their faces.

Coran couldn't bring himself to interrupt. Eventually, he dragged himself away from the window and off to his room. His dreams that night were full of his memories of happier days when Alfor wasn't yet king and still trying to find the right way to woo the future queen.

A Court of Nightmares and Starlight //Chapter 3//

(Chapter 1) (Chapter 2) (Chapter 3) (Chapter 4) (Chapter 5) (Chapter 6) (Chapter 7) (Chapter 8) (Chapter 9) (Chapter 10)

(tags: @thron3ofbooks, @df3ndyr, @judexcardanxgreenbriar, @art-e-mis, @herondamnn, @the-third-me, @emikadreams)

The following couple of days passed in a blur as I tried not to count down the hours leading up to Rhys’s return. After a week apart, the ache for my mate to come home was nearly stifling. I didn’t want to compare it to the near-month we had been separated before the war with Hybern; when I had acted as a double agent for my court, for my family, in order to save them. It was agonizing, my daemati abilities and magic being drained by the faebane slowly poisoning me; all while being unable to fully communicate with Rhys through our bond. Last night, our last apart, I had to remind myself that this was nothing like it; we were in the same court and he was due back in a few hours. Just as I was turning in for the night, I found a note on my dresser and nearly knocked it over as I lept for the folded piece of paper with a simple sentence scribbled in his handwriting: 

I’ll be home first thing in the morning.

I smiled at his words for far longer than was probably necessary, recalling the notes we used to pass each other in the early days of our friendship; before I realized that we could simply communicate through our bond and shared daemati powers, before I even realized we were mates. My heart swelled at the gesture; imagining him writing the quick note and sending it off with a no-doubt smug grin. I chose not to write back and set it back down on the dresser before enduring a fitful sleep. I was glad the symptoms of my illness were nearly gone and no longer plagued me at night; the strange glimmer at my core remained and flitted about from time to time, but it remained calm now as I laid in bed with eyes trained on the wall of windows across from me. The rising sun was beginning to bathe the sky in morning light; oranges, yellows, and soft pinks blending into the night sky as the sun began its slow ascent. I bit my lip as I glanced down at myself, picking off a stray speck of dust from the red and lacy underthings I wore—a favorite of Rhys’s and one I saved for special occasions.

I sighed deeply, closing my eyes for a brief moment as I stretched my stiff limbs. I didn’t have to open my eyes as I felt him a second later. I smiled as the room was filled with his scent—salt, citrus, and rain. I breathed him in, relief filling every inch of me; noting a very faint, yet familiar, aroma radiating between us. Before I could name it, strong arms enveloped me as I opened my eyes and met with violet.

“Hello Feyre darling,” he purred as he pulled me against him.

I arched my back, allowing his arms to encircle my waist. My hands brushed through his dark locks, making the first contact between us delicate and loving, as he hovered over me. My breathing hitched as I realized his Illyrian leathers were already gone and he pulled me closer.

“You’re here,” I breathed.

His lips met the skin between my neck and shoulder, “I did promise I would be here first thing in the morning.”

“I didn’t realize it would literally be at the crack of dawn,” I teased; one hand moving to grip the hair at the nape of his neck while the other gripped his shoulder, my hips rolling against him.

His hands moved to admire the undergarments I wore, tugging at them with an achingly slow ease, “What can I say? I couldn’t stay away, Feyre darling.”

My breath hitched again as his lips finally caught mine, and any restraint I exercised before now snapped. I kissed him feverishly, hands dragging down his back as his wings flared out instinctively at my touch. I grinned on his lips, “Extra sensitive, are we?”

He growled in response, pressing my hips down as I tried rolling them again, “To think, I almost forgot what a cruel, beautiful thing you are, mate.”

My grin only widened as he moved from my lips down my neck, and further. Leaning my head back with a soft moan, I briefly thought of where the other two Illyrians might be. If Rhys was here, had they remained at the camps to wrap up any leftover business, or-

“Are you really thinking about other males while I’m doing this?” He drawled, nipping at my collarbone as his hand slid between us.

I gasped at his touch, arching my back against him and realized my mental shields had been shamelessly thrown down the second our lips met. Blushing, I tugged at his hair lightly, his eyes meeting mine again as I breathed, “Maybe if you weren’t taking so long, I wouldn’t let my mind wander.”

He growled lowly and the sheer intensity behind those now darkened violet eyes caused me to shiver against him as any previous thoughts and taunts I had vanished; I pulled him back down for a vigorous kiss.

x

Not too long after, we decided not to leave our room for the rest of the day.

He spent the remainder of the morning cherishing every inch of my body, and I did the same, unable to resist him for more than a few minutes before we launched into another round. I couldn’t help feeling amused at our frenzy; reminding me of when we were newly mated. My heart skipped a beat as I remembered what Rhys told me then, about the inherent need to ensure his mate was impregnated. Maybe that was why the frenzy was renewed now; after a week apart, our mating instincts were trying to pick up where we left off before his absence.

Rhys inhaled my scent deeply as a strong hand flattened on my stomach, his face buried in the crook of my neck as we lay in bed--finally allowing ourselves a break. I traced lazy circles on his chest as he took another breath. “Something’s different,” he commented casually.

“What do you mean?” I asked, tracing the dark whorled patterns of the tattoos on his chest; admiring them and dreaming of how to include them into my next painting.

“I don’t know, but something feels off,” he said a little more seriously, and I heard the concern beginning to brew.

I hesitated. I made sure my mental shields were intact as I contemplated revealing my mysterious illness to him. The first night I was sick, my mental shields had been lowered during my vulnerable moment and he was able to guide me through my panic--no doubt being awakened as abruptly as I had been by my nightmare and the illness that followed. Since then, I battled to make sure they remained whole during my nausea spells in order to prevent him from worrying about me further. He noted the delay in my response and frowned.

“You’ve been sick,” it wasn’t a question.

I sighed, “Just a little,” I quickly added before he could protest, “It wasn’t a big deal. I just had a couple of bad days feeling lousy, but I’m much better now.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” His frown remained, fingers curling into my waist protectively.

“I didn’t want you to worry. You, Cass, and Az had business to take care of in the war camps. How did that go?” I raised a brow, wondering at the slight curl of his lips at the mention of his brothers.

He reigned himself in and sighed, “There were no female recruits in this year’s Rite, as I suspected.”

I rolled my eyes, “I bet Cassian loved that.”

He snorted, “Oh, he loved it so much that Az and I heard all about it for the remainder of our stay.”

“I don’t blame him. He worked hard to train those females, to make sure they were caught up enough to survive out in the mountains,” I empathized. I personally worked with Cassian to train alongside the female Illyrians; giving them my own advice and even instructing some of them on how to properly hold a blade. Tired of Devlon’s constant excuses as to why the females were so behind in their training, Cassian brought them to our own training pit at the estate. After spending several months training with the females of age, I knew how excited they were at the prospect of participating in the Rite.

“I don’t either,” Rhys amended, tracing a finger around my navel; eyeing his own movement as contemplation settled on his face. “We’re going to put more pressure on Devlon for next year. Apparently the other camp lords ‘overwhelmed’ him in their vote to include the females this year.”

I frowned, “Was there any more news on the other camp lords?”

Rhys sighed deeply, already knowing what I was referring to. Ten years ago the son of the camp lord of the Ironcrest camp, Kallon, began spreading post-war dissent among other war camps; putting all the blame of their fallen comrades on the High Lord of the Night Court’s shoulders. Kallon also placed equal responsibility on Cassian and Azriel’s shoulders, seeing as they were not only Illyrian bastards but also close to Rhys and followed his orders. However, after taking over his father as camp lord of Ironcrest, Kallon was silenced once Rhys, Cassian, and Azriel visited the camp. Rhysand made sure to make his presence in the camp known by having Cassian add it to his rotation of monthly check-ins. Not even a year later, the rumors of his insubordination had quieted. We thought the issue was over until Azriel’s recent reports picked up on more of Kallon’s old talks resurfacing among the war camps. During this year's Blood Rite, the trio made it a priority to scavenge any details during their stay in Bloodhaven under the guise of attending and observing the Rite and all its ceremonies and celebrations for their new Illyrian warriors.

“I had Azriel scout the surrounding war camps, and he only picked up on a few of the details we already knew of. It seems they were smart enough to keep their mouths shut with their High Lord present,” He said, moving to press his nose against the hollow of my neck and inhaled my scent once again.

I giggled, tangling my fingers in his hair, “Stop trying to deflect, I want to know more about what happened.”

“So do I,” he breathed deeply, spreading his fingers out on my stomach again as if he were still trying to inspect it.

I furrowed my brow, “Why do you keep touching my stomach and smelling me?”

“Now who’s deflecting?”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I,” he said, raising his head to look at me. “You were sick while I was gone, and lied to me about it. Now I’m back and your scent is off, I’m trying to figure out why.”

“I didn’t lie,” I muttered, avoiding his consuming gaze for a minute before eventually meeting his eyes; nothing but sheer worry lined them and I sighed, “I was only sick for a few days. It started the night I woke up from that nightmare and puked my guts up. The next day I was sick to my stomach for a few hours, and it was on-and-off for a few days after. I’ve been really tired ever since, but the puking stopped two days ago.”

He frowned, “What could have possibly made you sick?”

I shrugged, “You know how many children I’m around during my painting lessons at the studio. Odds are one of them had something I caught. But I’m fine now, really,” I promised.

His shoulders relaxed a bit, but his hand remained on my stomach, “That doesn’t explain why your scent would be different.”

“Are you saying I smell bad?” I pretended to be hurt.

“Well…” he grinned mischievously as I rolled my eyes and tried turning away from him, but his strong arms kept me in place gently. “Maybe it has to do with our mating bond. A sick female would alarm her mate via her scent.”

“Well there you go. Now that I’m getting better, my regular old scent will come back,” I said, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face.

He chuckled, his nose returning to the soft hollow at the base of my neck “Maybe you’re pregnant.”  

I rolled my eyes; he liked to make that joke every time I so much as yawned or expressed any mild manner of fatigue. “I’m not pregnant,” I reluctantly admitted, “I’m due for my cycle in a couple of weeks, if anything that’s probably why I’m still so drained.”

“Should I send for Madja?” He asked, half serious.

I shook my head, “We don’t need to bother her every time my cycle returns, Rhys.”

“You say that every time, and every time she ends up prescribing pain relieving tonics and a slew of herbal teas,” he reasoned, his finger tracing lazy circles around my navel once again.

I smiled, “Which is why I stocked up last time she was here, so don’t call her.”

He sighed reluctantly, but I felt his smile on my skin as he pressed a kiss to the spot, “Fine, but I reserve my right to take care of you.”

I nodded and placed a hand on his chin, tilting his head up in a gesture which he immediately responded to by joining our lips in another deep kiss. “I guess I can deal with that,” I allowed.

He chuckled darkly as he moved from my lips and down my neck, leaving a trail of kisses. I sighed deeply, wanting to give in to another round with him, but I needed to know more about the war camps.

“Did Cassian and Azriel stay behind this morning?” I asked him.

I blinked in alarm at his feral growl as he heard their names, his hands holding me a little more protectively, which seemed to shock him as well. He cleared his throat, “Yes, but they’ll return this afternoon,” he said quietly.

“Rhys,” I began, but he shook his head in apology.

“I’m sorry, I’m not sure what that was,” he said, true remorse behind his words.

“You haven’t acted this way since we were newly mated,” I said with a frown; now it was my turn to be concerned.

He nodded in agreement, “I know. I think after our time apart, some of my primitive instincts have returned,” he admitted sheepishly.

I smiled in understanding, “I guess this means you’re not allowed to be apart from me for this long ever again.”

“I don’t want to be overbearing,” he divulged, and I knew the thought troubled him.

I shook my head, “You’re not. I didn’t enjoy our time apart anymore than you did,” I reassured, running my hands down his arms before adding “And when you came back...well, you saw how eager I was.”

His feline smile sent my heart fluttering wildly, and I felt that subtle glimmer return at my core for a few seconds. Rhys must have felt it too, because his hand returned to its place on my stomach, “Ever since I felt that tremor between us, my instincts have been heightened. It took everything in my power not to winnow back home to you that night,” he explained.

“It’s probably because I was sick,” I reasoned. “If your innate fae instincts tell you your mate is sick and you can’t tend to them, of course those possessive feelings return.”

He didn’t seem to be that satisfied with my explanation, still ashamed of his behavior, but he nodded. His eyes glanced down at his hand, that earlier scrutiny lining his eyes again. Before I could press him about it, he leaned in to kiss me and sighed deeply.

“Still, I promise I’ll do my best to repress them. Will you bear with me in the meantime?” He asked solemnly.

I nodded, giving him another reassuring smile. “As long as you bear with mine,” I said quietly, shifting my weight in his arms so I could hover over him.

That mischievous grin returned to his handsome face as I straddled him, but faltered when my stomach growled. “Maybe we should have some breakfast first,” he suggested, hands gripping my waist lightly to nudge us apart.

I didn’t budge, instead nipping at a particularly tender spot on his neck that I frequently favored. “Later,” I breathed, a hand dragging down his chest lightly.

He agreed with a groan and leaned his head back as he yielded to my touch.

Two Lies and a Truth [Part 2]

uni student!tom holland x female reader

Masterlist

Summary: Tom apologises and you don’t know if you should trust him.

Words: 3.2k

Warnings: bullying, angst, nothing else I think [there will be smut in future chapters]

A/N: Uhm...Is it apropriate to post the second part so soon after posting the first one? IDK. :D

The tags are probably not working, so a reblog would mean the world to me ❤️

Part 1

It started with a lot of “No, I can’t hang out with you after school.” At first you just thought he was busy. But after a few weeks you realised that he meant he didn’t want to hang out with you after school when he said he couldn’t. 

Of course, your feelings were hurt. Tom was your best friend and he didn’t want to spend time with you any more. But it was okay. At least you were telling yourself that. One day at school changed everything though.

Tom was standing by the classroom door with his new friend Drake. They were talking with each other as Drake’s eyes found you and a smirk appeared on his face. 

This morning you had told yourself you’d try it one last time. Ask Tom if he wanted to hang out. You had gotten his favourite sweets and your mum had rented the film you had always watched together at least once a year since you were five. 

Drake nodded at Tom signalling him that someone was behind him. Tom turned around and you smiled sheepishly at him.

“Hi, Tom.” You wrung your hands together and you didn’t know why you were so anxious. You had never been anxious around Tom. 

“Hey.” 

“Uh, I was wondering if you maybe wanted to come over after school? I’ve got your favourite sweets and mum rented Lady and the Tramp, I thought maybe you’d wanna watch it with me?” Tom loved dogs, they were probably his favourite animals. He’d always wanted one of his own but his parents wouldn’t let him. He loved watching Lady and the Tramp because there were so many dogs in it. 

You heard Drake snicker as Tom’s cheeks turned pink. His wide eyes turned into slits in a matter of seconds.

“No, I don’t wanna watch that childish film with you. Would you please just back off? Honestly, Y/N, get the message. I don’t want to hang out with you.” You felt like you had been slapped across the face. While Drake was laughing in your face you felt tears sting in your eyes. If you didn’t know better you’d say that Tom’s expression softened when he saw you cry. But that was only your mind tricking you. Maybe you’d just been the backup friend until he found someone ‘better’ all along, someone like Drake. 

You nodded mechanically. “Okay, I won’t bother you anymore then.” 

“I beg you, please.” He raised his hands above his head as if you were a kid that had finally understood what he’d been trying to tell you for a long time. 

***

This moment kept replaying in your head throughout the weekend. It was the moment that changed it all. The moment your best friend became your bully. You had never expected your friendship with Tom to end like that. You never expected your friendship to end in the first place. The summer before the incident, you had actually developed deeper feelings for him. Now, the thought made you laugh. How could you have been so stupid?

When the first day of classes rolled around you were happy that you had taken part in the campus tour the week before. At least you knew your way around a little bit. The system behind the room names seemed complicated at first but once someone had explained it to you it was pretty easy to get behind it. You entered the first classroom with fifteen minutes to spare and to say you weren’t proud of yourself would be a lie. The first class on your schedule for the day was a lecture about the concepts and history of film studies and having always been interested in films you were eager to learn more about the subject. 

You were just about to get out your laptop when a certain brunet entered the room, almost making you gasp. You had figured he was going to the same university, but you didn’t expect him to be in one of your classes. Tom looked around the room before he spotted you, doing a double-take he let out a breath before he weaved his way through the other students, climbing the stairs until he had reached the row you were sitting in. 

“Do you mind?” He asked almost sheepishly as he motioned at the seat next to you. You were dumbfounded but mechanically nodded your head. 

“Yeah, I mean, no. Go ahead.” You were confused as to why he wanted to sit next to you. Was this going to be like one of those sick games he used play with you in school? Uni was supposed to be a new start. A new chapter. You didn’t need Tom to bring back your past. You nervously focused on putting all your stuff on the table as he cleared his throat, grabbing your attention once again. 

“Look, Y/N. I just wanted to apologise.” His voice was soft. He didn’t want all the other students to hear what he was about to say. 

“For what exactly?” You mumbled as you turned to look at him. He was eyeing you with a wary look on his face. The polar opposite of how he used to look at you.

“For everything? I honestly don’t know where to start… Basically for being a complete jerk to you in school. I wish I could blame it on Drake and the others… But I never should’ve treated you like that. I should’ve been better than that and I’m sorry.” You were even more dumbfounded now. Had Tom Holland just apologised to you? For everything that he’s done to you? Were you still asleep? Was this a dream?

“I really appreciate that.” You finally said. “But don’t expect that everything’s fine between us now.” You looked at him for a moment “You had promised me, Tom. ”

“I know.” He agreed with you squeezing his eyes shut for a moment. “What I did wasn’t fair. It was stupid and immature and I wish I could turn back time and-” He stopped himself there pressing his lips into a thin line. “I just want you to know that I regret all that stuff. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever done, and you know it’s really not like me.”

“I actually don’t know.” You retorted. “I feel like I never really knew you in the first place. You just turned on me like this.” You snapped your fingers.

 “If you want…If you want I could try to make it up to you? I’d do anything.” 

Was Tom really wanting to right his wrongs? Make amends?

“And you’re really not tricking me right now?” You questioned, unsure of his intentions. Tom almost winced at your question. 

“No. I’m being serious about this.” 

“Actions speak louder than words.” Tom could say that he wanted to make things better all he wanted but you were only going to believe it when he was actually trying. 

“Yeah…yeah I know. I just…I wanted you to know that I’m not the way I used to be anymore. I’ve got better friends now, real friends. And that made me realise that I hung around douchebags all through high school.” He shrugged his shoulders an uneasy smile on his lips. 

“Took you a long time to realise.” You had known it’s got something to do with his new friends the moment Tom started treating you differently. It obviously didn’t only come down to the people he hung out with. Tom had made the decision to behave that way. But if he’d never met them, maybe you’d still be friends. 

Tom hummed affirmatively and with that the conversation was over. Not long after, the lecturer entered the room and your first university lecture was under way. You tried your best to concentrate on the lecturer’s words but your eyes kept glancing at the boy beside you. You never imagined seeing him again, let alone talk to him. The last time you had seen him was about three or four years ago. Your parents had visited his parents and you tagged along, you missed the twins and Paddy, Tom’s brothers. You hadn’t expected Tom to be home as well. And you clearly didn’t expect his friends to be there. 

You had intended to hang out with Harry and Sam, but Tom and his friends were hanging out in the garden being obnoxiously loud, always reminding you that they were still there. You felt uneasy the whole time. The twins constantly asking you what was wrong. You never told them. You couldn’t tell them that their older brother, who they looked up to, had turned into a complete jerk. Of course, they had wondered what had happened between you and Tom that you didn’t really talk anymore. You used to be inseparable. But they figured you just grew apart. 

That evening Tom had made yet another rude comment towards you, making his friends roar with laughter. Nikki, his mother, hadn’t heard what her son had said to you if she had he would’ve gotten a scolding right away. This wasn’t the son she raised. But she was oblivious to the way he had been treating you for years now. That was the day you decided you would not come back to the Holland’s home. You couldn’t. 

The sound of students packing up pulled you out of your thoughts. Had you really managed to drown out most of the lecture? Apparently so. You silently cursed Tom for already messing with your head. 

“See you around.” He said with a small smile as he slung his backpack over his shoulder. You only managed to nod again and started packing up yourself. 

The rest of the day went a lot better than your first lecture. You saw Ryan in a few classes and he managed to keep your mind away from Tom for at least a couple of hours. When you returned to your room, Kelly was laying on her bed with an open pizza carton offering some to you. 

“That is exactly what I need right now.” You blew a strand of hair out of your face as you let yourself fall next to her, picking a slice up and taking a big bite. 

“Rough first day?” She questioned and took another bite herself. You nodded thoughtfully. You were still confused about your conversation with Tom this morning. 

“Yeah. No. I don’t know.” You finally said after swallowing. You turned to look at her. “I talked to Tom this morning.” 

“Tom? As in your old neighbour and school mate?” She questioned with raised eyebrows. She didn’t really know the full impact this had on you. You still hadn’t told her what had happened between the two of you. She still thought he had just been your neighbour. You simply nodded your lips pressed into a thin line. “What did he say?”  You contemplated if you should tell her or not. But you needed someone to confide in right now. 

“Well, he apologised.” 

“Apologised?” She looked at you confused and you let out a breath.

“Some things were said when we were younger. I don’t really want to get into it right now but all you need to know is that he became a jerk when we started secondary school.” You laughed humourlessly. The corners of her mouth turned down. You could tell she knew that there was much more to the story but she nodded letting you know that it was okay and if you ever wanted to tell her the whole story she would be there for you. 

“Anyway, now he apologised and wants to make amends? I’m not sure I trust him. He gave me enough reasons not to.” You let your shoulders slump a bit. You were all for giving second chances. And the Tom you knew before you changed schools was one of the sweetest people you had ever met. “I wanted a fresh start. I haven’t seen him in years and now he shows up and messes with my head already.” You groaned. 

“You really liked him, didn’t you? Before he became a jerk?” 

“Yeah.” You chuckled a bit, feeling tears start to pool in your eyes. “I had the biggest crush on him. Stupid, huh?” Kelly squeezed your shoulder with a sympathetic look on her face. 

“No, it’s not stupid…I honestly don’t really know what to tell you. I don’t know what happened between the two of you and what he’s like. Maybe you should try to give him a chance? But be wary about it? And at the first signs of him playing you, you’ll just stop.” She shrugged her shoulders. You hummed and nodded. Maybe that was the best way to go about things. There was still one other person you could talk to though. To get a second opinion. 

Kelly took a look at the time and cursed. “Shit. I have a class in fifteen minutes. Will you be okay?” She looked at you again as she got up from her bed. You nodded your head and waved your hand dismissively. 

“Of course! I’m fine. I’ll see you later.” 

“You can eat the rest of the pizza if you want.” Kelly pulled on her jacket and picked up her bag from the ground. “I’m having dinner with Jordan after class.” If you looked closely enough you could see a blush on Kelly’s cheeks.

“Oooh. Have fun! I want all the details later.” You wiggled your eyebrows with a smirk and she rolled her eyes. 

“Yeah, yeah. See ya later.” With that, she was out of the door and you chuckled lightly. Ryan’s roommate was taking your roommate out for dinner. Who would have thought? You took another piece of the pizza and pulled your phone from your bag. Scrolling through your contacts you found the only person who would be able to understand you. Who knew what you’ve been through with Tom. 

���Beth? Hi.” You said as she picked up.

“Y/N!” There was rustling on her end “Hey, how’s university treating you so far? It was your first day today, right?” She asked making you smile. You were glad you had been able to stay in contact with her even though you had moved out of town four years ago. She had been your best friend in Kingston. You met her on your first day of secondary school and you weren’t sure if you would have been able to cope with Tom’s behaviour without her. 

“Yeah! First day’s over and… Beth, I need your advice.” Your voice was a little shaky and the rustling on the other end stopped.

“What’s wrong?” You could immediately hear the worry in her voice. 

“Tom’s here. He’s going to the same uni and he’s in one of my classes.” You rush out and the line is silent for a moment. 

“Hold up. Tom? Tom Holland?” She asked and you nodded despite the fact she obviously couldn’t see you.

“Yeah.” 

“What’s he done? Has he said something? I swear I’m gonna come down-”

“No.” You interrupted her. “No, he actually apologised.” 

“He did what now?” She sounded as doubtful as you felt.

“Yeah. I can’t believe it either. He says he wants to make amends.”

“Sorry, Y/N. But I think he’s full of shit.” She spat and you could imagine how her face was pinched together in anger. 

“He said he’s got new friends now.” You mumbled. Were you really defending him right now?

“Well, yeah, he stopped hanging out with Drake and the others during sixth form. But he shagged like half the girls in our year. I hate to break it to you but he’s a typical fuck boy and he’s probably just saying that to get you in bed, just because he can. Maybe he gets some kind of kick out of it.” 

You were speechless at her words. She had never told you that. It had probably been for the best. What good would that info have done for you? It explained his behaviour in the club though. Before he knew who you were. “I’m sorry.” Beth murmured when you didn’t reply to her. 

“No, it’s okay. You’re just being honest.” You sighed. “I just hoped that he’s actually being honest for a change, you know?”

“Who knows, maybe he is.” She was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know his motives and maybe I’m wrong with what I said... But he’s gotten really close with Harrison lately. D’you know him? Harrison Osterfield?” You tried to think about it but the name didn’t ring any bells. 

“No, never heard of him.” 

“He’s a good guy. Really. Maybe he had a better influence on Tom than that douchebag Drake.” 

“So what do you reckon I should do?” 

Beth thought for a second. “What do you want to do?” She asked then.

“I really want to give him a chance.” You almost whispered. “Is that stupid of me?” You felt the tears burning in your eyes again. How could you want to give him a chance when he had been treating you like shit for years? Maybe it was because you kept thinking about the sweet boy that Tom used to be. You were hoping that that boy was still in there somewhere. That Tom had decided to be that version of him from now on. And maybe Beth was right and that Harrison guy really did change him. 

“No, it’s not stupid.” Beth assured you. “Reckless, maybe. But not stupid. Just be careful okay?” You could practically see her raise her eyebrows.

“Yeah, of course. My roommate will look out for me, too.” A small smile was on your lips. You were glad you had a roommate like Kelly. You’d only known each other a week but you felt like you had known her for years. 

“Ooh. What’s she like?” 

And you told Beth about Kelly and everything else that had happened during the past week and she told you about her first few days at university in Edinburgh. You made plans to visit each other at some point in the future before you ended the call. You really wanted to wait for Kelly to come home so you could question her about her evening but you were exhausted. So instead you got ready for bed. 

You couldn’t fall asleep though. You kept thinking about Tom. How was it possible for him to already mess with your head? You had been fine after bumping into him on Friday. Well, except for the flashbacks that constantly replayed in your head. You had pushed the thought that Tom was possibly going to the same uni as you to the back of your mind. But with him sharing (at least) one class with you…you couldn’t avoid him anymore. And he had actually talked to you. Apologised even. 

You weren’t sure what the future would bring. But you hoped that everything would turn out alright.

Part 3

everything taglist: @rachaeldonnaspiteri1 // @localfangirlx // @averyfosterthoughts // @parkerpeter24 // @mrhollandisart // @tloveswriting // @tomhollandloverrrr​

Two Lies and a Truth taglist: @sad-sagita​

You can find the link to my taglist form here

Listen man those are good questions (in the ask game you reblogged) and I don’t wanna choose a few to ask (also the names of them are very long and I will not remember them. in my defense uh. I have the Memory Machine Broke disorder)

Do. Do you wanna just answer every question for Hades. go for it Rose. make a very long post. just answer every question for Hades. why not. live your dreams. have fun

SAY LESS STAR!!!! Thank youuuuuuu~~ Maybe I should change your tag to Enabling Mutual akdsjnkahsgdf jk jk @cosmicselfships

Because I could not stop for Death he kindly stopped for me: What does your F/O do to help you relax when you are overworking yourself? - I don’t overwork myself often but when I do it results in a lot of guilt and anger, mainly towards myself for not being able to keep up. It’s super hard for me to relax because I want to take care of all my chores and errands so when Hades sees me getting to that level of frustration, he goes out of his way to finish things for me. Like:

Me: I still have to finish the laundry, return those books, figure out what we’re having for dinner! Ugh! It’s just too much!

Hades: Laundry’s in the basket. 

Me: What?

Hades: And I dropped off the books this morning.

Me:.........

Hades: Sushi’s on it’s way too and I got you an order of Gyoza too.

Me:....... I fucking love you.  

Will no one tell me what she sings?: What does your F/O sound like when they sing? - Ohohohohoh well we already know this one, now don’t we! It is truly sad Hades only got 1 song in the movie, because Cheyenne Jackson? 

But let’s just pretend we don’t know shall we? Hades is loud and proud when he sings, he loves to just belt out his favorite songs, whether it’s classic rock or metal or grunge or even a bit of showtunes (that’s right babe, we all know your secret)! His voice is very smooth and steady, but he loves to hit those high notes! 

But thy eternal summer shall not fade: What about you makes your F/O fall for you even harder? What about your F/O makes you fall for them even harder? - Oh geez, I’m not sure! Maybe how I make him laugh when he’s angry or how I’m always ready with a cutting remark, maybe how I’m by his side no matter what, being my own person despite what others think? I fall harder for him when I see his soft side with Mal or you, Star, how he’s willing to be nice to Ben and support you guys after everything you went through. When I see his vulnerable side, the unusually quiet side, that doesn’t have an answer to everything, the side that just wants to be at peace but gets in its own way. Those quiet moments.

In an agony of unspoken young love I watched you: How long did it take for either you or your F/O to confess? Were either of you scared things wouldn’t go as planned? - Oh I’m always scared of how things can be messed up and that really made me nervous when it started coming to a head. It didn’t take years and years, but we danced around it and our feelings for quite a while. I’m too scared of being hurt and Hades is too scared of letting go

I came to see the damage that was done and the treasures that prevail: How do you comfort each other when you’re upset? - When I’m upset, I don’t want to talk about it, so Hades either holds me until I feel better or distracts me and when he’s upset, I sit and listen to him, I don’t interrupt or try to tell him what to do/feel, I validate his anger and his right to be upset.

You know, I’m not afraid of you at all: Is there anything about your F/O that scares other people, but you find to be charming or endearing? Or do you find it scary too, but refuse to let it scare you? - Ohhh boy, there’s lots of things about Hades people are scared of; his temper, the fire, his sharp tongue, his glare, his powers, the whole dead aspect... The list is long, he isn’t the Lord of the Underworld for nothing you guys. But half of that I’m not frightened by, like his power of the dead, his comments, or the fire. I'm pretty wary of his temper, because when people get genuinely mad, I tend to freeze up, but I’m good at defusing a situation before it gets that far. And I know that if he ever hurt me in a high tension situation, it would be an accident/he wouldn’t leave it to fester, he would work harder to fix it, just like I would if I got upset.

It was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair: When times are tough, how do you and your F/O make it through? - If times are tough, we don’t complain, we get down to business and work it through, come hell or high water. 

Is all that we see or seem but a dream within a dream?: What dreams does your F/O have? Do you see yourself helping your F/O achieve them? - After leaving the Isle, all Hades wants is to spend time with his family and have the chance to build what should have been there for years. I’m 100% supportive of helping him make amends and figure out how to build healthier relationships with his daughters. I also want to help him explore his own personal interests now that he isn’t shackled to the title of Lord of the Underworld or stuck on a spit of land under an impenetrable dome! Like music and science! 

I can no longer remain away from you: What lengths has your F/O  gone to see you? Have you ever done the same? - in almost all my fics, there’s no distance far enough that he wouldn’t go to find me or get me back. I would do the same, if I were at the threshold of the next life, I would still look back and reach for him.

And then my heart with pleasure fills and dances with the daffodils: What is dancing with your F/O like? - oh! So goofy, just pure, unadulterated ridiculousness, we can NOT be serious! No waltz’s or tangos for us, instead we’re jamming on air guitars and doing (failing) the Moonwalk! Probably the one actual dance I’d want to try with him would be Swing! It’s so high energy and looks like loads of fun!

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore”: Freebie! Tell us any headcanon about your F/O or your relationship with them. - I have 1 true aesthetic in my mind for Hades and I, and that’s being “That One Annoying Couple”, the ones that don’t care who’s around, they’re too busy rough-housing or goofing off or taking horrible selfies, just being a general nuisance! And then when someone tells us to knock it off/quiet down/get a room, we just glare at them and amp it up 1000% 

King Kuroo and the Red Knight (8)

Summary:

A Camelot AU where King Arthur is Kuroo Tetsuro, and the Knights of the Roundtable of characters from seasons 1-4 of the HQ anime. Eventual Kuroo X Reader.

Themes:

Action/fighting/killing, dead bodies, Fluff, Angst, Humor, Eventual Romance

Warnings:

Mentions of stalking and abuse of power, Language, Angst in feelings, Gore and fighting, mention of explosion, mention of seeing dead bodies

Word Count:

For Chapter: ~2700words                

Questions/Comments/Concerns/Ideas welcome as always.

So let me just say, I am an actual idiot. Like, not only are the twins not third years, but neither are 3 of my favorites to write for in this story. Like Futa, Teru and Aone are all actually second years as well as the twins! And, this, this was facts that I knew! How ridiculous is that, huh? I just deemed 5 second years third years in my mind in order to include them. Oh well though hahah.

I'm not changing the characters. I just changed the descriptions hahah.

Anywho, Hope you all liked the random/differentness that was this chapter. 

Let me know your thoughts and such, i love getting comments on this and have been trying pretty hard to respond every time (whether on AO3 or tumblr).

Enjoy!

–Admin Red

Chapter 8: Enemy Meeting

Daishou stepped away from the slain body, a smile on his features as he moved towards the main hall of the castle, to await meeting with the King and others.

He’d passed a few windows overlooking the front square and did a double take at the amount of bodies littered on Camelot’s grounds. 

‘This can’t be!’ His thoughts shouted at him. Looking over the fallen he counted less than twenty palace guards. Not a single knight of Camelot, nor the Red Knight or their squire. ‘What happened? We had surprise on our side! How did none of them die?!’

Daishou, in his anger, flared his hands and mini explosions were heard as his power crashed into the sides of the wall near them. He took a few breaths to calm himself before moving on, readying his mind to take the idiotic King’s prideful boasting and his knights’ encouraging about the oh-so-great power of Camelot. Gagging a bit, he made to the room he’d intended to reach from the get go.

Not seeing any sign of his actual enemies having failed in their defenses on his trek to the center of the castle made the Lord’s mood sour further, but when he entered the War Hall to see it empty he’d regained some confidence. “Mayhaps the idiots needed help in the South. Hopefully a few were cut down.”

Hearing some scuffle, Daishou stopped speaking to himself and cursed a spell on the door to see who passed, listening in on the conversation held by the approaching group.

“I will be telling our King about your recklessness, let him deal with your stupidity.” The silver haired guest said, anger clear on his face as he walked in front of the Red Knight. “That was actually the worst decision you could have possibly had. Jumping into the middle of the fray from a hole in the third story. Are you that much of an idiot? That eager to fight? Idiot. Absolute imbecile and the undisputed champion of stupid decision making. You will not receive breakfast tomorrow either. Take that as a punishment. See if I leave you any chocolates in your baggage either.”

Daishou watched as the Knight was clearly displeased with the stolen sweet comment the most as he reached out and stopped his companion directly in front of the mirrored door the Lord had generated.

The squire turned once he was brought to a halt. “Fine, I won’t take your stupid chocolates. But I will come up with two additional punishments to your not getting breakfast.”

Nodding in acceptance, the Red Knight motioned for his squire to continue moving. 

“Actually, I have a question.” The King’s servant faced the pair, letting Daishou continue his eavesdropping as none moved from his portal view. Futakuchi faced the pair, “You agreed to participate in the festival the King proposed as a make-shift apology. But didn’t speak to your squire before accepting to be fighters. Which really does make it seem like you may just be impatient to fight, but here is my question. And, I hope you take no offense to it. But, is it really enough that he put on a tournament to appease the grievances done against you?”

Though he only had a slight understanding of what the servant referred to, Daishou was honestly awaiting an answer as well. If the actions towards the pair were so unjust that they’d considered leaving their mission unfinished, why could something so simple turn the tide.

The squire looked to his Knight before facing the servant once more, apparently answering for the pair. “Though this is the first I’ve heard of it, I can tell you now that Yomimasu’s intentions are not about the fighting aspect. Though I guess I am the one who just said they were eager to fight…” He seemed to think a moment before continuing, “After we left the dinning hall and returned to our current rooms, we discussed things. And, we came to the decision that you all had just as much a point in being upset with us as we’d gotten with you. We are guests of Camelot, despite any pretense of our mission or who we are in the Red Knight Order, that is who we are here. Guests. And, upon our arrival we gave demands with hardly any explanation. Then continued to demand privacy for our belongings. Having wanted to keep a secret the lineage amongst us. Since we were as much to blame about a bad start, the two of us determined the best course of action was to make amends first thing in the morning. Neither of us expected tonight’s outcome. And if given the chance to rectify our initial opinions of one another so soon, I can see why the Red Knight would agree without consulting me.”

Apparently Futakuchi accepted the explanation, because Daishou watched the three leave his field of vision and no longer heard their conversations.

He cursed that the pair obviously helped in the fight, and cursed further that someone had fired a shot warning those inside to the attack earlier than had they just stormed the castle as directed.

_______________________________

“Kuroo, please excuse my sudden shift in decision, but I’ve just been called by another Lord to assist with a problem down south. My journey will not permit me to be here for your tournament.” Daishou commented to his half-brother amidst the celebratory drinks the Knights of Camelot were having in the War Hall.

The King just smiled at the Lord, “Of course! Do you need anyone to assist in your journey, brother?”

Smiling over a thinly veiled scowl, Daishou shook his head, “Thank you for the offer, your Highness. But recusing myself from the tournament could already be a slight towards your guests, and I’d hate to make it worse by taking some of your best and most entertaining knights.” The pair of men laughed at the joke before the Lord continued his practiced lie, “Besides, Camelot is just coming off of a strong win in defending her walls. Let the men enjoy themselves.”

“Your concern for their happiness is well noted, and much appreciated, Daishou. I’m just sorry I didn’t think to send someone to you in the heat of the battle. I never thought they’d stray to your part of the castle.” Kuroo seemed to be thoroughly apologetic, but he quickly resumed grinning and held his goblet up to stand for a toast, “Men! Let us cheer! To the power of Camelot’s forces, to your power, and to the prosperity of a great tournament to come!”

“Yes!”

“CHEERS!”

“To Camelot!”

“To victory!”

“To the fight!”

“To the King!”

Different shouts were heard across the room. But once someone shouted to the king, the rest followed. Until Daishou whispered under his breath, in a way only he could hear himself amongst all the joyous rokous, “Yes, to the true King of Camelot.”

_________________________________

Days later, Daishou was facing the ruins of a century old castle atop his perfect steed. 

The horse whinnied at the overwhelming dark presence before it and reared as he took a few paces back. Obviously fearful of the unseen energy before him.

Dismounting and tying his steed to a post, Daishou made his own way into the castle’s grounds.

“You’re late.” A voice called to him from the shadows of the interior square.

Facing the caller before responding, Daishou smiled, “Yes, well. You couldn’t very well expect me to lead the men the King had following me here, could you?”

“Does the idiot King actually have a brain cell to distrust you?” The man commented back, sticking to the shadows until hearing a preferred answer.

Camelot’s Lord laughed out towards the sky, “Never, he wanted me to have extra protection as I have gone to help our ally.”

“He really is the stupidest King to take Camelot’s throne,” The male voiced as he finally stepped into the light shining into the square. “I take it you bring news too delicate to message?”

Nodding, the Lord motioned for his companion to lead them somewhere they could sit comfortably while they spoke.

__________________________________

“Daishou, I thought only one Red Knight and a squire came to Camelot?” The light-brown-haired male questioned, “And, you said Ushijima and Asahi, two of Camelot’s strongest, were not there. We held the element of surprise, and yet only twenty men made it back to the strong hold. Twenty, out of eight-hundred. What the hell happened?”

Daishou winced at the tone he was being addressed with, but recovered quickly as he’d expected the reaction, “One of the men ruined the art of surprise by blowing a hole in the castle wall directly in view of the square where the main forces were targeting. I imagine only three-hundred ever made it inside the castle from that poor decision. And the knights had been spread out, the fight became child’s play to them.” He scowled as he recalled the bodies littered in the front of Camelot’s main gate and thought of the guests who fought in Camelot’s defense even after being scorned by the so-called-King. “The Red Knight and his man were the most bothersome though. Killing nearly a third of forces between just them two. How is that possible? You didn’t tell me they’d be that strong.”

The partner’s eyes blew back in surprise, hearing how many men fell to the hands of his old home’s people, getting a strange look on his face after he thought for a moment. “What can you tell me of the Red Knight? Or rather, his squire since I assume he hasn’t revealed much of anything of himself yet.”

“May I, Oikawa?” The Lord questioned, hand already reaching for the head of the person sitting next to him.

Nodding his allowance, the male kept his head stationary, as to accept the visual memories of his companion.

Daishou whispered a phrase beneath his breath and Oikawa’s head shot back as visions filled his mind of just who had attended Camelot as a squire to the Red Knight in visiting Camelot.

When the pair separated, both had heaving chests, as they were trying to regulate their breathing after an intense trade of magic.

“No, it couldn’t have been…” Oikawa whispered to himself.

“You know him?” Daishou questioned as he scooted further in his seat away from his supposed companion.

Oikawa shook his head, “I knew him when I lived with the Order. But he’d never left his cousin’s side. I can’t imagine who'd he follow out to Camelot. And to have him, one of the smartest Knights in the Order regulated to nothing but a squire, must mean this Red Knight is in a class of their own. I can’t imagine who it would be though.” The circling thoughts seemed to attack Oikawa’s mind as his eyes moved from side to side in his confusion, his voice dissipated into nothing as he spoke in circles, and he fell deaf to Daishou’s calls.

Before he let the confusion last too long, Daishou leaned in and captured Oikawa’s lips with his own, kissing the man back to his own self. When the Lord felt the kiss being returned with twice as much force, he pulled away. “I don’t mind, whatever the issue. Just let me in on it so I can help. We want the same thing. You to be knighted in Camelot, and I to sit upon the throne. These things will only come to pass if you let me in though.”

“Yes, you are correct.” Oikawa recognized before sighing deeply and explaining to the best of his ability. “Before I was exiled from the Order, that man, the squire, his name is Sugawara. He was on a fast track to become the youngest Red Knight since the King’s grandfather. Everyone praised his intelligence, ability to stay calm, and to keep others refreshed in the heat of battle. But, his downfall is that he wouldn’t leave his cousin’s side. She was the Princess, and for a time we were all close. But, when my mother tried to assassinate the King, and she just happened to get hurt playing with me the next day, the King took it to mean I was trying to kill her. She didn’t believe that was the case and convinced her father to exile me instead of killing me, but in my rage I attacked Sugawara. I left with everyone believing I was a traitor. But no one held more control over Sugawara than the Princess. And her father was adamant she’d never be a Red Knight. I recall that in journeys, the one presented as the Red Knight is supposed to be the strongest, while the one presented as the squire is still technically a Red Knight, just not as strong. With all their rules about not talking and such, it makes sense to have someone free to discuss openly with others. If Sugawara is demoted to squire for this journey, I have no clue who could be marked as the Red Knight. Had I known it was Sugawara fighting, I would have drastically changed things, maybe as far as recalling the attack order.”

Daishou had to take a few moments to process everything he’d just heard. He’d try to start a comment back multiple times, but every one of them failed as the words got caught in his throat or his mind wandered to trying to prioritize a different idea. It was a full five minutes until he’d responded coherently.

“So, these Knights could prove to be worse adversaries than anyone in Camelot?” He asked tentatively.

“Yes.” Oikawa responded matter-of-factly.

Daishou shook his head, and stood to pace a bit, “If Camelot ends up reconnecting with them, and gets the Order on his side, things would be even harder, wouldn’t they?”

“Yes,” Oikawa repeated in the exact same manner.

“Then we have no choice,” Daishou turned to face the sitting male, “We must rebuild our forces, and come up with a plan that will utterly destroy each the Red Knight, his squire, and Camelot’s Knights before the King gets his wish of reuniting with the order.”

Looking up at the smiling face of his companion, Oikawa thought he saw the outline of a horned serpent. The evil thoughts protruding from his mind clear for anyone to see, just as his own once were.

“Agreed, but for now, we should take the time provided to us by your deceit to Kuroo. How long can you stay this time?”

“Perhaps a week.” Daishou answered off handedly, already thinking through different attack strategies. “Do you think we could call upon the Sphinx? He owes us for getting his stupidly simple riddle correct last time. Mayhaps he would devour the idiots of Camelot for us.”

Oikawa shook his head before he went to the side of his companion, wrapped his arms around the dark-haired male’s waist and whispered in his ear, “Mayhaps, it is time to retire this line of thought for another day and to go relax and...catch up.”

Daishou half turned to face the smiling light-haired man leaning against his backside. He grinned back, “Agreed, we can discuss Camelot’s and Kuroo’s downfall tomorrow.”

The pair entered the passages leading inside the castle’s ruins, neither male regarding the rolling dark clouds approaching their hideout as they ignored the outside world for a few hours.

_____________________________________

“Oikawa,” Daishou called his retreating partner from atop his steed, “You harbor no feelings towards the members of the Order, correct? Because if you do, all of this is for naught. Tell me now, was all this for nothing?”

The light-haired brunette thought of his old home, everyone he knew as a young boy, and how his life progressed since being exiled. “The only person I would ever listen to from the Order would never leave. There is no doubt in my mind, when we strike Camelot next time, they won’t stand in our way. You will be King, Daishou.”

“And you, a proper knight. Until we meet again, Oikawa.” The Lord responded before kicking his horse in high gear and dashing deep into the forest, returning at once to Camelot after more than a week gone.

_______________________________________________

Table of contents:

Chapter 7                                                      Chapter 9

The Unexpected Roommate

Part 3

What happens when your roommate of many years falls in love and moves out unexpectedly? Drake Walker was in this situation, until his friends fiancée suggested that her friend moved in to replace her fiancé. The new roommate is causing tension already. Will they be able to survive living together? What’s the worse that could happen?

Drake x Riley

Leo x Olivia

Warnings: Swearing, tension, smut

A/N- So I spoke to @pedudley, she published a one shot with her characters doing a ‘truth and dare’ scene. We wrote it at the same time, and I reached out as I panicked that people would assume that I’ve used her idea. It’s totally different, just a similar idea and Paige is fine with it- best friends and great minds think alike 😆 This part and part 4 was originally just this part- however tumblr is saying that I’ve exceeded the word count 🤷‍♀️, so you all have two chapters posted back to back- SORRY! 😘

Tags- As always if you want to be removed please do let me know. I won’t be offended.

@pedudley @kacie-0156 @loveellamae @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @texaskitten30 @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @yukinagato2012 @cordonianroyalty @rainbowsinthestorm @jared2612 @desireepow-1986 @twinkle-320 @bebepac @drakewalkerisreal

******

As Riley answered his question, she witnessed a smile slowly creep up onto his face- believing that she would never see the day that Drake Walker smiled.

“I still don’t like you though...” She continued. “But....”

“But what?”

“I actually have plans for tonight. Maybe we could do it tomorrow instead?” Seeing disappointment on his face, she instantly felt guilty. She wasn’t saying to never to do this, she had wanted to make amends before he did- however, her friends were more important. More loyal. Fuck. “Or I could cancel? I see Daniel and Maxwell all the time..” Yes, cancel. Please cancel. Spend time with me. God I sound desperate. He thought to himself.

“It’s fine. You live with me. We can have drinks and food whenever.”

“Are you sure? I feel like I’m letting you down after you’ve made an effort. But I don’t like letting my friends down either. I’m sure they won’t mind. I can stay in... with you.”

“Honestly, it’s fine.” Providing a fake smile, his heart sunk- but he would never admit this to her.

“Okay.... I’ll erm. I will be back before my ‘curfew’.”

“You better be.” Smiling at him, she walked away shaking her head. Drake sat on the couch, not knowing what to do. Berating himself, that she had given him the final say for her plans- and he backed out of telling her what his heart truly desired.

****

Riley made her way to the bar, shaking her head she saw the two lovers had already ordered drinks. The amount of drinks that surrounded the table, was a sign of premature liver damage.

“Blossom! You’re here.”

“Hey, guys.” The two men looked at her, she was surprisingly quiet- in a daze. Not her usual self.

“What’s he done now?” Daniel demanded to know as he raised his eyebrows. Maxwell was aware of Drake’s attitude towards Riley- however Daniel had played it down. Daniel knew that Maxwell was a pussycat, but when it came to his friend who was like a sister to him, he wouldn’t hold back if someone hurt her.

“He... well he fucked a blonde all over the place last night. This morning. Whatever that doesn’t matter. He didn’t ask for my permission. Breaking his own rule...” Maxwell’s lips allowed an over exaggerated gasp to escape. “I hope you called him out on it.”

“No. I just put my old teddy bears and Barbie’s on his bed. She soon ran out.” Maxwell jumped up and high fived her, Daniel provided a smirk but her facial expression was still puzzling him.

“So why the long face?”

“He bought me a ‘La Perla’ set.”

“He did what?” The men asked in unison, both wondering what Drake was playing at.

“He bought me a bra and thong set... I mean that shit isn’t cheap. He seemed sincere with his apology but I still don’t trust him. One minute he despises me, then he’s nice. It’s just not normal...”

“Maybe he wants you to dress up for him?” Maxwell licked his lips, then mimicked a blowjob. Providing her friend with her own hand gesture he soon stopped. Afraid of what she may do if he was to carry on.

“Stop right there, Max. This discussion is ending right now!”

“Okay, fine. But you didn’t have to stick two fingers up at me.... or is that what Drake will be doing to you?” Unable to resist winding her up, he escaped to the bathroom quickly- convenient timing.

****

Drake had spent the night, wondering if she was using her prior plans as an excuse to avoid him. He wouldn’t blame her, he had been awful with her. Scrolling through social media, she appeared in the everlasting list of ‘people you may know’. His finger hovered above the ‘add friend’ button- deciding against it, he kept coming back to it. Every time he was tempted to just click it, but he thought that it would give her an excuse to argue with him. Looking at her profile, he shook his head- he clearly wasn’t her only victim for her infamous pranks. Checking out the photos, he needed to stop- he had a sudden erection. That was until he saw a photo of Riley and Olivia- just looking at his arch-enemy turned him off straight away. After a few hours, he made the decision to have a shower- as he had nothing better to do. Usually he wouldn’t mind being ‘home alone’ but for some reason he felt more lonely now than ever. As he entered, the water cascaded down his toned body- placing one hand on the tile, his other hand wrapped around his shaft. Stop thinking about her, she will kill you if she knows you’re wanking over her.

“Shit! I’m soooo sorry. I’m going to puke... I won’t be long. It was the toilet or the floor...” Jumping, he tried to cover himself up- she was in a state. Standing frozen, he didn’t know what to do. Carry on ‘showering’ or get out and hold her hair? The hair debate entered his mind- mainly concerned about her waking up with the sticky yet fowl substance in it. But also to keep her head upright to avoid her face planting the bowl.

“Couldn’t you have just puked in the trash bin? I’m trying to shower!”

“Oh. My. God. It stinks. I’m sorry.” Turning her head towards him, she had a little laugh to herself. “Are you jerking yourself off? Hey! You wasn’t lying was you?”

“No, I am not doing what you think I am! I am covering it up to protect my dignity as best as I can.”

“Whatevs... you are so totally doing it. I’m going to rename my dildo to ‘Drake’.”

“What the fuck are you on about? Can you please hurry up- and collapse in your bed....”

“Ewww I’ve puked in my hair...” knew it. Just fucking knew it. Great. Stripping her clothes off, she stumbled- before entering the shower with him.

“Do you not know about social distancing? Riley! Get to bed.”

“What’s up Drakey? Never shared a shower before.... at least it’ll save on the water bill.” Putting her thumbs up towards him, her drunk mind was now trying to calculate ways in cutting down the bills- whilst she washed her body. Looking down at his erection, she smirked again.

“Yup, definitely calling my dildo ‘Drake’...” Drake knew he was now trapped, believing that if he was civil- and possibly helped her with anything, the quicker he would be able to go to bed.

“What was it called before?” He asked, in his mind he was thinking all sorts of obscure names. Bob? Battery operated boyfriend- because that’s all she’ll ever get if she carries on treating men like shit. Peter as in Peter rabbit? Mr Big?

“Leo....”

“Leo?”

“Yeah, Liv called my dildo ‘Leo’. Apparently it’s the image of him. Personally, I can’t see it. I haven’t used ‘Leo’ since. It put me straight off.” Yeah, don’t blame you. What the actual fuck?

“Right, I’m going to wash your hair for you- then tuck you in bed.”

“Aw you do have a heart.” Trying to make a love heart shape with her fingers, she failed miserably. Drake turned her around, holding on to her with one hand he tried to keep a distance, he didn’t want to poke her- she kept slipping in the shower, making him nearly fall instead as his grip tightened onto her waist. If he was going down, he wasn’t going alone. Getting out of the shower, he held on to her- escorting her out too. Drying her body with the fluffy towel, she was swaying - making it difficult to help assist her. Carrying her to her bed, he laid her onto her side- hoping that she wasn’t going to be sick again. After a few minutes, he kissed Riley on the cheek and left her sleeping alone. Sweet dreams, pisshead.

****

The morning after, Drake decided to check on Riley before leaving for work. He had barely slept, mainly worrying that she was going to choke on her vomit- but then the short shower that they had shared was also lingering throughout his thoughts. Knowing that she was breathing, and was content- he left for work. Not that he wanted to, but he knew the sooner he got to work- the earlier he could finish and return home.

Later on in the day, he returned home- the apartment was as he had left it. Opening her door, she was still asleep. Sitting next to her, he needed to wake her up. Caressing her cheek, she didn’t stir- deciding to gently shake her, she fluttered her eyelashes at him. Still in a daze, she still felt slightly drunk believing that she was hallucinating. Smelling his cologne, and seeing his blurry face- she sighed heavily.

“Hey, sleepyhead.” Fuck. He’s here. He’s on my bed.

“Drake! Get out!”

“Why?”

“Because I’m naked...” Pulling the duvet up as far as it could go, she was practically suffocating herself. “Remember you don’t like to see my - how did you describe it? Oh yeah. Flab.” Shaking his head, he was never going to hear the end of his hurtful words.

“Do you remember getting home last night?” Her eyes widened, she dread to think what had happened. The horror that was shown across her face, explained to him that she was clueless about the events after her night out.

“You came home, puked up then jumped in the shower with me. I carried you to your bed. There was no funny business. Anyway, it’s four o’clock- I think you better get up.”

“Four in the morning?”

“No. Afternoon. I’ve been to work and come back. I’ll order food and we can do what we planned if you’re up for it? There’s a match on.”

“Do I look like I watch sport?”

“Oh sorry. You’re probably one of those girls who likes to watch a film where the two main characters fall in love at the end.”

“Guilty.”

“Typical woman. I’ll get you some tissues- don’t want you ruining any make up.”

“It’s fine, Drake. Watch your game. I’ll have a shower then join you soon.”

“What drink do you want? I’ll get it ready for when you get out.”

“I’ve got wine, it’s in the fridge. Thank you, Drake.”

“No worries. Hurry up though.” Fuck why have I said that? Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Before she could respond, he needed to think of an excuse for why he said that. “Because you don’t want your food to be cold.” Nodding, he smiled and swiftly left her- allowing her a bit of privacy to get out of bed. Making her way to the bathroom, she wished that she was able to walk in a straight line. Fucking Daniel, again. I need to stop drinking. Leaving the door slightly ajar, Drake couldn’t help himself but have a peek at her. Seeing her hair cascade down her back, he admired her body again as he did when she sabotaged his shower. God, she’s gorgeous. Stop looking at her Drake. Finally coming to his senses, he ordered the food and poured the drinks - waiting anxiously on the couch for Riley, he wanted to tell her the truth about what he thought about her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get it.” Hearing her voice in the distance, it was a slight mumble as the noise from the tv was distracting him and was much closer.

“Sorry, I didn’t hear the door because of the game.”

“No worries. Hmm chinese. Good choice, roomie.” Bringing the food over to the table, they ate it together- both stealing glances from each other, both wondering if this was going to last. They spoke about simple things, to keep the conversation flowing with no awkwardness. Favourite food, phobias and fears, favourite vacations- were just some of the topics that they discussed. Riley decided to top up their drinks as they both gulped it in one, possibly needing Dutch courage to talk in a civil manner.

“Jesus, you cant even walk when you stick to the same drink.”

“I’m just a lightweight. You’d think that I’d be used to it working in a bar.”

“You work in a bar?”

“Yeah, with Daniel. He pulls in all the gays, and I flirt with the punters. It’s a real dive bar, so any custom is important.”

“I’ll have to come one day, just purely to annoy you and to distract you.”

“No. You’d just come for the free drinks. Because you know a person that works there.”

“Now you’ve offered free drinks, I’m definitely going to have to come.” Shaking her head, she knew that she would potentially get sacked if she provided Drake with whiskey all night on the house.

“So what do you do?” Sitting down next to him, she passed him the whiskey- waiting for him to elaborate. Intrigued as to what he did for a living. First impressions of him, was that he was a very closed off person- private. Unlike herself, who was an open book.

“I’m a mystery. That’s all you need to know.”

“C’mon Drake... tell me. I’ll ring Olivia and ask if not.”

“No!”

“Why no? Are you a serial killer? Or a drug dealer or something?”

“I just don’t like your friend. The answer is no. Plus, mind your own business.”

“You don’t like many people do you?”

“I hate her.”

“Like me.” Riley said this quietly, as her face faulted. Most people liked her, but Drake just had instant hate- deep down it hurt her slightly.

“Of course I’m going to hate you, you’re my roommate. Liv, she’s like the fucking devil.”

“You just don’t know her properly. Like you don’t know me.”

“I’d like to get to know you. I’m sorry. But you are annoying as fuck.”

“Maybe I am annoying. But so are you. Your teams losing, time for a change.” Reaching over him, she stole the remote and quickly changed the channel. Sex and the city, perfect.

“No! Not a chance! I’m not watching this shit. Put the fucking goddamn match back on.” Shooting off of the sofa, she ran towards her room shoving the remote in her bra- knowing he wouldn’t dare touch her whilst it was there.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Catching up to her, he pulled her back flush to his chest. Turning her around, his eyes never left hers.

“You’re a bit too close for comfort.” She could practically feel her heart attempting to leap out of her chest.

“Give me the remote, and I’ll let go of your waist.”

“Or what?”

“Or I’ll be holding on to you all night...”

“I pretty much doubt that, Drake.”

“You want to bet?” Moving his lips closer to her neck, his breath made her heart skip a beat- it also sent shivers down her spine. “Can you resist my lips, Riley?”

“Of course I can.” Whimpering, she wasn’t sure what to think. Deep down, she had always thought that he was handsome- but he was her roommate. Someone who hated her the previous day. Someone who was fucking a stranger in their shared accommodation. Kissing her neck gently, her body froze- his hands roamed her body, getting closer to her chest. Closing her eyes, she gulped at his soft touches.

“Your skin is so soft.... Riley.... I....” Swiftly removing the remote from her bra, he smirked- feeling smug with himself. “I win! Don’t fuck with me...no one turns the matches off!”

“You bastard!”

“Aw what’s up darling? Did you think that I was kissing you because I wanted to?” I actually really wanted more.

“I don’t know what to think with pricks like you! I knew tonight was too good to be true... why can’t you just be a normal human being?”

“Why can’t you ask for permission to turn the tv over?”

“It’s not the end of the fucking world!” Hearing a knock at the door, their bickering stopped almost immediately.

“Hey guys!”

“Leo?” They both shouted in unison, wondering why he was here. As soon as Olivia joined him, she eyed the two of them in front of her- attempting to study their body language.

“Woah, you two are close...” Leo stated as he nudged Olivia.

“Thought we’d drop by to see how you are both doing. Is there a problem? Have we come at a bad time?”

“I’m on top of the world, Liv. Living with a fucking prick like him is all I ever wanted in life. You have perfect timing! I’m so glad some normal human beings are here to socialise with me.” Drake gulped, now realising that he had been slightly petty.

“Living with an annoying bitch is all I ever wanted! So thanks for getting engaged guys. Beer, Leo?”

Oc-tober Day 27: Fantasy

A bunch of my isekai ocs with original stories. Oofy. I will make the quickest of beginnings for em. These don’t tell the whole story, just how it starts and maybe some future details. I got carried away with some lol. Also, please don’t mind the absurd names XD I couldnt think of any, and isekais tend to have weird names anyways lol. Looking at you Miss Sidekick.

1. Second Best: Probably the one I have planned out the most and have even written like the entire plot for in a Quickie Summary ill post another time. This started as an isekai, but uh, i found no need for her to be reincarnated after I developed the story more. Still, the original inspiration for this was isekai lol.

Born in a lower noble family with high ambitions, when she was born plain, they planned to push her to be educated, but an accident defaced her at the age of three and that was it for them. They saw her as a lost cause and found it easier to give up on her. They were having another child anyways. So she was kept in the old, secluded wing of the estate, raised by maids and a single ill-kept tutor while her sister, born blessed and pretty, was spoiled. It happens. The protagonist is restless and takes to running away from the estate, going into the neighboring woods to explore. One day she finds a crying boy, hiding from his servants. She helps him and after hearing him out, they create a childish plan. To murder his step mother.

2. The Villlainess's Lackey:

A girl, let's call her Bronze, is reincarnated into an otome game she played nonstop. She was a hardcore fangirl of a particular character. Not the love interests, or the protagonist named Gold, but the hidden villainess that showed up once the characters graduate. Silver, the protagonists's own best friend turned jealous. Our girl is reincarnated as the lackey of the fake villainess, just a cliche bully trying to kick the protagonist out of high society. Bronze isn't too pleased about being stuck with her. She instead gets to working in the shadows, cornering Silver and spilling the beans on the game's entire story. On how Silver would lose. But not to worry! Bronze will meddle and lie and cheat and perhaps even murder for Silver! Silver is confused and refuses, but comes to accept the help with time. So far everything Bronze predicted has come true. But one thing she believed is wrong. Silver didn't rebel because she was jealous Gold got a guy she liked. She was jealous because she loves Gold. Love triangle shennanigans ensue.

3. To Serve (another that started as isekai but isn't anymore lol)

Eclair is a clumsy new maid, forced to take the job when her parents kicked her out. She was hired to a manor the owners never visit only to use her as a scapegoat. Her job: to take care of the young master. To her surprise, the boy of nine years is malnourished and neglected, the staff predicting his death soon. Unable to give up on such a young boy, Eclair uncovers the mystery on why he's kept secret. He's half fae, and part of his sickness is due to lack of magic. So she goes on a quest to get the boy an artifact to keep him alive, and on the way... Her clumsy ass dies. Her spirit pops out, much to her surprise, and she watches her body get up. A new aura around herself. It seems a wanted criminal has recently been caught and killed, but his soul latched on to the nearest body. Now they have to share it. (lol, yaddayadda he agrees to help the kid, they get the artifact, he slips and dies as he tries climbing the manor windows and she returns to her body with him as a spirit now, she nurses the child but as soon as he is better the fsther wants to just outright murder him so they flee the household to travel to the Fae country and along the way they get closer. Also Eclair is a lesbian and the criminal is gay and their attraction to a nonbinary stranger is a mess they need to make a peace treaty with. :'D)

4. Just a Bystander:

A gal is reincarnated as the first love interest of the Hero of the story. She's meant to be kind, passive, a stepping stone for the Hero to later abandon for more beautiful and powerful women. A stupid role in a story. Because she denied her reincarnation so much, the dick god made her mute. Still, she won't be a pawn. Before the Hero even arrives to the orphanage they meet at, she teaches herself how to read and write, a skill most adults in the village don't have. Once he arrives, the encounters start the same, but our protagonist doesn't play along. The Hero is a brat with a complex already and she ignores every bit of it, making him simultaneously dislike her and try harder to get her attention. His attempts end in a terrible clash where he is supposed to save her from a beast, bearing a scar from being hit by it, but the roles are reversed and she gets hit in the face. In the frenzy, the Hero pulls a sacred sword and is revealed to be the one legends speak of. The adults make a big deal out of his newfound glorious fate, but among the chatter comes the concern of the protagonist's face. She's already mute, and now she's been mutilated. She doesn't have much chance at marriage. She's personally not too sad about it, but to her dismay, the Hero takes it too seriously. He proposes to her and they get 'engaged' (these are children, this promise is entirely on his word, she never agreed to this). Before he goes to get trained in the capital, she gives him a letter he can't read. He takes it as a lover's note and for all the time he spends learning in the academy, he finally deciphers the looong note. It's detailed accounts of how he misinterpreted everything she did and how she has no interest in him at all. And by the time he goes back to the village she will be gone. He runs away on a stolen horse to confront her but it proves true. She got a job with a passing merchant in copying script without telling anyone and is long gone. So begins her independent life.

5. The B-Plot:

Cedar is reincarnated into a game where she is the Villainess, the one to bully the Heroine for seducing her fiancee the prince. In the story, after she is confronted, she is incarcerated and later killed in a fight with the evil forces. Cedar does not want this. So since an early age, she looks for ways out, and surprisingly comes to find she can use magic. Since this was never mentioned in the game, and magic is so rare, she hides this. With research, she realizes her engagement with the prince will mean she gives up over half her magic capabilities to him. That explains it. She will fix this. Once the time comes for her to be engaged to the Prince, she requests to add amendment to the contract, to the surprise of the adults, but they allow it. Her only addition; if three hidden words are spoken that all clauses from the engagement nullify. She would keep her magic. The adults don't realize the extent of this addition, but she holds it dear. As years go by, she trains with what little she has. She makes plans. She realizes the neighboring country is the same as a shounen novel's own isekai series and she seeks to explore it after her ban. She is ready. But.... She has also come to befriend the prince. He's an earnest kid that looks up to her. It's hard to believe his innocent voice would be the death of her. But her resolve is tight and she knows what will come. After he goes on a mission to retrieve the Transmigated Heroine, his attitude shift is clear. And he pubicly shames her at their graduation party, as foretold. Instead of crying, she asks him to repeat his words. He does. "I hate you." The air crackles as her magic comes back with force, draining him of it. She's back to full power, and it's more than she remembered. Everyone looks on with fear as she laughs. She's free. She's sad but she's free. She bids then farewell as she snaps her fingers. She teleports to her room where everything is packed. Then she teleports to the hidden shack outside school campus. She's drained after those big moves, but she has one last thing to do. A potion she brewed that just needed a little magic. She drinks it. And transforms. She won't be Cedar anymore. He will be Oak. And he's going to find the Hero of the neighboring country and join his party.

6. The Selfish Route

A kid is reincarnated as Felicia, the protagonist of a novel where both princes of the land dote on her and she marries into Queendom. Felicia lives without her parents in a manor. The staff mostly takes care of her, as her parents are diplomats and move from country to country. While she has been shown love, she’s always been a nervous wreck, pushing herself hard to get everything right as to not be seen as uneducated by her circumstances. Instead, she is seen as perfect, as she makes a big splash at the first party she attends. She regained her memory at the same age she died, now ten years old and already having met both princes at said party were they were stunned by her. If she remembers the story correctly, the first prince will visit first, named Nicole, then the second prince, named Arthur. She’s back to being nervous and decides to play things as they were written in the story. Going off track feels dangerous! Nicole is written as intelligent and kind. It should be simple enough... But her first visit... completely fails. She stumbles over herself too much, her posture and manners lack, and her gaze never meets the prince’s. He might have been written as kind, but seeing the nervous Felicia, he’s disappointed. He leaves early, and Felicia’s fear solidifies. She’s not as good as the real protagonist was. She can’t sleep that night, and come morning, her staff notices. They crowd her with love and affection, telling her they know her true worth, and that no matter what, they will always be on her side. This comforts her somewhat, and she decides for today’s visit to think outside the box. The second prince is adventurous and daring. She’s still nervous, but when he arrives, she’s already put on clothes for the outside and has a picnic ready. She tells him they’re spending the day outside. He’s confused, but agrees. Their time is spent playing games, eating snacks, and having fun. It ends with them watching the sun begin to set while under a big tree. Then they get to talking. She asks him what he likes to do, and his response is long and convoluted. But it’s essentially this. His brother is better than him at everything. She shakes her head and gets an attitude. She didn’t ask him about his brother. She asked what ARTHUR likes to do. When he doesn’t respond, she makes fun of him. He’s so worried about not being the same as his brother, but he doesn’t have anything he likes. He’s boring. This gets him to respond, and in defending himself, he realizes he does enjoy certain things more than others. Horses and riding them, weapons, learning about the forest and terrain. So she asks him why he isn’t trying to do more of that, instead of barging in on all of his brother’s lessons. Arthur takes this thought to heart, and as he gets up to leave he laughs. He tells her she’s weird, and she starts getting visibly offended. He defends himself, it’s a good weird. He was scared when he learned his brother visited her first, because he’s terrible at formal meetings, but she made this fun. She takes this compliment to heart as well, and as he leaves, she resolves to live the rest of the story not trying to follow the protagonist. But herself. And part of that change, as the year goes by, is her realizing she’s trans. He’d much rather live as a boy. His household is concerned at first, but they slowly become more supportive. It’s the same child, just named Felix now. His parents come to prepare for his coming-of-age ceremony and he’s nervous but he tells them. To his surprise, they accept him. They’ve learned a lot in their many travels, and have broadened their views. In their eyes, this country should do the same, and it’s a pleasure to have their son be the one to start it. They’ll always support him. Nice family moment. Ever since the prince visit, he hasn’t gone to more parties, having been too nervous. But he’s been the talk of nobles his age due to the second prince starting rumors. After he tried rubbing his good day in Nicole’s face, the first prince called him out for liking such a brutish girl. He said they suited eachother. From this little comment, Arthur spiraled. With Felix’s advice, he focused on his training instead of his studies, made friends and became better. But when asked about the interest he showed in the young Felicia at that tea party, he resorted to talking shit. She’s not a well-mannered little lady, she’s a weird girl. Everyone knew now, and waited eagerly for her to make a fool of herself in her coming-of-age ceremony. When the invitations were sent, to Felix’s surprise, one was rejected. The first prince’s. He saw it as a waste of time since he already judged he didn’t like him. Felix becomes scared again, but not over himself. Over the villainess, Lily, who is supposed to be comforted by the prince after being mocked at by other noble children. The day of his ceremony, Felix resolves himself to escape his staff and go watch. He hopes someone else can help her. But as he waits and hears her crying, he realizes no one will. So he steps in. She’s startled, but he calms her down. He’s clumsy in his approach, but sincere. He asks what’s made her sad, and she can’t help to be honest. She tells him that her family makes powerful enemies, and their children always target her. They pick at all her flaws, but the biggest is that she is abnormally tall. Felix comforts her and reassures her that her height adds to her uniqueness. She’s beautiful, and they’re just jealous she can easily be the center of attention. She doesn’t agree. Being the center of attention has been bad in her book. Felix laughs nervously. On that, he can agree. So he gets up instead, and promises her she won’t have people’s eyes on her for the rest of the night. When she asks why, he tells her to go look at the host reveal. He leaves and she gets up. Just as she reaches the rest of the party, the music stops and Felicia’s name is announced. Everyone waits in anticipation to see if Arthur’s rumors were true. Then the speaker changes the name to Felix instead, and out walks the boy that talked to Lily, his mother holding his arm. They dance and the room stares, some laughter hidden poorly behind hands. When the dance is over, it’s customary to wait for volunteers to start a second dance. Only then can everyone join in. Felix waits. And waits. Seconds keep flying by. No one is coming. He expected this, and resolved his heart for it, but still, he’s panicking. Just as he’s about to call it quits, he hears footsteps and looks up at Lily. She asks if she can have the honor of his second dance. He agrees. As they go through the motions, he asks her, didn’t she hate being the center of attention. She told him she does, but if she’s going to have people staring at her anyways. She smiles as they pause. She might as well have a friend by her side with the same problem. He can’t help his own smile from forming, and for the rest of the night they stick close. So starts their beautiful friendship <w< and mayhaps something more.

@onepartbrave​ :

Usually, a walk of shame consisted of something else entirely, yet here Squall was, taking an impressive one. After nearly losing his cool when first running into Seifer and the man had done nothing to aggravate him (really), he’d not even thanked him properly for saving his imbecilic hide after getting shot. And he’d taken a bullet for Squall, too. Frustration ran deep in Squall’s veins as the thought steamed through his head on a constant loop. Stomping along the deserted sidewalk, he took his anger out on a random can, booting it as far as he could. Which wasn’t an impressive feat, the tin landing with a few irksome clanks in the middle of the road. Feeling no better, he berated his own incompetence and childishness as he jogged out into the lane to retrieve the can. He wasn’t one to litter…

Depositing the tin in the next trash receptacle he found, Squall contemplated abandoning his post altogether and palming the mission off on someone else. Then, another schmuck could deal with Seifer run ins that wouldn’t leave them reeling all night. Sighing heavily, he tucked his hands away inside pockets to stave off the biting cold and hurried his pace along. It seemed just his luck lately, spontaneous misfortune and completely whacked out events occurring. Out of all the people he could’ve met, all the people in this damned city, it was him.

The worst part was, he wasn’t even sore at Seifer. There was no underlying resentment, no grudge to be found, no vendetta. Hell, he was privately pleased the man was doing so well for himself. So where his displeasure sourced from, he was yet to discover. He had a feeling it was all self-inflicted, though.

After taking a long walk to try and clear his head, Squall eventually returned to the hotel he was booked into to rest. A fitful night of tossing and turning left him grumpy come morning when his alarm clock blared to life, and he felt no revitalised after his morning coffee and energising breakfast. The coffee alone normally succeeded.

Thusly, he pegged the day down to be another blow out from the start. His morning, midday, afternoon and a fine stretch of the evening consisted of making amends with the local authorities (aka, the Glaives in this case) and promising he’d caught no more trouble for the duration of his stay, As a result of his poor decision making and atrocious actions the night prior, he was removed from being the lead in the case he’d been working. Normally, taking the back seat wasn’t an issue for him, but the target he’d been chasing for three fucking weeks had made it personal, so… you know, he wasn’t at all pleased. Some rookie was being flown in the next morning to “watch over” Squall and his apparent disruptive tendencies.

Whatever. One mistake and all he worked towards in the litigation was thrown out the window.

It was ticking past latish when he eventually dragged himself out of the Glaive’s office. Some character that had the gall to imply SeeD were incompetent (or maybe Squall was bitter enough that everything else seemed as such) and the encounter left a sour taste persisting on Squall’s tongue. Meandering aimlessly through the headquarters now he was officially on vacation and not a task, he considered going for a real drink somewhere. Just to take the edge off the stinging blow he’d been dealt and then tomorrow, he’d retire to his hotel room and catch up on any missed paperwork until he was allowed back on Garden premises.

Accordingly, whenever he had a plan, fate desired him on another path. When he turned the next corner which was on-route to the exit… he ran into the one and only (current) Bane of his Existence. Officially known as Seifer. Concurrent with the realisation of who and what, Squall’s face fell into an incredulous pout, astounding at his terrible luck… or stroke of fortune? Since yesterday, he’d been plagued with feelings of remorse over how he reacted to the blond’s otherwise pleasant behaviour. Really, Seifer hadn’t stepped out of line once and he’d sprinted clean over it numerous times. As backwards as it seemed, he couldn’t part with such heavy qualms weighing his shoulders down.

“Seifer,” he called out to him, insistent on getting the man’s attention whether the blond wanted it or not. Approaching without caution, he blocked any direction the other might want to take and planted himself firmly. Though stubborn defiance danced in his gaze, a vague sense of imploration resided alongside it. “…I still owe you those drinks. Show me where another bar is?”

Pleasant sting in his throat as the whiskey ran down, the tall blond released a sigh not half as content as it usually would have been, given the loot he'd acquired. What a shit day. And since his entertainment plan, namely a certain brunet, was nowhere to be seen anymore, all he could do was spit out another curse and wash it down with some more alcohol. He'd lie if he said this hadn't been just his kind of fun, but... Shit, why did Squall always have to be so hyne-bedamned dramatic?! Give him a SeeD mission for his final field exam and leave it to the guy to get chased and nearly squashed by some huge Imperial contraption on the shore when all they had to do was retreat. Rolling his eyes at the memory, he slowly fell into step, not bothering to deal with any of his comrades (and knowing full well Kerr would hand him his ass for that come tomorrow), turning back the way he had been walking when he ran into Squall.

He'd take the long way home, maybe stop by the harbor to sit there and get shitfaced in peace. There were some most discomforting thoughts rolling in his mind that needed sorting out, and for the first time in a decade, they all consisted of a brunet little shit.

One entire bottle of Galahdian Whiskey and approximately ten wrong turns to find the house his apartment was in later, all he could thank the Six for was that he'd been able to find his way at all instead of blacking out on some bench in the parks. Fumbling with his keys for the better part of twenty minutes (this damn lock kept moving around and somehow the fucking keys wouldn't fit either!), he dragged himself to his bed, crashing there without even bothering to undress, ignoring the nagging thought that he'd have to change the sheets tomorrow because he was now ruining them with blood, dirt, grime, and soot.

Needless to say, his morning didn't turn out to be much better than his night had been. Once his hand found and smashed the obtrusively noisy alarm clock, he groaned, already feeling the incessant pounding of a severe hangover drum behind his eyes. Neither shower nor breakfast was able to rid him of it and he was also shit out of luck since he had used his last remedy a couple of days ago to remove his last hangover which had been, in hindsight, not that severe.   Spending the better part of the early morning not moving about too much, cleaning his uniform to the best of his abilities, he arrived at the Kingsglaive's Headquarters just on time. As he had expected, Kerr made a point of berating him for just rushing off like that, trading some answers about what had happened (Seifer realized at this point he didn't know that much either) for a remedy that finally rid the tall blond of his thundering headache.

The next one already lurked around the corner though as during his afternoon training session none other than the captain bellowed his name all over the place, reaching him even on the high pillar he was just perching on. Seifer knew he was in deep shit, but he hadn't expected it to be that bad. Nearly two hours of shouting, arguing, the captain repeatedly slamming his fist on the table and Seifer nearly decking him later, the tall blond finally got out of the man's office, his entire body tense from suppressed anger, fists clenched and trembling as he made a point of closing the door extraordinarily gently. Nostrils flaring, eyes a dark shade of emerald, and shoulders firmly set he marched down the hallway, steering his steps to a corridor he knew to be not frequented too much so he would have his peace and quiet. Still fuming over the blatant unfairness of the whole situation, his fingers deftly opened the clasps of his uniform jacket while he walked, shrugging it off his shoulders and flinging it on the nearest bench once he arrived at his destination.

Suspension. An entire week of suspension. He was positively livid about the fact that him helping to secure the bar and probably safe a bunch of lives had that result. It was Garden all over again. Gritting his teeth, he flicked his hand and procured needle and thread from his amiger, uncaring if anyone saw him do that. Another thing he didn't care too much about - the 'don't abuse your granted powers of the king to your convenience and only ever use the amiger to store weapons and items' -blablabla. Accompanied by a heavy sigh he removed his gloves and set them aside, now fingering over the material of his coat to find the hole still remaining there. Getting shot at seemed to be of not much interest to the captain but a tarnished uniform did. Said a lot about his worth here, huh? He slowly sank down, pulling the coat into his lap and had only gotten a few stitches in, when he could hear steps approaching if his ears did not betray him.

Brow furrowed, he made a point to look as threatening as possible while not acknowledging whoever it was' presence, so when he heard Squall call out to him his head shot up so quickly he was sure he could hear a joint pop. Hyne below and the Six above, how could he run into his former rival twice in one week? On two successive days at that? Brows lifted not entirely as annoyed as he would like them to be, he cocked his head inquisitively as the brunet made a point of stepping close enough to effectively block him from moving away. That in and on itself was curious enough to blow some of his frustration to the wind as a teasing smirk pulled at the corner of his lips. Just a bit closer and Squall could just as well sit on his lap. And well, would you look at that, the SeeD really wanted to keep his word after all. He had not expected that. "Lemme just finish this," he replied instead, first nudging his chin towards the hole in his coat he was in the middle of fixing, then nodding towards the free space on the bench. He eyed the man towering over him for a moment, emerald gaze flicking to where he was wounded the night before. "How's your shoulder?"

Part of him wanted to straight-up follow old behavioral patterns and annoy the living shit out of Squall, but quite frankly the mere fact the very same had approached him on his own will, even asking him to follow up on the offer to get a drink, was enough to pique his interest and he was willing to see where this was going. At least for the time being. Deftly working the hole shut with needle and thread, he was almost done when a ripping sound came and a sharp curse followed as he successfully stabbed his finger, making him flinch back. "Fucking shit!!", he growled shaking his hand out and feeling the frustration creep back into his mind. Seifer stared at the mischievous needle reproachfully for a moment before finishing up his work, biting the thread off unceremoniously and letting both the yarn and needle disappear into the amiger again. "What are you doing here anyways?"