#I don't know what any of the things in it taste of so I shall assume the vibe is 'medical alcohol in which his severed head was preserved'

[chiropteracupola]

the concept of drinks named after historical figures is always fascinating because of the entire 'he would not fucking taste like that' manner of discussion that it implies

[icewindandboringhorror]

Recent misc pictures

[demaparbat-hp]

Hiya!! 👋🏼😄 How's it going? Your fashion taste for Zuko in a Modern AU seems to be artsy, or maybe "formal" is the word. That shirt he wore when he gave Sokka romantic song advice looked Versace🧐. Anyway, I was wondering how you came up with it, he always struck me more as the type that didn´t care much about fashion, so I'm curious about other´s opinions and heacanons about it. And do you have any other fashion headcanons for the rest of the GAang? Also, their music tastes. How did you come up with them? Especially Katara's! 😍

Hello! As it happens, I have a lot of Thoughts and Feelings™ about this, so I'm leaving these over here, and the rest of my ramblings down below the cut!

Let us begin with the Gaang, shall we?

SUKI always struck me as that Pretty Girl from the Gym. She is so incredibly fit it isn't even funny. She could kick anyone's ass, and we'd all thank her. She has this casual gym style that somehow always looks glorious on her, as it should! Comfy yet fashionable clothes for a nice workout or a day in town.

Her music tastes are basically any and all power songs from the eighties and nineties. (Eye of the Tiger, anyone?) She also enjoys metal via Toph, and bands like BSB, NSYNC, or Boyz II Men with Katara. My girl has a very eclectic Playlist and we all love her for it.

SOKKA is That Guy™. Loose T-shirts and shorts everywhere he goes, no matter the weather. He's stupidly into fashion but it doesn't show! At all! And everyone teases him about it. His closet is about 90% Cactus Juice merchandise, hence the "it's the quenchiest!" shirt.

His fashion and music tastes are pretty much the same. He loves poetry but isn't really into lyrics. He'll misinterpret just about anything you place in front of him. His Playlist is mostly vibes and tiktok songs he kind of enjoys. He isn't really into music...at least not as much as his sister.

AANG owns exactly one hoodie, one pair of shorts, and one beanie (THE beanie). Oh, and the crocs—don't forget the crocs. Somehow, he's always wearing the exact same outfit. Every. Single. Day. Ancient Gaang lore suggests that the day Aang goes out without his beanie, it's the end of the world.

His Playlist is the poppiest, most bizarre thing ever. Every single song is Happy by Pharrell Williams levels of happy. Yet sometimes, among the bouncy dance-to songs, you'll find the strangest of things... (He does know what Good Day by Twenty One Pilots is about. That's the reason he likes it so much, actually. And it's so weird.)

KATARA is all about sundresses and loose pants. The epitome of comfortable loveliness. Light fabrics in blue shades, careful embroidery, delicate shoes, and little to no accessories—hers is a simple, yet quite adorable, style. She just needs to add more colors to her usual palette...

She is, first and foremost, a Florence + The Machine girl. It's the Dark Goddess of the Sea vibes, to be honest. Florence Welch is her idol and yes, she will fight you about lyrics interpretation, and win. It may not seem like it, but her music tastes are also very varied.

She draws a little from each member of the Gaang, so you'll hear her humming along to Gorillaz (where did you even find out about them, Aang?), The Weeknd (I...don't think this song means what you think it means, Sokka...), and Hozier (Zuko why did you dedicate Talk to me, Zuko WHAT DID YOU MEAN BY THAT).

TOPH...ah, lovely girl. I'll summarise everything about Toph’s fashion sense in two words: comfort and rebellion. Stuffy dresses forced on her by billionaire parents? No thank you! Give her tank tops with loose shirts and short pants. Bandaids shared with Aang, bracelets from Katara, and even piercings she got in tandem with Sokka. Shoes? What even is that?

Something I love about this fandom is our collective agreement that Toph is into the dirtiest, heaviest, most ear-splitting and soul-crushing death metal of all times. Her Playlist is full of the most obscure names to ever exist, and she can and will blast through your walls with the sheer volume of her speaker.

Zuko. ZUKO.

Even in a modern AU my boy must suffer. That being said, I envision Tales from the Couch as—well, exactly what it is: an ATLA modern AU. While there is not a war to fight, and a lot of plot lines are discarded or expanded upon, much about the core story remains the same.

This is my way of saying that Zuko still goes trough his redemption arc, and it reflects on his fashion choices.

The way you described it works perfectly because of one single reason: in this AU, Zuko is an artist. He had to suppress his love for writing and drawing because of his background and the expectations Ozai had for him (taking over the family company), and a very large part of his redemption arc directly affects his relationship with art.

In the Couch equivalent of S1, Zuko has fallen out of Ozai's graces, and is desperate to protect his place in the company and the Kasai household. He's pretending to be someone he isn't and trying to live up to his Father's image of a perfect heir while still being somewhat cut-off financially, and it shows.

He's all about imposing long coats and a semi-formal style, imitating what he knows Azula and Father would respect. He's striking and sharp and dark. But no matter how he dresses or carries himself (that air of cold superiority and arrogance)—it won't help him when he needs it the most.

In S2, Zuko has hit his lowest point. He's officially disinherited and tossed away by his father, and would be out in the streets if it wasn't for Uncle Iroh. He goes from sharp, high-tailored outfits to old second-hand clothes that hang loosely on his frame. He starts smoking and cuts his hair off, forgoing the undercut for the first time in years.

But then...Father accepts him back. When Zuko returns home, it's with respect to his name and a very high position in his father's company. He's finally the perfect Kasai heir, dressed in overly expensive suits and finery, even at home... But Father forbids him from wearing Lu Ten's earring, and Zuko can no longer recognize himself without the familiar glint of gold dancing on his peripheral vision.

When Zuko leaves the Kasai name behind him and goes back to living with Uncle Iroh...he's finally at peace with who he is, and what he wants in this life. The sharp edges aren't gone (they'll always be a part of him, after all), but now they're dulled by looser clothes and softer hairstyles.

He's an artist, and for once in his life, he is determined to pursue his own ambitions. Zuko's outfits may not be designer-made anymore, but he takes what he has and makes himself look like he wants to look, like the person he wants to be.

He doesn't read fashion magazines or keeps up to the latest trends like Azula does. He's just...Zuko. And his newfound confidence makes everything he wears look like it belongs on him.

As for music...well, Ursa raised a literature boy.

He loves lyric-heavy music and natural voices, be they soothing or powerful. Dissecting song meanings and possible interpretations with Katara is one of his favorite parts of the day. They're both very passionate and strong-minded individuals, so it stands to reason that their debates can get quite...heated.

Zuko's Playlist is both incredibly eclectic and somehow very...him. There's a common thread that binds together every song and artist he likes, and he's hilariously unaware of this. To take a look into his Playlist is a higher honor reserved only for those closest to him.

In the wide spectrum of things, it is no wonder that Zuko is, first and foremost, a Hozier man. But though Andrew is his God in all aspects of this life, there's someone else that has had a huge impact on him...

Two someones, actually.

Zuko refuses to tell anyone how he got into Twenty One Pilots, but it's kind of a moot point when the beginning of his obsession is nothing compared to everything that came after. They have just about the right amount of everything that makes Zuko...well, Zuko. The poetic lyrics, the soothing or raging music, the heavy, intensely resonant themes...

Up there, in the second artwork, I placed an album cover behind each period of Zuko's life. The election of these records is intentional, as I feel like their general themes work incredibly well with Zuko's arc and growth.

Blurryface in S1. For the demons within us. For giving a name to our fears and shame.

Trench in S2. For escaping the confined walls of a depression city, and fighting to understand the depths of the map of your mind.

Scaled and Icy in the first half of S3. For returning to places you had left behind. For convincing yourself and everyone around you that you're fine, that you're perfect, even though everything is crumbling inside...

Clancy in S3. For recognizing that you can backslide, that you can have fears and shame and pain—but you're shaping yourself with each step you take. For knowing that seeking help from others is okay. Nobody learns to walk on their own.

(And, in the end, you'll always be better than the person you were yesterday. If only because you're still here. You're still alive. You're still yourself.)

.

Overall, I rambled a bit too much, don't you think?

If you made it all the way down here—thank you so much for reaching out and being interested in this crazy AU! I hope you enjoy these ideas and tell me some of your own ❤️

[ms-demeanor]

Okay THANK YOU for saying “your body craves what it needs” is bs because that felt like bs this whole time.

Like you don’t need more sugar if you crave sweets that is NOT what that means. Sugar is a food that people crave because it tastes good/sugar I think is an addictive food??

Idk it just felt like people making excuses when they’re supposed to be trying to eat a little healthier (healthier, not low cal, not low fat or keto or whatever. Diets are bs but craving sweets does not mean sugar is healthy thing for your body rn)

People crave sugar because it tastes good, which is not a bad thing, and there is an evolutionary reason that sugar and fat taste good to us. Carbs are your body's favorite thing because it is SUPER easy for your body to break them down into useful molecules.

I'm not a fan of the idea that any foods are addictive and I'm skeptical of models that suggest "refined food addiction" is a thing with a measurable, real-world impact; there's a lot of debate in that area of nutrition science and to me it kind of seems like the tools people use to track food addiction aren't really examining the addictiveness of specific foods, but are decent screening tools for people who have compulsive behaviors around food (for instance, one group of people who the Yale Food Addiction Scale has repeatedly been demonstrated to be REALLY good at identifying is people with anorexia).

But your body needs sugar all the time, whether that's in the form of complex carbohydrates that get broken down into simple sugars by your body, or simple sugars that you stir into your tea that then gets sent to your cells as energy. If your diet doesn't have enough sugar in it, your body has a processes to turn non-sugars into sugar so that it can use the sugar (gluconeogenesis!). Sugar is unambiguously good for you in the way that fat is unambiguously good for you. You need sugar to survive and it's not a bad thing if you want to have a cookie or a soda or some candy, and again - your craving probably isn't telling you that you're deficient in a specific micro or macronutrient, but I still think that you should listen to your craving.

Like, I don't know how much you know about psychotherapy but the attitude that a lot of diet-focused discussion takes toward cravings reminds me of cognitive behavioral therapy. "When you crave chocolate, no you don't! Don't think about the chocolate, you actually probably need starch or sugar or something, let's redirect that into having a banana, or some frozen berries, or some spinach. Point away from the unhealthy craving and into the healthy replacement, or, better yet, ignore the craving. Mind over matter. You choose how you act."

(I actually think "X craving means that I want Y food so I shall replace it with Z, which is similar" "craving salt means that I am dehydrated and need electrolytes so instead of potato chips I'll have some soup" is how this goes most of the time. I think this is a diet culture thing, not a food positivity thing.)

And you know what I think that's a garbage way to look at both food and emotions.

When I'm craving ice cream it's not because I've been mostly vegetarian for a week and am low on dietary cholesterol (AN IMPORTANT NUTRIENT. Don't be scared of consuming some cholesterol), I'm craving ice cream because sugar and fat taste good. So instead of trying to pretend that I'm getting "what I need" from a piece of salmon the size of a deck of cards with no salt and some lemon squeezed on top, I'm going to scoop out a moderate portion of ice cream and eat it while focusing on how much I enjoy it. And I'm going to do that instead of sitting down with a pint and a spoon while I'm stressed at work and eating something that tastes good to distract from the fact that work is stressful. (And sometimes it's fine to sit down with a pint and a spoon but I will say that's generally best not to do while you're in the middle of something stressful)

And if you want to relate that back to therapy I see this as more of the DBT approach. I've accepted that I want ice cream so I'm going to eat it in an intentional way and enjoy it instead of eating so much that I don't want dinner, or that it makes me feel sick, or that I eat it without noticing it because I'm using it as a distraction instead of a snack.

I'm not trying to shut down the negative emotion or shun the "bad" food, I'm accepting that I have that emotion and I'm working this neutral food into my day so that I'll feel good tomorrow and won't get heartburn overnight.

So I see that you're trying to be kind of anti diet culture here, but I don't think people need excuses to eat sugar, and I actually think that making excuses to eat it is significantly less healthy than just eating the sugar (which, again, is unambiguously healthy to eat as part of a varied, filling, nutritious diet). It seems like you may have internalized some ideas about sugar that are not great even if you are trying to separate from diet culture.

Nobody is ever going to eat a diet so healthy and nutritionally complete that they don't want candy or cake or cookies sometimes. Food is not only fuel, it is entertainment and culture and comfort and distraction and celebration and a million other things, but it is not bad. I don't think there's a single universally bad food out there, or any food that never belongs as part of someone's diet (unless it's something you're allergic to - I don't care if you're craving peanuts, do not eat peanuts if you have a peanut allergy).

So it's okay to make sugar, you don't need to make excuses. It's okay to eat sugar if you're craving sugar, even if that's not what your body "needs". But also sometimes a craving is your body saying "I'm hungry and this sounds good, please feed me" even if you're not a finely-tuned spectrometer that's craving blueberries pie because you actually need antioxidants from the blueberries (you're not a finely tuned spectrometer, you don't need the antioxidants from the blueberries, it's perfectly fine to just eat a slice of pie).

[bigfan-fanfic]

A Delving Song (Monster!Reader x Laios Touden)

Could I request a Laios fic where he meets a new monster, your choice, that is surprisingly sentient who joins the party? I just think it would be cute and fluffy.

Laios tilted his head. That didn't sound like the normal song the sirens on this floor of the dungeon would sing.

Marcille and Chilchuck are still asleep. And Senshi's off checking his golem farms.

So Laios wanders off towards the pool of water where you sit.

It's a ways off from typical mermaid territory.

And you yourself seem different from other mermaids. Your lower half is covered in feathers, not scales, and you have small wings protruding from your back.

"To eat is the privilege of the living... all things must eat to survive..."

Laios looks at you, in awe as you continue to sing a song of resilience and endurance. He's absolutely enchanted. And he quickly opens his mouth to sing with you once he memorizes the simple tune.

You startle badly, yelping, and waving your arms, summoning streams of waters like vipers to rise around you.

"Whoa! Please, I didn't mean any harm. I just really liked your song."

You frown. "Tallmen like you don't sing. They attack."

Laios puts down his sword. "See? No attacking."

"You're... different."

Laios grins and nods. "That's right. You see... I wanna know more about creatures like you. Are you a mermaid? You seem to be similar and different."

"I think your kind calls me a siren. But most of us get hunted, because our songs can be dangerous. We have some control over water too."

"That's incredible. Do you come up with your own songs?"

"We sing the tune - others seem to hear what they really want to hear. Unlike mermaids, the charming of it all seems to come from the prey."

"Why are you all alone?" Laios asks bluntly, tilting his head when your face falls.

"My flock were... hunted by a group of tallmen. I escaped. The mermaids don't want me because we bring adventurers that kill."

Laios frowns. "Well, that's no good. Maybe... maybe you could come with our group. I'm sure once they hear you speak and reason, they'll have no problem."

You smile sharp teeth at the tallman. "What are you called?"

"Laios."

You let the water slip down into the pool and move forward in a crouch, finally pressing your head into his metallic stomach. "Thank you, Laios."

Chilchuck is the most suspicious of you, clearly not happy with the idea of letting a monster into the party. Even a clearly reasoning and thinking one like you.

Marcille is a bit more welcoming, especially as she hopes you can teach her some of your water magic.

Laios initially thinks you're amphibious like a fishman but as you don't breathe water it becomes clear you're more of a bird than anything else.

Marcille immediately shuts down any further discussion because she senses it getting uncomfortably close to figuring out what exactly you taste like.

But considering you grew up in the dungeon, your expertise makes travel much easier. Senshi also is able to take some extra parts of monsters the party has collected to make some water skins for you to carry water through the more dry areas for you to use as a weapon.

Laios is always eager to hear about monster culture - just as you are about the cultures of the surface. Marcille and Laios spend many meal breaks discussing with you about what your lives and daily activities are like

Chilchuck doesn't share, but then again he also doesn't share with anyone else, so it's not like it's an anti-monster sentiment.

But eventually you find yourself nestling close to Laios when it's time to rest for the night.

And one night, when he rolls over and rests his head in your feathers, you don't mind. You like the tallman and his unique opinions.

And perhaps these feelings may soon grow and evolve.

Until then, the party together shall eat, and almost more than their meals, their growing friendship is delicious.

Delicious in dungeon.

[ghouldump]

Your fics are amazing!

Lestat and y/n remind me of a scene on what we do in the shadows:

Lestat: i would like to say that i think all marriage is a sham except mine with my darling wife y/n

Reader: ☺️👋

Btw do NOT feel pressured to put out content, this is suppose to be a safe space for creators and i am sure that the rest of the readers feel that way.

Kisses 💋

001

thank you 🥰 your words of encouragement mean so much to me 🩷 i prefer lengthy fics myself and so naturally i like to make my stories a bit long. i know that a few of you guys enjoy my writing and are wondering what is taking so long, so i really appreciate the understanding. i am also posting the requests at the same time, so you guys can have a few new posts to read instead of one. anyways, that so seems like him 😂 i literally came up with a tiny imagine for this 😙

“and what about you two, are you married?” the young woman asked you.

she and her husband were tourists in new orleans, choosing the city for their honeymoon. you spotted the newly wedded couple in the restaurant, they were the perfect meal for the night. although, you found them slightly interesting, forcing lestat to sit through the dull conversation.

“yes, lestat took longer than most, but we’ve been married for what feels like an eternity,” you laughed.

it had been only a few decades since you’d become mrs. de lioncourt, compared to your century of love.

“forgive me, ma chèrie,” lestat said lowly, as he kissed your hand.

“i didn’t grow up with the best example of marriage,” he said, a sly grin on his face.

“that’s a shame, my pa married my mama after only a month of knowing her, they’ve been together for over 30 years,” the husband bragged. you resisted the urge to laugh, watching as lestat went from grinning to frowning in disgust.

“you know what i find shameful? humans and their boresome matrimonies. you have no real reason other than legality burdens and for misogynistic idiots like yourself to have an at-home womb and servant,” lestat told the man, his nose turned up to him.

“that’s quite a harsh thing to say when you’re married yourself,” the young bride told him, furrowing her eyebrows.

“exactly, miss…y/n, was it? you sure have a handful on your hands,” the groomsman laughed, awkwardly.

slowly looking over at you, you smiled as you met his eyes, his fingertips softly brushing against your jaw.

“our marriage is beyond anything you've experienced in your short life, or your insufficient parents, the epitome of all things neither of your insolent brains could ever understand. your marriage is useless, nothing more than a piece of paper, and if you permit her beautiful name to even slip from your thoughts, let alone your tongue again, i will rip out your spine from-

“lestat,” you called his name, he stopped instantly, facing you.

“yes love?” he asked, his eyes softened. over the years, despite being your maker, he found himself willingly under your command, doing any and everything in his power to please you.

“don’t scare them too badly, honey, the blood will change its course, and taste funny,” you told him, your usual soft smile in place.

the couple was by now confused and disturbed, looking around for the safest exit.

“my apologies, ma chèrie,” he shook his head.

“you don't have to apologize, shall we eat?”

“ladies first,” he nodded, as you both bare your teeth, to plunge into your meals.

[a-hazbin-reader]

HELLO HELLO I HAVE ANOTHER ONE BUT ITS A 2 IN 1????? ALASTOR AND READER REACTING AND HELPING ONE ANOTHER DURING A PANIC ATTACK??????? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

I GOTTA DO IT I JUST GOTTA-

Alastor X Reader Headcanons

✅️Romantic

❌️Platonic

TW: Panic attacks

Description: ☝️⬆️

SO-

It's really REALLY difficult to get Alastor to honestly open up to you about ANYTHING, even as his S/O

He will keep everything to himself, not out of any maliciousness but because he's not used to letting his guard down

Hides most of his fears behind his smile and quick wit

But you don't land The Radio Demon himself by not knowing him and his inner turmoil by not seeing the signs

You can see the cracks in his persona before even he can, knowing when he's about to break down

You try to talk to him about it beforehand, but he always brushes you off, telling you that he's fine

He tells himself that he's fine that everything is under control

It's always a little thing that sets him off, the last straw that broke the camel's back

Doesn't even realize that he's losing it until there's tiny tear pricks in the corners of his eyes and he's gripping his head so tight that he's hurt his scalp

Just repeats to himself that everything is fine, everything is okay, he's got everything under control

Breaks your heart when you see his painfully tight smile and watery eyes, shaking like a leaf

"Alastor..? Oh honey..."

Flinches when you place a gentle hand on his back, surprised that you snuck up on him

Tries to lie to you, bottle his emotions back up and may even try to seduce/fluster you depending on how frazzled he is

But you see through it, you always see through him

"Hey no...it's okay to be upset..."

Reluctantly leans on you, letting you hug his head to your chest until his hyperventilating stops and he's soothed by your heartbeat

Will put all of his strength into not letting himself cry, digging his claws into you as he grips you tight

His shaking finally stops once he relaxes into your hold, accepting your comfort

Don't make him explain himself, just help him ride it out until he can be himself again

When you two pull away he'll try to go on as if nothing had happened, springing up with renewed energy

Please don't comment on what happened, he's already embarrassed

"Alastor, come talk to me next time...okay..?"

"...I appreciate the offer, my dear."

That's the most you'll get out of him but he does start listening to you when you tell him to take care of himself

If anybody tries to pry into it then he'll just try to scare them off or redirect their attention

It's hard being so evil

You on the otherhand-

Whether you follow your own advice or not, everyone has a panic every once in a while, it's natural

It sneaks up on you and hits you like a tidal wave when it does happen, you hardly register your body crumpling to the floor

You feel so sick-even the air tastes bad

You can't breathe-where is the air???

Your body is white hot and ice cold all at the same time and your thoughts keep racing and-

You're in someone's lap suddenly, curled into their chest as sharp hand soothing the back of your neck

Your mind is so fuzzy from panic that you can't even recognize who it is, only instinctively leaning into their scent

"Y/N, whatever has you so upset, I promise we can face it together..."

Alastor-

He lets you throw your arms around his neck and bury your face into his shoulder, only holding you tighter in response

Pretends that this is just a normal conversation the entire time, talking endlessly about his day and what he did

Somehow it works and you find yourself calming down, becoming invested in his story

Before you know it, you're laughing at something Alastor said Niffty did and you've forgotten that you were ever even having a panic attack

Alastor doesn't let you go even when you move to get off his lap, unwilling to part with you after seeing you so vulnerable

"Let's just take a little time to be with each other, shall we?"

If you want to talk about it then he'll listen while keeping his lips pressed to your temple, giving you reassuring squeezes

If you don't want to talk about it then that's fine, he's not going to force you or even bring it up again

Either way, the moment you two part ways then he's back to his witty, snarky self and he expects you to be yourself too

If anybody asks, he'll just lie and say you two were playing twister

Charlie two years later: They weren't playing twister...

It's a horrible lie but he doesn't care, he dares them to question him and his precious S/O

I HOPE THIS IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!! I wanted it to be soft 😭

[be-my-sunrise]

1:40am || oh sion

pairings: idol bf!sion x fem!reader

genre: smut, fluff if you squint. minors pls dni

word count: 1,023

warnings: suggestive content, they're just kissing and groping each other lmao

a/n: ik i said i only write for dreamies, but i just physically CANNOT get this gorgeous man out of my head so i had to write something for him lmao. anyways i hope you enjoy!! thank you queen @jenoslutie for beta reading<3

tags: @wispyxjae i hope you like it teehee :3

It has been quite some time since you last saw Sion. He has been very busy with his schedule and album preparations, and he finally gets a day off today, so he invited you over to his dorm to hang out. 

After lunch, you and Sion decided to watch a movie that he had been wanting to watch. At least that's what you were doing.

Both of you start making out passionately before you even know it. You should have known though, because Sion couldn't keep his hands to himself since you arrived. The two of you pull away after a while to catch your breath.

“I missed you so much,” you whisper. 

“Me too, baby.”

Sion presses his lips against your jaw, leaving a trail of kisses down to your neck. You tilt your head to one side as he continues to pepper kisses. 

“I miss having your body on mine and the way you feel around me.” He mumbles against your neck. “Fuck. I miss the way you taste.”

Sion slips one hand under your shirt, gently caressing your waist. A moan escapes your lips as he sucks on your sweet spot.

“I need you, baby. Right now.”

“No, we can't do this now. What if your friends come back early?” You let out a heavy sigh and pull yourself away from him. 

“Come onnn~” Sion pouts, looking at you with pleading eyes. “We’re finally alone, and they won't be back any time soon.” 

“I don't–” Sion cuts you off with a peck on your lips. “But, I–” He pecks you again.

“Please, baby.” Sion places his hand on your jaw and swipes his thumb on your bottom lip. 

You lean into his touch and you can’t help but stare at his plump lips. Truth be told, you want the same thing as him. You were hesitant because you don't want his friends to walk in on you and Sion. Not again. 

But, your body craves him. His touch. You need him. You lean forward and lock lips with him.

“Wait,” he mumbles against your lips and pulls away. 

“This means yes, right?” He asks, making you giggle at the way his face lights up.

“Yes, baby,” you pause to climb onto his lap and put your arms around his neck. “Let’s make this quick, shall we?”

You let out a satisfied hum as your lips meet his once again. As the kiss gets more heated, you start grinding on his hardening cock, making him moan. Sion places his hands on your hips to guide your movements. You drag your hands down his chest and abs, feeling his toned muscles. 

You tug on Sion’s shirt, signaling him to take it off. He understands the message and he quickly takes his shirt off in one swift motion, not wanting to part lips with yours too long. You squeal as Sion suddenly lifts you up to lay you down on the couch. He hovers over your body, resting one arm next to your head to support his own weight.

Your fingers find their way to his dark locks, pulling on the strands as he trails kisses down your jaw to your neck. A gasp escapes your lips as he bites the skin, leaving red marks all over your neck and shoulder. 

Sion slips one hand under your shirt and makes its way towards your chest. He grips the soft flesh before pulling down the fabric covering your tits. You let out a loud moan as he continues sucking on your sweet spot while also playing with your nipple, rolling the sensitive bud using his thumb and index finger.

Just when you’re about to get to the good part, you hear feet shuffling at the front door. Sion’s head shot up upon hearing the familiar voices. The panic settles in when the two of you lock eyes, realizing who’s at the other side of the door right now. 

Both of you scramble to sit up and fix your appearances. Sion puts his shirt back on and helps you cover the hickeys he left on your neck with your hair. You put a small pillow over his lap to cover his prominent boner just as the front door swings open.

“We’re home!” 

You and Sion pretend to be watching the still-playing movie as Riku and Yushi walk into the living room. 

“H-hey, guys! Back so soon?” Sion asks.

Riku sighs, “yeah, we’re a bit tired, so we decided to just get home.”

There’s a moment of silence and you silently hope that they won’t notice anything. Yushi clears his throat, breaking the awkward silence.

“Well, uhh, we’ll be in our rooms if you need anything.” He says as he walks towards his room with Riku following him closely behind.

You let out a relieved sigh when Riku and Yushi are out of sight. You share a look with Sion and burst into giggles.

“By the way,” your laughter stops when you hear Riku's voice. You turn to him, who's looking at you and Sion with a knowing look, waiting for him to finish his sentence. 

“You know your shirt is inside out, right?”

Riku then walks away with a smirk on his face. Your eyes shoot to Sion's shirt and face-palm yourself out of embarrassment. Sion laughs out loud, throwing his head back against the back-rest. 

Sion leans closer, speaking in a hushed tone. “Should we continue this in my room?” 

“Hmm… Maybe. Only if you can keep quiet.” 

“I think that's gonna be hard for you, baby.”

Sion looks at you with a smug expression. You raise your eyebrows, taking his words as a challenge.

“Okay, we're doing this now. Let's go.” 

You get off the couch, pulling Sion along with you to go to his room. Yushi got out of his own room just in time to see you slamming the door to Sion's room close and lock it. He turns to Riku, who's standing in the kitchen. Riku sighs and walks towards him, patting him on the shoulder.

“Come on, let's just go to the dorm upstairs and play games with Jaehee.”

[voxslays]

THE RED MEANS I LOVE YOU!

Featuring >>> Alastor x Reader; In which, Alastor and reader have been friends for a year, having built a strong connection. One day, Alastor asks Reader to accompany him on one of his errands, where he spills his darkest secret…and some blood. Part 2 of this fic.

You blink groggily, your head pounding as you regain consciousness. As your vision clears, you find yourself tied securely to a chair, your wrists and ankles bound with silken ropes. The room is dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of incense and something else, something metallic. Blood? You wouldn’t put it past Alastor to have hidden a body in here with you. You hear heavy footsteps and the door of the basement swings open, revealing Alastor in all his glory. He enters the room, carrying a small wooden box. He's dressed impeccably, his red suit crisp and clean, as if there’s no hint of the murder that occurred the night prior. "Ah, you're awake."

Unusual~

Alastor approaches you, his heels clicking on the hardwood floor. He sets the box down on a nearby table and opens it, revealing an assortment of shiny, sharp objects. "I trust you slept well?" You feel your breath hitch. “What are you going to do to me!?” You cry. Alastor chuckles, selecting a small, intricately designed knife from the box. He turns to face you, the knife glinting in the dim light, before inserting it back into its small compartment. "Oh, ma belle, always so impatient. Is that any way to speak to your beloved neighbor?” He picks up another small, delicate knife, its blade glinting menacingly in the dim light. The opposite of the previous one in every way. 

They say strange fascination, infatuation.

Alastor traces the tip of the knife gently down your cheek, not breaking the skin, but leaving a cold, threatening line. "Let's play a game, shall we?" He smiles charmingly. “No-!” You yell, only to be interrupted with the small intricate knife, now pressing against your throat. Alastor's eyes narrow, but his smile never wavers. “No need for such dramatics, my doe. You know I would never truly hurt you...much." Alastor malevolently teases as he presses the flat of the blade against your lips. “You’re a lunatic.” Alastor's fingers tighten around your chin, holding your head still as he presses the knife against your mouth. "I'm going to ask you a question, and you're going to answer truthfully. Do you understand, ma belle?"

A lunatic~

“No!” You say shout. The only thought in your mind was staying alive. However, Alastor seemingly ignores your comment. "Excellent. Now, let's start with something simple. Do you love me?" The knife remains pressed against your lips, a constant, silent threat. “Yes. I do.” You mutter, quietly. "That's right. You do love me. And because you love me, you won't tell anyone what you saw last night." He gently runs the knife along your jawline. “I won't. I promise!” You say, your voice filled with a trembling dither.

Call me what suits your taste, I just wanna taste.

Alastor chuckles, clearly amused by your predicament. He leans in closer, his breath warm against your ear. "Now, let's test that, shall we?" He trails the knife down your neck, pausing at the collar of your shirt. His eyes meet yours, a silent question. Slowly, he begins to slice through the fabric of the dress, revealing more and more of your chest. "You'll stay still, won't you, cher?" He only cuts further, only stopping to admire his handiwork, tracing the knife tip down your shoulder blade. "You're so beautiful, ma chérie. My masterpiece."

And I’ve always heard it’s what’s inside that counts.

His hand moves lower, the knife now resting just above your navel. "Now, my dear, I want you to be a good girl and put your hands above your head. If you don't, well..." He smirks wickedly. "Let's just say things might get a bit messy." Immediately, you had a brilliant plan of action. A master scheme, if you will. “My hands are tied to the chair.” You say, your voice innocent and righteous. Alastor tuts, shaking his head. "Ah, how remiss of me."  He leans down, sawing through the ropes binding your wrists with quick, efficient movements. Once free, he takes your hands in his gloved hands and brings them up, placing them behind your head.

‘Cause my insides are red, and yours are too~!

You quickly smack him in the face with your elbows and run up basement stairs, not wasting any time. Alastor staggers back, unprepared for your sudden resistance. He drops the knife as he clutches his face, his eyes wide with surprise and anger. The scariest part? He was no longer smiling. He quickly recovers, his eyes thick with fury as he chases after you up the stairs. "You think you can outrun me, cher? I'll catch you and when I do, you'll regret ever laying hands on me!" His thick southern creole accent is even more evident as he seethes with anger, yet carries the same immortal smile on his face. As you dash up the stairs, the sound of Alastor's heavy footsteps echoes behind you. You burst through the basement door, racing through the dimly lit house. The front door is in sight, but so is Alastor, his face contorted with a manic smile. 

And the red on my face is matching you~!

Alastor lunges, grappling you around the waist. You both go down, crashing onto the floor. He flips you onto your back, straddling you, his gloved hands pinning your wrists down. You squirm and struggle under his grasp, your efforts to free yourself in vain. Alastor growls, his face inches from yours. "Settle down, cher. You're not going anywhere." His grip tightens on your wrists as he feels you continue to buck beneath him. "The more you struggle, the more it excites me." He leans down, his lips brushing against your already bloody ones in a possessive kiss. You try to battle against it, but how could you resist his southern charms? 

And goodness your bleeding, what a wonderful feeling~!

As he breaks the kiss, he pulls out the knife he dropped earlier and presses it against your throat. His breath is hot against your face as he says, "Now, where were we?" He trails the knife down your neck, between your breasts, and down to your stomach. “Alastor, please-!” Alastor interrupts you mid-sentence. “Trust me, my doe. You will never want to run from me again.” He slowly drags the blade back up your body, the cold steel sending shivers down your spine. He pauses at your throat, tilting your chin up with the tip of the knife.

You’re down and you’re pleading, my head is just reeling.

"You're mine, ma chérie. And you will learn to obey. Do you understand me?” He asks, his words like a sharp knife, ready to strike at any moment. “Yes.” You hesitate, as your voice trembles and your breath hitches. “I do.” You add, trying to please him. Alastor looks into your eyes for a moment, studying your face. “Good.” With a satisfied smile, Alastor stands up, pulling you to your feet by the knife handle pressed against your throat. "Then let’s begin.”

The red means I love you.

TAGLIST

@noellebellq @all-alastor-all-the-time @boldlyenchantingfox22 @phoephan-123 @michi-keinz

[zvezdacito]

Ranking Malleus's Valentines Messages from 2021-2024🔥

People finally got the 2024 ones so I decided to make a list like this. Mostly based off which ones have both the most interesting contents and which ones are the sweetest(?) in a sense to Yuu lol. Terminal Malleyuu brain + and I mean they are Valentines cards after all.

Going from least to most personally favored:

4th: 2023

Text: "To my dear friend-

Thank you. Never did I envision someone presenting me with the gift of sweet treats. It would be a shame for me to eat them all by myself. I think I'll share them with you. Would you be willing to provide the tea to go with them?"

Very broadly friendly and nice I guess, but the message of the text is basic and the design of the letter card is also kinda basic🥀 like tbh if you changed the color of this card you could mistake this for something Riddle wrote instead. The ones for this year really just felt like they ran out of ideas and gave up, this is the only one on this list I can say I definitely don't really like that much

3rd: 2022

Text: "To my good friend-

A gift? For me, of all people? Your tastes are...distinctive, I must say. Worry not, though- I enjoyed it, of course. What would you like in return, I wonder? I shall take great pleasure in speculating the answer to that question."

Definitely more interesting than the 2023 one and his personality really comes out in the writing here. Though because of how his closeness to Yuu is characterized here I now feel like it would make more sense if this was the first card and the 2021 was the second one, since if you take the cards to be written in a chronological timeline it kinda feels like Malleus's closeness to Yuu regressed out of nowhere

Not saying people can't change or grow apart later on, but here it kinda has the vibe that he straight up hasn't met them much yet so its as if this was earlier into their relationship. Basically feels if Book 3-4 Malleus got the gift, while 2021 is like Book 6 and onwards Malleus getting the gift.

I really like this one both for the yuu crumbs and it's characterization of Malleus himself, but it's number 3 simply by default of me personally liking the next two more. The gap between it and 2023 is huge😭

2nd: 2024

Text: "To my good friend-

Thank you for your gift. Hmm... This fragrance is meant for pleasure and relaxation? What a tasteful choice. I rather like it; perhaps I shall take more of an interest in these things. You would be welcome to pay me a visit, by the way, should you feel so inclined. I would enjoy sharing an old tale or two."

These are probably the most fun design for the letter cards so far. I think after last year (the 2023 one) they realized they really did run out of ideas for box shaped letters lol.

In general I just like the very sweet and casual friendship implied in this card. As usual he is doing everything in his power to invite Yuu to his place at any given opportunity. Cute how when they hang out they'll tell each other chismis stories, and that Malleus is gonna commit to getting into something just because Yuu gifted it to him. TLDR he's very comfortable around Yuu here that's awesome

1st: 2021

Text: "Dearest,

My thanks for such a truly wonderful present. It is only fitting that I should give you something in return. How about the gift of beauty? Perhaps the gift of song? Or... Well, never mind. Just a joke based on the legends, you know. I shall give you something I picked out myself."

I don't really think anything will ever fully top this one tbh. The greeting just being "Dearest" was so powerful they had to pull bro to the side and tell him to tone it down for the next 3 years🥀

The "gift of beauty song or..." lines can be taken as just him being 3 seconds away from jumping to smooch Yuu (given in the movie the last gift was true loves kiss related after maleficent cursed the baby) which is honestly kinda funny. Down bad /j

Ok back to the main point and minus speculations. This is tied with the 2024 one with showing how close and comfortable (shown by how forward and playful he is here no concern of maintaing image or such) this point of his relationship with Yuu is. This is also the card where he feels the most excited and energetic I guess which is why it's still my overall favorite. Displex had no choice contain the raw Malleyuu power in this one to avoid bias accusations idk

If you want to read into it more I think it's also kinda funny that this could lowkey be taken as him saying we suck at singing/look ugly. And the reason he stopped before revealing the last line is because he realize the joke had already come off as insulting to a human not familiar with the Briar Valley even if his intention was just to be playful as friends do.

Although that would be consistent with the characterization of Malleus as being honest if anyone's performance in something (even Yuu from what we see in voicelines) is lackluster.

He is constructive tho. In these same voicelines usually offers to help teach them to get better and acknowledging it as a feat/compliment itself when they slightly improve, instead of the fanon characterization (usually for masterchef comics) that once he finds out Yuu is behind something he will autonomatically just see it as good quality already.

So yeah idk that's nice and awesome

↑ Drive compiling of the rest of the 2024 Valentines letter pics I found on twitter. There's still some characters missing + trying to look for a clearer picture of the Malleus one lol

[mcflymemes]

TO CATCH A THIEF PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue from the 1955 film, adjust as necessary

not only did i enjoy that kiss last night, i was awed by its efficiency.

left in a hurry, huh?

i'm in love with you.

now that's a ridiculous thing to say.

you're leaving fingerprints on my arm.

[name], why bother?

my only comment would be highly censorable.

some nights a person doesn't need to drink.

the book you're reading is upside down!

they came for me an hour ago.

i called the police from your room and told them who you are and everything you've been doing tonight.

why don't you own a place like this?

the pastries are light as air.

even in this light, i can tell where your eyes are looking.

i haven't stolen a piece of jewelry in fifteen years.

what do you think of my kitchen?

now, let's get down to business.

now i am going to have you investigated.

coincidence can be terrible.

how many did you kill?

you are a man of obvious good taste in everything.

my nerves could stand a drink.

say something nice to her, [name].

you make the choice.

you're here in europe to buy a husband.

the man i want doesn't have a price.

so this is where you live?

thank you. you've been most unkind.

if i'm ever hungry, i'll eat someplace else.

what can i do for you, [name]?

you need clothes and money?

take my boat and go to the islands.

i'm thinking of going home to america.

i wouldn't put it past you.

it has to be somebody who knew every detail of my technique.

you don't believe me any more than the rest.

i don't like running, hiding, and leaving a trail of doubt in everyone's mind.

i shall defend you when i can.

the police are chasing the wrong man.

they're all looking for you.

i only made one mistake.

i was talking about the fireworks!

doesn't it make you nervous to be in the same room with thousands of dollars worth of diamonds, and unable to touch them?

you're mad.

if they catch you, nobody will believe what you say.

you have a rare skill for inspiring confidence.

i only do one favor a day.

look, if you don't want to do this...

you're getting us wet!

a man should never regret his past.

what's on your mind?

i was just thinking about you.

i work for a living.

you can't touch me.

i don't know what you wanted. i know what you got.

in that case, we should hurry.

may i ask you a personal question?

if you're caught, would you be angry with me if i pretended that i was going to give you up to the cops?

act as if you're a pretty girl out for a ride.

don't buy any new clothes with the money yet.

nobody will ever recognizes me in these.

we're both taking a big chance.

what happens to you if i'm caught?

you made a bad choice of profession.

suppose it falls into the wrong hands.

why don't we enjoy our lunch first?

i don't want to seem impatient.

for what it's worth, i only stole from people who wouldn't go hungry.

i'm sorry for ever starting in crime.

i look back with horror on every job i pulled.

something bothering you?

i'm having dinner with them tomorrow.

i will continue to complain.

want me to buy that for you?

i have an intense dislike for it.

[boykisser4]

Dabi x sub bottom male reader with Endeavor x Male reader implied? M/n works for Endeavor as a sidekick or something, and Dabi ends up having sex with M/n presumably meeting at a bar, and he knows M/n works for his father so he makes M/n apart of his revenge plan by sending pics to Endeavor of him and M/n having sex. Could there be a flame kink where Dabi leaves few burn marks on M/n? Along with dubcon and rough sex in general🤭

Flames of Revenge

pairing: dabi x sub male!reader, nsfw so minors begone

warnings: male reader, smut, implied Endeavor x Male reader, flame kink, dubcon, rough sex

"You're a piece of work, you know that?" M/n chuckled, wiping the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the aftermath of his handiwork. The room was a mess, but the job was done, and that's all that mattered.

"Is that your way of saying you're impressed?" Dabi's voice was low and amused, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he leaned against the wall, arms folded over his chest. His blue flame tattoos danced in the dim light, a stark contrast to the starkness of the otherwise empty space.

M/n turned to face him, a smirk playing on his lips. "Maybe. But don't let it get to your head." He didn't miss the glint of challenge in Dabi's gaze, the way his eyes dropped to M/n's body, lingering on the tight fabric that clung to his form. It was the same look he'd seen in the bar earlier that night, the one that had led them here.

Dabi pushed off the wall, stalking closer with a predatory grace that made M/n's heart race. "Oh, I don't plan to," he murmured, reaching out to trace a finger along the collar of M/n's shirt. "But I do think we need to celebrate your... achievement."

M/n swallowed hard, his eyes locked on Dabi's. "And how do you plan to do that?"

Dabi's smirk grew wider, revealing his sharp canines. "Let's just say I have a unique way of showing my appreciation." He stepped closer, his hand sliding down to M/n's chest, and M/n felt the heat of his touch even through the layers of fabric. "But first, I need you to be clear about something."

M/n's pulse quickened. "What's that?"

Dabi leaned in, his breath hot against M/n's ear. "You work for him, don't you?" His voice was a seductive whisper, a serpent coiling around M/n's spine. "My dear, doting father, Endeavor. I want you to know that every moment of pleasure I give you, every touch, every kiss, every time I make you scream..." His hand trailed lower, teasing the waistband of M/n's pants. "It's all part of my plan. A little gift to send his way."

M/n's eyes widened, a mix of fear and arousal coursing through him. He knew Dabi's history with Endeavor, the burning hatred that fueled his every move. But he hadn't expected to become a pawn in the twisted game of revenge. "What... what do you mean?" His voice was a hoarse whisper, the words barely leaving his lips.

Dabi's hand stopped, his grip tightening on M/n's waistband. "I know everything, darling. Your little side gig working for the number one hero. And you know what that means?" His eyes searched M/n's, looking for any hint of deception. "It means you're going to be the perfect messenger. Every time we're together, I'll make sure there's something for him to see." He pulled out his phone, the screen lighting up with a sinister glow. "I'll take pictures, and you'll make sure he gets them. A little reminder of what his precious sidekick is really up to."

M/n's breath hitched. "And if I don't?"

Dabi stepped back, his smile cold. "Then maybe I'll just have to make sure he sees them anyway." He took a picture, the flash blinding M/n momentarily. "But let's not spoil the fun, shall we?" He moved closer again, his hand now cupping M/n's face, his thumb tracing the line of his jaw. "Besides, I think you'll enjoy it. You've got a taste for the darker side of things, don't you?"

M/n felt his cheeks heat up, his resolve wavering. Dabi's touch was electric, and the thought of being used in his twisted game of revenge was both terrifying and thrilling. He knew he should say no, should push Dabi away, but his body had other ideas. His hands found their way to Dabi's waist, pulling him closer, and before he knew it, their lips were crushing together in a passionate, desperate kiss.

Dabi's tongue was a dance of fire in M/n's mouth, his teeth nipping at M/n's bottom lip. M/n moaned, his hands roaming over the other man's body, feeling the heat of his skin beneath the fabric. Dabi's hands were equally as demanding, sliding down to M/n's ass, squeezing, pulling him in closer. he couldn't help but wonder if Dabi would leave his mark on him, a physical reminder of this dangerous liaison.

Their kiss grew more frantic, their bodies pressing together. Dabi's hand moved to the back of M/n's neck, his fingers digging in just enough to remind M/n of the power he held. "You're mine now," he murmured against M/n's lips. "And every time I touch you, every time I make you burn for me, it's one more step in bringing him down."

M/n shivered, his mind racing with a mix of excitement and dread. He knew he was playing with fire, but the allure of Dabi was too strong to resist. Dabi's hand slid down to the back of his neck, his grip firm but not painful. He could feel the flame user's power, the strength that could incinerate everything in his path, and yet here he was, using it to claim M/n.

Dabi's other hand reached for the hem of M/n's shirt, pulling it up and over his head, exposing his toned torso to the cool air. The contrast of the cold and the heat of Dabi's touch was intoxicating. He felt his own power responding, his body growing hard and eager, a traitor to his own fears. Dabi's eyes raked over him, a smoldering desire in their depths that made M/n's knees weak.

"You're so beautiful," Dabi murmured, his voice a seductive purr. "And all mine."

M/n's breath hitched as Dabi's hands skimmed over his chest, tweaking his nipples before moving lower. His fingers deftly unbuckled M/n's belt, unzipped his pants, and pushed them down, leaving him in nothing but his underwear. The fire of Dabi's eyes never left M/n's, holding him captive, ensnared in his web of lust and manipulation.

The first touch of Dabi's hand on his cock was like a brand, searing and delicious. M/n gasped, his eyes closing involuntarily as Dabi began to stroke him, the flame on his fingertips flickering to life. The sensation was unlike anything he'd ever felt before, a delicious blend of pain and pleasure that had him arching into the touch.

Dabi chuckled darkly. "You like that, don't you?" He leaned in, his breath hot against M/n's ear. "You like the way it feels to burn."

M/n's eyes snapped open, his mind reeling. He knew he should be scared, should be pushing Dabi away, but all he could feel was the desperate need for more. He nodded, a whimper escaping his lips as Dabi's hand tightened, the flame growing hotter, leaving a trail of fire along his shaft.

Dabi's smile grew, a twisted pleasure in his eyes as he watched M/n's reactions. He knew he had him, knew that M/n was his to use and discard as he saw fit. But for now, he would revel in the power, in the control, in the sweet agony of their union.

M/n's hands found Dabi's shoulders, gripping tightly as the flame grew hotter, the pleasure turning almost unbearable. He could feel the burn marks forming, small but distinct, a permanent reminder of this night. And yet, he didn't care. He wanted it, needed it, craved the pain that came with the passion.

Their bodies moved together in a frenzied dance, Dabi's hand working M/n's cock with a practiced ease, his own erection pressing against M/n's stomach. M/n could feel the flame getting closer, could feel the heat of it as it kissed his skin, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

And then, with a final, brutal stroke, Dabi pushed M/n over the edge, sending him spiraling into climax. The room was filled with the sound of his screams, the smell of burnt fabric, and the sight of Dabi's blue flames flickering over his body.

As M/n came down from the high, his body trembling and sweat-slicked, Dabi stepped back, his eyes gleaming with victory. "Now, my pet," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "it's time for you to deliver my message."

M/n knew what he meant, and the fear began to set in. But it was too late to back out now. He was in too deep, and Dabi had him exactly where he wanted him. He nodded, swiping a hand across his mouth, the taste of ash lingering on his lips.

[see-arcane]

Jonathan is escaping just as the beginnings of brain fever and far worse things are roiling in him. Making him more ill and haggard as he traverses the Carpathians in search of a train. Running, burning, withering. Dying.

The closer he gets to death, the more he can feel Dracula's poison trying to overtake him. It's a trap waiting to spring. He knows it. Dracula knows it. Just as the Count knows the Brides let him slip away--

Ah, well, their loss. It seems you are to be mine alone after all, my friend.

--and dreams little visions his way when Jonathan dares to sleep.

Flashes of dark water and mist. Men screaming like sheep before the butcher. Slaughtered with less mercy than any farmer ever showed his livestock before being discarded like trash.

What loss are they, my friend? I have tasted the finer things. A sweet English vintage; I shall savor more of the same in time. But these? Bah! I have seen a thousand of their paltry kind come and go. I would no sooner cherish their meal than you would swoon over a cut of shoe leather. What difference is it if I play with this coarse fare? You shall learn the same habits in time.

"No. No, no, I won't, I can't. I have to go home. I have to get to her. My life is there. My life is her."

What home is that, my friend? Who is she?

He does not answer. He cannot answer. His head is all fire, burning holes through mind and memory. No, God, he must know! He must remember! He has come all this way, he must know where he's going and who is there! His nightmares fill with as much saccharine sympathy as cutting laughter. The most sincere comment he receives in the mire of it is a single reassurance:

You will recall it all, my friend. Sickness makes no mark upon us. You will know. You will be well. Some night, in this year or the next, perhaps we can go and meet her together. In the meantime, cease your struggling. I can feel your fatigue, poor boy. Put down your head. Stop running. Let it take you. Let it help you. Rest.

"No."

Rest.

"No!"

Rest.

"No, no, no--,"

He stuffs himself with berries and a hare and handfuls from a river. A ferryman takes pity--he thinks? a river, he remembers a River, the Ferryman telling him where to go, how soon the sun will rise, he doesn't know, his head, his chest, everything burning, dying--and a blur passes between himself and the train station. He was loud there. Did he scream? Sob? Bare his teeth? They shoo him away with a ticket.

(Sharp. Why do his teeth feel so sharp? Why is he so thirsty when the fluttering shapes of the nuns keep forcing water down his throat?)

(Quiet now. He cannot get through the walls here. Ha. Could not even open his journal if he tried! The crucifix is wrapped around it! Ha!)

(Stings to hold. Why? God, God, please, not now, don't don't don't, please do not do this, the nuns, they think him mad! They are of faith, but they do not believe! They do not know! They won't understand what he is when they put him in the cemetery they won't know what they invited in unawares they won't know until he is up and out of the dirt and oh O God the Cross and the Son will not save them not entirely not when he feasted on an entire mountain range of the faithful whose prayer saved no one and soon he will not need their necks only whatever meat his teeth can reach and no no no no no no no no no no no NO NO NO NO--)

Something is different.

A white light twinkling in the red inferno. He knows it. It has brushed him more than once. She found him in the graveyard, weeping over the stones of his parents. How did she know then that he was there? He'd never told her.

Her.

Her who?

(Love. Darling. Soul. I know this. I know...)

Even if he cannot pierce the veil of a holy place, her presence can. It fires through his eyes--he is caught mid-kiss, the girl's head is hanging down, familiar sunny locks, who..?--and into Jonathan Harker's.

Jonathan Harker. Yes. Yes, that sounds right. And she is...

Running to him, to the nodding girl, a wisp under the moonlight coming to throw herself into danger for the sake of another, as ever and ever amen, she is--

"Mina."

"Pardon?" asks the attendant refilling his pitcher. She watches him carefully. "Did you say something young herr?"

"Mina. Mina Murray." His bloodshot eyes roll to the window. It faces the west. It faces her. Within him, something blessedly cool turns over, quelling an irate blaze. "I should like to write to her."

"I can speak with Sister Agatha about this. Who is Mina Murray, if I may ask?"

"My fiancee. And my name is Jonathan Harker. We live in Exeter." He offers a weak smile. One without sharp teeth. "My apologies for taking so long to remember it."

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

was reading through your lovely analysis of leona-malleus-kalim spouse expectations and wondered if you'd feel up to writing your thoughts on idia... he's a bit difficult for me to categorize socially since he's both a heir to a cursed dynasty (with all the implications) and just some guy (in the average public's eye). also the hardest (maybe?) out of the cast for me to imagine in a relationship at all. if it was to happen, how do you think it could go?

[ The series: Malleus / Leona / Kalim ]

As I say in the disclaimers of my Malleus post: "[...] in canon there are very specific in-universe rules and expectations laid out [...] so these are what I will be referring to. I also want to emphasize that the final traits I discuss in this post do NOT reflect [Idia's] personal tastes or views. [...] The traits I will be bringing up are based on what I believe the lore implies are the desirable traits for those marrying into the [Shroud] family.

Please keep that in mind while you read; this is not meant to invalidate Idia shippers!!

I feel like there would definitely be an unspoken pressure for Idia to marry and produce a child. As I said in my Malleus post on this topic, this would be regardless of what Idia himself desires. He is practically obligated to have a blood-related child that is a mage due to his life circumstances and the… “family business”, shall we say. The Shrouds have a unique magic that is hereditary (Gate to (the) Underworld), which seems to open and close the gates to Tartarus, where the most dangerous of the Phantoms in S.T.Y.X.'s facility reside. The implication seems to be that, without the UM, they may not be able to protect the world from these dangerous beings. The Shroud line also heads S.T.Y.X. itself as the director and the eldest child is raised to assume the position so the organization can continue its valuable blot research. This was the case for Idia's father, who succeeded the previous director, Aidne (Idia's grandma). Similarly, Idia is set to succeed his father. I'd imagine his own child would have the same fate mapped out for them. Again, NOT because Idia would want that for them, but "for the greater good".

I'm not certain if there would really be any other requirements other than... "continuing the bloodline", for lack of a better term?? We don't know much about the Shroud family's operations, what their role in the larger Jupiter Conglomerate is, or how the current Jupiters feel about the Shrouds. I do think that Idia's parents wouldn't be super strict about their son's spouse; they do demonstrate care for his wellbeing and, as Idia describes them, they care more about results than how those results are achieved, so... If it all ends the same anyway, it might not really matter to them who Idia ends up with so long as that person meets the bare minimum requirements. Maybe the Jupiters would be pickier about who is accepted into their prestigious family??? But I could also see them not caring that much because I believe the Shrouds are a branch family and not part of the main family.

Now, what would the minimum requirements be in the first place? We don't exactly have a list of expectations or traits that Mama Shroud had to hit before being taken in as a Shroud. She happens to also work at S.T.Y.X. as their Chief Engineer, so maybe a candidate would have to have technical know-how or otherwise be able to contribute to S.T.Y.X.'s research efforts?? I don't think this is concrete though, because it's entirely possible that it's a coincidence and she + Papa Shroud met and fell in love while she was already working for S.T.Y.X. and things just ended up working out for the both of them since they work so closely as-is.

I think a large part of marrying into the Shrouds would be... whoever it is, they'd have to be okay with (or willing to adapt to) isolation and gloominess. They'd be exposed to S.T.Y.X.'s work and would be expected to contain those secrets. It's also very possible that they would be shackled to the Island of Lamentation for most of their life and rarely allowed to leave (implied in Idia's post-OB flashback). Not only that, but they'd constantly be around Idia and the other members of his family (mostly his father), who aren't exactly the most chipper people around. Idia's spouse would also have to come to terms with raising a child in that kind of environment. That could wear away at a person mentally and emotionally. Mama Shroud deals with it fine enough because she's a very bubbly, loving, and supportive person. Her personality is a protective factor against the gloom and doom of the place.

I honestly believe a lot of it comes down to knowing what they're signing up for. To marry into the Shroud family is a lifelong commitment. It means turning away from the world, toiling away in the shadows, and submitting to the idea that this same fate will befall their child. I can only imagine what goes down in genetic counseling where the medical mage has to spell it the Shroud curse very explicitly to the spouse... Their child always has to be around blot, because otherwise the curse will start to feed on the child's energy instead, which puts their life at risk. They won't get to decide what they want to be when they grow up, because their fate is already set in stone from the moment of their birth. Revelations like this might be soul-crushing to a parent, and they have to be prepared for all of this. Like, the Shrouds may be happy to have a new member to their family but life as usual for them would not be so for the spouse, at least not until they are able to fully adjust and accept all of this. I speculated that Idia's parents went through a similar arc as what I described here; that's largely where I am drawing my ideas here from.

[reccyls]

Azel chapter 19 premium story

My translation of Azel's chapter 19 premium story. This is where he speaks about his past to Emma, so please do note the content warnings for child abuse & violence

---

Every beginning comes with a matching end. Everything that comes to pass eventually fades from memory, disappears, and becomes something that remains only in dreams. That day may arrive sooner than we think. Soon enough that there is no time to prepare.

...

Azel: I recommend that you leave Tanzanite before the next full moon, Young Akatsuki.

(Huh...?)

Prince Azel spoke calmly after he took a sip of his Zel-Tea. Akatsuki's gaze steadily met that of the all-knowing, all-seeing God.

Akatsuki: ...Things will take a turn for the worse?

Azel: Yes, and quickly.

(...If even Tanzanite's God says so...)

The moon was about half-full tonight. There was little time left until the full moon.

(The riot from before was still only a small one...) (If the situation really will get worse, then the military could be called in.) (Once the royal family starts cracking down on the protests, that's only going to escalate things.) (I hope things don't come to that.)

Thoughts of the doomsday prophecy, the topic on everyone's lips, ran through my mind. I could barely taste my own cup of Zel-Tea.

Akatsuki: I appreciate the warning.

Azel: I've said this before, no? Emma has served me well. Azel: This advice is thanks for her service. However... Azel: If word got out that God had made such a declaration of misfortune, it would lead to even more unrest among the people. Azel: So let's keep this discussion between just us, shall we?

(...If things really descend into civil war...) (Will Prince Azel be okay?)

...

(...) (......) (I can't sleep at all...)

I gave up on trying to fall asleep and opened my eyes, still curled up on the bed. But the sight that greeted me wasn't the star-dotted ceiling, but Prince Azel's eyes.

(......!?)

Azel: Wha-

He seemed just as surprised as I was, and all but leaped backwards.

Azel: If you were awake, don't just lie there quietly, say something! You nearly gave me a heart attack!

Emma: W-what were you doing?

Azel: You have it all wrong, I wasn't doing anything.

(...Well it really looked like he was staring at me while he thought I was asleep...)

I continued to stare at him. After a few more silent seconds, Prince Azel raised both of his hands as if to say "look, I'm innocent!" and turned away.

Azel: I didn't do anything bad. Azel: I was just... you were disturbing me, so I was moving you closer to the edge of the bed.

(Oh, right. I do always end up near the middle of the bed when I wake up all the time.)

I always tried to sleep on the edge of the bed so I didn't take up too much space. But I usually woke up the next morning in the middle.

Emma: I'm sorr-

(Wait, no. That's weird.) (There's no way that I'd end up shuffling to the middle every night, right? Especially not if Prince Azel keeps moving me back.)

Azel was very deliberately not looking at me.

Emma: ...It's the opposite, isn't it?

Azel: No it's not, why would it be the opposite, that's absurd, why would I move you to the middle, you're mistaken.

Emma: So it is the opposite.

Azel: ......

(This isn't the first time I've felt all warm and ticklish inside.)

Emma: Thank you. For tonight, and all the other times too.

Perhaps giving up on trying to deny it any longer, Prince Azel moved back closer to the bed with a sulky look on his face.

Azel: Don't get the wrong idea-

Emma: You're going to charge me a "Move to the Center of the Bed" fee?

Azel: ...Yes. I'll add it to your debt.

He picked up one of the nearby books and lay on his stomach as he began to read. It was probably his way of trying to end the conversation. I shuffled more to the side to give him more space, but I couldn't stop looking at him. His profile as he read was as handsome as the magnificent statue that stood in the main market square. At a first glance, he was every bit the distant, cold god the statue depicted. But Prince Azel always showed kindness in the times it was needed. He was a money-grubbing scumbag of a god who worked me like a slave... But his awkward compassion still put a smile on my face. --And I could feel my heart start to race.

(I still can't sleep. But now it's for a different reason.)

As I continued to stare, the frown on his face deepened, a wrinkle forming between his brow. He reached out to pinch my cheek.

Azel: Go to sleep already. I can't concentrate because you're staring too loudly.

Emma: Can you talk to me until I fall asleep?

Azel: No.

Emma: I have something I want to ask you. I'm really curious.

Azel: I just said no.

But despite his words, hs fingers stopped turning pages. It showed that he was listening to me.

(See? I know he's a kind person.) (So then why...)

Emma: ...Why don't you love your people?

Azel: What?

Emma: You were the one who told me that before.

(flashback) Azel: To be loved is a nuisance. And God does not love the people either.

Emma: You don't hate people. Emma: You care. You never turn away anyone who comes to see you at your temple, and you always treat people gently with a smile. Emma: To me, it looks like you do love the people of Tanzanite.

Azel: ...I had thought that Rhodolite's Belle was supposed to have good judgment. Azel: You've so grossly misunderstood me that I might actually be sick.

He closed his book and then pinched my cheek again.

Azel: I have always been Tanzanite's God Incarnate ever since I was born. Azel: People looked to me for hope and to hear my prophecies. Azel: They were looking to an infant for guidance.

Emma: Since you were that young?

Azel: Yes. My mother knelt before my crib, and my father was a fanatical believer. Azel: Of course, I have no memories of this time. I wasn't even a year old. Azel: But according to my brothers, I was forced to use talismans to tell people's fortunes. Azel: It wasn't prophecy. It was pure blind luck. A baby was telling fortunes by randomly picking out cards from a set.

Emma: That's absurd.

Azel: The people of Tanzanite don't have your common sense. Azel: They entrusted their lives, their country... everything. They left everything up to an infant.

Prince Azel let go and rested his chin on his hand.

Azel: The older I became, the more was asked of me. Azel: People worship god because they believe that their futures are already determined by those fortunes. Azel: And more importantly, it was so easy for them. They didn't even have to think for themselves, didn't have to make a single decision on their own.

(...I had known that things were sort of like this. But giving up all choices and entrusting everything to god... that's unthinkable to me.) (Making choices comes with responsibility.)

As Belle, my choices had helped to determine Rhodolite's future. If the king I chose brought the country to ruin, then that would be my responsiblity.

(How many more decisions like this has Prince Azel had to make for others?) (And how much blame will fall on his shoulders if any of those go wrong?)

Emma: ...Did you ever hate it?

Azel: Every day. That's why I acted out once. Azel: Well, I say that. But it was both of my brothers' decision. Azel: Enis and my eldest brother must have felt sorry for me, the same way you do now.

Azel: So one day, the three of us ran away from the palace and hid in these ruins. Azel: There were no adults around. No one aside from the three of us. It was the first time they could treat me like their brother. Azel: I never knew that being treated as just another "person" could feel so good. Azel: ...So much so that I made a mistake in judgment. I should have pushed for us to return to the palace before we were discovered. Azel: Our father sent soldiers out to find us when we were discovered to be missing. It didn't take them very long. Azel: And then...

Azel's hands clenched the sheets.

Azel: My father had my brothers' nails ripped out. He whipped them until they bled, and hanged them from the ceiling of a freezing cold cell for three days and three nights.

Emma: ...!

(That's... that's just...) (That wasn't discipline. That's torture.)

Azel: I was just a child. I couldn't do anything but scream and cry, begging my father to stop. But he didn't. Azel: "Everything I do is for your sake," he told me. He was smiling as he hurt my brothers. Azel: ...I haven't been able to stand the sight of blood from that day.

Hearing the pain hidden behind Azel's matter-of-fact tone, I placed my hand over his. I was barely thinking. I just wanted to try to soothe his pain no matter what.

Emma: ...That's horrible.

Azel: Nobody stopped my father. Azel: Because he believed in god, because he loved god, everything he did for god's sake was justified.

Azel uncurled his fists, without moving my hand away.

Azel: Since then, Enis has never been able to speak out against our father. He no longer sees me as his younger brother. Azel: Our eldest brother was the mastermind behind our escape plan. So he was exiled from Tanzanite. Azel: I still call myself the Second Prince out of stubbornness. Azel: My eldest brother still holds the title of First Prince to this day so that the old man will always remember how much I hate him.

(...So that was it.)

(flashback) Azel: It's fine. The old man is in his sanctuary today. Azel: No one is here to punish you for breaking from decorum for a while. Enis: ...All right.

Emma: When you say your father... Emma: You mean the Apostle?

As if in confirmation, Azel gripped my hand tightly.

Azel: You have always felt there was something off about him, haven't you? Azel: It impressed me. Not many can look behind his mask to see the madman beneath.

(The more I hear, the more it sounds like...)

Azel: People worship me as a god, but that is just a convenient illusion for their sakes.

Azel: The true identity of Tanzanite's God Incarnate... Azel: ...is just a pathetic, helpless slave.

All I could do was to hold his hand tightly in return.

Azel: You asked why god does not love his people. Here is your answer. Azel: They all claim to love god... Azel: They believe that just because they hold that feeling called love, they can do whatever they want, that their every action is justified. Azel: He who succumbs to "love" is driven to incurable insanity. Azel: Love is a curse.

(I feel like... I've heard this somewhere before...)

The vaguest memory of a dream washed over me.

Azel: That is why I will never love anyone. Azel: Never insinuate such a thing ever again.

Emma: But... Emma: That "love", isn't truly love.

(Not the kind of love that I know.) (I think this is where that sense of discomfort is coming from.)

Emma: Something that causes you such pain can't be love. Emma: The love that you speak of is just violence masquerading as love.

At my declaration, Azel's eyes seemed to glimmer challengingly in the moonlight.

Azel: So, what is it supposed to be?

(What is love supposed to be...)

It's a question that I've been struggling to answer myself. But if compassion and kindness are just a few of love's faces, then I knew of many examples.

Emma: It's like when you stay up late to talk wth me because I can't sleep.

Azel: ...What?

Emma: And like when you made dinner for me because I was tired. Emma: And when you got a cloth for me to dry my tears because I was crying. Emma: And moving me back to the middle of the bed every night so I don't fall off in my sleep... Emma: I think those are examples of love.

Azel: ...... Azel: So you're trying to insult me?

Emma: How'd you get that idea!?

Azel: What do you mean, how!? What else could it be? Azel: It's like you're saying that I love you.

Emma: -ah.

(Okay those might have been kind of presumptuous examples...) (But those were the first things that came to mind!)

Azel: I'm adding three zeroes to the end of your debt.

Emma: Those were just examples! Examples!

Azel's face was bright red, unmistakeable even in the dim light.

(...Is he that embarrassed...?)

The examples I had thrown out without much thought now seemed to take on a deeper meaning. My thoughts began to turn towards expectation. After an awkward silence, Azel reached out to grab my head and pulled it towards his chest.

Azel: Go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep now.

Emma: I can't breathe! I'm not going to sleep, I'm going to pass out!

At my flailing, Azel's grip loosened. But he didn't let go of me entirely, and his arms settled around my waist. He was probably just trying to stop me from looking at his face, but this was causing my own face to heat up.

(This is exactly the kind of thing that's making everyone misunderstand our situation!)

Azel: I'm going to make one thing clear. Azel: Everything I do is for the sake of making money. I have never done a single thing because of you. Azel: The next time you start talking about love or anything of the sort, I'll curse you into your next life.

(.......This is bad.)

Azel's words said one thing. His heartbeat said another. Maybe a god's heart just naturally beat faster than a human's. But regardless... The racing pulse I could feel from his chest was contagious.

(I probably shouldn't point that out, or else he's going to make me pass out for real.)

So although I didn't feel like sleeping, I closed my eyes. I don't know whether he realized it or not, but I could feel his hands gently stroking my back. Perhaps all of this was just god having pity on me because I told him he couldn't sleep.

(...But I feel like I'll be able to find the answer I've been searching for, if I'm with Prince Azel.) (What is true love?)

...

After some time had passed, Azel heard Emma's breaths even out in slumber and he shifted away. Unlike before, there was no indication she was awake. Her breaths dissipated into the desert air.

Azel: ...Good. You're finally asleep. Azel: And now I'm the one who can't sleep.

His complaining was met with only silence. Sighing, he pulled the blanket further up around them. Now wrapped snugly in a warm blanket to guard against the cold night air, Emma shifted in her sleep to curl around the blanket, clutching it tight and moving away from Azel. He frowned at the sight.

Azel: ...I'm definitely warmer than a blanket.

He reached out to her, hesitated, pulled back, and repeated this cycle over and over again for some time. But at last, he finally pulled her back close to him.

Azel: ...Being around you turns me into such a fool. Azel: ... Azel: But no sweet dream lasts forever.

Azel: What happens here will fade away to memory and into dreams, for both you and me. Azel: ...I've suffered so much at the hands of this thing called love. Azel: But at least you will be able to live without such pain. Azel: To be loved is to take the first step into hell.

And then, he pressed a gentle kiss to Emma's forehead, as if in prayer.

[glossdebut]

PRICE OF FAME | MYG ★ CH. 2 TEASER

✧ PAIRING: yoongi x fem!reader

✧ SUMMARY: You were about ready to give up, your career nowhere near what you dreamed it’d be when you started at eighteen, bright-eyed and naive. Reality for you these past few years has consisted of pouting at a camera, ignoring whispers of your name at company events, and ensuring that the stupid, tiny designer purses they keep forcing on you can at least carry a flask. But now, you’re helping a friend in need. For the first time in a long time, it feels like you’re doing something worthwhile with your life. Too bad Min Yoongi, the newest thorn in your side, seems insistent on stopping you. 『 series masterlist 』

✧ TEASER WARNINGS: none!

✧ AUTHOR'S NOTE: ask and you shall receive! i still don't have a set drop date for this chapter, but i wanted to post this short teaser for y'all anyway since you've been waiting so patiently. i am so thankful for all of the love i'm getting for this series already!!! chapter one is almost at 500 notes which is SO insane. i get so stupidly giddy every time i receive a reply, reblog, or an ask about this series! feedback and interaction keep me writing and i am so looking forward to what all of you think of this teaser. reminder that you can track the tag 'glossdebut updates' to stay updated on drop dates/word counts/etc.!

P.S. just like with all of my teasers, wording is subject to change when the chapter actually comes out <3

✧ TEASER WORDCOUNT: 481 words

✧ STATUS: ongoing

Yoongi hasn’t touched a cigarette since he was twenty one years old.

He picked up the nasty habit at sixteen, when one of his friends doled out African Ice Jacks amongst the group, bragging that his hyung had bought the pack for him. As soon as the lighter was flicked on and the bittersweet taste of bubblegum and tobacco filled Yoongi’s lungs, he was hooked.

It was stupidly easy to get his hands on cigarettes before he was of legal age, even when his friend’s hyung couldn’t supply them for whatever reason. All of the adults around him smoked, including his parents. 

It felt as though cigarettes were an extension of his hand, felt wrong when he didn’t have the option to light one up. During school hours, Yoongi’s fingers would twitch on his desk as he waited for his last class to end.

He was a fucking anxious, wound-up kid. Smoking was the only thing that helped, sometimes. If he had a shit day, at least he could have a cigarette.

When the band got signed, though, things changed. Despite the fact that the majority of the population in Korea smoked, celebrities were vilified for it in the media. For whatever fucking reason. Yoongi didn’t care much what the media had to say about him, but he reasoned that it would be pretty stupid to let his dream die over Ice Jacks. So he quit.

It was hard at first, but it’s been five years now. After so much time, it’s rare that cigarettes even cross his mind, even when others smoke around him.

Sitting across the table from you now, though, Yoongi’s fingers twitch just like they had when he was in grade school staring at a clock.

He and the band started frequenting Yoojung Sikdang long before there was any real hope for fame. It was their chosen spot after every practice. The ajumma who owns it knows their names, remembers their orders by heart. Over the years, the only part of the restaurant that’s changed is their autographed photos on the wall. They’ve celebrated every single milestone here, big or small, just the five of them. Alone.

Wrapping up their first world tour should be no different. It’s their biggest milestone yet, and all Yoongi wanted was to eat ssambap with his best friends. Remind himself that none of the fame matters as long as they still have this.

But here you are. Of course. Encroaching on everything Yoongi’s built, everything he holds dear to his heart.

The only time it’s ever been more than the five of them here was the night they signed their contract, accompanied by two label executives. Even if you’re allegedly riding Jeongguk’s dick, no way are you that fucking important.

Yoongi would laugh if he wasn’t so pissed off. You are such a fucking pest. He just can’t shake you off.

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