#I think about them too much so now I’m thinking things like how valen is such a gym gf loll

[cashweasel]

Got tagged by @lilyoffandoms and @sosolenoo to share a wip 💓

I believe the term wip applies to something a person intends to finish so 😂 idk KDJSKSJSK but here’s a little self indulgent sketch of the best homies

Tagging @night-triumphantt @rjschoicesstuff @nerdferatum @erixadraws @oh-so-youre-a-nerd and basically everyone lol

[rorywritesjunk]

I can’t tell where the journey will end But I know where to start

Prequel to my Kid Buggy fic, set about 11-ish years before that story.

Buggy meets you by chance when he needs his buttons sewn back onto his jacket. He’s young, up and coming, and he thinks everyone should cower before him wherever he goes, but all you do is smile at him.

Rating: PG-13ish just for some swearing. Warning: Buggy’s in his early 20s. He’s an asshole. He just is because I wanted to write him loud, demanding, everything. Also, I'm not nice to Buggy when he tries to flirt. I definitely write him as a bit of a disaster when it happens. It's just going to get a bit worse from here. There's a storm mentioned in this chapter and a love confession. A/N: I have no idea when Buggy became a Captain, so he’s a fresh faced captain in this. No clue how long this fic will be. A shoutout to @lavalampskyy for telling me about the song "Warm" by Montcrieff because that song definitely influenced me to actually write this chapter and rework some things, so thank you friend! I've listened to it way too much in the last 24 hours.

Title comes from “Wake Me Up” by Avicii.

TAGLIST: @lostfirefly @ane5e @kingofthemfingpirates @the-angriest-angel @tiredemomama @valen-yamyam16 @i-reblog-fics-i-like @plethora-of-fickleness @uhnanix Chapter 1 + Chapter 2 + Chapter 3 + Chapter 4 + Chapter 5 + Chapter 6 + Chapter 7 + Chapter 8 + Chapter 9 + Chapter 10 + Chapter 11 + Chapter 12 + Chapter 13 + Chapter 14 + Chapter 15 + Chapter 16 + Chapter 17 + Chapter 18 + Epilogue

Chapter 9

Buggy realized he was truly in love with you when you hugged him that day but he didn’t say anything, not yet. He wanted it to be perfect when he told you. He wasn’t quite ready to propose marriage yet either, and the two of you only had one date, sort of, which ended in him embarrassing himself, but the fact that you brushed off the spill and took care of him made him realize that he wanted that all the time with you. There was no one else for him after that.

He just needed the right time to tell you. 

The best time, he decided, was when he brought his coat to you once again one afternoon, a few weeks after the hug. Benji was at the counter, looking unimpressed when he saw Buggy. He looked the pirate up and down before rolling his eyes.

“What do you want now?” The teen asked, sounding bored.

“Benji.” You warned as you came from the backroom. You were trying to get him to be a little nicer to the clients. Your eyes lit up when you saw Buggy and you smiled; he straightened up and held his coat out.

“Sorry.” Benji grumbled. “How can I help you today, sir?”

“Better.” You took the coat from Buggy. “Mm, what’s wrong with it now, Buggy?”

“None of the threads holding the buttons match.” He told you as you hung it up. Benji made a face and went to look it over with you. The thread looked fine to him and he nudged you gently.

“I think he’s losing his eyesight.” He whispered as he glanced back at Buggy. “They look fine to me.”

You shook your head and chuckled. “No, no, he’s right. The shades are just different enough that it can be noticeable.” You turned back to Buggy. “Can I keep it for a few hours to work on it?”

“Only if I can take you out to dinner afterwards.” He said with a grin. You looked a little surprised by that but you smiled and nodded.

“After you pay for the services, of course.”

“I-I was going to pay!” He exclaimed, looking flustered now. “Why wouldn’t I pay?!”

“I’m teasing, of course you’ll pay.” You chuckled as you smoothed the front of the coat out. “I’ll have it ready for our date then.”

Ha! You called it a date. That was perfect. Buggy couldn’t help but feel smug as he winked at you and turned to leave the shop. He shut the door behind him, hoping you didn’t notice several of his fingers got caught in the door jamb and popped off, falling to the floor. He hastily opened the door and collected them before shutting it again. You and Benji watched the whole thing; Benji seemed a little horrified but you just shook your head.

“You’re going out with him?” Benji asked, sounding disgusted. “Why?!”

“I like him.” You told him as you went to go find some thread and a needle. “And he’s very sweet to me.”

“Lots of guys are sweet to you.” Benji pointed out as he returned to the counter. “I don’t get why you like it coming from him though.”

“He’s not like the others.” You shrugged as you set your tools down on the table and collected his jacket. “Now, I’m going to have you help with this, so you have to do it correctly, understand? You can’t mess it up on purpose because you don’t like Buggy.”

“Fine.” He grumbled as he went to help you.

~

Buggy arrived three hours later. He made sure to look his best. His face was clean, his hair was brushed, and he wore some of his best clothes to take you out. He had a bouquet of flowers for you and a basket in one hand. He felt a picnic dinner at the lake would be a good spot. He wouldn’t be an asshole this time, you could see the ducks, and he could tell you that he was in love with you and everything would be perfect. 

He entered the shop and saw Benji and Miss Pins first. They looked up at him; Benji rolled his eyes but Miss Pins looked quite amused to see him.

“So, another date?” She asked. Buggy glared at her as his face reddened.

“What if it is?” He shot back as he set the basket down. 

Miss Pins shrugged, a smirk on her face as looked him up and down. “And dressed up for it as well. You really like our Sunny, don’t you?”

“Listen, you-”

He didn’t get to finish the sentence because you came down the stairs at that moment, catching his attention. He turned to look and his eyes widened. You had a new dress on, one he hadn’t seen before, a pretty light green color with cap sleeves. It fell at mid-calf, the skirt had a nice swoosh to it, and the neckline didn’t dip down too far. There was embroidery around the hem of the skirt, colorful flowers with twisty stems and leaves. Did you make this yourself?

“Your coat is ready.” You told him as you went right past him to grab it from the back. He was just staring at you, speechless for a moment as his brain registered that you dressed nice for him. Benji waved his hand in front of Buggy’s face to get his attention while Miss Pins snapped her fingers. You came back out with it and took it off the hanger, holding it out for him. He let you put it on him, face burning bright red as you smoothed it over his shoulders. He turned around to face you and you tugged on one of the buttons. “All matching threads for you, Buggy.”

He said nothing as he slammed the payment onto the counter and then held the bouquet out to you. Words were escaping him right then because he didn’t know what to say to you. You took the bouquet from him and kissed his cheek before taking them to the backroom to find them a vase.

“Why isn’t he saying anything?” Benji whispered to Miss Pins. She shrugged.

“No clue.”

“S-Shut it, you two!” Buggy managed to hiss as he glared at them. “I’m fine!”

“Are you though?” Benji grinned. Before Buggy could respond you came back out, setting the vase on the table. He picked the basket up and held his hand out to you, which you took before he led you out of the shop and down the road. 

~

Buggy didn’t want to jinx it because so far everything was going perfectly. He had put a blanket down, pulled the food out (something he got from the little cafe you had your first date at), and he even had a bag of seed for you to throw to the ducks. He still didn’t quite get the enjoyment in that, but if it meant seeing how your eyes lit up and the little squeals of joy you emitted every time one quacked at you, then he would make sure to always bring you a giant bag of seeds for the ducks. 

It was perfect until clouds started to roll in. Buggy tried to ignore them, hoping they would just move along to somewhere else so the two of you could keep enjoying the nice weather. 

He cleared his throat and took your hand in his. “I… have something to say.”

“Okay.” You turned to look at him, giving his hand a squeeze. “What is it?”

There was a rumbling of thunder in the distance. No, no, it needed to wait until he could tell you. 

“Sunny, I’m in lo-”

The clouds opened up and the rain came down, catching the two of you by surprise. You gathered everything into the basket before grabbing his hand and dragging him over to a nearby structure to get out of the wet. You couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden downpour but Buggy didn’t find it funny.

“Why is it every time I try…” He grumbled as he crossed his arms, glaring outwards. You didn’t hear him as you walked over to him, tapping him on the shoulder. He turned to look at you, still glaring, but you weren’t bothered by it.

“What were you about to say to me before the downpour?” You asked. 

He hesitated. If he said anything else something could happen, like a flash flood or the structure collapsing. And if he said it, how would you react to it? He was in love with you but what if you weren’t in love with him? What if you just laughed at him, patted him on the cheek and sent him on his way? He was starting to wonder if you were just tolerating him at this point.

“I didn’t…” He hesitated, maybe this was a bad idea.

You frowned as you pulled him into a hug. He allowed this, letting his head rest on your shoulder as you pressed a kiss to his temple. This is what he wanted. He just wanted to be in your arms forever and if he wanted that he needed to tell you how he felt before someone else came along and you decided they were better for you. 

The two of you stayed like that for a moment before Buggy finally spoke. 

“I’m in love with you.” He mumbled against your shoulder. You didn’t quite catch that and pulled back from him. 

“Can you repeat that?” You asked kindly. “I didn’t understand.”

He lifted his head off your shoulder and quickly said, “Iminlovewithyou.”

“I… didn’t understand that, Buggy.” You told him, smiling as you shook your head. “Can you say it again?”

He hated that he was hesitant. This was supposed to be some grand proclamation he was about to make, but given his track record of trying to do anything for you, he was convinced something horrible was about to happen. Lightning could strike him before he could speak, or that stupid handsome swordsman would appear and take you away, or what if the ducks suddenly attacked him? 

You touched his cheek, snapping him back to his senses. “Buggy?”

It had to be now or never, ducks be damned. 

He took both of your hands in his and took a deep breath. “I’m in love with you.”

There, he said it. 

Lightning didn’t strike either of you. No one else showed up to take you away from him. And he glanced over your shoulder to see the ducks still in the lake, not charging toward him in an angry horde. You, however, were quiet. That was starting to worry him, but he had to deal with this. You probably didn’t feel the same way. It was stupid of him to even think you would. He let go of your hands, trying to think of a joke to get him out of this now because why would you ever want someone like him? He just needed to tell you he was kidding, that it wasn’t true, just wanted to see what you’d do, but before he could do anything, you grabbed the front of his coat and pulled him close, leaning up to kiss him.

He stiffened, not expecting that reaction. He expected you to push him away, telling him to stop making jokes, that you didn’t feel the same way. Those scenarios played through in his head as you kissed him, not letting him leave yet. Were you waiting to tell him to leave you alone, that you didn’t want to see him ever again after this?

When you finally pulled back from the kiss, you still held onto the front of his coat, not letting him bolt. Your cheeks were pink, you were smiling up at him, and he didn’t know what to make of the twinkle in your eye. He was just waiting for the inevitable.

“I like you a lot, Buggy.” You told him. “And I’m starting to fall in love with you.” There was a crack of thunder nearby and you laughed. “Let’s go back to the shop before we get washed away. I’ll make you a hot drink.”

He nodded fast, head almost dislodging from his body at the speed of the movement. You were starting to fall in love, that meant you were going to eventually. That was better than what he was anticipating happening.

[not-a-space-alien]

K&J x MMSS 4: Valen & Jim Part 8

Part eight of the fourth crossover with @whumpsday!

K&J masterlist

MMSS masterlist

K&J x MMSS crossover masterlist

To be added to the taglist, contact @whumpsday

Warnings: Explicit sex (PiV, oral, cisM/TransM), internalized transphobia

In this chapter: Sweet soft sensual love between two uwu cinnamon rolls 

18+ only!

***

Jim takes things slow, following Valen's lead in their relationship. He's content to just be together, and he doesn't want to overstep after their first kiss. He only starts kissing Valen on the mouth after Valen starts.

Valen starts to warm up to the idea of kissing, and he starts to kiss Jim on the mouth sometimes before bed. One night, as they lay there in bed, Valen asks Jim how the fangs affect kisses. Does he accidentally hurt him? Does it make it scary?

"It doesn't hurt," Jim assures him. "It was scary at first, I gotta admit. Made me hesitate the first time for sure. But it's not like Kane was kissing me." He makes a grossed-out face. "I'm not scared of your fangs anymore. It's you."

Valen smiles, letting it stretch all the way to his eyes without worrying about it showing his teeth. He thinks about cracking a joke about Kane, but he doesn't want Jim to dwell on Kane more than he already is.

"I'm glad," is what he says instead, and he kisses Jim again, folding his arms into his chest and letting himself be held.

Jim kisses Valen back through a smile, holding him. "How about you?" he asks after. "I know you've got your own stuff to deal with. Am I scary?"

"You're not scary, no." It's difficult to explain what aspect of being with Jim is scary. He's scared of the potential of something.

"You forget sometimes? Go back there in your head?" Jim asks. That's been happening to him, it's terrifying and annoying. He figures maybe it happens to Valen, too.

"Yes, a little," he says. "Although I imagine it's not as bad for me as it is for you. What you went through is much worse than anything I've ever gone through."

"It's not a competition. You don't need to play it down like that. What you went through was fucked up," Jim says. "You know, we don't have to have sex if you don't wanna. Like, ever. Just wanted to make sure you know that."

Valen nods. Jim is so sweet. "Thank you. That means a lot to me." He takes a shuddering breath. "We should try, though. I've never done it with...anyone else. And maybe it'll be different. I don't want, I won't let him steal the possibility from me. Just... Just promise me you won't look at me differently afterwards?"

"Course I won't. I'd never look at you different. Whenever you're ready, we can give it a shot." Jim assumes Valen doesn't mean “try now.” "Your pace."

"Okay," says Valen, who does mean "try now" and hadn't really thought about waiting for some other night. "I think I'm ready. Go, go ahead." He wants to try it, but Jim has given him no way forward. Jim doesn't initiate, he lets Valen set the pace, and Valen is so used to only putting on the brakes, and fending off advances, that he has no idea how to invite them in a way that feels safe. He just lies there after giving Jim permission.

"Oh! Oh, alright." Jim internally kicks himself for being so awkward. "Hey, is there anything you don't want me to do? For me, well, you know I don't like my neck touched."

"Oh, yes," says Valen. "I, I also think I wouldn't like--well, not touched, but, my neck--if you would please not....try to choke me. Or hold me down. Or...Do you have condoms? I-I don't want to get pregnant." He flushes. Is such a thing even possible with a human?

"Holy shit, is that actually possible?" Jim asks. He doesn't think so, but maybe Valen knows something he doesn't. He's the science nerd. Or maybe, Valen just wants him to wear a condom and that's his way of asking. 

“I’m not sure if it’s possible… I just want to be on the safe side.” 

"Oh. Right. I mean, yeah, I got 'em. And I'd never do that other stuff. Holding down and choking are- yeah, big nos for me too. Not fun." He’s had enough of both of those from Kane.

He kisses Valen on the temple. "Be right back." He goes to his room to get a condom.

When Jim leaves the room, Valen lays himself out on the bed, trying to look seductive. Wait, Jim is homosexual, he's not attracted to women. He can't act like a woman, he has to act like a man. But Jim is also going to act like a man, how can they both do that? He starts to take his own shirt off, thinking he might panic if Jim undresses him, but then remembers that will expose his breasts. Jim probably will find them horribly unattractive, thinking them womanly. He'll probably think the same about his labia. But then, how will they have sex if Jim won't find those parts attractive? He flops down on his back, faceup. He's thinking too much. Just let Jim do it. That's what he's always done, just lie there and let his partner do it. He shouldn't be trying to figure it out, that's not how he does it.

Jim returns with a condom in hand. He puts it on the nightstand and lays down next to Valen. "Hey. It's alright, it's not like before. I'm not him. We're doing this for it to be fun for both of us. You can stop anytime you want and nothing bad'll happen." He cups Valen's cheek. "You wanna take my clothes off?"

Valen nods as Jim speaks. "Yeah. It'll be nice. Um, no, you-you take your clothes off. You just, just do what you think seems good, and I'll stop you if I don't like it. Please?"

"Yeah, whatever you wanna do." Jim takes his shirt off. "No more Lyme." he says with a goofy grin. "I've never been with a trans guy before, so, you know, I'm flying half-blind. You gotta let me know what feels good." He's honestly had little experience in general. Kane took him when he was only 19, so a single awkward experience from 6 years ago is all he has to work off of.

He lightly takes the edge of Valen's shirt. "You want me to take your clothes off?"

"Yes," he says. "Go ahead. Um, are you sure you'll find me attractive? With them off?"

"I've never been more sure of anything." Jim says confidently.

He kisses Valen before pulling his shirt over his head. Jim's hands run lovingly up Valen's sides, slipping under his binder to pull that off, too.

Valen lets out a nervous squeak. "Um, l-leave that on, actually? Um, you can take my pants off, though. I, I didn't shave though."

Jim's hands slide back down, leaving the binder in place. "Yeah, me neither." he says lightheartedly.

He goes to take his own off first, lowering them and his boxers in one go. He's half-hard, and though he's excited, he's also more than a little nervous. He's scared he's just gonna do a shit job and Valen won't have a good time and won't want to be with him anymore. His hands go to Valen's waistband next.

Valen looks at Jim's erection with fascination, his sample size of penises he has seen outside of an educational setting doubling from 1 to 2. He thinks this will feel good--hopes it, because if it doesn't feel good with Jim, well then it just might not be for him, and he wants to take sex back as something he has ownership of, not just something that happens to him.

Yeah. That's what he wants. He puts his hands over Jim's hands and helps him lower Valen's pants down, revealing his boxer-briefs. "Um, usually Priscus would do something like rub my back first, when we got to this point," he says shyly. "To give me some extra time to relax before we start."

Valen is gorgeous. Jim's never seen this much of him before: he's always wearing all those layers of black clothes, and he makes sure to discreetly give him privacy when changing.

The mention of Priscus gives him pause, but Valen's saying it like something he likes. "How about you lie down and I'll rub your back, then? That sounds nice."

"Yes, please." He lays down. He loves having his back rubbed. This was one of the few things Priscus contributed to the whole process that he appreciated... Although he didn't want to give him too much credit, because he only did it because Valen had started to desperately suggest things to slow the process down.

Jim massages Valen's back, hands working lightly at his muscles. "You're gorgeous, by the way," he says bashfully.

"Th-thank you," Valen says, burying his face in his hands, red from nose to ears. "You're–you're also quite attractive."

Jim goes red too, and the two of them sit there hiding their faces, embarrassed and red and excited. They both break into giggles, which eases the tension.

Jim goes back to rubbing Valen’s back. Valen lets out a few satisfied moans. "What, um, what position do you think would be best for us to try?"

"Hmm." Jim considers, rubbing circles into Valen where he lets out those satisfied little sounds at. "I've never been, uh, the one on top before. This is a whole new world of sexual possibilities. How you feel about... lotus? You could sit in my lap. No one's on top of anyone, and I'd get to look at you." He smiles. "Or I could eat you out, if you want." He figures he'll throw that in there. Maybe it'll be further away from what Priscus had done, and feel safer.

Valen flushes beet red, even redder than before. "Oh? I've never done anything like that before. We were, were having sex strictly for procreation, so we didn't do anything that-- well, you get the idea." He twists his hands in the sheets. He's been having a hard time thinking of sex as anything other than him taking a penis in the vagina until the owner of said penis ejaculates. But that's the point, he's trying to make it something better. "You can try if you like. Um, it shouldn't be hard to find because, because the testosterone has made it a lot bigger. It's not quite a micropenis, but..."

He flips over, gazing at Jim, totally embarrassed and unable to figure out how to handle the attention being paid to his own desires.

Jim's smile grows as he sees how red Valen is getting. He's cute. He kisses right below Valen's binder, and keeps kissing as his face goes lower and lower. "I wanna make you feel good." he breathes when he reaches Valen's boxers, hooking his fingers under the waistband.

Valen hides his face. "Go ahead, go-go ahead." He slips his underwear down and spreads his legs, still not making eye contact, still overwhelmed and squirming with embarrassment

Jim ducks his head between Valen's legs. His tdick isn't quite big enough for him to treat it like he has sucking dick before, but it should be basically a similar principle, right? Stimulation feels good. He licks around it teasingly, his arms sliding under Valen's thighs.

Valen tries not to squeal, letting out overwhelmed moans instead. He threads his fingers through Jim's curls, stopping just short of actually grabbing, trying to keep his hands light.

Jim freezes for a second when Valen's hands go to his hair, his heart suddenly gripped with fear. But he's not grabbed and pulled and manhandled. Valen's touch is soft. Gentle. He's safe. He relaxes again, resuming his efforts. He licks Valen's tdick experimentally, slowly at first.

Valen pauses when Jim freezes. "Oh, are you all right? Is that all right?"

Jim picks his head up. "All good, jus' don't pull. You can grab if you don't pull." he decides. Valen is safe. Jim ducks his head back down between Valen's thighs, swirling his tongue around his tdick.

Valen squirms, running his hands through Jim's hair, stroking, scritching his scalp

We were having sex strictly for procreation. Valen's probably never had this part of him paid attention to by another person.

Jim flicks his tongue, trying out different things to see what Valen likes best. Whenever Valen reacts well, he keeps going with that for a bit before switching it up. He hugs the thighs around his head. He likes Valen's hands in his hair. It's totally different, now.

Valen reacts the strongest to broad, steady licks. At one point when Jim happens to sucks his Tdick by taking it between his lips, Valen reacts very strongly to that, gasping. "Oh, keep doing that, keep doing that please." He starts to clench his hands in Jim's hair but then remembers not to. This is a disaster waiting to happen. He loves the feeling of Jim's hair, but he knows it's foolish to keep going the way he is, so he removes his hands from Jim's head and grabs the sheets.

When Jim hugs his thighs around his head, it's all he can do not to crush his skull between his legs. He whimpers, legs trembling, hands twisting in the sheets beneath him.

Oh, you like that? Jim keeps going, picking up the pace a little, pleased he's getting such a strong positive reaction from Valen. It seems like Valen's given up with his hair, which is probably for the best to avoid any accidental pulling, even if Jim likes it.

Valen starts to pant, grinding on Jim's face, squirming and whimpering and crying, overwhelmed, begging him to keep going. His toes curl, his eyes roll back in his head, his whole body shudders. There's a huge rippppppppp as Valen claws the sheets, going silent except for strangulated breaths as he writhes in ecstasy. It’s a Herculean effort to control his limbs and not kick out to send Jim flying across the room.

The orgasm seems to last a long time for something that came over him so quickly. When it finally peters out, Valen lies with his eyes on the ceiling, chest heaving, whole body limp.

Jim comes up through Valen's legs a bit and rests his head on Valen's stomach. "Did I do good?" he asks playfully.

Valen flushes and whines in embarrassment, hiding his face. "Y-yes," he squeaks. "Thank you."

"Do you wanna do anything else? If not, I can take care of myself." He's got a raging boner by this point, leaking precum onto the torn sheets.

“Just-just a moment.” Valen is still panting, overheated, staring at the ceiling. He just lies there reeling for a moment.

Jim gets up and washes off his face, because he’s absolutely sticky at that point. He comes back in and leans against the doorframe, smirking. “That good, huh?”

“Yes.” He props himself up on an elbow, eyes crawling over Jim’s nude body. “You’re delightful. Um.” He swallows. "Can I...play with it? It's okay if not, I understand my teeth m-might make it a bit harder."

Oh. Jim hadn't even considered the possibility that Valen might want to give him oral. The thought makes him really nervous, but also excited at the same time. "Um, yeah, we can try, but I might stop you. Just, y'know, fangs. But yes." He sits on the bed.

"Okay." Valen nuzzles Jim's stomach, trailing down it. He's still reeling from the massive orgasm Jim had given him, and he doubts he'll be able to do anything quite like that, but he's excited to try. He's scared, though; humans are so fragile.

Valen tentatively strokes Jim's shaft with his fingers, watching interestedly as it twitches under his touch. He starts at the head, licking the precum up, then sucking just the head and gradually taking more and more of it in his mouth.

Jim is really nervous, and it's making him tense. He trusts Valen, but he can't help but think about how little effort it would take for a vampire to, even by total accident, hurt him when he's this vulnerable.

But Valen doesn't hurt him. The opposite, he feels good. He shivers with pleasure, letting out a little moan.

Valen swirls his tongue on Jim's shaft, focusing on the areas that elicit the loudest moans from Jim. After a minute or two, Valen's nerves get the better of him and he removes his mouth. "Th-thank you for trusting me. I-I do enjoy this, but I think I should stop now, um, I'm afraid if I keep going my teeth will slip." He leans back and runs his hands over his pubic mound, parting his labia. "Do-do you want to put the condom on and fuck me?"

"Yeah." Jim squeaks, hastily unwrapping it and putting it on, face flushed. He wraps his arms around Valen, ready to pull him into his lap, but doesn't yet. "You ready?"

"Yes," Valen says, still red in the face. He hasn't been not flushed since they started. "D-do it."

Jim pulls Valen close, into his lap. He keeps his arms loosely hugged around him- Valen may be a hundred times stronger than he is, but he doesn't want him to feel trapped. He kisses Valen, tasting himself on his lips, as he enters him.

Valen moans as he does so. The feeling of being filled is so much, but for the first time, it feels like he can handle it, and enjoy it. He starts to rock against Jim, grinding his hips. He kisses back, dragging Jim's hands down to cup Valen's ass as they move

Jim squeezes Valen's ass, bouncing him in his lap. Valen feels so good around him. He moves one hand down between their bodies to rub Valen's tdick- Jim can feel how close he is already, and wants to make sure he can make Valen cum again too.

Valen hadn't really expected to get one orgasm out of this, let alone two. The stimulation is quickly becoming too much, edging into painful. "Ooh, stop," he says, pushing Jim's hand away. "I-I mean, thank you, but you don't have to do that. This is fine just like this."

Jim stops, going back to cupping his ass and making a mental note that Valen doesn't like multiple orgasms. "Sorry," he murmurs, rocking back and forth. "Thanks for telling me." He keens, burying his face in Valen's shoulder. "S-so good."

Valen wraps his arms around Jim's body, stroking the nape of his neck, running his hands through his hair again, since Jim had seemed to start to like it before. "Thank you for trying so hard to please me. You're doing so well." Oh, this is scratching some sort of itch... "You're good too, you're doing so well. Why don't you come for me? I'd love to see that."

Jim was already teetering on the edge, and Valen's words push him over with a gasp. He hugs Valen tight to him as he cums, overwhelmed with pleasure. He leans against Valen after, nuzzling into him. "Wow."

Valen pulls Jim down into a lying position on the bed, nuzzling him back. It feels a little bit like they're both glowing. "That was wonderful. I'm so glad we could both be brave enough to make it happen."

Jim kisses Valen on the cheek and smiles. "Me too."

***

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@t0rture-me

@thecyrulik

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@vehan-tikkun-olam-and-stuff

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[whumpsday]

K&J x MMSS 2: Valen & Liz Part 1

Kane & Jim masterlist / Magnanimous Moonrise & Savage Sunset masterlist

content: starvation, blood, nonconsensual restraint, muzzle/gag, aftermath of torture, misgendering a nonbinary character (non-malicious), mentions of rape/noncon, rescue, recovery, vampire whumpee

Note: This is NOT a continuation of the first KJ x MMSS crossover.

Set after K&J #39: Heat Wave Part 2 and after/diverges from 6M/6S

me and @not-a-space-alien are back with another collab!! part 2 will be posted tomorrow! nasa did pretty much all the editing on this one, so huge thanks to them!!

also: i included the taglists for both stories in the first crossover bc i thought it would be a one-and-done thing, but it’s looking like we’re gonna be putting out a bunch of stuff. as such, i will be including the taglists on this and the second part tomorrow as well, but if you’d like to continue being tagged in crossover pieces, please comment saying so in order to remain on the taglist! it’s opt-in! and as the next crossover will be 18+, please be 18+ to enter the taglist for that.

-

Liz hasn't been able to stop thinking about the vampire since she heard about him.

Valen Kithrara. If any vampires deserved to get what's coming to them, it's the Kithrara family. But Kane… Kane's a horrible person, too. He took away the only family she had left, methodically destroyed Jim's spirit until he was a paranoid, crying mess who took years to build himself back up. An abusive piece of shit who by all accounts deserves to die. And yet, as much as she hates to admit it, as much as she hates him, she can't help but feel bad for the guy. She even let him stay in her house for a few days during that heat wave fiasco last month, so it's safe to say they're fine now, she guesses.

If she can be fine with her brother's abuser who she still fucking hates, she can stop this random vampire she doesn't even know from being tortured, no matter what he'd done.

She's going to kill Valen Kithrara. Put the guy out of his misery. In and out, that's the plan. No more fucked up torture, especially when the person she heard about it from said he heard that all the useful “experiments” had been done months ago and it was basically just senseless at this point. She was able to get ahold of the schedule of that base, and it's supposed to be empty tonight. In and out.

When she gets there, she curses under her breath. There's a car out front. Someone's still here. No one's supposed to be here, but then again, neither is she.

She knocks on the door.

Nick answers. He's breathing slightly heavily, and looks caught off guard. "Er, can I help you?"

Oh, this guy is definitely hiding something. Perfect. All Liz has to do is get him to let her down there and she can stake the vampire. He won't want to admit he was even here, and if he does, she can just say the vampire attacked her. It'd be her word against his. "Hey, I'm Beth. I'm from a different branch a few hours out. I happened to be in town, and remembered hearing you guys have a live vampire here. I'm toootally interested in the experiments you're running. I gotta get going tonight, but I figured I'd swing by to take a look if that's okay, see what your setup is so maybe we can get some research going back in my county," she bullshits, giving him a friendly smile.

Nick narrows his eyes. "Are you on duty? Where is your hunting partner?"

"Nah, not on duty. Definitely don't do that shit alone." She laughs. God, she hadn't even told Laken she was doing this. She'll tell them after. "Just in town for personal business. Why, you guys understaffed and want me to pick up a shift?”

Nick blinks at her. "No, nothing like that. You may look, as long as you don't touch anything. I will warn you safely keeping a vampire in a setup like this involves a fair amount of homemade equipment. I made it all myself. I would be happy to share the blueprints with you if you have someone with the technical know-how to recreate them." He opens the door and lets her in, walking to the basement and unlocking the door.

"Cool, thanks!" Liz forces herself to sound enthusiastic, despite knowing she's about to see something truly awful, and follows him inside. What awaits her is something out of a horror movie. The room is filled with torture devices, and Valen himself- god, he looks even worse than Kane did, and completely terrified.

It's at that moment she realizes that she won't be able to do it. On the job, she kills strong vampires who fight her back. She can't bring herself to kill someone so utterly helpless and scared. Which means everything is suddenly a lot more complicated.

"So, what's that thing you've got it locked up in?" she asks.

Nick sits on the lid of the coffin, near Valen's feet. Valen begins to sob, titling his head to make eye contact with Liz. He can't speak, but the message is clear enough from the big, watery eyes. Please, please please please. "It's a shell of silver-core bars coated with iron, with internal restraints. We call it the coffin. The director insists that safety is our topmost priority, but this satisfies even him to know that this vampire isn't going anywhere. It would have to break through two layers of silver restraints, then remove the muzzle on its face before being able to use persuasion. And as a precaution, we never open the coffin unless at least two people are present."

"Well, shit, we've got two people here right now. I could spot you if you wanted to try anything out." The gossip she'd heard included that the guy doing the experiments could hardly even find anyone to go with him anymore because everyone was sick of his shit. "I'd love to see your work in action and everything, if you've got the time."

Nick stares at her. "Please show me your credentials. I could be fired if I didn't ensure the second party was qualified to supervise."

"Of course, yeah." Liz fishes out her hunting license. Elizabeth Lieberman, it reads. She's glad she chose an alias that works with her ID, but with the way her plan is evolving, she's becoming less sure whatever secret reason he's here right now would be enough to keep him from reporting her when she does what she's about to do. But she can't leave this guy here, she can't. She'll just have to figure it out. Get people to cover for her. "I don't think I ever got your name, by the way?"

"Nicholas." He examines the ID and apparently finds it to his satisfaction. He then gives it back, and walks over to the furnace, lighting it and setting the stoneware cup of silver in it to melt. This prompts a fresh round of sobbing from Valen, and him writhing inside the cage, but the device is too heavy for it to even shake under his thrashing.

Nick comes back and sits on the coffin again, crossing his legs. "Elizabeth Lieberman? It's nice to meet you. I don't suppose you're related to Jim Lieberman?"

"Nice to meet you too. Yeah, he's my brother. Got an apprenticeship a couple months after he got taken, started hunting the second I turned 18, never looked back." It's easier to say something genuine than lie through her teeth. What the fuck, is this guy gonna pour silver on him? Why? It's not like hunters could carry around molten silver. "How'd you get into it?"

"Interesting. I've always been fascinated by Jim's story. The two of you are very strong." Nick pulls down his shirt collar to reveal the scars from fang marks on the side of his neck. "I relate to Jim's story on a personal level. That is what got me into hunting." He releases the shirt. "I'm not a proper hunter, though. I don't have a hunting partner. I'm simply an affiliate of the guild. I do research and support."

Liz figured. The guy isn't built like a hunter. She's trained for this work half her life, and it shows. She knows she can take him easily. Hearing his story makes her feel wildly guilty about that, though. God, if he's been through what Jim's been through… well, if she does this right, he won't even know what hit him until he wakes up with a bad headache. And she can't just leave this vampire here.

"Congrats on getting out. That takes guts." She means it. She guesses that's the kind of thing that could drive someone to… this. "I think your silver might be done."

Nick smiles widely. "Thank you. Jim's book mentioned how much you two missed each other. I imagine you must feel the same hatred towards vampires as I do. As many of us do. If you'd like to assist, typically I have someone handle the vampire while I handle the equipment." He hands her a key, then he walks over to the furnace and holds the long metal tongs with the glowing silver on the end. "All you need to do is hold it still on the ground. Kneeling on the shoulders usually works well."

Liz stuffs the key in her pocket, grabs the stake off her belt, and slams the blunt end into the side of his head while he's turned around. She grabs him as he falls, making sure the molten silver that clatters to the floor doesn't get on him. "Sorry, Nicholas," she says softly, setting him down in the chair in front of the desk.

She re-sheathes her stake, pulls out the key, and approaches Valen. "Hey, buddy. Let's get you outta this mess." She unlocks the coffin, undoes the restraints, and helps him out of it.

Valen watches her approach the coffin through a haze. He'd been mentally preparing for more torture, and now this muscular, god-like woman had attacked his abuser, and is now approaching him like an angel descending with kind words. This is a dream, right? Was this really happening?

He is completely limp in her hands, in a daze. His cheeks are flushed. As soon as her hands are on him, he decides he's a little bit in love with her.

Liz decides to leave the cuffs on, and obviously the muzzle is staying. This isn't Kane. The collar won't come off on its own, so she checks Nicholas's pocket and finds his keys. After a couple tries, she finds the right one, leaving it inside the coffin before closing the lid. "Bet that's better, huh? C'mon, my truck's just outside. Let's get you up the stairs." It's obvious that Valen can't move that well on his own, and she supports him as they make their way up.

Before they leave the base, she stops. "Valen, right? Okay, a couple ground rules. I'm helping you because torture is fucked up, but I'm still a hunter. I will kill you if you give me a reason to. No attacking, no trying to take that off-" Liz points to his muzzle. "No trying to run off. Not that you really can right now, but that'll change. You don't hurt me and I won't hurt you. Sound good?"

Valen is so overwhelmed by what's happening. He'd just been sitting there, being subjected to another of Nick's night visits, when this hunter strides in and upends everything all at once. It’s different, and that scares him, a lot. He has no idea who this person is, or what they’re going to do to him, but… She said torture is fucked up. So it could be good. Maybe this was over? His brain refuses to register it. It feels like he’s wading through molasses trying to figure out what he should be feeling. His usual internal stream of pleas has been completely silenced by how suddenly everything had pivoted. He's never even seen this hunter before. The muzzle is staying on, so obviously things weren't going to be too good, but…

Cheeks still rosy, eyes wide with fear and hope, he nods silently.

"Good." Liz takes him to the truck, trying to decide on the best place for him. It would be a lot better if she had a trunk, but her only options are the passenger seat, the backseat, or the bed. The first two left her vulnerable to attack- Valen would lose, but she would be driving and that was dangerous as shit. The bed left him wide-open for escape.

She considers going back and getting the coffin, for a moment, but… instead, she sighs and just loads him into the passenger seat and buckles him in. He really doesn't seem like he'll attack. "There we go," she says, before climbing into the driver's seat. "Name's Liz, by the way. I live about three hours away, so get comfortable. And hey: you're out. Take a minute to celebrate it." She gives him a smile and a pat on the shoulder before getting on the road.

You're out. Is that what's happening? It must be, right? Valen lets his head lean into the window, bonking against the glass. He's out. He's away from Nick. He's away from Nick. He starts to cry softly with relief. He's still a prisoner, it's not over, but this seems like it's going to be better. He can hope for that. Maybe it's a lie, he has no reason to trust this person, but she is the first one to say what's happening to him is fucked up and do something to put a stop to it. But where is she taking him…? To her house?

Out of the corner of his eye, he watches her strong-looking hands on the steering wheel and working the gear-shift. He keeps replaying in his mind over and over the sensation of her lifting him up, helping him up the stairs, touching him gently to get him up into the seat and buckle him in. What can I do to make you want to protect me? Anxiety creeps over him.

Liz isn't very talkative on the drive home. She's a little on-edge with a vampire just sitting right next to her while she's driving after having fought so many, and keeps glancing at Valen to make sure he's still chill. She calms down once they finally get to her house. She's glad the timing is good- it's late at night, and no one is out, especially not in a town so close to vampire territory, so no one can see her taking a vampire into her house.

"Alright, we're home." She helps Valen into the house, sitting him on her couch. "I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to take a vampire home tonight, so I'm a little unprepared. Looks like you need… a bath, some clothes, and a meal, for starters." She reaches toward his face. "Not gonna hurt you, just checking out that muzzle," she warns. This isn't Liz's first rodeo, and she's assuming Valen must be at least as jumpy as Jim was when he first came home. The more assurances, the better. She grabs his chin and tilts his head a little, getting a good look of the thing. It doesn't seem locked, which is a major safety hazard she'd have to fix. He wouldn't be able to drink normally with it on, but… "Yeah, I can probably get a straw in there."

Valen's eyes light up with delight when she says this. She's going to feed him? Really? That makes him a little nervous--feed him for what? Dare he believe just because she didn't want to see him starving? And a bath, and clothes… Things you would give a person, and not a piece of meat. It almost feels wrong. It almost feels too much to hope for. Silent tears dribble down his cheeks again, tears of relief. Maybe he could convince her to take the muzzle off. Maybe she wouldn't feel the need to keep him locked up so tight. Maybe, maybe, maybe. Maybe he could be a person and not a piece of meat.

Fuck, he really does remind her of Jim at 24. "Hey, it's gonna be alright." Liz grabs a tissue from the box on the side table and hands it to him. 

He remembers tissues, a relic from an era when he could blow his nose. He takes the tissue and dabbles delicately at his eyes.

"Let's… okay. Blood first, probably. Hmm." She'd heard Jim tell her how Kane jumped on him when he got a papercut, so this guy definitely wouldn't be able to control himself. "I'm gonna have to tie you up first, just for this first time- maybe first few times- to make sure everything goes smoothly. Stay there, lemme work this out."

She's able to scour something along the lines of rope from her camping gear, winding it around his legs and torso firmly and tying it off where he can't reach. Even if he tried to lunge at her, he'd just end up on the floor. "I'll take that off after your dinner. Just try to relax. It'll be fine."

Valen whines softly as Liz approaches him with rope, and starts to sob as she ties him up. It's not painful, it's not even unpleasant except psychologically. More restraints, more tying, more barriers between him and being a person who talks and laughs and says please and thank you and I love you. She tells him to try to relax and it'll be fine, but he can't make his brain believe it. It won't be fine. It's never fine. It's always worse. Things had been getting better, and now they were getting worse again.

Liz passes through the doorway into the kitchen. She'll get a blood draw kit tomorrow, but this will have to do for now. She cuts into her arm, bleeding into a cup.

As soon as the blood is outside of Liz's body, Valen does exactly as she'd predicted, lunging and ending up on the floor. His eyes are wild and predatory, nostrils flaring, and his cuffed hands gouge the floor, raking his claws in an attempt to drag himself forward, growling savagely.

Liz glances back, seeing Valen worming around on the floor. It must be awful to be that desperate for food. She fills about half a cup, which takes longer than she thought it would, before bandaging her arm- first with gauze, then with plastic wrap, to hopefully control the smell a little bit. She hopes Valen is able to control himself a little more after he's finished this. She grabs a straw and heads back to the vampire.

"Valen." He barely seems to hear her. Liz grabs him by the bound wrists to make sure she won't get scratched and pulls him up into a sitting position. She straddles his legs to keep him from moving around so much, then sticks the straw through the muzzle and into his mouth as he strains for the cup. "Fuck, finally. Drink up."

As soon as the straw is in his mouth it's like he's a completely different animal. He sucks and the blood rushes into his mouth, warm and wet. His face instantly loosens into a placid expression, eyelids heavy, lost in the sensation. His eyes flicker to Liz, straddling him. Oh hello, where did you come from, big angel? Thank you. Thank you. He feels the blood warming his frigid insides as it goes down his throat. Thank you. Thank you.

The blood is gone far too fast. The straw wheezes emptily against the dredges at the bottom, Valen still sucking, refusing to admit he's finished.

"Yeah, I get that's probably not enough. Here, lemme turn it around so you can get at the bottom of the straw." Liz pulls the straw from Valen's mouth, flips it, and sticks the blood-covered end back in. After it looks like he's done, she pulls it back out, getting off of him. "I know it sucks, but that's all I've got for you right now. I'll get you more tomorrow."

When Liz lets him lick the straw to get a little extra, he almost starts crying again. She's putting so much thought into his comfort it's almost too much to bear. Ideally he'd like to be allowed to lick the bottom of the cup as well, but he knows why Liz won't let him do that. Please take the muzzle off. I promise it'll be fine. He's starting to have the thought with increasing certainty. Before, back with Nick, he knew for a fact that the second anyone took the muzzle off he'd be using persuasion instantly to try and save himself, but…the urgency to do that was starting to fade, here. Maybe he didn't need to. Maybe they could just have a normal conversation. It’s too good to be true, of course, but it’s a nice thought.

Liz rinses the cup, then returns to untie Valen, helping him off the floor. "Alright. Bathtime, pajamas, then bed. We'll figure the rest out tomorrow. You'll be okay." She helps him upstairs, into her parents' old room. There's a queen-size bed, a bunch of boxes (as she uses it for storage), and an attached bathroom. "This is gonna be your bedroom and your bathroom. I'll get all the boxes and shit out of here at some point this week." She continues helping him to the bathroom.

When she takes him upstairs, he starts to feel a little anxious again as Liz takes him into a bedroom. But Liz is a woman. Even if she did that, it probably wouldn't hurt. It probably wouldn't even be unpleasant. Maybe he would even like it. He thinks about it for a little longer than he probably should, before he realizes what she is saying. Oh, he's getting a bedroom, and a bathroom, and pajamas. That's good, right? He wants that. He starts to bounce a little with excitement. He's getting amenities. Maybe this is okay.

Liz starts filling the tub with warm water, then gestures to Valen's boxers. "You want me to help you get those off, you wanna do it yourself, or you wanna leave 'em on?" She holds up a new finger with each option, indicating for him to do the same to pick which he wants.

He's going to get a bath, but oh, he has to pass the trial of making a decision first. At this point he couldn't care less about his boxers. He has no modesty left, no dignity to scrape up to try and save. He holds up one finger, to ask her to do it, then immediately feels anxious about if that was the wrong thing to do.

"Alrighty, here we go." Liz helps Valen get the boxers off, then helps him into the tub. The cuffs and muzzle are still on, since Liz is afraid he'll take the muzzle off if his hands are free. "I know leaving the cuffs on isn't ideal, but I gotta look out for my own safety too. We just met and all. I promise I'll figure out something better tomorrow, you'll get your hands free. I'll help you get cleaned up for today, though."

She washes his hair and body, trying to be mindful of any injuries, making sure to get under the cuffs and muzzle too. At one point, she presses the washcloth into his hands so he can wash anything below the belt himself.  She has to prompt him to do his own washing a few times before he has the wherewithal to do anything for himself.

After, she helps him into a set of pretty basic pajamas- she does unlock the cuffs briefly so she can get the shirt on, but they go right back on after. "Sorry, I know. It's temporary."

Valen leans into her touches, and at whatever point it's feasible, he leans into her, face into her shoulder, sighing contentedly, clinging to her with his bound hands if she allows it. It's probably pathetic. But he wants to say thank you, and he can't, and it's really, really disappointing when the cuffs don't stay off, but he feels cared for in a way he hasn't in a long time. Not safe, but safer. 

The pajamas are nice--any fabric would be a little scratchy against his injuries, but they're soft and warm, neither of which are anything he's gotten to experience in a while. He sits on the bed, feeling acutely the stark clash between the comforting, gentle pajamas and the hard metal cuffs just a few inches above the sleeves at his wrists.

God, he absolutely breaks Liz's heart. Before sending Valen to bed, she gives him a hug, now reasonably certain he'd want that. He seems desperate for any kind of gentle touch. “It's gonna be alright. It's over. No one's gonna hurt you here." She really feels like she's 20 all over again.

He really, really wants to believe her words. Maybe it's a lie, but for now, in this moment, it's true, and that helps him carry on for a little while.

When Liz leaves him alone to go to bed, he lies down in the luxurious softness of a real bed, but finds to his horror he can't sleep. He's out in the open. That means danger. This is horrible because he starts to realize the solution would be to be shut back in the coffin, which he would hate more than anything, but it's been his only rest and safety for months, training his brain to equate a narrow, enclosed space with sleep and safety.

But he's so tired he wants to cry. Is there anything he could do to possibly recreate this sensation? A weighted blanket maybe? There's nothing. The bathtub? The underside of the bed looks tall enough for him to squeeze under, but he doesn't want to leave the softness and warmth of the blankets.

Whimpering, he pulls the comforter off the bed and wraps himself up in it as best as he can, steps onto the floor, and kneels down, jamming himself under the bed and wriggling forward until most of his body is under it. He almost hopes it doesn't work because this is a less than ideal sleeping position, but he does eventually fall asleep.

Liz calls Laken until they wake up and pick up the phone, confesses everything, and tells them to cover for her. Laken is completely on board, and she goes to sleep too, knowing that Nicholas's "a hunter a 3 hour drive away came to steal my vampire for no apparent reason" story will likely not hold up against her "I was literally home all night and I've got people backing that up," especially when he's the one with head trauma and there's no evidence she was there.

The next day, Liz goes to check on Valen, only to find him missing. "Fuck! Where the hell did he go?!"

Valen is awoken by Liz's startled exclamation. Oh no, she thinks I ran off. He starts wriggling forward, but finds he's a little bit stuck. He grips the carpet fiercely and drags himself forward a little, getting his head and shoulders out from under the bed, letting out muffled exclamations to let her know where he is.

Liz rubs the sleepiness out of her eyes with a sigh of relief. "Oh. You do that too, huh?" At least he's coming out on his own, not needing to be coaxed out like Jim did.

You do that too, huh? Did……did Liz sleep under her bed? Why on earth would she do that?

She pulls him the rest of the way out. "Alright, game plan for today. I've gotta go do some shopping, I've got a friend coming over while I'm out. They're gonna feed you, too. After I get back, we'll get those cuffs off, sound good?"

Someone is coming over while Liz is out. That makes him nervous, but excited because they're going to feed him. He wants to ask if it'll be a man or a woman. Liz had said they. Was it just one friend or multiple friends? Realistically it won't really make much difference the gender of the person, or people, but it will let him know how nervous to feel, being alone in the house with someone new in this state. He decides to assume it'll be a man, this way he'll be pleasantly surprised instead of caught off guard if he's wrong, but immediately regrets it, beginning to shake with nerves.

They're coming over to feed you, not hurt you. Calm the fuck down.

But what if they didn't just feed him? Liz was taking the cuffs off, not the muzzle. He's still stuck having no way to tell anyone if something is wrong.

Still, he nods with enthusiasm at the prospect of the cuffs coming off.

Liz takes Valen down to the living room couch, and Laken arrives shortly after. "Hey!" they greet cheerily. "Jesus Christ, you look like you've been through the wringer. What's up, I'm Laken." They hold out a hand for Valen to potentially shake.

"He can't even answer that." Liz points out.

Oh, it's a man. Great. Awesome. Valen dies inside, ready to lie down and take whatever was going to happen to him as soon as Liz leaves. It was obvious Valen wouldn't be able to do anything about it, either resist in the moment or tell on him afterwards.

Valen's countenance shifts visibly and immediately, shoulders drooping. He starts to hold out a hand to shake Laken's, but thinks better of it halfway through and retracts. Maybe if he wasn't overly friendly, or tried to be standoffish or aggressive, he could at least put it off for a while, maybe until Liz got home if Laken didn't pay attention to the time. But then again, maybe Laken was one of those men who liked it better when you tried to push them away. He couldn't know.

Or maybe he's just a normal fucking person. Not everyone is a sadist like Nick.

But he has the opportunity.

That doesn't mean he's going to take it.

He has no reason not to, though. Well…Laken has an interesting hair color. That's nice, at least.

"That's cool." Laken says easily, retracting their hand. "No pressure, man."

"This is Valen." Liz introduces him, since Valen can't. "He's really scared right now, so try not to be too much." She grabs a thick clothing catalog off the coffee table and hands it to them. "Have him pick out what he likes from here, but don't let him write."

"You got it, boss. Blood stuff in the kitchen?" Laken asks.

"Yeah." She looks back at Valen apologetically. "Sorry. Laken's nice, okay? They're not gonna hurt you either. I'll be back in a few hours."

Apparently they're clothes shopping. Exactly how long does Liz plan to keep him here? She's made no mention of removing the muzzle. Does she plan to just have him live here forever, indefinitely muted? The fact that he is apparently going to receive clothes almost makes him feel good, but he just feels nervous instead. He can't make sense of the implications. Did they intend to just have a pet vampire in the upstairs bedroom? Chills go up his spine. Were they going to do other kinds of experiments on him? Surely not, right? She said she wouldn't torture him…

She'd said she wouldn't. Why would he believe her? Why would he believe any of it?

Still, when Liz leaves, he shuffles forward and reaches a hand out, as though to try and grab her to stop her from leaving.

Laken's nice. They're not gonna hurt you either. There's the they again. Laken must be nonbinary. He'd heard of such a thing in passing, mostly in the context of people around him crucifying it as ridiculous and juvenile. He'd secretly found it intriguing, but it doesn't put him at ease. A nonbinary man can still hurt him.

Liz leaves, and Laken claps their hands together, discarding the catalog back to the table for now. "How about breakfast first?"

And then they're alone. Valen's resolve comes back. I'm not stupid. I know you're probably lying. Don't treat me like I'm stupid. He wants to be fed, very much so, but he doesn't trust Laken, and he doesn't want to let Laken see how desperate and scared he is. He remains silent.

Laken shrugs. "Kay, we'll just go with that, then. You think you'll be able to be chill while I get my blood in a cup, or you need some help? Liz told me on the phone to tie you up 'cause you're still getting your juice back, but if you wanna give it a try without, hey, it's cool. Oh, uh, nod for rope, shake your head for nope."

Absolutely not. Valen feels like he would probably die if Laken tied him up. He's not as desperately hungry as he was yesterday, so maybe he'll be able to not lunge? But it was only one feeding…

No, he can't be tied up, absolutely not. He shakes his head frantically. He would rather suffer whatever consequences come from accidentally lunging than be tied up.

“Okay, cool. Let's get this ball rolling, then." Laken smiles at him, then goes to the kitchen and slices their arm to bleed into the cup.

Valen is able to resist a little bit this time, but after a few seconds the smell is too much. I need it RIGHT NOW I NEED IT GIVE IT.

He tries to stop and pull himself back, though, so he just sort of ends up bumping into Laken from behind.

"Oh, hey. It's gonna take a couple minutes, I think." Laken firmly holds Valen away at arm's length with their free arm. "Good to know I'm delicious, though."

Valen blinks at them. Well… That could have gone a lot worse. He wrenches himself away from Laken, chuffing air from his mouth and nostrils aggressively, still feeling threatened and vulnerable, trying to seem dangerous and prepared. He shuffles backwards and takes a seat on the couch.

Laken finishes preparing the blood, bandages themself, and sets Valen up with the straw, murmuring about how "You really seem like you need to smoke some pot. It's so sad vampires can't do that." They turn the straw around for him to lick the bottom too, citing "Liz told me this was a good last step."

Valen snatches the cup from Laken and clutches it to himself, glaring at Laken as he sips it. When Laken puts their hand near Valen, even for something obviously to help, he lets out a low warning growl like a dog.

When he's all done, they get the catalog back out, and a pen, handing both to Valen. "You can go through this and pick out whatever."

Valen’s heart pounds. Does Laken not realize that Valen can use persuasion through writing?  He’s being handed a pen.  He hasn’t had an opportunity like this in so long. His brain twists into anxious knots trying to figure out how to handle this.

Laken does not, in fact, realize. They open the book up to the first page for him.

Valen is suddenly conflicted. Should he try to escape now? Would that make things worse? They're being kind to him, but…

What is he thinking? He has to get out of here. It doesn't matter how nice they are, they're still keeping him captive. They can still do whatever they want to him. He's still at their mercy. This is probably all just to lull him into being complacent. His mind races. Oh no, he has to make a decision.

He takes the pen and starts to write a command, but to his horror his disused hands can't scrape together the dexterity to get it right on the first try, and he ends up producing some chicken scratch before fumbling and dropping the pen.

He lets out a whine and cringes, looking at Laken through his eyebrows.

"Hey." Laken snatches the pen up, suddenly serious. "I know it sucks you can't say anything, but you know why we can't let you, even if you seem like a nice enough guy. No writing, bud."

That…. also could have gone a lot worse. Laken is being remarkably patient. But Valen still has a hard time suppressing the instinctual fear welling inside him.

He takes the catalog, still bracing for retaliation. When none comes, he turns his eyes downward and points to a black turtleneck sweater.

Laken notices the increase in fear. "I get it, dude. You're just trying to survive, I'd probably do the same if I was you. Listen, I won't even tell Liz. We're cool." They circle the sweater.

Maybe Laken is okay. Maybe. He wants to believe it.

Valen goes through the catalog and picks out all the most expensive things. He doesn't realize until afterwards what he's done, but living among the nobility allowed him to develop expensive tastes. It was frustrating because if he could get back to his house, he still had a lot of money and jewelry he'd take from the Kithrara estate, which he could offer to buy the clothes he actually wanted--of course, in that case, he wouldn't need to be buying new ones.

These are the ones he wants though, he'd just done an honest assessment of the catalog for the kinds of things he'd typically wear. Lots of black tops with long sleeves, dark, tight pants, a long, heavy jacket with a hood. He'd even found a studded leather belt and knee-high boots. Which, unfortunately, cost almost $200, so he figured that was one of the more outlandish asks. He colors a little with embarrassment at his selection.

"Damn, you and Lizzie really are two peas in a pod. Maybe she'll give you one of her leather jackets. Dunno if she's gonna go for those boots, but since you can't, I'll argue on your behalf." Laken gives him a wink. "She'll totally cave. Oh, and, hey. You're trans too, right? You want binders or something?"

Valen looks up at Laken sharply, hardly able to believe what he’s hearing. He tears up instantly. He'd never in a million years thought he'd be able to get that at all, let alone without having to ask and plead for it. His wet eyes sparkle with newfound appreciation, and he nods. Okay, Laken is all right. He leans into them, grabbing their shirt.

But…. something still doesn't feel right. How are they going to care about details like this, and validating him, yet still deny him the very basic ability to advocate for himself? To communicate with them as an equal? Were they just buying him nice things like one would buy toys for their dog?

He looks up at Laken pleadingly and slowly points to the muzzle, hopeful inquisition on his face.

Laken sighs. "I can't. Look, I'll talk to Liz about it, alright? Like, honestly, I doubt she'll keep you here forever, so that'd definitely come off. She's probably gonna let you go. She's just paranoid, y'know? Her brother was held captive for years by-" They suddenly grin. "Ooh, I just got the best idea. I know someone you can talk to risk-free."

Uh-oh, it sounds like Laken is saying Liz's brother was held captive by a vampire. Talking with a vampire also had no risk because they were unaffected by persuasion. But his hackles raise defensively once again at the mention of a third unknown party, this one being a vampire. He tended to assume the worst of vampires, a trait he shared with humans--the assumptions were usually not that far off. But… This one was friends with humans, so they couldn't be that bad. Right? Unless they weren't actually friends, but another captive? Were they just going to be put together for a play date? But Laken had said Liz probably wouldn't keep him here forever, so…? He looks at Laken anxiously. He knows he can't really do anything about anything, but he trusts Laken, a little bit.

"Oh, this is such a good idea. I'm a genius." Laken enthuses, oblivious to Valen's anxiety.

Liz gets home soon enough. "Hey! Everything go okay while I was gone?"

"Super smooth." Laken agrees. "Didn't even use the rope for the blood stuff."

Liz flicks them on the forehead. "Stop taking risks." She unpacks the contents of her shopping: a blood draw kit, a small padlock, and these:

"This way we've got more than just yes and no," Liz explains. "They're not all relevant, like, the yes and no cards are redundant and we don't need hungry and thirsty, but at least you can tell me if you're hurt or something this way. I know it's for kids, but I figured it'd help."

"I actually thought of-" Laken starts.

"And if I put this on the muzzle, we can take the cuffs off." Liz grabs the padlock.

Valen is excited by her haul at first--a blood draw kit means feeding him will be easier, and these cute little cards bode well for his ability to communicate more complex things--he eyes the I want to go home card longingly.

But then she pulls out the lock, and Valen's stomach drops out from under him. No, no, no, please. She's said it as though it were a positive thing, to remove the cuffs, but it looks like a step backwards, definitely a step backwards. As it was now, anyone could take the muzzle off. With this, only Liz could take the muzzle off, or whoever she gave the key to. A key, almost a symbol of ownership as well as from the practical standpoint--if someone lost the key, or something happened to Liz, he would just be out of luck. It forced him to be completely dependent on her and at her mercy in a new and scary way. And if this was her solution, how long was she planning to keep feeding him? Because if the current rate of feeding kept up, he'd be able to break any padlock that wasn't silver fairly quickly. Were they going to stop feeding him? But Laken had said she probably wasn't going to keep him here forever, and would let him go. That was too good to be true, of course, but maybe- They kept telling him things that would make him feel better if they were true, but then doing things that were moving in the opposite direction. If they were going to let him go, putting a lock on his most hated restraint was definitely the opposite of moving in that direction. As soon as Liz declares this will allow them to take the cuffs off, Valen crumples, tears slipping down his cheeks, holding his hands out as though she'd threatened to hit him.

"Oh, hey hey hey, it's okay." Liz takes a step back at his defensive gesture, wanting to give him space. "I thought it'd be good, I thought you'd want them off. Um." She slides the cards across the table to him. "Any of these relevant?"

He shuffles through the cards with shaking hands, trying to find one that says I'm a person and you're not treating me like a person and I don't know how to convince you I don't deserve this. There wasn't one, of course, so he picks out the card that says I am sad and puts it on the table.

"He wants the muzzle off." Laken frowns sympathetically.

"I'm sorry, Valen." Liz feels awful for him. She imagines if Jim came home after his ordeal and wasn't even allowed to speak. "I wanna help you, but I've gotta look out for myself too. And it's just too big a risk for us to talk. I really wanna talk to you too, but it's a safety issue."

"He could talk to Kane," Laken says.

"What? No."

"Why not?"

"Because he's horrible and I hate him." Liz glowers.

Valen shuffles through the cards again, his newfound tool. He quickly lays out I need help, I am hurt, I am hungry, I am tired and I want to go home all in a row, hoping that maybe physically seeing his smorgasbord of negative emotions laid out would impress upon them the extent of his distress.

Liz exhales slowly. "I'll draw you some more blood. You'll heal. I'm sorry. We don't have to use the lock if you don't want. I'm trying to help you as much as I can without compromising my own safety."

"Can't we just drop him off at the border when he can run again?" Laken asks. "He wants to go home." They point at the card.

"…He's a Kithrara," Liz says flatly.

"C'mon, look at him. Do you really think he's gonna come back to human territory after this?"

"I don't know. I can't risk human lives on that."

"Then let him talk to Kane so he can say something more than I am sad." Laken argues. "I know you hate the guy, but he's the only vampire we know, and you know he'd be willing to help."

Liz hesitates, then sighs. "Fine. For Valen. But I'm going to complain the entire time."

Laken smiles. "You wouldn't be you if you didn't."

"Fucking abusive piece of shit." Liz mutters under her breath as she goes to the phone and dials.

Valen clutches his cards to himself. He does kind of want the cuffs off, although he finds them far less distressing than the muzzle. I guess there's no option to get both off… He has a hard time choosing, so he just leaves it, fine with things staying as they are if that's what they choose. He can use his hands well enough to do most things he'd want to, although it's a little annoying.

Sigh…..but hearing humans yet again talk about how dangerous he is, and how he can't be set free for human safety makes him feel small and hopeless again. He's never going to be free of that suspicion, that assumed guilt. But…it sounds like they're going to talk to someone who might help, so maybe it's OK to hope a little bit. He tilts his head in preparation for trying to hear whoever is on the other end of the line during the phone call.

“Hey Liz, what's up?”

“I've kind of got…” She glances at Valen briefly, “A situation.”

“Are you okay?” Jim’s voice takes on a sense of urgency.

“Yeah, yeah I'm fine, just… okay, I'll come out with it. Your situation isn't that unique. I've got a vampire here and he's scared and hurt and I can't let him talk, obviously. So I was wondering if we could meet up with Kane tonight and have him interpret.” Liz blurts out all at once.

“…Wow.”

“I know, I know. You were right, okay?”

“Yeah, I mean, first of all, always am.” Jim gloats. “Second, whatever you need. I'll go let him know what's going on. Can it be here? I think going to your place again would make Kane nervous after last time, even if it'll be night this time.”

“Sure, yeah. Thanks. I’ll see you later, love you.” As much as Liz hates having to rely on Kane of all people, she’s glad this is going somewhere

“Love you too.”

Liz hangs up the phone. "Well, I guess this is really happening."

Laken claps excitedly. "Yay!"

I guess we're going somewhere tonight… Valen figures. He's a little disheartened that the implication from that conversation is that this second vampire is also a captive, same as him. How were they imagining this was going to go? Why was it safe for them to talk to this second vampire, but not Valen? Laken seems excited for it, and Liz seems to think this will be better than the current situation, so maybe it'll be okay. It's a nice thought, that things will work out.

"I'll go get you a second helping." Liz heads to the kitchen and begins drawing blood.

"It'll be okay." Laken tells Valen. "It's all gonna work out." They tap all the cards except I am sad and I want to go home. "We can fix all these easy." They tap I want to go home. "I'm sure we can work this out. The last card depends on you, I guess."

Liz comes out with a fresh cup of blood and hands it to him. He's calm this time. Laken's sitting and talking with him has calmed him down a little. He tries to keep remembering earlier, when Laken had cared enough about his feelings to get him a binder. And just having them acknowledge This sucks was helping, too. It wasn't That thing deserves it or It doesn't feel pain the same way we do, don't worry about it or It's worth it for the greater good.

And they're giving him a second helping of blood. That's so very generous. When Liz comes over and hands him the cup, he pokes the straw into the muzzle, cheeks rosy, sipping placidly like a toddler with a juicebox. Maybe this is OK.

When he's finished drinking, he inverts the straw himself and licks it, watching Liz and Laken tentatively. He wants to say thank you. Even though he's only been able to focus so far on what was still distressing him, he has so very much to be grateful for. His situation has improved immensely.

He flips through his cards trying to find one that matches his feelings, then blushes fiercely and puts down I love you.

"Aw!" Laken is delighted. "Love you too!"

Liz feels super fucking guilty now. "Yeah. Just trying to… make this as okay as possible for you. I know you've been through a lot." She gives him a side hug and collects the cup.

"I've gotta head out. Good luck tonight. And Lizzie, binders too." Laken says, gesturing to the catalog.

"Gotcha."

"It was nice to meet you, Valen!" Laken says. "And hey, don't worry about tonight. Liz's brother is a sweetheart, and it'll be good to talk."

Valen holds up the card that says Yes. Something about a cartoon of a thumbs up makes it feel closer to saying "Nice" than giving a real thumbs up. Nice to meet you, Laken. Please don't die. Humans die so easily.

Liz's brother worries him a little bit, even if he's supposedly a sweetheart. He was held captive by vampires, and so surely has no great love for them. And he's a man, which never bodes well. He does, in fact, worry about tonight despite Laken's plea not to.

-

reminder: i included the taglists for both stories in the first crossover bc i thought it would be a one-and-done thing, but it’s looking like we’re gonna be putting out a bunch of stuff. as such, i will be including the taglists on this and the second part tomorrow as well, but if you’d like to continue being tagged in crossover pieces, please comment saying so in order to remain on the taglist! it’s opt-in! and as the next crossover will be 18+, please be 18+ to enter the taglist for that.

taglist:

@annablogsposts​​

@cc1010foxy​​

@darlingwhump​​

@emcscared-whumps​​

@nicolepascaline​​

@oddsconvert​​

@pumpkin-spice-whump​​

@soursagas​​

@thecyrulik​​

@whump-cravings​​

@whump-for-all-and-all-for-whump​​

@whumpycries​​

@annablogsposts

@badluck990

@barebarb

@cc1010foxy

@ceph-the-writing-spook

@cicatrix-energy

@crying-wings

@crystalquartzwhump

@cupcakes-and-pain

@cyberneticfire

@darlingwhump

@deluxewhump

@down-in-the-whumps

@elrysdoesstuff

@emcscared-whumps

@extemporary-whump

@extrabitterbrain​

@iamtheshriekingguineapig​

@icyheart-and-friends​

@inpainandsuffering​

@interdimensional-chaos​

@kira-the-whump-enthusiast​

@lactose-intolerant-egg​

@lilac-and-lemon-whumps​

@littlespacecastle​

@little-whumpee

@lost-in-labradorite-halls​

@magziemakeswhatever​

@melancholy-in-the-morning​

@morning-star-whump​

@myhusbandsasemni​

@mylifeisonthebookshelf​

@neverthelass​

@nicolepascaline​

@nine-tailed-whump​

@no-terms-and-conditions-apply

@not-a-space-alien​

@nyooom​

@octopus-reactivated​

@oddsconvert​

@onlybadendings​

@owencarvourenthusiast

@pigeonwhumps​

@pumpkin-spice-whump​

@quietly-by-myself​

@quirkykayleetam​

@ramadiiiisme​

@redwhump​

@scp-1296​

@secretwhumplair​

@the-whumperfly-effect​

@the-whumpers-grimm​

@thecyrulik​

@thegreatwhodini​

@themarlo​

@thingsthatgo-whump-inthenight​

@t0rture-me​

@vehan-tikkun-olam-and-stuff​

@whuarri​

@whump-blog-reblogs​

@whump-cravings​

@whump-for-all-and-all-for-whump​

@whump-me-all-night-long​

@whump-my-heart-away​

@whump-queen​

@whumperfully​

@whumpthisway​

@whumpilicious​

@whumpshaped​

@whumpwillow��

@whumpworld​

@whumpy-writings​

@whumpycries​

@whumpyzombie​

@whumpzone​

@wits-and-wrongs

@wolfeyedwitch​

[hannah-heartstrings]

WIP Wednesday x3

(I'm aware it isn't Wednesday)

Tagged by my taglist: @inkysqueed @babyblueetbaemonster @druidx ...who I tag all back!

Three tags mean three WIPs. From different things I was working on before depression sucked away all my motivation. I'll get through it.

But these tag games are helpful for when you just can't finish something, so:

We Met in Jail

            Lecrinn stumbled as she was shoved into the jail cell, catching her balance leaned over. Straightening, she paused at the three others in the cell.             An imperial man stood in the middle, an altmer woman looked annoyed off to the side, and a red argonian brooded against the back wall.             Her eyes narrowed, confused. “Wha-?”             The imperial held up a finger.             “Oh, a redguard!” came a taunting voice behind her, making her look even more confused. “How do you like your cell, huh? Roomy enough for you? I can’t even imagine what it’s like for you. No more sun-”             “What are you talking about?” the imperial yelled passed Lecrinn. “Your cell looks the same!” He looked at her. “Sorry, I was just curious what he’d say.” He stepped closer, giving her a big grin. “I’m Rann!” Turning back slightly, he waved a hand from the altmer to the argonian, “That’s Praelyn and Reptilious.” He turned forward, holding the hand out to her. “Welcome to the group.”             “What group?”             “We’re cellmates now!”             Praelyn shook her head.             “Ah, well we might’ve been if I was staying but,” with a smirk she pulled a lockpick from her mouth, “I’m not.” Turning to the door, she glanced down the hall before inserting the pick. Click, click, click.             Reptilious straightened, looking surprised. “Are you breaking out? But that’s illegal!”             “And you’re in here why?”             He looked away, grumpy.

This one really needs to be edited. For one, I find it awkward that Valen Dreth just disappears from the scene. I don't think he's going to just shut up that quickly, but I also don't want it to drag on too much so I'm still figuring it out. (And that is part of his in game dialogue for redguards, it doesn't make much sense.)

But I wanted to share it anyway, mostly for the last part. XD

View from Lucien's Roof

(Probably a working title. XD)

            “Wow,” Garrus breathed out.             They sat atop a ruined tower, the forest stretched out below them basked in a soft golden haze. The sun rested above the blue silhouette of mountains on the horizon.             Looking at Garrus, Lecrinn tilted her head to see his face better, smiling when she saw that he was. His hair shined red in the sunlight, she hadn’t noticed its red tint before. As he started to turn to her she quickly looked forward.             His gaze lingered on her face a moment, on the way the light seemed to make her light brown skin glow. “Thank you,” he looked ahead.             She looked to him from the corner of her eye.             “Moments like these remind me that the world is much more than just pain, there’s also beauty and goodness,” face calm, his voice grew resolute, “that’s why I have to keep protecting it.”             Her smile and gaze sunk. That’s why she had to save it.

The World's Cold but You're Warm

Slightly earlier version to not spoil the (almost) finished one.

            They watched the fire, its hues of orange and yellow swaying against the dark.             With nothing being said, Lecrinn fell into unease, mind wandering to why they were out here in the first place. “Course,” she pushed a smile, “after the Oblivion gate this weather will be refreshing, I’ll actually like it then.”             The wind began to pick back up.             “I said then,” she turned to snap at it, “not now, leave me alone!”             Garrus looked to her with a laughing smile, it quickly fading to sadness. His voice was low. “Despite everything you always find a way to stay hopeful.”             Turning to him, her brows rose.                                               “How do you always keep going despite how cold and cruel the world is to you?”             “It’s not just cold and cruel.” Her voice softened, “there are plenty of warm and kind things to keep on for.” She smirked at him to throw a hint he didn’t catch.

[pkmnomegaverse]

To continue the thought of Cay being kind of like a Deoxys and what the logical implications of that are, I do think that means that, hypothetically, Cay would be able to alter Valen’s body a la Deoxys’ form change thing. Grow tentacles and shit if he really wanted to. Even grow whatever appendage would be needed to fire attacks in a more Pokemon-like sense.

However, I did say Cipher had safeguards in place so to some degree, Valen’s body wasn’t really “changed” in an extreme sense when he got a weird space alien virus shoved into his eye. He’s still human, as Cay really did assimilate with him vs changing them into being technically a new creature that just looks human. As such, Cay can’t inherently change their form. It’s something that would be possible in theory, but to do this, he would have to permanently change their body to make this happen. Alter Valen’s DNA to make shapeshifting possible. Whatever Cipher does has locked this from happening at least initially, but down the line if Cay really wanted to, it would probably be possible to find a way to do this.

However, Cay’s whole deal is he wants to protect Valen. Both physically and emotionally and this would include not permanently fucking up Valen’s body. To form change him would be a step towards essentially “taking over” his host body. Can’t alter his DNA and then go back and unalter it with no lasting effects. Like way down the line once everyone is more open to discussing the full implications of everything, they probably have a conversation that goes like “how mad would you be if I made us sprout tentacles if it was a life a death situation. Keep in mind if it’s life or death I’m going to do it regardless. But curious how mad you would be” as like kind of a joke (but still very much not a joke) and Valen just sighs about it. More nonsense he doesn’t really want to think about too deeply but has to now that it’s been brought up. Wouldn’t like it but if it really was life or death…

[nosafeharbour]

Tataru’s Grand Endeavour thoughts/reactions (6.4)

I bet you thought you’d seen the last of Werlyt reaction posts. Me too, actually.

So yeah, it was kinda mid, but I’m so focused on the few crumbs I did enjoy that I can attempt to happily ignore everything else... LOL I’m more annoyed this will make people roll their eyes over Werlyt more than being personally disappointed, ya feel. The redemption arc in the eyes of the public did not happen. Oh well.

Albael still real. That’s still my seaside malewife. That’s good.

Giggles and kicks my feet

Oh my god, they were sisters-in-arms. As sad as I am that Tataru herself was not involved, maybe it’s for the best. Mehdjina should continue to live in ignorance

:)

I was wondering if Gaius would talk in such a way that this is the first time you meet him post-Endwalker, I’m glad it wasn’t! He greets you so casually. I don’t have to change anything I’ve been thinking about for them post-EW. This is just a fun weekend visit (they’re not about to have a fun weekend)

Uhhh so I just really hate all the fake Valens stuff, it just cheapened Werlyt and the only actually good Valens scene (the one where he’s killed). Werlyt was already a cringe caricature of MSQ characters, and this felt like a cringe caricature of Werlyt... LOL

MY HOPES... WERE RAISED... I WISH IT HAD CRASHED IN GARLEMALD... all the previous Tataru quests had a walking section with the main NPC(s) in an area seperate to their main one, so I was foolishly hoping for something like the Lochs or even Garlemald. I certainly was a fool

He is either saying this purely sarcastically to Albi, and/or making excuses bc he just really does not want to do it. There is no world where Albi is better than piloting than Gaius, but it’s funny to pretend. He’s being petty

I am immediately soothed by mecha anime cockpit scenes. I’m glad I had my Werlyt pilot glam on a plate from an art party a few weeks ago

I have been waiting, praying, and ultimately gave up on Gaius and Nero reunion scene since 2019. Oh my god. Everybody shut up, this is my everything

Half the reason I wanted to see it/was sad that it had assumedly happened off-screen was because I wanted to know what Nero would call him... in ARR it is just “Lord Baelsar”;

My, how long has it been, Lord Baelsar?

I had to stand up and pace around for 5 mins at this line LMAO

Gaius going “ah, so the rumours were true that you survived” is so funny. The “rumours” are just Cid and Albi mentioning him casually, Gaius just practiced this dramatic moment in the mirror for too long to not still go along with it when they do finally get to talk. Nero built the damn Mark II we’re chasing, did they simply not brush shoulders during Werlyt? This is so funny.

And then Nero just... I merely use my talents to save Cid from his own idiocy. And now, I am here to do the same for you. I love it so much

Nero dryly calling Albi hero or adventurer is still a charm point that I enjoy

Kind of wished I had failed the (cringe-ass) Werlyt rhythm game now just to see what he’d say instead of this... I’m still not convinced Albi is a good pilot, but she is a good marksman at least!

My mecha anime brain cell activated. I don’t care about things such as “quality” or “good writing”, I only care for Sonic vs. Shadow with robots

bbbbbbbbbb really do not care for this scene, but I do appreciate how much Gaius no longer cares for monologues and just attacked this guy.

A shame, really

I just like it when they are on screen

DID YOU... FORGET THE TIME WHEN YOUR LEGION KIDNAPPED TATARU... it was all very much spearheaded by Livia rather than Gaius, but... lmao. You’d best hope you never meet her, bud (shame they did not, would have been funny)

Mister Gaius...

Avilina being compared to Nero multiple times in this quest was cute, I forgot that they worked together. One of the engineers post-quest remarking that since she refuses to wear the Ironworks uniform, maybe she’d be content with a red version like Nero, too... they are two peas in a pod

Allie... cute!! You had to assume Terncliff had an orphanage, but I liked the confirmation/discussion

This is. So funny. He looks so awkward. I guess it is cute that Albi went to ask a favour from Ishgardian portrait friend at least

Cute...

I just cannot get over how awkward Gaius looks. He is so funny to me

:)

This lines up with Cid mentioning in EW that Gaius is terrible with words when he’s trying to be heartfelt. Charm point

When the whole squad don’t know a damn thing

I was wondering what the memento for the main Tataru quest would be... the main reason I like this overall questline is because Albi is a goldsmith who has a lot of sentiment tied up with jewellery. So not only would Albi be so down for helping with Tataru’s necklace, something from Werlyt in there is cute. Rose shells... it’s always roses... ah ah ahhhh (looked up to see if rose shells are a thing, they are not, they picked rose on purpose here)

I gotta let this marinate. Had no idea Werlyt even had beaches since they make such note of the cliffs being too high above the water to have any benefit from the ocean. See, this is where I’m getting my food

Was glad to see Severa and Val back on the overworld post-quest, but man, I’m so disappointed they weren’t even present. I’m just reminded how much my investment in Werlyt was always hinging on Gaius’s MSQ era... I miss Team Shadowhunter, I do wish Nero was here in-person and not just phoned in, etc.

I care deeply about Allie and the Raen, but mainly in scope of them being Raen and relating to Albi, not as much in relation to Gaius, if that makes sense? So this quest being just weird Valens and then only the briefest Raen kids moment was like. Okay.

Was sagely nodding after speaking to everyone else... heading back down to the lookout to see if Gaius was trapped in aimlessly staring at nothing for the rest of his days-- oh my god

Shut the fuck up. This is so cute. Immediately burst out laughing at having a really stupid 4am tweet made canon

THIS IS SO HYPER-SPECIFIC. Albi manspread confirmed just because I liked this new /sit idle they added last patch

And the book... just grabs this from my WIP notes, but post-EW Albi has been doing a lot of book collecting/restoring. I’ve had “Gaius reading the assorted books Albi leaves in his apartment” as a whole thing for like a year now. [shoves the rest of the quest out of the way] They Did This For Me

I’m so glad they gave him such a charming afk spot/animation. I can just sit next to this guy

In closing: Quest was not as good as I hoped (I wanted the same comedy-tint as other Tataru quests, having Nero/Sev/Val sort of there but not really just made me miss their absence more, Gaius still does not even acknowledge what we did on his behalf in Garlemald) to the point I’m pretty :/ about the Valens stuff, but... I’m too Gaiuspilled to let it bother me too much. Just like in EW, he wasn’t personally badly written/out of character, and I got enough little crumbs for my own content, that it’s fine that there wasn’t much actual food. I can cook.

One last thing actually: I assumed Nero was in Werlyt, albeit it behind the scenes, because of the “we found someone who knew enough about Allagan warmachina to build us a second G-Warrior, even if he was overly adamant about it being red” line post-Werlyt when you go look at the Mark II in the hangar. He says he’d hate for the Mark II to be destroyed in this quest + called it scarlet in a very endearing way that confirms that for me, but when you go look at it in the hangar again after this quest, it has some new dialogue. Mentions that it came back safely, albeit it with a few new scrapes, but I think that line replaced the “guy who made it demanded it be red” line which was the real Nero giveaway? I’ll have to go back through old screenshots, hmm

Anyway

I’m done now. I’m sure I will warm up to this quest and it’s weird energy over time. Albi’s booty call turned The Sorrow of Werlyt 2 turned book club

[vlkyriesgf]

H.G Wells Headcanons

a/n: as i was thinking abt these i remembered that h.g wells is a real person rip. so this mess is for freddie in time after time AS h.g wells ok? ok.

special tag to @neptuneswritingwork <3

summary: sorry the majority is basically dating headcanons bc my brain can’t think correctly when it comes to a freddie character

h.g is just genuinely nice and caring and a little oblivious.

he wants the best for you, it’s the least he could do since you were one of the first people to show him actual kindness

for some reason i feel like he’s a cat person so if you have a cat he’ll def try to befriend them, coercing them with treats and toys

h.g wants and tries to make everything easy for you so you wouldn’t have any worries, even though you always worry for him.

even though he’s the scientist, you still end up explaining things to h.g, showing him how it works.

you once had to explain how the shower worked and you didn’t even know much yourself, you just told him that the water came from pipes.

“well, where do the pipes get the water?” you honestly didn’t know so you both spent about and hour and a half in front of your laptop trying to answer his question.

some times when you’re stressed or upset, you’ll lay on the floor to think it over. h.g walked in on you one time.

obviously he asked if you’re okay, curious as to why you’re just laying there. when you explained, he just laid on the floor with you and says that he understands how it helps.

h.g is type to try to do everything himself so he doesn’t feel like he’s a burden to you. he tends forget that he can ask for help from you but he doesn’t want to seem helpless.

sometimes if he can’t do something and he gets frustrated, he declines any help from you until he gets it right until you have to turn his head towards you and say you’re going to help him.

honestly this man doesn’t know anything about music but you don’t mind showing him the ones you like

i feel like he’ll end up liking those like artists ritchie valens, paul anka, etc

for more modern songs i feel like he’ll enjoy the walters (or artists/band similar to them) or just any song someone can relax and sway to

he definitely looks for songs on his own to expand his taste

self indulging for a few i’m sorry

if you draw, he’ll definitely treasure the profile doodles of him that you show and give him

he would ask if he could see what you’re drawing, catching you off guard as you’re literally drawing him

he loves seeing you so focused as you’re drawing, noticing you scrunch your nose or furrow your brows as you try to get the details right

for some reason, i feel like h.g prefers tea over coffee, he thinks it’s a little too strong for his taste

he collects all kinds of tea and so much of them, that you ended up gifting him a tea caddy

he owns any tea that includes mint, isn’t fond for the ones w ginger and this one is his comfort tea

okay now dating stuff :0

h.g is just a lover boy and a big softie when it comes to romance

this man talks about love with so much passion he sounds like he could be an expert

he’s always telling you something cliche and you could never help but melt as he whispers those sweet nothings to you

though, the second you try to watch a romantic movie with him, expect tears and insecure comments asking you if he should be more like that character along with you comforting him saying he’s amazing the way he is

his love language is definitely quality time and physical touch

he loves spending every moment he can with you especially since he’s from a different time

he enjoys walking in central park with you during winter/winter going into spring

it’s the little things really, the wind blowing softly as you try to talk above it and the amount of pictures you guys take together

you sometimes like to find a tree to sit under and do the cheesy activity of pointed out weirdly shaped clouds

something he likes to do with you is slow dance. you both enjoy leaning against each other, swaying to the music

it grounds him for some reason, but it lets him know that your there with him and for him

physical touch is everything to him, he always has to have you by his side in a non toxic way

it can even be a handhold and it’ll still mean everything to him

if your on the couch together, he loves it when you can in him, your back to his front. it gives him an easy way to wrap his arms around you

speaking of, he absolutely loves cuddling with you

most of the time he’s the one holding and honestly it’s not his fault that you’re so warm, he just always holds you like if he’s going to lose you

the feeling of your head nuzzling against his neck always gets him feeling mushy

this doesn’t mean that he doesn’t like being held by you, he has his fair share of enjoyment

he loves when you play/mess with his hair when you’re cuddling him

if he does a romantic gesture for you or wants to do something for you as a thank you, it’s cooking for you

unfortunately and as expected, he doesn’t do well and you have to finish making it. he feels guilty and “are you sure you don’t want me to help darling?” you just reassure him each time saying it’s okay

you always catch him staring at you and he’s kinda unaware of how often he does it

one time you both were just watching tv while he was supposedly reading a book. you felt his eyes on you so you turned to check on him and he was just staring at you with heart eyes

as soon as you asked what’s wrong he just couldn’t help but smile bashfully and turn his head away, hiding his flushed face

honestly, h.g doesn’t really know how to handle jealousy, he gets a little awkward at first

he tries to stay polite and calm but ends up being a little snarky, throwing quips and maybe even a hand hold just for show

like i said, the man is a huge romantic so calling you “sweetheart” and “darling” is a must.

even though he always uses those sweet names, you can’t help but just melt each time

he himself just feels nervous and euphoric at just the thought of calling you his just by using them

he loves it when you call “herbie” cause it feels so personal to him but he’s terrified when you call him “wells” instead of his usual nicknames you gave him cause he just knows something’s definitely wrong

in all, i love h.g so much this man deserves everything

[tulsa-trash]

We Belong Together

Request: Can you do one where Johnny is cuddling with y/n and they ask what he sees in them, then he tells them how much he loves them?

WARNING(S): Mentions of abuse It was a cool summer night, and by far one of the best nights you've had in a long time. The lighting in your bedroom was dim, you had your window cracked open to let in a small breeze. The temperature earlier that day was excruciatingly hot, but now that the sun was down it was perfect. The record player on your nightstand was playing "We Belong Together" by Richie Valens. You and your best friend Johnny were huge fans of the singer, so you figured it was appropriate you play one of his records while John was over.

You're mine And we belong together You were laying in your bed with Johnny's sleeping figure on top of you, he was in between your legs with his arms wrapped around your torso. You softly hummed along to the lyrics while your fingers raked through his raven locks, a permanent blush tainted your cheeks due to how close the both of you were in the moment. His warm cheek was pressed against your collar bone as small snores escaped past his lips, he looked relaxed for once. You had known Johnny for quite a while, and you've cuddled with him multiple times before, but tonight just felt different.

Yes, we belong together For eternity You couldn't help but feel guilty for having such a good time, because the whole reason the boy was in your bed was because things got really bad at home again. Usually he goes to the lot or to the Curtis house at times like these, but this was the first time he ever showed up at your house in the middle of the night. You weren't clueless about the abuse he faced at home, if anything you spent most of your time worrying about him whenever he wasn't around. Thoughts of Johnny clouded your mind more often than you'd like to admit, which almost felt wrong because you knew that "normal" friends don't constantly think about how handsome their other friends are. The feelings you had for him were more, you finally came to terms with that, but the last thing you wanted to do was spring something like that on him while he was sobbing in your arms. Needless to say, waking up to see his broken expression staring back at you through your window ripped your heart into shreds.

You're mine Your lips belong to me You closed your eyes and breathed in deeply, savoring the moment as much as humanly possible. If only the both of you could just stay here locked away in your room forever. "Yes, they belong to only me." You sang quietly, one of your hands moved down from his hair to his back to rub his shoulders. "For eternity." A low groan erupted from the sleeping boy as he began to stir in his sleep. You immediately removed your hands from him and laid them by your sides awkwardly, afraid you had made him feel uncomfortable. "Mmm..." Johnny hummed He lazily lifted his head from your chest to look up at you. A smile tugged at your lips upon the sight of his messy hair and half-asleep state. He was an angel. "Why'd you stop?" He asked, his voice sounding foreign to you. It was deeper and scratchier than usual, it sent shivers down your spine. "S-Stop what?" "You was rubbin' my head." He grumbled before burying his face in your neck. "It felt nice." "Oh." Your hands shakily returned to massage his scalp, Johnny let out a content sigh. The feeling of his breath fanning your neck sent goosebumps flooding over your skin. You're my, my baby And you'll al-al-always be "I'm sorry if my god awful singin' in your ear woke you up." You joked. Johnny let out a breathy laugh, "You didn't wake me, doll." Doll, such a simple nickname yet you yearned for it to have a significant meaning behind it. "Okay." You whispered. I swear by everything I own You'll always, always be mine 'Oh if only it were that easy, Richie.' You thought to yourself. "You okay?" "Hm?" "You alright?" He asked you again. You laughed, "I think I'm the one thats supposed to be askin' you that. Don't worry about me, John. You got enough stress as it is." His arms untangled themselves from around you and moved underneath your pillow, it felt like he was cradling your head in his hands. You were now running your fingertips up and down his back, lightly dragging your nails every now and then. "I always worry about you." He admitted. Your heart was doing summersaults in your chest at this point. Why was every little gesture-- every word affecting you as much as it did? He wasn't making this easy at all. You mentally cursed at yourself as tears began to prick your eyes, you hastily blinked them away.

You're mine And we belong together "Johnny." "Yeah?" "What... What do you see in me?" You regretted your words as soon as they left your mouth. Your hands unintentionally stopped running along his back and you could've sworn you felt him tense up. The both of you silently embraced each other while your question hung heavy in the air. As more seconds passed your anxiety sky rocketed, all you could think about was the possibility that you just ruined your relationship with your best friend. You cleared your throat nervously, "Uh, never mind. Forget I said anything." "Well... I see a good friend." He finally answered. Your heart dropped into your ass at his statement. Jesus christ, the friend zone-- "I care about you a lot." He continued. "You've done a lot for me and you're one of the best people... if not the best person in my life." Yes, we belong together For eternity The song ended, now the room was really quiet. Once he realized you weren't saying anything he propped himself up to look at you. He could immediately tell by the look on your face that something was bothering you. "Hey..." He was fully sat up in between your legs now, "Whats the matter?" By now you were even more upset due to him pulling away, you just wanted to hold him a little bit longer before he went away. You hated yourself for even saying anything. Your brain wracked for any excuse you could use but it was no use, it was too late to take it back and you couldn't lie to him. "I love you." You admitted. His eyes softened as he looked down at you, you looked absolutely horrified. Before he could even respond you spoke again. "I don't mean as friends either..." Your eyes averted his gaze. "It's okay if you don't feel the same, I won't be weird about it or anythin'." He shook his head and snickered, "You didn't even let me answer you, honey." "Honey?" "Y/N." He smirked at you, making you roll your eyes. He was definitely getting a kick out of your embarrassment, yet you almost don't even mind because it seemed to be cheering him up. "I love you too." Your eyes widened in pure shock, you could've sworn your ears were playing tricks on you. "I love you." He continued. "You are my best friend, you make me happy, and I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have you in my life." You didn't even notice you started crying until he swiped under your eyes with the pad of his thumbs. "Are you sure you're not just sayin' that cuz you feel bad?" You sniffled. "Oh stop it." He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on the corner of your mouth, you were still so shocked you couldn't even reciprocate the kiss. He laid back down, only this time he was on the side of you and he pulled you against him so that he was spooning you. You felt him place another kiss on the back of your head. "I love you." He told you again. "I love you too." You murmured in disbelief. He paused for a moment, as if he was debating the next thing he was going to say. If you didn't know any better you would think he fell asleep, but you could tell he was awake just by his breathing. "You're my girl, right?" His voice was so small you almost didn't hear him. Butterflies were in an absolute frenzy in your stomach. If this was a dream, you certainly wouldn't mind if you never woke up. The feeling of Johnny's finger rubbing soothing circles on your hip reminded you that this was in fact real. "Of course."

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #18: Lazy Days

(Pretty much a continuation of last Sunday’s Lazy Day just with the kids not in last week’s.)

Keaira crossed one leg over the other at the knee. Trying to still sit as lady-like as she could in this skirt. Loved the skirt but she also didn’t want to give everyone a free show seeing as it stopped just short of her knees. Too used to the freedom of sitting however she wanted when she was wearing pants or shorts. But right now she was having a day off and wanted to look pretty instead of ready to kick ass. 

Sipping idly at the cold drink in her cup as she watched the wonderful variety of people that passed through the Quicksands in Ul’dah. Being home was nice and all because she got to see her family. But sometimes she just wanted to sit and chill. Like today. So she did her favorite pastime of people watching.

Looking up at the sound of a voice speaking to her. A charming smile on her pink lips. Well people watching was all well and good. At least till someone had the guts to walk up and talk to her. If she liked the person enough, there might be other fun for a night ahead.

***

Valen took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. At least he was back and able to relax for a little bit. Well after his aunt had tended to the minor wounds he’d gotten while out with Cashmere. Seeing as Cashmere had ratted him out. Not really. She’d gotten caught by Sana as she returned and wasn’t going to lie. Couldn’t blame her for that. So he’d gotten himself tended to before he could relax himself. 

He much enjoyed feeling the sand beneath him as he laid down on the beach. Dropping his sunglasses over his eyes as he moved his hands to rest behind his head. Snag an hour or two of sunshine at least. Maybe take a swim. Just a little peace and quiet. No lessons awaited him back at the company today. Nor any work. Today was just simply relaxation. 

***

Marielle paused, Blue bumping into her with a small noise of surprise. The little raptor wasn’t so little anymore. But when someone stops in front of you for no reason… Blue gave a snort.

Crouching down, Mari carefully moved the leaves and branches on the bush she’d stopped near. Plunking off a few berries and adding them to her pack that Blue carried on his back. Rubbing Blue’s head before she moved on. “We should find something to take home to Bodge too. Flowers maybe?” Looking towards the raptor as if he could verbally answer her question. She shrugged as she kept walking about the woods. Pausing again near the river as she crouched again. “What about fish? I’m sure we could make a nice dinner with a few fish. Yes, I think we shall do flowers and fish. Bodge should like that.”

***

It had taken quite the effort to get him to leave his workshop. Asher rarely left it most days. Well except for when the Moonfire was happening. That had been worth it with all the bombs and explosions to be had. Oh and the fireworks!

The crew all sat around the room they commonly used as their mess hall. The captain climbed onto the head table with a mug in their hand. Offering a toast to their latest haul. As well as to Asher’s work to keep them running as well as they could. Making Asher blush and rub the back of his neck. He did love the work he did for the team. Between fixing their gear and ships to coming up with new ways to make things run smoother. 

Letting them pull him into the celebration. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this much a part of something. Not even with his brother’s crew back in the Shroud. Sure they had partied sometimes but never quite like this. Never like a family of misfits that accepted everyone. This was home for him. Today he’d spend time with his family and his projects could wait.

***

Adel still wasn’t used to how little time she’d spent on the Lady Infernal. It was strange to be on land more than sea. But with the current happenings in the world, there was less for them to do. Or at least less enemies to attack. But she wasn’t just going to spend all her time around the Missing Member either. Hells with that.

Maybe it was time to pick up a hobby. Already nixing the idea of a side job. Sitting on the edge of the pier, her bare feet dangling as she looked out over the sea while thinking. Surely she could find something to do to occupy her free time.

The captain had suggested she take a trip somewhere. But she wasn’t sure if she liked the idea of being away from the Sirens that long. Not when she was the crew’s mender. Being away so long or far worried her. What if they had to go out to sea without her? She trusted her sisters to come back but that didn’t mean without injuries sometimes.

Sighing heavily as she kicked a foot idly. What to do…

***

Nebula had picked a spot to camp for the day. Could they have gotten a place in the city? Sure. But they much more enjoyed nature than the cities. Probably because they were so used to being with the Clan.

Cities could be stressful. So many people. Some that bumped into you without apology. Some that tried to con people they thought were foolish enough to fall for it. Or some that tried to steal from others on the sly.

No they’d stick to the comforts of nature. Karma was much more comfortable out here too. Petting the small plush’s head before moving to start preparing a fire. Tomorrow they could go into the city and do a little bartering. Tonight they just wanted a little calm. As well as a chance to check with the cards to find out how successful tomorrow might be for trading.

[cashweasel]

Bet some of you guys forgot about this BUT I finally finished it! Only took me 2 months 😂

In order from left to right!

Soren ( @ryuu-art ) , Odelia ( @einfachtati ) , Cyanea ( @plejaades ) , Naz ( @honourlight ) , Galael ( @liamcowles ) , Surina ( @agentnatesewell ) , Zaffira ( @brightningstar ) , Axel ( @hashiedraws ) and finally one sexy blades mc Kite ( @blightarts )

Thank you everyone for commenting, suggesting and letting me draw your sexy ocs sorry for any lady whose face I butchered lmao. I’ve come to know and love many of my favorites through this challenge so I’m grateful ❤️

[hongkongaton-imagines]

valentine s/o hcs? :3

since today is valentine's day, i thought it'd be nice to post!

murdoc niccals

motherfucker has NO idea what to do

he's all like "i-i-i gotta get 'em a gift but...what??? what do you even get someone????"

the rest of the band are tired of him

he gets pretty annoying after awhile though

he gets more overbearing than anything, which is surprising

seeing him run around trying to figure out what to do is funny but tiring all on it's own

"what about ros-" | "BAD IDEA. IT'S A BAD IDEA, FACEACHE- SHUT UP."

he eventually figures it out though...maybe

once he does, he takes you out to go stargazing on the local hill (it's like one of those stargazing cliffs in the movies)

"the light compliments your beautiful eyes very well, luv. we should do this more often, hm..."

stuart 2D pot

he didn't even know valentine's was the 14th

the man thought it was like...the 28th or something

he does everything incredibly last minute

"so, stu, what are you doing for valentine's?" | "valen...tine's?" | "you forgot....didn't you?" | "i'm sorry, noodle..."

he forgets a lot of things so once you find out that he forgot for a bit, you really don't mind

he gets all dressed up like a little waiter though

he looks like a 7 year old getting ready for his piano recital in the year 1996

"aww, you're so cute!" | "does it really look good? i worked pretty hard gettin' this suit!"

he takes you out to dinner at this fancy italian restaurant and then performs a ballad for you while you sit on your shared bed (covered in rose petals, of course)

you remark that it was all very cheesy but he simply says "i did it all for you. i was willin' to act like a 9th grader on his first date for you! you're just so special to me, luv..."

russel hobbs

a master at valentine's!!

he just...doesn't really know where to start with your surprise

he wants to do so much but most of it is kind of impossible

"i want to buy them the moon...and the stars! how about that, babygirl?" | "russ...i don't think you can do that" (noodle)

he plans way too much

down to god damn seating and time of day (hour, minute, and second)

he just wants you to feel like royalty, or even better, his majesty

he's the best dressed out of everyone in the band though

when you first see him, you wonder if he really just outdressed you on the day he planned for you

he takes you out to walk along the beach and then a picnic under the stars with your favorite drinks and your favorite snacks

"i wish i could freeze time for the both of us so we can stay in this moment forever, my darling"

noodle

she's good at remembering but she's a become a bit of a procrastinator in recent

she makes a plan but can't really figure out if it's....your type of thing

"what do you think, katsu? would they like this?" | *cue some very happy katsu noises* | "hm...you're right. i'll switch out shopping spree and racecar driving.."

she wants to impress you more than anything

she doesn't go for a dress, like you may assume

she tries out multiple outfits and eventually goes with a red button down dress shirt with one of those short skirts and some sneakers

"heh, i somehow knew you were gonna go for that. typical noodle." | "ah yes! typical murdoc shoving his nose in my business again! like the nosey old man he is!" | "now wait just a minute-"

she wants to go all out but...should probably stick to more simple ideas, just like russ

she doesn't ask the others for advice or anything

and if she does, it's more for a pep talk

she kicks the rest of the band out of the house and feeds you the three course meal she's made (with russ's help, of course) and watches movies with you for the rest of the night

"you know, you're one of the only things in my life that makes sense. i love everything about you so easily, my love."

bonus (for a special someone: 🍓) -

ace copular

oh, ace...

he gets oh so insecure

but in a sorta good way

he wants everything to be perfect and worries till his hair practically falls out but of course, he makes it seem like he has everything in order

he asks the rest of his family (the gangreen gang) what they think he should do

they give him horrible answers but he takes them into consideration

"take them to the dmv!" | "why...would i do that?? i jus' don't unda'stand you guys sometimes..."

he tries every option he can think of before valentine's day comes around

he tries to cook and burns water (impossible? not for ace d. copular it isn't-)

he ends up arriving to your house with a bouquet of flowers and takes you out for a night drive on his motorcycle, which he cleaned just for the occasion

the drive is silent but you swear you almost heard him say "if only i could do dis' every night. then i could have you and the stars for the rest of my life..."

[not-a-space-alien]

Magnanimous Moonrise Chapter 21M

In this chapter: Stimming, and unpleasant secrets come to light

Warnings: Weight discussion, mentions of rape and torture (off-screen)

Story masterpost

Complementary chapter

***

“All right, up you go.”

Still in his pajamas, Valen tentatively stepped up onto the bathroom scale.

Ari scrutinized the numbers.  “All right, 73 pounds!  You’re getting there, big guy!”

“How much did you weigh before all this?” Lex asked. 

“A-about a hundred and ten pounds, I think.” It was a distant memory, not being able to see his ribs, not having sunken, bruised rings around his eyes.

“That’s still on the light side,” Ari said.  “We’ve gotta fatten you up.”

“He’s already gained ten pounds.”

“Yeah, it’s a wonder what three square meals a day can do to ya.”

Valen wasn’t used to three square meals a day.  Vampires didn’t do three square meals a day.  They did one meal a day, and it usually wasn't any particular shape.  He’d been positively overwhelmed by the bounty being offered to him.  It was hard to get used to after so long with absolutely nothing, but it was a welcome change.  “Thank you.”

“Everything okay?” Ari asked, apparently noting something wrong with his response. 

He could never seem to answer quite correctly.  “It’s just–it’s just been a lot.”

“Of course….You just take it easy.  You don’t have to worry about anything anymore.”

He’d been trying to slow his racing mind down to believe that over the past few days, he really had been.  It was almost starting to work, now that he could actually get decent sleep, which made everything less overwhelming.

The massive amount of blood he was given every day was also getting him healthy pretty quickly–his healing had sped back up to the point where his legs were already un-broken.  He still appreciated a bit of help walking, though, which he readily accepted as Ari helped him down the stairs and into the living room.

“Um…” Ari said, eyeing the coffin.  “So…I promise it’s okay…But…”

Valen’s anxiety spiked.  Oh no, they’d noticed that Valen had torn up his pillow.  Again.  Valen had lost track of how many of their bed sets he’d ruined.  He drew his limbs closer to himself, face reddening.

Lex spoke before he could.  “Oh.  We can replace it again, don’t worry.”

Was she disappointed?  Angry, but just hiding it?  Losing her patience?  It was hard to tell.  He was starting to get healthy again, and less helpless, but he was still terrified of wearing out his welcome at Lex and Ari’s house before he was ready to leave.  Or even worse, the ever-present fear of them changing their minds and calling Nick.  

Valen wrung his hands.  “I’m sorry.  I’m sorry I keep ruining them.”  He tried not to cry.  “I’m trying not to, but I do it in my sleep.”

“It’s okay,” Lex said, taking his elbow.  “It’s not a big deal.”

He broke eye contact.

“I noticed that you grind your teeth and bite things when you’re awake too.”

Valen was so incredibly self-conscious of his mouth, his main weapon for preying on humans, whether in the form of persuasion, or using his very evident fangs to bite and tear.  He hated that they were paying so close attention to the way he bit and chewed things.  That was one thing humans didn’t really do, bite in a significant way, one thing that would remind them how bestial he really was if he wasn’t careful to keep it under wraps.  That he chewed on things like an animal, because he wasn’t human, and maybe not a person, if they changed their minds.

“I’m sorry,” he said, tears spilling over.  “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I promise I’m not–I’m not–”

“Relax,” Ari said, and grounding hands appeared on his shoulders.  “We’re just trying to figure out how to fix whatever problem you’re having.”

Right.  Of course.  Calm down.  It was so embarrassingly easy to send him spiraling into panic.  He sniffled and wiped his cheek with the back of his hand.  “It’s an anxious habit.  It was–chewing on the muzzle was really the only thing I could do sometimes.” 

That was a massive understatement.  He’d never been a nervous chewer before, but it was practically all day every day for the past few months he’d spent gnawing at the muzzle, the damnable contraption keeping him trapped there, half in hopes of somehow getting it off and half to just soothe himself and get some stimulation that wasn’t painful.  Grinding his teeth on the metal bit that kept his tongue pressed to the floor of his mouth had been his only release at times, as he sobbed and screamed and cried hopelessly unable to do anything else.  Not to mention all the times he bit down on it because he was gritting his teeth in pain.

Lex smiled at him sadly.  “It’s okay that you do that.  I don’t think you should try and make yourself stop.  Can you open your mouth for me for a minute?”

He tentatively opened his mouth, feeling extremely self-conscious with his fangs, the foremost evidence of his monstrousness, on full display.  He didn’t want them to see him as a predatory beast, but he also felt a strange mix of embarrassment:  He wanted them to like him, and he was worried that inspecting his fangs would affect their opinion of him.

Lex leaned over and performed some inspection, the criteria of which were known only to her.  After a few moments, she asked,  “Do you want us to get you a chew toy?”

Valen shut his mouth.  “A chew toy…?”  Like for a dog?  He hesitated–he was so, so nervous to remind them at all of his animalistic nature.

“I bet the kind they make for dogs would stand up to your chewing better.  Or we could try and find a binky, or something along those lines.”

But it was too tempting to pass up.  “....Yes, I would like that.”

***

Lex and Ari had gone back to work after a certain point.  Of course they had–they were working class, it would be hugely burdensome for them to continue to miss work, and Valen was determined to be the least amount of burdensome possible, so he was happy that they went back to work.

But that did leave him at home alone for long periods during the night.  He got jittery.  Night was safer than the day, but only by virtue of his nature–night had historically been when Nick had taken free reign to do whatever he wanted, when the base was empty since everyone was out on patrol.

Still…it meant there was no sunlight, which was a definite plus.  The patch of burned skin on his face and destroyed, shriveled eye where the sunlight had hit him had taken by far the longest out of all his injuries to heal, still being raw and painful long after the others had started to close themselves up.  He had no desire whatsoever to encounter the sun a second time.

He tried to pass the time reading, which had always been his favorite go-to passtime.  But pretty much every time he did, his brain started to wander off, like a dog let loose in a field.  It felt like trying to grab something particularly slippery, and he would often sit there staring at one page and look up to realize that several hours had passed and he’d done nothing but read the same paragraph dozens of times without absorbing a word.

The physical damage was starting to heal, but his ordeal had done more than physical damage to him.  When he was alone in the house and therefore not embarrassed to do it in front of Lex and Ari, he would often cry over the loss of the activity that used to bring him the most joy.  Hardly anything did anymore, and he tried to grab calmness and happiness like sand running through his fingers.  It was almost embarrassing how eager he was for Lex and Ari to come home, so he’d have something to think about besides how damaged and lost he felt.

One day when Valen was lying down in the coffin, halfway between sleep and trying to read, Lex and Ari came in without him even noticing.

“Hey,” Lex said gently, setting some crinkly paper bags down by him.  “We got some things for you.”

He leaned over and wordlessly examined the bags.  There were several dog toys that looked like they could take some chewing, as well as chew toys for human infants.  Binkies, Lex had called them.  These things would never hold up under the force of teething vampire children.

And underneath of that–books.  Easy books, written for children.

He tried not to let it show how relieved he was by this collection of items.  He could tell the chew toys would be a huge comfort just by looking at them, and he could have wept looking at the books–they had pictures of animals.  Maybe he could get back to where he’d been before eventually, but…baby steps.

He lifted one out, a picture book about mammals, and opened it to a page about elephants.  He remembered the first time he’d learned about elephants.  He’d wondered what their blood tasted like, then what they sounded like.  They made noises too low in pitch for humans to hear, but could vampires hear it?  No one seemed to know the answer.

His eyes drifted over the text, going slow, but taking it in. He slowly ran a hand over the picture, simple and colorful. Gentle. Easy.  He grabbed one of the pacifiers and put it in his mouth, chewing it quietly.

***

Valen was still massively underweight, but after a few days Lex started to help feed him.  Ari was still visibly unhappy about being fed from, but she did it without complaint, and with Bailey and Jerome’s visits he had four people feeding him–a virtual glut that any vampire nobility would be jealous of.

Valen took a moment to reflect on the irony - in direct contrast to vampires’ typical domineering habits, he hadn’t even sought this out, yet he had four humans willingly and enthusiastically offering him their own fresh blood every day.  That was a luxury vampire nobility could not even buy; the closest they could get would be to have four brainwashed slaves following their commands.  Valen felt like a god among vampires, despite the fact that he was using toys and books made for human children and sleeping in an unpainted wooden box with a duvet stapled to the inside of it.

Regaining some of his strength went a long way to starting to ease his anxiety about being so completely helpless and at the mercy of the hunters, but he was never able to clear the anxiety entirely.  He was still deep in human territory, and Nick was here, somewhere, out there.

He heard Nick on the phone, once, and couldn’t suppress his urge to cower.  He buried himself under the covers in his coffin, shaking.

“You’re okay,” Lex soothed, rubbing his back through the blanket.  “He’s not here.”

“Does-does he know where you live?”  That was the million dollar question.  One crucial barrier between Nick and him.  His befuddled brain couldn’t remember the fact that they’d already told him Nick didn’t.

“No,” Lex said.  “No, he doesn’t, remember?”

Valen found this little comfort, and huddled further under his covers.

Ari finished her conversation and hung up the phone, coming back in.  “Nick is still trying to rope someone else into getting a live capture.  I think he’s getting desperate, because he called just to tell me the bounty’s gone up again.”

Valen couldn’t stifle the embarrassing whine.

“We’re not giving you back,” Ari said firmly.  “We’re not letting him find out you’re still alive, and we’re not letting anyone else take you.  You say the word, and we take you straight to the border.”

Valen peeked out from under the blanket.  He considered it, he’d been considering it.  He could walk again, he was getting steadier on his feet… Still, the thought of being on his own again was scary.

But…

“You were talking to him.”

“Nick? Yeah, on the phone.”  Ari didn’t seem to understand what he was trying to say.

“And at work sometimes, yeah,” Lex added, as though this were helpful.

How could Valen communicate how unsafe that simple fact made him feel?  “You were talking to him like he’s a person and not a monster.”

Lex and Ari looked at each other, then back at him.  “He’s fucked up,” Ari said.  “But everything he did, he had permission for.”

Valen burst into tears, the entirety of his ordeal hitting him at once.

“...Right?” Ari said.

“No,” Valen wept.  “No, no, a thousand times no.”  They didn’t know, they truly didn’t know, oh god, he was going to have to tell them.  “He came back at night when the compound was empty because everyone was out on patrol.  He opened the coffin when he was alone, he broke the rules all the time.”  

“What?” Ari growled.  “What for?”

“Ari,” Lex said, looking sick.

Valen just sat there and cried, trying to speak but choking on the words.  Ari knelt, steadying him and supporting him in her arms.  “Breathe, breathe, you’re okay.”

Lex handed him a tissue.  He took it, but was still crying too hysterically to use it.

“Let it out, baby,” Ari said.  “You’re okay.”

Valen took in great, sobbing gasps, wiping eyes, then blowing his nose.  “S–sorry.”

“You’re okay.  Let it out.”

His lip wobbled.  He grabbed the stuffed cat Lex had put in the coffin, hugging it.  “Nick has a shocking sadistic streak that he knows how to keep hidden.”

Ari stood, palming her mouth.  “All right.  Fuck.”

“I’m sorry,” Lex said.  “We didn’t know.”

“He did it all the time.  When we were alone.  He, he, he would do anything he couldn’t get away with during the day under supervision.  Things that–that could have no possible justification.  Humiliating things, senseless torture, rape-”

“What the fuck,” Ari said.  She was turning a cartoonish shade of red with her anger.  “I’m going to kill him.  I’m going to fucking kill him.”

“We need to tell the director,” Lex said, white as a sheet.  “He needs to know.”

“We can’t,” Ari said, through gritted teeth.  “We can’t do anything with this information without everyone finding out Valen is alive.”

The director was the one who authorized Nick to torture him in the first place.  Valen didn’t have high hopes about how that would go even if it didn’t put him in danger from Nick.  Valen took one of the chew toys and put it in his mouth, grinding anxiously.

“I’m going to fucking kill him.  I’m going to shoot him as many times as bullets I have, and then I’m going to get more bullets and shoot him some more.  They’re going to be scrubbing him out of the carpet for months afterwards.”

Ari’s anger and tone were too much, even though they weren’t directed at him.  Valen pulled the blankets back over himself, shaking with fear.

“Ari, shut up.  You just said we can’t do anything to let anyone know Valen is alive.  And getting yourself arrested isn’t going to help anyone.”

Ari’s footsteps could be heard stomping away, then the sounds of Ari wailing on a punching bag in the next room.  

He felt Lex’s gentle hands on him once again.  “What do you want us to do, Valen?”

Kill him.  The only way I’ll ever feel safe again is seeing Nick’s corpse, watching him die, knowing he’s not out there and can’t hurt me anymore.  But of course they couldn’t just go murder him.  It was like Lex had said.  “I don’t know,” he admitted tearily.

Ari came back in, still breathing heavily.  She had a foil package in one hand.  “Take this.  All of it.”

Valen hesitated, then took the package.  It had several small white pills inside.  “What is it?”

“Emergency contraception.”

Valen’s panic immediately surged.  “You don’t think–It isn’t possible, surely, for a human and a vampire…?”

“I don’t know.  But I’m not taking any chances.  The whole pack.”

“Will it even work?”

“It’s hormones, so if testosterone injections work on you, then maybe.”

Valen forced his vision to focus on the pills.  He was probably well outside the window of time when such a medication would even be effective.  But if there was any chance at all that it would work, to prevent any chance at all of him conceiving... 

He nodded grimly, then started pushing the pills through the foil.

*** 

“Try the bolt cutters again.”

“We’re not trying the fucking bolt cutters again.  We already saw that didn’t work.”

“I don’t think we’re going to make any progress this way.”

“We might if you give me longer than ten seconds!”

“We might have to use the saw.”

“We’re not using the fucking saw.  You’re going to take his damn head off.”

Valen tried so, so, so hard to stay still as the two women went at the metal collar with everything they had.  Ari was currently trying to pick the lock, a book with diagrams of locks and lockpicks out on the table next to Valen’s head.  Ari gripped his hair with one hand to keep him steady, peering down into the lock as though she could see the pins.  “Fuck me, I didn’t expect this to be so hard.”

Ari stood him upright.  “And you’re sure you can’t break it now that you’ve gotten some strength back.”

Valen had already tried to explain that the collar and lock both had silver on the inside, because Nick was very good at making things from silver, and therefore Valen would never be able to break it no matter how strong he was.  But he tried again for good measure, just to demonstrate.  Nothing happened, his hands trembling as he pulled with all his might.  “Yes, ma’am, I’m quite sure.”

Ari scowled. "All right. Lex, hold the light." Valen craned his neck, stretching upwards as far as he could to give Ari more room as she went at it with the lockpicks again.  

"Maybe we can try and get the key off Nick-"

"No, I'm not doing anything that could clue that maniac into the fact that we have Valen."

Valen squeezed his eyes shut, wanting to be rid of the last evidence of Nick's domination of him, the last thing binding him, more than anything.  This had been enormously stressful for him so far, though, mostly because Ari had been on a hair-trigger with her anger the entire time.  He was afraid of pissing her off even more, and tried to be as quiet and nondescript as possible throughout the whole process, to make up for being the center of attention.

Ari started to huff and puff angrily, motions becoming agitated. She eventually broke the lockpick and tossed it to the ground, cursing.

"All right, let's take a break," Lex said.

Ari plopped down onto the chair they kept downstairs next to the workbench. "Fuck.  I can’t–I can’t–I still can’t believe he did that.”  Her temper was absolutely boiling.  Her anger was exacerbating Valen’s anxiety, even though it was self-directed.

She stood back up and grabbed the collar again, a bit too roughly, and he winced back, suppressing a whimper.

“Ari, stop, take a break.”

“I’m fixing this,” she snarled.  “I’m getting it off, I’m fixing it.  Give me the saw.”

“Ari, you’re scaring him.”

Ari looked at him, startled, as though she hadn’t realized.

Finally, the tools in her hands clattered to the floor.  “I’m sorry,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes.  “I’m so fucking sorry we did this to you.”

Oh.  That was why Ari had been so intent on this.  On doing this now, on getting the collar off now.  He felt himself softening, and he reached out to her, but she quickly pulled him into a hug.

His ear was near her heart, and he heard it beating, and the roar of blood rushing through her veins.  “F-fuck.  I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” Ari said.

Valen thought of the humans at the Kithrara estate, the ones he didn’t help, the humans he didn’t want to risk himself for.  They’d all think he was a monster, most humans would.  He would cry like this, when confronted with the evidence of his complacency in a system that committed atrocities on a massive scale, of the damage his passivity had caused.  Of the good he could have done, but didn’t.

What would he want to hear from one of them?

“I’m…not going to say it’s okay,” Valen started.  “Because it isn’t.  But when we make mistakes, what matters is what we do after that.  And you’ve chosen to do everything within your power to fix things, even though it meant confronting your own feelings of shame and guilt.  Looking uncomfortable truths in the eye takes courage and integrity, and for that I admire you.”

Ari let out a choked sound.  “Wow, okay, Aristotle.”

What did that mean?  Had Valen said the wrong thing?  

Lex let out a laugh, slapping Ari on the arm lightly.  “You goofball.  Come on, sit down, let me try for once.”

Oh.  All it meant was that Ari was overwhelmed, and didn’t know how to handle the situation.  She sat down, wiping her nose on the back of her hand.  Thank you for trying.  I know it’s hard to make it right, but thank you for trying as hard as you can.

Lex took the wheel.  Valen recognized that Lex and Ari had wildly different strengths and weaknesses, and had already learned to appreciate the differences that made them stronger together, the both of them as different but equally valuable people.  But it would be a lie to say he wasn’t significantly more relaxed now that it was Lex handling him, rather than Ari.

Her hands were much steadier, and she was calmer.  She spent a minute examining the diagram of the lock with all its pins, then took the lockpicks and started fiddling with it.

The lock popped open.  It was off, oh it was off.  The feeling was unparalleled as the collar snapped off and clattered on the ground.

Lex smiled.  “There, see?  Nothing we can’t fix.”

***

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[fae-fucker]

Zenith: Chapter 80-84

Chapter 80

The general makes a speech on a stage with all the other leaders, including Lira’s aunt whose name I’ve already forgotten. It’s all very boring and Andi’s narration says this as well, which means fuck it, who cares, it’s all fluff anyway.

“Together, we remain as strong as we were on that final day of battle over a decade ago. Today, we continue to keep our trading ports open, to share new knowledge between the brightest scholars of each system and to be constant in our communications with one another. Why, just yesterday, I caught my wife sending a com to Governor Kravan’s wife. I believe the topic of discussion was how closely they could match their gowns without too many people taking notice.”

The crowd erupted with polite laughter.

Women! What are they good for!

Andi watches the crowd instead and we get this bit, which I highlighted in my review of the book:

Across the room, a group of girls clustered together, giggling silently as their parents sent them looks of disapproval. A few feet away, two handsome young Arcardian soldiers, their hair groomed back and glowing under the lights, watched the girls with open interest.

Later, Andi knew, they’d walk up to the girls, try to win them over with their smooth words. Hopefully, if the girls were smart, they’d shut the boys down.

But they likely wouldn’t. They’d dance together. They’d plan their futures, set on moving higher and higher up in society until they reached the top, just as Andi’s parents had.

God forbid people have lives that don’t fit Andi’s ideals, I guess.

Also wow, Andi. They’re just gonna dance together. Girl sees a promposal and starts planning a budget for baby clothes, smh.

The general asks his son to join him on the stage.

Everyone in the crowd craned their necks, eager to get an up-close look at the lost son, returned home at last. Andi watched, too, not because Valen was a spectacle, but because she knew, perhaps more than anyone, that he hated to be on display.

So you’re watching him because you know he hates being watched? Kind of a dick move, Androma.

The general says something about how they’re all stronger together and his son’s return is proof of their resilience and yadda yadda. But DUN DUN DUUN, Valen is ... not looking happy about it? What could it meeeaaan?

Chapter 81

So anyway, Valen stabs his dad.

Well not immediately, because nothing happens in this book without an overly long monologue that includes the words home, soul, darkness, light, stars and mayhaps family. Valen monologues for a bit about how this isn’t his home and the general isn’t his real family and how the imprisonment on Lunamere opened his eyes, it’s all a bit ... vague?

Obviously the reason this twist doesn’t really work despite the fact that there was some foreshadowing is because we’ve been in Valen’s POV multiple times. This is one of those things where if you try to do this, you’re either gonna need the writing skills of a god or you’re gonna fall flat on your face. And Shinsay are, well, Shinsay. It simply doesn’t track, it doesn’t feel shocking enough because we haven’t really spent enough time with Valen or understood him all that well before it happened, and it’s not a moment of everything clicking together and falling into place because the foreshadowing has either been too sparse or it wasn’t there at all, plus we’ve literally been inside Valen’s mind at multiple points, we started the book in his POV, yet he conveniently didn’t once think about any of this?

I am Valen Solis, he told himself. Vengeance will be mine.

He smiled and drove the knife into his father’s chest.

So why did he spend all that time saying Valen Cortas? Like, from a Doylist perspective it’s there to mislead the reader, but from a Watsonian, why did he do this? Does he have some sort of 4th wall knowledge and knows his thoughts are being literally read so he’s like “tee hee gotta pretend I love my dad!”

One thing I can sort of see is that Valen is being manipulated by Zenith and now he’s been “activated?” That would make sense and explain the wild inconsistencies between his true motivation and his thoughts, but I don’t think that’s what they’re going for?

It’s cheap, and it’s bad, and it’s boring. Which isn’t something you want from a twist. But hey, at least one of our POV characters has finally done something to affect the plot. It’s only been what, 81 chapters? Good god.

Chapter 82

Andi’s like :O!!!

And then a bunch of Xen Pteran soldiers blow up the walls and are like >:(!!

And then people are panicking like <:O!!!

And then Andi takes out the electric dagger strapped to her thigh like >:)!!!

And now she’s “eager to kill” like >:D!!!!!

This chapter is 170 words long.

Chapter 83

Ok sorry, I won’t do that again.

We’re in Dex’s POV, he watches as the Arcardian soldiers take up weapons to defend people and themselves, but then Valen takes the microphone and tells them to lay down their weapons and they obey.

Andi, ever the girlboss, charges right at Valen. The chapter ends with Dex yelling for her to stop, but she’s too much of a strong independent woman to listen.

This chapter is 154 words long.

Chapter 84

Andi reaches the stage and tries to talk Valen out of completing his dad-murder, since the general is still alive despite how good Valen stabbed him. The Xen Pteran soldiers are shooting people in the background.

[Valen] turned, twirling the knife so that he held the blade like a paintbrush, ready to render death upon his own father.

You know? Because he’s a painter?

This is just too good, you guys.

Andi’s like “this isn’t the Valen I know, he’s a killer now, like meeee” and yadda yadda. When Valen makes it clear, through some clichéd dialogue, that he’s not backing down and WILL complete the dad-murder, she says she’ll stop him.

Valen’s like “nu-uh.”

So how was your day? I’m pretty good, all things considered. We’re almost at the end of Zenith, believe it or not.

[imagine-loki]

Imagine being Little!Loki’s childhood sweetheart.

You hold hands as you “go adventuring” around the grounds. He gets visibly jealous whenever another boy gives you attention. The two of you are practically joined at the hip.

In fact, Loki even tells you about a curious Midgardian custom he’s just read about. It’s something called Valen... Valor... Valk... Something to do with hearts, but the men give the ladies flowers and sweets. With that, he hands you a pastry from the palace kitchen and a small bouquet from his mother’s garden. He even knows it’s the right kind because Frigga helped him. (Although, that was partially because she didn’t want him getting into any poisonous or carnivorous plants by mistake.)

You’re so delighted that you immediately wrap your arms around him as you thank him for the gifts. Loki is just glad you can’t see him blush.

Some time later, you shyly ask Loki if he’s ever kissed a girl before. This time, you definitely see him blush. He pretends to shove you into the nearby fountain.

It’s such a sweet, innocent relationship that nobody has the heart to say anything whenever either one of you says anything about wanting to marry the other one day, “when we’re old enough.” They just sort of... nod along.

Time passes, as one would expect. You are laughing at how Loki’s voice is starting to change, and fall onto his shoulder. He absentmindedly puts his arm around you. It’s not like he’s never done so before, but this time his hand is on your waist instead of your shoulder. He can feel the boning of your corset, and can’t help but wonder how long you’ve been wearing one. He blushes... again.

As Loki walks with you back to your home, you overhear someone in the palace remarking how precious it is that the two of you still see each other so regularly. Another retorts that it’s just because you’re still children who “don’t know any better.”

You frown. Know any better?

“They’ll grow up one day,” the second servant gossips. “That girl can’t keep coming around once Loki’s bride has been chosen. And especially once he’s wed. His wife won’t take kindly to some giggling little hussy throwing herself at him.”

Your eyes burn. “They... Loki, they called me a...”

Loki scowls, gripping your hand a bit tightly. “They can’t do that!” He snarls. “They can’t just force me to marry somebody I don’t even know or like! And they’re not supposed to speak ill of a royal family member’s friend or guest!”

As soon as you’re home, you rush to your own chamber. Your mother comes in to check on you, and you tearfully tell her what happened and ask what it means.

She explains that many nobles and royal families partake in arranged marriages, rather than marrying for love.

“Do... all nobles?”

Your mother kisses the crown of your skull. “There are a few who don’t. In fact, your father was first arranged to marry my sister. Your aunt! But we were in love, and she had her heart set on someone else, and, well, here we all are.”

You nod, taking comfort in her words. After all, your family enjoys a great deal of status and influence. Maybe there’s hope for you and Loki.

Then again, you’re not quite royalty.

Loki has been having conversations of a similar nature with his parents, namely Frigga.

“Loki, dear, it’s not as though someone has been chosen for you already,” she assures him.

“I still don’t want it!” His changing voice starts to crack, and Frigga tries her hardest not to snicker at the sound. “And why would they say something like that about (Name)?! It’s not even true!”

Frigga rubs his back, saying she doesn’t know. “Sometimes, people simply speak without thinking, and that causes them to say hurtful things. But you’re absolutely right; (Name) is a very sweet girl. She doesn’t deserve to be called such a horrid name.”

The next time you see each other, it’s... different. You’re terrified that you one day won’t be allowed to see Loki again. You’ve been inseparable for all these years. What will you do without him? It hurts to think about.

Loki tells you not to worry. He’ll refuse to marry some stranger just because he’s told to. “After all... I do what I want,” he declares with a toothy grin.

He squeezes your hand and invites you to attend an upcoming banquet with him. “They’re letting me bring a guest, and I was hoping it could be you.”

You’re stoked. You’ve never gone to any of the royal festivities before. Your parents may have gone to a couple here and there, but not you.

It ends up being the most fun you’ve had in your life. You wear a beautiful gown, dine with the royal family... and you even dance with Loki! (Thor asks you to dance once, but Loki snaps that he should have brought his own guest.)

As Loki twirls you around, you can’t help yourself. You giggle, enjoying the slightly dizzy feeling as you spin amongst the array of gold and more colors and embroidery than you’ve ever seen in one place before.

Loki catches you as your spinning stops, a gentle smile on his face. He notices your corset this time has even more boning, and tries his hardest not to blush.

You notice a crone of a maid scowling at the two of you as she tidies up a spilled goblet. You wonder if that’s the one who called you a “hussy.”

Your pleasant mood threatens to fade.

They’re just children... they don’t know any better... they’ll grow up... that girl can’t keep coming around... Loki’s bride... wed... wife... hussy... giggling little hussy... throwing herself at him... arranged marriage... hussy...

Loki follows your gaze and glares at her slightly. He’s clearly thinking the same thing you are.

You’re not sure if it’s because he really cares about you or if it’s out of spite, but Loki keeps inviting you to every party he can...

... All the way into adulthood.

You still enjoy the galas, but you can’t help but wonder how much longer you can keep doing this. After all, you can’t keep coming around once Loki’s bride is chosen.

When a handful of palace guards show up at your house and ask your parents for their immediate presence before the monarchs of Asgard, you can feel your stomach turn inside-out. Will they call you a hussy, too?

You’re instructed to stay home until they return, and you do. You sink to the floor, wondering what you’ve done that was so bad your parents had to be summoned. It’s not like you’ve ever done anything with a guy. Not even with Loki.

Your parents return to find you half-sitting-half-kneeling in your foyer, sniffling as you mutter to yourself, “I’m not a hussy. I’m good. I’ve been saving myself for marriage. I come home before dark and everything.”

Your mother gently jostles your shoulder to get your attention. She has a soft, soothing smile, making you think perhaps everything will work out. “Why don’t you go try on your new dress for the gala? It may need more beadwork.”

At the next gala, you’re glad your mother talked you into the extra beadwork after all. It makes you feel like a princess.

Princess...

You shake the thought out of your head. No, you’ll just enjoy getting to see Loki for as long as you can. What good will dread do, anyway?

Loki is taken aback. Yes, you certainly do look like a princess. More to the point, like a princess who would one day make a beautiful queen.

As per what has become somewhat of a normal routine, the two of you have a complete blast.

At the end of one song in particular, Loki draws you closer to him. “Come with me,” he whispers into your ear.

You let him lead you into the dimly-lit gardens, knowing this is it. He’s going to tell you that he’s betrothed now and can’t see you again. It will all be over. Tonight is going to be the night you have to say goodbye.

You wasted good beadwork on the worst night of your life.

“I hope the guards didn’t frighten you too badly when they asked your parents to come to the palace.” Loki’s voice is calm. Almost too calm.

“Why did they need to go? And so urgently?” You gulp. “Have they chosen your—?”

“No. No, they certainly haven’t.” Loki answers with a smug grin. “You’ll be pleased to learn that refusals do indeed work.”

“So... we can still see each other? For now, at least?”

He lets out a hum as he loops a strand of your hair around his fingertips. “That’s precisely why I summoned your parents to the palace. I needed to speak with them.”

“You... you summoned...? I don’t understand. Why?”

Loki places the strand behind your ear and looks deeply into your eyes with a sincerity you’ve never seen before. “Because I love you, (Name).”

You sigh, feeling like your heart will burst at any moment. “I love you, too, Loki.”

Still, you’re confused.

“What do my parents have to do with this, though? What did you ask of them?”

Loki smiles as he gently takes your hand in his. “Their blessing.”

[houseisekai]

House Isekai: Valentine’s Day Special

House Isekai Masterlist

----

[Mezame no Waltz - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

Yuki hummed happily as she stepped through the dorms of Garreg Mach Monastery, boxes of chocolates in her arms.

She finally arrived at the entrance to House Isekai’s classroom and opened the door.

Inside, Byleth, Megumi, Towa, Sharon, Doomguy, Sara, Angelica, and Cocytus turned to look at her.

(Megumi) “Yuki-chan?”

(Angelica) “Oh yikes, that’s a lotta boxes!”

Angelica, Sharon, Doomguy, and Towa walked over to Yuki and helped take some of the boxes.

Each one of them had a box yet Yuki still had a tower in her arms as she sat them down on the table.

(Yuki) “Whew, thank you! That was getting heavy!”

(Sara) “Are these chocolates?”

(Yuki) “Yup! I made these with Mercedes, Ashe, and Dedue! We made it for everyone in House Isekai!”

Yuki excitedly grabbed the boxes and handed them individually to the staff members.

(Byleth) “We appreciate it, but what’s the occasion?”

(Yuki) “Well, Fodlan seems to share the same calendar as most of us, and right now it’s February 14th! Which means its Valentine’s day! Normally these are given to the people you love in our world, so that’s why I’m giving it to everyone!”

(Byleth) “Valen...tine’s?”

(Cocytus) “AH, I BELIEVE I HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY. LORD AINZ HAS MULTIPLE ITEMS WITH THE NAME OF VALENTINES, RANGING FROM ARMOR TO WEAPONS WITH HEARTS ON THEM.”

(Sara) “...So, when you say hearts you mean-”

(Cocytus) “NOT ACTUAL HEARTS.”

(Sara) “Ok, figured. Just wanted to make sure, we never know with your group-”

(Towa) “A-Anyways! Yuki, thank you so much!”

(Megumi) “You still have a lot of boxes Yuki-chan, do you need our help?”

(Yuki) “Nope! I know you guys are really busy, so leave it all to me!”

(Sharon) “If that is what you wish. Again, thank you very much, Miss Yuki!”

Yuki saluted the staff and walked off with significantly less boxes in her arms.

Doomguy was the first one to open his box of chocolates.

It seemed fairly standard, heart shaped chocolates, but several appeared to be something similar to dog treats. They had the label “For Daisy.”

And more importantly, he had a note specifically for him.

“For Slayer: Thank you for being so nice, even though you can be really scary!”

Doomguy was seen smiling through his helmet as everyone else opened theirs.

“For Towa: Thank you for working so hard!”

“For Angelica: Thank you for not hitting on us!”

“For Cocytus: Thank you for teaching Kurumi how to fight!”

“For Sara: Thank you for looking out for us and Megunee!”

“For Sharon: Thank you for being House Isekai’s retainer!”

“For Byleth: Thank you for everything you’ve done for us!”

“For Megu-nee: Thank you for being the best teacher ever!”

Everyone looked back at the door smiling. Except Angelica.

(Megumi) “Yuki-chan...”

(Sara) “Hah, bet she’ll lighten someone’s day.”

(Angelica) “...Do I really hit on people that much?”

(Everyone) “Yes.”

Rest of House Isekai under the cut!

Abyss, Denizens of Nazarick’s Room

[Oath of Loyalty to the Supreme Being - OVERLORD OST]

After saying hello to Yuri and the other Ashen Wolves, they directed Yuki to where Ainz’s group was.

Ainz knocked on the door politely and waited.

There was no response for a minute before she heard something behind her.

Turning around, Demiurge was right in front of her, looking down.

(Demiurge) “Ah, Miss Takeya. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

(Yuki) “Valentine’s Day! I’m giving everyone some chocolates, including you Mister Demiurge!”

He took a moment to examine one of the boxes and sure enough, there were labels for each member, including Ainz.

Demiurge nodded and opened the door for her.

(Demiurge) “Right this way.”

As she followed Demiurge, she failed to notice that several members were now eyeing her suspiciously.

(Shalltear) “Oh, it’s her.”

(Aura) “Weird, Yuki’s got a lot of boxes.”

Demiurge stopped in front of Ainz, who was in the center of the room with Albedo, overlooking a war table of some sort.

Ainz looked at Demiurge, then at Yuki.

(Ainz) “I see we have a delivery.”

(Demiurge) “So it would seem, my lord.”

(Yuki) “Yup, I got a box for everyone here!”

This made Ainz curious. Yuki making something for them?

(Ainz) “Everyone, to the center of the room.”

Everyone in the room dropped what they were doing and followed Ainz’s instruction, getting on one knee.

Ainz grabbed a box and opened it up.

“For Ainz: Thank you for being a good friend to everyone, despite our differences!”

(Ainz) “Ah, a Valentine’s box.”

(Yuki) “Oh, you know what it is too, Ainz?”

(Ainz) Lots of Valentine’s events happened when I was playing Yggdrasil. Never cared too much about these since I never had a girlfriend or whatever but...eh. Made for fun collectables throughout the years. Why discard this one? “Yes, I do. Thank you very much.”

(Shalltear and Albedo) “WHAT?!”

[Shut up, lower life form - Overlord OST]

Ainz immediately noticed that they were frothing with rage.

(Ainz) Shit! That’s right, they think this is solely romantic! “AHEM! Do you have a problem with this gift, you two?”

(Albedo) “Of course, Lord Ainz! How could the man I love accept a gift so precious and romantic from...FROM HER OF ALL PEOPLE?!”

(Shalltear) “IT’S UNACCEPTABLE!”

(Ainz) You got to be fucking kidding me-

(Yuki) “Romantic? But these are friendship chocolates! I made everyone here friendship chocolates, including you two!”

(Ainz) Oh thank god.

Yuki grabbed their boxes and happily walked over to them.

Albedo and Shalltear looked at each other with an eyebrow raised, then opened the box.

Sure enough:

“For Shalltear: Thank you for protecting us when we’re in the Monastery!”

“For Albedo: Thank you for protecting us when we’re in battles!”

(Albedo & Shalltear) “...Oh.”

Demiurge, Aura, Mare, Sebas, Pandora’s Actor and the Pleiades got their chocolates as well.

“For Demiurge: Thank you for giving us the knowledge of Fodlan!”

“For Aura & Mare: Thank you for being someone the younger students of House Isekai can talk to!”

“For Sebas: Thank you for helping Sharon and the other staff out!”

“For Pandora’s Actor: Thank you for always making us laugh with your fantastic performances!”

“For the Pleiades: Thank you for keeping us safe!”

(Yuki) “Anyways, that’s all I wanted to do! Thank you for your time!”

Yuki bowed and quickly left the room.

Ainz slowly turned to Albedo and Shalltear, who started sweating.

(Ainz) “Of all the people to be skeptical of, you really chose Yuki...?”

S.E.E.S, Dormitory

[Iwatodai Dorm - Persona 3 OST]

(Minako) “Oh, hey Yuki-senpai!”

(Yuki) “Hello! Happy Valentine’s!”

Everyone turned to the door and saw Yuki unloading chocolates.

(Junpei) “Oh, sweet! Chocolates!”

(Yukari) “Jeez, the year flew by so fast!”

As Yuki handed the chocolates out, some of S.E.E.S spoke amongst themselves.

(Akihiko) “Can’t believe she’s the same age as us.”

(Mitsuru) “It is a bit weird, isn’t it?”

(Shinjiro) “Who cares how old she is? She’s more considerate than some people I know here.”

(Akihiko) “Hmph.”

(Koromaru) Bark!

(Aigis) “Yuki-chan, Koromaru wishes to have some chocolates.”

(Yuki) “Oh, sorry! I don’t think you can eat any of these, but don’t worry! We did make a tasty treat for you!”

Koromaru wagged his tail excitedly.

(Ken) “Thanks, Yuki-senpai!”

(Junpei) “I think this is the first time I’ve gotten chocolates from a girl-”

(Yukari) “Jeez, Stupei! Is that ALL you can think of right now?! This is obviously friendship chocolate!”

(Junpei) “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? I was just makin’ an observation!”

(Fuuka) “A-Anyways, thank you so much!”

(Yuki) “Sure thing!”

(Minato) “...You could at least say thank you before stuffing your face, Minako.”

(Minako) “Huerh?Owhrite!Thamfkyu!”

Minato rolled his eyes and finally noticed the note written to him.

“For Minato: Thank you for being so nice!”

“For Minako: Thank you for helping Yuuri out with her problems!”

“For Fuuka: Thank you for helping me with tech problems!”

“For Junpei: Thank you for helping Kurumi how to fight better!”

“For Yukari: Thank you for teaching Miki how to use a bow!”

“For Mitsuru: Thank you for being smart to help us out in battle!”

“For Akihiko: Thank you for helping Kurumi train!”

“For Shinjiro: Thank you for teaching me how to cook!”

“For Aigis: Thank you for protecting us in battle!”

“For Koromaru: Thank you for playing with me!”

“For Ken: Thank you for your help with studying!”

(Yuki) “Okay, that’s it for this group, I have to go now!”

S.E.E.S waved her off as she left the dormroom.

(Minako) “Hah, being nice? That’s a first-”

(Minato) “Piss off.”

Investigation Team, Dormitory

[Signs of Love - Persona 4 OST]

(Teddie) “Hey, it’s Yuki-chan!”

(Yu) “Hey, what’s with the boxes?”

(Yuki) “Valentine’s!”

(Chie) “Jeez, that’s a lotta boxes! Here, lemme help you with that!”

(Rise) “Oh, that’s so nice of you, Yuki-senpai! Thanks so much!”

(Teddie) “Is...Is this a confession?! I don’t know what to say!”

(Yosuke) “It’s not a confession, idiot! It’s friendship chocolate!”

(Teddie) “Yikes! It was just a joke! Why do you sound so angry? What, do you have firsthand experience on getting nothing but friendship chocolate?”

(Yukiko) SNRK!

(Naoto) “Thank you for your gift, Yuki-senpai.”

(Kanji) “Cool, love chocolate! Thanks man!”

“For Yu: Thanks for always taking the time to help out Yuuri!”

“For Yosuke: Thanks for being like a big brother!”

“For Chie: Thank you for being like a big sister!”

“For Yukiko: Thank you for the gag glasses and making us laugh!”

“For Teddie: Thanks for always making me smile!”

“For Naoto: Thank you for spending time with Miki!”

“For Rise: Thanks for helping us with the Ball concert!”

“For Kanji: Thanks for teaching me how to knit cute animals!”

(Yuki) “Alright, I have a few more stops to make, catch you later!”

Everyone said goodbye as she walked out the room.

(Yosuke) “...Wait a second, when did you give Yuki gag glasses?!”

(Yukiko) “That would ruin the surprise!”

(Chie) “Ugh, great. I thought we got rid of all those by now...”

Phantom Thieves, Dormitory

[No More What Ifs (Instrumental) - Persona 5 Royal]

(Yuki) “Hello, Valentine’s delivery!”

(Akira) “Oh, it’s already Valentine’s?”

(Ann) “I didn’t even know Fodlan had one!”

(Makoto) “They most likely don’t, but they do share our calendar year. I suppose it makes sense for those from our world to celebrate it.”

(Ryuji) “Eff yeah, hand that stuff over!”

(Haru) “Oh, how thoughtful!”

(Yusuke) “Hm, it has been a while since I’ve had any food...”

(Futaba) “Dude, you get FREE food for being a student, how the heck have you not eaten?!”

(Morgana) “Hmph...Wish I could cook chocolate, then I could give mine to lady A-”

(Kasumi) “Thank you, Yuki-senpai!”

(Akechi) “...You know how I am and you’re still giving me chocolate? Ugh, fine whatever, hand it over.”

“For Akira: Thank you for being so fearless in fighting!”

“For Ann: Thank you for all the sweets you’ve shared with me!”

“For Ryuji: Thank you for teaching us how to run and fight better!”

“For Yusuke: Thank you for your wonderful paintings of our class!”

“For Morgana: Thank you for driving us all around Fodlan!”

“For Futaba: Thank you for playing video games with me and Kazuma!”

“For Makoto: Thank you for teaching me how to be a better student!”

“For Haru: Thank you for teaching us how to garden!”

“For Kasumi: Thank you for teaching us how to protect ourselves and jump out the way of danger!”

“For Akechi: Even though you don’t like a lot of us, me included probably, thank you for all that you’ve done for us!”

(Yuki) “Okay, 3 more groups to go, see you all around!”

(Akira) “How sweet of her.”

Akechi stared at his box, then shrugging, making no comment as he ate his chocolate.

Class VII, Dormitory

[Afterschool Hours - The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel OST]

(Emma) “Oh, hello Yuki!”

(Yuki) “Hello, I have Valentine’s chocolate for everyone!”

(Millium) “OOOH, CHOCOLATE! GIMME GIMME!”

(Fie) “Thanks.”

(Elliot) “Oh, thank you, Yuki!”

(Laura) “I believe this is the first time I’ve gotten something like this.”

(Machias) “It is very much appreciated.”

(Jusis) “You have my thanks.”

(Alisa) “Aww, thank you!”

(Gaius) “These don’t look half bad, thanks.”

(Crow) “Hell yeah, hand that good stuff over!”

(Emma) “Thank you!”

(Rean) “If you needed some help passing these out, we would’ve been glad to, you know!”

“For Rean: Thank you for everything that you do for House Isekai, don’t wear yourself out too much!”

“For Alisa: Thank you for teaching me how to use the bow!”

“For Elliot: Thank you for teaching us how to play music for the concert during the ball!”

“For Laura: Thank you for giving Kurumi combat lessons!”

“For Machias: Thank you for teaching Miki how to play chess!”

“For Fie: Thank you for teaching me how to nap anywhere!”

“For Gaius:  Thank you for teaching me how to paint!”

“For Emma: Thank you for teaching me how to be a better student!”

“For Jusis: Thank you for helping us out with the more physical chores!”

“For Millium: Thank you for always making us smile!”

“For Crow: Thank you for teaching me how to gamble!”

(Yuki) “Okay, two more to go! See you later!”

(Rean) “Crow...”

(Crow) “’Sup, Rean-bean?”

(Rean) “When did you teach Yuki-”

(Crow) “GOT TO GO.”

Konosuba Gang, Mess Hall

[You should have many companions - Konosuba OST]

Kazuma sat alone on the docks as he was fishing, Megumin, Darkness, and Aqua not too far behind, speaking to each other.

(Aqua) “Oh, hey Yuki!”

(Kazuma) “Yo.”

(Yuki) “I got chocolate for you four!”

(Megumin) “Oh, sweet!”

(Darkness) “Ah, thank you dear.”

(Kazuma) “Put it over here, yeah?”

Yuki nodded and gave everyone their chocolate.

“For Aqua: Thank you for your water tricks!”

“For Darkness: Thank you for always protecting us!”

“For Megumin: Thank you for casting the coolest explosions ever!”

“For Kazuma: Thank you for always being so nice to me. And to everyone when they really need it. I know you don’t get along with Kurumi well, but it means a lot that you try to.”

(Yuki) “Okay, I got 3 left! See you later guys!”

Kazuma didn’t say anything as he smiled, looking at the box.

He shook his head and continued fishing, putting a chocolate in his mouth.

(Kazuma) “...Being so nice, huh?”

School-Living Club, Dormitory

[Yasashisa ni Fureta Toki - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

(Yuuri) “Welcome back, Yuki-chan.”

(Kurumi) “Busy day, I take it?”

(Miki) “Are those boxes?”

(Yuki) “Yup, handed them out to everyone in House Isekai! I saved the best group for last!”

Yuki gave the final three boxes to them and smiled.

(Yuki) “Happy Valentine’s!”

“For Yuuri: Thank you for getting us through the hard times we had in our world, and for never failing to look out for us, even when it hurts yourself to..”

“For Kurumi: Thank you for protecting the three of us, from last world and even now.”

“For Miki: Thank you for becoming my friend, and for joining the School-Living Club.”

Yuuri put the chocolate down and smiled. She gave Yuki a hug, which Kurumi joined in.

(Kurumi) “Come on, not gonna join in?”

(Miki) “I-I think I’m good, thank you!”

(Kurumi) “GET OVER HERE-”

(Miki) “WAH!?-”

Kurumi reached over and had Miki join in the group hug.

Miki was flustered for a moment before just sighing and embracing her fate.

Yuki had a tear running down her eye as she hugged them back.

(Yuki) “W-Why...am I crying? We’re all together...So...Why...?”

(Everyone) “...”

Yuuri, Kurumi, and Miki hugged each other tighter as sniffles from Yuki were beginning to grow louder.

Megumi looked through the door and wanted to say something, but heard a voice behind her.

(Sara) “...You haven’t told Yuki what happened to you, yet?”

(Megumi) “...No. I’ve been trying to find the right time.”

She smiled at seeing her students safe. Even though she didn’t know Miki all too well, she was glad they had found another survivor.

That means there were still people alive other than them. There had to be.

(Sara) “Well, I won’t tell you when to speak to them but, if you don’t act, then you may lose that chance forever. Not many people get a second chance like you.”

Megumi stared at her arm where the infected’s bite used to be. It was thanks to Aqua that she didn’t turn.

(Megumi) “...Right.”

Sara smiled and hit Megumi’s shoulder.

(Sara) “Come on, let’s grab a drink together. We can complain about our single lives together this Valentine’s.”

(Megumi) “Huh? But that’s never been an issue for me-”

(Sara) “Tonight it will!”

Megumi sighed but smiled, it was going to be a lively night.

Yuki opened the door and saw Megumi walk off with Sara. She wanted to say something to her but instead just smiled.

(Yuki) “I can speak with Megunee later...”

Nodding, she walked through the dorms, humming to herself. Her Valentine’s day plan was a success.

Give something to the friends she loved.

[Harmonize Clover - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

The chit-chat on the way home It's girl's secret, right Even if the 5 o'clock chime rings We talk enough yet, I wonder why?

The small four-leaf clover Fu... swaying in the breeze Hey, of course, yes, of course Hope that tomorrow will be sunny

The road I walked with everyone "The usual place" is the watchword Ah... the sheep cloud that looks like going to be burnt Dazzling Some day, days like these Even if the memories fade Hey... A lot of smile I feel like to give it now

====

Guess this kinda gives away how I feel on Valentine’s, huh? 

To me, Valentine’s is a day where you give appreciation to the people you love. Friends, family, whoever means a lot to you.

So, this is kinda my lame way of saying I appreciate everyone who follows this blog.

If it weren’t for you guys, I wouldn’t have been able to make a blog of this caliber, write something that means so much to me, or even just have fun stupid ideas with ya’ll.

I’ve been writing on tumblr for a long while, but I think this is the first valentine’s where I’ve written something from the heart.

Being able to appreciate House Isekai, something I hold dear to me, with ya’ll.

I hope you all can appreciate this too, with many more posts to come, especially Shadowbringers!

Thanks for your support, love ya guys.

- Chris