#Soulbound Descriptions

[darin-nidk]

1 / (Takes place before Ch. 1) Interruption.

Bugambilia. | Lucifer &. Eve!Reader

Content: wounded Alastor, somewhat descriptive mentions of injuries, curse words, unhealthy business relationship.

Sorry! The signal is a bit static-y. Try again later, my lovelies.

"I thought our agreement had an explicit clause that we would not, in fact, cross paths, dear", Alastor spoke through gritted teeth, that ever forced smile present on his visage though it didn't fool (Y/N) or anyone with basic observation skills — his deer-ears were resting on top of his head, leaning back in a clearly annoyed and distrustful manner. After all, who would have a kind relationship with the one who owned their soul? No one in their right mind, for sure.

Perhaps, amicable at best but for such a prideful demon with that big title of Radio Demon, quite feared across the seven rings of Hell through rumours alone...

Nonetheless, Alastor had growled in a threatening (warning) manner as he studied (Y/N)'s movements, their closeness evidently unwelcomed. On the other hand, (Y/N) was unfaced as they were already used to his moodswings and little childish tantrums; kneeling before him and studying his bloody and vulnerable self on the ground, the animalistic growl that served as a warning was easily dismissed by them — however, they simply hummed in acknowledgement at his petty behavior.

Soon enough, (Y/N)'s hand was hovering over his bleeding torso, a faint glow coming from their palm and this caused the radio demon's eyes to widen, for a guttural growl to form in the back of his throat to express agony — an ever so sudden action from him as he leaned forward to take a bite of their shoulder, causing (Y/N) to yelp, curse under their breath and bite their lower lip until it bled from the pain that those sharp teeth of Alastor were causing.

(Y/N) kept ongoing with the treatment despite the pain they were currently experimenting, yet they shut their eyes tightly and took a deep breath before exhaling heavily. The reason (Y/N) had a large disposal of souls wasn't just because they kept their part of the deal, but because they were a good contractor and made sure (or try) to keep a majority of the souls they owned physically intact, in-shape and healthy. "I hope you haven't forgotten, you old-fashioned prick, that we are soulbound — I am the source of your powers, that's why you can't find a way out of our contract". The pain caused by his bite was overwhelming, (Y/N) was certain that his teeth had not only teared muscle tissue, but reached deeper to the bone. Their blood staining their clothing, an orange color soaking the fabric, their blood wasn't golden or yellow akin to angels nor red like humans or demons — an hybrid, an outcast. Part of them hoped Lilith bled the same color but she was perfect (they weren't) so she most likely bled a pretty golden.

Once all wounds had been healed (read: reversed to what it once was hence why it was a painful progress to undergo), Alastor quit bitting their shoulder and grabbed the torn cloth that (Y/N) offered to wipe his mouth, disgust clear on his face. His smile wasn't wide but it was eternally present albeit recluctantly. "Your blood is disgusting as ever, let me tell you", a jab at (Y/N)'s insecure self, but they didn't show it. He knew best. "And yes, thank you for the unnecessary reminder of regretful choices—".

"Alastor", a warning tone accompanied by a tearful glare, right hand gripping their bloody shoulder as they composed themselves as best as they could, holding back tears from the raw pain. (Y/N) couldn't heal themselves, so they'd bleed for now. A headache incoming, vision somewhat blurry yet they wouldn't die because of this (they never did). "I don't mind returning your soul as long as you don't mind losing everything that our deal gave you — your powers that were on pair to Adam's, powers that only failed you because you acted cocky. Your reputation, the souls you can hold hostage because I still allow you to—".

Static noise that played in the background had turned louder, unbearably so. The ringing in (Y/N)'s ears was overwhelming, causing the headache to worsen, it was as painful as a migraine now — fuck, shit, the corner of their vision had black edges. That fucker, his bite was worse than they anticipated. (Y/N) knees buckled, falling forward as they lost their balance thanks to the loss of blood and yet they never hit the ground, instead, Alastor acted quick and held them, carefully so despite the hatered he felt at being reminded of his inferior position in this deal with (Y/N) and the repulsive and unwanted physical contact. "You piece of... shit".

Losing consciousness from the bloodloss and the stress this situation was causing them, (Y/N) went limp and their full body weight was being supported by the radio demon's figure. "Mn, not quite, dear", Alastor replied in a mocking tone yet he couldn't have his benefactor and owner of his soul to die without losing a majority of what he worked for — sighing, a glance at his shadow, a wordless command and it disappeared before emerging again with the objects that Alastor had asked for. Once he had the alcohol, bandages, needle and thread at his disposal, Alastor removed his coat and placed (Y/N) atop, rolled his sleeves upwards and got to work, stitching up the most infuriating being for him.

Salutations! The Hazbin Hotel is being rebuilt, apologies for the delay.

If you like my stories, consider donating to my Ko-Fi! Even cents are plenty of help!

Y si hablas español, 'tonces no seas garca y dame $2 para honrar el billete que no esta en circulación y que ni siquiera es de colección a mi MP .

[insomnya777]

Hello! First I want to say I adore your boat boys super power AU so much, it’s currently rotating at light speed in my brain like a broken microwave. I think I’ve read at least six times all the way through with what you have, it’s fantastic!

I was also wondering if you had any other recs or personal favorites for boat boys fics, or just fics in general, I’m always looking for recommendations and wonderful authors usually also have great tastes in other fics as well! Thank you for what you do for the boat boy and smalletho community, you’re keeping us well fed lol

Oh my god I have many many recommendations!!!! I've actually been waiting for someone to ask me this LOL

Completed:

Settled is one of my favourites of all-time. If you read it you'll see the long ass comment I left on it lol. Description: A five plus one type of fic where Etho struggles to voice his feeling about double-life, and Joel is there to make it harder.

BIR Universe is a classic, a staple, even. One of the most iconic series of all time. Description: A very messy college universe with a bunch of hermitcraft/life series members.

Somehow, I always end up back in Marianas Trench is another personal favourite. I reread it way too often. The writing is incredible in this one + has a side of ranchers and impdubs. Description: AU where our three favourite soulbound couples go on a triple date! Except it's not a date, all of them broke up sometime before or during their last year of college and none of them are over each other.

Holy Father, judge my sins is so, so good. Anything by giddyfenix always is, I think I've read, like, all of their works. Description: Joel and Etho as the seven deadly sins. After all, what were they if not corrupted?

I Don't Smoke (Except for When I'm Missing You) made my heart break a million times over. I actually cannot read this fic without breaking down. It is a clockers-centered fic, exploring the Etho-Scar relationship, but I had to include it because it's just one of my favourite fics of all time. Description: A look into Etho's perspective on the life he and Scar share. They're not so different, you know? They both like to run away.

Works In Progress:

to all the ships at sea is another personal favourite, because the writing is just so, so good. There are currently six chapters out! Description: Etho has a job as part of the crew manning a lighthouse on a small island. With Cleo and Bdubs gone for a few weeks, Etho settles in to keep the Light running single-handedly. He wasn't expecting his life to be turned upside-down when a visitor turns up on the island, completely out of the blue...and he definitely wasn't expecting to develop feelings for the mysterious young man.

Good Luck, Babe is also very, very good. There are seven chapters out right now! Description: Etho couldn't get himself to turn Joel down. Even when Joel has made it clear time and time again that he had no problem doing the same to him. The lengths he was willing to go for a guy who would barely even let them be seen together in public...

hi, etho is super cute, too. I read it a while ago, and it's still one of my favourites, so do what you will with that. Description: About a month after going missing and having no memories to show for it, Etho gets a weird letter from a strange, anonymous sender who might have the answers to his questions.

And that's about it!! If anyone has more recommendations feel free to comment or leave in the tags because I'm always looking for more fics LOL <3

[redneonmoons]

Loose Shirts and Fumbled Secrets [Vash x Reader] [Soulmate AU]

Word Count: ~4000 Description: After a deadly mistake, you and Vash’s relationship becomes tense which makes it even harder to deal with the fact his name is written on your back.

Your pace increased as it took longer and longer to find Vash. Of course, when you took your eyes off him for a second he disappeared, probably getting in trouble again.

You just joined the group a week ago after finally tracking down the humanoid typhoon. Only a few months before then your soulmark appeared on the small of your back. Vash. A single name. You didn’t think Independents could have soulmates. Thankfully, Vash wasn’t hard to find with his wanted posters and wake of destruction everywhere he went. Which made you cautious when you went looking. And why you still haven’t told him your real name.

You saw red out the corner of your eye and stopped, looking down the alleyway. Meryl and Roberto were the furthest down against the back wall. In front was Vash and a bounty hunter, whose back was turned to you. Vash had his hands up, smiling nervously.

“I don’t want to fight,” He said.

“Then you should come along quiet-like,” the bounty hunter replied.

“No, thank you,” Vash declined.

You saw Roberto pull out his gun. The bounty hunter noticed and grabbed Vash, spinning him into a chokehold. Fear crawled down your back when you saw the bounty hunter put a knife to Vash’s throat.

Bang!

It took a second for you to realize what happened. Smoke slowly drifted up from your gun as the bounty hunter fell to the ground. Everyone was staring at you. You ignored them, just trying to breathe.

You didn’t even think for a second. You knew Vash could get out of situations like that. Probably done it several times before, But actually witnessing it was different. You couldn’t stand to see your soulbound get hurt. Not even a scratch. 

Once you’ve fully understood what occurred, you felt a wave of nausea wash over you. You covered your mouth with your hand to keep yourself from vomiting.

“Well, now this is an interesting sight,” Nicholas said, having finally found the group.

You removed your hand from your face and slowly turned to him, gun shaking. Roberto came up to your side and put a hand on your shoulder. He gave you a look of sympathy and slowly pushed your gun down. Something clicked and you immediately put it away. 

“We better hurry before people come,” Vash said, looking both ways out the alleyway.

“Agreed, let’s get out of here,” Meryl responded, following after Vash and Nicholas.

The crew quickly and quietly returned to the truck and rode off into the desert. It was already evening so Meryl started looking for a place to camp out for the night; far enough away so the town’s people don’t track them.

She found an abandoned house, only its metal skeleton remained. She parked next to it and everyone exited the vehicle. Vash got a fire started, while Meryl got the sleeping packs out. Roberto and Nicholas didn’t really do anything but watched the others and chatted. You, on the other hand, grabbed a rag and climbed on the flat roof of the building.

“You didn’t have to kill him,” Vash came up behind you sometime later as you were cleaning your pistol.

“I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. You could have been injured,” You reasoned, holstering the gun, “Or worse.”

“I don’t mind getting a little hurt. He still didn’t have to die,” Vash sat next to you.

You didn’t want to see his face, you knew he wasn’t happy with you, “I understand your morals. I didn’t enjoy taking his life, but I rather my friends be safe. And if that makes me selfish then so be it.”

“I would have gotten out of there. I just needed a few more minutes,” Vash said.

You glanced at Vash. you were unnerved that his usual cheery demeanor was gone.

“You didn’t have to get involved,” Vash continued.

You looked down. You know you could have done better. You know you could have just done nothing or shot the man’s arm or leg. Something. Anything other than what you have done.

But you were scared. You panicked when you saw that bounty hunter holding a knife to his neck. You didn’t hesitate. Couldn’t. The thought of Vash leaving you before you had the chance to tell him you’re his soulmate crushed you.

You hugged your legs and willed your unfallen tears away. You didn’t want to make Vash feel bad for making you cry. He was still watching, waiting for a reply.

“I’m sorry,” you said, “I have my reasons.”

Vash softly sighed. You have never seen him this upset. You hoped this wasn’t permanent and that he’d go back to his happy, seemingly carefree attitude. But you knew you couldn’t lie to make him feel better. That wouldn’t be right.

You looked up as Vash got up. He smiled down at you, “Goodnight, Crux.”

“Goodnight,” you replied, “Vash.”

“‘I have my reasons?” Meryl walked up behind you, “That may be good enough for Vash but it isn’t for me.”

You didn’t turn around to face Meryl; did Vash tell her about their conversation or did she overhear, “that’s none of your business,” you quipped.

“It’s obvious he had it under control. He always gets out of things like that,” Meryl said.

“I know, I panicked, alright?” You really didn’t want another moral lecture.

You leaned down to pick up a rock from the sand.

“What’s that?” Meryl asked.

You realized your shirt rode up too high. You instantly straightened and went to pull it back down but Meryl already grabbed it and raised it up further to see.

“Is that your soulmark? Is Vash your soulmate?” Questions you didn’t want to hear came from the reporter.

Pushing your shirt back down and turning around, you clamped a hand over her mouth, “Hush! The guys are going to hear you!”

You took a step back, taking a peek at the truck behind Meryl. Roberto and Vash were engaged in conversation while Nicholas was looking over. You doubt he could hear you and Meryl but didn’t like the attention. It could bring trouble.

You turned back to Meryl and waited a second before lowering your hand; Meryl immediately started questioning you again, “You haven’t told Vash? Shouldn’t he know since your name is Crux?”

You didn’t answer any of her questions, not like she was giving you a chance to anyway.

“Your real name isn’t Crux then,” Meryl figured then clapped her hands together, “You should tell Vash.”

Your ‘No’ came out louder than intended. Everyone looked over. "Everything alright over there?" Vash yelled, a friendly smile still ever-present on his face.

"Yes, everything is fine, sorry!" You frantically replied back before going back to Meryl.

You grabbed her forearms and pleaded, “Don’t tell Vash okay? Please, I’ll tell him eventually.”

“Okay, fine!” Meryl said, “but you better tell him.”

A week passed before you knew it and you still haven’t told Vash, much to Meryl’s annoyance. Vash had gotten into some more scuffles and you did your best to make sure you didn’t kill again. There were some times you didn’t think Vash was going to get out but you were able to get him out, either by being more threatening to the aggressor or shooting them in the arm or leg. 

However, Vash was still upset about the original bounty hunter situation as much as he tried to hide it. Which only made you feel worse about it and lessened your odds of telling him you were his soulmate.

The crew was hunkered down around a campfire for the night. On your left was Roberto and Meryl, to your right sat Nicholas with his trusty cross, and lastly Vash sat across from you. Which you noticed happened to be the furthest away from you. It's been awkward silence for the last few days so you quickly finished your meal and went to sleep in your makeshift bedroll.

You felt yourself slowly start to fall asleep to the noise of the crackling fire and soft wind before you were brought back when you heard whispering.

“C’mon, you can’t be mad at them forever,” you heard Nicholas say, “You gotta give them a break.”

“Yeah, can’t you tell they feel really bad about it?” Meryl added.

“Where’s this coming from, guys?” Vash asked, trying to deflect with some nervous laughter.

“We all heard that argument a week ago. Did you seriously not see how freaked out they were when they killed the guy,” Nicholas said, not sugarcoating anything.

“Yeah, and they’re doing better now! No one has been killed since,” Meryl said.

“What they are trying to say is that they are over your little tantrum and you should get over it,” Roberto cut to the chase.

Vash didn’t reply immediately. You could imagine him looking down and thinking. You’ve been trying to keep your breathing normal so they didn’t know you were eavesdropping but you waited with bated breath for Vash’s answer.

“I guess you’re right,” Vash admitted, “I’ve been a bit hard on Crux, haven’t I?”

“Duh,” Nicholas replied, “It’s not their fault they want to protect your scrawny ass. Someone needs to do it.”

Vash lightly laughed, “I’ll apologize tomorrow.”

“How about now? You can stop pretending, Crux,” 

You flinched as Nicholas called you out and sat up before turning to everyone. Meryl and Nicholas were crowded around Vash on both sides. All eyes were on you. Nicholas and Roberto were obviously in the know about your eavesdropping while Meryl and Vash had shocked expressions on their faces.

“Morning,” you deadpanned, trying to lighten the tension.

Vash just scratched the back of his head, a nervous tick, and got up, walking over to you. You got up as well and followed Vash out into the desert. 

Once Vash walked to what he deemed appropriate, he turned to you. Even knowing he was going to apologize didn’t make this conversation any less nerve-wracking for you. You were very aware that you were avoiding eye contact. You’ve been trying to keep a low profile with Vash for so long it was hard being seen.

“Crux,” he said softly, coxing you to look at him.

You exhaled and finally made eye contact with him. It felt like he could see right through you. He stepped forward and lightly grabbed your arm, giving you the opportunity to move it away. When you didn’t, he held your hand

“I’m sorry, I haven’t been fair to you,” he squeezed your hand, “I see you haven’t killed since so I’m, again, sorry.”

“Thank you, Vash,” you said, looking down at your hand in Vash’s, “I’m sorry as well. For everything.”

Vash pulled you into a hug. You selfishly breathed into his shirt, wrapping your arms around him.

“We’re fine now,” Vash said cheerily, still holding you.

A few days passed and you were snoozing in the back of the truck.  The sound of someone slapping the window took you out of your afternoon nap. Squinting, you see Nicholas staring at you. You turned over and opened the door.

“What do you want?” You yawned.

“We should talk,” Nicholas looked at something on top of the truck and back to you, “Alone.”

Shaking your head, you begrudgingly stepped out of the truck. You turned to shut the door and looked up to be greeted by bright blue eyes. Vash was apparently also napping on top of the truck and now your faces were inches from each other. You felt your face heat up as you took a step back, not expecting the proximity.

“Where you guys going?” Vash asked.

“Oh,” Nicholas put his free arm around your shoulders, “I just need to talk with Crux for a bit.”

“Alright, you two have fun,” Vash smiled before going back to his nap.

Nicholas, still with the arm around your shoulders, took you out a ways from the truck, “So, Vash’s your soulmate.” You shook off his arm and turned to him, “I told Meryl—”

“Uh uh- You said not to tell Vash, not everyone else,” Nicholas corrected.

Your face heated up, “So everyone knows...”

“Everyone except the person who actually needs to know,” Nicholas said, “Reberto doesn’t care too much and Meryl is getting antsy about it.”

“You telling me to do something about it?” you asked.

“Duh. You two like each other so go for it,” Nicholas said.

“I— It’s just—,” you paused; you realized you didn’t quite know yourself. 

“Well, you haven’t killed anyone so it can’t be that. I mean you’re still a little over-protective even for me but ya know. You’re soulmates so it makes sense. I’m sure Vash would understand,” Nicholas said, adjusting the cross in this hand.

“He’s got enough to worry about,” you rambled.

“Don’t bullshit me. You’re afraid of rejection which is stupid cause you two are destined for each other for some reason.  Just get it done sooner rather than later,” with that, Nicholas walked off, leaving you to your thoughts.

Rationally, you know your chances were good, but there’s that irrational part. That stupid part that makes you think he won’t like you that way. That he still hasn’t forgiven you for killing that bounty hunter. That he won’t like how you’ve been lying to him this entire time.

That’s enough doubt for you to hesitate to tell him.

The crew was again crammed into the truck, going nowhere fast. Vash seemed in better spirits this morning. Meryl and Roberto were arguing about where the next charging station is. You were between Nicholas and Vash in the back. Crossing your arms, you made yourself as small as possible so they were comfortable. You very much weren’t but you were not going to complain. Nicholas was snoring, a cigarette threatening to fall from his lip. Vash was staring off, his expression of rare seriousness. For a brief moment, you wondered if he was thinking of the bounty hunter incident but quickly erased the thought.

Vash must have felt you staring cause he looked over and smiled at you. You couldn’t help but smile back. He then yawned, stretching out his arms —As much as he could, that is— raising them up and back. You felt his prosthetic arm rest on your shoulders.

You were about to question him when he pulled you against his side. If you weren’t tense before you were now. Your heart skipped a few beats as you felt Vash’s warm body against yours. He had no right to feel this comfy.

Vash lightly giggled, “You should relax. We still got a while to go.”

You hesitated but slowly forced your body to relax against Vash’s. You carefully rested your head against his shoulder, taking it slow in case Vash disapproved. He didn’t seem to mind as he rubbed your waist with his thumb. You felt as though you were melting as you slowly drifted off to sleep.

A bright flash behind your eyelids woke you up from your nap.

“Hey rookie, That’s work property, not a toy,” you heard Roberto say.

You opened your eyes, adjusting to the light and shifting slightly so you don’t wake the still sleeping Vash. You noticed the truck was parked in a small town. The town was built in a crack of a big plateau rock formation, making it have only one road through it with buildings against or drilled into the rock.

“Your assignment is on Vash and I got a picture of Vash,” Meryl reasoned, “Besides, it was too cute not to.”

You realized Meryl must have snuck a picture of you and Vash. you were about to make your opinion known but you suddenly felt Vash’s artificial thumb rub against your skin. You now became aware that —consciously or not— Vash had pushed up your shirt enough for his hand to hold your waist.

“You look comfortable,” Nicholas leaned over to you as the others exited the truck.

“Piss off,” You muttered.

Nicholas just laughed, sticking a new cig into his mouth and hopping out of the truck. He made sure to slam the door on his way out, shaking the vehicle. Vash breathed in and straightened, his eyes struggling to open. He must have noticed where his left hand was because he instantly removed it from your side and bought it behind his head. 

His cheeks tinted pink; he smiled, “Hi.”

“Hello,” you replied, leaning back on the seat instead of Vash.

You could feel the tension in the truck increasing as you and Vash gazed at each other.

“Do—”

“We—”

You both began to speak at the same time. Nervous chuckling filled the vehicle before Vash gestured for you to go.

You shook your head, “No, what were you going to say?”

“We should probably get out and stretch our legs,” Vash said.

"Agreed, let's,” when he didn’t immediately move, you started lightly pushing him, “Get out! Or I’m going to climb over you.”

Vash laughed as he struggled for a second to open the door and unceremoniously clambered out the truck, almost falling on his ass. You started laughing at him as you made your way out the vehicle before your legs gave out from the lack of use. Vash immediately stepped forward to grab you and you instinctively grabbed at his coat and put an arm around his neck.

You felt your face heat up at the close proximity but didn’t exactly separate. Mostly cause you now know you can’t trust your legs at the moment.

“Are you okay?” Vash asked, still holding on to you.

You nodded, “I will be as soon as I get some circulation back in my legs. Just don’t drop me.”

You slowly put your weight back onto your legs. Vash carefully moved from hugging you to holding onto your arms as support. By now you can feel the others watching but you were more concentrated on walking.

Once you were comfortable Vash let go of your arms. Nicholas rolled his eyes dramatically and the crew started to the nearby hotel. Meryl called dibs on getting the rooms for the night. Everyone followed her in, except for you and Vash. You opted to chill on the porch area since the weather was nice for once and Vash decided to head out to get some snacks. 

Several minutes passed as you relaxed outside the hotel before Nicholas opened the door, “Rooms are set.”

“Okay,” you replied, pushing yourself off the wall you were leaning on.

Opening the door, you went in to find Meryl. She was waiting in the main lobby and gave you a key and room number. It looked like she was trying hard not to smile. Suspicious…

You climbed up to the second floor and found your room. You tried inserting the key only for it to not go in all the way. You took it out and flipped it over, trying again. Only after inserting it both ways a few times did it finally click in. Turning the handle became another annoying task as you struggled to get the door open.

“Freakin’ shabby, good-for-nothing hotels,” you muttered, “I just want to shower.”

After what felt like several minutes —and it probably was— you got into your room. You didn’t bother to analyze the contents, your sole focus now was the shower. You entered the bathroom, dropped your bag, and hopped in the shower, sighing as you felt the sand leave your body.

You heard someone struggling to open the door as you changed into a spare set of clothes. Assuming it was Meryl, you finished up your routine before grabbing your bag and heading out of the bathroom.

When you stepped out into the room you froze. Sitting on the bed was Vash. His red coat was gone and he was eating donuts from a paper bag. You glanced around the sparingly furnished room before looking back at Vash on the bed. The only bed.

Oh…

You remembered Meryl’s expression when you got your key.

Oh no….

A strange sense of calm washed over you as Vash looked over, his mouth stuffed with donuts. You walked over to the door and unlocked it. You tried turning it once. Twice. Several times. Jammed.

“Meryl!” you yelled, banging on the door.

At this point, Vash had gotten up and stood behind you as you kept trying to open the door, “What’s going on?”

“Oh, Crux, Vash,” Meryl’s voice came from the other side, “The receptionist said sometimes the door lock jams. They’ll get a locksmith out tomorrow.”

“Meryl,” You warned, not liking the slightly teasing tone of her voice.

“Anyway, I’m sure you two can figure things out,” Meryl continued, ignoring you, “Night!”

You heard her footsteps leave. You tried one last time to turn the handle before sighing and turning to Vash.

“Meryl said this was my room,” he said, sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

He doesn’t know it’s a setup.

“Ah well, nothing we can do about it now. Unless you want to try the window,” You walked up to said window.

It was so rusted and worn you didn’t even want to bother touching it, let alone escape through it. Accepting defeat you sat on the single chair in the room.

“I can sleep on the floor,” Vash offered you his last donut.

“No, I can’t let you do that, I’ll take the floor,” you replied, taking the donut.

“I insist—”

You raised your hand up, shutting up Vash as you ate the donut. you knew where this conversation was going and you frankly didn’t have the patience for the song and dance of it.

“Okay, this isn’t going to go anywhere. Either we both sleep on the bed,” you said, “or we both sleep on the floor. I know which option I prefer.”

Vash silently stared at you then the bed then the floor.

“No, Vash,” you got up from the chair, grabbing his bicep.

Vash let you drag him over to the bed. You let him go so he could take off his boots and crossed your arms as you watched him crawl into the bed. Once he was on the far left side you laid down yourself, keeping your back to him so he doesn’t feel awkward. Or maybe it was so you didn’t feel so awkward basically dragging a man into your bed.

“Night,” Vash said, shifting once more to get comfortable.

“Goodnight,” you replied.

It took you a while before you fell asleep.

You woke up thinking you felt something on your back. You must have moved to sleep on your stomach at some point in the night. You became more awake when you felt a hand lightly move across the small of your back. It dawned on you that your shirt must have rolled up while you were asleep. Your body moved before you had a chance to complete a thought and felt yourself begin to fall off the bed as you rolled off it.

You yelped as Vash immediately grabbed your arms and pulled you into his chest. You clenched your hands into his shirt and hid your face, trying to slow your breathing. His fast heartbeat wasn’t helping.

“Your name isn’t Crux, is it?” Vash said, his voice having a shake to it.

You moved back to look at Vash, his blue eyes more intense without the glasses. He adjusted, bringing up his prosthetic arm to take off the glove on his right hand. Pushing up his sleeve, he revealed your real name written on his forearm. You knew you shouldn’t be surprised but you never really did think about how your name would be written on Vash's body. Slowly, you lifted your hand to touch it.

“No, my real name is Y/N,” you replied, giving Vash confirmation.

“Y/N,” he said like an enormous weight was taken off his shoulders.

He smiled and again pulled you into a tight hug before planting several kisses on your face making you giggle. You grabbed his cheeks and pulled him into a full kiss. Vash brought up his hands and placed them over yours. It was a soft, sweet kiss that ended with you and Vash gazing into each other’s eyes.

Vash’s expression hardened a little as he started to ask you some questions, “How did you find me? And… why didn’t you tell me?”

“You’re Vash the Stampede and you’re Vash the Stampede,” you chuckled, hoping he understood what you meant.

He just laughed, “Ah well… those wanted posters don’t paint the greatest picture I guess.”

“I don’t know. Your picture is awfully cute,” you teased, making his cheeks turn pink.

A comfortable silence washed over you both before you saw Vash's eyes twinkle as your words sunk in.

"You think I'm cute?" A smile grew on his face.

Now it was your turn to be embarrassed as you glanced away, face heating up, "Well- I- I mean…"

Vash just laughed, pulling you in for another hug. Maybe you weren't so mad that you were essentially locked in your hotel room. Vash made for an excellent cuddler you soon found out.

[achairwithapandaonit]

Rules: Make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! And then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

ATLA- Shame

DIGIMON- Ocean Call

ATLA- Soulbound

ATLA- ten years too late au

BLACK BUTLER- finny time loop fic

ATLA- walls rewrite

saw @aobawilliams doing this so thought i would too. i would include my one piece wips but i'm not really invested in witing them rn. also not tagging anyone but feel free to do this tag game

[captainschaos]

hello hello tis I the person who made the hermit relationships post and I would like to say yes you absolutely should make a post with your thoughts I wanna see 👀

EEEEE yknow what this is exactly the enabling I needed to finally make this post!!! primarily, I have a very queerplatonic, very aro, very difficult to label polycule that I loveeee to think about, and have a lot of headcanons surrounding them <3 I definitely have more reaching outside this group, but for the moment I just wanna talk about them!!

here's my veryvery rough hewn (and slightly outdated) map of it <3 but I'm gonna put detailed descriptions below the cut for anyone (particularly other aros) who might be interested in queer/platonic relationships that are very much not sibling-like, so step right up!!! I'd love to share <3

[I also have this fic that gets into some of the relationships below!]

overall qppolycule name btw: SHALESTEP >> (lizzie ld)shadow(lady) + zombie(cleo, rot related) + (etho)slab = some kind of dark, crumbling stone: SHALE >> tango(tek) + (joel) small(ishbeans) + (b)double(o100) = a little, repetitive part of dance: STEP

>> bdubs + cleo: queerplatonic marriage I mean just go watch third life. they're married <3 queerplatonically <3 yay!!

>> cleo + etho: queerplatonic partners they are a very subtle and slow kind of partnership, but consider each other partners, even if they aren't very vocal about it!

>> etho + bdubs: queerplatonic dating/partners ethubs will never be normal about each other yeah they're absolutely queerplatonic

>> joel + lizzie: married, joel is aro but the relationship is romantic I headcanon joel as aro, but lizzie allo, and think joel is very romance positive in terms of enjoying doing things that he knows lizzie likes, like giving kisses and dates and stuff ! even if he gets happiness from those through more of a giving satisfaction than anything romantic

>> lizzie + cleo: mutually crushing shadowrot pining is real, and I think they both vaguely know, but I kinda headcanon cleo as maybe greyromantic or lithromantic so I don't think they have any desire to go further than glancing at each other and blushing <3

>> joel + etho: queerplatonic behavior but no label the fucking freaks. I actually really think about their relationship in unique ways because I think dl soulbound would have given them both an ""excuse"" to be casually intimate with someone in a way they both struggle with walls around, and so they keep it up

>> etho + tango: unlabeled and weird about each other tangtho I will forever see as a pair of bros who will be going about their business, have an outrageously gay queerplatonic homoerotic moment, and then go back to acting like nothing happened while everyone else is ?????? and they will continue to happily never talk about it!!! ^_^

>> tango + cleo: platonic dating they're solidly, securely friends, but will go on dates, get each other gifts, hold hands, lots of dating type activities! and they've been jokingly called girlfriends enough times that they use the term in a platonic sense

>> lizzie + bdubs: casual romance my beloved rarepair shadubs. ily. I do headcanon bdubs as transfem so they're very much yuri YAYY but I just think they'd have a lot of fun with fluffy romantic feelings, and they have their own marriages so they feel no pressure to go deeper than that!! and they have fun kissing in the garden and having tea parties and pretty stuff <3

>> bdubs + tango: metamours they love to yell at each other and can't seem to get away from each other (just watch early trafficlife stuff these two in 3l/ll rule my fucking brain) but are tied together by mutual partnerships and actually understand each other incredibly well through it

>> joel + bdubs: metamours they're just too similar. like wayyyy too similar. they get in fights that seem like a mirror getting mad and have fun about ganging up on etho <3

>> lizzie + etho: metamours I just think they're niceeee and would do nice stuff togetherrr :] they have really interesting passing interactions canonically and I think when put in the same household, they'd get along really well

(the below are relationships in this grouping I hadn't really thought about in depth before, but this is a good opportunity to write a bit about em! they're all ofc technically metamours but I just think might not interact as much as those listed above)

>> lizzie + tango to be Quite honest I think this pairing is maybe the most dangerous out of any of them. something is going to explode and it's absolutely not going to be what they were trying to blow up it's probably the kitchen

>> tango + joel they Think they're the most dangerous pairing but they are cartoon characters. incredibly entertaining for the rest of the house tho <3

>> joel + cleo oh they'd have funnnn tbh I think they'd actually be reallyreally chill together, they'd probably do crafts in mutually happy silence (armor stands prolly)

[ocllo]

Tagged by @9haharharley1 and @overmooneleven

Thank you! ❤️

RULES: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

Soulbounding/Wedding

ao3 posting script

Yule - Chapter 7

Yule - Chapter 8

Yule - Chapter 9

smut

Iraun

omegaverse

Fantasy AU/Hope

The Golden City

Yule - outline

Yule - Chapter 10

Yule - Chapter 11

Yule - Chapter 12

Summaries

unused/unsure

Beltane snippet 2

In Love

Beltane snippet

Yule - balcony scene <rev>

Tagging @raegefilth @goldenslumbersketchbook @albinaa4u @sirladysketch @fluegelschatten @cloudofdarkness only do it if you feel like it, no pressure! ^^

[liiacfleur]

Monster Designs - Bats

Sketched out design below the cut. They look very different from canon but that is because of some lore with alchemy that will be revealed later (and because I wanted Ozzy to be cute lol)

Descriptions written below since my writing is messy and I couldn't fit all I wanted to write on the drawing

Carrier Bats

Carrier bats are the smallest of the three types. They are primarily used like pigeons, acting as letter carriers. They mostly feed on mice and rodents, and are often kept as pets in replacement of cats. They also enjoy fruit and are often found circling fruit stalls waiting to steal the goods given the chance. Because of this, merchants have had to get creative to keep them from stealing their stock.

Carrier bats are also more closely related to Obitus and Dragon-Bats than Artillery Bats. Due to their alchemical creation, they are the beginning point for future evolution. Carrier bats are asexual and require specific magical intervention to reproduce. A colony will raise all the offspring, but if they show signs of evolutionary changes they are quickly abandoned with the Artillery Bats to prevent them from using the colony of Carrier Bats as a food source.

Like all other bats, they usually only possess fur around their neck and the joints to their legs and/or tail. The rest of their body is a leathery texture, at least for Carrier and Artillery. Both types of bats grow a coarse coat of fur over their body (sans wings, tail, and limbs) during the winter that sheds once winter turns to spring. This was an evolutionary adaptation they slowly gained during the war while they were further to the North near Mirkwood. Even after returning to the Highlands, they've maintained this adaptation to allow ease of flight over the sea to hunt during the cold months.

Unlike Artillery bats, Carrier bats only possess rear legs that are retractable into their bodies. They rarely use their legs unless perched, though Ozzy has an affinity for using them often because he likes to cling to Steve given the opportunity.

Artillery Bats

Artillery Bats are mainly used for defense and offense. They're often sent out to hunt demogorgons and wolves as a pack of five to twelve depending on the hunt. They range in sizes from the size of dogs to as large as horses. The larger ones are used as mounts by specialized soldiers, and often form soul contracts with their rider. If the rider dies, so does the bat. Once soulbound, they are unconditionally loyal to their riders and the riders blood bound family. When not bound, they operate through a colony system like the Carrier Bats and raise their young as a community.

Unlike Carrier bats or Dragon-Bats, Artillery bats possess four legs due to their evolutionary adaptations. They can walk on all fours, but prefer flight as their feet are made for grasping rather than walking.

During the war, they evolved to be strong enough to pluck men from the battlefield like a hawk to prey. Now they use the same technique to lift wolves/demogorgons into the air to drop them from extreme heights to kill them easier.

They are also often used to herd livestock, transport goods, and other menial duties. The ones that possess more of a prowess for violence are the ones chosen for soul binding, both to act as war creatures and to prevent the more ornery bats from accidentally hurting any citizens.

Dragon Bats

Dragon Bats possess many dragon characteristics and only select bat characteristics. They maintain a main of fur around their necks like the bats, but are unable to grow any other fur. Their snouts are very short and stubby compared to dragons. Like all bats, they can use echolocation at night, but have impeccable eyesight during the day.

Most of their body is made up of thick leather and scales, calling on their dragon heritage. Fully grown, they are nearly the same size as most average dragons, but it takes a decade for them to reach their full growth, and they do not grow their horns until their fifth year. Unlike their counterparts who are asexual, they have a binary sex system and enter sexual maturity after five years. Often, rather than a pair, they mate in groups of three - two males and a single female, effectively preventing male competition from destroying a clutch. Females are larger than males and often protect their nesting territories. If a female is introduced to a very young juvenile, she may imprint on them and take them as her own brood even if she hasn't reached sexual maturity. Females are fiercely protective of their young and mates. When her mates die, she will never take another.

There are stories of these creatures found in Moonstone, but little has been deciphered. They are a breed made from alchemy, and Obitus is likely the only remaining within her species.

for more information on Obitus, go here.

[wendelin-utt]

WIP Title Game

Rules: make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! then tag as many people as you have WIPS.

... @imtrashraccoon This is actually a very cool idea. Of course, the post they made you can find here. They found out about it through @/naturaldreamer (who you can find here) and I am gonna do it too.

Of course, I'll be including the fandom that these WIPs are a part of, as well as what type of medium I was planning on putting them in. Some might look very familiar to those that have seen my work before. And yes... I'll be listing EVERY SINGLE WIP (The title of the folder I have) I have in the works, be it in the pile of 'I'll get to it when I get to it' or currently working on it.

You can view it under the 'Keep Reading' section, of course.

Blooming from a Nightmare (UTMV) - Comic

Oceantale (UT AU) - Fanfic

Soulbound (UT AU) - Fanfic

Remake of Game (UTMV, was originally an Original) - Video Game

Bloom (UT AU) - Either Fanfic or Comic

Shinohana (UT AU) - Either Fanfic or Comic

Beloved Hope (Original?) - Fic

Bitty Interactive (UTMV, BittyBones AU) - Blog

Boop Comic (UTMV) - Comic (WE ALL KNOW WHAT THIS ONE SHOULD BE XD)

Colors in the World (Original) - Video Game

Cursed Sight (MC OCs) - Fanfic

Deck Card (Original) - Either Fanfic, Comic, or Video Game

Hearts of Dreams (Original) - Video Game

Objective Hope (Mashup between Beloved Hope and one of @mintycandycrumb projects) - Fanfic So, I forgot that Minty updated her OCs that are related to this project and raised a good point. Heh...

HERO of Rhythm (LoZ) - Either Video Game or Fanfic

Minerva (D&D) - D&D Campaign

Pixter (Original) - Video Game

Remake of Game, Electric Boogaloo (Original) - Video Game

Romeo and Cinderella (Original) - Fic

To the Other Side (Original) - Comic

Undertale Together (UT AU) - Either Fanfic or Comic

VG AU (YTMC/MC OCs) - Either Video Game or Fanfic

Those above are projects I actually know a basic premise behind and has a folder. Underneath, however... are just folders that I have in the folder for said projects that I have no clue what I was gonna do with them.

game project - All I know about this project is that it was gonna be DQB2 related, I think? All I know is that I have the colors for the character select in the only file in it that has anything of worth in it.

Of course, I should include the ones that I don't even have files on but still have information on. I might add more to this list later on because I might have forgotten about it. Most of these underneath have actual artwork I've made on paper.

Let's School X Undertale (UTMV AU) - Video Game

Moth (Sky:CotL) - Video Game

Floral Calligraphy (UTMV) - Fanfic

Splat! (UT AU) - Comic

Fell (UT AU) - Either Fanfic or Comic

Fake Apple (Original) - Video Game

Of Records and Skeletons (UTMV AU) - Fanfic

[lost-locket-antiques]

The Pixie Species and its Races

Pixies on Nijezdo are a strange people. They do not speak with sounds, but with scents, their language being aptly named Pheromona by Fae and Humans alike. As a result, very little is known about Pixie culture, habits, or even their life-cycle in general. However, what we do know is that unlike both Humans and Fae, Pixies are very androgynous. Having no mammary glands to speak of nor any sense of masculine or feminine features, it is quite difficult to differentiate between male Pixies and female Pixies. However it is still possible.

Addendum: Due to the impassible language barrier (Humans and Fae being physically unable to speak, or even comprehend, Pheromonan at this time) most of the "Nature" sections are nearly entirely speculative, and are to be taken with a grain of salt.

While Pixies are known to have the same cognitive functions as Humans and Fae, it is nearly impossible to prove consent for any kind of study. While most Pixologist have tried their best to make their subjects as comfortable as possible, the study of Pixies has been constantly questioned over the years if it is, indeed, ethical to study sentient creatures like this.

Terram, Pixies of Nature

Height Average: 20 cm (the women are minusculey smaller than the men)

Weight Average: 145 grams

Physical Description: The biggest and the broadest of the Pixies, Terram are based off of beetles. They are covered in hearty carapace surrounding most of their body. Most males have some sort of horn protruding from their head, whether it's on their nose, both their cheeks, or forehead, females do not.

Magical Affinity: Enchanted plant and animal growth: No one know entirely why, but the only way to properly cultivate anything with magical properties, whether it be a plant or animal, is nigh impossible without the help of a Terram Pixie. While Gnomes are the Cultivators of non-enchanted flora and fauna, Terram are the Cultivators of enchanted flora and fauna.

Nature: Studies find that Terram Pixies are quite territorial. Most only live in small communities of no more that 40 people. They live in large family houses that seem to be patriarchal in nature. Of course, like other soulbound (Human, Fae, and Pixie) people, they live in houses made of anything sturdy they can find that is close to them, as they live anywhere that plants and animals live.

While their culture is unknown, it has been seen in most larger Terram settlements that they have made as many technological strides as Humans/Fae have. Places of government, work, leisure, and worship have all been found in most, if not all of their territories.

Vita, Pixies of Life

Height Average: (male) 13 cm/(female) 11 cm

Weight Average: (male) 105 grams/(female) 98 grams

Physical Description: Tall, thin, and light, Vita Pixies are the most colorful of the bunch. Unlike their Terram and Mortem cousins, they are able to grow a hair like substance on their body, both sexes able to grow a head of hair, and males able to grow beards. Due to this, Vita Pixies are more sexually dimorphic compared to their cousins.

Magical Affinity: Life: Vita are attracted to living things that are either healthy, pregnant women/female animals, or that are just being born. It is speculated that they help with the birthing prosses, and give extra strength to those who are healthy. Though, the latter may just be a placebo,

Nature: Vita Pixies like to live along side Humans and Fae. They make their homes in gardens, attics, birdhouses, or any place that they can live near people without bothering them. Thankfully, most cultures on Nijezdo consider them good luck, so most people aren't bothered if a Vita decides that their garden is now also the Pixies garden. Though, there is still the problem of the Vita taking Human/Fae food without asking...

Vita tend to either live along or with a family of a married couple and their children. While they do seem to have territories of sorts, along with places of work, leisure, and worship, they do not seem to have any noticeable governing body. They seem to be the only Pixies to live this way...

Mortem, Pixies of Death

Height Average:(Fly) 8 cm/(Ant) 10 cm

Weight Average: 80 grams

Physical Description: The smallest, and least loved of all the Pixies, Mortems have nearly no sexual dimorphism. Other than females having slightly wider hips, and Ant Mortem males having wings, it is very difficult to tell males and females apart based of physiology alone (thankfully, like most cultures, they tend to have masculine and feminine clothing). They are also one of the only Pixies that can be born naturally without wings, though only the female Ant Mortems have this, all Fly Mortems have wings.

Magical Affinity: Death: Whether on you deathbed, have an injury, or are just ill, a Mortem Pixie is not far behind. While most had assumed originally Mortem were only there to impede the healing process (and as such may Pixies were murdered in the past because of this superstition), it has been discovered that they help keep infection and death away, rather that hinder. They seem to know when a person is just ill, or when a person is on death's door. As a result, they seem to give the dying person peace in their final moments.

Nature: Despite their skittish nature in front of Humans and Fae, Mortem tend to live in settlements of thousands or even millions. They prefer the safety of underground and live in very tightknit, seemingly rigid, communities. Sadly, due to the fact that people have demonized these people for centuries, they are the Pixies we know the least about culturally.

Solis, Pixies of Day

Height Average: (male) 12 cm/(female) 14 cm

Weight Average: (male) 120 grams/(female) 125 grams

Physical Description: Either very round, or very slim, Solis Pixies have the most attitude out of all their cousins. They are the only Pixies that always have some sort of fur on their body, mostly on their chest and legs. All of them have a stinger on the end of their abdomen, and thankfully, using it does not kill them.

Magical Affinity: Solar: they get stronger during the day, and weaker at night... we do not know why, nor do we know the purpose of such magic.

Nature: Like Mortem Pixies, Solis tend to live in large colonies, though instead of underground, they prefer the trees. It is not uncommon to see a large portion of a forest get taken over by a settlement of Solis Pixies. While they are not actively hostile to Humans or Fae... Don't walk into their territory if you are not actively friends with one of them... they may not die from stinging you, but you will.

Lunae, Pixies of Night

Height Average: (male) 11 cm/(female) 17 cm

Weight Average: (male) 123 grams /(female)134 grams

Physical Description: The only Pixie with 8 limbs and eyes, Lunae Pixies also don't have wings or antennae. They seem to be the only pixie race that has a major size difference between the sexes. With the males being at least 6 cm shorter on average. They all naturally grown hair from their scalp, and for males, grow beards.

Magical Affinity: Lunar: they get stronger during the night and weaker during the day. Like Solis Pixies, we do not know why the Lunae are like this either.

Nature: Lunae Pixies are quite solitary, usually only having a spouse and their children living with them at the most. Lunae seem to prefer being alone outside of that. They make their homes out of the silk that comes from their bodies, and tend to be entirely carnivorous, instead of omnivorous like their cousins.

While less overtly territorial than Solis Pixies, they still do not like it when Humans, Fae, or other Pixies invade their space, and have quite the venomous bite.

[talonwolf2]

I said earlier I was writing a Team Rancher fic based on the idea of what if they had a different number of lives, and I've actually written it! I still don't consider myself a good writer, but it took me two weeks to write and I wanna put it somewhere, I contemplating putting it on AO3 but I have no idea how that site works so Tumblr can have it. It is obvious that hurt/comfort is my favorite trope lol, flower husbands enthusiasts may not like this, Scott's an antagonist >:)

Word count: 12,738

Main characters: Tango and Jimmy

(all characters are present in some form)

Warnings (tell me if I should add/delete some): main character death, talk of side character death, stabbing, kissing (one is non-consent,) suicidal ideation, implied self harm, light description of gore, fainting, lotta stuff about blood

Tango shook his head, "you really shouldn't let them walk all over you," he said in a faintly questioning way, Tango had been sitting on their porch-like bridge that sat as a border for the Ranch while skimming through his communicator's logs. The late morning sun had been bouncing off the water below, blinding those spending time near it. He hadn't said anything since they'd gone back after Rancher's Revenge was slain.

Jimmy walked up from behind him, with a weak smile he added, "It's fine, I don't mind it, I swear,"

Jimmy sat himself next to Tango who emitted heat from his netherborn body, Tango gave no notice of him, focused on whatever was on his mind. He had the remains of Ranchers' Revenge in his lap, he pursed his lips holding onto what he wanted to say and Jimmy knew something must have been really bothering him. He knew Tango enough to know he couldn't just pry information like that out of him. They simply sat in an awkward silence, Jimmy peeling pieces of bark off the bridge where they sat seeing if he could throw chips far enough to land in the water with little success. Tango fiddled with his hands, eyes glued down to a rushing stretch of water, Tango silently moved away, standing up with Rancher's revenge sitting on his hip.

Jimmy watched as he started to walk towards the goat barn wordlessly, he knew it wasn't his time to chime in. Jimmy stretched out his shoulders hoping for it to help the tight feeling in his back despite knowing it would have no effect. Jimmy didn't want to tell Tango about it even though he knew Tango could feel the itchy and tightness Jimmy felt from his undelt with wings. He'd grown accustomed to it, but he knew it was being shared through their soulbound, it was stupidly obvious through the way he slouched. Jimmy told himself maybe things would be different this time if he didn't show his wings to anyone, they had really never really interacted with each other enough in the other games. He knew Tango wasn't aware of his avian features as he already had started to hide them by last life, so he'd already been used to unpreened wings at this point. He'd decided when he'd met Tango due to his innocent mistake, to hide them fully hoping that one little thing could break his curse; their curse now.

"Maybe we should stop," Tango said, cutting off Jimmy's thoughts as he sat back down close to him, his eyes subtly looking at Jimmy, "you know the way this always ends and we don't have a whole lot going for us," he paused setting his hand on Jimmy's, "ally wise." When Tango had returned, he was empty handed without his armor and extra bits of his outfit.

"Come on Tango, I really don't have too much faith in myself after how these games have ended for me," he chuckled, "I'm all in this for you now."

Tango only frowned at his attempts to get him to smile, Tango continued where he left off, "we shouldn't have messed with Scar," he said while Jimmy turned to see the ruins, "I am upset, but focusing on such a single miniscule issue could go south real quick." Tango took the hat he'd had on and set in on Jimmy's head, "but come on Jim, we got bigger things to deal with,"

Jimmy flushed at the gesture, "well okay then, what's the plan?" Tango only then returned a smile, "So no revenge, friend making?" He questioned adjusting Tango's hat on his head.

"Yeah, I'm thinking I'll work on the Ranch since it's been decided I'm the talented one," he poked, "and you'll try to unburn bridges, yeah?"

"I could do that," he said despite the fact he admittedly didn't want to, "then it's a plan!" He faked excitement.

"Great! Do you think you could track down some sand as well for a totally normal reason?" He added with a smile in his voice.

Jimmy started standing up, "wait do you want your hat back?" he said, tipping the hat.

Tango smiled dismissively, "nah keep it on, show others you're with me," as Tango went to push himself back up onto his feet, his hand went through a flimsy board. That board was a critical one which collapsed under his weight, causing him to fly down the revine.

Jimmy screamed as Tango's pain shot through both of them sending him back into his knees, Jimmy rushed to the edge spotting Tango laying on his back.

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" he insisted even though he'd fallen a good forty feet and he could feel the wind knocked out of both of him. "Maybe a scratch or two," he said, cradling his arm to his body still sprawled over the mossy rocks by the shore.

Jimmy stared down at him, "you dumbo," he gritted through his teeth from the pain rather than malicious intent, he yelled down to him, "maybe my curse has spread to you."

Tango swore under his breath, "you know how stupid I think that is, now are you gonna help me or what?" he shouted innocently. He turned to his communicator.

<SolidarityGaming> Ranch needs some help

<Grian> Deserved

<Inthelittlewoods> L

<Inthelittlewoods> What's up though?

<Tango> I feIl down the big revine

<GoodTimeWithScar> totally deserved, that's what you get for stealing my horse

"They really don't like helping huh," Jimmy yelled down, turning his head thinking he heard something behind him.

"Yeah I noticed," Tango said faintly, trying to ground himself which made him yell out in pain flopping back down onto the unforgiving rocks.

Jimmy swears he hears a faint giggle around him, but with his bound's pain shooting through his body, he knew he couldn't do anything about it, he wouldn't be able to fend for himself. "Tango do something," he shouted down as a feeling of dread filled him.

"What!?" Tango yells back trying to get up, which only causes him to stifle another pained sound.

All the confident footing Jimmy had made simply crumpled under him, "Whatever is there go away," he screamed covering his eyes.

A familiar voice spoke out, "oi what's all this for," he looked up only to see a girl in a red hood with torn moth-like wings, she giggled at how useless he looked, "You really do need a hand."

"Pearl! You scared the life out of me," Jimmy looked down gesturing, "again." She wasn't looking at him, but rather the condition of the Ranch, "are you gonna give us a hand or what?" Jimmy hushed.

"What's in it for me," she said in a deepened voice, "I gotta get something in return," she smiled.

"Pearl we are dirt poor," he said shakely standing up edging closer to her trying to make himself look bigger. She simply gave his shoulder a small shove, causing him to topple back, "fine, fine whatever you want!" His voice shook.

"I just want a promise of safety for my Tilly," she crouched down next to him.

"Is that it?" He furrowed his brows as she towered over him, "like your dog, really?"

"Mhm" she responded innocently.

"Then come'er," he becened her to the bridge, "the problem is very clear." he pointed down at Tango who gave a half-assed wave.

"Is that Pearl?" He shouted shifting how he lay.

Pearl looked at Jimmy who stiffened, "Bet you're happy I am a makeshift medic," She leaned over the edge getting a good look at him, "I'm gonna jump down to you."

Before Jimmy could get a word in, Pearl had already backed up and started running off the edge, "you really are crazy!" he shouted.

°~-–~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°

"Are you not wearing armor?!" Pearl exclaimed as she pulled herself up to the rocks he had fallen on, "that would explain a lot!"

"I don't wanna talk about it," he said, forcing a smile.

Pearl sat herself next to him, unclipping the bag attached to her thigh. Pearl took what he said as an ask for silence which he didn't mind, he thought she had an interesting character so he liked just seeing how she works. Pearl placed what seemed to be a mastershift cloth on the ground between placing other health items that were obviously made by her on it.

Pearl looked at him, "sanitizing," she gestured to the items being separated in a particular way.

Pearl looked down at her communicator as if she expected something only to discard it to the side. Pearl put up one finger as she hoped back down to the water, Tango looked up there cliff seeing Jimmy was looking down at him.

<Me To: SolidarityGaming> I don't like this

<SolidarityGaming To: Me> Me neither man, but you gotta trust her

<SolidarityGaming To: Me> Nobody else really wants to help us

<Me To: SolidarityGaming> Fine, what did you even say to get her help?

"And emotional support," Peart returned with a bucket full of water in one hand and a puppy under her other arm that seemed tired, but happy to be included. Pearl sat both down, the puppy just laid down next to her while the bucket splashed as she dropped it down. Pearl's mood switched back as she sat closer to Tango, "are you fine with me touching you?"

"As long as it gets me out of pain," he said, trying to find a way to sit comfortably.

Pearl turned away, sticking her hands in the ice cold lake water, "What all is bothering you?" She twisted back to him.

Tango paused thinking about it only to find with all the adrenaline pumping, he wasn't really sure, "all over," Which wasn't really wrong, he was in a lot of general pain. Tango had found it harder to get comfortable since he got bound to Jimmy, but he felt it wasn't his space to ask Jimmy if it was because of him.

Pearl frowned, "well that's not too helpful," she paused, biting her lips, "there's a quick way and a slower way to deal with that."

"Why would I not wanna take the quicker way, wouldn't that just be statistically better?" He questioned as she was looking away from him trying to get her to look him in the eyes.

"Typically yes, but it would break your soulbound," Pearl held out a Notch Apple, "but I don't think you want that."

Tango's eyes widened, he hesitated, "woah, woah, there is no way I'm doing that!" he hated to admit he thought about it for a second saying they were on their red lives, "I can't just do that to him."

"That's fine, you just need to tell me what's wrong then," Pearl said, trying not to sound bugged.

Tango looked at her thinking about her disunion with Scott wondering why she hadn't used it on herself, "well when I fell I got pretty winded and I tried to stop myself while falling and I already got this nasty gash on my arm," Tango extended his arm to show a winding injury that went from his inner wrist to the bump of his elbow.

Pearl looked at it and didn't say a word, she silently dug through her bag and pulled out a pink potion, "start with this," she pushed it into his hands.

"This is different than the apple?" He fiddled with its cap, "it won't affect our bond?"

"It shouldn't," Pearl said simply looking at him kindly, "I assure you it shouldn't."

Tango looked at her and drank half of it, it was very odd tasting and not too enjoyable, "bleh," he said sticking out his tongue, "It does seem like it's helping though." Tango smiled, pulling out his communicator.

<Me To: SolidarityGaming> Hey is what she's doing helping on your end Jimmy?

<SolidarityGaming To: Me> Yeah it's definitely working, whatever witchcraft she's using is amazing!

<Me To: SolidarityGaming> Yep!

<SolidarityGaming To: Me> I'll start trying to mend bonds like you said

Tango looked up at her, "well that works super fast," Pearl was busying herself again with her items, "I need to ask, why does everyone think of you as-"

"The crazy ex, a demoness, insane, weirdo," she looked up at him, "because I was abandoned back to back, I think if anyone else was in my boat they'd react the same way as me." Pearl took off her hood which made her green galaxy of freckles almost glow.

Tango sat up "I don't think you're some sort of demon, I think you're right, but people don't wanna see your side," after listening to Jimmy talking of him and Scott's falling out, he'd grown to have neutral at best feelings towards him.

She giggled, "I think you'd go crazy in this murderous loop as well," for once her smirk seemed rather malicious which admititly freaked Tango out just a tad.

Pearl smiled back at him in her normal innocent wonder way, "but, you are distracting me, I came to help you, not be reassured," Pearl pet the puppy who'd fallen asleep and had not been disturbed by their talking.

°~-–~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°

Jimmy swatted at a low hanging branch as he walked through the wooded area between him and Pearl's base, he felt the need to leave her at least some sort of gift. Jimmy was holding a young calf over his shoulders and had his pockets filled with small eggs, he thought it was a simple enough gesture from The Ranch that surely even a dog could enjoy. He sat them down in the base of her tower only to sit with them for a moment to ponder his next move. Jimmy did admittedly want to reconnect with Scott, they had been husbands in the past after all. He was in so much denial of Scott pushing him away, and he thought maybe he could change his mind this time as if he hadn't tried a million times. He loved Tango and all, but in no way was it in the same way as he'd been attached to Scott. Tango was his best non-romantic lover he'd ever had, he would do anything for him, but he couldn't just let go; he'd always been adored for never letting go. Jimmy gave the calf a good pat before standing up leaving it turning out the building towards him.

°~-–~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°

"You didn't really know Jim before this?" Pearl questioned helping Tango back onto the bridge, Pearl gave a little yelp as she grabbed onto his hand, which had heated up from his excitement of getting back up.

Tango gave heavy breaths as he stabilized himself back on his feet, "No, but I'm glad they brought us together," he smiled, "proud of us, we're gonna prove this nonsense curse thing being false."

"So that's why you're not afraid of this reversed red riding hood," Pearl huffed

"Possibly," he leaned on her shoulders, "you got good in you, i've got your back till the end if you need it, my last life if you will."

She pushed him off politely, "That's a huge deal, I couldn't do that."

"Okay~, offer will stay open," he added, staying cocky, Tango turned his back to her, eyeing The Ranch, "gotta figure out this mess now."

"Okay then sir, good luck with that and stay safe," Pearl waved as she headed on her way.

"You too Pearl!" He smiled.

<Me To: SolidarityGaming> Do you think you could still pick up some sand?

No response.

<Me To: SolidarityGaming> Jim?

<Me To: SolidarityGaming> You there?

Tango frowned, "I need to have faith in him, he's probably just out of range," he told himself as he fiddled with the antenna of his communicator. He crouched down in the shade of the goat barn and pondered over The Ranch. Maybe he could rebuild it out of brick, or hay, or stone, but he knew his limitation of items within his grasp would not let that be possible. Tango entered the Ranch again looking around the ruins of the main floor.

"Hello there," a smiley Scar on a horse says, "enjoying an almost end to your series."

"Yeah yeah yeah," he swatted at him away while rummaging through chests, "you're lucky I've not decided to turn on you, I don't think you want that either."

"Nope, me and G are really liking our green names and will be keeping it that way," Scar hopped off his horse, throwing its lead over what was once the door frame before entering the Ranch.

Tango turned to him, "is that a challenge?"

"I promise it is not, I have come to apologize," a smile slipped into his voice, "and I swear I'm not being forced to."

Tango sat on a singed chest, "then do it," he looked Scar up and down, "go on."

Scar stuttered over his words, "well, I guess I just wanted to uh, uhm words aren't working," he nervously laughed, "just I'm sorry, I want to just put it simply, but you did start it."

Tango heard Scar's communicator buzz, he took slow steps closer to him, "seems like you're just being used as a puppet," he leaned in close, "I don't think Grian deserves your trust." Scar looked at him but didn't back away, he didn't dare utter a word, as if he did admit it, everything would fall apart. Tango stepped back, "I'm not wrong am I?"

Scar's lips were sealed before spitting out, "I trust Grian," he had a thought filled look, "he's protected me with his life in the past."

"And didn't you turn on him?" Tango slowed, this wasn't where he meant to bring the conversation, he was filled with guilt, "I'm sorry, that was inappropriate of me to say."

Scar looked at him before folding onto the ground, "heh, forgot my cane," he froze, "but you're not wrong," he looked up at Tango, "the lenses are definitely rose colored," he scoffed.

Tango joined him on the floor silently, "earlier Pearl gave me an offer,"

He perked up, "an offer you say?"

Tango glanced at Scar, "you may not like this, I sure didn't," Tango touched the back of his neck, "Pearl had offered me a god Apple," Scar furrowed his brows, "which breaks a soulbound."

Scar's eyes flashed with fear, "you're serious?"

"Completely."

"And you have it?"

"No, I didn't dare touch it, let alone take it from her."

Scar had an unreadable look, "what did she want for it?"

"Are you actually thinking about it!" Tango was genuinely surprised, that seemed so unlike him.

"Oh would you look at that my communicator is going off, bye bye now Jolly Rancher!" Scar fibbed, jumping to his feet obviously too quickly for his body, hobbling towards his horse.

"It's still Team Rancher Scar," he shouted as he pulled himself onto his horse and headed on his way, "I was gonna try to pull a you and swindle for you horse." he laughed to himself.

Tango took a random pain, "ow!" he audibly exclaimed, "that was a lot of damage!"

Tango pushed himself off the ground, he paused looking at the chests, he decided it wasn't quite worth his efforts. It had already been a long day and the non-existent sleep for the past few days was getting to him. Tango took out his horn and gave it a good blow.

No response.

Not answering his communicator wasn't unlike him, but not answering their horns? He blew it again as loud as he could.

No response.

An unfamiliar sensation followed the silence.

°~-–~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°

His communicator buzzed without him realizing as he entered Scott's own version ranch.

"What do you want this time," a bitter Scott spat at him.

His eyes scanned Scott's base, "I just wanted to say hello!," Jimmy responded with a gentle smile hiding a daisy behind his back.

"Timmy, you are literally a beggar, leave, I don't do charity,"

Jimmy felt struck by this reminder he truly wasn't the same Scott who paraded him around, "well I guess I really only wanted to say hi!" He repeated hiding his disappointment.

"Then hi," Scott gestured him away, "I had plans."

Jimmy continued, "just wanted to see how the worse ranch was doing with your self made soulmate," he said poking at him.

"We have a stronger bond than most for the record, me and Cleo are better than any other partner I've had." Scott said shoving a fence post to correct its wonky placement.

"What happened?" Jimmy walked closer to him, trying to get Scott to look at him while fiddling with the flower, "you have spent this series abandoning, not one, but two past partners who had been just as important to you."

"This is not the same game," Scott growled.

"Pearl is literally bound to you, and you left her," he snapped for her despite the fact he was one of many who was afraid of her, "you lived with her last time and left me!"

Scott got in his face, "I choose my own destiny," he scowled as their eyes locked, and slowly added one word at a time, "it's none of your business Jim."

Jimmy slouched, "I want a reason," he added in a hushed voice, "please."

"Well I'm not gonna give you one," he backed away, "you are not worth my time." He started walking backwards, "you have Tango and you still come back for my praise, pathetic," Scott rolled his eyes.

His heart sank, "you really are that cruel," he hissed, "forget this." Jimmy threw the daisy on the ground stomping on it. He gave a quick glare before crossing his arms huffing as he walked away. Tango was all he needed, Scott meant nothing to him!

Totally nothing.

Jimmy didn't know where he was going but he just let his legs take him wherever they'd dare to, he didn't care anymore. Tango was all he had, he hated the frustration that started to boil up inside him thinking of how Tango was the only one he felt ever truly believed in him. Jimmy started to audibly grumbling to himself as it all started to bubble over his limit, it was all so much. He wanted to not care, but he did, too much.

Jimmy suddenly fell, the ground underneath him stopped. Within his blurry haze of emotions he fell into a cave, It wasn't a shallow cave at that, it definitely wasn't a fun fall, "Why does this keep fucking happining," he whimpered to himself. He leaned his head down between his legs wondering what he did to deserve what had been thrown at him. Jimmy put his hand through his hair realizing Tango's hat had fallen off, he panicked for a moment before seeing it slyly laying on its side a few feet away. Jimmy smiled at it as he stood up to go and grab it, everything seeming to fall back in place as his emotions fizzled away. "I have Tango," he smiled. It was getting dark, he knew if he tried to get out now he'd run out of energy, Jimmy knew he'd have to set up camp there for the night. He reached for his communicator only to find the string that once chained it to his belt had snapped, he grumbled, "hmph, I don't wanna worry Tango, but I really can't tell him."

He nodded his head, maybe a nap would be deserved, but he just couldn't get comfortable. He moved his shoulders and patted his back, but it didn't do anything to help and he knew it wouldn't. Jimmy had spent so long abusing his wings that it truly was starting to come back to bite him. He hated them and the pain they brought, he never dared to tell, let alone show Tango his wings because of it. Jimmy as a stabbing pain ran through him, annoyed he finally caved. Jimmy took off his jacket tossing it to the side, he then untied his bandana he matched with Tango tossing onto the hat on top of his jacket. He paused for a moment, rubbing his shoulders trying to help his pain, his wings had only become more of a nuisance especially as he tried getting his shirt off. Jimmy could barely get his shirt off with his wings sticking to his shirt, he found that with an elongated stretch, he could finally pull it over his head tossing it over to join his jacket. Jimmy then struggled with one hand trying to reach the string he'd used to tie his wings together tightly to his body, Jimmy took one good tug to it and it untied falling behind him. Jimmy was instantly filled with a feeling of pleasure, it felt so good to have them freed, he moved his wings around with a cheeky smile giggling to himself. The pain ceased!

But that joy was instantly taken over by an even greater level of discomfort that rolled over him. It was actually painful, he folded into himself from the pain, grinding his teeth together. He went from sitting happily to laying on his stomach to trying to get weight off his wings. The pain caused him to have a giggly feeling even though it made him feel like he was about to faint, he couldn't help but continue to giggle as he thought about how he got there. Arrived in the game after an unknown amount of time in his own personal void to find his wings maliciously clipped perfectly, with nothing but his clothes to his name. The talk of soulmates comforted him, he thought knowing his track record, maybe his person could help make this short time together pleasant.

Jimmy was hit with another stinging pain as he started to doze off. He was laying his bare chest to the unwelcoming stone hearing distant sounds, but it was not enough to keep him awake.

°~-–~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°

Tango couldn't take it, he yelled through the horn one more time.

No.

Response.

Panic set in, "I swear if I die like this," he mumbled to himself. He had been leaning precariously against the ruins, he finally threw back on his vest seeing that the sun would start setting within the hour and started running towards The Cake. He called out being the first person he'd seen. "Scar, Scar!"

"Oh, oh, ooh my gosh," a spooked Scar dropped his cane, "you scared me!"

Tango rushed to pick it up, shoving it back into his hand, "I'm so sorry, but have you seen Jimmy?" he pleaded.

Scar had a hand on his chest, "well no, geez, I need a moment."

"I don't have a moment," he wanted to yell. "Take your time," he hummed.

"Come, Come, to the Panda Sanctuary!" he invited, "I need to sit!"

"I'm still sorry, but I don't have time for that, have you seen Jimmy!"

Scar frowned, "well that doesn't make me wanna help," Tango glared, "you're looking good today though, classic Avian slouch is gone."

Tango tilted his head, "What?"

"Hmph, okay then," Scar grinned, "I swear I saw him on the other side of the revine a while ago," He added while turning away, "I'll be with the Jellies if you need me."

Tango sat frozen for a moment before snapping out of it, he looked over the bridge, the Relation. He hopped over towards the wobbly bridge that crossed over the ravine that connected The Cake to the Boat Boy's base. He ran up there path to the boat panting frantically looking around the boat to see noone.

<Tango> aye, SmallEtho, where are you at? It's urgent

<Etho> Nowhere

<Tango> I'm at the Relationship, I have a flint and steel

<Smallishbeans> I'm calling your bluff

<Grian> He is at your base

<Etho> Kinda busy

Tango grumbled leaning against The Relation as the unfamiliar feeling ran through him again. He picked at a splintering piece of wood, he gave a defeated tap to the boat as he started his way towards Cleo's base. He thought maybe she'd be of some sort of actual help. Tango grabbed at random pieces of tall grass within his reach while walking trying to get his mind straight; he'd never felt this way about others in the past games. Was it because of their soulbound or did he actually care? He stuck with that thought, smiling to himself, he really did love his bound. Even if it wasn't the same as some of the others, of whom were more than just soulbounds. Yet he truly loved Jimmy. His partner in this life.

"Oh Cleo!" Tango said extra exaggeratedly, a smile slipped into his voice, "you around." He blew his horn while stumbling around her home, "man she's not home either!" Tango looked down the bridge and grimaced, it was a pretty bridge and all, but he didn't like who was sat on the other side.

"Hi Tango," added a lonesome Scott sitting inside his sheep pen brushing a young lamb, "you having a fun time there yelling all about?"

Tango waltzed up to the pen, "what do you think," he snapped.

"Feisty today," Scott looked up at him, "I swear if you scorch my new fence."

Tango lifted his hand not realizing how hard he was gripping it, "oh, uhm," he stammered, "What are you doing?"

He didn't respond to him, "My fence! You owe me now," he stood up reminding Tango of how tall he truly was, "here, have this."

Scott tossed him the wilted flower, "What's this?" He furrowed his brows, "a daisy?"

Scott made a face, "yeah, I believe it is,"

Tango smiled, "he quite liked daisies,"

"He did."

Color drained from his face, "What did you do."

Scott calmly opened the gate and stood in front of him, "nothing," he had an abnormal smile on his face.

"I won't ask again, what did you do to Jimmy," he threatened standing in his face.

"Well I didn't do anything," he calmed, "Timmy definitely wasn't happy about what I had to say."

"You know his name, stop," he growled.

Scott put his hands in his pockets, "oh I'm well aware, he responds to it, no harm here."

He rolled his eyes, "Stop it, are you really no help either!" Tango held everything inside him to stop himself from putting his hands on him.

"No I don't plan to be, are you gonna keep loitering there," Scott poked him in the chest turning to fumble with something else in his pocket.

"I hate you," he spat on him, "you are so two faced!"

Scott stared at him as if it came out of nowhere, "well that's just rude." He wiped his face, "leave."

"I know you're not telling me something." He gave in, shoving Scott which did nothing, but off his footing.

"In that case, just take this stupid thing," he threw a pile of mini redstone peices, "the canary dropped that and it fell into the pen and the sheep got to it first."

He realized that it was the remains of Jimmy's communicator, he'd lost it and that's why he hasn't responded. Tango felt he may have been a bit irrational with his fear, he scoffed at it. "Why did you call Jimmy a canary?" He questioned picking through the pieces.

"I think that's something you'd want to ask him yourself," Scott started walking away.

Tango looked at him, but he didn't bother. He turned back to the pieces, Tango knew it would take him hours to fix it. Tango frowned as he started trying to separate the old casing from wires, and wires from the mechanical pieces, but with his still injured arm, he struggled to pick up the tiny pieces. Tango slashed through the pieces in frustration, he knew he couldn't fix it even if he did have hours.

Jimmy's weird pain returned to him again in an even worse wave than before. Tango laid back on Scott's wooden path, he wanted to give up there, but he knew he couldn't just yet.

"Are you good Tango?" Scott returned with concern itching in his voice.

"I think I'm dying," Tango closed his eyes, "I'm on my last life, but I'm not out for blood," he pleaded.

He could feel Scott take a step back through the vibrations of the path, "oh," he hushed.

"I don't wanna die like this," he bit his lips, "I'm not ready."

Scott couldn't help but wordlessly stare from a short distance.

Tango tilted his head with his ear to the ground, "we both keep taking turns causing pain the past few hours," he laughed to himself.

Scott squatted down next to him, "where does it hurt?"

Tango elected to ignore how genuine he sounded, "it's grown from discomfort to a stabbing pain, it's all in my upper back and it's not gone away." Tango had pained tears in his squinted eyes.

Scott had his mouth glued closed, he remembered Jimmy going through something similar once when they were together. He had been in no way the same level of pain, but he had sworn he'd never let it happen again because of how much it worried him. He knew Jimmy had become more secretive, but he didn't think he would keep his avian nature secret from his soulmate of all people. "I can't help you if it's through Jimmy," he mumbled.

"Great," Tango gritted his teeth, "I can't, I can't this is," he trailed off.

"Tango?" Scott asked, "Tango, are you okay?" He repeated, he tapped his face to get no response repulsed by his warmth, he froze, "Tango?!"

<Smajor1995> GUYS SOMETHING'S OFF WITH TANGO

<ZombieCleo> I swear I just heard him embarrassing himself on my lawn

<Smajor1995> I'm being genuine, it doesn't seem good!

<RenTheDog> Are we already getting someone out this quick?!

<PearlescentMoon> I'm coming, I'm coming

Scott kept patting very unconscious Tango, "come on, not like this!" He suddenly felt as if he was back at the failed trap that had taken Jimmy's yellow life. Scott remembered peering into a crumbling explosion hole that was a mix of his and two other people's remains. It was the most bloody, gruesome scene he had ever seen in these death games he'd partaken in. The horrors of that scene alone scarred him for such a long time that he still got debilitating nightmares over it. He couldn't peel his eyes away from him the same way he couldn't then.

Impulse jumped over to him, "wow what's going on," he swooped down going to support Tango's head.

"I don't know he complained about Jimmy's pain and he passed straight out," Scott had tears running down his face, he reached to touch Tango's face only to recoil. He swore under his breath, "I keep forgetting he is literally burning hot." Scott scoffed as he wiped his own wet cheeks.

"What do we even do?" Impulse asked, also bugging Tango with the back of his hand.

"Depends," Pearl suddenly stood above them, "I don't think we have a set plan for this type of stuff."

Scott watched as Pearl popped down next to Impulse, "what should we do then," he stared at her.

"Don't pour water on him, that would shock his system," Pearl looked at Impulse who's gloves had holes forming in them, "I'm not as confident on what to do either, is it his problem or y'know?"

"Complained of extreme upper back pain, what do you think," Scott grumbled.

"Ah, then Jimmy," Pearl turned, hiding the smile his acknowledgment gave, "I think we just gotta wait it out though sadly," she stopped, "we don't know where Jimmy is so that's a huge roadblock."

He dropped his tensed shoulders, "We should bring him inside," Scott invited, "I'll grab his feet, you grab him by his shirt," he directed Impulse.

He nodded and Scott tilted his head towards his home. Pearl understood running in front of them and propping open Scott's door. "He's a lot lighter than I thought," Impulse said through a slightly strained voice solely because of his awkward hold of him.

Pearl kicked away small debris on Scott's floor, "Can you grab some wool from my chests," Scott asked, struggling to hold Tango up.

"Yeah yeah I can do that," she shifted over to his chests rummaging through them, "here," she tossed a decently sized clump of wool.

He let it drop on the floor adjusting it with his feet, "okay, let's turn him around and put his head there," he looked into Impulse's eyes.

Pearl watched them carefully set him down, "what now?"

"We have to make a search party," Impulse clapped his hands together looking up at her, "I'll organize it." He got to his feet, made a quick goodbye, then got on his way.

Scott was now sitting rummaging in his own chests while Pearl was left standing there, "I think I'll leave."

"Please do," Scott responded simply.

"Okay," she murmured, pausing by the door as her communicator buzzed, "I guess I'll answer that."

A silence loomed over Scott, Scott kept moving his hand close to Tango making sure he was still alive. Scott couldn't focus on his other plans especially with the sky's color draining swiftly; he had spent the past hours pacing while Tango was under his care. He was struggling with nerves from his lack of understanding of Tango's kind. Scott could hear horns blowing and yells all day, and with the day's light, the shouts ran dry.

Tango stirred and Scott paused, frozen in place. He dropped down next to him, "Hey," he hushed hoping he'd respond.

Tango squeezed his eyes together, he hummed ineligibility, he opened one eye and gave an unimpressed look.

Scott pushed more wool under him inviting him to sit up, which Tango couldn't really argue against.

"Still don't like you," he grumbled, slurring his words together.

"I guess that's fair," Scott scooted away, Scott twiddled his thumbs, "how do you feel?"

"Sleep helped," he replied, continuing to slur, Tango looked at him with heavy eyes that peaked open.

He didn't dare correct him, "probably need something to munch on, lemme see what i've got," he walked up to his counter.

"That'd be nice," Tango faintly smiled.

"I haven't been killing any of my animals, but I have some bread," he returned to him, "it's a touch stale."

Tango happily grabbed it from him, "Thanks," he wasn't wrong about it being "a touch" stale, "is Jimmy okay?"

"People have been searching for him, I haven't been updated, but most stopped going out since the moon started dominating the sky," Scott lit a lantern sitting near them, "I don't believe they have though."

"I gotta find him then!" Tango exclaimed, rushing to his feet.

"You were unconscious for almost five hours, I wouldn't," he said, putting a harsh hand on Tango's shoulder.

"You're not in charge of me," he fought back pushing himself up off his bent knee.

"I can't stop you-"

Tango didn't let him speak, "that's right, I have things to do," he scoffed, "I sound like you."

Scott watched Tango slam his door open and closed, he snapped back to his senses; why did he care?

Tango stopped just outside the door, where does one even start! He peeled his hand away from the handle, he reached for his communicator, it was dead. He sighed putting it back in his pocket, defeated, he stumbled down the steps. Tango kicked a small package and stopped, it peaked his curiosity. It read:

I tried

-Impulse

Tango tilted his head, picking it up and heading towards the exit of Scott's perimeter. He struggled to deal with the leather wrapping around it, Tango paused just outside, pulling a sharp cobblestone from his pocket. He grinned, it was a gold and blue communicator with Jimmy's name etched in it. The gesture touched him, he dashed it into a pocket in his vest, he needed to find Jimmy.

"Jimmy, Jimmy!" He yelled out getting louder, "Jimmy are you around!" He passed Box which was lit up, "odd looking place," he mumbled to himself looking through the darkness of the trees thoroughly. "Jim! Jimmy," he continued yelling, keeping up a swift pace starting through the dense woods.

He noticed something else wandering in the woods. Tango almost ran into a silent Ren and Martyn, they were holding each other's hands while Ren held a nearly out torch. They looked at him unfazed and nodded at him, Tango returned the nod. "Well that happened," he thought to himself.

He continued yelling, staring up at the moon which sat just above him, "Jimmy, where are you!" He coughed, the yelling was not treating him well, he turned to his horn, he blew it as loud as his sore lungs would let him.

No response

He blew it again, one more time; a defeated blow.

A distant response

He froze, "Jimmy!" He yelled out one more time running towards the sound, he abruptly stopped, "woah!" He blurted out, tipping himself backwards avoiding a huge cavern.

"Tango?"

He kneeled, peering over the edge, "Are you down there Jim?"

"Yeah I'm down here, I don't see you," he shouted distantly.

Tango's heart melted, he missed Jimmy, but he wasn't sure if he was gonna hug him or kill him when he got down there, "I'm gonna find a way down," he didn't have any of his tools on him, but the ground seemed too unstable to dig already. He looked at the surrounding woods, he yanked long vines off trees tossing them towards the cavern. He was always surprised by how strong vines were, he braided a bunch of them together. "I'm tossing something down,'" he smiled excitedly, ready to see him again, thinking how it was basically the same their last meeting had left off. Tango stepped back, he blew on his hands trying to keep himself from getting too excited, he turned to tie the long vine to a nearby tree. He neared the edge kicking his feet over the edge, he grabbed onto the vine and scooted off the edge. Tango yelped as he fell, the vines were not a forgiving hand hold, despite that he made it to the bottom safely with only a little skin rubbed off his palms.

"Tango," his familiar voice screamed.

Tango's eyes met Jimmy,

he ran putting him into the strongest hug he could, "oh my god you're alive! And fine."

"Tango, that's starting to hurt," Jimmy's voice reeked of a smile.

Tango loosened his hug, "I'm sorry," he pecked his cheek, "I'm so glad you're okay," he repeated himself letting go of him.

Jimmy stepped back flustered, "me to," Jimmy itched the back of his head nervously.

Tango clocked on, "wow," he stared at him, he stumbled, "you're not wearing a shirt." He cringed to himself, redirecting to the more obvious thing, "and those wings!"

Jimmy's face was flame red, "yeah," his wings folded into himself, "not the most comfortable thing ever."

Tango was in awe of his wings golden color, "they're beautiful," Tango approached him, "so is that the cause of that stupid feeling."

Jimmy shifted his shoulders to let Tango get a good look, "yeah, gotta a lot of junk stuck in 'em and I'm pretty sure they're getting pretty infected in places."

Tango reached his hand into the feathers, "that's fine, we can deal with it, it doesn't make them any less beautiful," Tango couldn't let go of how amazed he was.

Jimmy tensed with his warm touch, it was pleasant on his wings, but it was a surprise, "can you not?"

"Sorry! I forgot about that, I'm just excited," Tango haphazardly pulled his hand away, hitting Jimmy's back.

Jimmy recoiled, "ow, Tango," he blurted with a pained giggle in his voice.

"Sorry sorry!" Tango yelped, hugging his hand to his body, "I'm so sorry, how can I apologize!"

"Sorry is well enough," he insisted, "come on, don't work yourself up over it."

Tango furrowed his brows, "you can see my handprint," he bit the inside of his cheek, "can I say sorry again?"

He scoffed, smiling, "no, you can not," he extended his wings and a single feather fluttered to the ground, "I'll be fine."

Tango bent down grabbing the feather, he smiled up, "can I keep it?"

He grinned back, "the same way I'm keeping your hat?" He knew his face was red, letting others keep feathers had never been a gesture he felt comfortable with before. It was a big deal.

"Then that's that," he stuck the golden feather behind his ear, blending in with his own fiery yellow hair, "this is all this moment needed."

"All," he smirked, "I feel as if another hug would perfect this moment."

"Wait one sec something even better," Tango dug through his pockets interrupting him, "I got this for you- well technically Impulse did." Tango extended his hand with the custom communicator.

Jimmy's jaw dropped, taking it from him, "oh my god you're the best!" He wrapped his arms around him, pulling him off his feet.

Tango buffered for a moment before digging his face into Jimmy's shoulder, "you know it!"

His heart fluttered, they were meant to be together. Jimmy loved Tango in a way that was special to them, he loved Tango's gestures and spark. But that all came from a place of their strong soulbound and not relations like most. Jimmy made a tight smile as he loosened his grip on Tango, Tango lifted his head cracking a smile. Jimmy kissed Tango slowly on the cheek, returning his beloved reaction to reconnecting.

Tango eyes shifted to his not leaving a moment for silence, "can I kiss you?" He never felt a yearning to kiss someone like that before. Tango put a hand on Jimmy's face rubbing his thumb where he had kissed him before.

"Yes please," he melted into Tango's kind touch. Tango giggled, "come on then, kiss me," Jimmy bugged.

Tango pulled him closer wrapping his arm around his waist keeping the other on his cheek, "well okay then mister."

Jimmy made the move in his hesitation, tugging his shirt tightly, smirking, bringing Tango's lips to his. Tango was noticeably shorter yet Jimmy melted into him, causing no need for Tango to tiptoe to his height. Tango lowered his hand off Jimmy's cheek, rolling his hand down his back, running his fingers through his wings. Jimmy returned his hands to Tango's face feeling the moment build up inside him, the world felt as though it faded into blissful nothingness. Jimmy opened his mouth smirking, Tango smiled against his teeth, leaning their foreheads together. Jimmy slid his hands around his neck, Tango reached back in for more of Jimmy's soft love. Jimmy's breath was sweet from watermelon while his was bitter from wild berries, yet they were tied to each other gladly.

Tango pulled back from him gently, all giddy he remarked, "you're the best."

Jimmy brushed his hand against Tango's, "mhm," he leaned back standing on the heels of his feet, "we should really deal with the big problem."

Tango hugged Jimmy close to him, resting his head on Jimmy's collarbone, setting a cool hand against his chest, "yeah, but that can wait," he kissed his neck, "I only just got here."

Jimmy pushed him off shyly, "what about The Ranch though?"

Tango frowned, dropping his hand to his side, "it's about just as ruined," he stepped back as well, "I guess we should deal with that."

Jimmy turned his back to him letting his wings pick up the rising Sun's glow, Tango followed him closely as he wandered towards the pile of his belongings. Jimmy crouched down, causing his wings to smack Tango in the face, Tango spat out the taste of his feathers in his mouth. Jimmy stifled a laugh, "sorry about that," he picked up his jean jacket, "I've gotten real sick of tucking my wings in my shirt."

Tango knew what he was thinking, digging into his pockets tossing him the sharp stone from earlier, "temporary solution, but you could always just slice a bit off for your wings to fit through."

Jimmy turned the rock in his palm, "I could," he draped the jacket over a knee and nicked the fabric with the duller end. He stared at it closely for a moment, before slashing through the fabric swiftly and as evenly as he could. "Perfect!" He exclaimed.

Tango watched him throw the jacket over his shoulders, "do you want any help?"

Jimmy struggled trying to pull his left wing through the tear, "I think I'm fine," he insisted, "okay yeah I do," he quickly backtracked, distressed by feathers that got snagged.

Tango sat down behind him, silently adjusted his feathers as Jimmy kept trying to maneuver his wing through his jacket, knowing his bodily temperature was rising, he feared burning him again. Tango gently grabbed the bend of his wing, straightening it, Jimmy smiled at him, laying his head back on Tango as he pulled Jimmy's short feathers out of his jacket. "This is annoying," he laughed nervously.

"Well you started it," he put his hand through Jimmy's knotted hair, "come on we're half way done."

Jimmy groaned as he threw his head back up, "yeah," he drawled.

"There ya' go," Tango said while helping Jimmy put his wings through first, which was much more successful.

Jimmy tugged at the cuffs of his jacket, shifting to face him, "thanks, I haven't had to put on a shirt with my wings in a long time," he started buttoning his jacket, "what're you thinking now?"

"Well we gotta get out of here to say the least," Tango leaning into him undoing Jimmy's top button smirking, "let's figure this out."

°~-–~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°

Jimmy flopped into the grass, "told you it wouldn't work."

Tango pulled himself up, "hey we still got up here," he stood over Jimmy panting slightly, "to The Ranch?"

Tango extended his hand to him, Jimmy grinned taking it, "Ranch repair time." Tango launched him to his feet with a simple pull, "woah dude!" He stumbled trying to ease himself, "you're excited."

Tango bashfully touched the back of his neck, "whoops?"

Jimmy laughed, taking his hand, "ow! I forgot about it this time." Jimmy shrugged it off with a smile still plastered on his face.

Tango did not seem to find it as amusing, he gave a low humming grumble, "One second." He grasped his own hand, pacing, Tango gave a quick annoyed breath stepping away swiftly. Tango yelled out as he swung full force at a tree, Jimmy groaned as pain climbed through his arm. Tango growled looking at Jimmy with his red eyes glowing like he'd only ever seen once before. Even with twenty feet between them, Jimmy could catch Tango's bothered expression.

Jimmy approached him kindly, "it's really fine," he paused watching Tango huff. Jimmy knew it wasn't his fault he tipped over the edge, but he knew the way to Tango. Jimmy cornered him against the tree and held one hand over Tango's shoulder, caressing the back of their hands together with the other, "I trust you." Jimmy watched Tango with a tilted head watching him glance haphazardly at the ground avoiding his eyes, his grumbling stabling.

Tango made a muffled sound from deep inside his throat, peering at their hands, he loosened his hands from the fist he hadn't realized he was making, which was digging his nails into his palm, Jimmy flipped his hand rubbing Tango's knuckles softly. He found it quite amusing that he had met Tango's melting point.

Jimmy stepped back giving him his space back, Tango pulled his hand closer to himself only for Jimmy to take his hand and hold it between his own, "there's the boy I know," he laughed as Tango looked up at him square in the eyes, "we have each other," he reminded.

Tango's lips perked up, "mhm," he twisted his fingers into Jimmy's.

Jimmy took a step forward, "ready?"

He nodded, "yeah."

Jimmy started off at a swift pace, Tango squeezing his hand, finding it a tad bit unnatural for him to keep up. Jimmy eventually slowed his pace to account for their lack of knowing where they were. Jimmy kept accidentally peering into the sun trying to figure out which way to get home.

"Maybe we should cut out this way, it seems to be some plains," Tango pointed out.

"Ah I see," Jimmy dropped his hand ducking under a very low hanging branch, "freedom!" He joked, running up ahead.

Tango laughed rushing to catch up to him, he picked up Jimmy giving him a good spin when he did. Tango set him down carefully, bowed kissing his hand like a prince as Jimmy's feet settled. The two pranced together with nothing in their vision but each other, the world around then being blurred. Jimmy squeezed his hand as hard as he could, the two laughing together as one, their perfect moment could never end.

And then it did

Jimmy flashed awake, he was in The Ranch? Jimmy reached in his pockets having nothing but his communicator on, he scoffed, "man we must have died," Jimmy looked to the other bed, but it remained empty, "Tango?" He froze, "This isn't funny, where are you?"

No response

Jimmy rushed to his feet, he could see through where the upper floor used to be, no one. He rushed down to the basement, no one. He peered out from the door frame, no one. He looked at their farm, no one, the goats old home, no one, no one, no one!

Jimmy yanked his communicator out of his pocket in desperation.

Tango fell from a high place

SodalityGaming died

<Grian> OMG FIRST OUT

<PearlesntMoon> NOT TIMMY AND TANGO

<Smajor1995> AGAIN!

<SmallishBeans> Called it

Jimmy furrowed his brows reading earlier messages.

<PearlesntMoon> I gotta call it a night, sorry

<Grian> No sightings in the caverns either

<RenTheDog> I'm not giving up quite yet dudes

<ImpulseSV> Thank you all for trying at least

<Smajor1995> Can someone help me, I don't know how to help him

<Smajor1995> You know stuff about the nether right Martyn?

<InTheLittleWoods> No can do bud

<Smajor1995> You bitch, I don't want him dying dying in my arms

It hit him, Tango was gone, his one love was gone like that. It hit him, and his blood boiled inside him.

<SolidarityGaming> Guys?

<GoodTimeWithScar> Wait, shouldn't you be dead?

<ImpulseSV> You're alive?!

His wings hugged around him, Jimmy couldn't stomach looking at his communicator anymore. He collapsed on the ground into a pile of bones. He felt struck, in shock even, but nothing else. Jimmy looked up to a small calf that escaped the pen staring down at him, he gave a labored breath as he picked up the calf, it happily sat in Jimmy's arms. He walked back through The Ranch slowly, his wings wrapping closer to him as he passed the beds, he turned setting the calf back in the pen and it swiftly returned to its mother. He turned away struggling to bear it, Jimmy thought about his communicator again, not daring to look at what they're saying.

He needed Tango, now what? Jimmy couldn't help but deny what happened, his vision blurred as he stumbled out of The Ranch, "Tango!" He screamed while running, he found himself stuck running with no direction, just wanting to find him okay. Jimmy froze, seeing someone on the ground, Jimmy ran to them.

A single Bdubs was crumpled with a shovel dropped in front of him, he had silent tears running down his face. Jimmy noticed a hole not far from him, confused he peered down the pit; everything stopped.

Tango

Jimmy pulled the shovel away from Bdubs smacking it into the hard unforgiving dirt, he needed to get down there. Jimmy dug and dug until he met the shaft of the man-made hole staring down eyes glued to Tango. He pleaded for Tango to be okay, even though he knew. He glanced up before looking back readying to drop down. The space was no bigger than then five by five feet so he sneaked down carefully by pushing his arms and legs against the wall sliding down. Jimmy's body wasn't ready for it, and it gave out when he was still around fifteen feet up. He fell smacking the ground harshly, hitting his head on the walls on the way down.

Jimmy sat himself up rubbing his eyes, a touch dazed realizing he had passed out. After a moment he stirred noticing an evident commotion starting above him. He snapped back to his senses, he looked at Tango realising their bodies were touching, yet he was cold. Jimmy put his hands on either side of Tango's face bringing their foreheads together. He gave a saddened smile dropping his hands watching Tango's head droop towards him. Jimmy looked up seeing someone look at him, he shot his eyes down to Tango. He took off his jacket, covering Tango's face, Jimmy put an arm under Tango's limp legs and the other behind his shoulders, Jimmy whimpered as he lifted Tango. If Jimmy hadn't looked hard enough, he'd have just assumed he was asleep. Sure Tango had a nasty gash along his face that tracked down to a new rip in his shirt that tinted it a new shade of red, along with that his left ankle and wrist were both bent in a fashion that was oddly sat. But Jimmy thought just maybe if he ignored it, it wouldn't have been real.

He struggled to use a pickaxe to tunnel back up with a Tango draped over him. Jimmy fell into a blurry daze, he could hear voices and steps above him, but none of them he could decifier anymore. Someone's words seemed surprised, while someone was upset, and others flat, but he couldn't process their words or voices.

Jimmy met his old tunnel, he hit it with the dull end of his pickaxe against crumbly dirt, the sun hitting his face. Jimmy glued his eyes to Bdubs as he took his final step up. Impulse, who was kneeling next to Bdubs, stood up patting his back. "Jim," he started looking at Jimmy who was scanning the group seeing Etho, Joel, and Cleo all staring at him, "I would like to apologize for Bdoubleo's actions."

Jimmy's wings puffed while his face was stuck in a grim look, Jimmy turned back to Bdubs who seemed just as defeated as before. He felt a type of anger he'd never felt himself as he stared, "I don't blame you," he gritted to Impulse.

"He is really sorry, he hasn't been able to say anything more than 'I'm so sorry' he is insanely sorry!" Impulse insisted trying to defend his sad lump of a bound.

Jimmy pushed his chest, "I don't need it from you," Jimmy pulled his jacket off of Tango's battered face to let the golden sun attempt to give him his glory back, "I want more than an apology," Jimmy looked at Etho who was grasping Joel's hand desperately; they were not known for showing affection. "I'm sorry Etho," he hummed tapping his shoulders kindly, glancing at Cleo who stood behind him staring down the pit, "and you as well, Cleo." Tango only talked highly of Cleo and the rest of Team BEST, so he took the time for them, excluding him. He didn't want him to get a touch of clouser. Jimmy shifted his hold of Tango, he glued his eyes to the direction of The Ranch.

Joel hushed something to Etho that he didn't dare to even try to eavesdrop on, he could hear Cleo's rich voice yell something argumentative. But he didn't care anymore.

Jimmy kicked open the gates of The Ranch so hard the hinges stuck open, he grumbled not slowing. Jimmy approached the goat barn which continued to sit empty, he popped down on one knee setting Tango down against the building. Jimmy fell to his side, his negative emotions finally hitting the surface, Jimmy gave a pained cry of agony that rang through him. He was gone-gone and never coming back. Jimmy grabbed Tango's hand, squeezing it almost hoping it could jumpstart his fiery self again. He adjusted his feather that had been tucked in Tango's hair, letting his sobbing tears drop into his once flaming hair. He flopped his head into his shoulder, sobbing harder than he ever had, his body serving to dull the horrid sounds coming from his mouth. Jimmy flopped back trying to take back his tears, afraid to get back on his feet as if they'd cause him to fall to his death again. He wasn't afraid of TnT despites its worse connections to death, but this caught him where it hurt. Jimmy cried slowly getting to his feet, side glancing at The Ranch as if it would relight on fire. He marched into it pulling a shovel out of a chest, using it as a steadying stick while walking to the side of The Ranch. Jimmy dug the shovel into The Ranch's rich soil, taking chunks of it out of the Earth, tossing it to the side, the dust from the scoops sticking to his wet face. He cried as the shovel hit stone, stopping him from making it any deeper. He stuck his shovel in the pile of soft dirt, turning away from the shallow grave, scrounging around for anything to make a makeshift headstone. Jimmy yanked loose stones from the of The Ranch's old foundation, piling them up in his arms. He returned squatting down, next to the hole his tears turning from agony to anger as he set up the rocks in a simple fashion. It wasn't a grave fit for any man, but he couldn't do any better, he wasn't supposed to die. Especially like that. He couldn't help but stare at Tango, he was so lifeless, that sight only caused bubbles of emotions to continue popping. Jimmy approached him again, dropping down to Tango's side and one last time took his hand and brought it to his lips gently kissing it. Jimmy picked up Tango bridal style, lifting his limp body the short distance to his depressing resting place, Tango's clothes instantly tinged brown as a dust cloud formed around him. Jimmy collapsed into sobs as he shifted his painfully still body.

Pressure met his shoulder, he turned to see Martyn and Impulse on either side of him, standing each with a hand on his shoulder and Grian standing not far behind them. His fellow former Southlanders bowed their heads with Jimmy out of respect. Jimmy knew he didn't look very pleasant, but he didn't care, he had dirt caked on his hands and face, rips on the knees of his blue jeans, and his jean jacket which was now laying under Tango left him shirtless. Tears left trails of dirtless patches down his face serving as more evidence to the others he was hurt, as if his puffy eyes and sounds of agony that had been heard throughout the whole area wasn't already enough.

Jimmy looked at his former alliance members, "Are you really here for me?" He barely got out.

Impulse extended his hand to him as Martyn stated, "Yes, we are all here for you and Tango of whom we are all deeply saddened for."

Jimmy stood noticing how almost everyone was there, he felt a little silly for standing there in front of all of them. "Thank you," he whispered to the three in front of him. He hugged Impulse who patted his back as he leaned into him, Jimmy felt frozen trying to figure out what he had to say. He had to be the one to say something, he scanned the group looking over his shoulder, "Thank you all for coming, this means a lot." He wiped his face only smudging dirt, he looked back to the grave failing to hide tears forming in his eyes again.

"Tango was lovely," Grian walked up next to him, leaning his head against Jimmy, "he meant a lot to all of us." Grian stepped forwards grabbing the shovel scooping dirt, setting it onto Tango's chest. Jimmy's eyes filled overflowed with tears as he watched the dirt lay there, he gave a simple defeated huff. Grian hugged him, "glad to see your wings again bud, I can help whenever you're ready,' he whispered into his ear. Jimmy nodded slightly, flexing his wings mimicking Grian's natural resting position. Grian dug the shovel back into the loose dirt returning to the group, grasping Scar's hand softly as he stood back. Jimmy noticed that Scar was using his wheelchair that day, he felt horrible knowing he must have overworked himself trying to help find him.

Impulse, who was still standing close to him, breathed in adding, "You're welcome at the mid-century modern home anytime if you ever need a break from all this," he too took a scoop of dirt, "Tango was a tricky soul in the best way possible." He too sifted the dirt into the grave slowly, Jimmy smiled for a moment almost forgetting this was his soulbounds fault.

Jimmy stared back seeing that Bdubs was one of the only ones yet to make an appearance, he grimaced, "I don't think that's something I can take up," his eyes snapped back to Impulse, "your husband has yet to make his homage."

Impulse furrowed his brows making an unfamiliar expression, "I'm sorry," was all he mumbled as he stuck the shovel back in the dirt. "Owww," he whined as he walked back to the rest. Jimmy smiled as he turned to see Cleo grumble something being in his face.

Cleo gave him a good shove, knocking him into the dirt before walking up to him, "hi Jimmy," her voice softened, "I'm deeply saddened by this all." She pulled him into a soft hug, "it'll get better with time," she stepped back keeping her hands on his shoulders, "I am sorry for all my wrongs against The Ranch." She slowed her hands away as she peered at the dirt looking back at Jimmy, he side smiled nodding. Cleo turned grabbing the shovel taking a generous scoop of dirt spilling it gently onto Tango. She set down the shovel, pausing squatting down to wipe dirt off of Tango's face, she fumbled his hair. "Hmph, he seems so peaceful,' she hushed standing up, she crossed her arms in front of her, "I'm gonna go deal with him," her voice itched with anger.

Jimmy dropped his head watching her feet leave his view, he found his once pleasant, well kept shoes were now muddy beyond recognition. For the first time since setting Tango in the grave, he ungrounded his feet and fully turned his back to him. It felt so wrong, he watched others hush to each other. Etho was crumpled sitting on the ground whispering something up to Joel, Joel seemed less enthused by what he was saying. Etho pulled Joel's shirt trying to get him to listen, Joel made a defeated face.

Joel sighed walking up to Jimmy, "Aye, Timmy," he sounded uncomfortable looking at Etho, "well I had no connection to Tango, but uh," he paused thinking, "Etho did though. He wanted me to tell you he was a great hand with all his troubles." Joel forced something into Jimmy's hands, Joel moved away quickly, skipping to the dirt taking one swift scoop then another careful one dropping it at Tango's feet. Joel ran back to Etho, Jimmy could just not quite make out what Etho mumbled to Joel, but it didn't seem happy.

Jimmy loosened his hand, a heart necklace? It had what seemed to be broken loops and "b e s Tango" sloppily engraved in the back. He tilted the heart pendant in his hand noticing the tinged red look of it, it hit him, it was Tango's Last Life indicator. Etho had held onto it, his eyes widened as his eyes shot up to him, Jimmy slowed to him. Etho stood up holding onto Joel's muddy hands the way he had before. "thank you Etho," Jimmy cried, "this means so much." Etho glanced up, he could tell even with his mask on that he had a weak smile on his face. Etho nodded dropping Joel's hand wrapping Jimmy in a hug, he was struck by his act of affection. He looked at Joel confused, who only returned his glance with a half assed smile, Etho pulled away from his hug, eyes brimming with tears. Jimmy didn't know what to say, this wasn't a side of Etho he was used to. Jimmy checked out the necklace again, smiling fondly at it, clipping it around his neck.

He scanned everyone present, Grian was standing with his hands in front of him, Scar sat in his wheelchair next to him whispering something, Cleo and Impulse had both seemed to disappear, Pearl was sat elegantly on the roof of the goat barn trying to ignore Martyn, then Ren and BigB we're standing a bit away from the others watching with unsure expressions. And then there was Scott- no, he wasn't going to even give him a thought!

Scar unclicked his wheelchair, rolling it over to Tango's grave, "come, come," he beckoned Jimmy back after silence had taken over the group.

"Okay Scar," he shook Etho's hand, "thank you," he mouthed. Jimmy hesitantly walked over to him knowing how Scar can be. He paused standing a few feet between them. Jimmy, without realizing it, was starting to feel able to cope with it all.

Scar rolled to Jimmy, closing the gap between them, "Jim, we are all proud of you and Tango even if it's ended with a moment like this." Scar grinned backing his chair up, he locked the wheels on his chair before shakily getting to his feet letting himself fall into the dirt. Scar knelt down pushing dirt into the grave silently with his hands, Jimmy watched confusion washing over him. Pearl quickly joined him on the opposite side of the pile, pushing dirt in to avoid his face. Martyn then Ren joined in then wordlessly, followed by Etho, Grian, and BigB. All in a silent agreement to not make Jimmy have to bury his soulbound.

Joel wrapped an arm around Jimmy in a side hug, "we're a family here Tim," he shook his shoulders before also going to join the others.

Watching it unfold made him feel so secure, he watched as the final clumps of dirt covered Tango's face. He was gone, Jimmy joined them on the ground, setting his arms on top of the rough patch of dirt, but this time tears didn't fall. The numbness returned, "you can leave now," he stated, resting his hands over where Tango's beating heart had once been.

Scar turned to Pearl who was across from him, "I'm gonna need a bit of help then," Scar laughed to himself peering at his chair.

"I can help you," BigB invited looking at Grian, "we got you."

Grian scooted over to Scar, "you grab his chair," he directed BigB.

The others started dispearcing with the bounds back to their homes and Jimmy felt hurt watching those leave in a way he would never again. He watched as Grian and Scar, the last pair, waved kindly goodbye leaving him almost alone. He stared at him.

Scott clenched his fists in his lap while sitting where the chaos had started, Jimmy held everything inside him to keep himself from kicking him off the porch. "Jimmy," he forced, turning to him, "I am so sorry, for everything," Scott gave a labored breath, "and for leaving you."

Jimmy scowled, "and now is the time to gain pity points?" he could see through him.

Scott was silent, "I feel guilty," he stopped himself, "but you don't need that."

Jimmy sat about as far away as he could while still being on the porch, "then apologize," he leaned towards him holding a foul expression.

Scott's words stuck in his throat finding the apology he had planned leaving his head. Scott mumbled nonsense trying to formulate his words.

"That's what I thought," Jimmy stood up rolling his eyes, "good job messing this up."

Scott's eyes widened rushing to his feet, "wait! Jimmy," Scott ran after him, "please just let me-"

Jimmy turned to him, meeting his eye level stare, "no!" He shouted, "you've made me waste enough time thinking about you!"

Scott grabbed Jimmy by his shoulders, "just listen to me, please!"

"You're an asshole," he said between his teeth

Scott grasped the back of his head forcing himself onto him, kissing him harshly. Jimmy was caught by surprise, his wings flying up, he bit Scott's tongue in retaliation, he felt scared. Scott held onto his kiss, trying to pretend nothing had changed and that they were still in the game, when they pranced around together claiming each other as husbands.

Jimmy pulled away from him, "What the fuck!" He yelled, slapping Scott, "you're so selfish, you thought this was the right time!" Jimmy spun where he stood, he yelled out an unintelligible sound shoving Scott to the ground, "never come back!" He was filled with a feeling of agony, sobs taking him over, falling to his knees.

Scott froze for a moment before turning to run away, he royally fucked up.

°~-–~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°~--~°

Jimmy sighed wearing one of Tango's old shirts, that was worn from his risky behaviors he'd partaken in since his passing. Jimmy's body was plastered in burns, scratches and cuts from all of his self sabotaging behaviors he hid behind a yearning for revenge. He just wanted to join Tango, but he was too scared to actually do it. He sat on the edge of the barley intact roof of The Ranch. He'd been working on remaking it within the twenty-three days since Tango's death, but he hadn't made it up there yet much more than to contemplate his existence.

Jimmy pulled off his shirt, "hey Tango, I got him for you," Jimmy was saddened but proud of himself for killing Bdubs that day. He felt guilt soley over the blood soaking into Tango's shirt. Jimmy had a gash that ran from his thigh to his calf still dripping with blood that he wasn't sure if it was his own, but he didn't care anymore. Jimmy smiled thinking, maybe he had fulfilled his lust of revenge. He had tried to kill Scott earlier, but he just couldn't finish him off, but at least Bdubs was no more. "Are you ready for me, my boy!" He screamed standing up, his shoes failing to grip the damp shingles, "give me a sign!" Jimmy puffed up his wings as if ready to fly despite his lack of flight feathers. Jimmy laughed to himself which quickly turned to soft cries as he plopped back down to the roof, "nothing? Still?" He tried to hide his disappointment. He sunk his face into Tango's shirt crumpling it, letting it soak in his tears.

Jimmy looked towards the flaming Cake thinking of Scar, he had broken his soulbound, how he didn't know, but the image of Scar putting his sword through Grian was engraved in his brain. He felt proud of Scar through his confusion of the event, Grian did deserve it for his acts of manipulation to them all; he was the one who tricked them all into these games. Jimmy watched as smoke continued rolling through the sky from that day's main event of chaos, a lot of things had met the same fate as The Ranch. Jimmy watched the sky spotting an unfamiliar star shining brighter than the rest, Jimmy smiled up at it, a mysterious feeling of calm washing over him. Jimmy felt safer than he had in weeks sitting there with the company of the stars, he couldn't explain it. He spoke to himself, "maybe another day," he hushed to himself heading back to the ladder down dreading the nightmares to come.

Tango had proven he wasn't cursed to die first after all.

[dramioneasks]

Hi I'm looking for a fic where draco can't die because ha has a soulbond. The ministery try to kill with dementors but he cames back to life every time. They want to know why then and hermione in the one who investigates it. She falls in love with him but then she is devastated because he has a soulbound. She is his souldbound but they don't know it. I think the fic wasn't complete because I don't remember reading more .

I feel like I’ve read this!

Anyone?

Edit:

Thanks!

wanderingwonderuniverse: Heyjude19 has a oneshot that’s pretty much this description from ‘ceremonials’ which is AU from their Remain Nameless story. It’s the chapter 2 https://archiveofourown.org/works/29432991/chapters/73432110

[sunflower-rat]

Double Life AU (Astera)

TW : Descriptions of death and drowning

‎ㅤ

Cleo is sat in an office, her fingers drumming against the table - because it's too quiet and the way the person in front of her Is writing too slow.

She's long since stopped needing to breathe - but her chest rises and falls anyway.

"You can stop staring at me like that." She glances towards the second archivist in the room who immediately tenses up. "I'm not going to eat anyone. Much less some scrawny little kid like you."

She tolls her eyes and goes back to tapping on the table.

"Everything seems to be in order." The older of the two speaks up. "We just need a general account of your background."

"You already have it." Cleo frowns. "I've given accounts to not one - but four different people. I was told this process would take a day - and it's been a week."

"This will be the last time." They assure. "I promise."

"It better."

Disgruntled, she leans back against her seat as they pick up the pens and ready it against the paper.

‎ㅤ

When she had three lives - she was human.

She was a guard and stubborn and fierce as her mothers were. She went out and hunted on weekends with her sisters and other days she arrested thieves and low lives that dared to threaten her community.

Her rune sat beautifully against her chest - spiralling directly from the middle of her neck in beautiful twisting vines and flowers - it's thorns carefully guarding the runic heart at it's center.

She doesn't remember how it happened.

She hadn't died at all.

All she remembers is walking among the other guards - and suddenly being overwhelmed by a startling pain that felt like her legs had shattered.

She didn't die in battle.

‎ㅤ

When she had two lives, she became obsessed with knowledge.

Adjusting to a rudimentary wheelchair, and keeping her resentment quiet in her chest - she studied runes and curses. She learned about magic and the species that made up her town - and she studied the soul bounds because they governed their world so strongly but so little was known about them. She studied about death and the undead - and how to preserve so many different things.

She studied a flower - vibrant and red, and how its roots burrowed into the ground and bloomed when it was exposed to the moon.

Sometimes she stared at her reflection in the mirror, and wondered if her soulbound knew what they had done.

If they could feel the hate - and the loathing in her heart.

They must have.

She just supposed they just didn't care.

Because she drowned in her own bed, gasping for air she never lost.

ㅤ

When she had one life, she fell in love.

They were researchers that had crossed by chance - an archeologist who studied the forgotten Gods - and gifted Cleo many ornaments and findings from their travels.

Of course, the wheelchair helped keep her patient, but - she was sure if she could walk, she would have drowned them in kisses and slipped their rings on their fingers far before the pastor could've even said a single word.

She wore a totem on her wrist and cherished it like she would the moon.

They were married on a beautiful sunset - and Cleo would never admit it, but it took everything to stop herself from running across the aisle and lifting her lover into her arms and kissing them - because she was so afraid that she'd suddenly lose herself.

Her last life was perfect.

ㅤ

Almost.

Because sometimes-

Sometimes, she would sit awake at night.

She would sit there while her spouse slept - and stare quietly at the apple in her hands - golden and shimmering.

The apple of Eden, or whatever else the religious texts had declared it to be.

Myth stated that it could break the bond between soulmates.

It would separate her and the person who broke her legs and drowned her in her sleep.

The one that made her wake up in the middle of the night, screaming because she could feel something burning her skin.

It would kill the heart that the thorns so lovingly protected with her own flesh and blood.

ㅤ

Because late nights laid awake - clinging onto her spouse, her jaws bared as invisible flames scaled her arms and tattoo'd her flesh with burns she could not see. She looked at her body and saw all the things it could've been - if her so called soulmate hadn't been so careless.

"But why would anyone want that ?"

And Cleo had so many reasons that it filled her mouth like poison.

Not once- but twice, her life had been taken away by something she had no hand to control.

Twice, she had died - unable to do a single thing to stop it.

And she hated it.

Because one day - her spouse would watch her die, because it was her soulmate that was dying instead, and she could hold onto her spouse as tightly as she could - but she'll die anyway.

ㅤ

So one night, she had raised the apple to her lips.

"Because I loved them." She had stopped tapping against the table, remembering the way her spouse had looked at her. "And I didn't want anyone to take me away. I didn't want anyone deciding when I got to die."

And thought about how it'd feel to be free from that fear.

Why would anyone want to be without a soulmate ?

The silence in the room was cold, but she didn't really care.

"And did you ?" They asked. "Did you take it ?"

She held her spouses hand in her own, her teeth grazing against the skin of the apple-

Cleo buried it in her garden and held her partner so tightly against her chest - and stayed up the entire night thinking.

Just... thinking.

"Sometimes I wish I did."

ㅤ

When she had ▊ lives, she had lost everything.

She woke up in a coffin and clawed the ceiling until the wood broke open and drowned her in loosened dirt and mud.

She gasped for air she didn't need and raked her fingers through dead orange hair and accidentally pulled out the vibrant red flowers that now thrived within it like a field.

They bloomed in moonlight and her skin burned in the day, and she sewed her limbs back onto her body when they fell, and refused to look at the rune on her chest - now a distorted shade of green, yellow, red.

But she could walk again.

So she walked, and walked - but never found her home.

She never found her spouse.

ㅤ

"Satisfied ?"

Cleo crossed her arms, staring impatiently at the two before her. "I've recounted my entire history - I've proven I'm not a threat. Now can you let me into the damn city ?"

The two officials looked at each other, hesitant - and eventually approved her request.

She got all her things - a satchel of nothing but some small trinkets and things she could find - and a golden apple buried in between.

[simonlorden]

WIP game

Rules: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have wips

If you see this, consider yourself tagged. I have several dozen WIPs (several several dozen if I count the older Genshin ones) so I’m definitely not tagging that many people and also not posting ALL. xD

These are all my October Daye WIPs. Maybe.

a candle at my chest, a head on his knee

amnesiac simon

bellajune

but i’ll still be here in the morning

café au lait

chelsea & etienne

[redacted]

copper and cedar

Copy of Ao3 Posting Script

countessverse / 14 years

daemyra au

dream simon & toby

falling

first date

foxfire

here we go again

hotel not-carmichael

june/august/raysel

june/raysel spinoff

[redacted]

Luidaeg & Gillian

November Nighte and the Marquise’s Death (Kingdom of Smoke #1)

oleander/toby

blood memories

anti-revenge

follow-up

soulbound threesome

ironsick

dungeon rescue

poison wine

s & t timetravel

simon & june

simon & lia

Simon Fetch

Simon raises Toby

simonaugust

siren song

teen toby

thy eternal summer

tiny toby

trans gillian

[kaijusrpgbrainstorm]

New Year, New Character 2: Week 4

Age of Sigmar: Soulbound

The High Fantasy, highly weird, high action successor to Warhammer Fantasy Battle Warhammer: Age of Sigmar got an rpg from Cubicle 7 a couple of years back. In Age of Sigmar: Soulbound, you play mortal champions brought together to defend the realms against the kind of threats that armies and gods aren't suited to dealing with.

Also, you get to punch the Grimdark in the face.

Seriously. The game has mechanics for the PCs actually trying to go out and help make life better for people between quests. It's not a huge focus, but I think it's great that this sort of thing is included.

Anyway, one of the interest things about Soulbound is that many of the playable options would be adversaries in other settings; here they're protagonists because they are brought together in mutual interest against mutual foes. So it would be very easy to make a Suicide Squad-esque team. This isn't quite that, because I don't have some of the supplements (why oh why did I not pick up Champions of Death already) but its definitely not your usual line up of shining heroes.

Quick note: Skills in Soulbound have separate ranks in Training (add dice to the pool, noted a T) and Focus (improves results after a roll, noted with an F)

“Priest Gage, welcome.” “Lord Arcanum, this about the Soul Binding plan?” “It is. We have assembled a list of potential candidates. These are the most promising.” Adria takes a scroll from the Stormcast's hands, reading the descriptions. “A murder aelf too murdery for the murder aelves?” “An angry tree spirit?” “A death mage?” “Aelf with a gun?” “Emotion draining mage?” “And,” the towering semi-divine figure adds, “while not a candidate for Binding, one of the Seraphon warriors is rather insistent he be part of the mission.” “This is my team?” “I will admit, it is quite an eclectic group.” “What you mean,” Adria says, “is that they're a bunch of ars-”

[ifonlyweknewwhatiwasdoing]

WIP Tag Game

Rules: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it! And then tag as many people as you have wips. (You can make your own post or reblog this one!)  I have deemed that this isn’t just for writing either. Sketch titles? Comics? Dnd campaigns? If you have an unfinished project, it counts!!

indirectly tagged by @treescape but it looked like fun lmao.

Lmao I apologize in advance because I have so many fics in progress right now and a few that are just in editing stages. I've put the ship in parathesis if it isn't in the title

So I Give You Words Unsaid (Codywan)

5 + 1 Nightmares (Obikin)

AlphaObi Nervous Dad Fic (AlphaObi)

AlphaObiCody (Kittywan) (I don't know the pairing on this anymore)

AlphaObiCody Warring Factions

Codywan Dementia

Devil/Preist Obikin

Dyad AU (Vaderwan)

Fluff Fic Attempts #1-21 (All different failed attempts at fluff) (Codywan)

Fluff Fic Attempt #22 (which is the successful attempt) (Codywan)

Hung CD (Obikin)

JangObi No Way Home

JangObi Replacement

JastObi Freedom in Exile Alt: Broken Basic

JastObi HDOANY

JastObi Paralyzed

JastObi PC

JastObiJang

Post Order 66 (Codywan)

QuiObi TA

Sith Aritifact (Obikin)

Soulbound AUish (Obikin)

Tattoo Shop AU (QuiObi)

This is All Leo's Fault (Starts as JangObi and goes to an currently unknown pairing)

If I tried to tag the amount of WIPs here I'd never be done so I'll just tag a couple of people. Lmao. @skylariumrose @littledumplingwrites @call-me-aro-call-me-ace

[calenlily]

Ask game from the lovely @anamazingangie (hugs and solidarity, girl, I’m also in the working a little on a lot and feeling like I’m not making much progress camp 💕)

Feel free to send me a title your curious about and I'll respond with an excerpt. I’m also going to tag some folks in case they would like to do the same!

The only “rule” is to post the names of every doc you’ve worked on in the last...week, I guess? Tagging people and including word counts is optional. Feel free to reblog this post or make a new one.

All of these are House of the Dragon and more or less Daemyra focused, because I remain in hyperfixation mode. Titles are my document titles since that seems to be the name of the game, some of which are very much shitty working titles

Dragon Girls - Rhaenyra and her evolving relationship with Baela and Rhaena during the first years on Dragonstone

hold the light given unto you - set in my early Daemyra marriage AU, 4 years into Rhaenyra’s reign, she decides she wants another baby (first chapter posted as a oneshot on AO3, now working on a self-indulgent breeding kink smut continuation)

desire is hunger is the fire i breathe - set in my Sex Lessons AU, first time blowjob ficlet

Ruined - set in my Sex Lessons AU but it’s all farce and no smut, revolves around Daemon being a drunken ass

Discovery - set in my Sex Lessons AU, probably the earliest scene after the start of Daemyra’s secret relationship, so far mostly just isolated thoughts and descriptions that I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing with yet

Soulbound - AU where Daemyra develop soulmarks when Rhaenyra first flowers, and no one is happy about it (first chapter up on AO3 under the title Twin Flame Bruise (Blossom and Bind), now working on chapter 2)

Celebration - set in my Sex Lessons AU, word of Daemon’s annulment comes from the Vale and Rhaenyra sneaks herself into his bed to celebrate

Cloudbreak - set in the timeskip between episodes 7 and 8, Rhaenyra takes newborn Aegon III for his first dragonride and Daemon worries about her pushing herself too much too fast

Mountains of the Moon - set in my early Daemyra marriage AU, several years into Rhaenyra’s reign, Rhaenyra deals with the succession crisis in the Vale following Lady Jeyne Arryn’s death, the most difficult part of which is convincing Daemon to stay out of it

Blood Roses - AU diverging from episode 4 but with fairytale elements: Rhaenyra is under a Sleeping Beauty curse, Daemon is forbidden to try to rescue her but that’s not going to stop him, and there might be more to the story than appears at first glance (first chapter up on AO3, now working on the second and final chapter)

Battlefields - Rhaenyra in childhood convinces Daemon to teach her to wield a sword, and after the hunt in episode 3, tired of not being taken seriously as heir, decides to prove herself by flying off to join the war in the Stepstones, my biggest current WIP

Tagging: @luthien-under-bough @whimsicalmeerkat @girlwithakiwi @mrpinniped @mswhich