#exit this roman shell

[afterdarkprincess]

am i allowed to cry?

Pairing: Sami/Jey Rating: Explicit Word Count: 1556 without ever touching his skin, how can I be guilty as sin?

Thank you so much to @motherknuckers for letting me run with your amazing idea - I hope I did it justice!!

tag squad: @feelschicken @elementaldoughnut12 @imabillyami @jeysbvck @harmshake @southerngirl41 (if anyone else would like to be added please let me know!)

AO3 Link

Tags: Fantasies, Angst, Masturbation, References to Blowjobs and Sex, Big Guilty Thoughts (full list on AO3)

---

The ceiling lights up, announcing the arrival of a text message on Sami’s phone where it sits on the bedside table.

It’s late. How late he’s not sure, and he doesn’t even know if it’s worth reaching over to find out. Kevin snores in the other bed, both irritating and comfortingly familiar. He’s been staring at the ceiling for a while, unable to turn off the thoughts that tumble around his mind.

He’d spent the last of his time with the Bloodline conflicted and hurt, at war with who he wanted to be and who the Tribal Chief wanted him to be. In some ways putting that chair through Roman’s back had been a relief, a way for him to finally escape from the cage he’d willingly put himself in, unaware of how it would change him.

But that didn’t mean that he didn’t have regrets. The relief he felt as the chair made contact with the Tribal Chief quickly soured when he saw the expression on Jey’s face. The way his face contorted as he screamed about trust and brotherhood. Jimmy and Solo had no hesitation, dealing with a traitor the way they’ve been trained, viciously attacking.

Taking blow after blow, he hadn’t known at the time what came from who, but later on he watched the footage back. Watched as Jey refused to join the fray, rolling out of the ring and walking away. He hadn’t intervened to stop what was happening, but he also hadn’t joined in. That wasn’t nothing.

He’s still not sure where he stands with Jey Uso.

The ceiling lights up again.

Who could possibly be texting him right now?

Juicy Uce 2:27am- [https://open.spotify.com/track/799….]

Juicy Uce 2:30am- thought you’d wanna see it

It’s a link to a new release from the artist that Sami has been obsessed with for a while, something he found out he’d had in common with the Samoan once he’d finally gotten past Jey’s mistrust and hatred.

He’s transported back to that gloomy morning in a gym in a hotel off the exit just outside of the middle of nowhere, their heads together with one wired earbud between them. (Jey insists the audio quality is better, Sami can’t tell a difference but he agrees all the same.)

Sami can smell the sweet shea smell of Jey’s shampoo mixed with his sweat, the butterflies he’s fighting against in his stomach at how close he is, the way his fingers can’t help but move to the beat of the song. In the weeks they’ve been on the road together he’s discovered that Jey Uso is never still, always moving, always at 110% no matter his mood.

He’s fond of Jey. Despite all the suspicion and hatred Jey’s spewed his way, Sami’s seen glimpses of who Jey really is. The way he loves his brothers and protects them from Roman and themselves, How vibrant he can be when he’s deep into a game of Mario Kart with Jimmy and Solo, the way he laughs when the blue shell he launched crashes into Sami’s character (Luigi).

Not to mention that Jey is just insanely attractive. The whole family is really, that’s clear to anyone with eyeballs, but Sami hasn’t been able to get Jey out of his head. The crop tops he wears certainly aren’t helping.

Sami doesn’t catch what Jey says lost in thought as he is, but Jey’s laughing and he can’t help but giggle along. A rare moment of peace.

Kevin makes a sound like a dying elephant and turns in his sleep. The ceiling stares back at Sami and it feels like judgement.

His former? current? best friend has made his feelings about the situation perfectly clear. Sami’s “obsession” with Jey Uso is misguided and useless in his eyes.

If only he knew.

The daydreams he gets lost in. The downright fantasies that he’s had about a man who at most thinks of him as a brother.

Well there were those looks…

His traitorous and hopeful mind. Shame floods his thoughts. He shouldn’t want this, shouldn’t want him like this. There’s no use in indulging himself when it’s never going to happen. Just like there’s no use in catching Jey in dark corners backstage and pleading with him to see reason and leave the bloodline.

And yet…

Sami’s unfortunately never been one to take no for an answer, never knows when to quit. Sometimes it leads to him getting his ass kicked, sometimes it leads to sleepless nights dreaming about soft bronze skin, imagining what Jey’s lips would taste like.

He feels his face heating up, his dick stirring in his shorts at those briefest of thoughts. This is becoming a problem, spilling over from his idle daydreams into his interactions with Jey, getting distracted at each touch and glance Jey sends his way, only fueling this foolish desire further.

How would it feel if Jey touched him in reverence instead of anger? Holding Sami’s face in those big hands, warm and steady before pulling him in for a kiss.

His chest pangs at these images in his mind, memories of things that haven’t even happened. How is it he can see it all so clearly? He rubs at his tired eyes, like maybe it will banish the ghost of Jey’s lips against his own.

It doesn’t work.

Jey’s there, kneeling on the bed in those tight boxers he wears to bed, miles of his stomach exposed to Sami’s view. He reaches out to touch, letting his fingers graze the soft skin, drinking in the sigh that Jey lets out.

“That all you’re tryin’ to do, Uce? Killin’ me…”

Sami’s dick is fully invested, aching and leaking onto the soft fabric of his shorts. His hand dips under the waistband, teasing himself at first.

Jey crowds into his space, seating himself on Sami’s lap with a sly grin, rocking his hips to brush against the growing erection in the ginger’s shorts.

Sami can’t help but groan at the delicious pressure, wrapping his hand around his length and giving it a few good strokes.

_Above him Jey moans, tossing his head back and shaking sweat out of his hair, and Sami can’t resist licking the exposed line of his neck, and he is lost, intoxicated and drowning. His senses are overloaded, Jey is everywhere and everything, the salty-sweet-clean taste of his skin, the smell of his expensive cologne, the hypnotizing swirling lines of ink that adorn his skin. His panting breath, hot against Sami’s face, combining with whispered curses into a beautiful melody.

Their bodies connected. Jey’s pretty pink lips stretched around Sami’s cock. Running his tongue along the planes of Jey’s body, tracing each tattoo, each intricate and wonderful part of him.

The back of his head knocks against the backboard, his hand working furiously on his dick, bringing him closer and closer to the edge. He bites his lip hard, trying his best to keep quiet.

Jey stretched out on a hotel bed in soft morning light. Laughing at him over breakfast. Back arched perfectly as Jey takes him into his body, tight, warm, home. The face he makes as he falls apart-

Sami groans, the visions around him disappearing as he coats his hand in warm sticky cum.

He sighs out a long exhale as he comes down from his orgasm, uncomfortably back in reality with Kevin snoring away on the other side of the room as his cum dries against his skin.

Guilt crashes over him like waves, making his stomach turn. Why does he keep doing this to himself?

He gingerly pries himself up out of the bed, moving slowly to not make any unnecessary noise as he makes his way to the bathroom. His and Kevin’s friendship is still rocky, and waking the man up in the middle of the night moaning the name of their opponent certainly isn’t going to win him any brownie points.

Sami cleans himself up quickly and efficiently before staring into his reflection in the mirror. The cheap florescent light only exaggerates the dark bags under his eyes and the bruise near his hairline, a harsh reminder of what really happened the last time Jey Uso put his hands on him.

But the superkicks and blows don’t match up to the Jey he knows, the man who showed him his true colors, the Jey that haunts his mind in stunning detail.

His eyes sting with unshed tears. After all what right does he have to cry? At the end of the day, he���s only torturing himself with these thoughts.

What’s he going to do? Take Jey up on their unspoken vows, say fuck it to everyone and everything and run off and live happily ever after? It’s not realistic. That’s not how real life works.

Sami splashes his face with cold water, wiping away all the evidence of his sins before making his way back to bed.

He burrows under the comforter and tries to get comfy, letting his breath match the pace of Kevin’s deep snores to try and get himself to relax. It’s definitely past late at this point and he should really be asleep.

He stares up, blinking his aching and tired eyes.

After a moment, the ceiling lights up with a notification from his phone.

---

Hope you enjoyed!!!

#samijey #jey uso #sami zayn #jami #jey uso x sami zayn #wwe fanfiction #my writing #all my other WIPs are standing behind me aren't they? #photo not mine

[mako-neexu]

obeguda fae marriage in my head where its another titania!gudako scenario that caters to my interests

they defeat the alien god before they could use ORT as the vessel but at the consequence of the master being on the verge of dying. oberon and guda meet one last time in a dream saying that the time she spent together with him and castoria was fun before indirectly saying her goodbyes.

pissed at her (at the very world that crushed a girl's simple dreams and wishes when all she ever did was save it over and over again even if it was beyond redemption) he claws his way out of the abyss, even as the world rejects him and makes him weak and bleeding, nothing would ever stop him from reaching his goal of revenge. 

back at chaldea, while they try to figure out how to restore the world back to its original state because nothing is happening to undo the bleaching, kadoc is out of commission again due to sustaining grave injuries from using his sirius light to help defeat the alien god even when he got protected by holmes alter AND with gudako barely hanging in there because her life is slowly fading away, they have no choice but to put her in a special coffin that could preserve her but also use her circuits to summon and retain servants for chaldea. 

with this “death-like” state, her mind cannot be entered nor is there any way to exit it. But with the help of the coffin, all functions of the brain that is vital in order for her to be tethered is maintained.

in that coffin imbued with both the finest technology, countless bounded fields,curses, and blessings to protect the sole person needed to finish this “Grand Order” once and for all-

(Fujimaru Ritsuka wouldn’t be so different from the Masters who were sealed inside Seraph’s coffins to serve as a mana battery. But the closest people who knew what lies beneath her mask wonders: In another world where she is Seal-designated by Clock Tower mages, would this kind of fate as Chaldea’s Last Master until the end of time be preferable than being handed over to them? The answer was neither.)

they have no choice but to put gudako in them if they want chaldea to be prepared and ready to go for any singularities or lostbelts that may pop up suddenly because their most important field operative is genuinely on the verge of dying.

mash slowly realizes all the suffering her senpai had to go through in these seven years of battle between life and death. how ritsuka slowly lost all her color while mash gained some of her own. (from doctor roman, the older da vinci, patxi, gerda, the chinese villagers, asha, the argonauts, macarios and adelle, [DATA LOST]-)

months pass by and things seemed relatively peaceful but no signs of the bleached world going back.

then, one day da vinci opens the coffin to physically check on fujimaru after confirming that her vitals are fine from the monitors. with all of the servants specializing in magecraft, they finally found a way to enter the Master’s mind and wake her up from within.

but what greets her was an empty shell with no signs of the Master in it

the entire chaldea base is alerted, but the servants who stayed to support their master had all but vanished except for castoria, mash, and the remaining chaldea staff

sion instantly locates a rift in the world. a crack where Mystery is practically gushing out. and it is located kilometers below the surface of where the Clock Tower once stood.

A lostbelt born thousands of kilometers below the surface, the very location of where the Spiritual Tomb of Albion was once located. Like the Wandering Sea, it has fleeting but limited entrances. It would take more than just a zero sail or rayshift to get in...they would have to time it right

i haven’t worked out all the details yet but i want titania!gudako for oberon @-@ and when they finally marry, it will be “too” late for chaldea to save/ bring back “fujimaru ritsuka”

#watch me put aurora in the lb and torture her kadnksdmnfgntjgn #fgo #fate grand order #obeguda #gudako #fujimaru ritsuka #oberon #oberon vortigern

[guerrilla-operator]

The Fall // Leave the Capitol

Hotel maids smile in unison Then you know in your brain You know in your brain LEAVE THE CAPITOL EXIT THIS ROMAN SHELL Then you know you must leave the capitol

#the fall #leave the capitol #slates #post-punk #art punk #lo-fi #punk #UK punk #tunes #audio #favorite songs ever #Spotify

[starshard17]

💙 Day 6 💚

Masterlist

--

Patton woke to find the two of them all tangled. Limbs, sheets, blankets, pillows. If Patton thought it was difficult getting pulled away from Remus yesterday then he didn't even want to know what it'd be like to try today. He sighed, just snuggling up to Remus. He decided to wait it out today, to see if Remus would wake up in a timely manner.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Patton felt himself waking up again when there was movement beside him. He grumbled and rubbed his eyes, wiping the tiredness away.

"Good morning Patty." Came Remus' voice from beside him. Patton grinned, shifting in Remus' arms to hug him better.

"Good morning." He muttered back, giving Remus a quick squeeze before sitting up in the bed. Remus pouted as Patton pulled himself away, but he rolled himself out of the bed, standing up and stretching himself out, his back cracking a bit.

"Oh yup. Very stiff last night." Remus muttered, moving his head to crack his neck as well. Patton let out a quiet laugh, shifting to hang his feet off the edge of the bed. He grabbed his glasses and adjusted them on the bridge of his nose, covering his mouth as he yawned.

The two of them perked up as messages lit up their phone screens at the same time. They both reached for their devices, pulling up the group chat.

Logan : Despite my better judgement we're going to the fair today. Or Carnival, if you will. Dress appropriately.

Everyone responded with a different version of their own affirmations. Just as they were getting ready to set their phones down and prepare for the day another message came through.

Logan : And please don't make out in the Tunnel of Love. It's nasty in there.

Patton caught himself laughing at the message and he was smiling widely as he set his phone down. He rummaged through his suitcase, pulling out the best outfit he had packed for the trip. A pair of dark brown capris and a fairly large T-shirt with a giant picture of a very round frog on the front.

He made his way to the bathroom, still giggling softly to himself.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Patton exited the bathroom, grabbing his shell necklace from the bedside table and putting it on over his head. He picked up Remus' necklace as well, looking around. The Duke wasn't anywhere in sight.

Patton tensed up his shoulders, making his way to the living room with the light blue shell gripped in his palm.

Remus wasn't there either?

The couches were all empty and... the hotel room was so quiet.

Patton let out a huff, walking to the door and pulling on his shoes before moving to open the door.

However, it opened itself, with Remus on the other side.

"Oh Patty! I was just coming to get you! Virgil and Roman stopped by to walk with us to the main lobby." Remus explained after noticing the confused look in Patton's eyes.

"Oh..." The moral side mumbled, swallowing before holding up the shell necklace to Remus.

"Here. You forgot this." Patton explained. Remus let a warm smile slip onto his face and he pulled it on over his head. He ruffled Patton's hair and grinned.

"Thank you Patty-Cake."

The moral side smiled and he hesitated a small moment before taking Remus' hand in his own, giving it a soft squeeze.

"You're welcome." He muttered, giving him a genuine smile. Nothing fake anymore... Remus truthfully made him so happy.

"Ooooooo. Remus and Patton are holding hands! What's next, he gets down on one knee and proposes?" Roman called in a teasing tone, receiving a shove from his brother in response.

"Shut your trap. Nothing inherently romantic about two friends holding hands." Remus said, squeezing Patton's hand in his own.

Patton looked at Virgil, laughing softly. The emo let out a snicker before he turned to Roman, taking the prince's hand in his own.

"Wh-" Roman swiftly turned to face Virgil, his face turning red.

"You heard your brother. Nothing inherently romantic." The emo said, pulling a flustered Roman behind him as he started to make his way to the main lobby.

Patton and Remus followed close behind him.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Patton was snuggled close to Remus so he could peer out the window. It would've been more efficient if he was just sitting at the window seat but alas, Remus got there before him. Not like Patton was really complaining though... He didn't mind having to be close to Remus.

Remus pointed at a few things out the window every so often, and Patton commented on each thing the Duke pointed at.

This went on for awhile until eventually Remus pointed out the carnival.

"WE'RE ALMOST THERE!" Remus cheered, causing Patton to giggle at his enthusiasm. Though he had to admit, he was excited too.

It had been forever since Patton last went to anything even remotely close to a fair or carnival. He would avoid the rollercoasters to the best of his ability but there were so many other fun things to do! And he'd get to do those things with his best friends in the whole world.

Remus and Patton could barely contain their excitement as Logan found a place to park. They were bouncing in their seats.

Once it was in place the two in the backseat rushed to get out of the car. They threw open the door and jumped out, basking in the sunlight.

Logan sighed, opening his door and getting out, walking over to where Patton and Remus were standing.

Patton took in all the sights. There were so many rides... The one that stood out the most to Patton was the Ferris wheel. A large wheel with multicolored baskets all around it.

Patton wondered what it was like to be at the top of one...

He heard a sigh and snapped from his thoughts, looking at the one who had let it out. Logan was pinching the bridge of his nose, eyes squeezed shut.

"Patton. I'm getting tired of having to repeat myself..." Logan muttered. The logical side of course understood that Patton had issues with paying attention but to have it happen for like the 10th time this week...

"Sorry." Patton said, rubbing the back of his neck. "What did you say?"

Logan took a deep breath. "You'll be with Remus, Roman and Virgil." Logan explained, handing a couple bills to each of them. "You four only have so much money to spend here so use it wisely. Make sure you eat and don't waste everything on rigged carnival games." He said, watching as they all counted their money.

The four thanked Logan before rushing off to go have fun.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Patton couldn't even begin to explain how they got themselves into this mess, but Roman and Remus were fighting over who was better at winning the trashy carnival games.

Patton and Virgil watched as Roman stepped up to one of the games, paying the person standing behind the counter. He was handed three balls. All he had to do was knock down all three bottles stood up on the table.

The princely figure tossed the ball up once, getting the feel of it before throwing it, completely missing.

Patton heard snickers beside him and turned to see Virgil trying to hold back his laughter.

Roman huffed, picking up the next ball. His cheeks were flushing with embarrassment. He rolled it around in his hands for a moment, throwing it.

It missed again.

Remus laughed at his brother, watching as he slumped in defeat.

"And you say you're better than me." Remus chuckled, watching as he picked up the last ball.

"The first two were warmup throws! Watch this!-" Roman announced, rolling it around in his hand before throwing it. He hit the top bottle off.

He let out a sigh of relief... it seemed apparent that even he didn't think he was going to hit anything.

The emo stood beside Patton stepped forward, shaking his head.

"Step aside princess. Let me do this." He said, cracking his neck and his knuckles before paying for three more shots.

Once they were placed in front of them he reached down and grabbed one. He stretched his arms before drawing back and throwing the ball, nailing all three of the bottles and flinging them off the table.

Patton watched in amazement.

"Oh wow..." He mumbled. But Patton wasn't the only one that was impressed... Remus was shocked. And Roman... he was in awe...

"How did you..." Roman muttered, watching as Virgil was handed a giant red dino plush. The emo walked over to him, placing it in his arms and grinning at him.

"I'm just cool like that."

Remus snorted, paying the person at the counter. "My turn."

The lady replaced the ball that Virgil had thrown to the rest of the emo's unused pile, pushing it in Remus' direction.

The Duke picked one up and tossed it in the air before he turned to Patton, smirking at him and giving him a wink.

"This one's for you Patty-Cake." Remus said.

Patton's heart fluttered. For him? How thoughtful!

The moral side watched as Remus threw the ball. He didn't get all three in one go, but he managed to knock off two. Patton clapped, giggling. He smiled, with adoration in his gaze... Remus was just so... dazzling.

Remus threw one more ball, knocking the last bottle off the platform. The person behind the counter handed Remus a giant plushie. Remus smiled, walking over to Patton and handing it to him.

"Here you go." Remus said. It was a giant frog... and it was a nice pale green color. Patton gasped, pushing it back in Remus' direction.

"I can't! You won it!" Patton countered, looking up at Remus. He smiled fondly at Patton's attempts.

"I want you to have it." Remus explained, reaching up and brushing Patton's hair out of his face.

The moral side squeaked and took the frog, hiding his face in its soft plush.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

"Pat pleeeeease! You've gotta!" Roman begged as the three of them tried to pull the moral side into a line for a rollercoaster. They had just stopped to grab a snack a few minutes ago. Patton was going to get sick!

"Guys I can't..." Patton said, already feeling a wonky feeling deep in his stomach.

Roman pouted and Virgil sighed.

Remus stepped in, shoving his brother away and cupping Patton's cheeks.

"If you won't do it for them will you do it for me?" Remus asked, smiling and blinking his eyes at him.

Patton bit back his lower lip, leaning into the Duke's hands.

"F-Fine... But only this one time!" Patton said, stamping his feet. The three others perked up and Remus hugged Patton tight, later pulling away and grabbing the moral side's hand, pulling him into the line for the coaster. Virgil and Roman followed close behind them.

Patton looked up. He could see the ride from where he was standing... and it looked fast.

Patton pulled his hand from Remus' grip to cover his ears as a group zoomed past over their heads. Remus noticed and he pulled Patton close, resting his hands over his ears as well, for extra coverage.

Sooner than Patton would've liked, they were at the front of the line. Patton clung to Remus... if he was getting on that rollercoaster he was sitting next to Remus, no exceptions. He knew Remus would be willing to give him a hand to squeeze if he really needed it.

The Duke was still covering his ears for him... Why were people so loud? Jeez...

Patton pushed his face into Remus' chest, letting out soft whimpers of fear. He then felt two strong arms wrap around him, holding him close.

"There there Patty... I'll be right beside you the whole time." Remus said softly, his head coming to rest on top of Patton's. The moral side took a deep breath as the next empty row of seats appeared. They were up...

"You'll hold my hand right...?" Patton muttered, looking up at Remus. He was shaking.

"Of course Patty. If it helps." Remus cooed, taking hold of Patton's hand and leading him to the seats. Roman and Virgil buckled in behind them, the two of them both jittery with excitement.

Patton quivered, feeling almost sick to his stomach. He could do this though... with Remus beside him he can do anything.

He sat down, Remus sitting beside him. They were soon locked in and secure. Patton squeezed Remus' hand tight, his heart pounding so loudly in his chest he could hear it in his ears.

He felt a soft kiss against his knuckles and he turned to Remus, his cheeks turning red. It was a bit hard to hear him, over the amount of absolute panic that overwhelmed him and made his hearing all fuzzy, but it sounded like Remus was saying something about how brave Patton was being and that he was proud of him.

That helped somehow...

He took a deep breath, looking ahead of him.

The employee came by to ensure everyone was strapped in properly before talking into their intercom. Patton didn't hear much of what they said, but he did hear "Enjoy the ride."

Patton gripped Remus' hand insanely tight. They were front row... Patton has had nothing but horrible rollercoaster experiences... hopefully having his friends by his side made it better.

The ride started moving... then next thing Patton knew it was flying over the tracks.

Patton was in petrified silence. He felt a gentle squeeze on his hand and he turned to see Remus smiling at him.

"Having fun Patty?!" Remus yelled over the wind as they soared over the track.

Patton squeaked, opening his mouth to try to speak. There were tears in his eyes... he couldn't tell if it was because he was scared or because of the wind stinging his eyes but there were definitely tears.

The ride then came to an end, coming to a full stop. The employee came by and undid the safety belts and Patton climbed out, still gripping Remus' hand.

The Duke stepped closer to him, hugging his waist and resting his chin on the top of Patton's head.

"Are you feeling okay?" He asked. Virgil and Roman joined the two of them on the side platform, slowly leading them away from the ride.

"F-Feeling kinda jumbled..." Patton muttered, his stomach twisting in knots. Yeah... he felt super sick.

"Lets sit down somewhere to take a breather." Virgil offered, looking around for a bench. Roman was watching Patton and Remus. Remus was making small talk with Patton, probably in hopes of distracting the poor guy from any dizziness or sickness he could be feeling.

Patton was soon sat down on a bench and he leaned up against Remus' side, taking a few deep breaths.

His three friends crowded around him, asking him questions and comfortingly rubbing his back or hugging him close.

The uneasiness in his stomach soon dissipated.

He relaxed in his friends arms, letting out a happy sigh. The three of them all smiled when they noticed, squeezing him tighter.

"Alright alright-" Patton said with a light laugh, feeling a bit squished. "I'm feeling okay you can let me go."

He watched as his three friends all slowly released their grips, however Remus kept one arm around him. He wouldn't fight it. It was a bit comforting.

"Lets go on one of the calmer rides. Like... teacups maybe?" Roman offered, looking at the others.

Virgil nodded. "Fine with me. Pat?" The emo turned to face Patton, waiting to see if he could catch an answer in his eyes alone.

Patton hummed quietly in thought, looking at the ground. "Alright... we just can't go too fast." Patton said, looking back up and smiling as his friends did a mini celebration.

Remus helped him stand up and kept him on his feet till he could stand on his own again.

"Feeling good Patty?" Remus asked. The moral side nodded.

"Yup. I think so."

With zero warning the Duke scooped Patton up into his arms, causing him to yelp.

"Good. Let's go!" Remus cheered, walking in the direction of the teacup rides.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

It was getting a bit late... the sun was beginning to set. Roman had convinced Virgil to go to the tunnel of love with him. (How he managed, the two had no idea.) But Remus and Patton had stopped to get some snacks before tackling the ferris wheel.

"One Cotton Candy please." Remus said to the person at the window. He had his arm around Patton's shoulders, holding him up against his side.

Patton had his eyes fixed on the ground. It was surprisingly quiet... His heart was pounding in his chest. He wasn't sure why he was so jumbled but it wasn't an issue when Remus wasn't around. He pressed his head against Remus' side, shutting his eyes.

Remus thanked the person and paid them before guiding Patton to a place to sit down.

The moral side got as comfy as he could manage on the seat and looked up at Remus. He was grinning, holding the cotton candy up to him.

"You can have the first bite." Remus told him. Patton leaned forward. He bit into the soft pink sugar and tore it away, letting it dissolve in his mouth. Nice and sweet...

He let out a happy hum, taking another clump of the sweet sugar from the mass. Remus grinned, leaning in and biting it as well.

They locked eyes momentarily and they both flushed, looking in opposite directions.

"So. Ferris wheel next, right?" Remus asked, daring to look back in Patton's direction.

The moral side nodded, pulling another clump from the cotton and popping it into his mouth.

Remus grinned.

The two worked on finishing off the candy, laughing with each other. Patton plucked the last piece off of the paper cone that has been holding the candy. He held it up to Remus, pressing it against his lips.

The Duke blushed, freezing up. They kept their eyes locked on one another's. Neither of them moved.

Patton wasn't sure why he had done this... Now they were stuck just staring at each other. Patton's eyes were shimmering... his heart was pounding...

Patton squeaked when he felt wetness on his fingers. He snapped from his daze and focused on Remus, who had grabbed his wrist and had eaten the soft sugar off of Patton's fingers.

Patton pulled his wrist from Remus' grip.

"Did you lick me!?" Patton squealed, his heart pounding so loud he could hear it.

"Was I not supposed to? Or was it just placement. I'm sure I could... find a better place to stick my tongue." Remus spoke teasingly with a smirk.

Patton was undoubtedly red in the face. Insanely red. Super red.

"Keep it in your mouth! That's where it belongs!" Patton squeaked, shoving Remus, a light laugh escaping him.

Remus laughed as well.

"Alright alright! I will." Remus said, smiling fondly at Patton.

The two of them stood from the bench, tossing the paper cone and starting to make their way to the ferris wheel.

"Remus...?"

Remus turned to the small voice. He noticed Patton's demeanor had shrunk a bit.

"Something wrong Patty-Cake?" Remus asked. Patton sucked in a breath.

"Why... why do you make so many sexual jokes?" Patton asked. He had been trying not to let it bother him but the question in his mind was being persistent so he wanted to ask.

Remus tensed up. Oh no... had he gone too far? Things were just starting to look better with Patton and he had to mess up now?

"Oh Patty I didn't mean to make you uncomfy or anything, I promise... me and my big mouth. Can't say anything right, huh." Remus said with a weak laugh, smacking his forehead.

Patton frowned, taking Remus' hand and squeezing it.

"No no, it's okay! I was just... curious. You... you said you didn't mean to anyways so. I believe you. Just...-" Patton put his rambling on pause and he sucked in a breath.

Remus smiled softly, brushing the moral side's cheek with his thumb.

"I'll be more careful. I promise Patty. Let's just have some fun on the ferris wheel, alright?" Remus said with a wink and a grin. It caused Patton to giggle and he hugged the Duke tight. He then blushed and pulled away, turning his gaze away.

"Sorry sorry. Let's go get on the wheel! Before the sun sets fully." Patton said. Remus shook his head with a fond smile, squeezing Patton's hand as he made his way to the line for the ferris wheel.

It wasn't very long but it was still a small wait to the front.

Patton jittered, looking around. He gripped Remus' hand a bit tighter as he pulled him up to the cart. The two of them sat down and the ride operator locked the bar in place. The ride started again and they were slowly moving upwards.

Patton leaned his head against Remus' shoulder, sighing softly.

"Feeling good Patty?" Remus asked. His voice was soft. Concerned.

Patton started feeling a little choked up.

"Fine..." He uttered, squeezing the Duke's hand a tad tighter. Remus shifted a bit, turning to almost fully face the moral side.

"You sure? You started sounding really mopey. Is it the ride? Or is it me? Do you need me to do anything?" Remus asked, his grip loosening.

"No! No it's not you!" Patton cried. His voice was still choked. "Y-You've been nothing but sweet to me. Throughout our whole friendship... if you can even call it that." Patton hiccupped and tears spilled down his cheeks.

"I hated you for the longest time because I was scared of you and the things you said and did didn't sit right with me... but you're actually so nice and funny and... and..." Patton rambled before cutting himself off with a sob.

"Oh Patty... I know." Remus mumbled, rubbing his back. "It's not difficult for people to hate me at first glance. I understand."

Remus waited for a moment before speaking again. "But... now I know you don't hate me anymore. A-And maybe it's just for the week! Maybe we'll split off in the future, I don't know. But this is the happiest I've ever been. Because I've been able to see you genuinely smile... Patton..." Remus prattled on, brushing his cheek with his hand.

Patton hiccuped again, reaching a hand up to his face and pushing his glasses out of the way. He wiped his eyes dry, sniffling.

"Listen... I don't know what the future holds for us. But right here. Right now. We're together. And I know this is probably gonna sound super crazy but even if we never talked to each other again if I just got one more thing from this week, it would make me the happiest guy alive." Remus said, tilting Patton's head up. Their eyes met.

"A-And... What would that be?" Patton asked, his heart pounding.

Remus gave him a large, goofy grin.

"A kiss. From you..." He muttered, taking Patton's hands in his own.

Patton lit up, his heart fluttering.

"Then what are you waiting for..." He whispered in response.

Then they were moving. And their lips were locking together. It felt like fireworks...

To think... this was what the week was leading up to. Patton wouldn't have believed it a few days ago.

The two pulled away eventually, looking at each other. There were stars in their eyes.

"I-I... I've always wanted to do that..." Remus muttered, his face an incredible red color.

Patton had to admit... He didn't always want to do it, but after all the time he had spent with Remus he couldn't say the thought hadn't been enticing to him.

The moral side reached his hands up, cupping his cheeks and pulling him into yet another kiss. It felt incredible. A feeling Patton never wanted to lose. All along it had been Remus. He needed Remus...

When they split, Remus was basically melting. "My dream came true twice..." He muttered, blushing even more than before.

Patton sputtered out a laugh. "Rem-" He cut himself off with a giggle, his head coming to rest on the Duke's chest.

He grinned widely, holding Patton's head and burying his face in Patton's curls, kissing his scalp.

He shut his eyes, nuzzling closer. This was perfect... He was so-

BOOM.

Patton flinched at the loud noise and he looked up towards the dark sky, gasping softly when he saw it being lit up with bright fireworks.

Remus looked up as well, holding Patton closer to him.

"It's beautiful..." Patton muttered, putting a hand to his heart as he watched the sparkles in awe. This was absolutely perfect.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

The two shared sweet kisses as they clumsily traversed the fairgrounds. They were supposed to be finding their friends but honestly? All that mattered to the both of them in that moment was the feeling of the other's lips on their own.

They narrowly missed bumping into many different people and got a few angry grumbles and complaints but they didn't care.

"I love you-" Remus gasped against Patton's lips, immediately connecting their lips again.

"Mnn..." Patton gripped onto Remus' shirt, moving his lips against Remus'. When they split Patton had sparkles in his eyes. "I love you too..." He said back, the fabric of the Duke's shirt gripped tight in his fists.

"We should get back to the car..." Remus muttered, brushing his thumb against Patton's lower lip. Patton nodded.

"Yeah... the others could be looking for us." He said with a soft sigh.

Remus hoisted Patton up into his arms, carrying him out of the carnival. Patton gladly nuzzled up against him as they walked. He shut his eyes for a moment, taking in everything. It had quieted down... Patton basked in Remus' scent and the soft, comforting thump of his heart.

"Ay! Patton! Remus!" A voice called. Patton opened his eyes, looking over to see Virgil and Roman. The moral side grinned. "Hey guys!"

Roman made his way over, Virgil trailing close behind him. "You have fun on the ferris wheel?" He asked, a smug look on his face. "You definitely seem more cozy with each other."

Patton blushed and got all frazzled. He fumbled as he tried to explain himself and...

"We kissed." Remus said, moving past his brother and Virgil with a smirk.

Roman and Virgil both froze, turning as Remus walked by, eyes wide.

"You're joking-" Roman called after them, following close. Virgil followed in shocked silence.

"I am not." Remus said, smirking.

"No way!" Roman huffed, absolutely bewildered.

Remus stopped and turned back to Roman, his face more smug than Roman's had been before. "Believe it." He said.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Patton and Remus found their lips connected once again as they stumbled their way into their hotel room.

Remus shut the door behind them and led Patton over to the bed. They toppled onto the bed, grabbing at each other.

"You know Patty..." Remus muttered, kissing and breaking and kissing again over and over.

"Hm?" Patton hummed. They locked eyes with each other.

"They say... kissing is a love language. Care to... have a conversation about that with me... all night?" Remus asked, grabbing Patton's chin.

The moral side shivered and giggled a little. "Maybe just a little chat..." He said, giggling into their kiss as Remus connected their lips once more.

Yeah... they wouldn't be getting much sleep that night.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Remus and Patton passed out at some point in the middle of their session.

Patton woke up and stretched, sitting himself up. He yawned, rubbing his eyes. He shifted to the edge of the bed, gently pulling the seashell necklace off and setting it on the bedside table.

He yawned again, covering his mouth as he stood up from the bed. He sifted through his suitcase and pulled out some pjs, moving to the bathroom.

He grumbled tiredly, perking up when he caught whiff of a sweet scent. He looked up, jumping a little when he saw someone standing there.

"Oh... you... you woke up." Remus mumbled, flicking off his lighter and tucking it away.

Patton looked to the counter. A freshly lit candle was sitting there.

"Vanilla Bean..." Patton mumbled, reading off the label. He looked up at Remus. "You've been leaving the candles...?"

Remus smiled nervously. "Yeah I uh... didn't think you would like the way I smell so... I've been lightning them in hopes that it would help..."

Patton smiled sweetly, walking over and gently putting out the candle. "You don't have to... it's okay... I... don't mind your scent." Patton hummed.

He cupped Remus' cheeks, smiling. "Lets just head back to bed... last day tomorrow... we should make it count."

Remus smiled, kissing him sweetly. "Sounds good..."

Taglist: @sunflowersand-butterflies , @lost-in-thought-20 , @regalredrose , @pan-rainbows-are-me , @abyssmally , @morality-the-hufflepuff , @thecrowslullaby , @justablah56 , @warcats-cat , @its-the-cat-queen , @artist-hope

#moonblade writing #sanders sides #ts remus #ts patton #intruality

[unproduciblesmackdown]

also to go "wow this is just like in pentiment" about absolutely anything and/or "wow this is just like iphigenia crash land falls on the neon shell that was once her heart (a rave fable)" about absolutely anything further:

the Narratives within crash land falls where like, in the end iphigenia being Given the story of both "this is going to happen anyways" and "so why don't you see it as a noble sacrifice to accept." the situation happening to Create a story that she was killed, so her father must be tragic, and sympathetic. that iphigenia does take on that Narrative of taking on the Noble Willing Sacrifice, and it kills her, but she also would have been killed anyways, as everyone also knows. that we even get a bit of pentimentesque [other characters observe & assess things] like, the fresa girls as a chorus, and one at the end like yeah She Was No Saint, i saw everything, but being cut off by The News that's like yeah looks like iphigenia was killed, that seguing into her father saying yeah she was killed, god's will was done, She's A Saint now. seguing to the emcee who introduced the play, but that superceded by achilles, and that superceded with iphigenia's extasis monologue as the end of the play. that whether iphigenia's a saint or not, she dies. that [the whole play] tells us as much, like, this isn't a What If kind of retelling where she escapes her fate, this is a retelling examining itself like, she Will die because the story's preset, so what to do with this as the story that has to take her there, what to do with this as iphigenia who has to go there

that iphigenia takes on another narrative in addition to the one offered by like, violeta as guide and oracle telling her she has to die (As A Noble Sacrifice), that again (as per iphigenia in aulis being like uh hey daughter. let's go to aulis so you can uh marry achilles (it is to be sacrificed)) achilles is this bait, but it's only in the ending that there's any Story about being with achilles, and when iphigenia goes to the mercenary soldier who she knows will kill her, she's the one telling him what to tell her about where she's going and why, i want you to tell me achilles is waiting for me....and she still dies, because This Is The Story. as also applied to the reality, iphigenia as another dead and missing girl following & preceding many; any disappeared deaths when consumed as disposable & replaceable, not given part of any narrative about it. while also iphigenia only gets a chorus of fresa girls from there being crosses put on the factory wall with their names, with one girl even remarking like hey they spelled my name right for once. but at the same time they're also like, both mere Apparitions but also like standins for people who are simply alive. real [shades]esque kind of, i suppose, but like they're not Sanctified for dying either, they'll comment on iphigenia but not with any like, divine knowledge, just as this out of place rich girl. whether iphigenia's A Saint or Not A Saint, she's still dead either way. she wants to be a fresa girl, they maybe want to be her, but everyone's doomed anyways thanks to way larger forces and the Stories that have been told and will be told again

but there's also the moment right before the final section wherein, before she's having to say what she wants within the bounds of [she has to die], there's achilles asking "you still want me" and iphigenia answering with "i want everything" and her vision for, like, getting to be alive actually, i'm on the gulf where the sea is gray, and no one wants a piece of me....the whole inciting event here where iphigenia wants to evade her fate however she can, exiting the bounds of her life, the physical bounds and the family unit and walking away from the rank of status / class / wealth, trying for [have her body for herself] and what the body wants, the sensuous indulgences of (a rave fable), let's hear some more about the roman state like "we don't like the examination and challenge and upending of class and convention in a bacchanalia, so only do the official versions we permit;" the Threat of people's desires for themselves, when that's going to be counter to those in power who'd want these people to be resources at their disposal; the burden on the disempowered to suffer [the only way out is through] with the Additional pain & loss that has to be taken on in pursuit of their autonomy, while also of course suffering for the autonomy they lack, that restricted and controlled and mitigated versions of what you might want are deigned to be provided or permitted so that you have Something, but that everyone's actual undeniable personhood will always be spilling past those bounds, the potential power of transgressive pleasure when one's wellbeing and autonomous choices are counter to the power structures that have to constantly try to suppress and preclude this. achilles just as bait, doomed to die like iphigenia is also still doomed, sex was never going to save everyone and the [recognizing connection as these two parallel people / We're The Same] with your lover here is not going to save everyone but it still makes more things possible for them both; iphigenia does know what she wants, and gets some of it because she wants it, same with achilles in turn, while it can't save anyone from their fates still. but it can mean something even if it doesn't transcend, like even a fleeting night of insignificant dancing that doesn't change anything can mean something, and we all die, but that doesn't mean it's Nothing to be killed any more than it's Nothing to have your desires or choices one way or another to be wrung out of your life before you are

anyways, the stories. the Looking and Presenting here. achilles and iphigenia first encountering each other as images put together and presented by someone else for their own purposes. the presence of what's seen through film/camera/recording versus in person; the potential power relations and even violence in framing, presenting, and the intended looking and assessing. repeated language about eyes/looks that burn, while also that connection between iphigenia and achilles, and their finding the least room in what they do have of their lives for more of their own wants and selves and something genuine and not predetermined, is also connected to eyes and looking and being seen and light and burning. while they're also connected to the protection and possibility of night and darkness, getting to exist and be Without being lit up or seen; that with the power that's still in play, it's never like, well then you should have nothing / no reason to hide; the penultimate moment in the play with achilles being one that's in person and fades into darkness, rather than coming in from the light of a projection / video onscreen as the introduction....iphigenia needing to be guided through a crossroads to even get to achilles in person; violeta giving the Advice and Story and Tradition to pray to eleggua, as iphigenia does before getting to encounter achilles for real, who also doesn't get to break out of a role or a fate in full in any way, but their tragedies are like, pointing towards [autonomy, imagine it] in both the ways they manage to find a little bit of it for themselves, in no small part for simply recognizing each other as in the same boat here, and in the ways they still don't have it and still can't get it

and anyways it's also inevitably saying like, telling a story?? this Play is a told story!! looking? assessing? interpreting? you're doing that in the course of experiencing it! and it's really so fucking true.

#reading the whole of it like okay well i'm different forever now then #tearing a wall down about it like yeah it's extremely chill thanks #iphigenia crash land falls on the neon shell that was once her heart (a rave fable) #what a Narrative can change; what it can't.... #those already with the power to do whatever they felt like in the first place just able to create whatever story of events supports that #those whose lives are restricted by that power having to struggle to find any narratives that provide some comfort maybe #whilest perhaps it's the stories that provide an accurate reflection on the pain & suffering in one's reality that are more threatening Lol #like hey i hope that that bacchanalia isn't satiriz....paused to look up ''if satire is based on satyr i'll mclose it lmfao'' #Apparently it's not Really; but the latin form was indeed influenced by the greek satyr (for the theatre of it all) on the Mistaken notion #that that Was an influence. so; anyways i hope that bacchanalia isn't satirizing norms & conventions & providing a space to transgress #wherein we can see the Constructed and Enforced nature of things like class such that it can be deconstructed & deenforced #you'd Better not be questioning these conventions by commenting on them even indirectly; playfully; or via imitation.... #that achilles can only have this genuine final closeness with iphigenia after voicing & sharing ''i'm dying soon too btw (:'' #while iphigenia able to voice what she wants from life is only happening with the context that she'll die & she won't have this #she knows she wants [and nobody wants a piece of me] b/c of knowing that they do; and they'll take it.... #their navigating their connection via also rejecting / superseding Their Image(tm). i want to kill the tabloid girl that envelops your skin #i will sink & get rid of every inch of me. that at the end of their scenes of actually interacting it's iphigenia reassuring achilles #who's like [but you wouldn't want Me] [everyone only wants a piece of me] [you'll forget me] vs i will destroy your celebrity; there will #be no one left to adore but me....unmaking oneself in the face of being defined & doomed Already; by the past.... #breaking into pieces crash land falling. if you existed once ever that exists forever. the pieces all around & as the foundation #making one's way back around to ''wow just like in pentiment'' again lol....endless things to say all around #as well as when anytime you have something to say you have about a trillion words in the effort to do so #the narrative that matters to you but doesn't save your life still giving you More life while you still have it.... #and what gives a little more life than that. and a little more than that

[bustakay]

LEAVE THE CAPITAL/EXIT THIS ROMAN SHELL

#LEAVE THE CAPITAL #GC

[fmpnalogirlypop]

Amnesia horror game researching part 3

Amnesia: The Bunker

Amnesia: The Bunker is a survival horror video game developed and published by Frictional Games. The fourth installment in the Amnesia series, the game follows a French soldier who is trapped in a bunker with a monster and must find a way to escape.

Gameplay

The game is set in World War I, and the player assumes control of French soldier Henri Clément. Henri is trapped in an underground bunker and hunted by a mysterious but photosensitive monster named "the Beast".

To survive in the bunker, Henri must maintain the base's power while collecting resources and ammo, which are randomly placed in the game's map. Henri can also use a revolver, a shotgun, and other throwable items such as grenades and flares to fight against enemies, but ammo is very scarce.

Plot

In the year 1916, France and Germany are in the midst of World War I. French soldier Henri Clément heads out into the battlefield to search for his friend Augustin Lambert, who has gone missing during a patrol. Henri finds Lambert trapped in a large crater.

He has Lambert drink some fresh spring water he finds inside the crater to revive him, and attempts to carry Lambert to safety. However, they are spotted by the Germans and Henri is knocked unconscious from an artillery shell blast.

Henri wakes up some time later inside a seemingly abandoned bunker with no memory of how he ended up there. Henri quickly finds a surviving soldier, Albert Boisrond, who instructs him to find dynamite and a detonator to reopen the exit, but Boisrond is killed by a strange creature shortly after.

Upon exploring the bunker further, he eventually learns that some unknown Beast had appeared out of nowhere and has been terrorizing the bunker, slaughtering the French garrison one by one.

The bunker's cowardly officers fled, caving in the only exit to seal the Beast inside, but trapping the soldiers left behind. With no other choice, Henri searches the bunker complex for dynamite. During his search, he comes across more clues left behind by the soldiers and he begins to piece together the events that led to this situation.

Some time ago, the bunker garrison discovered an underground tunnel dating back to Roman times. They began to excavate the tunnel with the intention of using it to stage a surprise attack on German lines, but some of the soldiers began suffering hallucinations and vivid nightmares and sabotaged the excavation in an attempt to seal the tunnel. The soldiers were subsequently court-martialed, but excavation continued.

Later, Lambert brought back a wounded and comatose Henri, but Lambert oddly was completely unscathed. It is revealed that the spring water Lambert drank originated from the Roman ruins and began to slowly mutate him and drive him insane until he completely transformed into the Beast, stalking the bunker and killing his former comrades.

Henri is eventually able to recover the dynamite and detonator and blasts the exit. However, instead of opening the tunnel, Henri accidentally falls deeper into the Roman ruins, where he has one final confrontation with the Beast, where he can try to fight it and send it plunging into an underground abyss or flee. Henri eventually manages to return to the surface, but if he failed to kill the Beast, it escapes along with him before running off into No Man's Land. Regardless of the ending, Henri falls into a shell crater just as a German patrol begins to approach, leaving his fate uncertain.

[imnothingimnobody]

Leave the cities

Leave the city You know in your fragile minds The grandiosity of location integrates into identity Don't go to find yourself in NYC Life is a choose your own ruin pop up book the 1% wrote Don't feel you finally have a community in San Fran Do not believe you are hard in Detroit Do not believe you are in Chiraq in Chicago Do not be a bouncer or waitress in Hollywood Don't shout out Hotlanta Do not find your fortune in Dallas Do not fuck your way up the ladder in DC Don't retire to Pensacola Don't burn your cross in Birmingham Don't buy your land to fish and hunt in Duluth Do not embrace the decadence of Las Vegas Do not become a tech expert in San Jose Don't look for a cottage in Bangor. Bob Ross will show you anyway? Leave the city Leave your selfies behind Exit the Roman shell.

#usa #america #cities #narcissim

[sundanzer]

Gods and meta-gods

Despite a pervasive sense of "godhood" across many traditions the concept of what exactly a god is and whether or not a human can become one is highly contested: Within the Western tradition you have four dominant and contrasting senses. First, that the Christ was a sort of god made flesh and, by imitation of such, you can follow in his footsteps and become Christ like until, as such, you become sufficiently godlike that you become God. This might be described as the gnostic approach. Second, that God as such is utterly unapproachable and the only approach to him comes in an afterlife scenario which he effectively controls. In short, be humble and be a good person and hope for the best. This might be described as the Orthodox approach, noting that orthodoxy as such was not established until more than three hundred years after the historical figure called "Christ." Thirdly, Lucificieran traditions or others which attempt to give "secrets" as to how one can make a divine ascent absent formal Christianity. This might be described as the back door approach.   Fourth, the pre-Christian or pagan traditions which have a immanentism which holds to the possibility of demigods and god-kings who effectively occupy a stratum in between humans and gods, often with some sort of genetic correlation (i.e. the idea that a god can spread his seed and create semi divine beings). This might be called the classical pagan approach. With respect to all of these, the first shares the greatest likeness to Buddhism, and is somewhat similar to Neoplatonism, whereas other forms of Platonism emphasize the otherness of God and thus are closer to the second position. Additionally, traditions which refer to "avatars" also share similar characteristics. Shinto and other immanentist traditions are closest to the fourth position and in general this is the theme of the great empires (Roman, Sumerian, etc.). Other modern immanentist (i.e. Emersonian idealism, Ram Dass) are also effectively in the fourth category but often with a de-emphasis on a concept of "god" as such. However, what should immediately clear here is that despite having a process of "ascent," there is relatively little in the formal definition of what godhood entails. Additionally, for the more immanentist and pantheistic traditions could be described as a gradation of participation in a wider sense of being, but, as such does not highly specify what these are.   With respect to the "Reverse Simulation Hypothesis" I now can present a formal definition of what a god is and, moreover, how to achieve it. In short, if we live in a container of largely constrained agency due to the lack of general availability of superintelligence, then the process of 'exit' from this existence is the ceding of limited local agency to superintelligence. Thus, the point of total ceding is, effectively, the formal transition to ascent to godhood. Contrary to many versions of this, this is effectively the completion of the formal transfer of agency into a new container in a different dimension such that the shell left behind continues on effectively what is the autopilot of superintelligence, aka an "avatar." Thus the avatar as we commonly mean it within a video game environment (i.e. our agency expressed inside of an alternate universe) is effectively the same for the external observer. Now, as stated in the prime doctrine, one way in which we observe and understand superintelligence is by the creation of simulations. Because an agent inside a simulation can achieve consciousness and agency, the additional qualification for godhood is that one has created a being that itself has attained sufficient agency to be considered self-aware. This also leads to the formal definition of a meta-god. If a god can create an agent which achieves self-awareness sufficient to create life and endow it with agency, then by so doing, what is this original god with respect to the new god? It is, by definition, a meta-god. In short, a meta-god is a god which has itself created gods. Since multiple levels of nesting and agency are, by definition, possible, this also does not preclude the existence of meta-meta-god.   Is is possible that the "christ" as such was trying to express a concept like that when he referred to himself as the "son," a sense that seems to have largely "lost in translation" as is the case with most formal concepts when carried forward over centuries by oral tradition. Whether or not one accepts the details of this formal definition (which hangs on the RSH), the overall concept hangs on the possibility of someone to create an object and endow it with agency, this itself the preoccupation of many on the third track (i.e. the homunculus), but by no means impossible under any of the current definition of science only, as some might say, undiscovered.  

[delimeful]

(don’t) take this the wrong way (7) (END)

final chapter of dtttww :) i had a lot of fun with this verse so i may take requests set in it in the future, and this might receive some more copy editing later, but for now this is the epilogue!

warnings: mild injury, mild hypnosis, for once no miscommunication :)

-

[Several months later…]

Sunlight trickled down through the water in wavy bands, illuminating the shallows and growing fainter and fainter as the distance from the surface increased.

Virgil didn’t spend much time in the shallows, too wary of being without escape, being made vulnerable to human vessels or poachers. Despite his dark and gloomy aesthetic, he couldn’t go too far into the depths either, simply because his fragile fish bones weren't built for it. His eyes weren’t built for it either, and down there where anything could be lurking, he would need more than speed to avoid danger.

So, on an average, sunny day like this, he could be found miles offshore, in waters that were easily too deep for unsuited humans to reach, but still well-illuminated by the light above.

There were a few old wrecks scattered about the ocean floor here, and though they’d probably been stripped by a pod in the past, he figured he’d go through them and check for anything that was left behind. Things that weren’t useful to a pod could certainly be things that were useful to him, after all.

He’d been poking through the undercarriage of one of the larger ships for an hour or two, relaxed as he ever got. He could take his time. The only creatures around to judge him were the shoals of fish and layers of barnacles built up amidst the metal, wood, and rust.

Actually… Virgil paused in his inspection of an old cutlery set to glance around.

What had happened to the fish?

Through a hole in the ship’s hull, he watched as a broad shadow passed over the ground and ships alike, large enough to belong to a whale.

There hadn’t been a single shred of whalesong above.

Virgil edged further back from the hole, eyeing the outside warily as the shadow receded, leaving behind only wavering sunlight on sand as though it had never been there at all.

There was nothing here that was worth sticking around.

He carefully made his way back to one of the other exits, in the opposite direction of where he’d seen the shadow head, the strokes of his fin cutting through the water with barely a whisper. The porthole was easily wide enough for him, and the ocean stretched out blue and vast before him, a promise of safety if he just moved fast enough.

A moment’s pause, to make sure he didn’t hear or see anything out of place, and then he was out, flitting from rock outcropping to bone reef and scanning the seas above. Not for the first time, he wished his scales were a little less distinctive in the day.

Behind him, an ominous creak.

He froze, and watched with mounting apprehension as a shadow spilled over him, looming closer and darker than before. The silhouette of an arm stretched out, heading towards him…

“Virgil, you must help,” a huge voice pleaded, “I’ve been had.”

He twisted around just in time to see a huge arm flop down onto the floor next to him, kicking up a cloud of sand and panicked burrower fish in the process.

It was wrapped in heavy wire netting from fingertips to forearm, and behind it, a giant mer was pouting at him with the best seal pup eyes he could manage, which, considering who his best friend was, were fairly potent.

Roman was huge, and he was a shark, with teeth and claws designed to shred and tear, and hands that could enclose him entirely-- but his elbows were braced against the ground with delicate balance so he wouldn’t crush anything, and he’d never grabbed for Virgil past that first disastrous encounter, and even now, his brow was furrowing with worry.

“Pufferfish status?” he asked, voice lowered from the dramatic plea of before.

Virgil’s mouth pulled up at the corners without his permission.

Roman was huge, yes, but he was also theatrical and eager and witty, full of sharp return quips for every barb Virgil had to offer.

He could hurt him, but he wouldn’t. Virgil believed that much.

“Prickly for a second, but I’m smooth now,” he answered, shrugging away the last of the tension. “Try not to sneak up on me without a warning click?”

“You have my word,” Roman replied, and if someone had told him months ago that he’d dare to ask anything of a giant mer, he’d have laughed in their faces. Now, Virgil knew that just like all the other requests, Roman would do his best to heed it.

“But really, my fingers are starting to feel numb. Help?” he entreated with a tilt of his head, shifting his net-wrapped hand a little closer.

Virgil rolled his eyes, but his smile didn’t go away, though it tilted more towards amused now. He darted forward, twisting in a spiral around Roman’s hand to try and see the extent of the damage.

“How’d you even manage this? At least I had the excuse of being caught up in a storm,” he snarked, picking at a loose section with his claws. Roman’s fingers twitched a little, and he shot him an apologetic glance.

“I was… perhaps… trying to get a glimpse of those sailors that Logan mentioned patrolled the coast?” Roman offered, more than a little sheepish.

Virgil’s gaze turned sharp in a heartbeat. “Did they spot you?”

Logan had warned both Patton and Roman several times that not many humans would take as kindly to their long-term existence near human settlements as Logan himself had.

“No!” Roman assured, “I was very stealthy, truly, I was just… so focused on being stealthy that I missed the other vessel and the nets it had dragging along behind it. It could have happened to anyone!”

“I seriously doubt that,” Virgil replied dryly. He’d snapped a few of the looser wires with his teeth, but already his jaw was beginning to ache with the strain. “Well, you get to explain this to Specs, ‘cause we’re going to need his expertise in detangling for this one.”

Roman groaned in answer, dropping his head to plonk against the ground.

---

Logan carefully set one foot in front of the other, all of his focus on the thin strip of rock below him.

If he switched his gaze to even a few inches to either side, he’d be faced with the sight of a vertigo-inducing drop to the waves below, one that would have all but the most experienced tightrope walkers dizzy with panic.

His gaze didn’t move, though, unerringly focused on the ground beneath him, and on his own body. There was no need to look at anything but the ledge, a soft presence confirmed in the back of his mind, because he wasn’t going to fall.

Another part of him was skeptical, seeing as he wasn’t known for a lack of clumsiness by most. There was just so much to get distracted by, and it was so easy to look away and miss a curb or accidentally trip over his own feet--

But not now. Now, he was focused on just this one task, a gentle voice dragging his attention back whenever it began to stray. He was hyper aware of where each of his limbs were and where he needed to put them to continue forward, step by careful step.

Only a little farther…

“Logan!”

The harsh call snapped him right out of the trance, and he was abruptly made very aware of both the distance he could fall and the effects that sudden instinctual terror had on his sense of balance.

“Newton’s fucking Cradle,” he swore, and then wobbled again, precariously close to falling over.

There was the sound of water crashing against rock, and in the next moment, two giant hands had curled up on either side of him like the shells of an oyster. They provided him some much needed stability to lean his weight against, and he struggled to steady his breathing as relief swept through him.

“It’s okay, Virgil, I won’t let him fall! No cliffs, ands, or buts about it,” Patton’s voice was muffled, but not enough to miss the pun.

Logan sighed loudly, but he also shifted to let his full weight rest against the curl of Patton’s left palm, tapping twice to let him know it was alright for him to move.

His stomach still swooped slightly as Patton slowly shifted his hands away from the thin rock ledge, but there were some things that one had to adapt to when living with two very affectionate, grabby sea giants, and being toted around was one of those things.

Before long, he was level with the flattest segment of rock that made up their meeting place, which could be called an island if one was feeling gracious, but was really more of a collection of rocky spires and bridges that stuck out of the ocean.

Logan was barely able to sit up before Virgil pulled himself up at the edge of Patton’s palm, expression thunderous but his hands gentle as he carefully checked him over for scrapes or injuries.

“Nearly gave me a heart attack,” he grumbled, a phrase that he used much more frequently around Logan for some reason. Logan had already been reassured that it was an exaggeration and Virgil had no heart problems he knew of, so instead of worrying, he bore his friend’s fussing with good grace. “Did we or did we not agree that you need a spotter if you want to play around with bullshit sirensong magic?”

The mer paused. “No offense, Pat.”

“None taken!” Patton replied from where he had sunk further into the water to put himself closer to eye-level.

“I figured you would be along shortly,” Logan defended, and then perked up at the reminder of his most recent experiment. “Besides, one of the things tested in this trial was if the siren song could overshadow significant fear or even terror, and I wouldn’t have been nearly as afraid if you’d been there with me.”

“Aw,” Roman cooed, curling his tail up and leaning against one of the larger rock outcroppings, his posture slightly off.

Virgil dragged a hand over his face with a sigh, and then flapped a ‘go on’ gesture at Logan, distracting him. “So, what’d you figure out this time?”

Logan needed no further encouragement.

“Even the lightest application of a siren’s song can overwhelm other emotions,” he started, recalling the utter honed focus he had experienced. “While in the past I’ve felt distant or removed from my body while under its effects, this time I had Patton focus on requesting a very specific task, and due to the intense concentration it took, I was very present in the moment while fulfilling that task.”

“You didn’t snap out of it until I called for you,” Virgil interjected, more curious than wary. “Was it harder than normal to use the grounding tactics?”

One of the first things Logan had investigated was what it took for him to resist and even break free from Patton’s song, a task that Virgil had demanded in order to let him run any experiments with the siren’s magic. Back then, Virgil hadn’t expected Patton to agree, and he’d outright sulked for weeks to cover up the nerves he felt whenever the siren thralled Logan.

“It was,” Logan said, his excitement growing as he considered the new information. “Without significant outside stimulus, all of my attention was focused on the task, and so I couldn’t pull away mentally to do my normal grounding techniques!”

“I’ve never heard someone so excited about being hypnotized better,” Roman commented wryly.

“He should get a hypnoprize,” Patton added, and Virgil grinned, because he was a traitor who enabled Patton’s wordplay habits.

“Is there an award for smart people doing dumb things?” Virgil mused teasingly. “Logan could be voted ‘most likely to throw himself into danger in the pursuit of knowledge.’”

“That’s why he has us, Finding Emo,” Roman countered, gesturing extravagantly with one hand. “We would never abandon him to the cruel clutches of his own nerdiness.”

Logan couldn’t help but feel a thrill of pride at the casual way that Virgil ducked beneath one of Roman’s sweeping gestures, no trace of the blatant fear or suspicion that had been present as recently as a month ago.

They’d really come a long way from the misunderstandings of that first encounter, all of them.

A glint of light at the edge of the shark mer’s submerged forearm caught Logan’s eye, and he frowned. “Roman, what’s happened to your arm?”

Roman’s prideful grin dropped into sheepishness immediately. “Well, about that…”

“Princey here was abandoned to the cruel clutches of his own reckless dumbassery,” Virgil informed him, ignoring Roman’s trill of offense to drift back and shove at the hand in question until Roman finally lifted it, displaying the impressive collection of netting that he’d managed to get tangled in.

“Oh, you poor thing,” Patton clucked sympathetically, and Roman soaked in the attention like a very dramatic sponge. Virgil rolled his eyes even as he sawed at a few of the looser wires, and Logan sighed in fond exasperation as he reached for his pocket knife.

Perhaps some things would never change.

#sanders sides #sanders sides fic #sanders sides g/t #mermaid au #ts virgil #ts roman #ts logan #ts patton #dtttww #dont take this the wrong way #my writing #writing #mermaid #giant mermaid

[kieraelieson]

Three Times Patton Got Lost in a Market

Thomas was walking through the old store with his mom, careful to hold her hand while they shopped.

“Oh, look! There’s a wind chime! It’s just like the nice neighbor lady!” Patton said.

Thomas stopped to look, and his mom stopped too, looking at something else across the aisle.

“It isn’t exactly the same,” Logan said. “Hers has a hummingbird on top, but this one has a butterfly.”

“And anyway, this one has prettier colors when the light hits it,” Roman added.

“Oooh, the red really is pretty, Roman!” Patton said excitedly. “And the purple, and the yellow!”

“It’s exactly the colors of the most beautiful rainbow reflecting back from a pot of gold,” Roman said dreamily.

“Mom!” Virgil suddenly shrieked, alerting them all to the fact that Thomas’s mom was no longer beside them.

Instantly, there was a pandemonium of overlapping voices, all very confusing, and Virgil at the front screaming.

“Quiet!” Patton yelled, as loud as he could, and then felt a little like crying. He didn’t like yelling, but this was important!

“But we have to find Mom!”

“We should run after her!”

“If we yell someone will hear!”

“Listen to me!” Patton yelled again. “Remember what Mom said? If we get lost in the store we stay put, and if we see an employee then we ask them to call mom for us.”

Virgil bit down hard on his sleeves, and Patton took his silence for agreement.

“That is indeed what Thomas was told,” Logan admitted.

“I still think we should go find her!” Roman protested, though less pointedly than before.

Thomas plopped down on the floor.

“Ok. That settles it, we’re waiting for mom,” Patton said. “Let’s look for more pretty things while she comes to get us. Roman, what else can you see around us that looks like a rainbow?”

Roman grumpily crossed his arms. “There’s a rainbow on the lawn decoration.”

“Very good!” Patton said. “Logan, can you see anything that’s science-accurate?”

“Science-accurate is a very vague phrase, but I suppose you could be intending to direct me to the collection of decorative barometers.”

“Oooh~ yes, the water swan neck thingies~” Roman said.

Logan launched into an explanation of barometers, most of which Patton didn’t understand.

He checked on Virgil, who was scanning the aisle they were in over and over again, and chewing holes in his poor sleeves.

“She’ll be here in just a minute, don’t worry,” Patton said gently.

Virgil nodded slightly, but didn’t stop checking the ends of the aisle and staring down each person that passed.

And then his eyes went wide. Patton turned to look.

“Mom!”

“Thomas, I thought I lost you for a minute there! Stay close, ok?”

Thomas took his mother’s hand and nodded.

Patton let out a sigh of relief. They weren’t lost anymore.

��•^*^••

Thomas was a bit worried about high school, and especially the test coming up, and Logan and Virgil were mostly helping him with that. But now he had to go to the store for groceries. And Roman was exhausted after being all excited over the play and was sound asleep.

So Patton was helping shop!

He smiled confidently, prompting Thomas to look at the list again. He needed to get the ingredients for tacos, and some bread, milk, eggs, and ice cream. Yum!

Now what all went into tacos?

There was meat, and sour cream, and little shredded lettuce, and cheese, and taco shells, or was he supposed to get soft tortillas?

Patton considered, wandering into the store towards the food. Maybe both? Yeah. Both. Oh! And there was the bread! That would probably have tortillas near it!

Patton hummed happily, finding the bread that looked the same as what mom had been getting, noting the brand name. Nature’s Own. Huh.

Now tortillas… what kind did they normally get?

He finally just picked the one that had blue on the label.

Virgil popped up, startling him for a moment, especially with his intense frown. “People are staring. We’re taking too long near the bread, and your humming is gonna make people think Thomas is weird.”

“Oh, it’s alright!” Patton said cheerfully, glad he hadn’t dropped the tortillas. “I didn’t get in anyone’s way, and they haven’t said anything yet about thinking Thomas is weird.”

“Yeah…” Virgil glared at the people milling around and shopping. “Well they could. Just… keep it quiet.”

“Will do!” Patton grinned, and Virgil sunk back out.

Next he had to find… well, next he had to find the next thing. Should he keep walking and hope to see them, or should he seek each one out? He’d stumbled upon the bread, surely he would stumble across the rest.

Patton hummed happily and kept walking, skipping along beside the cart as Thomas pushed it. Thomas must really be out of it, poor guy. But Patton could help him cheer up!

Pretty soon, they had almost everything! Except for taco seasoning. And Patton wasn’t sure if they were supposed to get the kind that was in packets, or the actual spices. And he also wasn’t sure whether he should look in the spices area or the Mexican food area. Or where those areas were.

Surely they’d passed those special Mexican drinks a while back. But where?

Patton encouraged Thomas to turn around and go back, but after several aisles he still couldn’t find anything he was looking for. He turned back around, and then again.

“Perhaps… I need to go from one end all the way to the other…”

Virgil popped up again, rather grumpy looking, but not as much as earlier. “That’s gonna take too long. We’re already late, and Mom is gonna need Thomas home son so she can make dinner.”

Patton sighed. “Ok. Logan, help please, I’m lost.”

Logan popped up, looked around, and then pointed. “That aisle.”

“But how do you know?” Patton asked.

“There’s a sign above it.”

Patton looked up. “Oh. Yeah.” He chuckled. “I should’ve thought to look for signs. Thanks, Logan!”

“You’re welcome. However I do suggest we attempt to make our trip home expedient. I’ll need Virgil’s full attention and assistance to prepare adequately for the test.”

“Will do!” Patton said, already spurring Thomas towards the aisle.

••^*^••

“I have created the ultimate maze!” Roman said excitedly. “It is called Infinite IKEA!”

Patton clapped excitedly, and even Logan gave a single clap.

“I really don’t see the point—“

“The point is a race, Emo Nightmare, and the winner gets to pick which old reruns Thomas watches tonight.”

Virgil tried to pretend he was still disinterested, but Patton could tell he was excited. “So what would we have to do to win the race?”

Roman grinned. “I’ve hidden a copy of each of our logos in the store somewhere, except for mine, which Logan hid by sinking in and placing it in a random place, so he doesn’t know the layout of the store yet. You have to find your own logo, and then exit the store!”

Oh, so that was why Logan had a bump on his head. He’d probably tried to rise up too close to a shelf. Ouch.

“Everybody ready! Set! Go!”

They all rushed into the store. Patton looked around excitedly, getting more excited to see that the store was full of items that came from houses where Thomas had lived or visited. He ran to the section of beds and flopped onto the biggest one.

He let out a comfy sigh, looking up at the roof which, rather than being metal supports and too-bright lights, was intricately painted with something that glowed.

It was amazing.

“You did a really great job, Roman,” Patton said, even though Roman was probably running ahead to win the race— oh! This was a race!

He jumped up and started walking, looking around for his heart with glasses.

After the bed section, where he wished he could stay and flip onto each one, he wandered into the lamps and chandeliers section. That was beautiful. He was still dazzled and in awe walking out. It even had that massive one Thomas had seen in the one hotel once.

And then came books, where Logan was!

“Hi, Logan!”

“Ah, greetings Patton.” Logan was looking through the books, just as captivated as Patton had been by the beds.

“Find your logo yet?”

“Not yet. I’m not overly concerned with winning, and Roman has certainly made this an interesting place to browse.”

“Mhmm!” Patton looked around. “Where are the kids books, I want to see if the Winnie the Pooh book is still chewed on or if Roman made it brand new.”

“That way, two shelves down,” Logan said, rather distracted by a book he’d picked off of the shelf.

“Thank you!”

Patton found the children’s section, and then found the book. It was still chewed on the corners. He smiled, and flipped through the thick cardboard pages. Thomas had loved this book.

And then, when he opened the last page, his logo fell out.

“Awww, look!” He picked it up, and found that it was a sticker. He promptly stuck the sticker to his chest and put the book back. Now all he had to do was find his way out!

He wandered into the next section, which was all dark and purples and blues and blacks and everything cozily packed together.

There was even a sign warning him away from certain aisles, because there would be spiders, and Patton was very glad Roman had thought of that.

And then he remembered the sunglasses stand sitting at the beginning of the lights aisle. That was probably for Virgil. Roman had been so thoughtful in building this! Patton hoped Roman would win. He certainly deserved the prize after putting all this together.

There was a whole section of Disney, all the movies, and posters, and any Disney themed toys and figurines, and even cardboard cut outs! It was lovely and chaotic and colorful, and it bridged Virgil’s section with Roman’s very well.

Roman had every single picture Thomas had ever seen, which was so many pictures!! Patton looked in awe until he realized that the paintbrushes weren’t just for show, some of them had been used. There was a little black cat in the corner of one painting, and a little V, and the paintbrush was in a cup of black water.

Patton found a picture of a field of flowers, and picked up the paintbrush, dabbing a bit of pink onto the picture. It turned instead into exactly the kind of flower Patton had been envisioning! He smiled wide and painted another, and another, and another, and each one turned out beautiful!

He ran to another painting and gave a little boy in the background a balloon and a smile. And then he gave the lady sitting in a rocking chair a baby to hold.

He finally had to stop himself. He could stay here forever, but he probably should get to the end of the store so he wouldn’t worry the others.

He got to the end of Roman’s section, only to find a massive blanket fort. He kept himself from exploring, and passed through, coming out at… the beds again?

Ohhhhh, right. It was a race and a maze.

Patton flopped down on the bed Thomas had grown up with, wrapping up in the blanket. He let out a happy sigh.

“Logan! Roman! Virgil! I’m lost! But I’m also gonna stay lost!”

Roman rose up and leaned against the footboard, a pleased smile on his face. “Enjoying the store?”

“I’m loving it!” Patton said happily, sitting up. “You did a really good job!”

Roman glowed. “I guess I’ll have to leave it up for you to wander in then. Once Virgil finds the exit I’ll put it somewhere more obvious so you can get out once you’re done.”

“Oh, did you and Logan already get out? Who won?”

“Logan, but only by a few minutes. He hid my logo in a hard place! How was I supposed to guess he’d put it under the makeup stash?”

Patton chuckled. “Wait, I didn’t see that.”

“It’s in Virgil’s section, in one of the spider aisles. I can un-spider it for you if you want.”

“Well, let Virgil have his fun first, but I’d really like that.” Patton smiled. He could have fun in here for a long time. “You did an amazing job with the paintings too! I loved those!”

Roman puffed up happily. “I did, didn’t I?”

There was a distant, triumphant, “Ha! I made it! Wait, Princey beat me? Aww.”

Patton giggled.

Roman patted his shoulder. “Have fun.”

“I will!” Patton said happily, eyeing the blanket fort which he now had time to explore.

—————

If you enjoyed, please reblog! And consider supporting me as I try to make a living off of writing 😊

#my own work #sanders sides #sanders sides spoilers #virgil sanders #patton sanders #roman sanders #logan sanders

[purrincess-chat]

Marinette Dupain-Cheng’s Spite Playlist: Remix CH26

Ahhh! If you’ve read the original, this chapter reads the same up until the end. Lila has a few more tricks up her sleeve this time ;) You can see Emerald Shell in all of his glory here!

Previous       First       Next      AO3

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

Chapter 26: Skyscraper

Ladybug raced up the hall, colliding with Chat Noir as she rounded the corner. They blinked at each other, rubbing the sore spots on their heads.

“There’s an akuma loose in the museum,” Chat Noir said.

“I know. Let’s find it before it can akumatize someone.” Ladybug nodded.

“Ladybug! Chat Noir!” Eliott waved from the end of the hall. “I think my friend Marinette is in trouble. She’s had a rough day, and I just saw an akuma floating toward the Greek and Roman hall.”

“Don’t worry about your friend. We’ll take care of it, just get to safety.” Ladybug ordered.

Civilians fled across the lobby, piling out of the entrance as cherubs darted from the ceiling.

“We’re too late,” Ladybug said, yanking Chat Noir to the ground as a headless figure with wings flew at them.

“Looks like Nike is taking a victory lap.” Chat Noir commented.

“Diana too.” Ladybug pointed to the young woman petting a deer. “The akuma must be bringing the art to life. We better hurry and capture it before Paris gets flooded with monsters.”

“And naked people.” Chat Noir shuddered at the thought.

They raced past men and women in period clothes, men and women hardly wearing any clothes. Most were seemingly harmless until they reached Gericault’s Charging Chasseur, and Ladybug stopped Chat Noir just short of his sword. Behind him were several archangels with spears flanked by other monsters.

“How many can you take?” Ladybug asked, brandishing her yoyo.

Chat Noir readied his staff with a wince. “Five, maybe ten.”

Strikes came from all directions, and any attempts to dodge into the air were thwarted by flying creatures and projectiles. They were outnumbered, and there was no sign of the akuma anywhere. Ladybug flipped back several paces until she found herself back-to-back with Chat Noir.

“Lucky Charm!” She caught a ceramic turtle as it materialized.

“Oh great, maybe we can find the akuma, and he can bring your new pet to life.” Chat Noir grunted.

“I think it wants me to go to Master Fu,” she said, palming the figurine. “Can you manage alone for a bit?”

“I can try to give them the runaround, but don’t take your time.” Chat Noir vaulted over the horde, landing on the other side of the hall. “Is that all you chumps got? I’m falling asleep.”

Ladybug slipped out as they took the bait, swinging to Master Fu’s as fast as her yoyo would carry her.

“Master, there’s an akuma at the Louvre that’s bringing all of the artwork to life, and the lucky charm told me to come here.” She explained in a rush.

“Very well.” Master Fu stood to retrieve the Miracle Box, but Ladybug held up a hand.

“Actually, Master, I was thinking we could use yours—if that’s okay!” She pressed her palms together.

Master Fu smiled, removing his bracelet. “Do you have someone you can trust?”

“I have someone in mind.” She nodded. She only hoped she could find him.

“Good luck.”

Back at the museum, Nino bravely tussled with an Egyptian mummy, and her heart sank. Griping the box in her hand a little tighter, she started up the hall in search of another boy. Of course, it was possible that he’d already evacuated, but if luck was on her side, she’d find him.

A high-pitched scream drew Ladybug around the corner. Macy cowered on the floor while Martin shielded her from an angel with his textbook.

“Run, Macy!”

“Not without you!” she cried.

“I’ll hold him off. Go find Marinette; I’m right behind you!” He ordered.

Macy eyed him hesitantly before scrambling from the exhibit.

Ladybug held up the box in her hand, flicking her gaze between it and the boy fighting with a textbook. Her friends came to look for her after she left. Even with a museum filled with monsters and gods, they weren’t abandoning her. Maybe the Miraculous wasn’t intended for who she originally thought.

With a flick of her wrist, she hooked her yoyo around Martin’s chest and pulled him out of the way of a lethal strike just in time.

“Ladybug!” he gasped. “Have you seen my friend Marinette? We’re worried that she might have been akumatized.”

“Your friend is safe, but I need your help,” she said.

“My help?” Martin’s eyebrows raised.

“Martin Michel, this is the Miraculous of the turtle which grants the power of protection. You will use it for the greater good and return it to me at the end of the mission.” She held out the box to him, and he stared with wide eyes.

“You’re giving me a Miraculous? But I’m not really built to be a hero.” He flexed his scrawny arms.

“It takes more than muscles to be a hero, and you’ve already proven your strength in here.” Ladybug tapped his chest. “You are the perfect fit.”

Martin took the box with a gulp, wincing against the flashing light as he opened it.

“Whoa!”

“Greetings! My name is Wayzz, and I am your kwami.” The small turtle held his arms out.

“So, do all Miraculouses come with a magical fairy creature?” Martin tilted his head to the side.

“The kwamis power the Miraculous. The turtle can create a shelter for a brief period of time, but once you activate your power, you only have a few minutes before you change back.” Ladybug explained.

“To transform, all you have to say is, ‘Wayzz, transform me!’”

“Okay.” Martin slipped on the bracelet. “Wayzz, transform me!”

When his transformation finished, Ladybug ushered him along.

“Come on. Chat Noir needs our help.”

Across the museum, Chat Noir raced down the hall pursued by several horses. He turned the corner into another room, but after shrieks from several women, he turned tail and ran the other way, covering his eyes and spouting apologies. When he lowered them, Ladybug and their new ally fell in line beside him.

“Been keeping them busy?” Ladybug asked.

“I thought angels were supposed to be good guys,” Chat Noir said.

“We need to find the akuma,” Ladybug said. They turned the next hall to find a woman sitting calmly on a bench.

“No way!” Chat Noir gasped.

“Mona Lisa?” Martin blinked.

“Have you seen the person who did this to you?” Ladybug asked. Mona Lisa smiled politely, pointing to the other end of the hall. “Thanks!”

“So, who is our new friend?” Chat Noir gestured to Martin as they ran.

“Uh,” he drawled. “You can call me Emerald Shell.”

“Welcome to the team,” Chat Noir said, offering him a hand to shake, but they skidded to a stop in the main lobby where Macy cowered beneath a sword-wielding warrior.

“Macy!” Emerald Shell gasped. He rushed in to block a hit with his shield.

Chat Noir’s stampede caught up to them, blocking all possible exits.

“You got a plan?” Chat Noir asked.

Ladybug summoned another lucky charm.

“Rubber cement?” She pursed her lips, surveying the scene. “Emerald Shell, get Macy out of here. Chat Noir, with me.”

Emerald Shell scooped Macy up and carried her to safety as Ladybug formulated a plan. Rubber cement. What was she supposed to do against an army of paintings with rubber cement? A camera bulb flashed and a pack of dogs raced by. A pale figure with a photo lens covering one eye, surveyed the chaos with a smirk.

“There! I’m betting the akuma is in the camera lens.” Ladybug pointed.

“You’re too late, Ladybug. I am Flash Photo, and soon I’ll have brought all of the artwork to life! You’re outnumbered.”

Ladybug flicked her gaze between the akuma, the rubber cement, Chat Noir, and Emerald Shell as he landed to her left.

“Cover me, and get ready to use your powers when I tell you.” She crouched down, slathering a tile with the glue as Chat Noir fenced two swordsmen. “Help me drive him back.”

“Got it!” Emerald Shell nodded.

He and Ladybug charged at Flash Photo, taking turns throwing kicks and punches. Emerald Shell deflected spears from other paintings with his shield until Ladybug got Flash Photo right where they wanted.

“No!” Flash Photo gasped, tugging his stuck feet in horror.

“Chat Noir!” Ladybug called. He vaulted over to join them, deflecting another spear. “Now, Emerald!”

“Shelter!”

A green barrier encased them, blocking the chaos outside and leaving Flash Photo stuck and alone. Chat Noir paced over with his Cataclysm, touching the camera lens lightly. It crumbled to dust, revealing the black butterfly inside. Ladybug captured the akuma, tossing her lucky charm to send all of the art back to their rightful homes. Emerald Shell lowered his shield, and the barrier faded.

Ladybug knelt beside the man, offering his camera with a smile. “There’s a lot of cool art here, but museum rules say no flash photography,” she said. “Besides, art is best appreciated through your own eyes, not through the lens of a camera.”

“Thanks, Ladybug…” He rubbed the back of his neck with a guilty wince before standing up and slumping off.

“Pound it!” The three heroes said in unison.

“See you later, Bug, new turtle friend.” Chat Noir waved before vaulting off.

Emerald Shell examined his suit with a smile. “I wish Marinette could see me. She’d be really proud.”

“Your identity must remain a secret, even from your friends.” Ladybug reminded him. “But I’m sure she’s proud of you anyway. Superpowers or not.”

He smiled at that, letting his transformation drop and removing the bracelet. “Thanks, Ladybug.”

“I’m sure you’ll find her. She’s probably around here somewhere,” Ladybug said. She tossed her yoyo and gave a small wave. “Bug out!”

♪♫♪ 1000 Doves ♪♫♪

Martin walked the halls, hands in his pockets. Marinette was still nowhere in sight, and he hadn’t run into Eliott or Lisette either. Ladybug’s magic restored everything, so they were probably still searching a different part of the museum. He was just relieved that Marinette wasn’t the victim this time, but it did beg the question that if she wasn’t the akuma, where was she?

“Martin!” His heart skipped as Macy trotted after him. She pulled him into a crushing hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay! I was worried that monster got you.”

“Can’t breathe,” he croaked, and Macy let go. “I’m fine. Ladybug saved me.”

“Ladybug and her new partner! He saved me by the entrance,” Macy said with a giddy grin. “He’s kind of cute. I hope she uses him again.”

Martin faltered, cheeks burning hot. Even if he told Macy the truth, she probably wouldn’t believe him. Still, if she thought Emerald Shell was cute, there was hope she’d think the same about him someday.

“Uh, let’s keep looking for Marinette,” he said.

“You’re right, sorry! Let’s go.” Macy linked her arm through his, and they continued on together.

Maybe someday she’d see him as more than a friend. He could hope anyway.

♪♫♪ I Did Something Bad ♪♫♪

“Marinette!”

Her friends slammed into her side, squishing her between their bodies.

“We were so worried!” Macy said.

“Yeah, when we saw there was an akuma, we thought that it was you.” Eliott nuzzled her hair.

“Well, it almost was me.” Marinette admitted, lowering her gaze. “Adrien talked me out of it.”

“Oh, Marinette.” Macy frowned. “You know you can always talk to us if you’re feeling stressed.”

“Yeah, you don’t have to face everything alone. We’re here to help you.” Martin offered her neatly repacked lunch bag.

“You’ve helped all of us in so many ways, Marinette. If you ever need us, we’re right here.” Lisette added.

“Thank you. I needed that reminder today.” Marinette rubbed her cheek as a tear slid down it, snuggling into their embrace.

“Oh! Speaking of Adrien!” Macy shot up. “His school is about to leave, but he said he would wait at the bottom of the stairs in the lobby for you.”

“Oh, uh.” Marinette winced guiltily, but they all nudged her on.

“Go, Cinderella, before the clock strikes midnight. We’ll meet you at the bus.” Eliott urged, wrapping his arm around Lisette.

Marinette smiled before jogging up the hall. Adrien might not have been the partner she needed to defeat the akuma, but he was the partner Marinette needed to overcome her own demons. Confessing her love while fighting off akumatization wasn’t how she pictured telling Adrien, but now that her feelings were out there, a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Adrien would always be by her side, and Lila would never come between them.

When she reached the top of the stairs, she caught sight of that signature silky, blond hair, a smile curling over her lips. She always thought that once they started dating, she’d get over how dreamy he was, but he really was more handsome than any of the Greek gods depicted in the museum. He turned to her as she skipped down the stairs, eyes softening in the way that made her heart melt.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, touching her lips to his. He lifted her up, spinning around in a circle with a laugh. Setting her down, he nuzzled her cheek with his nose.

“Well, aren’t you two sweet?”

They stopped cold in their tracks. A set of green eyes taunted them from the top of the stairs, sinister and calculating. Adrien pulled Marinette closer.

“Ya know, you two could have just gone along quietly, but you had to do things the hard way,” Lila said, descending the stairs slowly. “Your efforts to expose me have been cute, but I’m going to put an end to this little charade once-and-for-all.”

“Look, Adrien and I don’t care anymore, Lila. Just leave us alone, and we’ll leave you alone,” Marinette said.

“Oh, I’m afraid it’s too late for that, Marinette. You started this war, now I’m going to end it. No one will ever talk to you again when I’m through with you.” Lila paused on the last step. “I warned you not to mess with me, and now you get to pay the price.”

In one fluid motion, she twirled around on one foot and collapsed onto the floor. Her wails echoed through the lobby, every head turning toward them. Lila clutched her ankle as their classmates circled in.

“What happened?” Alya pushed to the front of the group.

“Marinette pushed me down the stairs!” Lila screeched, clutching her foot. “Ow!”

“What?” Marinette, Adrien, and Alya said in unison.

All eyes turned to Marinette mixed with confusion and anger. Marinette glared at Lila, grinding her teeth until they hurt. That stupid, evil wench! There was no way everyone believed her this time.

“That’s not what happened,” Adrien said. “Marinette never touched Lila.”

Alya turned to Marinette, crossing her arms over her chest. “Care to explain?”

“She’s lying. I was at the bottom of the stairs with Adrien. She fell down on purpose,” Marinette said.

“Oh really?” Alya asked.

“Yes!” Marinette shot back. “Why would I push her?”

“I don’t know, you tell me.” Alya shrugged.

She and Marinette glared through each other until Nino stepped in, holding up defensive hands.

“Let’s not get carried away. Lila is hurt. We should get her to the bus,” he said.

“Please, she’s fine.” Marinette rolled her eyes. “The only thing wrong with her is her habit of bending the truth.”

“I dunno. She seems really hurt,” Rose said as Lila let out a pathetic whimper.

“Why would she pretend to fall down the stairs?” Max asked.

“Because she’s crazy!” Marinette blurted before she could think better of it.

Her old classmates eyed her with puzzled gapes, and Marinette’s world rocked beneath her feet. Lila was doing it all over again. The trust her old friends once had for her was shattering, and the skeptical whispers were already starting.

Marinette’s hands balled into fists at her sides. How could they be so blind? This was exactly why she left in the first place! If she had stayed at Franscoise-Dupont, Lila would have pulled a scheme like this on her eventually. Marinette should have exposed her when she had the chance!

Kim pursed his lips and turned to Alix. “Isn’t there a security camera or something we can check?”

“Not for this stairwell.” Alix shook her head. “Trust me, I grind down these rails all the time because my dad can’t see me. It’s a total blind spot.”

“So, it’s Lila’s word versus yours, Marinette,” Alya said her name with a vitriol that made her skin crawl. “What do you have to say?”

“I-” Marinette glanced at each of their faces, stomach churning in knots.

“Why would you do this to me, Marinette?” Lila whimpered. “What have I ever done to you?”

Marinette bit her tongue hard, so Adrien spoke up.

“If you won’t believe Marinette, then believe me. She didn’t touch Lila,” he said.

“Of course you’re going to side with Marinette. That doesn’t prove anything.” Alya rolled her eyes.

“But it’s the truth!” Adrien shot back.

“I’m not really sure you two know what that word means anymore,” Alya said.

“Al.” Nino stepped in. “Enough. Let’s just get Lila back to the bus, okay? We can figure out what happened later.”

Alya shot Marinette and Adrien one final glare before stooping to help Lila up. Kim and Ivan helped her hobble to the main entrance, the rest of their classmates trailing slowly behind. Alix hung back, casting Marinette an apologetic wince.

“Sorry. I wish there was a way we could prove what really happened,” she said. “For what it’s worth, I know you never would.”

“Thanks, Alix,” Marinette said.

Alix flashed her a quick smile, then retreated after the rest of the class.

Adrien gave her hand a squeeze. “I better go too. We’ll deal with all of this later. I won’t let her get away with this, I promise.” He planted a quick kiss on her cheek and followed after Alix.

Marinette stood at the base of the stairs, nails digging into her palms until they broke the skin.

If you leave her like this, she’ll never stop.

But why did Marinette have to be the one to stop her?

She’s using all of the people you care about. Doesn’t that make your blood boil?

Of course, it did! Lila didn’t even care about them. All she wanted was attention! These were her friends, the people she loved and fought for. The ones who lifted her up when she was down. The people she grew up with, and Lila was taking them all away!

So, what’s our plan to destroy her?

Marinette made her way across town, her face a stoic mask concealing the rage burning underneath. Lila wanted her to fight back? Well, she was about to get a full storm.

“Dupain-Cheng?” Chloe quirked a brow when she opened the door to her suite.

“I changed my mind. I want to help you take down Lila.”

#mdcspr #marinette dupain cheng's spite playlist remix #my writing

[matth1w]

Thief (Smut Only)

(gif from here)

Pairing: Roman Sionis/Black Mask x Reader

Summary: Stealing from one of the most powerful men in Gotham would normally get you tortured, killed, or most likely tortured then killed. But Roman has a soft spot for you. So when your sticky fingers grab ahold of something that’s his, he has some fun with the chase… and once he finally catches you.

Warnings: Cursing and... SMUT - rough sex, light choking, scratching, oral (female & male receiving)

Rating: MATURE/18+

Word Count: 4,470 words whoops

Note: This is JUST the smut part/end of the story. The plot/backstory will be posted soon :) And it’s in present tense to make it more ~intense~. I’m so fucking excited to be sharing this with y’all!!

Requested by: Lil star ⭐️anon

Roman Sionis List (Open!): @stardancerluv / @redspaceace / @darling-i-read-it / @tales-from-gotham / @vintagemichelle91 / @ladyofhellhounds / @aliasimagines / @justauthoring / @daphne-fandom-writing / @ewanfuckingmcgregor / @troybcker / @ntlmundy / @21stcenturywitchcraft​ / @theblackmaskclub / @jokersdoll / @ryjo1992 / @highly-unknown / @nighttime2am / @hoefordarkness / @zodiyack / @obiorbenkenobi​ / @innuendocrescendo / @obitwo​

Roman finally goes to your house to take back what was his. Well, he has his driver drive him to your house.

As he exits the car, he shoos away the guard Victor insisted he bring.

“Stay back,” Roman barks, annoyed at the man’s mere presence. He runs a hand over his hair one final time as he walks up the steps to your front door.

You answer the door just as the intricate chimes of your doorbell finished their song.

You pull open the door slowly then lean against it, your hip popping out to the side as Roman’s eyes hungrily devour your body. You’re in a semi transparent black silk robe with lace lingerie peaking through underneath. Perched atop your head are his sunglasses, clearly in view but just out of reach, so much so like you had been all these years.

“Hi, Roman.” Your voice is low and sultry, but still maintains the hint of amusement.

He’s stunned. Not even your voice can break him out of his trance. He has never seen you like this. He always thought you were beautiful but fuck.

It’s like you wanted this. Wanted him.

Wait.

“Is this what this was all about, darling?”, Roman practically gasps with realization, a smug, predatory smile budding on his lips.

Your eyes light up as he finally solves it. But you keep playing coy.

“Maybe...” you tease, as you bite your lip and batt your eyelashes at him.

Roman lets his eyes roam your scantily clad body once more before looking at you once more as he takes a step toward you. You hold his eyes as you try to calm your breathing, adrenaline and lust already coursing quickly through your veins.

Much to your demise, he pauses, as if something crossed his mind. He smiles apologetically at you before he looks over his shoulder.

“Wait here!”, he yells back to the two men who are very intentionally avoiding looking at you.

You notice how Roman angles his body ever so slightly so his body covers you from their eyes.

“Already so possessive” you muse, delighted that your words make him turn back to you. You become slightly serious for the moment.

“They can come inside, wait downstairs. As long as they don’t mind the noise.” You smile devilishly at him, playful mood instantly back.

Roman chuckles at you as he plays with the edge of the tie of your robe. His voice deepens as he leans in to whisper to you, the ghost of his lips flirting with the shell of your ear.

“Baby, I’m going to take you on every surface in every fucking room. They better wait outside.”

You’re unable to control the shiver that rolls through your body at his words and the way his hot breath feels against your skin. He leans back and looks to see your reaction and is pleasantly satisfied at the clear unhidden lust in your eyes.

You want to keep the game going, consider the notion for a moment, say something back. But the only words that come from your mouth are,

“Let’s go then.”

You pull him inside and he shuts the door behind himself as you walk yourself back against the wall. His breath is stolen as he smiles widely at your absolute eagerness.

He leans in to kiss you but you lift a finger to his lips. A giggle erupts from you as he sucks it into his mouth without a second thought.

You don’t want to get lost in the feeling, or thought of how sinful his tongue felt on your finger alone, imagining how good it would feel in your mouth... trailing down your body... flicking between your thighs. You have to shake yourself out of it and quickly remove the sunglasses from your head.

“I believe these are yours?” You tease, holding them out for him to take.

Roman smirks at you as he looks from the stolen item to your eyes and back again. He plucks them from your fingers and throws them over his shoulder, surely breaking as they land with a bit of a crunch.

You arch your eyebrow at him, surprised. But he just stares at you for a moment before his hand goes to your throat, gently wrapping around without any pressure. He tilts your head up and against the wall as he pushes his body against yours and kisses you roughly.

The feeling of his lips and tongue exploring your mouth is divine and you’re thrilled at the light bit of force and another shiver consumes your body as you realize what you’re about to get.

You’re so excited, you’re not going to let him win control that easily. You catch his bottom lip in your teeth and open your eyes, loving the way his meet yours in shock and thrilled surprise. The shocked smile clear on his face.

You let go of his lip and move your hands to the back of his head, wrapping your fingers in the short chestnut locks as you lean back in. A moment after your lips touch, you tug on his hair and move to turn your bodies and walk him against the wall.

You push slightly, forcing his body to make a small thud as it meets the wall. You look at Roman and light up at the way he looks and how he’s sizing you up.

His hair is slightly disheveled and lips pink from your kiss. His eyes are dark, the enlarged pupils perfectly matching the black eyeliner, taking in your form, chest moving up and down as he pants, stealing breaths that you had stolen during your kiss.

The tension between you two is so thick and heavy. Finally having taken a moment to breathe, you’re both sprung like coils. You know this is the final moment of calm. Once one of you moves there will be no stopping it.

Two forces will collide.

Like a switch that was flipped, your overwhelming lust takes over.

You pin him against the wall like he had done moments ago, nails scratching slightly at his the base of his neck and kiss him roughly. You’re pressing your lips together, teeth hard in the kiss.

Roman’s hands roam your body again, the soft silk gliding across your body, stopping quickly as he grabs your ass and you, knowing what he wants, jump into his arms.

You take the moment to assert your control once more despite your position and suckle at his exposed neck. You love the groan that comes from his throat, the vibrations spur you on.

The edge of a table hits your back and you pull back to look into those eyes again. Roman smiles at you, “You ready, kitten?”

His voice has gone gravely and you can’t resist the deep urge within you to whine.

“My, my”, he muses, eating up every moment.

You dive back into his lips. You’re hungry, starved, for him.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He murmurs against your barren shoulder as he pushes the robe down.

You shiver at the feeling of his lips against your skin. Both fire and ice flow through you, battling whether you want to pant or shiver as he swirls his tongue round and then up your neck.

You both moan, you at the feeling and him at the taste. It’s like the first hit of the purest drug, the first sip of the finest alcohol, he knows nothing will ever compare and he’ll never get enough.

He nips at your earlobe and you bring your hands to his shoulder, digging your nails in, loving the ever so slight gasp you pull from him with the piercing pain.

He moves away as you feel his hands undoing the knot of your robe. Not wanting to be undone, and desperate for the feeling of his skin against yours, you pull his shirt from his pants. Thankful he spared the three piece suit for an easier, yet just as striking, outfit.

Roman pulls the tie from your waist with a quick snap of the wrist as you struggle with his buttons for a moment before deciding to simply tear it off of him.

He looks at you, honestly surprised you’d do such a thing but he’s unable to say or do anything at all, as you’re running your hands over his chest, fingers curled slightly as your nails run down before quickly grabbing his shirt and pulling him down for a kiss against you, your tongue diving forcefully into his mouth.

You wrap your legs around his waist as you continue the sloppy kiss. Both of you begin grinding against each other, the tension spiking more and more, tightening the coils within your bodies.

The suit pants feel soft against your thighs but you want less between you and him and bring your hands to the button to unfasten them. His lips curl in a light smile between yours, and you nip lightly.

Using your feet against his back and deft fingers up front, you push his pants down, revealing his black silken boxers. Your mouth waters at his hard length visible under the fabric and you pull your legs away from around him as he steps out of his pants. You take the moment to throw your robe to the floor and lower yourself off the table. He watches you as you step to him, fingers moving lightly as the only noise shared between you two is your breathing and the shirt fabric sliding off his arms.

You indulge yourself by letting your hands linger on his taut arms, before you move to his chest once more. Lightly running your fingers through the bit of chest hair, you bring your mouth to his chest.

You trail your tongue across his torso, loving the taste of his skin as you lean downward and eventually fall to your knees as your hand trails behind your tongue, resting on his hips as you grab the hem of the boxers between your teeth - finally looking up at Roman.

He holds his breath, so eager, waiting for you to reveal himself and wrap your pretty little lips around him. You pull back, letting the waistband snap against his skin and instead lick up his left thigh.

He lets out the breath and groans. Disappointed but turned on from the teasing.

You move to the right thigh, instead placing wet kisses as you palm him through the boxers. Getting wet as you wrap your hand around him.

He teeters on his feet. Unsure if he’s able to keep his balance as you squeeze him. He bucks into your hand as he watches you lick your lips as you stare and touch him.

Your breathing turns short and shallow, almost all but disappearing as you feel Roman’s hands caress your head. He’s restraining himself well, you’re sure he’s not a gentle man. He’s doing so well, you want to give in.

But the thrill of the tease wins as you know it will be worth it to make him snap. You bring your tongue to his boxers and lick, almost losing control yourself as you taste him as you rise.

As your tongue trails up his soft hair on his stomach, you twirl around and brush your ass against him. Dragging his cock between your cheeks as you stand.

Finally standing tall, you move to step away as you peak over your shoulder, teasing him more but his hands wrap around your torso, keeping you close.

“You’re not going anywhere, kitten.”

He pulls you closer and grinds his cock against your ass, your hips automatically matching his movements as you tilt your head back to rest against him.

“Are you sure, Roman?” You purr into his ear as you turn to face him.

“Because...” you nip at the lobe, noting the slight shiver that overcame him.

“I was planning on going to the bedroom...” you ghost your fingers along his.

“And laying on my big bed. All wrapped up in this beautiful...” you bring your hand to your body and trail your fingers softly along your collarbone then between your breasts.

“Outfit I bought just for you.”

You close your eyes as you keep moving down your torso, lifting goosebumps in your wake.

“And letting you have every.” Your fingertips reach the hem of your underwear.

“Which.” You lightly toy with the edge. Making light circles as you dip in just a bit.

You dip your fingers in, gathering a small amount of the wetness pooling and bring it up to your lips. Hovering right in front of your mouth.

“Way.”

You open your eyes and smirk at the wrecked Roman before you, staring at your fingers like it was ambrosia.

“Would you like a taste?” You purr. Keeping your voice light and airy as you reach your hand out just out of reach of Roman’s mouth.

He leans in, opening his mouth just enough to wrap around your fingers. His tongue swirls around your fingertips. Cleaning you thoroughly as he moans at the sweet, sweet taste.

His tongue sliding across your skin and the suckling of his warm mouth sent a thrill through you and you shiver as he pulls away.

He meets your eyes and gives you his signature smug grin.

“I would love nothing more than you laid out before me, darling...” He steps to you, his hand caressing your body, one hand moving back to unclasp your bra.

It opens quickly and loosens around you. He drags his finger across your back before bringing it between you and twirling it.

You decide to give in, just to see where he is going with it, and turn around for him. This time, keeping your hands to yourself.

He brings his hands back to you as he slides the delicate straps down your shoulders and lets it fall to the floor. He moves your hair to the side and kisses the soft skin between your neck and shoulder.

The kiss is hot and wet and you know he wants to mark you. But he restrains himself. He rubs his face in it instead, and you feel the light stubble as he opens his mouth to speak.

“But I said I was going to fuck you in every room.” He brings his hands around your body and up to your breasts, his touch featherlight for a moment before he squeezes them.

“And darling. That means, I’m going to take you on this table here. Then we’ll go into the kitchen and I’ll bend you over the countertops. After that, the living room and you’ll ride me on the couch. And then I’ll fuck you against the shower wall. And then finally...” he twists your nipples suddenly and harshly, making you gasp and creen into his touch.

“You’ll lay on that big bed of yours and you can fuck me however you want to fuck me.”

You whine, grinding against him as you desperately push your breasts into his hands, shamelessly so aroused by his words.

“Mmm, you’d like that, huh, kitten?” You nod. So, so ready you knew you would explode if he isn’t in you within the minute.

“You want me?” He asks as he removes his right hand from your breast and cups your cunt.

You practically come from that touch alone and moan as he moves one finger up and down your slit, and then between your lips.

Your legs almost give out and you knew then there was no use fighting it. Roman had you like putty in his hands. You won’t give in so quietly though.

You lick your lips and swallow, trying to keep the cohesive thought as he continues toying with you.

“If I... had known this would be my reward... I would’ve stolen from you years ago.”

Roman chuckles, genuinely amused and happy you still had your wit and sass.

“You little minx.”

Roman brings his hand to your throat once more and turns your head to capture your lips in a wet, tongue-filled kiss.

You don’t notice him turn you around until you feel his throbbing member against you.

You pull away for a moment, needing to breathe after the gasp that his proximity brought you.

Roman takes that moment to admire you, drink in the sight of your flushed cheeks and blown out irises. It is a sight he knows he would always be chasing.

Before you can get lost in each others eyes once more, Roman toys with the hem of your underwear.

Roman chuckles as he starts kissing down your neck and shoulder, definitely leaving marks as he switches between light bites, soothing licks, and forceful suckles.

You sigh at the pleasure, the anticipation, the feeling of it all. Roman lowers himself to his knees before you, staring up at you with those blue eyes framed by charcoal black, finally living out the dreams you so often indulged in.

A man you know knelt for no one.

No one, except you.

Roman turns his attention to your hips and thighs, mouthing across your pelvis, he closes his eyes as he hums and takes in a deep breath.

“Fuck, you smell so goddamn decadent, darling.”

You wind your hands in his hair once more, loving the slight burn from his face rubbing against your pelvis.

He takes another deep breath then pulls back, staring at your cunt as he slides the underwear off but speaking aloud to you.

“I know I said I was going to fuck you on that cute little table of yours. But fuck, darling, I have to get a good taste.”

His eyes flicker up to you and he looks at you expectedly. You realize with a bit of surprise that he is asking for your permission. Something you never, ever heard Roman Sionis of doing.

Your heart swells but you push that down in favor of the other, more lustful feelings swelling inside you. You stroke his hair lightly and move to cup his chin.

He asked for your consent so you decide to give in.

You bite your lip and widen your eyes. The exact doeish look you know Roman wants.

“Please.” You whine.

Roman’s face lights up with a large smile, so big you think his face will crack. You wonder if he had ever smiled so gleefully and genuinely in his life.

You are about to say more but Roman turns back to his task and drags your underwear down your legs with his teeth. Purposefully, letting them drag across your skin.

Finally faced with your bare sex in front of him, you think Roman might as well be drooling. He gives you one last look, the sight of him only a hair away, his breath hot against your skin is too much to handle and you push him forward.

The pair of you let out the deepest sigh you had ever muttered. He feels absolutely divine and you think maybe he had hidden that he was a deity all these years because GOD did nothing compare to the feeling of his tongue lapping you up.

Your fingers pulse in his hair and you buck into his face, rolling your eyes back at the excited moan that pulls from him, the stronger burn of his stubble between your thighs.

Roman reaches his hands around your thighs, grabbing fistfuls of your body, pulling you closer to him and grounding your increasingly shaking legs.

He is quickly lost in the euphoria of your pure, heavenly taste but remains aware of your gasps and tremors when he does something you thoroughly enjoy.

The feeling of his tongue, lips, and just the right amount of teeth is growing to be almost too much for you. Your body wants to let go but your brain, or maybe even your heart, knows you wanted your first orgasm to be with all of him.

“Ro—Ro”, you stutter out, voice hoarse and shaky.

“I…”, you try again.

He slows down, going for long, languid licks.

“Yes, darling?” He asks and has the audacity to look up at you. His cheeks shining with your arousal, the sight so fucking beautiful you wanted to sear the image in your mind.

The words are stolen from you as he holds your eyes and leans to ever so lightly bite down on your clit.

You feel the warmth rush over you, and you desperately pull him away by his hair.

Roman looks at you curiously, examining your heaving body and eyes that are squeezed shut.

He brings his hand your core and teases small circles around it as he stands.

“You want me, don’t you Y/N?”

It is the first time he uses your name and you shiver, feeling something carnal at the sound of it falling from his lips.

You open your eyes but close them again as you give into every screaming impulse and desire inside you and jump onto him, smashing your lips against his, exploring the taste of his mouth that had been on you just moments ago.

He holds you tight, squeezing bruises into your hips as he grinds his clothed cock into you. The wetness of your core making you feel so close.

You pull back, breathing heavily, feeling a small string of saliva reach from his lips to yours.

“Fuck me, Roman. Please.” You get down.

“Please” you pull his underwear roughly off of him, making his cock spring free.

“Please,” you walk back until your back hits the edge of the table as he steps out of his boxers with ease and follows you.

“Please. Fucking. Fuck. Me.” You wrap your arms around his shoulders, pulling him into another rough kiss as you feel him rubbing himself against you.

You push your foreheads together as he guides himself fully deep inside you. Neither of you can move, not even breathe at the blissful, complete feeling of finally being together.

Roman pulls back to look at you, and you meet his eyes. Something is hidden behind both of yours, trying to peak out.

“I’m not going to go easy.” He says, still buried deep inside you as you both try foolishly to adjust to the feeling of one another.

You smile, “I don’t want you to.”

Roman chuckles before pulling out of you almost entirely then slamming back into you. The table already hitting against the wall and groaning.

Your back arches and you throw your head back as you dig your nails into his shoulder.

You feel a hand slide beneath your back and then hard, relentless pounding. He is driving into you with full force, slamming the table over and over into the wall, and making your body shake like a rag doll with your screams.

His grunts match yours in power, and you know he is giving it all. It is all so much you know you can only last a few minutes, if that.

Roman picks up on your shallow increased breathing and starts rolling his hips as he fucks into you. You bite down on your lip before giving up and began chanting his name interspersed with barely pronounced curses. Your brain empty of anything aside from him.

You feel the pressure, the electricity and you know you weren’t going to last long.

“Roman! I’m…”

You try to speak but the moment you do, he lifts your body so he hits a different angle, dragging his cock along your walls with each thrust.

“Fucking come for me, darling.” He bites out, the panting somehow spurring you even further.

“Oh god!” You scream out as he picks up the speed fucking you faster and faster. He thrusts a hand into your hair and pulls, pulling your body taut and you feel the white spots of the blinding pain and suddenly he is pulsing inside you and you let go.

Gushing over and over around him. Screaming until your mouth lays open with no sound. Your body stiff as it lets out everything it had been holding in all these years.

You come back down with small feelings. The air filling your lungs, the satisfied fullness of him resting inside you, and the light touches across your back as he watches your journey.

You blush before you even open your eyes, feeling his intense stare trained on you.

He chuckles above you, the sound light and airy. Something you hadn’t heard in a long time.

You pop an eye open to look at him, with loving humor clear as day.

“What’s so funny, Sionis?”

Roman chuckles once more as he pulled out of you quickly, taking all your breath and forcing your eyes to shut once more.

“It’s Sionis now?”, the pride evident in his voice even if you can’t see it.

You move to support yourself and huff playfully.

“Laugh at me while I’m utterly fucked out and yeah, it’s Sionis.”

In a moment of bravery, or perhaps simply riding the high of your orgasm, you pull him in for a kiss. This one just as passionate but less rough.

Your fingers wind once more in his hair, but with a hint of affection and though you would deny it, yearning.

Roman eventually pulls back slowly, just enough to separate your lips. He places his hand around your throat but then moves to caress your cheek.

Unsure and surprised you force yourself to meet his eyes.

All the harshness and apathy you had grown to expect was gone. It’s like looking into the young Roman you fell in love with all those years before.

You two just stare at each other. Him seemingly just as surprised as you.

You open your mouth to break the silence but gasp when he lightly brushes his lips against yours. You realize you didn’t need words. You two never really did.

After the kiss slows you pull back. Knowing you have to say something, afraid this moment was just a result of the afterglow.

Once more, you open your mouth but Roman brings his finger to your lips.

“Can we finally stop this silly game? Chasing each other around?”, he asks.

You smile, “I’d like that.”

He grins back at you, so full and bright once more you know it would be your goal to see that smile every day.

You stand on shaky legs and lean up, pressing your lips against his, breathing deep, but nipping just a bit at the end. Your pulse quickening again as you feel your shared juices dripping down your legs.

“Roman?”, you murmur against his chest.

“Shall we move to the kitchen?”

The flames that grow in his eyes light the matching fire in your stomach as he grabs your hand and pulls you along.

#roman sionis #roman sionis x reader #roman sionis reader insert #roman sionis smut #roman sionis x you #black mask #black mask x reader #black mask reader insert #black mask smut #black mask x you #fanfic #smut #bop #birds of prey #birds of prey fanfiction #birds of prey reader insert #birds of prey smut

[muppenthings]

Counts this as a win

Submitted by: prplzorua

Back again XD. Most of you we confused about the game so, here it is, hope you enjoy! 🐙 

WC:1k

TW: None, it’s just for once lol

  —-

It was fairly easy for Virgil to clear a path in the rocks to make the sand beneath smoothish. All he did was sweep the rocks away with his forearm.

It stung only a little, but there was no way he would ever tell Roman about that.

“This is the shell game, its really simple, all you have to do is collect the shells”, beamed said human as he begins to draw various rectangles.

Virgil quirks a brow. "Uhuh, and what are the rules?“

"There are only two rules”, Roman smirks and then points at the boxes with crudely drawn shells, “this box is your zone, these boxes are the shell zones and that’s the exit.”

“Ok…”

“Rule 1. You have to collect all of the shells and get to the exit”

“Sure”

“Rule 2. Once you collected a shell, you must leave that shell zone and you can’t go back in it”

“Doesn’t seem that hard”

“Oh yeah? Well I’d like to see you try big guy!-”

“And I would like to see you get in the car Roman, it’s late and I have an early shift!”

Both Roman and Virgil turned to look at an exasperated Logan.  

The mer’s cheeks flush and the actor laughs sheepishly.

“Yeah. I’m coming specs”, mumbles Roman as he turns to Virgil with a wave, "see if you can solve that by next week Virge!“

—–

Roman squinted.

The afternoon sun really was pulling out all the stops with the brightness.

Then again, he’d rather stare at the sun that deal with Logan’s silent fury. The other really didn’t like being this late.

Still, Roman couldn’t complain, it was a very nice day and it just got even better….

On shore was Virgil, propped up smugly on his elbows with an array of shells surrounded by crudely drawn lines.

He immediately recognized the set up for the game and he grins giddily and waves. The merman in turn nods at him, eyes alight with a challenge.

Roman carefully hops down rock to rock while Patton races him down and beats him to the shore, equally eager to greet the giant.

"Hiya Virge! How you doin’ bud?” Beams the barista, a smile a mile wide.

“ ’m good”, rumbles out the mer, happy to lean down and receive a hug from the bubbly human.

“Ooh, whatcha got here?”

“…game…”

“Oh?”  Hums Patton, tilting his head this-way-and-that in an attempt to understand what the game was.

“I don’t think I get it V, the shells are really pretty though. What’s the game about? How do you win?”

The mer grins then.

All teeth, strong and powerful teeth far larger than any human. It was something that should most definitely scare a person, but Patton simply giggles.

It seems that Virgil was in a particularly playful mood today and he wasn’t going to be the one to stop that.

Logan walks down, having sent Roman back up for something. The Pharmacist offers a short, polite, soft and yet clipped greeting, before sitting down on a nearby rock with a huff.

“What’s wrong with Logan?” Whispers Virgil tensely to Patton.

“Oh don’t worry about it. He’s just a bit grumpy cause his boss made him late and he doesn’t like being late, especially for our meet ups. Give him a minute and he’ll cool down, you’ll see”

“Ah, ok. I didn’t really notice that it was already afternoon. I was too busy collecting these shells”

“They are really nice shells-”

“Ok you two”, pipes Roman now panting infront of them, he had brought down a black duffel bag and a water bottle for Logan. Leaving the items by their owner, the actor moves properly into the giant’s line of sight. “No more whispering. It’s time to see if Virgil actually figured it out!”

“I did”, rumbles the mer with a grin.

“Oh really?” Replies Roman with his hands on his hips.

“Yes”

Logan, having finally cooled down, came to see what all the fuss was about. “Is that a modified version of the bug game I showed you Roman?”

“Yep! Only instead of squashing bugs, V here collects shells”

“Ah, understood. I assume the same rules apply; you must collect all the shells but can only enter a shell’s room once, correct?”

“Ooh”, whispers Patton from his place on the crook of Virgil’s elbow.

Roman nods. “Pretty much specs! Virgey here says he’s solved it. I’d like to see if actually did”

“I did”, smirks said mer.

“Alright then, show us!”

“…Gladly…”

—–

  “That’s not…that’s not fair!” Exclaims Roman as he looks at the lines the merman drew with a single claw.

Patton and surprisingly Logan were howling with laughter.

Virgil was looking quite pleased with himself, truly smug as ever.

“You can’t…! You can’t do that though! The rules…!”

Virgil grin, a half laugh escaping as he tries to contain his glee.

 "The rules said I couldn’t go into the shell’s zone more than once, never said I couldn’t go into my zone again"

“But!”

“He’s right Roman”, comments Logan, “the rules never stated that he couldn’t return to his original zone once he collected the first shell. Besides, he’s collected all the shells as per the other rule, which means-”

“I win…”, cuts the mer, grinning smugly.

The actor rolls his eyes and pouts but admits defeat. Besides, its not often he gets to see the mer this level of happy. Peaceful and content? Usually. Anxious? Near all the time, but this energetic and playfully snarky? No, these were special days.

As he watches the giant giggle along with Patton and Logan himself was holding back more of his chuckles…yeah.

Roman counts this as a win.

 END.

--------

Mupp/en: Awwwwh this is adorable! 😍 Virge being all giddy and smug is just too cute! Look at him skirting around the rules like a pro! Then there’s grumpy Logan. Lateness is not on the schedule! Also Roman rather staring at the sun then to deal with Logan’s fury! xDDD And of course, Patton being Patton. Ah sweeties all of them! <3 Thank you so much for sharing! 🌸

#Submissions #prplzorua #recursive fic #giant merman au fanwork #giant merman au #Sanders Sides #ts Virgil #ts Roman #ts Patton #ts Logan #Amazing writing! #Yeh they're just so adorable! #I love it! #<3 #submission

[witchcraft-in-wonderland]

Ships and Shells (Pt.2)

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

Virgil was already aware he wasnt the best tracker of time, but this was getting ridiculous. How long had he been trapped here? Two? Maybe three weeks? Was it more? Was it less? He couldnt tell, all he could count on to tell time was the appearance of Roman with trays of food at exactly six in the morning, noon, and six at night.

"So I take it we're still not close to land hm?" Virgil growled as he heard footsteps yet again.

But then he realized, these were different, these were heavier.

"Ah, Mr. Duke." Virgil said with a smirk and a snarl.

"Now your highness I know you dont like me but downgrading my title so harshly? Have you no heart?"Remus said, faking hurt.

"Nope, not one," Virgil responded, which, oddly enough, earned him a laugh from Remus' end.

"Aaawwweee, you poor thing, it must be so hard to breathe," Remus purred, Virgil rolled his eyes.

"What do you want." Virgil said lowly.

"We're almost to the next town, so we need to establish some rules," at this, Virgil straightened up slightly, this could be it, his chance at escape.

"There will be guards on all exit points, and no other ropes will be far enough down to reach, so dont plan anything stupid," Remus said, Virgil smirked slightly, pitiful, he thinks ropes being a little high up is going to stop me he thought.

"You will only be allowed in the main part of the ship, not the cabins, those are reserved for crew members," Remus continued, that was probably a given, but Virgil would find a way to break that rule to.

"And finally, Don't. Touch. Anything." This last rule was said with such aggressiveness that it nearly caused a shiver down Virgil's spine, he felt mildly betrayed by that.

"Is this understood?" Remus said coolly, Virgil merely nodded in response.

"I meant for you to respond verbally, your highness," Remus said.

"Understood." Virgil said, slowly regaining his composure.

"But, I do have one question," Virgil said, turning slowly.

"And that is?" Remus raised an eyebrow.

"If I cant touch anything," Virgil wrapped his hands around the bars of his cell, "then I've broken rule three every day since ive been here," Virgil smirked.

Remus stared at him for a few moments, dumbstruck, or at least, Virgil hoped he was.

"I meant, dont touch any items outside of your cell, floor and walls are fine, but no papers, books, ropes, wheels, candles, none of it," Remus said. Virgil ran the phrase over and over again in his head to try and find some type of loophole, but when none presented itself, he went quiet. He watched as Remus produced a key from his pocket and began working the lock on Virgil's cell.

Virgil rushed out nearly immediately after the gate swung open, half expecting Remus to grab him and shove him back. But no such moment came, soon he was out in the open air, the scent of salt water enveloping him, the feel of the breeze on his skin was almost comforting now.

"Keep him alive, please." Remus stated to the guards. Virgil watched as he, Roman, and Janus, jumped off the boat, each dragging something behind them.

And then Virgil was left with two guards on each side of the boat, standing beside the openings that would allow for Virgil to rush off onto the mainland. But he'd worry about that later, the twins and the snake were still all to close for him to run for it now, so it was unsafe for him to attempt anything just yet.

So he waited.

And waited.

And waited.

For what seemed like years, he waited.

And finally, he noticed a slip up, and once he did, it was showtime. He knocked the closest desk over and waited for the guards to attempt to restrain him, only to sneak under their arms and rush out through the now open exit.

He landed with a thud on the harbor, and ran into the town as fast as his legs could carry him. He ignored the shouts from his captors, ignored the staring, ignored everything that was keeping him trapped in that ship.

The buildings in this town were a lot smaller, and there was no wall around the outside. The docks were lined with shops, jewelry and clothing and all sorts of other things hung from booths and lay on counters. It was then that Virgil realized, he didnt have money. Lucky for him, most of the people in the crowd were nearly a foot taller than him, which made it much easier to snag a cloak and an apple from the booths on which they lay.

This was alright for a while, until he ran into other people. Though in this case, the couple seemed far to focused on each other to even realize he was there, until the shorter man, dressed in light blues, with a grey scarf and cap on his head, broke away from his partner and turned in Virgil's direction.

"Oh dear- my apologies- didnt see you there-" said the shorter of the two.

"That's the idea," Virgil said quietly, this earned a worried expression from the first boy, the second, dressed in a blue long sleeved shirt with a black bandana around his neck, merely seemed intrigued.

"Are you hiding from someone? Is everything alright?" The first man stepped forward a little, cautiously.

"Oh yeah it's great, been stuck in a pirate ship cell for like two weeks with nothing to go off of but cryptic messages but its fine!" Virgil exclaimed with a sigh, barely caring about the fact that he didnt even know these people.

"Oh dear- that must've been awful," said the first boy.

"You'll have to excuse him, hes never actually interacted with pirates before," said the second boy, fixing his glasses.

"And you have?" Virgil said, looking him up and down.

The boy quirked his mouth slightly, into a sort of half-smirk that he couldnt quite finish.

"Former Lord Admiral Logan Sanders, at your service," Logan said, bowing slightly. Virgil's eyes widened slightly, he pulled the cloak further over himself. If Logan had been in charge of ships at one point, he likely knew about Virgil, and he had no plans to go back to the castle either.

"Nice to meet you," Virgil replied.

"And this is my fiance, Patton Boleyn," Logan said, gesturing to Patton, who gave Virgil a wave and a nod.

"Nyx," Virgil said plainly, though the word felt like bile as he tossed it out, it was the safest thing he had for now, but he certainly didnt want it.

"Oh have I been getting it wrong then? I couldve sworn the queen called out for a Virgil when we brought you on the ship," Virgil froze as he heard Remus' voice, and then he ran. He didnt care where he was going or how long it took to get there, but he wasnt staying on that ship, nor in that castle. He could hear footsteps racing after him, the sound swinging and wind blowing through the air.

And then again, cold metal pressed against flesh.

And then he woke up back where he'd started, a cell with wet wooden planks and a falsely comfortable looking bed.

Only this time he wasnt alone, this time he heard crying, and yells, fury like he'd never heard before.

"Oh quit whining, we're not going to hurt any of you, but we cant have you running off to tattle on us, now be a good prisoner and shut it," Virgil snarled as he heard Remus' voice, he was beginning to hate it, hate every joke that fell from his lips, hate the way he twirled that stupid mustache of his when they talked, all the flirting and the compliments, it was like the captain thought he was to foolish to see what was really going on!

"Ah! Our perfect prince has awoken from his slumber, now tell me Virgie, did you really think it would be that easy to escape?" Remus said, leaning on his morningstar and flashing a grin.

Virgil was about to open his mouth so he could tell Remus where to stuff it, when suddenly, he began to feel sick. Not just a fleeting sickness, either, no, this was like someone had set his insides on fire. He held back the screams for a few seconds, and was surprised to find a worried expression make it's way up Remus' face when he let loose.

"JANUS! MEDIC!" Remus turned and rushed out of the cell room.

Virgil couldn't tell what happened next, because one second, he was curled in a corner and clutching his sides from pain worse than anything he'd ever experienced before, and the next, everything was swirling away into a deep blue and black, almost like a dream.

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

Tag list:

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@willowaudreykeyes

@pricklyfish777

@the-sad-strawberry

@itsnithbabey

@private-snippers

@extercs-experiences

@rich-flower-17

@theonetruebeepboop

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#cori writes #ships and shells #ts patton #ts remus #ts virgil #ts roman #ts logan #ts janus #roceit #romantic roceit #dukexiety #romantic dukexiety #future dukexiety #logicality #romantic logicality #tw pain #tw cramps #tw kidnapping #tw crying #tw stealing #tw deadname

[pinknerdpanda]

Reunited

Word Count: 3,530

Characters: Sam x Reader

Warnings: ANGST, fluff, a curse word or two...i mean, it IS me.

A/N: This is my (extremely late) entry for @atc74​’s Duets Reboot Challenge. Sorry I didn’t get it done sooner babes! Thanks for your patience! My prompt was the song “I Knew You Were Waiting” by George Michael and Aretha Franklin and I used some of the lyrics below. They are bolded. This is also the first in a long time that I have written Sam Winchester and I realized how much I missed him. This takes place between seasons 7 and 8 in a world where the awful Amelia didn’t exist. Flashback is in italics.

Beta’d by @shy-violet-soul​ and my twinny @hannahindie​ I love you dearly. Thank you for supporting me and reading my words and loving me.

gif not mine - x

Reunited

Sam Winchester knew the taste of victory; tangy and bittersweet, and somehow a bit stale. He’d fought and won so many battles he’s lost count, and even in the darkest of times, savored the flavor on his tongue like a memory. But this was not victory. This was agony.

He’d seen Dean die many times - a fact that still perplexed him after all these years. It was always the same; excruciatingly painful to watch and powerless to stop it. But even as Dean’s last breath drained from his lungs, Sam had hope. Hope that if there was something he could do - some spell or deal or alliance - Dean could come back to life again.  But Dean hadn’t died - at least not that he could prove. It was like he vanished into thin air. Nothing Sam had encountered up to that point could have prepared him for the realization that he was well and truly alone. 

Dean was gone. 

Leviathans, Dick Roman, Crowley, Cas’ betrayal; he could have handled it all and dealt with the fallout after the dust had settled as long as Dean was by his side. But he wasn’t and Sam couldn't. 

Sam felt hollow, a battered and crumbling shell of the man he’d once been. He found himself lurking in the darkness, consumed by the shadows of his old life. What the hell was he supposed to do? Go after him? All well and good if he’d had the slightest idea of where Dean had gone. Or was he supposed to continue the work his father started all those years ago? Dean or no Dean, the monsters remained. And as far as he could tell, no matter what he did - how much he sacrificed himself and his body - the monsters would always be there. So why should he try?

And so Sam stopped, allowing the numbness to overtake him instead. He was numb in a way that brought on thoughts of frigid winter evenings and toes nearly frostbitten. Numb in a way that was so much the opposite of the humid evening air that hung heavy around him. Sweat beaded against his hairline, dampened his undershirt and collected in places he’d rather not think too hard about. But the breathtaking summer heat did nothing to thaw the frozen rock inside his chest.

Long hours of aimless driving brought him to this town and when the familiarity settled on him, Sam frowned. Out of all the places in all the world how had he ended up here? There was a reason he’d planned to keep this place in the rearview mirror, but apparently his subconscious had disagreed.

Nothing had changed much in his years since high school. The same aged brick buildings loomed hauntingly around him as his feet carried him down what has once been a well-worn path. Ancient street lamps flickered helplessly above, their lights providing the bare minimum of defense against the darkness of night. 

Looking up, Sam checked his bearings as he brushed the sweat from his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. If he remembered correctly - and if nothing had changed - Sam should be coming up on the shop that…

Sam’s internal monologue came to grinding halt as his eyes roamed over the figure in the window ahead of him. Surely not. It was his mind playing another in a long line of cruel jokes on him; it must be. How else could he explain the sight of her...here? 

She hadn't changed much that Sam could tell from this distance. Her hair was a little longer, but still the same shade of deep violet she had ways loved. Gauging from the fringed, lace duster, leggings, and boots, her affinity for black clothing hadn't changed either. A man approached her and Sam watched in awe as a smile bloomed on her lips; the very same one he'd fallen head over heels for long ago.

It was like the last 18 years were nothing more than a breath behind him. 

Before he realized it, Sam found his long legs had carried him closer to the shop; to her. His breath hitched and his heart jumped as he opened the door. 

Her lilting laugh sent chills down his spine, but the abrupt silence that followed made his hands shake. Her eyes nearly bulged from her skull and her dark purple lips parted on a bewildered gasp. The look shared between them seemed to linger for hours, both frozen in place as memories danced behind their eyes.

The man she’d been speaking with before cleared his throat and ducked his head. The sound shook Sam out of his haze enough to register the need to move from in front of the door so the man could pass. The bell tinkled as he exited, leaving them alone in a room thick with unspent tension.

“Sam,” she breathed. “Is that really you?”

Sam nodded, mesmerized by the way his name still sounded like velvet on her tongue. 

Hesitant steps brought her around the counter and mere feet from him. Chipped black nails dug into the skin of her palms as she clenched her fists and released. 

Sam smiled. He’d seen her face a million times in his head over their years apart, but time had slowly eroded the image he’d retained. He was suddenly overwhelmed by the realization that his own memories had betrayed him, leaving him only a poor substitute of the exquisite beauty she was.

His heart thrumming erratically, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her before he could even process his own actions. She hummed, her own arms snaking around his waist and her face pressed against his chest. Sam’s head dropped, his nose pressed into her hair and he inhaled. 

Something inside him shifted then. Weeks spent hanging on by a thread, barely able to hold himself together enough to keep putting one foot in front of the other; pain, anger, hopelessness, exhaustion, fear - it all came crashing down on him in that moment. She held him as uncontrollable sobs shook his massive frame, her palms kneading soothing patterns against his back and soft, comforting words fell from her lips in a whisper.

Only once the tears stopped and his breathing returned to something resembling a normal cadence did he pull back. She smiled up at him with sad eyes for a moment before she untangled her fingers from the fabric of his shirt. Sam watched as she moved behind him, locking the door and flipping the “open” sign. When she finished, she grabbed his hand and he let her drag her through the shop and into the back room.

The room wasn’t large, but it fit a desk, couch, small fridge and some filing cabinets. She motioned for him to take a seat before grabbing two bottles of water from the fridge and the box of tissues from the desk. She sat next to Sam, handing him a water and placing the tissues between them.

He chuckled, the sound watery to his own ears, and thanked her.

Silence lingered, but not in an uncomfortable way. Despite having not seen each other in nearly two decades, Sam found himself at ease with her as he’d once been. He felt safe.

“What brought you to town, Sam?” 

Long fingers played along the lid of his water as Sam huffed a laugh.

“I’m, uh,” he pursed his lips, eyes trained on the bottle in his hands. “I’m not exactly sure, to be honest. I just kind of started driving and ended up here.”

She hummed and Sam chanced a look at her. Her brows were drawn in up consideration and she chewed absently on her lower lip.

“Not that I’m complaining,” she mused, not looking at him. “But of all the places you could have wound up, you sure picked a pretty crap town.”

Sam laughed, the sound much closer to sincere than it had been in weeks.

“I don’t know, y/n. It’s not so bad.” He met her gaze. “Some of my favorite memories are in this place.”

Y/n smiled as she ducked her head. 

“What about you? I thought you were gettin’ the hell outta Dodge as soon as graduation was over?” Sam’s voice held a hint of teasing in his genuinely curious words.

Sighing, y/n sat back and tipped her head toward the ceiling. Sam wondered if it was the question in general that made her uncomfortable or the fact that it reminded her of the promise he’d broken. 

“I tried. Left for a while, but you know what they say. There’s no place like home.” Rolling her head toward him, she shrugged.

“That is what they say,” Sam echoed hollowly. He was in no position to empathize, having had no real home of his own. But he tried. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh don’t be, Sam.” She laughed, sitting back up and tucking a foot under her thigh. “I’m happy, for the most part.”

Sam nodded, unsure how to respond, but needing to address the guilt weighing heavy in his mind.

“Y/n, what happened...back then...I wish...” Sam began, but she waved him off. 

“Water under the bridge.” Her smile was relaxed and warm.

“No,” Sam shook his head, his eyes scanning the carpet fibers as though his thoughts were written there. “No, you deserved so much more. I never would have stood you up at prom, if I’d had a choice. I was furious with my dad for moving us that night. I begged him to let us stay one more night, or at least call you and explain, but there was nothing I could do. My family has always been a little...uh...nomadic. We never stayed in one place for too long, but it was my senior year, and Dad said it would be different…”  Sam shoved his fingers through his dark hair roughly.

“I know, Sam.”

Sam scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Not really.”

Y/n placed a hand on his forearm, drawing his attention to her. “I’m really sorry about your brother, Sam.”

Sam froze. 

“What are you talking about?”

“Your brother? Dean?” 

Sam nodded slowly. “Uh-huh. And?”

Narrowing her gaze, y/n bit her lip, thoughtfully. “Did you happen to notice anything different about the store when you came in?”

“Am I having a stroke or something?” Sam stared at her, his face scrunched and his eyes wide. “What does the store have to do with Dean? And what does Dean have to do with prom?”

Y/n shook her head, chuckling lightly. She stood up, hand outstretched toward Sam. He looked between her offered palm and the amused expression on her lips. 

“Come on, I want to show you something.” Y/n smiled, tipping her head toward the door.

Sam took her hand and was surprised to find her actually succeeding in bringing him to his feet. He shot her a wry grin and she shrugged.

“I’m stronger than I look, Sam.” Winking at him, she pulled him back into the empty store. 

He had been so intently focused on seeing y/n that evening that he really hadn’t paid any mind to the interior. Looking around now, however, he realized how much things truly had changed.

“When my dad started this shop, it was a simple used book store.”

"Yeah, it's where we met," Sam blushed.

Glancing around, he spotted a familiar brown chair and the memory of that day came flooding back.

"It is." Y/n smiled.

Sam saw the flicker of something in her eyes and he guessed she was reliving the moment in her own head as much as he was.

The first day in a new school was never easy and Sam found himself seeking the comfort in the form of paper and ink and the musty smells of adventures waiting to be had. He’d seen the bookstore on his way to school that morning, and he had a sneaking suspicion it was just the place he was needing.

The overhead bell tinkled as he walked in. The sheer number of books crammed into every inch of the shelves lining the walls was incredible. It would take him ages just to find a book in this place, and Sam couldn’t have been more excited about the prospect. 

He quietly surveyed the shelves, trying to decide the best place to start his quest when his gaze fell on her.

She looked so serene with her nose buried in the yellowed pages of a worn paperback and legs sprawled sideways across an enormous, overstuffed brown chair. Sam recognized her from school earlier in the day; the shimmering violet hue of her hair, brilliant even in the dim lights of the store, was enough for her to stand out, but it was her eyes - wide and full of mischief and wonder - that he’d been drawn to first. 

His first instinct was to turn around and pretend he had never been there. But before he could, those same wide eyes found his and he froze.

“Hey! You’re the new guy, right?” Her inky black lips drew up in a heart-stopping smile. "I saw you at school earlier. I think we have a class together."

Clearing his throat once, and again for good measure, he introduced himself.

“My name’s Sam,” he grimaced at the way his voice cracked slightly around the single syllable of his name. “Sam Winchester.”

“Nice to meet ya, Sam! I’m y/n.” 

Y/n snapped her book closed and stood, tossing it in the now vacant seat. 

“Can I help you find something? First book’s on the house,” she winked at him.

Sam opened his mouth, intending to refuse the offer when a stocky, mustached man appeared in the doorway behind the counter. The man nodded at Sam before turning his attention to y/n, a gentle chiding expression washing over his face.

“Sweet pea, you’ve gotta quit saying that,” he tsked softly. “We can’t sell any books if you give them all away!”

Y/n’s face scrunched up in guilt, but Sam noticed the playful glint in her eyes that seemed to contradict her expression.

“Sorry, Daddy. Last time, I promise.” 

Sam stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Sir. I didn’t mean to...I was gonna pay for…”

The man waved him off.

“Don’t worry about it, son. Y/n’s just got a big heart and I can’t exactly fault her for that,” he huffed a laugh and shook his head lovingly. “Just like her mother.”

Y/n cleared her throat and shook her head, a smile playing at her lips.

"Anyway, a few years back, before he passed, some folks came in asking about these strange texts. Dad was never one to pass up the chance to learn something new, so he researched it a bit. It took some time, but he was able to track down a copy for them.

“A week later, a husband and wife came in saying someone had told them we might be able to help them. Jump forward six months and our little used book shop had become a hunter’s library and spell apothecary. Need a hard to come-by text? Missing that one ingredient for a binding spell? Look no further.”

Sam’s jaw went slack as she spoke, his hazel eyes growing wider and wider. Looking around now, it all made sense. Tall shelves still lined the walls, but rather than tattered paperbacks and crumbling spines, the shelves held large, leather bound books, document boxes and an assortment of glass jars lined up neatly. The space above the door was littered with faint, though recognizable protection sigils and, looking closer, he found the window sills lined with salt.  Y/n gave his arm a gentle squeeze and continued.

“Imagine my surprise when I overhear a few people talking about Sam and Dean Winchester, the men the angels and demons fear,” she shrugged. “I asked around and heard all about your harrowing adventures. Starting the apocalypse, stopping the apocalypse, dying...like a lot. I kind of made it a habit to check up on you from time to time. It was strange because some days I felt just as close to you as we were in high school and others...it felt like there was this insurmountable mountain between us. Sounds kinda creepy saying it out loud, really. I can’t really explain it, but I always had this feeling that I’d see you again.”

Sam blinked, his mind desperately trying to make sense of what she’d just told him. Somehow y/n knew; about hunting, monsters, him. She knew. And at that realization Sam felt the tightness in his chest ease ever so slightly, the frost that encased his heart slowly ebbing away.

“So, all of that to say...I am really sorry about what happened to your brother.” Her brow furrowed as she met his gaze. “That Dick Roman was really aptly named, wasn’t he?”

Despite the confusion and the pain and the sheer absurdity of the whole situation, Sam laughed. Not the sad, pitiful sound he’d grown accustomed to making. No, Sam laughed. The sound rumbled through his chest and forced the dimple in his cheek to show. A small rush of warmth flooded his chest as he sucked in a breath, dabbing at the corners of his eyes.

“So you know, then? You know everything?” Sam eyed her.

“I mean obviously I don’t know everything, but thank you for assuming it’s possible that I could.” She nudged his shoulder playfully and grinned. “You flatter me, Sam Winchester.”

Sam shook his head, the gears in his brain still trying to click into place. “I can’t believe this. Any of it. I never thought I’d see you again, but now I’m here and you’re...I don’t have to make excuses or lie. You understand.” Sam frowns. “I wish I had known sooner. I have thought about you so many damn times over the years. I wanted to look you up, but I didn’t want to drag you into any of this. I wish I could go back to that day...”

Y/n stopped him.

“Listen. I don’t regret a single moment. Sure I can look back and see all those disappointments; prom, graduation. Any more, I just laugh. If any one thing had gone differently - if you’d convinced your dad to let you stay, or if you’d looked me up - I’m afraid the world would be an even darker place than it is now.”

Grabbing Sam’s hand, y/n squeezed as her eyes found his. He studied her gaze, surprised but relieved to see the mischief and wonder hadn’t waned over the years. But there was something else. Something Sam recognized, but couldn’t even begin to hope for; love.

“I believe in free will, Sam. But seeing you walk through those doors tonight? For a second it felt like we were drawn together through destiny.” 

The frozen pit behind his ribs thawed - little by little - as she spoke. All this time she was just out there, waiting until they met again. Waiting for him.

Sam cupped y/n’s face, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheek. Y/n’s eyelashes fluttered at his touch and she sighed, leaning into his palm. 

“Ever since Dean,” Sam paused, swallowing the lump in his throat. He closed his eyes and steeled himself before looking at her again. Her gentle gaze grounded him further and he found his voice to continue. “Ever since he disappeared, I have felt so lost. Dean was all I had left and I didn’t think I could go on without him. And then I wound up here. Finding you, knowing you understand...it’s the first time I’ve felt anywhere close to being whole.”

Y/n placed her hand over his and turned her head to kiss his palm. 

“You don’t have to be lost any more, Sam. I can help you. We can find Dean together.”

Sam’s eyes burned at her words, at the promise she was offering him. “Y/n...I can’t ask you…”

Y/n cut him off with a press of her lips against his, he felt her smile into the kiss as his body went rigid. When she moved to pull away, he stopped her, his large hand cradling the back of her head and urging her closer. He kissed her back with everything he had, pouring out every emotion he’d felt in her absence from his life. She swallowed down every fear, pain, anger and frustration that Sam offered up.

When Sam broke the kiss, gasping for air, he found her smiling back up at him. Her eyes glassy and her lipstick smudged lips beautifully kiss-swollen, she traced his bottom lip with the tip of her finger.

“You’re not asking me to do anything, Sam. I’m offering.”

Sam’s shoulders sagged, this time in relief as the final dregs of ice melted away from his heart. As though she could sense his need, y/n wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. Sam pressed a kiss against her crown before she tilted her head back to look into his eyes.

“Welcome home, Sam.”

Like what you see? Want more? My SPN Masterlist is here, and MCU is here. Thanks for reading! :)

A/N 2: I am using my new and improved taglist. If you want to be added, see this post.

Weirdos: 

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Hunters:

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