#THE JEREMIAH BACKSTORY???

[drawishme]

froggies 🐸

[jeremiahthefroge]

Hey so y'all know how Garroth asks Aph if she's sure about taking in Levin? Because her duties as a lord might get in the way? Do you ever think about how he was raised? And how maybe he's looking at Levin and seeing another kid who might suffer bc his parent is too busy being important to love him, and he's afraid? Because he knows (or at least REALLY wants to believe) Aphmau wouldn't do it on purpose, but then again, part of him still wants to believe his father didn't either? And the way he IMMEDIATELY volunteers to be in Levin's life, IMMEDIATELY steps up at every occasion, gets Zoey involved, ACTIVELY SAYS THAT HE KNOWS LEVIN WILL BE SOMETHING GREAT SOMEDAY TO OTHER PEOPLE?? He's making DAMN sure that kid has people in his life, and that the kid has somebody who unapologetically is proud and enthusiastic about him. I think he's making sure no kid ever has to grow up anything like he did.

[buffyspeak]

julia jeremiah moodboard

[viciouslyfilthy]

I got this kind of ask for the frost kids and thought you might have fun with it as well! Rank the sins from the worst to best person

AWH MAN I MUSTA MISSED IT BC I DIDNT SEE THAT ON UR BLOG!! 🐀💨💨 this is gonna be fun lmao. I'm SO sorry it took me this long to finally reply to this 😭 I've been so distant from my OCs, I miss talking about/drawing them. Beware the reply is LONG make yourself a coffee in the meantime lmao

FROM WORST TO BEST (OR AT LEAST... A LITTLE LESS 'WORSE')

Oof, for worst of the worst? I'm torn between Sün and Jeremiah. They're kind of like two sides of the same coin, but with opposite 'positive' traits. Jeremiah is greedy and will squash anyone that gets in the way of getting what he wants and puts down his low income workers. Jeremiah doesn't care what others think of him, thus he doesn't try to control it. He operates mainly through a consumerist's point of view, so as long as what he produces is good and he has satisfied clients and most of his workers are content, you can't really hurt him and he doesn't care. But he is greedy, he takes more than what he gives to lower-class folks who work for him because they don't provide him with many benefits compared to someone who's wealthier or is more popular/has an influence because it can attract more customers. He is unwilling to change his capitalist mindset because of selfishness and greed.

Whereas Sün is generous (money has no value for him) and is willing to, albeit begrudgingly, negotiate things and discuss topics of change especially amongst his followers since he wants them to think they're on the same level. (manipulates their view to get his way but at least he's not making their lives entirely miserable); and for those that aren't up to date on Sün- the reason I think he's one of the worst is because: he is a cult leader supernatural creature that witholds the power of the Sun itself, which he uses as a fear tactic for his flock since they believe he's the one true God that really makes the world work (spinning the Earth, making natural life exist). Sün is manipulative and egotistical whom preys on the weak-minded and those in vulenrable positions (economical or otherwise) to indoctrinate them into his cult and further grow the worship around Him. (NOTE: he is not truly a deity, he just goes along with whatever people call him to fuel his ego. What he is exactly is complex to describe, but he's basically a supernatural terrestrial creature that is tied to the Sun, hence giving him a long lifespan. When the Sun blows up, his life ends on the spot as well- like having a heart attack. A true deity is not a creature born on Earth, their powers are not limited- meaning they can bend time, space & dimensions, and they do not die.)

-

Next up is Claude, because of his status when he was alive in his time period. Now that aristocracy isn't a thing anymore, he has no real power in society which leaves him an outcast. Claude, to put it in plain words, is a man that has no clue what he's doing.

He was raised to be a certain way, was made to follow certain beliefs and that's how it simply is in his mind. He doesn't know how to look past that, he doesn't know about himself, unless he has someone whispering in his ear what he should do, he doesn't really know what he's supposed to stand for or who is 'the good guy' since from his point of view, it should be him objectively just because he's an aristocrat and has a wealthy background; he is often conflicted and hypocritical, he doesn't know right from wrong + he's constantly at war with himself. You don't want that kind of person to make political choices, let alone be in a powerful position.

-

Next up is Willy, because similarly to Claude, he too doesn't know what he's doing, but in this case it's a bit more literal because of his intense emotional disregulation, since he's never had parents or a guardian at all, and having been exposed to torture 'therapy treatments' at the insane asylum that he grew up in- it created a loose cannon.

How Willy acts and behaves is purely based on raw emotions, he has no sense of critical thinking or processing situations, and if for some reason he is unable to use violence (his usual go-to response) he just cowers in fear, bites and screams like a frightened wild animal. While this last bit might make him more empathetic, it's to make an observation that he cannot be reasoned with like an average person having a breakdown if he's overtaken by emotions even if restrained, he won't listen to you because you've made him feel upsetting emotions which makes you bad in his eyes. His one true Saint that he will listen to is Eden, because he's kind to him .

-

Next is Rotgut which I could argue goes on the same level as Willy... while they are both victims which you Can empathize with, it doesn't mean they're little angels that never did anything wrong. They are Bad™️ and they lash out externally at anyone that gets in their path, the difference here is that Rotgut is 100% aware of what he's doing and still chooses to do it because he genuinely believes people around him deserve it because of the many centuries where people have ridiculed, abused and killed him over and over in the past.

He goes as far as to detach himself from people as if he's not also human. He puts himself high on a pedastal, he sees little to no good in humanity so he's always degrading anything remotely humanoid because you are objectively below him just for existing as you are, in his eyes all you're good for is sex and he's more than open to show that in the form of catcalling or groping.

He's at a surprisingly higher level from the top 'worse' I mentioned at the very beginning because at heart he is not entirely a bad or beyond irredeemable person... believe it or not, he has moments where he manages to look past sex; he has interests he enjoys discussing with other people that enjoy them; he is quite generous when it comes to wealth- money means nothing to him other than 21st century collectibles to keep in his coin collection, it doesn't matter if he has money or not- if he sees something he wants, he takes it regardless, a prison cell can't contain him and he can't be killed.

And of course, he has a big soft spot for kids (his own mostly, human kids just annoy him but he would never hurt or ignore a human child in danger either); lastly- Rotgut has a strong sense of justice when it comes to discrimination, but it fluctates a lot between his own selfishness and being selfless for others, to the point where it makes him quite hypocritical. He's fully capable of simply not giving a damn about the next person's feelings or space by spitting on their food or unsolicited tiddy honking, but the moment he sees a marginalized group being threatened he fights back on impulse based on emotion. His home country was taken from the hands of his people and he was tortured and killed over and over again because he refused to leave or submit to christian beliefs, it's like an automatic response from the little bit of humanity he still has left to defend others going through something similiar. I guess this kind of makes him morally grey in some aspects?

-

Next up is Freddy, who is also on a morally grey spectrum.

On one hand he is a scary-intelligent but introverted man; he's kind, understanding, he can be melancholic (artistic melancholy/dramatic more often than genuine grieving or despair, to be clear), and maybe a little gruff but with good intentions, but on the other he's a mad scientist with horrendous coping mechanisms who's primarly focus is his work and his work ONLY, so far that he's willing to perform gruesome experiments on creatures he's captured over minor offenses.

His 'side jobs' as a monster hunter and hitman sometimes leads to finding creatures that genuinely mean no malicious harm- but he uses the excuse thaf they 'posed a threat to humanity' in the moment he caught them which, in his mind, automagically justifies kidnapping them and using them as guinea pigs- at which point he no longer sees you as a person but an emotionless object instead which he is allowed to toy around with to reach his desired goal in xyz experiment. Really, deep down torturing monsters he's captured and deemed 'a threat' is, in a way, a personal way of letting out his bottled-up frustration and resentment on something.

He can focus his spite in the form of work, which he sees not only as productive but beneficial; it's a methodical hate, it's calculated as he cuts, injects, and surgically separates tendon from muscle, basking in the agony of the creature.

All his life he's masked and bottled his true feelings, nobody would listen or try to reason with a 'hostile' man who can only argue over a joke because it was a microaggression towards him? And what of his attitude, nobody would take seriously someone who's bitter all the time, only because you judged him by his appearence.

I think, summarized: dr. Kraus' character is tragic; another case where this person is a victim of generational trauma and racism, which you can understand, but his actions aren't justified. He is very prideful, egocentric perhaps, he's aware of his position of power thanks to his intelligence, he knows he has talent and he's very smug about it; thus, he justifies himself that this 'inferior' creature's (or anyone who crosses him) fate is for him to decide what to do.

He CAN be reasoned with. He can be redeemed. Kind of similiar to Willy, his actions are very much tied to his emotions- but in this case it's much more complex and elaborate instead of unchained and direct. If he finds that he can relate to X creature/person, you can be able to dig out his humanity. (The best way I can picture this for it to be understandable is that final scene with Peter Parker and Otto Octavius in Spiderman 2)

-

Lastly, Eden! I think that on a scale, he's the most mentally stable and 'normal' out of everyone else, although his condition is far from normal, being a corpse full of rats and all. He's introverted, he's kind, he's understanding, he's open-minded and happy-go-lucky.

But that doesn't mean he isn't flawed. While he generally doesn't pose a threat to others (unless Sün forces him to), he has little to no respect/boundaries for himself. His 'soft' nature, his meekness, his cowardly/neutral behaviour to speak up for himself can make him become a victim at the hands of others without being able to eacape the cycle, and he allows it to keep happening out of fear. Sün openly abuses and bullies him knowing that he won't fight back; on the other hand, if he sees Sün abusing someone else, he will be too scared to speak up or mention it to someone else for fear of the abuser finding out, unless you force it out of him.

His personality mirrors Freddy's; he bottles up a lot of his feelings, leaving only those which are 'pleasant' for those around him. Both forced to put on a 'formal gentleman' mask to be seen as people in their timeline where appearences meant everything. He doesn't have any coping mechanism like Freddy, he just straight up ignores any feeling of anger, resentment, injustice because he thinks it's nonsense and doesn't know what to do with it.

And when he reaches his limit, just like Freddy- he explodes and unleashes raw, unprocessed emotions in destructive manners. Although his 'tolerance' bar is a lot higher than Freddy since he's lived like this his entire life, it's very rare for him to lash out. It's easier to see him cry or make him kiss your feet before you'll see him being genuinely angry/expressing his true feelings or standing up for himself, it's sad and pathetic.

[doctorcranes-ask]

I found a box of old Polaroids from college. My roommate was an aspiring photographer, so she took a shit ton of pictures

This is the first one that stood out. Featuring my box dyed hair and Jeremiah's choppy haircut. I was the group's hairstylist (unfortunately) and Jeremiah did all of our piercings. It's a miracle they never got infected.

I'm not sure if people will find this interesting, but I'll share more of ya like it.

[chiropteracupola]

the song & the sigh of the weary

[flintlock fortress is a collaboration with @dxppercxdxver]

[trans-ruffboi]

astarion's conversation about which of your companions you would hypothetically eat is funny when I'm playing a werewolf bc jeremiah's like, "actually I don't want to do that and I'm trying really hard and I think I'm doing a great job at not eating anybody but also my answer is definitely shadowheart"

[astracora]

Happy Newdawn Day!

Characters: Poly!LADs x gn!mc (featuring Nero, Tara, Simone, Greyson, Yvonne, Jeremiah, Thomas and Caleb (mention only))

Warnings: None

Word Count: 5797

Written: 1st January 2025

Notes: Established relationship with gn!MC (using Cat Curse MC) with all LADs, with my personal pov of the game and lil headcanons littered in. Unnamed MC, but using my personal MC's basic appearance and adjusted backstory. I take some liberties with what the game offers me. I'm so sorry this got away from me so much I feel baffled by it. I just had to get it down, it's so messy and not beta-read, but I love them all so much. (I'm also sorry for the ending, I got possessed by Caleb's not-ghost). So enjoy... the first actual fic I've written for the Poly!LADs and not just smaus... Now I need to eat.

Masterlist AO3

If someone asked you right now, “Hey, a year ago did you think you’d be stood here?”

Well, you’d have given some incredulous notion of being alive, let alone stood in one of Linkon’s Parks, taking in the sight of your loved ones.

Most of them, anyway.

If, upon meeting Xavier, Rafayel, Sylus and Zayne (again), someone had said, “Hey in a years time they will be the most important people to you.” You’d have laughed in their face. The idea as absurd as it is invigorating… because they are. The most important people in the world to you. The companions you trust to have your back in combat, the people you want to see most when you wake up, the lives you most want to share.

You think back to a hazy childhood, told your heart could give out any minute. A timeline unknown, the nature of your condition hard to track. The core in your chest, a question no one had the answer to. Giving up on a future, on meaning anything.

You think back to days spent in the hospital, for your heart, for injuries gained from fights that even Caleb couldn’t help piece back together, for the arm you lost. Wondering if you were going to hit the wall eventually.

When you lost Caleb, your partner in crime, and rock, you’d expected the tides to rise. Sinking you.

It was folly to misjudge those around you. Kindness, warmth and love, with some degree of greed. Of course they’d grabbed your hand, pulling you back to land. Wrapping you in a towel, bringing you to heat, keeping you shielded against the chill.

The wounds healed, though they left scars behind, but you could breathe again. 

That troublesome little heart beating harder, hope as a lifeblood. Bringing you forward, keeping you moving.

All the way to a new year.

Between the five of you, the gathering had bloomed out for Newdawn Day.

You’re not sure how Rafayel and Sylus had gotten permission to rent out an entire park. Money had to be involved, you also wouldn’t be surprised if threats came into play too. Though you hope not.

You’d been decorating all morning. Flowers, bunting, balloons. Tables set up with food, drinks and an entire section set up with photobooth equipment and props. After all, you’d spent far too much of this year taking photos, what better way to commemorate the end of it.

Xavie’s barbeque has reopened, with Sylus keeping a watchful eye… or being an interference. It was hard to tell.

Rafayel has taken to making drinks, you weren’t sure where he learned how to mix cocktails, but you’re happy to leave him to it. Watching as he makes non-alcoholic ones for Zayne as well.

You sit with Tara and Simone, watching the people around you.

“I can’t believe we’ve been hunters for a year now.” Tara nudges you, grin on her face. Her cheeks are slightly pink, eyes glittering as she leans her head on your shoulder. “I’m so glad we joined together.”

The fidgeting in your chest is ticklish, and you let out a soft laugh under breathe, “Yeah, me too Tay.”

Simone leans back in her chair, stretching her arms out behind her, as she balances on the back two legs, “We’ve been really busy, I bet it’ll get worse too.”

Tara groans, “Come on Omi…”

A bark of laughter is the response as she rights her chair, leaning forwards, “Hey, it’s fine, we’ll be working at it together.” Poking Tara in the forehead, she laughs again.

As she rubs the offending spot, Tara looks over at where Nero is chatting to Xavier, “Can’t believe Nero came, he doesn’t really enjoy these kind of things.”

“Yeah, no offence but I think he likes Wanderers more than us.”

You laugh, it’s not incorrect. You think about meeting Nero, about the shy man who is a living encyclopedia about wanderers, who could talk for hours about Lumiere. You also think about how isolating it is not to share things you enjoy with others, not knowing how to approach people because they think you’re weird.

Odd.

Not fitting in.

You think about how the first time you’d engaged with Nero’s conversation, his eyes had lit up and he’d leaned forwards so far in his chair he’d fallen out of it.

You think about how he attached himself to Xavier, just because the man listened, calm, even if he didn’t always have much to say in response.

Didn’t make him feel like an outsider.

Pride fills your chest even though Xavier’s personality has little to do with you. You still find yourself loving him more for his warmth. His acceptance.

The sleepy smile on his face when he assures someone he has no problems hearing them.

“There’s no Lumiere specials running today,” Simone is talking, looking at her phone, “maybe the size of the gathering and that mixed together to make a Nero appearance.”

“Plus, Xavier.”

“We should have invited Jenna!” Tara exclaimed, grabbing your arm, pulling it. You think that maybe Raffy put a little too much rum in her daiquiri.

“Do you think she would have even come?”

You think about Sylus over by the grill, arms folded and canines on show in his smirk, “I think maybe next time, I’m sure we can invite her next time.”

When the stress of having hunters in the same area as Sylus isn’t quite so high, when you’re not constantly worried about tripping up with his name. When you don’t have to sit and debate if inviting him is worth the risk, despite loving him and wanting him there. Wanting to see him outside of his world of violence and strain.

You’re not sure how much Jenna knows, but it’s not worth pushing a brick in an old wall.

“You should check on those kids though.” Simone reaches over to turn your head, to where to twins are milling around by the dessert table. You can see them fidgeting. Hand twisting in their hoodie pockets. “Either they really want some cake, or they’re uncomfortable.”

You are standing before she’s even finished talking, worry twisting at you like a snake around your chest.

Tara releases your arm and nudges you forwards, grin on her face, “It’s Simone’s turn to get drinks anyway.”

The woman laughs, twisting the end of her ponytail around her finger, “They’re free, this is the easiest set of rounds I’ve ever had to get.”

Your laugh is soft, and warm, and so heavy in your heart, but you lean down to kiss the top of Tara’s head as she smiles so happily up at you, “I’ll see you in a bit.”

“See ya bestie!”

Simone returns the salute you offer, and you let your feet carry you to the twins.

They’re wearing their crow hoodies again, but with party hats over the hoods. Kieran’s scars are visible, his hood pushed back so you can see his eyes. They’re wavering, unsure. Darting around the place. It’s less controlled, but he looks so much like Sylus does that you pause.

Worried. They’re worried.

Of course they are, there’s hunters here, people who pose some… degree of threat to the person they care most about, other than each other.

Luke is fidgeting, bouncing on the heels of his feet, like he doesn’t know where to put all the pent up energy. You can tell the two are in a feedback loop. Feeding off each others anxieties.

As you approach, they seem to halt, for a moment. Looking at each other, then at the cakes, then at you. Seconds, and then Luke forces a grin. “Hey Hunter!”

Your head tilts as you watch them, Luke pushing his hood back a little so he can look at you properly.

“You’re wearing them again?” It’s an easier question, than the one you want to ask.

“Of course! They’re comfy.”

“Boss keeps pulling them off us to wash them.” Kieran pouts at you, the expression pulling at the scar over his cheek, “Aren’t clothes meant to be worn?”

It’s hard not to laugh at them, they remind you of kids far younger than they are sometimes. Other times the darkness lingering in their gaze is reminiscent of one you’ve seen in your own. In Sylus’… In Rafayel’s.

There’s a sickening in your stomach, that you have to move on from quickly, lest it start to burn like acid.

“You have to take care of them, clean them, and they’ll last longer.”

Kieran rubs his chin, and the laugh comes out this time. They really have picked up so many traits from Sylus.

It gives you some courage, to focus on their expressions, and force through the feeling that always comes, “Are you two ok? You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”

Luke blinks, fidgeting stopping, and droops, “No.”

Kieran nudges him, “He means, no we’re fine.”

“You don’t have to lie.” You move to the table, and despite knowing they haven’t eaten a proper meal yet, you slice some sponge cake and shove it into their hands on little paper plates. “Eat.”

You feel like Zayne is in front of you for a moment.

Eat, then talk about how you’re feeling.

You’re not sure the cake fixes the feeling of struggling through your feelings, but you do know that the distraction of sugar, gives you a moment to ground on something real. Tangible.

The twins take the plates, looking down at them, and then back up at you.

“You don’t have to stay, anywhere you don’t want to be. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You don’t have to pretend, or lie, or act a certain way.”

You’re relieved when they take the plates, even happier when Luke shoves some in his mouth. He doesn’t bother with the fork, just grabs it. Kieran pokes at it for a moment, before following in his brother’s footsteps.

“There’s a lot of people.” Kieran finally speaks, twisting his fork in the sponge.

“You can borrow my noise cancelling headphones if you like? I’m sure Zayne has his too.”

Luke shakes his head, “Not like that. Too many possible threats.” He winces, “Sorry, they’re your friends.”

You sit on the table, carefully avoiding cake as you look at the two, “They’re my friends, they’re strangers to you. It’s alright.”

“We just feel weird. On edge.”

“Do you want to go back to the base, somewhere safer? Or home?”

The two shake their heads in sync, frowning more, “No. We want to be here. With boss. To celebrate.”

“So how can I help?”

The expression they shoot back is another you’ve seen on Sylus’ face. But their eyes are wider as they blink at you, their faces younger. Their cheeks softer. You wonder, for a moment, if this is what having brothers would make you feel like.

“If you want to stay,” You clarify, “what can be done to make you feel better here?”

They look at each other, hesitating on the precipice. You wonder if they fear revealing too much, like you are. Showing too much of your heart is a risk. It comes with the very real fear of stumbling over the edge, with no net to catch you.

It comes with your chest flayed open, fragile organ revealed, ready for the risk of a knife… or a hand, no matter how gentle.

“We don’t know.”

“Can we think about it?”

You nod, hopping off the table, “You come find me the second you work it out, or go bother Sylus. I’m sure Xavier would appreciate the break from his probable torment.”

They laugh, and you watch for a moment as they resume eating their cake. Some level of buoyancy back in their stances. The relief settles… It’s something at least.

A door they can walk through at any moment.

The smell of grilling meat and vegetables has you drifting over to Xavie’s Barbecue. You’re relieved that Sylus has been keeping an eye over it, because there’s no smell of burning, and Xavier’s successfully making an array of food for everyone.

You didn’t want to think about how much food wastage there would be otherwise…

Nero is talking animatedly, gesturing as Xavier nods. Sylus is half paying attention, smirking at the prince every now and then. He notices you first though, hearing your footsteps even over the grass.

Sharp red eyes, turning molten and liquid as his gaze focuses on your approach. “Ah, there you are kitten.” Is said on an exhale. You’d think it was relief, with the way he breathes you in as you stand next to him and Xavi.

Xavier uses the hand not currently turning burgers, to hold onto yours, squeezing before releasing.

With his chin resting on your shoulder, Sylus indicates towards Nero with a half-hearted wave, “The Lumiere fan was just telling us some new stories.” You can hear his amusement. Clearly enjoying the situation.

The look on Nero’s face, however, is thrilled. You’re used to spending time talking to him, but the glee you see is always somewhere on the verge of scary, and sweet. “I heard that Lumiere took on an Arbiterwing. ALONE!”

You feel ice drip down your spine, and your eyes pin Xavier. Who jumps, almost dropping his tongs.

A chuckle sounds in your ear, as a hand grabs your waist, thumb soothing under your shirt to help ease down your hackles.

“Oh you did, huh? All on his own?”

“Yeah, how cool right? Lumiere’s EVOL is so powerful.”

If you had your fangs still, you think they’d be showing, as your try not to outwardly glare at the hero in question, “So cool. I bet he’s a really impressive person. Lumiere, that is.”

This time Xavier pouts, and you see the light blush moving over his cheeks. He looks over at you, brows furrowing.

“I wonder how his loved ones must feel though, finding out he fought such a terrifying beast on his own.”

Now he has the decency to look guilty, like a sad bunny, ears drooping. You almost feel bad, almost. Wanting to soothe skin in your hands, before you remember he’s the one out there fighting wanderers you’d had to fight with a team, on his own. “I’m sure he was careful.” Xavier grumbles, pleading beautiful starry eyes focused on you.

“Foods burning, prince.” Sylus purrs from his place leaning against your shoulder.

The man in question jumps, and resumes his work.

Nero still has starry admirable eyes, not paying attention to your and Xavier’s starring, “It’s a shame he’s not a hunter, imagine how much more he could do in a team of us!”

You look away from Xavier, whose shoulders relax a bit when you stop spearing him with your eyes, and laugh, “Would be helpful having him around, right?”

Tara and Simone call over Nero, yelling for him to join them. You almost expect him to turn them down, but he seems buoyed by his conversations with Xavier, and trots over to join them.

One you’re alone, you turn around to look at Xavier properly, “Really? An Arbiterwing?”

Sylus growls a little, “Damn things.” You’ve never asked Sylus why he finds Arbiters so difficult, you remember fighting one with him in the N109 Zone, and you certainly didn’t want to fight one again if you could ever help it. Still he seems particularly irritable about them.

“I promise I was careful. I didn’t have time to call for anyone else.” He places a hand on the your cheek and presses a kid to your forehead, pleading eyes bright and beautiful. You sigh, tugging him down a little, planting a kiss on his cheek. His cheeks flare bright, and his fingers twitch against your cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”

You poke him in the chest now, “I’ll hold you to that, oh great hero.”

His groan is accompanied by yours and Sylus’ laugh. Who nuzzles against your shoulder, as he watches Xavier plating food.

“My job is done, nothing’s burned down.” He nips at your neck, “I think your favourite crow deserves praise.”

You mimic him, rubbing your chin with one hand, and titling your head, “Is Mephie around? I thought he had the day off.”

Another nip, this one a little harder, but not painful, “You’re cruel, kitten.” His hands are now both under your shirt, kneading your skin, warm palms sending small skitters of heat up and down your spine, “I worked hard, keeping the prince from destroying everything with his curse.”

“I’m not cursed.” Xavier spits back, “Some things just… don’t like working for me.”

“The burned down kitchen back at the base, certainly felt cursed.”

“It was your ovens fault.”

“Whatever you say, bunny.”

Your hand reaches up to tangle in Sylus’ soft hair as the two snipe at each other, easing through the strands and pulling his head in a way you can kiss him. He bites your bottom lip, and as you pull away, drowsily tries to chase your lips with his. Purring at the scratching at the back of his head. “You did good, both of you. Thank you.”

He doesn’t answer, just purrs and growls as he nuzzles, and inhales.

Xavier’s smile brightens, pride in his countenance as he nods, “Of course Starlight, whatever you need.”

“Take some grilled fish over to the fish, kitten.” Sylus finally breaks out of his daze, lifting himself up to grab a plate for Rafayel, that is being pilled with his favourites. “He’s been making drinks all day, I worry he’ll fall over soon.”

There’s something funny about the leader of Onychinus making sure Raffy is well fed, because he’d deny he was doing it. Pretend it was just to keep things moving smoothly, a measure to make the day easier to deal with.

Rather than what it actually is, concern for someone he cares about.

For a man so honest with his feelings, he prefers to hide them in smokescreens.

With a final kiss, one pressed to Xavier’s hand, and one to Sylus’ forehead, you leave with the plate.

When you approach Rafayel, he’s making a new drink for Yvonne and Greyson. It has gummy bears sprinkled on top, and a tiny little umbrella stuck in some pineapple. Greyson’s cheeks are very bright red, and you’re not surprised that he’s leaning heavily on Yvonne’s shoulder for balance.

“For you.” You offer the plate to Raffy, who sniffs at it happily, before stuffing a piece of salmon in his mouth.

“Cutie!” He speaks through chewing, pulling you down to join him at his makeshift bar. You grimace, staring at the sticky surface, and the mess he’s made.

Raffy is many things, a clean worker is not at all one of them.

You pull your arms back quickly to not get a horrifying sensory issue.

Your fish doesn’t notice, instead shaking a mixer in one hand, as he eats with the other. Even just looking at him, you can see the blush on his ears, and the slight unsteadiness to his hands. “Let me do that.” You take the mixer, “Eat.” He obliges, frowning only a little bit before he happily begins to clear his plate. Humming in satisfaction.

Xavier is a capable cook, when there’s no active flames or risk of explosion.

“Hey hunter!” Greyson exclaims, leaning forwards, his drink spilling a little over the side. “Thanks for inviting us.”

Yvonne smiles, offering you a glass of… what you assume is a Piña colada based by the pineapple slice. You take it, placing it down in front of you as you shake the mixer. Handing it back to Raffy, as he finishes his food. “I’m shocked seeing Dr Li trying to set up fireworks.”

Your laugh is warm, and fond. Zayne builds such an image of himself around others, “He’s secretly a big child, under the snowy layers.”

“Dr Li checked his watch so many times today, we were all worried we might get an emergency come in.”

“I wasn’t looking to seeing him frown, if that would have happened.”

“He shows his feelings so easily now, when it comes to you all.”

It’s hard to fight the heat in your cheeks, but its true. He has softened so much, especially recently.

Another drink is put down, “For Tara.” Raffy says, “This one for Simone.”

You watch as Yvonne nods, picking them up and wandering off.

“You’ve gained bar staff.” You speak, watching as Raffy puts his mixers down, finished with his orders for now, you assume. “What a successful little bar, our fishie is running.”

He preens, fangs peeking out with his smile, “I’m good at everything I do cutie.”

“Where did you even learn?” Greyson asks, chewing one of the gummy bears.

Rafayel shrugs, “Just one of those things you pick up when you travel.”

Looking at him, you want to ask follow up questions… but Raffy won’t share if he doesn’t want to, there’s always a feeling like looking through murky water with him. There’s always something there, lurking under the surface, but so hard to make out. You have to wait for it to surface, wait for it to come to you.

Better than trying to fish it out, and hurting it.

“I’ll take some water bottles around to everyone in a little while.” You look over at where Tara, Simone, and now Yvonne, are singing to a song playing throughout the park. As Nero nods his head absently, sipping some water. “Though your drinks are certainly popular.”

“Gotta greet the new day in style, cutie.” His head plops down into his hand, elbow on the bar, as he watches you. Beautiful eyes narrowing. Reading every little detail, every change.

Being stared at by Rafayel is a sensation that makes your back straighten.

When he puts his focus on something, he’s picking it apart, seeing every part of it, so he can paint it. In the way his eyes see the world. As art, as a wonder, as something worth protecting.

Your fingers reach out, shaking slightly, without even being aware of it, and brush the hair, that’s fallen right in front of his eyes, back. His skin paints red further, spreading down his neck, and his eyes sparkle. You wish you could paint, you wish more than anything that this beautiful man was kept in a portrait to stare at every moment of the day.

It’s hard to not believe in gods, when someone as beautiful as him sits there, staring at you. Like you make the waves crash against the shores.

He turns his head to kiss the tips of your fingers, before placing the pulse point of your wrist against his cheek again. “It’s a good day to celebrate.” He breathes out.

The laugh to your side pulls you out of your stupor, as Greyson nods in agreement. You pull back a little, though Rafayel doesn’t release your hand, keeping it in his lap as the two of you turn to your companion.

“Is Zayne doing ok?” You ask Rafayel.

“He debated drinking, then remembered how many people would be here, and changed his mind.”

“He’s a stickler for being a good example.” Greyson adds, stirring his drink.

You wonder if it’s really that, and the big snowman is not just stewing and fearing his control. Tightly wound and kept under lock and key, just in case. Always watchful.

At the very least, as you look over at him reading instructions on a firework box, you think he is having fun at least. You can’t say the same for Jeremiah, who is hovering by the photobooth, looking through the album next to it.

Raffy kisses your hand again, smiling at you, “Go be your nosy self, cutie. We’ll be here when you get back.”

“Or we’ll be playing spin the bottle much to Dr Li’s disappointment.”

You almost bark a laugh at Greyson, the mental image of Zayne playing spin the bottle or truth or dare, is such an image, you want to see it. Desperately. Pressing a kiss to the top of Raffy’s head as you stand, you wave at them both and head off.

“Sooo.” You poke your head over Jeremiah’s shoulder, who jumps. Looking at you like you’re a ghost. “Are you alright? Looking for any particular prop?”

It takes a moment before you think his brain starts working again, and he smiles… but its not a smile you’re used to seeing on Jeremiah’s face. You’ve seen it on Xavier’s face though. Sorrow lurking at the edges. Tired.

Maybe the passing of years for them both has a weight you’ll never understand.

“I’m alright, just… a lot of people. I haven’t been around this many in a long time.” He forces a laugh, “Silly right?”

You shake your head. You might have different reasons for struggling with crowds, but you refuse to let any of the people you’ve brought into your heart, think you are not a safe space for their concerns. “Not the first time I’ve heard that today. You’re fine.”

He’s got the album open on a photo of you, him and Xavier outside of Philos. Holding flowers in your arms.

It’s… a realisation that you’ve never seen Jeremiah with another person than Xavier. Like he’s become an island, with only Philos as his port.

So you change the page on the album, to some of Yvonne and Greyson. During the preparation for Zayne’s birthday. “We’ve taken so many photos this year.” It settles in your chest again, that thanks to your loved ones… you now have full albums, and many more to fill. “You should talk to Greyson, he likes sunflowers a lot.”

Jeremiah laughs, looking at you like you’re too obvious, “He’s a little drunk for that now.”

“When he sobers up then.” You huff, pushing the album into his arms, straightening the page out.

“I… I’ll try. It’s odd, seeing Xavier like this.”

“You can do it too, you know?”

There’s doubt in the mans eyes, you don’t want to look too close. It gives you a feeling like a fire that’s burned too long.

“Or you can just take some really stupid photos with me, wearing the worst hats we can find, and see how many we can take in under a minute.” It’s hard to look too close at someone’s emotions, you feel. Looking into someones eyes is painful, there are times you can manage it, and times you can’t.

You find some people’s gaze holds yours against your will, not violently, but powerfully. Rafayel and Sylus have eyes that pulling away from feels like tearing part of yourself out. Xavier and Zayne feel like staring into a tranquil pond, losing yourself.

Jeremiah’s right now are wavering on the edge of something, and you can’t keep looking at them, turning your head a little to look at the props on the table. You reach out, carefully picking up a pair of bunny ears, and place them carefully on his head.

“If you don’t want to stay, you don’t have to… but if you’re scared and still want to try, then stay, and build bridges.”

You think about the men you’ve made your home, and the fear of overcoming the need to flee from them.

The house in ashes and cinders. The number that never texts you back anymore.

“As grumpy as Xavier asks, he’s there if you need him. Me too.”

Jeremiah reaches up to touch the bunny ears on his head, and smiles weakly, “I do need to get a drink.”

You nudge him, hand gently pushing the man forwards towards where Raffy is now spinning a mixer around his finger, to the thrilled cheers of Greyson and Tara, “Go on then, make it a good one.”

As he walks away, he waves at you a little, but is soon pulled to sitting down by a drunk doctor, and a happy hunter.

Your final stop is the fireworks, as Thomas and Zayne set them up somewhere safe. You’re glad its Zayne setting them up, as you worry Raffy would get excited and set them off too early.

If there’s a flame to put out, better the snowman, than the fish.

As you approach, Zayne looks up, and his forest eyes soften at the vision of you. Smile quirking cool lips. “Darling, have you enjoyed yourself?”

He’s warm, and familiar, and safe. Like a hearth. The irony of the cold skin, versus how heated he makes you feel, is something. As you take his extended hand, thumb brushing over your skin, you settle against his side while Thomas finishes up.

“It’s nice, seeing everyone.” You offer, “Seeing everyone moving forwards for the new year.” You trace the skin under his eyes with your fingertip, down to his mouth. He gasps a little, a puff of breath against the cool metal, before taking your wandering fingers in his own.

“Seeing some of you relaxed, is also quite pleasant.” You tease, bumping him with your hip. His laugh is a soft noise, that settles in your chest. Cool around your frantic heart.

“Our little family has behaved themselves, I haven’t had to put out any fires. It’s allowed for the relaxation.”

“You mother hen.”

Thomas stands up, brushing his hands on his trousers and grinning over at you, “Hey Mx Bodyguard. We’re all done here finally. Has Rafayel gotten everyone drunk yet?”

“He’s trying, I think his plan is going well, while we’re all unconscious he’ll achieve world domination.”

Zayne tenses, releasing your metal hand to rub at the space between his eyes, “The feeling of dread has returned.”

“I’m sure he’ll find some place for us in his new kingdom.”

“You’d make a good jester, Zayne.”

“It’s getting worse.” Your doctor frowns, tugging at your hand to glare unserious eyes at you as you fight the urge to laugh, the quirk to your lips too obvious to him.

Thomas extends the box of sparklers to you, “We can use these later, after watching the show.”

Zayne looks down at what they’ve worked on as the three of you move away, back to the party. He’s often hard to read, but you can see the nerves in him, the worry he hasn’t done it right. So you squeeze his cold hand in your warmer one, and lean against his shoulder, “It’ll be great. Even if the fireworks sputter, we’ll have memories.”

His worries soothe, and he smiles, “Have to take some photos for that album of yours.”

“‘Newdawn Day, we watched some very sad fireworks, then played games for hours’.” You poke him in the side using your joined hands.

“You’ll have to sleep at some point.”

Thomas laughs, “You’re just as bad as Rafayel then?”

“I am not.”

“When did you last get a full 7 hours, darling?” Zayne raises his brow, you want to grumble and argue, but he knows you too well. You rarely sleep well. You rarely get a good amount of sleep.

The nightmares are getting a little better, a little, but there’s never enough time to get rest in-between all the other things you need to do.

“No wonder whenever I check on you two in the studio, you look like two feral cats.”

“Hey, don’t let Raffy hear you call him a cat, he’ll sulk again.”

Zayne’s hand in yours, entwines your fingers, squeezing, loosening, squeezing again. Over and over again. Like he’s using your hand as a stim toy. Or perhaps he’s offering you a grounding physical sensation.

Either way, you squeeze back.

It’s dark now, and there are lanterns set around the area. It’s a vision. Everyone has gathered back in the centre, drinks in hands, sitting in the grass, staring up at the sky.

You can hear laughter, chatter and the occasional too loud voice calling out excitedly.

Jeremiah sits with Greyson, drinking, and chatting, while Yvonne, Tara and Simone have begun clinking glasses together before each sip. Nero is lay down next to the three pointing out stars to them, while Xavier adds additional trivia about the constellations. Thomas walks ahead to sit near where the twins are throwing food into each others mouths, and occasionally at the back of Sylus’ head. Who is holding back the urge to pick them up with his EVOL.

Raffy’s cheeks are bright red, but resting his head in Sylus’ lap, trying not to spill his drink down himself. Xavier is lay next to him, an eye-mask pushed to the top of his head, but now that his work is done, he looks close to drifting off.

Zayne hands you the little remote, that controls the final event of the evening, “When you’re ready.”

You tug his hand, pulling him with you into the little gathering of your partners and friends. Shoving yourself against the heat of Sylus’ side, who chuckles and wraps an arm around your shoulder, to flick a bit of Zayne’s hair out of his eyes. Before pulling you closer.

Then tug the doctor down next to you. You think you’re smiling. You’re pretty sure you are.

It’s more familiar on your face than it ever used to be, and it’s something you hope becomes as familiar as the heart stuttering in your chest.

“Ready?” You call out, to a cheer of assent, and with a single press of the button, and love surrounding you. The sky is lit up with blossoming flowers.

“Happy Newdawn day!”

There’s a moment of quiet, when you step away from the party, a sparkler in your hand. You spell out names as you walk further out, not too far that you can’t hear everyone, but far enough that no one needs to see the tears lurking in your eyes.

Newdawn reminds you of everything you’ve gained, and everything you’ve lost…

Pulling your phone out, you open his messages. Unread messages fill the screen. Reminding you he’s not there…

Still, you can’t help but send him another one. Maybe, somewhere he’ll hear you.

Maybe wherever he is, he’s happy.

When your sparkler is dead, and your messages sent, you take in a deep inhale. Clearing the shadows from your heart, and turn back to where twinkling lights summon you home. Eyes are turned to you, green, red, blue and pink, and you feel their gazes pulling you back. Where you belong, where you’re safe, no matter what else comes after you.

So you follow their call, like they’re a siren song, willingly and joyfully. Ready to follow them to the depths of the ocean if you have to.

And as you do, for a small moment, you feel the phone in your pocket vibrate.

🍎 partner in crime 🍎: Hey Pipsqueak. Happy Newdawn day.

[cepheusgalaxy]

Hall of Fame

Aka my favorite series here on Tumblr!

(Most are whump. All of them are fantastic.) I decided to put in a little "starter pack" (pretty arbitrary) with stuff I (personally) recommend to take a look at first, instead of a synopsis, since I'm not very good at them

Kai & Kyriel: The Crow and The Dove by @there-will-always-be-blood

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Backstory drabble

Aros Against Fate by @aromanticsky

Starter pack:

□ Character intros || pt 2

□ Kaelía and Līs

□ Guodei saga

□ How magic works

□ The Plot

The Rare Bookseller and The Vampire Auction by @oliversrarebooks

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Chapter 3

Group Whumpees series by @haro-whumps

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Chapter 3

Moonflower by @echo-goes-mmm

Starter pack:

□ Origin

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

The Ghost of Seattle by @defire

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Chapter 3

The Paladin Series (discontinued) by @livingforthewhump

Starter pack:

□ Character intros

□ Chapter 0

□ Chapter 1

Kane & Jim by @whumpsday

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Flashback

Worthless by @livelaughwhump

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Flashback chapter

The Winged Servant by @rainbowsandwhumperflies

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Chapter 3

The American Dream Is Killing Me by @tired-of-being-nice

Starter pack:

□ Flashback 1

□ Flashback 2.3

□ Flashback 3

The Last Lab Rat by @whumpy-wyrms

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Chapter 3

Magicae by @oros-ash3s and @ohagiwrites

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Drabble 3

□ Febuwhump 2025 day 2

□ Atlas and Jeremiah

Hear No Evil by @writereleaserepeat

Starter pack:

□ Chapter 1

□ Chapter 2

□ Chapter 3

It's Complicated by @thewhumpywitch

Starter pack:

□ Logan

□ Dergan

□ 127 (more in the future)

□ (Just for context, it's a mafia-ish sci fi story about The King, a guy who does eco terrorrism and was raised in the crime world and had a very fucked up childhood. His father is also kind of out to get him and pays a lover to get info outta him. Deals with very heavy topics despiste being incredibly fun so watch out)

Forsaken by @inhurtandincomfort

Starter pack:

□ You're a monster

□ The Black Syndicate survival's guide

□ Trapped

□ Echoes of the past: A study in Jowan

Most if not all the tws are listed on their respective chapters and/or masterposts so watch out for them. All of them are like off the top AMAZING and I love all of them a lot.

[knight-says-nanana]

So many of the Gotham 2014 versions of the rouges being under 18 kills me this is the most paternal emotion I’ve ever felt in a fandom

They’re so sad and tragic and they’re just babies

Jon? Was abused and traumatized and made to feel constant fear forever then just locked up in Arkham for years with guards n a warden who compounded that?? Selina?? was left alone for so long which was sad enough but her mom came back just to leave again??? She parentifies herself constantly when around kids her own age??? I v y ? ? ? Like fuck where do you even Start with Ivy oh my god. And yeah ok Jerome and Jeremiah were a smidgen older by the time they got introduced but they are so sad and still included here. Especially Jerome.

And I thought I was desensitized to Bruce angst bc his age/backstory wasn’t really changed much at all here, he was always a kid who’s parents were murdered, but good lord

[azathothweirdo]

Getting a bit more on Shiemi's backstory was my favorite part of the story, it answered some questions I've had for a long time. I'm really curious how this is going to play out, especially with how her father died and how it was previously hinted that Jeremiah was involved in some way.

Shiemi's grandmother continues to be a interesting character. I'm not sure how Kato's trying to write her totally, but I'm sure we'll get more. At this point her wanting to go off and retire like nothing has happened, is frustrating in different ways. People soften with age, especially when it comes to their grandchildren, but the way she treated Yuri has always stood out to me.

Pushing along the birthing process absolutely is why Yuri died in the first place. She wasn't doing so hot even then, but making pass her placenta like Shiemi's grandmother did was totally what did the twin's mother in. Given how cold she seems to be, it's clear this was her way of resolving things where it concerned Yuri. If she's dead, they don't have to worry about Satan trying to come back to her.

Meanwhile she's happy to run off to Japan and retire with her own daughter and grand daughter. Not to say her losing her son in law or others isn't as bad, but I dunno. I can't wait for more on this lady to be honest, and her whole family. Especially Shiemi.

[drawishme]

What are their backstories? 👀

Thank you for asking!

Ahem. Drift is a hyper athlete who wins trophies in everything sporty. Jeremiah is his brother and a laidback scientist who hasn’t made any breakthroughs with his experiments on snacks. Their clashing lifestyles made Jeremiah move away but Drift moved to the same island too and now they’re neighboring brothers. :D

[viciouslyfilthy]

Jeremiah has four borzois. All mean girls.

Condessa, Rainha, Baronesa, and Admiradora. Each wear a necklace with encrusted diamonds with their respective name on the tag.

Condessa is the eldest, she is a mixed breed of borzoi and husky. She is spoiled by daddy and will scream for hours if she does not get what she wants. Gives you the sideye for hours as punishment for not listening to her the first time. You will need to earn her trust back for such blasphemy.

Admiradora is the youngest and, much like her name suggests, she loves giving attention. She expects the same in return. She will stare at you and paw at you and grunt. For hours.

[oros-ash3s]

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 vampy (👀👀)

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 evil twin shenanigans (>:3333)

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 kageko.. AUGHHH (kageko huh... 👀)

Any one of these and/or the jeremiah happy au?

thanks for the ask!! I decided to do all of them since I’ve been WAITING to leak some of my wips (which may well take months to finish).

“Vampy” is my silly docs title that I have put in place for the first chapter of “What Lies Below”. I haven’t gotten too far with the actual chapter because I was writing it right around the time Febuwhump came around, but I have a pretty good idea of where I want the scene to go.

Here’s some excerpts from that:

Elmira finds herself staring at the face of a ghost.

The boy in front of her is not one she recognizes. The person she once knew, the grinning little girl with bouncy black waves and rosy cheeks, a joke always on the tip of her tongue, has been very evidently replaced. Everything that she would have been able to hold onto, the little mannerisms and quirks that might have brought her spinning back into the past, six years of separation fixed within a blink, are gone. They have been carefully removed, picked and prodded apart, until she is left with no more than a young man who she assumes must be her sister — must have once been her sister — standing before her, a blank look on his face.

She searches him for some sort of recognition, some sort of warmth. Searches past the tattoos and the piercings, the choppy, frayed bleached hair and the sharply-lined mismatched eyes. Searches, desperate, for the girl she raised. The girl she loved.

She is met with nothing.

.༉‧₊˚

“Because she’s your sister!” Elmira screams, raw. There are tears she’s tried so desperately to force back this entire encounter springing up in her eyes. Tears that she knows, once they start, won’t stop. She stares at the ghost across from her with confused desperation. This terrible want. It’s consuming her, swallowing her whole. It’s this very thing that’s been eating away inside of her for so many years, and she fears if he doesn’t do this, it will threaten to absorb her entirely. “She’s your family and she needs you. Please!”

“Family?” His eyes narrow, voice dipping low, danger lingering near the surface. “Because she’s my family?”

A deadly grin twists across his face, warping his near-perfect features. His alien features, features that Elmira is sure cannot have belonged to her own sister. He barks out a laugh, cackling without mirth. There is nothing but anger present inside him now, thrumming from his figure, evident in the tenseness of his posture. “Thats a lie and you fuckin’ know it, Koroleva.” He hisses, stepping close to her. He’s kept his distance up until now, hung back; not allowing her to get even an inch near him. But now he is only inches away, staring down at her with his hands clenched, teeth bared. “Family doesn’t count. It hasn’t counted for a fucking second, not in any of your eyes. I’m not your family. I haven’t been since you cast me out, since you left me for dead.”

His eyes flick to the body limp in her heavy arms, a sneer pulling at his lips. “And she…..” He lets out another laugh, voice dropping to only a whisper. “She definitely isn’t my fucking sister.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝

“Kageko.. AUGHHH” is also a silly docs title for a REALLLYY old drabble I have from like, 2022 with Kageko and Ryuji.

It’s supposed to show a snippet of their backstory, and was from when Kageko was a lot more malicious towards Ryuji. I think it’s good to represent how much Kageko contributes to Ryuji’s deteriorating mental state. This is from my WIP Metamorphosis, for those who don’t know.

Here’s an excerpt of that:

Ryuji gasped, bolting upright. Sweat was sticky on his skin, slicked down the nape of his neck. He glanced around his room in alarm, his surroundings finally taking focus in the dark. Moonlight filtered through the window, shining against the dark wooden floorboards.

He was sitting in his bed, in the Seventh Sector, at home, blankets entangled tightly around his legs. His chest was heaving; quick, strained breaths wheezing in and out of his lungs. His body felt icy and cold, fear twisting inside his gut, seizing his muscles. His eyes were brimming with tears, and when he reached up, furiously rubbing at them, he could feel his face was already wet.

Ryuji trembled, trying to get his breathing back under control. Stop his scarred hands from shaking so badly. Stop the fucking sobs that he was so desperately trying to hold back.

In the corner of their room, He was standing, upright and still, blending completely in but utterly out of place. He looked eighteen, even though Ryuji was positive the last they’d seen him — really seen him, not waking up alone, in the middle of the night, bridging on a panic attack from another nightmare — was twelve years ago, when he was six. Like usual, he glared at him with cruel, dark eyes, smiling as blood poured from his mouth, down his chin, puddling onto the floor and inching its way around him and towards Ryuji.

He just wanted him to fucking leave him alone, for once. He sighed, hunching his shoulders and putting his head in his hands. He rubbed his eyes, exhaustion settling in, even though he knew there was no way he was going to be getting any sleep after that. Not when He was there, staring at him in the corner. Not when the twitch in his fingers still wouldn’t go away, and his chest was still tight, shaky breaths coming out in huffs.

“You know,” Ryuji muttered under his breath, voice barely above a whisper. “Sometimes I think I wasn’t the one who was spared…” He stared up at him through the cracks of his fingers, as his expression twisted into a deformed grin, flashing a row of crooked teeth caked with black blood.

“But you.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝

“Evil twin shenanigans” is a drabble I have planned for Odesa and Kageko, which takes place in between Febuwhump Day 11 and Febuwhump Day 12. This one is also from my WIP Metamorphosis.

Here is an excerpt from that:

Ryuji laughs. He genuinely and truly, laughs. Falling to his knees, a wide grin splitting across his bandaged face, he laughs. It is a foreign sound, one Odesa has never heard fall from his lips. Not with such ecstatic glee, with such careless joy. He is not tense nor stiff, posture relaxed, like the worries lying upon his shoulders have simply dissipated.

“Holy fucking shit!” He cackles, hands brushing over the blades of grass with a sort of reverence that Odesa is sure no one has seen within the four walls of the Seventh Sector before. No one inside here could ever look so simply happy at something that is truly so basic, so ordinary. Yet Ryuji, her Ryuji, the Ryuji who has been holed up inside his room for weeks on end, dead to the world; the Ryuji who cannot make himself see any of the wonders of their universe, who does not find joy in even the simplest of things, is laughing and giggling as he pulls up chunks of grass, feeling it beneath his fingertips as if it is the best thing he has ever witnessed.

“Oh my god, oh my god—” he grins, rolling onto his back and wiggling on the ground, genuinely wiggling. He rolls and laughs with unrestrained delight, smiling and basking in the soft heat of the sun. It is as if nothing matters anymore, as if all his troubles have vanished. Like the sudden spring that has pushed through the borders of the Sector has rejuvenated him, given him new life. “Des, Des— Odesa, you… you have to see this!!”

He bounces up in place, body vibrating with energy. A crooked smile is flashed in her direction as he grips her wrist, shoving a half-crushed weed into her palm. “Look!”

Odesa is not quite sure what she is supposed to be looking at. She is not sure if she’s even staring at her boyfriend at all.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝

The Jeremiah AU title is a little bit misleading because it’s not exactly a happy lovey-dovey au (I love angst what can I say). But the basic premise is that it’s the main plotline of The Chrysalis, only instead of Alastair leaving the church and Jeremiah becoming a secondary villain, Jeremiah is one of the primary protagonists and a rebel.

It’s personally my favourite AU of ours because it shows off Atlas and Jeremiah’s relationship in a new light, and how they could’ve been friends, in different circumstances. It also changes a lot of the character dynamics (especially with Alastair) which is very interesting as well!!

Here’s some excerpts from that, co-written with @ohagiwrites:

“BULLSHIT.” Atlas yells, face flushed and body raised as if he’s about to jump Jeremiah. “Don’t fucking lie to me! I’ve seen what the Congregation does to Magicae! The only ones who are equal are the ones they deem to be fucking holy!” With every word his voice only raises. “I’ve only ever killed bad people. I’ve only ever killed when it’s absolutely necessary! I’m NOTHING like you.”

Jeremiah’s hands are hot as he barely restrains himself from sending out a burst of light straight towards Atlas. “You know nothing of our mission! The church grows because we accept all Magicae! Not just the ones we can use. We’d never take precious Magicae blood and lock them away! Use them as objects!” Jeremiah’s hands are shaking now, Alastair’s muttered pleas for retreat falling dead upon his ears as he throws his arms in the air. “And that’s a fucking excuse! You kill anyone who threatens to reveal Magicae! Anyone who wants us to take our rightful place above the humans!”

“LIAR! You’re a liar, just like the rest of your precious fucking church! Don’t tell me the church would never harm Magicae when I’ve witnessed it firsthand! I’m not a fucking fool, I know what I saw!” Atlas screams. He’s raw, unconstrained. Venom is spitting out of him, directed straight at Jeremiah. “The Congregation is a million times worse than Eden. At least Eden tries to protect people from the massacres that each of you causes, day in and day out! At least they have some sense of order, of control! All the Congregation does is bring destruction and chaos! All for your little fake fucking God whom you love so much! And you don’t even care if it means hurting your own kind, as long as it ‘pleases him’! It’s fucking disgusting!”

When Atlas starts to get up, Wren quickly latches onto his arm, desperately trying to pull him back down. “Atlas,” they plead in a soft voice. “Let’s just take a break. Cool off, okay?”

Jeremiah blood boils, his face hot, vision blurred. “How dare you! How dare you say something you know nothing about! You don’t know anything! You’re just some fucking-”

Jeremiah’s words die in his throat as Alastair stands, gripping his shoulders and spinning Jeremiah to face him. “Jeremiah, that’s enough.” Without his glasses on to soften the edges, his little brother’s eyes are sharp and stern. He looks almost angry. Not quite, but it’s close enough to make Jeremiah’s heart sink. Alastair’s never been angry with him.

.༉‧₊˚

Tears slip down Jeremiah’s cheeks when Alastair flinches at his touch, and he has to choke back a sob. He squeezes his eyes shut, sucking in a sharp breath. “Alastair, you’re my little brother.” He whispers, hating himself for not realizing how hurt Alastair really was from the Congregation. How little he thought of himself. “I’d give up everything in a heartbeat, if it meant that I could be at your side. I don’t want anything else except you. If you aren’t with me then it isn’t worth it.” He squeezes his hand tighter.

Alastair looks up again, startled by the noise that comes from the back of Jeremiah’s throat. An unknown emotion flickers past his face, so quick Jeremiah almost misses it, and then Alastair is squeezing his eyes shut again, as if he can’t dare to look his brother in the eye. “But you shouldn’t have to,” he whispers. “You shouldn’t have to now and I wouldn’t have you wanted you to back then. I could have endured it. I would’ve been fine if you were happy.”

“No, Alastair, that’s not…” Jeremiah falters, his voice cracking. Alastair’s words break him even more. I would have endured it. All this time, he had thought he was doing what was best for Alastair. What was right. And all this time, Alastair had silently suffered…. Just to protect him. “That’s not how it works. I’m supposed to protect you. That’s my job. You deserve to be happy too. Actually happy. You shouldn’t feel like you have to sacrifice your own happiness for me. You shouldn’t have to have been down there. Alone.”

Jeremiah’s words leave a sting in Alastair’s eyes and throat as he swallows, inhaling shakily. “Jeremiah.” He whispers. His fingers close around Jeremiah’s hand and he squeezes. “If given the chance again… I wouldn’t have told you about Father Julius and I… I wouldn’t have asked you to come with me,” he murmurs.

Jeremiah sobs. Usually he’d feel embarrassed about being so emotional, but right now he doesn’t care, not when Alastair looks so sad and empty. It’s the most heartbreaking sight in the entire world. “No. No, no, don’t say that. I’m glad you told me. I’m so glad. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you, Alastair. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” His voice is so brittle as he tries to force the words out, tries to make Alastair see that he is worth so much more than he could ever know. “I can be happy here. I can. As long as I have you by my side, I’ll be okay.”

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝

The first scene is a scene from when Alastair and Jeremiah first come to join Atlas and Wren on the run. It shows off how both Atlas and Jeremiah are indoctrinated into their beliefs, leaving them kind of at odds with each other.

The second scene is an aftermath to Jeremiah finding out how the church actually is. It’s honestly a super important scene imo because it humanizes Jeremiah who otherwise isn’t shown to be soft and loving in canon, and shows how Alastair is the most important thing to him (which explains why he is the way he is in canon).

If you’re still reading, thank you :] This was one of my longer asks I must say!!

taglist \\ @ohagiwrites @bloodinkandashes @corinneglass @icantthinkofablognameatm @vesanal @inky-anathemata @bioniclechronicles @seastarblue @gr3yhellh0und @aalinaaaaaa @shadow-of-tea-and-tea @robinshandhurts @ieppiq @sugaredparchment @lunaeuphternal @ifmasonbasonwasawriter @steh-lar-uh-nuhs @blackboxwarrior-mkultra @lancedoncrimsonwings @sharkblizzardblogs @nightmaricwriter @scoundrelwithboba @cepheusgalaxy @cacophonyofwords @theink-stainedfolk

[arcadia-of-pluto]

|| Xavier ||

Codename; In the Nest, Xavier goes by the name "Velveteen". Yes, like the story and the rabbit breed. These types of rabbits are mostly active during dawn or dusk, and can be found napping throughout the day and evening. In "the Velveteen rabbit ", he was described as 'someone longing for love and friendship'.

Age; Old, old. Like Earth became Philos in the future type of old

Backstory; Xavier was a prince on Philos— The New Earth. The reformed Earth. He was next in line for the throne, however....he didn't want to be. He was forced into formal classes, taught swordsmanship...He never truly felt free to be himself.

Despite his busy schedule, Xavier was lethargic. He always wanted to chill out, sleep, relax, anything besides actually do work. But he wasn't allowed to. Everyone wanted to mold him into the perfect king, but no one wanted to see him for how he truly was. No one wanted to know Xavier, they only cared about Prince Xavier.

The only people who knew him, who truly knew him, were Jeremiah and a friend whose face he can no longer recall. The only memory he has left of her, a star shaped tassel charm that hung from his sword.

As his coronation drew closer, Xavier learnt of how twisted his father's rule was (sacrificing citizens to be the planet's core and keep Philos running), and decided he wants nothing to do with it.

He takes only a handful of people, others who knew Xavier for who he was, and leaves Philos.

He had no destination in mind, he just wanted to get away...and that's how he ends up in the current timeline.

|| return to animus select ||

[tortoisesshells]

(tags via @widowshill)

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