#((Yes one of her reasons for the continued visitation is I'm curious to see what Yamamoto sees AHAHHHAHHAH That is the set up yes))

[queenharumiura]

Just a Neo doing a lil test warm up drabble thing. I’ll write another with the other POV on the other blog. Starting off with HARU BECAUSE I AM BIASED.

A part of my test run to see if I think I can feasibly write my newest test muse.

-

“Oh? Yamamoto-kun! Good morning!” Haru waves the athlete down who slowed to a halt to chat with a friend.

“Mornin’! What are you doing out so early in the day? I thought I was going to see you at Tsuna’s place yesterday.”

Yesterday? Haru thinks about it and the recollection makes her shed a mental tear. Haru had wanted to drop by the Sawada household before she had to go, but she got caught trespassing on Namimori grounds by Hibari-san. He gave her a warning and Haru somehow ended up getting distracted by the cute birds he had following him. They were so cute, they would sing little tunes, and they could speak!

Hm? Are the birds more important than spending time with Tsuna-san, you ask? No… but… spending time with the birds is more rare, so Haru has her priorities in line!

Somehow, Hibari-san allowed Haru to stick around and he didn’t disallow the birds from approaching her. Well, to be fair, this wasn’t the first time this has happened, so they were familiar with her presence. She’s been caught by the Disciplinary committee before, and she continued to visit Namimori from time to time. The difference was… she got a bit better about not getting caught.

She’d still get caught by Hibari-san though. He was just that good at catching people, she’d suppose. Haru started carrying a lot of treats for birds around with her on the days she knew she’d be visiting Namimori to offer as a peace offering to the birds.

Basically, on the days she got caught, she’d be told to keep the birds company for some time. Those were the days she wouldn’t be able to drop by the Sawada household and see her lovely Tsuna-san! The travesty! The inhumanity! It’s so mean, isn’t it? Keeping her from seeing Tsuna-san. It’s like… a modern day case of Romeo and Juliet! Except no one is going to die!

In usual Haru fashion, she playfully recounts her tale with a flair of dramatics. A fake, dramatic sniff. “You see… Haru got caught by Hibari-san yesterday. She was forced into servitude for a few hours, so she wasn’t able to find time to visit Tsuna-san yesterday. A shame too, because she wanted to see Lambo-chan and I-pin chan.” Another fake sniff.

The look of visible concern on Yamamoto’s face made Haru internally panic a little bit. “Hahi! Haru is joking, you know? She wasn’t forced to work for nothing. She got to play with the hibirds. They’re very cute, you know?” Yes, because that certainly was what was going to be worrying him when hearing you say you ‘got caught’ by the Hibari Kyouya.

Haru didn’t think that Hibari was that scary. (Don’t listen to her, he’s very scary). Sure, Hibari-san has a temper (as does Gokudera), and he can be violent (so can Gokudera), but animals loved him! Animals won’t be friendly with someone that they deem to be a threat. They wouldn’t willingly follow and cuddle up to a dangerous person. Haru trusts the judgement of the yellow birds that Hibari took under his figurative wing.

The little birds were so cute, and you know what cuteness is? CUTENESS IS JUSTICE! Therefore, if you behave appropriately, Hibari-san isn’t much of a threat.

His temper is still scary though.

“Haha, how did you get ��caught’ by him anyways? Were you okay?”

Haru blinks a few times in curiosity. If it were someone like Tsuna-san that she was having this conversation with, he would’ve freaked out. Probably start asking her if she was threatened or harmed in any way. What did she do to earn his ire? He was probably the biggest culprit behind Haru feeling intimidated by Hibari-san. Gokudera has also made comments about how violent and difficult the prefect could be to work with. Ryohei Onii-san… well… he’s a special case, and Haru elects to ignore a lot of what he has to say.

A guy who thinks you can pass off broken bones with ‘I climbed a chimney’ or ‘I got hit with a shooting star’ is not someone Haru will take very seriously.

She’s a bit curious about him asking if she was okay, but she simply nods her head. If she had been harmed at all, she would’ve dramatically recounted the tale, so she didn’t think he’d ask about it. Well, it’s Yamamoto, so there’s probably a reason for it. “Haru is okay. Haru has been accosted by the disciplinary committee before for trespassing, but she’s not faced any harm,” unless you consider the harm to her poor, easily frightened heart. She’s allergic to pain, you know? “Haru sometimes drops off some treats for the birds when she has some time, but other times, Haru gets caught trespassing and she’s told to watch over the birds for a time.” Which is the case of yesterday, of course.

Now that she thinks about it, she’s never mentioned this to anyone, has she? Haru Miura is a girl who often likes making new friends wherever she goes and her ability to network was strong. It simply made sense for her to try to get along with the guardians (minus Mukuro) because they worked alongside Tsuna-san, her future husband! Kyaaa she thought it~ There was method to her madness in trying to get acquainted with the ‘scary Hibari-san’ that Tsuna would tremble over at times.

Well, she does remember that one time where Reborn-chan called him over to request help in disposing a body… which he surprisingly didn’t have an issue with agreeing to. Haru had always secretly wondered whether he was playing along with a skit… or if he really had the ability to dispose of a body without it being found. A shiver runs down her spine at the thought.

“That reminds me, you were the one who coined the name ‘Hibird’ for his birds, weren’t you?”

“Oh!” Haru claps her hands with excitement. “Haru has always seen the bird perched on his shoulder or on top of his head. It always calls him like ‘Hibari, Hibari!’ It’s really cute.” She mimics the tiny bird with gusto. “It’s like… a pocket monster. Haru thought that ‘Hibird’ was a cute and fitting name. Somehow the name stuck.” She feels proud in the fact that the name that she coined for the yellow avians stuck. It made her feel like a godmother of sorts to the birds.

Yamamoto smiles in response, “sounds like you’re getting along with him just fine. Just be careful not to wake him. He gets cranky from what I hear. Aside from that, he’s not a scary guy.”

Haru playfully salutes, “Roger~ Haru will heed your advice. Haru won’t keep you from your morning jog for much longer. See you next time~” Haru waves him off so he could continue his early morning jog for conditioning. Haru is on her way to buy a bunch of seeds! There are so many little birds that she had to stock up on seeds every now and then.

It would kill her internally if one of the Hibirds approached her for seeds and she didn’t have any. There won’t be any disappointed birds on her watch! “Interesting, Yamamoto-kun’s stance towards Hibari-san is so different from Tsuna-san and Gokudera-san.” As they say, curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back. Maybe there was more to Hibari than she thought? What did Yamamoto know that the others didn’t?

No, maybe he was the special one? The one con of being such a smart student… was that once your curiosity was sparked, you won’t stop thinking about it until you’ve solved the mystery. Maybe if she observes Hibari-san enough, she’ll understand the mystery. Sounds fun!

[starry-pierrot]

So I'm not one to usually come up with AU's let alone actually do anything with them, I work better with short stories and honestly I want to spend my time making my own ideas yet i fail to do that lmao

But an idea hit me. So Khan is an absent father right? Well what if he was actually over protective, like to a more grief ridden amount? Explanation under the cut!

Nori asking him as her final words to protect their daughter and he decides the colony isn't safe for her. But when he worked under humans he remembered another much smaller bunker, so he takes Uzi to the place and fixes it up. But...he puts her in a clear container. Or in this case 'These glass bullet proof doors will protect you!' sort of deal, idk I don't know how he'd do it or anything this all just jumbled into my head with no details. Anyway Uzi grows up with just her Dad and it honestly gets to her and pisses her off, she had no chance to make friends, she's alone here with just her Dad and her mom is gone. She misses Doll. But the bunker does have the one thing she hasn't seen in years, sunlight. Somehow her father missed the little beam of sun through a vent and every morning when he sleeps she stays up just a little longer just to look at it. Cue said Murder Drone cinnamon roll finding said weakness during a bad storm and finding Uzi. Her dad had been on a supply run, he's still in contact with the other bunker but refuses to stay with them. Yeva has taken over as leader and Khan refuses to tell her what happened to Uzi beyond 'She's fine! I'm keeping her safe!'. If she didn't have to run the Bunker she would go look herself, Doll on the other hand has a lot of time. ANyway-Uzi freaks out, N is curious about why she's trapped behind the glass and they of course become friends with N visiting on her dad's supply runs. He finds a packet of markers that surprisingly still work and with Uzi's own the two are drawing and coloring all over the clear container. Course she asks him to take her to the surface and he does much to the dismay of her father who tried to stop her and N but chaos and blah blah they get outside with Uzi now sporting her haircut from the show. I know from there it would sorta be canon compliant with the added bonus of V and J getting a new roommate that N has to smooth over with them, it would mostly follow the events while bringing back Doll's family. Tessa might be real Tessa. Love her. Probably continues on the camp episode right after the escape. Haven't decided if Nori told Khan about her solver and that Uzi might have it, sure with Nori she could handle it but with just him it would be hard to make sure she doesn't go feral. Might be a more concrete reason to lock her away. I don't know what I would call this, if I'm gonna continue working on it or what it will actually be. I could maybe write some one shots on it if I'm in the mood but if enough people like it I could try making a basic timeline? We'll see. And yes that one pic is a reference to draw with me.

[alexa-yukiyu]

ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! Last request before I sleep

Here me out shanks with a 13 year old daughter (who has his iconic red hair) reader who absolutely despised him because he's the reason why her town got attack (Shanks keeps flirting with her mother unknowingly he accidentally made her into an outcast)

Reader who's snarky, a bit rude but polite and well mannered (unlike shanks)

Reader who's always reading and very elegant royalty like but not spoiled and very serious all the time (unlike shanks)

Reader who's secretly insecure and scared that she's always gonna be in her father shadow

Reader who is always in the whitebeard pirates (THOUGHT THIS WASN'T A WHITEBEARD REQUEST BUT I MADE IT ANYWAYS?)

Reader who always dye their hair into black

Reader who bonds with ace because of their daddy issues 🥰

That's it. That's the tweet

Roots ( Ace x f!teen!reader)

Part 2

A/N here we go, I dont feel with this one, I feel like I missed the whole vibe you were trying to get when you submitted the regret, I spend a week just staring at the screen trying to think of how to approach it and I can’t say I choose the right one

Dokucha frowns as the book on her hands is ripped away from her hands, only to let a small smile as she recognizes the candy cane-patterned bracelet

"Ace, you're back," she stated, looking up at the grinning man squatting on the railing

"I'm back," he responds, jumping down from the railing and bringing the girl into a side hug

"What have you been up to today?"

"I am actually taking a small breather before I continue training; I believe it's Haruta's turn for a session," she stated gingerly, clenching her hands in a lower position

"Turn?"He furrowed his brows at her words and the implications behind them

"Dokucha, how many sessions have you done?"

She bites at her lip, shifting her gaze away from his

"This would be the seventh," she muttered

"I told you to stop pushing it, you're only thirteen dokucha, it's okay to train, but this is too much," he scolded

"Is this about Shanks?" he muttered, kneeling down to her level

"I don't want to fall behind."

" I know you don't, but are you just going to waste your life trying to catch him?

Isn't that what you don't want to do? To live your whole life trying to surpass your old man?"

"I can see it in their eyes, Ace, every time we go on a mission; all they can see is him, they don't think of me as Dokucha, they just see his daughter," she murmured, teary eyes flickering back to the man

"Then let them. They have no place in your life, so why would you care what a bunch of strangers think?" he asked

He frowns at the small unconvinced hum that leaves the teen at his words only to bounce back as an idea comes to mind

“ Hey, I found a cool place on my way back; it’s only a few minutes on the Striker; wanna check it out?”

“But Haruta is expecting me…”

“Don’t worry about that; you said you still have some time, right?”

“I suppose so, b-

“Great, you head to the Striker; I will catch back up in a second; need to get something before we head out,” he said, running off

“W- Ace! I din- and he’s gone” she mutters at the retreating form of the commander, taking a glance down at the striker that had been tied to the Moby Dick

“I guess no harm in a small ride.”

-

“How did you find this place?” she muttered

The two found themselves sitting on the Striker, their leaves soaking in crystal clear water as they watched all the fish swim around them, curious about the two visitors

“I visited this island before on one of my missions.”

“Hm”

"Listen, Dokucha, I have told you about my father, yeah?”

“Yes, you did.”

“The reason why I'm so pushy on stopping what you’re doing is because I made the same mistake, and it cost me over 15 years of my life” he started, noticing how his words had finally gotten the girl’s attention

“ I spent all that time trying to follow my father’s legacy, to surpass him. To become the pirate king, to Defeat whitebeard. All the while, it just ate me inside; I was blindsided and led by my anger toward him for all those years. I missed many opportunities to enjoy, to have a carefree childhood just to accomplish that goal”

“How did you…why…”

“Why I stopped?”

“Yes”

“I found pops.”

“ I thought your goal was to take him down to prove yourself?” She asked now facing his way as her legs Straddled the Striker giving him her full attention, loookimg up at him in confusion

“It was; I spent the next few days going after him even after he took me into the moby; every day, I would try.”

“I refuse to believe that” she scoffed with an amused laugh

“I'm serious!

Tried over a hundred times, and every time, I would end up with either a bloody nose or thrown into the sea.”

She covers her mouth as she lets out a muffled laugh at the thought of a grumpy, drenched Ace

“A-Anyway, after that, Marco and later Pops talked with me; it made me realize how useless it was to try to take Pops down and follow after someone else’s dream.”

“Din’t you feel disappointed?”

“Quite the opposite, I felt free for the first time, felt free to make choices based on what I wanted and not to surpass my father; it’s led me to where I am now, and it was the best realization I made in my life.”

“…”

“Keep it in mind, okay? Let’s head back for now,” he said, pushing himself up, extending a hand to the girl as he prepped the Striker

“How do you think I should start?”

“Start what?” He questions, manauvering the Striker through the waves, slowing down as he puts his attention on her

“Letting go”

“Maybe you should start with this,” he said, flicking their head

“Jerk, what was the reason for that?”

“Stop trying to change yourself; your roots are coming out; why don’t you let them grow?”

“Ah!” She exclaims covering her head at his comment, missing the way he sighed and shook his head only to come back to her senses as a weight was placed on her head

“You should be proud of yourself, the way you look, the way you are; at the end of the day, it’s yours, not his; now might be the best time

She looks up at the ravenette questioningly, his iconic hat now missing from his head and gingerly placed on hers

“What do you mean?”

He simply gestures to the new vessel now anchored next to the Moby Dick

“What is he doing here.”

Thoughts?

Taglist:

@Imaginarydreams

@amethystviolin

@h0n3y-l3m0n05

[zzombarina]

Hello!~ I saw your request for asks and I must say I’ve been dying for Frank castle x reader or y/n or just like headcanons what not.. whatever you want! But specifically I saw your interest in ballet similar to mine so I couldn’t help but think of like Frank castle x ballerina. Like maybe he sees her through the windows of a studio, they could be neighbors? He could notice how light she is on her feet so he often doesn’t hear her coming.. stuff like that yknow?

Thank you!

I LOVE THIS IDEA SO MUCH! Ballet for me right now has been so hectic like literally spring DOUBLE show is hell. This is mainly gonna be headcannons/ how they meet! hope this is okay

♡Lets say Frank is your apartment neighbor. It's small, but cozy and god knows its a good price for a NYC apartment. The apartment below yours was vacant, so you could practice your jumps and leaps at a reasonable time. Frank could hear like a damn cat. He could hear the smallest of thuds, he wouldn't mind though since to him it only sounded like walking a bit more heavily once every couple seconds.

♡One day he would hear music coming from your apartment, classical. Frank didn't know the exact song but it sounded familiar. He liked the sound, eventually the music would be comforting for him just like silence. Though it made him more curious about his neighbor.

♡You two would see each other in the hallway of your apartment, usually when you were leaving. Your hair in a bun with your rather big bag slung over your shoulder. Frank and you would exchange "Hi's" and some times "how are you's". It was simple, you liked it, Frank liked it but sometimes he wanted a little more, so did you.

♡A cloudy day, one that would most definitely bring rain later, Frank stood outside some big company building, big window that he was leaning on instead of looking in. The rain started pouring down, Frank had cover though over the buildings bridge that led to the building across from him. Frank didn't want to be a creep, but he accidently peered in. Seeing ballerinas in the center of the floor, leaping, jumping, and one turn. But with that one turn he got a glimpse of your face. It was as if a lightbulb popped over his head, being pulled out of his thoughts as he saw the bus pulling up to it's stop. Frank hated public transport but his whole ride back he would be thinking about the grace you held yourself with.

♡One day Frank would be in his apartment, cleaning off the barrel of his gun or anything to keep him busy before he heard banging coming from your apartment. If it was any of the other tenets in the building he would just be annoyed by it, but this was your apartment and it sounded like a damn massacre. Or maybe you were just nailing a new damn shelf in but he would much rather he do it for you then potentially having you hurt yourself. Quickly getting up and knocking on your door. He heard shuffling then your door opened. "Oh! hi Frank- i'm so sorry I can cut the noise-" you started to apologize but Frank was just happy you were okay. "No, you're fine sweetheart- you need help with anything?" Frank said leaning a bit more into the conversation if to convince you to let him help. The question made you perk up, grabbing your pointe shoes that you had set down before opening the door off the table and holding them for Frank to see, which only made him raise an eyebrow "Oh uh..the shank needs to be broken in same thing with the toe part- that's why I was banging them on- actually do you have a hammer?" Then your explaining would continue for an hour while Frank would ask questions to entertain your knowledge.

♡Frank would be watering the plants the older lady a couple doors down had left on windowsill near the stairs, she'd ask Frank to water them for her while she's visiting her grandkids, and of course Frank said yes. So as he's watering them, he feels a hand tap his shoulder which made him jump and turn around "oh- hi sweetheart, you okay?" Frank would blow it off but scaring Frank Castle- let alone sneaking up on him scared the shit out of him.

♡Frank would soooo call pointe shoes 'toe shoes', like i KNOW he would, everyone in my family calls them that and whenever i say pointe shoes they look at me like i spoke another planets language.

[rxmqnova]

I have an idea for a nat x daughter reader fic so basically reader is like a lab made baby by hydra with nat is the gene for her mother and the other one is a random hydra dude and they put reader in a house with him and his wife somewhere In America but reader knows about nat but hydra dose not know she knows I kind of want it to be the vibe of stick season but anyway she runs away and finds Yelena by accident and yelena is like what is happening and takes her to the avengers which then leads nat to meeting reader if you can can you make it like super angsty but with a happy ending

Daughter?

Y/N: 13 years old ——————————————————

NO ONE'S POV Ever since Y/N was a little girl, she has always sneaked out of her room everytime her father and step-mother had a visit. She knew it's not a good idea, especially when her father always scolds her for it, but she's way too curious.

Her curiousness led her to one very important information. A few years ago she overheard her father's boss talk about her mother… the real one. And since then Y/N's been trying to get out of this place and find her mother… the Black Widow herself.

She hates this place, she really does. The main reason is that her father is forcing her to train every day, so she could become a hydra agent one day.

Yes, Y/N's father is a hydra agent. He's actually one of the most trusted one for his boss, so that's why he was chosen to become the father of the future world's best assassin.

"Weak!" Y/N's father yells, pushing the poor exhausted girl and causing her to fall on the ground. "This is worthless! Go to your room, we'll continue tomorrow. I want to see you in way better condition, understand?!" He asks sternly.

"Yes" Y/N nods, trying to catch her breath. Her father leaves to room, leaving the exhausted young girl laying on the ground.

Once Y/N catches breath, she makes her way to her room and then straight to the bathroom to take a shower, thinking that she needs to get out of here as soon as possible.

As nearly every Friday night, Y/N's father and his wife are going out for dinner, leaving the girl home completely alone. Y/N doesn't mind though, at least she can finally get out of here and never ever come back again.

As soon as the front door shut and the car drives away, Y/N takes her bag and starts packing everything she needs.

With her bag in her hand, she rushes downstairs, trying to open every single window to try and find some her father hasn't locked. The door is locked, so there's no point in trying.

A smile makes its way on the girl's face when one of the window can be opened. She puts on her coat, takes her bag and gets out of the house, running as fast as she can to get as far as possible.

She runs and runs, finally arriving to a small village which makes her smile and let out a sigh of relief. She's too overwhelmed with everything that she doesn't pay attention to where she's going.

"Careful, little one" A blonde lady says, making Y/N cheeks turn a bit red.

"S-sorry" Y/N sutters, not used to talking to other people than her father or her step-mother.

"What are you doing here alone? It's dangerous. This place's…" Yelena stops, looking at the last few standing houses.

This little village is near one hydra base, so of course when some of the Avengers came to take that place down, the village didn't survive without a damage.

"Well, let's just say a very bad people lived near this little village" The blonde finishes her sentence.

"I. Hm… I-I'm looking for my mom. She. Hm. She's supposed to be some kind of superhero. Her name's Natasha Romanoff. Have you heard of her?" Y/N asks, a bit of hope in her voice as she looks up at the shocked woman.

"Natasha? What? She can't have children on her own. I… what?" Yelena stares at the child completely confused, but now noticing how similar the girl looks to her sister.

"Wait. So you know her? Could you please take me to her? I can't go back there, I really can't. Please" Y/N begs and Yelena can't help but nod as she's also curious how this happened.

Y/N follows Yelena to the quinjet, meeting Kate, Clint, Steve and Bucky there. Of course they look at the two with questioning looks, so Yelena tells them something before she sits aside with the young girl.

Yelena admits she's Natasha's sister, so Y/N tells her the story too, feeling like she can trust this woman. She does feel more and more nervous every minute they get closer to the compound though. She's wanted to meet her mom for a few years and she's worried about what will Natasha think about the whole situation.

As soon as the jet lands in front of the compound and everyone walks out, Y/N is quick to follow behind Yelena, spotting a redhead sitting on the couch.

"Natasha?" Yelena calls on which Natasha turns her head, smiling when she sees her sister.

"You're back" The redhead stands up, walking over to her sister and giving her a hug while Y/N stands behind and watching them, her heart nearly skipping a beat when she sees how much she looks like her mother.

"I brought someone who'd like to meet you" Yelena informs, placing her hand on Y/N's shoulder and giving the girl a soft smile.

"H-Hi, I. Hm. I-I'm Y/N" Y/N sutters, giving Natasha an akward nervous smile.

"Hey?" Natasha looks at the girl completely confused. "What can I do for you?"

"I. Hm… I-I know this will sound weird, but I-I'm your daughter" Y/N blurts out, looking at Natasha and hoping she'll believe her.

"Nonsense. I don't have a child" Natasha says immediately, the topic of children being a touchy subject for her. She turns around, walking away, but Y/N follows her.

"I can explain. Please"

"Y/N, you seem to be a nice girl, but this is a really bad joke. I can't have children on my own. It's just impossible" Natasha says with a sigh, not even turning around and continuing to walk towards her room.

Of course she's noticed the girl's features, but Dreykov made sure she won't ever have children on her own, so Y/N surely cannot be her daughter as she claims.

"It's not a joke. I really am your daughter. If you just let me explain, I-"

"No. I can't have children, Y/N" The redhead says once again, shutting the door of her room right in front of Y/N's face.

Y/N lets out a sigh, pushing back the tears that are forming in her eyes. After all, she left her home, her father… Her life wasn't the best, but what now? She has no place to stay, no home, no family.

Maybe the girl gave her hopes too high, thinking her mother would actually be happy to have a daughter. Y/N was really hoping she'd finally have a family she wanted for so long, but deep down she knew Natasha's reaction could be bad… and well, the redhead doesn't even know the part about hydra.

"What's wrong?" Yelena asks as soon as she spots her potentional niece stepping into the kitchen with her head low.

"She won't let me explain" Y/N mumbles with a sigh. "It was stupid, I should have stayed there" She mumbles to herself.

"Let me talk to her, yeah? Wanda here will give you something to eat meanwhile" Yelena smiles warmly, placing her hand on Y/N's shoulder and giving it a rub.

Y/N nods, so Yelena walks away and straight to her sister's room. After hearing Y/N's story she just wants nothing but to help the young girl. She knows Natasha would be a great mother and Yelena's already excited about being an aunt.

Yelena knocks at the door of Natasha's room, not getting any response, but she just walks in anyway, finding her sister sitting on the bed, deep in thought as her cheeks are stained by tears.

"Natasha, I know it's hard to believe, but Y/N explained everything to me. You're her mother. Isn't that what you've always wanted?" Yelena asks, sitting down on the bed next to her sister.

"Yelena, I can't have children and neither can you. It's just impossible. What if she's just a spy or something, huh? Have you thought about that?" Natasha blurts out, standing up and leaving the room. She really doesn't want to talk about it right now.

"Natasha, just talk to her" Yelena sighs, following her sister to where she's going.

"Why, Yelena? If I'm her mother, she needs to have a second parent. Why doesn't she go to him? Where does she live anyway? She has to live somewhere. I don't even want a daughter" Natasha's irritated by now, not meaning the words she's saying, but that's something Y/N doesn't know though… and she's heard every single word.

The sisters stop walking and talking when they notice they're suddenly in the kitchen, Y/N looking at both with watery eyes, thinking how stupid it was to look for her mother.

The girl immediately stands up from the table she's been sitting at and eating her food, taking her bag and rushing out of the compound, ignoring Yelena's calling after her.

The blonde runs after her niece immediately, catching her sooner than she leaves the compound.

"Hey, hey, you can't just leave. It's getting late and cold" Yelena says, bringing Y/N in for a hug on which the girl can't hold her tears anymore.

"I just wanted a mom" Y/N cries out into Yelena's shoulder, holding the blonde tightly.

"I know, sweetheart, I know. I'm sure Natasha didn't mean it, honey" Yelena tries to calm the girl down, rubbing her back and pressing a kiss to her head.

———

Yelena managed to get Y/N to stay. Both are ready to go to bed now, but a knock at Yelena's door interrupts them.

Natasha hasn't stopped thinking about it… if it's really possible that she could have her own daughter. She feels so incredibly bad for making Y/N cry and she's always wanted a child, but what if it's just a trap?

She did decide to talk to the younger redhead though. Natasha always recognizes when someone's lying, so she'll see if the girl's telling the truth or not.

"Hey, can I have a word with Y/N?" Natasha asks after opening the door.

Yelena nods, telling them she's going to the kitchen for a glass of water, so the two stay alone. Natasha takes a seat on the bed, looking at the girl who's avoiding an eye-contact.

"Y/N, I… I know I said something that hurt you and I'm sorry for that. I just… I've lived my whole life, thinking I would never have a child on my own. So when you told me you're my daughter… It just felt… impossible" Natasha admits.

"I was made in a lab. They used your eggs to create me. I heard my father talking about it with his boss a few years ago. I just thought that maybe if I found you… that maybe I could have someone who'd actually love me" Y/N confesses, trying to push back her tears and not cry in front of the woman in front of her.

"So you have a father… doesn't he love you?" Natasha asks, receiving a shake of a head from the girl.

"He's just completing his boss's orders and trains me to become a hydra agent, but I don't want to" Y/N sighs, Natasha squeezing her eyes shut, knowing damn well what's it like to have a childhood like that.

"I'm sorry you had to live like that" The redhead says softly, placing her hand on Y/N's and finally making the girl look up and lock eyes with her.

"Had to? You won't send me back to him?" She asks confused.

"No, of course not. I would never send you back to someone who's doing this. I should have let you explain earlier, I'm sorry" Natasha apologizes, rubbing her thumb over Y/N's knuckles.

That's all it takes for Y/N to just jump into Natasha's arms, taking the redhead by surprise. Natasha chuckles, wrapping her arms around Y/N. She will definitely want Bruce to run some DNA tests, but her spy skills say Y/N's telling the truth. Looks like a brand new chapter of her life is starting right now… she's a mom.

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

Natasha Romanoff masterlist

Masterlist

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

Can you tell I'm excited for this one?

1k 🍎 please 💜💜💜

I'm so glad!

1k for 🍎:

---

They’re up early to hit the road. 

Bobby watches as Christopher gets a little emotional, saying goodbye to Buck. Their relationship has always made Bobby strangely proud of Buck. It did from the moment Buck contacted Bobby, saying Eddie was strapped in terms of childcare, and needed to bring seven year-old Chris to the station for a few hours. It has ever since then. Bobby remembers probationary firefighter Buck, unsure how to step into Abby’s life and support her through tough times. He’s never had that struggle, when it came to Eddie and Chris. 

Now the whole thing makes Bobby even more emotional. A pride he isn’t entitled to. There is something so inherently good and nurturing and kind in Buck. Bobby can’t see how any of it would be inherited from him, but… Well, it’s nice to think that even a sliver of it was.

“You’ll just have to come visit, right?” Buck says softly to Chris. “The zoo animals miss you, I’m pretty sure.”

Christopher laughs. “Okay. We can, right, Dad?”

Eddie looks gobsmacked.

“Yes. Yes, we sure can.”

Bobby smiles. Maybe things are looking up there. Bobby hasn’t, and won’t, lose hope that they just might get Eddie back one day. 

🍏

Buck drives first. Bobby offers, but he insists. He likes driving. He wants to be the one to do the most of it, if he can. It’s stabilizing. It makes him feel in control.

They stop for coffee and donuts. Eddie fed them breakfast, but they still stop. It’s a way to avoid really getting into another conversation, Buck supposes. Probably not the healthiest way to start a twelve hour drive. Avoidance. 

They don’t really end up talking much at all until they cross into New Mexico. And even then, it’s Bobby who starts it. 

“This is going to be a long twelve hours if we sit in uncomfortable silence,” he cautions.

“Eleven and a half, now,” Buck replies. 

Bobby sighs. 

“Sorry,” Buck says. “Honestly? I don’t know what to say right now. Like, I don’t know what to ask.”

“Maybe we can start by talking about other things?” Bobby suggests. 

Buck nods. “I can do that. Like what?”

Bobby thinks. See? It’s hard. In theory, they already know everything that’s going on with each other, that isn’t about this. 

“It was good catching up with Eddie,” Bobby says. 

Buck nods quickly, though he feels his cheeks heating.

“Yeah, I, uh… Well, I don’t need to tell you how much I miss him. I’m not good at hiding it.”

Bobby chuckles. “Well, neither was I, I guess. Poor Ravi.”

“Between the two of us, we might have made him hate Eddie,” Buck winces. 

“Oh, that’s a later problem,” Bobby says. “When he’s back.”

Buck blinks. “When, not if?” 

“Mhm,” Bobby replies.

“I like your confidence,” Buck says.

Bobby shrugs. “Just a feeling.”

“Didn’t pin you for a relentless optimist,” Buck says. He’s fishing. He needs to know Bobby’s reasoning. He wants to believe it, too. 

Bobby chuckles. “I’m not. I just know the two of you.”

The two of them? As though Buck factors into that decision at all? It sounds like Tommy accusing Eddie of being his competition. It sounds like Maddie asking would it be so crazy? Buck needs to change the topic, fast.

“Who is my biological mother?” He blurts. 

Bobby coughs a little, stricken by the whiplash of the question. Whoops.

The truth is, Buck actually finds he’s not too desperate to know. Now that he knows her decision, the context, he feels calm about it. She isn’t a bad person, probably. She was just someone with a hard choice. Does it hurt? Yes. Does it make him less curious about her? Also, slightly yes. Doesn’t sound like there’s much room for a person to be curious about. Maybe that’s unfair. Really, he just wanted to stop talking about Eddie. 

“I guess that was bound to come up,” Bobby says. 

Well, yeah?

“Uh,” he continues. “The uncomfortable part is that you already sort of know of her.”

Buck’s jaw drops a little. How is that possible? He doesn’t know anyone from Bobby’s previous life. He said it was before he met his wife. 

“Yeah, how is that possible?” Buck asks. Then it strikes him. Bobby said she was very talented. “Oh god, is she a celebrity?” 

Bobby chuckles. “No. Though, I suppose she could have been, in another life. She was on the Olympic track for figure skating.” 

Wait…

“Heidi Schatsky?” Buck asks. 

“Yep,” Bobby answers. 

“The person I emailed asking for embarrassing figure skating photos of you from the 70s? That Heidi Schatsky?”

“I wouldn’t call the photos embarrassing.”

“Bobby, that’s…” Buck feels heated with embarrassment. “That’s mortifying. I found my own mother by accident to make a cardboard cut out of you.” 

“Well, imagine my horror when you did.”

Buck groans. He feels like he’s messed something up without knowing there was something to mess up. He feels like an idiot. But then he remembers something. 

“Wait,” he says. “She was really nice.”

Bobby nods. “Yes. She’s a kind person.”

“She said to say hi, asked how you were…” Buck continues. “I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but considering everything…”

Bobby seems to take a second to think about that.

“I’m sure she’s had a lot of time to reflect,” Bobby says. “Like I have.”

“Hmm,” Buck muses. “Sorry. If you don’t want to talk about her.”

“I said you could ask anything,” Bobby replies. “I meant it.”

But obviously it’s not his favorite topic. Which means, if he does have any questions, he should get them out of the way now. 

“So you met her figure skating?” Buck asks. He’s not sure why he keeps asking. Again, he’s not even really that pressed about her. He just… Maybe he just wants the narrative clear in his head. 

[tinycheesecakedetective]

Potential Swap AU? + Ramblings pt. 1(OLD)

So with Mystic Flour cookie just coming into my life yesterday, I have finally found reprieve from the art and writing block that has beat my ass since the end of finals. Now with this newfound freedom I have found the inspiration to continue here. And fittingly enough, I have another ancient swap idea. Call it cliche, I know.

However, instead of just trading traits, like making Dark Cacao the Beast of Apathy and vice versa, I'd like to take their existing vices and virtues and use that as a springboard. This also means I have to get creative with some of the beasts' personalities, so if anything ends up being inaccurate, I wash my hands clean of it. This is all speculation, after all. I also want to split this into parts so I don't end up overwhelmed with too many paragraphs. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's begin the swappening!

White Lily Cookie: Beast of Discord and Silent Salt Cookie: Ancient Hero of Harmony

Yes I'm going out of order, what of it? They were easy. Too much freedom leads to chaos and anarchy the same way too much order leads to oppression and, well, silence. White Lily has always been free spirited, and was the odd one out of the ancients from the jump. Heck, before the first Beast Yeast update she didn't even have a kingdom(still don't think she should have one.) She's reserved, curious to a fault, and has crippling self worth issues. So what happens if she becomes corrupted? You get Dark Enchantress Cookie.

...No, I'm serious. This is why these two were easy; one of them is kind of canon already.

Dark Enchantress Cookie is essentially the other example of what happens when Solidarity goes too far. White Lily went to find out the secrets of creation for the sake of cookie kind, and when she found out the truth she was reborn and swore to unite all of Earthbread by any means necessary. It didn't matter if she would cause destruction and chaos in her wake, she was going to make it happen. You could argue that DE could also represent Silence, but her preferred method of taking control is destabilization and recruitment, whereas I'm assuming(heavy on the assuming here) Silent Salt's way of control was more complete annihilation and forced subjugation. So if you wanted to make WL a beast, just take her and DE and put them in a blender.

The way I see it, Lily would have no kingdom; rather she'd be a forest guardian, with other cookies acting as rulers instead of her. Leaving her plenty of time to visit other areas as the Virtue of Solidarity, and when becoming a Beast she'd curse the lands she once protected. The forest would become a wasteland of madness, nigh uninhabitable and overrun with all sorts of terrible creatures. Stepping into the area would immediately separate you from whatever group you came with, and staying there too long would drive you to insanity.

Silent Salt, in contrast, would resemble the Cacao Kingdom the most, just having Arthurian Knights as inspiration rather than the Korean influence Dark Cacao had. Fitting considering how many people thought they and DC were connected. I can't say much on their personality, but I would assume that they would be firm and the most organized out of the sin squad. The tactician, if you will. Speaking of chocolate, though.

Dark Cacao Cookie: Beast of Obstinance and Mystic Flour Cookie: Ancient Hero of Prudence

Well, well, well. If it isn't these two again. I'm still buzzing off of the trailer, so let's not hesitate any longer. Obstinate means to stubbornly stick to an opinion, purpose, or direction in spite of reason or persuasion. It's an unmovable object, incapable of change because it believes its way is the only way. We've already seen the negative effects of Dark Cacao's resolution through characters like Dark Choco and Affogato, who have been driven away by him or went to extremes for their goals, as well as the positives with Caramel Arrow and her determination. The first time we saw him he was essentially like this, which rippled outwards and affected everyone. I am not surprised he's the first one to succumb to his respective beast, albeit temporarily.

In this AU, I don't feel that his kingdom would change that much. I feel like his kingdom would just become a full on military fortress, with no one coming in and no one getting out. His army would need to be completely loyal or face punishment, and the outside villages would be in total servitude as slaves. If you can even enter, the atmosphere would be downright oppressive, making it hard for anyone to stand, much less move forward. There are numerous levels to his fortress, each testing your fortitude in various ways, Spire of Order style.

For Mystic Flour, I will be using she/her and they/them interchangeably because they have not yet been confirmed as female(but it is heavily suspected.) According to the wiki, Mystic Flour is heavily inspired by Buddhism, more specifically a deity named Guanyin, who was an all seeing, benevolent being that could alleviate the Earth's sorrows with infinite mercy. Knowing this, I have a few ideas of how they might act in game. Perhaps before they became the cookie personification of the plague, she also had future vision of some kind and was able to see events and disasters before they happened, and knowing this she tried to intervene when they could. Maybe whenever she tried to intervene it didn't help, and that's how she stayed. Like DC, they were definitely the first to turn and resorted to killing everyone to help guide them to eternal peace.

In order for her to be Prudence, I would imagine instead of them simply not caring or killing everyone, she would take a different approach and instead intervene as necessary. Their "kingdom" would be similar to a temple, acting more as a monastery then an actual kingdom. If there was a kingdom it would be somewhat separate, with people making pilgrimages to her area rather than them ruling directly. From there cookies could make requests or advice, and depending on the situation she would intervene as necessary, being careful as to not overstep. Because of her cautiousness I imagine that they would be somewhat resented by some of the commonfolk for not stepping in more and being passive, but those closest to them would revere her for their wisdom and sense of control.

And that's all for now! I've been staring at this post for too long and these two are the ones I was able to present at the moment. If you have any suggestions or just want to say something funny, the ask box is open for anyone. I will be trying to take questions and figure out how the asks work.

[elejah-verse]

_elejah

_time travel_au

a/n: Elena is sent to 1988 to get Elijah's blood for a spell. She was not supposed to talk to him...but one thing lead to another and she fell in love. As she returned to 2035, her real time, she is heartbroken. Elijah died together with Klaus in 2026.

*

_a random snippet

*

*

New York, 2035

No matter how much she tried to move on and forget about Elijah, she could not.

"I know that I shouldn't have got involved. I know that. And the way things were left - everything just made it worse."

"This is why time travels were a big NO." Bonnie said citing her Gram's Grimoire froma case before.

"But ours was for a good cause." Elena reminded her friend.

"Yeah - but left you miserable."

"I will get over it - eventually. I guess I need to grieve. There's nothing else I can do." the brunette looked at the polaroid of Elijah she had taken.

Flashback

"Always and Forever" Elena thought. "But it's not going to be. There will be dreams to come for you, sunshine on rainy days, laughter and silliness, just not together. Just not together. You would never forgive me lying to you again. Taking away the memories of you and me. The love we shared. But deep down in my heart I pledge the always and forever. I do."

*

Meanwhile

In New Orleans, Freya found a box at the back of an old wardrobe. Opening it, she found a notebook with Elijah's handwriting on, saying simply - notes. As she opened it, she found a paper wedged in. Curious to see what it entailed, she unfolded it.

Dear Elena,

I wanted to tell you before I left how completely abjectly sorry I am for all the pain I have caused you. The reason for this letter now is - I die tomorrow, I wanted you  to know that you sparked something inside me I thought was dead and buried.

By the time you read this I will be gone but please know I am still always at your side. Every moment spent with you was like walking through paradise. You had my heart spellbound the moment I have set my eyes on you. I have not known the intensity of my feelings for you until one morning as I woke up. It was like a dance of rich adventure, tenderness, dreams that were most real, even though I've never told you so. 

I'm taking my leave now. As Khalil Gibran had said 'The resting place of my soul is a beautiful grove where my knowledge of you lives'

Faithfully Yours, Always and Forever,

Elijah'

Freya looked at it, slightly shook by the content of the letter.

"Hey," Keelin said as she stepped in the attic, "have you found the pin amulet?"

"No - but - Elijah's writings and - a letter" Freya said.

"What letter? Are you ok? What does it say?" Keelin knelt down next to her wife.

"A letter to Elena - he never posted. Dated the day after our wedding." Freya said.

"We can post it to her now. Or give it to her when we visit Hope. What does it say?"

"He apologizes to her...uhm - it's really strange. It seems like he was in love with her. I know it's private - but here - read it." Freya handed the letter to Keelin.

"It's private, like you said. Let's post it to her."

"I thought he was in love with Hayley - but it seems it wasn't so" Freya said picking up the box.

"Well, look at Klaus - it was Caroline he was actually the one." Keelin said.

Freya inhaled sharply. "I didn't really know my brothers after all."

"You didn't really spend that much time with them." Keelin concluded.

Freya couldn't disagree.

*

Mystic Falls, a few days later

Salvatore School

"No - you're kidding me, right?" Caroline's eyes widened, blazing surprised at Bonnie.

"I'm resurrecting Elijah - yes." Bonnie said.

"What? Bonnie?" Caroline shook her head in disbelief.

"I'm happy with Damon. You got your happy with Enzo. Elena deserves her happy, too. I am doing it. And that's that.

_to be continued

[chaos-love-au]

Failure.

[Part 2 of Chaos L-ove]

Click here to read on AO3

Warnings: Super Paper Mario spoilers.

Summary: Dimentio regrets ending Mr. L's game, and he attempts to get him back. But things go wrong.

---

Dimentio didn't move, his eyes were fixated on the spot Mr. L stood in.

“Wh-why did I do this…” he whispered, a pained sob escaped his mouth.

He fell to his knees, the pain spread in his mind, it wasn't going to go away any time soon.

Mr. L was dead, gone. And it was no one's fault but Dimentio's, he knew that well.

“I-i..” he attempted to collect his thoughts.

“I need..” he took a shaky breath, “I need to speak with Queen Jaydes…”

He slowly got up, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

He began walking towards the door, but something crunched under his feet. Small pieces of a magical material.

“My mask…” he collected what's left of it, and placed it in a hidden pocket.

He started floating, just a few inches above the ground. He floated away, using the door.

Now that his mask was destroyed, he had to make another stop before going to retrieve L.

---

“Dimentio! How are you? It's been so long!” A small shadow creature cheered, approaching the jester.

“Hello, Shadoo. I hope you've been well..” Dimentio nodded.

“You alright? You're never without your mask. And you sound… depressed.” Shadoo tilted her head.

“Depressed? No. Just… a mess. Have you met the heros yet?”

“The heros? Of the light Prognosticus? No, I haven't.. have you?” Shadoo seemed curious.

“Indeed I have, they're quite strong. I suggest sending your minions out, they will visit soon, I can assure you of that.” Dimentio chuckled softly.

“I will, no need to worry. Now, enough catching up, we all know you don't come to visit without a reason.” She jumped in place.

Dimentio sighed, “yes… I'm here to request your help creating a new mask. You're the only creature that knows how to create the material.”

“Hmm.. alright.”

“If you would like payment, the heros have defeated Fracktail, and he is laying lifeless in the sand.”

“Oh! Very nice…” Shadoo turned to a door behind her. “The stuff’s there. Be quick.”

“Thank you, little sister, I appreciate this more than I can express.”

Shadoo nodded.

Dimentio quickly entered the room and gathered everything he needed. With the wave of his hand, a new, identical mask was created. He placed it on his face.

“So much better…” he smiled, his mask smiling with him.

He left the room.

“Looking fabulous as always, Dimmy.” Shadoo laughs.

“Heh.. thank you. I shall continue my plans now. Will I see you tomorrow for dinner?” He smiled at his sister.

“Of course!” Shadoo jumped again, happy.

Dimentio teleported away.

---

Queen Jaydes smiled at Mario as he walked through the door to return Luvbi to the Overthere.

“Your majesty! How wonderful to see you again!” Dimentio called as he teleported into the room.

“Dimentio… weren't you banished?” The queen sighed.

“Ha! That's true, but I'm back for a small visit!” He laughed.

“What do you want? I don't exactly deal with outlaws of the realm.”

“I need someone out of here. He ended up here by an… accident.. and he has unfinished business in the living world.”

“And why should I release him? There is not a single reason I should believe you.” Queen Jaydes crossed her hands.

“His name is Luigi, and he's the one in charge of the world's fate.”

“He just left with his brother.”

“No!” Dimentio yelled involuntarily. He cleared his throat. “Uh. That was not a wise decision. His brother is-”

“The hero of the Light Prognosticus. I've made my decision. You're not getting him. And I suggest you leave my realm, unless you want to spend the rest of your afterlife in the most well-guarded dungeon in the Underwhere.” she hissed.

Dimentio scoffed, “you'll pay for this, Queen Jaydes!”

“I'm sure.” She replied, sarcastic.

Dimentio teleported away.

---

“No, no, Mimi! Ye need teh wear more white!” O’Chunks shook his head.

“But I hate white dresses!” Mimi frowned.

“But it look good, Hen, white goes well wit’ green.”

“urgh! What do you know!?” Mimi grabbed the pile of dresses from the table and angrily left to her room.

O’Chunks sighed with a smile, “weird lass…” he mumbled before turning back to his drawing.

Dimentio floated in through the window, visibly weak.

“Oof. You alri’t?” Chunks turned to face him.

“Shut up.” Dimentio hissed, moments before collapsing onto the floor.

“Ooh no!” O’Chunks scooped him from the floor, “Nastasia! Dim's passed out!” he called.

Nastasia's heels clicked on the floor as she rushed into the room, “what happened?”

“I don’ know, he just got ‘ere”

Nastasia sighed, “put him in his room, k? In his bed.”

O’Chunks nodded and ran to Dimentio's room, holding onto him tightly.

Nastasia watched as they left the room, “there is no way this was the heros’ doing…” she noted to herself before leaving as well.

---

Dimentio opened his eyes, very slowly gaining back consciousness.

“You're awake! Are you okay? Chunks said you just passed out!” Mimi sat next to Dimentio's bed.

“Ah.. oh…” Dimentio barely processed her words.

“Don't move, you could be badly hurt… was this the ‘heros’? Did you fight them? Is that why Mr. L is gone? Did he go with you?” Mimi questioned.

Dimentio froze at the mention of Mr. L. “M-Mr. L…” he mumbled.

“Yes.. where is he?” Mimi asked.

“He…” Dimentio didn't want to answer that. Especially not while he was still recovering from the hit his head got when he passed out.

Mimi was silent, she was waiting for Dimentio to finish his sentence.

“He's gone…” he hated to admit it, but he had to tell the truth, even if it was only part of it. Mimi deserved it, she was very close to Mr. L.

Mimi gasped, “wh-what?! No! You're lying!”

“I-it's true.. I'm sorry, Mimi.” he closed his eyes, he didn't want to stain the mask with his tears.

“No!” She ran off crying.

Dimentio’s useless struggles to get up were painful. He felt… powerless. Pathetic. He lost Mr. L. And now, he won't be able to fight the heros.

“Perhaps returning to the Underwhere was not very smart…” he thought.

There was shouting from outside the room, Mimi was upset.

“I'm so sorry…” Dimentio sat up straight, tears flowing from behind his mask.

[riewritten]

listen rie, the problem with me is that, in fact i cannot narrate stories lol, i just come up and pitch ideas, thats only what my brain does. i wish i can publish a fully detaieled fanfic for erwin, my i feel like i will not do him any justice with my midiocre writing. BUT i have accepted my position in this, and i made my peace with it lol.

now don't mention my side blog for writing lol, those that i published, is the help with my my GOOD friend, we help each other thats how we do it.

but im in no way or form asking you to write this, i'm just sharing the idea with you, because you're the one of like 3 people that i like who write erwin in such a way that i made me just keep loving him.

in any way, i'm gonna leave the continuation now:

one early morning, erwin would go on a jog with his security on tow. and he passes by a secluded garden he always used to visit when he was young, he notices someone he thought he might recognize. and it was indeed someone he recognized as she stood up from her seat waving at a middle schooler. it was her. now its been YEARS since he saw her, and with his age, he never thought he'd see her again, and if he did he wouldn't recognize her... but he does.

she was as beatiful as he remembered her to be, but something was different about her. before he knew it, she was leaving, with someone who seems to be her little brother (he remembers the day she gave the news of her younger brother's birth to her).

so as soon as erwin reaches home he tells his mother about the girl. Her. whatever he said, his mother would act uninterested or she would grimace unintentionally. so he asks her about the atitude she was giving him. when he didn't stop pestering her about the matter, his mother tells him everything, how her family lost the the nobitly name when her father made some bad business decisions, and lost all the money. and thats why they had to move away to the country side to live in the only house that was left for them by her grandparents... his heart broke when he learned the truth. and he wished he could've helped her. he asks his mother why would she hide this, she says its to make him focus on his military training and his duty to become the next king.

harsh but it was the best decision was made for him at the time, he knew that. yet still, deep down, he couldn't help but get angry... at what? he didn't know.

he decides to seek her. he has someone he trust to find her whereabouts, her residence, what she does for living, and if she's in the capital. and find he he did.

one day he decides to take a stroll through the capital city with his security detail, no cars, nothing fancy, just old school walking through the city. giving the excuse of getting to know his people better. his people are shocked when they see their king just walking around, in casual clothing, but they dont bother him, they're too scared of the "ruthless" king they were introduced to when he stepped up to be the king. but i digress. erwin walks by a book shop, conveniently, and he sees her in her employee attire. his heart breaks again for her, for the third time.

erwin enters the shop to "take a gander on books" as his father would say, and "accidentally" introduces himself to her. and of course she recognizes him... but she has nothing but about this "meeting" for some reason...

now this is where i stopped thinking because honestly? i didn't think this idea would go anywhere lol, but i hope you enjoyed it. :)

LETS FUCHJKING GOOOOOOOOOOOO

here's the part 1 for our royal au lovelies out there 🤭

and yes my dearest jay i enjoyed it sm!!!! when u said u cannot narrate stories but outrightly throw such a beautifully crafted drabble like this help⁉️⁉️⁉️ you are talented my dear (and pls what is ur writing blog im so interested to follow ur writing journey :'))

i am so curious with reader's feelings on all of this, too! is it a one sided love? did erwin's mother pull her strings to ensure reader would never give back the interest erwin tries to give? 🤔 either way, i hope hope hope hopeee one day you'd get to publish this. i just know people would like it as much as i did!!

[ariadnasdiary]

Hidden in the shadows - A Halloween special

Mun Ari: Hello!! Although I don’t celebrate Halloween (I'm more of a "Día de muertos" person for OBVIOUS reasons lol So! I'm not late, but rather in time!!), I wanted to make something special! It’s been years since I made something for the occasion ^^. Plus! It was the perfect excuse to share this gorgeous commission @vixen-ocs made for me! OF COURSE I HAD TO MAKE AN SCENARIO TO SHOW IT OFF :D. Cause’ in this blog we LOVE the Phantom of the Opera! Hell yeah!!!

Note: Also! Let's consider this one-shot for Diatober - day 14: possession.

Anyway, enjoy!

When the curtain goes up, the show begins. She has done it various times already, yet she can’t get used to the feeling. She can’t help but feel a knot forming everytime in the pitch of her stomach. However, she has to focus: she knows he’s watching.

But that doesn’t help with her nerves, so she pushes that thought aside. If she gets nervous, her voice won’t be able to reach the correct notes. That pisses him off, he has been taking extra care to fix that bad habit of hers. Last time, he punished her severely: by making her sing until her vocal cords felt like bleeding. 

“The curtain is about to lift, are you ready?” someone asked her, interrupting her swirling thoughts.

“Y-Yes!” she stuttered, that’s not good.

“You sure?” the staff member asked her in concern.

She knows what people say about her: how was an amateur like her able to get herself a spot in tonight’s show? She didn’t have a proper education regarding music or singing. She was a nobody, who everyone thought she "thought she knew how to sing". But everyone had their doubts: how would she be able to sing in such a big scenario, when she was so shy and stuttered whenever she had to speak to a big audience? When she couldn’t even look into the eyes of the director when she was selected as part of the show? 

“Sure! Don’t worry!” she smiled reassuringly, although she was fighting with all her might to sound confident and bury her nerves. 

The young staff member nodded and gave the sign to the rest of the crew to start the show. Everyone went to their places and so did she. 

“Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Welcome to Eden Opera House! Today’s show promises to be unforgivable!” the master of the ceremony announced. “This is the third call! Let’s begin!”.

The orchestra started playing the introduction melody, a round of applause was heard and everyone backstage were preparing the last details for the show.

“Today is very special you see!” the master continued “We have a special number prepared just for you! You may have never heard of her, but that makes her the most intriguing part of tonight’s show!”

She could hear the low mumbles of the audience, all curious as to what it could be. 

“Don’t let this young lady fool you! Don’t you dare underestimate her! She might be young, small and unknown! But her voice… her voice is like nothing you have heard before!”

Ari closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She knew the song, she knew how to sing it, I was going to go well. It better be. 

"We present you: Miss Ariadna!" 

A round of applause was heard and soon the curtain lifted. Ari opened her eyes and for a single second, she saw the public. She was scared, but remembered his words:

"Don’t look at them. Look somewhere else, never to their faces or you'll lose the little confidence you'll have".

She quickly looked at the distant vase of roses placed as part of the decoration at the very top of the theater. That should do. She bowed to the audience and then waited for the music to play. 

To think she would be standing as the main singer… not once it had crossed her mind. It all happened so suddenly…

She was visiting an old friend in the theater as she was in town for some time. He has been working there for quite some time, however things didn't turn out as she should. She wanted to have a glimpse of the theater's scenario. Her friend told her no one was working that day and she started singing to spend some time while his friend had to do some things before finishing his shift. 

It was a sweet song, one that she had memorized as it was her favorite. She sang it as it came naturally to her, she never thought of her voice as anything extraordinary, she simply enjoyed it. Who would have thought that a certain someone would be there and came to like her voice? 

When she finished, she heard an applause. She was straddled and for a moment thought it was her friend, until he spoke:

"Not bad~ considering it came from a tiny amateur like yourself~"

She didn’t hear him coming, not a single footstep. It was like he was part of the darkness, and decided to make himself noted. 

“W-Who’s there?” she asked to that darkness that had spoken to her. 

“I’m impressed there’s still someone who doesn’t know about me yet” he replied.

She made some memory and THAT rumor came to her, her friend had told her about it. It was said that within the deepness of the opera house existed a strange being. No one knew how or when he arrived, they just knew that he was already there. He dedicated himself to observe the people acting there, if he liked their talent he would help that rising star to shine. Every artist he had chosen had gone over the top. When people ask them about their secret, they refuse to speak other than: “he saw the talent in me and got me here”. Oh, but there’s also a dark side to this man: if you dared to try to tame him, trick him or go against his wishes… death was sure to come to you. Many dead bodies appeared all around the theater installations and no culprit. The common similarities of the bodies were disposed artists that had failed or pushed their luck into being liked by him. Everyone blamed him, they knew it had to be him, but there was no proof and not to mention that, how could you take justice to a phantom? Besides, it has been over a year that no talent has been chosen. People wondered when he would choose someone, but they knew he wasn’t gone. They could feel it, even if they never truly saw him.

“T-The phantom of the opera?” she asked, a little mockingly.

It couldn’t be him… right?

“The one and only~”

From the shadows she could see at the distance the figure of a man, ever so elegant as  mysterious. 

She knew she had attracted unwanted attention, a praise from him was like a curse: either a one that could end in bless or death. 

“I’m not really sure if I should be honored or scared to make your acquaintance,” she said sincerely.

She earned a low chuckle from him.

“That depends on you,” he simply replied.

She wanted to run, but she knew better that once the rumor turned to be true… she had to be careful. You shouldn't run, you shouldn’t test his patience, always listen first, and most importantly: obey. 

The lights suddenly went out and Ari shrieked in fear. She could hear him laugh and as she sought for any source of light or exit, she had to try. 

“Come”.

She didn’t want to, she was scared to have been chosen by him. Especially when she was no artist. 

Her eyes caught a glimpse of light, and another until it formed a path within the pitch dark atmosphere. 

“I won’t repeat myself” he warned her “You must know better not to test me”.

She had no choice, she followed down the candlelight path. The more she walked, the deeper she got. At a certain point, she arrived at a huge mirror, but it wasn’t an ordinary one: it led somewhere. Ari was forced to continue and she got into the very heart of the opera house.

The music started, the melody making her focus on getting ready. Sweet music notes surrounded her and she silently counted until she had to start singing. The lyrics came natural to her, after all she had been practicing them nonstop. If she could describe him: he seeks perfection and results. Under what purpose? Who knows.

After that night they met, he didn’t care for introductions or formalities. She tried to explain to him she was no aspiring artist, she only sang for fun and it was merely an impulse for that exhibition. He didn’t care, he only asked her to sing for him. SHe tried to refuse, but he had intimidated her into giving in for her sake. 

After an improvised song, the first that came into her mind, he decided to choose her to be his next pawn. And she had no say in it. 

Word after word, her voice reaching the right tone. She had worked so hard for it. She wanted to please him, so she could be safe. He had promised to let her go if her performance was flawless. That’s why she tried not to complain about the harsh training and all the sleepless nights. Not until she learned the lyrics and got everything right, she had to.

High pitches, medium ones… everything was simply going perfect. She was almost there.

Strangely, as the nights and rehearsals went, he became more insistent and had a need to get closer to her. He wasn’t hiding anymore from her, no longer instructing her from a distance, he had gone so close to her… she no longer feared the uncertainty of his appearance. Strangely enough, it made her feel at ease. 

The song almost came to an end and she discreetly looked up in the private and furthest balcony in the theater: a place only destined to him. 

He was indeed watching her: every movement, examining and attentively listening to every sound her voice made. Like the harshest critic and the most inquisitive professor. However, he was smiling. Maybe she had passed the test.

She reached the finale and after an epic end, the audience broke in joy. Applauses and ovations, some even threw flowers and the cheers made her open her eyes in awe as well as flustering her. 

She bowed and the curtain fell. Just as it did, everyone backstage gathered around her.

“How did you improve so much in such a short amount of time?”

“Did you hire a teacher? Present him to me!”

“You have such an amazing voice! Like that of an angel!”

Angel… yeah, he described her voice like that as well.

“What is your secret?”

Oh, that question…

“I have a magnificent teacher, strict… but he knows what he’s doing”.

The rest of the crew and artists prepared for the next act, and Ari was allowed to rest in her dressing room. She was nervous, what would he think about her performance?

A celebration came afterwards, right after the show ended and the public left. 

“What a successful night!” the owner exclaimed, while all his workers cheered with him.

“Did you see the amount of people we had tonight? They sure filled every seat!” someone said.

“I think it was thanks to the announcement set all around town!” another said “After all, HE chose someone else after so long!"

“Now that you mention it… who was the artist he chose this time?”

Everyone looked around, and someone suddenly exclaimed.

“Where's Miss Ariadna?”

Little did they know, she was having a hard time walking in the darkness of a long secret hallway. Taking her deeper and deeper into the very heart of the opera house. Wondering just how things had turned out since she made the mistake of showing her voice to no other than him. Singing to ease her fear and somehow feel accompanied, a song of resignation.

“In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came that voice which calls to me and speaks my name And do I dream again? For now, I find The Phantom of the opera is there inside my mind…”

Taking step by step, closer where she had to go… after all she couldn’t refuse when he called for her.

“Sing once again with me Our strange duet My power over you Grows stronger yet And though you turn from me To glance behind The phantom of the, opera is there Inside your mind”

One could believe the owner of such a voice was to be trusted, but that could lead you to become prisoner of him. A mere puppet obeying his commands, to his heart’s content. 

“Those who have seen your face Draw back in fear I am the mask you wear…”

“It's me they hear”.

She kept walking, following the voice that always answered back no matter the song she dared to sing.

“(Your) My spirit and my (your) voice In one combined The phantom of the, opera is there Inside my (your) mind!”

It worked like a secret code to identify each other whenever they set an encounter. One could freak out if you hear someone replying to your songs, but at this point Ari was already used to it.

“He’s there, the Phantom of the Opera” she sang more to herself, to get ready for what was coming. It was hard to guess his mood by his voice only… 

She finally arrived at her destination. The chamber hidden meters and meters deep into the Opera House. But there’s where he hid. 

Ari doesn’t understand why he had to hide, in such a frightening place like that chamber. You could hardly consider it a home: a single yet huge bed, a huge organ occupying half the space, a single desk filled with papers and sheets of music spread every inch of the surface, bottles of inks and pens and everything hardly illuminated by candles. 

He wasn’t anywhere to be seen… until she felt a goosebump. 

“Looking for someone~?” a voice startled her coming from behind her. 

She turned around and there he was: wearing his special tuxedo, the one he apparently used every night there was a show, his gala outfit. She met him with that same tuxedo. Not to mention the mask he wore hiding half his face. The so-called Phantom of the Opera… or Kino as he had presented himself to her. 

“I guess…” she replied, shrugging “You called for me?”

“As boring as ever” Kino seemed disappointed, she had learnt that scaring people and especially her was a hobby he enjoyed. He hated it when she didn’t react like he expected.

He passed next to her and took a seat by his grand bed. Ari never knew how to behave or anything when it came to this situation where he called for her down to his hideout.

“A-Are we going to practice?” she asked, better prepare for it.

“You want to?” he asked, arching his eyebrow.

“N-Not really…but you always call me here for that” she replied, resignation echoing her voice.

He looked at her, but she looked somewhere else.

‘Never look for long to his face, he hides it for a reason and he can kill you for that’ those were the warnings his rumor had to offer her and she always took them into consideration. 

“Considering your performance tonight…” he said.

There it was, he was about to grade her. His all so strict teacher. Always seeking perfection.

“I think you deserve something regarding it”

“Is it bad?” she looked at him slightly scared.

“That’ll depend on how you see it”.

He made her a sign to step closer. Ari gulped, but did as he wanted.

When she was right in front of him, he spoke.

“How do you think you did?”

Ari thought it, but she never knew. If she thinks she did good, he’ll defer and vice versa. How was it this time?

“So?”

“I think… I could always improve?”

He chuckled. Maybe her answer was right?

“There’s always a space for improvement” he agreed “However~"

He tugged her by the waist and she was suddenly trapped in his embrace, looking straight into his face. Up close, it felt surreal. He had that mysterious yet breathtaking beauty: deep red eyes, pale like snow skin and dark hair like the very night. Yet that was her opinion… one she couldn’t share as no one had ever gotten a closer look at him. He wouldn’t allow it, he liked it to be like a shadow hidden within the darkness. She felt nervous when he was close to her, she always felt he could see deep into her soul or read her thoughts. She couldn’t truly hide anything from him… in many ways. He was always looking, he had an eye on her specially. 

“This time, you fulfilled my expectations” he said, satisfied “congratulations”.

Was that a complement? She thought those didn’t exist in his vocabulary. 

“R-Really?” she asked, seeking confirmation.

“Feel honored, none of my students got to please me like you did tonight” he gave her a smirk, one that made her flustered as was unfairly breathtaking. She hated feeling like this. 

“I-I’m so glad then” she looked down into her dress, in an attempt to hide her face. 

“For you to be satisfied with so little as a compliment” she heard him chuckling, that damn sound that made her stomach be filled with butterflies. Hopefully he wouldn’t listen to her altered heartbeat. 

“That’s too much coming from you,” she admitted.

“So you admit it?”

“Is there any point in denying it?”

“No, I like it that way”

She wanted to go and hide, she didn't like to give him the satisfaction to see her so altered by him or anything that he did or said. She felt weak all of a sudden, maybe it was the lack of energy after the relief of his approval. 

“Good, I guess… I’ll get going now” she said, but when she tried to break free from his embrace, he didn’t allow it. 

“It’s been a long night” he said “Stay here”

“E-Excuse me!?” she raised her head, surprised by the sudden proposal.

“Calm down, I’m being considerate, you know?” he seemed like he was enjoying it “You are barely keeping yourself awake at this point”

That was right, she felt her eyelids heavy, it had indeed been such a long night. 

“Consider this both an order and your reward” he said and Ari couldn’t fight her tiredness anymore. 

She sighed and allowed him to position her into his lap, her back leaning into his chest. Slowly losing the fight to keep herself conscious. He was oddly kind tonight, she couldn’t tell why. She was so tired, she could have sworn he was playing with her hair, soothing her to sleep. 

“Sleep” he said, may have sounded like a commandment, but his voice was soft and also sounded so far away from Ari. “And have sweet dreams, my angel of music”.

He could be so kind when he wanted… and she couldn’t help but love it when he was like that and when he specially referred to her like that. She would only allow him, because he was the only one that saw her talent and acknowledged it. He claimed to see her potential and he brought it into the light, he had proven it. Whatever the reason was for investing so much in her… she didn’t mind it. 

“My angel of music… you’ll be the one to make my plans come true” he smiled with a dark note Ari didn’t get to see, long lost into the land of dreams.

Besides, she was willing to let him use her for whatever purpose he had.

After all… she loved being his angel of music.

Mun Ari: The tension… I could feel it up until here!!! Part 2? Nah~ jk! I made it to be a one-shot… unless 7u7. Anyway! Thank you Vale! I love it!! Also! Is never too much to mention that the song credits goes for the creator and I don't claim them as mine! I just copy them from Spotify jeje~

[lostonehero]

Snapshots

You know the drill here we go

"Mommy, why's daddy being weird?" Oscar stared up at his mother.

Lucifer hums softly. "Your daddy is upset because the other him, Kayne, accomplished something he never thought was possible and is trying to replicate it for us." She pauses, watching Nerophropte huff tossing another skin bound book.

"These are useless!" Nerophropte huffs.

Lucifer sighs. "Oscar sweetie, do me a favor." She watches her boy nod. "Don't bring your father there until I say it's ok."

"Ok... but why?" Oscar jumps as another book hits the wall.

"Your father doesn't make good decisions when frustrated." Lucifer picks up Oscar. "How about we take a break from visiting, and let the bigger you visit instead."

Oscar puffs out his cheeks but sighs. "Fine, but can I go play with Faroe now? My other daddy was sleeping when I wanted to visit and say hi."

"He can FUCKING SLEEP!" Nerophropte growls and the wall crumbles revealing the outside.

"Yeah, your daddy just lost house privileges. Come on, we're going to stay by Faroe for a bit, maybe even bother your Uncle Hastur." Lucifer glares at Nerophropte, who held a slightly guilty expression. "Your daddy is in the dog house and is in charge of fixing our house here."

Oscar waves at his dad. "Bye-bye, Daddy! Oooo let me name the dog!"

Lucifer suppresses a smile. "My little harbinger, that isn't what that means." She vanishes with Oscar.

Nerophropte huffs. "This is so not fair he doesn't even remember that he wants this and it fucking happened." He continues to grumble as he cleans up to formulate a plan or bother Lucy's siblings.

.......

"I'm coming. I'm coming." Arthur opened his front door. "Oh Lucy, what brings you and little Oscar with you?"

"Daddys in the dog house." Oscar smiles and jumps down. "Hi Faroe."

"Oscar! Let's play." Faroe holds out her hand, and Oscar takes it, and they run deeper inside.

Lucifer pinches her brow. "Kayne got jealous of his brother for accomplishing something he thinks he should have first and is throwing a little hissy fit." Ahe stops as Arthur raised a brow. "Oh no, not at me or our boy. He's uh drowning himself in research and probably going to bother my siblings about it. It honestly looks like a hurricane through our house with the number of books he's going through."

Arthur nods as his shoulders sag. "Ah, I see. We'll come in, I can put on some tea. I'm sure our little ones can entertain each other as we talk."

"Ah yes, speaking of which has John visited? The man asked me for lessons on the violin. I don't know what hurt his pride that much to ask the likes of me." Lucifer chuckles as she hangs up her coat.

Arthur smiles. "He has, and you're the reason he's getting better? I should have known he got a tutor to help. I didn't think you played."

"Oh, it's just an old hobby I had, I used to play to get Oscar to sleep. Now, when I do it, he won't sleep till I play him an hours worth of material." Lucifer smiles and sits in the kitchen. "He's growing up so fast."

"Oh, I know, Faroe can already spell her name and is already so curious about everything. She is taken to reading like a bird to flight. She has such active imaginations that i can only guess what kind of tales she will take too." Arthur hums as the water slowly comes to a boil. "Oscar is going to go to Faroe's school?"

Lucifer nods. "Yes, he's already so excited. I'm sure if they are in the same class, they can keep each other entertained so they won't cause a scene." She sighs. "I hope."

Arthur chuckles. "Oh, let's not dwell on our babies growing up." He pours two cups and hands one to Lucifer. "Let's just enjoy the time we have now."

"You're right, no point in rushing to the future." Lucifer smiles and takes a small sip.

......

"But my mommy told me not to go by myself anymore." Oscar frowns. "Daddys mad my other daddy figured out how to sleep."

"That's weird. Sleeping is easy." Faroe huffs.

"You're right." Oscar nods.

"But you won't be alone. I'll be with you!" Faroe jumps up and smiles.

Oscar's eyes widen, and he nods. "Yeah! I still haven't met the other Mr. Lester. The big me says that the piece of the other Haster is in him! That's why Mr. Noel became the other Hastur missing piece."

"Yeah! I want to meet them all! You said the big you have more fur, too." Faroe giggles and grabs Oscar's hand when he nods, and they vanish from her room.

......

Oscar sighs. "Are you sure it doesn't bother you? I didn't know I could do this. You're bleeding." He was cleaning the small horns of blood as they finally broke the surface.

Dennis chuckles. "A little blood ain't hurt nobody. The red suits me." He smiles and pulls Oscar into his lap. "Besides, I happen to like the little devil changing me." He gives a soft kiss to Oscar.

"We're still -" Arthur is cut off by a little girl.

"Is that Mr. Collins?" Faroe looked up at the two.

"Yeah, but he didn't have horns before." Little Oscar stared up at the two.

"Arthur..." John's voice was soft and his hand was gripping Arthur's tightly.

Arthur swallows. "Who are they?"

Dennis smiles. "Did you bring a lady friend with you?"

"I'm Faroe, Mr. Collins!" Faroe pauses, looking at Arthur. "Why are your eyes funny, other daddy?"

Oscar got up and sighed. "How about you two go back? I'm sure your father is worried."

"Nu uh, he's busy talking to your other mommy, big Oscar." Faroe huffs.

"Dumb adult stuff." Little Oscar pauses. "Wait, you know dumb adult stuff, what being in the dog house mean? Mommy says daddy is in the dog house, but Mommy laughed when I asked about the dog."

Faroe frowns. "But dogs live in dog houses."

Arthur covers his face, and his face is a mix of manic sadness and the urge to laugh.

"Oh, I know this one! Your mother is mad at your father." John gasps.

"Why didn't mommy just say that." Little Oscar crosses his arms. "Adults are weird."

"Who answered?" Faroe poked Little Oscar.

"Oh! You can't hear him, I think that's John." Little Oscar hums softly. "Why are your other daddy's eyes weird?"

"Who are they?" Arthur repeats, gritting his teeth.

"We told you! We -" Oscar cuts off Faroe.

"He's asking where you guys came from." Oscar takes a breath. "That is a younger alternate version of myself, and that's um his version of Faroe. So, um, apparently, their dimension didn't have the same incident as ours, and um, there's..."

"6!" Little Oscar interrupts.

"Um, yes, 6 so far of the other mes? The little me stopped looking after finding this place." Oscar crosses his arms. "But what are you two doing here?"

"I wanted to meet my other daddy and the other Hastur, and that guy Mr. Noel. Lucy said Oscar couldn't go alone and he wasn't alone. I'm with him." Faroe looks so confident with her kid logic.

Oscar pinches his brow as Dennis snickers. "Ok, that's enough. I'll take you both back."

Faroe huffs. "Nooooo."

Little Oscar nods. "Yeah, we wanna play here!"

"Come on." Oscar picks up both kids. "I'll just bring you both back to Lucifer's place."

"But we weren't there! We were at my daddy's place." Faroe huffs.

Oscar freezes. "O-oh."

Dennis is now fully laughing.

"I don't know why that's funny." Little Oscar tilts his head.

Arthur gets up. "Oscar, it's fine. I'll watch them. I don't think you being like this would be wise to just pop in on the other me."

"But big me looks really cool." Little Oscar huffs as he is put down.

"Why is that a problem? Big Oscar is cool, and his fur is soft like a cat." Faroe dusts off her dress as she is put down.

"You'll scare the other me, and I don't think he would let you two play together anymore." Arthur gets up and close to the two kids.

Faroe sniffs. "But Oscar's my best friend."

"Big me isn't scary!" Little Oscar huffs.

"I look scary to people." Oscar knew that wasn't a good argument against two children. "Your daddy doesn't know me. He knows little me." He crouches between the two children. "Strangers are scary to parents because they don't know if they want to hurt their children. So you two go back and come back later when you have more time."

"Fine, but you gotta tell me other daddy why your eyes are weird!" Faroe crosses her arms.

"I see through Arthur's eyes and control his left hand to his left elbow and his left foot. We share his body." John's voice was calm.

"How do you share a body? Noel and the other Hastur don't do it like that." Little Oscar looks confused.

"My eyes look weird, little Faroe, because I am blind, John shares my body with me, and he has my left hand and my left foot and my eyes. We make it work together." Arthur sighs, crouching down and brushing her hair back.

Faroe pauses. "Ok, but I don't like your mustache. John's pinky is cool though."

John starts to laugh as Arthur sighs.

"John's pinky is cool!" Little Oscar grabs Faroe's hand. "We can stop your daddy from growing a mustache."

"Oh yeah! Bye, other daddy, we'll be back." Faroe waves as the pair vanish.

Oscar calls back, sitting down covering his face. "Arthur I am so sorry."

Arthur wipes the tears but smiles. "No... no Oscar, it's ok. I think I needed that."

"I like your mustache." John huffs.

"Of course you do you picked it out." Arthur chuckles. "I can handle them when they come back."

"Are you sure?" Oscar got up abruptly following Arthur.

"Yeah, at least then I know she's being taken care of by another me, and I hope that's enough for me." Arthur nods.

......

"Oh, there you guys are." Lucifer frowns. "I told you not to head over there."

"But I wasn't alone!" Oscar huffs.

"Yeah, I was with him." Faroe frowns.

"That isn't what I meant." Lucifer sighs. "Please don't travel without an adult unless you're visiting your aunts or uncles."

Oscar huffs but nods. "Fine, but I'm going to take Faroe again."

Faroe nods and smiles.

Lucifer pinches her brow. "I found them!"

Arthur runs in. "Oh, thank heavens." He rushed over and scooped up Faroe. "Please never vanish again."

"I didn't vanish. I was with Oscar." Faroe puffs out her cheeks.

"Darling, you both gave us a fright. You can't keep disappearing together. We don't know where you both went, and someone could have taken you." Lucifer picks up a now scared Oscar.

"Someone could take us?" Oscar sniffs.

Lucifer sighs. "Yes, bad people exist, and they like to hurt kids. We just want you two to be safe. You have to tell us where you go and who you're going to see."

Faroe now looked close to tears feeding off Oscar. "I'm sorry daddy."

Arthur smiles softly. "Hey, it's ok, it's ok. You're safe now, and how about tomorrow we both go out for ice cream and then the park together."

"Oh, I think there's going to be a fair as well, but you both have to behave and stay close to us." Lucifer brushes back her son's hair with her hand.

"Yes, mommy." Oscar clings to his mother.

Arthur nods. "Yeah, I think so as well, but right now it's time for Oscar and his mother to go home."

"Ok." Faroe waves goodbye.

.......

Lucifer smiles and takes Oscar to their earth home. "Now I know this place is new, but you have to tell people you've been here a long time."

"Ok." Oscar doesn't let go, and Lucifer doesn't put him down.

"I'm sorry, Mommy." Oscar clings tighter.

Lucifer sighs and heads to the couch, holding her boy in her lap. "It's ok, my baby boy. You're learning, and I'm learning too. Things are complicated, and I want you to promise me that you'll tell me if anything is wrong."

Oscar nods into his mother's chest. He doesn't want to talk.

Lucifer rubs his back. "It's ok. Do you want to take a nap?"

Oscar nods but doesn't want to leave.

"Alright, get comfy, Mommy's going to read while you sleep." Lucifer smiles softly, watching Oscar curl up in her lap and fall asleep.

......

Lucifer narrows her gaze, and her lips curl to a scowl. "You are lucky I'm preoccupied, Gabriel."

"So this is what you used the favor from Micheal for." Gabriel sneers. "To think you to actually be capable of reproducing. Especially with a creature worse than you."

Lucifer can feel her horns emerge. "Why are you here?"

"You shouldn't be on earth without a contract, or did you forget playing house." Gabriel stepped forward, and the air felt electric.

Oscar grimaced and curls tighter.

Lucifer's eyes flash a black swallowing any white in her eyes as she holds Oscar closer. "Circumstances have changed."

"Our agreement has not." Gabriel smiles a sickly charm to it like poison. A sword lit by holy flame appears in their hand. "Too bad you don't deserve any warning."

In a flash, Oscar is woken up on the floor he turns his head to see one of his mother's six wings bloody and on the floor. "Mommy?"

"Oscar, get Faroe and Arthur now and bring them to your big self now!" Lucifer grits her teeth. "Oscar, I love you so much."

"But you said..." Oscar's eyes widen as a sword goes through another wing.

Lucifer smiles. "Just go!"

Oscar vanishes.

Lucifer rolls to her back. "I warned you. I fucking warned you." She grabs the blade as it comes down. "You threaten me and my son, and I am going to pluck those feathers one by one."

........

Oscar whimpers as he suddenly appears between Faroe and Arthur during the night routine of brushing teeth. He had tears in his eyes and grabbed both of their hands before Arthur could say a single noise of shock, and suddenly, they were in an apartment.

Arthur did not think he would see a different version of himself, nor did he think any of this would happen.

Oscar started to cry.

The mirrored Arthur rushed to the sound and picked up Oscar. "Back so soon?"

"Arthur, he brought another you and Faroe." John's voice was as soft as he could muster.

"Mommy.... mommy..." Oscar started to cry harder and grip into Arthur's shoulder.

Mirror Arthur hums a soft melody Arthur recognized as the lullaby he wrote for Faroe.

"He has talons, Arthur, you're bleeding."

"Not important, John." Mirror Arthur sighs, holding little Oscar in his arms. "Come on, let's go find big you."

Little Oscar whimpers hiding his face in the crook of mirror Arthur's neck.

"W-wait." Arthur finally finds his voice. He stiffens as the mirror has yellow eyes and never looks at him directly.

"He seems frightened by your appearance." John's voice broke through.

Mirror Arthur says nothing as he walks away, and the sounds of Oscar's crying get softer.

Faroe hugs her dad. "Daddy, that's the other you. I told you that I met him today with Oscar."

Arthur swallows as pieces slide into place. "Oh..." he doesn't react fast enough when sharp blades rain from the ceiling, but a large black wing covers him, and Faroe.

A monster retracts the wing seemingly confused at the blades. Fur covered his body except his chest down to his privates and face and neck. A long tail is splayed out, twitching nervously. A pair of horns curl with flames at the top. His ears were pointed and teeth sharp. His accent was Scottish, but his voice was soft. "Um... are you two ok?"

"That's big, Oscar, daddy." Faroe points, not noticing the blades on the ground.

Oscar sighs. "Where's little me?"

"My other daddy took him to find you." Faroe tugs on her daddy's leg. "Big Oscar is really nice, and his fur feels like a kitten."

"Faroe, how about you take your dad to sit on the couch? I'm going to talk to little me. Did he tell you why he brought both of you here?" Oscar helps move the two to the couch to sit.

"Oscar was crying. He said something about his mommy." Faroe frowns. "He looked scared."

Oscar nods and puts her in her dad's lap. "Ok, thank you. Stay here with your dad for me. I'm going to find your other dad and little me."

Faroe nods and yawns, getting comfortable in her dad's lap.

.......

The ground was soaked in golden fluid feathers that were scattered covered in gold. Buildings lay destroyed fires burned around, and in the chaos of all the dead sat a woman with a man holding her arm. A terrified angel lay under her boot.

"That's enough." The man took the blade from the woman who collapsed on top of the angel to broken and bloodied to move.

The woman's skin burned under the golden liquid and looked closer, her wings all six were ripped out, her horns broken, and her tail was cut off. Her fur burned off in patches from the golden fluid, claws stained in gold one bone spur on her heel was snapped. She was crying a bright red fluid.

"Lucy, where's Oscar?" The man's voice sounded strained.

Lucifer swallowed. "He's with the older one, and I told him to take Faroe and Arthur. I.... fuck I didn't tell him to come back." She hugs her chest. "Gabriel... Gabriel." Her tone shifts to pure fury as she stares at the angel beneath her. "You!"

The angel spits up golden liquid. "Mer-Mercy." Gabriel coughed. "We were siblings." They cried weekly.

Lucifer doesn't respond, but before she can deliver the final blow, the man behind her grabs her.

"It's enough. They learned their lesson." Lucifer's husband holds her. "We will fix this. Clean up. I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner."

Lucifer falls limp in his arms, the massacre finally taking its toll.

......

It's been a week, and Oscar doesn't really know how to handle this. His younger alternate self has become his shadow. Which isn't terrible, but he still hasn't put back on a cross, so his demon form? True form? His father wasn't entirely clear on that. Limited where he could travel. Surprising the other Arthur has adjusted as well as he could, and he had to keep reminding himself this Arthur can see.

"Put her down!"

Oscar sighs, this had become a common argument his Arthur did not trust his father, and Faroe has gotten quite enamored with him.

"I don't see the issue you have with Kayne he is perfectly capable of holding Faroe." The other Arthur hums watching Faroe giggle playing with Kayne.

"That thing is madness incarnate!" Arthur sighs.

"Ooo, I like that. Madness incarnate." Kayne laughs.

There's a knock on the door before Oscar can interrupt. He makes his way over and nearly stumbles back into the little him hiding in his robes. "I uh... um..."

"Don't be frightened." The blonde hair man sighs. "I heard about what happened, and I may be able to parse out what happened."

"Micheal." Kayne growls putting Faroe down.

"I'm not here for the likes of you, beast." Micheal rolled his impossibly blue eyes. He gasps softly as the little Oscar pokes his head out of the adult Oscar's cloak, and big brown doe eyes stare up at him. He crouched down. "Hello there."

Little Oscar clings to the older version of himself. He's silent and stares at him.

Oscar sighs. "Micheal, leave him alone." He ruffles the younger him hair. "How could you even help?"

"You think you know what happened." Kayne floats over. "Unlike his family, Micheal here isn't an idiot."

"Even with a broken mind, you're insufferable." Micheal stands back up. "You mentioned a flaming blade, and I only know a few to use that, I don't obviously it's archaic and dangerous for the user." He crosses his arms as all eyes land on him. "I also know the differences between our dimensions is small since it's a fractured timeline issue."

"How would you even figure that?" Kayne huffs.

"Because my nephew is only half you, beast." Micheal rolls his eyes again. "That's how demonic creatures get around deals that involve time travel or bringing back the dead, apparently fracturing the timeline. Creating a new world is easier than actually bringing back the dead."

"You're half right as always." Kayne lands on his feet, happy to be taller than Micheal. "It only happens when the contractee wants to change the past."

"Oh, look at that even with broken memories you know enough to correct me." Micheal's voice is dripping with sarcasm.

"So demons have the power to fracture timeliness and create new dimensions with their deals?" John sounded amazed.

"Hush Jonny boy, the adults are talking." Kayne clicks his tongue. "So why are you even here?"

Micheal ignores Kayne and crouched down again. "Little one, did your mother make a home on earth?"

Little Oscar pauses and nods.

Micheal sighs and stands back up. "That means Gabriel paid a visit." He runs his hands through his hair, and he knows that look on Kayne's face as he is putting pieces together.

"They can't get Oscar here, and she told him to get Arthur and Faroe because.... oh..." Kayne frowns, crossing his arms. "That's a right mess."

"As much as we hate each other, we are civil and maybe the other me would actually try to be an uncle like myself, however I know for a fact neither of us are stupid enough to start a petty war over semantics of a treaty made over 200 years ago, but..." Micheal steps inside past Oscar. "Well, that isn't appropriate for children to hear." He turns back to Kayne. "I would congratulate you, but I highly doubt you even understand why I am. This would be simpler if Lucifer was here." He sighs and looks down at the little girl at his feet.

"Are you an angel?" Faroe blinks staring up at Micheal.

Micheal smiles. "I am child."

"Are you going to hurt Oscar?" Faroe puffs out her cheeks, crossing her arms.

Micheal crouched down. "No. I have no ill will towards him nor the other version of him. Even against their mother, we are on good as terms as we could be. I can not say the same about my siblings, but I have a lot to catch up on."

Faroe pauses and nods, and little Oscar rushes out and to her side. "He's weird, though."

Little Oscar nods silently.

"I will take that in account." Micheal sighs, getting back up. "Have you checked?"

Oscar shakes his head. "Little me has been my shadow. I fear he will follow if I go, and well, I wouldn't be able to protect him."

"Smart." Micheal frowns and bites his lip. "Little ones, how about an adventure?"

"My both of my daddys come!" Faroe huffs.

Little Oscar grabs Kayne's hand.

"Mr. Kayne, too!" Faroe nods at little Oscar.

Kayne laughs as Micheal grimaced.

Blind Arthur spoke up, understanding what they are trying to do. "Alright, I believe there's a park not too far from here, and..."

"Movie!" John sounds excited.

Blind Arthur pinches his brow. "We are not going to the movies, John."

"I wanna play in the park! It rained!" Faroe giggles.

Not blind Arthur sighs. "Faroe, we can do something that doesn't involve playing in the mud."

"But I like mud." Faroe huffs.

Little Oscar nods and holds Faroe's hand.

"I say the little girl is right. Playing in the mud is perfectly fine pasttime." Kayne smirks. "You're not gonna win against these two little cuties." He picks up the pair.

Micheal sighs. "Then I suppose I can travel with you, Oscar."

Oscar blinks. "Are you... are you sure?"

Micheal guides Oscar to the kitchen while everyone else discusses what to do. "That Lucifer isn't your mother, but she also kind of is. Demon deals and fractured timeliness are tricky things and even I have a hard time making sense of things in regards to that, but at one moment her and the Lucifer here were one in the same along with everyone else. I can at least protect you if she isn't all back yet." He pats Oscar's back. "War between angels and demons isn't pretty. I don't think this is a full-blown war. Even now, I can assume both sides are still licking their wounds from the last time. However that doesn't mean it wasn't a blood bath."

Oscar swallows and nods. "O-ok, I can take you with me." He holds out his hand. "Let's go now."

Micheal nods and takes Oscar's hand, and the world shifts, and he shudders. The familiar sweet disgusting smell of rot was the first thing that hit him, and unfortunately, it was known to him that angels rot ever so more sweetly than any other creature.

Oscar covered his mouth at the pile of bodies burning in a blue flame. He gagged at the putrid smell and stumbled back into strong arms.

"You should wait a bit longer." Nerophropte voice was eeriely calm.

"Nerophropte." Micheal's face was neutral. "What happened?"

"Always right to the point, but in truth, Gabriel went after Lucifer." Nerophropte frowns. "The other you is helping in clean up and recovery. Gabriel went against direct orders with a fringe group, it seems. Thought my Lucy was busy playing house and was easy to attack."

"How long till the area is cleared and the humans are made to be unaware?" Micheal crossed his arms.

"You creatures are quite fascinating." Nerophropte pauses. "I don't know, I just got Lucifer to sleep. I was distracted, and I didn't know until the ground was stained in your golden blood. Is..."

"Your Oscar is fine." Micheal stops as Oscar swallows and speaks up.

"He stopped talking." Oscar stares at the flickering flames. "He has become my shadow, and when he isn't with me, he is attached to Faroe's side. He barely saw anything except the blade and two torn off wings." He hugs his chest.

Nerophropte moves and hugs Oscar. "Thank you." He smiles softly. "This isn't your fault, and it's not mine, and it's not his either. I'm sure Lucifer warned them before this."

"Nerophropte go back to her." Micheal grabs Oscar's arm. "Just because Kayne accomplished something you haven't yet doesn't mean it's impossible for you. Stay by her side, and it might happen. Keep her safe and resting. We both know the damage she will do if not grounded after this."

Nerophropte nods. "Thank you, Oscar, and Micheal. Make sure you kill the other Gabriel."

"Have you killed them here?" Micheal frowns as Nerophropte hesitates a response. "Find something worse than death for that prick. I don't consider them family, not after this or in my world either for other reasons."

Nerophropte vanishes without a word.

Oscar grips tighter, and they are back to a now empty apartment.

......

Lilith enters through the front door like a ghost. "It's quiet."

Micheal crosses his arms. "Oscar went to sleep." He points to Oscar on the couch, his wings wrapped around him like a blanket.

"Everyone else is out?" Lilith walks softly to the recliner.

"They went to stay with Arthur after a talk." Micheal frowns. "His mate is in the kitchen preparing food. It's unnerving how quiet he can be."

"Tell me, was it a massacre?" Lilith frowns as she sits when Micheal nods. "I am not surprised considering everything, but what does that mean for here?"

"I've got eyes on Gabriel. There's been a rift in heaven since our gates were sealed. Demon sympathizers and anti-war feelings have grown given the time for reflection." Micheal sits on the opposite recliner. "I've grown tired of politics, so I tend to just watch. Sometimes, I desire to fall myself to just go to a place simpler." He shakes his head. "Don't tell Lucifer I told you that."

Lilith has a look of surprise on her features. "I'm sorry you wish to fall?"

Micheal looks to Oscar. "To be honest, I was planning a way when the news of their child was out, but I had a feeling Lucifer would have needed me to stay an angel, for their child and well I was right if things didn't happen as they did." He shifts. "Even now, I wish to fall, but hell is sealed off, and I would be trapped. Oscar needs someone to look out for him. I know he doesn't trust me, and I deserve that, but he's been through too much and..."

"Micheal." Lilith was calm. "Be honest with me. If I made you fall today, would you take it?"

"Yes." Micheal doesn't hesitate.

"I see." Lilith pauses and tosses a black vial to Micheal. "Tell Lucifer he was able to grow up."

"Lilith." Micheal stops holding the vial. "You think."

"I don't know what I think anymore. That boy needs his mother. I hate you, but I respect your decision. I won't hate you any less, but I shall be his eternal guard if you both never return." Lilith sighs. "Drink." She watched Micheal pull out the cork and down the vial. "Do you wish to be in the skies?"

"For what purpose? I am tired of the symbolism." Micheal settles back in his chair as his body grows hot. The gold in his veins begins to taint as he vanishes, leaving a scorched ash on the recliner.

"You really have changed." Lilith finally let's the shock show on her features.

.......

"Lord Lucifer? Lord Lucifer!" A crowd has gathered around the throne. Demons of every status are in the crowd.

Lucifer frowns and kicks their feet up. It was already a madhouse when the mating mark appeared on their skin along with the red eye and white stripe of hair against the contrast of their black locks, and as happy as the completion of the mating bond is, they knew it meant nothing without their other half. "One at a time." Their voice was bored, but held a power that made the crowd silence.

One small imp stood up and moved forward in the group. "A angel has fallen. They caused the gates to open." The small thing shook as Lucifer got up and crouched down to be eye level with the obviously young imp.

"Is what you say the truth?" Lucifer's voice was a deathly calm.

"Y-yes Lord Lucifer." The imp flinched as Lucifer reached out a hand, cupping the imp's face.

Lucifer stands back up. "Is this everyone's announcement?"

The crown murmurs a agreement.

"Fetch the fallen and bring them to the castle put them in the recovery wing." Lucifer motions to the guards who nod and rush out. "Earth has been reopened thanks to the new fallen. I expect the highest gratitude and whatever they request to be met until I return." He walks through the crowd, switching his outfit to a suit with a red tie. "Spread the word the gates are open and welcome our outcast back with open arms." He watches as the crowd dispersed, shouting the joyous news.

"If anyone attempts to follow me or find him before I do, I will maim them." Lucifer smiles as a sudden chill can be felt through hell.

.....

Oscar groans as he sits up, looking around. "Where did Micheal go?"

Lilith smiles softly. "He had something to do. You've slept through the day."

Oscar frowns, looking over to see Dennis asleep in the opposite recliner. "I didn't... I."

"Hush, you're recovering and growing even if you don't think it's possible. It's also been a stressful time for you. You're allowed a day of rest." Lilith smiles softly, getting up. "Let me make you both breakfast."

Oscar sits up, watching her head to the kitchen, and sighs. "Dennis I know you're awake."

Dennis smirks and sits up, straight opening his eyes. "Of course. Are you alright?"

Oscar nods. "Yeah, my back is just a bit sore. I didn't think growing new wings would take this long and be this uncomfortable."

"It's taking this long because you're malnourished and not resting nearly enough." Dennis gets up to sit next to Oscar curling his red tail around Oscar's black tail.

Oscar can feel a blush creep up his cheeks. "Y-you do that on purpose."

"Aye." Dennis smirks. "Where else shall I let my tail rest but with yours?"

"You're a hopeless romantic." Oscar cracks a small smile and sags his shoulders, leaning on Dennis. "Did my dad visit?"

"No, but he did call." Dennis hums softly. "He said he would come by today, and Micheal filled him in on what you two witnessed."

"I know, I asked Micheal to tell him." Oscar sighs. "How's the others?"

"Mini you, still isn't talking, but he is laughing. The two Arthur's finally discussed what happened and the differences, and they settled in Arthur's apartment." Dennis hums softly, rubbing Oscar's back.

Oscar nods and smiles a bit wider.

A sudden noise interrupts the two. "Ah, Oscar, you're awake!" Kayne floated over with a wide smile. "Did you get enough rest? Shall I get you fresh meat?"

"Lilith is making me breakfast, dad." Oscar smiles. "Are you ok? Is the sleeping thing ok?"

"Sleep is odd, and I don't understand the point, but dreams are fun. It's not exactly a good pastime." Kayne laughs. "But it sure passes the time."

Oscar snickers softly.

Dennis smiles.

"Will you be eating?" Lilith leans on the door frame.

"I don't eat." Kayne could feel an itch at the back of his mind. He knew that wasn't the truth, but he couldn't imagine himself eating anything. He knew he saw the snapshot, but it didn't click. Maybe he does need to sleep more.

"Alright, breakfast for three than. It should be done shortly." Lilith smiles.

......

There's a short sharp knock on the door. Dennis gets up after piling Oscar's plate for a third time. "Sit and finish."

"That would be easier if you didn't keep piling my plate." Oscar sighs and smiles.

Dennis chuckles as Kayne floats next to Oscar.

"He's right. You're a growing boy, eat." Kayne ruffles Oscar's hair.

Oscar smiles brighter. "I will."

Lilith hums. "I can always make more."

Dennis hums to himself and opens the door.

A man with mismatched eyes stared at Dennis. He was taller, with a muscular build, his hair was dark brown, nearly black with a stripe of white. He has a goatee with a connecting mustache. He was in a sharp black suit with a blood red tie. He reached out a gloved hand, and his voice was charming enough to raise the hairs on Dennis's neck. "Good morning, sir. You have a few guests that I would need to see."

Dennis could feel a fear deep within him as he stared at this man, one that only Oscar ever stirred in him the day they first met in the broken church while he was slowly bleeding out. His hand lowered to his pocket, where he always kept his piano wire. "Who are you?"

"It would be wise to not grab that. Your draw will not be as fast as mine." The man's lips curled into a cruel smile. "I can assure you my hands are drenched in much more blood than yours could ever hope to be, Dennis." He steps forward and Dennis takes a step back.

Dennis swallows. "Answer me."

The man hums softly. "I don't have to."

Dennis grits his teeth and swallows his fear. He readies to defend this place with his last breaths.

Tension snaps as a soft gasp interrupts the two. "Lucifer?" Lilith pulled Dennis back and went down on a knee bowing her head.

The man crosses his arms and sighs. "Get up, Lilly. It has been a while, but you know how I feel about this."

Lilith scrambles to her feet. "Yes, of course." She swallows and smiles softly. "I have to apologize for not -"

"Don't, I know the truth, and I don't blame you." Lucifer hums. "So why is this contractee here? He's not yours."

Lilith pauses. "Ah, right, his bond with... um, well, it isn't fully formed yet. Dennis barely has buds of his horns, and his tail is still that bright red."

"With who?" Lucifer could feel his tail threaten to tear his belt.

"Your boy has grown up. He has..." Lilith stops watching Lucifer rub his face.

"I nearly killed my son's mate." Lucifer gives a heavy sigh. "I wanted my first impressions to be better than this. My boy was too young. I don't even recognize his scent or claim." He takes a breath. "Where is he? Where is Oscar?"

"Before you see him..." Lilith swallows. "I must inform you he isn't in the best state, after what happened he was -"

"Lilith, I don't care, how he looks and what he chose to do after he grew up. If he's hurt, I will help him. If he's scared, then I shall wait an eternity. I just need to see him once more." Lucifer walks past Lilith and goes to the sound of soft chatter. The sound of his heels pulls the gaze of both talking in the kitchen.

Kayne swallows, staring at the man. "You stole my eye."

Lucifer smiles. "To be loved is to be changed. You stole my eye."

"It appears I have." Kayne sinks down till his feet are on the floor.

Oscar is quiet studying the man in the doorframe. He pushes his half eaten food away before he gets up. He holds his tail like a security blanket and cautiously walks toward the two. "H-hello."

Lucifer's features melt into a soft expression as he walked past Kayne and softly cupped Oscar's face. "You've become a fine man."

"Have I?" Oscar can feel himself shake holding his tail tighter.

"You have." Lucifer pulls Oscar into a hug, and he can feel her boy start to cry. He rubs his back. "Nero-"

"Kayne, I go by Kayne now." Kayne says before he is grabbed and pulled into the hug.

"You can call yourself whatever you please, but you are a part of this." Lucifer purrs softly.

"I am." Kayne smiles as soft as he is capable of. "I don't remember much of us."

"Are you still you?"

"I don't know."

"Well, then we just have to start again, but first." Lucifer pulls away and picks up Oscar bridal style. "You are way too light. Hasn't your mate been feeding you?"

Oscar rubs his eyes and then covers his face. "I uh..."

"I can fix that." Lucifer smiles. "My little shy boy, I'm going to have to teach your father how to cook all over again. It was such a disaster the first time."

Kayne could feel a soft bubble of laughter come from his lips, and something wet roll down his cheeks. "I don't think I was that bad."

"You think that because you can't remember. Come on, I'll lay you on the couch, and then I'll apologize to your mate. I may have threatened him." Lucifer hums, snapping his fingers clearing the table.

.......

Noel unlocks the door because this is better than having the kids just appear inside. "Alright, one at a time, and remember this is a short visit, Oscar still needs to heal." He watches Faroe hold little Oscar's hand and go inside.

Faroe stops because a man she doesn't recognize is inside, and she pulls her Oscar behind her. "Who are you?"

The man chuckles. "You two don't belong here." He crouched down and smiled. "Why are you two here?"

Oscar tugs on Faroe's hand and whispers something in her ear, and she lets out a long oh. "Hi, other Lucy."

Lucifer chuckles again a bit louder. "What brings you two here, huh?"

"We wanted to check on Big Oscar." Faroe smiles.

Little Oscar nods still behind Faroe.

"Lucifer Morningstar." Hastur spoke up, manifesting on Noel's shoulders. "The gates are no longer sealed."

"They are not." Lucifer stands back up. "How amusing you've gotten yourself in this situation."

"I am happy where I am, consort." Hastur huffs.

Noel sighs. "Is Oscar in?"

"He is." Lucifer hums. "He's with Dennis, just down the hall and in their room. Make sure you knock first." He watches the pair of kids run down the hall.

"Do you know what has changed?" Hastur hums.

"Not everything, but I am with my son, and that is what matters to me. Ner-Kayne, I do have to get used to his new name, but I understand his memory is well, not the best, and recovering it will take time. However, I don't mind. Come, I'll make you both tea."

"Thank you." Noel follows Lucifer into the kitchen. "Must be strange being back."

"In a sense, but it's fine. I'll adapt as I have before. I just wish I could have protected Oscar better, but he still grew into a good man, and that's all I could really ask for. I am a stranger to him. He knows an alternate me, and I appreciate that she cared for him to really start the actual healing." Lucifer sighs. "It's not too late to fix the damage, but it will take time, and that is something I have an abundance of."

Noel nods. "After everything, you still have hope."

"Can't you say the same for yourself?" Lucifer hums as the kettle whistles. "I know a lot of things, and the dead talk, Charlie."

Noel stiffens.

"He doesn't blame you." Lucifer hums pouring the hot water. "One of the rare humans who got through after the gates were sealed. Things humans don't understand is that the afterlife doesn't mean heaven and hell, it's just hell. That doesn't mean everyone is tormented."

"What do you mean by that?" Noel sounded scared.

"Hell is split in three parts the part you mortals know. My home and the homes of the beings that are born there are. The actual afterlife and all that entails. The afterlife is where the spirits who well exist and aren't evil go. You can remain there as long as you like or choose to reincarnate. Most don't even know they are in hell. It's a separate infinite land full of everyone who chooses to remain. Charlie is smart he figured it out faster than most, and even still, he chose to forgo his peaceful eternity to take the reigns of turning to a reaper or a human turn demon. He talked about not liking the retirement and in-laws getting on his nerves. Of course, that doesn't mean he can't return. He just can't stay."

"What did you do to him?" Noel swallows.

"Nothing he didn't request. Don't look disgusted it was his own choice. Tell me if you had an eternity of peace, would you take it? Would you choose to live again as a stranger? Or would you choose what he did?" Lucifer smiles, knowing he was right. "Of course, that isn't possible now. However, if you ever choose to visit I can arrange something."

"I do not like your realm." Hastur growls as Noel is handed his mug of tea.

"You do not like it because you hold no power in hell, unlike on earth or your realm or the outer realms." Lucifer sips his tea. "You are strong, but your powers are ineffective against mine and vice versa."

Noel holds the mug close to his face. "Does he really forgive me?"

"Yes, he does. Hastur, well, you'll have to explain that to him yourself." Lucifer hums softly.

"I figured as much, but thank you." Noel smiles. "Thank you for that."

"Of course." Lucifer pauses at the sound of small feet running is heard till the two are in the kitchen with them. "Did you two get what you wanted?"

Oscar is behind them, smiling softly. Little Oscar and Faroe are both in a red robe way too big, even with the two wearing it together.

"Sharing clothes, Oscar?" Noel smiles into his mug.

Oscar chuckles. "They both took it upon themselves to put it on."

Faroe giggles. "It's big and soft!"

Little Oscar nods and shares a big smile.

"I can see that." Lucifer hums. "Now, are you two going to show that off to everyone?"

"Can we?" Faroe looks up at Oscar.

"Of course you can." Oscar smiles, ruffling both kids' hair. "I do have another if you two don't want to sha- " He stops as the pair vanish. "At least I know they aren't going back to their world."

"If I may, why are they here?" Lucifer didn't like the grimace on his son's face.

"Um... Gabriel visited, and um..." Oscar stops.

"Don't say another word. I understand." Lucifer motions for Oscar to come and sit with them. "Your father went to visit hell, he's fine."

"O-oh ok." Oscar takes a seat across from Noel.

"You look less pale." Noel smiles and puts his mug down. "Everything alright?"

"Just a bit sore still, but I'm doing ok, really." Oscar combs through the fur on his left arm. "Just a lot at the moment, and I just need to process. Are you guys alright?"

"We are fine." Hastur speaks for Noel. "The children are quite good at filling our time."

"Hastur loves the kids." Noel chuckles at the scoff. "Both Arthur's are fine, and John has been teaching the kids to write while Arthur sleeps. John and Hastur are competing to get the kids' favor."

"We are not, and if we were, I am winning they like to paint better than those letters." Hastur growls.

Oscar smiles, flashing his teeth. "It sounds like you guys are handling things fine."

"We are." Noel smiles and hums.

.......

[the-silver-peahen-residence]

||Horror Book Chapter 5: A Hacker kidnapping Part 1||

*Waving* Hi dears, I'm back with another chapter to the horror book. It seems I still will continue this like I said but I was lost on what to write. So, lets see what this chapter presents. If you wish to read the others so far, chapter list is down below.

~~Book chapters~~

Horror book one: Bloody game of Hide and seek

Horror book two: Darkness of one self

Horror book three: How to Be Evil: Scared Straight Beyond Prank Part 1

Horror book three: How to be Evil: Scared Straight Beyond Prank part 2

Horror book four: Hunting grounds

((Your reading horror book 5 right now))

||Warning||

~Will have horror in the drabble

~Blood and maybe gore will be seen in this

~Scary themes will be also seen as well

~Dark themed is present in this drabble

~~Drabble Summary~~

Lets say it was a nice cool afternoon with the two hackers Mouse and Jellyfish were hanging out together since the others tell them to get out more. So they were hanging out at a shop together doing so. However, that's when a weird message was sent to them. What was the message? Read to find out.

((Guests in this drabble))

Jellyfish belongs to my rp partner/friend @demon-blood-youths

Mouse belongs to me and a guest visit from BLT a NPC villain from a old thread will be showing up.

((Just a heads up: Grammar is not good and their will be heavy mistakes but this was written for fun so please enjoy. ))

"Oh come on Fosh you know it's true! I was shocked about it myself when I tested it and now it works flawlessly!" Fosh was drinking some soda while looking at a new coding work she was doing for a while now. Today was a off day for the two hackers known in New York City;

Fosh A.K.A Jellyfish of the DBT and Serena A.K.A Mouse of the Cursed Vixens. They were hanging out this sunny afternoon near a local tea shop drinking some frozen drinks while she was showing off some new things she was working on.

"I know, you told me a lot. I was curious to what you were doing but this is amazing Mouse." He laughed that Mouse smiled to him.

"Thanks Fosh but I had a reason to why I spent so long on it." she sees him look confused.

"And that is?"

"Well....I was actually making this for ummmm...you. As a thank you gift for helping with the hacking site remade. Thanks to you, many hackers have been visiting and most have been connecting and working together." she was happy for that and yet, this made Fosh blink to feel his cheeks flush. Mouse was happy about that and when he offers to help out, it felt good being able to help her in any way he can since she does the same for him.

"Oh, I see. well, it's no problem. I just wanted to help you after what happened to your site when you showed me how badly damaged dit was from being infected. However, I'm glad to see everything is better now." He sees her smile that Mouse giggled.

"Yeah but even so, I'm still thank you for it. Though, I'm also happy that we get to hang out even more now. That or our teams tells us to just have fun." she smiled eating some of her brownie that Fosh laughed to agree while pushing his glasses up.

"True. I do enjoy hanging out with you a lot Mouse I..." He blinks to see her look at him but his cheeks burn to look away clearing his throat. "A..anyway! Maybe after this we can walk around for a bit." He said with Mouse agreeing.

"That sounds nice." she smiled as the two hackers did continue relaxing for a bit while talking. However, a few people was watching them in the distance but they knew they found the hackers here in New York City. When keeping a eye on them, a cell phone was buzzing for the guy to pick it up.

"Yes sir?"

'Did you find them?' a male voice was heard as the other holding it looks ahead.

"Yes; as the pictures show it's them alright." He said hearing a giggle on the other line.

'Good good...be sure you follow but bring them to me. I want them fresh and alive so they are ready for a little..examination. I can't wait to see what they hide...just don't be seen..' he said.

"Yes sir." the guy lowers the phone when the other on the line hangs up as the other men watches them from the black car that was parked.

Later on that afternoon, both the hackers were walking down the pathway through the park chatting on some random things, both looking ahead with a smile. This was not bad for a day off but now they wish they could hang a little longer. Though, their friends were waiting for them to come back home. As Mouse and Fosh walked about, that's when the two get a ping from their cellphones.

"Hmm?"

"Huh, seems our teams are checking on us again.." Fosh said lifting up his cellphone to check. As he did, he checks seeing some new message from a unknown phone number.

"What the...." Who's number was this? And how did it get his? He looks silent but looks to see Mouse showing a confused look as well.

"Hey Mouse? Did you just get a new message from this unknown number?" He asked seeing her look to him.

"Yeah, I did. That's odd. I wonder if the person who sent it must have gotten the wrong number." she said but the hackers looked quiet then back at their phones. They decided to check and open the messages. When they did, their eyes slowly reads then widens slowly in shock and looked nervous.

The message first showed a rather disturbing picture of someone laying on the ground but their head was missing like it was cut off. However, the head was sitting on a table with needles, and other things in their cut open head.

The message says this:

Unknown caller

((Text:)) I wish to meet you. I know your the best hackers in New York...but...I'm excited to see what you have in store. Lets hope you do better than the last ones I've found. Good luck.

"........."

"........"

Both Mouse and Fosh's eyes were wide but Mouse was covering her mouth feeling like she was going to be sick. Fosh was shocked as his hand shook just slightly seeing the image. What the fuck? Who would some something like this to them!?

"....F..fosh, what the hell is going on? Who would even send something like this?" she said checking to try finding the main source of the number.

"I don't know but I don't like it. If someone is playing some sort of prank, it's not funny." He said disturbed seeing the picture but judging how it looks, it seems really real to him and Mouse.

"....Hmmm, m-maybe we should tell our teams about this and we can figure something out. Were you able to find the source of who sent this?" He said but as Mouse was trying to with this number, it didn't show anything confusing her.

"Strange..I can't find where the source of this number came from. It shows no link to anything or just unknown." she mutters nervous but this worried Fosh. Just who send this and why? However, now he gets this disturbing feeling of something being wrong. Horribly wrong.

Trying to remain calm, he takes her hand to see Mouse look at him.

"Come on, lets just head back. We need to do something about this." he said with Mouse nodding to agree. Both Hackers were hurrying along the path to try getting back into town which took a few minutes. The two were back in the city a few minutes later seeing it was going to turn to evening soon. They were trying to hurry along to their fractions for the time being.

When they were heading through Times square, their phones buzzed to make the two look nervous. Was it from that same number again? Unsure, they slowly lifts their phones to check seeing the message:

Unknown number

((Text)): 'Well, I hope you had time to relax because now..the games will begin.'

"Game?" she asked more confused and Fosh was too. Mouse said nothing but held her phone to text back.

((Text)): Alright you creep. Who are you? Why are you messaging us and sent this pic? What do you want?

((Text)): 'Oh, I can't say right now. That will ruin the surprise. Besides, you'll find out soon enough so just wait..I promise you'll both find this very fun...'

"Surprise? What did they mean by that?" she mutters not liking this but even Fosh was confused. However, as she tried to respond back, a black car suddenly drives up right in front of the hackers making both Fosh and Mouse stop.

"!?!" Both stops to move back wondering what the heck is wrong with the driver only to see the doors open to two some guys coming out trying to grab them!

"What the hell!?" Mouse struggles with Fosh doing the same.

"Who are you guys!? Let go!" Fosh shouted but that's when Mouse saw them showing two needles with purple liquid inside. This made the two tense getting the feeling something bad was in those needles.

This made the two start thrashing a lot more. As the needles were about to pierce their necks, Mouse shocks the one holding her as he shouts in pain but Jellyfish saw her shock the other one that's holding him, giving him the chance to shove the other away from him. In that moment, Mouse takes his hand with them running down the sidewalk away from them.

"Get up! After them!" One said as they ran away from the black car and the guys who was getting back in their cars. Both Fosh and Mouse were panting running down the street before making a sharp turn through a pathway away. What is happening and who were they!? What did they want with the hackers!

"Who were they!? What do they want with us!?" Fosh said running beside Mouse as she was running.

"I don't know but I don't want to find out!" she said running. "We gotta contact the fractions and let them know." she saw Fosh nod as they move forward.

When the two made it out of the alleyway back on the street, another car pulls up in front of them before she shield her eyes and Fosh too. That's when the same car from behind shows but two guys came out to grab the hackers from behind and splits them apart.

As they struggle, two guys pressed a cloth against their mouths and noses as they muffled shout from it. The smell was strong making them feel dizzy and light headed. They tried to stay away to kick and thrash before their eyes felt heavy. Fosh and Mouse tries to fight it but after a while it was too much. Both hackers closed their eyes, passing out in the kidnapper's arms.

"Come on, get them in the car. Lets get out of here.." One guy sees the two carry the hackers away into a car but made work of tying their wrists in ropes.

When they moved them, their cellphones were dropped on the ground. The two guys steps on them suddenly, breaking them. They get in the car to quickly drive off with them that early evening leaving the broken phones there.

~~~~~Later that night~~~~~~~

A fan was moving slowly in a locked up room as a knocked out Fosh was laying on his side on the floor. He didn't move for some time now after the strong smell knocked him out. In a moment, something drips on his face to make him twitch and stir awake a little. Fosh turns his head to groan with a headache.

"Ughhhhh......" His eyes wince or shut tight for a moment till he slowly opens his blue eyes that was showing a blurry sight. He shifts again, blinking once then twice to see he was somewhere else.

'W..wait...where.....' he slowly closes his eyes but slowly tries to move his arms but couldn't to make him stop. Snapping out of it, he looks to see that his wrists were tied together with rope.

'W..why are my wrists chained like this!? What is going on!?' he thought in a slight panic but he looks seeing he was not outside but in some room? He looks around but then down at his dirty clothing to see that everything he had with him was gone. His laptop, his tazer, everything!

"W..what is going on here!? Why are my wrists tied up like this!? What is....." that's when he stops talking when remembering something. Or someone. Where was Mouse!? He looks around but he saw someone else knocked out by him. Familiar red hair that was not in the braid but loose, dirty clothing like Fosh's own with her wrists tied down. Right away, Fosh knew who it was.

"Mouse!? Mouse!!" He gets up from the floor to quickly rush over to her side. "Hey, Mouse, wake up! Hey, wake up please!!" He gently shakes her as he sees her not respond for a moment before she twitched with a weak groan.

"Nnnnmmm..." his eyes widen to see Mouse slowly turn her head in his direction to open her eyes. "F...Fosh?" Oh thank god, she was alright! He careful helps her sit up from the ground while seeing she was not harmed. Seems everything she had was taken as well; her holo pad and watch.

"Yeah, it's me. Are you okay?" he asked seeing her wince but shake her head.

"Y..Yeah, I'm alright but..where are we?" she asked slowly looking around seeing the room. Mouse noticed they were somewhere else as well.

"I..I don't know but I don't like it. Do you think we been.." he said but she looks worried to get what he is saying.

"Y...You think we were kidnapped??? No way....Who would want to kidnap us?" she didn't get it and yet it leaves her feeling nervous.

"Even so, we need to find a way out of here before whoever kidnapped us comes to see us awake." he said.

"Yeah...but we need to find a way out of these ropes first." she said but as the two try to think of something, that's when they heard something near the door of this room. Slow footsteps echoed from the hallway but it was growing louder telling them it was heading to this room!

"......" Both Fosh and Mouse slowly looks over to see that the door open, showing someone standing there. The two hackers looks to see the shadowed image of the person but they looked quiet.

"Hey, who are you!? Were you the one that kidnapped us?" Mouse said but the person said nothing, slowly walking into the room towards them. Both Fosh and Mouse shifts back seeing the other walking in but a light chuckle was heard.

"..Hehehehe finally...finally I found you two after such a long time. Jellyfish and Mouse; the hackers of NYC." the voice sounded like a older male as the two looked confused but that changed to horror seeing the man step into the light.

He was wearing some weird lap coat, some gloves that covered his hands, his hair was messy but covering his eyes and a sickening smile. He wore a black shirt and jeans with running shoes as well. But the more disturbing part? He was covered in blood. And holding some scalpel in his right hand. What the hell is going on?!

Fosh and Mouse's eyes widen in horror seeing the blood on him but they move back till he was close to them. Their backs pressed against the wall looking up at this guy. He bends down on one knee to get a close up at the two. Though that creepy smile didn't go away.

"Such pretty new test subjects. I know you both are so smart so you'll be perfect to add to my book....when I get the chance to look inside of your brains first." He snickered in a creepy way.

"W..what are you talking about!?" Fosh said as Mouse moves her head from his glove hand.

"Yeah! And don't touch us!" she said only for him to chuckle.

"Ohhh but I can. Besides, you both can't get away that easily..thanks to my serum you both can't even use your demonic abilities for a while but I won't say how long though......" he smiled but Fosh and Mouse blinks before looking nervous. What did he mean by that!?

"Your lying! Let us go!" she demands only for him to chuckle.

"You don't believe me? Go ahead and try to shock me or leave..." he said petting their heads.

"Stop touching us!" she said now trying to shock him....

But nothing happened.

He was smiling all fine as she was looking scared. Even Fosh tried to teleport away but nothing happened.

"I..I can't teleport.....then that means-" Mouse and Fosh felt him grab their shirts and shoves them both back hard against the wall as he walks over to smile.

"Yessss; now you get it. That serum you both have has made you powerless..mean I get to have fun wrecking your minds...just like the other hackers I've kidnapped." he smiled but the other two got more nervous.

"Others? Their are others here?" she asked only for the man to chuckle.

"Yes but I already cleaned them of any thought in their minds. Their was so much more I had to do after finishing with them and then I remembered the last mission I got when it involves...you two. Finally, even after so long..I have you both.." He smiled.

"S...stay away from us! Who the hell are you!?" Mouse shouted but the male smile to grab her hair to force her on her knees.

"Mouse!" Fosh tries to do something but he was grabbed too. The two hackers were struggling as the man laughed.

"You both forgot about me? How mean......you should know; I was the one that corrupted your site..." He said but that made Mouse tense up. Her eyes widen to look at him. No way; it couldn't be. Was it..

"Y..Y..You...BLT....your that psycho hacker...." she whispered that Fosh was more scared now. It was him!? How did he find them!!!!

"Yes, the one and only...It's so nice to see that I have new friends to break but....I can't break you so soon. If I do, they I'll end up killing you by mistake." He laughed that made the hackers pale. Kill them!? What was he planning.

"Though...Lets not rush.." He said dropping the two but Fosh and Mouse on the ground smiling. He then slowly walks back over closer to them to walk over reaching behind him for something. "I always wanted to find you both but...thanks to all that hard work of looking..I found you....and now.." that's when he pulls out something to show it more knives soaked in blood.

"!?!"

"Now.....I wonder what you both hide.." He snickered walking over to them as Fosh and Mouse keeps their backs against the wall. Mouse was trying to think even if she was scared. The same with Fosh. BLT gets close to the two as he smiled looking at them.

"Now now, don't be scared. It'll hurt for a second..I wanna get a few stabs before cutting you both us and killing you. I'm sure you'll be wonderful with so much knowledge..I need to see what makes you tick." He laughed suddenly swiping his blades towards them!

Right away, both dodge on either side to fall on the ground. Mouse and Fosh quickly get up getting away from BLT who was slowly standing and turning to see them.

"Come on now..don't make this hard...just behave yourselves..and let me open you up!" He laughed to attack when they quickly dodge again. BLT slam into the ground hard as he twitched but his body relaxed laughing to creep the two out. BLT stood up but quickly tries to attack as both the two hackers dodge. Mouse and Fosh wince from falling before they quickly get up even with wrists tied to run out.

"Fosh Run! Just run!" she said with him following. The room was empty but BLT slowly chuckled to stand and cracked his neck. "Is that how we are doing this? Ooooooo I always loved chasing them down......but if they wanna play.." He snickered now running after.

'Lets play..' he smirked as the chase begins.

[futures-gift]

Continuing from this post:

Penelope entered the basement, looking at all the old box's as she entered seeming quite bored. "Get to visit some fancy G.U.N base and they didn't even let us see anything cool," the porcupine complained as she looked at the various box's after having snuck away from her school group that was leaving. She was sure it wouldn't be long before they realized she was missing, though she can run back pretty fast. Just a quick look for something actually cool. Penelope ran a hand on one box, though had to start waving her hand around and coughed slightly due to all the dust she stirred up. "Seriously? Why do they even have whatever this stuff is if they clearly aren't using it?" The porcupine asked aloud as she waved off the last of the dust. Guess G.U.N just loved to waste money if given the chance. This is why she isn't a fan of them, among other reason's. Penelope walked around some more before seeing a glowing green light further in so she walked over to the source and saw some sort of device on the floor. The porcupine picked it up, looking it over a few times. "Is this one of those old school game things?" She asked herself, starting to press a few buttons on it to see what would happen. Surely nothing bad, right?

As the porcupine examines the boxes, Nicole listens in on her complaints. Gun base? G.U.N.? Is she talking about the human organization back in her home dimension? They're here too? . . . This could prove to be a serious problem. If this world's G.U.N. was in contact with the G.U.N. back on her Mobius, they'd know the things she was capable of. They would determine her to be a threat. They would destroy her. She was dangerous.

...but as far as Nicole knew, G.U.N. wasn't a multi-dimensional organization. If they were, why didn't they exploit that capability to their advantage? It must be a coincidence. A different organization by the same name. That's all.

They'll hunt me down to the end of time and space itself.

Nicole takes a moment to clear her thoughts. She has to stay focused; this girl might be her only ticket out of here. She only has enough power to run for a few months, and if she runs out of power, who knows when she'd wake up again -- if she ever did.

Suddenly, the laptop is picked up by the curious girl treating it like a toy. "Hey! Careful! I'm not a game! I'm a very advanced piece of technology!" Her image appearing on the screen, Nicole reveals herself to lecture the poor, unaware girl. "Don't go around pressing buttons on strange devices you don't know! What if you got hurt?!"

This would have been avoided if I didn't get caught up in my own thoughts and just greeted her first, huh? And I'm not 'old school' either. Hmph.

"But yes. I do have games. I think." What qualifies as a game to people here? Tetris? Do people like Tetris here? It's a pretty simple game to make, right? It's basic and addicting enough to be ubiquitous throughout reality, surely.

"Do you like stacking little blocks in a row? I have a game that does that, but that's about it." A window with the game opens up on the screen for the girl to play.

[favarion]

I just have to post something I've already written so that I don't feel like I'm losing my grip on my stories for good :)

-> After spending a really nice evening with Frieda, the two of them are back in Sophia's neighbourhood. The duck called Paddle is relaxing on a mountain of unsorted laundry and doesn't even notice them. The engineer corrected herself inwardly: she had definitely seen Paddle, but ignored him after the little head lifted briefly.

The women had changed together, brushed their teeth and returned to their quarters ready for bed. Sophia had just helped Liv onto the mattress and looked at her for a moment as if enchanted, while Liv tapped away on her CAM.

After a while, her girlfriend snapped Sophia out of her admiration with her voice: "Are you coming to bed too or are you just going to enjoy watching me from afar?"

"Are we being impatient?"

"How can you possibly be patient when it comes to cuddling with you, Emmi. Don't be silly," she replied, grinning broadly, whereupon the engineer lay down in bed with Liv, giggling. With one arm around the officer, Sophia asked: "Better?"

"Better."

Sophia kissed her on the forehead while Liv continued to cuddle up to her.

At some point, as Sophia was stroking Liv's shoulder, the officer raised her voice: "Tell me, Emmi, I need to ask you something..."

Sophia waited with a curious look for the actual question. Liv avoided looking her directly in the face and did so with a clearly anxious expression on her face, something that was rarely seen on her. She briefly squeezed her eyes shut, took a deep breath, seemed to gather her courage and yet continued to look away.

To give her the little bit of courage that was obviously still missing, Sophia hugged her a little tighter, kissed her on the forehead and said, "Whatever it is, I'm with you and I'm not going anywhere."

Liv drew in a sharp intake of air through her lips before she made her request: "You know we're flying to the ... the ... Rangariy ..." She stopped and narrowed her eyes as if expecting a punishment, but Sophia replied encouragingly: "Yes, I know. What's your point?"

"When we get there, I'd like to go with you to Dante's grave..."

Liv exhaled audibly, as if she had just been running. The engineer's anger had boiled up at the very mention of the strangers and it had cost her a great deal to remain calm, as she had immediately seen the news reports in her mind's eye. However, this image of horror was not the only one that had shaped her thoughts, because there was also the memory of that date on Soberil Five and their first kiss. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't easy for Liv either.

She realised that it would be hard to meet the strangers, but how could they expect Liv to change if she wasn't ready for it herself? She noticed almost casually how Liv began to tremble. A barely noticeable tremor, but she could feel it clearly.

With a slight shiver of uncertainty in her voice, Sophia spoke: "I can't promise you that I'll ever be able to accept them and not see them as the monsters my nanny warned me about, but we will go to Dante's grave. I promise you that ... Is there a particular reason why you want to visit him?"

To the engineer's surprise, the officer's trembling ended with her question and it still took a seemingly endless moment before she replied: " There is indeed..."

Sophia smiled hesitantly to ease the situation.

"Do you want to tell me? You don't have to if you don't feel ready, Liv."

"I have an important question to ask you and I know that you - that I - imagined it under different circumstances, but we are at war..."

Liv's eyes became misty and she swallowed audibly. There it was again, the trembling in her limbs. She held her breath for a moment and whispered after another breath: "Romance is expensive in times like these, but this: Peace - is priceless. That's why there's no better time, because when the bullets fly it's too late..."

She took a deep breath and her muscles tensed. For the first time in this conversation, Liv looked back up at Sophia as an anxious smile stole across her features.

"I love you with all my broken heart and mind, Sophia. I never want to leave your side again and be a home to you..."

"Yes, I do"

Liv's eyes suddenly widened and her anxious smile turned into one of disbelief. Barely able to contain her happiness, the officer heaved a sigh of relief while Sophia hugged her fiancée tightly. With the same tears of joy in her eyes, the engineer whispered: "Everything starts anew tomorrow..." <-

[gvldntrbl]

-🌺-

"Yes, you did." Daphne agreed in a gentle but firm voice. "But more importantly, you hurt yourself, Torben. And, for some reason, I think that you believed that you weren't deserving of whatever forgiveness would've been given to you, had you come home sooner." She shared. The healer wasn't a therapist, that was Antonia's area of expertise, but the nymph was more attentive than some assumed of her. "And that's the most heartbreaking thing out of all, if you ask me." When Torben spoke of being unable to shake his lack of consideration of others, for lack of better phrasing, Daphne laughed. It was an empty sound. "You should. Being unwilling to change will leave you even more isolated than you made yourself these past thirty years, Torben. Which it sounds like you don't want to be, anymore." Alone and without community, at least that's what it felt like was one of the roots for Torben's return. At their core, nymphs, turned into other species or not, were community based creatures. Mother Nature had not, in fact, made them to be alone. That much, even Daphne knew.

"And did they?" She asked Torben, an eyebrow quirking in his direction. Hell, she was curious if he'd been correct in his assumption. "It is." She replied before a thought came to her. "Do you know what distance does? What absence does? It makes you romanticize and overthink on things. And sometimes, it makes you think so much that you start to misremember things and people as they were." Daphne informed him. A partial smile tugged at the corner of Daphne's lips when he, once again, spoke of his parents' marriage. "You know... the thing about marriages? Is that they always look different to those who see than those who're actually in them." The nymph shared, almost cryptically. "But you're not in their marriage. How do you know what's really out of the norm for them? Other than what they've let you see."

Daphne chuckled, dark brown eyes rolling in their sockets when he asked if she wanted to see him when he visited Iris. "I'm not going to ignore you in my own home, Torben." She continued chuckling. "Goddess, you return from the metaphorical grave and somehow become awkward. Something you've never been, if my memory's correct." Daphne shook her head. "Yes, I would like to see you. Hell, I might pay for you some therapy sessions too. Nature knows it feels like you could use them." She paused. "As for this new life. What is it? What have you been doing all this time?"

Torben gave a nod, "I am sorry for my actions. How I just went on about my life acting like I was dead to everyone. I know I hurt a lot of people." He gave a nod, "Yeah, I can't and won't blame them for it. I know what I did wasn't funny or cool, or even a good decision. I thought it was but I know it wasn't now." Torben smiled, "it never really has but uh.. honestly I can't really shake it." Torben gave a nod, "I know, and those feelings are very, very valid and I know I'm not gonna get everyone back just by showing up."

"Dad and Skai were the main ones I expected to bust both sides of my jaw." He smiled, "but I really couldn't blame anyone else that did either." He laughed and gave a nod, "is it that obvious? No, I really didn't. Saw dad in that bar and I... I had watched him for a few years and each year the want to tell him got stronger and stronger. He'd beat me out most times. Leave before I got the courage." His brow raised, "I mean some things are obviously different about them but nothing too out of the norm." Things he remembered about them, he could tell there was something but assumed it was him being back that was throwing them off.

He shrugged, "I've set up weekly visits here with my parents. I'll probably be stopping by to see Iris as well, which throws you into the mix, if you want. Being an active member of society again, while merging my new life with my old one and inviting my people to know who I am now. Well, the parts they would want to know anyway."