#It saddens me having to resort to this

[haruka-vii]

Help request to Rayman and retrogaming fans

Unfortunately, as much as I’m making efforts in solving my long-term unemployment situation there are things out of my control and I reached a point I really, really, need help.

Besides my grandma’s recent passing, there’s been a collection of unlucky events happening to me and my family in a small time interval. Both our dish washing machine and my Nintendo Switch Lite need to be repaired. The console stopped turning on regardless what I do and it’s out of warranty already. The console’s fixing, alone, can be up to 103€ according to the Iberian Nintendo support page).

But the worst case was our car’s “death”. Days after my grandma’s funeral, the car burnt its electronic system to the point of replacing that system being more expensive than the current value of the car of the same model without problems, meaning we were forced to replace the whole vehicle to a different model. The car is essential for our quotidian lives even for simple things such as doing groceries and buying food and cat litter for our seven small felines that we own. The latter unpredictable expense is very costly and adds a bigger layer of problems on my family’s end about financial management given that my mother is also jobless and there’s the bed replacement (done in January 2024) funds I want to also return to her whenever I manage.

2025 is going to be a difficult year for me and I already recently had to shrink down my Crash Bandicoot collection to a single item for a start but it’s still not enough. Now I had to make a very difficult decision of selecting personal items from my private Rayman collection and make them available to anyone in the Rayman and retrogaming fan community to be able to purchase in case they show interest in any particular object.

Please note the following details:

Products that are shown alongside with other product or more in the same photograph square means that those items are only sold as a pack/batch and not separately. I can clarify which ones by DM if you aren’t sure through the photographs.

I ship to most countries in the world, and always with tracking code so we’re both able to know its whereabouts. I won’t accept other types of shipping due to safety reasons.

The shipping address and other sensitive information will be exclusively used to ship the parcel.

Prices will be always discussed by DM, as well shipping costs as these vary depending on the destination country and parcel weight.

PayPal only for payments. While I prefer EUR currency I can also accept GBP and USD.

I’m conscious of how a good portion of the list contains particularly rare and valuable collectibles.

Some items prices are negotiable, especially if someone is interested in acquiring at least 3 different items or more that combined make up a significant total.

All items work 100%, including the Playstation accessories.

The Rayman memory card will be formatted if it gets a new onwer.

MS-DOS era games require emulation techniques to work on modern computers and there are community projects like Rayman Control Panel that help with that.

All games are complete in the box and between very good condition to like new.

The Rayman memory card is in good overall state.

The statues are like new and will be packed carefully to avoid transportation damage.

I can consider including the matching Switch videogame to the pack if I get a fair offer.

I reserve the right to not accept a sale for reasons not mentioned here.

List of items available in the photos:

Rayman Gold [PC/MS-DOS] (Rare, Original Big Boxed United Kingdom Edition)

Rayman For Ever [PC/MS-DOS] (Rare, Original Big Boxed France Edition, it even includes a Ubisoft catalogue with unique Rayman drawings)

Quick CD-ROM Demo Nº2 - Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc [PC/Windows]

Rayman M [PC/Windows] (United Kingdom Edition, still factory sealed!)

Rayman Rush [Sony PlayStation] + DualShock Controller [Sony PlayStation]

Rayman 2: The Great Escape [PC/Windows] (Very rare, Original Big Boxed United States of America Edition; I only saw maybe not more than 2 copies like this for sale online in over 15 years)

Rayman 100 Niveaux Inédits [PC/Windows] (Rare, Original Big Boxed France Edition)

Rayman Designer [PC/Windows] (Rare, Original Big Boxed France Edition)

Rayman 1 [PC/Windows] (Rare, Original Big Boxed European Edition)

Rayman Gold [PC/Windows] (Rare, Original Big Boxed France Edition)

Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc [PC/Windows] (The manual is translated in Portuguese but the games are in multilanguage)

Rayman 2: The Great Escape Sony Playstation Memory Card (Guillemot brand, uncommon item)

Rayman Raving Rabbids [PC/Windows] (Original United Kingdom Edition)

Rayman Raving Rabbids Activity Centre [PC/Windows] (Original United Kingdom Edition)

Rayman 2: The Great Escape [Sony Playstation] (Original France and Germany Edition)

Full collection of 4 medium-sized PVC statues of Mario+Rabbids: Kingdom Battle characters

Other alternative ways to help me that don’t involve buying my Rayman items:

Ko-Fi donations (https://ko-fi.com/haruka_vii)

Currently opened with the goal I’ve referred earlier of collecting enough funds of the bed replacement expenses to return to my mother combined with the needed funds to be able to send my Nintendo Switch Lite for repair.

Art commissions

I can open a limited number of slots and draw single or groups of characters in a single digital or traditional drawing. Details can be discussed through DM!

Reblogging and sharing

If you know anyone who could be potentially interested in getting anything please share them, it’s also a help!

I don’t like to ask help but it’s been a rough timeline for me. Thank you for reading in advance, any help is greatly appreciated while I don’t manage to find a job. 🙏

[skeletalheartattack]

i was able to get twilight princess wii version working on the dolphin emulator. it was a little tricky though. certain actions like catching fish required me to map a specific button to do the wiimote wiggles the game wanted. also there were graphical issues that i had to download a mod or something to fix. but. other than that i was able to play it! so theres an option for ya

sadly the issue i always run into isn't gameplay-related, it's usually performance related, since my laptop is roughly from 2007 or so. most games i try to emulate that are within the range of gamecube-ps2 era (and anything beyond) usually run below double digit frames.

[princsstwilightsparkl]

im the opposite of a hater but the one thing i will always hate on.. is haters.. ☠️ like if i ever see any of yall hate posting for no reason and talking about how much people with different harmless opinions piss you off, youre immediately on my list of people to avoid..

[churipu]

JJK MEN REACTING TO YOU GETTING LEFT OUT BY YOUR FRIENDS 𓆝 ⋆｡𖦹°‧

ִ ࣪𖤐 featuring. gojo satoru, toji fushiguro, sukuna ryomen, inumaki toge.

ִ ࣪𖤐 warnings. just jjk men being overprotective of you bye, and cursing.

note. guysssss, no requests pls, they're not open :(( and if you sent one in, i apologize but they're going to take a bit of time to do :(

𝐆𝐎𝐉𝐎 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐔

before you did — gojo had already sensed that your friends were shit. believe me when i say that he has tried talking to you about it from the moment you introduced him to them during your weekly "girls night".

but you said that your friends were fine. gojo doesn't think so. ever since that day, every time you said you were going out with your friends; he came along with you, not leaving you out of his sight.

that includes today. your "girls night" or whatever — when you try to convince gojo that he didn't need to come with, but all he said was, "i am one of the girls, aren't i?"

so he came along. and he didn't regret it. not. one. bit.

your friends, he didn't even know how to describe them without slipping in a curse or two. because he couldn't believe you were actually friends with these douchebags. it was plain obvious they were leaving you out on purpose.

whenever you try to chime in the conversation, your voice is immediately toppled over by one of them. or when you try to walk beside them, they step a bit further — on purpose. he could tell.

the male was really glad he could smell the stench from a long time ago. so when you and him were walking behind them, fingers interlocked. he stopped walking, and it made you stop too, "what's wrong, 'toru?"

"let's go," he tugged you in the opposite direction from where your friends are walking to, "they don't deserve you."

the male was very upset for you. he wasted no time driving you home with him, giving you the love you deserved (and a pep talk on why you should never ever talk to your friends again).

𝐓𝐎𝐉𝐈 𝐅𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐎

toji didn't even care whether he knows your friends or not. but when you convinced him that they wanted to meet him, he agreed (begrudgingly).

and everything went south when he noticed the different way they react to you — and to him. you and your friends were a trio.

it's always a trio. he never gets it, he's seen his fair share of shitty friendships among people. that's why he doesn't have friends (or people don't want to befriend him, doesn't matter).

it wasn't even a trio any more. it was a duo, with you on the side. toji noticed the subtle way they share a look to each other whenever you start talking — or the way they nudge each other when you do something. god, it pisses him off.

he swore if you weren't there, he'd resort to violence.

when you excuse yourself to go to the restroom, toji of course takes the chance to give a small talk (straight up threatening) to them. he waved to you vaguely as you walk towards the direction of the restroom.

"don't ever fucking talk to my partner again after this. y'hear me?"

the mood plummeted and you realized after you came back from the restroom. but you said nothing about it.

and like toji threatened, your friends never talked or contacted you ever again. which obviously saddened you — but the male told you how shitty they are and that it was a good thing they're not talking to you anymore.

to this day, you still didn't know it was toji behind it all.

𝐒𝐔𝐊𝐔𝐍𝐀 𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍

he has no shame in speaking his mind. and he immediately sensed how your friends were treating you differently from the first time he sees them. the male wastes no time giving them the eyes, where he was clearly telling them to fuck off.

when you and your friends (and him) decided to take a break inside a restaurant, he was pissed. sukuna, didn't even want to come with at the first place — he actually forced himself to come for you. he wanted to make sure your friends knew their place.

he has a bold tongue. sukuna is spicy with his words, he could care less about what people think of him. so the second he hears a disrespectful comment from either one of your friends directed to you to make you feel like you're the odd one out, the male glowered at them.

"mind repeating that?" he questions calmly, but something in his voice was intimidating. as if he was about to jump up from his seat and strangle the hell out of your friends.

of course, your friends were silent. afraid of him.

"exactly." the male stood up, tugging you along with him out of the restaurant, "what friends you have."

you were embarrassed at the comment, and sukuna sensed that too. even if he was tempted to say more things about your friends — he held back. for you.

"you don't need friends. what more do you need than me?"

𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈 𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐄

believe me when i say that he contemplated using his cursed speech technique on your friends. he had seen you come back from a night out with your friends, upset and teary eyed.

and from that day, he's always hated them. so when you said that you were going to hang out with them again — inumaki followed you, trailing after you like a lost puppy.

actually — scratch that, you were the lost puppy. trailing after your friends, behind them like you aren't even a part of the group. if it weren't for inumaki being there, it would just be you alone.

inumaki mutters out a lot of, "salmon" and "tuna mayo" to you. fuming.

you grabbed his hand, swinging it happily. at this point, you didn't even care about your friends — as long as inumaki was there, you didn't feel alone like you used to. so you did what you had to do since long ago.

ditch them.

"thank you for being here, toge."

inumaki was happy now, no longer in a foul mood, and he squeezed your hand, "tuna mayo!"

a little translation: "i'm hungry."

© CHURIPU 2024 , DO NOT COPY OR REPOST ANYWHERE

[icarus-sun-writes]

“I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Captain John Price x dying! wife! Reader

~2.3k words

TW: death, cancer, detailed descriptions of the cancer toll on reader, mentions of wheelchair, oxygen tanks and feeding tubes. (Cancer descriptions based on the loss of my grandmother.)

IN WHICH: John comes home from work to spend time with his sickly wife.

(I’d like to mention that I originally posted this fic on my last tumblr blog “shy-girl-moments” but it got terminated, so I wanted to re-upload on my new blog because I loved this so much.)

“Love, I'm home…!” John called out softly. It was unnerving with how quiet the house was considering his wife was usually happy and loud, only a week ago her cancer had worsened and left her reliant on a wheelchair. She was so tired and weak all the time. She had a feeding tube and was on oxygen at the same time.

John closed the door behind him and left his work bag by the door, purposely trying to be quiet in case she was sleeping. He looked around the house for any sign of his wife, eventually finding her sleeping on the couch with her feeding tube still connected and her wheelchair parked next to the couch. There was a cheesy romantic comedy movie playing in the background on a low volume. Since she hardly got the opportunity to leave the house, she often resorted to watching movies. Gently and slowly, John picked her head up and off the pillow and sat down, laying her head on his lap.

She groaned softly when John picked her head up, mumbling incoherently and stirring slightly, but soon settled back into her sleep. John smiled at how adorable she was. It saddened him to see her sleeping in the middle of the day but what choice did she have? She was terminally ill, her body was so exhausted that she slept most of the day even though she tried to fight it so she could spend time with him. John began softly stroking his poor wife's hair, hoping the comforting feeling would make it for her to stay asleep. Even the act of sleeping looked uncomfortable. She looked sick. The bags under her eyes were deep and dark, she was frail, and her voice was often sore, but she always tried to have a smile on her face.

John could see that she had her wedding ring clutched in her fist as she slept. Since she was losing a lot of weight due to the cancer, she had to wear her ring around her neck on a chain because it would just fall off her finger. She had a habit of holding it often as a sort of comfort. Price's eyes were soft as he watched the rise and fall of her chest. He had watched his wife’s health decline rapidly over the past few months. Seeing his wife so skinny and in pain had been hard on John but even harder on her. He had to stay strong for her. One of his hands continued to run through his wife’s thinning hair as the other slowly lifted her shirt. Her hip bones stuck out painfully from the thin skin and John traced them with his fingers gently, a sense of deep sorrow sinking into his heart.

A few minutes later she turned her head and nuzzled John's thighs. All was silent for a few seconds —besides the sound of her drip bag for her feeding tube and oxygen tank— then she spoke faintly, “John?” She opened her eyes slightly, looking up at her husband.

John felt his heart soften when he saw his wife’s tired and pained face. He loved his wife so much. Without hesitating for a moment he replied back to her, his voice was soft and had a tinge of guilt at seeing his wife in such a state but it was also filled with so much love, “Yes? I’m right here darling.”

She smiled weakly at John, taking another few seconds to speak again, “I… love you…” Another few seconds passed, “stay with me…”

John’s heart broke at hearing how quiet and tired her voice was. He felt the guilt rise in his body at the idea of him not being there for his wife, but he quickly pushed those thoughts from his mind when he noticed how she still had her wedding ring clutched in her hand. John gently moved his hands to run through her hair again, hoping the feeling of comfort would ease his wife.

“Of course I will… I’ll- I’ll always be with you. I love you too darling.” John said, the sadness evident in his voice.

“Kiss…?” She asked faintly, a look of love in her tired eyes.

John’s heart began to beat faster when he heard his wife’s request. It was so simple of a request yet it filled his heart with so much love. He didn’t hesitate to lean down and press a loving kiss on his wife’s forehead then another on her lips. He pulled away just enough to whisper, “There you go darling. You’re so cute…”

“Kiss.” She asked again, a bit more firmness in her voice and a faint, sly smirk on her lips. There was a glimmer of mischief in her eyes, too. It hurt John, knowing that she was using so much of her energy just to try to be silly.

“Oh, so feisty today?” John’s heart rate skyrocketed when he saw the smirk of his wife’s face and he held back a laugh.

It hurt John, knowing that she was using so much of her energy just to try to be silly, but it did make his heart flutter to see her smile again. He gave in easily and leaned back down to kiss her on the lips again. This time a little longer and more passionate, but still just as loving in nature as the first one. But he had a teasing smirk on his own face too, wanting to match her silly mood. She opened her mouth ever so slightly in an effort to deepen the kiss, smiling weakly.

John couldn’t help but smile when he felt her trying to deepen the kiss. Gently, he pulled away from the kiss leaning down to murmur against her ear, “Needy, aren’t we?” He teased jokingly before gently kissing his wife’s cheek and continuing softly, “You’ve gotta take it easy, darling. You’re still sick, love. And you know how easy it is for you to tire yourself out now…”

There was a faint blush on her cheeks, her eyes showed that she understood her husband’s words, but was still disappointed. “I love you…” she murmured again, not having the strength to argue even though she wanted to.

John smiled warmly at the blush on her cheeks. Seeing the beautiful rosy tint to his wife’s pale cheeks filled his heart with so much love. He loved every detail of her beautiful face and he loved to see that blush, even with how sick she looked.

“And I love you too darling. So stop trying to get yourself all worked up. I don’t want you doing more than just resting at the moment.” John insisted softly, gently stroking her thinning hair.

A few seconds later her closed her eyes and fell asleep quickly once again. It was obvious how exhausted her body was from the cancer, her entire body weak to the point of needing a wheelchair and a feeding tube. John felt a pang in his heart when he saw her fall asleep again so easily. The poor woman must’ve been so exhausted from just being up for a few minutes. John’s eyes ran down his wife’s body again and he could only feel guilt and sadness when he saw just how much weight she had lost. He kept one hand gently massaging his wife’s hair but his other hand gently moved to lift up her shirt again. He stared at the jut of his wife’s hip bones and tried to push down the feeling of impending doom.

John had to pry his eyes away from his sickly wife, turning to the TV for some type of distraction. The romcom she chose was her favorite, the one she watched over and over again, the same one she forced John to watch on their first date. She liked it because the love interest looked like John when he was in his teenage years. After about an hour of anxiety filled disassociating, John was suddenly aware that his wifes oxygen levels dropped drastically; slow, shallow, faint breaths. He immediately sat up right, very alarmed and scared.

“Darling?” He gently shook her shoulder, trying to wake her up but not startle her, “wake up for me. You’re not breathing right, love.”

She woke up after a second and furrowed her brows, taking a deeper breath. She glared slightly at John and pouted, clearly very annoyed, “w-what?”

John felt a rush of relief when she woke up and started breathing again. But his eyes narrowed at the pout on his wife’s face, “Don’t ‘what’ me. You weren’t breathing well again.” He paused for a moment before adding, “I can’t have my beautiful wife suffocating on me. You can’t scare me like that.”

She fought the urge to roll her eyes, but nodded slightly. It took her a long moment to speak, “sit me up… like the nurse said… so I can sleep…”

John let out a sigh when he saw the look in her eyes, noting the fact she was obviously restraining herself from rolling her eyes. He couldn’t blame her though since he knew his wife was in pain and extremely tired from just the act of being awake. He gently lifted her up and sat her upright on the couch again.

“There’s my good girl... now you can get proper sleep from now on. But if I hear you’re not breathing properly again, I swear I’ll go turn up the oxygen flow.” He said firmly, yet his touch was soft and comforting, there was no mirth behind his tone.

She just stared at him for a long moment, starting to tear up slightly, her pout deepening, “I’m sorry… for being cranky.” She mumbled, starting to take deeper breaths now that she was sat up, “I’m just… so tired.”

John’s heart shattered at seeing tears well up in his wife’s eyes. She was clearly in so much pain but was trying so hard to keep it together. He quickly wrapped his arms around his wife and held her close, gently pulling her into his lap.

“Darling, don't apologize. It’s alright. You’re alright.” He gently stroked her hair again while he spoke, “I know you’re tired… I know you’re hurting. I’m here though, I’m not leaving you, my love”

“I’m so tired… of being sick… and in pain… I want this to be over.” She hiccuped slightly through her tears, leaning into John’s comforting embrace, her head on his chest.

It felt like a knife had hit his heart hearing his wife’s words. The pain and exhaustion she carried was so obvious in the way she spoke, “I know, love… I know.”

He pulled her even closer to his chest and continued to rub his wife’s hair in a comforting motion. He knew there wasn’t much else he could do to help, but he wanted to try and offer something, “Just get some sleep for now. darling.”

She nodded, her tears slowly trickling to a stop as she nuzzled her face into her husband’s neck. John wrapped one arm around her waist to help hold her upright while his other arm continued to gently run through her hair. He leaned his head down to press a kiss against her forehead.

“There we go love. That’s it, just go to sleep now. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here when you wake up.” He murmured, his low raspy voice gently pulling her back to sleep.

Her breathing was even and smooth and the look on her sleeping face was peaceful, knowing she felt safe in her husband’s big arms. John watched as her breathing evened out into a peaceful and calm rhythm and it made his heart feel lighter again. Seeing his wife so peaceful and safe in his arms made his heart feel so full of love and warm. He sat there for a few minutes more just absorbing the feeling of his wife in his lap, then he too dozed off.

When John woke up, it was late in the evening, nearly dinner time. His wife was still cuddled up against him, completely still and a bit cold. His eyes were met with the sight of his sleeping wife still snuggled up against him. He couldn’t help a small smile at the sweet sight, but the smile quickly dropped after realizing how cold she felt against him. He gently shook her shoulder in a panicked attempt to wake her up.

“Darling, wake up for me real quick, love.” She didn’t wake up. John didn’t feel her breathing either and she was very pale. “Love..?”

John felt his heart start to pick up speed when he didn’t get a response. He again shook his wife’s shoulder but there was still no response. Panic started to set in as he carefully put one hand on her neck to feel if there was a pulse. There was no pulse and her body was starting to stiffen. John felt his heart stop beating, but he refused to accept it. He pushed the thought from his mind and kept going through the steps in his head. He pressed his fingers a little under her chin to tilt her head back and his chest tightened.

“Come on love, breathe for me…” he desperately begged, his voice shaky.

Her head lulled slightly in his hand, her head tilted up towards him, and John saw that she looked at peace… she was safe and calm for the first time in weeks. She almost looked as peaceful as she did on their wedding night. But now his wife is dead… no longer in pain. Reality really began to sink in for Price when he saw how still her chest was, unmoving, not breathing. He felt like any breath he tried to take was being caught in his throat. His heart felt so heavy and he realized he was crying. Slowly, John pulled his sweet wife back against his chest, holding her tightly and securely and gently began stroking her hair again, just like he had been a couple hours ago.

It was then that he finally spoke again, his voice nearly silent and thick with emotion, “I’ll be here when you wake up…”

But she never would.

[deliciousangelfestival]

Nothing Has Changed - 7

Summary: Returning home for peace, you're faced with your tormentor, Bucky Barnes, who is now involved in your family's business.

Character: Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Words Count: 2,143

Warning: Angst, Tragedy.

Nothing Has Changed - Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist || support: Ko-fi

Thank you to anyone who gave a like, reblog, and left a comment. It motivated me to write more

“Well, if he can afford it,” you said, knowing your dad probably didn't realize how much you charged per hour for consulting.

Bucky felt challenged. “I think I can afford it.”

You raised an eyebrow, silently asking, ‘Are you sure?’ Then, you grabbed a pen and started writing numbers on paper.

When you showed it to Bucky and Tom, both of their eyes widened. Tom exclaimed, “That's per hour?”

You nodded, folding your arms.

Bucky glanced at the paper, then back at you. “If it's in New York, this price is understandable. But here… with this price, I could afford two brand-new cars.”

“Take it or leave it,” you said, your expression unyielding. If Bucky truly needed an auditor, he would accept your terms.

“I didn’t say no,” Bucky replied. “Alright. I hope you can start tomorrow. I'm looking forward to working with you, partner.” He extended his hand for a handshake.

You simply said, “Hmm,” and walked past him, leaving his hand hanging in the air.

Bucky maintained his calm demeanor and smiled, that smug smile you always wanted to slap off his face.

It's risky to work with your former tormentor, but after thinking it through, you realize you had just left your previous job and decided to stay with your dad.

But you don’t want your skills to get rusty. Bronze Lodge Hotel seems reasonable enough as a place to work in this small town.

Back then, he drained your mental strength; now you will drain his money.

Bucky tidied up the documents, placing them back into his bag. “I’m so glad I came here. Thank you for your help, Tom,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

Tom slowly nodded his head, though he wasn't entirely sure about it. You had offered to help, but at such a high price. He had never seen that many zeros in his life. He felt a bit sorry for Bucky, but also proud of you. It was amazing to him that you had the skills and experience to command such fees and be hired by people in the big city.

Bucky slung his bag over his shoulder and headed toward the door. Before leaving, he looked at you and said, “See you tomorrow. Don’t be late.”

You stood there, arms crossed, watching him leave. “I won’t be,” you replied, a determined look in your eyes.

Bucky gave a small nod, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he exited. Tom watched him go, then turned back to you with a mixture of pride and concern.

“You’ve come a long way,” he said softly, touching your shoulder.

🧮🧮🧮🧮🧮

The next morning, you arrived at the resort in your sports car. All eyes were on you from the moment you left home until you pulled up at the hotel.

You found it amusing. Back then, nobody even bothered to notice you. But now, thanks to this car, you were suddenly worth looking at. It saddened you that money, expensive stuff, and status seemed necessary for respect.

As you walked into the hotel, Natasha was shocked to see you. She left her reception desk and rushed toward you.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded, looking you up and down. Natasha followed fashion trends closely and recognized the luxury of your outfit, even though it didn’t flaunt brand logos. The cost of what you were wearing was more than her salary. She clenched her fists in frustration.

With your high heels, you towered over her. Even before, you were taller than her, but she always had a superior attitude and was surrounded by her group, while you were always alone.

Now, even though you were still alone, you no longer felt small in her presence. You put on a confident smile. This feeling of superiority, of having a life so much better than hers, was intoxicating.

You scratched the saddened part about living in this world. Money, expensive stuff, status—if these three things were enough to make a person like Natasha jealous of you, you would do anything to obtain them.

“Whoops… I could see the tension from far away,” Bucky suddenly appeared and stood between you and Natasha.

“She’s…” Natasha began, but Bucky cut her off.

“Na-ah. Here at the Bronze Lodge, we always give a warm welcome to new employees. Well, she’s temporary, actually. We have a new auditor,” Bucky announced.

Natasha flinched at his words. She grabbed Bucky’s hand and whispered, “Does your mother know?”

Bucky gently pried her hand away. “I’ve texted her. She hasn’t replied yet.” His mother was traveling with her friends, probably with her new boyfriend.

It was his mother’s mistake to hire a lousy accountant, forcing him to manage things himself. His skills in accounting were pretty limited. With your help, he hoped to uncover the true condition of the resort’s finances, even though paying you would cost him an arm and a leg.

“Let’s get ready. We have 20 minutes left before this place opens,” Bucky clapped his hands and then looked at you, tilting his head. “Follow me.”

You followed him, leaving Natasha glaring daggers at your back. Bucky led you to an empty office room filled with disorganized papers and documents. You cringed at the mess.

Rolling up your sleeves, you prepared to start cleaning and organizing. “Leave,” you commanded Bucky, your expression turning serious.

Bucky looked at you, surprised by your sudden change in demeanor. “Alright. I’ll check in on you later,” he said, leaving the room.

You start working, your eyes scanning over rows of numbers, your mind quickly calculating and cross-referencing data from various documents. The first step is organizing the mess left by the previous auditor. You methodically sort through the stacks of papers, categorizing them by month, type, and relevance. Your fingers fly over the keyboard as you input data into a detailed spreadsheet, ensuring every transaction is accounted for.

As the hours pass, you become more absorbed in the patterns emerging from the chaos. You notice repeated anomalies in the records—suspicious transfers, inflated expenses, and missing receipts. You pause occasionally to make notes, your handwriting precise and clear. The further you dig, the more discrepancies you uncover.

You compare the financial statements to bank records, invoices, and internal reports. It's clear that large sums of money are unaccounted for, and there's a distinct pattern of funds being siphoned off over time. Your brow furrows as you pinpoint the telltale signs of money being funneled into untraceable accounts.

Your focus is unbroken, and you don’t realize you’ve been working for nearly 12 hours straight. Your hand doesn’t stop writing, just like at your previous job. You were used to long hours at the company, and so was Ransom. But here, it’s different, especially for Bucky. He’s worried about you.

Just as you finish drafting a report of your findings, you hear a knock on the door. You don’t notice it initially, but Bucky’s voice breaks your concentration. “It’s time to go home.”

Your pen stops moving. Slowly, you lift your head and fix your gaze on him with a cold stare that cuts through the air.

Bucky, sensing something amiss, asks tentatively, "Bad numbers?"

"Worse. Someone's been stealing from you," you reply sharply.

Meanwhile, Natasha glances around nervously on the emergency stairs to ensure no one is watching. She pulls out her phone and makes a call, her voice low and urgent. “We have an uninvited guest,” she whispers, her tone laced with fear and frustration.

Join the taglist? 🩷💙🩷

@bagoffeelings

@darkofimagination

@starsofcloud

@cherrybubblebullet

@winterslove1917

@thezombieprostitute

@namoreno

@sagebarness

@tenaciousathleteoperatorgarden

@unaxv

@missvelvetsstuff

@kjah97

@hopeful-daydreaming

@freshlemontea

@eat-limes-bitches

@kandis-mom

@scott-loki-barnes

@winters1917

@differenttyphoonwerewolf

@arunabraganza

@ordelixx

@esposadomd

@sapphirebarnes

@cjand10

@bellabarnes1378

@thetravelingtyper

@buckitostan

@mostlymarvelgirl

@5upersoldiers1xt

@jjanereid

@cakesandtom

@queen2234

@learisa

@springsheep

@mrsstuckyboo

@read-just-cant

@loki-laufeyson68

@anixerz

@ghalouha

@jeremyrennermakesmesmile

@emerald-writes

@mcira

@barnesxstan

Author Note: Hey friends,

If you've been enjoying the content, I've set up a Ko-fi account.

Your support through tips would mean the world and help me keep creating.

Only if you feel like it!

Here's the link: Ko-fi

Thanks a bunch for being fabulous followers!

[shamrockqueen]

Omega Retreat : Chapter 3

Pairing : Alpha Bucky x Omega reader

Warnings : R18, Eventual Smut, reference to physical ailments

Word count : 2083

Masterlist

Chapter 1

Summary : As an unmarked and lonely omega you find a flyer for a service called The Omega Retreat.

You are paired with a compatible alpha to spend your heat or just a week at a luxurious cabin at a forest resort. Amenities and Utilities included. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, fresh air, as well as the company of an alpha of your choosing. What could possibly go wrong?

You tried to focus on your work, but you found yourself losing focus time and time again. Your eyes kept leaving the dull glow of your computer monitor to steal glances at your phone.

“You seem distracted.”

Her tone was playful, but the abrupt interruption still had you jumping in your seat. Your boss had snuck up behind you easily as you were rechecking your email on your phone.

“Geez, we’ll have to string a bell around you if you're going to sneak up on people.” You laughed back, reassured by her coy smile.

“Something’s got you in a good mood.” She hummed behind you.

“Oh, yeah I guess.” You try to hide your pink cheeks, too embarrassed over getting caught texting a new flame like a love-struck teenager.

“All the girls can smell the change. Even the betas, dear.” She sang back.

“Who is he?” She tried to hide her beaming smile behind the back of her hand as she leaned over on the wall of your cubicle.

You scoff, trying to cover your warm cheeks as you answer. “You sound more excited than my mother was.”

She gasped with a wide smile, like a schoolgirl getting gossip from a friend. Omega’s always connected more closely, and it warmed your heart that she could be equally happy for you. So, when she leaned in for a hint of another scent that may have been left to linger on your skin, you quickly answered the anticipation in her eyes.

“We haven’t met in person yet; you're not going to catch a whiff of him, so don’t bother trying.” You laughed up at her before she pulled away.

“No fun. You could at least tell me what he is.” You knew it had to be the question bugging her the most.

You hesitated for a second, biting back on your lip before whispering back, “An alpha.”

“I knew it!” She nearly jumped with delight, leading you to try and shush her before the other cubicles were privy to your personal business.

It made you happy that you could feel like you had bonds even at work, and we’re thankful for her gentle omega nature.

“Keep your voice down.”

“I’m sorry; I’m just so happy for you. After everything, I just..”

You didn’t want her to finish that sentence. Luckily for you, she wouldn’t, looking back into your saddened eyes instead. “I’m just so happy for you.”

“Thank you.”

“You think you’ll meet him soon?”

You chuckled alongside her, glad to have the conversation shift back to a lighter tone.

“We’ll see. We’ll see.” You shoo at her, hoping to get some of the work she’d given you done today.

She gets the message, realizing she’d been gushing for too long and had work of her own.

“Fine, but I expect an invite to that wedding.”

It was the last you heard of her before she walked back to her office.

You smiled back at your computer, a drab Excel sheet still painted over its background. You sighed back at it until a telltale ding rang across your previously ignored phone.

A relationship with an alpha was still scary, but Bucky seemed to dampen those worries every time you looked at his photo blipping over your screen.

You pulled the phone towards you to glance over the notification of Bucky’s message.

“I wait to see you tonight.” You read along with the small message box.

You ran your fingernail along the power button before pressing on it, letting the passcode window light up the screen before tapping on a handful of numbers.

You looked back at the few cubicles behind you, making sure you had a moment to answer.

“Me either. I can’t focus on work,” you typed fervently.

“I’d rather meet you in person, Omega." The message pops up in the next second.

You let out a breathy chuckle with a smile, still in disbelief that you could be his omega even in text.

“I know. Hopefully soon, but I’m excited about our video date.”

You were more than excited; it was all you could think about as the hours ticked away slower than they normally would. When 5 p.m. finally rolled around, you nearly lept from your seat. You nearly forgot to shut off your computer before grabbing your stuff and rushing away.

A giddy drive home was a delightful change of pace, spurring you to drive just a tick above the speed limit as you neared your little house.

You fly through the house, letting the door slam behind you before tossing your purse over the couch. You stumbled past the mirror, only to twist back towards it after catching sight of your messy hair.

Your fingers only tangle into it as you fight to take it out of its messy bun. You only tied it up halfway through the day for a little comfort, only to ruin all the work you put into it that morning.

You didn’t have any time to fuck with it now, yet you continue to burn through the few seconds you have left trying to tame your tired looks. Could each flyaway be seen through your laptop's webcam?

You stopped for a second, closing your eyes and sucking in an uneven breath before looking back up at your reflection.

You looked red—nothing new, of course—but not a face you wanted him to see, and yet there wasn’t anything you could do to fight it except to finally calm down.

Your hair wasn’t bad, and your reflection wasn’t meant to scare you, and as you continued to breathe, that red blush began to fade. You can do this.

You leave the mirror, setting your eyes on the laptop still sitting on the coffee table. You lowered yourself to the sofa to sit as comfortably as possible before pulling the computer to your lap and switching it on.

A brief photo of you with your arm wrapped around your mother’s shoulder flashed in the background of your screen before you set up the video call.

It was just more of those bouncing dots with a different ring as it all danced along a blue screen. You held your breath, waiting patiently for his image to take over. Yet, when the square zoomed over the page and movement took over your screen, every ounce of air seemed to force its way from your lungs.

He was there, tucking his hair behind his ear and smiling at his own screen as you gave a shocked smile.

“Hi!”

You mouthed back an overwhelmed ‘hi’ as you watched him intently. Your mouth moved in an attempt to form words, but you were far too mesmerized by the real alpha on your screen. That is, until his smile fell.

“Is your sound on? I can’t hear you.”

“Yes!” You were quick to reassure him, wanting desperately to see that smile set upon you again.

Just as you hoped, it was back in an instant after hearing your voice.

“Sorry, I was just a little speechless for a second.” You blinked at his image, wanting to make sure it was real as you spoke to it. “It’s amazing to finally see the real you. Not that I thought your photos were fake..uh it’s just.” You fought your way through your ramblings as he chuckled at your giddy and nervous demeanor.

“No, I know what you mean. It’s so exciting to finally see you, Omega.”

It was like a dream, finally laughing and talking where you could see one another and study each of his expressions as he took each word that left your stuttering lips. Hours pass, and the conversation continues to burn through the night as it’s carried happily between the two of you.

It was so much better, but not nearly enough. A frustration shared by both you and him began to show as the veneer hiding it broke away.

“But, I wanna bury my face in your neck.” His voice deepens, showing a glimpse at a small possessive side. It was something you’d initially feared from an alpha.

“I gotta see you for real.”

It’s so sudden, you could hardly believe it would always be like this for omegas, but how could someone who had shut themselves away for so long really know?

You think back on what others spoke of during their tales of pleasure and even the more harrowing words from your physician only a few weeks prior. They’d cut off your suppressants ‘for your own safety’, and urged you to seek a sexual partner in the most blatant terms. But, they weren’t wrong, and with another possibly fatal heat on the horizon, you had to make a very difficult choice.

“Maybe we should. It's just...” You stopped for a second to calm yourself. “It hasn’t been very long, and you're already..so smitten.”

“Can you blame me?” His voice rang low over the speaker yet still sang through your worries so melodically.

His tone drops, becoming more serious and heavy, so much so that it only echos the ever-grave voice that bounced around the back of your mind. “What are you scared of?”

It hit close to home, like he could be looking right through you and seeing every mounting fear you tried so hard to bottle up.

“It's just, with a heat coming in a couple weeks..” you tried to ignore the breaking of your own voice as you spoke. You didn’t want this to be the reason why, and you didn’t want it to be so soon that you two had to meet or finally be intimate. “...and I just don’t want to rush things. But I agree; maybe we should consider meeting in person soon."

You fought not to let your true emotions show and not to let your true fears come to light in front of him. It was a relief when his face lit up with so much joy. He just stared back at you, his eyes beaming through the screen.

You could nearly cry. After ripping off this first bandage, it was such a relief that you finally felt you could breathe properly. You chuckled happily together, taking in each other's joyous reaction when he finally spoke again.

“I can send you an invitation right away. I can be there for you.” He spoke so passionately, looking at you with big, wet blue eyes before typing away at the keys on his keyboard.

“W-what invitation?” You nearly coughed on the words as they left your throat.

You do think back on the vacation packages on the original website and how they boasted about safety as well as elegance. The thought of having that kind of special getaway with the Alpha often, finally seeing Bucky where the sun could hit his skin instead of in the glow of your laptop monitor.

But, he was still technically a stranger, in spite of the two of you consistently sharing messages over the course of several weeks. Running away with him seemed, in the most juvenile sense, stupid. Yet, a twinge in your stomach urged you to leap at his offer.

“It is such a beautiful resort.” You chuckled nervously. You recalled all the photos you’d scrolled through before he’d matched you on the website.

“I’ll meet you anywhere you want me to, Omega. I just want to feel you so bad.” The low drag of his voice wasn’t unfamiliar by now, after having heard similar sentiments during a steamier exchange over a phone call. You felt a little embarrassed as your skin started to flush again.

“I don’t want to make you spend that much money on me.”

"This is not about money. I just want everything to be perfect for you.”

You try to force yourself to speak, but each word falls flat on your tongue. He was offering you what felt like a lifeline with open arms. You never wanted something like this to progress so damn quickly, but maybe you were really that desperate. Maybe you were really that scared.

It was so nice to be wanted, and by him especially, an alpha unlike any other you’d ever met. You still wanted time to think about it, but what time do you have left before a possible disaster? The date of your heat was growing closer, but you had to afford at least a night to ponder something like this.

“C-can I have a few days to think about it?”

Chapter 4

Tag list : @serendipitouslife90 @unicornicopia1 @bethyruth @scott-loki-barnes @wintrsoldrluvr @buckysdoll85 @lendeluxe @meowmeowyoongles @heletsmelovehim @mcira @buckysbaby-doll

[icycoldninja]

Can you write Dante, Nero and Vergil with a reader who’s painfully aware of their painfully low life expectancy?

Like she’s aware that the boys may outlive her considering they are part devil and that fact has been gnawing at the back of her mind ever since to the point where some nights she had to cry in the bathroom to relieve some stress because of how much the thought had ceased her heart to beat everytime

“Oh my god…he’s going to outlive me, I want us to grow old together like those lovely old couples I saw on the street! Not this!”

“Will he remarry another woman if I die…I know this sounds extremely selfish but I can’t stand the thought of him being with another and that’s not me…Oh shit!”

“Can I extend my lifespan? Maybe I can make a contract with a devil that can grant me more years to live…if it means being with him forever till we’re out of grace”

Yes I can, please enjoy!

Sparda boys + V x Reader with low life expectancy headcannons

¤ Dante ¤

-You knew that Dante was going to outlive you since he was half demon and your life expectancy was...low.

-You tried hard to make sure he never knew, locking yourself in the bathroom to cry, and being sure to come up with some excuse whenever he saw you with puffy red eyes.

-You were saddened when you realized that you would never get to experience the joy of growing old together, because it was unlikely you'd live that long.

-There was the possibility that Dante would remarry after you did, and selfish though that may be, you couldn't stand the thought of another woman getting her hands on your man.

-You wanted to increase your lifespan, but how? Medications could only do so much, and you only had so much money. The idea of asking a demon for help came to mind, but you decided that would be a last resort.

-Dante eventually found out, either by eavesdropping on you whenever you disappeared into the bathroom or by other means, and was quick to reassure you he would find a way to increase your lifespan that didn't take away your soul, and if he couldn't, he would simply have to accept reality. But he would never forget you. You're his forever.

-"C'mon, cheer up. You got any idea how precious you are to me? You're my baby forever, even if you leave this world, I'm still gonna love you, and no one but you. Now shh, stop worrying. Want some ice cream? My treat."

■ Vergil ■

-Realizing that Vergil would outlive you was one of the most crushing discoveries of all time.

-You would never get to grow old together, unlike those happy looking couples you see on the street or in the park.

-There was also a chance that Vergil would move on when you died, and even though you were selfish for thinking this, you didn't want anyone else to have him.

-There weren't many ways to expand your lifespan, and most of them were out of your reach, so you fell into a deep depression because of this.

-It wasn't too hard for Vergil's watchful eyes to discern you were upset, so he quickly confronted you on the matter.

-Learning of what frightened and saddened you made him scoff. What a fool you were for thinking he could ever consider anyone to be more special than you. You were perfect, the love of his life and his eternal soulmate. Even in death, you were his; he would keep you in his heart until it stopped beating.

-"Hush now, there is no reason to cry. You will not be leaving me anytime soon, I won't let you. You cannot escape me, even in death."

□ Nero □

-You wanted to live your whole life with Nero, but apparently, that wouldn't be happening.

-You'd never know the peace of just growing old together, raising a family and maybe getting a pet along the way.

-And when you do depart from this world, there was a chance Nero would move on and marry another. Selfish as it was, you hated the thought of someone else getting your precious boy.

-You considered making a deal with the devil to increase your lifespan, but Nero thankfully caught on to your gloomy mood and asked you what was wrong befkre you could do anything you'd regret.

-He was heartbroken upon discovering how much your condition was bothering you, and was quick to scoop you into his arms and hold you for a full hour.

-While doing this, he assured you that the two of you would work to find something that could prolong your existence, and if you couldn't, Nero would find a friendly demon (preferably an old friend of Grandpa Sparda's) who could. Either way, he wasn't letting you go, and if death took you from him, he'd never love again.

-"Hey, hey, calm down, ok? I love ya. Always will. You're staying with me till we both kick the bucket, I promise, I'll find a way to make that happen. Don't cry anymore, come on, I hate seeing you like this."

● V ●

-The mere thought of outliving V made your stomach churn.

-Who would care for him after you're gone? What if he got older and more incapable to move around by himself, then what?

-What if he managed to find someone else? You knew you should be happy if he heals from your loss, but still! Some other woman with your V? Unacceptable!

-You cried about this all day and night for quite some time, until the affects of your affliction became engraved on your face. V saw this, and decided to question you.

-You tearfully poured out your heart and soul to him, sobbing about how you didn't have much time left on this earth as others did, and how you were scared of what would happen when you died.

-V reminded you that neither did he, and how both of you would have to work together to find something to expand your lifespan, and if you couldn't you would go out together.

-"My poor Wanderer, despair not. Either we leave this world side by side, or we continue onwards holding hands. No matter what, we will be together. Nothing will separate us."

[jewellery-box]

Dearest people who follow this blog,

All I ask of you is politeness. I am neither a historian, nor a dress-maker, nor English is my native language. I live in a highly-censored country, and making a post here on Tumblr might seem a piece of cake to some, but searching for content while half of it is blocked by the outside world and the other half is blocked by my own government is difficult. I make mistakes. I make typos. Sometimes I have to resort to using second-hand sources because I can't reach the original source, but I want to share something that caught my fancy with you.

All I ask of you is understanding and politeness. Some people are kind when they correct me (I'm very thankful to them), but there was many a time when people would be rude and condescending in the tags, reblogs and comments. This blog is a hobby, and I do not get any money for posting here.

Please, don't make me abandon my hobby (which is an important part of my life) by being rude and discouraging in my blog. If you think I made a mistake in the dates or something like that - you can always gently notify me about it in private messages or in an anonymous ask.

Just please, don't be rude or condescending. There's nothing more saddening and discouraging than 'actually' followed by some additions in the tags and comments.

Much love,

jewellery-box

[mettaloverxx]

I AM GAY FOR UNDERFELL METTATON AND I NEED TO BE FED. PLEASE FEED ME /NF. YOU DONT HAVE TO. I JUST. I GOT SO DESPERATE A COUPLE MONTHS AGO THAT I LOOKED ON QUOTEV. I HAVENT BEEN ON QUITEV IN YEARS.

You came to the right place. I love fell metta very much as well! The lack of content for him is sad. But that's what I'm here for! [When I'm not lazy ofc- jghhgnf] now let's see here, how about some fluff?? It might be a little short due to writers block but i hope you enjoy anyway!

Warnings: none

Did not Proof read

Note: readers nickname for fellmetta is bug/ lovebug I do this for all fanfics I write for him ❤️

Mettafell x reader

🍓Strawberry kisses 💋

You sat on the couch listening to music. It's been a very slow and boring day. ever since metta left this morning for work, it feels like time is going 10× slower. You yawn softly and pick up your phone, and look at your previous text messages from earlier today with mettafell. Even though he was always busy with all the shows, concerts, plays, etc. He always somehow made time to text you little updates or to check up on you. But today, he wasn't texting you as much, feeling a little worried you decided to send him a text asking him how's everything was going. But before you could press, send you hear the front door opening you look over at the door and you see mettafell walk in. You smile and get up and make your way over to him. "Bug! I was just thinking about you! how did work go?" You wrap your arms around him into a loving hug, then look up at him

You immediately knew something was off by the way his face looked. Bug was good at hiding things due to being an actor, but sense you are so close to him, you've gotten good at reading him. You frowned softly. "I guess it was a bad day, huh?.." mettafell gently wraps his lower set of arms around you, returning the affection. "A bad day would be an understatement, darling. Ugh, it was...HORRENDOUS.." He let go of the hug and starts walking to the living room," the monster that I was supposed to be interviewing for my show canceled out at the last minute, someone put stains on my favorite outfit that absolutely won't come out!, There's an advid theft in the resort that keeps stealing expensive merchandise..and I'm not going to even talk about what type of magazine I caught burger pants reading on shift..." He does a robotic sigh and continues talking about his day while grabbing his spare charger by the couch he sits down and plugged himself in. You stayed quiet as you were listening to him and followed him to the living room. He looks over at you and says, "But never mind that darling, I need to charge. I'm very low on power. Give me an hour or two rest, yes?"

You gently sat down by him, watching his still body as he charged. It saddened you that he had a bad day. Maybe there was something you can do to make it a little better? You ponder for a moment before getting up and going into the kitchen with a smile on your face. you knew exactly what to do.

~

Mettafell powers back on. his body makes a soft, humming noise as he looks around, he doesn't see you. He was thinking you were upstairs, but then he hears running water in the kitchen, so he unplug himself and walks over to the kitchen he sees you washing a pan. "Hello darling, what are you getting ready to cook?" He says as he stepped closer to you. You stop washing the pan and turn around to look at him. How did you not hear him walk in? "Oh! Hi bug, I didn't know you were up already, I got you a gift," you said as you walked over to the fridge and took out a tray of chocolate covered strawberries and walked over to him. "I wanted to make you something special since you didn't have a good day. I know strawberries are your favorite, so I hope you like these"

Mettafell looks down at you, then the strawberries. It took him a minute to process this. You made his favorite desert for him. just because he had a bad day??? What?? His internal fans turn on "oh..sweetheart it looks wonderful." His eyes soften as he looks down at you and puts his hand under your chin to make you look up at him. He leans down and kisses your lips softly. You kissed him back, and it all felt like time went still, shortly after mettafell pulls away from the kiss and smiled his toothy fang grin. "Let's share them together, sweetie, we should continue watching those old human horror you were showing me to"

Your face was slightly warm, and you smile "ok love bug, I'll find a movie for us to watch tonight." You walk into the living room, and mettafell follows

You and bug spend the rest of the night sharing the sweet strawberries and watching movies together ❤️

[ravenssilver]

part three of my unintentional, untitled aeon series

part one part two

now, 981 words of aeon being tired

Aeon was in the kitchen early one morning, his lilac eyes clouded with exhaustion.

He sipped some coffee. He had made it the way he had seen Mountain make it for Dew. He wasn’t sure if it liked it. It tasted burnt.

Though, since it was the same kind Dew liked, he had poured the lions share of the brew into another mug and set it by the coffeemaker with a little note for the fire ghoul.

Aeon sighed and set the mug down on the kitchen island, slouching in on himself as he slightly spun the barstool back and forth, lost in his thoughts as always.

He was starting to regret taking away Swiss’ exhaustion. He felt it weighing him down like a cloud that was just barely too gray above him. Of course, Aeon didn’t regret taking away Swiss’ exhaustion. He just wished it didn’t have to be so… well, exhausting, to hold onto someone else’s fatigue.

Aeon looked down into his coffee mug, sending a little bolt of quintessence into it, making the liquid ripple.

“Tommy?”

Aeon jolted in surprise and looked over his shoulder, seeing Aurora with some sort of string wrapped around her lower fang, wedged between the enlarged tooth and her lateral incisor.

“Hey… what’re you doing up so early?” Aeon asked, his voice soft as he held his hand out to Aurora. Aurora shuffled closer and took Aeon’s hand in hers, standing between his knees as he remained sat on the barstool.

“I was flossing, I think it’s called, and the string got wrapped around my fang. Lus and Cir are sleeping.. Can you help?” She asked, a bit awkward due to how little she had spoken to the ghoul who was summoned at the same time as her.

Aeon’s eyes saddened as he realized he was a last resort, even to his fellow summon buddy.

“Yeah..” he sighed with a nod, not even bothering to make some sort of halfhearted joke to lighten the mood.

He wasn’t even wanted by the ghoulette who he shared the most important day of his eternal life with.

Aeon gingerly grabbed the floss string and began unwrapping Aurora’s enlarged canine. His eyes were dull, the multi-ghoulette not being able to read anything off of Phantom.

“There.. better?” Aeon asked, sounding just as dull as he looked as he tossed the string of floss into the trash can. “Yeah. Thanks. Uh… yeah, bye.” Aurora mumbled before turning on her heel and walking out of the kitchen.

Aeon followed her with his eyes before turning back to the kitchen island. He stared at the marble for a moment before he dropped his head down, sighing shakily as tears welled in his eyes from both the pain in his heart and the pain from his horns slamming against the marble.

His shoulders shook as silent sobs left him, his posture becoming even more curled in as his heart started to crack under the pressure, threatening to shatter into a million of cracked pieces.

Hours later, Dew walked into the kitchen, finding Aeon dead asleep at the island, his back curved in an uncomfortable looking way.

Rain walked in behind Dewdrop, his eyebrows furrowing when he saw Aeon.

“Is he okay?” Rain asked softly, looking at Dew. The fire ghoul stared at Aeon for a moment before he shrugged, walking over to the coffee pot and brushing off the mug that was already there. Just Aeon leaving a mess.

“Seems fine to me.” He stated, ignoring the voice in the back of his head that was practically screaming that something was wrong.

“Oh, don’t lie to yourself,” Rain huffed, rolling his eyes as he leaned against the counter. “Something’s been wrong since he was summoned. Why hasn’t he come to us..?” Rain frowned, looking at Aeon with sad eyes.

“Maybe he just doesn’t want to,” Dew shrugged, his ear flicking as his coffee began to brew. “It would be easier on all of us if he kept himself out of everything.” He grumbled, looking at Rain, only to see the water ghoul staring at the little quint.

“C’mon, Rain, he’s grown. He’d say something if something is really wrong.” Dew rolled his eyes, his tail flicking. “I really don’t see why you’ve suddenly gotten all worried.”

“He’s struggling, Dew.” Rain stated. “It’s so obvious. Did you hear what Swiss was telling Mount the other day? How desperate he was to do what Aeth’ used to-“

“Stop.”

Rain’s eyes widened and he looked at Dew, surprised by the sudden anger in his voice.

“He’s not Aether. He never will be.” Dew spat, glaring at Rain. “I know.” Rain nodded, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “I never said-“

“Well everyone seems to think that he can live up to was Aether was! Why am I the only one that sees that he’s nothing?” Dew snarled, Rain’s eyes widening before they narrowed.

“Dew, stop.”

“No, Rain! He won’t ever be what you all think he is!”

“Dew.”

“He’s just some replacement. Something to take up space until we can get someone good enough to be the pack Quintessence.”

“Dewdrop!”

“He’s a runt. It’s all he ever will be.”

The fire ghoul growled, turning to look at Rain, only to see a bleary eyed Aeon looking back at him, Rain standing off to the side with wide eyes.

A single tear rolled down Aeon’s face, his breathing shaky as all signs of hope or happiness quickly dissolved into despair.

Aeon snuffled and took a deep breath in before he nodded his head to the white mug that was by the coffee pot that had just started to pour Dew’s coffee.

“I made you some already.” Aeon said blandly, his voice shaky and so quiet Dew barely even heard him.

And then he was gone, leaving Dew caught off guard with a very angry Rain.

[theoddest1]

I'm wondering what would happen if characters were robbed of their main traits in some way. Like Niffty frantically runs around cleaning, but if she fell over and broke a hip or leg, they'd have to tell her to stop because she's making her injuries worse.

She hasn't been given any real characterization beyond being a maid and being violently obsessed with certain men. Take away her ability to work, make her another guest, and she might have an existential crisis:

"Why does Charlie still want me here if I can't do my job anymore? Can I be replaced? How much work am I missing? I can't sleep. I'm scared thinking about this."

The way to real-life redemption of bad people begins with looking within yourself and seeing just who you are. For some people, this is a psychological hell, and for Niffty or any of the rest of the cast, it's a physical one as well.

Nifty, like everyone else in HH, has so much potential to be an interesting character that it is generally saddening to see her be ignored and resorted to being a one-note comedic character. The fact that fans and ex-fans have come up with such intriguing storylines and dilemmas with ease shows how much people love her and how much she could provide as a main cast character.

DAMN, I really wanna start delving into my rewrite idea that I had for HH where instead of Hell all of the characters are on earth, because I have always deemed Earth in a way worse than some versions of Hell, ESPECIALLY Viv's hell. I was also gonna make it take place in the 20s

[may change it to the 50s or something idk yet. Also I did this before seeing Lackadaisy. I swear Princess and Yhe Frog was the inspo 😅]

I may start posting my ideas here if any of you guys are interested 🥹. This ask inspired me to get into that again cause genuinely, a psychological look into all these characters would be one of the major things this show needs outside of consistency.

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Rook Hunt - New Year's Attire Vignette

"Come now, tell me everything...!"

[Mister S's Mystery Shop]

Diasomnia Student: Let go! I touched this last remaining limited edition collaboration T-shirt first!

Heartslabyul Student: No way! I was just a bit faster! You should be the one to let go!

Rook: Non! Please calm down, both of you.

Rook: If you continue to struggle so… Your precious shirt will stretch and everyone will be at a loss!

Jade: This may be presumptuous of me, but… From where I stood, it seemed as though the other customer was a tad faster at claiming the product.

Diasomnia Student: See! Even he says so. Now, take your hand off, I must go to the register.

Heartslabyul Student: Dammit! I'll definitely get the next one, you can count on it!

Jade: There seems to be at least one dispute like this every day now.

Jade: Those two earlier were clashing just the other day as well… Amazing how they don't tire of it.

Rook: During this sale, there are limited stock of rare items available that rotate daily.

Rook: While it may be a wondrous thing that customers come in to purchase these more valuable products, it is also a shame that they resort to in-fighting.

Jade: Perhaps we need to devise a way in order to sell these limited-time products better.

Jade: At the moment it is first-come, first-serve, but what if we were to implement a lottery system for these products?

Jade: It may greatly reduce the conflict between customers, as well as any other displeasure with the ongoing sale.

Rook: With regards to dealing with the frantic scramble for our products, I think that's a superb idea!

Rook: However… That will also result in customers who will be saddened by their lack of luck.

Rook: I'd like it if all those who came to our sale were able to leave happy.

Rook: If only we could have every customer of the Mystery Shop be happy as a clam.

Jade: I see. So you wish to see a solution that would bring satisfaction to all.

Jade: I admit that is a very you thing to say, but would that not be tricky to implement?

Rook: You may be right… But here's what I think. Conflict happens because the heart yearns.

Rook: Therefore, the best course of action would be to give them something to satisfy that yearning.

Rook: For example, let me think…

Rook: What if we were to transform the inside of this shop into something beautiful that'll bring joy into people's hearts?

Jade: You mean you wish to decorate this shop?

Rook: That's right! Anybody and everybody will feel satisfied once they look upon something gorgeous.

Rook: Up until this point, I have attended many plays that would be considered top tier.

Rook: Venues that perform these first-rate plays have a way of moving the hearts of those who have come to watch before the curtain has even been raised.

Rook: For example, if there were to be extravagantly beautiful decorations in the entrance hall…

Rook: Each person who came in through those doors would instantly be swept up into a wondrous new universe… Or the like.

Jade: I see. It would make sense that a refined theater would also make sure to be surrounded by magnificence.

Jade: Regardless of whether we would be able to do something to that degree, that may be a fine point to start from.

Rook: This is the best chance for me to put to good use my own experience of witnessing countless works that artists have poured their heart and soul into!

Jade: There are many students in Pomefiore who excel at having an artistic sense.

Jade: To be able to see just what kind of decoration you are thinking of as the Vice Housewarden of said dorm, Rook-san… I must admit that my own curiosity has been piqued.

Rook: I'm touched by your kind words. Now, we should go right away to ask Sam-san for permission to decorate the shop.

Sam: ―So, you'd like to increase the shop's decorations in order to appease the hearts of our customers who keep squabbling over the products, hm.

Sam: Please, go ahead and try it. Of course I'd like for it to settle the arguments, but I especially am hopeful that it will increase sales.

Rook: Merci, Monsieur Mysterious! I begin preparations right away.

Jade: I will do my best as your team mate as well, so please let me know what I may do to help.

Rook: A fantastic offer! I'll absolutely take you up on that, Monsieur Prémédité.

Rook: ―With all of the knowledge and experience I've accumulated, I'll absolutely be able to transform this space into something beautiful.

Rook: In order to quell those heart-wrenching arguments… I'll bring forth a beautifully decorated shop that'll soothe their souls!

[Mister S's Mystery Shop]

―A few hours later

Rook: Mayhaps this colorful lamp would be best suited placed against this monotone-colored wall.

Rook: It's quite a difficult task to determine where things should go to keep a good balance in the room. Fufu… And yet that is what makes this even more worthwhile.

Jade: As you've requested, I've finished preparing the decorations you need.

Rook: Merci, Monsieur Prémédité! You've been a huge help.

Jade: Not at all, this was a simple task.

Jade: We've been able to put up some quick decorations here and there, but this may be the extent that we can do now during the day.

Rook: You're probably right. The two of us can finish the rest of what needs to be done after the shop closes for the night.

Jade: Indeed. Incidentally, these decorations you've brought in are quite fabulous, Rook-san.

Jade: And you've brought such a surprisingly large quantity, as well… How could you have possibly procured all of these during your rather short break?

Rook: All the interior items I've brought to be used as decorations inside the shop came from the Pomefiore storage room or borrowed from various students.

Rook: Some are donations from former students, and others are personal items from current students.

Jade: I see. It is astounding that one dormitory is able to amass a collection this wonderful…

Jade: I should expect nothing less from Pomefiore and your adherence to the spirit of the Fairest Queen.

Rook: Isn't it just? My beloved Pomefiore dormitory is overflowing with beautiful things.

Jade: Yes, I have come to understand that. However, I believe the most spectacular thing of all is…

Jade: Your ability in being able to choose decorations that would complement this shop well in that short amount of time, as well as your ability to negotiate borrowing them.

Rook: Oh my, I'm honored to hear you praise me like that. Thank you, Jade-kun!

Jade: Not at all. However… Will the simple act of decorating the shop truly abate these arguments?

Rook: Truthfully, I have prepared something special.

Rook: Once my plan is set in motion, it should allow for everyone to be soothed and forget about their infighting.

Jade: A "special something," you say… I cannot wait.

Rook: Fufu, as for what it is, you shall have to wait for its time in the spotlight.

Rook: Tomorrow, this Mystery Shop will become an even more beauté establishment― That I can definitely promise!

―The next morning

Scarabia Student: Alright, today I'll buy some of the ingredients on sale… HUH, WHAT'S ALL THIS!?

Scarabia Student: THE SHOP'S INTERIOR… IS EVEN MORE EXTRAVAGANTLY DECORATED!

Octavinelle Student: You're right. It's almost like it's not our school store!

Trey: There's fancy lamps, paintings and other interior decorations here and there…

Trey: They've been arranged so as to not bother the Eastern decorations that were already put up, but instead they actually work well with them. The shop feels completely different.

Ortho: This is amazing! Is this all your doing, Rook-san and Jade-san?

Rook: Oui! It may have almost taken us until dawn, but I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Rook: The theme was "the theater."

Rook: To transport all who step through the threshold into a whole new world, just as a theater presenting a high-class play would…

Rook: That was the purpose behind this design.

Jade: Rook-san's aesthetical sense is, in a word, fantastic.

Jade: I may have contributed a helping hand, but everything was done according to his guidance.

Trey: Regardless, this is really well done.

Trey: Looks like me and Ortho can't just dilly-dally if we want that special bonus.

Trey: Anyway, good work, Rook, Jade. You two didn't sleep much last night, right?

Trey: You can leave the shop to us, go ahead and get some rest.

Rook: Fufu, I appreciate your consideration, Chevalier des Roses! But there's no need to concern yourself, as you can see, we are fit as a fiddle.

Jade: Indeed. Moreover, if we were to take a break here, we may be passed up by our rivals.

Trey: Haha, didn't think you'd fall for that one.

Ortho: Tooooo bad. ―Ah, Trey-san. Looks like there's a customer waiting to pay.

Trey: Oops, we should get back to work. See you two later.

Jade: …Well, then. It seems as though our customers are taking well to the new decorations so far…

Rook: The most crucial thing now is to determine if it will help reduce the arguments between our customers.

Rook: Based on the product lineup we have today… It is highly probable that those two who were fighting over that shirt yesterday will come once more.

Rook: Furthermore, we've only the one pair of the limited-edition shoes today.

Rook: What a sad fate that only one of them will be able to claim their prized item…

Rook: Yet, would their clamorous hearts be quelled much like our other customers? This is what I have worked towards.

Jade: At noon, our special limited products will be on sale. It is almost time.

Rook: Oh, speaking of which.

Diasomnia Student: YOOO!! I'M DEFINITELLY GONNA GRAB THOSE LIMITED-EDITION SHOES TOO!

Heartslabyul Student: I'M GOING TO PURCHASE THOSE SPECIAL SHOES! NO WAY I'M GOING TO LET ANYONE ELSE HAVE THEM!

Rook: Looks like they've arrived.

Rook: Now… It's time to put to the test whether my little production will pull at your heartstrings.

[Mister S's Mystery Shop]

Diasomnia Student: I ENTERED THE SHOP FIRST, AND I TOUCHED IT FIRST!

Heartslabyul Student: YOU GOTTA BE JOKING! STOP TRYING TO STEAL MY STUFF!

Jade: We seem to be in the same dispute as yesterday…

Jade: It seems as though it truly was a hard sell to quell their fighting with only distracting decorations.

Rook: Fufu, it's too early to come to that conclusion, Monsieur Prémédité.

Jade: Hm?

Rook: ―NOW, IT'S SHOW TIME!

[spotlight shines upon the students]

Students: !?

Diasomnia Student: WOAH, THAT'S BLINDING! WHAT'S GOING ON!?

Heartslabyul Student: M-My eyes… I'm seeing spots…!

Jade: That's… a spotlight? Those two have frozen in surprise from being suddenly lit up.

Rook: Oui! I borrowed one from the Film Research Club with Vil's permission and installed it in the shop.

Jade: Well, it's completely stopped their argument in its tracks. I see, so was this blinding tactic your "special something"?

Rook: Non, non. This is only the beginning.

Rook: The heart-throbbing thrill starts now! Take a look at the wall over there.

Heartslabyul Student: Just as I felt I was getting used to the light… Now the lamps along the wall are blinking.

Diasomnia Student: Not only that, but the light is reflecting off the other decorations and it's making the shop look even more glamorous… This is more than magical, it's…

Students: Beautiful…

Rook: Fufu, it looks like our customers have calmed down a tad.

Rook: We made it so that all the lamps set up around the shop would turn on remotely, what do you think? Do you like it?

Heartslabyul Student: Y-Yeah… Now that I take a better look, are all these decorations different from what was up yesterday?

Rook: Seems as though you've finally become aware of the changes brought about in the shop.

Rook: That must mean you were so preoccupied by your desired item that you failed to notice said changes.

Rook: I find your determination and persistence for your special item to be rather fascinating!

Rook: Would you please tell me what exactly it is about that item that has you under its thrall?

Jade: From what I have been able to glean from my own research, it seems these shoes are high-end and quite rare.

Jade: It is a replica of the same model worn by a legendary basketball player early in their career.

Jade: These were sold out in a blink of one eye on release, and currently fetch a premium price.

Rook: I see. A legendary player wore them, which makes this a legendary pair of shoes.

Rook: Is it because it is worth so much that you are adamant to acquire them?

Heartslabyul Student: It's more that I admire the guy. I am a huge fan of that basketball player.

Heartslabyul Student: Yesterday's shirt is also of the same as their favorite design.

Heartslabyul Student: Who wouldn't want to get their hands on something that the person they admire also owns!?

Jade: I see, you admire them.

Jade: Many of the limited-edition articles here, including the shoes, are products that aren't readily found for purchase.

Jade: Sam-san must have procured them by using some proprietary routes.

Rook: Which means, if you were to let this opportunity pass you by, it may never come again.

Rook: Your determination to pursue your goals is just… BRAVO! YOU'VE EARNED MY ADMIRATION.

Rook: Now, you're up next. Tell me why you wanted the shoes.

Diasomnia Student: I'm a huge fan of the designer of this sports brand, and I've collected a ton of their stuff.

Diasomnia Student: The same designer made the shirt from yesterday, too. These shoes today are considered their best work from their early years!

Rook: That desire of yours to collect beautiful things… That is just as fantastic! A wonderful reason!

Rook: I must know more about your interest in these shoes.

Rook: What was it about that legendary basketball player that drew you to them?

Heartslabyul Student: Eh?

Rook: What other products has your favorite designer also made?

Diasomnia Student: Uhh…

Rook: Did they have some sort of flashy play style? Did they have some special skill?

Rook: If they were a world-class designer, then I'm sure they had some sticking principles. Could you perhaps elaborate on what those might have been?

Rook: I desperately want to know what makes your heart pound, what ignites your passion!

Rook: Yes! Tell me all of your feelings!

Rook: COME NOW, TELL ME EVERYTHING…!

Diasomnia Student: Th-This is a little…

Heartslabyul Student: WHAT'S WITH THIS CRAZY PRESSURE…!!!

Heartslabyul Student: But, also, like… When some guy's just being real insistent like this, somehow that just helps my own head clear…

Jade: People tend to come to their senses when they witness another's antics. I think it is a phenomenon that most people have experienced.

Diasomnia Student: I guess it's pretty lame of us to be fighting in this decked out shop… Plus, it's New Year's…

Diasomnia Student: …Alright.

Diasomnia Student: I was able to buy the shirt yesterday, and shoes are a big deal for you basketball fans, right? I'll let you take the win this time.

Heartslabyul Student: Really? I owe you one!

Jade: …It seems they've resolved their dispute.

Jade: However, that was much more peaceful than I was expecting. Perhaps he did not covet the product to that extent.

Rook: No, I'm certain he did. I mentioned this when I proposed the decorations for the store…

Rook: "People will feel happy and satisfied when they look upon something gorgeous."

Rook: Just as the quarrel have sprouted thorns in their hearts, the beauty has softly untangled them from it…

Jade: In other words, it cooled their tempers.

Rook: You could say that. At any rate, beauty itself was the resolution for this conflict.

Jade: I see… Although, I suppose I could see another major cause in their resolution.

Rook: Hm? And what is that?

Jade: While the customers were taken in by the shop's decoration, you pulled them in further with your own conversation.

Jade: Your urgent pressing for their responses was spectacular. Had you calculated that into your considerations from the start?

Rook: Non. I only wished to know what made their resolve so strong that they could not help but argue over it…

Rook: That's all.

Jade: Hm. Then perhaps they felt under siege from your innocently curious questions.

Rook: Ahh… How wonderful it was to be able to quell their arguments and see them both satisfied.

Rook: Beautiful things will always bring joy to people's hearts, yes.

Rook: Fufu… It is a fantastical feeling to know that our decorations were able to soothe their aching hearts.

Requested by @pomefiwhore.

[mariacallous]

New York Magazine writer Olivia Nuzzi, who recently came under fire after admitting to a “personal relationship” with former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has filed a lawsuit against her ex-fiancé Ryan Lizza, the well-known Politico journalist, accusing him of orchestrating a blackmail campaign against her, CNN reported Tuesday.

Nuzzi, who’s been on leave from the magazine since the revelations about her relationship with Kennedy surfaced, filed her lawsuit in Washington, D.C., Superior Court this week. In the suit, she accuses Lizza of working to damage her personal reputation as far back as July.

Lizza, Nuzzi alleges, “explicitly threatened to make public personal information about me to destroy my life, career, and reputation—a threat he has since carried out.”

Nuzzi claims in the lawsuit, obtained by CNN, that after she refused to get back together with him, Lizza attempted to get various media outlets to publish personal information about her that he’d gathered from personal electronic devices he stole from her and hacked.

She claims some of her personal details may have been “doctored” to appear more damaging and that her ex concealed his identity by pretending to be an anonymous campaign operative.

A hearing for the case is set for Oct. 15.

Nuzzi never named Kennedy in the lawsuit, but she alluded to the scandal when she accused Lizza of tipping off her employer about “the matter” ― an apparent reference to the bombshell relationship.

New York Magazine confirmed last month that it had put Nuzzi on leave after she admitted to a personal relationship with a “former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign.” Journalist Oliver Darcy reported in his newsletter Status that her relationship was with Kennedy, the former presidential candidate Nuzzi had written an extensive profile about last November.

Nuzzi said the relationship was never physical and only began after her Kennedy profile was published.

Kennedy, the anti-vaccine activist, has been married to actor Cheryl Hines since 2014. He suspended his independent bid for the presidency in August and endorsed Donald Trump.

Lizza did not immediately return HuffPost’s request for comment, but he denied Nuzzi’s claims to CNN.

“I am saddened that my ex-fiancée would resort to making a series of false accusations against me as a way to divert attention from her own personal and professional failings,” he said. “I emphatically deny these allegations and I will defend myself against them vigorously and successfully.”

Nuzzi did not return HuffPost’s requests for further comment on the lawsuit.

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓅨 Hot Springs Heat: Chapter One

Hot Springs Heat: Morpheus has had a great deal of trouble getting you to understand that he is in love with you. When you go on a trip to Germany to visit a spa resort, he decides to make things clear to you.

Warnings: Nudity? (Sort of), Language.

To Note: Morpheus x Female!Reader, @so-i-grudgingly-joined-this-site this is for you from THIS post.

Word Count: ~2.4k

Masterlist | Next

You weren’t sure how you managed to get a trip to a hot spring resort in Germany, but you were excited and nearly vibrating in anticipation of the seven day trip. But while you were happily packing your suitcase and wondering what it would be like to enjoy a hot springs, Morpheus was glowering in the shadows. Of course he was pleased to see that you were happy and excited to go on the trip, but he was also very much despondent over your lack of… awareness… of his intimate feelings for you. You were either oblivious, or very much in denial. But in the end, Morpheus could see the truth within your dreams, and wanted you just as much you wanted him.

It was torturous for the Dream Lord to watch as your dreams revealed your innermost desires and bodily beauty. Between the lush sounds that the conjured dream version of him drew from your lips to the way your body shifted and writhed, the way you hungrily kissed his dream self… it was agony to know you craved and indulged in him in your dreams, but not when you were awake. Hence his increasingly broody and sullen moods as of late, and why he was ruminating on the idea of making his desire apparent on this ’spa’ trip of yours. It wasn’t like you could run or have an excuse not to address such a topic.

So Morpheus allowed you to happily pack for your trip in a naive blissful state under the pretense that he wouldn’t be accompanying you. When you held up your bathing suit and studied it, Morpheus’s eyebrow rose. It would hardly cover much, what would be the point of bringing such a garment to a spa? His head tilted to the side in confusion.

“I do not understand why you feel the need to pack such revealing clothes.” He spoke as his forehead scrunched. Wear spas not meant to be enjoyed in the nude this era? Letting out an embarrassed squeal, your hands shot to your chest as you clutched your bathing suit there. What was he doing here?

“Morpheus!?” You questioned, your voice high pitched as you tried to calm your suddenly racing heart down. “You scared the shit out of me!” You exclaimed, stuffing you bikini under a pile of shirts to hide it. Morpheus blinked at you.

“I did not mean to startle you, I merely wondered why you plan to pack something so revealing when you plan on attending a hot springs?”

“Well what else am I going to wear while swimming?” You vaguely asked, returning to the task of stuffing folded clothes into your suitcase. Your answer didn’t give Morpheus his answer. Did mortals not enjoy spas in the nude anymore? Perhaps it was for something else… “I’ll be gone for a week so I’m not going to be around. I’ll still visit the Dreaming though.”

“Indeed,” Morpheus echoed, watching as you shoved your things into the suitcase and zipped it shut. You dragged your suitcase to the door of your bedroom. Eyeing Morpheus, you started to wonder why he had been so broody lately.

“Something wrong?” You questioned, questioning what had upset him this time, given his proclivity for mood changes when angered or saddened. Morpheus’ eyebrow rose. “You’ve been moody lately.”

“Moody?” Morpheus repeated with a soft snort. “I do not get moody.” He totally did, but would never admit it. Your gaze was insistent, so the Endless thought, perhaps, to inform you of his true feelings once again in hopes that this time, you would understand or at the very least, not deny what your true desires expressed. “There is someone I care for deeply and wish to express my true ardor for, but they seem to either deny such existing emotions or simply cannot see what is in front of them.”

He was looming over you, staring down at you with such intense eyes that you nearly combusted into the very stardust that swirled within hypnotic blue. Shit. You didn’t want to talk about this. Not when you were convinced that he was in love with someone else and trying to get advice from you. There was no way that he could be talking about you, so you figured that he was speaking of some other stunning mortal or creature he’d fallen in love with. It was hard enough to have such desirous dreams about him loving you the way you wanted. You’d indulged plenty of times not being able to help yourself… you didn’t need the agony of him dangling such a thing in front of you when it wasn’t yours to have!

Swallowing hard, you cleared your throat and tried to empty your mind of your stupid dreams and hopes.

“So… have you told them? Shown then that you like them non platonically?” You offered, silently hating yourself for offering such advice. He couldn’t be talking about you. He wasn’t. You were just a stupid mortal. Weak. Plain. Nothing special. This was some else. It had to be.

“I believe so,” Morpheus answered thoughtfully. “Surely the gifts I’ve bestowed would indicate my intentions.” Your eyes couldn’t hep but dart over to your bookshelf where all your little knick knacks you had received from The Dreaming and other realms, sat. You were a glorified tourist, surely, Morpheus was just being nice by humoring you. Besides, those were just super cool relics, not jewelry or waxing poetic scripture you were sure Morpheus’ prior loves adored receiving. You didn’t care for fine jewelry, or such poems, you liked your knickknacks. Adored them. Hence the very reason why the Endless showered you with such items to no end. You shrugged and gave your next input, hoping to put an end to this painful conversation.

“At this point, you should just tell them.” Morpheus wanted to sigh. You couldn’t be this oblivious… could you? No, you weren’t oblivious, you were just in plain denial. He’d fix that. He’d fix that very soon.

It had been hard to pick your jaw up off the floor when you arrived at the spa resort. Germany was a beautiful country, hands down you couldn’t deny that, but the country side was breathtaking and the spa clearly took advantage of the views. You looked forwards to enjoying the various springs offered, but according to the brochure you’d been offered at reception, some of the spas were nude spas. You were still contemplating on whether or not you’d take part in that, you’d never been around people openly naked.

But this was a once in a life time vacation so you were seriously considering trying it out. Perhaps late night when there weren’t as many people around. Humming to yourself, you lay on your hotel bed and looked at the different hot springs spots. You were definitely going to avoid the family spas, you were here to relax an enjoy yourself. There were some unisex singles spas, spas for couples to hang out and enjoy, and spas for males and females… and then there were the nude spas. Your friend had told you not, under any circumstances, to come back without trying one out. You would. But you were fairly sure that you wanted to try the woman’s nude spa first, before working up the courage to try the highlight of the resort, the nude spa open for men and woman.

You spent the first three days wandering around the spas were nudity wasn’t allowed, enjoying the hot water and chatting with a few tourists that spoke your language. At times, you felt subconscious about your figure. There were many woman around you that looked like supermodels and had the body to match. It made you so self-conscious... but the insanely beautiful woman were nothing but nice and wonderful to you, giving you all the best insights on where to visit while you were in Germany.

So on your fourth night, after most of the crowds had gone back to their rooms and you’d bravely tried out the woman’s nude hot springs, you finally decided to try out the main attraction of the resort. Starting out in your hotel room, you shed your clothing piece by piece until you were naked. Then you pulled on the satin robe the resort supplied to all guests and tied the ribbon around your waist.

“Okay,” You told yourself while standing in front of the mirror. “You had the courage to join the woman’s nude spa earlier today, this isn’t any different... it’s just unisex... but also the main highlight and the entire reason you’re here.” You were not going to allow yourself to go home before enjoying the hot springs. Period. So with your small bag that had your phone and hotel key, you departed your hotel room and headed for the changing room. Since it was practically eleven at night, there weren’t a lot of people out and about. But despite the lack of guest presence, you still felt nervous walking around in only a robe.

Turning into the female changing room, you were glad to see that there were only two woman, both of which were getting dressed. Walking over to a locker, you put your bag in the locker and set the password before closing it.

“I hope you are enjoying the hot springs.” You spun around with a gasp and flattened yourself against the lockers as your heart pounded in your chest.

“Jesus Christ, Morpheus!” You sputtered out, your eyes wide while you gaped. It wasn’t just that he was in the woman’s changing room, it was that he was also in a robe. A beautiful shimmering black one that reminded you of the inner lining of his coat. “This is the woman’s changing room!”

“I’m aware,” He informed you. “However no other mortals will disturb us this night.”

“Disturb—” You repeated, at a near loss for words. “Morpheus you can’t just use your Endless magic thingy to steer the guests away!”

“I can when circumstances call for such,” He replied to you, eyes softly glowing. “You’ve been avoiding me and misdirecting my attempts at expressing to you the entirety of the visceral emotions I feel for you.” He took a step closer and you swallowed hard, realizing that besides his robe, he most likely wasn’t wearing anything else. Much like you. “You have bewitched my conscious and ensnared my being until all that I desire is you.”

“Uh, I don’t think I’m the person to be practicing—” You were still in denial? Very well, Morpheus would move on the next plan of his. It was a bit forward of the Endless, but called for at this point in time. His fingers went to the sash at his waist and he quickly unraveled it. The moment you got a very nice view of his shoulders and chest you were lunging forwards, catching the falling robe before it fell past his hips. Good god he was sculpted. “Morpheus!” You shrieked at him, face blistered with heat while you looked anywhere but at him or his body. “What the hell are you doing!?”

“Expressing my desires directly since you appear to either entirely oblivious to my intentions or simply deny what you long for within your intimate dreams.” Morpheus calmly exclaimed, his eyes drawing along the bare skin he could see peeking out from your robe. You were trembling, your fingers clutching darkened satin while you struggled not to be overwhelmed by the fact that you were pressed right up against the nearly naked Endless with very little between you. Rather than raise your eyes to Morpheus’ because your brain was ever so slowly connecting what had been in front of you the whole time, you stared at his smooth chest. His skin was literally like sheets of stardust. “I’ve seen your repeated intimate dreams, beloved, and know that you want me just as much as I you.”

“Are we really having this conversation right now?” You asked in a strained voice, your cheeks still very much on fire. “You’re nearly naked and I’m in a robe. We’re not having this conversation right now.” Morpheus couldn’t help the twitch in his lips.

"Given that I plan to undress you completely, I fail to see how you being in a robe prevents me from having this conversation.” It felt like every molecule in your body froze, as did your heart.

“I— Morpheus, I’m not…” You were at a loss for words, your mind scrambling to conjure complete sentences. “This isn’t presentable, I should—”

"Since when have I ever been bound by human standards? Since when has something as meager as presentability determined how much I ache for you?" You were trembling now, taking in the glaring fact that all those times where Morpheus had come to you speaking of the woman that had him all wrapped up, was you. He’d been trying to tell you how he felt this entire time, and you’d convinced yourself that the woman he loved, couldn’t possibly be you.

Morpheus moved a hand to the one just barely grasping his robe. Your fingers twitched beneath his touch, but you didn’t pull away, nor stray your eyes from his. Fingers sliding through yours, Morpheus basked in the way his fingers fit against your warm ones. Perfectly, just as he knew they would.

“If you wish to reject me, you may with but a single word,” His voice whispered to you, slow and sonorous. Captivating. Was this really happening? Did a being as cruelly beautiful and powerful as Dream of the Endless, truly desire you as you did he? Morpheus could still see the lingering doubt within your luminous eyes, and leaned close to your face. “If petty concerns are what hold you back from your intimate desires, relinquish them.”

Those words slipped across your lips in a beckoning call, urging and gentle. You could nearly feel his lips brushing against yours, a sensation you had only experienced while deep within your dreams. Faltering for but a moment, your fingers finally released their grasp on Morpheus’ robe and allowed his slender ones to wind with yours. The Endless raised his other hand to gently glide his fingers across your cheek and push back the hair partially covering your face. Then with just the slightest of movements, his lips finally pressed against yours and dreams became reality.

Date Published: 7/9/23

Last Edit: 7/21/23

Masterlist | Next

[local-redhead-bookworm]

Finished Gundam 00. My closing thoughts, in no particular order:

I’m glad that almost everyone has their happy ending and something to keep working toward

I enjoyed how Graham’s arc was about learning to live for something other than revenge (you may be noticing a recurring pattern with me). He spent most of season two being driven only by his desire to fight Setsuna again for honor, and how it closes with him finding something new to live for.

I still find Katagiri’s story a bit frustrating. Like yes Sumeragi shouldn’t have used his feelings to her advantage, but my guy. Becoming a fascist is already a bad idea, somehow it’s even worse when it’s motivated by relationship issues

Lyle killing Al-Saachez is just as deserved as if Setsuna had done it. I know we’d just had the whole big realization about the necessity of understanding each other, but Al-Saachez had no interest in trying to understand anyone else.

I was so upset about Tieria, but if he’s still alive inside Veda he’s not really gone. It’s like how in Ninjago Pixal went from an android body to being a program in Zane’s memory bank. Idk, it’s been a long time since I watched Ninjago

This show takes a very interesting philosophy on war. Wing asked more vague questions on the ethics of war, and what happens when you take humanity out of the fight and replace it with technology. IBO comes closest to truly analyzing the role of capitalism in war. But 00 questions the interplay of diplomacy and war, and how our approach to interpersonal conflict affects how we approach conflict on a broader scale. The message I feel 00 was aiming for is one that aligns with some of my core beliefs: in order for us to live at peace, we must see each other as equals and make every possible effort to understand each other. We may not always succeed, but if we approach our problems with the goal to find common ground and work together, the world will be a better place. Will it be perfect? No. But we don’t have to be perfect, we just have to try to be better

I’m really fascinated by the angle this show has on religion, sin, and deity. The religious themes are baked into the show, starting with a protagonist raised in a militaristic religious war, to the final villain being a man who wants to make himself God because he sees humanity as below him. There is also an element of guilt, the idea that there is blood on everyone’s hands. There is blood on the hands of the soldiers, but there is also blood on the hands of the civilians who choose to remain ignorant and look away. But the show does not say that we have to find a way to wash off that blood, only that we learn from the past and keep growing and trying to be better each day.

I did feel like all of this was slightly undercut by the fact that at the end, Celestial Being is still active. However, it did seem that Celestial Being would be looking less to act as they did in season one and more to work in conjunction with diplomatic forces, as a last resort when all else failed or intervening to help the innocent. I’m still a bit saddened that Setsuna doesn’t get to settle down and live a peaceful life, but that wouldn’t be realistic with him, to be fair. Marina says it herself, all he knows how to do is fight; if he cannot stop fighting, he has to change how and why he fights.

I really enjoyed this show overall. To be fair, there’s yet to be a single Gundam piece I wholeheartedly dislike, but I like a lot of how this story was told.

I feel like this one was a lot less character-oriented than other Gundam stories were. It works for this particular story, because like Wing, it’s interested in asking a broader philosophical question and less on the characters themselves in the situations. The characters’ backstories are important to why they choose to become involved with Celestial Being, but their life experiences did not have much influence on them otherwise. I do think that’s because the scope of this show was so big, and we as the audience are looking at this entire story from a much broader scope, so the extreme minutiae of character are less important than the broad strokes that lay the scene for a much bigger conversation.