#Thanks for telling me! I apologize for any insult I may have caused!

[itsahotminuteinbetween]

Not to hurt you at all but informing you instead! Saying stuff like “if-if” or stuff on text with a “stutter” can be harming irl people with an actual stutter.

I understand if you have a stutter but it can be taken the wrong way and it can be perceived as making fun of people with a stutter.

Oh! My apologies, I wasn’t aware of this, thank you for informing me!

[gay-dorito-dust]

( ´∀`) I am possibly missing where it says your requests are open or not. I apologize if it is.

If it interests you (your batfam posts bring me joy) how would the boys Jay, Dick, Damian (whoever else) would react to only being able to tell the truth for a day? Like they confess all the things they like about their crush, compliment their family, admit to disliking a dish Alfred made (GASP <(｀^´)> ).

Thank youuuuu~

Jason wore his heart on his sleeve, he lets anyone knows what’s on his mind with zero filter, so him being forced to be truthful was no different to how Jason actually was on a day to day basis.

So at first he doesn’t think anything was out of the ordinary until you asked him a question one day regarding your love life;

‘I don’t think I’ll be able to find anyone here Jay, I mean what do I have to do to find somebody.’

‘You don’t have to do anything because everyone else is the problem, not you.’ Jason found himself answering before his mind could find an appropriate response without crossing the boundary of your friendship. ‘They obviously don’t see perfection when they see it because they weren’t looking at you and I find that insulting because who wouldn’t look into your eyes and see forever within them?.’ He finishes and was quick to cover his mouth with his hand, worried that he might’ve said too much for you.

‘And do you see forever in my eyes jay birdie?’ You asked softly, leaning towards him.

Jason drops his hand from his mouth. ‘Hell yeah I do, amongst many other things because you’re worth every heartbreak I’ve ever had in the past because being with you would be my life’s greatest dream come true.’

The next time Jason spoke truthfully was when Dick came to visit and it was after a long, long night of patrol and sleep was at the forefront of his mind, causing it to fog as he let it slip on what he truly thought of Dick.

‘You’re my brother, we may not be related by blood but no one has stood in my corner and was so prepared to be in the wrong then you Richard, and for that I thank you. You really are the best of us.’

Needless to say when he found out that Dick had the whole thing recorded, he wanted to strangle the fucker and make his death look like an accident. Sibling things.

Now, Jason -much like any other- loved Alfred’s food and would never raise an issue over it as he’d pretty much eat anything with his bottomless stomach. So even if he didn’t like one of Alfred’s recipes more self then others, he would say it in the most politest way possible. He loved that kindhearted man too much to ever say anything in regards of the food he’s made him since he was a young lad.

Dick would find peoples expressions to him being honest and truthful funny, but at the same time would be somewhat relieved with this turn out, as he wouldn’t have to force himself to be truthful just to get people to stop asking whether he was alright or not.

He knew he wasn’t always open and honest with his innermost thoughts and feelings at the best and worst of times, knowing all too well of how that would cause lead to the occasional argument of two down the line for himself, but he was never really given the space to figure it out himself on his own time.

So when he found himself speaking the truth to just about anyone, it was as though his heart was exposed for all to see it beating and all. It was as though all of his innermost thoughts regarding everyone in his life was being broadcasted to anyone and everyone with ears and the ability to hear it.

‘You’re so good with Hayley you know.’ Dick blurted once when you were playing with Hayley, stoping as soon as you heard him say this, allowing for Hayley to snatch the toy from your limp hand and lie down elsewhere to amuse herself with the squeaks that the toy would make every time she bite down on it.

‘What?’ You asked.

‘I mean it, you’re really good with Hayley and you’ve been nothing but an amazing person with a pretty smile and addicting laugh.’ Dick adds as he held his head in his hands as he looked at you with a soft look upon his face. Dick wasn’t still that bothered that you knew how he felt, it was bound to come out sooner or later and would take it in stride, even if he didn’t have control over what had just came out of his mouth just now.

The next time Dick finds himself being truthful was when he visited Jason after a long night of patrol and in the midst of a silent period Dick then said;

‘You’re amazing Jason. Bruce doesn’t know what he’s talking about, he never did when it came to us Robins, using one of us as a frame of reference for everyone else isn’t fair but you are my friend, my brother and I am so proud of you. You are not a failure, you’re anything but one.’ Jason sat silent the entire time and after Dick had finished he made a noise from the back of his throat, a small smile gracing his face as he looked out over the streets of Gotham, reaching out to pat Dick on the shoulder and said. ‘Thanks man.’

Dick always cared deeply for Jason, seeing him as his little brother and would gladly stand in his corner no matter what, even if he was wrong because that was what older siblings did. Dick never shied away from how deeply he felt agonising pain when he though he had lost his little brother and confronted Bruce about the entire thing, enraged and grieving simultaneously. Now whenever he caught wind of what Jason was doing as red hood, he can’t help but smile knowing his brother was doing just fine, but would always make it known that he was just a phone call away.

Dick knew Alfred wasn’t going to bite his head off for saying that he didn’t like something but would instead ask how he could better it for his taste. So even if Dick did say anything about one of Alfred’s recipe, he knows Alfred would be more than understanding. However it was an unspoken rule amongst him and his siblings that they’d eat anything and everything Alfred made them without a single complaint unless it was necessary.

They all love that man too much to ever say anything negative about his cooking.

Damian would hate being forced to speak nothing but the truth.

He’d really hate it as being blunt and opinionated was how he always was and so being open and honest wasn’t his forte and it felt wrong in a sense due to it feeling as though he was put in a position of vulnerability.

He hates it even more when he finds himself confessing to all the things that he liked and or found remotely interesting about you whenever you were near, it felt as though someone was pupating him to say these things when deep down he knew they were how he genuinely felt but was too deep in denial to admit this to himself.

‘How do I look?’ You innocently asked.

‘Breathtaking like you always do so seamlessly.’ Damian replied without hesitation before looking up from his sketchbook once realisation hit him, only to see that you were already looking at him with wide eyes.

‘You mean that?’ You said, wanting to know whether or not you heard him properly.

‘Of course.’ Damian said and when he felt his mouth open, he tried to close it but it seemed as though his body had a mind of his own as he found himself continuing to speak. ‘On many occasions have I spent thinking you were naturally breathtaking and have thought so for many more on top of that to the point you are my one sole muse.’ He finished and it wasn’t long before you were planning your first date together.

Damian knew this wouldn’t be the first time he was going to be forced to speak the truth and the second time came in him actually complimenting Tim on his smarts and combat prowess, something that he’d rather drink pure poison before ever admitting out of pride.

‘Tt. Don’t sell yourself short Drake, you’re a competent Robin and an exceptional detective.’ He’d say when it was just him and Tim in the Batcave and immediately regrets it and makes him swear to secrecy, obviously this doesn’t last long after the period of speaking truthfully wears off and Damian goes back to being his blunt, straightforward, unapologetic self.

Damian loves Alfred’s cooking, but all of his cooking weren’t Damian’s favourite and while he wouldn’t hesitate to tell others how he felt, he didn’t feel the same when it came to Alfred’s cooking despite the man being nothing but kind and open minded.

So if he ever were to speak about his least favourite food Alfred had ever made and even when Alfred was more then accepting of his opinion, Damian would try to help Alfred however he could in return for his comments about his cooking. Alfred was probably one person he’d never want to hurt with his words.

[nogenderbee]

Could I request the seven brothers being called a blessing in their s/o's eyes?

Yes, of course! I swear it was such a long time since I did Obey Me, I literally missed it sm!! Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy it despite this being so short hah

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ 𝔹𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 ₊˚ˑ༄

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ 7 brothers being called a blessing in their lover's eyes

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ fluff

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @vodka-glrl @miya-akane @indi-has-fallen

✧ Lucifer literally cannot say if you're trying to compliment or insult him now

✧ he's aware that you may've been just trying to be nice and maybe only simply forgot about him being a literal demon

✧ doesn't get mad or anything like that, instead will try digging deeper into it

"I'm sorry, would you like to elaborate?"

✧ now if you actually explain what you meant... he won't get angry and accept the weird compliment but will definitely give you a small talk about how you shouldn't say it again, to any demon at least...

✧ if you won't explain meaning behind these words tho, he might think you said it on purpose, just to make fun of him

✧ either way, be prepared for smaller or longer tall about your... unique way of complimenting demons

✧ just to make sure, he's not mad at you or anything, he's just worried you'll say something similar to wrong demon and will get yourself into troubles

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

✧ Mammon was literally about to thank you for the compliment when it hit him... he's a demon... are you trying to insult him now!?

✧ somehow his expression went from high and mighty to one of annoyence

"Whatcha mean, human!?"

✧ literally thinks you're just being mean to him so you better explain to this boy that it's not what you meant by that and maybe you won't have one of a hella grumpy demon on you account

✧ after you explain it was just a misunderstanding he just sighs and forgives you

✧ give him a bit of kisses or affection in general and he'll come back to his usual self

✧ but there's also something... why he's so grumpy about that compliment? Yes, it's partially because he's a demon but also because somehow he likes the compliment!

✧ he knows it's not the compliment demon would want to hear but he sees the meaning behind it!

✧ but the truth is he would rather take a bath in holy water than admit he somehow liked your compliment

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

✧ now Levi doesn't even consider the fact you might've said that by mistake, he's immidietly sure you just wanted to insult him

✧ let's be honest, he has pretty low self esteem, he won't believe it was a misunderstanding even if you tell him so, not at first at very least...

"Oh..."

✧ it's literally all he says, you can see you just said something he found insulting by his glassy eyes

✧ 1000 tonight just went though his mind in that second and now he's analyzing each of them so please, comfort him before it gets worse

✧ it's definitely not easy but with time, he'll finally understand that you just wanted to express how important he is in your eyes

✧ when the full realization hits him, he literally melts on spot... he's really THIS important to you!?

✧ congratulations, you have clingy demon on your side who will never admit what's the cause of it!

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

✧ Satan immidietly understands you just made a small mistake and your intentions weren't as bad as some may think

✧ literally doesn't even correct you or anything, he just accepts it like normal compliment

"Thank you, dear. You're just as important to me."

✧ you'd have to figure it out by yourself or with help of someone because he won't care enough to explain

✧ when you come apologize to him about your previous compliment, he immidietly tells you he understood from beginning

✧ a little amused by your small mistake and may even smirk the whole time you're worried he's mad at you for that

✧ but if the realization won't hit you and you even continue to give him more compliments like this, don't be surprised if he suddenly chuckles at one of the compliments

✧ he'd never explain where his amusement comes from tho, instead brushing it off as simple good mood

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

✧ Asmo immidietly got what you were trying the say and he appreciate you trying to be a bit romantic! He really does! He'd just feel bad if he didn't explain it to you...

"Darling, I appreciate your sweetness but you realize I'm a demon, right?"

✧ when the realization hits you, he can't help but chuckle at how stressed you are suddenly

✧ of course he calms you down and assures you he doesn't mind and in fact even got it from very beginning

✧ honestly he found your sudden nervousness somehow adorable

✧ definitely spoils your face with little kisses afterwarda

✧ he doesn't care how many compliments he got from other or how adorable they were, yours was the one he'll cherish forever, along with your face for sudden realization

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

✧ Beel didn't fully understood the compliment at first, instead he was a bit confused...

✧ or was an insult? Did he do something to upset you? He's so confused that he just decides to ask you

"Y/N... you know I'm a demon now, right?"

✧ as soon as you explain what you really meant, he sighs with relief as he hears you didn't wanted to be mean in the first place

✧ he ignores that small mistake and actually thanks you for the compliment, and even tells you small compliment of his own!

✧ literally doesn't hold it against you and instead acts like he forgot about this whole situation

✧ the truth is, he still remembers that and even finds it a bit cute yet amusing but decides not to mention it since it was one time situation

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

✧ you probably caught Blephie during his sleep with it

✧ when you said it he just shook his head and mumbles small "thanks" unaware

✧ he realized what you said only after some time because of him being half-asleep and he had confused look on his face when he finally opened his eyes

"Mhm, thanks.... Wait what-?"

✧ calmly explains to you that it's actually an insult for him and asks if you're aware of it

✧ when you say it was a mistake, of course he forgives you tho, he just teases the heck out of you by making himself a victim

✧ all of him making a scene was just to make you cuddle with him for the whole day and anytime you tried pulling away, he'd mention that situation to make you feel guilty

✧ his behavior may be seen as manipulative but he really means no bad with it and you know it all

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

[stupidthoughtsinwriting]

Don't leave me... I'll stay (Loki)

Summary: After an argument causes a rift between Loki and Y/N, the day is spent ignoring the other until Y/N decides to spend the night away from Loki.

Warning: Angst? i dunno what else to put in but angst eheheh. long maybe? this is a very long fic eheheh. ohh and another thing is that this may be prone to mistakes as i dont have anybody to proof this so... ehehhe

Note: eheheeh the liar has finally posted what was promised, precisely a month late or later. eheheh sorry to those who waited, school has taken a lot of my time, I barely open my laptop to work and im rarely here anymore but i've got until the monday off so lets see what i'll do with that eheheh

The context is vague, I apologize but i am complete rubbish at this. at everything really, including writing so eheheh. To those brave souls that braved this whole thing, Thank you! so very deeply, from the bottom of my heart for even showing the slightest bit of interest in my rubbish ideas. Hope you like it and im stopping myself from going any further and prolonging this intro ehehhe, Enjoy!😊

‘No Loki! Just because I have this disease, doesn’t mean you have the right to keep me locked up like some sort of china. I am able to do just about everything I could before I told you and you have no right telling me what I can or cannot do’ you countered his argument but being stubborn, neither of you relented nor ceased.

You were now second guessing whether it was right or not, telling him about the chronic illness you were diagnosed with, but you knew that you did the right thing if you wanted this relationship to have a good foundation. The reaction however… was not how you thought things would go.

It was simple at first. Barely noticeable and could have been mistaken as added doting to his already caring nature with you but overtime, it became more and more obvious how he was setting up these restrictions you never would have agreed on. It only grew ridiculous, and you would have allowed the passive ones, but this was the final straw.

Your patience had worn thin over the entirety of the argument however, as comments grew more rash and the final ‘disapproval’ of your oncoming task was remarked, you snapped. He had no right to restrict you of activities and tasks he thinks are too much for your condition and it only insulted and hurt you to think that he thought you so frail and weak that even simple chores were too much.

‘I am going on this mission, whether you “approve” or not, because just telling you was out of courtesy. I refuse to be told of my restrictions by anyone besides myself. I would have understood your concerns if the situation were more grave, but for the love of God, it’s a simple data extraction.’ You exasperated, growing tired of fighting about something you know he won’t fold on.

‘In an abandoned Hydra base!’ he pointed out, choosing not to acknowledge how you outright dismissed his concern, no matter how much it hurt. ‘You know of the dangers that lurk in those retched lairs and often times there are still those who patrol the premises. You do remember when Rogers and Romanoff were attacked during their little escapade in Camp Leigh, do you not?’

‘Of course, I remember, I’m not a moron’ you snide, glaring daggers at the raven-haired god and you were just about to justify how Barnes was going with you however the comment he let out was the final pull on the thinned thread.

‘Well, you certainly are acting like one’ he mumbled without thinking, turning away. He thought it was low enough so you wouldn’t hear but he thought wrong.

‘I beg your pardon?!’ you all but screeched out of fury. Loki flinched before he turned at the high pitch and fury, he heard from you. He saw the outraged his comment caused in your eyes. The fire that burned in those beautiful orbs of yours was terrifying however, what truly frightened him was how you took a breath, calming yourself and before he could so much as apologize, rolled your eyes and turned away.

‘I’m done’ you raised your hands in surrender, turning your back to him.

‘What do you mean you’re done?’ he asked as fear of losing you threatened his being. You mean everything to him and just the very thought of losing you and him being the very reason you were gone… it opened a holocaust in his mind.

‘This conversation, I am done. I’m ending it before either of us say something or does more damage that there already is’ you yield, busying yourself with tidying up the files you had splayed out all over the floor.

Relief flooded his senses before guilt quickly bore fruit.

He watched as you packed up your work and strode out of the room. It took him a minute, but he followed you out and once he finally reached the living room, he met the sight of you slipping on your trainers and throwing your gadgets, wallet and keys in your bag before moving to the door and slamming it shut.

He stood frozen in the threshold of the hall as he processed what happened. All he wanted was to keep you safe. Never did he think that things would go this bad.

You stormed out of the flat and went to the compound for the briefing you had with Bucky. It was scheduled for tomorrow, but you just could not stay in the flat, not with him, not at the moment. You needed a cool head and quite frankly, yours was blazing.

You called Barnes to reschedule, which he agreed to but before he could ask why, you had already hung up. You needed to calm down, seriously.

You took a scenic route around the city before heading to the facility. You parked at the car park and turned off the vehicle before you let your head fall on the steering wheel. Loki’s’ words really stung but in his own way, you knew he meant well. He loved you but it felt demeaning to be confined to one place or to be babied. You are a grown woman; this disease may affect you in some way but you wouldn’t let it define and control your life like its slowly doing to Loki.

You took your phone to look at the time and was greeted with lock screen background of you and Loki cuddling, fast asleep. Someone from the team took the picture to spite Loki but you found it adorable and set it on your phone. It brought a small grin to your lips until you got a message from Barnes saying which conference room was being used for the quick briefing. You sighed, taking your bag before exiting the car and heading in the building.

The briefing was quick. Only about the layout of the base, where to go and what to take. You were in and out in possibly ten minutes, but you longed for it to be longer. You didn’t want to go home yet so you stayed for a chat with the others, talking to Wanda about her relationship, discussing with Bruce the project he was working on before you went and left with a goodbye, heading for the shops for dinner prep and a bit of groceries, taking your time in each aisle to pass the minute until you really had to go home.

Loki had texted Thor after you left, asking if you were at the compound. It took a bit for his brother to respond but eventually he replied with ‘Barnes says she’s on her way for a meeting’. He felt relieved to at least know where you are, knowing you were safe and not alone somewhere. 

Hours passed until he heard your keys on the front door, the metal snake keychain giving a distinct clink with the rest of your keys. He looked to the door from where he sat on the living room, watching as you trudged in the brown bags of groceries. You kicked the door closed and placed the bags in the kitchen bench, never sparing him a look. He could sense that you didn’t want to be around him, he could always sense it. He’s had years of experience with being ignored nor wanted. He knew when to take his leave, so he left for the bedroom, never sparing you a sound of his departure.

You saw Loki on the chaise when you walked in. You blatantly ignored him, but he was on the couch. The only indication you got that he left was when you heard the bedroom door close. You were fixing everything you had bought to the cupboards and the pantry when you just heard the soft click of the door closing. You felt bad with how distant you two were being but what stung more is that he couldn’t bear to be in the same room as you that he had to leave. You wanted to make things right. You were thinking of things to say as you put away the vegetables, but he seemed to want the opposite.

You put everything away and started making supper, finishing an hour or two later. Loki still hasn’t left the bedroom, though you did hear the shower run a few minutes prior, so you ate by yourself, wallowing in your thoughts about the mission and Loki.

Your bowl was half gone when he emerged from the room and moved to where you were eating on the table. You had prepared him a bowl, which now sat at the other end of the table. You weren’t talking to each other, but you still care and love him. The soup had gone a bit cold, but it was there, and he sat and ate it anyways.

Both of you stayed silent, neither breaking the silence as the tension grew thick. You quickly finished the rest of your meal before standing abruptly to start cleaning up. You let the bowl rinse and soak in the sink while you stored the leftovers in a container and to the fridge. You had put more than enough on his bowl, so you were sure he wouldn’t be asking for seconds. You quickly washed the dishes whilst he ate while reading his book. He was nearly done when you left the kitchen and proceeded to the bathroom.

He let out a sigh and dropped his book when he heard the shower running. He has been staring at the very same paragraph over and over but not once has he actually paid attention to the text let alone understood it. He was hoping to break the ice between you two, but he froze, missing his chance.

He rinsed his own dish and made sure everything was good and locked up before he went back to the bedroom, preparing to go to bed.

You came out a few minutes later, steam billowing from the ensuite and following you. Your hair was wrapped up in a towel, your body clad in the oversized jumper you adored, with a nightie underneath. You still refused to acknowledge him as you made your way to the closet, grabbing a spare comforter.

This got Loki’s attention and was what broke the silence of the room, really the silence you have both established since the argument earlier.

‘What are you doing?’ he asked as he stopped fluffing the pillow in his hold. Your pillow.

‘I have a few case files to read and paperwork to do so… I’m staying in the living room’ you stated, hardly with any emotion, tugging at the comforter from the top shelf.

‘And the need for a blanket?’ he questioned again, looking over your well bundled figure. The sweater you had was thick and big enough to cover your legs if you were truly that cold, he knew that and the fact that you only use blankets whenever you were going to sleep.

‘It’s likely I’ll fall asleep on the couch so I’m preparing for the inevitable. To put it bluntly, I’m sleeping on the couch’ you say, finally turning around to see him holding your pillow before you moved to leave the room.

All Loki could do was nod, clenching his jaw as his hands dropped your pillow and watch as you left the room. He couldn’t do anything. He couldn’t will his lips to move in protest and just accepted what was going to happen. He didn’t want to force you seeing how that went earlier, so he let it… you, go do what you wish. He didn’t want to lose you and he’d do anything and everything to avoid that.

He got cleaned up in the bathroom before he went to bed. He couldn’t sleep and for hours he’s spent it staring up at the ceiling. Once he'd learned to sleep with you by his side, it was harder now to do so without you and the lingering thoughts of your fight earlier kept him company.

It took a while before the fatigue finally succumbed to him, his mind too tired to do anything that it finally forfeited and let him rest.

You on the other hand, haven’t slept at all. Not a wink of it. You spent a bit writing up some reports and looking over at some case files but after you found that you couldn’t focus, you packed everything up and tried to get some sleep. Tried. You really did but as tired as your body was, your mind worked wonders in keeping you up.

The fight you had was your fore thought, mainly the look in Loki’s eyes when you said you weren’t sleeping in the same room as him. He always tried to look impassive in front of others but with you, his eyes held so many expressions of love and adoration, you saw none of that as he held your pillow.

You felt bad leaving him alone. The gesture alone of fixing your side of the bed was heart-warming, that it made you feel like a monster when you saw the look he gave you. Of absolute disappointment? It wasn’t the right word, but you felt like you took the one good thing he had and crushed it in front of him.

You tried to stave off such thoughts, thinking of your task for tomorrow and such but it wasn’t any use. Your mind was going miles per minute, and you just couldn’t keep up. You stayed on the couch for hours, laying on the furniture as your eyes stayed transfixed on a spiderweb on the ceiling. You grew restless overtime so the idea of making tea came to mind.

You thought it a good idea for a cup to help you, so you finally got up. You took the towel you used from the coffee table and hung it on a chair as you turned the kettle on. You grabbed a cup from the drying rack and dropped the bag of chamomile you got from the jar, as you waited for the water to boil.

It was then you heard a whimper. It came fast and low, you were beginning to think that you imagined it when you heard it again. You left the cup sitting on the counter as you went to investigate, looking all around the open space of the flat until it finally registered to you that it was coming from the bedroom.

Loki…

Fast steps quickly took you to the door of the room, which was left open and from where you stood, you heard his cries clearly. The room, gloomy when you entered had scarcely any light. The only source came from the dim lighting from the hall and the sliver of moonlight seeping through the curtains, but it was enough to help you at least see figures.

You moved to the general area of where the bed was and there you saw his figure, trembling slightly. From what you saw as your eyes further adjusted to the darkness, he laid on his side, his shirt damp with sweat, his face glistening and his hair sticking all over his neck and cheeks. He had a pillow in his hold, his head buried in the cushion, but the muffled whines and whimpers still persisted to reach your ears. It was your pillow.

It had been a long while since these terrible nightmares have plagued his nights. The last was far too long ago you hardly remembered it anymore. You remember how he once told you about it having something to do with you sleeping by his side. That something about you just calmed him and made his mind come to a peaceful state. The guilt you felt increased tenfold as the regret of leaving him alone ate you alive. You didn’t… you don’t… you couldn’t have imagined how much you had helped him without even realizing and now leaving him to his own devices… you felt like a pompous prick.

You sped to his side, whispering his name in hopes to arouse him but it proved to be futile.

You sat beside him, turning to the side to face figure. A finger reached to tuck the damp locks behinds his ears as you whispered his name again, hoping to get through his thoughts but it still wasn’t working. Your hands moved to cradle the side of his face, your thumb caressing his cheek in hopes to stir him as you continued to say his name.

‘Loki’ you said softly, knowing using any other tone or pitch would only frighten him further. You moved your head next to his, your body twisted in an awkward position, but you couldn’t care less. You continued to whisper his name close to his ear, your thumbs caressing those sharp angled cheeks until he finally stirred.

You felt it. That light shake of his head as he finally starts rouse, as if shaking off fatigue and merciless thoughts that haunted his mind. You pulled away a bit to see him properly, wiping the beads of sweat that coated most of his forehead with the sleeve of your jumper as your other hand continued their gentle caress on his cheeks. He had a furrow that pulled his brows together and normally you would have found it adorable but right now you only hoped to remove it.

He blinked slowly, gathering his bearings to check if he was truly out of the agonizing torment his mind had conjured. He was losing you. It was scene after scene of ways he loses you and all of it was his fault. From you leaving him after an argument, to the image of the mad titan snapping your neck in his grasp as he watched. Each scenario broke him in every way, and he just couldn’t bare it.

The sight was still fresh in his mind as he finally started to ebb away from the drowse of sleep. Then as panic set him as he realized and processed what had happened, he didn’t notice the soft whisper of his name or the caress of your delicate fingers. He was on the verge of complete panic, tears welling up his eyes when he felt it. You.

Your voice. You touch. Your scent. Everything. It all enveloped him to the point It became overwhelming, but he wanted it. To suffocate in everything you, to banish those horrid thoughts away.

‘y/n?’ he whispered meekly, still questioning whether he was still in the throughs of his nightmare.

‘I’m here, It’s okay. It’s just a nightmare’ you replied as tears started to pour from his eyes and cascade down his cheeks.

‘I’m sorry, I-I’m sorry, p-please don’t leave me’ he heaved, his voice shaking with every word, it broke your heart to hear him so broken. His arms moved to wrap around you, having a tight hold on your waist, leaving the pillow, as he wept.

You could only do so much to keep your own tears at bay, but you managed to stay strong. Your fingers wiped much of the tears, but they only continued to flow so you pulled him in to hide in the crook of your neck.

‘Shhh darling. It’s alright, I’m here, I promise’ you said in his ear, knowing his cries would only muffle his hearing. He cried and cried, apologizing just as much in between but you still dismissed every single one.

‘Shhhh, you’re okay darling. It’s only a nightmare, it’s alright’ you moved your body to lay on the bed fully, settling beside him comfortably as you held him tight. Your fingers weaved through his obsidian locks, scratching his scalp in hopes to console and comfort him in anyway as he continued to heave on the crook of your neck.

It broke your heart to see him like this. Frightened to the bone like a little boy, shivering as if dunk in the oceans of the arctic. All those years of suffering topped his insecurities and the lack assurance and consoling care throughout most of his life… of course he was afraid. Of the possibilities this life held. He’d seen the worst parts of it, of course id be difficult to peer outside that little protective box he hid in. And your argument certainly didn’t help matters.

He cried for a while and you let him. Bare his vulnerability to you and it was your honour to be shown this fragile part of him. You’d treasure the trust he had in you, to keep him safe in times like these. You wouldn’t let anything happen to him, especially like this. You love him too much.

He calmed down after a little while, still letting out soft sniffs and whimpers every once and a while, but he had calmed down. You placed a soft kiss on his temple, an assurance of sorts before pulling back to face him but his grip only tightened, a whine escaping his lips as he hid himself further in the safety of your hair.

He didn’t want you to pull away for fear of you having enough of him, but he wouldn’t have it. He couldn’t.

You hushed him softly, running a hand through his inky locks and caressing his scalp, assuring him you weren’t going anywhere and only meant to talk to him. He was reluctant but he gave in, nodding the slightest bit before pulling away to face you.

His face was red, eyes bloodshot and puffy around the eyelids, looking down and anywhere but at you. Streaks of tears, dry and fresh cascaded down his sharp features, causing his unruly hair to stick. The look he gave you completely broke your heart, rendering it to mush whilst he had the decency to look so heartbroken.

You kept your composure as a finger swiped a way those stray locks, tucking it behind his ear before he nuzzled in the warms of your palm. Your thumb glided along the prominent angle of his zygoma, brushing away whatever moisture was left until you tilted his head up, by the chin, to look at you. His beautiful emerald eyes shimmered with unshed tears however he still won’t look you in the eyes.

‘Loki’ his name came off your lips in a soft whisper, finally grabbing his attention. Now that you finally had it though, all words seem to have left you, your thoughts drawing blank. A sigh left your lips as you let your head drop to his, your foreheads pressed together as you closed your eyes.

‘I’m sorry’ you said blankly, your hand rising to come through his locks and to scratch his scalp. Whether it was for his comfort or your distraction, you wouldn’t know.

He shook his head, dismissing your apology. Half of him didn’t know what you were apologizing for yet the other had an idea as to what, and even if it truly was what you were thinking, he knew that it was his fault.

‘No, don’t apologize. It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have treated you as such, but please darling, forgive me. I cannot lose you, please. Don’t… don’t leave me’ he practically begged. He really couldn’t lose you. He just wouldn’t know what to do if he did, but he just knows he won’t survive it.

‘No, I must apologize’ you argued, continuing on before he could cut you off ‘My actions weren’t acceptable, but Loki… We cannot keep going on like this. I am my own person, I refuse to told what to do, let alone what I can’t. I refuse to be caged in the four walls of this flat like some treasured bird, I’m not. I will not be restrained. By some illness nor God or man. This won’t work if that is what you want’.

‘I know, I know. I-It’s not, It’s not what I want. I’m sorry but darling, I just can’t lose you. I can’t. I won’t survive it. Please, I won’t do it again, just please don’t leave me.’ He sobbed, dropping his head back down the crook of your neck and he held you in a tight embrace. You understood what he meant; you don’t think you could survive losing him too.

‘I won’t. I’m not leaving you. I would never. I'm staying’ You affirmed. You really wouldn’t, but you won’t stand being coddled to the brim.

You held on to each other tightly for a while. Just letting the others presence calm one another. Loki hidden in the arch of your shoulder, arms wrapped around your waist, while you laid your head on top of his, a hand mindlessly raking trough his gorgeous locks. It proved to be comforting for the both of you, evidently.

‘I only meant to protect you’ he mumbled with a sniff out of nowhere.

‘I understand, my love. And the best I could do is promise to be safe and extra careful. I won’t take too risky missions if that gives you a peace of mind.’ You offered. You knew he only meant well and cared for your safety. You love your job but often times, it was too dangerous, even for your standards after everything. Taking fewer and safer missions wasn’t a problem. As long as you had worked to do that involved helping people, you were satisfied.

You felt him nod his head lightly at the suggestion, causing a soft smile to bloom from your lips before placing a soft kiss on the crown of his head. You didn’t see it but a small smile curved his lips as well at the feel of your lips on his skin. The touch starved part of him relishing in these small moments of affection like treasure.

Your free hand moved to caress his back when you felt how damp the fabric of his top was. The sweat he had worked up earlier still hasn’t dried and you knew how uncomfortable he would get bathing in the slightest bit of dirt, hence why you thought of getting him cleaned.

You place another kiss on his cheek before attempting to untangle yourself from him. The events of the nights had taxed the god, but you wanted to get him at least a bit clean before he fully dozed off however, as you tried to get off his loving embrace, his grip only tightened, his droopy eyes opening wide to see the commotion. 

‘Shhh, It’s alright. I just have to head out to the kitchen to check something and I promise, I will be right back my love’ you said softly to his ear, hoping his drowse would keep. He gave a tired huff before reluctantly setting you free. Your grin only grew wider, and you place a quick peck on his lips before you scrambled off the bed.

You quickly checked the kitchen to see if the kettle hadn’t burned and once assured, you left it as it was and headed to the loo to get what was needed. You took a small towel from the cupboard bellow the sink and ran it under the water to get it wet. Once it was fully soaked, you wrang the excess water from the towel and quickly grabbed a spare shirt from the wardrobe before going back to the bedroom.

The darling god had his eyes closed with your pillow once again tight in his grasp. This time, the sight made you smile. At how adorable he looked, face squashed on the cushion. You could tell how exhausted he was though, so you made haste in getting him set for night’s (hopefully) peaceful rest.

You sat beside him on the bed, the shifting of the mattress making him dare open an eye just as you were about to rouse him. He gave you that small charming smile of his when he saw you and your hand moved to cup his cheek, letting the pad of your thumb caress his now dried cheeks.

‘Can you sit up for me, luv’ you asked, leaning down to his ear. He gave you a faint nod before you sat back and helped him up. The fatigue was really getting on to him as he laid his head on your shoulder, so you made sure to finish as soon as possible to finally let him have a good night’s rest.

You gathered his hair into a pony with one hand and held it away, while the other wiped the damp cloth on the back of his neck. He flinched at the contact, having been spared a warning, you promptly apologized and moved as quickly as you could.

You wiped his face with great care, before you pulled his shirt off and threw it on the nightstand, to be put on the hamper after you were done. You wiped him all over until you deemed it enough and gave him the spare shirt. He put it on and just before you could leave the bed again, he took your hand. He gave you a pleading look that spoke volumes, and how could you resist when he gave you those doe eyes.

You gave him a soft smile, leaving the little towel beside the shirt and made your way to your spot on the bed. You got comfortable before you looked at him, staring at you with great fondness, it made you bashful yet you still opened your arms, welcoming him in to be held, which with great eager, he accepted. He laid beside you, wrapping his arms around your torso as he inhaled the scent of your hair, a welcome comfort after the course of the night.

You pulled the covers up to cover you both, but the feel of his soft lips just made you forget about everything but him, making you snuggle closer in his hold.

He had his head laid on the top of yours, his arms tied around you and your legs intertwined. An arm of yours cradled the back of his head, tangling to the roots of his inky locks while the other drew abstracts on his back. You held each other, never saying a word yet the silence was finally comfortable. A tranquil state you two could once again relish.

The silence however gave your mind room to intrude the peace, thinking of how things got to this point. From the argument, to the dismiss of each other’s presence and up until the confession after the dreadful nightmare, you admit that parts of how this ended up being the conclusion of the day, was your fault. Yes, Loki had his own mistakes in the matter, but you could have taken a point and fixed it. Why didn’t you get a grip and made the effort to make things better.  You shouldn’t ha…

A deep sigh broke you out of your trance. A squeeze, you felt you were given as arms around waist tightened and you were pulled impossibly closer to the mass holding you.

‘I can hear your gears turning, darling’ Loki mumbled, followed by a small chuckle, breaking the deafening comfort of silence. The sound was well welcomed after the tension of the day.

‘Sorry, luv. Go back to sleep’ you reply, scratching his scalp. He hummed in response, a smile pressing against your hair before a quick peck was planted on the top of your head. You grinned, closing your eyes, hoping to finally get consumed by the black oblivion that was rest.

The gentle caress on your arm helped, lulling you to a peaceful state of mind. Loki knew what helped you too.

Eventually the night drew on, painting the dark skies with stars as the two held each other, succumbing to blissful state of peace promised by slumber.

The night was a lesson for the two. To understand the other, to work out their problems and to never go to bed angry.

[kindoffruity]

Smitten - Chapter Three - Aonung's POV

Mild Warning: Non canon compliant :P

Smitten - Chapter Three - Adore - Aonung's POV

The ride back on Neteyam’s Ikran had been brutal, the pain settled in on his body, there wasn’t a part of him that hadn’t been aching. But Aonung learned fast that the more he reacted to the pain the more Neteyam seemed to be worried.

So Aonung sucked most of it up until they arrived back. 

Unfortunately, their parents had been gathered in a line to meet them, Ronal and Tonowari seemed to be a mixture of angry and concerned for their son. “What is this! Why do you look like this? Was this you, demon?” Ronal seemed to accuse Neteyam as she practically yanked her son towards her inspecting him. 

“No ma’am..” Neteyam immediately looked down, not wanting to upset Ronal more. He dismissed his Ikran, looking like he was struggling to find the words to describe what had happened. 

“Neteyam saved me, please do not disrespect him.” Aonung pulled away from his mother, he looked more insulted than Neteyam had been. “I am fine, I would probably be dead by now if he had not shown up, he deserves respect for that.” Aonung corrected his mother and it was a feat that left many stunned. 

“What happened?” Jake asked Neteyam after inspecting his son and not seeing a scratch, “The altercation earlier.. I followed those boys from the Ta’unui clan, they mentioned they would get their brothers and teach Aonung a lesson for embarrassing them. I tried to go back to warn Aonung but I couldn’t find him. So I got on Etera to search.” Neteyam explained to his parents.

Aonung watched from the corner of his eyes, he hoped that Jake and Neytiri would not find some way to blame Neteyam. 

“Why didn’t you tell anyone else before you left? You could have been hurt. I’d expect this recklessness from Lo’ak but not you.” Jake huffed and looked disappointed in Neteyam. Neteyam nodded his head and looked down at the sand before looking back up at his father. “I am sorry sir, it won't happen again.” Neteyam apologized, Aonung wanted to scream. How could they blame Neteyam?

“But I do not regret it.” 

Neteyam’s words stunned everyone at this point, even Aonung was taken aback by his words. Despite this, there was a small smile tugging on his bruised lips. It wasn’t like Neteyam had disrespected his parents, but Aonung respected that Neteyam finally said something.

“Excuse me?” Neytiri asked, completely full of disbelief that her oldest son had spoken out of line. Aonung could see the twist of emotions on her face, his mother had mirrored the same emotions earlier. There was anger, hurt, and confusion all brewed into one look. 

“I reacted completely appropriately for the situation, had I taken any longer or detoured myself, who knows what could have happened.” 

Aonung couldn’t even hold back the smirk, Neteyam had finally spoken, a small chuckle escaped his lips and Tonowari gripped the back of his head and pushed in down to bow towards the Sully’s. “Your son speaks the truth, I apologize for any inconvenience my son may have caused, and I thank you for protecting my son.” Tonowari’s words were enough to put an end to the bickering. 

“Yes, thank you, Neteyam.” Aonung looked up, a smile adorning his lips as he took in Neteyam’s appearance. His posture was tense, like he was trying to seem strong but Aonung knew he was probably shaking inside from being anxious. Aonung did catch his eyes for a moment, the second they locked they seemed to share a silent moment.

 They were thanking each other for different reasons. 

Aonung was thanking him for saving him and finally speaking up for himself. 

- - - - 

The next few days were particularly difficult for Aonung, the injuries he had received and the entire talking back situation had his parents keeping him on a short leash, he wasn’t able to sneak out in the evenings and see his Forrest boy.

Aonung was struggling with just looking at Neteyam during dinner, his mother kept him attached to her so there wasn’t much he could do besides exchange longing looks with one-another as they ate. 

It wasn’t much but at least seeing Neteyam was enough to make the day bearable until he had been all healed up. 

The Ta’unui clan brought forth a series of topics with Aonung’s parents that he truthfully wished to avoid: Mates, Iknimaya and Olo’eyktan.

“Tane, while he may not have handled it correctly, he had the right idea. You will be Olo’eyktan one day, you must get serious about your Iknimaya to become an adult within the clan. You need to search for a strong mate who will continue our way of life.” His father, Tonowari, spoke to him at dinner. 

Did this conversation need to be public? Why speak of this at dinner when the Sully’s were at the other side of the room. Aonung tried to look at Neteyam for.. Guidance? No, that wasn’t it. Maybe confirmation? Could he be bold enough to claim Neteyam as his own at their communal dinner? 

But Neteyam didn’t look up at him, he hung his head low as if trying to hide himself. 

“I will focus on my Iknimaya, but I will allow my mate to choose me.” Aonung knew who he had in mind as a mate, but claiming Neteyam now without properly courting him would make him just as bad as the men who had sought after his sister's hand. 

The dinner progressed, it seemed like it was dragging, and then Neteyam excused himself from dinner. 

Aonung took that as his opportunity to escape as well, he didn’t know where Neteyam was heading but he could only imagine he would find him at the end of the beach where he went to clear his mind. 

“I knew you’d be here..” Aonung called out as he moved to sit next to Neteyam, his tail almost instinctively wrapping around Neteyam, his finned hand resting atop the others. “I have missed you, my mother worries too much when I am injured and puts me on bed rest.” Aonung felt a need to explain why he hadn’t been around, he grabbed the other's slender hand and pressed a gentle kiss to it. 

Much to his surprise, Neteyam slowly pulled away his hand. 

“Nete..?” Aonung looked confused, had he done something wrong? Was Neteyam upset with him? His mind ran through all the scenes, he couldn’t recall what he had done wrong. 

“You will be Olo’eyktan one day.” Neteyam started to speak, a tense silence filled the gap, “This...This cannot happen.” Neteyam referred to their potential relationship, his hands at his side. 

“I do not understand you.. Do you not wish to be with me? Did I do something wrong?” Aonung turned his body to face Neteyam entirely, his hands grabbing both of Neteyam’s and squeezing them gently in the middle of his hands. 

“No.. You have done nothing wrong. I think it will be best for us to end this now,” Neteyam couldn’t even look at Aonung in the eyes, his hands were shaking and Aonung couldn’t help but feel hurt that Neteyam would even suggest they stop this relationship now.

“You must be someone of your kind, a strong Metkayina, someone who understands the way of water.” Neteyam’s words were rushed, as if he didn’t want to give Aonung the opportunity to speak. 

“I want you,” Aonung felt frustrated immediately, was this why Neteyam wanted to end ‘this’. It was a terrible excuse. 

“You must be with your own kind- they will never accept me.. Aonung, you will be a great leader one day, you mustn’t waste your time with someone like me.” Neteyam tried to plead with him, but those golden eyes were saying otherwise. 

“You are a strong Metkayina. You are one of us now.” Aonung spoke, he knew he had to keep a level-head otherwise his irrational emotions would get the best of him. 

“Aonung.. I am Omatikaya, when the war is over I will return home..” Not even Neteyam believed his own words, Aonung knew it, there was hesitation in that voice. Neteyam’s voice was usually confident when he believed in his words. 

“You have been ingrained in me, I do not wish for anyone else but you. I will become an Ole’eyktan worthy of you.” Aonung’s eyes were locked on Neteyam’s, he was looking to see if Neteyam had made his decision. 

“Please.. As much as I have enjoyed this time together, and you’ve made me happier than I have been in a long time.. Your parents-” Neteyam was fumbling with his words, they were full of hesitation. 

“Then look me in the eyes and tell me you do not wish to be with me, I will not accept this otherwise.” Aonung cut off Neteyam’s fumbling words, Neteyam looked up for a moment in shock. 

“I.. I do not..” Neteyam could not look him in the eyes, he tried though and immediately those golden orbs spilled the truth. “I want to be with you.. But you need to be with-” Neteyam started again and Aonung huffed in frustration. 

“I do not want anyone other than you, I have every intention to court you.” Aonung cupped Neteyam’s face with both hands, forcing him to lock eyes and look nowhere else. 

“I adore you.” 

Aonung’s words must have struck heavy with Neteyam because he nodded, his braids bouncing around as he did. Aonung could only take it as Neteyam had accepted his words and would dismiss this thought of ending ‘this’.

“Why must they look like they are in some tragic love story everytime we look for them? I swear your brother better not hurt mine. I’ll rip off that fish tail of his.” Lo’ak asked at the other end of the beach, he had been sent to gather his brother for bed. 

Similarly, Tsireya had been tasked with the same thing. “Perhaps their relationship is troubled..I wonder if ours will be like that.” Tsireya spoke softly, tilting her head as they walked through the sand slowly just enjoying their time together. 

“I would fight Payakan for you,” Lo’ak said seriously and Tsireya couldn’t help but giggle at that. “You would not need to do that, but I do appreciate the thought.” The two locked hands as they decided to give the couple at the other end of the beach some much needed alone time.

.

.

.

.

[sophieinwonderland]

Accidently messaged instead of sending an ask so sorry about the double ping.

Hey, I'm still relatively new to this system and plurality in general so forgive me if I get some details wrong, but honestly I think you let the hate get to you and went a bit too far. Anti-endos are definitely a group of negativity to those outside and inside their collectives and I'm sorry you have to deal with that, but threatening to take everything away like that might be too much. As far as I can tell you've been our main contact for plural related research, especially endogenic supportive articles and I thank you for that, it's just hard to defend you after some recent stuff that's gone on. I'm not trying to defame you or insult you, we genuinely like you and what you were doing I just wouldn't feel right not saying anything when I saw something wrong. That part that was potentially triggering to those with psychosis was obviously unintentional and you've apologized for that so that's good. I forgot where I was going with this, but I guess my point is try to not let the hate transform you into someone unrecognizable and be better -Rory

Hi Rory! Nice to meet you!

Sorry it's under these circumstances.

it's just hard to defend you after some recent stuff that's gone on.

I don't expect you to.

Look, I did something bad. I realized it was bad thing before I did it. I chose to go ahead and do the bad thing anyway. And having done the bad thing, I'm really only remorseful for the specific parts that caused delusions and not any of the rest of it, despite be aware that, objectively, the whole thing was bad.

I'm not even really defending it. You certainly shouldn't be expected to.

I don't plan on making posts like that a regular thing. But I'm definitely going to continue to make mistakes. And there honestly may be other times I'll do the wrong thing even knowing that it's wrong.

I'm not sure where all of this leaves me. But it's good for you to stand by your principles.

[devildom-moss]

Hello, it's me once more.

First of all, I must give my sincere compliments to your writing. It's absolutely astonishing how one could write that well.

Second of all, I would like to make another request, if that's alright with you.

This had been on my mind for quite a while, but what if MC was Aroace? Id like to think that if they were, instead of dating the characters, they would 'adopt' them as their own children.

Hence, came the idea of MC and Barbatos 'babysitting' the characters while they run around causing chaos. I feel like Barbatos would be mature enough to take care of himself. As for the others, not so much.

Thank you for writing my previous request, I enjoyed reading it very much. You are truly a marvellous and astounding writer.

Sincerely, 💜

Thank you so much! And it's perfectly okay to send in multiple requests. I hope you will like this one as well. I might have gotten a bit off track, so I hope it still fits the prompt.

Aroace MC adopting the characters

As someone who was a mom/dad friend for a long time, I can definitely see an aroace MC adopting some of the characters instead of dating them – especially the brothers. How did they survive before MC? Anyway, I’m going to get to headcanons now:

Regardless of sexual and romantic attraction, a lot of the characters pull MC into their issues and open up to them. The brothers and Diavolo have so many unresolved issues; they need more people in their lives who can care for them and help them out.

Mammon, Diavolo, and Satan need another parent figure so bad – all for different reasons.

Mammon needs someone to stick up for him and help him make better choices on occasion. There’s nothing inherently bad about Mammon; he’s subject to his sin like any other demon, but he’s more likely to get himself in trouble. Once MC decides to friend-adopt Mammon, and let’s face it, it wouldn’t take long for MC to realize that this poor boy needs help, there’s a slight drop in his overall schemes. More importantly, the severity of the consequences of Mammon’s plots have decreased. Everyone – even the members of Purgatory Hall, Diavolo, and Barbatos – noticed that Mammon had been reigned in slightly.

However, even better than any of that, Mammon feels happier and better about himself. He may act cocky most of the time, but there’s something so incredibly fragile about him. That’s where a parental MC would really shine.

Admittedly, Mammon had done something stupid, but now he was being assaulted with insult after insult from his brothers. Sure, they all were having a rough time because of Mammon’s failure, but that was no excuse to be so cruel. Their insults were starting to dig deep and damage Mammon’s thick skin. He was seconds away from running out of the house and gambling until he felt better, but the familiar sound of parental-MC’s voice saves the day. “That’s enough, everyone. Mammon made a mistake, and he’s here trying to resolve it. I know it’s inconvenient, but you’re all guilty of causing trouble. There’s no need to be cruel. You should all apologize to Mammon, and Mammon, you should tell your brothers that you are sorry for getting them wrapped up in this chaos.”

Satan needs a better parent to help him work with his anger. He’s so violent and it causes him unimaginable pain, but no one else seems to be able to help, until he met MC and they adopted him.

An aroace MC would probably adopt all of the brothers, but Lucifer needs babysitting slightly less than his other brothers, so sometimes he can help co-parent. Unfortunately, he’s usually a handful when his brothers are also causing trouble. He’s terrible at diffusing a rowdy situation in a healthy way. He’s the kind of older sibling who either just yells and resorts to violence or sits back while his brothers destroy everything and tells them “Mom/Dad/MC is going to be so mad at you – guess I’ll be the favorite now.”

Diavolo is capable of being the worst handful ever. He just wants to have a good time, get his way, and feel loved. The extremes he is willing to go to wouldn’t be so bad if he wasn’t so powerful. As such, Barbatos is unfortunately, primarily preoccupied with watching over Diavolo.

Barbatos appreciates how helpful you have been since “adopting” the other characters. He doesn’t know how he survived on his own for so long. His life is so much easier now that he has a few extra hands. Sure, the brothers and Diavolo aren’t actual children, but they’re so exhausting sometimes, and they should not be left unsupervised.

To thank you, Barbatos brings packed lunches at least once a week. They’re always better than any food available at RAD – and Barbatos usually makes them look so pretty or cute. He’s often made the Devildom version of rice balls that look like sheep or crows.

Simeon can probably also hold his own about as well as Barbatos (unless he gets drunk or gets so into writing that he stops taking care of himself).

Solomon, is hit or miss, like Lucifer. However, Solomon’s main issue is that he teases and plays with people too much and is so certain that he can get out of any bad situation, that he just makes trouble. Furthermore, he’s lived a long time, and he hasn’t really been cared for much in the past few centuries. He goes out of his way to get MC to pay attention to him a bit: he pranks the brothers, or teases Luke too much, or asks for you to make mundane decisions for him. He completely overlooks the reasons he already has for MC watch over him like his disregard for his own safety sometimes, his atrocious cooking and questionable ability to feed himself properly, and his sleep schedule that suffers whenever he finds something interesting to study.

Aside from Simeon, Luke is the most helpful at Purgatory Hall.

Shopping trips with Simeon and Barbatos are a must. All three of you can get supplies and/or ingredients while venting about “the kids” and just enjoy the peace of being around other fully-capable adults. Sometimes, you all grab a drink and try to one-up each other with chaotic tales of what your “kids” have done.

“Luke got into an argument with Mammon, and when he turned to Solomon for help, Solomon put a curse on Mammon so that all of his pens would burst as soon as they were used. That included the pen he lent to Lucifer that morning and the pen he gave you later that day, MC. I’m so sorry about that, by the way.”

“It’s not your fault. Anyway, two days ago, Satan destroyed the wall connecting Asmo’s bedroom and his private bath, and somehow, Satan set fire to Asmo’s bathtub. You see, Satan accidentally opened a package intended for Asmo because the box had a cat print on it. He assumed it was the comic series set he had purchased recently and opened it without looking. Turns out Asmo bought a cat-themed butt plug, and Satan was so mad about it that he immediately broke the toy and threw it through the living room wall – not at, through.”

“You’d think he would be into an item like that. Well, Diavolo agreed to house a dozen shape-shifting members from a traveling circus at the castle on the condition that they agree to an interview for the RAD Newspaper Club. I woke on a Tuesday morning to half a dozen crows sitting on the railing along the stairs mocking and attacking the Little D’s, a snake stuck in the dining room chandelier, two wolves play-fighting in my garden, an ostrich running through the halls, a hippo in one of the larger baths, and a you-know-what trying to make themselves breakfast in my kitchen.”

“That’s rough, buddy”

[lynnettys-world]

Hello 👋🏼

I just read the first chapter of Calm after the storm and I love it. 😍

I just wanted to tell you one thing that kinda bothered me. At some point you wrote that people are calling Heaven female Hitler. I don’t know where you’re from what beliefs you follow or not and I totally accept that you might not feel the same as I do. I’m from France and I’m not Jewish but have friends whose grandparents had that horrific tattoo and/or were the only surviving member of their whole family so I might come across as too sensitive but believe me around me no one would ever use that name even as an insult for someone unless they’re responsible of a genocide or have clearly shown nazy ideologies. So far she only seems a bit ruthless and maybe self-centered so I think “female Devil” might be more appropriate. I don’t know why but in a way it’s less shocking than that crazy man who murder millions of people.

I don’t know if I’ve managed to make myself clear but basically I feel like Hitler can only be used when speaking of genocide. In a way using it this way feels like it would participate in making that name “normal” and I think nobody wants that because it means normalizing what he did as well and that’s just unthinkable.

Again I understand that it’s my opinion and you may not share it. I’ll just thank you to even read it and consider what I tried to express.

No need to answer me. I know this is a social network and clearly not the place where you want to speak of that kind of things. I just couldn’t not say anything.

Lots of love 💜

Hey there,

I just wanted to say thank you for bringing up your concerns about the way I referenced history in my writing. I appreciate your honesty and I want you to know that I completely understand where you're coming from.

I admit that my knowledge about certain historical figures, like Hitler, is limited to what I've learned here and there. When I was writing, my intention was not to glorify or minimize the atrocities associated with such figures. Rather, I was focusing on the idea of how individuals can be perceived in different lights based on limited information.

I realize now that using such a controversial figure's name to describe a character, even if meant in a different context, can be insensitive and trigger negative emotions in others. I did not mean to offend anyone, and I genuinely apologize if my words caused any discomfort or upset.

Your feedback means a lot to me because it shows that you care about accuracy and sensitivity in storytelling. I promise to take this as a learning opportunity and be more mindful of the historical context and implications of the names and references I use in my writing.

I'm grateful that you spoke up and shared your perspective with me. It takes courage to address such matters, and I truly respect that. This community is indeed a place for creative expression, but it's also a space where we can learn from each other and grow as writers and individuals.

Thank you once again for your understanding and for helping me see things from a different angle. I hope you have a wonderful day or night, and remember, your voice matters and is always valued.

Take care, beautiful human. ❤️☺️

[mothgodofchaos]

Assignment

More paranormal egos! I was admittedly writing late at night, when this idea struck me. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, so I hope you all enjoy this idea!

Angel!Host & Demon!Author, GN!Reader, TW: death mention, religion Words: 949

It was a fairly normal day walking to work one day, not really paying attention to where you were going, just kind of on autopilot. The same people that you walked past every other day, all dressed in suits and fancy dresses. Corporate drones that cycle through the same nine to five, going home to their families, just for it to repeat all over again.

You look down at your phone to look at your socials when you feel a strong arm stop you in your tracks, held against your chest. You look up and see a very large man, blindfolded with a halo above his head, in an all white suit. An angel wing pin sits on his lapel, with a name tag that reads “Host”. Your eyes go wide as you take a step back, noticing you nearly fell into a hole for construction.

“Apologies, but he could not let his assignment fall down the hole. He is sorry for any inconvenience that may have been caused.”

“They’re alive, I think you’re fine, blinds.”

A second man walks up to your other side. His suit is red, horns sprouted out of his head, and a devil tail pin on his lapel. His name tag reads “Author”. You are now just about sandwiched between them as the giant men lead you away from what would’ve been your doom.

“The Host does not find it necessary to insult others as a greeting, unlike his devilish counterpart.”

“Devilish, huh? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were flirting with me, Hostie!”

“While the nickname is an improvement, The Host would appreciate The Author just use his title, as The Host respects The Author’s.”

“In fairness, you don’t exactly have a choice. And plus, I think it fits you, Hostie.”

The Host sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as you stand there, stunned, watching this exchange. Other people on the street seem to take no notice of you or the clear angel and demon standing in front of you, so you wonder if they can even see you at all.

“The Host assures their assignment that they are not being seen right now, and will also not be late for work due to this interruption in their schedule.”

“I mean, Hostie, they’ve already seen us, aren’t we supposed to go to the big man upstairs or something now?”

“The Host’s manager is already made aware of the situation. While this is not ideal for either religious beings involved, the assignment is secured.”

“You keep fucking saying “assignment” as if they’re not right in front of you, hearing you fucking spewing this.”

“The Host would like to remind The Author that he is blind.”

“I know that, I also know you have unparalleled spatial awareness. Your narration fucking thing tells you everything!”

“His narrations are simply his level of faith that he has in his gods, blindly following as a way of devotion.”

“Yeah, fuck that. No fucking thanks.”

You watch them, amused, seeing them act almost like brothers. Something tells you that through the similar features that they share, they might actually be. You continue your way to work, them following you, continuing to argue. At some point, as you pause at the bus stop, they shrink down and move to your shoulders. Author leans against your neck with one hand as he’s perched on your left shoulder as Host holds his head in his hands on your right.

You move throughout your day, them bickering and giving you advice throughout your day. Your boss called you in, giving you a promotion that you had been hoping for. Small snickers from your shoulders makes you believe that there may be a little bit of divine intervention happening in your office building. You pull yourself into the bathroom for a bit of privacy, looking at the two of them through the mirror as you refresh your face with some water.

“So you two are my guardian angel, and guardian demon, I presume?”

“In the flesh!”

“The Host can confirm his assignment’s query.”

“And no one else can see you?”

“Nope! Not unless we want them to.”

They both grow to their normal size, wings and devil tail shrinking down to their lapel pins again. You walk out of the bathroom, admittedly a bit nervous since you don’t know if others can see them again. You move your stuff into your new office with their help, relaxing a bit as it’s further away from everyone else, a new view of the city below you from the large window.

“So, aren’t you supposed to make me like, forget that you exist and then just pop up again when I almost die again, like earlier?”

“The Host and The Author talked about it before revealing themselves to their assignment, and decided that this may be both more interesting and amusing to both of them, seeing as there isn’t much harm in their assignment seeing them, and the two of them have nothing better to do.”

“So you’re bored, fantastic. Just, I don’t know, fuck things up for me? Please?”

The angel and demon stand in front of you, arms crossed as they sit in the armchairs on the opposite side of your desk, mirroring each other as they cross their legs.

“Fine, but you better actually listen to us when we actually say things. While our methods of keeping you safe may be, different, to say the least, we’re still both here to keep you safe.”

You nod, rolling your eyes as they begin arguing again, truly like brothers. Who knew the angel and devil on your shoulder would be so chatty?

[katyspersonal]

Thank you nice anons, it means a lot to me. ...or, an anon (singular) if you happen to be one person (since timing is very even), I appreciate it either way, I just can't tell with anon feature.

Well... At first, I blamed ER for attracting too many "bad" type of fans into Soulsb0rne by appealing to a much wider audience than average From's games. But I think my theory didn't quite line up, and in the end, it is just a plague that strikes ANY fandom's western space sooner or later.

I am not really sure what's about "you do not deserve it" because ONE thing is true; people deserve to know that I am not a very emotionally stable person, THAT I can say as much. There IS a merit to knowing that if people are too nice to me, they are at risk of ending with emotional leech (as in, clingy/expectant person, I've recovered from being abusive friend). I just always felt too embarrassed about even considering the prospect of listing all my mental problems and illnesses in bio/pinned/whatever. It is a private information! But at the same time, maybe slightly stepping at my privacy is better than if it is spread by people who have malicious intentions to begin with. :')

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

As for sharing DMs; I agree on this, though. The core problem with such posts is that it doesn't "spread awareness" but rather deliberately makes people not want to give a person any chance to begin with.

You MIGHT be referring to a person, let's call her A, though, who is a special kind of treacherous. I've had a bad paranoid breakdown on May 19th, which I admitted was terrible, and I apologised to her about it in details that same day, I felt awful for scaring and insulting her so. She never reacted to the the apology, however, for the last month proceeded to act neutral, even interacting and starting a convo. I had a slight hunch that she, in fact, never forgave me but only tried to stay "civil", but I decided to trust her out of the fact that she claimed to be blunt and open and honest. So sure, she'd tell me if I've done it, if my words hurt her too much?

Skip a month, and I can't take the paranoid feeling anymore and apologise to her again, additionally asking forgiveness for ruining our chances for friendship, and saying I was willing to give her space. She'd respond all like, 'oh don't worry, I don't think your outburst was ANYONE'S fault, I do not even care about the drama, I am chill and you are always welcomed in my blog, I don't have hard feelings, take care etc'. Then, at the mark of ~40 days since the conflict I've caused and apologised for, she sees someone maliciously attacking me and decides to join in as another "victim of a terrible mistreatment" and share the conversation. And of course she instantly blocked me before I could react.

I think it was a treachery. Pretending to have forgiven me and being "chill" for 40 days, and then suddenly block and provide a "victim's testimony" against me to my enemy, who is malicious? I am well familiar with being too fast to 'forgive' someone and only later realising my wound never healed; but what I'd do is to admit the gravity of the situation in private. And then block! I would not suddenly turn tail when the person is already down, just to add fuel to the fire. I would not add to what obviously is a harassment campaign, especially after 40 days of faking peace. What happened, A.? You saw a witch being burnt, and your Christian instincts kicked in? /hj

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

All in all, let's hope that for the final time, truth is settled, and everyone picked the side of the fandom they belong to. Let's hope that we the 'weird' guys are here, and the SJWs are over there, and that we do not cross paths all that much.

[twstrhythm]

Longwei Jiang Birthday Boy

Birthday Vignette for Longwei Jiang. Extra late, but still here. Birthday was March 22

Happy Birthday (Part 1)

NRC School Newspaper A Birthday Interview with Longwei Jiang

Yuu: Hello, Longwei! Happy Birthday!

Longwei: Thank you, your words warm my heart.

Yuu: How are you enjoying the party?

Longwei: It is not bad. It is much more lively than the parties I had back home, but… I would call those more like celebrations.

Yuu: Really? What are those like?

Longwei: They are quiet events. It is usually only family that attends. The most that we do is share food and talk, but it isn’t something I dislike. I think it is just a different way to celebrate birthdays. I know that some people would prefer birthdays to be lively celebrations, but everyone has their own preferences, right?

But I will admit that it is nice to have a party with friends like this. It is a different experience than what I am used to, but I am enjoying it. This is the first time I have been able to celebrate with friends and I am looking forward to more.

Yuu: That sounds great! Are there any plans you have for the future?

Longwei: That is an easy question to answer. I would love to be able to spend more time with the people I have grown to care for. They have all grown to have an impact on my life, and I would like to repay them for that. I am not sure how I would do that though…

Other than that, I would like to see more of the world. There is still so much that I don’t know about, so I would love to discover it.

Yuu: What do you mean by that?

Longwei: Well… I lived in the ocean for the majority of my life. I only recently was able to see what things were like here on the surface. It has gotten my interest, and I would love to explore it more. And hopefully I can do that with some of my friends.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Happy Birthday (Part 2)

Yuu: So… you mentioned your friends. How did you meet them?

Longwei: That is a long story… But I can explain it. Of course, I promise not to lie about anything I am about to say. Telling a lie will not be right, so I will be truthful with you. I was actually enrolled in Royal Sword Academy before all of this.

Yuu: Huh? Is that so?

Longwei: Yup. Haha… I was only there for a few hours actually. It was kind of my own fault, but kind of not at the same time. I sort of got into a fight with someone there and may have caused them to go blind in one eye. I never apologized for that, but he had started the fight.

And as for how I met my friends… Emil and Peri had been enrolled in Royal Sword Academy as well. I’m not really sure what they had done, but they also ended up getting themselves expelled that day too. We met outside the school gates and were all sent here to Night Raven College.

I guess you could say we ended up bonding over a shared experience. It is not so bad if you ask me. At least we have some common ground.

Yuu: Oh… I see.

Longwei: Aside from Emil and Peri, I have made some friends within my own dorm. I would say that Roche and I have grown pretty close. I think he is a dependable person I can rely on.

Yuu: Speaking of your dorm, how are you enjoying your time with them?

Longwei: Octavinelle seemed intimidating at first, but I have grown to see it as a second home. The people here may be scary at times, but they mean well. You just have to get to know them more to understand them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Happy Birthday (Part 3)

Yuu: We are beginning to run out of time for this interview now. Do you have anything else you would like to say?

Longwei: Hmm… let me think about that for a little.

Yuu: Don’t worry, I won’t rush you.

Longwei: Funny you would say that when we are running out of time. But I digress… I should not make fun of you for contradicting yourself like that.

Yuu: That’s alright.

Longwei: I am surprised you aren’t taking that as an insult… Never mind. Let’s see… To me, it is important to tell the truth. I had mentioned that to you earlier, but I really mean it. Telling lies only gets you so far, and they don’t usually help the situation. The more you lie, the deeper a hole you dig for yourself.

This is something my parents taught me. Since I was young, they taught me to value the truth. People don’t like being told lies after all, and lies could hurt more than the truth. I know that sometimes things said can hurt a person’s feelings, but you can’t always spare the feelings of others. Sometimes they need to be told the truth so that they can learn.

I suppose… It could be seen as a lesson for some people.

Yuu: Thank you for your words, Longwei.

Longwei: I should thank you for coming out here to interview me.

Yuu: That’s nice of you to say! Anyways! Happy Birthday!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Roche Laverne belongs to @twstwhisper

[archive-of-the-guild]

✌𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓜𝓸𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼!✌

For when your character is fed up, pissed off, vindictive or even just sassy as fuck! Whichever comes first.

______________________________________________________________

"Give my condolences to your mother, seeing that face on the baby she birthed must've been traumatizing"

"Your face is fit for radio and your voice is fit for silent movies"

"I'd tell you to go fuck yourself but I wouldn't wish that horror on even you"

"Ooooh, this one's sharp... sharp as a marble"

"You look like a walking side-effect of a bad potion interaction."

"Boy, you're a few cards short of a full deck aint'chya. Have a card." Proceeds to hand a random chard to Person B.

"You are a background character in your own life."

"You're none of your best friend's best friend."

"I keep wondering why others let you hang around. I mean, most npcs are useful."

"This is exactly the sort of acquisition i would expect from such a paragon of mediocrity."

"Woooowww. That's impressive. Did you smash a clay pot to find that or was it a prize from a county fair?"

"Hey, if you're looking for your dignity, i don't have it."

"You're clearly not the farthest-sliding penguin, are you."

"If you had brains, I'd tell you to think back to everything you ever did. Alas, here we are."

"Why? Just... why?"

"Look at your friends. See what they're doing? That's exactly how you ended up in this predicament."

"So were you bored and decided to ruin your own quest, or...?"

"You know, I love a sensible, level-headed partner... if only you could be like that."

"Whatever you want from me, that's not gonna help."

"Could you not? There are better ways to waste everyone's time."

"You know, even you could be the most clever one in the party. You just need to consider a solo career."

"Ah, a classic. You thought you were smarter than you actually are."

"I'd tell you not to do that, but you're gonna do it anyway."

"Oh, welcome! Let me guess - more bad decisions on top of your previous stupid decisions?"

"I don't know why I even care."

"You do realize I can insult you all day, right?"

"Oh thank you, but I didn't really NEED more material to ridicule you with."

"You need to keep that stupidity of yours in check - there's only so much healing supplies in the world."

"Careful. I hear it can be rather dangerous to use your entire vocabulary in a single sentence."

"It wasn't until I met you that I was grateful for my extremely poor eyesight."

"If you were a spell nobody would bother to learn you."

"Whoa! What diety did your parents piss off to have made you?"

"Look at this one, brain so smooth. No wrinkles. No crinkle."

"What you really need is a miracle to get out of this mess, which I have no doubts was your fault to begin with."

“Look, buddy, I could use a good conversation, so… would you mind leaving?”

"You need to apologize to the trees for all the oxygen you've wasted."

"You're a dollar short and a day late to the fair."

"I'm not even sure science can make use of you."

"If someone took you, consider them your new family, cause i ain't paying to get you back."

"Even a gorgon would keep her eyes shut with you around."

"If I was to make a diss track for you, it would be an encyclopedia."

"When your parents said you could be anything you wanted, a disappointment was not supposed to be an option."

"I have neither the time nor the crayons to explain how much of a bad idea this is."

"Does vicious mockery even work on you? Your intelligence is so low you probably think its a delightful complement."

"I became an atheist after meeting you. What kind of cruel god would allow you to exist?"

"You remind me of Rapunzel, except instead of letting down you hair you let down all of your friends"

"Please have some gum. Or toffee candy. Anything to stop you singing!"

"May you one day deserve the good life."

"If you were any more dense, you'd sink."

"Well, my time of not taking you seriously is coming to a middle!'

"You make a match look as bright as the sun."

"I see you're the kinda fella who packs a bag of sand and forgets a breath mint."

"It must be nice living with your brain. Having to consistently remember to consciously breathe must make up for most of your entertainment."

"You've got 2 braincells fighting for third place."

"My condolences to you for that unfortunate curse you have. What? That's your natural look?"

"I sensed your presence before you even arrived. What did you EAT?!"

"Ha! [laugh] You're funny. But looks aren't everything."

"You've got darkness in your soul. I can smell it! Oh, no wait, I think that's your breath."

“You make me wish my immune system knew my eyes existed.”

"I envy everyone you've never met."

"I'd ask what's wrong with you, but I think it would be faster to ask what isn’t."

"How is it that you have two functional legs yet have gotten absolutely nowhere in your life?"

"If your intellect was the sun, we'd all freeze."

"I know a good way to get rid of flies. You know, for the ones buzzing about in your empty skull."

"Your parents aren't disappointed in you, they know this is you living your best life. Tragic."

"What you just said was so stupid, I could drink alphabet soup and crap out a more coherent sentence."

"Because I pity you, I'll make sure to aim for your face in this fight so that swelling can improve it."

"You would take the bronze medal in a 1 on 1 intellectual competition with a rock"

"When you were born, the doctor said, 'No refunds.'"

"You look like you took every medication in the world and suffered all of the side effects."

"You seem like the type who would lick butter off of the sidewalk."

"You know, whoever invented the word 'fool-proof' clearly never met you."

"I'm really not sure what is deeper: my hatred for you, or this hole you've dug yourself into."

"It's funny that you're confident enough to bet your life on your abilities, yet you don't seem to have any."

"Are you always stupid, or are you making a special effort today?"

"Some day you'll go far..... and I hope you'll stay there."

"I'd like to see things from your point of view, but I can't get my head that far up my ass!"

"By looking at you, now I know what you get when you scrape out the bottom of the barrel!"

"What are you going to do for a face when the monkey wants his ass back?"

"I would try burning you, but burning trash is supposed to be illegal."

[luvyanfei]

how they comfort you when you’re sad

ft. diluc, kaeya, venti, childe, zhongli, albedo, & xiao non-requested piece 

diluc ragnvindr. 

as stoic as diluc may be, he’s the most emotionally affected by your misery out of the others listed here, but he’s clueless in how to help. he’s not adept in everything despite being known for being a perfectionist and unfortunately, comforting you is one of them. he would reach out a hand to you, and then pull it back to his side before you notice. it annoys him greatly how he can insult the knights without hesitation and combat against his enemies confidently, and yet...

it’s easy to get diluc flustered over the simpler things in life. you’re usually so happy and lively, the light to his dark that he finds it almost eerie to see you looking depressed as you enter the tavern. you don’t even spare him a glance, and slumps down at an empty seat, your head splayed down on the table. out of concern for your wellbeing, the winery owner whips up your favourite drink free of charge and delivers it himself to your spot. instead of leaving you as one would expect, he pulls up a chair and taps the wooden surface of the table with his gloved fingers, stirring you to look up at him. he greets you in a monotone voice unintentionally, and shyly asks if there are any problems going on in your life. he may not look like it, with how distant he is, but diluc would be very pleased to help you. 

with hesitation, you take the drink and start taking small sips from the cup. the savory taste melts on your tongue and your lips quiver slightly. before you know it, you’re reduced into a sobbing mess, your tears staining the floor. “what’s wrong?” dismayed, diluc rises up and pats your back, handing you a handkerchief from his jacket pocket for you to wipe your tears away with. 

he ushers you into a private room where nobody can see you and rubs your hands together. he doesn’t talk, instead fixating on calming you down. dabbing at your swollen eyes and cheeks gently with a drenched towel, diluc cradles your face and leans in close to you, your foreheads touching. “i’m here, [name],” his voice is soft and delicate, a sharp contrast to his formal and uninterested tone, “i will always be here for you, so you don’t need to worry about suffering alone. we’ll get through this together, alright?” 

kaeya alberich. 

he’ll take you to the tavern with him for a nice drink. it won’t do you any good to be by yourself and moping, right? as hypocritical as it may seem, kaeya is fully accepting of you coming to him for emotional support despite being rather closed-off when it comes to his personal emotions. if you’re underage, he’ll purchase you a soft drink or juice, and if not, a glass of wine will surely boost your spirits up. his attempt to cheer you up is to temporarily distract you from it. quite clever of him, no? of course, his objective isn’t for you to ignore your problems altogether, but to take your mind off of it until you can think a bit clearly. 

kaeya will act like a gentleman the whole time, letting a few teasing remarks slip out every now and then, but his attitude is toned down for the most part. after you consumed a plentiful amount of beverages, he takes a stroll with you in the night, passing by a bard stringing music on their lyre. this gives the cavalry captain an idea and he takes you into a secluded area, fireflies glowing to add a touch of whimsy to the scenario. still gripping your hand, he raises it up to kiss the surface and proposes you to join him in for a dance under the moonlight and stars. 

kaeya looks at you with a brimming grin. “are you feeling better now?” you nod, placing a hand on his open palm.

“now that you’re here, yes, i am.” his smile broadens and cups your cheek with his free hand. the tip of his thumb lightly grazes your bottom lip before he replaces it with his lips. the kiss is passionate and savory, a description that fits your relationship perfectly. 

“i’m glad you do,” he pulls back and breathes out a sigh of relief. “it’s the same with me. i admit, i also enjoy your company very much.” 

venti.

it’s best to let your emotions run loose. don’t bottle it up, okay? if you need to cry, then cry. sure, venti may act all carefree and exuberant, but even he has his serious sides from time to time. he takes the situation rather calmly, pulling you into a comforting embrace and rubbing your back as you tearfully sob. when he feels that you’re muscles have slowly relaxed and your cries have been reduced to tiny sniffles, he transitions out of the hug and places his hands on your shoulder, all with an angelic smile on his face. see, that wasn’t so bad, now was it?

if you’re up for it, venti will be happy to play you a quiet melody carried in the night breeze. he’ll position your head to lean on his shoulder as both of you sit down on the ground and he clears his throat before he begins singing. the stringing of the lyre, the gentle rustle of the leaves in the background, and the soothing sound of his voice automatically brings a smile to your lips. snuggling closer to him, you drift in a state of contentment and serenity. once the bard catches wind of your heavy breathing, your eyes fluttered closed, he stops his singing and presses a dainty kiss to your forehead. 

carefully, so he doesn’t disturb your slumber, venti carries you back to your resident and tucks you into bed. as he’s about to head off, you snag him by the wrist, and tug him back to your side. “please don’t go yet, venti.” he pats the hand imprisoning his wrist and chuckles in amusement. 

“don’t worry. i don’t plan on ever doing something like that.” he crawls into bed with you, tangling your legs together and hooking his arms around your waist. the tip of his nose grazes your hair faintly as your back is pressed against his chest. “not now, and not ever.” 

childe.

he’s the eleventh harbinger, yes, but beneath his fearsome title and mischievous demeanor, childe is a regular human with an affable heart. it hurts him seeing you look dejected, as if you’re on the brink of suffocating from insufferable pain. it’s like your emotions are a type of infection, contagious to say the least. if you’re happy, then he’s happy. if you’re sad, then you’ll bet he’s also going to drop his jovial gleam. luckily, growing up with siblings gives him an advantage here. he’s used to taking care of others and turning their frowns upside down. 

if he finds out someone has been upsetting you, he’ll personally deal with them himself, ordering them to apologize lest they want to face his wrath. if you’re having financial difficulties, he’ll lend you a generous amount of mora so you can clear your debts or help you find a well-paying job. either way, he’ll cradle you in his arms and compliment you for being strong, no matter what life throws at you. life’s hard, but that’s all the more reason why you should keep marching forward - hand in hand with childe.   

“shh, [name], it’s okay. don’t cry.” childe kneels before you and wipes away a salty tear. grabbing a teddy bear abandoned on the ground, he shoves it in front of your face. to your sudden bewilderment, he grabs the bear’s arm to pat you on the head and grins. “there, there. mr. teddy is here to make you happy once more.” 

you sputter out a giggle despite tears still leaking from your eyes. “childe, i’m not a little kid anymore. cut it out!” he resists the urge to pinch your cheeks when you pout cutely at him. 

“fine, fine. i’ll stop, but hey! at least you’re smiling again, right?” you roll your eyes and sniff. 

“yeah, i’m feeling a little better. thank you.”  

your comment forms a blush to dust his cheeks and he sheepishly scratches the back of his head. “there’s no need for gratitude. to me, your smile is the one thing i’d hate to lose.” 

zhongli.

feeling sad? his arms are already wide open and a box of tissues is conveniently laid on the table. zhongli is the wave that laps up your sorrows and tears, the lulling sound of his voice uttering words of reassurance like a tranquil melody to set your heart at ease. he’s the type who will lend a shoulder for you to cry on. while he brews up a nice cup of tea to soothe your mind, he encourages you gently to tell him whatever it is that’s bothering you. he soaks up every syllable that falls from your lips like a sponge and in a pensive state, he gives you advice in turn. 

you take his words to heart, since everything he’s said before have always been genuine and your trust in him runs deeper than the bottom of the sea. sure, maybe not everything he says is the answer that will cause your problems disappear, but he does guide you to choose rationally how you want to approach it. as much as zhongli would like to solve everything for you, he’s aware that there are times where only you have the potential to fix the issue. 

the golden ginkgo leaves twirl in the autumn breeze, as zhongli clasps his hands with yours. you adjust the scarf around your neck, shivering from the mild chill settling in liyue. 

you stare grimly at the seagulls soaring in the cloudy sky, and peers down at your feet planted firmly on the ground. a frown tugs on your lips and you sigh. a warm hand caresses your cheek and you look towards zhongli smiling gently in your direction. wiping away the tears that are beginning to moist your eyes, he encages you in a comforting hug. 

“don’t hold it in,” zhongli whispers soothingly in your ear, “you’re allowed to cry if you want. i promise you, there’s no judgement.” 

albedo.

it’s like he has a sixth sense. you could have been crying in your sleep last night and the first thing you wake up to is all your favourite meals placed rigorously on a sliver tray and a positive message with cursive, neat handwriting scribbled on a notepad for you to read. albedo is rather considerate, like that. before you started to live together and entered a more domestic relationship, he visited your home and asked if anything was wrong in a neutral tone that belied his concern. you were shocked how he could have possibly known since you were sure you concealed the visible evidences skillfully with makeup, and you looked quite normal for the most part, as if you hadn’t been crying mere seconds before he knocked on your door. 

he shrugs indifferently and responds that he just has a feeling something’s bothering you. albedo will take a day off from his confinement in his lab so he can stay with you. he takes you by the hand and gestures for you to sit down on a nearby chair beside him, offering you delectable appetites to eat while you rant to him. once you’re finished spilling out your problems, he kisses you on the forehead and tells you that you did a good job. it isn’t easy to admit you’re not mentally well, in which he praises you for. 

hugging your legs to your chest, you quietly ask him if it’s not a bother. firmly, albedo shakes his head and squeezes your hand reassuringly. “no, you’re never a bother.” he scoops up a spoonful of ice cream and feeds you the cool dessert. once you swallow, his lips curve into a little smirk as he wipes away the excess on the side of your mouth with a finger and licks the cream off with his tongue. 

“whether you’re happy, sad, or disappointed, my love for you will never change.” 

xiao.

he’s not very good at handling these types of situations. xiao can never know what he’s supposed to say or do to make you feel better, so he just stands there awkwardly. please don’t blame him! he’s already terrible at consoling himself that having to cheer someone else up seems more like an impossible challenge than a simple task. however, like albedo, he can also sense if you’re depressed or in need of saving. what do you mortals call it, an instinct? 

he asks verr for advice on what to do to help, and she suggests for him to stick by your side and show that he cares deeply about you. it takes xiao a while to come up with a suitable plan. he wanders up to the highest floor of wangshu inn and reminisces over the past. your first meeting with him, the time when you gave him almond tofu, and when you both fought together to protect liyue - he’s memorized it all down to the last detail. suddenly, an idea clicks into place and he teleports immediately to where you are. sitting on a bench alone, while you absentmindedly watch the birds peck at the crumbs scattered on the cement floor, it takes you by surprise when you find xiao hovering above you. he reaches out his hand and composedly asks if you would be willing to accompany him for the night. 

when you encounter him at the location where you agreed to meet, you curiously question xiao what he wants to do, but he doesn’t reply. instead, he scoops you up in his arms, a surprised expression on your face as you wrap your arms around his neck so you don’t end up falling. before you know it, both of you are... soaring in the air? your eyes subconsciously drift to his vision glowing brightly in the murky night. so he’s using his anemo abilities to create wind currents and literally sweep you off your feet. 

“do you see this place?” he gestures with his head for you to look at liyue harbor. the city lights glow in the darkness and most people are walking back home, idly chatting with each other and giggling. “it wouldn’t be as peaceful as it is now if it weren’t for you. so if you ever feel sad again, know that it’s you who puts a smile on everyone’s faces - including mine.” 

and with that, xiao smiles serenely at you, to which you finally offer a grin of your own. 

[yandere-sins]

Hello! Can i request a yandere bully! Bakugou, locking a darling in the locker? I may leave You there for a while, and comfort you when the reader is begging you to

Continuation of this one here! Thanks for requesting ^-^

»»———————— ♡ ————————««

You couldn’t deny that the feeling wasn’t new.

Being roughly shoved into the barely big enough locker, you both felt scared and, at the same time, knew what to do. Braking your fall with your back, you kept your head forward so you wouldn’t hit it again, the mild concussion you had last time having been learn-experience enough. You had closed your eyes out of instinct when Bakugou gripped your shirt, but they snapped open immediately, trying to help you. However, Bakugou, too, had honed his skills, slamming the door close before you could squeeze your fingers in its way.

You’d rather have a broken finger than suffer this ordeal again if you were honest.

“No!” you screamed at the top of your lungs, knowing it was futile since no one else was around. Still, a part of you hoped that you might be able to intimidate Bakugou to think this over. “Shut. Up,” was his angry reply, his fist hammering into the locker door with every word. You had to fear he might actually break through the door by force, but it would have been in your favor.

It was so damn frustrating. You always thought you had done something to Bakugou, apologized over and over to him, so maybe he’d stop his bullying. But after finally talking to someone about it, you had decided that you wouldn’t engage with him anymore, and well... it just so happened you found comfort in the arms of the new student who finally treated you well as the only person ever since you came to UA. Everyone had always been too scared of Bakugou once he started targeting you. Of course, you couldn’t blame them either...

You and the new student started to hang out at any time, so you could avoid being targeted, and you spent some of the most wonderful hours by his side. The bullying did seem to stop now that a witness was always around, and you were so sure it was finally over, and you could move on. What could have caused Bakugou to explode the way he did? Not only did he punch your new boyfriend - and possibly broke his nose - no, he also carried you off without permission, bringing you to your most hated place on planet earth.

The annex had always been sparsely visited by students and teachers alike. There were just some clubrooms around, but since it was already late in the afternoon and a sunny day, most members were out in the fields or back in the dorms already. But strangely enough, even the weirdo Bakugou had a locker here; one big enough to fit a person in it.

“You can’t-- Ah, damnit, Bakugou! Stop locking me in this damn locker! It’s not funny anymore! What did I ever do to you?!”

Perhaps you were feeling especially feisty that day. You never had screamed at him like this, except if you were pleading for mercy. But ever since your boyfriend convinced you to see the guidance counselor, you had started to come out of your shell. Everything had been so good. Why was it coming back to bite you in the ass now?

Bakugou didn’t respond. No mocking comment, no snide remarks. Not even threats or insults belittling you, even as you started hammering your fists against the door. Out of experience, you knew someone would come. You were sure your boyfriend already contacted the teachers and people were searching for you, and latest when someone passed by, you could reach out and ask for help. But were you really going to fall back into old behavior and just sit it out? Wait for the time to pass and life to go on like before?

“... like you,” you suddenly heard from outside, a tiny voice compared to the usual boom and vibrato that Bakugou had. “What?!” you hissed, annoyed that once ‘his majesty’ decided to talk, he did it so you couldn’t understand. A long groan escaped him, furious and raging. “Just listen, you idiot! I said I like you!”

This time, the ‘What’ echoing in your head was left silent. Your mouth hung open as you stared at the blonde tuft of hair through the slits in the locker, Bakugou standing there with his back turned towards you. “... the fuck...” you finished your thought, accidentally saying it out loud and quickly realizing it, but it was already too late.

“What’s your problem,” Bakugou grumbled, annoyed, and part of you was glad not being able to see his face. You wouldn’t have known how to come to terms with him blushing or nervously fidgeting around like someone who just confessed usually would. “Just tell me what your fucking answer is.”

“No,” you replied instantly, without even a moment of hesitation. Perhaps it would have been a good idea to think it over before blurting it out but never. You could never imagine yourself at the side of your bully, the person who made your life a living hell. Someone who’d lock you in a locker to confess to you. What kind of joke was this?

“No?” he mumbled, suddenly turning around, you two staring eye to eye through the slits. “What do you mean ‘no’?!”

“Is this a joke?!” you barked back. “Tell me it’s a joke, ’cause there’s no way I could be together with you!”

Bakugou opened his mouth to say something, but instead, his eyes only grew redder, expression growing mad and furious, and you heard the unexpected crashing of fists against the metal, making you flinch back. The whole situation seemed so surreal, but it was very, very real. Standing up for yourself made you feel strong, but when uncomfortable silence befell you two, you started to overthink again.

“Bakugou...” you mumbled, placing your hand against the door. You were back to only seeing his hair, but you knew he was leaning forward, probably starring daggers into the ground. Maybe not everything was too late. Perhaps you could fix this, appeal to him one more time. “Just let me out, okay? You and I... that doesn’t work, but we can stop being children and scream at each other and just go our separate ways.”

You couldn’t think of a better way to talk to him. After all, you couldn’t understand what was going on inside of him at all. He had been bullying for god-knows-how-long, yet, he thought he liked you? Couldn’t he see the contradiction in his statement and actions? But this cruelty had to end at some point and now was as good as any. Going different ways would help him too, you were sure.

“Children?” he whispered, finally snapping upwards again to stare at you with a mocking expression. “Do you think my feelings aren’t real?”

Weirded out by his behavior, you only shook your head.

“I don’t think you know your position in this. There is no ‘no’ when I ask you if you like me.”

“Bakugou...”

“It’s that guy, isn’t it? He’s in the way, right? He’s been stealing you from me, taking up all your time that you should spend with me, isn’t he?”

“Bakugou, please, we’re never spending time together--”

“He’s making you say no because you’re guilty, am I right? I can take care of that, you know?”

“Wait!” you interrupted his speech, sudden panic rising inside of you. You were well aware of Bakugou’s strength, but attacking your boyfriend wouldn’t make any of you happy! “If you go, I’ll scream! They’ll find me, and I’ll tell them what you’re doing! That’s criminal! Aren’t you studying to be a hero?!”

Your appeals were met with a cocky grin, his eyes shining as if you just challenged him. “Who says I can’t be a hero and still beat the shit out of that bastard?”

“Everyone! Everyone will know what they did! I will tell them!”

“Try it,” he hissed before pushing away from the locker. You threw yourself against it, but the door must have jammed when he kept bashing into it. Slapping your palm and hammering your fists didn’t help as you had to watch him walk away after looking at you in this typical, belittling way he used, always looking down on you. “You can have some time to think about your answer while I’m taking care of some business. Remember what day it is?” Bakugou yelled back over his shoulder, and you could hear the smug grin on his lips.

“What day...? Friday?” Your eyes widened suddenly as you realized that there were no clubs on the weekend due to the new regulations for safety, and you began to panic and scream Bakugou’s name after him. If you’d just have to spend the night, that would be manageable, but with the strange mood he was in, you couldn’t bring yourself to trust him to come let you out anytime soon. A whole weekend inside the locker would kill you for sure, and tears rolled down your cheeks as his footsteps slowly faded.

What a monster.

How could you ever like him back?

What more would you have to endure because of him?

But truth be told, what else could you do but tell him you liked him? You just wanted to get out of the hell that was this locker. Save yourself from the embarrassment and torture.

"I like you! Bakugou, I like you!" you screamed.

But the footsteps didn't come running back.

[babybluebex]

me and my husband [baron zemo x reader]

summary ↠ in the process of making sure zemo is okay after a fight in latvia, you find a way to put captain john walker in his place. pairing ↠ baron zemo x fem!reader (y/n) word count ↠ 1.6k warnings ↠ explicit language, itty bitty tfatws ep. 4 spoilers, john walker being misogynistic and a Total Dick a/n ↠ (yes the title is a mitski reference) enjoy! masterlist/taglist in bio! (also thank u @therenlover for your invaluable support and screaming in my instagram dms)

As far as you were concerned, John Walker could rot in hell.

You had only just heard the fight break out, the smashing of glass making your quicken your step, and you had rushed into the room the moment that Walker, in his infinite prickishness, had hurtled that dumb metal shield through the air. You had watched it collide against your husband’s cheek, and Helmut had gone limp instantly and crumpled to the floor.

“What the hell?” you had cried, enraged, and Bucky and Sam were quick to come in after you. “What the fuck was that for, you prick?”

John Walker had given you a confused look, then looked to his partner, then to Sam and Bucky. Originally, Sam had initially been opposed to bringing you along on their mission to retrieve information about the Flag Smashers, but your husband had extended an ultimatum: “She comes with me, or I don’t come at all.” They needed Zemo to get into Madripoor, so the Americans sighed and allowed you to come. You yourself weren’t quite sure why Zemo was insistent that you come with him, but, the moment you saw him get hit by Captain America’s shield, it made sense: to vouch for him when he couldn’t.

“Who’re you?” John had asked carefully, and Sam huffed out a laugh.

“Aw, this’ll be good,” Sam had mumbled as you stormed towards John. Your shoes clicked against the floor as you came chest to chest with him, and you planted your hands on your hips.

“My name is Zemo,” you had told him. “And you just gave my husband a concussion.”

John stared at you for a minute, then at Helmut at his feet, then back at you. “Husband?” he replied. “But he’s been in jail for seven years.”

“Of all the people to explain my relationship to, you are not high on that list,” you spat. “Now, get him up.”

John looked around at his compatriots in obvious confusion, and Bucky sighed. “Just do it, man,” he mumbled.

“And why won’t you do it?” John asked.

“Because he’s not the one with the giant metal trash can lid strapped to his arm,” you said. “You are. You are the one who hurt my husband, and you are going to fix this. So, Captain, I suggest you move him from the middle of the floor.”

And now, finally back in the small Latvian flat, you were able to properly tend to Helmut. He had come to just as John had set him on the sofa, and you could gauge that he was concussed. It didn’t seem too bad, but he was still a bit disoriented. Helmut gave a small groan, certainly one of pain, and you whispered, “There he is. How’re you feeling, love?”

Helmut glanced around you for a moment, trying to get his bearings, and he mumbled, “What happened?”

“An American oaf with a trash can lid took you out,” you explained. “He got you in the face pretty good.” Gingerly, you skimmed your fingers over his cheek, testing for any tenderness, and you heard a low groan escape him when you touched the red patch on his face. “Let me get you an ice pack.”

“I can do it, mein Schatz,” Helmut began, but you gently pushed on his chest to keep him down.

“Hel, please,” you sighed. “You need to rest. Let me take care of you.”

After a moment, your husband sighed and laid back down, and he rested his head back on a pillow. Just as you stood up, Helmut reached out and grabbed your hand tightly. “You’re too good to me,” he mumbled, stroking his thumb along the back of your hand. “What would I do without you?”

“There’s no telling,” you sighed, and you leaned down to kiss him. He kissed back, a bit weak and tired, but his hand on yours spoke the words that his kiss didn’t. “Take off your jacket, my love, you’ll get too warm.”

You walked across the space to the bathroom, and you grabbed a small hand towel to run under some cold water. As you did your task at the kitchen sink, you heard John, Bucky, Lamar, and Sam all muttering between themselves, and you hardly listened to it. You expected it to be some drivel about teamwork or patriotism or whatever it was that any conversation with Captain America turned to, but you finally tuned in when you heard your husband’s name. “Zemo’s got you two cornered,” John said. “Making you do his shit for him. And he demanded to bring her along? Why didn’t you say no?”

“We needed him,” Bucky replied. “And there’s no him without her.”

“Oh, they’re some sorta Bonnie and Clyde?” John huffed. “You’re harboring a fugitive here. A-And you! You’d really put your wife in danger like this?”

“Mein Schatz is resourceful,” you heard Helmut mutter, and you drained the rag of excess water before moving back to him as he spoke. “Smart, clever, and cunning; I married her for a reason.”

You sat on the floor next to him and settled the cold rag over his eyes. He smiled a little and gave a quiet groan, and you rested your hand on his chest. He had done as you had asked and taken off his coat, but you still saw the red flush under his collar. Carefully, you reached up and undid the top few buttons in his wine-colored shirt, and you gave a playful tug at his gold necklace. “Can I get you anything?” you asked him quietly; you spoke in Sokovian, for no other reason than to make John and Lamar squirm.

“Bourbon?” Helmut asked, following your linguistic lead.

“Of course,” you replied. You took his hand off of his stomach and gave his knuckles a kiss, and added, “Anything else?”

“A kiss,” Helmut said, and he gave a quiet little laugh. “I can’t see your face, my treasure, but I know you’re grimacing at me.”

“Never,” you said with a click of your tongue, but you sat up on your knees and pressed a soft kiss to your husband’s lips. You liked kissing Helmut Zemo, especially moments like this, when it was just you and him. Of course, you were surrounded by men who were all bigger and stronger than both of you, but your mother language gave you a feeling of exclusion that you welcomed.

“Alright, whatever the fuck this is has gotta stop,” John groaned, and you broke away from the kiss slowly. “Listen, we’ve put up with a lot of your shit, Zemo, but your little cock-sleeve or whatever she is is taking things one step too far.”

Helmut sighed with the weight of the insult, took up your hand blindly and squeezed, and he whispered, “Go easy on him, won’t you?”

“Would you?” you asked, and planted a quick kiss to his cheek. You stood carefully and smoothed out your shirt, and then you turned to John. He truly was an impressive figure, but you felt his uneasiness radiating off of him. You were the player, and he the instrument; you only had to find the right chord. “First of all,” you began. “Insulting a woman because she likes to have sex? Low blow, Walker. I thought that Cap respected women.”

“He does,” Bucky said. “He’s supposed to.”

“I’m not Steve--”

“Did I ever say Steve?” you snapped. “No, I said Cap. Captain America is a title and a role that you should be fucking thankful for, and you treat it like a curse that’s been put on you. Cap protects and serves, and look at what you’ve done while you’ve had that shield: you’ve been frolicking around on television and causing more trouble than you’re worth.”

Sam gave an affirmative grunt from over your shoulder, and, if you had been facing him, you would have seen the way he pressed his fist into Zemo’s shoulder with a smile.

“You may not be Steve,” you said, taking a step closer. “I truly doubt that the world needs another Steve Rogers. But Captain America is supposed to inspire peace and freedom and trust and all of those American buzzwords, and you’re doing a piss-poor job at it. You have to trust that Sam and Bucky are making the right decisions here, even if those decisions involve me and my husband.” You paused and titled your head in trademark Zemo fashion, a habit you had picked up from Helmut, and you said, “I think that you’re forgetting that you’re in the presence of a man-- the man-- who managed to dismantle the Avengers. Bucky wouldn’t have gotten him out of prison without a good fuckin’ reason, and I think that his help’s been pretty invaluable. But what do I know, right? I’m just his little cock-sleeve.”

You pushed John aside in order to go to the kitchen area and fulfill Helmut’s request of a drink, and you felt proud of yourself. You had wanted to put him in his place ever since you had first heard of him, and your stomach was warm with pride.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Zemo,” John called across the room as you settled a few ice cubes into a small tumbler. “Sometimes I just… I’m sorry.”

“I’m not sure if I want to accept that apology or not,” you replied. “Let me sleep on it.” You brought the drink back to Helmut, and he moved himself to sit up on the couch properly. You took the cool towel from his face and carefully pressed it to the back of his warm neck, and you watched John and Lamar exchange uncomfortable glances. “Oh, and, Captain?” you added, and he turned to look at you. “Missus is nice, but it’s Baroness Zemo to you.”

[linksthoughtbrambles]

[Animals can think and echoes can be merciless.]

Part 8 of Adventure Log+ (Sequel to Link’s Thought Brambles. I highly recommend reading in order! Edited 9/30/23 to tighten language.)

[Note: A big thank-you to @embyrinitalics for very generous help on horse behavior and resources about it!! 😀]

-----

“Princess?”

“A moment, Sir Margil.”

.

Yeah.  I wouldn’t’ve let my sister come if I thought it would be like this.

.

No, never before.

.

It is odd.

“It won’t do.”

“What won’t, Princess?”

Maybe they were hoping I’d be dead and the Princess vulnerable?  Still… they weren’t on our direct path…

“I agree with Link.  I cannot abandon people who may be in need of help.”

I mean, the one we usually take to the lab.  Nearby, yeah.

“…Yet… we have two sticking points.”

If it was about us, though, they’d have to have been talking to someone from the Yiga clan.

“What points?”

Yeah, I didn’t think they could talk, either.  Or understand us.

“One—Purah expects us.  If we fail to appear, we’ll cause a panic.”

True, no funeral.  Just a glad-you’re-not-dead party.

“Two—you, Chee.”

Maybe the bokos can’t tell the difference.

“I’ll listen to you.  I’ll run if I have to.”

I don’t know.  You’d think they wouldn’t want to draw too much attention to themselves.

“Indeed.  That is, in fact, exactly what I’ll ask you to do—immediately.”

Ahadis would’ve sent a team out to clear the plain-

“Now?!”

-within a day or two-

“Yes.”

-if they attacked the farmers.

“…And not alone.”

…Right?

“Sirs Margil and Beraya, please accompany Chee to the lab.”

“Wh-“ “Princess-“

“My mind is immutable in this.  Chee is many times more vulnerable than I am.”

Yeah, I- guess- I don’t know Ahadis that well.  Jeralt would.  The king would, too.

“…Link’s gonna be upset.” “You’ll have no backup, Princess.”

Yeaaaah, he is kind of, isn’t he?

“Indeed—but I have my bow.  The plain is wide, flat, and we know Link is on this side of the further ridge.”

Hah!  I kind of figured that’s why he joined the melee.

“I shall see anything coming, and likely eliminate it long before it reaches me.”

“…Link’s still gonna be upset.”

…Sorry, Daile.

“Indeed.  But if you ride hard to the lab, you can tell them what’s happened.”

No, I mean, you were just smiling and now you’re not, so… oh s@#$.

“They’ll send help.”

It’s Wenn, isn’t it?

“You’ll be safer, and so will we in the long run.”

You’re good friends, right?  And he joined.

“It seems to me as though if you encounter any riders in your direction, you ought to push forward—don’t engage unless you have no choice.”

Well, no, Jeralt said so.

“Yes, Princess.”

It’s one reason he recommended you.

“And Chee—you ride on no matter what.”

That and your skill, which he was obviously right about.

“Y-yeah.  Okay.”

No, it IS important.

“On, then.  Quickly!”

This… with what’s coming-

“Yes, Princess.”  “Yes, Princess!” “Please tell Link I listened?”

-we all need to be…

“I shall.  Now, go!”

(Whyyyy did I dig myself into this hole?)

“Hyah!”  “Hup, boy.” “Go, Snorts.”

Daile… allies are great, but allies might not be enough.

“Well, Tass.  Onward.  Hurry!”

We all need to look out for each other.  And I did NOT mean to be a dick and insult your friend.  I was joking.  Badly.  About Ahadis. Which… is no excuse.  I apologize.

.

Nope, my fault.  Careless of me.

.

I wouldn’t’ve put him on the Princess’ guard if I was holding a grudge.  Same goes for Farniha.  Haha, and she kneed my fricking groin and backhanded my face.  It… hurt.  A lot.

.

.

O-oh.  Yeah, I’m not surprised. I’m glad they’re following us for now.  If the Princess has us turn around to check up north, the horses might lead us right to where they came from.

.

Aaaaand Daile’s gone silent.

Goddess dammit Link, you dumbass.  He and Wenn must be very good friends for him to have gotten that obviously pissed off or upset or whatever that not-good face on him was.

Do NOT criticize people’s friends.

Not that I did on purpose, but I should've realized about Wenn.

We worked really well together in the fight.  Hope I didn’t ruin it.

Link?  If you’re going to be a leader and not just a bodyguard, you need to step up your people-reading skills.  You can’t be in a meeting or something and rely on Zelda to turn to you and say, ‘Link, you’d better not say anything critical about so-and-so, because other so-and-so is other other so-and-so’s friend and you’ll tick them off,  my kind but socially-inept consort.’

…I don’t think she’d say that in public.  Especially the ‘consort’ part.

Having the slate read her mind would be so tempting, wouldn’t it?  I wonder what she DOES call me in her thoughts.  Does she think ‘Sir Knight’ and things like that a lot or is it more like, ‘hmm Link likes it when I call him Sir Knight so I shall do so at every opportunity’?

Next time we’re completely alone, I’m going to ask her.

If I remember.

Which I have not been so great at, lately.

Lots of notions.  Not much acting on those notions.

There are too many notions.

.

Slow your brain-babbling down, Link.  Somehow.  Maybe… picture slow-moving things.  Like snails!  Yes!  I can focus on an image of Nails ooooozing his… or… her… way along those nice long dandelion leaves in his little snail-house.  That’s slow.

.

.

.

.

He’s cute.

How long do snails live?

Oh no.  I hope they’re not like flies and things.  I don’t want to find him dead in there when we get back to the castle.  Zelda probably knows what to expect.  She’d’ve warned me, right?  She would’ve said something if he could conk any second.

If he does die at some point I’m going to have to catch a new one and put it in there, because if Myrri sees an empty terrarium she’ll be upset, and most likely she’ll yell at me and/or kick me in the shins for killing him.

.

Nah. Not after her mom.

.

.

.

What… what happens if that field Fi saw at the castle really is the Calamity?

If… it’s already here, and just biding its time for some reason?

Is it waiting for some perfect time to strike?

Those copies of the old tapestry show it being in the middle Hyrule field, though, not at the castle.  Like, showing up at the dead center of Hyrule.  Right at its heart.

That was 10,000 years ago, though.  I guess… could it have moved?

It talked to me.  It did.

It… HE talked.  It sounded like a man.

.

No, not a man, exactly.  Male.  Monstrous.  Loud.  Like nothing else I’ve ever heard.  Like the deepest growl formed into words.

.

It talks.

It… thinks.

.

I thought, before, it was just like… some sort of… animal.  It LOOKS like an animal in the drawings.

Even animals think, though.  I bet that fox Mipha saved never went anywhere near that Hinox again, no matter how much it wanted to drink from that pool.

Rionee knows me and loves me and knows how to avoid snakes and thorns… and she knows when I have apples even when they’re hidden from existence in my Korok pouch, because she knows me, and I must have a tell.  She knows how to get me to give her chin scratches, and she knows how to get the stablehands to give her treats even if I already gave her some, hehehe.  Don’t you, girl?

She knew I needed her to be quiet before attacking those bokoblin riders.

So… even if the Calamity were just an animal, it could think.  It could learn.

And it’s NOT just an animal.

It’s smart.  HE’s smart.  He’s… vengeful.  He hates me.

Try to remember, Link.  What exactly did it- HE… say?

I am able to assist you in this if you wish, master.

Fi?  You can do that?

Yes.

…Yes.  Please.

It will be unpleasant.

Yeah… but it might also be important.

Ready yourself, master.

.

‘Settling for this psychic amplification… it’s…’

MmMM!

‘…paltry… compared to the suffering I’d like to inflict.’

HHGHH!

‘To see you bound… helpless…’

AAAH- HHH!

‘…while I trace you with my blade… like a lover’s caress… opening you from neck to groin… and removing your organs one at a time.’

NNN-GGHHGHHTTNGG-!

‘I long to see the horror in your eyes… I'd start with your intestines, I think.’

HKKTT- KKTT-

‘Just slice them free at the bottom -and pull them out an inch at a time.’

HHHHGG! HH!  HH!

‘…It’s my one regret.’

M-AAAH!

‘You’ll be dead before I emerge.’

PHH- PHHH-

‘I’ll never see your face contort as I rearrange your innards.’

KMPH-

‘I’ll just have to rearrange hers instead.’

MmnNNNNN-! DEAD, YOU’RE DEAD, ASSHOLE!  I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE YOU JUST F@#$ED YOURSELF HARD YOU THINK I’LL LET YOU TOUCH HER?!?  IF I DIE TODAY I’LL F@$&ING HAUNT YOU AND YOU’LL STILL LOSE!!!

‘Ah hahahaha.  There it is.  So predictable.’

WOAH!  Holy- holy S#@$-

Oh!  Daile- yeah.  Yeah, I’m fine.  It was Fi.  She showed me something.

.

It was when the Calamity went after me.  While I was hurt.

.

No, it actually attacked me.

.

No, no, it’s not like it’s running around the castle, it went after my thoughts.  It was in my head.

.

Yeah, it is… creepy.

.

No, I couldn’t see it.  I heard its- sorry, his- voice, and it made me… hurt. 

.

We think he was trying to make me strain and bleed faster, among other things.

.

You can ask anything you like.

.

Oh, no I hadn’t finished talking to her.

.

It really is okay-

.

.

Alright.  I can talk out loud to her.  I know you can’t hear her but at least you’ll know my half.

.

No.  We’re all in this together.

.

Okay.

Fi, that memory- it’s like I was there.

You were there, master.

Yeah, but, I mean it’s like I was there AGAIN just now, actually inside the memory.  Living it again.

As I said, I may assist in these endeavors.  I experience everything you do when we are connected.

So, do you remember everything perfectly?

Usually, but I may access any of your memories, master, even those which occurred before you reached me.

Wow.

You are correct in your assessment of the Calamity’s intelligence.  He is no mere animal.  He is extremely intelligent and cunning.

He also hates me.  And he hates the Princess even more, doesn’t he?  Oh- Daile- I mean the Calamity.

…He does hate you both.  He would like little more than to see you both utterly destroyed.  The creature you now call Calamity Ganon has had other names.  Ganon.  Ganondorf.  Demise.  They are all the same being, once driven by the pursuit of power.  Now… I no longer know what drives him.  Perhaps it’s the same, or perhaps he simply seeks the death of all who will not serve him.  It may even be that he wishes nothing else but the destruction of our world.

…Why?

I’m not certain anyone has ever known the answer to that question.  Even he may not.

That memory just before shows he doesn’t just want us dead.  He wants us to suffer first.  He wants to watch it happen.  He doesn’t want us to die right away.

…Yes, master.

But… if he were really HERE here, there’s no way he would’ve let me survive that injury.  The only thing he was able to do was scare the crap out of me and amplify the pain I was already feeling.  He’s not really here yet.  He can’t be, or I’d be dead.

That is logical.

So, it’s more like he has a window he can look at us through.  He can’t actually get in the house.

That isn’t a terrible analogy, master.

…Thaaanks.  It might not… actually be at the castle, then.  It could have nothing but that window to us.  Something he’s looking through.

It’s possible.

You don’t sound convinced.

There is not enough evidence to make a determination.

Okay… so… what makes a window?

Master?

If the Calamity has a window to look through, why does it have it?  Like, did he make it?  Did someone put it there?  You yourself said the field around the castle was probably not the Calamity itself, right?  That it’s a spell?

A magical field, correct.  The field itself is most likely not the Calamity.

Can I ask you how you figure that?

It’s based on my observations of the properties of his previous incarnations.  He never emerges identical to his previous form, but he is always recognizable as himself.  I did not ‘recognize’ this field.

So you said the field could be for communication.

You said that, master.

But you thought I was right.

I concur with your logic.

Great, so… what if the field is just the window?  The Calamity is… somewhere.  Maybe not even in Hyrule at all.  And the field is what’s letting him see?

And speak.

…Yeah.  Like yelling at someone through the window.  Not easy, but you can do it.

.

.

Fi?

I am processing.

Processing what?

Information.

…Yeah, I figured that, but-

Please allow me some time, Master.  I am sorting various information regarding the Calamity both 10,000 years ago and in this age, including words I have heard spoken in your vicinity.  Once that information has been sorted by priority, I will project various scenarios and present probabilities of their likelihood to you.

W- how long will that take?

Longer each time you interrupt, master.

…You’re such a snark.

Like master, like servant.

Y- you’re not my servant-

Interruptions, master.

…Sorry.

.

.

Yeah, she says she’s processing.

.

Not sure.  She usually doesn’t take long to spit numbers at me.  This must be a big lift.

.

I have so many questions, Daile, it’s not even funny.

.

Oh!  Yeah, those sword-beams were pretty cool.  I had no idea she could just do that.

.

The thing at the melee was different.  I had to concentrate on those.

.

She says as long as I’m completely healthy, she can just do that.

.

I KNOW!!

.

Nope.  Didn’t know until those bokos today.

.

.

.

.

.

Guess I just have to wait.

.

.

.

Hphhhhh.

.

.

These poor horses were scared.  I can hear that blanket-blue roan grinding her teeth from here.

They look healthy, so the bokoblins didn’t have them long.  There’s no way they were wild.  They fell right in line with us.  I could probably ride one of them bareback since Rionee’s hurt, but it might confuse or spook the others.  Not worth it unless Rionee starts to feel tired.

.

.

Your head still feeling alright, Daile?

.

I’m glad.

.

No, it’s not bad.  Just a shallow gash.

.

I’ve gotten worse fighting them.  One time, a silver snuck up on me in the woods and threw a rock at my head.  It got me good.  Lucky I didn’t conk out.

.

The silver ones are smarter than the others.

.

Damn, you never fought a silver before?  I’m even more impressed.

.

You didn’t get killed.  When silvers are involved… most… most people do.

.

Granted.

.

Yeah.  Hateno.

.

.

My father did try to clear them out, but he was here a lot.

.

A few times a year.

.

He never wanted us at the Castle.

.

Don’t know why.

.

No, I usually just went after them myself.

.

Because they’re evil bastards.

.

Moblins show up there, too, but not as many of them. Usually further from the village.  They pop up to the west past Ginner and Midla woods.

.

As far as I know, no one’s figured it out yet.

.

A lynel?  No.  No, thank Hylia.  Not near Hateno.  I’ve never even seen one.

.

Lizalfos, yes.  You?

.

Good.

Wow, Link.  Daile’s dad’s seen some nasty s@#% you haven’t.

…Daile was a good choice.

I have to officially thank Jeralt for suggesting him.

----

There they… are?

“Link--ohhh.  Alright, Tass.  Ease up.”

Daile, do you-

.

No, I don’t.

Did they get attacked too?!  Zelda’s riding pretty quick.  She’s upright- Rionee, girl, I know you’re hurt but-

She wants to rush.  I shouldn’t be surprised.  The wound wasn’t so bad.

I think she’s grown attached to Tass.  Which… is awfully sweet.

Why is it only Zelda?

.

My Goddess.  Chee!

No, no.  It’s fine.  It has to be fine.  She’d be at a full gallop, wouldn’t she, if it wasn’t?

…Unless Tass is hurt.

That could be.

He’s too far away to tell for sure.  His gait looks normal.

.

Yeah, I don’t want to shout.  Just in case there’s anything listening.  Seems all-clear, but… just in case.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Tass is so huffy.  I think if he was hurt he’d make sure everyone with an eyeline knew it.  I’d expect lots of tossing his head around and loud whinnying.

.

.

I agree.

.

.

.

Almost there.

.

She’s not shouting, either.

I feel like if she had bad news, she’d be yelling it at this point.

Fingers crossed.

.

“LINK!”

Ah.  In that case-  “PRINCESS!”

“EVERYONE IS WELL!”

Oh, praise Hylia.  Praise…

Maybe I do understand why father wouldn’t want us around.  Maybe we’d worry him too much.

Heh.  The horses.  Nickering.  Good.

.

…Tass is so rushing here to nuzzle-nose Rionee.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand there it is!

Awww, you guys are so cute with your attention-ears and nibbly-wiggly lips and I’d like to greet Zelda the same way, but I can’t pivot my ears like that-

“Hello, brave sirs.”

That tone! Wish I had the luxury to melt.  “Heh.  Hi, Princess.”  Melting right into her arms. That would be ideal. Can't right now. And... blushing.  Cut it out, face.  I said stop.

“I’m glad to see you both look only slightly worse for wear.”

“Thanks.” “Thank you, Princess.”

The way she’s looking at me.  She was worried.

She still did what I asked, though.  Strong, her.  I don’t know if I’d’ve had the willpower to stay put.

“I sent the others on to the lab.”

“That… does make sense.  That is, if- are we heading north, now?”

“Yes.  I do expect Margil or Beraya—perhaps both—to ride back at speed with reinforcements.”

“It’ll be a while.”

“Yes.  I’ve been watching the slate.”

Oh.  A… lot went through my mind since we split up.

“Will the other horses lead us to their homes?”

“If we turn around, yeah, probably.”

“Let’s do so.  I cannot turn my back if my people need help.”

That’s it then.  We turn around.  We wait.  See if they start moving.  “We… may not find anyone alive.”

“I know.”

They’re grazing.  Makes sense.

"Let's take the chance to rest the horses. They'll need it."

Zelda and Daile dismounting, too.  Good.

Everyone gets a breather for a few minutes, at least.

…If anyone bleeds out just minutes before we arrive, I’ll be pissed at myself.  But the horses need some time.  If they don’t stop soon, I’ll give one a quick whack on the behind and see if it keeps moving.  Not the blanket-blue.  She’s toothy.

-----

By the most holy light of Goddess Hylia.

“Wh- what happened here?”

So, Daile’s never seen this either.

Don’t be an ass, Link.  So you’re not the only confused one.  Who cares?!  If Daile knew, you’d have a leg up!

As it is…

As it IS…

What the f#$% is that?!

What’s that sound-

Zelda.  The slate.  The camera.  Of course.

She’s swallowing hard.

“L-Link.  Do you have any knowledge of this?”

“No.  Fi?”

I am processing.  Do you wish me to pause?

For this, yes.  Please.

Very well, master.  I will comply.

The substance in question is malice.

…Malice?

Yes.  I have encountered it in several ages.  Do not touch it.

“Fi says it’s called malice.  She says not to touch it.  What happens if we do?”

It will harm you.

“It’ll hurt us if we do.”

“A name helps little.  What IS it, Fi?”

I do not know all of its properties, Princess-

“Sir Daile- here- you may-“

“Thank you, Princess.”

…I can tell you this much—its presence does not necessarily require proximity to the Calamity.  I encountered it once with my first Hylian wielder before the First Seal had broken, and at an entirely different subterranean location.  The substance in that case had contaminated a once-pure water supply.  It may also solidify and become crystalline. Though I have no information on the mechanics, the substance does appear to be linked to reanimation.

“What do you mean reanimation?”

The restoration of a corpse’s ability to move about independently.

“What?”

Forgive me, master.  I recognize this information is disturbing.  Please approach with extreme caution.  Typically with reanimation, destruction of the head is necessary to put the construct down.

“Wh- construct?  What-“

Apologies.  I refer to the reanimated creature.  It no longer lives, master.  It is… a reconstructed shell.  Nothing more.

.

Reconstructed shell.

.

“Zelda.”

“Yes.”

“We have to dismount to check the farmhouse… and the barn.”

“Yes.”

“Draw.”

“Yes.”

Her arrow nocked already.

Daile’s went with the bow, too.

You’re on point, Link. Sword.

I… can hear it.  That malice stuff.  Bubbling, oozing…  Like hot mud.  The color! Not remotely natural, that.  Changing.  Purples, pinks… hot-bright, like fired-iron but the color’s all wrong.  No blade looks like that when heated.

And it’s moving. The surface just… just… flexing.  Like… living, liquid muscle.

Dear Goddess.  This reminds me of something.

It reminds me of something, and I don’t even know what it is.

It scares the ever-loving begoddess out of me.

…Grip your sword, Link.  Grit your teeth. This was a farm.  There could be people in that house.  People who need you-

?

Someone’s moving, the sound- walking, shuffling, dragging feet, they must be hurt!  Speed up, Link- they’re coming out close to that stuff-

HH!!!!!!SCREAMING-

“HH!” “UF-“

SCREAMINGSCREAMINGSCREAMINGSCREAMINGICAN’TMOVE WHYCAN’TIMOVE MYGODDESSWHATTHEF@#$ISTHAT WHATISIT MYGODDESS MOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVELINK! MOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVE OHF@#$IT’SCOMINGCLOSER NONONONONONONONONONONO MOOOOOOOOVELINK!! MOVE MYGODDESSITSDEADITSDEAD WHATEVERITISITSDEADITSDEAD-

Cease, master!

FIFIFIMYGODDESSLOOKATIT

Do not concentrate on the fear!

ITWASAPERSONAPERSONAPERSON

It is amplified! Hear my voice instead!

FIPLEASETELLMEITWASNTAPERSON

Will yourself to move!  NOW, master!

M-MOVEMOVE MOVE  MOVEMOVE

Will your muscles to!

MOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVE

Persist!

MOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVEMOVE- FREE!

Attack, master!

“TELL ME IT WASN’T A PERSON!”

…

“FI, FOR F@#$’S SAKE, TELL ME IT WASN’T A PERSON!”

Master, do not delay!

“TELL ME!”

It will close and stun you!

It’s SLOW, Fi, I’m BACKING OFF, now “F@#%ING TELL ME!”

WH-?

An arrow in its eye- two.

It’s on its knees.

The merciful thing is to remove its head, master.

You can’t be-

Three arrows.

Four.

It’s down.

.

Not moving.

I don’t- I don’t think it was breathing even before.

Hard breathing.  Zelda and Daile.  Behind me.

My breath, too.

“Fi.  Fi, what-“

“LINK!” “ANOTHER!”

??!?!!!

No screaming this time- no screaming- what- what’s it doing?

.

Oh my Goddess.

Goddess.  “Zelda-“

“I see it.”

Fi.  Fi, in the name of Hylia, please.  Please, I’m begging you, tell me those aren’t people.

…

Smaller than the first.  Slighter.  Was the first one a man?  Is this a woman?

…A husband and wife?

Fi, why won’t you answer me?

I cannot tell you what you want to hear, master.

.

My Goddess.

My Goddess, it’s curling up.  Fetal position.  Like it’s crying.  Mourning.

Mourning the other.

It will not remain this way for long, master.

.

The merciful thing is to take its head.

“Link.”

“…Zelda, I- Fi, is there a way to save them?“

There is nothing left to save, master-

“Horses#$@!  If there was nothing left, it wouldn’t do that!”

It is an echo, only.  It is dead.  By slaying this form, you would free its body from imprisonment to another’s will.  It is rest.  It is mercy.

“I- I don’t know if I believe you.”

Then believe IT, master, for it rises.

Hylia help me, it's SCREAMINGSCREAMINGSCREAMING

DO NOT PANIC!

S@#$ITSTHEEYESORTHESOUND

KEEP PRESENCE OF MIND!

ITSASPELLORACURSE

Magic, yes! You are stronger-

MAYBEBOTH

-will yourself free!

MAYBETHEY’RETHESAMETHING

Move!

CLOSERCLOSERF@#$

Move, master!

F@#$!F@#$!

MOVE!

HOLYHYLIAMYNECKMYNECKPERSERVEUSLIFTUSFROMTHESESANDS

Yes, prayer!

KEEPUSWITHTHEDAWNINTHESELOFTYSKIESMAKEOFUSATEMPLEOFHOPE

Hope!

GODDESSGODDESSGODDESS

IGNORE fear—MOVE!

ISTILLCAN’TMOVEMYNECKMYNECKHYLIAPLEASEPLEASEPRESERVEUSLIFTUSFROMTHESESANDSKEEP

“AaaAAAAAAAAAH!”

Zelda! OFF“AahhH-HHNO NOT HER!" THROUGHITSNECK THROUGHITSNECK“NGH!”  S-sweet skies, what-

End it, master!

Blade- right THROUGH- my- my Goddess its eyes are on Zelda and she’s stuck. Stuck.  But it can’t move with my sword through its neck.

How is it still alive?

This is un-life, master.  End it.

.

.

I can.  I can.  Yank the sword back.  Through its spine.

I can.

Just… Do it, Link.

Come on.

Just do it.

“Mmmh.  Hh-hh-“

Slice.

Ribbons.

.

.

.

.

.

“Mmpgh-hh-Link.  Link!”

Zelda.

“Link—Link, answer me.”

Zelda.

“Link?”

That’s Zelda.

“Link, stop looking at it.”

Zelda.

“Stop, Link.”

She… she blocked it.

Good, that’s good.  I don’t want to look.  Not at its… head… hanging… off…. Like that….

Ribbons.

Sinew.  The inside. Of a. Windpipe.

A person’s.

The wound, she’s-

She-

Doesn’t she understand?

Doesn’t she know what I just did?

Doesn’t she-

Doesn’t-

m-

“Oh- Link-“

oh- oh, no- “mmMMbkhhhh-“

“Turn away-“

“Hhhhhhuah-“

“It’s- alright, just-“

“hhhhhHHHUAH-“

“Just don’t look-“

“HHH- HHH- HHH-“

“Th-there…”

“Hh-hh… hh-hh… hh… hh… hh…”

“A- alright?”

No.  No, not alright.

It’s a good thing I hadn’t eaten anything in a real long time.  There’d be a mess.  As it is, I just doubled over. Made noise.  Not dignified.  Not.  Not.

Aren’t I supposed to be some kind of hero or something?

She’s rubbing my back.

Daile heavy-breathing.

I’m not the only one massively freaked out.

“It’s okay.  It’s okay.  It’s dead.”

“I- it’s not that, Zelda.”

“…I know.”

“Fi wouldn’t answer me.”

“I… I assumed not.  You asked more than once.”

“It was a person.”

“…It seems so.”

“They were people.”

“…Yes.”

“I killed it.”

.

“I killed a person.”

“No, no, Link-  no-“

“Yes.  I did.”

The person was already dead, master.

“Shut up, Fi.”

…

“…Link…”

.

Link.  You’re an asshole.  “…Sorry, Fi.”

…

S$#%.

“Link, had you not stabbed it, it would have attacked me just as it had you.”

“Y-your wound needs tending, sir.  Do you have that alcohol?”

Alcohol.

Alcohol.  Right.  Right- “In the pouch.”  Here.  Here it is.

Zelda.  Unstopping it.  Going to really, really hurt, its teeth just ripped my neck open.  Lucky it didn’t hit my carotid.  Hylian teeth. Not so sharp.  It still… feels… like a mess, though… “AAaaAAAH!  MMM!  MMMGGGH.  GGGH-HH. …GH-!”

“I- I shall bind it.  A moment…”

The pouch- it lets her use it.  Bandages.

She shouldn't.  She is.  I don't deserve.

“Link, I …shall remind you, my extraordinary knight, that you said you’d have felt no regret killing Vayden in my defense.”

“Th-that- was different.”

“How so?”

“He meant to kill you.  His choice.  This- this person- these people- they were innocent.  Used.”

“…Perhaps.  We know little for certain.”

“Seems clear.”

“It seems so, but let’s not jump to conclusions.”

“Fi refused to say it wasn’t a person.”

“…I know.  I’m … sorry, Link.”

Bandage… done.  I thought Daile- Daile?

.

Oh.

I’m not the only one who feels sick, either.

He just had the presence of mind to go deal with it quietly in a bush.

.

We didn’t even check the barn yet.

No wonder the horses wouldn't approach.

.

What the hell did this?

-----

[Note: I decided after lots of thinking that there's more than one way to make a ReDead. I also decided the purple stuff in the bottom of the Ancient Cistern is malice, and that evil crystals are solidified malice. I also know why this is happening here even though it didn't (at least explicitly) happen in pre-calamity BotW, but I'm not telling. Spoilers!]

Read Next: A blanket of shifting shadows.

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