#And. That’s good. Because while Halloween is not exactly celebrated here

[mothisash]

Why do humans have to sleep anyway? Why can’t I get 24 hours in my 24 hour day. I need those. I actually need more hours in my day. I have so much to do.

[spencereidluver]

H is for Hold My Hand

october 31, 2008

summary:  You take a cocky, halloween loving Spencer to a haunted house for his first time. He underestimates how scary it actually is going to be, and ends up being taught a very valuable lesson.

word count: 1.1k

warnings: details of a haunted house. nothing  bad though

Spencer Reid was a big Halloween fan. He loved dressing up and going to haunted houses and eating candy. He was a kid at heart, maybe because he never truly had a childhood. 

This year, you decided to take him to a haunted house on the outside of town. It was an old abandoned house that had been boarded up and condemned for years. A few years back, a family bought it and renovated it, turning it into a movie style horror building. It was one of the top spots in the entirety of Quantico during the month of October.

You decided to take your horror-loving boyfriend there as not only a late birthday gift, but also as a way to celebrate halloween. Because let's be honest, two mid-twenty year olds trick or treating isn’t exactly socially acceptable. After going out for a semi-nice dinner, you and Spencer drove 17 miles east to visit the haunted house.

“You know, I’ve never actually been to a haunted house,” Spencer said to you. His eyes were focused on the road as he made gentle movements of the steering wheel with his left hand. His right hand rested on the midsection of your thigh, gripping ever so slightly.

“Really?” You said. You ran your fingers over his, following the bumps of his knuckles.

“Nope. I’ve always wanted to go but never had anyone to go with.”

“Well, now you do.” He smiled, turning his head and giving you a quick peck on the lips. It took Spencer a few weeks to get used to kissing you. For a while, he would ask every time. Last week, the two of you went to the theater on a date. As this was a silent audience, he didn’t want to interrupt. About half way through the show, you felt the buzz of your phone. “Can I kiss you?” a text from Spencer read. You couldn’t help but giggle out loud, which got you a few shushes. You didn’t mind too much, leaning over and giving him a big kiss. 

Kissing Spencer was something straight out of a romance novel. He had this certain way about him, he was always so passionate. The way his lips moved perfectly in sync with yours was something unpredictable. You always imagined him being a good kisser, with practice of course, but he’d clearly done research.

Spencer pulled into the parking lot of the destination. The owners of the house tore down the shed in the back to pave an area. It’s almost as if they know they’d be a city-wide success. 

It was still slightly light outside, the sun having yet to set. You wanted to wait until dark to go inside. You wanted Spencer’s first haunted house experience to be memorable. Of course, anything with him was memorable, however, you wanted to make this extra special for him. After all, Halloween was sort of his thing, and you were sort of his girl-thing. 

You grab Spencer’s hand and turn to look at him. “Hey,” you say, ensuring to keep your voice calm and steady, “I’m not saying you will, but if you do happen to get too scared, we can leave.”

“Y/n, I’m sure I’ll be fine,” he says. “I work for the damn FBI.”

“I know Spence, but this is different.” “Yeah. It’s fake.”

He really didn’t know what he was getting into.

“Yeah, it’s fake, but it almost makes it more scary. The people here can touch you, and it’s loud, and basically it’s all the stuff you hate grouped into one thing that you somehow love.”

“If it makes you feel better, I’ll tell you if I’m scared. But I’ll be fine, y/n.”

He was completely clueless. For one, you were going to prove him wrong. You just knew it. The two of you exit the car, meeting in the front and interlocking hands. Spencer rubs his thumb on the back of your palm and swings your arm back and forward with your steps. 

As you approached the steps to the house, Spencer’s hand began sweating. Yeah, he was nervous, but he’d never ever admit it. He liked to seem strong in front of you, though he’d be the first one to cry if he stepped on a bug. There was something so innocent about him. He just, he was different. 

_____

The line to get in was long, but it moved fast. The entryway to the house was filled with those fake spiderwebs. Those always made Spencer sneeze. The majority of your time in there was spent with Spencer’s arm over his mouth and you trying to convince the people ahead of you he wasn’t sick. 

As you approached the entrance to the basement- where the haunted house started- Spencer began to get giddy. He was so excited, like a kid in a candy store. Except he was a Spencer in a scary house that he was allergic to.

You enter the doorway to the steps that lead to the basement. Spencer trails behind you, walking a little slowly and paying careful attention to each spooky detail on the wall. He held a loose grip on your hand and let you lead him down the stairs. 

As you enter the actual attraction his grip tightens significantly. There was a coffin slightly ajar that had fake blood dripping out from the bottom. A plastic severed hand lay at the gape of the door. Spencer inched closer to you and hid his face in your hair. You silently laughed to yourself and continued walking forward.

As you continued through the basement, there was lots of fake blood and red stained sheets covering walls and pieces of furniture. They did a good job of creepifying this place. There was a fog machine plugged in somewhere, and from out of the fog popped a man draped head to toe in blood stained clothing. He jumped out in front of you and Spencer, screaming into your faces. He then ran back into the fog, knocking over a stack of ceramic plates causing a loud crash. Spencer jumped. Literally, jumped. He pressed his body into yours, attempting to hide behind you. You turn around to look at him.

“You sure you can handle this, Spence?” You ask him. “We can leave if you want to.”

“No, I’m fine. Can you just hold my hand?” He answers, looking into your eyes, almost as if he was too scared to grab your hand himself. You smile at him, taking his hand and dragging him to the next room and through the rest of the basement.

_____

next chapter: I is for "I Knew It!"

other parts: Spencer Reid A-Z Masterlist

view the masterlist in a calendar version! 

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a/n: hey guyyys sorry it's been a bit since the last chapter, i've been working a lot and had finals. i really hope i'm able to get back on the grind, but no promises. i hope you all are having a good holiday season! also, i would just like to say that chapter M is a christmas themed story, however it is non secular and celebrated for gifts with the team, not the birth of the christian god. i want to try to make all my stories inclusive to whomever and be able to read across all races and religions. have a wonderful night :)

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Have Recommendations? visit my recommendations page to submit your suggestion, no matter how big or small!

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taglist: @universallyblizzardlove @ms-ks-world @justlivinginadaydream @dij-ology @lotus-ignis @sammy-4103 @ktssstuff

@ada--44 @moongirl27 @monfleurr @shycreationdreamland @cultish-corner @ariianelle @iiheartbowie

@spencerreidismybitch @traderjoesmints @ivyflowers13 @hades-disappointment-child @aceofspades190 @taygrls @hookergutss

@random-3455 @nmw-am @bookworm124 @hizzielover @jem08 @cherrybowbabby @theofficialfunk

@hookergutss  @skylions-den @smalltownbeautyqueen @spencereidapologist @lunajay33 @novaeatsworld @pleasantwitchgarden

[ancha-aus]

RealAgeAU Drabble - Pumpkin Eve

Hello! I am back again! @spotaus

Gonna be real. I wasn't sure where to write the next drabble before i remembered i wanted to do this one. (look i was in the mood for fluff and nice times and not for angst so here we are!)

First Drabble Prev drabble Next Drabble

Lets go! Also i know it is obvious i take inspiration from stardew festivals over our world festivals and events sshhhh

*-----------------------*

Cross stops the truck and Killer grins at the babybones in his arms "Ready tiny bat?"

Nightmare shoots him a glare and Killer can't help but snort as there are now two tiny grumpy faces staring at him. One from Nightmare and one from Nightmare's hoody.

Dust huffs and pokes him in his neck and Killer shoots him a look. Really hoping the slight shiver wasn't obvious. Dust just looks ar him bored in his own cheap vampire costume "Don't annoy Nightmare." and he leaves their beat up truck.

Cross makes a curious noise as he quickly turns off the engine "Dust! Don't get out of the car when the engine is still running!"

Moments later Killer's door opens and Dusty easily picks Nightmare up. Dust shoots Cross a look as he tilts his skull "You were already parked." and he walks towards the side as Horror joins him.

Killer quickly undoes his seat belt and joins the two as Cross grumbles and locks their truck.

Their little group walks towards the main road of town and quickly see pumpkins and decorations everywhere. magical candles floating and all kinds of other spooky decorations.

Nightmare looks around to glance at everything at once.

Killer grins and leans close "Having fun tiny boss?"

Ngihtmare blinks and shoots him a look before answering "Never been to... something like this..." and he goes back to looking around.

Right. BEcause while the hide out had been save it wasn't exactly the hot spot for parties and events. And Nightmare had never been invited to any event of festival before. Well! Time to make this one rock!

Killer grins and pokes the chubby little cheek "Well! Ready to have afun time!?" Even if Killer has no idea what there is to do here. He is used to just trick or treating on halloween and those memories are spotty and from a very long time ago. One that he hardly remembers or honestly doesn't even care about.

Why would he care about half forgotten memories? When he has everythign he ever wanted and could want right here with him?

Killer however is happy it doesn't seem to be a traditional Halloween. Mostly for Dusty and H. Horror must have very bitter sweet memories about all the old parties and holidays from his own universe. How stuff just wasn't celebrated anymore as the food shortage got extreme. And well, Dust is still wrecked with guilt when something reminds him. It is good that this is a different type of party! They will just have to give Nightmare other childhood traditions to enjoy here!

A glance to the side and Cross is looking around in awe as well. Crossy had grown up in pretty much a military AU or base or whatever. It is no big surprise he hardly had fun festivals to enjoy. And even if those were there he probably only guarded and worked at those.

Killer grins as he glances around. Looking for a good spot to start. He sees a lot of games and little stalls to get sweet and nice treats.

They start with a few games. Some apple bopping is one of them, though instead of apples these people use oranges. Some spooky duck fishing game. They all got a kick out of the weird bowling game with a ball with a skull on it called Skull bowling.

After that came the treats. all spooky themed and with a lot of pumpkin flavours. Killer doesn't care too much for the flavour itself but Nightmare seems to really enjoy the more autumn flavours. Which together with his love for sweets makes these snacks perfect!

Killer does see the candy apples in the distance and makes sure they don't go near there. It is about having fun and enjoying their time together.

Killer grins as he leads them to the corn maze, they go in together and easily make it out again. Horror having lead them out of course, wiht Nightmare on his shoulders looking around.

They exit the maze just in time to see Ellie and Dani walk by. the two monsters see them and grin back "Hey guys! Having fun?" Ellie grins widely.

Killer studies the two. Dani and Ellie seem to have gone for some egypt kinda thing. Killer tilts his skull "Egypt?"

Dani sighs but nods as Ellie grins proudly "Yes! Dani is as Anubis! And I am as cleopatra" she grins more "Or better said. CleHOPatra." and she shoots them finger guns.

Killer snorts and hears both Dust and Horror chuckle as well. Cross lets out a loud sigh as Nightmare pouts unamused.

Ellie giggles as Dani looks around "How are you guys liking your first festival?"

Cross smiles brightly "It is amazing!" Nightmare nods his agreement and Killer feels like his soul is being squeezed. Nightmare looks happy and content as he is held by nay of them. Cross is actually enjoying himself instead of trying to force himself to be serious all the time. Dusty is relaxed as he is near and Horror is content and feels at ease.

This is exactly how it should be!

Killer knows he should care more about all they left behind but honestly? He is a pretty selfish person. Everything in the multiverse can crash and burn for all he cares. As long as those who are his are happy he is happy.

He will eventually talk about that... squeezing feeling in his soul whenever he sees them laugh and grin. or when they touch or hug him. Eventually. When he feels a bit braver. For now he just lets himself enjoy this.

The two girls wave their own goodbyes as they rush off to enjoy their date night.

Horror looks around curiously "Where to now?"

Nightmare, who has been tranfered over to Cross, points at a building "Maybe that?"

Killer looks over but knows all of them are already going in the direction of whatever it is. As they get closer they realise it is a haunted house and they share grins.

None of them are easy to scare after all that happened and they went through. They make their way over and talk with the human and monster manning the building.

THe human frowns as they see Ngihtmare "are you four sure you want to take the tiny kiddo in? I mean. It is scary."

Nightmare huffs and pushes close to Cross. Cross just hugs him close. Killer grins "Yeah it is fine! He loves scary stuff!" maybe a bit of an exaggeration but it will work.

the people manning the stall share a look but eventually agree to let them in. On the condition that they don't let go of him.

Which, ppppfffff. As if any of them would willingly let go of Nightmare! Killer is very aware all of them are very clingy when it comes to their babybones. It is alreayd a miracle they are all willing to share tiny boss wiht each other.

They go in and the haunted house has theme rooms. All centered around certain fears or scare situation.

THe first is about canibals which Horror just huffs at with a roll of his eye. They grin with him and Horror snorts a laugh as he mutters "They are using the wrong temperature for human meat." and they laugh as they move to the next room.

Something about a stalker and some lady sitting in the living room. spooky phone calls and shadows in the fake windows. sound track of footsteps. Nice enough alright.

Dust huffs "Way to stalk badly. Announcing your presence."

Killer laughs and hangs over his shoulders, his soul and magic purring at having one of the three this close and not being pushed away as he rubs his skull againt Dust's "Not everyone can be as skilled at stalking prey Dusty~"

Dust lets out a loud sigh but only gives him a small nudge to get Killer to let go. So no actual annoyance.

There is another room about medical experimentation which Nightmare just looks displeased as he mutters about the tools being dirty. Killer nods "I know! It is going to mess with the results." which causes Dsuty to snort as he walks past.

there is another room about spiders and that is just great! they laugh and relax as they walk through and go exit the house, and enter the next area.

Killer walks into the garden only to stop and start laughing. Cross frowns at him before looking and gasping, and then quickly covers Nightmare's sockets. Nightmare pouts "Hey!"

Killer snorts and leans heavily against Horror as Horror just pats his shoulders and back. Dust hums and mutters "naked skeletons. nice."

Becuase plastic skeletons are used for decoration. Which Killer knows is a halloween thing but it ALWAYS cracks him up.

Cross huffs and mutters "it is indecent. Come Nightmare. Lets quickly go."

Nightmare mutters about it being fake and silly but he doesn't protest as he is carried out of the naked skeleton area down the path to get back at the front of the house and the start. Killer does manage to glance around and realise it is set up as a graveyard of some kind with a witch hut and everything. but there are just so many naked skeletons that he starts laughing again.

They get to the start of the house again and Cross mutters about indecent while Nightmare eats one of the many snacks they bought him. Killer knows he is still grinning and giggles every once in a while while Dust and Horror just share amused looks.

They say their goodbyes but Killer makes sure to give the two manning the house a cheeky wink as he blows them a kiss "interesting yard. Didn't realise that were your types." the two share confused looks before looking around the side. Then they both look up shocked and stutter out protests.

Killer laughs as he walks with his friends. Cross shoots him a look "Don't do that!"

Killer grins and winks at Cross "It is harmless Crossy. You know I only mean it with any of you guys~" and he winks again.

Cross has this tiny adorable blush as he mutters about Killer having to be serious before rushing to catch up with Horror.

Killer sighs but smiles. It is fine. Eventually they will realise he is being serious. for now? They are happy and Nightmare hasn't stopped purring for almost two hours now. That is what matters.

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Also also! @mikimakiboo made a very cute drabble for my series! You guys should check it out! It is very cute <3 You guys are all so talented <3

[theoraclenextdoor]

trick or treat: what’s coming your way this month? pick a pile reading 🦇  

with less than 15 days until halloween, let’s check-in. reach into the candy bowl and let’s see what tricks (challenges) and treats (blessings) are available for you this month. close your eyes and take a deep breath. now pick your pile.

pile i | pile ii | pile iii

all images from pinterest, dividers from @saradika-graphics

2023-2024. ©️ the oraclenextdoor. all rights reserved.

Pile One:

pile one, lately, it seems you’ve been deeply involved with your emotions, spending time navigating them as you work diligently on a project. you’ve likely been committed to this for quite some time, and the good news is that your hard work is leading to something lasting. this month, your efforts will be rewarded. however, there’s a major change you’re resisting. i see that it’s manifesting physically— whether through headaches, people literally getting in your way, or obstacles like being blocked from getting to work. there’s something within you that needs to shift, but your fear is holding you back. i sense that you’re avoiding this change because it reminds you of something you’ve been through before—something that hurt, something you fear might crush you again. but this fear is slowing down the momentum that’s trying to come through for you.

right now, you’re so guarded that this change can’t reach you. you don’t know exactly what’s coming, only that it feels scary. it’s okay to be afraid, but don’t let it stop you. walk with your fear. that’s the theme of this month: leaning into what scares you. step into the fear, pile one, while the choice is still yours. remember that “worst possible moment,” and recall how you moved through it. you’re not the same person you were back then—you’re stronger now, wiser. and even if something similar were to happen (though it won’t), trust that you’re far more equipped to handle it.

your treat is that things are progressing all on their own, with or without your permission. just keep putting in your effort, and let the rest unfold. the trick? that major change that you’re resisting. face it head-on. 🎃 

tarot cards: page of cups, eight of coins, ten of coins, two of wands, five of coins, three of wands, four of wands, the tower rx, the moon, eight of wands rx, the chariot

confirmation: princess— or prince’s— treatment, panera bread, the princess diaries, anne hathaway, phineas and ferb, bird watching, “three cheers,” pumpkin patches 

Pile Two:

you’ll know this pile is for you because it’s going to resonate in a way that feels long overdue. i almost had a hard time reading your energy—it feels like you’ve been quite protective of it, maybe even a little selfish with it. every card i pulled for you came out reversed, except for one advice card pulled separately. when this happens, we can flip the cards upright to reveal both an internal and external message.

pile two, there’s something you deeply desire, but up until now, whether it’s due to limiting beliefs, a lack of true faith, or being too caught up in the “how,” you haven’t fully opened yourself to receiving it. at some point, you even gave up trying. that brought a sense of relief, but it’s a false comfort. it’s easy to pretend you don’t want something until you’re reminded of just how badly you do.

i can see you’ve been going through a rough period, and you need to give yourself credit for how you’ve continued to show up. and by “showing up,” i don’t mean giving 100% every single day. it’s about doing what you can with the energy you have, and that’s worth celebrating. like i mentioned, you’ve been a bit guarded, likely because of everything you’ve been through. but here’s the thing—you’re also blocking yourself off from abundance by holding on so tightly. you know what you want, you know what success feels like, and you’ve got the energy to make it happen. what you lack is belief in yourself.

this month, your treat will come in the form of learning from others. someone close to you is going to achieve something that you’ve been wanting for yourself, and you’ll get a front-row seat to how they did it. this will give you the perspective and the missing pieces you need to reach your own desires. the trick is, you’ll have to keep your eyes open and be willing to learn. i see this lesson coming from a source you might not have expected—maybe even someone you’ve overlooked or underestimated. don’t let your pride stop you from taking this lesson in. if you do, this opportunity might slip right past you.

the phineas and ferb episode “last train to bustville” comes to mind. you’re candace in that episode. give it a watch this week and laugh at yourself a little (or a lot). it doesn’t always have to be so serious. 🖤 

tarot cards: eight of swords, three of swords, seven of wands, the emperor, king of wands, nine of coins, ten of cups, ace of wands, the lovers, three of coins

confirmation: dune, seeing doubles, sweater weather by the neighborhood, chappell ron, love songs on the rain, chloë grace moretz, beetlejuice beetlejuice

Pile Three

this is my spooky pile. someone has shown up for you, personally, pile three. this is an entirely channeled message. i actually started with this reading first even though i knew you’d be the third pile. and as someone who prefers order, it was a little weird. i get the feeling you’re hoping to mix things up this month, and this is the right time for it. this month, your talents lie in the possibilities that surround you. your treat is a wish you’ve recently made— one that’s bound to come true. i feel like some of you are rolling your eyes, calling this message cheesy. lately, i’d be inclined to agree. but the veil is so thin in october. this transformation will either come from inspiration or desperation. disbelief, doubt, and fear will trigger the latter. believe in yourself (and me), just once, and you’ll be surprised by what comes your way. as for your wish, i’m hearing something to do with “soundcloud, alarm clocks, and tinder”? i’m also getting new girl vibes. 

as for your trick— your challenge— it’s really your own mind. your cynicism has been off the charts lately and i feel as if you’ve been closed off for the majority of this reading. but that’s okay. the best person equipped to deal with your negativity is you. if you’re into musicals, have you heard the ‘epic’ saga by jorge rivera herrans? 

you’ll see the beginnings of this by or around mid-november. keep me in the loop and happy halloween 👻 

tarot cards: none, this was a channeled message.

confirmation: black cats, seeing joker in theaters, religious subtexts or undertones, “like moths to a flame”, mr. robot, water fountains by restaurants or by grocery stores 

[blainesebastian]

celebrating you

words: 1,654 ship: austin x female reader summary: @whoreforbrownies requested: fluffy reader celebrating austin's fragrance campaign. more details in posted q and a :) warnings: none notes: masterlist is here! tag list: @killerqueenfan, @austinbutlermischief, @stylespresleyhearted

You’ve always been someone who likes to celebrate—not just putting up Halloween or Christmas decoration months in advance or throwing surprise birthday parties, but by having this incredibly warm aura that makes sure to praise family, friends and your partner. Admittedly, that’s come with a few downfalls in the past—more often than not, you’re always looking after other people while no one looks after you. It’s not something done on purpose, you know that, yet you sometimes find yourself in this rut of being there for others that you forget to take care of yourself.

That changes with Austin.

He reminds you how good it feels to have someone take care of you, how it should be something necessary, a balance within your relationship. He celebrates you just as often as you celebrate him—there are moments that he’s completely taken you by surprise. Not because there’s some obligation of a holiday or a birthday, but because it’s a Thursday in the middle of the month and he wants to buy you flowers and your favorite latte.

So, in turn, it makes celebrating your boyfriend a lot more organic feeling. It’s not out of responsibility or requirement, but because both of you know the value of the other.

Lately there’s been so much to be excited about when it comes to Austin’s career—first Elvis and everything that it brought with it, Bikeriders wrapping up, Masters of the Air, and now a slightly different turn with this fragrance campaign. You couldn’t be happier for him, not only does it come with a photoshoot to highlight how beautiful Austin is, but an interview to also showcase that same beauty on the inside. It’s really what you love most about him, something that drew you in in the first place. Austin’s kind, thoughtful, considerate, and a hundred other things that make you feel warm from the inside out.

Pretty much why it’s a no-brainer to put together something special for him.

You decide one morning, right before Austin leaves for the day for a handful of different meetings, that you’re going to decorate the entire apartment. It’s gonna involve baking and dinner too but one step at a time. Your friend, Carly, comes over and helps, buying extra tape that she sets on the kitchen counter.

“All this for a fragrance campaign?” She asks, but she’s amused as her eyes rest on the multiple sets of streamers and balloons that still need to be put together and hung.

“Yes,” You grin excitedly, picking up a cup of coffee to take a sip. “It’s not just about the cologne, I’m just proud of him—it’s a new step in a different direction, you know?”

“I know,” Carly smirks, moving to grab the coffee pot to pour herself some more too, “You’re in love,” Her voice is warm and teasing, “I get it. I’d celebrate him too if he was my boyfriend.”

You smile, your stomach doing that flip-flopping thing that is often associated with Austin. You know exactly how lucky you are.

“So you’ll help me with streamers?” You smile prettily at her, purposely fluttering your eyelashes in a teasing plead.

“Yeah,” She laughs, tossing a package of tape at you. It lightly hits your chest and falls back onto the counter, “Wouldn’t want him to come home with you sprawled off a ladder. Not much to celebrate in the ER.”

You gather up all the supplies to take to the living room, “C’mon then, I don’t have a ton of time before he comes home.”

Regardless that it’s the morning and you do have until early nighttime, you want to make sure you give yourself enough hours to play with to bake red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing and chocolate chip cookies. Dinner will be simple enough—it’s the baking that needs timed dedication.

Standing on a small stool in your living room, you take the tape from Carly’s waiting fingers and reach up to put some of the streamers into place. You’re definitely not overdoing it, just enough to make the apartment look festive.

“So…just curious,” Carly starts and you get down off the stool and move it a bit to continue the streamer line…you already know that if she’s gonna start off a conversation like that, it’s going to be something. “If Austin asked you to marry him, would you?”

A laugh startles out of your chest because, “Carly, we’ve been dating for eight months.”

“So?” She crinkles her nose, handing you another piece of tape, “My aunt and uncle were together for six before he popped the question.”

The whole concept has your stomach erupting in butterflies. You’re not saying you haven’t thought about it, because how could you not? But still…feels like something that’s a long while away. You glance back down at your friend, trying to picture what it’d look like for Austin to come home and just—

“I’d say yes,” You reply, fixing another streamer. You can’t picture something different coming out of your mouth, but before Carly gets too wound up, “But we’re far from that being a thing.”

She grins anyways and you can’t help but smile, a fond eyeroll to follow as you set up streamer on the other side of the room so it matches. Then comes the balloons and the handmade sign that goes up a little crooked but…thought that counts, right?

“Do you think I overdid it?” You ask, looking around at the living room.

Carly shakes her head, “Nah, we went through one roll of tape…two rolls would have been overdoing it.” You smirk, bumping shoulders with her for a real answer, “No,” She replies again, “I think it’s just the right amount—he’s going to love it.”

That makes something warm and golden explode in your chest and…good, you really hope so. You thank her a few more times for coming over and promise to save her some cupcakes if there are any leftover, closing the front door after she’s left. You’re hoping it doesn’t take too long to finish things up for tonight.

--

Nothing is exactly going according to plan—and you already know it’s your fault because you’ve got this concept of what ‘perfect’ is supposed to look like tonight. You should really know this by now, it’s better to land on something ‘special’ rather than ‘perfect’. It’s fine—everything is going to work out, you’re determined. So what if the cheese you bought for the chicken parm has mold on it? You can just go with pasta instead. So what if your cupcake pan has mysteriously gone missing? You can make banana bread with chocolate chips in them (a personal favorite of Austin’s).

There’s no reason to freak out over this…your boyfriend is going to love whatever you’ve put together (it only took you three times to talk yourself down off that metaphorical ledge).

Luckily, nothing else throws you off balance. Though you do wish you’d been paying closer attention to Austin’s location because you hear the front door open as you’re taking the banana bread out of the oven. Quickly setting it down on a hot pad, you tug off your oven mitts, putting your arms up and out.

“Surprise!”

Austin’s eyes are bright with surprise, a soft laugh tumbling out of his mouth as he sees the put together dinner, the banana bread, the streamers and balloons just past the kitchen in the living room. He sets down a bouquet of flowers he’s picked up for you (just because).

“It’s uh, it’s not my birthday.” He says teasingly.

Rolling your eyes, you grin as you move to wrap your arms around his shoulders. Austin leans down to hug you back, squeezing, pressing his face into your hair to breathe you in,

“I know that,” You huff playfully, shaking your head, “Just wanted to do something nice for you.”

You pull back out of the hug a little bit, Austin’s arms still around your waist. He presses a kiss to your lips, your hand lingering on his cheek. Your stomach does that familiar fluttering that you’ve easily associated with being around him, running your thumb along his lower lip.

“For the fragrance campaign?” You offer, as if it’s obvious.

Then his face kinda does that handsome thing where he flushes, his cheeks kissing pink. Apparently it wasn’t so obvious and he’s genuinely surprised. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

You crinkle your nose, taking a look at the decorations, the dinner, the dessert—feels fairly apparent to you because what better way to celebrate him? This is actually pretty low caliber compared to what you could have done but…the key was really not to overdo it.

“Are you saying you don’t want the banana bread?” You ask, taking a playful step back from him, “Because I’ve been known to eat an entire loaf in bed before, so—”

You act like you’re about to reach for the pan but Austin doesn’t let you get very far, lifting you up and gracefully setting you down on the kitchen counter. A soft laugh leaves your lips, your arms resting on his shoulders as he takes a step forward and settles between your legs. One of your favorite positions with him because you’re nearly eye level now.

“I mean, there’s chocolate chips,” You grin, “I really don’t need to share any part of it with you—”

He cuts you off with a kiss, his hand moving to cup your cheek. You lean into it, can’t help it, would gladly fumble off the kitchen counter if it meant keeping your lips locked. Eventually though, oxygen wins out. He presses another kiss to the corner of your mouth, pulling back a little,

“Thank you,” He whispers.

You hum a soft reply, wrapping your fingers in his shirt and tugging him forward—definitely worth celebrating with another kiss.

[eregyrn-falls-art]

Gruß vom Krampus! 

December 5th is Krampusnacht, and I've done some pieces related to that over the years. This year I decided to update my depictions of Stan and Ford in the older two pieces (from 2016 and 2017 respectively), and to put the three all together. The original piece from 2016 was done for the 2017 Hunkles calendar (December of course), and the sequel was done for New Years the following year, with the final pic in the sequence appearing in Dec. 2020.

As I said in the original post, my version of the Krampus is based on looking at traditional folk costumes actually worn by krampus figures in Austria for the Krampusnacht festival.

And finally, just to keep it all in one place: after posting the 2020 piece, I got an ask about the little collection of Pines dolls that hang off of Krampus's basket in the second pic, and that Stan is holding in the last pic. I went into a long explanation (including an overview of the Krampus tradition and celebrations), so I'll put it below a cut here:

fernikart57 asked:

In your Krampus art... what's with that belt, neclace, bead (?) of plushes from the Pines Family?

Okay so like… the explanation is probably kind of dumb.  And it’s me making stuff up, rather than relying completely on the actual folklore.

So the Krampus figure is actually a collection of figures from Central Europe, particularly in the Alps, and the specific traditions associated with the Krampus can vary from region to region and town to town.  Thus, while a set of the Krampus tropes have kind of been exported and caught on in popular culture, that pop culture figure now only resembles *some* Krampus traditions.  I don’t think it’s accurate to talk about “a” Krampus or “the” Krampus, exactly, because of that regional variation.  It’s also worth noting that Krampus celebrations are very much alive in various towns in the Alps.

Generally speaking, though, Krampus is a “wild man” figure, often with a demonic face (mask), a furry body, and goat-like features (especially horns). There are some theories that the basic figure itself is pre-Christian (like a lot of the wild-man traditions of Central and Northern Europe).  (I personally think that’s pretty plausible, given the range of costumes we see.)

After the advent of Christianity, though, the Krampus became associated with “the devil” or demonic figures.  And eventually, in a lot of traditions within the Central European mountain area, Krampus got paired with St. Nicholas, as a kind of tag-team.  St. Nicholas in those traditions is almost certainly one of the origins of Santa Claus, in that he rewards well-behaved children with presents.  (But, traditionally he dresses like a bishop, and not in the outfit that a lot of Americans are familiar with.)  The 6th of December is the Feast of St. Nicholas, so Krampusnacht (”Krampus night”) is the 5th of December.  And Krampus acts as the opposite of St. Nicholas – if presents are a means of encouraging good behavior, then Krampus is the threat used to discourage bad behavior.

So, some of the accreted trappings of the Krampus are a whip and a bundle of birch branches, for beating children / people, and a basket that he carries on his back, into which he puts the naughty children he finds, to carry them off for punishment.  (Obviously, the message there is: don’t be naughty or the Krampus will get you.)  A number of the Krampusnacht traditions involve men costumed as Krampus running wild through the streets, threatening people with their birch branches or whips and so on, making noise (thus all of the bells worn around the neck) and kind of terrorizing people (not just kids), as a set-up for St. Nicholas to come in the next day and reassert order.  (Sometimes it’s only “terrorizing” in an “all in good fun” sense, similar to Halloween scariness; but apparently in some towns, it can get kind of rough.)

So with all of that background… I was originally just looking for a sort of “crytpid” or monster for Stan and Ford to be fighting, with a December theme, for that 2017 calendar piece.  They are encountering more of a magical, “real monster” version (rather than the folkloric ritual version), and therefore I took some liberties with the idea, even though I incorporated a lot of design elements from a variety of real Krampus costumes.

I didn’t want to put any actual children into Krampus’s basket for Ford and Stan to rescue, though (in the original calendar piece, they wouldn’t have been that visible).  But when I did the second piece, I included the doll versions of the four Pines, hanging from Krampus’s basket, as a sort of… symbolic magical threat, an expression of the idea that the Pines are its supernatural targets.  The dolls act as kind of representations of Krampus’s targets, and I also thought of them, in that sense, as a darker reflection of the St. Nicholas gift-giving tradition (still toys, but toys with a sinister meaning). If Krampus was a “real” supernatural being that goes around punishing the “naughty” or “wicked���… then what is its definition of “wicked”, and would it be a fair one, or unfair? 

In this scenario, Stan and Ford are not in the mood to debate with it over whether it is fair to take them to task for being “naughty”, but they are DEFINITELY not going to stand for the idea that the Krampus might go after Dipper and Mabel, so – time to take it down!

Anyway, for more about the actual Krampus, I recommend taking a look at the Krampus article on Wikipedia, or listening to this excellent podcast (which I was listening to as I finished the piece the other day; am very interested in getting that guy’s book!).

[crystalofmoon19]

Día de los Muertos (Day of Death) - Striker x Mexican Catrina Reader! 🌼🌹💀

POV: You invited your boyfriend, Striker, to the Día de Muertos celebration with your family. Striker doesn't know much about the holiday, luckily you were there to help him.

"So you're saying you don't celebrate Halloween, darlin'?"

"No, mi amor, I celebrate "El Día de Muertos" with my family."

"The what?"

"The Day of the Dead, as they usually call them on this side of Wrath."

"Oh yeah, The Day of Death, I've heard of that. Is it the day where they dress up like skeletons?"

"Those are called the catrinas and the catrines, mi amor."

Striker looked at you a little confused, to which you just laughed, you had invited your boyfriend to celebrate the "Day of the Dead" with your family. Your grandma was preparing the food together with your aunts and your mom, your dad was preparing the altar with your uncle, your younger siblings were playing while painting their faces like skulls and you and your siblings close to your age were decorating your home. Around him, more people came to see the wonderful altar that you and your family had made together.

Striker, although he had accepted your invitation to spend the night with you and your family, he was still confused about the holiday, he knew of its existence but did not understand the great background behind it.

Luckily you were there to help him.

"What do you want to know about "El Día de los Muertos", mi amor?" .- You said caressing Striker's cheek, which made him rattle his tail like a rattlesnake and laugh a little, you knew how to make your boyfriend happy when he was disconcerted.

"Well, sugarcube, I'd like to know what exactly you're celebrating? And why are you celebrating death?"

"You know what? I think I'd better show you! Come on, Striker! Do you want to see my family altars?" .- You took your boyfriend's hand and your eyes lit up like stars.

"I'd love to, darlin'. Besides, I can't say 'no' to your pretty face."

"Okay let's go!"

You led Striker running out of your house and took him to where your father and uncle were, they greeted you and your boyfriend, you told them that you were going to show Striker your family altar. To which your dad, a little distrustful of Striker, admitted that he doubted your idea, but in the end you convinced him to give in so your dad and your uncle left for a moment; although your father gave Striker a questioning look and made him adjust his hat a little nervously but you comforted him by taking his hand.

"Look, Striker, this is the tradition of the Día de los Muertos, the altar; here we place a photo of our relatives who have passed away and on this day it feels like they come to visit us. Because as long as we remember them, they will continue to live on our hearts!" .- You put your hand to your heart while you continued explaining.

"In addition to the photos, we place candles to light the way of their arrival, we put the cempasúchil flower..."

"The flower of what...?" .- Striker interrupted you, confused about the Spanish name of the flower, to which you just laughed.

"It's the marigold flower, Striker!"

"Oh, good. Go on, darlin'."

"The name of this flower means "twenty flowers" or "several flowers." Its yellow color made our ancestors associate it with the sun. That is why they always placed them in their offerings!" .- You explained, putting a cempasúchil flower in your hair and smiled. Now Striker had no doubt that you were a radiant sunshine in his eyes.

"We also place typical food of the festival such as bread of the dead, tamales, hot chocolate, candy skulls and the favorite food of the beloved one who has the altar. For example, my grandpa loved my grandma's enchiladas, that's why they're here! So you better not try to eat anything!" .- When you looked towards Striker, he was already about to take one of the snacks from the offering. His snake-like appetite may have gotten the better of him but you weren't going to allow him to eat anything.

"Striker!" .- Your hand slapped Striker's hand who was about to steal a candy skull.

"What? We can't waste food!"

"It's not wasted food if it's for those who come to visit us! Plus if you're hungry we can go eat, I'm sure my grandma already has the food ready."

And said and done, your grandma called everyone to eat, with this you indicated Striker to follow you to the dining room of your house. So when they entered, the table was full of delicious food, which included pozole (a broth seasoned with vegetables such as corn, chili and meat), mole (a sauce that is a combination of several types of sauces seasoned with chili peppers and spices), and tamales (food made from corn, filled with various ingredients, cooked in a package of vegetable leaves).

"Hey darlin'?"

"Si, mi amor?"

"Are you sure your family isn't from Gluttony, instead of Wrath?"

"Why do you ask, mi vida?"

"Because I see that you and your family eat a lot, and you have also served me a lot of food." .- Striker said, satisfied with his food but that he still had not been able to finish his plate. To which you just laughed.

"And wait until you eat the bread of the dead with the atole, mi amor."

"IS THERE STILL MORE?"

"Ay mijo, you are so thin, you should eat more!" .- This time your grandma spoke, serving Striker more pozole, which made him throw his head back, although she thanked your grandma for this. You just laughed softly.

"If you're not from Gluttony, then you must have like three stomachs, right?"

"Yeah, something like that." .- You said enjoying your food while your family also ate theirs. Although Striker still couldn't stop looking at the huge appetite your family had, he had seen many Wrath imps be hungry, but you and your family were on another level.

However, Striker did not mind this trait of you or your family, on the contrary he was grateful that your family was very warm to him (perhaps with the exception of your father) since they let him be there as part of one of them, He also felt that this had been one of the best meals he had had in a long time. There were days when he would only eat a can of beans or instant noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and now having an entire feast with you and your family was something that had warmed his heart as well as his stomach.

So Striker took advantage of the fact that no one was looking to hold your hand under the table, which made your cheeks turn pink, and you also held his hand while they ate.

Later, when they finished eating, it was already starting to get dark and you told Striker to take care of your little brothers while you waited in the living room. Clearly the rattlesnake demon was quick to protest.

"Hey, I'm not gonna-!"

"Do it!" .- You gave Striker an angry look and how he already knew that if he didn't obey you it would end up with him sleeping on the couch for a week or more.

"Fine." .- The rattlesnake demon said resignedly as he watched you climb the stairs of your house in the company of your sisters.

"Just wait until I finish getting ready. I won't be long!" .- You told Striker until you went up to the second floor of your house. But Striker knew that when you said that, it was actually going to take a long time, so he just resigned himself to taking care of your little brothers while he waited.

Which wasn't an easy task, Striker wasn't one to take care of children, but your little brothers were getting on his nerves. Since they started running around the room and even though the cowboy scolded them not to do it, they did it anyway and one of them stole his hat.

"Give that, you little one!" .- Striker said annoyed while only your little brother made fun of him by sticking out his tongue and putting on his hat even though it was too big for him.

The only one who didn't seem to cause Striker any problems was your little sister, who was the youngest of the family, barely being about two years old, as soon as she had found Striker's leg she clung to his. For a second Striker calmed down a little for the baby, he even carried her to his chest, everything was fine until the baby started crying.

Striker complained loudly, he swore that he would be careful not to have as many children with you, at least in the amount that your parents had. He really felt that time flew by when he was taking care of your little siblings, although he was able to retrieve the hat from him he still wasn't enjoying this and when he was close to catching one of them that's when he saw you coming down the stairs. stairs.

You were dressed as a catrina, where you had made up your face as if it were a skull, you combed your black hair in a braid and you were wearing a red dress with an opening on your right leg that was decorated with yellow flowers very similar to the cempasúchil flower that decorated your entire outfit. You were also wearing red shoes along with a red hat that matched your dress and was decorated with flowers and pink feathers.

Striker when he saw you, his tail stood on end and his eyes widened when he saw how beautiful you were, you had practically left him speechless by your beauty.

"Y/N! You look so pretty!" .- One of your little brothers said when he saw you.

"Gracias." .- You thanked your little brother as you went down the stairs and headed towards where Striker was.

"How do I look, mi amor?"

"You look like a real angel in hell, darlin'." .- As soon as you approached him, Striker had taken your hand to kiss it, to which you laughed.

"Gracias, mi amor." .- You smiled at your boyfriend, who now approached to kiss you, but you stopped him with your hands while you laughed.

"Eww!" .- Your little brothers said in chorus for the show of affection.

"Not in front of my little siblings, Striker!"

"Why not? They are not your dad."

Without warning your dad appeared and stared at you and your boyfriend, this made Striker eat his own words and with that he distanced himself from you. You reassured your father that everything was fine and with a lot of effort on your part, you managed to get your father to leave you alone, with this done you had fun with Striker for the rest of the night.

There was a moment when you returned to your grandpa's altar, there you noticed that Striker behaved differently than usual, so you asked him what was happening. To which he in response tipped his hat to you.

"Is something wrong, mi amor?"

"I... I'm very grateful to you and your family for showing me the "Día de Muertos" holiday, did I say that right?" .- He asked you, seeking your approval in the pronunciation of his Spanish.

"Yes, that's fine."

"Well, I also enjoyed how well your family treated me, the delicious food I ate, and seeing you more beautiful than ever." .- He said caressing your cheek to which you smiled and took the hand he was caressing you with.

"Oh, mi amor, I'm glad to know that you liked the celebration."

"And I want to show you somethin' too, darlin'." .- He removed his hand from your face to take out a somewhat neglected photo from his jacket pocket and showed it to you.

At first you couldn't tell who it was, it didn't look like anyone you'd ever met, until when you looked closer at the photo you noticed that it was a snake demon. She was a young woman, with a green scale and snake fangs but she had white hair, when she saw her eyes that were an intense yellowish green you immediately knew how much the woman looked like Striker.

"Striker, is that your…?"

"Yes, that's my ma'." .- Striker answered you before you finished asking.

You looked closer and compared her to Striker, the resemblance was undeniable, you were sure that if Striker was a full snake demon she would completely resemble his mother.

"Mi amor, I haven't seen your mother before, what happened to her?" .- You tried to sound as soft as possible, but you still couldn't stop Striker from lowering his gaze a little.

"She was murdered by royalty." - Striker said with some resentment in his voice.

"I'm so sorry, mi amor. I had no idea." .- You put one hand to your mouth and another to your heart surprised.

"It's okay, darlin'. I didn't want to tell you about my ma' before either, because I didn't think you were close to those deceased relativies until now." .- This time Striker sounded a little more understanding, leaving his resentment for royalty aside and he did something you hadn't seen him do before; he took off his signature red handkerchief and handed it to you.

"Striker, what are you doing-?"

"This used to be my ma's and she gave it to me when I became independent enough from her." .- Striker explained, adjusting his hat again while he looked at you.

"Listen, darlin'. Before I met you, I used to think that life was something to be taken for granted, and death was the only way to give value to a life. When I was in a near-death situation I would run away fearing for my life; but when I met you, you gave value to my life and taught me the purpose of this holiday, I remembered ma' and the good times I had with her." .- You noticed how your boyfriend's tone of voice had changed and it was the first time that he was vulnerable to you in this way and you were going to support him.

"Your mother is here, Striker. She will continue to live as long as you remember her in your heart, and when you remember her you will always feel the warmth of her, but it is similar to the love you feel when you are with your loved ones." .- You said, putting your hand on Striker's chest and smiling at him with your warmest smile while still holding the photo and his handkerchief in your other hand.

"Can you feel her?"

"I think… I can feel her."

You smiled as you silently handed Striker the photo of his mother and placed his handkerchief around his neck. The rattlesnake was nostalgic. This gesture had not worn his handkerchief like that since he was a child. It reminded him of his mother, you may not have been a snake demon like her but you still had the same love that she gave and you gave it to him as his lover.

Striker moved much closer to you and you gladly accepted it, moving closer until his lips were a few centimeters away.

"Can I-?"

"Yes, you can." .- It was your turn to interrupt your boyfriend so that you could give him a kiss on your lips and he gladly reciprocated while both of you put your tails together and your hats fell to the ground but that didn't matter to you now.

You had a "telenovela kiss" with Striker, like he was taken from a clip of a Hell-a-Novela episode with Gabriella kissing Alejandro. After the party you told Striker that next year you were going to prepare an altar for his mother and he couldn't but agree with that and even told you that he was going to help you do it as long as you told him how to do it. one.

Thanks to you he not only now had a new favorite holiday and now he could always honor the memory of his mother thanks to you.

[b4mpyre-k1zz3s]

ur such a good writer i literally love all ur fics ur like a celebrity to me i was just thinking maybe you could write something more about vampire bam with fem reader because I think it’s cute it could be smut if you want but it also doesn’t have to be and it can be all dark and stuff like the m reader one

Eternal Lust

Harboring resentment towards her elite associates in her high level trade, Y/N finds herself in an unlikely romance with an earl who has more than a few skeletons in his closet

Vampire!Bam Margera X Fem!Reader

(Angst, Fluff)

4.2k Words

Warnings: highly suggestive content, drinking, enemies to lovers, stalking, manipulation, scent hint, blood kink, nudity, biting, kissing, toxic relationships

An: thank you so much for this request, and happy Halloween! It’s rather fitting that I post this for the fall season, no? ;D Even though it’s not my most successful series, the whole period piece Victorian vampire!au is definately one of my favorites, and I’m touched you enjoyed it so much! There’s a lot that’s said and even more that goes unsaid in this fic, so keep an eye out for subtext as you read. Anyways, thank you for checking this out, and please keep the requests coming! <3

The space where dark compulsions meet the darkened sky- that’s where you settle in. You felt this evening, not unusual for yourself, a natural compulsion to seek out that same dark side, the forbidden- that is to say, the good stuff. The gala you were forced to attend by your position in the cargo industry was not where you found these things. Stuffy conversation about import taxes and embargos while packed in a ballroom cheek by jowl with decrepit old men wasn’t exactly your idea of a fun night out in London, but here you were- in a gown that clung to your ribs like a cage- a physical manifestation of how you felt. Opulent, gilded chandeliers and marble flooring so clean that you could see yourself in them reflected the buzzing, lively scenery around you, but you couldn’t help yourself from feeling purely dismal. But despite your fantasies, you couldn’t merely ditch this scene and take a waltz down to the east end- you had an impression you needed to make. This gala was being held by one of the titans in your field: Earl Margera, the handsome yet capricious man-child who you really had to suck up to in order to get anywhere. The only issue that came with that was that he was constantly surrounded by a flock of lick-finger supplicants which made it a nightmare to even look in his direction.

Wanting nothing more than a momentary breather away from the prying eyes of the elite, you quietly slipped away to a deserted parlor just off of the main hall- close enough to the action that you could still hear the dull thrum of the party through the walls. Sinking down in a high backed armchair, you scanned the bookshelf lined walls idly until your eyes laid upon something that piqued your interest: a large, ornate decanter filled with high quality whiskey that sparkled amber in the candlelight. Well, you’d always fancied yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, and stealing an ounce or two or five of the Earl’s fine booze would be a quiet revenge you could exact- a way to justify why you even were here if you resented the man so severely. It would be the same as an enemy of Di Vinci wiping his ass with the Mona Lisa. Sliding out the large, crystal stopper with a pop, you grinned as you forwent a glass. Bringing the rim directly to your lips, you drank straight from the bottle like some street bum. Oh yeah, you were doing it… The delicate, sweet taste of the whiskey consumed your senses, but the satisfaction you felt was only momentary, because just as the burn that felt so good settled in your chest, the sound of leatherbound footsteps made your heart leap into your mouth.

And there, standing in the doorway, silhouetted by the golden light of the ballroom, the devil had come to play- all five feet and six inches of him. Still imposing, however, from the aristocratic manner in which he carried himself, Earl Margera’s every action was that of a predator who had no challenge for prey. Dark curls slightly tousled from whatever misbehavior he was relishing in before he graced you with his presence, he quietly slumped in the seat across from you in the study with that shit eating grin plastered across his face, “You enjoying my whiskey?” All tailored and waistcoated in velvets and silk, there was something about his wolffish arrogance that made you a little bitchy.

Glaring over at him, with his pale complexion and those fucking eyes, you spat, “It’s good. I find it’s best enjoyed straight from the bottle-” Making long, hard eye contact, you stared him down as you took a deep swig.

When he finally spoke up, there was an uncharacteristically calm tone in his voice, “I like your style, but it’s rude to drink a man’s alcohol without asking.” Those icy boy eyes fixated on you the way a hawk would spot a field mouse, you squirmed under your skin under his scrutiny, but that could have very well just have been the velvet of the chair.

One thing led to another and that led to the two of you passing around the whiskey like two urchin children, and aver the course of the evening, you’d gotten to feeling a little empathy for the demon across from you. Still, you felt the bastard oozed entitlement, and that resentment grew more and more apparent the longer you sat there. “You know, I-“ Earl Margera hiccuped, wiping his mouth with the back of his sleeve, “I really hate these fucking parties. It's just this…” he gestured to nothing, squeezing his eyes shut, “this transient shit.”

Cracking a grin at his deceiving bluntness, you took satisfaction in how candid and disheveled he was growing in front of you. In all likelihood, he didn’t even know what that word meant… “Oh, we’re all transient…” Part of you wondered what brought this on from him- why he was here with you instead of mingling with the rest of high society, but I guess that when you own the board, you needn’t play the game. He was just as miserable as you.

“Courtesy of Earl Margera, madame...” The timid postmaster that stood at your door trembled as he handed the heavy box to you with an odd sort of tension held in his every fiber, like he was handing you a bomb that could go off at any moment, which you might as well have been sent given your behavior at that gala last week. You weren't ashamed, but you couldn’t exactly call it pride. Bringing it inside and placing it on your dining table, you carefully pulled the violet silk ribbon that held the package secure and lifted off the lid, examining the contents. You squinted at the artfully penned card stock note that read, “A token for a night of insightful conversation and spirited company.” Underneath the note, nestled in white tissue, was a very expensive looking necklace, no- it was a rosary. A shiver ran down your spine as you examined the expensive thing, sparkling silver affixed with polished garnet and onyx. According to something written on the back of the note, it was once a possession of Anne Boleyn, the irony of it being a necklace not escaping you. Who knew the earl would have such a twisted sense of humor? Running the cold metal through your fingers, you couldn’t help but feel, at the same time, uneasy and intrigued. How could he have acquired this artifact, and why send it to you?

Not wanting to risk damaging the fine jewelry, however suspicious the whole ordeal was, you returned the necklace to its case and stowed it carefully in your armoire before retrieving your shawl from where it was haphazardly tossed on a chair. Given autumn’s creeping grasp upon London, the streets ran with a chill denser than the characteristic fog that never seemed to disappear as you made your way towards the town market, mind still tangled up in the implications of, well- everything. Charming smiles, sharp wit, and frivolous gifts from the earl aside, you had the pressing matter of staving off starvation to deal with. Carriage wheels clattered and people bartered with vendors as you perused the crowded market stalls for fall produce as the thoughts swirling about your mind seemed to fade into much more manageable topics like selecting the best loaves of bread or the freshest squash.

You were so unsuspecting…It really was endearing in a way, how a woman can be so utterly transfixed in mundane little things like tins of tea and looking for a favorite variety of jam, completely unaware of your surroundings. Yes, barely even out of your line of sight- in fact, quite plainly within your vision, the earl stood half under the cover of shadow in an alleyway, studying your every move. Eyes following you from his place standing cloak-clad in that alleyway with the kind of hunger few may know, Earl Margera was practically fantasizing about you at this point. He was barely a breath away, barely an arm’s length away. Close enough that if his inhibitions were a hair lower, he would've given into every dark compulsion he’d kept hidden away for so long and snatch you away from the prying eyes of the townspeople, dragging you into the darkness he so relished. Wrap his arms around your waist and pause for a moment, canines poised to penetrate that tantalizingly thin layer of skin keeping him from getting exactly what he wanted, just to watch the look on your face as realization sunk in- what he was going to do and exactly what he was.

Disappearing back into the shadows, the earl couldn’t help but mull over the way you had struck him that evening you first met. There was something about the fire that burnt just behind your eyes, that distinct spirit you carried with you. But more than that, it was your smell. Unlike the volatile perfumes the women of high society adored, which Bam considered plainly unappetizing, you had a very clean, distinct aroma; It was simple and sensual in a way that struck just the right chords in his mind- this purity unmatched by any of the women he’d fed off of in the past. Your ability to see through the madcarades of the elite aside, which he very much admired despite his social position, he’d been obsessing over that scent as if he were a man possessed. It was the only fantasy that consumed him in those long, lonely evenings in the palace in between feedings. He had to see you again- needed to have you- but he knew a woman of your standing wouldn’t be easy to win over, especially with something as trivial as jewelry. While not unfamiliar with playing the long game, Earl Margera was all too fond of the thrill of the hunt when it came to courting his prey. Patience is a virtue he was well versed in. He would let you feel content under the assurance that you had control over the situation for a little while more, all while the snare was gradually tightening around your neck.

The palace of Earl Margera looked starkly different in the daylight than when it was illuminated by lamplight- the darkness covers up the gritty parts, you noticed. The myriad of shrubbery and meticulously kept flora that made up the front garden had withered in a recent cold snap, leaving branches winding and bare as you trotted up the cobblestone steps. You’d dressed well, while not horrifically extravagant for the occasion, but you hadn’t even knocked at the door before it was answered and you were quickly shuffled inside the front room by one of his male servants, a room which was extravagant as any other given inch of that palace, where the earl had been patiently awaiting your arrival. “Y/N.” He put on his most earnest expression as he bowed in front of you, not giving you the opportunity to remove your glove much less greet him before he peeled it off of your fingers himself with practiced grace before placing a disarmingly gentle kiss to your knuckle while making unshaking eye contact, “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

You’re not sure how you managed it, but after you stole his expensive liquor and insulted him, the earl ended up asking you to return once more, this time for discussion of industry over a meal, but as things have it, you talked about everything except the cargo business. Well, besides you fulfilling your curiosity as to how exactly a man like him got into this industry. He inherited his position from his father, something you, and in all honesty, Earl Margera couldn’t give two shits about shipping.

The dinner was an intimate affair with a dining room table laid with enough food to feed the entirety of the east end; platters upon platters of golden roast pork loin and plump game birds ran alongside crisp roast turnips and carrots with fennel, but most impressive dish besides the massive ornamental coffee custard a la Religieuse was the beautiful arrangement of oranges, apples, blackberries, and plums that were surely imported from Spain given they were out of season.

As you were served by one of the handful of men that were neither his servants nor brothers that hung around his palace like flies, you mused, “I’m impressed. When I received your invitation, I was thinking I’d be dining on something closer to soused hog or crimped fish.”

Chuckling deliciously, Earl Margera eyed you from across the table and brought his glass to his lips, taking a swig of wine before he replied, “I have an impression to make, do I not?” An evil little glint sparkled in his eye as he proposed, half joking, “If you’d like, I could send to the butcher for some fresh slink veal.” The nasty thing is, you weren't exactly sure if he was joking about that, because leave it to the earl to appreciate the feeling of soft, underdeveloped lamb’s bone in his teeth, but you laughed anyway.

Delicately handing your silverware, you tried to break the tension a little, “You know, you are not nearly the man I took you for, my earl.”

As much as the preface of ‘my’ before his title made his heart jump, he waved his hand dismissively, “Who needs those formalities? All my close friends call me Bam.” A curious name, yes, and hardly a name fit for an earl, but you did not question it. You had far more pressing matters at hand. Bathed in the soft candlelight, the man across from you looked strangely soft, maybe even human- a far cry from the image he projected to the public. And as you dined and drank, which you ended up doing a great deal of over the course of the night, you could’ve sworn that those men that served you- members of his council, the ones standing along the walls just in the shadows- were shooting knowing, sidelong glances to one another as Bam regaled you on his worldly adventures, seeming to enjoy the sound of his own voice more than anything.

As the evening grew on and the candles grew shorter, something that had been occupying your mind for a while came up in conversation. Swirling your glass of liquor with half lidded eyes, you mumbled, “You know…I've only seen a fraction of this castle of yours. Why don’t you give me a tour?” This opportunity made Bam’s ears perk up. There was an undeniable romance about the palace, especially in the evening, and much like a cobra silently waiting to strike, Earl Margera had been quietly leading you along with this false sense of security. It seemed that this was the perfect moment.

“Of course.” pulling his chair out from the table with surprising grace for a man who had been drinking his weight in fine booze, Bam waved for you to follow him, “This way, if you don’t mind…” Trailing behind him at his heels, you followed him down grand, echoey hallways with moonlight filtering in through tall, arched windows onto the marble flooring. He led you through a large, heavy door marred with age and into a room that looked more like a museum and less like a home. Every wall was lined with some sort of curiosity that the earl was more than eager to flaunt, whether that be a pyxis dating back to the crusades, or a full collection of canopic jars he acquired from a trip to Egypt, not to mention menagerie of taxidermied animals. It seemed that the second you appeared at all disinterested in what he had to say, Bam hurriedly moved on from one artifact to the next.

But on the off moments you were enraptured with a painting or fine textile, you caught him just…watching you. Running your finger contemplatively along the smooth glass dome encasing a skull you couldn’t identify as human or animal, you felt this odd sensation of being loomed over or observed intently the way a hunter would track prized game, especially odd considering the only people in the room were you and the earl. Slightly unnerved, you shook off those feelings against your better judgment and chuckled, “I’m impressed…Really, wet specimens and medieval weapons are just the thing that draws the favor of women.” However, your fesistines and witty comeback were not enough to deter the earl.

“So, you’re a lady with more artistic tastes? Here-“ his voice a mere purr, Bam directed you over to a grand marble statue at one end of the room, “this is a real Bernini- genuine.” Silhouetted by a window on each side letting light flood in, this alabaster figure stood carved with precision, this beautiful angel standing with poise and elegance, frozen in time and marble. In actuality, Bam only knew who sculpted that statue because his money paid for it, and otherwise he couldn’t care less about that thing. Cocking your head to one side, the thought occurred to you that maybe you were wrong about the earl and perhaps he was less surface than you initially thought. Out of the stillness, he asked you, “Do you believe in angels, Y/N?”

It was a simple question, the kind a curious child may ask, but turning to face him, the room felt so eerily quiet as you gazed at his features bathed in the moonlight, looking almost…innocent- sinister, yet perfectly harmless. Mouth growing dry under his gaze, you replied, “I don’t think they walk among us, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Grasping your hand in his, Bam’s voice no longer had that obnoxious, arrogant edge. Instead, there was this soft, sweet quality to his words as he spoke just above a whisper, “Oh, but I think they do…See, for the longest time, I couldn’t remember a single moment where I was satisfied. I felt good drinking and flirting and carousing, but…that was it. And then you came along, and all of a sudden…” his voice trailed off a moment as he pretended to struggle with articulating his feelings, before he eventually spat out, “You’re an angel…My angel, I’m sure of it.” There was something off about this encounter that you couldn’t place as, eyes bleary from alcohol and emotion, Earl Margera brought your hand up to his lips and placed a reverent kiss to your knuckle for the second time that night and asked, more of a command than a request, “Stay with me tonight?”

You felt charmed yet uncomfortable in this moment- how he had been intensely staring at you as if he were looking straight to the core of your soul. This darkness about him; it was heavy, permeating every fiber of this young man who looked ready to be worshiped or sacrificed. With the way his hair looked disheveled and hung in his eyes, you finally saw what all those women saw in him- in that silent study, Earl Margera looks like temptation personified. “Hold me for tonight. Shelter me from this-“ You couldn’t resist. Cutting him off from what en flourishy tangent he was about to launch into, you leaned in to press a kiss to his lips because, in that moment, it just felt so right. However, instead of the tentative, playful response you expected to receive, there was this hunger in the way Bam smothered you in his kiss, like a wolf burying its muzzle into a fresh kill. Deep and primal, he nearly growled against your lips, unable to contain those starving urges that sat just below the surface.

Stumbling, you tumbled backward onto a chaise lounge and Bam landed on top of you. Black painted nails clawing at the bodice of your dress and clumsily tugging it down to bare your chest, he seemingly ignored the newly exposed expanse of skin glimmering in the moonlight for the succulent meat of your neck. You were shocked, but you couldn’t say that you weren't strangely excited and thrilled by this turn of events. Endlessly repulsed and enchanted, you were powerless against his animalistic urges, sucking and laving at the bulge of your carotid artery as if your flesh itself was this divine thing. Passion hung heavy between your ragged bodies, breath coming out in ragged pants, and Bam couldn’t hold himself back for one moment longer. A throbbing, exquisite shockwave of pure white heat rattled through your bones as he let out this satisfied little moan and sunk his jaws into you the way an animal would clamp their jaws onto its prey- purely predatory. Face smeared with crimson, his eyes flicked up to look at you with something a little less than human behind them.

If the woman you were a week ago could see yourself now, waking up naked in the earl’s bed, you’d tell yourself to knee him between the thighs and make a break for it, but there was something so utterly hypnotizing about his visage in that moment. Falling under his spell, the closest thing you could equate it to was love. You loved him like you would love a sick, stray cat that you found on the side of the road covered in blood and vomit. You loved him like a saint loves a sinner. Head swimming, you were unable to fully comprehend what had happened to you as you tried to orient yourself. Eyes fell upon where Bam sat beside you, naked and half covered by the sheets that pooled at his hips, you couldn’t bring yourself to tear your gaze from his bare form. Chest pale and slightly sunken, his ribs were more prominent than a young man’s should be, but there was still something beautiful about him with the way his soft skin against sharp edges. Slender, almost as if he was malnourished, your eyes trailed down the faint line of hair peeking above where the linens sat at his hips.

Entranced by his strangely ethereal figure, it took him meeting your eyes for you to notice the dark smears on his cheeks and around his mouth. Still, there was that purity about him at war with his fierceness as he cracked a grin, “My angel…” lying down next to you, the words of a saint fell from the mouth of a harlot as he nuzzled his face against your neck and chest, lazily licking at his leftovers. Bam stared at you, lips covered in dried blood and kiss swollen, but even after all of this, he found a way to feign innocence, looking up at you with these big, sweet deer eyes even after he had done these depraved acts. The earl asked tenderly- vulnerably, “Will you be gentle when you scrub me clean? When you purify me?”

His desire for redemption was merely a front. Simultaneously disgusted and aroused, you swallowed down the gnawing uncertainty as to what exactly he’d done to you that left you so bloodied as you uttered, “You think I can fix you? You’re- you’re beyond any redemption…”

Bam’s grin seemed to widen at your meager resistance as he pulled his lips away from where he nursed at your wound to whisper in your ear, his voice a soft whine with faux offense, “Oh, you are so cruel.” light glinted off of a far too sharp canine as he cooed sweetly, speaking to you the way a lover would, “You have no idea what you do to me…”

Sitting up sharply as the realization of exactly what your circumstances entailed, dead moments gave way for memories of the earlier evening to remain. You would’ve thought your sanity was slipping away with the conclusion you came to. Sharp pain shot through your skull like a railroad spike as you fell back to the plush bed, squeezing your eyes shut to quell the ache as you muttered to yourself, “No- no. It’s not. It can’t…”

Unsure if you should blame the trembling of your limbs on blood loss or the sinking realization of your circumstances, you nearly jumped when you felt Bam’s hand on your shoulder as if he were caressing some delicate object as he purred, “I’ve yearned for someone like you for so much longer than you could ever imagine…” The way he was talking about you was like your presence satiated every ounce of his being. Leaning over you in the darkness, the earl murmured, “I couldn’t imagine spending eternity without you, Y/N…”

Fear and restraint melting away, the line between ecstasy and agony irrevocably blurred as the idea slowly grew in appeal as if you were falling under the control of some spell. Parts of his reasoning began to make sense; this rich, devilishly handsome earl was so readily offering you his undying affection. Who cares about the implications of what he may truly be? You had to ponder- was this destiny? Were these the cards that fate had dealt you, and if so, how were you going to play them? Part of you, a sensible part, still wanted to run, but the very core of you desired nothing more but to lay with him in those very sheets for the rest of time.

[fereldanwench]

I think I was tagged forever ago to share some WIP stuff, but I'm just the worst at keeping up with those. :3 But I have had a lot more time to focus on personal projects since being a lot stricter about social media time, so here are a few things!

Goro & Valerie's House Estate

Eventually (like probably in the 2090s tbh; they gotta suffer under Arasaka for a while), they get to have domestic bliss (mostly; I'm sure they'll still get into trouble) and live in a beautiful house in Kanagawa. I've tried a few times to make one for them, but the other efforts didn't quite stick for one reason or another. This is my favorite so far, especially their huge yard/garden, which is essential for Valerie to lean into her plant mom life.

There's still a lot I want to add to the outside, but I think I'm going to leave the interior mostly empty so I can just use it as a stage for whatever I'm in the mood for and not be restricted to a specific layout. They might get a permanent full kitchen, though.

Kinktober Planning

I shared a little teaser the other day, but I just wrapped up doing another set for next month. I'm not gonna be able to do one for every day, but I think there's a good possibility I could get about 10-12 out.

Here's another shot from a set I just finished today:

And while I'm thinking about it: I'm not going to be posting the full sets on Tumblr since they'll be on the more explicit side--They'll be going on my Pillowfort with all my other naughty stuff. (Some will probably also end up on Twitter, but I don't really like formatting photosets for Twitter so it'll be a low priority.)

Casual/Personal Modding Stuff

I don't really have any pictures to share for this, but I also spent a good chunk of my time over my long holiday weekend updating some of my personal mods, like own poses and my Goro NPC+. I added some new clothes for him (like this one) and updated his shirtless varieties to have the shoulder pad things I've been using (rather than adding them with ACM). I'd still like to get him proper cyberware that looks closer to his concept art, but that's way beyond my Blender skills and commission budget (which is exactly $0 right now, lmao). But this at least gets rid of the unsightly jagged edges.

So those are the main highlights atm! I am staying pretty busy at the moment--September tends to be a crazy month for me on a personal level since 3 of my family members have September birthdays, and husbando and I are actually celebrating our 17th (!!!!!!) anniversary this week. I also need to find some time to resume my Inquisition replay because I know Halloween is gonna be here in the blink of an eye.

[kushblazer666]

I know I will probably experience some hate on this post, but it’s okay. I don’t live to please man 🙌🏼

If you can look at this photo and NOT see the demonic agenda of Halloween, you are blinded. 😵

I was walking through Michaels yesterday and saw all of this as I was checking out.

Witches, ouija boards, demons, the dead, fear, supernatural, ghosts, monsters, magic, spells, curses, mediums, palm reading, witchcraft, potions, all seeing eye…

These are things that NO follower of Christ should compromise with. Period

It’s a sad thing when you have churches doing “trunk or treats” while the members are even dressing as witches and passing out candy with monsters and demons on the wrappers… where have we gone? The church needs help. God help us.

“Chelsea, I saw you celebrating Halloween before!! Don’t be a hypocrite!” 🙄

Oh I know I used to! I used to be all about it. I used to dress up, go to the parties, and haunted houses…. But then the Lord opened my eyes and now I can’t compromise with the world. I just can’t.

“But Chelsea you’re ridiculous. It’s for fun and kids go out and get candy. Come on now..”🙄

Listen, go look up the history of how passing out candy on Halloween came about. Go look up how the costumes came about. While you’re researching, look up the Celtic history of Oct 31.

Then ask yourself, “does this glorify God?”

 I understand that so many like to celebrate and try to “sprinkle Jesus on top“, I used to do the same, but the unfortunate fact is that you can’t.

This holiday is demonic. Just because you dress up your child as a Bible character does not make it of the Lord.

We have to be set apart. We are called to be set apart. How are we set apart if we look exactly like the world?

“Where are your scriptures Chelsea?? You can’t just talk all this talk and leave with nothing!!” 🙄

I’m glad you asked, here are just a FEW. 👇🏼

1 Corinthians 10:21 📖

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.

1 John 1:5

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all

3 John 1:11

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from every form of evil.

Ephesians 4:27

Neither give place to the devil.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

-Don’t be upset with me. This is Gods Word. Speak to Him. We can’t twist it. We have to be fully committed to Him and without compromise. I know this can be hard when we are so used to it, but it’s time to say “enough” to Satan and not even allow him one day.

I tell you all of this because I love you.

Shared from Chelsea Covell.

[cloveroctobers]

OCTOBER PROMPTS 🎃 — 8. Hector

A/N: the way I always had something in the drafts to write for my beloved man like back during the summer time. The universe had other plans and what better time than to revisit this episode on Halloween! I think this is my first time ever writing on the day of this superior season?! Happy Halloween people 🧡 🪄

WARNINGS: language + hints of sexual tension 😅

PROMPT is from HERE + I’m using: “I love you, I swear I do but we’re not wearing matching costumes.”

₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚

[~October. 2000’s~]

Oh the wonders of being a big time celebrity during the month of Halloween. That’s right, a whole entire month! Which felt like so because you were constantly in the limelight with people not only dissecting your love life but also your roles which consisted of either being the lead scream queen in a thriller series, supporting actress in horror movies, and also being the star drummer (on some Sheila E shit!) and backup singer of a Alt-Pop girl band on the side.

So yes, you stayed busy and were worth talking about.

“Whatever you decide to be this year has to be big. I mean Destiny’s child, Britney Spears, Zac and Vanessa, and Halle Berry are all gonna be here at your party this year.” Your manager/publicist ranted as she paced the floor in your open concept closet.

You’re lounging on your studded chaise lounge chair, texting away on your blackberry while chewing on some gum, half listening, “Halle’s my god-mom, of course she will be here to support but who else is on this list exactly?”

“I invited pretty much everyone, the hottest stars even those who may or may be in your age range. It doesn’t matter! As long as you get good pics that brings fresh press.” Natania voiced as she began flipping through a notepad.

You hum knowing the deal, considering you’ve been in the limelight since you were fourteen so this was not anything entirely new. “I’ve got the perfect outfit for Hector and I.”

Natania glances up from writing, “funny you mention him after I say press.”

“Him has a name and who also happens to be my boyfriend?”

“Don’t remind me,” Natania mutters, “and just to think you could still be with Taylor Lautner right now. His stats are only climbing after ‘Breaking Dawn Part I,’ dropped and I can only imagine how much more attention he’s gonna get.”

Shrugging your shoulders you say, “I’ve got more than enough attention with and without a guy by my side. It was fun while it lasted but as soon as he booked the role for twilight, the distance just grew. It was all only a matter of time.”

At sixteen and seventeen years old you got into a relationship, naturally with who everyone may know as Jacob Black but he was just Taylor to you. You met way back in a martial arts class that your uncle actually taught but you didn’t end up sticking with it thanks to a tv series you booked. You met again not long after at a audition for “Sharkboy and LavaGirl.”

“Well the both of you could have at least faked it for a little!” Natania almost stomped her feet before sighing, “I mean Taylor still talks highly about you although you decided to pick a old paparazzi instead as your new fling.”

“I wouldn’t expect him to say anything less,” you blinked, “wasn’t a bad break up anyway and I don’t pay you to make judgements on who I date. I pay for you to manage my career, not my personal life, sooo mind yours.”

Natania rolled her eyes beneath her glasses, “whatever, you’re right. I’m just saying you could have done better. There’s just something off about him—Hector and not the whole follow people like you around for cash either.”

“Nat!” You hissed, “shut up already, hector’s coming over, he’s gonna be at that party with me and that’s that. When’s the stylist coming over?”

Natania puts on a forced smile and glances at the watch on her wrist, “in about a hour.”

“Great! Hector says he’ll be here in fifteen so that gives us a little down time. You can let yourself out whenever you’re ready.” You state laying back to rest your eyes.

You’ve been up since six thirty this morning doing a extreme workout routine you didn’t like with a trainer who took it too seriously. You were more of a cardio person than juggling ropes, jumping and squatting, and flipping over tires.

Soon the door bell rings and you pry one eye open to see the monitor by the door glowing, making you aware who it could be. Groaning you took your time getting closer to the screen, seeing no one there. Shrugging to yourself, you plopped down on the lounge just as your closet door budged open revealing your stylist and no other than your boyfriend, Hector.

Lounging on your elbows you smile and wave at the two.

“No, please. Don’t get up, I got it.” Your stylist wheeled in a rack while you laughed at the usual sarcasm.

“Hey, baby.” You craned your neck to meet Hector’s lips as he leaned over you in greeting before sitting next to you, “what happened to fifteen minutes?”

Hector laughs, rubbing at the back of his neck, knowing that he was late, “traffic? Even on my bike and Hunger…”

You hum at this.

“Just burgers.” Hector whispers as you shrug your shoulders.

You knew what it was like, actually dating someone in the supernatural world. It could always go one or two ways and of course there were heavy rumors surrounding Hector since he was there at the time of Mazey Day’s death. He should have been dead—especially with the amount of damage done to his body, you knew what he and Bo were up to and the pictures Bo showed you was not something you would forget.

However Hector was meant to live and see it through…and he did with the help of your family.

They got to him first.

That’s right, a long history of, “werewolf or wolf training,” depending on which form. You had more experience with simply wolfs while the higher skilled like your parents and siblings dealt with the werewolf’s. Due to your involvement with the spotlight you didn’t have much time for…family activities but you weren’t completely clueless.

If you were able to get to Mazey Day in time, perhaps things could have been different. No one really knew and some still didnt accept what it was.

Werewolves were fucking real and you so happened to be dating one.

“Soooo,” you drag pushing yourself up once more to face Hector with a tired smile, “I’ve got an idea of what we should be for Halloween.”

“Aw but you didn’t see what Freddie brought yet.”

“Oh it’s in there alright,” you push off the chair to head over to Freddie who has measuring tape draped over his shoulders.

You do the honors of taking the protective cover off the clothes and run your fingers over the various fabrics, “we have DoubleDare contestants from the 90s, or you can be Cupid and I’ll be a large fuzzy heart, or my personal fav: little red riding hood and her werewolf of a grandmother.”

Hector blinks after briefly studying the costumes and says, “I love you, I swear I do but we’re not wearing matching costumes.”

“Uh oh,” Freddie mutters while you frown at the curly haired man.

“And why the hell not? The last option is the best one.”

“I get that one,” Hector replies with a knowing look in his dark eyes, “but don’t you think it’s a little…corny?”

“We’re supposed to be corny! You’re my boyfriend and I’m your girl.” Digging your fists into your hips and peer at Hector who snorts.

“Yeah but—

“At least try it on! I mean if we’re gonna be at my party together shouldn’t we at least match?”

Hector lightly grips your wrist to pull you from Freddie’s ear shot, “it’s gonna be a full moon that night.”

“Even better.”

“For who? Not me.”

“It’s been a year already,” you slip your hand down to squeeze his, “you’re gonna be fine.”

“That’s not what your mom believes.” Hector’s shoulders almost slump, which irritates you, the fact that your mother was always getting into his head was not something foreign to you but when she started to do it to people you cared about, that’s when it became a problem.

“Newsflash, she doesn’t know everything like she claims.”

“I mean I should listen to her since…”

“Since she’s more skilled than me? Ah alright well I get it. Look, I’m not gonna peer pressure you. I just know I wouldn’t have you here if I didn’t think you could handle it. We’d take all the proper precautions a few days before just like I planned but if you really don’t feel comfortable…we’ll just make sure to take the pictures in advance and we’ll go from there.”

Hector studies you then. He knew that it was hard to be around each other sometimes whenever the moon shifted. He was thankful he got another chance at life…sure but life just become a whole lot more difficult now with this new lifestyle and being legit involved with someone in the public eye. No doubt he’s thought about it before but never pictured it happening and Bo also told him it was a bad idea after figuring out that he basically resurrected and could transform into a hairy ass creature!

You lived one way and he lived another, there were contrasts to you just like the sun and the moon, the pair of you worked taking turns to let the other breathe separately. Space was efficient when it came to your relationship but when you were together? That opened up a whole new feeling. A scary one. He wasn’t sure if this relationship would be long term but he had the chance to see you for what you are beyond the lights and that was a treat in itself.

He exhales, lifting a hand to cup the side of your face, “…let’s try these costumes on then.”

And you squeal, hopping into his arms and he holds onto you as you lock your legs around his hips, his beaming smile meeting yours as you peck all along his handsome face.

“We look foolish,” Hector comments as he readjusts the gingham hat on top of his head while you stand side by side in a full length mirror.

You laugh as you wrap your arms around the curly haired man in the floral green nightgown, “correction: we look fine as hell.”

“Fine enough to where I don’t need to spend two hours sitting in a chair having ass cramps and getting wolf prosthetics on?” Hector slips on his circular glasses and peeks over them at your reflection.

Red was certainly your color.

You snort, “you could always let the moon do it’s thing.”

“That’s not even funny.”

Pressing your chin against the back of his shoulder you say, “Wanna give me a little snarl or something?”

Hector sends you a pointed look as you trail one hand up to twist one of his damp curls, “Oh Granny, what pretty curls you have.”

“All the better for you to tug my dear,” Hector begins to play along.

A smirk makes its way onto your red painted lips, “Oh granny, what a beautiful face you have.”

“All the better for you to,” Hector starts before quickly twisting his body to yank you tight against his body, “sit on.”

You see the specs of ember swirling in Hector’s ink eyes now and you know you were pushing it as the length of his nails began to poke at the fabric of your red hood.

He then places a open mouthed kiss to your beating throat, “you didn’t say anything about my teeth.”

Standing up some with your hands locked around his neck now, you lean just a bit closer so that your forehead presses against Hector’s; you reply just as some knocks sounded at your closet door, “Now that’s satire.”

Hector let’s out a small laugh as you untangle yourself from his grasp to get the door, making a show of pointing the makeup artists in his direction only.

With your confidence in him and against the full moon, Hector can’t help but to shrug his shoulders and take a seat peeking at the face he got used to over the years. Somehow even this skin felt different and not just the scars embedded.

He just hoped you were right but knew he wouldn’t hear the end of it.

Well…here’s to a new change of course for Halloween! That might actually be terrifying but as long as he had you on his team, his doubts and speculations from outsiders—which he used to be—didn’t seem to matter as much anymore.

₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚ ✧ ♱‧₊˚. ₊˚

Continue along with my fall anthology prompts here.

[shegxox]

special christmas episode | valorant protocol

how you experienced christmas within the valorant headquarters

notes: hc style with images right after, not proofread bc it's hella rushed– will edit soon

a.n: literally started writing this five hours before christmas. I suddenly realized I haven't whipped a christmas special yet 💀 hope you guys enjoy and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

previous : next

THE START OF THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Brimstone is actually a big fan of holidays

loves celebrating it, loves seeing everyone at the table

Christmas is one of his favourites

Plans to throw a party before sending everyone for their short vacation

the 'white christmas' theme is obviously out of the picture

headquarters is literally within a tropical island. . .with a volcano.

despite that, even without snow– christmas is christmas

first task of the christmas celebrations: decorating.

majority of the agents love this part

but there's one thing they hate about it

getting the artificial tree from the stockroom

cue jett, phoenix, and yoru fighting about it

"why don't you get it, I thought you're the strongest one around here." Jett spats out

"I am." Yoru frowned. "But my strength is not worth. . .this. Are you insulting me??"

But then. . .Brimstone remembered what your radiant abilities were

"Gaia."

Brimstone eyed you intensely as he sat with his elbows on his desk, fingers intertwined and pressing them against his upper lip.

"Ye-Yes, Captain?" You sweatdropped, trying to avert from your leader's firm gaze.

'What's with this weird atmosphere. . .'

"Can you do it?"

Your eyebrows shot upwards, mouth parting slightly.

". . .Do what, exactly–" is he asking what you think he's asking? "–Captain. . .?"

"A pine tree."

"Huh?"

"Can you do it?"

What.

Did you just hear him right?

You let out a nervous chuckle, "Wait– Hold on a sec, Captain." You thought he was gonna ask you to hide a body or something, "Let me get this straight—"

Brimstone didn't react much, he continued to just stare at you.

"You're asking me. . . If I can make a pine tree?" You questioned. "Is that right?"

Finally, your captain moved from his position.

"That is correct." He nodded, putting down his forearms on his desk. "So, can you do it?"

"Of course I can," You grinned awkwardly, still a little confused about where this is going. "But. . .why?"

Turns out it was already the month of December, you couldn't believe how time flies so fast, you swore you were just celebrating Halloween a couple of weeks ago.

Anyway, Brimstone requested you to make a pine tree in the common room where the Christmas party will be held soon, and honestly? You were kind of excited.

You love celebrations as much as Brimstone does, but mostly because there will be lots of good food laid out once again.

"Is it true?!" Jett bursted through the common room with excitement filling her smile, "Gaia's making a pine tree?!"

Sage, Raze, and Killjoy were already in the room with you, waiting for you to work your magic.

Reyna sat quietly by the bar, sipping her purple drink peacefully with a pinch of interest towards the situation while Chamber– who's wiping a glass behind the bar looked at you with a hint of glee in his eyes.

Omen casually sat on the couch knitting away, only glancing towards the scene in front of him every now and then.

"I was just about to." You chuckled hands already raised in the direction where you plan to create the tree.

"Perfect timing," Killjoy chirped before motioning her hand to Jett. "Come, come!"

The wind radiant eagerly made her way next to Sage.

"Oh man, I love watching you use your power." Jett comments. "So magical."

"Agreed." Sage nodded.

"Alright fam, you sure this one's a good spot?" You asked for the last time.

"Yup."

"Yes."

"Absolutely!"

You sighed, shaking your hands, "Here we go then."

Using your radiance, your palms glowed green. The ground of your target space started to rumble just a bit before breaking and sprouting a small pine tree.

"Woah." Jett gasped in amusement.

Raze tried to hold a giggle bubbling from her throat

"That's so cute."

"Tell me when you're satisfied with it, okay?" You say before making the tree grow and sprout its leaves.

Everyone in the common room watched as the tree bloomed beautifully.

"Wait, stop!" Jett exclaimed and you did, the green glow on your palms fading. "That's the most perfect tree I've ever seen."

And just like that, there's an actual pine tree in the common room. Not an artificial one, a real one.

"Oh look, it even sprouted some pinecones." Sage pointed out, grinning delightfully.

"Ah, it smells wonderful too." Killjoy sighed as the aroma of fresh pine started to creep into the space.

"Welp, what are you guys waiting for?" You grinned. "Time to decorate!"

Just as you said those words, Phoenix entered the room, his eyes glancing at the tree by the corner before doing a double take.

"Wha–," His eyes widened. "Where did that come from?"

"Gaia made it." Jett responded. "Cool, right?"

"Uh–"

"Oi, what's the hold-up? Get your ass out of the way," A male voice grunts from behind Phoenix, a very familiar blue jacket peeking. It was Yoru, and he's carrying the artificial tree that he got from the stockroom due to Phoenix's insistent pestering, the tree blocking his vision upfront.

"Um, Yoru?"

"What?" The riftwalker spats out, clearly annoyed from carrying the tree.

Phoenix laughs nervously

"So uh, funny story. . ."

TROPICAL CHRISTMAS

You requested everyone to put a personal ornament on the tree

And you even grew some mistletoes and wreaths for everyone to decorate.

It was fun decorating

You all finished dressing up the common room that same day as well

The room looked magical, especially at night when the Christmas lights are all on

Holiday dinner will be in the next few days

So before that, you all decided to take on the 'tropical christmas' theme and have a day out on the island

A beach episode within a christmas episode

Even Viper agreed to get some sun in her system

Sage, Neon, and Jett dragged you along with them in picking swimsuits

"Oh! I bet this looks cute on you, Gaia!"

You tried on at least ten swimsuits that day

The girls coaxing you to show more skin and be more confident

"Gaia, I think you'd have Sova drooling if you wear this–"

"Neon!"

"Sova? You mean Chamber?"

"Sage, not you too–"

"You think Omen would knit you a biki–"

"Jett, stop!"

Cue you turning fifty shades of red

Today was a beautiful day.

The sun wasn't too harsh on the eyes nor its heat was too much on the skin. The sea was sparkling clear with a tint of blue that makes you feel refreshed as soon as you jump right in.

Breach and Brimstone were surprisingly getting along at the grilling station, chatting and watching over the others at the shore.

Jett and Phoenix were already playing some beach volleyball against Yoru and Skye, both teams were clearly riled up with their own competitiveness with Neon keeping score.

The two lovebirds– Raze and Killjoy were making their sand-snowman. . .sandman, on one side, gathering seashells and washed up sticks and branches for the sandman's body parts.

Reyna peacefully lays on her deck chair under an umbrella, dark shades covering her eyes with a refreshing drink in her hand with Viper doing the same next to her.

Astra and Sage stood near the grilling station, preparing some snacks and refreshments for everyone to enjoy.

"Is Gaia not here yet?" Sova asked aloud, just stepping out of the water wearing blue trunks with his muscular upper body confidently exposed, he slicked his long wet hair back, biceps flexing as his eyes wandered around looking for you.

Sova lets out an teasing grin, reaching out for his towel from a deck chair.

"She'll be here any minute now," Sage said with a smile before chuckling. "She must be shy because if her swimsuit."

Sage made sure to find you the perfect swimwear that not only matches your skin tone but also greatly compliments your body.

"Did you actually get her in one?"

Absolutely not doubting the idea of you getting into a bikini.

"Ah, you do not know the struggles we faced in forcing her into one." Sage said in a playful tone.

"I don't want to ruin your expectations but," Chamber's voice chimed in, he was sitting on a deck chair next to Sova's wearing swimming trunks and an unbuttoned short sleeve shirt exposing his lean upper body.

"Isn't that Gaia over there, approaching us?" The french man's lips curled into an amused smirk. "Personally, I like what I'm seeing."

Following his direction the two looked to their left and immediately saw you.

Sova lets out a laugh and Sage's mouth fell.

"Oh my. . ."

"LET'S GOOO!" You shrieked from afar as you started to run towards the water.

You were literally wearing a black and white striped t-shirt and swimming shorts (yes, like the one from. . .idk old old times) with a bright yellow duck ring floatie around your waist and more floaters on your upper arms. Bright pink goggles already covering your eyes, kicking off your slippers as you neared the shore.

You didn't waste any precious time in jumping into the refreshing waters.

"Was that Gaia?" Brimstone asked.

"Yes. . ." Sage answered with an empty smile. "Out of everything we bought for her. . ."

Astra lets out a light-hearted laugh, "Well, what do you expect from our mother earth."

"Yo! Gaia's finally here." Phoenix announced from the volleyball area. "Chicken fight!"

"I've got the water guns over there!" Jett dashed towards her deck chair.

"Oi! Are we just forgetting this fight?" Yoru frowned, fire still in his eyes to play volleyball.

"Who cares bro, we were gonna win anyway." Phoenix said smugly.

"Why you–" Yoru went after him towards the water. "Get back here!"

"Hey, wait for me!" Neon excitedly dashed her way to the water as well.

Sova put down his towel before running towards the sea, "I call Gaia's team!"

"Not if I get to her first." Chamber suddenly said, running alongside the russian man.

Watching you already enjoy yourself in the water, the two were so close to you when suddenly, out of nowhere, you were raised from the water.

"Ah!" You squealed grabbing a hold of what seemed to be. . . Shoulders?

"Omen?"

". . .I wish to participate." He states in his deep voice, carrying you on his shoulders with his head in between your thighs. Jett and Phoenix had just joined in the waters as well with Yoru hot on their trail.

Chamber and Sova almost tripped to a stop.

"Merde."

"Гавно."

"Not fast enough huh?" Cypher teasingly mused at the two obviously looked distraught. Sova gave him a weird look.

"Why are you still wearing your work clothes." Sova comments.

From afar, Viper slipped on her shades.

"The children are getting noisier. . ." Viper uttered to herself.

"Lighten up, Viper." Reyna smiles, sipping her drink.

"Today is a great day."

HOLIDAY DINNER

You know what time it is: Cooking time

This time with Jett

This is going to be grand feast for sure

Sova tried to help again like before

Got blocked by Sage though

"I just want to help." Cue cute pleading face Sova

"Sure you do, friend." Sage dismissed, knowing another person might come by as well

It's already a little crowded in the kitchen

Finished a little earlier making dinner

Jett turned a little bit like Gordon Ramsay while cooking

"Where's the sauce??"

"Shit– uh, I'll make it right now."

"Double time, Gaia!"

"Y-Yes chef."

By Brimstone's royal decree, the dinner is now deemed: formal.

Everyone has to wear something formal

Thank gods you have more time to prepare.

You had just finished doing your hair and make-up when you suddenly heard a soft knock on the door.

Quickly getting up, you smoothed over the skirt of your dress and and cleared your throat.

"Come in."

The door slid open and you were face to face with–

"Ah, Chamber." You smiled. "What a nice surprise."

The man looked exquisite with his all-black suit, as always his hair was neat and slick, and that familiar scent of his cologne was starting to waft around your room.

Chamber stepped into your room before gently taking hold of your right hand.

"Ma chèrie," He smiles charmingly. "You look wonderful tonight."

You wore a short yet elegant cream-colored dress with puff sleeves partnered with a big bow styling your loose half up half down hair.

Bending slightly, he placed a soft kiss on your knuckles.

"As do you, monsieur." You grinned. "What brings you here."

"Well," the man sighs, straightening his posture once again. "I would like to have the honor of escorting you, ma belle."

You gave him a light chuckle, "It's just dinner, Chamber It's okay."

He then went to your side and stuck iut his arm.

"But if you insist." You smiled, accepting his offer as you wrapped your hand around his bicep, feeling it tense just a bit as you did.

"I'll take that offer."

As the two of you entered, almost everyone was already there.

"Oh, what's this that I see?" Phoenix grinned. "Gaia and Chamber are finally here!"

Your friends came to greet you as they slowly peeled you from Chamber's hold, complimenting your look and chatting you away from his grasp much to the french man's dismay.

"Well, I'll consider this your redemption from that swimsuit you wore three days ago." Sage joked, linking her arm with yours. "Your dress is adorable! Where did you get it?"

"Your bow reminds me of that old disney movie," Raze comments. "I think it was the little mermaid?" She turned to Killjoy for confirmation and her lover nods.

"Yup, the little mermaid."

You gave them a bright grin, "Thank you, my loves. You all look wonderful as well."

Sage wore a long and flowy baby blue dress while Killjoy and Raze wore matching white suits that were styled to match their own aesthetic.

"Sorry I'm late, everyone." Your eyes turned towards the door and found your mentor at the entrance.

"Woah. . ." You accidentally slipped under your breath

Sova came in wearing a tight black fitted button-up partnered with a dark blue blazer and slacks.

"Sova!" You greeted him with a wave, instantly gaining his attention, he gave you a smile before walking towards your direction.

Sage smiles coyly, pulling you a bit in place, "Ah, excuse us for a moment, Gaia."

"Oh yeah sure."

"Wait hold on I need to ask–" Killjoy was cut off by Sage ushering them out of the scene.

"Later, laterrr."

Exactly when the three of them had gone, Sova had reached you.

"Gaia, you look lovely." He compliments with a soft smile.

"Thank you, you look–" Your eyes accidentally darted towards his chest, catching yourself off guard from the sudden action, you quickly looked up– heart beating a little fast.

"You look dashing."

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Sova utters, a little out of breath. "I went to your room but I guess you already left."

"Ah, yeah," You chuckled shortly, "Chamber came in and asked if he could escort me."

Sova raised an eyebrow, "Did he?"

"Yup, he's right over there now." You nodded your head towards his direction, Sova following your gaze and locked eyes with the weapons designer.

Chamber gave him a smirk before lifting his champagne glass to your direction slightly.

"We're just waiting for Brim, then we can all finally eat." You comment with a sigh, looking over to the buffet of food laid out on the table. "Damn, I wanna eat already. What's taking him so lo–"

"Gaia."

"Hm?"

You gazed up to Sova with an innocent look, "What is it."

The man didn't say anything, instead he merely glanced up.

"Huh. . ?" Confused, you looked up, eyes widening as you saw what was above the two of you.

'Ah. . .' You could feel your cheeks starting to get hot as you looked at Sova with wide eyes.

Above your heads, there was a mistletoe.

[kimbap-r0ll]

Malleus x reader: Valentines

1.6K Words

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! Here's a fluff story to celebrate, hope you enjoy!

Malleus was a curious fae, one interested in learning about everything and anything. He was specifically interested in human culture as fae kept themselves away from it. Though Sebek refused to tell him anything about it, he would sometimes slip details here and there about holidays that they celebrate. Sure, they had Halloween similar to the one they have at Briar Valley, but then they had other ones like White Day, Valentine’s Day, and all kinds of other gift-giving opportunities. It just so happened to be February when he found out that Valentine’s Day was going to be celebrated. Not only that, but Malleus was having a massive crush at the moment.

It was new to him, all these butterflies in his stomach whenever you looked in his direction. Whenever you said hi to him or asked him help on homework, he felt words choke up in his throat as he awkwardly said “sure.” Overall, the prince didn’t feel that confident around you but he wanted to be. The feeling only grew as he watched you from afar, helping students who overblotted and being a dorm leader for Ramshackle. You were hardworking, a little bit hard-headed, but a very kind person. You were also one of the first people to ever go up to him without an ounce of fear. He liked that a lot, it was like a warm breeze in a summer afternoon. You were talking with him one day as you accompanied him on a stroll (which he considers a first step in a date) where you first told him how you found him as one of your closest friends.

“You might not be around me all the time like Ace and Deuce are, but you give me the most comfort,” you said. “I’m from a totally different world, but you accepted me for who I was, even if I can’t use magic. I, er, yeah, thank you for being by my side in that way,” you said. You probably thought the words didn’t formulate beautifully, but he was touched. Most fae looked at him and immediately turned their gaze towards the floor, it made him feel lonely. They also spoke to him as if there was some kind of barrier between him and others, like he couldn’t connect with them emotionally. Because of all of these factors, it was refreshing to listen to you.

But alas, this fae was never taught how exactly to court a human! He looked into books on romance but all of the things he read felt too cliché. He wasn’t going to just ask you out either, he didn’t have the guts to do that (he won’t admit it to anyone though). Malleus tried to hide his obvious crush from others by immediately shooting down any attempts at asking if he had someone of interest. The questions, however, only grew as Valentine’s grew closer and closer. It wasn’t only the number of questions that grew though, Malleus’s own worries took over his mind as well. What if you had someone else you liked? What if Malleus wasn’t good enough? He couldn’t focus on his studies as usual, nor during flight classes (which usually came as a breeze to him). There was even a time where he zoned out and got hit in the head by Leona, to which Malleus didn’t do anything about other than continue to stare off into the distance. Did it worry everyone else? Yes. Did Malleus know it did? No.

“I don’t understand why he’s acting like that!” Sebek said to Silver as they were walking back to the Diasomnia lounge. “It’s like he’s sad, but like, not?”

“Maybe he likes someone,” Silver suggested. Sebek whipped his head away from the school yard towards his friend.

“Excuse me?!”

“It’s possible is it not?”

“You think Malleus, the Malleus, would have interest in anyone in this school? Look around you, do you think anyone is worthy of a royalty from Briar Valley?”

“Well, he hangs around Ramshackle a lot, doesn’t he?”

“That he does!” The two younger students heard a familiar voice from the ceiling above them. Soon after, someone swung their head right in front of them while hanging upside down.

“H-hey can you not do that?!” Sebek shouted at Lilia as he tried to straighten his composure. Lilia only laughed and patted the two on their shoulders.

“I have to say, I agree with Silver on this one, I think Malleus likes y/n to be exact,” Lilia responded. Silver raised an eyebrow.

“I was only joking,” he mumbled.

“Well, your intuition was correct, at least that’s what I think,” Lilia jumped off from the ceiling and landed on the floor with a flip. “I raised that boy, so I know what he’s like. Ah, that makes me feel old, how sad.”

“So, what do you plan to do about it?” Sebek asked, lowering his voice to a whisper.

“Nothing! I’ll just watch and see. If he asks for help, maybe I’ll give advice, but it’s up to Malleus to figure out,” Lilia shrugged.

It soon became Valentine’s Day and Malleus was still being stubborn. He didn’t want to tell Lilia about this in case he didn’t do anything but tease Malleus for having a crush, but at the same time Lilia was the wisest person he knew. Swallowing up his pride for a bit, he walked over to Lilia’s room and knocked on the door.

“Malleus, is that you?” he asked from inside. Malleus opened the door to see Lilia on his computer, likely playing the new rhythym game he was talking about.

“I wanted to ask you something, it’s about the holiday being celebrated at the moment,” Malleus responded. Lilia took off his headphones and turned his body towards the fae prince.

“Ooh, you like someone? Are they from Ramshackle?” Lilia grinned, Malleus wanted to roll his eyes but kept to himself.

“Yes, they are.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say you need to do anything, just be yourself,” Lilia said while stretching his arms. “This game’s been driving me up the wall, didn’t think it would be this hard.”

“Lilia, I know you’re busy, but can you not give me more tips? I do not wish to embarrass myself infront of y/n,” Malleus tried again to get some help. Lilia got up from his chair, walked towards Malleus and placed his hands on the prince’s shoulders.

“You. Got. This. You can tell them how you feel, and if you want to, maybe get them some chocolates? I’ve seen people do that,” Lilia suggested.

Malleus ended up going to your dorm with a box of chocolates in hand, saying the sentences he was planning to tell you over and over in his head. He wanted to be perfect in front of you, but did he have the confidence? No.

Without thinking, he found himself knocking on your door and suddenly you opened it. You were holding Grim in your arms while Grim was munching on some chips he got from Sam’s shop.

“Ah! Hornton-I mean, Malleus! Hi!” you waved at him. Right, you found out his real name only a while ago.

“Nice to meet you again, y/n. I hope I am not intruding,” Malleus replied. Was his face burning red? Why did his heart feel like it was going to explode?

“...Is that chocolate?” you pointed at the box he was holding. Shoot. He forgot what he wanted to say and all that came out of his mouth was...

“Um...date?”

“Hm?”

“I mean...I feel like I can’t put emotions into words, but you have been...the most comforting person in my life and I want to spend more time with you,” Malleus looked away from you and at the grass nearby. Was he saying the words correctly?

“Oh...” your eyes softened, looking at the box and then back at him. “You know, I actually had something too!”

“...What?”

“Yeah! I, haha this is going to sound so weird, Grim wanna head back inside?” you dropped the cat out of your arms.

“Why? I won’t say anything, just let me watch the drama going on in-person—”

“No.”

Grim shrugged and headed back inside, telling you that he was going to eat your bag of chips at this point.

“Anyways, I was wanting to tell you that I wanted to be around you more too. I think I like you, a lot,” you blushed and tried to maintain eye contact with him. No, it was more like you two were struggling to look at each other out of shyness.

“Ah, so you feel the same way?” he smiled. “Then, would you like to take a stroll with me?”

“Sure! Lemme grab the gift I made for you, hold on!” You rushed back in and ran back out with a small tart in your hands. “I was baking with some Heartslabyul students today and I was thinking about you, hope you like it!”

“Child of man, I am happy even without a gift as long as I have you by my side, thank you for the thoughtful gift.”

The stroll was a bit chilly but to you two it was warm because you both kept each other close. You two ended up talking about everything and anything as you two always did. It was wonderful getting to spend Valentine’s Day with Malleus. For the fae, he felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders. He finally got to tell you how he feels, and now he was spending more time with you! Malleus never thought he could have a strong connection with someone, but seeing you look so happy, so passionate about what you were talking about, made him glad to have met you. He feels like the luckiest fae alive.

Lilia was likely watching from afar, glad to see you two being happy on the lovely holiday.

[faceglitchsworld]

It's the 23th of March, which means one thing...

It's Yunho's birthday! 🎉

So, have the pleasure to see the collage I made for him 😌

Didn't choose his most recent outfits, I know, I know, you can shame me, my family and my cow for this BUT I have my reason and my reason is that I loved this Halloween outfit on him and I wanted to put it in the collage. And I choosed the other one because is cute here. That's it.

Also I gave you the boyfriend material pics c'mon, you can forgive me now

And now it's time for the letter

Let's start with a little story time. When I started to search Ateez's pics my brain was a little...uhm, dizzy, to say the least. Maybe it's because they're the fourth group that I started stanning and my eyes weren't well "trained" as they are now but I clearly remember that my first days trying to get into them were about me trying to recognize the members and failing. I know, kinda strange now that I think about it.

What's Yunho's rule in all of this? Well, he was the second member that I immediately recognised and my reference point when I was watching Ateez's group pictures trying to recognize every member. I always started my little recognizing exercise by starting from him or my ult. He was an, uhm, anchor to say the least. I'm pretty sure that without him my brain would have exploded 🤣

This is why his personal tag has the anchor as a symbol, even tho I must admit that, in my opinion, this symbol can work perfectly for him like for everything. He's the perfect anchor for Mingi for example.

Look, if you followed me for a while, you know how much I love seeing idols being good friends with eachother and Yunho and Mingi's friendship is no exception for me. I love how they kept their bond after so many years, is something that it doesn't always happen. And, well, maybe it's just my impression but I think that if their friendship lasted so much is thanks to Yunho especially. The way he cares about Mingi, how he knows him so well, how Mingi sees him as someone where he finds comfort everytime...I don't know you, but yeah, Yunho is truly Mingi's anchor.

And I love how he shows his caring side even with the other members too. It's not always simple dealing with Ateez's 99 Line, they're capable to bring chaos if left without any control. But Yunho made what is the bravest thing ever, which is making sure that the 99 Line will do everything according to the plan. If this is not bravery than I don't know what it is exactly. This man should be praised and loved for what he does every time for the 99 Line, really. I wonder how much self control and patience he has sometimes.

And this self control applies even on his kind of humour, which is honestly one of the best humour in Ateez for me. Not much chaotic and loud, not much unpredictable, just him trying to be funny while being serious and making everything awkward. You don't have any idea how many times I watched his funny compilations and a big smile came into my face. I truly had some fun time with him.

Dear Yunho, I've come at the end of this letter and unfortunately I don't have enough lovely words to spend for you. I can only say that I will always be thankful to what you did and still doing for Ateez. From the way you care about the members to how you help and Hongjoong on Idol Radio by being a good charismatic MC. And, well, thank you for being my anchor when I was trying to get to know Ateez in the first place. I already said it, I know, but without you I would have never fallen in love with the amazing group you're part of. Thank you, really.

Hope you'll celebrate this day happily with the members and you'll receive amazing gifts from them, your family and Atiny too.

Happy birthday, my anchor ⚓

[antvnger]

On the 12th day of Christmas, Ant-Man ((and Ant-Mun)) gave to you:

A Christmas letter.

Dear you (yeah, you!),

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this is for you (yeah, you).

I know it sounds super cliche, but where the heck did this year go? I feel like I was just coming up with all this kind of stuff for you last year. What a wild ride, gang. It’s been good though, and I hope it’s been as good for you as it has been for me.

This blog has grown a little bit since last year okay maybe more than a little bit, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it so far. You guys are something else, and I love you all a ridiculous amount. I never really expected to get so much interaction when I started this whole thing, but oh my gosh, it’s been wild.

This whole tumblr-multiverse is a crazier place than the Quantum Realm, and I outta know! I mean, heck, I met Captain Hook. Me! I was the first adult Lost Boy he’d ever come across! I dunno if that’s exactly a good thing or not, but whatever, I met him. And loads others I never would have thought possible.

I’m getting off track. That was a big problem I faced while writing my book. Sometimes I just write my thoughts as they pop up in my head, and that leads to a lot of ADHD tangents and thoughts falling down the rabbit hole, and next thing I know I have no idea where I was going or where I have been. Anybody relate? Man, I wish I could send you all free copies of my book for Christmas, but this will have to do.

I’m not just writing a letter to you. At least that’s not the only thing I’m doing. Hopefully, you’ll find more in this little letter than just some words from a rambling guy. I’ll leave it to you to figure out what you could find, because what one person may receive from this may be completely different than someone else reading. 

And that’s part of the magic.

My Gigi used to say, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and ta-da! Everything is softer and more beautiful.” I think she said she heard that from someone else, but I’m gonna ignore that and say she came up with that all by herself. Regardless, it’s true.

Once Halloween is over (or once Thanksgiving is over if you’re like Ant-Mun), the Christmas season suddenly shows up like when you would go to sleep with no snow on the ground and wake up to a world of white. I’ve been blessed enough to have witnessed such magic a few times while growing up, and if you don’t know what that’s like, I hope you get to experience it at least once someday. It’s worth it.

But anyway, the Christmas season really does have its own brand of magic, and I am all about the magic. It spices the air and calms the atmosphere all at the same time. There’s extra love in hugs and cards and “Hey! How are you?”s, and for a little while, you can let loose a sigh and there’s some peace. The world isn’t where it needs to be, but for a short time, it feels like it comes pretty close.

I really could go on and on about Christmas and what it means to me, especially the first Christmas. I could write for days on that topic, just typing my thoughts as fast as my fingers can to try to keep up with my brain, but I don’t think I could ever do it justice. And that really isn’t the point of this letter anyway. 

Here’s the point:

Dear you (yeah, you!), you are loved.

You are special.

You are priceless.

You are essential.

You are not a mistake.

You’re not junk.

You matter.

You’re seen.

And you’re loved.

Right here, right now, as you read this, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, whatever you’re thinking, however you’re feeling, whether today is a good day, a shitty day, or just another Monday, you’re loved.

At the very least, you’re loved by me; you’re loved by Ant-Mun; and you’re loved by the One who designed and created you with the greatest intention and the utmost care. There’s nothing else in the world I’m more sure of than that.

So whatever your situation today, just soak up that truth. Let it marinate and let it warm up your soul. And I really really hope with everything I’ve got that you feel that love and the truth of that love today.

And do me a favor please? Indulge in your inner child today and find some magic. I mean, c’mon, it’s me. I’m definitely gonna advocate this part too. Indulge in your inner child today and find some magic. It’s all around after all. It’s strongest today. You just gotta open your eyes to it, and you’ll find it.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, happy holidays to those who don’t,

And most importantly, lotsa lotsa lotsa love,

Scott ((and Ant-Mun))

[benji-parsons]

This is from an app for a game I didn't get accepted into, but I still think it's pretty good and says some stuff about Benj. So what can you do? I dunno. Here.

what is your relationship like with your family?  Oh jeez. That’s kind of a loaded question, right? I mean, I get along with my folks pretty well. My dad’s always been protective of me and I guess I’ve always needed it but…I dunno. I know they love me. But it’s hard, you know? They, he, thinks that if I’m not going to school I should come home? I think maybe they think I can’t live on my own and survive. They’ve never actually said that? But you can tell. I can tell. Maybe they’re right. I dunno. I mean, he’s paying my rent and stuff, so I guess he’s kind of proving it? 

My little sister and I get along pretty good, though not as much as we did when she was a little kid. But you know. LIttle sisters. And my brother…well. We haven’t talked in a really long time. I think he was always embarrassed by me. When he was old enough to go, he just…went. Maybe we’ll reconnect but I’m not holding my breath. And I’m sure not gonna seek him out. He made his feelings pretty obvious. 

what are your dreams for new york city? I just want to be able to work on my music and my art. School was too much, I dunno, pressure? I guess? Structure? Something. Too much. I guess I could be anywhere? But. I’m here. For the time being, I’m here.

describe your ideal weekend. Ideal? Okay, so Saturday, I wake up feeling good. Like, actually good. I get some work done on whatever stuff I’m working on and it all goes just the way it should, like I can see it or hear it in my head. I get out and have a good busking session and nobody bothers me and I get enough money to have some pizza and a coke. I go home, watch a movie and go to bed. Then, on Sunday? I wake up and do it all over again. 

if you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be and why? My birth mom, because I never got to meet her and she seems like she would be a really neat person and maybe she’d like hanging out with me. Henry Darger because I really admire his work and have always felt a connection with him. He fascinates me. And Kurt Cobain because I’d like to jam with him for a while.

if you found a genie and were granted three wishes, what would you wish for? To have exactly the amount of money that I need exactly when I need it. Like, I could reach into my pocket and have whatever amount? Like that? For all my days to feel like that ideal weekend. And world peace, I guess? I dunno.

what’s your go-to comfort food, and why does it mean so much to you? Pop tarts. Brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts. They feel like home.

how do you handle stress or difficult situations? Not very well! I either shut down completely or have a total meltdown. There’s a reason my academic career ended with a grippy sock vacation.

if you had to describe yourself using only three words, what would they be? Anxious, odd, creative

if you could relive any moment from your past, what would it be and why? When my little sister was born. I’d been so worried about mom and the pregnancy and everything. I’d convinced myself something was going to go wrong and they’d both die. But then she went full term and came out perfect and beautiful and healthy and everything was so good. I didn’t know I could love a person instantly, but then I did. 

what’s your favorite holiday, and how do you usually celebrate it? Halloween! I watch as many horror movies as humanly possible. I used to like dressing up too, but I haven’t really had a chance to the last couple of years.

what’s something most people don’t know about you? I’ve never had a real kiss 

what’s your most prized possession and why does it mean so much to you? My Fender Dreadnought. It was my first guitar. My dad gave it to me to keep me busy when I was in the hospital when I was a kid. It's what I learned on and it was my constant companion for years. I have a couple better, more valuable guitars now, but that one will always be my favorite.

how would you spend a million dollars if you won the lottery today? I’d buy one of those vintage record pressing booths like Jack White has so I could make records whenever I want. That’d be pretty neat. I don’t know how much they cost, though. If I had some left over, I’d get one of those banjo ukuleles, I’ve always wanted one of those. And maybe a good coat. 

what’s your biggest fear, and have you ever faced it? That one of these days, the darkness in my head is gonna get so strong that I’m not gonna be able to get myself back from it. I’ve come close to facing it, real close.

if you could create a playlist that represents your life, what three songs would be on it? Lithium - the Polyphonic Spree, Weighty Ghost - Wintersleep, Brave as a Noun - AJJ