#Senshi is too distracted by his face

[cabinette]

inside joke

[chuckeroo777]

Laios got Eaten AU Chapters 1-52

So, I was pondering a lot (as I do), and was thinking about this AU. Here's my take on it. Sorry if my grasp on characterization isn't the best. Expect lots of Farcille.

This is mostly a plot point based summary, going chapter by chapter. If something isn't elaborated on, assume it's the same as canon.

Note: This first installment ends at the same point as the anime, but as a manga reader, there are spoilers for later in the canon story.

Edit: Wowzers, that ended up being over 4,000 words! Guess I had more to say than I thought.

This is pretty long, so I'll begin under the cut.

Chapter 1:

Unlike Laios' self deprecating take on this scenario, the rest of the team doesn't immediately give up on him. Marcille and Chilchuck are his friends, and if Falin thinks it's possible, then they're in.

Namari leaves of course, but Toshiro is more complex. He argues with Falin, trying to convince her not to embark on such a risky mission, and may accidentally frame it as Falin choosing between him and Laios. Falin, of course, picks Laios. Toshiro leaves, dejected. After feeling sorry for himself for a while, he gets his retainers and heads after her, hoping to offer backup.

Falin proposes the dungeon eating plan, having casually discussed the possibility with Laios in the past. Without the gourmet guide, she isn't as knowledgeable about monsters, but she is pretty good at identifying stuff from her days of eating weird stuff in the woods, so she can tell the walking mushroom isn't poisonous. She also manages to grab the scorpion, having messed with crayfish as a kid.

Unlike Laios, she doesn't try to eat the venom, but they still struggle, and Senshi comes in to help. Falin is very excited to have such an expert helping them out, and is happy to have him join the team.

In general, Marcille is just as squicked out by monster cuisine, but she tries to put on a brave face for Falin. In fact, her attempts to be more accepting results in her not yelling at Senshi, so the slime doesn't attack her.

Chapter 2:

They go after the man-eating plants, and things mostly go down the same. Without Laios, it takes a little longer for Falin and Senshi to figure out how to save Marcille, going for the root. Marcille gets seeds planted in her skin, but Falin is able to heal her and get them out.

Chapter 3:

Senshi takes them Basilisk hunting, and Marcille is dismayed to see Falin knows the trick for intimidating Basilisks, a sight she will not soon forget. While Senshi slices the snake, Falin caves the chicken's head in.

While Senshi prepares the Basilisk, Falin is able to use a detox spell on Doni. The two still stay to eat though.

Chapter 4:

Events mostly play out the same, though Falin is a bit more gentle in rejecting Marcille's help. Falin admits to having skipped class the day they learned about mandrake harvesting.

Chapter 5:

Chilchuck uses Falin's metal staff instead of the sword to find the passage. When they go to get the oil, Falin casts a fire-ward spell on Chilchuck, just in case. Senshi declines to take one too.

Chapter 6-7:

Without Laios' insights, they deem the living armor too dangerous after the first attempt, and take a slightly different route to the third level.

Much to Marcille's chagrin, they run into a nest of giant rats, and they end up having giant rat stir-fry instead.

Chapter 8:

Falin thinks Senshi's utilization of the golems is absolutely delightful.

Chapter 9:

Falin is rather uncomfortable with Chilchuck's suggestion to trade at the seedy bar, but doesn't argue.

Events with the orcs go more or less the same. Falin thinks Bahay is very cute.

Chapter 10:

No Kensuke, so they get ambushed by the bugs. Chilchuck gets bitten, but Falin is able to heal him.

Falin applies much better ghost wards than Marcille. In fact, she quickly realizes they are just paralyzed, and is able to heal them. Yeah, no. That would have way too big of a butterfly effect on the story. Maybe she's too distracted by the pretty bugs to notice.

Unlike Marcille, Falin thinks the centipedes are adorable. In fact, she secretly takes one and hides it in her pack to keep as a pet.

Chapter 11:

As one would expect, the ghosts are a complete non-issue. No ice cream for them.

Chapter 12-13:

No one in this party is crazy enough to bother with the living paintings. Without the delay, they are able to make camp at the level 4 entrance, bypassing the mimic.

Senshi catches some fish, and they have a very nice dinner.

Chapter 14:

Mostly the same, except instead of Laios, Senshi is saved by Falin. She has experience in such manners.

Chapter 15:

Sadly, Falin does not know the song, so they have to resort to earplugs. This leads to a silent but amusing argument where Chilchuck has to talk down Falin from eating fish-men without words. Falin does not pull the waterweed stunt.

Chapter 16:

The kraken battle is pretty much identical.

Unlike Laios, Falin has eaten calamari before, having gone to that restaurant with Marcille several times. She is very disappointed the kraken tastes bad.

Senshi cooks up the parasite, and Falin doesn't eat any raw.

Chapter 17:

No one is sick, so this chapter doesn't happen.

Chapter 18:

Marcille has a sponge bath and insists Falin take one too. Chilchuck is annoyed by their flirting, but Senshi thinks it's cute.

When the Undine attacks, Falin is able to waterwalk and help Marcille, but neither of them has particularly good magic for fighting an undine. Both are badly injured, but they manage to escape.

Falin is able to heal both of them, but they are both left very hungry, and relatively low on mana. They have a barbecue to help them recover.

Chapter 19-20:

The Tansu party arrives. Tensions aren't quite as high between Marcille and Namari, but it's still there.

After Tansu fails to pacify the Undine. the two parties agree to help each other out. First, they help get down to the tower. A well placed fireball saves Kiki from the tentacles. Sadly, without Laios' knowledge, they can't eat them, at least not as easily.

When coming up with a plan to stop the undine, the idea to trap it is brought up, and they basically use the same plan, except Namari is in on it from the start.

After killing it, Falin suggests eating it, and the two groups enjoy some kelpie stew before departing opposite ways.

Chapter 21:

More or less plays out the same. Chilchuck suggests making the suits, to which Falin enthusiastically agrees. Senshi makes froggy hash instead of pasta, since he doesn't know how to neutralize the stinging.

Marcille puts on the frog suit without complaint since Falin puts one on first.

She attempts to take it off to much complaint still.

Chapter 22:

Most identical chapter yet. Namari asks about Laios instead of Falin. That's it.

Chapter 23:

Plans are made to take down the red dragon. With Falin here, their warding spells are much better, but no Laios means Senshi is the only proper warrior. Falin is a decent fighter, and plans to join Senshi and Chilchuck on the frontline. They search the orc's storehouse and find some spears, which will hopefully be enough for the inverse scale.

They mostly come up with the same plan. Crush the dragon, then kill it.

Chapter 24-25:

The pot defenses fail, and they go ahead and crush the dragon. When the dragon emerges, Falin is able to execute the plan, stabbing the dragon as they play dead. However, she isn't able to stab deeply enough before the dragon recoils, the spear getting pulled away from her, landing some distance away.

Senshi tries to stab the dragon in the foot, but the spear breaks. Things go as they do in canon, with Senshi and Chilchuck managing to toss Falin the spear and blind the dragon in one eye.

Falin meets up with Marcille, and ends up pulling the same self-sacrificing gambit Laios did, stabbing the dragon in the throat while dangling from its mouth.

Chapter 26:

Falin falls unconscious, and has a dream about when Laios first left home, leaving her behind. And how he later promised to never leave her behind again.

Marcille still has to heal Chilchuck and Senshi herself, since Falin is in no state to do it herself. They retrieve her leg, and Falin is able to finish healing all four of them.

They begin carving into the dragon, with Senshi taking the lead. Laios' intrusive thought fun facts end up saving the day, reminding Falin about the flame sac.

Chapter 27:

Falin doesn't even bother mentioning the resurrection office, already knowing what must be done. Marcille doesn't hesitate to offer her ancient magic as the solution.

Falin is able to assuage Chilchuck's concerns a little better than Marcille did, clarifying that the ancient magic is just used to perform magic of a magnitude impossible with just natural mana. He still doesn't quite buy it, but doesn't protest further.

Putting Laios' skeleton together takes longer, since no one here is super knowledgeable about dog skeletons. They get it eventually though.

Marcille does the ritual. Falin thinks Marcille is hot when she lets her hair down like that.

Laios is revived successfully, and everyone is incredibly happy.

Chapter 28:

No bath scene. :(

Laios is incredibly curious about their journey, and is running his mouth asking questions. He is extremely excited that his monster eating idea worked, and is practically glued to Senshi for a while asking questions. Due to his presence, Senshi doesn't explode the dragon.

Marcille isn't surprised in the least by Laios' enthusiasm, and is just glad to have her friend back. They enjoy their little dragon feast, regaling Laios with their tales of monster eating.

Unlike Falin, Laios does not realize that forbidden magic was used to revive him, and apologizes profusely for abandoning Falin, even though she insists it wasn't his fault.

Chapter 29:

When Thistle summons Laios, a ghost wakes Falin up. She wakes the others, and they go looking for him.

Unlike Falin, Laios doesn't gain magical power from the dragon, instead getting an even bigger boost to his strength. Falin isn't just knocked unconscious, but is badly injured by his punch.

Not even being dominated by the mad mage can stop Laios from yapping. As he is transformed, he gives Thistle tips, causing his chimera form to be significantly more dangerous, featuring a bigger but more slender build and bigger wings, allowing him to actually fly. As well as a few other embellishments, such as tail spikes and small horns.

The ghosts save the party, and things proceed as normal.

Chapter 30:

Chilchuck's arc is mostly the same, except that it is easier to convince Falin once she wakes up. Healing the internal bleeding Laios caused took a lot out of her, and both her and Marcille are tapped of magic. They agree to return to the surface.

Chapter 31:

Literally Identical.

Chapter 32:

Kabru's deductions are mostly the same, only altered slightly due to being warded by Falin instead of Marcille.

Shuro isn't quite as haggard. Falin isn't actively dead, so he doesn't feel the need to run himself ragged. Funny enough, taking better care of himself ends up canceling things out, and he arrives at Kabru's group at about the same time.

Chapter 33:

Senshi and Chilchuck have to fight the Dryads by themselves. They use the axe instead of Kensuke. Not that Laios helped much, but the first dryad manages to attack Senshi, leaving him in much rougher shape by the end of the fight.

Thankfully, he makes a full recovery once Falin recovers some mana from the yummy pottage.

Once Falin is recovering, she suggests teleporting out of the dungeon, but Marcille flat out refuses to let Falin do that again. It's way too risky. Now that they have a source of food, mapping out the area should be simple.

Chilchuck does not escape the sex ed.

Chapter 34:

A dramatic reenactment of chapter 34:

They still need to spend several days making the map, but at least petrification isn't an issue.

Chapter 35:

The ghost warns Falin about the wyvern, and they hide in the wall, so business as usual.

When Marcille accidentally puts on the frog suit, Falin decides to put hers on too. This somehow makes Marcille more mortified, not less.

Recognizing Falin, the ninjas don't attack. Marcille is annoyed how happy Falin is to see Toshiro, considering the bad terms he split off on.

Chapter 36:

Since Falin has been enthusiastic, but not overbearing about monster food, Chilchuck chooses to go with Senshi even more easily.

Falin explains what happened to Toshiro, leaving out the ancient magic. Toshiro has no reason to think Falin wouldn't be able to revive Laios. He is happy to learn that she intends to return to the surface, and he plans to try and talk her out of returning once safe on the surface.

Kabru can tell Falin is lying about something, but remains quiet.

Chapter 37:

Even though harpies show up, everything seems to be going well, until Hien splatters on the ground. The Laigon quickly proves to be a ferocious foe, with razor sharp claws, a vicious thagomizer, and the ability to easily fly out of reach, or drop opponents from deadly heights.

Marcille didn't know that sufficient brute force could splatter an Undine to death, but apparently so.

Falin watches in horror as she can see an almost joyous look in his eyes. He would never do this of his own volition... but he clearly doesn't hate it.

When Rin grounds the Laigon with lightning, Falin steels her resolve and charges in to pummel his weak point, but he smiles and says her name.

Chapter 38:

After Kabru fails to kill him, the Laigon is too powerful, and kills Kabru before Falin can do anything. Seeing the Laigon about to attack Falin, Marcille hits it with an explosion.

Snarling, the Laigon looks like it's about to pounce at Marcille and company, causing Falin to fully freak out and unleash her strongest offensive spell, causing several massive rocky spires to erupt and impale the Laigon from below, and accidentally hitting Rin in the process.

Screaming and convulsing in pain, the Laigon takes for the sky, fleeing as fast as it can, leaving behind a thick trail of blood.

With both Falin and Holm alive, as well as Marcille not being barred from helping, the revivals go smoothly.

Toshiro ends up getting into a shouting match with Falin regarding her goal of saving Laios. Falin insists that if they defeat the mad mage, they can save him. He insists that trying to do so at this point is suicidal.

In the heat of the moment, Toshiro declares that Laios isn't even worth saving, and Falin slaps him. The conversation comes to an abrupt end, with both severely regretting their actions. Toshiro walks off to think, while Marcille comforts Falin, who seems on the verge of tears.

Toshiro ends up apologizing, saying he can't understand her decision, but he will respect it. He has Maizuru give them supplies so they can head down immediately, and gives Falin the bell.

Asebi overhears Marcille speculating with Chilchuck about the Laigon, and the possibility of the dragon's soul getting mixed in due to her revival magic.

Kabru leaves with a higher opinion of Falin than he did of Laios, because while she seemed fascinated by monsters, she wasn't as crazed about it as him. Plus she didn't offer him a harpy omelette, so that helps.

Chapter 39:

Without the living paintings, they aren't able to quite grasp the mad mage's motives, but are still hopeful that they can talk to him.

And then the shapeshifters happen.

Chilchuck's Falin is an airhead, reflecting her calm demeanor and lack of commanding presence, even though she is ostensibly the leader without Laios around.

Senshi's Falin looks just like his Laios, but with longer hair. They look identical to Senshi.

Falin's Chilchuck is colder and more even-tempered than the real Chilchuck. She appreciates his levelheadedness and maturity.

Falin's Senshi is always spouting fun facts about food and food prep, and is always smiling. Senshi reminds her a lot of her brother's passions.

At first, the group is confused. They seem to be short two fakes. But then they find Falin's Marcille and Marcille's Falin making out in one of the cells. Both are too shy to admit their feelings, but apparently their mental images aren't so shy about it.

Once obvious stuff is out of the way, and equipment has been checked, Marcille and Falin have been found, but Chilchuck's Senshi, Marcille's Chilchuck, and Falin's Chilchuck are still around.

Chapter 40:

Marcille and Falin manage to eliminate Chilchuck's Senshi, since they both get a weird feeling from it, and all three Chilchucks agree it's the right Senshi, practically confirming it to be Chilchuck's.

The Chilchucks prove much trickier, until Falin comes up with an idea. We skipped chapter 13, so Falin suggests the Chilchucks provide their age. Marcille's says 20. Falin's says 45. Chilchuck is able to explain those guesses are way off the mark, and as the only one able to give a proper explanation of half-foot age ranges, he is clearly the correct one.

With all the copies locked up, the shapeshifter gives up and goes to find other prey.

Asebi ambushes the party as normal afterwards.

Chapter 41:

There is a bit of confusion at Asebi's accusations, since Marcille never confessed to using ancient magic, but Asebi overheard her talking about how she may have blended Laios' soul with the dragon, and that is not something someone does on accident. Clearly she must have been using black magic to do something like that.

Nonetheless, Marcille agrees to break the collar's magic, and things proceed the same. Falin attacks the hag with her mace-staff, creating a messier cut, but functionally the same.

The explanation of their goals goes about the same, including Falin being rather happy to meet Izutsumi, though she's a little less weird about it, talking about how Laios was fine before the mage kidnapped him, and that hopefully he'll go back to that state of mind when saved.

Chapter 42:

In Falin's nightmare, the Laigon appears and tries to kill her, but Falin becomes lucid before it can strike.

Falin goes into Marcille's nightmare to help her. Being more experienced with this sort of thing, she is able to calm Marcille down, and cause her to become lucid, dispelling the nightmare without violating Marcille's private traumas.

They then spend the rest of the lucid dream having fun together. I'll let you decide how much those shapeshifter clones inspired their behavior.

Senshi cooks the nightmares, and much to the girls' dismay, the dream is shown for all to see. Everyone agrees not to bring it up again.

Chapter 43:

While searching the recovered packs, Falin is delighted to find the Dungeon Gourmet Guide. She was afraid it had been digested with Laios.

Note: Falin should be seeing the ghost by now, but I don't want to break up the chapter flow, so just assume the ghost got caught in ghost traffic.

Without Laios to block them, Marcille gets impaled by a few stalactites, and Falin has to tend to her. The fight goes as normal.

Izutsumi is able to undress without anyone being weird about it.

When doing the sauna thing, Chilchuck can't help but notice how closely Marcille and Falin are sitting. He tried to block the dream out of his mind, but it's clear that now that the feelings are out in the open, that's just how they're going to act from now on. He just hopes this doesn't cause any issues.

Chapter 44:

Falin finds the boiled mandrake quite tasty, and so doesn't question it when Izutsumi gives her a second.

When arguing over dinner, Falin is just as baffled as Izutsumi regarding the Barometz. As they run over, she flips through the guide, discovering the potential danger a few seconds too late.

Izutsumi and Marcille run off to do their thing. Falin panics and does something dumb. She starts barking. She isn't as good as Laios, but it's enough to scare off the wolves. Chilchuck isn't even surprised at this point.

Chapter 45:

Pretty much goes the same. Toshiro plans to report the Chimera, at least so people know to be wary, and Falin is just as careless with the bell as Laios.

As they eat their eggs, the ghost finally catches up and Falin is happy to chat.

Chapter 46:

Our party arrives in the golden country. Falin wants to check out the monster corrals, just like Laios, but while he was ecstatic about minotaur milking, Falin is much more charmed by the opportunity to pet the basilisk chicks.

Falin becomes extremely flustered at the sight of Marcille in a pretty dress. Unlike Laios, Izutsumi lets her pet her.

Since minotaur was not requested, they are served basilisk cordon bleu.

Sadly, the running joke of turning ghosts into ice cream is dead.

"One shall come who bears a staff of living wood." With Laios out of the picture, Marcille is the lion's next choice of champion.

Marcille really isn't sure what to think about this. Her? Become new queen of the land?

She ultimately gives no conclusive answer, but the possibility of gaining dominion over this land where no one ever dies is tempting.

Marcille and Falin share the double bed, while Chilchuck gets the single bed to himself. At least until Izutsumi curls up on him.

Chapter 47:

Breakfast goes smoothly, and they head back into the dungeon.

Things in the cistern go mostly the same, though Falin also thinks the griffon is Laios. Senshi doesn't panic until the griffon actually appears.

Chapter 48:

Marcille puts her plan into action, and Falin carries her.

With the second familiar, Falin suggests shaping it like a dragonfly, since they are very fast and agile. It isn't as fast as the wyvern, but it dodges a lot easier. The third familiar is still sky fish.

Once the griffon is defeated, Falin suggests eating the sky fish. Marcille objects, but she can't say no to Falin's smile.

And Senshi shares his story.

Chapter 49:

Unlike Laios, Falin doesn't push Senshi to try the griffon. She suggests cooking it, since they don't want to waste good food, but Senshi doesn't have to try it if he doesn't want to.

Senshi decides to go for it. You can decide if he's traumatized further, or if changelings follow logic, and meat without any spores on it (since it was cut from inside the griffon), and was then "washed" by turning it into soup turns back into hippogriff. Senshi tastes the "griffon" soup, and is immeasurably relieved.

Changlings are a lot of fun, but they sure open some plot holes. By all accounts, it should have reverted to hippogriff soup.

Look, this is my silly what-if AU, things don't have to be perfect.

Chapter 50:

Falin is a dwarf now. She sucks at magic, but now she can really smash some heads in.

Falin thinks half-foot Marcille is adorable. Marcille isn't sure what to think of dwarf Falin.

When they reach the door, Falin is surprised when her pet pearlipede crawls out unbidden and unlocks the door.

Despite the disadvantages, Falin's mace proves super-effective against the gargoyles, managing to defeat one, but tiring out while one is still left. They flee through the door.

Now that the party knows she has it (and that it's oddly useful), Falin starts wearing her pet as a bracelet.

While preparing dumplings, Falin ponders if maybe the griffon wasn't actually a griffon, but Chilchuck shuts her down before she can accidentally re-traumatize Senshi.

Chapter 51:

Falin notices Marcille's strong adverse reaction to the news that half-foots only live fifty years, but doesn't say anything.

Falin suggests the possibility of using the changelings on Laios, though unlike him, she doesn't consider that the two halves might change separately. She just imagines them turning the whole Laigon into a gnome or something.

When the last gargoyle arrives, Falin's staff gets knocked out of her grasp, and thrown by the gargoyle.

They use the knowledge from the transformed staff to defeat the last gargoyle. Sadly, Marcille does not get to fly.

Falin washes her staff.

Chapter 52:

Senshi grows curious and asks about Laios. Falin talks about how Laios always had trouble fitting in, and it wasn't until he started dungeon diving that he finally seemed able to make friends and be happy. Falin had dropped out of magic school because she didn't want Laios to be alone.

Marcille starts crying and clinging to Falin. She talks about how she used to hate Laios. But as they adventured together, he became like a brother to her. Falin starts crying too. Izutsumi sits by Chilchuck to avoid all the tears.

Senshi proposes his bacon and eggs plan. Falin can't find any issue with his reasoning, and thinks its a great idea, but Chilchuck points out how long it will take to eat that much meat. They start making plans for the foreseeable future.

Thistle tries to stop the Laigon from eating a walking mushroom, but is unsuccessful.

Chapters 53-85

Chapter 86-Finale

[sien-ten]

Kabru X Laios post-finale headcanons, because Tumblr decided to shower me with content about them

Kabru said "you guys can't build any political connections with elves without me " and stayed as a royal advisor, which surprised Laios big time (he was sure that after fulfilling his promise Kabru would lead his party somewhere else)

Laios turned out to be well-mannered when necessary, so following court etiquette wasn't too hard for him – Kabru felt deep annoyance every time his king greeted or complimented anyone in such a royal manner, until he learned that Laios' trademark airhead behaviour now showed up only when he's with someone he trusts (family, friends... and him)

Kabru warmed up to Laios significantly in a first year of them rebuilding kingdom, they both were stressed to no end, but the more situations they've got to solve together, the more Kabru trusted Laios (even if he doesn't like to admit it)

Laios had to send Falin off to their parents to rest and heal a bit, since at first kingdom was very much unstable (Marcille accompanied her); after his party departured, he felt pretty much very lonely, so he had a lot of time on his hands to contemplate, why he's so gravitated towards Kabru all the time; he vented to Senshi about some of his thoughts and got advised to try courting his advisor – it was later registered as one of the first crisises that kingdom faced since Winged Lion's departure (Kabru was so oblivious that Laios nearly ended his reign)

Kabru and Laios started seeing each other officially only after Falin and Marcille returned – because of Senshi's panicked letters they've brought Chilchuck, who properly scolded the King and set the pair for a nice dinner (yes, Laios hasn't tried that one before)

Laios never experienced romantic relationship before, so a lot of things hit him like a truck – to Kabru's grief, his lover still was too honest of a man, so if Laios though that Kabru looks extra handsome today, everyone in courtroom would know that (exactly because of that Marcille had to take over courtroom proceedings, they couldn't have Laios distracted and guests giggling)

Kabru and Marcille became good friends really suddenly, but they had too much in common not to: elven mothers, grievances about mortality, Touden partners; they made a tradition of having a private chat throughout the day, even if they had meals with everyone all the time (king's order), having their own space to unwind felt good (Falin told Laios about these meetings/tea parties and forbid him to disturb them)

They enjoy to spar on swords and read to each other; sometimes they would stroll through the forest together and look for ruins

On one of Laios's birthday Kabru learned how to cook monster barbecue imitation as a gift (it was a struggle), and Laios was overjoyed (it didn't taste like monster at all, but the thought is more important)

[withlove-xixi]

HIII can i request a confession scenario for chilchuck… something where a normally bubbly flirty reader avoids him for a bit after leaving the dungeon - he finds out it’s because they love him, but don’t want to get between him and his wife (who he doesn’t actually want to remarry!)

- bard anon

— FROM THE START: chilchuck x reader

ᥫ cw: alcohol ᥫ wc: 1983 ★ OH I LOVE THIS IDEA SO MUCH! tysm for requesting bard anon hehehe this is my first ever request actually ˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥᷄⌓˂̣̣̥᷅ )‧º·˚ im sorry it took so long to finish! cross posted on ao3

— CHILCHUCK KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING FROM THE START.

[♡]: there was always something up with you, something he could always notice but couldn’t really tell what. was it your bubbly personality completely contrasted his stoic one? was it how easily you were able to befriend him despite his caution? was it the way you’d look at him by the firelight during sleepless nights in the dungeon? chilchuck really couldn’t tell, but there was something about you he noticed. like it was always on the corner of his eye. and tonight whatever it was had left his peripheral.

THEY SAY SILENCE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS, the same thousand Chilchuck sees running through your head as you sit across him at the bar. It was a small get together of old friends, a way of catching up after your time together in the dungeon, and really, at first things were normal. You were your usual sunshiny self, an easy smile on your face and a flirtatious quip ready to leave your lips. But things felt off — well, off for Chilchuck. There was some restraint when you spoke, when you smiled. He sensed it, picked it up immediately as soon as he entered the bar. From the doorway he saw it, just a glimpse of your smile, a fraction of your laugh amidst the noise of the pub. But then your eyes locked with his and shakily and subtly, there was tension on your face, a twitch in your muscles when you turned at him to give him a small wave before turning your attention back to Senshi. When the half-foot had taken his seat in front of you, he could tell you were completely avoiding him as much as you could, only ever giving passing remarks when he addressed you directly, other than that, you didn’t initiate anything. It was far from your usual, when you would’ve quickly attached yourself to Chilchuck’s side, never leaving it until the end of the night, not even when he had walked you all the way back to your home.

There was a certain caution around you, like there was fog that surrounded you and made you all misty to the eyes. It was like you were the setting sun, halfway dipped into the horizon, close and bright enough to see, but far too distant to touch. Above anything else, it pissed Chilchuck off.

It felt so foreign, so strange. He hated not knowing what was going on. On one hand, you seemed fine, chatting away with Marcille and giggling about some complaint she’s had about her workload. On the other, he’d catch these fleeting, stolen glances from you, and each time, he could see a spec of something that wasn’t usually there; sadness. It was evident with the way you toyed with your drink, swirling the content around the tankard whenever you found yourself out of the conversation, it was evident with the way you consistently ran your hand through your hair, pushing the tresses away from your forehead, it was evident in the way you simply wouldn’t look at Chilchuck.

It really did frustrate him. Here Chilchuck thought he was getting a nice evening surrounded by good friends and good ale, a nice simple get-together to distract him from the quickly piling work he found handed to him. And while he’d never admit it (perhaps not even to himself), he was looking forward to you, even in the dungeon, he had looked forward to you. Chilchuck probably didn’t even realize how close you two have gotten, and how much he began to miss your company. In the dungeon, you’d stay up with him during his watch, even just a bit, to give him some company or lend an ear to his endless complaints and worries. In the dungeon, you’d walk next to him, purposefully bumping your hip against him and acting as if nothing happened, pestering him with questions on his personal life (really, sometimes you were no better than Marcille!). In the dungeon, he always had the assurance of your company and friendship, after all, there were only so many people in the party, most of which he couldn’t really form strong bonds with. 

But you were different, you always were.

You had that air of ease to you, one that Chilchuck saw the moment you had joined Laios’ party. As much as you liked to prod at the limits of Chilchuck’s patience, you were never pushy too, you valued your privacy and respected his. You always backed off before things got out of hand, and when they did you were always first to come and apologize or make amends. You were dependable, smart and resourceful, above all, you were a good person. You had almost radiated your own brand of sunlight. It made all the passing flirty remarks all bearable. It happened too often, too much for someone Chilchuck’s age too. Though it wasn’t necessarily that you had solely targeted Chilchuck with your antics — you had come around to tease Marcille or to flirt with Laios from time to time, but Chilchuck had definitely become your favorite victim. Hell, if Chilchuck closes his eyes right now, his memory could perfectly replay that stupid wink you’d give him when you’d allow your touch to linger a bit longer or when you’d flash him a smirk after flirting with him.

Though now, it was as if Chilchuck was left with only those memories of a bubbly adventurer, because looking at you now, you seem miserable. And Chilchuck could tell he might’ve been the only person to pick up on it (well, mostly because he guesses it all might be directly only to him). He needs to talk to you because as frustrating as it is to be ignored and not know why, he’s more worried about you than anything. He was always worried about you, whether he himself realized it or not was a different story.

Throughout the night, Chilchuck tried his best to get your attention. He quickly learned small talk didn’t work, you were quick to give him a dismissive comment or a half-hearted response, whereas you’d normally tease him for taking the initiative to talk to you (something like “aw, Chilchuck, are you really that curious about me? Or are you looking for an excuse to hear my voice?” he’s sure).

Next he tried offering you something to drink, grabbing a new bottle of liquor and making a big show of opening it and kindly offering it to you. But again, you were quick to dismiss him, saying you preferred mead over wine, whereas you’d normally find a way to flirt with him before dramatically taking a sip (something like looking at him in the eye while you wiped away the sticky residue of alcohol from the corners of your lips with your thumb he supposed).

Then Chilchuck quickly realized he was out of ideas. When you’d go and reply to the others, he’d quickly try to chime in, hoping to catch you off guard and get a normal response from you. But really you didn’t pay him much attention at all. (Though normally you’d be giggling at his antics, commenting about he “seems so desperate for your attention” or something like that.)

Despite it all, Chilchuck refused to be dissuaded as much as he was getting more and more frustrated by your lack of interest and his failure at prying at your disinterest. If only he could be a bit more like you, a bit more easy going and bubbly, maybe he could have an easier time dealing with all this.

Chilchuck sighs and frowns before taking a swig of his ale. He's just about to look down dejectedly at his tankard, heavily considering that if he can't enjoy some good company tonight, he at least won't let the ale go to waste, when he feels a tug on his sleeve. With furrowed brows he turns behind him, but his face quickly relaxes when he realizes it's you.

He opens his mouth to speak, but you cut him off. "Can I tell you something?" Your voice is soft, maybe even a bit shaky. It was as if you were scared he might reject you.

But Chilchuck sets that thought aside because if anything, he's relieved. At least now you were talking to him, and really what's the worst you can say. He was your friend, whatever it was you had to tell him, he wasn't going to shame you for it.

So he nods, lets you lead him outside of the tavern into the cold, dark night. The wind instantly bites at his skin, causing the half-foot to shiver, but the sight of you before him makes him feel even colder. Your gaze is so solemn, almost melancholic the way your face feels so devoid of your usual energy. It makes Chilchuck's mouth dry.

"What'd you wanna tell me?" He asks, crossing his arms. He keeps his tone level, trying his best to mask how nervous he's beginning to feel.

You only stare at him for a bit more, then you look away, turning to the dimly lit town around you.

He hears you sigh, then he hears you open your mouth then shut it, then open and shut it again.

Cautiously, he takes a step forward. "You okay? You're…" he hesitates a bit. "You're quieter than usual…"

He watches the muscles of your back tense up at the mention of your silence. You pull your shoulders together, like you were trying to squeeze yourself smaller.

"It's… I-" You start, softly. "Chilchuck, I'm sorry."

The half-foot blinks. "For what—"

"I-I know you've got your own life— Like, personal life and all. I don't want to impose on that." You say, somewhat shakily. "You have daughters and… and a wife, and all. I- You know… I can't just—" your hands splay out in front of you "—ruin that."

"Ruin…? I'm sorry? I don't follow—"

"I like you, Chilchuck. I-I like you a lot…" You confess, turning to him with your eyes squeezed shut and your cheeks tinted red.

Chilchuck looks at you, stunned. Pieces of the puzzle slowly began falling into place. Before he could speak, you're rambling.

"A-and I know it's wrong to! You've got a wife and kids and all… And I know your relationship with them might not be the best right now— N-not to act as if I know so much! R-really, what do I know? —But the point still stands! I didn't want to tell you to make things awkward— I'm sure they're awkward now… —B-but Marcille said— Well, she said a lot of things, really. I-I… Well, honestly I didn't listen much—"

His hands grip your shoulders, pulling you out of your thoughts. "Hey, hey. Easy." Chilchuck says with a small smile and it instantly shuts you up. "You like me?"

Your mouth hangs slightly agape, the beginning of a stutter leaves your lips before you promptly shut it. You nod and avert your gaze from him, finding your face feel a bit hotter.

"You like me." Chilchuck repeats, the half end of it melting into a small laugh. "You like me!"

"Okay, you don't have to keep saying it."

Chilchuck laughs again, a bit louder now. He leans his head against you and a relieved sigh leaves his lips. "Thought you were mad at me." He admits.

"Mad at you…? A-Are you not mad at me?"

"Mad at you? Why would I be—"

"Your wife—"

"And I aren't getting back together." He looks up at you with an easy smile, smoothing his thumbs over your arms. "You've got nothing to worry about."

You pout when you finally meet his eyes. “But…”

He chuckles. Chilchuck is beyond relieved, if anything he’s fucking thrilled. He thought something terrible had happened to you, like maybe he had done something to upset you or something. That must’ve been it, that something he had sensed from you the moment you began trying to befriend him, that twinkle of curiosity and admiration, that tinge of love. 

“H-hey! Quit laughing, will you? It-It isn’t funny!” You scold as Chilchuck lifts his head to meet your reddened face. That loving glint in your eyes is back, come out from hiding behind the tearful mist of anxiety; it makes him laugh again, laugh louder. You yell out another complaint with a pout.

If Chilchuck had been your favorite, then you were certainly his.

[dee-dunmeshi]

Careful

pairing: laios x kabru words: ~1k warnings: this is post canon! otherwise, none :)

summary: when kabru finds that his walls have been dismantled brick by brick, he does the only thing he can do- freak out, then put them back up and stop thinking about it. he doesn't mean to hurt laios in the process. (based on this post i made)

more: this is definitely gonna be multiple parts. also, tell me if u can tell i haven't finished dunmeshi and i've just immersed myself in spoilers

Laios sat almost motionless at the head of the meeting hall table, chin in his hand, head tilting to one side. To his right sat an abandoned chair previously occupied by Kabru, who was now pacing behind the blonde's throne (it was a somewhat smaller one used only in the meeting room. Laios liked it way better than the huge one in the actual throne room).

He couldn’t see Kabru, but he could imagine the others' expression- slightly furrowed brows and his cheek between his teeth as he let the concerns he’d had from the meeting earlier finally show, free from the unwanted gazes of guests. It’d been months before Kabru had let him see the actively calculating side of him- Laios thought it was… something. He wasn’t sure, but it did make the corners of his mouth turn up, just a little.

The king glanced out the window, shocked to see it was just past sunset. There were only stray strokes of orange on the clouds now, the moon well up into the sky. The kingdom demanded so much of him, and he was finding it harder and harder to keep track of time these days- such was the life of a king, he supposed.

“Kabru,” he started, reaching his arms over his head in a long overdue stretch. “We should call it a night, right?”

Kabru’s pacing stopped and he appeared by Laios’ side, one arm resting atop the throne as he leaned down slightly. “Tired?” He asked, his tone suggesting that he already agreed and didn’t really need to hear Laios’ reasoning.

“Yes,” Laios hummed, “and hungry.” He looked up at Kabru, a big smile on his face, brown eyes lighting up at the thought of dinner. “You won’t believe what we’re having- not monster, unfortunately.”

Kabru took Laios’ tease with a scoff and an eyeroll, the sting of which was greatly diminished by the grin on his face. He listened as Laios went on about dinner, what the chef was making, how Senshi had actually taught them this on his last visit to the kingdom. Laios wasn’t quite as enamored by food and cooking in general as Senshi, but since the dungeon, he’d taken more of an interest in what normal foods might taste most like dungeon food.

Kabru watched until the rant seemed to no longer be for him, Laios staring past him in thought as he went on about flavor profiles. Kabru let his mind drift back to things he needed to get done, half listening in case he was asked anything. There were orders to be made before bed, holidays to plan for, letters to answer- his eyes raked over Laios’ face as he thought, noting the slight exhaustion on display under his eyes and deciding to let him sleep in the next day, before landing on his jaw. 

Laios had grown a bit of stubble, he noticed, too distracted by being king to shave. It made sense that it had crept up on him- the blonde didn’t grow facial hair very fast, so he never really shaved anyway.

Kabru lifted his palm to Laios’ jaw, thumb rubbing along the coarse hair on his cheek. “You haven’t shaved,” he said, like he was commenting on the weather or pointing out a new hairstyle. Not like he was gently caressing his king's cheek.

Oh.

Before Kabru could decide the only solution was to blow up both himself and Laios, before he could even jerk his hand away, Laios was completely resting his head on Kabru's hand. One eye closed in thought as his cheek squished, he looked up at Kabru with those bright, wide brown eyes. “Y’think?” Laios asked, as if his royal advisor did this all the time. As if Kabru ever touched his face at all, let alone so tenderly. “You don’t like it?”

Kabru thought about how nice it’d be to die on the spot. He couldn’t really figure out what he should say next. Letting go might be awkward, but staying in this position would surely have weird implications, right? How would he get himself out of this? How did he even let himself get here?

“No,” he heard himself saying, lips moving seemingly on their own accord. “I think it looks good, honestly.”

And he really was being honest. Sure, telling Laios it looked bad would’ve been a fruitless lie- shaving wouldn’t make him a better ruler, and having facial hair might actually help his public image and make him look a little more mature. Kabru took issue, though, with how easily the truth had come out with no thought, no calculation. What was wrong with him?

Laios grinned at him so, so earnestly, and Kabru felt his stomach drop.

All too soon, the king rose from his throne, leaving Kabru's hand to fall to his side, abandoned.

“Alright, I won’t shave it, then,” Laios said definitively, already sweeping out of the room. “C’mon, I’m starving.”

Kabru’s legs marched him out of the meeting room, trailing just behind Laios. His hand felt cold. He clenched his fist, thought about how weird that must look to any castle staff passing by, then released. Laios was still talking up ahead. With a deep, careful inhale, Kabru decided that whatever it was he was going through, it could wait until after dinner. He just had to be more careful until he could figure it out. He exhaled. Inhaled. Exhaled.

Finally, he fell into step with Laios, pasting a smile on his face and tucking his arms behind his back. He spent dinner with his elbows close to his side so Laios wouldn’t accidentally bump into him, as he often did. He bid his friend a quick goodnight as soon as he was done with his excuse of a meal- for some reason, he didn’t have much of an appetite.

'Careful', he thought as his legs propelled him to his room, worrying the inside of his cheek between his teeth. He just had to be careful.

ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ sᴛᴀʀ ʙᴏʀᴅᴇʀ ɪs ғʀᴏᴍ @ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛʜɪɴɢs!

[clawdouobit]

i didnt like the new episode that much sorryyy guyysss……

they didnt do the scenes justice at all!! senshi crying over the hippogriff soup, and the group hug

i know its because in the manga the artstyle is different bc of the brushes, so it feels more guttural and real instead of just a fade-in of a hug or 3 repeated frames of senshi’s mouth moving while his hand goes slightly up

in the manga senshi was resting his head on his hand, almost making it look like he was clawing at his face ,and his tears were spilling on his fingers too

and this scene was shown more like a “its just another scene” instead of getting being clearly shown as important, like getting half the page like it did in the manga + being more zoomed in (along with chilchuck’s eyes not showing and marcille’s crying being more obvious)

senshi looks more thankful(?) in the anime, while he has a more solemn expression in the manga

and honestly they probably couldnt have animated it any other way, but in the anime, the group hug w the current party was shown like. Fading into the scene with senshi’s old party..like they were supposed to mirror eachother somehow

which i guess makes sense but again, the manga does it very differently and it has a completely different mood

idk if this makes sense im just rambling

*also the music and exaggeration during scenes that were supposed to be sad or serious was very distracting and again didnt have the same feel

[tanoraqui]

Dungeon Meshi Liveblog: Reason with the Mad Mage & Diplomacy with Elves

Note: everything from here on is retroactive/reread, because I stayed up until about 6am on Wednesday night reading until the end because that was the only way to ensure that the characters would be okay.

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Hey look, now our protagonists are the food, instead of running around holding cooking implements! I'm sure that's fine!! (Look at that lion's eyes!!!)

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I really like how...everyone? In the pasty gets at least 1 fight where they're totally on their own, for whatever reason: Laios with the living armor and again now with all the dragons, Chilchuck with the mimic, Izutsumi with the succubi, Marcille with the rabbits... I note that the reasons for it are escalating:

Laios fought the armor-captain alone as a strategic choice, while the rest of the party distracted the rest of the armor in the other room

Chilchuck fought the mimic alone because the rest of the party was asleep down the hall

Izutsumi fought the succubi alone because the rest of the party was already down, though not yet dead

Marcille fought the rabbits alone because most of the party was dead and Izutsumi had fled

Laios fights the dragons AND the Mad Mage directing them alone because the entire rest of the party is dead

Solid writing, that. And Senshi...has a monster that is His To Fight, that is where we got some special Senshi character exploration, but the whole point of it was that Senshi, who had been alone for so long, now had people reaching out to hold him, and to make food for him.

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I just like when they say things outright. "Meals are an act of optimism." "Only the dead don't eat." Fuck yeah!

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EYES EYES EYES EYES EYES. Thinking a lot here about that post about how Thistle is a great example of an antagonist who is really truly too far gone to "talk it out" with. His intentions ARE good, and Laios sees that so Laios tries... and Thistle is also trying, it's just...the demon has been playing on him for too long with too much skill.

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He's so! Earnest! And young! It's implied that he dies in the end, and I do think that's a narratively solid and restful ending for him, but man I want this kid to live and maybe covertly tag along with Mithrun on exploring the risen kingdom and defending it from random monsters, and re-learning how to have healthy desires. I think it'd be good for both of them, and also, potentially very funny.

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me, 2 posts ago:

me, now: Ah, yes, that makes sense... Not our heroes but Someone sure is.

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Fucking love multiple consecutive dungeon lords going, "my last wish is to fuck that guy up."

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They're just...happy...

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Love love love Chilchuck taking charge when Laios isn't there, especially in the context of "imminent tense 'diplomatic' meeting." He formed a union! He's good at this shit, and he'd be even better at it if he didn't have the handicap of being disrespected as a halffoot, and it's wonderful to see him with a team that has learned to respect him beyond that prejudice!

Also, Senshi's tiny eye wrinkle of determination <3

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Never mind my previous comment. Chilchuck is never allowed to do diplomatic relations with the elves ever again.

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Kabru, internally: oh my god we're all going to die

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I'm just noting Ms. fresh-faced aristocratic scion and the handful of extremely competent, notch-eared criminals she's in charge of... The structure of this lead group of Canaries is very interesting, because Mithtrun is nominally in charge, and he genuinely does command in combat and other matters focused on immediate dungeon lord-hunting. But he's ONLY focussed on that, so Pattindol is clearly accustomed to taking the lead in situations with more social nuance... And the criminal members make decisions on their own such as to take advantage of Mithrun's typical disappearance to go snoop around this house... But they are accustomed, and I'm sure required, to have permission/orders from a guard to use their black magic specialties, see: the enchantment of Laios, Chilchuck & Senshi here, or in their opening mushroom fight when everyone was shouting out how they could kill the mega-mushroom.

...I'm gonna pay attention to how Pattindol and Flamela [I hope I'm getting these names right] interact later. The Canaries are such an interesting paramilitary unit.

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This is just a screencap of Kabru's life for the rest of his life. Good luck, Mr. Future Royal Advisor!

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Every good adventure story, and arguably every good story, period, reaches a point where to explain it makes you sound COMPLETELY insane - sometimes even with the context of the rest of the story up to that point. This...is very much that point.

I love that point so much.

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It's unreasonably stressful that Kabru's hands are obviously magically, invisibly handcuffed this entire scene. It's a metaphor for how he's handcuffed by the general threat the Canaries represent, of course, making him unable to warn Laios of the dangers of both the Canaries and of the demon. Being able to weird a sword would do nothing to help if it's going well or if it all goes wrong. But it's still stressful! And Laios doesn't know about the dangers just like he doesn't put together that Kabru is invisibly handcuffed!

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God I love Marcille. And her problem-solving methods.

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FINALLY, SOME GOOD FUCKING SILENT COMMUNICATION.

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So! A court magician's daughter clearly outranks an aristocratic scion sent into the Canaries to prove her family's loyalty to the crown. That makes sense.

Unfortunately, Mithrun's single brain cell, while focussed entirely on destroying the demon, is still capable of Insight checks, and the criminals are basically unfazed by the court hierarchy games that Marchille is trying to play.

.

Why does EVERY elf assume that Marcille's great wish would be to be a full elf! I want to drop Elrond on these people and watch him verbally eviscerate them.

Joke's on you, motherfucker! Her greatest wish would (she thinks) serve all people, and has secondary effects that she could still enjoy!

Marcille: [hears Izutsumi lurking, ready to kick Mithrun in the face]

Marcille: Alright, time to tell a bishie to step the fuck off.

[ladyloveandjustice]

Salivating (Dunmeshi Farcille Fic)

A new Marcille x Falin fic, snuck in just before this season's last episode. This one should be accessible to anime-onlies as it's an AU what if rather than being rooted in any part of the story. It's actually based off this fan animation, which makes ME salivate every time I see it. So this one gets a little horny, which is unusual for me, but this level of horny is probably nothing for anyone else on the planet.

cw for some violent deaths and ideas. I have an additional note on the bottom. Enjoy!

---

Marcille ran through the tunnel, gasping with every step. Falin’s—the chimera’s—footsteps thundered behind her, shaking loose soil off the walls.

Marcille had never been a fast runner. Rivers of sweat were pouring down her face, her heavy breathing turning to a desperate wheeze. But she kept going, pure adrenaline driving her on.

She wanted to curse her own stupidity, but she knew if it happened again, she would make the exact same choice.

They hadn’t expected to meet Falin so soon. They’d been eating a meal when she’d found them. Laios had been the quickest to react and the first to go down. He landed a few hits before Falin tore at his face and slammed him to the floor with her clawed foot. Marcille would never forget Laios trying to talk, to yell whatever his plan was this time, even as his bones snapped and blood bubbled out of his mouth

Marcille rushed forward. She had to get to Laios, she had to heal him. Not just because his spasms of agony were tearing through her like the pain was her own, but because of Falin. If Falin killed her brother and remembered that after they saved her, the guilt would crush her.

 But Chilchuck yanked her back behind some fallen rubble. “Don’t go charging in! You’re the only one who can heal and resurrect us! We need you, idiot!”  He hissed it at her, even as his hands shook, even as Falin smashed Senshi into a wall with a sweep of her tail. Izutsumi was nowhere to be found—maybe she’d run off.

“I can’t just—” Marcille snarled.

“You will!” Chilchuck snapped. “Look, I’m going to distract her, I’ll buy you time to do a big spell. If she kills me, get out of here and come back later to save us. That’s our only shot at surviving!”

“No!” she cried, but Chilchuck was already running. Falin snarled, trying to stomp on him, but he was too small and fast. He darted this way and that, and ran past where Senshi was lying prone.

“Senshi! Are you okay? Wake up!” he called. He only slowed down a fraction, but that fraction was enough.

Falin’s mouth twisted in rage. She started to mutter a spell.

No. No!

Marcille didn’t care what Chilchuck wanted or what the best plan was. How dare he ask her stand there and watch him suffer. He couldn’t force her to sacrifice her friends, to watch the woman she loved tear them to pieces. He couldn’t make her murder Falin and be left alone, surrounded by everyone’s dead bodies. She wouldn’t do it!

Chilchuck looked up at Falin looming above him, his face pale.

Marcille swung her staff, setting off an explosion right next to Falin. Falin turned, her eyes wide. “Come and get me!” Marcille screamed, setting off another one. And then she turned and ran. She could hear Chilchuck cursing her out distantly, but it didn’t matter. She knew Falin would come after her. She was the biggest threat right now.

 She ran for her life, even as her legs shook with exhaustion. Sometimes when she took sharp turns, she banged into walls, stone scraping her skin. But she never slowed down. She knew the only reason Falin hadn’t caught up to her was because it was hard for her to move in these narrow tunnels. But Marcille would have to face her at some point.  I need to come up with a plan, I need a plan, I need a plan!

Then she found the thing she’d been dreading all along. A huge cavern. A brick wall. A dead end.

She couldn’t double back, so she ran for the wall, pressing her hands against it, trying to find an opening, a patch of dungeon cleaners, anything. But there was no time. A roar exploded behind her. Marcille whipped around. Falin was squeezing herself out of the tunnel. She landed on the cavern floor with a thud and the whole place shuddered.

Marcille’s staff shook as she tightened her grip on it. She had to do something…something…another explosion, maybe…

Falin towered above her now. She cocked her head, studying Marcille curiously. The rage and snarling from earlier was gone. She didn’t seem to care that Marcille was pointing a weapon at her, as if she knew the threat was empty. Marcille opened her mouth, searching for a spell, but nothing came.

Falin bent down, down, down until her face was level with Marcille’s.

And that was what undid her.

This was the face of the woman she loved. Her golden eyes alight with curiosity, her wheat colored hair that fell in soft wisps around her chin, her apple red cheeks…it was all just as Marcille remembered. Even with blood dripping from her mouth, Falin was so stunningly, achingly beautiful.

And in Falin’s searching eyes, Marcille saw an echo of the exquisite, inquisitive woman who gazed wonderingly at bugs, who explored new places, who discovered strange magic…who gently coaxed out every feeling Marcille tried to bury.

“Falin,” Marcille’s voice cracked. “I know you’re in there. Please, come back to me.”

 Falin leaned forward. Marcille jerked in fear as Falin's hand shot out, but it wasn't the blow she expected. Instead, Falin's fingertips trailed down Marcille's face, soft as whisper. It was the touch she'd been craving for so long. She could even feel Falin's calluses, the ones she'd studied like a map. Marcille wanted to lean into it, let Falin cup her chin like she used to. Her hand felt so right, so perfect, even covered in red.

Her scent enveloped Marcille, that smell of new soil and raspberries …now mixed with the sharp tang of blood. Falin’s hot breath tickled Marcille’s face. Goosebumps raised on her arms. Falin was so close, Marcille could count the faint freckles on her nose. Her lips were pink, soft, parted…

Could she be…?

She’s dangerous, she’s dangerous, it’s really Falin, don’t be an idiot, now’s not the time…!

But even as she thought this, even as she pressed her back against the wall, Marcille’s lips parted too.

Falin grabbed Marcille hard around the chin and jerked her forward. Marcille cried out, but Falin ignored her. She dragged her tongue slowly up Marcille’s cheek, lapping up the blood leaking from the cuts on her face.

A strange shiver raced through Marcille, hot and electric. Her chest heaved.

Seriously?  Some distant part of her mind scolded. What are you doing right now? She’s a MONSTER. She's going to kill you! Where are your priorities?

But then Falin licked her again, and she melted. Falin’s warm tongue traveled up curve of her face, smearing blood everywhere, leaving her skin tingling. Marcille let out a strangled squeak. A flush crawled up her neck.

But even as her knees got weaker with each stroke of Falin’s tongue, even as the blush spread through her entire body, even as ecstasy bloomed, the fear grew in Marcille. With numb horror, she realized that it was Laios’ blood that Falin was dribbling onto her face. She was next. Falin had gotten her taste now. She wasn’t going to stop. Her hand was clamping tighter and tighter around Marcille’s chin.

She had to act. At this range, if she used explosion magic, she’d blow Falin’s head off. The thought made her sick. She could imagine Falin’s scream, being drenched in her blood and brains. She could never hurt Falin like that. But blinding her temporarily with a flash spell…that could work. It would at least give Marcille a chance to run.

Hoarsely, she started to mutter the spell.

The second she did, Falin reared back, lifting her into the air by her throat. Marcille screamed, choked, writhed, and her staff fell to the floor with a clatter. Falin grabbed her around the waist to keep her still, letting go of her neck.

Marcille coughed, eyes streaming. She was pressed against Falin now, with silky feathers brushing her arms.

Falin licked her lips, tongue gliding along her teeth, wetting the blood around her mouth. She was salivating.

Marcille went limp, weighed down by exhaustion. It was over. If Falin wanted to kill her, rip out her throat, even eat her…didn’t she have the right? Marcille was the one who turned her into this, after all. It was what she deserved.

There was something almost freeing about the thought of Falin devouring her, tearing at her flesh, swallowing her bit by bit, finding pleasure in the meal. At least this way, she could do something for Falin. She’d could fill her up, become part of her, if only for a moment.

Marcille closed her eyes. It was better this way. At least now she wouldn’t have to live in a world without Falin…she wouldn’t have to outlive Falin or any of her friends…

Her friends.

Laios lying broken on the floor. Senshi covered in rubble.

Chilchuck’s desperate voice. “You’re the only one who can heal and resurrect us! We need you, idiot!”

Would she abandon them? Would she leave them there to die?

Would she give up on getting Falin back? On hearing her laugh again, on being by her side?

Would she give up on her dream, after all her endless work and struggle?

No. Never.

She opened her eyes. Falin was already nearly at her throat, fangs bared. Marcille struggled, yanking desperately at Falin's hair, pulling out her feathers. Falin simply smiled, as if she was enjoying Marcille's feeble attempts. Her sharp teeth closed around Marcille’s neck, slowly sinking in...

A feral yell tore through the air. Izutsumi leaped out of the tunnel, slashing at Falin’s leg with her claws. It didn’t do much damage, but it was enough to distract Falin. She swiped at Izutsumi, holding Marcille aloft. The catgirl dodged easily.

“Izutsumi!” Marcille shouted, wanting to cry with happiness. She hadn’t abandoned them after all.

Izutsumi grabbed the staff from the floor and tossed it up at Marcille. “You better not blow this!”

Marcille caught it.

Falin’s head turned. Marcille took in her lovely face one last time. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I promise I’ll save you.”

She pressed her staff against Falin’s ribs. And this time, she didn’t hesitate.

---

(Notes: I know Chimera Falin can't digest raw meat and blood, but Marcille doesn't. She does really like the taste of Marcille's blood (romantic), but she's just planning to kill her so she can slurp it up in small amounts at her leisure, without too much tummy trouble. If you need to know.)

[dunmeshichilchuck]

For That One Guy On Tumblr part 9

Chilchuck x !fem !halffoot reader

You and Chilchuck both turned to find everyone staring at you curiously.

Marcille spoke first. "Is everything okay guys? That looked like an argument."

You and Chilchuck glanced at each other, then you turned back to her. "yeh kind of, it was just a disagreement about halffoot politics stuff." 

No need for the rest of the party to know about your business, and they might be offended by Chilchuck saying it was more important for you to survive than Izutzumi. Izutzumi didn't seem like she cared, but she was Izutzumi. Chilchuck seemed to agree, because he just nodded and said. "So what are we eating Senshi?" 

Senshi brightened. "Just some simple pan fried mushroom burgers! I also ground the lamb and made more traditional burgers, you can stack both on the same burger or have one of each! And I believe -" he turned to you. "you should be able to eat with us now as long as you don't start feeling sick. It's very important for you to get enough carbohydrates, fats and proteins so your body can start building itself up." 

You stacked the lamb and mushroom patties and took a bite. It was delicious. Everyone else agreed, except for Izutzumi, who rigorously refused to eat anything except for a plain lamb patty. 

You ate in silence while the rest of the party chatted about the labyrinth and different strategies for dealing with it. Marcille thought it might work to keep their right hands on a wall at all times, Chilchuck thought that was stupid, Laois was interested in the patterns of the labyrinth changing. 

You noticed Senshi was keeping oddly quiet. You didn't know what was normal for this groups dynamic, but he seemed lost in thought. You wondered what was up with that. 

"You know, it's odd that we haven't seen ANY monsters." Laois said. You glanced up, and you noticed Senshi did too. "At this level there should be all kinds of things, so where are they?" 

The others made various noises of assent, and Chilchuck said "there have been a lot of traps, maybe it's just traps right now, and monsters will be further in."

Senshi looked away. There was definitely something he wasn't sharing. Who was he anyhow? Did he really sign on with this party as a cook? Laois was rescuing his sister, Marcille was the knight in shining armor to Falin's damsel in distress, Chilchuck was paid to be here, and Izutzumi was Izutzumi. Probably she had just decided to come along. But what about Senshi? What was his role in all this? 

Oh well, not like it mattered much anyway, and if you started poking into people they'd probably start poking back. And who knew where that would lead. 

Abruptly, a sound caught your attention. You frowned, glancing up to meet Chilchucks eyes, he'd heard it too. Then he looked over your shoulder down the passageway and you saw his eyes widen and his mouth start to open to yell something. You didn't bother checking behind you, you just threw yourself to the side and rolled to a half crouch facing down the hallway. 

The world devolved into a blur of feathers and limbs and slashing beak. You saw Chilchuck go down, blood streaming from his head, before the creature whipped around to face Laois in time to dodge a sword blow-god the man was actually good at something other than talking about monsters thank the stars. 

You lunged for Chilchuck while the thing was distracted by the whirl of magic and swords and claws, the hallway was too tight for any of the party to really get a good blow in, a fireball whizzed too close by your ear. You hauled Chilchucks (corpse? Please no-) limp body out of the way, and threw yourself back against a wall, planning on trying to crawl out of the way. 

There was a soft *chunk!* And you fell backwards, Chilchucks weight and your own momentum sending you tumbling back into the room that had just opened up. 

Then you continued to slide, gravel and loose rock ripping at your clothes and face. 

Disoriented, all you could do was clutch Chilchuck as you tumbled uncontrollably down and pray to whatever god would hear you that you'd get out of this fucking mess alive. 

Taglist, ask to tag:

@night-shadowblood-writes2

@thoughtfulbelieverstrawberry

@dunmeshimeshi

@leguink 

@gh0st-spider

@reh-llik

@sy1v30n

@qardasngan

@mshope16

@drowsydoggy

@anaxnee

@hopefully-not

@j4mergy

@alula394

@renjunluvr119

@lone-ray

@indigoghnights

@toshi-tori

[aelloblu]

Sailor Regulus

╔═════ ∘◦⛧ﾐ◦∘ ══════╗

 Seishin Wantanabe / Sailor Regulus

╚═════ ∘◦ ミ⛧ ◦∘ ═════╝

:Mission:

Seishin was just an ordinary kid going to Mugan Academy. She’s trying to get to grips with highschool bullies, algebra and how to wear a skirt when suddenly a mysterious force wants her dead. 

Turns out she’s Sailor Regulus, reincarnation of a warrior princess and last of the Leo’s Alliance. Fortunately she has the Inners to teach her, and she’ll need all the help she can get. Her forefathers protected the mysterious Infinite Lion Armor but one by one they were struck down by the brutal legionnaire Alcides, and he will not let some puny princess stand between him and immortality.  

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

Civilian Form

╚═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝

:Name & Meaning:

Although he was born with the name Yurei, meaning ‘ghost’, it began to fit less and less until highschool was a chance to reinvent herself. She chose the name Seishin, a feminine name meaning ‘spirit’. Her surname Wantanabe means ‘transition’ or ‘to cross’ .

:Age & Birthday:

Born on the 2nd of August, she’s fifteen and a Leo.

:Appearance:

Seishin stands quite tall for her age at 5’6 with a lanky figure she tries to hide behind various fashions. She’s always felt more comfortable with long hair, letting it fall in a silky veil to her waist with a brushed fringe and two long ribbons framing her face. Her eyes are a sapphire blue and her skin is slightly tanned with a long scar running down her right shoulder blade, red and raised and of unknown origin.

Although she’s still exploring her tastes, Seishin chooses cute and spunky fashion. She loves to accessorise with gloves and belts and colourful kerchiefs! Her jewellery box is filled with necklaces and dangling earrings. She is especially drawn to glittering, cut stones which she brings out at every chance.

:Nationality

It means that although she’s practically an adult she has to relearn everything. She’s nearly fluent in the language but her knowledge of manners and customs still requires polish. 

:Personality:

On top of transitioning to a female, moving to a new country and joining a new school, Seishin learns she’s a star princess sworn to fight evil. All these alien experiences have made her desperate to fit in and somewhat gullible, but it also makes her much more empathetic to the adversity of others.  Her loyalty to those who support her is unwavering and her trust in them unshakable.  She’s sensitive, easily distracted and her sensitivity to the opinions of others means she may suddenly need space and quiet to reassure herself.

This need to please makes Regulus a strong fighter and she doesn’t want to let her new teammates down. She idolises Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus as protectors both strong and feminine. She wants to impress them but as an amateur senshi she's still learning the tricks of the trade and harnessing her own growing powers. When she gets too excited her powers are prone to friendly fire which is so embarrassing! She wants them to know that she can protect them too and be a guardian senshi in her own right so she’ll try to track down her crown on her own. 

:Likes:

English essays, Fridays, winter, thunderstorms, fish and chips and apple juice.

:Dislikes:

Snakes and spiders. She once had a bad experience with a huntsman and never forgot it. 

:School: 

Seishin is in the tenth grade of Mugan Academy because of her father’s connections. She has inherited his love of computers, but her favourite class is Japanese where she can explore the poetry and literature of her new home. She also appreciates history as she finds the stories useful for her writing. She’s also very athletic and was recruited for Mugan’s basketball team and slam dunks like a pro.

:Hobbies:

Since transitioning she’s been developing her own look. She loves thrifting and trying new styles, from retro to loli to visual kei! Every day and every shop is filled with possibilities! She enjoys escapism, whether it is through her videogames or her creative writing. She loves to disappear inside her own worlds of magic and aliens and alternate dimensions. Little did she know she’d get first hand experience.

:Family: 

Seishin’s family has always been open and understanding, so the decision to come out was welcomed with her parent’s support. 

Her father Makuri (to do something too much) Wantanabe is an exceptional computer programmer and businessman but also loving and supportive of his family. He thought nothing of following his wife Callwen- who took the name Hinaki (bright) when she immigrated back to her Tokyo. She is kind and accepting and has tried to pass on these virtues to her two daughters.

Unfortunately it hasn’t worked. Seishin’s older sister Akuru (black jewel) resents leaving London. Despite her innocent face she has become cruel, taking her frustrations out on Seishin in violent and vindictive ways.

:Relationships:

:Akira Saito: 

Akira is a girl that enjoys singing and drawing and has a challenging history with personal demons, but through singing and drawing, she finds her escape from the world. For a while, they made themselves feel like all would be okay. She's also grown very fond of Seishin. The kindness she shows is very much needed, and in return, she loves having Seishin as a model for her. Yet one drawing from before she met Seishin is too eerily close to a vision she's seen. 

:Chiyo Bushida: 

Chiyo is a girl from a family that prides itself on honesty, integrity and hard work, coming from a family line that started from next to nothing, constantly swearing to keep remembering the values told by their great grandparents. She enjoys physical activities during the sports curriculums, especially full-contact sports that require physical strength and skill. They have grown close to each other with a friendly rivalry on the basketball court. 

:Alexa Williams: 

An American transfer student is also new to the school and refuses to accept the traditions compared to what she's used to in the States. She’s snobbish and thinks highly of only herself and her family. Due to this, she thinks everyone is a worm compared to her. She firmly believes in tradition and dislikes… Deviations. Seishin has become a favourite target because she knows something is off with that girl. Something is unnatural in how she carries herself and how she walks. She will expose it to the whole world and show everyone what a weirdo she truly is! 

:Sexual Orientation: 

Seishin is still figuring it out, finding a few guys and girls in her class that she's finding herself pulled towards, though she's rather obvious to queues and hints dropped by friends and the people she's been speaking wit. But out of all the people she's met there's a certain blunette who is clever and adorable.

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

Sailor Regulus

╚═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝

:Name:

Sailor Regulus

:Guardian Starseed:

She holds the starseed for the only large planetary body in the Regulus system which takes its name from its star. It is a dry planet, prone to boom and bust seasons, covered by various arid biomes and mysteriously pure wellsprings.  

There are labyrinthine red sand dunes that tower and shift in cool breezes. And vast salt pans claimed by ancient bequeathed by transitory seas, landlocked places of death and hopelessness. The creatures that live there are strange, opportunistic scavengers. 

Much of its population is nomadic, and palm groves sprouting from river wadis provide respite along migration routes but it is the permanent oasis that are the jewels of civilization.  Lying above boundless aquifers, they grow plants like apricots, dates, figs, and olives. Their markets weave brightly woven cotton and trade lustrous opal, tanzanite, garnet, emerald and diamond.

:Realm of Influence:

Much of her powers come from her totem symbol, the lion. It represents family, courage and protection. 

:Past Life:

In the depths of space, many aeons ago was King Nemea, the Lion Majesty. He was rumoured to be immortal due to his impenetrable armour and powerful weapons. He would fight the agents of Chaos, shining as a beacon of hope as golden as the sun.

He doted on his five daughters and he vowed he would always protect them. When they were married he gave each of them an heirloom to pass down through the generations. Denebola his breastplate, Subra his pauldrons, Chort his cuirass, Zosma his girdle, Algieba his greaves and Regulus his crown to unite them. Time passed and history vanished into legend. 

Until one day a ferociously cruel mercenary named Alcides consulted the Oracle of Ophiuchus; The Pythoness. He yearned for immortality and she told him of the renowned armour of the Lion Majesty. He and his legionaries (Achilles, a powerful, arrogant warrior. Perseus, a brilliant strategist. Orpheus, an enchanting musician. And Aeneus, alluring beauty.) struck down each of the royal families of the Leo Alliance. With each fallen star he took their Artefact, bringing him closer to the all powerful, undying conqueror he knew was his destiny.   

The King Othniel (Lion of Kings) and Queen Ariel (Lion of God) of Regulus knew of his approach and feared for their daughter. They used the Silver Millennium Cotillion as an excuse to smuggle Princess Leocadia (Splendid Brightness of the Lion) and her guard Sapphire out of the system, leaving behind her parents and sisters. There she was briefly introduced to Silver Queen Serenity, her daughter and the inner princesses who made her feel at home. 

The peace was short-lived as the Moon Kingdom was struck down. Sailor Regulus was separated from the senshi and although she fought valiantly, she also lost her life.  She was also reincarnated, although perhaps not as intended.

However Grand Regis Alcedes hasn’t given up. With five of the six artefacts he has only aged ten years of the one thousand , but it is ten years he will make the heir of Nemea regret. After years of searching he has finally found the key to life eternal and nothing. Will stand in his way. 

:Allies/Team Mates:

Leo Senshi: 

Long ago it was expected Sailor Regulus would replace her father as the guardian of Regulus when she came of age and part of that responsibility would be leading the senshi of the Leo Alliance.

In his quest for the Artefacts, it is thought that the Great King Alcedes killed them and their starseeds returned to the Galaxy Cauldron. It is unknown if they have reincarnated but likely they would be drawn to the remaining heir.

Sailor Denebola - MIA

Sailor Subra - MIA

Sailor Chort - MIA

Sailor Zosma - MIA

Sailor Algieba - MIA

Inners: 

Although only a year younger than the Inners, Regulus is the baby of the senshi still finding her feet. Venus is a wonderful leader and teacher, as is Artemis. Together they patrol the night searching for leads. However she feels herself warm and flustered as she gets to know Sailor Mercury. 

Spirit Guide:

When King Othniel sent his daughter to the Silver Millennium Cotillion he sent her personal guard, Captain Saphira with her. She died defending Princess Leocadia and when she was reincarnated on Earth she vowed she would never fail her again.

Captain Saphira belongs to the planet Hund, a species like the Mauese have the ability to switch between canine and human form. They are well appreciated across the galaxy for their loyalty and determination. Captain Saphira’s canine form bears a striking resemblance to Earth’s golden retrievers. Unfortunately since reincarnating she hasn’t been able to transform back into her human form. 

Saphira has a sisterly protection of Seishin, and is often all that stands between her and Akura’s bullying. 

Know your enemy, know your enemy and you know the key to victory. She spends a lot of time with Sailor Mercury researching Alcedes past conquests to fortify their team for the coming fight. She believes in preparation and cringes at Sailor Regulus’s rash behaviour in battle.

:Henshin Item: 

Given to her in a flash of light by her bodyguard Saphira, she received the Ring of Regulus. Although she was expected to have her own transformation item forged when she came of age, there was no time. King Othniel pressed his own ring, that which transformed him into the warrior Lion Heart, into her palm as she left for the Silver Millenium. 

It is a golden ring with a sapphire clenched in the jaws of a maned lion’s head. The sapphire is inscribed with the symbol of Leo. It’s a little loose but Seisen treasures it as a link to her past. 

:Henshin Phrase:

Seishen reaches to the sky with her hand aloft and ring finger gleaming. She shouts "Leo! Regulus! Give me strength!" 

Bright blue flames erupt from the sapphire, coalescing into the the form of a lion’s head behind her before dissolving in tongues of fire. They lick out, wrapping around her body to form her bodice and skirt. They tangle with her arms and legs to reveal her heels and gloves. Finally the head roars again, blowing her hair in turmoil and on her brow gleams her symbol before forming a teardrop shaped sapphire burning with an inner fire. 

The sapphire flames whirling around her body recede back into the lion which bellows one more time as Sailor Regulus poses and prepares to attack. 

:Symbol:

:Guardian Challenge:

“Arising for the fires of battle, I am the lion hearted Sailor Regulus and with pride I’ll protect! Surrender now or face my wrath!”

:Guardian Fuku:

Sailor Regulus is wilder than her civilian counterpart. Her body is distinctly feminine, with breasts and flaring hips. Her silky hair is long and unruly, an untamed mane that flies around her in battle. Her scruffy fringe hides that she doesn’t have a tiara, but a teardrop shaped sapphire between her eyes that glows and flashes as she becomes more emotional.

With white signalling calm and cool, blue signalifying feelings of sorrow, pink flustered, red overwhelming rage and black.

Her sailor colour is midnight blue with gold and white trim in a lattice edge. Her bodice is two layered, black with wite over, trimmed in gold with golden hip guards. Her skirt is also two layered, pleated white with an overlay of midnight blue, lighter and more flowing. Her blueblack gloves have metallic rings with tufted white fur. She wears white open toed sandals just over her ankles. 

:Weapon:

Her ancestral weapon is the Lion Rampant, a urumi or whipsword that would lash like claws. 

:Attacks:

Regulus Roaring Rush

Regulus crosses her arms across her chest before flinging them wide with a guttural scream. Behind her the majestic maned lion head lets out a deafening roar, stunning the enemy and sending them flying in furious winds. 

Regulus Claw Crush

Regulus swipes her claw like fingers through the air and spectral claws maul the enemy again and again.  

Regulus Lion’s Pride

Regulus stands tall, her body beginning to glow as one by one five giant phantasmic lions begin to burn with silver auras. With the final word they lunge to destroy the enemy. 

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

Trivia

╚═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝

Lei motif: Ed Sheeran - Celestial

Transformation Theme:  Head Of The Table

Battle Music: Let's Light It Up 

[maythevoidnotscreamback]

Thank you, @master-ray5, for proving my point about people being anal about how Usa "should be" with Seiya. Mentioning those people who choose to make out "where she has been a cheater. Which have painted her being with Mamoru as a prison constructed by destiny instead of her fought-for-and-earned happily ever after." as you said. Granted, I think it's because her own Guardians were shown to look like they're forcing her to stay loyal to Mamo while he's gone. Daring to remind her of Chibi and/or CT as though she'd forgotten either of them and she's looking at them bewildered for their mentioning. Acting as though she won't want to be with him, despite the many hells she went through and how hard she fought for him time and time again, just because someone else who looks similar has come along when it wasn't even a thought in her head. Still. Those people can take such choices and keep them WAY over there! *points into the void of space*

"Mostly I think though you were trying to bait any who read this into writing the stories you laid out." - would I do that? 😈 The way I see it, if they want to write such stories out, using such inspo to get the creative juices flowing, then they are very welcome to it.

After all, *turns to the void of the internet* I too get so very tired of seeing the various SeiUsa fics that say that Usa's not happy with her beloved Mamo-chan for whatever reason they put down and that she was only happy when Seiya was there. As though she wasn't, in actual fact, hella depressed because her love seemed to be ignoring her and she was using her friends to distract herself and forcing a smile on her face to keep them from worrying because she loves them too and didn't want them to think otherwise by acting down, especially when they were trying so hard to cheer her up. Because I fully believe that people giving poor Mamo shit about that time is because we saw her suffering not just then but during the Break-Up too, whereas we hadn't his, or got bare glimpses, then or knew about his circumstances, though if they actually cared the foreshadowing should've been a major clue, until the Finale. He would not have ignored her if he was okay, plain and simple. As it is, Seiya and Usa weren't friends when they met (she didn't even know who he was or what he did despite being so popular with her best friends!) so she had no reason to have the mask for her friends put up around him, he was just a stranger in the park at the time - especially when she'd told him multiple times that she had a boyfriend to make him back off; it's not her fault he ignored the memo or assumed things because of his own feelings about her - and Usa, being pragmatic, wasn't going to waste her valuable energy putting it on for him just because he was a friend now; she needed that energy for truly important things: her best friends, family (which obviously includes a certain pair of cats), writing those happy-go-lucky letters, and to return those whose shine were darkened by being exposed back to their true form (to which the Starlights had claimed couldn't be done - that they needed to be put down for the sake of the people, which have implications - when they first interacted as senshi!).

She wasn't fucking happy around Seiya! She appreciated his support, as she did C-C's, and his explanations and liked him as a friend but that's the extent of her feelings for him. The so-called "date" was her thinking she was hanging out and having fun with a friend until a certain point where she realized her naivete and even then she tried to clarify, but he bulldozed right over her. Tell me, how many times did C-C interrupt with the excuse of 'being a child' and 'it was an accident' when Usa was getting uncomfy with Seiya's words or actions (cake to the face anyone?) or caused misunderstandings where Seiya would get close to getting his ass whooped for his presumptions? Door to the back and Usa promptly tossed him off where if it was Mamo she'd be all over him is one. Then trying to take his towel in probable hopes the girls would go ape-shit in a violent manner (Haruka would've done it in a heartbeat) not the naked-hot-guy reaction she got is another since he really didn't need to leave the bathroom to talk to or ask Usa questions. Like, what the fuck? That was seriously inappropriate, and no you can't say 'it's because he can turn into a girl' or 'it's because he's an alien who don't know certain customs', he started blushing when he realized there was more of an audience than he was expecting and started freaking when C-C tried to take his towel! He knew exactly what he was doing!

Seriously, go through the eps and see where she's actually looking happy with him (and getting that explanation over song telepathy don't count as far as I'm concerned because she's finally getting an explanation, of course she's happy about it; anybody with a brain would be!) and not faking for whatever audience, her friends or people they might know and ask questions for example, might be around. Because she was playing a role, like Robin Williams in his personal life, because she wanted Mamo back, just to hear his voice at least once more, but couldn't and she had no explanation or reason why! It's not her fault Seiya thought he could supplant or replace the actual love of her lives just because he was around. He was basically using the Friend-Zoned Best Friend defense/argument.

*turns back to @master-ray5* Sorry, this turned into one of My Outrage Given Voice rants. If anything people think that way about Mamo because, as I said in my previous reblog, the decisions of the people in charge of the 90s Eng anime were stupid. All that aside, I wanted to clarify that I know you're still writing I just wanted to show my support. Kinda like, "keep on trucking" but for writers. :D I look forward to your next update(s). Stay safe and keep being awesome.

Mamoru vs. Seiya

I found this picture in a Facebook group years ago. Unfortunately I have no idea who the artist is. If you know please let me know and I will update and credit.

Sooo... Mamoru looks like he's interrupting something serious happening between Seiya and Usagi.

This artwork might have influenced some of the dynamic between these two when I was writing the second arc (Black Moon) of Chaos Theory.

This would have been such an interesting storyline in the 90s anime if the Starlights didn't leave to go back to Kinmoku.

Happy Sunday!

Back to outlining more chapters!

[viterbofangirl]

The Senshi x Shitennou pairings and the physical traits they are attracted to:

Minako: His dick. Have you seen Kunzite’s bone structure?! Dear lord, that man’s jawline could cut glass! It’s somehow both refined and über-manly and it turns her the fuck on. Numerous times they have been in the middle of a fight and he’ll clench his jaw and those muscles pull under the skin and the edge of the bone is thrown into high relief and all of her passion goes from pissed-off to horny like flicking a light switch.

Kunzite: It’s almost impossible to choose what aspect of the Goddess of Beauty is most enticing. But if there is a single body part that never fails to catch his attention- even for just a second- it’s those long, toned, pale gold, did he mention fucking LONG legs of hers. None of the girls are deficient in that regard, of course, but even so, Venus’ legs are absolutely, inarguably, objectively FLAWLESS. When she suggested they take tango lessons, he could not sign up fast enough.

Nephrite: He is a simple man with simple desires, and from the first moment he laid eyes on Jupiter, he just wanted to bury his face in her cleavage and stay there until he suffocated. Yeah yeah he knows- it’s predictable, gauche, eye-rollingly base. But hey, what the hell- just because Makoto is sweet and gentle and kind and fierce and brave and helpful and perfect and an amazing cook and an even more amazing friend, that doesn’t mean he’s too proud to admit that she also has the world’s most INCREDIBLE rack. 

Makoto: While there are maybe one or two aspects of Neph that remind her of her old senpai, one physical characteristic that is all his own is how broad he is. He’s only a couple of inches shorter than Kunzite, but his shoulders are wider. And built like a truck. And don’t even get her started on his biceps. She’d never really been attracted to buff guys before; frankly, they tend to remind her of the countless bullies whose asses she’s kicked over the years. But the first time he grabbed her waist and lifted her- her!- up off her feet, she felt like the most delicate princess.

Ami: Ami doesn’t think of herself as a carnal person. In fact, she makes it a constant practice to never judge a person’s worth from their appearance. But there is something about Zoisite’s hands that are absolutely mesmerizing. Long, delicate, tapered fingers with slim palms, they look like the hands of an artist. She has watched him play the piano for hours, completely unaware that time is passing. Even his way of casting magic is elegant, and whenever he curls those long fingers around a tendril of hair, she finds herself utterly distracted. And the thought of those fingers trailing across her skin...

Zoisite: There is nothing carnal about Ami Mizuno. She is too sweet, too calm, too refined. Sexualizing her feels tawdry at best, at worst, obscene. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that she is not... alluring. He has to be careful when and where and how he looks her in the face, because whenever he looks directly into her eyes, he is immediately lost. Endless blue depths, both clear and rich; captivating as a siren, gentle as a dove. Her eyes pull him in like an undertow and all he wants to do is drown. 

Jadeite: Rei Hino is a renowned beauty; a striking figure from her slim angularity to her sharp violet eyes. But her hair...it’s like an obsidian waterfall pouring down her back. Straighter and finer than Minako’s, her hair is a delicate curtain of black silk with tendrils dancing in the breeze or falling over her shoulder like ribbons. He stares as sunlight slides down that midnight black expanse, and all he can think about is running his fingers through her glorious hair.

Rei: She has sworn a vow of chastity to Serenity. She does not regret it; indeed, she cherishes the purity of focus it allows her. His attraction to her is obvious, but he respects her choice and expresses his feelings for her in true chivalric fashion. "Courtly love” might seem ridiculous from anyone else, but he is such a serious man. Maybe that's why his capacity for stillness makes her chest tighten. He observes, and chooses his words and actions carefully, and is sometimes so very still as he watches those around him. He reminds her of a proper Japanese garden, and in those moments, she wants to be a part of it- a part of him.

[whereyoursoulresides]

The newest chapter is out! In this one, Izou finds out about Kunzite’s interference regarding his job, and things are about to get a little rocky. You can read it on A03, FF.net, or below the cut!

“I’m really sorry,” the voice over the phone begged again. “I wasn’t sure if I should’ve said anything…”

As Izou listened, his furrowed brow deepened. It was dinner time the next day, the first window of opportunity when he and Kunihiro would be home. A pot of package-made curry was stewing quietly on the stove. The plan had been to share a nice, quaint evening together, but Mi-chan’s news quickly began to distress it.

About an hour ago, Izou had just discovered that his employment at the Dark B-ean Garden had been terminated. “Our circumstances have changed,” the assistant manager had apologetically explained. With no further information, Izou had called the one person he felt might have the details. It took some effort to convince Mi-chan to speak about it, and when she did, her voice was wrought with guilt.

“You’re sure it was Kunihiro-chan?” 

Mi-chan sounded like she was about to cry. “It seemed like it was him...he wasn’t wearing the uniform, but he looked a lot like him.”

Unconsciously, Izou began to chew the bottom of his lip. Kunihiro hadn’t mentioned anything about this exchange. Nor had he mentioned even visiting the shop! And then there was this woman, this manager...

The sound of the doorknob wiggling snapped Izou out of his thoughts. “I’m sorry, I have to go,” he said quickly. “But thank you, Mi-chan.”

He managed to hang up just as the door opened. As Kunihiro stepped inside, Izou slowly folded his arms across his chest. The man would have some explaining to do.

“Kunihiro-sama.”

Before the door had even closed behind him, Kunzite could tell something was wrong. Izou was waiting for him, but the look on his face was sharp, and his arms were folded over his chest. As the hair on the back of his neck began to rise every so slightly, Kunzite had a feeling he knew what this was about.

“Yes?” Kunzite asked, tucking away his duffel bag into the closet as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

Izou’s expression did not change. “A friend of mine from the new coffee shop was speaking just now...”

“Mn.” Kunzite tried to look disinterested as he put away his coat. “And?”

Out of the corner of his eye, Kunzite noticed the grip Izou had on his sleeve tighten marginally. 

“Apparently the manager had been fine for me to work, until someone bearing your resemblance came in and spoke to her? Is this true?”

Damn it. Having been so focused on speaking to Beryl, Kunzite hadn’t even considered that he could have been recognized. At this point, he realized there was no value in hiding any longer. Hopefully, he could make Izou understand. Slowly, he turned around to face the boy.

"Izou, I can explain... -”

Izou didn’t even give him any time for that, the boy had flung his arms in disgust as he spun out of the kitchen. Kunzite followed, intent to calm him down. It was fairly rare for Zoisite to ever be angry with him - frustrated, upset, agonizingly exasperated, yes - but rarely angry. 

“Izou-”

The redhead was rubbing his forehead and flustering about, as though not even sure where to begin with his anger. But at the sound of his name, he whirled back to face Kunzite.

“No, you listen,” Izou said, uncharacteristically confrontational. “Under no circumstances are you ever allowed to just - unilaterally make a decision like that about my own life! Who do you think you are?!”

“I had intended to tell you,” Kunzite tried to say, even though he had not. “But the opportunity hadn’t arisen.” This was true - it had only been a day since his talk with Beryl.

But somehow Izou could see through this white lie, and even called him out for it.

“To tell me what, exactly?” Izou demanded. “Your concerns as to my employment there - whatever the hell they may be, because you haven’t actually told me yet! -  so I could come to that conclusion myself? Or the fact that you’ve already gone ahead and made the decision for me without my consultation?!”

“Both,” Kunzite answered without thinking. Immediately he knew this had been the poorest choice of reply.

Izou’s eyes pinched and bloomed in incredulity multiple times. “I can’t believe this! Do you even hear yourself, Kunihiro-sama?!”

“If you would give me a chance to speak, you would understand!” Kunzite finally rose with a boom. Normally he would have been able to keep a tighter grip on his patience, but Zoisite yelling at him was a foreign and unprecedented experience. Every word rained on him like a round of fire across a warfield, and unthinkingly, the militaristic thunder of his voice rose through his lungs like an old tidal wave. “I did what was necessary, and everything I do is for the betterment of our life, Izou. You would do well to remember that!”

“Don’t you dare use that tone of voice with me!” Izou snapped back dangerously. “I don’t know how you were expecting us to function in this life, but under no circumstances do you ever just make executive decisions without discussing it with your romantic partner! You had absolutely no right to interfere, especially without talking to me first!”

“As your partner I had to do what was necessary to protect you!” Kunzite bellowed back. "My actions were entirely within my bounds, and I would expect you to trust and understand my intentions with your life better than this!"

“You lost all right to my life when you let me die!” Izou shouted. 

As though the words had not been his own, Izou’s hands flew to his face and clapped hard over his mouth. But the damage had already been done. Kunihiro’s face was dumbfounded and crinkled, as though Izou had slapped him.

"Kunihiro-sama," Izou breathed, and his voice was small behind his hands. “I'm so sorry..."

In an instant, Kunzite’s breath swept from him like a dam broken open. His blood flooded with a jettison of emotions too quick for him to recognize as they churned through his tightened vessels. Disgust, fear, anger, rage, pain - all spinning through him and cutting him open like rocks whipping against the banks.  Unable to speak, Kunzite just shook his head, and turned to make his way to the door. to grab the knob of the door once more.

“Wait, Kunihiro-sama, please!” Izou’s rapid footsteps followed behind him, but Kunzite couldn’t bear to have him near. Grabbing the knob, he swung it open and twisted the door behind him, like a shield.

“I need some space,” was all Kunzite could say. His voice was thick and rough.

“No, Kunihiro-sama, please don’t go-” 

Abruptly, Kunzite shut the door behind him.

---

It had been hours since Kunihiro-sama had left the apartment. The silence in the home was both expansive and stifling, and no corner was safe from its permeating discomfort. Though he was sitting on his favourite part of the sofa, Izou’s legs were crossed and his back was straight - it was like sitting on a bed of spikes, and the only way to distract himself was his constant chewing. His bottom lip rolled regularly between his teeth, as well as his thumbnails. 

After what seemed like ages, Izou heard the doorknob rattle once more. As soon as the door opened, Izou was on his feet and flying towards it. He only stopped short when he saw that Kunzite hadn’t yet turned to face him, still busying himself with slowly undoing his jacket.

“Welcome home,” Izou said weakly. 

Hearing Izou’s little voice made Kunzite’s eyes squeeze, and he let out a deep sigh. His reprieve in the office had given him enough time to settle his adrenaline, but ache in his heart remained heavy, lodged deep under his rib. 

“Thank you,” he said, slowly turning around. Izou’s eyes were big and raw, and Kunzite couldn’t help but notice how both strands of curls had been coiled and uncoiled so often that they were now frayed against his cheeks. Unable to remain mad at Izou any longer, especially like this, Kunzite slowly parted his arms.

In a flash, Izou had rushed into his embrace and buried his face in Kunzite’s chest.

“Oh Kunihiro-sama,” Izou whispered in relief, “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

Kunzite could only sigh, wrapping his arms tightly around the bundle below him. Of course he did, and of course he would, but if only everything else could be so simple. 

“Think nothing of it.”

“No.” Izou shook his head, pulling up slightly from under Kunzite’s chin. “It was unfair and cruel of me to say what I did. I’m so sorry for what I said.”

Kunzite could only shake his head, slowly resting his chin back on Izou’s head. You were right to say it, he thought, but the words dried up in his throat like dead leaves.

Izou glanced up uncertainly. “Could we talk about this?” he whispered softly. “Please?”

Sighing, Kunzite nodded. Their arms unwinded from one another, but their fingers never broke free. Hands still loosely locked, Izou began to lead them into the living room.

As they approached the sofa, however, Kunzite mildly panicked. With swift command, he plucked Izou up into his arms instead, and directed them both down in his single armchair. While Izou was confused, Kunzite made sure to wrap his arms tightly around the Izou’s waist, and buried his face in his partner’s back. If they must have this conversation, Kunzite would prefer to do it with his face unseen.

Thankfully, Izou did not protest. Instead, he placed his own hands on Kunzite’s arms, squeezing them reassuringly. Leaning into the curve of Kunzite’s bearlike embrace, Izou hesitantly looked over his shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said again in a small whisper. “I really am.”

Kunzite knew Izou hadn’t meant to hurt him, and that the boy’s apology was genuine.  But it alone couldn’t soothe the leaking flesh wound that remained pulsing deep within him. Only time could reseal the crack in his scales.

“I know,” was all Kunzite could say quietly. “I forgive you.” This much was true. Izou had been innocent in his accusation. 

But his words did not seem to lift Izou’s anxiety. His fingernails dug marginally into the cotton of Kunziite’s sleeves.

“I swear I never meant to say something like that,” he whispered, biting his lower lip. “That wasn’t me.”

Kunzite took a deep breath to steady himself, and held onto Izou tighter. His heartbeat thumped steadily into Izou’s back.

“It was,” Kunzite finally said quietly, “but you were not wrong.”

Izou’s eyebrows pinched together, and he tried to twist around to face Kunzite once more. But Kunzite’s grip was steadfast, and Izou just had to percolate on this new information in his current position. After some thought, Izou slowly came to understand what had happened.

“It was a me from another time,” he concluded softly. Behind him, he felt Kunzite nod.

“Yes,” was all Kunzite said. Silence followed after that.

Izou tried to fumble with that particular memory in a way that wouldn’t lead him down a rabbit hole. That was something they had mentioned in his clinical sessions - how to only open certain boxes in the mind at a time. 

“Do you think we should talk about it?” Izou whispered softly, as if the words were a terrible, forbidden incantation. “The memory, I mean.”

Kunzite readjusted himself so that he was no longer smothering his face into the small of Izou’s back. Instead, he rested his forehead between the boy’s shoulder planes, which fell his bangs forward and shielded his eyes from Izou’s view.

“Do you remember much of it?” Kunzite finally asked. His voice was dark and deathly, like gravel. Izou ran his lip under his teeth again unconsciously.

“A little,” he admitted, his voice still hushed. “Not much…It’s mostly been feelings.” Feelings that leached into his blood like a root in a midnight soil. This flash had been as instant as it had been insidious, whipping from beneath the undergrowth and baring its flesh-eating teeth. But Izou was sure that if he were to delve into the box, the memory would surely consume him in its softly familiar petals.

Kunzite was quiet for a few moments, slowly considering this piece of information. 

“Have you spoken about it in your appointments?” Kunzite eventually asked.

Izou thought about it, before shaking his head. This one had been a new sensation; quick and fiery like salt on a branded wound. He couldn’t recall feeling such a white-hot flash of anger and indignation before meeting Kunihiro.

There was another sigh, and Izou held on even tighter, a little scared as to what conclusions Kunihiro would draw from this. There was some silence before Kunihiro finally spoke again.

“You said I let you die,” he finally murmured. “Do you remember who killed you?”

At the thought, Izou’s lungs shrank and his chest tightened. Already he could feel that he was there - a cavernous room, cold to the bone. A woman’s voice, ringing crystal-clear like ice but tearing like a serrated blade. Then his own voice, pleading. I’m sorry, please forgive me, his voice echoed in the empty chamber. Just one more chance…

“Izou.”

As quickly as the sensation had come, Kunihiro saying his name shattered it - for a second, Izou felt displaced, uncertain as to what time or place he was in. Kunzite’s voice was a familiar octave, but the name Izou was crisp and fresh and new, like fresh laundry.

“I don’t think we should talk about this anymore,” Kunihiro said.

As fast as he could, Izou twisted around to face Kunihiro. This time was marginally more successful, finally able to see his partner’s face.

“But we have to,” Izou said helplessly. “How else are we going to move on from this…?”

“We’re going to have to figure that out by ourselves,” Kunzite replied without thinking, still not meeting Izou’s gaze. His face was solemn, as though in prayer or contrition, Izou couldn’t tell. “It’s not my place to tell you how to remember.”

Strangely, these words penetrated deeply within Izou’s heart, and for a moment his chest warmed with unexpected appreciation and respect. But it still didn’t solve the matter at hand - that Kunihiro was still clearly upset, and that this was a knot in their life that needed undoing.

“I think I remember,” Izou finally whispered. He didn’t dare say her name, though. If he thought of her, she might rise again between them.

Kunzite took another deep breath, before readjusting his grip on Izou so that it was looser. So that he could feel the warm planes of the boy’s waist, back and thighs beneath the curve of his hand. So he could remind himself that Zoisite was alive.

“She was the manager at the coffee shop.”

There was a very long pause before Izou finally understood what Kunzite was saying. Eventually when Izou’s expression finally slipped entirely from his face, his voice could only utter a single sound.

“...Oh.”

‘Oh’ indeed. Kunzite simply shook his head, as though ridding himself of the distastefulness that hung in the air. Eventually, Izou readjusted himself so that he was now facing Kunzite properly, straddling across his lap. His hands found themselves gripping the front of Kunihiro’s shirt loosely, like a silk lifeline.

“Were you worried I’d...relapse?” Izou murmured quietly, thinking back to that time they had walked in the garden together after a study session. Izou blinked again, suddenly remembering that night in a new light. Had Kunihiro known about the garden and what it meant? Had they taken that path on purpose?

Kunihiro’s hand was now slowly grazing along Izou’s hip and upper thigh, warm but slightly robotic. 

“I was just afraid of how you’d be hurt,” was all Kunzite said.

This new piece of information certainly complicated matters, Izou thought vaguely, as neither man would look the other in the eye. Instead, they partook in each other’s touches, as though reminding themselves that they were still there; they were still wanted. They were still together.

Izou was still trying to figure out how he felt about Kunihiro’s interference, when his partner finally grazed his cheek. It was enough to make Izou raise his eyes and finally meet his lover’s. They were a deep grey-blue, edged with regret but solemn in sincerity.

“I am sorry for the interference,” Kunzite said. His thumb lightly grazed Izou’s cheekbone, and Izou felt himself melt into the touch. “You are right - … I should have spoken to you first.”

Izou shook his head to indicate that he was no longer angry with Kunihiro. “It’s okay, I understand,” he said softly. “You were just - ...looking out for me.” He took a deep breath, bringing up a hand to cup Kunihiro’s. “Just...keep me in the loop in the future, okay?”

Kunzite nodded, but wasn’t entirely sure if he could. How much was necessary to tell? “I’ll try,” was all he could promise.

But the unspoken matter still hung in the air between them; the memory that neither was ready to address. Kunzite wasn’t sure if it would ever be resolved. If anything, the memory was a ticking time bomb...for if Izou were to remember it in its clarity, he might feel that his rage had been truly warranted. That the accusation had the weight of truth behind it. And when that day should come, Kunzite thought hollowly to himself - it was entirely possible Izou might choose to leave.

“Kunihiro-sama?” Izou’s voice filtered into his thoughts. He blinked and saw the boy’s face in his, wide and clear-eyed and beautiful. Izou’s bangs hung above the ridge of his eyes like the curls of grapevines, shrouding him in beauty and love that was truly innocent.

“I’m not mad anymore,” Izou whispered softly. “We’re okay now, right? I forgive you.” Here, his eyebrows knitted again ever so briefly, betraying the hitch in his heart. “Do you forgive me?”

Unable to resist Izou like this, Kunzite gave him the smallest of smiles to reassure him. After Izou’s face lit up in relief, Kunzite wrapped his arms around the boy again, this time bringing him into a crushing hug. In response, Izou’s arms flung tightly around him as well, like a koala holding on for dear life.

“Of course,” Kunzite whispered. “Always.”

As he slowly delved his fingers into his lover’s hair, feeling the sensation of his heartbeat against his, Kunzite ruminated on the word. Forgiveness. 

He had let Zoisite die once, this much was true. And no matter how much Izou forgave him for his current human mistakes,  Kunzite knew that his worst sin had yet to be washed away, if it ever could. Come high or low tide, Kunzite vowed that he would not fall pretty to the comfort and security of Izou’s love. He would ensure Izou’s safety above all else. It was the only way he could truly redeem himself, for them to truly move on.

And if it was possible that Izou’s love would one day be forfeit, Kunzite thought, it was all the more important that Izou’s life was preserved. No matter what else, Kunzite vowed that he would never let Zoisite’s life slip away again.

He wasn’t going to let that happen again. Not in this life.

Not when Izou was the most important thing.

[keyofjetwolf]

Bonus Question Answers! (anime heat 2)

I asked a silly question! You gave me incredible answers. SO VERY MANY INCREDIBLE ANSWERS. Now, I present my favourites! And really, they were ALL favourites. Mmm, headcanony goodness.

Oh, special shoutout to this unattributed one, which I suspect fell prey to someone submitting early, but as phrased, made me snort laugh: “one of my longest held headcanons is that ami“

SAME, FRIEND

Anyway, If your answer is listed below, you’ve earned an entry in a random draw to win a GIFTENING liveblog OF YOUR CHOICE

—

Q: Senshi headcanon time! Intrigue me, humour me, crush me, FEED ME.

* Michiru actually did have a guardian cat, once. It was silvery grey with dark blue eyes. It did not speak, but it was always there to provide support and comfort in a life which had little of either. The first time Michiru had a strong vision, which left her cold and senseless on the floor of her room, it was the small warmth from her cat that brought her back to the world of color and light and solidity. The cat was a friend and confidante in those early days, when Michiru was unsure if this experience was real or the beginnings of schizophrenia. The fact that her mother could see the cat, and regularly make comments about the uncleanliness of such creatures, was proof of Michiru's new reality. So when the cat entered the fray to distract a youma, saving Michiru, but being killed in the process, it became one more thing that the Moon had given her, only to steal away. Michiru promised herself to never rely on another again, or to allow the Moon to have her heart again. And she had done fairly well at this. Haruka, for all her charms, was a plaything, and not something to sacrifice herself for. But pausing outside the Marine Cathedral, Michiru found herself looking into dark blue eyes, so different, but so similar, and knew that she would do anything and everything in her power to keep from having to watch them close, again. -- @incorrecttact  [YOU ARE ALSO KILLING THESE QUESTIONS. This hit me right in the kokoro, and I welcomed its sweet sweet pain.]

~~

*  Mako teaches Hotaru, Chibiusa, and the Amazon Quartet to cook and bake as a bonding activity. Hotaru LOVES making cakes and decorating them. Chibiusa likes cooking with noodles and even making her own; it doesn’t sound special, but the food she makes is DELICIOUS. Ves, the red one, finds cooking easy, but doesn’t like it and so never does outside of being coaxed into it. Jun, the green one, finds baking easy, but also doesn’t like sweet things, which limits her repertoire. Cere, the pink one, has no natural talent, but she very much WANTS to be good at it, so she turns out to be the best cook of her Senshi group. Palla takes to neither, but she is very enthusiastic about eating their experiments.  --  Jules  [I am an absolute slut for Mako and moments with the kids, and including the Quartet was a brilliant stroke.]

~~

*  A Serenity is not supposed to be reborn. They are born, they live, they die, and they are done. They are not like the Senshi, whose souls reincarnate, carefully bound to Serenity blood. They are not supposed to be reborn, so when Queen Serenity sees everything fail and decides to send their souls to the future, the Senshi are easy. Serenity is not. In desperation, Serenity does something she would have never considered in any other circumstance: she ties Serenity's soul to the Senshi. What was once a one way tie, has now become an equal bond, and so everything changes.  -- @madegeeky  [Ooo, this is some lovely twists on my own reincarnation headcanons, while still keeping the “this is a mistake” flavour. IT TASTES GOOD.]

~~

*  How about more Rei whistle antics? You headcanon Usagi would use the whistle for every mundane thing and Rei would come. Usagi would do this at 2 AM in the morning too and Rei would still be woken up and still come even in pajamas if she need be because Usagi had a spooky nightmare or "Rei-chan I fell off my bed and now my face hurts". Knowing Rei whistle antics can be funny for us and maybe aggravating for Rei at times because "Usagi you blew the whistle because you fell off the bed?" what if we can make it a pinch sad? Like what if Rei can tell what sort of peril Usagi is in by the way she blows the whistle in tone? Like when it's a sad somewhat weaker whistle, even if it's just a tiny subtle tone, Rei can IMMEDIATELLY tell "USAGI IS SAD AND NEEDS ME" and she will RUSH over in 5 seconds like in her Rei way, she might even have the mind to bring snacks, cocoa and plush to hug for the comfort.  --  Mrs. Duckling  [HOW ABOUT INDEED. I hadn’t thought about the different ways the whistle can be blown and what it might say, what a wonderful addition. THANK YOU FOR CATERING DIRECTLY TO ME AND MY NEEDS]

~~

*  PGSM!Sailor Mars - [REDACTED] Oh. Right. You're not there yet. Awkward... Anime!Minako is a huge fan of romance manga, but for all the wrong reasons. She tried drawing doujinshi of crack ships before realizing that A) she's not really a writer and B) she's REALLY not an artist. She plans on using some of her rich idol singer money to commission really bizarre romance stories. The sort that make you go WTF?! Of course, step one is "become a rich and famous idol"... Meanwhile, Rei also buys the romance manga that Minako gets into, (partially so she'll shut up about it) but mainly just analyzes them for mood and the characters, and gets frustrated when they inevitably devolve into nothing but sappy kissing and mooning over each other. She's trying to see why Minako gets so obsessed, but doesn't want to flat out admit that she doesn't get it and have to ask. -- Peter "Pigeons!" Svensson  [I had nothing but fun with this, fantastic. ps: THANK YOU FOR THE PIGEONS NOMINATION]

~~

* If these four* Senshi were to meet you, I think they'd each also be meeting some of their best qualities: Usagi is love, and that love is infectious as HELL. Much like a certain blogger who has amassed an international following on the strength of her love for her favourite media, wouldn't you say? Ami is very impressed by your office set-up! But when she sees you re-enter the room with a sprightly little black cat riding on your shoulder, she knows she has discovered a kindred spirit. Where can Rei-chan possibly begin? From your passionately informed and encyclopedic knowledge of their interactions ("She has RECEIPTS, Usagi!"), to your, let's call it tenacity ("She stirred that sugar for TWO HOURS, Usagi!!"), Rei finds so much to admire. And while no one could ever possibly love Rei as much as she loves herself, she magnanimously allows that you are a close second. As for Haruka, well! World Shaking? More like Toilet Breaking! You wrecked that shit and unleashed the sea. She can certainly relate *eyebrows, eyebrows* *would that i had time to write out blurbs for the others! but we're heading back into lockdown today, and i need to get to the post office to mail you a package. PRIORITIES! xo  -- @rasiqra-revulva​  [Okay look when I said “crush me” I didn’t mean WITH NICENESS. Also thank you for the huge laughs. *eyebrows, eyebrows*]

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*  Minako manages to write a tell-all book (anonymously, of course, and with names changed to protect the relevant,) about their first few years as Senshi in the lull between Stars and Shit Escalating Again. Even more astoundingly, she manages to get it optioned as a film and play Sailor Mars without blowing her cover! Rei seethes. Minako’s annoyed because she tried out for Usagi. Usagi’s just happy Minako’s successful. The film manages to pick up nominations come award season, and Michiru even arranges for the rest of the Senshi to attend. Minako loses to some film from a really overrated director that manages to out-award bait her reenactment of D-Point. She’s silently fuming through his acceptance speech when he’s Burning Mandala’d mid-sentence. And that’s how the Senshi discovered that Jadeite survived getting run over with planes, joined the entertainment industry after Beryl’s defeat, and had been using it to drain energy ever since! Sailor Mars’s speech about how he disgraces the passion of filmmakers everywhere and her comrade’s hard work goes viral. -- Regalli  [LOVED THE TWIST ENDING, also Rei basically stealing the awards show stage, as we all know she would]

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*  Not Senshi, but cats! One day, when Usagi is queen, she's going to decide to knight the cats. Luna thinks it's silly and figures Usagi is just acting on a whim, but Artemis has his chest puffed out and is glowing with pride. They're given tiny medals made by Endymion. -- RibbonFinale  [Oh I DID want this. I wanted this very much, THANK YOU.]

~~

*  Makoto can't culture bonsai trees. It's not a matter of ability, or scale — she can work with tiny tools with equal facility as large ones — but she can't bring herself to push the things down, to cut and twist and bind them to grow the way _she_ wants, not the way it wants to grow.   The tiny pine she bought to try it out, years ago, is in a pot in the corner of her apartment; it's just now grown taller than she is. -- Taperwolf  [I didn’t expect this one to hit me as hard as it did when I started reading. Love it, love it, love it.]

~~

*  You know those 'meetings Usagi doesn't know about'? the ones where the girls dive into the nitty gritty about being senshi, the ones where they decide who will take up being the Disguise Pen Decoy if Minako is killed? Usagi knows about them. it was one of those 'character A eavesdrops and hears character B talking about them' setups, but instead of hearing Ami call Usagi a ditz, she hears Ami saying 'I'm the weakest fighter, if Minako is assassinated and we need someone to be decoy it'd be easier to explain away my absence than Rei's or Mako's' In these meetings they speak very coldly about themselves, Ami is always first to call herself the weak one, Minako calls into attention her showboating, Mako will openly remind people she doesn't think things through on the battlefield, and Rei derides herself on her inability to keep her cool (heh) and they all come up with contingencies to cover for eachother to the minutest detail. Usagi only ever evesdrops on one of these meetings, but now she knows they happen. and she can't un-know.  -- Vega  [OOOOOOOOOOOOOO.]

~~

Manga Sailor Pluto has picked her nose 2,013,417 times. -- too ashamed to say  [WHY THE SHAME THIS IS CORRECT  AND NOW RIGHTFULLY CANON]

---

I’ll be drawing for the bonus liveblog around the start of THE GIFTENING 2020 (currently looking to be Monday, 11 January 2021). Each bonus question is another chance to earn an entry! I CAN ABSOLUTELY AND SHAMELESSLY BE BOUGHT.

[master-ray5]

After the Cauldron: Return of the Cosmos

This is the end. My last entry to the After the Cauldron Series. Focusing on everyone's OTP, Usagi and Mamoru. It also fits in perfect with @idesofnovember​ and the third day of their UsaMamoWeek challenge. Sometimes everything just lines up perfectly. Enjoy. 

0.0.0

“It’s always better when we’re together.” – Jack Johnson

O.o.O.o.O

Sagittarius Zero, found in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy was the location of the Galactic Cauldron. A nexus in the universe where cosmic energy of the stars and planets gathers together. The only location in existence where Star Seeds, fragments of pure light and Chaos Seeds, slivers of condensed darkness were produced. When complete, these vessels of power erupt from the Cauldron, fly across space, and seek out hosts to whom they resonate. Those who bear Star Seeds will become Sailor Senshi, individuals charged with the eternal mission of preserving life and purifying the hearts of those who are swayed by the carriers of the seeds of Chaos.

It was at this location, Eternal Sailor Moon, the enhanced form of Tsukino Usagi, did battle with Sailor Galaxia, an individual possessing a Chaos Seed so powerful, the being chosen demanded to be referred to as Chaos. The power of Chaos was immense and nearly defeated Eternal Sailor Moon, but instead she joined with Sailor Chibi Chibi Moon, the spirit of the Cauldron itself awoke to prevent Chaos from throwing off the equilibrium of the universe. Blessed by the power bestowed on her, Tsukino Usagi became Sailor Cosmos, a being who was able to match and conquer the darkness of Chaos.

The battle over, Sailor Cosmos was able to manipulate the power of the Galactic Cauldron and made two commands. First, she forgave Chaos and allowed the continued production of the Chaos Seeds ensuring the balance of power was maintained. The second, she breathed new life into the Star Seeds of those defeated by Sailor Galaxia, allowing them to regain their human forms.

With a wave of her hand, Sailor Cosmos made this decree, watching as the Star Seeds of those she called friends and family were ejected from the Cauldron. In a flash of light, the Star Seeds transported away from Sagittarius Zero, leaving the Sailor Senshi with the power of a goddess alone to converse with the spirit of the Cauldron which now lived inside of her.

0.0.0

Hikawa Shrine, the home of Hino Rei, Sailor Mars, and thought to be the unofficial base of the Sailor Senshi of the planet Earth. It was here the Star Seeds were delivered and as the energy which had brought them faded, the stasis surrounding them disappeared as well. As the energy bestowed on them from the Galactic Cauldron took effect, the bodies of each of the fallen Sailor Senshi formed into place. Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn, Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus all found themselves alive and well. Soon, those not native to the planet, Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Star Healer, Sailor Star Maker, and the princess they protected Sailor Kakyuu were blessed with their human forms as well.

The last to form was the Sailor Senshi of the planet Earth. In his former life, he had been known as Endyminion but in this lifetime he was known as Chiba Mamoru. The warrior awoke to find himself in his sailor persona of Tuxedo Mask but also discovered himself full of energy. Digging through the pocket of his suit coat, he found three small shards of crystal and the four jeweled stones which held the souls of his the Shittennou, his four generals in a previous life. The last of the energy from the Cauldron had washed over the objects and caused the souls inside them to be reborn as well. In a flash of light, the four stones became Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephrite, and Zoisite and the three small shards became the guardian cats Luna, Diana, and Artemis, who had lost their lives in the battle against Chaos’ forces.

Alive and aware of their situations, the Sailor Senshi and their allies found themselves engaging in displays of affections and rejoicing. Group hugs were given, the Sailor Starlights bowed to their Princess, and the Shittennou swore their undying loyalty to Mamoru, insisting they would work to make up for the damage they had done while under the control of Queen Beryl. Though Sailor Mars was hesitant to trust the Shittennou as they made their pledge, she could not help but smile as she watched Sailor Venus lunge at Kunzite, and throw her arms around his neck and hold him tight in an effort to rekindle the love they once shared in their previous life.

As Mamoru smiled at the tender embrace of Venus and Kunzite, a shadow passed through his mind with a dark through which chilled him to the core. A simple notion of what could make this moment absolutely perfect and what was missing from this heartfelt reunion. His eyes darted through the gathering and his heart began to pound with fear as he opened his mouth and asked a terrifying question, “Everyone...where is Usagi?”

The area was immediately filled with silence as they realized she hadn’t returned. A shiver ran down as the fear they would never see Usagi again became a possibility in everyone’s mind and the very thought caused the feeling of warmth to leave their very being. The crowd’s eyes darted everywhere, hoping they would catch sight of her. Hoping she would appear from behind a tree, clumsy tripping as she rushed toward everyone to embrace and show everything was fine.

No one spoke. Everyone was too afraid to ask if she was coming back, as if even asking the question would risk challenging fate and preventing Usagi from returning home.

Time seemed to come to crawl for everyone as they stared at the starry sky. Seconds turned to minutes, turned into an hour. The crowd was afraid to move, scared to even suggest they should engage in a single action without Usagi present. Frightened over the thought one moment without her would lead to many and soon, Tsukino Usagi would be nothing but a memory.  

For Mamoru the waiting felt as torturous as being caught in the limbo of death he experienced while caged by Sailor Galaxia. Like all the Star Seeds which had been locked in her menagerie, his soul had been tied to the vessel, unable to experience heaven or hell, only an endless void of nothingness. Now, the very thought of the woman he loved not returning and having to face a future where Usagi was not by his side felt just as barren and empty. He would not sit ideally by and let such a possibility gain momentum.

“I’m going after her,” Mamoru stated firmly, knowing what needed to be done.“I’ll find her and bring her back to Earth.”

“The entrance to Sagittarius Zero appears and disappears throughout the Galaxy for seconds at best,” Princess Kakyou explained, her eyes unable to mask the pain from knowing such a mission was destined to fail. “It only stayed constant due to the involvement of Chaos. Without such dark power to keep the entrance in one place it will again become the most elusive and valued treasures in all of the universe. You could easily spend ten lifetimes living on rumors and leads and never find it.”

“Then tell me...can Usagi ever be freed from the power we felt her obtain or is her soul forever now bound with the cauldron unable to even achieve reincarnation,” Mamoru asked, wanting a straight answer. Princess Kakyuu cast her eyes to the ground, knowing the answer and not wanting to expressly say such a fate had befallen her comrade. A fire burned in Mamoru as he obtained his answer. “Well...then I will spend TWENTY liftimes if I have to and find the entrance to Sagitarious Zero. I will crawl through Hell itself on my hands and knees if it means I can look into her blue eyes for another moment. I would rather live on waning hope and fading dreams than imagine an existence that Tsukino Usagi isn’t able to inject the world with the energy she radiates. Now...I am going...you will not stop me, you will only delay me, even if it means you kill me. I will go and find her!”

The crowd stood in awe at the young man’s declaration of love and devotion. The Sailor Senshi smiled with the familiar love they shared, as the man they loved as a brother made his intentions clear. The Shittessou beamed with pride at how strong their prince had grown. Even one who had never interacted with him before, Sailor Star Fighter, stood in amazement at Mamoru’s statement.

“Wait,” Sailor Pluto objected as she noticed something out of the ordinary. “Diana is still there. If she is, then the timeline with the future of Crystal Tokyo must be in alignment. Usagi will return.”

A brief calm, washed over the crowd, but left just as briefly as another hour passed as they stood around hoping any second Usagi would appear and reward them all with a smile.

“Well, I don’t plan on waiting around,” Mamoru insisted, looking towards the Shittessou. “I will make arrangements for you all to stay at my place while you reclaim your lives.”

“You are delusional to think for a moment we are going to let you go off alone without at least someone coming with you,” Kunzite interjected, shooting a brief glance to Sailor Venus as if to say “ I may have to go with him but I swear I will return to you. ”

“Let’s get a plan together!” Sailor Mercury declared, hoping to bring calm thinking back to the situation. “ We will find a way to bring her back.

“Yes but…,” Mamoru’s attention was distracted as he noticed an object in the sky. A ball of light was approaching where they stood. In a flash of light the bubble collapsed and Sailor Cosmos was standing in front of the group. A burst of energy blinded the group and when it faded, Usagi was standing looking up at the winged form of Sailor Chibi Chibi.

“Thank you for your assistance,” The tiny cherub complimented Usagi for her help. “Chaos would not have been stopped without your help. The universe owes you a great debt Sailor Moon.”

After the tiny winged finger thanked Usagi, it flew around the group twice before jetting into the sky and out of sight. Shocked by what had just happened, everyone looked from the sky to the returned form of their friend.  

“Sorry I am late,” Usagi chuckled nervously. She could tell immediately her friends had started to worry when she had not returned right away. “I used the power of the cauldron to send Chibi-Usa and the Sailor Quartet back to the future. Did I miss…”

Usagi was cut off as Mamoru pulled her into his arms and held her close. A moment later, both Inner and Outer Senshi surrounded the couple and a large group hug took place. The princess has returned to her friends, her lover, and her family. It was a time to celebrate.

O.o.O.o.O

Hours past until it was long past midnight. Farewells were said as the Sailor Starlights and their princess left the planet so they could return to their home in hopes of rebuilding. Sailor Pluto promised she would personally make sure Diana would be able to return to the future safely. The Sailor Senshi and Shittessou insisted they would meet up tomorrow and have a discussion about how to help the men reclaim the lives the Dark Kingdom had stolen from them. Mamoru voluntarily gave his resurrected friends his keys, insisting they could stay at his place for the evening while he took the time to escort Usagi home. After many emotional moments, the couple found themselves alone on the streets of Tokyo, walking hand and hand.

Neither of them spoke, one would think they were drained from the experience they had just endured but this was far from the truth. Instead, having experienced the agony of losing the other, each secretary was fighting a desire to succumb to physical passion.

“You…,” Mamoru began as he knew they were only a few blocks from Usagi’s home. His body screamed at him, insisting he wrap his arms around her and never let her go. His logic filled brain did not listen. “You must be tired. You had an incredible experience.”

“Yeah,”  Usagi agreed as she stopped walking. Her heart ached for his touch and her body felt the same torment. “I guess I am but I don’t know how I feel. A lot has happened. It’s all a bit overwhelming.”

"I can’t even imagine. You truly are the strongest of us all,” Mamoru complimented, his very being tense with desire. He wanted nothing more than to taste her sweet kiss again.

“I was so scared the entire time,” Usagi admitted, remembering the torment of seeing Galaxia manipulate Mamoru’s body into acts of humiliation and submission. “All I wanted was to give up...all I wanted was to know peace.

“Then, you need a night to just relax. We should probably just take things slow," He whispered, licking his dry lips. He was thirsty for salvation only she could offer. "We went through a lot."

"Y-your right," She lied, denying her own sense of longing. "I guess you can just walk me home and we'll say...goodbye."

The rest can be found here:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13449794/5/After-The-Cauldron

or 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25553095

[terrifying-testicles]

Sugar Daddy!Bakugou x Reader Ch. 3

I’M SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG!! It’s been written up for a while but then I was graduating and starting a new job and then I lost my notebook al;dksjfa;

Hair, dress

Words: 8.4k

Taglist: @lostbunn @sessi03 @lady-bakuhoe

---

“What do you mean she rented a limo?!” Kirishima uses Bakugou’s moment of distraction to throw his character off of the platform. Bakugou curses, trying and failing to get back up, effectively handing this round’s victory to his redheaded fried. He throws the controller to the ground while Kirishima throws himself back into the couch and his arms into the air, letting out a whoop that quickly breaks into tittering laughter. Bakugou levels him with his deadliest glare. Kiri takes a few deep breaths to calm himself. “I mean, Mina rented a limo. She wants us to all show up together.” He directs his attention back to the screen, setting up the next round. Bakugou scoffs. “She isn’t even from any of the agencies throwing this shit party.” “Yeah, but she asked if I would take her as my date.” Bakugou grumbles under his breath, reaching for the switch controller. He curses aloud when he realizes it had fallen under the sofa. “What, is she gonna be your straight cover?” “Dude!”

Bakugou only hums, getting on his knees and searching blindly under the couch. “Clean under your sofa, it’s like putting my arm in your fucking vacuum.” Kirishima frowns at his friend’s hunched form. He, Kimi can’t help how much she sheds.” At the sound of her name, the golden retriever/Shiba mix perks up from her place in the threadbare armchair. “And no, she’s not a cover, it’s not like I had a date in the first place. I mean, Denki’s brining Hanta.” Bakugou gets back onto the couch, picking caramel fur from where it’s inched in the triggers. “Are you trying to tell me they’re not an item?” Kirishima barks out a startled laugh, shoving his friend lightly in the shoulder. “Hanta’s ace, you know that, and Denki would lose his shit if he knew you were accusing him of being anything other than one hundred percent straight.” Bakugou grunts, selecting a new character. “Speaking of dates…” Kirishima’s smile turns sly and Bakugou’s face turns pink. How loves his friends, no matter how much he tries to deny it, but telling them anything is more of a hassle than it’s worth sometimes. Kaminari and Mina are blabbermouths. Sero is a merciless tease now that he knows Bakugou could never actually hurt him. Kirishima, at least, can keep a secret when he needs to. Bakugou hadn’t asked that of him when he told the shark-toothed man about his date with you, but Kiri had the decency to let Bakugou go at his own pace with talking about it. Kirishima knew Mina had helped with the hot head’s profile, so she was dying for juicy details. He had his suspicions that this limo ordeal was full of ulterior motives, but no sane man would try to stop her once a plan was in motion. “What about it?” Bakugou hisses. “Mina wants us all to be picked up. So, if you’re bringing your baby,” Bakugou turns red from his ears to his neck. Oh, the struggles of being pasty, Kirishima thinks with a bitten back grin. “then she’s gonna have to ride with us to the gala.” “Fuck no, she’s not being stuck in a small space with you assholes.” The tan hero snickers while starting the game. “Do you really wanna tell her no?” He asks with a smug tone Bakugou wants to rip right from his vocal chords. He growls instead. “Didn’t think so.” “When did she have so much control over my life?” The blond mutters bitterly. Kirishima snorts. “Mina gets what she wants, and you’re soft.” “NO I’M FUCKING NOT!” He roars, smashing buttons far harder than necessary. “Dude, easy on the controller!” The two fall into familiar banter as they get further into the game. It’s only a couple of minutes before Kirishima’s character is blasted off screen by Bakugou’s ultimate, pulling a groan from the former and a roaring cheer from the latter. Kirishima sets the controller on the table to his right before turning his whole body to face his friend. Said friend only side-eyes him, a scowl pulling at his handsome features. “She’s going to meet them either way. Would you rather it be at the gala for everyone to see, or in private?” He’s of course referring to the scene their friends are likely to make, and the possibility of letting it slip that Bakugou is a sugar daddy. Bakugou slouches forward, shoulders hunched and frown deep. He’d considered just telling them that she was only a date, someone random, something to throw suspicions, but that’d only open the door to their persistent grilling as they had with any romantic interest. He’s arguably the strongest of them in many ways, but he can always count on his idiots to watch out for him. Besides, as much as he calls them idiots, they’re smart enough to figure out that you’re his sugar baby. “Fuck,” he grumbles. Kirishima grins toothily. “It won’t be so bad! Hanta and Denki will be here so it’s only two stops, and you can get Mina’s introduction out of the way.” Bakugou nods once, because she’ll probably throw the biggest fuss over his sugar baby. He can’t help but smirk lopsidedly. His sugar baby. The blond has found himself enjoying that thought too much since his date with you. From the corner of his eye he sees Kiri bite his lip, failing to hide a smile. Bakugou’s resting bitch face returns as his whips his head in the taller man’s direction. “What the fuck is that look for?” he snaps. Kirishima puts up his hands in mock surrender. “Nothing, man.” He gets up and stands in front of the armchair, back to Bakugou as he pets the fluffy pup curled up in the old recliner. Bakugou isn’t inclined to believe the bastard for a second, but realizes he probably doesn’t care to know what he’s thinking. “Hey,” Bakugou raises a brow, Kirishima turning his head to look over at him. “You work tonight, right.” “Yeah.” He looks over at the Crimson Riot clock above Kirishima’s hardly used stove and curses. He stands, tossing his controller to the couch and heading to the entryway to slip on his shoes. He still had to get home and feed Senshi before heading to the agency. “I’ll see you on patrol!” Kirishima shouts before the door closes behind Bakugou. He sighs and looks back to the fluff ball squinting and smiling up at him. “He in deeper than he knows, Kimi.”

Bakugou sighs loudly, leaning back in his desk chair. Paperwork splayed out before him, demanding his attention, he juts out his bottom lip. This was his least favorite part of hero work, hands down. He just had to hold out until the red-haired hero came bounding through his office door. A glance at his computer tells him he still has another half hour before he’d be out on patrol. His vermilion eyes slide over to his phone. He really should give you a heads up on the plan for the gala. You’d need to prepare yourself for the mess that was his friend group. Bakugou cocks his head from one side to the other in thought before giving in with a heavy sigh. Snatching his phone, he scrolled through, hesitating over Baby.

You yelp, jumping back and out of the way of— “Are you firing rockets off in my lab?!” you screech, snapping your head over to glance at the three people on the far end of the room. The tallest one in the middle at least has the decency to look mortified. The woman on her right has her hands slapped over her mouth, fighting back a fit of giggles that her shaking shoulders poorly hide, while the man to her left looks positively gleeful. The woman in the middle goes even paler blue than normal when she makes eye contact with you. “It w-was an a-a-accident!” she squeaks. The shorter woman finally loses it, hands going to her knees as she bends forward, cackling echoing across the lab. “Aki!” you scold, walking briskly over to the wall that now sports a massive burn mark, smoke trials stained in an almost dripping pattern down to the floor, where the handmade rocket sputters out. It’s no longer than your forearm, and the head is smooshed in, one of the three wings at the bottom bent horribly. “I told you to take this shit outside!” You snatch the destroyed rocket and wave it around in emphasis. You yelp when it spits weak sparks out from your jostling. Aki dissolves into a wheezing mess on the floor, forehead pressed to the tile. The man shrugs, making no effort to hide his smirk. “We were still working on it, but clumsy here bumped it and it fell near the burner. Tried moving it but,” he gestures to the rocket in your hands. “yeah.” You pinch the bridge of your nose and wills the headache to recede. “Why was there an open flame near a fueled rocket, Hiko?” Hiko turns to the rainbow speckled woman on the floor. You sigh, as that’s answer enough. You go to speak when your phone starts chirping from your labcoat’s pocket. With your free hand, you pull the device out and almost choke when Daddy flashes across the screen. “Just clean this up.” You demand, setting the sad excuse for a rocket on the table beside you. You walk out of the room, closing the door behind you before answering. “Hello?” Bakugou immediately notes the breathless quality to your voice. “Is this a bad time?” “No!” you yell. You close your eyes, grimacing at your volume. Clearing your throat, you continue. “No, don’t worry. Uh, what’s up?” “Just dealing with paperwork. Thought I’d call you about this weekend.” You blush. Since your first date, you had only texted a couple of times, talking details for the gala and confirming you had bought something to wear. You didn’t peg him as someone who enjoyed phone calls, so this was a surprise. Though, you were enjoying the gravelly quality to his voice through the phone’s speaker. “Oh?” you ask. Bakugou grumbles something you just can’t make out and clears his throat. “Yeah, my,” he grumbles again. “Plans have changed a bit. I’m coming by earlier than planned.” “How come?” you ask. That would mean you’d have to get ready earlier, which changes your whole schedule for the day. “Instead of heading straight there, we’re going back to my place.” Your heart thunders in your chest and you pray he can’t hear it. “My shitty friend got us a fucking limo and insists we ride together like it’s fucking prom.” You can’t help the laugh that punches out of your lungs at how petulant this high-ranking pro hero sounds. There’s a growl on the other end but you doubt he’s really bothered. “Should I expect a corsage?” you tease. Bakugou has to keep from snapping back with a venomous ‘fuck you’ because this isn’t his friend, this is his sugar baby, the one he gets to please. “Don’t get your hopes up.” He says instead. You hum and say lowly, “Yes, sir.” And fuck if that doesn’t go straight to his dick. He takes a deep breath through his nose. It’s not sexual, Bakugou reminds himself. “Anyway,” he shifts in his seat and adjusts himself. “I’ll pick you up around five. Be ready to go when I text you.” “Will do.” You reply. An awkward pause follows, so Bakugou clears his throat. “Alright then.” You roll your eyes but smile softly to yourself. “See you soon.” Bakugou grunts in response and then hears a click. You shake your head and stuff your phone back into your coat pocket. You can’t believe how giddy a short call like that makes you. The idea of this weekend actually has you excited but getting ready a whole hour earlier than planned doesn’t. You had planned to get your hair and nails done, but you may just have to slip the styling. Getting it cut was going to eat up your time as is. Sighing, you return to the lab, thankful it’s cleaned up and your team is behaving now. You squint. “Put away the fuel!”

Saturday rolls in like a summer storm, sudden and almost unexpected. Bakugou has considered taking something to relax his stupid nerves, but Xanax makes him too calm and pre-gaming never ends well for him. He’s made sure his hair is an intentional kind of messy, what Mina calls “a sinful mess” after barging in, as opposed to his everyday disarray. Sero had helped him pick the burnt orange 3-piece, the shirt a smoky gray. Bakugou places his black leather shoes by the door and walks back to his room. Mina is checking herself in the full-length mirror on his door, poofing her hair. “Can’t you get ready in your own damn house?” Bakugou grabs his cologne off the dresser and sprays himself, ignoring the indignant look on his friend’s face. “But that’s no fun!” She comes up behind him and slings her arms over his shoulders, becoming dead weight. Bakugou grunts in surprise. “Besiiiides, you’re the only one who isn’t a pain to get dressed up with.” He snorts as he leans back, Mina stumbling back with a yelp. She pouts at the blond now fluffing his hair. “And what the fuck makes you say that?” Mina sits on the bed, pulling the bottom of her dress out from under her. “Well, Kirishima is a fashion disaster and is always offended when I try to dress him. Kami is good in his tastes, but he overdoes it even by my standards.” Bakugou chuckles at that, fidgeting with his suit while eyeing Senshi from the mirror as the feline bats at the fabric flowers on Mina’s dress. “And he takes longer to get ready that I do! He’s a real Diva, but I love him.” Mina’s voice is wistful as she says this. She reaches down to scoop up the well-groomed feline and place him in her lap. “Sero’s not bad, he’s just so boring sometimes with his fashion choices.” She suddenly scrunches her nose. “Or is just too retro.” She grins up at Bakugou. “But you’ve got style! Plus, you’ll let me dress you up.” Bakugou doesn’t like the mischievous tone in that last sentence, but he supposes she’s right. After a little bit of protest, he’ll usually let Mina do whatever she wants. They do face masks together at least once a month, and he’s glad his gloves keep others from seeing the fuchsia nail polish he sports. Not that he’s ashamed, but it doesn’t really go with his hero costume. He looks at his phone and sighs. “I have to go pick up [L/N]. Feed him while I’m gone.” Bakugou pockets the device and breezes into the living room. He hears the clack of heels following him. “Ooo! I can’t wait to meet her!” Mina chirps, cuddling Senshi close to her chest, grey cat uncaring of the treatment as he watches his owner with glossy eyes, tail swishing like a metronome. Bakugou slips into his shoes, hand on the door knob. “When I get you back you better fucking behave. If you scare off my date, I’ll end you.” “Whatever, daddy.” Bakugou snaps his head to glare at the giggling hero, free hand popping. “Sorry, I had to.” He growls and opens the door. “Tell those idiots not to fuck this up for me.” “Will do!” Mina takes Senshi’s paw and waves to Bakugou’s retreating figure.

You pull another bobby pin from your mouth to secure the waves of hair into your ponytail. You take the rest from between your lips and set them on the counter. You fix your cascades to brush over your shoulders and frame your face. You open a drawer to pull out your rouge lipstick and touch up what’s already been applied. You straighten up and admire yourself in the bathroom mirror. Shopping for the dress had been a pain, not knowing what would be good enough for a hero gala. The moment you saw the golden top, however, and the way the rest of the white dress hugged your shape and flared out in a burst of tulle, you were sold. You walk briskly to your room to find the dangly earrings which match the delicate gold chain sitting across the dip of your collarbone. Rōrupan barks as he bounds into your room. “Hold on silly,” you coo, grabbing eh other earring and slipping it through the piercing. The cattle dog lets out a rumbling whine of protest. “Alright, alright, I’m done now!” You turn to your pet and hold up your hands. “Mama’s done!” The dog wiggles it’s whole body in excitement, making odd steps to get within reach. You laugh softly at his antics. You can’t quite kneel to pet him, the dress restricting such movements, so you bend over as best you can to scratch along his back with your coffin shaped acrylics. The gleeful squint of his eyes has you giggling. Until there’s a harsh knock at the door, sending Rōrupan into a flurry of barking as he bounds out to the door. “Rōru no!” You quickly follow. “Get back here you chunky boy.” You scold as you slip your fingers under his collar to pull him away from the door. “Go sit down.” The tan canine stalks to the kitchen, eyes cast at the door with caution. You huff and unlatch the top lock before opening the door to peer out at your guest. You had thought Bakugou would warn you he was on his way, but it seems not to be the case when you take in the dashing man standing on your doorstep. His hands are stuffed into his pockets, scowl in its usual place. Fuck he’s hot, you think as you open the door wider. “Oh! I didn’t realize the time.” He raises and eyebrow. Bakugou watches you go to speak when you jump, looking down with an irritated pinch to your brow. He follows your gaze, down to the black spotted snout and wide brown eyes glistening up at him. “You’re so nosy!” you snap, pushing the curious dog’s face out of the way. You look back to your date and smile. “Why don’t you come in? I just need to grab my purse and shoes.” You step back and pull the door open the rest of the way, closing it behind the blond. “This is Rōrupan. He’s a nosy boy but he’s well-behaved.” You rub between his ears and Bakugou has to bite the inside of his cheek to hold back a smile at the dopey one on the dog’s face. “Wait here,” you tell the man and retreat back into what Bakugou assumes is your room. Looking around, he notes that it’s a rather cozy apartment. There are paintings hung up in the living area, including a few photos. The kitchen is cluttered with evidence of frequent use, a small chabudai nestled in what little space the kitchen has. He’s reassured to know you probably cook for yourself and don’t live off of microwave meals like Kaminari did the first couple years out of school. He walks over to one wall to check out the numerous photo frames but turns his attention down to the dog that immediately demands his attention, rubbing his face against the hero’s leg. Bakugou huffs and kneels down to pet him. The moment his makes contact with the dog’s neck, he moves his body to aim his butt at him, demanding scratches. “I’m ready!” you call out, returning to the living area to the wonderful sight of the dashing Ground Zero at the mercy of your attention-whore of a dog. When he looks up and notices your presence, he stands to his full height, earning a grumbled noise from Rōrupan. You sling a small purse with a golden chain over your shoulder, grinning up at him. You weren’t embarrassed to show him your modest home, but standing so close to the wall of photos you wonder if he looked at any, and the thought brings out old insecurities. Bakugou grunts and walks to the door, opening it for you. You bid goodbye to Rōrupan and wait for Bakugou to close the door before locking it. While you do, Bakugou takes this chance to look you over. The way your hair sways down your back, how beautiful you look in your ensemble, the way in which your curves are on display for him. Bakugou swallows thickly. You spin to him and your beaming face makes him feel warm all over. “Let’s go.” You feel silly for feeling disappointed that he hasn’t compliment you yet. The explosive man didn’t come off as the kind of guy to shower compliments on anyone, but their whole ordeal is set upon you dressing up for him, being something pretty to show off. It wouldn’t hurt to get some validation from a pro fucking hero. You shake your head to rid yourself of such thoughts. You didn’t need his validation, you remind yourself. Bakugou unlocks a silver Mitsuoka Rock Star and opens the passenger side door. He can’t help the smirk that graces his features at your awed look, lips parted. You brush your fingers along the cool metal before you eyes flutter up to Bakugou. The confidence he exudes and the devilishly handsome smirk pulling at those plush lips have you looking away again out of fear your face would bloom in heat. Once in the car, he shuts the door and moves around to his side. Key in the ignition, the car purrs to life and you can’t help but be incredibly wooed right now. How can you not be? Bakugou leans over and presses a button, startling you as the top whirs into motion, and soon into place above their heads. “Wouldn’t want to ruin your hair this early in the night.” He says, gravelly voice making you blush. The implications of his words make your cheeks burn red-hot when it hits you. Bakugou is just surprised he can flirt so well after being single so long.

Mina is sprawled across the leather sofa, cat curled up between her side and the cushion, purring like shoes in the dryer. When the front door opens, Mina throws an arm over the top of the couch and peeks over at the newcomers. Bakugou steps in first and holds the door open for you. The moment she sees you Mina is scrambling off the couch and running over. Senshi yowls as he’s thrown off, scampering to his cat tree. You barely get an eyeful of pink before Mina is grabbing your hands and squealing. “Holy shit, Katsu, you didn’t tell me how hot she is!” You squawk out a laugh of surprise. Bakugou growls and throws his hands up in a show of exasperation. “Racoon eyes what the fuck?!” Mina pulls your arms out to the sides and moves her head to get a look at your body. You were utterly confused but amused all the same. When Bakugou had mentioned they’d be accompanied by his friends you weren’t entirely sure what to expect. This was already and absolute treat. “Oh, can it blasty. You didn’t give me any detes on your date so this is on you.” Mina releases your hands and claps her own together excitedly. “It’s so nice to meet you! I’m Ashido Mina, but just call me Mina.” You offer her a wide smile and give a small bow. “[L/N] [F/N]. Really though, the pleasure is mine.” Bakugou feels a jolt go through him at your charm and the alluring smile. Was that jealousy? He rolls his shoulder, willing the stupid possessive feeling to kindly fuck off. You’re making a good impression, not flirting. If anyone needed to be given a good first impression it’d undoubtedly be Mina. She was the one who would be Big Sister™ if she didn’t like someone her friends were interested in. “Oh wow you’re polite, too! I don’t Bakugou, she may be out of your league.” Mina’s tone turned sly at her last words, a coy smile curling her purple painted lips, hands finding a place on her hips as she leveled her friend with a teasing stare. Bakugou sucks his teeth and hunches over slightly, hands getting shoved into his trouser pockets. “Shut it, harpy, I don’t need your play by play tonight.” Mina gasps. “Speaking of! The limo should be here any minute. We can keep chattin’ on the way down.” Mina grabs one of your impeccably manicured hands and pulls you out of the apartment. “Hurry up, Kat.” Bakugou lets out a strangled noise of frustration before following suit, slamming and locking the door behind him. “Kat?” you ask, looking between Mina and Bakugou as you all gather by the elevator. “Just one of the many nicknames we have for our boy,” “Shut up, freak.” “It’s actually short for his given name.” You raise your eyebrows, looking to the blond man slouching and crossing his arms, as if embarrassed. You can’t help but think it’s super cute of him. Though you want to ask, you only hum in acknowledgement to spare him. After a moment of silence, your brows knit together and your frown. The elevator dings and the three of you shuffle in. “Wait, did you say limo a second ago?” You ask. Mina nods her head vigorously. The weight of what’s about to happen tonight fully hits you, that awful feeling of not fitting in resurfacing worse than the burn of acid reflux. For a moment you honestly wonder if you’re going to puke. An upscale event full of people far beyond your status and income level, travelling there in a limo. You can’t even afford a used car much less a goddamn limousine. What if you stick out like a sore thumb? What if everyone there only has to take one look at you and know you’re an intruder in a lifestyle not your own. Bakugou notices the pensive look on your face and wonders where your thoughts have wandered. “We’ll be picking up our other friends on the way, so you get first dibs on the mini bar.” Mina winks at you. Bakugou groans loudly. “Of fucking course you chose one with a goddamn minibar, you extra bitch.” “Oh, shut it, you love me.” The pinkette crosses her arms and levels him with a glare, though her pout detracts from the intensity. The elevator doors open to the lobby as Bakugou rolls his eyes. “I just can’t believe you’d let wall socket pre-game for this event.” He resists storming out to ensure you are by his side as you walk out to the curb. “Hmm…I guess that’s fair. Oh!” Mina squeals and runs, surprisingly well in heels, over to a sleek black stretch limousine. A man in a neatly pressed tux opens the back door for the heroine as she approaches. She thanks him and clamors in quite ungracefully, disappearing into the limo. You are in awe, having never seen one in person before. A warmth presses against your midback and you gaze up at the man beside you. Bakugou’s hand is somewhat grounding, his usual frown tinted with what you think may be concern. You smile softly. Bakugou leads you to the limo and holds out a hand, letting you use him as a fixed point to help you climb in. It’s bigger inside than you thought, the seats extending farther down before curling in to meet a cooler where several personal-sized bottles of alcohol are nestled as well as a couple of bottles of what you assume to be champagne. It could easily seat 10-15 people comfortably. When Bakugou climbs in he can only scoff. “This is too much.” He grumbles. The door closes behind him, Mina sliding down so she is opposite the couple. The vehicle starts moving and Bakugou is pushed into your side by the momentum. He blushes and straightens himself up, but does not move away, enjoying the sensation of your thighs pressed against one another. You suppress a smile while you fiddle with your fingers. Mina is beaming at the two of you. She hadn’t been expecting Bakugou to have such chemistry with his sugar baby right off the bat, but she can see it. It takes everything in her not to tease the grumpy hero. “Soooo,” they both look up at her. The mischievous woman rubs her hands together. “Who’s ready to get tipsy?” Bakugou rolls his eyes exaggeratedly, but you puff out a small giggle and his eyes are on you immediately. Mina pulls out a bottle and examines the label, then another. “We’ve got port, vodka, uhh I think some sake.” Bakugou leans forward and snatches a bottle from the cooler, not really caring what he grabs. Mina shrugs. She slides open a drawer beneath the cooler and retrieves three stemmed glasses. Bakugou fills them each and goes to down his when Mina makes a surprised sound. “Hold your horses, blasty, we’ve gotta make a toast.” He clicks his teeth but concedes, lowering the glass. Mina holds hers up. “To a night of good food, good booze, and even better company.” She winks and the two across from her blush, Bakugou’s ears a light pink and your cheeks a deep scarlet. They clink glasses and Mina downs hers like it’s nothing. For the next ten minutes the car is filled with casual conversation and plenty of banter. You discover that the two passengers have been friends since high school, and you break into a total fan freakout when you realize what hero Mina is. Bakugou spends his moments of granted silence admiring his sugar baby; the way you laugh, how animated and fluid your gestures are, the witty comments you make and ease with which you can keep up with his energetic friend. The limo slows to a stop and loud voices approach the car. Bakugou anticipates the cluster fuck this is about to become and slips his arm around our waist. You glance up at him, sensing the anxious undertones in the energy he gives off. You quickly realize why when the door opens and you’re bombarded with the insane levels of excited energy rolling off of the newcomers and making the cab almost stuffy. The first to topple in is a man with bright yellow hair and navy blue slacks and pale yellow shirt. “Mina, this is sick!” He hops over to her and wraps an arm around her shoulder. “The limo was a good idea.” His smile is all teeth and is met with an equally bright smile from the woman. A lanky man with raven hair tied back into a bun steps in and plops into the farthest seat, fanning his arms out along the top of the seats. “Gotta agree with Denki.” He says, his attention sweeping over to you. His face is one of surprise before a sly smile pulls at his wide mouth, eyes flitting to stare just past you. You feel Bakugou bristle beside you. Bright red pulls your attention back to the door and this one you recognize immediately. It would be hard not to place the shark-toothed grin and spiked firetruck hair as the unshakeable Red Riot. When he makes it inside, his carmine eyes fall immediately on you and Bakugou and his grin is almost blinding. “You must be [L/N].” he chirps, landing heavily beside the energetic blond and stretching a hand out to you. You mirror his smile and lean forward to shake his hand. “I am. And am I mistake in thinking you’re the amazing Red Riot?” you’re unable to keep the excitement from your voice. He falls back into his seat and laughs. “You can call me Kirishima.” Bakugou feels a niggling burn of possessiveness again, but knows that of those in the limo, Eijirou is the least of his problems. The blond beside Kirishima gapes at you as you nestle back into Bakugou’s side. “Wait is this the su—” “Katuski’s date? Sure is!” Mina interrupts. Bakugou is thankful. He isn’t ashamed to have his sugar baby with him, but he’s unsure how comfortable you are with being called out, even if these are his friends. Maybe he should have asked you that. The black-haired man waves to you. “I’m Sero Hanta, and that’s Kaminari Denki.” You nod your head in a slight bow. “It’s nice to make your acquaintances.” “Bro,” Kaminari starts, leaning forward to put his elbows to his knees, an incredulous look morphing his features. “Do you realize how hot she is?” Kirishima thumps his head and Bakugou’s grip on your waist tightens with a growl. “Shut your fucking mouth, dumbass, of course I do.” “She is also present and can hear you.” You raise an eyebrow in mild irritation. Kaminari opens his mouth again when Kirishima quickly interjects. “Just don’t,” Kaminari frowns. “Sorry about him, Kami has no filter.” “Or a brain.” Bakugou grumbles. “Do too! I’m just surprised you managed to snap someone so pretty with your shit attitude.” You put a hand to the ash blond’s chest to keep him from lunging. Kaminari’s hands go up as if in surrender, Mina dissolving into giggles to his right, the other two men exasperated, though amusement shines in Sero’s dark eyes. You give a small smile to Kaminari, hand still pressing against Bakugou’s firm chest. “His attitude is no issue for me. He’s honest and doesn’t have hidden intentions.” Your smile turns into a smirk. “Besides, what you see isn’t necessarily what he is behind closed doors.” Bakugou looks to you, face going red. Kaminari seems shocked, eyes wide, as the other three erupt in laughter. Mina gives a whoop and smacks Kaminari’s back. “Yeah, Denki. Kat could be smoother than peanut butter for all we know.” “Pfft, are you kidding? He’s smooth like crunchy peanut butter.” Sero says through barely suppressed chuckles. He then gasps, and turns to Kirishima, who had turned to him at the same time, as if reading his mind, the two suddenly belting out “Smoother than a fresh jar of skippy” in perfect English. The two heroes dissolve into rowdy laughter, your surprise melting into barely contained laughter of your own. You bite the inside of your cheek, a smile still breaking free, and look to Bakugou. His annoyed eyes flick to your face and his sneer recedes into a frown. You glance back to Sero and Kirishima talking animatedly about something Bakugou couldn’t care less about. He meets Mina’s gaze and she’s grinning, sly and oh, so knowing. Back in high school, the pink-toned companion was gossipy, nosy with relationships, but still let her boys do their thing. After graduation? Bakugou considers her a menace. She would play matchmaker at any given opportunity and could honestly be a P.I. given her snooping abilities. This isn’t to say she did anything bad, he’d never put up with it if that were the case, and they are as thick as thieves. But she loves to get involved, and she’s the one who helped him set up his profile, helped him find— The blond narrows his eyes at Mina, cursing the blush creeping over his cheeks. Mina grins wider, smug. He snaps back when you move, twisting to cross your left leg over the right, to face Sero as you got into the conversation. “Have you gotten your information from anywhere other than forums online?” You snidely ask, crossing your arms and cocking your head so slightly. Kirishima laughs as Kaminari cups his mouth, shouting “Oooh!” “What the fuck are you idiots yelling about?” Bakugou snaps. “Philosophy.” Sero says. “He’s spewing nonsense about the Theory of the Arrow of Time, a physics theory.” You narrow your eyes slightly, only earning another curt laugh from the dark-haired man. “And how do you know all that?” Kaminari asks. You roll your [E/C] eyes to him. “Four and a half years of college.” Bakugou can’t help but wheeze out in a chuckle. You immediately look to him, lips curling back into a beam. Shit, he thinks. “Oh, we’re here!” Mina gasps, and the rest of the party looks to the windows, lights flashing behind them. Paparazzi, you realize. Bakugou mentioned that the first night. The possibility of being seen by everyone. Anxiety swells inside your chest, leaning against the breastbone and leaving you unbalanced. Were you ready for this? More commitment to a Daddy than you’ve given, more effort to be seen together than any relationship since before college. Warm fingers brush tenderly across your ribs and you blink up to vermilion and concern poorly masked. The door is opening as he rumbles out, “I hate ‘em, too. Just smile and I’ll rush us through.” Sero, Kirishima, Kaminari, then Mina slip out, clicking and shouts crescendo. Bakugou takes a deep breath then moves to the door, glancing back at your before stepping out. A few screams chime in. You slide closer to where the muscular man blocks the opening, keeping you from view. You take a deep breath and will your nerves to settle. Gingerly, you reach your left hand into his right. He grips your palm tightly, moving aside to guide you out. As you emerge into bright lights and chaos, you hear gasps ring out. Your eyes adjust and you see there’s photographers and broadcasters held behind velvet ropes, but the distance to the entrance is not terribly far. Other heroes walk along the carpet, stopping along the way to pose for pictures and speak to people with microphones. When you stand fully, Bakugou pulls his hand away to replace with an extended arm. You wrap your hand around his bicep and follow him down the carpet. People call out his hero name, throwing questions and demanding attention, but he pays them no mind and walks confidently toward a grand entry with statuettes on either side of open doors. You smile and glance around to different cameras. Just like that, you are inside, the hall dimly lit, and surprisingly empty. It’s significantly quieter in here as well. The room leads to a hallway that extends out to an archway that can only be the ballroom where the event is being held. Bakugou escorts you down the hallway, further from the chatter and closer to where the music grows steadily louder and voices carry on. He stops halfway and pulls you aside into an alcove to another room, facing you. “You okay?” He’s gruff, but quiet. You nod, tucking slips of hair behind your ear. “Good. It’s not like that inside.” You smile kindly up at him, admiring the protective nature he presents. “I’m okay, Daddy.” It’s barely a hum, but it makes him buzz under his skin. Bakugou licks his lips and steps back, a heavy from his nose making you grin slightly. “Right. Let’s get this over with.” You agree and follow the flustered man with a smug smile threatening to take over your features.

Kaminari and Sero had just made it to a table set aside with finger foods and appetizers. Waitstaff were circling the ballroom to with platters of hors d’oeuvres and champagne, but these two couldn’t wait another second trying to track one down amongst the crowd of heroes and agency workers. The bright blond snatches up a Tsukune skewer and spins around. Ururaka stands before him, as if having been there the whole time, arms crossed, and he yelps. “Kyouka’s salty you took Sero over her.” Kaminari groans dramatically while his aforementioned date waves at the rosy cheeked woman. “Hey Ururaka.” “Hi, Sero!” “I took her to the last one!” Kaminari whines. “Sero was already going to that one, doesn’t count.” The shorter man sputters. “Can’t help that I’m top hoe.” Sero shrugs, looking all the role of someone burdened by power. “Maybe I should have left you both and did what Bakugou did.” Kaminari grumbles as he bites into a meatball. Ururaka perks up. “What did Bakugou do?” The two men blanch, unsure of what to say. The brunette whips around, spotting the bristly blond make it to the bottom of the stairs, hands in his pockets, a [H/C] haired woman at his side. The bubbly heroine gasps and bounds over to him without another word to the other two. You’ve barely made it to the landing when a bob of brown and the roundest cinnamon eyes you’ve ever seen jumps into your line of vision. She playfully shoves at the blond, who looks mortally offended. “You have a date?!” her tone is both shocked and teasing. “What the fuck round face, of course I do! Don’t sound so fucking shocked.” He roughly fixes the front of his suit and scowls deeply at the woman. She then turns to you, excitement coming off of her in rolling waves that ignites your own excitement. “I’m Ururaka Ochaco.” She holds her hand and you shake it, surprised by the firm grip she holds. “[L/N] [F/N]. Um, would it be rude of me to ask your hero name?” you smile sheepishly, but Ururaka simply beams. “Not at all! I’m Uravity.” Your eyes light up and you clasp your other hand around the hand you’re shaking. “Really? I absolutely love your hero work. Your quirk is fascinating, the way you reverse gravity. I’d love to study how it works.” Her bushy brows raise, and you flush in embarrassment. “I-I work in a lab doing physics research, so it’s kind of an interest, I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.” Ururaka’s face brightens and relief floods your chest. “Oh, don’t worry, I was just taken by surprise. That’s actually really cool! I have a friend kind of like that.” Bakugou growls at the comparison to Deku. The shorter hero rolls her eyes at him. “Careful you don’t scare her off.” Bakugou goes to snap back at her when you laugh. He gazes curiously at you as you fold your hands together. “Don’t worry, I doubt he could.” Ururaka blinks owlishly a moment before a toothy smirk pulls at her full lips. She turns back to the disgruntled blond. “Have a good night, grumpy.” She sticks her tongue out before scampering over to Tsuyu. “Brat,” Bakugou grumbles. You walk closer and slip your hands around the crook of his elbow. “Shall we?” Bakugou sighs before giving you a smirk, bringing you around the floor. The next hour is spent mingling with heroes, managers, tech moguls, anyone who had a hand in the cashflow related hero work, really. Most of the people who approached Bakugou were only given a few minutes of his time before he couldn’t bother anymore. The friends you had travelled with made sure to bother him frequently and keep you well stocked in drinks. Mina corrals the two of you into an attached room where there’s a silent auction happening. She chatters all the while, impressed by some of the events and items up for sale. Bakugou seems fairly disinterested, but follows his pink friend, sure to stay close to you, a hand at the small of your back. Mina scribbles her name down for a few things, even putting Sero’s down for what you think is a car. When you manage to break away, guests are asked to be seated at tables, so Bakugou leads you to your table, seated mostly with people from his agency. Kirishima sits next to Bakugou with Mina, Kaminari and Sero at another table set some distance away. The two friends seem less rowdy amongst other professionals but were still amusing to say the least. You mostly observe the others seated with you all throughout the dinner. On stage, the woman running the charity event speaks about the gala, what the charity is for, who all is involved. You regret not paying attention, but it was more interesting to people watch in a new environment, finding people who you recognize as certain heroes, picking out the people Bakugou has taken the time to actually acknowledge. Bakugou himself rarely adds his thoughts, but the few times he does, you can’t help but hang on to every word. When he’s not riled up, he has interesting points, though sometimes crudely put. As the night begins to wind down, you and Bakugou stay at the table, let to yourselves to drink and talk about whatever comes to mind. He side eyes anyone who tries to saunter up and interrupt, and they leave without question. You’re on your third champagne flute since sitting down, possibly the sixth of the night, when Bakugou leans his cheek into his palm, elbow propped on the table. He looks at you with a curious lilt in the furrow of his brow. You wonder how much he’s had to drink tonight. “You’re a pretty big science nerd, huh?” You lips melt into a soft smile, leaning your head atop the arm splayed across the white tablecloth. “Sure am. Science is the only inconsistent think I can stand.” You laugh quietly, ending in a hum. He studies your face and you let him, watching how the gentle lighting glimmers in his bright red eyes. “Do you always stare so openly?” you whisper. Bakugou scoffs and turns his head away, willing away the blush that threatens to take over. You giggle and electricity lances through his heart and crackles through his body at the angelic sound. “I don’t mind, y’know? Makes me feel,” you go quiet for a second to look down at his hands bashfully. “I don’t know, worth the attention, I guess.” You glance back up to his gorgeous eyes, now trained on you, something dark tinting his intense stare. It hasn’t been that long but Bakugou feels the need to shower you with attention, to stare at you all damn day. He already wants to smother you in affection and the most surprising part is that he honestly doesn’t mind how intensely he feels. “Of fucking course you are, idiot.” His raspy voice stirs up a heat inside you. You swallow thickly, eyes fluttering to the table to get away from the intensity that seems to never waver in those vermilion gems of his. You two fall back into silence. You sit up and look around, Bakugou watching you all the while. “Is that Froppy?” the ash blond follows your line of sight and nods. “Isn’t her agency on the coast?” Bakugou sits back in his chair and unbuttons his jacket. “Yeah, but chipmunk cheeks invited her for the event.” You laugh loudly, a hand coming to cover your mouth. “You’re so mean to your friends!” you tease, poking him in the side. He swats at your hand, unable to hold back a bemused smile. “What friends?” “No wonder they all give me warnings about you.” Bakugou glares and clicks his tongue. “I can be nice if I want to.” He crosses his arms defensively. “You just never want to?” Bakugou shrugs. You start laughing and find you can’t stop. The blond looks off put after a minute. “What the fuck are you laughing for?” his outburst makes you laugh harder, one hand gripping the chair while you place the back of the other hand over your mouth. You snort and double over in embarrassment, laughter only somewhat dying down. The moment you bend over your own lap, Bakugou can’t help the deep chuckles that bubble up his throat, your display absolutely adorable. Across the room, Kirishima stands by the open bar waiting for his drink to be made. “Kiri!” Carmine eyes cut over to Ururaka rushing over to him. “What’s u—” “Look!” she grips his jacket and gestures to the other side of the hall. Kirishima follows her line of sight to Bakugou— “Is he laughing?” his jaw goes slack, watching his mega angry best friend smiling and engaged in full body laughter, head tucked to try and hide it. A second later you pop up next to him, also laughing, collapsing back in your chair. “Eijirou,” said man looks down to steely eyes pinning him in place. “Please tell me they’re dating.” “Uh,” he stammers. Surely if Bakugou wanted her to know, she’d know. And he barely wanted him to know. “Kirishima.” The brunette’s tone is warning. Over the years Kirishima has learned that Ururaka is someone to be feared, not to be messed with. “It’s…complicated.” He settles for. “Look at him. He’s smiling. I need to know who this is.” Kirishima sighs, knowing he’s not getting out of this one.

It’s past ten when Bakugou calls a cab to go home, the rest of the group you’d arrived with heading to a party at someone’s house. When the vehicle pulls up to your complex, Bakugou gets out and circles around to open your door and help you out. He follows you up the stairs to your door. You stop, smiling up at him. “Thank you for tonight. It was fun.” He grunts but you see the pink dusting his ears. “I look forward to seeing you again.” Bakugou licks his lip. He wants to kiss you. Badly. But that’s not what you two agreed on. He remembers the way you blushed the first night, how flustered he’d made you, and decides that a little teasing is alright. The hero raises his left arm and leans against the doorframe, leering down at the gorgeous woman before him. “Me too, baby doll.” Your cheeks are scorching hot at the pet name. Fuck, you loved pet names. “You were stunning tonight. I can’t wait to dress you up for the next date.” You almost gasp, eyelashes fluttering at the raspy, deep voice, his words. “Just tell me when,” your voice comes out quieter than intended, breathy. Bakugou’s face splits into a devilish and sultry smirk. “You got it, baby.” Could your face erupt into flame, you’re sure it would. Kinda wish it would. Bakugou pushes away from the door and gives you one last look, a raise of the eyebrow, before turning and starting down the walkway. “Night.” “Good night, sir.” You manage to say. Bakugou bites his lip, descending the stairs, out of your line of sight. You lean against your door. One hand clasps the doorknob, the other slipping over where your heart pounds against solid bone. Maybe you were in too deep. Maybe this would only lead to pain and heartache. Fuck it if it does, you think. Whatever happens, he’s worth it. You exhale a dreamy sigh and unlock your door to relive the excitement of the night.