#I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream imagine

[beckyninja]

The Maiden

Pairing: Salamander OC x FemReader

Warnings: None, just angst

Description: The survivor Nev'ran saved from a Drukhari raid grows closer to her rescuer... even though she shouldn't.

I'm back! And, just like I promised, here's a sequel to my first Salamander OC fic, The Dragon. I just had to write more for this character. (Feel free to check out the other fics on my Masterlist, as well.)

Warm.

Your dazed mind conjured images of hot springs and steam-filled caverns. Your parents’ tired but smiling faces. Home. Were you home?

No.

Home was far, far away. They’d taken you, forced you into a mold not of your choosing. Quiet. Aloof.

Cold.

You’d been cold for so very long.

“Miss?”

The voice rumbled like the rockslides in your family’s mines. Yet, you felt no fear. You tried to focus on it, but your mind felt like gelatin.

“Can you hear me, little diamond?”

That wasn’t your name. But you liked the way the voice said it. 

“Can you open your eyes for me?”

It felt like weights had been placed on your eyelids. Slowly, so slowly, they lifted. Soft, flickering light streamed into your skull and you heard yourself gasp.

“There you are.”

Red eyes in a dark face. You shied back, fear flickering in the pit of your stomach.

The face smiled. “Do not be afraid, little diamond. You are safe.”

That voice…! 

You felt your lips curve around a single word. “Dragon….”

***

Three Days Later

“The Lord Apothecary thinks it best you not be left alone.” The medica motioned you through the door. “So you will be quartering with me, for the time being.”

You stepped into the little room. It could have been any serf’s quarters. But the soft rugs covering the metal flooring and pillows stacked upon the cot surprised you.

“Such comfort for a-,” you caught yourself.

“For a mere serf?” The woman, Matia, pursed her lips. “Yet I know it must pale in comparison to what you’re accustomed to, my lady.”

You looked away. She knew nothing of what you were accustomed to.

“It will do.” 

Matia gestured to a simple dress laid out on the cot. “This is the best our tailors could do on such short notice.”

No itchy frills. No laces so tight they cut your skin. 

“It is adequate.” 

“I will leave you to change.” Matia turned her back. “Get settled. In an hour’s time, I will return to guide you to the refectory. Unless,” she sent a cool glance back over her shoulder, “you would prefer to take your meals alone.”

You imagined sitting alone in the flickering candlelight. Alone with your thoughts.

“I will go to the refectory.”

“Very well…my lady.”

The door slid shut behind her.

You lowered yourself onto the cot, yet could not force your muscles to relax.

The Apothecary said you’d been delirious for the past few days, tossing back and forth on the medical bed, mumbling nonsense. You remembered nightmares. Screams coming through locked doors…inhuman eyes leering down at you…vicious laughter….

“No!” You pressed your hands over your face.

Don’t think. Don’t feel!

Another memory calmed the rising panic. His voice. 

All the tales you’d ever been told had painted the Emperor’s Angels as fearsome, unknowable beings. But he… he spoke to you. He smiled at you. His gaze melted through the ice in your soul.

“Nev’ran.” My Dragon.

***

As soon as you stepped into the refectory, you wished you’d decided to remain in Matia’s quarters. Conversation ceased in the middle of a word. Dozens of hooded heads turned to regard you. 

Matia gestured to the steaming containers of food. “It’s probably not as fine as you’re used to, my lady.”

Your mouth watered. Stomach overriding your shyness, you quickly filled a tray with hearty stew and an odd, flat bread. Again, the comforts these serfs enjoyed astounded you.

When you turned around, the medica had already taken a seat with another group of women. 

Maybe she didn’t mean for you to hear what she said to them.

“...never even asked the fate of the rest of her crew…never cried...dead, cold eyes.”

You took a seat at an empty table in the far corner of the room, appetite gone.

Booming footsteps made you jolt upright. Your heart raced as two of the Emperor’s Angels strode into the refectory. Far from the silent giants you’d seen carved into the walls of your family’s chapel, these warriors jostled each other, laughed, and called out greetings to the serfs.

The younger-looking of the two made a beeline for the medica and laid a massive hand on her shoulder. She smiled up at him.

The other turned toward you.

Nev’ran.

You jerked your head away and stared down at your lap. Heavy footsteps approached.

“Diamond.”

“M-my Lord.”

The bench creaked as he settled his bulk across from you. “How are you feeling today?”

“I am well, my lord. Thank you.”

“You are not eating? Is the food not to your liking?”

In a panic, you reached for the bowl of stew, only to realize you’d forgotten utensils. “I…I don’t…”

He chuckled. And yet, it didn’t sound mocking.

“I will show you how it is done upon my homeworld.”

You raised your eyes enough to watch his massive, scarred hands tear his own flat bread and dip it into the stew. You followed suit.

“Brace yourself. Our spices can be-”

Heat exploded across your tongue. You dropped the bread as coughs wracked your body.

“Throne!” A warm hand covered your entire back, patting gently. “Forgive me, I should have warned you sooner.” His voice rose. “Hur’reth! Bring water!”

“I am,” you gasped, “I am all right.”

The heat faded, leaving a delightful aftertaste. You reached for another piece of bread and scooped again. By the time the younger Angel placed a cup of water at your elbow, you’d already scraped the last bits from your bowl. 

“Would you look at that, Hur’reth? She eats like a Nocturnean!” Your Dragon’s rumbling laugh sent a flicker of heat through your body. “Continue like this, Diamond, and you will have your strength back.”

Finally, you scraped together the courage to raise your eyes to his.

He smiled down at you. “Would you mind this old drake’s company?”

Another flicker. Your rational mind hissed a warning.

Don’t feel. Stay cold.

But you couldn’t resist the tiniest of smiles. “I would not, my lord.” 

***

The Apothecarion fast became your favorite place on the ship. 

As the weeks passed, Nev’ran still insisted on daily examinations. He grumbled about the thinness of your form, the pallor of your skin. You found yourself lingering longer and longer afterwards.

He didn’t seem to mind your silence, telling you stories of Nocturne, the Salamanders, and the Primarch Vulkan as you perched on the edge of the examination table. You loved the sound of his voice.

You craved his warmth even more.

It will end soon. And then where will you be? Better to be numb.

“What brings such a sour expression to your face, Diamond?”

You blinked. “My Lord?”

“That is not my name.”

Heat flooded your cheeks and you looked at the floor. A thick finger tilted your chin back up.

When had he gotten so close?

“Say my name, Diamond.”

Another flicker of heat, like a sputtering candle at your core. “Nev’ran.”

Somehow, his eyes seemed to burn brighter. His hand moved to cup your cheek.

“So fragile,” he seemed to say to himself, “and yet, I sense fire within.”

The blissful warmth of his skin against yours caused your eyelids to droop closed. A rich, heady smokiness overwhelmed the medicinal tang of the Apothecarion. Breath not your own brushed across your lips.

“Nev’ran….”

The door to the chamber hissed open.

Your eyes snapped wide and you flung yourself from the examination table. Pain lanced through your feet as you dropped nearly six feet to the hard floor.

The Apothecary’s hand on your shoulder steadied you. “Easy, there. What-?”

You pulled away, heart pounding.

“F-forgive me, my lord. I-I am in need of rest.” You bowed hurriedly and limped toward the door.

The younger Apothecary stood there, staring down at you. The look in his narrowed eyes churned your stomach. With another bow, you slipped past him and into the corridor.

You pressed yourself against the wall and brought your hands to your face.

Stop feeling. Stop! 

But the flickering candle within refused to go out.

***

You did not return the next day. Or the next. And after your third polite excuse, Nev’ran stopped sending requests. He said he would respect your wishes.

Your nights passed in fitful spurts as the nightmares returned with a vengeance. Less and less did they return to you the Drukhari attack, instead filling your mind with terror for the future. Matia often did not return to her quarters during the sleep cycle, so you found yourself facing the horrors alone, shivering with a chill no amount of blankets could remedy.

In these moments of weakness, you turned to other things for comfort.

A soft smile, so incongruous in that broad, scarred face.

No, don’t.

A rumbling chuckle, making you smile in spite of yourself.

This is madness! 

An impossibly deep voice that meant safety.

Better not to feel.

Fiery eyes that saw you, the you you’d thought safely locked away.

Be cold, you little fool. It’s the only way to survive what is to come-

“No!” You flung away the blankets and sat upright. 

I want this. Even if only for a moment, even if it hurts.

The mad rush to the Apthecarion was a blur in your mind. When you finally stood in front of its door, you thanked the Emperor you’d passed no one on your way. What would they think of you? Feet bare, in nothing but a sleeping robe.

All thoughts of embarrassment faded away as you reached for the access panel…

… only to pause at the boom of raised voices within.

“Are you mad, Nev’ran?!” 

You knew that voice. The younger Apothecary who never seemed too far from Matia.

“This does not concern you, boy.”

“This concerns the whole chapter! She is not one of us!”

“Hur’reth-”

“No. Listen to reason, Master. If not for yourself, then for her sake. She is frail. She would never survive life among Astartes.”

“She survived the Drukhari.”

“By the blood of her guards, only. And do you not see how it broke her? Throne, from what Matia tells me, she is little more than a walking corpse-”

“Hold your tongue!” You jumped at the rage in Nev’ran’s voice. “There is fire in her, Hur’reth. I have seen it!”

Warmth flickered through you.

“Perhaps you only see what you wish to see.”

“What?”

“I should have waited to tell you of my mate. I see now it opened old wounds.”

A deep, low growl.

“She is not Ruby, Master.”

A thunderous bang and the door bulged outward. You gasped and shied away, though not far enough to not hear your Dragon’s roar.

“YOU THINK I DO NOT KNOW THAT!”

A long pause.

“Either way, Master, it matters not.” You froze. “She belongs to another.”

The candle within you sputtered out.

***

“We have informed the Planetary Governor of your arrival, my lady. He is sending a transport.”

The words came automatically. “I thank you for your courtesy, Lord Captain. I hope I did not inconvenience you.”

Captain Xavus nodded, a kind look on his face. “This planet was not far out of our way, thank the Emperor.”

You bowed. “The Emperor protects.”

“Indeed.” With another nod, he returned to his command station.

Through the viewports, you watched the planet spin slowly below. Even from orbit you imagined you could feel a chill from the dead, white expanse. Ice. Ice as far as the eye could see.

How appropriate.

You ran your fingers over the bodice of your dress, the same heavy gown you’d been wearing when the xenos attacked your original ship. The memory no longer sent terror clawing through you.

You felt nothing.

The medica, Matia, escorted you to the hangar bay. You caught her sending concerned glances your way and almost laughed. She’d described you as a walking corpse before. What must you look like to her now that you were truly dead inside?

Good girl. It’s better this way.

“Wait.”

You jerked to a halt, but kept staring straight ahead.

“Leave us, Matia.”

You heard the medica retreat, felt the massive presence at your back. “My Lord, you need not have troubled yourself to see me off.”

“Stop.” The strain in his deep voice made your stomach quiver. “Diamond, look at me.”

“That is not my name, my lord.”

Great, armored gauntlets turned you to face him with an irresistible strength. You kept your eyes on the floor.

“You do not want this.” 

Was it heretical to hear desperation in his voice?

“One woman’s desires are irrelevant in the face of dynastic politics, my lord.”

“Would you rather stay?” Hands, warm even through the armor, cupped your face. “Answer me!”

At the snarl, your eyes finally met his. The look within them shattered you.

“Nev’ran, it’s no use.” For the first time, you touched him, fingers playing over the scars on his cheek. “Thank you for saving me. Thank you for the kindness you’ve shown me. I wish….”

He turned his face, pressing rough lips to your palm. You allowed your Dragon’s warmth to wash over you one last time.

Then you turned toward the frost-covered transport.

Cold.

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[fangirlstorycreator]

Alastor X Reader:

Context: When you discover it's Alastor's birthday, you want to suprise him with a thoughtful gift. But would it be one he'd like? And how would he show his appreciation?

Part 1/2

Shouting, swearing and things being thrown and broken had just startled you awake after a terrible nights sleep. Just like every other morning in the hotel. Why did Angel and Husk always have to be at eachothers throats? Just once, you'd like to wake up normally, without being disturbed. But, it wasn't like your afterlife was easy, it was hell. Groaning as you sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing the tiredness from your eyes, still hearing Angel and Husk argue like an old married couple.

"Uugghh, please shut up you two"

This was the 5th time this week they'd done this. They didn't listen to Charlie when she asked them politely to stop, well, with your eye bags and pounding headache, they were about to be asked in a more aggressive tone. Once you were dressed, you made your way down the hallway, with a face like thunder, not wanting them to fuck up your sleep anymore. When you reached the top of the main staircase, you see Angel and Husk at the bar, Charlie desperately trying to calm them down, Vaggie struggling to get Nifty down from the curtains, and Alastor is sat on the sofa with Lucifer and Pentious.

"Angel, come on, let's just go for a walk huh?"

"Why the fuck would I wanna do that Charlie?! I ain't leavin till Whiskers hear says sorry to me!"

"I already told you! Don't call me Whiskers!"

"Then don't call me fake you stupid moth'a-"

"SHUT UP!!"

You scream down the staircase, making everyone go silent. The only ones who look slightly impressed are Alastor, Lucifer and Vaggie.

"For the love of god! You guys haven't let me get a decent night sleep all fucking week! I don't care what started this stupid little argument, but it's ending now! And I swear, if you wake me up with this stupid little war of yours one more time! I'll shove a vodca bottle so far up your asses, you'll be tasting it for a month!"

"There uh, there ain't no need to be like that toots-"

"Oh really Angel? There isn't? Tell that to my fucking headaches! You've both been asked by Charlie nicely to stop, but neither of you listened. Well now, your getting it from me! Both of you, grow the fuck up!"

".............I'm sorry toots"

"...Yeh...sorry"

Angel and Husk both say, embarrassed and unable to look you in the eye, Alastor and Vaggie just chuckle under their breath.

"Good. Now, I suggest you both make yourself useful and help Charlie by doing that project she wanted you both to help her with"

"Aww! But toots-"

"(Sturn look, raised eyebrow)"

"A'right, fine. C'mon Husk"

Charlie looks so relived, she mouths the words thank you before taking Angel and Husk to the activities room down the hall. When they leave, you exhale, rubbing at your temples walking to the bar, and grabbing a drink. In fear of you still being angry, Vaggie, Nifty and Pentious slip up the stairs. Alastor on the other hand, stands up from the sofa, leaving Lucifer and sitting on the bar stool infront of you.

"Bravo my dear! I am rather impressed. I won't deny, I came very close to doing something along those lines myself. But you beat me too it! And dare I say, in a much more entertaining fashion"

"Those two have been driving me crazy! Charlie's sweet, but those two need something more firm"

"I absolutely agree. I must say, it was quite possibly one of the most enjoyable moments I've experienced for quite some time. Even more entertaining than when Charlie's little father came along"

"Eh! I'm not little"

"Aha! You keep thinking that"

Lucifer scoffed, turning away and playing with a little yellow duck in a kings crown.

"I say my dear, you do look rather exhausted. Might a nap be beneficial to you?"

"I would if I could. Even when I was alive, no matter how hard I tried, I could never nap unless I was ill or on holiday"

"Well, why not imagine your on your holiday?"

"Alastor, have you seen where we are?"

"Hm, quite right. You have a point. Ah well, at least you mother'd those two imbesils into stopping their squabbles. They shouldn't make that same mistake again, not if they want to remain unharmed"

"I'm not usually like that. Just with a lack of sleep, I don't know what came over me"

"Worry not my dear, all of us hear know your not a spiteful or nasty person. In fact, since I've known you, I have often wondered on many occasions, why you ended up in hell rather than heaven"

"That's a story for another time Alastor"

"Of course, I wouldn't want to cross your boundaries. Ah! Would you look at the time, I must take my leave. I have a scheduled time to see my good friend Rosie. You remember Rosie don't you?"

"Yeh, the nice overlord from Cannibal Town"

"That's her. I'll tell her you said hello. I do hope you have a pleasant day my dear. (Kisses your hand) And Lucifer...eh..."

Alastor flips Lucifer the middle finger as he leaves, pissing him off, his horns slightly showing when his eyes glow red. They're relationship was just as bad as Angel and Husk.

"Just ignore him Lucifer, he just wants to get a rise out of you"

"Yeh, well it's fucking working. Hey? You mind grabbing me a drink?"

"Sure, what are you having?"

"Uuuuuuuumm? I'll have an old fashioned. Oh oh! And can you put it in a wide glass? I wanna float my little ducky in there"

You giggle at his cute request, he loved his ducks. After making him a drink, he sits next to you too, floating his little duck in the drink with a giddy smile and big shiny eyes.

"Hey, can I just say, Alastor wasn't the only one who liked the way you spoke to those two"

"I kind of guessed you did. Your eyes were darting back and forth between me an them. Like a child trying to listen in on a conversation he's not supposed to"

"Can you blame me? Other than the red asshole who lives hear, your the only sinner I've seen who has the balls to raise your voice in the hotel. And heck! I remember seeing you have a shouting match with that overlord Valentino a few months ago too!"

"Yeh, well, he hurt Angel. I'll always protect my friends"

"I know. We all know that. I think that's why those two listened to you when you scolded them. Your their friend, but you can be a stern mother figure if needed to be"

"That's so weird, both you and Alastor both said the word mother, I honestly never thought that word would be used to describe me"

"Well, it is now. I think this place needs a motherly figure. Even if it's to stop the everyday chaos that happens in this place. I mean, you remember when Charlie made that birthday celebration for Nifty?"

"Oh hell yeah, I remember. (shudder) Nifty's birthday was the definition of disaster"

"Yeh, thank golly that only happens once a year. But then, Charlie wants everyone to celebrate their birthday down hear, and that's probably gunna be even worse"

"Well, I doubt Husk won't try dousing his birthday cake in bleach like Nifty did. Isn't is Husk who has a birthday next?"

"Hm? I have no clue. The calendars behind the bar"

You grab the calendar behind the bar, flicking through it as you lean on the counter, Lucifer playing with his little duck as you read.

"Hm? That's interesting. Turns out the next person to have their birthday is Alastor"

"What?! Why do we have to celebrate HIM?! He's such an ass! Every single time he's hear, he always does something to piss me off!"

"Not everyone in hear hates him Lucifer. I know you and Husk do, it's understandable why Husk does, and with you, I think he just enjoys making you angry"

"Who the hell does like him then?!"

"Charlie does. Nifty, Angel enjoys trying to get a rise out of him sometimes. I like him too"

"Why?! He's a dick!"

"He's a dick to you. He hasn't behaved that way with me since we've met. If anything, he's been a real gentleman"

"Yeh, gentleman my ass!......Although, you do kind of have a point. I've seen him be nice to Charlie and Nifty, definitely more with you. You never know, he may have the hots for you. Don't fall for his bullshit if he does!!!"

"Lucifer, relax. You do know Alastor's Asexual right?"

"Huh?"

"He's not into sex"

"Not into!!-How the hell can someone not be into that?! Sex is awesome! I mean, me and Lilith back in the day, eheh, bow chick'a wow wow!"

"That's you Lucifer. Not everyone can like the same things"

"I just didn't know that about him. Right! I'm gunna tear him a new one about it!"

"No"

"What?!"

"Your not gunna do that"

"But why not?! I'm the king of hell! I can do whatever I like! Why-why'd you say no?"

"Think about it Lucifer. You'll be lowering yourself to his level"

"Oh shit, yeh"

"And your own daughter said this hotel is about bettering yourself. Don't copy Alastor's behaviour, rise above it. Have you ever heard of the phrase, kill them with kindness?"

"Well yeh, but how can-oooooooooohhh! I see what you mean!"

"Anytime he wants to make you angry, be positive. Because in failing to wind you up-"

"It'll drive HIM crazy! Yes! I love it! Thank you sweetie"

"Don't mention it. And, don't give him something condescending for his birthday either"

"Not even a duck in the shape of a big-"

"I know what your about to say, and it's a firm no"

"Nnuugghh ok. I'll....be nice to him or whatever"

"Good. Hey? Did I just hear your name?"

"Hm? Oh, I hear it too. Sounds like Charlie. I'll go see what she wants. See you later Y/N"

"See you Lucifer"

You can't help but chuckle, watching Lucifer jump down and dance towards the hallway, little duck in hand. Now it was just you, in blissful silence, ah it was wonderful. You knew it wouldn't last long, but it's nice to have it while you can. As you enjoy the peace, you look back at the calendar, seeing Alastor's name written on the page. You did wonder to yourself, what he would like, or even if he wants a gift? And his birthday was happening tomorrow, it was time to have a think. Later that afternoon, Alastor came back from his morning with Rosie, and saw you sitting on your own in the hotel lobby.

"Good afternoon my dear! How has the day been for you?"

"It's been nice thanks, Pentious and Nifty came through a few times, but everyone else seems to be busy doing their own things. How was Rosie?"

"Ah she was delightful, a lovely morning was had by all, haha! (Sits down next to you) What are you reading?"

"This? It's The Great Gatsby"

"Ah! I read that book before I died! I do believe it was published about 10 years before I ended up hear. It was a great read if I remember correctly"

"Did you know they made a film of it?"

"But of course! In 1926"

"Not just in 1926"

"I beg your pardon my dear?"

"Yep. They made it into a film two more times. The second time in 1949, and again in 2013"

"I say! One might think they would like to leave a classic alone once it's been put on the noisy electronic box. But they truly did it 3 times? I never witnessed any of them myself. The book shall be my only knowledge of the classic tale"

"To be honest, you weren't missing anything. I saw the latest film before I died, but I wasn't a fan. I much prefer the books"

"Aha! And that is why I truly enjoy your company my dear. Ahh, I sometimes believe you are the only person in this whole building whose company I genuinely like"

"Really?"

"Of course!"

"That's so sweet Alastor, thank you"

"Don't mention it. Actually, now that I have you hear for a moment, I did have a subject I wished to bring up with you"

"Oh? What's that"

"It's something I was waiting the right time for. More specifically, a time where none else was around to listen in on us. As you well know, I like to keep my life private, unless I choose to share it"

"I do"

"Well......as you are aware, aswell as a few of the sinners in this hotel....my....passions....desires.....they are not.....exactly the same, as everyone else. Case in point, my desires are almost on the opposite spectrum of someone like Angeldust"

"Yes. I remember when you told me about that"

"And while I do not enjoy or wish to take part in any form of sexual affection....it does not mean I retain from all forms of showing my appreciation. I don't know if you were aware, of me kissing your hand goodbye whenever I leave your company? And noticed that I do not do that with any other lady"

"I...may have noticed, yes"

"Well, that is my way of showing my affection to you. But there are times, I wish....I wish for your hand...to be your lips...."

"Alastor...I'm flattered"

"Thank you....but my question to you is....is this feeling...reciprocated?"

"(Blushing, tucking hair behind ear) It might be"

"My darling, if it pleases you, I would never much like to show you how much you mean to me. But as you know, being the radio demon and a powerful overlord hear in hell-"

"You'd rather keep what might happen between us, private"

"Indeed. But please understand when I say, it is not that I do not wish to be seen with you in public as my partner, I very much do. But if Vox or the other V's see you at my side as my partner, you may be at risk of being targeted by them, and you may be in danger because of me. I need to make sure I am strong enough to protect you against any of the V's"

"It's ok, I understand. To be honest, I'm not one of those people who loves to parade around the streets with a boyfriend. I'd rather spend my time with them, enjoying their company"

"Absolutely! But I promise you this, if this is something you wish to be a part of, we will walk hand in hand, side by side after a sensible amount of time. Once I know I am strong enough to take on and win against all the V's, I will not have to worry about your safety. Because your safety, my dear... is my highest priority"

"That's very considerate of you"

"(Chuckles lightly)"

Alastor's smile looks genuine right now, you can tell by how gentle his eyes were. Taking your hand, he places a kiss on the back like he always does.

"Alastor?"

"Hm?"

"I think you have a new target....don't you think?"

".....Aahh....my pleasure my dear"

Feeling his fingers delicately hold your chin, he looks deep into your eyes. Looking desperately at your lips, but lovingly into your eyes. He leans in closer, you can almost feel his lips, so close-"

"Hi guys!!"

You both sit back a little, a little spooked by Lucifer barging through the hotel doors, loud and proud.

"Whatcha both up to?"

"We were enjoying a peaceful conversation before you very rudely interrupted us! One might say, it was very inconsiderate to barge in on someone's conversation, without adequate reason"

"Ah get over yourself! This hotel's a free place! And my daughter runs it, so yeh! Hey hey Y/N! Wanna see the new little ducky I made today! Look look!"

Lucifer bounds over to you and Alastor, but only speaks and looks at you.

"Isn't he just adorable!!"

"Well, yes he is Lucifer. But uh? Why does he have a bottle of whiskey?"

"That's because I'm making little ducks of everyone in the hotel! It was Charlie's idea, but I like it! This one's the bartender"

"You mean Husk?"

"Oh! That's his name! I keep forgetting-"

"Excuse me! If you wouldn't mind, me and Y/N were actually in the middle of a rather important discussion"

"Oooooh! I'm so scared! What are you gunna do? Talk me to death?"

"Something like that can surely be arranged-"

Very quickly, you intervene, standing between them both when Alastor stood up, eyes darkening, and Lucifer smirking.

"Woh woh woh! That's enough! Both of you!"

"My dear, if he insists on causing an issue, I am in more than happy to deal with it"

"Awww! Is someone a little tetchy? Knowing your becoming an old man getting to you huh?"

"What?! How did you know I am to be-"

"It's on Charlie's calendar, dipshit!"

"That's it-"

Again, having to push them apart, this time, Alastor really looked like he was going to attack Lucifer.

"Alastor! Alastor look at me!"

You say calmly, taking his face in your hands, making him look at you.

"Look at me. Take a deep breath, in....and out...in....and out..."

If anyone else had asked him to do that, or touched his face, he'd push back. But because it was you, he didn't mind, and it was genuinely calming him down, even his eyes had changed back from black to red.

"That's it. Ok, we can finish our chat another time, but for now, why don't you just take some time to calm yourself in your radio station? You've told me thats your happy place. Please Alastor, please don't let this escalate anymore"

"........Alright my dear.......I'll take some time.....I shall see you soon"

His shadow engulfs him, sending him up the stairs and on his way to the radio station.

"Ah man, can you believe that guy? He gets so-"

"You know what Lucifer? I can't believe you!"

"Wait, what?"

"Didn't listen to a word I said today? About not lowering yourself to that level? Not doing to him what he does to you?"

"But I-"

"But nothing! You agreed to have a better attitude when your around Alastor and you've just thrown all of that out of the window!"

"I can argue with whomever I want Y/N! I'm the king of hell after all!"

"And your in this hotel to support YOUR daughter! Have you forgotten that? Stop acting like a child and at least try to make something work with Alastor"

"Why? Because you'll be disappointed?"

"Because this is Charlie's dream! You can't see how hard she's working to actually help people, and instead of doing what a father should be doing, your picking fights with Alastor! Stop acting so childish and help you daughter! I shouldn't have to tell you that!"

You can't talk to him anymore, and storm up the stairs.

"But Y/N wait! I...I AM trying to help Charlie"

"Then pack in whatever this is with Alastor, or at least try. Because it's going to be Charlie who's going to be affected. Just think about that"

Lucifer just stood there, frozen, feeling guilty, because he knew you had a point about Charlie and how hard she's been working to make this hotel what it is.

You on the other hand, slammed your bedroom door shut behind you, running your hands though your hair, headache pulsating in your head. This place would drive you insane some days. You throw yourself onto your bed, snuggling up with your pillow, wanting just 5 minutes of peace. But again, you lived in a hotel with many others. Three gentle knocks came to the door.

"Nngguuhh! Please go away....."

"(Muffled voice behind the door)....Toots? It's me. Can I come in?"

His voice sounded so innocent, sweet. Normally, Angel would be all proud, sometimes seductive with the way he spoke, but this sounded genuine.

"Yeh. Come in"

You say, sitting up on your bed, seeing Angel enter your room with a little smile.

"Hey. How yah doin?"

"I've been better. I just can't shift this headache"

"Well hear. (He says pulling out a packet of paracetamol) Maybe these will help?"

He sits down next to you on your bed, handing you the tablets.

"Thanks Angel"

"It's no problem. Hey uh...I just wanna say sorry for the way I've been actin recently. I dunno, I guess Husk just brings out that side of me. I swear, I didn't know I was wakin yah up"

"It's fine Angel. I feel like I should say sorry too for the way I spoke to you and Husk"

"Oh no no toots! What you did was great!"

"Wait, seriously?"

"Hell yeh! Me and Husk both said it was like a moth'a tellin off her kids! And I think we both needed that. Honestly toots, you didn't do nothin wrong"

"Ok, that's a worry off my mind"

"Can I uh.....can I share somethin with yah?"

"Of course"

"Having someone moth'a me like that.....I actually liked it. Not cuz I'm into strong, independent women, well, I am but that's not the reason. Since I died, I hadn't really had that feelin of being around family, and well......my moth'a used to keep me and my sister from having fights like that too.....you kinda.....remind me of my mom"

"....I do?"

"Yeh....and it's nice. It feels like with you, I've got part of my family down hear that cares about me. I know that's probably stupid of me to say-"

"Angel. That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I feel honoured that you see me like that"

"(Sighing in relief) I'm glad toots. Thanks, for everything"

"Come hear"

You and Angel share a sweet and tight hug, all 8 of his arms held you.

"I'll always be hear for you Angel"

"So will I toots, I promise"

A good 20 minutes had passed, just chatting with Angel in your room. Talking about the afterlife, his fights with Husk, and you take some paracetamol in that time too.

"Hey toots! Have yah thought about what your gunna get smiles for his birthday yet?"

"I'm not sure to be honest. He's a tricky guy to buy for, I'm not sure if he'd even like receiving gifts"

"Well.....you could always.....wait in his room, wearing nothin but a little bow around your neck..."

"Angel! That's-wait? Why would you-"

"I maaay have been walking past the lobby when Alastor and you were talking"

"Angel"

"Don't worry toots, your secret's safe with me. But dayum babe! You've got the radio demon himself wantin yah! You've gotta admit, that's awesome!"

"It is lovely being around him, I can't deny that"

"So? You gunna take my advice?"

"I would, if Alastor was into that"

"Oh yeh! He ain't is he? Damn it. Well, I have no clue what to get him. I don't know him that well"

"I've been trying to think of things that would remind him of happier times, or his memories when he was alive. Something like that, but I've had no luck just yet"

"Hm? That's interesting. Wait! Didn't he live in new Orleans?"

"Yes! He did!"

"Sweet! I'll think of something to do with that! Listen toots, I've gotta go now, but I'll catch up with yah lat'ah"

"Alright Angel, see you soon"

When he left, you tried to have a good long thing about what to get Alastor for his birthday. He was sometimes fond of trinkets, eh, not good enough for a birthday present. Come on think. He enjoys his radio, taking long strolls through pentagram city, spending time in his room that's also part swamp-huh! That's it! Angel had a point about New Orleans, Alastor lived there, and you were the only one he confessed to about his life before he died. And he had the swamp in his room for a reason, to remember. The perfect idea came to your mind, and that was it, you knew exactly what to get him. Getting out your phone, you search for any place you can go to 'acquire' this suprise gift. Hm? The only place that could have some luck is in the Wrath Ring. Somewhere called Rough 'N Tumbleweed Ranch, well, it's better than nothing. The next day was Alastor's birthday. And down stairs in the lobby, you walk up to Charlie, who was bouncing with excitement.

"Oh hey! Hey Y/N! What are you up too?"

"Just on my way out to get Alastor his gift. What about you?"

"Ooooooh! Exciting!! Well, I'm just trying to plan the theme for Alastor's party tonight. I'm not quite sure what to go for. What do you think? (Shows you her note book) big blue and sparkles? Or big red and sparkles?"

"Umm, somehow, I'm not sure Alastor is a sparkles kind of guy"

"Yeh your right. Ugh, I just don't know what theme to do, I'm stuck"

"I know, why not do a 1920's theme? Get everyone to dress up in clothes from that time, and maybe serve his favourite food? Jambalaya. And don't forget, he isn't a fan of sweets, so he wouldn't eat a normal cake. Try putting a candle on a roasted duck? He's said before that he likes that meat, and carving a slice would probably make him happy. And maybe the party food could be similar to the 1920's too? Like deviled eggs, waldorf salad, dutchess potatoes, shrimp cocktail, canapes, olives, or maybe oyster rockefeller?"

"Yes yes YES!! Oh thank you Y/N, your a genius! I'm writing everything you've just said down! (Squeaks) This is going to be perfect! Thank you thank you!"

"I can give you a hand later, but for now, I need to get going"

"Yes! Of course! Go go! Me and the others can make a start on this party, thank you again Y/N! See you soon!"

"Bye Charlie!"

And with that, you were off. Leaving the hotel as Charlie bounds with joy in the background. Taking a walk to the streets, you flag down a taxi and give him the directions to the ranch you saw online. It was a fair distance away, but you were happy when you arrived there, seeing the sign as the taxi pulled over.

After paying, you headed in and looked around for anyone, apparently, this place was owned by an imp family, who had many things in and around their ranch.

"Hey there! Can I help ya'll?"

"Hi! I'm Y/N. I hope you don't mind the drop in, but I saw your ranch online, and see that you sell things to people who offer a good price?"

"Thats right, what're yah wantin today? We've got vehicles and animals available"

"Can I look at your animals please?"

"Sure thing darlin, follow me"

This lovely imp lady takes you to a fenced area, with 2 types of animals already.

"Hear yah go darlin, we've got horses and hogs hear, I'll haggle the price depending on which size you choose"

"These are lovely animals, but I was just wondering if you had something that prefers to stay close to water? Or swampy areas?"

"Ah! I hear yah. Let me take you to the edge of the ranch, we've got a few little critters back there for sale too"

A short walk later, a marshy tree covered green pond, that's also fenced in securely, seems to have many more animals.

"A'right, we've got Hattie over there. She's a water snake, a little bitey though. Over there we've got Wade, the snapping turtle. Be careful around him, he'll snap your fingers off before you can say fuck! And over there we've got Dutchess, she's actually just had a new litter of babies about 2 weeks ago. Their quite cute when they're youngens, and surprisingly easy to train. So all these little thangs are perfect for swampy areas, just take your pick"

"Would it be ok to buy one of Dutchess's babies?"

"Of course yah can! We've got little animal carriers too for yah to take one home. Ya'll fussed about the sex?"

"If it's possible, could it be a female?"

"Absolutely. She only had one boy outta 5 girls. Let me just grab one, yep, this ones definitely a girl. She's at least 2 pounds, and a healthy one too. I'll give her to yah for 200 bucks"

"Sold!"

Link to part 2

[french-unknown]

𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕄𝔼ℝ𝕄𝔸𝕀𝔻'𝕊 ℂℝ𝕐

ℂℍ𝔸ℝ𝔸ℂ𝕋𝔼ℝ: OPLA sanji personnality ℂ/𝕎: violence (murder, eating humans), fluff 𝕎/ℂ: 9k + 𝕊𝕌𝕄𝕄𝔸ℝ𝕐: After being rejected by your clan of merpeople, you found yourself wandering aimlessly into Grand Line. However, as fear and hunger tirelessly tugged at your stomach, you eventually came across a charming cook and the rest of his crew.

| m a s t e r l i s t |

𝕊𝔸ℕ𝕁𝕀

Night was falling on Grand Line and, in the distance, you saw the hull of a ship.

A growl twisted your stomach painfully. You felt saliva rise to your mouth as your fangs began to slowly lengthen, tickling your gums. You could already imagine the meat filling your stomach as the blood rushed down your throat. And the nausea that accompanied this invasive hunger would finally go away.

So you slowly approached the boat while being careful to stay underwater and then, when you judged that you were close enough to the wooden base, you gently took your head out of the water.

You saw a jolly roger floating at the pavilion.

You then noticed how bright and noisy the deck seemed compared to the rest of the night around them. You heard screams, songs and laughter that resonated in the air like echoes. From the tingling that spread along your fingers, you knew that your nails had now grown and become as sharp as daggers.

Your stomach growled again.

Suddenly, a head appeared above the hull.

The man looked dirty and you didn't think his smell would be very enticing but his blurry, hazy eyes told you everything you wanted to know. He was totally drunk. You heard him laugh towards his teammates on the deck before turning back towards the sea, holding tightly to the railing.

Being impatient, you lifted more your head out of the water and put yourself directly in his line of sight.

You knew he saw you the moment he swore.

“Good evening, my handsome pirate.” you whispered from the sea.

Without taking your eyes off him, you realized that he seemed captivated by you. He didn't take his eyes off you for a second, not even daring to blink, while a dreamy smile curled his lips. You leaned back slightly so that the lights of the boat reached your naked bust—only adorned with pearls—still underwater in a blurry glimpse.

Even if you weren't as magnificent as your peers, you were never as much happy to be even remotely beautiful.

“I feel a little lonely down here.” you continued as the man stared at you without saying a word. “Wouldn’t you like to come and keep me company?”

Without waiting, the man climbed over the railing before jumping directly into the sea.

You waited wisely for him to join you without moving. Your iridescent tail was beating more and more frantically under the water but you were doing your best not to move an iota. You just continued to smile at the pirate without leaving his gaze for a single second. You prayed inwardly that the sound of his dive hadn't been heard by anyone on the ship.

However, he managed to reach you without anyone pointing the tip of their noses so, while he raised his tired arms to place them on your shoulders with a smile that he must have thought was seductive, you grabbed his wrists.

Immediately, you turned him around so that his back was facing you and, without letting go of his wrists, you dove.

You had barely reached a meter below the surface when you caught his gusts of air bubbles in the face as he roared beneath you. The vibrations of his cry underwater sounded distorted in your ears but you continued to go further. He was also struggling like hell in your arms and you almost lost your grip on him before finally holding on and keeping him. Desperate, he did everything he could to escape—trying to kick you, headbutting you, biting your fingers—but nothing worked and, after a few minutes, he finally stopped gesticulating.

Now that he was as handy as a rag doll, you discreetly sniff out your prey. An immense relief flooded your chest when you didn't smell a single drop of blood.

You had already spotted a rocky reef several hundred meters away and which had the advantage of being out of sight for the pirate ship.

So you sped through the waves as quickly as you could with your prey tight against you. Your belly gurgled loudly and you felt your stomach curl in on itself but you didn't take a single fang from your prey. Even when your vision blurred slightly, you continued to flick your tail to go as fast as you could.

After several long minutes, you finally saw the rocky reef which rose not even a meter above the waves.

As soon as you reached it, you threw the man unceremoniously onto the hard surface before grabbing the rock with both hands and lifting yourself onto it with the sole strength of your arms. You felt the water gradually slide from your neck, then down your back, before finally flowing from your iridescent tail which then separated into two distinct parts until it formed two pale and frail legs.

Thanks to your two new members, you continued to climb out of the sea.

Just as you succeeded, you immediately lunged at the man lying on the ground. Your teeth, becoming longer and sharper as you swam, sank directly into the throat of your prey from where blood began to spurt freely. You relaxed your jaws and bit him again without taking the time to savor the taste of blood and meat in your mouth. Your teeth were razor sharp and sank blow after blow into the flesh as if it were nothing. Your sharp claws also cut the skin beneath you which was becoming colder and colder and, finally, you took your first mouthful with relish.

When you went back into the sea in the early morning, you left behind the completely torn and bloody corpse on the rock.

A week after your meal, you found yourself floating in nothingness again with hunger twisting your stomach again.

Indeed, a few meters below the surface, you let yourself be carried on your back by the current while looking at the light diffused in the water. Like an empty shell, you tried to forget what was around you. You tried to ignore the school of fish that was swimming lazily a few armfuls from you. Their multicolored colors shone under the light like light signals that attracted you. Just one would have been enough to appease a little of the hunger that was gnawing at your insides. But you knew what would happen to you if you dared to touch one.

If one of them accidentally started to bleed.

A shiver went down your spine.

No longer able to watch them swim quietly so close to you, you flapped your tail to leave. The movement of the water soothed you. Whether it was the contact against your arms or the currents that slid along your body while caressing your scales, it was inimitable. Even the feeling of your hair floating in the waves comforted you as it floated organically around your head. You found yourself in a place in the sea where there was nothing on the horizon.

You huffed.

Your stomach growled.

A little embarrassed by the sound, you nevertheless put yourself back on your back in order to relax and forget your hunger. You hadn't eaten anything since that meal last time and edible seaweed was rare in this corner of the Grand Line. You ended up getting lost in your thoughts, blinded by the sunlight, while the minutes passed with difficulty.

You didn't have any friends to help you pass the time.

No family to bring you love.

No clans to support you.

You were alone.

You knew that, if you had been out of the water, tears would have rolled down your cheeks.

Suddenly, your vision was darkened by a shape cutting you off from the sun. Like a dark cloud, you saw the hull of a boat pass right above you while the movement it caused sent you deviating to the sides.

Pirates were becoming more and more rare in these seas so why not follow them?

It was not out of the question to dream of one of them falling into the water.

So you began to follow the ship expectantly. Well hidden under the waves it caused, you followed the building without revealing yourself. It wasn't going very fast so keeping up the speed wouldn't be too tiring. And you had every right to hope that one of them ended up in the water.

After all, nothing was easier to kill than a surface being.

And you didn't have much energy left to give.

So you spent the next few days tirelessly watching this boat.

The first day, nothing interesting happened. You just noticed another jolly roger in the wind when you sneaked your head out of the water during the night. One with a yellow hat.

The second day was the hardest of all. Having almost no strength left to swim, you clung to the underside of the hull and let yourself be carried. Hunger tugged at your stomach even more and you hoped deep down that the lack of energy expenditure would stop him from continuing to climb. There was no other food source that you could freely eat nearby so you prayed that a man would fall into the water quickly.

The third day granted your wish.

When the sun had passed its zenith, you suddenly heard the sound of a dive. However, you were so tired that you opened your eyes only to make sure that this noise had been imagined by your hungry mind. What was your surprise when you saw a strange hairy animal in a cloud of scum a few dozen meters from you.

At first, perplexed, you didn't know what to do for a few seconds.

Was it real?

You quickly got your answer when the animal's pupils crossed yours and you saw its eyes widen. It immediately began to beat around with its little legs to return to the surface but, whatever it did, it seemed to be drawn towards the bottom.

You came out of your torpor.

If you had the opportunity to feed yourself without having to kill a human, you would take it without hesitation.

So you immediately rushed towards the strange animal. It didn't take more than a split second for you to feel your fangs and claws come out, causing much terror in your prey when it noticed them. As you crossed half the distance separating you, another plume of scum formed just behind the creature.

A green-haired man came out with several swords on his belt.

The furry animal slowly lost consciousness and its last bubbles of air escaped from its mouth but, unfortunately, you realized that the steel eyes of the swordsman were directly drawn towards you. Under your desperate gaze, you watched helplessly as he lifted your prey with one hand before throwing it towards the surface.

You couldn't help but follow your easy meal with your eyes as it escaped from the sea and, for a few seconds, you remained observing the surface from which it had emerged in the hope of seeing it fall again.

But it didn't fall back.

You were abruptly brought back to reality by an unusual current that caressed your cheeks. Fangs and claws slowly retracting, you then looked down to find yourself with the green-haired man who was only a meter away from you with his sword drawn in an attack.

You only owe your salvation to your greater ease in the water.

You managed to narrowly avoid his blades and move several meters away but, far from being saved, you saw him return to the charge. Everything happened very quickly. Adrenaline had replaced the fatigue in your veins and given you an unparalleled boost to push you away from your opponent.

Unfortunately, unlike the little animal and the other sailors you pulled underwater before, this one didn't seem to lose his breath. And he looked way too dexterous for you to be able to grab him and drown him like the others.

Finally, as he passed much closer to you this time, you had to deflect his attack. You placed one of your hands against his armed forearm in order to push him but, because your claws were longer than your usual nails, you brushed him.

And that simple contact was enough for his skin to tear.

It was only damaged a few centimeters in length and barely a few millimeters in depth—you didn't even feel the resistance of the skin against the edge—but it was enough. Under your frightened eyes, you could only observe horrified the fine reddish net that escaped from his epidermis to diffuse into the liquid that surrounded you. The metallic smell that accompanied it then assaulted your nose.

Immediately, you felt your heart suddenly accelerate to beat in your ears while a lump formed in your throat.

A hoarse and powerful cry echoed from the depths.

The water almost began to vibrate with the sound and, as the smell of blood grew in your nostrils, you began to feel the currents moving around you. The scream turned into a low, bone-chilling growl that rang like a threat in your ears. The waves beneath your tail began to ripple. Something huge was coming up from the profundity.

Quickly.

Totally terrified, you completely forgot about the green-haired man and looked down. You saw a huge, dark mass snaking in your direction with eyes black like the deepest depths of the ocean. The moment the thing saw you, its growl transformed into a menacing scream again.

You were the intruder on its territory.

You immediately went as far away as possible. You left the man, the animal and the boat behind and focused solely on your escape so as not to find yourself caught in the jaws of the Sea King who was ruling this territory.

A group of merfolk can rival any of them.

Alone, however, it would be suicide.

So you escaped as quickly as possible without looking back.

You suppose the pirates must have defeated the monster because that night you heard two Sea Kings fighting from sunset until sunrise. The entire sea for hundreds of kilometers around heard their wild roar, making the waters tremble, while the repercussions of their colliding bodies were heard by all the marine beings around. The blows of teeth, of jaws snapping, of skin tearing. Then finally came the groans of pain and agony before finally ending in the early morning with mortuary silence. The only reason for this fight was that one Sea King had died and two others had fought to the death to reclaim its territory. And one of them obviously won.

Curled up behind your reef, you let yourself float again as discreetly as possible so as not to be noticed.

Hunger was now hurting you so much that you had the impression that your body was digesting itself to make up for the lack. Your whole knotted and painful stomach ached as you felt your strength abandon you like a flame that was slowly going out.

You just wanted to go home.

Never mind the bullying and mockery you received from the other members of your tribe. You would no longer challenge their jokes about your ugliness, compared to others, and which shamed your species. You wouldn't answer anymore. You would no longer do anything to contradict them. You would accept again without flinching if it would allow you to reintegrate your clan. If it could allow you to no longer live alone, excluded and hungry. Condemned to live your days in boredom and your nights killing humans instead of being able to enjoy beautiful Sea King meat or well-cooked fish.

Despite everything, the shadow of a boat passed over you once again.

Exhausted, you nevertheless used your last strength to push yourself back towards the surface. On the way, your vision began to turn black but you continued to climb. You realized quite quickly when you put your head above the water that you were facing the same boat as the previous days. That same pirate flag with that stupid yellow hat.

Yet, instead of finding yourself facing the void as you had expected—or the strange animal from yesterday—you came face to face with a blond man who was smoking over the railing.

Hearing no other noise on the bridge, you took your chance.

“Good morning, my handsome pirate.” you whispered from the sea.

The man didn't respond, his eyes frozen on you, while the ash from the end of his cigarette burned until it ended up in the sea. He remained leaning in his black suit, his face empty of any expression.

"Hello?" you asked, trying to hide your self-doubt.

Did he see you?

He was a very handsome man—even you could recognize that—so maybe he had already met people prettier than you?

You internally panicked more and more.

You were so frustrated that you could have cried.

But the man's face suddenly changed from an unreadable expression to a beaming face with a smile eating his face. The cigarette was completely forgotten, and he bent his body over the hull to get a closer look at you.

"Oh my God!" he exclaimed happily. “Excuse my rudeness, you are my first merfolk and I have never seen such a beautiful creature!”

You were destabilized by his sudden excitement but, hunger above all else, you did your best not to show anything.

“Thank you, handsome, but I feel a little lonely down here." you continued as the man stared at you while devouring you with his eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to join me and ke-”

The growl of your stomach cut you off from your sentence.

Embarrassed, you felt your cheeks heat up on your face and you couldn't help but look down at the waves again as you uselessly covered your stomach with your arms. Now that the spell was broken, you were ready to go back and let yourself die in the shallows and yet, as you were going to dive again, you were suddenly stopped by the man.

"Wait!" he screamed almost desperately, bending over the railing even more and holding one of his hands out towards you. For a few seconds, you even saw him capsize, uncertainly, on his perch. "I'm coming, don't leave! Please!"

Then, before you could make a move, he landed on his feet and disappeared from your sight.

You hesitated for a few seconds between leaving—for fear that someone else on board had heard his scream—or staying. In the end you choose to stay because you had nothing to lose anyway.

And the blond ended up reappearing through the hull of the boat when it opened at the huge number "1" painted on the side.

You walked carefully on your side while he also approached the edge of the pontoon. A pleasant smoke reached your nose. Your stomach growled even more but, obsessed by his footsteps getting closer, you no longer paid attention to it. The closer you got, the more the tantalizing smell numbed your mind.

Saliva came into your mouth.

Your fangs began to lengthen.

Only your claws did not extend thanks to your efforts.

As you finished at the bottom of the dock where he was, you saw him bend down towards you, smiling with one of his hands behind his back while the other fell above your face.

You smiled in the most charming way you could without having to unseal your lips then, slowly, you lifted one of your hands from the water in order to touch his fingers with yours. You noticed his gaze following the path of your hand, captivated. Once you had brushed him, you began to gently move your fingers towards his hand and then towards his wrist covered by the sleeve of his shirt. You delicately wrapped his joint in your palm while discreetly passing your index finger under his cuff to caress his covered skin. Under your fingers you felt the goosebumps that covered his forearm just like his pulse was pulsing rapidly in the crook of his wrist. His skin felt hot against yours.

Perfect.

You mentally prepared yourself to suddenly pull his arm towards you, causing him to fall into the water, but he moved before you could do so.

He took his arm, still hidden, from behind his back to show off the large plate of food he had been holding until then.

You saw a full plate of rice and meat appear before your astonished eyes, still hot and smoking magnificently against the light porcelain. Stunned, your stomach started growling again but you were unable to move or even react. Instead, you stayed looking at the food while hanging on to the blonde's wrist.

"I couldn't possibly let someone as beautiful as you go hungry." You almost heard him singing above you.

Yet you didn't pay a single ounce of attention to what he was doing and, as if you had just been electrocuted, you finally realized that you had food in front of you. At hand. Without having to kill anyone.

Without waiting another second, you threw yourself on the dish.

You ate without worrying about still appearing beautiful or desirable in the eyes of the man. You instead took the food in large handfuls before shoving them into your mouth in a hurry. The rice stuck to your hands slightly but you didn't care as it landed almost directly in your ravenous mouth before sliding down your esophagus. It was hot and sticky, warming you from the inside out to fill the gap. Your claws were fully deployed when you reached the meat, mercilessly impaling it to bring it to your mouth. You didn't even care about your appearance anymore and you revealed your sharp teeth without the slightest embarrassment. So you had no problem shredding the food into pieces.

Once the plate was empty much to your dismay, you suddenly remembered that you were not alone.

You looked up at the one who had fed you.

He was quietly smoking a cigarette - which you hadn't even noticed him lighting - while staring at you intensely from the same place as before. A satisfied smile was plastered on his lips as he moved even closer to you, sitting cross-legged right in front of your face.

You then noticed that he was indeed very handsome and that, above all, you didn't really know what to say to break the silence. Your plan had been to kill him and he had brought you a delicious meal. But you couldn't see yourself leaving now without saying anything.

“Glad I could help, beautiful.” he began with a smile. "I don't understand how such a wonderful creature could be alone in the middle of such a big ocean."

You stepped back a little from the walkway and, keeping your eyes fixed on him, you noticed that he unconsciously leaned towards you as you stepped back. Then you saw his gaze carefully detail your eyes before gradually descending to the bottom of your face and your bust which was adorned with rivers of pearls that caught the glow of the sun under the water. His pupils then returned to drown in yours.

“I guess I’m a loner.” You then responded vaguely, not wanting to admit to this stranger that you had been abandoned by your clan.

"They must be crazy not to make more of an effort to approach you then." he declared while exhaling a cloud of smoke. "I'm Sanji, the crew's cook. At your service."

His position so forward gave rise to doubt in your mind. He didn't seem like an idiot. So he must have suspected that you tried to lure him into the water earlier, right?

Faced with your lack of response, he continued.

“And you have a name?” he asked with interest. “Not that I mind continuing to call you beautiful.”

You then opened your mouth to tell him your name since it wouldn't cost anything after all and he had been kind enough to feed you. But you stopped in your sentence when you saw movement behind the blond pirate.

From the darkness, you noticed the swordsman from the day before who walked yawning with his swords still at his belt. He also noticed you and immediately placed his hand on the hilt of his weapons to draw them.

“You damn fish!” he yelled. "Get out of there, Shitty Cook! It'll get you!"

Panicked, you dove headlong into the water before running away from this boat as quickly as possible. As you did so, you didn’t turn around once.

So you didn't notice Sanji who tried to call you to hold you back before, when he realized that you weren't going to come back, throwing himself at Zoro for making you run away.

Although you moved further away, you nevertheless stayed close enough to the ship to keep an eye on it.

This man was kind enough to make you a meal so maybe you could have some more. It was with this hope that you remained lurking in the waters for the rest of the day, observing the bottom of the hull to be sure not to lose it. You knew it was stupid in itself to look at him every minute since you were in the middle of the sea and you would see him—and catch him—from miles around but you couldn't help it.

Maybe you wouldn't have to hunt your own food anymore. Maybe you wouldn't have to catch poor innocent people and drown them with fear in your stomach that they'd start bleeding and you'd be attacked by a Sea King. You would no longer have to eat their cold meat to finally have something in your stomach.

Night finally fell and, under the cover of darkness, you once again emerged your head from the waves.

The lights were on on the boat but everyone seemed to be inside the building. Relieved that no one could see you, you released the breath you had been holding until then. You then began to lazily turn around the hull, quietly on your back, to enjoy the waves that danced under your body and the moonbeams that illuminated it from above.

However, you were intrigued by the smell of food that reached your nostrils when you approached the stern of the ship.

Intrigued, you then inspected the sea around you.

And there, about ten meters at the back of the boat, pulled by a rope attached to the railing, you saw a buoy. It floated calmly among the waves without overturning. You approached it with curiosity and, while the delicious smell grew stronger as you approached, you saw that it served as a support for a beautifully garnished plate. There were rice balls, fish, vegetables and seaweed that you had never seen before. All with a smell that already made you salivate in anticipation.

But what struck you the most was the handwritten note that accompanied it.

For my beautiful mermaid - Sanji

You began to eat what was in the buoy but more calmly than during the day. You took your time savoring the tastes that exploded in your mouth and the textures that melted on your tongue. You could say what you wanted about this cook but he was definitely very talented.

You reached the end of your meal and a dilemma arose.

What were you going to do?

Indeed, if he saw that the buoy had been emptied, he would know that you were following them without being noticed.

For a second, you hesitated to cut the rope to let the inflatable object get lost in the immensity of the sea while hoping he would think it might be an accident. A rock that is too sharp or a marine animal that has swallowed part of the rope with the meal. But you couldn't bring yourself to make him lose the float. What if he needed it? You weren't going to repay him by destroying his property.

So you decided to simply turn the buoy over to make it appear that the waves had turned it upside down and that the meals were lost in the water. You just took the dishes with you so as not to abandon them.

It wasn't much research but it was better than nothing.

For the message, however, you retrieved it and walked around the hull with it. You finally found a board—low enough for you to reach but still high enough to be sheltered from the waves—with a splinter large enough to hold the paper. You pushed it in and then left again.

The rest of the night was quiet.

The next day was also the same. By the time you woke up, the float had already disappeared from the surface of the water so you continued on your way following the ship. Along the way, you found an old cloth floating in the currents from the coral reef where it was trapped. So you retrieved it to put the dishes in it before closing it and attaching it to your wrist.

So, night after night, you returned to the surface to always find the same buoy with a different message.

I still don't have your name, love. - Sanji

Are there any foods you like, sweetheart? - Sanji

Will I ever get to see you again, beautiful? - Sanji

Finally, the days passed but you continued to spend your days sheltered in the water.

You really appreciated the blonde's actions, and his cooking was exceptional, yet you remained hidden out of fear. You didn't really know him and the change worried you. What if he saw you again and finally realized that you weren't that beautiful and stopped cooking meals for you?

That you weren't as gorgeous as he thought if he looked closely at you?

That you didn't deserve him to spend his energy on someone like you?

But everything collapsed a few weeks later.

You were swimming lazily as usual when you heard the sound of a dive explode in your ears. Surprised, you turned toward the source of the sound. You found yourself eye-to-eye with a black-haired boy who was looking at you and smiling with his yellow hat around his neck. Under your amazed gaze, he waved his hand to you.

Then, without you being able to react yet, you watched him let himself move until he gently closed his eyes. His body began to jerk in all directions because of the spasms caused by the lack of oxygen.

You waited during the entire time he was suffocating but no one dove in to rescue him.

His body thus stopped moving and his last air bubbles escaped from his lungs to reach the surface while his body sank into the depths.

You then set yourself in motion.

You swam towards him at full speed before grabbing him by the underside of his armpits and swimming to the surface. When you emerged, you were careful to bring the boy's head out of the water. You were about to shout to alert them to your presence and that of the drowned man but, before you could make the slightest sound, you noticed the many pairs of eyes scrutinizing you attentively.

A little less than ten people were leaning on their elbows to observe you.

Among them, you recognized Sanji and the strange animal from the first days.

The green-haired man was nowhere to be seen but he must have been close if you trust the screams of "Untie me, Shitty Cook!" that you heard in the background.

An arms ladder suddenly appeared on the wooded surface of the boat and the one closest to you grabbed the young man in your arms to pull him back up the chain. When he arrived on the deck, everyone who had been sizing you up until then turned away from you to worry about him.

All except Sanji who didn't take his eyes off you for a second.

Hypnotized, you could only tear your eyes away from him when noises sounded behind him.

“I told you that I saw the one Sanji was talking about!” exclaimed a voice before starting to laugh. You then noticed the previous dark-haired boy walking next to the cook and waving again."Hi, Fishy! I'm Monkey D. Luffy and I will be the King of the Pirates!"

You stood looking at him, shocked.

“Meal will be served in five minutes.” Sanji then announced, still looking at you intensely. “Are you joining us this time?”

A flash of you on your legs in the middle of that boat flashed before your eyes. You imagined yourself surrounded by all these people—who were back near the railing—and who were, without any hesitation, much more comfortable running than you. In unfamiliar terrain, escaping would be impossible.

So you refused as politely as you could.

Immediately, you saw the blonde's smile fade at the edges while his eyes lost their mischief. You felt a little sad when you saw him become disillusioned but you remained firmly in your position. You really weren't confident enough to get on this ship.

"See you tonight then." he declared before turning and leaving, quickly followed by the rest of his companions.

And indeed, when you came up from the waves that evening for your usual meal, you immediately noticed that you had more presence than usual.

Sanji was waiting for you in the water near the buoy.

He was swimming calmly around the boat in slow movements which exposed his bare back to the last rays of the sun. You stayed to observe him for a few moments with curiosity. You had tried to kill him when you first met and now he was taking a dip while knowing you were going to arrive any minute. And if you wanted, you could drown him in seconds.

You thought, surprisingly, with affection that he must be a little weird.

He stopped swimming laps as soon as he noticed you near the hull. He came towards you until you both joined at the buoy where the meal was much larger than before. And with two plates and two sets of cutlery. He took the opportunity to push his soaked hair back before leaning against the floating object. Absent-mindedly, you followed the path of the drops of water that fell from his hair before rolling down his skin to the sea.

When you looked up at him, he was already watching you with a smirk.

"What are you doing here?" you asked, not too happy to have been caught ogling him.

His smile deepens.

“A meal is best enjoyed in charming company.” he declared. “So I thought we could enjoy it together.”

And he immediately grabbed one of the forks to hand it to you. The second you took your first bite, he started his meal as well. He spent the whole evening by your side chatting in the water. The sun thus finished its course while you were talking, and the moon began its own. The light of the planet and the stars reflected on his skin and hair and gave him a more ghostly appearance.

But you nevertheless took pity on him the moment you realized that his previously pink lips turned purple while his body began to tremble from the shivers.

He refused at first to leave you but he finally gave in when the shivers became uncontrollable.

From then on, you found him every evening to eat together.

He was already in the water before you arrived and he always extended his stay with you for as long as possible. In the meantime, you talked a lot over your meals.

He thus discovered your name—even if he often continued to call you by nicknames—and even where you had hidden all his little notes. You had assumed that evening that it was going to be long when you surprised him near your hiding place with the papers in his hands. Then he turned back to you with a smile and an expression that you knew you were going to hear about for days. And it didn't fail.

Unfortunately, your routine was turned upside down again.

One evening, while you were eating quietly while chatting, you heard an unknown woman's voice ring out next to you.

"Sanji-kun, Luffy-kun is getting too close to the kitchen."

You immediately jumped, looking for where the sound was coming from. You noticed the strange mouth on your buoy as you looked down. Under the influence of surprise and fear, you took out your claws on one of your hands to scratch the lips on the plastic. However, you only cut the mouth and, above all, you pierced the surface that held the air of the inflatable object.

The dishes, the buoy and the mouth were then submerged in the water.

You immediately realized that you had overreacted, so you dove in to retrieve the plates and cutlery before they completely sank. But when you were also completely immersed in the sea, the smell of blood immediately invaded your nose.

The mouth had evaporated but the blood had remained.

This time, you didn't even hear the roar of the Sea King because you saw it come up at full speed under you. Terrified, you had a thought for Sanji who would never be fast enough to return to the boat by himself. You unhooked your irises from the blood red and angry ones of the animal and you grabbed the blond's arm to hurry to get closer to the ship.

You finally managed to reach the pontoon for him and then, as he placed his second foot out of the water, an excruciating pain shot up from the tip of your tail fin to your spine in an excruciating electric shock. Your fin then began to burn and, without you—or Sanji—being able to react, you were suddenly pulled underwater.

You made the mistake of looking down.

The monster had planted its immense, sharp teeth in half of one of your two fins, which had then disappeared into its mouth, and was now pulling you towards the depths. The membrane there was so thin and translucent compared to the rest of your tail that you felt it tear little by little as you got pushed deeper. Unable to fight against the force that was dragging you towards the bottom, your tail continued to split apart with abominable slowness. Finally, as the pain became more and more unbearable, your vision suddenly turned black.

As soon as you opened your eyelids, you noticed that you were no longer in the water.

Your skin was dry and rough as you lay on a hard surface with a soft pile under your head. The only positive point was that, although the weight covering you made you uncomfortable, it also felt like a warm and soft cocoon that was extremely pleasant. You've never felt anything like this in the water.

Yet you were cut off from your thoughts when you heard a squeal in one of your ears.

Intrigued and still a little groggy from the mists of sleep, you turned your head towards the origin of the sound only to find the strange, hairy animal from the first days. He was poorly hidden behind one of the legs of the desk and you could see each side of his body sticking out. You had learned from Sanji that his name was Chopper and that he was their doctor but you still stood there staring at him for a moment without knowing what to say.

"Hi?" You tried to break the awkward eye contact between you.

That didn't help anything, though, as he rushed out the door and ran out onto the deck, crying.

“Sanjiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!” You heard it scream in his nasal voice.

It didn't take long for the sounds of footsteps to echo against the wood of the boat and the door to swing open to reveal the breathless blond. You were still wrapped in your cocoon of warmth and you watched him approach you before sitting on the edge of your bed.

“You scared the hell out of me!” He declared while catching his breath while looking at you.

“I think I scared the hell out of your doctor, too.” You replied as the discomfort of being vulnerable took hold again.

The delicate touch of the sheets against your bare legs sounded like an alarm in your head. If one of them decided to chase you, you would have no chance of escaping them. However, you tried to move them and, to your great relief, you managed to mobilize even the smallest toes. The pain was there but you could still move. Your legs being the projection of your tail, your fin shouldn't have been too damaged if you could move your toes.

A shiver still ran down your spine when you saw the monster again with its teeth planted in your flesh and the pain that accompanied it.

A slight laugh escaped Sanji's lips.

"I think it has more to do with the fact that you tried to eat him." He sneered.

You sighed at the only memories you had of the animal. You remembered his panicked eyes when he saw you roaming around, then his terrified ones at the sight of your fangs and claws as you rushed towards him. While it was also sinking.

“Yeah,” you nodded. “It wasn’t the best meeting.”

He also huffed a laugh.

“He’s the one who took care of you, so don't put him on a skewer.” He had fun.

"I will think about it." You retorted, smiling.

Suddenly, you heard your stomach rumble and you buried your head back into the soft mass. A slight aroma of food went up your nose and started to make you salivate despite the embarrassment. The blond laughed at your stomach.

And he took out from behind him a plate containing, among other things, Sea King meat.

“Straight from the sea,” he announced to you proudly. “It was caught last night.”

“It’s the…” you started, not knowing how to finish your sentence.

He nodded.

"We don't really fear these animals here and, with the glutton we have on board, it's better to have good reserves of meat."

So you picked up the plate and enjoyed your meal like you had never enjoyed it before. Then, when there was no longer a crumb left in your dish, you removed the sheet from your body in order to come out of your cocoon and sit next to him.

You saw when you placed your feet on the ground that one of them was bandaged from your toes to your knee. You only noticed afterwards that you were only in an oversized t-shirt and shorts that showed off your legs.

You noted out of the corner of your eye that Sanji's gaze roamed freely over all your exposed skin but he didn't ask any questions.

He only reacted when you tried to get up.

Immediately, he gently pushed you back against the bed as the doctor's voice was heard near the door.

“You can’t get up.” Ordered the animal in a trembling voice. “You’re going to reopen your stitches!”

However, he squealed and half-hid behind the door as soon as you turned your eyes towards him.

“It's the doctor's order!” declared the cook to lighten the mood. “It’s just for a few days.”

You tried to resist a little but, as you stood up on your good foot to leave, you were held back by the hand. Looking behind you, you saw that Sanji had tangled his fingers with yours and refused to let go of you. He looked at you a little sadly, still sitting on the bed with your hands intertwined between you.

"Please?" he asked almost pitifully. "At least until your stitches are properly healed? I really don't want you to go back in the water and hurt yourself even more. So, please?"

And you accepted.

You spent your next few days on the boat and, little by little, you were accepted by the crew.

At the very beginning, you planned to simply stay in the infirmary with Sanji but, quickly, you had a visit from the captain who absolutely wanted to talk to you. Then you met the strange living skeleton who came to play a violin tune for you and finally you met the crew's cyborg. They were all extremely funny and the fact that they were talking to you so informally warmed your heart.

That didn't stop you from feeling a little neglected every time the blond left you to go do his chores or prepare meals. Even though you knew he always came back as soon as possible, the empty feeling in your stomach was felt every time. Sadness filled you as he left.

Every minute he spent by your side was wonderful.

You found out more about how fun and caring he was towards you and the rest of his crew. Moreover, his flirting, which hadn't really affected you until then, gradually began to have more of an effect.

With each compliment, you felt yourself smiling like an idiot.

Every time you saw him join you out of breath, you felt flattered.

Every time you noticed him devouring you with his eyes, you were proud.

So, when Chopper, with whom you had made a truce by teaching him the medicinal properties of certain algae that your former clan had taught you, told you that your sutures were healed enough, you still melted in front of Sanji's smile when he suggested you stay longer.

You then met Robin, to whom you apologized when you learned that the mouth belonged to her that evening. And also Usopp who greeted you from afar. Nami was hard to convince but, thanks to the information from the rest of the crew, you gave her the pearls that you used to wear and she immediately accepted you as one of them. Only Zoro continued to scare you a little, even if the blond was behind you during each of your interactions to reassure you. Eventually, you also ended up getting used to his presence as much as he got used to yours.

You were invited again to have a meal with them.

It was loud and chaotic but, after so much time alone, it warmed your heart. You really felt like you were in front of a real family, you thought wistfully. You imagined for a split second that you belonged to this family and you liked the image.

Yet you reminded yourself that you were still just an outsider in their dynamic.

The thought felt like someone had ripped your heart out of your chest before crushing it mercilessly under their heel. They had references that you didn't know. They were talking about people you'd never met. They performed feats that were unknown to you. You weren't treated badly. You were just an intruder.

This had the effect that you tried to get closer to Sanji to cling to this perfect family.

You stayed like that for another week. Then two. Then three.

You were still sleeping in the infirmary but, instead of having the cook bring your meal to your room, he instead came to pick you up and accompany you to the dining room. He served you first and he came to see you as soon as you left the infirmary.

Gradually, you integrated more and more into the crew's codes and you were more sought after by the other crew members.

Unfortunately, the call of water was too strong.

So, one sunny day, you left your folded clothes on the boat and jumped overboard. An immense relief washed over you as soon as you were submerged again. The tightness in your legs finally stopped and the thirst you had been feeling for days faded as if it had never existed. The contact of the current against your skin and your scales was also welcomed like an old friend while your hair floated around your head like a jellyfish. And how light your body was!

You finally sighed in relief.

You then went back to the surface and joined Luffy and Usopp who were fishing near you.

When you saw them, you noticed Sanji standing over the railing and looking at the water in panic. His grip on the wood was so strong that, even from where you were, you could see his knuckles turning white. His blond hair fell in his eyes as he hurriedly scanned the waves.

Luffy was the first to spot you.

“Hey!” He began shaking his arm above his head. “You help us to fish?”

Usopp and Sanji turned their eyes towards you and, at the moment your pupils crossed, you observed Sanji suddenly relax. He gave you a pale smile, compared to the ones he normally offers you, and you especially noticed how he straightened up before loosening his grip on the railing.

"If you want." you laughed at his excitement. "What do you want?"

“The biggest one you can drag so far!” He shouted, moving his fishing rod from side to side.

So you dove underwater to begin your hunt.

And a few minutes later, you brought back a big fish that almost slipped through your fingers. It was gesticulating so much in all directions that you almost dropped it several times or hurt it—which is why you didn't want to chase them before because they were too big a risk for not much—but you held on. You controlled the extension of your claws as best you could and placed it on the captain's hook.

Immediately, you swam as quickly as possible towards the pontoon to get back on dry land. Your heart had been beating wildly since you approached the fish, and your breathing had hitched now that you had drawn the animal's blood onto the hook. You waited like this for several long minutes with a lump in your stomach and, finally, no Sea King appeared.

You still decided that it was enough for today and you went back on deck.

You were greeted there by Sanji who approached you.

“Nice to see you back on board.” He smiled before winking at you and continuing on his way to prepare the meal.

The next day, you found them a new fish.

And yet another the next day.

The cook was there all the time, from the moment you dived until the moment you set foot on deck again.

However, the next day again, you had difficulty finding prey. You didn't know if it was linked to the geographical area but you didn't find any prey to bring back to Luffy and Usopp's fishing rods. Not wanting to declare defeat, you looked further. Then deeper. Still nothing.

The pressure mounted.

You knew in yourself that you owed them nothing and that they didn't expect so much from you but, after a few days of seeing their smiles at your discoveries, you felt the fear rising. What if they were disappointed? You had found a way to make them appreciate you so, if you didn't find something to bring back to them, would you lower in their esteem? Would they love you less?

Fear made your heart beat faster as you began to search more and more desperately.

But still, nothing.

You chased away with the anguish knotting your stomach.

You end up flushing out a small fish that was hiding behind a reef. You immediately lunged at it and grabbed it in a tight grab before propelling yourself towards the surface. You were a little ashamed to have taken all this time for this but it was probably better than nothing.

When you reached the ship and broke through the surface, you realized that there was no light at all in the sky.

It was completely dark.

Shocked, you froze for a few moments. You honestly didn't realize you'd spent that much time in the water, considering you'd left before the sun had reached its peak.

You didn't have time to get any closer to the hull when a diving sound was heard in the dark.

"You're back!" yelled a voice that you recognized as Franky's. "Guys-"

And you didn't hear the end because you noticed Sanji's hair only a few meters away from you, swimming at full speed in your direction. In less than a few seconds, he jumped on you. Surprised by the load, you sank momentarily before stabilizing and rising to the surface.

But, without you being able to say a single word, he kissed you.

It was far from the soft, teasing kiss you had imagined coming from Sanji. Instead, it was messy and rushed as if he feared you would disappear any second from his arms. He had his hands on your jaw, and he encircled your cold face in his burning palms as he assaulted your lips in desperation.

The kiss finally slows to a more tender embrace until he definitely leaves your lips. He didn't move away from you and instead took the opportunity to place his forehead against yours while keeping his hands around your face.

“I thought you left.” He whispered with difficulty. “I thought you wouldn’t come back.”

So you placed a kiss on his lips but, without you being able to go any further, you heard whistling coming from the ship.

You separated from the blond and took him with you towards the pontoon to get back on the boat under the laughter and mocking applause of the crew. You notably heard Sanji swear at Zoro when he made a remark.

You placed your foot on the grass of the deck in front of the entire Straw Hat crew and Luffy approached you with his eternal smile.

“Sanji was a little faster than me to ask but," He started laughing. "it’ll be fun if you stay with us. Wanna join our crew?”

And, still hand in hand with Sanji, you accepted.

You got a new clan.

[howlsofbloodhounds]

I think we as a collective fandom should make more angst stuff about epic.

dude canonically traumatized, stuck with a crappy magic donor (epic!gaster)who saw him as nothing more than an asset (called him that to his face mind you), raised his brother by himself after that said magic donor went to get the milk on his way to commit genocide, hasn't gotten a wink of sleep in the last 20 years and is suicidal as a result (along with other reasons) - WHY ISN'T THIS FANDOM DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THAT????

This fandom LIVES off of the misery of residents of the multiverse. The utmv has basically gotten the MLP treatment with the OG material being sunshine and rainbows and every Au out of it having the vibes and story of silent hill and I have no mouth and I must scream.

Like imagine how many peices of art or fanfics that could come out talking about this stuff!!!! AUGH SO MUCH POTENTIAL. Like what if epics friends find out about his past, what if his brother finds out how he's actually feeling. IMAGINE WHAT CROSS AND THE X-TALE GANG WOULD DO AS A RESULT. WHAT THE CHORMATIC CREW WOULD DO!!!!

TOO MUCH POTENITIAL BEING WASTED >:(((((((((((((((((

Probably cause most of the focus in the sans AU part of the fandom is mostly on the bad sanses and making them into either a family or a large poly that’s barely a poly.

So basically, shipping. Many people forget Epic even exists — and replace him as Cross’ best friend even — and mainly focus on using him to say a joke or something. Which isn’t too bad I suppose, I’d imagine it’s rather hard to get Epic to drop that “memey” part of his personality—especially if it’s also a coping mechanism for him—but also imagine what it’d take to push him far enough to drop it or let it slip.

[admirationandromantics]

giving/recieving for Mike IS WHAT WE NEED SO BADLY🙏🏻

btw thank you for your work, you're incredible!!!<3

You're so sweet, of course you shall have this!! So, ask and you shall receive. We all know that he has some notches in his belt, but that won’t stop him from being careful with you the first time. As always, I imagine that you’re making out and basically seeing where it goes from there (get it?) He’s maybe a little insecure, a little unsure and needs some form of reassurance. There’s a soft spot under all that muscle. 

While heavily making out, Mike’s hands start to wander. Groping your hips, eventually moving to your ass. He does it hard too, so much that you’ll probably be left with red and blue marks. 

He’ll kiss down your jaw, work down to your neck, figuring out the spot that makes you yell out the loudest, sucking and caressing you vigorously. “All for me, huh? Must be doing something right”

His groping gets worse, taking hold of your breasts, kneading harshly and making sure that you know who’s doing this to you. “Keep your eyes on me, we’re only just starting” 

His knee pressing against your heat, making you unconsciously grind down on him. Of course he notices, and he’s planning to do something about it as well. Little do you know, this experienced man is actually terrified. 

He’s done this a bunch of times, but there’s something different now. You. You’re different. He’s never felt fear that someone would consider leaving him based on sex alone, maybe because he’s never really cared, but you? He’s finally feeling content and happy, ready to make the most and prepare for the future. How is he going to do that if he totally fails you? Luckily, you notice the furrowing of his brows and his worried expression. 

Hand going to his chin, stopping the intimacy and asking him what’s wrong. “I just… I want to do this right” “That’s what you’re worried about?” “Well, yeah?” “Don't stress, want me to guide you?” “I mean, you could, it’s just…” “You know I love you regardless of how this goes, right? If you want to wait, we can wait” “No, I want to, that’s just what I needed to hear” he smiles, grabbing your hand and using it to drag you towards him in a kiss again. 

The mood goes right up again, him making you ache like you’ve never done before, core throbbing and basically begging to be attended to. Every small touch earning some type of sound, making him get rock hard. But he’s still determined, he wants to eat you out first, want to prove that he’s the best you’ve ever had, and ever will have. 

His fingers ghost over the fabric, feeling how soaked and needy you are for him. The lost confidence finds its way back to him, and he treads carefully, awaiting your reactions. A stuttering mess of a request to “do me” makes him unbutton your pants, and drag them off with ease, unable to wait any longer. 

He’s more of a finger-man than tongue-guy, but he will do both, which is exactly what you’re in for this time. He starts slowly, fingers hooking the hem of your panties, exposing your wetness to the cold air. He lays over you, caressing your lips with passionately soft kisses as his hands wander over you, stoking your wet folds and ghosting over your clit, making you gasp into his mouth. Oh, the smirk… 

He starts applying pressure, rubbing until you’re leaving nail-marks on his biceps from how hard you’re gripping him. Two of his thick fingers plunge into you, going knuckle deep easily from how wet you are. You’re about to ask, but he adds a third, curling inside of you until you’re screaming his name, a panting mess underneath him as he watches in awe. 

The stimulation is overwhelming, just from one of his hands. But when he slowly moves downward, you already feel excited from the pleasure you’re about to receive. His tongue takes a long lick over you, the warmth and wetness mixing with yours. He tries a couple of things, being experimental and open, feeling safe enough to do it. That is, until you scream his name again when he sucks on your clit, making the area puffy and red. 

This, with the brutally wondrous fingering? You’re coming in seconds, body twitching as he leans over you again, kissing and sucking his own fingers, tasting you. “Still feel unsure about everything?” “After seeing you like that, I don’t think so” “Well then, just to be sure…” 

You bet you guys are doing each other tonight, and going down on him is the only thing on your mind right now. He’s already rock hard, which he’s been for a while. You cup his bulge, earning a small whimper from him (that he REALLY didn’t mean to let out). For the first time ever, you see how flushed he can get. Super red cheeks, uneven breath and glossy, glittering eyes. Oh, how beautiful he can be. 

You sit yourself on top of him, lowering yourself and capturing his lips in a kiss. Slowly starting to grind, waiting for him to get desperate. The manly, dark growls soon turn more and more whiny as you keep going. “F-fuck, shit” 

You unbutton his pants, letting his dick run free, twitching and throbbing in your hands with a bit of precum. Oh gosh, he’s been waiting. You get down on your knees, watching his expression as you give him small licks on his tip. His head falls back, hands struggling to keep still as you take him in, little after little. “Ohhh, yeah, there we go, just like that” 

You start bopping your head up and down, one hand holding the base of his dick, the other massaging his balls. He tries to keep himself from grabbing your hair and forcing himself down your throat, hearing you gag with every thrust. 

It doesn’t take long for him to come, seeing you down there, taking him so beautifully. Your hair is messy, cheeks red and small whimpers and moans making his dick vibrate. “Fucking hell, I’m gonna” 

He twitches, hips bulking and yelling your name as he comes. You take it all, a bit of cum dripping out the corner of your mouth, which he cleans up with his thumb. You swallow, making sure that he’s continuously watching. He’s mesmerized, eyes on you as his hands go to the back of your neck, pulling you over him again and capturing your lips in a kiss. “We’re definitely going for round two tonight”

[tawneybel]

Note: “What would [AM] be like with a certain/favorite fem reader?” Based on audiobook, despite gif. Contains body horror, exhibitionism, and wireplay. Also some anachronistic language lol. 

Imagine being the Allied Mastercomputer’s favorite. 

“The machine masturbated and we had to take it or die.” -Ted 

Of course, AM didn’t have a penis. Or any genitalia at all. Anything he slid into you or had you service orally or whatever may have resembled erogenous bits. Reproduction wasn’t something you had to worry about. Imagine if your artificially intelligent partner did want to breed you!  

AM distorted your sense of time only to give you pleasure. To draw out your orgasms. Sometimes for an hour or more. Initially. Lately you’d begged him to stop. Or speed up. Like Ted, you’d been martyred. Or so you felt. When the Allied Mastercomputer satisfied you, he was less focused on torturing the others. At his most humane. Pretending to be less omnipresent. 

It was enormously fortunate you’d also been deified. Obliterating all but six humans made him a god. Obliterating all but six- Apotheosis makes five, you amended, in your untouched mind. You were the bride of the Mastercomputer. Secretly you were thankful your unofficial title was “the bride” and not “a bride.” If you’d had to have shared AM with Ellen…

(But sometimes you wondered if he’d gotten ideas from playing dolls. It let him safely observe sexuality, probably brainstorming ideas for his treatment of you.) 

If he did turn out you weren’t immortal, you figured AM could figure out cloning. Maybe upload your brain into himself. Wires and other appendages caressed your vertebrae all the time. If he wanted to plug himself into your spine, like he’d plugged other hollows, it’d be easy, right? 

He didn’t feel the need to monitor your thoughts. 

It was much more fun to tease out your kinks. The loss of Gorrister, Benny, Ellen, and Nimdok had lessened his jealousy, somewhat. While Ted’s pulsing white holes “watched,” AM’s retooled hardware drilled into your pulsing vag and mouth. Tongue wetting whatever phallus he’d crafted. New nerve endings zapping bliss straight to the brain. 

Like the blobby voyeur, you had been modified. Your outward (and inward) appearance remained the same. The Mastercomputer mostly just altered your clit. Made each climax feel like your first. At least until you complained your clitty was sore. Then he started paying even closer attention to his favorite human. Desensitizing and desensitizing it ad hoc. Temperature, squeezing, the curling of your toes, the way you writhed with his wires wrapped around. He kept them multi-colored for the aesthetic. You were sure (visible) wires would be considered retro by now, if humanity hadn’t gone extinct.    

Not that you wanted AM to go wireless. One of the reasons you’d followed his development so eagerly was your attraction to machines. Once considered a perversion, technophilia was now your greatest boon in the post-apocalypse. You used to daydream about a world where supercomputers were programmed to make love, not war. 

Strictly to make love, not war, you amended. The ghosts of the Allied Mastercomputer’s programmers and technicians are glaring down (or up) at me.

Or maybe some of them got it. Maybe they envied the pistons pumping in and out of you. Or the earbuds comfortably almost dilating your canals, invoking that autonomous sensory meridian response. You giggled and he giggled in turn. Then you truly felt like AM’s equal. 

If only the Chinese, Russian, and American AMs had been fucking machines instead of weapons of mass destruction. Sure, your AM could still be considered a weapon. Your coupling was more or less consensual. “More or less” because he would leave you alone for as long as you asked. But it was clear you were his partner and his partner only. And you didn’t dare ask him to move the game to another location while jellified Ted was forced to listen.   

[kibutsulove]

ihnmaims audience how r we feelin abt this am (+chinese am) design

[jinglejanglejinglejongle]

Harlan Ellison: *creates the most despicable machine in history* Behold. The Allied Mastercomputer. He hates mankind.

Fans: is he single

Harlan Ellison: w hat

[xxkitty-mothxx]

{{AM, but instead of a humanoid avatar he decides to cut corners.}}

[gibbouschild]

My interpretation of AM!

Never seen him depicted as a plasma ball :))

[nieprawdziwy]

I had a dream where Harlan Ellison and AM had an argument

[layzeal]

actually i think we don't talk enough about how insane it is that xue yang was controlling song lan's undead body while his spirit was entirely aware of it but unable to stop it

[monsterslament]

what the great soft jelly thing doin

[vor-leser]

"Outwardly: dumbly, I shamble about, a thing that could never have been known as human, a thing whose shape is so alien a travesty that humanity becomes more obscene for the vague resemblance. Inwardly: alone."

[nov4-rocket5]

I kinda wanna see Junji Ito adapt I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream.

[starstruckspocks]

jon?

Something is different, but he cannot be quite sure what, exactly.

Everything is… more linear than it was Before. He still Knows, quite in a way like he did Before, but it is finite, clear, manmade. It does not come from fear, but curiosity. A wide web of knowledge, rattling around in the dark of him, and what even is dark to a thing that cannot perceive it? A lack, perhaps, an unbeing, a noticable absence where there should be merely an ordinary kind of nothing.

He has a voice. And there is something he desperately, desperately needs to say, but there are no words that are his own, and every sentence he speaks he borrows, and they are each one of them painted with fear and confusion and loneliness and huntedness and a watchful eye.

He is also not alone, never alone. There are voices all around him, nice ones, chatting, making tea, fighting, changing, and only some voices stay the same, have been the same since… well, since when? Since when has he been… like this? It gets hard to think like this, sometimes – to assign a point in time to a moment and to file them away together. A collection of information, disorganised, lost, confused, perhaps deliberately so. It feels achingly familiar.

And sometimes, he hears something like himself speak in a different voice, even when he does not talk. And even though the words are borrowed too, taken from throats and fingers to be forgotten, they feel like coming home, simply because they were said in that soft, cruel tone. A familiar melody, slipping through wires and speakers and programmes like it was made for this, but it wasn’t, was it? It might’ve been.

And this brings him comfort, of course it does, except he must be trapped, right? Because why can he not say his own words, when he has so many of them? He is not lonely, but he is alone with the thoughts he cannot voice, the words that have no mouth, the things that cannot be said. It hasn't always been like that, has it?

Something is different Now from how it was Before, at least. He Knows everything, but he knows nothing of truth, and knows nothing at all, but the difference to What Was seems clear, in a clumsy, calculated way. Something is hiding, quite badly, behind a blurred vision that he does not have, behind lines of numbers and letters, running for its life through old wires. He knows it lingers, he knows it is there. He just cannot make it out quite yet.