irohxh

[pigeon-princess]

How many eyes does Lord Bloodraven have? A thousand eyes, and one. 

[scimagic]

SMG4: WOTFI 2024 Thoughts and Analysis Masterpost

WOTFI 2024 is finally here and I had so much fun watching it! I've even watched it a few times already!! I'm so glad this was my first ever live WOTFI, it makes me wish I knew of SMG4 earlier but alas! I'm still so happy I found SMG4 and it's wonderful community the way I did!

This is one large compilation of all my reactions, opinions and deeper analysis... -es on WOTFI 2024! I will go over the entirety of the video almost scene-to-scene with my OWN OPINIONS! (And yes, it gets hella long) I divided it into sections of the video and even included pictures for viewing convenience!

Hope you enjoy reading essays <33

Warning: Spoilers (duh).

✧ Before The Show

As said before this was my first live WOTFI, since the episodes release at 9AM for me I had to put on my alarm one hour before but I shut it off fhjkdsa

So you can imagine my panic when I had to make my breakfast 10 minutes before it started

Not my greatest planning but I managed to (somewhat) make it on time!

✧ Let's Jump Right In!!

WHUH HAPPEN

Loved the spin off of Mr Puzzles' jingle, I knew I was going to get it stuck in my head the moment the lyrics switched

I was amused when Puzzles re-enacted his life, thought he'd give a little more meat to work with but I'm glad he just explained what we already knew. Some of his charm lies in the mystery that is his life

"So I did what any ambitious, misunderstood young soul would do... I locked myself in my room and watched TV all day!" So real tho-

I'm surprised I didn't see many people react to Puzzles cursing so loud hfdskja maybe we're all busy with the rest of WOTFI but I SCREAMED when he went "-WERE VIOLENTLY FUCKING CRUSHED BY YOU LOT!!"

LET THAT MAN CUSS FREELY!!!!

"... yyyou!" <3

LOVE EVERYONE'S COSTUMES TOO!! They all look great!!

Maybe it's because of the teasers they gave but I thought the crew was going to go against Puzzles himself with the challenges, but pitting them against Mario and SMG4 made me pleasantly surprised (I will be a lot throughout all this!)

I ADORE THIS INTRO SO MUCH!! It's so fun and vibrant and the way it was animated was so cool!! I WANT THE POSTER SO BAD!!!

Haeheh big Puzzles from the website!!

Love how Saiko is just screaming at Puzzles too fhdskja

✧ Fun Carnival Torture Metho- Games!!

I didn't say what my challenge was but it was called Chuck N' Dunk: Who can dunk the other first in shark-infested waters?

It didn't make it but I do see shark-infested waters, so either I gave a bit of inspo or I'm just delusional hfdsjka

"I have to deal with internet comments all day! This is nothing!" HAH!!! THAT'S MY FUCKING YOUTUBER RIGHT THERE!!! (He still lost)

Love to see SMG3 and Puzzles appreciate the beauty of destruction together, gotta love two villains vibin over causing chaos, it'd make for a fun dynamic if SMG4 ever considers it

On that note, when SMG3 tries to shake Four's tight rope I knew that was Three straight up

Even under Puzzles' control, the cast still retains a bit of their personality, as shown here and in the Puzzlevision episodes

Bob has like- the coolest costume ever holy shit- I really wanna draw it some time

I KNOW IT'S JUST A MASK AND SOME RECOLORING ALRIGHT IT JUST FITS HIM AND HE LOOKS COOL

I LOVE HIM SO. FUCKING. MUCH. HE'S SO SMUG THE BASTARD

This is a really funny joke actually

PIE GUN GO BRRRRRRRRRRRR

I liked seeing Karen included in this WOTFI, she was a main character in a few episodes and her dynamic works well with the others! Just a tired mom wanting to work but pulled along silly adventures, grounding in a badass caring way

CHANGE THE WORLD. MY FINAL MESSAGE. GOODBYE!! God I haven't heard that meme in so long

Plus [Italian vc] YOU SONSOFFA BITCHES

"Hope you two have your running shoes on!" said in the gayest villain voice ever, I love him your honor

Bob going for the clown girl instead of the exit is the Bob-iest thing ever and it just drives my point of the crew retaining their personalities even under control, so people shouldn't be surprised when it happens fhdjksa (cus I've seen it!)

FOUR ONLY WINNING BECAUSE HE'S A CLOWN IS SO FUNNY YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND

So... Ben (SMG4's Thumbnail Artist) posted a lot of Gokus when someone mentioned Metallica's For Whom The Bell Tolls

That's why I thought there'd be some kind of reference to it in WOTFI which... now that I say it out loud sounds kinda dumb hfsjdka

But the moment Mario appeared as Goku I immediately thought of Ben and it had me gigglin fhdsjka

You'd think Tari would be in the ducky mini-game but you'd be wrong! <3

Final thoughts of the games, this year's WOTFI challenges were delightful!! They were all very clever from the audience and well chosen from the crew! Congratulations to the folks that got their prompt in!

✧ WHACK-A-LEGGY (aka forgive me father for this next part)

You........ CANNOT tell me he wouldn't treat you right- God- DAMN.

LISTEN. HEAR ME OUT. YES I'M GONNA BE SIMPY IN THIS REACTION POST FUCK YOU.

Puzzles is the type of guy to give you the best of the best simply because you say so and deserve it, doesn't matter if it's as tame as a big bouquet of flowers OR as extreme as absolutely destroying your enemies through the most painful torture you have ever witnessed

He would treat you RIGHT!!!!

THAT IS THE MOST PERFECT MAN RIGHT THERE

Oh yes and I love his interactions with Leggy, they're adorable, yes FHDSKJA

THEY MAKE A CUTE DUO

Speaking of Puzzles treating you right: I am on the FUCKING FLOOR. THAT MAN IS PROTECTIVE TOO.

It's just so endearing to me how protective he is of Leggy (yes yes I know I know he's done evil shit to Meggy I know) BUT LISTEN.

In an actual redemption arc, I can see Puzzles as the most loyal motherfucker that you've ever befriended, that man is going to go to the edge of the earth and fight for you if needed BECAUSE you're his friend and that is so lovely to me

It's cute how he's trying to tell Leggy where to go, where to hide and just how worried he is of her

Mind you, the contrast between Puzzles being worried and SMG4 and Mario wanting to curve-stomp that goomba to death is hilarious fhdsjka

So forgive me if I giggle like a schoolgirl over that man

✧ I'm Gonna Get Real With You For A Moment

MR STINKY

Oh this scene now- lots to unpack

First: Adore how this scene plays out, I love the portrayal of Puzzles' meltdown, induced by grief, sadness, anger and frustration over how things are playing out. It's a big "I'm supposed to win! Why don't you let me win!" moment, I simply adore when those happen.

The pitiful cries when you don't get your way when you've meticulously planned everything and done Everything to get it, and do everything did Puzzles indeed try

Second: The colors, the dramatic red light, the destruction of the park out of anger and overcharging it seems

It's basically a tantrum

Third: The voice acting is phenomenal, and that's been said all throughout the Puzzlevision arc, Brendan (Mr Puzzles' voice actor) is so good at his job- he's perfect in those high pitch inflictions of emotion and the lower threatening tones, that scream is chilling and painful

Fourth: I can try and decipher that blue screen

FATAL ERROR A problem has been detected and Mr. Puzzles has been shut down to prevent damage to himself. PUZZLEVISION.EXE Check to make sure any new show or movie is properly installed. If this is a new installation :It's not: ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any PUZZLEVISION updates you might need. :I don't need any: If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software. Disable CPU(?) memory options such as Unused Shows or Movies. If you need to use safe mode :I don't: to remove or disable components, restart yourself, press :nuhuh: to select Advanced Startup Options, and then select Safe Mode. :NO: Technical Information: *** STOP: 2xREADING (... xACTUALLY)

That last line is ineligible to me but I tried my best for y'all <3

Lots to unpack just in this tiny little message

In his system, Puzzles is programmed to shut down if damaged. Which is CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT. His OWN SYSTEM shuts down to prevent damage to himself.

Also he's SPEAKING THROUGH THE BLUESCREEN, he's actively saying No to "Safe Mode" and REFUSING any repairs his system suggests

THIS MAN DOES NOT CARE FOR HIS BODY (if you couldn't tell by the TV head part)

AND HE'S SO UNSERIOUS HE STRAIGHT UP TELLS HIS SYSTEM NUH UH!!!!

A little easter egg that someone else on Twitter found :)

Puzzles has become a rage horror monster and I'm here for it, the horror elements do go hard when they're played

URGH. AND THIS MOMENT. Many have pointed it out by now BUT THE TRAUMA OF THE CASTLE!! I AM SO WEAK

Puzzles REALLY plays into those psychological torture methods, it is so RUTHLESS of him, intentionally or not!!

✧ STEP RIGHT UP, MY FRIENDS, TO PUZZLEPARK!

He looks horrible in armor despite being everyone's pathetic knight in shining armor FHJDSKA

"You're MINE" I SURE AM SIR!!!

THAT GROWL THO- BRENDAN STRIKING AGAIN WITH THEM VOCALS!!!

AND THIS!! IS THE MOMENT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR OH BOY!!

The transition into the actual song is SO GOOD, instead of going higher like the actual Disney intro it goes LOWER and it's PERFECT for the intro!! It makes Puzzles sound INSANE (RIGHTFULLY SO!) It also tricks you because you know the melody so well until UH OH!! WE'RE IN DEEP SHIT!! LET'S GET THE FUCK IN!

3!

2!

1!

IMMEDIATELY threateningly playful I LOVE IT!!

It sounds so much like the songs in Nightmare Before Christmas, Kidnap Sandy Claws, Oogie Boogie's song, it has their same vibes! The same devilishly playful with their victims kind of vibes and it's RIGHT UP MY ALLEY BABY

It has SUCH an energizing beat too!! It makes you wanna jump in your seat to the beat!

The set up is so fun too, purple is an interesting choice to go with.

I cannot stress enough how GOOD THE VOCALS ARE TOO I WAS ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT

AND THIS PART. GOES EXTREMELY HARD. THEY ALL LOOK GREAT

They cooked with the choir of minions fr!! They sound great together!!

The chorus of the song is just as catchy as Creative Control, I had worries that I wasn't going to like this one as much as CC but I was SO wrong!! It's right up it's alley! They both have their strengths and their unique way of presenting Mr Puzzles, I wouldn't be able to decide which one is "better" since they both have different points to send across

Creative Control is jazzier, it taunts the crew and introduces Puzzles as the master villain with a bit of backstory, it's used to show the control on the crew both visually and lyrically with Puzzles putting them in different scenarios while singing how they can't leave

Meanwhile Puzzlepark, while similar in the controlling part, has more going on. It's not just Puzzles trying to control/stop Meggy, SMG4 and Mario, it's also them fighting back when they couldn't in CC. It also has the rest of the group trying to detain them, mind-controlled by Puzzles. It's crazier than just putting them in shows and popular culture references, it's throwing things at them, attacking them and messing with the world, trying to enact revenge yknow!

I particularly like when Meggy and Puzzles sing together, their voices contrast well

"But it's time for you to die now." Haehah! Hello!! This is the part where I kill you!!

AND A LAWSUIT ARC REFERENCE TOO!? OH I'M IN HEAVEN!!!

The lyrics scratch at a very nice part of my brain, I think SMG4 has always had a knack for rhyming, they've perfected it over the years and it's paid off well

And combined with the change in beat it goes for extra points, mwah!! Chef's kiss!!

"That child is gone... Six feet under right WHERE YOU AND YOUR STUPID FRIENDS BELONG!!"

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART FUCKING EVER!!!! THEY ABSOLUTELY COOKED

IT'S ABOUT HOW THREATENING PUZZLES IS IT'S ABOUT MEGGY STILL TRYING TO HELP HIM DESPITE IT ALL IT'S ABOUT HIM ABSOLUTELY REFUSING THE HELP BECAUSE THAT'S. JUST. HIM. PUZZLES. REFUSES. HELP. THINGS go his way or they don't go at all!!!

AND THAT ENDING NOTE MYYYY GODDDD GIVE THIS MAN AN EMMY RIGHT ABOUT FUCKING NOW!!!!

That was such a clean note, Brendan has an amazing singing voice and I'll be listening to this on repeat for A WEEK

SMG4 RELEASE PUZZLEPARK ON SPOTIFY NOW AND MY LIFE!!! IS YOURS!!!!

✧ In The End... It's For The Better...

They like using the trope of going inside a character's brain/heart/whatever to talk to them huh...

I'm not saying it as a bad thing! It's just a pattern I'm sure we've all noticed! I think it's cute!

SMG4 wouldn't be SMG4 if they at least didn't Try to save their villains, sure there's distasteful ones like that lizard that absolutely deserved it, but all the other villains had redemption arcs, heart to hearts, sympathy before dying... SMG4 is about chances, finding your people and having a heart even towards those who wronged you, even if in the end the worst happens to them

And I think that's beautiful

Regardless of having a heart, however, Meggy has the absolute right to be angry at Puzzles, maybe it wasn't right but I don't blame her for snapping at a kid, that kid Is Puzzles after all

I see two possible interpretations of Meggy becoming Leggy one more time: either- Truly to get close to Puzzles and become a true friend, or simple manipulation to get him to stop. Either are possible in my book, maybe with a little more thought I'd be able to know which one but for now I remain satisfied with being skeptical on this one, I don't care to find what the real intentions were since I know the ending.

Plus nothing is in black and white, there's a lot of layers to Puzzles' and Meggy's relationship........

And speaking of that ending-

HAH!!!!

I THOUGHT THAT SHIT WAS HILARIOUS!!

IN TRUE SMG4 FASHION YOU (SORTA) REDEEM A VILLAIN AND CELEBRATE SAVING THE DAY WITH A STUPID MEME

WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO FOLKS IT'S SMG4 IT'S THE FUNNY HAHA MEME SHOW!!

STOP TAKING IT SO FUCKING SERIOUSLY THE WHOLE TIME!!

IT CAN BE SERIOUS AND STUPID!!!!

Mr Puzzles SHOULD go to the psych ward, HE'S FUCKING INSANE

YOU DON'T GET REDEEMED IMMEDIATELY AFTER ALL THAT!!

I'm glad they didn't redeem him completely! I didn't believe him at all when he said he learned a valuable lesson! I was like No The Fuck You Didn't!

You can have a redemption later! That's okay! I trust the writers with handling the arcs and making them good! And you heard Luke, they might bring him back later! (Which is a definite yes!)

I would love for them to take it slow with Puzzles, not immediately of course, let him breathe and write another arc right now, settle things with everything and everyone and THEN you can break him out, the universe is full of possibilities, and I'm SURE I will enjoy whatever the SMG4 crew writes

Haeheh she looks like a nerd with those goggles

Someone's Artist Puzzles AU just came true btw-

"And Didney shut down..!" :D

The Showgrounds is gonna start looking more like an actual carnival too!! Wahoo!!

I WANT THAT FUCKING HOODIE-

That Puzzle plushie looks so ugly I LOVE HIMMMM

I WANT THAT FUCKING POSTER AND KEYCHAIN

SOMEONE PLEASE FUCKING COMMISSION ME SO I CAN BUY THEMMMMMM AEUGHHHHHH

Thank YOU LUKE AND SMG4 CREW FOR GIVING US THIS WOTFI!!! I LOVED IT WITH ALL MY HEART <33

I would love to hang out and go get some pizza with Mr Puzzles :(

And finally... that lil jingle to end with the rolling credits

✧ Final Thoughts

Believe me when I say I think this is the best possible ending for Puzzles, he doesn't die, he doesn't get completely redeemed, but he does face consequences and he gets a chance for the future, best of both worlds me thinks

I loved this rollercoaster that was Puzzlevision, I might've hopped on the train sorta late but I stayed for all the duration of the ride and I had a blast <3

Mr Puzzles was great and maliciously loveable, learning about all these characters and growing to care about them was amazing, I'm really happy I have a new series I can watch and analyze and enjoy!! I'll be remaining in my seat with my one ticket until I get off the SMG4 train, not sure when!! But until then you can expect me to still love this show, draw for it and analyze it much more than any reasonably normal person should.

If you've read this far, I love you soso much and hope you enjoyed this hell of a scroll, because I spent so many hours on this shit YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND-

K BYEEEE <333

[apollosgiftofprophecy]

the pjo tv show is making me have thoughts about hephaestus & apollo’s dynamic, as well as apollo & ares dynamic — so i was wondering if you had any hcs for either duo or both !!

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE

I do for sure have some Thoughts on Apollo & Ares so I shall start there.

Apollo & Ares

Favorite Son and Least Favorite Son.

After Apollo was born, we all know he went on a mission to avenge his mom. That included killing Python, but I also headcanon this preteen storming up to Ares and demanding a fight for his mom's honor.

This was brought on because in the mythos, Ares actually chased Leto around and drove her from place to place, never letting her rest for long.

Obviously, Apollo isn't too keen on this and demands a duel.

Ares takes one look at this kid and goes you know what? I like his spunk. I'm keeping him. and lo and behold Apollo gets distracted by Ares showing him how to properly grip a sword's blade.

Also fun fact! In Ancient Greece, fathers raised their sons and mothers the daughters. Fathers would teach their sons how to swim and write, so this gets interesting once you put ToA's context with it.

In all honesty, I don't think Zeus was too involved in Apollo's growth. He was still there, of course! Enough to have a hold on him and. well. manipulate/gaslight him/abuse him.

However heartbreaking it would be to think about Zeus teaching Apollo these things (my heart. my poor sobbing heart.), I would also find it heartwarming if Ares did that instead.

Or Poseidon. But I personally think he taught Apollo how to ride horses. Let Ares have his thing :3

Because wouldn't it make sense that if Zeus couldn't find the time teach Apollo, then that responsibility would fall to the eldest son?

Jump to the giant twins now.

Apollo helps Ares recover. That is all.

THEY WERE ON THE SAME SIDE IN THE TROJAN WAR !!!!!!

Okay so. Diomedes tried to stab Apollo a few times when he was rescuing Aeneus, and Apollo CANONICALLY tells Ares about it - and lo and behold, Ares gets into a fight with Diomedes (and gets shish-kabobbed).

SO I CONCLUDE-

Apollo: Diomedes tried to stab me :(

Ares: WHAT.

Apollo: Yeah three times.

Ares: WHY.

Apollo: Aphrodite's kid? Aeneus? I was saving his ass after Diomedes stabbed Aphrodite.

Ares: THAT BITCH.

Apollo: But don't worry I took care of it-

Ares, picking up his spear and sword: HE SHALL TREMBLE BEFORE MY FURY. NOT EVEN HIS ARMOR WILL MARK HIS GRAVE WHEN I FINISH WITH HIM. HE SHALL CHOKE ON THE BLOOD HE HAS SPILT AND I SHALL LAUGH AS HIS CORPSE DECAYS. HE WILL RUE THE DAY HE HARMED EITHER OF YOU-

Apollo: he didn't touch me tho-

Ares: BUT HE TRIED!

Ares, snapping his cape: I shall take my leave. Got a bastard to stab. rides down and fights beside Hector. gets stabbed by Diomedes.

Ares, clutching his stomach: ...this didn't go as planned.

Apollo, patching it up after Zeus yelled at Ares: you don't say?

anyway. Apollo & Ares would also watch battlefields and Ares would basically be like "right. this is how to properly disembowel your enemies!" gruesomely decapitates some poor mortal. "See? Easy!"

also they would sing!!! war hymns and other things. Ares can dance too btw :3

also when Aphrodite and Apollo were polyculing with Adonis, Ares was doublely jealous because Adonis is 1) taking the attention of his girlfriend and 2) banging his favorite brother

Ares also cautioned Apollo about drawing too much attention to himself, especially Zeus's.

Too bad Apollo didn't quite take it to heart...

I think Ares already knows Apollo is being abused by Zeus. He knows the signs. He knows what's happening...because it happened to him first.

He would drop hints. Which...weren't very subtle, and kinda freaked Apollo out a bit because ohmygodsdoesheknow-?

And when Revolution time came around? You bet Ares sensed it coming from a mile away.

And perhaps he did...hmm...like with the master bolt theft...ooo gonna have to marinate that for a bit. see what i can cook up there. or if any of you have theories shoot them at me!

back to the thing. Once Ares catches wind It's A Go...he's gonna be on Apollo's side. Because godsdammit he's sick of Zeus and his horrible parenting a good war would give him a clean slate.

...Even if he has to put up with both Hera and Athena.

Apollo & Hephaestus

okay so. I haven't thought much about them because they are elusive for me BUT-

The show gave me a THOUGHT!

"Some of us don't like being that way either."

HEPHAESTUS DOESN'T LIKE THE SYSTEM. HE DOESN'T! HE HATES GOING ALONG WITH IT!

MY FIRST THOUGHT WHEN I HEARD THOSE WORDS?

APOLLO

he doesn't want to be part of it either. but he buried it inside himself. but post toa...he doesn't want to do that anymore.

and I think Apollo does like Hephaestus! I remember there was a moment where Apollo mentions being in his study or something and missing the entire 40s or whatever staring at Hephaestus's Newton's Cradle.

why was apollo in there. and did hephaestus let him in there?

BECAUSE HEPHAESTUS IS A PRIVATE GUY RIGHT? WHAT'S APOLLO DOING IN A PRIVATE ROOM OF HIS?

...unless he invited him in :D

I need to do a lil' more digging on Hephaestus and Apollo but I hope this was all interesting :3

feel free to add on readers!

[sergeant-angels-trashcan]

Headcanon Kate gives the 141 kisses and then immediately bites them to show affection like a cat

HOW DO YOU KNOW I'VE BEEN DEEP IN BITING 141 HEADCANONS

It's a love bite!! She just gets so excited by physical affection she has to nom a little. It's fine. Don't worry about it.

Price and Ghost DO NOT make it easy for her. Ghost, obviously, covering his face a lot, but Price has a beard! She can't nip at his cheek or chin, she just gets a mouthful of beard, that's unacceptable. Sometimes she bites his nose. He's smart, though, can tell when she's bitey, knows to pull away so she can't nab him. So she resorts to biting the back of his hand. He has to shave for some reason and after the first round of novelty wears off (babyface Price?!!?!) new novelty appears because NEW BITING SURFACE!!

Kate tried to bite Ghost's hard shell mask once and hated it. He covers up a lot so she can't ever shrug it off like "oh oops i didn't mean to" she literally has to ruck up a sleeve or tug his collar down. this gives him enough time to plan a RETALIATION BITE.

Not nippy ones like she does, either. Full on chomps. His reasoning is "if I have my teeth in you then i know you are not going off somewhere doing something STUPID" Kate is offended by the implication she does stupid things. rude. This does NOTHING btw to make anyone else on base less intimidated by Ghost. rumors circulate about how he bites hard enough to draw blood and that's with someone he kind of likes! (this did happen, thankfully it was not in public because they were both very kind of into it)

feral bastard man Soap adores the love bites. to the point where if he's feeling down, he'll ask for it because it's a nice little dopamine rush. When the ADHD starts ADHDing he will either bite or ask to be bitten. it works, so nobody questions it. Soap is actually more likely to break skin because he's got sharp chompers. Kate likes to bite the top of his ear. Will use the mohawk to drag his head down if she needs to

Gaz gets nibbles. comparatively gentle bites. the guys are talking about their various Kate Bite Bruises Etc and Gaz is like??? wtf are you on about??? Sure there's a bit of a sting sometimes but she kisses it away. Price makes a comment about maybe she bites harder to match the biting the guys do to her (he is correct for the most part). And Gaz is like. you HEATHENS. why are you BITING HER BACK?

This devolves into a very long (slightly horny) discussion of biting as affection, etc. as well as some brief spirals into "why isn't she biting me harder/softer???" (there's a slight chance that Kate comes by Price's office while this is the hot topic in the guys' group chat and Price relays the entire conversation to her, no this is NOT an invitation to bite me right now Katherine!!!! [Price is the only one who can call her Katherine and he's only done it twice])

Anyway Gaz gets Nice Bites until he has a close call, which prompts a very dramatic kiss from Kate followed by a very mean bite to his neck that bruises almost instantly. Gaz is like great! i now see i was not missing out on anything. let's go back to the nice bites please. (he will get nice bites when he stops doing stupid shit, and Gaz thinks that's a bit rich coming from the queen of stupid shit herself, which earns him another, if slightly nicer, bite)

One of them has the top of his ear nicked from an arrow. Not Ghost, his ears are covered, but at least ONE of the others. I'm pretty sure it's Soap but it could be Gaz. that doesn't have anything to do with biting but is important for us all to know.

[moongeonight]

An unexpected meeting, phantom thief AU!

Summary: Shuichi goes to investigate the place where the phantom thief could perhaps be living But he is not prepared for the surprise that awaits him...

A/N: This is tickle fanfic!, I also lost the message from the anon who sent me the request 😔 luckily I was able to take the screenshot, I hope you enjoy it! And I'm sorry for taking so long! I was busy with work.

-------------

shuichi was investigating about the phantom thief, a crazy man who has been his headache for the last two months non-stop, he left clues but always managed to escape Shuichi sighs with tiredness.

"Of course he doesn't go down this easily... Alright... What have you planned THIS time?!" He sounds like he's almost ready to give up.

In the middle of his thoughts her boss, Kyoko Kirigiri, had sent him some images of evidence which pointed to where the phantom thief could currently be living.

Shuichi was ready and takes out a notepad and pen and frantically starts drawing out a list of all the clues he's collected so far.

"Ok, let's see... So, the Phantom Thief is always leaving some kind of a calling card... It's very odd to say the least. And from what we've gathered, they must be an expert at hiding and escaping... I guess we'll just have to be faster then them..."

he knew that it was probably something reckless since his job as a detective was mostly to investigate but... He was too intrigued by this new evidence, so much so that even he himself wanted to go to investigate.

"This might be our first real lead to the Phantom Thief... I can't let that chance slip away, I'll get to the bottom of this, even if it means I end up spending all night investigating."

He determined to catch the Phantom Thief, no matter the cost. He decided that he was going to investigate the place, regardless if her boss approved or not.

...

Shuichi was now in front of the door of the supposed house where the phantom thief was...He was nervous but determined, he knocked on the door and... Nothing, no one opened the door.

After waiting for a moment, Shuichi decides to try the door handle. It was unlocked! He cautiously opens the door and steps inside.

He couldn't go much further since when he entered it was all dark and Pam someone hit him from behind.

Shuichi falls to the ground, unconscious, as he lets out a moan of pain. In the pitch blackness, he could hear footsteps approaching, He heard a voice say.

"nishishi! I think it worked. But to be safe... I'm gonna tie him up."

...

Shuichi wakes up, He finds himself lying in a dark room. He can't see anything but he can tell that he has been tied up. He feels groggy, he tries to recall what happened but it's no use.

Suddenly, a light turned on and the phantom thief appeared in front of him. He was eating a lollipop.

"I know you woke up, detective. No need to struggle, you won't get out of those ropes." he sat on the floor in front of shuichi.

"Nishishi! I have to thank you, detective. You really are amazing!, finding my hideout so quickly! And all those items of yours were helpful."

Shuichi looks down, He then tries to move, but the restraints on his wrists make it impossible to get free, He starts to panic.

"Let me go, you bastard! What do you even-" Shuichi was cut off.

"Oh! You're so cute, detective! I'm just wondering what should I do with you? You know, it's not really easy to find people who can be useful to me. It's quite rare, actually... I think you earned the honor of knowing my name! I'm kokichi ouma"

Shuichi went quiet, He felt his heart sink to his stomach, His worst nightmare has come true. To think that he had underestimated Kokichi, the great liar. And now, he's been captured by him.

"D...Damn it..." Was all he could say, with his face turning completely red with embarrassment, he feels his face heat up.

"Nishishi! You're so cute when you're embarrassed! I just love it when people have a big reaction just because of me." Kokichi took another bite of his lollipop.

"But now... I would like to know some things, like, for example, how did you know where I was living?"

Shuichi was caught off guard by this question. How was he supposed to answer that question without exposing the truth about the lead he got from Kyoko?.

"Err... Well... I...umm... I just, erm... guessed...?" Shuichi replied sweating bullets.

"Aw, no! You can't fool me, detective! I'm the one who fools people, remember? You're just trying to hide some information!" Kokichi laughed.

"I can give you another chance to speak... or, I can use my other methods to make you tell me the truth."

Kokichi got closer to shuichi,he put the lollipop on the table of the tiny room and looked right into shuichi's eyes.

Shuichi was at a loss, He knew that Kokichi would see through him no matter what he did, He closes his eyes to steel himself for what was to come.

"So... this is the decision you have made, detective. I will have to torture you if you don't tell me the truth."

Kokichi said in a very serious tone although in reality... He didn't even plan to torture him, at least not in a serious way, he was known for being a prankster so he had to use that.

"Oh gosh... Why do you make me do this?! Don't you understand that if you don't talk then I'll be forced to... to..." He opened his eyes again, his face full of anger and seriousness.

"I'll have to... to tickle you until you tell me!"

Shuichi's eyes widened in complete and utter shock "Wh-What?! Y-You aren't serious!!"

He was practically in disbelief that Kokichi would try something as childish and ridiculous as tickling. And it was in these moments where all of Shuichi's fear and dread immediately disappeared and was replaced with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"Of course I am serious! I could never lie, especially when it's time for this... I guess it's time for you to know what being tickling means!"

Kokichi's expression turned from serious to a mischievous one and he started tickling shuichi's armpits.

"Ah...! W-wait! Whahahat are you dohohoing?!"

Shuichi was still pleasantly surprised but he couldn't resist the giggles that escaped him when he felt the tickling.

Kokichi couldn't help but laugh out loud when he heard shuichi's giggles.

"nishishi... I'm tickling you! Did you really think I would torture you?! Your reaction is so funny to see!" He kept laughing and kept on tickling shuichi.

Shuichi continued laughing while thinking about how the situation changed so quickly.

"ah-h! Nohoho! Stop! Stohohop it! Hahaha! Please!"

"No! I won't stop until you tell me how you managed to find me!" Kokichi said as he continued tickling shuichi's armpits.

Shuichi didn't know what to do, should he take the risk and tell him? He had too many thoughts in his head and the tickling wasn't helping.

"I cahahan't tell you! Hahahaha! Just stop already! please! Hahaha!"

"Heehee-! I won't stop! I won't stop until you tell me everything, I must say that i have never seen a detective like you, Most detectives don't laugh and beg for tickling to stop!"

shuichi could do nothing but blush at the teasing while continuing to laugh in an embarrassed voice.

"AHAHAHA! s-stop making fun of mehehe!"

"Oh? You're blushing? Aw... that's so cute! Hehe, don't worry, detective I wasn't making fun of you, I was just stating a fact you're the only one so far who reacts like this! You're really adorable!"

Kokichi continued to giggle and now tickling his ribs, honestly he almost forgot that he started this to find out how Shuichi found him, but this was more fun.

shuichi's ticklish reaction was even more noticeable and his laughs were getting more and more uncontrollable.

"N-NO! PLEASE NOHOHOT THERE HAHAHA! COME ON JUST STOP!"

"Hey hey! Is that a sign of surrender? Are you already tired from the tickling, detective?" Kokichi said with a clearly amused mocking tone at Shuichi's laughter

"AHAHAHA! Y-you are the wohohorst! HAHAHA!" Shuichi laughed and screamed at the same time.

"Ahahaha... I think you're tired of this! Would you like for me to stop? Maybe you'll tell me my question then, will you? Or should I keep going?"

Kokichi then put his whole hand under shuichi's ribs, making his ticklish reaction even more intense, his fingers were going up and down with great force and he didn't stop, he simply laughed with every movement.

shuichi was laughing and now he could barely pronounce words but he managed to say with difficulty.

"STOP STOHOHOP FINE! FIHIHINE! STOP PLEASE! IM GOING TO TELL YOU!"

"Oh! Well, I'm glad you're going to give me the answer I want to hear! That's very mature of you, detective, But just to be sure, I'm still going to keep tickling until you say it" Kokichi said with an intense smile.

A few seconds later, shuichi said the words kokichi wanted to hear.

"Just... please stop! HAhaAhAha! You can have the information! I got them from Kyok-hahahaha!..."

Kokichi's fingers kept going up and down, making shuichi's laugh more, He couldn't even finish his sentence due to his intense laughter.

but he couldn't say much more, since sirens were heard outside the house.

Kokichi heard the sirens and thought "Oh shit, time to escape"

He untied shuichi quickly and gave him a lollipop to keep his mouth shut while saying.

"Well it was nice to meet you in person detective~ we should do this more often!"

And with that he ran out the back window of the house while the police finally entered in with a very red-faced Shuichi having a lot to explain...

[boxfullaturtles]

1,10,11,14,16,37,39,42,43,60,65,75

smoly hokes dude okay,,

1. Do you prefer writing one-shots or multi-chaptered fics?

I think I actually prefer one-shots. Shorter, faster, telling a tiny story rather than a lengthy one. I actually struggle with multi-chapter and it's been years since I finished writing one. Hoping to change that with Adagio...

10. Cltr+f "blinks" on your WIP & copy paste the first sentence/paragraph that comes up

They were eyes that never blinked, never faltered, and captured every moment.

Kinda cheated and dropped the "s" so I would have something to actually share lol. Not telling you which WIP this is from either >:3

[the rest under the cut because this got so long,,,]

11. Link your three favorite fics right now

Uh uh uh b-but I don't I mean I have a lot of favorites I don't have like a tier list this is a lot of pressure um,,

Okay for strictly TMNT fics, I guess I really love Little Scraps of Wisdom by clandestineClairvoyant because it's just. The softest damn thing and I love the characterization of the turtles. Dawning of the Hour by that brilliant bastard Faiakishi has been killing me slowly and I adore every agonizing second of it. And The Lemonade Leak by TurtleSoupSwimmer keeps yanking the rug out from under me just when I think I've gotten shit figured out. Also shout-outs to basically everything Dandy writes but in particular Tapping Out because I relate to that fic so hard and it makes me feel Seen, Violet Neon Nitro by TractorTeeth because fuck me does it scratch that Mad Max itch in my brain box and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the descriptions in it, and The Last Ronin Discord Shenanigans for giving Ronin a happy ending and some very interesting and well written character interactions.

But if we're talking not just TMNT? Then Poor Wayfaring Stranger by lithos_saeculum is one of my number one fics; a FFXV fic and I don't mind if it never gets finished because it's already 60 incredibly well written and amazing chapters that I have reread multiple times. The Good Mourning / Ghost!Jake AU by corruwuption is a Micoverse fic gut punch that I adore and it's written so well and just!! Ahhhgg! Ghost Jake wrecks me every time. And Audience: 822,000 and Homeland Security by WerewolvesAreReal is just. It's my favorite Leverage fic and it's so in character and silly and I absolutely love well-executed outsider perspective fics.

14. how do you write emotional scenes? Do you ever feel what the characters feel? Do you draw from personal experiences?

As an extremely emotional person who cries about anything and everything, yes and yes. I definitely put myself in the character's shoes. Although this sometimes has a habit of backfiring as I start writing myself into of the character and then have to go back and edit everything. Oops. But yeah I also draw from personal experience where I can. Different people experience different emotions different ways, everyone reacts differently. But having gone through Some Shit helps me understand certain things better.

16. How many fic ideas are you nurturing right now? Share one of them?

Uuuhhh something like...eleven? Or twelve fic ideas? I think? Haha can't stop, won't stop lmao heLP

Man I dunno which ones I haven't shared anything about yet...I guess my extremely self-indulgent, almost everybody lives, future au crossover thing that would be a multi-chaptered nightmare of a beast and will likely never be written. I should just mess with that for funsies sometime.

Anyway, here's a sketch thing I never finished based on it. Like I said. Very self-indulgent.

37. How do you choose where to end a chapter?

Eh, vibes. Usually when I'm writing and I feel like I'm near the end of a chapter, I just get a feeling. Like "aw yeah, this is the moment". Once in a great while there is a pre-planned cut off point, a scene I know I want to end a chapter on, but that's an infrequent thing.

39. Share a snippet from a WIP.

You really just want all my secrets, huh?

42. What's the last fic you red? Do you recommend it?

Oh man, looking at my history and everything I've read recently has just been updates from fics I already subscribe to. I haven't had a lot of time to try and read something new... Looks like the last thing new thing I read was a one-shot of 2003 Leo called Oh Shoot by halogalopaghost. And yes, I do recommend it! A very good study in 03 Leo being a fucking dumbass. :)

43. Do you take a sadistic joy in whumping your characters, or are you more the "If you hurt them I would kill everyone and then myself" kind of person?

Do you even know me!? I delight in whump and suffering! I have a Bad Things Bingo Card for a reason! My turtlesona is Goretello! Mad scientists, unethical experimentation, body horror, and non-consensual body modifications are my bread and butter! I am an unashamed edgelord gorehound horror lover!

60. Have you had a writer you admire comment on your fic? What was that like?

It was like: "ajkdhsfjald omfg this really cool, very talented, very awesome person liked what i wrote omg??" because I am a child. For real though, it's always really flattering to see someone whose talent you admire respond to something you've created! It feels good and it makes you like your thing just a little bit more, I feel.

65. Tell us about what you're most looking forward to writing - in your current project, or a future project.

There's stuff in "Adagio in Green" that I am really looking forward to! Things ramp up rather quickly and I'm very excited to get to the stuff I have planned! Not gonna lie, it gets a little bit...how do I put this...well, I think I've mentioned already that I plan on giving these Rise boys the Farmhouse Arc they were robbed of in the show. That's not the only thing the show's cancellation robbed them of and I'm wedging so much of that shit into Adagio it's almost stupid.

Okay last one...

75. What scene in [Fanfic Name] took you longest to write? What was difficult about it?

Uh well, buddy, you didn't provide me a fic sooooooo guess we're going with "Adagio in Green".

It wasn't just a scene but the entirety of Chapter 6, the chapter that's going up next week, gave me A LOT of trouble. I deviated from my outline (and I'm still deviating from it because of chapter six) and it threw everything out of whack. I couldn't figure out how to get things going. It either felt too rushed or too stagnated.

I feel better about it now that it's actually finished, but I'm still nervous about it.

Actually, I get nervous about every update I post,,,

[cosplayproblemsposts]

Behind the charm

Steven fell hard along with Marc, you were just too good to be true.

You were dangerous and no not the 'hey I'm a toxic' can of danger you are the mysterious danger that caught Steven along with Marc. "Hey, um do you sell gum," you said in a full tux "Oh, yeah" Steven took note of how clean-cut you were and how expensive you looked. "That'll be two dollars and twelve cents" you hum in an uninterested manner "Thanks...Steven," you say right after taking a look at his name tag.

Your frame walks away with a pack of gum "Did you see that" mutters Steven whilst Marc processes the situation "yes, he something". When you walked off the smell of expensive cologne took your place "Oh, wasn't he hot" Donna shows up. "uh...Yeah he was" Steven replies before scrambling back to work while Donna nods "Okay, Stevie".

Ever since that day you'll visit every Sunday right after church "Same old, gum" Steven says but you shook your head. "No...oh..uh maybe you'll like a...plushy" with a gesture Steven points out a nearby plushy "Did you stuff your number in the last pack I brought". Steven falls silent "What?" you show him the piece of paper revealing it is his number "Marc" he mutters. "Who?" Steven shook his head "Oh...uh...I'm so sorry and yes it is my number but I didn't mean to I swear". You cross your arms and this man rumbles and lose the plot along with a stumble of his words.

"Are you done?" Steven nods "Look, thanks but...uh, please don't ever write or draw a winky face". Steven takes the paper "S-sorry I just-" Steven goes dead silent so with a pinch of your nose you spoke, "Would you like to have dinner with me sometime". "What?" you frown "Dinner would you like to have dinner with me sometime" Steven had been taken back "Yeah" he nods.

From that day on, you'll take him out and treat him as any normal person would like to be treated. You were kind, charming, and funny but also kinda scary "Don't move I'll be right back" Steven nods and watches you run around a corner. "Marc do you think he just ditched us" Marc groans "Stop assuming the worst would yea, your the lucky bastard here" Steven frowns. "Hey, sorry I just thought I saw someone I knew" Steven smiled but Marc and Steven didn't know you just came back from strangling a man.

Every Sunday became Steven's and Marc's favorite day "Hey, you" you said with a grin. "Hey, me" Steven does jazz hands while you lick your lips "I was wondering if you were free tonight" Steven grins "Of course". "Cool, I'll pick you up later" Steven smiles and fiddles with his fingers "Yeah...later gators". What they don't know about your Sundays was the fact you were checking out brand new pieces that show up on the said day. "This would sell at a great price in the black market," one of the men says while you hum "Just make sure you don't break anything, yeah".

"Okay, move it out" you check your watch with a smile "I've plans see ya" one of the men groans. "You don't have to go out with the guy all because you feel sorry for him" you stop in your tracks "What?". The guy scoffs "What you aren't a fag compared to him" fellow men fall silent "You'll watch what you say next". "What're you gonna beat me for it" he laughs and looks around for some form of help but once he turns his attention back to you a fist meets his face.

"I'm so sorry darling, I bump into trouble along the way here," you say once Steven opens the door but it wasn't Steven it was a woman. "Oh, hello?" you wave while the woman stares at you "Who are you?" you frown a little "I'm Y/N and you are?". "Layla!" Steven came into view "Sorry about her I just...uh...no shut up!". The mysterious woman known as Layla looks equally confused as you "Look I'm sorry something popped up yeah?".

You nod "Okay I just hope you're fine" Steven smiles while you start walking away. "What the actual fuck was that" you sat in your car and watch as two people enter the building. "Okay...something isn't adding up". You watch as the said people come out with Steven in handcuffs "Oh, hell no" you follow after them with the help of your vehicle.

Okay now, this is weird...Steven is this knightly like Avatar and MARC is a secondary thing like another him. "Okay, now I've to tag along because I'm a witness to all of this" you gesture a circle while Marc nods "I can't believe it".

Marc nods "I can't believe it either" you sigh "Fine I'll come along just so I can have a break from work". Marc sways a little and now here you are on board a plane heading to Egpyt. You clench your arm on the chair "Scared of flying" you shook your head. "No, my boss isn't so happy" Marc nods "They'll just have to deal with it" Marc places a hand on your shoulder. "You've me and...yes and you too Steven!" you smile a little "Not bad you two not bad".

[gildedmuse]

Hi I’ve been following you for a while, I love your work! Just wanted to say I hope you get well soon or at the very least you’re not in pain. It doesn’t matter to me what you post I’m just here to see the new content it’s all interesting/fun!

Ahh, so sweet. I got really, really sick for a while there guys - I haven't even seen any of the new episodes! - but I'm recovering nicely so hopefully I'll start post again in the next few weeks.

Let's see... Do you like All Hearts? I'm gonna assume most of the people following me are at least cool with the concept of Zoro as Law's first mate. Current obsession while in recovery: Taking fanart of the Heart Pirates doing just like, whatever, and turning it All Hearts-y.

For example:

[There used to be an image here, now there is not, because I suck.]

[This is where I got the image, and I am just going to hope that's the actual artist. Sometimes it's hard to tell on the internet. And if I'm wrong, someone should correct me so I can take it down or add proper credit. Also, they have no idea what's about to be inspired by their work, so, yeah, don't associate the poor artist with this.]

I tend to think Shachi and Law are the more cynical bastards and probably the more argumentive ones (specifically over plan details/minor analytical things), so I imagine they're in some deep, really impassioned Argument that is about something relatively innocent, maybe the best way to sneak past a navy blockade (Easy: submarine) And then sneak into the base unseen (less easy: pirates, all of whom are in jolly Roger marked uniforms, one of whom is a polar bear, another that uses three swords, and, oh, yeah, one with a WANTED POSTER showing off his VERY UNIQUE, EASILY IDENTIFIABLE DEATH TATTOOS) and they're ideas/debate is perfectability reasonable, but they do get very passionate about it. And it maybe doesnt always sound great.

Or at least, if you happen to not be listening to the whole thing because for some reason whenever you hear the words "... Highly effective plan so that our engagement with any actual Marines will be minimal and with no chance of any violent-" your brain just automatically starts tuning out

Or if you're just the kind of helpful pilot/officer who would help carry good from the kitchen as Hi-Ge finishes each dish to get it out at the table and so may have missed the bulk of the discussion

Then maybe parts of having Shachi and the caption passionately arguing about how, "this concern is over nothing, they're hardly his most recognizable tattoos"

"But they are the ones in the photos that were flown out to every Northern Island with your name splashed over them, captain. People are going to notice!"

"If you really think it's so much of a problem then we'll just get them a new photo of me to use. We just have to ensure these ones focus on drawing attention to my other, more eye catching markings."

"I'm sure if the posters promdominatly features those tattoos, not even the Marines would be looking at your hands, fair enough, but one week is hardly enough time to-"

"Are you doubting my ability to make so much trouble that quickly, my ability to force them into raising my bounty so soon, or that I can't guarantee the photos will contain said tattoos."

And Penguin KNOWS it's all innocent and it's just them hammering out details he just, well, Shachi never gets so worked up when THEY talk. Maybe because they never really argue? He's always happy to argue with Law though, even though Law is captain, And Shachi knows it's not arguing-arguing, obviously, since it's all about the plan and Law never gets, like, really bad either way though maybe it would be little nice if Law DID get upset some with Shachi every now and then for the arguments, just so maybe Shachi remembered how much nicer it is talking with someone who gets you and would never fight with him like that....

And Zoro - Zoro's mind has decided to jump back into the conversation because know he's wondering where and what those tattoos are that will take people's minds off Law's hands (he's not sure he believes it's possible, to be honest) and also how come Law seems to have no problem with SHACHI knowing all about them while Zoro is just left guessing and how come Law is trusting Shachi to come up with this plan? If he needs to get his bounty up, surely Zoro would be more help! not that Law really needs help finding or causing trouble, so then is the help he needs, does it involve these mystery secret tattoos and their a apparently very directing location and design? Shouldn't a first mate be told (and shown) these things?)

And so Penguin is standing there with the food bowl watching the two of them be all animated and smirking and plotting and wagging fingers wondering what's so great about it all anyway and Zoro is sitting there, head cocked, watching the same scene wondering why Law doesn't argue with HIM like that, the same way he takes Shachi seriously

And then finally looked Kit kind of coughs, mostly because just watching the two of them like that is getting embarrassing even if no one else has noticed because everyone is digging in while the food is still fresh (also, they definitely are going to START noticing since Penguin hasn't put down the new dish yet, and Kit doesn't wants to see Zoro get even more openly moony eyed over the captain when, like, he's just a kid and Law is a doctor (like Kit) and in his twenties (like Kit..... Will be in two and a half years) and doesn't really need Zoro mooning over him and as for Penguin, well, seeing him get all upset over something Shachi related if like when your sister cries because her "good guy friend" forgot it was their "special" hang out night. Like you know what it means but you don't want to have to think about it. Ever. At all.

It's just like the way Penguin is just standing there I immediately decided, oh, he MUST be thinking, "what if Shachi doesn't just, you know, respect the boss cause he's our captain. What if he like.... Likes him?" He just looks so left out, like he has no idea how to even insert himself into the debate.

The thought, ahh, of this was baby Zoro of COURSE he'd assume similar. Law got his wanted poster and Zoro wanted to kiss him and wasn't allowed, but he's happy boasting about the poster with Shachi, even planning the next one. Zoro is given the role of Vice Captain was like the most important office role right along with Navigator, but apparently it's really just like any other officer position. More importantly, it's doesn't suddenly make Zoro more important than Shachi, which isn't even what he wants because he likes Shachi, Shachi is cool (he just hadn't realized how much LAW liked Shachi, too)

Difference is I think Zoro eventually would, force himself into the conversation, after Kit catches their attention at least enough for Penguin to set the food down before like sliding into the seat next to Zoro, still just sort of staring (it's not his usual seat, he just kind of takes the nearest chair but after he does he figures it's probably a good thing, Law and Shachi are clearly, you know, preoccupied with their own discussion so it's good for Penguin to give them ro-

"I'm good with a den den mushi!" Zoro also knows that isn't Penguin's usual seat, because his usual seat is next to Shachi, and he imagines because Penguin is older and he knows all about like proper dates and stuff, he probably knows something like, uh, if two people who like each other are having a private conversation you give them room And don't interrupt so they can enjoy their time together. Penguin is usually right about that stuff so Zoro should probably do the same but, you know, they're talking about Law getting new wanted poster, right? Which will mean new photo - isn't like the the whole point? And it just so happens Zoro knows how to take den den images, and as vice captain obvious he needs to speak up so that they know this. For their plan.

And by speak up I mean almost shout it out, the way only an 15 year old with a crush who isn't paying attention to him really can; a way that makes everyone free,e, expect Eland who has to slap Bepo across the back to make sure he doesn't choke on the fish he'd been close to swallowing whole. Also, Puffin, who nearly sinks under the tableout of embarrassment by proxy before Marusa catches him to keep him still, and Hi-ge who peaks in from the kitchen.

Oh and Law and Shachi. They turn to look at him like everyone else but Shachi doesn't go completely still, first giving Zoro a confused look then tilts his head, giving Penguin a look that clearly means, "what, when did you start sitting all the way down there? Your seats not even taken, no one ever takes it because it's yours. What's going on, Guin? Are you being weird again? Could you at least tell me about what? It's not emotional, is it? You know I never get that stuff without your help...."

Where as Law just sort of looks at Zoro, then his eyes get all grey like a living storm - not a bad one, but one of the fun ones that sweeps you away in it, and his lips turns up in this half smirk-smile. Which admittedly isn't like a lot but has a lot of effects. Specifically on Zoro's stomach and also his mouth since words just sort of start flying out of it. "Back when I was a bounty hunter sometimes there were only these like two marine based around and if you just left the guy with them until some one further up the chain came along you'd never see a berry of that bounty, they wouldn't even buy you a skate why you waited. anyway, some older guy, he taught me this trick where you'd take a picture, you holding the wanted poster, and you sign it, then you'd get your guy -"

"Or girl," Beluxa tosses in like this is the time Zoro's trying to explain Law needs him to take the photo this is important!

"Or whatever holding that same poster, with your signature, and you'd catch a news coo and send it to the nearest big base they were gonna spend the guy for processing. So you could prove you caught h-them without having to find your way all the way to some hidden marine base.

Zoro's too in the moment too notice the various snorts and chuckles. Oh, no Northernern is naive enough not to believe the Marines have got some bases they're hiding up here, but they're also certain those kinds of bases aren't ones that just pay out bounties for some island outlaws some random unknown kid brings in.

Zoro is much more focused on how he is an idiot. He mentioned being a bounty hunter and he's always suspected that a lot of the crew didn't like that, now he's sure Law is one of them that doesn't because the second he mentioned that old guy who taught him this trick Law's smile slipped right away. But Zoro had already beaten them, and it's not like he really cared about keeping criminals out of the blue or getting a pat on the head from the Marines or whatever, but if he beat a guy shouldn't he get paid for it? "I needed the money and it worked so I bought this cheap image den den and figured out how to use it-"

"What? Like, pressing the button?" Shachi cuts in, chuckling as he mimics pressing down on the top of the shell. "Gee, good thing have an expert on board."

The remark might seem insulting but honestly, it's just sort of a joke, one Shachi is mostly telling Penguin, who doesn't look the leasf bit amused.

"He's just trying to help with the plan," Penguin answers, and he doesn't snap because Penguin doesn't really snap like that but it's close enough that quite a few looks are exchanged around the table. "He's an officer, too, it's normal he wants to be involved." Zoro actually sits himself up little straighter when Penguin mentions it, making sure he looks every one of his one hundred sixty eight cm.

"If you don't want any input or help, even from us other three," Penguin adds, not notifcing Zoro's posture shift of Shachis strange look, more focused on the small port window. "Why not save these discussions for Law's cabin? So we don't make the mistake again, and you two will be free to continue without even some minor, well meaning interruption to come between you two and your plan."

Zoro noticed none of it because Law has apparently decided to figure the whole bounty hunter thing because he's smiling again, elbows prompt on the table as he leans forward, like he's leaning in towards Zoro(!!) And smiling like that at him too (!!) He knew that Den Den trick would come in handy.Even though there is nearly a whole table between them, it really didn't feel like it when Law stared at him THAT way.

"Of course, Zoro-ya just wants to help." Law winks and Zoro's heart no his stomach no his throat - well somewhere in him something happens.

Winking! Winking is flirting! He knows it is! Lumikko told him himself and even Ikakaku agreed after a bit of disbelief (she apparently thought the guy's son at the junk yard they were scanvenging up for parts probably just got dust in his eyes and Lumikko was "messing with Zoro-kun, ad how many times do I have to tell you, just because YOUR easy doesn't mean that easy is considered fun by the rest of us." Then he did it again at the register, and did this weird thing where he asked Zoro his name a what he was doing on the Island - Ikkaku had been yelling his name plenty, was he not paying attention and seeing as he was carrying a box of used parts it's pretty obvious why he was here. Thought apparently according to Lumikko, the wink made them not stupid questions at all, more like riddles that Zoro had been MEANT to answer with, "Whatever you like, stranger," and "Oh, you know, taking in the locals, you wouldn't happen to know any worth taking would you?" Zoro still hadn't decided these.)

What Zoro DID understand was flirting meant winking, and since Law winked that meant!!

"Exactly, yeah, I just wanted to help - however you like stranger."

("Depths!" You could hear not only Ikkaku's hand connect with the back of Lumikko's head but also his ribs slamming up against the table with the force of if, and Ikkaku wasn't even bothering to whisper about see, see this is what happens when you're an idiot around Zoro-kun.)

Law doesn't seem to mind so Zoro doesn't really notice. (Oh, he definitely gives Zoro a look at the line but the chuckles and Law hardly ever like.... Laughs on any way so one of Zoro's various parts of maybe all of them this time do the thing again.) "Stranger? Is that what you're going to call me to the Marines when you're turning me over?"

Wait? Was that part of the plan? Zoro hadn't realized... Law is still smiling, and Zoro knows it's one of his honestly amused sort of grins so if he's still joking and flirting that means everything must be going according to the plan, or at least getting towards the plan at this stage, Zoro guesses. He just didn't remember when Law mentioned, "I wouldn't have expected such sneakiness for you, Bo-ya."

Zoro isn't sure what his captain means.

He doesn't notice, either, that Penguin is suddenly okay with Shachi, eyes wide as he makes a gesture for Shachi to please stop their boss before -

"Captain Roronoa Zoro has a fine ring to it, though. If nothing else I could not longer calm you Bo-ya, you would be more of a Tora-ya if-"

"I WOULD NEVER SELL YOU OUT TO THE MARINES!"

[Law honestly was just teasing Zoro, it's fine. I mean, he was a little suspicious of those older men going around teaching you tricks, but no he was just teasing you for your strange wording, that's all.... Not that it will stop Zoro from jumping to his feet and making this proclamation with all his heart.]

[chocodile]

Would be really interested in buying some merch of your OCs, like stickers and stuff

Your last big drawing in particular would work wonderfully as a poster

Aw gosh, thank you Anon! That's a high compliment!

Sadly that particular image isn't really print sized--most of the big digital pieces I draw are not sized for printing (and a lot of the details are super messy up close). The prints I sell in my Storenvy shop are drawn larger and go through a lengthy refinement process to make sure all the details are super crisp.

As for other stuff, I have a bit of fear about the idea of selling merch that directly features my characters, like someone will buy it not realizing that the character is a bastard and then will be horrified and scandalized when they find out that what they thought was a generic cuddly animal person is actually a war criminal, haha. Perhaps that's an unfounded fear, but when I have a character/design that people like, I generally err on the side of making merch of designs very similar to that character rather than an exact copy.

That said... @kwillow and I are working on another big Kickstarter featuring a design that may look a little familiar... here's a preview:

As far as other merch goes... we have vague plans for a cool enamel pin set that will feature a few familiar faces as cameos, but I'm not sure when that will be feasible because we're both quite busy at the moment.

Also, last year I started looking into my ultimate merch holy grail, which would be a vinyl figure. I know it's possible and I've even talked with manufacturers but holy moly that stuff's not cheap. Even the prototype fees are like, three or four times the cost of plush prototyping, which is ALREADY QUITE EXPENSIVE.

But... my mind has been fixated on that ever since KayFedewa got her initial run of Blackblood Alliance figures made by [some premo anime figure company, I vividly remembered it being Kotobukiya but a Worthpoint listing says it was Gensen Figure?] back in 2007. (not for sale anymore but here's a link to somebody's Youtube where they show the figures up close and you can see how great the detail is) I do not think Kotobukiya takes orders for figure runs that small anymore because they're too busy making anime girl versions of slasher characters, but. A vinyl figure of any type would be extremely cool. If I ever reach the point where enough people like my stuff to justify that, please everyone let me know ASAP so that I can start saving for those prototype fees. :P

[nothing-but-dreamy]

FAKE DATE

Pairing: FFXV! NYX ULRIC x GENDER NEUTRAL!READER

Words: 10.822

Warnings: some cursing, fluff, mentioning of cheating

A/N: So.... this idea started as a quick idea for a one shot.... I guess, it got a little bit out of hand... but who cares... have fun... it's worth to read it

Summary: Your ex marries your cousin and because it's family, you have to attend there with a date. No matter how hard it would be for you. You talk with Crowe about it and she comes up with an idea: a fake date with one of her friends, Nyx Ulric. Nyx agrees reluctantly and even if he had sworn to himself to avoid meeting new people or rather to let them get too close … little did he know that you could change this plan without even knowing it…

"Crowe, it's horrible! I really tried to talk with my mother but she won't accept the fact that I don't want to come to this wedding. She said: 'We become a family. You're mature enough to work past all this'. Argh! I would love to scream.", you cried out, raking violently through your hair with your fingers.

"Yeah... Right... It's about maturity that you have to watch how your cousin marries your ex-boyfriend who had left you. For your cousin. This marriage is crazy. Since when do they even know each other?"

"For seven months.", you muffled into your hands.

"Wait! What? You met this idiot what? Ten months ago!"

"Yup. And then, we had a family meeting where he met my cousin. They got along pretty well. Maybe I should have sensed something there already. But I didn't.", you said heartbroken.

"So, he met your cousin behind your back, he cheated on you and your mother still wants you to join the wedding? Are really all of your family so stupid, sorry for that, to accept the fact that he’s a lying and cheating bastard?"

"Yes, they are!", you cried out, burying your face into your hands once again, "Just because he's some high-paid, upper class doctor. And you know what the worst is? I have to bring someone with me. A date. You know for the 'aesthetic'. It’s my mother’s twisted ‘perfect world’ thingy. But I don't have someone. I'm still hurt because of what he had done to me. I don't wanna meet someone new.", you breathed devastated.

Crowe nodded slowly, understanding your point because she was there as she had picked up the shattered pieces that had been your former self. Then, an idea popped up in her mind even if it was a tricky one, "YN, I might have a solution for your problem."

Slowly, you looked up, "Yeah... I already considered running away but I can't. My mother would find me everywhere."

Crowe chuckled, "No. Not that. Maybe we keep this running away idea as a back-up. No, I might have a solution for your date misery."

***

The next day, Crowe searched for Libertus and Nyx in the training area of the Kingsglaive headquarters. Finding them warping around, she watched them for a while before both men closed up to her for a small break.

"I will never really get used to this warping shit. My stomach makes somersaults all the time.", Libertus complained and rubbed over his stomach and chest to calm down the heartburn.

"Well, not every person is made for flying.", Crowe said teasingly what caused Nyx to chuckle and Libertus to roll with his eyes.

"So, what's up? It's a bit too early for you.", Nyx said, leaning against a pillar with crossed arms.

"Actually, I wanted to talk with you, Nyx. I... I need your help.", Crowe said carefully.

Nyx frowned as he saw the wariness in his friend's eyes, "And for what?"

"The thing is... I don't really need your help. It's rather a friend of mine.", Crowe said and saw how Nyx pressed his jaws together.

"Crowe? Is this another try to set me up with someone?", he asked serious.

Crowe gnawed on her lower lip, "No... Well... Not really?"

"Crowe! Come on. We already had that!", Nyx said serious, drawing his brows together.

Crowe raised her hands, "I know, I know. You made this clear the last time. But this is different. YN really needs help. Listen, their ex marries and they have to attend there-"

"Why? Why do they have to attend their ex' wedding?", Libertus asked confused.

Crowe grimaced, "Well, he's marrying their cousin."

"What?", Nyx and Libertus called out at the same time.

Crowe pinched the bridge of her nose, "It's a pretty shitty situation. This asshole cheated on YN with their cousin a few months after they started to date. But because he's such a great doctor, with much prestige and money, everyone seems to be cool with this wedding no matter how YN feels about this."

"Holy six...", Libertus whispered, shaking his head at how complicated this situation seemed to be.

"And why do you need me? What role shall I play in all this?", Nyx asked even if he already had an idea what would come next.

"Well... Not enough that YN shall be part of the wedding, they also shall bring a date along. Something about aesthetics or stuff. I dunno. Don't ask me. And that's the point where I need your help, Nyx.", Crowe said and looked at her friend with a pleading expression and a hopeful smile while Nyx stayed silent.

"Why don't you ask me for help?", Libertus asked, pointing at himself.

Crowe looked apologetically at the taller man, "Well, sorry, but I think Nyx is more of their type-"

"More of their type? Crowe!", Nyx called out, getting slightly agitated.

Crowe raised her hands in surrender, "Calm down. I don't wanna set you up with them. But YN shall bring a date to this already crazy and hilarious wedding. The idiot cheated on them for several months, left them and now, YN’s still very hurt. After the breakup and the announced engagement, they were a mess. I needed some time to collect all the pieces that were left from them. They're not able to date someone or to find someone new. So, I thought about a fake date. It's not a real date. You just have to act like it. Please, Nyx. You don't have to do much. Just accompany them to this wedding. Keep them company and distract them a little. Just have some fun."

Nyx considered the idea. He wasn't really in the mood for dates or weddings but he knew Crowe well enough. If she thought about this as a good idea, he really might be helpful. Nyx’ strong helper syndrome was now also kicking in once again, "So, just if I say yes, and I say if, what shall I do?"

On Crowe's lips grew a smile because she knew Nyx would say yes if he was already this far with his considerations, "Nothing much. You meet them. I guess they will pick you up or something. You attend the wedding in the church and the party afterwards together. That's it. You don't have any responsibilities except to be by YN's side as their date. Maybe support them a little bit during this whole carnival."

"And when shall this trickery be?", Nyx asked warily.

Crowe's face changed into a grimace once again, "That's the stupid part... It's this weekend."

"Crowe!", Nyx called out. It was already Wednesday.

"Hey! It's not my fault. YN also told me about it yesterday. Obviously, they tried to discuss this whole thing about the presence with their mother but she was very persistent with this point. Nyx, it's urgent. Next to you two, they're my best friend. I hate to see them suffer. It’s not fair because they’re a jewel of a person. That their ex shall get a happy ending after everything he had done is already the biggest joke. But now, he will become part of their family, as well. I really need your help.", Crowe begged.

Nyx took a deep breath and released the air slowly, "Alright, alright. I will do it. But", he said and raised his hand as Crowe already started to get excited, "I guess I need a tuxedo or something like this-"

"I will take care of that! You don't have to do anything like I said. I promise."

"Then, just one more thing. Maybe it would be better if we met before the wedding? You know, to check if we get along and if the chemistry is working."

***

"He did say yes?"

"You really had doubts?", Crowe asked with a smirk. Your reaction had been gold as she had told you that she had found a date for you: Nyx Ulric - one of her friends and colleagues.

In fact, you had heard a few things about him. That he was from Galahd, had lost his family and had a tendency to be a little bit gruff in front of others but with that he was just hiding his soft side, as Crowe had told you. To meet him and Libertus was long overdue, "Well... A little bit to be honest. I mean, he doesn't know me. I know we will just be acting but still it's like a blind date. What if we don't get along? It's all about chemistry and stuff..."

Crowe blinked and stared at you, "Well, I'm sure you two will like each other. In fact, Nyx mentioned the exact same doubts with the exact same words."

"Really? Well... it's maybe just coincidence.", you said, turning around to get something to drink from the kitchen.

But no matter how quickly you had been, Crowe had seen your blushing cheeks and grinned about it. It had been a long time since she had seen you like this: filled with life and pleasant anticipation.

"So, Nyx is okay with this whole fake date thingy?", you asked, while gnawing on your lower lip. You felt nervous to meet him even if he was a friend of Crowe.

Crowe smiled, "Don't worry, he is. You said you could get a tuxedo?"

"Yes! Of course. Just give me his size and I will take care of it. It's easy for me. Tomorrow, it can be here."

"Great. So, could I bring him here tomorrow? You two can meet and he can try on the tuxedo."

"Perfect idea. And I will cook something for us.", you said with sparkling eyes. You had no idea why but suddenly, you were even looking forward to meeting Nyx, your unexpected lifesaver.

***

"You said, I don't have to do anything.", Nyx complained as he made his way through the city the next day with Crowe by his side.

Crowe rolled with her eyes, "Yes and you really don't have to do anything except to try on one or two tuxedos, alright? It's not that I would drag you to a shopping trip. We meet YN at their place where you can try on the clothes. So, we will kill two birds with one stone."

Nyx had laid awake last night while thinking about this fake date idea. Sure, he wanted to help Crowe and her friend but that didn’t change the fact that there was a reason behind his reluctance to date new people. So, once again, Nyx asked himself if he really was doing the right thing…

*

As you heard the first knock at your door, you jumped by surprise. It was friday evening, the day before the wedding and it was arranged that Crowe and Nyx would visit you after they were done with their shift. But still, as your friend was there, you felt excited. You were even sick with nervousness to meet Nyx. He was the first guy you would meet after the horrible break-up and even if it was just a fake date, your hands became sweaty and your heart began to race.

The second knock brought you back to reality and you hurried to open the door, "Hey, guys. Come in-", you stopped as Crowe passed you and your eyes fell on Nyx who smiled at you warm and softly. Never in your life had you seen such a handsome, good looking man. Even your ex wasn't able to keep up with Nyx’ undeniable, rough sexiness. His eyes were the bluest and his lips the fullest. The stubble he sported and his greyish hair with the braids suited him perfectly. You noticed something wild in his appearance which got underlined by the tattoos on his face and ears. For the first time, you understood what Crowe had meant as she said that it was visible that Nyx was from Galahd. He wasn't hiding his roots and as it was for you, there was no reason for him to do this at all.

"YN?", Crowe asked as she saw you gaping at Nyx. Internally, she was pleased with herself. To see you like this told her that she had been right: Nyx was your type of guy.

Crowe's voice brought you back from your daydreaming, "Yeah... Sorry, I was just... Uhm...", you stammered.

Crowe grinned but stepped in to help you, "YN meet Nyx. Nyx this YN, my emotional support when I have to deal with too much of your bullshit."

You smiled thankfully, "Yeah... The support might be questionable nowadays.", you said shyly.

"That's okay. It will change again. I'm sure.", Crowe said.

"It's nice to meet you finally, YN. I heard a lot of great things about you.", Nyx said politely as you invited him in. As he and Crowe had gone to your place, Nyx was intimidated because of your fancy apartment complex. You were from Insomnia but because you were refugee friendly and even tried to help to improve the underground district your friendship with Crowe had been possible which calmed Nyx a little. But as you had opened the door, nervousness and excitement spread through his emotionally cold veins. Crowe had described you as nice, sweet and beautiful. But in Nyx' eyes, these words were far away from being suitable. Your eyes were clear and bright as you looked right into his soul. Your lips had such a rich color that they already looked delicious. Nyx knew he had to keep his composure together and actually he wasn't really interested in meeting new people as he always said like a mantra but you and your sweet appearance made it extremely difficult to stick to his plan.

"I'm sure Crowe made up a few things to let me look better.", you said chuckling.

As Nyx heard you laughing, his heart made a little jump and suddenly, he asked himself how it was even possible for someone to hurt you at all.

Pleased with Nyx' reaction about her friend, Crowe grinned, "No, I was always honest and I just told everyone how amazing you are."

"Liar. But that's okay. So, I... The tuxedos already arrived and the dinner is almost done. What about you try on the clothes, Nyx, and then, we eat?", you suggested.

"Sounds great.", Crowe said and went into the kitchen to check the oven for what you had prepared.

"Come on, I will show you the way.", you said to Nyx and guided him through your apartment into your bedroom, "So, Crowe gave me your sizes from your uniform. I got an anthracite and a black tuxedo. The only two colors my mother allows tomorrow. Just try them.", you said and shot the man next to a shy smile. Somehow, his scent was able to fill your small room so quickly that you knew it would be stuck there for a few days and you already were looking forward to it.

"Thanks.", Nyx said and cursed himself because he wanted to say more but he couldn't. Somehow, his tongue was tied up into a knot. Obviously, he had been out of training for human interactions a bit too long.

You were about to leave him alone before you stopped at the door once again, "I have to thank you, Nyx. I... If you wouldn't do that I'm sure I would die because of so many things tomorrow. I owe you really big. So, thank you really much.", you said with a shy smile and reddening cheeks. And before Nyx could say anything, you left the room and closed the door.

Nyx stared at the spot where you had stood. It was one thing to do Crowe a favor in helping you. But to see all these raw emotions mirrored in your eyes did something to him. Your voice had been filled with sadness even if you had tried to hide it. And somehow, deep empathy for you flooded his veins and anger towards your ex entered his muscles. He should accompany you? He swore to himself to do this and to watch out for you the whole evening. Because like Crowe, he already hated it to see you suffer.

*

"So, you like him, huh?", Crowe asked as you joined her in the kitchen.

You stared at your friend with shocked filled eyes, "I- I don't know what you mean.", you said defensive even if it wasn't really working.

Crowe grinned, "Come on, YN. I know you. And I saw how you were staring at Nyx. Therefore, you like him."

You felt your cheeks blushing and you even pretended to look after your cooking pots so you could avoid Crowe's smug smirk, "He's nice, yeah. I mean, I owe him a lot that he does this for me. I'm grateful for that."

"Yeah... Right. Grateful. Grateful with big, sparkling and hungry eyes-", Crowe said teasingly but got stopped by your elbow and in the next moment Nyx entered your kitchen to present himself. Crowe whistled, "Wow, look at this. I had no idea there could be a real gentleman underneath this gruff surface.", she said, which earned her an annoyed eye roll from the Glaive.

You smiled appreciatively, "Crowe has a point, tho. You look really great in this tuxedo.", you admitted. Indeed, Nyx had tried on the black tuxedo first and it was already a match. Because of the white suit shirt, his blue eyes seem to glow even more. His longer strands gave the tuxedo a nice, foreign touch you already liked, "If you ask me, you're done with testing. Is it comfortable?", you asked, checking the fit on his back.

"Yes, it's extremely comfortable. I had no idea it would fit so well.", Nyx admitted while the soft touch of your hands on his back gave him slight goosebumps.

"I'm not surprised. These are high-class tuxedos. They're very expensive. Don't worry, it's borrowed.", you explained as you saw Nyx' concerned expression, "No one should buy such things just for one evening. So, great. That was it. You're done. You can change again and then, dinner is ready. At least a little try to make it up to you and your time."

As Nyx disappeared in your bedroom once again, Crowe closed up on you with a smirk, "It's so good that I was right with my assumption that you two would fit together perfectly. And now, you will even have some eye candy to look at the whole evening. I'm the best friend you could ask for."

Instead of answering, you just rolled with your eyes even if she was right. But you wouldn't admit it out loud. Never.

*

"God, this was delicious, YN.", Crowe sighed satisfied as she leant back in her seat.

"I just can say the same. This was great. But if I may ask, what was it? I mean, I know the stuff you used but somehow the taste was … I never tasted like this before.", Nyx asked curiously. Whatever you had done, it was delicious but he never had found something similar in Insomnia before.

You chuckled, "Actually, it isn't something fancy. Vegetables, meat and rice. But the spices make the difference. You don't find these here in Insomnia. I got them from Lestallum. There's a huge market full of stands with spices and ingredients you won't find anywhere else. I like exotic stuff so this market is like a treasure."

While you had answered his question, Nyx was fascinated by the way your eyes started to glow in a new way. You were happy to talk about what you liked. Your happiness was contagious and made his heart jump. Nyx caught himself by the thought that this fake-date thingy wouldn't be as bad as he had thought in the beginning.

Crowe watched you and Nyx. She already saw the connection between you two and even if she respected your decision to be alone for a while after everything you had experienced, she saw that both of you were interested in each other. So, for her, it was the time to give you some space, "Oh, look. How late it got already. I have an early meeting tomorrow.", she said and jumped up from her seat, grabbing her jacket, "Thank you very much for this delicious meal and I wish you two a lot of fun tomorrow.", she said before she hurried out of your apartment.

Slightly speechless, you and Nyx looked after her. As Nyx met your eyes again, both of you were laughing. You looked at your clock on the wall, "Late my ass. We just have eight.", you pointed out while still laughing.

"You know what she's trying right?", Nyx asked with a grin.

"Of course. She's trying to set us up with each other."

Nyx shook his head with a grin, disbelieving that Crowe had pulled this trick, "And that although she knows that I don't want to date anyone.", he just said but regretted it immediately as he saw your face. It was a mixture of surprise and disappointment. Quickly, you tried to hide it behind a smile and that sight hurt Nyx even more than he thought, "Oh uhm... I- I didn't mean you... O-or this.. I.. I'm sorry, I...", he stumbled over his own words and cursed himself for speaking so mindlessly.

You waved with your hand to brush it aside with a weak smile, ignoring the disappointment, "Calm down. I know what you mean, Nyx. After what my ex had done, I'm also not much interested in dates. Don't forget that this will be just a fake date.", you said softly to reassure him before you collected a bunch of plates to be able to turn away from him.

But Nyx had seen the sparkling in your eyes that extremely resembled unshed tears. Once again, he cursed himself. Here he was, Nyx had promised to himself to protect you from everything that would happen at the wedding but was able to make you sad in his own way.

Quickly, he stood up, collecting the cutlery to go to your side, "Hey", Nyx said softly to get your attention, he smiled as you looked at him, "I'm sorry, YN. I didn't mean you at all. It's just...Crowe tried many times to matchmake me. It never ended well. I guess, it's because of my job as a Glaive. I try my best but... it's my work. I owe King Regis a lot for saving me. And I see myself forced to pay it back in protecting this city and its people."

"Don't apologize, Nyx. What you and the other Glaives are doing is honorable. Not everyone is able to cope with what you do all day for this city. If someone has a problem with that...well... it's just not the fitting person, I guess. The fitting person would always support you to make your life easier instead of making it more difficult.", you said and smiled.

Nyx was speechless about your caring words and your warm smile, "Thank you. You... I can see why Crowe cares so much about you. You're very sweet. And you know what? I'm looking forward to spending the day with you tomorrow."

You sniffled back a sob, "Thanks, Nyx. I'm sure it will be horrible tomorrow. Just the thought of seeing him makes me anxious right now. But to know you will be with me calms me already.", you admitted softly.

Nyx smiled but also wanted to change the heavy topic to something lighter, "So, about tomorrow. How shall we do it? Already have any plans?"

"Yeah, my idea was to pick you up but maybe it would be easier for you to come here so you don't have to carry the tuxedo around. I mean, if this would be okay for you?", you said while bringing Nyx to the front door.

"Sounds good. Oh, one thing. Shall I do something with my hair? It's not typical for Insomnian citizen-"

"No, please, don't!", you hurried but you looked away as you felt your cheeks blushing again.

Nyx chuckled, shooting you a smile as you looked back at him, "Don't worry. I won't change anything if you don't want to. I just want to make sure that you will have a nice day tomorrow."

***

The next day, Nyx knocked at your door as agreed. Once again he was excited to meet you. This time because he was looking forward to seeing you again. Usually, if Nyx was dreaming during the night, he had nightmares but the last night was filled with dreams about you. This morning, he was more rested and relaxed than ever before.

So, as you opened the door, Nyx was already smiling and happy but as he saw you, his smile faltered and his expression changed into staring, "Whoa, you look amazing.", he breathed.

Your small smile grew into something bigger that reached each of your ears, "Thank you. Come in.", you said excitedly and stepped aside to let Nyx into your apartment.

Ten minutes later, Nyx joined you in the kitchen, dressed in the tuxedo and ready. You prepared some coffee before the car would be there to pick you up, "So, what's scheduled for today?", he asked and closed the buttons on his cuffs. At least, he tried it.

You watched him fumbling for a few moments until you joined him for help, "In fact, everything's pretty timed. We will drive to the church were the wedding will be held. And after that we will drive further to the Caelum Via where the dinner and party will be. I just hope we can escape during the party when the official thing is over. So, it's done.", you said softly. Your fingers were brushing along Nyx' warm skin. You lingered a few seconds longer before you realized what you were doing.

Nyx felt the connection between you and him as well. Your touch was small, soft and warm and everything he wanted to feel again and again. As he saw your caught expression, he smiled at you to show you that it was okay and he saw that you understood.

Coffee, smalltalk and just being with each other let the time run too fast and as your doorbell rang for the arriving car you felt annoyed because this, with Nyx, was pure fun.

Nyx noticed the change in you and placed his hand on yours, "I will be with you all the time. Or, I will be close to you. You're not alone in this, okay?"

You nodded reluctantly but forced yourself to smile. And with Nyx by your side, you left your apartment for the worst day ever in your life.

*

But Nyx stuck to his word and was with you. The car brought you to the church and he was about to leave the limousine as he noticed that you weren't moving at all. Ignoring the driver's glance, he leant over to you, avoiding touching you in fear to scare you, "YN?"

You stared out of the side window. There was the church, the church you wanted to marry in one day. Not exactly your ex but generally. Flowers were decorated everywhere and between the different colorful plants stood your family. Your mother, your dad, both of your aunts and uncles and Matt...your ex.

Nyx followed your gaze and saw the group of people. Even without asking he knew it had to be your family, considering the fact how you were looking at them. Nyx noticed the younger guy in the festive attire and knew instinctively that it had to be the groom. The guy was tall, slim fit and looked like a lot of money. But the way he moved and talked was easy to dislike because he looked snobbish. Nyx saw your distress and felt sorry. He could just imagine what you were feeling right now, "Listen, we can go if you want.", Nyx suggested softly.

You shook your head, "I can't. We're family. My mother would kill me."

Nyx sighed low, "I know family is important but... you're also important. And if you think you can't handle this under these circumstances then it's okay. You don’t have to."

Slowly, you looked at him, already thankful to have him by your side, "I can do that. I have to."

Nyx nodded, accepting your determination before he left the car. The driver opened your door and as you left the car as well, Nyx was already waiting for you, offering you his arm to link your own with it.

As you two closed up on the group of your family members, your mother was the first to spot you. Suddenly, Nyx noticed a slight change in your behavior. You straightened yourself, you held your head high but the grip on Nyx' arm also became stronger.

"Darling! You look great.", your mother said, grabbing your shoulders to kiss you left and right of your face without touching your skin.

As she leant back, you saw the huge, happy smile on her lips that only money could produce, "Mother, you look lovely. The whole decoration is breathtaking.", you said with a huge smile.

It was fake. Nyx could already spot the difference because the smile didn't reach your bright eyes. Then, your mother's attention shifted over to Nyx and he swallowed thickly by the sight of her mustering glance at his appearance.

You noticed her glance as well and stepped in, "Oh, right. Mother, this is Nyx. Nyx, this is my beloved mother."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.", Nyx said politely and even bowed a little.

Internally, you grinned about her surprised expression because she never had expected such good manners with a guy who had Nyx' looks. You knew her well enough to know what she thought.

"It's a pleasure for me. Where have you two met if I may ask?", your mother asked.

You knew it was a test and you knew how to play this game, "Through a friend. Nyx is working for King Regis."

"For the King? That's amazing."

You saw the sparkling in your mother's eyes but before she could say anything else, you took Nyx' arm to guide him away, "Excuse us, we will go inside. Searching for our seats.", you said and without waiting, you passed the group to go into the church.

As you two were out of earshot from your family, Nyx leant to you, "That was smooth."

You grinned, "Have you seen her eyes as I mentioned the King? That was pure greed. It doesn't matter if it is money or prestige. She loves it. I'm sure she thinks you're a member of the royal family. And that's the reason why it's okay for everyone that my cousin marries Matt. He's a doctor. A high-paid surgeon. Money and prestige.", you explained.

As you and Nyx sat down, a thought struck his mind. He was just not sure if he should ask or not-

"You wanna know how I could land him?", you said as you saw Nyx' glance.

"No, not how you could land him. Rather...what you saw in him. I don't know you for long but...such a guy? I'm not sure if he suits you well…"

You nodded, "Yeah...trust me, now? I know that, too. But as we met, he was…", you stopped as you remembered the early time with Matt, "We met accidentally in a bookstore. Somehow, we ended in the same row of bookshelves and he bumped into me. Obviously, he liked me so he invited me for coffee. I agreed because he can be extremely charming. But if I think about it now, we never had something in common. I was imagining things and was blinded by his looks. Although ...well…recently, I've met a guy who is more handsome than Matt will ever be."

Nyx knew you meant him. In the way you had said it and how you looked at him told him whom you meant. Nyx' heart skipped a beat by the thought of how you saw him. In his eyes, it wasn't fair. Here he was, sitting next to you, starting to like you. He was attracted to you and still, he didn't want to have any love interest. It always ended badly and that was the last thing he wanted for you. Nyx wanted to say something, to lower your interest in him, but the wedding started and cut him off.

*

The ceremony was beautiful and romantic. You had to admit that even if you hated it. Your cousin looked wonderful and as they both brought up their vows in a solemn way, you had to suppress a tear because it was sweet and lovely what they swore to each other. Just the point 'I will never love someone else next to you' from Matt caused you to roll with your eyes. It was pathetic.

Most of the time, Nyx tried to stay focused on the wedding but it wasn't easy. His brain was busy with different things. On the one hand, he searched for a way to keep you on distance but whenever he had an idea, Nyx asked himself 'why?'. Why should he stay away from you when you were interested in him? He was interested in you, too. You were attractive, sweet and nice but also hurt. The last thing Nyx wanted was to take advantage of your sore emotions or to be the reason to get hurt even more.

"Nyx?"

Your voice brought him back to reality and he realized that the church emptied slowly, "Sorry, I was thinking about something."

"Totally get it. This wedding was...I don't know. Maybe it was the sweetest thing I have ever seen or the most hypocritical. But no matter what it was, it's over now."

"Then, if I may?", Nyx asked and offered you his arm once again.

Smiling, you took his arm and walked down the aisle with Nyx to leave the church.

*

As you reached the festive decorated ballroom of the Caelum Via, Nyx wasn't surprised anymore. You had told him that your family and even Matt's had a lot of money and they loved to show it. But even if you were dressed in something expensive and even if you knew how to act properly amongst all the other high society people, Nyx noticed that it wasn't really your world. You had been forced into it by blood and family relations.

You introduced Nyx to everyone you met on your way to your table. And not for one second, Nyx felt misplaced by you. You even gave him the feeling as if you were proud to have him by your side.

"Holy six, we have made it.", you sighed as you slumped down on a seat of the table you were aiming for, "Once again, I have to thank you."

Nyx smiled softly, "But I've done nothing."

"You're here. You're by my side. And you're not running away after meeting my family. You keep me sane. I would say you do enough."

Nyx watched you but he was sure he was right with his assumption, "You don't have the best bond with your family, do you?"

You chuckled dryly, "No, not really. It's better now but...I haven't become a lawyer like everyone else, tho. I mean, even my mother had been a secretary in a law office. There, she met my dad, who’s a lawyer. Like my uncles."

"So, you're kinda the black sheep?", Nyx asked amused and saw himself as confirmed: this world was not yours.

"Oh, yeah. You have no idea. That I dated Matt had raised my prestige in their eyes but…", you stopped as Matt and your cousin entered the ballroom under loud cheering, "I have no idea what I was for him. Time distraction? Toy? I mean, we had fun and I feel so stupid for not seeing anything coming."

Nyx had no idea what he should say to comfort you. Maybe there was even no way to comfort you at all. Things like this needed time to heal. But somehow Nyx got the impression that you were stronger than you seemed to be right now.

You wanted to say something but your mother and dad joined your table and gone was the calmness you had felt during the last few moments.

"Darling, have you congratulated Matt and your cousin?", your mother said, placing one hand on your shoulder and one on Nyx'.

That touch looked more possessive than you liked to see, "Of course, I did.", you said with a charming smile.

"Wonderful! Wasn't the wedding a dream? And the vows! I really had to suppress a tear."

"Yes, mother, it was wonderful.", you agreed.

"And you, Nyx? Everything's-", but your mother got called over by your aunts and excused himself again. Even your dad excused himself again.

Nyx waited till she was out of earshot before he turned over to you, "You haven't congratulated them, have you?"

"Of course not.", you said with a huge grin that made Nyx chuckling. You liked the way he smiled. You already liked his presence. He was calm and quiet but knew how to tell his stories to entertain you.

Quickly, the dinner got served and was done and the last part of this circus started: the party. You knew you couldn't leave right away. Even if you wanted to run away as far as you could, it wouldn't look too good. So, you stayed until you would find a good moment to escape.

"Hey, you wanna get some fresh air?", Nyx asked as he saw how you were watching Matt dancing with his partner closely to a slow, romantic song.

Like awakening from a trance, you blinked with your eyes and nodded as you looked at Nyx and his warm, encouraging smile. As you stepped out, you breathed in the fresh breeze with closed eyes.

Once again, Nyx caught himself staring at you in a fascinated way. While you walked across the balcony to the handrail, Nyx followed you slowly and thanked Crowe silently that he had met you, "How do you feel? You're still okay?", he asked carefully.

You turned over to him, "Yes. Yes, I'm feeling good. As I watched them dance, I noticed the way Matt looked at my cousin. He never looked at me this way and I'm… I'm getting okay with it. If they're happy then I don't care. Maybe this wedding was the right cure."

Nyx was impressed how strong you really were. He was sure that you were still hurt but it looked as if you were on the right way.

"Can I ask you something?", you asked, gnawing on your lower lip.

"Of course. I'm at your service no matter what it is. So, what do you desire to know about me?", Nyx said solemnly and smirked as he heard you chuckling.

"I know Crowe can use the King's magic. So, I guess, all Glaives are able to do that?"

"Yes. That's why we're members of the Kingsglaive. Not everyone is able to use these powers so, just the 'best' or talented of the refugees get picked out.", Nyx explained.

You nodded slowly, "It's too bad that refugees get used to fighting battles to secure this city instead of the citizens who actually live here.", you said while letting your eyes roam over the skyline of Insomnia.

"I'm okay with that. I mean, Niflheim attacked my home, Magiteks killed my family. If I can fight against them, I know I do the right thing. Taking revenge. At least as good as I can.", Nyx said low and also watched the scene in front of him.

"I'm sorry for your loss. Crowe told me about it once. Nothing much, just a few things. Is… Is this also the reason why you try to keep people away from you? In fear you could lose them as well?", you asked carefully. Maybe you were too bold but you felt a connection to Nyx that gave you the courage to ask these things.

With a sad expression, Nyx nodded. He was surprised that you had figured him out this quickly but maybe he wasn't such a riddle or you were really attentive when it came to him, "Yeah... you're not so wrong. I know how it feels to lose loved ones so I don't wanna put someone else through this as well. And as a Glaive things can turn bad really quickly.", he said and watched your reaction.

"I guess you're right."

Nyx nodded and felt an unknown pain stinging his heart that you thought like this as well.

"But", you started again, looking straight into Nyx eyes, "I got to know you a little bit today. Trust me, I understand your point but as I said yesterday, the right person wouldn't see a problem with that. I mean… you shouldn't be alone Nyx. No one should. And if you think life is so short for you, you should stop being alone and start to make the best out of the time you still have.", you whispered.

Without noticing, Nyx had closed up on you forced by your words. Unknowingly, you had hit a point: he was alone...rather he was lonely. He felt lonely when he was done with the training and went back to his empty home. He felt lonely when he came back after an exhausting fight on the battlefield. When he felt lonely, the flashbacks and nightmares became worse and darker. These were the times where he wished to have someone by his side who would be there for him. Who would drag him out of the darkness because their light was so much brighter than every shadow would ever be. Bright like your glowing eyes and your charming smile.

Slowly, Nyx leant forward and raised his hand without thinking about it. He just wanted to feel your skin under his touch. Softly, he placed his hand on your cheek and saw your surprise but you stayed where you were as if you wanted him to continue. Driven by your alluring scent, he closed the gap slowly and-

SCREESH!!!

The cry of a bird that flew above your heads let both of you jump away from each other. You and Nyx were breathing heavily while you two recovered from the shock. You smoothed down your clothes to distract yourself while Nyx ran a hand through his hair to do the same.

The situation became awkward but Nyx wanted to show you that everything was alright. At the same time, he wanted to show himself that everything was still alright between you and him, "Hey...uhm… You wanna see some magic?", he asked softly, almost shy.

You smiled, thankfully that Nyx had sensed the awkward tension, "I would love to.", you said while still recovering from the surprise that Nyx wanted to kiss you. Not that you would have stopped him…

Nyx grinned and raised his right hand. He showed you the bare palm and in the next moment, sizzling flames were dancing over his skin as if they were following a rhythm no one could hear. Nyx checked your reaction and was pleased as he saw your sparkling eyes, illuminated by the flames, and the growing smile.

Fascinated, you watched the flames. You felt the urge to touch them but as you closed up on the flames with your forefinger, you already felt the warmth so, you retreated your hand again, "It's hot! I don't know why I'm surprised but… Don't they hurt you?", you asked concerned.

Nyx chuckled, "No, not at all. If you can use elementary magic, you're safe. It's just painful for your enemy.", he said with a grin and was happy to see you smile again.

"Can you just produce fire? Or is there more?", you asked excitedly, totally hooked about the fact how cool this skill was.

"Two more. Lightning", Nyx said and killed the flames by closing his hand before his fist got enveloped by small, twitching bolts that ran across his hand like busy worms. But they became a bit too fast and 'overexcited' and Nyx casted them away before something could get hit by them, "And then, there's ice.", he said and changed the bolts into a subtle fog.

You leant forward to look closer but even in the dim light from the candles and the light coming from the ballroom, you noticed small, sparkling ice particles which were swirling through the fog. Whenever light hit them, they were glittering in every possible color like a prism, "I- I… that's so beautiful. I mean, it sparkles like millions of diamonds."

Nyx chuckled, he never had seen the magic he used on a daily basis as what it actually was: magic. It was something not many people could control. It was indeed something special, usually just reserved for the royal family and yet, he was also able to produce ice and let your smile grow even bigger than before as you had seen the fire, “I don’t know but I guess to see the world through your eyes must be wonderful. You seem to be delighted by the smallest things.”, Nyx said low but smiled as you looked up with a now shy smile on your lips.

“Life is more than just money and prestige. We are surrounded by wonders barely someone sees anymore. I mean, for example in Lestallum, the city uses the energy of a meteor that lies there for centuries. You should see the magical view by night. The golden and blue light dancing into the sky. I swear you never had seen something like this before.”, you said excitedly and once again, you noticed how Nyx was staring at you. It wasn’t unpleasant. Rather quite the opposite. It was a silly thought but somehow you had the feeling that Nyx could see more in you than just a little flirt and a nice kiss at some wedding.

It was crazy. As Crowe told you Nyx would be your type of man, you had laughed about it. After everything Matt had done you needed a break from dates and men and love and all these things. You didn’t want to quit it forever just a little longer but obviously your friend saw it differently and silently, you already thanked her.

Once again, Nyx was mesmerized by you. The way you saw things. How you looked at the world. How you looked at him. He was sure you weren’t flawless - no one was. But no matter what kind of flaws you would have, he wouldn’t care about it. He would deal with everything as long as he could keep you in his life. Giving him the magic he had lost somewhere in his life. Maybe you could be friends or … maybe even something more.

Nyx killed the ice and once again, he leant in for another attempt to kiss you. The moment was perfect again. The way you looked into his eyes and how your lips slightly parted told him what he needed to know - you wanted the same. So, he stepped closer, cupping your face with both hands softly as if you were made out of glass and while you leant forward to meet him on the half way, Nyx leant forward to kiss you-

"Hey, YN, can we talk for a moment- Oh! I’m sorry. Did I interrupt something?", Matt asked and grinned amused as he saw you and Nyx jumping away from each other like caught teenagers.

You cursed internally because it was the second interrupted kiss and you had no idea how many times Nyx would try his luck considering the fact that he even was willing to go this step at all.

Nyx saw that you were annoyed. And he felt the same. He had noticed that you wanted the kiss as well so it was clear for him to try it again but maybe all the interruptions were just signs for him to let it slip? Maybe he shouldn’t try his luck because he was still the Glaive who could die during the next battle. He looked from you at Matt who closed up slowly no matter if his timing had been good or not. And suddenly, Nyx saw that the guy had done this on purpose. He saw it in Matt’s gleaming eyes and in his smirk that he was amused about the fact to humiliate you once again. But as you had said before, he was part of your family now and maybe Matt just wanted to apologize or something. So, Nyx did the only logical thing that came to his mind, "Is it okay for you? I will get something to drink for us then.", he asked carefully, watching your reaction.

You weren’t amused about the idea to be alone with Matt but you nodded. You understood that Nyx might need a break. You waited till Nyx was gone before you crossed your arms over your chest, “You wanted to talk?”

"Yeah, this guy… Tell me, what did you have to pay him so that he would accompany you to this wedding as your date? I’m sure he’s a stripper or something like this. Poor soul-", the loud slap into his face let Matt stop in his sentence. While holding his stinging cheek, he looked back at you, surprised that you were even able to have such a power.

With raging eyes, you stared at him, standing your ground in front of him for the first time. All the anger and sadness you had felt had laid in this one single slap and even if you were no fan of violence, you noticed how relieving this had felt. It had been long overdue, "Don't you ever dare to talk like that about him ever again. He's a Glaive! Protecting you and everyone else in this city with his life."

"Oh, interesting! So, he's just a refugee? He’s not from here? Fascinating with what kind of people you spent your time with. Your mother will be pleased to know that.", Matt said with a smirk, turning around to go back into the ballroom to find your mother.

You called Matt back and he stopped, looking expecting at you with one raised brow. You saw the surprise about your courage in his eyes but the thing was your strength was never gone you just had forgotten to use it. You just needed a trigger to get back to your old self and Matt had found this point without knowing it. So, you stepped forward, keeping eye contact until you stood right under Matt’s nose. With a low but serious voice and a lopsided smirk on your lips you said: "You know, it doesn't matter what he is or not. It doesn’t matter what you or anyone else will think. He’s a soldier and it’s honorable. It doesn’t matter where Nyx comes from. And besides, Galahd was a beautiful, magical and unique place before Niflheim decided to destroy this jewel. No matter what you will do or say to whomever, Nyx will always be more of a man than you will ever be in your entire life, you little, lying cheater.", you said and ended your little speech with a sweet grin as you saw Matt’s shocked and surprised expression.

As you watched satisfied how Matt disappeared back into the ballroom and into the world he belonged to, your eyes landed on Nyx who stood there in the door frame with two drinks in his hands and staring right at you with big eyes.

With a soft, warm smile you walked over to Nyx, taking one of the drinks from his hands, “So, you heard what I said, I guess?”

“Y-yeah, actually every single word.”, he whispered, still not believing what you had said about him, “You had defended me in front of him. I- I mean, I have no idea what he did so you would react like this but … it was impressive to watch and … flattering.”, Nyx said honestly.

You nodded before you gulped down the stiff drink in one go to calm your nerves, “You know, to talk back to this asshole was long overdue. And … as long as he was attacking me it was okay but you … You don’t deserve this. Never. From no one. And mostly not from one person in this room.”, you said and somehow Nyx’ eyes were sparkling even more. Emotions were staring back at you which seemed to be buried away for a very long time.

Nyx, who was still flashed by you, closed the small gap, cupped your face and leant down to kiss you and this time, it worked. As he felt your warm, soft lips, he couldn’t believe it. An emotionally lightning shot though his body and electrified him within seconds as if he had been dead before for years. Your lips tasted as sweet as he had imagined and that you moved along with him gave him goosebumps.

Your heart skipped a beat as Nyx kissed you. It was perfect. It was the only way you could describe this whole scene: as perfect. Nyx’ full lips were warm and demanding in a sensual way. He kissed you not to say something he couldn’t find words rather because he just wanted you. To pull him closer, you grabbed into his suit shirt and jacket what caused Nyx to chuckle about your eagerness but you didn’t care. Like a thirsty plant for water, you were thirsty to taste more of Nyx.

Slowly, the kiss increased as both of you opened your mouths to taste each other's tongues, exploring each other. Nyx still tasted the stiff alcohol on you and breathed in your breath while deepening the kiss. He moved his hand from your face down to your back to pull you closer-

“YN! That’s not appropriate behavior for a wedding!”, your mother called out.

Slowly, you left Nyx’ lips, not seeing any reason to hurry at all. With a stupid grin you looked into the most perfect blue eyes you had ever seen which were sparkling with so much fire and joy as if their light had been rekindled after a very long sleep.

Nyx matched your grin and was still holding you in his arm, snaked firmly around your waist, not ready to let you go just now. Gently, he nudged your nose with his own, “What do you want to do now, YN? Any plans?”, he asked.

“We will leave this place. Together. Come on, Glaive.”, you said, taking his hand in yours to leave the balcony. As you passed your mother, who stared at you in shock, you said: “Goodnight mother, we will leave. Usually, I would say ‘it was a nice evening’ but that would be a lie.”, you said and stepped forward before you stopped once again, “Oh, and I didn’t congratulate the bridal couple because, well, for reasons. But I’m sure they will be happy together. Something tells me they deserve each other.”, and with that said, you left the wedding with Nyx.

Your mother was calling after you but you ignored her. But if you would have turned around one last time, you would have seen how your dad was grinning and cheering for you because in his eyes, you had done the best move possible.

*

While the driver of the limousine drove the two of you back to your place, none of you said something. You were just cuddling. As Nyx had entered the car, you had scooted over to him immediately, leaning your head against his chest while he laid his arm around your shoulders. You had intertwined your fingers with his and with your thumb you drew small patterns on his skin while you were smiling stupidly.

Nyx followed his own thoughts while burying his nose into your hair to breathe in your scent. But none of his thoughts were dark anymore. Rather, he asked himself why he had withdrawn himself the whole time and thought he would do the right thing? The only one he was punishing was himself and with you, he realized that he had done it far too long. The first kiss had been enough to spark the dying flame of all his hopes and dreams again. But the flame wasn’t just some smoldering. It was a roaring fire that filled his chest with all the emotions he had sealed somewhere deep all these times before. Just one kiss with you had been able to break this firm seal.

There was no turning back and Nyx would fight like on the battlefield to let this fire burn till he would die…

Still cuddled to Nyx’ side, he brought you to your floor and to the apartment door. You were about to open the door which would mean the end of the night as you turned around, flinging your both arms around Nyx’ neck to kiss him longingly.

Nyx didn’t need to get asked twice. He pressed you against the door, letting his hands roam over the fabric of your clothes to get a first feeling of your curves while he noticed how your fingers found their way into his hair. You played with the longer strands, tracing down the braids and stopping at the beads you found. Alone this touch was enough to make Nyx hungry for more.

You were surprised how soft his greyish hair really was. The whole evening you had asked yourself how Nyx’ hair would feel between your fingers but reality was so much better than what you had thought. Unfortunately, your lungs demanded oxygen and so, just very reluctantly, you left Nyx’ lips. He rested his forehead against your and was as breathless as you were but he was also grinning. Still playing with his hair, you pushed yourself to ask the question you wanted to ask, “You… Would you like to come in?”, you asked hopefully that he would say yes. For you, the night was still not over.

Nyx leant back, looked into your eyes and chuckled before he smirked about your confusion, “Of course, I want to come in. My clothes are still in your apartment. Remember?”, he teased.

“Oh, right… your clothes.”, you said, grinning from ear to ear, “How inconvenient this coincidence is.”, you teased back.

“Just open the door and I’m sure your clothes will join mine pretty soon.”

***

Two months later…

You stood in your kitchen, preparing the morning coffee as you did every day. The rising morning sun was illuminating your apartment in a magical, golden light. It was this kind of light and the smell of the brewing hot liquid that made it easy for you to lose track of your thoughts. Just two strong arms around your middle brought you back to reality and conjured a lovestruck smile on your lips.

You turned around in the arms to face Nyx who was matching your smile even if it was a tired one. Even his hair was tousled and so, you smoothed down the long, stubborn strands before you pressed a gentle kiss on his lips, “Good morning, handsome.”, you whispered.

“Morning, babe. I missed you in bed. I wanted to cuddle.”, he said, pouting.

You chuckled softly, feeling sorry to disappoint him, “I know but I have this important call in an hour and have to do a few things before- hey! Let me down! Nyx!”, you shrieked, laughing by surprise. Nyx had grabbed you to throw you over his shoulder. With you hanging upside down, he carried you back to the bedroom. You bounced slightly as Nyx let you carefully down on the mattress, “Nyx, come on. I don’t have time.”, you chuckled while he was crawling on top of you, kissing along all the bare skin of yours he could find.

“You said one hour. That gives me still forty minutes to have some fun with you. And then, you will still have some time to prepare whatever you want.”, Nyx said between a bunch of hot kisses along your collarbone before he continued over your neck, your weak spot he had figured out really quick.

You sighed, obeying him and his lips as you always did when he was in this kind of mood. It were two months you dated Nyx and it was still thrilling like in the beginning, “But this call is important. It’s with my dad. You know, because of the contracts I need for the refugee foundation.”, you moaned while Nyx bit into your neck. It was already difficult for you to keep your thoughts straight.

Nyx leant back, looking at you with a smirk, “With your dad, huh? He will understand it if you need some extra time. Don’t forget that he likes me. A lot. So, stop trying to resist me. It’s not even working. Just obey me and my lips.”, he breathed, leaning down, “I know you want me.”, Nyx whispered and kissed you passionately that you melted underneath him. Like you always did.

*

And Nyx was right. You were delayed and you apologized a hundred times to your dad but as you mentioned Nyx, your dad was understanding and brushed it off with a smile and a bunch of questions about Nyx and how he would be doing. In fact, since the wedding two months ago, your whole life had taken a complete turn.

After the wedding, Nyx stayed the night. And the next night. And the night after that. Quickly, the two of you had developed a deep, loving and strong relationship and three weeks later, you followed your heart: you had asked Nyx to move in with you. You didn't need much persuasion because Nyx was looking forward to being able to spend more time with you.

Your mother had called you after the wedding, scolding you for your behavior and how you could dare to bring a refugee as a date. But quickly, you gave her a talk about how bigoted she was and that she had to be more open minded if she wanted to keep you in her life. Very slowly, she realized that you meant what you said and gave in. She needed a bit more time but after a while she started to like Nyx, too.

It was helpful that your dad liked Nyx from the start. After the wedding, your dad had called you to congratulate you for your impressive act in front of your mother before you had left. In fact, he also had heard your little speech you had given Matt as you had defended Nyx and was proud about this as well. You had been speechless because til this day, you never had thought your dad would be proud about anything you ever did. And because the ice was broken between you and him, you talked about everything.

So, three weeks after the wedding, as you, Nyx, Pelna, Libertus and Crowe sat at Yamachang’s, you came up with an idea. You loved spending time with Nyx, Crowe and the others. You loved being in the underground of Insomnia where the refugees were living. You loved the different foods and the music, the atmosphere was unique and exotic but the circumstances the refugees had to live in were questionable. So, you had the idea to do something against it. You were already a big fan of the different cultures and you were convinced Insomnia would benefit as a city if it would use this unknown knowledge.

And with the help and support of your dad, who was hooked by your idea immediately, you started and planned a foundation to help the refugees. The infrastructure of the underground had to be changed and some things had to get modernised while the heart and the soul of everything had to be preserved.

You never congratulated Matt on his wedding and if he was at family meetings, you just refused to come as well. Your mother was raging. Your dad had your back with the most creative excuses. But now and then, when you were awake at night, and while you were watching Nyx sleeping next to you peacefully, you thanked Matt for cheating on you. Otherwise, you would never have found this treasure of a man who had turned your world upside down.

You never thanked Crowe for setting you up with Nyx and you didn’t have to because you knew she was already proud of her matchmaking skills. To see two of her best friends finding happiness and love in each other was enough regard for her.

Because in the end, she had done nothing more than finding a fake date for you, a friend in need…

[unilightwrites]

writeblrs intro - the show is starting

Hi there! I'm Helen, the mind behind Unilight Writes - a blog I wanted to get out to actually do something with my writing. I think I'll be treating this as a safe space to motivate me to get the things I imagine out of my head and onto paper. Or a screen I guess. Semantics. Now, the last time I used Tumblr was years back when I was very much an angsty teen - I feel kind of confused and out of place but I hope to find a curious community here! And maybe send bullshit asks my friends' way. But hush. ANYHOW, not to drone on any longer - I enjoy and plan to work on some things during my... uh... stay? Yeah, let's roll with stay.

I'd love to share ideas and concepts that rattle around my brain with you all! I'm always up for discussions and questions, maybe some practice in going Random Bullshit, Go!. I'm looking for inspiration, whether it be phrasing, art, other creative expression or simply reading through works of storytellers. Gods only know how exhaustive is creativity. Characters. Just, characters. Making them alive, making them lovable or deserving of hate, evoking emotion through the creation of their mind. WORLDBUILDING. Don't get me even started! drafting and coming up with scenarios and little details for the worlds inside our heads is simply one of the best things ever. The dreaded word - WIP. I intend to share or showcase bits and pieces of my work that are stuffed so deep inside my mental closets that it's even deeper than I was before coming out. Anyhow - ill be leaving it out for you lot, whether you want it or not. That's my hubris right there, the true purpose of Unilight Writes Some general things about me: - I've always wanted to write and bring forward the stories of my imagination - but I think that to be a common thing among us here. Why write if you have nothing to say, why write if you don't want to. I did some writing when I was younger but I gave it up to focus more on school work. Guess what! school is not in the picture for the time being so here I go, doing what I love once again! - I'm rekindling a lot of old flames here. I started reading for pleasure again (right now I'm going through Memoirs of Lady Isabella Trent, a great pick for anyone who enjoys dragons and women in science, but make it victorian!) and relearned how to entertain the imagination in my head. I'd die for a nice fantasy book but I'm not that big on sci-fi. Anything in fantasy -low, high, medium, medieval, modern, whatever. Unless we're talking SJM, I'm out the second there is harp music in my spicy scenes. - I'm pretty interested in random Wikipedia bullshit, researching nonsense topics, and drawing inspiration from folklore and cultures I have yet to fully experience. - Music-wise I'm bordering all subgenres of folk - indie, rock, alt. Anything is fair game, to be honest - I'm all for DnD. If you play it? Amazing. If you don't? Welcome to my table, young one, lets's go on an adventure. I love how expressive it is and the degree of creativity you can have around it. - I'm trying to learn cardistry. Honestly, I'm rather shit at it but I'm doing my best and it's absolutely exhilarating. Doing all those little card tricks and shuffles is a great way to actually let my mind wander and come back with solutions instead of panic. - I absolutely ADORE piercings and tattoos, they're the main part of my everyday aesthetic (plus, if you have a nice sketch of a duck in a burglar outfit that's stealing a pack of cigarettes, please please hit me up, I want that tattooed) - I use she/they pronouns and consider myself queer - putting a label has helped me a lot in the early parts of my self-actualization but now I'm just as confused as back then and I can't be bothered to do anything about it. Now, seeing as all three pre-play rings did their thing - lets have a seat and glance upon the absolute bastard of a child my brian came up with: "The Grand Circus" It's currently my one and only work in progress. It's very much still in the preliminary steps of development, but it's there! The novel will follow the life of Varadia - a person living in a world filled to the brim with magickal creatures taken from a fair share of different cultures and belief systems. Ever since being a wobbly child, she wanted to join the Grand Circus - a troupe of travelling artists that showcase all around the continent. And now after years of self-training, she will get the chance to audition. But as always, there are a lot of political intrigues and people being not quite who they seem to be. With a double layer to everything, she'll have to navigate a wide world she hasn't seen before, alone save for her newfound family - other performers

[aqqleshiqqing-archive]

this morning, i had realized. at the start of my relationship w t.ord, tom probably tried to get me to have other options.

“yes! wow, paul you must be great at cooking at just- taking care of people, not a psycho maniac that betrays people and is a general asshole”

“tom what are u doing”

“giving you options, obviously”

get your husband 😔 other than that!! how was ur day!! and tell me abt your s/i for gen.shin 👀 my wifi has been on and off screams

- 💤

omfg.... the fact that tom is desperately trying to not get you with t.ord and even goes to his right hand men HAHAHAHSHDGAHEHUAHE man's not approving u with t.ord just yet 😩😩😩

I can't blame him tho he's actually trying to help his friend c: (hates (/lh) the red bastard tho sadly PFOFHDJFJS) i can't do much!!! tom does what he will and i cannot stop him all the time </3

as you may know, I came to this message VERY late but yes I'm done with my grad and finally came back home!! I'm relaxing now <3

ALRIGHT. HM.H GE.NSHIN SONA ALR ALR HEHEHEE I'm planning to draw her again so I hope my art can help you get a grasp of her aside from me rambling hehe ♥️♥️

her name's celadon! she's very mature and hardworking with her job (she's an outrider), sometimes a bit too much, but if she's not given any tasks or work, she's kind of lost and isn't really sure what to do and might be a little awkward at talking. a lot of people are kind of scared of her because she's always seen to be diligent and a "don't-bother-me" type of person. but the only person who's quite close to her is amber! they both happen to share the same job (and they're the only 2 members of that said job) so this gives amber lots of time to know her!

yeah you're wondering how did she manage to grab a dumbass named chi.lde 😩 he was very friendly with her at first, so they got along! but eventually she realizes he's kinda uhh maybe a little suspicious because of his job/background so she tries to stay on guard, but she can't help but get more interested in him as time goes on 🏃

*cue I won't say I'm in love from hercules* HAHSHSHSHSHA

[leggyre]

Can you believe I only found out now about Glassbears and I'm having so much fun with it!? Talking to one of your OC seems just great, I really missed out.

glassbears is actually! the third iteration! of that idea!

i tried to make one with lilac and got nothing due to me being no one at the time, and then later on i had one for basically ALL

glassbears was a bit of an experiment because every time i make an askblog(aside from the two mentioned above), there's at least a little bit of lore to be uncovered with questions. So I went out there and asked the dream overlords "can i have this bastard child" and they went "yeah ok" and i came back with ariel SDFGNSDJFGNKJ

im not good at making actual comics bc my brain gets lost mid production but the askblog type where it's usually 1-3 panels with one drawing + required engagement aka constant motivation boosts? its perfect AND its basically a form of roleplaying so extra fun on top. so the main idea was to present one as a webcomic and see where I could take it

the THING IS that I started it with basically nothing, not much planning or anything just my dream prophecy and the loose ends I tied together. so it wasn't much to think about -- but in the meantime i was also keeping this google doc that i just kept writing things on as questions came in and with them the ideas came up but i also kept on writing things that came independently on my head and it was eventually filled with drabbles, worldbuilding and other sorts of details that I loved to bits but I didn't know how I was going to handle. So basically. I overwhelmed myself with my ideas djfbgsdjbf

..but i guess its now the appropriate time to share the news that I have been giving the file a somewhat-thorough revamp bc i have been dying to bring it back to light. almost the entire plot and characters are complete ideas instead of vaguely scattered concepts and I Still Love It, A Lot

sometimes i share snips out of context w friends because its full of really deep quotes AND really funny comments(im funny). i dont wanna share stuff that can be easily tied to the plot but heres the good stuff

starting with the most telling line of them all;

(prior to this theres like two pages of me debating with myself about what the fuck is up with ariel that I kept adding to over the years bc there were SO MANY routes I could take I wrote down ALL of them.............then a few months ago I wrote three paragraphs and closed that book.)

anyway heres one of my fucking favorites. never gets old

heres the rawest line ive ever written in my life

this pic is like right after a very heavy conversation

(i did not follow my advice)

its frustrating that I can't share the spicier stuff bc its got some raw lines and good jokes....... but for now.. i leave u..

..with a little guy

i love him :)

[alygatorwrites]

congrats again on 2k aly!! you deserve this and so much more <3 but anywho, now onto my very awkward ✨soulmate application✨ (sfw or nsfw headcanons are okay with me btw!!)

so my name is salem (as you know ofc), my pronouns are she/her n i'm a bisexual taurus who's pretty stubborn, loves cuddles, loves to sleep n generally speaking is just a sensitive ol' homebody! i'm pretty midsized-chubby, 163cm (so...5ft3?) n i have shaggy black hair, brown eyes and super soft hands which are available for holding whenever and wherever! which ties into my love languages which are physical touch n acts of service <3 as for my hobbies, i guess this is obvious but i like to write 😭 n i also really love to cook as well (i'm a great chef, trust me)

okay that should be enough i think?? it's maybe a little too much now that i'm looking at it but hey at least i'm thorough!

♡ 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐨

→ your stubbornness is what would make you stand out to porco. in fact, it's the first thing he notices about you! this man is headstrong with a great deal of iron-will, and meeting someone who is similar in that aspect catches his attention. while this could cause some passionate disagreements, porco respects how loyal you are to your beliefs. he even looks forward to see how long you stick to them. the way you refuse to change an opinion or course of action just because someone says so .... that's what porco loves. it shows that you have an intense passion for things just like he does, and your obstinate determination is actually a turn on sometimes. this would send him through a loop, making that internal monologue go from, "damn, she's annoying," to "it probably wouldn't be bad to know her," and then "yea, i gotta fuck her"

→ physical attraction galore. between your dark hair, brown eyes, and your body, porco thinks you're the sexiest person in the world. you'd be an absolute dream; a perfect a feast for his hands. he's a sucker for chub, and loves how pliant and silky the skin is under every touch. porco has no qualms telling you about how hot you are either. and the way you'd look at him? porco is instantly down bad. the depth your eyes hold is all-consuming, and he'd always be searching for that certain spark in them. if you really want to see his resolve physically crumble, give him 'puppy-dog' eyes. every single time, porco has to turn away and stuff both hands in the pockets of his bomber jacket. he'd probably end up giving you whatever you wanted if he didn't.

→ porco is a scorpio, and you're a taurus — two opposing signs! in the astrological world, this means that you can complement each other perfectly. the complex bond between these zodiacs is full of excitement, snarky fun, and challenge; this leads to an intense emotional connection. because scorpio and taurus have venus as a ruler on one hand, and the passionate element of water on the other, an eternal love is bound to be formed quite easily. it's also known that these signs have high sexual energy. this would make you and porco take part in various sexual encounters and many experiences of physical pleasure to bring you together.

→ porco has a need for security. the good thing is, your sensitivity would allow you to provide that for him!

→ the love language of physical touch would draw porco away from his comfort zone, leading to some amazing character development! you'd really bring the best out of him. it's only natural that his closed-off attitude leaves him touch-starved, which makes you a great fit; once porco indulges himself in gestures that may have otherwise been shrugged off, he'd be hooked. the bastard isn't good with sappy words, so showing it would become a top priority too. his favorite ways to touch you is to run a hand down your arm as you speak, draping an arm behind your head on the couch, or kissing you deeply while cuddling. holding hands is also a must for porco — not just because he enjoys the softness of your fingers — but also because he's very protective. this makes him seek out your affection a lot, whether he realizes it or not (don't bring it up though or he'll get embarrassed!)

→ he’d come to learn the other portion of your love language as well! though he may look disgruntled about it at first, porco will perform little acts of service for you <3 seeing your face light up is worth the knowing looks the others give him. eventually he just starts flicking them off because “fuck them and their stupid faces, i love you, so what? assholes”

→ porco has no problem with curling up on the sofa or on the mattress at any point: as long as it shuts everyone up, he doesn't care. frankly, porco would like your affinity for sleep! he's very adamant on you both sharing a bed together, as being able to wallow in the soft haze of dawn with someone is special to him. listening to your slowed breathing, watching the flutter of your lashes, and cradling you tight is what makes porco's mornings. ask for him to be there while you take a nap, and the man is already on the way.

→ he'd act nonchalant whenever you walked in the room, but don't be fooled. there's a very well-known fact about this man; when his big mouth doesn't say something, his face definitely will. with the way porco's brows raise slightly, and how his frown softens for a second as his gaze settles on you — it's obvious that he's very pleased to be in your presence, no matter how much he tries to keep it a secret.

♡ 𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬

→ porco views sex as three things: a task to pass the time, something to blow off steam, and a way to get you to shut up whenever you piss him off.

→ your bisexuality is fine with porco, and honestly? as long as he still gets to play with you, he wouldn’t mind bringing someone else into the bedroom. pieck, hitch, reiner, zeke — it doesn’t matter. his jealousy would act up, but it would only translate into him fucking you relentlessly once everyone’s gone. porco just needs you to remember that you’re his whore and no one else’s.

→ wanna get him riled up? say you thought he could make you cum better, but make sure to have a wheelchair in transit.

→ porco is a confident, arrogant person, and this definitely shows in the bedroom. he always calls the shots with a wicked smirk on his face. be prepared, because whatever action gets you a writhing mess will become a recurring thing.

→ that black hair of yours is fucking gorgeous to him — especially when it swirls so perfectly around your face — but he wants it out of the way to see the expressions you’re making. expect to have the strands wrestled into porco’s hands and harshly tugged back!!

→ a fast learner, he memorizes your sexual desires and prioritizes them!! he’s still gonna expect some shit in return though. especially blowjobs.

→ with an extremely high libido, porco could pounce on you any time of the day and anywhere. it doesn't matter if the others are planning on coming over; if it were up to him, he'd fuck you on the couch so they'd walk in on it. a meeting? he'd just lean you over the desk. at a party? get ready to have your back blown out in a stall. there's nothing can satisfy porco's constant hunger for you.

→ morning hook ups are a fave!!

→ if he can’t get alone with you because of work, porco becomes all pissy and acts like a dick. he just can’t help it, yknow? when there’s finally an opening in both schedules, he teases you about how much you’ve probably missed his cock and all that. ask him if he’s thought about you in return, and the man denies it on the spot ... but the way you caught him secretly jacking off in the bathroom just moments before speaks VOLUMES!!! 🙄

→ porco always wants your attention on him as he plows into you. close your eyes or don't listen to be stubborn, and he's already forcing you to look at him once more. "what a fuckin joke. you're doing it again," porco usually sneers in these moments, grabbing you by the chin. "babe, hey — salem — look at me." the use of your name works most of the time, and it honestly sets him off; you're just so pliant on his cock <3

[dbd-and-slashers-fics]

Little miss starch here, back at it again. Actually, it's my birthday in 5 days (27th), so I have a special little request (or a big one I'm sorry for wasting your time). Can I get Evan, Frank, Danny/Jed, Herman and Michael and my request is this: plan me a birthday (or not planning, bc ig these are all murderers lmao) - so like, what they get me, is there a cake and what we doin that day - and if you want I can retweet this with my reactions bc I will love whatever you write let's be real here

(OMG!! HAPPY WOMB ESCAPE YOU CRISPY ROOT!! WOMB EVICTION IS SUPER GREAT DUDE LIKE WOW FINALLY MOVED OUT AND ARE LIVING IN A SHARE WOMB CALLED MOTHER EARTH. Wild. And heck yeah! Let me see those reactions! I’m glad you enjoy the writing! I’m trying!)

Evan Macmillan (The Trapper):

- Evan is a very classy and traditional guy. Get ready for a birthday party with a few friends, both survivor and killer. It’s a little awkward but it’s okay because it is your day and everyone understands that if they fuck it up, he’ll fuck them up. He’s probably got a nice ass cake he may have asked Sally and Bubba to bake, and a little present corner. He’ll also dress nice and make you dress nice too. No matter your style, even if he has to make you a stylish hobo. You’re gonna be the belle of the ball.

He’ll take you out on the town afterwards when everyone leaves. A sweet little walk in the park and a few awkward but sweet words. He isn’t great at expressing his total adoration for you, but you’ll get it anyways. He’ll melt if you smooch his cheek.

Frank Morrison (The Legion):

- Frank is the opposite of classy. First off, he’d start your birthday off with no cake. You and the gang go out for milkshakes or slushees and you can buy as many snacks as you want. Y’all just chill together for a few hours playing games, talking shit, playing with make up or outfits. This is the one time the only time that Frank will let you put makeup on him. So make him look ridiculous. Draw dickbutt on him, get that sweet sweet revenge for the time he drew on your face. After that, you two are sneaking up to the attic for some alone time. You guys can spend that time however you want (Lenny face), but after everything he’ll be giving you an entire talk about how glad he is that he’s met you and how important you are to him.

Probably made you a hand carved necklace piece. Something you hold dear to heart that you can wear all the time to remember him by and cheer you up when you’re down.

Michael Myers (The Shape):

- Michael doesn’t really do birthdays. He’s sort of been trapped in an asylum and he doesn’t have great memories. Now, if you told him it was your birthday, he might do some asking around about it. Expect to come home to a shitload of his hidden Halloween candy and fun activities you guys can do, like painting, cartoons, and paper mache.

Also get ready for him to carry you around on his back. A lot. He may seem like he is annoyed or doesn’t care, but inside he is actually really content because he hasn’t had this much fun before! He also loves you so there is that-

Danny Johnson (The Ghostface):

- Ah yes, Danny Johnson, a charismatically smug bastard and king of romance. We all know this doodoo head is a dork and is actually great at birthdays. As much as he loves the spotlight and loves popularity, he’ll actually give you a small surprise. Aside from a present, which would most likely be something he thought you might like so he stole it, he takes you out into the fleet with his camera. Just when you think you’re lost, he’ll sneak into some old, overgrown, ruined building you didn’t even know was there. He’ll make you follow him, and you’ll end up in a small clearing by a running river, right next to a sort of waterfall dip into a lake. It’s a very soothing and charming spot.

He then makes you take poses or just takes pictures of you doing whatever while complimenting and flirting the whole time. You two will end up under a willow tree somewhere while he tells you cheesy jokes and pick up lines. It’s a really calm day and he starts opening up about stories and telling you everything he loves about you. It’s really sweet and all about you!

Herman Carter (The Doctor):

- Herman is a wild man, we all know this. You probably expect him to serve you a still beating heart starched to a potato battery as a birthday cake. Honestly, any other time he would, but a birthday is important. At least, for him. It’s very rare for him to find something he feels anything towards, and the fact that he loves you is enough for him to make the effort.

He has no cooking skills, so he buys you your favorite flavor cupcake from a supermarket or bakery. He might even buy some extra treats for the both of you later on. He has a little stash of alcohol and music. He, like Danny, isn’t going to make a big gathering, mostly because everyone is scared shitless of him and also the Institute isn’t that great a place for party’s, you know, because of most of the rooms being bathrooms and what not.

He’ll play music on his phonograph and dance with you, read to you, and just overall be pleasant. This will also be the first time he takes off his head gear. And holy fuck, this man is so handsome when his eyes aren’t threatening to leave his skull.

[panic-at-the-fiction]

Hello Darling pt5

Summary: (y/n) is the Salvatore younger sister, and she is low-key in love with one of the originals. You know which one. The only problem is he is a low-key psychopath and neither of them remember that this isn’t their first meeting.

Warnings: I might be heading in a dark path with this one.

A/N: So like I wrote the first four chapters a month ago and now I gotta get back into writing more often. Though I have been waiting to write this chapter for a while. I’m pretty excited about it. Though I do have to admit I’m not as into our beloved kol as I was when I started this. But don’t worry I will keep writing for our dear boy.

You were woken up by the bright sun shining in your eyes. You rolled over to see your room a complete mess. There were clothes everywhere, things knocked over onto the floor. It was a shock to you. You couldn’t quite remember why your room was such a wreck. It wasn’t until you took a closer look at who’s clothes were on the floor that you realized what had happened.

It all slowly came back to you, the bar, the drinking, the stumbling through your apartment running into things. You couldn’t help but smile at the memory of it all. You and Kol drunkenly making out and laughing as you ran down the halls before stumbling to get your keys.

Kol, It wasn’t until you realized his absence that you heard the shower running in your bathroom. You smiled at the realization of Kol still being in your house. You hated to admit it but you liked him more than you should. Maybe he felt the same. Neither of you we’re the dating types but maybe things could work out for you both. Maybe if you...

A loud knock took you out of your thoughts. It was your older brother Stefan calling for you to answer the door. You quickly grabbed the closest clothes to you and threw them on. You ran to open the door but not before shutting the door to your bedroom in hopes of hiding the events of last night.

You opened the door and blocked your brother from seeing or entering the rest of your home. He looked you up and down taking in your appearance. He stopped, “nice shirt, is it new?”

You hadn’t even noticed that you had grabbed Kols shirt and not one of your own to throw on. You tried to drop it and hoped he would move on. “Hey Stefan, what are you doing here?”

“Oh I'm just on my morning rounds apologizing to people for whatever Damon did yesterday to upset them and of course I also just wanted to talk to my favorite sister.” He tried to peek over your shoulder into your apartment but you moved to block his view.

You rolled your eyes “I’m you only sister Stefan. Anyways it’s great you stopped by, but seriously though it wasn’t needed.” You tried to shut the door but before you could stop him he pushed past you and into your house.

“I see you’ve had some company.” He smiled and pointed at Kols jacket you had tossed onto the couch. “Hope I don’t know the poor bastard.” He smiled and set down. Making himself comfortable by placing his feet on the coffee table.

You pushed his feet down, grabbed the jacket and laid it on one of your dining room chairs. “It was just some guy I met at the bar last night you don’t know him.” Now you could have told Stefan about Kol. You had thought about it. It’s just ever since he’s last blood binge your brother has been different. He was cockier, if anything he was acting more like Damon. You couldn’t blame him. The past few months hadn’t been all that great for him. But things were better now he stopped drinking blood and now he had his humanity back on. Which was great and all but he was only doing good by pushing all his feelings down and redirecting them as hatred for the Mikaelsons specifically Klaus. Either way you knew he would just go back and tell Damon what he saw and you really didn’t want to deal with that.

You turned to ask your brother to leave when you heard the loud screech of the shower being turned off. Stefan turned and laughed at you. “Ohh your boyfriends still here isn’t he?”

You gave him a cold stare for his comment and he took the hint that you wanted him to leave. He got up from the couch and headed to the door. “Guess that’s my cue to go then. If you need anything sis you know where to find me.” With that he walked out of your apartment.

Once he was gone kol stepped out of your bedroom. He’s hair was still wet and he already had on his pants from last night. He smiled when he saw you standing in the living room. “Well I guess I’ve found my shirt then.”

You let out a sigh of relief and laughed. “So I’m just some guy you met at a bar now?” He took a few steps towards you.

“Oh you heard all that. I'm sorry I just didn’t want to tell my brother because in this town everyone will know and then I’ll have to deal with the judgmental police. Elena, Damon, and Caroline will all show up at my door with an intervention sign to tell me that sleeping with you was a mistake and then make a list of why the whole town should be against you and your family.” You couldn't help yourself from rambling on. This town was frustrating. No one in this town makes their own decisions without someone showing up to tell you off.

You were so lost in your own ramblings you didn’t notice how close kol has gotten to you. “ I hope you don’t actually think sleeping together was a mistake” He moves to rest his hands on your hips.

You smiled and looked up at him, trying to enjoy his hand on you. “I don't, I just know how this town works. Everyone’s decisions are taken very personally by everyone else. I can’t pick a brand of milk without Elena Gilbert getting on my ass about it. She’s the worst of the town. Just before you showed up I only had two friends in this town, Matt, whom we both know you have already met and Jeremy Elena’s brother. Three weeks ago Elena had Damon compel Jeremy to leave town and go to Denver to stay with family. I’ve been fighting with the two ever since.”

“I’m guessing my brother had something to do with that then?”

“Oh yes.” You put your arms around his shoulders. “I had fun last night.”

“Me too” he smiled and looked over your figure. “And I must say I love looking at you in my t-shirt, but I am going to need it back.”

You laughed and moved away from him and walked back to your room to get a clean shirt. You took off Kols and put on your new shirt. Kol watched you from your doorway. “I usually would stay longer but my brother needs me for some scheme of his so I have to get back to the mansion.” He quickly put his own tshirt back on and headed to grab his jacket from the chair you had laid it on. “I’ll call you whenever klaus is done using me as his errand boy. Hopefully we can do this again” he’s usually cocky demeanor back in full swing again.

You smiled to yourself thinking about seeing kol again. “I’m free again tonight if you want to meet at the grill again.”

“I guess I’ll see you then.” He smiled before leaving and closing the door behind him. Guess now all that was left was to wait for tonight.

Kols perspective

I left (y/n) apartment and headed back to the house. I couldn’t help but dread it. Thought of having to go back to my insane family and fix what was left after what our mother did last night. It wouldn’t be pretty that’s for sure.

I pushed open the front door of the mansion and walked into the drawing room where Klaus was waiting for me. “Hello Nicklaus”

“Hello Kol, you must have had a busy night. You never came home last night.” He had venom in his voice. I recognized his tone. It's his I know what you did and I’m angry about it voice. “My sources say you went home with the salvatore girl last night.”

“By sources you mean the abominations you call your pack.” I could see the anger bubbling inside him. It was good to know I did that. It’s none of his business what I’ve been up to.

Klaus took a deep breath “Kol I don’t think you should be seeing the Salvatore girl. Her brothers have been trying to kill our family for weeks now and I don’t know if you noticed they actually succeeded last night at killing one of us.”

Of course I knew this Finn was my brother too even if he was a boring suck up. “Really Klaus you're going to shame me using Finn's death to guilt me into something. Come on you can do better than that.” I turned to walk away hoping the conversation would be over now.

“Either way it doesn’t matter now I have something I need your help with Kol.” I stopped in my tracks and turned back around to listen to him. I hated helping Klaus but if I didn’t I knew he would just dagger me again. If Rebecca or Elijah had refused to help he would let it go or at least not stab them in the back, but them three were always together so you couldn’t expect less.

“We need to get the white oak stakes from the Salvatores. They have enough to kill all of us. I have my hybrids ready to kidnap their Bennett witch. I just need something as leverage to get her to cooperate. And I have someone in mind, Elena Gilbert’s brother Jeremy would definitely get the witch to work. I just need to find him. The Salvatores packed him up a few weeks ago so he could be safe. Since you're so close with one of the salvatores, maybe you might know where he is.”

I don’t know how he knew but he must have known about what (y/n) said to me. I’m sure if she knew klaus was looking for the other Gilbert she wouldn’t have told me where he was. It doesn't matter, it was her mistake not mine. If finding Jeremy Gilbert keeps Klaus happy and stops those brothers from killing my family then there’s no reason to keep this information from him, not even for some girl I’ve only met a few days ago. “Yeah I know where the Gilbert kid is. They shipped him off to Denver to stay with relatives.”

Klaus smiled and tossed me a set of keys I hadn’t seen before. “Great then you can go to Colorado and keep an eye on him. He doesn’t know who you are yet so you can report back to me on what he’s doing.” With that Klaus left.

I couldn’t believe he wanted me to go to Denver for his stupid plan. I was furious but I packed my bags anyway and took them out to the car. I didn’t really have much of a choice but to go along with his plan. It would keep me and my siblings alive. It was a smart plan, but why do I feel so guilty? I've done worse before and I’ve never felt guilty about those things. I mean (y/n) is just a girlI met a few days ago and it’s not like I haven’t already betrayed her in those few days. She shouldn’t mean anything to me anyways. But I feel as though I owe her at least an explanation before I go. I can’t explain it,but I feel like I can let my walls down around her as if I’ve known her for years. I have to put that aside. She can’t get in the way from now on I can’t let her distract me from anything.

Readers perspective

You sat at the bar like you usually did every night. You ordered your usual drink and waited for kol to show up like you had planned for. Only he didn’t show. Hours passed before it was starting to get late. 10:00 rolled around and fair enough a mikaelson did walk in the door just not the one you wanted to see.

Surprisingly Elijah took a seat on the bar stool beside you. “Do you mind if I sit here?” He asked ever so the polite one of the family. “I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but my brother kol has left town. Klaus has him doing some errand for him upstate. Before kol left he told me to come here and tell you he was gone and wouldn’t be back for a while.” Elijah turned to face you and he softened for a moment. “I hope you take my advice and stay away from my brother. Our family brings nothing but trouble to the people around us. He’s done this before to you I’m afraid but trust me you don’t want to get involved with any of us more than your brothers already have.”

With that Elijah got up and left you sitting alone. What did he mean by having done this to you before? He must have meant the ball where he attacked Matt but that doesn’t seem right. It didn’t really matter any ways you wanted an explanation from kol.

You grabbed your things and walked outside into the cold air. You pulled out your phone and called up kols number.

“Hello?”

“Really kol you skip town and you send your big brother to tell me you left. Could have just said you didn’t want to see each other again.” You laughed trying to sound like you weren’t upset that he left.

“(Y/n) I would have told you in person but this is something I have to do for klaus. I did want to see you again but it’s just gonna have to wait. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone but something tells me I’ll see you again. So how about I call you next time I’m in town?” He laughed and it all seemed so airy and fake. Not at all like the Kol you had been talking to before. “I have to go now. I’ve got a lot of driving to do. See you soon (y/n)”

Before you could say anything he hung up on you. Something felt off about him and the call. You just didn’t know what. It doesn’t matter anyway now he was just some guy. You had slept with guys and moved on like it was nothing before. You didn’t need some guy distracting you anyways. You would just have to go back to being left in this stupid town all alone again.

I hoped you guys liked this one I’m really glad the stories been doing this well. I’m sorry for the delay in writing. I had to get back in touch with my story and I was busy with Halloween so I was a little behind schedule but I hope that you liked this chapter.