#I've sunk too much time into them to stop shipping them

[pirateshippotato]

Barbie and Ken? How about Brink and Kyborg

A nice Brinkborg drawing to finish kyborg week (I'm a day late ignore that)

[yayakoishii]

Sober (Pt. 2) | Sanji x Reader

Fandom: One Piece

Pairing: Vinsmoke Sanji x GN! Reader

Word Count: 1.8k

Genre/Tags: Angst, Happy Ending, Sanji being dumb

Summary: You had waited for Sanji to confess to you when he was sober. Except...

A/n: I don't usually write sequels but I felt like it and then it became unexpectedly angsty?? It's still a pretty happy ending imo, so I hope you like this continuation ♡

To new readers, this is a part 2 to my oneshot that I've linked below. You could read this one without reading that, but it won't make as much sense.

Part 1

also available on ao3!

He didn't do it.

The morning after, Sanji woke up with a terrible headache and vague hazy memories from the night before. It was only when he was serving breakfast to everyone and saw you that he remembered the… conversation you two had had. But then he dismissed it, realising it was only a dream. He had drank too much, fallen asleep and dreamt of you. Yeah, that must have been it.

Thinking so, he smiled at you as usual and mooned over Nami and Robin as always, not noticing your hopeful smile turn into a disappointed one.

Every time you popped into the kitchen or tried to strike up a conversation with Sanji after that, the dream would pop up in his mind and he ended up stammering his way out. A few days in, you realised he was avoiding you and started reciprocating by not going out of your way to talk to him either.

Sanji missed you. He didn't realise what the problem was because he wasn't being that weird. Okay, so maybe he was too flustered from his dream where you had held him so close and he had kissed you (he could still feel the phantom warmth of your breath on his mouth, the wet press of your lips on his cheek) and it was difficult to talk to you about anything without feeling the urge to do that with you. Maybe he had shut down one conversation too many but now you were avoiding him back and he didn't know how to fix it.

He couldn't just tell you about that dream he had had. You would slap him and be disgusted and freak out. Even the thought of that sunk his heart. He could tolerate being just a crewmate to you for the rest of your lives, but he couldn't tolerate the thought of you hating him forever. But without talking about the dream, he couldn't explain himself either.

A week passed like that, the two of you awkward and clumsy around each other. Everyone else noticed and Nami had tried to talk to both you and Sanji about it but neither of you let her know anything. They were all confused and Luffy just wanted you both to go back to being your usual selves because it was weird even for him. Of course, no one had the gall to say it to your faces, and Nami had stopped Luffy from saying it when he tried.

Fortunately, a new island appeared and the usual straw hat cycle of finding a city in trouble and accidentally saving them played its hand. The resulting party had you downing a few bottles of wine, although Sanji knew how much you hated the taste of alcohol.

"Why would I drink that?" Your face had scrunched up the first time Sanji had questioned you about it. "It doesn't taste good to me at all. I'd rather drink the juice you make for me, Sanji."

There was no one on the ship who praised Sanji's cooking as much as you did. You didn't hesitate to compliment his food every single day and while Sanji was very secure in his cooking ability, it was still validating to hear how much you loved his food anyway.

This past week you hadn't complimented him even once. You had never gone this long without doing it so Sanji knew you had to be really upset with him. He had to try and fix this as soon as he could.

Even during the party, his head was full of thoughts of you. When he looked out for you, he found you slumped over a table, empty wine bottles lying all around you. Without thinking, Sanji made his way over and cleared away the bottles so that you wouldn't accidentally break one and hurt yourself. You stayed silent as you watched him.

"Do you want to go back to the Sunny, my dear?" Sanji looked at you finally, trying to exude his usual self. You shot him a glare and pouted, your cheeks puffing up in what was unmistakably anger.

"Go away," you hissed at him. Sanji had to blink away the thought of how much you resembled a cat in that moment. "I don' like lyin' liars who lie to me."

Sanji had expected you to be angry at him but that statement confused him. He had avoided you, yes, but he could not remember lying to you. You were not one to lie so perhaps there had been a misunderstanding between you two?

"Which lie are you talking about, (y/n)-chan?" He asked carefully. You froze and shot him another glare. Even angry, you looked cute.

"Which lie?" You sounded outraged. "How many lies have you told me, huh?!"

"Wh– that's not what I meant!" Sanji tried to calm you down but you stood up abruptly and started walking back to the Sunny. The chef was stunned for a second. You never just up and leave. He had really badly fucked this up. So of course he had to run after you. Sanji caught up to you halfway, skidding to a halt in your path so you couldn't move. "Wait! I really don't know what lie you're talking about, my love, but I'm sorry for it. I will do whatever it takes to beg for your forgiveness and then try my best to make the lie a reality."

You stopped glaring and shot him a heartbroken look instead. Sanji felt like someone had stabbed him in the heart. Why did you look like that over… him?

"That's what it was supposed to be," you said quietly. The two of you were quite a way away from the din of the party so Sanji could make out the words. He was getting more confused but he had to be patient and hear you out. He couldn't fix his mistake if he didn't know what he had done. "You said that if this was real… you wanted to hold me. You said you would tell me how much I mean to you. That you would kiss me and tell me how much you love me. So why haven't you, Sanji? Do you not feel those things anymore? Or was it all a lie?"

Sanji froze. That was… that was the dream he had had! How did you know– Oh. Oh he had been so stupid. It hadn't been a dream at all. It had been real. And he had fucked it all up by avoiding you after all of that.

"Maybe I was the one who was an idiot for thinking you could possibly like me," you were crying now, tears running down your cheeks. Sanji's heart hurt at the sight; he had wanted to be the reason for your smile and laughter, not for your tears. He had hurt you, the person most precious to him. You suddenly grabbed his collar and pushed him into the tree and he just let you, mind too jumbled up to say anything. "I'm a fool. God, I was so stupidly happy that night, I couldn't sleep. I thought all my dreams had come true. I thought we would be in love. I thought I could finally wake you up with a kiss and tell you how much I loved you too before we fell asleep. I thought I would make you your favourite dish for your birthday and, and go do one of those love compatibility readings at the fortune telling shop for fun! I thought, I thought of so many things I wanted to do with you and you… Sanji, you never came. You never told me those words you had said when you were drunk."

He wanted all of that too. Sanji wanted to do all those things you had said and even more.

Your tightened fists loosened as you breathed heavily, still crying. Even like this, you were still the most beautiful person he had ever seen. If Sanji had had any doubts before this, then they had no place in his heart any longer. All of him, mind, body and soul, was yours. He could not let you go on with this misunderstanding any longer.

"Guess they were wrong," you chuckled wetly, stepping back. "A drunk man's words aren't his truest thoughts after all. They are just his–"

"They are," Sanji said roughly, stepping back into your bubble. You didn't look up at him, just stared down at your feet, still crying silently. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for taking all this time, my love, when you deserved to be told everyday that I'm but a fool for your attention. I was in the wrong, thinking that night had been a mere dream when my imagination cannot even begin to dream up the warmth you possess. I'm sorry and I will spend the rest of my life earning your forgiveness, if only you would find it within yourself to give me one more chance."

Your eyes looked hopeless, and you just smiled weakly at him.

"Hasn't it been enough, Sanji?" Your voice wavered. "Don't play with my heart anymore. I love you too much to survive another–"

Sanji pulled you into a tight hug, his arms surrounding you completely. Although you were still mad at him, your body automatically relaxed at the familiar comforting scent of him. "I don't have the words to even begin to apologise for what I have done. But I swear to you, love, I will make up for my mistake in every action from now on. I will leave no doubt in your mind of the fact that I'm madly, stupidly, disgustingly deeply in love with you. So much that my own heart isn't enough to hold all that love."

"You're like a dream, Sanji," you said quietly into his ear, heart racing yet mind calm. "A dream that you can't quite remember when morning comes. A dream that the more you try to grasp it, the more it slips from you. But even if you're a dream like that, I want to believe in that dream. I'm stupid enough to want to get my heart hurt again because it has chosen you and refuses to choose any other. So you better show me that my heart made the right decision."

"I will," he promised, pressing you harder into him. You were clinging onto him just as hard, but your tears had finally stopped.

"I don't like lying liars who lie, Sanji," you repeated your words from before. The chef smiled to himself. "You better keep your word this time."

Sanji hummed and let you go only to cup your cheeks in the palm of his hands. You looked at him, still a mess from crying and drinking. You were starting to look sleepy but Sanji felt like you had blown all his sleep away.

"When I'm sober," you paused to give a tiny yawn that had Sanji's heart clenching from how adorable it was, "you better be next to me."

Sanji smiled and picked you up bridal style. You curled into him and fell asleep in two seconds, barely catching his soft reply.

"I'll be there."

°•❀•°

All likes, comments and reblogs are appreciated! ♡

★ Taglist:

@phantasmagoricalzenith | @secretlife028 | @100520s | @toertchen | @suga-tofu | @theluckyplaces | @luvfzw | @katiemrty | @writingmysanity | @akaashi-todorki | @yuninha2004

+ @vespidphoenix | @cobainlover | @blue-chup | @yourboyhack (tagging because you seemed interested in pt. 2; sorry if it's a bother!)

[mist1e]

HAARLEP PLAYLIST

Much like with my Ascended Astarion playlist, I created a playlist for Haarlep only this time I used Google Sheets table and a ranking system to help myself. It, too, tells a story and all the s̲o̲n̲g̲s̲ i̲n̲ i̲t̲ a̲r̲e̲ i̲n̲ c̲h̲r̲o̲n̲o̲l̲o̲g̲i̲c̲a̲l̲ o̲r̲d̲e̲r̲

This story is about Haarlep meeting Tav and how this very ordinary acquaintance turned into something utterly unexpected.

Link to playlist on YouTube at the end of the post.

And now that all the normal people are just listening to the playlist, the nerds can click ‘keep reading’ to dive into the detailed breakdown of the story...

The playlist consists of 5 parts, and for each part I wrote a small drabble to share the vibe with you.

PART 1: HAARLEP

«Shhh… Hush, sweetheart, no need to make such a fuss. I haven’t even sunk my teeth into you yet. But do not fret, I’m not some rabid beast. I won’t lunge at you or tear you apart. I’m just a simple incubus, albeit an outstanding one.

What are incubi? I’m glad you asked.

We are the wielders of the enchanted word. Lords of the human soul. Masters of the all-consuming lust.

We breathe in air and breathe out passion. Love flows through our veins, voluptuousness drips from our fingertips, and our gaze ignites desire.

Your most daring dreams are our law. The innuendo swirling on the tip of your tongue is our feast. Guessing your desires before you even know them is like a drug to us.

Oh, you want to know more? Come closer, sweetheart. I never promised not to bite, but trust me, you are going to love it.»

1. Don’t Stop Me Now

Literally can imagine him waking up to this song.

Yeah, I'm a rocket ship on my way to Mars On a collision course I am a satellite, I'm out of control I am a sex machine ready to reload Like an atom bomb about to Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, explode I'm burnin' through the sky, yeah 200 degrees that's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit I'm traveling at the speed of light I wanna make a supersonic woman of you

2. Aimed to Kill

You've been checkin' under your bed to see if I'm there When you look back up I'm under you pullin' your hair Getting lost inside my world, you don't know where I've been Oh no, oh no, I feel it comin' And I tried to save a life with these diamond hands of mine But they're sharper than a knife, I aimed to kill And I tried to fix a heart with these lips that left some scars "I swear I won't do no harm," shh, I aimed to kill

3. Who Made You a Monster?

You've got a twisted way Of making it all seem fine Tricking the world to trust you But everything that you say Is some kind of sordid lie Who taught you how to lie so well? Who made you a monster? Who made you a monster?

4. The Devil is a Gentleman

He don't always come at midnight Burnin' red and talking sin But he knows how to play it just right If you gonna let him in Sleek along and brings you roses He's always got the words to say Just enough so you don't notice That you ain't nothing but his prey

5. Pass The Knife

Thought you had control, I'll strip you till you're bones Scraping your knees till you beg for more Cover you in scars, just to leave a mark Get you addicted, then tear you apart Pass me the knife and I'll eat you alive Take my time, I'll do it how you like it Pass me the knife and I'll eat you alive Love skin deep, you're only here to make me high

6. Terrible Things

All of the things that I've done Terrible things you would never believe Things that I've done, oh, how you'll run If you knew a single word of all of the things that I've done

7. Liquid Smooth

I see this one as a tenderness and longing for a connection, that is hidden deep inside.

I'm beautiful, I know 'cause it's the season But what am I to do with all this beauty? Biology, I am an organism, I'm chemical That's all, that is all I'm liquid smooth, come touch me, too And feel my skin is plump and full of life, I'm in my prime I'm liquid smooth, come touch me, too I'm at my highest peak, I'm ripe about to fall, capture me

8. Pure Imagination

The fantasy that he creates for the people whom he gets involved with.

Come with me and you'll be In a world of pure imagination Take a look and you'll see Into your imagination We'll begin with a spin Traveling in the world of my creation What we'll see will defy explanation

9. Mr. Sandman

He falls asleep, thinking to himself if there is a way to feel this longing that has been building inside him for quite some time during these lonely evenings in House of Hope, when all he did was waiting, wondering if Raphael would come to him or no. Next thing you know, Tav enters the boudoir...

Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream Make her the cutest that I've ever seen Give her two lips like roses and clover And tell her that her lonely nights are over Sandman, I'm so alone Don't have nobody to call my own Please turn on your magic beam Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream

PART 2: HAARLEP MEETS TAV

Haarlep leaned on the railing of the balcony and gazed thoughtfully into the distance. The grey ash-covered mountains drowned in a reddish haze. The ground beneath them was laced with a web of rifts, their bottomless depths blazing with lava flares. Dirty, colourless clouds drifted In the sky above the crooked-toothed mountain peaks. Avernus in all its ugliness.

His forked tongue lashed out of his mouth and wetted his parched lips. He drew in the air, heavy with dust that settled thickly in his lungs, and spat irritably over the balustrade.

He couldn’t resist tasting her, he just couldn’t. Damned girl.

Haarlep was used to being starved in the House of Hope. The howls of the damned souls and the flesh of devils were not sustaining in the slightest, and over the years, he just had to learn to control his hunger. There was certainly nothing good about it. Haarlep was weaker than he could be, it was harder for him to conjure magic, and sometimes in the mornings his veins painfully twisted into poisonous threads. It was the ache he could only relieve with exhausting, concentration-demanding meditation.

Haarlep's mind slipped into the vivid memories of yesterday.

Yesterday, he dreamed of his past life again… Feasts, masquerades, balls in the mortal world, where he could drink from four or five mortals in a course of a single evening, or even sneak around and drain a soul out of some petty wretch. And that last orgy at the Duke’s mansion? Haarlep closed his eyes and his nose tickled with the scent of the freshest rainbow caviar, which swam in the belly of a fish in the waters of Calimport the day before. His ears rang with the laughter of the young noblewomen, who used to lose their composure after the third glass of sparkling wine, pretending not to notice the lewd glances of the men smoking cigars in the half-dark corners of the room. And Haarlep… He was sitting in the centre of the hall on a golden throne — the Lord of that den of debauchery! — whilst the mortals were crawling on their knees, their faces drooping with lust, their hands reaching out to him as if he were their god… The memories ran through his body in a searing wave, and Haarlep involuntarily craned his neck, arching his back. Things had been different in his past life. The one he had before he fell to his knees in the presence of Mephistopheles.

Yesterday, when he opened his eyes and saw her in the Boudoir, Haarlep thought he was still dreaming. How could he have restrained himself? And was there any point in restraint?

Oh, how delicious she was… Her life essence flowed through his veins, blossoming with a long-forgotten arousal in his chest. Perhaps his starvation was to blame, but she tasted divine. Nothing like any other mortal he had had before. Purposeful, ambitious, a little naive, she opened herself to him like a soft book with a flowery spine and golden embossing, allowing him to drink in her deepest desires, fears, and dreams. And he did drink… At the moment of her climax, in the deep caverns of her soul, he tasted submission, desire to please, an urge to earn praise. Ah, if only he had a little more time! He would have guided her and under his tender yet insistent touch she would have unfurled like a beautiful flower in an overgrown garden. He would have nudged her to fall headfirst into the abyss of her darkest desires.

But he didn’t have enough time. It was all over in a flash. For some puzzling reason, she didn’t grab the Hammer and just slipped away unnoticed.

The faint scent of her arousal still lingered in the Boudoir, making Haarlep violently run his claws over his neck, crossing the impeccable skin with red brown marks. He had been hungry before, but now he was famished. All night after they’d met, he spent tossing and turning in bed, the silk sheets thrown to the floor, his fingers digging into the pillow.

Haarlep closed his eyes, which were stinging as if they were filled with sand, and rubbed the bridge of his nose nervously.

He must see her again.

He would sneak out of the House of Hope, follow the scent of her thoughts, and catch her again.

Consequences be damned.

10. Me and Mr Wolf

Hey little girl, you look so nice In the pretty red dress with those pretty black eyes Hello Mr. Wolf, oh what a surprise To find you here so deep in the night My dear little girl, what's the rush? How about supper, just the two of us? Oh Mr. Wolf, you want me to stay But I fear we'll regret it one day

11. Out Of Control — Haarlep

I watched her feet move, her hips they sway Does a hair flip then starts to say Oh my god, it's my favorite song I pull her close and she sings along We can't slow down even if we tried If the record keeps spinning so will I She likes disco and tastes like a tear Tells me don't stop dancing and she's pulling me near

12. Kill of the Night— Haarlep

The street's a liar I'm gonna lure you into the dark My cold desire To hear the boom, boom, boom of your heart I'm gonna catch ya I'm gonna get ya, get ya, oh, oh-oh I wanna taste the way that you bleed, oh You're my kill of the night

13. Terrible Thing — Tav

Oh for you, you terrible thing, you Terrible thing, you Terrible thing, you Beautiful thing Mm, you beautiful thing A wreck, a wreck you make You leave, you leave me in your wake Oh honey, let me go Aha, aha, don't you let me go

14. Tongues and Teeth — Haarlep

I've grown a mouth so sharp and cruel It's all that I can give to you, my dear And when you come in quick to steal a kiss My teeth will only cut your lips, my dear And I know that you mean so well But I am not a vessel for your good intent I will only break your pretty things I will only wring you dry of everything But if you're fine with that You can be mine like that

15. Horns — Tav

She got blood cold as ice And a heart made of stone But she keeps me alive She's the beast in my bones She gets everything she wants When she gets me alone Like it's nothin' She got two little horns And they get me a little bit

16. if u think i'm pretty

If you think I'm pretty, lay your hands on me Know you can't stop thinkin' 'bout it I know that you're shitty and you're bad for me But I can't stop thinkin' 'bout it Said you needed love, but you're only here for sex, and And I'm dyin' to be next Killed me once before, I just come back more obsessed with you

17. When You Say My Name — Haarlep

And does it scare you That I already know what you're into? You can say lеss, I bet I can guess That you say whatevеr to get me undressed Double dare you, tell me two lies Don't need no truths 'Cause I can see right through you You're no good at pretend I’m using your tricks that you use with your friends I like the way your mouth moves The way you say my name

18. Dirty Thoughts — Tav

I get dirty thoughts about you They get worse when I'm without you Does that mean that I'm going to hell? Or are you thinking them as well? But when you hold me In the fantasy, it's so convincing I shouldn't think the things I'm thinking But now I've gone and let them sink in

19. Eat You — Haarlep

Cause you've been sticky with your tricky words And I would crumble like a humble bird Now you're so tender with an ear I can bend And tell you how I feel I go hungry every night But not this time around I'm gonna eat you, you're my desire I'm gonna sharpen all my teeth and build a fire I'm gonna eat you, cook and defeat you I'm gonna breathe you in my lungs and make you mine

20. Sugar Water — Tav

My boy’s got a sharp twist, no, he’s wicked in the heart Feeds me sugar water just to keep me alive Saw him in my dreams again He’s wiping down the fingerprints Press so hard I float up to the sky It’s kind of tripping me up, babе I’ve got it bad for you Laying back sipping sugar water I’m so weak for thе things you do

21. salvation — Haarlep

Sleep with me Worship me Pray like I’m your god Find the light in my voice Treat us like it’s blasphemy Pray we don’t get caught Let me be your only choice I’ll deny you of salvation I’ll be the reason you repent Kiss me like I’m a conviction Beg for divinity in my breath

22. Pretty In The Dark — Haarlep

I want All the power and the pain I’ll love you in the flames Just tell me that you're mine I’ll be your beautiful obsession Center of attention That’s just what I like Run through your veins Got your heart to keep Calling my name Get down on your knees

23. A Dangerous Thing — Tav

Something about you is soft like an angel And something inside you is violence and danger I knew from the moment we met, you are a dangerous thing When you are with me, I feel like I'm living And living besides you can be unforgiving I knew from the very first step, you are a dangerous thing

PART 3: WHEN THE GAME TURNED SERIOUS

“What do you dream of?”

Haarlep lazily opened his eyes at the soft caressing sound of her voice. Just like always after their little romps, he was in a state of blissful indulgence, like a cat who got the cream. Usually, he would wait out the indolent peak of his satiety and then disappear from her sight again, bestowing her with a dazzling smile and a graceful flick of his wrist as a kiss goodbye. But today, for some reason, he felt overwhelmingly lazy and reluctant to leave.

He glanced down at her little head, which rested perfectly in the dent under his collarbone. The look on her face was pensive, and her delicate features were slightly tinged with a subtle sadness of some sort.

“I dream of having a unicorn,” he muttered.

“Really?” she perked up, but her eyes narrowed upon seeing his snickering grin. She grudgingly elbowed Haarlep in the side, eliciting a little chuckle from him. “I’m asking you seriously.”

“Look at me, mouse. Are these eyes capable of telling untruths?” he batted his eyelashes innocently.

She sighed, but smiled with her lips only and didn’t ask further. The predawn silence enveloped them once more, as the morning light was just beginning to bloom in the sky. The first tinkling glints of sunlight seeped through the open windows, and a biting daybreak rolled down their shoulders with chill.

She shivered and snuggled closer to him. She smelled of sex, girlish sweat, floral honey, and something else he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He inhaled her scent deeply, and the corner of his lips tugged up in a slight smile against his will.

Haarlep was brimming with her life essence, and the barely perceptible magical connection still weaved between them, leaving the flavour of her thoughts on his lips. Her mind was emanating feelings and emotions that, to his incubus sense, were as tangible as her warm shoulder under his palm. He felt she wanted him to ask. But he didn’t ask.

No. He had no desire to ask.

“And what do you dream of, little mouse?” The words slipped from his lips involuntarily, clearly having a mind of their own.

“I want to go back to the Feywild someday. To see the place where I grew up again. To see the old oak grove, and the Falls of the Rejected Bride… To see where my parents are buried.”

Haarlep slid the tip of his tongue over his lips, feeling the bitter tang of her sadness in his mouth, and it made him feel unimaginably wistful.

“What a marvellous dream you have, my dear — to visit a graveyard of memories and bodies.” He snorted and let out a cynical hum. “You should dream of visiting the shores of Lake Esmel in Amn. The sun is warm on the skin, the men, and women have a true lust for life, and the wine there is absolutely fabulous…”

“Oh, that’s not what I meant at all,” she muttered quietly.

He sighed.

“I know, little mouse,” Haarlep murmured, pressing his lips to the top of her head, kissing her ashy hair. He closed his eyes and drew in her sadness with his nose. Damn, even her sadness tasted divine.

“Are you going soon?” she asked timidly. Her voice quivered with an unspoken hope.

Haarlep was silent. He took a deep breath again, deliberately intoxicating himself with her very nature.

“I’ll stay a little longer.”

24. FU In My Head — Tav

Take me closer, take my clothes off Oh I fantasize If I'm honest, it's more fun when you can't read my mind Sometimes I fuck you in my head I let you touch me when I'm lonely in my bed I wanna scream, but hold my breath The kinda thing that you would rather leave unsaid I got dirty wishes on my mind But you will never ever know that I I like to fuck you in my head You make me scream when there's nobody Just the thought of your body

25. Devil On My Shoulder — Tav

Every time I think I'm free, you're calling me Your love pulling me right back down Can't believe that I keep coming back But you make me feel so good I swore I'd never dance with you again Keep safe from the devil on my shoulder But you know me so well And you drag me to Hell I can't keep safe from the devil on my Keep safe from the devil on my shoulder

26. Maniac — Tav

You play girls like a man, but your eyes are like a child Your face is cool and calm, but your hair is wrecked and wild You hide behind your metaphors and pray that no one sees The fare behind your poker face: your dark and twisted needs Your fragile heart and your paper skin Such a beautiful boy filled with so much sin Your reflection is your very worst enemy Behind the glass is an angel, but the devil's beneath Let me in, wear me out Let me in, wear me out

27. You — Haarlep

What I would do to get into your head Crawl out my body into yours instead Swim through your veins all day and every fiber Raid your brain and all your desires If you only knew I would do anything For a taste of you I would do anything Just to see inside And no one else will do All that I want is to be you

28. the fruits — Tav

My love, are you the devil? I would worship you instead of him I have no time for confession For I'm too busy committing sins My love, you're something special I never met someone like you You made me fall from Heaven But I know just what I do But I don't I feel your hands grabbing my throat As you say

29. Rule #34 — Haarlep

I love that you shake When I ravage your skin It's so easy to bite with your hands pinned Shadows dancing on the sheets If you obey I might give you a treat Right now you're mine All mine Give in, you're mine All mine You look so good There on your knees Such a good girl, knows how to please Look at me, look me in the еyes Forget yourself Surrеnder your mind

30. Lovesick in Public — Tav

Last night you really got in my head How’d I get hung up on what you did When all you did was kiss my neck My cheek's red like a cherry Help me cause I am berry Lovesick in public I’m hooked on the way that you taste I know I’m headed for heartbreak

31. Good Looking — Tav

Play casino holes of my eyeballs Roll the dice on my thighs You stopped for breath and I sped up Just to impress you The skyline falls as I try to make sense of it all I thought I'd uncovered your secrets but, turns out, there's more You adored me before Oh, my good looking boy

32. You Put a Spell on Me — Haarlep

Before I hunt you down Grab your chin and kiss your lips You bring me back I lay you down and grab your hips And we lose all control And before you know it I put a spell on you Now you're mine I've got a hold on you, at least for the night

33. Keep It Down — Haarlep

You shoot me up through the clouds I’m a hero in your mouth I'm the sickness you found I'm the fever you're about While I throw you around You're gonna scream ... Shhh: girl keep it down The scars you leave on my back A painting of your attack You're biting down on my fist I know you cannot resist

34. Good Looking — Tav

Pressure on my lips I die for just one kiss Wake, I can't resist Could I be dreaming this? How do I fake it with another man? How do I love him on the weekend? How do I listen to another man? How do I get off on the weekend? You're in my heart, in my heart, in my head

35. So Damn Into You — Haarlep

Can I have you forever? Every single night It started with a bang Don’t know how you got me so messed up But baby I won’t ever get enough, oh 'Cause I’m so damn into you I’m so damn into you

36. From Persephone — Tav

No, I wasn't threatened Mother, I was not bound No, I wasn't carried Off on his three headed hound 'Cause I packed my own bag, found my own way Down into the underground See, mama, he may seem gruesome But he's even got a dog And don't you know that death is A very stable job? 'Cause I love my baby, tall, dark Hades Lord of death is down on his knees for me

37. Hearts a Mess — Tav

Pick apart the pieces of your heart And let me peer inside Let me in where only your thoughts have been Let me occupy your mind as you do mine You have lost too much love To fear, doubt and distrust, it's not enough You just threw away the key to your heart Don't get burned 'cause nothing gets through It makes it easier, easier on you That much more difficult for me To make you see

38. Closer — Haarlep

I wanna fuck you like an animal I wanna feel you from the inside I wanna fuck you like an animal My whole existence is flawed You get me closer to God You can have my isolation You can have the hate that it brings You can have my absence of faith You can have my everything

39. Choke — Tav

You are a shadow Following me where I go I'd be better without you What are you doing to me? I'm suffocating Don't know how to explain it But I feel like I'm fading What are you doing to me? Loosen your grip before I choke Can't catch my breath, I'm gonna choke I wish that you'd just let me go I don't want this, I promise, just leave me alone Loosen your grip beforе I-

40. she calls me daddy — Haarlep

It might be a little superficial She plays with the boys But she comes home to me Little fucked up but I think it's official ’Cause she might be your girl But she's calling me daddy She's mi-i-i-ine She wears a collar with my name Secretive but not ashamed She's mi-i-i-ine But I'd never tie her down They always come around now

41. The Masochism Tango — Tav

I ache for the touch of your lips, dear But much more for the touch of your whips, dear You can raise welts like nobody else As we dance to the Masochism Tango Let our love be a flame, not an ember Say it's me that you want to dismember Blacken my eye, set fire to my tie As we dance to the Masochism Tango

42. Wicked Game

The world was on fire, and no one could save me but you It's strange what desire will make foolish people do I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you What a wicked game to play To make me feel this way What a wicked thing to do To let me dream of you

PART 4: OBSESSION

“Say it! I want to hear you say it!” It was not a spoken word, but a rasping growl that erupted from his chest. He loomed over her, with his back rounded, and bristled, like a wild beast over its prey.

His fingers clenched harder on her throat.

She dug her small fingernails into his straining arm. Wet strands of her fringe clung to her forehead, covered in beads of sweat. Her eyebrows were raised piteously, her emerald eyes fixed on his face. She parted her plump cherry lips wide as she gulped in the rhythmic breaths of air.

“I am yours,” she replied hoarsely. “I am yours, Haarlep. Yours… Haarlep! Haarlep. Haarley…”

He growled again and thrust his hips into hers with abandon. She cried out, running her trembling fingers through his wavy black hair, pulling it gently. Her emotions exploded like fireworks in his mind, blurring in coloured circles under his closed eyelids. He pushed his hips against hers like a man possessed, drowning in her sweet surrender. She was under him, and she was everywhere, enveloping him like a raging torrent. Her fragility tingled along his spine, her sincerity squeezed his heart like a vice, her vulnerability stroked him with hundreds of gentle fingers, her trust filled his very being with a velvety warmth.

He couldn’t drink enough of her, couldn’t inhale her with his full lungs. He could barely restrain himself from devouring her whole without a shred left.

As always with her, the pulsing life essence flowed easily, like a chiming stream, she gave it to him willingly. Despite the intoxicating madness threatening to overwhelm him, he tried to take as little as possible so as not to hurt his little mouse in any way.

“You’re driving me mad,” he growled into her ear in a frenzy, his fingers on her neck tightening into a bruising grip.

“I want you to go mad! Lose your mind! Go insane! For me…”

His hips picked up a punishing rhythm

She shrieked and dug her nails into his shoulders, forcing him to arch his back. Clenched like a spring, she stiffened and quivered beneath him, out of breath. Her consciousness blazed like a bonfire on Midsummer Night, spilling her life essence. It crushed him like a storm wave, drowning him in rapture. With the last thrust, Haarlep froze and shuddered, feeling the physical bliss merge with the cascade of her emotions flashing in his mind.

He collapsed on top of her, pressing himself against her hot chest, nuzzling his nose into the crook of her neck. She wrapped her legs around his hips, unwilling to let him go, pulling him greedily against her body. Her hoarse and frequent breathing burned his temple.

“Yours… Yours… And you are mine. My Haarley…” she whispered, choking on euphoria, trembling with delight.

With a growl that shook his chest, he slipped his arms under her back, pulling her close, so tight that it was probably hard for her to breathe.

“What have you done to me, mouse?” he exhaled, his whisper tinted with a hint of desperation and confusion.

“I bewitched you. Enchanted you, spellbound you, charmed you, beguiled you. Now you’re not going anywhere.”

For a few moments, only their laboured breaths echoed in the silence of their secret sanctuary.

"I am not,” he agreed and captured her sweet lips in a tender kiss.

43. I Wanna Be Yours — Haarlep

Let me be your 'leccy meter An' I'll never run out Let me be the portable heater That you'll get cold without I wanna be your setting lotion (Wanna be) Hold your hair in deep devotion (How deep?) At least as deep as the Pacific Ocean I wanna be yours

44. The Cult Of Dionysus

I'm feeling devious You're looking glamorous Let's get mischievous And polyamorous Wine and women and wonderful vices Welcome to the cult of Dionysus Run, run, run away Just take my hand and we'll abandon this world We'll wash those tears away You're young and beautiful, and I'll love you always We got no time for pain When it's just you and me in ecstasy

45. Angel of Small Death & the Codeine Scene — Haarlep

I watch the work of my kin, bold and boyful Toying somewhere between love and abuse Calling to join them the wretched and joyful Shaking the wings of their terrible youths Freshly disowned in some frozen devotion No more alone or myself could I be Lurched like a stray to the arms that were open No shortage of sordid, no protest from me

46. Obsessed With You — Haarlep

Your smile sets my heart aflame Electrocute me with your eyes The very mention of your name My stomach fills with butterflies Your love is better than cocaine I need you more than oxygen I've got it bad again An O-B-S-E-S-S-I-O-N But I want to get next to you Yeah, I love all the things you do I want to get close to you You are my dream come true I want to have sex with you Your sweet caress won't do Cause I'm obsessed with you

47. Misery Meat — Tav

You want a taste of my brain? Okay, it's yours anyway A bite of my eye? Alright I won't put up a fight As you open up my ribs the blood flows out like a river You strip my bones away as you indulge in my liver And the more that I am in pain The more that you'll gain And to me, that seems like a pretty fair trade

48. High Enough — Haarlep

Do you see anyone other than me? Baby, please I'll take a hit of whatever you got, maybe two, maybe three Oh, you're phenomenal, feel like a domino, fall to my knees I am a malady, you are my galaxy, my sweet relief I used to like liquor to get me inspired But you look so beautiful, my new supplier I used to like smoking to stop all the thinking But I found a different buzz

49. Dear Alice (Rainy Days) — Haarlep

I'm losing my faith in you, my long-lost friend, Alice Roses have lost their colors And it's breaking my heart (Ah) You take my breath away And I don't know what to do And I don't know what to do Before you say your last word That makes me want To lay you down I'll kiss, I'll touch, I'll cut you into the pieces And you feel the same And you'll know my crave And you'll see that I'm The only one for you

50. I Am Your Skin — Haarlep

I wanna be your skin I wanna feel everything you feel I will be your covering And I will hide you inside of me With every breath in harmony I wanna be your skin I wanna be your covering

51. Desire — Haarlep

Baby, I wanna touch you I wanna breathe into your will See, I gotta hunt you I gotta bring you to my hell Baby, I wanna fuck you I wanna feel you in my bones Boy, I'm gonna love you I'm gonna tear into your soul

52. Obsessed — Tav

I wanna feel you in my arms Hold you hostage in my heart It’s true 'Cause I'm so obsessed with you Your every word, I pick apart Down to the punctuation marks All you do 'Cause I'm so obsessed with you Oh, with you

53. Spiracle — Haarlep

I want the parts of you You only show to the birds outside your bedroom window I want the teeth that you lost as a child That you hide in a box under your pillow I want your secrets, your clementine fields The ropes that you climb up, the parts that won't heal I want your safe word, your passive resistance The sickness you foster, your favorite addictions And I want your nightmares, the ghost in your doorway Your paralyzed sleeping, your- (Aaaah) I want you butterfly, I want you sailor I am your lover and I am your jailor

PART 5: VANILLA CREAM FLAVOUR

“All right. Take it off.”

Smirking, Haarlep pulled the silk blindfold off, and smiled at her ruddy face and eyes sparkling with mirth. He raised his gaze and looked ahead.

From the high hill where they sat, they could see Baldur’s Gate harbour buzz lazily beneath them. It was slowly preparing to shake off the last cargoes, sigh with its sleepy waves, and retire to rest for the day. The half sunk into the bay of the Chionthar River, casting a golden shimmering glow over its rippling surface. Haarlep lowered his eyes. Before him, on the blanket spread on the ground, she laid out small plates packed with all sorts of savoury delicacies. One was filled with green grapes and strawberries, the other with neatly arranged cheese and sausages, appetisingly glistening with fat. Nearby stood bowls of buns and sweet rolls of various kinds.

“Somehow this picnic looks suspiciously like a date,” he placed a finger on his chin with feigned thoughtfulness.

She shook her head.

“A date? What a silly thing to say. We’re going to unromantically stuff our faces with this unappetising food, that’s all there is to it,” she tossed a grape into the air. He caught it, and it burst in his mouth, spraying sweet juice on his tongue.

Haarlep sank to the grass and rested his head in her lap. She immediately ran her nimble fingers through his hair, stroking it absent-mindedly, as she was gazing out into the distance, at the orange sun setting in Chionthar.

They were silent. Haarlep had long ago realised that it was nice to be silent with her.

Wide over the water resounded the shouts of the workers, who wrapped up the unloading of the last fishing schooner. A loud crack of a wooden crate breaking reached their ears, accompanied by the selected swearing of the cargo handlers.

“You know, I’ve come to realise one rather curious thing,” Haarlep mused thoughtfully. “I know very little about mortals.”

“How so?” she snapped out of her reverie and, for a moment, stopped flicking through his hair and looked down at him. “You can reach into the most secret nooks and crannies of a person’s mind, find out things about them that even they themselves are unaware of.”

“Yes. Except I was looking for a very different thing.”

She continued to stroke him, running the silky strands of his hair through her fingers, as she studied him with an expectant gaze. Haarlep noticed how sweetly she always nibbled on her lower lip when she was curious, and smiled at his observation.

“I’ve always looked for the weaknesses, to see what buttons I can push to get what I need from a mortal, and I’ve always succeeded. I searched into their past. Their traumas, their fears, their most depraved sexual experiences and lusts. All other sides of humanity were always foreign to me. I considered them useless. But after glimpsing into your head, I changed my mind.”

She raised her arched eyebrows, and Haarlep’s mind responded to her emotion. Her sudden sky-blue surprise flashed before his inner gaze, her wonder glided tenderly over his arms like a soft caress. And amidst it all, there was something else — a subtle, salty undertone, tinged with pure, unadulterated hope.

Lately, she had been emitting life essence a little at a time almost constantly, and Haarlep didn’t even need to do anything to elicit it. He had never encountered something like this before. He had to resist the temptation to indulge his innate greed and delve into her. The trust she exhibited never ceased to amaze him.

“I became curious and looked a little deeper. I’ve seen your strength, tasted your fascination with the world, touched your thoughts about the future. And that’s just a small portion of you. There’s so much more...”

He grinned and shook his head slightly.

“I can’t believe it never occurred to me to do this before.” He fell silent halfway through the sentence, and sank deeper into his thoughts, but after a moment he smiled at her again and added, “I guess I just didn’t care. But with you, little mouse, everything is different. Perhaps you did bewitch me?”

“Of course I did. I have a witch’s eye.”

She leaned closer, rolling her eyes and made a funny face, eliciting a laugh from him. Oh, what a dummy.

Delighted that she had managed to humour him, she straightened up again.

“How does it feel to drink the life essence of a human?”

“Oh, it’s the most marvellous feeling.”

Haarlep sighed, and his gaze drifted towards the sky. The cirrus clouds scattered like weightless pinkish-orange silk threads across the deep blue canvas. Their weightlessness and ephemeral nature made him think they were about to dissolve right before his eyes, but they froze in the sky like translucent butterflies caught on a pin.

“Life essence differs from mortal to mortal,” he continued. “It contains their unique nature. In the moments of supreme physical delight, the mortal becomes vulnerable enough for an incubus to harvest it with ease. It’s like crushing a ripe peach in your hand and catching its sweet juice with your lips. The essence is coloured by human emotions and feelings, and each one we can taste, like a hint of flavour in a wine.”

She hummed thoughtfully and twisted a small strand of his hair around her index finger.

“It does sound marvellous.”

Haarlep shifted his gaze to her.

“Every emotion is not only a taste but also a colour, a smell, and sometimes even a sense of a touch. For instance, when I pin your wrists to the bed above your head, you quiver so sweetly… I feel a prickly shiver run down my spine, and you smell like the first snowdrop on an early Alturiak morning: meltwater, almonds, and a promise of warmth.”

She blushed, and an embarrassed smile flickered across her lips. Haarlep smiled back at her.

“It’s like I feel the world with your skin and through you. Your senses mingle with mine, your consciousness flows into mine, the reality bursts with new colours and expands like a star exploding.” He reached out and cupped her cheek, stroking it gently with his thumb. “I love looking at this world with you. I see things I never knew existed before.”

She closed her eyes for a moment, surrendering to his caressing touch.

There it was. Again. He felt it again.

“You know, there’s something quite mysterious about your life essence. No matter how many times I taste it, I can’t figure it out…” he frowned, and his hand fell limply to the grass along his body. “Every feeling and thought you have, they all have the same tinge, the same unknown flavour to me. Something very soft and sweet and enveloping, like… like…”

Haarlep fell silent, trying to find the words to describe this incredible sensation that made him want to squeeze his eyes shut. One that spreads with homely warmth through his body, rolls with tenderness across his tongue, drips from his fingertips akin to molasses.

“Like vanilla cream?” she suggested.

He fired a glare at her.

“Yes! Sounds about right…”

She blushed even more and turned her face to the setting sun again.

Of course, she knew what that vanilla-cream flavour of her feelings was.

And deep down, so did he.

54. Life Worth Living — Tav

Take what you need, darling I'm just here for you Ooh ooh ooh ooh (oh) Give me your love and Physical affection Ooh ooh ooh ooh Give me the worst of you to hold You to take me to the heavens Give me the best of all your grace You make life worth living

55. Love Like You — End Credits — Haarlep

If I could begin to be Half of what you think of me I could do about anything I could even learn how to love When I see the way you act Wondering when I'm coming back I could do about anything I could even learn how to love like you

56. Hardest of Hearts — Tav

There is love in your body but you can't hold it in It pours from your eyes and spills from your skin Tenderest touch leaves the darkest of marks And the kindest of kisses break the hardest of hearts There is love in your body but you can't get it out It gets stuck in your head, won't come out of your mouth Sticks to your tongue and it shows on your face That the sweetest of words have the bitterest taste Darling heart, I loved you from the start But you'll never know what a fool I've been

57. I Might As Well Die With You — Haarlep

Oh baby When I see your face Too beautiful for this place Don't let the vice and the bad deals Let it go to waste Over and over and over again Oh baby Spiraling out of control God save me Falling in love at the end of world Just take me now What’s the use? I Might as well die with you

58. Souls on Fire — Tav

Do you feel the burn between our hearts Souls on fire A strange desire Have you given in To this ancient ritual I don’t know how long we’ve been apart But we’re the same old souls playing different parts Same old souls playing different parts Picking up the broken pieces of our hearts

59. She — Haarlep

This is the song that started this playlist and it happened so that it ends it. A huge heartfelt thank you to @mina-astarvara for sharing it with me in the first place.

She may be the face I can’t forget A trace of pleasure or regret May be my treasure or the prize I have to pay She may be the reason I survive The why and wherefore I’m alive The one I’ll care for through the rough And ready years Me, I’ll take her laughter and her tears I’ll make them all my souvenirs Oh, where she goes I’ve got to be The meaning of my life is she

YouTube Link:

[amaretigris]

The Sea Witch's Curse

Taglist: @notagreekgal28 @mylittlemermaid221 @hopeisrising @justagirlthatlovedtoread @freyagallileaevans @daydreamerwithnohobbies @luna2034

A/n: Posting this now cause I've read it so much I hate it 😭 I do plan on writing an epilogue!

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Ch. 10 | 1.4k words | Pure fluff

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You grabbed the letter from your father's hand, holding it to your chest. You wanted to imprint the words on your heart. You were sniffling and attempting to sob, but the tears wouldn't come. How had it been so easy to cry when you were human? You couldn't seem to do it now, no matter how much you wanted to.

Your father quietly observed your reaction to Eric's letter.

"My dear (Y/N)," he suddenly spoke.

"You look the most like your mother, out of all of my daughters," he reached his hand up to brush your cheek.

Your eyes squeezed shut and you leaned into his touch.

"Would you like to know why I never told any of you more details about your mother's death?"

Your eyes found his again as you nodded. Your father dropped his hand from your face, looking back to the beach.

"It's because I found the crew that killed her. I found them, and I struck them down. I sunk their ship and they all drowned. They can be such savages, so I gave them a taste of their own medicine. I'm not proud of that, (Y/N)."

You heard your father sniffle and your eyes widened. He turned to look at you again with pain stamped across his face.

"I stopped living when your mother died, (Y/N). What kind of father would I be if I allowed my daughter to meet the same fate?"

Your hands seemed to move on their own to wrap around your father's neck. Not once since your mother died had he shown this much emotion in front of you.

"It's okay," you whispered. "Mother's love for you has never wavered. It will never fade. It's as strong and constant as the algae blooms every year."

Your father hugged you for a moment, then pulled back to look at your face.

"The humans can be savages, my daughter, but Eric's words have shown me that they can also love. His love for you reminds me of the love your mother and I shared. Who am I to take that from you?"

You felt your bottom lip trembling.

"What do you mean, father?"

Triton swallowed and took a calming breath.

"I will transform you back into a human if that is truly your wish, (Y/N). Just know that we will always be here for you. I will always be here for you."

You crushed your father into another hug.

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Eric spent the week going through the motions of his old life. It all seemed so foreign to him now. Smiling and nodding his way through another breakfast with Grimsby and his mother, Eric excused himself to walk down to the beach.

As soon as he left the dining room, his mother grabbed Grimsby's hand.

"I'm worried about him, Grimsby. He hasn't been himself. It's been a week. You settled back into your role nicely. You wanted normalcy again. Eric is different. I know he craves adventure and the sea but-".

"He craves her," Grimsby interrupted, meeting the queen's stunned eyes.

He placed his other hand on top of hers.

"The last five years have taken their toll on him, Your Majesty. Eric was resigned to his fate, until he met her: (Y/N). She gave Eric a new taste of life and freedom to express himself. You must understand, that was taken from him too, Your Grace. He simply needs time and patience to heal."

The queen pondered Grimsby's words for a moment and nodded.

"I hope you're right. I fear he will never be the same."

"He never will be," Grimsby shook his head and sighed.

He gave the queen's hand a reassuring squeeze.

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Down on the beach, Eric let his toes sink in the sand. Plopping down on his rear with Max at his side, Eric ruffled the dog's hair, watching the waves.

"You think she's out there, Max?"

He asked his furry friend. Max wagged his tail and happily barked in response.

"Yeah, I hope so too, buddy," Eric cracked a smile, but sighed.

Suddenly, Max began barking frantically at the water. Eric rose to his feet in a hurry, alarmed. His eyes searched the sea.

"What? What is it boy?"

You slowly swam to the shallows, rising above the water when your feet could finally touch the ocean floor. Luckily, you had held onto the dress you wore the day you broke the curse.

Eric's eyes landed on your form emerging from the sea. He was frozen in place. He rubbed his eyes for good measure. Was this real? Eric slowly stepped forward, submerging his feet, and wading towards you. The two of you closed the distance, meeting in the middle. Neither of you had spoken a word.

Eric lifted his hand. He hesitated, but settled it on your cheek, stroking it with his thumb. You saw a breath of relief leave his chest. Eric brought his forehead to connect with yours. He watched his finger grazing over your skin for a moment before meeting your gaze.

"Is this a dream?"

He whispered, afraid to know the answer. You shook your head slightly, tears welling in your eyes.

"No. No, Eric, it's not."

The look of alleviation that passed over his features tugged at your heart strings.

"Oh thank God," Eric said before squeezing you tightly to him.

You felt his arms around your torso shaking. You hugged him back, sliding your fingers through his curls. Eric outstretched his arms to look at you again.

"I was afraid I'd never see you again, (Y/N)," he admitted.

You nodded.

"I know, me too. But," this time your hand found his cheek, "I'm here now, and I'll never leave you again."

Eric scrunched his brow, and his eyes watered. He quickly pulled you in for a kiss, enveloping you in his arms. His lips were soft and gentle against yours. Like he was kissing something that was fragile. Like he was kissing something that he treasured.

You weren't sure how long the two of you stayed like this- wrapped in one another's embrace. It did eventually come to an end when Max started barking at you and wagging his tail, running up and down the beach. Eric laughed and loosened his hold on you. He grabbed your hand and together you walked back to shore. Water was dripping from your clothes, but the two of you stood laughing at Max.

"See, even my dog loves you," he joked.

Eric realized his words, and tightened his grip on your waist once again.

"I do love you (Y/N)," he said reverently.

The two of you had never said it to each other face to face in your short time together. But, in your heart of hearts, you knew without a doubt that you loved this man as much as a person could love another.

"I know. I love you too, Eric," you replied instantly.

It was so natural. It felt like breathing.

"Will you marry me?"

Eric asked with hopeful eyes.

"I know we haven't known each other long, but my heart is yours, (Y/N)."

You smiled and nodded.

"Of course I'll marry you, Eric," you said, wrapping your arms around his shoulders.

Eric held you close, running his fingers through your hair. He decided right then and there that he'd brush your hair every day if you wanted.

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Eventually the two of you joined hands and made your way up to the castle. As soon as he saw you, Grimsby rushed up to hug you like he'd seen an old friend.

"Oh, Miss (Y/N), thank heavens you're safe! We cannot thank you enough for freeing us from the sea witch's curse. We are forever in your debt," he released you to bow before you.

You giggled, feeling Eric's hand close around yours again.

"It's the least I could do, Grimsby," you smiled.

"Grims, where has mother run off to? She must meet (Y/N)."

Grimsby suddenly turned to scurry down the hall.

"Yes sir, I'll grab her right away, sire."

Eric laughed at his retreating form. You'd never seen him smile so bright. His dimples gave you butterflies in your stomach.

"Are you happy, Eric?"

You asked without thinking. Eric looked at you with joy in his eyes, retaining his smile.

"I'm the happiest man in the world right now, (Y/N). You came back to me, and I'm home. You've given me everything I could ever ask for. But, somehow, it's more than I ever imagined," he used your hand to tug you closer once again.

"Now, my little mermaid, I will never let myself lose you again. Once my mother meets you and falls in love with you, just as I have, then we will be married. You'll be a princess of the land, as well as the sea. One day, you'll be queen. And I will bow to you in worship, the same as everyone else."

[sparky-is-spiders]

for the ask game: 15 & 28 👀

This... actually got a bit long lmao. Putting it under a cut.

(Send me deep/fun questions!)

15: No except yes. But also no. So like. I don't believe in jinxing. But also I sort of believe that if I say that something is/isn't going to happen (or even believe it), this will influence it to happen. Like if I say "I'm going to win this pvp fight in my shitty mobile game of the month" I will then lose the pvp fight in my shitty mobile game of the month. Unless I knock on wood (hit/tap it with my fist twice. And it CAN'T be three times because I don't like that number). If no wood is available I can also do the "touch red touch blue touch the bottom of your shoe" rhyme for jinxing from elementary school that I've almost certainly remembered wrong. I think I initially picked it up as like. A haha funnyquirky habit, but then NOT doing it made me genuinely anxious and I was like "oh maybe I should stop this now." I do still sort of do that tho. Like I'll think "I'm going to win this pvp fight in my shitty mobile game of the month" and then I'll go "no don't say/think that you don't know that for sure thinking/saying that is inviting the universe to sabotage you." And I know it's bullshit but that has yet to stop me. And that's my superstition.

28: Oh god. Tossup between Jon//elias and jon//sasha (I don't want this ask showing up in their tags so I'm censoring it lol. JE is what I'm currently hyperfixated on. My brain sunk its teeth into those two and Will Not let go. They're so fascinating and interesting but at the same time there's so much potential for Drama and above all else I Love Drama. It helps that I can project my Jon Obsession onto Elias because he IS straight up So Fucking Weird about Jon!!!!! And Jon is also sooooo fixated on him. They drive me crazy.

I don't (currently) have the same hyperfixation obsession on JS but I think they work so well like genuinely. Ok so there is a Sasha that exists in my head and I think she and Jon are soulmates in a "deeply similar" way and a "tied by the strings of fate" way and a "turning into the same monster" way. The idea of two people just slowly merging into one monster... like ok. They are the Same because they would both forget to drink their tea and then reheat it in the microwave. They are the Same because they are so curious and so driven to Know. They are the Same because they are both Perfect for the role of Archivist. Gonna be real I cannot take 90% of archivist Sasha AUs seriously for exactly this reason. It's literally always Sasha being boring and making all the "correct" decisions and also trying to set up J//mart because Of Course. You're telling me Sasha "I'm staying in my objectively dangerous job because I Need To Know" James, Sasha "seeks out other people's personal info for fun" James, Sasha "got two marks within thirty seconds of each other" James would save the world? No. Sasha would be just as "reckless" (read: desperate for info about the real terrifying and credible danger she is in) as Jon, maybe more so. She WOULD like being able to compel. She WOULD like getting invasive info about other people dumped in her brain. And she should have those things! She deserves them <3. Anyway I think the vibes of Jon and Sasha becoming the same monster (not them both becoming Archivists, but becoming THE Archivist), of them defending each other, covering up for each other, promising everyone else to do better, to keep the other in check, and then spiraling down the same path together, are IMMACULATE. There is also just a general appeal in someone who instantly Gets You. Who fully understands you. Actually this applies to both so New Paragraph <3.

Ok so my favorite shipping dynamic ever in general is "they know each other too well." It is having two (or more, but not many more) people who know each other on a deep, fundamental level. Who see the dark hidden crevices, the real face beneath every mask. Who understand each other better than they understand themselves. Who knows that their partner understands them just as well too. And it's messy, and sometimes unpleasant, and nobody else gets it. But when you observe them when it's only them, interacting when they think they're utterly alone, you learn things that crack your understanding of them apart. Seeing them interact and getting new insight into both of them, vulnerabilities they'd never reveal even in private. Which is probably why I'm so obsessed with outsider PoVs.

[roxannarambles]

Title: Wings of a Butterfly, Eye of the Tiger (Part 2)

Ship: Nemona x Juliana (Julinemo/Terajules)

Summary: Nemona and Juliana just can’t resist returning to Area Zero once more. They find new places to explore, new pokemon to discover, and a new things to learn … about pokemon battling, but also about each other.

Notes: Happy Pokemon Day, folks. I don't normally post WIPs, but I already posted the first chapter so. I guess I post WIPs now, lol. Usual disclaimers that I've been slow lately with writing for health reasons, so don't expect fast updates.

Part 1 is here!

When you and Nemona glided down into Area Zero on Koraidon the next morning, it looked exactly the same as you’d last seen it: bright, glittering, with breathtaking vistas and a thriving population of powerful pokemon. You still marveled at the strange, almost eerie feeling of the place, very much like stepping into a portal that brought you into a pocket universe of its very own. It was so incredibly quiet here, all the usual background noises of human civilization like the hum of cities and cars and planes entirely absent; what’s more, the sunlight that streamed into the crater through the haze of clouds seemed to be magnified so that it was incredibly bright down here, almost supernaturally so. You figured it probably had to do with the way the air itself shimmered. Perhaps the tera crystal energy was drifting in the very air around you. Hopefully it wasn’t bad to breathe it in– your previous trips here and the healthy pokemon certainly suggested it wasn’t. If anything, it filled you with a buzzy energy, tingling at your senses and your fingertips.

Nemona was as charged as ever, probably feeling the effects of that buzzy energy too. After landing, you both walked to a wide, open space covered in grass.

“This place look good?”

“Seems good to me.”

“Ok, great! Let’s do this!!”

“Hold on. Scarlet, get ready.”

You nodded to your pokemon, and the giant red lizard stood on his hind legs, unfurling the feathered crests on his head and tail. 

“Aw, Jules, they aren’t even healed up from the last battle! I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Just making sure.”

Nemona smiled, amused at how wary you were, then took the pokeball from her belt. 

“Hellcat, go!”

She tossed the ball, a large, quadrupedal tiger materializing before the both of you. It was green and covered in jagged purple stripes, its limbs stocky and sinewy like twisted vines, and it had a pointed, leafy mask covering its face. A pair of wickedly sharp fangs jutted from its mouth, which looked like giant purple thorns. 

When the tiger appeared, it seemed confused for a few moments, its pupils narrowing in the bright sunlight as it looked around. 

Its gaze settled on you. It curled its lips back in a snarl, the sound a bloodchilling reminder of the last time this pokemon stood before you. 

Then it sprang, purple claws reaching for you in a flash, no hesitation. You hardly had a chance to even register what was happening before Scarlet jumped in front of you, crashing into the tiger. They tussled for a bit, the tiger giving angry shrieks while Scarlet roared, you and Nemona watching with wide eyes. You grew worried when the tiger sunk its toxic fangs into Koraidon’s leg, but Scarlet quickly thwacked it away with his heavy tail and then blasted the tiger with his fiery breath. 

This seemed enough to finally subdue the pokemon, Hellcat staggering to a stop with an exhausted growl. It panted, looking weak but eyes still burning with a feral rage. 

You looked to Nemona. She had a hand held to her mouth in surprise.

“Holy moly. I guess you were right! They had way more fight left in them than I thought.”

Hands on hips, you nodded.

“Somehow I’m not surprised. I think we’re gonna have our work cut out for us, taming this tiger.”

Nemona turned to dig through her bag.

“Well hopefully they’ll be purring like a big ‘ol pussycat before long. Food usually wins over even the crankiest of pokemon.”

She pulled out some berries, but you frowned at the selection she had.

“Maybe, um, we should start with Oran berries instead of Sitrus?”

She looked at you a moment and glanced to Hellcat. 

“Mmm . . . yeah, okay.”

She grabbed one of the little blue berries and took a few steps towards the tiger.

“Okay Hellcat, you’re probably pretty hungry by now. You want a berry?”

You didn’t like Nemona getting closer to this tiger, but Koraidon was watching very carefully, and you knew you guys had to start somewhere. Nemona took a few more cautious steps, holding the berry out.

“That’s a good kitty. Do you like Oran berries?”

Hellcat snarled at her, its pink eyes glaring daggers. Koraidon flicked his tail and seemed about to intervene, but you held up a hand to indicate for him to stay put. 

Nemona cooed to the tiger,

“Aw, don’t be like that. I just want to help you. You’ll feel a lot better after you eat!”

She tried to step closer again, but the tiger’s angry snarl made her stop. She spoke soothingly,

“C’mon, Hellcat, it’s just a tasty berry, I promise. I’m not gonna hurt you.”

“Nemona, I don’t think this is working . . .”

She sighed and agreed,

“Yeah. Any ideas on what to do?”

You considered it for a moment.

“Maybe . . . maybe we need to be a bit tougher, you know? If you’re too sweet and nice, they might just see it as a sign of weakness or something.”

She looked at you.

“You want me to be mean to them?”

“Not mean! Just . . . firm. Assertive!”

Nemona frowned.

“I guess I could try.”

She cleared her throat, then took a step forward.

“E-eat the berry, Hellcat!”

She tossed the berry. It rolled along the ground until it came to a stop in front of the tiger. Hellcat sniffed at the berry before flicking a tongue out and swallowing it. Nemona took another Oran berry and stepped closer. The tiger growled.

“C’mon Hellcat, if you want the next berry you gotta not growl at me.”

She tried again, but Hellcat still was incredibly agitated and wasn’t cooperating. 

“You gotta be firmer than that, Nemona.”

“I’m being as firm as I can be! I’m no good at being mean, you know that, Juliana.”

“Ok, let me try.”

Nemona stepped back and let you take some berries and approach the tiger, holding one out. The pokemon crouched down, ears flattened as it hissed.

 In your best bossy tone, you said,

“No hissing. Sit down, Hellcat, and I’ll give you a berry.”

The tiger didn’t sit and simply remained crouched, as if ready to spring. It was incredibly unnerving, but you knew you had to show the pokemon who was boss. You inched closer and repeated,

“Sit, Hellcat! If you want food, you gotta sit.”

Scarlet made an unhappy whine. Nervously, Nemona warned,

“Jules . . .”

You tried again, demanding,

“Sit, Hellcat!”

The tiger bared its fangs, the muscles in its limbs taut with tension.

“Sit–”

Hellcat jerked just slightly, as if it was thinking of lunging at you, and Nemona’s voice suddenly rang out so loud and vicious it made your heart leap in your chest:

“SIT DOWN!”

The tiger froze immediately, its pink gaze on Nemona. You glanced to see Nemona was staring the tiger down with pure fire in her eyes. You’d never seen her look so intimidating before. 

Then, miraculously, Hellcat backed off and sat down, its tail drooped and its head lowered. You stared in awe, completely dumbfounded.

“Y-you . . . you did it!”

After a few moments you remembered to give Hellcat the berry and then backed off a few paces to give it some space. You turned to your friend.

“That was incredible, Nemona!”

She seemed just as shocked as you were.

“They really listened to me, didn’t they?”

You nodded and teased,

“And you said you weren’t any good at being mean.”

She crossed her arms and huffed,

“Well I wasn’t gonna let them eat you! I don’t think you realize how close you came to being catfood just now.”

You wanted to tell her Scarlet would have stopped Hellcat before that happened, but in actuality, you’d been so close to the tiger you weren’t actually certain, in retrospect. 

“Erm, well . . . maybe it wasn’t the best approach. But I think we made some actual progress! Try giving them another berry.”

Nemona reluctantly went to try it out.

“Sit, Hellcat!”

The tiger growled at her quietly.

“No, Nemona, you gotta sound like before, when you were all scary and stuff.”

“I’m trying. Sit, Hellcat!”

“That’s not even close.”

Nemona turned and complained,

“Well you’re not about to die, Jules!”

You blinked.

“Yeah?”

“So I’m not gonna sound like I was before!”

“. . . oh.”

You considered the problem for a moment, then asked,

“Mmm, well, can you try to imagine, then?”

Nemona didn’t seem a fan of the idea.

“You mean imagine you’re about to die?”

“Y-yeah, I guess?”

She hesitated before saying,

“I dunno, Jules . . . that feels weird, you know?”

You chuckled. You placed a hand on her arm and acknowledged,

“That’s fair. But look, you obviously can be very commanding when you want to be, you just gotta tap into that! It could be a pretty valuable skill. I mean, if you can tame Hellcat, you can tame any pokemon.”

Her expression scrunched up as she thought about it, and then she sighed.

“All right, all right . . . I’ll give it a shot.”

She approached the tiger again. Hellcat turned to her and the fur on its back ruffled, hot-pink eyes glaring. Nemona didn’t say anything at first, apparently concentrating. 

Then she gestured at the pokemon, ordering without hesitation,

“SIT DOWN!”

Hellcat’s ears lowered and it sat down. Nemona smiled.

“Good kitty!”

She gave it an oran berry. 

“Okay, what next . . . oh, I know.”

She backed up a bit.

“Ok, Hellcat, come. Oh, right.” She cleared her throat.

“Hellcat, come here!”

You watched as the tiger obediently stood up and approached her. 

“Good job!”

She fed it again, the tiger eagerly chomping the berry down. 

“Ok Hellcat, sit!”

You smiled as Hellcat sat once more, waiting expectantly for the berry. Nemona tossed it and Hellcat caught it out of the air. Nemona turned and grinned at you,

“We’re doing it, Jules, did you see that??”

“I did. I knew you could, Nemona. You’re pretty amazing.”

She gave a laugh, then gestured at you.

“C’mon, come give it a try!”

You joined Nemona, helping her put Hellcat through the very basics of pokemon training. That included things like sit, stay, come, lay down, and so forth. Most pokemon picked these up very rapidly, and Hellcat did too now that it was feeling a little more cooperative. The pokemon obeyed you too once you’d managed to be sufficiently commanding (by imitating Nemona), but you could tell that Nemona still had an easier time getting Hellcat to cooperate than you did. Part of you suspected it was because the pokemon remembered when Nemona went up against it with nothing but a rock. You certainly felt impressed whenever you thought about it, and it wouldn’t surprise you if it left a strong impression on the pokemon, too. Quite frankly, you didn’t mind in the least that Hellcat was bonding so well with Nemona. It just made you smile to watch. 

The two of you spent the morning in intensive training with Hellcat. The commands Hellcat enjoyed the least were things requiring restraint, such as ‘wait’ or ‘drop it,’ while learning battle commands were clearly its favorites. Hellcat had a very wild, aggressive disposition and a strong will, but channeling that energy into battling seemed to bring it a lot of joy. It positively wrecked the pokemon it went up against– it seemed to have a phenomenal attack stat, and its moves were pretty potent. You found out that it knew Play Rough, Dire Claw, Swords Dance and a powerful grass move neither of you had ever seen before. The two of you decided to name the move ‘Thorn Fang’ since it was a biting move.

After a busy morning, you both stopped for lunch. It was a leisurely picnic, watching the majestic waterfalls and chatting with Nemona about pokemon battling, while Hellcat and Scarlet lounged in the grass nearby. When you’d finished eating you both just lazed there for a while, breathing the sweet, clean air under the shade of the trees. 

For a while, Nemona let her head slump down and come rest on your shoulder, her eyes closed and her body perfectly relaxed. You felt your heart thumping in your chest and stayed very still, not wanting to disturb her. She drowsed for a bit until eventually waking and apologizing. You missed the feeling of warmth when she moved.

Fortunately, your time in Area Zero was far from over. You had come fully prepared to make it a full-day event. You both packed up from the picnic, revitalized, refreshed and ready for more adventure. You hiked to the bottom of Area Zero, where the earth opened up into a spacious, sparkling cave. The plan was to search for Roaring Moon. The primeval version of Salamence was the only Paradox Pokemon that had eluded you on your previous trip. Nemona was very eager to find one, her eyes aglow with excitement whenever you spoke of how terrifying it had been to face in battle. You hadn’t spent much time in the caves during your previous trip, so you hoped this trip would turn up the dragon type. It was also possible you’d discover even more Paradox Pokemon species, like you had last time when discovering Hellcat. That would certainly be a welcome bonus, although it was perhaps unlikely. In either case, you both felt the caves were your best bet for finding something cool.

If the surface of Area Zero was beautiful, then the caves were downright breathtaking. Your first exposure to them had been under rather stressful circumstances, so it was nice to have the time to truly appreciate them now. The tera crystals down here grew to gargantuan proportions, massive columns of shimmering rainbow that lit the caverns with their glow. Waterfalls fed down into the caves from above, and the pathways through the earth snaked along narrow channels, marked loosely with ropes driven into the ground with stakes by the previous research expedition. In many spots, there were stomach-turning sheer drops, and you made sure to keep away from the edges of the narrow pathways. Nemona had gone up to the edge one time, excited over a pokemon she’d spotted, and you grabbed her hand and pulled her closer. You didn’t care if she had a Rotom Phone with safety measures for falls, the thought of it still twisted your stomach. After that, she kept further away from the edges so you wouldn’t worry. 

She also continued to hold your hand. You told yourself it was also so you wouldn’t worry. You knew you shouldn’t read into it any more than that. 

Eventually, the two of you reached the deepest part of the cave. It had taken quite a while, but that was because you’d taken your time, enjoying the sights and searching for pokemon. Now that you stood here at the bottom, you could see the tall prefabricated buildings made of steel, looking a lot like industrial warehouses. The sight was a bit jarring in such a beautiful, secretive place. The central building was the largest and was encased entirely in tera crystal, the only part still exposed being the hexagonal airlock door that served as an entrance. This was the Zero Lab, of course, Professor Sada’s most secret facility. Out of sheer curiosity, you both couldn’t resist approaching it to poke around her lab again; however, the doors would no longer open, refusing to respond no matter which buttons you pressed on the control panel. It seemed they had powered down in your absence. 

“Hmmph. That’s kind of a bummer. I wanted to look around some more,” Nemona said, poking the unresponsive buttons on the control panel. 

“Yeah. Probably for the best though, to be honest. If we accidentally tripped another wacky defense protocol, that would suck.”

Nemona hummed,

“True. Oh well. We’re not here for this anyway. We’re hunting for Roaring Moon!”

She turned, eagerly returning to the search. You rushed to catch up to her, splashing through the shallow water that covered the floor of the cave bottom.

“I wanted to ask, if we don’t find Roaring Moon–”

“We’ll find them!!”

“Yeah, but IF, I mean, IF we don’t for some weird reason, um . . . I hope you won’t be too disappointed? I don’t want you to feel like this whole trip was for nothing . . .”

Nemona laughed. She turned to you, putting a hand on your shoulder and squeezing.

“Of course I won’t think that! This trip has been super fun, no matter what we find or don’t find. Anytime I get to spend with you is always amazing. Especially in an awesome place like this!”

You smiled shyly.

“Okay, I’m glad. I think so too.”

Nemona grinned.

“Good. If we don’t find anything we can still have a battle down here with all our Paradox Pokemon, I bet they’ll love that. But first let’s scour every inch of this place!”

You nodded.

“Okay. Let’s try that path over there that sneaks through the crystals, maybe?”

“Yeah, okay! C’mon Hellcat– hey, where’d they go?”

She turned, spotting the bright green and purple tiger some paces back. It was sniffing at the floor with a disgruntled expression. Nemona called,

“All right, Hellcat! Let’s go!”

The tiger took a few steps and then shook its paws, one at a time, trying to get the water off them and looking disgusted. Nemona giggled.

“Wait, really? Our big scary tiger’s afraid of a little puddle of water? You’re grass type, Hellcat, water’s good for you, silly.”

The tiger waded forward a few more steps, making a sound not too far off from a sad meow. You gestured at the big lizard beside you.

“Look, Scarlet likes the water! It won’t hurt you.”

Koraidon gave a little trill, swishing his tail in the water. Hellcat didn’t seem impressed by this. 

“Well, I guess they could just return to their ball,” you said to Nemona.

“Yeah, I guess. I was trying to spend as much time with them as we can, though . . .”

You both watched as Koraidon romped playfully over to the feline, crying out to it. The tiger growled, taking a swipe at him.

“Um, Scarlet, I don’t think they like that–” you said, but Nemona interrupted.

“--hold on, let’s see.”

“But Hellcat looks angry.”

“Yeah, but they kinda always look angry. Maybe they can become friends.”

You frowned, feeling a bit uncertain.

“I guess.”

Scarlet did some happy little hops, splashing in the water a little. Hellcat hissed, backing away. You warned,

“Careful, Scarlet. Play nice.”

The lizard lowered his head, trilling in a more placating way, swishing his tail; Hellcat still looked tense but allowed Koraidon to draw a bit closer. 

“It kinda reminds me of when Arven’s Mabosstiff tried making friends with Penny’s Sylveon,” Nemona chuckled. Hellcat hissed again, but a lot less fiercely that time, as if it was just a mild warning. Koraidon suddenly rolled on his back, wriggling on the ground and swishing his tail. You watched in wonder as Hellcat batted at him, in a way you wouldn’t exactly call ‘gentle’ but was definitely not at full strength. Scarlet nipped in return. Hellcat bopped him on the nose, firmly but not viciously. You marveled,  

“Wow. I think they might actually be getting along.”

Nemona grinned.

“Told ya! Pokemon do love to play fight, after all. That’s why we have pokemon battles in the first place.”

“Heh, that’s true.”

The two pokemon wrestled for a bit, until eventually they were chasing each other around the cave. There were moments when Hellcat had too much and snarled, warning Scarlet to back off, but overall they seemed to be getting along pretty well. It was very heartening to see. Not to mention impressive how much Hellcat had come along in so short a time. 

“I’m so happy they’re friends!” Nemona beamed, hands clasped together.

“Looks like Hellcat’s forgot all about the water bothering them, too,” you said. 

“Right! It just goes to show pokemon battles solve everything.”

You looked at her, concern in your eye. She giggled,

“I’m just kidding, Jules! Heheheh, you really thought I meant that?”

“I dunno, maybe??”

She grabbed your hand with a smile, tugging you along.

“C’mon, we gotta get back to finding that dragon!”

You gladly surrendered to her pull, returning to the search. 

The bottom of Area Zero’s cave was very spacious, so you had a fair bit of ground to cover. There were no maps of these caves, of course– well, Professor Sada probably had mapped them out, but you hadn’t bothered to search her messy labs for such things. Still, finding your way around wasn’t too bad. The Zero Lab was at the center and served as a good landmark, and you could more or less just follow the paths between the smaller buildings. It wasn’t even all that dark down here: sunlight filtered down from the top of the cave, reflecting brightly in all the tera crystals scattered about. You both searched the area in a clockwise fashion, investigating every nook and cranny and every pokemon you came across along the way. The place was crawling with Paradox Pokemon as well as Glimmora, but nothing you hadn’t seen before. You made sure to keep looking up, since there was a good chance you’d find Roaring Moon flying overhead, but you never spotted its crescent silhouette. 

After you both made a full pass of the cave, you went back over it again, trying to see if there were any places you’d missed checking, but you still weren’t having any luck.

“I dunno, maybe we should be looking above ground instead?” you asked, starting to doubt you would find Roaring Moon at all.

“But we checked all over there too, when we were training Hellcat.”

“Yeah . . . true.”

“Plus dragons love caves, right?”

“Normally, yeah, they do.”

“It’s probably just super rare!”

“Yeah . . .”

Nemona noticed your skeptical expression.

“What is it?”

You looked to her and answered reluctantly,

“It’s nothing, I just, um . . . I’m wondering if maybe Sada just didn’t bring any here other than the one she had. Or, um, the one her AI had, that is.”

Nemona frowned.

“You mean like with Koraidon?”

You nodded.

“I guess that’s possible . . .” Nemona admitted. She looked so sad, and you kicked yourself for even bringing it up.

“B-but hey, it’s probably just super rare like you said. Those can take a real long time to find, maybe we just haven’t run into it yet,” you added.

“Yeah,” Nemona agreed, although it lacked some of her usual zeal. You racked your brains and then suggested,

“Let’s check those passageways before the Zero Lab again, maybe there were some spots we missed up there.”

Nemona nodded. You were about to speak again, but Koraidon’s happy little trill noises echoed in the cave, sounding more excited than usual, and you were distracted trying to find out where he’d wandered off to.

“Scarlet?”

Nemona pointed.

“He’s over there. Hey, did he find something?”

You both followed after the large dragon. It seemed he’d found a gap in one of the far cave walls. He quickly vanished into it. Her voice full of excitement again, Nemona asked,

“Oh my gosh, how’d we miss this before??”

As you approached the secluded corner, you commented,

“Hm, not sure. I think the way those crystals were reflecting the light, it does make it kinda hard to see over here . . .”

“Well let’s check it out!!”

You both stepped through the gap, finding a small chamber within. It was dominated by a large crystal in the center of the area, but didn’t have much else inside. Scarlet was in one corner, gnawing on something.

“Hey, Scarlet. Bring it here.”

The dragon bounded up to you and dropped a slobbery item into your hand. It was a beat-up TM case. You studied the faded label.

“TM 171. Isn’t that Tera Blast?”

“Yep! Looks like Professor Sada lost some of her stuff here, huh?”

“Seems so. I doubt anyone else would be down here dropping TMs.”

Nemona was wandering the inside of the small room, searching for anything else of note. Hellcat crawled inside after you, sniffing around. 

“There’s gotta be something else here,” Nemona said. You were about to tell her ‘Not really, it could just be more cave,’ but stopped just short of saying it, not wanting to dash her hopes again. Instead you joined her in the search. 

“I’m gonna get a better view,” Nemona eventually said, grabbing onto the big tera crystal and trying to clamber up it. It was really slippery though, so you went to help her.

“Wait, Nemona, your shoes aren’t sticky like Scarlet’s feet are!”

“Oof, I wish they were. Okay, help me up– yeah, like that!”

She was able to hoist herself up there with your help, then stood to gaze down on everything from above.

“Do you see anything?” you asked.

“. . . not really.”

Hellcat was sniffing at a large tera crystal embedded into one of the cave walls. In fact, the tiger had been at that spot for a while now, it seemed. You went over.

“Whatcha smelling, Hellcat?”

The tiger growled softly, its eyes fixated intensely on the crystal. At first you thought maybe the silly tiger was angry at its own reflection, which looked goofy and distorted in the crystal. But then you noticed you could actually look through the crystal, and there were lumpy shapes moving behind it. You couldn’t tell what they were, because it was far too distorted, but it did seem to be something.

“Hey, Nemona. Lookit this.”

She hopped down from the crystal and came up to you.

“What is it?”

“Look really close.”

She squinted, leaning close.

“I just see my face.”

“Yeah, it’s really pretty, right?”

“Jules!” She gave you a playful little shove and you giggled.

“Okay but seriously, look past the reflection, I think you can see through the crystal.”

She stared a bit and reported,

“Oh yeah, I think you’re right! What is that?”

“I dunno. Hellcat doesn’t like it though.”

You both stared intently until Nemona yelped,

“Wait, did you hear that??”

“Hear what?”

“Shh, listen!”

You fell quiet and held your breath, doing your best to listen. A few seconds later, you heard a soft pokemon cry, very faint but distinct. Hellcat growled, bristling.

“Oh yeah, Hellcat heard it too!”

Nemona exclaimed,

“It was a pokemon, there must be more cave back there!”

“Yeah, seems so. I wonder how we could get back there?”

Nemona frowned, crossing her arms.

“Well there’s no pathways from down here. We checked this place really well!”

“Yeah . . . weird. There has to be a way in though, right? Unless they’re living in a sealed-in part of the cave.”

“Mmm, yeah . . .”

Nemona looked thoughtful for a few moments. Then, raising a fist, she suddenly said,

“I know! Let’s bust it open!!”

You blinked at her.

“Uh. Is that . . . is that really a good idea?”

She pointed at Koraidon.

“Scarlet knows Rock Smash, right? I saw ‘em bust some rocks in that cave right by my house, remember? Back when we first met him!”

You hesitated.

“Yeah, that’s true, but . . . should we really be busting holes in here? What if we cause a cave-in?”

“No way, Rock Smash is supposed to be used in caves! The technique is designed to be as focused as possible, so it doesn’t cause any shockwaves or damage anywhere else. We should be fine!”

You considered it a moment. On occasion, Nemona could be a tad . . . over-eager to do something and rush into danger, but you trusted Nemona’s knowledge of pokemon moves wholeheartedly. 

“Okay. It’s worth a try.”

“All right! Scarlet, could you come over here a minute?”

After calling Koraidon over, you all gave him enough space and instructed him to use Rock Smash directly on the large tera crystal embedded in the wall. The dragon stood on his hind legs and backed up a little bit. Then he leapt forward and with a backwards twist, smacked the crystal with a powerful strike from his tail. 

The crystal exploded, shattered fragments flying all over. You reflexively shielded your face, but fortunately the pieces didn’t hit anyone. 

“Good job, Scarlet! Man, that was loud.”

“Look, it worked!!” 

Nemona stooped and eagerly stepped through the hole that had been created, pushing past shards of rainbow crystal. You followed after her, saying,

“Careful, Nemona, don’t get cut or anything!”

You emerged into a portion of cave that had a much lower ceiling than the rest of the Area Zero caves; it seemed about eight or nine feet high, similar to a room in a house. It was also darker here, lacking any natural sunlight at all, but there were still plenty of tera crystals embedded in the walls and growing around you, and they glowed with their own source of light. You blinked, glancing around as your eyes adjusted to the space.

“Whoa. So there really is a whole cave hidden back here. You were right, Nemona.”

Nemona turned to you, eyes sparking with excitement.

“This is so cool! What if we’re the first ones back here? Oh man, I bet we find at least a Roaring Moon for sure!”

“Well we know there’s something back here, at least, we heard it earlier.”

“That’s right! Let’s find out what it was. Hellcat, let’s go!”

The tiger pushed its way through the opening and into the new portion of cave, but when you called for Scarlet, you found he was a little too bulky to fit through the gap. You recalled him into his pokeball, deciding Hellcat was probably enough protection for the moment anyway. You reported,

“All set.”

Nemona nodded and turned, gesturing to her pokemon.

“Okay, Hellcat, take point! Let’s see where this goes.”

[nejishadow]

PART 2 of Kenjikoto / makokenji drabbles and general Kenji ramblings from the Kenji discord.

Wanna see me ramble about them in real time, bounce ideas, think way too hard about Kenji headcanons and generally just wanna talk about Kenji?? Join @bakafurai's Kenji Discord! Link in its' bio!!

Like my other post, you're free to be inspired by these ideas for this ship, flesh them out, fanart / fanfic whatever! I encourage it because I haven't written fic in years! Just tag me, link me, something, because people being inspired by my work is the biggest boost to my productivity ever. I also recently moved so I can't draw until I get a desk, so I can only ramble forever lol

Everything under the read more because there's a lot and they're long.

General Kenji Headcanons and Thoughts

@shadowfreak98 and I were discussing the idea of if Kenji would like sour candy. It was brought up Kenji's pretty picky, and doesn't like people who eat food they don't enjoy, so a good chance he wouldn't like sour candy - it's painful, not enjoyable!! This combined into: His sister probably likes sour candy, so it's always in his bag, even with him not liking it. Makoto gets a lot of them, since he seems the type to eat 4 warheads just to see the results.

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

Since Makoto dresses very casual in summer and his winter is more "formal" (??) and Kenji criticizes Makoto's fashion sense, I've assumed Kenji likes more punk-y alternative stuff. Odd that Atlus gives multiple Magicians canonical interest in fashion but then doesn't expand or give particular examples. Chokers are generally first associated with punk-y cultures, which a lotta street fashion dips into, and I can see Kenji's camo cargo starting to go in that direction.

I am horrible at putting together outfits, but mid 2000s street fashion Kenji and Makoto can and should exist.

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

General Kenjikoto Stuff

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

Makoto getting tired of hearing Kenji criticize his fashion but not giving great tips. Kenji going alright, come to my house after school. Has a ton of different clothes, he can think of some things that'll work! Kenji throwing half his wardrobe at Makoto, but realizing. Having Makoto try on these outfits means Makoto is wearing his clothes. He's not sure how this is making him feel... pivot! None of this fits, Makoto is taller, we're going shopping!!

Related idea from bakafurai that Kenji does give Makoto one larger hoodie from his closet because oh no. Makoto looks really cute in it. Just take it! Ordered it online or something but got the wrong size, could never throw it away. Lets Makoto keep it (little bit out of panic little bit out of honesty), but regrets it (not) as he now thinks about it whenever he looks in his closet.

Meanwhile Makoto at the dorm sunk into the couch with it, drinking something warm, just… comfy.

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

Kenjikoto kiss (maybe first kiss?)

Makoto, gently holding Kenj's face, can tell he's a bit nervous. So he starts with the forehead. Then the bridge of the nose. The cheek, and finally the corner of the mouth. Leans back a bit to give Kenji space, a chance to back out. But Kenji's the one to lean forward and actually meet their lips. It's a bit clumsy but it's honest and it's theirs.

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

Kenjikoto is in my heart of hearts autism4autism and this image sums up my thoughts perfectly. Not one I rambled about because I didn't have the energy but one I very much would love to see explored.

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

Kenji makes just the worst joke ever heard Makoto can't help but chuckle a bit, but can't stop it from turning into an actual laugh Kenji goes a bit wide eyed just - oh… I want to hear this all the time

"Don't ever tell that joke again, it's horrible." (Lying) "Ok, ok, I promise." (Lying)

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

Kenjikoto wedding

Makoto wearing a very plain suit - "What, isn't this what I'm expected to wear?" Pulls at the lapel

"… Makoto. It is YOUR wedding, not theirs. We're getting you something that'll make you light up the whole room."

A moment of silence … shrug "ok. If you say so." He's happy Kenji cares so much but - can't express it in an eloquent way

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

The Section All About AUs

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

Short ramble based around @bakafurai's Reversed Fates AU This is one that only bakafurai has permission to expand upon or use since it's directly based on his ideas

Kenji moping/stressing around the dorms for awhile, maybe he studied hard for some tests but still didn't get amazing scores, any reason

Makoto notices, but doesn't know what to do to fix it. Studies and researches, because he knows prolonged stress isn't healthy.

once he's gathered his info, he goes to see Kenji in the kitchen the next morning, and gently pulls him into a hug, as best as he can do

Kenji just huh?? Bwuh what?? Freezes up cause it's too early to think

"I read several articles that body contact relieves stress… is that incorrect?" Steps back a smidge, but keeps a hand on Kenji's arm. "Your heartrate went up instead. Apologies. I should have asked, I still haven't mastered mannerisms."

Kenji, now awake to realize how he reacted panicks a smidge, just "No, no Makoto it's not your fault! I… just wasn't expecting it. Once you get around our age people just… kinda stop giving out hugs like that."

A head tilt from Makoto, processing but a bit confused. "I didn't read anything about hugs losing effectiveness, why would they stop?"

Kenji contemplates for a second, and decides it's too early and I'm too hungry, I'll have that convo later. "It's complicated, ok? I'd need a lotta time to go over that. Never mind it! Let's just… try that again?" Opens his arms a little

Makoto nods and slips back into the hug, maybe holding a bit too hard, but Kenji thinks, actually this is kinda nice, relaxes somewhat

Bonus if Kotone comes down trying to rush, and doesn't care about this at all: she's irritated they're blocking the fridge and she needs her food dang it, do this somewhere else!!

It's all rough ideas what can you do.

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

Wrong Number AU

starts pre Makoto transferring in

he flirts with a girl and he thinks it's going well, gets her number (but oh no she gave him a fake number gasp)

texts it later at night because he doesn't want to seem too enthusiastic. But shortly gets a response telling him 'I didn't give out my number to anyone. Sounds like you got duped'.

Kenji, so disappointed, laments for a bit. Decides he's gonna text back the number to apologize for bothering them. But they don't mind, even offer to keep talking! Something like 'Nobody is ever texting me anyway, it's interesting to have a change of pace. Feel free to talk about whatever.'

is that… odd? That a stranger would want to talk to him? Well, Kenji doesn't feel that weird talking to strangers irl… this is kinda safer. They don't seem malicious

So Kenji starts texting off and on. Once or twice every couple days, about a new ramen promotion, about a horrible test. But quickly it's every day. To several times a day. He even starts sending photos of fun stuff he sees (never with identifying info, for safety!). Number even starts sending pictures back! They're never as hyped or excited as he is over things, but sends some beautiful landscapes and views of the sky.

Over time they reveal at least a smidge of info as they begin to trust each other - both highschool boys just trying to get through life. Number has an interest in photography but doesn't see a career in it, Kenji talks about his passion for fashion

People start noticing how much he's on his phone. Has it threatened to be taken away a couple times in class, his parents comment he looks happier when he's texting lately, they're glad he has friends he wants to keep in contact with

Rio's the first to actually learn the truth. They're hanging out and Kenji keeps taking out his phone, who is he texting so much he's picking it up every few minutes?? We're supposed to be hanging out!

He ends up telling her the whole recap, up to now. She thinks he's crazy. A complete stranger, they could be lying about everything! Do you really know them? She just wants Kenji to be safe. Maybe he should think of deleting it

And Kenji does think about it, honest… but… it hurts? To think of losing all that they built over the (I presume) months. Nobody else had cared so much, even with his sometimes clinical / flat text tone sometimes

promises her he'll consider it. Really

later, after mulling for so long, texts: "so. I realized I've referred to you as 'Number' in my head all this time. Do you have anything you want to be called? You don't have to tell me your real name! Something your friends call you?'

the gap between texts is much larger than usual. He worries. Paces a bit. Did he overstep? But text comes back

'I don't have any friends. Outside of you. Pick something for me?'

relief rushes in. It's ok. They're friends, he said so.

insert the him starting to fall a little bit. They reveal a bit more info at a time. Have super late night philosophical rambles

before anyone knows, a new school year has come around. Of course, Makoto transferring in disrupts their usual texting schedule, makoto doesn't check his phone during class. Kenji doesn't think to approach him, he has Number after all!

Unsure how long it would take to realize, cause you could either do

they do this for months more without finding out Or

they become irl friends, and dont know until they swap # s

Some fics, with the reveal of the number being the same, it kinda goes a betrayal vibe? But I think with these two it might be relief Especially if Kenji is starting to like "both" of them, and he's been a bit torn for awhile, about how to split his time and deal with his feelings. Makoto maybe even something like - I should have known. Maybe I did know but just… didn't want to risk it.

Thinking of the things they can say to start connecting the dots

one of the nights Kenji is hanging out at the dorm, Makoto's taking pics on the roof. "I have a friend who's kinda into photography. Maybe you can teach me stuff so I can understand him better!"

Kenji dragging Makoto shopping once he sees all his outfits are the same 4 colors with no accessorizing. "I don't know much about fashion… only know one person who does actually" "Well, now you know two!" Peace sign

Eating ramen and maybe Kenji makes a comment super similar to something he texted. Makoto notes it, but maybe dismisses it because it's a common enough comment about ramen

Maybe Kenji brings him a place he'd discussed with number as a fun place to go, and Makoto notes he'd never been there / to one. Kenji just thinks he attracts shut-ins

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

Insanely short idea(s) for Angel / Devil:

If Kenji's an angel / Makoto a demon:

Makoto's a demon who got lost, was so apathetic he just wandered and wandered

By the time Kenji finds him he has zero bad vibes and / or energy, or at least ones Kenji can sense, so takes him in

If Kenji's just a regular guy and Makoto a Creature:

Makoto was sent to him to Teach A Lesson (could be Angel or Demon), but would rather just chill. More just turns into an extended hangout

If Makoto's a regular guy / Kenji an angel:

Kenji's first Big Job is to try and teach this guy to form emotional bonds / overcome his trauma, but by the end he's way too attached

Makoto doesn't 100% believe this is happening so goes along with it

I can't think of Kenji being any sort of demon or devil, because if he was he'd be awful at it lol. I think at most he'd be some spirit

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

There's even more ideas I have but this post is already miles long! See you tomorrow for part 3!!

[borrowedtimeandspace]

Maritime Metanoia

Behemoth, Pirates, Shipwreck

From this list of g/t prompts

AU: N/A; oneshot

Note: I wasn't expecting to kick off G/t July with this, as it 's a bit of a departure from my usual stories. Things happened in the d&d campaign I'm playing in, though, and this was inspired. I'm playing fast and loose with the prompts this year, and this mash-up is a perfect example!

~~~

I've never been particularly religious before today. Reckon a brush with death will do that to ya.

One moment, The Fortune Saber was sailing calmly across the open sea. The winds carried her swiftly to the northwest, not even burdened by all the treasure our crew had loaded at the last port.

Then the winds changed, tearing through the air in all directions. I had to flatten myself to the deck and cling to a railing just to avoid being blown clean overboard!

Before I could even think of standing, the formerly clear blue skies darkened and opened up. Raindrops fell with such intensity that it felt like we were being pelted by tiny stones. Maybe we were, but I could hardly see through the buckets and buckets of water coming down on all of us on deck.

And if that weren't enough, the once peaceful sea began to roil. The Saber rocked this way and that as towering waves crashed against the hull, which groaned miserably under the strain.

It all came at once. We never stood a chance at avoiding it.

Under the pelting rain and rumbling thunder, behind the roaring wind and waves, I heard the indistinct panicked shouting of the crew all around. I could even swear I heard their muffled cries below deck. Out of all of them, though, one voice cut through the air more powerfully than I'd ever heard it before.

Captain Ishara Tidesong managed to keep her feet planted firmly at the helm, one hand clinging to the wheel in a desperate attempt to avoid having her beloved ship capsize. Her other hand clung to something small, something she usually kept tucked close to her chest. 

I had seen it once before, when I initially joined her crew as an upstart young pirate. She was happy to show me the amulet, carved from driftwood with the image of a seashell in the center of a circle of waves. At certain angles, you could just make out the impression of a skull within the seashell.

Now that she held it aloft, shouting a plea for protection over the cacophony of the storm, even through the sheets of rain I could see it glowing. A bright green-blue light radiated from Captain Tidesong's clenched fist, shining stronger and stronger by the second.

It had never done that before. Not that I'd seen. I was so caught up in staring that I wasn't prepared for the next heave of the ship. 

My grip slipped just as the deck lurched so high that it was practically vertical.

The deck left my feet, and a harsh wall crashed over my head and consumed me.

Quiet. 

Pressure. 

Cold.

I breathed in, but there was no air. My sinuses filled instead with burning water, sending a jolt of awareness through my entire body. I reflexively exhaled to try and expel the water, only to realize that left me with precious little air in my lungs.

My hands clamped down over my mouth and nose, and my eyes shot open. They instantly stung in the seawater, but I needed to know how far I'd sunk, if I had any hope of making it back to the ship.

Barely any light could cut through the water's surface. Shadows shifted as far as I could see, indiscernible and ominous. All sense of direction was lost. I could still feel the ocean churning all around, disorienting me even further.

Then something touched me.

My limbs flailed, trying to propel me away from whatever it was, but it persisted. Something wide and flat pressed against me and carried me in whatever direction it chose, moving much too fast for me to evade it.

By the time it came to a stop, its surface began to glow. Not all over, just in spots seemingly around the edges of what little I could see. The faint bluish-green light gave enough contrast to the shadows to put my position in a dreadful perspective.

Jutting out from all around the surface that had moved me were five…not tentacles, they were too rigidly jointed. Not to mention they were the size of full grown men, if not larger, and ended in long, glowing spikes. 

My already freezing body shuddered with the thought that they looked rather like claws. They curled over my head, the thin membranous webbing between them cutting off any escape from their grasp.

Worse still was the realization that the little spots along the smooth surface weren't bright enough to provide the amount of light cast over me. Against every instinct, I turned to look behind me.

Even more lights glowing much more brightly outlined a monstrously large, strangely humanoid face. Dotted lines indicating cheekbones, jawline, forehead, all leading back to barrel-sized eyes that shone brighter than them all. Though there was no indication of pupil or iris with the light encompassing the entirety of the eyes, I could swear they were trained directly on me.

Or I would if I weren't distracted by the mouth, hovering above but closer to my level. There were no lips, only rows of teeth that stretched farther back toward the jaw than any humanoid creature I'd ever seen. Teeth that I'd liken to needles if they weren't the length of my arm at the shortest!

Sailors like to spin yarns of sea monsters. I've lived among them long enough to hear all sorts. Tales of kraken and leviathan were always quite fun to listen to, but clearly overblown and exaggerated to inflate the teller's ego even more than the ale usually had already.

Stories of something like this were fewer and far between, and anyone I'd heard tell them were not boisterous about it. They spoke of it almost in hushed tones, as though sharing their terrible secret would manifest it. These were tales of a gargantuan monster, large enough to tear apart entire ships with its bare hands as though they were nothing. Terrifying as that sounded, I'd always brushed them off as less than creative; kraken were told to be able to do all that and more, lack of hands notwithstanding. The only thing that seemed to make this ‘creature’ special was its appearance of a humanoid top half and an immense fish-like tail.

I used to chuckle to myself, the few times I heard supposed survivors of this sea-beast's wrath call it the Mer-Death.

Face to face with such a being, it was significantly less funny.

Its massive face angled upward, turning that radiant gaze away from me at last. I almost felt relieved, but it wasn't done with me yet. Once again I found myself flattened to its palm when it moved and carried me along. 

Then its claws unfurled just as it all came to a stop, allowing me to float away from its grasp from the momentum alone.

In the light of its gaze, I could make out familiar shadows in the water all around me. Human-like shapes of what could only be my crewmates, nearly a dozen of them! 

Before I could wonder if any of them were alive, the light grew bright again. I flinched back as best as I could in the water, finding the creature had very abruptly drawn close. A cloud of ink-black hair flowed behind it seemingly without end.

Those razor-sharp teeth parted slowly. This is it, I thought, we're as good as eaten!

It didn't advance. Instead, it almost seemed to sigh, and a fine cloud of bubbles rushed out from between all those teeth.

One bubble, the size of my fist, crashed into my face and forced my aching lungs to suck in a shocked gasp.

My lungs didn't fill with water. Or…they did, but I was…okay? I breathed out, then in and out again, thoroughly distracted from the fear that had gripped me moments ago. 

It quickly flooded back when I felt the water all around push me back, displaced from the creature's incredible movements.

The Mer-Death swam up and away from me and my crewmates and raised one clawed, webbed hand over its head toward the hulking shadow that could only be the Fortune Saber struggling to stay afloat. The other hand crossed in front of the boat-sized torso, and then swept back toward us, almost absentmindedly waving us off.

Without it even touching us, we were sent careening through the water as though caught in a powerful current. Being able to breathe didn't make the experience any less harrowing. All the force and pressure got to my head, and in that brief moment of delirium I wondered if this was how it felt to be a cannonball.

Then everything went black.

“ ‘Ey… Wake up, ya scallywag.”

Something shoved into my ribs, triggering a reflexive gasp. All the rushing air did not agree with the dry saltiness of my mouth and throat. The coughing fit I was sent into forced me to sit up.

The ground was loose and hot. The world was bright, though my eyes were too bleary to make out anything in detail. The lower half of my body was still freezing, and I understood why when a gentle wave rolled in over my legs.

A shadow fell over me, and a hand roughly grabbed my face to hold me still as the coughs began to subside.

“Drink up, easy does it.”

The spout of a waterskin touched my cracked lips, and my shaking hands lifted to tilt it back. Cool, clean water soothed my parched throat. A few good swigs of that, and I already felt loads better.

I blinked up at the figure standing over me, finding a striking woman with bluish undertones to her skin. Long, pointed ears stuck out from the dark seaweed-green curls cascading over her shoulders. 

“Captain…” I sighed with relief. 

It was hardly a surprise that she was in better shape than me and the rest of the crew scattered along the shore around us. Even after…whatever that ordeal was. She was an elf born and raised under the sea, long since accustomed to the harsh conditions of the depths of the ocean. Those of us from the land were lucky to be alive at all.

Meeting the Captain's teal gaze, I managed to croak out, “What…happened?”

Captain Tidesong smiled at me, a genuinely soft smile that was a rare sight to behold. Even after all these years among her crew, it was easy to forget that even the most fearsome of pirates had this side to them.

“We were protected.”

I frowned and felt my eyes glaze over as I thought back on the ordeal. The storm. It was all a little fuzzy, almost dream-like, but I distinctly remembered a lack of feeling protected. Then again, I was alive, as were the rest of the crew that washed up…

A sharp elbow to the head snapped me out of those thoughts. I uttered a choked sound and shot the Captain a startled, questioning glare, only to find she wasn't looking at me.

Following her gaze out to sea showed me a line of familiar rowboats lining the shore, enough to carry everyone washed ashore. The Fortune Saber stood tall on the horizon, and even at a distance I could tell she was battered, but miraculously in one piece.

I blinked hard and rubbed salty sand away from my eyes, because I could swear the Saber was hovering ever so slightly above the water. That wasn't possible. Must have been some trick of the light, or I was still delirious from the ordeal.

“Never before has the name of that ol’ ship of mine felt so appropriate,” mused Captain Tidesong, drawing my attention back to her. “Calling for her was an act of desperation. We were lucky she was near enough to take heed.”

Her words gave me a lot to think about as she dragged me to my feet to help her revive the others. Captain Tidesong was always very open about her religion to anyone who asked. The whole thing wasn't my cup of tea, but I didn't mind hearing her talk about it. She wasn't one to proselytize, but it was linked so strongly to her clan's culture that the topic couldn't be avoided forever. As a sailor, I could certainly understand the logic behind devoting oneself to a protective sea god. 

I thought back to stories of the Mer-Death, to that monster I saw below the waves, and a few more stories resurfaced in my memory. Sailors that claimed to only be alive thanks to such a creature. In times of otherwise deadly circumstances that would have destroyed any mortal being, they were granted a second chance by this benevolent spirit of the ocean. Those new worshippers, along with people of the sea like my Captain, reclaimed the title her victims gave her. They softened the name, and over time that was what stuck amongst the few in the world who were even aware of her existence. 

There was much work to be done, so I resolved to speak later with the Captain in more depth about following an entity like Maradyth.

[iidigestive-readerii]

The Good Jedi Part Eight

***

It seemed that ever since he hit his thirties, he always woke up in the early morning to use the restroom. It annoyed him to no end, but -

Obi-Wan frowned when he realized the spot beside him was cold, still untouched. It had to be at least two or three in the morning, and she hadn't come to bed. With a sigh he quickly ran to the 'fresher before beginning his search.

He passed Ahsoka walking to bed, and stopped her for a moment. "Have both of you been up since I went to bed?"

Ahsoka nodded, covering her mouth to yawn. "Sorry… I tried. She insisted I didn't wake you. Said you haven't been sleeping."

"It's okay…" he frowned, listening to the voices coming from the living room. "Is that Bail…and Mace?"

"Mmm hmm - I'm going to bed Master. She can fill you in."

Obi-Wan nodded, patting her shoulder as she went into the guest bedroom. He frowned, standing there, listening to the voices taper off and then quiet and stop.

He found her curled in the corner of the living room couch, the bright light of datapads on her gaunt face. There were empty cafs mugs around her, flimsi everywhere, two comlinks whirring into shutdown, a holo playing on the television - no, the news. From Mandalore.

Sighing, he walked to the edge of the couch and sunk into the arm. She merely glanced at him before continuing to type.

"Satine?... Sweetheart, it's late, come to bed."

"...there's too much to do."

"You're not good to anyone sleep deprived."

"Thanks. I'll internalize that too."

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, annoyed at himself, the situation - the multiple situations. His gaze flicked to the screen, where videos of a firefight were taking place. He grimaced when a scream echoed, watching as a building was blown up in the distance.

"Death Watch is trying to take Kalevala."

"How's that going for them?" Obi-Wan waved a hand at the screen, turning the screen off and turning to his partner.

"They've created a blockade in space but haven't taken the planet yet… what you saw was Death Watch bombing the governor's mansion and the seat of Congress on Concordia." Satine closed her eyes, putting her head back on the cushion. He moved closer, pulling the datapad from her hands and putting it on the caf table, and then carefully stacked the rest of them and the flimsi with it.

"They didn't give a crap about the farmers Obi… twenty years of repairing and maturing the fields… gone. Five towns blown off the map… no warning. We don't even know the death toll… there was a children's hospital!"

Obi-Wan pulled her into his arms, listening to her sob. The galactic war had made him almost numb to these types of atrocities, but this… made all the wounds open again. He hadn't slept well the past few years… unless he was with Satine, but now things had switched and he didn't know what to do. Like old times again, but the only difference was there was an intergalactic war… and they had a child… one that was the pawn in the civil war bubbling.

Rubbing her back, he whispered, "I can call in some favors… we can leave for Kalevala in the morning if you want."

"What do you think I've been doing?" Satine pulled away, smirking a little as she wiped her eyes. "Bail's letting me take his personal ships he has docked on Coruscant. Those that are safe for space travel. My cousin at the Mandalorian embassy sent out an alert - on the Holo, mags, everywhere. For the Galaxy. Through my own office too. Hopefully the Nite Owls and what's left of Congress do the same… No promise of money, or glory… fame. Just… hopefully a fleet of mismatched ships flying towards Kalelava with a hope that Bo and my people can break the blockade long enough for us to land."

"You did all that while I was sleeping?"

Satine shrugged, reaching out to take a datapad and frowning when he closed his fingers around her wrist. "Obi - "

"...any contact from the Nite Owls? …Korkie?"

"No… not yet. But… maybe as we get closer to Mandalorian space…"

Obi-Wan nodded, pressing a kiss to her brow. "When are we leaving?"

…

what about Anakin?

***

Tumblr link to Part Seven HERE

AO3 link Part Seven HERE

KoFi link HERE

[bonnie-is-bumbling]

Oh. Look. It's once again been a hot minute since I've written anything!... Okay, that's a lie.

I write, then I let it sit... Usually decide it's too bleedin' cringey, and I delete the Tumblr post. But not today!

Today, I'm just going off about my special interests. Today, the brain is on ships, and the sheer sizes of them. As some ass-coverage: All images are snagged from Google. They are not accuracy checked. They belong to their respective owners, not me. Do not take my words as fact, my research has been shallow, casual, and for fun.

My housemate and I got a bit curious, as we're both big Titanic enthusiasts and plane enthusiasts- How big IS the Boeing 777x compared to the Titanic?

It was just one of those questions that popped up out of nowhere. Being an impoverished person my whole life, I've pretty much only traveled a few states outside of my landlocked rocky mountain home. The closest I've been to the ocean is Galveston, Texas. Save for a maybe 2 hour beach visit when I visited a former partner in Florida. That said, I've never seen a full size ship.

Boats? Ferries? Sure! My grandfather used to go fishing on Lake Conroe in Texas on the prettiest bass boat I know. (I may be a bit biased, hah.) But while I've never seen a full size ship in person, I've flown about... four times? So I've seen a plane up close. I think the first one I flew on was an A320, but for the love o' gigantic buffets, don't quote me on that. (Oh. Did I mention I'm waiting on dinner while writing this? A buffet sounds delightful. It has ZERO to do with this post. But maybe it'll remind someone who hasn't eaten to eat?... GO EAT.)

.... So, planes are pretty big. That much, I can tell you. But I was plenty surprised to see they're not even half of the Olympic class. Insert my first snagged photo from a shallow Google search!

On my housemate and I's curiosity search, we settled on this one. There's dome size differences between a 777x and an A380, but it was one of those instances of "Close enough."

Now, to preface this question, yes, I understand buoyancy, aero/hydrodynamic shapes. I'm no engineer, and I'm REALLY not about to go into the deep science and numbers here. Not today. I have looked up how ships float, how planes fly... All while being super heavy, bulky. And loaded with people/cargo. But despite knowing this stuff, it still feckin' BAFFLES me how a big tub of steel floats. Or something weighing multiple fucktons can fly like it weighs nothing.

Even with a general understanding of the design and engineering, the science, even... It still just makes me stop and think about that. Humans are impressive.

Oh. And if you think the Olympic class looks huge compared to an A380, the Olympic trio are only about 1/3 the size of the Costa Concordia (Brief rundown: Cruise ship that hit rocks and sunk partially in 2012. I know there's some drama surrounding this creator right now, but if you're of the easily distracted mind and need some humor to keep things interesting like myself, Internet Historian on YouTube has a decent documentary on her that was quite entertaining. )

No, seriously, I just snagged this off Google, it's not mine. Don't come at me. I just find it fascinating. We build these huge, heavy things and yet they float or fly like it's nothing. Just... What are the chances? That's so cool!

Have a lil 747 happily wagging it's tail as my thanks for bearing with my bumbling ♡

[zachsgamejournal]

PLAYING: Sea of Thieves

Wow, this game has changed since I last played. There's a lot going on and I'm feeling motivated to try to find some folks to sail with.

I loved Sea of Thieves from the moment I saw it. I thought the idea was genius and the art style was perfect. Originally there wasn't much to do. There were three mission type givers in every outpost. You either hunted for specific named skeletons, found treasure chests using maps and riddles, or located animals and delivered them to merchants. I remember people complaining about this simple, and repeated mission formula but I insisted this is what EVERY game has you do. Maybe they add in cut scenes or invent mythology for the different fetch items you pick up, but in general--you're always just exploring a space and fighting to get the target item returned to the mission giver.

The genius in the mission structure is that it provides an infinite gameplay loop that doesn't need curating by writers and developers. Go to X-island and find Y-treasure. But you can find treasure floating in the ocean, in random shipwrecks, or just sitting around. The same for skulls and trade supplies. And when these are turned into to the appropriate mission givers, you still gain reputation with those factions. so in a sense, you don't even need missions--as long as you're finding key items and returning them to the right faction, you build credit with those factions. This means you can also steal them from other players. Which is why a story mode and tons of AI enemies wasn't necessary. The real threat, and the real experience is facing enemy player-pirates.

The problem is, the game gets loooong. By the time I stopped playing I woke up one morning and wanted to do a quick treasure quest before I started my day. The quest giver sent me to near the other side of the map for treasure. After 20-40 minutes of sailing and digging up treasure chests while avoiding skeletons, I was on my way back to the outpost when I was attacked by enemy players. My ship was sunk and my treasure stolen. nearly an hour of play time for nothing...

While I respect the PVP aspect of the game, it's also what I hate most. Really, it's the only thing I don't like but I respect that it was in there. (I've met nice players too.) The game is such a relaxing experience, that fighting on players can feel disruptive.

What I love is how simple the gameplay is, yet it's very complex and challenging. What I mean is, you interact with the world simply--but the combination of simple interactions creates a complex experience. Take sailing. To sail you have to lower the sails. The lower the sails, the faster you go. But you also have to adjust their angle to best catch the wind--which can change direction. As you need to avoid obstacles or pursuers, but conscious of how the wind blows affects your moment to moment decisions. Trying to cut around a rock might mean you sail into the wind and lose your momentum, making you easy prey. But while you're managing the sails, you also have to steer the boat, which can easily be thrown off course by waves and the ever roaming hurricane. And the only world map to see where you are in relation to your goals is below deck. So really, sailing a boat is a rather complicated thing that benefits having several players working together.

So tonight, I grabbed a treasure mission. It was for two islands to the west. There were two riddles too, but I didn't bother. I saw the hurricane was a little northwest, but I hoped it wouldn't be an issue. As I began to sail west, the hurricane moved towards me. I began to lose control of my ship and I had to adjust my course. I finally discovered it was definitely heading south--meaning it would be out of my way soon, but after 10 minutes of sailing and I only managed to circle back to the staring island. This is why the game takes forever.

With the hurricane no longer a threat I moved on. Because I was streaming on Xbox GamePass and it's not as good as stadia, I lagged and fell off my ship. By the time I got back on, my ship had crash landed at an abandoned fortress. I used this as a chance to collect supplies, including 4 TNT barrels. Onward I went.

The first island was big, but luckily my one and only target was right on the beach. I saw a Named character walking around. I couldn't tell if it was a villain, as it was night time and the stream was bad. I shot at him and nothing happened, so I thought maybe it was a new story character. Stepping ashore, ghosts appeared and attacked me. GHOSTS?! When did this game get ghosts. Luckily bullets still work. While fighting, the named character suddenly jumped into the fray. Oh good, he's a friendly and helping me fight the ghosts. He then turns and shoots me. He's a skeleton. Oh no, he's a bad guy and now were' in a three way scuffle. When it was just me, a ghost, and named-skeleton dude--I used the new grenades they've added. That was hepful at finishign the enemies off. I was able to collect the treasure plus the enemy's skull!!

On the way to the next island, I saw some weird lights coming up from the water. I thought this indicated a shipwreck and sure enough, there was one. It was pretty deep though, so I nearly drowned every time I went down for treasure. While I poking around, creepy, ethereal music started play. I started to drown and my health dropped quickly, too quickly. Back on my boat I realized there was a mermaid in the water and it was shooting something at me. Wow, there's more than sharks down there now!

Moving on, I got to the next island. It had four treasures. I had to dispatch some skeletons while getting the first 3, but no problem. That's when another named skeleton and several ghosts appeared. I used up all my bullets and grenades, but enemies remained and I heard thunder as I realized the hurricane was starting to approach my position. I went for the treasure chest but it turned out to be a cursed chest that made you drunk when you held it (screwing with teh controls). The stream was really glitching and lagging. There was no way I was going to drunkingly rescues this treasure chest. I decided to abandon it and turn in my bountiful collection.

As I approached a nearby outpost I saw that a player was docked. Quite possibly more than one. I decided not to risk it and adjust my course before, hopefully, they saw me. Once again, the poor streaming quality of xcloud caused me to fall over board and I got back on my ship just as it ran itself ashore. I then worked to repair the four holes but it was filling too fast. It very nearly went under with all my treasure but I was able to get out enough water to buy me just enough time to repair the remaining holes.

The outpost was not far away and I didn't see any players about. I then saw something shiny in the water. Wjhy not grab one more teasure, I thought. I pulled my anchor and raised my sails. The treasure was floating with some barrels. It probably wasn't worth much, but why not. Just I stood at the edge of my ship, ready to jupm into the water the giant Megalodon rose out of the water, just where I was about to jump. It scared the shit out of me.

I hurriedly raise anchor, dropped sails, and pointed my way towards the outpost. I've been chased by the monster before (I even helped defeat him once), so I knew I could outrun him. But I had a slow start. He bumped me, cause some damage. But once I neared the outpost he backed off.

I then pulled off a perfect dock at the outpost. Seriously, I had the boat in th enear exact position you might find it parked and waiting for you when you start the game. I spent some tiem delivring all the goods, leveling up in a few areas. And then I signed off.

It was a good day.

But the streaming sucked. It was super pixelated, especially at night. This is really disappointing cause I had an amazing experience with Google Stadia, so why can't MS keep up? By the time I was ready to stp the pixelation had cleared up and it looked really good. Maybe they want to make sure you're going to play a game a few hours before making it look good?

I love Sea of Thieves. I might try playing it more often now that I can stream it.

[simp999]

Do I know you? <3

2012 TMNT x Rise! Reader (old-ish, I've gotten much better at writing. Editing simply isn't enough for this one.)

Pt. 2

Ship: 2012 Donatello x reader + platonic Leo, Raph, Mikey :))

Word count: 3.4k (save me)

A/N: We really need more platonic tmnt content, it's so cute! <3 And happy mutation day to the turtles!

Masterlist

“Donnie? And the rest of the guys?”

It was somewhat dark out, the early winter months rolling around swiftly. The mutant turtles looked at the short figure, surprised that they knew who at least one of them was. Donatello muttered to himself, wondering who this new person was lurking in the same back alleyway as his brothers and him.



He flinched, almost instantly feeling a pair of small hands cup his face. He was about to attempt to sweep your feet from under you with his bo staff, but he hadn’t sensed any danger from you whatsoever.

“You guys all look different.” You seemed even more confused at this point, this was most definitely not your Donnie. Your Don was at least a few inches shorter than this one and would have most likely sent a sarcastic comment your way by now. You glanced to your left to see a much smaller Raphael sending an irritated glare your way. That’s odd, your Raph would have probably asked if you needed any help.

Then, it clicked.

“HE SENT ME TO ANOTHER UNIVERSE?!”

You now appeared to be absolutely insane, and that’s coming from a bunch of mutant turtles. You mutter to yourself about “kicking Donnie's ass” and “this wasn’t the plan!”. Raphael and Leo take a fighting stance, but before they try anything, the new Donnie tries to calm you down and understand what’s going on. You’re still panicking but you try your best to explain how you’re from a different universe and that you got transported here. “-Then Leo from my universe accidentally pushed me into Don’s newest invention- this wasn’t supposed to happen! I was just trying to help out-” You cut yourself off, remembering something. You quickly pull up your left sleeve to see the wristwatch ‘your’ Donatello made for you. You swiftly begin to type on it, trying anything you can to send any messages back to him, your location, anything at all, but nothing works.

The purple masked turtle noticed how advanced your watch is, seeing how a hologram, as well as some sort of keyboard, popped up. He’s never seen anything quite like it.

“Hey, um, do you happen to know what year you're from? We don’t have access to that kind of technology - yet that is.”

Raph and Leo put away their weapons after noticing how calm Donatello was with you, still keeping their guard up. “Oh, yes! The year I was in was 2018. My Donnie made me this trinket for my birthday. It’s pretty useful-” you attempt to send another message, failing once again, “-when it works, of course.”

“So what now? Do we let them hang out with us? I think they seem pretty cool!” Michelangelo butts in, tired of having to act like such an innocent-looking person is a threat.

“Mikey, you idiot, we don’t even know them! How could we possibly-”

“I think we should let them stay with us for the time being, if they have no one else to stay with.” Donatello turns his head to you, “It seems you were quite close with your version of us, right?”

“Yeah! I hung out with them at the lair all the time. Spent most of my time challenging them to super-smash bros or assisting Don in whatever project he was working on.” You were almost excited to give your answer, very much enjoying the time you used to spent with the boys. Then the fear sunk in once again. “He’s probably trying to bring me back, right? I won’t be stuck here forever?” You too a deep breath in. “I already miss them, even if they were loud.”

The turtles from this universe noticed how worried you appeared, being away from your closest friends, and all ultimately deciding to bring you to see master Splinter. On the way, Mikey wouldn’t stop nagging you with all sorts of questions; name, hobbies, favorite food, if you like pizza, anything he could come up with. You answered every one of them enthusiastically, throwing a fond memory in the mix every once in a while.

“So, dude, you said earlier that we look different than your guys, right? What do they look like?”

“Well, Raph and Donnie are taller- oh!” Mikey tilted his head your way at your exclamation, watching you pat yourself down.

“Still got it! I’ve got some pictures of them on my phone!” You didn’t have any connection, but you still had the pictures saved in your gallery. You pulled up one with everyone there. It was a little blurry, but you could still easily make out yourself in the bottom left corner of the photo. Raph was trailing behind Mikey, who was on his flying skateboard in the background. A little closer was Donnie tinkering with some scrap parts with a smirk on his face, and finally, Leo sitting on the back of the couch casually cheering Mikey on.

You began to swipe through pictures of you and the boys individually. Raph training with you - Mikey must have snatched that picture, you thought. A selfie of yourself and Leo, who was covering his face, in front of the scoreboard after challenging him at Mario Kart and winning. Mikey who fell asleep on you, pencil in hand and sketchbook in his lap after one of your regular drawing sessions. Finally, a blurry selfie of you surprise-hugging Donatello from behind, in his lab. You could clearly see his surprised expression along with a smile, a big toothy grin covering your face.

You gave a short backstory on all of them while showing them, proving that you really were close friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eventually, you met up with Splinter, politely asking questions and answering some. You were much calmer and more respectful than the turtles were expecting, given how excitable and easy-going you seemed. Finally, you left his meditation room, telling the turtles what you assumed would be your plan. “I figure that my Donnie’s probably trying his best to open another portal, but we have no way of communication. It’s basically just a waiting game now. Master Splinter says it’s okay if I chill with you guys, is that alright with you?” Mikey was the first to agree, as long as you got to hang out and draw with him just like the other version of him did. Donnie agreed as well, feeling some sort of connection, almost as if he knew you in a way. He loved the idea of having another nerdy person to help him with his inventions, and especially to spend time with. Leo went along with it, deciding you weren’t a threat. He also felt that you might bring some joy, changing up their routine a bit. Same old same old isn’t always the best. Raph was the last, begrudgingly agreeing, but only because you didn’t seem like “too much of a bother.” He earned himself a whack on the back of his head for that.

Donnie decided to pull you away from the others, saying that you probably have some experience with cool tech and could help him out with some of his inventions. You walked over to Donatello’s lab, still admired by the inventions he had even if they weren’t built with all the new tech you had. No matter what Donnie makes, it’s always pretty cool. That definitely doesn’t change throughout universes. He sat down in his rolling chair while you found a comfortable stool to sit on, bringing it close to his work so you could watch. Every so often you would point out something he could do better, and he’d be amazed by your knowledge. You enjoyed the time you spent with him, swaying your feet on the stool while he hunched over his desk, tightening one of the screws with a screwdriver.

“And done!” He exclaimed, bringing his head up to look at you, not realizing how close your face was from watching him work. You barely got to see Donnie’s face heat up before he turned his head away from you, muttering a small “sorry”. You let out a short giggle, before complimenting his work.

“All right, let’s test this thing out! It better work, let’s hope it doesn’t just look cool for nothing.” You spoke up, not wanting him to feel awkward around you.

After testing it out, Leonardo came in to tell you two that supper was ready. The other two brothers were already on the couch, pizza in hand, watching some show on tv. You joined them on the couch after grabbing your own piece. Raph quietly scooted a little farther away while you dramatically put a hand on your chest, as if insulted by the act alone. Mikey snickered at your small interaction.

“So, you guys have any games?”

Mikey gulped down his last bite of pizza and proceeded to list off a bunch of Wii games they had. You liked the idea of challenging them to Mario kart, so you did just that. Raph refused to admit that he wanted to hang out with the newbie but stuck around close enough to watch you all battle it out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few hours of gaming later, Raph eventually joined, and all of the boys were much more comfortable with you around. Mikey was laying in your lap, Donatello was sitting right next to you, your knees or elbows bumping every so often from the game, and Leo was sitting right in front of you. You were slowly getting tired, so you gave up your remote for the night, opting to watch the brothers duke it out instead. Eventually, soft snores could be heard from Donnie’s shoulder and slightly louder ones from your lap. Leo took notice of this and finally stood up and spoke quietly:

“That’s it for tonight, we can have more fun tomorrow. We should all get some sleep.” He then walked away and Raphael soon followed. ..Leaving Donnie stuck with you sleeping on him, him not wanting to wake you up, of course. He contemplated trying to move you gently, but he didn’t have the heart to move you when you looked so adorably comfortable. He ended up making do with the blankets and pillows he had within reach, following you into dreamland.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, you awoke with Mikey wrapped up comfortably in your arms, while a cozy pillow was supporting your head. You gently rolled Mikey off of you, trudging towards the smell of pancakes. Plates were being dished out by Donnie. Leo was passing by you, mumbling a short “good morning,” most likely on his way to go get Mikey. Raph was already sitting at the table, letting out a big yawn.

“Mornin’ guys!” Donnie looked up to see you in the doorway, while Raph once again pretended that you didn’t exist.

“Oh! Good morning, y/n,” he places the last plate down on the table, “Is there anything you’d like to drink?” You tell him that a small glass of milk sounds nice, and complements how good the food smells. He thanks you and Mikey and Leo walk into the kitchen together, Mikey looking much more groggy than his brother, rubbing the sleep out of one of his eyes.

Breakfast goes by quickly. You notice that you’re the second one done, Raph being the first. Speaking of him, where is he? You go check the training room, hearing small grunts as you get closer. Eventually, you’re in the doorway, watching Raph send kicks and punches toward a poor punching bag. Once he finally stops for a water break is when he notices you.

“Holy hell dude, when did you get here?” You shrugged and decided to irk him, hoping to get a friendly fight out of him. You walk towards him slowly, ready to dig your own grave.

“I thought you were a ninja, aren’t you supposed to know when people sneak up on you?” He catches a stupid smirk on your face, deciding that he’s had enough with the new person. Raph pretends to send a smile your way, (which he was very bad at), before attacking you with roundhouse kick to the head. Not a hard one of course, just enough to make it so you’d stay clear from his path. Or so he thought.

You quickly block his kick with a middle block, twisting your hand around his leg and grabbing it, holding it in place so you can send a kick back at him with momentum. Before you can land a hit, he breaks his leg free and manages to block just in time. He gives you no time before attempting to attack again, the back-and-forth banter becoming enjoyable. He’s only ever had the same few opponents to practice with, so this felt nice. Instead of using anger to fuel his powerful moves, he was enjoying it. Eventually, you grabbed his hand and bent his finger in a way it wasn’t supposed to, his body not allowing him to go the way he wanted anymore. You followed through and sent him to the ground, hand behind his back, face planted on the ground, you sitting on his shell claiming victory. You stand up, after making sure he knew he lost of course, and offered him a hand. You were definitely expecting another attack, maybe he’d drag you to the ground with him? But instead, you were met with a handshake along with a praise of your skill. Overall, it’s safe to say he doesn’t ignore your presence anymore. He finally sees you as someone near his level, or at least, someone who is worth his time.

Once the sparring session is over, as Raphael walks out, Leonardo walks in. You were beginning some stretches, knowing it’ll save you from being too sore later. Leo comes next to you and asks if he can join in. he begins to lead some cooldowns, you following along for some, and doing your own thing for others.

“I’m surprised you got Raph to like you so quickly, is he and yours alike?” “Honestly, no, not at all. My Raph is very much a big teddy bear. Sure, he enjoys sparring, but he’s always too afraid to hurt me. What a big softie. I usually end up sparring with my Leo instead if it comes to it.” You glance at him, then focus back on your stretching, “You’re much calmer than my Leo. I won’t say he’s energetic, but most definitely more egotistical. You’re almost a nice break from all his chat about being the best, really.”

“Me? Egotistical? I don’t see it.” You quirk a brow up at him, not believing it. He may be from a different universe, but it’s still Leonardo.

“Okay, maybe a little. But it’s much better than not being confident in your moves. Holding back is the worst thing you can do in a fight..” You nod at him, glad he has more common sense than your Leonardo back home. You stand back up from stretching your legs, leaving the dojo right after kindly bidding your goodbye.

You decide to head to Mikey’s room, looking for him, since you haven’t spent much time with him yet. As soon as you open the door, you’re tackled in a hug and spun around.

“You’re here to hang out with me! Finally! Alright, do you wanna draw or play on the Wii?” You figure your heart had raced hard enough today, so you opted to draw. (Mario Kart is difficult against the guys, okay?) It may not be what you expected from Mikey, maybe something more along the lines of playing pranks on his brothers or sneaking out for pizza, but he was just glad to spend some quality time with a cool new person. He quickly gathered some pencils and sketchbooks while you plopped down on his bed. After picking everything up, he lays down on your lap once again, finding a comfortable position for the both of you. Even if you’re doing a quiet activity like drawing, it won’t be quiet for long with Mikey around. A few minutes after drawing he starts shooting questions your way, just about the same scenario as yesterday happening once again. You were glad to answer all of his questions. He was happy to listen to your stories, giddy that he was learning more about you. After a while of chatting and drawing, you finished and wanted to give your neck a break from looking downwards at your paper. You put your pencil down and rested your head on the pillow behind you, absentmindedly toying with the strands of Mikey’s mask; something you did fairly often with your Mikey.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It’s been nearly two weeks since you first met the turtles and you had gotten to spend a lot of time with them. They helped a ton when you felt lonely or lost without your version of them. Of course, you still missed Raph’s bear hugs, Don’s snarky remarks, Leo’s ego and Mikey’s energy. But the turtles you were with now were still fun to hang out with. Currently, you and the rest of the boys were out on patrol. They had no destination or mission set, it was mostly just to get out of the hideout. Mikey was ahead of the group, balancing on the railing of the building you guys were walking on the roof of. All of a sudden, you hear a familiar voice that immediately brings a wide smile scross your features.

“Y/N?! Are you here?”

You jumped down from the building, hearing the voice coming from the alley below. The turtles were too slow to catch you, but luckily, the owner of the voice was there.

“DONNIE!”

You jumped straight into his arms, making him grunt from the impact, then spinning you around.

“Oh, how I missed my small lab assistant! Now I don’t have to deal with Leo’s antics anymore! He gets so much more annoying when you’re not around,” he carefully put you down and places a hand on his hip, ”Seriously, I had to make my lab portal-proof, just so that he wouldn’t barge-”The next thing Donatello knew, you were you of his reach and holding both of your Mikey’s hands.

“I missed you so much! We need to hang out again! It was so loney without you~” He gave you his best puppy-dog eyes, hoping you’d spend your time with him first. You hugged him tight, promising to hang out and not leave his side. But of course, a mystic portal had opened up underneath you, leading you to fall into your Leo’s arms. “Falling for me?-” he felt a metal staff hit the back of his head, along with an “Absolutely not, ‘Nardo.” from behind him. While he was distracted, your Raph had gently picked you up and put you on his shoulders with a smile on his face, mimicking yours. He was just glad to have you back. Before Your Leo and Donnie could continue bickering, you wanted to introduce your boys to the turtles that you got to hang out with for the past weeks.

With sparkles in your eyes, you introduced them to the other versions of them. Recalling your favorite memories while hanging out, you couldn’t help but keep a smile plastered on your face. Until you remembered something.

“Hey, Don?” The taller boy was about to reply, but was cut off by a ‘hmm?’ From your Donnie.

He felt a slight pain in his chest. This whole time whenever you’d say ‘My boys’ or ‘my Donnie’ he felt.. important to you. Even if you weren’t talking about him. But now he realised that he wasn’t special to you anymore. You guys weren’t really friends, he was just there to try to replicate your Donnie. To make you feel less lonely. Why did he think you really did enjoy his company? Of course you didn’t. He could never dream of you and him-

“Can I come back and see them again? I don’t wanna leave them. I know it would mess up the timeline if I stayed for too long, but- I love hanging out with them. Will the portal allow inter-dimentional travelling more than once?...” Your new friend’s eyes grew wide, brimming with tears. He saw your mouth move, but could no longer hear the words coming from it. You.. enjoyed your time with them? You want to hang out again?

.

.

.

Maybe he did have a chance with you after all.



Sep. 29. 22

[musicfren]

You are a wealthy land mogul, who owns and trades several properties. You have so many properties in fact that you can't keep track of all of them, and allow some of your less savory properties to fall into disrepair. One such property is a worn-down abandoned shipping port, which due to the lack of maintenance sinks beneath the water. You promptly forget about the location of this port and everything about it, going on your merry mogul way. However, there is one single extremely buff guy who lives near this port and is rather distressed about the state of his favorite shipping lane. He thus decides to try to salvage the port himself.

This just unbelievably strong dude pulls and pulls and pulls, and eventually manages to pull the whole entire dock back above the surface. However, in doing so the massive sinkhole of mud pulls much of the surrounding land in. Among this land happens to be a random passing Elder God from Beyond The Stars, who slips into the murky depths, decides it sucks here, and teleports himself and all of the surrounding land back to where they once were. He then leaves, deciding this random backwater is not worth his time. The strong dude is like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ and just goes about his buisness

Some wreckage from the port being pulled up drifts down stream to one of your properties, where you pick it up and are like "oh yeah! My stupid shipping port! I guess I do want that". You go to your pet ten foot tall frog and are like "hey, where was this shipping port I had again? I forgot" The frog is like "I don't tell you shit for free, give me snacks", so reluctantly you feed the bit of drift wood to the frog, who gulps it down hungrily. "Perfect! Alright, right this way!"

The frog leads you back to the shipping port, and the dude is like "what are you even doing back here? You abandoned this place ages ago" to which you reply "I own you and your entire home, now get back to work", and he is like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Having done this, you then promptly forget about the property once again, and allow it to fall back into disrepair. The cycle repeats. More of the surrounding countryside gets pulled in. Occasionally the same eldar god will get trapped in the sink hole again (he walks by here a lot) and reset everything. He is getting a bit disgruntled. Sometimes the eldar god doesn't show up to reset everything, and when you rediscover your sad little port you decide to take a bit of the countryside back with you as a souvenir (remembering to feed some to your frog as payment).

After about a hundred repetitions of this process, the entire earth has sunk into this hole at some point, and your random scavenging has lead to you taking ownership of the entire planet. You now own all of the earth, including everything in it, by virtue of finders keepers.

One thing that exists on earth is a mad scientist, who would be really happy if the earth were destroyed. Just absolutely thrilled actually, the happiest any living being has ever been. He would be so happy about this in fact that it would be infectious and rub off in you, making you decide that this whole wizarding duel you've been having (oh yeah, you guess you did start one of those like twenty years ago and never actually stopped doing it) isn't worth your time, and you can just retire and live the good life off the shear second hand joy you get from this somewhat crazed man.

You have a plan now. You keep forgetting about your shitty port a couple thousand more times until by sheer chance the eldar god does not show up a hundred times in a row. The entire earth and everything in it is now in this sink hole in the middle of this backwater swamp. You take your little crazy man and your frog and are like "see guys! No more planet!" You then feed the frog a snack. The mad scientist wipes tears away from his eyes. "It's just what I've always wanted!" And you, tearing up, are like "you know what, me too buddy. Me too". You, your mad scientist friend, and your frog retire to live the good life, leaving your erstwhile rival of thirty years gawking from the side lines. Sometimes the best revenge is happiness.

infinite combos in the context of the flavor of mtg are so funny to me. like imagine you’re dueling a wizard and they whip out a ghost in a boat and a pirate goblin and the ghost ferries the goblin over a river a billion times and that creates massive amounts of wealth which the wizard uses to hurl a fireball at your face, turning you into a pile of ash.

[telemna-hyelle]

So, I was just thinking

Most importantly--all of you who have created your own versions of how Four works??? You guys are all SUPER valid and wonderfully creative, and you've created so many amazing stories! Just because it turned out not to be canon, please don't stop creating! It's fanfiction, after all, and that's what fanfiction is for. Putting your own spin on things, playing around in someone else's sandbox.

The funny thing about Linked Universe is that it's gone on a long time, but we probably haven't gotten very far in the story, to be honest. There's a whole lot of stuff we don't know yet, and we've had a long time to think about all that stuff and come up with our own answers.

To all of you who felt sad that your hcs about Four aren't LU canon, I'm pretty sure I know how you feel. To be honest, the way I read Four actually is the same way Jojo does, so this particular instance didn't affect me very much. But I've had deeply cherished headcanons and ships sunk beneath the blasts of canon, and it can be pretty upsetting.

But what we need to remember going forward is that there's probably going to be a lot of instances where our theories and hcs are going to turn out to not match up with the comic, and we should be prepared for things like that to happen. There's a lot of widespread fanon that might not actually turn out to be true. Like, what if Legend and Fable turn out to not be related at all and have a crush on each other? How will we react?

I think it's good to remember what the comic has said so far, and what we've theorized about to fill in the gaps. I think going forward we should try to remind ourselves that all our fun theories and hcs are theories and headcanons. No less fun, no less valid, no less worthy of being written or drawn or whatever medium you use... but not the same as the comic.

All I can think about is how sad it'd make me to be writing a story, and write something that I've worked really hard on and I'm really attached to, and then have people get upset at me because it didn't go the way they were expecting. No one is wrong to feel sad, because it's always sad to see things not turn out the way one might hope, but it's not wrong for someone to write the story they want to write, either. The comic is Jojo’s, but the headcanons and theories are ours. Go forth and play with them! Have fun! And support Jojo, and enjoy reading Jojo's headcanons too, just as we all might enjoy someone else's headcanons, even if we don't share them ourselves.

[danpuff-ao3]

Uncensored

Fiction (noun)

1.) literature in the form of prose, especially novels, that describes imaginary events and people.

2.) something that is invented or untrue.

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Disclaimer: no real people were harmed in the creation of this fanwork (or any others.)

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Content Rating E: Explicit: only suitable for adults.

This post will discuss mature themes that requires rational thinking and an open-mind. Tread carefully.

Content Warnings: discussions of violence, death, and sex. Mentions of other "questionable" content. Acknowledgment that content you do not like probably exists.

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YKINMKATOK (or KINKTOMATO) (aka Your Kink Is Not My Kink (And That's OK): Kinks that you do not like exist. Their mere existence is not hurting you. Please feel free to click away from any subject matter that does not appeal to you.

SALS (aka Ship and Let Ship): ships that you do not like or outright hate exist. They are not hurting you by existing, no matter how "immoral" you believe them to be.

DL;DR (aka Don't Like, Don't Read): seriously, folks, there's a back button. Feel free to click it any time.

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Dead Dove; Do Not Read: I'm warning you, turn back now. This post is anti-censorship. If you cannot handle reading such content, now is the time to turn back. If you continue reading, do so at your own risk.

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Horror films have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. The really good stuff, too. Gore splattered on the screen. Genitalia hanging loose. Sex, and murder, hand-in-hand.

The primary reason for this was that my father wanted to watch horror films, and we as a family did what my father wanted. My mother never stopped it, because she didn't believe in censoring anything. The world is what it is; she was never going to hide us from any of it.

For years, my brother and I would cover our eyes with our hands when two characters so much as kissed onscreen. Not because our parents told us to; society had sunk its claws in early, regardless of my parents' will. We peeked between our fingers; we wanted to give the illusion of purity without actually partaking in it.

Our parents weren't always present when we watched horror films. As a child it would sometimes be just my brother and I watching Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Nightmare on Elm Street or the Chucky franchise.

I've never killed anyone. Not with a chainsaw, not with an axe, not with a gun, not with my hands. I've never killed anyone, ever. I've never wanted to. I don't even believe in the death penalty.

Being exposed to violent media never made me violent.

Did it alter me in any way, being exposed to such extreme media so young? Who knows. Maybe. I don't know who I would be without it. I've never known life without it. But I like to think I'm a decent person. I don't commit crimes. I try to be nice to people. I'm a hard worker. I'm pretty goofy.

It's also made me pretty anti-censorship and...well. Some people might see that as a crime; as a sin. And in that case, well, you might as well ban everything to prevent people like me from existing.

(You don't actually think that will work, do you?)

(I hope not; I did say this post was for adults only, didn't I?)

I read Flowers in the Attic...young. I was 9 or 10 maybe. It was before I discovered fanfiction. It never gave me unseemly feelings towards my brother or my parents; it never gave me the urge to lock up small children, or poison them.

At age 11, I discovered fanfiction. It was a happy accident from Googling "Harry Potter" and somehow stumbling on an explicit Drarry fic.

Should I have read that fic at age 11? No. But that's my fault for lying about my age. It's my parents' fault for not paying me any mind. It wasn't the fic's fault for existing.

The whole world isn't child-safe and it never will be. It's the responsibility of caretakers to mind their wards; not the world's responsibility to tiptoe around you and your rules.

The real world doesn't have content warnings. There is no tagging system for real life. And real life is much more dangerous than fanfiction.

Soon after reading that Drarry fic, I moved onto Snarry. I dove right into the deep end. I inhaled dead dove content at lightning speed. You couldn't pry me away from it.

11 year old Danni understood what an E rating meant. 11 year old Danni also understood what fiction meant.

I've never looked at a minor sideways. I've never wanted to. I've never touched anyone without clear and enthusiastic consent.

In fact, and this might be TMI, but I've only ever been with 2 people in my life. My first time was at age 18, with a guy I'd been with for a year and who I was engaged to.

All around, I was what one might call a "good kid"; I studied, I went to school, I didn't party, I didn't sneak out, I didn't do drugs. I skipped school once my senior year and other than that my worst crime was lying about my age to read questionable content.

Watching monsters onscreen and reading about them in books never made me a monster.

Or, well...I do spend my time writing underage stories, and non-con, and the occasional incest. I write infidelity and horrific angst. I write about morally questionable content, and that's as good as actually doing those things, right?

So if that's how you see it, maybe I am a monster. The monster putting words to page for others to read and enjoy.

If you're a wannabe monster hunter, and if fictional wrongdoing is as evil as real wrongdoing, then you might as well go after the easier target, right? You won't actually save the world that way, but you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done, I guess.

So while the torches and pitchforks are being prepped and the Tiktoks uploaded, I'm gonna go continue working on my very messed up porn. Just like I always have, and always will.

~Fin~

[buckybarnesdiaries]

casablanca

first part — second part

© credits to the author, i found it on pinterest. if you are the author, please send me a message to add your @.

bucky barnes x reader. ⎢ masterlist.

request by anon: Hi hi hello, I've a request night be a tad much but up to you to judge, reader is a fellow avenger and gets severely hurt and when Bucky finds her after a battle he's scared she might not make it and there's a lot of "please don't leave me/I can't lose you" and such, pretty please maybe? 👉👈

word count: 884 words.

warnings/tags: angst, mention of blood.

author notes: none of my stories contain reader’s body descriptions to be inclusive.

Join the tag list here.

You were lying in the wet ground, sunk in the mud, with not enough strength to move a finger. You coughed the last time you tried to ask for help, choking on your own blood flooding your throat. Your whole life was playing in front of your eyes turned into one of those bad comedy movies everybody hates but can’t stop watching it. The three holes hosting the untraceable bullets burnt in your chest. You couldn’t describe the agony you were through at that exact moment. Not only by knowing that you were going to die alone under the cold rain, but all the things you were going to miss.

That agent of Hydra took you by surprise, being more stealthy than even himself expected. He shot you in the back, but he was too far for the ammunition to cross your anatomy, being stuck within your organs. And you didn’t know what could be worse. A slow death to give you hope to be found, despite the suffering and the torture, or a quick death not having any chance but skipping that nightmare. In the end, not even Stark could help you to heal from two bullets in the right lung and another in the shoulder blade. He could keep you alive for a couple of days maybe, but at what cost? At the cost of seeing everyone around you begging you to be strong, to continue fighting? You wish you could survive one second more, but life was abandoning your life bit by bit, while behind you the blood mingled with the mud.

You were cold. Your teeth were rattling. The pain was disappearing progressively as your eyelids rolled down. Not even when you heard the noisy engineers from your ship, you were able to open them again. The tiredness was taking control over your body and you were accepting it was your time to go. The amount of blood you had lost was probably irreplaceable, meaning nothing how quick your squad was.

He practically jumped from the ship, running faster than ever in his life. He didn’t even know when he started to cry. Bucky kneeled on the ground to hold you onto his arms and raise you with all the care he could have in a moment like that. He had seen a lot of people dying in different ways, mostly because he killed them. But this was different. You were everything he had now, losing you wasn’t an option. James was about to collapse when he managed to lie you on your stomach on the stretcher that Stark and Banner prepared for you. The silence inside the ship was shattering, only interrupted by the heartbreaking crying from the soldier, not loosening the grip on your left hand.

“C’mon, doll… Don’t do this to me”. He sobbed pressing his lips on your forehead, while the others were cutting your uniform to find the bullets stuck in your back. “Please… Ple— Please, bear it a little longer”.

Nobody around them wanted to say anything about the fact that they didn’t know you two were this close, being the first time seeing and hearing Bucky this desolated. They were used to his grumpy mood, his staring in silence. But when you were alone, it was quite the opposite. He was kindly, playful, loving, and sweet. It was something that continued surprising himself, it was too easy to be like that with you, tho. And watching you dying... It had been by far the most painful moment of his life. He’d prefer one hundred years serving Hydra again than not spend a second more with you. Just a second. He’d pay that price more than gladly.

The first bullet was easy to remove from your shoulder, but Banner and Stark exchanged worried gazes when it came to the other two puncturing the lung. It was a big deal. They had nothing to lose, if you had to die, at least they’d try it till the end. Natasha sprang into action, being an expert with those kinds of untraceable bullets and the damage they could make, while Bruce started to monitor your vital signs at the same time he supplied you morphine and anesthesia.

“Don’t… Don’t leave me, ple— please”. Bucky begged once and again, kneeling close to you, spreading wet kisses because of his tears everywhere he could. “Y’know… You promise me… to watch Casablanca together. We have a lot of things… to do. So, please… please… keep breathing”.

“Buck… Hey, Buck… Com’ere, let them work”. Steve placed a hand on his half metal, half flesh to make him stand up, but he slapped it.

“NO!”

The soldier was determined to not abandon your side, giving them enough room to continue with the improvised surgery. He needed to give you all his strength, even silently praying to God for your life as he had never done before, not having a single idea of what else to do. Placing his warm hand on the back of your neck, James fixed his forehead to yours, crying louder as he thought for a second you weren’t breathing anymore.

“You can’t leave me… You can’t, (Y/N)... You're the only thing I have now...” He whined in murmurs, trying to not pay attention to the constant beep coming from a device behind his back.

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