#My thoughts were sincere though! Heh heh

[kafkaoftherubble]

Idk if you particularly care about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards but voting opened yesterday (https://www.crunchyroll.com/animeawards/vote) and the nominees for some of the awards are so confusing.

With the amount of cool anime that came out last year I’m confused on why there’s a lack of diversity in the options. Look, I loved JJK S2, but why is it in nearly every category 😭. I’m also reluctant to let MAPPA get any kind of a win due the horrid scheduling conditions the animators were put under.

It just feels like the people that were deciding the nominees were like “Oh yeah CSM, Oshi no Ko, and Demon Slayer were pretty popular, just throw it in there!” Also didn’t the CSM anime come out and end in 2022, why is it here?

Also as a Hells Paradise manga fan, I’m confused on why the anime adaptation is even anywhere NEAR these awards. Best opening I understand, but it was a show that clearly suffered from MAPPA overwork and then taking on too many IPs. It’s just clogging up nominee spaces at this point.

Yo, I forgot that it's time for that Anime Award thing again! I remembered the Game Awards but not this, damn. SHould we vote too?

Oh yea, 2023 was such a banger.

I kinda expected JJK S2 to show up in a lot of categories, especially since I think for a lot of them, it does seem rather deserving to be there... even if it takes away the votes for other work. I think about it this way: is it fair to deny someone from being a candidate in a race even though they qualify, just because they are very popular? For now, I lean negative to this.

Of course! Deserving or not is a matter of subjective taste! To that, I am happy to concede, haha!

That said, since the Anime Award is a popularity award, I think voters like us should try to balance out the votes cast for JJK to mitigate the possible expense of other deserving anime.

I don't remember if Crunchyroll would show the percentage of votes for transparency purposes when the voting closes, but I think it's useful to do that. If JJK wins, we know it's because of its meteoric popularity, not because its competitors suck. Then we can see how, despite the competition, some anime managed to score a pretty startling number of votes.

I think focusing on the statistics cuts straight to the heart of acknowledgment and appreciation of an art form, even if it lacks the glory of actually winning the first prize. But hey, it's low-stakes stuff in the end. It ain't the general or presidential election, innit? 😂

If only we could do rank-choice voting...

---

I also do not understand why Chainsaw Man is here. I also thought it would not be counted because it was from last-last year.

I kinda think Oshi no Ko deserves to be around, though!

Demon Slayer... has been like a goddamn mainstay for years now, jesus. I'm gonna refrain from opining about it precisely because I don't enjoy Demon Slayer, so anything I say may be inseparable from this personal bias against the work, ahahhaha!

---

MAPPA taking so many projects shows another issue now that you mentioned it: it's taking up a lotta places with different projects too! If you don't want MAPPA to win, because you want to punish them for the way they treated their animators, your choices will become so much more limited. It's not a full-blown MAPPAのpoly yet, but there is a nascent emergence of it. Brrrrr.

Just taking up so many of the candidacies—via their surplus products—increases the probability of MAPPA emerging as the shadow victor no matter what anime won. Well, well, well. Slick move, MAPPA.

Anyway, I'm spitballing here, but...

I kinda think that it's high time awards minimize the brand of the studio and start amplifying the names of certain teams contributing to the art, like... the lead animators and the director. Ya know, "Director X and Their Team" instead of "MAPPA studio."

And award categories should really expand beyond genre or whatever the host makes up. Some of their categories even seem meaningless to me, like "best continuing series." What's there to celebrate about a long-running series? Why can't a series just compete with other series, regardless of how long it ran, as long as it's within that year?

Instead, wouldn't it be better if we create categories for "best animator" or "best scene" or, hey! There's an existing one! "Best Art Direction!" But instead of letting "Anime X, Studio Y" be the rep, we actually credit the name of the lead animators et al., and then the actual scene within the anime itself?

That way, even a show with fewer fans could still get recognized for that show's sick artistic achievements (if applicable), and the people behind it are at the forefront of said recognition. While we as fans can still shower credits to a big-production show—since it's got a lot of really good stuff—with minimal "accidental plaudits" to terrible studio execs.

I kinda... just think that if award shows are meant to celebrate and acknowledge the medium of anime, why not really cut to the heart of it?

Who are we celebrating for achievements, and for what?

---

I did not read Hell's Paradise as a manga, hee hee. Don't jump on me!

So, with nothing to compare, I liked the anime enough. I'm actually not bespoke about sakuga and composition and whatnot; I'm as unsophisticated as they come, ahahah! I love the monsters and the flowers and stuff!

I love the story and the philosophical mix between Buddhism and Daoism. It's so rad. I also really admire Sagirin! And I like Gabimaru too.

All these alone actually make me like the anime /scratches head

...Yea I'm shallow like that! HAHAHAHHAHAHA!

PLUTO WHERE YOU AT LEMME LAVISH YOU WITH VOTES YOU BETTER BE IN THERE

---

Oh, the length of this reply qualifies so...

Thank you for reading my ramble!

[yayll]

~ a little something about Dazai's impeccable detective skills... only when it comes to you ~

"Uh-huh... And you said you were meeting someone last night?" Dazai pretends to jot down this information, his brows slightly furrowed as he scribbles into the notepad he conjured up from his long tan coat just a few seconds ago.

"Yes, that's correct."

"Ah, I see.. Fascinating. And how was it?"

"How was what?"

"Your date." He says, smugly. His head tilts in mock innocence, and his smile stays plastered on his lips while he watches you practically choke on your own spit. Now he's really going to start writing details down...

"Oh, no, it wasn't like that. Nothing that official, heh." You fidget with your fingers, looking down, and suddenly your shoelaces are the most interesting thing you've ever seen. You didn't think questioning would last this long, you weren't even involved in the crime, but this eccentric detective before you says all witnesses are vital for the investigation and you're just doing your civil duty as a valued member of society!

And this drives Dazai insane... how ridiculous that you don't have a clear standing within the life of whomever you were seeing. It should be a crime, really! If you were his, no one would ever hear the end of it. He hums to himself, nodding as if in deep thought as he draws a heart around your name in his notepad, adding his own name right under yours. He clears his throat and looks back up at you, making sure his knees don't give out at the way you seem so bashful around him.

"I beg your pardon? Do I hear that a young and beautiful person has not been swept off their feet successfully?"

Just before you can answer, a young man with white hair and a peculiar asymmetrical haircut runs to Dazai's side. He peers at his notes, and nervously chimes in.

"Er, Dazai? Mister Kunikida wanted me to come find you, but I didn't think you'd actually be working- Why are there so many hearts drawn-"

Dazai immediately moves his hand over the young man's face and comically shoves it away from his notepad, still smiling at at you. He speaks through gritted teeth and a nervous chuckle.

"Not now, Atsushiiiii, I'm working~"

This causes Atsushi to grumble, his face deflating into an annoyed sigh as his gloved hand scratches the top of his head.

"But Dazai, this is kind of important, and I really don't want to have to be the one to tell Kunikida that you're slacking off again..."

Dazai instantly snaps his head to look at Atsushi, pointing at you with dramatic flair, his voice reaching a mocking pitch.

"Oh, but I'm not, young Atsushi! I've come out here on pure basic instinct... I'm conducting a very serious investigation, and so unfortunately Kunikida and the rest of the folks at the agency will just have to wait for my genius intellect to come up with a tantalizing resolve. Get Ranpo to help. 'Kay byeee!~"

Dazai grabs you by the arm and though the gesture is hasty, he's surprisingly very gentle as he drags you away from the white haired young man. You're now standing outside a cafe and Dazai takes out what looks like a business card, presenting it to you. He scans your slightly confused face, and thinks about what other precious faces you'd make for him if he stuck around you long enough like the hound dog he is. He wonders if you'd let him touch your arm again, maybe even your hand... maybe even your-

"Are you okay, Dazai?" You ask in slight concern. Oops! He's been nonverbal for too long. He shakes his head rapidly and lets out a soft chuckle.

"Never been better! Here, take this, it's my personal contact. I think I've got all the notes I need to finish my work, but I seem to be missing one last thing-"

He proceeds to lean in a little, his now softened hazelnut eyes looking into yours intently, and his voice becoming drastically more serious. There's a glint of sincerity, and an emotion you can't quite place, but it makes your blood pressure spike and your cheeks flush at the casual intimacy of it all.

"... A time and date so I can see you again, perhaps?"

You feel yourself feeling giddy, and slightly stammer as your response flows out of you coyly.

"Ooh well, maybe tomorrow in the evening? I'll be off of work then. We can um, get coffee here?" You nod your chin up at the cafe sign, and flash him a soft smile. A smile that will keep him happily satiated until tomorrow.

"Ah, then it's a date! An official one..." He winks at you, and pats the top of your head, the feeling is light and angelic. By the time you recover, he's gone. You get a last glimpse of the way the tail of his coat swishes as he sharply turns the corner of the street, and you stand there smiling like a giddy schoolgirl. What you don't know is he does the very same thing, thinking about how playing with the fire of his own destiny is worth ruining if he could cement himself into your heart. In his adoring eyes, you could do no wrong. That's his job.

[anantaru]

୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅♡ sfw kaveh boyfriend headcanons

he‘s just amazing, point blank ૮꒰ྀི ⸝⸝ɞ̴̶̷ ·̫ ‹⸝⸝ ꒱ྀིა ‧₊˚

꒰ genre ꒱ — fluff, sharing kisses, a little angsty, gn! reader

+ ˚ spontaneous dates on a budget

to be frank, your lovely boyfriend kaveh never considered being short of mora to hold any sort of significant problem above his head nor did he ever regard it as something to completely wreck a well-thought out day with his beloved.

sincerely, you knew the blonde oh too well— particularly his charming tendencies to plan out your sweet dates.

as it happens, kaveh would always kindly decline your own offer to help out with any kind of planning because little do you realize was he quite fond of surprising you with his creative ideas, leaving not one stone unturned to make it into a spectacle in broad daylight, on a budget of course.

as an alternative of taking you out for a grand and pricy dinner on a warm evening in sumeru city, the architect will instead search for a nice and cozy place outside of it.

when it comes to the topic of food, he will mostly raid the freshly bought refreshments his roommate had purchased the other day when it was his turn to buy and fill up on required necessities.

now, hold on— zooming to a significant question that might float above your head right now; will kaveh tell alhaitham that he's taking some of the foods he shopped for himself? well, probably after he had already finished them with you, heh.

+ ˚ his fears

when deep rooted lovers such as kaveh and yourself strive to keep emotional and supporting tendencies for a lifetime, your bond was destined to be set in stone, to be eternal and flourishing— giving off light which was parallel to flames that breathe all the more deeply for being closer together.

in you, his loving significant other, he saw a comfortable life inherited infinitely and kaveh was quite eager to keep a balance in your relationship.

because you had been aware of his fears— the actuality was dreadful, of you leaving him behind one day.

the clear thought of such grueling despair alone was formed heavily in his blood vessel, a strong phenomena that cannot be measured throughout his own psyche.

in times like this, it's reassurance he needs, of course, you wouldn't ever leave him and he knows, yet the fear was always there— the frightening perception spreading inwardly, secretly hiding in the fathomless profundity of his heart.

+ ˚ huge cuddle (+kissies) sessions for hours

but now, to the fun part— in spite of the fact that kaveh was a passionate and emotional lover, he too had an abundantly huge love to give to you physically. quite frankly, he couldn't possibly keep his hands to himself and just had to have them encircled around your body at all times.

ever so often you catch kaveh being needier than usual but you really do not mind, you say it's cute if anything, when his cheeks surge with a heated bubbling as he walks towards you with his infamous puppy eyes, awaiting a well deserved hug.

kaveh once told you that being touch starved was one of the things he would suffer from on a daily, even though you have seen each other all the time. was he perhaps dramatic? yes, doesn't need a genius to figure that out, but that was one of the reasons you fell in love with him in the first place.

most of the times you will spend enough closeness together, hugging in your home, not his, but your home. yours was better and not plagued by the evil scribe bothering you, as kaveh had stated himself.

yet my love, do not concern yourself with outside noises, he whispers;

between an occurring storm outside the impounds of your warm home, supplemental to the wind that howls loudly through fallen leaves, in the opinion of your boyfriend, you were the gentle centre that occupied his life, and so here he was safe with you just as you were safe with him, coming to rest at his side with his scarlet eyes gleaming splendidly through the shadowed room.

aside from the cute fact of this matter, it was ridiculously amusing to you that kaveh didn't realize that he was an exceptional kisser, always giving his one hundred and ten percent. foremost, he will take things slow, leaning into your parted lips before claiming you wholly, not adding too much but the right amount was greeting you abundantly well.

you can see himself become excited the moment his movements get more uneven and unpredictable, when he feels like he needs to taste you further in order to feel somehow satiated.

above all, you see yourself becoming whole again as you slant into him, vulnerable and caring, you find yourself addicted to him, as much as he did too— but for every reason that is pure and right, none other dared to share this sweet perception of delight.

you were his safety and love, an anchor he held onto, that he tethers himself to because he so wanted to drag this moment on as long as physically possible.

+ ˚ conclusion and how he sees your relationship

finally yet most importantly, kaveh shares his views with you, he is incredibly transparent and never keeps a secret locked away from his significant other— he found it to be unnecessary to hide any topics that might concern you as well.

essentially in his own terms of phraseology;

“something such as transparency in a relationship was the gold key to my heart.”

archons, he's so damn in love with you it almost pains him to admit it all over again. to describe this fondness was impossible; wether its irreverent topics you'd ramble about together, funny, real as a crystal fly hiding in the rain and walking perfectly with your own dreams and fantasies.

you were bound and free with him, floating and established, laughing and sober— most of the times because if truth be told, kaveh was a terrible lightweight and couldn't hold in his liquor, ever.

but perhaps, now that he has the time to indulge in the kindness of your relationship, it is you that performs the miracles in his life.

©2023 anantaru do not repost, copy, translate, modify

[xxsycamore]

✨The Sunshine Syndrome

╰┈➤ 🎂 "Do you remember what you wished for, last night when you blew the candles?"

Sebastian x Reader; ft. all the mansion residents • rating: G • tags: Birthday Fluff; Humor; everyone being silly goofy • wordcount: 1,453 • masterlist

a/n: and again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY INKY!!!! 🎉🎉🎉@inkys-garden I was wondering what to tell you about Sebas celebrating your birthday, and it suddenly turned into fic plot so here we are :DD HOPE YOU LIKE ITTTT!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ❤❤❤

It's another beautiful day of your life in 19th century Paris, in the neat little mansion up the hill that you call a home, just you and your lover and your 8 housemates who are reincarnated vampires and your sugar daddy landlord whose wealth you all live off. A day like any other, it might seem, except, today is the day you were born. Well, the day you will be born, if you have to take the time travel into account… your suggestion to place a minus in front of your age on the cake this year was met with disapproval by your lover Sebastian. "We can do the same for your age!" You said, but Sebastian wasn't really interested.

Content and excited for the day to unfold, you've already put your cutest outfit on, made a little spin in front of the mirror and exited your room to head downstairs. Strangely, Sebastian didn't wake you up earlier this morning, despite your wish to come help him with chores like always. He must have let you get some more shut-eye because it's your special day. He really shouldn't have to!

Huh. It's strange, you can swear you're hearing a cheerful melody coming from the dining room. Speeding up your step that already had a bit of spring to it, your curiosity makes you push the doors open without a second thought.

"YOU CAN DANCEEE!"

"YOU CAN JIVE!"

"Having the time of your lifeee!"

Wait, what! Why is everyone here, spreading jam on toasts, smiling at each other, why is Mozart smiling at all, and why on earth are they singing Abba?! "Oh, you're awake! We've been all waiting for you!" Sebas suddenly notices you, giving you the softest smile while gesturing you to come closer.

"There's the birthday girl. Heh, had a good night's sleep, cara-mia?

Previously, you thought you did. Now you're wondering if you're STILL sleeping.

"I, uh, I guess so? I did sleep very well… I thought I'd be awake much earlier though! But that aside, what are you-"

Theo interrupts you, thrusting a plate with warm pancakes into your hands.

"Good morning, kuiken, this is for you, I left some pancakes for you. Happy Birthday. Sorry I wasn't around to wish you a Happy Birthday last night, I hope you had fun with the others."

"Oh! That's- Theo, please, I understand you're a busy man- wait, how did you call me?!"

"A baby chick. I figured hondje might be a bit too rude so I'm switching to kuiken. It suits you more."

H-Huuuh!

"Okay then, thank you for being so considerate! But still, what are you guys all doing here, singing and all?!"

Jean of all people speaks up, pulling out the chair next to him so you can take a seat. You do so with curiosity, seeing his sincere little smile.

"It happened spontaneously, mademoiselle. It seems like we all had the same sudden idea to have breakfast together for a change. I was a bit reluctant about joining, but Sebastian showed me how easy it is to make these toasts with jam. I think I should consider joining you around the table more often."

You're utterly moved by Jean's sudden change of heart, and his face is so angelic in this moment. You've been waiting for him to take this step for so long, and here he took a leap!

"Amazing, isn't he?" Dazai startles you by placing a hand on your shoulder from behind. "I want to seal this version of our Jean in one of my future writings. I feel like writing something happy and light for a change, I wonder why is that?"

You understand Dazai's sentiment, as surprising as it is to hear the last part of what he said. With a mood like this, it seems like everyone's in good spirits.

"They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, yet here you are…" Isaac rolls his eyes at Arthur, holding up an apple in his hand as if to emphasize his point. Arthur blinks at him, not used to the physicist weaponizing the very same thing that has been used against him so often before. He feels inclined to ask, trying his best lighthearted but simultaneously teasing tone, without a real bite to it.

"You do understand that's just a saying, Isaac? It hasn't been scientifically proven."

Isaac smiles at him, shrugging his shoulders. "I was just joking."

You watch the exchange with the same bewilderment as everything else happening around you, and that's when the door opens again to reveal a yawning Napoleon. Oh, you didn't realize he was missing from the impromptu house meeting!

"'Morning. I don't remember the last time I slept so much…"

"Good Morning, Monsieur Napoleon! We all decided to let you sleep in for as long as you want to today. Your second life here is all about relaxing, after all. It seems like you've enjoyed it!"

"Oh, that's strange, last time I checked it wasn't my birthday today?" Napoleon smirks, running a hand through his unruly hair, and winks at you.

"Why did we stop singing? I need to remember the rhythm for my composition. Otherwise, I'll have to let you all in my music room later and… well, maybe if you agree to behave we can move our choir there actually." Mozart smiles behind his cup of tea, surprisingly considering the idea.

"Yay, I've been waiting for a chance to visit the music room!" Exclaims Vincent, just a tad louder than how he usually shows his joy.

Watching them all be so happy, to the point where even Comte cares little about keeping his chuckles in the usual gentlemanly tone and Leonardo barely bickers with him over it, you find yourself overwhelmed with the giddy feeling that fills the room. All you want to do right now is join in the good mood, enjoying this moment to the fullest, but you want one last grounding moment with Sebastian before you do that. So you pull him to the kitchen, away from the rowdy residents, and ask once again how did this happen.

"I taught them Dancing Queen because I thought it was fitting of the mood."

"I'm not asking about this!!"

Sebastian smiles at you, gently tucking your hair behind your ear.

"Do you remember what you wished for, last night when you blew the candles?"

The memory floods your mind at once, all confetti and the sound of several people singing you Happy Birthday. They quite literally bombarded you with wishes, compliments, telling you how big of a sunshine you are, how you're the most cheerful and bubbly person they know. In the heat of the moment, you said you wish they could all feel how happy you truly are in this moment. You wished it could stay like that forever; all smiles and fun and games.

You gasp.

"Am I… infectious?!"

"I'm afraid you are. Look around you. My dear, your sunshine syndrome could reach faraway kingdoms and melt the heart of any cold-blooded prince, turn the ruthless tiger into a playful little kitten. This is how you are."

"S-Sebas!! This could be very bad, what about-"

"Let's not think about the future. Things are amazing the way they are right now. We have to live in the moment."

"Sebas!!"

"You and I won't be doing any chores today. Or tomorrow for that matter. Or the day after. We should focus on enjoying life and partying."

"THE MANSION IS GOING TO CRUMBLE TO DUST!!"

***

"My dear, are you alright? Just what kind of dreams are you having? Why is the mansion going to crumble to dust?"

You wake up to Sebastian caressing your face, trying to shake off your dreams. Your…dreams?!

"Sebas… oh my god…"

"Was it a nightmare? It's over now." Sebastian leans down and places a kiss on your forehead, before standing to his feet. "You can lounge around for a little longer, but come to the kitchen when you're ready. It might be your birthday but we still have a long day ahead of us!"

You rub your closed eyes, still finding it hard not to mix dreams with reality. You're almost glad to see him so much… like himself, even if it means doing chores with him again. "Mm, I'll be there in fifteen minutes…"

"I'm supposed to keep this a secret, but… I want to be selfish and see your surprised and happy face while we're still alone. The residents all promised to come to breakfast today, and even help preparing it!"

You blink.

No.

This can't be.

"…Could we sing too?"

"Perhaps we can. If our masters are feeling up to it."

"YAAY!"

Taglist: @arsnovacadenza @kimi00twin @g-kleran @thesirenwashere @devonares @galaxyprison @starshards26 @thewitchofbooks @acethephoenix256 @ikevamp-shrine-2 @nad-zeta @crystal13unny @lordsister @ikemen-banshou   @themysticalbeing @otome-scribbles @rhodolitesrose @coornn @kpop-and-otome @queen-dahlia @kisara-16 @chaosangel767 @ikemenlibrary @queengiuliettafirstlady @aurora-morning @ikemenlover24 @mcofthemansion @joy-the-reader @katriniac @ikemen-writer @tele86 @lovely-bubb1es @aria-chikage @babyblue0t7 @rhodoliteschaos @shrimpy-kitsune @nightghoul381 @xbalayage @lucyw260 @kittygrimm88 @lokis-laugh @natimiles @completelyshatteredbrokenmschf @groovylita @justpeachyteastea Let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged!

[watarfallar]

Who's everyone's favourite team-up this season? Anyways, have more incorrect quotes in preparation for the chaos in session 3 tomorrow!

Cleo, singing: He's making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who's on thin fucking ice Scott, also singing: Santa Claus is calling you out!

Lizzie: Yeah I'm LGBT. Lizzie: cuLt leader. Lizzie: God hates me personally. Lizzie: cowBoy hat. Lizzie: *sniffles* Trying my best.

Etho: Aren’t you going to say “have a nice day?” Bdubs: I don’t care if you have a pulse, much less a nice day.

Ren:��What's worse than a heartbreak? Joel: Waking up in the morning and your phone wasn't charging. Skizz: Waking up in the morning. BigB: Waking up.

Joel: That's not funny. Lizzie: I thought it was funny. Joel: You don't count. You started laughing in the middle of a funeral because you started thinking of a meme you saw on Facebook.

Gem: Play to your strengths. Impulse: I haven’t got any!

Scott: You know, Pearl, when you generalize, you tell general... lies. Pearl: ... Pearl: Are you trying to teach me moral lessons through puns.

Mumbo: You're not my friend anymore. BigB: I was your friend?

Pearl: I haven't seen Gem and Tango for fifteen minutes now. *Outside a nearby window, a car without a driver inside is seen rolling down a driveway, with Gem and Tango running after it in a panic. Pearl doesn't look outside at all.* Pearl: That probably means they're getting into trouble.

Cleo: Would it be discrimination to only hire employees at my doughnut shop who have the same name? Ren: Legally, I don't believe that breaches any discrimination laws. Morally though... I don't know. Cleo: I believe god is on my side when it comes to Duncans' Doughnuts.

Cleo: I want a bf. Scott: Do you mean best friend, boyfriend or bread feast? Because you’re being really vague here.

Mumbo: You either buckle down and do your work or you’ll end up at McDonalds. Skizz: We're going to McDonalds if I don't do my work? Mumbo: NO-

Jimmy: It is 6:09 . Jimmy: I am wondering why I’m still alive. Jimmy: Send Wendy’s. Scott: The whole restaurant?!

Grian: What is this!? Etho: That’s the weight of guilt. Give in to the nice side. Help those unfortunate, and make the guilt go away, my friend. Grian: Ow! Make it stop! Etho: Surrender to your kindness, Grian. It’s nice to be nice. Grian: Your guilt is strong, my friend. But it is no match for the power of my selfishness!

Cleo, to Joel: Are you peanuts? Because I want to boil you alive.

Scar: If I didn't know better, Grian, I'd say you were scared. Grian: Heh, scared? *absolute silence* Grian: DID YOU HEAR THAT?!

Grian: What are you up to today? Mumbo: Nothing. Grian: But you did that yesterday! Mumbo:I wasn’t finished.

Scott: Why aren't there friend pick up lines? Pick up lines to make friends like- Scott, to Pearl: Hey, that's a cute outfit. You know where it would look better? On nobody else, because you're a beautiful individual. Ren, to Impulse: Be my friend or I'll set your entire family on fire. Scar: There are two types of people.

BigB: FUCK THE CHAIR. PARDON ME FOR MAKING MYSELF COMFORTABLE DURING A SINCERE HEART TO HEART DISCUSSION WITH A DEAR FRIEND IN NEED! BigB: BUT THE TIME HAS COME FOR ME TO CEASE STRADDLING THIS DEEPLY OFFENSIVE PIECE OF FURNITURE! AWAY WITH YE, FOUR LEGGED TEMPTRESS! DISTRACT US NO MORE WITH THE MOST BASIC AND UTILITARIAN FORM OF COMFORT YOU SUPPLY! Cleo: BigB just threw a tantrum about a chair. Cleo: I just won BigB Tantrum Bingo.

Jimmy, gardening: Hey, can you bring me the hoe? Ren: Yeah, sure. *A few minutes later* Ren: Here you go. Jimmy: Ren: Joel: Why am I here?

Jimmy: What are the hardest things to say? Grian: I was wrong. Martyn: I need help. Skizz: Worcestershire sauce.

Scar: Last night I found out Bdubs is a sleep talker. Cleo: Oh, really? Scar: "The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell." Right. In. My. Ear. At 3am.

[otomefiend]

Alfons Sylvatica

1st Year Birthday Story: A hollow mirror hides the truth in momentary pleasures.

So much goodness of Alfons' inner monologue. We learn more about him in a roundabout way. I just love the mix of naughty, sexy and sad. That cg is so pretty, I could have a full feature of Al and Kate making out with that backdrop. OOPS forgot to mention it's NSFW. 👀

I spent forever tinkering with some lines, and I'm still on the fence with how much of Al's formal speech I want to incorporate so here's a general comment that I might edit this and other stories.

~~~

Alfons: "You said you wanted to celebrate, didn't you?"

Kate: "I've never heard of celebrating with alcohol and hookah in a place like this..."

Sitting in a corner of a small, dimly lit private room of the local 'watering hole,' Kate chastised me in a hushed voice.

Alfons: "Ha-ha! Did you really think you were going to have a wholesome birthday party in a cake shop?" 🎶

Alfons: "Now, move closer if you'd be so kind."

Kate: "..... what? Why do I have to get on your lap ......?"

Alfons: "Because it's more fun this way, of course. You're so uncouth."

Alfons: "I'm a selfless man, but... you sincerely wished to celebrate with me."

Alfons: "I'm sure I'll make you feel thoroughly entertained."

Kate: "....ugh!"

(How sweet of her not to curse at me this instant)

Until now, dear 'Robin' had to lead a truly peaceful existence in that good world of hers.

(I have no idea how she found out about my birthday or why she wanted to celebrate it)

I had no reason to refuse if she just wanted to have a good time.

(Even more so if it is a moment of entertainment to comfort her in her challenging life with the crown)

Alfons: "If you want to celebrate with me, forget all the difficulties and think only of pleasure."

I wrapped my arms around her waist and let my fingers roam her spine, making her squirm and look flustered.

Kate: "Ah... no, you can't...! Not in here."

Alfons: "Oh? But it's good because it's 'here'."

Kate: "Eh...?"

Alfons: "You didn't follow me because you thought I was a gentleman who would protect your chastity, did you?"

Alfons: "Dressed so cute, you're like a cake on display."

Kate: "That's because you said we were going to a party."

Alfons: "I wasn't lying, 'Party' is the name of the venue."

Kate: "Wha.... nn!"

A strong shiver ran through her body as I moved my fingers over her bare arms.

Alfons: "Heh... I like your body. It's honest."

Kate: "Ugh, I'm going home."

Alfons: "You're so cold. Then, let's say I spend my birthday alone."

Alfons: "I declined all invitations for tonight because you said you would celebrate with me..."

Kate: "...um."

(Well, it's not true)

I wouldn't make any special arrangements with anyone just because it was my birthday.

Kate: "...will you promise me that you won't do anything indecent?"

Alfons: "I can't promise that. I'm often told that even my presence is indecent."

~~~

Later, after laughing at her choking on hookah and providing her with the most indecent step-by-step instructions, we arrived at home---

Perhaps it was the sweet and easy-drinking quality of the coctails, but their hefty alcohol content left her completely drunk.

~~~

Alfons: "Right. Here we are, Kate."

Kate: "Mhm.... thank you..."

After carrying her into her room, I slowly lowered her onto the bed.

As I gently brushed her hair away from her flushed cheeks, she narrowed her eyes in pleasure.

(Ah, so defenseless...)

(You're a bit too soft to live in the dark)

(Even if you're cautious, you'll still get hurt the moment you stick your head out)

I was sure there would be a lot of turmoil in her life from now on.

( ...... I can at least accompany you on a momentary diversion like today's)

Kate: "I'm sorry... Alfons... your birthday..."

Kate: "Happy birthday, congratula...tions."

Alfons: "Ah, you're slurring. Please, say it again cause it's awfully cute."

Kate: "Ugh... you're horrible..."

(What're you like... Since you're comfortably drunk, I should leave you alone, though...)

I sighed, looking at Kate, now dazed and shaking painfully.

I took off one of my gloves and gently touched her hot nape.

Alfons: "You are not drunk. Your head is clear, and you don't feel dizzy."

Kate: "....., .....ah....."

As I twisted reality with my power to forcibly alter perception, Kate's eyes immediately became clear again.

Kate: "I'm... feeling better, thank you."

Alfons: "To be clear, you just don't have symptoms. That doesn't mean I got rid of the alcohol from your system."

Kate: "This ability... It's really amazing."

She pondered on something in silence, then looked straight at me.

Alfons: "... what is it?"

Kate: "Do you use it to make everyone... feel at ease?"

Alfons: "Yes, well. Depends on the situation."

Kate: "Won't they become... over reliant on you, when you're showing them convenient illusions in times of distress?"

Alfons: "People like that certainly exist amongst them."

Kate: "...What do you do in such situations?

Alfons: "I have a contingency plan."

Kate: "Which is..?"

Alfons: "I just walk away."

Alfons: "People are surprisingly forgetful when you distance yourself."

Alfons: "Though I'm careful not to get them to the point of dependendency. It's too much trouble."

Kate: "...Still, why are you showing illusions like these...?"

Alfons: "One needs a little bit of entertainment in life, don't you agree?"

Kate: "... This sounds strangely altruistic."

Alfons: "Indeed. I'm the epitome of altruism."

Kate: "But it's irresponsible to run away."

Alfons: "Yeah, I'm also an irresponsible arsehole."

Kate: "Seriously..."

Kate: "That's how you keep me from getting too involved."

(---ah)

(She's far too observant)

Her direct gaze made me flinch at times.

Ever since she arrived at the castle, her heart has been busy with worries and fears.

She tried to confront things far too seriously, considering that, after all, it was only for a limited time.

Despite being fragile and soft, she had the strength to face her fear of getting hurt...

I was envious and, at the same time, a little --- scared.

Kate: "I thought I'd get an idea of who you are by asking you about your birthday memories, but..."

Kate: "With alcohol and hookah... and your indecent pranks... you managed to dodge it, didn't you?"

Alfons: "I like the term 'indecent pranks'. The way it sounds..."

Kate: "... see? You're doing it again..."

It couldn't be helped since the truth was nowhere to be found.

(Even the fact that today is my birthday I made it up on the day I met El)

I didn't even know my real birthday. Or where I was born. Not even my real name.

But I had no intention of seeking the truth.

(Whatever the truth is, eventually --)

Kate: "I'm... very interested in you."

Alfons: "Isn't it natural to be interested in indecent things?"

Kate: "No, it's not! That's not all...!"

Kate: "It's because sometimes your face looks empty --- just like now."

(... empty face)

(Mine...?)

Kate: "Therefore...... I'm curious as to why."

(-- ah)

(As expected, she's scary)

For a moment, I felt like I was about to be exposed, so I deliberately took a step back.

Alfons: "I'm touched that you were concerned about me."

She pursed her lips in frustration, as if she sensed that I was not going to answer her question.

Kate: "...I guess I didn't get to celebrate your birthday much today."

Kate: "Before we call it a day, is there anything you would like me to do?"

That was at least something I could respond to, feeling a growing sense of danger, heightened by her strong, searching gaze.

(I want her to have a hard time)

(I don't want her looking straight at me anymore)

Softly reaching my hand out, I touched the unprotected nape of her neck.

Kate: "... what---"

Alfons: "`Isn't it customary to kiss someone when celebrating their birthday?`"

Her strong gaze wavered and became dull.

Kate: "....ah,... "

Kate: "Yes, you're right... Sorry, I don't know how could I forget?"

(Yes, this is good)

(Once she wakes up from this illusion... she will have no desire to search for the truth about me)

Alfons: "It can happen to anyone... Now, come here, please."

As I lay down on her bed and invited her to join me, I could see Kate's throat go up and down.

She straddled me, lifting up her pretty, cake-like dress.

Alfons: "...passionately, please?"

Kate: "....yes....mn..."

A kiss with the sweet scent of a hookah.

When I pushed the tip of my tongue into her mouth, her shoulders shook in surprise --- followed by her enthusiastic response.

As I teased her inside, she reacted with honesty, guiding me to her pleasure spots.

Kate: "ah....ha.....?"

Her eyes wavered in confusion as I reached under her dress and stroked her thighs.

Was she already accustomed to 'indecent pranks' or had she become less vigilant?

Maybe it was because of the innocent wish to give me a passionate birthday kiss...

I was able to caress her body with little resistance.

(....how far will she let me go?)

(I only made her believe it was 'okay' to kiss me)

Kate: "Mm.....nn, n....!"

(She's so adorable)

I traced over her secret area through the underwear and slid my finger into the gap where the fabric had been shifted.

The kisses became more and more intense as I teased her wet spot ---

Kate: "Nn, no...!"

The moment I slipped my finger inside her, she recoiled and pushed back my chest.

Kate: "Birthday celebrations... are supposed to be just kisses, right!?"

She said so in a loud voice --

Kate: "....huh!? T-that... I-I..."

She seemed to realize the abnormality of her statement and suddenly put her hand over her mouth.

Katie: "What am I......doing now?"

Alfons: "What, you ask? Isn't it obvious...? It's a kiss to celebrate my birthday. Very passionate, I might add."

Kate: "What!? Why..."

She looked down at her body with a mixture of turmoil, pleasure and shame.

Kate: "Please remove your finger..."

Alfons: "Are you sure? Where it is right now... says not to pull it out."

Kate: "You used your ability....?"

Alfons: "Yes. I just fancied you to do my bidding."

Kate: "...!?"

Kate: "....You wanted me to kiss you?"

Her eyes twitched slightly in anticipation of the truth.

(...Please, don't look at me like that)

(You know it's going to hurt)

Alfons: "--No? I only wanted to toy with you using my power."

Kate: "...."

She glared at me with eyes still moist with pleasure.

(Pathetic and cute)

(I want this terrible experience make her forget about my birthday)

(I won't let her in)

Into my past, into my future, into my heart.

If I let her, who was fragile and gentle, step in too deep ---

I'm sure I would leave her with scars that never fade.

(There's only room for momentary pleasures between us)

(It's best for me and her that this doesn't go any further)

Alfons: "You have my sincere thanks for the birthday wishes."

In a daze, she watched me leave the room.

~~~

The reflection of my lips on the windowpane showed traces of her rouge.

(She went so far as to put on beautiful makeup just because she was going to a party with me... how adorable)

Why did I make her kiss me when there were other ways to keep her from getting too close?

Kate: "....You wanted me to kiss you?"

(... not a chance)

Alfons: "Impossible."

Traced with my fingertips, the red colour spread to the skin,

From the mark that would disappear by tomorrow morning --

I couldn't take my eyes off it for some reason.

~~~

The letter

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.172 New plan

Running around after four toddlers while chatting up our guests was quite the ordeal, and me and Sophia were beat. Dirty plates and glasses lined every surface, making me wonder who raised our friends, heh. The mess was too much to tackle in our state, so we left it to tend to in the morning. Sophia crashed while I got Desiree ready for bed. My mood tanked when I thought about how happy Mama would have been tonight, surrounded by all her grandchildren for the first time. I'm not sure what triggered it, but my mind drifted to this morning when I wondered about my life's trajectory. Before now, I'd been fine working this yoga thing until I figured out what my real passion is. But now I find myself unsettled. Desi is older now, so life can be more flexible. I can start working again, but do I want to? How long do I want to teach yoga? Do I want to teach yoga? Mama was right about me being good at it, but what do I think?

That time I fixed the sink and wondered about being naturally handy came to mind. Maybe instead of forcing myself to fulfill someone else's dream, I should take advantage of my privilege and figure out what I want. The money tree has blessed Sophia and me with the gift of time. I could be by Sophia's side the entire time we were trying to get pregnant. And I was still by her side through the birth and recovery. Without the need to run to a job every day, I have time to figure myself out and what I'd rather be doing with my life. Don't get me wrong. I still love yoga. And I sincerely wish everyone would learn and live less stressful lives. I don't mind teaching, but do I want to do it forever? Maybe when Less moves, I'll go get Mama's candle equipment and give it a whirl.

I put Desi down, and she seemed very hesitant about her new bed at first. Even though we only made minor changes, her room was different, and she noticed. We took out the changing table and put it in the other room. And, of course, the bed replaced the crib. It took her a minute to decide if she liked being so low to the ground, but eventually, she figured it was okay.

I tuck her in, tell her I love her, and watch her drift to sleep much quicker than I'd ever seen. All the activity must have wiped her out too. I turn out the lights and watch her for a moment. There's something calming about knowing your little ones are safe at rest. It's a beautiful thing. And so is she.

[lululawrence]

Annual Writing Self-Evaluation 2023

Thank you for tagging me @allwaswell16! I am so happy every year that this (I believe) brainchild of @juliusschmidt's from 2016 still exists in various forms! hehe I apparently missed doing this in 2021 and 2022, and I was determined not to miss it again so here we go!

List of works published this year: My Other Half Was You Gemma's Dad (Could Use A Guy Like Me) Quite the Pickle Livin' In A Daydream (Gimme a Solution and) Watch Me Run With It You Are A Song Did You Know I Fit In A Dryer? Were You There On That Christmas Night? Team Gaelic FTW No Constraints Odds Are That We Will Probably Be... Damsel in Christmas Distress Snow In Love

Work you are most proud of (and why): Oof. This is always such a hard question to answer. Almost as hard as the next one, and the next one and the next one....... hah honestly though, I think... I'm honestly sincerely proud of most of my fics from this year simply because I got them written. I'll go more into that later, I'm sure, but maybe... I think maybe My Other Half Was You or Odds Are That We Will Probably Be... and for very different reasons. My Other Half Was You was written based on artwork by @moon-sun-thyme for @1dreversebang and the moment I saw her artwork I had these vague ideas coming to mind and I am quite proud with how I was able to bring them to life so closely resembling what I originally thought of when I saw the art. And for Odds Are, I wrote that for @1dtrickortreatfest so it had to be exactly 666 words and that's always a trick (heh), but in this case I had to completely world build and set up the situation and lead everyone to the conclusion within that word count while making it somewhat compelling... and I think I was able to manage it. I hope I was, anyway haha

Work you are least proud of (and why): lmaooooo usually this answer is really hard for me to answer, but this year it's not haha i have a few fics that I literally wrote to just remind myself that I could. That not everything has to be thought out and polished and pretty, sometimes it's just a matter of getting words on paper and putting them out into the world immediately, hoping for the best, and they absolutely served their purpose! I'm fond of them still, but that doesn't mean I'm proud of them necessarily haha So I would have to say Damsel in Christmas Distress (which I still love dearly, simply for how self indulgent that silly thing is for me haha) and Quite the Pickle. Again, my darling Stylinshaw fics getting the brunt of it here, but they did as they needed to for me. I'll maybe try to write them a longer, more polished fic with some thought behind it this year, as they clearly deserve.

A favorite excerpt of your writing: GAHHHH I hate this question every damn time! Okay, I don't know if this is my absolute favorite thing I wrote this year, BUT it immediately came to mind, and I do very much like it so, here's an excerpt from Gemma's Dad (Could Use A Guy Like Me). I just adore Harry being a fumbling idiot around a pretty boy hahaha Ever since he had dug up his garden, he preferred to start in the back where the job was a lot more complicated to work around and then move to the front, which was far easier.  Now, though, Harry was wondering if this was the right decision because Louis was also mowing his lawn. That wasn’t a problem, of course, except he was shirtless and that only defined for Harry the fact he really had grown up. Louis used to try to show off for the neighborhood by mowing any number of lawns shirtless in middle school and high school, but he had been a scrawny kid with little to no meat on his bones and Harry had thought it adorable back then. Now, on a sweltering day like it was, he was probably shirtless just to be as cool as possible as the sun beat down on him, and Harry’s vision wasn’t as good as it used to be, but he could still tell that Louis had filled out since going to college. He was still a thin man, but as he pushed the mower through the tall grass, Harry could see the muscles he clearly put effort into. Add to it the chest hair that was only growing darker as he continued to sweat and the smattering of tattoos he’d gotten since he turned eighteen and it was clear he had grown up. Harry couldn’t help it when the glint of the sun off Louis’ sweaty skin made him lick his lips without even thinking. Clearing his throat and thankful it was obvious Louis was too focused to notice Harry ogling him from his own yard, Harry pulled the starter and began to work on his own yard.

Share or describe a favorite review you received: I've got three that immediately came to mind, so excuse me while I mention all three as quickly as I can manage lol First was from @allwaswell16 for Gemma's Dad. I'd had a lot of difficulty with a someone reading motivations and meaning in the characters and story that I took a lot of care in ensuring were actually avoided as I wrote it. There were a lot of pitfalls I could have fallen into when writing the fic, but one person just kept asking over and over again for things I thought I had already done and my beta assured me I had sufficiently covered etc, but I still worried so when Anitra gave the review she did of it on her podcast, it literally made me cry a little bit lol Second was @londonfoginacup in response to (Gimme a Solution and) Watch Me Run With It when she commented "Ah so you really just tore your chest open and picked out your beating heart and handed it to me here, didn’t you" because... well I hadn't really considered it when I'd been writing the fic, but I guess I kind of did exactly that, yeah. haha And then lastly I want to thank @tommokat for their lovely comments on Snow In Love regarding the Michigan geography and freak lake effect snow that can be experienced there because I tried my very best to describe the absolute chaos that is that region in the wintertime and they basically affirmed that I had accurately captured it. Genuinely, the best gift I could have gotten haha

A time when writing was really, really hard: Excuse me while I laugh a bit hysterically until I cry alksdhglskfja The last year or two have been incredibly difficult for a whole host of reasons, but the ones that most affected my writing were my lingering (and seemingly unending) burnout combined with an absolute lack of time/energy available to write. There were so many times this year that I thought I wouldn't be able to do it or thought I'd have to pull out of various fests and just... cut down on things, but I kept pushing and kept trying and I did it. I'm so fucking proud of myself, honestly.

A scene or character you wrote that surprised you: Jordan North in Did You Know I Fit In A Dryer? Well, honestly, Louis in that fic too. And the entire premise of the fic. Really all of it surprised me lololol I never expected to write Jordan in a fic. Ever. hahahaa And as I've barely dabbled in a couple of weed candies is all, I certainly did not anticipate ever writing someone as THAT HIGH. sooooo...yeah just all of it hahaha

How did you grow as a writer this year: Psh. Bold of you to assume I've grown as a writer this year when I was merely doing what I could to survive haha if anything I kind of wonder if I went backwards in my writing abilities but who the fuck knows, really haha

How do you hope to grow next year: I just... I dunno man. I just kinda hope I'm in a better place this time next year so I'm just not so fucking tired all the time and so I have actual time to write, you know? lol continued good vibes are always welcome here, folks haha

Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer or beta or cheerleader or muse etc etc): Like... everyone. hah I'm getting a little emotional thinking of everyone who helped me keep going this year. but the greatest? probably @londonfoginacup again. She was the biggest influence in actually getting my Big Bang finished because I didn't want to disappoint her (even though?? I know I won't??? like.. anyway) haha and then I wrote like three fics for her/dedicated them to her just because... like. she keeps me going some days honestly so yeah. Emmu. You're the bestest always babes. Love you.

Anything from your real life show up in your writing this year: Listen, all I'm saying is in one of my fics it hits a little too close to home. Like I kind of wrote Harry's starting place... and kinda where he is for a lot of the fic... pretty much exactly how I was feeling, and still pretty much am, though for very different reasons. So it's maybe a little too much of my real life emotionally speaking in there yeah

Any new wisdom you can share with other writers: New? Not so much hahaha just don't give up!

Any new projects you're looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year: YES. I was just talking with @moon-sun-thyme this morning that I started the year by posting a fic based on her art, and I'm going out of this year focusing on the fic we will be collaborating on together for the @onedirectionbigbang hehe so I'm very very excited to get started on that one. It's a fic I've been wanting to write almost ever since I first heard the song Satellite, so I am READY to delve in and lose myself to it, honestly. In the whole... one night every week or two I have to write. hahaha Here's hoping I make the deadline haaaaa

Tag three writers whose answers you'd like to read: MAN I have no idea who has and hasn't done this yet! So maybeeeee @justanothershadeofblue, @hellolovers13, anddddd @quotefromthatshow and @louandhazaf if you haven't done it already and want to! And shh I know it’s four but who cares lolol

*All answers should be about fics posted in 2023

Past Years: 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 and 2020 | 2022(ish)

[preggydump]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I never really post anything here, I usually just reblog but I've actually been drawing some mpreg art lately and I even typed up a thing, so I figured I'd share it!

Warning: mentions of religion (but in like a these awful people who used religion to justify their shitty view are in Hell for eternity type of way :) )

This is surely a mistake! And I am going to make whoever made this egregious error sincerely regret this outrageous mistake that they’ve made, there must be somebody around here that I can speak to get to the bottom of how this error is going to be resolved. And if they can’t help me, then I’ll find someone else who can! I’m a devout man! I’ve never sinned a day in my life! In fact I detested blasphemers and sinners, and I let them know the error of their ways! I’m not one of them! And I deserve to be treated as a man loyal to his church and family should!

“Heh yeah, that’s what they all say!” The burly demon interrupted Darien’s thoughts, his voice deep and even more unsettling than the fact that he’d seemingly read his thoughts. He’d never been inside an active volcano, but somehow he knew that’s what it reminded him of. “To be honest with you though, the ones who claim they’ve ‘never sinned a day in their life’ 99% of the time end up down here.” The demons sharp laugh of amusement brought up an image of volcanic rock crashing down of the roof of a wooden house. Another moment which Darien had never experience, but the memory sprang unbidden to his mind all the same. Shaking the false memories and the uncomfortable feeling that his thoughts could be heard in… this place… out of his head, Darien regained his composure. He would have to remain stronger than ever if he wanted his soul to remain intact while this mistake was being sorted out.

“Hmph! Then what of the 1%! Surely I belong with them, the other 99% are obviously liars and sinners.” He proclaimed as he stuck out his chin and crossed his arms in a futile attempt at establishing some sort of authoritative air. It was somewhat ruined by the fact that his feet would no longer listen to him, and followed the demon of seemingly their own accord. Not to mention, he could feel his new ear piercing jingle a bit against his cheek. It was a disgusting thing, not just because it was an unseemly ear piercing, but in the brief glimpse he’d seen of it before the demons used a device to insert it in his ear lobe, it looked like a tag of some sort, like those used for cattle or livestock. Darien tried not to shiver at the thought of what that may mean for his eternal future. Or at least his future until this mix-up was fixed, and he hoped and prayed that it would be fixed as soon as possible. The demon burst into howling laughter, which filled him with a deep primal instinctual fear that shook his resolve and memories of earth shattering and breaking that Darien, or no living thing for that matter, could have ever experienced in their lifetime.

“They were being sarcastic! Oh man, the 1%! Whew, the irony!” The demon wiped a tear of laughter away from his eye, a droplet of molten lava which flew a few feet away and sizzled where it landed. Darien’s jaw moved up and down as he tried to put on a brave face and argue, but he couldn’t think of anything to say. “And thoughts and prayers will do ya even less good down here than it did when you were up there, not that it even does anything up on Earth.”

“But I- Surely there must be a mistake…” Darien quietly said again, feeling smaller and more vulnerable than he ever had when he was a living man on Earth. The hulking demon gave him what appeared to be a sympathetic glance, which had the opposite effect of making Darien feel even worse.

“It’s not so bad once you get used it! There’s a bit of adjustment period, but that’s always how it is when something changes! Once I get you to your assigned sector there will be a team of expert demons to help you settle in-“

“Pastor Joseph?!” The demons attempt at consoling one of Hell’s newest residents was interrupted by Darien’s shout. They had just come across a gathering of demons and humans, conversing together in little groups. Darien instinctually began to sneer at the lot, obviously they deserved whatever fated torture they had been brought down here for. Much, much more than Darien himself did! But at the glimpse of a somewhat familiar face in the crowd, made Darien stop in his tracks. So shocked was he, at the sight of a long-time pastor of his church, in fact one of the best pastors they’ve ever had in his opinion, that he didn’t even notice his feet had suddenly decided to listen to him. The demon escorting him to his destination looked around confused for a moment but found who had caught Darien’s attention.

“Oh! You know Joey?”

“Joey?!” Darien asked incredulously. But sure enough, at the call of Pastor Joseph, the familiar face had barely paid the call any mind, not even to react as if to the buzzing of a bug. But at the mention of ‘Joey,’ he looked around for whoever had called, as if that was his real name, instead a taunting nickname these demons had obviously implemented as part of some undeserved torture. As his head turned, and their eyes met Dariens stomach twisted in shock. The pastor now sported a large pair of demonic horns, his eyes still a bright blue but now more serpentine in nature, and long tail ending in a spade protruded from his spine. But as Joey moved in the direction his name was called, Darien couldn’t help but gasp in horror as the most prominent change in his previous pastor’s appearance made itself visible.

Joey waddled towards them, his enormous belly swaying with his movement. So firm and round and heavy that he moved with one hand at the base of it to support it’s girth, the short jean shorts he wore doing nothing to provide any support at all. His short shorts were in fact completely unbuttoned, unzipped, and looked like they might rip apart at the seams at any moment with how they seemed to strain around his plump thighs and ass. From the front it looked like he was wearing nothing at all, except for the cropped, much too cropped, top. Even then, as Joey moved closer Darien realized even that small strip of cloth left nothing at all to the imagination. Not only was the top an extremely see-through sheer black mesh, but it in no way whatsoever hid the breasts that lightly bounced on his bloated belly as he walked, no- waddled. With the way it ended right on his swollen puffy nipples, the hem tenting out over them, that the top made them stand out even more. The bright red letters DILF embroidered on what little space the shirt had left, if it could even be called a shirt, was the only part that could be considered ‘covering’ anything.

Darien tried to step back as he recoiled in disgust and horror, but his feet had stopped listening to him again. Just when he believed the situation couldn’t be worse, that this must be some sort of horrible nightmare, for how could the holiest, most virtuous, pious man he’d ever known be down here of all places! And… and in such a state! He did not think he could feel more disgusted, more horrified, more repelled; he noticed that in Joe- no, Pastor Joseph’s ear was a tag, similar to one he’d briefly seen before it was forced through his very own earlobe. It was only a small comfort that at least they were not the same color, Joseph’s being an orangey-red, while Darien could just see the green glow of his out of the corner of his eye.

“Hey Gozomaal! It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve seen you here!” Joey-Joseph’s face lit up in a way Darien had never seen before, as he recognized the large demon whose name was apparently Gozomaal. Then he looked at Darien, an unabashedly confused look on his face. “And you, hmm I feel like I recognize from somewhere… have we met before?”

“P-pastor Joseph? I- Is that really you? It can’t be. There truly must… There truly must be something wrong here, there has to be some mistake now! Don’t you remember I was one of your parish, I followed your teachings, attended your mass every Sunday!”

“Oooooh.” A tiny spark of recognition had been ignited, but Joseph was obviously still confused. Darien tried to ignore how the priests’ hand roamed over the over-swollen dome of his belly, how a small bump appeared, the movement of whatever monstrous creature nested inside, and he rubbed circles over it as if to soothe it. “I sorta remember now, what was your name again? Derek? Erick? Mick?”

“N-no! My name is Darien! Please! You have to remember!” The human who was surely having the worst nightmare in his life, pleaded.

“Oooooh yeah! Silly me was gonna guess Dick next, but I think I was getting distracted with having this big hunk around. It’s been a while since you volunteered.” Joey winked and coyly pawed at Gozoma- no, the demon- as he swayed his hips to the side which made his chest and belly shift in a way that Darien felt obscene was too tame of a word to use to describe it. The demon gave a low chuckle of amusement.

“Nice try cutie, but I can tell you’re too close to your quota already,” Gozomaal playfully flicked Joey’s reddish-orange ear tag, who pouted in disappointment. “and nowhere near due. Besides, I’m at work, bringing this newcomer here to BB Intake.”

“Oh, you’re new!” Joey lit up in excitement again, disappointment quickly forgotten. “And we’re going to be in the same sector! Since I knew you from before, I can show you the ropes, where they hide the good snacks, which of the handlers give the best d-“

“But-but I don’t want to know the ropes! I don’t want to be here! I don’t belong here! A-and neither do you! You were a man of the faith! Where is your devotion? Where is your faith? Where is your cross?” Darien burst out in an angry desperate plea, no longer sure who he was trying to convince that he did not belong burning in the pits of Hell for all eternity. Joey blinked, his expression simultaneously blank and startled at the same time.

“My what?” His face contorted in pure confusion for only a moment, but for Darien’s hopes and fears felt like an eternity, before coming to a realization. “Oh, that old thing? I can’t remember why I decided to keep it around, I honestly forget it’s there!” Joey began to search and pat down his rounded form as if searching for some lost keys, at last spotting what he was looking for around his side and turning as if to display it. Darien felt tears of dawning horror, realization, and oddly enough, acceptance begin to pool in the corner of his eyes. He had somehow missed tucked under the mesh DILF crop top, the silver chain wrapping from behind his neck, around his right breast, one side of the chain completely disappearing where his belly pressed up against it, leading down to an old silver cross dangling over to his side.

“Sometimes it gives me a really nice, like, hot sensation though, like a burn? But in a good way, like a really good way, like in a really really really good way.” Joey winked and giggled. Though Darien hated to make himself look, sure enough there were faint red marks, roughly shaped like his cross, spotted along the side of his swollen belly and even on the underside of his… ‘boob.’

“But…But we don’t belong here…” Darien said quietly, somehow feeling more defeated and smaller than he had before they had come across Pastor Jos-Joey.

“It’s not so bad! I remember being scared too when I first got here, but everyone was so nice about helping me get settled in!” Where before he had tried to look away and ignore it happening, Darien found himself staring as Joey rubbing a soothing circle over a bump that had appeared right under his navel, his other hand still low on his ripened belly for support in holding his grotesque unholy passengers.

“Actually, the biggest change I had to get used to were the horns!” Joey cheerily proclaimed gestured to the not just one, but two sets of deep red horns growing out of his forehead, pushing back his still golden blonde hair. “The only punishment around here is that they never let you go past quota.” Joey put on an exaggerated pout and batted his eyelashes at the large demon Darien had almost forgot was standing there. He numbly nodded in shock, not sure of how else to respond.

“Alright, I think it’s time we get you to BB Intake, so you two can hang out together again soon, okay?” Gozomaal gently put a hand on Darien’s back and started to guide him the way they had been going. Above his head they winked at Joey “And I’ll try to volunteer again soon, but you know quota exceptions are out of my control. Nice shirt by the way!”

“Thanks, Trazron got it for me! And bye-bye Dari! We’ll have to hang out once you’re done with Orientation!” Joey cheerfully waved and contentedly waddled back to the group he had previously been talking to, most of whom were sporting bellies almost as rotund and full as his. There were even a few whose bellies were somehow even larger, a feat Darien had a hard time believing was possible.

Darien remained in shock until they reached their destination. Which didn’t actually take long at all, it was a much shorter distance than he might have hoped. Maybe if the rest of the journey had been a bit longer, he would have broken out of his reverie long enough to ask the demon, Gozomaal, some questions. For example, what did he mean by quota? What were those… creatures growing inside of Joey? What did they mean by ‘Intake’ and ‘Orientation?’ What were the earring tags about? What did BB stand for? In fact, no one had told him yet what his eternal punishment was going to be. Was this it? To see a devout holy man he’d looked up to and admired so debased and made up to be some slutty bimbo?

When they arrived at the building that was to be their destination, his mind begin to rapidly flip between glad and mad that he hadn’t thought to ask anything. And, as the deepest despair he’d ever felt in his existence overwhelmed all of his senses and sank deep into his bones, he read the sign painted over the door:

69TH UNHOLY ETERNAL BREEDING BITCH INTAKE and ACCLIMATION CENTER

[shoutascoffeepot]

Letters Left Unsent - Hawks

My dearest,

I am not sure when I had become so sentimental. When I started growing all those feelings. When it all started, what happened, it all seems like a blur. And whatever the reason behind this memory loss, I am not sure.

There is only a few things I am sure of, though: That I must protect you, no matter what it takes. That is my utmost priority. Protecting civilians comes second now. As controversial as it may be. Or perhaps it is one and the same priority, since you are technically a civilian. Yet to me you always were an angel, a blessing, a person above all that had given me so fucking much.

So much.

I couldn’t ever love you enough, even when it’s killing me with how much I ache, yearn, how much I want nothing less but to show you how overflowing my affections are for you.

Often times I find myself wondering, you were always my home, I somehow always knew. As you saw every part of me, saw through everything, every little thing that I thought would make me ugly, undesirable, frightening, disgusting, you took every flaw and still loved me. Do you still love me? Or have you been drifting away?

You were always my home, you will always be my home. I can never think low of you or love you any less. But I wonder. Am I your home still? Am I still your man? Am I your safe haven too? Or was it all one sided?

It is one thing to find your best friend in your partner, but it is a whole other thing when you meet the person that shows you how to live. Not just breathe and work and be a mere safety tool, as I once was.

This all sounds like I am trying to imitate a british man, heh…

But it is true, all of it.

If I never survived to grow old with you, and see our little nuggets grow and become great, as I know they will be, whatever their aspirations are, not because I am their father but because you are their mother..

If I never got to see them grow, please, I beg of you don’t ever let them forget the love I hold for them, for all of you, how proud I am no matter what happens. I will always haunt you all with the same love and support. The same you, yourself have given during our time together.

And if I do survive to share those moments, to truly share a lifetime so full, it would be an honor, and I would be so grateful for you to let me be the man who stays at your side, to be the man who holds your heart and fills it with love, to give you a happy home.

There is not one moment that passes that I don’t feel this love in a form of ache in my chest, like my organs swell and tears prick my eyes. You showed me love, and allowed me to love you. And I’d be damned if I let it flee away from me. I’d be damned if I let my dream flee away from me.

Sincerely, your Keigo x

[gross-gal]

"First Kiss" a.k.a. Weeb's first Repo self ship fic

Alright, here it is. This is the first self ship fic I've done in a looong time. Don't have much to prelude soooo, hope y'all enjoy this incredibly self indulgent thing I made.

CONTEXT:

*6 months into their friendship, Repo decides he wants to show his appreciation about their relationship for Clementine/Clem (Weeb). So the two go on a friend date and he spoils them. Both are crushing hard on one another but neither are ready to say how they feel. 

*This takes place after the date and they’ve returned back to the Scrapyard. Clem wants to say her thanks.

**Clementine is a placeholder name cuz I’m not calling my sona Weeb here lmao. ALSO I use multiple pronouns to address them (she/they/he)!!

“Noooo shut up. Let me be nice now..”

Repo knew he wasn’t going to win against Clementine’s kind and stubborn heart. They always had to make it known their appreciation for the ones they loved, even if it wasn’t called for, she was just sappy like that. Which overtime, Repo had grown to adore.

“It’s really lucky that we got to meet like this. I kinda just asked you for a job on impulse, that wasn’t something I normally do…but I’m really glad I did. I know you don’t see it but you’re a pretty sweet guy deep down, the bestest friend I could ask for haha…so thank you for today, not just cause it was fun but it means a lot that you went out of your way for…uh…meeee…”

She dragged on the last word for a second or so. The awkwardness from being so vulnerable already getting to her. 

Repo smiled warmly.

“Heh! Yer such a jokester most of the time, I always forget yer so sentimental Hahaa!”

“Whatever, I can’t exactly compete with your gifts, I wanna show my thanks somehow, you know?”

His comment only fanned her embarrassment. She was kinda regretting saying what she did but chose not to linger on that thought.

Truth is, Repo said that only to distract from his flustered state. 

Not wanting to make her feel bad, he swallowed his pride and responded after clearing his throat.

“Ehhh well…anyways I should be the one thanking youse. Yer also the bestest friend I got…one of the only ones.”

He took a second to think on what he wanted to say. Looking off to the city and focusing on the skyscrapers from afar.

‘Damn…how does she do it so freakin’ eloquently??’ He thought to himself.

“I ain’t too good with the words, kid. Not even my gifts can compare with yer bleedin’ heart. But I care about ya and youse been a real nice thing in my life. So thank ya, again.”

When he turned his head back to them they had a dopey grin forming on their face.

“YOU’RE SUUUUCH A GOOOOOD FRIEND!!!” She blurted, mockingly.

“AY!! GET THE HELL OVER ‘ERE!!”

She narrowly avoided the lunge he prepared. Looks like he was aiming to put them into a headlock.

“EVERYONE!! REPO IS MY BEST FRIEND AND HE’S THE NICEST MUTANT MANTIS EVER!!!”

“OHHHH- YOU ASKED FOR THIS ONE, NERD!”

Clem could dodge well enough but they could never hope to match Repo’s swift athleticism. 

He tackled them to the ground and their bodies came crashing to the dirt together. Repo quickly sitting on their back before they could worm away, he twisted their arm back, though not nearly enough to seriously hurt them. Wrestling was a thing they were used to and enjoyed.

“Ah right, take it back!”

“REPO IS SO WONDERFUL AND A SOFTIE–OW!! HE LOVES HIS FRIENDS–OW!! AND WOULD PROTECT EVERY KITTY EVER–SHIT!!”

“Heheh, dis the thanks I get fer bein’ so charitable?” Repo chuckled at the predicament they brought on themselves. 

Sincere, kind, a joker, fighter (sorta)… those were a few of the traits he saw and admired from them. 

“OKAY!! I’m done, my back is hurting…pbbt!” Clementine tried turning their head to face him but just ended up catching their large hair to the face.

And good hair…he liked that too.

An exasperated sigh blew out their mouth once Repo got off them. Though he was fairly lean, he still had some weight thanks to his abdomen, which did a number on their back after the tussle.

“Ya been werkin’ for me fer 6 whole months, how the hell do ya still got no muscle or anythin’?”

“Heh…genetics?” She joked.

“Pfft- yeah right. Lazy ass.”

“I’m an artist~ I don’t have to worry about muscles. I need to conserve all my energy for my drawing, you know that!” He proudly emphasized this by raising his chin.

“Oh yeah, I getcha…better go easy on ya so youse can still finish dat logo thingy I asked ya for!”

“…..”

“Hmmm, how long ago was it I asked ya to do that?” His elbow lightly nudged her shoulder.

“…yeah okay…” Clem begrudgingly muttered.

It was a jab but he didn’t really mind all that much she neglected it. He just liked having a hand in keeping her artistically motivated…though it would be nice if they actually got around to it…

The smoother part of his claw then moved to rest on their head and he tussled their hair. This was his way of saying “you’re okay” Without actually having to. He’d done it a few times before but neither of them ever really got used to it. 

It never failed to make Clementine smile.

Repo wasn’t a particularly emotionally vulnerable person, she picked up on that after sometime. And he especially wasn't the physically affectionate type, that was reserved for his cats and on certain occasions like today, only for Clementine.

That alone was enough. 

She was content on her assumedly one-sided crush. Though it brought an ache to her heart, knowing that these feelings she had would never be reciprocated, she still was able to make him happy and was allowed to share intimate moments such as these with him. Those brief, warm moments, they’d treasure.

.

.

.

About an hour had passed, they spent that time mindlessly chatting until Mrs. Nubbins hungry mewls put their conversation to a halt.

“Oh it’s that time already?”

“Never a dull moment around ‘ere…PAPA’S COMIN’ MY SWEETY PIE!!”

Had this been months ago, she would’ve made a joke at his sudden cutesy-ness. But Repo is incredibly unabashed about his love for Mrs. Nubbins, so that wore off long ago. And now to her, it was actually rather cute. Which they sorta hated to admit.

“Ah uh…guess dat means youse should be leavin’?” His voice lowered, saddened.

“Nah, I’ll stick around and help you with Mrs. Nubbins at least.”

His antennas perked up…

“After all, I AM her favorite~” 

And then laid flat…

“Watch yer mouth, kid.” 

She was careful to keep her snickering to herself. This was a satisfying little victory.

Repo went onto share stories about his bond with Mrs. Nubbins till they arrived at her cave of junk. 

It was a lot easier feeding her now with Clem here. She still wasn’t used to mutants and certainly not Repo, perhaps had something to do with the new instincts she had. But humans were alright to her and she grew a liking to Clem.

This was another thing Repo was thankful for but he’d never admit that. 

.

.

.

After finishing up with Nubbins’ dinner, Repo escorted Weeb out the yard.

He didn’t really say much during the walk. But his mind was racing with a thousand thoughts per minute. Mainly thinking on what more he could’ve done to make today special, was it really enough? Wishing he could’ve said more about his gratitude, was he too mean? Was he open enough?

‘No…don’t think it…’ But it was too late.

Today would’ve been perfect to tell them how you feel.

‘Keep dreamin’ jackass…he just considers ya a friend.’

Why did he have to get caught up in his feelings now of all times? All these emotions made him feel like a stupid, confused, lovey kid. 

“You okay?” Her concern pierced through his mind.

His head shot up, checking their surroundings. They’d already reach the gate. 

“Yeah! Just thinkin’ ‘bout what I’ll have to eat later.” 

Despite having eaten already earlier, they chose not to inquire about his appetite. 

“Alright…get some rest soon though, okay? I promise I’ll make it up to you when I can!!”

“Oh ya don’t gotta haha…” 

“I wanna though! And I’ll make sure it’s reeeeal special!” 

“Whatever ya say, kid.” There was no point in fighting him, not like he would bother any further, any chance they’d give to see him, he’d take it. 

They made him feel so cared for. It was too hard to keep himself from smiling, his cheeks were hurting a bit too.

In fact he felt so giddy, he couldn’t stop himself from pulling them into a hug.

‘What...?’ Was all Clementine could think at this sudden contact.

She couldn’t remember the last time, if he’d ever done this.

Their hearts were pounding, as if they wanted to burst from the walls that were their chests and embrace one another even further. This was all too much. 

What was going to happen when they pulled away?

.

.

.

It was less than a minute that this actually went on for. Eventually they would have to pull away and it had to be soon so neither seemed suspicious.

Repo was the first.

For a few seconds, Clem’s brain stopped processing and seemed to black out whatever had happened in those instances.

Why had the air gotten so tight? It seemed perfectly fine just a moment ago.

The face Repo was making was nothing they’d seen before. It was…bewilderment? Shock? Fear?? And why had their faces felt warm?

‘And my lips…?’ Though it was only barely, they’d also had been puckered. 

Oh shit.

“OKAY SEE YA BYE!!!!!” Clem blurted before their brain could fully put the pieces together. But they knew enough that whatever had happened, it wasn’t typical.

Repo was stunned and face flushed. 

None of it really made sense to Clem as they focused on running to the suddenly arriving bus. They showed their pass and collapsed into the seat towards the side exit. 

Now it was all coming together.

Oh god…

She kissed him. On instinct. As if he was a loved one. A significant other. She, carelessly, had kissed his cheek. 

They gave a loving goodbye kiss to her crush/best friend. 

“FUCK!!!!!” 

.

.

.

Repo proceeded to spend the evening yelling into his pillow.

He was 25% embarrassed this socially awkward nerd put the moves on him first, and the other 75% elated.

//END//

[curled-up-blushing]

Mother-Son Bonding

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia tickle fic

Lee!Charlie, Ler!Bonnie Kelly

Dee accompanies Charlie to a last minute visit to Bonnie’s house. While there, she learns something very interesting about Charlie.

Aka sweet family feels between Charlie and Bonnie turn into wholesome tickles (ft slightly ooc Bonnie, flustered Charlie, and confused but amused Dee)

Definitely OOC but I enjoy moments when Bonnie isn’t freaking out

*******

“I appreciate the ride, Dee but you didn’t have to come.”

“Well, you don’t have a car and you don’t know how to drive, so there wasn’t much of an option.”

“What? I can drive!”

“All the way to your mom’s house? That’s a car crash waiting to happen, Charlie.”

Charlie rolled his eyes. “Stupid bird.” He rang the doorbell.

Within seconds, the door opened to reveal a chipper Bonnie Kelly. “Oh Charlie, you’re here! And you brought a friend! Come in, come in!”

“Yeah, I got your call, I-oh,” he said as he was swept into the kitchen.

Despite Bonnie’s enthusiasm at Dee’s presence, the blonde felt awkward intruding on a family conversation, so she stood idly by the door.

Meanwhile, Charlie almost tripped trying to keep up with his mother. Despite her height, she was surprisingly fast.

“Okay, okay, slow down Mom. What’s going on?” He scanned her expression, trying to gage the severity of the situation. “Are you hurt? Is anything broken?”

He was fully prepared for the usual nonsense: blubbering about a fake injury, crying hysterically over some nonexistent threat, maybe asking him to kill another spider…

Actually, it had been a while since she’d called. He hadn’t thought about it until now, but he normally received bi-weekly calls from a weeping Bonnie Kelly.

Over the phone, she had sounded less frantic than usual. Calm, even.

Even now, she didn’t collapse into his arms in despair, but instead took his hands in hers and smiled softly.

“I just wanted to see you, sweetie.”

Charlie’s concerned expression immediately morphed into one of confusion. “Huh?”

“I feel like whenever you come over, you’re busy worrying about me… and I’m so sorry. I don’t want you to be upset when you see me, so I want you to know that I’m okay,” she said with the most sincere look in her eyes. “And I want you to be okay.”

Of all the scenarios Charlie imagined on the drive here, this certainly wasn’t one of them. “Wow that’s… that’s really sweet, mom. Um,” he cleared his throat, unsure why he was getting choked up. “Thank you. And uh, yeah. I-I love you.”

“I love you too, Charlie. Sorry to take up your time though, you can go get your friend now,” she patted him on the shoulder.

He nodded and smiled. Before he could take another step though, Bonnie pulled him back into a hug.

Normally he’d be irritated by her displays of affection but for some reason, today he found it endearing. Charlie get out a surprised chuckle, “Heh, okay.”

Bonnie lit up at the sound. “Oh Charlie, when was the last time I heard you laugh?”

”Huh? Uh… I don’t know.”

”You know what, I remember a sure fire way to make you smile!”

Before Charlie could inquire as to what that meant, he felt her hands shift, then the tingling sensation of fingers wiggling on his stomach.

He stumbled a bit trying to look back at her. “Uhh Mom what’cha dohoing? H-Hehey!” He could practically see her smile behind him as the tingling sensation turned more…

”Is my little gingerbread man still ticklish?”

Shit.

********

Dee tapped her foot impatiently. What could possibly be taking them so long?

Curiosity got the better of her and she wandered closer to the kitchen to catch anything interesting.

The best she could hear without stepping fully into the kitchen were some calming words, some shuffling, and then… laughter?

”Deeheehehehe! H-Hehehelp!”

At first she wasn’t exactly sure what she was seeing after coming into the kitchen. Bonnie was standing behind Charlie with her arms wrapped around his waist.

Looking closer, she saw that Bonnie’s hands were actually in a claw shape, digging into her son’s belly.

That explained why Charlie was shaking in her grasp and squeaking out giggles.

“What is…happening?”

“Pleheheeheease, sh-she wohon’t stohohahap!”

”You’ve still got a ticklish tummy, sweetie! Tickle tickle tickle~!”

“Mohohom nohohoho!-“ he snorted as she started using her nails to scratch around his hips.

What struck Dee most was that Charlie was fully capable of pushing him mother away. His hands were completely free and he was a good deal taller than her. Despite this, his hands were held awkwardly against him chest as he seemingly tried not to knock her off.

So, feeling a little awkward and a lot of confusion, Dee asked, “So Miss Kelly, why are you tickling Charlie?”

”Well he’s just so cute, look at him!”

”M’nohohot c-cute!” He protested with a squeal that even Dee had to admit was… kinda cute.

“Do you remember how we’d play tummy time when you were sad? And I’d tickle your cute little tummy until you were happy again?”

”Ihihi’m nohohot a kihihid!” He protested, turning red with embarrassment.

“Don’t be silly, you’ll always be my little tickle bug! Coochie coochie coo!”

”Mohohohohom!”

”Wow, Charlie you’re reeeaaally ticklish huh?”

“Shuhuhut-aAH! Hihihihehehehe! Nohohahat! Not thehehere!” He jumped in place when a finger wiggled near his navel.

Dee bit her lip trying to fight off the urge to laugh. She wasn’t used to this. The Charlie she knew was nasty, obnoxious, and all around crazy: nothing like the person in front of her.

He looked so innocent, with the gleeful smile on his face, the pink dusting his cheeks, and his squeaky giggles that she found absolutely adorable (not that she’d ever say it to his face). The whole scene, as childish as it was, made her feel warm inside.

Charlie, on the other hand, was mortified. He hated hearing his own screechy, ugly laughter and tried to fight against it, only to fail every time and make the cackles come out even louder. His mom’s coos and teases made him flush red with embarrassment from his neck to the tips of his ears. And knowing that Dee was watching him absolutely fall apart from just a few tickles made him want to crawl into a hole.

At the same time, he didn’t want to push the offending hands away for fear of upsetting his mother. He was aware that such a joyful mood could be rare for the woman, and if tickling him could stave off the anxiety and paranoia for a bit, he’d take it. So he fought every instinct in his body to squirm away or shake her off and he let her tickle the living daylights out of him.

And yeah, maybe it was nice to laugh once in a while.

However, he wasn’t sure how much more he could take. It had been years since anyone had tickled him and the unfamiliarity of the sensation completely overwhelmed him. Not to mention that every “cootchie coochie coo” and “tickle tickle tickle” that came out of his mom’s mouth made him even more flustered and, somehow, more ticklish.

”Deeeheeeeheehe-“ he wheezed

”Uh, yeah what’s up Char?”

”It-ihit tihihi! Tihihihihihickles!”

”Sure looks like it, bud.”

“PleheHEHEASE! AH! C-C’mohohon!”

He couldn’t even force out a response, succumbed to the torturous sensations. He was completely red with the widest possible smile on his face. His laughter was nearly silent besides the odd snort or wheeze.

Dee finally conceded, ”I think hes about done, Miss Kelly. He looks pretty tuckered out.”

Bonnie instantly stopped. “Oh, sorry darling. I didn’t mean to go too far.”

Charlie held his stomach, willing away the remaining tickles. “Ihit’s okay mom, you’re fine.”

“Well, I should let you go. I’m sure you’re busy.”

”Right, yeah. I-We’ll get going then.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “Bye, love you Mom.”

“I love you too, Charlie.”

So as Dee and Charlie made their way back to the car, both smiling, they both came to an unspoken agreement.

Eh, gang probably didn’t need to know.

[eyedelater]

@clovercacti replied to this ogata post

i know this post is kinda old but have you read the interview where noda-sensei addressed the scene where ogata puts his hand on kidnapped-koito's back? he says he has a "wide smile" under his mask while doing so. do you think that's one of his "pleased" grins (like a "yesss you're fucked up and have daddy issues like me") or something else? great analysis post btw im horrible at character analysis so i love reading others' thoughts :-)

(thank you for that last part!) i have NOT read the interview where noda-sensei addressed that scene. how many interviews does this man do? and just how many crucial (<-?) character details does he reveal in interviews??

that wide smile thing throws it completely off! now i have to think deeply about ogata even more!

putting my previous interpretation (that it was a moment of sincere, uncontrollable sympathy) completely aside...

if ogata was smiling... i think he was probably smiling with contemptuous amusement.

the smile he had on under the mask may have been like the smile he had when he thought he was meeting yuusaku for the first time, buck naked and violent (who turned out to be sugimoto). like "haha, this is more fucked up than i thought it would be! this is making me feel better about my own fuckedupedness." i think the smiles would be similar because ogata probably thinks of otonoshin as similar to yuusaku; they were both born to parents who love each other, and their high-ranking military fathers have high hopes for them. ogata never spells it out that he views otonoshin as a "blessed child" like yuusaku, but i think he does, and that's the basis of the bad blood between them even as adults.

ogata's worldview is incredibly egocentric; everything always comes down to how it affects him. his behavior during this incident reflects that. during the course of the kidnapping, ogata is probably interested to examine otonoshin's character as a "blessed child born to parents who love each other" and compare it to himself, to gauge whether he is in fact missing something. because he feels some degree of contempt toward otonoshin for having a relationship with his father when he himself does not, he enjoys seeing him suffer. the thought that commander koito might not care to rescue his only son makes ogata feel better about himself. and when otonoshin reaches his lowest point and tells his father to pretend he had never been born, maybe ogata's contempt is satisfied into a twisted amusement and he thinks something like, "ooh, he fell further into despair than i expected." and he rubs his back like "good boy, that's exactly what i wanted to see." he enjoys witnessing the apparent destruction of the relationship between otonoshin and his father because he's jealous that there was one in the first place. touching otonoshin's back is a weird action that could out him as a fake kidnapper and mess up the plan, but ogata cares more about his own feelings in the moment than about the plan's success, so he doesn't think twice about it.

so in conclusion, elaborating on your idea of "yesss you're fucked up and have daddy issues like me," i think it's more of a "yesss you feel completely abandoned by your father, just like me. it hurts, huh? even though you're a blessed child, heh heh. who's blessed now?" maybe. (but when the incident is over and ogata only has a busted face to show for it while the koito family is happier and loves each other more than before, ogata must be Fucking Pissed. "how dare tsurumi cultivate love between THIS father and son and not between my father and me?! did you make him MORE blessed?! what about me???" and that's part of why he eventually betrays tsurumi.)

but overall, that's a 180 degree swing from my previous interpretation, and i was so confident. now i'm not completely confident either way. the wide smile thing really throws it completely off...

[footnote: i have read a couple of noda interviews, but i'm not going to seek out and read all of the interviews until after i'm finished reading the raw manga, which is what i've been slowly working on for more than a month now.]

[mickmundy]

sniper/spy interactions my beloved.... they're so fun... they're my two favorites to write!!! heh... i could sincerely make an entire thread/whatever about my thoughts on their relationship.... i think there's LOTS of fun to be had with it but i have such a specific dynamic in mind... hmmm.. if anyone would want that lmk and i'll put it on My List bc it is so fun to think about!

(text version under the cut as usual!)

Sniper’s inflection was much flatter than when they’d spoken in his van: he was saying the words, but didn’t seem to be believing them quite as strongly as before.

“Are we having a change of heart? You don’t sound as convinced that it’s all in your head as when we last spoke about this.” Spy recalled, watching Sniper’s eyes meet his own in a surprised expression. The gunman looked at his own boots and shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets. No, he’d heard himself say resolutely. Spy didn’t look so persuaded. “Your pallor looks… refreshed. Are you seeing things with an air of… clarity now? I would actually say you might be glowing just a little bit-”

Sniper cleared his throat. Judging by Spy’s impish expression, he might as well’ve been walking around with I’M COPING WITH MY RIGHT HAND branded on his forehead. “Yeah, yeah, go ahead and laugh. In the worst pain’a my bloody life and I can’t do anything about it. Real sad and poetic. I’m learning a lesson of some kind right now, I’m sure.” The bushman scoffed sarcastically, furrowing his brow as he knew his features were beginning to flush red. Spy knew when the time for teasing was over, so he didn’t press it. 

“I’m not laughing at you, I’m simply amused. You have a very clear solution to your problem and yet you refuse to do anything about it. It’s very unlike you. Or, at least, the you I’ve come to know over the years.” Spy observed. “It’s been interesting seeing you like this. I thought professionals didn’t have feelings.” “They don’t.” Sniper snapped, though it was without any real bite.

[shiningwonderland]

Camus (All Star) Memorial

Translator: Mimi (Twitter: _mimisaurora)

Memorial 10 - Valentine's Day

“I appreciate the invitation, but…”

The female talents collectively expressed their disappointment when I turned down their invitation.

“Eeeh! Why not?”

“It’s a wonderful restaurant! The menus are even different today, won’t you come for just a little bit?”

“I apologize. I do sincerely appreciate the invitation. Please forgive me.”

I bow my head, and the complaints tone down a bit, but then they begin to talk about doing this another time.

I continued to placate them with a few more reasonable remarks, and then excused myself from the situation. 

…How annoying.

Why do these fools insist on flocking together like this?

I especially have no time to entertain them.

Particularly… today of all days.

It is February 14th.

Normally, I might have been tempted to enjoy the abundance of chocolates coming in from all over the place, but I simply couldn't this year.

I had tried several times to communicate with Her Majesty since her possession of Haruka's body, but she never answered.

I can only imagine how she must be feeling.

The marriage announcement occurred just as she had resigned herself to living the rest of her life alone, supported only by watching over Saotome from afar.

The thought alone was enough to make my heart bleed.

With the acquisition of a memento belonging to Saotome last summer, Her Majesty fell into a terrible depression for some time.

She did not respond to my calls until after the new year, where she began to speak to me as she had before.

And even then, Her Majesty’s voice sounded weak.

“...Camus. Saotome wrote in the letter you'd gotten for me about how happy he was that I'd given him a nickname.”

“Your Majesty, You…”

“It is true. It was completely intentional on my part, but for those unfamiliar with our customs, it is a sign of "friendship" at best.”

“....”

“I remember there being an event known as "Valentine's Day" every February in Japan. Is it permissible to gift an idol with a present conveying one's love?”

“I'm afraid no merchandise items are allowed, but fan letters and the like would be fine.”

“I see. Then I will send a card to Saotome. Anonymously, of course, and as a fan. Be sure to deliver it properly.”

“Of course. As you wish.”

“Heh. Now Saotome will be the one to read my letter. Camus. Although we cannot see each other, this truly makes me happy…”

Her Majesty, unaccustomed in her position to restrain her emotions, laughed heartily.

… She is a great woman.

Then, suddenly, she was to marry, and to Aijima of all people. 

This was no twist of fate.

But she would never abandon her country…

I am ready to obey any and all orders, but I cannot leave things as they are if it is not what Her Majesty truly desires.

“I must do something….”

As I turned the corner into the studio hallway, I stopped.

His appearance stood out even from a distance. 

It's Her Majesty's betrothed.

“...Aijima. Any new developments?”

“No… There is one thing though that bothers me. Not enough people oppose this marriage.”

Aijima expressed this earnestly.

“What do you mean?”

“The queen is a foreigner who does not believe in the Muse. Many would normally be against this. I am especially concerned that… My uncle and cousins are in favor of this marriage.”

“The very same people who once exiled you.”

“Yes. It is strange that they are in support of a marriage that would serve to make me stronger.”

“Hmph. People like them, if left unchecked, are likely to cause trouble. They should have been dealt with earlier.”

“There is no evidence that they were the ones to curse me. I cannot punish them solely on my testimony.”

Aijima stiffly shook his head.

“If they cannot be punished in public, they can certainly be handled from behind the scenes. You surely have a servant or two who would do anything for the sake of their lord.”

“Non! That is not how a prince should act.”

“Sounds like you’re still a child. If I were you, I would have taken care of it by now. .... If I had that kind of power.”

As Aijima was about to retort, a staff member called out to him from across the hallway.

“Keep me informed as soon as you find out anything. I'll do the same.”

…It’s irritating. 

I was too hard on Aijima to be of any help.

I know better than most how your position makes certain things impossible.

I paused for a moment as my gaze landed on a figure emerging from the corner of the hallway.

I thought about just passing by him, but he waved at me.

“Hi again, how goes it, Myu-chan?”

…Looks like I’m going to be running into everyone today. Now, I’m stuck with Kotobuki.

He’s still wearing that strained smile of his.

And why is he carrying so many things?

The wrapping paper peeking out of one of the paper bags is probably some kind of chocolate, but...

“Oh, this? You surprised? I normally don't accept such gifts. But it was someone's birthday on the job site today, so I got all kinds of goodies.”

He went on and on, despite me not asking him anything, and picked up the topmost bundle.

“These are brownies the director made. He's an old man, but an odd one~ They're homemade.”

“...That doesn’t matter to me.”

“Is that right? I was actually thinking of sharing. How about it?”

He held out a very extravagantly wrapped gift.

He then drew it back toward himself before I could even say no.

“Just kidding!”

“Cut it out, Kotobuki.”

I seriously wasn't interested in taking anything from him, but was offended he'd play around with me like that. 

No matter how hard I glared at him, Kotobuki didn't seem to be fazed at all.

“I’m not giving you anything. I’m sure Kouhai-chan has something for you though. Anyways~”

“Who…”

“Come on, I wouldn't do anything stupid like letting you eat something before getting to your girlfriend's homemade chocolates. Obviously, you're going to get some since you guys are together.”

“I…”

“Then I’ll see you around Bye-bye!”

Not even giving me a chance to speak, Kotobuki waved his hand in the air again and stomped off.

“Still the same as ever. A man who knows no bounds…”

He appeared to still be buying into the lie that I was in a relationship, but wondered how much of it was sincere.

Well, now that the truth is out, there's nothing to be troubled about… I suppose.

“Haruka..”

Thanks to Kotobuki, I now picture the face of someone I really didn't want to think about right now. 

That woman seemed to be frightened of me since the incident, which was only natural considering the circumstance.

She spoke to me this morning too, as if trying to figure out I was in a good mood today.

“Camus-senpai, um, what are your plans for today…”

“To work. You should know this.”

“Well, are you available for dinner? Today’s Va-”

“I’ll be eating out. I will be home late. Make sure to lock up and get some sleep.”

“A-Alright…”

I remember the look in her eyes, like she was trying to tell me something else, and I felt strangely uneasy about how I treated her.

“Maybe… we've been together too long after all.”

Have I grown fond of her while we were living together?

Me? That's impossible. 

Yet, I must confess that I have softened in the presence of the easy-going people in this country.

Perhaps Her Majesty was right to say I had become too "comfortable" here.

Of course... She’s always right. I was never supposed to have any personal feelings about anything to begin with. 

I was born to serve the Queen, but on that day in my childhood, moved by Her Majesty's loneliness and resolve, I vowed to serve her of my own free will.

I was supposed to be determined to rejoice for Her Majesty and grieve for Her Majesty alone.

I stop in my tracks and confirm.

It’s all right.

The eternity I swore so long ago is still within me.

It’s just…

I had no idea what to say when I got home and have to face that woman again.

It was around 3 a.m. when I returned after working on a late-night radio.

“She must be asleep at this hour…”

I found myself letting out a sigh of relief. I'm relieved? For what?

I opened the door and climbed the stairs, trying to make as little noise as possible.

“What’s this? She left the lights on.”

I was surprised upon stepping into the living room.

I had expected to find it empty, but there was a figure on the sofa. 

Of course, there was only one person it could be.

“Haruka…”

She was lying down, exhausted, her eyes closed. 

Alexander was curled up by her feet.

“...Hey.”

I received no reply. I approached and heard her sleeping.

“So she’s out…”

I let out a small breath. 

She showed no sign of waking up. 

This woman always forgot to eat or sleep when she became engrossed in something. 

She must have been busy composing until the last second.

…This is utterly distressing. I don't know how she was able to live alone.

“She’s small…”

I bend down, reach out and stroke her head just once.

“...Hm…”

Haruka made a faint noise, and I immediately withdrew my hand, but I soon began to hear her breathing in her sleep again. 

I reached out once more and the tips of my fingers brushed against her cheek and, for a moment, her lips. 

…She’s cold.

Because she’s sleeping here.

Unlike me, she's vulnerable to the cold. 

I looked up and noticed something on the table.

“Is that…”

There was a plate of chocolate cake.

A handwritten card from Haruka accompanied it.

‘Camus-senpai, feel free to enjoy some if you’d like.’

I looked at both the card and the cake in silence for a while.

The cake was elaborately decorated and layered in butter cream, it must have taken a great deal of time and effort to make. 

I'm also assuming the sugar candy doll in the center, with its squinty eyes and holding a cello, is supposed to be me...?

“...Unbelievable.”

I let out a small sigh and addressed her sleeping figure.

“This is not the time for you to be doing this. Do you understand?”

What on earth is this woman thinking?

‘Easygoing’ is not the word I would use to describe her.

It should be unthinkable for her to be so open with me, considering the circumstances that brought her to this tower.... 

Her heart is too pure.

She has probably lived a happy and peaceful life, never having suffered from deceit before. 

This is why she trusts me so easily. Why she smiles at me.

Despite being scared of me, she still sticks around.

“You’re like… fresh snow.”

A white snow which should never be trampled on.

“...Alexander.”

“Arf?”

My dog opens his eyes and looks up at me curiously.

“Put a blanket on Haruka.”

Alexander looked like he wanted to say something for a moment.

He, however, ran to Haruka's room and came back dragging a blanket in his mouth. 

It was difficult for him to put it on her, and with him taking a while, I decided to help him a little.

“...Ruff?”

“I never came back today… Got it?”

I told him this as I stroked his white fur, and Alexander leaned his head slightly and curled up next to the sofa again.

“....”

I glanced at the cake.

I realized she had used candy canes in the decorations, something I'd recently said I liked. 

But...

I don't feel deserving of eating this. 

It was my fault for dragging her into this. 

If I forgot about it, I could give up and have some with someone at the agency.

"... I must convince Her Majesty at all costs."

There were snowflakes fluttering outside the window. 

It would be much colder back in my homeland. 

If Haruka were to come to the Silk Palace...

I wonder if it would get a little warmer.

“...I’m thinking a lot of nonsense today.”

I shrugged my shoulders and quietly headed to the bedroom to collect my belongings.

[stewardofningishzida]

Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel — Chapter 19: Missions Possible

Time for the apprentices to do more missions! Now, the training wheels are slowly coming off.

TRIGGER WARNING: Demonic possession, bad language (quite a bit in this one), death mention, homelessness, scary situations, bullying

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

Chapter 19:  Missions Possible

*We catch Clea and Wong up with the events in the Mansion over some tea.  Over the next few days, we end up busy going over and organizing the new additions of tomes to Kamar-Taj’s library, as well as demonstrating the new abilities that we were taught.  Since there’s so much new material, we help Trix.  Wong is begrudgingly impressed with our many discoveries.  He can’t hide it behind his usual stoicism this time.  I also finally share a bit of my past with Trix and Prettywitch.  I figure it’s only fair since I told Broken Stephen while calming him down and 616-Stephen had heard it while making sure nothing bad happened at the time.  During downtime, I converse with The Ancient One, updating and showing her the new things I learned from the Mansion to see if she already knows it or could potentially use it.*

The Ancient One (impressed): It seems that the universe you visited is much more inclined towards the spiritual. I have not seen such things in any of the other universes I have come across.

Me:  Interesting.  I’m glad that these techniques can enable you more.  If I’m being honest, your presence has grown to be quite a comfort.  When I noticed you and the other spirits weren’t there, I panicked a little.

Ancient One (smiling gently): I’m glad to be able to help you, however as you have proven, you’re still very capable on your own or with your friends. I will not be here forever and I wish you to have peace even after I eventually move on.

Me (shifting slightly uncomfortably):  Heh…Yeah.  I don’t wanna hold you back.  *I knew the day would come eventually.  I had just hoped that I wouldn’t have to think about it for a while.*

Ancient One: Don’t worry, I will be around for quite a while yet. This world has blossomed after the threat of Dormammu and Thanos and I am curious as to how the multiverse will affect this place. Clearly the introduction of you and your friends has done a world of good and has introduced a number of things to our order and this world. I am fascinated to see how your order will come to be and grow.

Me (taking some comfort in this):  That’s good.  Though, whenever the day does come, I want to respect your decision.  So, please let me know.  I don’t want to be selfish about it.  *I’m sincere.*

Ancient One: Don’t worry, you are not being selfish. Now, show me again how you summon your weapon. Can you change it or is it a certain one every time?

*I nod and perform the spell again, summoning a rapier and dagger.*

Me:  I can change it since I’m still alive because there are more possibilities for a living being.  However, once you die, your weapon type tends to “settle”.  For instance, that version of Stephen has a battle-axe.  My default is usually a rapier and dagger because that is what I specialize in fighting with.  Precision and speed while remaining adaptable.  However, I can visualize a more suitable weapon for the given situation and summon it with enough concentration.

Ancient One (impressed): Fascinating. Though the thought of Stephen, even an alternate version, using a battle-axe of all things is a bit…*she smirks* strange.

*I’m amused.*

Me:  Apparently, it was because of the situation he learned it in as well as the opponent he faced.  She was wielding a hatchet and he was defending himself at the time.  It’s an interesting story-*I get a psychic contact from Stephen.*

Stephen (psychic contact):  Steward, please meet me in my office.  I have a mission for your group.

*He contacts Trix and Prettywitch the same way and we all meet in his office.*

Prettywitch: Hey, Stephen. What’s up?

Trix: Hi! You needed us?

Stephen:  In the interest of you girls gaining more experience in the field, I have something that needs to be done back in New York.  A pack of Khats has been attempting to gain entry to my Sanctum and cannot get past the wards.  So, they have resorted to possessing a group of apprentices to try and sneak through.  I need you three to extract the demons from the apprentices without harming them and eliminate the threat to the Sanctum.  You may choose to send the Khats back to their dimension or dispatch them.  Understood?

Trix: Demon ghost cats, save apprentices, got it!

Prettywitch: *She’s both excited AND nervous, knowing full well what dueling with a Khat entails.* Sure, yeah. 

Me:  Okay.  We’ll do our best to send the Khats back first.  Though if they escalate and pose a direct and immediate threat to anyone, we’ll dispatch them.  We’ll give them a few chances to back down first.  Fair, guys?  *I look at my friends.*

Prettywitch: *She’s in deep thought for a second.* What? Oh sorry, yeah.

*Trix gives a double thumbs up.*

Me:  How many are there?  That way we can keep track.

Stephen:  There are 5 of them. 4 have found bodies.  The 5th is still lurking through Greenwich Village.

Trix (slightly sarcastic): Lovely. *Getting serious* So they’re out and around or are most of them contained in the Sanctum?

Stephen:  Out and around.  They’re attempting to get into the Sanctum and are blocked out.  We cannot let them in.  It would allow them free access to too many dangerous relics.

Me:  Good to know.  Okay, if that’s all of the info, we’ll gear up and portal over.

Prettywitch: That’s not all, though…Khats are sadistic, they can bring a victim’s suffering to the surface and even look into  a person’s mind to figure out what will make them suffer most. They’re like low-tier Fear Lords, basically.

*I listen to Prettywitch carefully.*

Me:  So, like Nightmare.  Good to know…*I think for a moment to remember the techniques we were taught to clear and calm our minds.*  

Trix (smirking): So, ‘fortify our minds’ then. Got it!

Stephen:  They can also teleport, manipulate their size, and magically induce sickness.  So, be on-guard.  If you need backup, I’ll be in the Sanctum.

Me:  Any other info?

Prettywitch: Not that I remember; it’s been awhile since I’ve read that issue, but if I think of anything I’ll be sure to let you guys know.

*I nod and summon my supplies.  Once everyone has their gear, we head through the portal to the New York Sanctum with Stephen following us.*

Trix (glancing around Sanctum): I know we’ve been in this universe for over a year now but it’s still weird being here… *She gestures at the New York Sanctum*

Me:  I know, right?  It’s amazing, but doesn’t quite feel like home.  Like, you can sense that it belongs to someone else.  Understandably so.

Prettywitch: Yeah…

Stephen:  Good luck, girls.  Be careful.  *He lets us exit to Greenwich Village to begin our search.*

Prettywitch: Okay. Think we should do a scan of the Sanctum first? Just to be safe?

Me (standing in the entrance hall, not having exited yet):  Will do.  *I scan the Sanctum.  So far, nothing hostile has penetrated its defenses.*  Nada.

Trix: So we scan the area then?

Prettywitch: Okay. I’ll consult the cards, too, just to be safe. *She cleanses then shuffles her deck, asking the cards if the Sanctum is safe. Her face scrunches as she pulls the Eight of Swords.* Oh…That’s not good.

*We hear a knock at the door.*

Me:  Speak of the Devil…

Trix (calling through the door): Who is it?!

Young male voice:  Apprentice George Schmidt!  Can I come in?

Prettywitch: *Raises an eyebrow.* George Schmidt? That sounds about as suspicious as “Hired Goons”.

Trix: Well, Jingle-Heimer Schmidt, the Sanctum is currently closed for cleaning.

Me (subtly scanning):  *quietly*  Yep.  It’s one of them…but also the poor guy’s still stuck “inside”.  

Trix (whispering): We could say he could come in to help and ‘clean’ him instead. The problem is we’d open up the Sanctum unless we went full Muppet and open up a window from above and drench him in holy water or something.

Me (low voice):  I mean…That’s not exactly a bad idea.

Prettywitch: Yeah. I’m down for that. 

Me (whispering):  Wanna do the honors, Trix?  Prettywitch and I will stall him.  *I speak up to be overheard.*  Guys, I think he’s telling the truth.  Maybe we should give him a chance.

*Trix grins and scrambles back into the Sanctum to grab holy water and get to the second floor, too excited to actually portal there.*

Young male voice:  C’mon!  Ask Strange!  He’s my boss!

Prettywitch: *Giggling.* Don’t worry, we just wanna make sure everything’s cool. That’s all. *She giggles, again.*

*After grabbing a decent amount of holy water in a bucket, Trix is in position above the doorway through an open window.*

Trix (psychic link): Ready!

Me (to the “man” outside):  Fine, lemme undo the lock.  *Psychic link*  “Do it.”

*Trix giggles as she dumps the bucket of water onto the apprentice, nailing her target.*

*He lets out a scream of surprise and pain.  The young man’s form crumples and falls to the ground.  A shadowy figure seeps out of his body and reforms, reeling from the dose of holy water.  I quickly exit the Sanctum, shutting the door behind me, and open an interdimensional portal.  Then, I concentrate to use my spiritual abilities and grab the Khat by the scruff of its neck before hurling it through the portal.*  

Me:  …and stay out!  *I close the portal and check on the apprentice.  He’s alive.  Just unconscious.  I levitate him horizontally and take him into the Sanctum so he can rest on the couch while recovering.*

*Trix closes the window and secures it before portaling downstairs.*

Trix: So it worked?

*I smirk.*

Me:  One down, four to go.

Trix: I kinda used up the holy water here so unless we make or find more, we’re going to have to get creative.

Prettywitch: Oh, well in that case… *She summons a crucifix and fills a giant bowl with water, then she uses the cross to bless it.* There! That should suffice! *She turns and smiles at her friends.*

Me:  Sweet.  So, onward?  I doubt the others will just line up to come in here.

Trix: Unfortunately that would be too easy. Are we splitting up if we each take holy water with us? Or should we stay together?

Me:  Knowing how it goes, we should probably stick together.  If there were still 4 of us, I’d say stay in pairs, but split up.  Alone, though.  Probably not the best idea against four demons.  Especially if THEY don’t split up.

Trix (shrugging): Fair enough. I’ll be support class as per usual so either one of you lead the way.

Prettywitch: I’ll check and see if some of them are nearby. *She pulls her decks out, cleanses, shuffles and pulls three cards; The Devil, Four of Wands & Ten of Wands.* Okay, this spread is saying if we wanna find the next Khat, we just have to learn our mistakes from the past, otherwise we’ll repeat them.

Me:  Hm.  So, which mistakes will we need to approach for this?  *I think for a moment.*

Trix: Thinking it will be relatively easy? Not layering ourselves in protection spells? Because while Wong hasn’t said anything to us yet, I think he glares a bit every time we go somewhere and don’t immediately put on protection spells for a mission or something like that.

Prettywitch: That’s not a bad idea.

Me:  Makes sense.  Also, staying aware of our surroundings.  We’ve been ambushed countless times.  We need to watch each other’s backs to be sure.  

Trix: Mental traps are absolutely going to be used, don’t fall for them. *She shudders, thinking of the room in the depths of Kamar-Taj and Agatha.*

Me:  All right.  Let’s put on some protection spells and begin the hunt.  *I cast a protection spell on myself.*

*Trix casts a physical and mental protection spell…just to be safe. She may be paranoid about it now but after everything, it’s paid off by now.*

*Prettywitch snaps her fingers and casts the same, pink psychic shield around her form from their last mission.*

Trix (sheepishly): So…anyone know how to get around here? I’ve been to New York once and it was in our world and Manhattan.

Me:  Unfortunately not.  I had to switch planes at JFK while on a trip to DC once, but that’s about it.

Prettywitch: Sorry; I’ve been to New York once and that was in 2005. Hell, I’m pretty sure we didn’t go anywhere near the village, to be honest.

Me (facepalming):  Wait, what are we doing?  We have Starkphones!  Lemme just pull up a map.  *I pull out my phone and look up a map of Greenwich Village.*

Trix: Oh shit. I forgot about those… I was going to suggest a magic map or something.

Me (looking at the map):  Let’s do a grid-style search emanating from the Sanctum in a zig-zag between the main and side roads.  It’s a bit of an old-school search approach, but it covers all bases.  Sound logical?

Prettywitch: Hell yeah!

Trix: Yup!

*We head out and begin the search throughout Greenwich Village.  So far, not much luck.  Also, now my legs are starting to hurt.*

Trix (frowning): We aren’t getting too far this way, but I think I have an idea. Wong and Stephen wouldn’t likely be happy with me though.

Me:  What is it?

Trix: Remember our animal forms? Wong was talking about how we likely still have the ability to shift into those particular animals due to the nature of the magic that happened…so I could shift into a raven to scout from above. If we keep up a telepathic link then that would make this easier.

Me:  Hmm…Seeing as Khats can’t fly, that would be a decent way to spot them without being taken out.  Though how long do you think you can keep it up without going feral?

Trix (shrugging): 30 minutes tops? I dunno, this is the first time I’d be consciously trying it but if we have the link up you’d be able to tell. *She turns to PrettyWitch* Cards have anything to say about it or the situation?

Prettywitch: Let me see…*After performing her ritual, she pulls out the Ten of Pentacles.* I’d say yes.

Trix: Okay, I’ll just be careful. I’m not gonna animorphs it by accident…knock on wood. *She concentrates for a minute before suddenly in a burst of feathers, a raven is standing on the ground where Trix once was.* 

Trix (through the psychic link): Is this working?

Me (psychic link):  Yes.  Be careful and head down the second you feel anything “off”, got it?

*Trix bobs her head and with a caw and a bit of initial struggle, she takes flight. After getting high enough, she does a few circles around the nearby streets. It takes a couple minutes before she sees two people dressed in robes being weird in an alley.*

Trix (psychic link): I think I have something. Two blocks southwest of you guys in an alley. *She lands on a fire escape above them, acting in character and trying not to reveal herself as anything but a bird.*

*I nod at Prettywitch and we head towards the alley.  Meanwhile, the two people in the alley don’t seem to notice Trix at first.  Then, one of them makes an odd sniffing noise and looks in her direction.*

*Trix is holding something shiny in her beak, something she picked up along the way. It’s a bit magical, but hopefully it makes them think it’s what caught the Khat’s attention. And it’s soooo shiny and tempting…*

*I see a tiny glint of shiny material and look, noticing Trix.  Then, I listen quietly to hear shuffling in the alley.  My eyesight isn’t great either and never has been, but I do detect movement.  My hearing is very acute.  So, I can clearly hear that someone is there.  I gesture to Prettywitch to scan the area to confirm it’s our target.*

Prettywitch: *She closes her eyes and thinks about Khat. Almost immediately, she zeros in on his presence.* You’re right on target, Trix. *She communicates this telepathically.*

Trix (psychic link): Awesome! Oh hey, did you know there’s a bunch of magic coins on the different roofs around here? Was there an explosion or something? I keep wanting to collect them… *She pauses* Khats first. Focus…

Me (psychic link):  Good work, guys!  Okay, Trix.  You should come back to us and change back.  If we need more recon later, we’ll let you know.

*Trix is a bit hesitant because just the feeling of flying is so nice but after a few moments of hesitation, she lets out a caw and flies back to the group and changes back into her human form. The coin is in her hand and she’s studying it closely.*

Trix: What is this thing from? *She’s absolutely a bit scatterbrained but that seems to be the only lingering effect.*

Me:  We’ll worry about that later.  

*We hear an angry hiss from the alley.  They’ve spotted us.*

*Trix immediately snaps to attention and tucks the coin in her robes but is ready to fight if need be.*

*The possessed apprentices split ways and each charge us from different directions.  One of them appears to be concentrating on something while making direct eye contact with Prettywitch.  The other is in a standoff with me.  I’m watching them carefully.  They seem to be waiting for something.  In the meantime, the first one is mounting a psychic assault, attempting to probe Prettywitch’s mind.*

*Prettywitch senses this and tries to calm her mind, but she’s too late as the creature probes her mind.*

*It proceeds to psychically attack her.  Smoothly transitioning, Prettywitch sees Trix and me turn to her.  I have an exasperated look.*  

“Me”:  Really?  It was THAT easy for them?  Why did you even come along if you were gonna keep screwing up?

“Trix”:  Honestly, dealing with your hangups is such a pain in the ass.

Prettywitch: *She shudders.* No…No, this isn’t real. *She tries convincing herself of this, but while she knows that, intellectually, Khat has broken through her defenses, emotionally she can’t help it. She’s terrified of failing, of things changing, no matter how small or insignificant they may be.*

*Outside of Prettywitch’s mind, I see her beginning to have a panic attack and know what’s happening.  However, now I have to choose between going to protect her and leaving Trix and myself open to attack from the other Khat or letting Prettywitch deal with this psychic assault and going for the offensive against the second demon.  As I look at Trix, I see what appears to be her body already lying on the ground broken.  My heart practically stops as tears begin to well up in my eyes…Until I do notice one thing slightly “off”.  Her spirit isn’t there.  Although I know she could have moved on, I opt to convince myself that this is an illusion and charge the possessed apprentice attacking Prettywitch with an angry roar, praying that Trix will hold her own against the other one.*

*Trix glances at Prettywitch and Steward for a moment before turning to face the other Khat.*

Trix: God, why is everything a mental attack? I do that to myself on a daily basis anyway, I don’t need help. *She summons a blade made out of crystal and darts forward.*

*The second possessed apprentice casts a spell to turn the ground beneath Trix into a veritable treadmill, moving backwards as she charges forward.  Meanwhile, I’ve tackled the first apprentice to the ground, breaking the first Khat’s concentration on its assault on Prettywitch’s mind.*

Prettywitch: *She gasps and, realizing her mind is calm again, sighs in relief.* Thank Christ…

*Meanwhile, the hood of the possessed apprentice I tackled has fallen down, revealing a man.  He snarls and kicks me in the stomach and I reel back from getting the wind knocked out of me.*

Me (breathless):  OOF!

*Meanwhile, Trix slams her sword down into the ‘treadmill’ and launches herself up, surprising even herself. She pulls out her small batch of holy water and attempts to throw it in the apprentice’s face.*

*The possessed apprentice ducks, dodging the water.  Though their hood falls over from the speed of movement, revealing a young woman.  She utters a curse and then casts the Bolts of Bedevilment at Trix in retaliation.*

*Prettywitch gets in front of Trix and places a giant, pink shield up in front, stopping the blast. Then, she proceeds to whip out the cross, again.* 

Prettywitch: By the power of the blood! By the holy name of Jesus! I command the demon known as Khat to stop afflicting these two souls! Go to the foot of the cross to receive your sentence!

*The two apprentices hiss in pain, stunned, but quickly recover.  They sneer at her and soon both of them begin to circle Prettywitch and Trix.*

Possessed Woman:  Fool!  Your belief is incomplete.  How can you hope to save anyone if you have no faith in yourself?  *She laughs mockingly.*  Look!  Your friend has abandoned both of you to our mercy!  *I’ve opened a portal back to the Sanctum and stormed out through it.  The shower of sparks closes behind me.*

Trix (snarling): I believe that you’re a total bitch.

Possessed Man:  Mmmm…Yes.  More negativity.  Please continue to feed us.~  *He has a predatory look.*

*Trix pauses before turning back to PrettyWitch.*

Trix: Hey, they’ve got a point. I mean, why not just insult them for a while until they get bored?

Prettywitch: What!?

Trix (shrugging): I mean, why not? If we keep them busy here then that keeps them from running around.

Possessed Woman:  Wait, wha-

*An inky-blue portal opens in the alley and my astral form emerges from it, flying at the nearest possessed apprentice.  The woman squawks in surprise before grinning.*

Possessed Woman:  Really?  As if you couldn’t be MORE useless, you choose your weaker form!  

*She laughs, only for a second, before my astral form punches her square in the chest, sending the Khat within flying out.  The possessed man is stunned for a second before conjuring twin broadswords and charging full-force at Trix and Prettywitch, meaning to end the fight more quickly.*

Possessed Man (snarling as he charges):  That’s it!  No more playing with our food!  

Prettywitch: Yeah?...Well, your mother sucks cocks in hell!

Trix: His mother is so fat that hell sank down a few extra levels when she got sent there.

*In the meantime, the disembodied Khat has its claws out and proceeds to attempt to slash at my astral form.  I end up retreating through the alley wall because I need a moment to conjure my weapon.  The Khat attempts to follow to deny me the time.*

Prettywitch: *She sees the Khat attacking Steward and points the cross its way.* The power of Christ compels you to be gone, thot!

*The disembodied Khat turns to Prettywitch, annoyed, and goes to swat the crucifix out of her hand.  As this is happening, the possessed man shatters the shield and grabs Trix by the throat and starts to squeeze.  In the seconds that the Khats are distracted, I’ve conjured my weapons and re-emerge.*

Me (growling):  This is your last chance to back down.  Leave this dimension.  Now.  *I hold my rapier and dagger at the ready, a silent promise of potentially deadly harm.  My voice is calm and low.*

*Prettywitch decides to trust Steward and goes to help Trix. She creates a giant scythe that interferes with the demon possessing a body and slashes. It’s enough to get the possessed student off Trix. She quickly places a protective barrier around them and pats Trix’s back while she coughs and sputters as she’s pulled into a panic attack.*

*The second Khat decides that enough is enough and leaves the man’s body so it can gang up on me with its “friend”.  They face me.*

Khat 1:  Bold of you to challenge two demons to a fight.

Khat 2:  Or perhaps you’re simply as stupid as you look.

Me (curled lip):  Heh.  Weak.  Both of you.  Piss off to your world and maybe we’ll forget this little incident.  *I seem to be snarking with my words, but my eyes are cold and my tone as dangerous as before.*

*The first one proceeds to grow to the size of a large panther and leaps with alarming speed towards me.  I barely have time to duck.  Meanwhile, the second one attempts to flank me.  I stick out my dagger and they back off at the last second to avoid being impaled.*

Me (calling out to one of you):  Open a portal to banish them!  *I’m still going to try at least one more time to force them through, attempting to emulate Stephen’s own respect towards sentient life.*

Prettywitch: *Nods. She stands up and holds the cross up, again.* By the power of the blood! By the holy name of Jesus! I command the demon Khat to stop afflicting this world! Go to the foot of the cross to receive your sentence! Now be gone!!!

*At this point, they’re ignoring Prettywitch and focused on me.  I cast the Shield of the Seraphim around myself and open the portal while the Khats proceed to assault the shield in an attempt to get at me.  Once the portal is open, I allow the shield to dissipate.  One of the Khats falls over, but regains its footing quickly.  The other leapt away in time and both continue to rush me.  I end up having to defend myself on both sides.  They’re trying to wear me down.  In a desperate move, I cast the Mystic Mists of Munnopor, obscuring the entire alley.*

Trix (disoriented and croaking): Fuck this. *She flicks a spell into the mist, tagging the Khats with a glowing rune each on their chest so Steward knows where to target.*

*There’s a dull thud and one rune disappears after a few seconds.  Then, a yelp of pain from me before a yowl from the remaining Khat.  Then, that rune disappears as well.  I then cast the Winds of Watoomb to clear the mist.  After that, I close the portal, admittedly looking a bit more disheveled than before.*

Me (in astral form):  Two more down…2 to go.  Let’s portal these two apprentices into the Sanctum with their friend.  *I look exhausted.*  You two okay?

Prettywitch: Yeah…Yeah, I’m okay. Trix?

*Trix tries to speak but can only croak.*

Trix (psychic link): Asshole strangled me so guess who’s going to get a lecture from Stephen and Wong tonight. *She rolls her eyes.* I can still do stuff but I’m pretty exhausted.

Me (concerned):  Great…Let’s try and find the last two quickly.  I’m just gonna stay in astral form since it’s easier to grapple with these guys this way.  Though somehow, having my hair yanked still hurts even in the astral plane.  *I scowl back towards where the Khats were for a second in irritation before softening my expression as I look back at my friends.*  You don’t have to do recon, Trix.  We’ll figure something else out.

Trix (annoyed but in psychic link): I can still help and at this point I’m not letting these assholes win…I also don’t want to go back to Stephen quite yet. It’s bad enough Loki might come lurking around soon. I want to help. *She conjures one of her crystalline butterflies* Hopefully this works. *She releases it.*

*I nod at Trix and we watch the butterfly as it begins to track down the next Khat.  Then, I turn to Prettywitch.*

Me:  Hey, you sure you’re okay?  I saw that the last demon we dealt with gave you a really hard time.

Prettywitch: What? Oh…yeah, that…I don’t know, I think that Khat probing my mind made me doubt myself. It just…it made me feel awful, like I couldn’t do anything.

Me (gently):  Look, we all know what demons do…They bring out the absolute worst in anyone they target.  Their whole deal is that they find any insecurity, fear, or flaw in a person and then they pick at it until that person snaps.  You know the saying that “you are your own toughest critic”?  They basically magnify that and force you to look at it.  It’s like looking in one of those funhouse mirrors where various parts of you are exaggerated and made way bigger or smaller than they really are.  What I’m trying to say is that despite what they were manipulating you into thinking of yourself, they’re wrong.  I mean, look at you…Look at how far you’ve come.  How far we’ve all come.  We were all just some Marvel nerds with no powers just living our boring everyday lives only around a year ago.  Now, the three of us have survived multiple attempted apocalypses, hostage situations, monster attacks, and training sessions from Hell.  You’ve made it this far and can do so much more than before.  So, I don’t know about you, but I think that’s something, right?  *I give Prettywitch a smile.*

Trix (psychic link): And we’re also still marvel nerds. *She grins.*

Prettywitch: *At first she doesn’t know what to say, she’s speechless. But she takes a moment to consider Steward’s words and nods. She wipes the tears from her eyes.* No. No, you’re right. *She smiles.* Thank you.

*I give her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.  Despite being in my astral form, I did a bit of telekinetic manipulation to make it feel like I actually patted her.*

Me:  Sure, you have insecurities, but we all do.  That’s why we work together and help each other.  We’re all works in progress with our own sets of issues.  So, if you ever start feeling badly again, just remember that you aren’t alone in this.  Okay?  We’re in this together.

Prettywitch: I know. *She wipes her tears away.* Thank you. Now let’s go kick some Khat ass!

*Trix flails a bit in excitement and enthusiasm before she gets a bit exhausted. In the meantime, her butterfly has returned and is circling so it can lead us to what it found.*

Me:  All right.  Where’s asshole number 4?  *I watch the butterfly.*

Trix (psychic link): I…may need a little help. *She looks over at Prettywitch* Just make sure I don’t fall over please! *She summons two crystal crutches to hobble with. If they had more time, she would have gone back to the sanctum but they are so close to finishing this.*

Prettywitch: Okay…?

*I raise an eyebrow at the butterfly after figuring it out.*

Me:  Well, that’s convenient…Looks like we’re headed back to the Sanctum after all.

Trix (psychic link): Let’s speed this up then. *She opens a portal about a half a block from the Sanctum and wobbles through. She’s running on fumes but refuses to stop and take a break.*

*I watch her quietly, aware of her fatigue.  However, I don’t say anything seeing as we’re almost done and can team up on these demons with numbers at this point.  We pass through the portal and I start scanning for the 4th and 5th Khats.  There’s a figure standing in front of the Sanctum, corrupted red mandalas issuing forth from their hands.  The wards on the Sanctum have begun to glow in warning.*

Prettywitch: *She steps forward.* Khats, you’re trespassing in our mentor’s Sanctum and in his city, and we cannot forgive nor condone those actions. *She forms a cross again and creates a bucket of holy water she splashes onto the figure. Then she holds up the cross as if it were a wand in a magical girl anime.* By the power of the blood! By the holy name of Jesus! I command the demon Khat to stop afflicting this world! Go to the foot of the cross to receive your sentence! Be gone, motherfuckers!!!

*The remaining possessed apprentice lets out an animalistic screech as they collapse, the Khat emerging from within, stunned.  I open a portal and hurl it back to its home dimension before it has a chance to recover.  Now, the question is…Where is the 5th one?  Prettywitch feels a burning sensation enter her person.  There’s a feeling of her mind being squashed down, as though being crushed deeper into her body.  It’s getting hard to breathe and she feels her grip on consciousness begin to slip.*

Me (roaring furiously when I see what’s happening):  KHAT!

Trix (in horror): PRETTYWITCH!

*I fly swiftly over to Prettywitch’s still-standing, twitching body and reach into her since I’m still in my astral form.*

Me (low, growl):  Prettywitch, stay grounded.  Now.

*Prettywitch nods and grounds herself as best she can.*

*After the warning, I yank.  Hard.  The last Khat is forcibly pulled out of her and it grabs onto my arm, digging its claws into me in retaliation.  I cringe and jerk forward, going with the grain of the claws to loosen the Khat’s grip and headbutt it in the snout.  Yowling, the demon is knocked off.  It recovers quickly and lunges for my throat, snarling.  I hold up the dagger that I had conjured earlier and almost jam it into the Khat’s open mouth, but it manages to move slightly away at the last millisecond so I only slice part of its ear off.  The fight is quickly getting more vicious.  It attempts to go after Trix since she’s vulnerable.*

*Trix yelps painfully as she tries to dodge but throws up a hastily constructed spirit shield that she learned from the Mansion’s library. Luckily it holds enough to keep the Khat from getting in.*

Me (hissing):  Oh no, you don’t!  

*I cast the Images of Ikkon and proceed to gang up on the Khat, each image attacking.  The Khat counters, slashing the approaching illusions as they come in a chaotic mob.  While it’s occupied with that, I come through one of the images at full speed and kick the final Khat as hard as I can in the center of its torso, forcing it through the portal.  I close it quickly and slowly drift down to the ground, exhausted and with the arm of my astral form leaking a sort of ichor.*

Prettywitch: *She gets on her knees and puts a hand on Steward’s back.* Hey. Are you okay?

*It passes through since I’m still in astral form.  Despite my huffing and puffing, I look at her and give a thumbs-up.  After a minute, I take several slow, deep breaths.  Though it’s probably a force of habit seeing as I don’t exactly have lungs in this form.  Still, I slowly calm down.*

Me (flatly):  I’m sorry you both had to see that…I lost my temper.

Prettywitch: Please! You should see my mom when she’s angry…But it was definitely a bit alarming seeing you so angry.

Trix (psychic link): Honestly, it was worth it so no worries from me. *She’s wheezing heavily and drops the shield.*

Me (quietly):  …You’re my friends.  Nobody hurts my loved ones and gets away with it.

*Prettywitch gives her a big smile before trapping her in a big bear hug.*

*She passes through me.  I’m amused.*

Me:  I’ll get back in my body.  Then, hug time…Though admittedly, I don’t know how THIS is getting fixed.  *I hold up my slashed arm.  Now that the rush of the fight is wearing off, I’m starting to feel the pain.  Though it’s definitely different from physical pain since I’m still in astral form.  There’s clearly damage present, but it’s…abstract?*

*Stephen has sensed that the Khats have been sent away and opens the Sanctum door to let us in.  He notices all of us in varying states of exhaustion and injury.  So, he quickly ushers us in and levitates the final apprentice inside so they can recover.  The others are still unconscious, but will be okay.  Now, Stephen is back in “doctor mode” and begins to fuss over us.*

Clea: *She enters the room.* How is everything?

Prettywitch: Fine. You should see him, though. *She’s gesturing at Stephen.* He hasn’t stopped, he’s running around like a mama hen.

Clea: *Giggles.* That’s so cute!

Prettywitch: I know! *Giggles.*

*Stephen has Trix resting on a bed and is checking her injuries.  Meanwhile, I’m floating in my astral form over my body.  He hasn’t allowed me back in yet because he needs to fix my spirit’s arm first.*

Stephen (fussing at us):  You nearly ran yourselves completely ragged doing all of this in one go.  You could have taken a break.  The wards would have held.  A spell from an apprentice or two is not sufficient to break through, which is why I did not rush you in the mission.  Honestly, you three are devoted, which is admirable, but you’ve got a self-destructive streak a mile wide…Please, don’t move.  Let me see.  *He’s working hard to heal Trix properly.*

Prettywitch: Oh you’re one to talk, Mr. - *She sees Clea shaking her head, telling her not to say anything. She opts for something nicer to say.* I mean, you’re right, Stephen. We should’ve considered that. *She looks back at Clea who gives her a reassuring smile and nod.* 

Trix (finally able to speak softly): Sorry, we’re a bit gung-ho about things. It didn’t really occur to us it wasn’t an emergency mission because everything we’ve been going after has been a ‘big deal’. *She’s a bit sheepish.*

*Stephen nods at Prettywitch in distracted acknowledgement and does a final check on Trix before moving onto me, looking over my astral form’s injuries.  He sighs in relief.*

Stephen:  This isn’t as bad as it looks.  Astral forms can be weakened or destroyed, but not physically damaged.  This is merely an energy wound.  You’ll have to rest more and no projecting until your spirit recovers, but otherwise, you’ll be okay.  Go ahead into your body, Steward.  I just had to check and make sure that the Khat didn’t somehow taint or corrupt this wound before letting you rest.

*I nod and sink back into my body, letting out an involuntary shudder as it regains consciousness.*

Me:  Thanks, Stephen.

Prettywitch: *Staring admirably.* He really is a sweetie.

Clea: Sweetie?

Prettywitch: Oh! I’ll explain later.

*He goes to check on Prettywitch to be absolutely sure that she’s okay.*

Stephen:  How are you feeling, Prettywitch?  Your eyes are a bit red.  

Prettywitch: Oh, I’m alright. I nearly got possessed and had my mind probed, but other than that I’m alright. I think I’m just still shook up, that’s all.

*He looks her over carefully before taking a step back.*

Stephen (cautious):  Okay, but I’m keeping you three here overnight for observation.  Just to be sure.

Trix: Of course. *She smiles.* 

Prettywitch: You got it!

Me:  Will do.  Thanks again for taking care of us.

*He relaxes slightly at our words.*

Stephen:  You’re always welcome, girls.  *He gives us a warm smile.*

*Thankfully, our night in the New York Sanctum passes uneventfully.  We head back to Kamar-Taj in the morning when Stephen is satisfied that we’re all okay.  Over the next few days, we finish up with sorting the books from the Haunted Mansion.  One night, I end up having a particularly bad nightmare, flashing back to my past.  I relive some very painful memories, losing some loved ones and roaming the state while homeless and hungry.  At around 2 am, I wake up to tears running down my face and a deep sense of dread.  Now, I’m worried about my friends.  After all of the danger we’ve gotten used to facing, are they really unharmed?  Are they sleeping safely and peacefully?  What if they aren’t?  What if one of them is hurt or sick?  The anxious thoughts keep coming and I get up quietly.  Since it has been a few days, I’ve recovered enough to project again.  So, I silently sit down on the floor of my room and astral-project myself, phasing through the walls to check on Trix and Prettywitch.  When I see that they’re safe and asleep, I calm down slightly.  A thought passes, worrying about Stephen, but seeing as he’s with Clea, I don’t exactly want to float in on them in case they’re having an intimate moment.  So, I go back into my body.  There’s still enough lingering anxiety and stress from the dream that I’m wide awake.  After a few minutes of attempting to meditate and calm myself, I grow agitated and exit my room, silently changing into my robes.  I cast the night-vision spell so I can move about without bothering anyone.  Then, while wandering the temple, I see the charity packages that the Order has set to deliver later in the morning.  Remembering how it felt to be poor, I’m moved and decide to deliver them early.  I leave a note to indicate that they’ve been put in their proper places and go off to deliver them.  On my way back, I see an older man lying on the street.  It’s a cold night.  So, I gently nudge him awake and offer him a hot meal from a local cafe.  I pay for his food and while he’s eating, I subtly summon a spare blanket from my old house.  When he’s finished eating, I give it to him and bid him a good night, hoping that he’ll be able to stay warm for a while.  Still having a bit of energy left, I stop by a convenience store and buy some cans of vegetables, packages of soup, bags of rice, and some candy bars.  While I wander, I drop off a few small care packages of my own from the supplies on some doorsteps of various shacks so the families within can eat and have a little bit of comfort for the week.  My heart is still heavy, knowing how difficult these situations can be.  It’s tough just trying to survive and privately I wish I could do more.  Helping people onto their feet is a difficult endeavor because the simple act of surviving takes a lot of energy.  So, they often don’t have enough energy left of themselves to add their own advancement to the mix.  Not to mention the societal difficulties of attempting to get a job and move forward.  When you’re poor, you’re often invisible or outright dehumanized.  Not only that, but there are so many people out there struggling that it would break anyone trying to help all of them alone.  That and many people who ARE comfortable at the moment are living within 2 paychecks away from becoming destitute.  So, they’re racing to keep themselves afloat too.  I’m well-aware of all of this and have to put my thoughts at peace, knowing that I’m doing the best I can given my own position.  So, I head back to Kamar-Taj.  After a minute of thought and one last astral check on my friends, I decide to rest outside in the hall, between their doors so I can at least hear if something is wrong.  I simply couldn’t rest properly with the thoughts going through my head tonight.  However, sleep does eventually come.  I’m still slumped against the wall between Trix and Prettywitch’s doors in the morning.*

*Prettywitch opens the door and lets out a big yawn when she notices something slumped against the door.*

Prettywitch: Steward?

*I stir and look blearily at Prettywitch.*

Me (tired):  Hey…

Prettywitch: Have you been here all night?

Me:  …Not all night.  I ran a few errands.  That’s all.

Prettywitch: *She pouts.* Okay, let’s get you up. *She yanks Steward up by the arm.* You’re gonna lie down and get some more shut-eye, is that understood?

*I grunt a bit in pain, my joints having stiffened rather badly from roaming around in the cold and sleeping on the floor.*

Me (tired, but knowing how bad my insomnia can get):  No, no.  I’m awake at this point.  If I sleep during the day, I won’t sleep at night.  Better for me to just force my way through the day and pass out tonight.

Prettywitch: *Sighs* Okay then, let’s get you some coffee. *She practically drags Steward down the grand staircase of the temple to the kitchen.*

*I give a grunt of thanks when I receive the coffee and practically hang over the cup, as though wanting to envelop and absorb it in its entirety.*

*Trix yawns as she wanders into the kitchen, already in her robes.*

Trix: Morning! *She takes a closer look at Steward.* Hey, what’s wrong?

Me (tiredly):  Just a rough night.  Nothing to worry about.

*Trix looks concerned but decides not to say anything if PrettyWitch has likely already asked about it.*

Prettywitch: Yeah, she says that now. What she needs is some caffeine. *She offers Steward something.* Biscotti?

Me (grateful):  Thank you.  *I accept a couple of pieces and sigh*  It was just another one of those nights.  You know the kind where I get all nervous and have to check on everyone to calm down.  *I shrug resignedly.*

Trix: Yeah, it makes sense. I’m sorry you’re having those dreams.

Prettywitch: No, I understand. Those can be rough.

*Clea enters the kitchen, yawning.*

Clea: Good morning, girls. *She notices something’s off.* Why the long faces?

Me:  It’s nothing.  Just got a bit jumpy last night and wanted to check on everyone.  Didn’t come knocking on you and Stephen’s door because I wanted to respect you guys’ privacy, but I checked on everyone else as best I could.  *I’m sheepish.*  After that, I couldn’t sleep and ran some errands instead.

Clea: *Sits down.* Well you should have. Why spend the night moping when, instead, you could have talked with someone?

Prettywitch: Yeah, but you two go at it like…*She stops herself.* I mean, she’s right, you deserve to have privacy.

Clea: Privacy, shmivacy! What’s important is that you feel safe and secure, believe me. And I’m sure Stephen would say the same if he were here, right now.

Prettywitch: *She thinks this over for a second or two.* Knowing Mother Hen? Yeah.

Me:  It’s not really my safety that I worry about usually.  I get worried about everyone else.  Like, if I let my guard down too much or for too long, something bad might happen and I’ll lose you guys too.  Sometimes, in my dreams, I do…*I look grim.*

*Trix scoots closer to Steward, trying to provide a bit more comfort that she’s nearby and okay.*

*I silently show appreciation for the gesture.*

Clea: I know what that feels like. Some nights, I see my visions of all my loved ones dying. Then I wake up and that nightmare persists in my head. But then I look at Stephen’s face lying next to me and I realize all I can do is endure. Because he’s here with me, him and all our friends. That’s what really matters.

Me:  That’s why I check on everyone.  Reassurance.  

Clea: *She smiles at Steward.* I know. You’ll be fine, Steward. Trust me. We sorcerers aren’t so easy to kill, you know? *She checks to make sure Steward didn't take offense at her attempt at lightening the mood.*

*I curl my lip slightly and let out a half-hearted chuckle.*

Me:  That aside, what’s on today’s agenda?

Clea: Oh right! Stephen and I were discussing that before I came here.

Prettywitch: You guys run outta cream or something?

Clea: I prefer the blend Hamir makes here.

Prettywitch: *She smirks.* Fair enough.

*Stephen walks in and looks at us.*

Stephen:  I see that this has been an…interesting breakfast.  Dare I ask?

Trix (shrugging): Girl breakfast.

Clea: Sorry, Stephen. I got distracted.

Stephen:  That’s quite all right, Clea.  I was thinking about sending each of you girls on solo missions starting today.  Judging by Steward’s appearance, I think it’ll be safer to send either Trix or Prettywitch out today.  The other two will stay behind, but can be back-up if needed.  Beyond that, they can continue to study and do some maintenance.  It’s time they got used to performing routine maintenance on magical grounds, relics, and architecture.  

Prettywitch: I can do it! I could use some fresh air.

Stephen:  Very well.  Your first mission will be recon in your home universe.  New York City so that we can all get our bearings.  *He’s also lowkey curious about how our version of New York looks like.*  Scan for any irregular magical signatures and if there’s anything suspicious, report it and we’ll move forward from there.  Understood?

Prettywitch: You got it!

Clea: Would you mind if I accompany her, Stephen? I’m curious to see the New York of this world, myself.

*Stephen thinks for a moment.*

Stephen:  Okay, but I must ask that you do not intervene unless absolutely necessary.  The girls need to start to be able to handle themselves on missions.  *He seems slightly detached with us lately.*

Clea: Of course not, my love. I have faith in them just as you do.

*He nods, being professional.*

Stephen:  Good.  Off you two go, then.  Be safe, please.

Prettywitch: We will. *She pecks him on the cheek.* See ya later, Stephen!

Clea: *She pouts and walks over to Stephen.* Goodbye for now, beloved. *She gives him a peck on the lips.*

*Stephen is doing his best to keep a straight face with Prettywitch, but subtly leans into Clea’s kiss.*

Clea: You wanna go out for dinner later?

Stephen:  That would be nice.  *He’s stiff, as though trying to repress something.*

Clea: *Giggles.* You know you can be affectionate with me. But I do like watching you strut about like you own the place. *She gives him a flirty smile.* 

*He smiles back at Clea gently.*

Trix (still sleepy): I should probably go check in with Wong. He’s had a weird look in his eyes since I brought back the ghost library and I think he isn’t sleeping either but will never admit he’s addicted.

Stephen (concerned):  Yes, please check on Wong and make him go to bed if that is the case.  *He looks at me.*  …and you should go rest, but knowing how stubborn you are, you may clean the main relic room until you are tired enough to sleep.  Then, go to bed.  Doctor’s orders this time.  *He’s firm.*

Trix (grinning): On the Sorcerer Supreme’s orders then…. *She gives a small salute and begins to leave. Before she does so, she places a hand on Steward’s shoulder in comfort before leaving.*

*I gently pat her hand on my shoulder in response to indicate a silent “thank you”.*

Me (meekly):  Yes, Sir.

*We head to our respective areas.  Stephen sends Prettywitch and Clea on their way to our home universe, now called Earth-333.  Something occurs to me and I remember our promise to Broken Stephen earlier.*

Me (psychic communication to Broken Stephen):  We’re officially starting to perform missions in our home universe.  Not there to stay quite yet, but getting our bearings.  Just wanted to fulfill our promise to let you know.

Broken Stephen (psychic communication to Steward): Really!? That’s great! I’m so proud of you guys! Thank you.

Me (psychic communication):  You’re welcome.  How are things on your end?  *I’m checking on him to make sure that he’s adjusting well.*

Broken Stephen (psychic communication): I’m…doing okay. *He smiles.* It’s taken some time but I’ve talked to my friends and they’ve been pretty understanding. Tony’s still pissed, but I’m sure he’ll come around eventually.

Me (psychic connection):  All right.  Well, at least things seem to be transitioning relatively smoothly.  I’m happy for you.  Okay, now I have to go do some maintenance on the main relic room at Kamar-Taj.  So, will talk later.  Be safe, please!

Broken Stephen (psychic connection): I will. Talk to you later.

*Meanwhile, Prettywitch and Clea arrive in Earth-333’s New York City.  Home universe, sweet home universe for us.  With the introduction of magic to our world, only a Seer could tell what may pop up.*

***To be continued***