#OTP: I didn't realize it was a gift

[lesbianmaxevans]

The status I enjoyed in Storyville did not extend itself to the operators and patrons of the French Opera House on Bourbon and Toulouse. We did what we always did to avoid conflicts there. I performed as his valet, walked a pace behind him, took his overcoat once we found our seats, remained standing in the back of the box until the lights went down, and only joined next to him once the overture had begun.

[sketalya]

Finally I can draw my favorite OTP TwT

💙Edward x Emily💚

•

The story about the relationship between them is kinda long but I have tried my best to shorten it, so here it is:

• Long before they became lovers...Emily and Edward were just best friends. And at that time Emily had strong feelings for Thomas, she did everything she could to convey her feelings to Thomas. She even competed with Rosie, who at that time also liked him.

• But as time went by, Emily found out that Thomas actually liked another woman (That was Lady). And because she's tired of competing just for unrequited love...Emily decided to give up and let Rosie, who still didn't give up on her feelings (Rosie still didn't know that Thomas liked Lady at that time)

• She maybe looked fine but actually she still felt heartbroken until one day Edward noticed that Emily looked different from usual and asked if she was okay. And because Emily thought she could trust her best friend, she told Edward everything that happened. Edward listened carefully and let Emily pour out everything that was in her heart.

• After all that, whenever Emily was having a bad day she always took the time to meet Edward and tell him everything (That's because he is a good secret keeper). Of course Edward didn't mind listening to her, he even always tried to make Emily tough again and sometimes gave her advice if she needed it.

• They're slowly became closer and were seen together more often than before. Until Emily realized that she felt comfortable whenever she was with Edward. (Can't blame her...He's kind, gentle, wise, a good listener, and has a sweet smile). Emily quickly realized that she was now in love with him, unwilling to fail like before. Emily decides to be more confident and confesses her feelings to Edward. Didn't care about the fact that Edward was older than her and probably wasn't interested in a romantic relationship like that.

• And yeah...It wasn't easy for Emily because Edward always rejected her. Not because he didn't like her. But Edward wasn't sure whether Emily really had feelings for him, He always thought. "Why did she choose to like an ordinary guy like me when there are many guys who are much younger and handsome out there?"

• When he asked Emily about that. She said, "It's because I can...I feel comfortable whenever I'm with you and I like everything about you! It's okay if you still reject me today, there's still tomorrow and you have to know that I won't give up this time."

That answer actually made Edward quite surprised, he didn't expect that Emily would be really serious about that.

• As time goes by. Emily really didn't give up until finally Edward started to feel the same way and decided to accept Emily's feelings.

• At the beginning of their relationship, they were both a little awkward and their relationship also has to go through many challenges...Their age difference that makes it difficult for them to get along with each other, Edward doesn't seem very good at understanding women, Have different ideas about how a date can go well, Emily always decided something without listening to Edward's opinion first, People commenting about their relationship....Actually there are still many other things, but fortunately they both always learn from their mistakes, they can get through it all with good communicating and being open to each other.

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

Okay...Now let's talk about their dynamics:

• Every week, Edward would come to see Emily and give her a bouquet of flowers. A simple classic gift but Emily always looks forward to it every week because she really likes flowers, especially if they are from her boyfriend.

• Sometimes Emily tries to tease Edward, hoping to see him blush and be embarrassed, but Edward often doesn't understand and misunderstands that. So it turned out to be difficult for Emily because she had to explain it to him.

• Bossy big sister figure who talks a lot x Calm big brother figure who listens more often

• They're usually always hang out somewhere after work just to tell each other about their day. Sometimes they also gossip about the trouble that Tidmoud bois had caused that day.

• Emily is one of the lucky person besides Thomas, James, and Percy who knows that Edward is very skilled at singing and playing violin. Of course since she was his girlfriend, Edward wouldn't mind playing music for Emily as long as no one else saw it. (Edward still feels insecure about his skills even though there are 4 people have said he is talented)

• They acted more like a pair of besties than a pair of lovers...But that wasn't a bad thing because they can got along with each other well.

• There is a funfact...Toby was the person who helped them both when they first started dating, so sometimes Emily and Edward would also ask....or maybe...force Toby to come out with them.

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

Bonus:

• Emily every time she tries to confess her feelings to Edward

• And this is Toby who just wanted to help at first but ended up being stuck with them all the time

•

And btw....In my AU, Edward is Thomas' foster brother...So somehow I can imagine that Emily rlly said, "If you can't get him then get his big brother 👍"

•

[surfinminho]

Kinktober day 9- Age gap w/ Felix

⤷ warnings: fem!reader, dom!Felix, unprotected sex, oral(m), cumming in mouth, sex while otp(?)

⤷ word count: 1,38k

⤷Taglist : @greysweaters-blog @hannie-bees @ashydoinwhat @chansbabygirlsstuff @hiddlestandom @stanskzsstuff @mal-lunar-28 @leeracha @linos-kitten @bonateukna @ihrtlix

⤷ permanent taglist: @iadorethemskz

*please dm me if you want to be added or removed from the taglist.*

(Reader is 22 Felix is 34)

this was wrong, you knew it but you couldn't help it. He was the CEO of some big company and you were simply a secretary.its not ideal for you to date the "big guy" of the company. If anyone found out you were at high risk to lose your job.

It was almost like a ritual, every year the company would have something like a party to celebrate all the achievements and new workers for that year. You were supposed to start working the next day yet still being invited to go. What's the harm in going?  The email you got said your boss is 'Mr.Lee'. You've heard not alot of people get to even see him let alone work alongside him. You were estatic to say the least.

When you get to the place, it was packed. You maneuver your way through the abundance of people towards a seat in the corner, you weren't much of a talkative or outgoing person so sitting in the corner on your phone was perfect for you.

Towards the end of the night, you find yourself in the hallway pressed up against the wall, felix kissing you like he's never kissed anyone before.

When you walked into a hallway, getting lost. Maybe it was because you had one to many drinks to have or maybe you just need some dick. You turned the corner to see a man, couldn't be older than 35 leaning against the wall legs crossed and his phone in his hand. When you look closer you realize it's the CEO, lee Felix. Besides the meeting you had with him a few weeks ago, you never really met him or officially "met".

He looks up from his phone when he heard footsteps. "Ah, __! Nice to see you again." He held out his hand to meet yours, keeping a firm grip on your palms.

"How do you like this so far?" He puts away his phone walking towards you.

"Oh! It's great, though I'm not one to, put myself out there you know?" You laugh at him before trying to get to your destination.

As soon as you take a step his hand stops you "I want to properly talk to you, like a conversation." he smiles, lighting dragging you back towards the wall he was leaning on.

You guys ended up talking for God knows how long. Talking about any random thing that comes to mind.

You come to find out that he's a really sweet person. Talking about his other friends who work in different departments, and stuff he does for his sister's. He was such a gentleman.

"You're such a pretty girl __, did you know?"

"I am?" You cock an eyebrow, confused at the sudden statement.

"Prettiest girl I've ever seen" he leans in, head tucked into your neck. With every breath he takes you feel the hairs on you back rise. You try and ease away from the situation, but with no where to move hence your back against wall. You find him gorgeous, obviously. He looks like a fucking angel in all the photos you see, nonetheless when his front is pressed up against yours.

"This dress is gorgeous on you, where'd you get it?" His voice drops an octive, rubbing you sides.

"Oh, it's a gift! I almost feel bad since it's a really expensive brand." It was a gift, so you didn't lie. From your friend you happens to model. They received a dress but it was the wrong size, leading them to give the dress to you.

"Really now? What brand baby" he cups your ass over the dress.

"Louis Vuitton" you look around to see if anybody is near or passing by.

"Let me buy you every dress in this color."

The statement caught you odd guard. Buy you stuff? Your friend never told you what the price of the dress was, in the hopes that you wouldn't return it. But you found it anyway, the price shocking you. 1 million dollars. You wouldn't have taken it if you knew. So having him say that he wants to buy you more?

"No, there's no need really!" You laugh trying to avoid to conversation.

"But I want to. C'mon let me spoil you."

__________________________________________

You found yourself inbetween his legs making out with him. You didn't want to let him buy you things, but you couldn't help but stay with him. Not because of his money, but because of his personality. He was a sweet soul, always being a gentleman. You like to think him giving you stuff is just a extra.

"let me please you" he whispers inbetween kisses, slipping down your straps of your tank top.

"I- we have work in like 30 minutes, w-we can't?"

"We shouldn't." He corrected "but I want to. Please baby? I'll call out sick for both of us" you wanted to, but you felt guilty for keeping him from his job.

"Okay."

He starts pulling down your pants, keeping your panties on.

He traces his thumb over the wet patch forming on your panties.

"Such a naughty girl. Getting this wet because of what? Some kissing? Pathetic."

He goes back to kissing your neck, going downwards until he reaches your breasts.

Your breath hitches,  waiting for him to do something.

He doesn't pull the loose fitted clothing off, instead sucking on whatever was available.

He pulls down his pants with one hand, other hand hold you still.

He pulls his pants and boxers down just enough to free his cock.

He nudges the tip on your clit trying to make you moan.

"I'm gonna give you the phone. Call and say you wont be available to come into work today."

You looked at him like you were seeing double. "You're joking?" You try to get him to laugh or even let out a little giggle but you get nothing.

"Do I look like I'm joking? Call them now." He's rubbing tip slowly along your folds.

"Im waiting I dont have all day."

You dial the number waiting for the person on the other end answers. As soon as they pick up Felix thrusts all the way into you.

He leans forward, elbows balancing up.

"Put it on speaker"

You remove the phone from your ear and put it on speaker, resting it on your side.

"H-Hello, yes good morning"

The other person on the line seems to be too happy for their own good.

"Good morning! How are you today" you can tell there is a smile lacing their face.

As soon as you begin to speak, his thrusts begin to quicken in pace. Hips barely meeting your thighs.

"A-ah yes about that, I am not feeling w-well today so I won't be able to make it fuck" he brings his hands to start rubbing figure 8s on your clit

"Sorry, what was that last part?"

"N-nothing!"

"Hm, okay. Well hope you feel better. Have a nice d-."

You didn't even wait for them to finish their statement, hanging up the phone immediately.

"Maybe kitten needs a reward. Did so good following directions right?"

"Y-yes please." you whine, trying to get him to move faster.

He flips you over, grabbing your hips before he starts to pound into you.

"S-such a tight fucking pussy. Only for me right?"

You nod Into the bedsheets unable to say anything.

"Words kitten"

'y- a-ah shit" he reaches over to your breasts, pinching your nipples.

"Baby, you're cumming, how can I move when you're clenching down on me like that" he grabs your hips pushing them off of his cock.

"Wanna cum in your mouth"

He proceeds to manhandle your body to get you in a kneeling position.

"Open." You stick your tongue out, waiting for him to feed you his cock.

He slides only the tip in when he starts jerking it off.

"Such a good girl hm? Making me use your holes like these"

You looked up at him and started to gently suckle on the tip.

"s-shit gonna cum in your mouth. You want it right."

You tried to nod your head but he shoves his cock down your throat.

"Then fucking take it"

[illmetkismet]

for the character thing, the outsider?

🙏🙏🙏 thank you so much, and a please accept my preemptive apology for the essay this will probably become...

How I feel about this character: I was saving this one for last from the batch of asks I got for this game, because the Outsider is my specialest boy of all time 🥹 I played D1 and was like, 'oooh how fun and sexy, a mysterious Void god!' but then D2 happened with the whole Omelas-ass reveal and my brain melted like a caterpillar in its chrysalis into a soup of sadness and suffering from which the beautiful butterfly of my borderline-unhealthy obsession with the Outsider emerged. You can't just give me a character who's a metaphor for isolation, expulsion, and profound loneliness, and not expect me to pick him up and put him in my pocket forever. Do I project onto him? Over-identify, even? Yeah, shut up, so whaaaaaat? Aren't all of us trapped in a Void of our own, really? Who here hasn't been forever altered by the cruelty of others? And who among us isn't constantly sticking their fingers in the pie of life, poking around in there, hoping against hope to find some glimmer of goodness and hope and joy? Who isn't sick of all this shit and just wants to rest?? Ha ha as you can see I'm totally normal about him.

All the people I ship romantically with this character: Just Corvo. He fascinates the Outsider, he surprises him, he's the catalyst for the kind of moments the Outsider says he waits for (this is, crucially, a line you only get from him after the low chaos Burrows elimination). I think the Outsider's been searching for someone who won't disappoint him for such a long time, someone he could give a piece of himself to who won't turn around and do something terrible with it. Like.... Come on! That's it, for me. To love is to give yourself away a little bit, to be surprised when the person who receives that gift treats it with the seriousness and consideration it deserves. And that's Corvosider 🖤🖤🖤

My non-romantic OTP for this character: Billie's whole journey to find him, and the understanding she comes to about him means so much to me.... 100% they become friends post-DotO. Letting him live is her way of letting herself live, to put her past behind her and prove to herself, once and for all, that she's more than a killer. And for the Outsider, she's the one person who could best understand the truth of what he is, how he was made into what he is, because in a way she's had the same done to her. The world fucked them both over so hard and forced them into these untenable positions that caused them both so much pain.... Oh god I have to stop thinking about this. They're best bros for life, next question!

My unpopular opinion about this character: I definitely prefer D2 Outsider over D1. I know ppl were very invested into the whole whale god thing, but his human sacrifice backstory was what really did it for me. Plus I love the way Robin Lord Taylor voiced him - the Hollows speeches in DotO make me so fucking emotional... He does a great job of going from bitchy to breathily earnest, and the emotional whiplash that gives me is very fun. Plus the way he scrunches his nose a little sometimes! Aaaaaa D2 Outsider my favorite son!

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: Obviously I really really really wanted to see what he would get up to after he became human again, cause uh, I wrote a novel about it lol.... But one thing I really wanted to see, that I didn't even do myself, was for the Outsider to go meet Sokolov, finally, as a mortal. I think that would be such great closure for both of them: for Sokolov to see indisputable proof that the power he was chasing was terrible and cruel (something he realized for himself in his final years, but meeting the Outsider would have driven this home beautifully), and for the Outsider to conclusively put away his old fickle relationship with humanity. For both of them to see each other as human beings, to really understand how fucked up the way they related to each other was. I'd love that!

[charmwasjess]

Yay another ask game! 2 4 and 6 please

2) a headcanon you weren't sure about at first but have come to like!

You know, I never didn't like it, in fact, I loved it in other people's fics, but I had a little bit of a hard time seeing how Sifo-Dyas/Dooku/Jocasta worked in practice within my own universe of headcanons, since it seemed like the relationship between a solidly gay guy, a confused/terrified bisexual, and an aromantic lesbian in a committed relationship with some Archives.

And then I realized: yeah. That. That's why it works.

4) say something nice about a ship you don't ship (it can be another ship in your fandom, a mutual's OTP, etc)

I won't say I DON'T ship it, there's very few Obi-Wan ships that don't make sense to me (the slut <3) but the Codywan art is NEXT FUCKING LEVEL. Every piece is like touched with the fucking divine. I love seeing it. It's gorgeous. Every time is blesses my dash, I feel lucky. They look so beautiful together. They should be together as Tatooine husbands for no other reason than because I want to look at it. (I mean, I definitely get that there are other reasons, it was almost in the Kenobi show!)

…it's also extra nice and a refreshing change of pace, because imagining my actual OTP is just 2 meters of spider legs hugging a burnt corpse. Oh Syku you trash ship, never change.

6)something you see in art a lot and love

This kind of could be answered in 4 as well - I see more Codywan art than any other and AREN'T WE LUCKY FOR THAT?? A fucking gift to the eyes!!!!

[cephalotyrant]

Hello. I am once again here to ask for your support-

So... Ridoazu angst (i know not the best introduction)

I can't get it out of my head aghhh sooo I must yap

Azul and Riddle: Azul is more insecure between them, and Riddle is more awkward with romance, right?

So at the beginning of their relationship, Azul is initiating way more, and Riddle can sometimes deffo be awkward when receiving affection. Dismissive about compliments, rolling his eyes at Azul's cheesy pickup lines, etc.

But the thing is: Riddle DOES love Azul (no really?!?!?). He's just awkward about showing it verbally. He invites Azul to Unbirthday parties and his mood is usually notably better with Azul there (Ace will never stop complaining about Azul getting preferential treatment from Riddle NEVER), gives Azul leftovers from stuff Trey made, introduces him to the porcupines, even helps him with Flight Class!!!! Helping Azul with Flight Class requires an insane amount of patience for obstinacy and consistent insistence that "i'm not struggling, I'm just admiring the scenery!" "no free lunch; I must repay you!!!!!!" and it is a testament to his character growth (and love) that riddle puts up with it without collaring azul at some point.

so basically gift-giving and quality time vs words of affirmation and touch as love languages. And Azul being insecure fails to realize that riddle is in fact madly in love with him and that he's just not good with expressing words of affection (because of his mom) and he's not used to affection (also because of his mom mrs. rosehearts PLEASE STOP CONTINUING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE YOUR SON WILL GO NC AND YOU'LL DESERVE IT)

And Azul gets upset but he doesn't ask about this openly or anything no no not at all he's ~ 𝓹 𝓮 𝓽 𝓽 𝔂 ~ about it (because as i've probably said before book 6 azul did NOT know what communication meant) and Riddle's upset because Azul's not telling him the problem and Azul's upset because Riddle's even colder and then-

Something pushes it all over the edge. Maybe a Heartslabyul guy tries to shovel talk Azul or something after seeing Riddle's bad mood or whatever, but it gets pushed and they have an argument.

Ofc because they're my otp and i can't have 'em breaking up it ends happily after the messy fight and they learn. Riddle realizes he can be too cold and end up not consider how Azul feels and Azul realizes he needs to COMMUNICATE HIS FEELINGS ffs instead of just being vaguely petty and hoping riddle takes the hint (like this one scene in the kaguya sama manga where to give kaguya the cold shoulder miyuki gives her slightly cheaper gum than he gives someone else,,, and he's like "omg I'm so cold" that's azul except unlike Kaguya riddle doesn't even notice lmao he's just like "thanks for the gum")

Anyways I just realize how long this is. My humble apologies. Please accept more cake as an offering 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰

TRAUMATIZED BABY'S FIRST RELATIONSHIP!! YAHOOOO!

I has a bit written and then it deleted itself after I exited the app GODDAMMIT! But it was about Azul being an extra person and accidentally scaring off Riddle a little yeah! Azul's used to physical contact with Floyd who's constantly leaning on him and his supportive family (Mom, stepdad AND grandma? save some for the rest of us damn). It's an entire mission to so much has hold hands for longer than a minute.

Azul getting preferential treatment at Unbirthday Parties... god ace's always getting the short end of the stick isn't he?? I love the third wheel Ace joke so bad. Anyways back to it... hm.. Azul getting upset and not communicating. To be fair Riddle DIDN'T tell him that he was just following the law (You can't practice medicine on people under transformation potions without a specific license) by preventing Azul get hurt in the first place. He may have more experience talking things out (he's the overblotter with arguably the most progress) but he still may say or do smth inconsiderate and sour the mood unintentionally 😭 I can see it. Racking up those misdemeanors. Attempting to help him coming off as bragging and Azul's just too sensitive when it comes to food and is a subject that needs to be treated delicately (which isn't ANY of ncs strong point... especially considering the way the game itself treats it)

The little time they spend with each other becoming tense and Riddle can't figure out why, while Azul keeps thinking that his message is getting across though Riddle just starts getting snappy and curt back. The relationship becoming more stressful than it may be worth... they're BOTH sobbing into their pillows at night. Azul is a little crybaby during their confrontation, which probably kicks it off. It's more of an angry rant about how Riddle totally sucks and Riddles just like "why didn't you tell me any of this EARLIER???"

[dreamtydraw]

i am asking about derek and cerise. tell me EVERYTHING!!

WELL HELLO FRIEND !

First off, thanks you for asking about the babes 😔💕 i shall over writte about my otp for everyone's delight.

But before that here little doodles.

OK NOW DON'T MIND ME i'm gonna ramble becausethis ship is pining.

Sure, sure, cove x cerise was pining but they confessed when they were 13.

Derek and Cerise ??? took them 10 years to realize the other liked them.

As shown, Cerise did not talk but she was nice and she has her charm, she was a cute girl with a kind heart so that is why the first time Derek managed to make her laugh this was a huge victory.

After some time talking around him became easier to try. She said hi, she asked for the ball and slowly she started to talk with him and have full speaking conversation together.

Then one day summer started to approach its end and it felt sad. Cerise didn't like school and she didn't like the idea of not seeing her friend and them Derek asked "do you like boys ? I mean would you consider being with one"

cerise brain went :

"maybe?"

So they made the 10 years pact. It was sweet, to have someone who you could trust to have in your life in the future, and at that moment, even with all the signs, it occurred to neither of them that in the present, someone wanted to be here.

They saw each other less and less until they both got their phone. Age and distance occurred and it was during this period that Cerise realized her feelings toward her friend. It was hard to find time to see each other but they kept calling and texting.

She tried her way to show affection by sending letters and taking pics "oh this reminds me of" "I think you may like it" and "would be nice if we went here". Sadly even with all the effort they could make, distance was here.

Derek loved cerise, he knew she liked crackers and had terrible balance control, he knew she liked green and that every week she would send him pictures of seagulls or sunset after school.

Cerise loved Derek, she knew when he had games and tried to send messages before the events, she tried to learn about what sport he liked the most and how his family was doing, how school treated him.

They both knew and loved each other, but couldn't realize that they were also loved the way they dreamt they were.

"he's just being nice, derek has always been polite"

"she's just being friendly, she likes to share her stories"

also with distance: miscommunication and doubt

Derek had a lot of friends back there, Cerise didn't know what it might feel like to be that liked, but she knew that meant there could be people who liked him as she does and there is nothing she could do about it because of that life. For a long time, Derek's selfless attitude just make him think he had no chance, then one day... Baxter arrived (yeah causing angst here too, I will talk about Baxter and Cerise when his DLC comes out ).

Baxter is really a special person in Cerise's heart. He is the first friend she managed to make by herself and engage with on her own. This role of his first step toward being more sociable is something she badly hides, Cerise openly shows affection and interest toward her friend. This lead to Cerise's talk drifting from what she did that day to Baxter, talking a lot about Baxter. How they hang out that day, how he offered her a ride, how she gifted him a bracelet.

The more she talked about Baxter, the more a little feelin' started to grow on Derek's side. Any hope was dead at this point.

They both think they have no chance with each other Derek totally throws away any possibility as he wants to be suportive but Cerise still holds to it with her new confidence. Both have a lot of conflict regarding school and career at this point in life, so their relationship isn't on the radar at this point. When summer 2021 rolls in and they have a chance to meet after all this time there is a mix of so many things, maybe it's not the right time and it will never be.

It's been so long since they hang out only by themself and this meeting is planned purely platonically. I won't develop here to not spoil the events of Derek's DLC but to the one who read it, the Park scene hit hard for both. They kept so many things for themself and worries mixed with support made it a hard night.

Regardless Cerise view Derek as a very important person to her, so even though it's been years, her ease to interact with him staying, and being around each other felt natural again. It's nice to know that after all this year, they do have someone here for them. During this reunion, she finally confesses her feelings and they both feel a lot of things but mainly they think of how dumb and oblivious they have been for years.

Still here? Oh helloooo there, thank you for reading. Fun facts about this idiotic couple will arive soon

[9haharharley1]

For the OTP asks:

3, 11, and 29

Feel free to do blackice, pompous pep, or both?? 👀✨️

Both? BOTH?!👁👁

Not me getting all prose-y about it!

Blackice:

3. Jealousy issues - Pitch is SO jealous. He hates that Jack has to leave him to go be a Guardian, it's partly why he can't keep his hands off him when they're together. He can't stand to have Jack away from him, and he sees the way Bunny and Tooth look at Jack and it drives him MAD, even if they don't actually have feelings for Jack like that. He wants to hide Jack away in his lair but knows he can't, knows that it would kill Jack to be away from his friends and the children. So he settles for leaving as many marks as he can on him, love bites and bruises in the shapes of his fingers, loves seeing the contrast against pale skin, knowing those are HIS marks, and he's the only one allowed to leave them. Jack is... a little envious when he can't have Pitch's full attention, be it when Pitch is focused on a project or talking to someone, but because of the isolation he put himself through, he tends to accept that he's not the most important thing to Pitch at the time. Pitch, being Pitch, can always sense that bit of fear when it manifests and is quick to remind Jack that he is loved and cared for above all things, either by wrapping an arm around him to pull him close or kissing him gently, and leaving whatever project he's working on for later.

11. Love language - Neither of them are big gift givers, but being as touch-starved as they are, they can't keep their hands off each other, even after years and years of being together. Jack tries to spend as much time with Pitch as he can, going out of his way to be in the lair even in the summer when it's far too hot for him to be there. He just wants to be near Pitch, even if he's sleepy about it, wants the reassurance for himself that Pitch doesn't mind his company. Pitch, on the other hand, is always quick to reassure him, with touch and words alike, knows Jack has a weakness for his voice (who doesn't lol), and reminds Jack often that he's wanted and needed by Pitch's side. And he never tires of telling Jack how much he loves him and his body.

29. Who said "I love you" first - Pitch. He fell fast, and he fell hard. He knew he was drawn to Jack, didn't know why for a long time, but after they're together and he realizes all the things he wants from Jack, he knows there's no other way he could feel. He's wanted companionship for so long, has wanted a semblance of family since losing his own so long ago, that he knows he loves Jack on some level before they even get together, and knows he'll burn the world just to keep Jack by his side. He also knows that Jack would never want this. Jack's a free spirit, and Pitch knows that, he knows he can't keep Jack by his side forever, but he desperately wants to. So he settles for holding the younger man close, settles for gentle kisses in the dark of the lair, settles for sensual touches to pale skin, and bruising bites to hips and neck, and whispers "I love you" so quietly against a pale ear that Jack's not even sure he heard it. He gasps, nearly cries, feels his heart swell so full of love he can barely get the words out coherently before he comes undone. Then he whispers it right back, assures Pitch that he wants no one but him, and they repeat the process all over again.

Pompous pep:

3. Jealousy issues - they are both so jealous it's not even funny. Vlad is the embodiment of "'most jealous man I know' 'you know other men?'" meme. He wanted to kill his best friend over a woman he thought he loved, and Danny? Danny means so much more to him than Maddie ever did! He can't stand if Danny so much as looks at another person, can't stand that Danny can't be glued to his side 24/7, but he understands the necessity of it. And he's always quick to remind them both that Danny is HIS, and he always leaves a visible mark on Danny's neck after Danny tells his friends about them. And Danny becomes a little brat if Vlad looks at anyone else, gets all pouty and visibly upset. He's insecure, been burned too many times by family, friends, and past relationships to think that he's worth the attention as Fenton, and that jealousy gets channeled into anger if left to fester.

11. Love language - Danny and his friends all tease Vlad about being Danny's sugar daddy, and they're completely correct. Vlad loves to give Danny gifts, especially in the beginning of their relationship. He hired tutors to get Danny through school, offered to pay for college, buys expensive gifts and anything Danny so much as looks at, and takes Danny out to fancy dinners. It took a long time for Danny to get over this, to not feel like Vlad was just trying to buy his affection when they started seeing each other. In a way, Vlad was. He wanted to prove he could provide for Danny, to be someone he could rely on for anything and everything and make himself the sole provider for Danny's every need. Eventually Danny managed to get him to chill out about this. But he does like the occasional shiny item. And Vlad likes to buy him nice things regardless of what he gets out of it. He just likes to see Danny blush and smile over it. They can go long periods without being together, kind of a necessary evil between a CEO of a fortune 500 company and a college student, but when they're together, they're together. They're always touching, kissing, snuggling, hugging, they can't keep their hands off each other! Mostly Vlad though. He spent so long alone that he's afraid that Danny will disappear if he looks away for more than a minute. And he's always quick to remind Danny how wonderful he is, how thoughtful and selfless, and brave and beautiful, and Danny's still getting used to being the center of someone's attention, but he adores it all the same.

29. Who said "I love you" first - Danny said it first. They had been together for some time, Vlad was on one of his weird jealousy stints, going on and on about how much he does for Danny, how much he was trying for Danny, to change, to be better, all for Danny. Being as emotionally constipated as he is, he doesn't recognize his feelings for what they really are and Danny, having grown up with Jazz, was much more well-adjusted. He saw what Vlad was trying to say, saw the way the man got worked up in ways he never had over Maddie, how he paced and ran his hands through his hair and couldn't find the right words because he had never felt real love before. So Danny stopped him, took his face in his hands, looked up into Vlad's eyes, and told him very firmly that "You're a crazy jealous fruitloop, and I love you, too." Needless to say, Vlad had been stunned silent until Danny kissed him and they actually talked about their feelings like proper adults. Jazz was so proud when she found out later.

[bcbdrums]

Event Horizon

A Soul Eater fanfic. Read on: AO3 | FFn

A/N: Monthly OTP prompt fills from this list for Spirit and Stein, because I cannot stop writing about them. I’m happy to hear recommendations each month for which prompt to write next. February’s chosen prompt is: 2. Fear Gas I had ideas for most of February's prompts in my head, but, this one grabbed my attention the most after chatting with some people and mulling over ideas. I took some extreme liberties on how it's interpreted, but gotta follow the muse. And, this fic is late because the muse has been drained. Too much has happened in the last month for me. But! Writing this story is seeming to revive me, so, we shall see what the future holds. Sometimes...the OTP goes through some...tough times... Spirit is 18 years old. Stein is 15. Maka is not yet one. Manga or anime canon, leaning heavily into my headcanons regardless. Also, this lovely art is referenced. And lastly, this is a gift for @cannibal-nightmares, whose art, kindness, and cleverness inspire me...constantly. Do check out their art! Uh...sorry for this one? I guess. Enjoy.

Event Horizon

Spirit stopped short as the book atop the stack in his arms began to slide away. He lifted his shoulder to adjust the balance of the stack, using gravity to shift the heavy volume back into position.

"Hurry up, Death Scythe."

"Y-Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir," Spirit said as he hefted the stack higher and hurried after Lord Death. He realized he probably could have checked out fewer books—especially with his propensity to speed through them—but every topic had him practically salivating with curiosity. From the history of demon weapon kind to the very first death scythe, Spirit's mind was alight with thoughts of battle and honing his skills.

They left the library and turned the first corner, Spirit still trailing a few paces behind as he bore the burden of too many books. But as academy students passed in the other direction Spirit held his head higher. He still felt a swelling of pride each time people paused to stare or whisper about him, the newest personal weapon of the Grim Reaper.

To that end, a couple of younger girls caught his attention by their giggling, and he wished he had a hand free to wave or make some other gesture of acknowledgement besides his million-dollar smile. But it wasn't needed as the two took a few hesitant steps in his direction, hands shyly lifted to wave.

"Hi Mr. Death Scythe!" one said too-loudly, and Spirit felt a flush of pride rise under his collar.

It would be too much to toss his hair, not to mention the risk in dropping the books, which would negate any air of prestige he was trying to effect. He merely met their eyes in response, held their gaze as he maintained his smile while he passed, and another thrill rose from somewhere in the pit of his belly as he listened to their giggles all the way around the corner.

"Spirit Albarn."

Spirit startled at Lord Death's address; he'd only called him by his title ever since becoming his weapon.

The reaper had stopped and turned slightly, and Spirit hurried to catch up. Lord Death didn't move again until Spirit had reached his side and then matched his pace as they continued down the hall. He felt rather than saw Lord Death's slight turn, the white mask looking down at him in a way that dampened Spirit's former rush of pride.

"You're a married man."

The last of the pride shriveled up until his throat felt tight, and his cheeks were flushing in embarrassment now. The reaper's discreet reprimand had been unexpected and brought every thought in Spirit's mind to a halt as he mechanically followed his newest meister through the twists and turns of the academy's halls.

He hadn't been thinking of his wife...which, was apparently the problem. He hadn't really been flirting with those girls...students...had he?

Spirit frowned as a gloom started to sink over him while he trailed after the reaper, through another set of heavy doors and down some stairs. Those girls were students. He was their superior. And he'd been thinking of them like classmates.

He was Death Scythe. He needed to get the real meaning of that into his oblivious skull, and not be worried about the attention he might get from girls.

That had been the start of his problems in the first place.

"Death Scythe, are you listening?"

"Wha? Oh... Sorry, Sir."

Spirit blinked into sudden awareness as he realized they had left the brightly painted academy halls and descended into a place more broad, dark, and foreboding. Lord Death had stopped at the bottom of the stairs, and Spirit continued his descent more slowly as he took better stock of his surroundings.

A chill in the air told him they had gone underground, and the architecture was similar to that above but looked as if it had been constructed in a past age. There was also stonework among the wood, and an eerie painting of an inverted trio of eyes on the floor at Lord Death's feet. The gloom he had been feeling turned to a sickness as he arrived at the landing and looked up to the black holes in the white mask that were studying him.

"Oh well. I suppose you can read about it in all of those books and then ask me questions later," the Grim Reaper stated, and shifted his gaze toward a door ahead of them.

Spirit looked at the door where the inverted eyes were painted again, just visible on the dark wood framed by a square of red stone. Two gray statues stood on each side the door, oddly shapen and with their arms raised as if holding up the ceiling. They each had one large eye, oriented properly this time, taking up the whole of their misshapen heads.

As Spirit stared at the strange artwork, he felt a sudden pressing of darkness against his soul. The sick feeling rose from his stomach up to his mind and swirled into fear that froze him in place as solidly as if he had fallen helpless in his weapon form. Blackness filled his vision, and with it came a sudden onslaught of thoughts, all crashing over his mind at once and twisting and overlapping and confusing him such that he was barely aware of his feet on the ground.

Who was this old deity telling him what to do anyway? He had never seen the masked figure so much as leave Death City let alone fight, so why should he feel guilt for whatever he might do that displeases him?

And why shouldn't he flirt with those girls, or anyone he wanted to? He was Death Scythe after all and could do anything he wanted. It wasn't like his wife ever stayed home at nights when he finally clocked out anyway.

They were supposed to be a happy family but she never acted like it. He should teach her a lesson for her taking off at every opportunity when they had a daughter to raise. Leaving him all alone to deal with bottle feeding and diapers and the crying and what had he wanted that baby for anyway?

Spirit gasped.

Shuddering breaths racked his frame as his eyes pierced the darkness swirling through his mind, fixing on the door in front of him as he tried to will away the sickness that had his legs shaking.

Was he standing still? Or was he moving? He couldn't tell for the way the room seemed to rise and fall on waves and his body with it. He was certain he would fall at any moment and that if he did he would never be able to get up again.

"Spirit."

A great hand, heavy on his shoulder, was turning him around carefully to face the stairs again. Spirit blinked repeatedly as the spinning of the room slowly began to subside. The darkness started to move away, touching only the corners of his eyes.

He sucked in air and fell to his hands and knees, and the impact of an elbow on stone stairs jarred him further into the present and out of the evil place his mind had been fast going.

"Spirit," Lord Death repeated gently, and the young weapon let the familiarity of the voice be an anchor, hearing it again and again in his mind until the darkness had faded from his vision and before his eyes was only dust-covered stone.

"M-Maka..."

He shivered as tears fell from his eyes and mingled with the dust.

He didn't mean it. He would never mean anything like that. Maka was the most important person in his life. He didn't want to breathe if her perfect face wasn't the first thing he saw each morning and the last thing he saw each night. He would do anything and everything for his daughter.

So where had that horrid thought come from?

He shivered again, more from the anxiety than the chill around him, and slowly started to right himself. Never-mind the books scattered on the floor behind him. He needed to get home to his daughter.

"Spirit?"

"Maka..." he repeated, his breaths quick.

He felt the hand squeeze his shoulder and he looked up. Worry exuded from the Grim Reaper, and it was a further anchor to reality bringing Spirit back from... From...?

"What...what was that?" he asked, his voice sounding small to his ears. As if Lord Death could somehow know what had happened that caused his mind to flood with more disturbing thoughts and feelings than he had ever experienced in his life.

"That...was the kishin's madness," Lord Death said gravely.

Spirit's eyes widened and he whirled around to face the door again. The trio of inverted eyes, a mere painting, seemed to stare through him, and he felt a fresh wave of fear penetrate him like daggers.

"Asura?"

Lord Death bent down to gather the dropped books.

"Yes. Through those doors is the path to where the kishin is imprisoned."

Spirit shuddered again as the sensations lingered in his mind and left his wavelength feeling ill and out of balance. Lord Death offered him the stack of books, and Spirit swallowed nervously as he took them, and then turned to follow the reaper back up the stairs.

"After you read about it in detail, we'll talk," Lord Death said.

Spirit looked down, and it took several attempts before his eyes would focus on the title of the book at the top of the stack. Kishin it read simply, with no author listed like a great many of the books on the fourth level of the library, and Spirit wondered if Lord Death himself had penned it.

"Ah... Lord Death, Sir?" Spirit ventured cautiously as they reached the landing.

"Yes?"

"Can...can I go home?"

Lord Death paused, but Spirit slowly released the breath he'd been holding as he felt the understanding and almost-warmth coming off of his new meister.

"Yes."

Spirit felt unsteady on his feet again despite the relief in his soul as he strode forward with single-minded purpose, hefting the books higher in his arms. He knew any fear was irrational, but he couldn't rest until he saw for himself that Maka was okay.

"See you tomorrow, Death Scythe," Lord Death called after him, and Spirit paused to turn and nod acknowledgement even as he sighed silently. He would make sure Maka was fine, but...he still had his new job to do.

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

Spirit opened his eyes to a blinding light that obscured his surroundings. When he tried to lift his hand to block it out, it wouldn't move, and testing each limb one at a time revealed the same immobility for each. His head felt as heavy as lead when he peered down to try to find the source of whatever was restricting him, but he was only able to move just enough to see a gray strap tight on his wrist, restraining him where he lie.

"Awake, I see," a familiar voice intoned flatly, and a shock of fear ran across Spirit's nervous system like electricity.

"S...Stein?" he said weakly, his mouth sluggish in response to his brain's command to speak. "What's...happening?"

"It's time for your punishment," the voice said from a distance. Spirit tried to look around for its source, but he was still being blinded by the overhead light.

"Punishment? Stein, what... What are you talking about? Where are we?"

Spirit pulled against the strap at one wrist, but it had no give whatsoever. He lifted his head to look around again and discovered he was without his shirt, wherever he was, and a large gray strap was around his waist as well as his ankles and wrists.

"For entertaining madness. It's the ultimate crime."

"What? But I... I didn't—"

"Evil desires entered your mind. And you...a death weapon. There's no coming back from that."

Stein's voice was growing nearer, but Spirit still couldn't see the teen. Cold fear swept him at the harsh edge of judgment in his former meister's voice, and he pulled at his wrists and ankles again but found the effort as futile as before.

"It wasn't my fault! I would never...I wouldn't act on those things!"

"But you've already flirted with other women," Stein reminded him.

Spirit choked, his next protest dying on his lips. It was true... And that had been before the encounter with the madness below the academy.

"But I... I didn't mean..."

"What you intended doesn't matter. Idle thoughts and mindless errors are as criminal as deliberate intent."

Spirit shook his head violently as finally, the familiar form of Stein appeared above him, blocking out some of the light.

"But that's not true! You don't believe that anymore than...than Lord Death does!"

Spirit ceased his useless thrashing when Stein didn't respond, and he blinked the dark silhouette above him into focus. The young eyes, so familiar to him, were now distant—sad and cold as he gazed down at the weapon with his mouth fixed into a frown.

"What matters is that you believe it," Stein said.

Something prickled at the back of Spirit's mind as he turned over the strange words. He had never believed any such thing. Stein had to know that. And why was he looking at him that way?

"So, it's time to cut out your soul."

A hoarse cry left Spirit's throat as Stein slowly lifted a massive cleaver, its sharp edge gleaming in the bright light.

"What!? No, what are you thinking!? Stein, stop!"

"Goodbye, Senpai."

The blade came down.

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

"Stein!"

Spirit sat up so fast his vision swam, the nightmare still vivid in his mind as the brightness of the laboratory contrasted the dark of his bedroom. He blinked repeatedly until the texture of the blanket came into focus in front of him, the way it sagged between his knees as he struggled to catch his breath.

Finally, he groaned and fell back against sweat-stained sheets, letting the blanket fall away. He could hear the rapid pounding of his heart in the silence of his bedroom as he let the cool night air tend to the moisture on his chest, slowly wicking it away and soothing the tension that had coiled in his body.

After a moment he let his arm stretch out and feel in the empty space at his side, the sheets dry and crisp for their lack of any recent occupancy.

Spirit sighed through his nose and shifted to squint at his alarm clock. Nearly two-thirty in the morning and his wife wasn't home.

She'd not been home that afternoon either when he'd arrived back early from work. Finding his home empty had only increased his residual horror from the experience underground, and he was grateful that his first call to the academy had located his daughter, safe in their daycare. What had surprised Spirit was to learn that she had been there all day, and was there most days.

This had been the catalyst for the argument when his wife had arrived home that evening, already spitting fire due to Spirit's discovery of her ongoing deception. It wasn't fair, she had seethed, that she stayed at home all day every day with dirty diapers as her only company, unable to live her life, while he lived out his dream.

Spirit only grew more bewildered at these claims, as his dream was two honey-haired girls in the cheap apartment they shared together.

Perhaps due to the terrifying experience he'd had that afternoon he wasn't as discerning or eloquent in his choice of words as he could have been. Fear was speaking for him when he ordered his wife to stay at home where she belonged, caring for their daughter and not leaving her in the hands of academy students while she went gallivanting off to Death knows where.

Her response had been another departure. But at least this time...Spirit had Maka.

He slowly turned his silver wedding ring around his finger as he rolled over in the bed to face the crib. He could see Maka's sleeping form within, still snuggled beneath her blanket and with her stuffed puppy tucked in next to her.

He wanted to get up, gather her in his arms and hold her until every memory of madness left him. But it wouldn't be right to disturb her precious sleep. So instead he simply watched her. How her tiny, delicate eyelashes rested upon her face. How her impossibly soft hair fell over her forehead and atop her ears. How even at less than a year of age, she was starting to look like his wife.

He turned the ring one last time before moving his hand up under his pillow to be more comfortable. The day had taken a greater toll on him than he realized, for the way his eyes kept dropping closed. His breathing had calmed, and the fear of the nightmare had faded. But the images returned as he let himself attempt to return to sleep, and his brow pinched together as he tried to analyze them.

The bright light, the restraints, and even the cleaver were no doubt due to the horrors his wife had verbally painted for him so many months ago with the discovery of an unremembered scar as they lie in bed. But the look in Stein's eyes... That sadness wasn't anything Spirit ever remembered seeing from the meister in their five years as partners.

And, why had he dreamed of Stein at all?

Spirit's eyes opened as he tried to recall the last time he'd spoken with Stein, and he could feel an ache with the further creasing of his brow when he couldn't place a date.

He slowly sat back up as realization struck... When had he last seen Stein?

Between the busy hours of learning the ropes as Lord Death's personal weapon, the sleepless nights when Maka wouldn't keep a schedule, and the growing number of unresolved arguments with his wife... He simply hadn't had time.

In fact, the last time he could remember seeing Stein, the meister had come there to his apartment, and he'd fallen asleep with Maka on his chest after a round of complaints about his life. He couldn't remember what, if anything, the two of them had talked about. And Stein had been gone when he'd woken up.

Spirit rose from the bed and glanced in the crib once more before moving to his closet. Despite his wife's protests, next to his blazer hung a long white coat that had been cut apart and reassembled with stitches to match an aesthetic that Stein had started adopting heavily in their last year as partners.

That day when Spirit had woken with the sunset in his eyes and Stein gone, the coat remained, draped over he and Maka to keep them warm while they slept.

Spirit pulled the coat from the hanger that had been its home for months, remembering the repeated insistence to his wife that he was just keeping it for Stein and would give it back the next time he saw him.

That had been months ago.

Whether it was residual madness or something else, a sudden urgency had Spirit pulling his clothes from the day back over his limbs, moving quickly but quietly lest Maka wake.

He had been Stein's weapon partner for five years. Even after his sins caught up to him and his life started to shift drastically off the course the two of them had planned, they had still been inseparable.

How could he go months without speaking to him and not realize it?

Once his shoes were tied, he folded the white coat carefully and then stepped up to the large standing mirror on his wife's side of the bed, and with his finger, drew the familiar number into the glass.

"Death Scythe," was Lord Death's unsurprised greeting, but absent his usual flurry of cheerful pleasantries. "Any residual effects of the kishin's madness?"

Spirit blinked in surprise at the reaper's cutting right to the chase, but he supposed he shouldn't have. He knew that he had only been touched by the mere edge of that wavelength, but the impact it had had was profound. He was certain it was the ultimate cause of his nightmare too, even if the subject had been a surprise.

"Ah...about that. I was wondering if...you could send someone to watch Maka for me? For just...just an hour, maybe less. I need to do something."

"Shouldn't your wife watch her?"

Spirit looked down at the coat in his hands, tightened his fists into the fabric.

"I...don't know where she is right now."

Spirit was still looking down when he felt a sudden wave of power and then his bedroom was filled with the imposing presence of the Grim Reaper.

"L-Lord Death! Sir!" he stammered as he moved back until his legs hit the bed, and he fell back to sit on the pile of tangled blankets.

"I'll watch her for you," Lord Death said, and Spirit's eyes widened as the imposing form of the reaper glided over to the crib and reached a huge hand down inside. Spirit's breath caught as one massive fingertip that dwarfed Maka's tiny body tickled lightly at her shoulder. "Oochie-coochie coo!"

"Uhh..."

Lord Death turned back to peer at him through the dark of the room. "It's the least I can do, after exposing you to that. Although, you would have been more prepared had you been listening."

Spirit blushed, and then quickly rose to his feet and tried to throw the bed into a semblance of order. He was glad there was no dirty laundry lying around and that he had taken out the trash bag of dirty diapers earlier that evening.

"Madness is nothing to take lightly," Lord Death continued. Spirit finished arranging the blankets and looked up to see Lord Death nod at the folded white coat. "Just consider your former partner."

Spirit swallowed slowly as he picked up the coat again. He thought of the fear he'd felt, the invasion of thoughts not his own and yet that had seemed to come from someplace within his soul.

Was that what Stein struggled with every day?

He considered the times he had touched the madness in Stein's wavelength when they resonated, the fear and violent desires that while objectively worse than what he had experienced, hadn't remotely carried the terror or dark lust that the wavelength underground had momentarily instilled in him.

Stein had been shielding him all along, he realized, even when he couldn't hold it back entirely. He hadn't wanted Spirit to know the depths of what he battled against. Who would, after all?

And...this was what Stein went through all the time?

Spirit's heart had begun racing again. He clutched the white coat tight to his chest as he began backing toward the door.

"Thank you, Sir, for watching Maka. I, ah... I shouldn't be gone long. The apartment is close. And..."

"Spirit."

Spirit stopped mid-step and looked up at the impassive mask of the Grim Reaper.

"He isn't at your old apartment anymore."

"...What?"

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

Spirit's pace had been hurried the entire journey to the city's outskirts, but he slowed when he approached the old, abandoned warehouse that he had passed so many times before without taking any notice. It was the same as always from the outside, but knowing his former meister was within made it feel different somehow; no longer part of the scenery, but something living. And yet for some reason, Spirit felt a heavy foreboding as he approached.

Stein had asked for and been given the building as a home months ago, according to Lord Death, and had hardly been heard from since except to request and take missions. He only showed his face in classes to take tests, which he passed, and would then vanish again.

When Spirit asked why Lord Death had accommodated these eccentricities, the Grim Reaper had been silent. He also hadn't answered any of Spirit's questions about the missions Stein took, except to say that he had recently taken their friend Marie Mjolnir as his new weapon.

Spirit had bristled at the designation, even though he knew he shouldn't. He had left Stein, after all. How could the meister be expected to continue his studies without a weapon partner? And yet for some reason, Spirit had never conceived of Stein working with anyone but him.

This and other thoughts had his head swimming as he propelled his feet down the sidewalk toward the warehouse, his heart rate seeming to increase with each step. He clutched the folded coat tightly to his chest and tried to will away the strange dread that had arrested his mind ever since the realization he'd not seen Stein in months.

He tried to tell himself it was just a product of the residual madness, or something brought on by the bizarre nightmare. It would all go away once he saw Stein again. He would knock on the door, and Stein would answer because the younger teen kept atypical hours. Spirit would apologize for not having seen him in so long and plan a day, maybe two, for them to catch up very soon. Then everything could go back to the strange, evolving normal his life had become ever since the day he'd learned of the pregnancy.

He held his breath when he knocked on the large double doors and then fidgeted with the fabric of the folded coat as he waited. Stein would be glad to see him, surely? But, Spirit suddenly wondered... Why hadn't he come around in months?

Spirit knocked a second time, louder. Perhaps Stein really was asleep, if he was even there.

Spirit counted the seconds until another two minutes had passed, and then with a shaky breath fit his hand to the doorknob. It turned without resistance, and he paused. Perhaps he could just quietly leave the coat and a note for Stein to stop by or perhaps call him when he could.

He pushed the door open slowly, wincing at the way it creaked on its hinges, and stepped into a broad, dark hallway. The walls on either side of him were gray and nondescript, just like the building's exterior, and all was silent as he cautiously started forward.

His brow rose when he heard what sounded like a voice muttering somewhere ahead of him, beyond another set of doors. He strained to listen and soon felt the tension drain from his body when he recognized the voice. Stein was awake after all, probably busy with some experiment, and simply hadn't heard his knock.

A smile was on Spirit's face when he pulled open the next door and passed into a large room lit dimly from a single standing lamp and the light of a computer monitor. Then, he saw Stein. And his expression dropped into horror.

Stein was seated on a rolling chair pushed back from the computer desk, and the whole of his shirt that Spirit could see was stained with layered drippings of what could only be blood. On the desk on either side of the computer were two large mirrors, propped against stacks of books and angled to the forty-five, and atop the monitor was a cracked mirror that appeared to have been bolted to the monitor's plastic frame.

All around Stein on the desk and floor were scattered papers and open books, and the computer screen was displaying some lines of text too small for Spirit to read. But his attention was fixed on the blood, his gaze rising up past where it clung to Stein's neck and soaked his silver hair. Both of Stein's hands were raised and fidgeting with something just as bloody at the sides of his head, fingers slick with the bright red substance, and the cuffs of his sleeves were stained as well.

Spirit's eyes narrowed as he continued to stare, unable to process the sight before him. And that's when he saw the screw.

"S...Stein!?" Spirit gasped in disbelief, his voice shrill. He looked past what Stein was fidgeting with to his countenance reflected darkly in the mirrors. His pupils were mere pinpricks in his wide eyes, and his skin was paler than usual under the streams of blood that ran down his face, even over his lips and staining his teeth where he was smiling broadly between incoherent mutters and soft, manic laughter.

"Stein!" Spirit repeated, taking an instinctive step forward. The folded coat fell from shaking hands as he looked around, searching for some enemy or any explanation for the horror that sat before him other than his ex-partner's own nimble hands.

The second cry seemed to get the teen's attention, and his laughter halted abruptly as he looked in one angled mirror first, seeming to stare in confusion at something in the corner of the room before shifting his eyes to the mirror atop the monitor until his gaze rested upon Spirit.

"Spirit."

Spirit glanced at the corner that Stein had focused on and found it bare, and then took another hesitant step forward. The blood dripping from Stein's stilled hands had his heart racing in a panic, but not more than the long object with which Stein appeared to have just impaled his skull.

"Stein, what... What... What's going on? What are you doing!?"

Stein slowly spun around in the chair and stared blankly at Spirit until his brow knitted very slightly.

"Hm. There's not usually two of you. Are you going to play the angel on my other shoulder?"

"I... I don't... Stein," Spirit stammered breathlessly. His heart was pounding hard in his chest, harder than it even had when he and his wife had battled the witch.

The faint look of scorn slowly left Stein's face to be replaced by the glassy-eyed expression and toothy smile he'd worn when Spirit first entered. His bloody hands had fallen to his lap when he turned, but he slowly raised one again to left side of his head where the larger end of the object protruded from Stein's head just above his ear.

Spirit's initial, instinctive assessment of the object as a screw seemed to be confirmed as Stein set his fingers around the flat, round end of it, gripped firmly, and twisted it backwards. A ratcheting sound came from the object and Spirit flinched away at the same time he took another step forward, the desire to stop Stein, to help him, and to just understand what was happening at war with the horror that had him nearly paralyzed.

"Stop!" he cried. "What...what is that? What did you do!?"

Stein adjusted his grip and turned the object again rapidly. His face contorted in pain as the ratcheting sound echoed through the large room, and the young meister began to laugh. The sound started low in his chest and then rose higher than the usual timbre of his voice as he doubled over and turned the screw a third time.

Spirit didn't know when he'd started crying, but tears streamed down his face as he forced himself forward on legs that felt as stable as jelly. He fell to his knees in front of Stein and reached up, set trembling hands on his shoulders and gripped the blood-soaked shirt.

"Stein."

The action arrested Stein's attention, his laughter ending as suddenly as if a switch had been flipped. He looked down at Spirit as if seeing him for the first time, hand frozen on the screw. Then he looked over to the corner that had stolen his focus before. Spirit glanced over his shoulder; the corner was still bare.

"I don't know if it's working."

It was the closest to sane Stein had sounded since Spirit had entered, but the meister's eyes were still glazed and didn't seem to see him. Spirit watched his face as he continued staring at the corner, could almost see the calculations working behind his eyes.

"This... Stein... Can you fix this?" Spirit said desperately, finally daring to look at the screw that Stein still held onto almost protectively. He leaned left to peer at where the smaller end of the object was protruding above Stein's other ear. He couldn't tell if it was truly impaled through his friend's head, or if some other mechanism was at work; it was impossible to tell through the matted, bloody hair that fell over the dark metal.

Stein blinked, and Spirit's breath caught as the meister's gaze suddenly narrowed on him.

"Don't you see? I am. Fixing this," he hissed cruelly.

Spirit shook his head. "Stein."

"If this doesn't work..."

Spirit listened to the frightened words, low and hoarse as Stein adjusted his grip, turned his hand, and the ratcheting sound echoed through the room again.

"Why would you do this?" Spirit pleaded, still not believing what he was seeing. If it wasn't for his fingers digging tight into Stein's shoulders he would think it was another delusion of madness.

Suddenly, Stein's eyes truly focused on his for the first time, and his face fell into a terrifying frown. It was just enough warning, and Spirit was able to lean back fractionally as Stein's free arm swept up harshly into both of his, knocking him away and barely missing hitting his face.

Spirit fell back onto his rear, caught himself harshly on his already-sore elbow, and gazed up at Stein in disbelief. The action seemed to startle the meister as well, his anger fading as rapidly as it had come. He stared at Spirit with something of confusion, and then looked up at the corner again. A sound of surprise fell from his lips, and Spirit watched as his eyes darted around the room rapidly as if searching for something, until finally settling on Spirit with another frown.

Spirit was frozen by the bitter look of betrayal that suddenly filled his friends eyes, and all he could do was watch as Stein started to shift his hand upward again. But then, apparently catching sight of the blood on his hand, the meister refocused his attention and a placid smile replaced everything else that had been twisting his features into something beyond recognition.

Spirit's tears fell freely as he stared at his friend and the massive object protruding from his head, blood still dripping down the sides of his neck. His thoughts were finally catching up to his horror, and he knew he should probably call someone for help, get Stein medical attention before he lost too much blood, and see if anything could be done about the metal rod that was apparently set straight through his brain. It shouldn't even be possible, Spirit thought, as he felt he would choke for how his heart pounded in his throat. That he had found Stein alive after his self-mutilation was nothing short of miraculous.

"Stein," he began carefully, his voice broken apart for his fear. "You... We need to..."

Stein stared at him with an unsettling calm, and Spirit's mind recalled every time he had had seen that expression before—all the times he'd had to hold Stein back, either physically or mentally, from some terrible desire borne of madness.

Spirit bit down on his words as he felt bile begin to rise in his throat. He shifted to sit upright, but his muscles felt useless under the weight of guilt that was suddenly bearing down on him as heavily as had the darkness underground.

Who had Stein had, to help him fight his madness...in all those months Spirit had forgotten him?

"Stein..." he tried again. He reached up to his eyes, closed them as he wiped away tears that kept flowing. Stein lifted an eyebrow, and Spirit realized his face was likely now streaked with Stein's blood from his fingertips. "Please, I... I should have... I don't... Stein, why?"

He blinked in attempt to clear his vision, gazed pleadingly up at the meister who sat so calmly, as if half his body wasn't stained in red and the air around them didn't taste of iron.

"Senpai," Stein said, his voice finally something familiar. Spirit watched his friend's hand slowly fall, rest limply upon his knee. But the calm ended once more as a wild, toothy smile bisected the meister's face, and something like the distant sadness from the nightmare filled his eyes. "You know better than anyone that I have a screw loose."

Spirit choked on a sob, shook his head as Stein began to laugh. It started low as it had before, but rapidly rose into uncontrolled shrieks that tore from his throat and racked Stein's body in the chair, rolling it back and forth through the drippings of blood on the cement beneath.

Spirit wept.

It was his fault. If only he hadn't forgotten Stein... No, if he hadn't left him to begin with. Then he wouldn't be seated at his friend's feet, watching him possibly bleed to death and collapse fully into the madness he'd fought so hard for years to protect him from.

He let his tears fall freely as memories raced across his mind, questions and possibilities and denials he had replayed countless times before, and conclusions drawn from the voice he had chosen to believe. It was too much happening too fast, all over again. And as over a year's worth of confusion and fear joined with the present and tangled into an unsalvageable mess in his mind, two words slowly formed and found their way to Spirit's tongue.

"I'm sorry."

It was time to rise out of his denial. He needed to ask Stein... To hear everything from his lips, find out what was true and what wasn't... Learn his side of the story. And no matter what, Spirit realized he didn't care; that in his soul the decision had already been made, and all that was left was to come back. To offer to fix what he had broken. It was all his fault, and couldn't they just erase the past, and please...wouldn't Stein forgive him?

"Stein, I... I..."

The shifting of plastic wheels on the floor stopped, and the laughter faded to hiccuped chuckling. Spirit wiped his tears again with the sides of his thumbs, brushed his hair from his face, and looked up.

Stein appeared frozen above him, grin still manic and eyes not quite seeing him even as he stared straight at him.

Stein's shoes pushed on the floor and the chair slowly rolled back and hit the edge of the desk. His gaze remained on Spirit, unblinking. A bloody hand reached back, felt blindly on the desk and knocked a few previously unseen surgical instruments to the floor. And then Stein's hand returned, rose up between them, his fingers delicately holding a scalpel.

"It's about time I gave you some new parts as well."

Spirit's breath hitched. Stein's shoes pushed down, and the chair started rolling forward.

Spirit let out an involuntary cry as instinct had him roll backward and away, far out of Stein's reach, and then he was on his feet and backing toward the door.

"No! Stein, no, listen to me!"

"Hm, but Senpai... Don't you think you could do with a new liver? I have one in my freezer," Stein said, jerking his head toward another door that Spirit hadn't noticed.

The simple movement of his head seemed to cause him pain, and Spirit watched as Stein winced, his fingers tightening on the scalpel even as both his hands quickly raised to grip the ends of the screw.

"Stein, I... Don't... Stay here. I'm going to get help. I'll get..." he stammered as he continued backing toward the door.

Stein's face settled back into the mad grin, the hand holding the scalpel lowering as the other turned the screw.

Spirit flinched at the sound it made, at the tiny laughs that seemed to slip involuntarily from his friend's lips. He shook his head in terrified disbelief as he felt behind him blindly until he found the doorknob.

"I'll get help. Stay here! I... I'm so sorry, Stein."

Spirit turned, away from the horror and the sight and scent of blood, and the echoing crank of metal mixed with laughter as he fled the warehouse and ran as fast as he could ever remember moving. Maybe...maybe if only he could reach some help...there was still time.

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

In the warehouse, Stein blinked at the metal door until it drifted shut, closing into position with a soft click. Then, all was quiet.

He blinked, slowly turning and glancing all around the room, into every corner and next to every haphazard stack of books, seeking any movement or sign of life.

"Spirit?"

Stein waited. But silence was the only reply he received.

He slowly turned back toward the computer, the feeling of moving his feet foreign as if he hadn't walked in an age. He was going to attempt to analyze that sensation, and why his body suddenly felt as though it wasn't his, when he caught sight of his reflection in the mirrors.

He took a few steps forward, not quite believing he was looking at himself. He noted the blood, both the dried and the wet still seeping from his flesh. And then he studied the screw, tilting his head slowly to each side and evaluating its appearance and placement.

Then he glanced around the room again.

"Huh. I guess it works."

Stein reached up to the screw, turned it once. Hissed at the excruciating pain it caused. And then he laughed.

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

Spirit was breathless and his limbs ached as he sprinted down the sidewalk to his first-floor apartment. He was so panicked and intent on his goal that he didn't notice his wife approaching the door at the same time until he nearly crashed into her.

"Spirit?" she said in surprise. He stopped, doubled over to his knees for a moment, and then stood again as his entire frame shook from exertion. His wife had looked confused and deeply annoyed at first, but she must have noted the blood on his face, he realized, as her expression dropped to fear. "What's going on? Where's Maka? Where have you been?"

Spirit ignored her questions as he wrenched the doorknob open and darted through the familiar halls to his bedroom.

"Lord Death!" he gasped upon entering, and the Grim Reaper turned from his faithful vigil next to Maka's sleeping form and tilted his great, curious masked expression down to the weapon and took in his appearance.

"Oh, my. What's happened?"

Spirit sucked in air and looked over his shoulder as his wife followed him into the room. She looked properly shocked by the presence of the Grim Reaper in her home and quickly schooled her appearance into something of respect as she dropped her purse on the dresser, glanced at Maka in the crib, and then turned her wide eyes to Spirit and waited.

Spirit took a few more breaths, looked back to Lord Death, and wiped his eyes again. He forced his tears into compliance before launching into a hurried explanation of what he'd found at the warehouse—of the screw, of Stein's mad behavior, and of the supposed threat at the last when he'd made to leave. He stole glances at his wife throughout, noted her astonishment, suspicion, and ultimately, anger.

"Oh, my," Lord Death repeated when Spirit had finished, his words slow and grave. "You stay here and look after yourself. I'll see to Stein."

"Yes... Yes, Sir," Spirit breathed, his lungs still aching in pain for the sprint back through town.

With that, the reaper vanished, using his mirror as a portal in the same way he had entered, and left Spirit alone with Maka and his wife.

With the promise of the best help for his meister possible, Spirit collapsed. He sank heavily to the floor between the bed and crib and let his head fall back against the edge of the mattress, his eyes fluttering closed as he tried to slow his breathing and bring his body back to some semblance of normalcy. But unbeckoned, the horrors from the warehouse flooded his vision behind his eyelids, and he blinked repeatedly to banish the experience worse than any nightmare he had ever had.

He lifted a shaking hand and tried to wipe the salt from his cheeks, feeling the flaky, dried residue of the blood that he knew he would need to wash before Maka woke up. And then he suddenly realized how overheated and sticky with sweat he was from the run, and achingly peeled himself out of his jacket.

"You...went to see Stein?" his wife's voice broke through his thoughts.

He rolled his head sideways on the edge of the mattress until her scowling face filled his vision.

"After everything he did to you!? I thought you were smarter than this!"

Spirit's brow furrowed. "I don't think—"

"You told Lord Death yourself, he threatened to cut you up again tonight! And he's gone totally mad! How could you do this to me? To Maka?"

Spirit shifted, started to push himself to his knees. "Angel, I—"

"Don't 'angel' me anything! What if he'd killed you? Your stupidity would have left me a widow and Maka fatherless!"

Spirit stared dumbly up into his wife's furious face. He wanted to argue that she'd hardly been a mother or wife, with her lying almost every day about where she was and leaving Maka in daycare, and then heading off again at nights when Spirit got home. But he was too exhausted, too overwhelmed by the horrors he'd experienced, and too worried about Stein to even begin to put any of those thoughts into useful words.

"He's my meister," was what finally escaped Spirit's lips, though he knew the argument was already lost. Even when he held the higher position, somehow with his wife, he always wrong.

Her eyes widened. "What?" she seethed.

Spirit realized his error as her face reddened further in anger, even though technically she couldn't claim to be his meister anymore either. Lord Death was the only one who would wield him now.

He was expecting an explosion, like usual. Words of censure and revulsion, to remind him that he was a dreadful husband and only Death's weapon because of her, and what thanks did she ever get for it?

But none of that came, as her feet padded softly between he and the crib, and then Spirit stumbled to his feet as he heard Maka's soft whimpers of distress as she was lifted out of her bed and into her mother's arms.

"What are you doing?" he said anxiously, a panic that was becoming too familiar racing across his nervous system.

"I'm going to Azusa's. Have your head on straight by tomorrow night, Death Scythe," she fairly spat, tucking Maka against her chest as she turned on her heel to leave.

"But... Kami!" he cried, stepping after her. But the door had already slammed shut.

He stumbled back against the bed, fell seated to the mattress as he heard Maka begin to cry from the sudden and startling sound. He listened to the second slam of the front door and Maka's cries growing distant as she was carried away from him, away from the home that suddenly didn't feel like it deserved the name.

Spirit's bloodied fingers found his wedding ring and twisted it slowly around his finger.

How, in just one day, had everything fallen apart so completely?

Spirit took a few breaths and then pushed himself to his feet. He walked on shaking legs into the bathroom, turned on the light and blinked against its harshness. His stomach turned as he stared at the red streaks on his face and that had matted some of his hair. He felt the prickling of tears in his eyes again, but with effort he swallowed them down.

His wife was right about at least one thing. He was Death Scythe. And he needed to be prepared for whatever he may need to face.

Maka would be fine, if they were going to be at Azusa's. Marie was still her roommate, unless something had changed, and often all the young weapon would talk about was the day she too had the privilege of being a wife and a mother. Maka was in good hands. And tomorrow, after some rest, he would deal with the issue of his wife's deception and leaving their daughter at daycare all the time.

That left the more urgent issue of Stein.

Spirit wanted to go back. He wanted to find out just what Lord Death would do to help his friend, to see for himself that Stein was going to survive the horrible self-mutilation, and could it even be undone? And, what of his madness?

Spirit thought again of what he'd experienced underground, the terror of those invasive thoughts, and how real and demanding they had been. Was that truly what it was like in Stein's mind? All those years that Spirit had felt the bristling, violent edge of his thoughts whenever he and Stein resonated... How Stein must have been holding it back, protecting him from the worst of it...preventing him from seeing the true depths of the madness.

Spirit took a slow, deep breath to hold the tears at bay again.

How could he have believed his wife? When she insisted Stein had been conducting illicit experiments on him, convinced him that the younger teen couldn't be trusted. Stein's refusal to offer either affirmation or denial was all the proof she had needed, and it had seemed the easiest way to ease hostilities to simply accept her word.

To abandon his partner.

And now, Stein may die because of him.

What kind of death weapon was he?

Spirit splashed water on his face and ran it through his hair, scrubbed at the blood until his skin felt raw and his scalp ached. Fresh tears mingled hot on his cheeks with the cool of the water, and when the only red left on his cheeks was the flush he felt from humiliation, he turned off the light and stumbled back into the bedroom.

He was no one anybody should be looking up to, or offering flirty waves in the academy's halls. He was an idiot and a failure, and everything his wife always accused him of being. He was probably a bad father, too.

He sniffled as his gaze locked onto the empty crib while he stumbled across the carpet, hoping that his wife would bring Maka back to him soon the next day. So focused was he, that his foot caught on something just under the bed and he tripped, falling so that his knee grazed the hard item when he hit the floor, and he hissed against the pain.

He felt in the dark for the offending object and soon pulled out a small, forgotten lock-box. His eyes widened on the sight, and familiar warnings rose in the back of his mind with too many words to form into coherent thought as he looked at the small, combination lock, the number sequence easily called into memory.

His thumb began turning the dials.

He had promised to stop drinking the day he found out about the pregnancy, and he had been true to his word. The box of expensive liquors was just for very special occasions, like the night after he and his wife had defeated the witch, and the day that Maka was born. And just a single shot those times, he had insisted, because it wasn't worth the risk to have more. Not when he was Death Scythe. Not when he was a father.

Stein's expression had been bittersweet when he told Spirit he was proud of him. Spirit had never understood that look.

He flipped the lid of the box open and lifted out one of the bottles, and his brow furrowed in confusion. It was nearly empty.

He considered for a moment, and then his eyes widened in understanding.

So, his wife had other secrets she had been keeping from him besides her daily excursions.

Spirit slowly turned the bottle over in his hand. He felt the warnings prickling all the way up his spine. He heard the echoes of his promises. He heard Stein's kind but melancholy praise.

And then he thought of his wife's lies. And the blood dripping down the sides of his friend's head. And the mad, defeated laughter as Stein had looked at him like he was a stranger.

Spirit replaced the nearly empty bottle, and then lifted a full one out of the box. He took a long, slow breath as he leaned back against the side of the bed. Felt every one of his nerve endings tingle in fierce opposition. And then he twisted open the cap.

He could keep some secrets, too.

[luci-j]

❤️35 OTP Questions❤️

For Valentine's Day (yay!). My favorite idiots in love. Thought I'd do something for the occasion, so here's a bit more on the couple....

Credit: The Moon Witch

1. Who fell for the other one first?

Meti, and hard. Rocket wasn't long soon after, but Meti knew from the second he made eye contact with Rocket that he was the one. When Rocket screamed at him and called him an idiot seconds later? Well, that just sealed the deal.

2. Who made the first move?

Hard to tell since they both went in for a kiss at the same time, but I'm going to give this one to Meti again since he greeted Rocket at the door with apology flowers. He already was making an attempt to shoot his shot, whether he realized it or not. The first "official" move though was them kissing one another, so that's a tie there.

3. Describe their first date.

That's also questionable, and they can't agree on it! But their first one after the dust settled and Meti's home world was safe was a simple, albeit somewhat awkward once since they'd also accidentally gotten married during that time.

4. What’s a perfect date for them?

They can really be homebodies! Perfect date would probably be getting takeout and watching old movies together. Meti would wear something maybe a little too fancy for the occasion, but they have to do something with *all* that makeup. If they aren't at home, trips to nature-themed places are always a hit with the two, like beaches and forest preserves.

5. What do physical trait do they love the most about each other?

Rocket's a solid 11 out of 10 in terms of looks on Fauntera, so for Meti it's a lot of things, from his sharper features to fluffy tail. But it's ultimately his eyes. Rocket loves Meti's shoulders, even though Meti hates how they're a little too broad for some of his dresses. Rocket also likes making Meti's claws retract in and out on his paw when they're in bed together, so his hands are really up there.

6. What personality trait do they love the most about each other?

Meti loves the kindness Rocket has underneath his brashness. Rocket loves how accepting Meti is, and how truly curious he is about the world around him.

7. What’s one way their personalities complement one another? (Is it opposites attract or are they pretty similar?)

Oh, I like this question! There's a lot of ways in which they're opposite, in terms of surface stuff at least. But when you dig down deeper, they click with one another, like pieces of a puzzle. They're good at filling in gaps for one another. They do also have a similar sense of humor. so that goes pretty far in terms of making them work.

8. What are some things they don’t agree on?

There's some butting of heads when it comes to their kids, although they do their best to talk it out with one another and remain respectful. Rocket also doesn't always agree with some of Meti's traditions, or at least is confused by them, and Meti sometimes thinks Rocket acts a little bit too much on emotion without looking at something from all sides.

9. What is each member’s love language?

For Meti it's gift giving. He's from a culture that didn't have a lot, so being able to be a provider for his love is a huge thing for him. It can be anything from tools Rocket's been eyeing to buying him some new clothes. For Rocket it's acts of service. This can be in the form of fixing up a squeaky door that's been driving Meti nuts, to making sure Meti's prosthetic leg is functioning as best it can.

10. What’s each member flirting style?

Meti's a lot more outwardly flirty, with double entendres and swaying his hips just so, but Rocket is no slouch, either. His flirting can come in the form of something as simple as the way he looks at Meti from across the room. He'll also riff off Meti if they begin flirting. Peter has begged more than once for them to knock it off.

11. Who’s the bigger tease?

Giving this one to Rocket. He knows it drives Meti nuts in a good way, so he's happy to tease the poor guy a little bit while they're out, or even in bed. Meti's happy to be the cat chasing the mouse here.

12. What is their favorite place to kiss the other? (Cheek, hand, closed eyelid, neck, nose, etc.)

Rocket likes kissing Meti on the tip of their nose, although he’d explode from the embarrassment if this were discovered; Meti loves the crook of Rocket's neck.

13. What was the most surprising thing they learned about one another once they started dating?

I had to think on this one! I think for Meti it was how soft Rocket was-- The dude cried at least once every movie AND in the Christmas special. You can't tell me he isn't a little bit of a softie underneath the hard exterior. Rocket was shocked at how much Meti was hiding of himself for fear of judgment. Anything from the small things, like what movies he watched, to bigger things like his accent and gender expression. The good news? Meti was able to open a lot more, and Rocket was given a place where he knew he wouldn't be punished for being "soft".

14. Do they like public display of affection?

Yes, but Rocket can sometimes use it as a form of messing with Peter. He's still Rocket, he's still a dick when he wants to be. :,) So yeah, they both are into it when they're not doing Guardian stuff. When it's a mission you wouldn't even know they were dating. They need those boundaries there so they don't look more like targets to their nemesis. Outside of that, though? Sure, they're holding hands. Oh, Quill is around? Rocket will slide rightttt onto Meti’s lap. Meti’s too wrapped up by what Rocket’s doing and plays along every time, whether he realizes it or not.

15. Are they jealous/possessive of each other?

Ah. This is a little more complicated. Meti still deals with self-esteem issues, so there are moments when he feels a little insecure if someone is looking at Rocket. He won't make a big show of it, though. He's getting better by adopting the mindset of "ah. You think my husband is beautiful? Me too. :3 Bask in his beauty. I'm so lucky!". It's a process! Rocket has absolutely been a bit jealous at some of Meti’s exes, but he'll be less outright hurt. That being said he'll play more into his jealousy because he know Meti is kinda into that. He does it for *both* of them. <3

16. Can they sit side by side without touching the other or are they handsy? (lacing fingers, touching knees, etc.)

They can for the sake of professionalism, but it isn't the preference. There's a lot of small interactions with one another. It isn't a big deal for one to lean over the other for something or nudge the other to get attention.

17. How do they comfort each other?

It can be a lot of physical touch, hugging, sitting quietly together, etc.. Just allowing time for either of them to fall apart and come back together once they're ready.

18. Who’s the primary protector of the two?

This is an interesting one, and it reminds me of a Tumblr post I had sent to me about the "sword and sheath" couple. Rocket is the sword, the outwardly ready to fight one, but even a sword needs protecting. Meti is that; he's the one to protect the normal protector. So while Rocket is louder, Meti is the one to quietly make sure no bodies are found. No one bothers his husband.

19. Who is more sentimental?

I feel like they *both* are in their own ways, even if it's shown differently. They both match another nicely in this regard. There's a lot of meaningful songs, gifts, etc. from both sides.

20. Who worries more?

Meti is the more "loud" worrier, and will over-analyze. Rocket will quietly stew from his side.

21. What articles of clothing do they "borrow" from one another?

Usually bathrobes. Other than that, Rocket has a collection of Meti’s old shirts that he likes sleeping with. Meti is never getting these back, which they are 1000% fine with.

22. Who is the big/little spoon?

Meti is the big spoon, Rocket the little one. Again, Rocket would die a thousand deaths if this were to be spoken about in public.

23. What reminds each of their partner?

There's certain flowers that remind Rocket of Meti. So it's a lot of visual things. For Meti it's more smells/feel. So like, the smell of motor oil or certain fur textures. And of course there's songs that remind them of one another. They each have ever-evolving playlists.

24. Are they sentimental about gifts they’ve received from each other?

Yes! Rocket’s favorite thing is the gift of Meti figuring out his birthday (with science!). Meti’s favorite is the engagement ring Rocket made with a bit of a machete that had been a gift from Meti’s parents. Meti had been stabbed with this same blade, and he'd thought everything from his parents was gone.

25. What holidays do they like?

Rocket makes a big deal about birthdays because he went so long without one. Meti loves that he can celebrate the holidays of his home planet, Fauntera. Notttt a big fan of Christmas, but Meti deals with it for the kids. Rocket is becoming more and more a fan of Halloween.

26. What happens if one of them gets sick?

So they've been through minor and major stuff at this point! Rocket has a rough time asking for help, but Meti isn't above getting reinforcements (aka: Nebula and Drax) to help convince Rocket to relax. Meti refuses to admit when he's ill, and Rocket will physically carry him to bed if they need it.

27. Can they stay up all night just talking?

Definitely. They've done it before, for both good and bad reasons. The first night they were together, actually, Meti thought they'd be sleeping together but they ended up pouring out one another’s hearts to each other. This is kinda when Meti knew he was screwed and this wasn't going to be a one-time thing. <3

28. Do they get along with each other’s friends and family?

Meti and Nebula had a very rough patch :,) She didn't think he was good enough for Rocket, and Meti honestly agreed with her! Rocket didn't like some of the new friends Meti met on Knowhere, and yeah, it was with good reason. Now things have settled down a lot more.

29. How likely are they to have fur babies? How many and what kind?

You'd think they would, but nothing permanent. Lots of fostering though. The reason being that between family and work there wouldn't be time for this. That, and Meti’s definition of "fur baby" would include things like crocodiles. Rocket had to put his foot down early to prevent a potential issue where they were eaten by a "fur baby".

30. Are they interested in marriage? Why or why not?

So, uh. Hosa clocked them as having cold feet, and that's part of the reason for his "blessing". He knew these two would shuffle their feet if he didn't work quick. I feel like it would've gotten put off otherwise. Here they married within a few days' of knowing one another. They then worked backwards, dating and getting to know one another better, and then had another wedding to basically cement that yes, they loved one another and were in this together. Neither of them were really against it otherwise, I just don't think it would have been on one another’s radar as high, or they would have been at different points. I think there would have been a lot of Meti longingly sighing at wedding dresses at one point otherwise.

31. Are they interested in having children? Why or why not?

Lollllll so this is a thing. Meti doesn't even think kids are on the table until he falls in love with Rocket. Rocket was going back and forth on it -- Excited! Then worried. He thinks about the ethics of him having children a lot, and worries. After the dust settled they did start having kids. They currently have Groot, their adopted sharklike alien daughter Rook, and Skye, their biological daughter (yay science!). Meti also has a biological son, Lir, but uh. That's a special surprise for later for them.

32. What do they do turn the other on/put them in the mood?

Meti will wear something special that they know Rocket will love -- whether it's perfume or clothing. Rocket will start to get flirier and lay on more compliments. Meti will also brush his tail over Rocket’s legs, which is like first base on his home planet :,).

33. What is their sex life like?

Another question I like! I feel like I could do more questions on this just because I find it interesting. :") It's healthy, that's for certain. Meti takes the lead, and also is a self-proclaimed Dom. Rocket likes that he has an area of life where he's respected, but doesn't always have to make decisions, so sub? Sure, yes. Thank God. And he's proud to be a sub. I could do a whole article on his reclaiming the word "bitch" as a point of pride, but that's for another post, and probably will be. Because that and the F-bomb are two words I chose to use VERY carefully from the get-go. Also there's a lot of kink, but to a point. Due to past traumas, there are things neither of them are comfortable with, but BOTH are respectful of this.

34. Do you have other ships that resemble your OTP?

I think they're very Aziraphale and Crowley coded, but that's just me. Others may have a different take. I'd also say Stede and Blackbeard, but that's actually a relationship dynamic reserved for a *different* couple. But that's another story.

35. Choose one song that perfectly describes their relationship.

I had this one brought to my attention and you know what? I agree:

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ_OJYk2Ix0&si=4iOasrV9Bd3Rcuvf

[airasora]

The scenario that popped into my head, because Sinbad and Proteus has been an otp since forever and there was that post where I mentioned that his speech to Marina about why he left makes much more sense if it's about Proteus etc, but you've made me ship Sinric, is that Sinbad and Proteus are exes (like I think they're in the movie) and Sinbad is stalking him, and when Eric finds out he's like "oh no this is the end" but Eric is perfectly capable imho of being fully unhinged, so instead he decides that Proteus is pretty cute, actually, AND he could "gift" Sinbad his first love and share him (share Proteus between them) knowing there will never be anyone else than the two of them for Sinbad, and they start stalking him together.

(another possible option was Odette figuring out she's bi and her and Thrax stalking girls for her but it wasn't as fully formed because I think Thrax is too jealous, at least your version)

I understand if it's not your cup of tea but I thought it'd be fun to share!

It's definitely a fun scenario, and I do agree that it makes no bloody sense that Sinbad fell in love with Marina at first sight and just left everything behind, it'd make more sense if he was in love with Proteus and them either being exes or if it was unrequited on Sinbad's part.

And you're right, while it may not be my cup of tea, I do enjoy hearing other people's thoughts and ideas :D

Charmine! Because they're the only OTP of mine where I ALREADY have played around with either of them being yanderes xD

First time was the manip I made of Jasmine where she clearly sent Rajah to eat Cinderella, which I just tried to find, but can't... I know I posted it way back when, but I didn't save it apparantly... and I can't find it, so if someone can, please do share the link x'D

And then there's my Tag You're It MEP where Christopher kidnaps Jasmine and basically forces her to marry him, not even realizing he's doing something wrong x'D And I have a fully blown fanfic in my head of Christopher kidnapping Jasmine and him just being the most lovely kidnapper ever xD I keep writing new notes and ideas down for that so that's gonna become a fanfic sooner or later lolol.

So, I can see a third yandere AU where they're both yanderes and stalk each other and don't even realize it for WAY too long xD

[lesbianmaxevans]

[mediocredoots]

Snareshipping 7,13,18,30

OTP questions

7: Which one constantly wears the other’s clothes? I think it would be an equal amount of clothes stealing with maybe otogi stealing jou's tops and jackets lol. I love the thought of them wearing each other's pants once in a while. ( though I think jounouchi would complain that otogi's are too tight. ) Maybe once jounouchi grabbed a random shirt to put on in a hurry and didn't realize it was otogi's until he got cold, looked down & saw it shows his middrift lol. Other than that I like to imagine they wear each other's accessories/jewelry. rings, bracelets, earrings ( they def have a matching set )

13: Which one likes to surprise the other with a lot of small random gifts? Otogi! I think he'd like to spoil jou whenever he can. He fully deserves it for how hardworking he is or simply because otogi feels like it. Can range from treats, food, clothes, game packs, new collar ect ect lol

18: Who’s the first one to admit they have feelings for the other? This one could be a toss up. Jou is very honest and upfront with his feelings so it could very well be him who announces his feelings for otogi first. Otogi seems the type to be a little more stubborn about admitting it so it's left to jou to break some boundaries.

30: If your OTP went on vacation, where would they go and what would they do? Who would take the pictures? My mind instantly went to vegas and then I cringed at all the horrific gambling the two might end up getting into. Maybe Otogi goes to cali to meet pegasus and decides to bring jou along and they take a road trip to vegas for funsies. Otogi will absolutely take pics of them together but I think jou would take pics of everything else like the sights they encounter or things that induce culture shock for him lol

[spyridonya]

5,6, and 17 for the OTP ask for Kadira/Daeran/Lann, please 👀

All under the snip because I don’t know when to shut up! Thank you for asking! <3

5. What is their love language? There's different languages between the three. All very much slip into bantering and quality time though they all have individual ways of expressing their affection and reception of it.

Kadira's love language is giving verbal praise and physical touch, and appreciating physical touch. The concept of love language is extremely novel to her as an adult and due to what Areelu has done to her memories and being raised away from the world. Her exploration of it has been severely limited during her lucid time as the knight commander placed in a position of power and seemingly mandated by the Heavens. She's keenly aware her every move is evaluated and she'd judged for who she spends her time with. Verbal praise and affirmation is her go to, simply because it's something she's allowed to give freely and without judgment. Behind closed doors, she's incredibly and physically affectionate much to her own surprise, having a knack to know where both Daeran and Lann like to be touched.

Daeran has more money than Abadar, his love language is giving material goods while words of affirmation are what he enjoys the most. Despite having more money than Abadar, Daeran has never had anyone to personally spoil until his romance begins with Kadira and later with Lann. His gifts are incredibly meaningful but he can deflect how meaningful they are. Kadira received the roses and key pendant (as noted in canon) and several books of Kellid history. Lann was given a jade japamala with Daeran knowing exactly what jade means to the people of Tian Xia (heavenly, beautiful, and priceless).

Daeran had a frequent but tumultuous relationship with physical touch and sex. He's keenly aware he uses it as a pleasurable escape method so he's not entirely needy for touch. However, praise, affirmation, and genuine affection is such a rarity to Daeran, that it still catches his breath in his throat.

Lann's sense of love language has been entirely fucked up due to the death of his siblings, his parents separation, isolation from his culture, and emotion abuse from Wenduag. Lann feels that acts of devotion are his expressions of love, though he realizes during conversations with Kadira and Daeran that he takes on acts of devotion for nearly everyone due the belief he's not worry of love otherwise and that he wants his life to be meaningful. Eventually, he comes to realize that touch is far more important for him to give.

Affirmation of love is something that Lann craves due to it being withheld by his mother, by his tribe, and by Wenduag. His broken self confidence and self esteem takes forever to allow the words to sink in, but when it does, it's powerful for Lann. So powerful in OT3 verse, he learns not to rush into intimate moments, notably when he realizes that he's broken the curse upon his people and himself.

17. Who fell in love first?

In terms of falling in love, Daeran fell for Kadira first and Lann second. Kadira always held a torch for Lann and fell for Daeran second. Lann was in love with Kadira right away and took him much longer to admit his love for Daeran.

6. When did they realize they loved each other? Daeran found Lann physically attractive right away and had no qualms admitting to that. Lann felt like the count was teasing him as most surfacers did, and shared a friendship and rivalry. Daeran's more androgynous appearance was physically appealing to Lann, though Daeran's attitude and Lann's internalized biphobia took him a while to admit it. Even after sleeping together, there was still a serious rivalry between them until they fell into an argument over Lann not speaking to his mother, Ria. It was the first time Daeran allowed himself to express how much he missed his mother to someone, and Lann had someone tell him he didn't have to forgive someone who hurt him. (I'm in the middle of writing this.)

Kadira found Lann's presence oddly familiar and comforting, not realizing that his people's abyssal curse and his form is what drew her to him. After all, Kadira had grown up with literal demons even if she couldn't quite remember it until much later. Their relationship turned into friendship, with Lann mistaking Kadira's clumsy interest in him as gentle teasing, growing warmer as she tutored him in reading. While the sparring incident gently opened the door, Kadira allowed him to explore his sexuality and his relationship with Daeran. They finally grew closer one night with him teaching her how he used the stars for exploration.

Beauty meant very little to Daeran, you see one pretty tiefling, seen them all. While he was amused by her coy remark in Kenabras' ruined library, he only became intrigued by Kadee when she showed sincere enjoyment of his humor and even more so when she snapped at him that she was a Shelynite after he called her 'chief prig'. Full attraction came during his birthday celebration with Kadira being his perfect guest and holding back his hair to vomit when he failed his concentration to cast Lesser Restoration (and when she stripped naked in Wintersun to swim at the waterfall). Kadira… didn't fall in love with Daeran right away. In fact she only accepted his 'non-courting' as a ruse to stay close to monitor the Other for Liotr. It wasn't until they were in the Abyss that Kadira discovered how much she did love Daeran.

[wheredidthepeepeego-mp3]

Usually I consider it safe to "post cringe" on tumblr because I've literally advertised my 70k word dipper pines x dib membrane fanfiction on here without any hate but I feel this one is going to cause at least one person to call me ableist or lesbophobic or chronically online.

Can I be honest with y'all? During the first season of the owl house and a few episodes into the second, I didn't like lumity.

I feel like a lot of y'all were shipping it from the viewpoint of relating to Amity but I'd always related to Luz more, and as an Ex Troubled Kid rather than an Ex Gifted Kid it felt kind of... weird? Like, as an Ex Troubled Kid, the Amities of the world weren't falling madly in love with me: they were bullying me. Like, actually, legit, BULLYING me.

I didn't like it AT FIRST (keyword: at first) because it felt like just dipcifica all over again: sometimes snarky but good-natured nerd is absolutely tormented by a rich girl significantly more privileged than them and the moment they get along, apparently that's romantic? :?

But it was mid season two that made me completely flip the switch and lumity is one of my OTPs now. I was a "mean" kid around Luz and Amity's age in the way the adults hated. (screeched or yelled at people or made Autism Noises at them.) Meanwhile, the kids the adults in my life loved were being mean in the way Amity was in the first season.

The difference was that they meant it and they enjoyed it. I was really tired of "but her parents made her do it!!1" excuse for a while but then I realized Amity didn't like being a rude person. I was just so used to all the rich bullies in my life enjoying it.

And that's what flipped that switch: I love Lumity now because Luz didn't "fix" Amity: she's what made Amity realize she can let go of what's causing her to act the way she does, which is a plot line I can relate to much more.

I hope this made sense!

[bogunicorn]

Random OTP Asks: #15 and #31. Hope you're doing well.🌼

I'm doing well today, thank you! <3 <3 <3

You didn't specify pairing so I'm doing it for the Solas/Thayet/Blackwall polycule and Eala/Solas, I'm feeling indulgent today.

#15: Who initiates PDA the most in public?

Solas & Blackwall & Thayet

Of the three of them, Thayet, probably. Solas is in a perpetual state of "if I allow myself to be happy I will simply die but I'm also so touch-starved I'm going to start foaming at the mouth", so I don't think he's overt with affection in public but is very touchy in private. Blackwall will politely flirt in public, but it's mostly through titles or manners or gifts.

Thayet, however, is both naturally a more physically affectionate person (with everyone, not just her partners) and will habitually reach for someone's hand or drape herself over their shoulders or tuck herself underneath their arm or something. She's also perfectly comfortable kissing in front of other people.

To an extent, they'd be like this anyway, but they're also heavily affected by the social structure of the Inquisition. Thayet being openly affectionate is socially "safer" than either of her partners getting up in her space, so keeping distance until they're invited in helps her control any given social situation the way she needs to.

Also, in a situation where Solas and Blackwall also have a thing with each other... probably Blackwall, actually? I see Blackwall as the sort of person who interacts very differently with men vs. women and is more comfortable with distinctly masculine, kind of fraternal shows of affection that wouldn't immediately read to other people as romantic. He wouldn't kiss or hold hands or be obvious, but it would be there.

Solas & Eala

Definitely Solas in this one. Eala is awkward and it takes her a while to realize she's "allowed" to show affection. Solas quickly gets into the habit of reaching out for touch or affection first, and that only gets more intense once they're romantically involved.

#31: Who would do the dangerous thing while the other person watches and panics?

Solas & Blackwall & Thayet

It's always Thayet doing the physically dangerous thing, Solas watching and being like "...yeah, that tracks, I'll cover you", and Blackwall having a vicious internal battle between "she's fine, she'll be fine" and keeping her in a box full of bubble wrap and packing peanuts.

Solas & Eala

Eala does dangerous shit, usually without warning, and Solas quietly sweats bullets about it.