#I mean could you imagine? Having the ability to see the future expect everything you see is always bad and you can't even control it

[salempie]

Hi! Thank you so much for the feedback about my Elka art! I really appreciate it. And now the question : What would Elka's mental world look like? I was wondering what you could suggest about this. It always seemed to me that the symbol of her world would be a mirror

Well actually my boyfriend and I had an idea for Elka's brain world we called "Elka's Ever-after!" I need to write down some big document for all the ideas we had about it but for now [should put a tw for like, idk, I think Elka would be an alcoholic as an adult. Theres a vague reference to that here? I mean Bobs Bottles exists so--]

It was a little 50s sitcom-type world, all in black-and-white and such, complete with it's own laugh track! Mostly it would be a representation of the "perfect" life she had always wanted for herself (the one she had pictured in all her years chasing after Nils and their predestined relationship (that as a child she conveniently ignored meant it was doomed to fail)), all with its own dandy Nils stand in, "The Husband," and their two darling regret children. The "plot" of the brain world (in the sense that, if someone were to go into it the "goal" of the world in order to "fix her issues") would be to disrupt this, although perfect, entirely fabricated life Elka, or rather "The Housewife," had made for herself.

The Housewife is stuck in a miserable marriage she pretends is perfect, but the signs are there. The cigarettes, the empty bottles, the constant misfortune written on the calendar on the fridge, the non-stop bad news on the television and the radio and the newspapers. It's obvious things are bad. But Elka is too proud, and far more than that, too resigned to what she sees as her predestined fate to even attempt to change anything. So she just tries to make sure everyone else thinks it's all as perfect as she always told them it would be, even in her own brain world.

She cant change the miserable future her visions showed to her, so why bother even trying? She feels helpless. Her visions are more in control of her own life than she is. There's a lot that I'm skipping for the sake of not rambling on and on, but the end of her world, I think, would be set in her childhood home (rather than the "perfect" home The Housewife lives in.) A little child Elka sitting in the dark of her living room in front of her TV, playing her first vision on loop. The start of all her issues, the beginning of the end of any control she felt over her life. It's mentioned she has a vision of a puppy getting run over in the Li-Po doc and I take that as being one of if not her first vision, so of course she's upset. Giving her the remote to the TV would be symbolically showing her that she is in control, that she doesn't have to just do whatever her visions say, that she has a choice in her life, that she doesn't have to just watch it all happen.

Heart! I could go a LOT into the intricacies of how it all plays out (and I will if you'd like but it would just be a written play-by-play of how I think going through the world would be (complete with bossfights!) from the perspective of Kitty and Franke since they're the ones going through her mind in my and my boyfriends Au!), with all the symbolism and whatnot, but this answer is already long enough.

All in all I have thought about this a lot (,'. Though I do think mirrors could really be a big thing for her. A lot of her issues, including not feeling in control, I also think would stem from her mother treating her precognition as a parlor trick. I think she would see a lot of her mother in herself (and father too for that matter. I figure Barney is the one who cheated (though mostly because of Mable's unhealthy obsession with bad predictions, not that that is an excuse) and I also figure he and Elka were close due to them both being psychics and having their unique precognition. So him leaving would put a lot of strain on her.) and hate that, so mirrors could be a fantastic symbol of that.

[deliciousangelfestival]

The Lady - 6

Character: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader, Eddie Horniman x Female Reader

Summary: After fifteen years away, a step-daughter returns for her Duke step-father's funeral, only to inherit a staggering 8 million pound debt and strike a risky deal with a criminal underworld figure.

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Chap 1, Chap 2, Chap 3 , Chap 4 , Chap 5 , Chap 6 , Chap 7.

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You shot a glare at Bucky, who only chuckled in response.

Linking his arm with yours, Bucky suggested, "Let's go meet them together."

Rosie was taken aback when she spotted Bucky.

"I woke up today and still don't see the other half, Princess," Bucky quipped.

Maintaining her composure, Rosie replied, "You're too impatient. My assistant just delivered it to your club."

"Ooh, then I hope you like the service," Bucky retorted with a smirk.

"Impeccable," Rosie replied smoothly, before turning her gaze to you. She tilted her head slightly and added, "I always sensed that you're an adventurous person. I admire your work. I felt comfortable when I found out you're part of this."

You hadn't expected such a compliment from her. While you had met Rosie a few times before, you always felt a sense of superiority from her.

Surrounded by Eddie and Freddie, you never felt out of place. But when Rosie, with her royal blood as a princess, joined the group, the dynamic shifted, and the boys seemed to adopt a more regal demeanor.

Despite your ability to keep up with them, there were times during the summer when you preferred to retreat to Rupert's empty mansion.

You leaned in closer to Rosie and whispered, "Why did you do it?"

Rosie leaned in, her voice barely audible as she replied, "That man doesn't fit to be the future King. It wasn't me who wants him dead. I only lent a hand."

As Rosie spoke, you realized that the relationships within the royal family were even more intricate than you had imagined.

"Some people like your work," Rosie continued. "And I think you will get another client."

Bucky puffed out his chest proudly upon hearing this, nudging your shoulder. "You hear that? Encore."

However, you didn't share Bucky's excitement. While the client may have admired your work, you couldn't find any pride in the situation.

Excusing yourself, you stated, "I need to see my mom and Charlotte."

Once you were at a distance, you pulled out your phone and dialed the family lawyer, Cedric. "Cedric, we need to meet."

#########

Back at the Evergreen Estate.

Cedric informed you, "The debt you have to pay is 3 million." You requested him to find out everything about the debt, unwilling to rely solely on Bucky, as you suspected he wasn't giving you the complete picture.

Lighting a cigar, you took a few puffs in silence as Cedric continued. "The first 4 million already got paid with the building that Bucky used as his club."

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That place used to be Rupert's?" Bucky's mention of Rupert profiting suddenly made sense.

Cedric confirmed with a nod. "With 5 jobs done with Barnes, you have completed 2. That means only 3 are left."

Leaning back in your leather chair, you tapped your fingers thoughtfully. "I don't want to finish the rest. I'll just give him the money. But I also don't want to use the money from savings."

Understanding your dilemma, Cedric pondered briefly before suggesting, "Selling the assets will take a while since the deadline to pay the debts is near. What about selling an artwork?"

His suggestion lightened your burden slightly. Exhaling a cloud of smoke, you inquired, "What artwork does Rupert have?"

Cedric's response was impressive. "One of a kind. One original artworks by DaVinci, Monet, and Van Gogh. One painting is worth more than 1 million pounds."

You nodded in agreement. "Good. Sell those. But will the transaction be quick?"

Confidently, Cedric nodded. "I know some people."

"Then, get all you need. You can have 10% from each artwork," you decided, showing trust in his abilities.

Cedric hesitated, "Your Grace, are you sure you want to let go of the paintings?"

You shrugged, unaffected. "I do explosions for a living, Cedric. I don't have the sentiment to admire a painting."

With a bow of his head, Cedric accepted your decision and left.

As you watched him depart, you felt a weight lift from your shoulders. At least tonight, you could block any calls from Bucky.

##########

For two days, you relished in the tranquility of the countryside, finally having the chance to appreciate the simple joys of life. Breakfast with tea, a luxury you never had time for in your military days, now became a cherished routine as the head of the household.

But your peace was shattered when your mother, Susan, entered with a gloomy expression. “I saw some paintings taken down from the wall. Do you know the reason why, my dear?”

You remained focused on your newspaper, not bothering to look up. “I sold them.”

Susan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? Why would you do that? Those masterpieces have adorned this house for years.”

Without lifting your gaze, you replied curtly, “So you’re more concerned about the paintings than paying off our debt?”

A heavy silence filled the room.

Flipping the newspaper page, you continued, “I’m the head of this household now, and I have full rights to do as I please, Mother. I refuse to be burdened by debts while you stand idly by.”

You added, a hint of frustration in your tone, “It’s better to sell the paintings than to risk losing the house, don’t you think?”

Susan gasped, taken aback by your audacity. She turned on her heels and stormed out of the room.

The tension lingered in the air, but you remained resolute in your decision, knowing it was necessary for your family's survival.

While the butler of the house remained stoic, devoid of any emotion like you, he asked, “Do you want a cup of coffee, Your Grace?”

You replied, “Yes, please. That would be great.”

The bitterness of the coffee offered a temporary escape from the turmoil caused by your childish mother.

But it seemed the universe had other plans, denying you the chance to find peace. You heard a familiar voice, the harbinger of your nightmares. “Make it two, please.”

Bucky entered with his usual high energy, greeting, “Good morning.”

Without awaiting your permission, he took a seat beside you. “So, last night someone came to my club and brought a briefcase with 3 million pounds inside. It's to pay off Rupert’s debt.”

You took a sip of the coffee. “Yes, that means our association has ended.”

Bucky's expression softened. “First of all, thank you for settling the debt on time. But it pains me to lose a friend.”

You retorted, “Find another one.”

Bucky sighed. “Don't want to. You're one of a kind.”

You acknowledged his compliment but remained firm. “I appreciate your words, but I have no desire to utilize my expertise in such a manner again.”

Bucky nodded understandingly. “Alright, I understand. But I don't want our friendship to end. And we're also business partners.”

He raised his coffee cup, proposing a toast. “To our new beginning.”

You pushed aside your coffee cup, the porcelain clinking against the saucer, echoing the heavy tension in the room. Every visit from Bucky seemed to herald trouble, and today was no exception. "Every time you come here, you bring bad news."

Bucky shrugged nonchalantly, but there was an underlying tension in his posture, a sense of unease that matched your own. "Not this time," he insisted, but his words did little to assuage the growing apprehension in the air.

"Hmm." Your response was clipped, your mind already racing with dread-filled possibilities.

'Ring.' It was Eddie.

The sudden intrusion of the ringing phone shattered the fragile calm, jolting you and Bucky out of your uneasy silence. You answered, your hand trembling ever so slightly. "Hello?"

"I've got bad news."

The words from Eddie on the other end of the line felt like a confirmation of your worst fears. The room seemed to constrict around you, the air growing heavy with tension.

"What is it?" Your voice wavered slightly, betraying the anxiety that clenched at your chest.

"Charles. He got into a problem with the wrong people."

Your heart sank. The implications of Eddie's words hit you like a physical blow, sending a shiver of fear down your spine.

"How bad is it?" You struggled to maintain composure, but the panic threatened to overwhelm you.

"He's tangled up with a cocaine syndicate."

"Oh no." The words escaped your lips in a hushed whisper, laden with fear and dread.

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[writethrough]

The Diviner (Part V)

(Morpheus x Prophetess Reader)

Synopsis: Your body needs time to heal, but your unconscious is finally dreaming.

Warnings: None? (Message me if you see any.)

Word Count: 3219

A/N: Did you really think I'd leave you hanging a full week after that little blurb of a last chapter? I think I've more than made up for it with this sucker.

Thank you to everyone who's stuck it out with me. I really enjoyed hearing what you like about this series.

To everyone who has reblogged, you are spectacular humans and deserve an endless supply of your favorite food.

I hope you all enjoy this final chapter! I'd love to know what you thought of this series, and if I should post more multi-part fics in the future.

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You wander. A maze of darkness before you.  

You exhale and remember Morpheus.  

A room appears, lit by stained glass, with a throne in the middle. And he's there, alive, staring at you in shock. 

—  

“I don’t understand,” you say. “How am I awake?”  

You were dying. At least it felt like you were dying. So, why are you...fine?  

“If I may?” Lucienne asks. Morpheus called for her as soon as he saw you.  

His chin dips a fraction, but it’s enough for Lucienne to continue.  

“Given your abilities, I believe the severity of your injuries—and healing in the Dreaming—has allowed your subconscious to manifest.” She smiles, pleased with her next words. “You’re dreaming, my lady.”  

Your brow furrows, and you glance from her to Morpheus.  

“How is that possible? If I’m healing, shouldn’t my mind be recovering as well?”  

“Your mind is the most resilient part of you, prophetess. It stands to reason it would need little to no time to replenish,” Morpheus says.  

Your eyes lower to the floor, considering this.  

For centuries, you’ve seen possible futures—travesties no one could imagine. And you haven’t forgotten one.  

Day in and day out, vision after vision, a constant rush of images, sounds, smells, and even sensations when intense enough. Your mind has built up a tolerance for nearly anything and everything.  

It seems almost dying is child's play for it though your body would be down for some time.  

You take in Morpheus’ throne room, truly seeing where you are. “I’m…dreaming.” And you laugh. In disbelief, in wonder—in sheer joy.  

You are dreaming.  

—  

Morpheus transported your body into his realm as soon as you fainted.  

Between your physical injuries and the attack meant for Morpheus, your only chance was the magic and tools in the Dreaming.  

Lucienne, Matthew, and Death helped him stabilize you, but he never expected you to walk right up to him as if you were fine.  

However your body absorbed the attack, it caused your powers to shut down, and you’re experiencing the Dreaming for the first time in centuries.  

You’re acting yourself mostly, but sometimes you grow tired, your physical form telling your unconscious you aren’t out of the woods yet.  

Morpheus urges you to take a seat, worry flashing through his eyes.  

“I’m okay,” you say. “It’s just a minor spell.”  

“I wish I could do more,” he says, hand still on the back of your bicep.  

“You’ve done plenty. More than I could ever hope for.”  

His jaw clenches, a twitch of movement, but you catch it. You’ve gotten better at picking up his micro-expressions.  

“I mean it, Morpheus. I wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for you.” You try to push as much conviction in the words as possible.   

“You wouldn’t have been in harm's way if it wasn’t for me.”  

You shake your head, dizzying yourself and need to rest it on your hand. Morpheus’ brow pinches slightly.  

“Warrens decided to trap you and use me. I should've predicted that.”  

“That’s not in your ability,” he says.  

“And I should’ve figured I'd be in danger when Death said you’d be fine. I should’ve known she saw me dying and not you.”

It clicked not longer after you woke up. Of course, Death knew what was supposed to happen.

“You must not focus on the past. It will do nothing to aid your recovery.”  

You sigh. “I know. I just feel so stupid.”  

Your eyes are downcast. It surprises you when a gentle touch lifts your chin and directs you to focus on him.  

“I will not have you speaking as if you’ve done something wrong,” he says. “Because of you, I am alive. I will forever be grateful.”  

He waits for an answer. All you can do is nod.  

His touch vanishes, and he stands.  

“Perhaps I can show you more of the Dreaming.”  

You give him a small smile. “I’d like that.”  

—  

Time moves differently in the Dreaming. It was best when you stopped trying to keep track of it. All you know is that you’ve been recovering for some time. Long enough for you to have your role carved out here and for the residents to call you by name.  

Your exhaustion and dizzy spells are few and far between, but they’re intense and accompanied by symptoms of visions. A faint smell, a phantom touch, even a whisper of a voice, but no matter how much you try, you can’t hang onto them. They slip through your fingers before you recognize what they are. It’s like you’re missing a limb.  

Today, the loss is affecting you more than you thought it could. You miss your ability. As much trouble as it can cause, you somehow feel untethered from yourself. Even with your body lying unconscious, you’re more of a shell now than ever.  

And as much as you try to hide it, somehow, Morpheus knows.  

“You will return to yourself,” he says.  

You’re sitting in Fiddler’s Green on a bench beneath a grove of magnolia trees.  

“It feels like it’s been years,” you say, rubbing your arm. You haven’t felt the breeze on your skin since the attack. You hardly notice it now as the grass moves with it.  

You can tell he’s about to respond, and you already know what he’ll say.  

“Don’t tell me ‘it takes time’ or ‘be patient.’ I’ve been patient. I’ve had to be patient since Destiny gave me this damn power, and now I can’t even access it because I missed the signs last time!” You rub your face, trying to push the frustration out.  

He lets you have your moment to feel that anger.  

“Immortality is crueler than death,” he begins. “It's companions are loneliness and waiting.”  

You look at him, scanning his features, and nod. Your agitation cools into sympathy. 

“I forget what happened to you sometimes. I’m sorry.”  

“I will not accept an unnecessary apology,” he says. “My experiences do not outweigh yours.”  

“Nevertheless, I’m free here. You weren’t.”  

He locks eyes with you, a softness to them. “I am also free.”  

It’s like he’s latched onto your soul. His timbre pulls you closer. And you realize you don’t feel so lost when he’s around.  

“Boss!”  

You lean back and look toward the sound, missing Morpheus’ eyes widening a fraction at Matthew’s interruption, too.  

“Boss! Death’s here.” Matthew lands in front of you.  

Your brow furrows, and your heart quickens. “Death’s here?”  

Why would Death be here? She wouldn’t come to the Dreaming if she didn’t have a good reason.  

What if she’s working? What if you aren’t improving and the Dreaming is masking your worsening condition?  

Morpheus tilts his head slightly, sensing your tension. He puts the pieces together quickly as he stands. 

“I requested she come.” He turns to you, voice tender, reassuring. “I wished to spend time with her.”  

—  

You haven't seen Death since you arrived.  

She and Morpheus urged you to stay even though you wanted to give them privacy. You forgot what it was like to have friends—to be close to others. It was nice.  

Then she whisked you away, telling Morpheus it was “girl time.”  

You’re strolling on one of the paths: one that extends as long as you can walk and leads to wherever you wish.  

You’ve had enough time to think about that day, your limitations, Death’s, what Warrens did to you…  

“You knew I’d be there,” you say.  

Neither of you stop walking. It’s not a surprise that you’ve brought this up.  

“That’s why you were surprised. Not because I had a vision of Morpheus, but because I was supposed to be there all along—because I was supposed to die—and you couldn’t interfere.”  

She grimaces. “I’m sorry.”  

You let out a breathy laugh. “I should be used to all the secrecy, but I’m not.” You pause. “And yet, I get it. Price of power and all that, I guess.”  

Now, she halts. “I know this won’t bring you comfort, but your being alive is a miracle.”  

“Then how am I…”  

“I don’t know. And that’s not something I say often,” Death says. “I can only speculate, but the day Destiny came to you—before that, he came to me and asked I keep you here. I didn’t ask why, but maybe this was meant to happen. You were the only one who could save my brother.”  

You shake your head. “I still don’t understand. Why give me this power at all? Why not just put me on the path so I could save Morpheus at the end? And how could you see my murder if you made that promise?”  

“Not even I am sure of that.” She answers your last question. “But: Is that not what Destiny did? Put you on that very path?” She pauses, then softly. “And gave you a purpose. One bigger than anyone should have, but a purpose nonetheless.”  

That thought runs around your head. 

Did Destiny do that? 

It's hard to imagine that being the reason. But why else would he— 

“Do you…Do you think Destiny gave me this power so I would survive?”  

You aren’t sure that makes sense. 

You. Out of everyone that could make a difference in the world, Destiny chose you.  

Death shrugs. “Again, I can’t be certain. But think about it, it brought you to Hob, to me," she gives you a knowing look, "to Dream.” 

You roll your eyes. “Need I remind you that I hated Morpheus for the longest time.”  

“Need I remind you that was in the past tense.” She grins.  

“So, you’re saying it’s harder to kill me than I originally thought,” you say, trying to change the subject.  

“None of that,” she tuts. “Even though it’s not under the best circumstances, I am happy you and Morpheus are getting to know one another.”  

You hum. “I spent so long not knowing what to feel for him—having all of these unanswered questions—it’s strange…to finally have that behind me.” You pause. “I enjoy his company.”  

“I would’ve used a stronger word than that,” she says, grinning cheekily. 

The tiny smiles Morpheus sent you and the glances you threw him could’ve made her squeal if she was the type.  

“Okay,” you wave her off, “enough.”  

She puts her hands up, yielding.  

You hesitate before telling her this next part.  

“I think—No, I know my visions are returning.”  

“That’s great!” She grabs your arm. “...Isn’t it?”  

“It’s just…They aren’t back yet. They’re not full visions. And I don’t know what that means. Or how long I’ll be like this.” You gesture to yourself.  

She smiles empathetically. “It means you’re getting better. I can only imagine how frustrating it’s been, but you are healing.”  

You nod. She’s right.  

She slips her arm into yours. “Now, let me tell you all the embarrassing stories about my brother.”  

You throw your head back and laugh.  

—  

It’s been a few days since then, you think. You and Morpheus have spent most of your time together. He’s become someone you care for deeply, and you wonder if he feels the same.  

You think he does when he pulls out your chair or helps you cross a stream. He’s interested in your life besides your visions. And when you told him about your family and loved ones throughout the years, he placed his hand atop yours. You could still feel it sometimes.  

You’re both in the library. A rare occurrence of rest brought Morpheus to curl up with you on the plush sofa. Well, you curled up. Morpheus has his feet on the floor but is leaning into the cushions.  

“I’ll have read everything in here by the time I wake up,” you joke, flipping your page.  

“I can feel your bouts of power when they rise. It will not be long now.”  

He always speaks so assuredly when it’s about your healing. His steadfastness has rubbed off on you. You aren’t so pessimistic about it anymore.  

You don’t notice you’re staring at him until he asks if something’s wrong.  

You shake your head. “No. I just don’t know what I would’ve done all this time if you weren’t here.”  

He faces forward, not staring at anything, and silence settles over you. The atmosphere shifts, and you can almost feel the tension coming from him.  

“There is no universe where I would have been elsewhere,” he says, as still as ever.  

And it’s his seriousness that makes you drop your light tone and scoot closer.  

“I know. And I appreciate that.” You glance at your fingers. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”  

“You haven’t.” He rests his hand on yours. “But know that you are my priority, and I am happy to have been by your side.”  

“Morpheus…” you lock eyes, “we’ve been over this. I hate that you feel obligated to help me.”  

His brows twitch inward. “I feel no such compulsions. I am grateful you saved my life, but I can never repay such sacrifice.” He pauses. “Your wellbeing is my concern as your…friend.”  

His thumb brushes your cheekbone as he searches your eyes.  

You pull your lips into a thin line, hoping he can’t feel the heat in your cheeks. “Just know that I wouldn’t change what I did. I wanted to save you—I needed to.”  

“You didn’t—”  

“I did!” You say almost desperately. “You’re the only connection I have to my past. You’re the only one who knows who I was. I can’t lose you…”  

You’re afraid to look him in the eye, but he lifts your chin with a slightly hooked finger, tenderness in his gaze.  

“You won’t.”  

He pulls his hand away, and you realize how much closer you both have gotten.  

“You can’t promise that, though,” you whisper.  

“No. I cannot. But I can promise that ritual is gone.”  

You clench your jaw. “That won’t stop me from worrying.”  

“Then you know how I feel.”  

He says it like a joke—mirthful—a tone that’s both strange and welcome in him.  

You roll your eyes halfheartedly. “You don’t need to worry. I’m fine.”  

“I will stop worrying when you’re awake,” he says. “Until then, I will watch over you.”  

A slight shiver runs down your spine. Morpheus' entire focus on you always makes you a little weak, but hearing him say those words? They almost send your knees buckling.  

“I don’t understand. Why have you been so insistent about this?”  

Something seems to settle in his eyes, his head tipping closer.  

“When you were writhing in pain—screaming—something came over me that hasn’t in a long while.”  

You tilt your head, waiting.  

“Fear.”  

“What?” you whisper.  

The back of his fingers grazes your cheek, lingering, caressing.  

“I feared I would lose you.” He’s searching you, analyzing every twitch and passing emotion.  

“Morpheus,” you start, “what are you saying?”  

The corner of his lips lift briefly.  

“You’ve become important to me,” he breathes. “My prophetess.”  

His lips are so close to yours. A moment more, and they’d touch. But as much as you want this, you stop him.  

“I don’t want our first kiss to be when I’m dreaming,” you say. “I want it to feel real because…you’ve become important to me, too.”  

Softly, he rests his forehead against yours.  

“I will wait as long as I must. Knowing you feel the same is enough.”  

—  

Your dizziness has been nonexistent these past couple of weeks. You’ve been able to help Lucienne in the library much more. However, this morning, if you could even call it that in the Dreaming—it’s like you’ve been getting hit from all sides.  

A breeze on your cheek while you were indoors.  

A shimmering red when you paged through a book.  

And whispered words of “regret this” and mumblings you couldn’t decipher.  

But this is your strongest one yet.  

It’s not images or scents, not even a noise, but an expansive, all-encompassing feeling blooming within your chest. You swear you’ll burst when Lucienne sees you steadying yourself against a table.  

She says your name. “Are you alright?”  

The feeling keeps getting bigger and bigger, and then Lucienne seems so far away, then the entire library. And you realize it’s time.  

“I think…I think I’m waking up.”  

A moment after you spoke, it feels like you're falling backward.  

Your eyes open with a quick inhale, and you look around.  

You’re in a bed, and everything feels so much more tangible. There are soft sheets, a comforting breeze from the open window, and that unmistakable feeling of something new beginning.  

You slowly rise, but where you thought there would be soreness, none comes.  

You've healed.  

You laugh in disbelief, running out of the room and to the one person you need to see.  

He’s creating dreams, something you’d usually take a moment to marvel at, but you can’t seem to give a damn.  

He glances over his shoulder, lips ticking up when he sees you.  

He’s about to speak. Then, his eyebrows twitch downward when you don’t stop walking, and you barely contain your smile before you kiss him.  

It takes him no more than a moment to grip your waist and pull you closer. To feel him like this instead of those phantom pressures, it's indescribable.   

You reluctantly retreat, and he stares at you with this kind of awe, tracing the back of his knuckles down your cheek, his features brighter than you’ve ever seen.   

“How are you feeling?” he asks.   

You take a moment before answering. “I’m okay. Everything feels…stronger now.” You give him a small smile. “Real.”  

“Not many have visited the Dreaming as you are,” he says. “If you’re overwhelmed, please tell me.”  

You shake your head fondly. “Not overwhelmed, just…happy.”  

“I am glad.”  

Your hands rest on his chest as you stare at him, too thrilled to care that maybe you should say something. But all you want to do is look at him—feel him now that you’re back in your body.  

Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to mind.  

He’s gripping your hips, the lightest of touches, yet it almost burns you in the best way possible. His thumb grazes one side, grabbing your attention. Like he knows you’re daydreaming. 

“I must give you something,” he says.  

He reaches within his coat, and in his palm is a gold band embedded with a ruby, a piece of Morpheus’ Dreamstone.  

“Stay with me,” he whispers, forehead pressed to yours. “Come and go as you please, but always return. To your home.” He pauses. “To me.”  

You stare at him, eyes wide with wonder and glistening.  

“Yes,” you breathe, beaming.  

He strokes your cheekbone with his thumb before cupping it fully and slotting his lips between yours.  

You giggle. “I have to say I really didn’t see this coming.”  

If Morpheus was one to roll his eyes, he would have.  

“Do not make me regret this.”  

The lit in his voice pulls a playful gasp from you.  

“It’s too late. You can’t change your mind,” you say, eyes alight.  

His warm smile sends gooseflesh up your arms.  

“Never,” he whispers.  

Destiny has strange ways of working, but after centuries of unanswered questions, you finally think you understand why he chose you.  

Maybe the eldest Endless has a softer spot for his younger brother than any of you realize.

Taglist: @sayumiht, @hatterripper31, @snowsatsu, @1950schick, @navs-bhat, @bookshelf-dust, @sapphireonline, @fictional-hooman, @steph-speaks, @ladyredstar1991, @secretdreamlandmentality, @ababycake, @morpheuss1mp, @boofy1998, @alice-the-nerd, @herfantasyworldd, @poemfreak306, @under-kitty

If you’d like to be added to any taglists, please comment or message me with the character you’d like updates on. 

[delyth88]

Random late night thoughts on falling into a fandom.

I'm not really the sort of person who gets excited about a lot of different shows and characters. I mean I enjoy them, but I don't fall in love with them often. I joined Tumblr in 2017 because I saw Thor Ragnarok and then caught up on the MCU and fell in love with Loki. And that's been pretty much it till now.

I'm as old as Tom Hiddleston, so when I was a fan of the Lord of the Rings there wasn't a fandom culture like this online, and Tumblr wasn't around till 2006 even if I had known about it. So without the ability to interact with other people about the movies I loved, they eventually receded in my consciousness.

With Loki and the MCU I found other people who loved him as much as I did and wanted to talk about it! And I discovered fan fiction. So much awesomeness! And there were a lot of excellent stories that really got inside his head and fleshed out the movies and the issues he was dealing with. It meant that I remained fascinated for years. I still am.

I also discovered Tom Hiddleston was a charming and decent man and cared about this character I'd come to love and was actually interested in talking about him - so naturally I devoured all the interviews I could find. I’m not generally one for following actors – it’s a bit of a gamble as to whether they’ll be a jerk or not, so I’m pretty cautious.

Over that time I've watch most of the blogs I know move on to other things, and new people discover how awesome Loki is. But I've never found another character that's captured my imagination quite like Loki. And I've kinda wondered what the magic combination was.

Now I think I've figured out a couple of things in the last few weeks.

I started a rewatch of the X-Men movies, and as it turned out about half of them were not a rewatch but watching them for the first time. (I'm still mildly angry at myself for missing them when they came out - it would have been fun to be in the fandom at that time.) I watched them most evenings I had free and sometimes parts of a movie over multiple nights.  And I think this is one of the things that hooks me into a universe and really makes me care for the characters. 

It was a similar thing for me with the MCU.  There was a lot of canon material already out there by the time I came to it, which meant I was able to immerse myself in the world over several months, and with everything relating to everything else it really helped create that feeling of a real world where these people really exist and the stakes and their relationships with each other are real. It also meant that I got to see Loki grow and change over several movies and several year (sadly not always for the better imo), but again I think this helped with the illusion of real people.

And I think inadvertently I’ve done the same thing with X-Men. I came into it with familiarity from the cartoon as a kid and the original movies, so I was already disposed to like them.  I very much enjoyed the Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart era, but I still didn’t fall down the rabbit hole until part way through Days of Future Past.  I hadn’t seen First Class before, and that was a very pleasant surprise.  I had no expectations and they were far enough removed in age from the previous films that I didn’t find myself comparing them too much. First Class had so much heart! Lots of heart-warming moments getting to know the characters, and some that pulled at the heartstrings too.  I saw that in one sitting.  If I’d watched that over multiple, I may have been hooked earlier. 

I found myself initially enjoying the whole world and how all the characters fit together after First Class.  I was also a little surprised and unsure about this portrayal of Charles Xavier.  He’s always been a favourite character from the Patrick Stewart era, but just in a “I slightly prefer you over the others” kinda way. I suppose that did lead me to pay particular attention to the younger version of Charles. But this new version had an unexpected charm. Now usually I run a mile from characters that are cocky and too self-assured, which objectively Charles is here, but for some reason everything else about him and the film led me to liking his attitude and his heart.

By partway through Days of Future Past, which I watched over multiple evenings, I was actively looking forward to getting home at the end of the day to see more of this character.  And for a brief few days while I finished off the movies I think my hind brain was treating this like looking forward to seeing a real person. Which I found kinda fascinating, and since it doesn’t happen often I paid a bit more attention to this process.

The final nail in the coffin for me was Charles’ aching “You abandoned me!” on the plane. At this point I was 100% rooting for this character and following the next two movies from his point of view.  I was really impressed with how consistent his character seemed to be throughout the first three films of that timeline. After following Loki for so many years I know what inconsistent character personalities can do. :/ It should go without saying therefore that Dark Phoenix didn’t really do it for me.

So I think my recipe for falling in love with characters boils down to three things:

Have a decent amount of material to watch, and watch it in quick succession.

Have a character with strong bonds to others and who has scenes where they’re emotionally vulnerable. Obviously it helps if they’re a good actor.

Have consistent character writing, and believable, compelling, motivations.

And bonus point 4: Have a community to talk about them with.

Oddly, I’d put off watching the X-Men films as late as I could, because I felt I didn’t really have as much headspace and time to give them as I thought they deserved. And I’d half thought I might fall for Magneto, given Loki was my favourite character. They have a lot of similarities – both have had to endure terrible pain and loneliness in their lives, and have been the outcast for one reason or another. They’re both characters whose allegiance changes. The sympathetic villain with a persuasive motivation. They’re both powerful manipulators of the world around them, and of course there’s a very broad similarity in looks (i.e. tall white guy with dark hair).

But no. It was the shorter, less conventionally attractive character, who was the steadfastly ‘good’ one of the pair that stole my heart. The one that could have been really quite boring in contract to Erik.  But I think it was how in so many scenes I feel like I could just see this man’s heart laid bare.  He really tried, and kept trying, to help his friends, and believed in them and the rest of mankind. You could just see the light within him. I initially viewed them as a pair similar to Thor and Loki, but I’ve never found Thor such an engaging character even though he has a similar function and some similar traits.

My brain has decided this is now my blorbo and has dedicated a larger than reasonable section of my mental CPU to him for the meantime. It’s almost like a real crush on a real person. Which is such a strange thing, when you think about it.  Or it just shows there’s a threshold where your brain goes, okay we have enough data points now, we can start caring for these people. It reminds me why I felt like I did for the weeks after Infinity War.  As far as my brain is concerned this is someone I genuinely care about.

It makes me a little sad for people I know who don’t care for stories in this way - books, movies, or television. It’s a joyful, if sometimes inconveniently scheduled, thing to fall in love with people in the tales we tell each other.

[twistedastrology]

Hello love, what could it mean to have Jupiter in libra in 10th exactly trine Neptune in Aquarius in 2nd house ?

tysm for the ask!!! i would've gotten to this like a day sooner but the 20th was my birthday so 😭😭

so im cookin up a theory in my head in regards to libra and virgo specifically, it's not fully formed yet i gotta think abt it more but ill test it out a bit here-

to me, jupiter can represent what someone is naturally gifted at and also always learning, i wrote a whole newsletter abt my take on jupiter so if ur interested, here u go-

and libra generally represents balance and such, but in this half-formed theory im letting marinate in my head, libra and virgo are the two signs that are essential "human" signs- meaning they deal primarily with the subject of humanity itself-

cant elaborate too much on that yet unfortunately bc like i said im still cooking it BUT- Jupiter in Libra to me could mean you're always willing to learn more about what it means to be human and be fair to others- you probably have a strong sense of justice and are very "treat people how you would want to be treated"- and you may have a natural gift for social mediation, like you probably have the ability to speak to and unite groups of people.

jupiter in the 10th house has a saturn/capricorn connotation to it, and in libra, id say you have the potential to be a very fair manager in a way? like you're probably a strong advocate for equal pay, stuff like that

a neptune trine gives your jupiter a more spiritual side though so the more ✨✨💫💫🔮🔮 side of that saturn/cap connotation would be potentially prophetic insight into where you're supposed to be going in life and where you've been- you're probably very good at seeing the bigger picture in everything but im not sure what the rest of ur chart looks like so there Is potential for u to get lost in the big picture and forget abt details unless you have a strong saturn/mercury- which u probably do have a relatively strong saturn considering the cap rising-

neptune in aquarius is really interesting to me, probably bc i have it too, BUT!!! especially if u have other heavy aquarius placements or your neptune is heavily aspected, i imagine u might be either tech savvy or interested in technology, especially the use of it to reach more information about spiritual or creative topics

speaking from my personal experience w/neptune in aquarius, you may have the potential to get a little 😵‍💫 about the future, whether it be deluded or anxious, and you might have extremely vivid daydreams about potential events that you legitimately find yourself getting totally lost in and you snap out of them a little later like "whoa where was i."

you might be very quick with your intuition too- claircognizance makes sense for neptune in aquarius since uranus is the higher octave of mercury- you might get random and extremely sudden flashes of insight that come from absolutely nowhere and you find urself thinking "idk how i knew that wtf"

and neptune in the 2nd house, idk if it's retrograde or not so this could be very hit or miss but neptune in the 2nd could give you a strange relationship with money or your basic needs- jupiter in 10th could even this out a little or make it worse but similar to neptune in the 8th house, you could notice money coming and going through very weird ways- like maybe you get inheritances that you didn't expect, general influxes of money that you didn't expect, or maybe you get very costly bills that you didn't expect or something to that effect- the uranus connotation your neptune has could amplify that unexpected, random energy too because uranus is such an erratic planet.

jupiter trine neptune is a CRAZY spiritual aspect itself though- again im not sure what the rest of your chart looks like so i can't tell you super specifics BUT if it was afflicted, like either planet badly aspected besides the trine, jupiter would just expand upon neptune's delusional tendencies and that could lead to some serious financial, social and spiritual crises- i say social because libra rules the 7th house and aquarius rules the 11th house, both houses being generally associated with partners or collectives

if it isn't afflicted and is instead backed up by multiple other planets, you probably have some crazy intuition and clair-abilities- you could have what i like to call a built-in vibe detector when it comes to meeting new people (like i do hiii), or people could easily deceive you via potential high hopes-

overall that's a Strong aspect and couple placements to have and im interested to know if any of this made sense or i was totally wrong- but it definitely all depends on the rest of your chart too- like an afflicted saturn or mercury or something could fuck all of that good shit up and make it barely noticeable OR taint the effect of it and make it an honorable affliction basically-

but i hope this helped somewhat at least!!! i could be horrifically wrong or horrifically accurate idk that's for u to decide but in either case thank u for the question!! it was a good brain jog :))!!

[natalie-the-chimera]

Snake appreciation month: Headcanons

Family:

Many imagine Cedric coming or being taken from some shapeshifter tribe/village or from the streets, going from rags to riches. But what if he was rich from the start?

Shapeshifters, especially big and strong like Cedric, are a very powerful force in battle. One of these could deal with a whole squad of soldiers. So it's better to keep such creatures close, giving them wealth and power so they won't turn on you in the future.

I wonder if the green dude is Cedric's distant relative

Coming back to Cedric's family, I see them as nobles with a ancient lineage, possibly going back to the times of the first Escanor. And of course members of the Hoffman family are proud of their background and shapeshifting abilities, making arranged marriages with other noble families to improve their bloodline. And so we came to Richard and Rovena Hoffman aka Cedric's Mom and Dad.

It was another arranged marriage. Richard's family were humans, much less wealthy than Hoffmans, so it was a win-win situation for both (it's actually my friend's headcanon): shapeshifters prefer to have kids from another shapeshifter or human, so their child will keep the ability to transform. Having children from galahots or changelings (like Elyon's foster parents) is objectionable because of the risk of losing that ability. Cedric's parents weren't in love but they didn't hate each other, acting like respectful partners.

And so, our little snake boy was born.

Cedric's childhood was a normal childhood of a kid from a wealthy family: studying with mentors, starting from etiquette and music to the arts of war. His favourite were history and strategy and the most of all — politics. This was causing disagreements with his mother. Rovena, who had already planned her son's future, as well as his possible children and grandchildren's, served Veira's parents and saw enough dirt, corruption and the kingdom being on the edge of civil war. Of course she didn't want such fate to their only son. Richard, on the other hand, supported his son's ambitions, being some kind of a bridge between teen Cedric and distant Rovena.

Everything changed when Cedric turned 16. Snake shapeshifters have a great immunity to poisons and diseases unlike humans. His father perished from an illness, making his mother even more distant and cold and leaving him with a ton of responsibilities, expectations and pressure. The family estate was becoming more cold, dark and uncomfortable for him so he wanted to grow further, to bring honor to his family. Eventually, Rovena gave up, meeting Queen Veira and young Phobos at the royal meeting, and agreed to send Cedric to the castle as prince's new mentor. If only she knew what will happen years after...

Cedric's character:

*pats his head* "This tired angy boy can fit so much bottled emotions in him"

Oh man, where can I even start...

Well, it all starts in the family. If you think that being a kid from a noble family means doing nothing, think again. Especially if you have a cold, strict and demanding mother, preparing you to be a head of the family since the moment you learned how to walk. I headcanon that Cedric was raised with a thought that showing true emotions was considered a weakness. "She worries. Worry keeps her weak" (c) Cedric about Elyon, s1 ep21

The problem is, that we aren't golems made of stone. And Cedric already had quite an emotional baggage before arriving to the castle: the death of his father and the pressure of now being responsible for the wellbeing of the family. Soon, death of Queen and Prince-consort and following struggle for power among nobles and start of the rebellion added more pressure on his nerves. And all he could do was bottling up his emotions until the breaking point. He could blow off steam on the battlefield but after becoming Phobos' advisor he needed to stay near the prince.

Oh, the prince...

I think, Cedric was in charge for literally everything or at least controlling the ones who were responsible for everything. Army, searching for spies, exploring portals, maintaining the castle and the most important — searching for the princess. For 13 years. Plus the guardians, old and new. Oh, forgot to add that Meridian is slowly decaying without its Heart. And Phobos being disappointed and impatient after every fail. And he also got almost no sleep because of the timezones on Meridian and Earth. All I want to say that our big boy have severe anger issues, probably trashing his chambers after an especially hard day of losing to the guardians the 5th time this week and getting yelled at. He even can't just get drunk and pass out, because his body is immune to alcohol.

Just give him a long-long vacation.

Some minor headcanons I carry in my head:

Cedric can purr in his snake form. Not like a cat but more like a crocodile. He does that when he is happy and comfortable and the last time it happened when he was 15.

He betrayed Phobos in s2 mostly because the prince turned him in the worm and he wanted revenge: to humilate him, make him small and defenceless. And after that he started his crusade with Heatherfield, to destroy the home of the guardians. " Phobos wanted more power and I took it all away. You were messing with me and my world, now I'll destroy yours." If Cedric managed to win, I think he would just go on a murder spree, destroying everything and everyone who could go against him.

(comic) Cedric wasn't free of Phobos even after the prince took a leap of fate from Condrakar's tower. Years of abuse don't go away that easily, so his mind could occasionally went back thinking about Phobos or having nightmares with him. He didn't tell anyone about it, even Orube.

He sleeps hugging something, mostly a pillow. If you got into these snake hugs and try to get out he will constrict his arms or tail harder without waking up.

Even if Cedric can swallow a human or a large animal whole, he rarely does that, preferring to tear his prey up. If he eats too much at once, he becomes sleepy. Also, living prey can start struggling and kicking which can damage his teeth, throat or esophagus.

In series we see him in his snake form when he arrives to the bookshop. So, maybe he got rid of its previous owner...

He rarely opens up to anyone but if he does...Get ready for a several hours of pure bitching and complaining about his life. (He absolutely deserves it)

He looks serious and gloomy but he can be quite sarcastic, mostly making dark jokes.

The series were for kids but I think he actually swears a lot when he doesn't have to act as a noble man. He is also quite violent and, while in human form, can transform his mouth and jaw to bite his opponent's face off when he is tired to play nice.

His eyes can glow in the dark, he also can look at someone for a long time without blinking when he is threatening them to scare the shit out of them.

[eternal-echoes]

Hi 👋 , totally random ask here, I just want to talk about kiyoka for a minute with someone bc apparently few people read the novels . I recently finished reading vol 6 (Spoilers) , I know I'm late .

And I was stunned , I never expected kiyoka to leave the military, it was of course foreshadowed that he stayed bc of godos dad but it came as shock to me at the end . The thing is I can't really imagine him in any other career , and I'm looking forward to what direction he will choose . I guess not knowing that much about him is a good thing bc that means that the story will focus on his growth as well , at least I hope it does , and we will hopefully see what he is like as a person , bc until this point his character was interwoven with his cold and strict military persona , that obviously doesn't fit him. Whenever we got a glimpse of him outside his profession, something happened and he had to be the commander again . I just wanted your opinion, what career path do you think he will choose , something regarding his powers or something entirely new ? Sorry for my rumbling , have a nice day ❤️

***My Happy Marriage light novel spoilers ahead***

Yeah, Kiyoka changing careers is something really hard for me to imagine, too. It never actually sunk into me that he was considering different career before the event about Godou's dad. I just feel like from the very beginning of the series, Kiyoka had always has this calling to be a military commander.

From Volume 1:

From Volume 5:

Everything about Kiyoka seem to stem from being a military commander. From his coldness and kindness, despite how contradictory those traits are, are both due to him being tasked with a duty to protect the citizens of Imperial City. The wanting to protect is due to his kindness and the coldness part is due to the nature of being in the military. So to me, the military officer is the career perfectly cut out for him. He's not the kind of person who brags about his supernatural ability but at the same time, because he knows he's the best person capable for the military commanding officer so he'll do it to make sure the job is well done, to prevent as much death as possible. He's so single-minded focus on this career that he'd skip lunch and stay overnight at his office and even rejected a marriage proposal from someone who could have been an alright fit for him because he didn't want any distractions to come to his work.

I think the reason for the change is because he met Miyo. Because he wants a future with her, he wants to fulfill his dreams that he had planned before he joined the military. Like being with Miyo encouraged him to be fully himself including pursuing what he truly desire as a dream job. I think because being in the military makes him a cold and callous person, and he doesn't like being that person, especially not when he's with Miyo, so he wants to distance himself from that cold and callous persona.

From Volume 4:

I don't know what career he was considering before he became a military officer. I agree with you and hope that the next volumes will focus on his growth as well since it has been focused on Miyo lately. She is the main protagonist and I've been imagining that the "My" part of My Happy Marriage is from her POV but it is Kiyoka's happy marriage as well. Even though he gives up his military career he will still be assigned missions to fight Grotesqueries since he's a gift-user so that "military" part of him will never really go away.

The only profession I can think of is him teaching other people how to use their gifts. Maybe a military trainer rather than an military commander. Even that's still hard for me to imagine. But Godou did mention that gifts are occurring less often in people nowadays as Grotesqueries show up less and less so maybe there won't be as much need for military trainers as much.

I guess we'll just have to see. Volume 7 comes out on August 20 so we won't have to wait that long.

And you're welcome to vent long posts in my inbox any time, Anon. The My Happy Marriage fandom seem small compare to others so I appreciate any discourse about it.

[yeehawbvby]

Falling Away With You | Ch. 44*

Sebastian x F!Reader and M. Rasmodius x F!Reader

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Chapter Summary: Magnus... prepares you for your date.. I guess.

Author’s Note: WE’RE BACK BABYYYYYY

Thanks so much to everyone for being so patient during my hiatus!! I definitely needed some time to just slow down a bit (and to reiterate from my recent update, things still will be slow! But the time off was nice), and I really appreciate the kindness and support in that decision :3 It means so much to me, I wish I could better express it to y’all.

I hope that this is a good chapter for jumping back into things! I did my best to recap the past few chapters a little bit for those of you who need a small refresher, as well as incorporate a small time skip (like, 2 weeks tops).

If you're not into that, I hope the smut makes up for it <3

As always, I hope you enjoy, and I’d love to hear your thoughts! x Also, please see the comments for another author's note once you finish reading this chapter ^^

Table of Contents + Work Summary

Check it out on ao3!

Prev (if you want to skip my Author Updates(tm), go straight to chapter 40!) | Next

Seb had first seen magic as something spooky and surreal. Nothing more than a new and weird thing that fuzzied up the lines between the fiction he took comfort in, and the burdens of reality. It was a completely understandable take for him to have felt that way, and I had been surprised that he was so chill about introducing it back into his life through me! 

That said, I thought he’d still keep it to a minimum. 

But!!!

Ever since our visit to Magnus a few weeks ago — again, a visit that held the intention of Seb merely becoming a little reacquainted with the arcane, as we’d both expected him to keep his involvement small — learning magic has morphed into a bit of a passion project for him. A means to become as badass as his magic-wielding OCs and shit. It’s rad as hell. Kinda hot too. I dunno what it is about magic, but it does things to me, dude.

When Seb isn’t programming, and we aren’t spending time alone together, he’s now enthusiastically re-familiarizing himself with his rusty arcane skill set as well as indulging in some new knowledge. And likewise, when I’m not farming, taking care of Cannoli, or spending time with either of my partners alone, I’m honing my rapidly-increasing skills as a mage.

The necklace Welwick gave me has been working wonders for my abilities. Like, I now have that sixth-sense Magnus vaguely talks about from time-to-time, for when something magical is nearby. That could just be a result of my growth as a mage in general, but I think it’s more fun to imagine this little trinket siphoning a bunch of cool shit into me.

Also, clairvoyance doesn’t come to me so randomly anymore, aside from the occasional flash of something in my head! It’s getting a bit easier to tell the difference between dreams and a distant reality during my sleep, too. Similarly to… well, fucking everything else related to magic, I guess, it’s sort of a gut-feeling above all else.

This nifty little thing has also allowed me to practice my psychicism in the way that Magnus always had to resort to. For him to predict the future, he must conduct a spell and perform a weird ritual of sorts. He saves it for when things feel “off,” like when I moved to Pelican town… and for when he gets eager, and wants to know something right then and there. Like when he predicted when I’d be coming over to drink that nasty-ass potion that all but confirmed I’m a mage.

The process requires copious amounts of mana – another reason why he so rarely does it. But because of the extra help from my necklace, as well as my seemingly natural talent as an oracle that I’m assuming Grandpa passed down to me in some way, it doesn’t drain me nearly as much as other spellcasters of my skill level. Even Magnus and Camilla seem to get a bit more nauseated by the process than I do.

Throughout all this, all things romantic have been settling in too; things have gotten much more cozy. At the start of this journey in a polycule of sorts, the concept of openly loving two people in the same room was nothing short of intimidating. Now, it’s as natural as breathing. And while I wouldn’t say it seems like Seb and Magnus are becoming intimate with one another, they’ve definitely been spending more time alone, which makes me happy. Reassures me a bit as well. It’s a nice reminder that I’m not some sort of… I dunno. A selfish hussy. Or something. This concept still feels novel to me in some ways.

Both of my lovers are vague about what happens during their one-on-one meetings. Can’t tell if something’s going on, or if they just know the concept intrigues me, and they agreed to fuck with me a bit. Y’know, get my imagination going, for funsies. I mean, Seb’s crush on the older wizard is still as strong as ever, so I’m secretly hoping that they’re preparing to do some canoodling of their own.

I wish I knew what was going on in those pretty heads of theirs… seems as though mind-reading just isn’t gonna be a thing for me.

Whatever. I’m not bitter.

(Yes I am.)

Speaking of canoodling – I’m headed to Magnus’ place in a few minutes. It’ll be the first time we’ve been alone together in our past few meetings, since Seb can’t make it until later. The poor, emo cave goblin was up working until early this morning. Magnus apparently wants to take me somewhere new today, so it kinda works out, I guess!

After my usual morning routine of farming (the pumpkins feel like they’re taking forever to grow in, but they’re almost there!) and eating, I quickly showered, dried my hair, tossed on some light makeup, and dressed myself. I went for an almost-ankle length, dark and rusty orange, pleated skirt; a cozy and thick, cream-colored, mock neck sweater; and a big, olive-green ribbon to thread around my half-up hairdo. It’s getting to the point in autumn where it basically feels like winter, so I should be safe from sweating too much in all this. 

Once I’ve grabbed my satchel and a jacket to complete the look, I make my way outside. The first thing I do upon exiting the building is remember that I haven’t checked the mail yet. I probably should, just in case Magnus or Lewis have anything important for me… ugh. 

Unable to resist, I go out of my way a bit first, stomping on some leaves that have blown over from all the trees surrounding my land. Cannoli, who has been outside most of the morning, runs over to join in. I scoop him up with an evil chuckle while he’s distracted. 

“Gotcha, punk.”

He meows at me, seemingly pissed, but then purrs after I pat a few smooches onto his head. I hold the little fella in both arms as I open my mailbox with outstretched fingertips. I grab its contents, nudge it shut with my elbow, and sit on the stoop to read what I’ve gotten, with Cannoli staying put in my lap.

“One from Lewis…” I rip it open. “S’just about Spirit’s Eve, nothing major,” I mumble to myself as I shuffle through the envelopes. “Some Joja shit… gross.” I scoff and tear that one in half as Cannoli abandons me, giving me some more space to work with. 

The next letter is in a bright blue envelope with deep purple stars outlining it, each twinkling as though electrically or magically lit. I would normally assume based on the fancy casing that this is from Magnus, but it isn’t labeled, which tells me otherwise. I don’t really sense anything, y’know, magicky about it either. Weird. 

I stand up and go inside, tossing the Joja ads in the trash and before plopping the rest of my mail onto the table. I sit down and cautiously open the blue one, not wanting to damage the pretty stationary too much. Now that it’s in my hand on its own, I can feel that there’s something other than writing inside of it.

The paper itself is blue, this one lighter and more vivid than the envelope. The ink is a deep indigo and the words look like they were written with a sparkly gel pen. And beneath it all is a tiny, gold-painted walnut, still in its shell.

That doesn’t seem very safe to eat. I toss it across the room to the small waste bin between my bedside table and the door, hoping I make the shot. It lands in with a satisfying plink. 

Alex Mullner could never ball like this. He’d weep – no, he’d propose – had he seen such skill!

…Gross. I don’t want that. 

After shimmying that thought away, I turn back to the azure note. It reads:

“We can do great things, you and I.

Forage a rainbow shell and leave it in the train station Lost and Found box if you’re interested. I’ll make it worth your while.

I’m counting on you, kid.”

It’s not even signed by anyone… This is ominous as hell. Part of me wants to ignore it, but I’m also kinda scared not to, y’know? What if something bad happens if I don’t comply or find a way to respond? I mean, this person knows where I live, and is likely keeping things anonymous for a reason. 

Or… it could be some sorta creepy jape by Sam or something, and I’m overthinking as per usual.

I’ll think about that more later… for now, I just wanna get to my purple-haired boyfriend.

I shuffle through the rest of the mail once more to double check that nothing is too urgent before heading back outside.

_______________

“Oy,” I call out as I enter Magnus’ tower, immediately turning my gaze toward the coat rack instead of looking for him. “Where—“ As I adjust my line of sight, I find Magnus just a few feet away, a cheeky glare on his face directed towards me as he waters his houseplants. “Oh.” I blush, embarrassed by how annoying my loud intrusion was. “Hi.”

Magnus doesn’t seem to mind. He chuckles, places down his watering can, and strides over to greet me. “Good morning, my heart.” 

That pet name never fails to get me all tingly, oh my goodness. 

Before I can tippy-toe to indicate that I wanna kiss him, he’s already bending down to my level and scooping my face into his hands. I match the action, cupping his rosy cheeks. Unexpectedly, Magnus kisses me hard, causing me to stumble back against the door. 

“Mmf!” I squeak into the kiss before meeting his intensity. Makes him smile. 

He doesn’t show any signs of wanting to stop, our teeth tapping together a bit as he continues to intertwine our lips and tongues while we find a compatible rhythm. Releasing a palm from my cheek, Magnus grips the door frame behind me before dragging his opposing palm further from my face, weaving his fingers in the hair near my nape. The action prompts a dreamy hum from me. 

Yoba. I want him. 

As the wizard begins to kiss down my jaw and onto what little neck I have showing, I breathily murmur, “What about those plans you had for us?”

“You needn’t worry about that,” he mumbles against my earlobe, taking his hand away from my hair to lower the collar of my sweater. “We have plenty of time.”

He eagerly dives back down, leaving light kisses and love bites on my neck. My hands weave into his amethyst tresses as I giggle. The sound comes out airy; in contrast, a syrupy laugh escapes Magnus and vibrates against my skin.

“Mag–” A harder suck that’ll definitely leave a darker mark just below my jaw cuts me off. “Ah~” 

Smirking against my skin, Magnus prompts, “Go on.” 

God, he sounds so smug. It’s so sexy. I subtly shake my head and roll my eyes, a smile never leaving my face. “Nevermind,” I whisper, bringing his mouth back to mine. 

Magnus lifts me up in one swift motion as he accepts my affection, carrying me away from the entrance bridal-style. I open one of my eyes to take a peek at where we’re going. As I do so, he pulls away to watch his step while we descend to the basement.

“What’re we doing down here?” I ask, knowing this could go one of two ways:

Either Magnus is teasing the shit out of me, and he’s taking me to his hall of portals so we can go… wherever; or, he simply decided he wanted to get frisky somewhere other than his bedroom.

“You’re a smart girl,” he answers as he nudges the door open with his foot. His irises are like rubies. “I’m sure you’ve pieced it together already.”

“Maybe I just want some confirmation.”

“Maybe you need to practice patience, my dear,” Magnus teases back.

“Maybe I’m just not a patient person, my dear.” Hm… feels weird to call him something other than Magnus or wizard. I don’t hate it, though.

I drown the tinglies in my tummy by hoisting myself a bit higher with the help of Magnus’ sturdy shoulders, leaving a few open-mouthed kisses on his neck. The action prompts goosebumps across his skin. 

“Heheh–” I begin to evilly laugh at his reaction, but Magnus releases me from his grip, scaring the everliving shit out of me. “Ack!” He catches me mid-air using magic, allowing me to settle myself down without getting hurt. I glare at him the entire time, pretending my heart isn’t beating a bajillion times per minute. “That wasn’t nice,” I chirp with my brows furrowed, barely above a whisper. 

It’s Magnus’ turn for a menacing chuckle as he leads me to the couch where I usually do my studies; the one closest to the western wall of the room.

“I thought you would enjoy the thrill.”

“Clearly you know nothing about me, wiz.” 

Magnus’ eyes — which had shifted to their natural maroon again by the end of our short journey — are crimson once more. As we slow to a halt in front of the sofa, the absolute skyscraper of a man cages me in, his hands clutching the purple back piece of the furniture and forcing me to stumble into a sitting position. Wide-eyed and with heat creeping between my thighs, I lean back and look up at my partner. 

Then, a sadistic, almost lazy grin creeps across his features while he leans down, moving his hands to grip my sides once his previous stance probably grew uncomfy. He’s almost entirely crouching to level with me. 

“I know more than you realize,” he points out. Ominous.

I fidget with my long sleeves as Magnus’ lips draw closer to my ear, his breath on my neck and face sending a shiver down my spine. 

His hands slide lower while he kisses just below my earlobe, before continuing, “How many people out there, at this very moment, can say they know precisely what makes you squirm?” His voice is low and gravelly, and he punctuates his sentence by squeezing my hips hard, pulling a sigh from me. Proving his point with ease.

This prick actually waits a moment for me to answer his question, his head still hovering closely next to mine. “Well?” 

It takes me a sec to register any form of language until I blink out of my horny fog and respond, “I mean… not many, I guess.” My brain has kinda just blocked out any sexual partners I had prior to Seb and Magnus, given none of them could hold a candle to these men.

The elemental grows quieter as he proceeds, “Alright. And how many can claim they’ve known you far prior to your present lifetime?” His hands drag off my hips, now resting on the red velvet cushions. 

The cockiness, greediness, and complete possessiveness of his follow-up makes me shudder. Has me choking back embarrassing sounds and stuff. Makes it hard to speak.

“J-just you.” 

“Veeery good.” Yoba, so much praise… my poor kinky heart can’t take this. “In that case–” Magnus brings his face to my view, and manually tilts my head by the chin. After drawing closer, he whispers against my quivering lips, “I’d say on the basis of those two factors alone that I know you better than most, wouldn’t you agree?”

I inhale shakily. He grins knowingly. “Yes…” I could barely hear my own voice. It’s as if Magnus has me under a spell… but he doesn’t this time. He’s just that captivating.

Mirroring my volume – fucking tease – he lilts, “Good girl.” Then, he pulls away, leaving me yearning for more kisses.

Fuck.

Standing upright, he puts out his palm for me to take. My head feels swimmy as I oblige without question, and he replaces my spot, urging me to try to straddle him. Doesn’t work. Skirt’s too long.

“Um… hold on…” 

I get up from the half-kneeling position I was in and simply remove the skirt altogether. Magnus chuckles as I struggle to find more words, feeling the hot redness of my cheeks spread down my neck. Why do I feel so shy right now? 

Beaming with his brows raised, he claims, “How bold of you.”

“What else was I gonna do?” I quip. It came out meeker than I’d wanted it to, but Magnus pays no mind to that. 

He shrugs, taking both my hands in his as I settle back onto his lap. His erection is apparent now that I’m sitting on it. Mmmmm. 

“I merely assumed you would roll up the fabric.” 

I close my eyes and lean forward further to rest in defeat against his silk, navy button-down, before copying his shrug. He has a good point. 

Magnus, sensing my unease, exhales jovially through his nose, before reassuring me, “Worry not, dear.” After unweaving our fingers, he wraps his arms around my waist. “Your haste is more than welcome.”

I grip the fabric of his shirt in both fists and groan into it. “T’still embarrassing though…” I complain, my voice muffled by the fabric.

Magnus moves his hands, now cupping my ass in each one. “Let me shift your mind away from that, then,” he purrs above my ear. 

I tilt my head so that my face isn’t being consumed by his chest anymore. “How the fuck are you so smooth?”

“I don’t necessarily mean to be.”

It makes sense, I guess. He’s been around for a thousand – or two, or whatever it is – years. He’s had more than enough practice. “Of course not…” 

I sigh. Then, I slip just under his face, leaving featherlight pecks along his jawline. He giggles a bit. “That tickles…”

“Yeah?” 

My instinctive laughter comes out menacing and gremlin-like. I attack him with more little kisses, paired with ten wiggly fingers against his sides. And oh boy, I’ve never heard such high pitched or loud noises come from this man.

“C-cease yourself!” 

“Never!” I proclaim, nearly cackling at this point. I’ve never seen him laugh this hard, and god, it’s fucking adorable. 

I keep myself planted atop him and do my best to dodge his swats towards me as he lays himself down, keeling over. Magnus lets out a snort that puts down my guard for a moment, and before I know it, he’s finally grappling my wrists, taking claim of them on either side of his face. The action pulls me down, bumping my forehead into his.

Magnus winces while I let out a quick and half-assed “Ouch!” before laughing a little more. I rest my face in the crevice between his head and our arms to recuperate. I gotta breathe oh my god and my abs hurt. 

When I come back up, Magnus is giving me sort of a funny look. Like, he’s still blushing (eyes included) and smiling, but I feel like I’ve never seen this exact expression before. 

“What?”

His lips curl up further before shaking his head slightly and answering, “I… your laughter is so beautiful.” My eyes widen a little, as does my smile. “I love you so much. Come here.” 

As the words leave his mouth and before I have a chance to verbally return the sentiment, he’s removing his hold on my wrists and tugging me into a deep, slow, and much more passionate kiss than the almost-feral ones we shared upstairs. It still leaves my tummy fluttering and my heart racing just as hastily. 

Once we grow a little more heated, I find myself accidentally grinding against Magnus’ arousal a bit; and once Magnus realizes it as well, his hands find refuge on my butt again, aiding my movements.

Sucks how that weird potion I drank to become a mage made me more athletic and cardiovascularly healthy, but it didn’t actually fix any of my joint issues. Even just this gentle rocking with my legs spread out this wide is making my hips cramp up a bit.

“Sore?” My partner murmurs into the kiss.

“How’d you know?”

“T’was a gut feeling.”

“That sure is a fancy way of saying you were in my head again.”

“Damn.” He breaks, an amused huff escaping him. “I almost fooled you.”

I sit up and very lightly punch his chest a few times. Asserting my dominance, for sure. 

After a few hits, I glare down at him, palms pressed against his chest. Magnus glares up at me, thumbs tracing small circles against my sides. He scans my body as he gnaws his lower lip.

This is hot.

He eventually speaks up, his orbs red as can be. “Are you finished throwing your little tantrum?” His usually sweet tone was replaced by something still honeyed, but more gravelly and domineering.

That was hotter. Fuck.

I swallow thickly and nod, subconsciously stimming with one of the lower buttons on his top. “Yeah.” 

His eyes drink in my body again. “Perfect.” Next, Magnus tugs me by my hips, giving me a little lift to bypass his arms as he all but plants me on his fucking face.

“What are you–” He cuts me off with a bite to my inner thigh. A heady sigh leaves me. 

With his pupils blown wide, he suggests, “This is surely easier on your hips given how much less you need to stretch them, no?”

“I-I guess.” I hide the lower half of my face in some of my hair. I feel so vulnerable. In a good way, but still. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden someone’s face before. I voice this concern into his brain, too timid to say it out loud.

Magnus repositions our forms slightly, giving his neck more comfort as he lets his head lay down flat against the cushion, with a little room to spare between his scalp and the arm of the sofa. I peer back at his legs. His left is dangling off the opposite end of the couch and probably bumping into the bookshelf a bit, while the right is planted on the floor beneath us.

“Would you like to try?” The wizard finally asks as I bring my gaze back to his.

I take a sec to contemplate it. On one hand, I feel weird being so exposed. On the other… How is this really any different from being eaten out while I’m laying down? Some fingers of my left hand are twirling a soft strand of Magnus’ hair. Those on my right are still tangled in my own (h/c) tresses, which continue giving my mouth and chin some privacy. 

Despite the need to stim out my nerves, I still nod my answer to him.

After being given the OK, Magnus begins to softly kiss my inner thigh. In between, he orders, “If you want to stop, let me know.”

“‘Kay,” I smile. 

Gently, Magnus tugs my panties to the side and lowers me down. After a single, lingering kiss to my lower lips that’s already got my head feeling funny, he spreads me open and licks a gentle, pointed-tongued circle around my bud. I’m instantly turned to putty, it’s a little embarrassing actually. The small grip that I had on his hair tightens, and I rock slightly into Magnus’ proud hum, accidentally throwing him off-track. I shyly meet his view to apologize to him, but before I can say a word, he’s finding a better spot for his tongue. 

“Fuck,” I moan, my eyes fluttering shut. 

My fingers drop my hair and move to my mock-neck, using that to fidget instead. This feels so fucking good, but my anxieties over the positioning still haven’t died down yet. 

I abandon the clutch I had on the wizard’s hair and rest my hand on the arm of the couch behind his crown. With the way his nails are threatening to dig into the curves of my hips, I have just enough leverage to let him lick how he wants to while moving myself accordingly. 

The slight change in position startles him, I think — he telepathically checks in with me, “Are you doing alright?” 

“Yes, Magnus~” I verbally respond. The way he growls at my enthusiastic reply sends a palpable wave of excitement through me. 

With each swipe of Magnus’ tongue, I lose myself further. My hips grind with more confidence, and my sweater-filled hand starts drawing downward on its own, now leaving only my chin beneath my collar. I curse under my breath while he adds some more pressure, and let out a startlingly loud mewl as he repositions his left hand to nearly meet his lips, sliding two long digits inside of me. That can’t be comfortable for him by any means with the way his arm is contorting, but I’ll be lying if I try to claim that it doesn’t feel fucking incredible. 

“Holy shit,” I cry. 

He moans against my clit. It sends a vibration through me, and I moan as I lower myself a little more, pushing his fingers deeper inside of myself. Is this what people who are able to ride dick feel like?!  

“F-fuh–”

“Is it too much?” he nonverbally inquires.

“N-noh god, I love you, y-you’re perfect, Iloveyou.” Each word proves to be more of a struggle to get out as I feel myself beginning to peak. He chuckles beneath me, adding fuel to the fire. “God, Mag~”

I can’t physically move any faster – again, bad joints and all that jazz. He’s the captain now. There’s a subtle pounding in my ears, and I can’t tell if it’s my adrenaline, or blood flow, or whatever, or if it’s something else outside of myself entirely. I pay no mind to it, not caring what’s happening around me. Too fucked-out.

“So close,” I breathe. “Please, I–”

“Wait juuust a little longer, sweetheart.”

I whine in frustration. “W-why?” I ask, just barely above a whisper, looking down while complying by slowing myself to a halt. His eyes crinkle, indicating that he’s smiling, while continuing to lick my pussy and probe in and out of my cunt. 

He doesn’t give me an answer.

“Oh, wow.” 

Seb does?! 

Well, kinda.

I yelp, head bolting up and left towards the source. Standing near the entrance to this room is fucking Sebastian, his dark indigo eyes darker with want, and his grin just as shit-eating as ever. 

Magnus still hasn’t stopped. 

I look back and forth between Seb and Magnus a few times, my mind racing and chest heaving and throat dry as I can’t verbalize any of the confused thoughts that I’m having amidst what’s happening all around me.

Seb is slowly drawing closer to us. Magnus is working me even harder, as if he’s trying to pry my orgasm out of me now of all times. He can’t curl his fingers much from this position, but he can sure as hell fuck me with ‘em. I try to steady the slight bounce each thrust of his digits causes to no avail.

…Yoba above, did they fucking plan this?!

Magnus coaxes a moan out of me, but my eyes stay trained on Seb. His grin widens and a soft chuckle emits from him as he listens and watches in on the action. 

When Seb reaches the couch, he places a palm on the armrest before leaning forward to almost match my height. He then removes my hand from its hold on my sweater and takes my newly-exposed chin between his thumb and forefinger. In turn, I instinctively grasp his wrist, probably squeezing him a lil’ too hard while I try to prolong my pleasure as per Magnus’ orders.

“You said you were close, yeah?” Seb asks.

“Y-yeah,” It comes out whiney, and Magnus picks up his pace. “Fuck.” 

My eyes threaten to close, but I keep them locked into Seb’s. I don’t miss the way his view trails down to my tits, clearly a little enthralled by their slight jiggling underneath my sweater. My prior concern morphs into a breathy laugh. I look down to the wizard, and he’s still focused on my face. Reading my every reaction with those sparkly, red eyes. God. 

“Please Magnus, I—“

Seb’s grip on my chin strengthens, pulling my view back to meet his. “You wanna cum, yeah?”

“Yes, please, Seb~” Yoba, I sound so desperate. I don’t care anymore though.

“Be a dear and cum for him, then.” 

This is so absurd. 

Not in a bad way, by any means, but just… holy shit I wasn’t expecting this.

Near-immediately after Seb’s command, I clench around Magnus’ digits, grinding against his taste buds and urging him further inside of me. Probably smooshing his face a little bit with my thighs too. Sorry, dude.

Between his hasty pokes and the delicious alternation between licking and sucking, my high hits me like a fucking train. It makes me feel a bit lightheaded until Seb catches my lips with his own to ground me. 

After however many otherworldly seconds of whining against Seb’s tongue and probably suffocating poor Magnus, the feeling simmers away. Once he senses I’ve settled down a bit, Magnus repeats his earlier motion in the opposite direction — he softly repositions me away from his face and nearer to his lap, before wiping my excess wetness from his features.

Neither of them say anything. I look between the two of them, who are approvingly peering between each other and myself. 

When I find my voice again, I speak up. “So, like, what the fuck—” 

“Before you ask,” Seb starts, “this was mostly coincidental.”

I furrow my brows. “What?”

Magnus sits upright, and just when I’m about to shift some more to give him some room, he scoops me up and repositions himself so that his spine is against the back of the couch while my legs are draped across his lap. I cross my arms and lean my shoulder and head against his chest, waiting for more of an explanation. 

“He requested to borrow a book to assist him in falling asleep,” Magnus informs me.

Seb cuts in to add with a slight hand-raise, “Drank too much coffee overnight and figured my own books at home might just distract me too much.”

I nod subtly. “When did this happen?” I ask them both.

“When I got here,” Seb claims, “ready to just steal one anyway.” 

Seb and Magnus share a cheeky glare with one another. Seb’s is paired with a menacingly goofy smile. He then wraps around the front of the furniture so that he can sit next to Magnus and behind me. I crane my head so that I’m able to see him, albeit upside-down. 

Sebby continues on, while taking advantage of the angle of my throat to murmur against it. “But when I heard those pretty sounds of yours…” he trails off, planting an open-mouthed kiss against my goose-bumping skin. He knows I’ve gotten the gist of it by now.

This lil perv definitely asked Magnus outright if he could come down here to see me in action.

“I hope it hasn’t made you uncomfortable,” Magnus chimes in.

“No, I mean, it was surprising, but like…” I sigh, laying down, my upper body now splayed across Seb’s while my lower body remains on Magnus. I can’t bring myself to meet their eyes as I softly admit, “It was… god that was so cool.” 

Both of them chuckle, Magnus squeezing my thigh as Seb scruffs up my hair a bit. I do my best to flatten it back into place, then direct my attention towards the wizard, lazily pointing at him once a thought pops into my head.

“I’ve got a question for you.”

He cocks his head slightly. “What is good?” 

God, he’s trying so hard to be ~hip.~ He’s so cute. I do my best not to laugh at him.

“Are you straight?”

“I doubt it.” 

He seems to ponder the question further for a moment while I give Seb a sneaky thumbs up. As if to tell him, without a single word shared, “Maybe you have a chance with him too!” Seb rolls his eyes and nudges my hand away, a playful smirk on his face.

I draw my eyes back to Magnus once he continues, “I’ve predominantly had women as partners for as far back as I can recollect, but it’s not as though I’m opposed to relations with other genders.” I glimpse at Seb, unable to hide my mischievous grin. I could never be an actor. “Why do you ask?”

“Eh, just curious.” 

“That devilish smile you’re wearing tells me something else.” 

Damn, he saw right through me. Who woulda thunk it?

I completely dodge him.

“Don’t worry about it.” I pair the phrase with some finger guns.

“So,” Seb diverts the conversation, “would you mind if I just crash on a couch? That way I don’t have to worry about making the trip back here later.”

“Go right ahead,” Magnus smiles warmly at him. Then, he turns his attention to me. “Are you ready to go?”

I look down at my form. I’m still skirtless, and I’m probably fucking sopping given what just happened. Plus, there’s spit down there too now. Gross. 

“Uh. Lemme clean up real quick.” I shakily crawl off my partners and gather my skirt in my arms. “Should I meet you back down here, or..?”

Magnus shakes his head before answering verbally, “I’ll follow you in a moment.” 

“You got it.” I turn to Seb, scurrying over to give him a kiss. “See you later, nerd.”

“Yeah whatever.” Rolling his eyes and laughing, Seb pulls me back down with one finger hooked into my collar. After a soft peck, he says, “Love you. Have fun with the geezer.”

Magnus leers over at Seb. “Quiet, child.”

I snort at the exchange. “Love ya too, Sebby.” I part with a two-fingered salute before making my way upstairs.

[kitsune-oji]

Hiii! I love your blog and saw that you're requests are open. I wanted to ask if you could write some hcs about Diavolo having a crush on someone? What would he be like? Would there be a difference between a demon or a human? Would he pursue them quickly? How would the confession go? I hope that's specific enough and I hope you know what I mean. Thanks for doing what you're doing and have a great day🌸

Diavolo having a Crush

Thank you so much! Did you know my Blog before I deleted it back then? Otherwise I'd be a bit confused by how you'd be able to like it so much already haha-

Anyway, I hope this is what you were looking for!

Pairing: Diavolo x unnamed character/reader

Warnings: none!

A Crush on Another Demon

Diavolo having a crush on another demon always brings along with it the struggles of being not only a prince but the crown prince himself

If the demon Diavolo has a crush on is someone of higher standing - that means someone who can allow themself to possibly talk to him casually if he says it's alright, though it still wouldn't be on equal footing - then Diavolo may entertain the idea of actually having a future with them

If the demon is a regular citizen, then it really depends on how great the crush is because it will be a loooooot of work for Diavolo to be able to pursue them for something serious

I imagine, since he is a demon prince and their ideas of modesty are a bit different than those of humans, that he could have flings with pretty much any demon he wants. The problem is only when he actually has feelings for them and wants to "date" them (which could possibly proof to be a bit hard since as the heir, he will be pushed to marry, so instead of dating they'd probably be engaged for the demons to acknowledge their relationship)

Anyway!! How would he act in that situation?

Since it's a fellow demon, Diavolo would try to court them in a traditional way. He's a draconian type demon, so it's a good thing that he is so wealthy and powerful because...

He will try to show his crush how powerful he is! Power is attractive, after all. Be it carrying very and I mean very heavy things for/around them or even fighting in duels hoping they will watch, he'll do his best to showcase his abilities. The expectant, hopeful look in his eyes when he tries to see how they react is pretty adorable, actually

Bonus: if his crush is a demon who enjoys fighting, he will duel them himself to show them his strength

He will endavour to show them his wealth. With everything he has, he can give them so much, he can provide for them and promise them a live without worries - at least when it come to money and social standing. Expensive gifts, to the point of ridiculousness, will be offered to his crush. They talk about wanting some peace and quiet? Here, they can have this island if they want to, hell even build a mansion on it and hire servants so they can just lean back and relax whenever they want!

That being said, Diavolo will also make sure to adorn himself with his wealth. Rare gems and crystals and gold chains on his upper body, revealing more than they cover just so he can make sure they see his prowess, his muscles. Never forget, his sin is pride

In actual interaction with them, Diavolo tries to be subtle but elegant. Yet, his favoritism is obvious to everyone, even his crush if they're not very oblivious

A Crush on a Human

Now, I hope you read the first part up there because the problem is similar but just a tiny bit... different

You see, since his crush is a human, Diavolo won't really have to worry about social standing but he will have to worry about the fact that he has a crush on a being that most demons only describe as "delicious" at best and "undeserving of life" at worst

If we think of this happening during/after the exchange program and it's success, then he definitely has better chances at pursuing them without much backlash

Now, if it were up to him, he'd court his human crush just like a demon crush but that.. doesn't work too well

He knows that humans are different in many ways, so he tries to research the proper way to approach a relationship with one before he makes a move

Since witnessing a fight could scare his human, Diavolo will try to stick to more casual ways but because situations for that happen so seldomly, he will most likely come up with some random "game" in the name of strengthening unity and teamwork but actually he just wants his crush to look at him and marvel at his muscles

Showcasing his wealth will pretty much go the same, unless his generous gifts are too overwhelming for his crush, then he will try to dial it down and figure out what they need or like instead

His indecency won't change much, however. If it manages to fluster his crush, he would be delighted

Now, in personal interaction, Diavolo will be very gentle and offer them protection, even if they're a powerful sorcerer or witch. He wants them to be safe and honestly, he's a bit worried over them. If this annoys them and they show him just how powerful they are on their own, Diavolo will be astonished but it will only make him desire them more

In general

Diavolo would take his time in trying to show his crush what he can give them if they were to become his partner. Dates, gifts and displaying his might are mandatory before he asks them if they would consider being with him

However, he will state his intentions fairly soon, so there will be no confusion about his actions

Personally, he wants his confession to be during a date, where he can set up the perfect atmosphere and completely wow his crush, so that they wouldn't even think about saying no and yet

It is much more likely that he will end up confessing in the spur of a moment. At some point, it will just feel like the right time, even if they're just going over documents or walking down the streets of devildom on an errand or something

Being rejected would sadden him greatly, of course, yet he wouldn't show it much, in fear of pressuring his crush to say something they don't mean. He wants them to be able to be completely honest with him and tell him their opinion and at least that they rejected him means that they trust him enough to do so. He will need some time to get his bearings afterwards and since he now stopped his advances as well, Diavolo won't see them for quite a while. Throwing himself into work helps a bit and Barbatos has to even drag him away from the desk for once in his life. After he has grieved enough, Diavolo will act as polite and kind as ever towards the person he had a crush on, but he will be a bit more distant, just to keep his feelings safe

If his crush returns his feelings, Diavolo will be over the moon, hug them and spin them around if he's allowed and immediately begin preparing for a huge party/ball to celebrate - unless of course his partner does not feel comfortable with that, "but would at least a little one be ok?" After the start of their new relationship, Diavolo will keep showing his affections similarly to before, with gifts and dates, but he will also be much more free and deliberate with physical contact, at least as far as his love is comfortable with as well

[romantic-reveries]

Today was way more emotionally taxing than I would’ve expected, considering.

I spent the day with him. And it was fantastic and lovely and everything I wanted it to be except the part where we (he) is still no closer to figuring out the future. I thought… I thought that’s what this trip was for.

He brought it up before we even kissed. I’d been feeling it all day, and I thought it was the same fear of abandonment I’d been contending with all week that had me fighting the urge tooth and nail not to call it off. But he asked how I saw this—us—working. I don’t know, so I asked him. He said him not wanting to do long distance is hard, and me not driving makes it even harder. When I mentioned my grandma would drive me—she did with my ex, or met him halfway—he said that was a big ask. And he’s not wrong, but… that’s the only way it would work. I like to hope I’ll drive at some point, and maybe that’s motivation to try harder to overcome the fear, but… I mean, even if I drove, you have to drive through Atlanta to get to him, and that’s a huge ask for someone who has spent this long terrified of driving. If he lived on this side of Atlanta, maybe.

I mostly don’t understand, though. He knew that before he came. I didn’t hide it from him. He made it sound like we needed to talk about it in person, like he wanted to see what the commute was like, see if it was the same in person as it has been on the phone, but there isn’t much to say to that—him not wanting it and it being inconvenient seems pretty unmalleable. So why did he come? What was the point? When we talked about us meeting, it was always in the context of it being the next logical step to figure things out, except nothing changed, so why did we do it? And it wasn’t even a sexual thing, because he didn’t even originally plan on coming to my house, and even when he did, we didn’t go past fully clothed heavy petting.

And it’s funny, because when my grandma (bless her) asked if he’d be back, he intentionally didn’t answer, only said, “it’s not that far” in agreement with her, but when she asked previously how the trip was, he’d said “it won’t be that bad to make”, won’t, as if him coming back was a foregone thing.

I spent half the day wanting to cry because of the haunting feeling I was already carrying that I’ll never actually see him again. That this was just one beautiful day. And I kept reminding myself—he’s here now. Soak it up, be in the moment, enjoy it for what it is, and even if this is all it is, it was still good. Important. It’s fundamentally changed me, I think. Made me realize that men like him do exist. Who are consistent and stable and patient and kind.

But the thing is, multiple times today, I thought: I could do this forever. I’ve never wanted someone like that before, even guys I thought I was crazy about. He just feels like home. He’s somehow become my best friend. I don’t know if I’m in love with him, but I think I’m falling in love with him, and I’m fucking terrified.

Because if those guys I’ve fancied myself infatuated with before, who gave me nothing—if they hurt me? He has the ability to absolutely shatter me. I can’t imagine the kind of pain that would bring. The idea of continuing this… we both want each other and we flirt and we’re sexual with each other but nothing more is going to happen? The idea of him eventually getting back on dating apps and actively trying to date other people? Makes me sick to even consider.

And the worst part is, I couldn’t even be mad at him. I can’t blame him for wanting someone he can see daily if he wants to, and really, he deserves better than me anyway. Someone more stable. Someone who has their shit together. He’s such a wonderful person. He might be one of the best, kindest people I’ve ever met. And I’m lucky to know him, to have had him at all, even in this small capacity.

And even after spending all day with me, as he was leaving, I said I hoped he had a safe trip, and he said he’d text me when he got home. Then he said, “actually, you can call. I mean, I’m gonna be on the road for two hours.” He spent all fucking day with me and he still wants to talk.

And I’m telling myself, if it’s meant to be, if I’m worth it to him, he’ll make it work. But that doesn’t stop the maelstrom of conflicted feelings inside me. After he left, all I wanted to do was wash him off. The fear I’ve had for weeks, that maybe he’s just dragging this out until he decides he wants to date again, flared magnificently to life. Turns out I couldn’t completely wash him off—he gave me my first hickey at the ripe old age of almost 29 and all I can think about any of this is: why?

[redsashwriter]

ONE PIECE: Dawn Of A New Era | Chapter 1: Era Dawn FULL

This is a story that has already happened. It cannot be changed. It is already over. It is a story of love and loss, Bonds and betrayal, courage and sacrifice and the death of dreams. But also the creation and seeking of new ones. The exploration of the blurred lines between the best, And the Worst within the world. The Discovery of the Past, and the paving of the future. It is the story of everything.

And you're about to witness it's beginning. *

Wealth, Fame, Power. Gol D. Roger the king of the pirates obtained this and everything else the World had to offer.

And his dying words drove countless souls to the seas.

“My Treasure? If you want it, you can have it! Go Find it! I left everything this world has to offer there!"

"You just have to find it!" These words lured men to the grand line, pursuing dreams greater than they Ever dared to imagine.

This ushered in a new age Known as "The Great Pirate Era" Rogers Execution took place almost Twenty-Five Years ago.

Currently, The Great Pirate era is well underway. Countless people take to the sea from all across the globe in hopes of attaining the Legendary Treasure known as "The One Piece"

But there are those who take to the Seas for their own goal. Nobel or Nefarious. For this world, is a dark one. Filled Death, Deception, Corruption, Racism , Genocide, Crime. What else would you expect in a world infested with Pirates and Marines? Where anything could be a possibility?

*

10 Years Ago.

Sparrow had been visiting the island for months now. The young boy that sat next to him had taken a liking to him, majorly so. Sparrow, leader and captain of the Black Hair Pirates with a bounty of 3,500,000,000 Berry, took to looking after the boy. The boy himself was an orphan. He was semi actively taken care of by the entire village. Sparrow was more of a friend to the child than an outward mentor. That was until one day, after a harrowing journey and thievery. Sparrow brought a chest that contained a fruit inside of it. A legendary fruit known as a Devil Fruit, these fruits were said to to grant a Variety of Powers upon Consuming one. But at the Cost of Being Drained of Energy by the Sea and loosing the ability to Swim! From Elemental, To Animals, To Strange Powers. The Possibilities were endless! The boy looked at it. And felt almost as though it was calling too him. Perhaps his hunger, or the intrigue of seeing such a strange thing.

Upon consuming it, Sparrow exploded in confusion and frustration at a child eating his sacred treasure. Sparrow could feel the Childs body change as he hoisted him into the giving him a shake. The Childs Limbs Miraculously began to elongate, and Stretching like rubber! The Child had eaten a mythical and legendary Devil Fruit! He was granted the abilities of the Gum Gum Fruit! His Body Permanently having the Properties of Rubber.

A month or two passed. Occasionally sparrows would come along to visit the island. Though no one ever knew why. He would spend part of his time teaching the boy the basics. His spark for adventure and freedom to go to sea and be a pirate. To fight tough opponents, and to do as he pleased in the world. So on Sparrows last visit to the island. He wrapped a crimson red sash around his neck to soothe the young Childs pleas and told him;

"This Sash means a lot too me. It has many uses. It can be worn around the waist, put around someone cold to warm them. Or it can be worn around the neck. When you become a legendary pirate. You'll have a chance to give it back to me."

He never saw Sparrow after that.

Now to present day. This man, Known as Falcon D. Leroy is now 19 years old. He'd been exploring the surrounding ocean and honing his body for years. Going further and further out. But now, he was going to set sail and truly start the journey he'd been working for. Some said he was ready. Others thought he was a fool. But He had vowed that the day he turned 19 He would set sail.

Packing himself a Bag, and readying a small sail boat. He set off for his goal. "To Become King Of the Pirates!" *

The East Blue. Open Waters, Middle of Nowhere. Midday

A ship floated gently through the clear azure sea. The light from the Sun, that hung overhead, glistened against its surface.

The ship was nothing special. Most would call it a row boat or a dingy. But even that was giving it too much credit. It held a simple sail of cotton which was lowered to catch as much wind as possible. Unfortunately for the sails, the weather was totally clear. Clear of wind. And Clear of Clouds. Leaving the raft to float gently through the still sea.

Inside the Ship was a lone figure. A young man. Laid out flat, his arms resting behind his head. Fast asleep. A loud sound of snoring could be heard. This man wore baggy black pants and a pair of full wrap around leather sandals on his feet. Across his torso he wore a white baggy shirt, the sleeves of which were rolled up to the elbow exposing the man's forearms, and along with the low v cut of the shirt that traveled mid way down his torso, revealed that this man was very well built as well as toned. The strings that sat untied between both sides of the v-cut fabric hung loosely as he adjusted in his slumber..

But the most prominent thing about the Man was the fact he held a long, brilliant crimson red piece of fabric behind his head. Using it as a pillow. The man's mid length jet black hair gently moved as a sudden gust of wind whipped through the sea.

Unbeknownst to him, The Wind had not only reached him. But had also reached a lone ship. A carrack with its full sails out was swiftly coming inbound to the small raft.

"Captain! We've got something!" A voice shouted from a good 300 meters away. Too far for most people to hear. But it caused the Man on the raft to stir ever so slightly from his slumber. On board the ship that was quickly drawing closer and closer a voice yelled out. "What is it!" A swift response answered "A Raft sir! It's a raft! There's a man sleeping on it! What do we do?!"

"We do what we've always done you dolt! Fire! Wake 'em up or sink 'em! Then we take what's left!" A figure had walked onto the deck. Wearing a simple Pale colored T-Shirt, tattered pants and calf length leather boots. The hem of which was flattened and wrapped around the calf. This man, the captain, also wore forearm length leather gloves, as well as a worn brown leather corset. The Full outfit was topped off by a cravat Neckties. That hung loosely from around the man's neck.

"Aye Aye sir! Ready the Drums! Ready the Cannons!" Spoke the Squire as he sheepishly handed the spy glass to the captain. Whom took hold and held it up to his eye. Looking out to the Target. Quickly, the sound of war drums filled the air. The distinct melody of 'Dum-Dum-Dada...Dum-Dum-Dada' filled the air.

The Intrusive sound caused the lone man on the ship to stir. His silver eyes opening sluggishly to the blurry image of the Carrack focusing into view as his eyes got used to the light. The next thing he saw was a cannon ball hurling straight towards him. Yet his face lacked any reaction as the cannonball whizzed right past him. Making a considerably large disturbance in the water behind him! Causing the Raft to bob violently as the man stood to his feet, attempting to get balance as he shook his face. Now fully awake.

"YOU MISSED YOU FUCKIGN IDIOT!" The captain screamed at one of the Cannon-men, before raising his fist into the air and planting it into the back of the man's skull. Causing them to fly forward, their face smacking into the Metal of the cannon rather brutally. A small stain of blood trailing down the man's face, and the surface of the cannon. The Captain whipped his hand into the air to silence the drums as he looked back at the man.

"YOU THERE SCALLYWAG! HAND OVER ALL THAT'S IN THAT BAG-" Suddenly the Captain was cut off by a distinct voice. Coming from none other than the Man in the Raft.

"You got any food? Meat...Rum...Bit of Berries?" His attention, as opposed to being on the ship with an entire line of cannons pointed at him, was currently occupied with wrapping the crimson cloth around his waist. Tucking the loose fabric into the fold, and letting it hang out ever so slightly. The sash gently flapped in the wind.

"....What?" The Captain looked around to the rest of the crew. Who were all armed to the teeth so to say. Belts wrapped around their waist to hold at least one cutlass and one flintlock pistol. Some even carried long rifles or multiple blades. Almost on cue the entire audience started to laugh. Which seemed to not bother the Man on the raft in the slightest in the slightest. In fact. He joined in with the laughter

"AHAHAHAHAHAHA!...Ha...AH-HAHAHAHA!" He Doubled over laughing. Holding his stomach as he looked back up to the ship. The Laughter settled, a smug smile was held on his face as he let out one last sigh. "Ha...We can do this the easy way, where you hand over all that you have, and I keep going my way. And you all starve, float adrift or kill-yourselves. Or Doing whatever it is you do with your pathetic excuse for pirate lives!"

Suddenly. The Smile turned to almost a sneer. An almost Diabolical smile as he looked back up at them "Or we can do this the hard way..."

Mutters from the Ship were heard. 'What's with that smile? What is he?'. The Captain even had a slight bead of sweat trail down his brow at such a strange look and attitude before suddenly mastering himself and pulling out his cutlass and yelling. "SHUT UP!" He then Pointed the Swords tip to the man on the raft and yelled to his crew

"F I R E! ! !"

The man shrugged his shoulders and spoke. Mainly to himself. "Hard way it is..!" With a quick lunge downwards, he grabbed the strap of his bag that the captain had wanted him to hand over. And right as all of the Cannons fired off, the lead shot from the weapons whizzing through the air, The man Leaped through the air in an incredible blur of speed! Disappearing from sight before the hot lead could even touch the boat. The man had thought to himself for the briefest of moments as he was leaping. 'Sorry...' A scowl then came over his face as he landed on the deck of the ship. To the total surprise of everyone else.

"I think we got him! That raft is nothing but driftwood now! Haha!" A spoke a man, but one of the fellow pirates flipped him around "NO YOU IDIOT! HE'S RIGHT THERE!" The man had a shocked expression on his face as he watched the man Slowly put his bag onto the ground "What the fuck!?"

The Captain pulled a pistol from his holster. A 1851 model navy and cocked the hammer back, holding his sword up and at the ready, his arm pulled back for a thrust.

"I AM THE MIGHTY STEADEY BONNEY. I AM NOT ONE TO BE TRIFLED WITH!" Suddenly the whole crew had surrounded the man, drawing swords and pistols. Pointing the business end of each of them right at the man. "JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!" Questioned Steady.

The man lifted his hand, and moved the tip of one the swords out of the way before speaking

"My Name is Falcon D. Leroy. And I'm the man who's gonna become King of the Pirates!" Leroy declared this confidently. A smile ever present on his face as suddenly began the brawl!

At the sudden movement of Leroy, three of the pirates fired their weapons! But instead of hitting the red sashed pirate, they hit their own comrades! Blood and pieces of flesh flew through the air as they dropped to the ground dying from their own hands!

But they had no time to react as a sudden fist came flying up through the air! The fist of Leroy cracked straight into the jaw of one of the pirates so hard it sent them flying up and into the air before falling back to the ground with a resounding and satisfying CRASH! Yet Leroy's fist didn’t stop, it had extended and stretched high into the sky almost like a rubber band!

"Oh shit! He's a devil fruit user!" The buccaneer had no time to fully take in the sight as Leroy's hand snapped back into place, and immediately the back of Leroy's hand was firmly planted into the nose of the onlooker. Cracking and breaking his nose with ease! A trail of blood spewing through the air as the man was hurled back!

"WHO GIVES A SHIT IF HE'S A FRUIT USER! SO AM I! JUST KILL HIM!" Steady watched in horror as this rubber bodied man effortlessly wiped through his men! Dodging the gun fire of his men, moving gracefully between the slashes of their swords, and planting one hit K.O's to them in blurs of speed! A firm smile on his face the entire time!

Leroy would bob out of the way of a sword, and bring up his forearm to counter the attacker. Stopping them in their tracks and disarming them with a swift movement of his fist! Shattering the low quality steel of their swords! He'd be attacked by multiple men at once, and would disarm one, and dispatching them with a devastating kick to the sternum, before using the cutlass to make the smallest of grazes across another's stomach before dropping the blade, and before it even clattered against the wood of the ship, Leroy planted a fist right into the cut he'd made. Sending the man flying! Finally finishing off the third man with a swift elbow to his windpipe. But before he could even catch his breath more men filled in! Attempting their own attacks to stop the man!

"Man! You guys SUCK at this!" He mocked the men that fell beneath him

In only a few short minutes. He'd taken down over twenty of the men effortlessly. And without the use of his devil fruit to boot!

Steady screamed as he fired his pistol shot! The Bullet whizzed through the air! "DIE!" Leroy had turned around right as the bullet flew through the air. A smiling sneer on his face. He didn't even flinch as the Bullet sunk into his forehead, and nearly instantly was bounced right back at Steady!

"HUH?!" Steady let out a confused noise as he thought to himself. 'What is he! This blue is supposed to be tame! I've never seen someone like him before! Except for those few! I'm a fruit user! I should be able to handle him with my Piece-Piece fruit!' Steady regained composure as he watched Leroy stop moving.

He'd stopped to watch and see just what this man was capable of! What a rush! And such a breeze too! "So Steady...What else have you got up that leather glove of yours!" 'I should end this soon...As much fun as I'm having. I need to eat, and make my way to the next island...'

"BEHOLD! MY DEVIL FRUIT! THE PIECE PIECE FRUIT!" Steady held up his arm and suddenly, his arm disconnected! Like a toy arm, the pirate captain's forearm looked to have a ball and socket to connect each other together! The fist traveled with an impressive amount of speed! Shooting through the air!

PIECE PIECE; PIECES PUNCH!!

Leroy was surprised by the fact that this man was clearly far superior in strength to the rest of the crew. But he still easily moved out of the choreographed and slow moving attack. The fist impacted and shattered the wood of the wall of the stern behind them! Leroy smiled wider as he spoke "Not bad...My Turn...."

Grabbing his shoulder he cocked his arm back... "Gomu Gomu no..."

Suddenly Leroy shot his fist forward! His arm stretched and reached the Pirate Steady in mere fractions of a moment! The movement was enough that it caused a large audible BOOM! Whipping up wind around the Ship! Leroy's rubber fist impacted into the pirates face with such a triumphant amount of force he was sent flying backwards! His body breaking into pieces as he slammed into the bows far wall, smashing the wood of the stairs! Cracks reverberated outwards like fissures from the secondary impact! Leroy shouted his moves name at the top of his lungs, a smile strewn across all the while

"S H O T!"

With a quick SNAP. His arm retracted back into place. He then looked around. Everyone seemed to be either unconscious. Or killed by one of their crewmates misfire.

"Hmph...Hahahah....Alright...Now. Lets see what you guys got on this thing!" Leroy picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder walking over to the Stern, the wood of one of the windows next to the stair was shattered from Steady's arm. His hand still planted into it. He took a few quick strides and reached the door to the helm. The captains quarters. Opening the door, he saw that the inside was your typical pirate captains quarters. A bed, a desk, table. But something caught his eye. Fresh fruit! Picking up an orange he began peeling it and stuffing slices into his mouth as he looked around the cabin.

"Seriously...Is there nothing in here..." He slammed one of the drawers shut before opening another one. A lot of it was loose sheets, letters, who knows what else. But his eyes fell upon something useful. A log book.

Popping the last slice into his mouth, he tossed the peel onto the floor and cracked the leather bound book open. After only a few short lines read. It revealed these Pirates were not only desperate. But total cowards. They did what ever they had to get even a decent amount of berry's...Slave Trafficking, Pillaging Villages across the East. Names of Brokers and Fences in a multitude of island was the only useful piece of information. He could use the information of these fences to sell his own stolen goods. He slammed the book shut and tossed it to the ground with a disgusted look on his face. He then, in a rather calm fashion, went around the room and tore it apart. Flipping over the tables, throwing chairs across the room with only one arm. Upon throwing the bed and mattress across the room with a casual swing of his arm, he revealed a large chest. About three feet long and two feet wide, and at least half a foot deep.

A simple pad lock kept him out of it contents. Leroy simply gripped the padlock, and crushed it in his hand and tossed the torn metal behind him.

Inside was certainly a sight to behold. Leroy could help but smile again. The foot locker was filled to the brim with gold, gems, jewelry, and everything from an antique spoon set, to a box of fine Toba Cannabis Rolls. As well as sparse stacks of berry's wrapped in ribbons in denominations of 1,000 Leroy thought that it not only looked expensive. But it also all looked awesome! He picked up and looked over gems and jewelry with an inquisitive and curious eye

"Isn't this something!" Closing the Chest he held it under his arm and walked out the door to loot the rest of the ship. By the end he came walking out back up to the deck from below. Having checked the entire ship, quarters and all. He held bottles of Vodka, Whiskey, and Rum in the same hand as he held the treasure chest. But on the other hand he held a sack of preserved meat, fruits and vegetables. Not enough to feed a whole crew. But enough to fill himself....For a few hours. Despite the large amount he held...

His eyes wandered over to the spot where Steady should be. And found he was gone. He let out a snort and spoke to the crew that was still too exhausted to move. "Man. Your guys' captain is a COWARD...heheh."

Leroy then walked over to the edge of the ship where some row boats were held. He then bent over and pulled a knife from one of the unconscious pirates' sheaths and sliced the rope. Watching the row boat fall to the sea beneath them. He made sure to not cut the last connecting line. But with a few small movements, Leroy stretched his arms down to his new vessel and loaded up his takings onto the raft. He then looked at the knife before tossing it behind him and looking around.

'What would make a good trophy...There!' Giving a short jog he picked up the Short Blade that had been left behind by steady. "Perfect....Oh Yeah!" He then Spun around on his heel and walked up to a Pirate that seemed to be the most conscious. Leroy squatted down and slapped him in the back of the head.

"Hey! You listening? Tell me where the closest island is." The pirate mumbled, but leroy cut him off with a curt snapping of his fingers. "I can't hear you..." And with that. He finally heard the pirate. Leroy stood up and spoke "Perfect!"

He spoke to the entire crew "Everyone listen up! I hope you can all swim. If not...I'd say good luck but none of you deserve that! Haha..." By the time he finished speaking he'd gone into the quarters, grabbed a lantern and made it back out to the deck. Leroy the chucked the Lantern through the air and into the crew's quarters. The flames quickly began to grow and engulf the ship.

Leroy cut the rope and had already begun rowing away. Watching from a distance as the Crew jumped overboard...

But as it quickly burned down, just as he moved over the horizon. He saw the ship explode. The flame finally reached the gunpowder below deck...

[khloeblair]

Reflection:

I’m tired of being surrounded by creatures whose only interest is controlling me with their minds.

Everything I attempt to create is beautiful, and it gets distorted by the creepy vibrational rapist upstairs.

It is disheartening that I could be reaching so many people and yet have no way of defending myself from something so morally disfigured.

If my goal however is truly to spread light (and I don’t know that it is), I do not think it makes sense to ask for help.

I do not even know how.

I ask nonphys for help sometimes, but I can never be sure if it does me any good.

It’s instinctive, so maybe it does matter.

But I can’t tell for certain since I’ve also asked them to remove me from my body and they haven’t come through yet.

They do seem to help me find things when I cry at them, but how can I know whether they’re there?

I want to spend the rest of my time with Seth, but I still have to be on guard since I’m in such close proximity with a rapist.

Which means even being with Seth has to be kept at a certain level of censored.

It’s funny, I wasn’t expecting pure female nudity in Code Geass, but it seems the male character responsible for it was apologizing to me.

I appreciate it.

I was thinking that complimenting Seth could be hurtful to those who are watching, but what if I could convince others that I was merely showing them something they too had the ability to do?

What if others also spent a little time reminding themselves what they appreciate about someone or something important to them now or in their future?

I can’t say for sure whether this is like scripting.

I sort of let those things write themselves.

I tune to a subject and let my imagination fill in the blanks on autopilot.

Being a good fictional author is quite a challenge.

Not only do you have to completely channel an entire story arc, you have to present it artfully and eloquently.

I’m not quite there myself.

All I have access to is Seth, because I’m not brave enough to tune to all the vibes of Elensaire.

As for Seth, I feel less capable when I’m not aware of his presence.

I know he’s always here, but I’m not always able to feel him because I get distracted.

I keep having nightmares yet keep watching moderately scary shows.

Does the nightmare portion ever stop?

Is existence ever blissful or pleasant outside of letting oneself be compelled?

I keep feeling like I know too much to exist here.

I was hoping that job would come through, I really liked the office and was looking forward to more tasks and new friends.

I have to let that go, I guess.

The chances of someone having wanted to see me in person are probably high, and the person I reached out to hasn’t responded.

I’d like to go in there if that’s still an option, but I am not willing to attack people for something like that.

If that sounds like I don’t want it badly enough, so be it.

I am incapable of using violence to get my way.

It does not make my desires less valid or less important just because I have personal values.

Just because I refuse to hurt others when I recognize what I’m doing ahead of time.

My desire to avoid hurting people is at the core of my being. I cannot separate from it, ever.

Even rap and the promise of one day running the world—or at least its money—can no longer pull me out of that mindset.

It’s too bad that I can’t find a supervisor who is interested in a well-behaved subordinate.

I would think someone in power would want to keep someone on their team who willingly follows directions.

But maybe I’ve got it wrong. Maybe they’d prefer someone strong who they can make a show of breaking down.

In that case, I apologize, because I cannot give that to you.

All I can give you is willingness to do what you ask and to let you know ahead of time if I’m likely to miss a deadline.

Transparency.

[cinemadaydreams]

Corporate Fantasy Screensaver: The Fellowship of Something or Other

***I saw the first episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - "Shadow of the Past". This review is specifically for that first episode, not the series as a whole (yet).***

So, what does one do telling a story whose ending is already known? I was always puzzled on a storytelling standpoint why Amazon Studios chose this over all other IP products they could have chosen to invest in, especially a story that looks 'back' instead of looking 'forward' in a narrative. For example, I think a large part of the difficulty of the Prequel Trilogy of Star Wars was due to the fact that we knew who would survive and who would (likely) die. Very little left to the imagination in terms of true suspense. I anticipate it will be a similar corner that Rings of Power will end up in. I hope I'm wrong.

First, what to raise a pint of the Green Dragon to - namely, the set design. I could tell the teams within the set designs, both physical and digital, poured their heart and soul in making it live and breathe as a place. It is always refreshing to be carried away by a world. I was more than impressed by their work and I hope they are commended and paid well for their efforts. 

It is evident that this is a high budget production. There is some level of expectancy that it would need to be at a different level than most tv shows visually given the financial means they had to work with. To this end, it has succeeded. 

And now, the longer journey through Middle-Earth that frankly, needs work….

The Prologue or The Absence of Morgoth (“By rights we shouldn’t even be here!”)

One of the key elements of any good visual storytelling moment is giving the audience the ability to 'see' what happens rather than 'tell' us what happens. I know many can draw upon the initial battle of Sauron vs Men & Elves in Fellowship of the Ring as one of the more powerfully filmed sequences to show us the enormous odds that the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth were facing against Sauron.

So why did it work in Fellowship? I think it worked because Sauron's size and power were shown with equal visual weight, and the iconic 'finger-slicing' sword moment of Isildur was shown through image, not simply dialogue.

The “Shadow of the Past" introduction depends far too much on the dialogue itself to carry the weight of the battle against Morgoth (which, on a pragmatic level, might be because of rights limitations). We see the hordes of orcs and the dragons, but only briefly (and flatly lit) where the color grading of the ground battle looks oddly out of place from the epic shots of gigantic eagles and terrifying dragons. She tells us “Morgoth was vanguished” and "Sauron had to flee" but neither of those moments are shown. This was a gigantic opportunity lost, for no one apart from those that read the books actually will see how treacherous and evil a character Morgoth was in the Middle-Earth world. As a viewer I don't understand why they could defeat Morgoth but not Sauron, who was Morgoth's lesser in terms of strength and size. I hope future episodes actually focus on that difference and not simply through thrown-in dialogue, however well-read the narration may be. 

Galadriel's substance as a leader (“instead of a Dark Lord you would have a Queen!”)

    Her leadership itself isn’t an issue. Who better to lead the Elves on mission into the darkness than one of the most powerful elves in the history of Middle-Earth? It is how the writers chose her emotional set-up of why she’s obsessed with taking down Sauron in the first place that I have to address. I was gobsmacked by how little I cared.

   As a global audience, thanks to Peter Jackson’s trilogy, most of us KNOW how much of a baddie Sauron is (or are at least aware of it). The writers of “Shadow of the Past” seemed keen to emphasize that point without offering anything new in the process. We knew everything they told us. Nothing new was expressed. All we saw were flashpoints (almost video game cut-scene style) that told us how to feel, rather than draw us in. 

There was an incredibly easy solution to this that would have made Galadriel a far more captivating character for me. She’s already a warrior at that point of the War of Wrath, correct? Why not SHOW her brother slain by Sauron in front of our eyes and more importantly, in front of Galadriel. Make us understand her centuries’ long obsession is based on an actual event she witnessed but could not stop. You could even throw in the High King Gil-Galad and her elven warriors fighting, but not willing to risk their lives to vanquish Sauron, thus sacrificing her brother to the slaughter. Make Galadriel’s anger at them for cowardice in her quest to track him down visually palpable.

I think Clark did a fine job as an actor portraying one as an elf kindled by rage and hatred of Sauron, but I as a mere mortal myself who is not a warrior, I found it difficult to really ‘feel’ for her. It made me recall that 10 second moment in “Fellowship of the Ring” where Isildur witnesses his father Elendil bludgeoned to death by Sauron. The grief, fear and rage is all shown within those 10 seconds. As the viewer I understand every piece of that because I was ’shown’ Isildur going through that moment, not ‘told’. I hope if anyone in the writing teams are reading this review, please, I beg you, don’t fall into that trap of telling us about events constantly and expect us to still identify with that character as strongly as we did with those in the original movie trilogy. Unless you show us, it will be hard to want to keep watching this for another five years, let alone the next season. 

The Diversity of Language as a Showcase of Culture (“cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves”)

       The lack of Elvish itself within the narrative of the Elves themselves was bewildering. JRR Tolkien's expertise as a fantasy fiction writer was largely based on how detailed he went to make the races within those world so uniquely specific through language and culture. Professor Tolkien created almost 12 languages single-handedly.

      I had to recollect after the fact why the Elves felt so similar to the world of Men in the first episode and then it hit me: they chose to NOT use the Elvish language in scenes that were featuring only Elves. The main scene I refer to is when High King Gil-Galad of Lindon makes his congratulatory speeches to Galadriel and her warriors. If I'm to truly believe that the Elves are the lords of Middle-Earth, especially at Lindon's height of power, everyone in Middle-Earth would recognize that Elvish is the main language people would want to speak, not the other way around. At the very least, that should have been the focus within the Lindon sequences. All I heard was the Common Tongue (aka English). My guess is that Amazon is attempting to make the story as wide-reaching as possible for all their Prime users, but I could not find it more ironic of them assimilating the Elven culture to the Common Tongue for the sake of ‘universality’ all the while celebrating other choices they made. This is a lost opportunity to welcome in new watchers into the Tolkien world that felt like Tolkien’s making, rather than a company attempting to convince us they can mimic it.

The ending - “my people are leaving these shores”

Galadriel willfully plunging into the middle of the Sundering Seas after what seems like hundreds (if not thousands) of miles was one of the more blatant uses of a future Deus Ex Machina I’ve seen in decades for a big-budget production. It reminded me sadly how different a TV show set in Middle Earth will be structured than a film, with each ending of an episode leaving you dissatisfied with some mystery yet to be discovered (unless you watch the next one). But here’s the thing, and it galls me because I WANTED to like this episode - I felt no urge, no compulsion, no interest whatsoever to know about Galadriel’s plight. Frankly, that moment felt written forcefully to move the plot, not an organic choice that sprung out of creativity. 

A simple change in the story would create a desperate situation for our hero that would kindle our interest and sympathy. Why not have her elven warriors turn on her? If they were fed up with her relentless drive and ego to take down Sauron, why not one of her fellow warriors push her off the boat, denying her entrance into the eternal bliss of Valinor? It might have been initially cruel (and certainly a shock) but then the questions would percolate and make me want to see how she survives, rather than knowing in episode 2 she will be picked up by some kind of raft/ship/boat/etc. And why not we thicken the plot? What if the High King gives that order as his final command to the other elves? “Leave no trace” or something along those lines, and whisper that line in elvish in secret after the ceremony? Show that the corruption of Sauron, though still invisible, is starting to trickle into the veins of Linden itself.

“Here at the end of all things”

Bilbo Baggins was right, the power of the Ring does make one feel stretched and thin. Already I see the unfortunate gathering of what looks to be a beautiful-looking juggernaut of corporate fan fiction that cares not a button for what fans may or may not like. This I would be fine with if the show runners had insisted on better writing, which in turn would create engaging storytelling, regardless if they are taking Tolkien’s characters in a completely different direction than one would expect (or hope for). The Goodwill of all Free Folk will only go so far with this mindset. 

So, for those of you who continue to watch, I wish you all the health that the Shire can muster. For I will not be continuing to watch, as I have yet to encounter a person who tells me “you HAVE to watch the rest!”. Until that point comes, I will keep my Middle-Earth adventures tied more closely to Tolkien’s literary rendition, rather than that of a corporation insistent to regurgitate drone-shot-after-expensive-drone-shot, 3D printed armor (my personal theory, some of the costumes have that look rather than organically made by hand), the writing playing Balderdash with the Fellowship of the Ring prologue, and characters that are telling us their importance, rather than showing their importance through their actions. Like Samwise Gamgee said, “if I take one more step, this is the furthest from home I’ve ever been”. I felt like this show was leaving the home of Middle-Earth into a void of strangeness with no real voice of its own nor language than that of the Tongues of Men. And the “hearts of men are easily corrupted”. I hope I’m proven wrong but until then, I have other roads to walk on. 

Last thought - I have absolutely no problem with the show runners themselves. Frankly, I was impressed as first-time directors they were given the project and pulled off the season with the scale they had to handle. I’m hopeful that if they stick with it, and make a point to improve the writing, that their gamble will pay off to create a story that is memorable and brings people together in hope and one people will want to turn back to again and again. 

[writer-akihiko]

Hello! Can I ask a headcanon between dorm leaders with S/o that somehow getting hypnotized by their stalker (ex: like the sea witch hypnotize prince erik). I want to see how they gonna save her. Thank you~ Have a nice day/night!

Dorm Leaders + Hypnotised!MC

I took inspo from your sea witch and Prince Erik example, so there's the notion of a marriage proposal between you and the dorm leader

Warning: Yandere tones, Poisoning, Mentions of Torture but not explicit

One day, on the day of your awaited date, your lover stood there and wondered why you were late. He had prepared everything for this day because today, he held a box containing a singular ring, as you had described it as the way most people in your world proposed marriage.

What he didn't expect was for his lover to look at him with utter fear as he opened your room door...

Malleus Draconia

He didn't comprehend that you were hypnotised, since he was focused on the fact that you were crying at him in fear, muttering about a monster arriving

He doesn't know what to do, he gets on his knees, begging you to look at him

He's quick to get angry at your reluctance, forcing you to look up at him

It was then he noticed a difference of your eye colour. It was a shade duller than its original colour... Which he gathered were traces of hypnotism magic

His anger vanished, reserving it for the caster of the spell

It didn't take him long to dissipate the magic. He was a powerful magician after all

However, his methods rendered you tired and sleepy. He caught you, holding your much smaller body against his own as his eyes softened at your sleeping form

"Lilia, call for Vice Dorm Leader Viper," He said, cradling you against his chest. He pressed his lips on your forehead, wishing well dreams to you. "The caster is one of his students. No doubt, the caster learned from Viper to get to YN..."

"Bring him to me alive. He'll burn for his crimes."

Riddle Rosehearts

He's immediately angry at the situation, which doesn't help your fear

Trey snaps him out of his rage, but it was futile once you yelled "Stay away from me!" To Riddle. He'd be lying if his heart didn't break a little

You were in hysterics, and Riddle had no choice but to use his magic on you. Even if wasn't sealing away any magic, it would restrain you enough for him to inspect you

Riddle's magic prowess wasn't enough to identify the exact magic, but he told Trey to take notes of anyone could use controlling magic

Seeing that you weren't hostile around Ace and Deuce, you were left in their care

On the other hand... Cater and Trey found the caster. With Riddle's unique magic, it broke the spell

Riddle was more than angry at the caster, but your safety was first. He had to deal with the caster in a more... secretive way

"YN, oh YN..." He held you close, although he kept you in the hug since he didn't want you to see his tears. "You're back..."

"The person who did this to you will face punishment for breaking my rules..."

Kalim Al-Asim

He panics at first, but then he turns to Jamil, begging him to take a look at you since something was clearly wrong with you

When you called him scary and a monster, he was in denial, muttering about how you were sick, and just needed rest

He wasn't rational about it, trying to figure out why you were sick through normal medicine but it wasn't working

He was desperate, causing you to run away from him. Under your hypnotism, you ended up in the arms of your stalker

Jamil was quick to report your disappearance, and Kalim did not wait for a single second to rescue you

Kalim's connections made it easy to find a person that was able to undo the spell on you, although you had to undergo intense recovery as well

Kalim rubbed your tired hand, marvelling at the fact that you accepted his proposal. It was a desperate one, not as he imagined but happy tears fell at your sentiment. "YN... you don't have to apologise for the mean things you said. I know it's not you..."

"The culprit will be punished severely! He harmed the future bride of the Al-Asim family after all!"

Azul Ashengrotto

He knew it was the influence of magic when Jade reported the oddity to him. He knew, and yet...

It hurt. It hurt when you said those hurtful words to him. In his heart, he forgave you but he was focused on saving his future wife

Times like this, he was glad he chose to invest in those magical orbs that spied on you in secret

Floyd was a winning key. The caster was no match for him, although Floyd had to be lightly told off to not immediately kill on-site

Once the caster was brought, it was a matter of getting the teachers to remove the spell. Azul, for as much as he wanted to do it himself, wanted you to be safe. It was better to be safe than sorry

Oh, the joy he had having to punish the caster since the student was also part of the Octavinelle dorm...

You were well-rested, although you were still comforting your soon-to-be husband Azul as he still cries over your well-being. "YN... You're safe and that's all that matters..."

"That student is already suffering at the hands of the twins anyway... So don't concern yourself with him."

Idia Shroud

Initially, Idia thought you stood him up. If it weren't for Ortho, he wouldn't have searched for you

He wished he didn't, because the words you said stung. He kept his tears in though. It wasn't your fault nor the right time

He knew what was going on. He didn't have the latest technology spying on you for nothing

He had ignored those devices since he was so nervous about his proposal, but he wished he hadn't

Even though Idia wasn't the strongest magic user, he knew his way around magicians, particularly his influence around the other stronger students like Malleus

The spell was removed, and you were safe. Idia ignored any further punishments to the caster, since it was a later problem...

Idia held his breath as you got up, steadying yourself from your recovery. "YN... I'm sorry that I wasn't fast enough... Thank you for trusting me..."

"Oh? The caster? He's burning in the River Styx. Where people like him belong..."

Leona Kingscholar

He never planned this to happen! The one thing he puts effort into and it's ruined by some lowlife!

He doesn't care about the insults you say. It filters out. He's used to it. Somehow... your insults linger a little longer than the ones from others...

He doesn't deal with you. He needs to find the person who did this and he needs to find them NOW

If it means turning them to sand, so be it. He wanted you back, no. He needed you back

With Jack's sense of smell, it doesn't take long for him to command the entire beastmen gang under him to find the caster

The caster ends up in his claws, primed for him to rip him to shreds... The spell reversal was quick, and Leona held you close to him. It was tempting to slip the ring he got onto your finger...

He kept the ring next to you, as well as a photo of you both. Once you woke up, he'd say all he meant to say that night. "YN... I'm gonna have to leave your side for a while."

"There's prey I have to hunt."

Vil Schoenheit

He felt like screaming and pulling his hair out when he found you in such a state. No... No, he, as a queen, must keep his composure

He turned away before any of those hurtful words reached his ears. He couldn't bear it if he heard such things from you

He called for Rook immediately, trusting his abilities to trace back your doings before the spell took place

Vil, on the other hand, took up his magic pen to conjure up a poison much more lethal than the one he submitted to become the dorm leader...

Epel, he had to admit, had the intimidation that caused the caster to reverse his spell. Vil spent time pampering you, even when you were recovering... It was as if he was your Prince curing you from the evil curse of the apple...

He brushed away your hair, pouring you a new cup of tea. You were quite weary after the whole ordeal, but you couldn't stop looking at the twinkling ring on your finger. "I'm glad it suits your taste, my sweet potato..."

"If I'm not mistaken, that rotten stalker should be rotting... on the outside too, with that new poison I made..."

[echo-of-sounds]

pregnancy

Small headcanons of how Aizawa, Toshinori, Hizashi, Fatgum, Gang Orca, and Hound Dog would be through your pregnancy.

I don’t write about giving birth (as I’m mildly terrified of doing so) so I didn’t add anything about that. Please don’t ask for me to. And even though I’m not interested in getting pregnant, I think I’d be okay with it if Kugo or Ryo were the father.

EDIT: I love picturing all of these men with little girls. It’s just so cute!

Warnings: uh, pregnancy

Aizawa Shouta

Shouta isn’t one to jump for joy when you tell him. However, you will get to see his handsome smile when he grabs your waist, breathing out a light laugh of happiness as he tightly hugs you. His smile won’t disappear for a while. Every time he glances at you, one simply finds its way onto his face.

It may not be by a whole lot, but his behavior changes. Just a little. When you’re out and about, his hand finds its way to your back or elbow much more often, particularly in a crowd. It’s the paternal instincts kicking in. His favorite cuddling position, laying between your legs with his head on your stomach, becomes harder the farther along you are. He adjusts to laying behind you, keeping a hand on your tummy throughout the entire night.

Shouta hides his worries well. Even the people closest to him have a tough time telling what exactly is going on with him. Sometimes, it’s a good thing. He’s a stable person to lean on. But it’s difficult to deal with when you’re hormonal and emotional. He pushes himself so hard to speak more. There’s no way of him understanding everything you’re going through, but when he opens up, he can tell just how much you appreciate it during the tough times. So he does it near-daily, checking in with each other before bed.

He hates how busy his life is. Well, he’s always kind of hated it. Now it’s worse because his partner’s pregnant, and he’s stuck in a room with screaming children when he should be bringing you to your appointments. Shouta attempts to make up for the absence by heading home every night and helping around the house more. Step in. Explain how you value his help, but also need him to relax. If he gets overworked, that would only stress you more.

Shouta changes his eating habits and fitness routines. He wants you to eat well for yourself and your child. He wants you to keep exercising for yourself and your child. He simply wants your body to be healthy. Don’t grumble because he’ll throw your complaining back in your face when the Lamaze coach explains how important physical health is. But don’t worry, his cute smile makes up for the teasing.

Yagi Toshinori

Toshinori is starstruck. Too many thoughts flood and fight. He loves children and has always wanted a family. Being able to father one with you is indescribable. And he never thought the universe would grant any of that. On the flip side, his fear is also undefinable. People know who he is now; who knows what’s out there, waiting to expose All Might’s weakness. The rapid thoughts may bring a tear or two. Cup his face and kiss them away, reassuring him that everything’s okay.

The fears follow him throughout your pregnancy. Like all things (with you and him), there are good days and bad days. His emotions ramp-up during your emotional and physically unwell days. He tries his best to push them down to focus on you. But they eventually end up spilling over. It’ll be common for both of you to cry at the end of the day, snuggled together, talking about the future, worries, and anticipations.

In general, Toshinori isn’t that protective. He trusts you and your abilities. Just because you’re pregnant, doesn’t mean you’re suddenly disabled. You can still do things. Although, he does become a bit of a helicopter. Whenever you bend over to pick up a bag, he beats you to it. He swoops the laundry basket from your hands, claiming, ‘You shouldn’t be lifting heavy things,’ despite it not even being ten pounds. He’s just very watchful of your movements.

He’s very active in dieting, doctor’s appointments, and planning. He eats well, so it’s easy for him to aid you in that respect. For doctors, he has quite a lot of contacts and knows many doctors from his time in the hospital. He asks around, only accepting the best for you. Planning, shopping, and setting up the nursery are his favorite parts. He loves choosing the sweetest colors, softest blankets, and, of course, all the adorable All Might onesies, toys, and superhero books he can find. The nursery is set up perfectly.

Toshinori doesn’t admit how incredibly your pregnant body enchants him. It isn’t always a horny, sexual need. It’s about admiring your body and what it’s creating. He just wonders at you. All the time. Sometimes the changes may make you feel insecure. He’s always there to listen and assure you how amazing your body is. If you want cuddles and kisses, he’ll give them with a smile. If you want gentle lovemaking, he guides you onto your back and gives you exactly what you want.

Yamada Hizashi

Expect a loud song of love, a bear hug, and jumping for joy when you tell him. Hizashi loves kids. He thinks they’re amazing and say some of the greatest things. And he’s beyond excited to see their quirk. Of course, it doesn’t mean he’ll love them any less if they’re born quirkless. He just loves imagining a little one with a similar quirk running around your place.

He is all about redecorating and planning. The entire apartment is getting babyfied and rearranged. The nursery will be beautifully painted. He regularly comes home with cute outfits and stuffed animals. Partly, it’s because he’s just so excited. The other part is he wants you to relax through the pregnancy. No stress, pressure, and unnecessary burden on your shoulders. He’s there to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Hizashi doesn’t just spoil your unborn child; he spoils you, buying you those pregnancy pillows, your favorite ice cream, driving you everywhere, etc… He just hates how much time his jobs take. He’d rather spend his time with you. To help, he’ll ask for time off of patrols, choosing to be closer with you, physically, mentally, and emotionally, during your pregnancy.

In the later months, Hizashi is all over you. Seriously, he will not leave you alone. He’s very handsy, kneading and licking your swollen, sore breasts, and stroking your belly. Your body, and everything it’s doing, is utterly gorgeous to him. He’ll suck away, gently nursing on your nipple while dozing off to Tv, occasionally switching to the other so it isn’t left needy.

Toyomitsu Taishiro

When you tell Taishiro, you’ll only be able to get out a few words before you’re lifted off your feet and spun around. He smooches all over your face, laughing and cheering about how amazing and perfect and stunning you are. You’ll have to ask to be put down lest you get sick from all his spinning. But his compliments keep coming. They won’t dwindle for a while. There’s just too much love in his body to keep inside.

Whatever you’re craving, no matter if it’s pineapple dipped in ketchup, he gives without complaint. He may try some of your odd combinations. Who knows? You could be on to something new. At the same time, he also watches out for your health. The cravings suck. He understands that. He truly does. But if you ate something sweet/not as healthy for lunch, then he plans a healthy dinner for you. Your body’s going crazy. It needs its nutrients.

Your worries are always taken seriously. It could be the most absurd thing to be anxious over. Tai always listens. His cute smile and never-ending positivity help a ton. Your body and brain are going through a lot. He’ll do his part to validate all your feelings. He talks down the anxieties as you eat pickles on ice cream, making sure you are and feel heard.

Since he works one job compared to the others, he’s able to be with you much more, notably during the hard-to-handle days and at appointments. And he picks up extra chores so you can rest through aches and pains. Any choices you make regarding your pregnancy and birth, he supports. He may not agree with everything, but he loves you, and it’s your body. He’ll always put your comfort and wishes first.

Tai treasured your tummy before. But now, seeing you growing with his child, he’s absolutely enraptured. He places nightly and morning kisses on your belly. When he wakes you up, his kisses trail down to the bump. Every night, he rubs lotion into your tummy, kissing and cooing to his child. It doesn’t matter if you’re only one week pregnant, and it’s just a clump of cells in there. Tai still sings to them.

Gang Orca

Kugo is in disbelief when you tell him. He freezes, staring, hardly hearing your words. Give him five minutes. He’ll process what you said and snap back to the present. Watch out because you’re going to get lifted high into the air and maybe tossed like a father does a baby. He’s just practicing. It’ll only take one or two days for him to slip into paternal mode. It’s damn near instinct for him.

As per usual, he’s a gentle paragon behind closed doors. Throughout your pregnancy, he melts into a puddle of sweet honey. His overall affection skyrockets. His hands and claws are as tender as possible whenever they touch you, doing whatever you need him to: massaging your back and legs, rubbing lotion all over, or brushing your hair. He reassures you through tears. He prepares healthy meals that satisfy your cravings. And he holds you all night, keeping you safe on his chest and in his arms.

Kugo goes to every single checkup and appointment. It doesn’t matter if it’s just an ordinary visit to your primary care doctor; he calls out of work and goes with you. At any ultrasounds, expect a few tears, especially when you hear the heartbeat for the first time. He holds them in until you’re alone. The second the door closes, his forehead is nudging yours as small, loved-filled tears fall. He never thought he’d get a family. Part of him thought he didn’t deserve a family, but you’ve proven that false repeatedly.

The farther along you are, the more he watches out for you. He checks in every morning to make sure you took your medicine and vitamins. He washes you so you don’t strain yourself. If you’re waddling, he offers his arm for support and helps you stand. If your back hurts, he applies a heating patch to your lower back and puts your shoes on for you. If you need it, he can carry you to the car and into where you’re going.

As does everyone, Kugo has doubts about his quirk and abilities. People have always viewed those with mutations differently. And it can affect their health, leading to numerous doctor visits and tests. He doesn’t want his baby to deal with the staring, whispers, self-doubts, and distress he did. To support him, talk in detail about his fears and help him realize he’s never disappointed you or hurt anyone. Kugo’s exactly how he should be.

Hound Dog

Ryo doesn’t have a tail, but you’ll definitely see a little happy wiggly before he hugs you. The following week, he keeps you close as he acts differently: rubbing up against you to ensure you smell like him, touching your nose with his, lapping along your neck, sleeping incredibly close, and occasionally smelling between your legs, licking the air around there to smell better. It’s awkward, almost weird, since it isn’t average ‘human’ behavior. But if you love him, let him do it. Please. Understand his nose works differently. It reassures and comforts him to smell you, checking in to see if anything’s changed.

Ryo gets protective when you’re on your period: When you’re pregnant, it’s so, so incredibly worse. He hovers, grumbling low at those walking by. Others barely hear it. It’s intense enough for you to feel it when he’s behind you. He doesn’t like people running up to you, or startling you, or roughhousing or playing in any way. He’s lenient with children, less with teens. Women get a deep growl and scowl. God help any man that approaches you. You might have to have him wear his Hero outfit’s muzzle until you give birth. Though, that might not help because then he’d be protective of two people.

It’s only the teensiest amount better at home. He makes you rest, almost too much. After work or some time outside, he shuffles you to the couch so you can’t overwork yourself. He’s a pleasant change of pace from his typical gruff self. However, as great as he is at the physical needs, he still struggles with the emotional aspects. You can cry on his shoulder, complain, and talk about your worries all you need to. He’s just a bit clunky when it comes to reciprocating the soft emotions. But he puts all his heart into it, and it’s easy to tell.

Ryo is also one who loves pregnancy sexy. You’re swollen and sensitive, and he loves watching your breasts bounce, maybe even leak a little depending on how far along you are. And since you’re already pregnant, he releases and stays inside. After, he lays behind you, keeping himself deep in you despite being flaccid, just feeling how wet and aroused and full you are because of him. When the heated moment is finally done, he licks you clean, nearly getting drunk off your smell.

[heloisedaphnebrightmore]

Possibilities [Tom Hiddleston x Reader]

Title: Possibilities Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x Female!Reader Word count: 3k Published: 6 July 2021 Author: Heloise Daphne Brightmore Warnings: Mention of food and alcohol Summary: Tom and you have been friends for a long time and because of that same reason you value your friendship more than to ruin it with some silly feelings. But the event you attend together offers you some surprises that might change your relationship forever.

Tom Hiddleston and Characters Masterlist | Masterlists

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Events, galas, award ceremonies. You weren't a popular actress nor a famous singer, or social media influencer. You had a simple 9-5 job that would hardly ever get you into these events. But regardless of your status in society, you were known and not because of any talent you possessed that could have made you famous, but because your best friend was none-other than Tom Hiddleston.

You have been friends for years, you adored everything about the man. He was sweet and kind, always polite, but just as playful. It was a friendship you felt lucky to be in, a friendship that you held so close to your heart, it would have broken every little piece of you if it ever ended. Often, you found yourself staring at him with a little smile in the corner of your lips, watching his every move, the way he joked around with his co-stars on set, the way he exercised in the gym for a role, the way he winked at you with a mischievous smile as he caught your eyes on him.

"Do you need my autograph?" he asked with a wide grin as he opened the door of the luxurious car he booked for the event. Once again you have forgotten your eyes on him— his dashing looks, the perfectly fitted suit, the playful twinkle in his eyes. He never stopped teasing you about it.

"Shove off, Tom," you nudged him as he got out of the car and held out a hand for you, waiting for you to accept his help. So, you did. Wrapping your fingers around his hand, you let him help you out of the vehicle as you rearranged your stunning dress and ran your hand down its length to remove any creasing. Cameras were flashing, reporters' loud voices filled the pathway to the entrance, a long red carpet leading your way inside the building towering over you like a modern castle.

"If I didn't know better, I would think your interest in me goes beyond friendship," he chuckled as he held his arm out to you, waiting for yours to be placed over his, his eyes following every little movement of yours. A sudden rush of heat travelled up to your cheeks, your breathing slightly laboured as you tried to calm your heavily beating heart. He was not wrong after all. It's been years since you have been harbouring these feelings, but you hadn't had the heart to confess them. Tom was more important to you than to ruin it over some silly feelings.

Sometimes, when you caught Tom's eyes on you, watching you intently, a soft smile spread across his face, it made you think if maybe, just maybe he was harbouring similar feelings towards you. But the idea was quickly swept away by your doubts, the thought of such an amazing man falling for you seeming impossible. You knew your worth, you didn't write yourself down, but Tom has always been perfect in your eyes, and you couldn't imagine him wanting you even if at times a certain silly part of your brain whispered otherwise.

"I love your healthy self-confidence," you finally gathered your ability to be able to reply, earning a comical huff from him. You have been trying hard, to deny your romantic interest in him, but rumours about the two of you have become a reoccurring news and it didn't help your case to shove your feelings in the back of your mind.

"Ready?" He asked as his gaze turned towards the red carpet. Heaving a heavy sigh, you nodded and murmured a 'yes' as a response.

As soon as the cameras started flashing, hundreds of photos of Tom and you being taken, you conjured a sweet little smile that the tabloids loved. You were always nervous when it came to these events. It was Tom's job to answer some of the questions journalists asked of him, which meant they were to ask about your relationship. It was becoming repetitive, making you feel uncomfortable. The questions themselves didn't bother you but repeating over and over again that the man you have fallen for is merely a friend, felt like a stab in your heart, each time you responded.

"Tom! Tom!" One of the reporters shouted his name and he led you to the side of the red carpet, halting right beside the metal cordons. Questions were flying around, photos had been taken, but you didn't concentrate. Your senses were heightened as Tom pulled you in his side, his arm now wrapped around your waist, gently, but firmly holding onto you. Looking up at him, you studied his face, his ice-blue eyes focusing on the reporter, an excited smile across his face. He seemed so relaxed, so collected, meanwhile even events after events you were still nervous. As though he could feel it, he turned to you with a soft, reassuring smile, giving you a nod, silently asking if you were alright. For others, the movement could have easily been missed, but to you, it was like an earthquake, shaking your heart, making you fall even deeper for him. In a reply, you nodded and offered him a smile as you squeezed his hand that rested on your waist.

"So, Tom, this might be a bit more personal, but everyone has been talking about the two of you," he started, and your eyes immediately darted towards the man. You knew the question, heard it a thousand times already, so you prepared your heart to give the same reply as always. 'We are just friends,' you repeated time after time, hoping they would finally understand and let you be, but they didn't seem to budge. "You have been friends for a long time, and your fans have been talking about how close the two of you have become. Do you think, maybe in the future, there's a possibility for romance to blossom?" He asked with an expectant expression, a sly smile in the corner of his lips.

"As we have said before," you spoke up, ready to reply as you always did, "we—"

"You never know what the future holds for you, there are many possibilities" Tom cut in with a mischievous smile, your eyes growing wide as you looked up at him. Tom chuckled at your expression as he leaned down and kissed the top of your head. "Tell me I'm wrong," he arched a brow questioningly, his words starting your heart off at a faster pace, your cheeks feeling warmer under his intent gaze, those blue eyes you often found yourself lost in.

"Well—, I mean I can't argue with that statement," you replied, feeling slightly awkward. A confused smile started growing wider on your face as Tom led you away. "Why did you do that?" You asked as you finally stepped inside the building, his arm still resting around your waist as you headed towards a large room filled with all sorts of foods and drinks, people dancing in the middle, the dim lightning offering a rather intimate mood. "You just created even more gossip," you scolded him, but seemingly he didn't mind. He led you to a table where his name was printed on a nametag and pulled the chair out for you before he took his seat beside you.

"I didn't say anything," he smiled at you as innocently as he could manage, the corner of his eyes crinkling.

"You did. Exactly because you were so secretive, people will want to read between the lines. They will think there's more to us than friendship," you huffed as you hid your face in your palm and heaved a heavy sigh.

"And is that so bad?" He frowned, earning the same expression from you.

"What?" A silent scoff left your lungs. "What are you trying to say?"

"Is that such a big problem if people think we are together?" He asked, his confident tone stunning you.

"Of course, not. I don't care what rumours are being spread about me, but I don't want them to gossip about you," you reached for his hand on the table and wrapped your fingers around it, giving it a gentle squeeze. His expression stayed emotionless; you couldn't read him entirely, but you knew he seemed off.

"I will go grab us a drink," he said as he stood up, leaving you frowning. You weren't sure what you said that made him upset, and regardless of trying to put on a straight face, you knew he wasn't happy with your response.

You watched as he walked over to a small table filled with the most delicious looking cakes and a couple of bottles of champagne, ready for the guests before they brought out the main course. Tom grabbed a battle of champagne and two glasses, filling up both halfway, before he placed the battle back into an ice bucket.

"What is it?" You asked as he returned and gave you one of the glasses.

"What do you mean?" He asked, taking a seat beside you.

"We've known each other for quite a long time. I can read you like an open book. What's bothering you?" Trying to get him to open up, you shuffled closer to him, your chair scraping the floor, turning heads in your direction. "Oops," you scratched the back of your neck awkwardly, earning a chuckle from Tom.

"Very subtle," he mocked you.

"Don't change the subject Mr. Hiddleston," you raised a questioning brow, a tiny smile hidden in the corner of your lips.

"Nothing is bothering me," he added, but your suspicious gaze didn't falter. "I'm being honest, darling," the sly little fox knew his nickname for you would make you soften up and he used every opportunity to say it when he felt cornered.

"Fine," you squinted. "But we aren't done! I'm not blind, I can see something is on your mind."

"Yes, ma'am, I can't wait for this conversation to come back around," he mocked you once again, making you huff as you gently punched his shoulder.

Throughout the night, said conversation was forgotten, the alcohol consumption rose, the amount of people dancing around the room grew, meanwhile others sat at their tables, trying to digest the previously served delicious meals. You couldn't deny that you had a good laugh with Tom and his co-stars from all sorts of movies he had been in. It felt like a little family, people coming together to just have a joyous time.

The way Tom smiled at his friends, praising each other, before turning to mock one another forced your eyes to rest on his excited features. He looked so alive, so happy and the feeling of the man you loved being in his element meant everything to you. Tom was radiating enthusiasm and you couldn't look away as you watched his ever-growing smile, his nose scrunched up at an unexpected subject, his head falling back as a loud laughter erupted from his lungs. He was always handsome, but when he was happy, it filled you up with a certain warmth that you couldn't explain. Like you always wanted to make him happy just to be able to see that cheerful smile spread across his face.

He turned to you, catching your gaze on him once again. His arm sneaked behind you, pulling you closer and leaning down to your ear. "You are staring at me again," you couldn't see it, but you could feel his smile spreading wider.

"I like to see you happy," you shrugged with a soft smile as you leaned back to be able to meet his gaze. His smile faltered, but his eyes softened.

"Dance with me," he said as he offered his palm to you, and you placed your hand in it.

"I take no responsibility for broken toes," you said with a silent chuckle as you followed him to the dancefloor.

"Don't worry, darling, it's worth the injury," he mirrored your expression as you stopped in the middle of the dance floor. A slow, romantic song started playing in the background, his arms finding their perfect position around your waist as yours sneaked around his neck.

It was a slow and peaceful dance, not requiring much knowledge and talent. You just enjoyed each other's presence, gazes meeting, smiles forming, swaying to the slow rhythm of the music. You didn't speak a word, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. It never was with Tom. A soft smile, a quick glance, a simple gesture meant more than thousands of words when you were with him.

You laid your head against his chest, listening to his fast heartbeat, taking on a quicker pace just like yours did. "I miss you when you are not with me," he spoke for the first time as he leaned down and kissed the top of your head. You didn't move away; his embrace was too comfortable, and you couldn't care about people watching you.

"I always miss you. You are the one travelling all the time after all," you chuckled lightly, not wanting to ruin the moment.

"I could be only a mile away and I would still miss you," he replied as you pulled back a bit to meet his soft gaze, but there was no smile present across his handsome face. As the song finished, you found yourself standing in front of him, slightly confused about the conversation. "Do you want to go to the balcony? Have some fresh air?" He asked, taking on a more cheerful expression, but you knew him more than to believe it was genuine. In a response you nodded and linked your arm with his.

Following him through the sea of people, you finally arrived at the balcony, looking down to a smaller version of a park, a water fountain standing tall in its centre. You leaned against the rail as you watched the trees battling the silent wind, fallen leaves being blown across the walking path. Tom joined beside you, his eyes following the same direction as you did before they halted on your face. "You are being strange tonight," you spoke up, feeling his gaze resting on you before you turned to him, meeting his eyes.

"I'm just thinking," he added with a half-hearted smile.

"About?" You asked as you reached for his hand resting on the rail and placed yours on top of his. He turned his palm upside down and lifted your hand, hinting a small kiss on your knuckles as he heaved a heavy sigh. "Tom talk to me," you squeezed his fingers reassuringly, his eyes watching you, not leaving your gaze for a moment. "You have been rather quiet around me," you added.

His whole body turned to you, as though he was focusing his complete attention on you. Reaching towards you, he brushed your hair to the side, gently tucking it behind your ear. You leaned into the touch involuntarily, only realising your actions when he caressed your cheek with his thumb, before moving down and running it across your lips. The feeling burnt you, starting your mind off in a very dangerous territory, one that you have been avoiding. 'He is your friend' you tried to remind yourself. But once the tip of his thumb brushed along your lips once again, you couldn't stop yourself. Stepping forward, you placed your hands on his chest, steading yourself and rose on your tiptoes, pressing your lips against his.

Your own bravery surprised you, but Tom didn't seem affected. As soon as your lips met, his arms wrapped around you, pulling you closer. He didn't hesitate, he wasn't surprised. He just held you, gently running his lips along yours, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. But as much as you wanted to enjoy the moment, realisation hit you. You were kissing your best friend. You gently pushed him away, stumbling back from the force, covering your mouth with your palm. "I'm so sorry," you breathed, panic rising in your chest. "I have no idea what happened, I don't know why I did that, I'm so sorry," your words were rushed, your heartbeat loudly pulsing in your ears.

But Tom's gaze twinkled. A soft, warm smile grew wider across his face as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around you. "I'm not," he said as he pressed his forehead against yours. "I've been wanting to kiss you," he breathed as he closed his eyes momentarily, slightly shaking his head. "I've been wanting to tell you how much I love you; I've been trying to gain the courage to say it out loud," he scoffed. "I'm a fool for dragging it out for so long, but I love you," his voice shook as he said the words, but his arms tightened around you, safely holding you against his chest. It took you a second to understand what he meant, that your feelings weren't unrequited, that he has been harbouring the same feelings you have.

A heavy sigh left your lungs, as though a weight fell off your chest. Your lips curved into a smile as you placed your hands on his cheeks, running the tip of your thumbs across his jawline. He mirrored your expression whilst leaning into your touch, planting a small kiss on your palm. "I love you too," you replied finally," the words rolling off the tip of your tongue easier than you expected. "I love you so much," you giggled, wanting to repeat the words over and over again, until you finally understood that it was real, that you weren't dreaming. "You never know what the future holds for you, huh?" You asked, repeating his words from earlier in the evening, earning a loud chuckle from him. "So, is this one of those many possibilities?" you raised a single brow.

"Could be. I have a couple more ideas," he said, his soft smile turning into a confident grin.

"You are terrible," you gently hit his chest as you grabbed his suit-jacket and pulled him down to you, meeting his lips halfway, smiling into the intimate moment you have been craving for so long.

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