#Doing this makes me want to go back to New Orleans....best place in the world..

[nerendus]

Tagged by @zaegreus Thank you sweeting <333333

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Tagging the beautifuls (who are totally fine with not doing this lol) @busyfish @1watermelontea @saintirulan @blood-starved-beast

[heavyhitterheaux]

Santa Tell Me

See Me Through You Series

Synopsis: It's your first time celebrating Christmas with Joe as a couple as your first semester at LSU comes to an end. The two of you celebrate in your own little way seeing as Joe is going back home while you are headed to New Orleans. However, you confide in your best friend about your hesitations about getting into another relationship so quickly and hoping that what feels like a fairy tale isn't too good to be true

Pairing: Boyfriend!Joe Burrow x Girlfriend!Reader

Series Masterlist

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

The timer went off once again letting you know that all of the cookies were now officially done baking. As you were taking them out of the oven and placing them on the cooling rack, Erin attempted to grab one to eat it when you quickly slapped her hand away resulting in her letting out a yelp followed by her glaring at you.

“Ow!”

“Those are specifically for Joey so we can decorate them once he gets here. I literally just made you an entire cheesecake.”

“But I want a cookie, too!” Erin exclaimed, but you weren't budging.

“No and he should be here soon.”

As you sat at the table in your small kitchen, Erin sat across from you and had begun eating her cheesecake when you suddenly asked her a question which caught her off guard.

“Erin, what if me and Joe break up? And that cheesecake was not meant for it to be eaten in one sitting.” You casually asked as you unlocked your phone to play one of the many games that you had installed.

“Huh? What in the world are you even talking about? And I'll just ask for another one.” She asked as she put her fork down to look at you.

“What if we break up and we don't work out? I literally just hopped from one relationship to another and…”

“Stop. Just stop. I have on my Christmas sweater and I am eating my Christmas treats you made me and we are listening to Justin Bieber's Under the Mistletoe and you are fucking the vibe up.”

“But…”

“No, we are not doing this. You two haven't been together very long, but Joe literally worships the ground you walk on. The way he even looks at you is insane. That boy is IN LOVE.” Erin said as she now opened the freezer to take out the ice cream you thought you were discreetly hiding from her, but it looks as though you efforts had failed.

“But what if it's too good to be true? Sometimes It doesn't even feel real.”

“You literally have no idea of what happiness looks like even if it hits you in the face. He has been after you basically the entire semester and now that he finally has you and you have him, you think that the two of you are going to end up breaking up? Make it make sense, babe.”

“Everything started out too good to be true with Trevor and look what happened with that.”

“Uh no, boo. Trevor had been an asshole from the beginning, it just took you forever and a day to notice. Everyone else saw it but you. You’ve been treated like shit for so long that your ass is literally blinded to how good you actually have it. I mean Joe hit me up a few weeks ago to help him pick out your Christmas gift or gifts I should say.”

“Wait, he did what?”

“Oops. I wasn’t supposed to say anything so let’s just pretend I didn’t. But they're really pretty and I know that you’re going to like it.”

“I just… he’s really important to me and I just want this to work out between us.”

“And it will. I literally started planning the wedding the day you two met because I saw the way you lit up when you talked about him. It’s going to work out and I will be the first person to say ‘I told you so’ when you are walking down the aisle.”

“I’m holding you to that seeing as it’s still pretty early to be singing about wedding bells.”

“But for now, it’s December, we almost made it through our first semester as college students, you have a very cute boyfriend who wants to spend every waking moment of the day with you so you need to make the most of it.”

“You’re right, I do need to make the most of it seeing as it’ll be a few weeks where we won’t see each other since he’s going back home.”

“And his birthday is coming up too. So, my vote is to have Christmas early with the two of you. Hopefully by doing this you won’t miss him so much on the actual day since the two of you kind of already celebrated in your own way.”

“I mean, I did get us matching Christmas pajamas to decorate our cookies, drink hot chocolate, and watch cheesy Hallmark movies.”

“See? Perfect. And I know that he is going to love every minute of it. But for now, I am going to go study for one of my many finals and hope and pray that the words on the pages in the textbooks somehow transfer themselves to my brain. Let me know how everything goes.” Erin told you as she wrapped up her cheesecake and placed it in a plastic bag hoping none of the filling would get on the seats in her car.

“Me saying ‘I told you so’ is going to hit so hard in a few years. But….” She was cut off mid-sentence as there was a knock on the door.

“And look at that, there he is. Let's go see your future husband.”

You couldn't help but to laugh and shake your head at Erin as she was gathering all of her things, while you went to go and answer the door. Once you did, you were met with your boyfriend carrying a shitload of different bags and him leaning down to kiss you.

“Okay, you two! Spare my eyes, I'm leaving so Joe can turn you every way but loose without me having to see it.”

“Bye, Erin.” Was all you said as she continued to smile at the both of you.

“Hi Joe, Bye Joe.” She told him as he fully walked into your apartment as she was headed out the door.

“Bye Erin.”

Once the two of you were by yourselves, you immediately started questioning Joe about the many bags he brought.

“Uh, babe? Are you moving in and didn't tell me yet?” You asked and he let out a laugh before starting to open some of them and pull out their contents.

“I just bought a bunch of different things we could do. It's almost finals week and I wanted to spend as much time with you as possible. And you have literally been playing this album since the day after Halloween.”

“Aww, I love it. Okay so tell me what you bought. And what about it!?” You asked as he had set everything down and motioned for you to sit down on the couch so he could show you.

“So my chess set. Ever since I taught you how to play, you said that you were going to try and beat me before the semester was over and never mind that I even said anything. Low key convinced that you're going to break up with me and get with Justin.”

“Very true but athletes are my thing, not singers.”

“My telescope since you love learning about space as much as I do. And I guess that means I'm safe?”

“I am loving this so far and yes, babe. You're safe.” You told him as you placed the chess set on the table.

“Madden. Since I know if you were able to be on the field with us, you would be. But I mean I can't sing all that well, but if you want me to serenade you just say the word.”

“Good point and seriously?” You replied while laughing.

“And I think that's it for now. I could only carry so much. But you'll be the one hitting high notes with how good I'm making you feel.” He told you as he shrugged while you gave him a small smile while also shaking your head at him.

“It's absolutely perfect and I have something for you too. I'm ignoring that last part.”

“What is it? Before the night is over, I'm making it happen.” Joe said as you ran into your bedroom to find the bag that they were in before coming back out into the living room.

“Matching Christmas pajamas.”

“Oh, so we're that type of couple now?” Joe teased as you rolled your eyes.

“Yes, and this is literally going to happen starting from this year until forever.” You replied as Joe moved closer towards you and put his finger underneath your chin in order for you to be able to look up at him.

“Forever? I like the sound of that.” He quietly said while leaning down to kiss you.

“But for now, we also have cookies to decorate that I baked and hot chocolate to drink.”

“Let’s do it.”

The two of you got comfortable in your pajamas before starting to decorate the cookies and you were multitasking with making the hot chocolate at the same time.

Joe was concentrating hard when you decided to peek over and take a look at what he was doing.

“Joey, I thought you were making a Santa cookie?” You asked while a little bit confused on what you were actually looking at.

“I am! This looks like Santa! I just need to do his beard.”

“And his hat.” You added noticing that was missing also.

“Not everyone can be an amazing baker in their spare time like you.”

“Hmm, you're right, but it doesn't look bad. If I opened my own bakery, I might hire you. I do happen to be a woman of many talents. So, someone mentioned to me that you got my Christmas gift already?”

Joe stopped decorating his cookie to look at you with a blank stare.

“No. I'm not telling you what it is and I am never telling Erin anything else ever again.”

“But babe!”

“No. Final answer.” Joe replied as you rolled your eyes at him which then led to him pinching your cheek.

“Fix your face. I want it to be a surprise and I don't plan on spoiling it for you.”

“Well I got you a gift for your birthday as well as Christmas. It didn't feel right combining both of them together.”

“And unlike my girlfriend, I'm going to be patient and wait.”

“You mean to tell me that you aren't the least bit curious about what I got you?” You asked him and you could tell he was thinking about his answer before he said it.

“Nope.”

“Liar. I know that you definitely want to know. But I'll just say I know that both of them are something that you're really going to love.” You told him as you reached up to kiss him.

“As much as I love you?”

“No, but knowing you it might come close.” You told him as you were now putting the final touches on the hot chocolate you made for the two of you and handed him his mug.

“And like I said, I'll be patient unlike some other people.”

“I'm ignoring you. Anyway, break out the telescope since it's clear tonight and we'll be able to see something.”

Once Joe had gotten the telescope set up by the window, you were just finishing your hot chocolate and went to place your mug in the dishwasher before going back into the living room and seeing Joe with a bashful smile across his face.

“Why are you smiling at me like that?” You asked while wrapping your arms around him and Joe leaned down to place a kiss on your forehead before responding to you.

“I'm about to show you. Stand in front of me and look through it. Don't adjust anything.” He said as he slowly turned you around so that you would be facing it.

You did as you were told and noticed that it was focused on one single star.

“I see it, babe. What's so special about it?” You asked as you turned back to look at him and he simply handed you an envelope.

“It's the star that I got named after us.”

Your eyes went wide and a smile broke out on your face as you took out the contents of the envelope and it simply said Y/N and Joey's Star at the top.

Underneath was a map detailing where you would be able to find it.

“So no matter where we are, whether together or apart. We can be able to look at it at the same time. This isn't a part of your Christmas gifts by the way, I just wanted to do it since I figured you would like it.” He shyly told you as the smile became wider on your face. You didn't say anything, but simply wrapped your arms around him once again.

“This was… no… this is definitely the sweetest thing that anyone has ever done for me. I honestly wouldn't have even been upset if this did end up being my Christmas gift. I love it and I love you which you already knew, but I figured that I would tell you anyway.” You quietly told him as he leaned down to place several kisses on your lips.

“And I love you. Remember earlier how you mentioned that matching pajamas are going to be a thing for us forever?” Joe asked and you gave him a swift nod.

“Mm hmm, what about it?”

“This is also going to be something that we have forever. Any time we get in a disagreement or we're not seeing eye to eye with each other, we need to remember that we're in this together for the long run. And looking up at the star can remind us of that. I know we haven't been together for very long, but I want this with you and I've been saying from day one how I'm going to treat you how you deserve to be treated.” Joe confessed and the smile on your face couldn't help but to get bigger.

“I'm going to hold you to that Burrow.”

“How about you hold me to this too? Look up for me?”

As you looked up, you saw that Joe was holding a mistletoe above the both of you.

“Any excuse to get more kisses from me, huh?” You playfully asked him and was met with a smirk.

“I mean, I've been getting kisses from the moment I got here, but this is just a plus.” He told you as he leaned down and you reached up to meet him halfway.

“And there will be many more where that came from.”

“Santa definitely did his big one this year.”

“How so?”

“I get to spend it with someone who I know cares about me just as much as I care about them. That's literally all I asked for.”

[blackleatherjacketz]

Shadow and Sin: Chapter 3

Klaus Mikaelson x Female Reader

Summary: Having just moved to New Orleans, you get intimately acquainted with both Mikaelson brothers, but don't find out who they truly are until it's too late.

This Chapter: Your brother warns you against Elijah, so you get a Tarot reading to clear things up, only to be interrupted by Klaus.

Warnings: Brotherly Warnings, Witches, Alcohol, Tarot, Compulsion, Negging, Manipulation, Holding Hands, Kissing, Biting, Blood Play

Word Count: 2.7k+

Read the rest of the story HERE

“That Elijah guy really creeps me out, you know.” Austin tells you as he haphazardly enters your apartment. He makes his way over to the middle of your living room before throwing himself down on the sofa, opening his Styrofoam container of pad Thai

“Creeps you out? You met him for like five seconds!” You juggle your to-go box and two bottles of water as you kick the refrigerator door shut, setting them both down on the coffee table next to him. Your brother always had something bad to say about the men whose company you kept, but he seemed painfully vigilant about this one. “What do you even mean?”

“I dunno, sis, there’s something off about him. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but like… who wears a three piece suit like that in New Orleans?” He shakes his head and takes a bite of his noodles as if he hadn’t eaten in days, which very may well be the case. “And an all black one, at that?”

“Maybe he’s a local,” you argue with a shrug, having noticed that particular strange detail yourself. “Maybe the heat doesn’t bother him like it bothers us?”

“No, his accent isn’t from here.” He shakes his head and takes another bite before taking his time to swallow. “Whatever it is, I don’t like it. You’re always way too trusting of people, and it’s going to get the best of you one of these days.”

“Oh, shut up, you don’t like anyone.” You roll your eyes and twist the noodles onto your fork, slightly blowing for them to cool. “Maybe he just came from a funeral… or maybe he’s a vampire, and that’s why he’s cold enough to wear all those layers.” You joke with a dramatic tone, finally taking your first bite.

“Vampires aren’t real, sis. How many times do I have to tell you that?” Despite living in the most magical city in the world, your brother remains one of the most defiantly skeptical people you’d ever known. He refuses to believe in the supernatural despite the local legends, convinced instead that Louisiana has the highest homicide rate in the country due to the fault of human beings alone.

“So, what is it this time, then, huh? The vibes are off? His handshake wasn’t as strong as you wanted it to be? He didn’t look you in the eye for the correct amount of time before looking back down at the floor?” You call him out of his chronically obsessive behavior, referencing reasons he’s given you in the past for not liking certain people. “All we did was talk about books, anyway.”

“Uh-huh.” It was his turn to roll his eyes as he chewed on his noodles. “I know that look.”

“What look?” You ask sheepishly, hoping you weren’t imagining how Elijah was staring at you in the library.

“Just be careful.”

———————————————

The city is more alive after your brother passes out on your couch, and you slip out into the heavy night air, leaving him nothing but a note that you locked up tight and would be back before morning. You know you’d never hear the end of it if you didn’t tell him where you were, even if he had never done the same for you in return. Classic Austin.

The absence of the sun does little to bring down the temperature and humidity of this place, making it feel as if a thick blanket of heat rests on your shoulders, wrapping itself around your torso and legs as you attempt to seem unaffected by it, the beads of sweat on your skin no doubt giving you away. Everyone else in the crowd around you either seems to embrace it, not to notice, or be far too inebriated to even care. You duck in between a few drunk and disorderly tourists, a splash of watermelon slushie getting spilled in your hair before you’re able to walk into the voodoo shop that most people were too scared to enter.

“You shouldn’t be here, baby. It’s dangerous after dark.” The old lady behind the counter tells you, looking up from her ancient spell book. The wrinkles on her face tell the story of decades of magic, of life in the quarter that your brother would never even pretend to believe as the power within her vibrates the air around you, reminding you of what drew you to this city to begin with.

“The sign out front says that you do tarot readings.” You pull a twenty dollar bill out of your pocket and gently place it on the counter, pushing it toward her. “Would you be willing to do one for me?”

“You sure you want that?” Her voice is cautious as she looks you over, her eyes whitened with age as they peer into your very soul.

“I’m sure.” You’ve been dying to have your cards read so that you might know what to expect, to see if the fates can prove your brother wrong about his misconceptions about the man in the library.

“Alright, baby.” She smiles and shuffles the deck, slowly singing a song to herself in the process as three cards slowly fall out onto the counter in front of you. “Let’s see, here.”

She turns the first one over slowly before looking up at you, almost as if to make sure you’re paying attention. “The Moon. You’re going to have to choose between two paths, although it may not be clear which one is good and which one is bad. You can rely on the light of the moon to guide you, though, child. Don’t forget that.” She wags a finger in your face and turns the next card over. “The Emperor, a strong masculine figure will enter your life. He is rigid on control and order, but he’s also one who will serve you well. Don’t dismiss him too quickly, now.” She smiles at you before her hand hovers over the last card for what seems like forever, shaking a little before flipping it upright.

“The King of Swords… reversed.” She gives you a wary look, inhaling deeply before lifting her palm up to face you, as if that will help ease your mind somehow. “Don’t you worry now…”

“Don’t worry? You look worried!” Your eyes widen as your heart begins to race, wondering what could be so damn scary about this card that could frighten this old woman to the point of shaking.

Before she can answer you, the bell jingling above the door breaks your train of thought. The woman’s face suddenly drops as if she’d just seen a ghost, her expression far worse than when she saw your third card. She pats your hand affectionately as if to tell you that she’s all done with you, that you can go now, before letting go of your fingers. Without a word, she hurriedly collects your cards, making sure to shuffle them evenly back into the deck before taking a deep breath and glancing up at the new customer.

“What have we here? A little midnight tarot reading, is it?” You’d recognize that voice anywhere as it resonates deep within your bones, his very presence prickling your skin into an uneven pattern of excitable gooseflesh. “Consulting the fates before deciding to give me a call, love?”

“No harm in that, is there?” The woman answers for you, plastering a more believable smile onto her face as your benefactor slowly approaches the both of you.

“I suppose not.” He looks at you with a dark grin before addressing her again. “And what did the cards tell you this time, Marie? Anything you’d like to share with the class?”

“You know I can’t tell you that. The reading’s for her, and her alone.” She continues to shuffle the deck, making sure to lose your cards along the way. “Although I’d be happy to read your cards if you’d like.”

“Oh, I don’t think that will be necessary.” He smirks, standing right next to you as he leans against the counter. “I’ve had them read more than enough times in my lifetime.”

God, he smells good.

“What can I do for you this time, wolf?” Marie asks him with a pained familiarity.

“Wolf?” You repeat, trying to make sense of the growing knot tying into your stomach.

Klaus laughs nervously, turning that angelic face of his toward you. “That’s just a little term of endearment Marie uses for me.” He pauses and waits for her to agree with a silent nod. “Wolf, baby, love, darling… you’ve heard one, you’ve heard them all, isn’t that right, love?”

“That’s right, ‘love’,” she corrects herself.

You can tell that Marie’s afraid of him. You can see it in her eyes, plain as day, but for some reason, as soon as Klaus looks at you, you hear a voice in your head telling you not to fear him. It calms your nerves and reassures you that her trepidation is unfounded, telling you that you can trust him with your life. It’s a new, very odd feeling that makes the knot in your stomach seem to unravel and disappear entirely without much of an explanation at all.

��———————————————

“I was right about you, wasn’t I? You’re a believer.” Klaus glances over at you knowingly as you lead him through the quarter toward your apartment. Although his tone is light and flirty, his eyes are very serious.

“A believer? What happened to me being morbidly disturbed?” You vaguely remember the three cards Marie had given you, but decide not to focus on them for now. Instead you decide to focus on how closely his hand brushes against yours with each stride, how electric it makes you feel as he walks beside you.

“I don’t see why the two can’t coexist within that beautiful body of yours.” He raises an eyebrow as his pinky finger hooks in between your thumb and forefinger, sending a jolt of warmth up your spine. “As your benefactor and mentor, I find it my duty to inform you of the dangers that lurk in the darkest corners of this city, witches being one of them.”

“Witchcraft is real?” You ask point blank, cutting through any witty banter you might otherwise throw his way.

“Oh, I’m afraid so, love. Every story you’ve ever heard hushed whispers of, every suspicious tradition carried on by the locals, every legend of lore uttered by a tour guide…they’re all true. It’s a way of hiding in plain sight. They get to practice their way of life while the tourists are none the wiser. It’s a pretty convenient arrangement, really.”

“And you know all this, how?” Your heart skips a beat as he speaks so plainly about the supernatural presence in this city, giving you hope that you’ve found a like-minded person. You’ve always suspected that the stories were true, but never talked about it with anyone this openly.

“Oh, I’ve lived here for centuries,” he exaggerates with a cocky glare. “But it won’t take you that long to notice all the magic that’s in this city, to see just how dangerous it can be for someone like you.”

“Someone like me? What does that mean? Every city is dangerous, Klaus.” You take his warning with a grain of salt, but you still heed it, keeping his words in the back of your head and saving them for later. “And what do you mean, my mentor?” You allow him to take hold of your hand completely, wrapping his fingers around it with a squeeze.

“Did I fail to mention that I’m a painter, as well?” He laughs as you turn a corner on the sidewalk, your apartment building just a few doors down now. “It must have slipped my mind the moment I saw you and your work.” He gives you a beguiling smirk, his lips flushing a light rosy hue. “You were both so enchanting.”

“Really?” You smile at his confession, blushing at his compliment. “What do you paint?” That smirk of his suggests that he feels the growing warmth that’s spreading all over your chest and neck as it slowly makes its way into your core, that maybe he’s been feeling it all along.

“I tend to focus a bit more on abstract ideas, landscapes, skylines, things like that. Painting for me is a way to… clear my head when I need to escape, but it’s nothing as political or bold as your work.” He pauses, rubbing your knuckles with his thumb. “That being said, with the right funding and guidance, I think yours could be astoundingly better.”

“Better?” You try not to sound offended, but his words cut like a knife as you arrive at your doorstep, steeping in the awkward silence before he speaks again.

Does he even like your artwork at all?

“Oh, don’t be cross with me, love.” He releases your hand and slowly turns toward you, plating both palms over your hair to better look into your eyes. “The things I could show you if only you’d let me into your mind, into your creative process, in here,” he presses his middle and forefinger against your chest, pointing at your heart as he brings his face closer to yours. “I could help you discover so many new things, teach you techniques you haven’t even dreamed of, make you see stars brighter than the hottest summer’s day.”

Is he still talking about art?

His words fan that warmth inside you into a spark, unable to stop your body’s chemical reaction to his touch or the hypnotic sound of his velvety voice. You know deep down that something that burns this hot can’t possibly keep you alight for very long, but like a moth to the flame, you can’t help but be drawn to the fire within him. It’s been so long since you’ve allowed yourself to be consumed by anyone else’s madness, to be engulfed by their passion, but if this is what burns you down to mere embers, then so be it.

“I can do that.” You nod, eyelids fluttering as his lips feather over yours, parting ever so slightly before you decide to stand on your tiptoes and kiss him.

He tastes just as good as he smells, the faint flavor of whiskey and copper parting your lips as you breathe in his citrusy scent, committing it to memory. You moan as his tongue clashes against yours, exciting every neuron in your body as your hands end up in his dirty blonde curls, tugging and pulling him in even closer to you. You can feel his breath quicken as his chest rises and falls against yours, his hands mapping out every inch of your neck and shoulders as he greedily sucks your bottom lip between his teeth. Step by step, he walks you backward against the wall, his hips needily pinning you in place as his kiss greedily deepens to the point of breaking your skin.

You gasp as he pulls back just enough for you to notice your blood on his lip, his eyes seeming to darken with desire before he languidly licks it off, looking you in the eye to see how you’ll react.

Your eyes widen, uncertain if you’re actually witnessing what you think you are. Did he just bite down hard enough to draw blood and then… lick it?

He holds onto you with that wanton stare, watching the wheels turn inside your head as you try to register what’s happening. He tilts his head to the side to see if fear or disgust will override your carnal desire for him before he gently brushes his thumb across your bottom lip, collecting the rest of your blood. The salt of his skin stings your exposed tissue as he tugs it downward before bringing it up to his own mouth to taste.

“Klaus,” you start, the pain in your lip barely outweighing your need to keep kissing him.

The sight of your blood on his lips somehow triggers something deep within you, something he already knew was there from the very second he laid eyes on you. Like some kind of dark and twisted Manchurian Candidate, he knew exactly how to draw it out of you, how to give you just enough to make you want a little bit more. How did he know something about you that you didn’t even know about yourself?

He merely grins in response, sucking his bloodstained thumb as he keeps those enchanting eyes of his locked onto yours. “I look forward to mentoring you, love.”

[rebelliousstories]

Love Me Cancerously

Relationship: Remy LeBeau/Gambit x Reader

Fandom: X-Men

Request: Yes by Anon

Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Dark Themes, Mentions of Killing, Death, and Poison

Word Count: 1,449

Main Masterlist: Here

X-Men Masterlist: Here

Part One: Love Me Dead

Summary: According to FBI statistics, the chances of two serial killers meeting is just about, in all intents and purposes, impossible. No reason that has been brought up.

Ever since that fateful night in New Orleans, Remy LeBeau was a bit embarrassed to admit that he was absolutely star struck by the woman he had met. That was not an easy thing to do either. He had been around, met hundreds of men and women. And yet, none managed to capture his attention like her.

Every night he was prowling the streets for his next victim, he was thinking about her. Every body he dropped, all he could think of was where she wanted to go for their dinner date the next evening. Gambit snagged a ring off of the body of some woman that was a proud anti-mutant activist, watching as it glittered in the light. She would like this. It matched her style.

“Remy!” Her cheerful tone broke him from his thoughts. Pushing off of the wall that he had been resting on, the man caught her with sturdy arms that picked her up and spun her around. Gambit was rewarded with her smile and laughter before he set her down.

“My, my, my, chere. You look even more beautiful each and every day. Da Gambit don’ know how he got so lucky,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her awaiting lips. Cherry flavoring transferred to his lips as they parted, that he happily licked off of his lips.

“You’re partial, Remy. Now, where are we going tonight? You promised good food and dancing.” The couple took off down the road towards Bourbon Street. It was a cheesy place to go, but they still had some of the best nightlife anywhere in the world.

“You jus’ gon’ have t’ wait ‘n see, petite.” His finger booped her nose before slinging that arm around her waist as they walked.

The small talk they made along the way was passing the time, but making it very difficult for Remy to focus on getting them to their destination. All he wanted to do was to take her to the nearest alleyway and kiss her senseless. But he did promise a fun night. His appetite could wait for a little while.

Although, when they finally got to the lounge, his mood drastically shifted. A man that he had his eyes on was with a lady near the entrance. This lady, girl really, looked too young to be there in that part of town at that time of night. She held her face and spine straight, but there was an inklings of fear hidden underneath her mask. Just when he wanted to enjoy his night out with his lady, of course, something had to come along and ruin it.

Gambit kept his eyes sharp the entire time they were inside. When he got their drinks, his hand rested on her lower back, but his gaze followed the man he had already deemed his next target. If she noticed, she did not call attention to it. Frankly, Remy did not whether or not this made him upset. Did she just not care enough to notice his distant nature? Or is she just being kind and hoping he pulls himself out of the funk he had found himself in?

Either way, Remy still found himself taking his moment of solitude to slip away. He would be back in time so that she did not think he had ditched her. But he needed to get this man off of the streets while he could. So while his date was in the bathroom, Gambit made his way to the exit door nearby to step back out into the shadows he played so well with. However, what he saw out there was not what he had expected.

His lady was pressed against a wall with that anti-mutant piece of-

Did that body just fall?

Now, Remy was confused far more than he was angry about seeing her in a passionate lip lock with the man. As he looked towards the fallen sack of bones, his feet carried him closer to the scene. She squeaked when footsteps tore her from her stupor.

“Remy,” came a breathy plea. What she was pleading for, no one quite knew exactly. “Please, it’s not what it looks like. I promise.”

But he said nothing. Once he was over the body, he saw the protruding veins of his former target extending from his lips. Bloodshot eyes and a sickly pallor overcame him in his still, eternal rest.

“Chere, you are somethin’ else.” Gambit stood once more, and locked upon the woman who was terrified as to what was going to happen now. “Oh, how I have longed for someone like you all my life.”

It was her turn to be confused. A cute tilt to her head enhanced the doe eyed gaze on her face. Her lips, no longer coated in that cherry lipgloss that he loved, were being worked between her teeth anxiously. She was so dumbfounded by his reaction to her actions, that she only could muster a quiet, “huh?”

“Mon petite, you have just made me a very happy man.” His hands rested on her hips once Remy had stepped over the body. When he tried to kiss her though, she gently pushed him away as she turned her head.

“I have to clean my lips before you can kiss me.”

“Well, dat is definitely somethin’ da Gambit can help with,” he said with a smirk.

“No, no. Not because of that. The tropane alkaloids I produce will kill you if I kiss you. Please, just… trust me.” Her explanation caused Remy to pause long enough that she could at least wipe her lips with a napkin from her pocket. The couple stood there once more, this time, in silence. But she was still looking towards the entrance of the alleyway, almost like she was wanting to escape the situation.

“Will you tell me somethin’, chere,” her eyes peered into his from beneath her lashes, “why’d ya kill him?”

There was a full couple of minutes before she decided to speak. And when she did, it was a nearly unintelligible whisper.

“I was afraid to go to school when I was young because of people like him. Never knew which normal person was going to be okay with me, or who was going to make my life a living hell. Besides, that girl he had was just fifteen. She’s on her way back home in a cop car right now.”

“I really wanna kiss ya right now, mon amour.” His smile was so broad, she feared it was going to break him in half.

“You and I are far more alike than we think,” and his hand pulled a card from his pocket. Sending it up into the sky, the magenta charged playing card exploded into a beautiful display of lights and paper. Her startled squeal escaped into the air as Gambit held her close. Turning back, the mutant saw his lover’s eyes sparkle in the dim light.

“You’re like me.” Her words were full of admiration.

“Yeah. Ya know, I was gonna wait t’ give ya this. But Imma just give it to ya now.”

Remy fumbled just a bit as he tried to retrieve his present from his pocket. A small drawstring bag now rested in his hands. He opened it and fished out the small gold-banded ring that was kept safe from the bag.

“Oh, Gambit! That is so gorgeous.” She gushed as she held out her hand in acceptance of this ring. Neither did she ask him, nor did she even think about where he had gotten it. It did not matter. It was now hers.

“A beautiful jewel, for my most precious bijou.” Without getting anywhere near her lips, Remy’s hands cupped her face and pressed a sweet kiss to her forehead.

“Now, would ya like to finish our night here, or continue on t’ somethin’ else t’ do together?” The man teased, trailing a finger just over the surface of her lips without getting any poison on himself. She looked down at the dead body below, looked up at her fellow mutant boyfriend, and smirked just like him.

“I’m gonna go clean my lips and then we’ll see how much fun we can get into tonight, Gambit.”

The way that she said his name, while trailing her hand down his body to his belt, and back up his chest, before leaving to go back inside; it drove Remy LeBeau absolutely insane. Following after her, he realized just how involved he was with her now. She was going to be his partner in crime. His ride or die. They would go out together, and no one was going to take her from him.

[blackypanther9]

If you had a girlfriend and came out to Alastor – Father!Alastor x Teen!Daughter!Reader

To Anon: Hi there, Nonny ! You see I did some research and apparently in the roaring 1920s there was a “Pansy Craze” (a period of increased LGBT visibility In American culture and New Orleans belonged to the USA since 1803, so it could have also affected them in my researches). From the 1920s to 1933 people from the LGBTQ community performed on stages in Cities around the world. So I thought, maybe they knew and I decided to make a TWO in ONE Oneshot, just to make it a bit fair. One where Y/n found out she was lesbian when she was alive and one when she was in Hell. Just in case someone wants a Human Version too. I hope that is not an issue for ya ! ^^’  Without further ado and my nerdy, scraping over the surface knowledge....I hope you enjoy this Oneshot and I hit your expectations with this ! QwQ

TAGLIST: @meg-giry1 @wen01203

(Drawing belongs to rightful owner)

Words: 6 864

Human Version:

You were nervous beyond belief. Why ? Your Father, Alastor Hazbin, the infamous Radio Host, wanted to meet your Lover. Many would be excited, of course, but your case was different. VERY different. Your Father assumed that your Lover was a man, that you somehow got without him knowing, but it was a woman...just like you. You were so very scared of your Father’s reaction.

For weeks you could hide it from him, your dirty little secret. At least you hoped you could, but he knew you were sneaking out a lot, lying into his face with where you went, you were bad in lying. He could read you like an open book.

For three years you knew that you were a lesbian. Men never interested you in any way that would have screamed love. But females ? You saw one once and she was so pretty that your heart started to do flips, when you talked to a pretty girl, you would stutter which you usually never did. These signs were enough for you, to test something and the results showed, that you were indeed...attracted to woman. Your own gender. Fuck.

Your beloved partner, took your left hand into her own, gently. You looked at her and she gave you a smile, to try and encourage you. After you finished your test, by asking her out, just to test a theory, the two of you became actual Lovers and you were happy, just sneaking around and stealing kisses. Now this could all end abruptly. You took a deep breath. You tightened your hold on your Lover’s hand, to ground yourself.

“Here goes nothing...”, you muttered.

You lifted your hand and knocked at the door of your home. Alastor practically locked you out and said he will only let you back inside again, if you let him meet your Lover. No talking yourself out of it.

So you went to her place a scared mess and explained the whole situation. She calmed you down and agreed to go instantly. The faster this is over and done with, the less you can work yourself up about it.

The door swung open and the face of your Father greeted you both, big smile on his face, which dimmed as he saw you and your partner, assuming she was just your friend.

“Cher...who is this ?”, your Father asked, never having met your Girlfriend before.

You took another deep inhale, while your Lover continued to hold your hand and squeezed it affectionately, supporting you the best she could.

“D-Dad...C-can we c-come in ?”, you asked in a nervous stutter.

Alastor looked at you both in concern, knowing this was something heavy and serious to you, so he stepped aside and let you both enter the house. You both just stood in the living room after you took off your shoes. Alastor gestured to the couch, while he went to the kitchen to make some tea and a coffee for himself.

The both of you sat down and you started to shake and sweat. Your partner gave you an affectionate hug.

“Calm down, Love. I’m sure he won’t hate you.”, your Girlfriend said softly.

You looked at her, shaking like a leaf.

“W-what if he...disowns me...? I-I just want his support. W-what if he won’t...accept me ? Accept you ? Accept us ? I love you, but I also love him. I don’t want to lose my Papa. He raised me for years, Darling.”, you whispered shakily.

She hugged you tighter and ran her fingers through your hair, kissing your cheek.

“Don’t draw crosses on the walls just yet, Love. You told me so many stories about your Dad, that I am almost certain, that he will at least try and adjust to this. You said he always made sure that no man will hurt you, never let any of them take you out on a date...maybe he will be glad you are not into men anyways.”, she tried to comfort you.

You looked at her and kissed her lovingly. She really was your rock right now. You were so scared and nervous, that you didn’t even think of that possibility. Your Pa was always gentle with women, but rarely with men. Maybe he will accept this... Hopefully...

Soon enough Alastor returned with two cups.

“I made Peppermint tea. I hope it will calm you down, Cher. You look ready to bolt away and cry.”, your Father said gently and set the two cups down in front of you and your Lover.

“Th-thanks...Papa...”, you got out.

He saw how much you shook. You looked like you were about to cry for hours and it worried him deeply. Did something happen ? Was your friend with you, because your Lover decided to dump you ? Was he abusive ? Did Alastor have to go on another killing spree ?

He returned with his cup of Coffee and sat down in his armchair. He looked at his daughter with worried eyes, still filled with adoration and love for his little girl.

“Mon ange (My Angel), what happened ? Why are you so nervous ?”, your Father asked gently.

Your Lover squeezed your shoulder gently, encouraging you to come out to him.

“Y-you wanted to m-meet my L-Lover...right, Papa ?”, you stuttered out, wringing your hands in an aggressive manner.

Your partner took your hands into hers and squeezed them, trying to avoid it that you hurt yourself. Alastor nodded.

“Did he hurt you ? Do I have to get police involved ?”, he asked you.

You shook your head and then clammed your mouth shut. Your anxiety was skyrocketing.

“Drink a sip of your tea, Cher.”, your Father suggested gently.

You shakily reached out for it and as you took it, Alastor saw how violently you shook. You almost spilled your drink while you sipped on it. After you sipped enough, you felt a bit calmer, but still very scared. You looked at your partner, who nodded and gave you and encouraging smile.

You looked at your Father again, took a deep breath and then tried to not look so scared. He admired your urge to try and act fearless, but he knew how spooked you are, so he didn’t understand, why you steeled yourself so.

“Pa...I never courted a man.”

Relief and confusion rushed through him at that. No one hurt his little girl, then why were you so scared and here with your friend ?

“Then why are you so spooked, mon petit (My little one) ?”

“I...I said I never courted a man...I didn’t s-say that I was-wasn’t courting someone though, Papa...”

Your hands were clammy and sweaty, the urge to run, cry and vomit was so strong. But SHE grounded you. Your Lover grounded you. This was your Dad. He was always there for you. He might understand... You hoped.

“Then who are you courting, Cher ?”, Alastor asked a bit confused.

You took another deep breath, griped your partner’s hands tighter in your own, sat up straighter pushing your chest out a bit to try and show your confidence and gave your Father a determined look. He was surprised by how strong you try to be now, as if he will yell at you any second.

“Papa...You wanted me to introduce you to my beloved. I introduce you to my Lover. Her name is GF/n and she makes me happy.”, you blurted out, looking from her to your Father again.

His eyes were wide, his smile closed. His eyes swapped from you over to your Lover, then back to you. He looked at his Coffee.

“Am I really drinking Coffee right now ?”, he asked himself.

“You are, Papa. I’m serious.”, you told him, voice a bit weaker, lacking some confidence.

He looked at you again and your Lover.

“How long has this been going on ?”, he asked you, his voice a bit...off sounding.

You started to freak out on the inside, your confidence falling apart. He didn’t take it well, did he ? He is angry... He will kick you out. He will yell. He will shout. He will disown you. He will-

Your Lover squeezed your hand gently and you looked at her. She gave you her charming smile again, nodded gently and flicked her eyes from you to your Father, motioning you to answer him.

“We...we have b-been together fo-for...6 w-weeks.”, you stuttered out.

Alastor looked at you and set his Coffee down, not drinking it at all. He leaned forward.

“How did it start ?”, he asked.

“I-it started as an ex-experiment, r-really. We-we didn’t ex-expect the re-results...”

“Cher, stop stuttering so much. Now, tell me what experiment that was.”, he pressed.

He was actually curious, but his little girl was such a mess. Maybe he sounded a bit...cross ? He really didn’t mean to come off like that, but he was still processing all of it and he wanted to know everything, to see if you were forced into this or not.

You suddenly clammed your mouth shut, looking away, scared. You couldn’t say it, you weren’t brave enough. You tapped your Lover’s thigh gently, telling her to tell him. You were unable to.

She looked at your Father and lifted her hand softly, catching his attention.

“If I may...Y/n’s nerves are all over the place, which made her shut down on us. If you wish, I can tell you how it happened, what the experiment was about, Sir. Only if you wish to. Y/n...she is very nervous and scared.”, your Lover said.

He crooked his head to a side.

“Why would she be nervous and scared ?”, he asked.

“Well Sir, as you may know...not many approve of people like us. I tried to encourage her that you won’t be angry with her. I mean...she told me many stories about you and they were all good, you two barely argued about serious matters, you protect her from many things, you help her out with many things, which she returns as a favor and more. I tried to tell her that you most possibly won’t disown her, for being attracted to the same gender. Now that the cat is out of the bag, she is afraid what your reaction will be.”

He leaned back into his armchair and looked at you. So you were scared that he will yell at you...or worse. He sighed gently and looked at your partner, gesturing for her to tell him what the experiment was about. She nodded.

“Your daughter noticed small signs of her...sexual attractions. She was never interested in men, which she found odd, because no matter what type of man walked up to her, she found no interest or appeal in them, but with women...it seemed different. Quicker heartbeat, stuttering, finding interest in some women, finding them pretty in a different, less appropriate way...you name it. One day she met me and she wanted to experiment around with me. I work in a small bar and some knew that I was just like your daughter, not interested in men, but women. She heard about it and she found interest in me, so she asked me if I would be willing to help her in her own experiment. I agreed and we started to go out together a few times, each time it was beautiful. The more we continued her experiment, the more we fell in love with each other, until she asked me, formally, if I would do her the honors to court her. She was so shy and adorable about it too, some flowers, a package of chocolates and a small handmade scarf. I said yes and we have been courting formally for 6 weeks now.”

Alastor looked at her very interested as he heard her side of the story. You smiled gently at the memory, blushing slightly. Your Father noticed, but decided not to point it out. His smile didn’t drop, but it was a bit more genuine. He looked at you again.

“Cher, how long have you known, that you were interested in women ?”, he asked gently.

You wiggled around on the couch, uncomfortable.

“W-well, with all the signs I had...I suspected it already. If we would go only after the time I assumed this case, then it would be three years by now. When it was fully confirmed...since three months now. I experimented around with GF/n for two months, before I asked for her courtship.”, you answered, still awaiting his shouts and anger.

You were surprised as you heard your Father chuckle in amusement. You looked at your Father and saw his genuine smile, warmth and love in his eyes.

“Now, Cher, why would you ever assume that I would yell at you, for finding Love ? It may be frowned upon in the open, but for Heaven’s sake, if you love her, then you love her. What’s the big fuss about anyways ?”, he said with warmth in his voice.

“Wait...so you...you support me ?”, you asked with shyness.

“Indeed I do ! If she makes you happy, then who am I to stand in your way of your Love life, Cher ? You may be my child, but I am not controlling your life and what you fall in love with. Look at me, Cher ! I am not even married, never found the right one for me ! Hahaha !”

A big smile grew on your face. Your Lover smiled happily as she saw you light up, which also made your Father smile wider. He stood up and opened his arms for you.

“Come here, mon petit.”, he said.

You got up and ran into his arms, hugging your Papa tightly. He wrapped his arms around you too and swayed a bit back and forth, something that comforted you all the time. Happy tears escaped your eyes.

“I love you so much, Papa. You are the best.”, you said into his chest.

He smiled warmly at that and looked at your partner. He opened one of his arms and smiled gently.

“Come on, join in !”, he encouraged her.

She got up and joined into the hug. You felt so full with love and affection from the two people that meant the world to you.

“But just so you know, GF/n...you hurt my little Angel and you will have to answer to me.”, Alastor threatened.

Just because your Lover is a woman, doesn’t that mean he will be nice, if she breaks your heart. He will kill her and you knew that. You knew that you had to make sure you can trust her with that information, so she won’t spill. Because if anything happened to either of you, your Father would make sure they will be dead.

She would find out eventually, so you needed to make sure that she can be trusted with this.

Alastor would look after you and your Lover.

He fully supports you two.

If you would ever want to marry, he would give his blessing.

If the two of you ever argue and you tell your Dad, he will try to help you both sort everything out. He would calm you down and then talk with your beloved, to try and get you two back together and whoever was in the wrong, would get a scolding from him.

Your Father would never force you to marry a man for reputation, status or anything else, not even to cover up your relationship with your beloved.

If someone ever forces themselves on either of you, he will kill them, you just need to tell him.

If anyone finds out about it and wants to use it to their advantage to break you two apart, soil your names or even force one of you to marry them and have children, he will murder them in the most brutal way possible.

He will never arrange marriages with anyone for your hand, no matter what. He rather dies.

If anyone that was close to him knows about your sexual attractions and tells Alastor, he would kill them, after proudly admitting that he knew and supported it. He only left those alive, that didn’t mind it and were happy for you, just as he was.

He would fully support you and your significant other to adopt a child, if you two felt ready for it. He would even gladly help you two out.

At some point the three of you would sit down and Alastor would confess with you that he was the Bayou Killer.

Your Lover would swear secrecy and help if they needed it, after hearing that Alastor only killed those that deserved it. She also might have admitted that she already knew with the few kills that happened to certain men that harmed the both of you.

After Alastor would die, the two of you would continue his work and keep your children safe, if you have any. Otherwise it is to protect each other and other people that were innocent and would get tainted otherwise.

When the two of you die and land in Hell, you would actively hunt down your Father, while he did the same. His Father senses would immediately pick up on your arrival in Hell and he would start a search party.

You would all happily live together and catch up on what you missed from one another’s lives. You three would never split again and Alastor would help the both of you to become Overlords.

Hell Version:

You had no idea that you were lesbian, when you were alive. You just always believed what your Father told you. That you hadn’t found “The right one” yet, like him. But it was so much more complicated.

If you thought back to the past, you should have realized it way sooner. How you felt drawn to other females, how you were suddenly such a mess when you talked to a beautiful woman. You never felt attracted, nor interested, in men when you were alive. Yu thought you were straight, but actually...you were homosexual.

Just to make sure, you started to date a Demoness, behind your Father’s back. After all....what would he think of you, if you got together with a Demoness ? A darn woman ? You didn’t really wanted to find out.

The Demoness you dated was beautiful. She was caring, loving and sweet to you too. She didn’t give a fuck who you were to the public, nor who your Father was in public. Sure, she was hesitant when you approached her and told her about who you were and who your Father was, but she still accepted to help you with figuring your sexual attractions out.

The more you two bonded, the more you two fell in love with one another. You shared stories with her about your Father, which made him sound like an absolute Sweetheart in private, so she was more intrigued to meet him one day, than scared. You said you want to keep it a secret from him, which she softly agreed to, seeing your worries. But...all things must come to an end... Which lead you to a few months later.

You never told your Father, you were sneaking around. The two of you worked in the Hazbin Hotel and you would usually just sneak out at night, when the Hotel was closed, without your Father interrogating you.

You were scared beyond belief, by just thinking of telling him that you are a lesbian. He accepted Charlie and Vaggie as a pair, sure, but none of the two were HIS kids. You were his Daughter and he probably expected better of you, than to fall in love with the same gender as you.

Who was your Father ? Alastor, the Radio Demon.

You knew that your Father was an Ace, or better an AroAce, you found that out a while ago with Rosie by your side. He was never straight. He was Aromantic and Asexual, which, honestly, didn’t help you to be brave enough to tell him that you were Homosexual. It actually made it even harder.

Your Dad doesn’t even know he was an AroAce and he still had no idea what that term even meant. Rosie told him only once that he sounded like and AroAce and he asked her what that was supposed to mean. She never elaborated and you felt awkward telling him, so you didn’t.

The day had been stressful and you were already looking forward to sneaking out that night, just to see your Lover, GF/n. You just wanted to cuddle with her and tell her all about your stressful day, then fall asleep in her arms.

It was 1 in the morning ad you decided to leave. You left your room and tiptoed through the halls, to the stairs, tiptoed downstairs and then to the front door. You left quickly and quietly. You didn’t use your powers, because your Dad would have picked up on it and then could have tracked you down.

What you didn’t know, was that you weren’t as sneaky as you hoped. Alastor knew you were sneaking around at night and that night he sent his shadow after you, to spy, while he read a book in his room. He was concerned what you did at this unholy hour and why you didn’t tell him.

You walked for a while, until you were in Zestial’s turf. Then you stopped at a house and climbed through an open window, landing in the living room. You looked around and then closed the window gently, sneaking into the hall and then up the stairs, stopping at a door, opened it and entered. Inside the room, was your Beloved, reading a book. She stopped reading and looked up, smiling happily as she spotted you, which made you smile brightly too.

She closed her book, put it on her nightstand and got up. She rushed over and hugged you tightly, which you returned.

“Love ! How are you ?! You are late, I was worried you won’t come over today !”, she chirped, happily.

You chuckled and squeezed her gently.

“My Father was a bit longer than usual in the main Lobby and I can’t use my Magic to sneak off, he would track me down, Love. I’m so sorry.”, you answered her.

“It’s okay ! So ? How was your day ?”, she asked and lead you to her bed to sit down, next to her.

You groaned.

“Stressful. I don’t know how Father managed today, honestly ! Charlie had us all running around like headless chicken and the new exercises she wanted to do, were so many at once and so chaotic ! To top it all off, Pentious’ egg boiz blew holes into the ceiling and almost destroyed the roof ! Angel decided to get so wasted that he kept bothering my Father, who was close to blow a fuse and Vaggie is still staring daggers at me, because I am brutally honest with Charlie ! To end my charming day, I was left with a lot of paperwork, from Vaggie, for talking her Girlfriend down, even though I just tried to help and be honest ! It was the double amount my Father had gotten !”, you complained.

Your Lover frowned at that and started to sit behind you, massaging your shoulders, who were stiff and tense. You sighed and hummed, as she tried to loosen up your muscles.

“That really didn’t sound good. Nor is that Vaggie fair. She needs to understand that her partner also needs harsh reminders about reality. She is the Princess of Hell, but she is way too kind to get anywhere. She isn’t using her authority, nor her Power to make people stop seeing her as a joke. Coddling her won’t help her.”, your Beloved said gently.

“That is what I told her TWICE this week ! She doesn’t give a fuck ! Everyone is making fun of Charlie and she still coddles her, instead of telling her to be a bit more aggressive ! If this continues then they can shut down the Hotel entirely !”, you groaned.

She continued to massage your sore muscles and hummed gently.

“How is your Dad fairing, Love ?”

“He is managing better than me, I can tell you that. I was about to blow a fuse as Vagatha threatened me with her spear and cussed at me in Spanish. He was just so close to blow one today, that he decided to hide in his room and get to work on the papers, he is assigned to. Sometimes I am at a loss that he can still keep his smile up ! In his eyes stood pure annoyance today, while in mine was rage to see that I barely kept at bay ! Honestly, at this point I am unsure if I want to keep helping ! I just get backlash anyways !”, you scoffed.

Your Lover hugged you tightly from behind, calming down your boiling anger.

“I feel so bad for you two, Love.”, she said softly.

You sighed.

“There is not one day where we have some peace and quiet. How am I supposed to come up, with a speech, like that ?”, you said in defeat.

“You actually plan to tell him ?”, your Beloved asked you gently.

“I can’t hide this from Papa forever. I am surprised that I got away until now. But I have zero time to ready myself for the possible heartbreak I will go through.”, you muttered out.

She let go of you and kissed your neck.

“I think he will accept you still, even if you are...different.”, she tried to cheer you up, “After all, he accepts Vaggie and Charlie too, right ?”

“Hun, that is different.”

“How so ?”

“Vaggie and Charlie are not his children. I am his Daughter and I feel like I will disappoint him, when I tell him that I know now....why I was never interested in men. Yes, my Papa can be very laid back about a lot of things, mostly when it is me. But that doesn’t mean that he is alright with everything that I do and say. You have to remember that we lived in the 1920s, he lived through the late 1890s until the early 1930s, while I lived in the late 1910s to the late 1940s. Anything besides being straight was heavily frowned upon back then. Either you were straight, or you were a dysfunctional human being to the society.”, you reminded her.

“And you think your Dad will hate you for being...you ? He is an AroAce, that is what you said, with the Overlord of Cannibal Town, Rosie.”

“Cher, he has no idea what an AroAce even is.”

“Wait...none of you told him ?”, she asked in shock.

“Rosie didn’t elaborate, hoping he would research the terms himself, now that he has a label on him that he doesn’t know the meaning of and it was too awkward to me, to tell him. He always thought that he just didn’t find the right person. Imagine his world falling apart when he finds out that he was AroAce the whole time. I didn’t want him to have a breakdown about it. I can only imagine how sad he would be.”

“Now, now. Just because he is AroAce, doesn’t that mean he is incapable to be happy.”

“I know, but...at some points he HATES being different from others. I know so. I was there and at nights he thought I was asleep, he was crying. GF/n...he was hurting often and hid it behind a smile. Earth wasn’t kind to him...nor is Hell. He tries to hide it, but I know his big heart. I know that he is hurting even more and I am worried about him. He is my Papa, I love him very much. I hate to see him hurting so much.”

She gave you a sympathetic look and then a kiss on your cheek. You looked away and took a deep breath.

“As much as he would HATE to hear it...I wish he would have gone to Heaven after death. Heaven would have been kinder to him, he could have reunited with Grandma and...he would be carefree now. Here in Hell...he has to be the opposite. Hide behind smiles, show no weaknesses, be coldhearted...All this...isn’t my Papa. He is a very kind soul, but he can’t show it. And I hate that so much. He is always full of worries and fears, but he never lets anyone know. Not even me. It frustrates me, because I can see the pressure he is trying to carry on his own shoulders, all alone. He refuses help and he tries to do everything alone. He is going under in all the stress he tries to hide, he is suffering so much from it that it makes him a little crazy. I have no idea how to help him out.”, you vented.

“Have you ever asked him ? Spoken about these matters ?”

“I tried. Every time he avoids the subject ! He shuts down as soon as I try to get him to talk to me, so I can help and don’t have to watch, helplessly, how he slowly falls apart !”

Alastor’s smile was small and strained. You knew that he was very troubled. He thought he hid it well from you. He should have known that you could read him easily. After all, you grew up around him, as his Daughter.

But now a lowlife Demoness knows this too, the one you vented to. That won’t do...

He still didn’t pick up on you being Lovers. He couldn’t look through his shadow’s eyes, only listen in. He had to go and kill her when he has time.

“I tell you what. Tomorrow, I will come over to the Hazbin Hotel for a visit. You and I will tell him together about you....issue and then we try to make him open up about his own problems. It is not healthy to carry all your troubles on your own. You always need others to be stronger. Your Pa is making himself an easy target. The mind is a fragile thing, even down here.”

“Are you sure that he won’t...hate me ?”

“You told me so many stories about him and what a Sweetheart he can be in private, that I am determined to say that he won’t hate you. I am 100% sure he will still love you.”

Alastor tuned out after that, already planning her death, while the two of you made out and then decided to go to sleep.

-The next day-

You teleported back to the Hazbin Hotel, appearing in your room, after you gave your Lover a kiss. Venting to her yesterday helped you immensely. You took deep breaths, to calm down and then got ready for the day.

Charlie had you running some errands to get food stocked up, which took you a few hours. As you returned you were just informed that Charlie needed you to fill out important formulas for the Hotel, as the door opened. Everyone turned to the door in the Lobby and saw your Beloved.

“Oh my gosh ! A new guest ! Hello, I’m Charlie ! Do you want to get rehabilitated ?!”, she swarmed your Beloved and not letting her come to word.

“Actually, she is here to visit me.”, you said, coldly, to Charlie, not liking her hands on your Lover’s shoulders at all.

Charlie’s smile dropped and she sulked a bit.

“Oh...”

You approached them and pulled her into your embrace, giving Charlie a possessive glare, as you held your Beloved.

“Mine.”, you said.

Your Lover blushed and smiled brightly.

“Hun, please....”

“As if she would be willingly with you ! You are an Overlord and the Daughter of the Radio Demon ! You don’t have a heart that shows love ! What did you do to her ?!”, Vaggie accused and you glared at her, tightening your grip on your Beloved.

Your Partner glared at Vaggie.

“How about you shut your mouth, before I shut it for you, Vagatha ? Don’t you DARE to speak to me Beloved in that way !”, she snarled in anger.

Everyone stared in utter shock at the two of you. You smiled happily and kissed her cheek. As soon as you two parted from one another, your Father appeared in the Lobby. You looked at him in nerves, while your Lover kept a cool head.

“What is all this commotion about ?”, Alastor asked with a laughing track.

“Vagatha was a bitch towards your Daughter, is all, Sir.”, your Lover answered him politely, still glaring at Vaggie.

He looked at Vaggie.

“Is that so ?”, he asked dangerously calm.

Then he turned to your Lover again.

“And who might you be ?”

“My name is GF/n, a pleasure to meet you, Sir.”

“The pleasure is all mine ! The name’s Alastor, the Radio Demon !”, he greeted back happily.

Until now it seemed to go just swell. You cleared your throat.

“Papa...can we talk in private ? You, GF/n and I ? It is...urgent.”

“Why, of course, mon petit !”, he said happily and then teleported the three of you to his Radio Tower.

“So, what do you want to talk about, that is urgent ?”, he asked you.

You wrung your hands in nerves.

“W-well....you remember when we talked about my disinterest in men, when we were alive ?”, you asked nervously.

“I do, indeed ! I said you just didn’t find the right one yet ! Why ? Have you found him ?”

“W-well...it’s more...complicated, Papa...”

He cocked his head to the side in confusion.

“Oh ?”

“You see...I am...not straight...?”

Now he got nervous. What do you mean you are not straight ? He knows you meant that you aren’t Heterosexual, but what are you then, why are you so scared to tell him ?

“Continue...”, he said, his voice softer.

“I never noticed the signs when I was alive, Papa. I found it all out here in Hell and GF/n helped me to figure it all out. Along the process...we fell in Love and it had been going on for months now, we trust each other deeply, so please don’t be mad when I tell you that she knows about you a bit. I always snuck off at night, because I was scared you will be angry with my sexual orientation, so I wanted to keep it a secret until I knew how to approach you. The Hotel didn’t make it that easy and GF/n offered to support me today to tell you, because I vented to her all my worries yesterday and all my stress and Iamalesbian !”, you quickly ranted out, too nervous to speak calmly.

There was a deadly silence in the room, after you finished. Your Father was trying to catch up with everything you just ranted out so quickly. As his brain caught up with what you just confessed to him, there was a loud record screeching sound and he stared at you in shock.

“You are a WHAT ?!”, he asked in shock.

He wasn’t angry, just shocked that you found it out earlier than he did. He didn’t even know until now. You flinched.

“I...I am a Lesbian...Homosexual...”, you got out shakily now.

Your Father sprung up and rushed to you, before you could react and hide somewhere, he pulled you to his chest into a almost bone crushing hug, which shocked and surprised you.

“Oh, Cher, those are such WONDERFUL news ! You finally figured yourself out ! I’m so proud of you !”, he said happily.

“Wait...you...aren’t mad ?”, you asked in awe.

“Why would I be, mon diable (My Devil) ?! These are the best news I have ever heard ! You found love, my Dear ! And you found out your taste ! Who cares if you like the same gender ?! Why were you so afraid to tell me that ?”, he asked, his real voice coming out.

“W-well...we both lived in times where it was heavily frowned upon... I thought you wouldn’t be happy with me and so...I was too scared to tell you. I feared you would disown me...”, you said softly.

“Mon petit diable (My little Devil), I would never disown you, for being yourself. You don’t have to hide anything from me, Cher.”

He then looked at your Lover.

“Can I be assured that you won’t use anything you know against us ?”, he asked her.

“I would never want to hurt my Beloved. I love her with all my soul.”, she told your Father.

He hummed.

“Alrighty then. I am glad that I don’t have to kill you then, for knowing too much.”

“Daaaaaaaaaaaad !”, you moaned out annoyed.

“I had to make sure that she knows that she isn’t safe just because you two are courting.”, he defended himself.

“Don’t chase my Lover away, Papa !”, you scolded and smacked his right arm, playfully.

He chuckled.

“I would never, mon petit. Now ! Would anyone explain to me what in everything unholy and AroAce is ? And why I am supposed to be one ?”, he asked.

You shifted around uncomfortably.

“I will gladly do so.”, your Beloved answered and you all sat down.

Alastor would be shocked from the news.

He would be delighted to see you finally had a Lover.

Would be happy that you finally figured yourself out.

Would support you.

Alastor would be very protective of you and threaten your Lover that she isn’t safe from him, if she fucks up.

He would keep an eye out on you two.

He would never hate you for coming out to him.

Anyone tries to hurt you two, they will answer to him personally.

If the two of you argue, he will try to find the root of the issue and try very subtly to get you back together.

He would support the both of you through everything and anything.

Alastor would help your Beloved to become and Overlord after she proved herself to be worthy of you, to him.

If you two want a biological child, he will help you two out with his Magic. All he would need is a small doll, crafted to look how you want the child to look like and from each of you a vial of blood, then his Magic would do the rest and you would have a Hellborn child.

He would help you raise your kids and be a great Grandpa.

Alastor would rope Rosie in to be their Auntie. Best friends and all that, plus, Rosie loves kids.

If you want to ever marry, he would give you both the green light, as long as he can lead YOU to the altar !

If anyone has a problem with you two being together, let him know. He will gladly have a snack~

You would warm up to your Girlfriend/Wife and show his softer side to her, just give him time. After all he knows you want her to be treated like Family, he just wants to make sure that she is the right one for you.

He would fool around with your Beloved after he warmed up to her and get very protective of her, just like he was with you.

Alastor would help her out in surprising you with small to huge things.

He definitely would gossip with her about anything and everything, even talk about his past with her.

Your Father would put a lot of effort into getting to know her, her getting to know him and to bond with her.

Best Dad in the world, even if he planned to kill your Lover in the beginning.

A/N: I hope this is good and you won't be mad that I also made a Human Version ! At least then no one can demand for it, because it already exists. *Lol* Two flies with one smack !

Masterlist HERE !

[athenalynx]

princess and the not frog

synopsis:during a fight nanami gets transported to 1920's new orleans and happens to stubble into tiana while trying to find his way home

Tags:nanamixtiana,fluff,no spice(yet🤭)

authors note: if yall like chap one then ill drop chap 2 🔥 promise this isnt just a shi post nanamixtiana is the best ship in jjk 🫡

read time:8-10 mins

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

Where am I?” Nanami asked, looking around for clues to his whereabouts. He tried to recall how he got there. He was in a fight, and suddenly a portal had sucked him into the world he was now in. As he looked around, a sign caught his eye. It read, in big bright letters, “Tiana’s Palace.” Something told him that if he wanted any chance of finding a way home, that was the place he needed to go. He took a deep breath, mustering his courage before going in. He opened the door to the sound of jazz music filling the restaurant. Men in suits and women in fancy dresses were everywhere, which made Nanami feel a bit better about his situation because at least these people knew how to dress. He looked around before approaching the host stand.

“Excuse me, what is this place?” Nanami asked. The hostess gave him a funny look.

“A restaurant,” she replied. Nanami glanced at the food on the tables; he should have known. Embarrassed, he was about to leave when he heard, “Now welcoming to the stage the owner of this restaurant, Tiana herself.”

Nanami turned to see the most beautiful woman he's ever seen . She was wearing a tight, shimmery white dress that complemented her dark skin perfectly, and her curly hair fell gracefully on her shoulders.

“Hello, everyone!” Tiana greeted, scanning the crowd until her eyes met Nanami’s. She paused, almost believing in love at first sight. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. He was tall, wearing a tight dark blue button-up shirt complemented by a leopard print tie, and had short blond hair. Tiana almost got lost in his light brown eyes before snapping back to reality.

“Thank you, everyone, for coming tonight, and--” Before she could finish, a man yelled, “Nice ass, sweetheart!” All the men erupted into wicked laughter as Tiana stood there, flustered, trying to collect herself. Before she could say anything, Nanami interjected, “Who said that?”

The men stopped laughing, pointing to a middle-aged man giving Nanami a sheepish grin. “That would be me, what about it?”

Nanami looked the man up and down before walking closer. Without saying a word, he punched the man across the face, causing him to fall back in his chair. Quickly getting up, the man tried to punch Nanami back, but Nanami dodged the punch and kicked the man in the stomach, followed by an uppercut to the jaw. The man fell to the floor, and Nanami was getting ready to punch him again when he felt someone hold him back. He looked behind him to see Tiana.

“Beating this guy won’t make things any better,” Tiana said.

“Sorry,” Nanami mumbled, keeping his eyes to the floor. He felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time: shame.

“It’s okay. Come to the back so I can fix you up,”Tiana said Nanami was confused on why she would say that before he looked down at his bloody knuckles he nodded and Tiana grabbed his arm leading him to a room that looked like her office. She sat him down and grabbed a first aid kit from one of her many bookshelves.

“You didn’t need to do that,” Tiana paused before adding, “But thank you. But next time, I can take care of myself.” Nanami smiled at her and said, “I don’t plan on doing it again.” Tiana giggled before asking.

“What brought you here? You don’t look like you’re from here,” .

“I honestly don’t know. I just got sucked up here by some sort of portal,” Nanami replied, he didn’t know why he told her for some reasson he trusted her with his life something about her smile made and her dark brown eye that were so easy to get lost in made it easy for him to talk to her making it sound like what happened to him was just a normal everyday thing. Tiana looked at him like he was crazy while wiping the blood off his knuckles.

“Where am I?” Nanami asked.

“You’re in the best restaurant in New Orleans,” Tiana said proudly. Nanami’s stomach rumbled.

“Maybe before I leave, I could try some of the food here?” Nanami asked.

“I could cook you something,” Tiana said with a smile before leading him to the kitchen.

“What are you craving?” Tiana asked as she tied her hair back.

“Something sweet,” Nanami said. Tiana nodded and said, “I know something I could make for you.”

“What?” Nanami asked.

“It’s a surprise,” Tiana replied with a wink.

“How long have you owned the restaurant?” Nanami asked.

“About a year,” she answered.

“I’m sorry, but I never got your name?” Tiana said.

“It’s Kento Nanami, but everyone calls me Nanami.”

“I’ve never met anyone with that last name. Where are you from?” Tiana asked.

“I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan,” Nanami said.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you,” Tiana said with a smile.

While Tiana cooked, Nanami talked about almost everything they could think of: family, friends, work, etc.

“Your food is ready,” Tiana said, placing a plate in front of Nanami before coating it in powdered sugar.

“What is it?” Nanami asked.

“Beignets. It’s my mama’s recipe,” Tiana said. As Nanami took a bite, his eyes lit up.

“I think this is the best thing I’ve ever had,” he said before taking another bite.

“I told you you’re in the best restaurant in New Orleans,” Tiana said with a proud smile as Nanami quickly finished his plate.

“Can I have more?” Nanami asked.

“Maybe if you come in tomorrow, I could make you more, but you would need to pay,” Tiana replied.

“I know this is a lot to ask, but can I maybe stay here? I don’t really have a home. I could pay you to stay here if you want,” Nanami asked Tiana with pleading eyes.

“You don’t need to pay me. I don’t really know how you got here, but I want to help you,” Tiana said.

“Thank you so much, Tiana!” Nanami said before pulling Tiana into a hug. They hugged for a minute before snapping back to reality.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Tiana said before walking out. But before she could leave, she turned around and said, “You know you could stay at my house. I want you to be able to sleep in a bed if you want to.”

“Of course, I would,” Nanami said.

------------location change-----------

“Okay i'll get you some blankets for the couch.” Tiana says

Nanami nods looking around admiring the room's homie aesthetic; it makes him feel like he’s home even though he's in an entirely different universe. Tiana comes back with blankets and a pillow which she plops on the couch

“Okay that's all you’ll need for the night i'm in my room if you need me.” Tiana says before turning to leave but before she could Nanami grabs her hand and spin her to face him

“Can you not leave yet? Maybe we could watch Netflix or whatever you want.”

“What's Netflix?” Tiana asks

Nanami cocks an eyebrow and asks ‘how don’t you not know what Netflix is?”

“I don't watch that many movies. Im always busy and movies just feel like a waste of time.” Tiana says

“Netflix isn't a movie” Nanami says

“What is it?” Tiana asks Nanami thinks for a little before he says

“It's like a streaming service. It has a bunch of movies and tv shows from all over the world and you only need to pay 6 dollars a month.”

“What's a streaming service?” Tiana asks

“I'll just show you where's your tv?” Nanami asks when he turns around he's greeted by old box tv

“I've not seen a box tv since I was a kid,how old is it?” Nanami says

“It's not that old, only a year or two.” Tiana says confused

“What do you mean this tv got to be from the 1920’s or older.” Nanami says while examining the tv

“That was only 2 years ago.” Tiana says with a chuckle suddenly it hits Nanami

“What year is it ?” Nanami asks panicky

“Baby it the 1922.” Tiana says but that just makes Nanami feel light headed as he falls back on the couch keeping his head in his hands

“What's wrong Nanami?” Tiana asks concerned

“In the universe I'm in, it's 2024, I don’t even think I'm in a different universe I think somehow I traveled back In time” Nanami says

“So you're a time traveler.”

“Technically yes but that only gonna make it harder to get back home.” Nanami says with a heavy sigh sinking deeper in the couch Tiana sits next to him putting her hands in his and says

“Don’t worry we’ll find a way to get you home.” Nanami lazily looks at Tiana trying giving a half ass smile

“Thank you Tiana for everything.” he says before giving Tiana a hug tightly wrapping his hands around her waist

“I know this is a bad time to ask but how is the future?” Tiana asks Nanami lets Tiana out of his tight grasp

“Well for one we have bigger Televisions.” he says looking a the tiny box tv sitting on the mantel in front of the couch

“Well the future Is sounds pretty boring.” Tiana says playfully

“I don't think tv’s are boring.” Nanami says

“Well that because everyone on tv looks like you” Tiana says matter of factly

“What do you mean?” Nanami asks confused

“Have you ever seen a black woman on tv as anything but the side character who is the but of all the jokes?” ask’s Tiana

“I have.” Nanami says Tiana looks at Nanami with wide eyes

“Really?” Tiana asks

“Yeah, there’s a lot of movies and shows with black main characters.”

“Are there any black princesses?” Tiana asks hopefully

“Yes.” Nanami says

“Tell me everything.” Tiana says eagerly

“Well it’s called princess and the frog….”

Nanami tell Tiana the story of princess and the frog as she lays her head on his shoulder constantly asking him to keep going with a wide smile on her face by the time he’s done Tiana had fallen asleep he gently picks Tiana up and brings her to bedroom the house was small so it wasn’t hard to find Nanami gently lays Tiana on the bed giving her a light kiss on her forehead before he leaves he hears Tiana quietly say “wait”

Nanami turns around to see Tiana with her head slightly raised to be able to look at Nanami

“It's really cold, could you maybe…sleep with me?” Tiana asks Nanami nods and lays on his side to be able to see Tiana’s face

“You know your eyes are really beautiful.” Nanami says

“You don’t need to try and flatter me, my eyes are just brown.” Tiana says

“I'm not trying to” Nanami says kindly Tiana smiles

“It's not just your eyes that are beautiful, everything about you is beautiful. This may be sappy but you're probably the most beautiful woman I've seen.” Nanami says before he gets to sappy he says

“Sorry I know that really corny and-” before he could finish Tiana quickly gives him a kiss

“I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that, please forgive me.” Nanami gently grabs Tiana faces and leans in for another kiss before Nanami pulls away and says

“There is nothing to be sorry for.” Tiana smiles at him but Nanami can tell somethings wrong

"we should get to bed." Tiana says she gently wraps her hands around Nanami waist while resting her head on his chest

"good night" Tiana says before closing her eyes Nanami gives her a light kiss on her forehead

"good night." he says before he slowly closes his eyes to fall asleep

[imaginefan]

Never To Plan

Klaus Mikaelson!Father X Son!Reader Damon Salvatore X Male!Reader

Word Count: 1069

Requested: @emaz-0225

Request: Hello I love your work but can you do a imagine where your the son of Katherine and Klaus and your just like them and your best friend is Kai Parker and your trying to get him out of the Prison World. You come into Mystic Falls and you See your old friend Stefan Dating your moms look alike and you fall for Damon and you guys start dating. Klaus comes into town and your thrown into WWW 3 so you go to Europe and then called back to the drama when Hayley is pregnant and you get along with Josh and Hayley and Davina but when Hope is born you sacrifice yourself to The crazy Aunt but you find out Damon is with Elena now and you turn off your emotions

You had come to Mystic Falls in search of a way to get your friend out of the Prison World but you ended up getting a little side tracked with Damon Salvatore catching your attention your plan stopped dead in it’s tracks, well kind of, you were still looking for ways to get him out but you were hitting more roadblocks then you wanted. That being said the real problem was your father, you were thrown into a fight you wanted no part in and so with no way to save both sides you take a step back and instead go to Europe in hopes of getting your search for Kai back on track and finding what you had really travelled all this time for.

That was how you found yourself in a small cafe in the east of London on the phone to your father who was in New Orleans “well what a surprise, I didn’t expect to hear from you.” You said as you answered the call. “I need your help.” He said. “Is that so?” You asked, taking a sip of the hot drink in front of you as you winked at the waitress who brought it over. “You have a sister.” He said. “You know that doesn’t surprise me.” You mumbled, you could feel his glare from across the sea. “What does that mean?” He asked. “We both know what that means.” You shuffled in your seat “what does your daughter have to do with me? What do you suddenly need your estranged son for?” “I need to show someone what a true king looks like and what his prince is capable of.” Klaus answered. “This king is you?” You downed the last of the drink before nodding in thanks to the girl who had served you before standing up. “And you, the prince.” Klaus confirmed. “No need to flatter me your highness, I know I’m only a prince in name.” You said as you walked back to the hotel that you were staying in. “Then prove to them that you are not.” He hung up the phone after that.

When you got to New Orleans a lot had already happened but the only thing that you did know was that it was that your father offered you a chance to make a mess and you had been bored for a few months now. “So you’re Marcellus, correct?” You asked as you looked at the man standing in the middle of the courtyard. “Who are you?” He asked. “(Y/N).” Rebekah said from her place next to Marcel. “Auntie Bekah, don’t tell me you’d abandon your family for a man?” You teased as you stepped closer. “He thinks that you would be enough to beat every vampire in this city?” Marcel asked, drawing your attention back to him. “Sunshine, I was born better than any vampire, werewolf or witch that you can throw at me but please do try.” You smirked “where are your forces anyway I’m itching to snap a neck and if it’s not them it will be you.” Someone grabbed you from behind, throwing you back into the wall “here we go.” You easily ripped apart the first few men next attacking together and getting a few hits in before you took them down, your hand in the chest of the last to attack you before you heard. “Hold on a moment.” Klaus said as he walked into the room “Marcel it seems that your men aren’t up to the challenge.” “Klaus.” Marcel glared. “Here I have a coin!” Klaus put it down on the floor “whoever picks up this coin will be spared his game!” “Game?” You squeezed the heart that resided in the chest you had punched through “I don’t think they are having much fun.” “But you are.” Klaus smirked, your eyes drawn to Rebekah as she whispered something to Marcel, you watched carefully as he stepped forward and bent, picking up the coin, you smirked as you pulled your hand from the man's chest and let him fall. “Nicely done your highness, I’ll be leaving then?” You asked and Klaus smirked. “Why would the prince leave his kingdom?”

It was years before real trouble found your family, you don’t know why it took so long but as your aunt claimed right to you or your sister, you decided that it would be you that she took, you had no intention of giving someone else in your place and so you left with her before anyone could stop you.

You honestly expected it to take longer, for her to break you but it only took her a few weeks to find out what you had left for your family what you hoped to one day go back to and took you to Mystic Falls told you to go and see the man that you had left, you walked into the boat house happier than you had in years and it was torn from you in seconds “(Y/N)?” Damon asked, you swallowed as you looked between the two, Damon and Elena more friendly then they were when you had left. “How long?” You asked. “(Y/N)-” “How long?” You asked again, fists curled so tight that you thought you might break your own hand. “You know what it doesn’t matter because I was told by so many people that you would break me-” “Break you!?” Damon asked. “You were the one that left!” “To protect every one of you because if my father had made me fight with him, you would have likely been the only one I would have convinced him to leave alive.” You answered. “Nice to know that you can think the worst of me.” “I-” “You had everything that I had left to give so if you’ll excuse me I have a prison to get back to.” You muttered. “(Y/N) wait!” Elena was the one that called out this time but when you turned back they all saw it, the dead look behind your eyes. “If you ever come near me again, either one of you, I will take the part of you that you love the most and twist it into your worst nightmare.” You threatened. “Come (Y/N), we have work to do.” Dahlia said as she gestured for you to follow her, you turned leaving the two alone in the house.

*Part 2*

Requests and general question!

[waitmyturtles]

To my taggers @hughungrybear, @ranchthoughts, @he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle, and @telomeke, this one's for you!

GET TO KNOW ME TAG :)

do you make your bed?

Not until I sleep in it!

what's your favorite number?

Feel like I don't want to spill it because I use these numbers in passwords lol

what is your job?

Executive management

if you could go back to school, would you?

Such a good question. I already did it once, mid-life, and it was THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE, and one of the first decisions I truly made just for myself. Would I go back AGAIN? I would have considered it if I didn't know so many PhDs who are at various levels of happiness with their decisions. So: maybe. What I really look forward to is being retired so that I can take free classes at local colleges and have all the time in the world to read through the syllabi.

can you parallel park?

Fuck yes, who do I fucking look like, someone that can't parallel park? /end-East-Coast-road-rage

a job you had that would surprise people?

Hmmm. I don't think I have one that fits this category!

do you think aliens are real?

I think humanity's definition of "life" is too limiting

can you drive a manual car?

UNFORTUNATELY NOT, and I really wanna learn

what's your guilty pleasure?

Watching dramas, honestly. I shouldn't feel guilty about it, but I'm Asian, so I feel guilty about everything

tattoos?

Love them on other people, never made up my mind on what I wanted to get, and I feel like that ship has sailed for me

favorite color?

My kids ask me this all the time: pine green, rich purple, deep pink, all oranges, aquamarine blue, and black

favorite type of music?

I can't choose one. My playlist is all over the place. Korean hip-hop and New Orleans bounce (THANKS @bengiyo) have been my workout go-tos lately

do you like puzzles?

I will when my kids have more patience to do them

any phobias?

HEIGHTS :(

favorite childhood sport?

Ice hockey

do you talk to yourself?

Absolutely, and I've needed to use meditation to manage the inner monologue over the years

what movies do you adore?

Oh gosh. All I think about lately are Thai BLs, so I think a lot about the impact of The Love of Siam and Dew, two movies that are so tough to digest, but are really well done. I've also had two wonderful Japanese movies on the mind for no reason, Like Father, Like Son: Soshite Chichi ni Naru, and Drive My Car.

coffee or tea?

Both, all the time, often mixed

first thing you wanted to be growing up?

I wanted to be a journalist. I was such a rabid sports that I thought being a journalist would get me the closest to sports that I could go without being an athlete. And I actually got to do sports journalism for a while, and it was fun! (But I quit media, which is a whole other thing, and now I'm much happier)

Who hasn't been tagged? How about the old Only Friends Ephemerality Squad, how y'all doing?! @lurkingshan (I think you already did this Shan) @neuroticbookworm @twig-tea @slayerkitty @thatgirl4815 @distant-screaming @clara-maybe-ontheroad

[oldiesstationlover11607]

It’s aliiiivvvvveeeee!

What up? It’s 💛. Ya boi! You miss me? And my horrible references and jokes?

I have officially caught up with all of the stories I’ve missed (the basketball and nerd!reader, the Christmas stream, and daughter pt. 2 were my personal favorite I must say). Man, I forgot how happy your stories make me.

Anywho, I have come to torment you with requests once more. Now, I saw that you are a big Disneyland/World fiend (as am I). So, I was wondering if you could do a story where the reader and Josh are trying to have a cute date at Disneyland (because that’s the one I’ve been too 😭) and, though they struggle to enjoy it at times due to attention from fans, they end up being all cute and fluffy with each other.

I’m excited to see what you come up with! I’m such a huge Disney lover myself so I’m pumped!

Disney Day - Josh Dun x Reader

Warnings: Some angst/annoyance

Word Count: 1489

A/N: The way I put so many of the random facts I just know in here is so funny. Also welcome back to the iconic 💛 anon! We've missed you! Sorry lots of my requests are taking a while to get out. I'm working on getting lots of these out today :)

The sun was shining bright as Josh and I stepped through the gates of Disneyland, fingers laced together, our energy buzzing in sync with the excitement of the park. This was it—the day we had planned for weeks. An entire day together in the most magical place on earth, where everything, for just a few hours, felt like a dream.

Josh squeezed my hand, his eyes twinkling as he turned to me. “You ready for the best day ever?”

I grinned up at him. “You have no idea. I've got the whole day mapped out in my head.”

He chuckled. “I don’t doubt it. Lead the way, Miss Disneyland Expert.”

I laughed, tugging him toward Main Street where the scent of churros and popcorn filled the air. “First things first—churros.”

Josh rolled his eyes but smiled. “I knew churros were going to be the priority.”

The energy of the park was contagious, and I couldn’t help but feel like a little kid again, skipping along with excitement. We grabbed our churros from the nearest cart and then took our time walking toward the heart of the park, soaking in the sights and sounds. 

As we walked, a small group of teenage girls suddenly stopped in their tracks and let out quiet squeals, pulling out their phones. I could sense it coming. 

“Is that…? Oh my god, it’s him!” one of them whispered not-so-subtly.

I felt Josh's hand tighten slightly around mine, but before we could take another step, the girls rushed over, nervous energy radiating from them.

“Excuse me, sorry to bother you, but… are you Josh?” one of them asked, wide-eyed and hopeful.

Josh gave them that signature smile, the one that made his fans melt. “Yeah, that’s me.”

The girls nearly squealed with excitement. “Can we please get a picture?”

I forced a smile, stepping back as Josh politely agreed. This wasn’t anything new—it was something I expected, really. Still, I couldn't help but feel a little tug of frustration. We’d only just gotten into the park, and already our time was interrupted.

Josh took pictures with each of them, laughing and chatting for a moment before he finally made his way back to me. “Sorry about that,” he said sheepishly.

I shrugged, giving him a reassuring smile, though I could feel my patience being tested already. “No worries. Let’s just get to the Haunted Mansion.”

We headed toward New Orleans Square, making our way to the ride that had always been one of my favorites. As we stepped into the stretching room, I couldn’t help myself.

“Did you know the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was the only one Walt Disney personally oversaw before he passed?” I began, slipping into my usual Disney trivia mode. “He wanted it to be spooky but still fun enough for kids but the ride didn’t open until he died. The last ride to open before his death was Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Josh raised an eyebrow, clearly humoring me. “Oh, really?”

“Yeah, the haunted mansion was supposed to be a water ride originally but they changed it. Would’ve been cool to see that though, I love looking at the concept art for it all.”

I was mid-ramble when I noticed a few people near us glancing over, whispering excitedly. I tried to ignore it, but sure enough, as soon as we stepped off the ride, another group of fans approached Josh, asking for pictures.

I took a deep breath, forcing my frustration down. I knew this came with the territory, but it was starting to feel like we couldn’t go anywhere without being stopped. I waited off to the side as Josh graciously took more photos, smiling and chatting with his fans.

“Okay, that was awesome,” Josh said when he finally returned to my side. “You might just turn me into a Disney nerd.”

I laughed, trying to push away the annoyance bubbling inside me. “Just wait until we get to Indiana Jones. There’s this boulder scene where the walls are moving back instead of the boulder moving forward to create the illusion from the movies. It’s super cool.”

We started walking again, but my excitement had dimmed slightly. I loved that Josh was good to his fans, but I wanted this day to be about us. I tried not to let it bother me, but as we grabbed a Mickey pretzel, I couldn’t help but launch into one of my usual rants to distract myself.

“Did you know Disneyland pretzels are different from Disney World’s? They put less salt on them here, which makes them way better. Disney World’s can be too salty sometimes.”

Josh bit into his half of the pretzel, nodding along. “Interesting.”

I smiled, feeling a little better. “See? This is why Disneyland wins in the snack department.”

But as we moved through the park, it seemed like every few minutes, someone would stop Josh. We barely got through Space Mountain without someone recognizing him, and even in the Indiana Jones line, there were whispers and glances.

By the time we got off Indiana Jones, I was at my wit’s end. We hadn’t even made it halfway through my carefully planned day, and I felt like we’d spent more time taking pictures than actually enjoying the park.

As we walked toward Fantasyland, a few more fans stopped us. This time, I could feel my patience snap. I crossed my arms, trying to keep my frustration in check as Josh graciously posed for more pictures.

When he finally came back to me, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “I’m happy you’re being so sweet with your fans, but I feel like we haven’t had any time for just us,” I said, my voice tinged with irritation.

Josh looked at me, his smile faltering for a moment. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was bothering you.”

I sighed, feeling guilty for snapping. “It’s just… I was really looking forward to today. Just the two of us. And it feels like we can’t go five minutes without being stopped.”

Josh wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close. “I get it. Let’s try to sneak away for a bit, just the two of us, okay? We’ll find a quiet spot.”

I nodded, feeling a bit better as we made our way toward Toontown. “Okay, but I swear, if one more person—"

“Josh! Oh my god, can we get a picture?”

I groaned internally. Josh shot me an apologetic look before turning to the group. As he took more pictures, I crossed my arms, trying not to let my frustration show. But the more I thought about it, the more it got under my skin.

By the time we made it to Mickey’s house, I was practically fuming. Meeting Mickey Mouse was something I’d always avoided—I was more about the rides—but Josh insisted.

“Trust me, it’ll be fun,” he said, dragging me through the line.

When it was our turn, Josh practically ran into Mickey’s open arms like an excited kid. Despite my irritation, I couldn’t help but smile at how happy he looked. We posed for a few photos, and to my surprise, a Disney Cast Member asked if they could take a picture for social media. I rolled my eyes, but Josh nodded, flashing his camera-ready grin. The Cast Member snapped a few shots, and after we spent a few minutes chatting with Mickey, we headed out.

Josh must have noticed my lingering frustration, because as we walked away, he leaned down, whispering in my ear. “I know today hasn’t gone exactly as planned, but I’m still having an amazing time with you.”

I sighed, leaning into him as we made our way toward the castle. “I know. I just wish we could have more time for us. But… you’re right. It’s still magical.”

The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park. We found a spot near the castle to watch the fireworks, Josh wrapping his arms around me from behind as we settled in to wait.

As the first burst of color lit up the sky, I sighed contentedly, feeling the frustration melt away. This—this moment right here—was what I had been waiting for. Just us, wrapped up in each other, surrounded by the magic of Disneyland.

The fireworks exploded above us in a symphony of light and color, and I couldn’t help but smile as I looked up at the sky. We’d had interruptions, sure, but at the end of the day, none of that mattered.

Josh leaned down, his voice soft in my ear. “I wouldn’t trade a single second of today.”

I turned to look up at him, my heart swelling. “Neither would I.”

Because in the end, no matter how many fans stopped us or how many pictures we had to take, what mattered most was this—being here, together.

The real magic wasn’t just in Disneyland. It was in us.

//

REQUESTS ARE OPEN

[jasongotdrip]

FREAKING YAP ALERT 🚨

hyperfixation is so weird like. finish a show (in this case, arcane) and think about it until you finish a game (mouthwashing) and you think about that until you think about a show you used to watch (hxh) and you think about that until you’re thinking about those finished shows and games at the same time and you’re just buzzing. buzzing. just brrr like an overwhelmed calculator that’s doing multiple problems at once. BECAUSE I WANNA MAKE ARCANE ART LIKE I SAID I WOULD. I WANNA MAKE MOUTHWASHING ART BUT I’VE ONLY MADE ONE VIDEO. AND NOW HXH IS COMING BACK TO ME😭😭 ALONG WITH EVERY OTHER FANDOM/INTEREST I HAVE???🙏

IM SORRY THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HYPERFIXATION BUT I NEED TO YAP.

this is a vent that’s been building up since like October👍

I HAAATE HAVING “RIZZ” IM SORRY BUT WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP LIKING ME. I DIDNT EVEN DO ANYTHING MAN. I LITERALLY JUST EXIST. IM A FILLER FRIEND WHO KEEPS EVERYONE HAPPY.

feelings are completely valid, of course. i respect everyone. it’s hard for me to develop feelings without like.. idk. I might be demiromantic or something on that spectrum. But that’s besides the point.

I make it my goal to stay on good terms with everyone. I just want to make people happy, that’s all i’m here for. if you have feelings, shoot your shot!

but please, PLEASE. You don’t confess your love to someone you’d met 3 months ago. You DONT, confess to someone you’d met 3 months ago,who you KNEW was in New Orleans, SEEING THEIR GRANDFATHER. FOR THE LAST TIME.

if any year of my life were a test, 2024 would have been it. I moved houses, schools, lost people physically and mentally, gained people, and matured. well i had to, of course.

on Tuesday October 22, 2024. 2 days after getting home from visiting my grandfather. my world went silent in the parking lot of my sister’s college. I stood there staring at the ground after being told he passed away. I can’t even remember how long I stood there. I felt my phone slip out of my hand onto the ground and I felt my sister’s arms around me but I didn’t move. The drive home with my mom was silent. Then the phone calls and texts rolled in from my family, but I was still silent. I was angry. Grateful that he wasn’t in pain but angry that he had to suffer in the first place. I didn’t tell any of my friends until the next day, at school, after breaking down in class. Some still don’t even know. My voice stayed quiet for a while after that. I saw my dad for the first time in months. I saw family and friends and I realized as much as it hurts, I’ll always be grateful to have people that care.

honestly something in me wants to believe he’s still in new orleans. not in the hospital, dancing and singing at restaurants. i tried convincing myself at the funeral too. but as i walked out that church I realized I can’t live my life the way i have been.

I stepped up and i started making friends. Me, the introverted quiet kid, talked to people. I visited my dad, and my family more than ever. I broke the mould i put myself into. I reached out to some old friends from old schools. Most of all, I started appreciating little things about myself. I used to absolutely hate my freckles and my curly hair, and while i can’t say i LOVE myself, i don’t hate myself… as much. And that’s huge for me. I can’t say my sh habits have gotten better.. but i’ll work on that. :)

i realized i changed in confidence mentally but also physically— this isn’t the best example, so i’ll be vague. when my mom and stepdad fight i always feel words bubbling up in my throat like lava. I want to tell them to stop, that my siblings shouldn’t hear it. And guess what? That’s what i did!! When things get out of hand i don’t even care I’ll literally speak up. …sometimes they’ll tell me to shut the hell up or go away. But sometimes they listen. I think they noticed how much risk I take now. Hit me I literally do not give a freak. And then i’ll clean the entire house, loudly or quietly because i clean when I’m absolutely seeing red.

for sure , music helps. when I’m buzzing angrily or i’m feeling horrible or anxious, i put on my headphones and I manipulate myself into feeling the happiness from a song. I learned how to literally make myself happy, even if it’s just a cover up lol

another thing i realized? I can’t live my life without doing something to help this curse of a disease. I want to help people and families with cancer. Any type. I’ve never felt so strongly about my future. Whether it’s full time or not, I want to work in the medical field as a nurse, oncologist or something like that. A dream hit me then, if i started some kind of organization to donate and help families travel to their patients, to visit them and remind them that they’re loved, and that they have things to live for. That’s a huge stretch and i have no idea how I’d accomplish it, but it’s worth thinking about.

because too much of my family has been lost to cancer. cancer eats away at families and no one deserves to go through it. i want to help. whether it’s helping families, patients themselves, researching, or anything.

I’m only a teenager so this career/life dream is probably gonna warp or change, but I’ll always want to help somehow.

now i uh.. don’t remember why I’m saying all this on a tumblr post. It was supposed to be about hyperfixation but now im feeling inspired? I might have gone through every emotion writing this.😭

[riverpatel]

when: saturday, feb. 4th where: the phoenix who: @trixstone​

It was a grand plan and River had no idea if they were going to be able to pull it off from start to finish. Of course it could have been simple but River had never been one to do things small. They had always been a performer and as a New Orleans native, everything needed to be big, flashy, and a little bit loud. Lucky for them, they were able to get help from everyone close to them. First it was getting the blessings of their family, Bowie, Del, and then Nehir and Indie. Next was coming up with an idea. With the help of Nehir and then Stevie they were able to come up with an event that was both good for the community but also the base to execute their plan. Together they came up with a Love Rocks event, showcasing cover songs from the punk, metal, and alternative rock world. The first set was to be played by none other than the band formerly known as Thrift Store Lingerie (they couldn’t remember their most recent name). Yas and Bowie helped River with decorations but more importantly, finding something to wear. Everything had to be aesthetically perfect, they wouldn’t have it any other way. Next they needed special help from Del to find the special item that only they had the expertise of tracking down. With all the plans in place, the only thing left was to wait for the night to come.

Everything was going as planned, plus there was a decent crowd for both their band and the band that would come after them. All of the people closest to them were there, with the exception of Yas who had agreed to distract Trix so they could set everything up and bring them in halfway through. Once it came time for the last song, River paused to look back at Moth and Fox who had helped them write an original song for the occasion. One centering breath and a few encouraging nods from their best friends later and River was back at the microphone. “Thank you all for coming out tonight, please make sure to give love to your servers and bartender. Don’t forget to stick around for Secondhand Theory coming up after us.” River paused and easily found their tall demi-deity in the crowd. “This last song is one I wrote with the help of Fox and Moth for the other half of my soul.” And with that they started it up, knowing once they did there was no going back. 

(original song and cover ensemble found here)

"And still these songs can't really put into words what I feel, what we have, what we are. I want to keep telling our ghost story until there is nothing left to tell. Though," River moved to sit down on the edge of the stage and curled a finger to get Trix to come over to them. "A lot of people helped make tonight happen and they're all probably sick of hearing about our story and getting ignored when we get lost in each other. Sorry Foxy.” They let out a short laugh laced with nerves. “This time I thought I would include them all in the same moment and chapter of us." River takes a small coffin shaped box from Bowie that she graciously protected and put her own blessings on. They paused to kiss her cheeks before turning their attention back to Trix and spoke into the microphone, their hands suddenly trembling.

"Hey Trixie baby?" River spoke low and soft, as this part was more for them than anyone else. "I don't if you knew but, you mean galaxies to me. You are everything and I don't know if I would be where I am right now if you weren't there to hold my hand through the really hard parts in this journey called life." They continued and cleared their throat, feeling water already form in their earth colored eyes. "Not to mention you're so fucking pretty I could die every time I look at you, but that's besides the point. I uh, I was wondering. Well what I'm getting to and rambling on about is," they paused again to laugh and blink the watery start away. "You think you'd maybe, um, want to marry me?" They popped open the coffin shaped ring box to reveal two matching engagement rings. River smiled and did their best replication of Trix's famous eyebrow pop.

[natashawritesstuff]

Year After Year (New!)

If you read Team, you'll want to read this<3

In 1993 Michelle Evans is fourteen when her Mom and Dad tell her they are moving from New Orleans to Brazil. Her reaction isn’t ideal. 

“The hell I am,” she protests. 

“Language!” her father, Colonel Evans, orders from his reclining chair. She never understood why he bought it; he never actually reclines in it. His posture never falters from a 90-degree angle. 

Michelle pouts and sinks back into the cushions of their velvet living room couch. She tangles her hands in her curly hair. A habit her mom, Leanne, tries so desperately for her to break. Leanne pulls her daughter’s hands away as she inches closer to Michelle. She wraps an arm around her, giving her shoulders a squeeze. 

“This could be good for us,” Leanne says. 

“I doubt it! Because it never is!” Michelle argues, trying her best not to scream. “Every three years, you give the same stupid speech, and I have to pack up my life again. Do you know how hard it is to make friends? I mean, I’m starting high school this year!”

“Which is why we’re moving now,” her father tells her.

Michelle ignores him, figuring trying to reason with her mom is her best bet. “Mom, how often will you let this man drag you around the world?”

“Baby girl, I’m sorry,” he apologizes, but Leanne shakes her head. 

“David, don’t,” Leanne tells him, then turns back to Michelle. “Sweetie, the move is because of me. I got an offer to be the senior engineer for Fiat in Betim. I know this is rough, but it’s too good to pass up.”

Michelle wiggles out of her mother’s hold with a huff. “Don’t lie. You don’t get it.”

David stands up straight from his chair and moves to sit next to Michelle's left. 

“Is it time for…an ice cream sandwich?” David asks, and Leanne nods. 

They each wrap an arm around Michelle, caging her in as they tickle her with their free hand. Growing up, it was always a sure way to get her to smile. After a minute. they pull away, excited to see the upturn of her lips, only to find a tear falling down her chestnut-colored cheeks. Michelle sniffles. 

“Baby,” David whispers. He wipes the tear away, only for another to take its place. 

“I don’t wanna go,” Michelle confesses. “I like it here. Rachel likes it. I want to live where she is. I don’t want to leave her. You promised we wouldn’t have to leave her,” she says on bated breath and looks at each of her parents, whose eyes are now watering. 

“I…I know, sweetie.” Leanne nods

“I don’t wanna go,” Michelle repeats. “I don’t wanna-”

David pulls Michelle in for a hug and feels his heart crack as his daughter sobs on his chest. The Colonel looks to Leanne, at a loss for words. At a loss for answers. He holds his Michelle tighter. A silent promise not to let her go. 

Michelle cries harder.“I don’t wanna move.”

Leanne’s lips part, but she says nothing. All she can do is lay a hand on her daughter’s back and do her best to soothe her. 

Michelle’s last plea to stay echoes as she stares out the plane window on her fifteenth birthday. She didn’t want to move, but you don’t always get what you want. 

1994 is Michelle’s year of settling down in settling in. She starts her freshman year of high school and slowly adapts to her surroundings. Including learning Portuguese and finding out she is a first-year, not a freshman. She makes a few friends- two friends, to be exact. Holle and Eloísa. She doesn’t need more than that. 

Whether Michelle admitted it or not, the move was the right choice. Leanne was flourishing at her new job. The pay was great, a substantial increase from what she made back in New Orleans. They were able to get a lovely three-bedroom house that was in such a nice neighborhood; one entire wall was glass. 

“This is a sign of wealth, Mom, I’m telling you,” Michelle jokes as she stares into the backyard.

Leanne laughs, by the kitchen island, just happy to see her daughter smile. 

It wasn’t too difficult for her father to get stationed nearby. While his base is too far from the house to live with them full time, he visits every weekend without fail. Sunday family dinners are Michelle’s favorite. They were all together; it was the best time of the week.

“-and then she just started touching my hair,” Leanne recalls. “That’s why I always do slick backs now.”

They all laugh, and Michelle questions, “wait, so…she didn’t wash her hands?”

Leanne’s smile grows as she shakes her head, and Michelle shrieks 

Seventeen is Michelle’s blooming year. She nears the top of her class and becomes vice president of her school’s literature club. She also finally finds a hair routine that’s just right. Her curls become even healthier and reach down to tickle her collarbone instead of just sitting on her shoulders. 

She’s walking to lunch one day, too immersed in her conversation with Holle to pay attention to her surroundings. Before Holle can warn her, she runs right into a wall. Except, it’s not a wall, it’s a boy.

Now, while Michelle isn’t short at 5’5”, this boy sure made her feel like it. She curses as she looks up, having almost to crane her neck to make eye contact with who caused the impact. He had to be at least 6’4” admittedly, quite handsome. He had deep hazel eyes. His bronze skin was smooth except for one or two acne scars. His nose was pointed, his jaw sharp, and his cropped wavy hair a sandy brown.

“Are you okay?” the boy asks, fighting the urge to bend down to her level and deciding not to, as it might add insult to injury. She did run into him face-first, and his abdomen was anything but a cushion.

 While his red shirt hung loose on his body, she knew what was underneath. Hell, she felt it. She bet the boy never left the gym, and now her poor nose was paying the price for all his hard work. 

“Um…yeah, yeah,” Michelle answers. Taking longer than usual to respond, the boy’s deep voice caught her off guard. 

The two maintain awkward eye contact before Holle, who is at this point gawking at the situation, pulls Michelle away. Holle’s laughing, but Michelle is not. She looks back at the boy, who stands still, watching her get dragged away by her friend. He gives her an awkward wave goodbye. Michelle turns back around before he can see her smile. 

“I can’t take you anywhere,” Holle teases, as she links their arms.

With her free hand, Michelle grabs hold of a curl as she tries to suppress a nervous giggle.“Who was at?” Holle looks at Michelle like she has two heads. “You’re kidding? You don’t know Bastien?”

No, Michelle didn’t know Bastien. But she sure as hell would like to.

ahhh! This feels scary, but this is Team now so I guess let's meet the parents! this is the prologue to the book!

[readnburied]

Some Gray Books for You

So this time I decided to go with the color gray and recommend some books to you with a gray cover. This is also a popular color for book covers and I had a tough time scrolling through the myriad of books with gray covers. But I finally managed to find some, so without any further ado, here are some gray covered books for you. 

Ruined by Paula Morris

This is book 1 in the series of the same name and follows the main character Rebecca who comes to New Orleans to live with her eccentric aunt who reads tarot cards for a living. But things soon take a strange turn when Rebecca is faced with the supernatural and a curse that just might kill her. 

This book is super enjoyable and a quick read. So if you’re looking for a page turner then don’t hesitate to pick this book up if you haven’t already. And considering how easy and interesting the writing style is, everyone would have a good time with this book. 

Babel by R. F. Kuang

This is a standalone and follows Robin who gets the privilege of attending a prestigious university in England. But he’s soon faced with circumstances that make him question his origins and his loyalties and Robin soon realizes that in order to make a place for himself in a foreign country he might just have to sacrifice his entire being. 

This book is intense and powerful and will leave you speechless. If you’re wondering whether to give this book a try, then I’m telling you now you shouldn’t let another day pass without grabbing this book and reading it. 

The Blood Gospel by James Rollins

This is book 1 in The Order of the Sanguines series and follows our golden trio as they embark on an expedition that will make them realize that there’s more to the world than what they thought they knew. Each of the main characters have a certain role to play and without them the world might just crumble into nothing. 

This book was an adventure like any other and I can’t even imagine writing something like this because I’m not a genius like this author. If you haven’t read this book, then I urge you to get this book right now and give it a read because it is that important. 

Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano

This is book 1 in the series of the same name and follows our main character Nearly who is plunged into the world of crime and forensics at an age where she should be worrying about impressing boys and her next chemistry test. But with a murderer on the loose, Nearly must do everything she can to find out who’s killing people before she ends up dead. 

I loved this book. This series is one of my all time favorites and I want everybody to read this book and enjoy it as much as I did. So go and purchase this book and series right now and I’m sure people will binge on it if they can. 

Escape by Nenia Campbell

This is book 4 in the Horrorscape series and follows Valerie who is trying her best to start a new life after getting away from Gavin—a man who is dead set on owning her. But the dead have a way of coming back to life and Valerie must do everything she can to stay alive. 

I have no words for this book because I love this book and the entire series. And yes, I might even be biased about how fantastic this book is. But I highly recommend this book and this series to everyone. So please read this book if you haven’t already, things get really crazy in it. 

And that’s it. These are some of the gray books I recommend you all to read. Let me know if you’ve read any of the books mentioned above and what you thought of them. And as always, do let me know some of your book recommendations with a gray cover. 

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony’s Stupid Daily Blog (470): Fri 30th Jun 2023

34 years old. Holy titty bollocks how did this happen? Feels like only yesterday when I was at school…actually that was yesterday because I snuck back into my old school to smear dog shit all over my old history teachers classroom wall to get back at him for the time that he shouted at me in front of the entire class…even though said history teacher doesn’t work there anymore…and died seven years ago…but I digress. I was a bit kissed off because I still had to go into work today which is b-to-the-ullshit! Everyone should get their birthday off even if it’s a surgeon who’s the only person in the world capable of performing a life saving operation on a small child and who lives in a flat over the road from the hospital, that guy should still get the day off. Luckily the day went by quite quickly and without incident so I can’t really complain. Plus I got a lot of nice birthday messages on my Facebook and Instagram except the one my old nemesis Kevin Craggs keeps sending me every year and every year I have to explain to him that there is no such thing as a “birthday dick pic”. Just because you’ve written “Happy Birthday Anthony” on your penis doesn’t make it any less of a sex crime (well I assume that’s what he was trying to write in his cock but because it’s so tiny he ran out of room after “Hap”. Wow thirty four whole years old. When I turned 28 I officially outlived Jim Morrison and now at 34 I have outlived Jesus. The next milestone won’t be until I hit 68 when I will have outlived both Jim Morrison and Jesus put together. Thirty three wasn’t a bad old year: I started my favourite every job, went to LA, WrestleMania and saw the LA Lakers. Despite it being a very good year it was also a very shit year too, mainly due to the cold weather and my sheer laziness and lack of willingness to pursue new hobbies. I plan on rectifying both these things in the next year however. When the shitty weather comes around again I’m going to try and get away to somewhere nice and sunny. Also the fact that I’ve started taking anti anxiety drugs means that hopefully I should have more enthusiasm and desire to try new things and not sit around watching the same YouTube videos all the time. Year 33 will be hard to top but tomorrow I’m going to London to see Iggy Pop, then in a few weeks I will be taking my annual trip to the Edinburgh Festival, then back to London for the Devo concert with my good old Dad and finally back to London one last time to attend AEW All In! I’m about to play with fire right now because any time I write about targets I want to set myself for the forthcoming year I normally fail spectacular but who know maybe this year I’ll succeed. To be honest the two main things on my mind that NEED to be completed this year are to get down to 12 stone and to finish reading the remaining winners of the Edgar Award for best novel. As long as I manage to tick those off the bucket list I’ll already consider year 34 well spent before it’s even over. If I had to select one big item on the list that I hope to be crossed off it would be to go to the Royal Rumble but as of this moment it’s unknown where the show will be taking place but it would be ideal for me if they held it in New Orleans because I’ve always wanted to go there too. Year 33 you were great but I know I can do better. Year 34: Let’s rock!

[arjaandsimoni]

The Devil and the Magician

A long, long time ago, but then not anymore…

Years go past, then decades, then centuries. The creature remembers being a Fae Lord once in the distant past, then a God after that, but now… it was always the same. Revenge? HAH! It was a lie. He found that out early on. They weren’t in conflict. The shining god and the great adversary? They were just two sides of an eons-long con… and now he was just a part of that.

His life became long stretches of being hidden away in a world of darkness, pain, and agony punctuated with short bouts of sharing a body with a mortal, then returning to the dark place with their soul upon their inevitable death. Sometimes days, sometimes weeks, rarely more than a month, maybe two.

It was always the same old story every time too.

They accused my wife of witchcraft and burned her at the stake! I’ll show them what a witch looks like!

Their defenses are too strong, but a plague knows no walls. I would gladly sacrifice my soul for the cause.

They won’t listen no matter what I tell them. I’ll MAKE them listen…

Those… filthy creatures… are squatting there where we want to build. They protect themselves with magicks, so we’ll use magicks to drive them out.

Then every time it ended… they found out just what it’d cost them. The initial realization, the screams of horror, and then centuries of suffering at the hands of Hell.

Then, several years ago, in Cincinnati Ohio…

You who have summoned me, speak your reasons for calling me from the Pit.

They killed my friend. Killed him for being different, and they got away with it because their leader’s dad is some bigshot politician. The police won’t do dick. I want revenge dammit!

You… you are a Fullmoon are you not? You know the price for the aid of one such as myself… Why would you do this?

I want them to SUFFER. They tortured him to death, chained him to the back of their truck and dragged him until there was nothing left. I want to see them withering away in a hospital bed for years with bodies that are just prisons for them.

… you’re quite a wrathful one yourself Fullmoon… very well, take your blade and carve the sigil into your hands… and our pact is sealed. Remember, when you die, whether in a week or years, your soul belongs to Merihim of the Court of Wrath.

Agreed. Lets raise some hell demon.

A sharp pain, screams, blood everywhere, and then a voice in his mind that never went away… and a burning rage…

Then two days later, across the river in rural Kentucky…

I said I wanted them to suffer! I didn’t want them DEAD! What the hell did you do?!

You sold your soul to allow me in, you of all my hosts should have known better. I’m a demon. You wanted those two dead, I could feel your fury against them. All I did was use that anger to take it the rest of the way.

Not like this! I-I didn’t want…

Didn’t you? You’re a terrible liar Nelen, be glad that the injuries I gave them couldn’t have come from a human weapon. At least the mortal police won’t be after you. No human could have done this, and they’ll write off what those two say as insane hallucinations from my plague.

No, but there’s no way my grandfather won’t know. I’ll have hunters on my ass for the rest of my life!

Best start running then, you know what it means if they catch you…

I’ll die… and…

Thats riiiiiiight...

And so he ran. He ran from his family, from his former friends, from his entire life, because to return to it was death followed by eternal suffering and pain…

New Orleans, Present Day

The six of them walked down the street together, well five walked and one rode on the shoulder of another. Arja and Simoni were clearly enjoying the warm air in Louisiana, the girls dressed in a red tee-shirt and shorts for Arja and a green tank top and denim skirt for Simoni, Dusk riding on her shoulder and grinning like the cat that ate the parrot.

Next to them were Stephy and Sammi, the fae boys not looking as happy as they were. Stephy was wearing a long white summery dress and fanning himself with a large straw hat. “Seriously! How is it THIS hot here in February?!” he gasped out, “Its Winter, Christmas was just a little over a month ago…” he sighed.

Tex gave his shoulder a gentle pat, “It’s a scorcher to be sure darlin’, but we’ll grab some ice cream inna bit.” he replied, the young boy just wearing a white tee-shirt, blue jeans, and a pair of sturdy leather boots today, the pocket on his shirt showing a small square where the Very Useful Deck sat.

Sammi huffed, “Ice cream, snow-cones, gelato, something to stave off this wretched oven-like climate… By Oak and Ash and Thorn why do humans settle in horrible places like this?” he grumped. Sammi was dressed to the nines as always, a shining white silk shirt and silvery trousers with heeled boots that had drawn more than a few looks from both girls and boys their age… He was tempted, but not tempted enough to risk annoying his allies.

Arja smirked at them, “Oh calm down guys. Hopefully we’ll be back in India soon. I think we’re due for some cooler weather there, might even go down to… oh… low nineties, with humidity.” she teased.

Tex snorted, “Arja, c’mon…” he chuckled.

“I dunno Arja, maybe we could all go back to France again… I liked France a lot last time we were there.” replied the fae princess with a smirk.

Arja huffed, “Nope, nope nope nope. No more visiting Alice’s family unless its very decidedly summertime.” she nodded.

Sammi rolled his eyes, “Everyone could you please try to pay attention for our quarry? We’re trying to find out the source of the Hyde that turned that mortal into a bloodthirsty ogre. I swear I…” he stumbled to a stop, shuddering, “Oh… oh dear… yes, yes, I sense something… strong envious feelings, wrath like a burning sun… everyone get ready! I believe we’re about to encounter…” he began.

Then he got cut off as a shop door opened and a rather frustrated looking thirty-something woman hauled out a chubby three-year-old with an ice cream-stained mouth. The child was screaming at the top of his lungs and smashing a toy SpongeBob SquarePants into her leg while shrieking “I WANT IT I WANT IT I WANT IT I WAAAAAAAAAAANT IIIIIIIIIIIT!” loud enough to not only break glass but clean it first.

Dusk hissed and folded his ears back at the racket as Sammi deflated, his eye twitching in annoyance, “… a very spoiled mortal suburbanite child.” he finished. “Oh, BUGGER AND BLAST IT ALL! We’ve been out here for hours!” he scowled, throwing up his arms in frustration.

Arja sighed and shook her head as Simoni tutted at the kid as he was dragged past, “You think we’d run into something by now, maybe word got around about the side effects? I mean getting transformed into something like that would definitely scare away potential users.”

Arja huffed, “We should be so lucky. I have a feeling that if that ‘Al’ guy really is behind all this that he wouldn’t give up easy. Even if the junkies start turning him down, he might just force them to use it. We need a lead, bad.” she nodded. Al’s deadline was only a couple weeks away now… time was running out.

Tex folded his arms over his chest, nodding as he looked up thoughtfully, “Yeah, can’t imagine somethin’ that can do that shit is easy to make… if we could just find out where…”

Stephy paused then, the fae princess glancing down a nearby alleyway, “Hum? I sense…” he squinted. There were four people down there, two tall ones, one small, and one hunched over… but to his eyes… “Hey guys. They might know something.” he suggested, pointing down the path.

Sammi looked, then grinned, “Oho, yes if nothing else… one of our own would certainly recognize the stench of Hyde about them.” he nodded, walking towards them, “Begging your pardon, but if we could have a moment of your time?” he tried.

The three taller ones started, moving to stand between them and their smaller companion… and then one spoke.

“RRRGH! WHO’RE YOU!” he said, though it came out more as a bark. He was a hobo in filthy clothes with a torn scarf and a sock hat shoved down over his head, but to the fae members of the group he had large drooping jowls and sharp fangs instead of teeth, his nose black and wet. He crouched down on all fours, growling like an angry mongrel, looking to all the world like someone had a child with a basset hound. “Don’t like yeh, DON’T LIKE YEH! YEH SMELL LIKE THEM!” he snarled.

The next was a girl, dressed in a long sundress in a spray of psychedelic colors with a pair of dark John Lennon style sunglasses on her face… but instead of hair she had long swaying vines that blooms were growing throughout. “B-bailey calm down, they’re just changelings like us!” she said.

The third however actually looked rather like Sammi, just older and much more scholarly. He wore a button-down shirt and pressed slacks held up by suspenders. He also had a bowtie on and sensible shoes, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows against the heat. He looked mostly human, but his hair had a strange luster to it and his ears were pointed. “Changelings we do not know my dear, no names.” he warned.

But then a pair of small hands reached out from between the two, “Wait! Everyone wait! I know them!” came a young girls voice as a child squeezed through the group and Stephy gasped in surprise!

She was wearing a patchwork dress like a big colorful quilt, stitched together out of gods only knew how many teeshirts and other swatches of material along with a pair of mismatched tennis shoes. Her long black hair shined like a rainbow when the light hit it, and she had a pink bandana wrapped around one wrist, tied in a knot. “Its you guys! You saved me from my keeper back in Houston!” she grinned, “I never got a chance to thank you!”

“Yeah! I remember you! You were there when we ran into Is-…” Stephy began to say, but Sammi’s hand clamped tightly over his mouth and he gave him a stern look as the girl eeped and took a step back.

“Names have power, my dear sibling. You never know what may be listening…” he warned.

Stephy blushed at her, “… s-sorry… when we ran into your keeper. We never found out what happened to you.” he replied.

At that the girl sighed sadly, “I found where I’d lived as a mortal, but my parents divorced and took off after I was taken, my house was empty. That’s when I met these three!” she smiled, giving the flower-girl’s hand a squeeze, “They’re my family now!”

The flower girl smiled and stroked her hair in a sisterly way, the fussy bookish man nodding, “Right, well… if they were bold enough to fight back one of the Others I think we can safely assume they mean us no ill… Introductions then!” he snapped, “As my loose lipped friend stated, our canine companion here is known as Basset Bailey. My flower-child friend is Lavender, and my actual child friend here we call ‘The Rainbow Child,’ or Rain for short. You may refer to me as the Blonde Professor, or simply Professor.” he replied. “Now, what do we call you?” he asked.

“Oh, um… I’m Stephy and this is my… sorta-brother Samuel, or Sammi.” he nodded as Sammi made a ‘tch’ sound, still annoyed at the more casual name. “This is my boyfriend Tex, and these three are our friends Arja, Simoni, and Dusk.”

“Heyo!” smiled the Cheshire kitten, waving a paw, to which Basset Bailey barked a few times until Lavender shushed him.

Stephy nodded, then frowned, “But… why are you guys in New Orleans? We were in Houston when we last saw you…” he replied.

At that the Professor’s face darkened, “… it would appear that Rain’s keeper was not one to let her playmates go easily…” he replied. “About a month after Rain joined our merry band, she came back for her…” he scowled.

Rain whimpered, looking down at her feet.

Houston Texas, five months ago, late at night

“GET TO THE TRUCK! ALL OF YOU! MOVE!” shouted the Blonde Professor as he ran, carrying as many of his tomes as he could, his hair mussed and his bowtie missing.

Bailey snarled from the cab of the pickup, barking like an angry hound as the sound of stomping feet filled the air, the streetlights reflecting off the plastic heads of the toy soldiers as they advanced.

“Ohgodsohgods…” whimpered Lavender, “Um… um… My friends! HELP US!” she cried out, her words laced with the power of the Wyrd.

As one the flowers burst into bloom and lashed out at the nearest soldiers with long ropey vines, but then a voice laughed over the marching army.

“You think they’re your friends?” taunted a young girl’s voice, “YOU ALL SERVE ME! AS ROSES BLOOM ONLY BY MY LEAVE, SO BLOOM YOU ALL! NOW LET MY TOYS GO!” she snapped, her voice echoing ominously.

The flowers cringed, and they slowly released the toy soldiers.

Sorry Lavvy!

So sorry… we cannot disobey…

The Everblooming Rose commands us… we do not want to wilt…

Run quickly! Run fast!

Rain whined loudly, clinging to Bailey’s bulk in the back of the truck. “No no no no please no please no not that I don’t wanna go back no no no…” she gasped out, her eyes wide with terror.

The professor threw his books into the back, then turned and watched as the toy soldiers crossed into what, at first glance, looked like a large puddle of water. Then he took a cigarette lighter out of his pocket, lit it, and threw it as hard as he could into the center.

There was a loud WOOSH and the gasoline he’d drained out of the gas can for the truck ignited in one go, creating a wall of flames between them and the soldiers as the ones already in the puddle began to melt from the intense heat! “Get in NOW! We have to go!” he shouted to Lavender, climbing into the driver’s seat, and gunning the engine.

“HEY! THAT’S CHEATING! YOU COME BACK HERE WITH MY BESTIE RIGHT NOW!” shireked Isolde’s voice as four of her massive teddy bear minions ambled into view carrying a throne upon which she was sitting. She was slamming her fists onto the armrests, her mouth full of thorn-like fangs as her fury burned away her innocent childlike guise.

“YOU’RE NOT MY BEST FRIEND! YOU’RE NOT MY FRIEND AT ALL! I DON’T WANT TO GO BACK!” screamed Rain as the truck’s tires squealed. She almost fell out of the back before Bailey grabbed her and pushed back towards the window as the vehicle roared into motion and raced off towards the nearest interstate onramp.

"CHEATERS! I’LL FIND YOU BESTIE! NO MATTER WHERE THEY TAKE YOU, I’LL COME FOR YOU!” she screamed as rose vines erupted from any dirt patches along the path before, they made it to the concrete of the highway where artificial stone prevented any plants from blooming and barreled away from the chaos.

New Orleans, Present Day

Rain sniffled at the horrible memory as Lavender knelt beside her, pulling her into a hug, “… we kept moving until we reached New Orleans, and the local changelings told us about the DeLane family. They offered us protection incase my keeper came back… and we’ve been part of the freehold here ever since.” explained the childlike changeling.

Stephy stared at her, nodding slowly, “… guys, we need to stop giving Nelen grief about Merihim…” he said in a soft voice, remembering how Rain’s fate was almost his own.

Simoni shuffled her feet awkwardly, remembering how horrifying it had been to see Nelen invoke the Infernal Storm back in Kentucky… but seeing someone who had gone through that fate… being a changeling had worked out for Stephy given who he wound up with, but who knew what fate would have befallen him as one of Isolde’s playthings.

“Well…” started Arja, “You’re safe now right? I mean, if the DeLanes have your back…” she started.

Rain nodded, “Yeah, for now…” she replied.

Sammi frowned, “As distressing as your situation is, we are experiencing one that may be much worse. There are some Hyde-users abroad in New Orleans and we’ve been told unless we find their supplier by the end of the month a terrible fate may befall the city.” he said, stepping forward.

At this the four changelings looked up, “Hyde users?” asked Lavender.

The Professor adjusted his glasses, “Hyde, a supernatural drug. Modified version of the serum invented by Dr. Henry Jekyll to transform himself into the infamous Mr. Hyde. The imbiber loses all self-control and will give into their most base desires, whatever it may be… what of it though? I’d imagine it might upset some of the local churches but…”

Arja nodded, “Well yeah, that what it normally does… but there’s some enhanced version of it. The other night we fought some guy who was all hopped up on it and exploding in what our changeling friends said was ‘envy’ and, well, when we caught back up to him later that night he’d transformed into some gigantic monster!” she explained.

At this, Rain’s head jerked up. “… wait… glowing eyes, big sores, fangs?” she asked.

Simoni nodded, “YES! Have you seen one?” she replied eagerly.

The Professor frowned, “… not us no… but our fellows at the Freehold did. They encountered a man who was practically brimming with wrathful emotions and drank their fill… then saw him transform and retreated while he tore apart a Dairy Queen before he expired, quite violently I might add.” he replied. “After they returned to the Freehold all of them fell ill and began to sicken as if badly poisoned. That was about a week ago and they’re still bedridden.”

Simoni frowned, thinking, “So there were more of them… but where are they getting the Hyde?” she asked, “We think a demon might be behind it, we only know him as ‘Al,’ but… I mean, I don’t think a demon can make this stuff alone, he has to have supplies, right?” she tried.

At this the four shared a worried glance.

“… um… Professor… what if she’s helping him? You know… her?” she tried.

The Blonde Professor frowned deeply, “If she is helping them, then we should pack up and leave New Orleans before the terrible fate that boy mentioned comes to pass.”

Arja stepped forward, “Sorry, who’s… she?” she asked.

The four glanced around anxiously. Lavender began to open her mouth, but the Professor shushed her immediately.

“… I’m not bloody telling them, and neither should you!” hissed the Blonde Professor, Basset Bailey whimpering and hiding behind him.

Lavender looked around, then shook her head, her vine-y hair rustling. “I-I can’t just let them go off unprepared! Go! Wait at the end of the alleyway then!” she pointed, “That way if she finds out only I face her wrath!” she nodded.

The Blonde Professor sighed, shaking his head, “Lavender…” he began, then frowned, “Very well, on your own head be it.” he replied, leading Rain and Bailey away, the former looking back at Lavender anxiously.

Lavender waited until she was sure they were out of earshot, then turned around and said low, “Okay… so that Dairy Queen the Hyde-guy tore apart… its at the outskirts of New Orleans, and that’s near Ghost Swamp, out by the ninth ward. The woman there… she’s one of the Gentry, an exiled one. We call her Old Maggoty.” she paused then, looking around frantically, and wringing her hands as if half expecting her to manifest right then and there… though Sammi did put his hand to his sword’s hilt and glanced around as well. To mundanes it was either invisible or, to the more sensitive, akin to a stage prop or toy but it was faerie metal and very sharp.

“She’s a terrible wicked fae, makes the worst kinds of potions and curses… she’d know how to make Hyde do that and gods only know what else…” she was breathing heavily now, her face going pale as she continued, “Um… um… e-every once in a while one of the knights at the freehold goes out to try to find her and put an end to her… and…” she giggled a bit, and it wasn’t a good giggle, her eyes starting to water… and both Stephy and Sammi tasted the acrid acidic tang of fear, “… w-well… w-we were only here for the last time one of them did that, but… when we find whats left of them we always give them a good funeral… whole freehold pitches in… if we find them…” she giggled more, biting her lip and running her hands along her vine like hair compulsively.

Stephy walked forward, “Lavender… I…” he began.

She stepped back a bit, shivering as if she could feel the snow and ice of his homeland in Arcadia, “I-I’m OKAY! I’m okay… I’m okay… I’m… I’m okay…” she giggled again, colorful nectar-like tears running down her cheeks as she pulled one of the flowers from her hair and began to idly tear the petals off one by one, “P-pluck from the vine… all will be fine… pluck from the vine… a-all will be f-fine…” she repeated over and over, like a mantra.

As she did the Professor came back and shook his head, “I bloody warned you…” he muttered, “She’ll be alright, thinking about fae like… that one… reminds her of her own keeper, and he was one of the worst kind. We’ll get her back to the Freehold and let her sit in the conservatory with her plants.” he nodded, “Good hunting to you children… and… you have our thanks for saving Rain, but better you than us against her.” he frowned, leading Lavender away. “Come now dear, we’ll make you some lovely herbal tea when we get back, you love your tea remember?”

Lavender was alternating between giggling and sobbing now, “Pluck from the vine… all will be fine… pluck from the vine… all will be fine…” she muttered over and over, shredding another flower clumsily as she was guided away, her rhyme slowly fading into meaningless muttering to them.

Arja stared, “… wow…” she whispered, “That’s what Arcadia does to some people?” she asked.

Tex frowned, “See why I’m so nervous ‘bout Stephy goin’ back?” he asked.

Stephy stared at the retreating group of changelings, “Yeah… I mean Mom is okay now… still gotta remind her sometimes… but… jeez…” he shook his head, “If they’re this scared, this woman must be a higher fae. Even outside of Arcadia, she’ll be bad…” he nodded. “Guys… we’re gonna need help.”

Ghost Swamp, several hours later

An airboat slid across the water, carrying Nelen, Dawn, the fae children, Arja, Simoni, Tex, and Nessa. Alice had stayed behind as Drusilla was complaining she wasn’t feeling well, and Loren stated she’d wait until they confirmed where Al was and then come charging in to raise some hell.

“So, I checked online and there is a place deep in the swamp known for disappearances.” said Nelen.

Stephy shuddered as they got deeper in however, Sammi narrowing his eyes, “Yes, I imagine it would be. I can sense her from here…” he warned, “But…” he narrowed his eyes, “Something is strange…” he added.

Nelen nodded, “Tex, you have those cold iron rounds loaded into your gun?” he asked.

Tex nodded, ‘Yeah, but…” he glanced at Stephy, then at Sammi, but moreso at Stephy.

Nelen nodded, “Sam, Stephy, just keep behind Tex if bullets start flying. Make sure he has a clear line of sight if he needs it.”

The Texan boy nodded, licking his lips anxiously. This was getting dangerously serious… he remembered Isolde, and if this was a higher fae then it was likely more powerful than her.

Stephy had explained it to him before. The Lower Fae were more human like, but also weaker because of it… while the Higher Fae were the true nightmares of Arcadia, and very powerful. Even in exile, Old Maggoty promised to be very dangerous.

This gave the boy pause. Isolde had been one of the lower fae, and she had threatened them several times now.

Eventually they drew close to a house held up on large sturdy poles, standing in the middle of the bayou. Skulls decorated the fence posts, many of them human. Some of them were from changelings… “Right, remember guys. She doesn’t know we’re coming. We do this quick, bum rush her and take her down before she knows what the hell.” he nodded, climbing out onto the porch and tying up the boat… then walking to the door.

As he touched the handle however, Dawn’s nostrils flared. “Velvet and brimstone… NELEN WAIT!” she shouted in warning!

Nelen looked back at her, “Wha-…” he began, but the door collapsed right off its hinges… and they saw inside.

Old Maggoty was a monstrous woman, a huge crone with mossy green skin, black beady eyes, jagged fang-like teeth, long cracked and rough claws, and wearing a filthy shift dress. She stank like nothing they’d ever smelled and had long black hair hanging lank around her head.

… she was also, very clearly, dead.

She had been crucified to the wall by cold iron spikes and standing next to her was a man in a green velvet suit, wearing smoked glasses, and a top hat.

“AH! Apprentice! So good of you to join me… do come in, I was just finishing.” grinned Al.

Nelen backpedaled so hard he almost fell off the wooden platform into the swamp, but Al gestured, and an invisible hand grabbed his shirt, yanking him inside in a single motion. “Oh, come now! We haven’t seen each other in years! No word of hello for your teacher?” he chuckled.

Simoni gasped and Arja growled, transforming into her vanara form as Tex swore and fired… but as he did Al’s arm moved in a blur and he caught the bullet with his cane, deflecting it into the ceiling. “Hello to you too, young man.” he frowned at Tex.

Sammi stared, looking between the demon and the dead faerie… and then he saw it.

Old Maggoty’s chest had been ripped open and resting on Al’s hand was a green pulsating object glowing with corrupted glamour… her heart.

“Oak and Ash… you’re not working with Maggoty… you’re using faerie hearts to enhance the Hyde!” he gasped, his eyes widening in shock as he drew his sword.

“Ah! A clever one! Yes yes, very good! Quite elegant don’t you think? The heart is the seat of all emotion, glamour IS emotion, and the powerful among the faerie have hearts fit to burst with the stuff!” he grinned, “Bring them with me when I have my pet necromancer call up a wrath or a specter to soak up the ambient emotional energies and we’re in business!”

Al turned to them, resting one hand on his cane, the head shaped like a goat cast in silver. “Yes, I would have let Old Maggoty enjoy the chaos I’m preparing to unleash but… well… ran low on ingredients and needed just a little bit more to finish my pet project. I heard there was an exile of Arcadia squatting in Ghost Swamp and thought it would be prudent to pay her a visit.” he smiled, “Poor dear thought she could defeat me…” he shook his head, tsking and pursing his lips, “Well, she learned the hard way.”

Tex’s gun was leveled at him, his eyes wild. “W-why! Why ya’ll doin’ this?! What does Hell get out of it?” he demanded.

Al raised his eyebrow, looking to Nelen, “Merihim didn’t tell you? Usually, he loves talking about that little fact, poor little drippy boy thinks it might free him from what we did after he signed on with us.” he chuckled. “Merihim. I know you can hear me. Come out.” he commanded.

Nelen gasped, bending double as the veins on his skin suddenly bulged and glowed red, Arja swearing and pushing Simoni behind her as the faerie boys backpedaled and Tex stood near them, his gun still at the ready. Only Dawn stood by him as Nessa stepped back to join Arja and Simoni, her scalpel already drawn and her glove coming off.

“… No no, that won’t do at all… I said come out. NOW.” he spoke again, his voice sounding deeper, stronger than before.

Nelen gasped in pain and clutched at his head, then slowly stood up, his eyes red as he jammed his hands deep into his pockets. “… Al.” nodded Merihim.

“Ah, there you are. You really didn’t tell them about what’s wrong with old Yahweh?” he grinned, “Oh do go ahead. It may be rather Bond Villain of me… but all of you combined couldn’t have hoped to touch Maggoty, never mind me, so why not?”

Tex looked between the two demons… “W-what do ya’ll mean ‘wrong?’”

Merihim scowled at Al, like a teenager sulking before an authority figure. “Yahweh, the God of Christianity, is going insane. He’s probably dying too. Look, y’know how at first it was just one Church? Then it split into two, then three, and so on?” he asked, “Well, every time it does that Yahweh splits too. Each sect gets their own version of Him. Its not such a big deal if its, say, Elohim… his Hebrew counterpart. There’re only ten sects of Judaism… but…”

Al grinned, “Forty thousand sects of Christianity last I looked, and that was some time ago. The old grey God just ain’t what he used to be…” he chuckled, “He’s fading, fast. No God in history has ever split themselves so many times, it’s becoming impossible for him to maintain his power. That’s why there’s no real miracles anymore, no burning bushes, no parting of seas, no divine plagues, and nobody but lunatics like Patrick Robertson saying they hear him.” he nodded, then chuckled as if enjoying a private joke, “Oh, and he is hearing a voice, but its not Yahweh…” he smirked, “But yes, Yahweh is too splintered to do anything. The Heavenly Host has to manage every aspect of that sort of thing now and the angels just can’t keep up.”

Merihim scowled, “You always did like to talk…”

Al smirked, waggling a finger. “I’m a teacher boy, I teach. Now pay attention, this will be on the test.” he teased.

Nessa looked at Al, tilting her head as she fingered her obsidian scalpel, “So… why do you care? You’re a demon. Aren’t Heaven and Hell enemies? Yahweh dying should be good for you!”

Al threw back his head and chortled, there really wasn’t any other word for it, and even Merihim suppressed a snort. “OH THAT! I do love that old joke. Heaven and Hell are just opposite sides of the game board girl, our goal is to keep the game going as long as we can! Don’t believe that junk about the end times either. John just had a bad stomach virus and wrote down his fever dreams.” he shook his head, “But yes, getting back to my point. Yahweh is doing badly, to the point where most people don’t truly believe anymore. Oh, they go to their churches, which in this wonderful mess of a country may as well be going to the dentist, and they sing their songs, but its mostly old habits. There’s no real faith, they just do it because they’ve always done so, and they’re worried about looking silly if they stop.”

Tex kept his gun leveled at Al, “So… how does that involve monster drugs then? What good does it do God if ya’ll turn people into snarlin’ giants?” he asked.

Al grinned, “Oh, I can’t take credit for that one. That was actually Raphael who had that idea. Said we needed a big ‘hey everyone, Christianity is the real deal’ event, something to get the fire back in people’s bellies and really get them believing again… so why not a classic?” he held up the heart, which was still beating weakly.

“We’re going to put our Hyde in the water supply for New Orleans. It’ll be heavily diluted of course, not enough to make monsters of people, but it will infect the entire city with sin. People will give into their base urges in a way that’ll make Mardi Gras look like a Mormon luncheon, and once the entire city is good and saturated in decadence the Seraphim will descend and…” he slammed his cane down on the floor, the boards cracking under it, “BOOM! Wipe the city of sinners off the face of the Earth! A modern-day Sodom! THAT will get people to sit up and take notice!” he cackled.

Merihim scowled, “So that idiotic idea Raph had is going through?” he snorted, “It won’t work.”

Al grinned, “Oh but that’s just phase ONE! Once that happens, we need to… trim the fat as it were. Get rid of all these extra sects that are clogging up the works. Heaven will put a few messengers out, tell a few different church leaders that only their sect is the real one and that the others are, at best, misguided and, at worst, led by us down below… and then we sit back and watch the Crusades, Round Two!” he cackled, “A few million human sacrifices in the name of God ought to put some spring into his step, wouldn’t you agree? Not to mention it’ll cut down on the extras hogging his essence.”

Nessa actually smirked at that, “Sacrifices? Oh, I know about blood sacrifices demon. My ancestors shed blood willingly for the gods. There was no trickery, they knew what they were doing. Do you really think a knock-off Sodom and The Purge will work?”

Al shrugged, “It’ll get the ball rolling. Yahweh will take decades to get back up to his old power, but this will start things.” he explained, “Point is, if we don’t fix this, he’ll be joining the other forgotten gods in Shadow’s Fall soon… assuming he doesn’t just come apart. If that happens who knows what’ll become of Heaven and Hell.” he grinned wickedly, “And besides, even if it doesn’t work, I get to drive an entire city to sin and then watch it get blown straight to Hell for us to keep playing with! Very definition of win-win.”

Merihim glared, looking at his hand, “So… that fae heart is how you’re gonna supercharge the Hyde? The one you ripped out of that faerie you crucified back there?” he asked.

Al sighed, “Yes yes, it is, I said that already…” he replied, taking a tone akin to a teacher trying to explain something to a rather slow student.

Merihim grinned, “And its not like exiled fae are a dime a dozen…” he added.

Al raised his eyebrow, “What? You’re thinking of tampering with it? Well WELL! When did you grow back your balls?” he laughed, “What exactly would you do? If you try to reach for it, I’ll have you on the floor with your arm off.”

Tex looked between them, then remembered his gun was loaded with cold iron bullets. “Stephy…” he whispered, “The cane…” he glanced down.

Stephy looked at it, then grinned and nodded. He knelt and whistled softly… and then Tex took aim and fired!

Al’s head snapped around and he scowled, moving to swing his cane, only to find it wouldn’t move! It was frozen to the floor! Before he could react, the bullet hit home, tearing into Old Maggoty’s heart!

The faerie blood reacted to the presence of cold iron with extreme violence! Maggoty was a higher fae after all, and their weaknesses are stronger just as their strengths are! It didn't just burn, the heart exploded!

Chunks of scorched meat and muscle flew in all directions as Al’s face twisted in fury, “YOU LITTLE CANICULA!” he shouted, and Tex was suddenly blasted against the far wall by an invisible force, “You… do you know how hard those are to find in the Mundane World?!” he roared, looking at the rest of the group, then turning to Sam and Stephy. “Changelings… your hearts aren’t worth PISS!” he spat, “But I’ll carve them out anyways!” he growled, pulling on his cane as a blade came free from it.

This wasn’t the forged cold iron blade Alice used, nor was it the faeblessed moonsilver of Claiomh Solias… this metal steamed in the air, and glowing red symbols were etched along it that hurt to look at.

Tex stepped between Al and Stephy, “Ya’ll wanna touch my lil’ filly, ya’ll gotta go through ME!” he shouted, leveling his gun. “We may not be able ta kill ya’ll, but we can make ya’ll bleed…” he growled.

Al narrowed his eyes, “Is that a fact…” he asked, then he slashed with his sword and the cabin flew apart as the team was sent flying against what remained of the walls! Maggoty’s corpse landed in several pieces in the swamp with loud wet plops and nearby all wildlife fled, the alligators fighting each other to get away!

“Now then… I am going to take my time killing you but I will leave you for last boy, so I can make you watch as I tear your faerie friend’s heart from his chest…” he sneered, and as he did the water of the swamp began to boil in response to his anger.

Tex grabbed the Very Useful Deck out of his pocket and shuffled so fast that his hands were a blur, and in a flash of glamour he held a very solid looking shotgun… he leveled it at Al, and it roared like a wounded beast, a gout of glowing buckshot flying at the demon.

It didn’t even muss his hair, and the demon shot forward and backhanded him across the jaw, sending him sprawling.

“You demons… you never understand what my ancestors learned when the world was young. Blood willingly given is always better than blood gained by lies and trickery!” shouted Nessa, slashing her palm and aiming it at Al, the dark green flames of Xibalba bursting free from her flesh and flying towards him.

Al waved a hand and the flames were blown out like a birthday candle.

“Stronger, yes… but I don’t give a damn.” he replied, “None of you will be able to stop me. This is like being attacked by angry mice.” he snorted, then stepped to the side as several blasts of fire and wind just missed him. Simoni and Arja shot up into the air, already transformed and preparing another attack!

Al snorted, raised his sword as a burst of darkness formed at the tip… and as it lanced out the two of them suddenly vanished and reappeared several yards away. Dusk peeked his head out from behind Arja’s, grinning.

“… okay, very annoying mice… but still mice.” He frowned, then snapped his fingers. There was a tremendous buzzing and clicking and then the sky was suddenly alive with gnats, mosquitos, and all manner of biting and stinging insects! Simoni shrieked as she tried to fly through the cloud, Dusk yowling and hissing as Arja growled and tried to burn as many as she could, but soon the trio were forced to land or risk crashing!

As he did this however there was a sudden blast of chill air and the insects grew sluggish, then one by one began to fall into the swamp as they froze to death.

Sammi stood nearby, having given into his fae aspect again. He stood as the Prince of the Icebound Heart in all his otherworldly glory, a statue carved from living ice with a red beating heart in his chest. “Demon, you will do no more wickedness here today. As heir to the throne of the Icebound Heart I, Samuel, will see your end!” he declared. As he did however Arja scrambled to her feet, unhinged her jaw and blasted Al with all the fire she could manage.

It didn’t even singe his suit.

Al looked at her, raising his eyebrow, “Hi. Demon, from Hell. Ever been? Rather hot.” he said in an annoyed tone, then turned to Sammi and raised his sword, “Very well then… ‘heir to the Icebound Heart,’ on your guard.” he smirked, adopting a fencing pose as he dove towards him.

Faerie moonsilver met Hell forged metal with a tremendous crash, and Sammi was pushed back as Al slammed his sword into Sammi’s repeatedly, the fae prince pushed back as sweat began to form on his forehead. He couldn’t keep up his transformation for long in hot climates! “Using ice and snow against the fires of Hell itself? You’ve courage boy, I’ll grant you that!” sneered the demon.

As he did however Arja and Nessa attacked, the former raking her claws across Al’s back, the latter driving a burning green spear into his spine.

Al grunted, then glanced over his shoulder, “I really liked this suit you know…” he frowned, then flexed and gigantic bony spikes burst out from his spine to impale the girls! They fell back as Al kicked Sammi away. “Really now, this is getting extremely irritating.” he sighed. “Fine fine, I wanted to have a LITTLE fun with you, but if I must…” he stood near the water, then knelt down and thrust his sword into it. Seconds later the swamp began to boil like a massive cauldron! The heat began to rise, and the trees nearby started to scorch! The air was becoming too hot to breathe! “Magic or not, you’re living beings. If I boil your lungs, you die.”

“AL!” came Nelen’s voice suddenly, “Its almost ready!”

Al looked up, “What?” he asked, then sighed, “Oh you are not going to pull that stunt.”

Nelen was standing there, holding Tex’s handgun, but it wasn’t aimed at the demon… it was pressed against his own temple. “Days, hell it could be tomorrow. If I die due to your actions, the contract is broken, and you face the backlash. I did some research after I left the Nightside…” he smirked. “Stop fighting them and leave, NOW, or else I pull the trigger.”

Al growled, “… you always were too clever for your own good Fullmoon…”

Arja stared between them, “What the hell is going on?” she asked.

“Boilerplate contract between a demon and a mortal. If a price is agreed upon then the mortal dies because of the demon’s actions before the payment is made, the demon has broken the contract and their powers are severely diminished." explained Nelen, glaring at the demon. "Al, if you don’t leave, I’m going to commit suicide.”

Al growled, then stood and sheathed his sword. “Hellfire, look at my suit. You know how hard it is to find a good tailor in this day and age? I’ll have to go to the Nightside to fix this mess…” he sighed as Arja growled at him, the others preparing to attack again.

He rolled his eyes behind his glasses, “Oh don’t bother! Your warlock has me over a barrel. I can’t let the contract go into breach on my account or else I face the consequences, and without the heart of one of the Gentry the Hyde is useless to me.” he frowned, “Go on then… but… one thing first…”

Al grinned then, looking at Nelen, “… Fullmoon… tell them what exactly you’re talking about. What happens in ‘days, maybe even tomorrow?’” he asked.

Nelen glared, sweat beading on his head, as Dawn whimpered, her tail wrapped around her leg in fear. “… the payment I owe you for teaching me how to seal Merihim should be ready…” he replied.

Al’s grin widened, “Very good Fullmoon, and that payment is…” he added, waving his hand in a beckoning gesture.

Nelen hesitated, looking around at his companions, his trigger finger twitching.

Al smirked, “Say it. Tell them what their dear friend and ally offered Hell.”

Nelen sighed deeply, “… my firstborn child.” he said miserably.

Simoni gasped, her hands going to her mouth as Arja stared at him, “No… that… you can’t mean… Drusilla’s baby?!” she shouted.

Stephy shook his head, “He’s lying, he has to be… Nelen wouldn’t… he couldn’t ever…”

Dawn winced, looking away, but one look at her face told them all… Al wasn’t lying. Nelen, their friend, who had stood by them time and time again, had sold his child to a demon.

Al cackled, “Oh gods bless the desperate and the naïve! He did, it’s written into the contract he signed when his apprenticeship with me began.” he sneered, “I hear the offspring will be that of a Fullmoon and a cyclops of all things! Ought to make a delightful agent after it’s been raised up in the pit with a proper infernal education! Well, I’ll leave you to sort this out among yourselves, then pop over once that little bun is out of the oven. Ta!” he tipped his top hat, then vanished in a woosh of hellfire.

Nelen sagged, his arms falling to his sides as he looked around at the rest of them, “I… it was years ago, the contract was so convoluted I didn’t even know I’d done it at first… and I… I didn’t think I’d actually ever…” he tried, then hung his head as he fell silent.

Arja shook her head, “Nelen, I can’t believe this… does Drusilla know?” she asked with a horrified voice.

Nelen looked away, “Not… exactly no…” he said, “I mean… how the FUCK do I tell her when I was young and trying desperately to fix the massive fuckup of letting a demon live inside my body, I told an even stronger demon he could have my first kid if he agreed to teach me how to keep Merihim from tearing apart anyone we met?! I didn’t think I’d even live this long! Warlocks usually have lifespans measured in months! I thought that the contract would wind up null and void because some monster tore my head off and… then…” he sank onto the floor of the ruined shack, his head in his hands, “… then Drusilla happened…” he groaned miserably.

Tex shook his head, “Oh damn… she’s gonna give ya’ll the same treatment she gave mah filly’s dad…” he whistled.

Nelen frowned, “She should. I’d be a crap father.” he replied, getting to his feet slowly. “Dawn. Teleport us to the edge of the swamp.” he said to her. “I’ll meet you kids back in town.” he nodded… and then the pair of them vanished.

Simoni stared at where he’d been, “… Nelen kept saying he was an idiot when he was younger, but I thought he just meant that stuff with Merihim… but…” she shook her head, “I can’t believe he’d do something like this… its…”

Arja sighed, “I mean, I get it… he probably didn’t see much of a future at the time… still, I don’t wanna be in that hotel when he tells Drusilla... lets go back.” she nodded.

A Hotel Near Aiger’s Point, about one hour later

Simoni pushed open the hotel room door, “Loren? Alice? We’re ba-…” she began, then suddenly Loren ran infront of them, her eyes wide and frantic.

“WHERE THE FECK HAVE YA BEEN?!” she demanded, grabbing everyone one after the other and tossing them into the room. “YOU! FIRE MONKEY!” she shouted at Arja, “GET SOME WATER IN THE SINK ‘N GET IT GOOD ‘N HOT! I MEAN BLOODY BOILIN’ HERE!”

“YOU TWO! FAERIES!” she pointed at Sammi and Stephy, “TOWELS! LOTS OF ‘EM! STEAL THE BLOODY THINGS IF YA HAFTA! GO!” she demanded.

She shook herself, then started pacing, “Okay okay, ah did me time in th’ infirmary… lotsa towels… boil water… feck what else… bugger me ah’m too sober for this!” she cursed.

Arja stared at her, “Loren whats…” she started, then a loud roar came from the next room… Drusilla’s room… “… oh shit, Drusilla is having her baby…” she whispered.

Loren turned on her, “AYE! Either th’ lass pissed ‘erself an hour ago or her water broke! MOVE IT DAMMIT! AH AIN’T PANICKIN’ ON ME OWN!” she shouted, “AND WHERE THE FUCK IS THAT IDIOT COUS OF MINE?!” she demanded.

Tex moved next to her, “Loren! I can help! I’ve helped cows give birth on th’ ranch afore, ‘n one mammal is pretty much like another…”

But Simoni pushed him to the side, “Wait… Nelen isn’t here?” she asked. “He and Dawn were supposed to meet us here…” she said in a worried tone.

Then there was a faint thunderclap and Dawn was leaning against the wall, scowling, “Yeah, he ain’t. He sent me back, told me I had to at least make sure you guys knew in case he blows it. He’s going after Al, alone. He only pulled that stunt in the swamp so Al wouldn’t kill you guys.” she growled, her tail thrashing angrily.

Arja stared at her, then shook her head, “Like HELL he is! Where’s Al’s hideout Dawn?! We’re not letting him do this alone!”

Dawn hissed angrily, “I DON’T KNOW!” she shouted, “He made me come back on my own as soon as we were too far away for you guys to see!” she shook her head, clawing at her mane of orange hair. “Ugh, he said Al’s contract was void if he died because of Al’s actions, even if Al didn’t directly kill him. I think he’s going to try to bait Al into killing him so he loses his claim on Drusilla’s baby!” she shouted.

At this, the room next to theirs fell silent.

Dawn froze, her eyes going wide as she glanced over towards the door that connected the two rooms. “… uh, guys? I know cyclops have great eyesight… how good are their ears?” she asked, folding her own ears back in fear.

A moment later the door burst open, and Drusilla stood there, her hair disheveled and her face red, “WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!” she roared.

Dawn stared at the cyclops, then picked Dusk up off Simoni’s shoulder. “You guys explain it. Cheshires out.” she said, and they vanished with a faint thunderclap.

Simoni whimpered at Drusilla, “So… Nelen made a horrible mistake when he was younger… and… y-you’re really not going to like this…” she stammered.

Arja frowned, folding her arms over her chest, “Yanno how some stuff has costs to learn magic-wise? Nelen was tricked into promising Al his firstborn, and… well…” she glanced at Drusilla’s swollen belly, “… and that’s your kid… and now Nelen is probably out there trying to get himself killed because if Al kills him the deal is void, and I think a demon like Al would know just how much punishment he can take without it killing him…”

Stephy came in with a load of towels at this moment, took in the scene, then dropped them on the floor, turned around and walked back out. “Nope.”

Drusilla snarled, flexing her hands, then Loren slammed into her and knocked her into the bed in the room, “ALRIGHT BLINKY! ‘OLD STILL! That babe be comin’ outta ye one way or another and yer not goin’ anywhere till it does!” she shouted, pinning her to the bed. She was a Fullmoon warrior and, given Drusilla’s exhaustion from going into labor, she could probably match her at this moment.

The cyclops however roared in fury, “LET ME UP DAMMIT! NELEN HAS TO BE HERE FOR THIS!”

At this point however, Stephy returned to the room, very quickly, in reverse. “Guys?! GUYS!? We got company!” he squeaked as a huge demon stepped into the room. Even taller than Drusilla, a mass of hellish muscle with two long curling horns.

The demon looked around, “Lets see… Too young, too boy, too many eyes… AHA! You’re the one!” he grinned, pointing at Drusilla. “Master Al wants to keep you near so he can collect his prize. You’re coming with me.”

Drusilla glared at him, growling in fury, “Then ‘Master Al’ can come take it himself if he dares! If I see him in this room I’ll tear his head from his shoulders and SMASH IT IN MY FISTS!” she snarled, pushing against Loren’s arms.

The demon laughed at her, “Oh? And YOU’RE going to stop me? A bunch of little girls and… uh…” he looked at the redhead holding Drusilla down, “… are… are you Loren Fullmoon?” he asked, suddenly sounding uncertain.

Loren grinned, “Ah, heard o’ me eh?” she asked, cracking her knuckles and standing up.

“… oh fu-…” is as far as the demon got before Loren drove her fist into his throat with a loud wet sound, grabbing him by the neck and wrapping her hands around it! “NO NO NO NO NO! WAIT! WAIT!” the demon screamed as he clawed frantically at her hands!

“Lets see… should be about… HAH!” grinned Loren, squeezing, and then there was a loud pop, and a loud WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE like a balloon getting its air let out as the demon wailed, its body deflating before their eyes! Within a few seconds the demon was barely two-feet-tall and spindle thin, kicking and wriggling in Loren’s grasp. “HAH! Thought so! Sloth demon! Weakest o’ th’ courts! They have ta rely on trickery 'n intimidation 'cause they’re total shite in a real fight!” she laughed.

Drusilla growled, then waved Loren over. She grabbed the demon’s face and made it look at her. “Sloth… that means you’re lazy right? You don’t like to work? Well fine. I’ll make this easy. Tell us where Al is, and I kill you fast. Try to be brave… and I take you apart piece… by… piece…” she glared. “Which is easier demon?”

The demon squealed in pain, it’s legs a blur as it kicked, “Owowowowow! That huuuuuuuuuurts!” it squeaked, sounding more like a demonic version of Alvin the Chipmunk now. “Y’know you can’t really ‘kill’ me right, I’ll just be banished back to H- OW FUCK THAT WAS MY FINGER OW! Okay okay! Outside of the city there’s an old Coke-a-Cola bottling plant! Been abandoned since they stopped using glass bottles! That’s where they are! You’re too late though! Nelen is already there! It’ll either be him or whatever comes out of you that Al gets now!” it hissed, clawing at Drusilla’s hand with little needle-like claws.

Drusilla growled, then squeezed hard and the demon’s body jerked, then went still as she crushed its head. Then she began to stand, “C’mon! We’re going to go get Many-scars before he gets killed! If he did something this stupid I wanna be the one to beat his face in!” she growled.

Loren however shoved her back into the bed by her shoulder, “OH NO YE DON’T LASS! Yer stayin’ right here until the wee ‘un comes outta ye!” she nodded firmly, holding Drusilla down as she cursed loudly and threatened her. “OI! Monkey! Round up th’ others ‘n go find ‘em! I’ll take care o’ this!” she shouted as Drusilla let out a loud roar, a contraction hitting her. “AND HURRY IT THE FECK UP! I wanna give Nelen a good smackin’ fer pullin’ this meself!” she shouted.

Arja nodded to her, “Right. Alice, Aisha, Stephy, Sammi, Simoni, you’re all with me. Everyone else hunker down here. Al might send others to fetch Drusilla and I bet he has more than sloth demons.” she nodded.

“Drusilla…” started Arja, looking at her, “We’ll get him back… he, you, your baby… we’ll make this right.” she said with a worried look.

Drusilla just roared again as she struggled against Loren’s arms, but despite the cyclops’ incredible strength giving birth was taking its toll on her.

Simoni nodded, looking up the location on her phone, then running out into the hall. “I found it! Its on the northern outskirts of the city! Lets go!” she shouted.

An Old Factory on the outskirts of New Orleans

Nelen coughed, spitting out something that clattered across the dust covered ground of the factory. It was a tooth. All around him were blank-faced corpses, several of which had his… well, not ‘blood’ per se but… you know… on their knuckles.

Al smiled, walking across the floor, his shoes clicking with each step against the concrete. “That makes… what… three teeth?” he asked, pointing to the molar. “You were from Kentucky originally. I suppose the look fits you.”

He sighed, looking around at the huge brewing vats that had once held the ingredients for soft drinks. “All this Hyde… totally worthless now. I could just pump you full of it, but Merihim would keep it from doing anything, wouldn’t he?” he sighed, then paused and glanced southwards. “… Quzgup failed?” he muttered, “Should have known… well, it hardly matters. Once that baby is born, I’ll pick it up myself.” he grinned.

Nelen snarled and tried to charge forward, but six of the zombies were holding him firm by the arms. “YOU BASTARD! I’LL KILL YOU!” he roared, his eyes flashing red.

Al shook his head, “Really now Fullmoon… As per the terms of our contract I can’t kill you… but that doesn’t mean I can’t discipline an errant student, or at least have my minions do it for me.” he smirked, glancing to the necromancer next to him. The hood was down now, revealing a pale skinned and thin teenage girl with short spiky blonde hair. “Do it.” he commanded.

She frowned, then gestured, and three of the zombies punched Nelen in the stomach in unison. He cried out in pain as they hit the bruise that was already there, gasping and vomiting onto the floor.

Al chuckled, then looked up and pursed his lips. “Hm? Well well! Seems company is coming! I should go fix us some tea and biscuits…”

Nelen coughed again, then a look of horror crossed his face, “NO! DAMMIT!” he struggled harder, “AL YOU SON OF A DEMON WHORE! IF YOU HURT THEM I’LL…” he started, but Al nodded to the girl, and she gestured, and the zombies all fell on him at once.

For Nelen Fullmoon, everything went black.

Next Story

Previous Story

[or-something-better]

Sam & Ruby

September 28, 2022

New Orleans Bunker

Sam

Stuffing my dirty clothes into the pack, I tuck my still damp hair behind my ears and look around for my beanie. “Hey, have you seen my cap?”

Ruby

Looking around among the debris, I spot a bit of the beanie. I gingerly pick it up and toss it to Sam. “Here you go.”

 Sam

“Greaaaat…” I shake it, but the dirt doesn’t come off enough to wear it, and I add it to my pack. “I hate to say it, but I think we’ve been gone about as long as we dare risk it.” I close up my pack.

“I think you better take back anything you think is important. I’m sort of worried about being locked out of this place once the Leprechaun shows up and sees the damage. Sort of expected him before now actually.”

 Ruby

“Leveau has an attitude for sure. Just sayin’. And it wouldn’t surprise me if he did lock us out.” Looking around I come to a conclusion. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin to clean up. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t live here. Like he is just a caretaker or something.”

“Hey, since we’re this close, do you want to make a run into town? We can’t put Abel off too much longer. He’s going to want to see that I’m doing something about his army.”

 Sam

“Sure, sounds good to me.” We pack up our things and carry our packs outside, locking up the Bunker. “Hey look, it’s not that far to downtown. I think you should let me take us there.”

 Ruby

*Smiling at his enthusiasm* “Ready to test your wings, Sam?”

 Sam

“I wouldn’t call ‘em wings, but I think I can manage to get us that far without incident. Leave the bags, we’ll stop back for them.”

 Ruby

“I feel like a mama bird pushing her chick out of the nest… go for it big guy!”

 Sam

Chuckling, I grab Ruby’s wrist and pull her up against my chest, wrapping both my arms around her. “No pushing. This chick is jumping.” 

I concentrate and transport us both to a small alley at the lower end of Bourbon Street and we make it just fine. “Yes!”

 Ruby

Stepping back, I give him a slap on the chest. “We made it. Don’t let it go to your head.”

 Sam

Stepping out onto Bourbon Street it looks exactly as I remembered it from my past visits. Its bright-colored Creole-style architecture and happy-looking crowds of people, associated the world over with New Orleans, were everywhere. The night was still early yet, not even full dark, but the neon lights were already lit and outside several of the clubs, we passed already had Jazz music in full swing. This Street certainly did embody the party life of the town.

“Can you imagine what this place is like during Mardi Gras?”

 Ruby

“Been there done that. Packed with people.” I tell him vaguely, preoccupied.

Glancing around, I run through my checklist of qualities I am looking for in a recruit for Abel. Lots of tourists, but don’t want to have any missing persons reports.

“Anywhere you want to go?” 

I notice several delivery trucks parked outside the bars, and I see a couple of locals that check off boxes. Muscles, competent, must be able to follow orders if they can make deliveries.

 Sam

“I should have known you’d have been here for Mardi Gras.” Chuckling, I gently steer us around a stopped group of people outside what looks like a tattoo shop. Thinking of my own new marking I just smile.

“No real destination in mind… there is a place down near Dauphine that’s as good as another.”

 Ruby

“Sounds good. Want to get a beer?”

 Sam

“Sure” I continue to lead us until we reach the place I was thinking of. As we approach, another couple is just leaving from one of the small tables set up outside. “Here… you keep this for us and I’ll go in. What are you having?”

 Ruby

“I’ll let you choose. How about a local brew?” 

 Sam

Pushing through the crowd by the door, I maneuver my way towards the bar. Times like this being taller than everyone else gives me a distinct advantage to suss out the best route to getting served. It didn’t take me long before I was stepping back outside with two glasses of a local craft beer.

 Ruby

I continue to check out possible recruits while Sam goes in. Thinking I won’t have too much trouble here, as long as I make sure not to take too many from one area.

 Sam

Setting the glasses down, I slip into the chair beside her. “Guy at the bar recommended this one.”

 Ruby

Taking a sip of the beer, I’m pleased with his choice. “This is good.” I wipe a bit of foam off my lip and take another swallow.

“I think this area might be good for our first run. No point in getting too many until we see what Abel thinks.”

 Sam

Having to actually start making good on promises made to Abel, is a worry that I just don’t want to think about tonight. “Hoping it doesn’t have to go that far…”

Leaning back in the chair, I watch the colorful New Orleans-style nightlife unfolding before me.

 Ruby

Resting my elbows on the table, I let my mind wander as I listened to the Jazz playing next door.  Truth be told, there was a period of time a couple of hundred years ago when I’d spent a lot of time here in this area. There was a lot that an enterprising witch could learn from the Voodoo Priestesses who called this marshland home. New Orleans had undergone several radical changes over the centuries, but none more extensive than after the Great Fire. It was a wonder we didn’t lose the entire city forever. The French Quarter from Burgundy to Chartres Street and almost all the way to the riverfront had been destroyed. And while the rebuild was successful, in my opinion, the beauty now just couldn’t compare to all the openness and respect for nature that it had before.

      Sam

“You look lost in thought. Wanna share?”

 Ruby

My memories are interrupted, and I give him a smile. “Girl’s gotta have her secrets, Sam. You look like you need another beer.” Giving his arm a squeeze, I take our empty glasses and head into the even more crowded bar. 

Once inside, I pass two guys who make rude comments. Ignoring them, I look for the path of least resistance to the bartender. Feeling a hand grab my arm, I come to a stop, nearly dropping the glasses.

Looking down, I follow it up to its owner and raise an eyebrow. “You want to keep that hand?”

Both chuckle at my words, but he lets me go. Continuing on, I push through the crowd and order another two beers.

 Sam

As Ruby goes inside, I sit back and do a little crowd-watching of my own. It’s rare these days that I’m ever around a group of people that aren't family. All of a sudden I get a feeling that something isn’t right. Instantly on alert, I look all around me and realize that I’m having the feeling regarding Ruby. Jumping to my feet, I turn to go inside after her but can see her on her way out.

 Ruby

Making my way back outside, I carefully hold the glasses high to avoid the crowd and hand Sam’s beer to him while I take my seat. “Talk about crowded! It’s wall-to-wall people in there!”

 Sam

“What the hell happened in there?”

 Ruby

“What are you talking about?” Looking around.

 Sam

I sit back down, confused now and not really sure myself what I’m talking about. “I don’t know. I just got this weird feeling that something wasn’t right… but not relating to myself, that’s gotta sound weird.”

Ruby

Realizing he meant the jerk inside, I’m baffled, wondering how he knew. “Some asshole inside thought I was looking for company. He was just some idiot who was drunk. No big deal. I took care of it.” 

A thought pops into my head. Reaching over, I take his hand and turn it over, showing the scar on his wrist that matches mine. I rub my finger over it. 

“Not sure here Sam, but it might be a side-effect of this.” Shrugging my shoulders.  “Maybe you just connected to me for a minute.”

 Sam

“Is that a thing? Something happens with you and I’ll what… know it somehow?”

 Ruby

“New territory for me. I’ve never done this before. There’s no manual on it explaining everything. We’re probably going to have to learn as we go.” Looking up I see Mr. Touchy-Feely coming out of the bar. “That’s the guy.”

 Sam

Unable to confront all the possibilities that might now be coming, I look over at the man that Ruby’s pointed out. Getting an idea, I stand up and take Ruby by the arm. “Come on, we're going.”

Moving in and out of the people along the street, I follow after Ruby’s guy, staying focused on where he’s headed and who happens to be around us. I can see that he’s about to intersect with a narrow walkway between two buildings. Walking faster, I’m able to slip into that space right behind him.

“Hey, Buddy.”

As he starts to turn around to look at me, I grab him by the shoulders and shove him headfirst into the closest wall. The loud crack sound was satisfying, and I could see it had stunned him. Flipping him around to face me, I press him back against the wall and punch him over and over right in the face. As I see him lose consciousness, I help him to slide down the wall and leave him against it in a sitting position. He looked just like any other drunk taking a moment to sleep it off.

Straightening and turning back to Ruby, I throw my arm across her shoulders and lead us back out into the passing crowd. “Now that, was fun… let’s go home.”