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unoislazy · 5 months

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Healing Takes Time

(Part 2)

I wasn’t originally going to make a part 2 considering I just wanted everyone to wallow in their sadness. Buuuuttt there were enough people asking for it so I figured I’d be nice just this once and make a Part 2. Can’t guarantee it’ll be good though.

Disclaimer; NSFW is hinted at but never explicitly stated (may come in a later part if I actually want to continue this more)

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A day had passed.

A week.

A month.

A year.

Then a few years.

So much time had gone by and you still stared at your door in anticipation sometimes, hoping Mizu would come walking back in. Even if she had returned to you beaten and bloody asking for you to fix her up, you would in a heartbeat. You missed her more than words could ever even think to describe.

You missed her company, you missed her help, you missed… her.

You had only known each other for a few months but the kiss you had shared lingered with you for as long as you waited. A few times you had almost convinced yourself to stop hoping; she had something she needed to do, what reason was there for her to come back to you? Sometimes you worried that she might have died in pursuit of her quest, maybe you should’ve gone with her, at least you could offer her some sort of help.

Not like it mattered now.

You had no way of telling where she was, if she was okay, or if she even wanted to come back.

You hoped she at least thought of you as much as you did of her.

During the time that had passed, you decided to set up a medicinal shop. At least you would have something to fully focus on with your time instead of spending most of it worrying about a woman who you believed had no intention of coming back to you.

Business was slow at first.

Really slow.

You had to put yourself out there, let people know that you were there and what your purpose was.

Thankfully, as time went on, and the more drunkards that managed to stumble their way in after being harshly thrown out, word of your practice spread throughout the town. Any time anyone felt sick, in pain, dizzy, drowsy, anything at all, they came to you. It almost got to the point people treated you as if you had some magic healing power, which of course you didn’t, just a lengthy amount of herbal and medicinal knowledge.

You were happy and before long you had somewhat forgotten about the strange samurai that had graced your presence all those years ago.

Of course you never fully forgot, but she was no longer in the forefront of your mind. If anything she had drifted into a distant memory of what could have been had the stars aligned for you that day.

You often thought about how you’d feel if she had entered your life once again and you never had a clear answer. You’d feel happy that she had returned, angry that she left in the first place, and afraid that she would leave again. Would she look the same as she did when she left? Would she even recognize you? Would she have come back looking for you or would she have simply stumbled across you.

You had a million questions and most of which you had to come to terms with the fact that they might never be answered.

You yawned, turning over on your bed as you stretched, trying to wake yourself up the best you could to start a new day. Now that you had a business to tend to, days off were not a very common thing, but you didn’t entirely mind. More time to yourself meant more time thinking about things that truly didn’t matter.

You finally rolled out of your bed, throwing your sheet off of you and standing up. Just because you liked the distraction doesn’t mean you had to enjoy every aspect of going to work.

You spent time getting yourself ready, at least making some effort to look nice, before you had finally walked out of your house.

You walked down the ever muddy road, passing by others who were starting their day, some who lived there, some who didn’t. As you walked down the road, you spotted a familiar hat walking about amongst the crowd. You didn’t think much of it, many people wore the same type of hat, you’d be a fool to get your hopes up over something so small.

And yet you couldn’t help but wonder.

You abandoned your usual path to your shop, making your way in the general direction of the hat owner, but not making it obvious that you were heading towards them. After all, if it hadn’t actually been Mizu you wanted to at least have the ability to deny ever heading towards them in the first place. You made your way over, dodging and weaving between the people who walked through the busy street and just as you had made it over you saw,

A man.

A man who looked nothing like Mizu.

You knew it, you shouldn’t have gotten your hopes up, but why listen to your consciousness. You sighed, walking away from the man and heading back on your original path. You knew it wouldn’t be her and yet there was still a part of you that believed she would come back. You felt like an idiot, more than that, you felt like an absolute moron.

Why were you so hung up on this woman that you spent a few months with several years ago. You should be over her by now, you knew she’d have to leave eventually and she did, what was your issue?

Your issue was you loved her. Oh how you hated admitting that, but you loved her more than you had loved anyone in a long time. You both knew she wouldn’t stay, you both got attached, but it felt like you had gotten more attached than she had, and you hated it. If she truly loved you the same amount, why couldn’t she just stay with you? Why did she have to leave?

You wanted to move on, you had to move on, but you couldn’t. No one else had caught your eye since, and you were certain no one else would make you feel the same way she had when you had spent time together.

You too never went far, only sharing that one simple kiss and yet it was all you needed to confirm that you truly loved her.

You sighed again, finally reaching your shop.

It wasn’t common for doctors or anyone with medicinal practice to not just go to peoples houses, but you liked doing things differently. Besides, most of the people you treated were cast out and likely didn’t live around here anyways.

You set up your usual things, tending to some of the plants and herbs you kept around, making sure everything was in its place before you waited.

Oftentimes you wouldn’t get many sellers in the morning, most people were still waking up and going to their own jobs by this point in the day, but you thought it necessary to at least be ready for anything one might deal with during the day.

You sat waiting for a few hours before you finally had someone walk in. A very tall and lanky man that wore a blue outfit. If it hadn’t been for his face, you might’ve thought he was Mizu. He simply asked for some help with soreness which you treated and sent him on his way. After him, the rest of your clients began to pour in, all asking for different treatments and medicines, most of which were just really simple solutions.

You definitely enjoyed your job, helping people was something you always loved to see.

Your day continued on, people going in and out all day until you had gotten a different client.

“Just one second!” You called from the other room, having heard the door slide open. You had been moving some of your things around, giving yourself more room and organizing a bunch. You don’t know why you did it considering you always ended up rearranging things, but it never hurt to at least try and have a system. You wiped your hands clean of the dirt that was never there as you entered the man room again.

“Okay, what can I help you w-”

You froze.

Standing before you was what at first you thought to be a man, but upon closer inspection you realized that standing before you was no man, it was…

“Mizu?” You asked, you felt almost as if you had just been imagining it. There was no way that she was standing there right in front of you, not after the several people you had confused to be her throughout the day, this had to have just been one of those times… Just to an extreme and unhealthy amount.

The woman before you held an expression you couldn’t read entirely. She looked as if she was happy to see you but there was something else hidden in her expression that you couldn’t quite grasp. You cautiously walked towards her as if you made any sudden movements she would just fade away.

You were now standing in front of her, a bit of a distance between you two, but you were still close enough to see the details on her face. You very carefully reached up, your hand grazing against her skin as you took her glasses off, her blue eyes never looking away as she let you do so. Your other hand had now come up, cupping her face as you dropped her glasses on the ground. All the emotions you thought you’d feel were there, but they were much stronger than you originally anticipated. At that moment though, all you felt was relief. She was alive, she came back, and now she was standing in front of you.

You didn’t know how to express your feelings in any other way than moving forward and kissing her much like you had done the day you left. You both leaned into the kiss, all the yearning and desperation you had held back for so many years came back full force as you held her gently between your hands. She too had moved you closer, not wanting to let you go after so many years of being apart.

That was until you pulled away for a moment, the one question still running through your mind,

“Why did you leave?” You asked, your eyes filled with the pain of several years alone as you stared at her. She averted your gaze at first, clearly not wanting to answer as she went silent.

“We both knew I'd have to.” She finally answered, still not wanting to look at you.

“I knew you wanted to but you didn’t have to.” You argued, you knew she was going to leave regardless and there was no changing her mind when she did. But that foolish part of you still had held out hope that she would just change her mind and stay with you, and that foolish part of you is the reason you were hurt so badly now. If you hadn’t held onto that hope for so long, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.

“I did. I had to finish what I started.” Mizu claimed, and she stood by that claim. It was the truth after all.

“And how long did that take to finish?” You asked. If she had come back right after she had finished her task, you wouldn’t have been so angry, but instead it only fueled your anger as you realized she had gone quiet.

“What, so you just stayed away? Why?”

She stayed silent.

“Mizu. Why?” You persisted. You tried to keep your anger up but your demand for answers slowly began to turn to pleading. You were upset, you wanted to be angry, but in reality you were just hurt. You held out hope for so long that she would return and yet she never did, you thought she died, you thought maybe she had been left badly wounded, but no. She had finished her mission and just refused to come back to you.

“Why?” You asked once more, her silence was the last thing you wanted right now, you wanted her to say something, anything.

“I was afraid.” She finally admitted. Her eyes were shut, she didn’t even want to see the look on your face as you processed what she had said.

“Afraid of what? What could you possibly be afraid of?” You scoffed. In your mind she was a samurai, someone who had faced death and laughed in its face several times. In your mind, she had absolutely nothing to fear.

“That when I returned you wouldn’t see anything but a monster.” She began. You couldn’t see it but her eyes had ever so slightly begun to tear up, she covered it smoothly, not wanting you to notice as she continued, “I was afraid that you would realize that I am nothing more than just a demon with a sword.”

You simply stared at her for a moment.

“Have you learned absolutely nothing about me?”

Her eyes finally shifted towards you, confusion riddling every inch of her face.

“I don’t care about any of that, Mizu.” You began. Now finally having your answer to why she had stayed away, you no longer felt so angry, if anything you were more upset with the fact that she assumed you would react in such a way. “I don’t care what color your eyes are or how good you are with a sword and I certainly don’t care that you’re a woman.” You lightly joked, earning a small exhale in acknowledgement from Mizu. You made your way back over to her, now standing in front of her just as you had done before.

You had spent so much time worrying over her only for her to be avoiding you because of a silly assumption she had made on her own.

“I'm sorry.” She quietly said, her eyes not meeting your own as she continued, “It’s a habit. I just kind of expect it at this point.” She admitted with a shrug. You frowned, hearing such a hearvy admission as if it was nothing that upset you. You knew you wouldn’t be able to change her way of thinking but you could at least try and convince her about how you felt.

“Well what’s important is that you’re back.” You said with a smile. “You plan on staying right?” You asked, your smile dropping for a moment as you awaited her answer. You didn’t want her to leave again, you didn't want to finally be able to feel her again just for her to disappear as if she never existed in the first place. Any amount of distraction in the world wouldn’t be enough to keep you from the despair and anger you’d feel if she had left a second time.

“Of course I am.” She confirmed, a slight smile gracing her face as you happily hugged her. It would be a bit of a weird adjustment for the both of you given your new schedule but those were issues for future you to worry about. Right now all that matters was you and Mizu, and a very much still open medicinal shop that still had clients waiting for help. Once you finally realized this, you had given a place for Mizu to wait as you had continued to help clients, sometimes she even gave her own input on things, having needed certain items for certain issues herself. Although her expertise mainly centered around open wounds and gashes which, surprise surprise, was not all that common when you weren’t going out of your way to fight people every chance you got. You appreciated the help nonetheless.

The sun had already set as you finished up for the day. Mizu had helped you put some things away and get everything ready for the next day. You were beyond delighted to see her again, even just watching her put things away was enough to send you soaring. She might’ve been on the leaner side but Mizu was still uncommonly strong, and you couldn’t help but admire her any chance you got, of course when she wasn’t looking. You certainly weren’t giving her the heavier items to lift for that exact reason, who would ever think to do such a thing?

Once you both had finished up, you slid the door behind you both and began to walk back towards the direction of your house.

“I missed you.” You admitted quite out of the blue. It was clear you both missed each other but neither of you had outwardly said those three words yet, so you figured you’d be the first. Little did you know just the effect they had on Mizu, no one had ever said something like that directed towards her, she felt so… loved.

“I missed you too.”

One wouldn’t expect a relationship that has such little time to blossom to actually thrive but you two worked very well together.

Once you had finally made it inside, you both got yourselves situated and comfortable. Mizu took a small look around, getting used to her surroundings just like she once had. You could see a faint smile on her face as she walked about, looking at the decorations around your home, most of which had not been changed but two or three had been replaced. She then stopped and began to stare at the painting that she had sat and stared at so many times before.

“Hey Mizu?” You called for her, gaining her attention as she looked towards you. You had only changed to a more comfortable outfit, if anything it had resembled what you had worn the day you met Mizu, but something about her shifted.

“Do you mind helping me with this?” You asked, referring to something that you couldn’t tie from behind your back. She obliged, not many emotions could be seen on her face, but she definitely looked deep in thought.

You had made your way over to her, turned around and waited for her to finish tying whatever you had needed help with. However, you couldn’t feel her tying anything, in fact you couldn’t feel her moving at all. That’s because she wasn’t, she had waited for just a moment before she leaned over your shoulder, whispering quietly in your ear,

“How about we make this easier and just make up for lost time?” She teased. It was a small gesture but it was enough to send what felt like a whirlwind through your stomach. You turned back to look at her expecting her to be joking considering you had never heard her speak in such a way but when you had turned back you were met with eyes that were filled with a certain kind of hunger.

She wasn’t joking.

And you’d be damned if you were going to miss this opportunity.

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just-a-strange-boy · 8 months

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a wicked tongue

part two

part one here

masterlist

Two frustrating nights in a row leave you restless. Stephen finds himself concerned - and poses a kind offer. He seems all too eager to pay you a friendly favor.

Pairing: Stephen Strange x Reader (GN)

Warnings: 18+ (Minors DNI), more questionable sexual proposals, friends with benefits (kind of), caught masturbating, oral sex (reader receiving), face sitting

A/N: one good turn deserves another ;) and I promised you a sequel, so there it is! thanks for all the love you left on a helping hand. I tried to keep this as gender neutral as possible, but it was very hard to not get specific with this kind of sexual interaction. I suppose you could say it's a little more afab-coded, but I still hope you'll enjoy!

The world was kind of funny.

Two days ago you had decided to help your sister's friend get off after sort of stumbling upon him in a very private moment, failing to pleasure himself, and finding yourself to just be the right person for the task.

Now, after two frustrating nights in a row of trying, you were suddenly the one incapable of getting all the way to the edge on your own. You didn't know what the matter was, why it suddenly wouldn't just...work.

Perhaps it was the fact that you were staying at someone else's place that made you unable to orgasm in peace. Not even the shower would do, though the perfect place for masturbation as the door locked and the spray would conceal any noises you did not want Stephen to hear.

But your body simply wasn't able to relax, even though that had never been one of your concerns before.

Maybe you were just tired of only ever feeling your fingers – you had to admit it had been a long while since having someone else and you rarely used the opportunity of involving a sex toy.

It wasn't that you weren't horny enough, because heaven's sake you absolutely were. That's why it was so damn frustrating. The urge to get there was strong and arousal sparked almost violently, especially when you thought about Stephen. You needed release and just couldn't find it.

Maybe it was a Stephen problem.

The man had been riddling your thoughts ever since your little encounter in his bedroom – and you found yourself replaying how beautiful he had sounded, remembering the expressions on his face flicking from frustration to pleasure to bliss and relief, how incredibly hot it had been to have him (quite literally) in your hand and bring him to a mindblowing orgasm. But even that fantasy wasn't enough to do it for you and you frankly felt bad for using Stephen as means to get off.

Shame on you. Of course, you still thought about him. Whenever you thought you got there though, you failed to cum anyways.

It left you restless and frustrated, even though it had only been a few days without release, and that's exactly why you ended up sitting at the kitchen aisle in the middle of the night, deciding to start working on the next project because you imagined it at least might distract you enough from your own dissatisfaction.

So you had thought.

But once you had opened the program, you immediately realized that neither inspiration nor motivation would grace you tonight, so you kept typing and tapping away randomly, hoping some creative spark would finally strike and keep your mind busy.

Minutes and then an hour and then two hours went by. Nothing.

About 1am, you were surprised to find Stephen joining you in the kitchen, staggering in from the dark corridor – he acknowledged you with a curt nod, though his gaze seemed to linger on you a while longer, before he quietly walked towards the kitchen counter, apparently meaning to get himself a drink, just some water.

Because you greeted every distraction you could get at the moment, you decided to watch him bustle around instead of trying to focus on work. And what a perfect distraction he was, looking entirely adorable, his hair a little mussed and rumpled with sleep, careful with every single one of his steps, clumsily trying to open the cap of the water bottle, grumbling - probably about the fact his hands were absolutely pissing him off.

He had not paid your presence any more mind up until that point, but eventually gave up on the bottle cap, walked towards you and handed you the bottle with a pleading (albeit very tired) look. Stephen didn't speak his request out loud, but he didn't really need to – usually you liked having him ask and say 'Please' because it annoyed him to go the extra mile of niceties, though once in a while you had mercy.

You opened it for him in the blink of an eye and carefully returned it to his hands.

“Thanks”, he muttered. For a moment you thought, he might just have a sip and leave again. But then you noticed that he drank while staying real close by your seat and tried to catch a glimpse of what you were working on – it wasn't much, just a few scribbles on the screen, but still seemed to make him curious.

"That looks... not like something I'd expect from an actual graphic designer", he worded politely, though his cockiness seeped through, regardless of his exhausted state, “Let me guess. Couldn't get any sleep?”

"Nope, my body decided to betray me and I couldn't fall asleep. Now I'm just... here, doing work, because I might as well be productive", you sighed, obviously not planning to tell him about your frustration with another kind of handiwork, “But you can see how well that's going. It looks pathetic.”

"Is the couch getting too uncomfortable perhaps?", Stephen wondered. You almost snorted. It was definitely not the couch bothering you. “And by the way that looks, I doubt you'll get any further with your creativity tonight.”

"Yeah well, just a couple more days of suffering and Christine will be back and then I can finally go home to my own bed, while you can get on her nerves instead", you therefore replied, paying him a tired smile in response, trying to match his teasing nature, “Or she on yours. Probably both.”

"Already tired of playing caretaker?", Stephen joked, placed one of his bandaged hands on your shoulder and squeezed it gently, “And here I thought you liked me.”

"Don't blame me for thinking you are a horrible patient", you rolled your eyes at him, "Are you gonna bother me much longer or may I go back to work?"

"Actually, let me be the reasonable one for once. I have an idea", Stephen contemplated and by the way his tone suddenly shifted, you were almost expecting it to be a very suggestive one.

"How about you stop working and come join me in bed? You need some rest too, considering you'll have to deal with me for a few more days. There's space enough for the two of us, it's much more comfortable than the couch and maybe the presence of another human being will allow you and me both to finally get some sleep. I call that a win-win.”

You tried real hard to keep a neutral look on your face, not giving away that you were somewhat entertained by the suggestion, but also slightly confused.

Had you expected this coming from Stephen? No, certainly not. You didn't mind, but were still conflicted, because you couldn't tell whether it was actually meant to be so suggestive or just an innocent offer. Maybe he was really just trying to accommodate you in order for you to have a good rest, since he was the one getting on your nerves so very often.

Though it did sound like he wanted you near too, as if it would also help him to get some better sleep as well.

Stephen looked worried when you didn't answer immediately, like he feared he had made you uncomfortable. In truth he had simply rendered you speechless.

You caught yourself somewhere amidst the awkward silence between you. Instead of giving him an answer he was most certainly dreading, you let your actions speak, closing all of your programs and shutting off your laptop.

It was a silent agreement, but he sure understood.

It wouldn't do any harm, would it? Sleeping next to Stephen might be nice, just to have the comfort and warmth of another person might be enough to actually lull you to sleep, and it wasn't like this was crossing any more boundaries along the lines of friendship, considering you had jerked him off two days ago without a second thought.

Sharing a bed was nothing worth mentioning in contrast.

Your only concern was your current sexual frustration, something that might be intensified by the presence of a very attractive man and the proximity you'd get to enjoy while sleeping in the same bed – you would definitely not try to masturbate next to Stephen and if you were lucky enough, then maybe sleeping next to him would end up being just as relaxing as a possible orgasm.

Well, apparently you were going to find out.

As soon as you got settled into bed next to Stephen, sheets and pillows smelling delightfully fresh, of course a little like him, you let yourself be embraced by the warmth of the blanket immediately, sinking into the soft mattress. Heavenly. Definitely better than the couch, though the choice of furniture had certainly not been the underlying issue anyways.

Laying in a comfortable bed, suddenly feeling the dead tired weight of your limbs and your eyes dropping as well, you stopped worrying altogether.

There was not even a whim of discomfort in this moment, even though you hadn't shared a bed with anyone for months. Especially sharing it with Stephen, you had expected to find it perhaps odd, but now that you lay there – it was just fine. The exhaustion did its part.

You bid good night to one another and it took you mere minutes after closing your eyes until you were drifting off...

•

You could have sworn you had fallen asleep laying on your back, with an appropriate amount of distance between two people considered friends, but in your process of awakening you quickly noticed something was a little off.

Apparently you had rolled over onto your side at some point during the night, which wasn't that seldom. It was just a lot more comfortable than sleeping on your back. But that wasn't all.

You also undeniably found yourself in a warm embrace that wasn't just a blanket on top of you but an arm draped over your form and a warm body pressing up to your backside.

Oh lord.

Getting spooned in the morning had sure not been on your list for the day (or at all, as of lately), but you didn't bother to complain or even make the slightest attempt of moving away, no matter how much the initial realization startled you. Having Stephen near was kinda nice, more than you could have imagined.

It didn't feel wrong.

As this was probably the only cuddle you were going to get for a long while, you might as well enjoy it. It made you wonder though. He had likely just embraced you by accident, subconciously snuggling up to the one thing in his bed, but you wondered what his reaction might be like if he woke and noticed what was going on.

Would he be startled or entirely unfazed? Had it perhaps not been a subconcious decision at all? What if he had done this on purpose? What if he had wanted to hold you, feel another body close to his? Maybe that had been the reason for his invitation in the first place. But right now you couldn't find yourself to care too much about any ulterior motives and just let it happen.

Focusing on the sensations around and within you, you came to a few more realizations.

Stephen was a furnace, his presence alone incredibly warm. There was something comforting about his embrace, it was a protective but gentle hold, and you could probably get used to being cuddled in the morning by someone like him.

However, and worst of all – it was enough to turn you on instantly, to have his warm body pressed up to yours, the way he had claimed you all for himself, how right it felt.

You wanted to damn yourself for agreeing to his offer in the first place as it brought you into such a precarious position right now, but then again... you wouldn't want to risk missing the experience, would you? Besides that, it would never happen another time and you should enjoy it while it lasted – though if you both consented, perhaps it might not be the last time for you after all.

You greeted that idea. But this certainly crossed a boundary, a different one than having jerked him off. Allowing Stephen a sexual favor, for this one time, had been a friendly deed. You had wanted to make him feel better, because you cared for him, and you had accomplished just that.

But now, with his arm around you and you wishing to be able to experience this more often, you became uncomfortably aware that maybe being just friends would not be enough for you.

Because you wanted more. So much more. Especially right now.

It didn't help that Stephen was shifting behind you, drawing his arm around you tighter, pressing up to your back, his warm breath tickling your nape, obviously still fast asleep...

Your heart hammered in your chest, a familiar lust rushing to your loins, and you squirmed in interest, cautious to not press back into him in order to not accidentally wake him up. Because if you did and he became aware of what was going on, he would likely pull back and then this perfect moment would be over.

Or maybe not. But could you risk that?

If you surrendered to your own desire here, you might never be able to look Stephen in the eye ever again. Jerking him off had been a well-meant favor. Masturbating next to him would entirely be for your own gain and just wrong. But the temptation of doing something forbidden, the thought of maybe being discovered by Stephen... undeniably did something to you.

It wasn't like he had to know. For as long as he wouldn't wake, you'd be safe. It's not like you would use him for your own pleasure – no, he was just there and his presence was more than enough to feed your arousal. The rest, you could do yourself.

A little drowsy from sleep, you slid your hand down the pajama pants, over your underwear and eventually finding your evident excitement, letting fingers rub over yourself through the material. Seemed like this part of you was responding quite eagerly too.

God, with only noticing how touch-starved Stephen had been, you apparently had forgotten how starved for attention and desperate you were.

Alas, if you started touching yourself now, it would be twice as awkward for the man behind you to wake up and find you like that, but being so aroused, being so embraced too, you allowed to just let this take its toll.

Slightly ashamed, your cheeks burning with heat, breathing faster, you slipped your fingers under the remaining layer of clothing, brushing over your naked arousal, allowing yourself just a tiny bit of pleasure.

Going on like this, maybe for a handful of minutes, your fingers busy working between your thighs, trailing the spots that made you feel just right, trying hard to not shift or push back against Stephen, to not make too much noise, to not moan at how utterly excited you were and how your own touch might just be enough to finally get you to the edge, you nearly found yourself forgetting about being in a presence of another person.

Unsurprisingly so, it scared the shit out of you when Stephen suddenly stirred and moved, gently placing his bandaged hand on your forearm, a very definite sign that he was awake.

Oh no.

You stopped the movements immediately and by god, another hole in the ground opening up and swallowing you whole would have been great now. Your face must have literally been flaring red in your current state of embarrassment, burning with heat, and your entire body tensed. Rather awkwardly, you tried to remain as still as you could, pretending that you had not just touched yourself.

But he wasn't a fool, obviously. You sure were, hoping this would go unnoticed. What in heaven's name had you been thinking? And what was going to happen now?

Was he urging you to stop, but wouldn't mention it to you, letting the weight of silence consume the moment and ruin your arousal? Maybe he'd just let the moment pass and you could continue on to be friendly with each other, without ever demanding to talk about this? You'd greet that.

But could there be any chance he might just be okay with this? What if he'd be disgusted, resentful or would ridicule and tease you about this forever on?

You wished for the whole world to come crashing down just about now and spare you the embarrassment...

But then he spoke up, with the low rumble of his voice, warm breath brushing against the back of your neck, something that didn't help your arousal at all. "You know, you could have just told me that you're also desperate and need some relief. I wouldn't have judged."

"M'sorry", you sighed, pulling your hand out of your pants in utmost shame, Stephen's closeness and his careful touch on your arm burning into your skin, "I know I shouldn't have... but... I've just been struggling with getting off... and... I guess being held by you... just kinda did it for me. Not to say that you turn me on, I just... god, this is ridiculous."

"Oh come on, is it really so ridiculous?”, Stephen hummed, sounding very amused about this situation as a whole, "You jerked me off, remind you not that long ago, and this... is actually kind of hot. Having an adorable little minx like you in my bed trying to get off, too afraid to admit that they're turned on, too shy to ask for assistance. Sounds like a dream to me."

"More like a nightmare, being caught in the act", you turned your head to smush it further into the pillow. Why were you even having such a casual conversation right now? You, in this odd state between complete embarrassment and relentless arousal, and Stephen, having woken up to this, seemingly unfazed.

You should have just rolled out of bed and left the situation, hoping that Stephen would never mention it again and spare you any further shame.

Perhaps it was only fair – you had accidentally witnessed Stephen trying to masturbate and now he had discovered you. You were in an odd way even. Not that it made this any better.

"Do you want any help with that? I owe you something, don't I?", he asked, instead of letting it rest though, his voice still gravelly and low from sleep, his hand brushing over your arm in a comforting motion. Speaking of being suggestive...

"Fuck all the way off. You don't owe me anything", you replied, of course. You didn't want Stephen to feel like he had to offer you anything in return for the favor you had so willingly given, even though you obviously didn't actually mind the idea of it. Damn it.

He wasn't the type of person to be entirely selfless, so with offering something like this... maybe he wasn't opposed to the idea of being in more sexual situations with you and you didn't really know what to think about this.

Though you might not want to go as far as having sex with the man already (if ever) and while his hands might be a bit of an issue, you had no doubts it would be worth it, whatever he had in mind.

God, if Christine ever found out about this... she'd probably make fun of both of you, thinking you were absolutely ridiculous - which you no doubt were, dancing around each other and clutching onto the boundaries of a normal friendship, when you could perhaps be so much more if you were just bold and brave enough.

"Would it make this situation better if I wanted to help you?", Stephen admitted to you, sounding unsure, "I wasn't lying when I said I think it's hot."

"And we won't talk to anyone about this?", you asked.

"Not a word. Promise", Stephen confirmed, pressing up to your body from behind, his breath still ghosting over your neck, sending a whole different kind of shiver through you when his lips softly brushed your nape, "I'm just afraid my fingers currently won't be good enough to please you. But I have an idea."

"And if I may ask, what kind of idea might that be?" Curiosity killed the cat after all. You were still so horny you might have accepted any offer of pleasure, even though unsure whether it was wise, but you were looking forward to pick a piece of his mind, to find out what filthy thoughts he might harvest. He seemed so willing to do this, for whatever reason – and you yourself began wondering if all of this was just a dream, made up by your subconscious desires.

"You'll figure it out. Turn over", Stephen spoke and eased his embrace – and so you did, rolling onto your other side, facing him, who was watching you with a mischievous glint in his eyes and a rather soft sleepy smile. You couldn't possibly tell what was crossing his thoughts and looked at each other for a quiet moment, since you didn't know what to expect or how to act next.

“If we're going to do this my way, you need to strip. At least get out of your pants”, was the subtle order that followed up – and so you did, even though followed by a little awkwardness, deciding to shuffle out of your pajama pants and underwear, still hidden from his gaze by the blanket resting over you. It didn't save you from feeling slightly self-conscious, a thousand thoughts running through your head.

What was he planning? What was he going to suggest next? Why was he doing this for you? Would you like it? And what would that mean for your friendship?

"Don't be shy. Come get on top of me", Stephen announced the third step and leisurely turned onto his back, appearing oddly expectant. You faltered, eyes widening at his suggestion. He wasn't expecting you to... he wasn't asking for sexual intercourse, was he?

Noticing your second guessing, his gaze softened and he smiled at you, assuredly. “You can trust me. If you don't like it, we can stop any time. But I'm thinking you might just enjoy it.”

“I just...”, you began. Your curiosity was catching up on you. You would have liked to find out.

“Come on up. I'll be nice”, Stephen's smile turned into that self-satisfied grin you knew him for and whatever it was that had you convinced in the end, you decided to surrender yourself. He had given into you mere days ago and so easily, putting so much trust in you, convinced you were meaning well – and in return, you'd allow him the same trust.

So you did as he suggested, slowly pushing back the blankets to awkwardly scramble onto Stephen's lap, finding your usual confidence whisked away, oddly exposed. The man's gaze was raking over your body and for a moment you quietly watched him in the soft morning light, his smug face, pupils dilating with desire as he consumed the sight of you.

What now, you asked yourself, bracing your palms against his stomach, feeling his warmth, the subtle movement of his breathing, perched on firm thighs. Was he waiting for you to make the next move? You had no doubt that if you grinded down on him, it would feel good. Perhaps you'd even get him to harden as well, adding to his pleasure as much as to your own.

But something told you it wasn't quite what he had in mind – he was meaning to give you a favor.

"Good. Place your hands on the headboard instead", he instructed you next, waiting for you to do just that, "And now you come further up here."

You swallowed hard as you stared back down at him and the clear indication he had just made. "Do you mean I should...? Like... on your... face?"

A sharp and quick "Yes" was the only respond you got. So that's what was he had planned.

Stephen was apparently very pleased with his idea and before you had a chance to second-guess, he snuck his arms around your waist, pulling you forward instantly, urging you to shuffle up until your knees were resting on the pillow, close to his head, and you were literally hovering over him, holding yourself up on the headboard.

You suddenly didn't dare to look at him and closed your eyes instead, contemplating just how unreal this situation was. Kneeling over him, you could feel Stephen's warm breath on your most private parts, his head between your thighs, and honestly, even that alone seemed too crazy to be true.

But this was really happening, wasn't it?

Only a broken moan escaped you when you suddenly felt Stephen's mouth on you, hot and welcoming, gently teasing, carefully sucking on your sensitive swollen sex, tongue lazily testing and probing all of you, to the point all your insecurities and doubts were whisked away.

"Fucking... fuck", you shuddered, clinging a little tighter onto the headboard immediately, careful not to crush the man under your own weight, but god... his mouth felt so good on you and Stephen was unashamed to taste every bit, exploring you, sometimes with the flat of his tongue, sometimes only giving you little flicks, paying more attention to those spots he had quickly figured how much you liked and humming in delight whenever he drew a reaction out of you.

You had known Stephen had a wicked tongue, judging by his snarky comments most of the time, but only now were you truly figuring out how skilled it was as well. He was downright devouring you, slow strokes of his flat tongue up and down, his mouth tasting you seemingly everywhere, sucking and licking and kissing, his tongue easing its way along every dip and curve, not leaving a single part of your arousal unattended.

Apparently he was trying to drive you mad too – just the right level of intensity, switching things up to keep you on edge, pausing, so you could only feel his breath ghosting over you, and you had to admit that you kinda deserved this torturous sweetness after having being cruel to Stephen himself last time. But god, how thorough and driven he was, all this to make you feel good.

At this point, it seemed a lot like the man wasn't too concerned with being smothered by you at all, hungrily pulling you further towards his own face, tasting you, lapping on you like a starving man, his heavy breath and scruffy beard tickling you. Nothing seemed to dampen his enthusiasm.

You couldn't remembered ever having someone as eager as him between your legs before and sank your head against the wall, unable to stop moaning, giving yourself over to the purest pleasure sparking within, Stephen's sinful mouth taking care of you like no one else ever had.

A whine left your lips just as Stephen's mouth parted from you, continuing to spread soft kisses and playful little bites on you inner thighs – as much as he could reach of them anyways – and you were so close to just grab him by the hair and lead him back to your aching arousal, if it meant he would continue to lick you.

It was just as intense when he returned to taste you with his tongue again.

Stephen didn't hold you back from grinding against his face either and you rolled your hips in time for the greedy laps of his tongue, chasing your orgasm just like this.

And when you came, gods, did you come hard.

It was seriously unreal, your entire body was suddenly trembling hard, you could feel the heavy jitters of your thighs taking over all of your body, moaning and panting, your brain was literally on fire, pleasure surging like electricity through your veins - and if that wasn't the literal definition of a mind-blowing orgasm, you didn't know what was.

You couldn't believe your own luck. A heavy weight was lifted off your chest, you felt carefree and light, floating in nothingness for a moment, mind entirely blank.

You must have carried a quite loopy smile, looking down at Stephen, having pulled back enough to let him breathe, not wanting to smother him altogether - because it would honestly have been a shame to get rid of him now.

But Stephen took it like a champ, entirely unfazed, just smiled back at you, hair still tousled from sleep, cheeks reddened, lips swollen red, mouth and chin glistening with saliva and slick of your arousal, a filthy reminder of what had just happened.

He looked damn pleased with himself and admittedly so, you were more than pleased with him as well.

Too weak in the knees to gracefully get off Stephen, you nearly tumbled backwards on top of him, almost crushing him with your awkward shuffling around. Your head was still a little too scrambled to word your satisfaction, but you were sure Stephen understood you quite well, even without words.

He seemed smug. Amused. There was this glimmer in his eyes as he watched you climbing off his body. You felt the urge to simply whack him with a pillow for his grin alone, but reconsidered.

Let him have a little joy. A little satisfaction. He seemed at ease and you loved to see it.

Coming to lay beside Stephen again, utterly tired and probably ready for another hour of sleep now that he had knocked this orgasm out of you, you found your own kind of enjoyment. Almost a sweet moment, if one ignored the fact you had just sat on his face mere minutes ago, and one you were willing to make the most of, for as long as it would last.

Instead of simply fleeing the scene like last time, you closed the distance to cuddle up to him, placing your head on his chest and a hand to his stomach, happy with the fact that the man accepted your affections and went on to hold you in his embrace. He seemed content and as you shut your eyes, fully welcoming his comforting warmth to lull you back to sleep, you swore you could feel him press a soft kiss to the crown of your head.

For now, it was more than enough. But who knew where this little encounter would eventually take the two of you?

#k writes #doctor strange #stephen strange #stephen strange x reader #marvel fanfiction #stephen strange x you #doctor strange smut #stephen strange fic #stephen strange x gn reader #x gn reader #stephen strange x y/n #gender neutral reader

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stirthewaters · 8 months

Text

Too Sharp to Touch pt.2

Word Count: 2.2k

Warnings: Language

Summary: After your fight last week you've been sentenced to community service in Jericho, and you take a break at the Weathervane for some peace and quiet

Pairing: Wednesday x Reader

“This stinks,” you muttered to yourself as you pulled a discarded paper cup from the sidewalk and placed it into your bag.

After your so called ‘dogfight’ a week before, you’d been sentenced by Weems to go out and do some community service in Jericho. On a Saturday. So unfair. So while you could’ve been drawing with Xavier and Eugene in the shed, instead you were stuck outside in the unusually hot September sun, picking up bits of trash, surrounded by normies, a few of those who’d give you dirty looks as they passed.

It wasn’t the act of simply cleaning up discarded trash and whatnot that bothered you; it was the fact that it was boring, hot, and unfair. Since when did a little fight deserve this cruel of a punishment? And on a Saturday? That was just cruel.

Grunting slightly, you moved your trash bag over to your right shoulder, kneeling slightly to grab a broken plastic spoon from a crack in the sidewalk. This punishment was stupid; there was barely any trash anyway. You’d been out here for nearly an hour and a half and yet your bag was barely half-full; was Weems just trying to make you suffer? Deep down you knew of course she wasn’t, but still. It felt good to complain about something while you were forced to endure this.

Your muscles still felt uncomfortably tight from your fight. Sure, you had given the other guy a pretty good whooping but even you couldn’t deny that he had beat the shit out of you; your bruise lingered on your cheekbone and jaw, and every time you moved too sharply your side ached. You could definitely go for a nice cool shower right now, but no. Today was not a good day.

Maybe Wednesday was right though. You weren’t the best at fighting, especially for a werewolf, which was pretty odd even to you. Sure, you could throw a decent punch, but couldn’t anyone? You wouldn’t admit it to her but you wished you were as good at fighting as Wednesday was.

Every time you thought of that fight you remembered the feeling of her eyes on you, examining you, thoughts and focus only on you.

It made that little bit of fur on the back of your neck rise and tingle, embarrassingly enough.

You were walking by Uriah’s Heap when you heard the bell at the door signaling someone exiting the shop, and you briefly glanced over your shoulder to see a young-aged man in a plaid button up with a gun slung over his shoulder exit the store. Eyebrows furling in slight disgust, you started to move on, trying to hustle away from him, but you weren’t fast enough and felt a hand clamp on your shoulder, followed by his voice

“Hey, you’re that Lyall kid, right?”

Eyes rolling with a little bit of disgust, without even looking behind you, you muttered, “you’ve got the wrong person,” stepping forward and away, but the man hurried to catch up beside you.

“No, no, I’ve seen you before, I swear.” The man’s eyes narrowed in concentration. “Aren’t you some kinda wolf freak?”

You started walking faster, getting irritated; you needed to control yourself or you were going to get into another fight and get punished even worse.

“I’m not supposed to be talking to people right now, okay?”

Completely ignoring what you had just said, the man walked alongside you, tone prodding you for information.

“You know, I’ve heard some pretty wild shit about you,” he grinned, showing a single gold tooth replacing one of his canines. “Aren’t you rolled up in that weird-ass school, Nevermore?”

Not wanting to seem rude, you just stared straight ahead as you walked, muttering, “yes.”

The man smiled, seeming pleased to get some sort of information out of you. “So what are you doing all the way in Vermont instead of in New Hampshire? With your daddy?”

“This school fits me better,” you responded stiffly, rolling your eyes again.

“What, because you’re a freak?”

Clearly this man was just trying to provoke you. And, annoyingly, it was working. You could feel that familiar bubble in your chest that made you want to get mad. Punch someone. Especially him. Yet, you knew that if Weems heard about you beating up a normie in town, your punishment would surely be so much worse.The man continued to pester you as you passed the antique shop, your eyes flickering to the gun strapped over his neck as you muttered, ready to be out of this conversation, “look, I gotta go.”

Without waiting for his response, you turned sharply and crossed the street, garbage bag thumping repeatedly against your back. Skirting around a parked car, you paused on the sidewalk, looking over at the man on the other side of the road, wondering if he was planning on following you. Relief flooded you and your stiff posture disappeared as you watched the man turn the corner and disappear.

Still a little on edge, you noticed that now you were right in front of the Weathervane. Hesitating, you debated your options. It was hot, you’d already been out there for a while, and you had to admit that what little trash there had been around town was now safely tucked in your bag. Surely you deserved a break at least?

You let out a long exhale of relief as you entered the shop, the air conditioning soothing your sore muscles from bending over all morning. The smell of coffee grounds was particularly strong and you felt yourself untense further as your fear started to melt. You headed for the counter, and then stopped short, immediately recognizing a familiar goth seated in one of the booths in the corner, eyes focused on a book in her hand as her mug sat beside her, seemingly untouched.

It took you a moment to pull your eyes away from Wednesday before you walked over to the counter, ordering yourself a hot chocolate as you let your bag drop to the floor. Pulling off your tight latex gloves, those of which you shoved in your pocket, you paid for your hot chocolate, thanking the kid working there, and headed straight for the table in the back.

When you approached her, you watched as Wednesday’s eyes didn’t move from what she was working on as she spoke. “Done already?”

“I should be,” you huffed, taking a sip of the hot chocolate. “It’s too damn hot.”

The raven raised an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes. “So you’re not done.”

Rolling your eyes, you shook your head, “I’ve been working for like three hours; it’s a cruel punishment.”

“Lucky you,” she muttered, turning back to her work as she spoke, writing a little bit more. Without asking, you slid into the booth opposite her, not noticing her turn on the page faltering slightly as you did so, adjusting yourself comfortably as you placed your hot chocolate down.

Not feeling much of a need to say anything, you just stayed silent, laying against the cool cushioned padding of the booth and taking a well deserved break, the sound of customers murmuring, coffee cups clinking, and the turning of pages doing well to add to the comfortable atmosphere.

You two both sat there in silence; Wednesday never once speaking as she worked, you relaxing with your eyes half closed, not noticing the raven’s eyes flicking up to observe you every now and then.

It was the most peace you had gotten the whole week and it felt good.

And you couldn’t deny that you were maybe watching Wednesday too. You weren’t being creepy at all, but you were just always drawn to those dark brown eyes, always filled with focus and concentration, and the sea of freckles dotting her cheeks. The way she read every single line as if she truly wanted to understand it; how she took notes every now and then, muttering under her breath as she did so. Hadn’t you ever called her pretty before? Because she definitely was.

The silence lulled on until it was broken by the ringing of the bell to the entrance of the shop, you turning your head to see Enid followed by Yoko enter; as the blonde spotted you and Wednesday, immediately that stupid grin came over her face; the one that you knew too well; she was up to something.

You rolled your eyes and turned away, returning to drinking peacefully and reluctantly realizing that this peace wasn’t going to last as long as you hoped.

You heard the sound of Enid skipping over to where you and Wednesday were sitting as Yoko approached the counter, with a cheerful “hiya, Willa! Didn’t know that when you left this morning you were going out for coffee with Y/N?” The blonde waggled her eyebrows suggestively, a smirk on her face as she looked between you two. Oh, she was so dead.

You had to bite down a smirk of your own as you saw Wednesday stiffen even more than she usually was, slowly looking up from her book to glare at Enid. Oh, if looks could kill the blonde would be six feet under right now, although both you and Enid knew that she’d never follow through on any threats she might make.

“I’m merely reading. I had no intention on Y/N being here, nor is this any form of…” - the raven paused, her eyes scrunching up slightly in disdain as she refused to say the word - “affectionate interaction. Y/N was fulfilling her assigned punishment and happened to interrupt me.”

This time you actually smirked when you saw Enid’s smug smile disappear and you stuck your tongue out at her, though that promptly resulted in you catching an elbow thrown into your side, you letting out an ‘oof’, and doubling over as Wednesday smirked slightly.

“You’re skimping out on your service?” Enid asked, tilting her head slightly in exasperation. “If Weems catches you…”

You cut her off, “even if she does find out, she’s got a soft spot for me. At the least I’ll get a detention. Simple.”

You heard Wednesday scoff softly, though she stayed silent otherwise.

Yoko shortly returned, with two drinks in hand, giving one to Enid. You watched as through her shades the vampire’s eyes studied both you and Wednesday, a tiny smirk appearing on her face, eyebrow raising slightly as she glanced between you two. Nodding once at the raven, who didn’t respond, as well as you, she gave Enid a little nudge on the shoulder. “Come on, E, let’s give ‘em some space.”

You watched as Enid gave you and Wednesday a wave goodbye, the latter of which met both Yoko and Enid with a glare that could’ve easily frightened any grown man. Both Enid and Yoko exited, leaving you and Wednesday alone.

“Idiots”, she muttered under her breath, eyebrows furrowed in slight annoyance. You chuckled softly and leaned back in the booth, resuming your own little trance of being comfortably aware of everything around you, your sensitive hearing picking up every single noise. The clinking of coffee cups. The sound of the machine whirring and hissing every now and then. The turning of pages. Soft murmurs of conversation.

It almost made you forget about the conversation you’d had earlier with that man.

It was after another good thirty minutes that you glanced down at your phone as it pinged, receiving a text from Weems notifying you that she would be picking you up in estimately thirty minutes.

Which meant that you had to leave.

Damnit.

Sliding out of the booth, you glanced at your phone and then at the door, sighing with disappointment as you grabbed your hot chocolate and downed the rest of it easily. You noticed how Wednesday’s eyes briefly flicked up to you as you started pulling your gloves on. “Going to complete your procrastinated duties?”

You nodded grimly with a small sigh, “I’m sure as hell not getting another detention this week.”

She hummed ever so softly, eyes falling back to her paper as she deadpanned, “if your behavior isn’t corrected than you surely will be.”

You didn’t even hesitate to give her a small kick to the shin, which was met with a harder one to yours in response, you groaning “don’t be a dick.”

Finishing with pulling your gloves on, you rubbed your sore shin with a grimace, shooting her a dirty look, though you had to look away to stop yourself from laughing, rolling your eyes at her smirk. You walked backwards with your bag, sticking your tongue out at her, causing her to roll her own eyes in response and return to her book as you exited the cafe, a grin on your face and the heat of the sun on your back not as prominent in your mind as it was before.

In your mind, you could still hear her turning the pages

—————

pt.3 here!

#wednesday addams #wednesday series #wednesday x reader #wednesday #wednesday 2022 #wednsday addams #jenna ortega #werewolf reader #werewolf #tstt

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otakusheep15 · 6 months

Text

Obey Me Flufftober Day 24

Prompt: Flowers

Pairing: Barbatos x reader (gender neutral)

Word count: 748

A/n: It's Barbie's turn again!! I love writing romantic stuff for this demon. He's so cute.

Flowers were very important to Barbatos. He maintains a giant flower garden surrounding the Demon Lord's Castle, not to mention the countless bouquets throughout the interior. He spends a lot of time around flowers, and he has come to understand the meanings behind them in a way not many others did. Taking care of these flowers was also a nice escape from the stress of dealing with Diavolo, so Barbatos took great pride in his work.

Barbatos was hard to read sometimes. You were sure you were obvious in your romantic feelings for him, but you had no clue how he felt about you. You wanted to do something to finally confess properly, but you had no idea how to go about it. That's why you went to Diavolo for help. If anyone could help you, it would be him.

Well, as it turns out, Diavolo was not as much help as you expected. In fact, he was in a similar boat. Despite being Barbatos's boss, Diavolo almost never knew what to make of him, and trying to read Barbatos was nearly even impossible, even for someone like Diavolo. However, he did offer you one piece of advice: Barbatos really likes flowers. That was a little shocking to you at first, but the more you thought about it, the more it made sense.

Now that you had something to work off of, you decided to start forming some kind of plan. What you came up with was simple enough, at least for you. Since Barbatos likes flowers, you figured someone like him would be familiar with flower meanings as well. This meant that you had to be careful with which flowers you picked, just in case you gave him the wrong signals. After plenty of research, you settled on blue Forget-me-nots. They were simple, but they were beautiful. And, according to your research, they represented love and respect, which seemed perfect for this occasion.

It took some time, but, eventually, you were able to catch Barbatos when he wasn't busy. From the expression on his face, you knew that he knew something was up, which made you much more nervous than you already were. Something about the object of your affections being aware of your feelings before your confession was terrifying, especially when it was someone like Barbatos. Still, you persisted and walked up to Barbatos, flowers in hand.

When he spotted the flowers, you could swear you saw his eyes light up just the smallest bit. It was adorable, but you drew no attention to it lest you accidentally shut him down. Instead, you present the flowers and shyly confess your feelings for him. Barbatos simply stands there and listens to you, waiting patiently for you to finish your confession. When you finish, Barbatos still does not speak, and you begin to feel nervous about his reaction.

Luckily, he does not keep you waiting for long. Barbatos gently takes the flowers from you and lifts them up to his face for an inspection. He comments on your choice of flower, and you assume you picked the right ones based on his seemingly pleased reaction. Then he looks back at you and smiles. It is a gentle smile unlike his usual, more professional smile. It makes your heart flutter, and you wish you could take a photo of him in this moment. As you unknowingly stare at his face, Barbatos steps closer to you and slowly takes your hand in the one not holding the flowers and gives you a gentle squeeze. This knocks you out of your trance, and you focus back in on the moment.

He doesn't reject you. Really, it's quite the shock. You did not expect to make it this far, and you're not entirely sure where to go from here. Barbatos does, however, and he doesn't mind taking the lead. He lifts your hand up to his lips and kisses it gently, and you're certain this means he returns your feelings. To ease any lingering doubts, you ask if he accepts, to which he says yes. A giant grin appears on your face, and you're unable to contain your excitement. He smiles as well, though a smaller smile than your own. It's a nice moment with a happy ending, and you're so glad you could make Barbatos happy as well.

Diavolo was right, Barbatos really did like flowers. And, though he would never mention it out loud, forget-me-nots had always been his favorite.

#obey me barbatos #shall we date obey me #obey me #flufftober #flufftober 2023 #obey me fluff #obey me scenarios #obey me headcanons #barbatos headcanons #barbatos x reader #gender neutral reader #obey me mc #gender neutral mc

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blueberrybladelemonade · 11 months

Text

Confessions in the Dark

Summary: The Noise and Noisette have had enough of you and Peppino constantly dancing around the fact you both like each other. It's so obvious and you both are idiots.

They have an idea though, they'll invite you both to the get together they're having. Everyone will be there and maybe that'll be the push you guys need.

If not, there's option B. Or C.

Contents: The trope of "these two idiots like each other but won't ask each other out", Mutual denying of crushes, Feelings get crushed due to this, Swearing, Noise being rude, Semi angst to fluff, JFC can you both get together already?!, Somewhat suggestive but nothing nsft.

The Noise lets out a groan, "Look at those dumbasses." he gestures across the room at the counter. You had been here for half an hour now, the food you ordered being eaten long ago. Instead you were currently sitting at the counter carrying a conversation with Peppino.

"It's so obvious they're into each other." Noisette agreed, shoving the remaining bit of crust into her mouth. "Arghe gohna ebr conbess"?

"Babe, chew with your mouth closed".

The pair continued observing your interactions. It was pathetic, to be completely honest. If they got here before you did, they'd both notice Peppino glancing at the door, unusually attentive, if it was on a day you'd stop by. You'd alway come in on Wednesdays and Fridays. Any other time Peppino would barely look up from his work to see who entered.

Noisette took a sip of her soda, finally finishing with her food.

"Are they ever gonna confess"?

It was telling enough that you would stop by and simply linger this long. It definitely wasn't because of, in Noise's opinion, the sub par pizza. Some days you'd just order a damn drink and sit at the counter, engrossed in what ever conversations you had with the man.

"Pft. Y/N probably still has that letter, or threw it out. And him," Noise points over at Peppino, "Won't ever make a move on Y/N. They're both fucking idiots. What they need is someone to confess for them".

Huh.

That was an idea. Noise sat up, it was time to go. "Come on babe, I have an idea that they'll thank me for". Noise slid out of the booth with Noisette excitedly following after him.

* * * Wednesday 6:34 p.m.

"We can always just go with option C then." The Noise shrugs.

"What if they just freeze to death instead?" Noisette asks. "And how are we going to lock them in the freezer there"?

"That's option B," he snaps. "Option C is where we'll just walk up to the counter when Y/N is there and just confess for them".

"Shouldn't we try the less drastic options first"?

Noise ignored her, obviously if this plan didn't work, locking the two of you in a freezer where you'd have to hold each other to stay warm was not that drastic.

"So why was option D a thing?" Noisette asks, writing in her notepad, "That will definitely kill them".

He drags a hand down his face with a groan. "No shit. Option D is for 'Die' because if...No! We're not discussing that option. Not unless our other plans fail".

Noisette scribbles something else down before pursing her lips in thought. "So for option B do we need rope or handcuffs? Also I thi-"

"Let's just focus on this plan."

* * *Wednesday 7:15 p.m.

You had finished texting Noisette and set your phone to the side, a small grin forming on your face. Maybe leaving the house would be a good thing. This get together was on Saturday, which was perfect since you didn't have to work.

What could go wrong, honestly? You pause before knocking on the wooden table you were seated at, remembering the old superstition. Just in case. A sheet of paper drifts away, you grab it before it floats to the floor. The smile on your face disappears as you aimlessly scan the words you had written.

You make a face and cringe. How did you even manage to write some of this?

You'd write confession after confession. Hands shaking and your face usually staying a shade of red during the entirety of you writing.

After finishing another letter, you'd slip it into an envelope and seal it.

Then, predictably, you'd come back and shove it into your dresser. With the other dozen or so you failed to give to Peppino. This was just another failed letter for the failure you call your romantic life. You don't even have a romantic life, you remind yourself.

Granted, you felt like you were being dramatic about the entire situation. Why was it so damn hard to write and give him a "I really like you" or "would you like to go out?" letter? You were more terrified of telling Peppino in person, so instead you opted to write your feelings out. Unfortunately you still were struggling.

Numerous times you wrote everything down you liked about him; how he made you laugh, how you enjoyed the times you hung out, how handsome he wa- You faceplant into the table to stop thinking about it, face heating up.

It sounded like an easy solution, just give him the letter. The real reason you were struggling was because you were afraid of him rejecting you. You sit with your face buried in your arms, as your thoughts turn dark. Why can't I do things like normal people? Normal people can just confess and be done with it.

In your case, you just know getting rejected would fill you with shame. Peppino liked you but you doubt he'd want date you. He liked you as a friend. You feel a sharp twinge in your chest.

If you had any obvious signs he liked you more than that, you'd feel more confident but it's not like that'll happen. Too bad there wasn't a big glowing sign that would give you the answer.

You didn't want to pretend you didn't like Peppino -in fact you kind of hated pretending and denying it- but when he rejects you? How would you have to act afterwards? Like nothing happened? More than likely you'd probably stop going to the pizzeria, it'd be too awkward otherwise. And it'd also hurt if you did visit. And it'd also be awkward.

You shake your head, not wanting to dwell on it anymore. At least for this get together you'd get to see him. Maybe you'd get a chance to confess then.

*** Friday 2:12 p.m.

Noise clears his throat, again, attempting to get Peppino to acknowledge him. Peppino ignores the smaller man as he adds cheese to a pizza, never even looking in Noise's direction. Instead he continues talking with you, asking if you'd like to watch a movie next week. You smile and say yes, eyes lighting up as Peppino explains it's an italian classic. He watches Noise still in his peripheral. Maybe if he's lucky he'll get bored and go away.

Noise rolls his eyes, with a "tch" before propping his elbows up, resting his head in his hands. He cracks a smirk.

"Hey buddy, can you take my order instead of oogling your lover all day"?

You snap straight up.

Peppino whips around, eyes wide.

"Excuse me but what the fuck?" you blurt out a bit too quickly. The food you had taken a bite of goes down the wrong way, sending you into a coughing fit.

"Merda! Look-a what you did!" Peppino snaps, "Y/N are you ok?"

You wave your hand, " 'm fine" you gasp, grabbing a napkin as another coughing fit starts. Your shudder as you cough again, downing a sip of your drink. Noise shrugs as Peppino glares at him. After another moment you let out a shuddering breath. "I'm fine, thanks".

Just as Peppino's about to yell at him Noisette pops up beside you.

"Heya Y/N! Sorry Peppino I'm borrowing this!" You're cut off as Noisette grabs your arm and yanks you from your chair. Peppino watches as you grimace, sending him a "what can you do" shrug, as you let her pull you into a booth.

For a time he'd watch you sit, happily chatting with Noisette. He watches as you look confused for a moment before you start shaking your head, as if saying no. As you continue chatting he watches as you suddenly lean closer to Noisette, a smile spreading across her face.

The Noise hops up into the chair you had been sitting at. Now replaced by this menace. Peppino grumbles as he adds on the remaining toppings. "What do you want"?

"We're having a get together Saturday. Show up." He replies curtly. "And three orders of garlic knots".

"Why-a would I"?

"Because Y/N is going".

"And"?

Noise leans in "I know you like them. This is your chance to tell Y/N. Or should I tell Y/N for you?" He begins to move off the seat "Actually, I'll just do it now..."

"No!" he yells, catching Noisette's and your attention. You both stare, waiting for a fight to break out. After a pause you determined an intervention wasn't needed, instead you return to your conversation with Noisette.

Noise remains standing, shooting Peppino an annoyed look. "Saturday. 7 p.m. At the lakefront".

Shortly after Noise and Noisette leave, you come back up to the counter. You thank Peppino for the pizza and tell him to have a good rest of the day. Peppino heaves a deep sigh as the door closes behind you.

*** Friday 11:38 p.m.

Peppino lays in bed staring up into the darkness, replaying that moment from earlier.

It had been months now, when the realization hit him. He adored you. Your smile, your looks, how nice you were, how you brightened his day. He hadn't noticed how much he looked forward to your visits at first, but they had become the highlight of his day.

At some point he had memorized what you ordered. This lead to him always preparing a fresh pizza with your favorite toppings, ready for you when you'd come in. Gustavo had teased Peppino on a few occasions regarding his attentiveness to you, which would fluster him immensely.

That changed when the realization dawned on him. He'd have the occasional daydream (that was more often than he'd admit), but he tried to wave them off.

Sometimes Peppino had thought about asking you to hang out, either to see a movie or a even a simple outing. He thought of buying flowers for those days and giving them to you, watching as your eyes light up from the gesture. He'd imagine how the day would play out and how it might go. And by the end of the night he'd take your hands and ask you to be his.

He'd imagine how nice it must be, to be your boyfriend.

That memory from earlier resurfaced again. Your reaction when the Noise called you lovers. For a split second he felt his heart flutter. Your reaction and look of disgust promptly crushed those feelings.

It was purely delusional to think you'd ever be interested in him. Peppino wasn't exactly what you could call "boyfriend material".

On the surface, he could just look in the mirror and point out a laundry list of flaws. The top ones being; Middle aged. While not a flaw in itself, this paired with his other issues only amplified them. Fat. He wasn't really sure when or how but he had developed a gut. Balding. The hair he used to have and took for granted all but thinned and gone.

Then if you were to dig deeper you would find; PTSD. Anxiety ridden. Short temper. And also sometimes he would wake up in the middle of the night from night terrors. Mentally, Peppino felt broken. Even if you could tolerate him for a bit, you would get worn down eventually. Hell, even he was worn down by it. You didn't deserve to be burdened as well.

You would never be interested in someone like him.

The best option was to simply treat you as any other customer. Peppino shut his eyes, nodding to himself. He couldn't keep holding on to a foolish daydream. What he needed to do was distance himself, then could move on and not have that sinking feeling like earlier with your comment. He'd have to come up with an excuse to cancel those plans next week too.

It would be difficult for a bit but he knew he had to be realistic. The first steps were always the hardest.

*** Saturday 2:19 p.m.

"Sure".

You stare at Peppino, confused. Usually he'd be much more talkative. He barely even glanced up from the dough he had been kneading.

"Are you going to meet up with everyone later"?

"I'ma busy tonight. Saturday's are one of our busier days"

"Ah." You're lost on what else to say, unable to keep from feeling disappointment. While this was true, you thought Gustavo was going to take over for the last few hours tonight. Maybe he doesn't want to be around the Noise? Which is fair enough, but there would be others there too, and not just him.

You shift in your seat awkwardly. Some days Peppino had been busy and couldn't talk, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence like today. You wonder if something's bothering him.

You pull out your phone to text Noisette. After pressing send you tell Peppino to have a good day as you move to leave. He nods, giving a short "You too." As he pulls a pizza from of the oven.

***Saturday 5:04 p.m.

At an instant the Noise had lunged at Peppino, grabbing the front of his shirt. "Listen here fatass, you better not bail out tonight or you're gonna play hide and seek with a fucking pipebomb." the Noise threatens, glaring up at Peppino.

He rolls his eyes in reply, wiping the flour onto his pants. "I already-a said I'ma going. Quit asking".

The Noise eyes him for a moment before letting go.

"You better close up soon then." he threatens, composing himself before heading out the door. Peppino sighs. He really wasn't in the mood. All he wanted to do was to just close, clean, and go home. He didn't feel like being around you especially, it already hurt to blow you off while he was working. Although with the others there, Peppino could use that as a means to avoid you.

He steps into the backroom where Gustavo was restocking the shelves.

"Gustavo help-a me close so we can go get ready".

"Ready for what?"

Peppino stares confused at him. "The 'get together' tonight? The one the Noise and his girlfriend came in and invited us to yesterday"?

Gustavo shrugs. "First I've heard of it. Why don't you just go now? I can keep the restaurant open so we don't have to close early." he added.

Well that's weird. Why didn't they invite Gustavo? "Are you sure"?

"Yep. Go have fun. Brick and I will clean up too."

Peppino paused on his way out, turning around "Don't forget-"

"We'll make sure Bruno stays out of the trash. And the shrimp".

"Grazie".

Gustavo waits until he hears Peppino's footsteps grow fainter. As he hears the door shut Gustavo takes his phone out of his pocket and searches through his contacts. Finding "Noisette" he begins tapping out a message;

"Peppino just left. Good luck" and presses send.

Mio dios if this didn't work, Gustavo was on board with Option B. He'd even supply a blanket.

*** Saturday 7:04 p.m.

You fidget idly with the napkin in your lap. As of right now, no one else had shown up so it was just you, Noise, and Noisette. You desperately pray that it's not just going to be you and the psychotic duo tonight.

"Where is-a everyone?" the familiar voice makes you jump. You turn and see Peppino standing off to the side.

The Noise shrugs "No one else showed".

You stare at Peppino as he slides into the booth beside you. He wasn't in his work clothes or even the casual ones when you hung out. You stare, admiring how nice he looked in the button up shirt.

Your eyes widen slightly, realizing he had been staring back at you. You smile softly at him and he responds with one of his own.

"Yay! Double date!" Noisette claps her hands, you both recoil.

"We're not-a dating!" Peppino snaps, sliding a few inches away from you.

"Don't be ridiculous!" You had a sinking feeling this was going to happen all night.

Noise's expression changes as he glowers at you both. "Ok I'm fucking over this!" Noise snarls. "Go make out, get a room, and go do...what ever you freaks are into. I'll even give you the handcu-"

He was caught short as you splashed your water into his face, Noise yelping in surprise.

All eyes were on you. What could go wrong tonight? A lot. You feel the blood rush to your face, you sink into the booth feeling Peppino's gaze on you. He was offended no doubt.

Noisette cleared her throat, drawing Peppino and your's attention to him. She had a notepad open and began reading out of it.

"Y/N, you told me yesterday that you thought Peppino was cute but "don't ever repeat that".

Cute? Peppino had been called many things throughout the years. Cute was not one of them.

"And I know you have...how many confession letters? Like a dozen? You wrote but never gave to him." She continues, pointing to Peppino.

You sat there, too shocked to argue. You opened your mouth but no sound came out aside from a pitiful whine. You forgot she knew about the confession dresser.

Noisette directed her attention to Peppino now. "I found this..." In a quick motion, she sets a crumpled piece of paper onto the table and pushes it in front of you. It had your name written down, you recognized the handwriting immediately as Peppino's. Under your name was smaller writing:

Y/N

Mia Cara

Will you be mine?

"Also you admitted last week, with Gustavo as a witness, that you would like to ask Y/N out but you think "They'd have no interest in someone like you".

You gasp you turned fully to stare at him, "Why would you thi-"

"Well guess what?! It's your lucky day! You both want to be together! Yay! Go make out like Noisy said"!

You both remained silent.

"Yeah we're done here." Noise interjects, the scowl never leaving his face. "If you both needed your big ass glowing sign...there you go"!

Noise grumbles, tossing the soaked napkins down before pushing out from his seat. Noisette moves out of the booth to follow suit, she turns back around one last time, smiling and sending you a thumbs up, before catching up to Noise.

"Well..." You trail off. "Uh...would you mind taking me home? Noisette was kinda my ride".

"Si..."

* * * Saturday 7:53 p.m.

Peppino had walked you up to your home, watching as you unlock the door. Neither of you said anything to the other the entire way home.

Now you both stared at each other for what felt like hours. You were home, you could go in now. Instead your feet remained rooted in place, until you said something just above a whisper.

"I don't want to pretend anymore." Your eyes flick to the ground for a moment before sucking in a breath. "I really like you." you say, "And I do think your cute, handsome even, and I love when we hang out. So maybe we-"

You were cut off as he kissed you. Everything had melted away except the warm caress of his lips against yours. His scent was familiar but at the same time new. Enticing.

Peppino drew back with a shaky breath, face flushed. Your eyes meet his as if searching for something. The next moment you grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him back in for another kiss. You tug him through the door into your home. Peppino wraps an arm around your waist holding you securely against him. With his free hand he cups your face, thumb gently stroking your cheek.

You clasp a hand against the back of his neck, pressing your other hand against his chest. In response he deepens the kiss, tangling his hand into your hair. You find yourself pinned between Peppino and the wall. The kiss had started slowly as if to savor this moment, then you feel his tongue gently graze your lips. This kiss was everything you both had wanted to say. "I want you. Will you be mine? I need you in my life" it was intoxicating. Every touch against each other compensating for all the times you didn't just reach out.

You lean into him, feeling your heart racing and his as well. Both your hands clasped against his neck for support as your legs grew weak. His hands trail down your sides before firmly holding your hips.

He pulls you away from the wall, carefully moving you both back towards the couch. You feel yourself lean back into the cushions as Peppino pulls away. The only sound was your shallow breaths and the feeling the heat radiating from each other. You feel him gently pressing his weight on you, his gaze softening as he came back down, lips once again meeting yours with his hands finding yours as you weave your fingers together.

Now that you knew what you'd been missing, you had a lot of catching up to do.

Sorry this took so long to post lol. I lost progress on this twice when my draft didn't save. 💀

#peppino x reader #Peppino #peppino spaghetti #pizza tower #pizza tower x reader #🫐bladezfics #noisette #the noise #pizza tower fanfic

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lurkingshan · 11 months

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La Pluie and the subversion of second lead syndrome

We know now that La Pluie is interested in using classic romance tropes, but in a way that twists or outright subverts them. We’ve already had a lot of discussion about the way the show is subverting the typical soulmate story by making the soulmate bond the main obstacle to the romance. And after this week’s episode, I think there’s another major subversion going on here: they are not in fact doing a love triangle with Tai, Patts, and Lomfon, and are instead subverting the usual dynamics that inspire second lead syndrome.

I touched on this briefly in my first post yesterday, but I want to expand on it a bit here. Coming out of last week’s episode, most of the audience (myself included) were braced for this week to focus on Lomfon’s pursuit of Tai, which would inspire some kind of face off between him and Patts, and push Tai into finally making a firm decision about his relationship. But that’s not what happened at all. Instead, this episode had the vibe of Tai and Patts continuing to act out their swoony romance while Lomfon impotently lobbed rotten fruit from the peanut gallery.

In this episode, Lomfon was a non-factor in Tai’s ongoing relationship development with Patts. Tai barely noticed his presence, didn’t react to any of his rude comments mocking soulmates, and essentially just continued focusing on his feelings for Patts and his ongoing internal conflict, wholly unbothered by anything Lomfon was saying or doing. Bow had to once again step in and tell him what was going on and try to convince him that Lomfon’s attentions are something he should be worried about. We saw Tai smile warmly at Lomfon a couple times, but if you paid attention, you’ll note he did the same to everyone he met at the camp. His most engaged interaction outside of Patts was actually with Nara, who he smiled at in just the same way, and we know there’s no attraction there. I think the show has been misdirecting us a bit by lingering on Tai’s glances at Lomfon as if they are meaningful, when in fact Tai is not considering Lomfon as a romantic partner at all.

This is also borne out in the way other characters react to Lomfon. Patts clocks his interest in Tai right away, but there’s no indication that he feels threatened by it. He is confident that he has Tai’s attention and interest and he focuses his energy on trying to strengthen the trust between them rather than trying to fend off competitors. Tien does confront Lomfon, but notice that his ire is about Lomfon’s attempts to interfere as an outsider, not about any response he is actually getting from Tai. Tien saw the happiness radiating on his brother’s face when he introduced Patts, and that’s why he is so protective. Tien is not concerned that Tai actually likes Lomfon back, he simply does not want anyone messing with Tai now that he’s finally starting to let himself be happy.

So if no one is actually concerned about Lomfon’s designs on Tai, where is the show going with his story? Well, we got some interesting information this episode that I think sheds light on that. It turns out, Lomfon’s skepticism about destiny is not as clear cut as he has previously claimed. Like most people, his beliefs are self-serving: hearing loss soulmates are bullshit because he doesn’t have one, but he counts someone he’s never actually met as his “first love”and believes he is destined to be with them. He seems to think Tai is the owner of that keychain, which is why he feels some claim over him and wants to reject the soulmate myth.

But as he is starting to see, if not yet accept, the myth is not the reason Tai and Patts are drawn to each other. If he met Tai before Patts was in the picture, it’s possible he might have had a shot (though still not assured, Tai really does seem to think of him primarily as his little brother’s friend). But now that Tai has met Patts he’s not interested in considering anyone else. And of course, even as he stubbornly clings to the idea of Tai as his fated person, Lomfon is growing closer to Tien and clearly developing feelings for him he is not yet aware of. Might the show have him conclude that the keychain was meant to lead him to Tien all along? Or perhaps he’ll realize that none of that destiny stuff matters because what he has with Tien is more real and substantial than his fantasies about Tai, and Lomfon’s story is all about him coming to realize that for himself without any major drama around him trying to interfere with Tai and Patts.

Once again, I believe the show is intentionally playing with classic romance tropes to take them in unexpected directions. They used our expectations around love triangles and second leads to guide us toward one understanding of Lomfon and his story, and to inspire in some of the audience a classic case of second lead syndrome, but are now veering off into a more interesting, more nuanced, less clichéd path that will actually land Lomfon in a much better place than we typically see for second leads. I think they’ll do the same with the classic trope we saw at the end of this episode - Tai’s reaction to seeing Nara kiss Patts won’t play out in the expected way.

Personally I am loving it every time this show zigs when I expect it to zag. It’s keeping me on my toes and really underscoring for me how years of drama viewing has conditioned me to respond to tropes. Keep fucking with me, La Pluie, I’m having a grand old time!

(Tagging @scarefox and @ginnymoonbeam who I cited here plus friends @wen-kexing-apologist @bengiyo and @kyr-kun-chan who have been talking through these eps with me.)

#la pluie #thai bl #shan shouts into the void

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tklpilled · 2 years

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cherry red

(noé/vanitas)

summary: vampires have ticklish necks. it’s a fact.

a/n: for ‘blush!’ there are some french terms but they’re mainly just various petnames

[this is a sfw tickle fic!]

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

“How ironic,” Vanitas hums, clearly amused. “A vampire with such a sensitive neck.”

Sensitive is certainly a way to put it. Noé can barely stand it, clenching his fists against the sheets in a desperate attempt to focus on something, anything else. Vanitas had teasingly nibbled his neck to imitate him, and really, Noé should have known what would happen from past experience with Domi. All thoughts left his mind, though, at how close Vanitas was, and he wasn’t nearly focused enough to try stifling his gasp. It led them to this very predicament.

“S-stop, stop it!” he cries. “It tickles—!”

Vanitas chuckles against his neck, making Noé flinch. “That is the point, mon cheri.” He’s scratching lightly on the other side of Noé’s neck, leaving him nowhere to squirm to get away from the feeling. “You’re just so cute, though, I don’t think I could ever stop!”

Noé tries to push the human away, but in his weakened state it does nothing to deter him. “Vani—please! I can’t t-tahake this!” he pleads, resorting to begging if he can’t use force. It’s bad enough that he’s so ticklish, but now Vanitas knows, and that’s enough to make the embarrassment ten times worse. He’s sure he’ll never live this down.

“Well, that’s too bad,” says Vanitas, clear in his tone that he’s enjoying this far too much. His free hand comes to card through his partner’s hair, and Noé is grateful for some other feeling to distract him, even if it barely does anything. “But you’ll just have to take it, mon amour, your laugh is simply intoxicating!”

Noé’s entire body feels hot. He’s not sure if it’s from laughing so much or because of the silly flirting, but he doesn’t remember ever being this flustered. Vanitas holds too much power over him.

Soon, though not nearly soon enough, Vanitas ceases his attack. Well, only somewhat; he doesn’t move from his place, replacing the nibbles with kisses peppered over Noé’s neck, along his jaw, behind his ear. The hand that isn’t caught in Noé’s hair is slowing down to trace small shapes and patterns into his neck. It’s a bit more bearable, but still, Noé’s constant laughter hardly quiets down.

“Adorable,” Vanitas mumbles, right next to his ear as if to make sure he hears it. Noé is going to kill him someday, if Vanitas doesn’t tease him to death first.

Noé bites back a whine. “Vanitas,” he giggles. “Y-you’re terrible.”

Vanitas grins against his skin. “Now, Noé, do you really think you’re in the position to be saying these things?”

It feels like hours before Vanitas finally stops for good, pulling away and smiling down at his breathless partner. Noé glares back, but between his rustled hair and his lingering smile, it doesn’t come across as menacing in any way.

Jeanne’s mark is just barely visible, and Noé finds himself staring. Vanitas follows his eyes, flushing when he realises where Noé is looking. “Don’t you dare,” he growls. “I’ll kill you.”

Noé knows this, but right now, he has no intention of biting him. Well—that isn’t entirely true. He is curious, he wants to know what someone with such sweet-smelling blood must taste like, but he knows that if he tries he won’t succeed. So instead, Noé gathers up enough strength and, in an instant, he flips their positions.

Vanitas shoves at him frantically. “Stupid vampire! Stop it, I swear I’ll—hey!”

Noé’s face is buried in the crook of his partner’s neck, but he doesn’t sink his fangs in. “Did you really think,” he murmurs, “that I’d forget you’re ticklish as well?”

Vanitas squirms as hands find their way under his coat and his shirt. “H-hey now, at least take me on a date first!” he tries as Noé drums his fingers on his bare skin, but he’s blushing furiously; Noé can both smell the blood and feel the warmth.

The vampire ignores him, digging into Vanitas’s soft sides. Vanitas squeaks, trying to hold in his laughter and ultimately failing.

“Wait, mon amour, mon petit chou—Noé, pl-ease!” The names work in their goal to soften Noé up a bit, but it’s not enough for him to have any mercy. “I’m sohohorry! Come ohon!”

Noé travels up to his ribs, causing Vanitas to let out a very undignified squeal. “You should’ve thought ahead, then. You thought I wouldn’t get you back?”

Vanitas pushes at Noé’s arms. It isn’t effective. “Please, I cahan’t!”

“What was it you said?” Noé can’t stop himself from smiling. Vanitas has a very contagious laugh. “That you’ll just have to take it? It’s only fair.”

Vanitas, for someone who can be so ruthless while tickling others, is terrible at taking what he dishes out. Despite that, he often finds a reason to tickle Noé—reasons such as I’m bored or because I felt like it—even though Noé gets his revenge every time. It’s almost as if Vanitas enjoys being tickled, or maybe he just enjoys being a pain and doesn’t care enough about the consequences to stop.

It hasn’t been very long, but Vanitas finds the strength to shove Noé off of him, blushing from the tips of his ears down to his neck. “Mon dieu, you’re ehevil!” he whines, unable to stop giggling.

“I could say the same for you,” says Noé, hands hovering dangerously close to his waist once more. Vanitas squeaks, grabbing him by the wrists.

“You’ve gone all red,” Noé remarks, peering at the blush staining the human’s ears down to his neck.

Vanitas eyes him warily, but he doesn't move. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

Noé can’t help the urge to reach out and brush his fingers over his flushed cheeks. It only makes Vanitas turn redder, warmer beneath Noé’s touch.

“You’re definitely blushing now.”

Vanitas turns away, pushing Noé’s hand off. “I’ll tickle you again if you keep lying like that.”

“Then I’ll have to tickle you again after that. Make you admit you’re blushing.”

They both mean it as a joke, but in the end, they follow through with their promises.

#my fics #arty writes #tickle fic #vnc #vanitas no carte #the case study of vanitas #vanitas no shuki #les memoires de vanitas #WHY ARE THERE SO MANY NAMES #noe archiviste #lee!noe #ler!noe #lee!vanitas #ler!vanitas #vanoe #augtickletober2022

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weizhiyuan · 8 months

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I feel you linger in the air episode 2 and mirrors

This was originally meant to be a short reply to @troubled-mind’s thoughts on the latest episode but it became a longer analysis instead haha

The recognition that there were a lot of mirror shots and that they were leaving a creepy feeling had me thinking. So I put my film major goggles on, went back through, and analyzed all the mirror shots of Jom & Yai and what I feel they’re trying to tell us.

In total, there are 10+ mirror shots! The main takeaway always seems to be about the presence of the (true) self and Jom (or even Yai’s) existence in this time period. Noting that the sheer amount of mirror shots provides a creeped out feeling is fitting because I think we’re supposed to be unsettled. As much as it is a romance, Jom is currently in a place he doesn’t belong. By all logical means, this romance wouldn’t(/shouldn’t) be possible.

Jom has the most mirror shots, with at least eight mirrors involved. Yai has at least two/three. For the sake of organization, I’ve broken them up into shots with Jom vs shots with Yai.

First up, Jom!

First: at first glance, this is a typical mirror shot with nothing wrong. What I’m going to call past-Jom is asleep next to Yai. Future-Jom is nowhere to be seen. Now I’m not sure about the entire context of this scene but past-Jom seems comfortable enough in the past to be considered such, and future-Jom seems confused enough as well. What I like specifically about this is that although we haven’t been shown future-Jom yet, there’s already two mirrors, duplicating Jom’s physical self immediately. He sleeps closer to the mirror, with his body more fully in the shot and therefore more fully reflected twice.

Second: future-Jom sees past-Jom. While we saw this scene in episode one as well, the repetition is only further emphasizing the importance of not only the scene but what the mirrors are trying to tell us. Past-Jom is not in the frame, but the audience knows exactly what he’s seeing, an implication of double.

Third: here we can see both Jom’s in frame. Without the mirror there’s already a confusion of the self. But the addition of the mirror and how it’s angled reflects only past-Jom and not future-Jom. Just as future-Jom will be going to the past and exist in a way in which he doesn’t belong.

Fourth: now this one is FANTASTIC. Here we have a little rack focus from Jom into Yai. So technically this mirror shot belongs to both of them (as will the one following in this scene). As made extra clear when Yai wakes up, this scene is contextualizing that it’s not just Jom dreaming, but Yai as well. It messes with perspective and thus identity. Who is who and whose point of view are we looking through? The visual shift in focus lets us know that while we may have been in Jom’s POV before, we’re in Yai’s now. Additionally, Future-Jom is not in the frame and therefore the shot does not belong to him.

Fifth: this one I find interesting because we can see the mirror in the background but not enough to see who’s reflected. Is it just past-Jom and Yai like in the previous mirror shot? Or would future-Jom also be visible as he can be seen within the blocking of the shot? The mystery adds to the confusion in a wonderful way.

Sixth: future-Jom tries on clothes which begs a consistent question once more: can he fit in? At the very least, there’s a further blending of the Jom from the past and the Jom from the future. Can he truly belong here (with Yai) or do the clothes simply act as a disguise?

Seventh: this mirror does not really reflect Jom or Yai significantly, but it’s notably right behind Jom—or perhaps in between him & Yai as a barrier between their true selves. How can future-Jom connect with Yai as his true self? How can their relationship even exist? The mirror between/around them serves as a constant reminder of this fact, especially to the audience. The creepy or unsettling feeling makes sense!

Eighth: this one’s a long scene, and it’s also the last in this episode for Jom. Future-Jom has to make a choice, as represented by the bracelets. One he’s already wearing, which he’s been directly given to (by Yai); the other he’s still holding onto (metaphorically and literally! but also significantly it’s not the one he’s wearing) even though he’ll eventually need to let go entirely (representing Ohm and/or his past). Which life/relationship does he want to choose? Which path does he want to take. In this shot, Jom is framed within the frame. He is literally boxed in. But this doesn’t stop him. Instead, he chooses to step out of the frame, once again stepping out of somewhere he’s been designated to belong to. Again this considers the self and what or how Jom is “supposed” to exist and again, how he breaks free.

Next up, Yai!

Although I already tackled two shots earlier that simultaneously belong to both Yai and Jom, there are two (or even three) mirror shots that solely reflect Yai.

First: Yai fixes himself up, in a slight over the shoulder angle. His being duplicated, though not very strongly. He’s trying to present himself appropriately. Using the same mirror at the end of this scene is the…

Second: here we have a much more distinct over the shoulder shot, further emphasizing a duplicated self. So far we’ve yet to see a “Yai” in the future, meanwhile everyone from future-Jom’s time has shown up in the past in some other form. So what does that mean for Yai? In a similar fashion as Jom in his last mirror shot, Yai steps out of the frame and away from the mirror again. Leaving the confines of where he “should” remain behind.

While these are just my interpretations of the mirror shots in episode two, I’m definitely gonna be keeping an eye out for more as the show continues. I love the way they’re being used and I’m sure they’ll be doing it again.

I’m also gonna tag @blmpff & @dragonsareawesome123 in case you wanna read this since I know y’all are watching too !!

#this ended up being wayyyy longer than I intended hahahah #also I’m not entirely sure if there’s a special name for the bracelet Yai gave Jom?#anyway. I love this show #i feel you linger in the air #b.txt

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strawberriesinbloom · 2 days

Text

Late Night Movie Distractions

Zayne/Gender-Neutral Reader

Summary: You and Zayne watch a movie together, but you are far too easily distracted.

Word Count: 1,102

A/N: May or may not be based on a piece of Zayne's dialogue during his home screen interactions...that I haven't been able to get again. 😭 It lowkey makes me think I made it up lmao

This is a tickle fic btw!

~🍓~

The movie blared on the television in front of him, but Zayne paid it no mind. Rather, his focus remained entirely on you, who sat cuddled up next to him on the sofa. Your wide-eyed look and small gasps of surprise at every major plot point were far more interesting than what any movie could provide.

You glanced over at him. If his blatant staring took you aback, you didn’t show it. You grinned and shook the empty bowl in your lap. “More popcorn?” you whispered.

Zayne chuckled and shook his head. “No, thank you.”

He was about to offer to get you some more popcorn when you placed the bowl on the coffee table. He wondered if you only offered because you thought he wanted some. Did you think that was why he was staring? You were such a silly person.

The main character whispered something to the love interest, and your attention immediately pivoted back to the movie. You placed your hand on Zayne’s thigh and squeezed it in anticipation.

A familiar—yet almost forgotten—feeling jolted up his leg. Zayne twitched, trying to hide his reaction with a small cough. He leaned back against the sofa and crossed his arms in feigned nonchalance.

You grabbed the remote and paused the movie. “Zayne,” you said in an unnervingly sing-songy tone, “are you ticklish?” You placed the remote to the side before cracking your knuckles. Could you be any more obvious?

He cocked his head to the side, ignoring the way his ears burned. “Ticklish? Why would I be ticklish?” He found solace in the fact that you probably couldn’t see his face redden in the dark.

“What kind of question is that?” you asked.

Zayne barely had any time to react before you jabbed him in the side. He twisted to the side and you managed to get another jab in before he was able to grab your wrist. Zayne wanted to revel in this small victory, but that look on your face told him you let him do that.

“Stop,” Zayne said. He didn’t want to say he was pleading, per se, but he didn’t particularly feel like being humiliated today.

You faked a pout. “But, I want to hear you laugh. You’re so serious all the time.” Using your other hand, you dug your fingers into the soft part of his stomach. “You never smile.”

Zayne jerked to the side as he desperately tried to tear your hand off of him. “Is that what you think of me?” he managed to gasp out. He furrowed his eyebrows. He smiled…a bit. Mostly when he was with you.

“Yep.”

He wanted to ask you another question, but something fluttered against his armpits, distracting him. Zayne yanked his arms down and sputtered something incoherent. “Wahahait!” He choked out a laugh.

Seemingly proud about finding his sweet spot so quickly, you let out a sound of victory. “Never let your guard down.”

“Ahaha! Stahahap! Don’t you dahare! Hahaha…!” Zayne wiggled out of your grip and rolled off the sofa.

You laughed and simply moved to follow him. You sat on his stomach, effectively pinning him down in place. Zayne’s legs writhed and kicked out from underneath you, but you stayed steady. He could only think about how vicious you were as you lingered in the same spot, spidering your fingers inside his armpits.

“You have such a nice laugh,” you said, “It’s cute.”

In a desperate attempt to get you to stop torturing him, Zayne’s hands clasped onto your sides, just like he would do when you two were kids. He wiggled his fingers, but, interestingly enough, you barely reacted. Instead, you simply pried his hands off of you and pinned them underneath your knees.

Now, with nothing getting in your way, you drilled your thumbs into Zayne’s underarms. He tossed his head back and cackled. “Hehe…hahah! Stop it! Plehehehease!”

“Begging already? Come on, Zayne. You’re stronger than this.” Your fingers trailed lower until they were fluttering over his ribs.

This spot was bad, but thankfully not as bad as his underarms. Zayne bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing, but you were quick to break him. “Mmmhmhmhehehe!” Tears were beginning to cling to his eyelashes, much to his horror. Your prideful grin forced him to squeeze his eyes shut in embarrassment.

Zayne didn’t recall ever being this sensitive, not even when he was a child. He could tell you were thinking the exact same thing. This was humiliating, but you were greedy. He knew you weren’t going to stop until you were satisfied.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you laugh this much,” you said with a tinge of wonder. “I could get used to this.” You returned to targeting Zayne’s armpits, forcing him to squeal. You gasped and excitedly prodded the spot the same exact way. To his despair, he squealed, again.

“Ehehehe! If you—haha—don’t stop, I’ll—!”

“You’ll what? Use your Evol against me?”

No. No, he would never do that, no matter how desperate he was. “I’ll…! Ahaha!” Zayne was laughing too hard to even get more than a few words in edgewise.

You laughed, but it wasn’t as nefarious this time. In fact, you seemed slightly endeared, which might have been worse, honestly. However, to his relief, you stopped and got off of him. Zayne stayed on the ground for a few seconds to catch his breath before opening his eyes. You were sitting next to him with your head leaning against the sofa.

Zayne sighed, noting the sweat that clung to the back of his shirt. “You’re quite mischievous,” he said, still slightly breathless.

“I wasn’t kidding when I said your laugh was cute,” you hummed.

He sat up and brushed his bangs out of his face. “I didn’t think you were.” He paused for a moment before softly speaking. “I think I smile often.” He was still thinking about your comment earlier. Zayne wasn’t the type to get self-conscious, but he cared about what you thought.

“Really?” you said, grinning, “I’ve never noticed.”

“Maybe it’s because you’re not particularly observant.”

“Hey!”

Zayne shook his head, reaching over to brush a stray piece of lint off of your shoulder. “Would you like to finish the movie?”

You blinked slightly and glanced over at the television screen, where the main characters were still staring lovingly into each other’s eyes. “I completely forgot about the movie,” you admitted before scratching your cheek. “I think we can finish it tomorrow, though.”

Zayne smirked. “Did you have another activity in mind?”

“Maybe,” you said, moving to pinch his cheek.

#love and deepspace tickling #ticklish!zayne #tickler!reader

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lucky-clover-gazette · 10 months

Text

The Big Picture

The Four Swords manga, adapted/retold using both canon and additional scenes, with a focus on Vio and Shadow's individual characters and ambiguous relationship.

Note: I have changed the tags on this fic to reflect the fact that it will be romantic. A slow burn, sure, with very Vidow-esque ambiguous closeness, but explicitly described as queer romantic attraction. At the end of the day I just really want to make the manga's subtext into text-text. Hope you'll stick around for more, but no hard feelings if you're no longer interested.

Chapter Two: Who Are You? (Part Two)

Zelda’s one-of-a-kind golden medallion clatters on the ground before them, causing everyone but Vio to gasp. Vio, meanwhile, keeps his eyes trained on the villain, unwilling to be distracted by his performance. He must have a weakness, a vulnerability he’s trying to hide, some reason for this amount of ridiculous posturing…

“If she behaves,” Shadow Link says, finally meeting Vio’s eyes straight-on, “I won’t mistreat her.”

A chill runs down Vio’s spine. Shadow Link’s smirk deepens, almost as if he can tell.

Read the rest on ao3 or under the cut:

Chapter Text

“Princess Zelda! Princess, are you all right?”

Shadow lets his body go slack, leaning against the throne room’s center platform. He keeps his head down as the Captain bursts inside, his attention likely drawn to the clawed curtains and knocked-over throne.

“Link!” the Captain shouts, immediately rushing over to Shadow’s side. “Son!”

Shadow keeps his eyes shut and expression neutral as the older man lifts him slightly. So much for caring about the curtains.

“What’s happened to you?” the Captain demands. “Did you try to fight alone again?”

An interesting question, Shadow thinks. And ironic, considering the real hero’s current state. If only you knew, old man…

“You fool!” the Captain shouts, pulling Shadow into a tighter embrace. Despite the harsh words, his voice holds no malice or blame. “Please, gods of Hyrule! Save my son!”

Shadow is growing tired of this charade. Surely the Captain is overcompensating out of guilt, blaming himself for his son’s weakness.

“Take my life but spare his!”

It’s a pathetic performance. Nobody actually cares this much for their creations. The Captain should be ashamed of Link for failing, not begging some higher power for his sorry life! He should berate the hero, express his disappointment for how badly his failure reflects on his creator.

Instead he simply pulls Shadow closer, tearfully pressing his head in the crook of the young man’s neck. To the Captain, it doesn’t seem to matter whether the hero is a failure or a fool. Shadow hopes they both die painfully and alone.

All in good time, he reassures himself.

“My, my,” he says, his slack expression turning to a smirk. “What a good father you are.”

And just like that he’s himself again, staring up at an old fool too stunned to even realize his mistake. “It’s so touching I could cry,” Shadow continues, and then plunges his claws into the man’s armored chest. His magic heats the metal to an unbearable degree, summoning black smoke that takes the Captain whole. His scream still echoes through the throne room as his empty armor clatters to the ground.

Shadow stands, brushes himself up, and chuckles above the Captain’s smoldering remains. Just as with Zelda, he isn’t dead—but he has met with a terrible fate nonetheless.

Shadow allows the lingering smoke to carry him across dimensions, standing proudly in the castle’s twisted reflection. The Captain lies at his feet, dazed and unprotected.

“Let me welcome you to the Dark World,” Shadow says, releasing a low chuckle. He stares down at the old man, radiating smug pleasure and disdain. “You fool.”

/////////////

Hyrule Castle is in ruins. A place Link once found beautiful now crumbles beneath Vio’s feet, littered with abandoned weapons and supernatural smoke licking the ground.

“All this, in one day?” Green asks, pausing to assess the damage.

“No!” Blue shouts, slamming his hand on a stone column. Vio turns swiftly and shushes him.

“It’s awfully quiet,” he says between gritted teeth. “Arcy said there were monsters here.”

The four proceed, keeping a circular defensive formation that totally isn’t awkward at all. Vio’s ear twitches at a nearby clang of metal, the unmistakable sound of a castle knight’s approach. For a second he considers lowering his weapon, and can already sense Red already doing so… but Vio isn’t that trustworthy. Nothing today has gone as expected, why should he expect anything different now?

Sure enough, a knight emerges from the shadows to meet the four. He is easily identifiable by the scarf on his shoulders and feather on his helmet.

“That’s Artura’s armor,” Green informs the others. “Father’s top knight!”

Yeah, genius, Vio wants to tell him. We know everything you know.

“Is he alive in there?” Green asks, “Or…?”

Artura slams down his claymore with such force that it breaks the stone beneath them. Vio side-hops just in time, narrowly avoiding damage.

“Is it a monster in disguise?” Green asks as the four resume their formation, standing tightly back-to-back-to-back-to-back. Two dozen knights enter the courtyard, surrounding them from all sides.

“They are knights of Hyrule!” their very perceptive leader exclaims in disbelief.

But not quite, Vio thinks, noticing the strange way the ‘knight’s’ eyes glow behind their helmets.

“No!” Red cries out, voice unsteady.

“Stop!” Vio commands the knights. “Wake up!” He can tell Green is looking at him questioningly, but unlike their leader, Vio feels no need to explain his every thought—especially when he could still be wrong.

The knights attack them from all sides, intimidating despite their predictability. Vio’s Four Sword—a one-handed broadsword—holds up surprisingly well against a knight’s claymore, undoubtedly benefitting from some kind of magical stat boost.

Out of the corner of his eye, he notices their leader holding back. “What are you doing, Green? Fight or they’ll cut you down!”

A bead of sweat rolls down Green’s face. “But what if they’re just being controlled? We know these guys! We trained together, ate together!”

Blue vaults over Green, releasing a mighty downward slash upon his opponent. “Well, they’re enemies now!” he growls, grabbing their leader by the tunic. “Do you want to die?”

Before Vio can agree with Blue, he hears Red’s loud whimper at his side. The knights have four swords of their own pointed at the guy, and Vio fears what would happen if he tried to get closer.

They’re cornered, Vio realizes, as his back hits the courtyard wall. They’ve been herded in this direction by the attacking forces. But why…?

Tak-tak-tak.

Vio furrows his brow. What the hell kind of shoes even make a noise like that?

Emerging from the shadows is Shadow Link himself, crossing his arms behind his back and keeping his head low. “Well, well…”

Vio’s eyes narrow as Shadow Link steps in full view. His red eyes meet Green’s as he lifts his hand, summoning a charge of magic smoke at his fingertip. “Your concern is quite pathetic,” he condescends. “They’re just my toys.”

All of the armor clatters to the ground at once, greyish smoke pouring from neck and arm holes. Vio looks from the smoldering shells to Shadow Link, unsurprised by the reveal but stern nonetheless. “You!”

Shadow Link only spares him a second’s glance before returning his attention to Green. This split-second’s dismissal may piss Vio off more than the entire swarm of knights attacking him moments before.

“You’re late,” Shadow Link says dryly, standing only a few feet away from the four. “I got tired of waiting.”

“What have you done with Princess Zelda?” Green demands, so easily taking the bait and playing the bleeding-heart hero. “Release the maidens!”

“The princess?” Shadow Link asks, keeping one hand on his hip as the other tosses a small metal object towards them. “Carrying her off was hard. She’s quite stubborn. Here.”

“If she behaves,” Shadow Link says, finally meeting Vio’s eyes straight-on, “I won’t mistreat her.”

A chill runs down Vio’s spine. Shadow Link’s smirk deepens, almost as if he can tell.

“But soon enough the darkness will win,” the villain continues, wistfully staring off into the distance, “and she’ll be one of us.”

Again, he looks to Green. He seems to understand which of them those words are most likely to hurt.

“Who are you?” Green asks, stepping slightly in front of the group. “One of Vaati’s minions?”

It’s very fast, but Vio sees it: a moment of genuine irritation on Shadow Link’s face. He recovers almost immediately, regaining his smug villainous persona, but not before revealing a hint of weakness to the only person actually paying attention.

“I told you,” Shadow Link chuckles, crossing his arms over his appropriately dark tunic. “I’m the hero, Link. I’m your shadow, your living reflection in the Dark World.”

This is first thing he’s said to really stop Vio in his tracks. A million questions race through his head, drowning each other out so that none are coherent at all.

Green, however, prefers to keep his questions simple. “What? My shadow?!”

Shadow Link preens at the invitation to explain. “The wind mage Vaati is awake, and blowing dark energy into this world. When he is completely reborn, the Dark World will replace yours.”

Vio’s frown deepens. He wish he knew more about the Dark World and its relationship to the light. They’re opposing elements, obviously, much like Shadow Link and the four heroes… although that’s not quite right, because Shadow Link is a subversion of the full hero, while Vio is an entirely new being informed by one-fourth of Link Prime’s original attributes.

So what does that make him to Shadow Link? Not a perfect opposite, nor a copy. If Shadow Link belongs to the Dark World, and Link Prime is the light… what does that suggest about Vio’s place in all this?

“Then noble Princess Zelda of the Hyrulean royal family will be offered as a sacrifice,” Shadow Link continues, swiftly disrupting Vio’s existential spiral. Well, Vio thinks with equal parts dread and relief, at least my place isn’t that.

“Never!” exclaims Green, pointing his weapon at Shadow Link. “I’ll beat the darkness with the power of the Four Sword!”

The shadow’s face goes blank at the threat of the blade, only for him to burst out laughing seconds later. “The Four Sword?” More laughter follows, and Vio rolls his eyes.

“Unfortunately for you,” Shadow Link says, regaining his composure, “darkness already taints that sword!” He points at the weapon in Green’s hand, completely unfazed by its proximity to his unarmored form. “It can’t beat me. Swing it and I’ve already won!”

For a second, Vio thinks he may be bluffing—but he truly can’t believe it possible for someone to have this much unfounded confidence.

Blue clearly disagrees, though, because he launches towards the villain with his own Four Sword aimed for the heart. “That’s ridiculous!”

Shadow Link brings his own sword in a downward slash, repelling Blue with such power that he’s thrust into the stone wall. Vio steps back slightly, unsettled by the deranged smile on the shade’s face.

“Now do you get it?” Shadow Link asks, motioning with his sword to Blue’s collapsed body. He groans as Red helps him to his feet. Green approaches Shadow Link while Vio hangs back behind them all.

“Wait!” Green says, “What happened to the people in the castle, and my father?”

Vio pictures the Captain in his memories. His father… but not mine?

“Oh…” Shadow Link says, like the cat who’s had the canary in a cage for the past twenty minutes but is still just super stoked about it. “Your father?”

Not his, either, Vio observes.

“I sent them all to the Dark World as one big happy family,” Shadow Link reveals, his voice especially disdainful during the final three words. “He was such a weak man. In the end, he bowed down and begged for his life. Over and over, he begged to be spared!”

Vio searches his memories for the man he knew to be his father. That can’t possibly be true. The Captain was far too noble, far too selfless, far too loyal to surrender and grovel to save his own skin.

If Link’s father had begged for a life, it would have been for his son’s. Period.

Shadow Link is a dirty fucking liar.

“You dirty liar!” Green shouts, charging at the villain with zero restraint. This time, Vio can’t even blame him. He notices his own fists clenched at his sides and releases them at once. If he wants to save himself, his friends, and his father, he needs to keep his cool.

“Whoops!” Shadow Link mocks, unnaturally extending his body so Green’s sword passes through a now-transparent middle. It should be impossible, and Vio has so many questions, but now is not the time to consider them.

Shadow Link returns to form and floats above the four, crossing his arms and legs as if lounging on an invisible chaise. “I told you it wouldn’t work against me.”

“Blast it!” Green shouts, and Vio wonders if the part of Link Prime that knew how to say ‘fuck’ went solely to him.

Shadow Link pans his gaze over them, then shakes his head in mock-pity. “Four fools, trying to save a doomed world.”

“You coward!” Blue shoots back, “Hiding in the shadows! Why don’t you make like one and fade away?”

Shadow Link’s eyes widen. His smile disappears as he smites Blue with a new kind of magic, straight from the blade of his sword, stunning him and sending him backwards again. The shade still floats, but no longer lounges—fangs gritted, he issues his warning:

“Don’t ever… mock the shadows.”

His eyes burn as he’s surrounded by unstable energy and dark smoke. “You think they’re weak and insubstantial!”

Despite his fear, Vio cocks his head. What? Who even said that?

“Do I look weak to you?!”

You do now, Vio thinks, trying to hide his relief at some sign of vulnerability. Maybe they have a chance, after all…

“Can’t you feel my strength?! Let me show you the power of darkness!”

Vio may know Shadow Link’s weakness—but knowledge, it turns out, is nothing compared to power. The villain’s blade releases another mighty arc of magic, stunning the four heroes and launching them across the courtyard. Vio remembers taking damage as Link Prime, but this is the first true pain he’s felt as himself. And it sucks.

Green stands on shaking legs, and in this state of pain Vio can’t help but admire him. Their leader may be dense, but he’s obviously the most heroic among them.

“Four Sword,” Green groans, “lend me your strength! Just as in legend, give us—”

“Don’t you get it?” Shadow Link laughs, his blade dragging against the floor as he walks over to Green. “It’s just a sword!” He stands above the hero as if he’s already won—which, Vio has to admit, he may be correct in assuming. “And you’re nothing. I’m the hero now!”

The villain raises his sword to land a finishing blow and Vio braces himself for impact. If Green dies here, his own death will be soon to follow. In a way, this comes almost as a relief—does he really want to exist in such a complicated, strange new form?

“What’s that?” Red asks, and Vio opens one eye. A tiny ball of light meets Shadow Link’s sword, stopping him from bringing it down on Green. No, not a ball of light—a fairy!

Shadow Link reacts to the creature like it’s radioactive, shielding his face and drawing back immediately. “Stop it!” he cries out, and Vio almost pities him—but not really, because that magic blast hurt.

The fairy encircles the four in light, rescuing them with the ring of a bell.

/////////////

Shadow Link is not having fun right now.

He massages his shaking wrist and pants on the courtyard’s cobblestone floor, mind still reeling from the fairy’s sudden attack. The pure light emanating from her body had been enough to completely disarm him, to allow the heroes to escape—all because of Shadow’s pathetic weakness.

“The Maidens…” he mutters, staring up at the stormy sky. “Even sealed, they must have some power.”

Thunder rumbles through the clouds, reminding him that the darkness is far from defeated. He’s still conquered the castle. He still freed Vaati. He hasn’t yet failed.

“How lucky for those fools!” Shadow chuckles raggedly, already mentally drafting the ‘good news/bad news’ e-mail to Vaati and Ganon. They’ll be mad, but there’s no way they can fully blame Shadow for his light sensitivity. Ganon is the one who created him from darkness, after all.

Light, Shadow thinks, staring down at his still-shaking hands. I hate the cursed light!

#four swords #fs #my writing #vidow #vio x shadow #vio link #shadow link

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chris-continues · 10 months

Text

Would you teach me?

In which Lilith Clawthorne becomes a mentor for a human who’d stumbled into the Boiling Isles.

WORD COUNT: 1.2K

EXTRA NOTES: Self insert (of myself), Lilith is a bookworm, I’m gonna write more of her because she’s literally me fr (we’re both history nerds and she’s very cool)

The winding corridors of the castle had taken some getting used to- Chris had to be given a mini map in the form of an orb he’d carried around, urged time and time again to never let anyone outside of the coven get ahold of. It floated above his palm, shifting with each movement he made. Better to focus on said item rather than the lingering looks he always got- having never received a coven uniform and instead cloaked in his… usual human clothes.

Very out of place.

Perhaps he could learn magic, as foolish as it seemed. Lilith hadn’t audibly entertained the idea, in fact ever since they’d met she’d been minimal comments and the kindest emotion she’d displayed was obedience towards the emperor.

His free hand reached towards the door, unlocking it with the key he held in his sleeve as he welcomed the sight of the fine room. As a coven leader, she’d been granted lesser inspections and fine luxuries. Tomes and novels lined a large bookshelf and her nightstand, a hot plate resting snugly in a crevice he eyed.

“Hello,” she curtly greeted, legs tucked criss cross with her back against the headboard of her bed. Her hands skimmed the pages of her book. Chris paused before closing the door behind him, briskly walking towards his own bed as he continued to toy with the orb.

“You hold a real fascination for that thing, hm.” She observed, flipping to the next page of her book.

“Yeah.” He swallowed, adjusting his position in bed once more. “Uh, Ms. Lilith?”

“Hm?” She hummed, thumb swiping at the corner of another page.

“Do you think I could learn magic?”

The question weighed heavy in the air as she peered up from her book, “Humans can’t practice magic, for now you’ll have to look for other ways to assist the emperor.” She declared.

Chris sighs.

He’d assumed as much.

He tilted his wrist, the orb following. “If only. Watching you do magic.. it’s really cool.” He admitted, and suddenly her interest was far more piqued.

“You think so?”

“Yeah! There’s a reason why you’re leader of the coven, right?” He shifted the orb once more, “How many years did it take you anyway?”

She cleared her throat, settling her: Eat, Sleep, History, Repeat bookmark into the page she was currently on. “Many. Many years of study- being a witch is a whole feat of itself.“ Ah, lecture mode.

“Could I watch you do magic? Just.. a small spell? And why can’t humans do spells?” Questions continued to tumble from his lips, curiosity building. The Boiling Isles were truly intriguing.

“Presumably, in ancient times witches could cast spells in ways differing from present times. Nowadays, there is a sack at the pericardium of a witch’s heart that holds fluid needed for magic.” Lilith explains, smoothing out her skirt. “That is something only a witch’s anatomy contains.” She concludes, brushing invisible dust off of the cover of her book as she snaps the hardcover shut (with care, of course). “Magic doesn’t simply appear out of nowhere, as most humans like to believe.” She sends a knowing glance up at Chris, quirking her eyebrow.

“I thought it came from like… ancient runes? Or something with power imbued somewhere.. like an energy source..?” He trails off, shrugging his shoulders. Magic wasn’t something he’d pondered a whole lot, the hustle and bustle of everyday life taking priority over whatever fantasy he’d conjured up for a story in his limited free time.

Now, he had all the time to think about it.

“That’s plausible.” She hums, “But alas, cardiac bile is what’s been powering witches as of present.”

Chris’ face hardens slightly,

“Ah! But I’m sure you could.. try?” Her hands are awkwardly midair in some frozen position of reassurance from across the room, “I’ve heard of more far fetched things occurring!” Her voice tapers off awkwardly, tinging into something out of her field.

“That’s plenty reassuring,” he rolls his shoulders, head tipping back, then side to side in a few resounding cracks that reverberate in the room. “Worst case scenario.. there are other things I can try to learn here. I don’t want to just sit around all day doing nothing.”

Lilith’s eyes flit down to the cover of her book once more that lay upon her lap. “That’s… understandable.”

Silence fell between them once more.

“But I’d love to help you in any way I can! And maybe I could learn magic somehow along the way.” Hope filled his eyes as she glanced over once more, hands on her knees moving to clasp each other softly.

“I suppose so.”

He looked so.. so youthful. Something she’d never really considered or given a second thought to.

So… like her. Back when she was just starting in magic. Her eyes cast down to her book, slight smile playing at her lips. A distant memory of when she’d been a young hopeful witch.

“Would you teach me?”

Her head snapped up, “What?”

He curled in on himself, wondering if he’d spoken out of line. “Ah- sorry.” Brows pinching as he took a peculiar interest in his socks rather than the witch across from him. What was he thinking? Some lady he’s barely known just shy of a few days teaching him magic? Something he was biologically not capable of- at least from what he knew. She was a respected leader here, he couldn’t just waltz in and add more to her plate-

“If you find a way, I’ll teach you.”

“Wait- really?” He gasped, hands tapping his knees excitedly, “You would?”

She nods, watching as Chris almost jumps out of his skin (in a good way), buzzing like a bee as his hands flap excitedly. “Could I do research? Like- if there’s a library? Or something like that- or your books, if you don’t mind, of course.” His hands move as he speaks, gaze expectantly meeting Lilith’s.

She raises an index finger in a signal to wait, “Feel free- don’t bend them though, or dog ear any pages, or-“

“Proper book etiquette, of course. I hate when people ruin books.” He frowns in understanding, “I’ll take care of them!”

“Good. May my books rest assured, then.” She hums, leaning back to continue reading, but not before sparing him a warning glance. It didn’t hold too much fire when the victim of said glance was brimming with anticipation on what was to come.

She exhaled, and to her mirth picked up from where she left off in her book.

#lilith clawthorne #chris writes #self insert #drabble #this is long for me #toh #toh lilith #lilith toh

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intcngbles · 2 years

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𝙵𝙸𝙻𝙴𝙳 𝚄𝙽𝙳𝙴𝚁 : 𝘷𝘩𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 #𝟦𝟥𝟩𝟪 .

the young female is reminiscing on an old memory that she had with her twin sister before diving into the events that changed her life forever.

within this confessional you'll hear about the traumatic events that resulted in her father's death as well as her beloved twin sister’s. this night was the night that sent the brunette down into a downward spiral, something she's never been able to get herself out of.

𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 : mentions of death.

she heaved a sigh as she stared into the camera in front of her. all she could think about was how silly she felt looking into a camera. why didn't her mother just send her to therapy like any other normal mother would do ? what could talking to a camera about one's feelings really amount too ? it was something eloise actually pondered on because she was so unsure of how this was going to help her in any way. the matter of fact here was, she was damaged & there wasn't a thing anyone could do to fix her. she had no desire to be fixed.

she gazed in the direction of the camera, shifting on her bed before she crossed her legs & got comfortable. could this really be so bad ? maybe it would end up being a good thing, to let out all of the emotions she had been holding on to for so long . . . the feelings that she had held onto because she didn't want to forget what it felt like to truly, hurt. because that's exactly what those feelings dwelled down too. she was simply, heartbroken. how could she not be ? she had lost her father to an awful shooting that took place in a small café that resulted in her father & twin sister's death. but eloise wasn't so sure what hurt most ? the feeling of losing her family or the feeling she felt the day she had to relive what it felt like to lose them all over again ?

eloise looked down at the list of questions that her mother had suggested she try to answer. the first one lingering in her mind as she stared blankly at the sheet of paper. 𝑯𝑶𝑾 𝑨𝑹𝑬 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑭𝑬𝑬𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑻𝑶𝑫��𝒀 ? she let a soft laugh escape her red toned lips as she thought of an answer to that brilliant question.

❛ i guess you could say i'm feeling tired today, ❜ she started off, licking her lips before running her fingers through her hair. ❛ i had another nightmare where the roles were reversed that day, instead of it being genevieve --- it was me. i woke up drenched in sweat, felt like i couldn't breath. but this time it was different, i really felt like i was shot in the neck. i woke up clenching my neck like i had actually been shot . . . ❜ the brunette started off, not really wanting to get too much into how she was feeling about that dream. so instead of continuing on with that question, she peered at the list of questions again, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth before choosing the next question to answer.

𝑯𝑶𝑾 𝑫𝑶 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑫𝑬𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑬 𝑨 𝑩𝑨𝑫 𝑫𝑨𝒀 𝑭𝑹𝑶𝑴 𝑨 𝑮𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑫𝑨𝒀 ? she pursed her lips together, trying to hold out from laughing at her mother's attempt at trying to get eloise to open up. she swallows the lump that was beginning to form in the back of her throat as she knew there would come a point in this video where she would have to speak on what happened to her family that day. BUT for now, she was going to focus on the questions that made her giggle, because why would she start with the worst questions ?

❛ normally i can tell when a day is going to start out good or when it's going to start out bad. normally if i have a bad dream & didn't get the best rest, that's usually when my day's end up being on the bad side. but if i can go a night where i'm not waking up screaming for my father & sister . . . it's bound to be a better day. no matter how i try to force myself to have good days --- i normally have more bad days than i do better days. you could say i'm a bit of a lost cause, but there are days where things are good. but not always. ❜ she admits with an inaudible sigh, but instead of choosing another silly question to answer, she takes a deep breath before reading the question aloud to herself.

𝑮𝑶 𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑶 𝑭𝑼𝑹𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑫𝑬𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑳 𝑶𝑵 𝑾𝑯𝑨𝑻 𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑷𝑬𝑵𝑬𝑫 𝑻𝑶 𝒀𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝑭𝑨𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹 & 𝑺𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑻 𝑨𝑭𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑵𝑶𝑶𝑵 . . . she could feel her hands begin to shake as her breath began to quicken. whenever she thought about what happened that afternoon, it sent her into an anxiety attack. but she had been working on ways to stop herself from putting herself into another attack. so she closed her eyes, took six deep breaths & imagined the day where she was happiest & took a final deep breath before opening her mouth to speak.

❛ it was like any other normal day. my sister genevieve & my father gus had gone on their usual sunday afternoon lunch. ever since we were little girls my father would take me out for lunch on saturday's & spend the day with me. but on sunday's he would do the same with my sister genevieve. i vaguely remember asking them not to go & to just stay home because i just . . . i had an awful feeling that something was going to happen. i never once thought that i was going to be right. ❜ she recalls, her eyes growing heavy as they began to well with tears. she took another deep breath, closing her eyes before quickly wiping the tears that rolled down her pale cheeks. she then nodded to herself & continued on with the events that unfolded that day.

❛ there was a waitress there who had just ended things with her husband. as she went to work, her now ex husband was planning a shooting spree for her place of work. he apparently had the if i can't have you no one can, mentality. so he went to her work that day with a few rounds & a shot gun . . . you can just about imagine what happened next. he shot random people that day, first his ex wife, than an old couple who were just there for coffee, an old lady who was celebrating her eightieth birthday --- & then he pointed his gun at my sister. my father got in the way of the gun shot, took the shot for her. but that didn't stop the shooter from shooting her next. my father died immediately but my sister was holding on for her life. she never made it to the hospital that day. she died in the ambulance. ❜ the brunette cried out, tears now rolling down her cheeks. she quickly turned the camera off, no longer wanting to speak on the events that happened that afternoon.

#― 𝙫𝙞𝙞 . filed under : › self paras.#now im sAD #horrorstalk

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