#We Are Star Dust and Soul Stuff

[valakiir]

The final to my Daemon AU is done at last!

[evilminji]

You know what would be both Cool(tm) AND Pants Shittingly Terrifying? Eldritch Space Whale Danny!

Except NOT! Because he's not a whale! Just snoozing and Giganto-Fuck-Off HUGE!

Imagine it! Danny. Joint Custody Child of The Ancients Of Time And Space. Space is SALTY AF because their BITCH OF AN EX has used his FUCKING POWERS, AGAIN, to CHEAT. Clockwork how DARE YOU.

You knew he'd be our Son in advance!

YOU SNUCK IN AND STARTING BONDING WITH OUR CHILD BEHIND MY BACK!

YOU [REDACTED]!

Danny? Sitting off to the Side as a Sentient Everything and Nothing made of galaxies and starlight, howls expletives at their Ex, who is being... REALLY snippy back? WOW, Clockwork. I mean, JESUS, man. Danny's from "oh bless their heart" Nowhere, Midwest. And even HE thinks that last one was both backhanded and cold af.

......he should take notes. *continues to eat his popcorn*

Anyway! APPARENTLY, Space Parent has taken him in the divorce. With much huffing. Tucked under their arm Like The Football(tm). And honestly? This is kinda hilarious, so he's cool with it. Byyyyyy~ Clock Dad! See you on weekends~☆!

*Exasperated Time Noises*

It's pretty cool! He learns a lot. Learns he's probably? Gonna be SOME variation of Space Ghost. Might even take over Space's... well, EVERYTHING, should the unforeseeable occur. So obviously, gonna have to learn The Family Business, as it were!

Which?

UNSPEAKABLY HYPED, YES PLEASE.

SPACE AND STAR STUFF! HECK YEAH!

Unfortunately? Still a Halfa. Bleh, squishy need to eat and sleep. Why they get in the way of Hyperfixation? Why no more space dust? Nooooo, don't drag him away from the controls! He can still learn! Sleep is for quitters! Cowards! *whining in Give Me Back My Blorbos, You Monsters*

But, no. He apparently has to "take care of his body" and "not burn out". Eat "real food". A protein bar counts! He probably ate one of those! Give him back his STARS! He doesn't CARE if he sounds like a toddler! That's DIRECT ACCESS TO THE SECRETS OF SPACE ITSELF! He'll BITE, so HELP HIM-! *Is scruffed like a cranky infant being carried off to beddy bye*

Injustice! D:<

But, none the less, body's require sleep. He shovles down his food, washes up, and flops down in his bed. In the nice lil cozy "Safe For My Half Apprentice Who Is Also My Adopted Son" corner. He passes out in that corner. Starts to float, as he has done countless times before, when agitated before bed. Floats OUT of that corner.

That Safe Little Corner.

IN THE CENTER, THE BEATING HEART OF SPACE.

You know... the place ALL OF SPACE connects too. Where Universe Form and Die. The Grand Recycler. Dust to Dust, from the ashes of old, to the creation of new. Where PORTALS are randomly assigned. So that the Omniversal Ectoplasmic Levels may always be balanced at near to perfect levels, allowing free flow of Souls through the various Reincarnation cycles.

Space, of course, doesn't MANAGE the Ectoplasm itself. Nor the Souls! Different Ancient for THAT, but they DO manage the PORTALS. We live in a SYSTEM after all. Everyone has their "departments" as it were. So really, it's quiet... Danny? Honey? Awful quiet back there! You, uh, fallen asleep, Starlight?

*empty room*

(O.O)

*inhale* AAAAAAAAAAA-!!!!!!!

Meanwhile! He be Snoozin'! And Ghostin'! Ghost Snoozin'! Is extra comfy, cause he weightless and got not booooones~☆!

But! He? Is not a child anymore! Has learned to... for lack of a better term, Let Go. To finally ACCEPT his Death. His inhumanity. His Amortality. Death no longer holds him, can no longer let him go. He is... not immortal. He is disowned, by his own doing and his own choice, at his timeless moment of Ending.

When Life let go of his hand and Death kindly offered theirs, he did not take it.

And that's okay.

It took awhile. Talking to older ghosts. Most vague and vast, near formless. Because it's... it's scary. And it's all you know. All, really, you've EVER known. Inherent to your identity, even after you leave that part you behind.

You are "human". "Martian" or "Xy'xeruian", something else, and you never question it. Even when you've left behind everything ELSE. Your name, your eyes, your history and skin. Yet you fly around and pretend. Still alive, still human.

But is that YOU?

Or just the form you found your start in?

And like? It's okay if it IS! Sometimes, yeah, you ARE. You look down deep and find a "don't know what you were expecting, buddy" sign stapled to a mirror. But more often? It's that last hurdle. The final step in Letting Go.

Everyone mourns at their own pace.

And they are the ghosts of who they were.

It helped. Mourning for the kid he was. Who was fourteen and wanted to be an astronaut. Who died and will never have a grave. The longer he exsists, for he can't technically be called Alive, the more painfully young that child seems.

It was okay.

To cry for Danny Fenton.

Then? To let him go. Let his memory, be memory. And his Past be the grave that child rests in. Loved dearly and remembered, but no longer binding his soul.

He doesn't have to wear that face anymore.

No tributes to the Dead.

He got? Kinda... BIG. Like REALLY big. Spiraling, serpentine, cracking ice, and burning galaxies. Like a fourth dimensional dragon, of ice and stars, somehow forcing its way into a three dimensional space. Atop it all, between two vast, impossible horns? Made of glacial ice coating the warping hearts of black holes, who's shape themselves seem to shift in unknowable ways? There burns, like comet trails, with super novas, compressed to decorative gems beneath glittering morning frost, a Terrible Crown.

He? Thinks? He MIGHT have wings.

He can't tell.

Because APPARENTLY he's a fuckin tesseract! Oh, no, sorry. He might me a Zone DAMNED PENTERACT!!! Is THIS what he gets for hanging out with Clockwork all the time? He just liked the quiet! Now his "true form" is PHYSICALLY PAINFUL for most people to look at!

Clock Dad WHAT THE HELL?!

(You see, now, why Space broke up with him? An ASSHOLE)

So! Danny stays, usually at least, in his "Hi, yes, I am Normal Human Man" Ghost form. But NOW? Now it PINCHS. Because it's TOO SMALL. But hey, that's fine! It's not like he has an ingrained habit of transforming when super tired and stressed! To float sleep for Maximum Restfulness(tm).

Ha ha!

Why does that feel like foreshadowing?

BECAUSE IT IS!

Danny? Snoozing! Space? Has LOST THE BABY! Portals? Have done a Jood Gob in Portalling, something they are vaguely sure they are supposed to be doing! Yay them! They have no brain cells but still enjoy helping! They moved a thing! That's helpful right? Yay! Probably!

And on DC's planet Earth?

They? Just choked on their fuckin coffee. One moment? La dee daa~ oooh~ look! Stars! Deep space! Oh, hiiii~ Watchtower! The NEXT? *every alarm in the building starts LOSING ITS SHIT* Giant World OBLITERATING SHAPE completely takes up the screen.

From near PLUTO.

There are NO WORDS TO DISCRIBE HOW FUCK OFF BIG THIS THING IS, MR. PRESIDENT. It will eat our nukes and LAUGH. Call! EVERYBODY!!!

Obviously? Superman. I mean really, OF COURSE Superman. Frankly, all the Supers. Because we would like to KEEP having a planet, thanks. Only? The more reports that come in? The more everyone is getting "oh fuck. This is a Workd Eater" vibes.

A massive, massive, Sleeping Titan of a Planet Destroying World Eater.

That MIGHT BE MAGIC.

*highly stressed Everyone noises*

And WORSE? Superman? Can't TOUCH it! Oh sure, at FIRST he could! But then he apparently pushed too hard in just one spot! And it felt POKED AT. So now, after flicking superman HALFWAY BACK TO EARTH to make him stop? No one can physically touch it!

But! There is hope!

Because? The creature is GREEN. Bright, luminous, Lantern Green! And Earth's Lanterns have already sent for back up. Combined? The were able to move a... hand? Paw? Something. But! With the combine forces of several nearby sectors of Lanterns? They promise the power to either relocate the creature or at least hold it in orbit until FURTHER forces can be deployed!

They refuse to harm the creature until it proves actively hostile, as it could have been seeking a place to nap and chosen one inconvenient to established planetary life. Frankly? Earth doesn't CARE where you relocate the giant Eldritch Space Dragon. Just NOT IN OUR BACKYARD, PLEASE.

....YES WE ARE SURE! We don't CARE if the scientific community of our planet is begging you to set up an area for them to place an "observation satellite"! No giant Eldritch Space Dragons in our solar system! It might WAKE UP!

Naturally, about half way THROUGH this Highly Delicate Operation?

Danny Wakes Up.

@hypewinter @hdgnj @lolottes @babbling-babull @nerdpoe @the-witchhunter @mutable-manifestation

[starlightdreaming]

WELCOME TO LULULUNA!! YOUR SECOND HELL OF PAINNN MUAHAHAHA!!,!

Lucifer Morningstar x Reader! Ch. 2!

Fandom: Hazbin Hotel!

Content Warning: MORE ANGST! (Regret, consequences of actions and swearing and stuff idk)

Synopsis: Lucifer loved you but there was something in the way he couldn’t tell you, someone was always watching.

Further note: I WROTE TWO ANGSTS IN ONE DAY AND I PERSONALLY WANNA CRYINGNMUTFU KING EYES OUT SOMEONE GET ME THERAPYPLAES (not proofread BUT ENJOY!!) - ✨Lolo💫

Chapters!: Chapter 1 ✧ Chapter 2 (you are here) •<•)b ✧ Chapter 3 ✧ Chapter 4 ✧ Chapter 5

(NOW THIS CHAPTERS SONG IS:

to further improve reading, I recommend listening! (It helped me write this too))

｡･:*:･ﾟGoodbye Luna･ﾟ:｡*:･｡

The new job you had been assigned by the higher ups was pretty simple, just make stars, bring them to life, give them the ability to help others like the stars helped you in your depression, repeat!

You smiled down the streets of Halo city, seeing all your stars help others and help the community in general, for once, you felt rather proud of yourself, you were always working but that didn’t bother you at all, it helped you ease your mind as you made the little stars, it was your comfort and now its your job, this was a perfect absolute win - win!

After Emily came along into your life, you decided it was time for a change, she was always so bright and comforting, when you told her you were changing your name as a ‘new person’ she fully supported you! She had made sure to always call you your correct name and made sure others did as well, including her sister Sera.

It was such a new feeling.. to feel that you belong, it was heart warming. You don’t think you would change your life for anything else, seeing as Emily and Sera welcomed you like their own sister and there was nothing better than that.

✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧

Lucifer sighed as he sat next to Lilith, crying, Lilith being there to comfort him as he leaned down onto her chest while she pat his head, “I know it hurts, dearest.” She comforts, “But we both know it was for the best, remember that..” She swoons, kissing his head gently, “It’s been so long, Lilith, I really miss her.” Lucifer whimpers before another tear fell from his face, he remembered the hurt in your eyes and that was taking a toll on his soul, “when the day comes, you can tell her everything about it, alright dear?” Lilith smiles gently, cupping his face to look at her, “I know, Lilith, it just… hurts.” he says before wiping his own tears, “But now that its done, I think it’s time we move to our next step..” Lucifer says as he stands up, taking Lilith’s hand into his own.

“Once we find Eve, give her the apple and my Luna will be free.” He smiles, walking toward the oak tree, seeing as how it was put back together with stars only you knew how to make but still definitely showed as damaged, his smile softened, knowing that this meant that he still had a chance to explain everything to you. He leaned against the tree whispering, “I’m sorry, Luna.” before he walked away with Lilith, hand in hand.

✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧

You hummed to yourself, making stars in your office that was completely covered in stardust, you included.

You flew around your office as the stars floated around you, noting down on your white board on how to improve your stars, it was an everyday routine for you but sometimes… when you look out your office window and see all the Heaven born angels outside, you couldn’t help but miss that special somebody you could never see again, you often sat down in your chair, making silly constellations of Lucifer cause of your longing but remember the words he shouted at you would always make the constellation dissipate or shatter. You sighed before deciding maybe it was time for a break, lunch time it is!

You moved some stars out of the way as you tried to get out of your office, upon exiting your office you had to dust yourself off from all the star dust that glittered your clothes and hair, most would fall off but some would still stick to you, it wasn’t that important to clean yourself since you would be covered in the dust once you came back.

Upon flying around Halo City, a few stars had assisted you on serving your meal, taking your orders and working together as they chimed and squeaked as communication, this proving that your stars were successful to the community in Heaven, “thank you my children.” You smiled as your stars chimed at you, going back to work.

After eating, you decided to head back to work, feeling happy and full from your meal, leaving the little cafe, you flew back to your office, you paid no mind as you walked down the halls until you turned around the corner, “What do you mean I can’t see her? She’s my best friend!” A familiar voice shouted to an employee who was at your office door, You saw Lucifer who had completely disheveled hair and looked like he was in a frenzy, “Please, you don’t understand! I need to see her!” he pleaded again, you stared at them both from shock and surprise, your stomach getting a sinking feeling that maybe you should just run. The employee batted an eye at you before looking back at Lucifer, this made Lucifer to turn to your direction, the split second of eye contact he had made with you made you hide completely in the corner of the hall, ‘shit’ you thought as you started running off to who knows where, “Luna? Luna wait!!” Lucifer shouted to you, the name making you feel sick, you haven’t heard anyone call you that in a long time.

You tried to fly home, lock your doors and stay there for months until Lucifer was completely gone, but he caught up to you before you could even finish the thought, He held onto you dearly and tightly, you struggled in his grasp as he teleported you both to the garden of Eden, it was happening so quickly as you both fell to the ground, crashing, he protected you from the fall when you both imoacted into the grass, tumbling and rolling.

He grunted as he rolled into a tree, giving you the chance to kick away and crawl backwards away from him, your heart beating rapidly from the unexplained situation you were in, “What in the heavens is happening? get away from me!” You shouted, picking yourself up as you dusted yourself, stepping away from Lucifer, trying to brush off the dirt that got on your clothing.

Lucifer tried to recover but he seemed to have been hyperventilating to even care, “Listen, Luna-“ he tried to speak, “Don’t call me that!” you hissed, the name making spite fill your eyes, “You lost that ability to do so.” you say as you crossed your arms looking away in irritation, “Please- just- just listen to me,” Lucifer begged, “And why should I? after everything you did? everything you said??” You asked in a much higher tone, “I don’t have much time! please!” He begged, hugging you close in desperation, the hug was so unexpected to you, it felt sick and insulting, you pushed and punched him off you, “You think you can just touch me like you didn’t fuck up my life?!” You say as you recomposed yourself after pushing him away, tears were in his eyes, “I’m in so much trouble! you don’t understand!” he shouted, his voice cracking but that only made you more pissed, you couldn’t help but laugh as you started connecting that dots, “Oh I get it,” You say more irritated when you realized the situation, “You’re in trouble and since Lilith can’t help you, you’re asking ME for help? tch, please.” you rolled your eyes, turning away and waving him off, “That’s- That’s not it!” He cries, trying to hold you, “Luna, you have to listen! I gave an apple to Eve so she could have free will! and since she broke free from control, that means that-“ He tries to explain quickly but the Seraphim’s had arrived to your location, “Lucifer! You are to be silent!” A loud voice echoed, his eyes widening in fear, you turning to see Sera and other angels you weren’t aware of.

Lucifer looked up at the seraphim’s, down to you, then down to the ground with wide eyes full of tears, “I’m too late..” He whispers under his breath, only for you to hear, you turned to him confused as angels that looked similar to him began to hold him down, you stepping back in surprise, ‘what the hell did he do?’ you pondered to yourself, “and you, Y/n, what are you doing here?” Sera asks in her angel form, you crossed your arms looking away from Lucifer, “He dragged me here when I was trying to get to my office.” you explained, walking towards Sera and standing by her side as you watched Lucifer get dragged by a few angels, Lucifer looked at you with apologetic eyes but that only made you advert your gaze, not wanting or bothering to defend him like all the times you had done all the years you had been together, just like how he made you suffer alone, he was getting the same treatment now, karma at its finest.

Lucifer didn’t care what was happening to him, he just wanted to see you again, he wanted to look at you again, he wanted you to look at him, he did that all for you…! but at what cost…? you walked away with Sera, not even giving him a second glance. He looked down, wallowing in his guilt, “please come back to me, my Luna.” he whispered under his breath.

✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧

You went back to your office with Sera, you expected to go back to work and do your usual, “You can’t work today, Y/n.” Sera ordered, “What? Why?” You asked in bewilderment, “Since you were with Lucifer before we could find him, you are now a witness.” Sera stated, you were shocked from this, “What do you mean? What did he do..?” You asked a little afraid to know the answer, Sera took a deep breath, feeling tired from how crazy the day seemed to have been for her, “A few days ago, Lucifer gave Adams’ new wife an apple.” Sera explained, “an apple?” you raised a brow, not understanding why an apple made the subject so serious, “Yes, an apple. It was made from the tree of knowledge, it gave her free will, she broke out of our control,” Sera continues as she paces in your office, pushing away stars that got in her way, “And because of that, evil has found it’s way to Earth.” Sera finishes as she looks down upset. You gasped when she finished, “Lucifer brought evil into creation that we spent so much time and effort into making??” You asked in complete shock, no wonder he came to find you, he wanted to use you as a defense to escape trouble, he was so selfish.

“Yes and now you will have to join us in court, since you were the closest to him.” Sera says as you advert your gaze from her, not feeling proud from the amount of years of your life that felt as they had gone to waste with a stranger far in the past.

“When is it?” You asked, “Since it’s urgent, it’s being held now.” Sera says, “Wait what-“ you say but before you could finish, you were teleported into the court room, you blinked twice before processing your surroundings, Lucifer at a table with Lilith, they both looked nervous, seeing the two of them together put you in a sour mood rather quickly.

“Since the Seraphim is here, I suggest this court meeting begins now,” A voice spoke, you look down at the person seeing a tall male that was quite charming, “Greetings everyone, My name is Azreal,” He said calmly and authoritative, “I am here today for the incident of evil breaching the creations of Earth, caused by; Lucifer Morningstar.” He states out, the public gallery gasping and whispering amongst each other as you looked at Lucifer, you felt worried for him and you hated that, he had betrayed your trust, he turned his back on you and your friendship, so why on Earth are you so worried about him? when Lucifer caught you staring you glared at him before turning away, continuing to listen to Azreal.

“We are gathered here to discuss the punishment Lucifer deserves after destroying the divine creations we had worked hard to make, do we have any ideas?” Azreal asks, waiting for anyone to answer, “Well obviously community service ain’t gonna help.” someone snarked, sarcastically.

“Yeah! all that hard work just for it to go down the drain in a blink of an eye? he deserves the worst of the worst!” A voice shouted angrily, others obliging as well, they began to argue and yell at Lucifer, you, watching as you put up a facade, staring nonchalant at Lucifer and Lilith. Lucifer hid under his hat worriedly as Lilith tried to hold his hand for comfort, you thought for a few moments, thinking about what they deserved.

Sera silenced the court room with a raise of her hand, “he should pay…” you mumbled quietly, only for Sera to catch on, “What was that, Y/n?” Sera asked, leaning down closer to you, “He should pay.. by living in his own mistake.” You say, confusing the higher elder.

when you broke that oak tree, it was the worst mistake of your life, all those memories were shattered into pieces and you tried.. so hard to put it back together, it did in the end but it barely stayed, despite that, you drowned yourself in guilt and sorrow, pain and sadness for months and you think, thats the perfect thing he should suffer from too.

“He should live in his mistake, create a realm of evil that he can drown in, it’s what…” you hesitate, hugging yourself to finish your sentence, “he deserves.” you finish, looking down at him and Lilith, you felt sadness and guilt, hatred and disgust all at the same time, you didn’t know how to react, this whole mess was beginning to give you a headache, he tried to use you to protect himself in all this mess and yet, all you wanted to do was cry and tell the court to forgive him! forgive and forget, but you were so full of hurt you couldn’t do either.

“don’t credit me for the idea, Sera,” you began to feel the tears escape, “please.” you pleaded silently. Sera understood and pat your head gently, “If you could listen, I have an option.” Sera calls, the court listening as you hid from everyone’s view, “We can make Lucifer face the consequences of his actions by making him drown in his own mistakes,” Sera says, trying to go off by your words, “we can create a realm of evil, so only it stays far away from the grasps of Heaven, Lucifer can be sent to the realm, to face the actions he had committed.” She finishes, Lucifer and Lilith’s mouths a gap, looking at Sera in disbelief, the court room began to murmur and whisper amongst themselves in a more calm manner, “That sounds like a fantastic idea!” Azreal smiled, “Very well then, all those in favor, raise your hand,” he says, raising his own as 99.9% of the court raised their hands into the favor, Lucifer looked around, fear rising in him but the sliver of hope was withheld when he saw you staring at him with dull, lifeless sad eyes, he looked at you pleading for help, but in this situation, you can’t.

“Miss Y/n.” Azreal called, “Is there a reason you aren’t raising your hand?” He smiles at you charmingly, you still stared at Lucifer before turning away from his gaze, slowly raising your hand… The small chance of hope burnt out when he saw your arm raised, the pain in his eyes showed, “Luna, please! you have to understand!-“ He begged, trying to go for a last ditch effort. When he called you by that name you glared at him, infuriated that he was desperately trying to get you back only when he needed you most, you leaned over the balcony, tired of his whining and crying for you, of all times he could have asked for forgiveness, he chose the time when he was in deep shit of trouble, “What. in GODS NAME do you want from me?” you sweared beyond the swearing of swears in front of the court, making everyone gasp but you didn’t care.

You flew down to the table he sat at, Azreal moving to the side, interested in the things about to unfold, “Of all the times you could have came to me, to ask for our friendship back, you choose the time you desperately needed to use me,” You snarled, “I’m sick of your shit Lucifer, you never needed me and you made that VERY CLEAR, the moment you told me to step out of your life AND I DID.” you said poking his chest, your angelic form appearing.

“You deserve this and we. both. know. it.” you finished as he looked at you with guilt in his eyes, hurt and regret, “I didn’t ask for things to turn out like this,” He said weakly, you stepped back from him to give him space, “I love you, My Luna.” He confesses in complete heartbreak, his hand to his chest as he cries, Lilith watching as she comforts him, your eyes widen from his statement as the court gasps, “What the fuck are you saying? you love Lilith!” you shouted at him in full confidence, “See? you don’t understand,” He cries, you were puzzled and insulted from his confessions, it put your mind into a frenzy, “Lilith and I were secretive because-“ “I don’t want to hear your sorry, pathetic, excuses!” You shouted at him, your chest huffing from the stress he keeps pressuring you into, “My name is NOT Luna, YOU never loved me, you chose Lilith over me, you chose EVERYTHING ABOUT Lilith over me! you love me? what a fucking joke!” you barked, Lucifer sitting down in his own chair, “I’m going to say it since you can’t seem to understand, if you want me out of your life,” you say pointing to yourself, walking to him, “then I don’t want YOU in my life.” you finish pointing to him, hatred in your eyes as he looked at you with tears falling.

it was silent in the court room, no one dared to speak up from the tension, until Lucifer swallowed before saying one simple word that forever decided what would happen between both you, Lilith and Lucifer, “Please…” he begged one last time, you squint your eyes, understanding that no matter what you say, it will never get through to his head, so you decided to be the final push of this pure broken relationship.

“Azreal, send them away.” You ordered, turning away from them both, standing behind Azreal as he walked up to them, “Guess it’s done and over then, you heard the seraphim.” Azreal smiles, Lucifers eyes widening, “Luna, Luna! please!” Lucifer begged but you ignored his calling as Azreal opened a portal.

Lilith and Lucifer held onto each other as angels forced them to go into the portal, angelic spears making them walk into their own fate, “Going down?” Azreal joked as he made Lucifer trip backwards, falling into the portal with Lilith at his side, his wings holding her up as he held onto the edge of the portal, left hanging with Lilith in his arm. Azreal smiled and waved before standing back.

“Lilith hold on, okay?” He says, looking down at her as she held onto him with his other hand. When he looked back up, his eyes widen when you appear above him, your demeanor was just pure sadness, lifeless and dull and finally for once in years, he sees a smile crack on your face, one of just pure neglect and hurt, he couldn’t look away, although he did this all for you, you would never understand why, this was not the smile he wanted to see on your face, this isn’t what he wanted or what he was trying to do for you, he wanted you to be free… and now that you are, he couldn’t share it with you…

You held his hand gently, slowly sliding it off the edge, taking it into your own, he looked at you desperately, “Just let go, Luci,” you said with a soft voice and a lifeless smile, as you slowly slid his hand off your own, loosening your grip, “Just let me go, Lucifer.” you begged, the tears falling from your eyes and onto his face made him cry as well, “Please.” You say as you let go of him, he only stared at you as he hugged Lilith, protecting her from the long fall he was going to have to endure, despite falling, his hand reached out to you still, his Luna, disappearing before his very eyes…

that’s when he realized…

he will never get the chance to give you a proper goodbye, a proper explanation… a proper confession.

✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧•✧

(sorry if anything is confusing, my brain likes to confuzzle itself so ask me any questions!!!3$3$)

TAGLIST WWEOOEOO:

@ag-cookiebat800 @meow-meowo @kyo-kyo1

[gffa]

I made the mistake, after episode 7 of the acolyte, to look through the tags (I’ve given up on Reddit for sw discourse lol) and there are so many bad takes out there. It’s like people watched a different episode. I’m glad there are some good meta takes from people like you, or I’d be lost! I think nuance is dead in fandom and people just can’t see things as more than “Jedi Bad!” When there’s so much more nuance than that. Were the Jedi perfect? No! Of course not. That would be so boring. If all Jedi were always perfect, SW would be dull. It’s because they aren’t perfect that they are so compelling. That they try to do the right thing, even if it doesn’t always work out.

A quote that came to mind by Teddy Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Anyways, thanks for your continued good meta and cultivating a nice pro-Jedi space!

Hi! I hear you, it can be tough going into the tags sometimes (and I've given up on both Reddit and Twitter for any kind of discussion, I just do not have the time/energy for that when sometimes I still have to fight for my life on Tumblr) but I will say that the best remedy I have for that is to start posting the content you want to see! It's so satisfying to write down your thoughts just to have fun in your own space, I don't need other people nearly so much because I'm having a great time just making myself laugh or cry over my faves or nerding out over worldbuilding. It's a bonus that I've collected a bunch of really great people around me, both ones I vibe with and ones who are chill when our vibes don't match and we disagree on stuff. I've been having an absolute joy of a time after episode 7 of The Acolyte because I've seen some great posts, I've had some hilarious conversations, etc. And part of that is just. Letting go of a lot of fandom. I'm a lot more relaxed about the Star Wars media I consume because it's not Lucas' Star Wars, I can take or leave it as I will and, most importantly, I don't need the Jedi to be perfect to be good. So much of my need for the Jedi to be perfect once upon a time came from that any little mistake they made, ones that were completely reasonable, ones that were simply just "didn't solve everyone's problems instantly", ones that were present in other characters who were allowed to just be instead of being raked over the coals for it, and how fandom would use those as a bludgeon against the Jedi. And that wasn't fun! So, instead, yeah, the Jedi are flawed, because any character ever is allowed to be flawed. The most cinnamon roll character ever is flawed and that's okay. Luke Skywalker is flawed. Padme Amidala is flawed. Bail Organa is flawed. Yoda is flawed. Obi-Wan Kenobi is flawed. Mace Windu is flawed. Ahsoka Tano is flawed. Leia Organa is flawed. Han Solo is flawed. Lando Calrissian is flawed. Ezra Bridger is flawed. Kanan Jarrus is flawed. Hera Syndulla is flawed. And on and on and on. If those characters can have flaws and be seen as good, well, then that's how I'm going to proceed with my Jedi faves, too. Oh, Mace wasn't bending over backwards to smile and be soft when he was having the worst day ever? That's what you're bringing me to show that he was bad actually? Babe, please, Luke started out as whiny and annoying and he's amazing, so Mace is amazing, too. The Jedi were in a no-win situation, not fighting would mean people would die, fighting meant compromising themselves, they had to make a choice, there was no third way out, there was no secret magical answer in Star Wars, so they did what they could to the best of their ability. And it's not on them to fix everything in the galaxy, they're peace-keepers who were drafted into a war, they're not the whole of the government, they're not there to be social service agents, that's not who they are or what they're equipped for. And yet they still tried to help whenever they could. Everyone fucks up sometimes and that's okay, it doesn't suddenly mean they're the real villain all along, because otherwise they would have to be literally be perfect to be "good" and that's just bad writing imo. Ultimately, just take a break from scrolling through the tags if you can and join me in writing your own stuff, it's hard at first to get the words to come out the way you want them to, but with some time and energy put into it, I've found it to be so much more rewarding. <3

[am-i-interrupting]

Okay I don’t know if you are accepting requests or suggestions but can I ask for a one shot or something of like what happens between Vox and reader from the one author, two host series when alastor returns. Like what would happen and I feel like Vox would be FOMING at the mouth from anger because he knows how much pain it caused reader and all doesn’t even tell them where he was

Went Away | OATSH

Vox had long since regretted saving Valentino’s pathetic little soul. He could have and should have found someone else to be the head of the porn industry. Unfortunately, with the deal they’d made, Vox couldn’t harm the man unless he broke the confines of their contract. Valentino toed the line, most certainly, but he hadn’t yet broken it.

Velvette was complaining about one of her models being scared shitless by Valentino and having some of her work torn up but no harm had actually come to any of them. That was always the thing, always the line he just barely stayed in.

He couldn’t hurt anyone without justifiable cause. That is what was in his contract. He could scare, he could manipulate, he could yell, but he couldn’t hurt.

Vox walked into Valentino’s office.

“Fucking finally!” the man yelled. “Kitty, another drink! Can you believe what that piece of shit did?! The ungrateful whore!”

Vox side stepped the glass that had been thrown his way. “Which whore are we talking about this time?”

“Fucking Angel Dust, who the hell else would I be talking about?”

Vox leaned away from Valentino as the man breached his space. Many answers to that question raced into his mind. Too many sex workers, too many models, too many people on the street, himself, once you. Only once had Valentino called you a whore. Never again.

“That fucking slut walked out on me. Me. I made him! Without me he’s just a bag of meat with some mildly entertaining holes.”

Vox had gotten out his phone while Valentino went on his rampage. He felt himself relax just a bit, a small smile coming to his lips as he saw a message from you.

Sorry about leaving early this morning. Star called. Stuff came up. Fixing some roofing. Hate this time of year.

His soft smile though changed from soft to hopeful.

“Angel Dust quit?” he asked.

He was hoping for a yes. You’d be so ecstatic if he finally was able to quit. That was another reason for him to hate the fact that he saved Valentino; the fact that Valentino had a contract neither of you knew about beforehand and under Angel’s contract, he could do whatever he wanted and it would be seen as justifiable.

“No, he didn’t fucking quit. It’s worse.” Valentino grabbed Vox’s phone from his hand and threw it against the wall. “He moved!”

Vox hadn’t even been able to text you back.

“He thinks he can just walk in here, work, and then go home somewhere else? Can you fucking believe that? He thinks he can just run off and shack up with Lucifer’s bimbo daughter.”

“Angel is living with Lucifer’s daughter now?”

You’d be happy to know about that at least.

“Yeah, that bitch. Chalky or Chandler or something manish like that,” he said as he opened up his closet. “She’s got this hotel and— which of these makes me look sexier?”

Anyone else. He would have let the man go in a rampage, break their contract, and discard him if it was anyone but her. Had it been anyone else other than Lucifer’s daughter, Vox would have let him.

“What are you doing, Val?” he asked, venom entering his voice before his eye began to spiral. “You’re not going over there.”

“That slippery twink is going to remember who owns him. I’m going to fuck everyone in that rancid hotel, I swear to god,” Valentino continued, ignoring him.

Vox scowled to himself before he grabbed Valentino’s wings and pulled him close, his face brightening so the man could actually see him.

“Val!” He laughed before he smoothed his wings back into their coat-like shape. “Think about it. My brand is perfection. What do you think chasing whores around town would do for my image?” He grabbed the gun from Valentino’s hand.

“Uh, fuck it up?”

Vox played a game show ringing as he said, “Right! Do you want people thinking I can’t control my employees and that you can’t control yours?”

“No.”

“Exactly! And, hey—“ Vox knew you would hate what he said next— “you still have him under contract. He’s not going anywhere. So, you should. . .?”

“Do nothing?”

“Great idea!” Vox pulled Valentino down into to put his arm around his shoulders as more game show sound effects played. “Now that’s why I pay you the big bucks.”

“But I really wanted to shoot someone,” Valentino said as he pulled out his cigarette. “You never let me have any fun anymore.”

Vox lit the cigarette with the tip of his claw. “Well, let me pull out my wife’s hit list. Let you have a go at some of them, hmm?”

“Aw,” Valentino said with a chuckle, “you know me too well.”

Of course Vox did. He had to. The man was practically a child most days. He constantly questioned how he could have been so stupid as to have let him live. Regardless, it was a choice he now had to live his second life with.

He twisted his wedding ring with his thumb as he summoned a new phone.

Don’t worry about it. Turf wars are always a hassle. I get it and know by now you’re always busy this time of year. We all are. When you get a sec, can you send me some people on your list? Valentino’s being a piss baby again, as Vel so eloquently put it.

“You know, Angel isn’t the only one spending time at this ratty hotel with the devil’s princesa,” Valentino said after taking a draw of his cigarette.

When is he not?

“Oh, who else is there?” Vox asked as he opened the document you’d sent him. “Someone who owes you money?”

Valentino laughed once again. “Someone who owes us much more than money. The Radio Demon is there.”

Vox collapsed on himself as he tensed. His claws dug through the metal of the desk, breaking his phone as he did so. His entire body sparked with electricity.

“What did you just say?” he asked, his voice coming out distorted as he turned to Valentino, his eye spiraling as red pixels began spilling from his mouth.

“You heard me.”

Oh, he was going to kill Valentino, contract be damned.

“Alastor, my wife’s father—“ he glitched— “is back and he is with Lucifer’s daughter instead of his own—“ he glitched again— “and that wasn’t the first fucking thing you told me?!” he pulled Valentino down to his height as sparks flew off his body and his voice raised to a yell.

“Hey, Alastor missing is your problem,” Valentino said as he walked to the computer desk and pressed a button.

A distorted feed came up on the screen. Vox immediately teleported to the desk, leaning as close as he could to make out every detail of the scene.

He could make out the blonde hair of Lucifer’s daughter, the white fur of Angel Dust, and the extra distorted figure that Vox knew from previous videotapes to be Alastor.

He snarled, a full growl come from his mouth. His claws dug all the way through the desk. His breathing started to quicken.

Vaguely, in his subconscious mind, he registered an anger at a different thing. Alastor was torturing someone and he hadn’t told you? He hadn’t invited you? He always had before.

He didn’t even register Valentino’s words. He didn’t find any amusement in the squeaks that came from the man like he normally would. All he could focus on was Alastor walking away from the hotel.

“Vox? Vox!” Valentino called out, finally breaking him from his trance.

“That fucker is back!”

“Yeah, I thought he was gone for good tooAfter seven years!”

“You still pissed he almost beat you that time?” Valentino grabbed the corner of Vox’s screen. Vox pushed him off, still sparking. “Ow!”

“Fuck off!”

Vox’s breath started coming out harshly as he began to spiral.

How was he going to tell you? How dare Alastor? Oh, sure, Vox was the problem. He was trying to steal you from Alastor when it was Alastor who left you for seven years without a word, not even telling you goodbye or where he was going or when he came back.

He hadn’t been there. Did he not know what pain he caused you? The worry, the tears, the depression. You had been a mess those first couple months. Did he not think you would be effected by his sudden disappearance? Was he really, truly that stupid?

“Oh, come on, don’t tell me you’re really this peeved?” Valentino said.

Vox ignored him as he walked out of the room to his own office.

Valentino pouted as he watched the door close. Then he went to pick up Vox’s phone to look at that list only to see the screen cracked and back scratched.

“Fuuuck!” he said as he threw his head back. He picked up his gun that had been left behind as well and shot a hole through the wall.

Vox pulled up your vitals on his screen. You knew he had them. He monitored them as well as your location through the ring on your finger and you had access to his own through the same.

There was a stark difference in how often the two of you looked at them though. Yours got pulled up multiple times a day while his only got pulled up a few times every couple months.

That was alright though. You knew he could be possessive but more than that, you knew how often he worried.

He quickly found and quickly sent a dispatch of construction workers that way before he went there himself.

You didn’t even flinch when he knelt behind you and draped himself over his back. After so many decades, it’d become second nature to know when the other was around. What did concern you was how tightly he held you.

“I need to talk to you,” he said, voice ever so slightly distorted with some filter. “Alone.”

You turned, unafraid of falling off the roof in his grasp. You held his screen between your hands. “What’s wrong?”

You didn’t even have time to blink before you were in the tower with him.

“You said that Hustler came to see you the other day, right?”

“Husk, but yes,” you said. “Is everything okay? Is he alright?”

“Did you ask him why?” Vox asked.

“I— Yes, it was that advertisement. I didn’t have time to look it over. I just gave it to your assistant,” you told him. “He didn’t give me porn or something, did he? That doesn’t sound like him but he said he lost a game, had to be the one to bring it to me.”

“So you didn’t watch the commercial? Neither did I. How about we watch it together, hm?”

“Okay,” you said, the word coming out slowly, hesitantly.

You didn’t sit as he didn’t either. The television just came on.

“Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!” a woman you vaguely recognized said.

She had white hair done in Hollywood waves that contrasted her grey skin. She wore dress that was somewhat reminiscent of a 50s dress and a large hat with floral elements. Across thAngel Dust in a pink and white suit, wearing pink gloves that he used to blow a kiss to the camera. In front of him was Niffty in a classic flapper dress. Then Husk drinking beside her.

None of that is what caught your attention however. What did was the distorted person beside Husk, back turned to the camera but you recognized him.

Immediately your eyes widened as your nose and eyes began to sting. You bit your lip to contain a scream as your breath began to quicken.

You had mourned him.

You mourned him! You’d done it once in life and now once in death and for what?! Why did you have to mourn him when he was right there?! He was there!

You took off your shoe and threw it at the television. Then did the same with the other. The screen broke, cracked. The TV fell to the floor.

“That bastard!” you yelled. “Fucking shit ass!”

You screamed so loud that is caused Vox to wince but still he wrapped his arms around you. You collapsed against him and banged on his chest. Not enough to hurt him but enough to get out your frustration. He just pulled you closer.

Vark stood in the doorway, looking at Vox. His tail was drooped and he was hunched down. Vox slowly lowered you both to the ground and gestured for Vark to come.

He did. He butted his head against your back. He kept his head against your skin as he moved between the two of you. On instinct, you put your hand between Vark’s eyes and Vox put his right at the base of his spines. Vark moved and licked your face. You didn’t smile like you normally would.

“What do you want me to do?” Vox asked.

You stayed silent for a moment, hand moving back and forth on Vox’s simultaneously rough and smooth skin. Then, “Make him wish he’d stayed gone.”

You stood and went to your wardrobe. Vox followed as you threw a more official outfit on the bed. Then you went to the bathroom and fixed your makeup or rather, tried to. Your hands shook to much for you to do it properly.

Vox picked up your phone and sent a message to Velvette.

Get your ass here now. -V

He didn’t know how to apply makeup but after years of living with two people who did, he at least learned how to take it off.

When Velvette arrived, it was no secret. “What the hell happened here? What the fuck’s going on?”

“The Radio Demon’s back,” Vox said.

“Oh, well, shit,” she said. “Alright then, move aside, Voxy. I’m gonna give our gal some revenge makeup and you go make a script for you stupid show.”

“Top of the hour,” Vox said as he spun in his chair to face the camera, “and we’re discussing a certain hazbin who has been spotted cavorting around town after a seven year absence. Did anybody miss him? Did anybody notice? More on tonight’s program!”

The headline read, “Dud Dad Back From Getting Milk”

Across the screen, “So the radio guy’s back. I don’t think you noticed. I didn’t at first- I was too busy being present in my wife’s life but fuck it, news is slow today, I guess. I just want to go home to see my beautiful wife and tell her about where I’ve been even though she knows where I am because I tell her about my plans before fucking off.”

“Fucking hell!” Husk yelled, catching the attention of everyone in the hotel.

“Aw, after so many years I can still startle you? How cute,” you said as you leaned your head on your hand with a smirk that immediately made him uneasy.

You were wearing a black cropped turtle neck with a pair of slightly baggy jeans, an oversized jacket that clearly was not yours with its light and dark blue stripes and pinkish-red interior. Your legs were crossed and revealed your heeled black boots. Your hair was down in loose, natural curls but your makeup was anything but with a dark smokey eye and dark nude lipstick.

“Oh, he fucked up,” Husk said as he grabbed a bottle and moved out from behind the bar.

“Um, okay,” the princess said. “Hi, I’m Charlie and you are?”

“Not here for you,” you said as you moved to take Husk’s place behind the bar.

“And who are you here for?” Charlie asked.

The television flickering on gave you no reason to answer her. Instead you mixed a cocktail as all eyes turned to the TV screen.

“So, the Radio Demon is back in town,” Vox said on the screen. “Why’s he hanging around? What does that mean for your family? Well, handily I’ve got good news. The guy’s a loser, an absent and I don’t mean to sound arrogant but he’s a really shitty parent. That one’s real apparent.

“He used to go on and on about how I’d be the one gone yet he’s the one who said so long. I’m right here, never fear. I plan on staying even when raining. I’m not afraid of things changing. So if you can’t update, maybe relocate. Go on a va-cay and stay the fuck away.

“He clung onto radio, we pivoted to video. Now his medium has gotten bloody rare. We’ve been better since he split. Where’s he been? Who gives a shit!”

The radio crackled to life. “Salutations, good to be back on the air.”

You took a long sip of your cocktail as you heard his voice for the first time in seven years. The glass nearly cracked in your hands.

“Yes, I know it’s been a while since someone with style has treated Hell to a broadcast. Sinners, rejoice!”

“What a dated voice.”

“Instead of a clout-chasin' mediocre video podcast.”

“Come on!”

“Is Vox insecure? Pursuing allure. Going for small blows towards the pros, is it really working?”

“It’s better than your chirping!”

“Every day, he's got a new insult while still thinking everything wrong is his fault.”

“You’re looking at the one who stayed! He’s the one who went away!”

“Is Vox as strong as he purports or is it based on his support? He'd be powerless without that pretty ring.”

“Oh, tell us a new thing!”

“Fine, let’s try something new. I know things you haven’t been through. Nothing you say has any sway. I’ve always been here, never on va-cay. I’m still in charge. Always been here on the charts. So if you’ve got something to say, go ahead then go away. I haven’t got all day.”

“You were gone far too long. She mourned and now she’s scorned. Wished you’d never been born. So why don’t you follow through with this amazing news and tell us what you’ve been through. Better hurry or just scurry ‘cause this picture’s getting blurry. Buffering from our furry. Go ahead and have your say or go away like seven years ago that day.”

The radio clicked off.

Vox stayed panting for a moment, hands gripping the desk tightly. Then his breathing slowed and he sat back down. He restacked his papers.

“Guess he didn’t have much to say so he’s gone and went away. Nothing new. It’s old news. He’s gone once again so soon.”

The television flickered off.

Husk sunk into the couch. Niffty looked over to you with her wide eye. Angel looked down at your ring and then back at you like he was seeing you for the first time. Charlie still stood where she’d been when she came to greet you but she now rung her fingers together.

“Well, I suppose not all broadcasts are a success,” Alastor’s voice said as he came downstairs. “Regardless,” he clapped his hands together then he saw you. “My dear! There you are.”

You simply glared at him as you took a sip of your cocktail.

“Where is that darling smile of yours? You know you’re—“

“Where did you go?”

“Oh, what does that matter? I’m back now, aren’t I?” he said.

“You’re such a,” your voice trailed off as you looked down at your drink. “I cried for you.”

You thought back to late nights as a child where your father held you, whispering about his childhood in the vaguest of ways, making promises to never do you the same way.

“You promised I’d never have to do that,” you said. “You promised me the only reason I’d ever cry for you would be when you died. You’re not dead.”

“You know that my intention would never be to—“

“That doesn’t matter, Alastor!” you said.

His ears actually flicked back. You’d never done that before. You had never called him by his name.

A small part of you as happy with getting a hurt reaction from him.

You threw the glass at him. He didn’t side step it. It hit his newly tailored coat, glass breaking and liquid staining it. He didn’t even flinch.

“Fuck you, Alastor! Fuck you,” you said as you walked out of the hotel, slamming the door.

“I appear to have done something wrong,” Alastor said as he brushed the glass off his clothing, holding back a wince as his hand moved some caught in his skin.

“You think?” Husk said.

Alastor stared at where you had been before he spun around and went back upstairs.

“I’ve never seen her that angry before,” Niffty said softly.

“Yeah, me neither.”

[dollfaced-erin]

𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟'𝕤 ℂ𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕝𝕖 (Blade x F!Reader x Jing Yuan)

PART 9

PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4 , PART 5 , PART 6 , PART 7 , PART 8

A/n ! :

sorry i'm late ! i was waiting for the 1.3 update to see if there was anything wrong with the content i already had in the story. But it seems like everything i wrote is still ambiguous and according to the main story, so i dont have to change much !! yipee !! anyways, did you guys pull for dan heng ? tell me how it went !

Taglist ! :-

@rebeccawinters , @nayukiyukihira , @pix-stuff , @fluffy-koalala , @swivy123 , @starxao , @kaoyamamegami , @kimura-uzuri , @rsvye , @seikouryuu , @just-here-reading , @matsulovesyou, @sincerely-aaronette , @prettyliliy , @chibiduck , @hermosacolibri , @la-diablas-thingz , @farelady-fate

Once…there was a legend. Of the clan that inherited the will of an Aeon, Long the Permanence. This clan was bestowed with the gift of immortality, being able to spend hundreds of years roaming this world.

This legend…revolves around two beings that directly inherited this will. The will of the heart of the dragon. Those who have successfully inherited this will through trials and challenges will be bestowed with power that overleaps its bounds of regular limits.

Born from different eggs, yet inherit the same heart, was two siblings. Similar to each other, yet so different from the other. A fierce and stoic brother, and a kind and gentle sister. One inherited the might of the seas, and the other inherited the wisdom of the remedies.

Once this shy but sociable sister desired to find company. So her confident but reserved brother brought her and introduced her to a group outside the walls of her confines.

With the arrogant heart that she managed to pure, she followed through with eyes of a child, and a heart yearning for more. A heart that showed nothing but kindness, until the blacksmith taught the princess the meaning of love.

But siblings don't go too far from each other. Sooner rather than later, even the brother began to favor his heart towards the short-lived species. The heart that was in his sister began to resonate as greed and jealousy plagued his soul.

He would fight, even if it meant going behind his dear sister's back.

With greed…all three of them fell into ruin. Even the homeland they so desperately tried to protect…

The dragon went missing, the princess lay in rest, the blacksmith was cursed and the prince's kin was exiled.

"This is a legendary tale told amongst the Vidyadhara children," said the nurse to her charge. The young doctor sighed and pouted, a cute frown on her lips, a rosy blush on her cheeks.

"Why are there only tales of woe wove from the history of dust ?" the next high elder asked, looking up from her many books, setting down her brush that was dipped in black ink.

"Because in the end, we can only remember the memories that impacted us the most, Lady Bailu."

Bailu huffed, and crossed over her arms before looking up at the ceiling that housed her in her little 'cage'. The tail behind her whipped in annoyance, the shackle binding it making it heavy.

"I wonder what happened to them after the story ended..."

It happened all in a blink of an eye. In one moment, she had knocked down one of the Mara-struck soldiers. She was about to hand her gourd to one of the healers to apply to the fallen star when the other plagued ones had rose to their feet, about to attack her.

The trailblazers (Y/n) had recognized from Jing Yuan's hologram meeting were there too, watching from the sidelines as they stiffened, grabbing their weapons as they were about to step in to assist. The grey haired star traveler with her bat, the pink haired girl with her bow, and the man with the power of the imaginary.

But before they managed to step in, a cool icy breeze pushed past them, small thin petals of ice drifting in the wind from behind them. The wind began to pick up, all of a sudden from out of nowhere. All visions blurred for a slight moment as the icy winds shut their eyes.

A determined thump of a heal resounded in the little dragon's ears, as her eyes were blinded with the sudden hurricane.

"Freeze within the confines of beauty and purity," a cold yet warm voice whispered through the mist.

As eyes opened again, the mara struck soldiers were stuck in lotus like cages, cold air being stuck in their confines, freezing them to the core. The abominations thrashed in there, but their movements were growing slower by the second.

But that wasn't all.

In front of Bailu, stood a tall woman, her (h/c) swaying around her as the winds died down, probably due to the extreme power this woman exerted just from her form.

"Are you alright ?!" a woman asked, standing proudly and protectively in front of the healers that were startled from the sudden confrontation.

This woman...the lady with silky (h/c) hair like the finest silk, woven from the freshest flowers. Eyes of (e/c) carved from the most brilliant precious stones in the universe. Skin so clear and soft, like a child that had just hatched from their egg. Blue horns that perched on her head, confirming her identity and status.

Bailu would be crazy not to recognize the woman before her.

"L-lady Dan--" Bailu cut herself short, knowing the information she had received earlier.

"Lady (Y/n), what are you doing here ?!" the young dragon girl asked.

(Y/n) looked behind her to immediately notice the horns perched atop of the girl's head, the tail swishing so eagerly behind her. She frowned, her eyebrows creasing for a moment. Her beautiful purple tail...was shackled. For what reason...?

"Are you alright ?" (Y/n) asked, crouching down in front of the young heiress, hands on her arms as she looked into those troubled blue eyes. Once she had received a nod from the young girl, she turned to the Astral Expressers, her hands clutching her fan tightly.

"I...I'm alright ! M-my name is Bailu !" the little girl quickly introduced. (Y/n) raised an eyebrow at the hastiness. Was this little girl...scared of her...?

"Give them a moment. You can knock them out cold once the ice lotus has froze them." (Y/n) said with a nod to the oldest of them, finding her instincts telling her that he was leading the two young women.

Soon after she was sure that the forsaken ones had froze from her powers, the ice petals of the lotus that caged them moved in a wilting way, releasing the abominations of their confines and disintegrating into fine mist. And the Nameless got to work.

"Thank you for your assistance, Lady..." the brunette-haired man asked, looking at the refined young dragon woman before him. He wasn't quite sure how to address the woman before him, but he was sure she was of high standing, based on her clothes, horns, air of elegance, show of power. And most of all...the way the young dragon lady addressed her as Lady.

"(Y/n). My name is (Y/n)." (Y/n) said with a nod, standing up to acknowledge the help. Bailu had went off with the other healers to assess the wounds and conditions of the Mara-struck soldiers, being knocked out cold for a while as Bailu gave them her elixir.

"Lady (Y/n). My name is Welt Yang," the brunette man introduced before gesturing to the other two women. "And this is March, and Stelle."

March beamed out a happy and bubbly 'Hello !" at the woman, and Stelle nodded in acknowledgment, commenting shortly about 'You have pretty horns. Are they real ?'. (Y/n) nodded softly, finding Stelle's question rather...humorous.

"Thanks for helping to stabilize the patients..." Bailu sighed as she turned around from the fallen mara-struck soldiers to meet the Trailblazers that had helped them.

"Your...'assertive sedations' techniques are quite effective." Bailu acknowledged with a small nod.

"Assertive sedation techniques...? Does she mean beating people up ?" March asked with a finger to her lips.

"However..." Bailu said, looking behind her, and then looking down to the ground. "These Cloud Knights were already sick, and now they're injured too. I've gotta bandage up their wounds, realign their bones...ugh, as if I didn't have enough already on my plate !"

Then (Y/n) turned to Bailu. "I could help you if you need. If I could just remember things right, I should be able to do it." she said with a nod, and Bailu gleamed in joy.

But before Bailu could express her gratitude, March cut in with a question, after inspecting the two horned beings before her, trying to connect the dots. "Where did you come from, little one ? Is your dad around ?"

Then March turned to (Y/n). "Do you know where her parents are ?"

Before (Y/n) could answer, Bailu chirped up, "I don't have a dad."

"Uh...what about your mom ?" "I don't have a mom either."

(Y/n) was so perplexed at the exchange, she couldn't even find it in her to laugh at how clueless and vague Bailu made the Vidyadhara situation to be.

Bailu sighed, looking at March then shaking her head in disappointment. "I get it, you think because I'm small I'm must be a runaway child."

"Welcome to the Xianzhou, my short-lived outsider friends, appearances can be deceiving here !" Bailu announced, her little hands on her hips. "The Vidyadhara race is self-reincarnating. No mum or dad required !"

"What she means is, as you can see here, we're not humans. We're a more draconic race known as the Vidyadhara. Our most significant features are our pointed ears, but for special cases like for myself and Miss Bailu here, we have horns and a tail." (Y/n) explained, crouching down and placing a hand on the small back of the little lady next to her.

"We don't have parents. Whenever we are gravely injured or our bodies no longer are able to sustain us, we return back to an egg for reincarnation process." (Y/n) patiently explained, using what knowledge she had from her 'past' life. Although it wasn't too hard to dig out since it was general knowledge instead of self-history.

"Yeah ! I've been studying the art of healing ever since I cast off my old shell ! You're looking at a recognized, practicing, dedicated doctor !" Bailu proudly said in front of the Trailblazers, and in front of (Y/n).

(Y/n) let out a soft chuckle, realizing why this child was a little hesitant with her in the beginning. This child wanted to show (Y/n) she was a capable person. For what reason ? Perhaps this abundance of energy would let it slip later.

"Belobog kids are making snowmen while children here are writing prescriptions..." March said, as she looked at Stelle. A frown pulled at her pretty lips, while her companion shook her head in response.

Bailu looked up at March, worry in her pretty sea eyes. "Things haven't been very peaceful on the Luofu recently. Make sure you don't--" "Go running around, right ?" March continued, a soft smile on her lips.

"Well your general gave us an errand, so I'm afraid we have to." March said, shaking her head.

As they continued to talk, (Y/n) couldn't help but notice the constant pair of eyes that burned through her back. It seemed that there were some that are quite...dissatisfied with her presence here. She was sure that when Jing Yuan allowed her to roam the streets, he must've held an audience with the Six Charioteers, the Ten-Lords Commission and the Vidyadhara Preceptors.

So why is that maid in the back there looking all fidgety...?

(Y/n) turned around to leave the group (after learning how to exchange beacons with Bailu and the rest), and walked towards the maid that stood quite a ways behind them. She wasn't much of a person up for confrontation, but if matters called, she didn't mind putting people in their place, now so that she had regained some memories of her past identity.

"You." (Y/n) asked as she stood in front of that maid. This was the maid that looked quite dissatisfied with (Y/n) from the moment (Y/n) stepped close to Bailu.

This woman had pointed ears. Huh. So it must be Bailu's retainers, then. Such a heavy watch for a child that could barely even reach her waist. Had something happened once she had succumbed to her slumber ?

"I was hoping you'd never step close to Miss Bailu." the woman said, and it made (Y/n) raise her brow at this.

"And why is that ? Is she not the next High Elder ? Does she not have a say in what she should and should not do ?" (Y/n) asked, her hands holding onto the fan.

"Once you had woken up from your slumber, the Preceptors are threatening to remove Miss Bailu of her position. After your brother, Dan Feng threatened to ruin the High Elder Succession of the Luofu..."

"Hold on. Miss Bailu's draconic features is more than enough proof for her to be the High Elder, is it not ?" (Y/n) said, putting a thoughtful hand to her lips. Then she shook her head. "And if you're worried about the succession of the new High Elder, you mustn't worry. For as long as my brother does not return, I cannot be the High Elder, no matter how much power I behold."

"I would merely be...incomplete without him."

And suddenly, she felt as if her heart was beating loudly in her chest. Her eyes widened as she suddenly felt the loud thumping in her chest, pulling her somewhere. Somewhere...familiar.

Following her heart, she excused herself from the maid and went off. It felt as if something was pulling her heart, like a string pulling her along where she walked.

Past the citizens...through streets...and into the dark alleyway none would've dared walked into.

She was alone in the dark. She wondered not why did she follow her heart without thinking rationally. She clutched her fan tightly in one hand, though she was sure anyone in their right mind wouldn't want to venture into these silent and cold dark spaces. Not when there was the internal strife she was told about.

(Y/n) shook her head, pondering about why did her heart really bring her here. That was, until she felt strong arms wrap around her smaller form, her back colliding with a rock-hard surface, and a weight softly dropping itself onto her shoulder, breathing softly as the individual took in her scent of flowers and ice.

"Even though I didn't want to let you see me again..." a deep and cold voice resonated in her ear. Then soft lips pecked themselves on her shoulder.

"I just had to see you one last time..."

[lavishl0ve]

🩸Johnny Slaughter x Fem Reader 🩸

! Part 3 ! (This one contains smut 👀)

Another part/continuation of my story, these parts can always be individually read but I do recommend reading the others b4 hand as I make some references throughout. (They aren’t needed to understand though). Enjoy !!

(btw I finally figured out font and stuff! Yay! so hopefully this is more appealing. still tryna figure this out lol)

Part 3: Stars

3 months… It's been three months since the cellar. Since that day, that conversation. With each passing day, each talk, I find my heart warming toward Johnny. Why? I don’t know. He sneaks me around most of the time, mainly just trying to avoid The Cook. Sissy and I are on good terms now after her apology. Well I mean if you can call it that.

“Sorry, but chu’ deserved it.”

Yeah. But at least it was something. Life on the ranch isn’t terrible. As long as I ignore what happens behind closed doors. I try to at least, the last thing I want is Johnny changing his mind about me. I sit on the stool of the beaten up vanity in the small room they gave me. No widows, constant splinters from the wood floor, and major dust. But it’s better than the cellar. But not much different since he locks it every night. I guess he can’t trust me yet. I wouldn’t either. I slipped into the silk nightgown Sissy gave me, three light knocks emerged from the other side of the door. I began climbing into bed looking behind me, Johnny cracks the door open.

“Johnny..?” I ask, “Why are you still up?”

“Couldn’t sleep.” He shrugs.

I give him a light nod as I pull my covers back. He sighs.

“Come with me?” He questions.

I looked behind to see him, leaned against the doorway. He just watches waiting for a response, I pull my covers back up putting my pillows back into place walking towards him and give him a small smile. He scoffs in amusement leaning off the doorframe and starts walking toward the backyard. He opens the creaking door, unfazed anyone could wake and see us. The cold air immediately envelops my body. The silk isn’t helping much either. Grass tickles between my feet with each step I take, he leads us towards his shed again. Walking toward the old, white chevy he puts the cargo bed down and motions from me to jump in the back. He follows me shortly, I lay flat staring at the night sky, clouds clear, the stars twinkle in unison. It’s such a sight. Something so beautifully far away. I wish I could touch them. Johnny leans against the back of the truck, lighting a cigarette. I look up towards him and scoot back as well. He puffs his cigarette, then motions it toward me. The tobacco coats the inside of my mouth. I'd never like smoking but every now and then it’s okay. You pass it back to him.

“Aren’t they so pretty?”

“Hm.?” Johnny asks, hitting the cigarette again.

“The stars.”

Silence lingers for a second, his eyes are on you.

“I suppose’.”

You look at him, your eyes lock. You can’t seem to look away, his dark eyes bore into your soul. He licks his lips.

“Ain’t prettier than you though’.”

You blush looking away, he always makes small little remarks that end up with you being flustered. Hopefully he couldn’t see it (he can). He laughs, moving a piece of your hair to see your face.

“Naw’ I’m serious.” He raises his eyebrows.

He makes me face him. Oh god. His eyes are brewing, so desperate they dig into your stomach leaving a settling pit. We just stare. The tension, unbreakable. I breathe deep.

——————————————————————-

I stop at the door, lingering for a moment. I raise my fist knocking lightly. Three times. I wait for a response, nothin’. I unlock the door, she stands near the edge of her bed pulling the sheets back. Just in time. Her hair is brushed on one side, her eyes peek over.

“Johnny..?” she silently asks.

Fuck. Each time she says my name like that something turns inside me. So innocent, so blind.

“Why are you still up?”

“Mmm.” I growl, looking for an answer.

I only wanted to see her, be with her. Alone.

“Couldn’t sleep.”

She nods climbing into bed.

“Wanna come with me?”

She rises, the nightgown hugs her body, flowing like water as she approaches. No. Not yet.

“Cmon’.” I notion.

Walking down the corridor I hear her light steps behind me. I open the door towards the back. It’s cold tonight. I guide her towards the shed, unbuckling the cargo bed of my car that’s parked on the side. I climb in shortly after her. She lays there staring at the sky. I stare at her. The moon paints a perfect spotlight illuminating her face, the stars twinkle in her eyes. It only adds on more.

“Aren’t they so pretty?”

“Hm.?” I question.

Whatever she was saying before I hadn’t paid attention to. I get lost in her. What is happening to me?

“The stars.”

I don’t bother to look up, not like they could compare.

I give her slight agreement. She looks back towards me again. Those eyes, like a helpless deer. I can’t help but stare into them.

“But they ain’t prettier than you.”

She turns away flustered. I scoff. She becomes so affected by my words. I turn her face toward me. Her face painted red she stares at me in shock, like a lost bunny. A bunny that needs direction.

——————————————————————-

Fuck it. I wrap my hands around his neck and pull his face into mine. Our lips collide harshly, he ravenges for me, forcing me to crawl back against the side of the truck. He’s aggressive and eager. Was he waiting for this? I gasp for fresh air, he tastes like whiskey and smoke, it invades all my senses. He groans into my lips, then bites, breaking skin. I gasp in shock, Johnny savors the droplets of red that bleed from my lips. He drags his lips towards the nape of my neck.

“You taste so fuckin’ good.” he whispers.

My chest heaves and falls heavily as he hovers over me and glides his lips toward my collarbone, warm on my cold skin. He breathes in my aroma. Breath cold as he breathes out. His hand travels up my nightgown twirling the fabric of my panties in his index finger, slowly pulling it down. Another deep breath. He works his way down, shoving the silk fabric upwards, giving him access to all of me. He coats me with his tongue, rubbing against all my sensitive parts, light moans escape from me. I feel his smirk upturning against me. He takes his fingers and starts to work them inside of me, curving them hitting the best parts. Fuck. He was experienced. He watches me squirm, smirking at my pleasure.

“Shit-“ I moan, “Johnny…”

He nudges his face back into the nape of my neck, his hot breath against my ear-

“Fuckin’ take it.”

He speeds up the movement of his digits, I lift myself off the bed, arching in bliss when he suddenly pulls out leaving an empty feeling. I gasp lightly.

“Not yet.” He growls.

I watch him crawl backward, hand cupping my face as he inserts his thumb into my mouth, the other undoing his belt buckle.

“You look so damn pretty under me Darlin’.”

He throws his belt on the far left side of us, I look up at him expectantly, almost pleading. He strokes himself under his black boxers.

“Beg for it.” His voice penetrates me.

“Johnny.” My heart drops.

He turns his head slightly, squinting his eyes. They turn black, growing red with passion, pride, hunger- like he was the wolf and I was the prey. That’s what it was wasn’t it? But I'd rather be devoured than continue my life in fear, defenseless.

“I need you- so bad.” I whine. “ All of you.”

That’s all it took for him to crash back into my neck, kissing, marking, this time he bites down harder, canines digging into me, I whimper as he teases my entrance. I feel the warm liquid running down towards my chest, him licking each drop. I wrap my arms around his neck, digging my nails into his back trying to counterfeit the pain. He thrusts into me hard. Gasping for air, I melt into him. I become a mess of pain and pleasure, Johnny relishes in it. He picks up his pace, pounding violently, and rapidly. His thick shaft stretches me out with each enter and exit he makes. Hitting my clit each time he re-enters.

“Fuck-“ He pants. “So tight for me sweetheart.”

Moans unconsciously voice from me, I cover my mouth hoping to avoid disturbance. Johnny reached his right hand to drag my palms away.

“I wanna hear you scream for me.”

I stare at him lost in euphoria, he moves his hand grasping my throat, squeezing harder he leans into my face.

“Scream.” He threatens.

With each continuation of his thrusts agitation grows deeper toward my stomach. His hand cutting off my airway- the stars double overlapping one another. Vision becomes foggy, pain seeps from his inflictions, pleasure runs through my veins and wetness drips from beneath me. Climax approaches and I can't contain myself, I sob for his satisfaction. Relief washes over me as he cures my cries continually thrusting. His pace becomes quicker than before, eager to dig deeper into me, to split me apart- I push against his chest, overstimulated hoping for escape. He smirks looking down upon me.

“I ain’t done with chu’ yet.”

Pounding once more- my eyes roll, back arching into him, I grip onto his wrist holding my throat down, marking him with my nails once more. With a final thrust he collapses on top of me, releasing his hand- I gasp for air. The scent of sex fills the cold night as we both pant heavily. I stare up into the stars, the beautiful things I wish I could have touched. I reach out stroking Johnny's hair as he catches his breath above me, but maybe the beautiful things are in front of me.

[philistiniphagottini]

Hello! Congrats on the follower milestone! That's exciting! If it's okay, can I request for your Domestic Bliss event, please?

Can I please request Yusei Fudo with 💬 late night conversations, please?

Thank you, thank you Anon for participating. I'm so happy you asked for yugioh because I absolutely adore writing for the characters and I always want more yugioh stuff to write. I hope you enjoy~

cw. fluff, gender neutral reader

Domestic Bliss

“Hey Yusei, what did you think of me when we first met?”

Your unexpected question breaks the quiet atmosphere, the melody of your voice humming over the loud chirps of crickets and carrying on the gentle breeze. You lazed on a grassy hill in the middle of the night, the bright lights of Neo Domino City reaching for the skies above and dancing across your skin with an ethereal glow. The stars twinkled above as you stared absentmindedly at them for a moment longer before your gaze drifted to your partner laying beside you. 

“I thought to myself, I’m going to marry this beautiful person one day” Yusei confessed. 

Yusei tipped his head in your direction, long blades of grass tickling his cheek as wisps of his ebony hair caressed your warm skin. He hummed softly as he pondered your question, fingers intertwined with yours as he traced his thumb idly over the back of your hand. Both of you were having a fitful night's sleep so you both decided to take Yusei’s Duel Runner out for a spin and take it on a long drive to the grassy overlook that surveyed the bustling city below. It was so late into the night, or perhaps it was early morning already, with no one else around to disturb the peaceful serenity. It felt like everything else had melted away and you were the only two souls left up here to bask in the comforting silence of the night with the stars at your back. His blue eyes shimmered under the lights as he raised your hand, bringing his lips to the back of your hand as they ghosted along your skin. Your heart stammered as you felt his warm breath puffing against your skin, butterfly kisses trailing along your knuckles as he stared deep into your eyes. 

A loud snort was wrenched from your lips as you playful rolled your eyes in response. Your cheeks were burning with a furious heat as you shook your head, body turning towards him as a smile tugged at your lips. 

“Yeah right” you replied with a hint of sarcasm. “I bet you thought that.”

Yusei didn’t take offense to the playful bite in your tone, offering you a reassuring smile as his lips continued to plant firm kisses along your hand, making goosebumps prickle your flesh despite how warm it was. 

“It’s true” Yusei said. “I knew you were the one for me when I first lay my eyes on you.”

You hummed softly as you huddled closer into his side, seeking out the comforting embrace of his body as his lips pressed against the gold band wrapped snug around your ring finger. You threaded your fingers tighter with his, squeezing his hand as you lay your head on his chest to hear the thunderous beat of his heart.

“Love at first sight? How romantic” you cooed. 

A warm smile still painted Yusei’s lips as he reached up with his free hand to caress your face, cupping your round cheek as his warm touch made the tips of your fingers tingle. 

“And what did you think of me?” Yusei inquired. 

You propped your chin upon his chest as you took a brief moment to ponder. You had met him years ago, back in the slums of Satellite. Gods, it had honestly felt like a lifetime ago after all you had gone through with your ragtag group of friends. But you still remember the day you met him as well as you knew the back of your hand, the events of that day as clear as a crystal as you looked back on it. 

“Well I thought to myself, who is that handsome man riding that Duel Runner?”

Your response made Yusei’s cheeks feel warm, a tint of pink dusting high over his cheek bones as the tips of his ears burned red hot from your soft coos. A soft chuckle breezed past your lips as you continued to think, your eyes sparkling at the fond memories. 

“I thought you were quite cool, the way you duelled. Certainly left a lasting impression on me. And how kind you spoke to me. You charmed your way into my heart quite easily Mr. Fudo.”

You brought the back of his hand to your lips and placed a soft kiss to his skin, the spot lingering with warmth even after you pulled away. You took a deep breath before letting a sigh breeze past the seam of your lips. You continued to reminisce as you lay your head back on Yusei’s chest, your cheek squished into his collarbone as your eyes slipped close. Your mind was lulled to a serene haze as you felt Yusei’s hand rub along your back, fingers following the gentle curve of your spine as he gazed down at you with soft eyes. 

“Should we head back?” Yusei asked.

You shook your head with a soft groan. “Not yet. Wanna stay a little longer.”

“We have work in the morning.” Yusei pointed out.

Another disgruntled noise bubbled up your throat. “Let’s just pretend we don’t for the moment. Wanna talk all night like we used to.”

A warm chuckle rumbled in Yusei’s chest as he indulged you. “What do you want to talk about next?”

[come-down-that-tree]

Prologue Previous

/!\ ALL ALARMS BLAZING, THIS CHAPTER WILL BE VIOLENT, BE AWARE OF THAT

Warnings in the tags to not spoil

Come Down That Tree! (An aftermare story)

Chapter 22: Does it really matter how many times we fall down if we can count on someone to help us up?

A horrible feeling was swirling inside him as Geno hurried to the village. What if something happened again? What if he hadn’t arrived in time last time?

What if he didn’t arrive this time ?

If something happened, it could be nothing, his mind supplied to him as a way to quench his anxiety.

It wasn’t as successful as he would have liked…

Because what if something did happen ?!!

The first houses came into view and he didn’t slow down one bit, cursing the fact he didn’t know the place enough to blip around easily. It would have cut down time. And he doubted he’d find Nightmare in the same small alley as last time.

Running through the dark was hard and he kept tripping over unidentified stuff, rubbish probably.

Geno hesitated for a second, weighing the pros and cons of summoning a blaster to act as a light. Slightly overkill but, again, what if something happened ?

A hand touched his shoulder on his blind side and he twirled violently, ready to stab whoever it was with a sharp tipped fast-summoned bone in his hand.

Yellow.

Dream.

"Sorry for the scare, follow me, I know around."

No jump, no startled shout, the guardian stayed unmoved and started walking, quickly fading back into the night.

Geno lowered his weapon and took a step forward, vaguely guessing the direction the other must have gone.

He must have guessed wrong because Dream soon reappeared on his left with a furrowed expression.

"I apologize, I forgot you probably can’t see much right now. We’re in the market street, almost only shops and public spaces. That’s why it’s so dark, everything is closed at this hour. No street lights on either on market days..."

The guardian finished his little ramble by putting two fingers in his mouth, as if to whistle, he blew hard, eyes-closed, without making a sound and soon some light started to filter through his clothes and between his bones. Opening his eyes revealed two fiery pits in the guise of eye lights. A warm colored storm with discreet accents of purplish blue swirling in the mix.

"Follow the light !"

And the fireflight took off again. This time followed closely by his darkened shape, chasing the warmth along turns and dashes through unknown paths and detours.

Was the way their erratic trip wiggled and grew made any sense to him ?

Not really.

But he was willing to trust the other’s knowledge on this matter more than his own, not finding the energy and will to debate and potentially slow down the quest.

Better focus on that shooting star guiding him somewhere he hoped Nightmare would be.

Hopefully unarmed.

Soon the chase came to an end in some back alley, far from the few lighted houses they came across in their mad run.

Dream stopped.

The candle was blown out and Geno turned confused at the other.

A gut-wrenching cry tore open the blanket of the night, making his sliver of a soul sending waves of panicked magic through his limbs.

Not a word was shared as they ran, again, to a scene that will join the specters haunting his dreams for many years.

Under the faint light of a summoned light ball laid a scene reminiscent of a past not so far in an uncanny way.

A group in an alley.

Some laughing.

One holding Nightmare.

One getting ready to deal a heavy blow.

One major difference was that the blow was clearly aiming to kill. A foot on the skull, pressing more and more. Nightmare’s face drenched in tears and pain and fear.

Body shaking.

A purple sleeve far too flat.

And dust.

One was blown away in a whiny blast of power, falling to dust before even hitting the wall.

The giant maw of his blaster bit down on another hard, their blood indistinguishable from the usual determination’s red drip along the fangs.

Two were impaled, pinned down like the bugs they were, feeding the stone of a vile mix of dust and blood.

One fled, without a sound, the eyes filled with death and the legs full of terror.

Geno didn’t care, not batting his only eye at the massacre he just caused and walked toward the now curled up shape on the ground.

The monster carefully picked up Nightmare who seemed barely aware anymore and folded the now-empty right sleeve on his lap.

His fingers brushed a damp cheek for a second before Geno turned to Dream who despite looking accordingly distressed by the- by everything, was still here.

« We need to leave, they’ll come back armed. And no doubt they’ll pin it down on Nightmare too. I’m not scared of dying but would you be able to protect your brother if push came to shove ? »

Dream’s eyes wandered to the wall and the ground, to the bits and rest, then fell back to Nightmare and ended up searching for something in Geno’s gaze.

"Dream, I killed these people. They were going to kill your brother. They will do it again. I am not saying I was justified. I’m telling you Nightmare needs to leave right now and I will, as well. What is your decision ?"

The other’s eyes shone with something hard as stone and he took a step towards him.

“We need to go back to the tree before anything.”

Geno couldn’t help but grin despite the grim situation and extended a hand while keeping a strong hold on his precious baggage.

“Thankfully, I know a shortcut!”

And while Dream looked confused, he took his hand and Geno turned a corner, letting the familiar magic wash over him. Next step, they were at the tree.

To his credit, the guardian only stood shocked for a short moment, opening his mouth and closing it several times before glancing at Nightmare and getting back his bearings.

"Put him under the tree and stay on the lookout, I just need some minutes..."

The monster delicately laid down Nightmare in the grass, making sure his head was supported by a thick root. He let his forehead touched the other’s briefly and whispered :

"Hang in there, I still have to say sorry for all the crap I did and said to you."

Once that out of the way, Geno took a few steps away to survey the area and focused on the few lights decorating the village, counting each again and again to make sure no new ones were lit.

He glanced a few times at Dream who was sitting on his knees, eyes closed, hands joined as if praying, the skull barely brushing the bark. He remained perfectly still, assuredly focused on whatever he was doing.

One light, two, three, four, five, six.

How had the day managed to slip away so atrociously between his fingers ? His eye fluttered on the ring still sitting innocently on his pinkie.

One light, two, three, four, five, six.

Why did he get so mad at Nightmare being hurt badly ? He could still feel his soul’s fragment squeeze and shake as if it still needed to pump more magic his way right now.

One light, two, three, four, five, six. 

Will Nightmare be okay ? He was down an arm but would he recover alright ? Why did he care that much, he thought he’d be less sensitive to people he cared about getting hurt after everything…

One light, two, three, four, five, six.

He cared ? Did he get that attached to the guardian ? Eye on the ring, again. He fidgeted with his scarf, comparing Nightmare to his former family.

One light, two, three, four, five, six.

No, it was not the same. Strangely, it didn’t feel any less deep or important than his love for them. Different however.

One light, two, three, four, five, six.

...Love ? Geno almost forgot that word had another meaning than « level of violence » and, a bit deliriously, the thought his LV increased earlier wormed its way in his mind.

One light, two, three, four, five, six.

Throwing that thought away, locking it with a key and making it melt, quelling the shaking and leaving that new burden on top of his problems for future late nights where sleep would evade him. Going back to the last thought right now !

One light, two, three, four, five, six.

This spectacular backtracking that left him swaying and unsteady landed him right back on Nightmare and… not violent love.

One light, two, three, four, five, six.

The word twirled in his mind for a minute before one sudden realization made him halt his counting, desperately trying to get the sudden warmth that rushed through him to lower before it boiled him or something.

He loved him !

And wasn’t that awkward to realize that now, when the other was unconscious and in pain ! Geno curled down under the kick of feelings, burying his face in the scarf and putting some of the fabric above his head in a makeshift hood (not even trying to untangle his real hood from under his scarf).

Well, that was plain stupid in his opinion. Realizing you like someone after he was put in mortal peril, wasn’t that corny and straight up something he could have found in thousands of cliche romantic novels ???

Could someone come kill his idiot self and let him stay dead this time..?

He did not want to deal with that. Not right now, maybe never if that was an option.

Geno stood back up, slapping lightly his cheeks with both hands, mindlessly noticing how his left  arm didn’t conjure as much strength as the other. Stupid lightning.

One light, two, three, four, five, six...seven, eight, nine, TEN and more and-

Geno wired back towards the tree, ready to shout at Dream that the situation was potentially escalating very fast when he stopped at the sight.

The guardian was crying, leaning on the bark, a bag swung on his shoulder and a hand holding onto Nightmare’s sleeve, trembling and desperate-looking.

Geno ran at Nightmare’s side and frantically checked what he could. Nothing changed except that some fresh tears had once again wet the drying bone of his cheeks. He was still out but he somehow had cried again. The relief that washed over him made him lean and plant a fast kiss on the salted surface and he declared softly, with the sheer hope he really was still out :

"My guy, you can’t die when I just realized I got a stupid crush on you. Do you wanna turn me into a ridiculous tragedy hero ? I love you, ok. Even if you will have all the rights to hate me for what I’ve done at your wakes… Better not have heard that though."

Once out of his chest, he turned towards Dream to at least tear him a new one verbally for making him fear the worst.

He stopped, again, because the other looked like a downright awful agonizing weepy mess.

"I… I know what to do… But it would-will leave us vulnerable and you might have to, » a breath and a sniffle, « like support me and carry Night’ ?"

A muffled clamor resonated its way up there and then, they both knew there was little room left to argue and plan.

As much as he hated those pesky villagers, he was not going to attempt murdering them all…

So Geno nodded and Dream started to prep whatever he needed for his plan.

He watched the other climb the tree, a yellow blanket in his arm, and reached for a dark fruit, carefully putting in the fabric, never touching it directly. He picked a golden one with far less ceremony, hastily burying it in his bag as if it burned his fingers to do so.

The guardian hopped down swiftly and put the bundle of fabric against the injured’s chest as the noise kept growing not so far away.

"Keep the apple there, try your best not to touch it but it should be more or less fine for you. It must absolutely not touch me however, that’s vital."

He hummed his agreement, he was out of his depth, better leave the lead to the expert.

"Pick him up and get back a few steps."

He did.

Dream picked up a lone branch and asked him with half-words getting loose in the wind.

"Could you put that on fire with your weird floating puppy heads ?"

What was he planning… ?

"I could, but that’d put a target on us, they might not have figured out yet we went back here ? Why ?"

He didn’t get any explanation or anything much else but what he got was a simple:

 "I trust you."

And how could he ? A gross killer like him that proved he was truly capable of the worst. With how often Dream was downtown, he might even have known these guys by name. So, how could he ?

But those weren’t eyes that lie. He recognized hurt and fear in there but it was hard to argue that it wasn't genuine trust binding the thing together.

The thin stick was held closer by an unsteady hand and a please hung in the air between them.

The blaster he summoned was as small as he could, half an arm of length at best,  and its maw opened and prepped a blast, the whine reverberating loud and clear in the not-so-still night. He soundlessly ordered it to hold and as he tried to take the branch to light it up Dream all but plundged it without hesitation in the heat himself.

He didn’t have the time to express his dismay before twig became torch and at that point, things started to accelerate.

He will remember it as a chaotic blur, clashing feelings and noises.

Feet pounding up the hill, loud and numerous.

Shouts of anger and hate, illuminated by torches and reflected on the glistening metal of hastily-found weapons.

The rush of wind dampening words that felt too heavy for something said so softly.

"I’m sorry, mom. Thank you."

Dream seemed as ablaze by his light than the now-burning tree behind him.

And then, everything crumpled.

Dream fell as his light dimmed, Geno’s blaster catching him.

The shouts turned to incredulous silence and everything seemed eerie and wrong.

For a single second, nothing felt more important than this burning tree with its fruits turning to slop and dripping on the ground. 

The world was falling at its seams and everything was ringing, again and again.

He couldn’t have been long but that instant was forever, the balance shifted and stood, fragile.

Dream howled a soul-tearing cry, Nightmare cried again in his arms and Geno stood there, lost and alien.

Dream asked him to run soon after.

He did.

Nightmare secured against his chest by his good arm, the weight barely registering as he dashed through the forest, jumping over roots and dunking under low branches.

Dream hurried not so far behind them, supported by the blaster. 

Geno didn’t trust his left arm to support anybody while running with its still lacking strength.

They ran.

They ran.

They ran.

Until dawn’s blood spilled into the black canvas, until the forest stopped and started again, until they couldn’t run anymore.

And they ran again some more to be sure.

They stopped at a spot near a river and collapsed on rocks.

The place seemed so peaceful it made Geno reel.

The calm noise of water flowing between the trees and the soft whispers of nearby animals just seemed out of place, foreign, displaced when all he could hear and see was this brazier they fled from.

Geno stayed there for long, just haphazardly trying to process the day.

It wasn’t a very fruitful attempt and he sat for long, Nightmare on his lap, his head against his shoulder, limp.

And later they’d trudge around and find a circle of grass void of trees, with an old wooden house someone must have lived in once but now stood empty and full of spider webs.

And later they would pick themselves up and the twins would bury the last two apples and from it would grow two plants who’d braid themselves into one new tree of feelings. It would be void of spirit but it would exist.

And later, after they recovered some, they would live and laugh again.

But right now, they sat there. Dream a puppet without strings, Geno a stone statue and Nightmare struggling to wake up to the aching world.

Whispers tickled Geno’s mind, close. 

Barely opened eyes looked at him without any trace of confusion, pained but true.

He held him closer and the now treasure-less guardian buried himself into his chest.

"I love you too."

And while they all sat there, broken and lost, that one tiny thing would allow them the will to continue.

Someone may call it naive or mushy but what better thing than some love to ignite hope anew in one’s soul when everything fell apart already?

One story may have ended but, from the ashes, another will find space to grow.

Always.

The end.

(go to epilogue?)

@dragon-tamer-1 @shinechermont

Geno!Sans belongs to @/loverofpiggies Nightmare, Dream and dreamtale belong to @/jokublog

[punsmaster69]

15/OCT/20XX

"Frisk, don't hand me to this trashbag!"

flowey looked at frisk and they stared back.

apparently losing their invisible argument, flowey sighed.

frisk handed flowey's pot over to me, and nodded like it was a business transaction.

——

"An empty field? What, are you gonna try and take me out while you have the chance?"

i removed flowey from his pot and planted him in the dirt.

"....."

"What? Do you want me to run away?? Couldn't even muster the strength to kill me yourself, you-"

"it's a beautiful day outside."

flowey froze.

"don't you wanna stretch your roots?"

he stared at me, still suspicious. disappearing underground, he reappeared on my right.

"that's all you can do?"

he shot a few vines up from the ground.

"......"

"..What? WHAT?! What's with 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 face?"

"I- I can do more! Watch!!"

flowey assaulted a nearby tree with vines and circles of white pellets.

something felt familiar about it.

"......can't help but feel like those were yours."

"..What?"

"had a nightmare. pretty sure it was you in there."

"Golly! I'm the stuff of your nightmares? How 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰!"

"in that nightmare..."

"snowdin had gone silent. everyone either evacuated.."

"or blended with the snow."

"that old lady behind the door... she went quiet, too."

"....."

"it's not the first night i've bore witness to a trail of dust and slaughter in my dreams."

"normally i'd just chalk it up to be a nightmare; nothing more, nothing less. but.."

"...that look on your face."

"you should think it's just some nightmare, too."

"yet, you have that look of someone who knows exactly what i'm talking about."

"......"

"timelines.. resetting..."

"everything about it.. sounds like i'm talking nonsense."

"and maybe i am, to a point."

"...still. you're here,"

"listening."

"that's gotta count for something, right?"

"...Look. You know what I did."

"You're gonna kill me, right? Because why wouldn't you? I killed everyone you ever loved time and time again!"

"..Just to see what happened."

"......"

"do you think that even the worst person can change?"

"that everyone can be a good person, if they just try?"

"...guess i said that before, huh?"

"....."

"i think i've got my answer."

"...?"

i looked up at the sky that was now glowing orange. faint stars dotted the view as the afternoon came to a close.

"you have the ability to take this all away, don't you?"

"I can't RESET anymore. Only Frisk has that power now."

"you still have that capacity to cause hurt. even without time-bending abilities."

"if you truly wanted to, you could probably take me out right now."

"I'm not doing that-"

"right."

"and whether you would have said the same before.."

"well."

"that doubt is enough to prove you've changed."

flowey seemed to contemplate it, looking up at the sky with me.

"......."

"doesn't mean you're not still a complete asshole, though."

he whipped around to face me.

"HEY! You're not exactly great either!"

"takes one to know one, i guess."

"Trashbag!"

"shithead."

"Moron!"

"buttface."

"Motherfucker."

"not yet."

a white pellet barely missed my face.

"Maybe I WILL kill you, after all!!"

"can't die just yet. i made a promise to my bro."

"That you wouldn't... die?"

"yep."

"...….."

"Hah... he probably accidentally asked the impossible."

"don't plan on rolling over and dying anytime soon. not yet."

flowey sighed.

"....You.. well, I don't actually know if you were 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 dead."

"But.. you didn't wake up."

"..when'd this happen?"

"Here, on the surface."

"how'd we get out without the last human soul?"

"No, I mean-"

"𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 time."

"Frisk didn't want me to tell you, because that'd mean admitting to going back on a promise."

"......."

"It's kinda pathetic, how much everyone cares for you."

"...."

"huh."

"...is it inevitable?"

"I don't.. I don't think so."

"You're already way better now than you were around September last time."

"I don't know what you're doing differently, but keep doing it!"

——

"....Hey."

"You won't blab to Frisk about what I told you just now, right?"

"nah. of course, i don't love that they went back on their word.."

"Their heart was in the right place!"

"i can agree with that."

"you won't tell paps either, right?"

"Of course not! If he knew that he failed to protect you, even just once..."

"It'd rip his heart to shreds!"

"I'm surprised you're so.. okay with that."

"With knowing you probably died."

"...Recently."

"apparently i almost didn't wake up already."

"What?!"

"papyrus said i was completely unresponsive to everything. didn't move but once the whole time."

"said i only shambled my way to the bathroom to throw up blood, then collapsed again."

"when something like that happens.. what can someone do besides accept that he might die?"

"...You're not giving up already, are you?"

"...."

"You can't!"

"...yeah. i can't."

"made a promise, remember?"

"If you die, Frisk will have to load their SAVE again. Which means that everyone will relive the past four months, over and over again until you survive."

"You HAVE to live this time."

"Got it?"

"jeez. you're making it sound like you 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦."

"You KNOW I can't."

"I wouldn't care about you, even if I could!"

"yep."

"...What? WHAT?"

"I wouldn't!"

"ok."

"...Yeah!"

i flopped over onto my back.

"Huh? You're not really gonna fall asleep THERE, right?"

"don't see why not."

"You know what? End up eaten by wolves, or kidnapped, or whatever. I don't care."

"I'll just get to rub it in your face that it was your fault."

"Later, trashbag!"

"seeya."

——

"THERE YOU ARE!"

"IF IT WEREN'T FOR FLOWERY TELLING ME YOU WERE HERE, I MIGHT HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR HOURS!"

he noticed the open sky, starlight illuminating a look of awe.

papyrus laid himself out on the field beside me.

"I SUPPOSE YOU CAN STAY FOR A LITTLE BIT LONGER."

"YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR TELESCOPE OUT HERE SOMETIME!"

"yeah?"

"YEAH!! I BET YOU COULD SEE A LOT FROM HERE!"

"......"

"..WHAT?? HOW CAN YOU FALL ASLEEP AGAIN IN THE FACE OF SUCH BEAUTY?!"

"SIGH."

"IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'RE BETTER AT THAN SLEEPING?"

"....OH!"

"YOUR X-RAY IS TOMORROW."

"MAYBE IT'S BETTER IF YOU SLEEP, AFTER ALL."

[tossawary]

Rules: Share the first line of ten of your most recent fanfics and then tag ten people. Don't have ten? Not to worry, just share what you have. Tagged by @otakuchan449.

I did all of my fics, which are unsurprisingly all SVSSS, because I was curious as to the patterns. I usually like to name the POV character and illustrate their style of narration in the first paragraph, which is generally humorous, so people know quickly whether or not they're going to vibe with my style. I also like starting in the middle of a situation / inciting incident if possible, so we can hit the ground walking briskly if not running, and get to the good stuff.

23. Shang Houhua - someday unfortunately to be known as Shang Qinghua, once unfortunately known in another life as Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky - came back to himself abruptly. (if words could make wishes - WIP MBJ Time Travel AU from SQH POV)

22. If the System was to be trusted, which it generally was when it came to making Shang Qinghua’s life worse for no good reason, then today was the day! (Stepping Up - 90k Canon Divergence AU, An Ding Disciple LBH)

21. Shen Yuan was conscious when he was reborn, though he didn’t know what was happening at the time, because all he knew at first was pain and golden dust. (Sit With Your Soul - 61k SQQ & SY Daemon Fusion AU)

20. Shang Houhua was thirteen going on, uh, fourteen plus a whole other life that sometimes felt more like a dream than something that had actually happened. (hey, share the weight a little - 70k Canon Divergence AU, YQY/SQH)

19. “Shifu? Forgive the interruption, but there’s a woman here to see you?” (love to the ones I've never met - 83k Fic Companion, Dimension Travel)

18. Jiahui just needs to check that her restaurant hasn’t burned down. (forgiveness for whose sake? - 48k Fic Companion and Epilogue)

17. Luo Binghe knows he isn’t supposed to be doing what he’s doing, but given that he has no other way of getting answers, he does it anyway. (you had me at hello - 5k Non-Canon Fic Extra)

16. “My king, don’t touch that-!” (A Child Once - 101k Canon Divergence AU, Deaged SQH)

15. The world was dark, woven from a black so infinite that it looked flat, and it was full of light. (Catch a Falling Star - 122k Bingliushen Stardust AU)

14. Shang Qinghua woke up having a bad day - forget going through puberty twice, because in this transmigrator’s opinion, having to experience a new round of “first day of school” bullshit year after year was worse - and speed-walking through the Cloud Recesses wasn’t helping him get through it any faster. (Nothing to Me, Nothing to You - 60k Moshang MDZS AU)

13. Mobei-Jun’s search for Shang Qinghua had taken him to many strange places. (dreams that had never come true - 14k MBJ Time Travel AU)

12. It would be a lie to say that Shang Qinghua wasn’t too sure what had happened. (every haircut I've ever had has been a bad haircut - 5k Moshang Hurt/Comfort)

11. The situation was bad. (Babe in the Woods - 19k Canon Divergence AU, MBJ has a baby brother)

10. Shen Qingqiu was perfectly capable of piloting his own ship, but that day, like many others, found Liu Qingge leaning against a column by the hangar entrance, waiting for Shen Qingqiu as he prepared to leave Qing Jing Peak Temple. (this point of pale light - 18k Liushen Star Wars AU)

9. Liu Mingyan was the model of a refined and accomplished cultivator. (but that's fine because I like a hot mess - 3k Mingling Getting Together)

8. Shen Qingqiu had made use of many excuses over the years to avoid the presence of the man who was now his own sect leader, some of which had even been good. (the ability to remain sober and gracious - 4k Canon Divergence AU, Qijiu Xuan Su sword reveal)

7. Shang Qinghua’s head hurt and his eyes were watering and he was beginning, just maybe, to think that creating an experimental stimulant because he missed the non-organic goodness of energy drinks with an unreasonable passion had been a bad idea. (anxiety and caffeine are having a cockfight in my brain - 2k Moshang Hurt/Comfort)

6. The library’s front door flew open so violently that it could be heard even at Shen Yuan’s desk nearer to the back of the main hall, which sat in front of the way to the computer rooms. (Absolutely Ineffable - 10k Good Omens Fusion AU)

5. Once there was a summer in which upon arriving home from university, Shen Yuan was immediately told that he was being sent away to the heart of the country to stay with his distant uncle, whether he liked it or not. (The Red Cabinet - 7k Narnia Fusion AU)

4. It took… Shang Qinghua… a while to figure out that demons actually had horns in this realized version of his sellout stallion web-novel. (Horns - 11k MBJ has sexy horns AU)

3. So, apparently, a portal burning with demonic energy had opened up over Qing Jing Peak and another Shang Qinghua had fallen out of it, and the wound in the sky had unfortunately closed again pretty much immediately. (ever wonder if the person in the puddle is real - 7k Non-Canon Fic Extra, SQH meets AU SQH)

2. So, Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky, the dearly despised and fervently favorited author of Proud Immortal Demon Way, died in a vaguely humiliating fashion… and then he transmigrated. (it must follow, as the night the day - 26k Moshang Role Reversal AU, Demon SQH and Cultivator MBJ)

1. Shang Qinghua has not been having a stellar transmigration experience. (pride is not the word I'm looking for - 400k Canon Divergence AU, LBH's Mother Lives)

This serves as a pretty good round-up of all my currently posted fics! There are far too many in my WIP folders to begin including everything in there.

I've been a little out of touch with reading fanfiction lately, so please, if you wish, take this post as an opportunity to participate in this game and tag me in it! I highly recommend taking a moment to revisit and admire your own fan works! Look at all that cool stuff you did! If you only have WIPs, then I don't mind if you use WIPs. Sometimes our pieces of writing are full, intensely detailed paintings that take years to complete and sometimes they're just rough sketches we do to warmup or have creative fun when we have the time, and sharing both is nice.

And if you don't have your own fan works to pull from, then I'd still love to see a list of opening lines from some of your favorite fics by other people. Any fandom you like! Give me those fic recs! Give me the opening lines of your favorite published novels if there's one you've been itching to gush about.

[valakiir]

Heads up 7 up!

Tagged by @spottedenchants

Rules: Post seven lines from something you're writing. Then tag seven other people

Caleb woke to warm fur squirming under his arm. He curled around the form, familiarity easing any urgency from the moment, before his mind caught up. Mira – Miira – wasn’t his to hold anymore. Caleb’s eyes shot open. Miira was indeed a warm lump pressed against him. He picked his head up, searching… There. 

Not tagging a full 7, but @sagurus @magpythe @prophecydungeon @professor-rye @quinn-of-aebradore

[memethebum]

Got a very late new Valentine’s Day fic out :)

————————————————————————

“Should we do it this Wednesday?” Maka questioned as she set her book onto the edge of the sofa, only to receive a muffled “mmmm” from Soul as he slightly shifted his head on her lap and continued to scroll past an array of crotchet patterns he’d looked up on his phone.

“Wait…isn’t Valentine’s Day this Wednesday?” the Deathscythe then added before gazing up at Maka and allowing her to see the slight dusting of pink that’d settled across his cheeks.

“It sure is…” the young woman sang while trying not to roll her eyes at how her partner had no problem pushing their chests close together during their makeout sessions but seemed to become a bashful schoolgirl at the thought of moving their annual baking date to the one day of the year where stores could shove expensive junk down society’s collective throat.

“Why, does the Last Deathscythe need to spend the day mapping ways to avoid his fangirls?” Maka then finished, earning her a snort from Soul.

“I was just askin’. It’s kinda funny how I can’t even remember the exact year we started doin’ that,” her partner added before Maka slowly began to conjure up the memory of gifting Soul a gray heart-shaped cake right before Valentine’s Day.

The young woman couldn’t help but giggle as her memory began to deviate towards how she had to explain that the color gray was a symbol of friendship while the color black was a symbol of love in Death City to Soul once noticing the cheerful yet disturbed way he’d been eyeing the cake.

They’d baked each other a cake each year after that, causing Maka’s recollection to also become muddled about when exactly they’d started that specific tradition.

It’s hard to remember stuff like that when I’m finally trying to move us up a step the young woman then thought as Soul tipped his head upwards in order for their eyes to meet.

“Sure, why not? Baking a cake for ya’ sounds a lot more fun than trainin’ any day,” the Deathscythe mumbled, probing Maka to raise her lips into a smile and then lean downwards to plant a kiss onto his forehead.

“Sounds like I might’ve stolen someone’s heart?” Maka retorted with a sarcastic lilt to her voice, all while secretly hoping that a bottle of black food coloring would be all she needed to answer that question.

——————————————————————

“Maka,” a voice whispered from behind the young woman, causing her to set down the textbook she was holding and turn her head around to meet Tsubaki’s fervent gaze.

“Here’s the book cover you wanted. I’m hoping it turned out alright, since I didn’t have much time to add in the finishing touches after Black*Star and Angela set the stove on fire,” Tsubaki exclaimed while holding out a velvet book cover that had a set of small black music notes embroidered onto it.

“Oh, no it looks great! I seriously can’t thank you enough Tsubaki,” Maka replied before eagerly taking the item from her friend’s outstretched hands and rubbing a finger over the slick notes that danced to a melody only she and Soul knew about.

“Of course! Anything to make you two finally confess and let others know you’re taken, not that there’s-erm anything wrong with making out before that,” Tsubaki then exclaimed, causing Maka’s heart to skip a beat at the newfound knowledge she’d gained from her friend’s explanation.

Maybe we shouldn’t have kept eating lunch alone this past month Maka thought as she watched Soul give Kilik and Black*Star a shark-toothed grin and then begin to walk in her direction.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you in class,” Tsubaki then hummed before picking up her bag and regarding Maka with a reassuring smile in farewell.

“What’s the matter?” Soul questioned as he continued to walk towards Maka, forcing her to quickly toss the book cover into her bag and turn to the side in order to face him.

“Oh nothing, me and Tsubaki were just talking about…homework. You ready to go?” the young woman responded while slinging her backpack onto her shoulders and then proceeding to lace their fingers together.

“Yea, I just gotta take care of somethin’ real quick. You should go on ahead though, especially since you’re always complainin’ about not having enough time to eat,” Soul added, eliciting a huff out of Maka.

I wonder whose fault that is the young woman thought before feeling her eyes begin to slowly trail towards Soul’s upturned lips.

“F-fine. Don’t make me wait too long though,” Maka added, probing her partner to let out a low giggle in response. He then raised their hands in front of him, placed a quick peck onto her knuckles, and began to jog past the row of seats as the young woman felt her face flush at the unanticipated form of affection.

——————————————————————-

Maka let out a low sigh as she fished a mint out of her backpack pocket and began to slowly tear apart its wrapping.

She then tapped on her phone screen and felt a sense disappointment begin to bubble within her after realizing that 20 minutes had passed since lunch began, which left Soul and her 15 minutes to engage in some quality time together.

Anything to make you two finally confess and let others know you’re taken played through Maka’s mind, causing her to wonder if Tsubaki’s words held any merit besides the high she and Soul got from swapping spit.

What if Soul doesn’t really want to be with me? I guess I couldn’t blame him…since I’ve always been a bit pushy about the way Mama and Papa ended up. But, he also isn’t the type to be all touchy with a girl just to calm his hormones down… Maka pondered while leaning her head onto the brick wall she was sitting against.

The young woman then flitted her eyes close for a few minutes before hearing a set of footsteps rustle against the grass that covered the training grounds around her.

“Seorry I’m-uh lawate,” Soul spoke over the silence, probing Maka to look up and find him devouring the last few bits of the sandwich he’d packed for lunch.

“I finished my lunch 10 minutes ago! Where were you even at?” Maka rebutted as she plucked another mint from her backpack pocket and tossed it upwards for Soul to catch.

“Oh-uh I had to go explain to Sid that me n’ Star weren’t tryin’ to skip last week but had to uhhhh-help Marie move some desks around in another class,” the Deathscythe then stammered out while taking a seat in front of Maka and then plopping the mint into his mouth.

“Why didn’t you tell me that was the reason you skipped class last week?” Maka questioned before watching Soul’s scarlet pupils immediately dilate from the question.

“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal,” the Deathscythe replied with a quick shrug, leaving Maka to mull over each of the tell-tale signs of when he was trying to get away with a lie.

Why would he need to hide that from me? Does he not want to be with me anymore and just trying to let me down slowly? Or is it…the young woman internally questioned while trying to suppress the memories of her papa coming home disheveled and reeking of alcohol and cheap floral perfume.

“Hey, you alright?” Soul then mumbled, probing Maka to flinch in surprise as he gently pushed a few strands of her wispy hair behind her ear.

“Yea-yea I just…”

No, he’s not Papa. He’s Soul, the most loyal, sweet, and eh…attractive partner I could’ve ever ended up with Maka noted while snaking her arms around the Deathscythe’s spine and pushing him closer towards her.

“I’m just a little mad about you making me wait so long,” the young woman mumbled before feeling her nerves shoot out from her chest as Soul giggled against her.

“I think I know a good way to make up for that,” her partner added, causing Maka to let out a snort and then slant her lips against the grin he’d plastered onto his own face.

The young woman then released a low sigh as she felt Soul gently palm one of his hands against the back of her neck, forcing her mind to immerse itself in nothing but their erratic connection.

—————————————————————-

“REMEMBER WHAT I TOLD YOU ABOUT THE CRUMB COAT!” Kid shouted while Maka began to stroll out the Death Room.

“GOT IT!” the young woman shouted in the reaper’s direction before shutting the heavy doors behind her.

Alright, I’ll bake the cake today and let it chill overnight. That’ll leave me enough time to get the scrapbook finished Maka noted while flipping through a thick stack of polaroid pictures and turning the corridor leading towards the school’s front entrance.

Ugh, right I have to think up a good excuse for not baking the cakes together…the young woman attempted to solve, only to stop dead in her tracks when she saw Soul standing with a girl ontop the school’s large stairway.

She was too far to discern what they were talking about, although the other girl’s stiff posture caused her heart to race.

Maka’s eyes then shifted towards her partner, who maintained his usual calm demeanor before suddenly blushing at something the other student had said.

No no, that can’t be it?! Maka thought as she noticed her partner and the girl exchange small notes of paper before the girl began to descend the stairway.

She watched Soul slowly run his fingers through his misshapen locks of hair and then walk back into the school, causing her to bolt towards the nearest bathroom.

It probably isn’t like that. I was probably imagining all that blushing and…Maka thought while shutting the bathroom door behind her and slumping her back onto it in defeat.

I-I’ll just have to step up my game a little. Yea, I’ll just doll myself up a bit…just so he knows what he’ll be missing out on if he leaves the young woman decided before tightening her clutch on the pictures she’d been holding and then turning around to face her partner once more.

[foiblesofamaraudingheart]

Where the we really lives

Time's near to take all, that poetic wax, and roll it through the dirt. To let the Earth and soil get all up in the creases. Under the nails.

Time's near to take off the FUBU and the effervescence. Flaws fashioned immortal, but immaterial to the stuff of me and you.

Neil says we're star dust. Okay. So we're fancy dust. But somebody's mama is still going to sweep us up. Dump our sweet, sultry, bones,

in the trash. And all I'm saying, is that the non-photo finish. The imperfect, off-center, flab of it all, can be celebrated. Without the

elevation. And

time's near to love the foundations of the soul, that's human, and flawed, and ugly, and brutal, and honest, and passionate, and angry

and yearning, to be soothed, and looking, forward to the future, while wanting to crawl, back into the past, and who's nature is, change

down low. Where the we really lives.

[andmaybegayer]

Last Monday of the Week 2024-06-03

Finicky little situations

Listening: I had a hankering for some Clark Powell and went looking through her Bandcamp, and listened to Labyrinth's Heart

This album is really interesting, in that a lot of it ends up in the Psycholonials soundtrack, almost all of it really. Forgotten is the basis for the interstitial chapter music and finale track, Misbegotten has the foundations for one of my favourites, Outlaw.

Clark's more recent stuff is this extremely chill pop-y sounding music, and through association with Psycholonials it is perfect hot summer day background music.

Oh also. Finished S4 of The Magnus Archives. Bold way to end the season, just blam hey hello we're ending the world. See you on the flipside!

I will say that I do not really get where John/Martin is really meant to go, and I know people did not like the last season that much, but I have found it pretty good. It is getting a little too close to exiting the Monster Of The Week mode that I prize so much, but it's still there.

Watching: DeviantOllam's extremely good long talk on fire safety code, ostensibly in the context of using it as a cover for breaking in to buildings but it is honestly mostly just a chance for a bunch of nerds to learn about extremely specialized tools and get more niche facts about the built environment. This is that four hour disney star wars talk for people who have NFC card reprogrammers.

DeviantOllam does some really great talks on a lot on physical security but is also just, very good at talking, he delivers things in a way that gets you invested in it even if you had no idea you would care.

Reading: A little shy of halfway through The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman, the second book in the new trilogy The Secret Commonwealth, which started with La Belle Sauvage. I read La Belle Sauvage a few years ago and had to go refresh on a synopsis.

Philip Pullman is a truly great writer, and now that he has killed god in this universe he can focus on more interesting things, like philosophy of the soul when some (or potentially all) of your soul is also a kitty cat.

Jumping us forward to 20-year old Lyra is a bit of an adjustment. You get so used to thinking over her as the very specific like 12 year old that she is throughout His Dark Materials. She says fuck now! It's also exceedingly funny that she appears to have fallen in with The Rationalists in a world with witches and magic. I guess spoilers?

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Every now and again I remember how impossibly heartbreaking the end of Amber Spyglass is and I'm like holy shit he really did that to his readers. I think it took me about a week to pick up a different book after I finished that.

Playing: Beat dark souls! More extensive talk about that in the #dark souls tag.

The story is of course homeopathic. Like Pyre, the game takes place after all the interesting stuff, but unlike Pyre, there isn't really a strong core of characters to watch through the aftermath. I'm not entirely clear why we were trying to link the flame, other than that the guy in the Asylum told us it was a legend.

Ultimately, unimportant, the gameplay is mostly great! The final bosses are a little weird, they feel weak and their areas all feel like they're missing something, but I quite liked Nito and the Four Kings, and Seath was mostly fine. Hey wait, the furtive pygmy! I forgot about the furtive pygmy, just like they said! Nevermind fuck everything I just said, best game in history.

I will go back and try to NG+, also some people mentioned the DLC which I have no idea how to access, but I will look that up probably. It sounds like there's some good bosses in there.

The combat really is fun, although I maintain that there are lot of combat issues that are really more like UI issues than actual game design issues, things like the parry mechanic being so fiddly and the upgrade system being inscrutable.

Making: LuaLED has me in a hole because I have to do Web Shit and I do not know how to do Web Shit. This is a me issue not a Web issue, I just never really put the time into learning more than the basics of HTML and HTTP.

Tools and Equipment: aerc is a simple email client for the terminal.

I have used various Mail clients over the years and I always find myself gravitating back towards just using whatever web client my provider has because I don't give a shit and I don't get that many emails, but I have recently wanted to handle my work emails from the terminal for reasons, and I tried out aerc. I've previously used Mutt but setting up Mutt is a huge pain in the ass and it has one billion controls that mean nothing if you're not doing mailbox stuff, because it's from ten thousand years ago.

aerc is stripped down and optimized for a few specific use cases, one of the big ones being "handling emailed git patches" which I don't do much but do do sometimes. It's also a pretty nice general text mail client, it's easy to set up and it lets you get into using it very easily.

[apupp3tw0-strings]

Darkness up in the Attic

Date: October 16th, 2131

Vile, violated, disgusted. I don't even know where to start with describing what happened. The only thing I can focus on is how... invaded I feel.

Do any of you know what it feels like to hold a human soul? No? I really REALLY wish I didn't know the feeling. Even staring at the so- at that THING in the jar I shoved it in, it makes me uncomfortable.

Okay okay, back tracking. Focus. Gotta give context. Okay so Kris, CK, and Jevil came over today. Puncle Sans was gonna come too, but he was apparently busy napping. They came over so Papa and Kris could better sort out how to help Spam and Jev. So while they talked about that and other adult stuff, CK, Jevil, Spamton and I got out some legos to play with.

The day seemed to be going well, even with Jevil pranking and antagonizing Spamton. However I found something... interesting when I took Spamton to the other room to cool down and hopefully prevent him from strangling Jevil. The door to the attic. It was like... pulsing darkness. Just like the door to the school storage closet was when CK and I first stumbled into Castle Town. Someone had opened a Dark World in the attic.

Obviously I remembered what Kris and Seam had said with the Roaring and how multiple Dark Worlds were bad, but I also knew that my sister, Broadway was up there, and I hadn't seen glam come down yet this morning. Glee must've still been up there. I thought about telling Kris but... what if Broadway got stuck up there in the Dark World when Kris closed it. What would happen? ... So I tried calling CK over instead.

After convincing CK we should at least scope this out before grabbing the adults (gyeh, funny how usually HE'S the one convincing ME to do reckless and stupid stuff like this), CK mentioned how we probably need someone to distract Papa and Kris so they don't get too suspicious. Which is where I suggested Spamton and Jevil distract them. CK was the one who suggested they distract the adults by misusing Papa's kind heart and desire to help people, for the record. While Spamton seemed apprehensive to the idea, Jevil ended up dragging it off before it had much chance to object. I presume the plan worked, even if I seemed like Jevil mostly just ended up annoying Kris and Papa focused on talking to Spamton (which I guess is a good thing?) by the time we got back, and no one ended up following us (though know I sorta wish Kris did...)

We landed in a rocky, cliffy place filled with cobwebs and dust, and at first I was separated from CK. Wasn't too long until I found him though, as i could hear him sneezing from like, a mile away. As we were thinking how a Dark Fountain could have possibly been opened up here and just what exactly Broadway was doing in the attic, we were suddenly attacked from above. Someone was flinging a bunch of rain drop and frog shaped bullets our way, meaning we had to run as fast as our legs could carry us. That was until we came to a dead end...

It was okay though! The attacker turned out to be an old frog plush I used to take everywhere and have had since I was like, a baby. Remienotta, aka Remie. (I always wonder where I'd misplaced her, guess she was up here all along.) Turns out Remie thought we were working with some dude called The Magician (who we encountered not long after) and that's why they attacked us. After that was cleared up, Remie offered to help us find Broadway before jumping off the nearby cliff, using her umbrella to float down Mary Poppins style, and lead us to her fort.

At Remie's Fort, we ended up running into Broadway, who looks even more like a teen idol pop star in the Dark World and was VERY excited once glee realized that THIS was a Dark World like the ones I'd been talking about all week. Also at the Fort is where we encountered The Magnificent Magico, aka The Magician for the first time. A tall blue Darkner with ana 8-ball for a head, a somewhat unsettling grin, floating hands, and wearing a stage magician's get up. He crashed through Remie's barricade before declaring he was sent by the High Priestess to stop us from closing the Dark Fountain. Aaaaaas well as informed us that the only way to leave was by closing the Fountain. (Gyeh. Great. Just our luck right? It gets worse later.) After that Magician had some Halographic Ruddins attack us before capturing and making off with Broadway.

And thus our new party consisting of myself, CK, and Remie continued forward through this new Dark World and entered the Dusty Plains...

To be continued in next entry, I need to at least TRY to sleep. (Considering how today went however, I'm not sure how successful I'll be in that.)