#I have never yet met a ‘bad’ child but I have met too many children without the support and understanding they need

[himblebo]

Last night I watched 3 children while their parents went to a concert—2 five year olds and an eight year old—and they were calling each other nonsense mean names. I asked what one of the names meant and they told me “it means Donald Trump.” I laughed at that because. Kids are funny. And then the LOOK that came over them all as they squinted at me suspiciously and the eldest asked me quietly, “are you voting for him, or are you voting for her?”

And guys they literally started cheering and dancing when I said I was voting for Kamala Harris and it was just the funniest sweetest little moment ever

[luludeluluramblings]

Bat Boys as Dads Headcanons.

Dick, Jason, Tim, Damian AND Duke included.

This could be seen as how they are as partners with child/ren, or the platonic relationship they might have with their child/ren.

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

Warnings: Made up Headcanons, SFW, wholesomeness

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

☁️ - Dick

The type of parent to be so excited about having a kid that they’re annoying.

And, not just to other people, but to his own kid.

This man is nothing but *proud dad noises*.

Takes pictures of every single milestone.

Crying over every single tiny moment and achievement.

Coddles even his teenage children a bit. Has a crises when his teenage kid/s find him annoying.

The devastation he gets when his kid/s goes through the I hate you dad phase. (Literally cries to Bruce.)

When his kids become adults though, they end up better appreciating him. Because he is a good dad.

If you hand him a baby, he will coo at a them and make the most ridiculous noises. But, if they cry, he will cry with them.

☁️ - Jason

This man is terrified of being a parent. Will panic up until delivery of each child he has. Even if he has like eight. Panic every time.

If he finds out he has a secret kid he will have an existential crisis that would make Bruce’s coping mechanisms look healthy.

Doesn’t know what he’s doing when parenting, but he is the cuddle master. Solves most things with hugs and jokes.

Somehow figures it out and has the closest bond with his kid/s. (Also, he accidentally curses in front of them which makes him the cool edgy dad.)

Will sometimes make excuses for his kids mentally while being strict.

Will never use physical punishment on his children. Never. If he ever has to whoop his kid/s, he would hate himself.

He is teaching them how to use a gun. And, he is buying them a gun. And, how to change a tie. And, how to hotwire a car. His dad lore is friggin nuts

Freezes when handed a baby. Goes completely still. If he doesn’t move he can’t hurt it.

☁️ - Tim

The dad that would literally be a perfect parent by the book. (He’s read eighteen parenting books, and so many peer reviewed articles about kids, and he will follow parenting blogs.)

Best routine management, hits all the milestones. Very active in making sure his child’s needs are met, even if it’s in the most unconventional ways.

Gets horrible imposter syndrome on if he’s a good dad or not. (He is, but he’s insecure.)

Absolutely terrified of emotional neglecting his child/ren. Will drop anything if he realizes he’s neglecting his kids by working too hard.

He gets the most sleep in his life when his kids fall asleep on his chest. The only time this man will sleep is if his kid curls up in his lap or if they have a nightmare.

When his kids grow up he gets misty eyed remembering they way they used to nap against his chest.

If you gave him a baby he would hold perfectly, or maybe in a weird way that somehow makes them stop crying and helps with colic or gas.

☁️ - Duke

Freaked out about being a dad, but also not. He knows he’s going to love his kid/s enough not to screw things up horribly, but the anxiety is still there.

Not gonna lie, he does his best to emulate his childhood. It could be a good habit or a bad habit.

Sucker for nastolgia and will try to recreate memories from his childhood with his kid. Taking them to a park he played in. Going on a vacation he’s been too.

Not because he wants to force them into something, but because he wants them to have the best parts of his favorite memories.

Plus, it just heals his inner child a bit seeing his kid/s happy.

Will do the “Back in my day…” as a joke, and maybe will exaggerate stuff a lil bit. Just a lil though.

So, gentle with a baby, but doesn’t coo. But, will sniff. New baby smell? Yes.

☁️ - Damian

An awkward (at first) and overprotective, yet can be too hard on his own child/ren.

Knows he didn’t have a normal upbringing, but too egotistical to admit he’s out of his depth when it comes to raising his kid/s.

(He had college degrees and kills before he hit the double digits in age. Yes, he knows he’s not like normal people, but he falls into the trap that his kid should be like that sometimes too.

When he realizes it, he does correct. But, he’s learning too.

Will sometimes push his kids too hard to do their best. But, only at the hobbies they choose. He won’t infringe on their choices.

Loves his kids in a stoic manner, but he loves them deeply and fiercely. (Won’t cry, but will get misty eyed at times.)

Deeply appreciates Bruce, Alfred, and Dick after he becomes a father. The amount of gratitude he feels is overwhelming.

Son of a bitch is natural at holding babies. Worse, they like him. (And, he likes them.)

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

A/N: Something I polished up to give y’all while I try to get to work on Part Four of Pregnant!Reader. Just some wholesomeness.

A/N: I had my neck tube taken out yesterday, and it’s kinda sunk in that I had cancer. (Yeah, it was confirmed. Stage one thyroid cancer, but it’s been removed.) Might have had a mild breakdown. My dad had a different cancer when I was a kid (four), so he’s been talking me through things since I have small children too.

A/N: Thank y’all for all the asks wishing me well! I really appreciate y’all so much! Bless y’all!! 💕💕

[darthwhorecrux]

Based on this wonderful request from my baby girl @tomitsulikeslemons !!!! DADDY SHINJI (literally)

🤰

Somehow, you knew there was new life growing inside of you. A woman's intuition, you supposed, but the positive test result in front of you confirmed it.

You were pregnant with your husband, Shinji Hirako's child.

At this verified discovery, a flurry of emotions hit you at once, and you began to sob. Overwhelmed, you sank to your knees in the bathroom as you tried to comprehend what this meant, your world flipped upside down without the need for your husband's zanpakuto. You were ready and you were not, excited and terrified, confident and insecure. One moment you were smiling, crying happily and laughing through your tears, and the next your brows were furrowing together, worry tugging at your heart that what if you weren't a good mother? What was going to happen to you now that you were going to be responsible for another human? Were you a bad person for thinking these things? No, you were happy. So, so happy. Putting your hand on your belly, you hadn't met your child yet, and you already had so much love for them, more love than you had for anything or anyone else in this world.

And speaking of love, Shinji, you breathed, your silly Shinji, your other half, the father of your child, what would he think?

You had talked about having children with him, so the concept wasn't entirely foreign, but you weren't exactly trying per se. He never disapproved of the idea, but this was sure to be overwhelming for him too. How would he take this?

He'd been so busy as a Captain now, you hadn't even got around to telling him that night. Or the next. It wasn't until the third night that the truth became too heavy for you to carry on your own.

He was being stupid and oblivious, too busy thinking with his dick and trying to get you out of your clothes. The kind of behavior that got you in this situation in the first place, he initially didn't notice your anxious mannerisms.

But your dearest wasn't a complete moron as so many thought of him. Observant, sensitive, and intuitive, when he snaked his arms around you from behind, you felt him still.

"Wait a minute," he whispered before spinning you around to face him, pressing a hand into your chest to confirm his suspicions. "You're shaking, and your heart's racing. Sweetheart?"

The jig was up. You tried to smile, but it came out crooked and frightened. It only made his face further contort with worry.

"I have something to tell you," you confessed timidly.

Shinji frowned deeply and released you. "Oh, shit. Please don't divorce me."

You couldn't help but scoff at him. "You dork! I'm not going anywhere!" He always had a way of making you laugh when you needed it most, but you couldn't keep putting this off. You exhaled shakily, "actually, it's quite the opposite..."

The poor, confused bastard. He raised an eyebrow at you, not quite following. "The opposite? The opposite..." He narrowed his eyes in thought.

"Shinji." Exasperated, you grabbed the hand he dropped from your heart, splaying his fingers over your stomach. "I'm pregnant."

His narrowed eyes shot open, brightening at your words. He looked at your tummy, as if he'd already find a bulge there, then back up at you again, then back down, then back up. He was being so quiet, your man who normally never shut up, it unnerved you. You were raising your eyebrows at him expectantly, needing him to say something, anything.

Then he was kneeling before you, putting both of his hands on your stomach, in disbelief that his child, his, was growing somewhere in there. "No way," he breathed, smoothing his palms over the surface of your torso. "You're pregnant? Really?" He looked up from where he knelt, his sharp features gone soft.

"Mhm." You nodded, smiling gently, his softness contagious.

Shinji looked at your belly again, gasping in disbelief, processing your words. His silence again worried you, made you reach for his hair and tangle your fingers through it, hoping to get his attention.

He shot up from where he knelt, startling you, scooping you into his arms and spinning you around in a flash, whooping and hollering maniacally. He placed you back on your feet to hug you and deliver sloppy, innocent smooches all over your face, smothering you.

He pulled back, panting, holding you by your shoulders. "I knew I was a sharp shooter, but this - this!" He shook you, laughing. "Holy shit! I'm gonna be a dad! I'm really gonna be a dad!" He chanted, grinning wide. "And you!" His voice broke off as he curled a hand around your jaw, looking utterly soft and kissable again. "Oh, my little mommy! My sweet baby's havin' a baby! My baby's gonna be a mommy!"

Emotion exploded almost painfully in your chest as you were reminded of that fact for a second time. You were going to be a mother, and him a father. The father of your child. The statement didn't seem true, but alas, it was. His excitement made tears spring from your eyes all over again. Your lip wobbled but strained into a smile as you joined in his laughter. He understood the weight of your emotions, pulling you into his chest in a suffocating embrace to sob it out. He rubbed your back and thought aloud over and over again, "I'm gonna be a dad. We're gonna be parents."

You stayed in his arms for a long time, standing there, and then in bed, relishing in the comfort and safety you felt when you were with him. You were grateful your child would grow up to experience the same, to be loved and protected by someone so special. When you were finally calmed down enough, he had something else to say.

"I'm gonna be such a dilf."

.𖥔 ݁ ˖🍁๋࣭ ⭑🍂༘⋆

The seasons were different, more meaningful, as your baby grew through each of them. The rest of the autumn and holiday season was special now that there was an impending addition to your family. As the leaves fell and the weather changed, you were reminded of the change happening within you. You frequently made and shared cozy, nourishing meals and treats with Shinji, spent more time cuddled up with him rubbing your belly and whispering sweet nothings in your ear as the evenings got darker and colder. Quality time spent with him was more frequent, slower, more deliberate.

At holiday festivals with your friends, you and Shinji had to find ways to cover the fact that you weren't throwing back drinks as you normally would, being that the pregnancy was still only in the beginning stages and you had yet to break the news to them. You were never alone, your husband always at your side, careful, calculating, safeguarding.

"Oh, she's not feeling well tonight," he'd speak for you, protectively slinging an arm around your shoulder and tugging you into his side, glaring at the person prodding you.

On the occasion that he let you respond, you'd save yourself with something as simple and uncomfortable as "ah, I've been putting on some pounds recently, and I'm trying to cut back on the extra calories," pretending that you were ashamed of your growing stomach when really you were elated.

"Yeah, you are looking a little more filled out these days," Soi Fon replied impassively when you told her this, making your jaw drop despite the fact that you were mostly lying.

"What the hell does that mean?" You had to pull Shinji back from getting into an argument with her, nervously laughing it off and excusing her blunt nature.

₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊

Then came the harsh winter, and you didn't mind so much being stuck indoors this year. You enjoyed staying at home with your little bun in the oven, taking long, warm baths, lighting candles, asking Shinji to bring you home whatever you were craving that day. You were actually starting to fill out now, and so you shared the news with a few close compatriots in the new year.

"Oh, congratulations!" Orihime beamed, hugging you, holding your hand, and talking your ear off about motherhood, being that she already had a little boy with Ichigo.

"Yeah, congrats." Ichigo smiled in agreement, proudly slapping Shinji on the back. "Little scary that Hirako's gonna be a dad, but congrats!"

"HEY!" Your husband frowned.

Rukia asked you about the gender as she watched her own little girl playing with Renji, if you had a preference for a boy or girl. You explained that you and Shinji agreed to let the gender be a surprise, coming up with a variety of names should your child be a boy or girl. You'd both be happy no matter who your child turned out to be, gracious that you were even blessed enough to have a child at all, or so Shinji told you. For every boy name he came up with, there were 3 more girl names. You never nagged him about it, but you had the inkling he wanted to be a girl dad.

Now that people were starting to find out, he was increasingly going all "dad mode," as he called it, not caring who was around to witness it. Shinji always had a bit of a protective streak, but now...you couldn't so much as step outside without him rushing to your side, holding your hand or arm to help you along.

"You could slip on ice!" He'd reason.

"My love, it's nearly fifty degrees out today. There's no ice."

You couldn't blame his overprotective behavior much. You were going through a lot of behavioral changes as well, much worse than anything he was.

For one, you had become incredibly needy for him. It was odd. You'd thought you wouldn't want to be touched being that you were swelling up, but on the contrary, you were constantly in heat, begging for him to satisfy you no matter the place or time.

"You sure you want this? What if I accidentally poke junior?" He'd grin and tease you.

"You're big, but you're not that big, Shinji. Just fuck me already."

"Ouch. So impatient, momma," he tsked. "But I guess I've got to take care of my wife, don't I?"

And for another thing, you were a rollercoaster of uncontrollable emotions, especially the more your pregnancy progressed. You were constantly snapping over the smallest of irritants or bursting into tears over minor inconveniences, like the day Shinji brought you a tray of sushi in an attempt to cheer you up after you were already having a particularly difficult day.

"You idiot! I can't have sushi!" You shouted at him, heated with fury over such a small matter and with the effort it took to fight off tears.

"Ah, forgot about that." Shinji scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, dumbly.

It made you explode, a cascade of waterworks streaming down your cheeks. Another thing that had changed was how much softer he was with you, if it was even possible for him to get any more so, despite how bitchy you had been. So then you were crying because of your hot-temper, hurt curling around and squeezing your heart at the helpless way he looked when you yelled at him.

"I'm being so mean to you! I'm so sorry! I'm a horrible wife!"

"What?! No!" He'd pet your hair and kiss your tears away. "If anything, I deserved it. I am an idiot for getting you sushi. Wasn't thinkin', doll. I'm sorry."

Shinji had learned a lot of patience through the months, and it made him a better man in every aspect of his life, not just at home. He was never the most tightly-wound, but he had mellowed out considerably as he took care of you and his unborn child each day, growing into a gentle guardian before you had even given birth.

"He's been so calm lately," Momo informed you over lunch one day. "Training has been a lot less strenuous. Everyone on the squad keeps joking that they hope you stay pregnant forever," she giggled.

"Glad I could be of help," you giggled along with her.

˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧💌˚.⋆🌿

When the spring came, you were much bigger, getting ready to blossom just as the season was. As it got warmer and sunnier, Shinji made a show of shading you wherever you went, protecting your sensitive skin from the sun, and on those stormy days, he stayed inside with you, making you comfort food and falling asleep with his head in your lap as you read aloud or listened to music, introducing your child to the art you loved so much.

The fickle weather reminded you of your inner world, the way one day you'd wake up sunny, full of joy and love and readiness to meet your baby, and the next, stormy, full of trepidation and worry and unpreparedness, fretting constantly over the questions you had been asking yourself since day one: Will I be a good mother? Will I be able to handle this? Am I a bad person for being so afraid? For feeling so unprepared? Should I be doing more?

Shinji was always there to listen and coax you out of the storm, massaging your sore back as the rain fell outside, he'd confess his own worries.

"I feel the same way," he'd say. "Some days, I feel on top of the world, like I can do anything, and fatherhood won't be any different, but other days, not so much. I'm anxious about being a good father too.

"But we're in this together." He placed his hands over your stomach in the shape of a heart. "And I know you'll be a great mother, so why shouldn't I be a great father too?"

"You will be a great father. You already are," you assured him sincerely.

Your baby stirred inside as if to say, "yes, he is! Yes you are!"

"OH, OH! SHE KICKED! SHE KICKED!" Shinji shrieked, feeling around in hopes of catching another flurry of movement.

"She?!" You laughed excitedly.

"Or he. I don't know, it just slipped out." He chuckled abashedly.

You smiled knowingly to yourself. "Maybe she's excited about hearing her daddy talk so sweet."

"Yeah, maybe." He smiled.

𓆉°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Now came summer, and you were about to pop. It was as if an eternity passed and simultaneously, no time passed at all. You were changed and you weren't. You remembered the day you found out like yesterday, feeling almost exactly the way you did that day, but more matured. One thing was for sure, no matter how scared you were, you were ready. You'd never felt more ready for anything in your life, bursting with love and impatience, needing to meet your child, whoever they were, whoever they'd become.

Shinji felt the same way, and he had become equal parts amusing and annoying as you approached your due date.

"You think today's the day?" "How you feelin'? How's our girl...or boy?" "What was that?! Are you having contractions?!"

You laughed at him. "No, I just stubbed my toe."

You surprised yourself with how calm you were even though you were soon to be ripped open. Sitting outside under an umbrella next to Shinji, you were sucking on a popsicle, enjoying the hot day when there was a faint cramping sensation in your abdomen, so light, you hardly noticed and ignored it.

But then it was there again several minutes later, a little more noticeable this time. You straightened in your seat, which caught Shinji's attention, always on high alert.

"What is it?" He asked urgently, staring at your large, round stomach.

"Just a little cramping." You forced a smile.

He gave you a pointed look.

"I don't think we should panic yet. My body's doing funny things all the time." You waved a hand dismissively. "And I haven't finished my popsicle."

It was barely a moment later, Shinji hadn't even a chance to retort, that you were straightening again, gasping as pain shot up your back, making you drop your popsicle.

Your husband shot to his feet. "We're going," he demanded, pulling you up to stand. "Better safe than sorry."

The last thing you saw before being ushered away was your popsicle melting against the concrete, leaving a red stain. And it was a good thing, that he was permanently in dad mode, stealing you away from your quiet day and your treat, because you were indeed going into labor.

The long hours that followed were a fast-paced blur. The peaceful summer day was suddenly bursting with feeling and noise, the cold air conditioning inside the hospital fighting against your sweaty skin, strange sensations and haziness. You could hardly process what was going on, blinded with pain, the only person who grounded you was Shinji, your rock. He sounded distant, but he reminded you over and over again that he wasn't.

"It'll be okay, sweetheart, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

All the pain, the damage inflicted on your body, the blood, sweat, and tears, it was all worth it the moment your baby came out, and your life had finally changed for the better, a love like you had never felt before truly coming to fruition as reality shifted in front of you. You'd do it all again. You'd take this feeling, this unconditional love, and bottle it up to carry with you forever if you could.

"It's a boy!" The doctor cheered.

When you finally got to hold your baby boy, nothing else mattered. The entire world was in your hands, so fragile and so precious that it made you sob uncontrollably in your exhausted and delirious state, cooing to him as he cried, talking to him and telling him how beautiful he was, how much you loved him.

It was extremely rare that Shinji ever cried, and now, there were silent tears streaming down his face, in shock that he played a part in creating this beautiful, little boy. Like you, he knew this was the epitome of love in the flesh before you. You both knew the moment you saw him, you'd do anything for him.

Shinji, who didn't get to have his baby girl (yet), was so in awe of his little guy. He held him with a tenderness and reverence unlike anything you'd seen, crawling into the hospital bed with you to cuddle up as a real family. He took care of you, softly as usual, as you came back to health, and he cherished every little moment of this newborn stage, chattering nonstop to the nurses, the doctor, to you, to friends, to family, anyone who would listen about his son, his son!

"I'm in love," he confessed as he held the tiny boy at home for the first time.

"So am I."

Your son started to bob his head against Shinji's chest, looking to be fed.

Your husband passed him over to you with a smug grin. "Oh yeah, he's a ladies man for sure. Just like his daddy." He winked.

Motherhood was everything you imagined and somehow everything you hadn't all at once. Your son had challenged you, changed you, shaped you in ways you couldn't explain. You were constantly tired yet always finding it in you to go, go, go, constantly stressing but somehow relaxed as ever, knowing this was exactly where you were always meant to be.

And Shinji, he was a fantastic, eccentric, loving father, as you had no doubt he would be. Hearing him playing with your little boy and the sounds of your baby's laughter quickly became your favorite sound in the whole wide world. Your heart swelled each time you saw Shinji twirling him in the air or blowing raspberries into his chubby belly. He was a new man, matured, with quiet strength and so much affection to give, one you were so deeply in love with it was incomprehensible.

He had become great around children generally, not just your son. On play dates with the little Kurosaki and Abarai toddlers, the children would chase your husband and pull his hair and roar with laughter at his quick wit and goofy antics. You rested easy knowing your son would grow to live a vibrant life with lots of love and laughter, never a dull moment with Shinji's playful nature.

You'd never been happier, and you were grateful for every day, every moment, even those filled with stress and struggle and challenge. You continued to grow and raise your son, both happy and sad at how beautiful it was to witness but how fast it happened. Shinji bought him a toy sword and you imagined him years and years from now, with a zanpakuto of his own, getting into dangerous battles, and you already fretted over your baby boy. He'd get taller and stronger, but he'd be your baby forever.

You mourned the loss of previous baby stages as he hit each new milestone, consuming food besides milk, starting to babble, walking, talking, learning new things and amazing you with how smart he was. It was bittersweet, but it wouldn't be the last time you got to experience it as you witnessed that positive test result for the second time.

"Ready to do it again?" You asked your husband with a grin, so much changed already from the last time you told him you were pregnant, shown in the very way you revealed this to him.

"Of course I am, mommy!" Shinji lifted your son in the air. "Of course we are!" Your little boy giggled and cheered, though he didn't know yet what he was cheering for. "Though I do have a request for how to do things differently this time round..."

"And what is that?" You giggled.

"When we can, we find out the gender." He raised his eyebrows hopefully.

"You still want a girl, don't you?" You came forward, kissing your son on the cheek.

"I love my mini me so much obviously," Shinji nuzzled him affectionately, "but yeah. I do."

"Then a girl we'll have." You kissed your husband.

And you did.

(read part II with baby girl here !!!)

[rainbowberriesandcookies]

Orihime's weird food combinations actually make a lot of sense-

It's one of those things that in the moment, it's used for comedic relief when other characters see her or hear about her weird food combinations but honestly there's also a lot of subtlety that makes me wonder if Kubo has more personal experience growing up poor or with food security because my god it makes too much fucking sense.

We know that Sora and Orihime had abusive parents who were described as the types of people that would hit a child until it stopped crying and that Sora intentionally hid her away from them to take care of her.

Chances are, their parents never taught Sora how to cook or take care of himself properly, and growing up, he likely had to feed Orihime little bits of what he could put together before he was able to turn 18 and run away with her.

At the start of the story, Ichigo says that Sora died three years ago and at the start of the story, Ichigo and Orihime are both around 15 years old. Which means Orihime was no older than 12 when Sora died.

Have you seen what 12-year-olds left to their own devices eat? And eventually, we find out that Orihime is taken care of by a distant relative who only sends her money as long as she keeps her grades up. Given that she lives by herself, it's likely only enough money to ensure that Orihime isn't homeless or starving - but not enough to actually buy proper meals.

And if it is - Orihime likely doesn't know what a proper meal looks like. From how Sora described their parents, he likely had to raise himself as many children do in abusive relationships, and then had to raise Orihime. But children often learn things from their parents like how to cook, clean, etc.

Another character with a similar home life that Orihime reminds me of is Taiga from Toradora.

Until she met Ryuji, Taiga pretty much lived on convenience store food as her parent(s) only sent money every so often. Likely - once again - it was just enough to make sure she wasn't homeless or on the streets but not enough to be able to afford cooking proper meals and Orihime - like Taiga - likely doesn't really know what normal food or meals really look like.

And as early as the volume 2 character profiles, we learn that Orihime is supported by relatives.

At one point, she's even seen eating bread likely because it was all she could afford.

In Chapter 14, Orihime just brings an entire loaf of bread and a can of red bean paste to lunch and as early as Volume 2 we learn that she's supported by relatives - yet we also know that she lives alone which even as early as this it can be assumed that they're fairly distant and only do so out of obligation rather than love.

Come Chapter 450, this is elaborated on even more

She outright mentions that a distant aunt pays for her living expenses and sends her less when her grades go down. And here, you can see her recounting what she heard about her parents being "really abusive" from her brother all with a smile on her face despite the fact that it's a pretty somber.

Another hint to the food insecurity is how Orihime looked at the donuts earlier and Riruka upon hearing this, let Orihime eat as much as she wanted.

It's in her own way, but Riruka clearly understood that Orihime didn't really have a good home life. But she's a tsundere so Riruka has to say that she doesn't want them anymore instead of outright saying she feels bad and doesn't want to deprive someone who likely has never really had too much food security of food that's right in front of them. The typical "It's not like I care or anything" from tsunderes like Riruka.

Jumping back to earlier chapters-

Orihime joked with Tatsuki about having to carry around a sleeping bag and sleeping outdoors after being kicked out of her apartment following the hollow incident in Chapter 24.

Given that Tatsuki didn't appreciate the joke and up till this point, she's one of Orihime's closest friends, chances are Tatsuki knows that Orihime has a precarious living situation which is why the joke didn't come off as funny because Tatsuki would also know that Orihime is the type to just smile her way through all of her troubles.

So combined with what we know...

As early as Chapter 4 her apartment was damaged as a result of Ichigo's battle with Acidwire, in Chapter 14 she brings bread and red bean paste to school to eat and in Chapter 24 Tatsuki doesn't appreciate her jokes about having to be in a sleeping bag until she finds a new place before admitting that she's actually staying in a hotel.

Chances are her grades slipped to the point she couldn't afford rent anymore or the damage to the apartment was that bad - either way the result was a pretty big strain on her already tight finances.

Orihime's odd food tendencies aren't just to make her quirky, but one of the only ways she knows how to survive. After all - a lot of people who live in poverty or struggle with food security eat and enjoy strange meals like mustard sandwiches where it is just bread and mustard or sugar sandwiches where it's just butter, bread, and sugar... A lot of struggle meals honestly involve some type of bread because it is cheap and filling.

Bread is one of the cheapest food items you can afford and while everyone else thinks that her food combinations are horrid... there is at least one person who appreciates them.

Rangiku!

And from what we know, Rangiku also had a very similar upbringing where she was found starving and alone by Gin. He offered her persimmons, a fruit that when eaten at the wrong time is very sour but when it's ripe it's mushy/soft. Because of this, persimmons can be something of an acquired taste - and when they're dried the flavor of them is even more concentrated

All in all, her quirky food habits are a subtle nod to her upbringing, and thinking about it now, it makes sense as to why it never really sat right with me when people would callously make fun of her food combinations or rather treated them like a genuine character flaw to mock and demean her over.

It's used for comedy because when you hear certain struggle meals, they really don't be making any sense and sound disgusting! Yet at the same time, it's a result of having to make do with what you have and your tastes revolving around that.

Even with the consistency of Rangiku, someone who was found starving enjoying her food combinations - it makes me wonder if Rangiku is no stranger to eating weird things or combinations on occasion. It also contrasts with Toshiro who was shown not really enjoying the food combinations, but unlike Orihime or Rangiku, he's never really been shown starving or hungry in his backstory because he had his grandmother and Momo with him.

Because of that, it's kinda hard to chalk up Orihime's weird food tendencies and growing up poor to be a "lucky coincidence" because the other person who enjoys them too grew up similarly to her - where food was scarce. Given how seemingly well thought out it is, it makes me wonder if Kubo himself may have either had or knew someone who struggled with food scarcity.

[yanderes-galore]

I have seen requests were open! I have one, if it's okay-

Platonic yandere catnap/Theo x little(maybe trans if your comfortable) sis reader

Who he had gotten out before the hour of Joy all those years ago, but is back now trying to find him?

(Idk, I love sibling relationships and yanderes-)

Have a good day/night!^^

I'm just going to keep it general female pronouns as it just... doesn't change the story much? Here's more CatNap, this one is closer to canon than the normal AU I do.

You aren't actually related to Theo in this to make the plot work, but he sees you as his Little Sister... if that's okay? It doesn't change much plot-wise, I promise.

Yandere! CatNap with Little Sis! Darling

Pairing: Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Female Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Human experimentation, Violence, Death, Drugging (Poppy Gas), Kidnapping, Stalking, First portion of this Darling is a child, Second portion you and CatNap are adults due to the time skip, Violence, Murder, Blood, Religious themes, Forced companionship.

A long time ago, you were raised in the Playcare Orphanage alongside Theo.

However, you weren't really one of the orphans.

Your parents were either scientists or perhaps even the founder of Playtime Co.

You were merely dropped off at Playcare to be watched, unaware of all the experiments going on.

Well... how could you be aware in the first place?

You were only five....

Theo was actually a playmate of yours, but you two acted like siblings.

Theo, the troublesome kid, saw you like a little sister.

You two were often seen playing with one another.

Scientists and your own parents originally were concerned when Theo grew attached to you.

The kid was a known troublemaker, often blaming his behavior on his "imaginary friend".

Supposedly he even spoke to you about his "friend", yet at your age you didn't entirely understand him.

You also saw Theo as a friend and sibling, even expressing despair when you learned Theo had gotten himself into a bad accident.

Truthfully, you never knew the real fate of Theo.

You were still often visiting Playcare when CatNap was introduced.

You were told Theo was "adopted" and "moved away".

In reality the kid became CatNap, reborn in a new body due to the Bigger Bodies project.

CatNap retained some memories that Theo had, but was essentially a new being.

He was the new guardian of Playcare, one meant to "protect and discipline" the orphans.

CatNap scared many of the kids or just... didn't get along with most.

However, with you?

Scientists noticed that CatNap was oddly attached to you.

The large cat hovered around you, acted playful and affectionate, and seemed to dislike you playing with other children and Smiling Critters.

The going theory was CatNap remembered you from when Theo was alive.

After all, CatNap often rambled about "The Prototype", it would make sense if he remembered his playmate.

Many STAFF were reluctant to pull you away from CatNap.

The large purple cat often picked you up, curling around you and purring.

STAFF were often met with hostility when they tried to take you away.

You had grown to adore CatNap, the large lavender smelling cat often putting you to sleep and watching over you.

You played with CatNap for years, perhaps four years after he was created.

You were around nine or ten before your parents wanted to stop you from going to Playcare.

They knew you were getting too old and CatNap (who would probably be around eleven or twelve) was getting too overprotective of his playmate.

CatNap still saw you as close to him, although the lines between sibling, friend, and playmate often blurred together.

You were taken out of Playcare before the Hour of Joy.

While you were sitting at home, no doubt with either your mother or father, CatNap was panicking when he couldn't find his best friend and sibling.

Poor you had no clue about the truth of Playtime Co.

Not until ten years later, where you return to the factory to learn the truth.

By this point you're just about in your 20s, which means CatNap would be too.

It's been years since you've entered this place.

You want to know the truth about Theo... only beginning to realize your mistake once you're trapped inside.

I imagine you follow a similar journey to the player character in Poppy Playtime.

You meet Poppy, you defeat Huggy Wuggy and Mommy Longlegs...

Eventually you return to Playcare... and memories come flooding back.

You know you need to escape, but you're also scanning your surroundings for answers.

All the while CatNap is hunting you... soon realizing just who you are.

It's been years and you have matured into a young woman.

CatNap feels a pang of envy deep within him.

Perhaps deep down he wishes he could've grown up alongside you.

CatNap doesn't hunt you for food or a sacrifice to The Prototype... he hunts you because you mean a lot to him.

Memories spark within him, times where you two would play and you'd even call him "brother".

It didn't matter if you were really related or not... you were bound together.

Even as the guardian of Playcare he cared for you.

He was devastated when you were gone.

But now you're here...!

Now you can play again!

CatNap would probably make his move eventually, stalking and watching you until the time is right...

Then, without warning, he'd use his Poppy Gas to knock you out.

If you had a gas mask, he'd break it before making you hallucinate.

When you eventually fall asleep... CatNap would pick you up by the back of your clothes and carry you down into the depths of Playcare.

Mini Smiling Critters scurry around in the dark but remain obedient when CatNap growls at them.

The large cat takes you deep into his territory before placing you down.

Like he did when you two were younger, he curls around you protectively.

You wake up eventually to the smell of blood and the faintest smell of lavender.

You're wrapped tightly in the tail of CatNap as the beast purrs and growls away in his sleep.

Upon your attempts to struggle against him, the cat shoots awake and glances at you.

You freeze when you see the beady white eyes stare back at you...

Only to hear and a loud purr as the cat nuzzles into you.

Nearby is CatNap's shrine to The Prototype, the cat silently happy that his prayers have been answered!

Now you two can play together... forever.

CatNap no doubt makes you, his little sister, worship The Prototype.

Mini Smiling Critters are docile towards you, mostly because CatNap would eat them if they weren't.

Speaking of eating... You often see CatNap hunt other toys and drag them to you.

The mix of toy and flesh is... nauseating to you.

However, you can't eat anything else.

Resulting in you trying to adapt.

Escape is near impossible without a Grab-Pack.

Even if you had one, CatNap never lets you out of his sight.

Despite you being an adult, CatNap still treats you like a little kid.

He never leaves your side and is incredibly protective of you.

If you tried to leave him, he'd have you gassed to drag you back.

In his own way... CatNap loves you.

He loves his little sister and playmate...

You two can now play in Playcare just like old times... even if it kills you in the end.

[noemilivv]

Hi Hi Hiii!!

I just came across your blog for the first time and OMG YOUR CONTENT IS SO SILLY I LOVE IT AHENEGSNWVDBEGDEE (the aesthetic is <33)

That 300 thingy was so cute,too bad i missed it 😭😭

Anyways,

May I ask for some platonic! Alastor,Rosie,Zestial,Carmilla,Vox,Adam and Husk (don't be afraid to shorten the list if it's too many 😭 I usually give a lot so you can write those you have more inspiration for) with a child!reader that is stereotypically childish and just very energetic and happy? Like,they love bright colors,plushies,running around,climb on stuff,always are happy but overall is a very nice and polite kid and will behave if kept occupied? Maybe one day the kid isn't all happy like always and the character worried? (Idk you do you,I just want a silly little chaotic kid!reader 😭😭)

I love platonic stuff so yeah :3

Anyways,I hope you can and enjoy writing this!!

I hope you have a really nice day! Don't forget to drink water and have rest!!

Stay proud!

-Nina <3

AWEEE TYSM !! i’m glad you enjoy my content (as well the aesthetic of my blog hehe), dw tho!! i’ll def have more events similar to my 300 celly in the future ~

as of now, i do not write for zestial or carmilla, but other than that i can do the rest ! enjoy !

Adam, Alastor, Husk, and Rosie + Chaotic!Child!Reader

Adam

He literally loves you to pieces bro, it makes him consider kids later on in his afterlife

Wrestling is constant with the the two of you, he’ll let ya beat him up for fun, he’ll swing ya around, anything ya want!!

Although, if you start swearing at a young age, now it’s thinks to him!

If he sees that the chaotic and fun kid he knows just isn’t feeling it today, he’ll plop down next to ya, try to make you laugh or smile, but if he gets no response? Crushed bro.

He’ll just be like “What’s wrong little bro?” with a 🥺 look on his :’)

Alastor

Alastor wasn’t much of a kid person, well.. until he met you.

You were fun to be around - energetic, but also still polite, as well as entertaining

He would have you do some tasks, giving him less work, and it kept you occupied

Although one day, his charming little kiddo wasn’t their normal happy self.

Al would bend to your level, a soft smile on his face, “Young one, you’re never fully dressed without a smile!”

Husk

To be honest, kids weren’t really Husk’s thing, teenagers? Sure. But young children, eh…

Well, until he met you, you were polite, but still had a lot of energy and were fun to be around — but also knew when to shush.

He would especially love it when you would say the most out of pocket shit, and just not know, cause you’re just a kid!

But when he sees his little stinker without their usual smile, he’s concerned.

When you come to the bar with your little soft frown, Husk will lean over the counter to face you, whispering a small ‘Keep pushing tiger, ya got this.’

Rosie

Rosie adores children of all ages, she’s a very motherly person, so it’s safe to say when you first stumbled into her emporium, clueless, she was more than delighted to help you!!

Once she got to know you, she was in awe about how a child could be more perfect, you were so grown yet so innocent, it was cute, really.

So when she sees you stumble back to her parlor, looking like you had just cried, her heart broke for you.

She’ll take your hand, and lead you off to your usual talking spot, giving you a cup a tea, “C’mon now, sweetie, what’s got ya in a funk? What can I do?”

[charliedawn]

Hey this is some stupid fear I have but how would some slasher ( whoever you want. ) React to a nurse who is young like in 20s and isn't scared at dying at a young age or isn't scared of dying like any time, but it's scared to grow up? It's really a stupid fear I have personal.

P.S you don't need to do it tho.

( sorry for the bad Grammer, English is my second language. )

Pennywise:

"Yeah. Growing up is scary, kid. I won’t lie to you. But, guess what ? It is part of the process." Pennywise hesitated before patting your head. "Cheer up. Being mortal isn’t all that bad. Living forever is a bore honestly."

Pennywise’s throat tightened as he realised that you would grow up. He knew it was a process and that in the blink of an eye…You would be gone. He waited a few seconds before surprising you by pulling you into a hug. Your eyes widened as you realised that he was shaking.

"Pennywise…" You uttered in a whisper before sighing and hugging him back.

He didn’t say anything. Truth was ? He was scared too. But, he didn’t want to tell you with words. So, he hugged you and hoped you’d understand that he was scared too…but that he was happy that whatever little life you had left, he’d be right next to you until the end.

Penny:

Penny lost so many people in his life that he asked Pennywise to erase his memories of the people he used to love. When you shared your fears with him however, he tilted his head and seemed to ponder on it for a moment before shrugging.

"I could make you live forever. Would you be happier if I did ? Make you immortal ?"

You started thinking about it.

Living forever ? You smiled sadly and shook your head negatively.

"Thank you, Penny. But…I don’t think I would like to live forever. Life is meant to be precious…It is not meant to go on forever."

Penny tilted his head and looked puzzled, but he didn’t say anything. It was odd. He had never seen his life as precious when he was alive. But yours ? His jaw twitched slightly. Yours. He valued.

Vincent Sinclair:

Vincent is an artist. He sees beauty in everything.

When he heard that you were scared of growing up, he just started taking as many pictures as he could of you and showed them to you. He then told you in sign language that you’d live forever—in his camera.

And that if you were scared ? Well, you just had to look at the photos and remember that that was how he would remember you forever. He then started stroking your hair and pressed his forehead against yours to calm you down.

Vincent knew he would eventually have to say goodbye.

But, to him ?

You would always remain a masterpiece.

Five Hargreeves:

"Growing up is scary. But, being stuck as a child is even worse. Children never get heard. I would know. I was a child. Twice."

He said and looked down. So many years spent in solitude. So many years wasted. He lived for decades and yet, Five never thought that he was truly alive. He was feeling better with his siblings, but he never actually had any moment in his life that he could say that he felt like he was enough or enough. Sometimes, he even wondered if the world would have been better without him.

It was only when he was admitted in St Louis that he realised he wanted to be something more and make his life a good one. It wasn’t until he met…you.

He looked at you and smiled.

"You gave me a life. And even when you get older and start forgetting about how you changed everything for me, I’ll be there to remind you. Every single day."

Jason Voorhees:

Jason never had a real childhood. He was bullied as a kid and his overprotective mother never allowed him to get out of her sight. When she died, he had no one to look after him and felt lost and lonely. He tried to reach out to people, but he could never create attachment with anyone.

So, he just kept killing and making sure people stayed away, because it was better than to get hurt.

And then, he met you.

He started caring for you more than he’d care to admit and soon enough, he wasn’t feeling as lonely anymore.

Jason *hugs you tightly*

Jason started looking up to you and even though he was also afraid of what will happen when you get too old to keep him company, he still wanted to keep you close to him—no matter how sad he would be once he would have to say goodbye.

Brahms Heelshire:

Brahms looked at you and shook his head—as if he didn’t believe you.

"Y/N…Never going to grow old. Will stay young forever. Young forever with Brahms."

He hugged you and closed his eyes.

Deep down, he knew that you’d eventually grow old and disappear. But, in his mind ? You’d always be perfect. No matter how old you get or how afraid you get.

Brahms : "Don’t worry, Y/N. Brahms is here. Brahms will stay with you…"

He held back tears and just hugged you tighter.

Norman Bates:

Norman: "…Darling. Listen to me. I am the oldest slasher to have ever existed. I was born in 1932. I am old. Very old. But…I would give up a whole eternity just to be with you. So, it is not about having a long life, but a good one. A worthy life. And just meeting you made mine worth it. And if I was to die tomorrow ? I can say…I lived a good life." He smiled and stroked your cheek affectionately with his forefinger. "You should do the same. Stop worrying about when your time is gonna run out or because of the few wrinkles on your face. Just remember to have fun and enjoy your life. Take the advice of a man who’s seen it all."

He then put down a tray on the table.

"Now, tea ?"

Jack Torrance:

"Old ? Ah. Don’t you worry, sweetheart. You’ll be one hell of a cute old lady, if you get there." Jack never got the chance to grow old. He secretly misses being alive. He would have loved to grow old with his family and be a father to Danny. But, he never got there. He died—frozen and alone. He then came back as some sort of ghost who feeds on fear. So, no. Growing old isn’t something he would find scary, or losing you. Because he knows that when you do grow old and eventually leave this world, you will go to a nice place—unlike him. And if you don’t ? Well, you’d be trapped with him. Either way, he knows you’ll be alright. So, he isn’t worried.

"You’ll be fine. I know it. Now, stop worrying and come have a drink with me."

Hannibal Jr.:

"You will always be a Hannibal in my eyes. No matter how old or wrinkled you get…You will always be my beloved daughter." Hannibal Jr. told you when you shared your fears with him. He stroked your cheeks and smiled. "Always."

You smiled at him and hugged him tightly. He returned your hug and whispered in your ear.

"You will always be part of this family." He then kissed your forehead. "No matter what."

Ghostface (Eddie Munson):

"…Don’t worry. We will grow old together. It will be less lonely." Ghostface told you and smiled at you. Unlike the other slashers, Ghostface can grow old. He is not exactly a slasher. It is more of a multitude of people taking the role with time. Eddie won’t be Ghostface forever. Once his mission over, he will start growing old as well until he just gives his mask to someone new.

Ghostface *scoots closer to you and wraps an arm around your shoulders* : "I bet we will be the coolest old people ever…" *smiles*

[starshipsofstarlord]

Brekkie

Summary -> Damon makes breakfasts for you with your daughter after he comforts her from a bad dream (1k)

Warnings -> fluff, mentions of Damon’s past and death, child abandonment

damon salvatore works other tvd works masterlist

Life as a vampire deprived those turned of many thugs, the greatest punishment for Damon being unable to have children. He had always thought when he was much younger that when he met a nice woman he would have the ability to settle down, and give her the greatest gift of all in the form of a child.

But when he met you, the blessing of a child had already fallen upon you prior to meeting Damon. It hurt him knowing that he could never be a father of his own, but without Tiff having a male parent in the picture, it gave Damon the opportunity to step up. He awoke from his heavenly slumber from being shaken restlessly on his bare shoulder by a small hand that was no doubt pining for his attention.

As his eyes peeled open, as expected he was met with the sight of Tiff. Her wide blue eyes were staring up at him, and if he had no recollection of his past, from a few attributes of her appearance he would have been convinced that she was his long lost daughter. "Tiffy, why are you up so early sweetie?"

In her presence, he felt like a whole new man. He forgot all the terrible things he had done as his sole focus was on her. "I couldn't sleep Damon..." Her voice was small and it trailed off into a silence that scared the man before her. It pained him to hear her minuscule heart having a rave in her chest, yet simultaneously he was comforted that she found solace in her sleepless state in him.

You remained comatised in the depths of your dreams as Dam0n helped Tiff up onto the bed, she laid between the both of you, hugging on of the pillows on the bed. "I get bad dreams sometimes too."" He confided in her, reaching to hold her hand with his own. She gripped it tightly, fearful as though Damon would disappear from beside her.

"What are they about? Your bad dreams I mean..." Tiff was a very inquisitive child, and was well educated in her speech for her age. He would never answer her question truthfully, there were far too many sins he had partaken in. There was guilt wrapped around the remainder of his soul like a parasite, and most things he had done were too violent to share. The little girl before him deserved to keep her innocence, she was a the purest light in his life, and he refused to corrupt her.

"Well Tiffy, when I was younger, so a really long time ago, me and my brother would play around the garden with a football. Neither him or my dad if he dared dirty his clothes never let me win. And I miss my mom, she wasn't in my life then, she left us... me." To know Lily hadn't died but in fact abandoned him and. Stefan only pained him furthermore, it had been her choice to leave him in the custody of his neglectful father.

"Oh. Mine was you left mommy and me, like my real daddy did." His heart ached from hearing her words. "You're kinda like my dad, aren't you? You're here protecting us, and you make the bad dreams go away. Do you think mommy's having a good or bad dream?" To think she saw him as a parent figure made Damon feel proud about his journey, he'd come such a long way and finally, he had everything that he had ever wanted.

In reply to her enquiry his eyes trailed past Tiff and rested on his beloved. Your face was rested peacefully atop of the pillow beneath your head, strands of hair laying softly on your cheek. It was a rare occasion that you weren’t unconsciously kicking him, but he guessed that your maternal instincts sensed that your daughter was between the two of you.

“A good dream.” He answered her, thinking about how perfect his life was in the moment. “But it’d be even better if we woke her up with some brekkie.” He insisted as he laid a kiss on Tiff’s hairline, helping her clamber off from the mattress gently, as to not awaken you prematurely. They trailed through the hallway and down the stairs to the kitchen, Damon picking Tiff up and sitting her on the countertop. “What do you think we should make, kid?”

“Pancakes!” The child exclaimed, and Damon had to remind her to be soft with her voice as you were still sleeping upstairs. Or so they thought… your bare feet had followed the route they had taken some moments later, and as they made use out of the frying pan, you watched the two of them from the doorway. A small part of you had wished they’d woken you up so that you could join them and teach them some culinary skills that would deplete the mess they had made around them, however the sight you had was everything.

The three of you were one big happy family. “And the two of you are making what exactly?” Halloween costumes would have been your first guess for when they spun around, the flour that they had used as an ingredient illuminated the high points of their faces. Tiff gave you a toothy smile as Damon blew you a kiss before returning to the pan that was hissing for his attention.

“We’re making pancakes, right daddy?” You froze, and Damon ignored that the cooking breakfast required a flip to its other side when the title escaped her mouth. She had never called Damon that before, but it justified Damon’s appearance of flour on his face and a towel slung over his shoulder. “Is that okay baby?” Damon asked you with uncertainty tied around his tongue.

You stood there, remembering all of the milestones and moments that Tiffany’s biological father had missed but Damon had been there for. She loved drives in his Camaro, he’d take her out for ice cream after he collected her from kindergarten thinking you didn’t know but you did. It was difficult to be against Damon being her ‘daddy’, because in all aspects he was. “It’s more than okay. But I don’t think the breakf- sorry, brekkie is; smells like it’s burning.”

[eulaliasims]

Round 3, Midwife 4 / 8

Soon after the wedding, a familiar face wanders in from the forest.

Angus: Hi, Mister Deer Man.

Arturo: Hello, small child who can apparently see me.

Angus: Of course I can see you. I'm Angus.

Arturo: So you are.

Arturo: Little mortal.

Helenet: Ah! By the gods, we need to put a bell on you. Or teach you how to knock.

Arturo: Ah, but that would ruin the surprise.

Helenet: Oh, so you are doing it on purpose.

Arturo: Your child is a witch.

Helenet: Angus? You can tell that so easily? I didn't think he was old enough yet for the magic to manifest, if he inherited it.

Arturo: That, or I have utterly lost my touch for concealment charms.

It's important to stop by and argue with the mortals once in a while. For fun. Gotta keep them on their toes. I'm sure I had a reason for taking these pictures three months ago, but damn if I remember what now.

Elmet, meanwhile, has another important question to ask Helenet later that night, when she's getting ready for bed...

Elmet: Netty, do you think we should have a baby?

Helenet: I'm not opposed to it, but… you realize a baby might be wirokū like you, right?

Elmet: No, I don't think so. I mean, I wasn't born a werewolf. People aren't born werewolves, are they?

Helenet: Yes. I told you about the werewolf family my grandmother knew of, didn't I?

Elmet: I kinda thought they were all just really, really unlucky.

Helenet: *sigh* I would be happy to raise a baby with you, but maybe first you should think a little bit more about what it would mean if they are born a werewolf.

You want Elmet to THINK? idk about that, Helenet.

But Elmet obeys her anyway, contemplating the matter during his nightly excursion while he watches the fire and waits for Arturo to show up.

He's not convinced Helenet is right, that their children would be born werewolves. He wasn't, after all. If a redheaded man dyes his hair dark with walnut hulls, it doesn't mean his children will be born with black hair instead of red. Lycanthropy is like, uh... walnuts? The metaphor has gotten away from him somewhere, but Elmet's point still stands.

Arturo: You are unusually thoughtful tonight.

Elmet: Netty thinks that if we have a baby, it'll be a werewolf.

Arturo: Helenet thinks many things. In this case, she is probably correct. There is a good chance of it. The lycanthropy has become a part of your blood; it is how it keeps its hold on you.

Elmet: Hm.

Arturo: I take it that is not the answer you desired.

Elmet: I… I don't know? I want to have a baby with her, so bad, like, I finally understand what my brother was going on about. It's wild.

Arturo: Many, if not most, humans have a strong biological urge to reproduce. It is the lingering nature of our animal pasts.

Elmet: Uh, okay. But remember the things I told you, the things I don't like about being wirokū? And I think, why would I want my child to experience that too?

Arturo: Consider that your condition came about as the result of a traumatic event; your child would be born to it naturally and never consider that it should be another way, unless you were to actively pass your anxieties onto them. You seem to have adjusted significantly since I met you.

Elmet: I still hate the shedding, though. It makes my pants itch.

Arturo: All mortal bodies are annoying sometimes. Some men hate having to shave their beard every day, you hate having to shed your fur.

Elmet: Who's shaving every day in this cold? Wait, Arturo, can you grow a beard? Have you been shaving it all this time?

Arturo: This isn't about me.

Elmet: But now I need to know!

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Yandere Hercules, Jack, Buddha, Loki, Hades, Indra, Rudra, Ares (Target of her light teasing and playful flirts), Shiva (She basically adopts Ganesha) with Platonic Zerofuku (She adopts him) and Adam (Papa Mode: Activated!) with a Bell-mère Reader?

She was a Marine that retired to raise her 2 adoptive daughters after saving them, and raised them with the best of her abilities (Though she passed down her flirtatious behavior to them), she’s known to be a trouble maker, yet very loving and self-sacrificing towards her daughters as she was willing to only eat the fruit from her grove to have enough money to feed them, and in her final moments she was willing to sacrifice her own life to save them

She had enough money to save herself, but she used it to save both her daughters instead and believed this way she can ‘finally’ become their actual mother, as they’re a family, despite none of them sharing any blood (And in her final moments she smiled at them as she told them she loves them before being killed)

Now she’s resting in Valhalla, tending to her Tangerine Orchard with her newly adopted son Zerofuku, who she won’t hesitate to throw hands for him, because that’s what mothers do (She’ll also throw hands for Ganesha)

I love Bell-mère so much, she was such an amazing character and anyone in the world would be lucky to have someone like her as a mother (Nami and Nojiko are still alive so they’re not in Valhalla)

-You were one hell of a woman- you knew how to fight, you had a heart of gold, but you were also funny and flirty, and you wouldn’t hesitate to put anyone in their place.

-Many admired you around Valhalla, as you would always be willing to help someone out and children loved you, mainly because they liked listening to stories of when you were in the marines- sailing the oceans and fighting bad guys- it was so much fun!

-You didn’t talk much about any other aspects of your life, after you retired and how you had died, you would just smile but anyone could see the pain in your eyes.

-You spent your time tending to a large tangerine grove, something that you were given when you arrived in Valhalla, and while there were bittersweet memories attached to it- you grew to enjoy it again.

-You lived alone most days, as you did have one frequent house guest who sometimes brought another one along with him, but Zerofuku had been adopted by you the first day you met up- the child was just so bright and lively, and you loved to hug him.

-You surprised many when Zerofuku changed into his envy form for the first time around you, the negative emotions becoming too much for him, when you were able to calm him down and let him sob into your shoulder, holding him.

-Another guest that you’ve basically adopted was Ganesha, who had wandered into your grove and was amazed, and you greeted him warmly and he almost instantly attached himself to you- you just felt so warm and you always shared your tangerines with him.

-Shiva was another of your frequent guests, being dragged by Ganesha and you and him were very similar in personality, fun loving and cocky, but you could both back your skills up and you found a good friend in him, in both of them and the day you met his wives, you couldn’t help but tease Shiva, which instantly got his wives laughing and you all became good friends.

-You all flirted with each other, but it was more of the friendly type of flirting, where you all knew there would never be any romantic affections between you, but you were fine with that.

-Adam gave you the father figure you had always wanted, as you grew up in the marines with good role models, just nothing closer and you had always longed for a family.

-You had a family of your own, later in life, but nobody knew that, except for Brunnhilde, who brought you to Valhalla, and Adam, who is the father of humanity and knows all.

-Adam was… to you, besides your daughters, was the best thing that happened to you in life, he was not only a mentor, but he let you be weak, he let you cry into his shoulder, letting your emotions out because you knew he would protect you, and he would visit often, telling you how proud he was to have such a strong daughter.

-You had, somehow, managed to get the attention of several men in Valhalla, either with your cheerful nature, your shameless flirting, or that you could go toe-to-toe with them in a fight when you needed to let loose, or a combination of everything that made you… well you!

-You were a little hesitant about dating, when (Love) approached you with some flowers, asking you out, and for such a confident woman, he was surprised to see that you were rather shy about the idea of dating.

-It’s not that you were afraid of ‘dating’ you were afraid of losing everything again, you didn’t want to deal with the heartbreak of losing those you loved.

-(Love) was heartbroken when you told him, the first person you told in Valhalla, about your daughters, finding both of them in a war-torn country, orphaned, and you quit the marines shortly after to raise them, giving them a real family, on a tangerine grove.

-You swallowed, taking a drag of a cigarette, as you were trying to quit, before you told him of your death, how the pirates took over your island, and to live there, you had to pay for each resident, you had managed to raise enough money, but then the leader turned cruel, saying it was enough for either you or your two daughters.

-Since you couldn’t pay and you weren’t going to risk their lives, you paid for them instead and he shot you right in front of them after you called him a coward to his face.

-(Love) was amazed how strong you were, as anyone losing their family like that, in such a cruel way, would have been much colder to others.

-You just grinned, poking his cheek playfully, “I wouldn’t change the past for anything. My daughters were for the most part safe, so that’s all that matters to me!” he smiled softly before letting you lean into him, finally accepting his affections.

-Adored everything about you, didn’t care if you occasionally smoked, enjoys your playful teasing and it keeps things interesting, but also loves how kind and gentle you are, despite being capable of putting anyone in their place. Has learned not to flirt with you first, because you can and will have him folding in on himself as you shamelessly flirt, but you enjoy seeing him try. Helps out in your grove and doesn’t mind that you’ve basically adopted Zerofuku, he finds it cute actually, because he can see how happy the boy makes you and he knows it reminds you of your daughters because every now and then you will smile sadly. He knows how to solve this easily- with a huge hug and plenty of kisses!

            -Hercules, Buddha, and Rudra

-Admires your strength, seeing how strong you are even in the face of heartbreak and anguish, seeing you smile and doting on other children, like your adopted son Zerofuku. Admires your warmth, your gentleness- he finds you to be a safe space for him, just like how Adam is with you, he can just relax and let his walls down around you. He tries to pretend that he’s not bothered by your flirting, but when you see him starting to get flustered you crack your knuckles and double down. You’re not bothered when he yells at you, you only laugh, when he tells you to give his heart a break, but how can you? He’s just way too fun to tease! Romantic with you, bringing you flowers or other small gifts, as you don’t need anything fancy, and neither one of you would trade this simple yet gentle feeling for anything in the world.

            -Jack, Hades, and Indra

-Has learned not to flirt with you because not only will they lose- they will lose badly and you won’t stop until they are steaming from the head and unable to form a coherent word. You enjoy teasing him since he is so fun to rile up and he will try to flirt back (fight back) but it always ends in your victory. Does care deeply about you and wants nothing more than to make you happy and keep you happy- especially after learning about your past. He admires your work with children around Valhalla and had no issues with your adopted son, Zerofuku and he has actually come to become a father like figure to Zerofuku and sometimes they will sneak off and get into trouble. He adores you and wants nothing more than to stand by your side, but his main goal is to be able to beat you with flirting for once!

-Ares and Loki

[floxtingdrm]

Kalopsia

(N): the delusion of things being more beautiful than they really are.

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fluff (with hints of angst)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Riddle (Rosehearts)

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞: On

𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞: One Shot

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬: they/them

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: He’s jealous of you, someone who’s put into high regard but at the same time he loves you, the star of his night sky.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Violence, attempts of drug usage (love potion).

Roses weren’t your favorite flowers, they’re beautiful but there are too many thorns, the red color itself never suited you and… it reminded you too much of him. Being the third child of your royal parents, they’ve always been there for you seeing as you are the youngest. It would have been nice for you to continue living in ignorance, perhaps serve the country and kingdom by becoming a duke or duchess yet life wasn’t so kind.

Ten years ago if you had remembered it correctly, you first met him after a history class about the Kingdom of Roses, the crown prince and only child to the infamous Red queen, Riddle Rosehearts.

“(Y/n), say hello to your fiancé, won’t you dear?” Grey eyes which stared at you with no other emotions, you were scared out of your wits seeing as how intensely he was looking at you.

“…A please meeting you, (title), Riddle Rosehearts, from the kingdom of Roses.” Despite being so young he had already carried the attitude and grace of nobility, something your young self has yet to possess.

“They’re a little shy, I hope this doesn’t upset you.” Your mother doesn’t like forcing her children to marry people they don’t like, but it’s not like she would ask their opinions before pushing them into engagements.

“Oh I’m sure it’s alright, this would make a good connection for our kingdoms either ways” Fake smiles and bothered complexion, the current queen of the Rose kingdom scares you. “Well, let’s have a talk while the kids get to know each other, shall we?”

To be completely honest, you don’t like talking to new people and had a bad habit of hiding behind your mother’s dress everytime you had to accompany her to meet different people. That was the very first time you’ve been forced to accompany a stranger without your mother, his eyes narrowed at you making you think he somehow despised you.

“Let’s cut the formalities here, you don’t want to get married, do you?” His voice was a bit different from before, it sounded softer but much more broke.

“I… No, I don’t. I don’t even understand what’s going on.” What type of child would understand when their mother suddenly burst down their bedroom door one day and said they have a fiancé with no other explanation?

“You don’t have to get close to me, let’s just treat each other like acquaintances.” Since it was the younger you naturally you agreed not wanting to interact with people, you’d rather spend time imagining about stars or fairytales. “Let’s just become friends”

Your first meeting with him wasn’t like how the stories said it would be like, your first meeting wasn’t a magical one like how your mother would tell you, your first meeting didn’t spark the feelings your siblings said it would for them, your first meeting felt like two old friends meeting in a different lifetime.

Riddle was a hard working person, you noticed that when your mother began arranging classes for your studies and Riddle would be your study partner, normally you would be studying with your siblings but ever since the engagement you began to see him more.

Beautiful and graceful, a poker face the mask he wore, it wasn’t who he was but it was who he survived being the heir to his kingdom, the way you saw it he wasn’t a perfect fiancé but a respectful one, one you could tolerate since you both had a mutual agreement.

Roses, began to remind you of him, the vibrant red colors he held on his 11th birthday, and ever since then you can’t help but think of him every time the flower was present.

“ Isn’t he such a gentlemen?” Yes he was, but you hadn’t found it in yourself to love him.

“Doesn’t he treat you well?” Only the bare minimum as you both couldn’t be anything less but acquaintances.

Love was a foreign feeling, and one you can’t see associated with him out of all people, you yourself don’t understand love, so how could anyone ask you to love him?

He's gentle out of everything, despite the cold and noble face he puts on he still treats you with respect and he listens to you, not many would listen to a royal who was rumored to be a useless asset to the kingdom and is ‘the one who will ruin everything’, but if anything you’re happy this means you don’t have to meet people.

If someone were to ask you now as a more matured royal, if you had a choice would you have chose a different fiancé? Then the answer would be no, he wasn’t like the other types of fiancé who gave warmth and told lies to mask the truth, but you wouldn’t have any other way with the his cold truth and out of reach behavior.

In all the time confined in the four walls of his room, you were his only escape, he remembered your first meeting a bit differently than how you did for him. A timid and quiet person who had no other interest than to hide behind their mother.

“(Y/n), say hello to your fiancé, won’t you dear?” Your shy self wanted nothing more than to run away and he understood that, he didn’t want to be in that room himself.

While the adults chattered away he couldn’t take his eyes off of you, you weren’t exactly beautiful to him at least, he couldn’t tell anything by only seeing your occasional peaking from behind your mother but there was something, something about you that he couldn’t take his eyes off of.

“You don’t really like being here do you?” (E/c) which somehow saw through his acting, perhaps he was mistaken and was delusional and buried in the thought of you understanding him for who he is. “Your eyes showed discomfort, they’re as truthful as fate is”

“You can’t just tell what I feel like by looking at my eyes, it’s just not possible” day and night to please his mother, he acted in front of a mirror, to play the role of a perfect prince, to play the role of a bright scholar for you he would have played the role of a perfect fiancé but you saw through the mask, so why did he need to wear it?

“W-Well what if I can? It’s not h-hard to see it” you’re stuttering like there’s no tomorrow, but he doesn’t mind that, he knows that if he said something about you, you’d get self conscious and never talk to him again, if you never talk to him again you might as well call of the engagement…

“You don’t have to get close to me, let’s just treat each other like acquaintances.” Behind the exterior of a shy royal who wanted nothing more than to run away from the crowd, he saw a star who could shine brighter than anything else. “Let’s just become friends”

He’ll do whatever it takes to keep the engagement from being called off, his mother relied on him, the future of his kingdom relied on him.

His first meeting with you he knew the type of person he had to be, the broken prince who puts respecting you over all and everything else, if you are unhappy he was in trouble, and he doesn’t want that. He’ll make sure you don’t have to deal with troublesome problems, so that you don’t have to consider him worthless and cast him aside, he’ll make sure he doesn’t talk to much so that you don’t think he’s annoying and speaks too much. Everything and anything that is in his power, he’ll do it to please you.

You were like the ocean, calm and quiet yet you hold so many secrets, you filled surprises and wonders which he can’t ever seem to forget. Yes, you were the sea, the sea who admire and always faced the moon and he knew even as time passed he could never be your moon, he was just someone who you were bound with as children.

You’re different from the rest of the nobles and royals he’s met, maybe this was what made him unable to keep his eyes off of you. He doesn’t love you, the butterflies in his stomach every time he sees you was just him getting nervous, the sound of his heart racing every time you glanced at him was just the anxiety you give him.

He doesn’t understand what love is, everytime he asked about it his mother would brush him off telling him it’s a useless feeling, or she would tell him that everything she’s ever done for him is love.

If love was the times his mother scold him for not getting perfect scores and not doing his best, then everytime you gave him a piece of your dessert wasn’t love, if love resulted in him crying in pain from the beatings and scolding his mother gave him then your doodles and words of encouragement weren’t love, no matter how much joy it brought him.

You don’t love him, and he doesn’t love you, no matter how wrong and hurt he feels when he think of those words. Maybe in his dreams he would understand what love means, but when he faces the world after waking up, he’ll forget the meaning all over again.

“Hey, stop staring at me" he's sure of it after so much time has passed, he doesn't love you, even when he doesn't know what the feeling is.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, (Y/n)" Compared to his mother the feelings he has for you are much more different, that's why even though he's confused he'll act the way he is, the perfect and respectful fiance you've always known.

Perhaps one day he’ll understand his feelings, but for now all he’ll ever think of are the plan approvals and administration work. Maybe one day you’ll understand how you’d feel about him, but by the time that day comes you’ll still be preforming the duties bestowed upon you, the welfare of your prosperous country.

Maybe he should have told you from the beginning why, why your engagement was so important, why his mother wanted him to get closer to you, why he put respecting you above everything. It was all due to simple power differences and protection…

When you and him were but infants, his mother came to your kingdom in hopes of striking a deal with the royalty of your kingdom, your parents, in exchange for safety of the Rose kingdom, which had lost it’s king in a war, you’d be be engaged to the crown prince of the Rose kingdom.

“But what if… this child doesn’t want the engagement?” Your mother cradled you in her arms, you were so young when all of this was set for you.

“The Rose kingdom has many things to offer, my queen, I will ensure you everything I have to offer, so please…” perhaps we all knows what ends up happening afterwards…

Everyday of his life ever since the engagement was made, was dedicated to you, his studying served as the purpose of not making a fool out of himself when he’s next to you, his rigorous training was to protect you, from the dangers that could hurt you.

His mother was never a gentle person, she had more concerns and care for the kingdom, more than she ever did for her son. Her love wasn’t a sadistic or twisted one, it was a vacant one, perhaps she doesn’t even know what he truly wants for his life, because even he can’t remember when was the last time she had asked him if he was happy or not.

“Riddle? Riddle~ is anyone still in there?” Your hand waves gently in front of his face, snapping him out of his dream.

“Sorry, I was just…” If only the peaceful days could last, he would still see you like this, a shy person infatuated with the stars and countless of worlds beyond the grounds and skies.

“Thinking about something? You always say this when you’re daydreaming or distracted.” But he knows one day, it’ll change, and along it you will change

“Alright, you caught me red handed, what do you need?” You quickly held up the astronomy book you’ve always been reading.

“Meteor shower…” you trailed off looking away, how could he have forgotten, it was the meteor shower you’ve always been looking forward to for a long time. “A meteor shower is happening soon”

“Oh.” There is a problem if you were planning to go though, it was your birthday celebration the night the meteor shower happened.

Your fascination about the stars didn’t just end at the moon, everything related to the night sky, you were there to witness it all, it’s a strange hobby only those closest to you would know since you’d hide it so well no one would know.

Just because you two only consider yourselves to be friends never meant you two got closer with time, just because he respects you and keeps his distance doesn’t mean he can’t learn more about you.

“You do know you could get in trouble for sneaking out.” It’s as if you didn’t even hear him, you’re daydreaming (nightdreaming?) about the stars again, that look on your face was more than enough for him to tell.

Sometimes Riddle is jealous of your freedom, unlike him you could actually runaway from your problems or could leave it to someone to deal with it. Free to chase what you truly desire, free to express how you feel, maybe it was consolation to him seeing that you can’t love freely as you’re engaged to him.

“Can’t you join me?” It came as a shock to him, but seeing you looking so excited and hopeful, it just makes his heart beat in such an uncomfortable way. You’re killing him.

“I’ll… I’ll think about it.” He’s weak to you, his only weakness in this world.

He never really liked the quietness of the castle, of his home, his mother was rarely around and the servants couldn’t talk to him, he’d much rather stay in your kingdom. In contrast to the warm and bright atmosphere of your home, his home was cold, the garden of roses looked like lifeless decoration, precise and perfect, everything and anything.

“Your highness, her majesty wishes to see you” it’s rare that his mother even wanted to see him, but if it was anything, she probably just wanted to meet him again to give him a task.

He doesn’t see the Rose kingdom as his home, perhaps it was because of how long he spent studying and growing up next to you, he was only home for two months each year after all. Yet he can’t still can’t let go of the responsibility of wearing the crown forced upon him.

“You wished to see me, mother?” Cold and strict, he almost forgotten what she looked like.

“I trust there are no issues or incidents with your engagement, so I’ll get straight to the point.” If he was any younger, he would have resented his mother for not caring about him in one bit, but what’s the use of doing so when she’ll just stare at him like that? “I want you to announce the engagement to the public, and officiate your marriage by the end of the year.”

“Hah?” He’s surprised, maybe that’s why his mother sighed disappointedly.

“The king… from (K/n) has decided to annul the engagement now that peace has been established across the Rose kingdom.” His mother looks stressed and tired beyond anything.

Added details about your “terms” in the engagement, since this was forced upon you and Riddle there were terms to ensure that you and Riddle could back out of the engagement whenever you both wanted.

The engagement was never made public, meaning your relationship was always been kept as “friendship” in the public eyes. Although the nobility had figured it wasn’t just any “friendship” ,still, if the engagement hasn’t been completely acknowledged by the families and those who are said to be in the said engagement refuse to give any details to the public, it will continue to be seen as “friendship”.

When both of you had found “love”, it is just as it has been said, if both or one of you has found someone else to love, the engagement would be annulled so that it wouldn’t cause any future complications.

If the Rose kingdom war has been settled and peace has been established, the last one was the one that mattered the most out of everything. When peace is established across the Rose kingdom there would be no need to continue the engagement and the engagement would be annulled, however, if you two were to love each other regardless of the peace and settlement. Then you both can decided whether you both want to continue being fiancés a bit longer or get straight to marrying.

“But why? There’s no reason to continue the engagement now that peace has been established.” His mother sighed still having that disappointed and dark look on her face.

“Don’t you understand, riddle? My dear child our kingdom may have established peace but it’s dying.” His kingdom although had been saved was still suffering from droughts and the aftermath or wars, your kingdom’s help was what that had been keeping them afloat for so long.

“But you can’t force them into it mother, we’ve never loved each other, and there’s no way this relationship would work.” Though his heart felt like it’s been torn apart, he still said it, it was his truth.

“Then just make them love you.” His mother placed in the palm of his hand, a small vial the color of reddish pink, it was definitely what he thinks it is. “I hate underhand tactics but this one will be our only exception”

“No, no, no! I can’t do this to them!” The vial shatters as he threw it to the ground, the sickening sweet smell spread, as well as the sound of his mother slapping his face.

“…I’ll overlook your little mishap today for the sake of this engagement, the vial will be given to you on their birthday.” With a flick of her hand, servants began cleaning up the broken glass shards and handed the queen another vial. “You may leave, Riddle”

He walks away, that stone cold face seemed to have darken, he’s frustrated, he feels conflicted about right and wrong. What choice can he even make right now? Should he sacrifice the sake of your happiness for his damned home and kingdom? Or sacrifice the kingdom in exchange for his broken heart and that smile which rarely shows up?

You never liked the spotlight, you hated everything that had to do with meeting new people or even meeting anyone else in general. But maybe it wasn’t so bad meeting him for you, you got comfortable enough for him to be next to you and become your friend, but perhaps you weren’t ready when you heard the engagement was soon to be annulled.

Still you can’t help but feel sad when you should have felt happy, a strange feeling you had when you heard of the rumors from your personal maid and close servants.

“(Y/n), it must have been hard for you, being engaged against your own will.” Your mother said sympathetically, you couldn’t blame your mother, she had always been the type of person to help others regardless of the outcome, perhaps she felt the need to say sorry now was because the engagement was at its end.

“The Rose kingdom won’t need our help anymore, I hope you understand why we had to do that to you.” Your mind no longer cared for your father’s words, you played with your food out of boredom.

You’re free, you should have been happy to been able to return to a life without him, a life where you could devote your life into studying the stars and the land beyond your home, so why does it hurt?

Every time you think of leaving his image appears in your head, red hair which haunts your every thought, the soft smile which rarely appears unless you truly wished for it, grey eyes although cold and hold the truth eventually began to warm up to you. It’s strange to see how your initial impressions have changed, maybe your feelings have as well.

No one would be able to understand you, yet then there was him and slowly there were others as well, like a starless sky which slowly light up so did your heart, he became your stars.

“Can’t I at least have Riddle as my escort?” Your mother and father exchanged looks, before nodding accepting your request.

You weren’t a fool to notice how hard Riddle tried to keep your engagement from breaking so long, letting go of your dreams of witnessing the meteor shower, you decided to honor him in his last task as your fiancé, to share your final ball together.

So what if you can’t witness the skies for one night? You might never be able to meet him again, and that was something you couldn’t bare have happening, the stars will come again but not him.

It’s funny to admit it now that your at the end of your engagement, perhaps first meetings don’t necessarily have to be where love begins to bloom, perhaps that spark can be set ablaze after a while when you get to know the person for who they are.

There’s a difference between love at first sight, the love based off of looks and impressions, and love through time, the love that blooms after getting to know each other long enough. Sure it’s late to have realized it know but, you liked him, no, you loved him, and you’re going to loose him.

The bitter pill which is so hard to swallow you ended up taking it anyways, at least you wished to end your fairytale with joy instead of tears. It might be a tale where you won’t be happy, but you couldn’t careless if it meant he could smile more.

It’s quiet, the sounds of the world at night filled with wonder beckons you towards it, ‘the child of spring sits on the throne made of flowers’, there was a saying like that when you were born on the day of the spring celebration.

“Not going to run away and watch the meteor shower?” A bittersweet smile on his face, it’s rare to see him smile but for some reason you don’t like this smile, not one bit.

“I don’t think I should do that, people are expecting for us tonight, right?” You closed your book of stars to look outside, the streets of flowers and the joy of people, another successful spring celebration.

You were halfway on the preparation, all that’s left was your make up and hair style, Riddle knew you never liked putting on that stuff despite never saying anything or acting out. Prince or princess, the outer appearances always needed that stuff to “beautify” it as they say.

“Why don’t we just run away?” It was quiet the moment he said that, what’s going on?

He was completely serious saying that, the confidence and playfulness on his face as he ran his hand through your hair while looking into your eyes. It’s strange and so different from the usual stone cold indifference he always gave you.

You’re so conflicted right now, you told yourself tonight you were going to let him fulfill his role and last task as your fiancé, but with a request like this it’s like a stab into your conscious between right and wrong.

“Just for tonight, run away with me” He’s tired of playing the role of a perfect and respectful fiancé, he’s tired of being cautious and careful with each and every one of his movements. “Please just for tonight let’s forget we’re royalty and have duties, just for tonight I want you and I to just be Riddle and (Y/n)”

You’re still conflicted, it’s not easy to understand how you’re supposed to feel hearing this, it’s wrong to have run away just like how you’ve always done but why can’t you deny it and stay to fulfil your role? Why do you want to fall into his arms and run away even if it was for one night.

Riddle didn’t care about anything else at this point, forget the vial his mother gave him to tie you down into a loveless marriage, forget the kingdom which he calls home it will eventually heal and grow from the pain of loss, forget it all he just wants to be with you tonight as himself.

He understood now what he truly felt after being close to you for so long… he loved you, his love is different from his mother’s and it will always be like this, it’s selfish making him want to always be next to you, it’s stupid for appearing now as your said relationship comes to an end.

Perhaps he’ll move on one day, maybe you’ll forget him and find someone new but for tonight you’re all he wants to see and remember.

“But what about the celebration?” It’s unlike you to take precautions, despite being a shy and quiet person you’re more reckless than Riddle is, why is it now that you’re like this?

“I’m not forcing you to go with me, (Y/n), you can stay but tonight” His eyes turned to look at the distant skies, the meteor shower was happening soon. “I want to see it, the meteor shower you’ve always dreamt of seeing”

“…I’ll go, so follow me, I know the perfect spot.” You hope your parents can forgive you, for running away from your own birthday party, to be with the boy you might never meet again.

It’s true what they said about fairytales being different than reality, because it’s reality that makes those tales come to life, in more then one way. Your first meeting was the start of your story, your troubles and pains as well as the time you spent with each other had formed the emotions and bonds you could never erase.

You couldn’t understand it, what were you feeling in that exact moment? The butterflies in your stomach, the way the world just slows down and there was only him and you, your face burned up in embarrassment, you don’t know.

Grabbing your coat you took his hand as you both secretly sneaked away from your bedroom, it was like when you were children who wanted a midnight snack.

Eventually you both made it in time to the hillside just outside of the imperial city, where the people never venture you built as a secret place to watch the stars. Books and notebooks hidden in the bushes, a full view of the city and skies in its glory, how long have you been here he wonders.

“We’re just in time!” Bright light which runs across the skies, one after another until it looked liked the skies were falling.

It was beautifully worth all the trouble you both went through, all for this moment, under the skies where you belong, a picture he could never get out of his head. Your excited childlike look as you pointed towards the falling stars, it’s as if the stars were falling tonight for you and you only and he was a lucky spectator to have witnessed it.

Taking your hand in his Riddle questioned what he was doing, why couldn’t he hold back and reach out towards you? And for a brief moment he stopped breathing, he wanted to kiss you so badly, yet in the end he just holds you close.

“Thanks for indulging in my wish, (Y/n).” When the meteor shower ended you were left with a flustered Riddle for some reason.

“There’s no reason to thank me honestly, it was also my selfish desire to see the stars tonight” the city lights and cheerful noises couldn’t pull your attention away from him, for some reason you can’t help but stare at each other.

It’s quiet again, however in this comforting silence you both had fun enjoying each other’s presence. Whatever happens tomorrow will happen, but for tonight you two had each other.

“What are you doing to me…” when your story finally ended.

“Nothing at all, I’m just realizing how much I loved you all this time” you hope it can be come the foundation for a better tale to blossom.

You and Riddle, despite no longer being engaged to each other, still kept in close contact, you both weren’t exactly courting each other but it was a good start now that you’ve started opening up and understand each other’s feelings more.

Riddle’s mother was originally still upset at Riddle for failing to maintain the engagement however after a long time of convincing from Riddle (mainly from your help because Riddle is still nervous when confronting her, you didn’t face to face tell her anything), she relented and stopped thinking about it.

A nice ending to a story, no?

A/n notes: A- I hate my writing skills ;-;

I wanted to explore more onto the last scene but was so tired and I felt like I dragged it out long enough ehe-

Req from @amaribelt

Like and reblogs are extremely appreciated, please do so if you've enjoyed my writing thank you!

Request for a story! Or you can talk to me in my discord server:

https://discord.gg/jEyybayDMr

[pebble-pictures]

WIP

That's a Homeric AU, alright! This is what living in my brain looks like. Would you believe I haven't actually listened to Epic yet? Idk why I'm putting I off. Maybe I'm terrified of disappointment.

Anyway! AU notes beneath the cut!

"Rage — Fable, sing the rage of Pthia’s daughter Ruby,

murderous, doomed, that cost the Achaeans countless losses,

hurling down to the House of Death so many sturdy souls,

great fighters’ souls, but made their shards carrion,

feasts for the dogs and birds,

and the will of the heavens was moving toward its end.

Begin, Fable, when the two first broke and clashed,

Diamond lord of men and brilliant Ruby. . . ."

-Rose plays a similar role to Odysseus! The morally grey trickster monarch who just wants to be with her spouse and son in the end. Seen as a coward and a bad friend, but the intentions were good. A brilliant strategist and completely hubristic idiot simultaneously. I give her the Pink Diamond palette whenever she isn't disguised. The Rose palette goes to Nobody!

-Pearl as the Athena-parallel goddess of wisdom, arts, and warfare. The pearls will be the patron gods of their respective Diamond monarchs, but Pearl is the closest to her monarch. She follows her everywhere until something big separates them due to a choice Rose makes, thus aiding Rose's son instead in growing up and his mission to learn more about a heroic mother he never knew.

-Lapis of Sparta and Troy, the demigod prisoner whose face sailed a thousand ships. Kidnapped from her home and loved ones, then blamed for the fallout.

-The rage of Ruby, heir to the throne of Pthia, greatest of the Greeks, and her gentle yet coldly terrifying equestrian companion Sapphire, exiled princess of Omas. Technically the same stone irl, but there's a great status disparity. Their ranks in this AU are swapped, though, to better fit the backstory of our Myrmidon boys!

-Padparadscha, disgraced Trojan princess, whose predictions are always ignored and ridiculed. Until it's too late.

-Jasper of Troy. Captor of Lapis Lazuli. Favorite of the detached Pink Pearl, goddess of beauty and lust. A pawn who thinks she's in control. Always inferior to her eldest sister.

-Hessonite of Troy. Favorite of the vain Yellow Pearl. Goddess of prophecy, archery, medicine, music, plague, the sun, and being an annoying little overachiever. Hess commands Troy's armies. Eldest of the royal children. She was canonically the governor of the Earth colony, so she technically counts for my efforts to make all the Trojans pink court gems under Queen White Diamond. Yelp is the only exception, cause I wasn't making Aubergine or Lonely into Apollo. It fit her too well.

-Steven goes on a journey to learn about and live up to a heroic parent he's never met. Prince of Ithaca. Spends his early life constantly having to fight adults who want to kill him, and having to defend his home and single parent from said adults.

-Greg. "I've never had that many exes show up at once since—" has hundreds fighting for a hand that's technically already taken. Known for his artistic pursuits, like Penelope for her weaving. A lot more clever than he first appears. A damn good dad.

- Amethyst is undecided. Maybe an Ajax? A goofier Diomedes? Absolutely up for suggestions.

-Garnet as the tall, blunt, crazy strong child of Ruby who joins the war in her early years. Neoptolemus/Pyrrhus, who I'm now realizing isn't as universal as the others, so I'm saying it explicitly.

-Aquamarine as the (justifiably) murderous sister of Helen/Lapis, Clytemnestra! Eyeball as the lover who helps her kill her spouse! Freckles and Curls as their brothers, the twins Castor and Pollux! I'm cooking.

And the Lapis twins ESPECIALLY work for the Gemini! One was callous and spiteful, one was kind and followed his brother. However, because a lot of people in those times/place thought you could have multiple fathers per set of twins (or per baby if you ask some of Alexander's contemporaries about him), one twin was a fully immortal demigod. Not full-blooded Spartan royalty. Freckles isn't a pure Lapis, she has pyrite flecks!

And the Gemini later both became water gods! Idk who will fill Orestes' slot. Probably Blue Zircon, since Orestes was the impetus of the founding of the Athenian legal system.

-Yellow Diamond, Queen of Men. Favorite of Blue Pearl, goddess of the seas, storms, earthquakes, and horses. Angry and selfish, hated but feared by her gems. Later murdered by her family. Only using Lapis' kidnapping as an excuse for war and plunder.

-Blue Diamond, queen of Sparta. Also favored by Bloop. Desperate to take Lapis back from Troy. Constantly grieving her rapidly dropping family, but still terrifying.

-White Diamond, queen of Troy. Starts detached, cold, and neglectful. Loses everything, becoming a humbled and grieving old mother and grandmother.

-Gimme ideas for Peridot! Was gonna make her Meneleus, but it'd be weird making her Blue's sister.

-Bismuth = Hephaestus

- Rose Buds = The Fates

- Aubergine = Artemis? Hera? Idk, man, I just REALLY wanna include the Hera/Artemis fistfight.

-Lonely Pearl = Hermes

-Pyrope = Hera, probably, actually. It fits her Vibe. Or Zeus. Or Demantoid as Zeus?

-Navy = Ares. Full stop.

[kholnt]

I just wanted to say how much I looooooovvveeee your Lost Link fic! I love the idea of what would happen if Wild remembered his past. I wanted to know how you think his knight training went? I definitely think that it was a terrible experience that gave him a whole wagon full of horrible coping mechanisms and bad habits(and from where the fic is going, I'm guessing you think similarly), but I wanted to know how you thought his training went. Anyway, just wanted to say how much I appreciate and love your work, Thank You!

WAAAH THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS!!! (but give all of the writing credit to @/eponatheestallion <33 cannot emphasize that enough) BUT! you basically got it in one! his knight training was NOT kind to him in the slightest. i mean, even with the canon material we HAVE it still doesn't particularly spell a good time. (staring at mipha, zelda and purah's diaries respectively. and creating a champion. and possibly aoc but thats a different timeline + i barely know anything abt it so its there In Spirit) i will warn you that this ones gonna be long bc botw diaries TEND TO BE YAP SESSIONS! AND im a yapper so i'll just give you the tldr:

lost's knight training was abhorrent for his mental health and plays into a LOT of his mannerisms and why he is the way he is

ANYWAY! i'll just talk abt things that have been established either in the au or in botw canon :) any blanks you can fill on your own

as for canon things heres some things that stood out to me (formatted to be paragraphs for my sanity):

"A youth named Link was brought to me a hundred years ago, covered in wounds and on death's doorstep. Link… So young, yet so courageous. He was the youngest knight to have ever been appointed to the Imperial Guard at Hyrule Castle. He was also a gifted swordsman who was selected as captain of Princess Zelda's personal guard. I thought his skills would be enough to defeat Ganon in glorious fashion…

It was the best we could do…" -Purah's Diary

~~~~~

"When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden.

A feeling I know all too well… For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings. I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was… Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world… I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his." -Zelda's Diary ~~~~~

"At the request of Hyrule's king, a group of outsiders came to greet us at the domain. One of them was a Hylian child of only about four years of age. His name was Link. He made quite a first impression. He was curious and full of energy, with a ready smile. Are all Hylian children that way?

One thing that surely sets him apart is his swordsmanship, which I hear is exceptional. He has even bested adults. He must be somewhat reckless, however, as he was covered in bruises. Wishing to be helpful, I healed his wounds for him." ~~~~~

"Link came to visit the domain. It feels like forever since he was here last. He no longer resembles the child I first met. He is now an accomplished knight and keeper of the sword that seals the darkness. I am so proud. However… He hardly speaks anymore, and smiles even more rarely. He is still the kind soul I knew, but something has changed.

I asked him if something had happened, if something was wrong. He merely shook his head. Perhaps it is his newly acquired height, but I feel he is ever looking past me, into the distance beyond…" -Mipha's Diary

~~~~~ "The details of how Link obtained the sword a hundred years ago have been lost to the mists of time, but since he was in possession of it for a number of years prior to becoming a Champion, he was likely around twelve or thirteen years old when it happened."

~~~~~

"After the Champions for the Divine Beasts were chosen, there was an incident at Hyrule Castle. A Guardian went berserk during a test run. Link deftly defeated it, earning himself a great deal of recognition. Impressed, King Rhoam made him Princess Zelda's appointed knight. With no regard for his own personal safety, he loyally fulfilled his duty to guard Princess Zelda with his life." -Creating a Champion

(there will be another thing later but its separated for a Reason.) ANYWAY! these are like. BIG things in canonical material that I feel like are important, especially if they're highlighted. i'm not really going to elaborate much since its kind of spelled out already but i'll say a few things nonetheless (also for consistencies sake i'm going to say lost but do know this ALSO applies to wild) he was the youngest knight appointed in history. like even that alone is FUCKED??? i don't remember if it was something in canon, fanon or something kay n i made up (but it doesnt rlly matter since its canon to the lost hero au ANYWAY!) but he became a knight at TWELVE soon after pulling the sword. then proceeded to become a royal guard at 17. this is a kid surrounded by adults in a generally Unsafe Environment, that alone is enough for some level of fucked. ill explain the "hes been training since he was four" later since i have Thoughts about that, but on a unrelated note do notice that mipha makes the assumption that lost is reckless and not through actually seeing him being clumsy. hyrulean guard when i get you now, to me the vow of silence was something that stemmed from before the calamity and started up in his training. because thats a twelve year old being forced to be a hero when he never got the choice to. OBVIOUSLY hes going to shut down. again, this will be expanded upon later also. lost is canonically self sacrificial. VERY self sacrificial. no further comments, just saying OKAY. NOW ITS LATER BC ITS TIME TO YAP ABT THE "inspired by canon but like. its canon plus." canon is bent in specific ways bc the way link is characterized (in cac specifically) makes him very uh,,,, inhuman i suppose. i love looking at scenarios where decisions have consequences, and it's that specific reason why i enjoy "what if" aus so much.

yes, lost was still trained when he was four. no it was not formally. to me, lost had an interest in swordsmanship because his dads a knight! hes going to be exposed to at least a little bit at an early age. he was insistent on wanting to learn, so with the power of sticks, pot lids, and a lot of positive reinforcement, he learned how to do the movements of swordfighting. he'd never been given a proper sword until the guard brought him to zora's domain. lost's dad never wanted to force the position of hero onto him, so he never gave him a sword. everyone knows that he's the hero except him, and lost's dad would rather keep it that way until he's old enough to climb mount lanayru (it happens much earlier than that) now abt the fucking "According to tales told by the long-lived Zora, Link visited Zora's Domain when he was younger and formed a bond with them, defeating a Lynel and teaching various skills to Zora children. This story sheds light on both his physical abilities and his strength of character." from creating a champion just like. isn't canon in this. the only other recorded time lost fought a lynel in zoras domain was when he was already zelda's guard and he was not younger. so by proxy it must've been when he was four WHICH ISN'T HAPPENING SORRY GUYS!!!! i'm not having a four year old fight a lynel hero or not!!!! it's referenced in lost hero canon (the soldiers accompanied made jokes and tried to egg lost on but it got shut down real quick since a. his dad was there and b. literally anyone who have thinking caps would go "yeah um... no actually!") and now its fanon time :))) when lost was in the army, he was usually trained separately from the other knights, mostly because of skill difference. as a CHILD he was able to clear soldiers, he needed different training period. as for the actual formal training, it was extremely strict. terrible conditions stemmed from an awful reward "system" (that usually led to lost being extremely fatigued and starting an endless loop of punishment. there is a reason why lost can push through awful conditions: hes used to it) all blanketed with the justification of "he's the hero of hyrule." they trained him to be a weapon, not a person. he doesn't have a sense of self nor an identity outside of "hero" "champion" or "weapon." things like "brother" got stripped from him when he joined the academy. they didn't bother with setting up a future for him. he eventually figures his shit out but thats YEARS down the line, and even then he's still suffering from this,,,, self objectification? idk how else to describe it when he wasn't getting grilled for "not swinging his sword hard enough" or having his foot a centimeter off even though he hasnt had the privilege of Basic Necessities To Survive in (insert timeframe) he was usually doing something in the coliseum. as it turns out, having the hero show off in front of an audience by fighting a lynel (or multiple) is a GREAT money maker! shame he wasnt usually told beforehand!

being forced into heroism is a big reason as to why hes the silent knight. he never wanted this. being separated from his family (whom of which i have Many thoughts about. same for his childhood honestly) and surrounded by strangers who have no care for who he is but rather what he stands for was absolutely awful, and only made worse by his age. being silent and just dealing with it is how he coped, and its eventually going to boil over (just give it a few years) his knight training was one of THE worst things to happen to him, right under failing to save his kingdom and inadvertently being the cause of hyrule's demise. it's the reason why he acts the way he does. he wasn't allowed to forget, so instead it influences almost everything he does, says and thinks. SO YEAH IT WASNT A GOOD TIME

[honeyhonest]

Kids are hella cute (yet again this blog is a sleepover)

I don't think I'll ever make one because I'd feel too guilty forcing them to experience the oncoming climate apocalypse and whatever flavors of terrible global conflicts we'll get + ain't no way I'm passing down my disabilities they're not fun BUT adoption one day if I'm ever financially safe and autonomous enough.

I wanna be a children's illustrator partly because I got the same interests as them and obviously I'd want to tell stories I myself enjoy, but also because a kid's enthusiasm and wonderment is so soo precious?? I adore humans and how they love, and kids are the best at it; the way they clutch a book and lean closer to stare at something that struck them, the way they get agitated rambling about the things they like because they haven't learned yet to care about looking calm and unbothered, and the way they sincerely believe in all the fantastical things that seem so much bigger tham them - And overall I aspire to make things kids would like because, well, just, happy kids???? Even when they're staring at the walls or being snappy they're adorable... Perhaps I'm so sensitive to it because I'm an only child and only get kid exposure when babysitting or the occasional cute encounter.. ughh last summer my band had a small gig at a festival and I spent almost all the evening after it with a little girl who kept bringing me flowers and sticking them in my hair, it was one of the sweetest moments of my life I nearly cried she was too cute (sometimes it pays to be the center of attention, kids want to impress you so bad and I'm here for it yes bring me flowers please destroy nature in my honor)

You didn't ask to know any of this but huh I like kiddddss

[4 days late to answering this but it's okay because our sleepover is forever, like purgatory or hell or something]

definitely not the worst time to be having kids. actually it's probably one of the best times in history to be having kids! we have vaccines, not so many plagues, premature babies aren't immediately doomed to death, disability rights have come a long way, et cetera. I'd rather be having kids now than in 300 AD I can tell u that much

THIS tho. THIS. I make a point of waving to children when out and about (even the older ones) and babies even though they don't gaf. it's just sweet. I like to believe in magic and beautiful things and children are the best to talk to about magic and beautiful things. like yes I do want to hear your disjointed and half-mumbled story about a caterpillar you saw. yes I believe that you met a fairy. these things never went away for me like they did for most people so it's good to talk to people who haven't stopped believing in goodness. when I used to work in schools I would ask the (mostly older) kids what their favorite color was and they would laugh because no one asks teenagers what their favorite color is!!! and I would insist they tell me because, well, it's important information! and they would. everyone secretly has a favorite color but they never get to say what it is because once you hit a certain age people just start talking to you about jobs and boyfriends and girlfriends and college and moving and, well, that's fine, I like being an adult, I don't want to be a child again (been there done that) but it's good to remember that you can be an adult with a job and degree and spouse and children, and also have a favorite color and a belief in fairies. sometimes we need some childishness in our lives

[helloescapist]

Love and a Bath | Mitsuri Kanroji

Word Count: 2483

Setting: Mitsuri Kanroji x gn!reader (reader is depressed), angst, comfort fic, established relationship

Content Warnings: hints of depression, as well as brief mentions of murder.

Summary: acounter with a demon's memories have rattled your foundation, leaving you in the depths of your thoughts, and allowed time to process. Only Mitsuri's care can bring you back from the edge.

[Image is not my own, credit goes to the artist]

Just a small short because I truly believe that if you had a bad day (or week), Mitsuri would do draw a bath, wash your back, and untangle your hair. 🌸

The mission had hung heavily on you; it was not that the demon itself was challenging, nor that it was particularly difficult opponent. In fact, its demon art had yet to properly develop, likely a young fiend, new to the night. It hadn’t seemed adapted to its own body and its unique movements, what less able to utilize its ability. No, in terms of the scurry itself, the battle if it could even be referred to as such didn’t even last a minute, but it was the memories that unfolded.

 The depth of slice through the neck, one precise and effortless. Well formed, and insured no unnecessary suffering, the side of your breathing technique that had brought you pride. Merciful, and quick. Your breathing had relied on speed and precision, and required no strength. Tiger Lily breathing had been a beautiful form, one derived from Buddhist beliefs. Often, there was relief upon finishing the mission. The memories, the sorrow that followed the demon as the passed on. Often times remorseful, other times confused as a small child, some even felt abandoned by the fates. The memories in a since, offered closure, and comprehension. How their lives had unfolded, their ends, the paths they had walked to become a sinister shadow in the night, abandoned children, scorned love, hunger, disease, so many routes could lead to their fates. All desperate to cling to life, the frays of a existence they had never truly experienced, but this one… this one was different. Recollections like a calm stream that appeared peaceful, and gentle, hidden depths of passages and deadly currents. Drowning in memories of peace, a small child loved by parents. Well, and strong, playful amongst peers. Adjusted, and embracing, they liked to study. Released learning new things about the form, a doctor? No, no, if only the medical pursuit had been in such sacrifice. Small animals, rats that had wandered in from the field in winter, dogs desperate for affection, a toddler displaced from its parents, all… dissected. For curiosity. Amusement. Memories of peaceful façade, a partner, and children, normal. They had appeared so normal to outsiders, but the night their partner had wandered too far, followed them into the dark, to meet the same fate as pass victims. Some morbid curiosity that drove them into the depths, tested the rotation of joints, of muscles. Peeled back layers and layers of life, without a single remorse, and when met with your blade, the only parting regret it had confessed… was that it would never know what it would be like to fillet your complexion, nor determine how it was your body could move in a way that was foreign to its comprehension. The divulgence left you achy, nauseous. Trembling in your skin, as though a husk of chills up your spine that would never settle. Like a curse that you had been burdened with, clung to your back as you recounted the details to Ubuyashiki. The ill-ease clear on his features, formed at his brow. The delicate way he regarded, a knowing gaze one serene, and comforting. Allowed time off, the reassurance that you could take the time you needed to digest your experience, but in your parting, be left you with the advice that while the Demon Slayer Corps existed to eradicate demons, there are creatures in the flesh that appear as human as him and you.

The news of your league of absence had Mitsuri upon her arrival. The pass week spent dedicated to an objective of her own, her unique physical strength having met its necessity upon the mountains to retrieve a few mizunoto. In their desperation to survive an encounter, had caused a cave in, a decision that had effectively trapped the demon deeper in the cavern, and unintentionally themselves as a casualty. The arrival of their Kasugai Crows, clearly distressed, and demanding aide was their only saving grace. She had been dispatched immediately alongside a few kakushi members to offer support, medical assistance, and in severe cases, transport them to the Butterfly Estate. All in all, it had taken her some time to sort everything out. The travel, ensuring everyone had been retrieved as well as checking in on their wellbeing, she hadn’t the opportunity to return home, nor contact you. Updated only on your circumstances upon by the concerned kakushi who had grown fond of you, others merely only averting her gaze, and the occasional few whisperings amongst themselves. Ubuyashiki having provided her with what details he could, the melancholy smile that he had worn. Gentle, and concerned, he had complimented your gentle nature. This experience was necessary for you, he had known that--- the Love Hashira had as well, and yet, the unknowing of how you would come out of such a shattering encounter, was heavy.

                She had found you on the tatami mat, your hair matted in odd forms. Eyes weary, and down casted. Averted, and struggling to meet her gaze, nor those of the servants of the Kanroji mansion that inquired about her wellbeing. The folds of your kimono disheveled, half put on, the small slips revealing that it had not been properly secured. Likely forced on by one of the servants who had attempted to care for you in the Love Hashira’s wake. Complexion drained, eyes that appeared sunken in, and colored with lack of sleep. Gaunt, the steady of your breathing the only comfort she had, the reassurance that you were still living despite your appearance. Cheek pressed against the tatami mat, eyes that neither responded, nor traced the lining of the floor. Unresponsive to the way she ahd kentl over you, traced your cheek, pushed back your bangs. Delicately patted your hair, devoid of reaction. Heavy, the caretakers of her home having accompanied her, informing Mitsuri of how long you had laid there. The worry that perhaps, you were waiting for her causing a lump in her throat. The knowledge you had stayed in this state for a quite some time, often returning escorted back by the support of others, heavy, and tired. Exhaustion, beckoning you to long naps regardless of the day, meals that had been refused time after time. Nutrients only sustained by those that had pushed and prodded, refused to leave you be until you had swallowed at least one bite, loyal to their master. Aware the despair Mitsuri would face upon her arrival. The press of her forehead against yours, the pressure eliciting the smallest waver of your eyelashes. The dirt of prior days, likely remainders of your encounter in the field. The realization burdening her heart, weighing heavily and dropping her heart as she struggled to breathe. The tears that threatened to fall as the comprehension settled into her heart. The small in breath rattling your bones, the clear embarrassment that crossed your features as your arms tucked against your sides, all too aware how long it had been since you had bathed. Shame that pillowed across your features, drawing inwards. Recoiling within yourself, protective and humiliated at your state. Threatened to break the Love Hashira, her hand pulling back to offer reassurance. All too aware that you did not wish for her to see you this way, for her to touch her as she had. To know you this way.

                Mitsuri’s eyebrows met firmly, the pout of her lips as she nodded to herself. Turning and peeking over shoulder. The catch of cherry blossomed kissed hair that gave way to jade that caught the air as she did so. Her voice, warm and soothing as she took command of her household. Servants that felt her affections, and understood their assignments. The life she captivated, pressed into the home. Warm, and direct, the stipulation they desperately needed. Scurrying in different directions, tossing decorum to the side as they set to work. Two members quick on their feet, headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner, the detailed account their Lady Kanroji had given their guide to ensure your favorite meal was produced properly. Three members sent to the storage building, instructed to secure heavy blankets that would typically be reserved for the winter months. The weight, she had expressed, you would need the extra weight, the pressure likely to provide some much-needed comfort. One to summon a fresh kimono for you, informed of your favorite scent to mask upon the fabric in the hopes it would be soothing to your senses. To warm your body in a way that she could not, but prayed it would offer all the incentive you may need. The remainder, left to gather the necessary materials to construct a bath. Imparting details of your favorite color, of bath scents that she had stored away—although it shamed her to admit that she had intended their use for a different use, Mitsuri did not hesitate to utilize them now. Why wait for a special night, when you needed her now.

You needed her.

The water was warmed. Drawn against bubbles that filled the bath, the stray floating to the ceiling. The bucket of water before you. Arms tucked shyly to your sides, doing your best to cover your form as you sat awkwardly on the stool. Too worn from your days, heart far heavier than you could endure. The abundance of sleep had not account for the malnourishment that was beginning to occur within your body. The servants easily spiriting you away to the bath. Mitsuri’s warm hands, delicate as she regarded you. Her words soothing as a prayer, informative as she whispered knowledge to you. Dared to scrub at the intrusive thoughts. The distant worries of human life. If mercy was possible, of what monstrosities lurked beneath the surface. If you were the same. At times, Mitsuri expressed what it was she was doing as she untied the knot at your waste, slipped the kimono from your shoulders. The sweet whispers, one of warm and reassurance. Fumbling to form words, any words that would reassure you of her devotion as she sat you the stool. Your back to her, your eyes left to stare at the wood paneling of the room. Warm scents that clung to your nose. The child the demon had claimed in life, the small dog. The press of a soft bath, nurturing and caringly pressed to your sides. The splash of the bucket, Mitsuri’s hands wringing excess water as she rolled the cloth over your shoulders, scrubbed your back. Whispered soothing words of reassurance. Stilled herself to remove any proof of the past few days from your features. To care for you in your neglect. Curiosity, how could such curiosity have been born? How could, how could another human do such a thing to another? Love, she loved you with everything she had, and as only the way the Love Hashira could, wanted to prove it in every aspect of the word. The embarrassment of your state, as your head pressed against your shoulder, leaned forward. Wanting nothing more to hide from her embrace. Their partner. Their devoted. Someone who had shared their life. With a monster. The touch of her fingers against your hair. Warm Safe. Home. Their partner had thought they were safe… that they were loved too. The lather of soap against your hair, delicately folding over matted tangle. Sacrifice of self, far too willing to give of herself to care for you. Tender as the grazes of her hair against her scalp. They had looked for them, cried out for them in the night. Cared for them when they wandered. The water comforting, breathing life in you that you had forgotten. Encouraged into the bath. Knees pressed to your chest as you breathed in the familiar scents. Displaced romantic, the distant memories of bath salts used in intimate moments, touched across your memories. They tore their partner up. Dissected them. Curiosity? H-How? Warm embraces, and tight hugs. Life, life that was warm. That was real. That cared. That sacrificed. The way Mitsuri’s fingers cautiously worked at the knots in your hair. Unweaving strand after strand, offering no hint of frustration.  Their child. CHILD. Their own blood, loved and cared for. Raised and nurtured. Limb from limb. Never revealing a shred of disappointment, or disgust. The smile tender as you dared to peek over your shoulder at her. The bashful shade of pink as the touch of her cheeks, willing herself to ignore how the fettering of her fingers across your skin captivated her hearts. Pretended it did not affect her in such a way as she dedicated herself to caring for you. The touch of lavish stones in her heart braided tightly and secured into a bun, the sleeves of her kimono drawn to work. The birth mark dots under her large eyes, all the beauty of a green hydrangea and as warm as spring, reflected across the bath water. Drifting only to meet your eyes, the smile she offered you, verification of her devotion.

                Time. Time would heal this wound, of your heart; she knew this as true as the sky and as real as the love she held for you. As did you, time would sooth the memories. Fade the nausea in your stomach. Her touch comforting, hushing your anxiety. The hush whisper of concern, if perhaps there were love in the world, laid to rest under her fingertips. Disturbing the dark thoughts that held you captivated. Disrupting their presence, anchoring her love to your form. Whispering reassurance of lovers, of safety, of presence of a home. In the world. Yes, time would heal the wounds her affections could not touch. The solidify of your bond, clear as the bubbles that warmed your skin, danced scents across your soul The love and dedication tender and soothing across your scalp as she worked wordlessly to care for your hair. Yes, time would heal this wound, and perhaps was the only thing that could ever hope to dare, but the touch of her fingers against your scalp. The soft hum of a song you did not know as you leaned into her touch. Warmth memories of love, of safetydaring to breathe lief back into your bones. The weight of your heart still heavy, embraced by love, and for once you could not help but wonder… if that was okay. To be loved. To be cared for. To be accepted in the dredge of your soul, to have someone who cared enough. To know you as you are, in the deeps of shame you dared not to reveal to another. Perhaps, perhaps this was proof enough of mercy. Of love. Something as simple, as the love of a hum, and the comfort of your bones as you breathed in her touch. Left only to savor the delicate weave of your hair free from neglect, and enfolded in love. Accepted. Treasured.

                Loved.

                Safe.

                Human.

[localplaguenurse]

ūwū

There’s tears in my eyes

Just thinking about how the gingko family has to watch childe and his family grow old, watching them grow watch childe stop being the “pretty young prince” watch as they grow so old that they no longer can care for themselves. And wifey…. Wifey would come to the realise what being immortal truly means, and why the adepti have always kept to themselves. Because to beings whose time is endless until their own bad memories get to them… a measly 100 years of a human life is just a blink of an eye…

And that’s just childe… a new addition to the family…. What about lilei? How does one cope with the fact that your loved one can’t cook anymore because standing became too painful?

Ivy I'm trying to do wholesome dad fic-

That is tragic, but unfortunately Childe and his family would not be the first group of mortals the family would come to love and ultimately outlive. There have been many friends and families, so much so that sometimes they quietly wonder why they keep doing this. Why risk the heartbreak when they know they'll be gone before a century has passed? Wifey should have learned this with their father, that you will outlive people you love one day. That was only hammered in when...

Originally at the end of ginkgo trees, the chat with Morax and Wifey about how they might actually start to grow old, and how worried they are for their children, wifey was going to say something about how one day, parents will have to leave their children. This was going to be in reference to Li Lei. This also tied into my og ideas where the twins were actually significantly younger than their siblings by like a century, where wifey was especially nervous because Li Lei wasn't there to support them or meet her newest grandchildren. The only reason I never mentioned it was because beta and by extension the rest of the readers would've been mad if I outright said Li Lei had died. Not even a vicious death, it was just old age.

But yeah, that enough was upsetting to Wifey, but they at least knew it was coming because, well, Li Lei is old enough to have raised them. She can't live forever. It's also another thing when someone dies tragically young. It's unfortunate, yet common enough that there are guides and communities of people who know what that pain is like. Nothing can prepare you for when you meet someone unfathomably younger than you, and yet you are there when not only they pass, but are around long enough for the funerals of their children and children's children.

Even still, they open their hearts up knowing the cycle of heartbreak will continue. Even when Childe sprouts white hairs, when his dull eyes grow weak, the children still tease him about how young he is compared to them. He graduates from young prince to young king, and Childe says something about how he looks like a raisin while Yanjiang hasn't aged once since the two met, and Yanjiang was a grandfather when they first met!

Even knowing it was inevitable, there's not a dry eye at his funeral.