#( ☆ ) ⸻ DUSK / verse.

[autumnalmess]

To anyone struggling with their mental health this holiday season: read Les miserables by Victor Hugo

it won't help, but at least then you'll know about the sewers

[maybeiwasjustjade]

Upcoming ACOTAR fics: Little Sprout Verse

A series of one-shots set before, during, and after Koschei’s War, and mostly focuses around Tamlin and his various relationships as the years change.

Set twelve years after the events of HOFAS (bare knowledge necessary), and nearly three after the end of Koschei’s War, Prythian has entered an era of peace unseen since the days of King Fionn himself.

To an outsider, anyway. The reality isn’t as pretty.

The Seasonal Courts have finally found a balance in their coexistence. Autumn finds itself in an era of prosperity and growth under its newly crowned High Lord. Summer staggered at first, but with the finalization of its codified equality laws and a first successful season of its Council of Voices, High Lord Tarquin’s dreams are soon to be a reality. Winter has welcomed a new heir—a son, to join their growing family.

Spring has been revitalized, nearly comparable in splendor to how it was in the years before Amarantha. Cities have been rebuilt, and more and more of Spring citizens have returned from their refuge. Century-long alliances respected; a family reunited at last. And soon, its citizen will celebrate in the most grand celebration: the upcoming nuptials between their beloved High Lord and High Lady.

The Solar Courts, however, have increasingly found themselves in disarray. Though Day prospers as it always has, High Lord Helion finds himself heartbroken over the discovery and subsequent rejection of his only son, who has returned to Spring. Dawn stands strong in its neutrality, but chaotic forces from the north seek to destabilize their hard-earned peace.

A rebellion has formed in the far north. Citizens have fled in dead night, with no traces to be found. Dead, maimed males found scattered over the Illyrian Steppes. Natural disasters ravage the western bank of Night. The Night Court stands alone, its Inner Circle fractured beyond repair as sides are drawn, and mating bonds break. The newly risen Dusk Court has returned to stake its claim on what is rightfully theirs.

The agreed biennial High Lords meeting is soon upon them. A recon mission gone wrong has resulted in multiple hostages in the hands of Night’s sworn enemy. Grudges will be settled; recompense will be delivered. For the High Lady of Spring is out for blood.

[theonlytwoalive]

starter for @resplendentdare

Theo knew this change was coming, he just thought he had more time. He knew from a young age that he was a vampire, but was told it wouldn't happen until adulthood. It was after their seventeenth birthday when they started noticing the little differences. No longer being able to see his own reflection, his skin becoming pale, the baby fangs coming through. Theo was finding it all very overwhelming, but he was used to feeling wrong in his own body.

At school, Theo tried to appear normal despite the feeling that everyone was watching him and knew his secret. They had to start wearing sunglasses outside as the sun was becoming an annoyance to them. Maybe everyone just thought they were trying out a new look, they hoped that's what it was.

Finishing the school day with nothing of note happening Theo made his way over to Saskia's house. He visited her most nights, having to climb through the other's window as her parents wouldn't allow her to have visitors.

Theo tapped on Saskia's window, gesturing to the roof. The two of them would go and sit on the roof quite often, it was a place where they could just talk and feel at ease with one another.

Once the two of them made their way to the roof, Theo sat down and looked over at Saskia. She looked stunning in the moonlight, the glow of the sky illuminating her face. "How was your day? Mine was weird, people were staring at me all day," Theo said as he moved closer to Saskia. "I started to think I had something on my face or something," he added as he let out a chuckle.

[allurlsaregone-blog]

“God’s glory is on tour in the skies,

God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.

Madame Day holds classes every morning,

Professor Night lectures each evening.

3-4 Their words aren’t heard,

their voices aren’t recorded,

But their silence fills the earth:

unspoken truth is spoken everywhere”

(Psalm 19:1-4)

[resplendentdare]

Continued from here with @theonlytwoalive.

Saskia knew how hard it was for Theo to keep going without feeding for a while, it was why she offered herself to him. The first time they'd done it hurt like hell, almost vowing to never do it again. But in a few short months, Saskia was hooked on it. Theo of course got their use from it, but Saskia got a high from being fed on, better than any drug or alcohol, she didn't want it to stop.

"Fuck," she whimpered out, gripping their shoulders as she could feel her mind just drift away. She knew she had to stay somewhat aware to be able to tell him to stop before he killed her but it sometimes was like stopping sex right before the orgasm, almost impossible.

[desiderium-eden]

Waifu Meter

"Okay. Wow. Rude. Pretty sure there's an entire nation and then some who would disagree..."

[beyonddamaged]

@humanchewtoy liked for a Starter with Seth Gecko

○ HE WAS A FUCKING PAIN IN THE ASS ○ , one that Seth almost regretted taking hostage. But, at the end of the day, he was a means to an end. A reason to get across the border, he helped Seth out. And he would let him go, leave him to fend for himself among some of Mexico's worst of the worst. And he wouldn't feel guilty for it either. If he was one thing, he wasn't a murderer, he was a _________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐ THIEF! _________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐ But, he would make an exception for ╰┈➤ THIS ONE. ╰┈➤

The boy was a loud mouth, sarcastic little shit. Fuck! He reminded the male of himself at that age. Was this his punishment for all of the times he had wronged someone. It didn't really matter to him, he just wanted to get him and his brother across the border. But, ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ STILES ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ had already started shit up with Richie in the Liquor store. It was obvious the teen knew what he was doing, trying to cause some form of pandemonium that would help him out of this whole mess. But ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ THE GECKO BROTHERS ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ weren't stupid. Even if Richie wasn't acting like a fucking psycho.

❝ You, keep your ass glued to that seat. Do you understand me. If you want to survive this entire thing, you will do as I say. And if you do, then these 6 little friends of mine, will stay inside the chamber, coppice ! ❞

[familylightfox]

OOC: Since my brain has been serious trash lately with writing anything, I thought maybe if I think of some other things, it might get me back in the groove.

This thought then snowballed into a Human Verse.

Meet Jeremy Finnegan, a 28-year-old cafe owner. After a rather rough start in life, including bullying during his school years, Jeremy graduated and went on to attend a prestigious culinary school, where he majored in baking and confections. After he finished college, he used the inheritance from his grandparents to open his cafe just outside of Boston. It's not a large building, but there's enough space to host open mic nights as well as weekly family-friendly drag shows.

With unaccepting parents of his choice in career paths (not to mention his sexuality), Jeremy doesn't have much contact with them and wants to provide a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Enter Rebecca Hansley, a 14-year-old runaway from the South who's just looking to get away from her abusive family. After getting a bus ticket to Boston, she spent most of the summer living on the streets and trying to survive. She began to see Jeremy coming around the homeless encampment and handing over the leftover loaves of bread and baked goods he had from the day.

As time went on, they got to talking, and Jeremy offered her a part-time, under-the-table job at his cafe to help her get on her feet. As the colder weather approached, he let her stay in his home above the shop. Now, she goes to school online and works to be able to afford one day to get a place on her own once she's legally able to.

She might not see him as a father figure but considers him a big brother because of how often he looks out for her. He often has to bail her out of trouble, as she still has a habit of picking pockets.

Jeremy's FC: Seth Green in his role as Oz in Buffy Rebecca's FC: Bella Ramsey in her role as Ellie in The Last of Us

[demon-prosecuted]

"what would you do if we got trapped in the sinkhole" (also from eclipse)

That.. is a very real possibility. A dangerous, terrifying - no, mortifying - possibility. As they venture deeper, the ground becomes less stable. It could give at any moment, and Miles would be unable to do anything about it.

His mouth feels dry, and the ability to form a coherent string of words in reply evades him. He's floundering - mouth slightly agape in a silent gesture of "I don't know."

❝ How about.. ❞ He forces his throat to clear. ❝ We.. not discuss that. ❞

Because it's easier to run than face his very real fears. How he'd be forced to relive that horrible incident yet again. The world give out under him, the blood on his hands once more, the lifeless hospital stay that follows. The blood on his hands once more. He'll never be able to wash it off. He didn't kill his father. He still believed he did for fifteen years.

❝ ..We have more important things to focus on than hypothetical scenarios. ❞

[storylocke]

[P5/Alola crossover scene]

Host:  [gets slipped a cue card] oh! [stands up] And now we’d like to pose a few questions to some random members of our audience. 

[As she walks down the aisle, people raising their hands all “pick me!” She at last stops next to the group. Holds out the mic to Kiawe sitting on the end of the aisle.]

Host:  Ah, you. [pulls up card to read what was prepared] Hypothetically speaking, IF the Phantom Thieves were to exist, do you think what they're doing is right?

Team:  ?! [all of them turn to him in dismay]

Hiro:  [bitterly under his breath.] Random member my ass.

Keala: [elbows him]

Kiawe:  [No, no. He has to agree. It feels a little too on the nose to pick him out with a question regarding the most recent turn of events. Leans into the mic as he tries to keep his gaze on Ilima, not the host] I think they're able to do more than the police.

Keala:  [soft sighs] Kiawe….

Ilima:  [leans back slightly into his seat with a bit of a smile] Growing up in Alola myself, I'm aware that our forces are under equipped for the task. But to their credit, we believe these so-called Phantom Thieves are a threat too great for any local task force to take on alone. That's why I'm here to announce that, as of last night, the case of the Phantom Thieves was transferred over to the International Police.

Kiawe:  [clears throat and motions to take the mic back] Is the confession of a single corrupt instructor really enough of a “great threat” to need that kind of man power?

Team:  …. [Honestly holding their breath at this point. If the rest of the audience wasn’t already kinda looking in their direction, would probably try to get his attention.]

Host:  [Honestly not sure if she should head back down or not, but seems to be beaming at the hot debate that seems to be brewing. Looks back to Ilima for a reply]

Ilima:  Under normal circumstances, I would think not. However, I’m sure you’ve at least heard of the case with Ein, a formerly wanted man from Orre, who also had a sudden need to turn himself in last month. The chain of events were too similar to be a coincidence. And being connected to people from two different regions does make this an international affair, but it’s potentially more serious than that.

Audience:  ??? [cautious glances and whispers all around]

Host:  Oh my! Would you be able to explain to us exactly what makes it so ~dangerous~ then? Some people have started to say that these confessions have proven to be a good thing.

Ilima:  “Good” is a highly debatable term when it comes to dealing with criminals. They are still human after all. Whether or not people think they deserved it, I find the Phantom Thieves’ actions to be highly unethical. To force this change of heart is almost no better than brainwashing. [shakes head] Don’t misunderstand. Ein was a long time threat that has been trouble even for the Interpol to deal with. A high profile criminal. But this time it was a much smaller affair that was on someone’s personal request; which we found had been posted in a recently made Festival Plaza dedicated to the heroics of the Phantom Thieves. How do they do this? Why? What is their range? These are all questions we need answers to because even if what Mr. Elator did was truly horrendous, it bears a bit like the start of a slippery slope. Where is the line before the witch hunting begins and people get hurt over petty complaints?

Audience Member:  [shouts out] I heard they ONLY go after criminals.

Team:  ??? [well, it’s good to know some people are on their side]

Ilima:  As I said, it is all purely speculation right now, and as we only just opened the case. There’s still a lot of evidence to sort through in these two trials. However, I am here to assure the people of Alola that we are not going to tolerate the fear and uncertainty instilled by having an anonymous group of vigilantes deciding they can change the masses to their suit their idea of justice. As an example, allow me to pose you another question.

Host:  … [goes to lower the mic again to Kiawe]

Ilima:  If a friend of yours, say, the girl next to you-

Keala:  o.O [had started to cover her face, but sits up to realize they’re talking about her]

Hau:  o.o; [looks to her as well]

Ilima:  If she were to suddenly start acting strange, a change of heart even, would you believe it's because she was guilty of something? Or that she merely ticked off someone with certain connections? Would she “deserve it” just because the Phantom Thieves were told she was bad? Or would you want your own form of justice for what happened to her since you should know her better than them? While no one has come to the defense of these criminals, it’s only a matter of time before they target the wrong person.

Kiawe:  I would think if there’s only been two cases that were over a month apart, these “attacks” aren’t dealt out so easily. I…. [Hesitates so he can choose his words carefully] I can’t say I understand how or why they do this, but I should hope they would choose their targets as delicately as you choose your cases. With evidence and research before taking it on.

Ilima:  [A little smug as though he’s winning this debate] Well unless you or I were to have some way of asking them, I guess we'll never know.

[More whispers start to run through the crowd]

Host:  An excellent point on both sides~! Though, Detective, if that were true, then that would make the Phantom Thieves similar to the police then, wouldn’t it?

Ilima:  [smiles] Indeed. It’s a bit intriguing to hear such a strong defense for them. Except, they still operate outside of the law and by their own judgment to what is “right.” And I will fully reiterate that while it may be good for now, such power is looking to be easily abused. There may only be two large scale operations that the public is aware of, but with a more intensive investigation, it may reveal there are far more cases still to be discovered. But thank you for giving us all some food for thought.

Host:  [Oh, you done then? Seems they’re being moved to commercial, so she heads back down to the stage] Well! I know I said we had time for a few questions, but that one really threw us all for a doozy! Why don’t we take a poll? How many in our audience think the Phantom Thieves are in the right? And how many agree with our Detective? We’ll have the results when we come back!

[Without seeing the results, the scene fades to after the show as the audience is leaving] 

Hau:  [Saddened and sounds full of uncertainty] Well that sure was… enlightening. Hiro:  Yeah, but there's no way those bastards didn't target Kiawe on purpose.

Keala:  [Nods and looks up at him on that note] You okay? I got nervous when she stopped by us, but you were kind of amazing back there.

Kiawe:  [Flushes a bit with embarrassment] Oh… um… Thank you. I admit, I didn’t mean to get so heated with him. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time I've had to speak with police who seem like they’re trying to get me to admit to any involvement. [Looks down with a bit of shame to admit that.] 

Rotom:  [Softly, with a mix of concern and defensiveness for their friend’s sake] Either way, Hau izz right. I think you got him to zzay more than he intended to. We need to talk to ZZoffy about the Fezztival Plazza being watched.

Hiro:  Eh, it was on the T.V., he’ll probably hear on his own. I’m sure the media is gonna be swarming all over the interview later. 

Keala:  Yeah… [crosses her arms across her stomach like she’s feeling sick just thinking of all that attention] And it sure gave him a platform to paint us as the bad guys here. He does… have a point. >.>

Boys:  ???

Keala:  Using all this to force people into changing does make it sound like an abuse of power. Even if they’re criminals, is it really right for us to get involved like this?

Rotom:  That’zz not for Ilima to decide. You all received your Perzzona as a call to injustice. Legal or not, it izz for you to follow what you feel izz right. 

Hau:  In that case, we should take some time to think about it before we make our next move. Wanna split up for now and we’ll meet at the mall around eight?

Keala:  Fine by me, I need to run by the house anyway. 

[Hau and Hiro just wave her off as she leaves, and with a little nod of agreement, Rotom slips away into Hiro’s backpack as usual]

Hiro:  [Lightly slaps Hau on the back] While she does that, I think WE need to make a stop by the lab. 

Hau:  Yeah, and I think he should come with. [Looks to Kiawe] Would that be okay?

Kiawe:  [seems to have been lost in thought during all this] Hm?

Hau:  The Dimensional Research Lab run by Professor Burnet. It’ll be on the way home. 

Kiawe:  Ah. I don’t see why not. 

Hiro:  Cool. I’m gonna grab something out of the vending machine then.

Hau:  ‘Kay, I’m gonna grab a drink real quick, too.

Kiawe:  I’ll meet you both at the door.

[As the other two dart away around the corner, Kiawe doesn’t seem to get very far before a familiar voice calls over to him. He steps back against the wall to let a few people continue to pass by as he watches Ilima trot up the steps to meet him.]

Kiawe:  Yes?

Ilima:  I’m glad I managed to catch you. [warm smile] I thought I saw you in the audience, but I wasn’t sure until they made you speak up. 

Kiawe:  [MADE being the key word there, given he didn’t normally like speaking out like that. Still, it was nice to actually see Ilima more like his usual self instead of the arrogant tone he gave onstage. Slides his hands behind his back as he leans against the wall more casually] I apologize for putting you on the spot like that. I’m sure you only wanted a “yes” or “no” answer. 

Ilima:  [waves it off] Actually I wanted to thank you for that. There are so few people these days who are willing to challenge me. [Heh] Being a certified genius, I suppose that makes them feel I must be infallible. Untrue, of course, but who wants to be the one to tell me I’m wrong?   Kiawe:  [Nods in understanding, but his expression is clear. Is there a… point to all this?]

Ilima:  … [Can take a hint. Ahem] I thought today’s discussion was quite fruitful. Now that the G-Men have taken over the Phantom Thieves case, I’ll be appearing in public much more frequently as their spokesperson. You gave me a delightful taste of how to handle the tough questions I’ll likely be facing when dealing with the actual press. 

Kiawe:  I’ll look forward to hearing from you. We haven’t seen you in years. >.>;

Ilima:  [soft hum as he glances away] Yes, well… Life just gets in the way sometimes, doesn’t it? You’ve been through quite a lot since we last met. I had a few more questions I wanted to ask you privately.

Kiawe:  [Rolls his eyes. Why would it be anything else? Restrained] Is here really the place for an interrogation?

Ilima: [Holds up his hands to show he’s unarmed and meant no harm by it] Nothing of the sort! But something you said earlier had me wondering, and I thought… Well, just between you and me, you seemed quite passionate in your defense of these Thieves.

Kiawe:  My passions tend to get the best of me. That's not exactly news. [soft smile though it's only short lived] I’ll admit, I was pretty angry with their interference at first. And what happened with Elator… Well, it’s thrown everything in my life upside-down. 

Hau:  [Had returned when heard the familiar voice, as he wanted to catch Ilima as well if he could, before meeting the other two outside. Freezes when he realizes who he’s talking to. Tries to press himself into the alcove of the theater exits and listen in.]

Kiawe:  [Understatement of the year as he pauses to think how to word this] But I’ve had a few weeks to think it over, and I feel like they've actually given me control of my life back. Not just me, but the rest of my troupe as well. [casually shrugs] Consider me a fan.

Ilima:  [shakes head] All very noble, I'm sure. But I would like to remind you that idolizing such people can be dangerous too. When even they call themselves “thieves,” I'm sure they're aware that what they're doing is wrong. I would hate to think that someone who just escaped the hands of a great manipulator would fall prey so easily to another terrible influence.

Kiawe:  [Coldly, crossing a line there, buddy.] I'm not that weak. Or are you also implying I might be working for them? 

Ilima:  [Wide shrug, and feigns innocence] I only know what I have read in the reports, but the police seem to have their suspicions. As your friend, I was merely hoping for the truth. To have gotten so close to your teacher, your house, I think you would have seen them around at least. When it appears we’re dealing with a team of vigilantes, surely you would have noticed some strange activity leading up to the attack.

Kiawe:  If this were a normal attack, it would make sense that there would have been strangers lurking in our neighborhood, but even you said that their methods are a mystery. Almost supernatural. I may be the first suspect, but you should really ask yourself: why would I want to help them, when I had the most to lose?

Hau:  [sinks down a bit to be reminded of that]

Kiawe:  [What, no comeback? He can see the former Captain is at least thinking on it.] I know you only just started the case, but the police told me they found out Elator’s son was the one to make the request to the Phantom Thieves. I hadn't even heard of them before all this.

Ilima:  [Just smiles sweetly as he thought of one] Part of the great mystery, I suppose. Though it does seem logical that after years of abuse and threats. Seeing how your benefactor only wanted you for your talents, and became quite the monster in the lengths he would go to with you and other students; it’s possible that as you learned about his obsession, you wouldn't be the least bit tempted to get revenge?

Kiawe: [Has to admit, that’s pretty much what happened. Still, he’s not lying as his voice softens] Except I never saw myself as a victim. It felt wrong. I hated him sometimes, but I was convinced the only way to chase my own ambitions was to endure it long enough to eventually leave. If I had been smarter, or hadn't known him as long as I have, I would have realized sooner. But if I had seen him that way, and hypothetically, I somehow had that same power as the Phantom Thieves have to cause these changes, do you think I would have put up with it for so long?

Ilima:  [Shifts uncomfortably as the question seems to strike a nerve. His tone softens with an air of bitterness rather than sadness] I think it's very possible considering the consequences. As you said, you had everything to lose if you tried. 

Hau:  [Yeeeeaaaah, he’s got them pegged. Oh gosh. While it seems like Ilima’s tone also wants to reveal something, it’s time to bail. Slides through the door rather excitedly] Kiawe~! What happened to meeting us outside?

Kiawe:  [motions to Ilima] Obviously, I got a bit delayed. 

Ilima:  Alola, Champion Hau! I hadn't expected to meet you in a place like this.

Hau:  Are you kidding? You're like one of the biggest names in Melemele and helped me get my start. There's no way I wouldn't come see ya for your first visit back in over a year~! [looks between them] But uh… you guys just catching up or something? I didn't mean to butt in or anything.

Kiawe:  More like continuing our debate from earlier. |D;;

Hau:  Ah… Well no need to be so formal with me. The Champion thing is basically bragging rights right now while we’ve been settling into this whole world-league-ambassador… thing. I just got back from Kanto about a month ago it feels like. 

Ilima:  [Soft smile] It's still nice to hear such praise from someone as prestigious as you've grown to be. [Curious as he points between them] Though when did you two become such friends? 

Kiawe:  Just recently. After hearing about my situation, Hau offered me his place to stay. It’s a house so it’s spacious enough to go about our own activities, but it has been nice getting to know each other better since I moved in. 

Ilima: 

[Mildly impressed] It seems our first Champion is quite the charitable one. Must be nice. I'm sorry for keeping you though. I didn’t realize you two had plans.

Hau:  Just going to grab some malasadas. The show was fun, but I'm pretty starved. You wanna come with?

Kiawe:  [Quirks an eyebrow at him, wondering what he’s thinking]

Ilima:  I think I'll have to pass. I really should be going, but I simply had to stave my curiosity for the day. [Looks to Kiawe] I should be the one to apologize though. I’m only just starting in my new position and I may have come on a bit strong. I'll see you both around, won't I?

Hau:  Sure! See ya later then~ [waves him off]

Kiawe:  Hmph. “A bit strong”? [Crosses his arms in annoyance as he watches him disappear down the hall] He certainly changed his tune real quick once you showed up. 

Hau:  Yeah… I guess because I've got “prestige” now, he thinks he has to be nice to me. 

Kiawe:  [softly] Or to cover up what we'd been discussing when you came in. It's not like he has any reason to suspect you of thievery.

Hau:  [Still feels guilty about that] Sorry, I should have stepped in a lot sooner. 

Kiawe:   [Not mad, but pleasantly surprised by the little sneak. Almost amused to find out what he knew] You heard all that then? Then why did you invite him?

Hau:  [cheeky grin] To make you cringe. [more serious] Honestly, I wanted to be friendly while calling his bluff. If he came with us, we might have gotten to have a nice normal conversation to learn what he's been up to all this time. And if not, it at least gives the impression we're just goofing off somewhere. Being nice tends to make people less on edge around you. Besides, we're going to talk to Burnet about thieves stuff, he doesn’t need to be anywhere near there.

Kiawe:  ….That's surprisingly clever of you.

Hau: 

Hey, between your skills in dodging questions and Rotom’s palace lessons, I should hope I'm learning to cover my tracks. Come on. I'm sure Hiro is starting to wonder where we went.

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

A/N: And now for something different! A friend got me all happy to ramble on about this P5 / Alola region crossover I was obsessed with years ago, and it gave me the urge to pull up my old document for it. There's not a full story here, just a ton of scattered clips that reference a lot of scenes and events from P5 but obviously things are much different and more expanded on in how the crossover verse functions. Ahem.... This scene was too long for me to share with the Discord so I just needed to post it somewhere I could link. But uh, if there's any interest, I may post more from this universe because I'm forever surprised just how much we wrote for it.

This whole extensive mess came up from this silly exchange:

Haji: With Kiawe... well there's a few things. 1) He's still working on how to social cue. Yes, he understands some of the pressure Ilima went through better than others because he was in the same position and they were, albeit vaguely and only through said position, friends? 2) With the TV station thing, which I'll probably get into tomorrow given the time and the length of the scene, I kinda like the idea of the whole gang there (up to that point) going to check it out only instead of Hau being chosen (because I always joke "And of course we get chosen XD" because protag) it was actually with Kiawe. Since I'm sure being so shortly after the Teacher's Palace, Ilima being the little ass that he is here, probably spotted him in the audience and was like "Huh, and mind if I ask you a question then?" which naturally has the other four silently going "Oh fuck" but then of course it turns out to just be "So, hypothetically, if these thieves are real, do you think what they did was right?" Kiawe's a fairly confident individual, and especially since he's got no reason to view Ilima as any sort of authority figure (they're still on the same level in his mind, and Ilima's still like... the intern anyway, he's not even a real cop / detective yet) and it's like "Tch, yeah?" .... The group goes back, to internally screaming XD Kitty: PFFFFF XD Haji: I'm sure Keala is fighting back a face palm with the whole "They do more than the cops" option you can do in the game XD Kitty: "Oh fuck" is the only appropriate response XD Haji: Although let's be honest, no one else would have done well with that question

[etherealarte]

My dusk of wounds, my dawn of bliss... Free my soul and tear my temple down. Let me reach for your drizzled silver stars as we rise and cry at the dayspring— or after dark.

[deathsconsort]

@valkyrd

how can things change so drastically in such a short amount of time? one moment she was blissfully happy with her mate, excited to tell him they were expecting. she saw their future so clearly, the two of them ruling the dusk court together, their friends by their side, and them spoiling their baby with so much love. it was perfect and more than nesta could have dreamed for herself, so it shouldn’t have crushed her the way it did when that future crumbled right before her. whenever things seem to be going well and she’s happy it never lasts long, something always happens to ruin it.

however, there was one blessing; the fact that she didn’t tell cassian about her pregnancy before he made his decision. she still didn’t know all the faerie laws, didn’t know if any existed for such a situation, nor did she care. she didn’t know if she would have been stuck there in the night court or if rhysand would have forced her to stay because she was carrying cassian’s baby. not that she’d listen to him, but it would have made things more complicated. and there was no way she was going to tell cassian about the pregnancy in an attempt to get him to go with her, she couldn’t stand the thought of him only agreeing because she was pregnant.

upon rebuilding the dusk court and setting up the valkyries, as well as welcoming people to live within the court, nesta had been keeping her pregnancy hidden. using her magic she is able to disguise her scent, not covering it up completely but just enough to alter it so no one can detect she’s with child. thankfully it takes a good few months for a bump to show and when it started to it was small enough for her to cover it with looser fitting gowns and blouses. the last thing she needed was someone finding out and gossiping about her, then somehow getting to the night court. a visit from cassian was the last thing she wanted to deal with.

nesta was nearing six months now and it was beginning to be impossible to hide her bump or how easily tired she became. she knew this day would come, but she still didn’t know what to do or how to tell her friends, if they’d react badly or think her a horrible person for keeping it a secret from them and the baby’s father. nearly every night since becoming high lady she contemplated her plan, lying in bed wide awake as the thoughts nearly suffocated her. and still she doesn’t have the faintest clue on how to go about it.

her best plan had been to invite gwyn to her chambers for a girl’s night, slumber party included if she wanted to end up sleeping in the same room with her once she told her the truth. maybe it was cowardly, but she didn’t want to tell emerie and gwyn together in case the reaction wasn’t one she’d hoped for. one of the wondrous things about this palace was that it was alive in the same way the house of wind was, whether they’re connected or just similar was unknown to her, but it gave her comfort. it had laid about a bunch of sweet treats for them, books ( some of which were questionable smut ), tea and juice, materials for bracelet making, and a table filled with things for manicures. nesta wore an oversized fuzzy sweatshirt and pajama shorts, knowing it probably looked a bit ridiculous since it was still summer.

they were a little over an hour into their girls night when nesta finally conjured up enough courage…if gwyn was going to get mad at her and leave she’d rather her do it now rather than when they’re too deep into it. they sat on nesta’s bed while making bracelets, nesta now better at braiding the string than she was when gwyn first taught her. “so..” she started. her eyes didn’t stray from the bracelet she was working on. “there’s something i’ve been meaning to tell you and i waited so long because i didn’t know how to tell you or anyone. i still don’t. and i’m afraid of what you’ll say. but i know it’s impossible to keep hiding it.” nesta blew out a big sigh and looked up from her bracelet to gwyn. “i’m pregnant…nearly six months pregnant.”

[ofglories]

[ WOUND ] + sabervere and lancerthur!

|| Romance Novel prompts ; no longer accepting [ WOUND ]: upon noticing a recent injury on the receiver’s person, the sender carefully moves closer, running a thumb (or hand) across the wound in a gentle, troubled manner.

The boar's tusks had cut deep.

Not deep enough to be fatal, mercifully, for it was only a glancing blow in truth but the pain was still there. A painful ache that burned with each inhale even as he kept a hand carefully pressed over it. Some mercy was how none of the others seemed to notice, or... almost none. Deep green eyes caught jade, concern shining clear and bright in them. Concern that Arthur lightly shook his head at, just barely enough that only Bedivere would notice. It wouldn't do, after all, for the others to see that their king was injured.

So instead he shifted his weight slightly, letting the movement disturb his cloak so it would fall over his left side more.

Obscuring the wound until he could get some privacy.

Thankfully the discussion ended soon enough, the demon boars handled firmly and Kay now taking over what remained as was his usual duties. Another glance out of the corner of his eyes, jade against emerald, and a minute nod to his husband before Arthur excused himself. It didn't take long until Bedivere joined him, one hand gently yet firmly gripping his waist to provide much-needed support as they walked. His pillar of support, always ever since they were both but children. Their time apart while his beloved had become a proper knight had not changed that. Would not change that, no matter what. Because they had always been together from the moment Bedivere had started living in Ector's lands.

Arthur blinked awake at the feeling of his armor being removed and set aside, at a soft blanket beneath his already armor-free hands.

He didn't know when he closed his eyes, nor when he'd dozed on the walk.

"I...? What?" he started, shaking his head to rid it of the fog to focus entirely on the present. Was the injury that severe? Or had it simply been his exhaustion from the hunt that left him like this? And then his side stung, ripping him fully from sleep's clutches with a sharp gasp. Whining softly, no matter how it didn't suit a king to whine, Arthur half-curled on himself, stopped only by familiar hands. For a long moment it was as if he and Bedivere both were frozen, Arthur's gasps from the unexpected pain sounding almost like sobs. Then, finally, he laughed however shakey and weak it sounded.

"Arthur?"

Ah, his husband sounded so worried.

"I-I'm fine, don't worry. I was just caught by surprise, that's all, fy anwylyd," the king snorted, forcing himself to sit still and upright. A truth, even if it might not seem to be so. Arthur raised his head with a small smile, tinged with exhaustion though it was, to reassure Bedi.

It seemed to work too, if the exasperated but fond sigh it earned him was anything to go on.

"You should be more careful, Arthur," Bedivere sighed softly, his hand delicately tracing over the injury, cool and soothing on the damaged area. "Culhwch had plenty of time to get out of the way of that charge without you needing to put yourself at risk." Ah, there was the scolding he'd been looking forward to. Arthur chuckled, closing his eyes as Bedivere continued. "I'm serious, Arthur. This could have been far worse than a nasty cut. Some washing and poultices will fix this up, but imagine if the boar had actually managed to strike you in full? Merlin is all the way back in Camelot, and I doubt that any of us could ride quickly enough to fetch him if that had been necessary?"

Jade eyes opened minutely to watch the older man as he scolded.

There was something especially beautiful about Bedivere when he was like this, cheeks red and eyes flashing as if he were on the battlefield.

But still his hands were gentle as he stripped Arthur of his torn tunic and washed the injury. As gentle as flower petals were soft while applying the poultice in question and then wrapping the bandages. All the while still scolding, breathlessly now as his initial feigned anger began to fade behind the worries that were the true source of the rambling.

"Bedi."

"Additionally, then we would also need to worry about- Mmh?!"

Arthur smiled to himself as he firmly cut Bedivere off with a sudden kiss, nipping at his lower lip lightly before deepening it. His hands slid up from the man's shoulders to tangle into his hair, undoing the loosened braids effectively. For a moment Bedivere seemed unresponsive, before his arms firmly wrapped around Arthur. Pulling him close while pushing him down onto the bedding with his solid and warm weight. One hand on his hips, lightly holding him in place, the other gently gripping Arthur's own hair, tangling the messy golden curls further.

A conversation without words.

Unspoken apologies and muted forgiveness as they lay together, tangled up in each other as they kissed and embraced.

"Rwy'n dy garu di, Bedivere," Arthur whispered once they parted for need of air, still so close he could feel his lips brushing against his husband's as he spoke. And then he repeated his oath of love once more, again and again until Bedivere silenced him now with his own promise of love and a kiss.

His husband, his love, his world.

These were all what Bedivere was to him.

It really made the injury worth it.

[warofchanges]

"It seems a common thing for religions to end up eating their gods, I mean even in Christianity they symbolically eat his flesh and drink his blood. I am sure there is something profound and terrifying to be found in consuming your gods, perhaps it is in taking in the sacred or in taking their power for yourself. Rather ominous future there for Kira, perhaps it is wise he chooses to hide himself from potential cannibalistic followers."

'Where does she come from?'

The thought radiates from Lucifer's bemused smirk to the fibrous core of each tree. Autumnal leaves squeak under the soles of his human skin, a young man named Light Yagami, and walks toward the human being, who has been following him in his little wander through the silence of woods.

She speaks like she knows him... Or does she just speak because careless of her own rambling?

"Are you lost, little one?" Kira crouches down to her level as soon as they stand a few steps away from each other. It only takes a careful look in her one vigilant eye that she can be as ageless as him and her words lead to unsaid truths. Humankind never ceases to entertain him ─ Ryuk is right, sometimes.

"Surely not the best place where talking of Kira and cannibalism." He sneers, hands stretching to touch and pull the human's cheeks playfully. Treating her like a child.

"What if I was Kira? Would you eat me? Would you like to test the theory of connecting with God's flesh and blood?"

If this human was so crazy to accomplish the desire… Well, Kira has to admit, the flesh of a fallen God is rotten and poisonous.

[resplendentdare]

Semi-plotted starter for @theonlytwoalive.

The club's music was pounding in Saskia's ears, almost deafening her but it was one of the best places for her to hunt; nobody would notice someone going missing until the early hours of the morning and by then, she would be long gone.

Her life had changed dramatically after she had her transformation against her will, now she was completely consumed by her bloodlust and desire to take revenge on anyone who'd hurt her, and taken away her choice to live her life.

Taking her victim outside to the dark and dingey side street outside the club, she pushed him against the brick wall and began kissing his neck before her fangs dug into the sensitive skin, giving her the one thing she truly wanted.

She was interrupted by a voice, causing her to drop the body. "If you don't mind, I don't like to be interrupted during my meal."

[ladicsa]

[ CHIN ]:          as they stand close to one another, seth hooks a finger and tenderly lifts kisa’s chin, tilting it up so that they can look at one another, and runs a thumb across their skin lightly. [ seth ]

THOUGH SHE OFTENS BITES HER TONGUE AND USES HER SILENCE AS A WEAPON, IT'S VERY RARE THAT KISA IS GENUINELY RENDERED SPEECHLESS. A thousand years of imprisonment and abuse, of witnessing death and carnage, of partaking in it - it all left very little to be surprised by. That is until @dcmoniism's finger curls beneath her chin and lifts, his dark eyes heavy on hers, something swirling in them that she can't quite place.

Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, gaze falling to his before they track back up to his eyes. It feels as if the outside world fades away, the past centuries of her life a distant nightmare. For a moment, she's the girl in the temple, before the first drop of sacrificial blood hit her skin. She's the girl who was gentle, innocent. Who loved openly and saw the world through only the false optimism of youth. She never felt that with Richard.

The thought of his brother breaks the spell and she blinks and once again she's the monster they made her. Kisa turns her head, his fingers falling from her chin, the whispered touch of his thumb still an echo in her mind. "You should go."