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mayullla · 4 months

Text

Title: Obsessive Passion

Character(s): Witch's Apprentice (Unnamed character/original work)

Summary: You didn't know how much jealousy and hatred he had in his heart and you didn't know how desperate his love was too. He was greedy and was even willing to break you so that you would love him back. Tags/Warnings: male!yandere, fem!reader, apprentice!yandere x witch!reader, both are adults, general yandere themes, brainwash/hypno, drugging, manipulation, dubious consent, 3.4k words

You were a famous witch in the kingdom. Many sought you out for your spells and potions, and the things created by your hand were highly coveted. You were a woman who had reached fame for her talents in magic, knowledge, and powers at a young age. Many sought you out, including the royal family. However, instead of seeking more fame and money, you chose to leave the public eye and live a quiet life away from the capital. Only a few trusted friends and acquaintances knew where you were. You still made many potions and helped whenever the situation required it, but for the most part, you wanted to make time for yourself. You wanted to research and create spells and potions of your interest instead of what was requested and demanded.

With you, you took your apprentice, a man who had talents similar to yours, yet not as fully developed. Many said that he would not be able to achieve what you have due to his lack of mana, but you believed that he would be able to do more, even with that weakness. You knew he was smart, smart enough to figure out how to overcome that hurdle.

But maybe you should have been more careful with him.

You didn't know of the crazed love he had for you, a lust mixed in with unchecked jealousy and hunger. He loved you, he was so madly in love with you that sometimes he felt that it was driving him insane.

You were, in a sense, his savior, someone who took him out of a dark hole and showered him with positive love and attention. You were the one who saw his potential even with his lack of magic when others tossed him aside due to his limits.

It was an innocent crush at first, his heart beating faster when you got close to him as you helped him figure out a new spell that he was trying to create. He was deeply touched when he found out that you created a spell to move your mana to him when he started to run out, effectively stopping him from making progress in a lot of his work and studies.

To him, whenever you poured your energy onto him, he could not help but feel a shiver down his spine. His face flushed into a dark shade of red, perverted thoughts in his mind. All you needed was skin-to-skin contact, holding each other's hand, or you should hold his shoulder. But to him, it was more than that, more than a hug, more than a kiss. It was far more intimate than that when he felt your magic coiling with his, mixing together in his body. It was addicting.

It was difficult for him to hold himself, some days when you saw him panting so heavily after it, he had to make an excuse of some sort.

However, he also had too much anger and too much pride. He resented those who looked down on him, their judgmental eyes ranking his worth in their minds. You were the only one who looked at him in a different light.

You always told him to think of the good for the kingdom, that even when they looked down on him, he could show them what he could do and then their thoughts would change. You were always too kind and so positive.

You weren't naive. If you were, you would have long become a mere pawn of someone malicious, working endless hours for something empty, rather than being free to do whatever you want. But he had always been the more sly one.

That was what he loved about you but also hated. He hated how talented you were compared to him. He hated that you were more powerful than him, that he was in a sense below you. Because you were gifted, you had access to all kinds of magic spell books, even those that belonged to the royal library, while he was not even allowed into the room. He hated your magic because you had so much, unlike him.

He hated your pity.

You did know of his anger, anger towards the world and around him, but you never knew the extent of it. While you also believed that he could do more, you didn't realize what he could already do.

It was just headaches at first when you woke up. Headaches that would never go away no matter what you did. No potion or spell would cast away the pain in your head. Some days it was a numb pain that you could still function throughout the day, but with a few momentary breaks here and there. Sometimes you could go through your day like normal with a very light headache. Sometimes you could do nothing but sit in one place the whole day, unable to think because of the painful throbbing that almost felt like your skull was cracking.

Moments like those always made you mentally note to create another seal for your mind so that you could avoid these sorts of headaches in the future. But by then, it would be too late.

Your apprentice had taken care of most things while you had those serious headaches, giving him work that he could do when you weren't able to do them.

But while doing those tasks, he always took time to take care of you too, handing you tea that was supposed to soothe headaches. While it didn't work for the most part, you appreciated his gesture. Maybe if you were a little more aware and less in pain, you would notice something about the tea that he gave you.

Deep in your sleep, you would never notice how your apprentice would loom over you, having a smile on his lips, cheeks flushed as he played with your mind.

Being famous, you had always been careful of hidden threats and placed many seals in your body to protect yourself. One was on your mind, a seal that you had placed to protect you from any mind magic and dark magic. Much to your apprentice's amusement, he found it very cute that you were that cautious when dark or mind magic had become so rare.

It was taboo and illegal to dabble in such magic after all. Many who were found to be able to do so were mostly killed and burned on torture stakes. It had been years since someone could use such magic. Most magic of that sort was inherited after all, yet when they continued to kill most who could, there was no heir for such magic.

But it wasn't like all dark magic was gone.

He could not help but laugh when he thought of it, how you were so overly cautious of such magic yet took in an apprentice who could use dark magic. This was something you did not know, nor did you know much of. This was what he had over you.

Your seal, while effective if magic was used suddenly to get in your mind, was weak if it was something gradual, slowly chipped away. You would never notice it, not when your headaches started to worsen and worsen the more he chipped your little seal.

It felt like your mind was ripping apart, yet you could not wake up, a sleep potion that paralyzed you, keeping you in deep slumber no matter what he did to you. The torturous pain would be nothing but a nightmare the moment you wake up. He could not help but pity you a little, yet also find a certain thrill to it. A certain satisfaction that he could make you like this.

That he held power over you.

Your body reacted greatly to the broken seal, stiffening as sounds left your mouth, no matter how much he tried to minimize the pain. When it was forcibly broken, there was bound to be some backlash. Yet just as quickly, the sleep potions dragged you back to sleep, unable to react to the shattered seal, unable to see him right above you.

He could not help but laugh, holding it back as he covered his mouth with his hands. His lovely teacher, the teacher who trusted him so much, now at his mercy. He would finally watch you fall from your little stage right under his arms, weak and nothing like the powerful witch you were.

It was a complicated seal that he created just for you, drawn with magic above your head. It was made just for you, like the spell that you had created for him. It would replace the seal that he had broken, and you would be none the wiser. Even if you checked the seal, you would see and feel that same seal that he had broken still there.

One by one, he would change your thoughts, amusing himself in your confusion as he continued to slowly change your mind to his liking, doing things for his pleasure, yet none the wiser.

It took a while, but when you woke up, the headache you had for weeks was suddenly gone.

It was surprising when you realized that you didn't feel like someone was hitting you constantly with a hard, dull hammer every time you even blinked. You were suspicious of the change, but you also felt nothing more than relief. Even when you checked the seals that you placed in your body, nothing was strange.

Yet you just could not help but feel that something was off. That something was not right, but you just could not place a finger on it. You checked the potions and cabinets in the house to see if you misplaced something or if something was stolen, but it wasn't the case. Your apprentice took care of most of the cleaning and potion making while you were resting in bed. Anyone who visited your apprentice had given them the requested items and potions without any problem, but something just felt off.

"Is something the matter?"

You were startled by his voice, jumping a little as if you were caught doing something you shouldn't do. Turning to him, you could not help but frown. "It is nothing, I am just a little confused right now. I can't help but feel like I am missing something."

You honestly replied to your apprentice, wondering and maybe hoping that he had the answer why you were like this. "I am not sure," he answered, having a worried look on his face, wondering if he had made a mistake while you were resting. "Did I make a mistake of some sort?"

Looking at his thinking face, probably trying to calculate expenses or thinking where stuff in where, you shook your head, raising your hand to stop him. "No, it is fine. Thank you for taking care of everything." Seeing that soft smile on his lips, you decided to give your worries a rest.

Yet it always lingered in the back of your mind. As days passed, you started to pay more attention to your apprentice. When you were in the middle of your own research, your mind sometimes thought of him unconsciously, wondering what he was doing and where he was. If he was in the room, you became overly conscious of him. Your eyes could not help but look at him some days, falling into a daze until you snapped out of it with him calling you with a worried look on his face.

It wasn't like you ignored him in the past; you tried to teach him when you were not caught up with your own research. In fact, you were able to give more time to him after you moved to the village, having more time to do whatever you wished. You invested more time into helping him train and learn.

However, this was different.

Your mind just could not think straight sometimes, finding it hard to concentrate when your mind kept thinking of him. He was your apprentice, and while not really far in age, sometimes you thought of him more as an assistant. He was mature and helped you a lot too back then when you had so much work to do. Even now, when he followed you to the countryside, he continued to help you when you needed it. He was reliable.

It wasn't on purpose when you unconsciously started to look over him more often, seeing and checking what he was doing. You took even more time away from your own research to help him learn more about magic and his own research. A quick learner, you always thought, when he picked up a lot of the things you taught him. He was faster… way faster than you when you studied magic around his level.

As more days passed, you started to think that he was better than you, clearly way more talented than you. More often than before, you would compliment him. You complimented him a lot before too, yet you started to do it more and more often. And every compliment seemed to remind you that he was far better than you, that he was better than you.

But it never changed the fact that, unlike you, his magic reserves were smaller than yours. You frowned at the predicament. You were still researching how to help your apprentice's problem, yet you still didn't find a way to fix it. One's own limits were decided the day they were born, and not much could change to make it larger or smaller. The only way you could help your apprentice was to give him your own.

A light touch on his hand or arms, you concentrated on moving your own magic to him. Yet even that took a long time.

Pushing all your other research away, you started trying to find a way to make the transfer quicker and more clean, as there were moments when magic would just leak out and largely go to waste. You were fine with it, to be fair, born with large reserves that it was difficult to use them all in one day anyway, yet you just could not forget your apprentice's face, the jealousy in his eyes when he looked at you.

"Good job. You are doing so well." Compliments continued to leave your lips. Yet as soon as it did, darkness coiled in your stomach as you patted his head. He… he was better than you… Far, far better than you.

You looked down at his sitting form, a smile on his lips, your hand still on his hair as you zoned out deep in thought. "You should really stop patting my head," he told you in a cheery voice, "I am not like some elementary kid who should be rewarded with head pats." You thought for a moment. Looking at him, you could not help but think that it was true, he was far too old for such a thing, but just that you had a habit of doing so.

As soon as you thought that, you tried to take your hand away from his hair, unconsciously wondering if you offended your apprentice or not, yet your hand was stopped by a larger hand. "Ah, I didn't mean it like that!" he said, looking almost surprised when his teacher suddenly started to avoid him. "It is fine to touch my hair, you know… I don't mind," he told you a flush on his face, looking else ever as he tried to hide his cheeks with one hand, "I always know that you like touching my hair, don't you? What I mean to say is that you can touch it whenever... but I am not a kid."

Yes… nothing was wrong… Nothing was wrong at all.

From there, it spiraled again. You were able to function in your daily life, but there were just moments when your memories blanked, and you barely remembered anything. At one point, you thought it was the tea that you were drinking, the one that your apprentice would always make for you.

You were suspicious of the liquid inside your cup, pausing as you stared at it with narrowed eyes. "Is something the matter, teacher?" You looked up at your apprentice, who was looking at you in wonder, an eyebrow raised as he tilted his head. "Do you not like the tea? I made it as you have always liked."

"It is nothing," you said, moving the tea closer to your lips. The smell hit your nose, the same fragrance that you were always familiar with. For a moment, you hesitated, but when you were watched by your student, you chose to take a drink of the tea…

"It is adorable how cautious my teacher is." Your eyes were glazed over as you blankly stared at the floor. Your fingers that were holding the teacup lost their strength, letting the glass fall to the floor and shatter. "Clumsy. Clumsy~" Your apprentice had a mocking tone as he looked at your sitting form. There was no recognition in your eyes, whatever sliver of it was quickly dragged back into the haze. "What would you do without me?"

Moving in front of you, he spelled the glass teacup to rise from the floor and mend itself. When it was placed onto the table, it looked as if it was never broken from the start.

Looking at you, he moved his hands to gently grab your face, forcing you to look at him. "But then again, I always loved my teacher. So much so that it drives me insane sometimes." Your unfocused eyes stared back at him, making him feel chills that he was the one who caused this. That he was the one who made you like this.

He could not help but burst out laughing.

My precious teacher… my precious, precious teacher!" He kept on chanting, in the middle of a quiet forest where there was nothing to hide. His eyes were red with lust and lovesickness.

"My cautious little teacher, slowly you will fall into my arms, and when I finally have you all to myself, I will chain you to me so that you will never be able to leave me. I will make you think of me just as much as I think of you." One by one, he told you all the things he would do to you when you finally could not think for yourself. When your mind breaks and shatters, he will never mend it; instead, he will accept it into his heart.

Then he will create a piece with it that is submissive to him, that yearns for him, that begs for him. One that places him in a high stage that demands others' attention, yet he will give none to them when his eyes are on you, just as he had forced yours to his. You will tell others that he is your heir and that you will be fully retiring.

He will be the one to take care of you, he will take all your magic from your body, greedily taking everything, leaving you unable to even sit up from the bed. He will take care of your body, telling you how well you have done, letting you rest as he fulfills orders for potions and creates spells without limit, looking for you again and again when he runs out.

He will make you sign a contract to become forever his, he will make you sign your name into something that will relinquish everything that belongs to you and give it to him. He will make you give up your talents, your knowledge, your wisdom. He will take everything and gobble it up, as you scream in pain and anguish he will comfort you in his arms and hushed loving words.

You will be his and nobody will be the wiser. Nobody will notice how broken you become as you can do nothing but follow his orders, when you will tell others that he has now inherited your shop and that you will instead become something of a sort of helper. Nobody will know that it is hard for you to make simple potions as he teaches you how to make an easy potion, when you barely even have enough magic to use for yourself as he continues to steal from you.

He will make you clingy, he will make you feel useless and desperate just as he had felt as he looked at you in the past.

You made him insane, and he will show you what it was like as you drowned in his love.

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rubra-wav · 2 months

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Yes! That’s exactly what I meant with the butterflies and characters!

I now have another request for main cast +Rosie and how they’d react with a Toriel (undertale)! reader where they’re basically a super comforting mother-like figure. I specifically want their reactions to reader making Toriels iconic and homely butterscotch cinnamon pie.

The main cast + Rosie × Toriel-like reader hcs

[ Part 2/ x Lucifer ]

A/N Glad I got the first one right! I've mostly written this as generally parental to keep stuff more gn, but reader is definitely more maternal than paternal.

I love this prompt sm. Toriel is such a sweetheart, and I feel like a reader who's like her would be a massive help to the cast and their progress of redemption.

Cw: SFW, technically gn but I use the words 'mum or dad' to refer to reader, platonic, kinda hurt/comfort in parts, suggestive in Angel's, references to cannibalism in Alastor's and Rosie's

Charlie

- Charlie would love you so much.

- She's got absolutely horrendous unresolved parental issues from both parents, so she would attach to you so quickly.

- If you tell her how wonderful of a job she's doing and that you are proud of her as a warm, caretaking parental-like figure, then she's gonna be bawling like an absolute baby.

- You want an unofficially adopted daughter?

- When you bake her the pie, she will feel years of ignoring her damaged inner child absolutely smack into her at once.

- Runs over to you and just grips onto your shirt as she bawls into your shoulder, saying thank you over and over again and apologising for crying. Probably accidentally calls you mum or dad as you're there hugging her and is then super embarrassed after it.

- After that? Yeah, she just keeps calling you mum or dad accidentally. It just becomes habitual at some point, and everyone else in the hotel just kinda accepts it.

- I can see her unconsciously calling you mum or dad on the phone to Lucifer himself and Lucifer going nuts about it, thinking she's either talking about Alastor or Lilith has come back.

- It'll just be the Alastor shenanigans all over again, but when Lucifer actually sees you, he can't even be mad.

- You offer him tea and stuff you've made for his visit, and he's just there angrily stuffing his face while slightly crying because he's trying so hard to stay mad, but Charlie looks so happy as she talks animatedly about him to you and you're so genuinely sweet unlike Alastor.

- He's also lacking a massive spot missing in himself that Lilith left that you could fill.

- ... Want an unofficial adopted husband, too?

Vaggie

- At first, she really doesnt like you.

- Nah, she hates you straight up.

- Finds how you act for a demon to be greatly untrustworthy, and she's very defensive because she thinks you're just another Alastor who's trying to get close to Charlie to potentially harm her.

- After a while, though, she sees you are just genuinely a deeply abnormal demon as compared to what she's seen.

- Then she quickly warms up to you.

- She never thought she had any kind of missing parent spot in her heart, being an ex exterminator and all, but oh boy, was she wrong.

- She's never experienced any kind of presence like yours - as an exterminator, she didn't have parents.

- And because of that, she's suddenly found herself unable to stop crying for some reason as you hugged her and told her she's doing a really good job protecting everyone.

- She's never had that in this way. Charlie is, of course, supportive but not in a way that's parental.

- If you tell anyone about her crying in your arms, she says she will deny it and end you.

- When you offer her the pie, she doesn't break down like Charlie, but she's so happy. Has googly eyes about it and is fighting tears as you come and hug her.

- Very much appreciates you and all you do, in a much less 'going to start actually calling you mum/dad' way, though.

- Does somewhat attach to you like that however.

- Absolutely becomes particularly protective over you.

Angel Dust

- You vex him so greatly.

- At first, he thinks it's some kind of roleplay thing you were trying to get him to play out, and he's not into it at all.

- Downplays it if you're male with a; "Well, I'm not usually into that kinda calling people daddy, but -"

- Straight up tells reader he's not into that if reader isn't male, however.

- Is even more confused when you are horrified he thinks you're trying to bed him.

- All his years of coming across terrible people have made him avoid you like the plague, he doesn't trust you because you're just so?? Weird?

- Thinks you're trying to break his walls down with kindness so you can take advantage of him, so his guard is literally always all the way up with you.

- He cracks a bit, though, when he's had a rough night and you find him sitting on the lounge in the TV room with his head in his hands.

- You bring him a slice of the butterscotch cinnamon pie, hearing he likes sweet things, and some tea with a painkiller on the side of the plate.

- When he says thank you hesitantly, you just smile and hum before leaving.

- After that, he starts to warm to you.

- You help to patch him up if he ever gets injured and take care of him when he comes home wasted.

- When you patch him up/take care of him, you sometimes help brush his fur out, and he loves that a lot.

- Will lie about not liking it, though. He's not meant to like soft affection. It goes against his persona he tries to put on.

- The way he leans into your touch though whenever you do this is very telling.

Husk

- He doesn't like you at all.

- Finds the way you treat him deeply unsettling and borderline humiliating, and wishes you would just leave him alone.

- He's a grown man, he doesn't want to be treated like someone's kid - especially some random.

- When you back off, he's thankful for it.

- He appreciates when you do smaller gestures for him though that are less parental/ emotional and are more just practical.

- If you help him clean up, give him stuff to eat while he's working, volunteer to massage his shoulders, etc. He's happy.

- When you give him some of the butterscotch cinnamon pie, he's gonna bitch he doesn't like sweet things but he'll be lying about not liking it.

- Probably will try to recreate the recipe in secret late at night.

- Absolutely mortified when you find him absolutely covered in flour with a mixing bowl in his hands after hearing him sneeze loudly.

- The ingredients on the bench very clearly match what would be in a butterscotch cinnamon pie.

- When you say he could have just asked you what the recipe was, he gets incredibly defensive and vehemently denies it.

- You wave him off apologising for 'assuming wrong', then leave him to continue what he totally wasn't doing.

- He gives up after that and goes to bed rather embarrassed, getting caught on his bs.

- He's extra embarrassed when the next day he finds the recipe written on a piece of paper slid under his room's door.

- He acts like he doesn't like you still, but it's an absolute lie.

Sir Pentious

- Deeply paranoid about you in the beginning, naturally.

- He finds the way you act extremely strange and the way it makes him feel even stranger, so he avoids you for a while.

- One night when he thinks you're asleep he comes to look longingly at you like with other members of the hotel.

- Only to find you are not asleep at all, and are just reading late into the night, lost in a book.

- He inwardly curses and tries to leave, but the floorboards outside of the door creak with his movement, and he's mortified, anticipating getting the living crap beaten out of him.

- Is surprised when you smile at him and beckon him over instead, though, asking him what he's doing up so late.

- Slowly comes over to you and sits down next to you hesitantly. He's still anticipating a beating, but figures if he does what you ask he will receive less of one.

- You of course don't, and your soft nature sweeps him in. His tired and secretly touch starved self is very quickly falling asleep curled against you.

- After that, he quickly warms up to you, finding your caring, affectionate nature very much something he's missing and wants.

- When you serve him the cinnamon and butterscotch pie, he goes very weepy about it. He doesn't really like sweet things that much, but he's so soft about the gesture.

- Would probably be one to attach to you hard as a parent-figure as well. Would never allow himself to call you mum or dad though.

-If he does, it's mumbled out while he's very tired and not thinking while snuggled against you.

- One of his eggs hears this and later addresses it, and he's absolutely horrified.

Alastor

- He's another person who's particularly fond of you for the get-go.

- He has a surprising soft spot for people who act parent-like - especially when it's more on the motherly kind of side of things.

- So, from day one, he's treating you much more genuinely nicely than he usually would other people.

- He would never in a million years act like the others do with you. However, he certainly does not shy away from you doting upon him.

- He'd accept tea and pastries (even though they aren’t exactly to his usual tastes), as well as the affection and praise you give out liberally graciously with a smile and warmness that is not as forced as it is with others.

- But he would certainly never allow himself to become attached enough to you to see you like a parent to him. He's got one parent, and you could never replace her.

- When you come out with the butterscotch cinnamon pie, looking all homely and soft with it in your hands, he feels himself smile widely and let's out a laugh that's so lacking of the usual mocking/underlying bad intent that it would surprise the listener.

- Happy to tell you about his day each time he comes home over tea.

- Of course he doesn't discuss anything under surface level things, though he certainly likes the smalltalk you bring to the table.

- You may be able to crack his outward persona a little bit and get him to very vaguely touch upon what's going on with him under the surface, but even then, it's never truly honest or obvious as to what his true thoughts are.

- When he has the breakdown in the final episode, he particularly avoids you afterwards as he just knows he'd risk letting his walls down too much around you.

Niffty

- Another one who absolutely loves you from day one.

- You let her put on puppet shows with the dead insects she kills and compliment her messed up collections and art, though you do push her towards less sadistic/unhinged forms of entertainment.

- She doesn't stop what she does, of course, but she will take up some of what you recommend. Usually in a very twisted way though.

- ie. 'paintings of butterflies', but it's actual butterflies mixed with other insects like a messed up form of taxidermy all glued down onto a page.

- Likes having you around to do the mopping and vacuuming around the hotel with her.

- She of course helps with the work, but she particularly enjoys sliding full speed across the floor while it's wet towards you and watching you panic as you scramble to catch her.

- Also likes to sit on the vacuum cleaner when you use it talking about anything and everything.

- You usually both end up absolutely covered in soapy water by the end of cleaning.

- She also likes the meals and desserts you make for her very much.

- When you bring out the pie, she's sitting down and kicking her legs excitedly as she looks at it as you bring her a slice.

- After shes done, she's going over to you and is sitting in your lap while kicking her feet even more excitedly and cuddling up against you, basking in your hugs while giggling.

- Absolutely calls you mum or mama. Regardless of your gender, you'd be getting called mum by her.

Rosie

- Pleasantly surprised to meet a sinner like you.

- You two get on like a house on fire the second you meet.

- She's of course cordial, but it's much less forced around you, and she feels a lot more easy going around someone like you.

- She's absolutely beaming in every meeting you have and absolutely adores being around you at all points.

- She finds how you instantly try to take care of everyone around you - including her - absolutely endearing and extremely cute.

- Loves having tea with you and Alastor.

- It's not often she can find someone who is unafraid enough to have tea with not only her but also Al, so she's absolutely elated. Most people are scared for obvious reasons to dine with cannibals.

- Normally, she would turn down the kind of food you make, but she just cannot bring herself to.

- You're too sweet to say no to in her books.

- She's somewhat hesitant to try it like with most of what you bring when you bring out the pie, but is delighted when she does.

- Truly loves it, and your gestures are just so absolutely lovely to her.

- Doesn't attach to you as a parental figure at all, but certainly does love having you as a friend.

- She absolutely tries to dote on you in the same way you do with her.

- A bit hesitant to start cooking more normal dishes though, so she ends up asking you to cook with her.

- She's surprised at how fun it is to cook with you.

- Rosie and you end up starting to bake or prepare desserts for your teatime sessions with Al. It quickly becomes an activity she absolutely cherishes.

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tarjapearce · 4 months

Text

Crimson Crown (Pt. 8)

Cover made by the amazing @pinkiemme ~

WARNING: MINORS DO NOT INTERACT. Mild fluff, Angst, canon character death, violence, graphic depictions of violence, heartbreak, mild depictions of mental breakdowns, relationship setbacks, Dark Miguel.

Summary: You meet Dana.

A/N: Yeh, I'm nervous about this one jsksj. Hope you like ❤️. Dana's outfit inspired in this

The graying skies above prevented the sun's warmth to reach your window and your body. Stony floor colder than usual, just like your chambers.

A distant and far rumble echoed in the sky, probably a stray island would suffer the drench, after all, weather in Arachne varied depending on it's mood.

The light filtering through your window was dim, gloomy, like a tragedy happened somewhere and the sky preferred to mourn elsewhere.

But the thought of the king and the previous events made your heart warm, shimmy with joy and ease. Some progress at last.

Your eyes closed at the sudden image of him. His smile was captivating, his touch so gentle and knowing that only you had achieved the historical event of luring him out the castle to rest, made your chest swell in pride.

You didn't waste time into writing a new entry in your diary, it had been a while since you scribbled your memories and main events within the castle. Too focused in enjoying the king's company and blooming affection.

An excited novice was nothing compared to how your head felt. Despite the sky's blue mood, yours were in high spirits. You'd start your first ever lessons with your new students back in the lab. Your knowledge on Arachne's medicine would also be put to test.

After having your fill of writing, you got ready for the day. A quick and simple breakfast was brought and you ate, to then leave for your lab.

People greeted your way, bowed or gave a quick smile before entering your favorite play room. As usual, the kettle was put to boil, some roses were minced along rosemary.

While the water boiled, you prepared the station by organizing the canisters, preparing the herbs and ingredients ahead you'd be using. A smile crept in your lips at the familiriaty of the situation.

It was exactly like home where you'd prepare everything ahead to welcome the new students of the Thelerian Medicine Academy. Even though the Queen was the main master, you also taught the basics, but eventually, you earned your title as medical master with own merits.

Surgeries were delicate, and even though not many could be saved, your heart rested knowing that you had tried your best in making the patient's last moments as comfortable as possible.

Thoughts however were interrupted by the heavy steps and armor clinking you knew by heart at this point. Heartbeats increased tenfold as he was now next to you, with a pleased smile at seeing the class being prepared

"Good morning, Princesa."

The fragrant smell of the tea tickled his nose, you poured two cups and offered one to him, just like with Peter.

"Good morning, my lord. Here."

Miguel took the cup with no hesitation, eyed the liquid and he drank the tea before you could even add honey to it. But it also taught you a little thing from him. He wasn't much of a sweet tooth.

"What was that?"

"A drink to give you an energy boost."

His nose flared an airy chuckle while putting the cup on the table and take a good look at you.

"Join me at lunch."

One of your brows quirked and he cleared his throat, "Please."

"Of course."

With a smile you lit the flame from a canister as he watched your every move.

"Any dish you'd like to indulge?"

"That fish stew was tasty. Would it be too capricious of me to ask for more potatos in it?"

Miguel could only soften his smile at the simple petition.

"I'll take my guess and say you'd like some tarts for dessert."

You gave the pestle and the mortar to him while adding some herbs in the stony recipient, urging him to try his grinding skills.

"You're not wrong. Have you drank your daily dosis of caffeine yet?"

It pleased him greatly to see you were as observant as he was.

"Just did, yeah."

"Good"

A bashful smile spreaded through your lips as you took his hand to help him hold the pestle correctly.

"Like that. Keep going."

"Im not a complete useless on this, you know?" A playful smile came on your lips as one of your hands rested in his bicep.

"Never thought of it, my lord."

"Please, call me Miguel."

"I'm still getting used to call you such ways."

He could feel the warmth irradiating from your body as you grabbed the leather gloves in front of him. Miguel stopped grinding to take a glimpse of you. Eyes raking the slope of your jaw, your neck but they returned for the lips. A little rouge tainted on them.

He swallowed and finished grinding the herbs to a pulp. There was a throat rasping that had you both turning heads towards the entrance. It was Jessica, mustering all her strenght to not smirk at what she had been witnessing for the past minutes.

"The apprentices are here, your highness."

Jessica bowed and let the group in, a total of eight were under your command. None of them passing the seventeens. Four girls and four boys, ready to start their lessons.

All of them bowed upon seeing Miguel and you.

" They've been carefully selected to be under your wing, Princesa. I trust they'll seize the chance."

A subtle Do not disappoint me from Miguel. He took your hand and kissed the back of your palm, earning a coy smile from the girls watching.

"I'll see you at lunch."

"I'll be there, Miguel."

His heart skipped a beat or two before disappearing with a Jessica following him, trying her absolute best to not laugh at his scowling and subtle flushed cheeks.

"Shut up."

Jessica could only giggle to herself, pushing the tease a bit too far before she cleared her throat.

"Of course, Miguel."

The king just gave a vexed grunt as his eyes rolled to a side. Peter greeted him on the way, ready to guard your morning.

The lessons had advanced without a hitch, each of your students seemed deft enough in different areas, some knew the basics of basics, others had no idea on the tools you used. Imported Thelerian equipment that surprisingly was even more effective than the machinery doctors used in Arachne.

The morning was spent teaching away, taking small breaks for snacks and cleaning up. Finally around midday, the class was wrapped up.

Hunger was second to the need of seeing him once more. So your steps hurried, but a voice behind you prevented your feet from going further.

"Your majesty! Wait!"

A servant approached to deliver a message

"My lady awaits for your presence in the east part of the rose garden."

Before you could even ask who the mysterious lady was, the letter you previously received in your room came to mind. Hoping it would be a quick meeting since lunch with Miguel approached.

Instead of going straight to the shortcut that would lead to the dining hall, you turned left, going for the gardens.

A chilling gust of wind hit your face, stopping for a minute before resuming your steps for the encounter. All you now knew it was a lady.

Clouds followed you, their graying intensifying, keeping all sunshine to themselves, letting everything underneath to drown in cold blues and greys. A chill ran down your spine the more you ventured within the gardens.

You've only been on the outer sides and north part of them, easily mistaken by a maze if one didn't know where to go.

Dread crept up in your chest upon seeing a different side of the usual beauty. Thick thorns spreaded to your left and right, adorning the dull and rusty fences that did a poor job in keeping them inside. It reminded you like the thorns you initially saw back when entering Arachne for the first time.

Ever sharp and ready to draw blood to anyone that dared to subdue them. The humid and moldy smell assaulted your senses with such violence you had to smell your clothed wrist to ease the burn in your nose.

New aromas tried to get in your lungs, rotten wood, stilted water on a nearby fountain, weeds and twigs growing from the floor. Some stuck in the hem of your dress, as if preventing you from going further. Air leaving a weird taste in your mouth. Your skin crawled.

Carefully, your pried yourself away to finally arrive to a completely different milieu.

Red roses grew along the thorns that had claimed every wall they could spread to. Thickets had been relatively trimmed to give them a less unkempt look, each to the entrance of a new section of the garden. Directly facing Miguel's war room.

A room only the council, his soldiers and himself had access to. And now you as well.

Eyes ventured in the neatly arranged table before you. Pastries you've had a glimpse of back in the city, some snacks and two goblets placed on each side of the table, to finally land on a beautiful woman.

Dressed in red velvet and fine linens, hair impeccably combed in a short bob under the pearl-rimmed gable hood ontop of her head. Golden earrings and chains around her neck. A noble.

Her pretty smile only widened yet it did not reach her blue eyes.

"Your majesty."

She gave a brief bow, which you returned. Au contraire of her, you were donned with a much simple and modest suit. The navy blue bodice had some splotches of dust and herbs, skirt lacking with the usual fluff of the farthingale underneath. Headdress with a softer shape covering your head and loose braid.

Yet, the Blanchard family ring on your left hand screamed what this lady attempted to emulate. Power.

Blue irises raked over your face and it made her chuckle. Your whole body tensed, as your hands rested before you.

"My apologies for showing up like this."

"By all means, teaching the future medics of Arachne must be quite the feat. Please, let's have a seat."

The table was spacious enough to have two people, yet sufficiently small to be an arms away from eachother. You took a seat before her. Hubris and luxury exuded from every pore of the lady in red.

"My name is Dana D'Angelo, your majesty. A pleasure to finally meet you in the flesh."

"Nice to meet you, my lady."

Oh how her rotten heart loved when the ones in the top called her that. And coming from you made it all the better. It gave her a glimpse of what her life as a queen could be.

"I've heard that it was your first class today."

"It was, yes. The king was generous to provide me such gift."

"Oh, I bet. He loves gifting things to those he considers equals."

You blinked at her words as Dana drank from her goblet, but her gaze always remained in you. You swallowed, uncomfortable.

Scrutinized was a measly thing. Her stare felt like yanking the outer layers of yourself with the intent to leave your soul bare.

"You seem to know him."

Your eyes remained soft yet guarded, focused in her.

"Of course. I've known Miguel ever since he was eighteen. I've seen his progress through the years, and of course I am proud of the man he has turned into."

"Quite noble of you to support him, my lady. The king needs all the help possible."

Dana nodded, pleased, "In that you're absolutely right, your highness. I'm sure you've already met my father, Baron Darko."

You nodded solemnly, hands resting ontop of the table. Even though the food looked appealing, you didn't take a bite. In fact the first thing you did while taking a seat was to discreetly take a whiff of it. It was days old at much, and the pastries oozed with a sour scent. but in Dana's plate was all freshly made.

"I have."

"My apologies for his behavior. Even though the times have changed, he remains closed off to new perspectives, your highness."

"It's natural to fear or feel discomfort towards the unknown, Lady Dana."

"Still, my father gets pride into gushing about his knowledge in Arachne. But, since given you are the future queen of Arachne, and Theleria as well, I wanted to know, do you feel ready for such duties?"

"Ruling a kingdom is far from easy, so I will say, No. I am not. At least not completely. If you were in my place, what would you believe?"

"I am."

Your brow twitched discreetly, the praising of course always meant something behind. And the speed she answered was as if she had been waiting for that question forever.

"Care to elaborate why, besides being a native of Arachne and knowing the king for ages?"

"Beg your pardon?" Dana's tone was expected, yet the impervious demeanor of your mother that rubbed on you was finally paying off. That didn't mean that you actually enjoyed the route the conversation was taking. In fact, dread was juggling with your heart.

"Let me rephrase the question, my lady. What is your vision for Arachne?"

"Clearly one where Arachne can be the most feared kingdom, as it always has."

"I see."

"If it wasn't for that soft voice of yours, I'd dare to say you sound disappointed."

"At all, visions of a kingdom may vary. I respect your thoughts."

Dana's eyes narrowed in the slightest as she taunted "Even though they may differ from yours?"

"Indeed. That's what tolerance is about."

Miguel was holding a meeting with Peter, who was called for a debrief after the lessons ended. Jessica, Ben and Hobie were called to the room along Gabriel.

The latter however sat nearby the window and for a moment, spaced out. Far too interested in the scenery before him than going over and over the routes he knew by heart at this point. Meeting was quick.

However, the spot of red focused all his attention to it. Green eyes widened upon seeing you and Dana together.

"Shit"

Everyone looked at his way, specially Miguel that glowered as Gabriel pulled him towards the window. The king was about to land a hit on his younger brother but quickly understood the message upon seeing you.

"Mierda..." He bolted off the room, Peter trailed after him, while Jessica came to the window. A hand going at her mouth.

"As much as I'd love continue talking, I believe it's time for this claptrap to end, my lady."

"I know, you are a busy woman, your majesty. I believe I heard you have a lunch with the king?"

"You seem to be quite interested in my affairs. I don't know whether to feel alarmed or flattered that you use your spare time to know about my whereabouts."

Dana stood with a discreet huff and roll of her eyes, and you followed. Her gaze met your beautiful poker face.

"Don't feel flattered, princess. I assure you, I spend my time in more creative and productive ways, and even better with the right company."

"Would you like to be less cryptic and go straight at your motives? I am not one for indulging gossips or silly talks."

"Don't worry, your highness. As the king's main mistress I also have a schedule to follow."

You swallowed hard the upcoming knot in your throat, breath stopping for a second.

Her rotten heart gave a derisive laugh inside upon seeing the cracks in your stony demeanor. But she had to give you something, you didn't break easily.

Although it was fun to see your eyes getting bloodshot from the upcoming cry, you locked up the tears and bit the insides of your cheek with such force you tasted blood, but even so, it was a better taste than bile's sourness rising in the back of your throat.

Heart beating miles per second, menacing to stop at any moment. It didn't help that the crows flapped away out of nowhere, carrying their omens and allegedly bad luck elsewhere.

"Then, I must leave you, madam."

You bowed and gathered your skirt to walk away but Dana was set into seeing your tears fall. The hurried steps from where you came only approached, nearly galloping in your direction.

"I will produce him a heir. I... We've been trying, even before you came."

"Then, I bid you both good luck. Rose tea is a great ally for fertility. Anything else you'd like to add?"

"My love for him is unfathomable, your majesty."

At this point her words felt like mere taunts that were escalating to a tantrum upon seeing you somewhat composed.

"That is clear. Too bad you're too much of a coward to do this without him present so he can know."

Dana frowned, "Oh, he knows. But he is too busy playing the fool with you. He might marry you, but his heart is always with me."

"I don't fight over simple trivialities, madam, much less over men. What you do with the king is none of my business, but I must warn you, once I become a queen, stay away from my affairs. Don't force me to go back to my kingdom's old ways"

"Is that a threat, Princess?"

"A promise, madam."

Dana scoffed upon seeing Miguel's head peeking over the corner.

"A pleasure to meet you, your highness."

She didn't get what she initially wanted but was satisfied of your reaction. Her plan was fruitful enough to leave you on your own with the spiraling and violent thoughts tearing your mind and heart apart.

A loud rumble drowned the steps of Miguel and Peter. Peter looked for Dana, but she was nowhere to be found, her escape was flawless. But what use would it be to find her when the damage had already been done?

What was left to fix where all you had left were ruins after that harrowing hurricane of a woman trampled on your hopes and evolving feelings towards a man you thought different from what you knew?

You saw the obsidian in his shoes before your form, his hands about to take a hold of your face to make you look at him, but instinctively you pushed it away. It wasn't a hard slap, nor a feeble one.

Miguel's heart stopped as his eyes narrowed, feeling the cutting of your words in the shape of a dagger, slicing and twisting inside his already frail heart.

"I beg you. Don't touch me."

"Princesa..."

His voice barely a whisper, and you looked at him. And God, he wished that you didn't.

For once Miguel wished to be blind, to be deaf, so he couldn't see the heartbreak in your eyes. So he couldn't hear such words that had his heart beating so painfully his breathings hitched. For once, the genius of a man, the ruthless sovereign, The Red King, was at lost on what to do and feel.

Your eyes said it all.

Liar

He approached and you stepped back. He swallowed. If sadness, anger and disappointment could be a person, you'd be the perfect embodiment of such traits.

You disgust me.

Each of your hypothetical words only added another hefty stone on his frail self control. Eyes cold, devoid of all the kindness and admiration he secretly longed to see everytime you were around him. Nothing in them. Not even hatred.

He was sure you believed him so unworthy of anything, even negatives.

He had experienced the many different looks their enemies seized him with, but yours obliterated and trampled all strength with such easiness that had his hands shaky and his lips dry with a feeling he thought long forgotten. Hopelessness.

"I forgot this is all a political game. Forgive my naivety, ser. I got too carried away."

"Please, could you list-"

"Pardon if I misunderstood your hospitality customs for something else. Won't happen again."

You bowed to him, letting a lone tear to break at his feet, to then turn around and walk away, disappearing from his sight. All he could do was watch.

No, no.

The sky finally broke, hitting him remorselessly with each drop, as a punishment and he did nothing but to accept it.

Your steps guided you aimlessly through the halls of the castle. Despite the need of running back to your room was overwhelming, you took the time to wander through. Numbness was too comfortable on your brain to let go.

And it was only when you passed the lab, that an acute pang in your chest made itself known. Everything reminded you of him.

His damned smile, his kindness, everything had been a lie. Was it? You didn't know what to believe anymore. Yet none other than yourself popped in your mind as the only culprit.

Always fantasious, inlove with tales that were borderline too good to be true. Too sweet to be savoured and too fantastic to happen in real life.

Little it mattered now when the lover's slate was wiped clean, reducing you as a mere pawn to secure your kingdom's safety. Like it was meant to be since the beginning yet you had dared to believe everything would be better. Different.

Peter huffed behind you, catching his breath. But you didn't want him around, in fact the only company you wanted was yourself and your pen and papers.

"Y-Your Highness."

"I wish to be alone until further notice, ser"

"You know I can't do that. As much as I'd like to leave you on your own, I can't. It's my duty to protect you."

"You're certainly have failed."

You heaved as shoulders slumped. Peter frowned as his eyes averted from your form.

"I didn't mean to... Those words are more to myself than you. Forgive me to drag you to this."

Your head shook while taking a sheet of paper.

"I'm still looking for Dana. The king-"

"Is a liar."

"No, your highness, that's not-"

"My father has whores whenever he likes. It's not-" You bit your tongue for a moment, trying to get your voice steady, "He's not a saint. He's stupid and selfish to rather a whore's company than my own mother, but at least, ser Peter, he's open about it."

Peter could only cast his eyes away, he knew you were right. How could he rebut to that, much more when he experienced first hand the disgust and the outcome of what a mistress could do? He simply couldn't.

"He doesn't hide who he is."

"Remember the talk we had about the mistress looking for him-"

"Again, why keeping them? Am... Am I not enough?"

Oh Miguel, you fucking idiot...

"Maybe I never was. Please close the door when you leave. I wish to be alone."

Peter only bowed to you and left. And when the final click of the door echoed in the cold room, the dam in your tears was let loose. Allowing you to finally break with a quiet whimper.

The weight of initial loneliness, being homesick and now this, finally dropped on your shoulders like ton of bricks. Each that fell on your back made sure to break your weary bones further.

Whatever Dana had plotted was achieved. If her intention was to hurt, it was granted with flying colors. She had won, you weren't a sore loser, you knew when to admit defeat and step aside.

But one thing was true. You felt dirty.

You removed your clothes in a haste and got in the tub, scrubbing yourself until your skin stung, trying to erase any trace of him. The same lips that had kissed you, had kissed her. The same hands that touched you, had touched her. Probably in places that made you stomach revolt at the thought.

But no matter how much you scrubbed or bruised your skin, he still remained there. Forever etched in your skin, like an invisible tattoo only you were able to see. Your own Cain mark.

Even though your hands stung and bled around some places in the knuckles, you still sat before the desk and wrote. And wrote, until your tears blended with the ink, and you tore the pages to start over.

How much you longed for an embrace that didn't feel rehearsed or for pity. For some comforting words that only tipped the balance to gain some favor, you missed your mother.

If he keeps causing you pain, return home. We'll find a solution.

Of course. You could always go back home. It wouldn't be a failure. You had tried your absolute best, and still it wasn't enough.

A new sheet of paper was brought, words already flowing along the ink.

You were going home.

Peter had to drag him inside, after the rain started, armor heavier than usual but no physical weight could be compared to his mind's.

It all had happened so quietly and quickly, that the wasn't ready for such impact, much less the magnitude of the chaos the destructive nature of Dana left in her wake.

All of those warnings, all of those cold shoulders made his burdens light as a feather. Their unavoidable load finally crushing him against the ground, remorselessly.

His breeches were soaked but even so, it was the only piece of clothes remaining in him, as his armor and wet clothes laid on the floor in a forlorn trail. He approached the fire, to make some warmth to seep in back to his body.

The quiet click of his door, didn't move him from the spot, instead he kept glued in his stance. The glow of the fire shone over his skin, an ominous glow that made him rekindle his old battles, his old ways.

Lukewarm arms embraced his back, hands hung lazily over the hem of his breeches. Soft lips kissed his back in a poor attempt to return some of the missing and much needed heat.

His lip twitched when Dana grunted, pleased that he didn't budge.

"What did you say to the Princess?"

Dana stopped for a second, bold hand going inside the hem. Her skin crawled upon feeling the trimmed curls of his pubis. Miguel didn't twitch. Anger was simmering so slow that his body begun warming up on its own. Dana's ministrations were useless and irritating at best.

"Just a few little things about us. And she basically told me that you were mine to keep. That she didn't fight over men."

Miguel only hummed in response. He felt her hands touching him, in the same way she used to console him when a meeting had gone sour. He always welcomed her.

Young, stupid and raging in hormones, that if it wasn't for him to secretly feeding Dana any herb considered a contraceptive and low dosages of poison, he'd probably be over his third child. But now, her touch was unrequited, and it only added fire to his already skyrocketing fury.

"Do you know what you've done, Dana?"

The mistress' strokes stopped. She knew that tone. She knew when Miguel was about to explode.

And still, she taunted "Making you completely mine?" To then step before him, crushing her chest against his, enhancing the sight of her mounds just for him. She had won.

"No, querida. Far from that."

Dana's triumphant smile faded slowly when Miguel reached for her nape, and tangled his hand on the base of her neck.

"You just sped up you own execution, Danita."

Right?

She had won, and still it was victory Miguel refused to acknowledge.

All thoughts were sapped away as Miguel pulled her by her hair roughly. Like mostly of their old games. Dana just laughed, but it quickly was replaced by a pained yelp as he slammed her against the wall.

"T-Thats not funny anymore, Miguel-" But none had prepared her for his yelling at her face

"Estúpida y maldita zorra!" (You dumb fucking bitch)

He towered easily over her, one of his hands easily enveloped her tender neck. Dana gulped and he felt the move, widening his dark smirk. It was The Red King who moved and talked. A side he only showed in battle, and his most despicable enemies.

Dana struggled to be free, fear took over as Miguel rested his forehead against hers, cold and unforgiving stare boring into her soul.

"Why are you so set into making everything I work for so damn hard?!"

"I was supposed to be the queen! You said it!"

"Oh, Danita. Did you really think I'd marry you?"

"Let me go!"

He squeezed tighter instead, silencing her pleas

"I-" She choked and tried with all her might to push him away, but this only enticed his cruelty, "I've been there for you, wasn't I?!"

Even in her suffering, she still tried to appeal to those memories that undeniably she had given him. In her delusional and entitled mind she deserved him.

"When your father and mother died, I was there! Not her! I've loved you more than anyone in this stupid castle could ever do!"

Miguel's brow quirked boredly as tears stained his hand

"I saw you getting crowned! I lost my maidenhood to you when you won your first ever b-battle!" She sputtered as Miguel squeezed tighter. Her toes barely touching the floor, "I-I wiped your tears, patched your wounds-"

"And because of that you believe you have power over me? Over my kingdom? "

His eyes twinkled in amusement as the life danced in Dana's gaze. Fear oozed from every pore at his eerie calm, yet his hands did all the talking for him. It had been ages since he didn't crush someone's throat. And even so, he wouldn't make it quick.

"You are supposed t'be mine" Dana slurred and Miguel just scoffed

"How cute and stupid for you to believe you can own me."

All his pain and rage from each of your words, turned into the vice like grip, strength leaving her the more she thrashed.

"Don't" Dana heaved and struggled to let words come out. The fear and lack of air was clouding her judgment, "D-" Don't be ungrateful-"

I was there, she mouthed but Miguel only applied more pressure into her neck. Dana kicked and whimpered weakly. The imminent end approached in a torturous slow pace. Despair and death banging at her door.

"Ungrateful? I gave you every stupid whim you asked for, gave your scum like family a position in my court when I knew they would only leech off me" He hissed while his teeth bared "Put you too many times as a priority when the kingdom was crumbling around me, and I am ungrateful?"

Dana's lids drooped, dizzy. Lips purple, like her face.

"You never did anything worthy besides being a fuck toy, darling. Why should I reward you for such thing?"

"M-Miguel-" Her hands although weakly, reached for him, but he slapped the limbs away with his free hand. Unlike you that had been kind even in your pain.

"All you had to do was listen when I told you to stay away from her, didn't I?"

"P-"

"But you love tempting the devil, don't you?"

Please

"Why didn't you listen?!"

Dana managed to mark his face a last time.

His hands squeezed until something caved under the pressure with a lurid crack. Crimson eyes stared in disgust at how the dull in Dana's gaze vanished. Hands and body stilled after an initial twitch. He let the body fall on the floor with a careless thud like the many he had ended before.

Another one for his endless tab. Regret lingered but not out of guilt, rather than not taking this matter in his hands sooner.

Adrenaline rushed through his body, his mouth gave a shaky and borderline ecstatic breath, savouring the panic for a moment. It felt like a new sort of vitamin had been injected in his heart, cause it beat with healthy and powerful pumps. A tired smile crept up his lips.

Finally.

He was free, his past has died. There was nothing to keep him bound to her. No ropes that held him back.

When the rush vanished, he called Jessica and Ben, that upon entering his chambers watched in horror at the familiar body on the ground. Grotesquely beautiful as it stared back from its spot. Death pungent in the air.

"Get rid of her" Voice dripped in disdain while he searched for a dry change of clothes.

Jessica had forgotten what was like to face him after a meaningful kill. It was this side of him that had granted him a throne and the respect of the rest of the continent.

Pleased and proud of himself for such feat, arrogance exuding from every pore, but the satisfied smile plastered all over his face was the macabre element of the equation.

Jessica had been forgetting her own participation in the slaughter. But this predicament reminded her enough that The Red King never left. That only great amounts of rage brought him back.

Ben glanced at the body as he rearranged it to be put out. The gruesome bruise in the shape of his hand was fresh on her neck, fear still etched in her features as some tears pooled in the corner of her inner lid. Ben closed her eyes, trying to give her a less haunting look.

"What about her family?"

A chill ran down Jessica's spine upon his next words.

"Wipe them all out. Except Baron Darko."

Another thing she knew too well. He was sparing him to set an example of what happens if you don't listen. His words were absolute and final.

"Burn her and give her ashes to him."

Cruel and cold Red King.

Jessica could only bow and left to get some extra help, hoping he wasn't there to stay.

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spanishskulduggery · 4 months

Text

Just in case anyone needs to hear this - there was a time when I was REALLY bad at Spanish... I wanted to be good at it, but I wasn't

I have a core memory of me of sitting on my bed surrounded by flashcards and just crying out of frustration because I really did want to learn Spanish and be able to understand it, but I was not there

Whenever I got something wrong or messed something up or couldn't remember a word or just plain didn't know the answer to something I felt like such a failure and that all the work I was doing wasn't getting me anywhere

I think a part of me wanted to be really good at Spanish and if I wasn't perfect then I wasn't good, if that makes sense... and there were times when I wanted to give up but I also knew I couldn't or wouldn't give up

I don't know if this is determination on my part or stubbornness but as much as I despaired thinking I was never going to know Spanish, I also felt in me that I could not walk away from it, at least not for good

I don't know when the despair started to fade away... I think it was when I was starting to tutor people at school, or when I was understanding the grammar more - at least things I had already learned

Some of it was just the memorization of tenses and conjugations where it wasn't a struggle in every way at every moment

And then I started to get to the point where I was good enough to read things, and I could look up answers on my own with a dictionary and I could find other people discussing the grammar I had struggled with, or trying to find context I didn't have for some phrases I was seeing

I got to a point where I was more comfortable, but still didn't know as much as I wanted... all I knew was that people were struggling with things I already knew, which meant that I had learned it, and that I knew what I didn't know so that helped immensely because it made me feel like I had something to gauge my progress

So again if you see me and think "wow they know so much I'll never get there", don't compare yourself to me - I've been studying for close to two decades now and I still don't know everything about everything

Grammar I know because I took lots of classes and read A LOT, and not just books I mean I was reading grammar sites and dictionaries to try and figure out things like "what's that se mean?" or "why is this word feminine if it has the masculine article?" or "why are these two conjugations different but okay to use?"

It feels like it takes forever to get there, but learning Spanish to the degree that I have feels like a real achievement for me - it's not something I lucked into or got right on the first try, it's something I earned myself for myself

It's going to take time but if you put in the effort and if you really want it, you can get there too

#personal stuff #long post #just in case anyone finds this helpful #langblr #spanish

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qtubbo · 6 months

Text

Note: For people who were just watching Phil’s POV, while this was still present it much harder to notice how genuinely insecure Phil was making Sunny feel, being much more blatant with full context of who Sunny is through Tubbo’s entire POV of them.

QPhil was incredibly mean spirited towards Sunny, to the point where it felt much more purposeful rather than Phil just being in a weird mood, he was also unnecessary judgement towards Tubbo’s parenting. To an extreme unmatched by any of the other older parents to any of the new parents, constantly mocking Tubbo’s builds, abilities, and rules. While he started off very pleasant towards if not a bit confused, as the day progressed and later conversation from Phil about Sunny he became more bluntly resentful and annoyed. The easiest way to simplify his actions is to consider him acting like Tubbo’s cruel mother in law, if you know the trope.

I think this was done from the simple fact that he missed his kids, and was projecting his own relationship with Tallulah onto Tubbo and Sunny. A lot of how he treated Sunny at the beginning was more similar to how he treats Tallulah and as the day went by the more certain I felt that he was projecting Tallulah onto Sunny. He was more critical of his parenting because he wanted for Sunny what he would want for Tallulah, he rejected a lot of Sunny’s actual wants because he knows what’s good enough for his daughter and what Tubbo was doing wasn’t enough. This is also why he was rejecting of Sunny’s actual wants because he was coping through her, anytime Sunny strayed off what Tallulah wanted it was hurting his illusion and therefore needed to be squashed.

Sunny came off as cold to Phil, because instead of giving her bright personality to him it was given to Tubbo. The more they strayed from Tallulah’s personality the harder it was to continue pretending, he wanted Tallulah and got Sunny, and he resented Sunny for that. I fully doubt this was on purpose, rather Phil was subconsciously projecting is own daughter on to Tubbo’s. Nothing Sunny could have done would have made Phil love her, even though she was trying so hard to be loved by the man their Pa looks up to. This becomes even more obvious when you compare his relationship to Sunny to his one with Empanada. While I don’t consider Em and Tallulah to be very close in personality, I think they are similar enough to scratch that itch for Phil and Empanada was less reserved then Sunny making Phil feel that was kinder than Sunny. Which was inevitably why he ended up saying the most hurtful thing of all about Sunny to Tallulah.

“Sunny’s nice I’ve met with them, and talked to them about stuff. She likes money.”

“Oh look over there, there’s Empanada! You’ll really like Empanada!”

He said this to comfort Tallulah but he still said it in front of Sunny, Kids notice that stuff when you talk about them like an afterthought, and then the next kid with full blown excitement it hurts. You’ll like Empanada you won’t like Sunny.

Also I’ll analyze Tubbo and Phil’s relationship more in another post, since I’ve seen a lot of conversation around it right now and I wanted to say something on its own. As a second note I took out a lot of the crueler comments Phil said in private since while he did say them, I would only include them if I had quotes as to not accidentally villainize him through misremembering.

#qsmp #Qsmp phil #Qsmp tubbo #qsmp sunny #qsmp tallulah #REMINDER THIS IS ABOUT THE CHARACTERS NOT THE CCS !!!! REAL LIFE PHIL AINT BEEFING WITH SUNNY THE EGG #BECAUSE THEY WEREN’T HIS DAUGHTER THAT WOULD BE WEIRD #Also before I get this accusation again I watch phils whole pov for this thats why im able to make that note #I did research okay! I did make the mistake of not writing down the actual qoutes from phil…. Which is why that section was removed

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itsjustaninchident · 7 months

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Could you do a imagine where the reader struggles with body dysmorphia with Charles or Arthur. Just him being there for her and comforting her. Maybe how he finds out

Charles Leclerc x Fem!Reader

summary: negative thoughts aren't supposed to be crowding your brain when you're going on a date and Charles is here to help with that.

warning/s: body dysmorphia, anxiety, low self-esteem, mentions of bullying, just nasty hater stuff, angst but fluff in the end, reader is very insecure, slight eating disorder (?), quite bad relationship with food

author's note: I am not very much educated on this topic but I did my research so I can somehow give justice to writing this and please always remember you're beautiful being you! Others' opinion of yourself does not matter, at the end of the day your opinion of yourself will always be more important and I hope if you're going through this you'll get the peace you deserve with your body! Slow steps still progress. 🤍 Please if I wrote something wrong in this kindly call me out. Sorry if it's long overdue I wasn't in my best state these days.

It was a slow Sunday morning for you and Charles. It was one of the free days Charles was away from the chaos of Formula 1 and he couldn't contain the excitement of getting you out on a date. Even though you always try your best to be with him when he's racing in other countries, nothing will still compare to days where he gets to spend it with you and you only.

You were both laying in bed too lazy to start the morning but the both of you knew you need to be prepared because of the long day ahead. Charles prepared a whole day of itinerary for you both in the beautiful city of Florence, it's your first time to be in this city and you couldn't contain your excitement.

Charles was nuzzling his nose to your hair seemingly content of just smelling your strawberry-scented hair for the day and he can't help himself but sigh with the feeling of you just relaxing with him. "I wish we can get to spend mornings like this everyday, mon angé." He tightened his grip on your waist, your back facing him but you can feel his smile as he basked in the morning glow in your hotel room. You can't help but agree to what he said, all the fancy restaurants, the expensive things, and places you can't even pronounce cannot compare to what you both are experiencing right now.

Moments like this are better than anything expensive in the world. Your heart fluttered of imagining ahead a morning with Charles where you don't get to spend one away from him. Just the raw morning greetings, the glow of sunshine cascading both of you as you try to get up and do the most mundane things yet you wouldn't trade it for anything extraordinary or expensive in this world.

"We should get up, I thought you have a full day for us to spend?" You faced him smiling, while he renewed his embrace not wanting to let you go. He smiled at the sight of your face, "You're so beautiful, good morning love." He muttered and kissed your forehead. You blushed, he has probably told you you're beautiful countless of times already but he never fails to release the butterflies in your stomach and make you flustered. "Well, you're gorgeous too." You said to him which earned you a blush as well. He buried his face into your neck seemingly shy from the earned reaction. You can't help but chuckle you wish you can capture this moment forever.

"As much as I want spending my mornings like this, I think we're gonna be late to whatever you planned for today, Charles." You said a-matter-of-fact. You started moving from his grip which he let out a groan of protest. "Get up, love. I'm hungry." You're not. In fact, you're planning on not eating at all for today. The statement made Charles get up from bed, he looks really glorious in the morning but well you can't stay in bed all day when there's a whole new place you wanted to explore waiting for you.

"Okay, then let's get ready. I'll get us pastries before we go. Maybe you can get ready while I'm out?" He offered, you just nodded already busy with planning your outfit as he kissed your forehead before storming off.

You got in the bathroom and did all your ritual. It wasn't long when you're out of the bathroom and started trying out the outfits you picked, not decided which you will wear so you decided to try everything on. The first outfit however, ruined your mood. You put on the pants but as you look at yourself in the mirror you weren't really satisfied with how you look. It was a nightmare really, all the negative thoughts coming in your head one by one as if to knock you all over, crashing the beautiful state you woke up to a while ago. You were not pleased, you hate yourself. You hate how you look, you hate the reflection.

It didn't help that you also saw those nasty comments from "fans" on your latest instagram post. All of the comments on your body, your weight, and your overall appearance. It all took a toll on you. Suddenly all the energy the sleep gave you was drained because of everything. You feel really exhausted just thinking about going out tonight and people seeing you in what seem like a very insecure day for you. You removed the pants and got back to your pyjamas, you're not one to sulk all day when a negative thing occur to you but today is not one of those days.

It seems like everything just came down pouring on you and drowning you from everything. You decided to just lay in bed, negative thoughts clouding your mind. Why are you not as perfect as the other girls you see on instagram? Why can't you be them instead? Why are you so ugly and unfit? Why did Charles even choose to be with you?

All those thoughts were disrupted when you heard the door click open. Your boyfriend entered with a big smile on his face. Seemingly, trying to tell you a story of what went when he bought you guys food. But he stopped talking as long as he saw your state.

He put everything he's holding on to the table, immediately walking up towards you. He's so worried upon seeing you, crying, your makeup ruined, hair still damp, in your pyjamas. He's never seen you in this state before. You guys started dating for a few years now but everytime you have a mental breakdown or an episode like this you try your best to hide it from anyone, even Charles. He kneeled in front of you, started wiping your tearstained cheeks, worry ever present in his eyes, he started fixing the hair covering your forehead. "Can you please sit up for me love?" He uttered gently, he doesn't know what's happening or why you're crying but he just knows you would open up to him when you're ready so for now he's doing his best to calm you down. It hurts to see you like this, fragile and small as if his heart is being pierced through by knives and torn into pieces.

He handed you the water once your sat up straight and facing him. He waited for your sobs to calm down and when you're quite calm he hugged you so tight. So tight that you can also feel your heart tightening. Warmth spreading through you, he didn't even say anything but it made you feel a little bit better. "You wanna lay down?" He asked now facing you. You nodded, you settled down and faced sideways. You feel a little ashamed now, realizing what happened and what he saw. But Charles didn't mind you facing your back from him instead he was spooning you, his arms secured slightly on your waist not wanting to let you go. He was kissing your head as he lightly caress your arm trying to bring you comfort.

"Is everything okay?" He attempted to ask you now wanting to know what's bothering you and how he can help you.

You were hesitant to tell him, no one in your life knows you're going through this. Plus the both of you never talked about anything related to this. But something in you is telling you that you should let him know to at least let out your burden, lighten what you're feeling, and overall just to be honest with him. This is a hard topic to open to anyone, especially to your boyfriend. You don't really know how he will react with it. Will this make it worse? Erasing all the doubts, you started formulating how you will tell him.

"I don't feel good about myself, Cha. I'm so unattractive, it's like I spend numerous amounts of time to look good but in the end I don't feel a tad bit of satisfaction with myself. It's so hard to look good at least. My body's not attractive and I feel like I'm not even doing enough to look good. It's like everything is just not right with me. I'm so tired of trying to look pretty and just fall through in the end whenever I look in the mirror. I hate my reflection and I hate myself for it. I can't help it." Tears started pouring out of your eyes once again, you feel Charles' embrace tightening once more. The little kisses stopped and you could hear his slow breaths. It felt good to let that all out but those lingering negative thoughts will never leave you still.

Charles wishes he can share your pain to at least ease what you're feeling. He didn't know you were feeling this way about yourself because if you would ask him who's the most attractive person he's ever seen the answer will always be you and he would never think in a heartbeat to say your name. If it's only possible for you to borrow his eyes and see yourself from his perspective maybe you would think otherwise, maybe your bad thoughts will disappear. "I love you, mon amour. I wish you could see yourself the way I do. I wish you knew how attractive you are. You're the person I want to see first the moment I wake up and the last person I want to see before I sleep. You're beautiful, you're gorgeous and I will run out of compliments to tell you just to let you know how attractive you are. And that's just even the bonus point because you're also kind, precious, you never forget to worry for anybody, you are so smart and you're my everything. You could wear anything or none at all–" You slapped him slightly making him and you chuckle the tense atmosphere slowly disappearing.

"And you would always look good. You can wear the most expensive makeup product or not wear any makeup at all and I would always feel like you're a goddess and how am I even so lucky to get you in my life? And that's not even all that you got, I was so fascinated by you not because of your physical appearance but because of what's inside your heart. I will never get tired of telling you how pretty you are whenever you feel like you're not. The world does not deserve someone like you."

You held your breath upon hearing his words. You can't help but shed tears again, this time because of love. You don't even know if it's possible for anyone to feel this much love in their heart that it feels like it's about to burst, little did you know Charles feels the same way.

You turned around and face him. And you can't help but smile as he renewed his embrace. "I love you, Charles." You muttered earning a smile from him. "I love you more, mon amour. You're the greatest thing that's ever happened to me." You buried your face into his neck as he tightened his embrace to you. "Maybe we could still have our date here, hmm? What do you think about watching your favorite movie and ordering your favorite food?" He offered, as he's slightly caressing your back. You nodded, you felt hungry after crying that much, the negative thoughts lingering at the back of your mind still but with Charles by your side you feel more at ease and ready to take slow steps to find peace with yourself.

While you guys were watching your favorite movie Charles suggested that maybe you should try and seek help from a psychiatrist. You took his word and nodded, once you're back in Monaco you will find time to get professional help. "I don't know what I would do without you." You said to him. "I think I should be the one saying that." As he kissed you while your worries slowly fades away.

#f1 #f1 fic #fluff #f1 fluff #charles leclerc #charles leclerc x reader #charles leclerc fluff #f1 fanfic

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yujo-nishimura · 7 months

Text

Red Hair or Red Nose? - Part 4

You guys are all amazing; thank you for reading and therefore motivating me to continue writing. This all starts off very slow, but I enjoy the tension between the characters and the slow development of this triangle... Part 5 coming tomorrow!

Feeling overwhelmed by the dominating presence of both Shanks and Buggy and their brainless masculinity, you instinctively attempt to break free from their grasp. Sensing your resistance, Shanks swiftly releases his hold on you, recognizing your denial. However, Buggy, less attuned to your boundaries, continues to hold onto your face, his grip remaining firm.

“You are both quite annoying. Nothing has changed. Me leaving the ship had no impact on both of you!”, you assert, directing your words squarely at Buggy while a laugh escapes your lips.

Shanks joins in with laughter, and as the sound fills the air, a moment of realization dawns upon Buggy. For a moment his clown face is frozen in shock. The signs of recognition and understanding become evident.

“Y/N!” he exclaims, immediately letting go of your face, detaching his body parts in surprise again. Shanks continues to laugh uncontrollably, clutching onto his glass and ordering three more drinks from the perplexed bartender, not following the communication at all.

“Y/N! It is really you! Oh my god, why didn't you tell me, Shanks, you bastard?”

“How could you not realize, Buggy?”

"But Y/N... you've grown so much!" Buggy exclaims, his gaze lingering on your chest, causing you to blush in embarrassment. Reacting swiftly to his inappropriate comment, you slap him across the face, much to Shanks' amusement, enjoying himself to the fullest.

"Just because I am a woman doesn't make me any less of a strong pirate captain compared to the two of you!" you exclaim, your words laced with determination and a hint of frustration. Memories of the past resurface, reminding you of the gender-based assignments you were often given aboard Gold D. Roger's ship, where cleaning and cooking tasks were expected of you. However, you refuse to let men judge your strength and power based on your appearance. You have a loyal crew, you've made it to the Grand Line, and your gender will not hinder you from competing with these renowned captains seated beside you. Especially if one of them was just a pervy clown!

Shanks, who finally has stopped laughing and already consumed a considerable amount of Whiskey in a short span of time, speaks now in his usual calm manner:

“I am so glad to see you again, Y/N. And you appear like you have made remarkable progress.. I never doubted your potential, but I couldn't help but worry about you, venturing out there all on your own.”

"I have a crew," you retort firmly, your voice brimming with conviction. "We are a team of five at this point!"

Now it is Buggy who erupts into laughter at your response, his amusement echoing in the air.

"Five people?" That's even fewer than that damned Straw Hat crew! How on earth are you still alive, sweetheart?" he jeers, his words stinging deep within you, striking a chord of defeat.

Yes, it was true that not many were willing to follow a female captain, and five may not have been a large number. But you had just embarked on your journey, and you were grateful for the loyal men who stood by your side.

The effects of the alcohol, combined with the emotional sting of Buggy's comment, overwhelmed you. Without uttering another word, you rose from your seat, determined to put an end to their childish behavior. You are fed up. You've moved on from the past, and it's time they understood that.

As you turn towards the door, a sudden touch on your wrist startles you. Buggy's detached hand firmly grasps your wrist, refusing to let you go.

"I am sorry..." Buggy's apology sounds strained, his voice carrying a scratch of regret.

As you turn around, you witness Shanks holding his sword, pointing it directly at Buggy. Shanks, ever the voice of reason, has stepped in to maintain control over Buggy's volatile temper. He does not want you to leave.

“He is sorry. And so am I. Have one more drink with us and tell us about your adventures, Y/N!”

With a sigh, you come around and slowly return to your seat. The calm and rational demeanor of Shanks has once again persuaded you to reconsider your decision to leave.

As the evening progresses into the late hours, the effects of the alcohol intensify, and the atmosphere grows increasingly noisy and lively. The three of you become intoxicated, with Shanks proving to be the most resilient drinker among the group. The pub is filled with laughter and animated storytelling. In this state, the barriers between you begin to dissolve, allowing the bonds of the friendship you shared since childhood to be rekindled.

As the clock approaches 3 am, the three of you finally stumble out of the pub. The tired barkeeper, happy about all the money you spent on his place, but exhausted by your laughter and singing, kicks you finally out.

In a state of lightheartedness, Shanks, Buggy and you begin to sing sea shanties, filling the air with cheerful and drunken melodies as you make your way back to the harbor. To maintain balance and out of affection, you hold onto each other tightly, ensuring that no one stumbles. You feel wonderful. You had missed these two men in your life and you realize this now in your drunken state more than ever. Why did you leave them in the first place? The love and affection you feel for them seems endless at this moment, you remember you have always felt for them like this but now it mixes with a feeling of excitement since these two strong handsome men are holding you in their midst. What a bliss!

Shanks, making sure to walk slowly, holding you tightly and steadily, his shoulder gently pressing against yours.

Meanwhile, Buggy's hands rest around your hips, his touch radiating heat and conveying a sense of intimacy and desire that contrasts with Shanks' more gentle demeanor. The combination of their touches leaves you feeling lightheaded, overwhelmed with a mixture of joy and excitement.

"Hey guys, what if we kissed now?" you chuckle, your gaze shifting between Buggy and Shanks, attempting to decipher their reactions. You do not know, why you actually said that.

Buggy's expression morphs into surprise and his eyes widen, while Shanks, taken aback momentarily, raises an eyebrow with a curious glimmer in his eyes. The air around you becomes charged with an unexpected tension as you wait for their response.

To be continued..

#buggy the clown x reader #buggy x reader #buggy x you #buggytheclown #one piece buggy #one piece #red haired shanks #shanks one piece #shanks x reader #akagami no shanks #red hair shanks

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icouldntfinditsoiwroteit · 3 months

Text

Made something?

I've been really obssesing over poppy playime lately, the game is so damn good, I genuinly love it, so this is mostly just work in progress and a small "lab test" if you may when it come to my writting since I want to experiment with stuff.

"You....Your Poppy's angel" Those where the first words you heard from to the giant mangled creature that resembled the critter Dogday.

"Come to save us" His voice was hoarse, his lower body completely gone, all the while his hand where held unto metal hooks to keep his body...or what remained of it suspended in the air.

"Nothing left to save...not here" How right he was, you had come here to try and get answers, at least to try and understand what had happened, what had gone wrong and yet you had only found death and failure...but this was new.

"You're in Catnaps home, angel" For the first time since entering this forgotten place you had found...suffering...fresh real suffering, of course you could guess Mommy longlegs had died painfully but that ws nothing compare to this...thing...

"Their home, a million pairs of eyes are on you now," This was never meant to happen, you had come here with a clear goal and yet now...you could only feel bad...not pitty but genuinely sad, there was nothing you could do for those old coworkers who were long dead, or for the children who you were pretty sure had shared the same fate as your coworkers did.

"Watching, waiting, hungry..." Hungry...that had always bothered you, it was such a huge design flaw, you had tried to tell them, how there needed to be some change so they wouldn't need to eat, you had even given them the absolute best reason, it would cost less to mantain, and yet they hadn't listened...

"They want nothing more than to crawl beneath your skin and eat away at you bit by litte bit," You really wish those higher up brainless sad excuses of human beings would still be alive so you could laugh at them...although they did get eaten, so that will have to do at least.

"And feel what is empty inside themselves" The little failures would be dissapointed with what they found...little to fill their empty husks.

"Listen to me, you need to get out of this place," Tempting...

"You need to live," It's not like you're interested in doing otherwise, to many loose ends to leave behind by selfishly dying.

"You and Poppy can fix this, end this madness, the torment, the-oh no," Those small critters had started inching closer to the mangled body of Dogday, they were so fucking ugly, such failures about to twist even more one of the few succesful ones, one you had spent so much work nd time on, he looked utterly helpless, pathetic and...terrified

"OH NO!" He was absolutely terrified, of course anyone would be if small creatures were about to eat their insides bit by bit, it is only natural to fear such painfull death and yet...

"Leave me, please, just go, RUN!!" He was still trying to get you to leave, more worried about you than himself...

You really don't realize what you've done until after you've done it that the screams of the small critters fill the room as you shoot them with the bengal gun hand as you pull Dogday with all your strength much to his shock as he basically falls on top of you, causing you to almost fall over from the unexpected weight, yet you manage not to fall back as you regain your bearing, holding Dogday tightly, the plushfur of his body was all matted and smelled putried almost making you drop him and recoil.

But you didn't...

"Angel what are you doing?" His voice sounded absolutely shocked yet terrified at the same time.

"You shouldn't have done that, Catnap won't let this pass!" He was now panicking as you manuvered him so he would be on you back.

"Hold my shoulders, don't let go," You order and he does as told, holding unto your shoulders, almost reminding you of a plushie backpack, except the plushie was giant, missing half of it's body and absolutely dirty...

Oh well, you'd fix that later, now you needed to get out of this damned laberynth of a place before those disgusting small critters got to you.

#poppy playtime 3 #poppy playtime #dogday #catnap #poppy playtime chapter 3 #gender neutral reader #reader insert

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valorant-drabbles · 6 months

Note

Hallo! I'm the one who requested the iso x reader from last time （＾ｖ＾）

I was wondering if you could make a part two showing how they slowly progressed with each other if it's alright since I really loved the first part and I'm brain rotting hard about Iso

PS - I'll go by ♠️spade anon from now on

Not me accidentally creating a multi-part slow burn Iso fic!! Oh boy

Could be seen as platonic or romantic… but if people want a part 3, it’ll definitely be more romantic.

Gender neutral reader!

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: Mild Cursing, Spoiler for Part 1 of this fic

Cold Shoulder

Reader x Iso

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |

It had been about three weeks since the incident; since you and Iso had your little quarrel, and inevitably having started to understand one another. It was definitely a challenge for you, since you’d struggled for years when it came to getting along with people outside of work hours. Thankfully, Iso was proving to be extremely patient and courteous towards you and your growth. That wasn’t to say he didn’t get irritated every so often if he noticed you slipping back into your old, cold habits…

But you were making a genuine effort. What more could he ask for?

Despite it only having been a few weeks, you and Iso had started getting along quite quickly. He’d made it clear that you were always welcome to join him if you were feeling lonely- and considering your friend quantity in the Protocol was quite low, you were finding yourself ‘lonely’ often. It was strange- last month, you were completely fine being on your own. And now, if you went a few days without a casual conversation with somebody… you felt an odd emptiness inside your chest. A yearning for connection that you’d thought you’d severed long ago.

There were many days where Iso would return to his room after training to find you sat on his bed, listening to the playlist he’d shared with you. Usually you were reading, or watching movies on your laptop… passing the time until he’d return and possibly join you. Iso knew you had a bit of trouble asking to spend time together, so when you were in his room- it was kind of obvious why you were there. Once he’d shower and change clothes, he’d settle into bed and join you in whatever you were doing.

Overtime, this became routine. On days neither of you had a mission, you’d spend time together in the comfort of Iso’s room… quietly bonding, occasionally starting conversations- though usually it was Iso initiating. After all, even after all this time, he still found you to be absolutely fascinating, and desired to learn more about you.

“What do you think we learn from fighting ourselves?” Iso’s voice cut through the current silence filling the bedroom, causing you to look up from your book, eyebrow raised curiously at the sudden query.

“… what?”

“Ah- sorry. That came from nowhere.” Iso apologized quietly, his gaze sheepishly moving away from where you were watching him. “I was just… thinking about our mirror selves. From Omega Earth. How they look and act almost exactly like us- and our teammates as well.”

“Mhm. What about them, though?” You questioned further, noticing Iso shift in his seat.

“I’ve… had this question on my mind ever since I saw myself on the other team. ‘What do we learn from fighting ourselves?’… I’ve asked a few of the others, but… honestly, none of them had an answer I was looking for.” Iso grimaced softly at the memory of him asking Phoenix this question, only for the Brit to cockily answer ‘How much better I am compared to that fake me!’.

You took a moment to ponder his question. This was something you genuinely appreciated about spending time with Iso- he posed questions that made you think. Nothing too philosophical, usually… but it kept conversations interesting, and additionally helped the two of you learn more about how the other thinks.

“I guess… we learn our weaknesses.” You answer after about a minute of silence. “Though it’s not ideal… there’s certain circumstances where our double will be better than us at something. It’ll reveal a weak point in our abilities… and give us something to work towards improving. Alternatively, we learn the weakness of our double, and how to potentially exploit it if need be.” Your shoulders shrugged slightly, as you bit gently at the end of the pen in your hand. “It can also help us to… uh…”

Your hesitance to speak further piques Iso’s curiosity, and his gaze moves to you. He can’t help but notice your cheeks glowing a faint shade of red. You seldom showed emotion like this… allowing yourself to be embarrassed or even revealing a moment of weakness. Despite his desire to urge you into finishing your thought, he knew pushing you to answer would just make you uncomfortable. And, there was the possibility it could cause you to throw out your walls again, giving him the cold shoulder again- he couldn’t risk that. So, he waited.

As much as you wanted to change the topic or just… leave the thought unfinished, Iso’s eyes on you made it clear that he really wanted to know what you were thinking.

“Y/N?” Iso called out quietly. A sigh escaped you reluctantly, as you turned your body to face away from him slightly- only so that he would have trouble seeing how flushed your face had become.

“It… it also helps us to… see what we couldn’t see before. In our own teammates.” You finally continue, deciding to occupy your twitching hands with twirling your pen between your fingers. “How much our team would do to… to protect us. In the face of danger. The threat of death is always so real when you know the enemy won’t hesitate to kill you… sometimes you forget how dangerous it can be. How quickly you can lose somebody. And… how… if a teammate dies, you might go about the rest of your life… regretting that you never got to know them better. Or you might die with the same regret…” You swallow.

You thought back on the day you nearly died at Pearl almost every day. It all felt so surreal… the rush of emotion you felt when you saw Iso in danger? The searing pain from the bullets that had pierced your body?… the last thing you see being Iso using your Operator to take down the approaching threats…

His words echoing constantly in your mind.

“Don’t you dare die on me, Y/N.”

You’d always been so cold towards him… never giving him any reason to like your company. And yet… Iso risked his own life to save yours. With no hesitation.

“Y/N.” It was only after feeling Iso’s hand on your own that you realized he’d been calling your name. His voice was gentle, worry lacing the elegance he spoke your name with. His gaze on you was equally as concerned. It was only in that moment, seeing your own reflection in his eyes, where you notice you’d started crying.

“Shit.” You pull your hand away from Iso’s, and quickly moved to wipe your face of any tears that may had fallen. This was… new. You never let such fragile emotions show in front of the other agents… you only ever let out your piled up emotions behind closed doors, where nobody could see. Where nobody could know. “Sorry, I don’t… know why I’m crying. Can you just forget I said any of that?” You requested, though your voice wavered as you spoke, making you cringe internally. Were you truly so emotional when you thought back on that day…?

Without another word, you found yourself being pulled into Iso’s lap, his arms wrapped around you comfortingly, yet not intrusively. Physical contact wasn’t something you were used to either, but… in that moment? It felt… incredible. You needed this… so badly. For how long you’d needed it for, you didn’t know. You just knew you never wanted this moment to end- as soft as that sounded.

“I’m… not going to let either of us die with that regret.” Iso promised ever so softly, with his head resting comfortably against your shoulder. “And believe me, I don’t intend on dying anytime soon. So you don’t have to worry to much about missed opportunities to… get to know each other. And stuff.”

You kept your face hidden away from Iso; thankful he wasn’t making an effort to look regardless. You felt incredibly vulnerable in that moment… so you truly appreciated that Iso was making the effort to give you some level of privacy. At least as you attempted to pull yourself together again.

“I… I’m glad that… you didn’t give up on me.” You mumble gently against his chest. “… even though I was kind of an asshole to you.”

“Oh, no. You were a total asshole.” Iso chimed. You could just hear the grin on his face through his voice. It made you want to strangle him… not to death, per se.

“… besides. There’s no way I’d give up on someone as… incredible as you.”

Iso’s hand managed to find yours once again, and slowly, gently, you found your fingers intertwining with his without even thinking about it. The previously jarring silence in the room had been replaced with an air of comfortable quiet, as the two of you sat in each other’s company.

You never thought you’d have this thought towards another agent… but…

You really did enjoy Iso’s company. To what extent?… You were unsure.

Yet you enjoyed it regardless.

#valorant agents #valorant #valorant fanfiction #valorant x reader #Valorant Iso

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theambitiouswoman · 9 months

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Hi! I'm not sure if you've done one before, and if you have, feel free to ignore this, I'll find the post, but do you have any tips on how to start your self love journey? I've been struggling from the beginning of the way and I've made some progress but I feel like it's not enough. And I'm not sure exactly where to go. I read so many posts on self care and self love but I don't know which to start with cause they all seem like something people who've been on that journey for a long time are doing. I guess I'm saying I'm lost and not sure where to start or continue 😅

How To Start Your Self Love Journey 🥰❤️‍🩹

1. Accept yourself and realize that you are worthy of self love: When you learn to love yourself, you won't feel scared of what others think about you, and you'll be able to embrace who you are. Figure out what you like and what you dislike. Create boundaries and learn your love language. This part of the self love journey is crucial. I recommend that everyone takes the time to figure out who they are and learn how to accept themselves.

2. Affirmations: Start using positive statements can help your brain think in a happier way. Even if you don't believe them at first, saying them repeatedly can make you start believing. Choose some positive statements and say them often. Write them on sticky notes and put them around your home.

3. Do Things You Love: No matter how busy you are, set aside time for activities you enjoy. Whether it's a short trip or reading a favorite author's book, prioritize things that make you happy.

The idea is to take charge and actively shape a life that brings you happiness, rather than settling for one that doesn't. Treat yourself kindly and give yourself the wonderful gift of a life filled with happiness.

4. Take Care of Your Body: A good 30 minutes of exercising can change your whole day and mood. Aside from exercising, you should change your diet to healthier options. The foods you eat affect your mood and energy. Don't forget to rest too.

5. Quit The Negative Self Talk: Self-talk is basically how we talk to ourselves. We tend to be really hard on ourselves. I wrote a post about it recently here. I suggest trying to find proof for your thoughts and questioning them. In short, focus on how you speak to yourself. Many of our thoughts are extreme or very black and white. Most of these thoughts aren't even original, our minds pick up so much throughout the day. Almost always, people project their own insecurities, values, fears, and opinions onto us. Treat yourself kindly.

6. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: Comparison is the fastest way to bring yourself down. It doesn’t matter what other people are doing or how far they’ve come. Everyone works at his own pace. Everyone is unique, and no uniqueness is better than the other.

7. Don't Care What Others Think: This isn't just about rejecting criticism; it's also about not becoming too focused on compliments. Your value isn't determined by others' opinions. Don't rely on external sources to validate yourself. Your worth comes from within.

8. Forgive And Let Go: With emotional pain, we often extend our suffering by clutching onto negative emotions like guilt, shame, and resentment, sometimes indefinitely. Rather than releasing these emotions, we cling to them, replaying hurtful moments repeatedly, hoping the person who hurt us will feel the same pain. Yet, harboring resentment is akin to consuming poison and expecting our enemy to suffer. Clinging to bitterness doesn't alter anything; it merely confines us to our pain.

Forgiveness liberates us—it's about us, not the person we're forgiving. Prioritizing our well-being over being right, it takes responsibility for our happiness instead of placing it in someone else's hands. Happiness trumps being right. Freedom often hinges on picking happiness over being right. When someone makes a mistake, it can be more satisfying to let them believe they're right and move on, rather than stewing over it. Reflect on someone who irked you three years ago. Can you even recall them now? If so, does it still provoke irritation? If not, why invest energy in something you'll forget in a year or two? Once you genuinely forgive, release it entirely. Forgiveness involves moving beyond resentment, focusing on positive actions and intentions instead.

9. Start a Gratitude Journal: A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. You attract more good things in your life by being grateful for what you already have. Understanding what gratitude is can help you on your self love journey because of how you appreciate what you already have. Especially when we are in a place where we are only focused on the negative things in our life.

10. Practice Small Acts of Kindness For Yourself: Treat yourself to outings and buy things that make you happy. Set aside money for little things you enjoy. Remember, even the small gestures towards ourselves matter.

I suggest forming the habit of creating habits that lead you toward your desired life. A book I recommend is "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. It shows how habits can be positive or negative, and how doing something small daily can lead to significant outcomes.

11. Surround Yourself With Positivity: Watch motivational videos, and follow accounts promoting self-love and body positivity on social media, and unfollow those who make you feel bad. In real life too. Keep a Pinterest board with uplifting quotes. Use positivity to counter negativity. Aim to be realistic with your thoughts instead of assuming the worst. Focus on positive outcomes, and if that's hard, start with neutral thoughts.

Don't go to extremes with forced positivity. Aim for practical positivity. For instance, you might not be the absolute best, but you're a hard worker and your best is valuable. You might not excel at something today, but you can improve over time through effort.

12. Do A Lot of Self Reflecting: Write in your journal. Spend time alone. This is how you really understand yourself. Challenge your insecurities and the things you imagine about others. Figure out if you're accepting less than you deserve or if you're moving towards improvement.

13. Get To Know Yourself: The journey to personal growth begins with recognizing and embracing your true self before you start building and improving.

You can learn more about yourself by pondering these questions:

Am I Content with My Current Activities?

What Do I Want to Do?

Can I Turn My Passion into Reality?

By understanding yourself, including your values, priorities, motivations, sources of satisfaction, and abilities, you can discover your true desires and drive personal growth.

14. Realize That Going on A Self Love Journey Is Not Easy: Embarking on a journey of self-love involves a lot of heartache and healing. You might come across various self-love activities and advice, but the key is understanding that it requires dedication and effort. It's not a simple task. There will be moments when you feel like you've wasted a lot of time, prompting you to reevaluate your approach. There will be times when you believe you're making progress, only to realize there's more to work on. It's essential to recognize that you're taking significant steps to unlearn old habits and make changes.

My suggestion is to genuinely take a moment to understand that self-love is a commitment. It's like building a muscle that needs regular exercise. Think of it as tending to a plant that requires consistent care. Recognize that self-love isn't always about positivity; there are challenges to overcome as well. It's a realistic journey that involves ups and downs, rather than just an easy path of happiness.

15. Discover Your Purpose: Discovering your purpose can bring more happiness and fulfillment to your life. Each of us possesses unique talents and gifts to contribute to the world. When you share what you're meant to give, you align with your best self. Follow what feels right to you. You don't have to have it all figured out.

16. Take Action: Instead of getting stuck in overthinking and planning every detail perfectly, take action. Even if you're unsure, take that first step. You don't need a complete roadmap; just follow the path that feels right and see where it leads you. Your initial step might not instantly lead you to your dream scenario, but it could serve as a foundation. Regardless of where you find yourself, value your current position. Understand that every action you take along your journey contributes to your ultimate destination.

17. Don't Start Everything Anew: You don't have to build your ideal life completely from scratch. Observe what others are doing that deeply resonates with you and brings you a sense of vitality. Is it their well-structured routine, their freedom from routines, or perhaps their ability to travel extensively? The more precisely you identify the elements that ignite your passion, the easier it becomes to visualize and shape your own desired life.

18. Act As If: Embrace the "fake it till you make it" approach. Hold the belief that whatever you desire is attainable, even if there's no current proof of its possibility. Behave as though it's already unfolding and remain receptive to opportunities that guide you toward your objective.

19. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People: You tend to adopt the mindset of those you spend the most time with. Avoid people who bring negativity, and instead, connect with individuals who view the world as abundant. Invest more time with those whose thinking you aspire to emulate. If you're lacking inspiring connections, seek out new friendships.

20. Give: Giving is one of our greatest joys. When we have faith in the abundant nature of our universe and freely offer, we elevate our energy and create an opportunity to receive abundance in return. When we withhold because of distrust in abundance, we inadvertently attract the very scarcity we wish to avoid. The universe operates on a balance of action and reaction, like inhaling and exhaling, giving and receiving. Hence, the more you give, the more you open yourself to receiving, and vice versa.

21. Gratitude In Real Life: Gratitude goes beyond mere politeness of saying "thank you" when given something. True gratitude involves being aware of and profoundly valuing the numerous blessings in your life. Since gratitude generates positive emotions, it elevates your energy to a high frequency, attracting more positive feeling

22. Change Your Story: The stories we tell ourselves shape our lives greatly. Often, we hold onto untrue beliefs like "I lack money" or "I'm not capable," which blinds us to the many possibilities and chances around us. To reshape your life, begin by realizing that you are the author of your life. When you decide to draft a better script, your life becomes more meaningful. To let go of old narratives, first, be aware of them. If there's something you want to do but haven't, ask why. What's stopping you? Every story you tell serves a purpose, whether it's healthy or not. For instance, if you believe you're depressed, you might avoid exerting yourself and receive attention. We often prioritize the benefits of our stories over our actual desires. Comfort becomes more important than seizing control of our lives.

Once you identify old stories and their hidden gains, compose fresh, empowering narratives. To make these new stories your reality, focus on them. Embrace the happiness and excitement they bring. Use them as affirmations, repeating them until they replace the old tales entirely.

Self love can lead to you to big personal transformations.

You'll treat yourself with greater compassion and understanding. Your self-support and ability to forgive will bring a sense of calmness. Embracing self love enables you to truly live and embrace each moment. Through it, you'll have more love to give to others, improving your relationships. You become the architect of your own happiness.

#self love journey #self love #self development #self improvement #self care #self worth #self help #self esteem #love yourself first #personal improvement #personal development

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inbarfink · 8 months

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One thing about ‘Fionna and Cake’ the Show’s view of trauma and recovery is that it loves to emphasize the idea that a step forwards is a step forwards no matter how flawed it is.

Simon’s decision to embark on the Crown Quest is definitely the most obvious example. It was a terrible move that speaks both to Simon’s inability to see value in his old life outside of noble self-sacrifice and a deep streak of basically-suicidal self-destructiveness. Fionna is only really starting to fathom just how truly a terrible bad no good idea it is, and Simon has yet to really admit it at all.

But compared to where he was just moment before he made that decision, literally resigned to drinking himself away and waiting for death at the hands of the Scarab even though that will also doom all of Fionnaworld - self destructing so hard he was taking an entire universe down with him - that was still technically a Step Forwards.

It got Simon to take Fionna and Cake’s feelings into consideration and actually engage with them as Real People and not just another example of the universe kicking him when he’s down

And it kept him motivated enough to keep moving forwards and really helped him rediscover his capacity to feel happiness

And that’s how he and Fionna really made friends and developed a bond

And that is what saved Simon from the Magic Crown and his own self-destructiveness in ‘Jerry’, at least temporarily.

Him opening up to Fionna and allowing her to know him beyond just a Pathetic Old Weirdo Who Doesn't Even Have Magic Anymore is what allowed her to so quickly understand why letting Simon turn himself into Ice King is actually such a terrible thing.

And Fionna’s hesitation to give Simon the Crown and the chance she’s given to him to relive his happiest memories stopped - or at least delayed the most self-destructive part of Simon’s plan.

And I feel it’s pretty probable Fionna’s words and actions and the friendship they forged and the positive experiences the adventure has given him will have an effect on Simon’s decisions in the future.

However toxic and flawed Simon’s first step was, it still mattered to his overall recovery.

And you can say similar things about Fionna’s progress as a hero.

Most notably her blunder with the Obvious Trap in “The Star”.

Was it a Bad Terrible No Good Idea? Yes, absolutely. Both for Fionna’s psyche in specific and also for Literally Everyone in Vampireworld actually

But it was a Step Forward in the very very bumpy road of Fionna towards true heroism. Her earnest desire to truly help people and make the world around her just a little bit better and questioning authority - after blindly following the Winter King’s flattery in a quest to Defeat All the Baddies made her hurt so many people…

It shows how much her experiences affected her and mattered to her how much she’s trying to learn from her mistakes. Taking responsibilities for her actions, dealing with the consequences. Even as the people around her are, however well-intentionally, trying to tell her to pay it no mind at all

Fionna still understands that it is important to her to care about everything that happened and to try and do better. And she did really try to do better.

And after that little blinder went up in flames, she started trying to do better by being more careful. And that also wasn't perfect because she became kinda overly-careful and overprotective and put a huge wedge between her and Cake

But it's still an important step in Fionna learning to process the consequences of her actions. And because Fionna is now so much more invested in thinking things through and not wanting anyone to get hurt - that is also a big reason why she hesitated to give Simon the Extinctworld Crown. And it's probably going to lead to other good deeds in the future.

And that… doesn’t negate All the Terrible Things that happened as a result of her decisions - but it still mattered as a step forwards for her character as well.

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chronosdawn · 2 months

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Disequilibrium - Vampire!Zhongli x GN!Reader

Do I have a good reason for writing yet another drabble about vampires? No, not really, but here we are nonetheless.

Content warnings: contains blood-drinking and biting, could be interpreted as yandere if you squint at it.

Word count: 1.4k

You had never realized how much body heat was able to seep through clothing until now. The motionless, shirt-covered chest beneath your palms leached the heat from your fingers through the fine fabric. You fought against a shudder as Zhongli carefully moved the collar of your shirt away from the base of your neck, revealing the soft skin underneath. It was a struggle to keep the muscles relaxed as he’d told you to, even if you knew the advice was given solely for your benefit, to make sure his fangs did as little damage as possible when they sliced into your flesh.

This was far from the first time he’d fed from you, but it would be the first time he’d done so in his house, the opulent surroundings a far cry from the spartan space you called a bedroom. All of the previous feedings had taken place there; it was to help you relax, he’d said, much easier for you to draw on the comfort of being in your own space to get through those first few times. And now that you’d grown used to the pain and the odd numbness that followed, to the dizziness that plagued you for at least a full day following each one of your sessions, you’d been deemed ready to attempt something a little further outside your comfort zone.

The feeling of Zhongli’s chest moving under your hands brought you back to the present—a breath drawn to facilitate speech rather than out of any actual need.

“You’re nervous,” he said, his voice low in your ear. “Have I pushed for this too soon?” Whether he was referring to your current location, or the fact you were currently seated in his lap when all of your prior encounters had involved only your wrist and a healthy amount of personal space, you couldn’t say. Regardless of which it was, you shook your head, thinking of the contract you’d signed—dark red ink on thick vellum.

“No, not at all, you’ve been very patient with me. I just need to get used to it, I think.”

“If you’re sure.” From this position it was impossible to make out his expression, the side of his face only just visible out of the corner of your vision. “I have some calming teas I could brew for you before we progress, if you believe it would help you to relax.”

“No, that’s okay,” you replied hurriedly, “best to just get it over with. Thank you for the offer though.”

You expected that to be the end of the discussion but Zhongli still made no move to bite you, instead tracing circles over the area where your neck met your shoulder with his thumb. He must have removed the gloves he always wore without your notice, you realized at the sensation of his ice cold skin against your own.

“I would not have suggested this if I thought you were incapable of handling it. Just remember everything I’ve told you and the pain will only be brief.”

You nodded and shut your eyes, allowing him to take more of your weight as you did your best to relax against him. The arm around your waist held you steady, while the hand at your neck moved to delicately grip the back of your head, carefully tilting it to provide better access to the network of veins at the base of your throat.

The feeling of his fangs slicing through your flesh was familiar and foreign all at once. The initial sting of the bite felt no different at your neck than at your wrist, but you’d underestimated how much more intimate the whole experience would be compared to what you were used to. It took everything in you not to panic and start struggling—not that you’d have anywhere to go if you did. Zhongli’s hold on you was gentle but firm, and you knew without trying that fighting against it would be an exercise in futility and little else. It was safer like this, he’d told you, back when it was only an arm he’d held as opposed to your entire body. If you moved while he was feeding then there was far too much risk of you injuring yourself, of his fangs tearing inelegantly through your flesh before he had the chance to pull away.

As promised, the pain was short-lived, replaced with a numbness that slowly spread across your shoulder. You tried to block out the sensation, along with the sounds of him lapping up your blood, so much louder now that it was right by your ear. Instead you directed your thoughts towards the contract, no doubt stored somewhere in this house, hidden away between trinkets and finery collected over hundreds, if not thousands, of years. You thought of the promises made in stark red on cream, of why you were spending your Friday night in the lap of something many would call a monster instead of being out with your friends.

Finally, after minutes that seemed to stretch into an eternity, Zhongli drew away from your neck with a final swipe of his tongue to keep any blood from trickling down and staining your shirt. The area was already starting to tingle faintly as his vampiric magic began to work at the twin puncture wounds, knitting skin back together such that by the time tomorrow came, the only evidence of the bite would be the weakness plaguing your limbs.

“You did well,” he said, the hand at your side moving in soothing strokes over your waist. “As I knew you would. How are you feeling?”

“Okay,” you replied a little breathlessly, going to sit up more only to be hit by a sudden wave of vertigo. “I’m a little dizzy though.”

“That’s perfectly normal after a feeding. Are you able to stand?”

“I think so.” Zhongli’s hold on you loosened and you attempted to slide off his lap, only to have the room spin and blur around you the moment your feet touched the floor. You were forced to cling onto him just to keep yourself upright, your hand scrunching the fabric of his shirt.

“Oh dear,” you heard spoken softly behind you. Zhongli stood and lifted you into his arms in a single fluid motion, your head lolling against his chest as the movement sent the room spiraling anew. “It appears I may have taken too much, my apologies. If you are amenable to it, I would like to suggest you stay here and rest for the night. I would like to keep a close eye on you over the next couple of hours and I fear if I take you to your own abode, I will not be able to watch over you if I wish to make it back before sunrise.”

You tried to nod in agreement only to immediately regret it as your surroundings twisted up around you, instead muttering a soft confirmation before closing your eyes. The movement of air over your limbs told you Zhongli was carrying you deeper into his home as you lay limp in his arms. Any thoughts of protest were buried under the churning motion in your head and the nausea that followed. You doubted you’d even be able to make it to the front door in your present condition, let alone the half hour walk it would take for you to get home. And that was if Zhongli would even allow such a thing, the vampire had been nothing if not fastidious about your safety ever since you’d signed the final stroke of your name.

There was the sound of a door opening and it wasn’t long before you were lowered onto soft, silken sheets.

“Rest,” Zhongli said, a cold hand trailing over your cheek. “I will prepare something to aid with your recovery once you wake.”

“Sorry for troubling you,” you mumbled, consciousness already on the edge of slipping away as you fought to open your eyes.

“It’s no trouble.” He hadn’t turned the light on when he’d entered the room—likely didn’t need to see your dazed expression clear as day despite the gloom—leaving his face bathed in shadow. “Sleep, I will return shortly.” You watched as his silhouette retreated from the room, turning back towards you just once as he reached the door. His eyes were all you could see, twin shards of bright amber in a sea of black and dark gray.

And then the door was shut behind him, and you were plunged into total darkness.

#zhongli x reader #genshin impact x reader #vampire AU #I don't know if I ever intend to do more with this but I did have fun with it #Hope you enjoyed reading it!#also if you've seen this banner used anywhere else #it is one I've made but I've used it on other blogs so that may be why

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giuliettagaltieri · 4 months

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Masterlist

K. Bakugō • E. Jaeger • M. O’Hara • S. Gojō • N. Zen’in • C. Snow

Coriolanus Snow

♡ Hunt for Glory

Synopsis: After living under the shadow of legacy of your fathers, you and Coriolanus Snow decide it is time to climb to the top, to reclaim what was yours. You are a convenient ally, a dangerous and sly woman, and to his luck, it seems your heart was tender for him, until it no longer was

Chapter Count: 6

♡ Quest for Happiness

Synopsis: You got what you wanted. Power over Panem is on your hands. But after fighting in a battle of schemes and ruse, Coriolanus and you face a much more complex adversity. Together, you are a force to reckon with but when the odds seem to not be so much in your favor, will you manage to remain together?

Chapter Count: 7

Gojō Satoru

♡ A River of Honey

Synopsis: Navigating through life with your husband and son who both seemed to have developed an appetite for something only you can provide.

Word Count: 1142

♡ Where the Blue Roses Grow

Series Synopsis: Snippets from the life of Gojō Satoru and yours. Where the two of you journey on a path that was predetermined for you, with hearts bruised and unforeseen emotions blossoming.

Chapter Count: 9

Miguel O’Hara

♡ Project: Galatea

Synopsis: Allowing you sentience made things more complicated between you and Miguel. But Peter Parker from Earth-199999 decides to take on an unfinished impossible project of his late mentor, and possibly bring you and Miguel back together.

Word Count: 6218

♡ Project: Pandora

Synopsis: You are experiencing things for the first time and you can’t wait to explore what the multiverse has to offer, but for now, you’ll start with a messy college dorm room.

Word Count: 2174

♡ Project: Eros

Synopsis: It does not feel the same without your wings and halo and you turn to science to help you gain them back. But despite your angelic appearance, you find yourself allured by the weakness and carnality of the flesh.

Word Count: 5435

Eren Jaeger

♡ Sparkly Pink Skirt

Synopsis: When you are head over heels for Eren since high school, he finds it difficult to take in when you start to avoid him.

Word Count: 2586

♡ Be Careful Not to Spill

Synopsis: Eren does not agree with the euthanasia plan and he will show them, with a little help from you.

Word Count: 2149

♡ Home is Where You Are

Synopsis: As Eren’s past comes to pay him a visit, you come to realize that love can come in all shapes.

Word Count: 1526

♡ Just Kiss Her Already

Synopsis: Craving for academic validation, you find an unexpected challenger who might have hurt your feelings, just a bit.

Word Count: 1724

♡ Kruger and Vixen

Synopsis: Having a love-hate relationship is fun until Eren messes it up, driving you away.

Word Count: 7077

♡ Number One Fan

Synopsis: You have always been there to cheer him on, if only he would look at you the same way you look at him. But whho are you compared to the all too perfect Mikasa?

Word Count: 5496

♡ Cherry Flavored Kisses

Synopsis: The life as Eren Jaeger’s girl fascinated you, but it was nothing compared to the fascination you feel for the man, himself. He could be nice if he wanted. But nothing is as bittersweet as a love unrequited.

Word Count: 5862

♡ Doctor’s Order

Synopsis: You could not make your crush on Dr. Eren Jaeger any more obvious. And even though you can tolerate his usual cold demeanor, you also know when to draw the line. 1 of 3.

Word Count: 1792

♡ Progress Notes

Synopsis: You are having fun, trying new things and meeting other people while Eren disproves the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” 2 of 3.

Word Count: 1370

♡ Care Plan

Synopsis: You’re back from your trip and a certain surgeon finds it difficult to not be in the receiving end of your undivided attention. 3 of 3.

Word Count: 1269

♡ Road Rage & Malibu Barbie

Synopsis: You may look like a barbie doll who got lost on her way back to her dreamhouse but Eren never fails to break your front quite often than you like

Word Count: 2292

Bakugou Katsuki

♡ At Daybreak

Synopsis: Yesterday's rejection made an awkward morning more awkward. Mix in a ghost and a cookie jar, this morning is bound to be interesting. Who knew that the Bakugou Katsuki knows how to tease girls?

Word count: 1401

♡ Hero Too

Synopsis: Being a hero means so much more than just the career that Bakugou chose and you wanted to prove that to him and a series of unfortunate events might just let that happen, because dammit! You’re a hero too!

Word Count: 3,553

♡ Still Jealous

Synopsis: Bakugou tries his best to be a good boyfriend when you get hit with a jealousy quirk. And when cuddles don't work, leave it to Bakugou to come up with other ways to help.

Words: 712

♡ You call Bakugou “pretty”

♡ Manga omake

Naoya Zen’in

Coming This Summer

#giuliagaltieri masterlist #masterlist #miguel o'hara x reader #gojo satoru x reader #eren jaeger x reader #bakugou katsuki x reader #coriolanus snow x reader #naoya zen'in x reader

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crescencestudio · 3 months

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๋࣭⭑ Devlog #38 | 2.27.24 ๋࣭⭑

How is it already almost March omfg.

Anyways Happy Valentine's Day month!!! This year, I was swamped with work, so I didn't get a chance to make Valentine's Day art. I did make a Valentine's piece last year though.

BUT we did have beloved @magunalafay make these Valentine's Day cards this year for the community!!! <3 If you missed it, well Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

She made these as a gift, and I love her very much. Maguna u r so talented

This month was pretty busy for me, but I'm super happy with the progress made this month ^^ I feel like I've started the year off in a pretty good groove after it being all over the place for a hot second, yay!!!

This past month, Etza and Druk's routes. With the revamped demo finishing its revisions, it left a lot more time for me to focus writing on full route development.

If you missed the announcement, I FINISHED Etza's first draft!!! YAAAYYY!!!! FINALLY!!!!!!

That means 4/6 routes are finished in terms of the base writing, which is so exciting to MEEEEE. I've always seen Etza's draft as The Milestone because with their route finished, it would mean the four Central routes are done writing. And to me, while there's a good chuck of writing left, we are nearing the end of it.

There's only two routes left and that means it's about ~100k words which is CRAZY compared to when I had ~300k to write (:cries:). Even if that sounds like a lot, once I start chipping away at those routes, that 100k goes into the "double digits" aka 90k...80k... etc. and that makes me want to pee my pants

We also finished editing Druk's route, yay!!! So we reached a lot of milestones this month ^^

We are nearing the end of the Vui background commissions. It's very bittersweet; I'm so used to mentioning him in my devlogs now </3 There's only like 3(?) more BGs left for him to make, and then all of the BGs for the game will be finished. Very Wild! I think Alaris will have 25ish BGs, and they are all Stunning.

It's been a while since I showed you all a BG, so I'll give you all a preview of one I just got in!

Isn't it cozy? Guess whose house hehe

I personally have been doing a lot of sprite work this month to finish the final art assets for the demo. I added some expressions to Druk and Aisa that I'd been procrastinating (I don't even know why I was procrastinating them). And I finally finished Mom and Kimura's updated sprites! Patreon already saw them, but I'll show the new versions here too ^^

Preview of Mom (left) and Kimura (right) updated sprites. Now everyone's sprite styles are cohesive YAY!!

Aside from sprite work, much of my "art" time has been on finishing up/putting together the last of the screens for the GUI. Specifically, I got THIS BABY up and running. She is my crowning glory.

Memory Screen to Replay Unlocked Free Time Dates

Oh my god.... You all have NO IDEA how much of a pain this was to code. There is a transparency gradient going on in the left and right B&W previews (courtesy of community programming angel feniks/shawna).

And then the effort to have the Titles and Descriptions of the Previewed Date change tilted me on Multiple Occasions. But we finally got it to work thanks to bestie @siyo-koy pointing out I just coded one stupid "if" statement wrong LJAFSLIEFJIEJ. But the effort was WORTH IT because I'm so proud of her!!! I hope you all like it too as a way to relive Free Time Dates. I had a lot of fun with the Titles and descriptions.

I also put together the Stats and Affection Screens

Preview of Personality Stats & Affection Screens

So I coded both of them a bit differently from each other. The Personality Screen shows you a breakdown of your traits so far. Think of it like a pie graph! So in the preview picture, your choices indicate you are 33% Brave, 16% Charismatic, etc. I felt like this was a more natural way to portray personality rather than how many bravery points you've collected so far!

And then for Affection, it works in a more traditional way, where it counts it based on how many you've gotten out of the total amount you can get. This way, as the story progresses, how close you are to the person reflects how much your relationship as developed!

I've also added little descriptions underneath each that change depending on the percentage. So for example, if you have gotten 82% of the affection points for Kuna'a, the description of your relationship might change as well hehe

Other than that, I've mainly focused on getting the demo together. We released the beta demo earlier this month (? LOL). And the feedback has been so kind!!

A lot of this month was spent polishing so that the demo can be ready for early access and eventually public release. I updated sprites, made sure music crossfades with each other so that transitions between soundtracks feel smoother, I added/polished all of the screens I needed to (e.g., Memory Room, Full Credits, Cleaning Music Room, Adding Stats Screens), and I FINALLY as of yesterday added the Voiced Lines!!

One thing I added in the Extended Demo that I'm really happy with is the use of Extended Pronouns (courtesy of Angel Feniks). Below is a preview of how it works now!

Preview of Extended Pronouns Function. Credit to Feniks

Basically, you can choose multiple pronouns for yourself, including custom pronouns (e.g., xe/xem, fae/faer, etc.). On top of that, you can choose how often you'd like the pronouns to alternate (e.g., every line versus every scene) and what kind of terms you'd like to be used for you (e.g., neutral vs. masculine vs. feminine)!

Overall, the demo is getting closer and closer to release!!! Early Access will hopefully be ready by the end of this week or next, so if you all would like access to it, please feel free to subscribe to my Patreon for this upcoming month! Available to Wyvern tier ($5) and up.

I didn't have any time to really play any games this month because I was drowning in work LMFAOSLJIEF. I did play the Threads of Bay demo by @lavendeerstudios and it was GORGEOUS! Very cute game with lovable characters and charming visuals. Andrew, I will have your number

Every other section was really long, so I'm going to throw it here even though it's not market research. But Intertwine recently hit 600 ratings, which is crazy. Thank you for still enjoying that game even if it's not one that is my main focus anymore. I'm really happy people still like it :on the verge of tears:

Anyways, this has been a long devlog. Here's to continuing to Ball in March. Hope you all have a great rest of your month, and I'll talk to you soon! <3

#alaris #devlog

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