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deadsetobsessions · 4 months

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Okay, so maybe Tim has no business being in Bludhaven. Tim maintains that since his parents fail at parenting, he can do whatever he wants.

Besides, it's for a good cause. Like, not letting Tarantula get her dirty hands on his big brother in another time line. Tarantula had popped up in the Bludhaven servers - by that, Tim means the endless amounts of threads and underground fronts for criminal activity that he stalks on a regular basis- by being seen with Nightwing. Tim had immediately booked a ride to Bludhaven and bought another burner. He'd try to take care of her himself, but if worse comes to worse, he'd call Deathstroke. He's totally aware of the weird tension Deathstroke has with Nightwing and Tim's kind of banking on that.

Dick's been back in Blud for two months now, Jason having assuaged his mother hen tendencies enough for Dick to get sick of the Manor. Tim hadn't meant to follow since he had plenty of projects to work on now that "SAVE JASON" wasn't blaring at the top of his head.

But then Tarantula appeared and Tim saw red, remembering the way Dick spoke about her and what she did to him.

He bids the driver goodbye. The driver doesn't question his being on his lonesome mainly because 1) Gothamites mind their own busines, 2) Tim gave him a $500 tip to make sure he remains a "good" Gothamite cabbie, and 3) Tim made sure he was dropped off in the swankiest, most ostentatious hotel Bludhaven had to offer.

"Rich people," the cab driver had muttered as Tim closed the door. Perfect.

Tim got his keycard, having checked in under Alvin Draper over the phone. Normally, they'd require an in person visit, but money talks. And people listened when Tim had a lot of things to say.

Tim even feels like he's trained enough to go out! Lady Shiva's training was ingrained into his memory, and Tim's built enough muscle to make use of some of it. He is still nine, after all. He's so much stealthier this time around. Plus, he's got almost his full tool set back. Sure, some of the tech is ancient, but he managed to finagle it to make grappling guns and smoke pellets more along the quality that he's used to.

Tim waits until nightfall, looping the surveillance around his window to mask his exit. Tim adjusts his domino, eyes scanning the city skyline as his handheld computer (god, he can't believe he has to invent wrist computers) tracked reports of Nightwing through Tweetings.

Ah. He's around Seventh. Tim grimaces as his untested joints adjusts to the grappling guns. His dark clothes make him hard to spot, to his advantage as he tracks down Nightwing.

Tim watches, perched on an adjacent roof as Nightwing takes down a crowd of goons with the flips Tim remembered watching from afar and up close in another timeline.

"Blockbuster'll kill everyone you love, Nightwing!"

Tim winces at the rather brutal crunch that followed, Nightwing having punched the guy and knocked him out in one move. He watches Dick sigh, tugging at his hair in stress.

Tim could... no, no. He shouldn't think of murder as a first option. Well, no, he shouldn't think of Deathstroke as a first option. But he'll need to take Blockbuster out before anything happens. And he needs to threaten the new Tarantula before anything happens. He won't allow her to even get close to Dick.

Maybe it's unfair to punish her for a crime she hasn't done, but unlike murder, rape can never be defended. Catalina Flores is a dead woman walking.

Tim stalks his big brother back home and then broke off to begin his short reign of terror over Bludhaven's underground. If he can't get Dick to take a break (and Tim's tried, a lot, over the years) then he'll make sure that the next month is as gentle as possible on his older brother.

Step 1. Murder Take care of Blockbuster

Step 2. Threaten Catalina Flores and her brother.

No. Wait. Tim has a better idea. He's got dirt on them, on top of the murder thing. He'll fabricate Catalina's tax returns, embezzle a shit ton of money from the IRS, and get her and her corrupt brother (because getting your sister out from murder charges is considered corrupt) arrested and locked away. And he'll make sure they stay locked away with some good old blackmail on Amanda Waller.

Tim grins, tranquilizing the building with an ungodly amount of knock out gas pellets, to riffle through the police precinct's files.

Step 2. Threaten Catalina Flores and her brother.

Step 2. Cripple Catalina Flores and her brother with blackmail and the IRS.

In three hours, Tim has everything he needs to begin a temporary hostile takeover. He's got the names of local mob bosses, the big players, and the names of practically every police officer that takes bribes and their... sponsors.

He'll have to cut off Blockbuster's lines of supplies first. Then, blacklist him from local suppliers, mobilize the police precinct against him (by imitating his M.O. perfectly- Tim's not a fucking amateur- and pretending to rob the precinct blind), and then break his knees.

Step 3. Profit

Tim takes out his shiny new burner phone, enjoying the loud sounds of the police squawking through his planted bugs. He lounges on the building next to it, keeping an eye out for Nightwing just in case the man decides to respond to the crisis.

[Unknown: It's RR.]

[Deathstroke: New phone?]

[RR: Who dis?]

[Deathstroke: What?]

[RR: Nevermind. I'll give you forty thousand to shoot someone's knees out.]

[Deathstroke:... That's it? Who?]

[RR: Blockbuster. Bludhaven. Extra twenty thousand if you tell him he's got the spine of a sea slug, kick him in the balls, and post it on Tweeting.]

[Deathstroke: What did he do to you? Deal.]

Tim ignored Deathstroke's question.

[RR: Half sent. Confirm?]

[Deathstroke: Confirmed. Timeline?]

[RR: Three weeks. 21 days.]

[Deathstroke: Confirmed.]

----

Tim grins ferally, all teeth as Catalina Flores looked on in horror at her computer screen.

"Get out of Bludhaven, and don't come back. If you even think of going near Nightwing, I will rip what's left of your pathetic, sniveling swine of a brother apart. You will not enjoy the consequences."

Tim clicks off, watching Catalina and her brother launch themselves into mad packing. He tapped out a short message to Amanda Waller for her and her team to intercept them at the state lines. They'll never get away from Tim's fury. Never.

[Waller: It's done.]

[Waller: I will find you.]

[RR: You can definitely try, Waller. Good doing business with you.]

Tim can see the blood vessel the woman popped after he sent that last message. He laughs.

He saves Deathstroke's video from Tweeting onto his actual, spoofed phone. He destroys the burner phone, less shiny now that he's dragged it through two and a half weeks of breaking heads and terrorizing the Bludhaven Underground. Nightwing hadn't even gotten a whiff of his activities, this Dick being far less experienced and known in this version of Blud.

One more week and Tim can continue his other projects.

----

Nightwing, going about his vigilante business: wow it sure is peaceful

Feral Tim Drake, Nightwing's scary dog privilege: try me, bitch

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ddejavvu · 1 year

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Jake and big boobed pregnant reader him coming home and she still in her night gown and him turning the corner and seeing a pile of clothes"sweet heart whats wrong " and her giving him a look that could kill"you know what happens when you are growing a child in everything grows. Boobs grow they are huge and senstive and THEY HURT and it your fault " and you keep throwing clothes in different piles "how is this my fault "

"You and your damn breeding kink "

"You werent complain that night"

You throw a shirt at him that you both know he desvere (if this is too long ignore this part) him coming up behind you and massaging them while you lay your head on his chest"why do they have to grow " mumbling

this post is 18+, minors dni.

Jake typically gets home in time for dinner, but tonight he'd been held past midnight. It means that he's expecting you asleep when he gets home, not sitting topless on the edge of the bed with your face in your hands.

"Woah," He drawls, steps faltering in the doorway of your bedroom, "Darlin', what's the matter? And- where's your shirt?"

The questions have the same answer, and you point lazily to a pile of clothes discarded on the floor.

"And why are the tops in a heap on the floor?" He still doesn't understand, but the convictive tone he'd used doesn't sit right with you, and your head snaps up, eyes ablaze.

"Oh, you wanna know why everything's such a mess? Why the floor is dirty? Why I'm half-naked?!"

"Yes," He says, even if he knows he shouldn't, "That- it would be nice to have answers to all of those."

"It's because of you," You hiss, standing - chest still bare - to stalk towards him, an accusatory finger pointed at his own chest, "You and your stupid penis!"

"Ah," He retreats until his back hits the door, but still you follow, jabbing your finger into his chest, "Um, darlin', do you need bigger shirts?"

"My boobs can't fit in anything!" You gush miserably, "My shirts, your shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, nothing! I couldn't jam 'em into a trash bag if I tried, Jake, a trash bag!"

"Okay," He soothes, grabbing your wrists before you get the idea to strangle him, "Okay. Alright, listen. Let's go shopping tomorrow," He offers, reaching for a blanket to drape over your shoulders, "You can wear one of my brother's sweatshirts, I snagged one from him before I left home and he's a bigger size than I am. 'Should fit. But in the meantime, uh, I'll put away the clothes," He bargains, a placating smile on his face, "Sound good?"

You can't be mad at his offer; he's done everything right. But you still want to be grumpy, so you break away from him grumbling, "You and your damn breeding kink."

He bites back a smirk, bending over with his back to you so that he can mumble to himself, "Weren't complaining 'bout being bred that night, darlin'."

Two things happen in quick succession: You launch a shirt at Jake's head, and land a sharp smack to his denim-clad ass. He deserves both.

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auroravictorium · 1 year

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bejeweled (k.b.)

Summary: reader gets ready for a heist and shares a few sweet moments with kaz.

Pairing(s): kaz brekker and reader Word Count: ~2.2k Warnings: a bit of violence (mentions of prior stabbing), allusions to kaz's touch aversion, mentions of a near-death experience Genre: total fluff

Author's Note: the response to lavender haze has been SO AMAZING, thank you all so much for your notes and kind words <3 you do NOT have to read lavender haze before reading this, but these two can be read as part of a larger series that i'm working on if you so choose! the link to my grishaverse masterlist can be found here. please drop any requests you have in my inbox! happy reading loves <3

You fiddled nervously with the skirts of your dress, bunching up the silky fabric in your palms and releasing it. Scrunch, squeeze, release. Over and over until Inej slapped your hand. "You'll wrinkle the fabric," she told you, then returned to figuring out the best way to hide a knife in your hair. If anyone could do it, it was Inej. You aspired to be as collected and creatively armed as she was.

"Sorry," you muttered. You examined your outfit in the cracked, dirty mirror in front of you. You wore a gown nicer than any clothing you'd ever owned, clearly seized from a store along the Geldstraat. The material was soft and dyed a rich color that went beautifully with your skin tone. It was also very susceptible to creases, judging by the look Inej kept giving your nervous hands.

A few harsh tugs on your scalp later, Inej stepped back to admire her handiwork. The blade was thin and capped with a black sheath, making it look like an innocuous stick holding your bun together. It wouldn't do much damage, but it would be semi-useful if you lost access to the five other knives and the pistol strapped to you.

Three months after the disastrous job where you'd almost died after a nasty dagger to the chest, Kaz had tried to assign Nina to this mission. You argued that he couldn't keep you out of heists forever. After one tense standoff in front of the Crows and two hushed arguments in his room and an empty Club parlor, he'd reluctantly agreed to designate you for the task. The conditions? Jesper should not leave your side, and Kaz would kill him if you got injured again while partnered with him on a mission. You found that unfair, considering it hadn't been Jesper's fault you got stabbed in the first place, but you could only get so far arguing with Kaz. He'd forgive the sharpshooter eventually.

"Well, it'll have to do," Inej sighed. She caught your gaze in the mirror and rested her hands on your shoulders. "You'll be alright?"

"Not you too," you said, though you appreciated the concern. You'd heard it enough from Kaz in the past three months, and it was getting tiring.

"We're just worried about you." She squeezed your shoulders. "Especially him."

Heat rushed to your face, and you looked down at your hands and wrists, adorned with beautiful jewelry too glittery for your taste. You and Kaz hadn't told anyone about how he'd been waiting for you to wake up after the heist had gone wrong or how he'd bared his feelings to you as best he could. In fact, you thought you had continued with business as usual between the two of you. Aside from more lingering looks and brief moments spent together in your rooms, soaking in each other's company a few feet apart, nothing had really changed.

Her observation had only reminded you how nobody could hide anything from Inej.

Inej turned you around and squeezed your shoulders again. "I won't tell anyone," she told you. You lifted your head and looked her in the eyes. They were filled with sincerity, and she offered you a smile that matched the warmth in her eyes. "I think you're the only one he doesn't scowl at. It's refreshing to see a look on his face that doesn't indicate him plotting or mentally counting his kruge."

A laugh slipped past your lips before you could stop it. "Maybe I'll put in a good word for the rest of you. It would do him some good to stop scowling so much. I've heard that prevents wrinkles."

The day Kaz stopped frowning was the day hell froze over, and all of you knew it. Inej grinned and handed you the last piece of jewelry to complete your outfit: a glittering necklace that Kaz had swiped from an oblivious Dime Lion's pocket. "Can you get this on yourself? I need to help Nina in the Club."

"Yeah, of course." You smiled at her. "Thank you."

She ducked out of the room, and you turned back to the rusty old mirror. You almost didn't recognize your reflection. Never in your wildest dreams did you believe that you would get to wear a gown and jewelry like this and attend a party like tonight's. Though it was a facade designed to get an expensive set of Dekappel paintings for reselling (you assumed), you thought you looked... beautiful. Wildly overdressed for a potential combat situation if you got caught, yes, but beautiful. You polished up quite nicely.

You jumped when a pale reflection appeared in the mirror behind you and cursed. Whirling to face Kaz, you demanded, "Have you heard of knocking? Or making any noise?"

He smirked in amusement and nudged the door shut behind him with his cane. His eyes roamed you up and down, taking in the exquisite gown you wore and how it clung to your hips and fell gracefully to the floor like a silken waterfall.

As his eyes scanned your form, your breathing stuttered. There was no reason for you to feel exposed as you did right then, but you did, and you started to fidget with the necklace in your hands. Your face heated up again, and you prayed that he would stop looking at you like... that. You were losing focus on the assignment ahead. Instead, you were thinking about his eyes and that stupid smirk on his face.

"You look...beautiful," Kaz finally said, hesitating before choking the word out. Saints damn him. Why couldn't he offer a simple compliment without feeling like he needed to throw up? As soon as the word was out, his nausea receded, and he felt like he could breathe again.

You smiled, unaffected by his hesitation. You understood. "Thank you," you murmured, looking down at the hem of your gown. You turned and went back to fiddling with the necklace in front of the mirror.

With your back turned, Kaz took the opportunity to admire how the neckline fell around your shoulders, how the gown clung to the curve of your waist, and how the skirt spun around your legs as you turned from him. How absolutely perfect you were. All the little details that he had secretly let himself indulge in before you nearly died, he now admired openly. He embraced the way his heart pounded faster and leaped into his throat when you smiled. He made sure to savor every grin and laugh, and he would never take any of those things for granted again.

"I like the color," he added. He felt like he needed to make up for hesitating so clearly. He loathed himself for it. He saw you struggling with the necklace in the mirror and stepped forward. "Can I help?" His blood rushed in his ears as the words left his mouth, and it took every ounce of determination in his body to not yield to the terror starting to rise in him.

You looked up from the chain, catching his icy blue gaze in the mirror, seeing the genuine desire to help in them. "Okay," you said softly. You passed him the necklace, and he undid the chain with ease.

Slowly, he brought the necklace around your throat. He saw you swallow, the goosebumps spreading across the back of your neck. His gloved fingers brushed your skin as he clasped the necklace for you, and they lingered even after the jewelry had been fastened. His eyes fixated on the contrast of the metal against your skin, and he imagined how soft and warm you felt compared to it. For a moment, he let himself remain this close to you. He challenged the water rising around his chest, threatening to crush his lungs, and he brushed a few loose strands of hair away from your shoulder.

Before he could back away and bow to the tide trying to pull him under, he slipped off a glove and brushed that loose hair behind your ear. His fingers stayed there for a long moment. You sucked in a startled gasp but remained still, watching him close his eyes and try to battle the current. He could feel the warmth of your skin ghosting across his fingertips, and he clung to that feeling.

Warm. Near. Alive. All the things Jordie wasn't.

Kaz pulled away as his brother's name crossed his mind and pulled his glove back on. He gripped his cane so tightly that his knuckles ached. "No mourners," he said roughly. He took a few steps back, and self-hatred burned within him as the pressure on his chest lessened the moment there was space between the two of you. What kind of man was he if he couldn't stand close to the woman he cared about?

"No funerals," you whispered back. You smiled at him. He caught your glance one more time, expecting pity or sadness. Instead, he found pride. You were proud of him, and that realization startled him so much that his cool mask slipped. The knot of anger within his sternum loosened, and a ghost of a smile crossed his face. Then, adjusting his grip on his cane, he turned and made his way out of the room deliberately louder than when he came in.

You couldn't help but giggle and cling to that feeling of bliss as you worked through the heist without a hitch. Aside from a band member pressing too close for comfort and asking if you had anyone waiting for you, to which you responded with faux timidity, "I don't remember," and cursed Jesper for taking so long, it went perfectly.

"Your delivery, Boss," Jesper said proudly as the two of you swept into Kaz's office, pulling the canvases out of his jacket with a flourish and setting them on Kaz's desk. He bounced on his heels and waited for an acknowledgment. "Shall I take a bow for our excellent work?" he asked after a few moments of silence from Kaz, who finally looked up from some piece of parchment he was looking over.

"Well done," Kaz murmured, but his eyes flicked to you. He searched your face, then let his eyes run over your body. You realized he was checking for injuries and offered a reassuring smile. Nearly imperceptibly, his shoulders lost some of their tension. "Can you handle the door?" he asked Jesper.

Jesper sighed. "'Shouldn't you be at the door, Jesper? Can you handle the door, Jesper?'" Despite the mocking, he left without complaint and whistled as he strolled down the hall.

Kaz pretended he didn't hear the sarcasm and turned to you. "You're okay?" he prompted, analyzing your face more closely once the door closed.

"Perfectly unharmed," you confirmed. You started to remove your jewelry, intending to give it back. Maybe Kaz could pawn it and add the funds to the emergency reserve he pretended he didn't have. For someone so brilliant, that discolored brick in the wall wasn't the best hiding spot for thousands of kruge.

When you got to the necklace, you hesitated before removing it too. It reminded you of him, of the moment he trusted you enough to take off his glove and touch you. You didn't want to give it back.

"Keep it," Kaz said, seeing the hesitation written clearly across your features. "It suits you." He'd go to his grave before admitting to anyone other than you how much he enjoyed seeing it on you. He liked seeing you sparkle, and he also liked knowing that it made you happy. In the three months the two of you had been something, he realized that your happiness was a drug he could not get enough of. It was stronger and sweeter than any liquor, and he longed to protect it.

So damn the kruge he could get from selling the necklace. It was yours. It had been from the moment he'd seen it and swiped it for this heist.

Your hesitation dissipated upon hearing the sincerity in his words, and you pondered your response. "Only if you help me put it on sometimes," you said. A small smile curved your lips.

Kaz was silent for a moment, considering. In his opinion, and he was quite the business expert, this seemed fair. "Deal," he said. He gestured for you to sit in the chair across from his, and he passed you a book of his that you'd started reading.

As the night passed by and heavy rain started to pour over the city, the two of you sat in his office and basked in the success of the heist and the sheer comfort of each other's company. You shared your lingering glances and tiny smiles, and when you left his office in the early hours of the morning to finally get some sleep, the necklace back around your neck, you couldn't wipe the stupid smile off your face or the memory of his fingers brushing over your skin out of your mind.

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ratcash-wasgud · 4 months

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hi! i just came by your work last night, loved it! stayed up reading it! 11/10 *cheff kiss* Are you up for a petition? maybe another mizuxreader, perhaps villainxhero kinda situation. the reader could be one of the money/sex hungry affiliated with the white man (not a white men herself but like a lap dog of someone with higher power than Abijah Fowle). instead of mizu taking Fowler she takes the *reader*, keeps her alive and makes her speak 7u7 maybe scream. they end up helping each other in the end after much fighting. ofc adding some nsfw there pfff if that wasnt obvious.

hope you see this! lmfao

Omg, yes!! Genius. This set something ablaze inside me (especially since I love witty villain characters). I was thinking about making this a one shot tho, but if yall want a second part tell me, and i'll try. Try. Anyways, this'll be more lighthearted than my other works. Oh, and I'm sorry if this isn't how you imagined the story to go. I interpreted some of the originaly show's story, but mostly I just wen't along with what's the easiest to get my own story going, and I probably got some cannon info wrong too, but please don't yell at me lmao.

Btw!! I'm really glad i got a request!! So thank you! If anyone has any other ideas, I'd be glad to try and working with it!!

Okay, enjoy!!

ℕ𝕖𝕜𝕠 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕤𝕥.

When Mizu pulled up to tea with Heji Shindou, instead of the half-blad old guy, she was faced with you. Some woman in strange clothing. It seemed like it was a mix of western clothing, and some japanese casual wear. You even had your hair down, letting it flow freely. How unusual.

"Ah, the infamous samurai who is tearing through anyone in his way!" You say with a smirk on your face, opening up your arms. "Come, come. Oh, and I see you've bought a dog too." You add, looking smugly at Taigen.

"How dare-" He starts, but gets shut down by Mizu quickly, and the two follow you to sit down.

"So, I've heard you're after the white men, huh?" You say, not sitting on your knees, but sitting down criss-cross style. "Why? What is it that you're after? Money?" You ask, starting to pour some tea.

"I don't need things like that. I have a vow. I swore revenge." Mizu says simply. "And what is it that you need from me?"

"Oh, nada." You shrug. "I'm just willing to offer a deal." You shoot the both of them a smirk. "I'd love to have that fat bastard dead too! My loyalty isn't with him at all!" You say it like it's the most exciting thing ever. "You see, that sack of shit has everything in the world! Money, power, connections...and he's still complaining! Ha! Meaning, he doesn't deserve it." You say as you lift your tea and take a sip. "I, on the other hand, would take much better care of his privilages."

"So you want me to kill him so you can take his place?" Mizu asks, highly suspicious. She glances at Taigen, who is still giving you a dirty look for your comment from earlier.

"Yap." You nod, tossing down your cup. "Fowler wouldn't be an easy target, so without my help, you could already start planning your funeral." You say, but now a small dangerous glint appears in your eyes.

"And why should I trust you?" Mizu asks, her eyes narrowing at you, but your smirk doesn't falter.

"You shouldn't. Didn't you mother tell you not to trust strangers?" You say with a chuckle and Mizu rewards it with a small glare. A small, but cold one. "Still, it's up to you. Do you wanna kill that bastard so much you're willing to take the risk?"

"And how do we know this is not an ambush? That you won't just kill us if we say no?" Taigen cuts in, putting his hands on the table which you reward with your smile getting smugger.

"Oh, please." You put your hands up in defense. "You really think I'd waste weapons and men on you?" You say, looking him straight in the eye. "And besides, you won't say no." You look back at Mizu. "My deal has only benefits for you. You'll just have to gulp down some self respect."

Mizu raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" She can't deny, having someone close to Fowler himself helping her would be a huge positive, but...you just seem so sly. Like a cat.

"Ah, you see, I can get you inside Fowler's little residence." You stand up to pull of a blanket off a big barrel. "You'd fit inside quite well. You're a scrawny thing anyways." You say with a taunting smirk.

"It's a trap!" Taigen says to Mizu right away, but Mizu seems unfazed and steps closer. "How exactly would you get me inside?"

"Aw, I wanted that one to be a surprise." You say with a mock pout. "Fowler thinks I'm out getting a good deal on sake, and I kinda am." You take the barrel's to of, revealing that it's half full of sake. "I'd have you delivered right to his nose."

"You'd die." Taigen cuts in again, and Mizu can see your eye twitch at that.

"Could you shut your lil' pet up? The adults are talking." You say, your smirk disappearing.

"She's obviously untrustworthy!" Taigen draws his sword on a whim, but he's met with a revolver to his head right away.

"Don't try that shit with me." You say, tilting your head at him, but you then seel Mizu's blade at your nape. "Touché." You mutter.

"So what now?" You ask with a smirk breaking out on your face again. "Kill me and lose your only chance at killing the man you swore to slay down? Ha! Go on then." You say, glancing over at your shoulder at her, and you see Mizu tense up.

Suddenly, you feel a sharp pain in your head and you fall to the ground. Mizu hit you with the hilt of her blade, stripping you of your conciousness.

The next thing you see is a capmfire and a siluette around you. As you blink a lot to clear your vision, you notice Mizu and as you look down, ropes around you. She tied you up.

"So you didn't kill me after all." You say out loud, getting Mizu's attention. "The other guy? The one with a bald spot and a funny glare. The dog." You look around.

"Away." Mizu shrugs simply. It's the truth though, Ringo is away in a nearby town, getting supplements for the road, and she left Taigen with a promise of a later duel.

"So...What is you plan now, big bad samurai? Try and torture me into telling you shit? Ha!" You say, wriggling in the ropes.

"I'm planning to exchange you for information." Mizu says simply, staring at the campfire. "I'm sure Heji Shindo would like to have you back."

You grit your teeth. "That old fucker doesn't give a shit about anything but his money and his dick. I'm sure that power hungry bastard is happy I'm gone." You say, scoffing. "But go on, try." Suddenly, you realize something. "What did you do with my gun?" You ask in a hurry, trying to feel around at your hilt.

Suddenly, Mizu lifts your gun, holding it between two fingers. "This?" She asks, looking at you from the corner of her eyes.

"Don't you dare lose it! I want it back when you're done with me!" You stomp your foot as much as you can.

"You know, for someone talking so big earlier, you're quite pissy now." Mizu says, rolling her eyes and you huff in response.

Then...as you glanced back at the fire, you noticed a small pot, boiling. You tried to lift yourself to see what's in it, but the ropes didn't allowed you to.

"...if I starve to death, I'm just gonna be a waste, you know." You mumble under your nose, and Mizu snorts. She then reaches for the pot, and pours out some what seems like soup into a small bowl and she puts it beside you.

You stare at the bowl, your eye twitching. "I can't reach it." You say, your eyebrows creasing together and she just looks at you with a small, amused grin.

"Huh." She says, leaning back on her hands. "Really?" She taunts you. Oh, this woman is horrible. Fine, you think. In one swift motion, you move your leg as much as you're able, and kick the bowl, spilling it all on Mizu.

Mizu's eyes widen and she looks down on her clothes. "...oh, you little bitch." She hisses at you.

"Come, kill me then!" You stick out your tongue childishly.

"You know damn well I could!" Mizu huffs back, throwing the bowl at you.

"Ha-ha, your whole little quest depends on me!" You laugh right into her face and wriggle your legs. Mizu almost growls at you and suddenly she picks up your gun again, and holds it above the fire, threathening to drop it.

"No!" You yell out, and fall forward, and bite into her ankle. Mizu yanks her leg away with a hiss and reaches down to pull you up by your collar.

"Okay, what's your fucking deal?" She says from behind greitted teeth.

"What's yours?" You ask right back, snarling right back at her. "If you'd wanted to kill me, you'd have done it by now. So, want me to talk? Earn it!" You say, getting closer to her face, trying to stand your ground.

"The fuck you want?" Mizu tosses you away, and sits at a reasonable distance from you. "To have Fowler dead? Then just tell me how to get in, and where he is!"

"I want you to untie me, and hand me back my gun!" You demand, and lift your nose, refusing to look at her.

"What's so great about this gun anyways?" Mizu picks up the gun again and looks at it more closely. It's obviously a western gun with a leather grip and engravings along it's barrel in the form of some kind of bird.

You scoff in response. "That was my first gun. It's special." You say like it's the most obvious thing ever. "I will bring it with me when I finally travel aboard, away from this stuck-in-the-past land."

"Huh?" Mizu raises her eyebrows. "You wanna leave Japan? For what?" She asks mockingly.

"Because! This place isn't wide enough for my potential! After Fowler is out of the picture, I will visit take his money and go to London. Start a new life and all. I will really bloom there." You say, rolling onto your back. "People will understand me there."

Mizu narrows her eyes. "I don't think people in Japan are the problem, you're just a common lunatic." That earns a chuckle from you.

"Says the guy who is set out to kill four men he doesn't know shit about." You says, glancing at her, and Mizu can't help herself, cracks a smirk.

"You have guts to talk back to your captor, you know." She says and lifts her eyebrows in amusement. She glances up at the sky too. The stars are very bright tonight.

"You won't kill me." You say, tilting your head so that you're looking straight at her. It's just now that she notcied how nicely the stars reflect in your eyes. Your eyes now look calm, and they don't have any slyness, or mischief in them at the moment. "It wouldn't benefit you." You shrug. "And torturing me would be useless. Pain passes."

"Say," Mizu starts, looking back at the fire. "You said that you're not loyal to Fowler. So who are you loyal to?"

"Me." You say withouth hesitation. "The one who I want the best for and I trust the most is myself. I'm not loyal to any old, egostical bastard with money, like most people in this country are." Say say it with disgust. "I never was and never will be loyal to anyone else, but me."

Mizu scoffs. "What are you, a stray cat?" She asks with a hint of amusement as she looks down at you. "That just makes you even more untrustworty."

You scoff back. "Who said that I want to be trustwhorty?" You ask, rolling your eyes. "Plus, I'm free. Well, not yet, but I will be. And it's not like you can say the same."

Mizu can't help but snicker. "Is that it? Freedom? I'm free enough, thank you."

"Naaaaah." You shake your head. "You're tied down by your own revenge. It tells you where to go, what to see, what to feel...if I told you where's Fowler, you'd get going by tomorrow. Even if I told you you'd die, you'd still go. Not because you want to die, but because that's the only thing you know. Revenge and rage. You'd jump in the well if I said Fowler's at the bottom of it." You say boldly, and look her straight in the eyes before you smirk slyly.

"You think you know everything, huh?" Mizu frowns and gets up to you, grabbing you by the hair. "You know nothing of me. I need this. I will throw my life away if I have to, to finish what I've started, so I won't think twice about taking yours too."

"You're all talk about killing me. Deep down, you know you need me." You taunt her. "You won't find that bastard withouth me. I work under his arm, I could get you there soooo easily, but you're throwing it away because you get too emotional." Your smirk gets even more smug. You kinda look like a cat, Mizu notices again. A cat that has just pushed off something expensive off a shelf, breaking it, and knowing it too.

Mizu noticed that sometimes you force that smugness into your little smirks. She sees it because the corners of your lips twitch. In reality, you are scared of her, but you'd rather die than let her see that. She never met a woman like you. She doesn't know how you got to the place you are, but she respects it. And still, you kow she could take your life. You're tied up, tripped of your weapons and vulnerable, yet you still taunt her. You're very annoying but somehow she can't help but admire your bravery. But the moment you're cornerned into a corner, you hiss and scratch.

After that, she lets you go and walks to be at a good six and a half feet away from you before she lays down, and decides to sleep withouth another word. Not much time passes when Mizu stays sleepless, but she hears you snore. And for some reason, she can't help but smile. You breathe through your mouth when you sleep. It's kind of cute.

The next couple of days are spent with Mizu travelling with Ringo and Taigen, and she drags you along too. Literally. She drags you while you're tied up. During those days, you managed to talk to Ringo a lot. Most of the time he's the one who's assigned to watch over you, and it doesn't seem like he has even as much as a mean bone in his body. You could even call some of your conversations pleasent. The other two on the other hand...you sometimes talk to Mizu and you two always end up in a neck to neck situation. Mizu wants to get you to talk, but she hasn't hurt you yet. She just always threathens you, yells and curses. You just flat out insult her at every chance you get though. It's not because you hate her, persay, but because you find it funny. You're being held captive after all, you need to use every chance you get to have fun.

Currently, you are left alone for the first time in weeks, as the others left your outside of town while they get something done. When you're sure they're out of seeing and hearing range, you start to rub the ropes on your wrist against a bigger rock you've found, trying to "saw" through it. When that irritating thing finally snaps, and you begind to get yourself free, you suddenly hear a very menacing sound from behind.

"The fuck are you doing?" You turn your head and see Mizu, glaring and gripping her sword. Fuck, you think and as she charges at you. You quickly throw away the rest of your ropes, and dogde out of the way. You didn't got to where you are now withouth knowing how to stand your ground, and defending yourself...and knowing how to cheat, of course.

You jump to your feet and get behind Mizu, and with one swift, forward kick to her side, you don't just get her to grunt and almost fall, you also send your gun flying from her side. By now, you've learned that that's where she keeps it. You're still just happy she didn't outright get rid of it. As the gun slides on the cold ground, you jump after it while Mizu regains her composure, and finally obtain it once again.

"Yes!" You silently cheer to yourself and point the gun at Mizu, who just looks at you, her blade covering half her face.

You gulp. Do you really wanna fire at Mizu? Kill her even? You did kinda want to kill her and betray her at first, but now you're...not sure. Sure, she's an asshole but...over those days as being her captive, you learned some things about her...she's not as heartless and cold. She fed you herself, she managed to keep you safe, even if she kept you in robes, and she just wants revenge...she even kept your gun safe.

But you can't show weakness. That's not what you stand for, so you shoot, but aim at her leg. She dodges of course, and manages to pin you down with her blade at your neck, but your gun at her stomach.

You just stare at her eachother, panting, not sure who's gonna kill who first. Mizu stares into your eyes, seeing her own reflection in them. Suddenly she notices that familiar glint in them, and how you swallow while panting, and how nose moves when you take a deep breath...and she feels her stomach fluttering. With adrenaling flowing through her veins and her skin haven't feeling contact with someone else's for so long, she makes a decision. A quick, and a little foolish one.

She pushes her lips against yours, her eyes closing and her breathing speeding up even more. And to her biggest surprise...you kiss back right away. It's all happening so fast. One minute you're nearly killing eachother, and in the other, you're passionately making out with her hands under your clothes, feeling your skin with your weapons thrown to the side.

"Asshole. You fired at me." Mizu mumbles into the kiss, her hands firmly feeling up the skin on your sides, while you rin your hands down her spine.

"Dickhead. You kept me tied up for weeks." You mumble back, gently biting into her lower lip, which Mizu rewards with a small gasp. Suddenly, she feels your hands under her clothes too.

"I knew it." You whisper. "A man could never have a soul like yours." You say and pull her back into a kiss. You feel her knees between your legs, pushing at your core, and in response you squeeze one of her breasts. Mizu starts to get rid of your clothes one by one, and as she does that, you quickly strip her of her own too.

Mizu's slander fingers slowly travel to your slit, but as she does, you grip her wrist and stop her. "No." You mumble. "Not like this." You flip her over (not easily though, she fights back even now), and look down at her naked form, quickly throwing away her chest bindings too.

"Fuck..." You mumble as you carefully align your core with hers, your clits touching, and moving together with every breath. And as you start to move gently, holding yourself up on your hands next to her head, you can hear her moan. She grinds back against yours, your juices mixing together. Even in this moment, it's as if you're both fighting for dominance. You don't know when will Mizu just reach up and choke you to death, but honestly? That's the best part.

You feel her hands around you, one clawing at your back, the other on your jaw...then cheeks, then lips, then the last thing you know is that she's forcing a finger inside of your mouth while you quietly moan and bite down on it. In response you push harder against her, almost squishing her clit with yours, which end in a louder moan from both of you.

"Can't...can't fucking take it..." Mizu moans, pushing her finger deeper inside your mouth before she retreats it, and uses her other hand to pull on your hair instead.

"What? Gonna cum? Ha." You manage to murmur out, not being able to stop your hips, feeling yourself getting closer to the edge too.

"You...fucking wish...ah!" Mizu's whole body twitches as you angle yourself a little differently, giving a whole new sensation to both of you, making you bite into her shoulder while she grips a handful of your hair thightly. And with that, a louder, choked back moan escpaed from both of you...being in perfect balance with eachother, and reaching your climax at the same time.

You stay there, just quietly panting and laying there, on top of eachother in silence for a while. You ahve your face burried into Mizu's neck, basking in her scent while Mizu still has her hand in your hair, feeling it's texture against her cheek.

"...you gotta go through a tunnel." You mumble.

"What?" Mizu perk up, lifting your head by your hair to look into your eyes.

"To get into Fowler's castle. You gotta go through a tunnel that is like...twenty steps away from the road's end and is filled to the brim with traps." You mumble, having your eyes open only halfway. "You gotta head East after you leave the last small village before the forest."

Mizu takes all that in. Now she knows how to get there...now she knows everything. "So that's what it took you to talk? For me to fuck you?"

"I fucked you." You say with a huff and get off of her, putting your clothes back on. "Well, I guess you got what you wanted, and I'm free too." You say, not really sure why. There are no ropes holding you back anymore, so...íthis is your cue to leave, isn't it?

"Wait, where are you going?" Mizu sits up, looking after you.

"Back to Fowler." You shrug. "I'm still his right hand. He probably sent men to find me." You sigh as you finish dressing up. "See you...at the castle." You say, look at her above your shoulder.

"..." Mizu narrows her eyes. "Fuck you." She spits.

"Check." You put on that so familiar smug smirk and hold up a thumbs up. "Spare me a seat in the audience when you cut his head off." You wave as you start walking away.

"...like a fucking stray cat." Mizu sighs, and before you dissappear, the last thing she sees is your wink.

#bes mizu #bes x reader #blue eye samurai #blue eye samurai x reader #fanfiction #mizu fanfic #mizu x reader #blue eye samurai mizu #bes smut #oneshot #villain x hero

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adventuringblind · 3 months

Text

Let Me In, Please

Oscar Piastri x Reader

Genre: Angst, Mafia AU

Summary: Bodyguard Oscar knows something isn't right, he just wasn't expecting it to be so wrong.

Warnings: Implied r@pe, gun violence, depictions of self-harm

Notes: The request was for Enemies to Lovers, and I tried that... I'm not sure this meets your expectations, but I still hope you like it, Nonny!

Masterlist // Request Form // My Website // buy me a Ko-Fi

How could she have been so stupid? This was supposed to be safe ground. An area she knows like the back of her hand. All she had to do was walk down the street to Oscar's apartment.

She tried calling him, but he didn't answer. The anxious part of her mind thought the worst.

Yeah, he certainly got on her nerves sometimes. Worse than her brother at times, but he knew when to give her space. Their friendship has been long and drawn out, but he'd do anything for her. He'd made that much clear. Regardless of how she pushed him away.

So, she didn't push anymore, instead she pulled... him down to kiss her.

Most nights he's stay at her place. The dangers of having a brother who runs her father's legacy: everybody is watching for a weak point.

Carlos had been it for her. The one who raised her with the untimely passing of their parents. But then he got busy, so he stuck her with Oscar.

At the time she thought Carlos had just gotten tired of having his little sister around. She knows better now and doesn't lash out at the Aussie for something that isn't his fault.

One block to his apartment. The longest, most difficult walk of her life. Her body hurts, clothes ruined, and skin dirty from his hands. She had no idea who he was, just that her own place isn't safe anymore. Not since he knew her name and managed to completely shatter a window to get in.

She's a mess. The dark streets not helping her mind.

The stairs almost kill her. Her muscles ache from fighting, the bruises rub against her clothes in all the wrong ways.

She reaches the door but hesitates to knock. The sinister thoughts in her head don't want to leave her alone.

She fixes her appearance. A little less wrecked than she looked previously, maybe enough to pass off a nightmare and some stupid anxiety.

She knocks. Oscar answers, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He looks surprised to see her, but the sleepy smile shows her he isn't upset about it.

He pulls her inside and offers her a mug of hot chocolate. Her favorite concoction of his. It's a drug that soothes her aching soul from the mess she's created.

He takes a seat next to her on the couch. "So, what brings you here so late?"

"Nightmare... you didn't answer your phone so I thought maybe something happened." She avoids his gaze. Eye's studying her, determing if he should push for more information.

"You're brother would kill me if he knew you walked here alone."

"He would also kill you if he knew that we're dating."

"Fair point."

Oscar lends her his clothes to sleep in and tucks her into bed. He's still awake, watching over her dutifully, even as her mind drifts into the peacefulness of sleep.

♤♡◇♧

Oscar doesn't like to snoop. Well, sometimes it's fun, but not when he's investigating the apartment of someone he loves.

Something is off, and he's going to figure it out. Her restless slumber and nails digging into her skin only helped co fin his thoughts.

He'd dropped her with Carlos and went right to her apartment. Only to find the door left open and window shattered.

Why hadn't she told him someone had broken in? Unless it was worse than that... but that wouldn't make sense.

Suspicions confirmed, Oscar heads back to get his lover. Hopefully, not to pissed at her brother. Their one-sided arguments have been getting worse. Enough for him to see how it's exhausting her.

She wants her brother, and he sends her away. She tries to comfort him, and he pushes her away. Enough to get aggressive on a few occasions when he's particularly peeved.

It's been a half hour, so the damage can't be too bad. Oscar speeds his way to Carlos' office, where both of them should be. Anxious to make sure she doesn't feel the need to slip back into old habits.

Oscar and her have been through the ringer with each other. He's seen the worst parts of her and made it a point to love her regardless.

To strong for some, to weak for her brother. It's astounding how cruel people are when they are intimidated by someone. Oscar feels comfortable knowing she can put a bullet through a skull.

Even so, it's jarring when he finds the office door wide open. Carlos is pacing back and forth, ranting to himself in Spanish.

Oscar still knocks before he just waltz in unannounced. He'd rather not get shot. Thank you very much.

"Mr. Sainz?" Oscar doesn't flinch when Carlos whips around and jabs a finger in his direction.

"Don't you dare leave my sister alone again."

Okay, he's a bit taken aback at that. "Sir?"

"I've been notified one of my men was at her apartment last night." Carlos slaps a file of images on the desk.

Oscar has to grit his teeth. The story they depict makes his heart shatter and anger course through his veins.

"I want him dead."

"Understood sir."

He walks out of the office, shoulders squared. Nobody gets to mess with his girl like that.

♤♡◇♧

The cold tile against her body is oddly numbing. It's familiar, a home when her emotions get too much.

Carlos showed her the photos. It hurt enough to make her sick. The bile burning her throat at having to relive the events of last night. The yelling hadn't helped either. Another mess for her brother to clean up.

The blade lays discarded next to her. The blood from her thigh staining the pristine white floor. The sting makes it better. Deserved for causing such a problem. Neccecary for removing the tainted skin. At least what she can for now.

She bleeds away the sins others have committed against her.

The door opens. She doesn't look to see who it is. She already knows. He's wearing his work boots. The ones she's come to be familiar with through this position.

Despite the sleek black color. She can vaugley make out the spots of red.

It's intimate, in a way, how Oscar cleans the blood from both of them simultaneously. He scrubs it off his hands and disinfect her thighs. He uses gentle movements to bandage the deep wounds. Barely moving her in the process.

She hadn't even noticed she was crying. Not until he sits down with her. Careful not to touch her in a way she wouldn't like right now.

She breaks when he bleaches the tiles. The red disappears like it has never been there.

The choked sobs wrack her body. Silent scream, mourning something that was taken from her. The burning in her thighs is a solid reminder of the atrocities she's plauged her brother and Oscar with

Always the problem, never the solution.

"Can I hold you?" His soft voice doesn't help her tears.

"Why would you want to do that? I'm just another - I don't know - dirty problem for you and my brother to deal with?"

Oscar holds his hand out for her to take. She reaches for him hesitantly. She knows Oscar would never hurt her. Not when he shoots anyone who does.

"You are not dirty. You are not a problem. I may joke about it, but I wouldn't have anyone else making my days interesting like you do." Oscar places a soft kiss to the top of her head. "You're the best problem I could've asked for."

"But, I feel gross now." She chokes on her air, suffocating on the feeling of that man's hands on her skin.

"I know it'll be hard, but I also know that you are strong. I'll be there for you when you need me. When you need me to compliment you, when you need to sit in the shower and was away the feelings, hell, even if you punch something, just tell me. Though I'd prefer you not punch me."

"You're not going to leave?"

"Love, I'm your problem. You're stuck with me."

"I guess we can be problems together then."

"Nah, you're not a problem. Just the love of my life."

She rests her head on Oscar's shoulder, hands still intertwined. It's small, but comfortable for now.

She knows Oscar won't push her. He'll be there when she's ready.

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muwapsturniolo · 2 months

Text

✯Kill Bill✯

Summary: Y/n can’t bare to see Matt with anyone else

Warning: VERY HEAVY SUBJECTS ARE TALKED ABOUT!!! PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN ADVISORY!! talks about mental health, murder, guns, knives, trespassing, death, suicide. IF I FORGOT ANYTHING PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!

✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯

The faint humming of the flickering fluorescent lights clouds Y/n's ears as she shuffles through the supermarket. Her feet drag across the dirty tiles, her body movements sluggish. The smell of vegetables and meat filling up her nose as she walks.

"flour, eggs, milk. flour eggs milk." She chants to herself, her lips barely moving. As she walks towards the baking aisle, basket in hand, she sees a bundle of pink in her peripheral. She turns and her breath hitches.

A boquet of pink roses.

She stares at them, her mind swarming with the endless memories she's had with them. Her body stands motionless, the tunnel vision taking over.

“I got you these!”

“I’ve never received flowers before!”

Crash

“Shit, I’m so so-Y/n?” She’s snapped out of her thoughts by a voice that has haunted her for the past year now. She turns and sees her ex in full glory.

Matt.

She says nothing to him, the words that want to fall from her mouth getting stuck in her throat, choking her. He looks her up and down, noticing how beat she looks. Her eye bags are prominent, a clear indication she hasn’t slept in who knows how long. Her skin is dull, a vast contrast to how radiant she used to be. Her clothes are different as well, a pair of sweats and some crewneck that has bleach stains on it.

She doesn’t look ok.

“Hey…” She manages to mumbles out. He does his best to give her a genuine smile, but it’s more awkward than anything. They haven’t spoken since a week after the breakup, the last text being Matt telling her to leave him alone and go do something with her life.

“How are you?” He questions, not really knowing how to carry on with the conversation. He didn't plan on seeing her ever again.

“Fine…”

That’s a lie. She’s not fine.

She hasn’t been fine since the day he broke up with her. She fell into a deep depression, shutting everyone including her own family out. Her mental state got so bad, she had to go to an inpatient facility as well as therapy. They put her on medication and she still does therapy to this day.

Matt nods and looks around awkwardly. He notices the bouquet of pink roses next to her and he smiles a bit. “Do you remember when I bought you those for the first time?”

His words trigger her, her knuckles turning white as she clenches the shopping cart. “Yeah…I-I do.” Her voice cracks. Matt notices and sighs to himself.

Maybe he shouldn’t have brought that up.

He walks past her towards the bouquet, and instantly she catches a whiff of him.

Versace Eros.

The cologne she bought for him.

She remembers how she had to pick up a few extra shifts just to afford the fragrance. She was so happy when she was able to buy it for him, even more excited to see his expression when the gift was given.

He picks up the bouquet and turns to her, “Let me buy you these…for old times sake?” He doesn't know why he offered, maybe it was because he knew he did her wrong.

Immediate joy spreads through the girl's body. The serotonin rushing to her brain. She nods, a wide smile on her face.

Her cart is long forgotten as she follows him to the checkout, a pep in her step as she eagerly skips to the self-checkout.

That interaction was a week ago, and that leads us to now.

She stares at her phone, waiting for Matt to respond. She decided to text him, a simple “thank you for the roses, it truly meant a lot💕”

It’s been about twenty minutes since she sent the text and she received nothing, until her phone rang. She quickly picks up the phone seeing that it’s Matt, her voice giddy.

“Hey Ma-who the hell are you and why is my fiance buying you roses?”

Her heart plummets. The good mood she was in wiped away in an instant.

Fiance?

He’s getting married?

Why would he buy her flowers if he’s getting married? He still loves her, right? He bought her flowers as an apology right?

“Y/n I think you are dwelling too much on the past. There’s other men out there for you.”

She snaps back into reality, looking around the therapist's office in confusion. She was just in her living room, getting cussed out by Matt’s fiance.

How did she get here?

Her therapist sees the confused look on her face and sighs knowing what’s going on. “You don’t remember how you got here do you?” The girl shakes her head. “You dissociated…Again. I thought we were getting better Y/n.”

“I-I am! I’m making progress! I just-he bought me flowers and then I find out he’s engaged! It’s perfectly normal to be upset!”

“It is, but not for two weeks.”

She’s been out of it for two weeks? She doesn’t even remember going to work, eating, or even sleeping. Her therapist sets their clipboard down, leaning forward slightly. “He’s a trigger for you. He makes your mental state and life worse-No! He helps! He doesn’t make anything worse he makes it better!” She’s quick to try and defend Matt, not liking the way her therapist degrades him.

“Does he? He broken up with you on your anniversary, claiming that he can’t handle a relationship with you anymore. He left you at the restaurant, leaving you to get an Uber home. He took all your friends away from you. When you tried to talk it out with him, he proceeded to degrade you and make you fall into a deep depression that had you in a mental hospital.”

“I’m sorry for being so harsh but it is the truth. I don't think you should dwell on Matt... There's other men out there for you."

"I don't want other men, I want him." she thinks to herself.

The therapist sighs and takes off their glasses in frustration seeing that she's not responding. "are you still taking your medicati-where are you going?” The therapist watches as Y/n grabs her things and stands up. "I need to go," She ushers out of the office, dashing to her car.

she climbs in and stares straight ahead, her breathing ragged as her therapist's words circulate in her mind.

She slams her hands on the steering wheel and begins screaming, kicking her feet and flailing her limbs in rage.

“He’s wrong! He’s wrong! He loves me! He loves me! He lo-“

She stands in front of the door, the bouquet of decaying roses in her hand. She doesn’t know how she got here. She looks around her, taking in the view of the gorgeous neighborhood. She could see herself living here with Matt. A ring on her finger as their kids play in the yard. She turns back towards the door but movement through a window catches her attention. The sight in front of her broke her heart, filling her body with immense anger

Matt and his fiance by the kitchen sink. She’s washing the dishes as Matt hugs her from behind, kissing along her shoulder.

Her hand clenches the stems harder, the thorns digging into her palm, drawing the smallest amount of blood. Her breathing becomes ragged, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.

She snaps.

She tears the roses apart, the petals and stems flying around, landing on the doorstep. She stares at the mess she made, one thought running through her head.

She looks through the window and sees that the lovely couple is gone. Not thinking clearly, she opens the door and creeps inside. She looks around the home, taking in the decor. knick-nacks lay on tables and bookshelves, a couple of blankets strewn over the couches. The TV was on in the living room, playing an episode of Friends.

"Matt hates friends." She thinks to herself. As she went to turn it off, she came across a picture sitting on a side table.

It was a picture of Matt down on one knee, proposing to his current fiance. She reads the bottom of the photo and her heart breaks.

They were going to get married on Y/n's birthday.

She feels stinging in her eyes as she stares at the picture. She blinked quickly and realized she was crying. Was it because of the heartbreaking news she found out, or was it because she forgot to blink? She doesn't know and she doesn't get to find out.

"What the fuck?"

She turns around and sees the fiance looking at her in fright. She begins screaming at her, yelling for her to get out. Y/n is freaking out, she doesn't want Matt to see her. "Calm your fucking tits!" She seethes trying to get her to be quiet.

"Get the fuck out of my house!" The fiance grabs a kitchen knife and begins wielding it. Matt rushes down the stairs hearing the commotion, eyes wide when he sees the scene in front of him. He dashes towards his fiance, trying to get her to put the knife down so no one gets hurt. Y/n stands there, not knowing what to do.

She was so entranced by Matt, she didn't see his fiance breaking out of his hold and charging at her.

It all happened so fast, two bodies colliding and a loud bang being heard.

a body drops to floor, blood seeping out of their chest.

"K-Kayla?" Matt croaks out, a lump in his throat as he sees his lover lying on the floor. He drops to his knees, pleading for her to get up.

Y/n stands there, her ears ringing as she watches the scene in front of her. She sees how distraught Matt is over his fiance being dead, his cries gut-wrenching. She comes to the conclusion that has her seeing red.

Matt was a lost cause, he truly loved Kayla.

"What did you do?" He turns to the emotionless girl, a look of pure hatred in his eyes. He stands staggered and gets in her face,

" WHAT DID YOU DO?!?!"

He's beyond angry, his chest rising and falling harshly, spit flying out of his mouth as he yells. Y/n looks away from the dead body and at Matt, the blood splatter on her face shining in the kitchen light.

"T-That shot wasn't for her." She mutters softly.

Matt's heart drops to his stomach as he takes a step back,

"W-What?"

He watches as Y/n's grip on the gun tightens, raising it so it's pointed right at him. “P-put it down,” He weakly demands.

“I tried…I really did Matt,” her voice cracks as she shakily holds the gun to his temple. “I tried so hard to get over you, move on, but I loved you, I still love you! You moved on so quick! Getting engaged and having the nerve to get married on my birthday! You bought me flowers!”

It’s clear as day that she’s losing it, not thinking straight at all. Matt doesn’t know what to do, he could try and take the gun away from her, but she could end up killing him in the process. He decides to play his cards right, hoping he could make it out of this alive.

"I-I do love you, I never stopped." He lies through his teeth. The words tasted like vomit, scorching his tongue as easily as they rolled off. The grip on the gun becomes loose, her eyes wide with admiration. Matt sees this and keeps going, apologizing to his late fiance in his head.

"I hated being with Kayla... She was so demanding and she forced me to move away from Nick and Chris. I only proposed because she demanded me to. Why do you think I don't wear my ring?" Y/n looked at his hands and sure enough, there was no ring.

"I chose your birthday to get married on because I wanted to run away from the altar and be with you."

"Y-You want to be with me again?" She allows her arms to drop to the side, the gun still in her hand. Matt gulps as he nods, slowly inching forward towards her. His shaking hands grasp at her waist, pulling her close. "I do, I want to be with you so but- but what?" her tone is anxious. What's holding him back from being with her? " We need to report the murder to the authorities." Y/n quickly shakes her head, tears forming in her eyes. "N-No! Matt I can't!" he grabs her face, attempting to calm her down.

"Hey hey! Calm down! It will be fine! I-If we call now and you confess, and say it was self-defense, you won't be in jail for that long! I'll visit you every day! We can get married and have our kids just like we always planned!" He's in distress, saying any and everything to get her to agree.

Her mind is reeling, nothing making sense to her. She wants to believe him so bad, but something is telling her not to.

Matt can tell she's torn, so he does the only thing he can think of.

He presses his lips against hers, holding her waist tightly. The kiss becomes intense, both of them holding each other tightly but for different reasons.

Y/n held him tightly as if he would disappear, not wanting him to leave her again. Matt holding her tightly hoping she wouldn't hurt him.

She tugs at his shirt, pulling it over his head when a glimmer of silver catches her attention.

A silver engagement ring on a chain, around his neck.

He's a liar. He never planned on visiting her, he doesn't love her anymore. There was no second chapter for Matt and Y/n, this was truly the end of their story.

"I love you," her words are whispered, her lips pressing one last kiss to his as she raised the gun.

"Y/n what are you doing?" She aims the gun at his chest, specifically where his heart sits.

"If I can't have you, no one can." She sniffles and cocks the gun.

"I'm doing this for us."

BAM

Matt stumbles back, his hand immediately flying to his chest. He looks down and sees his own blood staining his hand. he back at her, beginning to choke and sputter on the dark liquid, before dropping to the ground, landing right next to Kayla.

Y/n watches with sad eyes, her heart heavy as Matt goes limp, the light draining from his eyes.

She never thought it would come to this, this isn't how their chapter was supposed to end. Her body is on autopilot, grabbing the phone from her pocket and dialing a number.

"911, what's your emergency?"

"I just killed my ex, it wasn't the best idea. I killed his girlfriend too....I don't know how I got here. I killed him..." She confesses, her eyes still on Matt's dead body.

"You killed your ex? Ma'am could you tell me your loc- I did it on no drugs, I did it all while being sober. I did it for us." her voice void of all emotion.

"Are you still armed?" The emergency call taker asks once hearing the cocking of a gun.

"I'd rather die and be in hell than be in jail without him."

Bam!

The gun falls to the floor as her body topples over.

"Hello?! Ma'am?!"

✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯

FIRST FIC FOR MUWAP WEEK! sorry to start it off with a dark fic but I really wanted to write something for this song and tbh, this wasn't even the original idea I had for it 😭 but yeah. like and comment plz! repost if you would like! the fic for tmrw will be,

✯ex for a reason ft chris sturniolo✯

TAGLIST🍑

@bernardsgf @bernardsleftbootycheek @blahbel668 @mattfrfr @gdsvhtwa @sturniolo-aali @lily-loves-struniolos @kynda-avery @causeidontlikeagoldrush

@st7rnioioss @carolinalikesthings @mattslolita @suyqa @xxloveralways14 @pepsiimaxx @judespoision

@ivonchetooo1239 @imaslut4kehlani @that-general-simp @m4stermindd @itzdarling @gigisworldsstuff @adoreindie @braindead4l @pettydollie @chrissgirlsstuff @alexis007 @ratatioulle @yamamasjumpercables @luv4kozume @sturnioloslurps @kqyslyho3 @mattslolita @j3tblackt3ars @ilovestarz @lustfulslxt @soimightlikeoldmen69 @tastesousweet @slut4sebastiansallow @whicked-hazlatwhore

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animehouse-moe · 11 months

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Mobile Suit Gundam - The Witch From Mercury S2 Episode 8: The End of Hope

So, last episode was violence on earth, and this episode is violence in space! What do we call that? A cycle! That's right. Good old Gundam, perpetuating violence through one sided fixations on the other's wrongdoings, which is perfectly personified through Shaddiq in this episode. Lots of stuff to talk about for sure!

This episode is interesting in that sense, it's less methodic and progress focused than the previous, almost catching you off guard as you shift from the norm towards combat. Regardless of that though, Shaddiq is a total piece of work through it all. It's pretty incredible.

The Earthian boy that allowed space to get to his head. Shaddiq was an orphan from Earth who worked his way up through Grassley to get a spot at Astacassia, and is now using it "to his advantage" to bring equality and power back to the hands of Earthians. What he doesn't, and will probably never realize, is that he's only serving to exacerbate it by perpetuating exactly what his adoptive forefathers did. In a terrible twist of fate, all Shaddiq is able to do is dirty the lives of others. He forces Guel to kill his own father to survive, he forces Miorine to dirty her hands because she doesn't want to be owned by Shaddiq, and he ruins the lives of such an innumerable amount of people that you can't begin to quantify it. All because he wants to bring peace and equality to Earth. But he can never understand his actions. He could never understand what it's like to kill your own father, what it's like to watch on as violence is incurred in your name. And this episode illustrates that incredible well, that Shaddiq is a Spacian, more than any of these other characters he despises, as his words completely betray him.

His entire existence is centered around his ability to bring their own lives back into the hands of Earthians, but he entirely misses the point. All he does is take advantage of. He takes, and takes, and takes some more, and offers nothing but hellfire and brimstone to the people that he wants to help. He brings oppression, violence, sanctions, all manner of terrible fates to the people he cares about, because the scope of his desire is so narrow. He wants to erase the past that he existed in, rather than focus on the future moving forward. In that sense, he plays a very solid second fiddle to Prospera (and raises up Guel even more, which I'll touch on later), as their foolish grasp on history blinds them to the atrocities that they commit in their names.

Just a quick little interlude here as the grounds of Astacassia are under attack during Guel and Shaddiq's fight. I thought this was a really great piece to appear in it. Miorine's tomato greenhouse was destroyed. Not by gundvolvas or even Norea herself, but someone defending Astacassia from her. What a sad, sad fate. A peaceful existence, quashed not by the enemy, but the people she might even call allies. Such a throwaway piece, but one that speaks to the boundless and senseless act of violence. To how inescapable it can be, to both sides of the conflict.

Anyways, back to Guel and his hubris. The sheer mockery that is his existence is palpable. "If you didn't get expelled from the school, if you didn't try to make things right and help out Plant Quetta during a terrorist attack, if you didn't try to thwart my plans, your father would still be alive, if you didn't fight to be a better person, my Miorine would still be clean.". Shaddiq embodies more selfishness than Guel could ever manage to muster in his existence. Even as the self-centered Holder of Astacassia, he could never stoop to the depths that Shaddiq inhabits.

And that's illustrated perfectly here. Shaddiq blames everybody around him for everything that has happened to him. Despite being the leading son of the Grassley House. Despite having the tools to change the world at his fingertips if he so wanted. He believes he needs to deliver power to the Earthians, through terror and violence that incurs the wrath of Spacians. Despite the peaceful approach that Gund-ARM desired, despite the wishes and fears of Guel, at each step he has refused to use his power, and relies on that of the group. He relies on their reactions to violence, he relies on the hatred of Spacians by the inhabitants of Earth. He only uses his power to take from those around him, and in turn drags them further into this abyss.

Then there's this moment. This line from Shaddiq. The sheer hubris of it is hilarious. And Guel destroys it right away.

The difference in wording speaks volumes. Shaddiq could only ever acknowledge what he's doing. He can sit and there and say, "I did some bad things for the sake of Earthians", and immediately, he absolves himself of it because of why he did it. Guel, on the other hand, chooses to carry that weight with him for the rest of his life. The inescapable burden of his father's death, of that girl dying in his arms, of his inaction and what it's led to. He refuses to justify his sins in the bigger picture. And that dissonance extends to the girls around Shaddiq, as they speak of "silver spoons" while piloting their top of the line Gundams, as they sortie from the incredibly exclusive and highly expensive Astacassia school ran by Spacians.

Then there's this last part from Guel is just outstanding. Given the context of Shaddiq and his crew being out for blood, Guel's effort in bringing in the Grassley House unharmed just further widens the ocean's width between the two characters. I especially love it because it speaks to exactly what I was saying so far about Shaddiq, and because it's Guel's version of the words that Suletta gave him.

And to finish off the Shaddiq content of this episode, we have Sarius. His forced passivity through this all, in concert with this comment, speak volumes to his feelings of it. He's lived through this before, he's experienced similar issues and challenges, and he knows where this path will lead to. But in the end, he remained powerless and oblivious to the plight of his son. It's rather depressing to see the resignation on his face at his failure in raising Shaddiq.

Now then, we can move onto Norea and Elan! What an interesting pair, I do think that Norea's character is a bit overblown than need be for he purpose, but there's still plenty of great moments. I really like how despite her hatred of mobile suits and Gundams, the only thing that she thinks she has left is to pilot them. Through her short life, all she could do at the end of it was fight, she could never find a way to run, to leave behind those feelings of hatred and resentment for the life that she was forced into.

And Elan can't help but intervene. The Elan that would only ever run away, only ever fight to preserve his own life, is drawn to Norea. Forced to pilot for the sake of others, relinquishing their chances at a normal life because of the selfishness of Spacians, the pair find common ground in losing their lives and passions to capitalist money machine that is the Benerit Group. I think it's a really great and emotional moment, to bring the puppet of a clone of Peil Technologies, and the child soldier of the Dawn of Fold together in their desire to flee their lives and discover something outside of their current existences. Sadly, this Elan has his chance, but Norea's fate has already been sealed due to her actions.

Finally, we arrive at the end of the conflict. A mass of rubble and bodies litter the ground from the conflict as we find Suletta on her own moving earth to try and help the people beneath it. I think it's a really important piece, both in regards to Suletta and the relations between Earthians and Spacians at Astacassia. Though they're meant to be cogs in the cycle of perpetuated violence and control, some of the students at this school have found ways to connect with one another past the boundaries of Earth and Space. Working together to defend Astacassia, or helping save injured students, or removing those trapped from the rubble. It speaks to the passion and desire to good that the Earthians aboard Astacassia have spread and infected those around them with. Alongside Suletta, they've broken the curse of Prospera's words, and in doing so, have helped free Suletta. Without Aerial, without her mother or Miorine or any of the other crutches that brought her this far, she remains in the dark, with bloodied and bruised hands, searching for life amidst the destruction.

It's an astoundingly good GWitch episode, and moves the characters forward in incredible ways. Shaddiq's hubris arrives at his doorstep as Guel find vindication in bringing him to justice, while Norea makes peace with the life that was stolen from her that Elan carries onwards, and Suletta and the Earth house continue their calling of peace and helping others even in spite of the atrocity that was committed in the name of their company.

The cycle of violence leaves nobody untouched, but it doesn't mean you must succumb to it. This episode speaks to that greatly. That you are justified in your hate and resentment for what life has done for you, but that you also hold the tools within your own hands to change that. To rally against it and make a difference, to speak out against those actions and to fight to find ways to break that cycle. Whether it's within the scope of the school you go to, or the whole of humanity.

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lilac-den · 5 months

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TSR Snippet - A Tired Day

Warning: Contains angsts and self-loathing for MC!

It's been three days since I lost them.

Two nights since I last had a good night's rest.

And merely an hour since the final day of the funeral was over.

The rain is heavy, the air is cold and everything just seems so...numb.

I stare at the doorknob in front of me, connected to my new apartment that Benefactor decided to give me as a gift.

"You don't have a place to live in, right? Just take up this one. Don't worry about rent. Consider this an investment."

I still don't get why ze wants to hire me. But I don't have much in me to question further, nor the choice to refuse the offer. The cops went and turned my old apartment into a crime scene and, because of it, the landlord blames me for the 'mess' and 'noisy ruckus' that she doesn't even let me grab my stuff to properly move out.

"Get out before you get more of my tenants killed!"

I finally gather enough energy to grasp the doorknob and twist it, swinging open the door.

The new apartment is brand new, which is surprising already. There's no odd smell or broken hinges, nor are the flooring and walls marred with past damages from previous tenants or residents.

Everyone would love this place.

I stop just before the flooring and begin pulling my feet out of their shoes.

"Welcome home, [Name]!"

I lift up my head.

But no one is there, no one waiting in front of me.

I squeeze my eyes shut and pinch the bridge of my nose. I must be imagining things.

Even lifting my feet feels so heavy as I take my first step in unfamiliar territory. I don't even make it to the couch. I simply let my body drop onto the floor and let the weight sink me against the wooden surface.

"[Name]! What are you doing?"

I lift my head slightly, eying a familiar pair of feet and legs.

"You shouldn't be sleeping here! Come on, get up. I'm bringing you to bed."

"No..." I wave her off. But her voice persists. I can even tell there's a pout on her somehow, like a faint presence with significant warmth.

"No, you're not going to sleep here!"

Hands wrap around my arm and in that brief moment, I feel bits of warmth. I move my hand to grasp for that warmth.

I only touch my own fingers.

I blink and find myself facing the empty space.

I could have sworn-

I close my eyes and refuse to let that thought go on. I prop myself up with my arms and exhaustively move off of the floor. Feeling particularly heavy, I look down at my clothes, heavily soaked from the rain outside.

Shower.

I close my eyes and sigh. I can imagine Maverick telling me with a stern gaze, more worried about me catching a cold than getting the floor dirty with my drenched self.

Then I laugh. I laugh and laugh and laugh as something warm and fresh run down my cheeks while my head tears apart with its wound, the pain my only source of relief in this bleak oblivion.

I make my way to where I believe the bathroom to be. It is a small apartment, fit for one person. The Benefactor has mentioned there to be two bathrooms - one for guests, the other a personal one.

I step into the bedroom, opting for the personal bathroom. I turn on the lights.

The bedroom isn't much, but it is at least furnished. A king's size bed, a bedroom closet, a window overlooking the night sky and a door of what I imagine to be the bathroom. The walls and floor are in cool colours; not too bright to hurt the eyes nor too dark to be absorbed by it.

It feels so big to stay here.

I continue my walk for the bathroom, my clothes already sticking against my body with its soaked embrace. In spite of my wet state, I move over to the bathroom sink and my face with the water in the hopes it was cold like the one in our previous apartment.

No surprise, it's warm. I raise my head to look at the mirror.

Enid's eyes stare back at me.

Guilt and pain consumes me and I headbutt against the mirror, a resounding crack echoing against the bathroom walls.

Something crimson runs down my face, around my nose and off my chin. My reflection stares back at me, my own eyes blazing.

Why?

Why did it have to be them?

It should have been you, I hear my voice. Whether that's reflection talking or me saying it...I can't even tell anymore.

But the heartache is still there, reminding me of all that I lost.

#TSR #Snippet #MC

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lostonehero · 7 days

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Hidden in plain sight

A short drabble on assassin Martin :)

"The clover has fallen." The dirty blonde hair woman crosses her arms seemingly readying herself for a monster.

A redheaded man in a stripped sweater with soft features stops and turns to face her. His face was soft splattered with freckles. His thick, framed glasses were pushed back on his face. His blue gray eyes narrowed as he frowned, raising a brow. "Lena sent you." He sighs, and the softness seems to drain out of his features. "I don't enjoy being interrupted on a job."

The woman tilts her head. "You're Blackwood?"

"I am." The man hums softly. "Have my orders changed?"

The dirty blonde haired woman hands over a letter. "I was told to deliver this to you in person."

Blackwood takes the letter and reads it slowly and shuts his eyes, and takes a deep breath. "Things have changed." He pauses. "Did she ever explain why?"

The woman shakes her head. "She said I would be your handler."

"I am able to read." Blackwood smiles sharp and sinister. "I shall inform you when I have to show my true colors to my now marks under my protection." He folds the letter back to, and he softens, becoming a stranger. "I already know who you are, Gwendolyn."

Gwen watches the large man disappear in a crowd stunned.

.....

Tim sighs, leaning against the doorframe. "Are you sure you're ok here? I've got a nice couch back at my apartment."

Martin smiles as he sits on the cot. "Im fine, Tim. Besides, what if I lead these worms to your place? That would be horrid, and you don't deserve that."

"Tim, don't even try. He already refused mine and Jon's offers. I even think Rosie offered, too." Sasha shakes her head. "I'm still going to get you a better blanket."

Martin smiles softly. "You're too kind."

"Goodnight, Martin." Tim frowns. "Seriously though, if you change your mind, my door is always open."

Sasha dragged Tim with her. "Stay safe Martin the weekend isn't forever."

Martin smiles until he hears the door shut, and he knows they left. Jon is in his office and won't bother him until he leaves at about 9 pm. Jonah won't watch him down here unless he causes damage. He reaches down and takes out a box, and opens it to reveal needles. He can use these worms as target practice until he hears Jon visit him, and then when Jon leaves, he can really start to train again. The tunnels are excellent to actually hone his skills.

.......

Gwen heard the creak of the yellow door too late because there was a distorted scream behind her and blood with colors that didn't make sense spilled on the table in front of her as Blackwood leaned back in his seat and sipped his tea.

A distorted voice growls, and the long hand with too many sharp angles tried to pull his impaled hand from the table. "What are you?"

Blackwood narrowed his gaze and sipped his tea. "I don't appreciate you going after my assigned to protect. You're a weak avatar of the distortion is still so focused on old wrongs done to you. Your little vendetta against a dead woman will lead to your undoing." He places his mug down. "You would have made a good ally if you weren't so wrapped up in your little plot."

Gwen knew better to look behind her at the monster. "Why protect me?"

"You are my handler, Gwen, and I do prefer you to Lena. I could make you hate me if I so desired, but you're still so new to this world. It would be unwise to ruin this relationship for my own amusement." Blackwood flicks his gaze to Micheal. "Learn to control yourself and not just feed if you truly want to go up against me. Just because I am young doesn't mean much when I know how to kill you."

Micheal seems to glitch as Blackwood removes the knife. "You're not human."

"I'm not an avatar either." Blackwood tilts his head. "Remember, Micheal, you either can join me, or I will be forced to kill you if you lay another hand on the ones I've been assigned to protect."

The yellow door creaks shut without another word.

Gwen crosses her arms. "Why ask me to come here?"

"A few reasons. One you might as well ask me questions, you deserve some answers that Lena won't give you. Two, I must warn you that your brother isn't entirely dead as Jonah uses his body. However, I do not know the full extent of how it works. Third again I rather like you as a handler, so I wish to keep you around." Blackwood picks up his mug. "This is also a lovely cafe. I enjoy the excuse to visit."

"I do have questions." Gwen pauses and sighs. "Will you answer truthfully?"

"I don't have a reason to lie to you." Blackwood takes another sip from his mug. "I understand the hesitation, but I can assure you, I've learned it's not optimal to lie to handlers."

Gwen nods and begins her questions.

#tmagp #tma #the magnus archives #martin blackwood #gwen bouchard

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princesssarisa · 19 days

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My Cinderella Tales From Around the World recap has gone out of order, because I forgot to make this post earlier today. I typed it out this morning, but I was so eager to move on to the English tales and read Geoffrey of Monmouth's King Leir that I forgot to change "Save draft" to "Post now."

The next Love Like Salt tales in Cinderella Tales from Around the World are from Belgium, France, Spain, and Portugal.

*The Belgian versions are very Cinderella-like for the most part. After being banished, the princess becomes a scullery maid in another castle, and she's often given a demeaning nickname, like "Slut-Sweeps-the-Oven" (Vuiltji-Vaegt-den-Oven – the English translation uses "slut" in the old-fashioned sense of "a dirty woman"), "Little Dirty-Skin" (Vuilvelleken), or "Ash-Blower" (Asschepoester), which is a Flemish version of the typical Dutch name for Cinderella.

**She also typically loses a shoe, or in the case of Slut-Sweeps-the-Oven, a shoe, a glove, and a ring, one item at each ball. Although oddly, in that particular tale, when each of those objects fit her, the prince and his mother still don't realize that she was the beautiful lady – just that she has remarkably pretty feet and hands for a dirty servant girl. But one day, some time after the third ball, she hears the queen give her son permission to marry the lady if he should find her, then offers to "fetch her," goes out, and comes back in her finery. Most other versions just follow Cinderella and have her marry the prince as soon as the shoe fits her.

**The older sisters' typical responses to the king's "How much do you love me?" are "as the pupils of my eyes," "as the sun," or "as my life." One version uses "bread" and "wine" like the Italian variants, though.

**One version combines the love tests with the archetypal "father goes on a journey and asks for gift requests" scenario. The king asks each daughter to chose a gift for him to bring back based on how much she loves him. The eldest asks for a golden spinning wheel, because her father is as precious as gold, the second asks for a silver gown because her father is as precious as silver, and the youngest asks for a lump of salt because her father is as precious as salt.

**One version even uses the recurring theme of the disguised princess being beaten and later alluding to it at the ball – a common feature of Cinderellas and Donkeyskins not seen in any other Love Like Salt so far – but the perpetrator is the prince's mother, not the prince himself.

**As implied above, the princess in these versions tends to be merely banished by her father, not ordered killed, and allowed to take her elegant dresses and jewels with her, which she hides in a hollow tree or other secret place until the balls.

**Two versions have her finery provided by a magical old woman, however: one who gives her a magic box to hide in a hollow tree, which will give her finery when she requests it (although the magic only lasts until midnight), and one more in the vein of Cinderella's fairy godmother, who turns a mousetrap into a coach, mice into horses, and matchsticks into footmen, then breathes on the princess's rags to turn them into finery.

*In two Belgian versions, however, the heroine doesn't go through a Cinderella story or get married. Instead, in one version, another king simply takes her in out of kindness, then invites her father to a feast with no salt some time later, while in another, she comes back to her own father's court disguised as a page boy and teaches the king his lesson by instructing the cook not to salt the food at a feast.

*The French versions strongly resemble either Cinderella or Donkeyskin too, as well as more strongly resembling King Lear in some cases than any other versions so far.

**In The Turkey Girl, the king doesn't just ask "How much do you love me?" but like Lear, divides his kingdom among his daughters based on their love. The older two both claim to love him "more than anything in the world," and when the youngest says "like salt," he orders her killed. But a devoted servant – a figure who's a bit like a cross between Shakespeare's Kent and the Fool – secretly disguises her as a peasant girl and finds work for her at another castle. Soon afterward, the elder daughters turn their father out, and the faithful servant finds a small farm where the two of them live. Meanwhile, the princess goes through a Cinderella story, attending three balls, fleeing at midnight, losing a shoe, etc. After she forgives her father, the prince's family overthrows the wicked sisters and restores the old king to his throne, and the servant is rewarded.

**In Marie the King's Daughter, the heroine doesn't claim to love her father like salt, but instead, more like Cordelia, claims to love him just as much as she "ought to love such a father." After being banished, she dresses in a donkey skin and becomes a goatherd. One day out in the fields she secretly puts on an elegant gown she's kept hidden, and a prince happens by, sees her, and falls in love. When she notices him she runs off, losing a shoe, and he finds her Cinderella-style. She then learns that her brother and sister (a rare difference from the usual two sisters) have dethroned their father and locked him in a dungeon, where he's gone mad. Marie insists that her prince wage war to overthrow her siblings, which he does, and Marie nurses the king back to health and sanity. Only then does she marry the prince.

**The third French version is The Dirty Shepherdess (La Pouilleuse), found in Andrew Lang's The Green Fairy Book. Here there are only two daughters, one who loves their father "as the apple of my eye" and one who loves him "as salt." After being banished, she dirties herself because no housewife would employ a servant girl who was too pretty (their husbands might have roving eyes, after all), and then finds work as a shepherdess. From there it plays out like Perrault's Donkeyskin: the prince sees her in her beautiful gown in the woods, falls ill, and asks for bread baked by the shepherdess, and she drops a ring into the dough, which fits only her. In the end her father comes to the wedding already knowing her identity and regretting having banished her, so they joyfully reunite before she uses the saltless meal to teach him what she meant.

*The book includes one variant from Spain, Xuanón del Cortezón, or "Johnny of the Bark." The princess claims to love her father "as bread loves salt," so a servant is ordered to kill her but lets her go. She disguises herself as boy and becomes a turkey herd, but when she's alone in the fields she changes into her own gowns, and one day the prince sees her. He claims to be sick and asks for "Xuanón the turkey boy" to bring him broth, and when "Xuanón" obeys, the prince admits he knows her true gender and proposes marriage. When her father comes to the wedding, he's served a loaf of bread made without any salt, and when he realizes his mistake and his daughter reveals her identity, he instantly dies of joy.

*In the one variant from Portugal, the two older sisters claim to love their father "better than the light of the sun" and "better than myself," while the youngest loves him "as food loves salt." After her banishment, she goes to work as a cook at another palace, but only cooks alone, wearing her own elegant clothes as she does so. One day she drops ring into a pie, the prince tries it on every lady of the court, and finds that it fits only her. She doesn't reveal her identity right away, but from then on the prince spies on her, and finally sees her in her princess gown. For their wedding, she insists on cooking the feast herself, and of course she invites her father and puts no salt in his food, leading to their reunion.

@ariel-seagull-wings, @adarkrainbow, @themousefromfantasyland

#cinderella #love like salt #fairy tale #variations #cinderella tales from around the world #heidi ann heiner #belgium #france #spain #portugal #tw: abuse #tw: murder

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lythea-creation · 1 month

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Expectations - Shams x fem reader (Chapter 2)

Previous Chapter

warnings: emotional abuse

word count: 1.002

------------------

I could not believe the piece of paper that was laying in front of me. I had gotten a B in my Biology test. Yeah, pretty ironic. Not even an A-, but a B.

For a short moment I buried my face in my hands, trying to regain my composure. Dad was going to kill me.

After class I was supposed to be at rehearsal, but I needed a moment to calm down first. Without thinking twice about it, I walked to the old bus.

Shams was not here yet.

The longer I had to wait for her, the more I was freaking out. By the time she arrived I was already a mess, forcing myself not to cry.

“(f/n), what happened?”, Shams worried as soon as she noticed my disheveled state.

I moved a bit to give her the chance to sit down next to me.

“I got a B”, I uttered breathlessly.

“Shit”, she cursed. “Is your dad home today?”

“Unfortunately”, I enlightened her. “You know how he acts. What am I supposed to do?”

“We could switch tests”, she offered. “I actually rocked this one for once. You'd only have to change the name.”

“Nah, he would notice. But thanks. And congrats.” I shot her a small smile.

She reciprocated the smile, but it vanished just as quickly as mine.

“Last time I had an A-, he ripped me off all my privileges. I don't think I can take not seeing you for so long again. I mean we would still meet at school, but I always have to pretend here”, I recalled. “Talking about it, I need to go to rehearsal for Tasneem's show.”

Before I could go Shams pulled me into a kiss. Thanks to the dirty windows nobody could see us after all. Too bad that I usually had to spend the breaks with Tasneem and the others.

“I'm gonna text you later, if my dad doesn't confiscate my phone”, I promised. “So you'll most likely not hear from me.”

Leaving the bus I buried my feelings deep inside of me and put on a smile. Honestly I was sick of acting, but it was the only chance to keep the life I had. And some aspects of it were definitely worth fighting for.

To my own surprise rehearsal was actually cheering me up as it was distracting me, needing all my focus.

But as soon as the music died down it all came crushing down on me again.

During the last lessons my anxiety was only increasing.

When I left the classroom I did not dare to look over at Shams because I would not be able to uphold my cover then, my perfect facade.

Back at home I did not know if I should be relieved or not when I noticed that my dad was making a phone call.

I placed my test on the table, where I was sure he would see. Then I hurried upstairs before his phone call ended. I could not tell him myself and definitely did not want to be around for his first reaction.

In my room I let myself fall onto my bed and hid under the sheets to ease my nerves, texting Shams.

Unfortunately she was not answering. Probably she was not home yet. So I tried the same with Omar instead, not telling him I was upset though. I just wanted to stop focusing on my situation and it worked. Omar could always make me laugh in a heartbeat.

“What are you laughing about?”, my dad questioned harshly. “Do you seriously think there's anything to laugh about?”

He ripped the blanket off of me.

I could not meet his eyes, but knew better than to stay on my bed. So I stood up in front of him.

“Is there anything you want to tell me about this?”, he inquired, pushing my test in my face.

I shook my head no.

“What's gotten into you? I thought we had an agreement”, he ranted.

“I'm sorry, dad”, I proclaimed. “I didn't mean to disappoint you again.”

“Disappoint me? This isn't even disappointing anymore. This is a disgrace! From now on I'm going to set some new rules”, he declared. “First of all give me your phone.”

I was smarter than to deny him. I handed my phone over without any resistance.

“Second rule: You come home immediately after school. No going over to Omar, no hanging out with any classmates, got it?”

Tears were pricking at my eyes at this rule. Nevertheless I nodded.

“Third rule: You're getting a tutor who's going to work with you after school until you go to bed. Nothing else but studying. Understood?”

I nodded once again.

“Use your words”, he demanded.

“Yes, I understand, dad”, I stated.

“You know what?”, he proposed, staring me right in the eyes. “Right now I'm glad your mom doesn't live to see you like this.”

With those words he turned around and left.

It felt like something was clawing at my chest, ripping me apart while taking my ability to breathe. I was not even sure what exactly I was feeling, only that it was unbearable.

My hand moved on its own, picking up the picture that was set up on my nightstand. A picture of my mom when she had been pregnant with me. A picture of the time she had still been alive and full of hope. A picture before my birth that had killed her.

It was strange to yearn for a person you did not know.

The picture in front of me appeared blurry as my tears were finally falling freely.

After crying and stressing out so much I was feeling utterly exhausted. I did not have the energy to pull me into my bed and instead just fell asleep on the ground, hoping that it had all just been a cruel nightmare.

---------------------

Next Chapter

So here we go! Just as I promised it all took a darker turn. What do you think about it?

Tag List: @sunwoniie

#al rawabi school for girls #shams x reader #female reader #lgbtqia #angst #romance #drama #emotional abuse

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muserolodex · 2 months

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youtube

(Ok, I want to talk about this scene... If you're unfamiliar with this, these six (silver guy there doesn't count in the official roster) are the kings of their small nations on a distant planet. Red/Gira is a boy who had to grow up fast, who stole the symbols of authority from a wicked king who was willing to let millions die in a prophesied war. Blue/Yanma is the president of a high-tech nation, who built the mechs they use, and who has always had to hold his head high so his people wouldn't see him cry.

Yellow/Himeno is the Queen of a land dedicated to beauty and medicine. She has encouraged people to "be a little selfish" when reaching for their own dreams.

Purple/Rita is the Supreme Justice of the land of Gokkan, where all law on the planet comes from. Up until this point, they have worn a high collar around their face to keep up the image of impartiality, but here Rita wears the collar down so their enemy can see their face.

Black/Kaguragi is the leader of the breadbasket of the world. He plays five-dimensional chess, forges dangerous alliances and works behind the scenes to ensure the best possible scenario.

White/Jeramie is the half-blooded king of the Bugnarok people from beneath the planet's surface, the enemy faction in the first half of the series. In the second half of the series, Red meets with Dugded Djardin, a cosmic being who makes different races on planets go to war because it amuses him. Dugded is basically god, and every time the Kingohgers thought they had him beat, he had an another ace up his sleeve.

There's been a plan in play for years to defeat Dugded, but it requires full cooperation by the royals and as Yanma put it an episode before "A million small miracles all lined up." In that next to last episode, the kings tried to enact a full evacuation plan, sending their people into space. However, Silver/Racules and the retainers of the Kings realized that if they did, they'd just be perpetuating the cycle. Dugded would find them again and make them his playthings once more. So instead of fleeing, the WHOLE POPULATION of the world returned to aid their kings in the final battle. Those who could fight, did. Those who couldn't fight, tended to their Kings' wounds. During this time, the Kings received aid from an unlikely place. The land of the dead opened its gates and offered up: 1) their parents, 2) one of the king's warriors who had long ago been killed and replaced by a shapeshifter, 3)the enemy general from the first half of the series and 4) The Very First King of the World. The civilians, soldiers and fallen ones bought the Kings the time they needed to rest and recuperate after having asteroids literally dropped on their heads. They are patched up, fed, and have gained a second wind and smiling. And Dugded can't understand why they're smiling and gives them the best straight line ever. "Just who the hell do you think you are?" Yanma steps up first, declaring that he's not going to bow to some false god. He will hold his head high and lead his people into the future, a future where mankind never needs fear the wrath of the gods. He leads his team of hackers, codecrackers and inventors back to the battle, making sure that his most loyal retainer can stand up. Himeno is next. She identifies herself as the "Unwilting Flower" and tells Dugded that her path is before her and she will stride down it, and makes it clear that he is just a speedbump on that path. Kaguragi's speech says "These people are my life. I will cross through any depth of mud and dirty my hands for their sake." And in this case, fighting Dugded, he doesn't just intend to dirty his hand, he intends to bloody them. Rita's speech mirrors one they made earlier in the series "The law is spear that can pierce the heart of a king, and a shield that can protect the populace. Even in the face of death and destruction, the law remains resolute, and I am the Law." Rita is leading an army of justices and criminals alike, because they all deserve the chance to live free of Dugded's influence. Jeramie says "I am the king of man, of Bugnarok and all that lies between. I am the great storyteller, and my story will continue, but yours will come to an end." And Gira demands for a god to "tremble in your boots for you face the true might of Shuggodam. We will take this world that you have been toying with and conquer it for ourselves." What follows this scene is almost twenty minutes of fighting where everyone gets a chance to shine, and then the million little miracles happen when the people grant their souls in service to their kings. This allows the Kingohger to fight Dugded on a cosmic scale, in a brawl that ends with Dugded being punched out of the universe, and the Kingohgers breaking his soul into six pieces with their swords. This is by far one of the best final henshin scenes in Super Sentai history because the buildup to this moment was phenomenal.)

#Kingohger #Super Sentai #This is why I love stuff like this #And always will #Youtube

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doxypsychlean · 2 years

Note

I’d like to request a fic where Daemon challenges the readers betrothed to a duel for her hand.

Boom! There you have it! Daemon's gonna kick some ass!

Clean Fight

Daemon Targaryen x Reader

Oneshot

Warnings: Explicit language, SA, death, gore, Lannister shithead is more of a pig than a lion.

Thou shan't repost/copy/ translate any of my work or I'll sneak into your home late at night and bite your nose off!

English isn't my first language. I don't proofread. I slap commas wherever I feel they're needed.

A/N: Round One- Fight! Had fun w this one, Daemon and Caraxes are such a menace, both individually and together. Not to mention that thing absolutely deserved it. I love creating disgusting characters and then killing them off in brutal ways sm :,)

The Rogue Prince sat in silence as he stared over at where you were sitting. He'd declined his brother's offer to join him on the Great Hunt, the need to stay behind so he could watch over you overpowering him. The old Lannister lord you sat next to laughed out, the sound reminding Daemon of a pig that had just had its throat sliced open. The fat lord even looked like one. A comically large upturned nose. Two small eyes, empty of any thought. Bald head with just a few blond hairs still clinging to it. He kept stuffing his face with duck breast, chewing with open mouth. It was his third or fourth serving, Daemon had lost count.

This plump old lord, your soon-to-be husband, was so enraptured by the magnificent meals being served that evening that he didn't even notice the disgusted look you gave him. But Daemon did.

Another arranged betrothal, all in the name of gold. You came from a smaller house that wasn't as well-off, due to a few prolific spendrifts; one of which was your own father. He found himself owing his future son-in-law quite a bit. So instead of paying back what he owed in gold, your father offered you in exchange. Unfortunately for you, the Lannister agreed.

"Just look at that face, Clarikk" The old man said to his companion as he squeezed your face with his dirty hand. "I might have lost some gold, but just look at what I got to make up for it..."

You were on the verge of tears. Ever since your father had handed you over to the Lannister, the perverted man hadn't kept his flithy paws off of you for more than few moments at a time. It was either a wandering hand on your behind or one on your thigh.

"...A young face and a maiden cunt to keep me warm" You squealed in horror as the degenerate's hand went under the table and found its way between your legs. He let another laugh.

"Lord Lannister!" A low voice said. "I strongly suggest you take your hands off the girl. It's quite obvious you disgust her."

"That it, boy? Let's see..." The man was so drunk, he didn't recognize the voice at first. "Is it true, you whore?"

You shook your head in disagreement, hands reaching to cover your face. You knew what men like this one were capable of, their recklessness and brutality growing with the amount of alcohol they'd consumed.

"See? She doesn't mind." The Lannister smirked, pulling you into his lap "And even if she did..."

"Let her go or I'll cut your fat little hands off."

"Do you even know who I am, boy?! Aye?!" Lord Lannister squealed.

"I don't give a shit about who you are. Let the girl go."

The old lord rose to his feet, throwing you off his lap. His dirty hand wrapped around your hair before you could make a run for it.

"Why don't you come and take her then, boy?"

You were too busy trying to pry your future husband's hand open to notice Daemon making his way towards the two of you. You found yourself being thrown to the side moments later, your midriff slamming into the wooden table.

The decrepit old lion was just about to unsheathe his sword when a high-pitched scream tore itself from his mouth. In the blink of an eye, Daemon had sliced his gut open, the man's intestines spilling down into a pile at his feet.

"Something wrong, old man?" Deamon was quick to grab him by the back of the neck. "Go on and pick your mess up. Now."

The Lannister fell to his knees, desperately trying to shove his intestines back in. He was weeping like a child.

"Mercy! Mercy!"

Daemon laughed whole-heartedly. He circled around the man and kicked his behind. The disgusting creature fell, dirt getting into his eyes.

"Why would I show you mercy, hm? Give me one reason."

"Please, my Prince! Mercy!" The old man cried out as he got on his hands and knees. His eyes were staring at the puddle of blood and urine below him.

A high-pitched growl came from above the man's head. Then clicking sounds. The people around gasped in horror, trying to put as much distance between them and the Blood Wyrm.

You were frozen in spot. You couldn't care less about the giant red beast that stood few feet away from you. As your hands tried to get your now disheveled hair away from your eyes, Daemon turned to you.

"My lady. I leave it to you to decide."

Your future husband's attention had turned to you as well. He tried to crawl his way to you, but Caraxes stopped him. The dragon hissed, successful in getting the disgusting thing that crawled around on the ground to stop moving.

It didn't take you much time to make up your mind. You nodded, a wicked smile taking the place of the frightened look you had on your face before. Daemon smiled back.

"Dracarys."

That's all Caraxes needed to hear. The beast took a breath in, savoring the smell of blood and fear. Then came the fire.

The Lannister could only scream as he was getting scorched to death. It all lasted a few seconds, but for you it felt like hours of pure bliss. At last, you were free...

#daemon targaryen #daemon x reader #the rogue prince #caraxes #hotd fanfic #hotd one shot #house of the dragon #dance of dragons

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baileys-3 · 4 months

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CHAPTER 18 NOW ONLINE on AO3

Sneak Peak:

As Tim stands in Lucy's bathroom taking off his jeans, he's still not quite sure whether he's embarrassed by the whole situation or whether he should see it as a new sexual experience. God, how could this happen? How could the whole situation turn into this? How could he lose control like that? How could dry humping be so ... intense? Fuck.

Next, he takes off his boxers and then stands there thinking about what to do with the ... dirty underwear and jeans. Rinsing them would probably be best.

His bag that Lucy retrieved for him from his truck is lying next to the bathtub. He obviously couldn't go himself. Once again, he is glad that he has made a habit of always having spare clothes with him. Whether at work or at home. An old habit that has paid off several times. Although never for this reason.

He starts to clean both items of clothing in the sink as best he can and then hangs them over the bathtub to dry. He finds a towel and a washcloth in a small cabinet. Lucy told him to make himself home and take whatever he needs. Lucy's soap has a citrusy scent. It could have been worse. She could have had a soap that smells of jasmine or roses or some other feminine scent. Citrusy is absolutely fine, it’s good even.

He splashes cold water on his face because that certainly won’t do any harm. He rummages quickly through his bag, though he doesn't have many options. He puts on new boxer shorts and then chooses to wear the dark blue sweatpants instead of jeans because they are more comfortable.

As he opens the door and enters the living room, he finds Lucy sitting in the middle of the couch, her legs crossed, holding a cup of tea and sipping it. The baseball game's last inning is playing on the television. He takes a quick look at the screen and realizes that the Dodgers have thankfully extended their lead and are now ahead by three points.

Lucy turns her head, offering a smile as he approaches. In just a few steps, he joins her and takes a seat. Lifting one knee, he lets the other foot dangle off the couch, positioning himself directly behind her, wrapping his arms around her. She leans back, snuggling comfortably against him, prompting a smile from him. Lucy's couch proves to be more comfortable and softer than his own at home, with a fabric cover compared to his leather-clad one. He contemplates how the contrast in their choice of couches reflects their distinct personalities yet acknowledges the magnetic pull that has always drawn them to each other.

She takes another sip of her tea. How many gallons has she consumed by now?

"Well, I suppose I'll have pancakes for breakfast tomorrow?" she remarks.

Unable to contain himself, he emits a brief, hearty laugh. "Yeah."

They sit there like that comfortably watching the rest of the game. At some point, Lucy places her mug on the table, and he puts his hand under her top, resting it on her stomach. He begins to draw slow circles on her skin, since he knows that the warmth and light pressure from his hands and circular motions can be soothing for stomach pains. He notices that Lucy snuggles up and relaxes a little more to him.

Lucy is the first to interrupt the comfortable silence between them. "I've got the night shift from Monday."

He's aware of that, obviously, because he's always familiar with her schedule. This has been the case ever since she was his rookie.

"I know that, for three days" he remarks.

"No. For five."

Damn it. Three days of nightshift bad enough already because he's on the day shift. This results in them working opposing schedules, and during those three days, the most they encounter each other is during shift changes at work. Even then, their interactions are limited to the station, where they must be cautious about their words, and physical contact is not possible. But five days? Five days will kill him. He already knows that.

#chenford #lucy chen #the rookie #tim bradford #tim bradford x lucy chen #chenford fanfic #archive of our own #tim x lucy #chenford fic #chenfordsource #lucy x tim #lucy and tim #ao3 link

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tanmono · 1 year

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GILBERT VON OBSIDIAN MAIN ROUTE....

CHAPTER SIX.

translations are not 100% accurate. expect mistakes.

minors and ageless blogs dni.

At dusk, the court was enveloped in an ominous red that seemed to be smeared with blood.

The corridors which are the culmination of craftsmanship and the beautiful roses displayed in the windows are without doubt dyed in red.

The disgusting palpitations did not stop.

Gilbert:….Little rabbit.

Emma: Yes, what’s wrong?

Prince Gilbert, who offered to take me to Prince Chevalier — he looks down at me suspiciously without stopping.

Gilbert: Is there anything you want to say to me?

Emma: No, not particularly.

Gilbert: Hmm?

Having said that, Prince Gilbert looks forward again.

(I wonder what it was.)

(Uh…wait.)

Suddenly I felt as if my legs were getting faster.

(Why is it that only today .....!)

It's fast enough to realize that i’ve been walking with the same stride until now.

My bandaged leg ached, though it was hidden by my long skirt.

Emma: Prince Gilbert—

Gilbert: Is there anything you want to say to me?

The same question is repeated once more.

(I wonder. You just want me to spill the beans from my own mouth….)

Emma:… I’m tired.

I know that he hates lying, so I moisten him with safe words.

Finally, Prince Gilbert stopped and for some reason spread his arms wide open.

Gilbert: Then I'll carry you.

(That’s your objective?!)

Emma: .....I'll do my best to walk.

Gilbert: You don’t learn, do you?

Gilbert: Would you rather be carried or forced?

Emma: I'm kinda embarrassed to be carried, so...

Gilbert: Haha, I'm not going to stop because you're so funny.

Unfortunately, Prince Gilbert seems to have been serious and lightly hugs me to his side, which does not suit his slender physique.

Emma: Please, I don't want to be a nuisance to Prince Gilbert—!

Gilbert: If it's a nuisance, I would have killed you, so it's okay.

(What's okay?!)

Gilbert: I’ll drop you if you get violent, so you're gonna do what I say, all right?

Emma: ……

I felt he meant what he said, so I stopped resisting.

(I wonder if this is another one of his traps to isolate me.)

Gilbert: Oh, hold this cane, it's in the way.

When I grasped this long fancy cane given to me by Prince Gilbert, I was surprised at how heavy it felt.

Emma: It’s heavy….

Gilbert: There are times when I hit people with it.

Emma:…..Is there something in this?

(Prince Gilbert doesn't have a sword, so there’s no way—)

Gilbert: Hehe, secret.

(I have to add one more thing to report to Prince Chevalier.)

The place where I was carried quietly with my heart empty was the Rose Garden.

There is a shadow of a person in the garden wrapped in fresh roses that symbolize rhodolite.

Emma: Prince Chevalier—

(…..)

It is only when I get closer that I realize that Prince Chevalier is standing in a pool of blood.

There was a man lying at his feet being carried away by knights of the foreign factions.

(What....... just happened?)

The usually clean white cloak and Prince Chevalier's beautiful blonde hair are covered with red.

The way that trickles down from the sword in his grasp ripple across the red swamp.

It was such a cruel sight that I couldn't help but hold my mouth with my hands, which was far from everyday life.

My blood starts to get cold and my eyes grow dark.

Gilbert: How are you feeling, little rabbit?

Emma: …..I’m….fine….

Gilbert: Really? Well, it's not something to force yourself to see. It's dirty. Let's not go near it.

(He seems like it’s not a big deal to him.)

Prince Gilbert, who was still holding me, stopped in his tracks.

???: Well well, Lord Gilbert. You are a little too much of a bully, aren't you?

(Ah..)

It was Prince Clavis who appeared from behind the pavilion — backlit by the setting sun, and I can't see the expression on his face.

Clavis: To think you’ve brought yourself to a place like this.

Gilbert: Haha, I only brought her here because she said she was looking for Chevalier.

Clavis: Well, how did you know my brother was here?

Gilbert: I saw Chevalier a while ago.

Chevalier:…….

Without uttering a single word, Prince Chevalier wipes off the blood and sheaths his sword.

His cold eyes are devoid of any emotion.

Emma: What……had happened?

My voice that finally spoke was trembling pathetically.

Clavis: It's no big deal. Just the usual pleasantries.

Emma: Pleasantries….?

Clavis: Chevalier is a genius who picks fights in many ways among the eight princes, isn't he?

Clavis: So much that everyone is eager to have his head.

Clavis: I can't help it if he deserves it, haha!

(...... So you're saying this guy is an assassin sent to Prince Chevalier?)

I was horrified by the "everyday differences" I know.

Gilbert: It's a classic example of what happens when things are handled rationally.

Emma: What do you mean?

Gilbert: For example, how do you feel when your loved one has to die for his country?

Gilbert: Is it clear that it can't be helped? Human beings are not so easy.

Gilbert: But he does it without hesitation. That's why he's such a cruel and merciless beast.

Gilbert: He has no hesitation in killing people. As Belle, you have one more insight, haven't you?

(He’s just like Prince Gilbert….)

Gilbert: Chevalier, little rabbit wanted to see you.

Chevalier:…….

His eyes of the icy blue, which has lost its temperature, are now focusing on me – there was a strange tension between us.

Emma:....You seem to be busy, so I'll come back another day.

Chevalier:………

Prince Chevalier left as if he had lost interest in everything.

He didn't seem to have anything on his mind, and his blood-stained back looked like a "beast" just like Prince Gilbert.

(I'm supposed to be a reliable ally, but... I'm shaking.)

(So that's what "cruel and merciless" means.)

The unfamiliar sight was shocking, but— The first thing that comes to mind is Prince Chevalier would say, "I'm at a loss for words that I don't think anything of."

━━FLASHBACK━━

Gilbert: What should I do, little rabbit? Kill him?

Emma: Don’t do that!

Gilbert: Why?

Emma: Because... no one has the right to kill people. // Because…. killing won’t solve everything.

━━FLASHBACK ENDS━━

(….The royal court may be a world where you can't say such things.)

I took shallow breaths to avoid the smell of blood as much as possible.

Prince Clavis stood in front of me as if to block my view.

Clavis: I have to apologize for showing the lady what she shouldn't have seen, Cyril.

Prince Clavis beckons the man who was leading the knights.

The knight with his flamboyant red hair, wore an insignia on his chest.

Clavis: It's almost time for dinner. Prepare a feast for Lord Gilbert.

Gilbert: No way, are you going to separate me from little rabbit?

Clavis: Yes. You're too much of a distraction, or perhaps too much of an overwhelming presence to comfort the broken-hearted young lady.

Clavis: The young lady would be more than happy to be alone with me, wouldn't she?

Gilbert: That’s not true, she’ll be so lonely that she might cry.

(Could it be that Prince Clavis has something to say to me?)

Emma: I won’t be lonely, so it's okay.

Gilbert: Do you know the term "night drunk"?

Emma: .....I'm afraid Prince Gilbert might not like it better if I say something that is not from the heart.

Gilbert: Hehe, correct. You are smart.

Gilbert: Oh well. I don't know what kind of evil things Clavis is up to, but I'm starving.

Gilbert: I'll spend my spare time tormenting your knight and return to little rabbit as soon as possible, okay?

Cyril:..... Goodbye, my peace.

Prince Gilbert finally lowers me to the ground.

But just as I was about to leave, his lips were on my ear.

Gilbert: Be careful not to let Clavis bully you.

Gilbert: He's even more dangerous than I am, you know?

(….. I don't think there's anyone more dangerous than Prince Gilbert.)

Taking his cane from my hands, Prince Gilbert turned his back.

Clavis: Shall we move to a new place too?

After walking for a while, Prince Clavis stopped in an empty garden.

At this point, the red scene I saw in the rose garden faded away like a dream.

(Even though I’m Belle, there’s no point by by escaping from reality.)

Clavis: Well, Emma.

Prince Clavis erased his shady smile and made a frighteningly serious face.

An ominous premonition began to pound in my chest at the face I saw for the first time.

Clavis: I have a favor to ask of you after what you saw.

Emma:..... What is it?

(I guess that means I don't have to say anything about what I saw. Or will I be asked to communicate with the other princes?)

Prince Clavis’ golden eyes narrowed, as he went behind a nearby tree.

Then he came back holding something dull and shiny in his hand.

Emma:….This is!

Emma:……

Emma:….....What's that?

Roughly, Prince Clavis moves his hand with a radiant smile.

It is heartbreaking to watch the soil of the beautiful gardens being dug up and the wind holes being drilled.

(I want to run... I want to run away right now.)

Clavis: Emma, are you listening?

Emma: I can hear you just fine.

Clavis: I see. Since you didn't reply, I thought you fainted while standing, haha!

Emma:.....Prince Clavis, what are you doing?

Clavis: What can you see?

Emma: Digging holes?

Clavis: Yes, i’m creating pitfalls.

Emma: I see......

Emma:....I have some business to attend to, if you'll excuse me.

Clavis: Wait, wait! Don't try to leave without a shovel!

(What was all that tension just now!?)

I placed the dull-colored shovel that was handed to me on the ground and took a deep breath.

A nightmare different from the sight of blood unfolding in front of me made me want to cry.

(Oh, by the way, I've heard from Sariel.......)

(That Prince Clavis is the court's trap master.)

Clavis: This pit is a special one where the fate of the nation hangs in the balance, you know?

Emma: I don't want to be a part of creating a pitfall where my fate is at stake.

Clavis: Haha, well hear me out. Falling into this pit is a disaster for the world.

Emma: It's going to cause a diplomatic issue!?

Clavis: This is little compared to the trap that guy set for us.

Prince Clavis laughs as he digs the hole diligently and wipes the sweat from his forehead.

Clavis: Most likely, Gilbert was the one who set up the earlier charade.

Emma: Eh..

From the nightmare, we are suddenly brought back to reality.

Without stopping digging, Prince Clavis continued to talk.

Clavis: For some time now, that man has wanted to kill our Chevalier.

Emma: W…Why?

Clavis: Because he is a threat. Chevalier is responsible for most of our country's defense.

Clavis: You think he kills only one person…?

Clavis: But despite the deterioration of relations with Obsidian, we have managed to counter the threat to this day.....

Clavis: There’s no doubt because of Chevalier's diplomatic tactics, including his military.

Clavis: On the other hand, without Chevalier, there would be a huge opening for Rhodolite.

Clavis: So the world's calamities are aiming at Chevalier's head all year round to take advantage of that opportunity.

(...... I think what Prince Clavis said is true, but—)

Emma: Prince Gilbert is the "marshal of eternal victory", right?

Emma: Winning all the time means never knowing how to lose.......

Emma: But this time, if it was Prince Gilbert who attempted to assassinate Prince Chevalier, he would have failed.

Clavis: Oh, you're a brilliant woman. You've got a good eye, don't you?

Prince Clavis stops and crawls out of the hole to brush the dirt off from his clothes.

Clavis: Gilbert von Obsidian is a genius among geniuses, on a par with Chevalier.

Clavis: Nothing is meaningless. Even a "failed assassination attempt" must have some purposes.

Emma: A purpose other than Prince Chevalier's life...?

Clavis: Yeah, any idea what that might be?

Clavis: For example....why did you and Gilbert come to the Rose Garden?

Clavis: Why were you being carried? Why did you end up seeing blood?

Emma:…….

(I'd say it's all a coincidence, but... really?)

━━FLASHBACK━━

Gilbert: Think about it, little rabbit.

Gilbert: If you could have seen it all coming, even the fact that you were coming to my room...

Gilbert: Did you know this situation is also something I set up?

━━FLASHBACK ENDS━━

Clavis: Let me tell you something, there is no such thing as coincidence in genius.

Clavis: It is inevitable that there is... he manipulates the situation as he wishes, like moving the pieces on the board.

Clavis: Of course, since he is not an omniscient and omnipotent god, there will be some gaps, but he is different from ordinary people.

Clavis: That's why, Emma, always question everything when dealing with geniuses.

Clavis: It's just right to be suspicious. If your mind gets tired, I'll do something about it, okay?

Prince Clavis picks up the shovel he just put on the ground and hands it to me.

(With Yves.... Prince Clavis is also worried about me.)

(….Somehow, I wonder if that was the whole purpose.)

My cheeks relaxed as the mystery of the unexpected pitfall was solved.

The court is turning into a cold world day by day but the princes are on my side.

Emma: Thank you very much. I will keep that in mind.

When I received the shovel with my hand that had stopped trembling, his shady smile deepened.

Clavis: All right. Then…..

Clavis: Are you going to do your best to dig too?

Emma: And that's a different story, isn't it?!

Clavis: Hahaha!

Emma:….. I’ll do just a little bit.

(Let's go with it as long as it doesn't put too much stress on my leg.)

The intention was to disguise the fear that had stuck with me by doing something different.

Emma: By the way...... Why do you think Prince Gilbert showed me Prince Chevalier blood-soaked?

Clavis: Isn't it jealousy? You and Chevalier get along so well, haha!

(….I didn’t know.)

━━FLASHBACK━━

Yves: I feel like he's pushing you to isolate yourself in the court.

Yves: Deliberately showing off your friendship to many people, increasing your enemies, and focusing on your malice...

Yves: He's trying to trample on your heart.

━━FLASHBACK ENDS━━

(.......Prince Chevalier has absolutely been on my side.)

(If I’m going to be afraid of Prince Chevalier and distance myself from him, then I will be one step closer to isolation.)

(But after all, I don't know what that has to do with isolation, it's a roundabout way of thinking.)

But there are some things I am sure of.

(If this continues I am going to be trampled under the rug of malice.)

Before I knew it, the sun had set, and the small stars covered the sky.

The chilly night air makes me want to rub my body.

And the atmosphere itself was not welcoming.

Gilbert: Hey, did you know? I heard from an acquaintance that this way of sitting is called kneeling on the ground.

(My legs are...starting to get more painful.)

My face is contorted in the arduous position of bending both legs.

Prince Clavis and I were seated side by side next to a huge hole, which made it all more worthless.

Gilbert: First of all, what are you sorry for?

Emma: ......I am sorry.

(Prince Gilbert... jumped into the hole with glee.)

I ended up completing the pit with Prince Clavis.

Prince Gilbert, who was taken out into the garden by Cyril, hid in the bushes to watch over the figure in between.

However, Prince Gilbert, who is known as the ever-victorious marshal, could not fail to notice the pitfalls.

The sight of him smiling, diving into the hole, and making a spectacular landing was etched in my brain as a traumatic experience.

(Thanks to the creation of the pitfalls, I've gotten a lot better, so it shouldn't be all bad.....Yeah.)

Prince Gilbert was also making fun of us with a smirk rather than being genuinely angry.

Clavis: I was surprised that this kind of trick would not work. You're so narrow minded.

Gilbert: I've been nice to you, haven't I? I think I'm kinder to you than your brother.

Gilbert: But importantly, little rabbit, your legs are weak, aren't they? I'll carry you.

Emma: No—

Gilbert: I'll.Carry.You. ... okay?

Emma: ….Thank you very much.

(For once it's my fault, and I'll listen to what Prince Gilbert says.)

(Frankly, I'm not even sure I can walk right now.)

I staggered to my feet and Prince Gilbert picks me up.

Like before, I was entrusted with holding a cane and grasped it tightly.

Clavis: Hmmm…..you are so eager to hold Emma, aren’t you?

Gilbert: It's a great way to show off our friendship.

Clavis: Even if you don't make that kind of appeal, you're getting enough of it, aren't you? You're madly crazy about Emma.

Gilbert: Ahaha, I’m so embarrassed that I am.

(….You don't even think about it in your heart though.)

Gilbert: Oh, yeah. Clavis, in exchange with the no-contest for putting me in the pitfall, I have a favor to ask you.

Clavis: Even without the pitfalls, you were going to ask, weren't you?

Gilbert: You know better than anyone that what I'm asking is absolute.

Clavis:……

(….?)

Prince Gilbert looks down at Prince Clavis, who remains seated with a smile.

Gilbert: Two....no, give me an invitation to an evening party for three?

Gilbert: A secret party hosted by you.

Clavis:……

(Prince Clavis?)

Prince Clavis, who used to seem in a pleasant mood, became slightly tense.

Gilbert: Hey, is there something wrong with that?

Clavis:….No, you're a very special guest. The guests there will be surprised.

Gilbert: Hehe, that's what makes you happy, isn't it? It's something you can't stop loving.

Clavis: Hmm….That’s true.

(Oh, I'm convinced.)

I don't know what a secret night party is like, but for some reason, it sends shivers down my spine.

Clavis: All right. I'll get you an invitation.

Gilbert: Thank you... Little Rabbit, shall we go together?

Emma: Together?

Gilbert: Yeah, it's like I'm going for you.

Under the starry sky, a fresh smile plays.

Gilbert: You want to know who sent the assassins to Chevalier, don't you?

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