#It'd make a great jingle

[shaampoo]

OMG!?!??! I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS SONG (and AU), RIGHT NOW!!!

(By Lydia the bard

TINKERBELL VILLAIN SONG - Fall Little Wendy Bird Fall | Song by Lydia the Bard and Tony | Animatic

The title^)

First of all the cover art is AMAZING, Tink is SO pretty, the sparkle and lines on the wings, her grin, HER HAIR, HER EARS, HER DRESS,

Also, "Fall Little Wendy Bird Fall" is a great title

Now the video itself and its lyrics, i really REALLY want to just compliment every single frame of this video, its so beautiful, so well done, its like it was blessed by The Muses of greek mythology,

Okay so the lyrics at 0:45

"You dont seem to quite understand what is at stake,

This messed up little family that i had to make"

Not only is this line so beautiful with the way her voice sounds, its pretty much a nod to the fact Tink and her friends kidnapped peter pan and the lost kids to keep her and her friends alive

(0:55) \/

"If i could let them all go home please know that i would

But it'd do more harm than good"

Just Tink expressing her guilt that she and her friends kidnapped the lost boys so that they could keep existing, but like, JWHSEAJKHWED, she ofc doesn't want her or her friends to die, and since people are slowly not believing in fairies anymore, they're slowly going extinct, ALSO, Fawn and Silvermist are DEAD, so yeah, that messes with someones head

AAAALSOOOO, i LOVE their silhouettes, the height and weight differences instead of them all having the same height and weight like in the movies, plus, i LOVE that despite not looking like how they do in the movies, you can probably still tell who is who,

ALSO

Even if it wasnt intentional, i like how in kinda faraway shots, Tink has a more cuter roundish look, while in closer shots shes more edgy and more intimidating(? if that's the right word), kinda showing how others view her (kinda?) as a cute fairy, maybe underestimated, but yknow, close up, shes plotting to kill a child

(1:15)

I love how Tink is gesturing in this scene, cause 1. It conveys to the audience what she wants from the lost boys and 2. Canonically, when fairies talk, people usually just hear jingling of bells, so shes gesturing because shes also conveying what she wants to the lost boys

1:23

"Swear its nothing personal, its a necessary evil"

I just love this line because it is a necessary evil, she needs the lost boys and peter pan in neverland to believe in fairies so that they exist, and Wendy is pretty much a threat, since she makes the lost boys want to grow up with families,

Also, the lost boys look so cute in here, i cant remember their names tho, one is holding a slingshot, aiming at wendy, one is holding rocks , and one has a stick , so Tink just told these children to assassinate Wendy, or at least attack her.

1:35

I love how the kids explain that Tink make them do it, and Peter Pan just glares at Tink, and i love that I'm pretty sure that Peter isn't mad/doesnt blame the lost boys

As seen in this scene where Pete is smiling and stuff at the Lost Boys and/or at Wendy

1:55

I love how Tink refers to Wendy as a "Nasty little spark" because, a spark can turn into a fire, damaging a lot of stuff and people, pretty much saying that Wendy has to be snuffed out before she causes a fire,

"Setting fires inside my house is just not allowed"

Pretty much referring to the fact that Wendy, the spark, is creating a fire, aka, making the lost boys want to grow up and go back to the real world, making them not believe in fairies anymore, thus, making her and her friends die, which is, not allowed.

Also. the fear in Tink's eyes is so fear, her expression is on point, the mix of concern and fear is just, so beautiful, also i love her pointed ears

2:17

First of all, this screenshot does not do justice to the actual design of the mermaid (siren?), cause they are AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, GORGEUS.

Also, the fact that Tink is persuasive enough to convince someone to kill Wendy in such a short amount of time is impressive, and the fact that the mermaids agreed so quickly is also impressive,

When it failed, the absolute horror and shock on Tink's face? Shes horrified that another plan of hers failed, and shes scared that her friends might die, like, wow

The despair on her face is just so...asdjwoaijdoiwajd

3:38

The fact that Peter Pan (i cant even give him a nickname cause Pete sounds different and P.P. is just wrong and Pan is just A Thing), first at the gust of wind that blows away the pixie dust (which keeps the ship afloat) he covered his eyes, maybe cause the dust or his hair in his eyes, then he looks at Tink in anger and shock and probably some confusion, then looks at Wendy, in concern and fear,

Theory: Pan knows that, since Tink doesnt want the lost boys to leave, and he knows that gust of wind was from the fairies, and Tink's dislike and hatred to WEndy, that Wendy was probably the only one not going to be saved, which is why he only looks at her and tries to save her (that or he's a SIMPPPPPPP /j)

3:50

The fact that you can see Wendy screaming??? Chills,

And the black screen right after, signalling Wendy's death is just amazing

Anyways, overall, what im saying is

THIS SONG IS AMAZING GO CHECK IT OUT, GO CHECK OUT THIS PERSONS CHANNEL, THEY HAVE GOOD VILLAIN SONGS, THEY EVEN HAVE ENCANTO!!!!

[scimagic]

SMG4: WOTFI 2024 Thoughts and Analysis Masterpost

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

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

Hope you enjoy reading essays <33

Warning: Spoilers (duh).

✧ Before The Show

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

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

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

✧ Let's Jump Right In!!

WHUH HAPPEN

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

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

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

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

LET THAT MAN CUSS FREELY!!!!

"... yyyou!" <3

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

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

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

Haeheh big Puzzles from the website!!

Love how Saiko is just screaming at Puzzles too fhdskja

✧ Fun Carnival Torture Metho- Games!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a really funny joke actually

PIE GUN GO BRRRRRRRRRRRR

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

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

Plus [Italian vc] YOU SONSOFFA BITCHES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He would treat you RIGHT!!!!

THAT IS THE MOST PERFECT MAN RIGHT THERE

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

THEY MAKE A CUTE DUO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MR STINKY

Oh this scene now- lots to unpack

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

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

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

It's basically a tantrum

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

Fourth: I can try and decipher that blue screen

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

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

Lots to unpack just in this tiny little message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✧ STEP RIGHT UP, MY FRIENDS, TO PUZZLEPARK!

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

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

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

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

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

3!

2!

1!

IMMEDIATELY threateningly playful I LOVE IT!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And I think that's beautiful

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

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

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

And speaking of that ending-

HAH!!!!

I THOUGHT THAT SHIT WAS HILARIOUS!!

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

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

STOP TAKING IT SO FUCKING SERIOUSLY THE WHOLE TIME!!

IT CAN BE SERIOUS AND STUPID!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

Haeheh she looks like a nerd with those goggles

Someone's Artist Puzzles AU just came true btw-

"And Didney shut down..!" :D

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

I WANT THAT FUCKING HOODIE-

That Puzzle plushie looks so ugly I LOVE HIMMMM

I WANT THAT FUCKING POSTER AND KEYCHAIN

SOMEONE PLEASE FUCKING COMMISSION ME SO I CAN BUY THEMMMMMM AEUGHHHHHH

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

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

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

✧ Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

K BYEEEE <333

[hiddentrails7]

I gave the BG3 origin characters Pokémon teams and put way too much thought into it, so I thought I'd share my nerdish thoughts. Maybe I'll do non-origin characters at some point, but eh, we'll see.

Oh, and there's some spoilers for the character stories, so read at your own risk.

(Teams under the cut!)

Lae'zel

(I couldn't not use this gif, sorry girlie)

Kommo-o

"When it spots enemies, it threatens them by jingling the scales on its tail. Weak opponents will crack and flee in panic." (Pokémon Sun)

An intimidating, armored warrior, just like Lae! Its shiny also reminds me of her, haha.

Zangoose

"It has feuded with SEVIPER for many generations. Its sharp claws are its biggest weapons." (Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl)

Just like the Githyanki's fued with Mindflayers, it has a big issue with Seviper's mere existence. They also give the same attitude vibes.

Scizor

"SCIZOR has a body with the hardness of steel. It is not easily fazed by ordinary sorts of attacks. This POKéMON flaps its wings to regulate its body temperature." (Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire)

They're both well-armored! It is,, also just her vibe.

Bisharp

This pitiless Pokémon commands a group of Pawniard to hound prey into immobility. It then moves in to finish the prey off." (Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2)

A hardened warrior, like the rest of the team. It not only plays into the fact that she likes to take charge, but I don't think she'd ever evolve it into Kingambit due to her whole awakening with Vlaakith and learning about the prince in the prism, lmao. She's content with Bisharp.

Falinks

"The six of them work together as one Pokémon. Teamwork is also their battle strategy, and they constantly change their formation as they fight." (Pokémon Shield)

The ultimate unit. She doesn't care if they're little guys, they're forces of nature! Not to be trifled with!

Charizard

"CHARIZARD flies around the sky in search of powerful opponents. It breathes fire of such great heat that it melts anything. However, it never turns its fiery breath on any opponent weaker than itself." (Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire)

Even if she doesn't agree to become Vlaakith's chosen, she seems like the type to get a dragon herself just to spite Vlaakith.

☆

Shadowheart

(Oh my beloved Shart)

Umbreon

"When exposed to the moon's aura, the rings on its body glow faintly and it gains a mysterious power." (Pokémon Platinum)

It is so she coded. She worships the moon/darkness, no matter what path you go down with her, so Umbreon is perfect!

Absol

"Although it’s said to bring disaster, in actuality, this Pokémon possesses a calm disposition and warns people of any crises that loom." (Pokémon Moon)

Another dark, kind-of moon-esk vibe Pokémon. They also have similar haircuts!

Trevenant

"Trevenant is very kind to Pokémon living in the forest. It doesn't even care if these Pokémon take up residence in the greenery on its head." (Pokémon Violet)

A Pokémon I just think she'd like. I like to think it'd try to protect her from wolves in the forest, but when she came into contact with Sharr for the first time it was only a Phantump.

Hatterene

"This Pokémon can read the emotions of creatures over 30 miles away. The minute it senses hostility, it goes on the attack." (Pokémon Sword, G-Max form)

I think it's a really funny image. Shadowheart wouldn't mind watching with a wine glass in-hand as her Hatterene beats the shit out of someone that won't leave her alone. Its interaction potiental with Astarion is peak.

Mawile

"It chomps with its gaping mouth. Its huge jaws are actually steel horns that have been transformed." (Pokémon HeartGold & Pokémon SoulSilver)

Has her vibes. Good for both versions of her. Has her ponytail (kind of). Makes sense to me!

Zoroark

"Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery." (Pokémon White)

While kind of leaning toward Sharr, it works for Selune as well! Shadowheart is also naturally a Trickster Domain Cleric, so a Pokémon known for tricks is great!

☆

Astarion

(My personal favorite character. I love him. He's soggy.)

Hisuian Zoroark

"With its disheveled white fur, it looks like an embodiment of death. Heedless of its own safety, Zoroark attacks its nemeses with a bitter energy so intense, it lacerates Zoroark’s own body." (Pokémon Legends Arceus)

Its a very Astarion Pokémon. It not only has wonderful hair, just like him, the entry above sounds a bit too similar to the start of the Cazador fight... heh.

Gliscor

"It dances silently through the sky. When it approaches prey, it can land a critical hit in an instant." (Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2)

Of course, it's vampire coded, and it also just has Astarion's smug, rogueish vibes.

Thievul

"It secretly marks potential targets with a scent. By following the scent, it stalks its targets and steals from them when they least expect it." (Pokémon Sword)

Astarion is a fancy man! Former magistrate! Thievul fits the high-class vibe and, of course, the thief aesthetic.

Froslass

"A Pokémon inhabited by the soul of a woman who died bearing a grudge in the snowy mountains. Legends of Froslass placing deathly curses on misbehaving men send shivers down my spine." (Pokémon Legends Arceus)

I think it'd be funny, if this Pokémon saw Astarion and related. Like. It feels empathy for this poor mf and just kinda sticks around. It REALLY wants to kill Cazador, but doesn't for Astarion's sake. It's cute.

Crobat

"The transformation of its legs into wings made it better at flying, but more clumsy at walking." (Pokémon Platinum)

Ugh the thought of Astarion befriending a Zubat in Cazador's palace and getting it to evolve via friendship is so nice. Also another vampire-esk mon.

Liepard

"Their beautiful form comes from the muscles they have developed. They run silently in the night." (Pokémon Black 2 & Pokèmon White 2)

It's him. As a purple and yellow cat. What do you want me to say.

☆

Gale

(My favorite boot-eater)

Alakazam

"While it has strong psychic abilities and high intelligence, an ALAKAZAM's muscles are very weak. It uses psychic power to move its body." (Pokémon Emerald)

Okay, Mr. 45 Defense 135 Special Attack. The og wizard Pokémon. Of course Gale has one.

Meowscarada

"This Pokémon uses the reflective fur lining its cape to camouflage the stem of its flower, creating the illusion that the flower is floating." (Pokémon Scarlet)

While, yes, it's a Magician, not a Wizard, I still think it works. Gale has a sassier side, which I thoroughly enjoy, and it reminds me of Tara in a weird way.

Delphox

"Using psychic power, it generates a fiery vortex of 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit, incinerating foes swept into this whirl of flame." (Pokémon Y)

Literally a wizard. Gale would love a little Fennakin.

...also, uh, Fireball.

Ditto

"With its astonishing capacity for metamorphosis, it can get along with anything. It does not get along well with its fellow Ditto." (Pokémon Moon)

Gale loves his duplicates: no need for spell slots if you have a Ditto!

...unless he needs Ditto to speak, of course, but Ditto can probably write instead!

Meowstic (Male)

"When in danger, it raises its ears and releases enough psychic power to grind a 10-ton truck into dust."

Another lovely Psychic type! It's also cat-shaped so that's a bonus for Gale. Simply a little guy.

Chandelure

"This Pokémon haunts dilapidated mansions. It sways its arms to hypnotize opponents with the ominous dancing of its flames." (Pokémon Sword)

I wanted a magic item reference, and I think he'd think it's cool! There's quite a few myths surrounding it.

☆

Wyll

(My first romance. He has a special lil place in my heart.)

Gallade

"A master of courtesy and swordsmanship, it fights using extending swords on its elbows." (Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl)

THE BLADE OF FRONTIERS—

Aegislash

"Apparently, it can detect innate qualities of leadership. According to legend, whoever it recognizes is destined to become king." (Pokémon Y)

THE BLADE OF FRONTIERS PART 2—

Oh, and I also think he got his from his father.

Corviknight

"This Pokémon reigns supreme in the skies of the Galar region. The black luster of its steel body could drive terror into the heart of any foe." (Pokémon Sword)

Haha. Ravengard. Get it.

It's also another knight aesthetic. Yippee.

Sirfetch'd

"Only Farfetch'd that have survived many battles can attain this evolution. When this Pokémon's leek withers, it will retire from combat." (Pokémon Sword)

Oh, another knight! What do you know.

...Blade of Frontiers part 3.

Lucario

"Not only does it perceive auras, but it has also gained the power to control them. It employs them in battle." (Pokémon Sun)

It's very him coded. I also really like the jokes where people compare him to a puppy. Lucario is a bipedal puppy.

The thought of a younger Wyll with a Riolu also brings me joy.

Ceruledge

"The fiery blades on its arms burn fiercely with the lingering resentment of a sword wielder who fell before accomplishing their goal." (Pokémon Scarlet)

Ah, finally. The Warlock pact Pokémon. It really fits him after getting his pact, imo. I like to think Mizora didn't give him a chance to evolve it into Armarouge instead, which upset Wyll at first, but he gets attached to Ceruledge. It's still his, after all.

☆

Karlach

(My favorite female character! She brings me such joy)

Emboar

"It can throw a fire punch by setting its fists on fire with its fiery chin. It cares deeply about its friends." (Pokémon Black)

She'd love this fucker, especially as a Tepig! They're both bulky as shit and deserve the world.

Haxorus

"While usually kindhearted, it can be terrifying if angered. Tusks that can slice through steel beams are how Haxorus deals with its adversaries." (Pokémon Shield)

Haha big axe. Haxorus is just very Barbarian coded.

...Also Karlach with an Axew <3.

Tinkaton

"The hammer tops 220 pounds, yet it gets swung around easily by Tinkaton as it steals whatever it pleases and carries its plunder back home." (Pokémon Violet)

Another big-weapon Pokémon, but I think she'd also just think it's silly.

Imagine Wyll meeting her with this little menace, since he has a Corviknight.

(Yes, I might've done that on purpose)

Arcanine

"Arcanine is known for its high speed. It is said to be capable of running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night. The fire that blazes wildly within this Pokémon's body is its source of power." (Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire)

Loyal fire puppy. Essentially Karlach.

Bewear

"This Pokémon has the habit of hugging its companions. Many Trainers have left this world after their spines were squashed by its hug." (Pokémon Moon)

THEY CAN TAKE EACHOTHER'S BACKBREAKING HUGS. THEY DESERVE EACHOTHER.

I also just really had a fun time running Bear-Rage Barbarian Karlach.

Darmanitan

"Its internal fire burns at 2,500° F, making enough power that it can destroy a dump truck with one punch." (Pokémon Black)

A very Karlach mon, in my opinion. She appreciates how angry it can be. She is also quite angry.

[pyromegalomaniac]

Hiiii! Would it be cool if you could make a Wally x reader? I would greatly appreciate so much :)

Have a great day uwu

Thanks so much doubledaredevil! Since you didn't give me any prompts to go off of I'll just do a ficlet of Wally and the reader going to get a sundae at Howdy's!! Enjoy!!

(♡˙︶˙♡)

Wally x Reader Ficlet🍎🍨

☆°•☆°•☆°•☆

It'd been getting warmer and warmer every day, and in a month or two the sidewalk would be almost too hot to touch. I held Wally's hand as we walked together down the street, passing the houses of our friends.

"Boy, it's been heating up lately, eh Wally?" I asked.

"You can say that again, y/n. Maybe we should find some way to cool off?"

I thought for a moment. Since we were already headed in that general direction I suggested...

"How about we go see if Howdy's has anything we could cool off with? Maybe some fun paper fans or something?"

"Ooh, great idea. And unless we get a visit from a cloud friend to cover the sun, we'll have to go inside anyway," said Wally, looking up and shielding his eyes.

"Nothing but brilliant blue as far as the eye can see," he sighed. "It kinda makes me wish I had some paint with that color."

We turned the corner and walked into the bugdega, the little bell jingling.

"Maybe we can draw with sidewalk chalk some time," I said. "I bet you'd be good at that. I'd love to see what you'd make."

Howdy waved to us with one of his four arms, greeting his customers with a pleasant smile.

"Well hey there! What can I get for you, Wally and y/n? Rubber bands? Candy? Some other snack-a-roos?"

"We'd like something to help us cool off, Howdy. You got anything that could help us with that?"

"Why, I've got just the thing, y/n! I'll whip up a tasty frozen treat for you and your boyfriend to enjoy!" Said Howdy, clasping a pair of hands together, while the other pair started messing around behind the counter, bringing up a glass that could only be used for...

"A sundae! What a great idea!" Exlaimed Wally, looking at me in excitement. I grinned back at him.

We sat down at a little table by the window, and Howdy brought us a vanilla sundae with hot fudge. I ate with the spoon, and Wally would go from staring at the ice cream to staring at me.

It was a wonderful treat, and it was made even better that I got to share it with the one and only Wally Darling.

He really was the most.

☆°•☆°•☆°•☆

Sorry if this got kinda long, I think I got sidetracked in the intro... oh well! Again, thanks for requesting this, and I look forward to doing more of these in the future!!

ヽ(>∀<☆)ノ

[shutit-haha]

Rocker Bakugo pt.2

Rocker Bakugo who writes a song about you. He's angsty and pissed, rather than to admit he's in his feels he just composes this whole piece about not needing you. Low-key it's a fuckin banger.

Rocker Bakugo who keeps you as his manager. You're good at your job, he was lying about people being better than you. No one is better than you. You're the best at everything. Your great with contracts, and his temper, great at loving him, and pushing him to do better.

Rocker Bakugo who says it's only until he can find a replacement but he misses having you around. The apartment's so fucking empty and after about a week he gets fed up with only seeing you for work stuff. So he demands for you to stop by the studio, to watch and listen. (Like you used too.) You know he only misses you, but you'd be damned if you let him off easy.

Rocker Bakugo who plays the song in front of you. He's smug about it too, like he didn't practically plead for you to watch him. (Again.) You're pissed, because what an ass! So of course you make him play it again, and again, and again. After about the third time you let the rest of the band leave but not Bakugo, he has to stay.

Rocker Bakugo who's grumbling and playing shitty now because he's pissed. He's growling and playing harder than he need too. If he keeps this up he might just break something or drain himself entirely. You're a jerk though, you keep poking him and poking him.

"Do you know what you're doing?" You're being condescending. You speak to him as of he were some incompetent child, stare doing little to help negate that idea.

Rocker Bakugo who feels like one. He can see his Mother's gaze right after five year old him has thrown a fit. He sees it in you and it irks him. "Of course I know what the hell I'm doing, I made the damn thing!"

"Let me see the sheet," you're in front of him now. You're standing centered in front of his drum set hand out stretched for the sheet music. Now he really does feel like a little boy. And isn't that what he is? A huffy child who misses his mommy.

"I've got it," he snarls at you, snapping slightly.

You snatch the sheet anyways returning to your spot on the wall. "Play."

"Ain't shit to read."

"You don't got it memorized," you cock a brow. "Play."

"I will dammit!"

Rocker Bakugo who fucks it up. "Do it again." You command him knowing that the poor boy is tired.

"I can't," he mumbles.

"What?"

"I said I can't!" His chest is rising and falling way too quickly, his hair covers his face as to prevent you from seeing his eyes. His arms sag from how sore they are, and there's a slight shake too him. "I'm fuckin' tired, can't keep doing this shit."

"Then I need a new cash cow."

His head snaps forward, eyes meeting yours with a nasty glare. "You know damn well I can't play when you take away the sheet music."

You took a step forward, "you made the damn thing. Figured with how proud and confident you were in it, it'd be hard to forget."

"You're being a b-" He sucks air in through his teeth, slamming down his sticks and tilting his head back so he can breathe.

"Oh but you can turn me into a song? I don't want to be some jingle for a monster energy can Bakugo." You're halfway to him, only a couple steps left. "Do it again."

"I can't."

"Again Bakugo."

"I'm fuckin' tired."

Rocker Bakugo who knows you're still mad at him. He doesn't know how to make it up to you, he doesn't even know how to start.

Rocker Bakugo who tries anyways. He picks up the sticks and starts playing your favorite song. Your gaze softens, it isn't enough but it works for now. The both of you are so tired, you hate sleeping alone and that scene just keeps playing in his head.

His voice is hoarse and dry so when he sings its awful, but it makes you laugh. You're humming with him, just content to be in the same space without all that tension. "I know you're not out to get me, I trust you. Sometimes being at the top-"

"Means you forget to be grounded," the two of you speak in unison.

"Works the other way too," you start. "When you're always looking up, you forget there's trouble even in the stars. Constellations tell stories of heartbreak and death, and all I can think of is-"

"Walking on the clouds," he finishes for you. There's a smug little smirk on his face, pleased that he can still remember that line of yours.

"You gonna behave drummer boy?" Your hand cups his cheek, "gonna keep playing the beat to my heart."

He kisses your palm, and sets the sticks down. "Read over the thingy, was a lot better than I originally thought it was."

"I don't know who told you it wasn't."

"Kaminari had overheard something from the other negotiation team and made a dumbass assumption."

"And you believed it?"

"Was blindsided, sweetheart."

"You owe me."

"I know," he grabs at your waist. "Just come home," his other hand covers the one you have on his cheek.

Rocker Bakugo who has to have make-up sex with you. It's part of your dynamic. When the two of you were in high school you used argue over the smallest of things just so that you could bang afterward. As you guys went to college it became a little more difficult, having to learn that sex didn't make up for communication. Though the two of you struggle with words, you've definitely gotten better. And well any progress is progress.

Rocker Bakugo who some how ends up underneath you. When you said he owed you he didn't expect edging to be the price. Yet here he was in a dopey cow headband, with leather cuffs on each wrist as you edge him till he breaks.

Rocker Bakugo who's too lost in his orgasm to notice you taking a picture. It's deserved though, you'll just count it as part of the punishment.

[kozykricket]

well! about that mc live, huh?

im just gonna say right off the bat. you know that i am not a "mojang lazy" person. doesnt mean im not critical of them. gonna give my nuanced view in this post. itll be a long one!

so... first of all, i just gotta say like, changing to having more "drop" updates instead of yearly summer updates is... thank god. i didnt wanna see mojang become gamefreak with yearly, formulaic releases.. hell, im kinda thinking. they're probably working on the big updates in the background now, while they can still keep people (and corporate people) satisfied, by delivering drops of content. and the other ideas they have? instead of being hecked over by priorities as much... they can actually just decide like "okay, we have more than a year to work on the big update. we can fit it in, so it doesnt get delayed back to the next big update" ...or, if its something small, then it wont be held up from releasing by like... waiting for the next Big Update. for example, if we had the drop releases back in 1.16, we could've had the ability to break leaves faster with hoes... waay earlier, instead of having to wait for the full nether update to drop. yknow? or, again using 1.16 as an example, if they have more ideas for the content in the Big Update, they can decide "yeah, we can put it in!" like how the allay was conceptualized for 1.16 but they didnt fit it in because well, they have more time to work on it! they can have bigger scope! more flexibility! ...but they're clearly still going for yearly key-jingling of shiny new content, i can see. like, as usual, its something new that is entirely self contained and doesnt really effect the rest of the game. its avoidable. which like, okay... i get it. i get why mojang doesnt want to make the game feel too different for people who come back to it after a while, but like. i dunno. i feel like- okay how about i actually just go over the features individually ...i appreciate the biome being a fantasy biome. ive kinda just accepted that mojang disregarded any plans to ever have non-real-life biomes in the overworld, unless they were underground like the deep dark. but nope! we can have weird white trees with freaky tree monsters!!! so, thats very nice. and the mechanics themselves seem really nice and interesting, its overall a very well put together vibe. weeping angels are overdone because theyre GREAT monster types !! theyre AWESOME!! and attaching the mob to like, having to destroy a block? thats prob the most interesting way to defeat a mob like the creaking! great gameplay and the biome has really cool hanging moss on the trees, and the moss carpets climb up blocks... but therein lies the problem -- its very self contained. its like, mojang. you just gonna.. keep developing really thoughtfully designed sidequests?? i'd like to see the main game experience updated... but alas this is a DROP and not an UPDATE, to be fair. its just like ...the new biome gets ambient sounds, which no other overworld biome has. now that sets the bar higher for updating older overworld biomes to also have that. i wouldnt have wanted it before, but now i do. same goes for like, new mobs having better animation systems, yknow? i wouldnt have wanted better animations, but now... you gotta update stuff even more , for consistency. adding so much to your plate, mojang and ... why does THIS moss carpet get to be cool and grab onto blocks?? why cant they have updated old moss carpet?? i feel like they probably WONT update it ... because ill be honest, my first thoughts were "this all couldve been in the dark oak forest" hanging moss? would look great on the trees moss blocks on the ground? would be great the creaking? yea, i think it'd be spooky as a dark oak ent! thing is the dark forest already has a pretty unique kinda vibe and playstyle to it, being a biome thats typically dark and spawns lots of mobs, and also. has lack of sight due to the big trees (1/2)

[primusfortuna]

Kuchen Hangout Lines ✦ Beginning of a Dream

Affection Lv. 0-3

Start Hangout “So now I’m going out with you outside of work, huh... Well, I guess I’ll just escort you for now.”

On Choosing Chocolate Making Tools (Tap)

First or second interaction

“Spatulas are flexible and heat-resistant. They can scrape your food with minimal waste and they're easy to use.” “Pick a sifter with a fine mesh. That way, you'll get a smooth consistency when you mix in any powders.” “Make sure to have several different sized bowls on hand. There’ll be plenty of chances to use them.”

Keep interacting

“I mean, your tools are important but... the most essential part of chocolate-making is putting in effort everyday.” “Especially with tempering―that's something you've gotta keep practicing over and over, drilling it into your head.” “Just get a move on for now. Improve your skills and I'll give you some quality tools as a reward.”

Fix His Tie (Drag)

First or second interaction

“Oh, my tie was crooked? I thought you finally came over to strangle me. ――Kidding. Appreciate you fixing it.” “Oh, thanks. You know, you take things really seriously, or maybe you just love to help. ...I mean that as a compliment.” “It got loose...? Since when? Sometimes I don't notice when I'm focused on working.”

Keep interacting

“...Oi, you can leave it be now. It looks good enough.” “Alright, how about I do something for you now? C'mon, get over here.” “...Your hair. It's a little tousled. Okay, there you go―what's that face for? What'd you think I was gonna do?”

Ask About His Chest Brooch (Long Press)

First or second interaction

“This is the brooch I got from the first competition I ever won. I wear it so I don't forget my beginnings.” “Ahh, this? I've got a ton more, but the jingling would be distracting if I wore 'em all.” “I wear it because Oscar told me to. Pretty rich coming from someone as sloppy as him... But it is what it is.”

Keep interacting

“Awards just seem like things I just started getting all of sudden. I don't remember when or what I won.” “But I remember every chocolate submitted to each competition. Not just mine, but the others' too.” “I'd rather not compete if I can help it... Sure, it'd be motivating. But mine's already the best.”

Get Closer

“Heh~...? You’re pretty close. Trying to provoke me? Then first go do something about that blush of yours.” “...Hah. I know you're eager. You don't have to get that close.” “What'd you come up to me for, some kind of scolding? Cuit and Riche already lecture me enough. Another time.”

End Hangout “Come with me after this. 'Where are we going?'...? Just the kitchen. I came up with some new ideas to make.”

Affection Lv. 4-7

Start Hangout “Leave it to me to decide where we go. I'm pretty sure I can give you a good time.”

“――Hah. What are you so tense for? Go back to how you usually are. You're even throwing me off balance.”

Ask About His Brothers (Tap)

First or second interaction

“Riche... ending up a sommelier was something I never expected. 'Cause he was a real delinquent back in the day...” “Cuit's a very capable chef. I'm not picking favorites or anything. He's just an incredible guy.” “They're great people. I think you'll get a lot more done if you helped them instead of worrying about me.”

Keep interacting

“It's kind of strange how the three of us still live in the same place now, just like before.” “I've never really acted like a big brother, not now and not before. If anything, I―no, nevermind.” “If you're asking whether I like them or not, obviously I like them. I've just never really thought about it.”

Touch His Hands (Drag)

First or second interaction

“Oh? Trying to make a move on me? But with a childish technique like that──ow! Don't pinch me...” “My hands are the only part of myself I take good care of. You can't make good chocolate without nice, neat hands.” “You wanna hold hands? Go for it. So what if people get the wrong idea? Stop worrying about every little thing.”

Keep interacting

“Oi, that's enough. How long are you gonna keep staring for? Let's get a move on.” “Hm? 'But we're still holding hands'? Weren't you the one who started touching me first? Now you're embarrassed?” “Haha, where'd your usual energy go? ...Yeah, that's more like it. Now let me say it again: ready to go on our date?”

Play Guess-the-Chocolate (Long Press)

First or second interaction

“I'm fine with whatever, just don't bring out anything gross... I'll be putting your tastes to the test too.” “──These are bonbons from a longstanding Chocolaberry brand. They're rich and fullbodied with no odd flavor profile.” “This is the ganache that won an award at a contest in Chocoluna before. Chocolatier royalty made this stuff.”

Keep interacting

“Satisfied? Alright then, it's your turn now. Let's see how well you've been studying.” “Hey... You can't chicken out at the last second. C'mon, open your mouth.” “So? ──Yeah, that's right. I made that chocolate. I bet it was so delicious, you could tell right away, huh?”

Get Closer

“............ Haha, don't look away. We were just getting in the right mood.” “What, trying to beg me for chocolate? I'll make some for you anytime you want. I really like seeing your face light up.” “I don't mind you staring at me, but could you please make a cuter face... Your eyebrows are all scrunched together.”

Affection Lv. 8-10

Ask About His Days Off (Tap)

First or second interaction

“My days off, huh...? I guess I don't really separate my work from my off-days. But you're the same way, aren't you?” “I make chocolate, obviously? Don't ask stupid questions.” “I've had girls come over sometimes... I'm sure you can imagine the rest. ...Haha, what? Are you jealous?”

Keep interacting

“I guess... I take a lot of walks when I have the time. I go wherever I feel like going.” “The park, the town, all kinds of places. The seeds of creativity are always dropping wherever I go.” “Oh, but lately, your face tends to pop up in my head whenever I'm taking a breather. The face of you eating my chocolate with a smile.”

Have Him Feed You His Homemade Chocolate (Drag)

First or second interaction

“Geez, I've got such a princess on my hands. Alright, I'll feed you, open your mouth. Say ahh...” “Here you go. ...Haha. Don't eat my fingers too! Y'know, your lips are really soft.” “Doing this kinda reminds me of feeding a wild animal. It's fun. Want some more?”

Keep interacting

“Hm? What're you getting embarrassed for? 'Hand me the chocolate, I'll eat it myself'?” “...Nope. I made this stuff, so you'll respect how I want it to be eaten.” “C'mon, it'll melt if you don't hurry. Just open your mouth again.”

Touch His Earring (Long Press)

First or second interaction

“Hey... your touch feels a little naughty there. I'm joking! Don't pull back your hand. Touch me as much as you want.” “Hm...? It's rare for you to show me some love――oh, guess that wasn't what you were doing.” “'Cuit and Riche wear similar stones'? Yeah, we got them from our parents.”

Keep interacting

“You keep prodding at it, do you like it that much?” “Well, this is the only one of its kind so you won't find any duplicates, but... what if I bought you something similar?” “There's no deep meaning behind it. You've done a lot around here, that's all. ...Ah, would it have been better if it had a meaning?”

Get Closer

“You're... my absolute favorite smell. It's like, everything feels right.” “You're as nervous as ever when we get close. But things are a little different these days. You wouldn't get mad if I touched you now... right?” “Hey, here's a chocolate. Just eat it. I wanna see my chocolate make you smile up close.”

End Hangout “...This might be the first time I found something besides chocolate that I never get tired of. Hm? Obviously I'm talking about you.”

“That's it for today, bye-bye! Only a child would think we'd end things just like that. ...Neither of us are satisfied yet, right?”

[paikothecateater]

Chapter #3

Norway gets away from the dining table before the banter starts in favour grabbing his current read and heading to the window seat.

"hey! Watch where you're going, punk!"

Norway steps back, startled by the agitating voice of Iceland's pet puffin.

"ugh... It's you... What're you doing here?"

"I live here, jerk! What!? I can't live in my own house!?"

Norway indignantly sits in the window seat, scoffing.

"you're a pet. Only reason I haven't cooked you yet is because Iceland still happens to love you for whatever reason."

"of course he loves me! I'm adorable!"

Norway rolls his eyes.

"hardly... Move it."

The puffin sticks it's chest up indignantly.

"no, I was here first."

Norway gently yet firmly pushes the bird off the seat, much to the bird's rage.

Mr. Puffin quickly flies back up and viciously pecks at Norway.

The two get in a small scuffle that promptly ends when the sound of keys jingling draws their attention.

Norway peers out of the window to find Iceland struggling to open the door in the snow.

He and the puffin both straighten up, both ready to play the victim whenever that door swings open.

Sure enough, before Iceland can even open his mouth, the two flock towards him complaining loudly about the other.

"woah woah! Calm down... What's going on?"

Mr. Puffin, as though he was hit with some sort of spell, immediately drops the yakuza member attitude and suddenly he's the sweetest little vulnerable baby bird.

"Iceland, you left me alone with this barbarian! Look! Look at my feathers! He messed them all up! I think my wing's broken!"

Iceland roles his eyes but picks up the bird nonetheless. Mr. Puffin, thrilled to have gotten the first chance to speak, happily snuggles up to his owner.

Norway groans in disbelief.

"oh ain't that just precious... Shame he left out the bit where he viciously nipped at me."

Iceland tries desperately to hold back a laugh.

"do you need a hug too?"

Norway grumbles for a couple seconds before begrudgingly leaning in for a hug.

"you two really need to grow up."

The puffin, now satisfied with the attention he'd gotten, happily flew back into the window seat.

Norway shoots it him a look before turning back to face Iceland who finally got a chance to take his snow wear off.

Finland stumbles down the stairs, dog in hand.

"oh, Ice! You're back already? We haven't even left yet."

"yep. Is hana okay? She looks pissed."

"she is. Had to spray her with water because she ripped up my scarf... Speaking of which, can I borrow yours?"

Iceland wordlessly hands Finland the scarf.

"where's Denmark?"

"I thought he was up in his room."

"great."

Iceland makes his way towards the staircase and heads towards Denmark's room.

Denmark's room was surprisingly very neat and tidy for someone like him.

He was in fact, in the process of organising his desk when the sound of Iceland bumping into the door frame draws his attention.

"you okay?"

"yep."

"need something?"

"think I'll take you up on your offer now..."

Denmark grins and turns to shut the blinds. He tosses a sweatshirt at Iceland

"you should change first though. That doesn't look comfortable."

He was right. Iceland's sweater was anything but comfortable. It was a sensory nightmare, but Iceland was willing to deal with it in order to look good. It was one of those sweaters that parents have to go to war with their children just to get them to wear.

He steps into the bathroom to quickly switch it out for the much more comfortable sweatshirt Denmark had handed him.

He steps out only to face Denmark directly.

"say uh... You were saying earlier Norway was giving you a hard time at night, eh?"

"oh yeah, but it's not a big deal. Just a rough night is all."

"I was just thinking it'd be best for you to share with me for a bit instead."

"uh... I mean... Yeah sure... Okay..."

"okay. I'll wake you up in a few hours, okay?"

"okay... Uh, wait... I actually wanted to ask about something..."

"oh uh... Go for it."

"my national flower... The Mountain Aven? Yeah, uh... In my dream... It... It was all over. I was just wondering what do you think it means?"

"uh well, it's just a dream but uh... I guess..."

"I felt like I've definitely seen that place before."

"yes, but it's not a real place Iceland, it's a dream."

"no, I remember it."

"Iceland, enough. It was just a bad dream. Stop thinking about it."

Iceland sighs.

"fine... Thanks for letting me borrow your room."

Denmark smiles in relief.

"anytime kid. Get some sleep."

With that, he shuts the door behind him.

((I knew I said I'd add a tag for the story but I have no clue how to do that))

[daphdarling]

hi! a lil nervous because I haven't done this before, but I was hoping to get a match-up for mha if possible. :)

my name's maggie! I'm 165cm and I'm not sure of my exact weight, but I'm on the muscular side, especially my lower body. I have wavy/curly (depends on the day :'3) brown hair w purple streaks that reaches to below my chest. I have blue eyes and a whimsigoth aesthetic that reflects in my clothing n everyday makeup. ^_^

I dont have many characters on hand I can really relate to, but my only and top kin is:

junpei yoshinso -> jjk

expanding on my personality, I'm very withdrawn and quiet. I really only have a few people in my life who I'm excited to be around; but I still enjoy pockets of my own time where I don't have to worry about preforming or masking for other people. if it wasn't already obvious I'm a high functioning autistic, I'm very passionate about what I enjoy - and have difficulty forming connections with most people.

- the last time I checked my personality type was infp, and I'm sure this hasn't changed.

I'm a leo! female & bisexual with a male lean.

if spending time with my friends and indulging in my hyperfixations was a hobby then I'd say they're my biggest priorities 😭 but for something more practical I enjoy archery, cycling and art. I sometimes write, but get burnt out easily.

I dont really have much else to say, if it'd benefit you then here's a list of things I particularly enjoy / don't enjoy. :3

like - bells/windchimes (things that make jingling noises..), cats!!, chunky jewellery, the colours purple & red, chocolate.. anything chocolate, I have a really strong and strange fixation on older computers from the 80s-90s

dislike - citrus (yuck!), overly sweet candy, loud n narrowminded people, honestly can't think of much else -

hopefully I provided enough information! if I have left anything out please let me know.

hugs and kisses!!!

Your Matchup is…

Shinsou Hitoshi!

Personality Match:

Shinsou’s calm and introspective demeanor aligns well with your withdrawn nature. He’s perceptive and thoughtful, which complements your high-functioning autism and quiet personality. Both of you might initially come off as reserved, but your deeper conversations would reveal a shared understanding of the world and each other.

Romantic Connection:

In a romantic setting, Shinsou’s ability to listen and his subtle charm would create a safe space for you to express yourself. He values authenticity, which means you wouldn’t feel the need to mask your true self around him. Together, you would enjoy meaningful moments of connection, gradually building a deep bond.

Hobbies and Activities:

You could bond over quiet activities like cycling or art, sharing your respective passions while enjoying each other’s company. Engaging in archery together would also be a great way to challenge each other and develop a supportive competitive spirit. Additionally, exploring older technology could spark fascinating discussions and joint projects.

Looks and Vibe:

Shinsou’s laid-back style, with his tousled hair and casual clothing, would pair nicely with your whimsigoth aesthetic. Imagine him in darker tones that complement your purple and red palette, while both of you wear unique accessories that showcase your individuality.

Final Thoughts:

A relationship with Shinsou would be built on mutual respect and understanding. His calm nature would help you feel comfortable, while your creativity and passions would inspire him. Together, you would create a unique bond rooted in authenticity, shared interests, and quiet moments of joy.

[eldritchaccident]

Timing: 10/18 ish Friday Night Location: Mariana’s Trench Feat: @mortemoppetere & @eldritchaccident Warnings: Gay ™ Summary: Teddy has a surprise! 

Opening night. 

Auspicious, nerve wracking, anxiety inducing. And not half as scary as the task Teddy had planned for the moments right before. Months of work poured into every nail, every board. Every night that the caster couldn't sleep was spent stressing over the details and adding protection into the very fabric of the building. 

Protection, and memories. None that anyone would notice, not really. Except him. If anyone else was even able to, Emilio Cortez would be the only soul to connect the pieces of the emotional timeline. And the kitsch that represented it. 

The knob on the front door, swapped for the one the houseboat used to have. All tentacly and brass, and what the Jones fam would count for inviting. The sign, a steel patchwork quilt of materials and letters from the warehouse Joy Cavendish had used for her supernatural zoo. (Teddy thought about getting something from the roof, thought it'd be funny, but thought against it when the image of Emilio's little lost sad face came to mind. Grumpy was great, sad was bad.)

There were bits and pieces of all the places they clashed, bounced back, then clashed again. Two magnets always on this intersecting trajectory, just not knowing how tightly they'd be bound when inertia stopped and they could finally just be with each other. 

The bar was just next door to Mephisto’s. Next to the spot where Teddy almost first confessed, but got Emilio to tattoo their Very Canadian arm instead. Nervous hands wrung together, then stretched. Fingers flexing and finding the ever so slightly raised skin where the slayer’s art lay along the flank of their forearm. The stake shaped anchor that helped them pull through the ritual returning them to human. 

Music lilted through the otherwise empty air. No one else was due to show up for a few hours but that only meant Teds jumped at every sound, buzzing with excitement and nerves. Ice cubes jingled in two sweating glasses, fancy whiskey not yet poured. Teddy checked their watch. Then their phone. Twisted the ring that hadn't left their finger since that night undercover at the vampire spa. When that didn't make him arrive any faster, Teds paced the floor again. Proverbial dog ears perked and listening for the sound of a motorcycle. 

Unsurprisingly, not very patient in their waiting. 

Everything had to be perfect. Even if he'd swear it didn't need to be. Teddy wanted to show him just how much he meant to them and that meant… Well, perfection. 

“Drive safe dummy <3” The last text said. Even if Teddy would have preferred “Drive reckless and fast but get here safe anyway because I don't want another minute without you.” About a million things could have gone wrong between World's End Isle and downtown. Each minute that passed brought another imagining of some great catastrophe that would keep Emilio from getting there. (It'd barely been ten since they sent the text. So far they were on scenario 58.) Lost completely to the musings of a racing mind, Teddy had just about worked themself into a ball of static and fear. 

So when the small bell above the door chimed,Teddy just about jumped straight out of their bespoke purple suit and their skin. Surprise was an understatement. They might have even squeaked. Something the man in the doorway was sure to joke about. Great. Off to a perfect start, Jones. 

“Em!!”

—

News that Wicked’s Rest was going to shit in a much more dangerous way than it had in the past had Emilio’s nerves frayed and his mind unsteady. It was stupid, the way he kept going back to Etla. This situation was nothing like that one, where the end had come without warning and the enemy had been mundane but too numerous to fight against. They had time to stop it, this time. Eve was rallying the troops, telling everyone she thought she could trust what she’d found out. Emilio was doing the same on his end. He’d made Teddy promise not to do anything reckless on their own, made the same promise himself, and it helped a little. It eased his mind some, but not completely. Part of him felt like he was existing in a perpetual state of awaiting tragedy, like his life had narrowed to the moment the attack began in Mexico. The end was just ahead of him. It was unreachable, but it was inevitable. Every heartbeat brought him right back to the top of it, tragedy firmly in sight.

He was hoping opening night at the bar would serve as a distraction of sorts. He could keep an eye on everything and everyone, have Teddy and their other friends within his sights so that he could remind himself, in no uncertain terms, that they were all alive and well. He could scan the crowd for danger, could make sure he was on top of everything. Teddy had put wards on the building to keep away any magical issues, and Emilio could fight off any physical attack that might come instead. He could relax, as much as he was capable. He could also have a few drinks, which his body was already screaming for. And at the end of the night, when the world didn’t end, he could pretend he didn’t know that he’d start the following day in the same moment again.

The drive to the bar was tense, but he was glad to make it on the bike. The wind rushing around him offered a much better distraction than would have been possible in a car, where he often felt too closed in. The fact that the bar was in a familiar spot helped, too. He’d spent plenty of time around Mephisto’s, both before and after he and Teddy went from being half-assed rivals to a whole-assed couple. He glanced towards the familiar building as he parked his bike, noting the darkened windows. Levi wasn’t working late tonight, then. It would probably show up at the bar before the night’s end, and Emilio would try not to punch it for the frustrating vagueness of its recent messages. It wasn’t the demon’s fault, he knew; it was still the closest target to aim his irritation towards.

Hopping off his bike, he yanked the helmet off his head and rested it on the seat, running a hand through his unruly curls. His hair was longer than it used to be; normally, he would have sheared off the excess weeks ago, but Teddy mentioned once that they liked it longer and Emilio was more of a sap than he’d ever let on. He shook his head to loosen the curls, making his way towards the door and pausing momentarily when he went to open it. The doorknob was a familiar one; he smiled faintly at the sight. It was hard not to remember the way he’d shoved into the houseboat the first time he met them, angry and frustrated before they’d even opened their mouth. A quick glance to the sign found some familiarity there, too, though it took him a moment longer to place it. He’d had other things on his mind when he’d shown up to ‘rescue’ Joy, after all. 

Running a hand over the knob, he pushed the door open and stepped into the bar. His eyes found Teddy right away, like a magnet drawn towards them. They were wearing a suit, which seemed on brand. They liked to dress nice for things like this, Emilio knew, liked to be the brightest thing in any given room. (They didn’t need a fancy suit for that, of course; Emilio had a hard time believing anyone could ever take their eyes off Teddy entirely. It wouldn’t matter if they were wearing a burlap fucking sack; they were still the fucking sun. Warm, bright, and so utterly necessary. Anything with half a brain would fall into place to revolve around them.)

“Hey, babe,” he greeted, grinning at the squeak they let out. It was as if they were surprised to see him, despite the fact that they’d known he was coming. “Place looks good. Think you might have rats, though. Heard them squeaking…” He trailed off, expression making his amusement all too clear as he made his way towards them. He pulled them in for a quick kiss. “Saw the door out front. Like that doorknob better here than on that boat.” Mostly because he still hated the boat. He disliked having his feet anywhere but solid ground. Teddy knew that, of course. “Mmm, heard there was a surprise, too. Hope it’s whiskey.”

—

You know that sound a dryer makes when you've put something far too heavy inside, like a pair of shoes or a belt you forgot to remove from your jeans, Teddy Jones was alight and abuzz with the same kind of energy from the moment they caught sight of him. Silhouetted by the halogen halo of the streetlights just starting to kick on outside. He stepped forward for a kiss, made a remark on their noise of surprise, and started in on a quip. Normal. And yet perfect. Without much thought, their hands found themselves tangled in his hair, cradling the back of his head while they grinned like an idiot just an inch from his mouth. Peppering their own kisses in between each bout of banter. 

“Yeah it is rats actually. Going for that whole Ratatouille thing, you know the movie we watched a few weeks back?” Teddy finished the tender moment with a massive raspberry to Emilio's cheek, then twisted to his side to show off the table set just for them. “Whiskey is part of it. Obviously. I know my man well enough to know it's not a celebration without it.” 

They stepped forward, one arm still looped around his waist, eyed the half melted glasses of ice and opted to forgo them entirely. Instead, handing off the old bottle (one from 1989, the year they were both born as far as Emilio knew, or at least as far as he was supposed to know.) over to the slayer to inspect. “It's a good one, better than your usual. At least I hope it is.” Teddy chuckled a little nervously, something so unlike their often aloof unaffected demeanor. That kind of thing happened only around him, didn't it? Tides turned and the suave demon turned human became a giggling teen on the schoolyard. Shyly giving gifts to their crush. 

“We could break in the new glassware, made of a thick quartz crystal so it shouldn't shatter easily. Kavanagh and I did a lot of testing, this and the metal ones were best, but you know I just thought I liked the look of these ones for the whiskey. But we could just sip it straight from the bottle–” When did they start rambling so much? Why couldn't they stop? “Or whatever you like, you know, it's all good. Gravy wavy.” 

—-

With their hands all tangled in his curls, gently pulling at them and using them to maneuver him into a position that allowed them to plant a few more kisses onto his face, Emilio decided that maybe he liked his hair a little longer now, too. Some of the anxiety that had lived within his gut since the moment things around town started going stranger than usual alleviated in Teddy’s presence, as if they were a salve soothing over a wound. The noise in his head never went away entirely, but it always felt a little quieter with Teddy around. Love couldn’t fix him — he no longer believed anything was capable of that — but it could help him stand a little steadier on his feet, could make the weight of the world he insisted on holding upon his shoulders a little lighter. Here, in this bar with Teddy standing close enough for him to feel their heartbeat in their chest, it was a whole lot easier to breathe.

“The one with the French mice?” He was a little proud of himself for remembering that much. Most of the time when the two of them ‘watched a movie,’ Emilio paid very little attention and didn’t make it to the end. He tended to pull Teddy into a distraction somewhere towards the middle of the first act, when he could. There were things far more entertaining than watching animated rats cook. “Does that mean you’re hiring Langley?” Kaden wasn’t around to hear himself be compared to a French rat, but Emilio liked to imagine he’d feel the jab somehow, anyway. 

The promise of whiskey only served to better his mood even further. He took the bottle Teddy offered to him, though he had no concept of its quality. Emilio drank a lot of whiskey, but that didn’t mean he had taste. If anything, it likely contributed to the opposite. His tastebuds hadn’t worked properly in years now. Most things he ate or drank tasted more or less the same. But he nodded anyway, offered Teddy a grin. “Looks great,” he assured them quietly. 

They seemed… nervous, somehow. It was endearing, really, that after all this time, they still felt this way. It made Emilio feel good, like he was worth the fuss. The smile he offered them was soft and fond, and he hummed. “I’d hate to dirty up your new glasses right before you need them,” he mused. “Might be easier just to drink it from the bottle. You know I’m easy to please.” Amusement sparked behind his eyes as they continued. “Gravy wavy,” he repeated, accent curling around the words. “You this nervous about opening? You know you’re going to do great.”

—

Outside was a world away. Tonight was eons in the future. All that mattered was here and now and all tangled up in Teddy's arms and fluttering inside their heart. Where Emilio's mind liked to wander to the past, to ways it could repeat itself and somehow end up worse, the caster oft had the opposite problem. Seeing every possibility of failure in their future, and how it would make their present a living hell. But in the same respect, that cooled off around him. Settled into something they could pour their focus into. Eased the industrial microwave that always seemed to keep on spinning in Teddy's head and heart. Going from cooking and burning up any positive thoughts to heating up in a… much different way. 

Even now, with all their plans and all their hopes for how tonight would go, Teddy couldn't help but let some more lewd musings wander in. Something about breaking in more than just the glasses. But alas, that wasn't what tonight was about. 

“You know I might hire him actually. His pies aren't half bad, and I think having a French chef is like good luck or something.” Kaden seemed so lonely, like he needed something to fill his time and occupy his mind. Teddy offered a position but hadn't heard back yet. Ah well, no fancy pies for opening night. Such is life. 

“Ahh, well. Maybe it's not just about the bar. Y’know it's a– I have–” Teddy's hand dropped and idled in their pocket. A gentle clink of metal against metal sent a shiver up their spine and a flush to their cheeks. “It's the surprise. The real one. Not the whiskey one. Sorta– just– y'know I want it to be perfect, because you're perfect for me and I love you a lot and I just–” Void above and dark below Teddy couldn't remember ever feeling this nervous about anything before. They'd rehearsed this, hadn't they? Spent a good long while thinking about what they wanted to say and how they wanted to say it. Instead everything just kept getting all garbled up, caught somewhere between the flock of butterflies in their stomach, the frog in their throat, and the cat that held their tongue hostage. 

An attempt to alleviate this sudden stress pushed Teddy closer to the table. Too close even, they bumped their hip against the thing and sent one of the glasses sideways. Ice akimbo and water trickling over the edge onto the freshly cleaned floors. Their hand swung up to grab at the glass, but that only served to bump the table again, and send the small trinket they'd been fussing with from their pocket out into orbit. A bright teal light flashed across their features and a couple small orbs bubbled each of the free flying objects. 

Mortified, Teddy tried to grab for the most important one, but really only succeeded in smacking Emilio across the face. What probably only took a literal second felt like an eternity and once it was over everything was far too quiet. “Fucking hell this is a disaster–” 

—

Emilio hummed as Teddy mused about the possibility of hiring Kaden after all. “Not sure decent pies are worth having to put up with all that French shit,” he replied, sounding amused. It wouldn’t be a bad idea, really, having Kaden around. The part of Emilio that was still catastrophizing thought about the pros of having another trained hunter on the premises, someone else who could step in if shit went sideways. Teddy could hold their own, of course, as could most of the people they spent their time around, but that old hunter superiority that lived within his chest insisted that it was better to have trustworthy hunters than capable civilians. Unfortunately, trustworthy hunters were harder and harder to come by, these days.

His attention was drawn back to Teddy, though it was impossible for it to ever stray far from them. The spellcaster had been at the forefront of his mind in one way or another since their very first meeting. Back then, in the beginning, it had been an irritation. He’d thought of Teddy often, but only to think about how annoying they were. Only to think about how much he’d like to stop thinking about them. As their relationship had shifted, so had the thoughts. They’d gone from endlessly irritated to curious questions about what the spellcaster might have been up to that day to a constant concern gnawing at his gut to whatever it was now that placed Teddy at the center of Emilio’s world. Endless devotion was the best way of putting it, maybe. It was a little embarrassing.

Their anxiety didn’t seem to be built by whatever was happening outside, didn’t seem related to the sigils and the missing people. It was softer, he thought; something nice. He smiled, reaching a hand out to cup their face before letting it drop to squeeze their shoulder. “You’re such a fucking sap,” he said fondly, though it sounded a lot more like I love you so fucking much. Teddy’d pick up on it, because they always did. Even in the early days, when thoughts of them were still seeped in irritation, they’d always known how to deduce exactly what he was thinking. He’d hated it back then; he loved it now. The same could be said for a lot of things.

Whatever its source, the anxiety remained palpable. Teddy was clumsier than he’d ever seen them, knocking shit around as they moved towards the table. Emilio huffed an amused laugh, shaking his head slightly. “Well, it’s a good thing the cups are hard to break,” he quipped, leaning down to start cleaning up. He leaned just as Teddy reached, leading to a hand smacking him gently across the face. With another huff, he reached up to take it in his, lowering it. “My face is a little less unbreakable than your cups, I think. Gotta keep it looking pretty for the customers, hm? They’ll give you better tips with me around, I think.” He gently pushed Teddy’s hand back towards them, then moved to continue the act of cleaning…

Only to hesitate when he saw what they’d been reaching for. Brow furrowed, he picked it up, holding it to the light. “What’s this?”

—

It was a ring. 

It was the ring. 

Promised, cherished, earned. A favor returned. Teddy said they'd propose back, didn't they? Even if the first ring exchange was one of necessity (though not as necessary to the mission as it was to their hearts) it had never left the caster’s hand. Never left their mind. Solidifying that night as the first in their new life together. Opening a new chapter. Just like they were tonight. One where secrets were fading to the past and the road opened up in front of them. 

The ring itself wasn't fancy, not at first glance. Simple in shape but hiding a swirling damascus pattern. Dark lines alternating with light, whirled almost like a fingerprint had been etched in on all sides. You could feel the raised edges if you ran your finger tip along it. The texture soothing along with the coolness of the metal. The metals themselves sourced from two vastly different locations, close to where each of the pair had been born. Brought together by unlikely means. Forged together in fire, forming an endless bond. 

For their part, Teddy was stunned. Still. Silent. A rare fucking feat for the bratty, loud mouthed, raised by a demon, confident as a greek god, grade A asshole. Their hand reached out, but Emilio had already found it. Already held it, started to look at it. Teddy stirred, stuttered and sputtered back to life. “Well– t-this isn't exactly how I pictured this going– b-but–” A shy lilting laugh escaped along with all the held air in their chest. Depressurizing like a kettle, falling into themself a bit before gazing up at Emilio’s face. A goofy little smile on their lips.

“Emilio Cortez, you are one of the most stubborn assholes I've ever met. You constantly find new ways to annoy me, and you never listen when I tell you to take care of yourself.” Teddy sighed, none of this sounding quite as good out loud as it had in their head. “And yet I can't imagine a day without you in my life. I don't want to. I love you, I love everything about you. I love it when you make me mad, I love how fucking selfless you are, I love your humor, I love the way you care for people, I love your too soupy Mac n Cheese and that you'll make it for me at four am. I love your big brown eyes and the way your lips feel against mine. I love your hands and I want to hold them every day until the sun burns out. I don't care what the world is going to throw at us, because I have you. I feel seen, safe, whole when I'm around you. You are my home, my heart. And I wanna do this right.” 

It was a bit easy, to roll up from the awkward position they'd fallen to in their clumsy show to one of kneeling prostrate before him. Like a knight asking for the blessing of their sire. Only with arms outstretched and a hand over his where he held the ring. 

“Will you marry me?” 

—

It took a moment to register what he was holding, the way the light bounced off of it. And Emilio, who often made his money looking for possibilities outside the obvious ones, didn’t quite catch on to why he was holding it at first. There were a million different explanations that could have put a reason behind the ring in his hand. Teddy liked jewelry, often accessorized their outfits with various bits and bobs, and they certainly wanted what they wore tonight to be perfect. But the ring was a little too big to fit their finger, and just the right size for his. That, coupled with their nervous demeanor and the fact that they’d promised a surprise for him tonight, eliminated most possibilities besides one. 

It hit him, then, what it meant. And it shouldn’t have been an unexpected thing — they’d never taken off the ring he’d put on their finger, even if they’d never quite gotten around to talking about what that meant, and they had had discussions in the past about Emilio needing a ring of his own. Still, something about it took the air from his lungs. He held the ring up, Teddy’s face framed in the metal as he inspected it carefully. It was intricate, well-crafted, and definitely custom-made. Knowing Teddy, Emilio wouldn’t have been surprised to learn that they’d crafted it themself. They were a person of endless talent, after all. 

He looked at them through the ring, a quiet chuckle tumbling out from between his lips. “I don’t think it was ever gonna go how you pictured it,” he teased quietly, because wasn’t that how things went with the two of them? Their relationship, from the very beginning, had only ever been predictable in its unpredictability. It was impossible to know what might happen next; they were writing their story as they went along, adding to it on the fly. It made it exciting. And a little terrifying, sometimes, but there was no part of Emilio that would ever hope to change it. He loved it, loved them. 

They were launching into a speech, long and sappy and unnecessary, because they had to know he’d say yes. He’d have said yes to the ring sitting on the counter next to his keys on a random Tuesday morning, to them wordlessly slipping it on his finger in the middle of the night. But neither of those things were Teddy. Teddy was all long speeches and dramatic displays, and Emilio had never thought of himself as someone who wanted things like that, but he loved every syllable that left their lips all the same. He used to think he’d roll his eyes at grand romantic gestures, but fuck, he was tearing up at this one. (He’d blame it on the whiskey he still hadn’t actually had a swig of, if anyone asked.) 

They kneeled in front of him, put their hands on his over the ring, and he let out another laugh. It was a breathless thing, an excited thing. He hadn’t thought it would be, hadn’t thought he’d ever want any of this. If you’d asked him a year ago whether he thought he’d get married again, he’d have found the idea preposterous. He’d been a shitty husband, been a disappointment at every goddamn turn. But now?

“Yeah,” he breathed. “Yes, you dramatic little shit. How long have you been planning this?” How long had they been keeping this ring right under his nose? He was grinning, was pulling them to their feet and kissing them with all he had. When he pulled away, he was breathless all over again, for a multitude of reasons. “I still asked you first. If you want to get technical about it.” Because of course he couldn’t accept without being a little bit of a shit about it; he was still himself, after all. He wasn’t one for big speeches. Teddy had that covered. If they loved by mountains, he loved by valleys. Put the two of them together, and they made one hell of a landform.

—

A breathy laugh lit Teddy's chest up and down like a little flame. Starting on a couplet, then a triplet, then four staccato exhales on the non existent beat. They sniffled before they realized they'd been tearing up. From the beginning Emilio had been this intense source of obsession and interest. The way he moved, the way he acted (as Jane Austen would phrase it, his countenance) made him even more beautiful than the sum of his already lovely features. 

The laughter didn't end while creaking up to their full height. Too overcome by the joy of it all to not fully crash into him. Arms circling around, finding their favorite spot hunched up and tucked beneath his chin. Making the most of the one inch difference in height. “You absolutely did not ask first.” They shot back, all smiles and warm cheeks despite the fire in their words. “You didn't even say the words, so nyeh. I win. You have to take my last name. That's how it works. Mister Jones.” 

Teddy stuck their tongue out, realized how close they were to him and immediately was tempted by the most annoying route they could take. They wormed their arms up and dug their hands into his hair. Sensually at first but then quickly overtaken by mischief. Their hands locked down around his noggin, pulled his head downward to their level. Licking up the man's cheek like a dog laying claim to the perfect bone, Teddy finished with a big wet kiss at the end of the line.

“Demon rituals. Had to do it. For your safety. Also to make it official. You're my fiance now, no take backs.” Not that he would. Not that he ever would. They knew that now. Knew enough to know how he'd roll his eyes, push their face away while trying to hide his goofy smile. He might say something snarky that'd probably be turned into a double entendre, or advice on how better to use their tongue. Teddy never had this with anyone else. No one that they knew inside and out, and who knew them in return. No one who calmed the raging waves with a fire of their own quite like Emilio always managed to. Perfect synchronicity in their symmetry. 

“Let's celebrate.” Teddy whispered, almost like it was a secret, only for his ears. With the familiarity he'd come to expect, Ted reached down and pilfered one of the many many knives Emilio had stashed on his body, and peeled off the wax rimming the top of the old bottle. The cork popped with a satisfying sound and the caster offered the first sip to the slayer. “To forever. To us. To staying together and living no matter what the hell the world throws our way.” 

—

They were laughing as they stood, and he found it a little difficult not to laugh right alongside them. Mere hours before, when he’d been pacing the length of the living room and worrying endlessly about the threat hanging over the town like a premature funeral shroud waiting for its moment of use, something like this had seemed impossible. The idea of laughter, of joy had seemed like such a faraway, unimaginable thing. But if there was one thing Emilio had learned about Teddy Jones over the last two years, it was that they had a talent for achieving the impossible. They could survive things that would destroy anyone else. They could turn a tombstone back into a man. They could make that man laugh, even when the world was ending. 

“I gave you a ring!” He insisted stubbornly. “I gave you a ring, said we were married. We made out. It counts.” Sure, it had been an undercover thing, but the feelings had been real and Emilio was competitive. “I win. I definitely win.” That much, he thought, was undeniably true. Getting to spend the rest of his life with Teddy was the biggest win he could ever hope to carve out for himself. “Mr. Jones,” he repeated with a hum. Cortez was a name seeped in tragedy, a thing that had hung over him all his life. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to leave it behind. “Not sure how well it flows, though. Emilio Jones. Sounds like an English teacher.” 

Their hands found his hair again, and at first, he thought it was going somewhere very different. They had a few hours before the bar opened, they could make the most of them… and probably do some cleaning after. But any hopes of opening night fun were quickly replaced by something else when Teddy’s tongue raked across his face in a very unsexy kind of way. Emilio let out a laugh, pushing them back with a wrinkled nose and a roll of his eyes.

“Oh, you are so full of shit,” he accused, grinning as he wiped his face. “I’ll show you some slayer rituals, how about that?” Complete with a poke to the ribs where he knew Teddy was a little ticklish. He felt elated, like a man standing on top of the world. Teddy had a way of doing that, too. They made him feel like the luckiest man alive; when he was with them, it was the truth. 

They took his knife, and he let them. There was a good deal of intimacy in that small exchange alone, in the way he didn’t tense or flinch at their hands reaching parts of him hidden away to anyone else and coming back with something sharp clasped between their fingers. He watched them use it as a glorified corkscrew, thought about how Teddy had a tendency to take deadly weapons and use them for harmless purposes. They’d done the same with Emilio, after all. Taking the bottle with a smile, he held it up with a nod. “To us,” he agreed. “To whatever comes next. No one else I’d rather find out with.” 

It wouldn’t be forever. Sooner or later, tragedy would strike the way tragedy always did. They’d lose him, or he’d lose them, and the world would end in an instant. Emilio was incapable of not knowing that, incapable of not understanding it. But right now, in this moment, it was the two of them and a bottle of whiskey that he could almost taste. Right now, it was the two of them in a bar that would soon be open and full of their closest friends. The world was ending, because it always was. But right now, it didn’t matter. He had his own world, right inside this bar, and it promised not to die on him. 

For the first time in his life, Emilio believed it.

[aoharushiyo]

#merrychristmas / naniwa danshi [eng translation]

TITLE: #MerryChristmas ARTIST: なにわ男子 (Naniwa Danshi) COMPOSITION: 坂室賢一 (Kenichi Sakamuro), 佐原康太 (Sawara Kouta) LYRICS: 坂室賢一 (Kenichi Sakamuro) ARRANGE: 佐原康太 (Sawara Kouta) OFFICIAL MV: (from youtube)

ENG:

#Merry, #MerryChristmas ×2

#MerryChristmas, Let's put a hashtag on it! Are everyone's preparations ready to go? Starlight twinkling and sparkling above colours the town in a party mood (Hoo Hoo) Just by seeing you, (Oh) all of my everyday troubles will be OK! (Yes!) If we match our smiles, we'll become invincible, see (Hey, show me your smile!)

We leave deep footprints in the snow on this never-ending night we wished upon the stars for That's right, on this beautiful night, let's gather around the cake and let the jingling bells ring on high Come on, let's get started already! Are you ready, alright?

Come on, together with us Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's have lots of fun! Louder! Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's fire it up! Let's shake up this party! (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) Let's make some party noise! (Yeah!!) Come on, everyone together Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's spread happiness! [1] You're sparkling and shining too Let's play that music (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) and let it resound to the ends of the earth! Even though the scenery of white marks the end of the year, the feelings we have will never melt

#Merry, #MerryChristmas ×2

For you, who's been working so hard by yourself, we've got a message for you: Merry Christmas! Hurry, come on over here, to the sparkling Christmas tree we've decorated all over (Hoo Hoo) If you're worrying about all the small things that've got you down, (Oh) it's OK to forget them all for now! (Yes!) It'd be great if you could share it all with us, see (Hey, let us listen!)

I've got a present I chose just for you and I'll be the Santa to deliver it right to you That's right, on this special day, let's light the candles and let the jingling bells ring on high! Come on, let's get started already! Are you ready for the time?

Come on, together with us Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's have lots of fun! Louder! Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's hype it up! Let's get this party started! (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) Let's sing and party! (Yeah!!) Come on, everyone together Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's spread happiness! My heart's pounding and beating so fast Let's play that music (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) on and on nonstop! Even if this holy night is about to end, the world will gather around and sing

The holy night I was so excited for as a child hasn't changed a single bit through the years I'll continue to harbour all my dreams and hopes from the past into the future, yeah…

#Merry, #MerryChristmas #MerryChristmas Are you ready, alright?

Come on, together with us Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's have lots of fun! Louder! Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's fire it up! Let's shake up this party! (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) Let's make some party noise! (Yeah!!) Come on, everyone together Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong; Let's spread happiness! You're sparkling and shining too Let's play that music (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) and let it resound to the ends of the earth! Even though the scenery of white marks the end of the year, the feelings we have will never melt

#Merry, #MerryChristmas ×2 #MerryChristmas

JPN:

#Merry, #MerryChristmas ×2

#MerryChristmas　ハッシュタグをつけて みんな集まる準備いいかい？ キラッキラに輝くStarlight 街に色づくパーティムード (Hoo Hoo) 日々の嫌なことなんて (Oh) 君に会えば全部OK！ (Yes) 笑顔繋げば無敵になれるんだほら (ねえ見せてスマイル！)

雪に刻んだ僕らの足跡 星に願ったいつまでも続けと そうさ Beautiful Night　ケーキを囲もう ジングルベル　鳴り響かせよう さ��始めよう！ Are you ready, Alright？

Come on　僕らと Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong　めちゃ��しもう もっとDing-Dong, Ding-Dong　めちゃ弾けよう 揺らせParty！ (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) 騒げParty！ (Yeah！！) Come on　みんなで Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong　ほらハピろー！！ 君もキラキラ輝いてる 鳴らせMusic！ (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) 響かせてどこまでも 白い景色が終わりを告げても 僕らの想いは溶けない

#Merry, #MerryChristmas ×2

“Merry Christmas”　たった一人きり 頑張ってる君にMessage キラッキラ飾ったクリスマスツリー 早くこっちにおいでよ！ (Hoo Hoo) 少しヘコんだことなんて (Oh) 今は忘れてIt’s OK！ (Yes) 全部話してシェアしちゃえばイイね！ (ねえ聞かせて)

君に選んだ僕からのプレゼント サンタになったつもりで届けよう そうさ Special Day　キャンドル灯をつけて ジングルベル　鳴り響かせよう さあ始めよう！ Are you ready for the time？

Come on　僕らと Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong　めちゃ楽しもう もっとDing-Dong, Ding-Dong　めちゃはしゃごう アガれParty！ (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) 歌えParty！ (Yeah！！) Come on　みんなで Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong　ほらハピろー！！ 僕もドキドキときめいてる 鳴らせMusic！ (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) 止まらないいつまでも 聖なる夜が終わろうとしても 世界が輪になり歌うよ

幼い頃のワクワクHoly Night 今になってもずっと変わらない 夢も希望もあの頃の気持ちで ずっと持ち続けていこう Yeah…

#Merry, #MerryChristmas #MerryChristmas Are you ready, Alright？

Come on　僕らと Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong　めちゃ楽しもう もっとDing-Dong, Ding-Dong　めちゃ弾けよう 揺らせParty！ (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) 騒げParty！ (Yeah！！) Come on　みんなで Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong　ほらハピろー！ 君もキラキラ輝いてる 鳴らせMusic！ (Let’s Clap, Clap, Clap) 響かせてどこまでも 白い景色が終わりを告げても 僕らの想いは溶けない

#Merry, #MerryChristmas ×2 #MerryChristmas

TL NOTE:

[1] ハピろー (hapilaw) is a campaign by lawson, a convenience store chain, and essentially is a shortened form of their vision, to ensure customers are happy and satisfied at lawson. this song was used in a cm, which you can see here!

[amiserablepileofwords]

Mech Pilot who you accidentally activated, setting in motion a sleeper agent early

Note: This is a repost-as-is of a snippet I posted on Cohost on the 10th of February 2023 in response to a Prompt from the Making-up-Mech-Pilots account.

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

"Look, man, I didn't mean to." Kris wheedled. "She didn't mean to. She'd never. It was an accident. You have to believe me." Pleaded. "How was I to know whistling that jingle from that old chewing gum commercial — you know, the one that goes..." Their foot tapped as they briefly hummed something that sounded like 'huminy homana nanana bubbly good' under their breath, half the lyrics long forgotten.

"... would cause all..." A weak gesture at the roaring inferno around them, their words barely audible over the panicked braying of the base klaxons. The wails of the wounded and bereaved. The intermittent crash of collapsing buildings. It was ridiculous. Impossible. Inconceivable. Indescribable. They finally settled on a lame "... this."

"Uh-huh." The SecuTex guard that'd accosted the pilot, his own once pristine white uniform covered in soot and blood, didn't seem inclined to believe them.

His radio crackled, and he frowned, temporarily distracted by another status update. Another casualty count. Another request for reinforcements. The respite didn't last long, however.

"You are Kris 'Nukem' Roberts, right? Famous — sorry, infamous for..." he checked his dataslate. "... blowing things up?" His finger tapped the surface as he went down the long list of infractions. "Starting riots? Causing hundreds of deaths? Trillions in corporate losses?" A disgusted glare. "Wanted in half a dozen states?"

Kris awkwardly shifted from foot to foot. "Yeah, but... you know, that's just while on the job." they whined. "Not in friendly territory." An introspective pause. A mumbled "Not on purpose anyway." They were jittery. Restless. A coursing hound, held back by an unjust, cruel hand. A bundle of nervous energy, desperately straining to stay still. To not give the corpo pig an excuse. Any excuse. They had to keep a lid on it. They had to.

"I'm sorry, am I keeping you from something?" the guard asked, annoyed. Hand straying towards his stun baton, in case his suspect tried to do a runner. "Stop moving." Wouldn't be the first jockey making a huge mess in White Base, then leaving them to clean up. Not this time. Not on his watch. Not after all this horrifying death and destruction.

An explosion rocked the base as one of the fuel depots went up like a Roman candle. Anger spilled from Kris' mouth in answer, spiky and raw. "Yeah! I have to go after Red! Save her! She's my best friend!" they snapped, never the most patient of people. They didn't have time for this.

A snort. "The only place you're going, missy, is jail." the guard countered contemptuously. "If it's still standing." His fingers tightened on the hilt. "As for your friend..." A sneer. The flick of a switch. A rising hum of building power. "She'll be a smouldering crater soon."

Incandescent rage bloomed. He never saw Kris' foot. Had no time to react. Too fast. It impacted his temple with enough force to send him flying. Crumpling to the ground. Lifeless. Another casualty. Another statistic. The stun baton clattered across the plascrete, sputtering out. Unused. Impotent. Useless.

Kris was already running, scooping up the fallen guard's dataslate where it'd landed. Their fingers flew across its surface. Checking the feeds. Tracking the squad of Mark Vs sent after Red after she went berserk. Searching for a way out. A way to get to their own mech. Driven by the hope that they could still make it. Be in time. Do something.

Another black mark in their file. Another lifelong ban.

No great loss. They never liked this place anyway. Let it all burn.

They had a girl to save. And gods help anything and anyone that stood in their way.

[home-at-nine]

Chapter Four — Jerry

“Reality is merely an illusion; albeit a persistent one". - Albert Einstein

I like to live my life like it's a sitcom. It feels like that gives it more meaning. Sitting at a bar at eleven o'clock in the morning might make someone question their life choices, but it's just slightly funnier with a laugh track behind it.

Mind dropping a fake chuckle for me? Attagirl. Thank you. Or fuck you. Either way, I can't tell but know that i feel the utmost gratitude or the deepest hatred.

i look up at the pretty girl with the platinum blond hair and blue eyes on the other side of the wooden bar. This place has a very *vintage*(?) vibe to it. I feel like it is. It smells like coffee mixed with some fine whiskey. With a hint of vanilla? Huh.

The girl is Grace. She does not remember me. That's good. Last time I was here, I was 16, just after I graduated high school. She has more piercings now. A few more tattoos, it seems like. I do too. I think she knew I was 16. Was she 19 then? Her skin was slightly tanned, still is. Her bag is sitting by the corner of the bar, still. Jerry hated that. It's new, it's bigger. Still stuffed with books she loved. Is that Camus? I forgot how hot this girl was. Hm... The First Man. That's funny, are you sending jokes my way too, now? She still had that last time.

Don't make fun of me. This girl is beautiful. It'd be hard to forget her, even after the three years. I think she got a few more piercings–

"Hello? Are you okay?" I feel myself jolt in the suddenness. My hand grips around the glass in my hands. "Would you like another?"

She's been calling my name for a second. "Uh... yes. Sorry, I'm not screwed, I was just-", I'm scrambling for a way to cover my ass. Help.

"Distracted, huh?" Grace puts down the glass she was polishing and reaches for what was in my hand. She pours me another glass of the Macallan. I don't mind the price. Why? Because I know I'm not paying. You'll see what I mean. Grace here didn't card me. She's pretty though, so it's okay, we'll forgive that and move on. Especially considering this part of town. She's probably the nicest person to make a mistake in a 2-block radius.

"Yeah. Well, no. I don't get distracted, just focused on the wrong thing. I saw your book, by the way."

"Oh yeah, you read Camus?"

"I'm a big fan of his work. Got super excited about reading it in school, it kept me up all night." That's a bad joke. But for some reason, she chuckles. Oh god I hope I don't have to open my mouth again. Come on, throw me a fucking bone.

The door jingles and I hear a pair of sneakers shuffling through. The sneakers squeak to a stop.

Thank you.

"Kid-" Jerry's got that look in his eyes again. Like he's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. His voice squeaked the word like he saw me coming but didn't expect it so soon.

"How you been?" I flash him a smile. I don't want this to get bad if it doesn't need to. I just need him to not default on this.

He spins around and reaches for the handle of the door. Okay. Well, it's getting annoying already. I throw the glass at the back of his head, it cracks as it hits him and he gives out a quick scream.

Grace's eyes widen, "OH, FUCK?".

Jerry hits his knees, his hand still on the brass knob of very beautifully painted door. Woah, what color is that? Wait, Grace. I turn my head to her.

"Don't worry, he'll be okay. I just need him to not... run. Y'know?"

She looks like she takes a deep breath and nods. Welp. 3 years of thinking someone's attractive for it to go down the damn drain in less than a minute. Great job, Cha-... Atlas. That's the new name.

I look towards Jerry, "Get your hand off the damn handle, Jerry. Look at me.".

His head is turning, though it's a bit slow. Hm, I should let him know to not play with me right now. I want to breed a trusting relationship. But is Jerry the kind of person to value that? Or would he try to take advantage of it? Wouldn't fear better serve me with him? I can't afford this right now.

The next few years will not be as easy as they would've been before. I need her to have a better and more secure life than I will.

I kick Jerry in the face as he turns his head back. "Where's my money? Where's my shit? Where's Derek? And where is the tip jar that used to be here?"

Jerry takes a second. He's reeling from the surprise of the kick more than the pain. But I know him better.

"FUCK. Spencer, I'll fucking kill you!"

Well, we can't have that now, can we? I get ready to kick him again, but first, I look over to Grace. She doesn't seem as surprised anymore. Is this a common occurrence? He have sharks on him? Do they come here to kick his ass a lot? I notice his right occipital is lightly bruised. Fuck. His goddamn gambling? Did he pawn my shit? FUCK.

"Take a deep breath. You still have them?" I give him a second to recover. Jerry is a slightly out of shape man in his early 50s. He could take most people on, I won't lie. But not me. Jerry is already scared of me. The issue with this man is that he'll never win a fight because he's decided the result in his head before. You don't call Jerry to back you up in a fight. But you can call him to take care of your shit. Last I was here, you could trust him to respect the value of personal property. Did he relapse to gambling?

"I do, I do. Fuck, I still have it." He says. In the second it took me to think, he's already got his arms up to keep me away. Good, at least he's livelier than last time. Though I guess he was getting his ass kicked last time too.

"Then why did you try to run?"

"Alex told me you were in town. I just ran before I could tell it was you, I thought you were one of Rey's men."

Bullshit. But I'll take his work for it. I just want to grab my shit and walk away.

"Where is it?"

"Under the floorboards, seat 4."

I rush to kick him again.

"WAIT WAIT," he stammers, "ask Grace. She knows. She'll take you to it. There's a crowbar under the bar too."

I look at Grace and crack an awkward smile and, for some goddamn reason, I'm throwing her a thumbs up??

She looks used to this. God, I hope that motherfucker hasn't pawned off my shit. Jerry slowly gets up and begins walking to the back door.

"If you run, I'll find you." That should be enough warning to him. He raises his hand as a gesture of what I think is reluctant acknowledgement. I turn to Grace.

"This happen often?"

"Once a month or so, I guess.". She looks annoyed more than anything.

"It doesn't bother you? You've been working here three years. How long has this been happening?"

"Around 6 months."

I take the crowbar from her hand and move the fourth couch from the entrance to the bar. There's a floorboard with a few chips on it. That's the one.

I grab my things from under the floorboards. A black duffel bag. There we go. The bag I put together seeing my life coming to where it is now. The day I'd need money, a way to make more, and some things I just wanted safe.

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

I gave her my number oh my fucking god I gave her my number oh my fucking god I gave her my number oh my fucking god I gave her my number oh my fucking god I gave her my number oh my fucking god I gave her my number oh my fucking god.

I look at the taxi driver in front of me. "Right here. Thank you."

I gave Grace a way to call me if she ever needed it. Or Jerry. Told her the name's actually Atlas, but that Jerry could keep calling me Spencer for all I cared.

I walk in and see Frog on the couch. She's watching TV. She's wearing a shark onesie I got her for her birthday last year. I try and keep the duffel out of her sight and quickly work my way upstairs.

"Ch-... Atlas!" I hear her yell from downstairs. Hm. We'll have to open this later. I kick it under the bed and look at the clock. Barely past noon. I have another few hours before I have to meet Will's coworker at Jerry's.

[casspurrjoybell-22]

The Art of Sin - Chapter 25 - Part 1

•Noir Laurent (Dark Elf & Sun Elf)

•Bain López (Werewolf)

*Warning Adult Content*

"So Winter, would you like to do some shopping while we're here?"

I glanced up at Nikoli, surprised.

He smiled down at me, waiting for an answer.

The thought of walking around excited me.

I didn't get to see or buy anything the last time we were here.

It'd be a great time to relax.

Plus, I'd get to spend time with Nikoli alone.

Not that I didn't love the others but I wanted to get to know everyone one on one.

I beamed.

"Yes."

His face lit up.

He started to turn, me at his side.

A voice stopped us.

"Wait."

I turned around, tense.

My eyes widened as I saw the flower merchant jogging from his stall to us.

I was nervous, hoping I hadn't somehow offended him before but he didn't look angry.

He smiled as he stopped.

"Hey. Um, I know this is a bit sudden but can I see your phone?"

His smile faltered a little as I hesitated, his cheeks turning a bit pink.

I didn't know why he wanted to see it.

Or if I was allowed to give it to him.

I looked to Nikoli, the question written on my face.

He smiled reassuringly at me, tilting his head slightly in the man's direction.

I relaxed, fishing out the device, almost dropping it.

"Here."

I watched as he tapped on the screen, grinning as he unlocked it.

"I love you wallpaper," he said, glancing at me.

I remembered Keon showing me how to use the cell-phone's camera.

I'd taken a photo of the field of flowers, the manor in the background.

He'd helped me set it as my wallpaper.

It filled me with pride.

I was happy that he liked Tate's work.

He was probably an expert on flowers, seeing as he raised and sold such huge ones.

"My name's Kia. Here's my number if you ever would like to do something sometime."

He smiled, glancing at me.

"Or just talk."

I watched as he tapped again.

Almost immediately a slightly muffled jingle sounded.

Giving mine back and reaching into the pocket of his apron to pull out his own vibrating phone, he tapped it, stopping the cute jingle.

He gave my phone back and tapped his a few more times before looking at me.

"This is awkward but what's your name?"

I found myself let out a small laugh.

"Winter."

He tapped on his phone again.

"Winter. Fits a cute guy like you."

He grinned, winking at me and making me turn red.

"Well, I've got to get back to my stall. If you ever want to go out or chat, hit me up."

With that, he waved goodbye and jogged back to his stall, apologizing to the customers waiting.

It was then that I remembered Nikoli.

I whipped my head to looked at him, beet red and about to apologize but stopped.

Nikoli was shaking, his hand covering his mouth as he tried to contain himself.

I narrowed my eyes, suddenly on the defense as I tried to figure out what was so funny.

He looked at me, wiping a tear from his eye as he calmed down.

"I'm sorry, Winter. I'm not making fun of you. You two were just too cute, I could help myself. I loved watching your reactions, how pure you are."

"What do you mean?"

Now I was really confused.

Pure?

I was the farthest from it.

He smiled at me, more serious now, maybe even a little sad.

"I mean how you responded to him hitting on you. It was adorable. I honestly found it hard not to hug you."

"He was hitting on me?"

My mouth fell open.

He chuckled before leaning down and pecking my cheek.

"Of course he was. Who could resist such a cute thing as yourself?"

If I could blush any hard I would.

I went through the exchange, my eyes widening as I realized what he meant.

I didn't want to get full of myself but I think he was right.

I frowned.

"Wait. Aren't you mad?"

Nikoli cocked an eyebrow.

"Why would I be?"

My shoes became very interesting in the seconds before I finally glanced back at him.

"Well because he was hitting on me. You don't mind? You're not angry?"

Chuckling again, he turned me to face him, his eyes soft.

"Winter, you're free to talk to and date anyone you want. Open relationships, polyamorous ones like ours, are pretty common. I and no one else in our family would prevent you."

He grinned.

"We might get a bit jealous from time to time but we wouldn't get possessive or angry."

We gazed into each other's eyes, I felt Nikoli as his consciousness brushed against my own, inviting me in.

He let me feel what he felt, assuring me he wasn't angry.

I relaxed, letting a smile form.

Satisfied, Nikoli reached for my hand, slipping it into his own and intertwining our fingers.

Lifting our hands up, he softly kissed mine, smiling sweetly.

I glanced at them blushing, a shy smile appearing.

I liked this type of affection.

"Ready?"

I nodded, letting him lead me away.

I looked back once, to Kia's stall, seeing him handing over a smaller sunflower, a fifth of the size of the original I saw.

My cheeks warmed as I turn back.

I was still surprised that he was interested in me, even if he just wanted to be friends in the end.

It made me happy.

I was able to talk to people, people outside of my family.

My confidence increased, even if only a bit.

Maybe I'd be able to make friends, friends who I would talk to and hang out with, friends who would invite me to their house and I'd invite them to mine.

Maybe I could live a somewhat normal life?

Or, at the very least, the one I wanted, one I didn't realize I wanted until that moment.

I leaned into Nikoli, surprising him.

He gave me a confused but warm look.

"I'm happy."

"Yeah?" he asked as we made our way through the crowd.

"Yeah."

I smiled into his arm, breathing deep

"I'm able to meet new people. I can come to places like this despite what happened and I can be with you."

His step faltered at that.

Stopping completely, he turned towards me, his eyes glowing ever so slightly.

The look on his face was full of love.

I chewed at my bottom lip, feeling embarrassment slowly rise.

He didn't miss that action, his hand raising to caress my cheek before connecting our lips.

My hands worked their way up to his chest, clutching his shirt.

I forgot all about the crowd but luckily Nikoli didn't.

As passionate as the kiss was, it ended quickly.

We were both breathless.

I felt his chest rise and fall as I rested my forehead against him.

I let go of his shirt when I felt the stares, stepping back.

They were definitely staring, some outright and others trying to be discreet.

They quickly dissipated, the flow of the market not allowing loitering, moving around us.

No one had the gall to demand Nikoli to move, seeing that he was a powerful vampire.

'Despite that, there was one set of eyes I felt.'

[vendettavalor]

@tacticalvalor said: This was, quite easily, Simon's least favorite time of year. Whilst the rest of Task Force 141 found themselves enthralled by the holiday festivities, Simon simply preferred to be left out of it. He had his reasons, which not many aside from Price really knew. He never found the need to justify himself; to dig up the traumas of his family's loss and his own torture to excuse his lack of enthusiasm.

Yet even still, he found himself focused on finding Lupa something. To find a gift for her, even if it happened to be something simple. He felt he'd owed that much to her.

And he followed through on the notion, approaching their mutual corner of the lounge area with a vibrantly decorated bag in his hands. He'd told the clerk to do without the gift wrapping, but it'd been second nature to include it. After all, he wasn't the only one in the shops finding something last-minute. Ah well, maybe she'd like it. He'd hoped she would, fancy wrapping or not. Quietly, as usual, Simon sat himself beside his slumbering partner. Leaned down to set the bag before her, allowing the fold to crinkle and draw her attention.

"Found somethin' that made me think of ya." His voice was lower. Shy, especially as Lupa found the plush blanket inside. It was fairly boring in appearance, but the material was fur-like. Comfortably soft, yet not fragile. And it'd already smelled like him, like his clothes.

He wouldn't admit it, but he'd absolutely given it a proper snuggle prior to presenting it.

⚔️ Random Asks : Festive Edition // ALWAYS ACCEPTING! ⚔️

By now she’s mastered the art of sleeping through the noise. The sound of bells jingling, chattering voices, and music pounding from the speakers is muffled and muted enough from where she lays on a couch in the corner of the repurposed warehouse space to find just enough peace to rest. It’s not a proper slumber. Merely twilighting; riding the line between conscious and unconscious as the clinking of glasses and laughter erupts all around her. Yet even still, she can ignore most of it.

What does make her ears perk up and draws her lashes do flutter is the sound of approaching footsteps. She doesn’t need to open her eyes truthfully - she smells him before she sees him. Ghost. Her Ghost. She yawns and stretches a bit, offering a small smile. She doesn’t say much. She rarely does, even with him. But he can hear her sweet whispers in his mind and know what she wants to say even without the words. There you are. What’s up?

"Found somethin' that made me think of ya."

Her gaze flickers to the gift bag, then up to his eyes again. Curiosity turns to surprise quickly as he presents the gift to her with a pleasant crinkling noise. She smiles a bit, leaning forward to sniff at it before moving to rolls over so she can gather it up in her large hands. It smells familiar. It smells like him. That gets her tail to start wagging with delight as she carefully begins to tear away the wrapping. What she finds stuns her. It’s an elegant fur blanket, soft and durable. Perfect for the winter season. It’s huge too, easily able to wrap around her three or maybe even four times. And it smells heavenly to boot. The scent of sandy soil, sweet Kentucky bourbon, leather, and his natural musk permeated the fibers of the blanket in the most wondrous way. Lupa couldn’t help but bury her face into it and take in a deep breath.

It was perfect.

She looked back up at him and nodded with a huge grin. After a moment, she shifted so he could lay beneath her, for she knew that he took such a great comfort in the feeling of her warm weight laying so protectively over him. And just as he got comfortable, she moved to throw the blanket over both of them for an added layer of warmth. She listened to his heart’s steady beat with a head laid on his chest, heard his sigh of delight as his arms fell over her back. Felt him slowly unwind and relax beneath her. Feeling him ease into the warm comfort of her and the blanket, letting the rest of the world slip away, Lupa couldn’t help but beam and lean up to press the briefest of kisses to his jaw. Simon shivered, peering down at her with big, lovestruck eyes that only grew as she finally spoke.

“It’s perfect. You’re perfect. Merry Christmas, my sweet Simon.”

[gwen-tolios]

I look up when a woman approaches our table. I watch her eyes, wondering if she's staring at the door to the shelter behind me, but no, her gaze darts from the banner hanging off the table to me to my booth partner. Shhhanish hisses a guess in my ears, "Wannabe".

I look to Karen, my booth partner, who shrugs.

"Are you really witches?"

"We are!" Karen smiles, leaning forward to draw attention to a few of our pamphlets. "Not all of us use the term witch of course. We're a diverse community of neo-druids, Wiccan practitioners, and pagans. Are you interested in the religion? We don't have anything planned for the community until the equinox, but I'm happy to walk you through the basics of crystal readings, core tenants, and such."

Shhhanish, hidden by my collared shirt, shifts around my neck. The woman doesn't notice the moving coil, nor Shhhanish sticking her head up to whisper in my ear again. "Anichow says no magic."

Anichow is Karen's familiar, a senior calico cat napping on her lap. Karen's a power witch, like all those that bond with felines. Great at sensing magic, gathering power, and boosting the work of others. Many of their spells involve karma and energies, making her a great booth partner during the local street fairs.

"Not really interested, no," the woman says, "but, well, I figured I'd might as well ask. I work at a hospital, and we always notice full moons are a bit crazier. But they've been really intense the past few months. You didn't like, do a spell or something did you?" She laughs. "Sorry, it's silly. It's just been a topic around the nurses' station for a while and here you are! Figured I'd just ask."

Anichow meows. I can't understand her, the only human who can is Karen, but Shhhanish translates for me. Something along the lines of I knew that spell was worth it.

I tune out Karen's small talk with the woman, looking over my shoulder into the animal shelter. No creatures are pressed at the glass, watching the nurse. She is genuinely magicless, and probably can't even see the building housing almost fifty witches' familiars. No need for me to get involved in the conversation.

When she leaves, Karen turns to me. "Ester, I think we need to look into this."

"Yeah?"

Karen nods. "We cast a spell this morning, just to encourage anyone that needs our help to ask for it today. I figure it'd catch a few teens, and they could ask us questions before they get too deep in something, but..."

"But if it caught that nurse, whatever is sending people to the hospital is something we can help with."

Karen strokes Anichow's back. The cat is old, and can't channel as much magic as she could have a few years ago. "I'll reach out for help, scry for a few things."

"I'll prep the community," I say.

####

I force a grin on my face as Dom's wife answers the door. She's still suspicious of me, the random thirty-something woman from the 'end-of-life animal shelter' who hangs out with her husband from time to time. Dom hasn't told her he's a budding field witch, and whatever excuse he's given her for community meetings isn't rock solid. Dom knows it's me from the silence, and comes jogging down the hallway, keys jingling in his hand.

He gives his wife a kiss on her cheek and leads the way to his car.

Dustbin, Dom's gerbil, peaks out from his pocket to chatter with Shhhanish, who curls up in the drink holder. As the animals chat, I go back and forth with Dom. Most of our interactions are within a group setting, so it's nice to hear how he's settling into the witch community.

"I'm surprised you didn't just fly over there," he teases.

I grin at him. As a shed witch, able to shed my form at will and able to transform items, I usually shit into a bird to get around places. It saves me the expense of a car.

"How much did your mentor tell you?"

"Only that it's all hands on deck."

I nod. "Group castings are rare, and we usually don't call in the support of anyone who hasn't been practicing for less than two years. But what Karen found is...very bad. We'll need all the power we can get, and I didn't want to waste energy."

He taps his fingers on the steering wheel. "What are we doing?"

"Building a cage."

####

Dom pulls up the long drive to a lake house. It's July, it should be occupied by some rich family, but you don't have to be a power witch to feel the magic rolling off the building. Dom's white-knuckling the steering wheel, but he doesn't turn around for all that the house begs a witch to walk away.

All-hands on deck means anyone who can come within a two-hundred-mile radius. I hang out with a more local crowd on a regular basis, but this greater group tries to get together several times a year. True witches aren't common and we're all willing to travel for understanding. There are twenty who show up. Shed witches like me, field witches like Dom, power witches like Karen. I only see three dogs, so not a lot of bone witches. I'm not surprised, bone witches are at heart healers. I suspect whatever plan Karen and her ilk have created, the bone witches are here to take care of the rest of us.

Karen gathers us together in the front garden and gives us the bare bones.

"Ester and I got a response to a I-can-help-you spell the other week, so I went scrying." Karen holds Anichow in her arms, who doesn't do much more than swing her tail. At twenty-one, she's old for a cat, but probably has a few years left in her life. Karen holds her tightly, and I just know this spell will be rough on all of us.

"There's a static, reoccurring summoning spell in the house. It automatically summons a demon every full noon."

Another power witch, Katrina, continues. "This thing is actively hurting people - the local hospital's ER sees a thirty percent rise in admission every full moon. Near as we can tell, the circle was set up in March." She takes a deep breath, and her black kitten scurries up her jeans to perch on Katrina's shoulder. "It's blood fed."

I hiss, and Shhhanish tightens on my arm.

Dom leans over to me. "Explain?"

"Static circles mean it can be activated without someone there when conditions are right. It's reoccurring, so it was powered to activate several times on a regular basis. I'm guessing as soon as the light of a full moon touches the entire thing, the summons activate."

"And blood fed?"

I hesitate, but he's here because the power witches believe we need everyone. If I don't tell him, someone else will.

"Spells are powered by something. Most are our own energy. Static, reoccurring circles are prefeed. Depending on how it's set up, we can overload the circle, drain the energy, or change the results so the next summoning wipes it out. But if it's powered with blood, enough that this has caused a lot of damage for several months, it's probably not something we can safely diffuse. There is...also a high likelihood that it was a blood sacrifice."

I'm not one to hide the truth, but still I wish Dom could have been introduced to the dark side of magic a different way. Witches don't summon demons. We have our own innate magic. But not everyone does, and the information in the world is often wrong and dangerous. Just like people who draw blood-fed circles.

"Ester-"

I hold up a hand and cut him off. I'm not his witch mentor, he can talk to his field witch crew to get more details on summonings and demons and circles. I've given him what he needs to know for tonight. Now, I want to listen to Karen's plan. She'd already told me a cage, but now she's pouring out details.

"The only chance is to contain it. Let the summons happen, but prevent the demon from enacting any harm. It means extending the number of reoccurrences, but if we grow something strong enough that should be okay."

"We want to grow a fence around the property," Katrina says. "Something that wouldn't be out of place in this neighborhood. Shift the earth into a base, grow grass into a tight weave, and then shift it into iron."

I raise my hand. "Rock salt in the base?"

Karen nods. "If you can. But we'd have to check that yearly for awhile."

"Yearly?" someone hisses. "How much blood did they use?"

Karen and Katrina share a look. "Three, four gallons."

"Shit."

Shhhanish hisses, tightening her coils on my bicep even further and I place a hand over her in comfort. That's more than two bodies' worth.

I'm not the only one comforting their familiar. All the dogs are whining, and more than one power witch has picked up their cat to nuzzle into their fur.

But that's not our job, finding a missing person or three. Our job is to help that nurse. Stop the demon from hurting others. We get to work.

####

There's an engineer in the group, and he sketches a design for the fence. Someone else walks the ground, marking where to erect it. Then, under the light of the new moon, we get to work.

Spaced evenly around the lake house, the field witches work the earth. They move the land so a hill forms, and then long grasses grow from the hill. The steams make a basket weave, for strength, but each rope of three stems rolls into thick vines. Then I get to work with my fellow shed witches. We turn the hill into bricks topped with cement that glitters with rock salt. We turn the grasses into iron and imbue it with some of our own power. Under the right condition, the iron will shed this shape to become another. Behind us all, gathering power from the surrounding area, the power witches build up energy and feed it to the rest of us.

When we're done, I collapse onto the ground, panting. Shhhanish's scales are dull and she's lethargic, as if she'd spent two hours in the fridge. I look to my left, seeing my neighbor flat on his back taking deep breaths of air. His gecko sits on his face, legs splayed.

The bone witches come around. Water in one hand, energy boosts in another. It's not a lot, just enough so my legs don't feel wobbly when I stand. We collect back at the cars.

You couldn't tell that the fence had never been there. It's a seamless part of the landscape and looks almost identical to one down the street. No one in the collection of vacation homes has come to bother us, and I wonder if the power witches had also placed a good luck charm or notice-us-not spell on our target.

Either way, it's done.

"Now what?" Dom asks when we're back in the car.

"A local crew will come back on the full man, make sure it holds. We can go if you want." I look at him, but his eyes are on the road. It's way past dark, so I don't blame him. His wife is 100% going to think we're having an affair.

"And the blood sacrifice?"

I knock my head against the headrest. Shhhanish, wrapped around my neck, grumbles softly. She's almost asleep, and I wish I was home to curl into bed.

"If one of the power witches has an idea of who, they'll share it with the police." I roll my head to look at him. "You know how specialized our magic is, field witch. We can't look into the past and solve a crime. Can't talk to the dead."

"Can a demon?"

He still doesn't look at me. "Don't even think about learning summoning. Demons are evil, Dom. Dark forces who always need more than you think they do. Be happy with the magic you have. Don't supplement it."

Dustbin chitters for a while, what I assume is a similar lecture. I can't see the little gerbil, but he's loud. "Okay, okay," Dom tells his familiar. I close my eyes in peace.

####

Dom drops me off at the shelter twenty minutes later.

"Hey," Dom says before I shut the door. "you have advice on telling your wife you're a witch?"

I shake my head. "I'm a family witch and have no plans to find a partner. Sorry, Dom. But I'm sure someone in the community can help."

"Yeah, but, you told me first. Maybe you can explain it to Heather?"

"I can help explain. After you tell her." I don't want to get more involved in the romantic drama than I have to.

"Okay. Dinner sometime this week?"

"Just tell me when." I shut the door and wave at him as he drives away.

I let myself into the back of the shelter. The dogs are awake, bone witch habits making them eager to check on me even if they can't do a thing. I let them sniff me as Shhhanish hisses softly, giving them a summary of what happened and my condition. All I really need is sleep. And something to make me forget about blood sacrifices. I don't want nightmares.

"Spiked tea," Shhhanish suggests.

I follow her advise, downing it quickly in my eagerness for bed.

Witches don't typically pray, but I did that night.

Please let the gate hold.

Read about Ester meeting Dom.

Text: The iron gates around the estate are kind. When true horror is taking place in the house, they writhe and stretch upwards, until they meet and create a cage.