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#ah the wonders of academia
sleeplessant · 6 months
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Hey Tolkien people and history buffs of Tumblr, I'm in need of your assistance. Does anybody know if there was an actual historical inspiration (or many) to the narrow, no rails, stone bridge of Khazad-dûm?
For context, I'm trying to use it as an example in my theoretical physics dissertation on the dynamics of pedestrians moving in a single line, but I've already met with some resistance from advisors with No Taste. All my google searches have conducted to analyses of the effectiveness of the Khazad-dûm scene in the book & movie, instead of an analysis of the actual "physical" bridge.
I know I could use other modern examples from construction scaffolds or bus and plane boarding/exiting schemes for single-line movement, but that's boring. Uninspired. Everyone does it. What I want is a badass illustration from The Lord of the Rings, and a JRR Tolkien quote on my very theoretical, so abstract that is basically useless, physics dissertation.
A physicist calls for aid.
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phdguides · 6 months
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9 things you should consider before pursuing a PhD Degree
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Have you completed your postgraduate studies and are now considering adding another feather to your hat with a PhD degree?
PhD is a higher level of qualification that will not be as easy a route as other degrees. You have heard similar statements from many people, and they’re probably not incorrect.
There are numerous factors to consider before diving into the world of academia. As a result, we’ve written this article to help you clarify your perspective on PhD studies.
After speaking with PhD candidates, we identified nine significant factors that you should consider before deciding to join the elite society of scholars.
9 essential things to consider before pursuing a PhD degree:
Be completely sure about pursuing a PhD degree
This is, without a doubt, the most important factor to consider before pursuing a PhD. You must be absolutely certain before embarking on this path, as it will not be an easy one.
No, I’m not trying to scare you, but I do want to warn you that researching for a PhD is a time-consuming and stressful process. Instead of studying what is already available, you must provide a new solution to the topic you have chosen.
As a result, this will be a rollercoaster ride, and you should only consider it if you are willing to invest a significant amount of time and are extremely passionate about finding a solution in your desired field.
Choose topic
Spend some time considering the topic or subjects in which you want to pursue your PhD. Shortlist the topics that interest you, discuss them with professors and research students, and gather all the information you can.
This will allow you to gain a thorough understanding of the topics on which you wish to focus your PhD research and help you make an informed decision. It is important to choose a topic about which you are passionate.
Because you will be researching it for the next 4 to 5 years, so it should be something you’re interested in, not something you’re not.
Choose supervisor
Throughout your PhD, your supervisor will be your primary point of contact. He or she will advise, mentor, and assist you in your research.
As a result, it is essential that you select a supervisor who is an expert in your chosen field rather than someone with broad knowledge of the subject. Only if your supervisor is well-versed in the subject will he or she be able to guide you effectively.
It will be difficult for you to complete your doctorate on time if they have to search or read for themselves first. Research thoroughly and only approaches the supervisor for your PhD degree when you are certain, as the supervisor influences not only your research but also your career beyond your PhD.
Choose university
Not every university offers a PhD in the subject or topic of your choice. Besides the location of the university also matter whether it is feasible for your research or not. Furthermore, where do you want to pursue your PhD from?
This is also an important question to answer if you want to pursue your PhD in India or abroad. If travelling abroad is what interests you, you also have to choose a country as well.
You must also consider the scholarships and admissions process of the university to which you wish to apply. After collecting all of your data, determine which universities you are eligible for and apply accordingly.
How you are going to pay
Let’s be realistic here. Doing a PhD is a time-consuming job that requires a lot of resources to conduct research, as well as funding for these resources, admission fees, tuition fees, travel, and so on.
Working full-time while pursuing a PhD is a pipe dream that is difficult to realize. So the question is how will you manage your finances?
There could be two possibilities. First and foremost, you must have a family who supports you and can financially fund you. Second, you can apply for various PhD scholarships offered by various national and international institutes.
You can learn about PhD scholarships by visiting the UGC portal or by visiting the page of the specific fellowship. Check the eligibility requirements and apply accordingly.
Make a schedule
After you’ve completed all of the preceding tasks, the next step is to be organized. You will conduct research and will need to read and comprehend a great deal of data.
As a result, it is always preferable to create a proper schedule of what you intend to do first, the experiments and surveys you intend to conduct, and so on.
This will allow you to organize your research and avoid ambiguity. You can better manage your time and even find time to work on your thesis.
Take careful notes
You may have a fantastic memory, but with so much information, there is a good chance you will overlook some facts. That is why it is always a good idea to take notes.
It will make your work much easier and will be of great assistance when writing your dissertation and thesis. Take notes on everything, even the seemingly insignificant details.
You will need a lot of data to back up your research, so don’t skip anything and collect everything. You can always fine-tune it later.
Create a network
You’re working on your PhD, so you’ll be meeting a lot of people for research or other purposes. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Reach out to people from different fields and create a network.
Having a network of like-minded individuals and industry experts is always beneficial. Don’t limit yourself; instead, push the envelope and include people in your network.
After all, pursuing a PhD does not imply focusing solely on research, but also on the overall development of your personality.
Keep your work-life balance
A PhD is a full-time job with no leaves. There will be no weekends or set times to be free, and you may feel guilty for not doing certain things even after working so hard.
However, you must exercise caution. You must understand that taking breaks is essential for staying motivated and energized. You don’t have to isolate yourself from everyone because taking time for yourself and your loved ones is completely appropriate. You don’t need to pressurize yourself.
Conclusion
If you have read all of the points and still think you can achieve your doctorate goal. You should definitely go ahead with it. However, if you have any doubts, you should reconsider your decision. Because PhD study will require a full-time commitment, you should only commit when you are fully prepared.
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hxlcyon · 9 months
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college.........
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redsray · 2 months
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Batkids playing any kind of board game but make it extra competitive because whoever wins gets to choose what Bruce wears for the next gala.
Bruce, in a sparkly top and skinny jeans:
Reporter: Ah, who chose your outfit tonight, Brucie?
Bruce: That'd be my eldest, dear!
Dick, behind him, full into the gala persona: Flattering, isn't it? He should wear it more often, don't you think, sweetheart?
Reporter, flushed: Oh, absolutely.
Bruce (to Dick): Get a new fashion style. Please.
Dick: Never.
Reporter: Who would be responsible for your wardrobe tonight, Brucie? It's certainly a statement.
Bruce, head to toe in a pink suit and Hello Kitty accessories: Gorgeous, isn't it? All the credit will have to be given to Jason, though, I'm afraid.
Reporter: Your second son, if I'm not mistaken?
Bruce: The very one.
Jason from across the gala hall, trying to not cough up his drink with laughter:
Tim, next to him: He's pulling it off, though. Little spins and everything.
Jason: Still ridiculous. That's Batman right there, Timbo.
Tim, snickering: The Dark Knight, huh?
Bruce, dressed in a collared white shirt, sweater and skirt, looking like he just came out of a light academia novel:
Reporter: Wow, Brucie. Who do we thank for that wonderful outfit choice?
Bruce: Ah, flattering, is it not? Tim's choices when it comes to fashion are wonderful, if not a bit simple.
Tim, nodding from behind him: Only the finest satin skirts. Charming, right?
Tim, to Bruce: Don't call my style simple, Mr. all I wear is black.
[Jason handing Dick $10 in the background because Bruce does, in fact, pull off a skirt.]
Reporter: Oh lord, what a gown! Who influenced your fashion choice tonight, Brucie?
Bruce, in a long green and black gown with gold accessories, nothing short of royal-looking: I fear only one person I know could choose an outfit as gorgeous as this one.
Damian, proudly next to him, in a smaller, matching gown: Only the most exquisite. You lot in this flimsy country cannot compare.
Bruce: Yes, Damian has a fine taste in fashion. He gets it from his mother.
Damian, quieter: Well certainly not from you.
Bruce, dressed in an elegant white dress shirt, long black pants and a corset with red accessories, a fan in his right hand:
Reporter: What an entrance! Anyone to give credit to for the wardrobe, Brucie?
Bruce: That'd be my daughter, she certainly shines with her choice of clothing.
Cass, grinning with a matching fan: Very pretty.
Bruce: Thank you, Cass.
Reporter: Woah, that's certainly new. Any reason for this choice of clothes, Brucie, dear?
Bruce, in a snapback cap, loose jeans and a band t-shirt, complete with rings and a chain around his neck: Well, all of my children are creative, but... Duke might just take the cake for this one, love.
Duke, losing his absolute shit next to Jason, Dick and Tim: You look great, B.
Steph doesn't usually go to galas, but she participates in the game nevertheless. If she wins, god help Bruce, because it's a gamble with her. He either ends up wearing a gorgeous outfit with eccentric and trend-setting accessories or literal checkered pyjamas. Worst yet, he has to say he picked it himself, since he can't directly blame Steph.
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roosterforme · 6 months
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Sloppy Math Homework | Bradley Bradshaw x Reader
Summary: Bradley is the first one to admit that he always has been and always will be a sucker for how smart you are. There's something so hot about you in teacher mode, and he loves it when you take charge. But he's in for a surprise when you dole out a new kind of punishment for turning in sloppy work that leaves him fully at your mercy.
Warnings: Swears, fluff, smut, teacher/18+ student roleplay, spanking, paddling, consensual roleplay punishment
Length: 2400 words
Pairing: Beer Boy and Sugar! Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader (former fuckboy college student Bradley)
This is a one-shot to accompany my fics Old Habits Die Hard and Right Girl, Wrong Time! Banner by @mak-32 Check out my masterlist
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Bradley's heart was pounding when he walked through the front door to find you still dressed in your work clothes even though you got home around lunchtime on Fridays. He had been prepared to start cooking dinner, but the sight of you in your loafers and snug tweed skirt was enough to make his cock twitch.
"Are you ready for class, Mr. Bradshaw?" you asked, hands on your hips and one eyebrow raised. 
He took a deep breath and nodded slowly before he said, "I am so ready for calculus class, Dr. Sugar." Your smirk had his brain working overtime, wondering what exactly you had in mind for him. A blowjob if he aced his exam? Sex on your desk if he could solve the equation tattooed at the top of your ribcage? A handjob that lasted as long as he could accurately recite the decimals in pi?
It didn't matter what it was, he wanted it. He was aching for it. Bradley was a mess for his wife. And when you shook your pretty head at him standing there in his uniform and said, "You're not dressed for class," he could feel his cock pressing the inside of his zipper through his underwear. 
He glanced down at his khaki shirt and pants. "What should I be wearing, Professor?" he asked in a low, deep voice that had you getting a little flustered. He could tell. He knew all of your cues, and right now you were squeezing your thighs together.
You cocked your head slightly to the side and eyed him up and down. "I just don't think that's what a college student would be wearing to his weekly math lecture, Beer Boy."
Ah, okay. So you wanted college Beer Boy right now. Bradley could absolutely deliver on that for you. "Sorry, Professor," he mumbled, looking at the floor and his boots. "You're right. I'm not dressed appropriately for your class."
You nodded and said, "Meet me in my office when you're ready to learn something new." And with that, you spun and disappeared down the hallway leaving Bradley to watch the sway of your ass in all that tight tweed fabric. 
You were sexy academia personified for him, and he loved it so much when you wanted to be in charge. But truly, Bradley felt a little bad for the twenty something year old guys who had to sit through your classes. You just looked that good. You looked good when you were at The University of Virginia as a math major, and somehow you looked even hotter now as a math professor. 
He smirked. He'd enjoyed your body at both of those points in time. And he was the only one who knew exactly where and how much you'd filled out from your twenties to your thirties. "Shit," he grunted, realizing he was wasting time thinking about your tits when he could probably be looking at them. 
Bradley tore into the bedroom, unbuttoning his shirt as he went. He was already hard enough that it was challenging to get his uniform pants off, but he managed to leave a pile of khaki clothing on the floor as he rummaged around for his favorite Grateful Dead shirt. It was neatly folded in the dresser with your clothing since you wore it way more frequently than he did. But he pulled it on and found the University of Chicago hat you'd given him and tossed it on backwards. You always liked to run your fingers through his curls that stuck out from beneath his hats, and Bradley was practically panting just thinking about it.
He palmed himself through his boxer shorts as he pushed your office door open a little wider, grinning where you'd written SUGAR LOVES BEER BOY across it. And then he spotted you, sitting on the edge of the desk with your legs crossed. A few more of the buttons on your blouse were open now, and you were gesturing to your desk chair. 
"Have a seat, Mr. Bradshaw." Your voice was soft and sultry, nothing like the tone you used when you gave a lecture to your students. How did he get this fucking lucky? 
"Yes, Dr. Sugar," he replied, and you smirked. He stepped closer to the soft glow coming from his navy desk lamp which lived in this room, and he slipped down into your chair. Bradley desperately wanted to run his hands up your legs and tuck them inside your skirt, but he knew he wouldn't be allowed. So instead, he took the pencil and calculator you handed to him and looked up at your pretty face.
"I want you to work on your math homework sheet," you whispered, flipping over the single sheet of paper in front of him on the desk. Then you leaned down and kissed his temple, brushing your lips along the hair sticking out from under his cap. "Get started."
Bradley groaned softly, unsure how exactly he was going to be able to do this when his cock was aching so much. Plus, you were making no secret of the fact that you were looking at his tented boxers like you wanted to climb in his lap. 
"You're really proud of yourself, aren't you?" he asked, punching some numbers into the calculator to try to solve the first problem. "You got me so hard, I can barely concentrate, and all you did was talk to me and kiss my fucking hair."
You stroked your fingers along the strands of his hair you had kissed and said, "No cursing in my classroom. And no talking at all while you're working."
Bradley grunted as he scribbled down an answer for the first problem that he was actually pretty sure was correct. Visiting your evening lectures had really started to pay off. He'd always been pretty good at math, but now he was proficient in calculus and linear algebra. The only problem was, when most people thought about school, it turned them off. But simply looking at math problems made him harder. There was probably something wrong with him. 
You hummed as he answered the second equation, but when he looked up at your face, you said, "Eyes on your paper, Mr. Bradshaw."
"Yes, Professor," he whispered, and he was rewarded with the sight of you licking your lips. He was aching for a blowjob right now. He might get one if all of his answers were correct. So as quickly as he could, Bradley finished the remaining questions and slid the paper closer to you. "How did I do?"
You sank your teeth into your lip as you looked at him. Then you took the paper in your hands and murmured, "Let's see..."
Every little twitch of your brow and the way your eyes narrowed after a moment were telling enough, but when you met his gaze over the paper, he knew he had missed one. 
"If you just give me another minute, Dr. Sugar-"
"I gave you plenty of time already, Mr. Bradshaw," you said, stroking along his scarred cheek with your nails as you set the paper aside. You wrapped your fingers down along his chin and tipped his face up to meet yours. When you leaned in and kissed his lips sweetly, he was immediately reaching for your body. But then you jerked his chin up another inch and said, "But you missed number five, and I don't accept sloppy math homework."
Bradley groaned as your nails raked down his neck, because this was doing nothing to alleviate his erection. And now he was a little nervous about that problem he missed. "Does this mean you're going to make me take care of this myself?" he whispered, gesturing to his tented boxer shorts. 
The devilish smirk on your face actually thrilled him as you said, "Not exactly." Then you stood and took both of his hands gently in yours and pulled him to his feet. Bradley groaned as his erection trailed up your body until his length was resting against your belly. You pressed one more kiss to his lips and adjusted his backward cap as he throbbed against you. Then you stepped to the side and guided him to place both of his palms on your desk. 
Bradley looked at you and asked, "What's happening here?" Then you walked behind him and pushed the chair toward the center of the room, and Bradley felt your hands reach inside the elastic of his boxer shorts and start to guide them down until they dropped down to his feet. 
"What's happening is your punishment for your sloppy homework. Keep your palms on the desk, Mr. Bradshaw." You ran your hands softly along Bradley's ass, and he didn't move an inch. His cock was painfully hard now and leaping in the air, begging to be touched. 
He turned to his left where you were kissing along his neck now as you squeezed his ass. He moaned, "Baby, I might cum. I'm not even kidding."
You gasped and slapped his ass, and Bradley's jaw dropped open. "Baby? I'm your teacher! Show me some respect."
"P-Professor Sugar," he managed as his skin stung where you hit him. Then to Bradley's surprise, you opened the top drawer of your desk, and sitting right next to your post it notes was his Beta Gamma fraternity paddle. It was made of solid oak and painted in a psychedelic tie dye pattern that he always thought looked really cool. But the last time he saw the thing, it was on top of the bedroom closet. And as you wrapped your fingers around the handle, it dawned on Bradley why it was here and why he was standing like this.
His eyes snapped up to meet yours, and the look of mischief was gone as you squeezed his bicep and kissed the edge of his mustache. "I thought it might be fun to spank you, Beer Boy. But if you say no, then I'll put it away, and we can find something else fun to do."
Bradley eyed the paddle, and his mind was flooded with memories of his fraternity days. Not all of them were good, but he'd met you at his frat house. And you were the best thing in his life. And for some reason, the idea of that tie dye paddle hitting his bare skin was actually appealing to him. This was not something he had ever thought about before, but in the hands of his wife, he wanted it.
"Yes," he replied, kissing your lips as you started to smile. "I want you to, Professor Sugar."
You nodded and whispered, "If you don't like it, just tell me." Then you squared your shoulders and said in a louder voice, "I can't go easy on you, because you'll keep pulling this stunt over and over with me."
"I understand," he replied, letting you bend him a little more at the waist as you strolled around to stand behind him. And then he yelped as the paddle made solid contact with his right ass cheek. "Oh, fuck." But no sooner had he muttered those words than the paddle hit him in the same spot again. The stinging was intense as you apparently wound up to send the paddle to the same place a third time. "Baby," he whined, because if anything, he was more turned on than before.
Your only response was to switch to his other side and bring the paddle to an untouched patch of skin. Over and over until it was burning so much that Bradley was recoiling from the sound and feel of it. But his hips were thrusting forward now, and he was practically begging for relief from your mouth or your pussy. But he kept his palms planted on the top of the desk. And the pleasure and stinging pain mingled in his mind so much that he found himself whining your name. 
A moment later, you set the paddle on the desk next to his left hand, and Bradley looked up into your lust filled eyes. "Sugar?" he gasped, and you were prying his hands from the desk and pulling him close. Your lips came crashing into his as you grabbed at his shirt. He was rutting into you now, afraid he'd cum on your tweed but unwilling to try to hold himself back. 
"Bradley, that was so fucking hot," you moaned, turning him around and pushing him down to sit on the desk. It felt delightfully cold on his raw skin, but he winced at the same time. It was almost too much to handle. But then you were yanking your skirt up to reveal you were bare underneath, and you scrambled up onto his lap. 
"Easy," he groaned, squeezing his eyes shut. But then your perfectly tight warmth came sinking down around his cock, and he knew he was going to last about ten seconds in this state. He shook his head and whispered, "I'm gonna cum."
You held his face gently in both hands and kissed his forehead as you told him, "You earned it." And all the while you bounced up and down on him, bottoming out and whining softly.
So Bradley took your perfect ass in both of his palms and guided you just how he wanted you, and then he filled you up with his cum. You were peppering his cheeks with kisses as he sat there with his lips parted, trying to catch his breath. 
"You just spanked me with my Beta Gamma paddle. For my sloppy math homework," he marveled out loud, still nestled inside you. "When I'm not even your student."
You let your cheek come to rest on his shoulder and said, "You're my best student." Then your fingers were teasing at his curls sticking out from under his hat. "And if you enjoyed it, we can do it again."
Bradley groaned and said, "My ass needs a couple days off after that." Then he smirked as he reached for the paddle and rubbed it gently across your bare bottom. Your eyes went wide as your head came off his shoulder. "Yours on the other hand..."
--------------------------
Oh look, a new kink unlocked for Beer Boy and Sugar. Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls
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sorcerer?! i barely know 'er!
SHU YAMINO - DECEMBER 1
IM ACTUALLY SO BAD OH GOSH
OK SO THIS IS BASICALLY UH LITTLE WITCH ACADEMIA
BUT ITS SHU
AND... YOU!
you cant do magic for shit because lets be real, none of us will ever know how to do magic but will all be willing to do it for shu
alsoooo just gonna say, this is storyline is over the span of six months i promise they didnt just kiss kiss fall in love
It was just a regular old day for Shu. As usual, he had his coffee with five shots of espresso because who has time left to sleep nowadays, he aced his first two classes with flying colours, not being shaken from his top spot. But then his day started to change once he got into his incantations class. You were introduced as a new transfer student with a recommendation by their Headmaster, which wasn't common. He eyed you with interest, as did everyone else. After all, it wasn't everyday that a new student came in during the middle of the school year.
Once classes started, everyone had their eyes on you in some way, thinking that you were finally going to threaten Shu Yamino from his top spot in every class! Until... You couldn't do a single spell. Every mark you drew and every spell you tried to accomplish failed miserably, bringing most of the class's hope for you down low. The only spell you could perfectly do was one even little mage children could do! It was humiliating.
"So... Welcome to the school, I guess." Shu went up to you as class ended, a fox-like smile on his face. Your face was red with embarrassment; it was hard to not notice everyone watching you do spells anyway.
"Heh... Thanks. I'm [name]. You?" You looked at him, your hand meekly outstretched to shake his, which he firmly shook.
"I"m Shu, Shu Yamino. Nice to meet you." He said with a smile, giving you a hand shake. "So... Have you ever even been to a mage school? Because... you only seem to know the basics." He pointed out with a nervous chuckle, hoping he didn't offend you in any way. Your face turned bright red, embarrassed about it now because you haven't even been to a real school due to being home-schooled by your non-mage father until now.
"Uhm... No, I haven't actually." You admitted sheepishly, turning away because you got way too embarrassed about not even being up to your classmates' levels yet managing to enter their year.
"Oh. Well, do you want me to help you with it?" Shu suggested, tilting his head to look you in the eyes, since you seemed to be staring out of the window rather than at him.
"Huh...? Oh! Uh... No... That's okay." You said in a rush, far too flustered about the entire thing to even take his offer on his help. He looked at you, rather surprised but didn't want to push it.
"Ah, alright then. That's alright. But if you ever need the help, you can always come to me, alright?" Shu reassured you before leaving the classroom to get to his next class.
~
His reluctance to leave you without any academic help for was not without reason as he noticed that you were lingering near the bottom of the class rankings in every class you were in every time the official rankings came out at the end of the week. Every time Shu saw the leaderboard with his name at the top of his year, he would watch your excited face droop every time you noticed you were near the bottom. He hated to admit that it hurt him a bit every time your joyful smile turned into a disappointed and pitiful half-grin whenever you finally saw your rank on the board. Shu wondered why he felt like he should care for you; you were nothing compared to him. Or that's what everyone else thinks, anyways. But he didn't think that. He thought that you should be on the same level, after all, you were a recommendation from the Headmaster so you should be as good as him right? Besides, he just couldn't bear watching you try to hide the sheer disappointment you felt every week.
After one class, he searched for you, looking through every classroom until he finally found you in an empty music room, relentlessly trying to study for a test that you both had that upcoming week in incantations, the only class he ever shared with you.
"Hey. [Name]." Shu called out, looking at you from the door frame. He was panting a bit, as he had jogged from classroom to classroom trying to find you. Even he was surprised by his own determination to find you.
"Shu?" You said, bemused. Why was he here? Was he here to taunt you about always being at the bottom? It wasn't out of the question; you always noticed him staring at you every time your year's rankings came out. Your mood soured as he sat down beside you, a flustered expression on his face.
"I'm going to help you." He said firmly. It wasn't a question but a statement. You were bewildered as he took out his own notes and pencil.
"What?" You just managed to say before he pulled you by the waist so that you sat down beside him, your hips pushing against each other as he just started to explain how to do certain incantations.
~
An hour passed... Two hours... Three... You were both in that classroom for almost four hours as he managed to catch you up to your grade's level. He might've been the only one who would be able to teach you sufficiently in that short amount of time, to catch you up on all the years you never even learned magic.
"Why did you help me?" You asked, still in shock of how long you were there together. Something about his voice was just so calming and made you concentrate more, which was why you were able to figure out the incantations easier.
"I just can't stand seeing you frown every time you rank low on the rankings. I shouldn't be this attached to you. But I just can't help it." He said, almost breathless. His usually neat hair was not a bit disheveled, his violet eyes almost droopy with exhaustion. Using magic always exhausted everyone, though it was almost a miracle you both hadn't passed out from exhausting your magic for four hours.
When you heard what he said, you felt the air around you get warm. This wasn't magic, was it?
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bcolfanfic · 1 month
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HI so another youngvets ask if you're drowning in these I'm so sorry--
but I'm wondering do the buckies deal with the pta?? are the pta moms gossiping about sweet little josie's incredibly attractive parents? did uncle croz pick her up one random week when he's visiting from england and everyone practically falls in love with him? do they go on those sports day kind of parents race thing like princess diana did for her boys and absolutely decimated the other parents? career day where they come by to talk about gales academia life and former piloting? chaperoning for field trips to the aquarium? josies in some ball club and they come watch her games with the rest of the boys and nearly get kicked out for being too rowdy???
thank you <33 hope everything is well!!
well gale IS my princess diana, so 🙏🏼
but yes i think they’re very involved parents. gale already has friends within the school system from work and even though he teaches high school knows families with littler kids too. so even though they are *very* much the minority as a 2 dads family where they live in wyoming them not being total strangers in the community makes it less awkward if that makes sense? there’s of course some outlier jerks, but the other parents generally have their back when anyone is a dick.
and yes the other moms think they’re hot pleasexbhxh made myself laugh thinking about one of them telling bucky that if he ever changes what team he plays for then she’s around. and he’s like 😀👍🏼 noted LMAO.
when uncle crosby comes to visit he comes to her school to eat lunch with her and she’s sooo excited sweet thing. especially bc he brought her candy and what not from england so she’s automatically Super Cool now to all her little friends. she thinks that big doe eyed man hung the moon. <3
def see gale doing the career day stuff. not that bucky doesn’t *want* to it’s just. a sore topic for him still and especially with kids being a little unfiltered question wise it just makes sense to play it safe and let gale take over that. but josie still tells everyone with great enthusiasm that her other dad also flew planes.
she’s so proud of her daddies. her little face looking for them in the crowd when they come to her school stuff- and her smile when she sees that they’re there- just makes them melt.
very much see curt being the one that borders on getting thrown out of her sports games when him and kenny are in town. in my mind him and kenny are kinda in a fucking on the low situationship deal which is a part of them always showing up together but ah that’s a brain rot for another time. he doesn’t mean it in a Scary Sports Guy That Yells At Kids way, he’s just ✨enthusiastic✨. and he does think josie is better than all the other kids because well, she’s his perfect darling niece and the other kids are not LOL.
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!!!~Fic Recs~!!! (Pt. II)
Here is a follow-up to my last post of Fic Recs (in which I listed my favorite completed multi-chapter ROTTMNT fics).
In this post I'll be recommending ongoing multi-chapter fics. In no particular order, here they are:
There Must Be Something in the Water by Filsamek
-This fic has been such a delight to read. The premise is interesting and even chilling, and the ways in which the turtles have to puzzle out how to solve the problem at hand has been exciting to follow along with. Very interested to see how the conflict will be resolved and what further Mystic concepts the author will introduce!
Blood, Water, and Thicker Things by JumpingInMuddyPuddles
-While this fic has but 4 chapters thus far, I am absolutely psyched for future updates! This is, in a way, a "sick fic" but combined with Leo pushing his needs aside and facing imminent danger while suffering AND featuring a Leo-Donnie team-up mystery with action and high-stakes...! In the words of Donnie in Lair Games: Nom nom. Nomnomnom.
The Old College Try by theashemarie @theashemarie
-There is just something about this fic that grips me in such a way that it almost hurts to discuss. Leo's characterization feels very accurate and very real, and somehow the ways in which he struggles with his identity in general as well as his identity surrounding intelligence/academia really hit me in the heart. I don't know if it's because I already relate to Leo so much, or if its because of my own (academic) experience of feeling like no one will take me seriously and having that odd and alienating (ADHD-related no doubt) infantalization grate on me, but... the ways in which Leo has to confront his relationship with his place on the team, the character he plays, his true interests and passions, and his relationship with his brother who has claimed the title of "the intelligent one" is hard-hitting. Add to that the struggles of humanity/fitting in with society, of the seemingly inherent selfishness of valuing your own pursuits despite risks or pitfalls therein... the tension is amazing. Oh, did I mention-- this is about Leo and Donnie going to university lmao. But its actually also about so much more, as you can see... Overall: this author is a master of character depiction and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds...! Donnie in this fic is also so wonderfully rendered. Best of all are Leo and Donnie's interactions in such a foreign setting, and them having to (re-)learn to navigate one another's feelings this new environment brings out. Ah! Good, good stuff. And if that does not convince you, there's also action, a prominent villain, impossible choices....!
All the Ashes in My Wake by paperxcrowns @crows-murder
-Ooh, I can just tell this one is setting up to be some serious Leo angsting. The premise works so well, and I'm eagerly awaiting for that moment when Leo can no longer keep hiding things from his brothers and the dam breaks. The suspense of wondering how that's going to happen is so, so good. Also, insane dramatic irony that is causing sooo much angst. Leo's brothers hurting him/unknowingly forcing him to do things because of a curse... Dramatic! Irony! Delicious.
Last Grain of Sand in the Hourglass by TjLockticon @last-hourglass
-This fic is a sort of alternate take on the ending of the movie, wherein Leo stays trapped in the prison dimension, but not because Mikey's portal failed– rather, because it brought Future Leo back to the past instead. The ensuing chaos and angst is really well-done, and my favorite parts were actually how each brother came to terms with the situation and how to react around this version of their brother, all while their 'true' brother is still trapped and suffering. The chapters with Present Leo in the prison dimension are a really unique take on his experience there. Another thing I found very intriguing is how Leo's Mystic powers and his swords are included in the plot. I'm looking forward to seeing what further angst lays ahead and how the author chooses to resolve the complexities of feeling introduced with the bros getting attached to Future Leo and also Casey's suffering at the idea that this situation cannot endure, and he will lose his sensei all over again. Wild!!
Alpha Stage by snailsnaps @snailsnaps
-Oh I have so much to say about this fic. The premise is so heart-wrenching and interesting, and scratches that itch (in a way) of having had the planned turtle tots episode canceled. And yet, Donnie is still totally himself, mentally, despite being tot-sized. What is a total delight is the art in this fic. Each illustration is so charming and impeccable and adds to much to the story. I keep coming back to it, and I'm excited to see where the author takes the narrative!
The Same Little Faces by awkwardusagi
-This fic also scratches the itch of the canceled turtle tot episode, but the focus on this one is particularly on Leo being turned back into a tot! I love this take because the author explores the dynamic between Mikey getting to be a big bro for the first time, Donnie and Raph witnessing this, and Splinter giving all of them tips and tricks he knows about how to wrangle hyperactive turtle mutant babies. It also has the interesting and really innovative idea that tot Leo retains the memories and experiences of teenage Leo in his subconscious, and this plays a significant role in the plot. I won't say much more, but the cast of characters and how they slot into the big kerfuffle at hand is also so fun! Particularly my favorite Hippo and Worm duo... and Señor Hueso! The relationships explored are so captivating and heart-wrenching in their tenderness. Leo's insecurities manifested in the form of a turtle tot who cannot hide away their pain from their family... ahhh! It's overall super fun and super sweet and I felt so gripped by the narrative. I'm really interested to see how the author will resolve the conflict!
I May Be Invisible, but I Still Look Good by Dandy @dandylovesturtles
-Ohhhh my gosh, where to even begin with this fic... It follows Leo's (mis)adventures dealing with a Mystic curse that renders him invisible, intangible, and inaudible. I feel like I can't say much about the plot because I don't want to spoil the experience of reading it– each installment of puzzle-solving regarding Leo's curse is so unique and intense and gratifying to experience, so I won't go into too much detail. Leo's characterization is so wonderful and feels so real. His thoughts and reactions and struggles and how he chooses to endure them and cope with them is just... so Leo. Which means that there is a lot of silent suffering, of course! We love to see it. (I'll also briefly note that this extends to all the brothers! I just mention Leo particularly because we are in his head.) The author's ability to depict Leo's panic attacks and dissociation is my favorite I've encountered. It's also, of course, entirely heartbreaking to read. The enemies and the Mystic curse are incredibly engaging as well; they feel very much like classic fantasy adventure obstacles/antagonists that I used to read as a child, which is such a fun thing in the setting of Rise, and fits in very well. It's so believable within the universe. I'm super excited to see how the breaking of the curse will play out! I've probably re-read the fic in its entirety 2-3 times now, and each time it was equally as engrossing. Not only that– the author is such a master that I've noticed foreshadowing interlaced throughout, and that has been such a delight! This fic inspires me, and invigorates me, and leaves me wanting to read basically anything else from the author. I cannot recommend it enough!
Mutant Ninja Midlife Crisis by a_platypus
-This fic includes Future Leo being transplanted into the past, but his meeting with the turtles and April and Casey as well as the circumstances surrounding his presence are not so innocent. The tension and dramatic irony created by this set-up are gripping and exciting. And kinda makes me wanna smack a Leo (or two). The dialogue and relationships are so well-written, and the pacing is really nice. Everything feels very in-character and believable and intense. Also, just an aside, but the interactions between Present Leo and Future Leo feel so believable, and the way they change how they relate to one another over time feels very organic and natural. It's handled and presented very well, and is one of the central reasons I'm excited to see how the plot progresses moving forward.
The Aftermath by Starrcrossrose
-This fic is set post-movie, and focuses on the healing process Leo (and the others) have to undergo, and all the complicated emotions involved. There's particular emphasis on the relationship between Leo and Donnie. The author does an amazing job showing the reader what is going through both their heads and how they're struggling under the burden of Leo's decision to sacrifice himself, as well as the circumstances surrounding this (namely, Leo's mental health). It's heart-wrenching to see them both struggle under this burden and knowledge, and even more so to witness how it drives a wedge between them. Another aspect of this fic that I love is the angst surrounding the idea that Leo is doing all he can to cope and to heal, but his family is so worried and so anxious for him that they push him to recover more quickly, and this actually ends up complicating things and even making things harder for Leo. The frustration is real! The depiction of a well-meaning family making a suffering family member feel even more isolated, ironically, feels very realistic and therefore all the more maddening and heartbreaking. The recent chapters made me have to go and like. Lie down. It's that intense. And that good.
As before, I did my best to figure out which authors have accounts on here and tag them, but if I've missed you/you know the author's @, please let me know and I'll update the post!
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megidonitram · 1 month
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Everyone's Running From Something (ch. 4)
A Baldur's Gate 3 University Professor AU
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Rating: M
Quick Summary: Astarion and Gale are two University English professors precariously mentoring a troubled 19-year-old and falling in love.
💖Main Pairing : BloodWeave,(Astarion/Gale) 💕Side Pairings: Shadowheart/Nocturne, Karlach/Dammon, Wyll/The Dark Urge, Tav/Tav 💔Past Pairings: Gale/Mystra, Astarion/Sebastian, Astarion/Tav
<=Previous Chapter | Master List | Ao3 | Next Chapter =>
**Please see Master List Entry for Full Content Warnings**
⏰Chapter Warning⏰ None
The all-hands meeting for the beginning of the semester went the same way every all-hands meeting at the beginning of semesters go. Every professor and TA in a humanities field got squeezed into a conference room that wasn’t quite big enough, had a powered sugar donut or a couple cubes of assorted melon with half a Styrofoam cup of burnt coffee, and listened to the departmental dean give an un-rousing speech about being on the same page with the other departments. Then he talked at nauseam about school policies and ran a quick training session over a new time-tracking software that would be implemented in 3 weeks’ time.
Gale scribbled down notes on a big yellow legal pad and tried to ignore Jen and Astarion, making faces at each other as he wrote. He’d been in academia long enough to know they’d both be crying to him in a few weeks when they messed up their timecards.
As the meeting drew to a close, a dapper man with slicked-back chestnut hair and a car salesman smile stepped into the room. Astarion went stiff like a cat puffing up to defend itself. The dapper man just gave him a plasticky, knowing smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
The dean perked up a bit as he noticed the man lingering in the back of the room. “Raphael, what a pleasant surprise! I had no idea you would be joining us,” he exclaimed, “We were just finishing up. Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to impart to our humanities faculty?”
“Oh, nothing so important,” Raphael said, and suddenly Gale understood why Astarion was so on edge. Everything about the man oozed with a disingenuous charm that made Gale’s hair stand on end. “I just realized I forgot to send out a notice about the upcoming donor gala the next coming Friday. I realized you were all in a meeting right now, so I thought I’d pop in and remind you in person.”
Raphael’s eyes landed directly on Astarion as he spoke his next sentence. “There is a reasonable expectation that faculty attend these events.” Out of the corner of his eye, Gale saw Astarion’s expression go steely. “After all, we want to show up and show out for the people who allow us to do so much.”
“Of Course!” The dean chirped. “I know I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
The meeting adjourned, and Astarion immediately made a break for the door. Gale hurriedly gathered his things in one arm, instinctually following after the only person in the room he really knew, like a baby duck.
Raphael stepped into Astarion’s path before he could get out of the meeting room. “Ah, we meet again, Dr. Ancunín!” Raphael’s voice dripped with sugary contempt. “I will see you at the donor gala, won’t I?”
“Perhaps. Are you thinking about calling in that favor I owe you?” Astarion’s voice was clipped, his face unnervingly blank.
“I think I’d like to wait on that a little longer, but I would like you there in case I change my mind.” Before Astarion could respond, Raphael’s gaze slid off him and onto- “Dr. Dekarios! Wonderful to see you. Are you settling in well?” He reached out a hand to him.
Gale stuffed his legal pad into his work so he could shake Raphael’s hand. “Exceptionally well!” he replied. “Everyone’s done their utmost to make me feel very welcome!”
“Oh, you don’t have to fib on your new colleagues’ account, Dr. Dekarios. I’m more than familiar with how surly certain members of the English department can get.” Raphael laughed congenially, but Astarion shot him a poisonous look.
“I’m not lying to you, sir,” Gale replied. “Astarion’s been nothing but professional.”
“Well, perhaps he’s going a bit soft.” There was a flash of something dangerous behind his eyes. He turned to Astarion. “I shall see you next Friday.” It was a command more than a farewell, but he walked away all the same.
Astarion muttered under his breath. Gale didn’t catch what he said but could make an educated guess. Astarion exhaled a deep breath like he was equalizing pressure.
He turned to Gale and said, “Thank you.”
Gale blinked. “Of course.”
Astarion opened his mouth to say something else, but the words couldn’t or wouldn’t form.
Shadowheart stepped in between them, too concerned with responding to a text message to notice the weird tension. “Karlach wants to get drinks.” She said. “She got stuck in traffic and doesn’t want to drive all the way down here for nothing.”
“Roveer’s?” Astarion asked, a very weary resignation in his voice.
“Yes, probably.”
“Nothing like running into your students at a sports bar a week before classes start…” Astarion grumbled. “Fine. Let me finish here, and I’ll meet you there in, oh… 15 minutes.” He turned to Gale. “Are you coming?”
“To the office?”
Astarion gave him a perplexed look. “To the bar.” He clarified. “You should take the opportunity to meet Karlach.”
Gale could feel himself going bright red as Shadowheart snickered. “Right. Yes. I would love to.” He replied.
“I’ll let Karlach know you’re coming. She’ll be thrilled.” Shadowheart replied, giving Gale a warm smile. “I’ll go lock up. See you in a bit.”
“Come on then.” Astarion replied, nodding for Gale to follow him.
***
The all-hand meeting was on the third floor, so by the time they’d returned to the basement and back up a floor to leave, Gale was starting to fear his knees wouldn’t survive the week- let alone the semester. “There has to be an elevator in this building.” Gale huffed and puffed as he hoofed it up the last flight of stairs. He didn’t want his new colleague’s first impression of him to be of him on his hands and knees wheezing. “I can’t take much more of this…”
“There is, but personally I don’t like chancing it unless I really don’t want to be in a meeting.” Astarion slowed to a stop at the top of the stairs to wait for him. He didn’t seem any worse for wear, but he also seemed much trimmer than Gale was- or at the very least, his shirt accentuated the pleasing nip of his waist. Gale wondered if Astarion was a swimmer. “A history adjunct got stuck in it overnight a few years past, and it still reeks a little bit when it gets hot enough.”
Gale laughed, but Astarion very pointedly did not.
The conversation lulled a little bit.
“Do you mind if I ask you something?” Gale asked.
“That entirely depends on what you want to ask.” Astarion stepped into the hallway, taking a moment to slip into his grey wool peacoat before they ventured outside.
“Raphael, is he always…”
“Such an ass?” Astarion finished his thought. Gale wouldn’t have used such a strong word, but Astarion had gotten the spirit of the question right, at least. “He’s usually much worse.”
“Oh?”
“He’s a glorified middleman with too much power and time on his hands.” Astarion scoffed. “He enjoys putting things in people’s way and watching them try to wriggle their way out of problems he created. My advice is to deal with him as little as possible.”
“Is he who you went to talk to earlier?”
Astarion gave him a poisonous look that only confirmed Gale’s suspicion.
They walked across campus in uneasy silence. The bitterly cold wind whipped and whistled, tossing the last remnants of fall leaves across the concourse. The few student residents who’d gotten in that morning had either decided to hold up in their rooms or were enjoying their free time in more exciting corners of town. Gale found himself wondering what Xenia was doing... He hoped she wasn’t all alone in an empty dorm.
“Does Xenia have many friends?” Gale asked as they approached a crosswalk leading to the block of shops across from campus.
“Hm?” Astarion tapped the pedestrian-call button, which commanded them to ‘wait!’ in a mechanical voice. “I think she probably has more friends than she realizes she does. Kids like her tend to think they’re alone in everything.”
“Poor kid… Seems like she’s been through enough.” Gale sighed. There was something heartbreaking in the phrase ‘kids like her.’ It was sad to think that there were more 19-year-olds out there carrying emotional burdens far too heavy for their age- sadder still to think that if there weren’t, then Xenia would be alone.
“She’ll figure herself out eventually. She’s not like…” Astarion paused, seemingly a little shocked by what he was about to say. He leveled a wary glance at Gale. “She’s not a quitter, I mean.”  
“I’m sure she’s not. I just hope she doesn’t run herself ragged.” The walk light flashed, and they hurried across the street.
***
They were comedically out of place in Roveer’s Roadhouse. A group of grown adults in Oxford dress crowding around a sticky Bud-Lit branded high top surrounded by a bevy of flatscreen monitors playing every sports broadcast under the sun. Shadowheart was already nursing a syrupy cocktail out of a chipped margarita glass.
An extremely tall woman with a red tipped mohawk and smiling eyes bounded over to Gale and clapped a firmly friendly hand on his shoulder. “You’re the new Adjunct, I take it?” She asked. “I’m Karlach, Professor Cliffgate, if you’re nasty.”
“Gale Dekarios.” He reached out to shake her hand. She fist-bumped him instead, and Gale got a glimpse of a nasty burn scar peeking out from the sleeve of her jacket. “It’s a pleasure!”
“Aw, I have a great-aunt named Gale!” Karlach replied.
“I get that a lot…” Gale sighed. “I like your hair!”
“Thanks!” Karlach tussled her own hair. “Told my kiddos they could pick what color I dyed it if they all passed their benchmarks.”
“Does Balduran give benchmarks?”
“Oh, no. Teaching university is my side gig,” Karlach replied. “I’m actually a full-time middle school teacher.”
A spindly girl with bleach-blonde hair pulled into space buns sidled up to the table, clutching a notepad. “Can I take your order?” She seemed quite put upon being asked to do actual work on a slow day.
“Vodka Soda,” Astarion replied, holding his ID out to the server.
She took it and dropped it in her apron, jotted something down on her notepad, and turned to Gale with an expectant look.
“I’ll, uh, take a Corona,” Gale replied. He’d never ordered a Corona in his life, but it seemed like an acceptable ‘getting drinks with colleagues’ kind of an order.
The server stood there staring at him a moment long before she asked, “ID?”
“Oh, um…” Gale patted for his wallet and realized he left it in his desk drawer. “I didn’t realize I would need it…”
“You didn’t realize you’d need an ID at a college bar?” Astarion asked dryly as he turned to the server. “Just put it on my tab.”
The server nodded and walked away without asking if they needed anything else.
“Wow Gale, just one day on the job, and you’re already bumming free drinks off the department chair.” Shadowheart teased. She took a sip of her drink crinkling her nose at the taste.
Gale flustered. “I-I was going to pay with my phone, I swear! I wasn’t planning this.”
“Relax. We’re not so underpaid that I can’t afford to buy you one beer.” Astarion rolled his eyes. “You can return the favor when you get your first paycheck.”
Gale blushed. “Alright.”
The server brought them their drinks without another word, then plopped down at the end of the bar to scroll on her phone. Gale pushed the lime through the neck of his beer bottle and watched it fizz as it sank to the bottom of the dubiously golden liquid.
“So, did I miss anything important at the all-hands?” Karlach asked idly, stirring her bourbon and coke.
“You know you didn’t,” Shadowheart replied. “We’re changing timecard systems, and Raphael and Astarion are in another one of their weird power struggles-there, I saved you an hour and a half.”
Karlach’s eyes lit up, and she turned towards Astarion. “Before the semester even starts?” There was a conspiratorial glee in her voice. “What the fuck could he have possibly done this time?”
“Why spoil the mood by ruminating on that rat bastard?” Astarion said. He picked the lemon slice out of his drink and laid it on a napkin. “I’ll tell you later.”
“Fair.” Karlach shrugged. She turned back to Gale and fixed him with a warm smile. “So, Gale, what brings you to the wonderful world of higher education?”
Gale had thought a lot about what he would tell people when they asked him why he wanted to teach college. He’d written little speeches in the shower about the joys of teaching language and the satisfaction of helping students reach their goal, but sitting in a group of other English professors, that suddenly all felt very trite.
“I was a public librarian, but I had to step away from my last position when I got divorced.” He admitted. “I found a job at a community college teaching database management, and I realized I’d just always missed teaching.” He took a long pull of his beer. The sour of the lime battled with the bitterness of the beer on his tongue.
“Library science might be a harder industry to break into than academia. It must have been tough to leave that behind.” Astarion mused.
“I do miss it terribly sometimes… but my ex helped me get into graduate school and got me my first library job. If I stayed, I would never be able to make anything that was truly mine.” Gale sighed. He could see the wheels spinning in Shadowheart’s head as she tried to figure out his age.
“You talk like you’re as old as this bag of bone,” Karlach pointed a thumb at Astarion, who glared daggers at her. “But there’s no way you’re that old.”
“I’m 35.” Gale clarified.
“That’s a little bit older than I thought, but still nowhere near as old as Astarion,” Shadowheart said.
“You are barely two years younger than me.” Astarion snapped.
“Barely a decade older than Gale, too.” Shadowheart shot back.
Astarion rolled his eyes and muttered something into his drink. “Did you go to get your master’s straight out of undergrad?” he asked.
“Yes, why?”
Astarion shrugged. “That’s just quite young to be with someone that well-established in their field.”
“Oh, we didn’t get together until I graduated.” That wasn���t entirely true. They didn’t get together publicly until he graduated. He didn’t know why he was still defending Mystra. It wasn’t like any of his new colleagues would ever meet her.
“I wasn’t trying to imply anything…” Astarion lied.
“Of course not.”
They both took a sip of their drink, holding awkward eye contact.
“Well, here’s to making something for yourself then,” Shadowheart said, holding her drink out to Gale for a cheers.
Gale clinked the neck of his beer bottle against her glass. “I’ll drink to that.”
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hiraya-rawr · 2 years
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Loyalties 03
( Diluc x Fatui Reader ) Mini Series
synopsis !! trapped to be interrogated for distributing delusions, you find yourself torn between loyalty to the Fatui and love for Diluc.
note !! this was a rather difficult chapter to write during my personal break maybe because I couldn't find myself properly setting the mood; anywaay here we go!
contains !! gn reader, implied torture, dark themes, hurt/comfort, alcohol consumption, manipulation
ch.01 || ch.02 || ch.03 || ch.04
— Favonius Cathedral, City of Mondstadt
"Normally, I wouldn't question your methods, but this was quite the save, wasn't it, sir Kaeya?"
Sweet and light sounding, Lisa greets the Cavalry Captain the minute he stepped out of the looming Cathedral doors, with one manicured hand stretched out to him. "I was just about ready to doubt you when the seizures started. Just how did you find out that the children would be fine?"
Kaeya smiles back, offering his arm out for her to hold as they walk down the Cathedral steps.
Of course he's caught her attention. The prodigy and most distinguished graduate of Sumeru Academia was unable to find a cure; yet, a mere Cavalry Captain ordered a risky 'hypothesis' that not only saved lives, but also opened new doors to investigating Delusions and their side effects
He could answer the question but that would warrant too much of an explanation— with information he had no right to divulge (as of now, he promises, because Kaeya Alberich does not hold back on betrayal).
"I'm surprised to see you out and about, Miss Lisa. Do you have business in the Cathedral?"
He's deflecting the question. Lisa is completely aware of it, yet she continues to smile. Alright then, there are more important matters for now, she thinks.
"As a matter of fact, I was searching for my sweet, little Razor. I thought he would be here with that boy. . . Bennett, was it?"
"Perhaps you're better off visiting the Adventures' Guild for them." Kaeya suggests.
"I thought so as well, but I've heard of Bennett's um– apparent propensity for misfortune. I was worried that," Her voice softens, "With the Fatui offering out Delusions to children, the two might have stumbled into some trouble."
Kaeya nods as Lisa releases her hold on his arm. The librarian had only been worried. "I see. . . Unfortunately, I haven't a clue as to where Bennett or Razor could be. Outrider Amber might know."
"I suppose I'll check with her. . . Are you heading to the Headquarters as well, sir Kaeya?"
He shakes his head, "No, I'm off duty as of now so I figured I'll have a drink or two in Angel's Share."
That's an excuse. He needs to check if the Darknight Hero successfully ended the delusion trade (definitely not to check on his brother's mental state, right?).
Lisa lights up, "Ah! If you meet (Name) there, would you mind asking them about Razor as well? We often have tea together, they might have an idea where he is– or perhaps they've been with Razor all along. That boy does so admire them."
Had it not been for Kaeya's proficiency in keeping a mask, he would have flinched at the mention of your name. It hasn't even been two days since you were taken, and news in Mondstadt spreads slow. He wonders what Lisa -or Razor- would think if they knew what he did. That you're strapped to a chair in a private yet isolated Ragnvindr property. Would they be horrified? For you or against you? What would they think of him?
Not that it matters. Kaeya Alberich cares little for those who hurt his family.
Heh, he truly is no better than the Fatui.
"I'll inform you if I find the kids. Don't worry so much— for all we know, the Darknight Hero might've handled it already." Kaeya grins, waving Lisa away as he heads downtown.
— Angel's Share, City of Mondstadt
The tavern was as lively as always; perhaps a little too lively tonight with almost twice as many patrons crowding the first floor. Kaeya was quick to find out why from a stray knight.
"Master Diluc has blocked the entire second floor. As for why he did it. . . Who knows? Perhaps he's expecting some important guests. He didn't say."
Ignoring the "Do Not Enter" sign hanging from a chain on the staircase, Kaeya leaps over it with ease and climbs the stairs. He isn't sure what to expect; did Diluc perhaps invited suspects of the Delusion trade? Did a high-ranking Fatui offer a deal or a contract that needed further discussion? Whatever it is, Kaeya will be sure to assist his big brother the vigilante no matter what the situation.
What he didn't expect was to see Diluc collapsed on a corner table, a glass of wine in hand and several bottles surrounding him. Kaeya's jaw laxes at the sight.
What. The. F*ck.
Upon closer inspection, Kaeya notices the littered bottles were full. Every single one save for the opened fire whiskey on the table.
"Snezhnayan alcohol? Really? And here I thought you'd despise anything from that place." He sighs, settling himself across from the man whose face was buried between his arms on the table. "So you barred everyone from half the tavern space just so you could get wasted in peace?"
Kaeya's tone is light, if not teasing, but there's an undertone of distaste at the wine tycoon's actions.
How could Diluc allow someone to affect him this much? You'd think the redhead would've learned his lesson about betrayal before you came along.
"Are you even conscious?" Kaeya reaches out to poke Diluc's scalp, earning a groan. The cryo user rubs a hand over his face, honestly, this was so unnecessary.
"Here I was worrying about how the delusion trade. To think you went ahead and started drinking. Didn't you think I would like that as well? If not more than you?" He rambles, eyeing the fluff of red hair on the table. There's a muffled sound escaping it.
". . -urts. . . "
"Pardon?"
Diluc finally looks up from his folded arms, red eyes on Kaeya's own. It's redder than usual, outlining his eyes. Had he been crying?
The expression on his older brother's face. . . it's heartbreaking.
"I didn't think it would hurt this much, Kae," Diluc whimpers.
It's a sound that seems so soft and vulnerable, like he was nine years old again, crying good bye to a hollowed turtle shell as Kaeya held the lampgrass flowers. It only made the cavalry captain churn in contempt. How could you do this to Diluc?
Kaeya selfishly wonders if he's a little lower on Diluc's hate list now.
He also wonders if he went too easy on you.
Kaeya, unable to confront Diluc's hurt, decides to change the subject. ". . . Lisa is looking for (Name). It's only a matter of time before she gets suspicious. I suggest we make a report to Jean before word gets out of their disappearance."
"Like. . . admit it?" Diluc looks on desperately. Kaeya doesn't recognize the emotion.
"Admit what?"
"That they're Fatui? Admit that to Jean?"
Kaeya raises an eyebrow, "Yes?" his visible eye then narrows, "Don't tell me you plan to keep this under wraps? You're— you're protecting them?"
Diluc clenches his jaw.
"No."
Then,
"It's not that. It's not the time—" Diluc sighs, sitting straight before alcohol sways him, his stance losing balance while sitting. "Don't report to Jean."
"Diluc." Kaeya tsked.
"Kae."
". . . Fine. Not yet." Kaeya stands up, swiping a full bottle from the table to settle under his arm. "But eventually. And if you won't do it, I will." He turns to leave before a voice calls out to him again.
Kaeya faces Diluc, whose eyes are anywhere but on him.
"You said. . . you think I'd despise everything from Snezh." Diluc starts slowly, "I don't." He says, then in a quieter voice, "I can't. Can't despise everything from that place."
Kaeya frowns before turning on his heel, leaving the redhead alone.
The rim of a glass bottle settles on your lips and you mouth it willingly. Instead of alcohol like you'd expect, it's water. Almost warm to drink.
You blink. Eyes trailing up the gloved hand to see a redhead looking down on you. Diluc's expressionless face looks back but doesn't make eye contact.
"I'm. . ." You mumble, everything about this feels strange. It feels like warmth, it feels comforting, "I'm still in the basement, aren't I? Still strapped to that chair?"
Diluc nods.
Thunder roars outside. Whether you're too worn out to or too out of it to acknowledge the fear, you don't flinch at the sound.
"Kaeya is drafting a report on you. You'll be branded as a spy to Mond publicly. You wouldn't be allowed back again." He says nonchalantly. You remain silent.
You'll be a Persona Non Grata to Mondstadt. Unwelcomed in the Nation of Freedom.
A bowl of onion soup is pushed in front of you. You realize he's trying to feed you.
"You'll need to eat. It'll be a while before Jean gets the report. While waiting, we still have questions for you." He sounds impassive, almost cold. You allow yourself to nod as a spoonful is raised towards you.
Another rumble of thunder shakes the room. It must be a basement, judging by the way the walls shake.
Diluc places the bowl aside and walks away. He climbs the stairs and he shuts the door close. You realize he left it open when he entered.
He returns to yoyr side and thunder rumbles again, much quieter this time by the closed door.
Does he remember? Does he care? You don't dare ask.
In the quiet of the room and his spoonfuls of soup, he mutters;
"What is your mission?"
Before quickly replacing the interrogative question.
"Why me?"
Yes, why him? Infiltrate Mond and be the backbone of the Delusion trade was the mission. You played the role of an insider, bonding with merchants and understanding the innermost trade routes of the nation. It just so happens that alcohol circulated the most, making it easier to understand the market flow.
It didn't need to be him, yet you found yourself needing him.
"It didn't have to be you." You mutter in truth.
"But it was me. Why?" He asks again, sitting straighter now, "(Name), I want to try and understand—" why did you love?
You don't understand the question. To you, it was simple. You had a job to do and you met someone great while doing it. Betrayal was secondary to things like the Tsaritsa's will or love. Surely, Diluc would understand?
But Diluc came from the land of freedom. He doesn't bend to the will of Barbatos who racks up a tab in his own tavern. He doesn't take well to betrayal, not after what the knights did (what Kaeya did, what the Ordo did).
Diluc does not understand that.
When you don't reply, he settles for another question. Because he's learnt that questions are better than drawing your blade first (he should have done the same for his little brother. He knows better now.)
"Was anything true?"
Did you love him? was the question on his tongue but too afraid to say.
You bite your lip.
"If there's anything. . . anything you have to believe about me," You say slowly, carefully, "It's my feelings for you."
His eyes meet yours as you continue.
"But there are forces much bigger than us in this world, Diluc."
A flash of hurt crosses his face before it settles into something unreadable. The rest of the soup is eaten quietly.
"I really don't think we should be here."
"Shhh. Smells. Blood."
You stir, hearing footsteps on creaky wood and two boyish voices. One whiny, the other alert.
"That's even more of a reason! W-what if there's. . . ghosts?"
"Razor will protect friend Bennett."
"Why don't we just leave?"
"Shhh!"
They're closer now, the first step on the staircase. You snap awake, looking around the room to see Diluc and Kaeya gone. How long were you passed out?
"Person. Blood." Razor's voice points out from the stairs and you know he sees you. Bennett all but shrieks—
"G-ghost! Let's get out of here, Raz—"
"(Name)?" Razor tilts his head, recognizing your smell.
"What?" Bennett blinks.
"(Name)!" The wolf boy rushes down the stairs and you hold your breath. They don't know, do they? Did Kaeya pass the report to Jean? Has it been announced yet?
Judging by their frantic concern, you suppose not.
"B-bennett? Razor?" You exhale, glad to have had something to eat prior otherwise you wouldn't have had the strength to talk.
"Mx. (Name)!" Bennett rushes up to you, hands going over the restraints on your limbs. He doesn't hesitate to figure out how to remove them. Razor whimpers at the sight of you.
"(Name). Hurt?"
"Why— Who did this to you?" Bennett summons the power of pyro, the chain breaking under its pressure. It's impressive how someone so unlucky controls his flames.
"I'm alright," You reassure them and try to mean it, racking your brain for a logical excuse, "The Fatui might come back. We have to go." Finally freeing your wrists and massaging them. The skin around it is raw and painful.
A smaller version of Bennett's burst appears on the ground of your feet. Energy courses through you and you feel the skin healing, along with your fatigue and other wounds. You sigh in relief.
"Those bad guys! We have to report this to the knights!" Bennett says quickly, "They're not gonna get away with this!"
"Miss Lisa help. Knights help!" Razor nods as quickly, helping you up on wobbling legs. They don't notice your silence as you climb the stairs and exit the building to Wolvendom. The basement must be part of the Dawn Winery's storehouse.
The sun is setting, you guess you're approaching your third day of capture.
"How were you captured? What did they do to you? What about Master Diluc–?" Bennett rambles on.
"Why capture..?" Razor mutters from behind you, softer. You know he's more curious than suspicious. He wouldn't assume anything bad of you.
You think of your position. You don't know if you've been ousted, you aren't sure where to go from Mond— what you do know is there's a Fatui outpost by Springvale functioning under legal jurisdiction.
You look at the boys. Bennett continues to ramble how this shouldn't have happened and turning to the adults, while Razor growls about protecting those he care about.
You think of your mission.
Distributing delusions for the Tsaritsa.
Teenagers asking for power.
Ambition.
"Bennett, Razor, would you two come with me?"
•••
note !! I understand that I ended this with a pretty big plot diversion, but don't worry! the fic still focuses on diluc and reader's relationship :) next chapter would be the final chapter where everything falls into place!
gen taglist !! @absolut-wildflower @boundedbyfate @sadlonelybagel @eissaaaa @ladycoleigh @nejibot @milkypompon @bloodreaper08 @irethepotato @x-zho @roriver @mich-cola @mxsomn @ackrylik @nicebonescomrade @starforecasts @stygianoir @yuminako @eccedentesiast-sapphic @nebulaera @nuttytani @klutzkat @shizunxie
loyalties taglist !! @escapeis @leftdestiny-posts @manjimeowmeow @sup-zfam @hangezoessidehoe @liyacreate @sheepispink @juminsamore @shadowfireblue @radnvindr @ashjustlikesthings @yengre @ashgayasfuzz @chiisananingen @lavynne @senjusbuddy @i-x4o @shuriiiewrites @mizu-san @kitrinafalcon @rekikyansimp @probably-rk @theonlysol @vnsmiles @reisinnie @aomur @annoying-and-upset @evapori @mostydreamscape @mariinggg
character analysis / notes !! im so glad to know kaeya and diluc's canon relationship seems to fit in here. after studying their characters again, i feel like kaeya would be more law abiding in scenarios like this, wanting to be transparent with jean and the others, whereas diluc wouldve kept things to himself.
also!! diluc wouldve definitely learned his lesson about attacking first before talking it out :< i just think hed make more of an effort to understand people, the fact that you're fatui just makes it a little more difficult but he did/does love you, he wants to try dhhshxhs
if you read the last chapter, youd see i hinted that "youd have to be real lucky to escape" xp which is ironic bc bennett.
childe and venti would be in the next chapter :> finalized the outline for it and hoping i could get it out soon. it'll be a little difficult to write the conclusion but i hope it satisfies!
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goblinpuppy35 · 1 month
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Out of Place Together
University Remus x Male Reader
(Previous Chapter) - Part 2
Summary: An academia-core themed story about the Marauders during their final year of university in the Muggle world. Soon after meeting each other  Remus begins to fall for one of Sirius' friends Y/N another shy student.
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It was 5:35 am and Y/N was in the university library. It wasn't his original plan to be hunting the long corridors of tall bookshelf this early but his inconsiderate housemates had chosen 3 am on a Thursday morning as the perfect  time to come home after a extensive night of clubbing. There return had not annoyed him greatly, Y/N accepted he was a light sleeper, what more annoyed him was his housemates insistence on coming home to continue there intense audio intact of drum and bass music but hooking up their speakers in the kitchen and jumping up and down until the clock on Y/N's nightstand which painfully remained him of what time it was, was shaking and jumping itself.
This was not the first time Y/N's housemates had done this and despite the results of limited sleep turning Y/N into something which resembled a dishevelled and angry badger, Y/N was also an incredibly non confrintational person. Therefore once his shaking alarm clock woefully passed 4 in the morning he made the decision to get up. Flinging his notebook and some books into his bag and putting on his long black coat on as he briskly walked down the stairs, ignoring the loud chaos coming from the kitchen and left through the front door. Y/N had felt the temptation to slam it behind him but with his housemates speakers on at full blast he doubts the passive aggressive gesture would have even been registered.
Now at the library Y/N felt a lot calmer, the warm morning light was starting to shine through the large windows and highlight spots on the carpeted floor. Y/N happily spent a peaceful morning writing and reading until his stomach began to grumble, so he wondered to the universities cafeteria to pick up a sandwich and a peppermint tea. Cradling the warm cardboard cup as he rested his back against the buildings wall outside in the smoking area Y/N suddenly thought back to being at James and Sirius' house and how their housemate Remus started to make Y/N's tea for him. This made Y/N smile to himself a little before returning to his cigarette. It assumed him how flattered he was by the gesture, a rather minor act of kindness, nevertheless one which took Y/N by surprise. Y/N contemplated whether he needed a new found sense of self worth as he finished his food and returned back to the library.
The afternoon rolled on by and Y/N was still happily spending his time in the library as he often did if he wasn't in his own department. At this point he was running his finger across the spines of the books in the 'Art and Illustration ' sections, looking for something specific. "Hello again." sung a low voice suddenly taken Y/N out of his tunnel vision searching. Standing in the hallway between the shelves stood someone whose tall figure almost surpassed the height of the shelves themselves. At first Y/N recognised the baggy jumper before he recognised the handsome face of the man he'd met earlier that week. "Remus! hello" a mixture of surprise and delight came through in Y/N's voice which he instantly felt embarrassed by. "Not interrupting am I?" Remus asked pleasantly surveying the rows of books in front of them "oh no, no not at all, I was just looking for something. A book about northern landscapes painted in the Romantic period." "Ah I see" Remus replied in a low purring like sound pushing his shoulder off the shelf and starting to look at the books on the top row. Y/N stared at him befuddled for a moment before silently returning to his search as well. A moment of silence passed between them. "So, if your looking up art books I can assume your an art student?" Remus asked still looking at the books, Y/N did the same as he answered. "No, well sort of. I'm a drama student but I'm not into acting or anything. I'm studying to be a theatre technician you know building sets, rigging and doing the lighting mainly". "Oh, so while everyone is watching the stage your the one in the little room above all the seats making the lights switch on and off" Remus mused as he gently pulled down a book and handed it towards Y/N, eyes still locked on scanning the shelf. Y/N took it and smiled "Yeah exactly, though we call that little room the box", after saying this Remus turned to face Y/N his eyes bright with amusement, "oh really?" he smiled and Y/N found himself getting lost in the corners of his raised lips. He felt a weak for a moment and then incredibly tense.
Remus was able to help Y/N find several useful books which he explained he wanted to look through for lighting inspiration for an upcoming play. Sitting across a table together in a corner of the library the two men sat, Y/N hunched over several large open books, flicking through the pages and making notes while Remus sat pressed into the corner against the wall, feet propped up on the seat next to him while he read his own book. He had not asked to sit with Y/N nor did Y/N ask him to however they appeared to find each others company relaxing. The afternoon gradually transformed into evening.
Before starting his third book Y/N looked up and titled his head in Remus' direction, "Your and English student right?" Remus hummed in agreement without looking up from his page. "So why have I never seen you in the library before?" with this question Remus smiled and looked up "I get most of my books from charity shops, they are always teaming with them and selling them for basically nothing". "Well that explains the mound of books flooding your guys living room" Y/N said with a small grin, "You should see my bedroom!" Remus chuckled with a sense of pride. The thought of Remus' bedroom gave Y/N the same weak then tense feeling he felt before, this feeling then increased when Y/N wondered if that was an actual invitation.
A wave of energy was about to burst upon their tranquil evening as Sirius burst through the library doors. Resulting in a sharp shush from the libraries desk. "Sirius! You alright?" Y/N asked pleased to see his friend. He believed this was the first time he's ever seen Sirius inside the library and not outside in the smokers corner. "Oh hello you too!" Sirius was noticeable taken a back seeing Y/N and Remus together but quickly his mind refocused and he grabbed Y/N's shoulders. "Y/N please I need your help. I'm handing in my course work tomorrow and I haven't finished it yet". "STILL?" blurted out Remus, "oh shut up Mooney! since your here you will need to help me too. Y/N I promise I've written all the personal analysis I just need some help finding case studies and you know this library so well and" Sirius' words began to drift off and his face took on the expression of a melting puppy, it made Y/N laugh more then feel sympathetic, regardless he agreed to help. With a long sigh Remus also rose from his chair to help look for relevant books in the psychology section. 
The evening yawned on and grow dark, the groups table was now littered with books and pages of Sirius' coursework. He frantically scribbled in paragraphs as the other two handed him books, open on the key pages. Every now and then Y/N would look up and across the table and lock eyes with Remus, they would smile at one another, primarily because of silliness of the situation they were in, but Y/N also got the sense that they liked to look at one another, he did at least. 
Several hours later in victory Sirius pumped his fist into the air, clutching his pen, "I'm done! Victory is mine. Thank you again for helping me, really". "Anytime" Y/N said ruffling his friend's long black hair through his fingers jokingly before he started to collect the assortment of books to return them. "Oh by the way what time is the play tomorrow?" Sirius asked leaning back in his chair, "what play?" Remus chimed in looking confused. "The play my year is putting on for this semester. It's the opening night tomorrow. That's what I was researching for" Y/N explained. "What! Pads you dick making him help you out when he's got to prep for a bloody play" Remus said kicking Sirius' tilt back chair making it wobble, forcing the more relaxed of them to panic and then grip the edge of the table. "No no really it's fine, us technicians are never allowed in the theatre to prep for a play until the morning before. It's too much in demand. The set has already been built and I have a lighting plan and everything for tomorrow. I was just doing extra research today for what colours I wanted to use". Hearing this Remus' face relaxed however he still seemed mildly annoyed with Sirius. "Anyway it starts at 7:30 pm Sirius. I'll be in from 7:30 am doing all the prep I can before the actors get there" Y/N added extra empathise on the "am" followed by a weak laugh. He loved his theatre lighting but show weeks were always brutally draining. Sirius looked at his watch quickly "It's already pretty late Y/N. The last bus might have already gone. Do you want to crash on our sofa again?". "Thank you but I can't, I have my script and cue sheet all at home" Y/N said with a sigh looking at his own watch "I'm sure a bus will come along its fine". "Nope" interjected Remus shoving his book into his bag then swinging it over his shoulder as he got up "I'll drive you home come on". Y/N wanted to object but truthfully he was grateful for the offer, "Wow. you know he never busts out his car for me" Sirius said playfully while putting on his own jacket. "Finish your course work on time and maybe I'll consider it" Remus retorted back, he lightly placed his hand on Y/N's upper arm guiding him to follow. This contact made Y/N's breath hitch for a moment despite the touch being so delicate. Y/N was transfixed on Remus long slender fingers, coming back to reality he waved goodbye to Sirius and they left the library. 
In the dark car park only a few circles of garish orange light from the streetlamps highlighted the ground. One spotlighted the only car left in the parking lot a beaten up second hand blue one. "The real reason I don't give people lifts is I can't afford that amount of petrol" Remus said with a smirk as he reached the driver's side, fiddling with the key to open the car. "Well in that fact thank you really. Your helping me out a lot here" Y/N said as he waited, with a click the inside light in the car switched on and the doors popped open. Before dunking into the driver seat Remus straighten his figure and rested his hand on the cars roof, looking across to Y/N, "It's my pleasure". 'You really mean that' thought Y/N as he looked at the man's honest blue eyes, his chest tensed again.
As they began to drive across town Remus opened the cassette player and ask Y/N to pick something to listen to. Opening the glove compartment in front of him Y/N was welcomed with a flood of cassettes, some falling onto his knees. Rummaging through the box he was able to find Rush's album 2112, "an excellent choice" Remus remarked as he popped the cassette in and soon music filled the car as they drove into the night. Y/N watched the streetlamps in formation pass the car window, he felt very relaxed, it was rare he found traveling so easy. After giving him the address it took about 30 minutes before Remus' car reach Y/N's house, the Rush album was about half way through when the car stopped as did the music. "This is where you live?" Remus asked looking around and then pursed his lips realising that was a slightly impolite thing to say. "It's okay I know it's a shithole but it's cheap" thought this was what Y/N said he was reluctant to get out of the car. Thankfully there were no deafening drum and bass music pulsing from the house meaning his housemates were most likely out.
He thanked Remus again for the lift and then made his way to the front door. As he turned his key in the front door and started to step inside Y/N turned seeing Remus car still there on the street. In the dark night Remus hunched over his stiring wheel watching Y/N was framed like a painting in the car light. Y/N waved at him and Remus gestured back with his own little wave and then his engine weered into gear and he began to drive away. Y/N shut the front door behind him and made his way upstairs smiling. All these kind deeds were going to get to his head.
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messagesfromthestarrs · 7 months
Text
Stress Relief
ship: Shigaraki Tomura/Dabi
fandom: my hero academia
genre: all smut no plot
warnings: none, its pretty vanilla. slight ooc. the writing may seem a bit cringe at first but it gets better trust me okay.
word count: 3.5k
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They had a close call with the heroes. Luckily, the league of villains managed to escape last second.
Tomura was fucking stressed. So, so many narrow escapes, it was a huge surprise that his fellow league members made it out of there safe.
He paced around the "common room" area of the League's new hideout. Everyone else had already retired to their rooms. Tomura was scratching his neck, thinking, planning, analysing, criticising. He didn't notice his right hand man sitting on one of the chairs, watching him. Tomura was startled out of his thoughts when Dabi sighed and called out to him from across the room. "You look like you need a drink."
Tomura's scratching only got worse at that. He refused to look into Dabi's eyes, because he knew that the second he would, he would be trapped by Dabi's icy gaze and eyes that were the same colour as his fire.
That was the other reason Tomura couldn't relax. He couldn't stop thinking about Dabi. Couldn't stop himself from staring at him. Couldn't stop himself from imaging unholy things about him. Tomura couldn't breathe normally when Dabi would shove him out of the way of an attack and end up on top of him. Tomura stoped himself from thinking about Dabi's scarred hands on him. About what Dabi could do to him. About what he could do to Dabi.
Tomura started to lose control of himself when he was around Dabi.
Little did he know that Dabi felt the same way about Tomura.
Little did he know that Dabi had a plan in mind, something that he had been wanting to put into action for an embarrassingly long time.
"Well, don't we all." Tomura replied a few seconds later than normal since he was so busy imagining what Dabi's low and gravely voice would sound like in the morning after a particularly good night.
Tomura finally decided to look into Dabi's eyes and tried to decifer what he was thinking. Dabi looked the same as always, barely a scratch on him, his fire keeping away his enemies. But there was something different in his eyes. Something similar to how he looked when he was thinking and planning. What was he thinking about? What was he planning? Tomura couldn't help but wonder.
"Tell you what," Dabi said as he stood up from his seat and walked towards Shigaraki, "since we both need to blow off some steam, how about we get some drinks and give each other some company?"
Shigaraki considered the offer for a bit, then shaked his head "No, I don't want to drink anything right now. I just... I don't know."
"Ah, well, in that case," Dabi casually stepped into Shigaraki's personal space, locking eyes with him and lowering his own voice, "I had some... other things in mind."
There was a challenging look in his eyes, as if he was daring Tomura to take this further. So he did, "What did you have in mind?"
"Well..." Dabi stepped even closer to Shigaraki, still refusing to break eye contact, his voice and eyes hypnotic "we could, uh, you know, give each other company in a different way. I know some other ways to relieve stress" Dabi finished his sentence in an... odd manner. There was something different in the air, something that Tomura had never felt before.
And that's when it hit him. "Oh. Oh " he blurted out. Huh. Wow, this was a lot for him to process. He looked deep into Dabi's eyes to verify if this was what he thought it was.
Dabi's pupils were blown wide, making those turquoise eyes (that Tomura thought about in the wee hours of the night) look darker yet brighter at the same time, with a mischievous glint in them. Tomura couldn't stop looking into those eyes. Tomura felt his heartbeat get a little faster than he'd like, the adrenaline from their narrow escape starting to creep back into his body.
They seemed to be having a silent conversation by their eyes: 'you wanna do this? you know we can never go back from this'
Tomura felt the urge to kiss Dabi, to do so many unimaginable things to him, to get so many unimaginable things done to him by the arsonist. Dabi had the same feelings.
Dabi looked him up and down, and raised an eyebrow at his boss. Tomura nodded his head, a silent command in his crimson eyes. It was hard to tell who lurched forward first, but before they knew it, their lips clashed. Tomura let out a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding.
He felt ecstatic. The person he had been obsessed with the past who knows how long, the person who haunted his dreams, was currently all over him.
Their kiss deepened, their breaths got heavier, they got needier. They both wanted more.
Breaking the kiss with a small gasp, Shigaraki grasped Dabi's shoulders, looked him in the eye and commanded "Bedroom. Now."
Dabi breathed out a "fuck yes ", then they practically ran towards Shigaraki's bedroom.
Dabi paused, and realised that there was a good chance Shigaraki might decay him. "Hey, wait do you have some sort of gloves to stop your quirk?"
They finally reached their destination, shoved open the door and stumbled inside, locking the door behind them.
"Yeah- yeah I do, give me a second" Tomura quickly made his way to his bed, Dabi following him and removing his coat. Tomura went through the bedside table and fished out and put on a special pair of gloves that covered only his pinky and ring fingers.
With that taken care of, Tomura shoved Dabi onto his bed, pushing him up against the headboard, into a sitting position, and Dabi just let him. Tomura then gathered his courage, sat on Dabi's lap and straddled him. They resumed their kissing, but this time with Tomura grinding his hips against Dabi's lap in a slow rhythm, soft moans and groans escaping both of their mouths.
To Tomura, every little touch sent small spikes of electricity through his body, his blood rushing.
Their kiss deepened as Dabi and Tomura began exploring each other's bodies more freely. Dabi's hands slid under Tomura's shirt and moved up and down his back, firm and holding him close. Tomura threaded his hands through Dabi's hair, reassured by the gloves and desperate for something to hold on to.
Because of the way they were sitting, they could feel the other's erections growing by the second. Dabi decide to try something a little more mischievous as his hands made their way to Shigaraki's thighs, stroking them. He bit down on Shigaraki's bottom lip at the same time as he jerked his hips up into Shigaraki's, relishing the lewd moan that escaped his boss's mouth.
Shigaraki broke the kiss to catch his breath, "fuck, Dabi, I want more."
"Glad we're on the same page, Tomura." Shigaraki shivered at hearing his name in that tone and voice. Dabi continued, with a tinge of desperation in his voice "so how d'you wanna do this? Fast or slow? Soft or rough? I'll do whatever you want baby, I'm all yours."
Shigaraki's face reddened at that. "I'm... not sure. Look, this is my first time okay? I don't know anything, really" he confessed, feeling rather embarrassed.
Dabi felt weirdly happy to be Shigaraki's first time. He lifted him off of his lap and shifted so that he was on top of Shigaraki, lying down. Dabi loved the way Shigaraki was blushing right then; he leaned down slightly to whisper "i could teach you a few things" and kissed the area right behind Shigaraki's ear (where the jaw starts), making him shiver again.
"Hmm, I like that. A lot." Said Shigaraki, "ya know what? I'm leaving this up to you. You can do whatever you want to me, I'm all yours." He was giving up control. He was gonna let Dabi take the reigns instead, let loose and relax. Huh, this was a good idea.
Dabi looked deep in thought for a few seconds, deciding what things to do to Shigaraki, where to start. Shigaraki started to grow impatient, imprisoned underneath Dabi. After some good consideration, Dabi finally decided on a few things.
"Hey, I want to see you. Can you strip for me?" Shigaraki did not hesitate a second to rip off his clothes, almost decaying them in the process. His skin was pale, tinted pink with his blush and marked with old scars and some beauty spots here and there. Dabi looked downward immediately and was impressed at the sight, and slightly surprised since he didn't expect Shigaraki to be that big. "Dang, gamer boy, you're impressive" Dabi purred at said gamer boy, who's face and chest were a lovely shade of reddish-pink.
Dabi then slowly scanned the rest Shigaraki's body with his eyes, clearly enjoying the view. The blue-haired man in question got even more impatient "just fuck me already, I want you, now."
Dabi chuckled lightly at the desire and desperation in his boss's voice. "Quite eager, aren't we?" He teased lightly, warming up his hands with his quirk and massaged Shigaraki's thighs. Shigaraki shivered at the touch and tried to move a bit so that Dabi's hands would be on his cock instead, but it was to no avail since Dabi held him firmly in place. So instead, Shigaraki tried to touch himself, but Dabi grabbed both his wrists and pinned them above Shigaraki's head. Shigaraki whined at the lack of friction, which provided Dabi further motivation to tease him. Dabi leant down and began kissing Shigaraki's thighs, then stomach, then chest and neck. He tried to kiss everywhere he could, everywhere except Shigaraki's dick.
"Oh for fucks sake, just do it already please Dabi please just fuck me already!"
Dabi let out a satisfied hum at that. Shigaraki's begging made him harder, and as much as Dabi wanted to suck the soul out of his boss, he still wanted to drag this thing they had going on a bit longer. The chances of something like this happening again were low, so Dabi had to make the most of it.
"Look at you, such a needy little slut" Dabi growled in a taunting tone "so hard, so desperate, and just for me?" Shigaraki grumbled and turned his head away, blushing harder, his hips jerking involuntarily. So apperantly Boss was into degradation, noted.
"Alright then Tomura, you're gonna be a good boy for me?" Shigaraki grumbled something again, and blushed harder. Dabi let his hands stray near Shigaraki's thighs and cock, barely touching. Leaning down close to Shigaraki's ear, "Now now~ I won't give you any pleasure if you're gonna be a brat. I could just leave you here, all alone." Dabi purred seductively, and bit Tomura's collarbone who whimpered in response, gripping his bedsheets tightly. "I'll ask again; are you gonna be a good boy for me? You're gonna listen to me and make pretty little noises? Do exactly as I say, understand?"
"Hnnng yeah I will- just fuck me please I'll be a good boy! I'll do everything you say! Please, just do something! "
Dabi's stomach did some funky backflips at hearing the pure lust and desire and desperation in Shigaraki's voice. "Fuck- say that again"
Shigaraki lurched forward, muttering a few colourful curses under his breath. He caught Dabi and wrapped his arms tightly around Dabi's shoulders, smashing their lips together in a brief yet heated kiss. He stopped kissing for a second to say, "Fucking- I'll be your good boy okay! I'll moan and scream for you I'll do whatever the fuck you want me to do, just- just- ugh! " and promptly brought their lips together again.
"Oh fuck yes, Tomura, I'll fuck you good and hard all night long, baby." To prove his words, Dabi gently, finally, stroked Tomura's cock, and the rewarding lewd moan Tomura let out was music to Dabi's ears.
They readjusted their position slightly, so now Shigaraki was sitting at the edge of his bed with Dabi kneeling on the floor in front of him. Finally, after what had felt like hours of torture and teasing, Dabi spread Tomura's legs wide, and leant down and put his mouth around the head of Tomura's cock. Tomura gasped at the touch, his hips jerking up in surprise. Slowly, Dabi began to sink lower, taking in as much of Tomura's huge member as he could fit in his mouth, going slowly at first, then suddenly quickening his pace.
Tomura shouted in surprise as Dabi swallowed him down, the tip of his cock bumping against the back of Dabi’s throat. Without thinking, Tomura tangled one of his hands into Dabi’s black hair, his grip tight and punishing. Dabi rumbled in pleasure, sending a vibration down Tomura’s length that had his toes curling, "Fuck- fuck, okay yeah cool"
Dabi looked up at him, a smug look in his eyes.
Slowly, Dabi brought his head back up then slammed down again, resulting in a gasp from Tomura. Dabi began to bob his head up and down in a slow and sensual rhythm, holding eye contact the entire time. He was enjoying himself.
Dabi was being torturously slow and that annoyed the hell out of Shigaraki. But their eye contact was held as a challenge, to see who would break it first. That was a thing Tomura was struggling with. Dabi seemed to have complete control over him, despite being the one looked down upon. To Tomura, just the sight of Dabi seated between his legs, mouth filled with his cock and that look in his eyes; that was more than enough to fluster Tomura, despite the lack of friction. He was the first to look away, bite his lips to poorly hide a whimper.
Immediately after the eye contact broke, Dabi rose his head up, moving to suck and bite Tomura's inner thighs instead.
All the foreplay had already put Shigaraki on the brink of collapse. He was turning into a whimpering and moaning mess, gripping onto the sheets with one hand and Dabi's hair with another.
"ughh please Dabi- more-"
Dabi, on the other hand, was having a power trip. Shigaraki Tomura, enemy of the nation, most dangerous man alive, falling apart with barely any effort. Shigaraki kept whining and gasping and desperately tugging Dabi's hair. The boss was the one completely naked and covered in possessive marks, while Dabi simply languidly moved his tongue across that monstrosity of a cock. It fueled Dabi's obsession and also made him realise how tight his pants were getting. He was getting impatient.
"do you have any lube? and condoms?"
"uh- no?" right. of course he didn't.
"right. of course you don't. fucking virgin."
that earned Dabi a sharp pull of his hair, to which he fake moaned dramatically. "all right, let me get some from my room" he said, getting up.
"w-wait- " Tomura seemed to panic, grabbing Dabi's wrist "don't go…" he pouted.
Dabi's heart fluttered. he leaned down to peck his lips, "dont worry boss, I'll be back soon" and sprinted to complete his mission
upon returning from his room, which took less than 2 minutes mind you, Dabi came upon quite the sight: Shigaraki Tomura, wearing nothing but Dabi's coat, jerking himself off. Dabi stood transfixed for a moment, eyes unable to turn away from that veiny, weeping cock, from Shigaraki's bony hands moving at inhuman speeds, muttering Dabi's name into his coat, breathing in his scent.
Dabi might as well go insane.
Tomura's eyes fell on him at last, making eye contact. He seemed to be getting off on being watched, came with a shudder and Dabi's name on his lips.
Dabi… might as well go insane.
"Uh. boss."
"yes, my soldier?" a cat like smile, eyes still dazed
"...I thought I told you to wait for me." he crosses his arms
Tomura gets on his stomach and elbows, hair falling over most of his face, coat slipping off one shoulder. "what're you gonna do about it?" he murmured, " punish me?"
and with that, all of Dabi’s self control went down the drain.
He charged onto the bed, flipped Tomura over, pinning him to the bed. They kissed passionately, completely engrossed in the other's essence, blind to the world. Yes, Dabi did shove his tongue down Tomura’s throat and yes, Tomura did respond with a strangled moan.
Breaking away from the kiss, Tomura looked even more fuckable. Hair messy, covered in bites and hickeys, mouth slack and red, eyes lidded, panting, his own cum on his stomach and his dick already hard. What a painting. Dabi could not wait a moment longer to wreck him more.
Dabi got rid of his clothes as well, put on a condom and started to work open Tomura's hole.
Tomura lied down on his back, spreading his legs open,allowing dabi access.
dabis fingers were warm and gentle as they began teasing the rim, slick with lube. he made sure to prep tomura properly, he definitely wouldn't want to hurt him. not only because he cared for him, but also because Tomura would literally rip Dabi's dick off if something went wrong.
the fingers penetrating tomura felt cold and uncomfortable at first, but soon enough he was enjoying himself. dabi was warming up his hands with his quirk and was curling his fingers just right.
Dabi gazed at Shigaraki as he continued his ministrations, and a fleeting thought came- he wanted to ride his boss' dick some day. it would be a waste not to.
and soon enough, with all the preparations done, they were ready. Tomura's hole clenched in anticipation. He felt like he'd been waiting for this for an eternity.
"relax" dabi said.
Nodding, tomura responded "I'm ready"
dabi coated his penis with some leftover lube, and pressed the head up against the rim. slowly, he pushed inside. he didn't go all the way just yet, and waited for Shigaraki to give him the green to continue.
tomura bit his lip and scrunched his eyes in concentration, getting used to the feeling of fullness. he nodded at dabi.
fuck that went deep. very deep. Dabi slid out slowly, then slammed back in, shaking Tomura's whole world.
dabi pulled out, and pushed his dick in all the way until he bottomed out.
Tomura had half a mind to tell Dabi to slow down, but to be honest he liked it. he liked the way dabi dragged his length in Tomura's hole, he liked the way the man above moved harshly and desperately.
dabi was trying hard to keep his cool, but tomura was just so warm and tight, he made all the right noises and his back arched and his ass was so plump. dabi had one hand gripping tomuras waist and the other hand in that soft blue hair
tomura was lost in his own pleasure, chasing that dopamine high. his moans were loud and he was chanting Dabi's name as his hard dick stretched his walls.
they kept going at it, dabi pounding him progressively harder, hitting all the good spots. tomura was practically getting hammered into the bed, which creaked with every thrust. tomuras eyes rolled back, a string of moans and incoherent begging escaped his mouth. their minds were filled with buzzing and a warm feeling was gathering rapidly in their lower abdomens.
at one point, they switched positions to doggy style. this allowed dabi a better view of that ass, and he found the perfect angle to ram into Tomura's sensitive spot.
the sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room, along with lewd sounds. their bodies were sweat-slicked and hot. this was everything tomura had dreamt of, and dabi had craved. who'd have thought they'd be doing this.
soon enough, Tomura's asshole was clenching as he came a second time, Dabi's name on his tongue, eyes rolling and back arching.
dabi himself was unable to hold on any longer and burrowed deep inside Tomura's tight warmth, also coming.
.
later, after having cleaned up, the two were cuddling on the bed, spooning. yes, dabi was big spoon. Dabi's one hand was caressing Tomura's hair, and the other mischievously snaked down Tomura's abdomen and grasped the base of his cock.
Shigaraki grunted, asking sleepily "what are you doing now…"
dabi pressed closer from behind to the other's ear, talking sensually "tomura, I am going to ride your dick one day." he began pumping, feeling Tomura get a bit harder "i want this inside me so bad… you're great when you're submissive and breedable but fuck man… it would be a waste if I didn't… i wanna be filled up by you too…"
then, tomura turned around suddenly to face dabi. he stared intensly for a moment, and pulled another bullshit move that would make dabi go insane. Tomura climbed on top of dabi, stared right into Dabi's eyes, hot blue and cold red, and breathed out "What are you waiting for?"
dabi smirked to himself. this night was far from over.
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wizardbracket · 1 year
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Round 5: Match 4 of 4
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PROPAGANDA UNDER THE BREAK
Why they deserve to be the ultimate wizard according to YOU:
Ms. Frizzle:
Vanquished (so far): Fujimoto, Peter Grant, Magneto, Gonzo the Great
"She's got the brains she's got the iconic outfits she's got the little cute familiar she's got the eccentric personality shes got the love"
"I must choose the woman who wholeheartedly embodies a wizard in every aspect of her life"
"The bus isn't even metal. It's some kind of organic life force. Which she created and maintains"
"I’m gonna go for the lady who owns a lizard and drives a living and rapidly transforming flesh bus thing."
"only a fool votes against Ms Frizzle"
"The frizz has the vibes and also i love her"
"i WILL die for her"
"She's magic. That's all I have to say."
"let my wonderful eccentric teacher wizard be the queen of these polls. so mote it be"
"She's the most wizardly woman with modern style that ive seen as of yet ... Miss. Frizzle is very obviously all about that sweet sweet pursuit of knowledge .. the very backbone of her use of magic is academia so she's very securely a wizard"
"ms frizzle my beloved my childhood crush the dream teacher"
Miracle Max:
Vanquished (so far): Merlin (Emrys), Obi-Wan Kenobi, Dr. Facilier, Jareth
"Gandalf and Radagast had a child and that kid grew up to marry a witch/wife, raise the mostly dead, keep the change in the completly dead's pockets and help a pirate, a giant and a spanish to storm a castle. He covers his potions in chocolate so that they taste better and can't stand to hear the name of the white, spoiled, elitist, rich kid who fired him"
"billy crystal improvised his entire humperdinck off and had the time of his goddamn life"
"Miracle Max is an ICON"
"Max is also wacky and hilarious. Like can you really beat 'ah a witch! I'm not a witch! I'm yer WIFE!"
"He can raise the (mostly) dead"
"Miracle Max is ICONIC, he almost stopped production!"
"Cary Elwes (Westley) had to be replaced with a dummy so he would stop laughing in scenes!"
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I really loved that Marauders Dark Academia post <333 I was wondering if you have any other Indian James Potter headcanons? About him or his family etc
Ohhhhh i have sO. MANY.
He does that thing where you slurp chai, click your tongue and say 'haaaaa!' Sirius and Remus give him so much shit for it for the first couple months, but then they start doing it and Peter finds it annoying and suddenly everyone in Gryffindor is being subjected to extremely exaggerated 'haaaaa!'s
He absolutely loathes it when people say British food tastes good. He gets into so many arguments with Peter about it because "come on, mate, that's the sweetest chai my mother makes, she's even skipped the ginger, how do you find it spicy?* "It has cinnamon, Jamie." "Cinnamon is fucking sweet, you little—"
He's obsessed with literature and poetry. Like, even obsessed is a mild word. People think Remus is the type to read books but no, wolf boy over there wouldn't touch a book if he didn't abso-fucking-lutely need to. James is the real bookworm— he got it from his Baba, who waxed poetic about Rabindranath Thakur and Vivekananda and Ghalib and Faiz Ahmad Faiz and told James that their writing was amazing and then there's this little boy reading under his covers with a little ball of not-so-accidentally conjured light which is how he gets his glasses before he even goes to Hogwarts.
He's three quarters Desi. His mother was from India, and his father was half Indian, because James' paternal grandmother was also from India. Specifically, both women were from pureblood Maratha lines.
He does the head movements. All the head movements. Sirius picks it up after spending literally all their time together, and Remus and Peter laugh themselves sick about it so many times, oh my gods.
Sirius learns Marathi, Hindi and Urdu from James' parents in secret and surprises James during the holidays after sixth year because he has the proper accent down and everything. James cries (but he won't admit it)
The Potter family, except James' paternal uncle Charlus and his wife Dorea, live in India till right before his 11th birthday, when the Indo Pak war breaks out. Then they move to England.
James has so. Many. Cousins. He can't remember the names of half of them and he hates how the atyas and the maushis and the mamis pull his cheeks when he visits the country, but he puts up with it because family is important to him. Also he loves playing with the toddlers and babies, they're fucking cute.
Loves kajal so much it's borderline unhealthy. There will always. Always. Be a line of black under his eyes, winging out slightly at the outer corners. Sometimes, when he's feeling himself, he will draw the wing out to a dramatic, bold style that makes the light brown of his eyes look so much more beautiful (Lily drives herself crazy over it).
Absolute pants at waltzing. He loves the music, sure (he can play almost every sheet of piano music he can find on the first try bc baby boi is a Pureblood brat /affectionate/), but he hates the dance style. He'd much rather wrap his ankles with ghungroo and dip his fingers into alta dye, because bharatnatyam is the ultimate dance form and you are wrong if you have any other opinion.
He was really good friends with the Patil twins' parents and family. They would get together to talk shit about the gore loka and Sirius would get mock annoyed that James almost never took him because "Jamie we're practically married already what the fuck mate"
He's really fucking good at maths and arithmancy, and he really fucking hates it. Stupid numbers and their stupid calculations kashyasathi kartoy mi he kay upayog tari ahe ka hyacha (marathi— why am I doing this is this even of any use) but he has a point to prove to snivellus and fuck if he isn't proving it. It also helps that his mother made him complete all fourteen levels of abacus (seven basic and seven advanced) by the time he was fourteen.
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sp1lled-lemon4de · 9 months
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All pretty n shy
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Characters: Mina Ashido x sub!male
Fandom: MHA (My Hero Academia)
Genre: sfw and nsfw???
(Mdni!! Nsfw down below)
______________
• Mina is such a cool person ngl and she is quite bubbly.
•if you aren't all that into pda she is completely fine with that, I personally feel like she would usually wrap her hands around your shoulder or hold your hands
• but if you aren't into that, she is ok with it, she would probably just stand really close to you.
•I don't see her getting jealous much, I feel like she is extremely playful.
•with that being said, your shy and quiet nature is kind of a big contrast to our pink princess.
•she is usually the one to initiate any activities, but sometimes you might take the lead by acting very clingy or wtv else.
•Mina knows your on and offs and is capable of adjusting just for you.
• She especially doesn't hold back from teasing you and loving you up in public and in private.
______________
Today wasn't a cold day, so you didn't have a reason to be wearing a hoodie, but since Mina decided to mark you everywhere last night you decided to cover up using it.
You were quite tired from the night before, her actions still lingering on your mind.
Your mind wandered to her on top of you and her hips bounced up and down on your length.
The light from your bedtime lamp shining on her pretty pink skin, and a gorgeous hot pink blush on her face that faded down on her shoulder and chest.
The sight of her lifting her hips up and off of you as you finished inside her, ropes of your cum dripping down and her sweet praises ringing through your ears only to be cut off by her voice-
"Y/n!, gosh, so lost in your thoughts for what" she folds her arms and pouts.
"So sorry Mina, I was uh- yeah lost in thought" your arm awkwardly made it up to your neck.
Suddenly you found yourself praying and hoping Mina didn't have some second quirk which was mind reading because the way she was smirking at you was driving you insane you swore your legs were shaking.
"Yes yes, whatever, but Y/n..."
You turned to face her, you raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"why are you covering my-"
You immediately cut her off, already knowing what she was going to say...
How were you supposed to reply, and in public, what and why is she asking that, its not embarrassing but it is.
"aw you don't like them, I'll stop~"
"N-no! Uh don't...please.."
she raised an eyebrow "if you like it why are you covering it?" She teased
"well, wait before you think I'm embarrassed, I will confirm, yes I am"
at that she laughed, she was getting a kick out of it but decided to stop.
She rested her hand on your shoulder "ah don't need to explain, I understand"
she pecked your cheek and you swore that you heard her whisper in your ear "I'll leave more tonight" and she went on with her day, leaving you standing there flabbergasted shocked.
________
Notes: haven't been posting on this app in a while, anyway this was a request form one of my followers, I really hope you like it ^^ anyway rainbow tags below have a wonderful day lovelies! Sorry this is so short 😪
(TAGS BELOW)
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straightplayshowdown · 8 months
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Doctor Faustus: Yearning for infinite knowledge and questioning his faith, Doctor Faustus forsakes his scholarly studies for the world of magic and sorcery. He makes a pact with the devil. If the evil spirit, Mephastophilis, will serve him for 24 years, Faustus will bequeath the devil his soul after his death and spend eternity damned in hell. Despite warnings from colleagues, Faustus is blind to the terrifying extent of his actions until it is too late. Going on a journey with Mephastophilis and displaying his magic to a host of influential and important figures, Faustus finally realizes that he has come to the end of his allotted time on earth and learnt nothing.
The Importance of Being Earnest: Two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. The pair struggle to keep up with their own stories and become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure.
Propaganda under the cut!
Doctor Faustus:
Gay as hell (I wrote a 30 page senior thesis on this), beautiful writing, great if you're going through some shit and have christian guilt, then you can kin Faustus really hard
funny and also a great look at christianity and damnation. also faustus is gay for a demon 
It's about Christianity and damnation where Faustus is bored of academia because he's too smart so he sells his soul to the devil for magic. Then, he pranks the pope and is gay for his demon attendant. 
God this play is so good. A scholar, who's learned all he could of earthly things, sells his soul to the devil for magic. It's about sin, damnation, predestination. Is Faustus damned or is he damning himself? God it’s so good. Going to list some of my favorite lines now bc the writing is just so <33 
When Faustus asks the demon Mephastophilis how he can be here on earth when he's damned to hell, he says "Why this is hell, nor am I out of it. / Think'st thou that I, who saw the face of God, / And tasted the eternal joys of heaven, / Am not tormented with ten thousand hells / In being deprived of everlasting bliss?" which is just so true. Like god that conception of hell is so. Like yeah. Of course anywhere other than heaven would be hell when one has experienced heaven. God.
So many lines from Faustus questioning his choice and wondering if he should repent and if he were to repent would God even forgive him like "Why waverest thou? O, something soundeth in mine ears: 'Abjure this magic, turn to God again.' / Ay, and Faustus will turn to God again. / To God? He loves thee not: / Thou God thy servest is thine own appetite." Like the “To God? He loves thee not” gets me every fucking time bc he is SO convinced that he’s damned, he’s SO convinced that there’s no hope for him and that God does not love him. Like. And "Whither should I fly? / If unto God, he'll throw me down to hell.” Again, he’s absolutely convinced that there’s no hope for him. Even if he wants to repent, it doesn’t matter; God will turn him away. And "What art thou Faustus, but a man condemned to die?" And, god one of my favorite Faustus being convinced of his own damnation lines, "But Faustus' offense can ne'er be pardoned! The serpent / that tempted Eve may be saved, but not Faustus." Even the SERPENT THAT TEMPTED EVE may be saved, but not Faustus. Like?? He’s so convinced of his own damnation that he believes that even if the literal serpent who caused the fall of humans could be saved, he would still be damned. Like god. Also, this whole spiel after another scholar is like call on God and repent to which Faustus goes, “On God, whom Faustus hath abjured? On God / whom Faustus hath blasphemed? Ah, my God—I would weep, but the devil draws in my tears! Gush forth blood, instead of tears—yea, / life and soul! O, he stays my tongue! I would lift my hands, but / see, they hold them, they hold them!” Like god. He would weep but the devil draws in his tears and he is weeping blood instead. He would raise up his hands to heaven but he is being held down. And like the beginning. The “who am I to call on God? God whom I have abjured and renounced? God who I have cursed and blasphemed? Who am I to call on him? Would he even answer if I did? If I could?” Like god. It’s so.
And finally, my fucking absolute favorite lines in the entirety of the play, which technically fall under the Faustus repenting category, but deserve their own number bc I love this part so much. Background: These are lines said by Faustus in his final monologue, a monologue that really starkly resembles Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. It is Faustus, minutes before the devils come to take his soul, pleading to God for the last time to have mercy on him. He says (bear with me this is long) “The stars move still, time runs, the clock will strike, / The devil will come, and Faustus must be damned. / O I’ll leap up to my God! Who pulls me down? / See, see where Christ’s blood streams in the firmament! / One drop would save my soul, half a drop; ah my Christ— / Ah, rend not my heart for naming of my Christ; / Yet will I call on him—O spare me, Lucifer! / Where is it now? ‘Tis gone: and see where God bends his ireful brows! / Mountains and hills, come, come and fall on me, / And hide me from the heavy wrath of God. / No, no? / Then I will run headlong into the earth: / Earth, gape! O no, it will not harbor me.” So what’s happening here? Faustus is watching the time tick by before the devil comes to take him. He is trying to leap up to God, to repent, but he can’t; there’s someone pulling him down. Is it the devil? Is it himself? Who knows. Then, he sees Christ’s blood in the sky. He’s begging for it. For not even one drop, just half a drop; if he could just have half a drop perhaps he could be saved. That line btw, while it is only in the A text of Doctor Faustus (there’s two versions of the play, the A text and B text), is often still included in the B text editions bc it’s just that fucking good. Anyway. He pleads to Christ, something he is not allowed to do under his contract with Lucifer; he is not allowed to call upon God or Jesus or say any holy names. So when he calls upon Christ, he knows what Lucifer could do to him for it, but calls on him anyway, begging Lucifer to spare him. But once he invokes Lucifer’s name, the blood in the sky disappears. Instead, now all he sees is God’s ireful brows. So, he tries to take shelter from God in the earth, but not even the Earth will harbor him. It’s just so. Like god. And finally, at the end of his monologue, right before the devils enter to drag him to hell, Faustus cries, “My God, my God, look not so fierce on me!” a line which is just so. A blatant blasphemy of “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,” this line is everything to me. Like god. It’s just so. God. 
Anyway, Doctor Faustus is fucking amazing and these aren’t even all my favorite lines, I have so many more and there’s so much more I love about this play, but this is already long enough. It’s just so good. It’s a meditation on predestination and damnation, it’s blasphemous, it’s wonderful. The writing is so good. I just love it so much.
The Importance of Being Earnest: 
Queercoded love interest and Victorian dandies, what’s not to love? 
Quite possibly the funniest thing I have ever read.
It's very funny.
there is a HANDBAG and it is a MAJOR PLOT POINT. jack pretends to be ernest because he's been doing it for ages and why not am i right? algernon pretends to be ernest to get a girl and also so screw stuff up. as one does. gwendolen and cecily have a REALLY passive aggressive tea party. this play slaps. it is so good. go read it and/or see it
“Nothing will induce me to part with Bunbury, and if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it.” 
Lady Bracknell: “I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square.”
Lady Bracknell: “My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.”
Jack: “On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realized for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.”
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