#I still need to make a name for the Nameless AU

[padme-amitabha]

Anidala Week 2025: Day 4 (Soulmate AU)

The Star-Cursed Lovers (based on Eros & Psyche)

Long ago, when gods still walked among mortals, there was a girl born beneath a cursed star.

Her name was Padmé Naberrie, youngest daughter of the King of Naboo. It was said the Force itself had kissed her brow in the cradle for no maiden in the Mid Rim or beyond could rival her beauty. Wherever she walked, men turned and women whispered behind embroidered fans.

Her older sisters, Seré and Neré, resented her.

“She thinks the stars care for her,” Seré would sneer.

“One day they’ll burn her for it,” Neré would reply.

But Padmé did not care for their venom. She only wished to love and be loved.

When no mortal suitor dared approach (for who could stand beside such beauty without feeling small?), her father grew desperate. He sent for the Jedi Oracle of Jedha, an ancient woman with eyes clouded by the mists of the Force.

“She is not meant for mortal love,” the Oracle declared. “She will wed a creature of shadow and flame. A nameless, masked one feared by gods and men.”

Padmé’s father wept. Her mother wailed.

*

Far above, the goddess of beauty, Shevane, ruler of radiant desire and keeper of hearts, heard whispers of Padmé’s grace. Enraged that a mortal might rival divine splendor, she summoned her son, the god of love and longing.

Anakin, winged and golden, hair kissed by flame, was to punish the girl.

“Strike her heart,” Shevane ordered. “Make her fall in love with a beast. The shadowborn dragon named Vader, who devours the hearts of maidens.”

Anakin, though bound to obey, faltered. He had heard of the girl who sang to the stars, who whispered to the moons as if they were listening.

When he found her alone on the mountainside, wishing aloud into the dark, his hand trembled.

He did not shoot.

The arrow turned in his grasp and pierced his own heart.

The god of love had fallen.

*

And so, as the Oracle commanded, they brought Padmé to the highest mountain of Naboo, cloaked in mourning garb, to await the cursed dragon prince who would claim her.

The night wind sang around her and the stars wept.

But she was not alone.

From the west came a gentle breeze, stirring her hair like a blessing. Obi-Wan, god of the western wind, sworn companion of the god of love.

He knelt before her, not as a god, but as a friend.

“Fear not, little star,” he said. “I come with wings, not chains.”

And with the soft power of the twilight wind, he lifted her into the sky and carried her to a hidden palace far from Shevane’s wrath. A palace of glass and moonlight, high among the stars. Here, unseen droids tended her needs and gifts of silks and rare jewels appeared at her door.

*

A figure came in the dark.

A masked man, tall and cloaked in black. She could not see his face but his voice was low and aching.

“Do not be afraid, my star,” he whispered. “I would rather tear the stars from the sky than see you harmed.”

But she never saw her lover’s face.

“Only love me as I am,” he pleaded each night. “And never seek to know my name.”

And Padmé, who had longed for love, agreed.

But her jealous sisters came to visit, their eyes sharp as knives. Seré and Neré gasped at her wealth and whispered poison into her ear.

“You’re kept like a pet in a gilded cage,” they said. “What kind of man hides his face? What monster sleeps beside you?”

Fear bloomed where once there was only longing.

That night, Padmé took a lightblade in trembling hands. While her masked lover slept, she ignited the blade, casting eerie blue light across his face.

And her heart broke.

For beneath the mask was a boy not much older than herself. Beautiful. Haunted. With the face of a fallen star. A scar ran along his cheek. His lashes fluttered like wings.

The Force howled.

He woke.

“Padmé,” he choked, horror in his eyes. “You’ve betrayed me.”

“I-I only wished to see you,” she sobbed.

A bitter wind howled through the palace.

“I warned you,” he whispered. “But I was a fool to hope.”

And he vanished in a whirl of storm and shadow. The palace crumbled. The silks turned to dust. The starlight faded. The music died.

Padmé fell to her knees, weeping into her hands. The Force mourned with her.

But she would not give him up. She would cross stars, battle witches, face the jealous gods themselves to find him again. Even if the galaxy burned for it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A little Anidala Eros & Psyche AU because honestly, the myth was begging to be written. Padmé is too pretty for peace, Anakin is too tragic for his own good and the galaxy would literally rather tear itself apart than let them have nice things.

@anidalaweeks

[elizzsush]

Future Child | Twisted Wonderland

Malleus Draconia X Reader

----It wasn’t everyday you’d find a three year old running around campus causing a ruckus. Usually students wouldn’t have to deal with this, but with Crowley you had to deal with everything. Now… why is it when you catch this small trouble maker it calls you “momma”?

AUs: None Rating: SFW

Note: Hi, hi! So, basically, I wasn't going to finish this and posted it as a WIP and people really liked it. So, then I had no other choice but to finish it! And I hope you like it.

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Crowley in-listed you to help with the child problem around school. No, wait that sounded bad. A young fae no older than five got into night raven campus and has been running amok. Some students say he appeared out of thin air. So, obviously, you: the defenseless, Magic-less human with no knowledge of fae or even how some of these basics of this world work, you were the schools best bet against this ‘threat.’ And so, your oh so kind instructor pushed this task onto you and left.

Not without you demanding an extra allowance, but still.

Thankfully, you were well equipped with a grumpy cat-weasel thing who is so glad to help and definitely did not try and run away. “Ehh? Why do I have to help ya??” Grim whined as he hung limply, your hand firmly grasping his scruff as you held him up. He was so generous and did not need to be bribed at all.

You sighed, “I’ll put some money aside from this to get you tuna.” Technically, that was a lie. No, you were going to fix the window Grim broke from practicing his magic in the house, again.

“I want two cans!” The motivated cat purred and jumped onto your shoulders. Now, you can finally begin your mission and take on this… threat...?

This threat was a real threat!

The sight of the frozen cafeteria did scare you. You had learnt that after you had stumbled upon the frozen dinning hall; all of this was from the baby fae! What on Earth were you suppose to even do once you caught the child?

How would you catch this kid without being frozen exactly? Why were you put on this task?

There was a mountain of ice and a many frozen students who were actively being saved by other students most of whom were made to help. They had gotten lucky in your option. They didn’t have to find the kid. “So much magic…" An awestruck student said, "it’s hard to believe a kid did this.” The nameless person mumbled as they helped thaw the room out. You couldn’t help but hum in agreement to yourself.

What kid could do this when Deuce struggled with making anything but cauldrons while he was somewhere new! It was… overwhelming magic for sure. Even for you to stand in the middle of it, magicless. And this was just the dining hall!

Apparently, you had three more places to check out.

“Not much to see here.” Grim grumbled from your shoulder, just then a ball of fire came hurtling towards the two of you! “Eek!!” Grim squealed jumping of your shoulder while you ducked.

“Sorry!” A no name student called out… He had been using the fire to dethaw some students.

“We should leave… and fast.” You said as you turned to leave in a hurry. You tripped on the ice almost tripped on the ice while you left.

.

.

.

The very next place you checked was the courtyard, where Mr. Vargas liked to make you run in the blistering heat. PE was horrible. Everyone else got to be on their dumb magic brooms while you were stuck doing laps.

Mr. Vargas did like to make the boys sweat afterwards though. You got to sit on the grass and laugh at them cheer them on! Especially Ace, who always lagged behind.

Anyway, in the place of the field of green grass that your peers used to practice flying on a broom, was a field of fire. Green fire no less. At least it was still green? You stayed a distance away while you watched a group of five students try and summon water magic to help fight these flames. “If you don’t do this right, it’ll be off with your heads!” Next to them, a familiar short, red-haired boy was shouting at them and telling them what they were doing wrong.

You liked to think it wouldn't actually be off with their heads, Riddle was above that... Now. You liked to think it was just motivation to make them work harder!

Because it was mostly Heartslabyul students, it worked. "Hey! Riddle?" You called out to the boy. The Housewarden looked at you and jogged up to meet you a way away from the green flames. Was Sebek here as well? You swore you heard his voice shouting...

"You shouldn't be here. This area is off-limits to anyone outside of the Equestrian club because of the danger." Riddle crossed his arms; his tone was pretty gentle though. You nodded along to what he was saying, because it made sense.

"Crowley wants us to find the Fae doing this, do you know anything about it?" You decided to get right to the point. Riddle was busy enough as it was. He seemed to appreciate it too.

The boy glanced back at the students trying to figure out how to calm the fire and shook his head. "I think I heard a few third years mention a blur of H/C going into the school." He mentioned, you mostly knew the kid was in the school. It was one of the places Crowley wanted you to check out, Mr. Trein's class, after that you didn't really know where the kid could be.

You smiled and thanked Riddle before turning to leave, the boy glanced back at the fire before stepping a bit closer to you, a slightly embarrassed look on his face. "Uh- Y/N, I was wondering if you wanted to have tea with me later I-"

"Dorm leader! it's spreading!" A student shouted out, a panicked look on their face as they rushed up to the two of you. Riddle muttered something under his breath, before jogging back to the fire. To step up to calm the flames even more than what the regular student could do so you left.

“This seemed handled enough…” You muttered, a bit disappointed that you didn't get to finish your conversation with Riddle, Grim simply rolled his eyes and you two turned to leave.

.

.

.

You went to Mr. Trein’s classroom next. Your most boring class of twisted wonderland, history, uh... you think. Truthfully you hadn’t stayed awake long enough to know what class he taught.

It was not for lack of trying either!

He just drew out his words and spoke in just a boring robotic tone, it could put anyone to sleep! I digress. The cat: Lucius liked you too, he tended to let you sleep more while waking up other students.

Anyway, in place of the classroom was… an overgrown forest? In the center of it, you noticed a tall, well groomed, teal haired male, squatting down to examine what appeared to be a mushroom….

Obviously. it was Jade. He was part of the Mountain Lovers Club. The sole member actually if you remember right. Crowley mentioned something about the clubs handling the situations. So...

This seemed… handled-ish….

You would be taking your leave now. You closed the door silently and Grim groaned. "This is so boring." He whined, "Why do we have to do this?!" You shrugged slightly.

"Crowley said he'll give an extra allowance this week if we do this." You mumbled, "We could really use it to fix that window you broke." You reminded the cat. He huffed and glared at you a bit childishly, crossing his furry arms silently on your shoulder.

"I thought you said I could have extra tuna?" He realized, jumping off your shoulder he pointed at you in an accusatory manner; you sighed a bit.

You didn’t have time to find him right now. "We can talk about this later." You walked past him but when he didn't follow you, you turned around.

Where did Grim go...? You looked around the halls for him, "Grim?!" Didn’t he know not to wonder off while there was a threat on campus!

Where did Grim go...? You looked around the halls for him, "Grim?!" Didn’t he know not to wonder off while there was a threat on campus!

This fae would eat him alive!

Feeling even more motivated and slightly panicked, you ran off to find the cat and disregard the threat that was getting killed by meeting this Fae kid unarmed. Uncated? Either way.

.

.

.

.

“Someone help me!” You finally heard Grims's voice after looking for him for... quite a while actually. Pushing the door to the classroom open, you found...

Nothing.

Every potion was on its self, the stirring sticks where the usually go, nothing burned, frozen, or overgrown nothing was… well anywhere. At least anywhere out of place. “Someone, help me!” A cried out a very familiar voice squeaked out. Hesitantly, you walked closer to where you heard Grim’s voice.

This felt like something out of a horror movie.

A cauldron, inside of it was the soft glow of blue flames. No doubt caused by Grins fire ears. “Grim…?” You spoke softly. Peeking inside the steel pot, you saw a young boy, a long tail curled up beside him and one horn on the side of his head. In his arms was Grim, held tightly like he was a stuffed animal. He sniffled and then looked up at you with the most striking green eyes you’ve ever seen…

“Y/n!” Grim cried out, relief flooding his voice and breaking you from the little boy's curse of cuteness.

You plucked Grim from the kid's arms and He crawled onto your shoulders.

“Momma!” The boy, still in the cauldron yelled out, stumbling to get up and jump into your arms, get hindered by the caldron he found himself stuck in. His face was red from tears, and he looked scared… his small hands shaking with fear. He sniffled more, his chubby hands rubbing away his tears as they fell. Your heart ached slightly seeing those tears.

This can't be the same boy running amok in the school's campus. He was just so... non-threatening?

So, without a second thought. You picked the small boy up and cooed at him. Grim stared at you bewildered, His experience far more intimidating them yours.

Didn't you know how tight that boy was holding him?! Poor Grim almost didn't make it. He whined and frowned at the attention you were giving the boy.

Now, you just had to take this sweetheart to Crowley.

Either way, the small boy was absolutely adorable! Sure, he may or may not have caused this week's class cancelations but really, Ace was thanking the boy for it, so all was fine! Back at ramshackle, you realized, he was just a kid.

He was using some crayons to draw. He screamed like a bit of a brat when you tried to make him eat some broccoli you got... You thought it would be good for you and grim and neither of you ate it.

His big electric green eyes that reminded you of… someone? But who was it again? Well, it didn’t matter. The boy had green eyes, H/ced hair and these two small slightly curled horns on top of his head.

His ears were pointed just like a fae’s but just slightly? They weren’t as long nor as sharp as a regular fae’s like Lilia. It was hard to explain. It was the oddest thing- he had a tail as well! A long blackish purple one at that. And he was excellent at magic, if the destroyed campus told you anything. “Are you mad at me?” He looked up at you with teary eyes after you informed Crowley you caught him.

“Why would I be mad at you?” You asked the small boy curiously, blinking at him a bit confused at the question. His large electric green puppy eyes weren’t exactly helping you stand strong and not coddle him either.

“Because I made the rooms a mess…” he rubbed his large cheeks free from stray tears. Not that he was any good at it either, you just shook your head and kneeled to the floor, wiping them away for him.

Something about this boy made you wanted to care for him and protect him- he was just do cute. “Nonsense, you were scared. A little mess is fine as long as you weren’t hurt.” When you looked at him you felt something akin to cuteness aggression. This little fae was adorable! If Crowley didn’t find his parents, you’d take him in!

Ignore how poorly you yourself lived in ramshackle! And how much of your food was canned tuna because Grim insisted on it over actual food.

And the window that you still needed to fix and were most likely going to spend this week's allowance on...

The boy nodded, cuddling into your side like a small cuddly cat.

__________________________

He was adorable but children were a handful.

Crowley, after assigning you to catch the kid, gave you the poor child to take care of. So, you had been living with the child for three whole days.

Not to say the kid- who’s name you learned was Casper- was a handful. In fact, he was a sweetheart. He tended to shy away from things a bit, and he was a bundle of nerves sometimes.

He definitely got overwhelmed when left by himself, often resorting to crying and when he cried his magic tended to...

Anyway, Despite the amount of magic he held at his fingertip, he’d rush to you at the slightest creak of the floorboards, held onto you tightly, and hide his face in your shirt.

When it was finally time to go to school you didn’t really know what to do with the kid…? We’re you suppose to just… bring a kid to class with you? I mean, you already bring a cat, and the kid would probably be more well behaved then Grim.

So you brought Casper with you. And it was fine He was very sweet, maybe a little to shy, the teachers did love him. He introduced himself to them from behind your leg.

That was two days ago, now you were in the cafeteria. You hadn't been here in two days because, well you weren't sure if Casper would be okay around the crowd of students. Some of whom were still bitter about the Ice things... and the green fire thing.

“Fufufu, what do we have here?” Lilia popped up out of absolutely nowhere. "I heard a rumor about a trouble make~" He smirked.

“Grandpa Lilia!” The kid for once didn’t shy away. You had expected him to start crying. (He had before after all, when Jade introduced himself to the boy.) Lilia simply smiled and accepted the boy's affections, nodding along as he babbled about his day. Meanwhile, you were staring bewildered at the boy.

And... That was your lunch.

With of course, Ace and Deuce coming to keep you company while Lilia entertained Casper.

Most of your lunch you'd glance at the two. 'Grandpa Lilia?' You wondered why he was unusually not shy? He was a talkative boy to you, but with a stranger, no way... “Where Papa?” He asked looking up at the older fae with his large sparkling eyes. Oh, maybe Lilia knew the boy's parents! He was an older fae himself, right?

“Yes, good question indeed where is your papa?” Lilia asked, before he looked at you, a small smirk on his face, he looked at you like you’d know! You didn’t. You had tried to correct the kid on you being his mom before two- he cried and sulked over it for a while after that. “Well, I best be Off now!” Lilia cheered and gave you the kid back before disappearing off somewhere.

That was weird right?

You day went on- Ace and Deuce were good around the kid. Casper was pretty decent around Ace and Deuce, not too shy but he wasn't rambling like he was around Lilia. "Is something on your mind?" Deuce asked curiously, a mild layer of unwarranted concern.

"It's fine..." You shrugged, "I just hope Crowley find Caspers parents soon." You sighed, and the boy in question looked at you confused. He called you Mom and you basically took care of him, so you figured he thought you were his mom.

Not that you really minded, it wasn't like he thought you were old, fae tended to not age and stay good looking forever basically. Case in point, Lilia.

You really didn't mind, you already took care of Grim, so what's another, milder tempered Grim who didn't run away? "Speaking of the kid- Where is he?" Ace asked, looking around.

Scratch that, the kid wondered off.

"Oh no." You sighed and looked at the Adeuce duo with an exhausted look they couldn't say no too. They'd help you find the kid.

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How on earth did Sebek of all people get Casper?

Sebek, a first year in your class. Some loud guy who you got partnered up with once.

Why didn't Casper run away! You most certainly would and have. Instead, you found Casper on Sebek Zigvolt of all people's shoulders. Now you and Ace were whispering about how to get the kid back. No way you were going to go up to Sebek of all people and have to listen to his "fae are superior" speech... again.

"We should... Lure Casper away with candy." You whispered, Ace gave you a look and shot down your idea.

"Do you want to give him the impression that you should follow random people with candy?" He said looking at you like you just had the worst idea ever. "I say we just grab him and run."

"No, Sebek is faster than us." You noted, "Especially you, he runs laps past you in PE." Ace bumped your shoulder with an eyeroll.

"Where's Deuce?" Ace frowned, you watched with wide eyes as you saw Deuce confidently walk up to Sebek... "oh no." Ace groaned and run up behind Deuce.

You cursed to yourself. "We don't have to follow right...?" you asked the cat who agreed with you, but you knew you kind of had to follow them.

"Hey- Sebek." You smiled awkwardly.

"Mama!" The kid called out to you and reached out towards you. he almost fell off Sebek's shoulders- thankfully you caught him. Sebek looked at you in confusion and maybe a bit judgmentally...?

"No- he isn't..." You sighed and gave up.

"A human couldn't mother a Fae of Caspers caliber!" And so... Sebek began his rant. He started with how Lilia informed him of the situation, and he was here to lift the burden of Casper from your human shoulders.

Really, it saved you the time of informing Sebek you were in fact, not a teen mom. Also, it was weirdly insulting? Like hey, come on, you’ve taken care of him for three days! Almost four, “Casper is pretty happy with me, right sweetie?” You asked the boy who nodded hesitatingly. Wait- hesitantly? “Huh?”

Sebek looked a bit disheartened the Fae kid rejected him, but he was also kind of confused as well. “It’s just… I miss Papa, Mama…” the boys lips quivered a bit.

“No, no! You're not in trouble.” You fell to your knees to comfort the boy.

Apparently Sebek was hanging out with the child because he thought he was Malleus but something went wrong. Perhaps someone used their unique magic in the future ruler of briar valley.

Um… who’s Malleus?

________________

Day four of having a child.

Today you were going to find this kid someone who looked close enough to his dad. I mean, you apparently looked like his mom enough, so… yeah!

Also, perhaps his brother went to this school and that was how he ended up here. Finding him a dad sounded fun though.

It was a solid plan… “Casper?” You woke the boy up. You put Casper in the guest bedroom ace usually occupied when he was collared. Which was often. Even with Riddle being looser on the rules Ace always pushed sadly. “Today we’re finding your father.” You informed the boy.

“Really!” His eyes lit up. Why didn’t you do this sooner?

“Mhm, just tell me what he looks like-“ and so began Caspers rant on how amazing his father was. How he always makes time for you two even though he’s so busy, how good he was at playing superhero’s- and so on.

You didn’t even realize superhero’s existed here. Crazy. “He has black horns like me!” He grinned up at you, “oh- and black hair and we have the same eyes!” He giggled before again going on about how awesome his dad was.

“Horns, black hair, green eyes…” you mumbled, “and you're a fae, so we should probably go to Diasomnia, they have the most fae of the dorms” you smiled brightly. “This Malleus guy seems promising- and if he doesn’t want to, I’ll just make him!” You cheered and with Casper on your shoulders you were out the door!

.

.

.

Was it just you or was Diasomnia slightly terrifying?

 Either way, with Casper on your shoulders like you were going to the zoo, you walked on the winding path with thorns around it and into the dorm. The halls were… very long and castle-like. 

Eventually you found the dorm's common room. Witch had three students, only one of which was a fae. With as much confidence you could muster, you approached them. “Hello! Good evening gentlemen… Um, do you happen to know someone whom this child looks like?” You smiled and proceeded to the kid. 

They very politely actually said that they think he looks like Malleus. You asked them to point you to this Malleus, and they again very politely refused. Apparently he was a busy man which was fair. But he was a father now! If casper deems him fit enough (By that you mean mistake him for his father like the boy did you.)

Still, throughout this process, you couldn't help but wonder if you were forgetting someone. 

You kept glancing at Caspers horns… who else did you know with horns? “Tsunotarou! That's who you look like!” You finally realized after an embarrassingly long time. In your defense you had only met the guy once or twice while you were dealing with Leona’s stupid plan, and didn’t Leona mention Malleus during his overblot?

“That's what you call Papa!” Casper cheered, his eyes widening in awe. Okay so, either that was a common name… which you doubt or Casper had a weird background. 

“Khee Khee what do we have here?” Lilia appeared out of nowhere! …again, still you jumped! 

“Mama is going to find Papa today!” Casper cheered in all his three year old glory. Picking the boy up and lifting him to sit on your hit you nodded. 

“Mhm! I’m going to meet this… Malleus demands he becomes Caspers father or pay child support!” You claim confidently because in reality, you were beginning to doubt the plan you came up with at 3am and woke up early for. “Tsunotarou would be a better bet but I really don’t know where that guy is… or his real name.” you muttered to yourself. 

Either way, Lilia clapped and with a large smile said this: “You're in luck! Malleus just finished his breakfast and should be heading over for his morning coffee.” So, without verbally questioning why he knew that you smiled and plopped down on the common room’s chairs watching a bit nervously as Lilia wandered off again. 

So… You were really dumb. Realistically this was a horrible plan bound to fail, but you already came this far. 

Didn’t all your friends always comment about how scary Malleus was? Wasn’t he like one of the top mages of this world? 

Okay, maybe if you didn’t come up with this plan at 3am last night you wouldn’t be so royally screwed! Hah, get it because Malleus is supposed to be some royal of… a whole nation right? Yeah, this was a bad idea. 

Getting up to leave, you heard Casper cheer for his father.

“Child Of Man?” 

“Tsunotarou?” You turned around, “Actually- no this is better than getting smited by some scary mage! Okay so I have been looking for… you, for a while!” You smiled, “This is our son: casper.” You introduced them. 

“Papa!” 

__________________

“Mm, He does look like me.” Tsunotarou hummed; he knelt beside the child, titling his head curiously as he observed the child. “Your horns are coming in nicely aren't they?” He commented with a small smile, the boy nodded enthusiastically. 

“Mhm! They should be as big as yours soon!” Casper giggled. 

“Your speech is also advanced for a child of your age.” The older boy smiled, It was a very touching sight actually. 

“It is. Ace and Deuce have been helping me teach him some bigger stuff too.” you stated proudly as the younger boy nodded along. You sat beside where the boy stood in front of his new father. Your back against the armrest, you sat planted on the floor. “The headmage said he would be dealing with getting him back home but I have to take care of him till then.” You sighed. 

“I see, so you thought to find me as I am the child's father?” Malleus asked curiously, an eyebrow raised almost teasingly.

“If you’ll believe it, yup.” You nodded along, I mean if he believes that the kid is his, why not get him to take responsibility for that sweet child support money?

“I see, so Crowley is making the proper arrangement to get you back to us in the future.” 

“Wait, so he's actually my kid?” you couldn’t help but blurt out. Tsunotarou merely chuckles. “Am I dumb or are we actually like his parents?” You whispered a bit to Tsunotarou and stood up, he followed after you standing up as well. 

“Mm? Crowely didn’t inform you?” he said with an amused and sly smile. “I suppose it's time anyway we get properly introduced seeing as you are my future spouse” He smirked, his hand on his hips.

“I am Malleus draconia”

__________________________

Fun Fact:

The events of this takes place after Heartslabyul’s and Savanaclaw overblot. So y/n doesn’t know Tsunotarou is Malleus.

Also, Lilia knew all along.

Also, also, I'm sorry this sucked lol

NOTE: Sorry this slightly sucked I didn't really plan to actually finish the WIP I posted it as "Forever unfinished" and people liked it so I thought I'd do this anyway!

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Some of Ya'll wanted to be Tagged: @yu-night-raven @kelsyntam @reivelmin @thisisafish123 @cheshire-kitsune @dmiqueles @ranbutler-epicsans-moon @dontmindmelove @swivi @halseyhatter @barbatoss-bitch @itslucieen @bell7duck @whatever-fanfics @ziankenvirus @blcknebula @leilakaro @sarraisme

(I'm not quite sure if I did it right but thank you for liking the WIP enough to comment and want to see another! I hope it was good, I kind of think It wasn't that good but Thats why I made it somewhat long... To compensate!)

[liobi]

More word sketches for @thedeerus 's Time is Running AU(t), now featuring 100% more family reunion cookouts with the world's most wanted parents.

Title; vague reflections

[DISTANT PAST]

“Your powers are such bullshit.” Ifrit said after watching Akivili stick their hand directly into a campfire to retrieve a fumbled toy before it could be completely taken by the flames. They handed it back to a little girl with purple hair and braids who thanked them quietly, pretending that it was the doll speaking instead. “You can travel instantly to anywhere you’ve been before, you aren’t hurt by anything there that doesn’t explicitly mean you harm, and you can speak whatever languages you need to? And you can share it with those who are traveling with you??”

“Ifrit, can you not swear in front of our kids?” Nanook looked up from the camping ground’s grill to glare at the man. 

Your brother spoke up. “It's okay, we already know bullshit!”

“And a lot more worse ones! But Akivili doesn't want us to say anything about those because then Nanook might start thinking it's even more of a bad idea to travel with them than it already is.” You chimed in.

Your “cousins” Caterina and Akash started laughing as Akivili tried to look anywhere but Nanook now that their glare was falling on Akivili instead of Ifrit. 

“I have a compulsion to travel with people, you know this, I can't help it.” Akivili tried to defend themself from the glare. “And obviously who I can travel with is limited, especially since my Nameless are doing their best to blend in. So when I travel with the kids to help desperate people in very bad situations, sometimes these people have some… creative language choices.”

“And I remember them all! In all of their languages even after Aki stops letting us understand them.” You bragged shamelessly. With an almost artful grace at deepening resentment between parents you forged onwards. “My favorites are Лох, sohai, and cazzo!”

“Stelle, baby, Aki is very proud of your ability to remember all the different languages you hear but Nanook is very mad at me right now and you aren’t helping.” Akivili said, their words starting to get lost under Ifrit’s laughter. “Ifrit I swear to god…”

The man made entirely of fire and a skull stopped laughing. “Actually, I am going to be going by Duke Inferno from now on. I'm more of a public figure these days and need a title with a bit more gravitas.”

“Uncle Ifrit?” Your brother walked by having at some point picked up Dubra, the girl with the doll, like she was a stray cat he had found. 

In his defense, the look Dubra was giving you was identical to every stray cat he ever picked up. A bit of annoyance, a teaspoon of terror, and an entire boatload of confusion. Help me, she seemed to say with her eyes. 

As always when your brother did something stupid, you instead chose to enjoy the show. “Duke is usually a dog’s name, do you want to be a dog?”

Duke Inferno, the man who had just been accused of wanting to be a dog, was taken aback. Before he could refute the absurd claim, his son piped up. “Shut up, Caelus! So what if our dad wants to be a dog?” Akash made a show of crossing his arms in front of his chest with a “harumph!”

“Yeah!” Caterina chimed in. “Dogs are awesome!”

“Dogs always do their best to make sure that no one takes their puppies away.” Dubra said, looking so pathetic that you were at last compelled to come and pry her out of Caelus’s absentminded grasp.

Constance, the wisest among you all at twelve years old, a whole two years older than you, hid her laughter behind her hand. You wondered if she did anything special to be as pretty as she was. “Don’t worry Father, we would still love you even if you were a dog.”

“Duke Inferno, if you are wanting to change your appearance there are a great many offerings available for purchase in this day and age.” a cheery feminine voice chirped from behind you. 

You turned to see a foxian woman standing there, arms full of a variety of meats and veggies all perfectly suited to be grilled. It was Miss Tingyun! “Lan sends their regards but is unable to attend personally. They did however make sure to send me along with plenty of late New Year’s money.”

Indeed, under the mountain of meat and veggies were several red envelopes which you knew were stuffed with a frankly alarming amount of money to give a child. You hadn’t even spent all of last year’s money yet. 

After Akivili thanked Tingyun and took the food supplies, she went around handing out the envelopes to each of the excited children, several going unclaimed for the children that had not yet made it or were not able to attend the Aeon’s banquet for one reason or another.

When Miss Tingyun finally stopped in front of you, you saw someone else. “Phantylia?” 

The foxian woman’s mannerisms shifted. Her voice fell deeper and seemed to come from around her instead of from her mouth. Her eyes gained a sinister quality. “Now that’s a surprise, I thought I was perfect. What gave me away?”

“You were perfect, but your time doesn’t match. Yours is older and heavier than Miss Tingyun’s.” 

Phantylia clicked her tongue as she handed you your envelope. “Well, there’s no helping that one I suppose.”

“Does Lan know, or is their choice of sending you a coincidence?” Akivili asked, returning having finished unloading the meat and veggies.

“They don’t know, but them sending me wasn’t by chance.” Phantylia put the rest of the envelopes in Tingyun’s bag to await the arrival of more eligible children. “I’ve been making sure to impress upon them the importance of presenting a united front to Oversight, so when anything like this comes up I’m the first one they generally think of. Yaoshi just happened to have recently made some awful creature at the bottom of the ocean and felt compelled to tell Lan about it. Can any of you convince them to Stop Doing That?”

“If keeping our compulsions in check were that simple, I wouldn’t have handed out as many stellarons as I have, and Akivili probably wouldn’t have fixed the internet as fast as they did.” Nanook said, finally coming over to join the group. They gave Duke Inferno a look and he went and made himself useful over by the grill. 

“It seems like the compulsions are reduced in the second wave similarly to the reductions in overall power level, but we don’t know how much children of first wave parents will fare.” Nanook looked at you with a complicated expression.

“We don’t even know if the twins are first wave or not.” Akivili stroked your hair and you leaned into their leg. You realized at some point Caelus had come and pulled Dubra out of your grasp without your notice, because he was now running around chasing her older siblings carrying the absolutely miserable looking girl the whole time.

“Because they were conceived before you two awakened, but born after.” Phantylia said simply. 

“They have some neuroses, sure, but we don’t know if that’s because they’re our kids or if they’re part of the first wave.”

“If I sit on a rock that’s really really old I get a headache and then pass out.” You supplied helpfully. “And Caelus ran into a lady when we were walking down the street and started crying because she was gonna get hit by a car and die the next week.”

The conversation continued on, talking about waves and compulsions, and something about calamity math but at that point you were bored and ran off to play with the other kids. In these dreams you wonder if your memories are really that vague, or if someone is keeping something from you. 

You have a very good memory, after all.

.

.

.

.

[RECENT PAST]

“Your powers are such bullshit.” Silver Wolf grumbled from her nest of computers in her garage. Firefly and Blade were in the driveway trying to get Silver Wolf’s old motorhome running as it was old enough that even her powers didn’t work on it. 

“You’ve got no records in any database whatsoever, and then bang, you and your brother show up when you’re sixteen, they make a guess that you’ve got some fairly strong sixth wave powers, you can make temporary doppelgangers and your brother can do short range teleportation, and leave it at that.”

Both Stelles nodded, feeding each other chips. 

“But now you’re telling me that you’ve been scamming the IPC’s intelligence network the entire time and your power is actually controlling time?”

“Exactly.” They said in unison.

“I’ve met bricks smarter than you, how did you keep this a secret?!”

“Kafka, time?” the present Stelle asked.

“One hundred and six seconds.”

“I’d love to stay and finish this conversation but I’ve got to go so I can keep up the funniest running gag in the history of humankind.” Past Stelle said, trading seats with her future. “Ciao!”

If anyone else in the room could feel the flow and pressure of time, their ears would have popped as one of the Stelles vanished from existence. Silver Wolf was getting a migraine for an entirely different reason. “You’re breaking every law of physics for the stupidest gag I’ve ever seen.”

“Well I’m glad I didn’t hear that before I leapt through time, it would have killed my motivation to do the bit!” 

“You can also…” Silver Wolf checked the sloppily written post-it note Stelle had handed her. “Walk away from getting hit by a car free of injury, as well as move both completely silently and invisibly… Because of time manipulation…”

“Oh, I forgot to write that I can also heal-” Stelle stopped talking when she saw the look Silver Wolf was giving her. “I mean… yes, exactly, that’s the extent of all my powers and I’m not just saying that so I can come back and give you more information when you don’t look like you’re in literal pain.”

Silver Wolf chose to ignore that. “Listening to you talk about your powers is like listening to someone who controls water but claims they primarily blow things up in a giant ball of fire because water is actually flammable.”

“But… that is how you should fight if you control water, right? Just heat it up a little and rip it apart and you've got a really nasty explosion.” Stelle was confused why something that seemed so obvious to her was unthinkable to Silver Wolf.

“Who has been teaching you about powers, Nanook??” 

“Who’s Nanook?”

“Who's… Kafka, is she being serious?” Silver Wolf turned her incredulous gaze back to Stelle. “Ruin’s author, the supreme executioner, ruler of the Lords Ravager, the cursed wish granter, is any of this sounding familiar to you? They made the Stellarons, the things this group is dedicated to hunting down?”

“Ah, right, this.” Kafka sighed.

“Oh! I know all about the Stellarons, they first appeared roughly 70 years ago, they can actually grant wishes but in a subversive cursed way, and Oversight had exclusive rights to use them and did so frequently until the Belabog disaster which froze an entire continent and caused a world wide food shortage.” 

Stelle took a deep breath before she continued. “It's theorized that they grant wishes by distorting and reversing causality without completely breaking it via the calamity offset equation. A lesser known fact is that it's possible to almost entirely remove unexpected negative side effects by narrowing specific aspects of the wish in scope and explicitly including some drawbacks in the wish itself.”

Silver Wolf stared in shock. “I'm pretty sure half of that was information that nobody knows or is so secret it's kept on physical documents in a Faraday cage.” She was absolutely getting a migraine. “I've never heard of some of that stuff and I'm the best hacker in the world. Kafka, what the fuck?”

Kafka gave Stelle an affectionate scratch on the head. “Our Stelle here is an unexpected treasure trove of information you can't find anywhere else, and no, I don't know where she gets it from. The only thing is, she can't remember anything about Nanook for longer than ten minutes, and her childhood is a complete mystery.”

“Those are some really weird limitations.” 

“I've been trying to find a workaround, but it seems like the only way past it is if she's with her brother, and he’s missing sometime in the future.”

“Can you two stop talking about me like I'm not sitting right between you?” Stelle looked back and forth feeling like an abandoned dog. “It's really mean.” 

“She's my big mystery box,” Kafka smiled then returned to her gentle scratches for Stelle. Stelle pouted for a bit before she finally gave in and leaned into Kafka’s hand. “Elio says as long as we stick to his scripts, Stelle here will eventually come face to face with Nanook and find all that she's lost.”

“That's the other thing. I know I joined a week ago, but I still haven't come to terms with the fact that our boss is a talking cat.”

.

.

.

.

[PRESENT DAY, PRESENT TIME]

“Your powers are such bullshit.” March 7th said unprompted one day. 

Stelle wasn't sure where this came from, she was doing her mandated community service hours and wasn't even slacking off. She'd already collected three full bags of trash. They were at some memorial park or other. This one had a monument to remember all the victims that had died to a dragon attack that had apparently appeared there out of nowhere.  “Any particular reason you've decided to attack me?”

“Watching you pick up trash reminded me of your second escape.” March shuddered at the memory. “They made me watch the security footage, you know. It was traumatizing.”

“Oh yeah!” Stelle laughed at the memory. “That was a good one. It really hurt though, and it was messier than I thought it was gonna be.”

“You cut off your hand to get out of the bracelet!” 

“I put it back on!” Stelle was a little offended that a little dismemberment was all it took to traumatize a correctional facility staff member. Then again, this was the ‘talk to people before you have to put them down’ facility, not the ‘lobotomize them immediately’ one. “There wasn't even any mess left! Besides, you can bring ice sculptures to life and make them talk, yours feel like they're pretty bullshit too.”

“Whatever. You're done with your hours, let's just go.” March said, taking in the sights with a deep stretch. No obvious massive pieces of trash were left so there wasn't a need to extend their stay, but Stelle’s eyes were locked onto the memorial across the park. March looked over and then back to Stelle in confusion. There was nothing there. “You okay?

Blade was there. A different Blade. He was there, halfway disemboweled, and he was dying but March didn't see it. Stelle watched her old friend slowly push his intestines back into his body before some unseen healing force not entirely his own began to knit him back together. “I think my eyes are tired.” The phantom Blade looked like he was having a conversation with an unseen partner. “I might actually be getting sick.”

“Well, don't sneeze on me. My ‘bullshit’ powers don't include healing”

The ride back to the correctional facility was silent. Sure, Stelle had started seeing and hearing things that weren't there lately, flashes of a blond man around Welt, the mirage of an older, colder looking version of Dan Heng around Dan Heng, a flower of crystal ice surrounding March, and the images of a shorter person with two braids so thick they could be mistaken for exaggerated rabbit ears occasionally around Himeko. 

But this was the first time she'd seen someone she'd known. She didn't know what it meant, she’d barely even begun to process it when they arrived back at the facility. There were far more people in the entrance corridor than Stelle was used to, and she jumped with a start when March slapped her palm to her forehead. “That's right, we were getting a new resident today.”

Stelle saw the name “Dan Shu” on intake paperwork as March maneuvered them both through who must have been the escort team. People in lounge suits and tang suits filled the corridor, each of them in three different phone calls and yelling at each other at the same time. The poor blue haired receptionist boy looked like he was at his wit’s end.

“Exscuse us, pardon- coming through please!” At first March holding onto Stelle’s arm served as a reminder of how little trust she currently had as she was brought into the lobby. Now though, Stelle had become the lone pillar of support that kept March from being bowled over and trampled on by a bunch of irate middle managers.

There was a tiny clack sound from a folding fan snapping shut. At once, every single suit in the lobby went still and silent. A wordless order had been given and no one had dared ignore it. 

“Thank you.” A cheery, feminine voice said, ringing clear as a bell in the now silent lobby. The sea of suits parted, finally giving March room to regain her footing, as a brunette foxian woman in a qipao approached them. 

“I'm terribly sorry for the commotion. You must be Miss March and Miss Stelle. My name is Tingyun, it's a pleasure to meet both of you!”

Stelle wasn't looking at the woman. She was looking at the ghostly echoes of herself and Caelus clinging to the woman who stared back at her. They couldn't have been older than nine or ten. Little Caelus opened his mouth.

“****** can we go to the food fair with *********? *** said we had to ask you before they would answer.” 

With every word her little, little brother said, Stelle’s vision swam. Her mouth felt hot and wet, her nose was bleeding she realized. March was saying something, Tingyun too, but she couldn't hear or understand them. Little Stelle opened her mouth, her eyes were more vibrant somehow. Like the cancer that twisted and freed the world from its order and flaws.

“Please, ******? Caelus and I won't let go of each other's hands the whooooole time. If we did, I wouldn't be any better than a fucking moron who let her brother get eaten by the future. Then she let her new family die so badly they didn't even find any bodies. Now she’s all alone and too scared to let anyone else get close. She'd be better off dead.”

“I think I should take a nap.” Stelle said as she dropped like a sack of potatoes.

[yuansie]

the greatest gamble of all

pairing. aventurine x gn! nameless! reader

synopsis. aventurine knows that he is unworthy of love, unworthy of you. because he, aventurine, is a tainted person and kakavasha is but a person with no future for himself. in both of his names, he is unworthy of you.

genres/aus. actually idek what type of au this would fall under saurrr idk what to say ummm friends to something more (?!), romance, pining, angst with a happy ending, smidge of fluff at the end

warnings. slight (or maybe not so slight at all?) spoilers about aventurine's background, mentions of death and murder, very sad and insecure aventurine, crying, slight displays of affection (a neck kiss?!), ooc aventurine ?! (bc im still doing the penacony quest HAHSHAJ)

wc. 1.6k

a/n. me when i only write about aventurine because aventurine is love, aventurine is life. also, i just have some serious brainrot for that man he deserves everything and more i love him sm !!!! also. aventurine this wednesday im SOOOO excited i need him NOW. will be skipping my first class so i can do his trial LMFAO and this NAWT edited !! (when will i ever edit something?? idk. whenever i am not a busy uni kid) the aventurine art was made by @/20231102thu on x (twitter) !!

AVENTURINE IS FULLY AWARE THAT HE ISN'T SOMEONE DESERVING OF, well, anything. he’s just someone that aimlessly wanders this world, not having a set destination. he doesn’t have anything worth living for.  he doesn’t have a home to return to because home means returning to a place filled with warmth and love. 

he does not remember the last time he felt his heart warm up, he’s not even sure if he’s even felt warmth. it is but a distant memory filled with sadness, such sorrow that makes his heart weep without knowing it. though, nowadays, he doesn’t feel like that. there’s just an emptiness in him, but he doesn’t mind it anymore. after the events at penacony, he’s just been… lost.

he hears a door open and slide shut, followed by the sound of footsteps. then, he senses someone standing right next to him as he gazes out the windows of the astral express. you spent a long time convincing the conductor and himeko that aventurine should be a guest, and you finally wore them out with your pleading after a good amount of hours. 

“penny for your thoughts?”

aventurine glances at you. your wounds from the battle are still healing, he notes, given by the bandages that wrap around your forearm and head. sunday will have to meet his fury on another day. “just thinking that this is a nice place.”

you chuckle, “it is, isn’t it?”

all he does is hum in response, still staring out in the vast expanse of space. he likes how the stars look and as his eyes linger on penacony, he wonders if his home looked similar to that. he wouldn't know because he never saw how it looked when he left and never will. his thoughts don’t linger on that much when he instead focuses on the way your fingers brush against his hand. he flinches and stares wide-eyed at how you easily grab onto his hand, a dirty piece of flesh undeserving of the warmth that radiates from your skin and seeps into his own.

“aventurine—”

“kakavasha.”

“hm?” you tilt your head to the side, blinking at him in confusion.

he wants to look away from you, from your eyes. but he wills himself to keep looking and somehow, he ends up gripping onto your hand tightly. you don't complain and instead squeeze back, patiently waiting for him to continue.

“my name is… kakavasha.” aventurine feels his stomach twist and turn at your silence so he continues to speak, “i just thought… that you should know it before it’s completely gone.”

“and why do you say that?”

“it’s a name meant to be forgotten in the sand.”

your response is so quick that it almost gives him whiplash. “no it isn't.”

“excuse me?” he blurts out, surprised that you even said such a thing about him.

“it isn't a name meant to be forgotten in the sand,” you say, a certain calmness in your voice that has aventurine waiting with bated breath at what else you have to say. “it's too pretty to be forgotten and, well, it's your name.” 

and then he feels his face heat up; his ears, neck and cheeks feel like they’re burning up.

“kakavasha,” you hum, smiling, “kava, for short. it has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?”

it does have a nice ring to it, but only because you're the one saying it. aventurine merely nods, not trusting his voice at the moment. he looks away and stares outside the window, not wanting to look at you anymore because he fears this warm feeling will take over his entire being.

a nice silence blankets over the two of you, one that you break after a while.

“what’s the story behind your name right now? aventurine… why are you called that now?”

“because kakavasha had no future,” he replies, “kakavasha didn’t have a future, he didn’t deserve to live either. who i am now, aventurine, does.”

“kakavasha deserves to live too.” aventurine turns his body to look at you, blinking in surprise. “i don’t know how you got that thought in your head, but kakavasha deserves to live just as much as the person you are now.”

“but aventurine is tainted. this name has too much blood on it, too many sins on it. the person i am now doesn’t deserve to live either. kakavasha should be a name buried in the sands of time while aventurine should be burnt to a crisp for the things i’ve done.”

yes, he is tainted. his body, his everything is tainted. it is marred by an ugly color, a stain of who he was and is, never to be cleaned. aventurine lets go of your hands, worried that you might also get stained by his sins. he should drive you away now before the aching in his small heart decides to cling to you and the warmth you give him. he will tell you his story, tell you about the mark on his neck, tell you how he killed the man that bought him, tell you about how he is a tainted person. he is a tainted person unworthy of you, unworthy of that love you hold.

he may have never experienced love. after all, all of his past relationships were purely physical. no one cared about going deeper beyond his facade, they all just wanted a fun night. so while he has never experienced it, he is no fool. he can recognize that the emotion in your pretty eyes when you look at him is love. you love aventurine, the him who has betrayed and used you and your companions in one way or another on penacony. he doesn’t understand why and maybe he never will because the mere fact that you feel something towards him is so bizarre.

so he should ruin whatever it is that you love about him and tell you the truth, taint your rose-colored view on him. aventurine needs to do it now before his heart tells him not to. he knows his heart is already lovesick, so needy of that bit of love it has received from you. his heart wants to hold on tightly to you and drown in you, drown in those feelings of yours. his tiny heart wants to love you too, it wants to love you just as much as you love him. he wants your everything to consume his entire being.

but after he tells you the truth, you will leave and you will be the first and last person he’s loved. you will be the first and last person to somehow climb over the tall walls he’s built around himself and crack open the facade he’s made.

but what if… what if you stay after everything? what will happen then?

it is that small hope that he ends up clinging to.

if he is blessed gaiathra, if he is lucky, then what if… what if this is his greatest gamble of all? a gamble of love: will he lose you or will you stay?

aventurine has made up his mind despite the rational part in him telling him to not even do it, yet he does. the words flow out of his mouth easily, though his heart weighs heavy in his chest. he expects to you leave, he really does because who would want someone as ugly as him? but the tears that leaves your eyes and roll down your cheeks catches him completely off guard.

“why are you crying?” he asks, his hands reaching out to hold your arms.

your lips quiver and a hand grabs onto one of his while the other reaches out, fingers stopping before they touch his neck. aventurine leans in without thinking and a shiver goes up his spine when your fingertips gently graze the marks on his neck. you rub over the marks, “you didn’t deserve any of that, kakavasha.”

“if i could, i would take this from you and any pain you’ve felt and will feel. i would take away all of the unpleasant memories that plague your mind. for you, i would do anything.” 

his knees buckle at your words and you both tumble down to the ground; he ends up being on top of you. your eyes widen when aventurine’s own tears begin to rain down, some falling onto your cheek.

“why would you say something so cruel to me?” he mutters. “don’t give me false hope. you should leave now before you do it in the future.”

“why should i leave the man that i love?” you purse your lips, your eyebrows furrowing.

aventurine shoves his head into the crook of your neck. “i am undeserving of you. i’m lesser than everyone in all of these galaxies.”

“you are not lesser than everyone,” you grumble, raking your hand through his blond hair. “everyone is the same because at the end of the day, we all want to love and to be loved.”

“i’m afraid i won’t be able to leave you now.” he hears you laugh softly, saying how his eyelashes are tickling you. he decides to get impossibly closer to you and bat his eyelashes more, smiling at the sound of your laughter growing in volume. “you’re stuck with me, so don’t say i didn’t warn you.”

aventurine’s breath gets stuck in his throat. he feels your lips brush against his neck. “i think the one who should be saying that is me… say, promise me you won’t leave?”

“shouldn’t i be saying that?”

“kava, promise me.”

“i promise. will you promise the same thing too?”

“yes, i promise that i won’t leave you.”

kakavasha, a name forgotten in the sand, was dug up and remembered, held in the hands of someone that treats like the most precious thing. kakavasha, who had forgotten how it felt to love and be loved, remembered the feeling because of a single person.

and kakavasha, blessed by gaiathra, won his greatest gamble of all time. he won you and your love, something he will now protect and hold onto tightly.

[fortunxa]

Just come home

Jinx x fem!reader / modern AU

summary: In a mix of alcohol and jealousy, heartbreaks can get confusing.

author’s note: Hi!! Firstly, thank you for all the love on my ‘Blue hair, blue eyes, blue lights’ one-shot ᥫ᭡ Secondly, it’s not a one-shot anymore—the sequel is officially in the drafts!! Lastly, I just hope you guys enjoy this post as much as you did my first :)

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I stand in the corner of a smoke-filled living room, the smell of cheap alcohol and sweat already buried deep inside my nostrils. The red light illuminating the space makes me feel as though I’ve entered a brothel. I might as well have with the amount of grinding and hooking up going on. Truthfully, I had no business being here other than keeping my word to my friends to join them at the next party. But, as far as I know, they are currently scattered between playing at the beer pong table and blacking out in the garden, leaving me to fend for myself.

None of this matters. My gaze is shamelessly focused on her.

I know knew the taste of her black honey lipstick too well. Her freckled shoulders supported the weight of my legs many, many times, and her fruity scent still lingers on my bedsheets no matter how many times I wash them. I felt each curve of her body and counted each scar. Most importantly, I knew the way her mind worked and knew that her abandonment issues were to blame for our breakup. ‘Leave you before you leave me’ mindset.

Now, I’m forced to watch as she drapes a random girl’s legs over her lap, her slender fingers tracing lazy circles on the stranger’s knee. My grip tightens around the glass of whisky that I’m holding, and I swiftly knock it back. The burning taste makes me grimace, but not as much as the unfolding scene. I make my way into the open kitchen, grabbing a bottle of vodka as I line up three shots. Each has its turn sliding down my esophagus before a feminine voice comes from behind me.

“Look at you! Party animal or rough night?” The redhead approaches me, her shoulder brushing mine as she cocks her head to the side. “If it’s the latter, I could help you with that. My name is–” I stop listening. Her suggestive tone is evident as she smiles at me with hooded eyes, and I give her a once-over. Her green two-piece outfit accentuates her figure, her long legs and abstract flower thigh tattoo on display. She is attractive, don’t get me wrong, but I couldn’t care less. I already know who I want, and her name is Jinx. Powder, if you know her well enough. If there is even the slightest chance that she wants me back, I would never want to feed into her insecurities by pulling a one-night stand; right in front of her, nonetheless. Although her own flirty nature never diluted, I just couldn’t bring myself to act the way she did.

“Not interested,” I reply, indifferent to her attempt at flirting. The nameless girl lets out an exaggerated sigh, tracing her fingers down my forearm.

“I’ll be around if you change your mind.” She sends me a wink, and I nod absentmindedly. My eyes track the red-headed girl to ensure she's gone, and I notice a certain someone doing the same.

Jinx’s jaw is clenched as her gaze hardens. I watch as she unconsciously digs her nails into her plaything’s leg, making her hiss in pain. But, once the blue-haired girl’s angry eyes meet my curious ones for the first time in over a month, her demeanor shifts instantly; she relaxes, turning her attention back to the blonde bombshell. I see them exchange a few words, and my heart drops when Jinx hunches over to place a kiss on the wound. Oh, that was low. I whip around and reach for the bottle of vodka again—time to drink fast until my brain moves slow, and hopefully erases that nauseating scene from my mind. I skip the shot glasses and take two considerable gulps. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and look around the kitchen; it’s just me, an abundance of liquor, and a heavy lack of chasers.

I start feeling the needed buzz as my body grows hotter, and I grip the counter with a dumb smile playing on my lips. I decide to get high on my lows and stumble to the dance floor, where other sweaty bodies are already swaying to the sultry song playing from the DJ’s booth—also known as ‘the guy whose phone is currently connected to the speaker’.

I’m dancing like it’s my last night alive, each move bolder than the previous. My hands roam over my body as I let it go free to the music. The atmosphere feels suffocating in the best way possible; it almost makes me forget my heartbreak. Almost. What it is making me forget, though, is the impending hangover. I lose track of time, but my tingling limbs are telling me that the copious amount of alcohol I’ve consumed is still doing its job, and that’s enough for me.

A familiar pair of hands suddenly grabs my hips from behind, and I’m immediately transported to cloud nine. I press my back further into Jinx’s chest as her head dips into the crook of my neck, and I let out a content hum. My eyes flutter shut from the sensation, but once the spinning room feeling intensifies, I’m forced to open them again.

“You’re not pulling away,” she murmurs in my ear, a mix of surprise and relief in her voice as she matches my rhythm.

“Should I?” I ask breathlessly while reaching to place my hand on the back of her head. Her hair is still as soft as I remember.

“How would you know who’s coming up behind you?” Her raspy voice sends shivers down my spine. I let out a brief chuckle and continue swaying my hips.

“Bold of you to assume I wouldn’t recognize those hands.” She falls silent, and I take the opportunity to rest my head on her shoulder.

“Quite a show you were putting on, trinket,” she speaks up, and her grip on me tightens while my stomach flips at the old pet name. “Thought I’d have to start gouging people’s eyes out.”

“Oh yeah?” She nods. “Surprised you even noticed through blondie’s affection. Wasn’t my leg you were kissing back there, I’ll tell you that much.”

Jinx stiffens but does not dare retort, and I finally decide to turn around. My glossy eyes meet her blue, sad ones; despite it all, a pang of guilt hits me. I snake my arms around her neck as hers move to my waist. Her motions seem much less confident now.

“Hey, you have your flings, and I have my alcohol. We cope how we cope,” I cheer up, or at least try to in my drunken, tactless state. “We’re all good. I never blamed you.”

“But you should,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper as her gaze falls to the floor covered in spilled drinks. Her face contorts, and I can practically hear the negative thoughts filling her head. Watching her in this state breaks my heart even more. I use my pointer finger to make her look at me, and I recognize the war in her eyes.

“I still love you, Jinx,” I confess, and her eyebrows knit together at the stray tear rolling down my flushed cheek. She doesn’t hesitate to wipe it off. “Just… Tell me you love me, too.” She’s silent, but not for long.

“Who told you I stopped?”

Her lips crash against mine with passion as her hands cup my face. She still tastes like candy, and she’s still my Jinx. When her tongue asks for entrance, I don’t deny it. Sweet saliva mixes with salty tears, and it takes this one kiss to communicate all of our intense feelings. The sheer intimacy that I had missed so deeply makes me sob into her mouth, and she pulls me closer. I needed more of her, all of her, and I needed it forever. But the need for air becomes too great, and I reluctantly pull away. I rest my forehead against hers, our chests moving up and down rapidly.

“Just come back to me,” I plead as my hand falls to the baby-blue clouds on her bicep. “Come home.”

Her eyes are full of adoration, and she captures my lips again—much gentler this time as if I were precious china, and one wrong move would break me. Although, in her eyes, I very well could be.

“Always.”

[exonerin]

Do you have anything you’re working on for the marriage prompt? It got me thinking I would love to see you write that one

Thank you so much! I don't have much for it, which means have I have a little bit of material (3.7k) for it, which I'm perfectly willing to share, of course. It is unedited, though.

I promised to work on the fake dating obikin fic, first. But I definitely want to return to this in the future. I might sit down to plan this fic, and if it's between 20-40k, I might prioritize it rather than immediately diving into another longer fic (also fake dating AU and fake marriage AU sound roughly similar to me, right? (I promise these are very different fics in so far any of my fics is different)).

Anyway, it's extremely rough. 3.7k under the button:

Anakin shifted his weight from one foot to the other, waiting for the civil servant flipping through flimsi documents. He operated on a pitiful two hours of sleep, three cups of caf, and stress. The civil servant on the other side of the desk, however, didn't seem to realize Anakin's patience had worn thin when mud had dripped into his boots in the sieges on a nameless planet a few days ago.

That was before he was summoned to Coruscant posthaste.

"A most strange phenomenon," the civil servant, a Mon Calamari, muttered. Every few pages, she lost her rhythm, thrown off by the furtive glances she kept giving Anakin.

As Anakin's patience snapped abruptly, strained too far in the stuffy town hall, she found the certificate.

"Here it is," she said, presenting him with a marriage certificate, her webbed hand still on the document, possibly to prevent Anakin from snatching it away.

Recognition swept through him, leaving sour horror in its wake.

"A marriage certificate," the Mon Calamari clarified superfluously. "Signed in your name, General Skywalker."

When Anakin was called to the municipality's town hall, he hadn't known what to expect. Trouble, surely, but he hadn't anticipated questions about his marriage. Reeling on his feet, he nodded. He felt a bit weak, somewhat light-headed, and very ill-prepared to field questions about his marriage certificate.

"Do you recognize this certificate?" the Mon Calamari asked. "We suspect foul play since your partner is not in our database. Otherwise, we will need you to provide us with information on your partner so we may verify their existence. As a Jedi, you may not pay taxes, but this may change depending on the geographical location your partner lives, their income, and possible future plans to move to Coruscant."

As Anakin gawked at the civil servant, the Mon Calamari laughed. They sounded starstruck.

"But let's not get ahead of ourselves," she said. "If the certificate is fake, we will destroy it, of course."

"No," Anakin protested. Reflexively, he reached for the certificate, but surprisingly, the Mon Calamari was faster. Perhaps used to people trying to snatch important documents away, she pulled it back behind the counter, shielded by the plasti shield that separated them.

"Your partner's name?" the Mon Calamari asked, turning to the terminal on her desk.

Anakin opened his mouth, hesitating. Evidently, Padmé hadn't used her name on the certificate, which stung. She hadn't even told Anakin, so he could only shrug helplessly.

"May I see the certificate?" he asked feebly.

"No cheating now, Mister Skywalker," the civil servant chided, already demoting him from General to Mister. Although she still looked at him with wide, sparkling eyes, some of the shine had disappeared.

Apparently, meeting her hero wasn't panning out as she had expected.

Anakin's day wasn't going according to plan either. He was hastily summoned to the town hall, leaving his men in the mud in the Outer Rim. The summons had gone through the Council, and Anakin wondered how much trouble he was in now.

He wavered, uncertain how to proceed.

"The truth, please, Mister Skywalker?"

Suddenly, the Mon Calamari had turned impatient. Oh, it was fine to make Anakin wait over an hour in the foyer before he was called to one of the desks. It was also fine to have him flounder there for an indeterminable time, letting him stew in unease, as the civil servant cleaned her desk, looking for the offending documents.

But taking a minute to deliberate?

That was drawing a line.

Anakin didn't know how to respond. He felt awfully alone, his gaze flicking from the marriage certificate to the Mon Calamari and back.

"I--" he stammered, giving up when his throat closed. His leather gloves creaked as they balled into fists. Was it just his imagination or was the town hall muggier than before?

"I don't know," he admitted eventually, his gaze on his muddy boots.

"You don't know the name of the person you married?" the Mon Calamari asked. They didn't sound surprised. Perhaps this wasn't even the most outrageous thing they had heard today.

"Well, I do, but…"

Anakin wet his lips.

"We take this matter very seriously, Mister Skywalker. If we had not received copies of this certificate, we would never have known. The Senate cracks down on tax evasion, Mister Skywalker. This will result in a hefty fine if you cannot give a satisfactory answer. I cannot help unless you tell me the truth about this marriage certificate."

Anakin floundered.

"Moreover, I should add that your marriage will be declared invalid on Coruscant, and hence all star systems who are part of the Galactic Republic if your spouse submitted a false name. But I must warn you, Mister Skywalker. You were granted citizenship on Coruscant under clause 139a. Filing fraudulent marriage certificates would be a ground to revoke your citizenship. It could even result in prosecution."

Flustered, Anakin shook his head. "I don't know what that means," he admitted eventually. His voice was weak as he considered his options. He didn't know which option would get him in less trouble.

"Are you married, Mister Skywalker?" the Mon Calamari repeated.

"I don't know!" His voice echoed in the hall, making Anakin wince. As he cast a glance over his shoulder, he realized people were looking at him after his outburst. Cowed and humiliated, he turned his attention back to the Mon Calamari.

She gave him an unimpressed glare.

"Then, who are you married to, Mister Skywalker?"

He hesitated.

"Can I make a call?"

"We will have to detain you if you refuse to cooperate, Mister Skywalker."

There were too many options, and somehow, the truth wasn't one of them. Anakin's shoulders slumped.

"Okay," he muttered.

Now, the Mon Calamari looked surprised. Perhaps he wasn't supposed to take this route.

"So, you're married to someone who doesn't exist?" Master Fisto asked, rubbing his hands.

Anakin glowered at him. The clone who had arrested him in the town hall had seen no use in locking him away. Thus, he sat in the police station's waiting room, sulking in a plasti chair until someone would pick him up.

"I must admit it's amusing that your partner used a fake name, Anakin."

Anakin didn't think this was amusing at all.

"It's certainly thrilling. I think you'll be making headlines for the foreseeable future."

The only thing that could make this situation worse was Obi-Wan showing up. Which was why Obi-Wan stepped into the police station, joining Master Fisto.

"Married, Anakin?" he asked pointedly.

Anakin ground his teeth, crossing his arms defensively.

"Do you know who it is?" Master Fisto asked curiously. "You know, I did suspect it was you, actually. It's the type of trick you would pull."

Obi-Wan arched an eyebrow, appearing insulted by the implication he could be married to Anakin.

"I would never use a fake name on official documents," he said stiffly.

Master Fisto hummed.

"Are you done?" Anakin snapped.

"I will settle his bail," Obi-Wan said. With a long-suffering sigh that made a muscle by Anakin's eye twitch, Obi-Wan turned to the front desk.

"You really landed yourself in trouble, Anakin," Master Fisto informed him cheerily. "If the Coruscanti authorities get on your case, there's little we can do for you."

Anakin shrugged feeling awfully like a youngling receiving a scolding. He slouched further into his seat, ignoring the bite of the plasti chair in his neck. Master Fisto sat down next to him, rearranging his robes. The chair was too small for a Nautillian, creaking ominously under his weight.

"The Order will support you, Anakin," he said. Anakin's gaze flicked to Master Fisto, but Master Fisto didn't look away from a water dispenser in a corner of the waiting room.

"You're not kicking me out?" he asked.

"No," Master Fisto answered immediately, appearing bewildered by the suggestion. "Of course not. "You are not the first Jedi to get married. Though I must admit I'm surprised you aren't married to Obi-Wan."

"Why?" Anakin had never considered the possibility -- it was so outlandish that he was halfway convinced Master Fisto was pulling his leg. Yet, Master Fisto shrugged as he seriously contemplated Anakin's question.

This was madness.

Obi-Wan was his Master, a man who had the romantic soul of a clanker. In all the years Anakin had known Obi-Wan, his Master had never shown interest in anyone. Moreover, Anakin was married to Padmé, his wife and angel.

"You've always been close. I can't recall either of you getting that close with anyone else," Master Fisto said.

"Right," Anakin scoffed. "Like literally any other Master-Padawan pair? With all due respect, Master Fisto, it's Obi-Wan you're talking about."

"It's not as far-fetched as you seem to believe it is," Master Fisto defended his scorching hot and incorrect take. "Also, you seem to underestimate Obi-Wan."

Anakin tossed a dubious look in Obi-Wan's direction.

"It's Obi-Wan," he repeated, which should explain everything.

"Indeed," Master Fisto said. "He is plenty popular, Anakin."

Somehow, Anakin doubted it. Master Fisto sighed. "Well then, who is the lucky one?"

Anakin scowled, refusing to answer the question, his attention wandering back to Obi-Wan's back. Obi-Wan was not popular.

After settling his bail, Anakin was escorted to the Council Chamber, Master Fisto and Obi-Wan flanking him, as if he was prone to fleeing.

"I'm not telling anyone anything," Anakin said before the meeting could be opened. Perhaps open hostility didn't aid his case, but he was far beyond surrendering. He had already committed to this farce. He just needed to call Padmé. Then, everything would be fine.

"Skywalker, please don't make this more difficult for us," Windu said, sounding almost pleading. "We need to know how much trouble you are in."

"I'm not telling you."

"Obi-Wan?" Windu asked, turning to Obi-Wan. Anakin froze, belatedly realizing that Obi-Wan somehow seemed to know. Anakin had gone to extreme lengths to hide his relationship with Padmé. While he knew he wasn't subtle or a great actor, he couldn't figure out how Obi-Wan knew.

Panic bubbled in his veins, boiling at room temperature.

Obi-Wan rubbed his jaw, fingers sliding through the bristles, and Anakin realized he would discover how the cards would fall. Would Obi-Wan betray his trust, prioritizing his loyalty to the Council over his former Padawan?

Grinding his teeth to brace himself preemptively seemed safest.

Obi-Wan refused to meet his gaze.

"I assure you that Anakin's visa will be the last of your troubles if you discover his spouse's identity," Obi-Wan told Windu.

"So, what do we do?" Master Fisto asked.

"We prioritize Skywalker," Windu decided on the spot. "Though this turn of events is regrettable, it's no use crying over spilled blue milk."

"It's far too late to pretend someone else submitted the paperwork," Master Mundi pointed out. "Anakin's status as the Hero With No Fear is detrimental. The authorities will want to make a public example out of him. Either we find a more acceptable spouse for Anakin or we must settle this with a fine."

"I'm already married," Anakin snarled.

"Be my guest if you prefer jail time, Skywalker. Perhaps your spouse can visit you during visitation hours."

Anakin glowered at Windu, feeling powerless when the Council members stared him down with such… such malice.

"Let's calm down," Master Ti interjected, smiling winningly. "Master Mundi's idea has merit, Anakin. It's our best -- and your only -- bet."

But Anakin wasn't interested in reason.

"Anakin."

Anakin's head whipped in Obi-Wan's direction. Obi-Wan's voice was brusque, and the Force whispered. He had a bad feeling about this.

"I don't wish to damage your trust. However, if you continue to sabotage yourself, you will put me in a position where I have no other choice."

"No other choice but what?" Anakin ground out.

"To reveal your spouse's identity. I would assume they have plenty to say about this mess."

Anakin hadn't had an opportunity to inform Padmé. Undoubtedly, she wouldn't be pleased to learn their marriage certificate had turned into a legal battle. Yet, that concern took a backseat to the realization that Obi-Wan blackmailed him.

"You wouldn't," he snapped despite fearing that Obi-Wan would.

"I have an idea," Master Fisto said, waiting until everyone looked at him before resuming. "Since Obi-Wan's aware of who Anakin's spouse is, I suggest that Obi-Wan pretends to be Anakin's mystery spouse."

"I would rather not get deported to Stewjon, if it's all the same to you," Obi-Wan deadpanned.

"That could work," Windu muttered. More Council members hummed and nodded, considering this mad idea.

"I concur," Master Mundi added, sounding pleased with this conclusion.

"Wait," Obi-Wan balked, his gaze darting through the Council Chamber. "You cannot be serious."

"People want to buy it. The HoloNews always reports on you together. We'll claim that in the process your name was recorded incorrectly."

"Hang on," Obi-Wan said. "Would that mean that the name on Anakin's marriage certificate gets 'corrected' in my name?"

"I'm not married to Obi-Wan," Anakin protested. "He's my Master."

"Out of curiosity," Master Mundi asked. "Did you get married while you were still Obi-Wan's Padawan?"

In Anakin's periphery, Obi-Wan paled, likely having made a calculated guess, and found the answer unsettling.

"Yes," he said, wondering whether he incriminated Padmé and himself with the answer.

"Then, it's Kenobi's responsibility," Windu decided.

"That's preposterous. Surely, I can't be held accountable--"

Windu raised a hand, which shut Obi-Wan up.

"It's either this or Skywalker's citizenship is revoked. They'll probably toss him in jail, too. You know this is only this serious an issue since Skywalker is famous on the HoloNet."

Obi-Wan's expression turned inscrutable, a mask hiding his emotions.

"Very well," Obi-Wan said. "I cede to the Council's wisdom."

He didn't look thrilled to be wedded, though. Fortunately, Obi-Wan wasn't the only one with reservations.

"Doesn't my opinion matter?" Anakin demanded.

"No," Windu responded.

Anakin frowned, his hands balling into fists by his side. Why was he surprised?

"Then, settled this matter is," Master Yoda said. "Relay the news in the appropriate channels, we will. Await further others, you will."

Unbidden, Anakin turned to Obi-Wan, meeting his frosty gaze. Although Obi-Wan's expression was empty and his shoulders carefully relaxed, Anakin recognized the tension anyway. This didn't bode well for him.

When the meeting adjourned, Anakin planned to rush out of the Council Chamber. He hadn't turned to the door yet when a hand curled around his shoulder. Hesitantly, he glanced over his shoulder despite already knowing whose fingers dug into his shoulder.

"I think it's time we talk, Anakin," Obi-Wan said.

Oh, that tone meant Anakin was in deep trouble. Spending over a decade as Obi-Wan's Padawan had trained Anakin's ears to detect the signs of Obi-Wan's anger. He had never sounded so furious, his voice colder than Ilum's caves.

Anakin barely managed a nod, conditioned to be wary once Obi-Wan's pleasant smile was fake, frozen in place by the dredges of his self-control. Anakin had turned testing Obi-Wan's patience into an art, but he had never managed to drive Obi-Wan so close to the edge.

One well-aimed shove and Anakin would learn what happened when he finally succeeded.

His mouth went dry, and he realized he didn't want to know. Not truly.

Thus, he nodded dumbly.

Obi-Wan's fingers tightened until they hurt. Suppressing a wince, Anakin allowed Obi-Wan to guide him out of the Council Chamber.

"Be gentle with your spouse, Obi-Wan," Master Mundi said as they marched past him to the entrance.

Obi-Wan stopped, seeming to struggle to formulate an answer. Anakin could tell the number of times Obi-Wan was rendered speechless on one hand. Multiple accounts had happened today.

I wouldn't-- He's not-- I will bear your advice in mind, Master Mundi."

Obi-Wan inclined his head before pushing Anakin to tell him to continue walking. Obi-Wan seethed quietly until they reached Obi-Wan's chambers. Anakin's protest that he lived a few floors higher withered on his tongue.

The door closed behind them, the clicking lock awfully loud in the charged silence.

"Married, Anakin?" Obi-Wan demanded. "I knew of your dalliances with Senator Amidala, but married?"

"I--"

"While you were a Padawan," Obi-Wan continued, not interested in Anakin's answer. He paced the room in tight circles, gesturing in agitation. "Stars, Anakin. I raised you better than that!"

"I married her. It's not like I got Padmé pregnant," Anakin muttered, disagreeing with Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan stopped abruptly, looking paler than a ghost.

"Please tell me that Senator Amidala is not pregnant. Ah-nakin."

"She isn't," Anakin said hurriedly, but Obi-Wan couldn't be stopped anymore.

"From all the irresponsible things you could do."

"I'm not your Padawan anymore!"

"But you were at the time. Why do you think my name will be on that certificate. Fuck. Anakin. We'll be married. Have you even thought about what you will tell your wife?"

Obi-Wan's voice rose in volume until he nearly shouted. Anakin flinched away.

"Well, since this is fake, I thought I could tell her--"

"Fake?" Obi-Wan echoed, and now his voice climbed in pitch.

Anakin hadn't expected Obi-Wan to react so emotionally. Blindsided and caught off-guard, he hesitated. Unsettled, he shook his head, no longer recognizing Obi-Wan. Forcefully, Obi-Wan sighed. Then, his expression settled, the rage seeping away.

"Anakin. That marriage certificate is very real. What do you think will happen when whatever false name Padmé provided is replaced by mine?"

Anakin blinked. He hadn't considered… Did anything change? The names on the marriage certificate had never mattered before.

Obi-Wan laughed, a brittle, bitter sound.

"I see," he said.

Anakin didn't.

He didn't understand Obi-Wan's reaction, but it left him off-balance. He hadn't realized how much security he found in Obi-Wan's steadfastness. The ground was pulled away under his feet, pulling him into free fall.

"Obi-Wan?" he asked weakly.

"You can go, Anakin."

Obi-Wan dismissed him with little fanfare. Ignoring Anakin's presence, he headed into the kitchen, reaching into a cabinet for a cup. He put the cup on the counter with too much force, the slam echoing in the apartment. His movements were tightly controlled as he filled the kettle with water. Nevertheless, each sound was too loud, betraying how strenuous Obi-Wan's hold on his self-control was.

Swallowing with difficulty, Anakin retreated to the door, walking backward.

"Then I'll go," he offered awkwardly.

"That would be for the best."

Nodding, Anakin left Obi-Wan's apartment. His mind reeled with Obi-Wan's uncharacteristic outburst, the angry rant echoing in his mind.

What do you think will happen when whatever false name Padmé provided is replaced by mine?

Padmé remained silent as he explained the situation. However, Anakin knew better than to assume she was silent to listen to his rambling.

"Obi-Wan's very angry," he concluded. "He knows about us. Somehow, he already knew."

Padmé sighed. "Well, I suppose we were hardly subtle. Obi-Wan is close to you, and I consider him a good friend, too."

Anakin nodded.

There was only one thing he hadn't explained yet. He wrung his hands, fruitlessly searching for words to soften the blow. Although Anakin would assure her that nothing would change, he wondered whether Padmé's reaction would be similar to Obi-Wan's. However, Padmé was faster, pinching the bridge of her nose as if she suffered from a migraine.

"I don't know who submitted that paperwork. It was never supposed to leave the villa or exist longer than it took us to sign. The certificate was supposed to be incinerated. Anakin, it was a fake."

Anakin's stomach dropped. Anger churned, mixing with incredulity. His ears rang, and Anakin clung to the feeble hope the ringing had distorted Padmé's words. Alas, he couldn't be quite that naive.

"Why would you incinerate our marriage certificate?" he asked.

"For the same reason I used another name. To destroy all the evidence. What we did was against the rules, Anakin. I would lose my position as Senator if the truth was discovered. Representatives of Naboo in the Senate cannot be married, Anakin."

"They'll change your name into Obi-Wan's." Anakin tossed the truth at her feet, too upset to care about his delivery. He needed to see a reaction. Yet, Padmé only tilted her head in consideration.

Why was Obi-Wan the only one who was angry?

"I will be married to Obi-Wan instead," he stressed, hoping to elicit a reaction.

"I see," she said. "It would look better than a fake name. Less fraudulent."

"Don't you care?" Anakin knew he demanded and pleaded, bargaining for something that wouldn't come.

"Of course, I do," Padmé said. "I never realized you put your actual name on the certificate. Maybe I forgot to tell you. Moreover, I failed to destroy the certificate. It's clear negligence on my side. I do apologize for that."

So, that was what their marriage was? Clear negligence?

Anakin shook his head. "But we are married," he said, so bewildered that his inflection turned the statement into a question.

"In a manner of speaking," Padmé agreed. "Our love doesn't need labels like that, Ani."

Apparently, their marriage was a sham. It had never existed, drafted on paper meant to burn to ashes. There couldn't be evidence.

"Would you ever have told me?" he asked.

"I thought you were aware," Padmé said, always so glib. There was always an answer, the blows of Anakin's accusations deflected gracefully. "But Ani, we love each other. Our love runs deeper."

"I will be married to Obi-Wan," Anakin intoned.

Stars.

His breathing hitched.

"I will be married to Obi-Wan," he repeated, an edge of hysteria bleeding into his voice. Wide-eyed, he stared at Padmé's hologram floating above Artoo.

"Padmé, I will be married to Obi-Wan."

"Yes, you told me," she said, her brows furrowed. "It would serve as a cover for our marriage."

"But what about Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked. He didn't know what prompted the question. Perhaps Obi-Wan anger and obvious reluctance. A kernel of shame sat heavy in Anakin's stomach. Obi-Wan had been so upset, and it was Anakin's fault.

"I don't know," she said, shrugging. "Jedi do not get married. So, you are not hoarding someone else's spot, right?"

Anakin hadn't considered the notion. His heart froze solid in his chest. What if Obi-Wan had saved that spot for someone else?

"I don't know," he stammered.

"I have to go, Ani. My speeder has arrived. I love you."

"I love you, too," Anakin answered mechanically, habit pulling the words from his throat as his mind still cannibalized himself. The call cut, leaving Anakin alone in his room with Artoo. Artoo whistled, and Anakin stared at him helplessly.

He didn't know what to do anymore.

[carolperkinsexgirlfriend]

Steddie Upside-down AU Part 23

Part 1  Part 22

Plans are made around Eddie. They talk about traps, and blood, and trips to the army surplus store. But Eddie’s not there: he’s in his trailer, curled up on his single bed with Steve, trading truths like the world is ending. He wants Steve. He wants Uncle Wayne. 

He stands from the table, voices cease around him as all eyes look up. “I’m going to get Wayne.” He looks around the table. Will still looks too trusting, and Jonathan and the red-head look uncaring, but Nancy is biting her lip like she’s got something to say.. “What, Wheeler?” he asks, combative. “What the hell is your problem now?”

Her lips purse, and she crosses her arm atop the table primly. So in control. So dainty and pointed, and clean. Eddie wants to strangle her. “I’m not sure if we should bring any more people into this” 

Eddie has to take a few deep breaths. “As the reigning authority on all things that crawl out of our new hell creature feature, you need me,” he says. “And I’m going to get my Uncle Wayne.”

Nancy’s nose scrunches, mouth snarling even as she keeps her lips shut. The red-head sighs, standing as well. “He’s not going to budge, let’s just go.” 

Eddie wants to leap over this table and kiss her straight on the lips. Jonathan and Will stand as well. Nancy stays seated for a few moments, glaring at her friend before standing with a huff. “We can’t waste this much time,” she says, striding toward the door, expecting everyone to follow. “We should split up.”

“Said every person in a horror movie before they get brutally murdered,” Eddie mutters. The redhead snorts. No one else notices he talked at all.

“I can go to the army surplus,” Jonathan says. 

“I’ll go with you,” Nancy replies.

“Well, you’ll have to drop us off at my house because I don’t have my car.,” the redhead says.

They all pile back into Jonathan’s car, taking their same seats. It’s a matter of minutes before they’re pulling onto a suburban street and stopping in front of a suburban house and with a suburban car parked in the driveway. The redheaded’s house, presumably, by the way she slides out of the car.

Eddie turns to Will before he leaves. “Will?” he asks.

Will looks between him and Jonathan in the driver’s seat, making eye contact with his brother in the rearview mirror. Something must pass between them because Will turns to him and says, “I’m going to stay with them.” 

It comes out like it hurts. Eddie feels it, too – the way there’s a string tying them together, and each step away from one another pulls it taught. The way the one connecting him to Steve lies flat and dead on the pavement. He doesn’t want to let Will Byers out of his sight. “Okay,” he says, dawdling until the redhead honks impatiently. 

He gets out of the backseat of one car and slides into the passenger seat of another. It’s clean and new. Matches the house and the girl and the life, he bets, before monsters crawled into it.

“You live at the trailer park, right?” she asks, turning the key in the ignition and backing out of the driveway.

“Yeah,” he says. 

The car’s quiet. She doesn’t turn on the radio. Neither does Eddie. 

The girl’s voice breaks it like a shot. “Why are you so focused on Steve Harrington?” She says his name like a curse. He wants to blame her, but he remembers that little kerfuffle in the Harrington backyard before all of this had started. 

Responses run through his mind, unsaid. Things like, he saved my life, or, he looked so scared when that thing broke down his bedroom door, or, he told me things in the quiet of my bedroom that I can’t stop hearing, or, I think he’d rather be dead than alone.

He doesn’t say any of that. It’s too much for this nameless girl who wasn’t there with them when it counted. “He’s not what you think,” he says, not looking over at her to see how the words land.

She’s quiet for a minute, Eddie sits in it. She doesn’t respond until they’re pulling into the entrance to the trailer park. “Coming from you, that might actually mean something,” she says, quiet, like it’s a secret. “Now, which one’s yours?”

He directs her, a right and then a left. Wayne’s truck is in the driveway.

She parks parallel to their small plot, pristine and practiced, probably in driver’s ed. Eddie stares up at his own home, heart beating like a demogorgon is waiting for him inside.

“Four days?” Eddie asks.

A sigh. “Yeah.” She doesn’t reach out, doesn’t comfort him. He’s glad. “Are you going to be in trouble?”

Eddie laughs – it’s all air. “This is the longest I’ve stayed away since I ran away at thirteen.” Wayne’s probably sitting in his recliner right now, a game on, and a bear slowly warming in his palm. “He’ll be scared shitless.”

Eddie gets out of the car and approaches the front door, the girl a step behind. He gets the insane urge to knock. Like four days in a hell made this place alien to him. Like this is no longer his home. Ho opens the door.

He forgot what it smelled like; musty, yeah, but like Wayne’s laundry detergent, and coffee brewed too strong. Like home. There’s staticy cheering coming from the small, piece of shit television in the living room. Wayne’s sitting in his chair, looking at him like a ghost had just walked through his front door.

He looks tired, ragged in a way that’s more than a couple doubles at the plant. The chair’s not reclined. There’s no beer. 

“Wayne?” he says.

Like that’s the kick in the ass he needed, Wayne jumps up, striding over to pull him into a tight hug, palm clasped to Eddie’s neck, bringing him down until his forehead is resting on Wayne’s shoulder.

“You’ve got some ‘splainin’ to do, boy,” he says, gruff. 

Eddie laughs straight from his lungs. “I missed you,” Eddie says, quiet enough for his ears alone.

The redhead clears her throat from where she’s dawdling at the front door. Wayne pulls away, keeping his hands on his shoulders and holding him at arm’s length like he might disappear if Wayne doesn’t keep two hands on his person. “Who’s your friend, son?” he asks, reprimanding for the lack of manners.

“Oh, uh, Uncle Wayne this is–” he stops talking entirely, looking at the girl with wide eyes as he suddenly realizes he doesn’t know her name.

She rolls her eyes. “Barbara Holland, sir,” she says, reaching out a hand for Wayne to shake. Wayne does, tightening his other hand on Eddie’s shoulder in the process.

Eyes shifting between the two, Wayne asks, “You got something to tell me?”

Apparently that’s all it takes to break him. He’s crying again. Hard and ugly, snot immediately clogging his sinuses. “So, much Uncle Wayne,” he says around his tears. It comes out like he’s choking. “I have so much to tell you.”

“Alright, alright,” Wayne says, gruff, even as he leads Eddie to the couch, welcoming Barbara to make herself at home with a wave of her hand. “How ‘bout you start with taking some breaths, huh?”

It takes time they don’t have to spare for Eddie to regulate his breathing like Wayne taught him, and by the time he’s calmed, he feels like a dishrag, wrung out and used. Barbara’s sitting at the kitchen table, analyzing her nails so critically that he can almost pretend she wasn’t here for his breakdown at all.

“Now, tell me,” Wayne says, like he always does. The same gravity over a scraped knee or a failed test as coming out as queer or moving states to live with Wayne permanently. It’s all important. 

“I went to hell, Wayne,” he says, unable to meet his eyes. Maybe this is the thing that’ll finally stretch his Uncle’s credulity past recognition. “There was this thing, and it dragged me to hell.”

“You Catholic now, boy?” Wayne asks. 

Eddie sputters, indignation and laughter mixing, and when he looks up at Wayne, he looks just the same. Just like his Uncle who would follow him to hell if he asked, who would believe him if he said the detention wasn’t his fault. Every time, no questions. 

“Maybe not hell,” he says, rolling his eyes. “But it was somewhere else, and I left Steve there.”

“We left Steve there,” Barbara said, as if she’d been on the other side at all. 

Wayne looks between the pair, brow furrowed. It’s a small town. This won’t take him long. “...Steve Harrington?” he asks, incredulous.

“He saved my life,” Eddie says, knowing nothing will convince his uncle quicker.

Wayne looks at him the way he always does, intense and searching, but trusting. On his side, no matter what. “You got a plan?”

“Yes,” Eddie says just as Barbara says, “a stupid one.”

“Well, I ‘spose you’ll be needing this old man’s help.” He leans over and pulls his shotgun out from behind his recliner, laying it across his knees. “Let’s go save your guardian angel.”

Part 24

[theficpusher]

They Just Don't Know You by mukeandziamgotmelike | nr | 1306 //So, oh, tell me, tell me you won't break my heart. That you won't tear my world apart. That you'll be there when I need, cause I wanna tell them they just don't know you, they just don't know you, they just don't know you, they don't know you like I do.// -OR- Liam has been dating Zayn for months, and still, for some reason, no one approves of him. It's annoying, and Liam wishes they would stop. He doesn't know why they don't trust Zayn, but he just wants to tell them that they just don't know him like he does.

Screaming But Daddy I Love Him by Wishingforloushair | E | 21873 Harry has always tried to be the perfect Christian boy his religiously fanatic mother demands him to be. At seventeen he's never eaten fast food, drunk coffee (unless it was decaffeinated) or touched himself. That is until he meets Louis, one of the church's youth musicians. With his 'I Heart Jesus' stickers on his beaten up guitar case, his band (The Redemption Riffs), and his taste for good quality coffee, Louis' relationship with God is entirely different to Harry's, and Harry is positive that Louis is either a divine vessel, or Heaven-sent. Prepared to worship at Louis' feet, Harry is ready to learn a whole different way of worship and devotion with Louis' help. “That’s coffee,” he remarked, pointing at the dark substance in the other boy’s cup. “Yes, it is,” Louis said, taking a sip from it, his eyes fixed on Harry. “Is it decaffeinated?” Louis raised an eyebrow, putting his mug down. “Will it make you feel better if I tell you it is?” “Lying is bad.” “Then, no, it’s not decaf. I don’t drink decaf coffee because it tastes awful.” “But,” Harry swallowed, glancing over his shoulder before leaning forwards. “Drugs are bad,” he whispered.

What Side Of Love Are You On? by FallingLikeThis | T | 25000 Ever since Harry finally made the decision to come out to his mother as bisexual, she’s been foisting women on him left and right, determined it’s just a phase. But when she puts out a personal ad to find the perfect partner for her son, things really get complicated. Suddenly, Harry’s heart is being pulled in two very different directions. On one side is the sweet, caring woman he has fun with, but doesn’t know his mother chose for him. On the other is a man who seems to be his mother’s worst nightmare, but makes Harry’s heart flutter in ways he’s never felt before. When all is said and done, maybe they’ll all learn that when there is no clear path to go down, the best option is to follow your heart. A Because I Said So Au with a bisexual twist.

but daddy i love him by wanderlou | nr | 28924 Someone cleared their throat and they all turned to the person; Charles. “I cannot and will not support this marriage.” “But Daddy…I love him,” Louis pouted. Or the one where Harry and Louis are getting married and Louis' dad hates Harry. Harry does everything to try and earn his respect during the wedding weekend.

adrenaline by reveries_passions | M | 38208 “Harry Styles,” Nameless Boy who now has a name says. Louis is too busy having an internal crisis to realize the boy has just introduced himself as Harry Styles. Harry Styles, only son of Des Styles, PhD, Dean of Harvard Medical School. Harry Styles, known by everyone and their grandmother. Harry Styles, star rower. Harry Styles, youngest enrolled student in graduate school at Harvard University. Oh my god, Louis thinks, mortified. I just slept with Harry Styles. As he reaches out tentatively to shake the boy’s hand, another thought hits him. Oh my god. Harry Styles is gay. ~ louis tomlinson, college dropout, up and coming dj, and gay activist, is the notorious owner of exclusive underground gay club, adrenaline. harry styles, med student by day, partier by night, child prodigy and seemingly heterosexual son of harvard professors, is the youngest and arguably the smartest student at harvard medical school. or: a one night stand wasn't supposed to become the greatest love story of the 21st century.

Counterbalance by YesIsAWorld | E | 44777 Harry Styles loves two things: teaching ballet and racing motorcycles. Those two worlds collide when his greatest rival on the track, Louis “Tommo” Tomlinson brings his tiny siblings to Harry’s class.

your memory over me by shimmeringevil | E | 64355 Three years have passed since Louis last saw him, but all it took was a few minutes in Harry’s presence for him to be relegated to the desperate twenty-one year old that was practically begging his boyfriend for an ounce of reassurance that he still cared about him. Harry shouldn’t be here. He’s brought too many unresolved feelings with him, that Louis thought he’d never have to face. It’s Harry’s apparent apathy that’s the most difficult to come to terms with. Anger, he could handle. Regret, he would welcome. But Harry’s amiability, and carefree demeanor can only be born from indifference. He’s moved on. He doesn’t care. And that is something Louis doesn’t think he’ll ever be strong enough to face. - OR - The worst heartbreak of Louis’ life walks right back into it when his parents invite their family friends on an all-expenses-paid trip for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Facing a past that he tried to bury long ago, Louis learns that some people have a way of sticking with you even when they’re gone.

Of Mates and Men by bananaheathen | E | 630460 In which, Louis and Harry meet as best men for their best friends' wedding... well... sort of. Or, the one where Harry's just moved back from New York and Louis doesn't believe in romance. Or, I guess... the one where Zayn and Liam are getting married.

[panpanghost]

part 13 of NAMELESS AU (Still proud of the name :D!)

_"The food is amazing." PIF complemented. Dump him! Dump your brother! That simian is only bringing danger to your family!

_"So now that I got that off my plate. What the fuck happened to me?" Macaque asked.

_"I don't know. All I know is that is the 'Corrupted king's crown', and someone put it on you. We are still trying to find a way to take it off." Protect your son! Leave!

_"That... is not comforting at all."

_"I'm sorry. But don't worry, I won't rest till I make sure the crown is destroyed."

_"So do you have any lead?"

_"I'm thinking of contacting the celestial realm for help."

_"That would be a big mistake." Wukong intervened.

_"And why's that?" She asked, hating his intrusion.

_"First, they don't care what happens in the mortal realm. Second, even if they agreed to help, years would've passed in our realm before they even considered sending someone. And theird, the only way known to stop the crown is killing the person wearing it. What makes you so sure they won't try to kill Macaque?" There was clear anger in Wukong's voice.

PIF kept silent, The king was absolutely right. To the celestial realm, Macaque's life is nothing compared to what the crown might bring. And she can't say she knows about the great library or The king will become suspicious and destroy the scroll. She can't even say she'll fight and protect Macaque, she isn't that strong, even with her husband's and son's help, and she would rather die than ask that sage to keep Macaque safe. He, of all people, should stay away from her brother.

_"It won't hurt to try. I mean there isn't anything else to try anyway." Macaque joined trying to break the tension.

_"I'm sorry, moon. But it's for your own safety. Also I already asked, they can't help." Wukong spoke to him softly.

_"You've asked? Who?" PIF asked, acting clueless, this is her chance to get the king to talk. YOUR SON WILL BE IN DANGER!!

_"An old friend. Don't worry, he can keep a secret. He knows best." Wukong glared at her, she is really starting to get on his nerves.

_"Oh? Is it someone I know?" She kept going. LEAVE THE SIX-EARED MACAQUE AND SAVE YOUR SON AND HUSBAND!!!

_"I bet you do-"

*knock knock knock* The sound at the door luckily broke the fight that was about to start.

_"Someone's at the door, I think it's MK. Wukong, could you open the door, please?" Macaque asked nicely, hoping the king will go out for a few seconds.

_"Sure thing love." He smiled and stepped outside the kitchen.

Macaque waited until he made sure The monkey king was out of the room before he looked at his sister.

_"What are you doing?!" He angrily whispered,

_"I can't control my emotions anymore. That asshole has the scroll that could set you free and he's acting like it doesn't exist. He's trying to kill you again!" PIF suddenly blew, somehow managing to keep her voice down.

_"It doesn't- wait.. again? What do you mean again?" Macaque asked, wishing she misspoke or he misheard her.

_"..." She looked into his eyes, no, these aren't his eyes, and the fact that one of them belongs to the one who took his life made her blood boil even more, "I'm sorry, but he isn't who he's acting to be. Mac, he wants to hurt you. He already hurt you enough. You have to think of a way out. Let me help you. Use that genius brain of yours to come up with a plan and let me take care of it."

Macaque was silent, thinking... heartbroken...

_"You need to leave." He finally spoke,

_"I'm not going anywhere without you."

_"Sister please, I messed up, you shouldn't pay for my mistakes."

_"You're asking me to abandon you in your time of need."

_"I'm asking you to think about your family."

_"I am."

_"And what do you think will happen to your son and husband if the king knows what you're doing, huh? You said it yourself, he already killed me and I was his mate. Can you imagine what he'll do to you and your family?"

_"He's already hurting my family."

_"Zizi please. Listen to me." He held her hand with a defeated look on his face, "I can't protect you. This time. We can't save each other." Then he smiled softly, "At least one of us will make it out alive."

_"W-"

Before she could start her sentence, The king walked inside the room,

_"What's going on here?" Why is she touching him? No one is allowed to touch him but me.

_"I'm saying goodbye. She's has to leave now." Macaque answered with a sad tone.

_"How unfortunate." Wukong fought to hide his smile, "I'll tell MK, he's using the restroom." As the king turned to get to the door, he felt his blood burn like lava.

THE KID HAS THE SCROLL!!!! THEY LIED!!!!

_"HOW DARE YOU!!?" Wukong's eyes suddenly went as dark as ink as he launched himself at the Princess, aiming for her neck.

PIF felt the ground open as her heartbeat flew up, all she heard was "NO!" From Macaque before she fell to the grass outside the palace.

_"Mother! Are you ok?" Redson ran to her and helped her up,

_"Get everyone here! He knows! We need to get the crown off NOW!" As she said that she saw the Monkey king step out of the palace, holding her unconscious brother in his arms. It was instinct that made shove her son behind her, if it weren't for it, she'd be too scared to move.

_"LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE! WHERE IS IT!?" The king roared, his voice like thunder.

_"I don't know what you're talking about. I was just leaving. You attacked me first. What a terrible host you are." PIF said, motioning for her son to leave and open a portal to get the others here.

_"Don't act smart with me princess. I know MK found the scroll. Where is he? Where did he hide it?" Even though his voice was lower, it wasn't any less furious.

_"What scroll?" Pif tried to stall.

_"Fine. If you won't tell me, then you're of no use to me." As he was speaking he placed Macaque gently on the grass then kiss his head and whispered: "I'll be right back. I'll keep you safe. I promise." My king.

(I'M SO SORRY IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO UPDATE!

Life is being a bitch so I tried to give an update asap but this is all I can do for now. Sorry xp.)

[that-random-ink]

What if Barbatos made their own humanoid form? (Also named "Nameless Bard doesn't die so no Venti, only Barbatos") (Lore and other stuff after the cut)

In this alternate universe (Idk if I'll expand on the AU more), Barbatos [They/He] never lost the Nameless Bard after the rebellion, and never ascended to Archonhood.

Because of this, Barbatos never received their full Anemo powers, nor is able to grant freedom directly. They do still have some powers though, like making wind currents within reason, float, fly for a limited amount of time, along with other small Anemo-related things. They also cannot make black holes or tornadoes, or control the weather and chop off mountains. Their hair also glows with their powers, like their normal AU form.

They have wings that can form on their back, looking similar to feathers but with different segments like their wisp form. Their hands are like talons, referencing Dvalin despite not meeting at the time. They also have an Anemo Crystalfly adorning their cloak, and a hoodie. Their face is basically just a mouthless, black void, though they can form a mouth if necessary to appear normal (As much as they want to) in public. When forming their mouth, they gain large fangs and a blue tongue, as a way to somewhat fight back against normality.

Barbatos is as light as air itself, and can act somewhat bird-like from times, "perching" on N.B.'s shoulders and random trees for fun (They LOVE trees). They're also slightly shorter than N.B.

Barbatos is very playful and childlike, and that often rubs off on N.B. They found their affinity for apples at this time, and they tend to PLEAD N.B. to give them apples when they're too lazy to climb trees. Despite loving apples, they don't really need to eat, but they still enjoy the taste of food, especially when it's N.B. giving them food.

They both now live in the forest, away from the city, and they both like to enjoy the little things in life. They both tend to explore the forest, since there's so much left undiscovered, and the forest is also a good source of food for N.B. Barbatos also learned how to hunt from N.B., though they are very much an amateur at it. Occasionally, they will go back to the city for various reasons.

Fun fact: Barbatos reluctantly accepted a scarf from N.B. cause it was nice and fuzzy and they can't say no.

Also I unconsciously made their design somewhat similar to Ralsei from Deltarune

Also also if you wanna make fanart or use my design or are inspired by the design, make sure you credit me (that-random-ink) cause I think my design is cool

Bonus doodles

Ok imma stop typing now

[cannedpickledpeaches]

Insert Your Name (12)

Mafia!Jade Leech x Mafia!Reader

Link to series masterlist!

Notes and TW: Last chapter! Side stories will follow. Thank you for sticking with this series for so long! This series will have mentions of blood, violence, crime (kidnapping, attempted assassination, extortion), and harassment, as one might expect from a mafia AU. Please enjoy!

Tags: @guava-enjoyer @itszzmoon @twstsandturns @myteacupisempty @rou-luxe @chikitasmol @night-shadowblood-writes2 @haveneulalie @owodi

7:30 P.M. DD/MM/YYYY

I thought I knew the truth for a while—that this world existed inside a story. That this was a world which revolved around a nameless, faceless, flawless main character. This entire world around me existed to serve one purpose: to present trials to the main character until she eventually finds a happy ending with her one and only. This world was created for “(Y/N).”

I was Friend A. Friend A was never mentioned again after page two of that story.

It turns out that I was sort of wrong. This world is made for stories, from stories, and (Y/N) happened to be the main character at the time. Now that I’m the author, I made myself the main character.

You wrote “story” and “world” so much that they hardly look like real words anymore. The tip of your pen hovers over the first page of your journal. It’s your first time keeping one, and you aren’t certain how to proceed. What tone do you use? Should it be informal or professional? How long should each entry be? How detailed should you make it?

The trapdoor to the attic flips open. Floyd’s head pokes through it like a garden eel in the sand.

“Whatcha doin’ over there? Still lookin’ for that manuscript?”

You shake your head. The manuscript for (Y/N)’s story disappeared without a trace after your meeting with Hans. No matter how hard you searched, nothing turned up, so you could only assume he retrieved it.

“No use in looking for it. I’m starting on my journal.” The pen twirls in your hand. “I’m not really sure how I want to write it.”

He hoists himself up and saunters over to where you’re curled up at the window. He peers at your handwriting. Flippantly, he flops on the floor next to you and yawns.

“Who caaares. Write whatever ya feel like writin’. It’s not like the one before was any good.”

The previous author’s manuscript was riddled with inconsistencies, plot holes, and grammar mistakes. It wouldn’t be a massive problem. Hans would simply have to work harder to fill in the gaps.

“The previous one failed, though.”

“Then just don’t fail.” He grins up at you. “Easy, right?”

You pinch his nose, laughing when he swats at your hand.

“Easier said than done.” Despite that, his words ease the burden on your shoulders just a bit. You don’t need to overthink this. It’s your story, yours to tell however you’d like. “Thanks for the advice, though.”

“Sure, sure.” Your name rolls off his tongue dismissively. “You worry too much.”

You glance at him. “You’ve been calling me ‘Red Handfish’ recently, why’d you switch back to my name?”

The lamplight glints in Floyd’s eyes briefly, then he closes them. A lazy grin spreads on his lips.

“I was calling ya ‘Red Handfish’ ’cuz I was hopin’ you’d get your hands all red and bloody again.” A huff of air escapes him. “Shoulda been there when you beat up the security.”

“Typically, you’re supposed to not hope I’m beating up your men.”

“It’s fine. Not like Jade and I need much protectin’.” His voice quiets down to a mumble. “You’re enough for security or whatever.”

His voice trails off at the end. Soon, quiet snores fill the attic. Seeing that he isn’t planning on disrupting your writing, your attention returns to your journal. Following his advice might not be a bad idea.

My main priority was to break the curse on Mr. and Mrs. Leech. I thought I’d have to ask (Y/N) to reach out to Vil Schoenheit or write something in this journal, but it turns out I didn’t have to do anything. Hans went ahead and nudged the odds in my favour already. At least, I suspect he had a hand in it. But I’m never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so I’ll happily accept that Walrus’s team and our own people have found a way to break the curse.

Azul was slightly disappointed that he didn’t manage to find a method on his own. He really wanted to put the twins in his debt, but I guess he’ll have to sulk. His specialty is potions, after all. Not curses. He’s also a little salty because this implies Vil Schoenheit is still more skilled than him on the subject of curses. His competitive nature never dies down when it comes to other competent people, even after all these years.

Anyway, the curse was undone three days ago. They’ve woken up perfectly stable and healthy, if a little tired. The twins have spent nearly every waking hour in their room. I’m glad they’re all looking much more lively.

Their parents wanted to go right back to work, but Jade and Floyd have been very insistent on making sure they rest. Right now, Jade and his parents have decided to split up the work equally, but Jade plans on eventually relinquishing his position as the temporary head of the Leech Mafia. He doesn’t want it back anytime soon. His parents might want him to keep observing their work, but I think he’ll take a long breather after the Carpenter Mafia dissolves. He says he wants to join a research lab on fungi. I’m sure he’ll enjoy himself there.

Speaking of Jade’s interests, Floyd owes him quite a bit for breaking his terrariums. You cast a glance at the twin dozing off on the floor. Jade’s been working him hard. Just as you’re about to pull a knitted blanket off the window seat and drape it over his torso, Jade climbs up to the attic.

“Ah, I thought I might find you two here.” He ignores your shushing motion, speaking nearly louder than his usual conversational volume. “Have you made any progress on that journal?”

“Keep it down, Floyd’s sleeping.”

“Oh? I suppose he is.” He smiles as though he’s entirely innocent. “Even though he should be running an errand on the west side of the city right now. Isn’t that so, my dear brother?”

Floyd stirs, brows furrowing as he grumbles. “Fuck off, man.”

“I’m afraid you’re late. Why don’t you head out? It wouldn’t do for you to procrastinate.” Jade leans over him, his shadow eclipsing Floyd’s face. The latter gripes some more before rolling away and hopping right through the trapdoor. His footsteps echo through the halls, eventually leading to the sound of the front door.

“He’s tired. You should let him rest.” You close your journal and set it beside you.

He kneels by your seat and rests his head on your knee. Gingerly, you reach out and comb your fingers through his hair. His entire body melts against the wall and your knee.

“I am also tired.” His eyelids drop halfway, a pitiable pout on his lips. “Much more so than he is, I’m sure.”

“And what? You want a gold medal for the Fatigue Olympics?” Despite your words, your other hand holds his jaw, thumb brushing over his cheek. “Come on, get off the floor. It can’t be comfortable.”

He sighs in contentment. “With the way you’re touching me, I have half a mind to stay where I am.”

You’ve come to realize that Jade acts this way when he’s looking for attention, and he only actively looks for attention from you. With a sigh escaping the smile on your lips, you ease his head off your knee and move your legs so that your feet touch the floor. He has the gall to look like a kicked puppy.

“You’re so dramatic.” You pat the cushioned space next to you. “Sit up here.”

It’s like his fatigue disappears as soon as you extend the invitation. He wastes no time in sitting next to you, his thigh pressing against yours. One of his hands reaches behind you. You feel it causing the cushions to shift under you as he uses it to support his weight. Strangely, it feels more intimate than if he had touched you directly. The knowledge that his arm is there creates a sense of security. Sturdy, safe, like the face of a cliff that has your back. He’ll never be a threat to you. You think back to what you once thought of people who trust Jade, and you wonder if you’re a fool, desperate, or if you have something on him.

It might not be so bad to be a fool once in a while.

You lean into his side and rest your head on his shoulder. A pause, followed by the light pressure of his cheek against your hair. His body is cool to the touch like always, and you find comfort in it.

“I’ll help you make new terrariums to replace the ones Floyd broke.”

“How kind of you.” The hand behind you lifts, only to find its place on your waist, securing you to his side. “In that case, I should consider what I’d like to grow in them. Lichen would decorate some surfaces well, but I doubt it would be possible.”

“Lichen?” You often see it back home near the shore. “Why not?”

“It cannot survive in a closed system like my terrariums.” His voice lowers to a soft, almost sweet tone. “It requires clean, fresh air, outside the confines of a box that I control. The charm of keeping a terrarium is that I control every factor within it, down to what lives or dies. But despite the fact that it eludes my grasp, I adore observing its beauty in the environment where it thrives.”

Somehow, you don’t think he’s talking about lichen anymore.

“Lichen grows on trees and rocks, right?” You think about the cliffside. Patches of pale green life covered the rocks where you met Jade. It brought a sort of earthy, rustic quality to the area. “It’s pretty. I think I’ve seen a few of your photos focusing on it.”

“Yes, it needs to be anchored to a sturdy surface.” He adjusts his grip on your waist. “Unassuming, allowing other elements of the scenery to shine, but charming and effective in its own right.”

You don’t want to ask if he’s referring to you. He’ll surely tease you for being self-absorbed. However, you are not so prideful as to not acknowledge what he’s trying to say.

“I sort of understand wanting to be anchored to something.” You place one hand over his. “It’s easier to let my guard down when there’s something that can protect my back.”

“Allow me to assist you with that.” He intertwines your fingers. “If you must be anchored to something, I’ll be more than happy to provide you with support forever, until you ask me to stop.”

“All this talk about ‘forever.’” A grin pulls at your lips. There’s no harm in teasing him once in a while. “It’s like you’re trying to marry me. What’s with that, huh?”

His entire body freezes. You lift your head from his shoulder, trying to look at his face.

“Jade? I was joking—”

He gently presses against your temple, his wrist blocking your eyes as he guides your head back down to his shoulder. What a letdown. This time, you really wanted to see his expression.

“Incidentally,” he says, “would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow?”

“You changed the topic way too abruptly.” Laughter bubbles in your throat. “I thought you were better at making conversation than that.”

“I’m inclined to disagree.” He doesn’t elaborate. “Are you free tomorrow evening? We can book a reservation for that restaurant you wanted to try.”

Usually, you wouldn’t turn it down. But . . .

“Sorry, I’ll be out with (Y/N) all day.” You’ve missed her. And after she called you in distress over losing the polaroids you took together, you promised to replace them with new ones. There’s so much you have yet to do with her. “Maybe the day after?”

Jade sighs loudly, as though he’s the most pitiful being in the world. Amidst teasing laughter, you close your journal and focus your attention on him. It’s alright to take your time writing it. Your story is a process that does not need to be rushed. It may only be a page at the moment, but one day, you’re sure this journal will fill with your experiences, plans, and thoughts. You will continue on living as your own person—not a side character or a main character in a grander scheme, but as yourself. To live as a human being with your unique experiences—that is your story.

[aadupadu]

reverse robins au has so much wasted potential

i've only ever read one good reverse robins au before and now i need more. but like, the whole idea is such an interesting way to explore the similarities between each of the batkids and how the differences will change their story.

imagine bruce wayne falling in love with talia al ghul in the league of assassins as a 17 yo and when he returns to gotham he tries never to think abt it again cause he (even in canon) imagined a future with talia but he cant have that now. he's heartbroken.

and then when he turns 25 he finds this 8 yo lil assassin on his doorstep who is claiming to be his son. like????? so he tries his best improve himself so that he can take care of damian and set up a good example for him. he tries to make damian believe that killing is wrong by making him his sidekick and letting him help out.

since damian is the first batkid here and not dick, he'll probably get a very dark and bat-related edgy name instead of robin. maybe smth like shadow or nameless or smth.

but then ofc damian wants to reinvent himself so after graduating he moves away from bruce to bludhaven. he and jon then together become nightwing and flamebird.

then 12 yo tim comes along. he sees how sloppy and rough batman has gotten with his work without a partner to not only balance the workload but also try to be better for. plus, he's being very angsty with the whole fighting with damian thing, and he's questioning whether or not he did a good job in raising damian.

so when tim fails to convince damian to be robin again, he knocks on the door of wayne manor. alfred answers the door and when he asks who tim is, tim jst hands him a very neat, times new roman size 12 font, 20 page document, saying "pls let mr wayne know that this is my formal application for the position of his partner"

obvi tim and damian dont get along, since even tho im sure tim would come up with a different name since he's only the second batkid and its rlly up to him whether or not he wants to make the title a legacy, damian still feels like he's being replaced. but ofc like the bats they are, they repress this and dont end up talking abt it. they like to banter in fun and theyre a good team in a fight but most of teh time theyre jst awkward around each other which physically pains tim cause like, yknow, hero worship.

then a few montsh after tim becomes robin, he meets cass who was directly found by alfred. he took her home, fed her some food and offered her to stay at wayne manor upon realizing that shes homeless. adn welp, after finding out abt her past...the rest is history. she becomes the first batgirl.

the really good reverse robin au that i read and mentioned earlier is the Reverse Robin AU by yello_cabellaro its super duper good and you should read it. but what i rally loved abt it is the idea that tim and cass are not only siblings, but twins. them sharing a birthday because cass doesnt know how old she is???? OMFG THATS SO SWEET. and thats how cass becomes 13 yo jst like tim when they met

then tim and cass encounter up and coming 14 yo vigilante stephenie brown aka spoiler. those 3 become a trio, and they make batman and his sidekick the batfam. now its not jst the Bat, its a Bat.

(tim and steph date briefly but then break up after a while because they feel like theyre better off as friends)

but then one day, when tim's 15, jack and janet drake dont return home one day. they were going to stay for the entirety of christmas break so they shouldve come straight home that day after work at drake industries. but they didnt. tim tracks them down to...a warehouse. he think its jst another ransom kidnapping so he jst suits up as robin and heads out. plus him and bruce had been at odds at the time abt whether or not he should reveal his identity to young justice so he didnt tell batman.

but cass ends up catching him while he's sneaking out and steph finds them on their way so teh three of them arrive at teh warehouse. its the joker and harley quinn. he's able to capture tim and steph but not cass. she tries to take him and his henchmen down alone at first but after realizing that she cant win she escapes and tells bruce.

by the time bruce arrives, janet drake is dead, jack drake is in a coma, tim is crippled and at 16 yo, stephanie brown is dead. at the funeral, seeing how depressed bruce is and the tears in tim and cass's eyes, 21 yo damian decides to move back to the manor.

(he kills the joker before he does tho, because his moral compass is more on the wonder woman side than the batman side now taht he's is own hero)

bruce ends up adopting tim and cass too and tim officially becomes oracle. bruce tries to discourage cass from the vigilante life but she's her father's daughter so it doesnt work. she works as bruce's go-to sidekick for a bit.

bruce encounters 12 yo jason todd trying to steal his tires a few months after steph's death, so ofc he adopts him. (he swears he didnt mean to, it jst happened!) he soon becomes batman's sidekick after receiving tim's seal of approval.

meanwhile, this incident confirms the identities of the batfam for the joker so Batman: Endgame takes place. enter 16 yo Duke Thomas and his We Are Robin movement. about a year after steph's death, duke becomes the signal and is adopted by bruce. (bruce wont admit it but sometimes duke reminds him of steph)

3 years after steph's death, a new crime lord called red hood enters the gotham game. they say she has blonde, almost white hair. she wears a red hoodie and voice modulator at all times, and strangely enough, has a bat on her chest. she sets up base in crime alley and starts monopolizing gang operations.

cass is the one to find out. she almost cant believe it at first. the red hood has been around for only a few weeks, but she's already been driving all the bats crazy with how much information she has on them and how crazy good she is at what she does. still, cass hadn't seen her in person before. now...now she does, and all the pieces click.

the red hood moves jst like steph. jst like her best friend. cass nearly cant even recognize her. her hair is a blonde that's closer to white, her blue eyes glow green with anger, there are scars marking her freckles, and she's using league of assassins moves. but that's...that's still steph.

cass runs away from a fight for the first time in her life, because she cant fight steph. she cant hurt her.

when she tells everyone, there is confusion, disbelief and....mixed emotions. they dont know whether to be happy because steph's alive or whether to be sad that she's a criminal. she's angry at them, they can tell taht much. but they still dont know which approach to take.

turns out steph does it for them. because tim is kidnapped from the clocktower that night. cass tells everyone that she and only she will go after him, because what steph needs isnt strangers or authority figures. she needs her friends. her robin and batgirl.

steph does her dramatic confrontation and nukes bludhaven. she's angry at them, all of them, for letting kid vigilantes run around again after what happened to her.

but well, plot happens. shes still wary of the batfam but she cooperates. she mourns the person she was and its hard for her but tim and cass always force themselves into her apartment on special ocassions. they always spend their bday at her place.

then bruce wayne and his family attend haley's circus on the night the flying graysons die. dick grayson is taken in by bruce, but then bruce gets lost in the time stream - oh wait, no, he 'dies'.

Damian becomes batman even tho he doesnt want to. he takes care of dick the way his father once took care of him. he tries his best.

tim doesnt believe that bruce is dead so he packs his crutches and a few other essentails and goes globetrotting. its hard with his disability, but hes tim drake.

then bruce is back, and even tho dick has been strictly forbidden from crime-fighting, he made them pinky promise that he can join once he's a teenager. (damian is hoping he'll forget abt theat) (spoiler (ha!) alert, dick will never forget. once a robin, always a robin.)

and thats what they are. a family. alfred is proud.

(age wise order and superhero identities)

alfred - agent A

bruce - batman

damian - nightwing

steph - red hood

tim - oracle

cass - batgirl

duke - the signal

jason - bluelark or smth probably

dick - (not rn but eventually) robin

p.s. dick has made a new friend in class. her name is barbara gordon. she's the GCPD commissioner's daughter and her favorite class in school is computer science.

[balrogballs]

Last Lines

The task: Share the first lines of ten of your most recent fics and tag ten people. If you have written less than ten, don’t be shy and share anyway.

Thank you for the tag, @queerofthedagger ! Most people I thought to tag have been tagged already I think, so if this crosses your TL, feel free to do it!

Prayers to Broken Stone: When Elrond and Elros were eight years old, Maglor Fëanorian told them about the walls of the West.

11/15~? | 103,000w | ensemble cast+kidnap fam: AU set in 1970s India and Oxford, primarily featuring Elrond, his dead girlboss daughter, his frankly quite well adjusted considering the circumstances musician father and his terrorist father, whose mental state makes the progression of rabies look like a CBT course.

The River Meep: Every corner of Minas-Tirith lights up in remembrance.

1/1 | 3400w | Celeborn & Faramir skip out on a state funeral and decide to screw around near Gondor’s most ridiculously named river and poke around plants.

The Island Dwellers: It is nameless, the thing that grows between them, as nameless as the island she had thought of as her own.

1/1 | 5800w | Maedhros/Elwing — the two least controversial characters in the Silmarillion get stranded on a desert island and, I am not joking here, fuck their way out.

Altitude Sickness: Of late, I find myself relying heavily on the mnemonics of mountainsides.

1/1 | 5800w | Maedhros/Fingon — Fingon rescues Maedhros off the mountain. Maedhros comes back less “traumatised” and more “literally needs a muzzle”. This is indeed the fic where he calls the sun a nipple in the sky.

Bumping Exoskeletons: The beach Maglor lives next to is somewhat barren, and frankly that is how he wants it to be.

1/1 | 1000w | Maglor/Glorfindel — Middle Earth’s crankiest elves bitch about things and enjoy each other’s company.

A Mausoleum for a Mouse: When the Lord of Imladris first entered the royal stables at dawn, Éowyn of Rohan neither expected him nor particularly relished his uninvited presence.

1/1 | 6000w | Elrond & Éowyn — After the Ring War, Eowyn, who had the Middle Earth equivalent of an Elrond Barbie as a child, learns the meaning of the ohrase “never meet your heroes”.

The Stranding of a Sea Serpent: When the elves who died in the Alliance are honoured at a twenty-something centenary memorial, Maedhros sits very still beside me, as though unmoving means unseen.

1/1 | 8000w | Elrond & Maedhros get so in their own heads that they find some dead sea serpent and go “he’s just like me fr”

Counterparts: Dagor-lad is thick with dust and Elrond is convinced he is going doggedly-certainly blind in his pursuit of Isildur.

1/1 | 4500w | Elrond & Elros help each other out as the Last Alliance falls. Elros punches Isildur.

The Land of Lost Content: “I see why they called him Maitimo,” says Elladan, looking Maedhros up and down, somewhat impressed. “Almost makes you want to shove a Silmaril up your hole so he can come looking for it, doesn’t he?”

2/2 | 15000w | Maedhros/Fingon & Elrond/Celebrían — Elrond and family plus Maedhros and Maglor go on a surreal road trip to the Halls of Mandos to rescue Fingon. Bilbo tags along because he wants to tell Mandos he’s a little shit.

Second Son: Like anyone with seven sons, I spend a lot of time sifting through small things.

1/1 | 4200w | Nerdanel & Maglor — Nerdanel reflects on her second son’s stutter and a summer they spent by the beach. She also befriends Elwing and Celebrían because she enjoys the company of sad, mad women (gee I wonder why)

[vodika-vibes]

Hi! I was wondering if you could write a fic about CX-2, because he needs some love and maybe a reader or S/O could rescue him from tantiss and take care of him and feed him good food and make sure he’s happy and healing

Idk if he is tech or dogma or anyone we’ve met before cause nameless clones deserve so much love and idk why I feel lowkey emotional, but it made me so sad when he got turned into a kebab, after all the torture and stuff he went through, I just wanted to hug him

Anyways, I hope you have a wonderful day!

In The End

Summary:  It’s been a year, 12 long months, since the last time that you saw CX-2. You went on a date with him, and then he vanished, with only a simple message saying that he had to work and that he’d contact you when he could. And then he fell off the face of the map. And now, almost a year later, and with the able assistance of a group of Wookie Mercenaries, he’s back with you, safely on your ship headed for the haven you’ve arranged beforehand.

Pairing: CX-2 x F!Reader

Word Count: 1359

Warnings: None

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: So as much as I love Tech and Dogma, I love the idea more that CX-2 is someone else entirely. So, here you have CX-2 being happy with his family. I just needed to take a break from my AU event, I have so many ideas for them, but it's like there's a traffic jam in my brain, I can't get the words to word.

Your knuckles are white as you grip the sleeves of your jacket. You’re very, very stressed. But then, you’ve been stressed for the better part of a year.

Hopefully, now that CX is safe, your stress levels will drop to a more reasonable level. And your medical droid will stop chiding you to practice yoga. That would be nice.

Speaking of said medical droid—

The door to the infirmary slides open and the silver droid hovers out and over to you, “The Patient is awake and aware. There seems to be no lasting damage due to his year-long confinement.”

“So I can see him?” You ask.

“He needs his rest.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

The Droid sighs heavily, a very human reaction you can’t help but notice, but then he nods his head. “You brought him food, I take it.”

“Uh, yeah,” You gesture to the small tray of some of CX’s favorite foods. A pasta dish, with some roasted veggies, and a proper dessert. 

The droid eyes the food critically, and then nods, “That is all acceptable.” He says, “I am returning to my charging dock.” And then, abruptly, he hovers off.

You watch him fly into another room, and then slowly stand and grab the tray of food. Hopefully, he’ll be happy to see you. It’d be heartbreaking if you went through all of this trouble, and he wasn’t happy to see you.

Lightly, you knock on the door and then press the control to allow the door to slide open when you hear an answer from inside. You step into the room, making sure to shut the door behind you before you focus your attention on him.

He looks…well, he doesn’t look well.

Oh, sure, he’s still the handsome man that you fell in love with. Only he’s lost a lot of weight, his abdominal muscles are clearly defined, not protected by the thin layer of fat that gave him a very pleasant squish. He also has bags under his eyes, and you’re pretty sure that there’s a hint of grey in his dark curls.

But he’s still CX.

Your name falls from his lips, he looks astonished to see you, and then he averts his gaze, as if ashamed of something.

And that just won’t do.

You cross the small room and set the tray of food on an open table, and then you reach out for him, stopping just shy of touching him. “I missed you,” You say, your voice soft.

His dark eyes snap to meet yours, and the smallest smile crosses his face. “I missed you more,” CX replies, his voice slightly raspy, and for once, you believe it.

He reaches up and takes your hands in his and pulls your hands to his face, and you eagerly cup his face, content to feel his warm skin against your hands again. You don’t fight him when his arms snake around your waist and he pulls you as close as he can without pulling you onto the bed.

He buries his face against your chest and just breathes.

You gently card your fingers through his curls, your other hand moving from his cheek to wrap around him, holding him as tightly as you can. Just enjoying him.

You lightly drop a kiss on the top of his head, “I thought you were dead,” You murmur against his hair.

He trembles slightly, “I’m sorry. I never meant to disappear.”

“I’m not mad.”

“You should be.”

“Never.”

He pulls back, and looks up at you, “Cyare,” this time his hands come up to cup your face, “You don’t understand, I’ve hurt so many people—”

“It doesn’t matter.” You reply, “Not to me. You didn’t have a choice, CX. I know that.”

“That doesn’t make it right.”

You shush him gently, “We’re going somewhere else. Somewhere where the Empire can’t touch you ever again. You have brothers there.”

CX looks baffled for a moment, “Brothers?”

“I think they called themselves Nil…or null?”

He blinks at you, “We’re staying with the Nulls?”

“Yeah, when I was looking for you, I managed to stumble over them. We’ve been offered a place with them. They have a whole settlement for clones and their families.”

“Even clone assassins?”

“All clones,” You reassure, “What do you think?”

He looks uncertain for a moment, “I suppose we can try it out, and see if it works.” CX finally agrees, and then he pulls you in so he’s able to press his face against your chest again, “cyare?”

“Hm?”

“What scent are you wearing?”

“What scent am I—?” You pause and your face flushes, “Oh, right. I’m not, not really.” You gently push him back and lean in to kiss his forehead, “There’s actually something I need to get for you, I left it in my room.”

CX peers at you, “Can it wait?”

“It’s a surprise. And I think, well hope, that you’ll like it.”

CX watches you for a moment, and you smile at him reassuringly, “I’ll be right back, I promise.”

He unwraps his arms from around you, “Alright,”

You beam at him and quickly drop a chaste kiss against his lips before you turn and hurry out of the room. You’re vaguely aware of him sitting up in the medical bed and swinging his legs off the edge as the door slides shut behind you.

You walk the short distance to your room, and don’t bother shutting the door behind you. There’s no need, you’ll only be in here for a moment, after all. You walk around your bed (big enough for you and CX to share), and lean over the much smaller bed, a loving smile crossing your face as you look at the face of your sleeping daughter.

CX’s daughter.

He vanished before you even found out that you were pregnant, so hopefully, she’s a good surprise.

You scoop Eli into your arms, adjusting her weight so she’s comfortably nestled against you, and you head out of the room. The scent that CX asked you about was baby powder, which you seem to always smell like since giving birth to Eli.

You step back into the infirmary, and CX opens his mouth to say something but stops when he sees Eli.

“...cyare?”

You sit on the bed next to him, “This is Eli, she looks like you.” You lightly brush a dark curl off your daughter's forehead, “Luckily, can you imagine if she got stuck with my hair color and your skin tone?”

CX doesn’t say anything, you glance at him and notice that he’s staring at Eli, wide-eyed.

“I found out that I was pregnant 2 weeks after you vanished,” You explain, “She’s 5 months old now. Would you like to hold her?”

“Can I?” He asks, his gaze darting to your face, “Am I allowed?”

“She’s your daughter, you silly man. Here.” You pass the baby over to CX, and adjust his arms so that he’s cradling her properly, “She’s a very calm baby, she doesn’t fuss a lot.”

Cx stares at Eli, mesmerized, “Was the pregnancy easy?”

You shrug, “Unimportant, I had plenty of help.”

“Cyare—”

You smile at him adoringly, “Next time, we’ll do it properly.”

He blinks at you, “Next time?”

“Um, well…if you want a next time.” You correct sheepishly.

You watch as he brushes a finger down Eli’s nose, “I’d like there to be a next time.” CX murmurs, “I can’t believe you gave me a baby.”

“Well, you gave her to me first,” You say with a soft laugh, “I’m just returning the favor.”

He glances at you and a genuine smile, the first one since you’ve been reconnected, crosses his face. “We’re going to be okay,”

“Of course we will.” You lightly lay your head on his shoulder, “We’re going to be better than okay, we’re going to be great.”

You feel him press his head against yours, “I love you,” The words are soft as if he’s not sure he has the right to say them, and you smile. 

You turn your head and press a kiss against his bare shoulder, “I love you too, CX.”

[dayas]

Prompt 13 "Kiss Me" - Fiyeraba, in a universe where he’s not with Glinda cause I don’t like cheating 😄🙈

Drabble Prompts

Fair enough Anon! I took the universe thing a bit too literally, though 😁 so without further ado, welcome to the spy au 🥰

—

“Agent Emerald, do you copy?”

Glinda’s voice buzzed in Elphaba’s ear, though there was no visible piece to be found. The wonders of modern technology.

“Yes, Agent Bubble. I copy.”

“Agent Scarecrow?” Glinda prompted next.

“Right here, Bubble,” came the voice of her current mission partner, Fiyero Tigelaar. He was renowned throughout their organization as the suavest spy they had, hence why he’d been paired with her. She was the newbie at S.H.I.Z., and Madame Morrible (a rather curious code name for the co-head of an organization, Elphaba thought, though perhaps not as strange as their technical leader, a nameless, faceless man known only as The Wizard) insisted on the three of them working together, despite having enlisted Elphaba for her singular talents.

She should have been where Glinda was, in the chair, directing them and watching their backs, acting as the eyes in the sky, as a perfect spy would. Instead, she was on Munchkin Street, keeping her eyes peeled for their mark during the grand parade. Burning a dark figure in effigy wasn’t exactly what Elphaba would consider ‘fun’, but everyone on Munchkin Street was in high spirits, gallivanting their way down a brick road strewn with yellow poppies.

“Dr. Dillamond should be coming up on your right, Scarecrow,” Glinda told them. “Emerald, once Scarecrow engages, you extract. We rendezvous in Oz.”

Their meeting point, which was a warehouse miles outside of the city they were currently in.

“Cheer up, Emerald,” Fiyero hummed from her side, “we’re supposed to be at a celebration, remember?”

To that, Elphaba shot him a saccharine smile, sarcasm sprinkled through her gaze.

“Better?”

“Much.”

“I know no one else probably has the guts to tell you this, but you’re an asshole.”

Fiyero gasped mockingly, placing a hand against his chest.

“You wound me.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes quickly, and both of their expressions took on curiosity tinged neutrality. She made a vow to herself then and there. He was not going to mess up her first mission. She wouldn’t allow it.

“Uh, guys?” Glinda’s voice sounded off again. “There’s a complication.”

“What sort of complication?” Elphaba hissed.

“Winged Monkey at eight o’clock.”

The code for an enemy agent.

Fucking perfect.

They couldn’t grab the Doctor without being made, but if they continued to stand there, they’d be made either way.

“They’re closing in.”

Glinda’s voice took on a higher pitch, a soaked sheen of panic bleeding through her tone.

“Exits are blocked right now, they’re starting to close off the streets.”

Fiyero’s voice washed over her, calm and collected. They still needed a plan. Elphaba blurted out the only thing she could think of.

“Kiss me.”

“What?”

She wished she could have reveled in the satisfaction of watching his eyes pop for a little longer. Instead, she said, “Kiss me. They haven’t seen us yet, so as of right now, they don’t know we’re here. Besides, public displays of affection make people uncomfortable, which means they’re less likely to — ”

Fiyero cupped her face, pressing his lips soundly against hers. Elphaba tilted her head for him, holding onto the edges of his jacket.

They broke apart, nose to nose, both of their eyes scanning for the enemy spy.

Glinda’s voice rejoined them a moment later.

“… safe to say that worked. Get out of there now, you two.”

Elphaba realized she was still holding onto Fiyero. She released him quickly, clearing her throat.

“Nice thinking back there,” he murmured to her once they were safely back at their base. She shrugged.

“I’m quick on my feet. It’s part of the reason Madame Morrible wanted me here.”

He gave her a nod, an unreadable gleam passing over his eyes. She blinked and it disappeared, replaced by his trademark smirk.

“Still… if you wanted to kiss me, Thropp, you could’ve just asked.”

Elphaba glared at him, her elbow ‘accidentally’ finding a home against his ribs when she walked past him to return to her room.

“Asshole!”

[moth-bells]

Hi so, I dont know whenever I'm gonna be able to write or draw anything I like for my cryptids au, so I'm going to give you all literally all the lore and if I ever get to it, its already here.

It also doesnt always make perfect sense but I think that gives it charm and I'm not gonna run around in circles trying to make it perfect Gonna try and make this generally in timeline of events order

The earth is formed. From the dust of star dust rises two figures

They have no names and they were never born, forming from things they do not understand, yet know all too well

They are always at one another's side

They are both everything and nothing to one another

They witness eons together

Watching little specks shift and change and grow

They watch life and ease life along with hands that do what is needed without thought behind how it happens

They have purpose yet none here, witnesses

The duo watch as the earth fills with life only for it all to nearly vanish

They watch life persevere despite that

Those first peculiar humans, though without that name yet, come to be. So small and fragile, yet the two can see potential with these ones

They travel the globe, checking in on different places, seeing how the people so similar are slowly changing. They find it fascinating, though they feel this with other animals

One day, they realize many of these people that they've visited, perhaps assisted at times, and occasionally revisited, have places of worship

Neither of them understand, but they gather that these humans seem to look at them as higher than them. Gods.

Are they? They arent living in the same way as other beings. They cant die. They dont age and were never born.

If not gods, what are they then?

They dont know.

They do eventually move on, but one day, an unknown amount of years later, they return to one of these villages

The people, they do rejoice for their deities have graced them again

The duo decided to linger here longer than before.

One day, theres murmurs of malcontent floating

The two have witnessed battles, but stayed out of them.

They had never watched wars begin, the quiet wisps of smoke that would soon become flames

Now these two, unnatural as they are, were not infinitely strong.

Yes, they were stronger than many of these small humans, who were much smaller than them

But, if there were many humans against one of them, there was only so much that they could do

The humans, separated into factions, decided that one of the duo were a true god while the other was something evil and wrong.

Such is the way of humanity

The two realized they might have stayed too long now, deciding it was time to leave

It was too late for that now.

These two beings, nameless, named and renamed by many, but never calling each other by any.

Two who had been together since they were glints in an existence less universe

Were separated

Humans from either side took their 'rightful' god. Determined to use their worship against the other side.

The two beings were able to take some of them, desperately trying to not be taken away from the other.

They were not gods, though, not in the way these humans thought.

What they were was unknowable, but they still were not ever powerful.

With enough force, they were dragged away by the people who once looked at them equally

The one yellow as pollen was taken into a deep cavernous temple, locked into the darkness, with nothing within it. No escape. The entrance to this prison was sealed with a boulder.

He screamed for them to release him, but his words, something only his other understood, fell on deaf ears.

He pushed and clawed at the rock, but it was too heavy

These people believed their worship of isolation and fasting was pure and accepted by their god.

The other was left to a fate less horrendous, but equally lonely.

Tossed down into a pit, deep with only a manmade covering to hide it.

He as well demanded to be freed, but none of that was to come

These humans worshipped the sky at night that this being reminded them of, that being the only thing that he could see from his prison, though there was also a reminder in the daylight of who he was missing

The humans dropped food of animals down to him.

They werent able to starve to death, nor did they need to eat in the way animals and living things did, but it would give them extra energy if they needed it. No, they took in the rays of the star above them.

So, with the one in the pit, he received more that enough to keep him mobile.

The one in the cave, however...

centuries passed. Thousands and thousands of years

And they who have been here since before time itself, before knowing that of light and space and earth and death

They changed

Slowly, over time, of desperation and madness, and forces they themselves would never truly understand

They changed.

The cavern, where slowly less and less voices of prayer came, lost to a memory

Where eyes as blue as the sky became milky white

Where his mind grew blank with bleakness and its voice lost all form of words

Body became sharp and thin and twisted

Claws and teeth long and sharp.

In the pit, staring up at day and night as blood, and bodies of animal sacrifice fell upon him

One day, he accepted them, hoping for the strength needed to climb free

Eventually, it forgot why it was even down there.

And then the food stopped coming.

It had spent years and years, copying the shrieks and cries of a wounded animal, luring certain animals to the wide spaced grate above

It never felt hunger but it ached for the blood and rush that the meal provided

Its body became more wild, more dangerous

For some years its back ached until there was a weak flap of wings

Wings.

W i n g s.

Freedom.

The other was still trapped for sometime, having long forgotten what it was. What it was missing. Neither could remember but they could feel it

It would be sheer luck that some unfortunate children, merely teenagers, would come to that stone that their ancestors had made and laid there, not just a myth among them now.

That a god lay in the cave, dangerous and angry, locked away when it tried to turn against the people that worshiped it...or so they say the story goes

It would be their misfortune as they struggled to move the circular rock, that light from the evening setting sun would start to peek through inside

And something would come leaping out at them.

They fled from the monster, leaving one screaming to their fate to the creature so starved.

After, once its frenzy ended, it luckily took off into the forest surrounding it, away from the pain of the sun on its wide white eyes

It was fate, it would seem that they would find one another again

So changed by time and humanities unknowing cruelties

More animal than whatever they may have been to begin with

The winged one had found it one day, though not knowing fully why it was pulled toward it

The blind one, having changed even more in these years of freedom, lashed out at the new arrival

This, in turn, made the winged one defend itself.

They fought, clicking and screeching at one another until the teeth were dug into fur

Something clicked in this mindless mind that this thing was the same as itself.

They backed away from one another

Slowly, they reapproached...they chirred and cooed and inspected one another. One with sight the other with smell.

And they laid down together for the first time in forever

They wandered for some years, avoiding the creatures they felt compelled to hide from.

Until one day..

A small little voice spoke up at the blind one, not screaming or attacking with things that hurt

"Puppy..?"