#i refuse to believe there are people my age with this little maturity

[aphroditeslover11]

Hi! I hope that you're having a great day/night! Could I request Lenny Miller with a younger reader?

Love Of His Life

This came so naturally, I’m not sure if it’s what you were hoping for but it just flowed out of my hands!

Warnings: a little smut, age gap, not proofread

Lenny had met you when you were spending a year in Paris, having taken a French degree that required you to spend a year abroad as a part of your study. It took some convincing for you to go out on a date with the older man, but he was persistent and eventually won you over. After he had taken you to dinner at Le Meurice, picking up the tab himself, he had walked you home and sent flowers to your tiny chamber de bonne the next day along with a note thanking you for your company. The fact that he was old didn’t mean he was dull or sleazy as you had feared, it meant that he was a hopeless romantic who knew how to treat a woman properly. The next time you met he had taken you for a picnic in the Jardin Du Luxembourg, complete with amazing French cheeses and a bottle of expensive champagne. It was fair to say that pretty soon you were hooked. Everyone always said that you were mature for your age anyway, so the concept of the age gap quickly became irrelevant to you.

A year later and you had finished your degree. When it got towards the end of your time studying in France Lenny had taken the risk of proposing you after taking you back to Le Meurice like he had on your first date. You hadn’t thought before saying yes, he put in for a transfer to be near you whilst you finished your degree and life continued in your strange state bliss.

You tied the knot quite quickly after that, getting married in a small service. His parents had both passed and he was an only child. Neither had much in the way of family, but you had agreed to a wedding in the church where he had grown up in Hawaï, though he wouldn’t admit it you knew that it made him feel close to his parents. You had the perfect white dress and he was in uniform, a hang over from the days when he had been climbing the ranks of Navy SEALs before he had been recruited into the CIA. As there were so few people you didn’t bother having a proper reception, he opted to take you to the beach where he had spent his time as a child, eating cheap burgers as your wedding breakfast and replacing the lights of a dance floor with the soft glow of the stars above you.

After this you moved to New York, he was promoted and took over a senior intelligence post, stationed in the city. He was in and out of the UN meeting with his counterparts, meeting all kinds of people. You knew he worked so hard because he wanted to prove he was worthy of you, his young and beautiful wife. You were remarkably proud of him, even if he found it hard to believe it. He was smart and had invested some of what his parents had left him into the stock market back when he was in the navy and used it to buy a beautiful apartment on the Upper East Side. It had a beautiful kitchen diner where you would attempt to cook together, often ending up in resorting to ordering takeout after Lenny decided that it would be a good idea to modify your recipes. There was something beautifully domestic about this life, it was still unpredictable but safe. Lenny refused to tell you much about his past because he didn’t want you to view him differently, but he gave up the guns and the action so he could live a safe life with you, finally letting himself rest.

After having seen so many horrible things he would want to protect you from the harshest realities of the world. You were young and innocent and so perfect for him, he didn’t want to taint that. He would never let an argument go unresolved before you went to bed. On the rare occasion that you had a proper row he would usually cave first and give you your way. He would usually be so in control of himself, but when he did shout it was harsh and loud, it always terrified you and as soon as he saw the look on your face he would cave. He could never stand the thought of you being afraid of him.

Arguments would often end in the bedroom, he would be the gentlest lover after a fight, peppering kisses along your collarbones before slowly moving down your body. He would be attentive, bringing you over the edge as many times as he could with his hands and his tongue until he had finally made it up to you. Only then would he seek any pleasure for himself, sheathing himself within you and moving so gently it would be as if you were made of porcelain. He’d be terrified of hurting you after seeing you so vulnerable earlier.

There could be another side of him in bed though. A raw and passionate one that came out after a difficult day at work. You learnt how to bring it out yourself over time, how to tease him with subtle touches at the work galas that he took you to and how he could never control himself when he saw you in just your lingerie and a pair of Louboutins. On those nights he would go for rounds at a time. Voracious, like a starving man at a banquet. He delighted in having you spread out below him, completely vulnerable to him and at his mercy. You always looked so small from that angle, he could do anything he wanted to you, and moreover he knew that you would let him and enjoy it. No matter how hard he took you though, he always ended with his head buried in the crook of your neck, whispering passionate prose into your ear and telling you how precious you were to him, how he would never let any harm come to you.

He managed to temper his protective tendencies well. Although both of you knew that it wasn’t a necessity, you found a job working in a little bookshop a few days a week, something to occupy your time. He was always anxious that something from his past would come back to haunt him, to haunt you, but he did his best to keep his worries separate from your life together. On account of your age difference, he was forced to confront the fact that there were things that you would want to do that he had left in the past, many years ago. You had a tight circle of friends that you would go with for nights out - clubbing, dancing and drinking in dives that he would never go into. He would never do anything to stop you, he would want you to live a life as full as you would have without him. Still, he couldn’t help it if he had to stay up until 3:00 am to make sure that you got home safe.

You had a beautiful life together in New York, it was something that you had built together, brick by brick. Every day he found himself falling deeper in love with you. He often said that he would probably have ended up dead in an abandoned corner of some far off land if he hadn’t had you to force him out of his ways. He pushed so hard for so long yet in you, your fragility and youth, he had finally made something to make him slow down. He finally understood the meaning of the phrase - you were the love of his life

#cillian murphy #cillian murphy fanfiction #cillian murphy x reader #lenny miller x reader #lenny miller #anna

[bbyquokka]

siren

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 | lee minho x gender neutral reader

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄 | mythical au, angst – 18+ is strongly advised!

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 | rumours circulating around the sirens being malicious creatures, you meet a friendly siren and discover the real truth about them.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 | siren ! minho, human ! reader, mythical creatures, platonic relationship, mentions of parental death, siren death, blood, hunting of sirens, hunting weapons mentioned (spears, machete), angst, alcohol addiction, small mention of minsung, estranged father, murder, jealousy, mature themes and language, violence ( if i missed any, pls lmk! )

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 | 11k ~ (11,541)

m.list — you can also read it on my ao3

dont repost. dont translate. minors, ageless & default blogs; dni! feedback and reblogs are highly advised and appreciated!

rumour has it that as soon as the moon is full and at its highest in the sky, the sirens come out to play. you live by the sea, a measly thousand of you live in a small, yet communal village. the houses are thatched with stone walls and straw roofs. plantation, such as vines slowly growing on the walls, making its way to the highest points of the homes.

every morning, when you awake, you're greeted by the buzzing sounds of the sales people in the marketplace trying to bargain a deal and get people to come to their stall. people want money more than they need it, so they're willing to ‘steal’ some customers from others, whether they're friends or not with the competition. the first thing you smell is the salt from the sea but also from the fish the fishmongers are gutting and selling.

you used to hate it, but now you've grown immune to it. not a single day goes by that you don't hear of these “sirens”. tales far and wide about how they seduce sailors with their sickly sweet tunes before wrapping their arms around their necks and dragging them deep into the sea–holding them close until they drown.

you don't believe it, you refuse to believe that such a beautiful creature could be so malicious. however, your father is a sailor. a captain to be precise. despite the tales of these horrific murders, the sailors of the town actively hunt for them, killing them for their shimmering scales to be used for jewellery and their blood to be used as an anti-aging agent.

trophy awards. 

your father leads the best crew in the village. how are they the best? because not one of them has died nor have they come back empty handed. your father tries to play it off, but he's a proud man. you can see that by the way he gloats in the cheers, the clapping, the females kissing his cheek and clinging to his arm.

you've always wanted to go on these adventures, but your father always said no. claims it’s far too dangerous for someone like you. it's true you have very little knowledge about boats and the sea but you're the child of a captain, you have your wits about you.

you've never seen nor heard of someone in your town passing due to the sirens, which is odd considering how close of a community everyone is. everyone knows everything about everyone in the village, nothing is secret. so why is it that it's only the sirens you see? being lifted up in a fishnet that's so small, they're curled up, thrashing around, snarling and hissing. desperation kicking in as they try and rip the net to break free.

you've seen it. you've seen it all. it's hard not to be subjected to it when your father is proud of what he does. every time you come face to face with the captured creature, you see tears in their eyes. the tears glistening in the moonlight, their eyes begging you to help them. they're weak. they're scared and they're fragile.

they're not the murderous monsters they're made out to be and you feel just as trapped as they do; the only difference is, you're alive.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･

“oh please father! please take me with you on your expedition!” you beg as you watch your father gather up a map and a compass. it's the last day of the month, meaning it's time for the monthly hunt. the moon is high in the sky, full and shining on the water making it shimmer and look magical.

you hate this. you hate when this day approaches because the crew never comes back empty handed. you've lost count of how many sorrowful and pleading eyes you've made contact with. how many blood curdling screeches you've heard. you've only ever seen the creatures alive and judging by their desperate wails, that's the only time you wish to see them.

“no, my dear! i can't risk you going on that ship with me and my men. it's dangerous out there.”

“but father, i promise i’ll be safe. i’ll follow the rules and won't dare make eye contact with the sirens.” that's a lie. if anything, you're dying to meet them. you want to see first hand if they really are as dangerous as the rumours say they are. you refuse to believe such a telltale without seeing it for yourself.

your father heaves a heavy sigh, hand gathering and stroking his long beard as he looks at you. you pout a little, using puppy eyes on him to which he tuts at. he turns on his heels, beckoning you to follow with a simple nod of his head.

you silently cheer before quickly following your father. as expected, the village folk are surrounding your home plus the ship. they cheer for him, wishing him and his crew a safe trip. your father soaks it all up, basking in the attention that he loves and adores so much even though he denies loving it.

you walk onto the ship, watching as the crew scramble and await their captain's orders. you stand next to your father, watching and listening to how he and the crew operate.

“listen here men.” your father starts, his voice bold and bellowing in the harsh cold night, echoing far far away. “tonight is a full moon. we all know what that means! standard protocol, do not make contact with the sirens, do not speak with them, don't even think about looking at them. we hunt, that is all!”

“yes captain!” the men shout together before scrambling to do the duties they've been assigned to. your father turns to you, smiling at you.

“that also applies to you too yn. these sirens can kill. they're dangerous, vile monsters that show no mercy.”

“i know father. i promise i will be safe.” your father hums before going below deck. you roll your eyes at him, watching the crew do their jobs as the ship takes off.

it sails east, towards rocks and plants. east is where the sirens live, it's their home. the air is chilly, wind in the sails as they flutter. the waves crash against the boat with the salty, fish smell of the sea hitting and tickling your nostrils. the moonlight hitting the clear water, making it shimmer and glitter. the sky is clear but it's an eerie black. could this be a sign of things to go wrong?

you'd be lying to yourself if you said you weren't nervous about meeting the sirens. all you've ever heard about is bad things, how they kill quickly and are not afraid to hunt. once they have a target, they hunt and don't rest until the target is eliminated. that alone should be enough to put you off and make you feel terrified of them–but it doesn't.

all you can think about is how pitiful and helpless they look when captured. how all you can see in their eyes is them begging for help. tears that shimmer in the moonlight slowly trickle down their cheeks. they know, they always know. maybe that's why they never put up a fight.

the ship halts abruptly causing you to quickly grab onto the side to stop yourself from going overboard. your father returns to the top deck, his brows furrowed and confusion lacing his features.

“why have we stopped?!”

“i don't know sir. we just suddenly halted.” an uneasy atmosphere fills the air. fear sinks into your stomach as it grows eerily quiet. you slowly look around as the men plus your father stand frozen in time, eyes darting from left to right to track any signs of danger.

and that's when you hear it–the song of the sirens.

an eerily, yet sweet and melodic tune. a soft hum, if you will. a tune that's designed to distract the hunters. your heart thumps against your chest rapidly, short puffs of air escape your nostrils. the tune increases in volume, getting louder and louder signalling that they're close.

the men scurry, grabbing their tools and nets. they shout out orders to each other, telling everyone to get ready and to prepare themself. 

the ship rocks. once. twice. three times. the once calm water now splashing and foaming at the surface. you slowly turn and look down in the water, overcoming that fear that is currently shackling you. you swallow thickly, your throat and lips dry with fear. 

and that's when you see it. the silhouettes of a group of sirens swimming under the ship, surrounding it. they slowly rise to the surface, the eerie tune still playing and enchanting you.

the surface of the water bubbles and ripples. the top of a head appears first before its face. you gasp as you come face to face with a siren.

his skin greyish blue with hints of purple. eyes black and wide. his hair slicked back and gills on the side of his neck. lips plump and round, teeth pointy and sharp. shimmering, iridescent scales travel up from his neck to his cheeks. 

you make the mistake of making eye contact with it. you tilt your head as you stare at the beautiful creature. he blinks at you, tilting his head also before reaching up. his nails are pointy and sharp but his hands look so soft and welcoming.

you're entranced, caught in a spell. the chaos behind you has long gone, a distant buzz in the background as you fall in love with the siren whose name you have yet to learn.

you reach down to touch his skin, leaning over the side of the ship. your feet lifting up off the floor and dangerously dangling as you reach further and further until your fingertips touch briefly. his skin isn't what you thought it would’ve felt like. from that brief touch, he feels soft and tender. you wanted more, to touch him some more, to learn about him and his kind but you're suddenly brought back down to reality from your father suddenly yanking you back. 

“get back you foul, disgusting creature!” the siren hisses, baring its sharp teeth at him before his eyes flicker to you. you bite your lip, the siren staring at you as if it's trying to figure you out. maybe it knows that you're different from the rest.

“i said–” your father grabs a spear, aiming it at the siren and throwing it. “get back!” the spear hits, causing the siren to let out a pained wail.

“no!” you blurt out, rushing to the side of the ship, knocking your father to the side. your eyes fill with tears as you watch blood pool around the siren tainting the water black. the siren gives you a sad look before diving underwater and swimming away.

“don't go..” you whisper, wanting to help the poor, defenceless creature. anger bubbles to the surface but you bite your tongue and bear it.

“what did i tell you, you stupid child!” your father grabs you by the shoulders as he shouts in your face. his face beet red with anger, spit flying from his dry lips. you clench your jaw and bite your tongue as you endure the lecture.

your gut feeling was correct this whole time. sirens are not murderous but in fact, just poor defenceless creatures who are simply fighting back.

you'll never forget the way the siren smiled so warmly, so lovingly at you. a creature that shows such emotions could never be so malicious.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･

you haven't been back at sea since that night. your father refuses to have you on the ship and to make matters even worse, a new rumour has circled the village. as soon as your feet hit the dry land that night, your father was quick to bellow out and spread malicious information about how a male siren tried to seduce you in hopes of killing you. you tried so hard to defend yourself, to defend the creatures but your father is loud. he has power and you're just his child, nothing more.

you can’t get the siren out of your head. every time you close your eyes, you're back with him again. how beautiful he looked. the curiosity in his eyes as you stared at each other, the small tilt of his head. the way his greyish-blue skin would glimmer under the full moon and the way he was quick to retract his hand in fear when your fingertips touched for a brief second.

your dreams started off small. you were always back on the boat, gazing into the siren's black eyes before being abruptly awake from your father pulling you away. until one night, your dream escalated. a whole new scenario started to play.

you're sitting on a rock by the siren's home. the waves crashing around you and that salty sea air tickling your nostrils. the siren swims up to you and touches you ever so gently. he would stare at you as he places his hand on your cheek gently and watch as you lean in. you feel alive and wanted. your worries wash away from a simple touch by him. you forget about your life as a human, forget about your father and the way he treats you; it's just you and the siren in that moment under a full moon. 

you have to go see him again..

you grab your coat and boots, lacing them up before quietly walking out of your bedroom. you tiptoe, avoiding every squeaky floorboard you know the old house has. you hold your breath, your ears perking up at any small noises. 

you quietly tiptoe your way down the stairs, looking around to notice your father is still up–which isn't too uncommon. your father likes to stay up late after a hunt to admire his treasures whilst sipping on the most expensive brand of whisky. old folk songs play on a record player as he slurs along to the lyrics, waving his glass in one hand and his machete that's coated in thick black siren blood in the other.

your blood boils as you see the blood. your mind rushing and instincts kicking in, telling you to take that machete and slice him, but you maintain yourself. you can't go to prison without seeing that siren again, can you?

as you sneak past his office, the stench of alcohol and old tobacco fills your nostrils making you retch. you ever so slowly slide the metal bolt, holding your breath as you turn the old brass knob. 

only when you feel the harsh night air hitting your face do you breathe. you rush to the dock, your legs going at max speed as your muscles tense to help you move faster. it wasn't until you reached the dock and looked out at all the ships and fishing boats did you realise that you don't know how to navigate one. 

“oh no..” you mumble to yourself, chewing your bottom lip. you can't turn back now, you've made it this far plus, having to sneak past your drunk father is something you'd rather not do again. you desperately chew your bottom lip as you struggle to think, the pressure of knowing that time is of the essence getting to you slowly but surely. 

panic starts to settle in, your heart thumping against your chest erratically. you know it’s only a matter of time before one of the towns folks sees you out past midnight and returns you back home. as your eyes desperately scan and dart left to right, your prayers have been answered as you see a small rowing boat tied to the docks by worn out rope. 

you cheer to yourself as you run over to the boat. you struggle to untie the rope due to your fingers being ice cold and red but with much perseverance, you managed; now you just pray there are still oras in the boat.

as you clamber onto the boat, careful not to go overboard due to the consistent rocking motion, you settle down and grab the stranded oras before setting off to your destination–wherever that may be. 

you put all your might into rowing the boat, using your arms and whole body. the harsh wind continually blows through your hair and hits your face, causing the tip of your nose and cheeks to turn red. the wind also causes your eyes to dry up which is a hassle considering everything slowly becomes blurry with the constant tears filling them up and rolling down your cheeks. 

the night is harsh but the waters are ever harsher. the boat rocks from side to side, water splashing along the side and inside, getting your boots and clothing soaked. the smell of salt and sea life fills your nostrils, a smell you're so used to but at this current moment in time, it's slowly making you feel nauseous.

could it be the nerves? could it be because ever since you met that siren, it’s all you’ve been thinking about? or is it the fact that you can't get out of your head the way the water slowly turned black as your father injured the poor creature and the look of desperation on the siren's face, one you have seen countless of times.

you stop the boat to look around. nothing but darkness and unusual calm waters is all you see. you chew your bottom lip as you wait. and wait. and wait.

the need to see that siren is so great, you'd do anything and everything. so close to tears as you sit and wonder if you will never see it again, you let out a shaky breath and pick up the oars to row back to shore.

as the wooden oars splash in the water, an eerie feeling fills the air, sucking the air out of your lungs drastically. you look down in the water, the feeling all too familiar. unfortunately, the water is calm, not a wave in sight as you bore holes into the water, eyes scanning left and right as you search for it.

and then you find it.

those shimmering scales you have longed to see coming into view before disappearing under the boat. you quickly look to the other side to see the siren swimming before diving deeper until it's out of view.

“don't go..” you whisper meekly. “i want to see you again.”

feeling a sudden wave of disappointment, that this whole thing was a waste, the water bubbles as small rings of water increase in size as that all too familiar face slowly unveils itself from the blanket of sea water.

you let out a small gasp as the siren rises up to you. you didn't realise it until your faces become mere inches from each other that you're dangling off the side of the boat once again.

“you..” he cautiously says. “you're that human from the other night.” his voice is so calming, so soft that it shocks you a little. his head tilting to the side as his black pupils scan along your face to take in every detail and feature.

“you talk.” you whisper. you take in every detail of the siren. from the colour of his skin, the way his scales shimmer in the moonlight, his pouty lips and noticeable bunny teeth.

“of course i talk. do you think we sirens just sit in silence when communicating with others?”

“ah!” your face flushes red as a wave of embarrassment washes over you. “no! that's not what i meant. i just thought–”

“why are you here?” the siren interrupts. he swims back a little, his eyes piercing into your soul.

“i wanted to see you.” 

“see me? why would a mere human want to see someone like me?”

“i wanted to find out, to see for myself if what everyone says about your kind is true.” the siren scoffs.

“pathetic.”

“excuse me?” your brows furrow at the statement. it's understandable that the siren has his guard up, but your pride can't help but feel a little hurt.

“you humans are so pathetic, it makes me sick.” you watch the siren swim around your boat. “you kill our kind. you destroy our homes. you rip apart families and for what?! for some trophy awards?”

“no! that's not me. i–”

“if anything, you humans are monsters, not us!” he hisses.

“i know! i know! i agree, believe me. i don't know what to say to make you trust me, your anger and distrust is valid. i just wanted to see if you were ok.”

“what?” the siren's brows furrow together.

“the human that hit you with a spear is my father. i wanted to see if you was ok because you're all i've been thinking about! i just wanted to know if you were alive and well again. i mean no harm, i promise you!”

“how can i trust you, human.”

“i give you my life.” you boldly state. “if you feel threatened by me, i willinging give you my body and soul.” 

“you're interesting.” the siren whispers as it swims to the side of the boat. it holds onto the wood, his sharp nails making indentations. 

“see that rock over there?” he points to which you look in that direction before nodding. “meet me. we can talk more there.”

before you get a chance to respond, the siren, whose name you've yet to learn, dives underwater and swims to the rock. you follow suit by rowing the boat as fast as you can, ignoring the growing burn of your muscles.

to no surprise, the siren is already at the rock. sitting on the side, its shimmering tail dipped in the water as it moves the fins up and down impatiently, watching the water splash and ripple around it.

“you're slow.” he says with a smirk. you roll your eyes as you cautiously step out of the boat. only when your foot is on solid ground do you let out a breath. you sit on the rock beside the siren.

“no. you're just fast.” you say with a mumble. the siren laughs softly, the corner of his eyes crinkling as his fangs show.

you take a brief second to really take in the sirens features. it's a creature but it's nothing you've ever seen before. would it be wrong of you to say that you find the siren handsome?

“why are you here? truthfully.” the siren looks at you, your breath being taken away as the moonlight from behind shines on him. he pushes his hair back, slicking it and keeping it away from his eyes as his brows furrowed together.

“i wanted to see you.”

“why?”

“i've already told you why.” you sigh.

“sorry. i've only ever known one human to be truly interested in our kind. that's what makes you interesting to me.”

“i'm just an ordinary human. i get curious.” you say with a shrug.

“are all humans like you?”

“what do you mean by that?”

“curious. are all humans curious.”

“we're curious species.” you say with a shrug. “we wonder and ask questions about things that capture our interests. we indulge in said interests too.”

“why?”

“because it can make us happy and feel something.” the siren hums and looks back at the water.

“you're very kind.” he says suddenly. “and warm.”

“i am?” you whisper, shuffling a little closer to the siren. you watch his tail play in the water, the way the water ripples and splashes around it so perfectly.

“mhm. most humans i encounter are cold and vicious. also selfish, like they have a black aura around them. we get chills every time we hear the sails of the ships and the bells ringing.”

“then why do you fight?” you ask. the siren looks at you, his eyes suddenly soft and slowly filling with tears.

“because you killed us.” you chew your bottom lip, the bitter air hitting your face as you cautiously reach up and wipe away a stray tear that's rolling down the siren's cheeks. 

you take a brief note about how soft his skin is. you expected him to feel slimy and disgusting, but his skin is silky smooth and soft. he leans into your touch, the warmth from your hand feeling so blissful to him. he feels safe. for the first time in however many years, he feels safe with a human.

his eyes flutter shut as he softly nuzzles into your palm. you watch him feeling a sense of nurture towards the creature.

“i won't hurt you or your family.” you whisper as the siren's eyes flutter open to look at you. “i'm not like them. i'm different.”

“i know.” the siren says as it lifts its head up from your palm. “i can sense it, don't worry. you feel warm, like a warm hug on a winter's day. you pose no threat to me.”

you give the siren a soft smile as the moon slowly starts to fade away into the horizon, preparing for the morning sunrise. your eyes widen a little as you rush to the boat, the siren looking at you all confused.

“i have to leave! i have to get back before my father wakes up and realises i'm not there.”

“your father keeps a tracker on you or something?” the siren scoffs, amused by your panicked state.

“no.. well.. not exactly. he's protective. has been ever since i lost my mother.”

“oh..” the siren mumbles, taken aback by your statement. “how did she pass if i may ask.”

you sit in the boat and grab the ores as you look at the siren. you press your lips together in a thin line before ushering the words to it.

“my father told me that the sirens killed her..”

“what?!” the sirens brows furrow, the colour red in his peripheral vision. it dives under the water before resurfacing at the side of the boat.

“that's bullshit!” 

“are you calling my father a liar?” you scoff.

“yes! yes i am! we sirens would never, ever hurt humans! we only do because you started this war! humans and sirens used to live together so peacefully, we were a unit, helping one another! we were a community! we sirens valued and treasured the humans and vowed to give our lives to them. i guess we kept that vow, even to this day.”

the siren mutters the last sentence in bitterness. he seems genuine and that's what is worrying you. a time where sirens and humans were one seems absurd; but not impossible. you recall back to the times where you have tried to question your father about your mother's death only to be shut down in an instant.

and then it clicks. the war between humans and sirens only happened once the rumours started to unfold–right after your mother's death.

“fuck.. i have to go!” the siren nods his head, understanding of the situation.

“will i see you again?” he asks, head tilting to the side. you smile warmly and nod.

“yes. yes you will.” the siren grins and watches you row away. only then did you realise you didn't know his name.

“hey!” you shout “i don't know your name!”

“minho! my name is minho!”

“cute name, i'm yn!”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･

“we sirens would never, ever hurt humans!” 

those same words repeating over and over again in your mind. it has been a week since you last saw minho, purely because you got caught last time. some arrogant woman saw you getting out off the row boat and sneaking back to your house. she decided to make it her mission to let it be known to your father, which you highly disliked.

your father wasn't very happy with you, practically grounded you and kept you house bound. he went as far as to lock up the house and take the keys with him, leaving you trapped inside the same four walls.

the more you learnt about the sirens, the more you started to see your father's true colours. something was off about him and it has been noticeable for a while. it's your mother's death anniversary coming up and you put it down to that however, his aura and mannerisms towards you feel so different. you can't quite put your finger on it but you have a gut feeling that a storm is coming.

you tap your pen impatiently against your notebook, words scribbled on the page that reflects your thoughts. a candle burning to the side in a candle holder, the yellow and orange flame flickering and dancing around as wax drips down the sides. your father has gone out on his usual expedition, it was only a matter of time until he returns with another helpless siren.

you look to the side, a picture of you and your mother together in a brown wooden photo frame. you smile softly to yourself, reaching out and placing your finger on the glass where your mother's cheek is on the photo.

“i miss you mother. god, i miss you so much.” you whisper, eyes filling with tears suddenly as your body feels heavy with grief. you wipe away a few fallen tears hastily with the back of your hand before letting out a shaky sigh. 

you pick up the frame to take a closer look and to reminisce in the memories. the photo was taken on a warm summer's day. your mother was dressed in her best summer dress; a yellow, soft fabric with straps and sunflowers decorating it. white sandals on her feet and her hair up in a typical fashioned bun. 

she dressed you to match her, she always has. her smile is so bright in the picture as she holds you proudly. the longer you look at the photo, the sadder you feel; until you notice something you've never seen before.

you squint your eyes as you hold the picture closer to you. there in the background are two, possibly three, sirens photo bombing the picture.

“what the–” and then you see him. minho. you let out audible gasps, more and more questions swimming around your head. how old is minho exactly? how does he know your mother? does he know that you're the child of the women he seems so fond of? everything minho has said has been true, meaning you can no longer trust your own blood that is in the form of your father.

you chew your bottom lip as you place down the picture. you sit back in your seat, needing some time to process the whole situation. this whole time you and many others were led to believe that sirens were dangerous when all this time, they're nothing but harmless creatures.

all the jumbled up puzzle pieces, all the unanswered questions slowly forming together and creating a much bigger, and possibly dangerous, picture.

you pick the frame up again to stare at minho. you shake it a few times hoping it's just your eyes playing tricks on you but nothing. it's real and it's true.

however, there's still one more question you have left that's been unanswered for years–how did your mother die exactly?

you've tried to ask your father multiple times only to be shut down with a lame excuse or the same story of “the sirens killed her” you did believe it, when you were younger, but now you're old and much more mature. you're seeing things in a new light and noticing the lies and fake lives everyone around you is playing. it's fair to say that it makes you sick to your stomach.

you remember seeing a safe tucked away under your father's bed, maybe there you will find what you've been searching for! 

you stand from your seat, walking to his bedroom. you don't have to worry about being caught because you know he will be gone for some time. you open the wooden door, the hinges screeching at you as you walk inside. the stench of booze and cigarette smoke lingers in the air like a thick cloud that tickles and hugs your nostrils.

you grimace as you kneel on the cold wood flooring beside the double bed that's decorated in blue and white sheets. you look under as your heart pounds against your chest. there's a good chance of the safe not being there but when your eyes rest upon it, you breathe a shaky sigh of relief. 

you reach under, your fingertips touching the cold metal of the safe. you pull it out towards you, chewing your lip when you come to yet another problem; the code.

you punch in the numbers of your birthday, wiggling the door and letting out a frustrated groan. you try different number combinations, birthdays, special dates, even attempting the typical ‘1234’ code but nothing. 

“bastard!” you shout as you slam your hand down on top of the safe, a hefty sigh of annoyance leaving your chest. you look around the room for any clues, your impatience growing and growing until you notice a certain picture of your father on his bedside table. 

standing by the boat, a big proud grin on his face as he's holding a deceased siren by the tail, his fat finger pointing at it like some sort of trophy award. 

‘my first catch!’ plus a date labelled on it. you punch the numbers into the safe, cheering as the door clicks and opens. you close your eyes and take a shaky breath in.

“well, here goes nothing.” you mumble as you open the door whilst opening your eyes at the same time. the door opens wide revealing its contents to you. with shaky hands, you pick up the stacks of papers and photos that's been collecting dust for god knows how long.

nothing too important unfortunately. just documentation, photos, a few trinkets and dead flowers. the more notes and documentation you come across, the more defeated you slowly start to feel. the pile inside the safe shrinks as a pile beside you stacks up until you reach the very last stack of papers.

picking them up, your heart stops beating for a mere second. a photo of your mother and father together, looking happy and in love. you smile softly recalling that since the death of your mother, you haven't seen your father look genuinely happy. 

you flick through the photos. old photos of your mother and father being together, being at fairs and picnics. holding you as a small baby, your first smile, your first tooth, your first everything. photos and photos of your father being completely smitten for you and your mother.

he once was a happy man. a man that felt on top of the world and had everything he could ever want and more; a family. but all that changed and now, you and your father's relationship is little to none.

“such a shame. how did we become like this.” you sigh, heart feeling heavy. some days you wish you and your father could be how you used to be but you know that that's not going to happen any time soon.

“what the…” you trail off as you come across a photo of your mother and minho, smiling and looking happy. minho is handing her a basket full of fish. your mother smiling brightly as she is happily taking the basket.

you flick through the pictures, your mouth dry and heart thumping harder and harder. nausea slowly settles into the pit of your stomach creating a thick blanket. pictures and pictures of your mother and minho along with other sirens and members of the village looking happy and unified.

events, festivals, handing over fish, pearls and scales. seaweed and algae. nothing screams dangerous to you. a box rests at the bottom of the safe along with an envelope that's sealed tight with a red wax seal. 

you open up the black box to be greeted with a pearl necklace. you let out an audible gasp, the pearls an iridescent white and pink that shimmers in the light. your mouth is now dry as ever as that sick feeling has risen to your throat. your stomach holding a dead weight, dragging you down.

with shaky hands, you reach for the envelope. in cursive writing, which you assume is your mother's, is your name. you open it up, the musk smell of paper, ink and perfume tickles your nose hairs.

‘to my darling child. it is time. this letter holds all the answers to your questions. i know you have been searching and going around and around in circles. i know you have asked your father, the man whom i once loved, for answers only to be met with a brick wall. my darling child, he has lied to you.

everything that you have been told up to this point has been a lie. humans and sirens were once united. the sirens would hunt for us, provide us with fresh fish to gut and beautiful pearls to sell. seaweed would be gathered and used as herbs, algae as an alternative for face masks. the sirens adored us and we adored them. sirens are committed and senseless creatures, they are harmless and only fight when threatened.

i started to grow very close to a certain siren. his name is lee minho. a beautiful creature with a heart full of gold. he was adored by many. i loved him as much as he loved me. we grew fond of each other but we were nothing but friends, that it all! the human world should never mix in with a sirens world in that sense and vice versa. 

however, your father grew jealous and jealousy can turn a man bitter and cold.

as soon as you turned two years old, your father started to act strange around me. he became addicted to drink, he would scream and shout at me almost every night, accusing me of doing such preposterous things with a creature. i loved lee minho, yes but i loved your father much more! we created a life together and built what we had together but still, that wasn't enough for him.

i fear for my life. the darkness i see in your father's eyes is suffocating and it fills my body up with fear. i fear for your life, i pray to God every night that he keeps you safe and that your father doesn't lay a single finger on you. i'm scared of the man i used to love. he is filled up with jealousy and hatred so much so, that i don't even recognise him anymore.

my child, know this. if i am not alive anymore, know that your father murdered me in cold blood. he has reached the darkest pits of despair, jealousy consuming his whole body. i love you my child and i know that you will do the right thing.’

─── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･

“minho!!” you call out. your voice shaky, cheeks wet with tears. you park the boat at the rock where you two first spoke, sitting on the cold and wet surface as you clutch the letter you've just read. 

“minho, where are you?!” your broken sobs echoing in the night. the night is silent, not even a whisper of the wind ruffles the leaves of the trees.

“i need you..” your voice trails off as you break down in broken sobs. you've read the letter over and over again at least ten times by now, the words refusing to sink into your brain. you have all the answers, the jigsaw pieces put into place, yet nothing makes sense!

“fuck fuck fuck fuck!” you repeat through your broken sobs and hiccups. breath catching in your throat making it difficult to breath, heart heavy and mind nothing but a puddle of a jumbled mess.

“hey!” a familiar voice brings you out of your broken trance. you heave a sigh of relief as you come face to face with a familiar face. his eyebrows furrowed together as he swims to the rock.

“minho! you're here.” you hiccup.

“of course i am silly. it's hard not to hear you when you're screaming my name.” he laughs, head tilting once he notices the letter. “what's that?” 

he points at it to which you hand it to him. his eyes widen as he scan reads everything, mouth agape.

“my god..”

“yeah.. you were right and i think my father killed my mother out of jealousy.”

“jealousy??”

“i think he got jealous of how close you and my mother were so he killed her and blamed it on you, creating this horrid rumour about you all.”

“shit.” he mumbles, handing you back the letter as you wipe your cheeks hastily. “so, what are you going to do about it?”

“nothing.”

“what?” he asks in disbelief, his face slowly scrunching up with anger.

“there's nothing i can do. i'm the child of a famous sailor. it's my word against his!”

“are you fucking serious?! please tell me you're joking around right now.” his tone of voice is harsh and bitter which throws you off guard.

“minho, i can't do–”

“so let me get this straight. you're telling me that you know everything is a lie yet your going to do fuck all about it? do you know the damage that you humans have caused?! the lives you've ruined?!”

“min, i–”

“yes. there was a time where we could happily swim up shore and not have to worry about being shot.” he interrupts. “events, festivals, special occasions you name it, we were there! we gathered and collected things so that you humans could have nice things!”

“please, just let me speak!” you desperately say, hands clammy.

“no! you will sit there and you will listen to me, yn! you will listen to my side of the story and you will understand how hard it has been to stay alive!”

you nod as you chew your lip, looking at your feet. minho does a few laps around the rock in an attempt to calm down. once calm, does he return to you. he takes a deep breath in before letting it out slowly to talk.

“it's true that i did love your mother at some point. i didn't know that you were her child until the night we first met. you have her nose and her smile, which is probably why i feel bonded to you. however, we are sirens. we are creatures and we are programmed to mate for life; it's in our dna, like swans in a sense. we do not mate with humans, it's immoral to us.”

“have you found your mate?” you ask softly. minho looks down, his eyes glistening with tears as he nods his head yes.

“i did. the thing with us sirens is that we don't care about gender or anything like that. we love who we want to love and boy, did i love him.”

“him?”

“jisung. his name was jisung. god.. he was the love of my life. he was so fucking adorable. cheeky too.” minho laughs softly as he reminisces. “his eyes were so wide and bright, his nose so small like a button. his bottom lip so plump and every time he laughed, his top lip would disappear and show off that gummy smile of his. my favourite thing of all, was his cheeks. i loved watching him eat because his cheeks would be filled to capacity and look so round.”

you sit and listen, nodding when the time feels right. you listened to minho describe jisung, how his skin was a purple colour, hair black and his scales were deep purple and would decorate his abs and sides. 

“he was the love of my life. we were married and planned on having a family.”

“were?” you swallow as you cautiously ask “what happened?” minho shoots you a look, his sudden heartbreak disappearing as rage over shadows him.

“you happened is this. you humans took the love of my life away from me.”

“what..?” you shakily breath out.

“me and ji were swimming and making our way to your mother. i wanted to introduce them both but what we didn't expect was that.”

“what? please tell me minho. i need to know everything.”

with a heavy sigh, minho speaks once again. “we arrived and saw your father on his knees, sobbing with your mother in his arms. she was gone, yn. your mother was lifeless in your father's arms. fuck..” minho pushes his hair back as he chews his lips. tears fall down your cheeks as you encourage him to carry on.

“there was a lot of blood yn. too much blood for it to be a sirens work. your father saw us and instantly accused us of murder. so him and his crew set sail to kill us both, except one of us is alive and the other isn't.”

“minho, i'm so sorry..”

“still not going to do anything about it?”

“i don't.. i don't know..”

“you're unbelievable. you humans took something precious away from me! your father killed your mother and you dare say and believe those lies that we are the dangerous ones?! you're unbelievable yn.”

“why are you so pissed at me?! you don't understand my situation! i told you, it's my word against his and the whole village will believe him and then what?! i'm casted out by not just him, but the whole village too!”

“good! i'd rather be casted from everyone than live a life that’s based on lies and deceit! you humans have destroyed lives, broken up families! we've had to rebuild everything from scratch! tell me yn, when was the last time you lived in fear for your life? not knowing whether today or tomorrow will be your last moments on earth?! because that's what it's like for me and many others! you took something precious from me, so excuse me for not agreeing with your decision, yn.” 

as you open your mouth to speak, minho dives underwater and swims away, leaving you with your thoughts in the cold, bitter night.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･

once again, you're left thinking about him and everything that has happened. it's all so much in such a short amount of time that you feel overwhelmed. you're surprised you haven't fallen ill with the amount of stress you've been under.

however, you can't hold your tongue any longer. every time you look at your father, you are reminded of what he has done. you tried to understand it all and make excuses for him but you can't no longer. 

no one should kill out of jealousy and whilst you too, may have felt a little something for minho at the beginning, you know it's futile. as minho said “humans and sirens should never be intimate with each other.” 

you understand now that the love minho and your mother had was purely platonic. you realise now that upon your first meeting with minho that you were seduced by the song of the sirens, the same song that still haunts you to this day. 

but now you understand why they do what they do. they're protecting their homes and families. it's natural for them to fight back in a war that was started by the humans–by your father.

one thing that you're struggling to forget, however, is minho's lover. every time you close your eyes at night, the soft yet sorrow look on minho's face flashes in front of you. the tears slowly rolling down his cheeks, the pain in his voice as he recalls the love he once had.

not only has your father taken something away from you, but to someone else. wrong place, wrong time–all because of jealousy, rage and greed.

you've spent days pondering on what to do, going back and forth in your mind. you're a child of a well loved, well known captain. it's your word against his and you know it's a fight that won't end very well. you will either be casted out or worse. however, you understand minho's frustration and heartbreak. in one night, he lost the two people he treasured and loved so dearly; it's bound to mess someone up mentally and emotionally.

the more you think, however, the more you slowly understand minho and side with him. since the death of your mother you've had to watch a countless number of sirens be whisked away and killed. the amount of times you have looked into the sorrowful eyes of the sirens who beg you to be set free, do you wish you could save them. regret sinking deep in the pit of your stomach and a heavy weight called guilt and self hate sitting on your shoulders for the remainder of the day.

now you're much wiser but still shackled with fear. 

“i'd rather be casted from everyone than live a life that’s based on lies and deceit!” it rings in your head over and over and over again. a never ending carousel of emotions. you know he is right and you know that staying silent will make things worse–but for how much longer can you keep biting down on your tongue?

the all too familiar sounds of bells and village folk cheering bring you out off your haze. you rush to the window and notice your father and his crew stepping off the boat with none other than another siren; only this time, it's much worse.

dark clouds fill the once clear sky. an eerie atmosphere fills the air, the stench of what's about to come hitting your nostrils and filling you up with nausea.

a storm is brewing.

you watch your father get off the boat, carrying his usual tools that's coated in new and old siren blood. he raises his arms, basking in the glory and screams of the women that scramble to his feet. and then, you see red.

your mind hazy, pent up anger that's been building and building rising to the surface. you see red, steam coming out of your ears as you clench your fists and jaw. 

a siren caught in a net, dangling over the shoulder of a crew member. nothing out of the ordinary expect this siren is weak. it's body battered and bruised, black blood seeping from the various cuts and wounds. his hands bound by the wrists with thick, scratchy rope. 

the siren can barely keep its eyes open due to how weak and tired it feels. deep cuts and wounds situated on its face, scales missing from its body indicating your father and it's crew once again took what doesn't belong to them.

you notice a few cuts on the crew members indicating that the siren put up a fight. a fight for its life. you know how this will go; you've always known but ignored it due to the fear and gaslighting your father has done. but now you have a voice and you're going to use it.

you lose all rationality. the many scenarios you made up in your head on how to approach this, gone. your legs move on their own. heavy puffs of air escape your nostrils like a bull that's being taunted. 

you stomp down the stairs, heels of your boots making loud and painful sounds on the wood. you open the front door with such force, you thought you was going to pop your shoulder out off place.

you storm to the commotion. to the crowds of people, the crew and your father. your heart in your throat, a cold sweat coating your skin. your father looks at you and smiles, pointing to the siren with his knife.

“ah! my child, look what i have done! this has to be my finest catch to date!” he laughs. the sirens eyes flutter open slowly, desperation evident. 

“how could you!” you spit. the noise of the crowd slowly dies down to nothing, all eyes on you and your father.

“excuse me?” your father questions, his brows raised.

“is this what you call fun? killing innocent creatures for your own gain? it's sick!” he slowly walks towards you, the stench of alcohol and the sea ticking your nostrils and making you retch.

“innocent? you think these vile creatures are innocent?”

“i know they're innocent. the only vile creature i see is the one that's stood right in front of me.” you spit, your father's face close to yours. your heart is hammering in your chest, adrenaline sky rocketing to the point you're shaking.

“you better watch your tone with me, child.” his hot breath fans against your face.

“or what? going to kill me like you killed my mother? going to blame it on the sirens? mhm?” everyone audible gasps, the captured sirens mouth now agape in shock.

“that's preposterous!” you father stammers.

“oh is it? i found a letter father. a letter addressed to me from mother. she explained everything, told me about minho so i went out to find him again and ask if it was all true.”

“you went out to see that disgusting creature?!”

“yes. and he told me everything. how you killed mother out of spite. how you killed his lover! how the rumours of sirens being murderous are lies. everything you have spouted and screamed at has all been lies!” 

the village folk start talking amongst themselves, the buzzing of whispers and stares filling the murky atmosphere as fat raindrops hit the concrete. your father stares at you, red in the face. the amount of anger you see frightens you but you stand your ground.

“everything you and everyone else has done and indulged in is all based on lies. sirens treasured the humans once upon a time, they collected and hunted for us. we were united until you grew cold with jealousy and greed.”

the village folk await for your father to speak, the cogs working in his head.

and then he laughs. a full on belly laugh that erupts from his chest. your brows furrow together, his actions taking you by surprise. the buzzing of the townsfolk dies down, they too are confused by your father's actions. 

“what are you trying to say, my child? that i killed your mother out of jealousy?”

“that's exactly that.” you reply bluntly.

“oh child.” his voice sickening sweet and soft, almost mocking you and the whole situation. your fight or flight mode activates as he places his hand on your shoulder.

“i know it's rough for you right now. it's coming up to your mother's death anniversary but do we really have to start such ridiculous lies?” 

“are you being serious? i haven't made it up! you killed mother and blamed it on the sirens hence this whole rumour! everything you've built is based on lies!” you turn to the village folk, desperation setting in as they look at you with disgust.

“you have to believe me! why would i make something like this up?!”

“what has gotten into them?” , “poor child. you can't blame them, they don't have a mother.” , “he is right though, the death anniversary is coming up but it's still crazy to say something like that!” , “maybe they're unwell. losing their mother at such a young age is bound to mess with the mind.” 

you freeze as you watch and listen to every word that's dripping in venom. their words stab you in the heart, realising that you truly have no power hitting you like a truck. so you try one more desperate attempt at making them believe you.

“i met with a siren.” audible gasps fill the air, your fathers veins bursting at the side of his head. “i met a siren and he's so lovely and kind! he told me everything! he told me about how him and mother were close! how my father took away the one thing he loved. sirens are innocent!”

“there is no such thing as an innocent siren! i was there, holding your mother in my arms. her blood soaking my clothing and skin. it's so upsetting.” your father sniffs, wiping away a few crocodile tears to which you scoff at. 

“the sirens murdered your mother in cold blood and i watched her fall and become lifeless in these very arms. i know it's coming up to her death anniversary, but my child, this is ridiculous. why would you ever accuse me of doing such a thing to the women i loved!”

as you open your mouth to speak, a voice brings you and everyone else to its attention. by now, the rain has soaked through your clothing and is dripping from the ends of your hair. the clouds are grey and bursting making the sky dark and gloomy.

you smile in relief as that all too familiar face rises to the surface of the water. the trapped siren also breathes a sigh of relief, tears rolling down its cheeks.

“its true. what yn is saying is true.” 

“you..” your father breathes out in rage and disgust. “i thought i got rid of you!”

“you didn't.” minho states as he swims closer, “you just killed my lover instead, took something precious for me whilst claiming we killed your wife.”

“i can't believe you're still around! i tried to kill you off, you were being too close to my wife! i hated that and i hate you!”

“is that why you killed her and then tried to blame it on us? because you were jealous, filled with greed and hatred. did me being so close to your wife anger you?” a smirk laced on minho's features as he taunts your father. his eyes menacing and the stare shackling your father in his place with fear. the colour drains from his face, words lodged in his throat.

“just admit it father. just admit everything. the truth is out now and it's what mother would have wanted.”

“i will never admit to it. your mother loved that siren and i planned on doing something about it. it's just unlucky that you were there.” you father glares at minho “but you fell right into the palm of my hands. i saw an opportunity and i snatched it. am i sorry that lives have been lost and destroyed because of me? no, not really. in fact, im proud! look at all this attention i'm getting, what more could a man like me want!”

your father laughs. an evil, menacing laugh whilst the village folk gasp in disbelief and shock. you look at minho who's currently staring at your father with menacing eyes, rage building up in how body.

and then you hear it once more. the song of the sirens. that sickly sweet melody that seduces its victims and makes them a slave. your eyes widen as you notice it's minho singing the tune to your father, the laughing from him has now stopped as he walks towards the sea. his body on autopilot, limbs floppy as he's in a daze. his feet dragging across the floor as he gets closer and closer to the edge.

and you say nothing.

behind you, the many screams and panicked cries of the people beg minho to stop. it's like the world around you has go into slow motion, the only people that are moving in real time being minho and your father.

you open your mouth to speak but close it again. tears fill your eyes as you watch minho grab your father and disappear below sea level; leaving you to feel a strange feeling of relief.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･

it has been a few months since that incident. you never saw your father and although it pained you on some days, most days you recall back on how he treated you and everyone else and you don't feel as bad anymore.

that day, you watched minho drag your father down below sea level. you waited and waited and waited for someone to come back up. you didn't do anything, just watched.

all the pent up rage, upset and misinformation morphed into one causing you to feel numb at the time. your feet were firmly planted on the concrete, words stuck in your throat.

whilst everyone else around you rushed to help your father, it all just became a distant sound to you. whilst you were moving and breathing in real time, everyone else was in slow motion. 

you often questioned why you didn't do or feel anything but after the truth was uncovered and you learnt the lives your father ruined it was understandable.

you burnt holes into the water, silently praying that it would be minho being the one that would rise to the surface unharmed – and he did.

you watched the water bubble and ripple. that familiar colour of skin appearing. you breathed a sigh of relief as you rushed to minho, kneeling down and hugging him tightly which shocked you both.

you started to cry. whether it was grief of loosing another parent or relief from seeing minho alive, either way it was a day you'd never be able to forget.

“don't feel bad. that bastard deserved to drown.” 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･ ────── ･ ｡ﾟ⟡ 🧜🏻 ⟡ ˚｡ ･

“i can't believe it's that time of year again!” you cheer as you grab a basket of fish from minho. he laughs at you as you hand it to the local fishmonger to gut and sell.

“me neither yn. time flies huh?”

“it really does.” you laugh softly.

everything went back to normal. the sirens and humans were once again reunited, living comfortably within each other's presence. it took some convincing from you to the village folk who were still stuck in their ways and refusing to believe everything, but once you showed them the letters and pictures your mother left behind did they slowly open their eyes to the truth.

a few laws were put into place, sirens now being a protected creature by law. no one is allowed to hurt or kill them no more. the only thing humans can take from them is things they hunt and willingly give such as scales, pearls and even seaweed.

no one knows what happened to your father apart from you. many speculated that he is still alive and on a deserted island, others are convinced he is long gone giving their condolences to you and paying their respects in the form of flowers and wishes.

minho opened up to you a bit more. he openly spoke about jisung and even introduced you to his family. they were ecstatic to learn that you're the child of a women whom was dearly loved and treated you as their own. they would talk about your mother openly, speaking of the memories they have of her and how she was as a person.

“do you miss her?” minho asks. today is your mother's favourite day of the year; summer fest.

everyone comes together to drink alcohol, eat fish and celebrate in the form of games such as water balloon fights and carnival themed games. when the sun sets, everyone then rushes to the shore to watch the fireflies and the sky turn from bright blue to pink, purple and orange. 

you smooth down your clothing as you look down at the siren whom you've become so close with and nod.

“yeah. days like today i truly miss her.”

“she'd be proud of you, y'know.”

“yeah?” you whisper, a burning lump forming in your throat as minho nods and gives you a gentle smile.

“yeah. you're all she spoke about. she would tell me what clothing she would buy for you, the names she had planned. she often wondered how you would turn out. what your personality, thoughts and goals would be. she adored you, yn. every time she spoke about you, her eyes would light up and fill with so much love.”

tears stream down your cheeks as you smile. you wipe them away slowly with your hand as you sniffle, minho giving you a sympathetic smile.

“oh! i found something and i think it belongs to you.” you quickly rush inside your home leaving minho confused and to watch the village folk laughing and chattering amongst themselves.

his heart feeling heavy all of a sudden as he recalls the last time he was at summer fest. during that time, he had everything and was surrounded by the people he loved and people that loved him. he was happy during that time, on top of the world he would dare say.

that's not to say he isn't happy now but compared to then, it's different. he is thankful he has met you and that you both managed to stop this terrible hunting of his kind but even so, he wishes it never came to that. he wishes his lover was still here to laugh and joke around with, to go home to and feel his skin against his own. he wishes that more than anything else; to have his sungie by his side again.

“found it!” your voice bellowing out to him causes minho to snap back to reality. he clears his throat and blinks back tears as you rush to him, holding a photo.

“i was going through my mother's things and sorting everything out when i came across this.”

you hand minho a black and white photo of him and jisung. minho takes the photo and stares at it in disbelief. it's just them two in the water, holding and kissing one another, looking so happy and so in love. 

“i think my mother sneakily took the photo.” you say with a giggle, “she seemed to do that a lot. i think she saw you and jisung looking so happy and in love that she had to capture the moment.”

“wow.. i–i don't know what to say..” minho's voice is failing to stay steady as tears slowly fall down his cheeks. “thank you.” 

“there's something on the back as well that my mother wrote.” minho flips the photo over and in cursive writing is a date and “the two lovebirds; may you be happy, healthy and in love for eternity.” 

“jesus.. i– thank you yn. truly. i have no words but just know i am grateful for this.” you give minho a warm smile.

“i should be the one thanking you.” 

“excuse me?”

“if it wasn't for you well things would still be how there used to be expect worse.”

“do you not hate me for what i did to your father?” you let out a soft sigh before shaking your head no. 

“i've thought about it. relived the events via visions and dreams and i don't hate you for what you did. i had years of built up anger and upset that when i saw what you did and knew what you were doing i just went numb. i should be angry and in a way, i guess i am but not at you.”

“no?” you hum softly “then who?”

“my father. even though he's not here anymore, i'm still pissed at him. sure, his old crew are still together but are hunting fish instead, it still shouldn't have come to this. he was a horrid man fuelled by hatred and jealousy. he took something precious from us both and that's something i refuse to understand. but i'm also thankful.”

“thankful? why?” minho tilts his head to the side.

“because i met you and learned so much more about you and your kind. i learnt about jisung and met your family. i'm still trying to figure you out though.” you giggle as minho cocks his eyebrow up. “you're full of surprises. when i think i've figured you out, you do or say something that brings me back to square one.”

minho laughs softly, the corner is his eyes crinkling as his fangs show. 

“never really thought about myself like that but i guess it's true. jisung said the same.”

“i'm sorry for everything, min. i'm sorry for the trauma my father caused you and your kind.”

“hey. we've been through this, it's not your place to apologise! you've done nothing wrong.” you look at your feet as you blink back tears whilst nodding. “keep moving forward yn and never look back.”

“i know, i know. you're right, you're always right.”

“oh, i know.” minho says with a hint of cockiness lacing his words as he smirks. you roll your eyes at him before laughing softly.

“you should get back yn, enjoy the rest of the day.”

“will i see you later?”

“same time and place?”

“12 am at the rock.” you grin.

“then of course you will. i look forward to seeing you; i always do yn.” you smile widely before rushing off to join the village folk. minho watches you, his bottom lip caught between his teeth as he makes a mental note of how similar you and your mother are. he looks up at the sky, tears rolling down his cheeks.

“if only you could both see this. it's everything we've ever dreamed of and more.”

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 | [repost for the third time because it wont show on my dash and in tags. if this doesnt work then idk what else to do. sorry to the people on my tag list for being tagged a million times]

this has been in my drafts since june, ops. but !! my first long fic, eep! im nervous about this one because its also my first time doing a mythical au! there will be some inaccuracy!! this took some time to do so please let me know how it went! i would greatly appreciate it! don’t forget to leave feedback, reblog and tell me what you think here. curious as to what is next? here is my wips list! i hope you all enjoy! ‹3

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒 | @rebloggingfun ; @fairylouist ; @poody1608 ; @maximumkillshot ; @bintific ; @fun-fanfics ; @septicrebel ; @myprwttyhan ; @goblinracha

#kwritersworldnet #wkcnet #straykidsland #skz angst #stray kids angst #lee know #lee minho #lee know angst #lee minho angst #lee know x you #lee know x reader #lee minho x you #lee minho x reader #skz x you #skz x reader #stray kids x reader #stray kids x you

[hellfiremunsonn]

Stuck With Me. Eddie Munson x Reader.

AN: At the end of each chapter will be a picture of ‘your’ Journal. Photos, and writing of a little bit from each chapter. 

(THIS IS A REUPLOAD ALL CHAPTERS WILL BE RE UPLOADED ONE BY ONE)

I DO NOT ALLOW MY WRITING TO BE REPUBLISHED ANYWHERE OTHER THAN MY OWN BLOG WITHOUT MY CONSENT.

WARNINGS: Mentions of drinking (they're at a bar) Eddie is sweaty

WORDCOUNT: 5k

CHAPTER 3: THE GANGS ALL HERE

It took about fifteen minutes for the house to become a loud mess of young teens and young adults. Passing between the open door to the backyard, people dipping their feet in the pool, some hovering in the kitchen, and of course Steve, watching Robin with his hands on his hips as she manned the grill. He still didn't trust her enough to cook by herself, and you could only reassure him so many times, but still he refuses to fully believe you. 

The gang included, Dustin Henderson, Max Mayfield, Lucas Sinclair, who was dating Max. Mike Wheeler and his sister Nancy Wheeler. Will Byers and his brother Johnathan Byers, who was dating Nancy. But Nancy was also Steves ex but they somehow get along really well?. Jane Hopper, who was will and Jonathans step sister, and she was dating Mike. 

You sat on the edge of the pool next to Max watching Dustin and Mike battle it out with pool noodles. 

"It's crazy to think all of you have grown up together" You comment. 

Max turned to you, a small smile on her lips as she looked at you over the top of her red sunglasses. "Everyone always says that" She laughed. "They're the siblings I never had, and although they are all a huge pain in my ass I'm glad I became friends with them, trauma and all"

"Were you at the mall too? With the fire and all that?" you asked quietly.

"Uh yeah, most of us were actually" She seemed like she wanted to say more but closed her mouth. Forcing a tight lipped smile while she looked at me. 

"That must have been scary, I can only imagine... But you don't have to talk about it, I get it, I'm sorry for prying" Instantly panicking that you might have crossed a line with the small red head but she laughed instead. 

"No don't worry about it, people always ask about it, it's kind of an unbelievable story" 

you nodded, turning your attention back to everyone around the backyard. Mike and Jane were sat close together on one of the lounge chairs, deep in conversations while their hands were intertwined. 

"Hey can I ask you a question?" You said turning back to Max. 

"Yeah of course"

"Who's the guy in the band? The show tomorrow?" your brows furrow, squinting through the sun. 

"Eddie?"

You shrug. "Robin hasn't told me his name, keeps referring to him as 'an old friend' for some reason"

Max snorted. "Eddie Munson, he's the dungeon master for the DnD club all the guys were in at school. Or at least he was before he graduated, that's how we all know him, cause of those nerds" She said gesturing to the boys in the pool. 

"Eddie Munson" You repeated. His named felt smooth on your tongue, a name you get used to saying... It replayed in your mind over and over again like a spell. 

The rest of the night was actually quite peaceful. You all sat around the little campfire and exchanged stories, some good, some cringe, relating to old high school moments, and newer ones from the younger kids. They all seemed so mature for their age. All of them seeming to know more than me, and maybe they had been through more than they let on. But they were all so sweet nonetheless. It was obvious how much they loved and cared for each other.

After the sun had long gone down, we all cramped into the basement to watch a movie, and after almost an hour of back and forth yelling on which movie was better and why you ended up falling asleep about ten minutes into the movie. When you woke up the movie had ended and static played on the tv, lighting up the crowded couch where they all were fast asleep and all tucked around each other. You snuck away to grab your camera and snapped a picture of them, it was too cute for you not to. 

"You're such a creep" Robin whispered to you. Waking up from her spot on the other couch, stretching her arms over her head. 

"They look cute, sue me" you said without looking at her. "I'm going to head up to bed" you said, attempting to speak through your yawn. 

Heading for the stairs you turned back to robin before leaving "Robin?" You said quietly. 

"mhmm?"

"I really like your friends. I can see why you keep them around, I've never seen you so happy"

She blushed, the pink still prominent  enough in the white glow of the tv. "Thanks... They really like you as well, they can't believe I found another cool friend honestly" She looked at them with fondness in her eyes. 

"Goodnight Robby"

You happily tucked yourself into your bed for the week, sinking into the lavish pillows surrounding you. 

You woke up the next morning around nine thirty, stretching out your arms and legs. After a few extra minutes of staring at the ceiling you finally got up and creeped into the bathroom, brushing your teeth and peaking into Robins room to see if she was awake yet. She wasn't.

You grabbed a pair of fuzzy socks and tugged them on before quietly making your way downstairs.

Feeling your shoulders relax when you realized you were probably the only one awake right now.  You take your time snooping around the kitchen until you eventually found everything you needed to make coffee. You laughed to yourself knowing Robin would curse you for using instant coffee instead of 'the real stuff' considering you worked at a coffee shop. But something about instant coffee just hit perfectly in the morning. 

Holding your mug of coffee to your chest you walked over to the large sliding doors to the backyard. Admiring the sun slowly filtering through the trees, bearing down a comfortable warmth before the heat of the afternoon was sure to hit. 

You don't know when, or how long Steve had been in the kitchen but when he placed his own mug down on the counter; the ceramic noise of the cup meeting marble startled you and you flinched slightly, your coffee swirling in your mug threatening to spill more than the few splashes that hit your shirt. 

"Sorry I didn't mean to scare you" Steve chuckled, his voice low and still groggy. from sleep. Hair a mess of a mop on the top of his head, yet it had somehow gained volume. "You're up early" He said while beginning to fix himself a cup of coffee. 

"This is actually pretty late for me, I'm used to getting up so early for work" You pout. "This is the first time I've had more than two days off in a row"

"Really?" Steve said walking over to stand next to you. "How come you work so much?"

"I'm too nice to say no" you sigh, looking down into your coffee cup. 

Taking a sip of his own, he nodded with a silent agreement. "That's like me and those little shits asleep downstairs. The amount of times I've considered moving back here just for them"

"You really are quite the babysitter aren't you? Robin makes jokes about it all the time, but it's different seeing you actually with them" you joke, bumping your shoulder into his.

Quiet footsteps from the basement stairs were heard behind you, both you and Steve turning to see who was creeping up the steps. It was Max with her two braids a little messy, a few strands coming untucked. "Oh thank god someone else is awake" She breathed while walking into the kitchen. 

"I tried to stay down there but it's so boring when none of them are awake, and Dustins snoring was driving me crazy" Rolling her eyes she began searching through Steves cupboards, and drawers. The two of you continue to watch as she shifted around the kitchen, looking for whatever it was she was looking for. After a few minutes, she had laid out a bunch of bowls and other cooking utensils. 

With a huff she leaned with both hands agaisnt the counter and looked up at Steve. "Steve do you have stuff to make pancakes?"

"Obviously" Steve said running a hand through his hair. "Of course I have stuff for pancakes" he scoffed while joining her on the other side of the counter. 

As the smell of pancakes, syrup and bacon, filled the air, more and more of the gang slowly began to filter in and out of the kitchen. Grabbing a serving of pancakes and sitting around the kitchen and outside in the backyard to enjoy the morning warmth before it got too hot. You settled with three pancakes, adding sliced bananas on top and drowned them in syrup. "Max these are incredible" You say after swallowing a sticky mouthful of pancake and banana. 

"Hey she didn't do all of the work!" Steve yelled over the sound of the kitchen sink, elbows deep in soapy water. 

After a day of laying in the sun by the pool, and swimming until your arms hurt it was time to start getting ready for the show tonight. Most of the gang had gone home to get ready which left you alone sat on the floor surrounded by every item of clothing you had brought. You pouted at your choices, none of them seeming to satisfy you. With a groan you leaned back until you were laying on the floor. 

"Somehow I always find you on the floor" Robin said from the door. "What's your dilemma this time" She said coming to join you on the floor 

"I don't know what to wear" you grumbled, throwing an arm over your eyes. 

"Just like, wear something all black, it's a pretty metal band, and a dingy bar so you don't have to try so hard to fit in"

Leaning up onto my elbows you surveyed your options once more. "Do I look like I wear all black?" you say gesturing to the colourful and mismatched pile of clothing. 

Robin rolled her eyes. Leaning forward onto her knees she rummaged through the clothes, mumbling to herself as she went along. 

"Here" She said shoving a full outfit into your hands. "Go put it on" She poked at your sides until you were laughing and helped you up off the floor. Shoving you towards to bathroom to get dressed. 

It was the Metallica shirt that usually you wore exclusively for sleeping. A pair of black shorts, with rainbow striped socks and your converse. It was a simple outfit, and you were kind of annoyed you didn't consider it in the first place. "Perfect!" Robin said jumping up and down while clapping her hands. "You look so cute"

You blush, avoiding her gaze. "You said it was a metal band?"

"Yeah, super metal, very loud, I never know what they're singing half the time, but I'm there to support" She said shrugging, jumping a few times while buttoning up her jeans. 

Going with the theme of black, you did some messy black eyeliner, smudging it out around the edges to give it a more 'alternative' vibe, whatever that meant. but I smudged it out more. You added a lightly tinted lipgloss giving your lips a perfect cherry pink color. 

The hideout was about an hour away from the centre of Hawkins, the bar stationed at the very edge of the town in an almost deserted area with only a few other buildings around it. The neon sign outside of the door flickered, half of it burnt out but still trying  illuminated the large bald man who sat on a stool right next to the door, probably there to card minors, but by the looks of him he probably let most of them in. 

Once inside the bar was exactly what you would picture any old dingy bar to look like. Wonky wooden floors that were abused by the heavy footed men who spilled their drinks after having one too many, or knocking over the tall bar tables in some sort of petty fight they wouldn't remember in fifteen minutes. The lights low, so only the few yellow wall lights filled the room with a faint glow. A couple of red faux leather booths across the left side of the bar, closest to the bathrooms that you could only imagine smelled like that weird portapotty chemical smell. 

You scrunched your nose at the thought. Most of the gang ran over to grab seats in the booths while Robin lead you to the bar. 

"What can I get for you two ladies?" the bar tender asked. He was tall and thick with muscle. Covered in tattoos, and some of them definitely looked gang related, but you didn't let your eyes linger on them very long. 

"Could I get a vodka and coke?" Robin asked, her fingers tapping anxiously against the hardwood of the bar top. 

The bartender nodded and then looked at you. "Just a sprite would be great" I said smiling.  "Also thank you" 

His lips lifted ever so slightly into a small smile as he went about making our drinks. You smile to yourself, feeling accomplished from making the mean tough man smile.

"You're not drinking?" Robin asks with a raised brow, fingers still tapping away as she spoke. 

"I can feel a headache brewing, don't want to make it worse by drinking tonight" it wasn't a lie, you decently did have a headache brewing, tension from the nerves of finally meeting the mystery man named Eddie. If you added alcohol into the mix tonight you'd be in for a rude awakening tomorrow.

Robin hummed, barely paying attention to what you said, her eyes searching every crevice of the bar.

 "Anxious about Vickie?"

Her eyes were wide, and she was so jittery she looked like a chihuahua. "No! Why would I be? Of course I'm not anxious" she said quickly, but folded even quicker. 

"Well yes, a lot actually, she said she would be here, but what if she doesn't show?" She eagerly grabbed her drink the minute the bartender set them down. You give him another small smile before slapping down some cash for the drinks, and a couple into his tip jar.

 "You talked to her on the phone today right?" Robin nodded, sipping her drink. "And she said she was coming, and that she was really excited to see you right?" You asked, repeating her words from earlier. 

"Yeah she did"

"So then she'll be here Robin don't worry about it" you give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze and she smiles, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.

"I'm sorry for freaking out about it so much"

"Don't apologize, that's what best friends are for, we sign up to listen to you freak out about the same thing a million times, s'just our job" you shrug.

She rolled her eyes, opening her mouth to say something witty probably but the uproar of the gang behind the two of you made her turn around. "Oh!" She yelled and quickly made her way over to the booths. Confused you follow and watched as she envelopes a tall man with long curly hair in a hug. You assume this was the 'Eddie', Max had told you about yesterday but you could only see the back of him. 

Shyly sliding next to Robin, who now held him at arms length, you were finally able to see him. 

My god was he beautiful. You don't know why Robin didn't tell you; You guess the whole being a lesbian thing it probably didn't even occur to her. His skin looked like porcelain, and his eyes were such chocolate brown you were sure they would make anyone who made eye contact with him melt. He was smiling while Robin babbled to him, words you couldn't even make out because you were so entranced by him. He had dimples, and deep lines that formed when he smiled around his eyes and mouth. His face so full of expression, giving you exactly the response you would want from whatever you told him. When his eyes flickered to yours it felt like time had stopped. He furrowed his brows, just slightly, clearly confused as to who you was, but there was something in his eyes you couldn't quite make out, but it made them sparkle. 

"Oh! Let me finally introduce you two" Robin said turning towards you. Snapping you out of your thoughts you shook your head a little, plastering a smile on my face and reaching your hand out towards him. 

"She's a she?" He said turning to robin. "I thought your roommate was a dude this entire time?" 

"No you dingus, I've talked about her before, and she is very much a she, not a dude. Not my fault you gendered a nickname" She said rolling her eyes and returning to the gang behind you. Everyone clearly already having said their hellos, leaving us to get to know each other a little.

"Sorry about that" you blush.

He smiled at you, bringing his hand forward engulfing yours with his and shook it lightly. He repeated your name, and it sounded like heaven coming from his lips. You correct him, and give him your nick name which you prefer to be called but he ignores it, glancing down at your shirt.

"That's my shirt?" He said letting go of your hand to tug at the hem of the fabric. 

"Huh?" you look down at his hand and then back up at him. 

"This is mine, I thought I lost it, but you of all people have it?" He said raising his eyebrow. 

"Oh Robin gave it to me, she didn't want to throw it out, so I took it" You say shyly, looking down at your feet. "I usually sleep in it, I don't listen to them so I feel bad if I wear it out"

"So you're wearing your pyjamas at a bar?" He teased. 

You bit the inside of your cheek and smiled up at him. "I didn't pick out the outfit alright? I'm a lot more colourful than this" You say waving a hand up and down your body. 

"I can tell" He said with a laugh. "Alright I gotta head to the stage, I hope you enjoy the show, even if you don't listen to stuff like this"

"I'm sure I will, break a leg up there" You say, giving him a small thumbs up. He crossed both his fingers on each hand in return. 

When he made it to the stage you grabbed robin; maybe a little too aggressively as she almost spilled her drink all over the floor. "Why didn't you tell me he looked like that?" you spat, trying not to get the attention of the rest of the group. 

"Huh?"

"Eddie!" you exclaim.

"What about Eddie?"

"Oh my god" You ran a hand over your face. "He looks like a fucking sex god Robin and you let me leave the house looking like this?"

"You look cute!" She argued. 

"Maybe! Not cute enough for him" You say throwing your hands up in the air.

"Wait do you like Eddie?" she asks excitedly

"Well I don't know him, so I can't say yes to that, but his fucking face apparently has a way of making me have feelings that's for sure"

Robin snorted. "Oh my god I can't believe you're crushing on Eddie" 

"Robin I swear to god, if you say anything to anyone I will spill so much lego on the floor of your room you will never be able to walk comfortably ever again"

"I never said I was going to say anything!" She said in defence. "But no, I won't say anything. He for sure thinks you're pretty though" she said into her glass. 

"How would you know that?" you snort

"Because he's staring at you" she said smiling.

A panicked quick glance to your right to see that he in fact, really was staring at you. He seemed lost in thought, his drummer talking to him passionately, his hands flying, all while Eddies eyes stayed locked on you. Blushing, you ended up being the first one to break eye contact, but Eddies eyes didn't stray from you for very long. 

About five minutes later Vickie finally showed up and ran full speed to Robin, hugging her so tightly while burying her head into Robins shoulder. They stood like that for a few minutes before finally breaking apart to give each other a cluster of kisses, laughing the whole time. 

You smiled while you watched them, knowing Robin had nothing to worry about. Vickie is hopelessly in love with that woman. 

More people filtered in and eventually people were standing shoulder to shoulder. Robin and Steve creating a protective amount of space around you, knowing know more about these types of crowds. Feeling very grateful to have them as friends who take such good care of you.

When Eddie emerged from the stage again he had removed his leather jacket. Now only a loose black tank top hung over his broad shoulders. His hair tugged half up into a bun to keep it out of his face. When he spoke into the mic I watched as his lips grazed the metal of it with each word. 

"How ya doing Hawkins?" His voice echoed through the bar. People cheering and clapping at the sound of his voice. 

"It's been a while, but I could never forget my favourite place" Another round of cheers. "Were gunna play a couple of our songs, but we wanna end it with the one that started it all, which is a cover of Metallicas Master of Puppets"

The gang excitedly screamed and clapped, encouraging him. 

"Alright, that being said let's get this show fucking started" He almost growled those last few words before he and the rest of his band started jamming on their instruments. Grabbing your camera out of your bag, you snapped a couple pictures of Eddie. For the memories... Obviously.

They were insane. You couldn't really understand the words, and you could feel your headache grow, but being able to watch each of them individually and how much passion they put into their performance it was worth it. 

Eddie looked like be belonged up there, like he was born to be on a stage, or at least the centre of attention. How could he not be with a face like that. His head bobbing along to the music as his fingers diligently worked up and down the neck of his guitar. His tongue jutting out over his top lip as he concentrated on the chords. His bangs were clinging to his forehead, sweat dripping down his face and onto his chest. The once loose fitting tank top now clung to his damp torso. 

When he finally opened his eyes again he looked right at you but it felt like he was looking through you. It felt like your heart had stopped and time had stood still for the second time tonight. You could see Robin look at you out of the corner of your eye but refused to give her the satisfaction of looking back at her.

When the show finally ended, the entire gang was so hyped up and excited. Apparently Eddie and his band had been traveling a bit around the U.S doing small shows, and people seemed to really enjoy them! 

We were all gathered around an old van at the side of the bar while the band came in and out, putting all their equipment in the back of the van. You scuffed the toe of your shoe off the ground while you waited with the rest of them. Robin and Vickie had been attached at the hip the minute Vickie entered the bar, so you drifted off to the side, afraid of bothering the rest of them. 

When Eddie came out and the gang got loud again, all of them exchanging hugs, and 'welcome homes'. You leaned against the side of the van watching them, Unable to hide the smile seeing them have so much love for their friend. A heart grunt from the door next to you made you turn, one of the band guys struggling to carry something. His hand was slipping and made the weight off so you jogged over quickly to grab the other end of whatever it was that he was carrying. It looked like it was an amp. 

"Thanks!" He smiled and huffed. 

"I couldn't just stand there and watch you struggle" You said while straining to keep your end of the amp up high enough to lift up into the van. He let you shift your end in first, clearly noticing your slight struggle. You dusted off your hands on your shorts once the amp was successfully placed into the van. 

"Thanks again" He said raising his hand up to you for a high five you smacked his hand, leaving the two of you with a stingy palm

"No problem"

"I'm Gareth by the way" he said introducing himself quickly before returning to the inside of the bar.

Going back to leaning against the van you crossed your arms over your chest, rubbing your arms and resting your hands on the tops of your shoulders, fighting off the small chill from the light breeze rolling by. Closing your eyes you leaned your forehead against the cool metal of the van, letting yourself relax into it slightly, the cold temperature soothing the dull ache behind your eyes.

"So how'd you like the show?"

Eddies voice startled your, your eyes snapping open with a small flinch. 

He laughed and gave you a sympathetic smile. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you" He said holding up his hands in defence. 

"It's okay" you laughed. "But I liked it. It was cool seeing you up there, very wild" You said honestly.

"I'm not like that all the time" 

"What a rockstar?"

"Well yeah, I'm just a big nerd, town freak, all that good stuff" He said shrugging with a small smile. 

"Aren't we all?" You asked tilting your head to the side. "Probably why we all get along so well huh?" You nod towards the slowly dispersing group of friends. 

He laughed, shoving his hands deep into his pockets, leaning back onto the balls of his feet, with his shoulders tucked up high near his ears. The loud bang of the doors of the van closing made the both of us jump. 

"Good to go Ed" Gareth said giving him a thumbs up. 

"Thanks man" Eddie said with a salute. He turned back to you quickly. "Where you staying? Steves?"

"Uh yeah" 

"I'll drive you" He said pulling out his keys from his pocket. 

"Oh no that's okay I came with- Wait where did she go" You looked around for Robin, spinning in a full circle. "She left with Vickie didn't she"

"About ten minutes ago, when you were helping Gareth with the amp" 

"The sex better be worth it if she's abandoning me" You say with fake annoyance. 

"Your chariot awakes m'lady" He said while dipping into a bow. 

"Why thank you kind sir" You quip with a terrible fake British accent, accompanied by a clumsy curtsy. Eddie reached for your hand, grabbing it and leading you up to the passenger side of the van which you now realized was his. He opened the door and continued to hold your hand to help me up and into the seat. After closing your door he jogged around the front and quickly got into the drivers seat. 

You clipped in your seatbelt, setting your bag on the floor by your feet. "Is it okay if I cross my legs?" You asked looking towards him. 

"Yeah why wouldn't it be?" He said turning around, one hand placed on the back of your headrest as he reversed out of the parking spot. You could smell him like this, sweat, beer, and some sort of cologne you couldn't decipher. 

"Didn't know if you were one of those car people" You joke while tucking your legs up and crossing them.

"You mean like Steve?" He said glancing at you. 

"Exactly that" 

"This van is probably older than me, it reeks of weed and cigarettes, you could pretty much do anything in here, I don't mind"

"I'll keep that in mind for when I have to pee" You tease. "I'll just pee my pants"

He scrunched his nose. "Okay maybe no pissing on my seats"

"Too late, I make no promises" 

"You're funny. I like it" 

"Oh, uh, thank you" You blush looking down at your hands, suddenly finding the nail polish on them very interesting. 

"So, tell me about yourself"

You groan. "That's like the worst way to get to know someone!"

"How is that the worst way to get to know someone? It's such a simple question!" He argued. 

"Oh it absolutely isn't! It's like the worst question they ask you at job interviews, I never know what they want to hear!"

He laughed loudly and you couldn't help but laugh with him. His head tilting back slightly. "Okay well what do you want me to know about you?"

"Oh fuck that seems even harder... Let me think about that for a moment" You said, and he let you. You sat in silence for a few minutes while you racked your brain for anything you thought was maybe interesting enough about yourself to tell him. 

"I like taking pictures?" You say, catching a side glance at him.

"What do you like to take pictures of?" He asked without a beat, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel.

"Anything really, I journal them often"

"You journal them?"

"Yeah, I tape them into a notebook, with kind of like a diary entry about whatever I wanna write about, and then I'll say something about the pictures and then cover the page with stickers and doodles"

"Are you gunna put the pictures of me in there?"

Your heart squeezed. "Yeah I might" you admit "You gunna be jealous if I don't?"

"My heart would be absolutely crushed princess" He said while taking one hand off of the wheel to clutch at his heart.

Princess. 

A small giggled bubbled in your chest, and a snort escaped amongst the laugh you let out. 

"What a wonderful sound that is" he said with a dreamy sounding sigh.

"What is?"

"Your laugh" he said turning to glance at you. 

#hellfiremunsonn #hellfiremunsonn stuckwithme #eddie #stranger things #eddie munson #steve harrington #stranger things fic #eddie munson smut #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson x reader #Eddie Munson fic #Eddie Munson x you #eddie munson x female reader

[inchidentally]

https://x.com/landosparadise/status/1747644657398419506?s=20

I'm starting to believe in the power of your essays because in a strange way they reflect reality :)

landosparadise twitter

oh babe listen, the fact that I cannot contain myself is not that I'm trying to infect others I promise <3 what anyone can take from quotes like these is that it isn't wrong to take all of the concrete things we've seen and read about Lando and Oscar's partnership and decide that a whole lot of mutual respect and even fondness is clearly there. and that they communicate pretty damn well and that's helped not a little by being basically the same age and sharing a lot of similarities as people. and by not leaping to the whole bromance thing and having to maintain that image, and neither of them being typical "alpha" types, there's a solid hope for their partnership not turning sour. those are very sweet conclusions that can be drawn without me writing any kind of parasocial essays! that's the best part for me, that I can have my fun and everything but truly at it's core there's a reason why the Lando and Oscar partnership is so exciting to every kind of McLaren fan.

.

.

BUT SINCE YOU SEEMED TO BE EVEN REMOTELY ASKING… (comedic trombone sound)

this part especially drives me insane.

when asked whether he was able to learn anything from his rookie teammate. "Keeping calm and being yourself, it's good to be reminded of that."

bc Lando loves and respects specific things about all of his F1 buddies. and it was a no-brainer that he learned a lot from his older, more established teammates (esp Carlos who basically found Lando in a basket outside his driver's room door). but all of those guys have either been his friends for years or he's known of them/interacted with them for years. but then Oscar arrives as this unknown and he's so mature for his age and doesn't seem easily fazed. and not only does he not demand that Lando help him out he also doesn't try to ingratiate himself with Lando to help out his own image (and remember, Oscar was enemy number one with McLaren, Alpine and Daniel Ricciardo fans - and still is for some of them). didn't try to launch a bromance the way most of these partnerships do (with varying success).

he did the most jarring, unlikely thing ever: he stepped back, fully embraced his role as the number 2 driver, accepted whoever Lando decided to be, and let Lando determine the relationship. he showed up and celebrated every high Lando had without fail. Lando was handed unconditional respect and he got it from a teammate who himself has refused to pander or be insincere. Oscar risks looking boring or withdrawn rather than dance. and he's shown nothing but respect - and fondness! - for the kaleidoscope of personality that Lando is.

because!

Oscar was a Lando fanboy for 8 years! Oscar knew Lando before meeting Lando in a way no one else in racing has! Oscar is not Just a Guy he watches, he listens, he cares! Oscar doesn't seem to have a lick of toxic masculinity about him and all of the F1 elders who know him say what an old soul he is and how mature he is!

and we know already that Lando felt he learned things from Oscar in a racing sense. so for Lando to go so far as to say that his rookie teammate helped remind him how to stay true to himself is just !! especially considering that their personalities have equally been a source of being misunderstood in ways that are often extremely infuriating.

also, Oscar complements so much about Lando in terms of how they approach their careers and media duties and racing and I think in a lot of ways Lando doesn't fully know how to feel about that? bc Lando's someone who can blur the lines between a person being helpful to him and someone he needs in his life. each year we get that adorable dinner photo of all the people who've supported Lando's career for the past 10 years. so to find himself pinging back and forth so well with Oscar's approach to all those things, there's got to be a concern of "am I going to start needing this guy in my life too?" it's way too early for that to be a major concern of course but I feel like it could be there.

"better than I feel like I remember I was when I started" "I think that is something that I've gotten a lot better with over the years - I know how to deal with all of these things much better myself now. I have a lot of respect for Oscar in how he was able to stay so calm in a new environment, in Formula 1, on the big stage."

okay this part !! bc I remember the anon I got who meticulously pointed out how Lando has been doing for Oscar what he remembers wishing he'd had for himself when he started out in F1. and that as Alex Albon said it's not really the natural M.O. of a more experienced driver to mentor a competitor or a teammate. it's not team sports - each driver is there to beat everyone else, esp their teammate as they're essentially driving the same car. but Lando's soft heart !! Lando's not like everyone else!

and that's the thing I always make sure to state is that while Carlos and Daniel were both definitely overwhelmed at times over how much Lando needs to have that tender connection with the men in his life - and have it above all else - they weren't doing him wrong at all by placing their own performance in F1 above him. they're what honestly every other guy in F1 is. and Alex is honestly probably one of the most empathetic, soft-hearted guys on the current grid so for him to say it's not in his responsibilities to nurture another driver is pretty definitive as a rule - especially bc he ended up doing that to some degree with Logan (the 'seeing myself in him' explains that a lot). but yeah, Lando's warm soft heart overruling his racing driver head is extremely unusual in F1. like basically unheard of.

and while it's so much healthier that Carlos and Daniel became the good friends that they did and specifically NOT Lando's teammates, I wrote this whole thing about how Lando went into the partnership with Oscar unusually guarded. not only was he clearly unsure about the idea of being the older and experienced teammate, he definitely wasn't interested in leaping into another bromance only to discover that the other guy has the exact same bromance with about five other dudes in his life.

Lando doesn't at all seem do that - at least from a fandom distance, he seems to form unique friendships with each person in his life. he may be a will-o-wisp person and be difficult to pin down and get hold of sometimes, but the people he decides to form a relationship with are locked into that for good (from what we can tell). he'll do the bromance bit with Carlos and Daniel that they want but he also demanded that he have some specific definition among all their other friends.

Lando is a ✧Me✧ and if you don't want to respect that then you don't get to have his time. I think it's even why he has a joking "rivalry" with some of his friends' girlfriends. bc - and I emphasize this is all humorous and not serious - there's a little bit of a rivalry for attention there! Lando seem to kinda end up making men in love with him in some way (paternal, brotherly, friendship, confused and horny, etc). he meets them and they're kinda fucked up about him forever in some way. dudes especially tend to clump their friends by category and hang out in groups apart from maybe one super close best friend. but it seems like Lando can't be lumped in with anybody else. he's almost like the unattainable hot girl who's a model and also independently wealthy and also a gamer and also F1 superstar that guys just desperately want to orbit as closely as they're allowed. if she says 'wanna hang out' they'd leave their grandma's funeral and rush over.

so like, all of Lando's complexities and the uniqueness of his career and his weird and usually frenetic personal journey considered - I'm just slightly insane over the fact that he said Oscar helped him remember to just be himself and to try to find calm out in the circus. what a wonderful thing to say about someone you've only known for a year and who hasn't in any way pushed for a relationship beyond what you want from them.

#inchreplies #sorry lol #big shock I get weird #inchidentallyanessay #landoscar lore

[russenoire]

we like to talk about the kind heart beating at the center of mob psycho 100...

its eminently huggable and relatable main characters...

the surprising maturity and accessibility of its psychological themes, the tightrope it walks between pathos and absurd humor, the abundance of sensitive neurodivergent representation within, and—for a story with a predominantly male cast—its largely unsexualized and refreshingly real girls and women.

i could keep listing more aspects of this story that i adore, honestly. but for me, it was one specific aspect of the writing that struck me the hardest.

as a person who used to inhale film and TV criticism like folks in the US devour breakfast cereal, i live for subversions of tired, well-worn storytelling patterns (call them tropes if you must). MP100 is full to leaking with subverted expectations. but only rarely do i ever see a writer subvert a done-to-death pattern and then subvert the subversion.

studio bones and ONE's writing work together to pull this off in the fifth episode of MP100's first season. on my first watch, i had to pick my jaw up off the floor at what i was seeing.

this got... long... more below the cut.

first, a little bit of framework.

the concept of single combat drives much of the action (and comedy) in shōnen fighting series.

it simplifies the conflict between cultures, between ways of life, between ideals, to a question of who is stronger in a no-holds-barred match between two people. the answer decides the fates of whole nations, hopefully but not always spares both sides from further bloodshed, and it's older than dirt.

the cathartic appeal of such distillation is not entirely lost on me, but i also crave novelty and nuance? and seem to be aging out of the shōnen demographic as a result. 'my kung-fu is stronger than yours!' 'yeah? well, i'm fucking bored with attempts to settle this question with fists or magic and no longer care.'

i do not count MP100 as a fighting series; the story doesn't conflate personal growth with increasing skill at punching shit and would hold up as a coming-of-age story quite well without battles. while MP100 flirts shamelessly with many fighting series clichés, it actively refuses to commit to those it engages. it rejects this one entirely by story's end.

when teruki hanazawa first becomes aware that shigeo kageyama exists and shares his easy facility with ESP, he and the audience are led to believe that the two boys will enter into a showdown like those we've seen so many times before. they'll fight it out like the real men they'll be soon, and a clear victor will emerge from the wreckage in their wake.

shigeo, of course, is flatly uninterested and baffled at this stranger fighting him unprovoked. teru figures he can preserve his view of the world by simply bringing the boy to heel, just as he has with everyone else around him. even after the little blond chuunibyou twists him until his bones crack... waterboards him in the depths of black vinegar middle school's swimming pool...

[image ID: a teenaged boy in his physical education uniform of white tee shirt and red shorts is shown from the back and below him... at the very bottom of a swimming pool. he has been plunged in against his will; a barrier of sorts can be seen around his body -- his own defense against the middle schooler attacking him.]

demolishes much of the school grounds, wielding his spindly body as a wrecking-ball...

shigeo will not yield. nor does he indulge teru in his pointless lust for battle.

he doesn't see him as an enemy and, more importantly, doesn't want to hurt him. the child is painfully aware of how easily he could kill this boy, so he endures the abuse, though not without protest. i'd never seen a shōnen anime series that even presented refusing to fight as an option.

[image ID: a bowl-cut-sporting teenage boy in a white tee shirt with a red collar stands hunched over and facing his antagonist offscreen to the viewer's right, in anticipation of another attack. he is saying 'i told you to stop that.' in the background is a statue of a human figure with arms raised above its head in victory. it will soon be made to topple onto him.]

though shigeo refuses to play this game at all, the lack of damage teru is able to inflict on him with ESP and his concise verbal summation of the profound insecurity driving teru's behavior already prove shigeo's superiority. teru needs to feel supported and justified in this unwarranted attack on another boy just like him, and so he demands, over and over, that shigeo fight back... that he show his powers. but it never sinks in for him that he's seeing them in action.

in the end, teru gives up on forcing shigeo's submission with ESP and uses his raw physical strength to strangle the young kageyama... who then plays this trope straight and utterly traumatizes teru into adopting a different outlook on life. after he passes the fuck out.

with teru's one-sided, tragic attempt at a brawl between himself and another esper child, ONE sends up the entire concept of magical single combat so hard it hits low earth orbit.

to make abundantly clear just how ridiculous this shit actually is? shigeo strips teru naked, then drains him dry of psychic energy by way of his fucking groin (in the anime) for even forcing him into this. you know, just for the extra humiliation. the boy's already been shaven like a fallen samurai at this point.

and teru's need to resist the challenge shigeo's existence presents to his way of life? we are made to see just how much harm that resistance to reality actually causes.

shattered glass, crushed concrete, wrecked doors, busted faucets spewing everywhere and wasting water—the camera lingers on these in-story, real-world consequences. actual shōnen fighting series rarely address such collateral damage outside of personal vendettas or playing it for comedy. (the comic bits here are almost necessary to leaven the pathos we're seeing, and are inseparable from that sadness.)

teru nearly commits first-degree murder twice and causes major property damage i doubt he had the power to fix. don't you dare look away, MP100's creators say. we need you, gentle watcher, to bear witness. teru is wrong. THIS WHOLE APPROACH to conflict is wrong. look again. does this remind you of anything?

and shigeo doesn't get off the hook either, though i'm inclined to give him a pass because reasons. he summarily flattens the rest of teru's school, finishing the job, and launches it (and him) above the clouds, but at least murder isn't on the table? the child suffers greatly for this unconscious act of retribution and continues to punish himself for this madness for some time... even after cleaning up the mess they both made when he returns to his senses.

no one wins here. what is 'winning'? what is 'losing'? are we even asking the right questions?

this arc—but especially this 'fight'—is darkly, absurdly funny, thought-provoking, and one of the most heartbreaking and moving things i'd seen in a long time. it sold me on this story and keeps me coming back in astonishment and gratitude.

(this is an expansion of part of a recap i wrote for this episode. you can read it here.)

#mob psycho 100 #mp100 #philosophy #mp100 meta #mp100 s1 rewatch #mp100 s1e5 #peak tv #my kung fu is stronger than yours #single combat #damn good writin' #double trope subversions #what did i just watch #誠にありがとございました #links to my writing elsewhere #kageyama shigeo #hanazawa teruki #分析

[vlion]

Could I please request poly blackbonnet x fem reader smut?

The Kraken, The Lighthouse, and The Siren (Edward Teach/Stede Bonnet/Female Reader)

Author’s Note*: Thank you so much for your request, I hope you enjoy! I traveled and then got COVID throughout the process of writing this so I apologize for the delay. I feel like I'm incapable of writing smut without plot, so hopefully the little backstory and build-up I included is cohesive and adds to the experience. I also see and love all the requests in my inbox (requests are still closed at this time), and I will get to work on them soon. Thanks again!

*I also wanted to say that I received some...interesting comments and messages when I announced this fic. I personally view Ed and Stede as bisexual, as I identify this way, and I find it comforting to believe that two of my favorite characters may identify the same way as I. Yes, this is technically a headcannon, and I acknowledge this, but I believe the way that each character is represented in ofmd is done so in a fluid manner, allowing for open discourse and creation around the topic. I felt the need to say this to respond indirectly to the messages I received, and I wanted to let you all know that I am constantly learning and listening to what each of you have to say. I am grateful to have built my own following in a corner of the internet where we can all be open and supportive of each other. Thank you all for being here, and I look forward to writing for you more!

Link to AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40400847

Content Warnings/General Themes: ⚠ 18+ content: by reading this you affirm you are over the age of 18 years or over the age of maturity as stated in your regional or local guidelines. AFAB! Female-Identifying Reader (female pronouns/terms of endearment used), Bi! Edward Teach/Blackbeard, Bi! Stede Bonnet, making out, love confessions, mentions of eating/refusing food, oral (male/female receiving), 'Captain' kink, spit kink, dom/sub undertones, very slight hurt/comfort, threesome, p-in-v smut, lots of swearing, choking

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 9,434 (oh my god)

It had all happened so fast.

You had been taken in as a stowaway aboard the Revenge by none other than the Gentleman Pirate, after he found you stranded at sea. Your previous captain and crew had nearly thrown you overboard after finding out your ‘secret identity’, muttering something about how it was bad luck to even have you on board in the first place. You felt rightfully frustrated at this policy–you had just as much right to be there as any of them, not to mention the fact that you had saved their asses countless times and sacrificed your own true identity for the sake of simply being on the ship.

Whatever, they were just sexist assholes; at least, that’s what the so-called ‘Blackbeard’ had said to you upon your arrival at your new home at sea. Both he and his ‘co-captain’–because apparently that was a thing–were quick to assure you that you were welcome on the Revenge, no matter your background. Stede had been the one to ensure that you were comfortable in your new surroundings, introducing you to the other crew and even setting aside some clothes for you to wear and letting you crash on his couch, as everything you had accumulated over the years was left behind on the other ship.

You were surprised at their kindness, as you had heard mixed rumors about each of them. Blackbeard–or Ed, as you now knew him as–certainly had a reputation that made you a bit hesitant to get close to him. The same was true for Stede as well, but for all the opposite reasons. While Ed was painted as some sort of relentless killer, Stede had been described as an amateur, who had paid his way to piracy. You now knew those things weren’t entirely true, and each of them amounted to much more than their reputations. And to be honest, you couldn’t help but feel drawn to the ways in which they prove those generalizations to be inaccurate. Seeing Blackbeard engage in crew bonding exercises, and Captain Bonnet order people around, never fails to make you smile. And turn you on. But that was a whole different story.

Recently, tensions had been high amongst the crew of the Revenge. With your previous crew still holding a grudge, as well as the English Crown constantly on all of your asses for, well, existing; nearly everyone was on edge. Even Stede, who was usually able to be a source of guidance and light during difficult situations, had confined himself to his room, trying to determine the best course of action. Seeing him like that, in such a state of panic and uncertainty, it made you want to do something–anything–to get him out of that headspace.

As Stede continued to isolate himself, you eventually shared your thoughts with Ed, and he agreed that something needed to be done. Over the course of a week or so, the two of you had gathered up supplies at various trading posts, and gained insight about a private island that had apparently been captured by a mutual friend of yours, who gladly allowed you entry–of course, after Ed had threatened the man in order to ensure that he wasn’t leading you and the rest of the crew into a trap. The man had insisted he was telling the truth and you had to believe him–especially after Ed had nearly broken the poor guy's wrist after pinning him against a wall over the course of the–very heated–conversation. It was hot as fuck.

Maybe that was why you let him kiss you the night you returned from your little escapade. Actually, it was more like an all-out makeout session, complete with lip-biting and the occasional gasp for air. You had been preparing to cook a feast that was sure to keep everyone well fed for however long you were to stay anchored at the island, and just as you left it to cook you were greeted with a hungry-looking Ed in the doorway of the galley. Of course, in the moment, you didn’t realize just what he was actually hungry for–even offering to cook him something to hold him over until dinner. The smug bastard had actually belly-laughed at that, refusing your offer but asking if he could kiss you instead, making heat flood to your cheeks.

How in the everloving fuck did you not pick up on Blackbeard trying to flirt with you? Regardless, you gave into his request, and that’s how you found yourself perched atop the counter with Ed between your legs, his hands wandering across the top half of your body as you lost yourself in his lips and soft touches.

You were pretty sure multiple crew members had walked in on the two of you, probably chatting among themselves about the scene they had–unknowingly–committed themselves to. It was quite a sight–you, the innocent stowaway, caged in by the big bad Blackbeard, his lips molding to yours while his leather-clad lower half pressed into your core.

Eventually, he was the one who broke the kiss, mumbling something about how he was needed on the upper deck, and with one final peck on the lips, he was off. You checked on the food and covered it, setting it aside for later. You took a portion of it out and tasted it, before placing a serving into a bowl just as you had done for the past couple nights.

During Stede’s ‘retreat’ of sorts, he had often neglected to eat, always offering some type of excuse or claiming that he was too busy. You were grateful, however, that Stede did eat when you brought him food. You always stayed with him when he ate, allowing him to share whatever thoughts had crossed his mind as of recently regardless of the fact that you generally saw him three times a day or more. You couldn’t help but feel protective of him, constantly checking on him and ensuring he was alright. One day in particular, when he clearly didn’t want anything to do with, well, anything, you laid with him and soothed him as best you could, holding his hand when he started overthinking and entering into a state of crisis, as well as sharing some stories from your childhood and listening to his.

Yeah, so basically, you had fallen for Stede. And now Ed, apparently, if your impromptu makeout session meant anything. Besides the reputation-based rumors you had heard upon boarding the ship, you had also heard that the two men may have been more than just friends. You observed firsthand the selfless way in which they seemed to care for each other, not to mention the lingering stares and small moments of intimacy they would share in passing. Cosmically, it all seemed right to you–like the three of you fit together. The only thing you wished was that you were included in their little…whatever they had going on. Stede and Ed were like two opposite ends of a spectrum, the Kraken and the Lighthouse, with you, the Siren, balancing them out in the middle–a perfect combination of rigidity and debonair.

It just made sense; which may have been why you shared your thoughts with Stede in the first place. You had shared a few drinks with him one night, trying to make him laugh despite all the things on his mind, and casually let it slip that you could see yourself with him and Ed. Both of you laughed off the idea, but part of you wished that he took your feelings to heart and perhaps even acted on them.

At least you had Ed–kind of; if you could count randomly making out in the kitchen as something.

You were drawn out of your thoughts as you approached the door to yours and Stede’s shared room, knocking in a pattern that Stede knew as yours.

“Come in!” You heard through the door, in Stede’s distinct inflection. You were glad to hear he still had the chipper, optimistic tone of voice you had come to love even when he was left to his own devices.

“How’s it going tonight, Captain?” You asked him, and he smiled at the term of authority-turned nickname you often used.

“Not too bad, but I certainly missed my favorite meal-delivery person–who also happens to be my roommate and personal chef!” He said, eyes warm as you approached him and handed him his dinner.

“Not to burst your bubble or anything, Stede, but today I cooked for everyone. I don’t think that makes me–”

“Yeah, I heard. Ed told me all about it.” He said, in a relatively serious and knowing tone.

Your eyes widened. Helping out on the upper deck, my ass, you thought, recalling the bullshit excuse Ed had given you earlier.

“Listen…Stede…what happened between me and Ed, it was a heat of the moment thing,” you started, carefully gauging his reaction as you went on. “I don’t even know if I have fully processed it myself, and I know I love spending time with you as well, and I heard the two of you are also kinda a thing-”

“Darling, I’m not mad. I was the one who told Ed to make a move in the first place.” He said, nonchalantly taking a bite of his meal.

Your brow furrowed as you took a moment to collect yourself. “Wait…seriously?” You cautiously sat down next to Stede as he continued to eat, who paused slightly to nod his head, confirming your suspicions.

He raised the fork he was using to eat and gestured towards you as he spoke once more. “Poor Ed couldn’t get you off his mind and came to me for advice and obviously because I have such a great track-record of relationships under my belt, I told him to do whatever felt right, which was apparently to corner you in the kitchen and make out like teenagers, if I heard him correctly?”

You snorted at the description he gave, realizing how accurate it truly was. You took a moment to lock eyes with Stede, finding comfort in the earnest and sincere look he had on his face. You reached out and placed a hand on his cheek, figuring that you should probably tell him how you felt if you already made it to–at least–second base with his other half.

“Stede, I…” You let your hand slide down to his shoulder, offering some pressure to work his tense muscles.

“Go on darling, I’m listening.” He offered, placing his dish out of the way so you could have his full attention.

“I really like you. Both of you. And, like, I think you know but also I didn’t know how this was going to work,” you said, gesturing between you, him, and an imaginary third-party. “Ed and I were planning something to cheer you up, and I think he caught on during all that and I honestly should have told you–”

Stede cut you off once again, this time with his lips on yours. Even though you had been affectionate with him before and more physically comfortable with him as you shared a room with him, you found yourself shocked at his sudden advance. You welcomed it, obviously, but you almost couldn’t believe that you were really kissing Stede.

As you deepened the kiss, you noticed his style of kissing was far more gentle and rhythmic than Ed’s more chaotic and sloppy method. Stede took the time to really feel the curve of your lips on his own, savoring the lingering taste of sugar and dough that had come as a result of you tasting the meal you had just prepared.

You moved to sit on his lap, straddling his thighs while he moved his lips to your neck and jaw. You gasped at the action, not expecting him to kiss you in those sensitive regions. You softly ran your hands along his shoulders and back, massaging and rubbing what you could reach. This was certainly a way to relieve some of his stress, that’s for sure.

Just as you started to get into a good rhythm, Stede pulled back, looking up at you with one of the most genuine smiles you had seen on him since he entered his funk.

“I would love to sit here and do this with you all night, my love, but we should rest up for tomorrow–we’ve got a big day ahead of us.”

You tilted your head to the side and furrowed your brow, curious as to what he was on about.

At your quizzical response, Stede continued. “We’re dropping anchor at the island tomorrow, remember?” You rolled your eyes at Ed’s lack of ability to keep his mouth shut. “Yeah, Ed let that slip too,” he continued, “...and…hopefully you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of suggesting that you, Ed, and I get our own private bungalow…if you catch my drift.” He said, waving his eyebrows at the last bit.

Yeah, you totally caught his drift. Now all you had to do was survive through the night and following day without going completely weak at the knees.

~

You awoke the next morning feeling literally better than ever. The ship was anchored at a lovely part of the island that allowed you to see white sand and clear water for miles, with a few living spaces and natural flora strewn about. Stede had woken you up with a kiss on the forehead, before letting you know he was going to scope out the island with Ed and a few others. You had taken your time in getting ready, dolling yourself up a bit to embrace the relaxing vibes.

As you made your way onto solid land–after greeting a rather cheerful Lucius and sharing a few words with Jim–you nearly tripped over your feet when your eyes locked onto the scene unfolding in front of you.

Stede and Ed were doing what you could only describe as ‘frolicking’ in the water along the beach. Your eyes immediately traveled to Ed’s bare chest, and the various tattoos that adorned his body. He hadn’t seen you yet, so luckily he couldn’t embarrass you about ogling over him just yet, but you couldn’t seem to take your eyes off of him in the meantime.

That is, until Stede came into view. He emerged from the water, looking like the culmination of every fantasy you had had about the seemingly innocent man. Unlike Ed, he had chosen to leave his white undershirt on, with the top buttons undone. The way his broad chest glistened in the sunlight with droplets of water and slightest hint of sweat, as well as how the transparency of the wet shirt allowed you to see his form, had you clenching your thighs together and swallowing the saliva that had unknowingly accumulated in your mouth.

Damn, they were hot. And come to think of it–you were too. The heat index had to be skyrocketing on this particular day, and the sun reflecting off the crashing waves did little to cool you. With another swallow for good measure, you began your descent down the sloped beach, leaving your shoes in the sand as you approached the two men in the water.

“Hello darling! We were just wondering when you might turn up,” Stede said, flashing his signature smile in your direction.

“Yeah, I was starting to think you blew us off to go hang out with Jim or some shit,” Ed added.

You rolled your eyes, stepping closer to the two men. “First of all, there is other important…business…that Jim can get up to on their own other than ‘hanging out’ with me, thank you very much,” you said, gesturing at the person in question to further what you were saying. “And second,” you continued, glancing between the two men, “I wanted to see what you two were up to.”

Ed pursed his lips and let out a huff. “Hmm, that’s funny.”

“What?” You shot back.

He turned to face you. “Nothing, I’m just trying to figure out where in that little speech of yours that you were going to explain why you were drooling over us a minute ago,” Ed said, with a cocky, shit-eating grin on his face.

Your eyes widened, and if Stede hadn’t been there as well you would have seriously considered slapping the look straight off of Ed’s face. Or kissing it off. Or both.

Stede moved to stand between you and the other man. “Now, now, Ed. Stop teasing Y/N! We’re supposed to be relaxing, remember?!” You couldn’t help but realize how much Stede looked like a father scolding his rambunctious child at that moment. Sometimes you forgot the man was a father outside of his life of piracy, and to be honest, you couldn’t help but find that rather–

Ed interrupted your thoughts. “Well Y/N certainly seems to be relaxing, if you know what I mean...”

You moved past Stede so that you were face to face with Ed. “Edward Teach, you are going to fucking GET IT!” You said, highlighting your statement with an–almost comically lackluster–splash.

Ed feigned surprise, using a hand to cover his open mouth. “Yeah? Don’t start something you aren’t going to finish, sweetheart,” he said, hesitating before doing anything in response. The action itself was kind of cute, but you weren’t in the mood for cute–you were out for blood.

“You should tell yourself that,” you said with a sly smile, before lunging towards him and splashing him a few times in rapid succession, noticing the way Stede seemed to be debating between running for the hills and stepping between the two of you once more. As Stede opted for a sort-of middle ground where he almost seemed to be supervising the two of you, Ed had begun splashing you in response, effectively soaking your upper half. Of course, you had opted to wear a blouse similar to the one Stede was currently wearing (as he had loaned it to you upon arrival), so you were certain the two men in front of you were getting quite the view of your form.

You closed your eyes as Ed’s splashes became too overwhelming, and you missed the way each of the men followed the curve of your body as you raised your hands above your head in surrender and said “that’s enough!”

With one final flick of water which earned him a look of annoyance from you, Ed halted his actions.

You lowered your arms and wiped any remaining water from your face and eyes, shaking your arms and upper body to try and dry what you could. Stede approached you at this point, his hand connecting with your cheek as he angled your head up so his eyes could meet yours.

“Did he go too hard on you?” He innocently asked, but you couldn’t help but laugh at the innuendo that the statement insinuated. Stede smiled in response, rubbing your cheek with his thumb. Of course, the sweet moment was interrupted by the grey-haired pirate who you nearly forgot was standing near you.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help but feel like I’m interrupting something here…” he said, and you were reminded that you hadn’t had the chance to tell him about the moment you shared with Stede the previous night. Your fears, however, were relieved by Stede chuckling and inviting Ed to join the two of you, which led you to assume that Stede had already filled him in.

You reached out for Ed as he approached you, stroking your hand up and down his toned arm when he was within reach. “For the record, I was only staring earlier because I enjoy seeing the mighty Blackbeard frolicking on the beach in my free time.”

He laughed a genuine laugh at that. “Sure, Y/N, you keep telling yourself that. Whatever you have to do to sleep at night.”

You glanced between him and Stede before speaking again. “Right…so about sleeping…” you broached, and once you received confused looks from each of them, you continued on. “Stede told me about our…uh…sleeping arrangements tonight…”

“And, let me guess, you can’t stop thinking about what’s to come?” Stede added, as if he was reading your mind.

You nodded, suddenly feeling a little flustered at both your close proximity to the two men as well as from the effects of the warm sun on your skin. You saw Ed smirk out of the corner of your eye at your admission, and then felt him walk up behind you and wrap his arms around your middle.

“Is this okay?” He asked, moving your hair to the side to reveal your neck.

“Of course,” you responded, locking eyes with Stede as Ed started kissing your neck and jaw. As you moved your head to the side to allow him better access, you locked eyes with Stede, who had moved to be directly in front of you. “Can I touch you?” You asked him, and were immediately met with him frantically nodding.

As Ed reached around to untuck the shirt you were wearing to access your skin underneath, you reached your own hands up to where Stede’s shirt had opened, and ran your fingers over his bare chest. You stroked your hands up and down, then used the collar of his shirt to pull him in for a kiss.

You moved to deepen the kiss, effectively sandwiching yourself between the two men, and you could sense the raw, primal desire each of the men had for you. You could also feel it in the way Stede’s kiss was all teeth and tongue, and how Ed’s tightening pants behind you rubbed against your ass.

You pulled away from Stede but continued your actions with your hands, turning your head to be in line with Ed’s ear. “When was the last time you had a proper fuck?” You asked him, kissing his earlobe as you waited for a response.

“Wouldn’t you like to know, sweetheart?” He nearly growled, accentuating his statement by gripping your hips tightly. “Do you think about me like that? Think about us, like that? Huh?”

You opened your mouth to respond but were cut off by an obscenely loud–and incredibly inconvenient–whistle from behind you. You, Ed, and Stede were off each other in an instant, heads whipping towards the source of the sound. What you weren’t prepared for, was to see nearly the entire crew of the Revenge making their way towards you.

Stede greeted his crew with a wave, making his way towards them and beckoning you over in the process.

Yeah, this was going to be a long day.

~

The night had fallen, as had your heart, after the events of the day. Besides the obligatory vacation and crew festivities that kept you busy, you couldn’t help but anxiously await the anticipated events of the night.

Stede and Ed had their fun with you nearly the entire day, mostly through lingering touches and hushed conversations, doing nothing to make the time spent with the crew pass any quicker. You had eventually called it quits as the sun began to set, excusing yourself as you headed towards your rather luxurious living quarters for the night, which is where you found yourself now.

You glanced up from where you were perched on perhaps the largest bed you had ever seen. From your position, you could see the gorgeous living room that had greeted you upon arrival, as well as the kitchen and stairs to the guest room. You assumed that you would be sleeping there tonight, but upon locating the bed that nearly swallowed you whole, you figured that you and your two companions could all fit here.

A knock at the front door had you up in an instant. The knock was accompanied by an “anybody home?” that was far too chipper to be anyone other than Stede.

You opened the door once you reached it, smiling upon realizing that Ed had tagged along with Stede. “Hey boys!” You greeted, backing up to allow them inside. What you didn’t anticipate, however, was for Ed to barge in before Stede and push you up against the nearest wall, his hands finding your hips while his lips found yours. It was a filthy kiss, clearly only initiated to bring about…something more. Something that you had been thinking about for the better part of your time with the captains of the Revenge.

You pulled back–much to Ed’s dismay–and immediately cradled his face as you began to speak, hearing Stede approach you from behind, similar to the position you found yourself in just hours ago.

“So…” you droned on, angling yourself so that you could get a look at both men.

“So…” Stede replied, smirking at your sudden bashfulness.

Ed grunted and gripped your hips, drawing your attention back to him. “Do you want this sweetheart?” He asked sweetly, genuine concern in his eyes. “Want us?” He added, before leaning back to gauge your reaction.

You looked between him and Stede with a smirk, before responding. “I’ve wanted this for longer than you could ever know.”

Stede raised an eyebrow at that. “Is that right?” He asked, smoothing a hand down your side and resting it on Ed’s hand. You were starting to get used to being sandwiched between the two men, especially when you caught the tender look shared between them as you let out a sigh of contentment and nodded.

“Care to share your thoughts with the class, Y/N?” Ed teased, his grip on your hips tightening.

You bit your lip and pulled away, their hands falling away from your body. “What if I showed you, instead?” You asked, reaching a hand out for each of them to take. Stede obliged, intertwining his fingers with yours and leading you towards the bedroom, while Ed settled for a slight slap on your ass and followed closely behind.

You were quick to push Stede onto the bed, straddling him while you helped him take off his–many–layers. You heard Ed doing the same behind you, and were greeted by him in just his leather pants, and you were not modest in the way you checked him out.

He opened his mouth to speak but you were quick to stop him. “Ed, I swear if you are about to ask me if I ‘like what I see’ I will literally make you sit and watch while me and Stede-”

He cut you off with a chuckle. “Woah. I was actually going to ask if you wanted to suck my dick, but now that I know that you’re into voyeurism, I might just take you up on that offer.”

Your face dropped and you rolled your eyes, and you were about to turn your attention back to a now shirtless Stede when you felt a strong grip on your chin. Ed angled your face to turn back towards his, his eyes now hooded and dark.

“Did you just fucking roll your eyes at me?” He questioned, and you felt your heart drop at his words. You had never seen Ed in what he and Stede referred to as ‘Blackbeard Mode,’ and now that it was fully on display you couldn’t help but feel a little scared…but also incredibly turned on.

The grip on your chin loosed, only for Ed to move it to your neck. “Answer me!” Ed demanded, which nearly sent you into a panic–a sexy, heart racing type of panic.

“Yeah, I did.” You mumbled under your breath.

Ed narrowed his eyes. “What was that?” He asked.

You cleared your throat as best you could given your current position, and felt Stede’s hands slide delicately up your back to relax you. You caved at their actions, softening as you let down your guard. “I did Ed, I’m sorry...” you replied, louder than your previous statement.

Ed removed his hand from your neck, stroking it down your cheek softly. “Don’t apologize, sweetheart–I’m just fuckin’ with you. You know I like the difficult ones.” At your confused look, he nodded towards the other man before adding, “just ask Stede. That man has the mouth of a sailor…pun fully intended,” he said with a wink, nearly making you roll your eyes again and defeat the entire purpose of…whatever the hell this was.

Instead, your eyes widened slightly at the new information, before turning back to Stede. “Is it true, Stede?” You asked, still slightly taken aback that the seemingly innocent blonde was something else entirely in bed.

He responded by pulling your hips towards him, and angling you so that your core could grind against his erection, leaning in so he could speak into your ear. “I guess you’ll have to find out, darling.” He said in a voice you nearly didn’t recognize, before continuing. “Also, that’s ‘Captain’ to you, missy.”

You pulled back and shared a look with Ed to see if Stede was serious or not, and when Ed didn’t roll his eyes or make a comment, you knew you were in for an interesting night.

You rolled your hips on Stede’s hardening cock, moaning at the feeling and the way his lips parted to do the same, before responding. “Alright Captain, you gonna show me what you’re made of, or keep teasing me all night?”

At that, Ed reached around your body and began removing your clothes, probably after realizing you still had on at least two more layers than they did. Stede busied himself with attacking your neck with his lips, continuing to grind you down in his lap while Ed did the same from behind you. You could feel your panties nearly soaking through at this point, your core throbbing for more attention.

As if he could read your mind, Ed pulled you away from Stede–not without a whine from you, of course–and sat you on the bed next to the blonde. You turned to face Stede, taking in how truly gorgeous the man is, prompting you to lean forward to kiss him, immediately opening your mouth to allow your tongues to collide. It was sloppy, drool threatening to spill out of your mouth and probably his too, but it was just what you needed at the moment. Oh, and certainly the hand that was slowly snaking its way into your pants currently.

You opened your eyes to try and get a better view of how the other man was touching you, but a firm hand came up to keep you focused on your kiss. “Focus on Stede for me, sweetheart,” Ed began, “I want to taste this sweet pussy and make you feel good.” You moaned, before he continued. “Can you let me do that for you, baby?”

You nodded frantically, parting your legs for him and allowing him to remove your pants. You could feel him playing with the waistband of your panties and he sunk down between your legs. As you felt his lips on your inner thighs and clothed center, you took the opportunity to stroke Stede’s inner thigh, feeling him tense slightly then relax into your touch. Just as you had done for Ed, Stede widened his legs, allowing you access into his trousers. You pulled back from your kiss with him, bringing your forehead to his as you longed for more of the closeness you had established with him.

You moved to continue your actions, stroking your hands along Stede’s lower stomach, halting when you felt Ed pull down your panties and quickly move to connect himself with your core. His lips were on your clit, sucking and kissing the swollen bud, as his fingers came up to find your soaken hole. He slowly slid two fingers into your pussy, setting a slow but steady pace as you braced yourself on Stede’s thighs.

Ed pulled back, his fingers fully replacing his mouth as he gauged your reaction to his actions thus far. “God…you’re so fucking soaked, Y/N. Do you want to make Stede feel good while I make you cum?”

You hesitated before responding, not because you were unsure of your answer but because his fingers were hitting all the right spots at the moment. His rough hands only added to the sensation, and you felt like you had to restrain yourself from fully getting off on his hand.

Stede picked up on your inability to form a response, and gripped your hands where they were resting on his thighs. He looked at Ed and there seemed to be a mutual understanding, and then Ed’s hands were off of you, gaining your attention.

You opened your mouth to protest, but Ed was already standing in front of Stede, offering the other man his fingers that had just been inside of you.

When you say that you nearly passed out from the scene that was unfolding in front of you, you were definitely not exaggerating. Stede leaned forward, gripping Ed’s hand at the wrist and guiding his fingers into his mouth. He wrapped his lips around the digits, tongue flicking out to taste your slick, and you literally had to cross your legs to keep from orgasming on the spot. To make matters worse, Stede opened his eyes and made eye contact with first Ed then you, and let out a moan, as though he was tasting his own personal cocktail of ambrosia.

Stede released Ed’s fingers, and you felt yourself being moved by Ed so that you were kneeling perpendicular to where Stede was sitting on the edge of the bed, with your head near his lap. Ed positioned himself behind you, and you missed the way he licked his lips and leaned down as you focused on Stede’s pleasure. Gingerly, you reached for Stede’s trousers and briefs once more, pulling them down enough to free his now throbbing cock. You looked up at Stede shyly, his eyebrows drawn together in concentration as he flashed you a soft smile before he spoke. “Go ahead, darling.”

To encourage you further, Ed took this opportunity to attack your pussy with his tongue. You were super glad he decided to shave his beard only a few days ago, as the slight burn of the stubble contrasted with his wet, soft tongue felt amazing in between your legs. Before you became overwhelmed with the sensation once again, you reached forward and took Stede’s cock in your hand. It barely fit in just one of your hands, which you discovered as you started to jerk off his shaft.

“Give me your hand, darling,” Stede said, and you obliged. “Good girl,” he added once you moved to comply. You kept one hand moving on his dick while you reached out your other one, which the man took and brought to his mouth. Just as Ed started eating you out like a starved man, Stede spit into your open hand, then guided it back down to join your other hand. The action itself was filthy in nature, making you buck your hips into Ed’s mouth and increase the rate at which you jerked Stede off. He gasped at the action, and you could feel him holding his hips back to resist rutting up into your hands.

“Fuck, that feels good,” Stede said, before adding, “Is Ed going to make you cum, sweetheart?” He leaned his head back slightly to toss some of his hair out of his face, before looking down at you for a response.

“Yes, shit, gonna cum soon–” You were cut off by a slap on your ass by Ed, causing you to jolt forward and come face to face with Stede’s cock. You better positioned yourself on Stede’s thighs, leaning forward to take the tip into your mouth. You could feel that Ed added his fingers back into your pussy somewhere during this process, and the familiar heat in your core ramping up as he continued his actions.

You removed one hand from Stede’s cock as you took him deeper into your mouth, using it to massage his balls. You could feel a combination of your spit and Stede’s precum sliding down his shaft to meet your hand, earning you a moan from the man above you. Upon hearing his sighs of pleasure, you let out one of your own, making Stede buck his hips and egging Ed’s attack on your pussy on further.

“Gonna cum, Y/N? With my face buried in your pussy, and your mouth around your Captain’s cock? Let it all go baby…” Ed said, and with that, you were seeing stars. You were glad you had Stede’s dick in your mouth, as the moans that threatened to slip out as you rode your high were–mostly–stifled.

Ed continued to lick and kiss your cunt as you came down, while Stede reluctantly pulled you off his cock. When you moved to take him back into your mouth, he reached out a hand to stop you, offering a merciful smile.

“Sorry, sweetheart, you’re just a little too good at that is all,” he explained with a grin, and you felt Ed move behind you.

“I’m assuming you enjoyed that, huh, sweetheart?” Ed said, kneeling next to you and giving you a kiss on the cheek. You couldn’t resist turning your head to kiss him on the mouth, tasting yourself on his tongue.

He pulled back before you could deepen the kiss too much, looking at you with hooded eyes, similar to the way he did earlier. “God…who would’ve guessed that sweet Y/N was this filthy…” He teased, hand coming up to grip your cheeks and open your mouth. “Stick out your tongue for me, yeah?”

You did what he asked without hesitation, face still in Ed’s grasp, and he spit into your mouth. He released his grip and watched as you swallowed, using your eagerness as a sign to continue on with the events of the night.

“So…” Ed began, “Stede and I were talking…”

“And we wanted to leave it up to you before we went any further.” Stede interjected, a look of concern on his face.

You looked between them for what felt like the hundredth time this evening, and could see the love they had to share staring straight back at you. You knew, even prior to what had already occurred, that if there was anyone you wanted to do something like…whatever this was with, it would be them. Not only had they been there for you at one of your darkest times, but they had become sources of empowerment and support in the relatively short amount of time you knew them. Which is why you were confident in what you moved to say next.

“Ed…” You began, cupping his cheek then turning to Stede and doing the same. “Stede…” Both men leaned into your touch and listened intently. “There’s literally no one I would rather be doing this with. Both of you heard my call, took me by the hand, and led me to where I am today.” Both of their faces softened at your confession, and you placed your hands back into your lap.

Ed cleared his throat, breaking the short silence. “So, uh…we gonna fuck or not?”

You moved to straddle him, giggling at his statement. “Isn’t that literally what we were just doing?” You asked, rolling your hips over his still clothed erection.

“You haven’t even seen the slightest of what I’m capable of.” He replied, the brooding look returning to his face. This time, however, you weren’t having it, and saw through his dark façade.

“Okay, Blackbeard.” You said, rolling your eyes at his statement for added effect. He did not like that.

With a slap to your ass–and a glare from Stede–Ed repositioned you to perch atop his leg, leaning down towards your ear. “Fuck, I love it when you call me that.” You nearly rolled your eyes again–of course he did. “Now be a good girl and get off on my leg, then we can give you what you really want.”

You did what he asked, but not without adding, “what I really want? You mean your love and devotion?”

Ed snorted at that, gripping your waist tighter and grinding you harder into his lap. “I think you need something to shut you up.” He said, grunting whenever you came in contact with his dick.

You raised an eyebrow at that and shared a look with Stede, who was watching this all unfold with an eager expression. He looked gorgeous from this angle, his hair all disheveled and his body on full display.

You halted the movement of your hips, hearing Ed let out a frustrated grunt. “I want both of you, so bad…” You said, matter-of-factly.

“How do you want us?” Stede asked, his concerned nature making itself known.

You felt yourself blush at the question, again not expecting something of such a suggestive nature falling out of Stede’s lips. That being said, he literally just revealed his apparent “Captain” kink to you so maybe you were too quick to judge what Stede was or wasn’t capable of saying.

Shaking yourself out of your thoughts, you focused on what exactly was being asked of you. You honestly wanted nothing more than for each of the men to pound you into the mattress of this probably far too nice and boutique bed of yours, but a part of you deep down really wanted Stede to be the first of the two to get to know you so intimately. After all, he had done so much to take care of you as you had done for him–it just felt right.

Once you made up your mind–after also reminding yourself that you have all night–you voiced your thoughts. “Stede, I want you…” you began, looking down at your core before flicking your eyes back to the other man. “And Ed, I–”

He caught your drift immediately and finished your statement. “You want me to fuck your mouth, is that right?”

“Fuck, yeah.” You responded, too horny to say something witty in response.

At that, Stede stood and allowed you to move up and lay with your head dangling off the bed, giving yourself a perfect view of Ed’s lower half. You reached out and gripped what you could of his waist, pulling him closer to you. You felt the bed dip as Stede hovered over you, feeling his hands go to your shirt to finally remove it.

“May I?” He asked–ever the gentleman. You nodded, and you helped him pull the article of clothing off of you. You could feel Ed shifting behind you, and if you could see him attempting to wiggle out of his tight pants you would have probably bursted out laughing. You were distracted, however, by Stede’s hesitation as his hands hovered over your bra. Your eyes met his, and you gave a slight nod, reaching for his hand with your own and guiding it to the point at which the garment was connected to your body. He tenderly removed it from you, allowing it to fall to the floor and reveal your upper half to him.

As Stede leaned down to caress your breasts, you turned your head to be greeted with Ed’s unconcealed dick. To say that he was big would be an understatement–the man was seriously packing. No wonder he walked around like he owned the place, with a dick like that–

“Open your mouth for me.” He said, drawing you out of your–borderline objectifying–thoughts. You complied, and the heavy tip of his dick was in your mouth in an instant. You could taste the small amount of precum that had collected, making your mouth water.

You moved to position yourself at a better angle, but were stopped by Ed’s firm hands near your neck. You looked up at him as well as you could with your head upside down, and the determined look on his face was enough to suggest that he wanted you to lie back and enjoy yourself while he took the reins.

You were more than happy to comply, and focused on the sensations Stede was providing while Ed ensured that you were in a comfortable position and continued to stroke the tip of his dick on your open tongue. Stede’s hands slowly moved down your chest and stroked your hips, his lips also ghosting kisses down your abdomen.

As you felt Stede’s hands approach your core, you opened your legs wider to accommodate his form between your legs and to give him better access. You felt him chuckle at your actions, his lips now dangerously close to where you wanted him most. Well, a certain part of him.

“Stede…” you whined, feeling Ed pull back slightly as you spoke. Stede looked up at you eagerly, stopping short and expecting you to continue. When you didn't, he shifted once more so he was level with your face.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart? Is everything alright?” He asked, already knowing the answer.

You nodded, his hand stroking your cheek as you gave him a pleading look. “I want you…”

He nuzzled your nose with his own and smiled, before replying. “Then it’s me you shall have.”

You moved again to accommodate his form, feeling him situate himself between your legs. He reached down and pumped his shaft a few times, sighing as his hand came in contact with his tender skin. You relaxed and leaned your head back once again, signaling that you were ready for them.

You closed your eyes, focusing on the sensations you were experiencing, missing the glance Stede and Ed shared above you. After sharing a nod, the two men were quick to spring into action.

You felt Stede enter you first, the drag of his shaft along your walls slowly stretching your hole and hitting all the right places inside of you. You clenched around his cock once he was fully seated inside of you, moaning as his fingers ghosted over your clit. “You like that, darling?” He asked, beginning to set a slow, yet steady pace.

“Fuck yes!” You responded, smirking at him before adding “Captain.”

He grunted at that, picking up the pace and in turn, rocking the bed you were perched on. You silently prayed that all of the other crew members had settled down and weren’t looking for either of their captains, because the scene currently unfolding would probably make even the most rugged pirate say a prayer; unless their name was ‘Stede’ or ‘Ed,’ apparently.

Speaking of the devil, Ed saw your moment of quiet contemplation as an opportunity to grip your jaw, angling you once more to better suit his needs. You smiled at him before sticking out your tongue, prompting him to smirk back then lean down and spit as he had before, this time using it as added slick as he guided his cock back into your mouth.

Stede’s gentle, yet determined thrusts, and Ed’s rough and messy use of your mouth combined in a perfect tango which had you reaching your peak in seconds.

Ed could see the way your body was convulsing and twisting, clenching on Stede’s cock and drooling on his own. “You fucking like that, Y/N?” He asked, his hips working his cock against your tongue and down your throat. You moaned around his cock in response, egging him on more.

With a light slap to your cheek, he continued. “Fuck yeah you do, ohmygod–we should’ve done this so much sooner..”

Stede glanced up at that, tossing his–now disheveled–blonde locks out of his face. “I was thinking the same thing,” he said, gently, prompting Ed to lean down and meet his lips. You saw the two men deepen the kiss above you, and in that moment, everything felt so right. You finally had the two men who took you in, cared for you, and allowed you to care for them in return right where you wanted them, and you fucking loved it. Your sweet, kind Stede, who never failed to be gentle with you even when he was at his lowest, was making you feel better than you ever imagined, while your edgy, yet kind-hearted Ed allowed you to treat him how he deserved. It was everything you had been searching for–your hidden treasure, and you had been led to them as a personal treasure of their own.

Stede’s thrusts eventually became more irregular, and you could feel his cock throbbing in your core, signaling that he was close. Ed had opted to glide his shaft on top of your wet mouth and tongue, using you like his own personal toy. It was messy–filthy even, but you fucking loved it. You especially loved it when Ed used his free hand to play with one of your breasts, using some drool that had collected around your mouth as slick to play with your hard bud. Stede brought a hand up as well and did the same and you thanked every deity you could think of for allowing your paths to cross.

Shockingly, it was Ed who voiced his thoughts first. “Fuck, Stede, Y/N, I’m close.”

Stede slowed his thrusts a bit–earning a whine from you–and took a moment to catch his breath. “Fuck, me too.” He sat back on his knees, leaving just his tip inside you, and glanced down at you. “How are you doing, sweetheart? Getting close?”

You nodded, and felt the coil in your stomach threatening to snap as Stede drew the tip of his cock out and around your slick hole and clit. “Wanna c-cum, for you. Both of you.”

“I know you do darling, but I’m afraid I can’t hold out for much longer…” Stede responded, gripping the base of his shaft to try and hold off his orgasm.

“I can…” Ed cockily replied, easing his dick out of your mouth.

You sat up, noticing how suddenly empty you felt as you did, and turned to look Ed in the eyes. “And what if I don’t believe you?” You asked with wild eyes, hoping he would take the bait.

“Why don’t you lie on your stomach and find out for yourself, slut?” He gritted back, and you could’ve lost it right then and there, but your anticipation for what he proposed outweighed your need to orgasm without him inside you.

“Ed!?” Stede chirped in, likely as an attempt to come to your defense. When he saw the smirk on your face and look of desire in your eyes, however, his own eyes widened a bit, and he understood that the term hadn’t entirely pissed you off–in fact, it had had the opposite effect.

Stede huffed before allowing you to follow Ed’s orders and reposition yourself. “And I thought I was into some interesting things…”

As Ed settled behind you after your position replicated what he had asked of you, you turned your head to follow Stede as he sat at the head of the bed in front of you, giggling at his admission. “What kinds of things, Captain?” You asked, sure to use his favorite nickname.

Stede rolled his eyes and fixed his hair before smiling down at you. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

You smiled, moving to respond once more, but were cut off by Ed entering you with no warning. Your soft pussy gripped him tight, wetness coating his throbbing shaft. He could feel that you were pretty well stretched from Stede, and didn’t take much time in working you up to a hard and fast rhythm that had you moaning.

Still, through the haze of horniness that had accumulated, you felt the urge to reach for the blonde-haired man in front of you, taking all of what you could of his member into your mouth. He gasped, not expecting you to do so as Ed was literally pounding you into the mattress, but welcomed it nonetheless.

Ed slapped your ass as he saw what you were doing to Stede, pinching and massaging it as he picked up his pace even more. “Look at you, Y/N, being split open by us. Fuck, you’re so good-”

“Such a good girl…” Stede continued after Ed became a moaning mess, making you clench down on Ed’s leaking cock. You took Stede’s slick cock deeper into your mouth, tears threatening to spill as you started properly sucking him off. You could taste the saltiness of his precum mixing with the saliva of your mouth, and looked up at him through your lashes as you felt one of his hands move to your throat. It was mainly to support your neck and to guide you where he needed you, but the slight pressure made your pussy throb and turned you on even more–if that’s even possible.

It turns out it was, because when Ed brought a hand down to your clit you were done for. You looked up at Stede with desperation in your eyes, and he knew immediately that you were rapidly approaching your peak.

“Shit, Ed, Y/N’s nearly there…” Stede announced, his tone suggesting that you were not alone in your predicament.

“Yeah? Gonna cum with us inside you?” Ed said, and you moaned around Stede’s cock as a response, fucking back into Ed as he hit your G-spot with every thrust. That, combined with the way he flicked at your clit and the delicious pressure of Stede’s cock on your tongue and hand on your throat finally sent you over the edge. You nearly collapsed as your orgasm rode through you, your hole gripping Ed tight and nearly all of your muscles convulsing in the process. It felt like heaven.

“Mmm, gripping me so tight…gonna cum…” Ed slurred, before gingerly pulling out and releasing on your hole and thighs.

Stede was not far behind, and you reached a hand up to stroke what you couldn’t fit in your mouth, causing him to thrust slowly as pleasure started to overcome his senses. “I’m so close, pretty girl,” he said, and you felt the bed shift behind you. You focused on licking and sucking all that you could, locking eyes with Stede as his breathing increased and cock started to leak more.

You felt his balls tighten as he continued to thrust, and just as he let go you felt a set of hands pull your hair back and stroke along your skin. You closed your eyes and swallowed all that he had to give, savoring the taste that was so distinctly Stede. You shamelessly moaned at the sensation, earning a chuckle from both men; prompting you to come back down to Earth. Stede carefully removed his spent shaft from your mouth, using a finger to wipe a bit of drool and his release from the corners of your mouth. He tucked himself back into his trousers and settled into the bed, gesturing for you to do the same. When you went to move and realized your hair was still pulled back, you turned to the side and were greeted with a grinning Ed who was now playing with your hair that was in his grip.

You cleared your throat to get his attention, but when his gaze remained on his fingers in your hair, you spoke. “You gonna play with that forever, or come cuddle?” You asked, cheekily.

He halted his action and removed his hands with a huff. “Fine…but only if I get to be the big spoon.”

You crawled into Stede’s arms speedily, positioning yourself with your back to him and arms open wide. “Well shit. Looks like that position has already been filled.”

Ed pouted, crossing his arms and taking in your inviting form, but ultimately sighing and laying in your arms. To egg him on more–something you started to enjoy more and more–you replicated his previous actions and began playing with his hair.

He turned around and narrowed his eyes before speaking. “I hate you.”

You kissed him on the temple, and raised one of Stede’s hands from around your waist to your lips and did the same. “Love you too.”

~

taglist: @conthesatanist

#blackbeard x reader #stede bonnet x reader #edward teach x reader #edward teach x stede bonnet #gentlebeard #blackbonnet #gentlebeard x reader #blackbonnet x reader

[a-dream-bookmark]

a dream bookmark presents: JAN 2023

feel-good (adj.)

causing a feeling of happiness and well-being

Welcome to A Good Bookmark, our January 2023 recommendations list with the theme around feel-good fics. From the start of the month, we have compiled a list of fics the community has given and prepared to give to you. We would like to provide our biggest appreciation to the people contributing to the making of this list. Thank you so much and we would announce the theme for February 2023 soon!

Do you want to know more about us? Check this out!

The list is below the cut!

MEMBER'S RECS

ENHYPEN

|| crossroads by @writingmochi | requested by @writingmochi

Pairing: jay x fem.reader

Genre: coming of age, bildungsroman, melodrama, slow burn, slice of life, realistic fiction, romance, high school au, fluff, angst

Synopsis: crossroads have always been a part of your life. every zebra crossing you pass, every train interchange you go through, every hallway you walk in on your way to class, every eye you encounter with or without greeting. no one seems to dare to cross your tangled crossroads unless you cross it to meet them on the other side. that is until jay—a candidate for the student council president—has crossed one path with one single chocolate

What they said about the fic: though it is weird recommending my own fic for a fic recs post, i still believe that this fic encapsulates the theme well. it's still a fic that i like to read to make me feel something good through the hardship the mc has and how she and jay's connection develops over time.

COMMUNITY'S RECS

ENHYPEN

|| camellia by @delcakoo | requested by Anonymous

Pairing: prince!jungwon x gardener!f!reader

Genre: fluff ft teasing princewon ^^

Synopsis: the last thing you expected was to find a boy sniffing your flowers at past midnight, but when you see him pluck a harmless rose from it’s stem, of course you must furiously chase after him! if only you knew that it was the prince of your kingdom whom you’d just tackled to the ground..

What they said about the fic: this fic definitely made my heart flutter hehe <3 i love prince jungwon/royalty fics!

|| my little girl. by @wonvelvet | requested by Anonymous

This fic has dark/mature themes

Pairing: park jongseong(jay) x f!reader

Genre: fluff, comfort angst, plain angst, age gap (7 years), neighbors to probable lovers, dentist!jay, neighbor!jay and scenes of babysitter!jay, somewhat strangers to lovers?, (happy) open ending :)

Synopsis: you had always had daddy issues, for as long as you could remember. so when jay came along with his caring nature, how could you possibly keep your feelings at bay? not to forget, your roses of love have wilted long before you even knew what love meant but jay, he’s here at your doorstep with a watering can. will you be able to refuse?

or, new neighbor dr jay park is asked to babysit you over the week. ironically the only man you have ever had a crush on. you are so determined to put aside the feelings but jay makes things so much harder. he is way too sweet and caring and you are way too pessimistic and insecure. how is it going to work with you gravitating towards him in inadvertence and jay welcoming your presence with candor radiance? especially with all of your buried issues coming to life more than ever.

What they said about the fic: it's such a good comfort fic!

STRAY KIDS

|| heartbeat by @sulfurcosmos | requested by Anonymous

Pairing: bang chan x gn!reader

Genre: fluff, established relationship

|| warm winter by @sulfurcosmos | requested by Anonymous

Pairing: husband!bang chan x fem!reader

Genre: fluff, established relationship

TXT

|| the only exception by @byeomtori | requested by Anonymous

Pairing: beomgyu x female reader

Genre: love at first sight au, summer love thingy, reader is a rich kid, beomgyu’s love languages are act of service and physical touch, hence there’s a lot of pda, lots of reference to paramore’s the only exception and txt’s our summer lyrics, angst

Synopsis: you were not the type to believe in the existence of love. until you had to spend the rest of your summer with a distant relative whom you’ve never met your entire life, in small town with an ocean view, where fate had brought you a boy whose eyes shine brighter than any stars in the night sky. and maybe, just maybe, love does exist.

What they said about the fic: Perfect to fall in love with summer! The vibe of it is nostalgic, soft and serene. Whenever I need comfort in my life, I always go back to this one.

Reading it with rosé's cover of the only exception is how I fell in love with summer. It has such warmth and wholesome way of describing things like eating watermelons with him, how he has a bicycle named chieko, cliffs, walking beside the sea barefoot, bonfires. It all feels like a perfect dream to never wake up to.

The characters are all written beautifully. Specially beomgyu, for me it highlights his personality the best. With accurate details like his parrot toto, him being a menace but a boy everyone loves, his coming back to y/n one night to seek comfort, him writing a song for y/n with his guitar. It's filled with beomgyuesque details! One of my favourite lines from the fic is 'He smells like summer' .

In a nutshell, a really good read. If I could only go back to read it for the first time again - I'd be the happiest.

Navigation | Collections

#kpop imagines #enhypen imagines #stray kids imagines #txt imagines #enhypen fic recs #txt fic recs #stray kids fic rec #skz fic recs #bookmark: collection

[itsana004]

I SWEAR TO GOD THESE TWO ARE SO SIMILAR WHILE BEING DIRECT ANTITHESIS OF EACH OTHER WTHHHH

Similarities

THEIR FACE LOOKS IDENTICAL, KIRUMI IS THE "DANGANRONPA ARTSTYLE" VERSION OF DROITE

Their calm demeanor and attitude to serious situations omg I saw so much Droite in her during the trials IT'S MAKES ME CRAZYY AHHH

They are both two competent and very strong female characters in their respective universe. Kirumi Tojo is the Ultimate Maid which means her ultimate talent is that she can fulfill any request that is given to her and her most extreme request was to take over a nation or something which she can but refused lmaooo

I take back all my criticism of Droite being treated badly by the writers because it doesn't hold a candle to how Kirumi was actually treated... if you (spoilers ahead) watched Kirumi's brutal execution in Danganronpa V3, which I still believe is the most brutal and painful way to go out of any executions to date in the entire Danganronpa franchise personally... but this also shows a tremendous similarity to Droite when it comes to their determination as Kirumi gives all her strength to survive - these two will do everything in their power and endure any pain to reach their goal until the very bitter end

They both have short hair!!

Differences

The differences make me go a little crazy because KIRUMI HAS SPIDER WEBS ON HER DRESS, THAT'S LIKE HER SIGNATURE ANIMAL/INSECT WHICH REPRESENTS FEMALE EMPOWERMENT, WHEREAS DROITE'S ARE PHOTON/WARRIOR BUTTERFLIES - both are strong embodiment of female empowerment and strength as they show it in their respective universes while embodying two opposing insects which drives me nuts

Their style and fashion - Kirumi has a very gothic style vibe to her while being old fashioned. I remember in her free time event she revealed that she likes the 18th century era? (aka a snippet into a universe of how Droite would look like if she was a part of the Arclight family lmao), but unlike Kirumi, Droite has a very vibrant and colourful fashion and style and her main colours are pink and violet (very feminine and bright colours) Droite also wears make-up, which is a shade of a vibrant bluish indigo/cobalt colour matching her tattoo Duel Gazer which reinforces her pragmatic attitude/down to business, cold and calculative nature of her character while sometimes wearing pink lipstick, showing her mature side - unlike Kirumi as she wasn't shown to wear any make-up. Droite's fashion is very mature as she wears high heels and has a smart dress code whilst only being a young adult (19 years old) while Kirumi's dress very much emulates the maid dress of the century she likes, at least the length of them, while "gothified"? (this whole post is a very poorly done analysis don't expect too much) while wearing shoes with ribbons - overall her clothing together with her character design with the exception of her shoes, makes her look very mature compared to her age (which is between 15-18 but she definitely has to be 18).

Their roles in society - now, Kirumi is the Ultimate Maid, which means whilst she's very talented, her purpose and life's dedication is to serve others, and it's something she's very passionate about and takes a lot of pride in being a maid as she serves high ranking members of society while she has the ability and talent to join them - but she doesn't want to, she would rather hone her skill as the Ultimate Maid. In contrast, Droite is a high ranking member of society herself as she made it to the top after her harsh training. She's an elite duelist, a former Mr. Heartland's right hand woman, a former WDC event committee and probably very rich at that point in her life - now she's Gauche's manager but she just overlooks his career, she's not his servant or passionate about serving people, instead she's passionate about helping and protecting people who she cares about, which is a big contrast to Kirumi's character as she took the honour to serve a whole nation which served her as a motive to kill and lead her to her ultimate demise. In summary, Droite has few selective characters in which she would give her everything to protect with her strength, and finds pride in that potentially, while Kirumi finds pride in serving any of her clients to her utmost capabilities - and when she doesn't necessarily have clients while being trapped in a school, she takes good care of her classmates (cough except the second chapter leading to the trial cough)

Everyone loves Kirumi because of her serving/altruistic nature which is to provide comfort and even massages them in the pool and cooks for them, which I would never see Droite doing ever, I think this kind of behaviour would be reserved for a very special person if she ever were to get that comfortable with them - while she is in a way altruistic by being caring and protective to people she cares about, she's not that altruistic

Kirumi has a surname, Kirumi Tojo, while Droite doesn't :((

Kirumi is actually much taller than Droite lmaoo I did not expect that at allll

Anyway sorry for this long post and of me just freaking out over them I love them dearly and their similarities and differences just make me go crazy because every time I see Kirumi I see Droite ahhhhh

#zexal #danganronpa v3 #kirumi tojo #droite zexal

[superchaipa]

Time for me to do something I wanted to do for a long time now.

Analyse the angel mobs expression and design. (Yes, I'm boring. I know.) First, their research file. It says the following:

"Angel Transients summoned from another world. They uphold law and order and have a strong preference to maintain community. However, they have more humane emotions and thought than people may think. Some may find a bond with you and offer their help. Others may be attracted to you, and choose to be by your side."

From it, we know they are agents of the law. And in that way, they must look severe. Let's see if their design reflects that.

Fire Angel!

Looks very severe, angry even. If you told me this dude was an agent of the law, without me knowing anything about them, I would believe you. On top of that, he is black. Bonus point for him. I like that he has a little beard as well.

The colour of the symbol on his clothes and his halos are supposed to be red. But they appear as a mix of red and gold. It's a nice touch that the other angels don't have.

Very solid representment of the angel. 8/10

Water Angel!

The reason why it took me so long to do this. He simply refused to appear in the gacha until today.

His looks are much softer than the other angels. His expression also reflects this softness. He looks more like an annoyed older brother than an agent of the law. He'd probably melt if you praised him. Despite his soft looks, he would still be someone you'd turn to for help.

7/10

Wood Angel!

First, another black man! Yay! He has a nice severe expression, without looking angry. He knows his job, and he knows how to do it, thank you very much.

He gives off this air of trust in his abilities. You tell me I can rely on this man for my problems? I'd believe you. His hair isn't dreadlocks. His hair is thick. Also, nice beard as well.

He is a solid 8/10

Aether Angel!

First, blond for the light element. Basic. But let's be honest, we would all be mad if he weren't blond.

Severe expression, reinforced by the form of his chin and his rather square-shaped face. He could break bricks with that chin. He probably looks terrifying only if you don't know him. Huge teddy bear vibes from this man. No beard, though.

A good 7/10

Nether Angel!

Everyone's favourite! Even his eyes are purple. A good look of determination on his face. Will do his duty as best of his ability. A sense of maturity as well. Deserves more recognition. Appears both severe and approachable. Very good expression for his job.

A nice beard and moustache. 9/10

Infernal Angel!

Tired middle-aged man. You'll trust him because he looks like he's been doing it for a long time. Will reassure you if you're scared. The flames of the infernal element on his wings is a nice touch. The beard is nice.

A nice daddy man who needs a rest. 7/10

Valiant Angel!

Has the same problem as Water Angel, but taken to the next level. This is a shōnen main protagonist. He will save the day. He will use the power of friendship. Wears glasses. Doesn't know what he is doing. Looks too young. Weird hairstyle.

Saved by his glasses alone. 6/10

World Angel!

His expression, despite looking a bit severe, also makes him look a bit confused. He has a scar the shape of a cross on his forehead. Is here because he was told to be here. Trying his best. Will help you because he is a kind and helpful young man. Don't be scared of him, he'll cry.

Has a magnum dingle dongle. Doesn't understand why he keeps getting looks in the streets.

A good boy. 9/10

#housamo #tokyo afterschool summoners #lifewonders #放サモ #東京放課後サモナーズ #housamo mobs #housamo angels #tokyo afterschool summoners mobs #don't take this seriously

[roobylavender]

(Really long ask ahead i’m sorry!) I think your thoughts on dick and his similarities vs differences to bruce are so interesting! Personally i’m wondering how much of NTT played an influence on this kind of characterization bc i’ve never fully finished ntt but i read like nearly all the pre-80s batman 1940 issues lol and dick very much was portrayed as more idealistic than bruce in some ways while more no-nonsense (? For lack of better word) in other ways, like when it comes to batman easing up a little on selina for romance reasons LOL. Though ofc dick totally turns into - well, a dick - in team books, as i grow older i find myself far more compelled by a potential story of an 18 yr old who seemed to have the whole weight of the world on his shoulders (by his own perception) and breaking under his own impractically strong sense of duty and sky-high expectations for others, then realizing as he grows older that it doesn’t have to be that way esp after seeing the perspectives of characters like kory, wally, joey, roy, etc. Like personally as someone who never really had a huge interest in NTT anyway, i’m surprised at how desperately people want to hold on to the characterization of dick when he was 18-19 and never letting him grow past that, like it’s so difficult for me to believe that at age 25 he would be the same uptight controlling kid that he was at 19. Maybe i’m biased though bc i was like one of those insufferable INTJ internet stereotypes as a teenager, and while that worldview did bring me achievements i’m proud of like the fact that i’m in med school rn studying what i love, i still know that at age 22 i have changed SO much from when i was 18 and i can’t imagine any reasonably mature or normally-functioning person (let alone someone high-functioning like dick) not doing the same lol. Especially since dick is the kind of person who would literally die if he’s not constantly growing and evolving past his faults bc of his insufferable perfectionism, idk how he’d be willfully blind to the negative effects of his worldview in early NTT and refuse to grow from there. He even has a quote that’s like “i’ve spent years as a student of my own behavior” which i always found highly encouraging bc i know he really does want to improve himself even at his worst. It reminds me of that Marcus Aurelius quote: “if someone can prove me wrong and show me my mistake in any thought or action, i shall gladly change. I seek the truth, which never harmed anyone; the harm is to persist in one’s own self-deception and ignorance.” But what are your thoughts? (Thank you for reading all this 🥹)

oh i absolutely agree! i cannot tell you how many times i think about the person i was a couple years ago and who i am now like i cringe so much omg.. maturity is an ever persistent process even if we don't recognize its effects immediately and it absolutely is crazy to think that anyone would remain in such a static state of mind for several years on end. esp when like you said dick is someone who wants to be better! so despite his several hypocrisies it is nonetheless in his best interests to look internally and analyze and evolve. and i feel like that very much could have happened had there been any actual segue between dick's breakup with kory and his re-entry into the batfam. i don't think there was much of a connection between these two sets of writers at all and so what you got is what felt like two very distinct parts of dick's life that didn't necessarily reveal a bridge point. so it's not entirely unrealistic that dick may grow to be the person (at least to some extent) that bat canon portrayed him to be in the years that followed but i certainly think as it stands it felt unearned and like all of his issues explored in ntt were conveniently swept to the side without any semblance of closure (albeit i do think some of these issues are addressed in outsiders '03 but in that dickheaded way that winick explores things generally. so i'm not sure it's the kind of closure people actually want). it's very sad and ig that's what people cling to more than anything. it's not that they're opposed to him growing to be a better person but that they're opposed to a version of dick who feels like he sprung out of nothing

#ironically enough i Do think dick going back to gotham after the kory breakup made sense #like when something that big happens in your life what are you going to do. seek the advice of the one person you look up to more than anyt #ing right. but marv wolfman complicated things by writing bruce the way he did so rather than bruce playing an active part #in guiding dick through some of his issues and mistakes he instead became dick's burden to bear through extensive post knightfall trauma #and i mean you all know i Love knightfall. i really do it gives me brainworms upon brainworms #but i wish there had been just one moment. like after it was all over. that bruce and dick actually got to talk and like #discuss dick's problems yknow #i get the feeling they didn't delve much when writing prodigal bc they had to set up the next arcs and stuff but it's like #come on. come on. they could've afforded it. if dick really had to come back to gotham for a temporary stint where he tried to find himself #than a proper conversation with bruce about what he was going through should have been a part of that #bc i do think working with bruce's new cavalry of three teen heroes (tim / steph / cass) would have borne wonderful opportunities #for dick to grow as a leader and peer considering his ridiculous expectations of others and how this would measure up against teenagers #but the problem is that bat canon decided he was going to magically gel with everyone bc he was emotionally more well adjusted than bruce #was. like ok. ok. whateverrrrrrrr #like idk it's so funny they were given a dick with a plethora of issues and instead of using any of that ammo they were like nah #we're going to make our lives harder and give him new problems manifested out of thin air. totally makes sense. bullseye #outbox

[lilacthebooklover]

Lily Headcanons :]

Lily is one of my favourite Kindergarten characters, and I have so many little hcs around her that I'd like to share!

Even after her mission in K1 and Billy being rescued, she still suffers from some depression and a lot of self-esteem issues as a result of Cindy's bullying. She's working on it, and Billy's always happy to help, but her self-worth is... Not great

Her favourite Monstermon card is the Castle of Sand: "built on the beach during low tide, it refused to die when the water came". She's been dealt a really rough lot in life, but she's kept going all the same. This card isn't particularly rare, or anything overly showy & magnificent, but she likes what it stands for (protection, resilience, hope) [:

Her father is a single parent, often overrun with work and so doesn't have much time to spend with her. He's pretty absent, and Lily believes that she has to be independent and capable all of the time as a result- especially to protect Billy after she found him under the school. She often has an inflated sense of maturity, forgetting that she is, in fact, a child

She really likes watermelon. Watermelon ice pops, watermelon sweets, just plain old watermelon

Lily loves organising midnight feasts. Without her dad at home, she's able to raid the house for snacks as much as she likes, and often enjoys piecing together little selections of candy

Leading on from that, Lily has a big sweet tooth. Cindy's comments about her weight started to get under her skin after a while, but donuts are her guilty pleasure :)

When she gets older, she learns how to play the flute. I just see her as a flutist tbh

She's always wanted to be a detective, Billy acting as her assistant as they solve little mysteries around school. If there's something to be solved, she's the first to know!

Lily's very observant and very, very stubborn. When she sets her mind to something, she is doing it, no matter how much time and effort it takes. She's efficient and intelligent, and while she's unable to read, she's very good at planning

Her morals are... A bit iffy. She has a strong idea of good and bad, not afraid to cross into the middle territory if the outcome remains good overall, and she's been rather desensitised to death over the years thanks to the world that she lives in

She's not very good at handling affection, often pushing people away when they try to reach out. When she's close with someone, she's exceptionally so, and struggles with trusting everyone else. That's why she's only close with Billy throughout and partially why it was so upsetting that Nugget would seemingly betray someone who trusted him so much by withholding info about Billy

She gets a pet hamster and names it Fluffy because she's 5 and deserves a hamster named Fluffy

Hoodies are her favourite thing to wear, but after Billy went missing, she couldn't bear to touch any of her own, switching to dresses while he was gone (partially thanks to Cindy's influence)

Lily is the older twin. She gives off such older sibling vibes and Billy the opposite. She's responsible and chaotic and cares about her bro and is so exasperated by him at the same time

While good at planning, Lily has a tendency to be a bit reckless, not really regarding her own life as very valuable anymore

Her favourite flavour of ice cream is mint choc chip :)

She's really good at sports. Hockey, long-distance running, swimming, etc. Even dodgeball!

Lily finds it much easier to stick up to adults than she does to people her own age. She can certainly hold her own, but her self-worth issues sometimes make it hard to confront people (especially Cindy) head-on

She and Carla would be really good friends. They can commit crime, stand coolly in the background and sigh at what idiots everyone else is together <3

She's very good at keeping secrets. She likes to know everything she can to stay one step ahead of the game, and not all of that is something she can just spill at random

And that's all for now lol. She's an awesome character and I always love writing her- I'd love to see anyone else's headcanons for her! :D

#kindergarten lily #kindergarten game #kindergarten 2 #kindergarten billy #headcannons #kindergarten cindy #cindy's such a fun character #but she also really hurt lily #and I feel like people need to acknowledge that more #give lily a hamster 2k23 #sibling relationship #headcanon #kindergarten carla

[liv-333]

Ayo dude, your writing style it's amazing, keep it up! :0

If you're up to requests, could you do an ex to lovers (any pronouns you want!!) where they're both pretty snarky and flirtatious, but one is scared of being in love again, while the other one knows that (and so it's more mature), so they take it slowier?

I love this request (it's my first one too!) I'm sorry if this turned out shit, if this isn't what you meant and for not replying earlier.

Rain, Rom-com's and Pizza

A/N: one sexual reference (Iykyk) angst turned fluff I think that's it! enjoy the blurb and lmk if you have any other requests.

It was raining. Not the nice May rain, the horrible November rain that seems to never end. The kind of rain that comes cold and heavy, the kind of rain that you wouldn't want to hang around in, especially not talking to an ex. An ex who almost made you believe in love, an ex who knew you better than anyone else, an ex who you left because you got scared. Scared that they knew you so well, scared that they could use all your deepest, darkest secrets against you and scared that you loved them.

A was glad to be inside, glad to be reading a book all warm and sipping a hot drink while listening to their playlist. However this gratitude seemed to fade when a seemingly urgent knock at their apartment door could be heard. Reluctantly getting up to answer it A was greeted with what could be deemed as an unpleasant sight.

"I left you in last September" A blatantly stated with a monotone voice. "Can I come inside, just because it's wet and cold outside and well, I think that kind of speaks for itself "Fine don't get anything wet" "I'll try not to but you look really hot right now" B smirked while saying the entire sentence and then winked at A. "Unbelievable" A muttered under their breath, "What do you want?" A almost barked at B. "I know, that you left me in last September or whatever that means, but we could change that, I've been thinking about you, well us and, it doesn't make sense. what happened between us? To us? " B said, looking lost in their thoughts. "Go back to September." A looked very unimpressed with B's sudden arrival. They left their love affair in the past and A was not one to look back to the past. "listen to me B, Go" "But-" "we could never work out, as we learnt, we'd make each other unhappy; like we did before. I'm trying to make a name for myself I don't need people from season 4 of my life returning for season 5." "I could be a reoccurring character?" B, a smile present in their tone "You said you never wanted to see me again-" "THAT WAS AGES AGO" B shouted interrupting A "Don't interrupt me" A said calmly "A, I love you I never have stopped loving you, I tried to stop but I love you. "stop saying that". Both A and B could feel pools of tears welling in their eyes. A refused to let any shed, B was taking a different approach, hoping that their silent suffering and rare tears could win A back. "B, go." "No, I love you" B's voice came out watery and shaky. "You don't love me. You love the memories of us." With A's final word they walked away, not allowing B to see the stream of tears running down their face. "A, A look at me." I know you're not ready, I know you're scared, I know you, I know you don't believe in love and I know that I cant just say 'I can show you' but I know you, I know that you stick your tongue out when your concentrating, I know that you hate olives because you ate a mouldy one when you were 11 and have refused to touch one ever since, I know that you stay up late so you can finish your work, I know that you fiddle with the backs of your earring's when you get nervous and I know that you want to experience a love like the movies. "I'm a little concerned that you're stalking me B" A laughed, a watery one at that. "Oh yeah I know everything about you; and not just because I love you." B sarcastically but lovingly responded "I forgot about that part" A remembered, panic present on their face. "Come on A, can't I mend the tapestry I shred? Bandage your bleeding heart?" "We both know it only bleeds for you. I'm also assuming you have the correct colour threads" "I'm about as sharp as a circle, i'm gonna need you to stop speaking in riddles." "Jesus" A muttered. Yes You can patch up the tapestry you shred. We can try... we can try us again.

"I missed you A" "Oh good, that was my intention" B rolled their eyes and shook their head. They were glad to have their A back with their sarcastic comments and all. "Do you have any spare clothes with you?" "Yeah, I carry spare clothes with me everywhere I go. Bloody hell A what do you think!?" "Whatever. I might be able to find something that can fit you." "Can you help me get changed?" B questioned A making their voice a lot higher and looking at A with puppy eyes. "No" "So horrible to me" "Oh stop complaining" "Hey A" "Yeah?" "I love you, and I know you don't love me because we've only just started dating again but - "I love you too B, I always have and I always will." A responded picking A up (Or attempting to) and sweetly kissing them. "Now you're wet too" B remarked, a teasing intention clear in their voice "I'm putting you down now." "can we get take-out?" B whined like a child "Yeah, as long as you Pay" "THAT IS SO NOT FAIR"

A and B's loving banter and small talk continued for the rest of the night, they fell asleep watching one of the Rom-com's A so dearly loved while eating take-out pizza (that B reluctantly but happily paid for) while catching each other up on what had happened while on their 'break' happy to be present in each others lives again.

#exes to lovers #request answered #angst prompt #fluff prompt #send asks #imagine your comfort character #imagine your fictional crush #angst to comfort #second chance romance #imagine your otp #writing prompt #drabble #oneshot #imagine

[kninedlog]

I swear I think that Wooly is not just Sam (in my game theory bag, Mat was really onto something I'll give that video that at least.) but also Jordan Cook, the poor little brother that was "kidnapped" and taken away from Joanne Cook. The woman Riley's aunt Kate was getting letters from in the beginning of the game.

THIS THEORY IS REALLY STREATCHING BUT IM PUTTING MY THOUGHTS OUT THERE IN THE POND OF IDEAS TO GET IT OUT MY HEAD, more under the cut. This is very very very long and I refuse to split it apart into seperate post.

- I say this because again, not only was Wooly showing off parently behavior like GT said, but I also see the behavior of just a mature child.

[Small tanget to justify up above: Speaking out my ass here but when I was growing up, (and I'm talking about single digit ages) I had a simmilar personality to the sheep, where if the people around me where taking the topic to inappropriate places or dark themes, I tried to either tune it out or redirect it to more child like things so that the adults around wouldn't be suspicious or so that we wouldn't get introuble. Kids aren't stupid.]

- I don't remember which update it was from the game jam version but y'all remember that picture that was beside the TV of the two kids, with the boy giving the little girl a piggy back ride. I forgotten about this too until I was watching the first GT video about this again fun and now I'm here. Keep that image in mind.

(now stay with me here please)

- Go to official Amanda TikTok and give them a follow and then check out this specific video, where the caption is only praising the truly fire sound accompanying it, but watch what the two are doing! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT81JtDrw/

- A piggy back ride like the children's photo from that one update!

——————

I'm speaking out my ass, but please let me cook!! Hear me out!

——————

- I suspect that Jordan might one of the first ever victims (other than Rebecca) of HaMelN Entertainment doing their whole demonic shizz.

- With that in mind, think about this; what if before they "tested" it out on Sam and put him in the show as Wooly, they were so confident in their chances of success for summoning whichever of the demons they wanted, that they just started the whole shebang and plopped Jordan right into the whatever and made him Wooly after luring him away.

- But to their surprise, they find that Amanda (Rebecca) is fighting back way harder in turning the evil possession away because of the comfort of having another child around to experience this scary stuff with her. She's not alone and she feels confident enough that she and whoever she can see is inside of Wooly can figure this out and maybe get out too.

[Incoming Tanget: Throughout the game her efforts to try and fight back the possessions or the influence of whoever demon is in her are so lack luster and dry; with the exception of the "What's a family?" tape where's she's actively crying and screaming while undergoing the transformation; that I believe she's mostly given up when Riley is around and we as Riley are seeing what's happening.]

- After some time though, Amanda (Rebecca) starts to loose hope and control leaving it up to Wooly (Jordan) to still try and tell whoever is watching to help them, with subtle hints and clues.

- He can't speak about it directly or else Amanda will cut him off or hurt him. And we only see her actually hurt hurt Jordan Wooly.

[Another Tanget: You might be thinking, No we see her hurt Colton Wooly too, and to that I say, Nay! Because With Colton Wooly all the actions are cut off screen, yes, but that pertains to both, AND the aftermaths with Colton Wooly that we see; talking about the "What's a family?" Tape again; is a thousand times tammer than what happens to Jordan Wooly in vr1 of "Uh-oh Accidents"]

- I personally see two distinct types of people in Wooly depending on how deeper you go to finding secrets and getting to that final Amanda tape where she tell you that she, Rebecca is still out there.

(After finding out that each base tape has at least three different versions based off what you do and say on it, this is what I concluded)

——————————————————

- Wooly 1 (Jordan) is the Wooly that we see durring,

Tape 1: In the kitchen) All versions - Where everything goes as planned and they player/Riley answers everything correctly. Where the player/Riley is disobedient and gets Amanda upset. And when the player/Riley burns the kitchen down with the toy oven.

Tape 2: In the neighborhood) All versions - When the player/Riley plays as intended in both scenarios. Where Amanda is sending a package to Kate and then the one for Wooly's birthday. As well when the player/Riley is disobedient for both.

[Tanget: The question Wooly asked "Uh, Amanda, maybe some of our friends can come back to the neighborhood?" Implies that they weren't the only kids there in the past. And then when the player/Riley continues to type anything else but Wooly's name at the end of it, the "???: Gosh, I guess you really forgot..." Helps me out on this case too]

Tape 3: Uh-oh Accidents) vr1 - The one where Amanda hurts Wooly knee, in all possible scenarios when the player/Riley is being helpful or disobedient

——————————————————

- Wooly 2 (Sam Colton, Rebecca's Dad) is the Wooly we see in,

Tape 3: Uh-oh Accidents) vr2 - Where Amanda drugs Wooly and tries to attack him with medical equipment.

Extra EP tape 4: Everything Rots) All Versions - Where Amanda is being grossly fascinated with death and rotting things and Wooly, kinda like a parental figure is trying to pull her back in line kindly until he can't anymore.

Extra EP tape 5: What's a Family) All Versions - Where Amanda and Wooly go to the Zoo and Amanda starts to talk about family slowly making Wooly regress into a mindless animal.

——————————————————

In conclusion I think Wooly has two minds/souls/spirits(?) In him and that's why throughout the game you can see him sometimes being whimpy and more afraid of Amanda than anything else, and other times sticking up for himself and calling out Amanda's (more so the demon taking control of his little girl) BS

Thank you for taking the time to read my insane ramblings!

💖 It means a lot!

Bonus: The joke tape for hackers of Wooly just sitting there for 10 min, is truly nobody. It's actually just Wooly the character before any soul was put into it to give the character a real personality.

#speaking out my butt #amanda the adventurer #slight theory again im just talking

[wowbright]

Random thoughts about Autoboyography and Mormon stuff, since I'm still thinking about it two weeks later.

Spoilers ahead:

Why did Tanner's ex-mormon mother give her kid such a Mormon name?

Was the only reason the authors gave Sebastian Brother that last name was so they could make the "Brother Brother" joke? (No judgment. Just curious.)

Since Sebastian broke the law of chastity, how was his mission call not delayed? Did his parents not know about him breaking the law of chastity? Did they know but, since his dad was the bishop, his dad had the discretion to keep it quiet and not pursue any disciplinary action?

Or wait I guess if Sebastian is in a singles ward (a possibility, though I don't remember if it was mentioned one way or another), his dad isn't his Bishop.

BUT his parents are so against homosexuality it seems like they would want him disciplined by whoever's his bishop, since in their beliefs that would be the only way for him to fully repent of his "sin" and have any chance of progressing to the celestial kingdom.

Why didn't he get called into the honor code office at BYU? Again, was this a matter of people not knowing, or just the "right" people not knowing?

Did he get called in & kicked out of BYU sometime after the main story ended and before the epilogue began? Will BYU refuse to release his transcripts to another college he might want to attend so that he has to start from zero?

Is it just me or did Sebastian take the news of Tanner sleeping with their friend a little too easily? His response makes sense for a mature secular teen--they weren't dating so really it's none of Sebastian's business who Tanner got involved with. But Sebastian has been drenched in sexual shame. LDS kids get taught that any sexual activity (typically including masturbation) is essentially cheating on your future spouse. In that worldview, it very much would matter to Sebastian who Tanner has slept with. Even if Sebastian logically knows he shouldn't judge Tanner for it, even if he doesn't *want* to judge Tanner, he probably would.

Or maybe he does judge, but we don't see it because Sebastian is so good at painting on his Mormon "everything's fine" face? That feels like stretching the text too far, though.

Did release time seminary get mentioned anywhere in the story? This is neither here nor there, but I assume it's a thing in Provo and something that Tanner would be like, "Well that's crazy." But I don't remember whether it came up.

Very interesting how little Tanner knows about Mormon history. For all she encourages her kids to talk about their emotions and experiences, his mother sure doesn't talk much about hers, at least in this realm. (Again, not judging.) The part where Tanner unquestioningly repeats the line that polygamy happened in order to support widows made me do a double take.

Not really Mormon related: was that out-of-left-field plot twist included for the sole purpose of proving Tanner's bisexuality? I didn't need it proven. I already believed it. (Also, my surprise at Tanner's breadth of sexual experience at his age makes me feel a bit Mormon LOL.)

@redheadgleek Anything to add or detract?

#autoboyography #christina lauren #mormon stuff #wow reads books #lds #queer mormon book club

[chaotictarlos]

With love, your soulmate

Ship: Tarlos | Fandom: 911 Lone Star | Author: chaotictarlos| read on ao3

Rating: Mature | Warnings: Alternative Universe, Tarlos AU, Brooklyn Love Stories AU, Alternate Timelines, long-distance relationship, fluff, soulmate au, pen pal au, mention of police cruelty

Author's Note: I know it's been awhile since I've posted a chapter to this but thank you so much for being so patient! It's been a bit of a rough go writing this chapter and making sure it's fantastic but it's here now! As always a shoutout to the lovely @noxsoulmate for being the best beta ever!

Nobody has permission to save, translate, repost, upload, or do anything with my fics. My fics are only posted on AO3, if you see them on any other site such as wattpad please let me know.  This story was written for an adult audience and is intended for adult consumption. If you are under the age of 18, you should not be reading this story.

(tw: mention of police cruelty)

Hello TK,

I can’t believe that I’ve been doing field training for six weeks now! The weeks are passing by so fast and I’m learning a lot on the job. I’m loving every minute of it… aside from being partnered with Nathan. He wasn’t the greatest today. Again.

I know he’s been a cop for 26 years but he has a lot of outdated opinions so it makes working with him hard sometimes. Today he stopped a homeless person just to harass them and it made me uncomfortable. I intervened the best I could and that lead to me having to listen to him lecture me for an hour about how it was our job to clean up the “trash” in the city as well as take care of the criminals. 

I’m also enjoying getting your letters - it gives me something to look forward to each day now. Even if the day is bad, I know that I can come home to a letter from you and it’s like a little gift! Especially after days that are more challenging than the others. I don’t think the classroom training really prepared me for how mentally taxing field experience can be… but I’m still loving every minute of it!

I can’t wait for the next six weeks to pass so that I don’t have to work with him any longer. I hope that my official partner is someone who actually cares and wants to help people. I know that can be hard to come by in this field but I refuse to believe that every cop is corrupt and has such outdated opinions. 

But other than Nathan, I am enjoying my job. I do feel like this is what I am meant to do in life and I know that I can make a difference. And maybe I can inspire other people to make a difference too.

I enjoyed the comic that you sent me last week! It was funny! I’ve enclosed one of my favorite comics and I hope you think that it’s funny as well. 

I’m always so excited when you tell me about how you’re doing in your field placement! Did you really see a lizard crawl out of someone’s leg? And - there are lizards in New York? I don’t know how you do it, I would have been terrified of that thing. To think… there are flesh-eating lizards… not something I needed to know about but it makes for a good story.

READ MORE ON AO3

tags: @strangefurychaos @ronensass @sapphire11 @porscheanakinns @angeltk @noxsoulmate @sivan325 @beautifulhigh @welcometololaland @rangergurlgleek1211 @detective-giggles @tarlos-spain @lonestardust @bubblesandroses8

#chaotic fics #with love your soulmate #tarlos #tk strand #carlos reyes #tk strand x carlos reyes #rafael silva #ronen rubinstein #911 lone star #911 ls #lone star fic