#//i have no filter when it comes to kuro i find...

[taintedtort]

Hihii...!!! i really love ur HCs and i wanted to ask if you're comfortable with these types of character writing, what r ur headcanons on kenma, kuro, tsuki n maybe suna would act when they're drunk ? like would they be a bit different than their usual self ? sorry to ask a lot but im more curious on ur thoughts on kenma ;; .. write whatever u can, idm ! thank u ehehe have a good one ! >_< <3

" LET'S GET DRUNK! "

summary. they’re drunk lolz

characters. kenma, kuroo, tsukishima

warnings. afab!reader, drinking/alcohol, post timeskip!!!^^

a/n. yesss i love kenma, many thoughts on him!! he’s my favorite!!! didn’t add suna because i don’t really know his character that well :( added a kenma bonus to make up for it tho!

KENMA

☆ i think he’d be a sleepy drunk. he's out as soon as his head hits any soft surface— maybe even before! i feel like he also acts grumpier, mumbling complaints when you wake him up and try to move him (he was passed out on your shoulder in the car, you have to get him to bed!)

☆ his face gets kinda pink, like he’s blushing. he’s pale, so it’s more noticeable than it would be on someone else. his eyes get droopy and his face sort of relaxes, so he looks mean and tired.

☆ he stubbles slightly, but he surprisingly manages to maneuver himself pretty well for a drunk person. just don’t ask him to do a cartwheel or anything… he couldn’t even do one of those while sober.

☆ he doesn’t drink often, so he’s a light weight… plus he’s skinny and on the smaller side, so he doesn’t have to drink much to get a buzz. he’s usually responsible though, but sometimes he celebrates too hard (with a bit of a push from kuroo)

☆ he doesn’t get any more talkative, but he’s less filtered that normal. i don’t think he’d be too flirty or mean, but if he got drunk enough he may compliment you a couple times.

BONUS:

☆ the type to get so drunk he forgets who you are. you come find him to pick him up after someone called you, and he’s face down on the table. you nudge him, trying to gently guide him to stand, but he’s immediately swatting you away, grumbling about how he has a girlfriend.

"leave m' alone— got a girlfriend already," he slurs, raising his head to drunkenly glare at you. his eyes narrow further when you laugh.

"kenma… i’m you’re girlfriend," you tell him, always finding it a bit amusing when he gets this drunk. he’s not too much of a hassle though, since he usually knocks right out when you get home and tuck him in.

he's silent for a moment, just staring at you up and down. he wears the same expression he has whenever he buys a new video game, excited and in awe.

"really…?" he asks, a hopeful tone in his voice. now that he’s looking at you… you are really pretty. he really hopes you're his girlfriend.

"yes, really. i’m gonna take you home, okay? cmon," you urge, gently grabbing his arm and helping him stand. he complies this time, his eyebrows raising.

"we live together?" he questions, the situation just getting better and better to him.

"we do," you confirm, another giggle leaving you. it doesn’t really hurt your feelings that he doesn’t remember, you find it more amusing and entertaining than anything.

"… im so lucky," you hear him whisper under his breath, looking at you as you guide him to the car.

KUROO

☆ he'd be a funny drunk i think… a bit of a handful, and is entertaining at first, but eventually gets annoying. his emotions kind of double when he’s intoxicated, and he’s also kind of erratic. really energetic after his first few drinks, but if he’s extra drunk, he’s more emotional.

☆ his eyes get a little watery, but that’s about it. he actually looks more lively while he’s drunk, because he makes more facial expressions.

☆ he can’t stand straight at all, especially if he’s had more than a couple drinks. needs support to walk, otherwise he'll fall. he’s heavy though, and puts majority of his weight on you, so sometimes you end up falling anyway.

☆ he can handle his alcohol pretty well. takes him a few drinks to get a buzz, but he doesn’t usually stop there. mostly drinks to celebrate things, or at parties. never drinks alone, that’s just boring and sad to him.

☆ probably asks you random stupid questions like "what number am i?" or "what animal would i be?" (follows up that second question with "would you still love me if i was that animal?")

☆ i think he’s more talkative, but he speaks faster and his words are kinda jumbled, so it’s hard to understand him sometimes. he gets a lot more sappy, constantly complimenting you and telling you that he loves you (he does that all the time already)

"y're sooo pretty, love you s' much."

TSUKISHIMA

☆ not that much different than when he’s sober, honestly. he gets more mellow, surprisingly, though it might be because alcohol makes him a little sleepy, similar to kenma. he isn’t quick to fall asleep, but he’s not energetic and jumping around.

☆ his face is more relaxed, which makes him look even more intimidating and mean. his eyes get a little red around the edges, but that’s mostly it.

☆ stubbles quite a bit and holds things for support. if you try to help him, he’ll snip and you and complain that he doesn’t need your help to walk. (he does, and eventually gives in and leans on you a bit when he almost falls on his face)

☆ also a lightweight. doesn’t go drinking unless he’s invited, and even then he’s usually the designated driver. on top of that, he hates being hung over, and he hates throwing up, so he rarely gets super drunk. kuroo tries to persuade him sometimes, but the most he gets his a little tipsy.

☆ probably gets into debates with people about certain topics that he likes, arguing with them about facts and opinions. he usually wins. even when he’s drunk, he’s still quick witted.

☆ he fights you on everything, insisting he’s fine and "not drunk" whenever you try to help him. you end up ignoring his complaints and just assist him with changing and getting into bed anyway. he’s asleep pretty quickly, especially if you run his back/scalp.

"i don’t need help— i'm not even that drunk!"

[bestruction]

How you two end up adopting a cat

It was late afternoon, and the warm golden light filtering through the Uchiha garden gave everything a serene glow. Sasuke had just returned from training, his sword slung over his shoulder when he noticed you sitting on the veranda. At first glance, everything seemed normal, but then he saw your shoulders shaking.

The sound of muffled sobs reached his ears, and he froze, his heart sinking. Without another thought, he dropped his weapon and hurried to you.

“Hey,” he said, kneeling beside you, his voice laced with concern. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

You turned to him, tears streaming down your face, your breath hitching as you tried to speak. For a moment, he thought the worst—maybe something had happened to you, were you hurt? Where? How?

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from your tear-soaked face. “Tell me,” he urged, his dark eyes searching yours. “What happened?”

Through your hiccups and sobs, you finally managed to choke out the words. “T-there’s a... a kitty... in the garden…”

Sasuke blinked, confusion knitting his brows. “A cat?”

You nodded frantically, tears still falling. “He has a broken paw, Sasuke. I don’t know how he got hurt, and he is so tiny. He was just sitting there, all alone. I found him now and went to buy some food”

He stared at you, his worry melting into something caught between amusement and disbelief. “You’re crying this much over a cat?”

“It’s not just a cat!” you wailed, your hands gripping his sleeve. “He is hurt, and he doesn’t have anyone to take care of it!”

Sasuke sighed, his lips twitching as if suppressing a smile. He should’ve known. Standing up, he offered you his hand. “Come on. Show me where he is.”

You sniffled, wiping your face with your sleeve before taking his hand. He followed you to the edge of the garden, where a tiny, scruffy kitten sat trembling beneath a bush, its little paw tucked awkwardly against its body.

You crouched down, your voice soft as you tried to coax the kitten closer. “See? Look at how scared he is.”

Sasuke knelt beside you, studying the kitten. “Come here. I won't hurt you” he said in a calm tone of voice, reaching out carefully. To your surprise, the kitten didn’t flinch as he scooped it up, cradling it against his chest.

“Let’s take him inside,” he said, standing up. “We’ll figure out what to do from there.”

You followed him, your tears finally subsiding. Once inside, you watched as Sasuke gently examined the cat, his touch surprisingly delicate. He fetched a small bowl of milk and a clean cloth, his focus unwavering.

“You’re good at this,” you said quietly, your voice still thick from crying.

He glanced at you, his expression softening. "You are lucky that I find you so cute, you know?"

You smiled faintly, wiping the last of your tears. “Thank you, Sasuke.”

He shrugged, but his hand lingered on the kitten’s tiny head. “Next time, just tell me what’s wrong before you cry yourself into a puddle, alright?”

You laughed weakly, and he gave you one of his rare, small smiles. As the kitten purred softly in his hands, you couldn’t help but think that, despite his stoic demeanor, Sasuke had a soft spot for the things you cared about—and for you most of all. Plus, for cats because you could totally see him as a cat person.

It had been a few days since the kitten had found his way into your life, and Sasuke was already regretting letting him stay this long. The tiny creature had taken up residence in the corner of the main house, tucked into a makeshift bed you’d made with an old blanket.

Sasuke had just returned from cleaning the garden when he heard you talking in a soft, almost sing-song voice. Curious, he followed the sound into the living room.

“Okay, how about ‘Kuro’? Hmm, no, that’s too common. What about ‘Shiro’? No, you’re not white, are you? Oh! Maybe ‘Tora’? You’re small but fierce, like a little tiger.”

Sasuke leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he watched you crouch by the kitten, rattling off names as if the tiny animal could understand you.

“When did we agree on keeping him?” he interrupted, his deep voice cutting through the room.

You jolted, spinning around to face him. “I... I thought it was implied.”

“It wasn’t.” He raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. “I didn’t agree to this.”

You pouted, scooping the kitten into your arms. “But he’s still recovering, Sasuke. He has nowhere else to go. And he’s so small. Do you want to send him away?”

Sasuke opened his mouth to respond, but then you looked up at him with those big, shinning eyes, the same ones that had reduced him to mush when you first found the kitten. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He really had to find a way to say "no" to you.

“This isn’t about wanting to send him away,” he muttered. “It’s about the responsibility. You know how much time I spend out on missions. Who’s going to take care of him?”

“I will,” you said quickly, cradling the kitten closer. “I’ll do everything. Feed him, clean up after him, take him to the vet—everything. Please, Sasuke?”

His gaze flicked from you to the kitten, who mewed pitifully in your arms as if pleading his case.

“You’re both impossible,” he grumbled, running a hand through his hair.

“So... we can keep him?” Your voice was hopeful

Sasuke sighed again, his shoulders slumping. “Fine. But you’re taking care of him.”

You beamed, hugging the kitten tightly. “Thank you! You won’t regret this, I promise!”

He muttered something under his breath about already regretting it but couldn’t help the small, reluctant smile that tugged at his lips as he watched you fuss over the kitten.

Later that evening, as you sat beside him on the porch, the kitten curled up in your lap, Sasuke glanced over at you.

“What are you calling him?” he asked, his tone casual.

“Tora,” you replied with a grin. “It suits him, don’t you think?”

“Hm.” Sasuke shook his head but didn’t argue. If letting you keep the kitten made you this happy, he supposed he could put up with a little extra chaos.

[eemoo1o-animoo]

You know, typically I don’t include myself in this BS, but this is ridiculous.

Firstly, the fact that you term “freaks” as affectionate in the post and yet in the tags it reads as otherwise… god.

Secondly, I looked at the notes before replying to this. People are all agreeing with this post, and saying “don’t like, don’t read” and the latter is just so contradictory, hypocritical, because yeah.

Don’t like don’t read: most of us don’t fucking read. I even have the Sebaciel tag blocked for this reason, for Pete’s sake, just like with Cielstar and so on. Presumably this is OP’s stance also, but then you make a post (several, if I’m not mistaken) in the Kuro tag that comes after us for us not reading? What?

We don’t like it! Most of us just turn our heads. Get over yourself.

And I can only imagine you didn’t tag this so the post would get more visibility with “antis”? Tag your posts, because if that is the actual reason and not it just slipping your mind, then that is just weird. Freakish, some might say.

Additionally, DNIs are there for a reason — I’ve never complained about a lack of blogs that “aren’t freaks” because some freaks either block me themselves after seeing my DNI or don’t base their whole existence and every single post on Sebaciel! And that’s not just me — several others feel this way.

In fact, I have the tag blocked so that I can avoid liking / reblogging a post that may have the tag buried under a bunch of other tags when looking through posts on a non-explicitly proship blog. Same goes for my followers — if you’re a Sebaciel shipper, you can follow me, as long as you don’t tag my posts as Sebaciel. It breaks my heart to think whatever I put out can be interpreted that way.

I think dishing out what you wish to be served is an apt analogy for this fucking vehement post. Not just OP, but everyone in the notes too! Don’t complain that antis are complaining about the pros and then complain about the pros! Don’t say we’re complaining about unable to find “non-freak” blogs when your side of the community does the same! At least not without tagging appropriately. (Tagging Sebac1el or S3baciel or whatever to “tag accordingly” but also avert the filters just also isn’t on.)

We don’t send discourse into the Sebaciel tag (the majority of us, anyway) looking for some sort of acknowledgment or reaction (which I know that I am giving — who am I? B.F. Skinner?), so don’t send it unmarked with the tag for those who literally have the tag blocked.

The manga has some baiting moments, but has anything actually been stabilised beyond Yana’s past works unrelated to Kuro? No! And until then, there will always be a fence splitting the fandom-neighbourhood down the middle. Stay in your lane and we’ll stay in ours (and, if you have to, block me!). This is the only time I’ll give my genuine stance on this sort of stuff, albeit a bit annoyedly.

I cannot take Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler antis seriously. Like there is no way you are a fan of that and still an anti, it's not physically possible. You cannot watch or read Kuroshitsuji and somehow completely miss all the very explicit sebaciel hints and vibes and shotabait. You're either a stealth freak (affectionate) or a fucking bot but there is no way you're real.

[taroutann]

Can we remember how Lantern and Cat is the best card in the whole franchise so far

[makur0]

hello! can i request kuro finding his f!s/o who seems to be fragile and weak, actually has a very good material art skills? one day both of them went on a date and kuro excuses himself to the toilet, leaving his s/o alone. and then a bunch of guys started to surrounding her, making some nasty remarks and try to take her away. when kuro came back and see his s/o in that position, he's about to throw some fist until he saw her hitting one of them! she managed to take down all of the guys, kuro was shocked, but nonetheless very proud since he never seen this side of his s/o.

I LOVE THIS SCENARIO WAIT-

and plus its kuro i mean come onnnn (f! reader)

Kuro can't see past your small, seemingly fragile figure even if he tried. Whenever he looks at you he has the urge to burrito you in bubble wrap and hold you close to him so you feel protected. When you brought up that you learned martial arts to say the least he was shocked... but couldn't really take you seriously. Really? You? That's- quite a stretch.

You could understand his hesitance though, so you didn't press on the matter. Hopefully you didn't have to use them with him around, but there's always gonna be that one incident that's unavoidable.

It just so happens when the two of you are on a little, relaxed date, and Kuro suddenly has to stop by the restroom. So you're sitting at the nearest bench, scrolling through your phone, when a group of guys approach you.

Your day is basically ruined as you put your phone away, forcing yourself to look up to the gaggle. They don't seem to have a filter 'cause they're immediately trying to get you to walk away with them, throwing in disgusting compliments and being a bit too familiar.

Kuro's walking out of the bathroom, shaking his wet hands, when he sees you surrounded by the shady-looking guys. Immediately alarm-bells go off in his head, and his body goes auto-pilot as he marches toward you, zeroing in on the hand snaking right over your shoulder.

But before his heated-up figure reaches the group to knock the lights out of them, the guy who tried to touch you is now suddenly laying on the floor, groaning and cursing.

You were now standing up, looking ticked, as you brushed off your pants and got ready to deal with the other men. Sayonara to a peaceful afternoon.

Within minutes you were stepping over the pile of men, ignoring the stares of the public and going to wrap your arms around Kuro's frozen figure and pouting against his chest.

"You took to long, I was getting bored~"

He's never going to doubt you again.

[chatonnoir]

I went back and watched the kuro neko trailer, and maybe ironically all the salt was a heck of a filter, because at first glance Ladybug looks angry but now when I watched it again she just looks very very very stressed

Yeah it was wild to me because it was like, obvious to me when I first watched the trailer that she was stressed, and her being upset that he left also made sense to me cause like. Come on. The girl just promised him a few episodes ago that she would never disappear on him, only for him to turn around and seemingly do exactly that to her, possibly without a goodbye or an explanation, how is she supposed to feel??? From her POV, one of her best friends just ghosted. Not to mention the fact that teens acting angry and stubborn when they're really just feeling hurt and/or betrayed because they're at odds with a friend is just such a realistic reaction? Really, idk why her reaction was so baffling/salt-worthy to people

So thinking all that I was feeling pretty normal about the trailer (aside from normal "oh no angst" feelings) after watching it a few times, but then I come online and see a whole bunch of batshit posts putting Ladybug on trial for 3rd degree murder over here. Literally I was just thinking like, "Did we all watch the same trailer?????"

Granted we got those bits that showed Chat Noir leaving the ring behind without a word to Ladybug + Ladybug finding the ring on the roof later in the TFOU trailer. It really didn't help that Gloob's trailer, which everyone saw first, was edited like garbage to intentionally play up the drama and make Ladybug look awful. The French trailer that came out later that same day gave so much more context lmao. I feel like if that one had come out first we wouldn't have had nearly the same amount of salt

And I feel like there's another point to be made here @ those who've been salting on Marinette for not picking up on the """"obvious"""" signs that Chat Noir's upset/etc. Things in the trailer that seemed, to me, to undoubtedly mean X were interpreted as meaning Y by other fans, and that was news to me. You can't assume things should be "obvious" to someone and that they should "just know" how someone else thinks/feels because everyone's brains work differently

[pinkestlittlebutterfly]

Lost and Found

(Though we now know that this is not how it happened, I find the idea of Kuro setting out to find his siblings and take them in when they first turned adorable and really wanted to write about it and after like two months I had whatever this is. It's inspired by this artwork from @klukvausual which is just amazing and incredible)

Old Child is found in the wake of a massacre.

The air is searingly hot and burns in Sleepy Ash’s lungs as he hastens past piles of dead bodies, their mangled limbs a stark white against the blackened ground. Pillars of smoke still rise from raging fires and block out what meek sunlight there might have once been, their stench almost enough to mask the scent of death in the air.

I should have known, Sleepy Ash thinks. I should have known, I should have known, he said he’d do it again, it’s all my fault…

But what victory could he ever seize against world-ending desire, against convictions so strong they raze cities to the ground and slaughter by the hundreds? All that’s left for him to do is to pick up the pieces left in another’s wake, to ease the pain forced upon him, too, all those years ago.

It is a child he finds among burning rubble and dead bodies, no older than five. A little boy with jet black hair who deserves better than this. Sleepy Ash bites back the bile rising in his throat, thinks of the village children instead and of how he used to play with them, and slows his steps the closer he gets, until he kneels right next to the boy and reaches out to ruffle through his hair.

The little one leans into his touch. He has big, blood red eyes that show no fear, and tiny fangs that barely peek out from behind his lips when he opens his mouth to ask, “what happened?”

“I don’t know,” Sleepy Ash tells him. He wonders whether he might ever know. The child nods in silence, and there’s a kind of understanding in his red gaze that Sleepy Ash has only ever seen in the old men and women that used to read him stories once upon a time.

“Who are you?”

I don’t know, he wants to say, again. But he doesn’t. The little one deserves a truth to hold onto in this world, and if there is none to give, he’ll make one for him.

“I’m Sleepy Ash,” He says. “Your big brother. Let’s get away from this place.”

~

Doubt Doubt is found beneath an old church’s broken windows.

Old Child is the one to first hear of his existence; rumors of a wild monster hiding in an abandoned church that filter back to him through the network he’s built for himself in no more than a few decades. He thrives in this new life that was forced upon him, mingles with royalty, has long made a name for himself among the myths and legends people talk about in hushed voices over a pint of beer or two. To be a vampire is to be noble, these days, to live in castles and dress in silks and drink from silver chalices.

Not much of that glamour remains as they stand before the crumbled ruins that night, and all pride Sleepy Ash ever felt over his younger brother’s triumphs has given way to a swirling pit of dread at the thought of another bearing their curse. Old Child squeezes his hand before he enters, and offers a wineskin he hid in his velvet robes.

“He’ll be hungry,” He says. Sleepy Ash decides not to ask questions about the meal he is handed.

The old door howls as he enters, broken glass snaps beneath his shoes and leaves and twigs break where he walks, blown in from through shattered windows and holes in the high ceiling. Thick beams of moonlight illuminate a dilapidated altar. The figure kneeling in front of it does not move. There is no wild monster in here, Sleepy Ash thinks, just a scared man.

“Who are you?” He mutters when Sleepy Ash comes to a halt. His voice is but a hoarse whisper, and if the night was not quite as silent, he would have barely been heard.

“I’m Sleepy Ash. Your big brother.”

“Brother…?”

The other turns his head, just barely so. His face is hidden underneath a curtain of black hair, but Sleepy Ash can see fear and distress and forces down the urge to wrap him in his arms as he once did with Old Child.

“That’s right,” He says instead, and kneels by his new brother’s side.

“I have died,” The man whispers. “Yet I am alive. I cannot die again, I have tried. What am I?”

“A vampire,” Sleepy Ash tells him, and as the other sucks in a sharp breath that sounds as though it is laced with tears, he reaches out despite himself, clutches a shaking shoulder.

“I’ve brought food. You better eat.”

Doubt Doubt throws up the first mouthful of blood he tastes, but he greedily goes for a second. When Sleepy Ash stands and leaves, he follows and their family becomes one of three.

~

The Mother is found on a battlefield drenched in rain.

Sleepy Ash spends his days following trails of blood wherever he comes across them, and as he walks among broken bodies and weapons that day and finds a lone woman alive among the dead, he believes her a mere survivor at first, a lucky one. But her eyes are red and crimson drips from sharp fangs in her mouth and his heart grows heavy in his chest.

He sheds his cloak as he draws closer. She does not move though she must hear his steps, and looks up only when he drapes the warm cloth over her. It’s hard to read her face, and Sleepy Ash finds himself sad that he can’t. There’s no more than three people in the world who may understand her pain, and yet he still fails.

“Where are my men?” She asks. Her voice is quiet still, barely heard over the rain still pattering against the ground and cold bodies, but if he strains his ears he hears a hint of what it might have once sounded like, firm and warm, a voice to give advice and commands gladly followed.

Splattered all around us, he wants to say.

“I don’t think they made it. I’m so sorry,” He says instead. He finds himself growing cynical these days. He always has to be careful not to hurt his siblings. They don’t deserve this - they don’t deserve any of this.

“I’m your older brother,” He tells her. “My name is Sleepy Ash. Let’s get somewhere dry and meet with the rest of the family, and we’ll tell you everything we know, okay?”

Her expression does not change. She gets up, wipes bloodied mud off her skin, and looks around. Her brows knit together. The corners of her mouth dig deep into her unmarred skin in an unmistakable frown.

“Are you angry?” He dares ask.

“No,” She answers, and he thinks that her voice might be shaking. “I grieve.”

~

Lawless is found in a forest’s gentle, green shade.

He is not easy to coax out of whatever hole he hid in before Sleepy Ash came along, and as he travels the forest’s narrow, winding paths, the hood he has taken a liking to hiding beneath cast aside to show off red eyes and fangs and how very not-human he is, there comes a point at which he thinks that maybe he can breath easily, that there is no one here after all.

But he turns around to a young man half hidden behind a tree, his eyes just as red, his fangs just as sharp, and he tries to smile but finds there is nothing to smile about.

“Are you like me?” His new brother whispers.

“I am,” Sleepy Ash tells him. “My name is Sleepy Ash.”

He extends a hand, but the other flinches back, fingers digging deep into the bark of the tree he is still hiding behind.

How troublesome, Sleepy Ash finds himself thinking. None of his siblings have ever been scared like this and the truth is, he doesn’t know what to do.

But if there is one person he’ll try for - it’s them.

“Did someone hurt you?” He asks, and watches the other freeze. There’s no way to know whether he is truthful when he shakes his head, of course. Their wounds heal quickly, at least the physical ones.

“Good,” He says. “Because if someone did, I’d make sure they’d regret it.”

“Why?” The other asks, though his grip on the tree loosens and he comes forward, centimetre by centimetre, maybe without even realizing.

“I’m your big brother,” Sleepy Ash tells him. “And I will protect you.”

~

World End is found in a cave far away from a single living soul.

It takes Sleepy Ash nearly a week to find, and he regrets not taking along one of his siblings. Their family has grown loud and troublesome now, but despite how quickly he finds himself tired around them in recent years, Sleepy Ash cherishes their presence.

(He wonders, sometimes, whether it’s wrong to feel like this when every single one of them is a walking, talking tragedy. But the thought is grating to dwell on, so he doesn’t.)

He is relieved to find he doesn’t have to search the cave for long. Cold, damp air greets him as he steps inside, heavy with the unmistakable scent of a recently extinguished fire. As he ventures on he treads heavily, announcing his presence so he doesn’t scare whoever he finds.

His efforts are in vain. The man he finds at the far end of the cave looks at him with despair, with fear that Kuro does not feel is for him.

“Why did you come?” He whispers.

Not a second later he has tackled Sleepy Ash to the ground. He groans; the stone floor is harsh and jagged against his back; but his hand shoots out just in time to catch the other by his throat, to tear his fangs away from his neck.

“What a pain,” He mumbles.

Still, he’s careful as he pushes his little brother away, and he barely tumbles as he gets up again, his teeth bared but still so scared.

“Please,” He says, “I’m so hungry. I don’t want to hurt anyone. You have to leave, please.”

“I know,” Sleepy Ash tells him. He stands his ground. I’m not going anywhere.

“My name is Sleepy Ash. I’m your oldest brother and I’ll teach you how to control it.”

~

All of Love is found deep within the darkest alleys of a nameless city.

It is Doubt Doubt who alerts Sleepy Ash to another member of their broken little family and sends him off into the maze of nightly streets their youngest brother hides in with quiet worry in his eyes. He is not hard to find. All Sleepy Ash has to do is follow the stench of blood in the air.

His little brother is leaned against a dirty wall when Sleepy Ash spots him, a hand clenched against where his stomach might be, as though he’s about to be sick. Flecks of red are splattered along the hems of his pants like rubies woven into the worn fabric; pool at his feet and glitter in the blaze of Sleepy Ash’s lantern.

He jumps when he first hears his name called. He might have attacked had Sleepy Ash not raised his light to illuminate his own face, his red eyes and sharp fangs. As his younger brother’s gaze meets his own, all fight drains from him as though he knows he could never win.

“Are you here to hurt me?” He breathes, and Sleepy Ash shakes his head.

“I’m your oldest brother,” He says. “My name is Sleepy Ash.”

The other doesn’t question this, instead he averts his gaze, lets it sink upon the pale bodies lying dead on blood-soaked cobblestone, like he is a child about to be scolded for a mess he made.

“I didn’t want this,” He whispers. “I don’t know what happened. I told them not to touch me. But they didn’t listen. They never listen.”

Tears drench his words, threatening to spill from his eyes, and Sleepy Ash sighs. He thought that maybe, by now, he got used to it. But he might never.

“It’s okay,” He says. “It’s not your fault. Come here.”

He offers his hand.

The other hesitates for all but a second, but then he reaches for him like it is the first time someone extended a hand towards him, allows his lantern’s light to wash over him as he steps forwards. Even with blood dripping from his lips, he is beautiful, and Sleepy Ash shudders to think what beauty might mean to him.

“We should leave this place,” He mutters, turning away from blood and gore to where the air is fresh and the darkness safe, and his youngest brother follows as he is gently tugged along. “Let’s introduce you to the family.”

[katzkinder]

Strawberry Madeleine

Tsurugi used to use Mikuni’s old uniform as pajamas. 

He’s aware of how pathetic it is. How it sounds. How it probably would have been more subtle to shout that he missed him through a megaphone, for all of Tokyo to hear.

Of course, it doesn’t smell like his old roommate anymore. It hasn’t for a long time, especially not after having been washed and given to Mahiru to run around in for a whole week, over a year ago now. Especially not after it needed to be bleached, and deep cleaned, because of all the blood and dirt and dust that had been practically ground into the white fibers. 

Frankly, it’s a miracle that old thing is still around.

He never expected to get it back, but he did, and he’s only a little ashamed to admit that he held it the same way someone would hold a cherished stuffed toy, inhaling the smell of fabric softener chosen with Kuro’s delicate skin in mind. He had called himself creepy, and Yumikage… Had flicked his forehead. Called him an idiot.

The way he had explained it, it made such perfect sense. 

Mikuni... Was a familiar pain, like a bruise that never quite faded and you press your fingers to it just to remind yourself you’ve been hurt.

Yumikage, Junichiro, Freya, Mahiru, and Kuro are a comfort he never thought he deserved, and that old uniform, one of the only few possessions of his that had survived, the new softness of it and the new smell, are proof that whether he deserves them or not… They are his.

Anyone would cherish that, wouldn’t they?

***

One day his phone lights up in the evening twilight.

“I made too much. That offer to join us for dinner is still valid ☀︎”

Attached is a picture of a simmering pot of curry that makes his mouth water so much he nearly drools all down his front. There’s something familiar about it he can’t quite place, but it’s easily ignored and Tsurugi wipes his mouth on the back of his hand, thumbs flying eagerly over the screen.

“I’ll be there in ten minutes ☆” he replies, then, after adjusting his course accordingly, practically skips off down the sidewalk.

Two minutes from his destination, his phone buzzes again.

“I left the door unlocked for you. Come right in!”

Tsurugi... Tries really hard not to cry in the middle of the street as words half remembered while his soul was tangled with Mahiru’s filter back to him.

If the window is shut, we'll just go through the door.

***

Sometimes Tsurugi goes to Mahiru’s house to play.

It’s a childish way to put it, like they’re both in elementary school and he’s showing up at the front door to ask his friend’s uncle if Mahiru is home, but it’s also the only proper way to describe it, because he is playing.

He’s free now, or about as free as he can be with those debts looming over his head, and he wants to play. Kuro, meanwhile, wants to show him lots of different games, so if he has a day off, and the both of them are available… To the Shirota apartment he goes.

It’s always a mess.

Not the apartment, no, never the apartment. He doesn’t think even C3, with its white walls and white floors and white sheets and everything, everything, white, was even half so clean as that little apartment where three people lived.

What’s always a mess is himself.

This time, though… It’s Mahiru.

***

Tsurugi knows he’s a messy person. Tsurugi knows he’s not very good at cleaning up, though he often tries. It’s overwhelming though, sometimes, looking at it all, all the trash and garbage that had accumulated, all the things he didn’t need anymore, didn’t want, and maybe part of the problem was that his mind hardly ever stayed “adult” long enough to make any real headway.

It’s not like anyone went into his room to begin with, anyway, so why bother?

Mahiru, though, is different from him. Mahiru likes to clean up as he goes, so he supposes it shouldn’t be a shock that he gets frustrated with him and with Kuro, who have their little area in front of the TV set up with snacks, and drinks, and piles and piles of games to try out, and a third controller for Mahiru because sometimes instead of watching, Mahiru will join them, tempted by their cajoling and whining and Tsurugi’s bright, high pitched yelps.

This is not one of those times.

This is a time when Mahiru got frustrated and stormed off, and… Well, Tsurugi isn’t quite sure what to do.

A single look at Kuro shows he doesn’t either, wide eyes watching the hall his Eve disappeared down and slowly the umaibo he had been munching on disappears into his mouth.

“Should we… Clean up?” Tsurugi asks, hesitant. Their characters on screen continue to idle, the timer ticking down. Kuro hits pause. Stands, stretches, cracks his back and Tsurugi can’t help but wince because that can’t be healthy…

“...Yeah,” the Servamp finally says, and bends down with a muffled groan to start gathering chip bags and drink containers. “It’ll give him time to cool down.”

“Does this happen often?” Tsurugi stands, too, and casts his eyes about for something to pick up, but there really wasn’t much. Kuro’s already got it handled. 

It makes him feel just a little useless.

He was a grown up, wasn’t he? … Wasn’t he?

***

Giving Mahiru space to calm down seems to have been the right choice, because when they find him, curled up on his bed and looking just the slightest bit ashamed of his outburst, he looks ready to apologize at any moment.

But Tsurugi doesn’t want an apology.

He wants Mahiru to come play with them.

So he speaks first, apologizes, sincerely, and promises that he and Kuro will clean up after themselves properly, but when they are done.

“You don’t need to keep everything nice and neat all the time, y’know. Part of being a grown up is knowing when it’s time to play and when it’s time to put your toys up.”

Mahiru makes a face at him, buries his chin deeper into his knees. “Tsurugi-san, no offense, but I don’t wanna hear that from you of all people.”

“Ouch, haha.” He sits, plopping down gracelessly next to the still pouting teen, making him bounce and emit a startled noise, and Kuro shuffles forward, slides down on Mahiru’s other side. “...You’re right, though. I never really learned how to clean up and put my things away all nice and neat like you do. No one ever taught me.”

Mahiru shifts, glances at him curiously. Having seen Tsurugi’s room at C3, he definitely believes it. 

“...I guess,” he starts, slow and picking his words carefully. Kuro makes an encouraging noise beside him. “Because I never really felt like the apartment was ‘mine,’ I always ended up cleaning after every little activity. Because having it be messy... Made it feel more lived in than it was.”

“... Mm. That’s exactly it. The illusion of company...” A self deprecating little chuckle. “Guess we both learned to handle that feeling in different ways. If Kuro-chan and I make a mess, we... Might need your help to clean it up properly. But... Can you trust us to clean up when we’re done?”

“... I can try.”

“Good!”

Kuro finally speaks up, because this was a conversation for them, not him. But the moment has passed, and it feels safe to say something a little stupid, a little funny. “We’re serious about the needing your help on how it’s done, thing.” 

“Ugh, I believe you. Tsurugi-san, one time I put this guy in charge of loading up the washing machine and you know what happened?”

“Wait, Mahi, no—“

“Ohh, do tell~!”

“Bubbles. Bubbles, everywhere. My downstairs neighbor had no idea where all the suds dripping onto her balcony were coming from!”

“Pfffhahaha! Kuro-chan, seriously?! There are directions on the box!”

“And I followed them. Our washer is small, though, so it was too much...”

Kamiya Tsurugi was an adult.

Shirota Mahiru was a kid.

But, if they could teach each other the things they had missed out on…

Perhaps it was all for that reason, huh...

Tsurugi wonders if Mahiru will be able to make good on that promise for a cake this year.

***

The end of August comes again, and, just like he had hoped, Mahiru bakes him a cake. Covered in glistening, sweet strawberries, with loads of white, sweet cream, it’s almost too much, especially when paired with how Freya and Iduna had come by, are each sitting in Yumikage’s living room while Freya’s subclass play some noisy game with Takuto.

Some part of him didn’t think Mahiru would really do it. But not only did he keep his promise, he’s pressing a wrapped gift into his hand, a small one that rattles when it moves, this grin on his face as Tsurugi turns it over in his hands, this perfectly wrapped gift with yellow paper and citrus themed washi tape keeping it together. Mahiru’s Servamp lingers back, a noisemaker hanging unenthusiastically from between his lips. And yet, despite his carefully practiced indifference, there’s no denying that Kuro is also eager, just as eager as his Eve.

“Go on. Open it.”

So he does. It’s... A cellphone charm. “...Cinnamoroll...?”

Mahiru beams at him and shows off his own phone. Tsurugi snorts, a smile cracking at the sight of the Pompompurin character charm that dangles merrily from it.

“How’d you know my favorite~?”

“I asked around~”

“Thank you, Mahiru-kun,” Tsurugi answers him, feeling his throat close up, just the slightest bit. His eyes sting, and he holds that little charm close to his chest. “I love it.”

It's such a small gift. A tiny one, one perfectly suited to a high schooler’s budget, but it means so much. 

Because it didn't have to be given.

Mahiru takes his wrist and leads him back to the core of the party, where they are all immediately mobbed by Tsurugi’s own homegrown family.

Vampires, magicians, humans. Adults, children, immortals.

People his own age. People who aren’t.

Tsurugi is loved.

He’s happy he was born.

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

Hello I’d like to request a matchup for blue exorcist and demon slayer

Apperance:

I’m lightskin and have freckles splattered across my nose and cheeks. Currently I’m 4’10-5’0 at the moment and have acne scars on my forehead. I have dark brown sleepy looking eyes with slight bags under them. I’m on the muscular side when it comes to body shape, oh and I have noticeable hip-dips. My hair is black and blond butterfly locs with one loc resting on my nose. (I’m bigender and omnisexual with a pref for guys)

Personality:

Personally I would describe myself as quiet but it’s mainly because of my social anxiety. But once you get to know me I’m kinda weird in a funny way due to my “interesting” jokes. Also I believe that I don’t quiet have a censor on what a say, sometimes I could say the most random thing or curse for no reason.I often find it hard to talk to people. Sometimes I think I’m a gross individual due to the stuff that comes out of my mouth but I’ve been told nobody else sees me that way. Once you really get to know me I talk a lot and text a lot,overall in a quiet yet incredibly active person.

Dislikes:

-butterflies

-my round nose

-my scarred legs

-pasta sauce

Likes:

-cats

-plums

-trees

-parks

Hobbies:

-baking

-drawing

-track/running

Hello! Thanks for your request! As soon as I saw your info, I immediately knew who to match you up with. Hope you enjoy.

Alright. Let's do this!

For Blue Exorcist I match you with...

A baking and cooking due? You two are unstoppable. Except when you make a mess in the kitchen and Yukio finds it before you can clean up. Then, you may be stopped.

You two  would have so many kitchen dates where you each make something new and get to try the recipes out together.

Ooh, you can teach him to bake your favorites and he can teach you to cook his favorites and you can surprise each other!

Yukio likes you as well. He thinks you’re a good match for his brother (especially when he gets to try out the results of your time in the kitchen).

You like cats it hear? Kuro is going to love you! He’s going to mercilessly tease Rin though.

This boy loves your hair so much! He likes watching you do your hair in the morning, whether that’s a long process or just a few minutes spent tying it up. He just really likes how it looks okay?

If you’re feeling anxious in social situations, Rin will be there to help. He doesn’t really get why you’re so quiet (since he’s pretty loud himself) but he’ll respect your feelings and give you support when you need it.

He’ll also try to bring you out of your shell a bit (but only as much as you’re comfortable with).

For Demon Slayer I match you with...

You two are actually a really good couple.

I can imagine training dates where you two compete and race each other.

Inosuke struggles with talking and interacting with other people as well so you can work together to get better with that. I think he might need a bit more work though...

It was a really close call for me to chose between Inosuke and Tanjiro but I think Inosuke works a little bit better.

Speaking of Tanjiro, he has double the work now since neither you or Inosuke have much of a filter. His diplomacy skills are working over time. Poor Tanjiro.

Inosuke is also a super bit fan off all of your cooking. I have a personal headcanon that, since he was raised by boars, he didn’t have a lot of sweet stuff to eat growing up and now that he has the chance to, he has a huge sweet tooth.

So yeah, make anything sweet for him like cupcakes and he will love you so much. You may even find something left behind in return. Like an acorn or a nice rock.

It’s not much but it’s his way of trying to pay you back for the delicious treats.

[sahbibabe]

Hello, hope your doing well! I love your writing it's really good! Can I request a soulmate Au for Sekiro/wolf x reader, no.24 in a series format please?? 😊😅 I feel like sekiro doesn't get enough love Lol!

YES. YES. YES. Here you go~! I loved writing this. The timeline is extended more than it is in the game because it took me more than a month to beat the whole game and I doubt it takes just one day to go everywhere that Wolf did in that time.

Also, I have really strong feelings about the whole toxic 'family' relationship between Owl and Wolf. It makes me angry and pretty salty. It just came out in this.

Enjoy! ♡

"LORD KURO HAS EXPRESSED his desire to meet you." Emma sat across from you on a tatami mat, carefully pouring an herbal tea into two small cups. The glare of the sun, filtering through the open window where a nightjar stood guard, revealed dozens of sparkling gray strands in her hair, attesting to the sudden stress─and worry─that she had been confiding to you for the past couple or so weeks: that Lord Isshin grew steadily worse in condition. "He remembers you only vaguely and wishes to reacquaint himself… Should you wish, Lady [Name]."

      That was your title: Lady. Not washwoman, servant, maid, cook, or soldier; it was Lady. You had been elevated to that status on account of your military prowess long before Kuro had been revealed to be the Dragon's Heritage, but you had made it a point to be there when his mother, tragically, could not. Not after the fire.

      Kuro could have called you many things, if you had lingered in his life. He could have called you his aunt, his friend, or even his advisor, if he wanted. But he reminded you too much of your sister, his mother, and so you couldn't make yourself stay. It would be torture for him to see you, a twin reflection of his mother, as much as it would pain you to see him, a perfect resemblance of both father and mother. You had divested your abode─a small attachment towards the Serpent's Shrine, guarded by the sword wielding monkeys who favored your presence─of mirrors since then, unable to look at your own face.

      "If that's what he wants," you replied carefully, watching the shining beacon of your soulmate's danger meter rise steadily over the kanji for 'safe', 'threat', and jump right up to 'lethal'. You had watched this phenomena happen for years now, except for a brief period after the fire, but you couldn't say who it belonged to. There were plenty soldiers who risked their lives every day, but none of them had managed to cheat death so often as yours. "I don't believe he'll be safe in Ashina, not with the Dragon's Heritage."

       "You are correct." Emma set the tea pot down and offered you a cup. You took it from her one handed, preferring to warm your other hand in your lap. She took no offense, used to your daily problems with the chill. "Lord Kuro has already been taken by Lord Genichiro once. I do not doubt he would try once again. And there are others, a particular shinobi, whose motives are a mystery to me, that I don't trust."

       "You speak of Owl. Not… Wolf." You hesitated to call Kuro's loyal shinobi by that name. While it was common to do so, just like the names Orangutan and Kingfisher, you had difficulty equating such loyalty to a shinobi who most definitely would reject the Iron Code if given the chance. The meter dropped down to 'safe' again, and that knot in your throat lessened just a bit. "Am I right?"

       "Yes. He has been absent in all of this, and it's too suspicious for him to be so distant in the middle of such strife. With the ministry rallying, it's only a matter of time before things go from bad to worse. Which is why, if something happens to Wolf, as it did during the fire, I would like for you to be there to protect Lord Kuro."

       You were still young, still in your prime. You hadn't counted in many years, but you had to guess you were thirty five at the most, your sister being thirty when she passed. You were almost close to not being a spring chicken anymore. "If that is what you wish, my friend."

       Your journey to Ashina Castle was a short, but boring one. The soldiers bowed to you as you passed, putting up no sort of issue, glimpsing the family crest you wore attached to your obi. You had decided on a neutral colored yukata, designed for winter, and a thin haori to go over it and block out the cool air. Wearing a kimono would just be difficult at this point.

       When you made it to the tower lookout, you were greeted─surprisingly─by Kuro himself. Emma had told you that he rarely left the archives now that Genichiro was out on the loose, run rampant by the Rejuvenating Sediment, so it was a bit of a shock considering what you had been told. You realized that he had been watching you leap across the rooftops, too lazy to take the proper way, with a nightjar at your side to keep you from falling to your death.

        By his side, hand on a katana that had been named Kusabimaru, stood Wolf. You knew, almost instantly, that he was the one who had been causing your meter to skyrocket at various times of the day and fluctuate wildly. It was almost like a seventh sense, drawing you to him even though you didn't take a step in his direction. By looking at his face, the soulmate pull had been overrode by the desire to protect Kuro, and you found that admirable.

       So you looked away, those dark eyes still trained on you guardedly, and faced Kuro once more. He looked more and more like his parents as he aged, so much so that it was almost painful to look at him.

       He seemed to be having similar thoughts, eyebrows creased just slightly.

      "Lord Kuro," you greeted him, bowing slightly at the waist. That was where you differentiated from your sister; your voices were very different. Where your sister held a stern, throaty voice, yours was very soft and quiet, but held a hard edge that had Wolf on alert. "It's nice to see you again."

       "Lady [Name]." Kuro stepped forward, Wolf in his shadow. He reached out, hesitantly, but propriety stopped him from touching you. "I…"

     You smiled and kneeled down just slightly, careful not to dirty your yukata, and took his hands in yours. "It's alright. I know I look a lot like her. It's hard, isn't it?"

     He didn't say a word, but you could see it in his eyes that it did. You squeezed his hands and stood back to your full height, allowing his fingers to slip from yours. He was still so tiny.

      "Let us go inside. The birds have ears, here," you urged cautiously. Wolf seemed to realize what you were talking about and his eyebrows lowered suspiciously; typical.

       For the next few days, you relearned how to deal with children burdened with an enormous task. Sometimes, Kuro just wanted to be normal and have a normal life, which you understood. The life of the Dragon's Heritage did not come peacefully or cheaply; it was dangerous, rife with struggle. It was why, he told you over tea while Wolf was gone, that he wanted to end it.

      And you, like Emma, didn't want that to happen.

     You also, somehow, figured out that Wolf knew what you were to him, too. He never said much of anything at all to you, perhaps because of your relation to Kuro, and kept his distance when he was present. You were certain that Owl had ruined him in more ways than one with the Iron Code; you saw the drawn muscles in his face, when you were too young to have a soulmate meter, the ribs underneath that threadbare yukata. You knew that Owl starved him, probably beat lessons into him, to make him a cheaper asset to deal with. That was how Owl worked.

        It didn't stop you, or Kuro, from pressuring him to eat. Emma seemed to not want to cross that boundary of necessary acquaintance with him, which you were fine with. Kuro was good at coaxing him into eating, when he was even there, but all you had to do was set food in front of him and level him with an expectant stare, then turn to the window.

      Words seemed to escape him, most of the time, with you─but body language seemed just fine. It was easier to read to him, you supposed, being a shinobi, because intent was laid bare unless you knew how to hide it. You did. You didn't see the point when all he wanted was to protect Kuro.

       One night, while Kuro labored away over the books in the library, determined to find the source of a white flower, Wolf appeared in your quarters. He was severely wounded, the Dragon's Heritage unable to fix it quickly enough, and you darted towards him, catching him before he fell to the floor. He was worryingly light.

       As you laid him on your bed and began to clean out his wounds as best you could, you had to wonder why he didn't go to Emma. The gourd he had was empty; shouldn't she have been able to refill it? You let the gourd fill up a little bit and then made him drink it, careful to let him swallow on his own time and not choke.

       The flesh knitted before your eyes, as fast as lightning, but it was still fresh and raw, so you placed bandage wrappings over it. Whatever had attacked him had extremely long claws, as long as your body, and had gouged inch deep holes into his chest and back. They would scar, but he had plenty of other scars to be seen.

      You situated his clothing back to the way it was, returned to the windowsill where you had been reading a scroll lent to you by Isshin, and waited.

       Somehow, you had drifted off without noticing, the wooden scroll loose in your hand. You clenched it unconciously and opened your eyes, shocked to see the sun and not the moon. When you looked over, expecting to see Wolf still asleep, you were surprised to find him kneeling in front of you, head bowed, as if he had been waiting for you to wake up.

      "Wolf?" You whispered, voice hoarse, sliding sideways to place your feet on the tatami mat. "How long have you been awake?"

       "Not long." That could mean anything to him.

      "I see. How do you feel?" You got to your feet and kneeled down, resting your hand on his shoulder. He never looked at you, though you felt the muscle in his shoulder twitch in response. "You should still be resting."

        "I'll be fine. Thank you."

        "Of course." You blinked, eyes wide. "I'm your soulmate, aren't I? I wouldn't just let you bleed out and die."

        The telltale silence told you more than he could say.

        He had expected you to let him die.

       "Oh, Wolf," you sighed, urging him to his feet. He did so reluctantly, wary of your closeness but not fighting to push you away. "Owl ruined you more than I can even begin to understand."

       Again, he didn't speak, but he knew it was true.

       You smiled sadly at him, then reached up and pulled the ribbon keeping your hair tied in a loose bun. You grabbed his hand and pressed it into his palm, closing his fingers around it with your own.

       "There." You gently removed your hands; he opened his fist to stare at it. "Any time you feel any negative emotions, just look at that ribbon and remember what I told you. You can come here anytime you need me."

       He never said anything else, just left out the window he had come in through. For the first time since you had met him, he looked marginally more relaxed, more reassured, as if the idea of returning to someone who explicitly desired his presence was a comforting one.

      Over the next few months, Wolf never did pop in while you were awake, but he did leave little things for you to find when you awoke, like a small amount of rice from the Divine Child, a branch of gorgeous blossoms from the Fountainhead Palace, or even Lapis Lazuli, a precious stone that you had converted into a makeshift pendant.

       Kuro eventually slipped up and called you his aunt, which you delighted in. Isshin called you over for sake and old war stories, which you both recalled with excitement and solemnity. Emma brought you to visit Orangutan, who took one look at you and found himself remembering you on the battlefield; she helped you give offerings to your sister and brother-in-law's graves.

      But you knew that all of it was coming to an end.

       Just days before, Wolf had returned with the Gracious Gift of Tears. He had met your sad stare with one of hard resolve, and you knew that it was almost time. With the everblossom in hand, he had told you his decision secretly.

      He would die so that Kuro could live. And you had no issue with that; that was his life's purpose, the only purpose that Owl had given him that had benefited him. His love for Kuro was bright, innocent, and strong, even if he was oblivious that it was love.

       You had shed a few tears, of course, but you knew that above all, Kuro had wanted a normal life. There had been nothing else to discuss.

       That night, before Wolf was due to fight Genichiro one last time and─Kuro would tell you afterwards, when the sun had risen, Isshin as well─he had given you all he could offer a woman, and more, because after daybreak, the last immortal would be condemned.

       You had awoken to sunlight, bare and satiated, sad with the knowledge that your soulmate was no more. The meter flickered out of existence as if it had never been there to begin with.

      With Isshin and Wolf departed, there was no reason for you to remain in the rotting ruin of Ashina any longer. You gave Kuro your blessing to journey the world, as he had wished, and sent him off alongside Emma.

      Three months later, you would realize that Wolf had left you a gift; something most precious and valuable, something you would love until the day you died, and forever after that.

        A child.

       When you gave birth, Emma was there to help you. Orangutan had even departed from his temple to stand guard outside and greet the new life that had entered the world.

        It was a boy, Emma revealed with a small smile, and handed him to you. He looked nothing like you. With a faint dusting of black hair and dark eyes, he was every bit just like Wolf.

      And somewhere, out in the distance, you heard the Divine Dragon begin to sing.

[pocket-luv101]

Across Time || Chapter 27

Fandom: Servamp Ships: KuroMahi (main), LawLicht (side) Characters: Kuro, Mahiru, Hyde, Licht

Summary: Mahiru falls into a well and is taken to a new, fantasy world. He comes across a half-blooded cat demon trapped in a tree. After he frees Kuro, he helps him collect the shards of the sacred jewel. (KuroMahi, InuYasha AU)

Ch.1 || Ch.2 || Ch.3 || Ch.4 || Ch.5 || Ch.6 || Ch.7 || Ch.8 || Ch.9 || Ch.10 || Ch.11 || Ch.12 || Ch.13 || Ch.14 || Ch.15 || Ch.16 || Ch.17 || Ch.18 || Ch.19 || Ch.20 || Ch.21 || Ch.22 || Ch.23 || Ch.24 || Ch.25 || Ch.26 || (Ch.27) ||

A bright light filtered through Mahiru’s eyelids and it pulled him out of his sleep. As he slowly regained consciousness, he became more aware of how stiff his body felt. Mahiru opened his eyes and he was confused when he saw the industrial light above him. He had become accustomed to seeing a blue sky whenever he woke. For a moment, he thought he was dreaming.

Mahiru moved his hand and he felt a light grip around it. He turned his head to find Kuro sleeping beside him in a chair. He also realized that he was in a hospital room and they were in his era again. Kuro must’ve taken him back through the well after the fight with Mikuni. Memories of the night came back to him and he tried to sit up. His body refused to move and he groaned slightly.

His voice woke Kuro and he jumped to his feet. He leaned over him and carefully ran his fingers through Mahiru’s brown hair. With his era’s advanced technology, he thought it was best to take him back to his time to treat his wounds. Kuro couldn’t remember the last time he had been so scared. Even now, he was afraid that the slightest touch would hurt him.

“You’re awake.” He whispered as a reassurance to himself more. Kuro brushed his bangs from his forehead and then pressed a soft kiss to the spot. His uncle drove them to a large building and Kuro didn’t understand what they intended to do to help Mahiru. The doctors didn’t allow him to see him until an hour after they took him to another room.

“How long have I been sleeping? Are Tsurugi and the others safe as well? I purified the castle but I don’t know if it was enough to break the spell over them. Touma was there and—” Mahiru paused when Kuro placed his finger against his lips. His warm hand calmed him and Mahiru took a shaky breath. He closed his eyes and leaned into his hand. “He took my jewel shards.”

“We’ll get them back. Don’t think about the sacred jewel or Touma and focus on recovering instead, Mahiru. You used too much of your spiritual energy and I was worried that it would damage your heart. The doctor said you’re fine though.” He made a weak smile. Mahiru stretched out his arms to him and Kuro climbed onto the bed to accept his silent invitation. He hugged him and rested his head against his chest to listen to his heart beat.

Mahiru reached up to touch Kuro’s cat ears but he had a hood pulled over his head. He understood that he had to hide them because doctors would question why a man had cat ears. He slipped his hands beneath his hood and threaded his fingers through his hair until he could scratch his ears. Kuro started to purr and Mahiru chuckled lightly at the sound. His laughter ran through his chest and Kuro could feel it.

Kuro sat up and his bell rang between them. The sound drew Mahiru’s attention to the pouch he wore and the jewel shards glowed through the fabric. They had fought countless battles to collect the shards yet Touma took them from him so easily. He was already injured and he couldn’t use his spiritual power at the time. Mahiru still felt guilty.

“Are you thinking about what happened? Mikuni made that trap to take all of our jewel shards but you were the one who stopped him. Your arrow broke his spell and he ran away after that.” Kuro knew how Mahiru took on too much responsibility and he wished he would acknowledge his own strength. “We’ll go back and make a plan with Hyde and Licht later. For now, rest.”

“I don’t know if I can relax.” Mahiru admitted and laid back against the pillow. “Who knows how many shards Touma has now that he had stolen my half? He might have a majority of the sacred jewel now.”

He thought of what Touma told him before he took his jewels. He called him weak like his mother. What kind of relationship did they have and why did he resent him? His mother briefly appeared with a pinkish glow around her. He didn’t know if she was truly his mother or the version of her that lived in the past. He recalled how she also protected him from the centipede demon.

Mahiru was pulled out of his thoughts when Kuro took his hand. “I asked your uncle if there was anything that I could do to distract you from what happened and help you feel better. He said I should take out on a date so you would have a break from collecting the jewel shards. I don’t know what a ‘date’ is but I’ll take you anywhere you want.”

“A date isn’t a place. People in your time would call it a part of courting where you take your lover somewhere for fun. It doesn’t matter where as long as we’re together.” He explained. They spent a lot of time together while collecting the jewel shards but they haven’t been able to go on a conventional date. Mahiru wanted to spend time with him on a date, he didn’t know if it was the right time.

Kuro placed his finger beneath his chin and he turned his head to face him. His red eyes were earnest and Mahiru felt his heart quicken. Kuro could see how hesitant he was and he moved his hand to hold Mahiru’s. He gave him a tender squeeze before he said, “You uncle also told me that you like simple dates like going to the movies or eating out.”

“I know a local place that has great ramen and somen where we can eat.” Mahiru said. “But I need to be discharged from the hospital before I can leave. They’ll probably want to do a few tests and speak with me. I don’t know how to explain to them that a wind sorcerer threw me against the wall.”

“Your uncle told them that you fell off your bike. He’s in the cafeteria right now and I’ll go tell him that you’re awake. I’m sure you want to talk to him after being gone so long.” Kuro stood up and kissed his forehead before he left. His consideration touched his heart and Mahiru glanced at the chair beside his bed. He had likely stayed beside him the entire night.

Mahiru called to Kuro as he opened the door. “I’m looking forward to our date, Kuro.”

Licht studied the strange contraption that he often saw Mahiru use to travel. He had never seen something similar before. Mahiru called it a bike and it was unique to his village. He didn’t explain much about the bike and Licht wondered if it was a demon in disguise or a strange wagon. He touched the cold metal and closed his eyes to listen for a heartbeat. “What are you, Mr. Bike?”

Something tickled his neck and Licht instinctively flinched away from the touch. He almost fell into the bike but an arm caught him before he could be hurt. Licht wasn’t surprised after he heard Hyde chuckle in his ear. The demon seemed to enjoy sneaking up behind him to play small tricks. He was more confused with himself since he hadn’t sensed him approach him.

Kirara hadn’t warned him about Hyde behind him either. Instead, the cat demon reached out its tiny paw to him and purred happily. He reasoned that she didn’t warn him because she trusted him after all the time they spent together. Licht petted Kirara and he hated to admit that he felt the same. They were so accustomed to Hyde’s presence that they didn’t react to his approach. Despite everything he learned as a demon slayer, he considered Hyde a new comrade.

“Are Kuro and Mahiru back from their mysterious village?” Licht asked and moved out of Hyde’s arms. Kuro had immediately taken Mahiru back to his village and he forgot to bring the bike and backpack in his rush. He brought the two items back to Toru’s village for them. “I wonder if Mahiru is also from a village of demon slayers for Kuro to keep their location a secret. He didn’t allow anyone to follow him and he destroyed his tracks.”

“Who would believe a lazy bastard like my brother would go through so much trouble for a human? Even though he was panicked, he thought of Mahiru’s wish to keep his village a secret. I was curious about the place since Mahiru is different. I considered tracking him but I’m sure Kuro would be mad if I did. Mahiru must be something.” Hyde joked but Licht started to feel strange. He was jealous of how he spoke of Mahiru. Licht respected Mahiru and he knew Hyde only saw him as a friend yet the feelings turned his stomach.

He looked away from him and flicked the bike pedal. Licht wanted to push aside the confusing feelings to focus on the twirling pedal. Then, he felt Hyde’s large hand on his head and he tousled his hair. He looked back to see him grinning. “As strange as Mahiru is, he can never be as unique as an angel. I’ve never heard of a demon slayer with a pet nekomata.”

“I didn’t know Kirara was a demon at first. She wandered into my crib when I was a toddler and I assumed she was a regular cat. I adopted her. According to my mother, I cried loud enough to attract demons when they tried to take her away from me.” Licht slipped the cat from his shoulder and cradled her in his arms. “She’s my family and I didn’t want to be separated from her.”

“Kirara adores you too. She’s not fully grown and intelligent like other nekomata but I can understand her when she purrs.” As Hyde petted the cat, he leaned closer to Licht without thinking. “I heard you talking to ‘Mr. Bike’. This thing is probably a tool for travelling though. It doesn’t have a demon presence and Mahiru doesn’t talk to it like he would a pet.”

“Mahiru sits on it like a horse.” Licht picked up the bike and he imitated how Mahiru would sit on it. He swung his leg over the seat but he found it difficult to balance on the bike. The wheels were thin and the ground was uneven. “Mahiru places his feet on these two stirrups. Will it go forward if I press on them?”

The moment he took his feet off the ground to press the pedal, the bike started to tilt sideways. Hyde reached out to stop the bike from falling but then he felt a sharp pain on his feet. Licht had hastily placed his foot on the ground for balance and he accidentally stepped on him. The spikes on his boots made the pain worse. He saw him wince but he didn’t become angry like he expected. Hyde only laughed.

“Maybe we should wait until Mahiru comes back so he can properly teach you how to ride that bike.” He playfully ruffled his hair again. “I don’t know why you’re suddenly interested in the bike. You already have Kirara and she’s faster than this contraption.”

“Kirara is wonderful. She’s the fastest nekomata alive and she can even fly.” Licht agreed and nodded proudly. He petted the cat on his shoulder but his smile became tainted with regret. “We weren’t fast enough to reach the castle before Kuro and Mahiru were attacked by the wind sorcerer. I’m supposed to be the fastest in my family but I was too slow again.”

Hyde knew that he was thinking of his father who had also died in one of Touma’s traps. He didn’t know what he could say to comfort him. He placed his hands on the bike and Licht sat in the loose circle of his embrace. “In a fair fight, angels always win. Touma doesn’t fight fair though. When Mahiru sent that familiar to us, it couldn’t take us to the castle because of the barrier.”

“That’s what I hate most about demons. They can never be honest and resort to tricks when fighting us. Demons already have an advantage with their power and we tried to fight back with our numbers. We worked so hard but that demon…” Licht looked up and his words trailed off. He was a demon and he would feel offended that he had insulted his kind. Hyde was different from the demons he fought and he forgot that he was an oni. “I was talking about Touma.”

“I’m a demon and I’ve used cowardly tricks too.” Hyde snapped his fingers and a wind circled them. He let go of the bike but his wind kept it from falling again. Licht cautiously placed his foot on the peddle and pushed down on it to make the bike crawl forward. Hyde walked beside him. “With my knowledge as a demon and a monk, I’ll strip Touma of any tricks he could use. The only thing left is for an angel to purify him. Then, we’ll both have our revenge.”

“A demon slayer, an oni monk, a priest and a half demon. We make a strange team, don’t we?” Licht chuckled and the subtle tilt of his lips was surprisingly attractive. He rarely smiled and Hyde wondered what he could do to see the expression more. An eccentric demon slayer shouldn’t affect him so much when he already promised that he wouldn’t become attached to a human again.

Kirara jumped off his shoulder and shifted into its larger body. He was confused when it growled at them since it was rarely aggressive. Licht stepped off the bike and he walked to the large cat. He reached out to it but Kirara walked past him to the bike and picked it up in her mouth. He watched Kirara carry the bike towards the river and he realized its intention too late.

Kirara dropped Mahiru’s bike into the water.

“Bad girl, why would you do that?” Licht ran into the lake to retrieve the bike before it could be carried away by the current. A small tug on his shirt stopped him and he looked back to Kirara. She whined softly and he wished that he understood what she wanted to tell him. Kirara rarely misbehave so he couldn’t guess why she would throw the bike into the lake. “What is it, Kirara?”

“She got jealous that you were riding on the bike instead of her.” Hyde told him and he had chuckled at the situation.

“You should know that I could never replace you. You’re my family. But Mahiru’s also our family and he’ll be sad if something happens to his bike. Let’s get it and then we can take a ride around the village.” Licht reassured the cat and stroked its fur. Hyde imagined if he held him and he found that he was the one to feel jealous. He didn’t want to be a companion to Licht like Kirara was though.

“You need to catch the noodles, Kuro. I thought you would be better at this since you love ramen and you have cat-like reflexes. Here, you can have this one.” Mahiru used his chopsticks to catch the cluster of nagashi somen that slid down the bamboo shoot. He dipped the noodles into the broth and then brought it to Kuro’s mouth to feed him. He took Kuro to a restaurant that offered a variety of noodles for their date. “How does it taste?”

“Good. You said you were a cook for a restaurant. Did you make dishes like this? The food at this restaurant tastes different from yours. I would like to taste yours since the food you make back home has a different seasoning. It’s simple but good too.” While Mahiru brought him cup ramen to eat, Kuro also enjoyed when he would cook for them.

“I actually work in a curry shop but I know how to make noodles like this. Once we have an opportunity like this again, I’ll make somba from scratch for you. It would be difficult for me to carry all the supplies I need to make homemade noodles to the past.” Mahiru offered. “My uncle bought this toy version of a bamboo shoot where you can slide down noodles like this. Maybe I can find it for the occasion.”

Mahiru had a bright smile whenever he spoke of his uncle and Kuro couldn’t stop himself from reaching out to him in that moment. He brushed his bangs from his forehead so he could see his brown eyes better. His casual touch caused Mahiru to pause as if he were spellbound. They were always together in the feudal era but his touch felt more intimate now that they were on an official date.

“Is there something on my face, Kuro?” Mahiru tried to hide that he was blushing by rubbing a napkin over his cheek. The action only drew Kuro’s attention to his lips and he forced himself to turn back to his bowl. He was tempted to kiss him but he didn’t know if he should with so many people around them.

“Pardon me,” A voice came between them and Kuro leaned away from Mahiru. A waiter held up a pitcher of water and asked, “Would you like me to refill your glasses?”

“Yes, thank you. We’re finished eating so can you get us our bill? The food was great.” Mahiru said and reached for his wallet to pay for the meal. He was a little confused when Kuro stopped him by placing his hand over his.

“I’ll pay for the food. Your uncle said that it’s my responsibility to take care of you as your mate.” Kuro told him. Mahiru didn’t know how he intended to pay the bill when he didn’t have money from his era. He was happy that his uncle supported their relationship but he hoped he didn’t give him money to pay for their date. Then, Kuro said: “I have a rare mummified kappa claw and that should be enough.”

“Wait, you have what?” Mahiru saw him pull a claw out his pocket and he started to panic. He could only imagine the panic that would occur after they saw the claw. He needed to stop him. “Sit, Kuro!”

“Sorry about using the incarnation on you, Kuro. The waiter would’ve freaked out if they saw a demon’s hand. I might’ve caused a bigger scene by using the spell though.” Mahiru and Kuro held hands as they walked home from the restaurant. It was night and Kuro was surprised by how bright the street was with the lanterns lining the path. Mahiru moved closer to him and leaned his head against his arm.

“Are you cold?” Kuro took off his red robe and placed it over Mahiru’s shoulders. He slipped his arms through the sleeve and drew the fabric to his nose. Mahiru wasn’t cold but he liked the opportunity to wear his jacket and walk close to him. No matter if they were exploring the feudal era or having a simple walk in the modern world, he was happy to spend time with Kuro.

“We ate a lot. How about we burn off all those calories by playing in the park?” Mahiru took his hand and led Kuro into the park across the street. Most would find the park childish but he wanted to see what his reaction would be. The feudal era didn’t have playgrounds with swings and slides. He experienced new things in Kuro’s time and he wanted to give him a similar experience.

Since it was late, the park was empty and they were the only two in the area. Mahiru sat on a swing and lightly kicked off the ground. “I don’t know if you have something similar to playgrounds like this. There are forests next to the village where kids can play and explore. We don’t have as many vast landscapes like you do. Sit on the swing next to me, Kuro.”

He accidentally used the incarnation and he jumped forward to stop him from crashing into the dirt. Mahiru hugged him but the power of the spell was stronger than he expected and he was pulled to the ground as well. He fell onto his back but he wasn’t hurt by Kuro. Kuro caught himself before he could fall on top of Mahiru.

They laid on the ground but Mahiru found himself laughing. He reached up to play with the bell hanging from his neck and rang it lightly. “When we have the chance to speak with my uncle in the past again, we should ask him how to break the incarnation. He cast the spell so you wouldn’t try to steal the jewel from me. We don’t have to worry about that so you don’t need this.”

“The incarnation is troublesome but I want to keep the bell. It’s the first thing you gave me.” He said and sat up. Mahiru had his arms around his neck and he moved with Kuro. He tightened his hold around him lightly and thought of how well they fit together. His arms made him feel safe and protected and Mahiru didn’t want to let go of him.

“You know, Kuro, when you said that you talk to me uncle, I was a little scared. I thought you two would’ve said that I should stay in my time here. Touma was able to take my jewel shards from me.” Mahiru placed his hand over his heart where he would wear the necklace that held his shards. “Without the shards, I can never go back or see you again. That scares me more than Touma.”

“I can never leave you behind again.” Kuro took off his jewel shards and slipped it around Mahiru’s neck. He cupped his face and leaned down to kiss his forehead. The fight before them was dangerous but he understood Mahiru’s wish to face the challenge together. He was the strongest person he knew yet he would fight for him and future together. “I won’t let Touma or anyone else hurt you again.”

“Touma didn’t hurt me and I think it was because my mother was there. She also protected us from the centipede demon the night we met. At first, I thought I hallucinated her but there could be a chance she’s still alive. Touma wasn’t surprised to see Mother so he must know something. I want to talk to him.” Mahiru decided. “It’ll be more difficult to defeat him than simply killing him.”

“It’ll be troublesome but we’ll find a way.” Kuro agreed to his plan quicker than Mahiru expected but his answer warmed his heart. “We should head home before demons come out. It’s night. I don’t know what kind of demons live in this park but I would rather not fight them.”

“My time doesn’t have demons but it is rather late. I wanted to enjoy the park but I think there’s something you’ll enjoy more. I like sleeping under the stars with you but you haven’t tried sleeping in a bed. It’s more comfortable then the ground.” Mahiru hugged Kuro’s arm and grinned up at him. “I don’t usually have sex on the first date but I’ll make an exception for you, Kuro.”

“There’s no rush to go back so we can stay the night.” He leaned down and kissed him softly.

[hisakata-resutomoshibi]

Please do more blackcat!Kuro!❤️ It’s like reading a fanfic I really want to know what happens next! How did he know Mahiru’s name? Are they still Servamp or full on regular vampires?

Hey anon! I don’t have any drawings for you this time but I did continue on a little from that last time! I’m glad you asked for more, I’m having a lot of fun adding to this AU!

Hope you enjoy~

(And thanks for the idea @thesilenceislost !♡)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While Mahiru was waiting for his eyes to adjust to the gloom of the cave he found that sometime between his kidnapping and now he had acquired a fair amount of leaves and dust in his hair. Shaking it out, he was caught off guard by the hand that landed on his shoulder.

"What do you think?"

The voice was soft and lyrical, but still rough at the edges in a way that Mahiru couldn't quite describe, as though it were from a fantasy, something half remembered and more imaginary than physical. He glanced back to meet two glowing eyes, grinning happily at him through the shadows.

"Of what?" Rather than answer, Kuro flung his arms wide, indicating the small enclosure. Taking that as his only answer, Mahiru sighed. "Is this where you live?" It had been a sarcastic question, not meant seriously but only to annoy, and when Kuro nodded he felt his mouth drop open.

In the settling gloom, made all the more pervasive by the quarter moon, Mahiru began to worry he was having an episode; his new friend still had a wild mix of hair tones, strange, loosely buttoned pin striped suit, and questionable circles under his eyes, but here, shrouded in shadow and that ethereal feeling one always got from deep forests, Mahiru was forced to admit that he was seeing horns. Incorporeal and flickering, like cotton candy light, they were twisted, hovering somewhere above the jet black eyebrows that arched so playfully and ending in jaunty curls above his head.

Despite everything Mahiru found he had to stop himself from reaching out to try to touch them, so interested to see if they were real or not he was. Almost literally holding his arm back, he took a final, hasty look around them. His eyes having finally acclimated he could now see that the walls were lined in old style, dripping candles, some ensconced, others jammed into Victorian chandeliers, and most, just simply stuck to the rough rock with their own melted wax. There didn't seem to be much of anything else here and once again Mahiru was struck with the deja vu feeling of a bad prank.

"It's different." He finally said, too late, wondering if his lackluster answer would anger Kuro. He chanced a peek up and almost laughed when he saw Kuro's lips twisted into an ecstatic grin, eyes bright.

"Isn't it?" Kuro threw an appreciative glance around as well before leaning forward. "Now what?"

"N-now what?" Mahiru repeated in confusion, stumbling over his words in worry. "What do you mean?”

Kuro frowned momentarily before sighing. "I mean now what, now what! I've brought you here."

"Yes...." Mahiru agreed, trailing off. "But I'm not sure why."

"You aren't?" Kuro looked affronted and took a swift step forward but when Mahiru flinched back, a thought seemed to pass through his mind and he paused. "Ah, this isn't how you would normally do this, is it? I told you," He said flippantly, tossing a hand cavalierly around, "I don't quite understand, you're going to have to tell me."

"Tell you what?"

"What is 'appropriate'!" He exclaimed, smiling maniacally.

"You really have an obsession with that word, don't you." Mahiru muttered tiredly. 

When Kuro only continued to smile at him he felt his shoulders slump in defeat and fell to the ground, crossing his legs and leaning back on his hands. "Let me guess. I'm stuck here, aren't I?"

Kuro dropped down, mirroring his posture, and shrugged. "Depends on your definition of stuck, doesn't it?"

"Oh, now you know what words mean?" Mahiru demanded, glaring for a second before deflating. "Right, so. I guess first things first. That's simplest." He paused, eyeing the horns still wavering in and out of existence. "Are those real?"

Kuro quirked a brow before glancing up through the tangle of bangs over his forehead. "Of course."

"Mhm." Mahiru murmured neutrally. "And if I tried to touch them what would happen?"

The question seemed to stump Kuro for a moment and he stared off into middle space as he thought it through; Mahiru could almost see him rolling the words around in his head like bread dough. When his eyes finally focused again there was a touch of amusement lacing through them. "Why don't you try it?"

"Pass." Mahiru said flatly. He bit his lip, trying to decide what the best way to find out their actual location would be and was floored to realize he had somehow completely blocked out the trip here. The inhuman speed that had so frightened him had almost immediately filtered out of his conscious thoughts and now, trying to remember, he found that it was a blurry guess at best. "Did... how do you move so quickly?" He finally asked, coming to the conclusion that subterfuge just wasn't his style.

"Fast?" Kuro cocked his head, pupils reflecting the flickering mellow glow of the candles (that were.... suddenly lit??). "I just ran. You can run, can't you?"

Mahiru threw him a halfhearted glare. "Sure, but not like that. I did do track though." He paused, wondering why he had bothered with that last little detail; surely a man like this, so strange and inhuman would find knowledge of his life bori-

"What is track?" Kuro asked excitedly, leaning forward.

A small, fleeting grin flew over Mahiru's lips and he gave up; really, what else could he do right now? "It's a sport. Like in school?" At the only slightly less puzzled look he got in return he continued. "A bunch of people practice running as fast as they can and then there are meetings where you compete with other teams."

"I see." Kuro nodded once and then glanced over his shoulder, almost worriedly.

"So what is your plan exactly?"

"My plan?"

"Yes. Like, now what? Are we just going to stay in this cave forever? I have to get home at some point, you know."

Kuro smiled widely, leaning still farther forward, now almost in Mahiru's lap. "You don't have to do anything you don't want to! I can make sure of that!" He looked as though he had just won some argument and Mahiru almost laughed.

"But I want to go home."

"You do?" He stared at him blankly, frowning softly. "Are you sure? I can make anything a reality! I can give you anything you want~" He reached out, blindingly fast, and curled his fingers through Mahiru's hair, giving a gentle tug that had shivers racing down Mahiru's spine. "I have the power to do anything you want."

Trying to ignore the aftershocks still tickling his skin, Mahiru raised a brow. "What makes you think I want you to?"

"Everyone wants something." Kuro whispered before darting smoothly forward. He froze just an inch from Mahiru's neck, his lips resting softly against the quick, warm, pulse. "And all I need in exchange is a little something from you."

His voice was like melted caramel, leaking in and filling Mahiru's ears with images of rich luxury, power, and freedom, and beneath it all, a dark destruction. He shook himself, pulling back in fright and slapping a hand over his neck. "No! I don't want that."

"'That' what?" Kuro purred, unperturbed by Mahiru's denial. "What did you see?"

They stared at each other in silence as the moon rose ever higher and somewhere, far away, a small owl hooted it's displeasure. The sound was like a buzzer and Mahiru shot up, his legs numb from the crossed position. After a frantic look around, finding nothing to defend himself with, and no exit other than the one directly behind Kuro, he stepped back, farther into the deep recesses of the cave, feeling the cooler air from beneath the Earth wafting around his ankles.

He shook his head mutely, searching for his voice, finally finding it hidden below his lungs. "No." He croaked. Another step back. "I just want to go back home, finish school, get a good job. Help people."

Kuro smiled wickedly, flowing to his feet and advancing in time with Mahiru's retreat. "Help people? What's the use in that? Everyone just makes a mess of their life and then cries in the end. Why not just bring the end they wish for much sooner? Surprises are always better than slow anticipation. Like a present~" He was naught but a foot away now, reaching out again, and Mahiru panicked, flubbing his step and almost falling. Kuro's eyes, so crescent-ed in mean delight, widened comically and seemingly without thought he flew forward, catching Mahiru easily, holding his above the ground, clutched securely to his chest.

Glancing up warily, Mahiru found crystal sky eyes staring right back at him, still open in surprise. Manners reared their ugly head, strengthened by reflex and he breathed a windy laugh. "T-thanks...."

Kuro didn't react for a moment, still just watching. After a heart stopping pause he released his hold and Mahiru tumbled down to his feet, unsteady and tipping a second time. As he caught himself, Kuro put his hands on his hips, frowning. 

"Why did I do that?"

"Do what?" Mahiru blurted out, still too off kilter from his fright to think better of it.

Without answering Kuro just shot him one more strange, questioning look before turning and sauntering to the far wall where Mahiru could now see there was a small chest of drawers. Propped lopsidedly on top of it was what appeared to be a full skeleton and he cut his eyes away in surprise. At the rummaging sounds now emanating from the far side, he took a deep breath, willing his heart to calm.

"What are you doing?" He asked, mentally throwing his hands up. Fuck it, right? What else could he do but keep this strange man talking?

"Packing!" Kuro exclaimed happily, tossing several small, withered looking husks over his shoulder. "I can't just leave everything here while I'm away."

"Er, sorry... while you're away?" Mahiru watched the objects hit the floor only to skitter away of their own accord and swallowed loudly. "Where are you going?"

Kuro turned, looking at him in amused perplexity. "You wanted to go home, didn't you?" Before Mahiru could answer he had darted back to his side, placing both hands on either sides of Mahiru's head and forcing it to tilt awkwardly. "Like I said, anything you want. But in exchange for just one-" he leaned forward, "little-" he pressed those glistening pearlescent fangs to Mahiru's flesh, "thing-" and bit down.

As the pressure exploded, traveling up through his veins and into his mind, Mahiru watched stars of light bloom across his vision, marveling at the warmth now filling his chest. It was a heady sensation, like hot chocolate laced with morphine and he almost fell, held up now only by Kuro's arms which had wrapped around his shoulders and pulled him in. He couldn't even find it in himself to be worried about the amount of blood Kuro seemed to be taking, too entranced by the fire in his mind. After a few moments, or what may have been eternity, Kuro threw his head back, eyes melting to a heavy red, glazed and unfocused, and Mahiru let his tensed muscles go lax, forehead thumping roughly against Kuro's chest.

Voice syrupy thick and filled with shining marvel, Kuro tightened his hold, squeezing Mahiru too tightly for the barest second. "And with that, I'm yours."

[charredbrie]

Kurobas Valentine’s Day Event 2020 Day 6: KagaKuro

I am sorry for posting late just because I am quite distracted and I can’t seem to finish this fic lol. But without further ado, I present to you the fan fave pairing, KagaKuro <3

Many thanks to @vanilla-daydreams and @theuglycrybaby for the prompt ( ˘ ³˘)♥

Day 6 Prompt: Stars/I’m flattered, you’re jealous. (KagaKuro side MuraHimu)

Title: Valentines’ Wish

Summary: Kuroko doesn’t know whether to get pissed or be happy when Kagami-kun finally has the balls to ask him for a date with a catch, of course. 

Rating: T for cursing

Also on Ao3

The sky is glowing hues of red and orange as the sun is beautifully setting off and Tetsuya, of all his sixteen years of existence, has never felt so content. He might not show is on his facade but he knows his feelings better than anyone. Well, maybe, except for Kagami-kun. After all, he is his shadow and he is his light. 

The truth is, they have been going out for more than two months after they play Yosen in the quarter-finals. For the most part, they don’t actually make it obvious that they are together, save for those few friends that actually know. In the Seirin team, only Furihata-kun knows because he accidentally walks in on them in the locker room after practice when Kagami-kun is about to kiss him on the lips. He feels a little bit guilty because the poor guy couldn’t look at them in the eyes for two weeks straight. When asked if they’re together, Tetsuya just gives him his usual poker face but he neither deny nor admit. But it is so evidently obvious though.

He glances at the taller boy who is walking beside him. It’s not the first time he has noticed that he has broad shoulders and psyche to die for. On the other hand, he looks like a wimpy kid when he’s beside him. But Tetsuya doesn’t care. He knows where the taller boy’s loyalty lies.

“Hey, Kuroko.” His line of thinking is suddenly interrupted when Kagami-kun speaks. He looks up at the taller boy in question. 

“Alex gave me tickets to the planetarium and I am thinking if you’d like to go...with me?” He looks away from him with a small blush adorning his face. 

Tetsuya stares at the taller boy with his usual blank expression but nonetheless, his eyes are showing a surprised expression. “Kagami-kun...are you finally going to ask me out for a date after two months of dating?”

Kagami chokes on his breath, his blush getting intense by each moment. Tetsuya does nothing and just stares impassively at him. 

“S-Shut up, Kuroko! Do you want to go or not?!”

He lets out a breath of frustration. Really, when is Kagami-kun going to be honest with his feelings but not without getting embarrassed? Probably, the taller boy is also thinking about their personal time together since they haven’t gotten any between school and club practice. Although they go after practice at Maji Burger sometimes, which they have been doing ever since they have gotten together so he really won’t count it as a date. More like after school hang out as well as the fact that they are rarely alone because the second years or the first-year trio are coming with them from time to time. And as far as he can remember, the only time that they can be alone is during the time that he will help Kagami-kun with his studies just because their senpais have given up and thus, Kagami-kun is left on his mercy. 

He looks up again at the taller boy after the initial shock and says, “Alright. I’ll go but really, Kagami-kun. You should’ve asked way earlier.”

He scratches his head in embarrassment and looks away. “Yeah....that’s what Alex says.”

He raises his eyebrow in annoyance. Really, Bakagami-kun?  “So, if Alex-san didn’t talk to you about it, you wouldn’t have done so at all?”

“S-Shut up, Kuroko. Of course, I would. It’s just that....Ican’tseemtosayanythingwhenIknowIhavetobeembarrasedaboutit.” Kuroko just smiles at the taller boy but says nothing, noting that he has agitated him enough. Together, they just walk in silence until they reach his house. 

“Meet me tomorrow at 9 am at the station.” It is all Kagami-kun has said before he quickly pats his head and bails out. He doesn’t even have the time to say thank you and good night. But tomorrow will be a good day, he thinks. He’s just hoping that Kagami-kun should stop being easily embarrassed all the time. But honestly, he is excited. After all, this is going to be their first date and he hopes that nothing can go wrong. 

-x-

The next day arrives and Tetsuya wakes up in anticipation. He does his morning routine and picks out a nice pair of black pants and a long-sleeve white sweatshirt. He looks at the mirror, feeling satisfied with his appearance and heads out after saying goodbye to his grandmother and parents. 

When he reaches the station, he instantly sees the taller boy by the clock outside the station. He greets Kagami-kun and then they proceed to the planetarium. When they arrive, Tetsuya gets the shock of his life when he sees Murasakibara-kun and Himuro-san by the entrance as Kagami-kun waves at them. 

“Yo, Tatsuya! Did you wait long?” Kagami-kun greets them happily when they are finally close. 

Himuro-san shakes his head and says, “We actually just got here. Hello, Kuroko-kun.” He greets him with a smile. Meanwhile, Kuroko is still rooted behind Kagami-kun as he tries to process the situation. So the date that Kagami-kun is talking about is a double date?! How in the world Bakagami-kun is able to think of it as a good idea? He doesn’t know whether to laugh at the situation or get pissed. 

“Ne, Muro-chin, why do we have to go on a double date with them? You drag me here in Tokyo just to see Kagami.” Murasakibara-kun whines as he munches on his potato chips. “But hello, Kuro-chin.”

That is exactly my thoughts too, Murasakibara-kun. Tetsuya silently thinks. Thinking that he is getting rude for the greeting the other couple, he gives Kagami-kun a glare first that can be translated to die. 

“Hello, Murasakibara-kun, Himuro-san.”

He sees Kagami-kun gulps but with a confusion swirling around his eyes. He looks away from him and says, “Let’s go in now. I have the tickets.”

Kagami-kun and Himuro-san walk ahead of them, leaving him with Murasakibara-kun. He hears the purple head groans in frustration and Tetsuya just sighs in defeat. 

“Ne, Kuro-chin, why can’t we say no to them?”

“I honestly don’t know, Murasakibara-kun.”

Himuro-san turns to them and softly yells so they can hear him, “Kuroko-kun, Atsushi, let’s go!”

Both of them just look at each other and sigh in defeat as they painfully follow the brothers. 

-x-

This is not what I want for a date! Tetsuya yells frustratingly in his mind. They’ve been going around the planetarium for less than an hour and Tetsuya just wants to go home. Might you ask why? It is because he is left alone with Murasakibara-kun who keeps cursing Kagami-kun under his breath for monopolizing his Muro-chin. The two brothers are currently in awe and obviously excited as they go ahead of them in every part of the planetarium, as they passionately argue in every single thing that they can find ranging from planets, stars, milky way, and the galaxy. Kuroko just watches them but he can’t help but feel jealous of Himuro-san. He definitely understands that he is and will always be the older brother figure in Kagami-kun’s life, however, he feels that Himuro-san knows Kagami-kun far better than him. He sometimes wishes that he can be Murasakibara-kun who has no filter on his mouth and will say whatever he wants even if he is offending the other person. He knows that Murasakibara-kun still doesn’t like Kagami-kun because of the fact the Himuro-san is close to him. In a way, he can understand the purple head’s reasoning as he sometimes feels the same way. He also knows that Himuro-san loves Murasakibara-kun so much so he is not at all worried. How ironic, isn’t it? But still, sometimes he can’t help but feel jealous of their closeness. Himuro-san is a very nice person and he has actually gotten close to him but the those negative thoughts are usually creeping in without him intending to do so. His thoughts are interrupted when he hears his company speaks, “Ne, Kuro-chin, do you want to go to the cafe here? I saw it earlier by the entrance. Looks like we’re not needed here.” He looks at the two brothers to see that Kagami-kun is taking a photo of Himuro-san by the Jupiter planet display. He can also see that Murasakibara-kun is pouting as it is obvious that he is puffing his cheeks in annoyance. 

“That’s a really good idea, Murasakibara-kun. I need a vanilla milkshake.”

-x-

Taiga and Tatsuya are currently having a blast. It is their first time in a planetarium and they can’t help but feel excited like little kids who just have their first field trip. Taiga actually calls Tatsuya because Alex has given him four tickets and says that the other two are for Tatsuya and that childish giant he calls his boyfriend. When he asks Tatsuya about it, he instantly agrees. He feels a little bit guilty though. He forgets to mention to Kuroko that this is actually a double date. He can see the sour look on the smaller boy’s face when he sees Tatsuya and Murasakibara. 

“Hey, Taiga. I can feel that Kuroko-kun doesn’t really want to be here. Did you even tell him that Atsushi and I are gonna tag along?” Tatsuya asks him as he takes a photo of him by the Saturn planet display. 

He stops on his track and looks at Tatsuya. “W-Well, I didn’t...I didn’t get a chance actually.”

He sees Tatsuya thunks for a bit. “Tell me, is this your first date together?”

He blushes before he answers, “Y-Yeah, you can say that.”

He hears Tatsuya then clicks his tongue as he glares at him. “You...just make a stupid move, Taiga!”

“How is this stupid?”

“Of course, if this is gonna be your first date, I am sure as hell that Kuroko-kun will want to have some quality time alone with you. Even Atsushi is quite pissed when I tell him that you and Kuroko-kun are gonna come with us. If not for me convincing him that I have to use an extreme method like a really good blindfold se-“

“Fuck you, Tatsuya! I don’t want to hear it.”

“...then he won’t agree to come at all. And Taiga, fuck you too! Don’t interrupt me when I’m giving you lessons about dating.”

“Well, excuse me for not having a thick face like you.”

“Excuse me too, for not having eyebrows like you.”

“At least, I don’t have a big dick getting shoved up in my ass.”

“At least, I’m not a virgin.” Tatsuya smugly says to him as he feels his face hot from embarrassment. This fucking guy always knows my weakness. Taiga silently curses Tatsuya as he looks on the ground. 

“Cmon, Tai.” His flirt of an older brother tries to console him. “I think it’s time for us to separate, at least both of our babies will be happy.”

“Yeah. Thanks, bitch.”

“No worries, asshole.”

They look behind them for Kuroko and Murasakibara but are surprised when the two are nowhere to be found. 

“Tatsuya!!! They’re missing!” He panics a little. Murasakibara is easy to find however, it will be harder to find Kuroko. Shit, I think he is really mad at me. 

The two brothers look at each other, nod and scram. Panic is embracing his whole system as he tries to find Kuroko. He fishes out his phone as he dials Kuroko’s number but the little brat turns off his phone. Getting frustrated, he tries to go outside for he has been through every nooks and corner of the planetarium but he still hasn’t found his shadow.  He takes out his phone again and dials Tatsuya’s number instead. After two rings, he answers. “Tai! I found them. They’re here at the cafe by the entrance of the planetarium.”

Quickly, he dashes towards the said cafe and sighs in relief as he sees Kuroko peacefully sipping his milkshake as if nothing happens. This brat! 

It is Kuroko who sees him approaching first. He pulls the empty seat beside Kuroko and slumps himself. “Hello, Kagami-kun.”

“Kuroko! Where the hell have you been? We’re worried about you two.” He doesn’t receive any answer as the smaller boy just continues sipping his vanilla milkshake all the while avoiding looking at him. He looks at Murasakibara who is like a little kid with his head down as Tatsuya is scolding him. 

“But, I want to spend tome with Muro-chin. Kagami has been monopolizing you a lot.” He hears Murasakibara whines. Tatsuya just sighs as he pats his boyfriend’s head and looks at him. 

“Taiga, I guess it’s time to go on separate ways here. Knowing Atsushi, he won’t stop throwing his tantrum until he gets what he wants.” Tatsuya smiles at him in apology and he nods. He still can’t believe that his older brother who always gets into a fight with thugs back in LA is actually so spoiling and soft towards his giant teddy bear. 

“Okay, I understand.”

The couple then stands and bid them goodbye but not without Tatsuya giving him the look. 

“Thanks for today, Kuroko-kun, Taiga. And sorry for the trouble.”

“Bye, Kuro-chin. Kagami, change your eyebrow. It’s annoying~”

He abruptly stands up as he yells, “Shut up, you titan!”

“Don’t be like that, Atsushi. It’s one of Taiga’s uniqueness.” Tatsuya chuckles in amusement as he gets red. Fucking older brother. 

Meanwhile, Kuroko is just looking at the interaction. He bids the two goodbyes as they go to the other direction where there are lots of sweet shops. He looks at the smaller boy after the other two is out of their sight and says, “Hey, Kuroko...I am sorry.”

Finally, Kuroko looks at him. “For what?”

“Y-you know for dragging you in a double date. And I forgot to mention it.”

“Hmm...”

“Are you listening at all?”

“Yeah, I am. It’s alright Kagami-kun. You should’ve told me ahead for I am actually looking forward to this.”

“I can’t say anything to that. It’s my fault. Sorry.”

“You’re forgiven. I am also sorry for disappearing suddenly. I am a..bit...jealous.”

“Huh? Of what?”

“Of your closeness with Himuro-san.”

Taiga chokes on his breath as he looks at Kuroko in shock, not really understanding how in the world is Kuroko will get jealous of his older brother. “With Tatsuya? You know that he’s my older brother and we’ve been through so much. Y-You don’t have to be jealous of him. It’s clearly platonic and he already has that giant teddy bear as his boyfriend.”

“Not of himself but of your closeness. It feels like he knows you better than I do and I want to know more about you in a deeper sense so I can actually share the same excitement as you do with him.”

He finally understands what Kuroko is trying to say. He can’t help but swell with happiness as he replies, “You know, I still can’t understand how can you say such embarrassing words with a blank face.”

“I’ve always been like this.”

He chuckles lightly as he messes the small boy's hair, “I’m flattered, you’re jealous. But really, we have all the time to ourselves to get to know more each other deeper.”

Kuroko removes his hand from his head and faces him as he gives him a small smile. “So, Kagami-kun, do you want to start over again with the date?”

He grins at him and says, “You bet!”

Omake

Valentines’ day comes and Kuroko finally gets the date that he wants. They are about to go home but they decide to stop by the park nearby that is facing the Rainbow Bridge. Since it’s already dark, they will be able to see all the beautiful colors that light up the bridge. They are currently sitting on the bench as Kuroko looks up at the sky being adorned by the stars. As he is basking himself at the beauty of the endless galaxy, he abruptly stands up as he sees a shooting star and tells the taller boy beside him. 

“Kagami-kun, look, a shooting star.” The taller boy looks up too and becomes in awe. Kuroko closes his eyes and makes a wish as does Kagami-kun. When he opens his eyes, he notices that the taller boy is looking at him with a grin plastered on his face. 

“What did you wish?”

He glances at him impassively and says, “I wish that Kagami-kun would groom his eyebrows.”

His grin is instantly wiped out of his face as Kuroko laughs at him. 

But really, what he really wishes is: 

To be Kagami-kun’s shadow until the end. 

NOTE: Uh, yeah. That’s the sixth installment for you all. Hope you guys like it! I really have fun doing this prompt especially the interaction between the brothers. Thank you for reading <3

[ayakashiramblings]

Dawn and Twilight’s Social Media Accounts

Kuya

@NevermoreButSnore.

1230 followers.

Yes, I copied Edgar Allan Poe. Yes, I’m not sorry about the rhyme. Or calling him out. 

Not that he really cares.

Insists that he is a headcanon creator on Twitter 

Everyone who follows him knows that he is lying. 

If we really had to classify him as a writer, it would one who posts those way-too-accurate posts about writers complaining about writing. 

Like the notebook hoarding one. Not that anyone here in the fandom is guilty of that, haha... haha... ha.

Ironically is one of the more popular ones out of the whole group. 

His flat responses and laziness are way too prominent to NOT be noticed. 

If you actually tentatively sneak into his DMs though, for writing tips, he will patiently listen and... rather bluntly advise you. 

It’s still advice though and is always the type to check out and reblog any short fanfics.

It just has to be weird, sporadic hours because he is the type to fall asleep with the phone on his face. 

Koga Kitamikado

1230 followers.

@CapitalKayKay

Listen, there is a reason why a lot of successful businesses chose Instagram as their social media so Koga is no exception. 

What makes his account stand out, as you can see from his rather cheeky username, is that he is willing to be an open book. 

So he isn’t constantly shoving down any products he is sponsoring or whatever piece he is endorsing. 

It’s more of genuinely wanting to hang out and explore what the world has to offer. 

Whenever he posts a picture of the gang together, he’s the one tagging all of them, even the ones with hard usernames.

And there’s always a nice comment thanking whoever hosted the fun time or being appreciative of the area and the locals.

It helps that he has a sense of humour so the memes are always just the right amount of teasing but nothing too bad that will deter potential clients.

Because of his down-to-earth nature, he reels everyone in.

Uses the space to invite everyone following him on any celebration/casual outing.

The thing is... he has a lot of followers.

So... good luck.

Aoi

1150 followers.

@DeredArtTooTsun

Look, even he knows he is a Tsundere. It’s a small victory getting him to acknowledge that, let alone use it to brand himself here.

But god, he’s the man I’m most jealous of on Tumblr.

PERFECT BULLET JOURNALS AND SKETCHES.

Got the spreads that literally define ‘aesthetic’, a perfect lineup of art materials even with pencils that have their numbers faded, and somehow, the emotions can pass through the paper and screen.

Even does tutorials on perspectives, positions with cute annotations. Just don’t praise them for being adorable though and focus on improving your skills, dummy.

Ironically though, it’s his mindless vents that get the most number of notes.

It helps that the pics include him, a very cute... I mean... manly boy screaming at very, very hot men.

A bit baffled but whatever it takes to get commissions. 

That’s right, he takes them. At least there is a back-up option should the restaurant ever go out of business. 

Spoiler Alert: Still doesn’t get paid as much. People, have you seen the number of talented artists here? Aoi might be in the rankings but it’s still hard attracting business.

Support your fandom artists, everyone!

Ginnojo

1000 followers. Just nice.

Ginnojoz

Poor grandpa didn’t intend to put that extra ‘z’ letter, it was a typo because scales don’t get along with haptic touch. 

And unfortunately, doesn’t understand how to change it. 

Once, he was huge on Vine before it died. The end of an era that he has to witness again. RIP.

Gin-Gin, it is RIGHT. THERE.

Expect to find his super short self-defence videos and Book Club Readings on YouTube.

Girls actually appreciate his instructions and attempts to provide help even if they are alone. 

He did try to respond to the nice ones and actually succeeds. 

It’s always easier getting to know the language of women when you don’t really see/touch them.

A deep baritone is perfect for some sexy excerpt of a historical novel... 

Until he corrects the setting.

In fact, he sometimes rage-quits and rewrites it. 

Unlike Kuya, him doing those established ideas actually catches on. 

Yura and Gaku

1500 followers.

MelodyandTheBeat. 

... Tik-tokers. Tik-Tok people? 

WTH do you call them?

As you can see, they are the most popular since it’s combined stardom.

Look, their covers and music mixes are beautiful.

They always have their own version that somehow combines traditional Japanese music... with k-pop.

And of course, food porn. 

Just be grateful there isn’t that awful squelching sound you hear when you consume jelly or the breaking of chilli seeds. 

Listen, I usually separate them because it’s never nice to be grouped as having the same activity as your twin. 

But in this case, being both equally beautiful AND talented sells their uploads. 

Even the cringy ones made because Yura is such a Luddite. 

Like just turning his head and being amazed his hair can turn so many colours, being impressed with each tilt until he gets to a black shade. 

Suddenly hurls the phone away. Gee, wonder why? Guess black isn’t the new... black for him?

Gaku sometimes even introduces new filters he created based on Yura’s random requests that strangely get circulated on the site. 

Oji

550 followers all know Oji-Sanz

Unlike Ginnojo, he deliberately adds the ‘z’ letter to sound cool.

You wanna know what’s worse? 

He actually uses Facebook. 

Aoi decides to give up on him. Nobody blames the poor student.

It’s apparently some old form of social media? Never used it, no sirree. 

Always changing his relationship status but at the end of the day, he’s single and ready... 

To post about all the lovely ladies destined to enter his restaurant. 

He thinks it’s great publicity. 

It really isn’t but one good thing about Oji is he includes EVERYONE.

This man respects his customers and always helps advertise their wares, especially if their connections lead to more resources. 

And less grocery shopping on his part.

Does post the recipes he and Aoi created but will never use because the Milk Hall had a certain style to follow.

Officially makes Aoi his son... on Facebook at least. 

Aoi now tolerates the account. 

Barely. 

Toichiro Yuri

WhatheMeSay has 1231 followers! 

In your face @CapitalKayKay and @NevermorebutSnore!!

You know, I’m so glad that there aren’t any users with those names because I’d be so scared of accidentally tagging them.

Also, geddit? Because... What the fox say? 

Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding... yeah, I’ll stop.

Pinterest Guy. And actually does spend on his ‘hobby’ to show off to everyone.

It does boost you and your father’s sales so there is nothing to complain about. 

His boards are always alliterated just to sound super catchy and it works so long as he gets the right emoji. 

Kabuki plays better be promoted or else.

Filled with candid pictures of his victims all taken at different angles you didn’t know were possible and in varying degrees of hilariously misunderstood positions.

He even supplies a donation link, heavily leveraged by his followers, since there are incentives tied to it like early access.

A bit suspicious the photos look like cropped out parts from Koga’s posts and some of the text resembles Kuya’s... er... wisdom?

He takes an unholy amount of selfies when he thinks no one is looking and so they are always surprised upon finding them on the Selfie Board. 

There is a locked board that no one can access, even his followers who are his comrades in real life. 

It’s actually just one picture in there. 

It’s you smiling and giggling at a joke of his. Not even you know it’s been taken. Guess he is as soft as his fur, eh? He better come out soon or else.

Kuro

Kuroruohtumbling

Ginnojo is unfortunately just old enough to have grown up with Scooby-Doo to understand the reference.

Snapchat, like a snapping snake! Hiss!

Unironically loves the puppy face.

Ok, but the glimpses of his stunts help show snippets of the circus life. 

He and his whole troupe family will even don costumes best suited for certain filters.

Sometimes ropes in Ginnojo... and by sometimes, I mean enough for everyone to start wondering if the stoic man is part of the act. 

To be fair, he randomly hugs people and ranks them here.

You, of course, were number 1. 

Now, if only he didn’t use the bloody song to announce it but you forgive him.

Maybe even risks revealing his ayakashi form before deleting the message to you.

Loves making international fans and learning various languages through each post, sort of like flashcards but animated and more fun!

And with 1200 followers, he might become a polyglot like Koga.

Shizuki 

Everyone bans him from creating one. 

Because they know the power of his roasts is too great. 

Little do they know he goes undercover. 

Underground.

And under their noses.

That’s right. His rant town on... MySpace. 

Unapologetically uses a good chunk of his salary from serving the House of Yuri just to get nifty themes that help with the whole burning process. 

Look, there’s a reason he and Oji are friends. 

This is why. 

Their taste in women seems fine but we really have got to do something about their affinity towards DEAD PLACES.

To be fair, he made the whole thing drunk but that doesn’t mean he should maintain it SOBER.

He just feels that it is a waste of space if he doesn’t utilize it. 

And it also becomes kind of cathartic. From the intrusive hugs to his master and Sir Gaku irking each other to no end, he needs it. 

Zero followers... but only because it’s super private. 

It becomes 1 the moment you jokingly create an account. 

[thatsadorbsyo]

Makoto - Pure White

You find yourself in a vast expanse of dull white, with very little to break the endless stretch of negative space. For a long moment, you are dizzy and unmoored, stunned into stillness by the sheer empty potential of this place. Where are you, how did you get here, where were you before? How do you do anything so simple as move your own body in a featureless chasm such as this?

Hesitantly, you take a step, and the ground at your feet reveals itself to you in a timorous radius, the texture of it sketchy and black like charcoal on paper, and just as easily smudged. It fractures at the edges a few fulms away, until it, too, dissolves into white nothingness. You take another step, and find more solid ground beneath your feet. The sphere of your perception follows, so you keep walking.

As you move forward, other senses spring to life, and the sounds of a bustling city reach you as if through a layer of deep water, dim and muted but unmistakable. The laughter of children and the cries of street vendors sing through the heavy muck, and temple bells ring deep and vibrant in the distance, the strength of their chime cutting a clear thread through the chaos.

This world is not as empty as it appears. There are people all around you, a crowd of tenebrous forms that only just break into the radius of your vision as you move past them, shadowy and poorly defined. One of them darts in front of you, a hip-high smear of grey more felt than seen. A second follows, grumbling a motherly admonishment. You can feel the air breeze on your skin as she brushes past you. Despite the filter of obscurity through which you sense them, these people are real.

Are you? The question sears a hole in your chest, a circular singe like a cigarette burn. Are you real? Are you dead? Is this where everyone finds themselves when they pass into the aetherstream: a whitewashed existence more pallid and overexposed than Limsa Lominsa at high noon?

If only you could see more. Holding both hands out in front of you and clenching them into balled fists, you concentrate. Every fiber of your essence focuses on absorbing more detail from the fringes of your awareness, and something curious starts to happen. A draining sensation comes over you, like sinking to the bottom of a bath, at the same time that ink pools from the tattoos in your arms and collects in the cracks and crevices under your feet, erasing the intricate patterns on your body and shifting, instead, into the landscape. The charcoal edge of your senses darken and expand, creeping up into stark streaks of black linework. More detail comes into focus. You can see carts, now. Benches, stalls of merchants selling tea. The front facade of a massive hostelry.

You know exactly where you are. Kugane, the main thoroughfare leading toward the pier. The knowledge sits firm and heavy on your heart. You smell frying fish, you hear the language of your home and the rolling echo of waves not too far ahead. Your feet move forward on a path well-tread from a lifetime of practice, but they quickly slow to an impossible drag. The effort of extending your field of vision is so overwhelming, so viscerally draining, that you cannot take another step.

With a heaving gasp, you stop in place with feet anchored like lead ingots. The ink begins siphoning back into your body of its own accord, and as the sphere shrinks, your vitality returns. Colors blossom once more on your arms and shoulders, and with it the glow returns to your cheeks. The lesson is clear: Search around when you need to, but don’t overextend yourself.

You press on, feet following the tug of your soul down the thoroughfare and through the hostelry. The clap of stone under your boots turns gradually to the creaking of wood as you blindly find your way onto the pier, greeted by cooling ocean spray on your face and the scent of sea foam. Something about this makes you smile.

In the distance, at the edge of the boardwalk, a shape sits dark and indelible well outside of the limit of your senses, a single black punctuation mark on an otherwise blank page of paper. Clearer than anything else you’ve encountered, it is the only thing in the stretch of white that seems to exist independently of you. The only thing with weight and purpose that doesn’t rely on your proximity, your experience of it, to make it visible.

Naturally, you walk closer. In time, the smudge reveals itself to be a weary man in ragged clothes, with long black hair threaded through with thick streaks of silvery grey. Older than you, perhaps, or just infinitely more fucked up. He’s looking away from you, off in the direction of the Ruby Sea and everything that lies beyond.

Words fail you. What could you possibly say to this man that would make any amount of sense? Hi, who the fuck are you, and more importantly, why can I see you?

He turns around as you approach, and his bright white eyes seem to look through you rather than focus on you. His hands twitch, ten fingers curling into two complete fists at the ends of arms that are as blank as this world’s canvas, not a drop of tattoo ink in sight. The familiar face is worn by age but unmolested by scars or injury, his nose unbroken.

Here, this man is more real than you are, yet unlike everyone else he seems to be able to sense your presence. You are expected.

“I came all this fucking way, and I can’t even find him,” this man rasps to you in lieu of greeting, shoulders shaking with fear and frustration. He speaks to a point a few fulms behind your head, hands lifting as though he could touch you, but then falling quickly back to his sides. “Isn’t that funny? In some messed up cosmic sense? I made a promise, but... I don’t know where to go, or how to know him even if I find him. All I feel is this... shit, this weird, weak little flutter.”

The moment he says it, you can feel it too. A shadowy thrum like black butterfly wings far to the west, out over the water. The tug comes from your heart, reeling you in like a fishing line threading through your arteries.

“Who?” you ask, your voice thin and alien to yourself, like it should not exist here at all, like you should not be able to leave even this much of a mark on the fabric of this place.

He shakes his head, salt and pepper hair swaying and mouth twisting into a snarl that might be able to hide the tears welling up in his eyes, if not for the fact that you know this expression like the back of your hand. Like the hot tingling burn in your own nose when you start to cry. “I don’t know. Koo. Kuro. Something, fuck. Shit. I don’t know--”

“Kurohyou.” The name escapes you like a breath hissing between your teeth, a whisper barely heard.

The man’s words dissolve into a shaky breath, relief washing over him like a cresting wave. Kurohyou. Kurohyou. He mouths the name silently, growing with recognition each time he repeats it, feeling its round vowels on his stained tongue. Though they still can’t seem to see you, his white eyes harden with purpose as he concentrates on gathering the dregs of a memory from another life. From your life.

The poem is familiar, too. “Dark panther moves on,” he recites carefully, pulling words from the white void and letting their ink settle into the cracks of this world. You join him for the second line, two voices in perfect tonal harmony. You know it by heart. After all, you wrote it. “But his shadow stays with me.”

As you speak the syllables of the haiku, a cold blackness pools on your tongue, billowing out from your mouth to stain the fibers threading through the air in front of your face. It shifts like an inkblot, chasing threads and capillary points in the space between the two of you, winding its way slowly but steadily to the west.

Before you can seal the poem with the final line, the weak fluttering in the distance seems to soak up the spreading stain, blossoming into an audible black heartbeat, similar to but just barely out of step with your own. It’s almost visible, a storm cloud on the horizon that pulses with welcoming shadow. It feels like home.

The man next to you pulls a shuddering gasp. He can feel it too. This thrumming beat is just as real as he is; it is more real than you. "How the fuck did you do that?”

It’s a good question. A very good fucking question. How do you begin to explain anything about this?

You look down at your hands, and something stands out, a tattoo on your right wrist that feels out of place. It feels... It feels different than the rest of you, as though more vivid, darker. It belongs to this world. Do you remember getting this tattoo? Did you have it yesterday?

Is it even meant for you?

An impulse overcomes you to reach out and grab the man’s hand, to take him by the forearm and press your wrists together until your ink is flush against his skin. It’s an instinct, and as insubstantial as you are, you’re still younger and faster than he is. There’s a sear of pain when your skin touches, a bright, blinding agony as something vital is torn from you.

When he manages to jerk his hand away, a perfect mirror image of your tattoo brands his wrist. Llymlaen’s mark, in curious reverse, as though stamped there by your touch.

“Finish it,” you command. “You have what you need.”

He holds his forearm with the other hand, squeezing roughly at raw, red skin as he weathers the pain of being so afflicted by you. Through clenched teeth, he mutters the final syllables. “Paw prints... in... the.. snow.”

Immediately, his fresh tattoo begins to slide down the palm of his hand, dripping off of his fingertips to puddle on the ground at his feet. It seeps across the wood grain of the boardwalk, pulling up into round, black splotches. Jaguar footsteps, drifting west toward the spreading inkblot, quivering in time with both of your hearts.

“You’re kidding me. You’re. Fuck. I have to go back to Eorzea?” he asks with a cracking voice, plaintive but accepting this cruel twist of fate. The ink siphons back up his fingers like a disease threading through so many veins, reassembling itself into the Navigator’s symbol at his pulse.

“Eorzea,” you whisper a confirmation. The word is just as much an acknowledgement as it is a dismissal. Now that your work here is done, the reality of this place begins to fall apart. Great tears rip through the fabric of the sky, loud and clear like the shredding of parchment. Everything falls away like so much confetti, the man, the pier, the ocean underneath you. The storm cloud stays the longest, rolling at the periphery of your senses until you, yourself, fade away into nothing.

Makoto pulls a febrile breath, hands twitching under his white sheets as he wakes to a black room. Dizziness shakes him at the corners, makes him stretch his hands out until he can plant his jittering palm on something firm to anchor him, not just his proprioception but also his sense of place and time. His hand meets firm, warm skin and scales, rising in a steady rhythm. A heartbeat, somewhere deep underneath.

It is the death of the night and he is at home. Makoto is real, and so is Erdenechimeg, snoring louder than life on the other side of the sheets. This bed is real. The red embers of the stove at the far end of the room are real. Dawn burns in dim orange through the paper windows like the edges of a fulfilled promise.

It was a dream, then. One like all the others. Add it to the pile.

[heroes-and-woes]

Stray

Warnings: sexual themes

Description: The five times Dabi breaks into her home.

Masterlist 

The first time Dabi broke into her building, she found him bleeding on the fire escape. His initial shock of seeing a civilian was further heightened, when she, instead of running away, picked him up and carried (well dragged would be a more appropriate term) him to her apartment upstairs. He was in no condition to object. The combination of pain and bloodlost had dulled his ability to run away.

By the time they reached her small apartment his consciousness was frayed. They stumbled and grunted along the narrow space between her kitchen and living room until he, rather ungracefully, settled on her couch. He watched her through a rather skewed point of view, as she cleaned and dressed his wounds. 

He fell asleep before he could properly thank her.

Dabi spent the whole weekend with this odd girl. She nursed him back to a more stable state that most of the pain was gone by the second day.

She worked with skilled hands and a tight lip.  She didn’t attempt to pry anything more than what information he voluntarily gave her, which was close to nothing.  She showed no aversion, to his intimidating appearance. Although, that didn’t mean that his scars and piercings didn’t bother her. Often, he would catch her eyes linger a little too long on his face. Her touch would skit gingerly along his shriveled skin--not necessarily disgusted.  If anything, he would have guessed that she was being careful not to offend him.

Dabi thought that there was something wrong with her head. 

He spent his spare time, watching her. He could tell that she had some idea about who he was but again she never seemed to want to ask. 

He followed her around the neighborhood. Learning what he could from what kind of things she bought at the grocery store, what shoes she liked to wear when she went out--any other clue that might help him figure her out. 

He learned that she had a good heart. Gentle and patient. All throughout their little excursions he half-expected her to start breaking into a song and feed scraps of food to the stray, cats, dogs and whatever misfit she could find on the street. He made a point to tell her this, just to gauge her reaction and as he expected, she didn’t disappoint.

“I’m not a Disney Princess,” he found her seriousness a little funny.

“Well, you could be,” Dabi said whistling the start of hi-ho from Snow White, “I could be your little woodland sidekick.”

“You’re hardly little,” she said squinting up at his towering figure, “and I don’t think you’re a sidekick.”

“Then what do you think I am, princess?” A dark aura seemed to exude from the raven-haired male. He stooped to her height, his cobalt blue eyes staring straight into her own. He wants to make it clear that there’s only one answer and she better give the right one.

She stared right back at him and without missing a beat, she gave an answer that surprised him.

“The anti-hero,”

Dabi took a step back. He studied her, veiled by his shadow and completely confident in her answer. 

“You’re really something, princess,” Dabi snorted, then turned on his heel, walking to the opposite direction of her apartment. 

She yelled after him, “Where are you going?”

Dabi continued to walk away without saying anything.

The second time he broke into her home, he noticed that she had a penchant for attracting lost things--broken things, which most people didn’t want. 

In the month since he last saw her, she had somehow managed to bring a rag of a puppy into her home. The black mutt yapped at Dabi as he sat on his haunches on the window ledge. Not long after, she came barreling out of her bedroom . She wielded a bat and threadbare robe, obviously disheveled from being suddenly awakened.

“Hey-a, princess,” Dabi grinned as her eyes lit up in recognition, “mind putting yer dog in a leash?”

“What are you doing here?”

For the first time since they met, she finally gave an appropriate response to his shenanigans. Yet, Dabi chose to ignore her question and squinted at the growling coal dust below him.

“No, Hello nice to see you?-How have you been?—come on, princess you’re better than that.”

She shook her head, still bewildered at his sudden reappearance, “You were gone for a month.”

Still, she took the small dog in her arms allowing Dabi to hop down on the floor.

“I’ve been busy, spreading joy to the world.”

“And now you’ve come to grace me with your presence,” she looked cute when she rolled her eyes, “how lovely.”

“You know it, doll.” 

Dabi reached out cautiously his hand hovering above the small dog’s head. For all it’s barking the dog was quick to flinch back in its owner’s arms. Under his breath, Dabi muttered words of reassurance, slowly lowering his hand until his palm rested on the dog’s head.  He ruffled the scruffy puppy until the little furball, slowly began to unclench and actually started to enjoy being pet. Dabi noticed that the dog’s ear had been chewed off and he knew that she did too.

“He used to be so scared of people,” the awe was evident in her voice, “I found him battered on the streets.”

“Of course you did,” he flicked her forehead causing her to yelp in surprise, “you like doing that.”

She scowled at him

“This thing is going to grow up to the size of your couch,” Dabi replied, scratching the dog’s chin, “his paws are almost as big as my fists and he’s only a few months old.”

Silence stretched between them. In the dimly lit apartment, Dabi felt that the city was far, far away from them. He never paid attention before but her eyes shifted colors when they caaught some light.

“Your window was open,” he started to explain, “wanted to scare a valuable lesson into that weird little brain of yours.”

The dog closed his eyes in content, nuzzling his chin further into Dabi’s fingers.

“You haven’t been here in a month,” she pointed out. “How do you know which window was mine?”

He never forgot.

The third time he broke into her home, he knew where she kept the key to her front door. Still, he came through her open window.

“You should really use the front door,” she said unfazed from the kitchen. 

“You should really lock that window. Lots of crazy bastards out there,” Dabi countered, half-heartedly. He stuffed his hands in his pocket and began to whistle softly.

Kuro, the black dog bounded to where Dabi stood, his torn ears flopping as he ran. True to Dabi’s prediction the dog grew to an impressive size. Kuro halted at Dabi’s feet, his shiny black eyes attentive and expectant. 

“Plus,” Dabi said, bringing out some bacon from his jeans, “you have a pretty shitty guard dog--okay, Kuro stand.”

Kuro stood on his hind legs, eyes trained on the treat Dabi held aloft. Dabi flicked his wrist and threw the treat in the air and almost immediately, Kuro snapped open his massive jaws to catch the treat.

“I blame you,”  she was deadpanned, “don’t give him so much junk.”

Dabi wiped the grease off his hands on his jeans, “It’s just a little transaction, keeps him from biting off my junk.”

“What if those crazy bastards figure out your little trick? Don’t you think people shouldn’t know about my flawed security system?”

“Oh, princess,” he said shooting her a grin as he stretched comfortably on her couch, “it’s too late. I’m the craziest bastard out there.”

The fourth time Dabi broke into her home he was fuming. 

He couldn’t think straight, his hands were practically billowing with smoke. Somehow in his mindless wandering he had found himself in the last place he wanted to be—in front of her building.

 For a long while he stood there, debating on whether or not he should come up to her apartment. It was late and he could see that the light from her room had been turned off. He counted to backwards from Ten... 

Nine...

Eight..

Seven...

Six...

Five...

Four... 

Three--

Fuck

He was already scaling her wall. 

Somehow it pissed him off even more to know that she still hadn’t bothered to lock her window. He jimmied the glass and it opened to her room.

Kuro looked up as Dabi hopped down the ledge. The dog lifted his head for a fraction of a second before going back to sleep. 

“Useless, mutt,” Dabi slammed the window shut, his anger growing with every passing second.

His eyes scanned the dimly lit room. The moon was out, the beams of light filtered through the windows behind him touching everything in the room and outlining everything in an eerie glow. His shadow stretched out, long and sinister as it draped around her sleeping form on the bed. She laid on her side, her back faced towards him. 

For a minute he stood there and watched not entirely sure of what he wanted to do. His cobalt orbs remained trained on her figure, long enough that he began to count the rise and fall of her exposed shoulder. Her skin glowed under the moonlight. It seemed to beckon him--or maybe it just dawned on him that he wanted to touch her. 

He swallowed his uncertainty and carefully, padded towards the bed. 

“You’re awake, aren’t you?”

It was only for a fraction of a second but he saw her shoulders stiffen. 

She didn’t say a word.

Dabi breathed in the silence trying to get some semblance of sanity.

 Hours ago he was in a dingy bar, having an altercation with this creep of a guy. Shigaraki Tomura. Nothing unusual. He knew one day he would kill the creepy motherfucker but he didn’t think it would be over this--over her.

The polaroid picture was still in his pocket. Shigaraki’s voice still scraped along his skull, like his cracked fingernails were dragging along Dabi’s brain. 

I know about your little toy...

Maybe I should pay her a visit...

Shigaraki left before Dabi could react. He left her picture on the counter--a warning. If Dabi didn’t do his job, she was going to get a very dangerous visitor. 

“When we first met,” his low voice pierced the silence, “I asked you what you thought I was--and you gave me this shit answer.”

He laughed bitterly loud enough to wake up Kuro but she remained unmoved, “You know the right one--I know you do. And yet, you keep letting me into your house. Are you stupid?”

She still didn’t react. His anger boiled and he finally exploded.

“What the fuck is wrong with you!” his voice was louder now, “Stop pretending to sleep--fuck--”

She sighed, then slowly propped herself on her elbows. She leveled with his gaze, completely undeterred. 

“Why do you keep coming back?”

“What?” he spat out. 

“Why do you keep coming back, huh? I keep the window unlocked because you keep coming back--I figured you needed somewhere to stay.”

The last part she added quietly, like a reluctant confession. Dabi felt himself deflate. He scoffed, falling on his knees. His face landed on the bed, muffling his low groans.

 Is she serious?

 This chick is fucking mental. 

Yet, despite his irritation another feeling rose from his toes a kind of excitement that he wasn’t really expecting. 

Pathetic.

This strange tug she had on him was irrational. Here he was, with the threat of the league, on his knees in front of her. 

Dabi raised his head. He sucked in his breath, surprised to see her so close. He hadn’t notice her move. Her eyes were filled with concern, like she wanted to erase all his worries for him. 

“Stop looking at me like that,” there was no harshness despite his brash words.

“I’m not looking at you,” but she was. 

Her lashes looked white under the moonlight. She looked like some mythical nymph, the sheets draped around her body like how they do in paintings. 

“Don’t move,” he waited for a heartbeat, she remained still. 

He shifted carefully, sitting up to her height. He braced himself against the bed, his hands dipping into the soft mattress.

 She watched him tentatively. 

With the same timid pace, Dabi tilted his head close to her face letting his nose brush along the line of her jaw. Her grip on the sheets tightened when he took a deep breath. She smelled like soap and lavender, like spring in his lungs. Dabi took his time nuzzling the underside of her jaw, trailing the lines of her neck. He let out a long tired breath, the heat fanning along her skin, spreading goosebumps. He saw her pulse quicken under her skin. 

His eyes met her own and was taken aback. She never made that expression before. Her bottom lip jutted out, quivering along her parted mouth. She looked at him like she wanted something--like she wanted him. 

“Stop looking at me like that,” he was growling now. 

She made a move to argue. 

Dabi didn’t give her a chance, he crashed his lips against hers and started to kiss her furiously. All restrictions were thrown out the window. After her initial shock, she responded to him quickly. 

They fell to the bed, with Dabi on top of her. Despite their proximity Dabi pulled her closer. His hand gripped her waist with a bruising force.  He craved her for so long, each feeling was amplified ten--twenty times more each time their lips touched. He swiped his tongue along her bottom of her lip to ask for entrance and she allowed him. 

Dabi was quick to move on to her neck. He trailed open mouthed pecks on her skin. All throughout, their passionate make-out session evolved into something more intense with teeth and calloused hands that scraped every inch of exposed skin.

Her fingers gripped the tresses of his dark locks. She would give a sharp tug every time he touched a particularly sensitive spot. This accompanied by the delicious sounds of her moans egged him on. 

He was breathless when he finally pulled up for air. 

She was no better. 

She was disheveled, her hair splayed out on the sheets like a halo around her head. 

Dabi swallowed hard.

 She was beautiful.

 He rested his forehead on the valley between her breast. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply as her fingers gently combed his hair. She cradled his head against her until they fell asleep.

The fifth time he broke into her apartment was also the last time. 

She wasn’t home.

Dabi took his time going to each room. He stayed in her room and remembered their first night together. The way he held him close. The way he heart sounded against her ribcage.

  He sat on the couch and imagined what it would be like to fall asleep with her in the late afternoon. 

Dabi went inside the kitchen. He left the key she gave him on the counter and walked out the front door.