#Not a starter

[heart-of-roses-and-quartz]

Feelings? Ew.

Shilou tries to run from his feelings.

His feelings catch up.

It all started the day after he'd met Aventurine.

He wasn't even sure of how it all started; he injected himself into a conversation about cat cakes and asked him to keep them away from him—damn his allergies—to which Aventurine apologized for.

'Why is he apologizing to me?'

Within the next few days, Aventurine found his way to his office and gifted him a cat cake plush, decorated to look exactly like him.

He took care not to snag any part of it on his joints as he examined it, his eyes welling with-

'What? Why am I...'

And after that day, Aventurine found any opportunity he could to be around him.

"Mr. Rose Quartz! There you are~"

"Rose Quartz, good to see you~"

"Good morning, Rosie~"

At first, he took it in stride. It was only silly nicknames, possibly infatuation with his robotic limbs—he was more than used to that—so he thought nothing of it.

Until he started inviting him out.

It started small. Inviting him out to dinner, to go to the casino just for fun, to hang out together while on a mission, "Just for a little while! You've gotta learn to relax, Rosie~"

He was wary. Of course he was, Aventurine was his superior, why wouldn't he be wary?

Was he trying to get under his skin?

Trying to butter him up?

So he could use him and then discard him?

He tried to keep his distance, he really did.

But those eyes of his...

And it didn't help that Dr. Ratio accompanied them practically everywhere they went.

He was always there, following close behind Aventurine with a constant displeased look—when he didn't have his bust on—and making small, snide remarks every so often towards him.

He didn't like him at first.

But as more time passed, more days he dragged himself along on their adventures, Ratio grew on him.

The way his eyes softened when Aventurine did something slightly stupid, the adorable smile that graced his face from time to time, looking at Aventurine.

Oh, and Aventurine...

His eyes practically commanded his attention, drawn to them every time we was around him. They were so unique, so pretty—so unlike his own.

He was so unique, so—

Oh.

Oh no.

He couldn't be.

He blinked, and suddenly realized.

"Am I...catching feelings?"

That wouldn't do.

He began avoiding Aventurine and Ratio like the plague. He almost ran the other way when Aventurine was nearby, refusing to make eye contact with him.

He couldn't risk being pulled into the enchanting siren song of his eyes.

He avoided his messages from Aventurine, didn't pick up any calls, despite his heart hammering in his chest every time he saw Aventurine's contact light up his screen.

He couldn't risk it.

He couldn't risk contact with Ratio, either. He was equally as beautiful as Aventurine, that dammned smile of his captivating him to no end.

This went on for only another week before Aventurine finally cornered him, Ratio not far behind, and started asking questions.

"Rose Quartz, what's the matter? Why have you been ignoring us?"

"Is everything alright?"

"Please, talk to us."

"Rose Quartz?"

"Rosie?"

He kept his head down, not looking at them. He couldn't, he couldn't risk it. If he looked into Aventurine's eyes, saw Ratio's smile, saw them- he'd be done for, he'd—

"Rose," Aventurine spoke softly, calmly, as if he wasn't speaking to Rose Quartz. As if he was speaking to... "Please. Is everything okay?"

He came closer, gently cupping his head in his hands, lifting him up to look at—

He was gone almost immediately.

The second they locked eyes, Shilou's fate was sealed. His face went red, fingers twitching. He wanted to grab onto him, pull him closer and yet push him away, kiss him and yet slap him, hold him close–

"I-I love you," He mumbled almost immediately, not even recognizing his own voice for a moment. "I– I love you. Both of you. And I'm scared."

Aventurine blinked, looking back at Ratio for a moment.

He—for once in his life—looked dumbfounded.

Aventurine looked back at Shilou, tears threatening to spill over—and ruin his makeup, he spent hours fixing it this morning—and gave him a soft smile, rubbing his cheekbones with his thumb.

"Is that all?" He asked, almost amused. "We thought there was something really wrong..."

He stayed silent, trying to will the tears away. He couldn't cry, not only would it ruin his perfect makeup, but he would be crying in front of his superior, it would make him seem weak—

Aventurine pulled him into a hug, and the dam broke.

Carefully, he wrapped his arms around Aventurine's, digging his fingers into his back as he silently cried, mumbling apologies for staining his jacket with his tears.

Aventurine shushed him, only hugging him tighter. He looked back at Ratio and gave a small nod and smile, to which he smiled back and approached, enveloping Shilou in a hug from behind.

It was so warm.

It was the best feeling in the world—which, to him, was confined to just the three of them in that moment—and he reveled in every second of it, despite the tears that stained Aventurine's jacket.

He'd never felt so loved.

And he wanted to keep it that way.

@serendipminie

thought you would wanna see it hehe :33

[menzoberranzanprincess]

By the campfire

Solo piece - Non starter - Just for your enjoyment - Pinned post here

Tags/Warnings: SFW. Slight angst. No sensitive topic warnings apply

Despite the campfire burning out long ago Minthara was still awake and alert. Night brought dangers. Dangers the others seemed to disregard. Withers could watch over the area, but how well could a skeleton defend them? Though she had not yet grown to care for or love her new traveling companions the warden kept awake and watchful. It didn't help that her kind were near nocturnal, more accustomed to the dark than light. She'd been on the surface long enough both her eyes and sleep routine had adjusted, but being alive at night still felt more comfortable.

Lae'zel proved she wasn't alone in her caution, the Githyanki doing her own rounds from time to time. But she still felt odd. Everyone was so peaceful in their cots and tents. Some nursed bottles or wounds from the day, but no one was on edge. No one had a single shred of that self preservation that living in the Underdark had left ingrained in her very genetics.

Minthara couldn't not stalk around out night, her mind wouldn't let her. She couldn't not look at her party peacefully in their beds. She couldn't stop herself peaking in on those who wanted more privacy. Drow eyes were trained for the dark after all, its not like she would disturb them. Even if they found her creeping around what would they say? Chastise her for being cautious? For protecting them in the night from threats unseen? All she would have to do is return to her tent and wait for them to go back to their bed rolls before she could return to her patrolling. What laid under the surface like a slow moving poison was the fear of loss. Of losing yet another thing she had attached herself to. Despite her wanting it, she wasn't resistant nor immune to this poison. It tainted ever aspect of her life as the days progressed. She found herself feeling for these people. Wanting to see them take their next breath. Wanting to protect them and keep them alive. It was horrible, but it was her nature and she couldn't deny or fight it.

They were all trying to survive, just like her. Fighting. They'd given her a chance to fight after she'd already lost, a chance to begin again along side them, be something greater. She couldn't repay them traditionally, so she would do so this way. Stalking through the night from tent to tent. Ensuring their careless nature could remain for just a bit longer.

[goetic-queen-stella]

Moar Stella goodness.

[lady-paarthurnax]

Dragon girls are for snuggling. That's because Kynareth and Mara altered the dragons to have adorable human-like forms.

[dinosaurwithablog]

It's starting.... top of the 3rd and Will Warren is falling apart. As I said, he should be a relief pitcher because he can only throw 1 or 2 innings before he walks a lot of batters or gives them pitches that they can hit. A run just scored. There's only one out. There are men on first and second. Warren just pitched a 3 run homer to Brendan Donovan and cleared the bases. Now he threw a double that was almost a homer. They had a mound visit, but he's still pitching. Get him outta there. Please. He's given away 4 home runs and is struggling to get the last out. No one is warming up in the bullpen. Thank God Verdugo had an amazing throw to home plate just now to get the out or the Cardinals would've scored yet another run. Boone should change the pitcher in the 4th inning, but he's an idiot so I doubt that he will. I really, really wanted to be wrong. I really wanted to have to eat my words, but NOOOOOOO. Will Warren is not ready to be a starter. He's good, but he's not ready. Boone is gonna destroy his confidence if he keeps letting him lose games for the Yankees. It's a shame. He's also gonna lose Juan Soto if he allows pitching to lose games, and he's destroying the morale of the team by letting the bullpen lose game after game after game.... Boone has been making bad decisions for years in regard to the bullpen. It's hard to watch. LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!!

[thatsneakymedic]

[Not a starter, just a hello. We are happy to see you and Kabuto online.] "Marking me is one way to establish your identity. The weekend will disappear before these bites do. No, don't look guilty as if you want to heal them. These marks by you are mine now. I like our bond. I will just have to man spread when I sit on the throne." He loves Kabuto, even his bites.

@uchihacollector

(:D Aaaahhh, Lady! It's nice to see you around here!)

His cheeks turn red and he slightly looks away as he starts to put on his clothes, feeling like as if he was a puppy that had chewed on something that he wasn't supposed to chew on, even though Orochimaru was perfectly fine with it and even thought that it was cute! Not that Orochimaru was any better considering all of the subtle marks he left on him as well that weren't on his neck and shoulders, and the not so subtle scratches on his back as well.

While he wasn't as "skilled" as Orochimaru was when it comes to oral sex, he did have his own unique ways of doing while also wanting to leave something behind for them to "remember" from that night. Though it unfortunately lets him get carried away when he gets too excited and when he wants to hear his partner's cries and moans that he leaves a bit too many. Torturous as he does so.

Now he's worried about possible infections that might come from those bites so he eyes their hips for a moment with some concern, "I'm not too worried on who would see it, I'm more worried about the possible infections that might occur from those bites. Which is why I must insist on you letting me inspect them at least once a day... to make sure that they're healing well of course. Sit however what makes you comfortable, just let me know if they do require treatment"

He side glances at them now, knowing how awkward that would sound coming from him, but since they're now a "thing" with each other, seeing each other's naked bodies will be the norm from now on.

Kabuto is telling the truth when it comes to his concerns, but he also couldn't help himself when it comes to his affections towards them as well.

As he says that, he leans over to place a gentle kiss on their lips as he leans in to whisper on their ear, "As much as I would want to say that I was sorry for leaving such marks and bites on you, but to be honest. I'm not sorry at all. I don't apologize for things that I plan to do again."

His lips form into that familiar insolent smile of his at them as he pulls away to leave them be.

[valorandheat]

"T-This is...unexpected...b-but not entirely unwelcome." @eyes-for-justice

[airteacher]

"Somebody donated soda to the temple, of all things. The kids have been... creative... with their airbending."

"Hm. This may actually be a good learning opportunity for the Airbenders, now that I think about it."

[heavenswaywardangel]

Distance

He had been standing at the window for some time, hands clasped behind his back, lost in thought as he stared down at the Earth. It felt wrong to be looking down. There was too much distance between Heaven and Earth, and it was truly unnecessary.

Why did Heaven have so many windows when no one bothered to look out from them? The Earth remained largely ignored, the cries of pain and suffering were unheard and therefore unacknowledged. Heaven was supposed to care, yet the angels around him were apathetic to the ongoing struggles that continued to plague humanity.

And he knew, after sitting through countless meetings with several other high-ranking angels, that they seemed encouraged by the destruction the humans were leading themselves towards.

It wasn't Hell's doing. He knew as much from all the times he'd listened to Crowley complain about the humans managing to come up with evils far worse than anything anyone in Hell could come up with. Crowley was far more creative than all the angels in Heaven and all the demons in Hell, yet he still couldn't outdo humanity.

He'd seen humans use their creativity for good. Their ingenuity allowed them to find cures for plagues that once wiped-out entire populations and invent things to help them adapt to an ever-changing environment.

He'd seen humans use their creativity for terrible things, and World War II would always stand out to him. He remembered the first time a man-made weapon capable of such utter annihilation was used against an enemy. The horror he'd felt and the look of devastation and anger that had been clear as day on Crowley's face.

And in that time, the humans had only worked to build stronger, more devastating weapons without caring about the fallout and the damage it would do not only to other humans and all other living creatures, but the Earth itself.

All the while, Heaven remained impassive. Heaven looked forward to the destruction of all life on Earth, and it made Aziraphale sick to his stomach.

He finally turned away from the window and looked around the too bright, too empty, too quiet corridor.

He had put his plan into motion when he'd walked into Heaven with the Metatron, but he knew it would take time. He was tired in a way he'd never felt before.

He found himself standing in front of the globe of the Earth as it spun, and he wondered how Crowley was doing. He missed the demon terribly, and often thought about returning to find him. Walking away from Heaven sounded wonderful, but he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he didn't at least try to make things better. He wouldn't be free if he left, and odds are he would be punished and destroyed if he tried.

The Earth continued to spin, and he allowed his hand to hover over it. Shutting his eyes, he took a deep breath and simply waited to feel.

The love was there, and it was strong. It was everywhere, but it was intermingled with fear and anger and hatred and pain and suffering and loss. All of it woven together so tightly. And even in the midst of all that pain, he could still feel the hope and empathy and the acts of bravery and those who used their last breath to fight for love and peace. Despite the imbalance of power, humanity still chose to fight for itself no matter how bad things got or how hopeless it all seemed.

And it was too much. When he exhaled, he realized he'd been holding his breath and he shuddered, opening his eyes and taking a step back as he tried to regain control of his rapidly beating heart, wiping at the tears that he hadn't realized he'd been crying.

Humanity no longer had a need for gods or angels or demons. They'd become all of those things on their own. Humanity could be a formidable opponent against the likes of Heaven and Hell.

He took a moment to pull himself together, and he found himself thinking of Crowley once more. He replayed their last conversation in his head over and over again. It hurt every single time.

Aziraphale needed to fix a lot of things. He just hoped that Crowley would allow him to repair what had been broken when they had gone their separate ways.

One thing at a time though. He had to remind himself to be patient. There were bigger issues to deal with, and he was going to deal with them one way or another.

[ask-magolor]

[MILD SPOILERS FOR RETURN TO DREAMLAND DELUXE UNDER THE CUT]

It seems that the Lor is a bit apprehensive about Magolor talking about his experience clawing his way back to life from the torn dimensions. Still, he might explain more if prompted. It appears to be traumatic, however. Probably best not to push too hard on the topic.

[the-fell-dragon]

"Ha. Is this what you wanted to see? You humans are so predictable."

[system-notifs]

"Hmm, I'm not sure what to do now. Maybe I should talk with Vance again. He seemed to know more."

*She deliberates for a moment, before concentrating on an image of him. A few seconds later, she blinked out of existence.*

[atdutiesend]

{ A bit about how, and why, Grim is on the source. This is important to understand Grim's character arc, but if you play an Elidibus who doesn't jive with this headcanon, I'm always open to figuring out something that works better. For reference, Elidibus has been visiting Grim's dreams for some time now...

TW: Mention of death, toxic friendship

Tagging @seatedsacrifice and @grumpyascianteddybear for donating their Elidibuddies to the cause! }

"I'm done." Grim sat, shaking, staring at the screen. "I am done. That's it. I'm done." He stood, earbuds ripped out as the urge to move shivered through him. Everything had gone wrong these past few weeks. From his best friend succumbing to her illness - and that call had hurt - to their supposed friends beginning to claim it was fake, for attention, even that she’d been a sockpuppet account of his.

"I-- I, I, I can't, you, how fucking dare you--" His last bit of comfort, toxic as it was, had finally crumbled in his hands. He couldn't hold on any longer, not to them. Gods, he should have left months ago.

"Fuck you! Gods dammit, how could you!" Hands clenched painfully into fists, curling into the loose sleeves of his hoodie. Trembling steps brought him back to the desk, shaking harder while slinking under it. Soon his back was pressed hard against the familiar wall, hood pulled over his head as he tried to breathe. He let himself scream in his head, hunching over as fury and grief broke through his composure.

An inch of calm over a volcano of angry, he remembered. That's all it had ever been. And yet, even through the tense, shaking rage, he could feel sleep beginning to claim him. That didn't normally happen. Usually letting himself feel anger kept him awake for days, only short naps keeping him moving until he could calm. Someone heard me, then. He didn't fight it, slumping to the floor and letting hot, angry tears lull him to sleep.

"I heard your scream from the fucking moon, Grim." Elidibus' hand rested against his back, coaxing him from the creaking, unsteady building around them. The other covered his ear, trying to convince it to stop ringing. "You are hurt."

"I'm pissed the fucking hells off, is what I am!" Grim continued to clutch at his sleeves even in the dream, stumbling as he let the Ascian direct them. The rot hadn't yet seeped out into the garden, and it was there they found a table already set for tea. "Those fucking bastards, they-- it's so stupid, I can't believe they would--" His voice caught in his chest as he sank into one of the seats, pushing the place setting aside so his head could rest on it.

Elidibus watched him, face impassive for a moment, before he carefully set aside his mask, and picked up the teapot to pour. "So, the very events you've been concerned over have come to pass."

"I wish it was just 'oh, turns out they really didn't like me, I wasn't just dealing with imposter syndrome and low self-confidence’.” His voice took on an acidic sing-song tone as he mocked his prior concerns. “No, no, couldn't be that fuckin simple. It's..." Grim shook his head abruptly. "It's all so painfully fucking stupid. All of it. I should have left months ago."

The Ascian smiled wanly, gently pressing one of the teacups into Grim's hand until he gave up and took it. "It is causing you great distress. That is not at all stupid."

"... Thanks." Grim all but spat the word out, not because he wasn't grateful, but because self-deprecation wanted to follow after it, and he knew that would... Distress Elidibus. The fact still gave him pause every so often, realizing Elidibus seemed genuinely concerned. He stuttered, trying to coax the words of what happened out.

Elidibus raised a hand to forestall the attempt. “You need not tell me aught but this: who caused this heartache?”

Grim took a deep breath, finally sitting up, if only to peer into the cup in his hands. He was more than half-convinced this was real, by now. He should really talk to a doctor about it. Did he want to take the risk that it was real? Could he stomach handing over these people, even with the disgusting things they were saying? He tried to think past the anger, but past the anger was only grief and an overwhelming exhaustion. “... I just... I just want to go home.” Even knowing he was home, they both knew what he meant.

The Ascian shifted slightly, pressing the cup upwards until Grim lifted it to his lips, sipping listlessly. “And home, we will go.” The promise fell from Elidibus’ lips easily. “You could even forget them, never have to think of them again.”

Grim closed his eyes. “I was going to do that anyways.” He said softly, but slowly he opened his eyes again and held his hand out to Elidibus, palm up. “If you’re going to, to take the memories anyways. Then I can just show you, yeah?”

“Yes.” Elidibus took his hand, lacing their fingers together as, at last, he gained access to the hidden depths of memory and unyielding rage that Grim had hidden away behind layers upon layers of misdirection, false smiles, and icy politeness. “You will forget, and we will remember. And soon, you will come home.”

[cometofjustice]

Severed

{...It's so quiet...}

...

{I can't...}

{I... I can't bear it...}

{The silence...It's crushing me...}

...

{There's no one... No one-... L-Lef...}

{*Soft weeping*}

[roleplayersoul]

"My biggest regret is not being able to do everything with them."

(@reindeer-dad)

Asgore cupped the side of Rudy's cheek. How long had it been since he'd seen Rudolph say something like that? And he'd almost never seen him so... downcast. "Rudy," His eyes were filled with intent, and seriousness, but did not lack his warmth. "You have done all you could do. I... I know just how you feel. But you've shown them, given them, taught them, loved them.

And every ounce of love you've shown, and all the love you have left to give, they'll see that, and they'll pass down that love to their own, too. You don't have to worry about a thing.

I promise."