#Perhaps someday I will take that and draw it again but Better

[scurvioli]

@eechytooru Thank you for a Glorious whiteboard!

[grapenehifics]

Confession - Obikin Promptober day 17

Someday I will get back to the fics I'm meant to be working on, but not this day! Today, I was inspired to write a coffee shop AU (thank you @evieswips!) for the Obikin Promptober (thank you @paracosm-draw!) prompt, 'confession'. 2k of fluff and aprons below the cut:

"Uh, Obi-Wan? I...think somebody left this for you?"

Anakin wasn't sure why he phrased it as a question. A note labeled, 'to the cute redhead behind the counter' definitely wasn't for Anakin, and he and Obi-Wan were the only two who'd been working the shop that day. (They were the only two working the shop ANY day. Anakin was Obi-Wan's sole employee.) He shouldn't open it - it wasn't addressed to him - but Obi-Wan didn't reach for it, merely looked over his shoulder curiously and mumbled, 'oh, yes?' as he continued to sweep the floor, so Anakin unfolded the slip of paper. "I think she's asking you on a date," he said morosely, his stomach sinking down to somewhere around his sneakers. (Okay, so maybe Anakin DID know why he'd phrased it as a question. Anakin was hopelessly, catastrophically in love with his boss.)

"Again?" Obi-Wan asked mildly, and Anakin was so distracted by this response that he hardly noticed when Obi-Wan took the slip of paper from him and slid it into the pocket of the apron he wore around his waist. (Anakin had a crush on a man who wore an apron. What was his world coming to?)

"Again?" Anakin squeaked, so surprised he dropped the trash can he'd been emptying. His voice went high and unattractive, nearly shrill. "What do you mean, 'again'?"

"She's...asked before. I admire the persistence, if nothing else," Obi-Wan said, ignoring Anakin's mounting panic and opening the cash register. He pointedly was not making eye contact, but Anakin couldn't stop staring. He'd feel bad about neglecting his duties, except for the fact that he'd clocked out hours ago. He'd told Obi-Wan that the shop was a good place for him to study even after his shift, and it was...sort of. The coffee was good - it had better be; Anakin had ducked behind the counter and made it himself; not wanting to bother Obi-Wan, who was busy with paying customers, for a cup - and the atmosphere pleasant, but Anakin would definitely have been able to get more work done if he hadn't spent half his time sneaking glances at Obi-Wan's butt when Obi-Wan wasn't looking or pausing the clacking of his keyboard to listen to Obi-Wan's smooth, melodic voice as he took orders and flirted with the clientele or insisting that he was 'planning on taking a break for a while anyway' every time Obi-Wan stopped by to check on his booth even if he hadn't been anywhere near due to take a break. And then, when Anakin realized it was closing time and he'd (again) not moved for a solid four hours, he'd offered to stay late, helping Obi-Wan clean and close up. It was Anakin's favorite part of the day, despite not getting paid for it. The doors were locked, the lights were dimmed, and it was just him and Obi-Wan, puttering around, straightening chairs and taking inventory.

"And...you've told her no? That's not persistence, Obi-Wan; that's just...not taking no for an answer," Anakin said, getting his hackles up. No meant no, and if this lady couldn't take a hint...

Obi-Wan shook his head. "Oh, no. Nothing like that. I said I'd think about it."

Anakin picked the trash can back up again and frowned. It didn't sound like Obi-Wan to lead somebody on like that. "Don't you like her?"

Obi-Wan gave a half-hearted chuckle. "Difficult to say. We haven't actually been on that date yet." Anakin's frowned just from hearing Obi-Wan use the word 'date'. "I've simply been busy. Well, you know how it is," he quickly added, catching a glimpse of Anakin's expression. "Starting a new business..." He'd paused, mop dangling from his hand. "I poured my entire life savings and my father's inheritance into this place. I want it to work. I need it to work. Perhaps down the line - a few years from now - I can start thinking about dating again, but" -

"Wait, wait," Anakin interrupted. He set the trash can on the counter and put his hands on his hips as he stared the man down. "Obi-Wan. You're telling me that you're not going out with a cute girl because of work?"

Anakin was surprised to find himself so offended. He wasn't sure why he was coming to this woman's aid, when he very manifestly did not want Obi-Wan to date her. But even more than not wanting that, he did want Obi-Wan to be happy. And shutting himself up in his coffee shop was not the way to do that.

"I...you know that we..." Obi-Wan spluttered, gesturing with the mop handle. "You of all people know how hard we work."

(Obi-Wan desperately needed another one, maybe two, employees, in addition to Anakin, but Anakin had refrained from mentioning that fact, because then Obi-Wan might do it, and hire some more people, and then Anakin wouldn't be special anymore.)

"This place is my life," Obi-Wan continued, "and..."

"Bullshit," Anakin blurted out, and Obi-Wan pulled up in surprise. He looked so hurt that Anakin almost felt bad, but he barreled on anyway. "Look, Obi-Wan, you don't want to go out with this chick in particular, I get it. You know what, maybe you don't want to date at all. And that's fine; it's your life. But I don't ever want to hear you say that this place" - Anakin gestured over his shoulder to the rest of the coffee shop - "is all you have. Because it isn't. It's just a job. You have..." Anakin, surprisingly, felt his breath hitch and his throat swell. He hadn't expected to get so emotional over this. He suddenly thought of his mom, who'd worked nearly until the day she'd died, and how much Anakin would give for even one more day with her. "You have people who love you," he finished throatily.

Obi-Wan's face softened and he started to reach out, as if to take Anakin's arm, and then thought better of it and let his hand fall to his side again. "Many of whom I've met because of this shop," he added softly, and Anakin thought about the blonde woman who'd left the note again.

"You have to do something for you, Obi-Wan," Anakin said. He was in no fit place to be giving his boss - or anyone - life advice, but Anakin believed in what he was saying with his whole heart. "You've just gotta take a chance, sometimes, you know? Even if it's scary. Even if it" -

The mop fell to the floor with a clatter. Obi-Wan stepped forward, brought his hands up, closed the distance between them, cupped Anakin's face in his palms, and kissed the stuttered surprise right out of Anakin's mouth.

"Hmm?" Anakin said, or something very close to it, and his fingertips had just barely brushed the thick cotton of Obi-Wan's apron on either side of his hips when Obi-Wan stumbled backward, his mouth open and his eyes wide.

"I...I just kissed my employee," Obi-Wan said, sounding horrified, and he brought his hand up again, this time pressing the back of his wrist to his lips. His wet lips. That Anakin had just had pressed against his. "Anakin, I'm so sorry," Obi-Wan murmured, rushing to get the words out as he wiped his mouth with his hand. "That was a completely inappropriate overstep on my part. I...can we...can we please just forget this ever happened, and" -

"Absolutely not," Anakin growled, and he finished the motion he'd started and hooked his index fingers through the white cotton ties of the apron that held it snug around Obi-Wan's captivatingly trim little waist. He yanked Obi-Wan forward and stepped toward him at the same time, so that their chests and hips met in the middle almost painfully. Anakin had to duck his chin a little to catch Obi-Wan's eye at this angle. Obi-Wan looked back up at him. His mouth was still open, a little, but now instead of panting he seemed to be holding his breath. "Forget what I said before. Fuck all those other people I was talking about. It's me. I love you." Anakin unhooked his fingers just long enough to wrap his hands around Obi-Wan's hips instead. He could feel the warmth of him through his left palm, and the solid weight of him through the right. "Take a chance on me, Obi-Wan. Please." He knew he was begging, knew his lip was wobbling and tears were gathering in his eyes, but he stayed where he was, firm and resolute. If Obi-Wan didn't want him he was going to have to tell Anakin that himself.

"But what if I'm scared," Obi-Wan whispered, and he broke eye contact long enough to look down at the center of Anakin's chest instead, and at the same time brought his own hand up and placed it flat, fingers splayed, over Anakin's beating heart. Anakin half-hoped he could feel how fast Anakin's heart was beating under his ribcage, and half-hoped he couldn't. "This could go so wrong, Anakin; I'm so much older than you are, and I'm your boss, and" -

Anakin, a little reluctantly, took his right hand off of Obi-Wan's hip and wrapped it around his wrist instead, pinning Obi-Wan's hand to where it lay splayed over Anakin's sternum. "So maybe now's a good time to break some bad news to you," Anakin said lowly, and now it was his turn to hold his breath in nervous anticipation.

Obi-Wan's head snapped up. "What?"

Anakin couldn't bear to see him look like that, even in jest. He closed his eyes and gave Obi-Wan a quick, puckered kiss to the tip of his nose before pulling back. He rubbed the back of Obi-Wan's hand with his thumb. "I quit."

Obi-Wan blinked in surprise. Anakin was gratified to feel his hand curl just a little possessively around Anakin's t-shirt. He wasn't sure Obi-Wan was even aware he was doing it. "You're quitting? Why?"

Anakin shrugged, feigning nonchalance even though his heart was in his throat. If this didn't work, Anakin was not only out a job but would lose the chance to see the love of his life every morning for a four-hour shift, doubles on weekends. "There's this really cute guy I want to take out on a date, but between my classes and homework and this really demanding job I have, I just don't know when I'd find the time to woo him the way he deserves." He slid his left hand, the one still on Obi-Wan's waist, back and to the side, until it was resting at the small of Obi-Wan's back, just above the knot in his apron ties. "He's worth it, though."

Obi-Wan frowned. "I don't want you to leave," he said, sounding almost as petulant as Anakin did when he was trying to get out of having to take the trash out to the dumpster, and Anakin was struck by the desire to kiss his nose again. "This is your job, Anakin, and I won't have you losing your apartment over this. We'll figure something else out. We'll..."

"Oh." Anakin shook his head. "I didn't say I wasn't going to work. I'm just not going to work here. I know when I answered that ad in your window I didn't know the difference between an Americano and a cortado but you whipped me into shape. Darling." Anakin rubbed Obi-Wan's back to try to distract him from the endearment he'd just let slip out. "I'm taking everything you taught me and I'm going to sell it to the highest bidder. I bet I'll have a new job by the time I come to pick you up on Friday for our date."

Obi-Wan gave him a shy, rueful smile, and Anakin was delighted to see the tips of his ears blush a very cute shade of pink. "I admire the persistence," he admitted.

That wasn't a yes. "Is that a yes?" Anakin asked, almost demanding.

Obi-Wan was still blushing, but he grinned mischievously at him and shifted - Anakin sprang back to release his wrist as quickly as if he'd been burnt - to wrap his arms around Anakin's neck. "We close at eight on Fridays."

"I know," Anakin said, appreciating the new angle and allowing himself the luxury of wrapping his arms around Obi-Wan’s waist and holding him close. "I used to work here, until about ten seconds ago, remember?"

"...but for a special occasion I might just manage to lock up before seven," Obi-Wan said, and once again Anakin only managed to let out half of a surprised, happy gasp before Obi-Wan kissed him again.

[nwqueenwrites]

Halsin/OC TAV

(Fixing the horrid canon ending!)

Sunlight streams into the room as you awaken, instantly warming your skin. During the night, you had fallen asleep curled against Halsin, drawing comfort from his presence after the harrowing battle.

As you stir, Halsin runs a hand gently through your hair. "Good morning, my love," he says softly. "How are you feeling?" You nuzzle against his chest, not yet ready to face the day. Sensing your need for quiet, Halsin simply holds you close for a long moment.

Eventually, duty calls you both.

As you finally rise and dress, Halsin explains his plans for the refugees. "I will take the children and any others who cannot remain here. We will travel far from Baldur's Gate and establish a new grove, a safe haven."

Your heart sinks, knowing this means his departure. But you force a brave smile. "They could have no better guide than you. The children adore you." Halsin takes your hands, regret in his eyes. "I wish we had more time. But the refugees need stability and shelter. I cannot delay the journey." He strokes your cheek. "My heart, you have your own path. Do not feel obligated to accompany me."

Though it pains you, you understand his reasons. "Of course. The children must come first," you reply, blinking back tears. "Just...promise you'll think of me sometimes during your travels."

"Always," Halsin whispers as he pulls you close once more. No matter what the future holds, you will carry the memory of this farewell embrace for the rest of your days.

As Halsin holds you close, neither wants to be the first to let go. You bury your face against his neck, breathing in his earthy scent. This may be the last time you feel the comfort of his arms. Reluctantly, Halsin loosens his embrace. Up close, you see the grief dimming his eyes.

"I confess, now that the time has come, parting from you feels...unnatural," he says raggedly. "My spirit already yearns to have you near again." You cling tighter, wishing you could freeze this moment. Halsin continues, "But I cannot delay the journey. The children have suffered enough instability." He strokes your hair, his voice filled with regret.

"I must not be selfish, no matter how much I..." His words trail off, but you hear the unspoken end of his sentence. No matter how much I need you. Need us. You pull back to meet his anguished gaze. "I understand…" you whisper. "The refugees must come first." You manage a bittersweet smile. "Follow your calling, and...know that you have my whole heart.....Always."

Halsin cups your face with aching tenderness. "And you mine," he replies. "No matter where your destiny leads, I will love you eternally."

Though it pains you, you step back, letting his hands slip from your grasp. His duty is clear, as is yours. With one last lingering look, Halsin turns to gather the refugees, his shoulders heavy with sorrow. Your paths now diverge - but perhaps someday they will cross again. For now, you have only memories to sustain you.

As noon grew near, Halsin finished loading the last supplies onto the wagons, sadly glancing back towards the city one final time. He hopes against hope to see you running to join them after all. But the gates remain empty.

Nearby, the refugee children gather around him in a cheerful swarm, chattering with excitement to begin the journey. Their high spirits lift Halsin's mood slightly. Little Anya tugs at his robe. "Mr. Halsin, is the nice teacher coming with us?" she asks brightly. Halsin's heart sinks. He forces a smile. "I'm afraid they cannot join us just yet, child."

Jorin, an older orphan, pipes up next. "But they're always teaching us and reading stories! They have to come to the new grove too!" The other children murmur in earnest agreement. Halsin swallows down fresh grief, touched by their attachment to you. If only you were here...

From the wagons, some adult refugees call out as well. "Where is your partner? They helped tend the sick ones daily."

"Yes, and boosted morale with songs and tales around the fire!"

Halsin raises a hand, reluctance in his voice as he explains you cannot accompany them now. The children and refugees' crestfallen reaction at your absence mirrors his own feelings. But the journey must commence, even if his heart remains behind.

With a heavy spirit, Halsin climbs onto the lead wagon. As the procession rolls out, he wonders if you glance back from the city walls. Wherever you are, he hopes you understand how deeply you'll be missed.

As they start to depart, Halsin is distracted by the sound of comotion coming from the back of the wagon trail.

Halsin turns to see you standing at the city gates, chest heaving from running. Hope and longing flare within him at your presence, but he swallows it down. You have your own path, and he must not sway you from it.

Before he can speak, you say in a rush, "I know you think I'm better off following my own destiny. But I cannot let you leave without me. My place is at your side." Halsin's stoic resolve nearly cracks at your words. But he hardens his heart once more.

"You do not need to sacrifice your freedom out of obligation. I release you from any commitment to me." You search his eyes, hurt, moving closer to his lead wagon. "So...you do not want me to come? Just say it plainly, and I will let you be." Your chin trembles slightly as you force out the painful offer. At seeing your distress, Halsin can restrain himself no longer. Jumping from the wagon, he crushes you against his chest, emotion flooding through his barriers.

"Forgive me," he whispers fervently. "I only wanted to give you wings to soar, but I was blind. I cannot imagine this journey without you now."

You cling to him just as tightly, shaking with joy and relief. All reservations finally cast aside, Halsin admits what his heart has known all along - that you belong together.

Taking your pack in one hand and your hand in the other, he leads you to sit beside him in the wagon. The future remains uncertain, but Halsin knows that side by side, you will weather whatever storms may come.

As Halsin sweeps you into his embrace, a great cheer erupts from the caravan. You glance over to see the refugees and children looking on delightedly. "Hooray, they're coming after all!" little Anya cries out joyfully. The other children take up the chant, clapping and shouting. The adult refugees are smiling as well. "We're glad you changed your mind!" calls out one man. "The journey wouldn't be the same without you," adds a woman, raising her hand.

You beam back at them, heart swelling with warmth at this acceptance. Halsin takes your face in his hands once more. "They have given us their blessing," he says with a tender smile. "Let us not keep them waiting any longer."

As the procession finally passes through the gates, the refugees and delighted children cheer loudly for you both. Though the road ahead remains uncertain, you know that come what may, you will face it together, surrounded by this community you both care for so deeply. Home is no longer a place, but the bonds you now share.

[factual-fantasy]

I know you probably won't continue this since it's been almost two years but recently I saw your Submas comic again with Emmet somehow ending up in Hisui with the help of Celebi and reuniting with his brother but also getting the consequences of his actions/neglect in taking care of himself (also probably Hisui being harsh to his already weakened state)

I imagined how it could continue (not written down anywhere just living rent free in the brain of yours truly) and I feel like sharing it with you since you inspired me:

We left off as Ingo weeps in front of Emmet sleeping... After he wakes up from his weeping Ingo and Sneasler reluctantly leave as Emmet has no signs of regaining consciousness or improving. Something tells Ingo that what his brother needs might be back in their original time with much better health care.

Similar to him Ingo seeks out Dialga and Palkia begging them to help him save his brother. They have just reunited and he doesn't dare to think what happens if Emmet doesn't get the treatment he needs.

Celebi is also still around and Ingo makes the decision to return to the future to help save Emmet. Sacrificing everything just like he did.

[off screen he makes his good byes get's one of Sneaslers Eggs as a parting gift and they return back to the future]

Next time we cut to the twins it's in the hospital when Emmet regains consciousness. Half awake he is distraught first because being in hospital means it was all a dream and he is all alone again. Waterworks start until he notices a presence by his bedside. Ingo. Totally exhausted and seemingly recently fallen asleep. Waterworks start even harder because Ingo is right there. It was real after all. Ingo awakes and wakes up and they hug and weep.

the end

----

I know you're not fond of fanworks of your fanworks so I don't know if you even like this stupid little idea (also if you even remember the fanart and all that from way back when) I don't plan on sharing this anywhere outside to you. Take it if you want or leave and delete it. I just felt like sharing it with you since you inspired me.

I just want to say thank you because even after all this time your few works of art for submas fill me with joy and I smile each time I scroll past them on my dashboard. All your artworks are simply amazing and I know that you definitely make so many people happy with your content. Keep doing what you love because you do awesome! Take care and thank you for reading this far into this long message.

Awwee!! This is so sad yet adorable at the same time!! 😭😭😭 What a sweet way to wrap up Ingo and Emmets journey! :}}

And thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear that you liked my submas stuff and that it's inspired you! Even though I didn't draw much for it.. 😅 Perhaps someday when I'm feeling better I'll get back around to submas again.. 👀👀

[kneelingshadowsalome]

Sarah and Simon’s wedding. Any hints on how it went for them?

...Well! 🫦 *draws breath*

First, they frolic around Florence all cute and happy before the ceremony. Simon takes her to galleries -> somehow the idea of this giant soldier listening to his enthusiastic, sparkly-eyed wife-to-be giving him a monologue about a painting like Birth of Venus does things to me. He def. gets a hard-on from that, and Sarah gets all flustered when she notices. ("We're in a gallery, for god's sake" or "I should've known you can't behave yourself" while her eyes are just wide and shining from love)

As for the wedding: nothing too fancy, nothing too luxurious or overly elegant. Instead, crazy romantic – nothing is official and there will be no legal documents on any marriage taking place, but Simon would do his all to make the day memorable for the both of them. He loves to pamper and spoil Sarah, even if she gets shy about it (she loves it actually). So good food and a beautiful dress are a must, and the venue has to be something Sarah would love – something historical, from the romantic period, perhaps. Some old villa with lemon trees or magnolias, a wild garden that is overwhelming to the senses, nothing too pruned or symmetrical. They spend their wedding night there, too, sleep late in the morning and have a hedonistic 2-hour brunch in the garden.

I don't know if even Soap would be present because we're talking about a secret elopement here. Simon would have a hard time asking John to be his best man, and Sarah has yet to see him too many times, so it might be just the two of them + someone suitable to conduct the ceremony. After all, the marriage is mainly a powerful symbolic gesture from Simon that he is dedicated to Sarah and wants to grow old with her (I see them planting those apple trees in Simon's "hideout" later that summer: one for her and one for him).

But what would be even more monumental than the actual wedding is the honeymoon that follows.

Simon takes weeks, almost a month off his work to explore Italy and especially the seaside together. There is an overdose of art, culture, good food and wine. Sarah tries to teach Simon to appreciate a good Amarone or Valpolicella and he's just like I'd rather not but gives in like he always does (*sigh* "Let's try it then, dove"). There's lots of swimming and hikes in the woodlands and just all kinds of fun under the sun, and all around them, the nature is blooming. 

Sometimes they are too tired to even make love because they've been too busy going around yet another bend or a corner to see if there is a great view or a better restaurant or a hidden beach empty of people. But he brings her breakfast in bed, and it usually ends in slow, passionate sex before they venture out again. Or then there's the occasional quickie in the shower just before dinner. Her cheeks are still flushed when they rush to their reservation and the waiter brings the menus to the table (Simon only looks annoyingly content with himself). 

If one thing is sure, it's this: Simon gets actual dimples on his cheeks from that honeymoon, and Sarah teases him about it for the rest of their lives. 

Every time the weather turns cold and rainy in London, they remember their Italian summer and the gardens filled with foreign scents and their wedding night which was a little too hot to get some sleep, not to talk of making love (of course they still did and were all sweaty and spent afterward, poor things), they remember their walks on the beaches filled with beautiful sea shells and how they should go back there someday, but Simon says it would never be the same... so they decide they will explore a new country and a new place every year. A few weeks, almost a month off from work, no matter what, so they can go and have some adventures and a slice of peace and live their lives to the full. 💞

[purpletyrant]

host mother

you seemed to like it when i actually included expository text for once instead of just the title, so context under the cut?

orchidee and tyche, the mother of cybele and the unicorns' host during orchidees... internship? fantasy internship? what else might i call it... work study? lol

tyche and cynric are the parents of seven kobolds, the oldest being the runaway, gwydion, and the youngest being cybele. despite her familys pariah status following gwydions escape, tyche remains the reason why many mouths are still being fed in the settlement. thats one thing orchidee doesnt understand because of her limited worldview - you would feed people who shun you???? but her confusion is outweighed by her fascination. seeing tyche do all the things that servants do in the shadows back in lafossa is an endless source of entertainment for her. yes, she really is THAT interested in watching tyche cook

very quickly, tyche picks up on the idea that orchidee may not have an awesome relationship with her mother. she doesnt write to her, or vice versa, and seems disinterested in talking about her family. orchidee latches onto tyche as a mother figure, and tyche is likewise enamored by her sweet and curious nature. she is also the first to intuit that orchidee has entered some sort of relationship with her youngest child, and actively encourages it in the hopes that cybele will be motivated to leave for a better life in lafossa. her devastation over cybeles death feeds the flame of orchidees desire to reanimate them. but perhaps the most lasting impact she has on orchidee is her passing down of herbal and natural magic. one concoction she teaches orchidee to make is a draught of torpor, which allows the kobolds to sleep through longer periods of hunger and scarcity. orchidee makes this draught to wait out eubora and attempt to reanimate cybele a second time... but she fucks it up and sleeps for several decades instead. she was never good at any kind of magic, i guess! many of tyches recipes serve her well during her life in the deerwood, even if she doesnt remember where the knowledge came from

another one of those "FUCK, just TAKE it" pieces. the problem with tyche is her colors are all very similar, so she threw me for a loop until i was so fed up with correction layers and shading and lighting that i just decided, you know what, im done. im gonna draw her again someday though so im not sweating it tooooo hard... man

[bluejay-writes]

MysticTober 2024 - Day 14: Actually Just Ink

Rating: G Prompt: Headcanon WordCount: 582 Summary: Unknown has time to kill, and surely he couldn't waste it sleeping, so he will have to refresh and prove his devotion to Mint Eye. Author's Notes: This one's been floating around in my brain for awhile, and I'm really happy with how it turned out. I hope you enjoy it.

As the screen flickered in front of him, Unknown sighed.  The algorithm would eventually find the holes in the special security system, which would allow him a spare few minutes for rest.  He knew better than to try to sleep. The Savior needed him to always be available, so sleep was not an option.  She was always so disappointed when she found him sleeping at his computer.

He was considering slacking off again. That wouldn’t do, he did not want to tempt the Savior into another cleansing.  He would have to refresh and prove his devotion to the cause, of course. Checking that his algorithm was still tapping away at that traitor’s code, he reached out and grabbed the pen off of his mouse pad, and started to draw over the edges of the tattoo on his arm.

The edges had started fading from his showers, and especially where it rubbed against the inside of his jacket.  He pressed harder with the ballpoint pen than he probably needed to, but left behind a fresh, sharp line of black.  With each line, he reaffirmed his purpose. 

To serve the Savior. He lined the eye as if he were applying eyeliner, carefully and sharply marking the lashes and the iris. Someday, perhaps, he would find a pen with the correct color of ink, and fill the iris instead of simply lining it. A true mint eye.  Irrelevant for now, as he only had black ink to hand. His Savior saw all, and he enforced her will however she needed him to.  She was the Savior of Mint Eye, but she was his own personal savior as well, taking him from the hell that his brother had abandoned him to.  

To protect the paradise. The thistle, with its thorns hidden in beauty was one of his favorite parts of the motif he’d designed.  Beauty, unless you attempted to touch, and then all you were left with was pain and regret. He would protect Magenta with his life, and no regrets.

To save the believers from their harsh fate.  He lined the crown above the eye, representing the absolution and cleansing that the unwashed masses underwent to become believers under the Savior’s Mint Eye. Together, they would save everyone from the uncaring, unfeeling world.

To undermine the RFA. That ‘charity’ organization that lied to everyone just as bad as the rest of the world.  Claiming to help while only perpetuating the problem.  Unknown lined the stylized M - for Magenta, for Mint Eye.  For the naive MC who was even now sitting in the apartment chatting away and getting him information on the group.

To bring the traitor and the liar before The Savior for her judgment. They would eventually be cleansed until they, too, understood the beauty of paradise. The thorned moon with the thistle stem was usually hidden by his jacket, and tended to fade the fastest. It was the least important to the Savior and the Mint Eye, but it was the most important to him, and always the last thing he refreshed, to keep himself going despite everything.

In the middle of the last, the line stuttered and died.  Unknown threw the pen in the garbage bin under his desk, and looked back at the screens again.  Still nothing. His idiot twin was better at this than he seemed.

Unknown reached out and took a new pen out of the box in his desk drawer. Looks like he had more time to kill.

[zeldahime]

So as part of making the chronological order video, obviously, I watched the bit in 1967 again. And I’m thinking, there’s an alternate reading of “you go too fast for me Crowley” here, right?

So first, the buildup. With new s2 canon, we’ve got both 1827 and expanded 1941 added to think about:

1827: Crowley got dragged to hell for doing something Good

1862: He returned 35 years later with a cane asking for a suicide pill

1941: (At least some of) The forces of Hell are looking for a reason to take Crowley back to Hell for further punishment

Crowley is also doing loads of things that are unsafe, even reckless. Aside from the Bad Idea Magic Trick, which is admittedly Aziraphale’s fault and didn’t seem to pose any danger to Crowley at the time, he’s also entering churches and trying to get holy water and getting mixed up with human criminals, and yes, driving recklessly — and his lot do not send rude notes; if he gets discorporated, Aziraphale’s got every reason to think he’s going to be tortured and may not be allowed to come back. He also thinks that if Crowley thinks he's going to be dragged back to Hell, he's going to kill himself first if he has the chance. Suicide pill: Permanent, finito, holy water destroyed. No coming back 50 years later, no coming back ever.

The full conversation, once the holy water is handed over, is:

C: Should I say thank you? A: Better not. C: Well, can I drop you anywhere? A: No, thank you. Oh, don't look so disappointed. Perhaps someday we could... I don't know. Go for a picnic, dine at the Ritz. C: I--I'll give you a lift. Anywhere you want to go. A: You go too fast for me, Crowley. [Leaves]

The usual reading here is that when Aziraphale says “you go too fast for me,” he means it in a relationship sense, that giving a lift would be taking things to the next level in some romantic sense. This is a very fun and romantic reading, but it doesn’t quite sit right with me for what I think is actually happening on Aziraphale’s side of the conversation.

What I think Aziraphale means is “You’re too reckless, and I can’t keep up with you," and “I don’t want to be thanked for bringing you your death.”

And he comes as close as he ever does to telling Crowley what he actually does want — he wants to sit together, enjoy each other’s company over good food and good wine. He tells Crowley exactly what invitations he will accept from him in the future. And then he leaves, cutting off their dance, drawing a clear boundary.

I think to Aziraphale, he’s just said as clearly as he can. “Stop putting yourself in so much unnecessary danger, Crowley; it hurts me to see you like this."

Whether that's what Crowley actually heard, however, well. Either way, he does eventually take his angel to the Ritz.

[pomefioredove]

Hello! It's been awhile since I've gotten a matchup done from anyone, and I really like your writing, so I'd thought I'd ask for one!

Congratulations on 500 followers by the way!!

If I were to describe myself and my personality, I think it would overall be "quiet." I very much keep to myself and don't make much of an attempt at talking to other people, but that would be because I have lingering social anxiety from my childhood. I am actually very fond of talking to new people and making conversation, but I much prefer to do that alongside someone I know. I enjoy my space and my time to myself, but I also value anyone I call "my people" (whether it be friends or family) an incredible amount and love to spend time with them.

Another thing about me is the way I love. I, for a lack of a better term, do not love gently. Once I love someone (in any way) I will never, ever, stop. No matter what. This has hurt me before, and because of this, I guard my heart very closely, and it will likely take very clear intentions from someone to convince me to let them in.

As for my interests and hobbies, I can't say that I'm all that exciting, but I do love what I do anyway. I work in a greenhouse, and was raised by a mother who loves to forage plants and mushrooms to make medical and herbal tinctures out of them! (Or just to eat lol) My hobbies include reading, drawing, and a liiiiittle bit of writing (...of any kind, really. Small poems, mini songs, ficlets... the works). Recently I've gotten into sewing as well, and I'm really enjoying it!

My lifestyle is, like me, very quiet. I live in a very small village (yes an actual village) several miles away from any real towns, so not a lot goes on around where I am. Many would consider it rather boring, and I'm probably due for some change someday (I anticipate it, really), but I'm very content with what I have right now.

And last but not least, I'm female, around 5'8"-5'9" (173 to 175 cm), have several moles dotting around here and there, and... I suppose I like to dress rather nicely? It's something I've been doing lately and I'm enjoying it quite a bit haha. If I were to describe my current style it would probably be "elegant and comfortable." Nicknames are basically second nature to me, so I often call people "dear, darling, honey, love," etc. If they're special to me, I'll tag on "my" at the beginning; "my dear, my darling, my love..." You get the idea! A last tidbit is that my love language is primarily physical touch. It's practically the life blood of the way I show affection lol.

Thank you for letting me ramble! I kind of also took this as a chance to figure out how to describe myself again lol. Take your time answering this, since I know I kind of packed a lot in here. As for what kind of matchup I want, romantic would be wonderful, and anyone in your default list will be just fine! (I love the staff, but like, platonically, you know?)

I match you with 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭

The First Impression:

Intentions don't come any clearer than from Rook. Oh, how your beauty makes him weep! Your appreciation of nature! Your love for his favorite arts!

How does he already know all that? ...Better not to question it.

Why He Fell:

Rook has an eye for beauty, which includes both outer and inner. Your elegant sense of style, combined with your natural kindness, you're the best parts of everything he loves all in one!

Perhaps it's your love of writing, or your knowledge around nature, or your shared affinity for terms of endearment, but Rook is simply drawn to you as if you're a part of him. It's a lovely, natural feeling to him, and once he's sure, he's more than clear about his intentions.

The Relationship:

Rook is truly just happy to be with you. He'll accompany you on a foraging trip through the woods, he'll indulge you in as much physical affection as you would enjoy, or he'll give you your much needed alone time when required (he understands that feeling perfectly, after all).

There is a shared sense of devotion between the two of you, one in which you know that he would never cause you any intentional harm. Rook is simply enamored with you, from your quiet disposition to the intense ways in which you feel and express love.

[eolewyn1010]

Downton Abbey Fashion 31 - 1920s evening dresses

The 1920s styles are much kinder to Mary than they are to Cora, whose evening dresses are a bit more swing-and-a-miss than they used to be.

Someday, you will find me strangled with a shapeless sack of a dress of black chiffon. There’s nothing wrong with this; the neckline is nice, the sleeves let the white gloves peek through to give a point of contrast, there’s some embroidery on the skirt. Which I can barely see, so there’s no point to commenting on it.

Well, to be fair, this is more interesting to look at. Unfortunately, the shape is very graceless on her. I guess the kind of embroidery they chose for this makes the fabric overall stiffer because poor Elizabeth McGovern doesn’t even look like she’s wearing a rectangle; she looks like the rectangle is wearing her. I do like this boat neckline that spreads out high on the collarbones, and thanks to thread in various shades of grey and blue we aren’t looking at a black blob, but. Uh. This ain’t it. Perhaps it looks better in motion.

A little better. At least the design being based on all gathers makes me think this would drape a little more nicely over her. The color is either a dark blue or teal, can’t tell for sure in this light, and then ten tons of black beading make up a few swirly patterns. To be honest, that element on her chest looks like pretzel to me.

Ugh. What is this. Why does she look like a grandma here? There you have the confirmation of my prejudices against white without contrast points – it really should be reserved for wedding gowns. Or Edwardian fashion when dresses still had a shape. Because this isn’t much of anything, really. It washes her out, it doesn’t draw the eye to her jewelry, and it’s not shaped to flatter her either. It has some beading, but it really doesn’t do much for me.

This is kind of nice, although the next dress will prove that this design on the front can be done better. But the black chiffon works well with the silk satin, and the embroidery brings in a little additional color. It’s rather shapeless again, but there’s only so much you can do in the 1920s.

Like this. I don’t know why I like this so much better tbh? It’s no more shaped than the last dress, and the way the sparkling squiggly lines embroidery is applied to the front has the same shape. Said embroidery is a little wider though, taking in all of her torso instead of lining out a rectangle on it. And I really love the chiffon sleeves on this one; they drape so nicely. Peach also admittedly is a color I think dresses her well. And that makes for a nice backdrop for jewelry – I have soft spot for the tassel pendant necklace in the second picture and the star tiara in the third.

And then there’s this, which I think is a very pretty dress design-wise, especially with that sweet little trim; it just doesn’t do Elizabeth McGovern’s figure any favors. Oh well. She wears it again in season 4, except she swaps out the under layer for a black chiffon dress / shirt instead of a grey one, and I think the color pops much better. Still does only so much with the shape; we’re in drop-waist country after all. The necklace she wears on the black is a thing of beauty though.

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

Do you know how many black evening dresses Little Miss “I hate black” introduces in this season? Four. They won’t be the last. This one is pretty much the least agreeable imo. This is a sack with shoulder straps and some gold trim, and nothing else.

Worlds better. This falls a little more flatteringly, and the black fabric (might be velvet) is covered in this delicate plant embroidery, giving the dress a soft sparkle all over. I don’t quite know about the necklace because it fuses so much into the dress that it’s barely visible, but then this means it definitely isn’t an eyesore.

Doubtlessly one of Mary’s loveliest dresses in her signature red, a plain but beautifully-draped chiffon. I love this neckline. I love the back view of it, too; that long silver counterweight on her necklace looks so nonsensically elegant on the red. I don’t know how this one manages to not look baggy despite the sash, perhaps because the waist is not dropped all the way to the hip bones, but the look is flawless. Also thanks to that gorgeous, curlicue-branch silver hairpiece.

A black dress that Mary wears again next season, although I couldn’t tell you why. It’s got some silver and bronze flower embroidery going on in the front, some chiffon layered over opaque fabric. Par for the course. This is unspectacular. Next!

A sweet burgundy dress that Mary wears again in season 4; I don’t love this quite as much as the red one further up because it’s cut more as a rectangle and isn’t so nicely drapey. It still looks very pretty though, and the drop waist doesn’t turn this into a complete sack because the upper layer is chiffon and Mary still has some of a figure in this. Also, lovely beading frame; I like it.

And here we dive into her pregnancy dresses. We’re starting with this simple little number in teal silk satin; it only has a little beaded leaf-shape on each shoulder and other than that lets the shiny fabric stand for itself. Half-long sleeves, although they are slit and the corners rounded, giving them a little shape.

This one looks a little dowdy by comparison, but perhaps I should just get over myself and warm up to these apron-like dresses because it’s 1920 and they aren’t going anywhere. I think the lower part of the embroidery is a little clunky; at least I like the maple leaves and brambles better than this fleur-de-lis-esque element. The coloring is nice though, the red and bronze popping on the black.

Yay, grey chiffon with grey embroidery. Okay neckline, but that’s pretty much where my grace towards rectangles ends. This is shapeless and unspectacular, and the art deco embroidery is not so much that Mary couldn’t have afforded to wear a little more bling to this.

[yingren]

"there is something deeply wrong with you. and me. but, we're talking about you so i don't count." oop--

&. 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 (𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬?)

this scene has become all too familiar now—another rundown motel room on the outskirts of some city on some forgotten planet. technically, they could meet somewhere better, but ren's just waiting for the day clear shows up uninvited at his own home. at this point, he almost expects it. yet, for now, this is how it goes: brief meetings in places like this, filled with awkward, though not entirely unwelcome, conversations.

ren’s jaw tightens slightly as he bites down on another handful of whatever snacks he managed to scavenge—pumpkin seeds, maybe, salty and just satisfying enough to meet his immediate needs. not unlike clear himself, a part of him muses, though there’s a lingering voice in the back of his mind insisting that clear is more than that. what exactly he is, ren hasn’t decided yet, leaving the question unaddressed for now, pushed into some quiet corner of his thoughts. there will be time to figure it out later, if it comes to that. for now, this arrangement—this label of being official—is just enough.

“ being self aware about it should make it at least like... thirty percent hotter. ” then again, it’s not like ren ever explicitly invited clear to crawl into the recesses of his mind—at least not at first. clear made that decision on his own, unprompted, just to witness more than enough to justify the comment he’d made. and while ren might resent the intrusion, clear wasn’t wrong. there is something deeply, undeniably broken in ren, something festering at the very core of his being. the mara might explain some of it, sure, but it’s not entirely to blame. that would be the easy way out, and ren has never taken the easy path. unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately, depending on how you look at it—whatever is wrong with him seems to be exactly what draws clear in. it’s like some unspoken force pulling the man closer, making him linger, as if the dysfunction itself has something to offer, something that clear, for reasons unknown, seems to want.

ren's fingers reach for and tighten around clear's wrist, a sudden and forceful tug pulling him into his lap, closing the distance between them. of course, clear could easily slip away if he wanted to, could melt through the floor or vanish like smoke, disappearing as he’s done countless times before. ren is well aware of that. but he’s willing to take his chances, again & again, driven by some insatiable need for whatever strange connection this arrangement affords him. one arm snakes around clear’s waist, not so much to trap him but to keep him tethered there, close, if only for another fleeting moment. ren knows the fragility of this closeness, how easily it could dissolve. but for now, he holds on, wanting to stretch this fragile moment as far as it will go, as if by sheer will he can keep it from slipping away. even if just for a minute longer.

“ it’s not cute to be a dick about something you clearly like. ” and he knows clear might point out that he isn’t trying to be cute. when is he ever? fuck if ren knows. instead, ren props his chin on the other man’s shoulder, just for a moment, before pulling back enough to sink his teeth into the exposed skin. the bite is raw, tasting of something unfamiliar but intoxicating, something not quite like flesh—something more, something addictive. it strikes ren as cruel, really, to grow fond of something so fleeting, something always on the verge of slipping through his fingers. but it’s also worth it, apparently, because he keeps coming back for more. greedy hands explore eagerly, desperate to pick clear apart, to dissect every part of him and study him up close. maybe someday, ren thinks, he’ll figure it out—this strange pull between them. but for now, he’ll take whatever this is, no matter how temporary, and make it his own.

“ you’re a fucking twat sometimes. at least you taste good. ”

[batgirlsay]

Send Me Into Space

An Obiyuki Astronaut AU Playlist For Obiyuki AU Bingo 2024 by @snowwhite-andtheknight

I was excited to see this theme on my board and rework one of my old space playlists! Many of these songs are very personal to me, but the lyrics work well for Obiyuki too. Ended up with too many ending songs… but the playlist title track from Maggie is a perfect outro.

Send Me Into Space

When The Moon Brings the Silver- Matt Pond PA 5 Light Years- Mae Space Song- Beach House Neither Heaven Nor Space- Nada Surf Eventful Horizons- Anchor and Braille Stellar (Acoustic)- Incubus Starlet (Acoustic)- Matt Pond PA Deep Space- Eisley Distant Solar Systems- Julien Baker Satellite- Maggie Rogers

Summary lyrics are cited after the cut:

When The Moon Brings the Silver- Matt Pond PA

When the moon brings the silver back down The end is always beginning

Cold in the veins, your hands in mine I am real when I’m with you

My mouth full of marbles, tumbling onto your side

I’ll take my side, cross the line You take my side, cross the line

5 Light Years- Mae

It was better to start with something Together we play But then we both left off with something The right way True wasted love sustained in doubt Pretend we turn the key I'm five light years from you calling my name Goodbye my love, if I don't see you again

If grace and love sustain throughout We tend to hold those keys

Space Song- Beach House

It was late at night You held on tight From an empty seat A flash of light

Were you ever lost? Was she ever found? Somewhere in these eyes Fall back into place

Neither Heaven Nor Space- Nada Surf

So quiet It's neither heaven nor space, it's just high And the ring around the moon Looks like light and love Neither of which I get enough of

Eventful Horizons- Anchor and Braille

Eventful horizons drawing my lips in Darker matters calling out my name, out my name Pulling you closer, handing me over Take your time and fall into my space, outer space

Can't explain it to you I just feel this way Life just works out better when you're around Take this how you want it, feel this deep inside Life just tastes the sweeter when you're around

Lighter speeds approaching, space between us closing Darkness coming for us on your kiss on my kiss Unexplained black holes forming out of my soul Universe expanding, but we keep collapsing

We're so far out there some may say we're gone

Stellar (Acoustic)- Incubus

Meet me in outer space We could spend the night Watch the earth come up I've grown tired of that place Won't you come with me? We could start again

How do you do it? Make me feel like I do It's better than I ever knew

Starlet (Acoustic)- Matt Pond PA

The starlet fell from the skies She was impossibly light She lit my world blue and green

Strangers stopped being strange We kissed the fire on the face I was awake in my dreams

There's so much I don't know I still know someday I will make sense To someone

The starlet flew before dawn And passed the world and my palms And in the dark I still see

Deep Space- Eisley

We wake, with the warmth on our shoulders Brilliant invention, by you in place of sunlight And I count it such a blessing I know I'm lucky to be lost in space, with love

We knew when we stepped foot on that air ship We would be saying farewell to green and blue and gold for always, And perhaps a tear slipped down sideways, But no regrets we say and we mean it as the fire burns, And we skyrocket home

The roaring of our golden ship, The calling of our black home, It quickens our hearts to explode like engines, So reach for my hand, we have reached deep space

Lost out in space you'll never lose me

Distant Solar Systems- Julien Baker

Distant solar systems and all the minor planets Know nothing of our satellites and 747s Fireworks that recreate the birth of constellations Dying suns that laugh at shotgun powder imitations

When I am a sailor, and the sky, a pitch-black ocean I'll look down at my bleeding heart and wish I were a Vulcan

'Cause great men of science and literature Don't impress me, what can I offer? Because I am a chisel in your hand Screaming at marble from a microphone stand

Satellite- Maggie Rogers

Steady as a rock, I stand, I wait With eyes that see, but eyes that can't erase Hands that hold, but hands that can't embrace A creature longing for some saving grace

Oh, and I have long since seen the Sun It set along the banks when I was young Oh, and it's been long since you've been near But fate was never kind to us, my dear

So, send me out to space and cut me free And like a satellite, just look for me Oh, and if there's darkness in your sight I'll be in the corner of the night

[daevastanner]

C H A P T E R  N I N E

“And then he gives me a smile that just seems so genuinely sweet with just the right touch of shyness that unexpected warmth rushes through me.”

― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

Fifteen years after the ceremony…

Azriel followed Gwyn through the House, his legs having to extend to their full length to keep pace with her. To say she was excited to meet Nesta and Cassian’s newborn was an understatement. Gwyn and Emerie had been almost as eager for the babe as the new parents. 

Laughter spilled from the cracked doorway at the end of the sunlit hall and Gwyn tossed a bright smile over her shoulder at Azriel before barreling into the room. He followed after her, an amused smile on his lips as he entered on her heels. 

He stepped in just in time to see Gwyn charging towards the bed where Nesta lay, Feyre and Emerie perched on the edge of the mattress beside her. Nesta’s eyes lifted to see Gwyn, the steely blue depths immediately sparkling with tears as her fellow Valkyrie bounded over to sit on the remaining space beside her. 

“Look at her!” Gwyn gasped, peering down at the bundle tucked against the eldest Archeron’s chest. “Nesta, she’s beautiful.”

Nesta’s gaze flicked to Azriel who offered her a warm smile of greeting. Something relieved flickered in her eyes, as though she were thanking him for giving her this margin of space. Just as Rhys knew when Gwyn needed a willing ear, and Cassian knew when Feyre had to blow off steam, Azriel was always aware of when Nesta needed space; sometimes going as far as to herd away Emerie and Gwyn during the pregnancy when their attention became too much for her to bear. 

Allowing Nesta to bask in the adoration of her sisters, Azriel crossed the bed-chambers to the corner where Rhys and Cassian stood, speaking in hushed but happy voices. Enjoying this moment of peace. 

While they’d had no reason to anticipate any complications with Nesta’s pregnancy, Cassian had still been a nervous wreck in recent weeks. One night he’d even sought out Azriel asking if he knew the location of the harp ‘just in case’ something were to go wrong with the delivery. Azriel and Rhys had talked the male down, reminding him that Madja had time and time again confirmed there was no reason to fear the birthing process. Eventually he’d stopped prying for the location of the harp and settled down, but tension had still lurked in the hard line of his mouth these past few weeks. 

Today, he was more at ease than Azriel had ever seen him. The smile on his face seemingly permanently etched in place.

“Congratulations, Cas,” Azriel said, joining the two winged males. 

Cassian’s gaze flitted from Rhys to Nesta, then to Azriel, his broad grin growing even wider. “Thank you.” His eyes glinted wickedly. “It’s just you and Gwyn and Emerie and Mor without babes now, Az. You better get busy so you can join Rhys, Lucien and myself on the spring father’s trip.” 

Ah, yes. After Lucien and Elain had welcomed their first child, Rhys and the High Lord of Spring had begun to bond over ‘fatherhood’ taking yearly retreats together where only ‘fathers’ were permitted. Helion had joined them last year but had said they did too much sleeping and not enough merry-making for him to accompany them again. 

“Now that we have another father in the Night Court I may speak with Feyre about weekly Father’s Nights. I’m sure she would appreciate a night out with Nesta each week, rather than once a year as well,” Rhys added. 

Azriel shoved his hands in his pockets, shrugging noncommittally. “Perhaps someday.” 

Immediately, both Cassian and Rhys’s jovial expressions faded to looks of apology. Azriel angled his head towards a tendril of shadow, confused by the sudden shift in mood.

Pity… Shame…

Rhys did not miss Azriel conferring with the dark plume on his shoulder and lowered his voice, inclining his head slightly. “That was thoughtless of us, Az. We apologize.”

Brows drawing together, Azriel looked from Rhys to Cassian questioningly.

Cassian grimaced leaning in. “We didn’t consider how Gwyn not being Illyrian could complicate things.” He placed a hand on Azriel’s shoulder. “Mor and Emerie were thinking of adopting though. You should talk–”

Azriel shook his head, cutting his brother off. “No, no, we’ve looked into that – we looked into that ages ago. Right after we were mated.”

Both Cassian and Rhysand’s brows rose. 

It was Azriel’s turn to lower his voice. “Her water-nymph anatomy has left her with more pliable bones, including her hips. According to Madja, a winged babe is no complication, were we to even have one. Strictly speaking, with Gwyn’s heritage we’ve only got a twenty-percent chance of conceiving a child with wings.”

Both his brothers blinked, then slowly, the smiles spread on their lips again. Azriel leveled them both with a flat look,  unsure of what was so amusing.

Rhys raised his palms innocently. “We just had no idea you’d done so much… research, Az.”

“And,” Cassian continued, eyeing the shadowsinger, “if you’re so prepared, what is the hold up?”

Flexing his jaw, Azriel decided to satiate his brother’s curiosity before they could report back to their mates and speculate for themselves. “The ‘hold up’ is that Gwyn has not yet breached the topic. It is not my decision alone.”

Rhys and Cassian exchanged another brief glance and he could tell the both of them were on the same page when the High Lord spoke. “If her bringing it up is the only thing you’re waiting on then you should just ask her.”

“Agreed,” Cassian grunted, nodding his head. “I don’t see why Gwyn has to be the one to suggest it.”

He’d thought about this arrangement so many times, the words left him like a well-rehearsed speech. “Gwyn has barely reached her first half-century and she accepted the mating bond with me when she was not even five and thirty. I have no qualms with waiting to have a child until she is ready. In the meantime, I’m more than happy to busy myself with my nephew and niece.”

Cassian’s lips turned down at the corners in approval. He let his hand fall from Azriel’s shoulder to his side. “That’s awfully thoughtful.” 

Azriel looked from the new father to Rhys who remained silent. Poignantly silent, picking at an invisible piece of lint on his sleeve. No, not poignantly. Knowingly. 

He knows more, Singer… the shadows crooned.

Fixing the High Lord with a look, Azriel felt himself shift into the spymaster, hunting for clues. “Has she said something to you?” 

Continuing to pick at the fabric of his sleeve, Rhys said breezily, “She’s said nothing to me. She didn’t have to.” Finally, he met Azriel’s eyes, the edge of his lip twitching. “But she’s been probing Feyre about our efforts to conceive another child. Asking her how she knew when she could propose the idea of a babe to me.” 

Cassian cleared his throat, drawing Azriel’s attention to him. “She was also very inquisitive with Nesta about her pregnancy…”

Absurd. His brother’s were behaving as though they had knowledge, when in fact they had hunches. Hunches based on the simple curiosity that was common of his mate. 

Rolling his eyes, Azriel removed one hand from his pocket to run through his windswept hair. “You both know that it is not unusual for Gwyn to be curious about things foreign to her. Not to mention, her compulsion to always be helpful to others.” He shot the both of them stern but not unkind looks, “Gwyn has shown me no desire to have a child yet.”

Cassian and Rhys both met his stern expression with that same infuriating amusement, then glanced behind Azriel to where the Valkyries and Feyre sat. 

The edge of Rhys’s lip tipped up in a smug smile, though his eyes remained on the scene over the shadowsinger’s shoulder. “She’s your mate.” 

Fighting off a sigh, Azriel followed his brother’s gaze, pivoting to look over at the bed. 

What he found made his breath catch in his chest. Made his heart squeeze.

Gwyn sat on the edge of the mattress, holding baby Petra to her chest. Adoration and love shone from her face as she cooed down at the babe while Nesta watched with soft eyes. Azriel’s lips parted in surprise as he briefly replaced Cassian’s daughter with a daughter of his own. Imagining that it was his child Gwyn held. His child’s head that Gwyn pressed her lips to. His child who yawned hugely in his mate’s arms. The shadows on his shoulders shifted and settled. 

Nesta’s gaze snapped to Azriel and she gave him a small, knowing smile. Azriel cleared his throat of the emotion that had clogged it, sealing his lips. 

Gwyn looked up then, beaming at him and rocking Petra against her chest. 

He was struck with such a yearning that his cheeks heated, his heart hammered, his knees threatened to buckle. He felt as though he may swoon. 

Returning Gwyn’s smile, he turned back to his brothers – both of which were snickering softly. 

Azriel narrowed his eyes, lips pursing. “Enough. We’re supposed to be celebrating Cassian and Nesta’s daughter. Not discussing my bedroom life.” 

A beat passed, then Cassian laughed, “Or lack thereof…” 

Despite himself, Azriel chuckled, the image of Gwyn holding the babe still dancing in the back of his mind.

___________________

That same night, Azriel set about the kitchen, removing all the pots and pans and stores he needed to make dinner. As he prepared his work station, he found his eyes flitting around the home they’d made in this cottage on the outskirts of Velaris. 

Over the years, he and Gwyn had cobbled together a place that felt so innately them. No longer was it a bachelor’s getaway, but the home of a family. His home. Their home.

And there was still room yet for a nursery. 

Perhaps. 

Eventually. 

Maybe soon.

Shaking his head of the thoughts, the shadowsinger began to peel the potatoes before him, then dumped them into the pot of boiling water, already salted – just as his mother had taught him. 

Perhaps one day he would teach his child how to cook. Perhaps one day he and his daughter would knead dough together or sprinkle powdered sugar atop pastries. 

Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

Longing seized his chest, simmering in his gut and creating butterflies that were neither pleasant nor unpleasant. 

“Hello.”

Azriel jumped as Gwyn appeared in the room, seating herself on one of the stools on the island across from him. 

Her lips twitched. “Did I frighten the Spymaster?”

He chuckled, the fluttering in his stomach ceasing suddenly. “Under my tutelage, you’re already becoming an impressive spy yourself.” A sigh. “And no matter how the years go by, my shadows refuse to make me aware of your movements.”

She hummed, offering the tendrils of darkness on his shoulders a simpering smile. “Well, when do you think dinner will be ready?” 

Picking up the dish towel on the counter to dry his hands, Azriel shrugged. “A little over an hour.” 

“Good, I’m starving,” she moaned. Azriel snorted as she slumped forward on the counter, elbows propped up so her chin could rest on her fists. “I forgot all about lunch during our visit with Petra.”

The image of her cradling the babe flashed again in his mind. The way her smile had made her eyes crinkle, had made his heart squeeze in answer. 

He cleared his throat. “Yes, erm… You were quite enamored with the babe. I didn’t want to interrupt your time with her.”

Color bloomed beneath the freckles of her cheeks, her eyes darting down to the carrots he’d begun cutting. Azriel did her the favor of pretending not to notice.

_____________________

After bathing, Azriel joined Gwyn in their bedroom. She was tucked beneath the covers wearing her lavender nightgown with the tiny straps, reading an enormous book that he recognized as the anthology of mystery stories Rhysand had bought for her last Solstice. 

He leaned in the doorframe of the bedroom and for a moment, imagined a child tucked under her arm. One they would read to. He hoped that eventually they would come to love books as much as their mother. A love of reading fostered by Gwyn’s passion for stories. 

Sensing his stare, Gwyn’s eyes flitted up from her book. She met his gaze with a smile that sent blood rushing to the shadowsinger’s cheeks. She let the book fall in her lap, exposing the low cut neckline of her nightgown. Azriel’s eyes drifted down her slender throat to her freckled collarbone then lower to the soft swell of cleavage teasing him. 

Crossing his arms over his chest, he approached the bed lazily, leaning on one of the posts and grinning down at her rakishly. “Think you have a round in you, Berdara?”

Gwyn’s eyes flashed with hunger, and she reclined against the pillows like a cat. “Strangely enough, after such a wonderful dinner I do find myself still ravenous.” 

Read the rest and the Epilogue now on Ao3 or Wattpad

[factual-fantasy]

10 asks! Thank you!! :}} 🌞

AHEHEHE KICKING MY FEET AND GIGGLING LIKE A DORK AT THIS 😭😭💞🥺💖💖 THANK YOU SO MCUH!! I DO MY BEST TO MAKE THE EXPRESSIONS KF THE CHARACTERS READABLE AND DRIPPING WITJ EMOTION SO IM GLAD ITS WORKING!! :DD ✨💞✨💖✨

@gummysusie

Oh there's lots I'd be willing to eat if I had to! XDD

My memory ain't the best but off the top of my head-- I'm sure eating miltank meat wouldn't disturb me so much! :0

I like fish so there's a lot of those I'd be willing to try! Magikarp, uhhh those two grumpy fish that are either green/red or green/blue! I forgot the name..

Of course all of the food themed ones would be relatively no problem. Fidough, Milcery.. There's some bird ones that wouldn't be too upsetting too! XDD

As long as my brain relates them to earthly animals, I'm not too disturbed by the thought of eating them XD Im sure they have to eat pokemon in the actual pokemon universe! Where else do their meat based dishes come from? How else do they feed their carnivorous pokemon??

@girlsackthing

Not recently :(( but I'd like to pick it up again someday once I'm feeling better! :}}

@illogically-austere

Hey thanks for checking in, that means a lot 🥹

I'm hanging in there as best I can. I haven't eaten much but am getting plenty of water and rest! I'm hoping this horrible health trial thingy I've been going through is over soon <:}}

@sussyhahag

y a l i k e j a z z ?

@littlelightfish

Hey pal, I hope You're doing alright! Hang in there.. <:}}

I haven't worked much on Tuna's backstory recently.. but I imagined that his blood family was gone.. he lived on a ship with a real rotten crew that was horrible to him.

As for how he joined Seafoam's crew, I imagined that the crew rescued him somehow. Maybe Tuna's old crew attacked Seafoam's crew but he kicked their butts. Perhaps in all the chaos Tuna was left behind by "mistake", only for Foam to welcome him aboard?

Maybe his old crew got too intense and he ran, somehow running into Seafoam and he offered shelter? Or maybe his old ship sank and he was found by Seafoam..? Something along those lines-- XD

Anywho- thank you! Things are starting to look up for me, I'm hoping this journey is almost over! <:}}

@raven-bearden-the-interviewer42

"Seafoam's heart 🥰..... Metaphorically I mean-"

I would assume so! :0 Maybe a cookie like that already exists in the games!

Well that's hard to say.. I usually draw comics all in one pass. I sketch out the entire comic, and then I go back and draw all the line art, and then I go back and color it all in..

So in that sense 1 drawing for a comic could take days to complete. But if I were to focus on just one panel/drawing? I would guesstimate about 10-15 minutes :0

Now my name! My memory is a little foggy.. but one of my favorite things to do in drawing is to apply logic, reason and explanations for things.

For example, Captain Barnacles! He's a polar bear wearing a full suit and lives out in the Pacific Ocean. Obviously there's a lot that doesn't make sense about that- but mainly the fact that Barnacles would be way too hot!

So I remedy this by making my version of Barnacles have very short fur, a special diet that thins out his blubber, and a special suit that helps keep him cool! It's not perfect obviously but it helps make him living out in the Pacific seem more reasonable. Which is what I love to do, and how I thought of my name! Applying fact to fantasy, Factual Fantasy!

Hm, Bibi's worst fear.. that would have to be something bad happening to me or any of the fam I'd assume <XD

Nothing bad actually happened to Red, that nightmare just manifested because she loves/worries about him so much 🥺💞 Like a mother having dreams about their children getting hurt. Nothing exactly happened to cause it, but they just worry about their babies so much that those dreams happen sometimes..

And lastly, thank you! It's looking good that I might finally get out of this pit. So my spirits are high! :}}

@beryl-shade (sorry for the late response! <:D)

He typically will not allow it 😅 I originally had a drawing idea for this ask but I dont have the strength to get to my PC so I can just explain it!-

I imagined Octo and some of the crew all tied to chairs with some other pirates taunting them. Octo looks very bored and very unintimidated.

Well one of the pirates makes the mistake of grabbing one of Octos tentacles and twirling it around. Octo immediately reacts and uses the other tentacles on his head to restrain his hand and start choking the guy-

The rest of the crew is just laughing and calling that pirate an idiot while he continues to struggle to get away from the angry Octo 🤣

Now on the other hand, if he gets a joking pat on the head from Seafoam? Or if Red is up on his shoulders and he pulls on Octo's hair by mistake? Eh, whatever he doesn't mind much. : '

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Chapter 1 - A Fox In Hell

( Before anyone asks, yes, this is an edited picture of Yae Miko from Genshin Impact. I've had a Miko character for a long time, but I never got around to draw her - Not that I'm that great at drawing anyway - So when Yae came out, I instantly fell in love with her design and personality so much that I got her cosplay. We're alike in many ways, and I love it. )

Where am I...? Kitsune thought to herself, as she found her way in what looked like the inside of a grand Western castle. One second she was doing a ritual at her shrine, and now, here she was, facing some strangers dressed in similar suits. Something wasn't right. The air was feeling heavier than back home, and the atmosphere was tense. What in the world could be happening - No, better asked, how did she get in this place?

"Welcome to the Devildom, Kitsune!" a man with auburn hair and amber eyes, towering over her with his rather muscular body addressed her with a firm yet gentle and friendly tone. "Oh, pardon me. Feeling a bit shocked, are we?" he frowned slightly in understanding. Kitsune looked at him, her green eyes looking deep into his own, and she shuddered. For the first time in her long life, she was afraid. It wasn't the tremendous power that he radiated, but rather, the awfully abundant, dark, ice-cold, yet also fiery rage that was buried deep inside of his heart. By the way he was behaving so jovial, she could only imagine he was supposed to be a sweet man, kind to everyone, but Kitsune could sense emotions better than most. She remembered being called an Esper, at some point, but no - She was nothing more than a fox.

And, most of all - How does he know her name? Was she summoned here, by him? And of course... Why her, of all people? Well, perhaps 'people' isn't the right term to address herself, and them as well. She wasn't human, per se, and neither were they.

"...How do you expect me to answer?" the girl asked, her long, fluffy tails appearing and wrapping themselves protectively around her. "I believe the right term for this would go along the way of... Kidnapping? Maybe?" she continued, one eyebrow arched, questioning the man. "Ah, yes, forgive me - We have taken you by surprise, it's only understandable you would be confused." the man's eyes widened in realisation at his mistake. "You are not quite human, yet you have been living among them for a while, yes?" he asked, earning a short nod as an answer. "It may take a while for you to get used to the things around Devildom." Kitsune could only sneer at the man who was speaking so jovially, yet beating around the bush so serenely, as if he wasn't hearing a word she was saying. "Why am I here? You haven't answered my question. In fact - Where IS here, anyway? And what gives you the right to kidnap me from my home and act all innocent about it?" although her voice was harsh, the man wasn't taken aback, nor upset. He merely smiled brightly and began speaking again. "I apologise,I should have introduced myself first. My name is Diavolo. I am the ruler of all demons, and all here know of me. And someday soon, I will be crowned king of the Devildom." the way he spoke, without a care in the world, as if nothing he said could be out of place, shocked the girl enough for her fox features to disappear entirely, and she straightened up, looking at him with a confused and distorted expression. "What the hell are you on about? If you brought me here, I'm sure you know that I'm a Shrine Maiden. I'm the Kitsune Guuji. I exorcise demons. Are you trying to take revenge on me for your kin or what?" she asked, blinking as if trying to wake up from an absurd dream. "Ahh, no, nothing of the sort - In fact, I believe I should clear out some misunderstandings. The 'demons' you exorcise aren't quite the same as us. In fact, what you do is pacify the remnant of a vengeful spirit that has possessed a living human, or that has taken the shape of one, more or less. It may seem like quite the culture shock, for someone who never met, nor has heard of our kind, or of Angels or the Grim Reaper, but you will get used to it soon enough, I'm sure." he held an encouraging smile on his face. "Yeah, I know what I was doing, you don't have to explain that to me. I've been doing it for centuries, no need to patronise me. Once again, you're still not telling me the reason for bringing me here." she pushed once again, making the man sweatdrop, his smile vanishing in disappointment.

"I'm not trying to patronise you, and if it appeared that way, I apologise. You are inside the Royal Academy of Diavolo... Though, we just call it RAD." he said, as the girl scoffed in mock amusement. "You're standing inside the assembly hall, the very heart of RAD. This is where we, officers of the student council, hold out meetings and conduct our business. I'm the president of the Student Council." his words were only giving Kitsune a headache - Despite the years of technology and development, she was still an ancient entity who performed rites and rituals and took care of the shrines that she visited all over the country. She was a divine being that was blessing people and aiding the spirits of the deceased find rest -- So she never attended any official education before. This was, by far, the worst horror scenario she could imagine. "... I never went to school, let alone an Academy. I doubt I'm even qualified to join your ranks... It seems to me that's why you have brought me here... For who knows what reason." she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest. "I will explain everything to you." a new deep, suave voice came from another place, revealing a brunet man with piercing eyes, dressed sharply in his military-looking school uniform. She could feel a profound sense of pride, mixed with guilt, sorrow and remorse. He looked to be a pitiful man on the inside, despite his confident and firm appearance. "Kitsune, this is Lucifer. He is a demon and the Avatar of Pride." Diavolo explains. "He is also the vice president of the Student Council and my Right-hand man... And not just in title, I assure you. Beyond that, he's also my most trusted friend!" the easy-going man laughed, earning a sad expression from the other one. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Diavolo." he muttered, before shifting his gaze at the fox girl, as his upset face changed to one of smugness and confidence. His title fits him. "Speaking on behalf of the entire student body at this great and storied school of ours, I offer you a most heartfelt welcome, Kitsune." Lucifer smiled with a fake-welcoming smile. "Both of you, I would appreciate it if you would stop faking your personalities. I can sense what you're feeling - And you're not impressing me in the least. Besides - You still didn't really answer my question. For the last time - WHY am I here" the girl pointed out, slightly angry. "First of all, while you are spot on with my disposition, Diavolo is being genuine in greeting you with open arms. He believes that we, demons, should start strengthening our relationship with both the human world and the Celestial Realm. As a first step towards this goal, we've decided to institute an exchange program. We've sent two of our students to the human world and two to the Celestial Realm." he began explaining, as Kitsune hummed in understanding. "Still, I'm not a human. I'm not sure how great of a representative of human kind I can be, considering I'm more or less a trickster spirit." the girl seemed to relax visibly, looking more passive at the two speakers. "Yet you still inhabit the Human Realm, and have been doing so for centuries. You have experienced more than any human can hope to - In fact, our other human exchange student is a wizard that has reached immortality centuries ago." Diavolo explained, rather proud of himself. "Although I'm pretty sure bringing immortal beings into your programme outright beats the point of bringing the Three Realms together..." Kitsune fidgeted in her spot, looking around with slight worry in her eyes. "I shall only remain, should you allow me free reigns to leave whenever I wish to. The shrines all over the country depend on me. Festivals and rituals depend on me to perform for them. Not only that... I need sunlight to survive... To some extent." she explained, much more passively than before. "Yes, of course, that can be arranged. I'm glad you've warmed up to this idea so easily!" Diavolo smiled widely... Why did he seem so genuine, yet his heart was telling otherwise?

"Your period of stay is one year. You will have to work on the tasks that you will receive from RAD. After one year, you will write a paper about your exchange here in the Devildom." Lucifer states, but the red haired kitsune remained quiet for a little while.

"I have never attended official educational programmes before. I have no idea what you're talking about. Not only that, I will need a guide... Or a tutor... Or any kind of aid, to be able to adjust to such a drastic environment change. The air around is heavy, even for someone like me, and I am not familiar with any kind of technology." Kitsune explained the obvious downsides of her being there. "It's not like I will abandon you all by yourself here in the Devildom. You need someone to look after you, and I think that someone should be my brother Mammon. He's the Avatar of Greed and...How should I put it...? Oh well, you'll understand soon enough." he scoffed slightly, looking visibly upset. "I refuse." her reply was deadpan and strong. "You... Refuse?" Lucifer arched a questioning brow. "Diavolo is the one who brought me here. He should take accountability for his actions. He is the future King of this place, and the President of... Whatever. If there is no one else more qualified than him, then he should be the one to be my guide around this place. Accept it, and I stay. Refuse, and I leave. These are my conditions." for the first time since she's arrived, the corner of her mouth curled upwards, showing a mischievous, cunning vixen smirk. "Don't you think you're being rather rude and imposing, considering you are a guest here, in Lord Diavolo's own home, in which he so humbly welcomed you with all the kindness and understanding existent?" Lucifer seems to have been irked by her comment. "I didn't ASK to be here. You people kidnapped me. You are taking me away from my life. You could have just as easily picked another human in my stead - But you didn't. Besides, what are you, the Devil's Advocate - Quite literally speaking? I was speaking to Diavolo. I want to hear HIS answer, not yours." her poisonous tongue seemed to greatly anger the Avatar of Pride, whose authority felt trampled, yet Diavolo merely laughed heartily. "If that's what Kitsune wants, then I agree! I must confess to you, once Lucifer showed me he has chosen you as one of the students here, I was overcome with joy! Your resume seemed fantastic, and I was eager to learn more about you." the man smiled enthusiastically. "Then it's settled, little lordling. Is there anything of interest that I should know, before I embark on this rather... Peculiar journey in the Netherworld?" the fox girl looked seemingly bored, yet was feeling rather giddy with excitement. "Here, take this device. It's called a D.D.D. It's a lot like the cell phones of your world. This will be yours to use for as long as you're here. Now, go ahead and try calling Diavolo with it." he urges the girl to try it out, but she only stared at the small, rectangular, black object that lay in her hands. "... What's a cell phone...?" the trickster's question only made those present widen their eyes - They were aware of her not being in touch with technology, but to be so completely unaware of even a cell phone? 

"Don't worry, Lucifer, I'll teach her how to use it." Diavolo smiled reassuringly at the girl. His smile was bright and beaming, and he radiated, what she remembers some of her younger maidens that have joined the shrine, 'Golden Retriever Energy'. "Do you have any question right now, Kitsune? If not, you can always ask me, or anyone from the student council, whenever you have any queries." the man explained, making the girl scan the room carefully. "Who are these people?" she pointed towards the other people dressed in similar clothing. "Ah, yes, of course, well spotted. This, right here, is Barbatos. He is my butler. And... We still need to introduce you to Lucifer's brothers. And...It's probably better that you do that instead of me, wouldn't you say?" Diavolo smiled at Lucifer, who frowned, looking gloomy. "Yes... As much as I dread the idea of doing so, you're right." he grumbled, but before anyone else could say anything, the pitched voice of a man whined jokingly. "Oh, come on. Really? You should be honoured that you get to introduce such a sweet and charming little brother like me!" a man with a long, strawberry blond fringe and peach eyes called out. Looking at him, Kitsune could feel an almost-scary amount of narcissism and desire. This one tried so hard to be liked by everyone that it almost felt as if he had the lowest self-esteem of all. "This one here is Asmodeus. He's the 5th eldest. He is the Avatar of Lust." hearing that, the girl almost let out a huff of amusement, realising how spot-on she was. "Wh...! I can't believe you just totally ignored what I said! And not only that, you referred to me as this one! How rude!" the man cried out with a frown. "Hmph. At least he didn't ignore you altogether. How do you think I feel?" a man with untamed blond hair and piercing emerald eyes called out, upset. There was a tremendous amount of pure, raw hatred and anger bubbling inside of his soul, and if he were to let it out, the world might be wrecked - And even still, it didn't compare to how scary the Prince felt. "That one there is Satan, the 4th eldest. At first glance, he may seem like responsible demon with a good head on his shoulders, but looks can be deceiving." Lucifer warned, but the fox girl didn't know what to do with such an information. "Aha, so I'm that one, am I? Nice to meet you, Kitsune. I'm Satan, the Avatar of Wrath." Satan looked at her passively, but at least he noticed her presence, unlike the Lust Aspect. "It's nice to meet you as well, Satan." Kitsune bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement, watching the devious smile on his face. "Hey may flash you a pretty smile like that, but you had better be careful because it is all an act." Lucifer warned once again about his brother, who only smiled poison at the brunet man. "If you continue saying such nonsense, you'll just scare Kitsune." he shook his head in annoyance. "I've seen far worse than any of you, before." whether that was a truth or a lie, it held no meaning. "Don't take him too seriously, Kitsune. Lucifer enjoys speaking ill of his brothers. He is the Avatar of Pride, after all." he said that with a pretty smile on his face, and yet, a dark aura was evident around him, as the atmosphere thickened considerably.

"Are you done?" Lucifer sighed. "Now, the one there with the very grumpy look on his face is Beelzebub. He's the 6th oldest." he explained, nodding towards his orange haired brother. This one, in anti-thesis with all his other brothers, looked about the most intimidating, yet his aura felt pure, innocent and absolutely inoffensive. This one had only good intentions, it seemed. "Lucifer, I'm hungry." he grumbled simply. "That's too bad. Now behave yourself." Lucifer glared at him. "I'm Beelzebub, the Avatar of Gluttony." his stomach rumbled as he looked down in sorrow, introducing himself. "Wonderful meeting all of you." the girl nodded in response. "So... There are 7 of us brothers in all, and I'm the eldest. Mammon, the 2nd oldest of us, will be there soon. My other brothers aren't here at the moment, but... Well... We can get to them later. All in good time." he looked away with a shady look. "That's okay... I think that's enough social interaction for a while" the girl chuckled softly. "During your stay in the Devildom, the 7 brothers will lend you their strength. To keep you safe, you are to stay with them at the House of Lamentation." Diavolo explained, but my eyebrows furrowed in worry. "Keep me... Safe...?" Kitsune let out an amused exhale. "The day I need help from anyone, is the day that I leave this world." "You may say so, little fox, but it might just be so. Most agree with Diavolo, but that doesn't mean that there aren't vulgar demons out there who wouldn't harm you. If anything were to happen to you, it would be our responsibility. And I won't betray Diavolo's expectations. So, I will do everything in my power to make sure you survive your stay here in Devildom." hearing the Pride Avatar speak to her as if she was nothing more than a defenseless mortal, Kitsune's tails appeared once more, wagging erratically, as a great, light blue spirit fox fire ignited all around her.  "The, I'm sure you wouldn't be opposed to me cremating those... Vulgar demons, as you call them, am I correct? Surely, it would be seen as a means for this human representative to defend herself by any means necessary. Would that be any problem with you, Lucifer? No paperwork involved if some puny, lesser wretchling goes missing after breaking the rules, but if, Heavens forbid, something happens to ME... Well, we wouldn't want to get THAT far, now, do we~?" she smirked, prowling in front of the man, provoking him with a flash of her pristine grin. "All the better, less work for me, although I'd prefer if things remained... Civil. For all of our sakes. Now comes the last part of this introduction -  Although we will all be living together, you should still have the means to reach us at any given time. All our phone numbers are in your D.D.D. already. It also has a messaging app. Make sure to add all of us, as soon as Diavolo shows you how to use it." Lucifer explained the basics, as I took out the D.D.D. and fidgeted easily with it. "Isn't that great, Kitsune? You're gonna be friends with the future king of the Devildom!" Satan chimed sarcastically, but the red haired girl merely scoffed.

"... All my friends have already left the world of the living. All that I see from you is constant bickering. You call yourselves brothers, but can you imagine life without one another? If you cannot, then... Mayhaps you should start acting with more regards to each other. Maybe then, you will realise how precious life really is." maybe she was taking things too seriously, and she really needed a break - Regardless, her little speech created a deep silence all throughout the room... Until the door was slammed open and a loud, obnoxious man with white hair barged in - Just like Beelzebub, despite how brash he looked... He was, by far, the softest and most tender out of all of them. How peculiar. "Well, it seems the idiot has arrived as well." Lucifer looked at me with a dead inside expression. "Hey! You've got a lotta nerve summoning the GREAT Mammon!" he yapped like an annoyed puppy getting awaken from his sleep. "Listen up, because I'm only gonna say this once. If you value your life, then you'll hand over all of your money now! And anything else of value, too! Otherwise I'll wipe that stupid, happy-go-lucky look right off your face... By eatin' you! Startin' at your head and working my way down, until-" Mammon kept threatening, making Kitsune roll her eyes and sigh. Despite being the most innocent of them all, he sure was annoying. To put him in his place, Kitsune poofed right behind him, patting him on the shoulder, startling him. As he yelped in fear, he turned around, yelling, only to see no one there... Only another pat on the shoulder from behind. This action repeated a few times, with the white haired male getting angrier and angrier by the second, until he was ultimately tripped, and the girl placed her shoe on his neck. "If you value your life, don't threaten me. I'll burn you alive." her voice was low and scary, making him whimper, as he watched the way  "Who the hell do ya think you ar-" he continued, a bit louder, but was soon stopped by Lucifer sucker-punching him. "Damn... That was a good blow to the liver." the girl wolf-whistled, which seemed to earn a smirk. "GAH, OWW! Hey, what's the big idea?!" Mammon pouted, as if he was just an innocent soft boy. "Kitsune, Mammon here is the Avatar of Greed. He governs and oversees all forms of it. Whenever he takes a liking to someone, they suddenly find themselves awash in money. But from what I hear, if he decides to break it off with someone, that wealth evaporates. They're left without a Grimm to their name." Satan informed me, yet he seemed to mock him. "That's Devildom's currency, in case you weren't aware." he continued with a clarification. "And he's also a masochist. That part's important." Asmodeus teased with a gleeful look on his face. "Y'all, stop telling lies! I ain't asked for that punch and I AIN'T a masochist!" Mammon pouted like a kicked puppy, and Kitsune almost felt bad for him. "I believe this teasing has gone too far. I shall retreat to my room, if possible. As I said, enough social interaction, you people are tiring me." she patted Mammon's ruffled up hair, before stepping in front of Diavolo. "Shall we?" "Yes, we shall, Kitsune. Lucifer, could you wrap up things around here? Since it's weekend tomorrow, I'll take the liberty of showing Kitsune around myself, and she'll be staying the night at the castle. Could you make sure everything is settled around for her dormitory in the House of Lamentations?" Diavolo asked, putting his arm around the girl, ready to exit the great hall. "Yes, of course. Until next time, Kitsune." thus, Lucifer and all of his brothers were dismissed, and with that, Kitsune was guided by the Demon Prince through the labyrinthine halls of the Academy, and whilst she tried to memorise her way around the place... Not only was she directionally challenged, but she was also incredibly lost, from start to finish. Hopefully, they will install some arrows with the way needed to be taken for each class, otherwise, who knows where she'll be finding herself.

Next, they found themselves outside - The view was breathtaking, the sky looked like a dark abyss embellished with little twinkling pearls - And the city was illuminated with hundreds of bright lights of every colour. Somewhere in the distance, a large castle could be seen. Imposing, dark, as if it belonged to some malefic villain... Was that Diavolo's castle? If so, the exterior design didn't match his aesthetic in the least. It only needed an abundant amount of dark clouds and lightning, and it would have made for the perfect horror movie.

The man spoke, here and there, but Kitsune's mind was far too preoccupied with the beautiful landscapes that she was allowed to witness. Yes, whatever information he may have been telling must be important, but so is admiring everything around. The air was warm and refreshing, and the calming sound of the night breeze rustling through the tree leaves was making the girl close her eyes and smile in content, feeling at peace. The heavy atmosphere from inside the Academy wasn't as hard to bear with outside - In fact, it almost felt like a normal walk through the village back home. It seems that she is going to take quite a few walks around this city.

She wasn't sure how fast time flew, but she wasn't tired by the time they arrived in front of the castle gates - She looked up, but the tallest tower was lost into the sky, that's how immense the building was. "What do you do with so much space?" she muttered softly, as she was welcomed inside the castle grounds. Left and right of the paved path towards the castle, beautifully attended gardens with shining flowers were captivating Kitsune's eyes. Completely forgetting of the Prince's existence, she stopped dead in her tracks and stepped onto the soft green grass, towards a far away flower - It was lonely, but beautiful, blooming on the top of a black archway. Light blue and glowing, it completely stole her attention, as she gazed fondly at it.

"Do you like it?" she was startled out of her reverie, as she found the man, wearing a soft smile, on the either side of the archway, looking down at the flower as well. "Yes, I can see why you like it. It's a very rare flower that Barbatos found for me. It's found in a very dangerous forest, somewhere deep, where only the bravest demons dare venture. Or so he said." he chuckled lightly, watching the girl nod reluctantly. "It's... Beautiful. I have never seen anything like it before. Is it magic?" the girl spoke in a soft voice. "All plants in Devildom have some percentage of magic, more or less. Demon magic. But this one is a bit different. The story goes that an angel shed a tear and it fell into the human world, where this flower was first in bloom. Humans couldn't appreciate it, however, for it was one of its kind, and they wanted to make profit of it, so before the flower wilted, the last human owner sold it to the devil, who brought it here." he explained the brief history behind it. "Something tells me none of that is real. But that's the fun of human stories. They're so ridiculous, it's impossible not to enjoy them, to some extent." the corners of her mouth turned upwards just the littlest bit. "Hmmm... I have an idea!" with such an exclamation, Diavolo reached his hands out towards the flower - Realising his intent, Kitsune immediately stopped him by grabbing them. "Don't take it away!" she pleaded with him. "If you do, it will wilt. It would be a pity if such a beautiful flower should die because of our whims." "Don't worry, it won't wilt. It has magic protecting it." he spoke, feeling the girl's hands slowly leave his, allowing him to carefully cut off the flower - He then stepped from behind the archway, and with one hand cupping her face, he put a strand of her hair behind her ear, along with the glowing flower. "There, now you're both glowing with beauty!" his laughed seemed so innocent and pure, and he complimented her with such ease, that she couldn't help but look away, hiding her rosy cheeks. "Don't speak such words so freely." she ushered, scolding him. At least now she understood why Lucifer was so uncomfortable whenever Diavolo spoke so highly of him. "Well, Kitsune, take it this way - Since the flower won't wilt, it won't be alone anymore, on the arch. It will stay with someone that can properly appreciate its beauty, and everywhere you go, others will be able to look at it and admire it as well!" he explained his logic, earning a slow nod from her. "... Thank you." her voice was barely above a whisper from the embarrassment, but much to his glee, the demon prince heard her words, and beamed with happiness. "Come on, let me show you your temporary home - But your chamber will be yours for as long as you stay in Devildom, so if you ever want to visit me, you won't have to worry about returning to the House of Lamentations!" he exclaimed happily. "You are very considerate." she pointed out, more as a fact than a compliment. "I will one day truly rule Devildom, so I have to know how to take care of all of my people's needs." his never-faltering smile still remained on his face as strong and vibrant, even as he showed her her new bedroom, the halls, his study room... Or his own bedroom, where they remained for a cup of tea, some snacks, and a basic tutorial on how to use her new cell phone. Just as before, the man was incredibly patient, understanding that she never was in direct contact with any modern technology, so she needs to take it easy and ease into this new world, new life... New everything, little by little.

By the end of the evening, it seemed that the girl was already getting the gist of her device - At least she always been proud of how much of a fast learned she always was. "Okay, Kitsune, I'll go ahead and send you a message!" Diavolo exclaimed excitedly, as she looked up and offered him a shy grin. "I sent you a... Sticker in return! Did it get sent? ... I think here it says that you have also seen it." she explained what she was seeing on her screen, making Diavolo laugh in happiness. "Yes, very well, I did get it, you're doing great!" the prince praised her, patting her hair like a child, timid but happy with her achievements. "Thank you... For your patience." she bowed her head lightly at him. "It's my pleasure!" he chuckled, only for Barbatos to enter the room, telling the two that it was getting late and they should be sleeping. As Kitsune was halfway out of the room, Diavolo stopped her. "Is there anything else you'd like to tell me, Kitsune?" as she turned her head to look at him, she realised that his eyes were peering right into her soul, as if he could read whether she was being genuine or not. She felt like a specimen under a hawk's watch, ready to be devoured at the littlest mistake. Instead, she merely smiled and wiggled her fingers lazily at him. 'Sweet Dreams, little lordling.' she said, closing the door behind her. 

Not a lie, nor a truth to his question, but merely an avoidance. It wasn't the right time to tell him what she felt... Or rather, what she could feel that he was feeling, deep inside his repressed emotions. Thus, she went down the stairs, looking around for her temporary bedroom, admiring the opulent and luxurious architecture that made the castle look so royal and fantastic - It was so different than the palaces around Japan, China or Korea... Everything was so different, but she knew this was very similar to Western architecture. Despite not being well versed in technology, there were enough bookstores and libraries around for her to do all kinds of research.

Problem was... She was lost.

Slapping her forehead in disdain, she looked around the place and realised she was in a very unfamiliar hallway... They definitely didn't go through there. Sighing, she took out her D.D.D. and messaged the Prince some stickers. First, came this <Sticker> ; And then, this <Sticker>.

Diavolo: What happened, Kitsune? Kitsune: I... Kitsune: ... Diavolo: Kitsune, are you alright? Kitsune: No. Kitsune: I'm a mess.  Kitsune: I'm awful. Kitsune: I need a map and a tour guide everywhere I go. Diavolo: Kitsune... Did you get lost on your way to the bedroom? Kitsune: ... Yes. Diavolo: It's alright, the castle is huge, even I get lost sometimes! Diavolo: Can you tell me where you are? Kitsune: If I could, I wouldn't be in distress. Kitsune: It looks like a... What do you call it...  Kitsune: Event room? Kitsune: It's almost fully golden, the ceiling is very high, and there are chandeliers everywhere. Kitsune: And a grand piano. Diavolo: Ah, you're in the ballroom! Hold up, I'll come get you! Kitsune: Thanks... And sorry for the problem. Diavolo: It's never a problem helping you, Kitsune!

Thus, Kitsune started walking around the giant 'Ballroom' as he called it, and admired the place. She remembers some pictured from a French castle, called 'Versailles', and the gold, the mirrors, the carvings, the paintings, the crystals... Everything screamed that there lived a King. She could only wonder, if this is the degree of opulence that this single room displayed, how elegant were the guests, and how extravagant the parties held were.

She had no idea how long she strolled around, admiring the room, smiling as she imagined couples dancing merrily on the marble floor - So much that she began the hum the tune of 'Waltz of the Flowers' by Tchaikovsky, and remembering how her little apprentices would oftentimes get drunk and pull her to dance to all the random things, she learnt some of the most unusual dance styles... Including the Viennese Waltz. Even if she wasn't wearing whatever puffy, lavished outfits that princesses wore, and she was merely wearing her stylised priestess outfit, she still enjoyed twirling around in the four steps, pretending to dance with someone.

Her day-dreaming was disturbed once more by the sound of footsteps echoing on the floor, as the Demon Prince, now wearing only his pyjama pants and a half-buttoned, sleeves rolled up black shirt, stepped towards her - He bent at the waist in front of her, and extended his hand towards her. "May I have this dance?" he asked, making Kitsune's eyes grow wide with surprise an embarrassment. "O-Oh, uhm... I-I'm not sure it's really proper... To share such an intimate dance with a stranger." she fumbled, taking one step backwards to create some distance between them. "Really, now? I wasn't aware. Is that how it is in the human world?" he asked, straightening up, not at all offended by the refusal. "Either way, you danced beautifully, bravo!" he then applauded her performance, making her cheeks redden even more. "That was not something worth of praise... I never danced anything like this before. It is not something that originated in my country... But a few drunk girls thought it fun to use me as a teaching instrument." she coughed, changing the subject for a while. "And no, it's not a problem of the human world, it's a problem of mine, and the traditions that I was brought up into, many hundreds of years ago." she explained, awkwardly. "Well, that's understandable! Very well, let's get you back to your room, you must be exhausted. Don't worry about a thing tomorrow, Barbatos will come bring you breakfast, so you can sleep in as much as you wish. When you're ready to get out, just text me and I'll come pick you up, alright?" the man smiled sweetly at her, as he escorted her to her bedroom. "... Alright. Thank you again for your troubles, Diavolo. I hope I won't have to disturb you again." she chuckled nervously in shame at her own misdemeanours. "By all means, please do. Good night, Kitsune." he grinned, patting her head before leaving.

This allowed the girl to close the door and step inside her bedroom, admiring how absolutely gorgeous her new bedroom was. She never thought she could ever see anything so simple, yet so beautiful and elegant in its own classy way, despite it being so unfamiliar to anything that she ever encountered during the ages in her own country. It was fascinating.

Noticing the silk nightgown that was placed on the bed, Kitsune picked it and went to take a relaxing bubble bath, before turning in for the night - It was only then, when she got in the cloud-like bed, that she realised how absolutely drained she felt. She wasn't sure if it was the Devildom air, or all the new things all at once, or how much she got lost... But she knew, that night, she was going to sleep like a child.

Still, there was only one thing that was going through her head, at that was Diavolo - Or rather... How could such a kind and attentive man harbour such awful, painful, damaging emotions, such unquenchable wrath and rage that could make the whole universe freeze over - Something so overbearing that would make even the embodiment of Wrath that she met just a few hours prior, tremble in fear before him. She couldn't understand him. The more he approached her, the more hear heart wanted her to get closer to him, only for her instincts to yell at her in fear, making her tremble all over at the potential threat. Diavolo could simply blink the wrong way, and it could make the whole Human Realm dissipate into thin dust. He didn't seem the type to act on a whim, clearly, but what in the world could have created such negative feelings in his heart, so bad that he can't seem to appease them in any way?

No matter, this wasn't the type to be playing the esper detective, nor should she care, to begin with. For the night, she needed rest, and nothing more.

Next Chapter >

[jmars-fanart]

2024 Exciting Update in Everything

It’s been a month! omg… When you start to be in a flow in doing everything, time flies and you wouldn’t even notice. I was like in a time machine again.

I remember it was the golden week, and when I was back to work, there were tons of task waiting to be done. And then my arm hurt and I didn’t know why. Luckily I had gotten my current work all done, so I decided to take some rest for my arm while I was to improve my productivity system and update everything for my art pages.

And it’s a month that has passed. I feel better with my arm now! And with the improved system, I feel like I can start to get more things done!

I've updated my Kofi goal and revamped my commission board and page! Prices unchanged and there will be a supporter discount and discount offer for Pokémon SV characters requests this summer! No new types added yet, but I’m exploring chibi style, sketch collage, and character design—

Especially character design, it’s the comms type I’ve always wanted to do! Just like concept designs I did for my original characters! I think I will open this type someday after I've posted and shared some art of my original characters! Stay tuned if you like my style for the concept designs or are interested in this comms type! I’ll make a pinned blog about my comms and things later!

Speaking of OCs, I’m planning more original content on my art pages, sharing what I’ve drawn for them and making new pieces about them. I’ve been talking about it but now I feel it’s time. Really excited and can’t wait for you to meet them! I didn’t really draw them all so this will go with some concept design process update, it must be fun to share!

Also, I decide to open a new blog for my original work! Actually, that was what I was doing with this blog at the beginning, though it ends up becoming a fanart-focused blog now. I will make this blog remain fanart-focused, sharing mine and rebloging others', and my fanfics will also be shared here.

Then I have to mention my King Mettaton story. I haven't given it up despite translation challenges and everything. I’m starting to think maybe I should share the fic even if it’s still untranslated. The translation softwares can help readers nowadays. After all, if I don't start sharing the story, no one will ever read and know the story. I finally got over my perfectionism I guess… I’ll urge myself that translating at least one sentence a day and call it still a progress, so someday I will eventually complete the fanfic translation. I will stick with the plan that sharing the story on Tumblr. But maybe also on Ao3? I’ve heard that is the site where most people share their fanfics, perhaps I could open an account there for my KMTT story and other fanfics too.

Lastly, I’m launching my Patreon! Some supportors suggested it, and I think it’s a good timing to make another fresh start for my artist journey, after I’ve made this far. Updates on Patreon will sync with Kofi, so you can support me on your preferred platform. I'm exploring more content and offer too!

Life gets busy, but connecting with you all and sharing art bring me joy! I just can’t imagine a life without all of these, so even though I’d be busy sometimes, I will always manage to come back no matter what happened! I’ll keep up the pace and be more active on here!

Stay tuned and thank you all for your support! 💖✨ As always, I'll give a shoutout to people who have financially supported me ☕️ You have my eternal gratitude for being part of my journey!

🌻 BridgeWowDah

🌻 Shell

🌻 Quinlynn Hayner

🌻 kazzyrus

🌻 v

🌻 Sophtopus

🌻 Ko‑fi Supporter

🌻 Timothy

🌻 MagicPenguin

🌻 Michelle

🌻 Dimitri

🌻 Amber "Blackjack" B.

If any other new ideas for the plan for my pages, I will keep updating this post!