#a study in ichor musical

[zombiesrunmusical]

After almost a year, A Study in Ichor: The (Unofficial) Musical is finally (!!!!!!) available on YouTube!

[prk-gunwook]

BOYS PLANET — how they love you

INCLUDES || sung hanbin | zhang hao | kim jiwoong | park gunwook | seok matthew | kim taerae | kum junhyeon | ricky

GENRE || tooth-rotting fluff

WORD COUNT || 2.1k

NOTES || this is my first post on tumblr ! had to create an account just for these boys i adore. requests are open, and please leave me feedback ! <3

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, SUNG HANBIN 𖥻 ❛ touch ❜

SUNG HANBIN touches you like you are his lifeline; like golden ichor flows through your veins and bubbly springs overflow in your mouth, as if your skin is made of fibers woven by Athena herself. His touches are feather-soft, lingering sweetly on your flesh and body, leaving fingerprints of moon dust. He wraps his hands around your torso under the cover of the sun, pressing sugary kisses to your temples early in the morning through silk curtains, whispered promises of love and devotion leaving his lips to caress your ears.

Hanbin laces your fingers together more often than not; soft hands tracing the lines of your palm as if he could read the future you two will build together there. Whether it’s a hand on your thigh, a finger wrapping around your pinky, or a head on your shoulder, he craves your touch like a starved man.

As you lay in bed, head resting softly on his chest, you peer up at him.

“Can you breathe fine like this?” You ask, eyebrows furrowing inward slightly in concern. Hanbin laughs— a short, sweet thing that rings like wedding bells in your mind— and nods.

He gazes down at you, eyes staring at you as if you hold the world in the palms of your hands, and you feel the cold touch of his fingers brushing circles against your hip.

“There is no other way I could wish to breathe,” He replies, words soft and laced with the admiration he feels for you.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, ZHANG HAO 𖥻 ❛ fruits ❜

ZHANG HAO loves you dearly— his love runs deeper than the ocean, glittering water that shimmers and shines with every action and word you perform. You know it, he knows it, and there is nothing else either of you need. He loves you like the sun loves the moon, like the waves love the shore, like Prometheus loves his creations. He loves you like there is no other option; and for him, there isn’t.

Often, you find yourself staying up late to finish the schoolwork you neglect until the last minute, pencil in your mouth and eyes narrowed in thought. Problems and their solutions swim in your mind, crossing over into the other and leaving you more and more confused.

“You need to sleep,” Hao’s stern voice comes from the doorway, arms crossed in discontent as he watches you study.

“I need to finish this,” You argue, even as your eyes beg for sleep and your knees ache from sitting down for hours. You can hear Hao move across the room, floorboards creaking softly underfoot as he makes his way toward you.

“At least eat something,” He says, placing a bowl of crisp apple slices in front of you. You pick one up, noticing how the skin has been cut in a specific way to resemble a bunny. Before you can thank him he’s gone, out the doorway— probably to sleep.

The next day, as you sit down to study, you notice a bowl of freshly-cut bunny apples waiting for you, and a small sticky-note with the words “try and sleep early tonight”.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, KIM JIWOONG 𖥻 ❛ long drives ❜

KIM JIWOONG was always extremely stubborn when it came to road safety— not that it was a bad thing, you could appreciate it, really. Eyes on the road, two hands on the steering wheel, music never too loud, and seatbelts are buckled before the car moves even a millimeter. But ever since meeting you, he’s taken to driving one-handed, always leaving one hand open for you to hold.

Inside his car, there is only you and him. There is only Jiwoong’s devotion to you. There is only starlight and sublime tears, moonlit kisses and beating hearts that mold into one, only his hand in yours.

No words need to be exchanged as wheels turn steadily on pavement roads, soft chirps of grasshoppers and croaks of frogs filling the empty spaces. There are no words that need to be exchanged when they’ve all already been said; “I love you” loses its meaning after a while, and now your love is found in the feeling of his hands on yours, of your eyes interlocking gazes in the rearview mirror, of hidden smiles and inside jokes. Now, your love is found in the lack of words needed when Jiwoong grabs his keys from the wall and only has to look at you to ask if you want to go on a drive with him.

No words are needed when you love as strongly as you do.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, PARK GUNWOOK 𖥻 ❛ this reminded me of you ❜

PARK GUNWOOK thinks that, if there are a million universes, he loves you in every single one. He has bared his heart for you to take like a oyster with its pearl— he would rip apart his heart and sew it back together in the shape of you, for you are in the only thing in it. He sees his entire world in you, and in the world he sees you.

He sees you in the lipstick mark of an abandoned coffee cup, he sees you in the sketchy lines of a street mural, he sees you in blossoming bouquets of spring and bicycles parked on the beach. When Gunwook enters a shop, every item relates back to you; how would you like this shirt on him? Would this look cute on you? Is this your style of decor?

He doesn’t mean to buy you so many things, really, it just happens. As you dance in your living room with him, choked laughter ringing in the air, a collection of miscellaneous items decorate your walls and shelves.

A penguin sculpture for the way you purse your lips in thought. A magazine cut-out of an ad for the same picnic blanket you had your first date on. A collection of pink stickers scattered along the walls for the color of your shirt the day he asked you out.

This room is a log of your m emories; of the love you share, of the tears and the smiles, of all the good and the bad and the in-between. It’s a dictionary of every moment the two of you have shared, fluent in the language of love. And yet there are so many empty spaces, empty pages, for the next moments to come, and you doubt this book will ever close.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, SEOK MATTHEW 𖥻 ❛ admiration in his eyes ❜

SEOK MATTHEW is like the sun. Bright, happy, a shining, glimmering light that can cast even the most gloomy of days away. His smile is like the medicine to a sickness you never knew you had, his eyes crescent rainbows that reflect every good feeling you can have, his laugh like the ripples of a fresh river swirling around your legs in summer. Seok Matthew is the sun in every meaning of the word.

And you are his moon. He would chase you to the ends of the Earth for eternity just for a glimpse of your smile, just a word from your lips, just a small glance at your eyes, and he would do it for longer than the term “forever” can communicate. He will follow wherever you go, no matter if it’s down to a fiery pit of justice or up to a symphony of angels chorusing for you.

When you speak, Matthew’s eyes are fully on you. Never will it stray (and he has suffered being the butt of many, many jokes because of this), but he can’t help it. Why would he ever want to look away from you, if you are all he ever wants to look at? Stars in his eyes, but you are his one moon.

He hardly ever dreams when he sleeps, for every moment with you is enough to last him through his years without a wink of slumber. He would never have to rest his head if only he can hear you laugh everyday— when you smile, he smiles, and it lights up the world.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, KIM TAERAE 𖥻 ❛ love songs ❜

KIM TAERAE wonders how anybody enjoyed listening to him sing before he met you, for he never knew true love before. Never has he been able to sing fully with the implication of knowing, never has he embarked on the journey of admiration the songs describe, and never has he known this warm, bubbly feeling called love. Now, every word is charged with the meaning of you; the love he holds for you, the smiles he hides for you, the guitar strings he strums for you, the songs he sings just for you.

His Spotify playlists have become perhaps seven times longer than before, filled to the brim with soft songs that he dedicates entirely to your being.

“Your lips, my lips,” Taerae sang, voice sweet but gravelly, the melody tuned to the sound of beating hearts and hushed kisses. You sit next to him, watching his lips move in a fixed fascination as his deft fingers strum the strings of his guitar like an expert. He plays the strings of your heart the same way; with a practiced ease, like it was what he was born to do.

“Go and sneak us through rivers,” He continues, eyes focused not on his guitar but on you. Taerae thanks every soul that has ever lived on Earth before this, and every soul after, that you were born in such a time and place that he could meet you and fall in love. “Flood is rising up on your knees.”

“Oh please, come out and haunt me.”

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, KUM JUNHYEON 𖥻 ❛ bad movies ❜

KUM JUNHYEON has always been a warm person; he is made of fiery spirits and nipping branches, of autumn leaves tumbling to the ground in piles, ready to be jumped in. He’s made of loud words and screaming laughs, of bad aeygo and joking whispers, and you wouldn’t have it any other way. He is entirely odd, and he’s entirely yours.

So it makes sense he shows his love for you through bad movies. You have never laughed as much as you have when you sit with him on a worn-down couch, bowls of popcorn in your hands, tall cups of soda ready to be drunk on your table. Never have you laughed so hard you snorted except for when Junhyeon made you watch The Emoji Movie with him and interrupted every other sentence to make a joke— and even after that, Junhyeon couldn’t get a joke out because he was laughing too hard at the fact you snorted.

Laughter is uncontrollable when you’re around Junhyeon— when you cuddle up next to him, and even when your eyes are begging for sleep, you can’t stop laughing. When you’re sure you’ve got abs from the hours of jokes, when you’re certain you’ll have laugh lines deeper than the grand canyon after how many years you’ve spent with Junhyeon.

It’s odd, yes, but it’s so entirely Junhyeon.

ꉂ — 𖥦 ♡ ,, RICKY 𖥻 ❛ gifts ❜

RICKY is young, rich, tall, and handsome, there is no denying that. One thing they never revealed is the fact he’s perceptive— frighteningly so. If you even mention liking something in passing, rest assured there will be a basket of it in your kitchen the next day. If you spend even a fraction of a second too long looking at a piece of jewelry, best believe it’s draped around your neck the next day.

It’s not that he enjoys flaunting his wealth. It’s just… what else should he use it for, if not the one he loves the most? He would buy a thousand gems of the rarest ore just for a single second of your happiness. He would sell his fortune for the feel of his hand in yours— he’d even give up hairspray just to kiss your lips once.

Ricky thinks and feels so much all the time, his heart is bruised and bleeding, but you have become a doctor just to repair him. He loves you in the way nobody can understand; and he does not need understanding when he has admiration. He thinks there is a chapel within his heart entirely dedicated to you; that if he is reincarnated, it will be as a passing breeze that thinks only of you.

“I love you,” He says more often than he thought he ever would.

“I love you, too.” He hears back more often than he thought possible.

—

[shichey97]

Run

Eddie was leaning back in his seat as he watched the party that was happening. Eddie still hated parties after his 356 years alive. He had never found the appeal in playing nice with a bunch of people who wouldn't think twice about shoving a stake through his heart if need be. He sighed through his nose and rubbed his leg as he caught a glimpse of a person that almost seemed to glide as he walked across the room to the table of treats for them. It was a party to promote the new synthetic blood, Ichor, said to be as nutritious as the real deal and as close to it as possible. Eddie didn't want to try it because he was a picky eater. He was startled from his thoughts as the same person came up to him, "You haven't tried a bag." he says brushing some of his shaggy brown hair out of his eyes.

Eddie looked at him and his eyes widened a bit, "What?" he asks and cringes at how dumb he sounds when a literally God was standing in front of him. The man was tall, tan, and beautiful. He had dark brown hair that he had parted to the side part of it curled around his cheek bone and his hazel eyes crinkled when he smiled. "Ichor. You haven't tried any. I've been waiting on you to try some so I would have a reason to talk to you." He says. "I'm Steve. Steve Harrington of.." "Harrington Enterprises?" Eddie asks with a slight smile, "I figured as much." he says leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "Why does it matter what I think about the synthetic blood?" He asks, but takes the bag anyway. "Or did you just want to talk to me, pretty boy?" Steve catches his bottom lip between his teeth before he chuckles, "And if I did?" he asks deciding to actually let himself enjoy a conversation for once instead of pushing the product he worked so hard on. "Then I'd say pull up a chair and we can talk while I give your blood a try." he says watching him do just that as he opens the end of the blood bag container and took a slight inhale and drank some of it. He froze when it touched his tongue and looked at Steve in pleasant surprise. It actually tasted like the real thing and, if he was capable of it, he would've blushed at the other man's chuckle. Eddie pulled away from the bag to swallow, "How did you do that?" he asks "I don't want to bore you, but it was a lot of cellular work." Steve says shrugging watching the other eat, "Do you like it?" Eddie nods as he finishes it, "It's amazing. Are there different types like in people?" He asks curious about how it would work to satisfy the majority. "Yes. The one I gave you is Rh-null." He says, "you seem like the type of man that likes rare blood and that is the rarest on earth. Less than 50 people have it." he says proudly. "That's why it's called Golden Blood." Eddie says nodding. and looks at the bag that has a golden label. "It tastes like it could be used at a blood bank." He says and Steve seems to smile more at that. "That's what I was aiming for. It can't be, but I wanted it to taste as close to the real deal as physically possible." He says nodding. "I'm planning on releasing a sweet brand soon." "Well then I volunteer to be the taste tester." he says watching the other man's face as they studied each other. "Seriously though. Why does a human care so much about what us vampires eat?"

"My best friend and her girlfriend are vampires. I just want them to be healthy and they don't like any of the other synthetic stuff so I figured I'd use my science know how to craft a better one." He says shrugging. "My turn to ask a question." He says and Eddie motions for him to go. "You know who I am. So my question is who are you?" "Shit I was swept away by your beauty and forgot to tell you my name. I'm Eddie. Eddie Munson." He says and he watches Steve's eyes widen. "Eddie Munson as in the mysterious singer Eddie Munson?" Steve asks a nervous giggle bubbling up as he watches the other man. "Holy shit. I knew you were hot."

"You know my music, big boy?" He asks his knees brushing Steve's now. He smiles more as the human blushes at him, "What's your favorite song?" "Right now it's Figure You Out, but I also like One For The Money." he says with a nod as he smiles at him. "What's your favorite song?"

"Falling. I absolutely love that song." he says softly as if it's a big secret; which it is because that song is nothing like the rest of his music. It's a ballad instead of a heavy rock song.

"I can see why. It really shows off your vocal range and with the piano being the primary instrument on there it showcases your voice even more." Steve rambles before his cheeks tint pink again. "Sorry. I think that's one of your most impressive songs on the album."

Eddie smiles studying his face for a long moment, "I've never met someone who has actually asked me what my favorite song is." he says softly. "Well that's not my band of course."

"I have an insane question." Steve says softly. "Would you like to get out of here?" he asks looking at him leaning forward to take his hand with a gentle touch. He didn't flinch at the cold skin, but he did smile up at him. Hazel eyes meeting red.

"I thought you'd never ask, Sweetheart." He says and sholds his hand as he stands up. "Lead the way, Big Boy." he says before he follows him through the crowd and out a door.

Neither boy realized that this was the start of forever for them.

[drowsystarlight]

I FINISHED A STUDY IN ICHOR TODAY

I liked it but I wish there was more !!! Even a happy little epilogue 🥹🥹🥹 there are some things I didnt like about it too but it’s more of an ick and a “????” Moment (itd be in the tags so just dont open tags if you dont wanna be spoiled

Now,

ZOOMS TO THE ASII MUSICAL

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Mousika (Kingdom of Ichor)

Age- 31 (immortal)

Location- New Olympus, Olympius (The Royal Palace)

Personality- She's sweet, creative, & soft spoken compared to her secret public persona of a performer. She's also capable and smart with a great love & appreciation for music and the performing arts. She's recently single & is coming to terms with her bisexuality.

She has the standard abilities of a goddess except shapeshifting. As the goddess of studying & music her other abilities include omnilingualism, having an eidetic memory, being able to telekinetically control various school supplies & musical instruments, symphokinesis (music manipulation), super sonic hearing, being able to convert sound into light, invisibility, hologram generation, sound release, light projection, and force-field generation/manipulation.

Mousika is a member of the esteemed Horae. She doesn't work at the palace's gift shop, instead leading the tour group every once in a while. Her other main responsibility is handling the paperwork whenever a new deity becomes part of the pantheon- whether born or transformed into one. The filing system is flawlessly organized.

She lives in an apartment suite in the royal palace on Mt. Olympus. The interior design is classy with a touch of opulence. The walls are covered in white & gold wallpaper that has a monogrammed design of harps and lyres. There's also white marble flooring, Imperial Gold kitchen cabinets, and an art deco style chandelier. The greatest gift Mousika ever recieved is located in the dining room- a grand piano made entirely out of crystal. It was from Zeus & Hera.

Mousika normally gets around on her animal companion, a she-dragon named Dazzler. The dragon has breathtakingly beautiful iridescent scales, shimmery silver wings, and pearl pink crests & horns. The fire that the dragon expels is white! Her and her dragon's energies are inextricably mixed. It's been said that Dazzler is a hatchling of Syrensong, the dragon that belongs to Adikia (goddess of injustice & wrongdoing).

She always starts off her mornings with a steamy shower with waterproof noise canceling earbuds in her ears as she listens to her curated playlist on Musify.

Mousika isn't necessarily picky when it comes to listening to music. Sure she has her prefrences, but she'll generally listen to anything if she connects to it.

A go-to thing she loves eating for breakfast is a giant bowl of Golly Grains chocolatey delight cereal (crunchy wheat & rice flakes with chocolate pieces). She also likes cinnamon muffins (with extra buttercream cream cheese icing) and the homemade breakfast sushi she makes- with bacon, olives, & cheese.

A go-to drink for her is a cotton candy spritz- an alcoholic drink made with cotton candy liqueur, sparkling water, and a bit of champagne. She also likes classic martinis, champagne, bellinis, cosmopolitans, mojitos, sparkling water, & olympian sized vanilla milkshakes from The Frozen Spoon. She also likes the large chai latte and a small iced tea from The Roasted Bean.

Though Mousika holds her individual friendships with the other members of The Horae dear to her heart, at times she finds herself closer to Mesembria (Bria) (goddess of the afternoon) and Sponde (goddess of libations).

She prefers audiobooks to physical books, noticing the unique cadance of each narrator's voice.

Mousika keeps in shape through performing, dancing, riding on dragonback, & roller skating!

Aside from her main responsibilities, her other venture includes being the music teacher at the esteemed private school for elementary students in the city. For other work/means of income Mousika also models for/endorses Heavenly Spark, Threads of Wisdom (the goddess Athena's fashion brand), Olive Visibly), Museology (The Muses' make-up brand), & White Lily Gallery - the jewelry brand created by Arete (goddess of virtue, valor, & excellence) and Homonoia (goddess of concord).

Her favorite treat are the butter crunch cookies from Hollyhock's Bakery.

Mousika is keeping a BIG secret from those she's close to. By day she's a soft spoken musically gifted educator/goddess. By night, she's an up-and-coming popstar with a rapidly growing fanbase known as Summerstar! The visuals are already iconic with the long rose gold hair (a wig), jeweled eye masks, and the eye-catching stage outfits! Mousika describes her Summerstar persona as her "rainbow light twin." Her alter ego of sorts is drastically different from how Mousika acts in her everyday personal life- sexy, flirtatious, & energetically friendly. One thing that has been pointed out is her exceptional showmanship! On rare instances where meet-and-greets happen she never refuses an autograph with fans remarking on Summerstar's friendly and approachable demeanor along with her bright infectious smile.

Secretly, Mousika's been enjoying watching Apollo's dumbfounded reaction to not figuring out her identity as Summerstar.

Summerstar's songs are recorded in a soundproof recording studio Mousika built in one of the many unused rooms in the palace.

Her usual personal style is drastically different from her Summerstar persona- toned down & preppy.

A full album has not been released, just promotional singles, her most popular and well known one being "Prismheart." Other fan favorites include "Paint the Sky", "dizzy", "Glitterhaze", and "Ballroom."

Summerstar's music has been described as the love child of orchestral pop & disco.

In the pantheon outside The Horae Mousika is also friends with Iaso (goddess of cures & remedies), Amphictyonis (Amy) (goddess of diplomacy), Eikono (goddess of iconography & literature), Matikós (god of performance), Aegle (goddess of good health), and Makris (one of The Nesoi).

As a birthday gift she got a microphone shaped jeweled Diamond Ave. clutch from Sponde.

Mousika always looks forward to The Horae's girls night out- which usually includes a great dinner & karaoke!

The only beings that know about her dual life is her personal bodyguard/assistant- a female cyclops named Alexandra as well as The Graces' Euphrosyne (who makes her wigs) and Thalia (who designs & makes the stage outfits).

Mousika is very smart and picky about the gigs she chooses to perform in as Summerstar. Her last gig was at The Rainbow Room- the LGBT+ nightclub owned by Ganymede (god of homosexual love & desire) which was streamed live on Fatestagram. Things got a bit exciting and out of control after the performance where she tried lotus dust for the first time! Mousika also partook in a steamy three-way makeout session with two other nymphs- an anthousai & maenad.

She hosts annual school supply drives in downtown New Olympus a few days before the start of the school year.

Her favorite frozen treat is date plum sorbet!

She's looking forward to her vacation- an upcoming trip to Rhodes alongside Makris.

Mousika used to be in a long term relationship with a satyr named Bartholomew (nicknamed Bart). He broke up with her when she came to him with the newfound awareness of her bisexuality.

In her free time she also enjoys painting, jogging, yoga, ballroom dancing, ballet, going to the cinema, going to the theater, and surfing.

Her all time favorite meal is mushroom risotto (added with lots of garlic and green onions).

"Music can heal the wounds which medicine cannot touch."

[celenawrites]

Passing this ask game on: List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last ten people who reblogged something from you! Get to know your mutuals & followers!! <3

Oh gosh, thank you so much for sending this to me <3

Hmm, 5 things out of all the things that make me happy -

#1 - Books. The stories they carry. The smell of the freshly printed pages of the new paperback books. The intricate lettering on hardcovers. The maps and the illustrations of scenes and every visual piece it has for aiding the reader's journey. I have books surrounding me everywhere lol.

#2 - Hot drinks. Tea. Coffee. Hot chocolate. It feels like swallowing ichor and letting it warm you up with every joy life has to offer. Drinking something hot and tasty feels like a warm hug from the inside out, if you know what I mean?

#3 - Writing. I have been a very introverted individual, and writing has always been my salvation. It has been the balm my wounded soul needed in order to heal. It is also the reason why I have loved and lost and met so many people (in real life and online) that I have come to cherish and love. It is the reason why I am alive and the reason I can live life a bit easily, and breathe a little lighter. (Truly I do not know what I'd be like if I didn't write)

#4 - Cafes. I have recently visited Starbucks (it cost me a fortune though) and Costco, and more than the drinks(to be honest, the drinks were pretty good too), I love the ambiance. I loved talking to my friend and my mom and sharing a drink with them and just existing and letting the world surround us and yet pass by us. It felt almost homely. I am actually hoping to revisit those places. Or try to look into more independent cafes I can visit on my own so I can sit there and drink a cup of coffee and study, or draft my manuscript.

#5 - Music. My dad's side of the family has always been more artistically inclined. So I did school choir and learned how to play a few instruments (years of lack of practice had made me forget them all though, so tragic; but I might start learning guitar/violin again so there's hope after all). Music also influences my writing style heavily, but I am a sloth so I need to organize my writing playlists in order to get some work done. :')

[anothermeansofprocrastination]

OK, look.

Remember the 5am Study in Ichor fic I posted a few weeks ago and was planning to update? Because I do. I think about it every day. I want to polish it so badly, but recently something else is occupying my time:

This very thicc boye is the German Code of Social Law. Frankly, when I started this apprenticeship, I massively underestimated how much effort it would take to juggle commuting, work/school and all the other “important” real life stuff with my interests. 

I admire those of you who are able to have all this AND manage to create art because I'm just dead tired by the time I get home. How do you people do that?! Like, I still think starting over has been one of the best choices I've made in a very long time, but man, oh man, it's exhausting! 😅😅😅

I'm positive that I'll find the time to finish it by the end of December. Unless we do go back into full lock down mode which honestly wouldn't be entirely unappreciated - not a fan of sitting in a tiny, freezing class room with 19 other people unable to social distance while watching the number of Covid cases slowly but surely get out of control, but that’s a different story...😬

I guess what I’m trying to say is: I’m still here. This Runner 5 just really needs her naps 😅

[zombiesrunmusical]

TEN HOURS

[reginrokkr]

Tag dump #1:

◟༺✦༻◞ glimpses in the past of a shattered spirit ┊headcanon.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ events to be remembered in blue veins ┊addendum.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ fragments of light from the roots of truth ┊reference.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ analysis within the ley lines ichor ┊study.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ memories are all but forgotten in the river of time ┊queue.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ what use has the veil of falsehood? ┊ask.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ sapphire flames in their wake ┊ic.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ lament of a fallen seraph ┊thread.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ searching for a long lost fate ┊meme.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ ethereal moon dust sunken in ripples of light ┊reflection.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ what lays behind the mantle of faux stars ┊ooc.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ fear not the long night if malice is to fade ┊musings.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ moon on the sky as a trembling heart ┊aesthetic.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ requiem of the echoing depths ┊music.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ sapphire flames in their wake ┊ic.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ crystalline traces splattered with stardust ┊open.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ chaos is hardly different to poison ┊dash comment.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ shall fair divination be imparted ┊dash game.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ trust not the gods; nor overthrow them ┊psa.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ connections of an ancient twilight sword ┊promotions.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ forgo that which is cursed by the gods ┊self promo.┊ ◟༺✦༻◞ gifts to prevail into eternity ┊keepsake.┊

[glitter-pastel-scales]

aahhh i’ve been working on this for a while, and now it’s finally done!!😭🎉

this is a new helluva boss oc i made, her name is Spectra and she’s a unicorn demon.

she’s the daughter of Amdusias, who is a duke of hell.

i was originally going to make her Amdusias, but i decided not to cause her story makes more sense this way lol

Spectra is a very powerful demon, and heir to the throne of Amdusias, but she wants nothing to do with any of it.

after a traumatic incident while trying to preform a spell as a child, she turned against her title and her father, becoming bitter.

said incident is also the cause for the scars on her face/horn/arm.

ever since then she has never tried to use her magic at full power again, for fear of what will happen.

and just like Amdusias, she is good with music.

she is the lead singer in a death metal band, but she can also use her incredibly loud death metal scream as a weapon if need be.

her scream is loud enough to cause a sonic boom.

she prefers to do this over using her magic.

she does occasionally use her magic at very low power for simple tasks like levitation.

she hardly ever transforms into her full demon form, only in emergencies or if she’s extremely angry.

when she is in her full demon form, she can spit toxic black ichor from her mouth.

it causes burns, and if ingested, will kill.

she’s also very emotionally reserved and rarely is vulnerable with anyone, for fear of being hurt.

so she puts up a front of being very tough and intimidating to scare people off.

it’s mostly because of her father who just wants her as an heir, and to continue with her magic studies, rather than as a daughter.

he thinks she’s overreacting about her incident as a kid while preforming a spell, and doesn’t believe she was traumatized.

so she cut him off and went into hiding to escape her role as his heir.

he’s still searching for her, so she changed her name and appearance to try to avoid being found.

so spectra isn’t her original name, i’ll reveal her demon name and her royal demon look at some point lol

and also make a reference for Amdusias.

i think that’s it for now, i really hope yall like her!!😄

[natalieironside]

SO#3: The Life Of Euronymous K. Scruggs

[By Tammy Lynn  O'Hanrahan, correspondent, with the help of Francis L'kthant'gla'ftglth  Smith, Esoteric Church of Starry Wisdom Historical Society]

The history of our  sleepy little community is not particularly well-known outside of  Scruggsdale County, Mississippi, and even life-long residents often only  know the bits and pieces we remember from school.  So, as we prepare to  celebrate our town's 221st Founder's Day, the Scruggsdale Organizer  has teamed up with the Esoteric Church of Starry Wisdom Historical  Society to pen a brief account of the life of our town's founder,  Euronymous K. Scruggs.

Euronymous  Kal'thultra'narath'kal Scruggs was born in Clear Island, County Cork,  Ireland in 1769 to his father, Jonathan Scruggs, and mother, Kalnarath  of the Nameless Deep, both Roman Catholics.  The Scruggs family  immigrated to the newly-established United States of America in 1784  when young Euronymous was 15, fleeing unemployment and anti-Catholic  persecution.  After arriving in Boston, the family moved to the  Mississippi Territory and established themselves on a homestead in the  bluff hills bordering the Yazoo Valley, freshly stolen from the  indigenous Choctaw nation.  There, Jonathan grew tobacco and soy beans,  and young Euronymous began a self-education in philosophy and astronomy,  which would become life-long pursuits.

In 1790, a bout of fever  swept through the area and the Scruggs family became very ill.   Jonathan Scruggs passed away, but Euronymous and his mother recovered,  with Euronymous celebrating his good health by famously declaring, "In  my fevered visions I have seen untold wonders, I have beheld forbidden  secrets fit only for the eyes of the gods, and in truth I have seen that  they--the gods--are false, and that truth lies only in the imperishable  Void.  The terrible burden of this unholy wisdom consumes me, and I  know that deeper secrets and more marvelous horrors await me yet, and I  know this beyond a doubt:  That I, having tasted death, can never die."

Later that year,  Euronymous courted and wed a Baptist preacher's daughter, Miss Kelly  Rosewood, and together they founded the area's first permanent religious  institution, the Esoteric Church of Starry Wisdom, of which the  original structure of white poplar clapboard and mysterious luminous  stone still stands today on Euronymous Boulevard, across from the rec  center.

More families came to  the area to steal more land and establish homesteads of their own, and  in the year 1799, when Euronymous was 30, the town of Scruggsdale was  officially incorporated.  

Shortly after the  founding, Euronymous and Kelly retired from public life in order to care  for Euronymous's ailing mother, who complained of "the poison light of  this world's monstrous sun" and "the putrid, disgusting life of this  lighted world where the cold of the Nameless Deep has never spread."   During this time, Euronymous continued his studies of science and  philosophy, writing books such as That Which Dwells Between The Stars, On The Summoning And Correspondence Of The Nameless Ones (volumes 1 and 2), Scruggsdale Wildflowers And Other Flora: A Field Guide, and the very well-received The Sublime Madness Of The All-Consuming Void, all of which are available in hardback, paperback, and ebook form at the Scruggsdale County Public Library.

In 1810, after  Scruggsdale had grown from a loose collection of homesteads soaked in  indigenous blood into a vibrant and thriving agricultural community  soaked in indigenous blood and the blood and sweat of Black slaves,  Euronymous announced that he planned to take a trip back to his native  Ireland, stating that, "The unholy ichor of my mother's blood and the  grim weight of my father's sins are burdens I may never shed, and so I  shall return to the land of my fathers and, there, beg God for a death  which I know will never come."  He and his beloved wife, Kelly Rosewood  Scruggs, boarded a ship departing from Charleston, South Carolina which  foundered and went down with all hands a few miles off the coast of  County Cork some weeks later.  The couple were survived by twelve  children who would all move away from Scruggsdale over the next several  years, each citing "a nameless and all-consuming Hunger, the name of  which cannot be spoken by any tongue of Men."

Our 221st Founder's Day  celebration will be held next Friday in scenic Euronymous K. Scruggs  Memorial Park, with an outdoor barbecue, live music, and a horseshoe  tournament to mark the occasion.

***

Subscribe for early updates and special bonus content!  https://www.patreon.com/natalieironside  Please do, I’m gay and trans and I don’t have any monies

[khaleesiofalicante]

OK I GOT 5 HOURS OF SLEEP LAST NIGHT WHICH IS PRETTY OK IG (I did stay up to read the fic-) BOTH MY TESTS WENT LIKE SHIT, I HAD AN ANXIETY ATTACK IN PROGRAMMING CLASS BECAUSE BY TEACHER IS A LITTLE SHIT WHO KEPT ON YELLING AT ME WHEN I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING AND I SPENT LUNCH ALONE BUT AT LEAST NOW IM ALONE WITH MY LAPTOP SO YAYAYAYYA

first of all, this chapter right here is my comfort chapter from now on. i said what i said. I will be rereading it again and again just because i can. it was PERFECTION

here's me going crazy at 2 am yesterday.

MAGNUS' CHAPTER

LET'S GO LET'S GO LET'S GO

AHHHHHHH IT'S THEIR ANNIVERSARY

SCREAM

oh

alec shaved his beard because it made him look older

RAFAEL WAS SO UPSET AFTER THE MEXICO ATTACK BECAUSE OF ANJALI RIGHT??

magnus and alec are the oblivious parents istg

“Are you decent?” Max yelled. “I don’t want to be traumatized again.”

“Hey! We agreed not to talk about that!” Alec yelled back.

Im not even surprised at this point

“Happy anniversary, bapa!” Rafael kissed him on the cheek and handed him the flowers.

“Where are my flowers?” Alec asked.

Rafael plucked a rose from the bouquet and threw it at Alec. “Here you go.”

“Thanks, son,” Alec mumbled.

IM WHEEZING

DAVID BAKES

“David made it,” Max said shyly. "

Oh,” Alec replied and then shrugged. “Well, the icing could be a little sweeter I think.”

Ever since Max started dating, Alec had become incredibly protective. Alec liked David of course – it was impossible to find someone who didn’t. But that didn’t mean Alec approved.

And it didn’t help that the blond boy was absolutely terrified of Alec.

ALEC STOP TEASING HIM

THE BOY IS ALREADY SCARED

“I don’t know,” Alec analysed the card. “David used too much glitter.”

“Since when do you have a problem with excessive glitter?” Max demanded.

ALEC

“I didn’t use him!” Max huffed. “He was thoroughly compensated for his efforts!”

“Compensated how?” Alec asked.

“Uh,” Max said. “With donuts.”

when i saw donuts i immediately thought of rose and luisa from jtv

iykyk

but should i continue the show? i got tired of jane continuously embarrasing herself

“You expect us to follow rules?” Alec asked in surprise. “In our own home? On our anniversary?”

The warlock boy grinned wickedly before leaning close to Alec.

“You better do it, or I will tell everyone about your secret,” Max whispered.

Alec blinked at that.

the secret...

I DONT LIKE HOW MANY THINGS POPPED INTO MY HEAD

is highschool musical that bad? i havent watched it. should i?

what if i cried

i just wanna hug alec??? but i cant say it'll be ok because it wont

“Is that why you are not attending?” Magnus grinned at his friend. “Or is it because you are terrified of Georgia?”

“That child is the reincarnation of Christopher Lightwood!” Ragnor complained. “I heard she made explosives out of demon ichor! Who makes explosions out of demon ichor?”

RAGNOR IS PROBABLY GETTING FLASHBACKS

THESE STUPID FUCKING BITCHES

how tf do you think we have survived huh??

medicine that's how

vaccines, anti biotics and what not

stop being close-minded and fucking do it

ok i know the risk is great

BUT OTHERWISE THEY ALL DIE

it was different for warlocks. The Shadow World was their universe. The nephilim kept it safe. At one point in their lives, they had learned to coexist with them, out of necessity and out of obligation.

And now here they were – working together in the name of friendship and love.

how things change...

what

say what

the causes are what

ok let's not jump to conclusions

im fucking crying wtf

alec doesnt deserve this shit

all he's done is make the world a better place

hes worked so hard on this

RAZIEL CAN GO FUCK HIMSELF

what am i supposed to say to my parents if one of them comes to check on me and im sitting here crying at 2 am

He didn’t want to believe in a reality that would punish Alec. Alec who only wanted to do what is good and right.

Alec was who was losing his hope and strength every passing day. Alec who was struggling. Alec who was turning to desperate measures to cope with all the stress.

please alec

no please

THE ANGELS ARE BITCHES

Because if Magnus found out Raziel was the one causing all this pain for Alec, he would march up to heaven and set the bastard on fire himself.

AND I'LL GO WITH HIM

KNEW THE SPY WAS LIVVY

AWW RAGNOR LIKES SELENA THATS SO SWEET

blue and gold

STOP IT IM CRYING AGAIN

The shadowhunter was a good influence on him. Magnus hoped Alec would see it sooner rather than later.

HUH

HUHU

HUH

omg

GIGI GETTING A SIBLING

“Max isn’t allowed to do a lot of things,” Magnus chuckled. “But he does them anyway.”

thats my boi

GASP

]THE NECKLACE

rafael is growing into the consul voice

they grow up so fast

nope nope he's still the little 5 year old

voice cracking what do you mean he's 20

im glad hes happy with mila. or is he...?

Magnus had deduced as much. Alec lived in his beautifully oblivious world. But Magnus noticed.

He noticed the hickeys. He noticed the late-night visits. He noticed the tense phone calls.

well thank god there's at least one non-oblivious person (alec i love you so much but you are very very oblivious)

“What’s stopping you then?” Magnus asked.

"2554 miles,” Rafael chuckled sadly.

me with all my online friends

probably more miles

Magnus tried to do the math but promptly gave up.

me

But Alec did lie though. Magnus pushed the thought away.

NOT NOW

LET ME LIVE IN PEACEFUL OBLIVION

HUSH

“Except melt it?” Rafael chuckled.

“Yes,” Magnus chuckled back. “As you can see, the bar is extremely low in the Lightwood family.”

AHHIUCCDSKUHDCV

i have no clue what the words describing the outfit are

time to google

OK PRETTY

Fifteen years. Fifteen years of loving and Alec still made his heart stutter.

dont do this to me right now I WILL CRY

“What the hell?” Max exclaimed. “Why are you all dressed up?”

“In case you haven’t noticed, it’s my anniversary,” Alec chuckled.

Max-

Fifteen years. Fifteen years and Magnus still took Alec’s breath away.

HJCSDHJBJDHSGCDYGJVVC JHVDFYMJ

it's not funny MY EYES ARE WATERING

“Bapak is a good looking one in the family,” Rafael pointed out. “You are the chaotic one and I am the smart one.”

“What am I then?” Alec asked dryly. “A sack of potatoes?”

“You’re the sexy one,” Magnus grinned. “A sexy sack of potatoes.”

yes.

Alec grinned back and leaned forward. Magnus put his hands around Alec’s neck and kissed him. He kissed Alec with all the love he had inside his heart.

Just like the first time. Just like the hundredth time. Just like the thousandth time.

Because with Alec, every kiss mattered. Every single one.

muffled sob

“Stop making out, oh my god!” Max groaned.

Magnus sensed a pillow coming their way but Rafael caught it before it hit them.

“Max, stop!” Rafael scolded. “You will wrinkle dad’s suit and ruin bapak’s hair! I spent hours ironing both!”

why is max me when i see people display affection in front of me

ALSO RAFAEL HKUIUIDCSKIHUDFVHJDFVHU

“They are here,” Rafael said. “You two better look exactly the way you did when I left with Max or I will raise hell.”

IM SCREAMING

Selena was wearing a blue crop top with the words “MIND YOUR OWN UTEREUS” written in gold.

i need that top

DAVID'S SHIRT IS THE COLOR OF MAX'S MAGIC

AHH ISABELLE DOESNT KNOW SHE'S PREGNANT YET

The argument of “who gave the best gift” had started when Jace and Izzy had gotten drunk on vodka. It didn’t help that Alec had gotten drunk as well. All three Lightwood siblings had then proceeded to have an argument about who had the best spouse. The whole night had been drunken chaos. Magnus, Clary and Simon had let them have it since the Lightwood siblings had a tendency to carry the world on their shoulders even when nobody asked them. They rarely ever let loose ever since their worlds had plunged into sickness and demon attacks. Especially Alec. So, Magnus had let his husband be that 18-year-old boy again. The boy who got drunk and fought with his siblings and sang songs about Magnus’ pretty eyes.

OH MY GOD THE CHAOS

Georgia considered that. “I’m not allowed to melt it, right?”

“No,” they all replied in chorus.

LET GIGI MELT IT

SELENA IM SO PROUD OF YOU

“Dad,” Max said. “Can you keep a picture of me wearing this necklace in your office?”

“Why?” Rafael asked.

“I think it will piss off the boomers,” Max giggled.

“Nice!” Lexi grinned. “A downworlder wearing a shadowhunter heirloom? They will lose their heads. Uncle Alec, you must do it.”

“I will do you one better. I will hang a tapestry,” Alec chuckled.

YASSS I CANT WAIT FOR THE SHADOWHUNTERS TO BE PISSED

AWW THEY DIDNT KNOW THE NECKLACE USED TO BELONG TO MAGNUS

he actually gave to camille first-

Why couldn’t this boy just cause chaos during his travel year like the rest of them? Why did he actually study and do his research as recommended?

why would you NOT study and research during your travel year????

oh shit

well well well

david bby stfu

i love you but pls stop speaking for all our sakes

“Holy shit,” Max said. “It is expensive then!”

“Don’t pawn the ruby!” Rafael warned.

MAX NO-

OH THE STONE COMES FROM EDOM

oh no

pls dont fight

oh so i was wrong about magus confronting him from that snippet

all you need to know is im sobbing right now and grammarly is the only thing making this coherent

dont mind me just

NO I FORGOT ABOUT MAX AND DAVID

GET BACK IN THE ROOM YOU IDIOTS

don't do this to me at 3 am

OK THE DILF PART

thank you for adding light into my life again

(me while editing this: today really isn't my day huh? i just slipped in rainwater outside my balcony because I heard rain and ran there. now my knee and back hurt and I think I sprained (?) my toe-

ANYWAY

wait im gonna go check out the rain and then continue editing this

ok i got bored of the rain)

that made me laugh through my tears

“Objectively good looking?” Jace snorted. “Excuse you, but my parabatai is smoking hot! He is a freaking prize, okay? If we had a magazine for hot shadowhunters, you would be on the cover page. Every single issue.”

“Okay, that’s enough!” Alec interrupted. “Magnus, are you happy? Now all my friends have told me I am pretty.”

“I said smoking hot,” Jace corrected.

“We are not being biased,” Clary pointed out. “It is the general consensus, Alec.”

“It’s true,” Lexi said. “So many people have asked me for your number, Uncle Alec. And I would have given it to them if I wasn’t worried about being turned into a marshmallow.”

LEXI DUHDUGHUDFCUHKVDFUIKFDU

“Dad, I don’t know why you are so worried,” Max said in a bored tone. “You’re a told DILF.”

David choked on his champagne and Jace patted him on the back.

“What the hell is a DILF?” Alec demanded.

“Oh, I know this one!” Jace said excitedly. “It means Dashing and Irresistible Looking Father. Max is right, you are a total DILF.”

“Mr. Herondale-” David raised a hand.

“I heard one of the shadowhunters in their travel year calling me a DILF too,” Jace said proudly.

THAT IS NOT WHAT DILF MEANS OH MY GOD

“It’s not a rumour,” Selena spoke up and passed her phone. “There is a group chat at Scholomance just to thirst after you.”

add me to it

ALL THE COMMENTS I CANT BREATHE

“Alec Lightwood can run me over with a Maserati and I would thank him.”

“Give me that,” Izzy grabbed the phone and started giggling. “Petition for Consul Alec Lightwood-Bane to stab me with his mortal sword.”

“Isabelle!” Alec hissed, cheeks flaming. “Stop it!”

“I want one!” Jace grabbed the phone now. “By the Angel!”

“Read it!” the kids yelled in chorus.

“I would gladly let Consul Lightwood-Bane inspect my mortal instruments,” Jace chuckled and threw the phone at David.

David shook his head vehemently and threw it at Max.

“My body is just a hole for Alec Lightwood,” Max read out loud and started laughing so hard that he fell off his chair.

Lexi grabbed the phone and giggled. “I want the Consul to strip off my runes among other things.”

She passed the phone to Gigi, who looked at the phone and look at Alec.

“Uncle Alec,” the girl said. “This person wants you to crush them with your massive archer arms.”

“Give me that,” Rafael grabbed it now. “Aw, this one is a classic, dad. Alec Lightwood turned me gay.”

He threw the phone at Simon, who stared the screen and looked up. “Uh, I don’t think I can read this one out loud in front of the kids.

“Is this the one about the basement?” Selena chuckled and Simon nodded.

WHAT'S THE BASEMENT ONe

TELL ME

AWW GIGI AND LEXI PUTTING MAKEUP ON DAVID AND MAX RECORDING IT

google translator time

oooo Rafael's gonna talk with Mila

Magnus you're such a good father

seriously

“Sometimes things are just sad. So, you need to let yourself be sad.”

YES

SAY IT LOUDER

THEY ARE UNDER THE BED

AHHH MAX AND DAVID

DAVID CALLED HIM MY ANGEL IN FRENCH

Alec and Magnus hiding under the bed and spying on them is just-

Jace had tried to give Max the shovel talk and had gotten a little too emotional.

of course, he did smh I love him so much

“David doesn’t need a shovel talk,” Alec smiled. “He knows what would happen to him if he hurts my son.”

David gulped. “You will throw me into the silent city?”

“I will ask me husband to portal you to hell,” Alec said – Consul Voice. “We have relatives there.”

the beloved relatives yes

“Goodnight,” Jace gave them a salute. “Have fun inspecting Magnus’ mortal instruments.”

JACE

OH SO THE QUESTION WAS ABOUT SMOKING

damn it

oh my god guys he said he'll stop smoking

just lemme have this moment

my boy's lungs will be intact

HIS LUNGS WILL BE OK

“I can’t wait to see all the messages on the chat after that,” Magnus giggled.

Alec looked up. “I’m more than a tall glass of water, Magnus!”

SCREAMING

In his dream, he saw them again. But they weren’t smiling this time.

what

wait

THE PROPHETIC DREAMS

nope nope nope

Nah I don't know what you're talking about

haha

damn, I think I really hurt my back...

OK BUT THE IMMORTALITY ANGST???? WAS SO SO GOOD???? I know it makes me cry but is it bad that I'm always so excited for angst written by you because of HOW GOOD it is????

"When I die I will love you from my grave" I NEED THIS ON MY FOREHEAD OH MY GOD I LOVE THESE TWO SO SO MUCH

alright I need to get something for my back and my knee (I'm home alone so this will be fun)

OK, I THINK THE NEXT CHP WILL BE ANJALI'S POV I JUST FEEL IT!!! I miss my girl so much I hope she's doing ok. Jaime too...

I'm rereading all of these chapters after chapter 10 because why not. Bye!!

OKAY I AM GLAD YOU LIKED IT BUT I AM ALSO DEEPLY WORRIED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH.

I hope your knee and back feels better soon!

also fuck that teacher yelling something doesn't make people understand it any better ugh dumb piece of shit anyway screw that person.

I hope you get some good rest and recovery from this rollercoaster of a day.

Take care!

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Mesembria (Kingdom of Ichor)

Nicknames- Mom by her daughter

Bria by the others

Age- 35 (immortal)

Location- New Olympus, Olympius (The Royal Palace)

Personality- A realist through & through, she looks at the world around her as they are, dealing with it practically. She's also independent, honest, & straightforward- a true "go-getter doer." She's currently single.

She has the standard abilities of a goddess except shapeshifting. Being the goddess of the afternoon her other powers/abilities include limited circadian manipulation, limited umbrakinesis (as it pertains to shadows), limited photokinesis, and limited aerokinesis (not on par with Gaia, Zeus, Demeter, Aeolus, or Nephele). She's at her most strongest from 12 pm through 5 pm.

Bria is a member of The Horae, a fellow "Guardian of the Gates." Aside from being a tour guide docent when the palace is open to tourists and citizens as well as picking up a shift or two at the royal gift shop, Bria also sells rides on her dragon Zenith for 10 drachmas a piece!

She lives in an apartment suite at the royal palace with her daughter Dysis (goddess of the sunset). The color scheme for the apartment is sky blue, pastel mint green, cream, teal, & white. Gorgeous linen and silk curtains hang from the windows. Framed aesthetic photographs she's taken cover the walls in addition to watercolor paintings & various caricature drawings.

Bria gets around the city through use of her animal conpanion. Zenith is an agile and nimble she-dragon that has pale silver-gray crests, horns, & claws with lapis blue scales and wings (that has shimmery silver accents). Miraculously, the colors of her flames are electric blue!

Aside from her daughter (in which their bond is more like "best girlfriends" than the traditional mother/daughter relationship), her immediate family also includes her fraternal twin sister Hesperis (goddess of the evening & sunset) and her nieces Halcyone (Hallie), Erytheis, & Hesperia (The Hesperides). Bria doesn't get to see them often, so her relationship with them have always been distant. Despite this, Bria still feels protective of her baby sister, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart.

She always starts off her mornings with a session of meditation followed by an appointment with her acupuncturist.

A favorite breakfast of hers are toasted & buttered english muffins, sausage links, scrambled eggs (loaded with kale, onions, black olives, & mushrooms), and garlic seasoned home fries. Bria also likes the Golly Grains brown sugar pecan cereal.

A go-to drink for her is a blue mimosa (which uses blue curacao instead of orange juice). She also likes classic martinis, cola, lemon-lime soda, iced tea, water, rum & cokes, and cinnamon roll milkshakes from The Frozen Spoon. She also likes the large iced mocha coffee & the small spiced apple cider from The Roasted Bean.

Though she gets along with the other members of The Horae, Bria finds herself closer to Nymphe (goddess of self-care), Gymnasia (goddess of excercise & gymnastics), Anatole (goddess of sunrise), Mousika (goddess of studying & music), and Arktos (goddess of the night sky & constellations).

She prefers e-books & audiobooks to physical books.

Her favorite thing to get from The Bread Box is the classic hoagie sandwich.

She usually wears her hair in the style of goddess locs. Bria maintains the upkeep with the use of the Glory's Crown healthy hair oil blend.

Aside from her main responsibilities, she has a couple of other endeavors, one being the debut of her cafeteria style adult eatery in downtown New Olympus called O Estiatório, which prides itself on serving lunch items with an "adult gourmet twist." A menu item quickly gaining popularity is the boozy grilled cheese- made with beer battered bread and oozy melted cheese with champagne added in! The restaurant's grad opening was one of the greatest days in Bria's life! She's also currently developing a signature parfum. Bria hasn't decided on a name, but has picked out the notes of fragrance- sandalwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, cedarwood, & amberwood. For other work/means of income she also models for/endorses Heavenly Spark (Zeus' lingerie brand), and Megaleio.

Bria has a casual fashion style- her favorite fashion item being blue skinny jeans of all shades! Her favorite brands to buy jeans from are Luxuria- the fashion brand of Hera (goddess of women & marriage), Nocturnal Vibez‐ the fashion brand of Artemis (goddess of the hunt & moon), and Persuasions- the clothing brand of Peitho (goddess of persuasion & sensuality). She's also a fan of fitted denim jackets, ankle boots, and high top sneakers.

A guilty pleasure for her are olympian sized crinkle cut fries with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Outside The Horae Bria's also friends with Alectrona (goddess of the sun & morning), Nárkosi (goddess of sedation), Thilasmós (goddess of nursing), Hesychia (goddess of quiet, stillness, rest, & silence), Sophrosyne (goddess of moderation, temperance, & restraint), Horkos (god of oaths), Sophia (goddess of thought), Amphictyonis (Amy) (goddess of diplomacy), as well as several daughters of the Titan couple Oceanus & Tethys, like Telesto.

She finds it odd that single parentage amongst the pantheon isn't generally looked down upon, but among the other beings, especially the mortals, there's always an opinion. Bria knew from the time that she matured that she wanted to become a mother on her own.

Her favorite treat is a slice of the most decadent flourless chocolate cake from Cocoa Delights, the chocolate shop owned by Pandaisia (goddess of banquets).

One recent birthday gift was the jeweled Diamond Ave. clock clutch from Mousika.

She loves snacking on pickles!

Bria is aware of her sister's "situationship" with the Atlas (Titan god of strength & endurance). Hesperis forbade her from vocalizing her opinions so Bria did the next best thing. She traveled to Corinth where she "accidentally" walked up on the reclusive god on his private beach. In short, she warned him that if he ever hurt her sister, her punishment will make the one Zeus handed out look like a joke.

As far as her love life, her last serious relationship was with Favian (god of philosophy). They dated for almost six years and she never introduced him to her daughter and was near impossible to compromise on certain issues & values. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Bria still has a business relationship with him, being that Favian invested in her restuarant. For now she's enjoying her true freedom and independence, but has also been enjoying messaging Olympos (one of The Ourea) on Fatestagram.

When it's possible for her, Bria wants to one day hopefully own the most expensive pair of jeans- a pair of bootcut style jeans from Diamond Ave. This denim has 15 gems, all sewn in the pants’ back pocket. The 15 diamonds include 10 single carat diamonds (69,000 drachmas), a 4.63 carat marquise cut diamond (141,000 drachmas), two 6-carat round brilliant cut diamonds (340,000 drachmas each), a 5.09 carat princess cut (144,000 drachmas), and a 5.27 pear cut (186,000 drachmas). The jeans, a limited amount made, comes with a 1.3 million drachma price tag.

In her free time Bria enjoys basketball, riding on dragonback, spending time with her daughter, jogging, indoor sky diving, bowling, going to museums, going to the cinema, reading, napping, baseball, cooking, & playing video games.

Her all time favorite meal is macaroni salad.

"Think in the morning. Act in the noon."

[savagesbonergarage]

Nightsister OC pics and backstory ❤️

So I kinda got my Nightsister oc worked out today!

Meet Eilantha!

No makeup and with makeup since I like both. :) I know her outfit is Rey’s, but it turned out to be the one I liked best after going through all of them. This was so much fun to do! I’m on mobile rn so I don’t have a link, but search ‘rinmaru star wars avatar creator’ and it should be the first result.

The nightbrother is also an oc called Sever. He’s more bulky in my head and his tattoos are different and more brown than black, but whatevs. Also he looks more like a teenager here, which is NOT the vibe, lads. Mans is in his late 20's-early 30's. 👍

I know I’m sorta biased and all since she’s mine, but I’m in love with her? I’m not a huge fan of the Nightsisters and their misandry and general terrible-ness, but this girl is the exception. 💕 Learn more about her under the cut if you’d like. :)

She was born in 46BBY, making her around 27 in the final year of the clone wars. From the time she was a youngling it was clear that she had a natural affinity for magicks and spellcasting, which allowed her to participate in more advanced rituals and rites from an early age. This inevitably caused some contention among the sisters in her age group that felt this privilege was wasted on her, and therefore she had few friends during her time within the coven. She didn’t really mind, as she preferred to spend her days on her own anyway, learning as much as she could about whatever she fancied (usually spells that piqued her interest whose texts she discreetly snuck from within the cavern).

When she wasn’t studying, she loved music - writing, playing, and singing. It wasn’t anything like the typical malicious sounds of tribal chanting and drums you’d hear from within the grotto; not that she didn’t appreciate that also as she practiced it well, but her heart leaned toward a softer, more soothing genre of arias and melodies, bordering on lullabies based on her wanderlust, and, though she’d never admit it, her loneliness.

As she reached adulthood, she underwent the trials for her dark baptism as all Sisters did, which consisted of returning from a challenging hunt to add a token from her kill to the Water Of Life, and receiving her ichor tattoos that signified her coming-of-age before being ritualistically bathed in the ominous liquid which sanctioned her as an active member of the Nightsisters.

After this, I have two different routes (or however many, depending on who I’m shipping her with at the moment 😅 bc I ship her with everyone, no lie) that I like to take with her story. The first is expanded upon in the fic by @fallenrepublick here (still my favorite thing!) where she starts sneaking away into the nightbrother village and befriends Savage and Feral before they go through Asajj’s selection trails. This is the nicer, less-traumatic arc.

This next one gets really, really dark. I'm not going to post it all here bc honestly this post doesn't need all that angst, so I'll save that for later. Essentially, I like to think that Eilantha did at one time have a nightbrother of her own (Sever) that she actually loved, rather than treated as a slave. As you can imagine it doesn't end well, but we're not gonna get into that. We'll talk about how they meet. :)

Instead of sneaking away to the village, Eilantha is pressured into conducting her own selection trails by Mother Talzin. She doesn’t inherently have any reason to object, after all, she was taught that this is was simply the way of things. Part of her even looked forward to obtaining a manservant, whose loyalty would belong to her and her alone.

Perhaps he’d be a useful asset when it came to sneaking spelltomes to and from the vaults, and maybe he’d even be the only one staying by her side while she practiced her songs. What if he’d even appreciate them? Not that he’d have much of a choice, but the thought was comforting nonetheless.

From the moment she stepped foot in the village, all she could focus on was the feeling of the uneasy and fearful gazes of the men who undoubtedly knew more of what was to come than she did. She chose her roster at random, unsure of what she should have really been looking for or what she actually wanted from a servant. Even before the fighting, she knew deep down that she didn’t want to inflict any unnecessary harm on them…but why? From what she’d overheard at home, the violence was half the fun.

It wasn’t.

She evaded and blocked every blow with ease, yet avoided retaliating and taking the offensive in any manner that would prove fatal, causing the battle to go on far longer than anticipated to the point where Brother Viscus insisted that she take the next opening for the kill. With reluctance, the blade of her weapon collided with the ribs of the next brother to reveal himself a target. She watched in horror as the light faded from his hateful, reflective eyes, and she was nearly sick. She didn’t want to do it, but it had been done, and it couldn’t be undone. His body thudded against the ground and she screamed.

“Enough!”

The battlefield went silent, and as she came to her senses she attempted to save face.

“I’ll have none of them!”

Before Brother Viscus could interject with any alternative propositions, she was gone. She ran, fleeing as far away across the rocky terrain as she could. She didn’t cry; at least not until she was certain she was alone. She felt so pathetic - Nightbrothers were meant to be disposable, yet she couldn’t handle killing one. Her shame shifted into heartbreak, and she crouched low and wept for the death of the brother she’d just caused, as well as for all those who came before him. All the needless, thankless, mindless deaths of these men whose lives may not have mattered to the Sisters, but they mattered to someone.

As night fell, she trudged along the jagged landscape and thought of what explaination she’d give to Mother Talzin upon returning home. She had run in the opposite direction of where her speeder was stationed at the base of the village, so she had plenty of time to consider on the long journey back. She casually hummed a tune to herself in some meager attempt to self-soothe, which served to distract the shadow that had been trailing her for some time. The sound of a twig snapping in the rocks behind her alerted her to the presence and she confronted him.

"Are you lost?" she asked in a derogatory tone after he revealed himself.

"I'm not."

Of course not, this was his home, after all. She couldn't say the same for herself, however, she pressed him further.

"Then why are you following me? I never asked for an escort."

The amber-skinned nightbrother looked as though he were choosing his words carefully, though if his aim was self-preservation he'd done a terrible job of it.

"I saw you crying."

Eilantha was hit with a pang of embarrassment, though she feigned otherwise as her eyes met the ground.

"Well, you can forget what you saw. Now leave me alone."

She turned away, but the brother remained there in quiet contemplation before he spoke again.

"I've never seen a Sister cry. I've never seen a Sister feel."

Something about those words struck her directly in her heart. The confirmation that she was inherently considered to be a heartless monster in the view of these villagers hurt a little more than anticipated, though she had no right to refute it. No amount of apologies would ever remedy the divide that separated the Nightsisters from the Nightbrothers, regardless of how she felt. She clenched her fist as she turned to face him again.

“I said, leave me alone. Don’t make me-”

She actually choked on her words, unable to say the rest.

Don’t make me put you in your place.

Despite her partial warning, the nightbrother stepped closer. He grabbed the edge of his already tattered tunic and tore a piece of it off, inspecting it for cleanliness before holding it out to her. Eilantha froze, uncertain of what to make of this interaction.

“You aren’t done,” he explained.

She hadn’t realized that her hot tears continued pouring down her cheeks during her retort. She accepted the cloth with some reluctance, her dainty fingers lightly brushing against his as she took it and dabbed it against her wet face. He promptly turned and started walking away, as instructed. This strange...kindness, or rather, strange act of servitude via obligation perturbed the young witch, whose thoughts were now fixated solely on the zabrak male.

“Wait, Brother,” she implored.

He paused, resuming his attention to her after hearing the endearing use of “brother” from a Sister’s lips for the first time. She continued, an unusual softness in her tone.

“What is your name?”

“It’s Sever,” he revealed, “May I ask yours, Sister?”

She repeated his name in her mind, determined never to lose it.

“Eilantha.”

He did the same, only out loud. Gods, it was an enticing sound.

"Will you be returning?"

This was a question she wasn't prepared to receive, and one that she herself didn't fully know the answer to. Her reply was engineered from a concerned sigh.

"I'm not sure. It might be problematic returning to the coven empty-handed. I may come back, I may not. I don't know what the future holds."

Sever pursed his lips slightly.

"If you do find yourself here again, will you..."

He coughed into his fist and centered himself before continuing.

"Will you consider me?"

Her eyes shot up to meet his hopeful gaze, a golden yellow in the night. She had a hunch as to what he was alluding to, but a little clarification was needed.

"Consider you...?"

He swallowed, his countenance displaying concern that perhaps he was stepping too far out-of-bounds this time, but he wanted to know all the same.

"As your mate."

Eilantha clutched the piece of fabric in her hand. This man was offering himself to her. The images of all the nightbrothers staring her down when she first arrived with fear in their faces raced through her mind, revealing the dread the men felt when they were met with her kind, and yet this one was volunteering. She wasn't sure if she should be flattered or angry, as any other Sister likely would be at a savage that dared to seek special permissions. Of course, she wasn't like that.

Imagining him as her mate, however, was certainly...something. She thought of how she would discover just how much of him was tattooed and he would learn the same of her. She could claim him right then and there if she wanted, and he would be obliged to obey. It would solve her worries about returning home if she decided on a servant after all, although, her soul was unsteady. Though she was entitled to any male she desired, she couldn't allow herself to do it. Even though this man was offering, it would weigh on her conscience knowing that even a part of him would only be with her out of fear and obligation, rather than his own free will. This nightbrother wasn't free. None of them were.

"I'll consider it," she replied genuinely.

This news seemed to please him to some extent, a tiny smirk curling at the corner of his lip.

"I'll look forward to the possibility of serving you, Sister Eilantha."

She watched as he turned a final time and disappeared further into the darkness, leaving her alone with her busied mind.

The course was set for the Nightsister temple once she finally got to her speeder, servant-less. She looked over her shoulder to see multiple pairs of glowing golden eyes quizzically prying at her in the darkness, and she smiled before taking off.

It was a long journey home, and the entire trip her mind was occupied with thoughts of the intriguing zabrak male who saw her for what she truly was. She pulled out the tattered cloth from her pocket and pressed it against her chest as the wind rushed all around her before bringing it to her lips and kissing it.

It became her greatest treasure.

That is, until she finally had the real deal in her arms months later when the separation became too much to bear, and they arranged to meet in secret during their first rendezvous of many.

Sever, my treasure.

[perseusjackson-jasongrace]

Crimson Shadows 2

Jercy Vampire AU: Percy

masterlist; information post for fic

I was debating whether i should change traditional things like greetings but then i realised this is my fic and im writing it for purely self indulgent purposes so like i could if i wanted. Thanks for joining in on my hedonism! Please enjoy.

Perseus steps onto the creaky wooden floor of his ostentatious 16th century mansion and mentally reminds himself for the two-hundredth time that he needs to get someone in to fix it. The worst thing about being immortal, he has come to learn, is that he procrastinates everything ten times harder. At least his teenage self would be impressed with his tactics, even if his mother was rolling in her grave.

The house is unusually quiet for an Orion morning and he strains his already sonic hearing to catch the sounds of silent footfalls and bustling bodies. But the wind rushes through the space and there are no other noises. A flutter gives in his chest as he steps into the kitchen to find breakfast waiting for him and a note folded neatly next to it.

Hey Doc,

Twins have gone to Bharatanatyam class and Hoku went to the beach. I’m just picking stuff up at the grocer, be home in a jiff.

- Keeya

He releases a breath and sits down at the table with a smile. The delicious smell of eggs and blood hit him as he takes off the cover to reveal a plate of eggs benedict, hash-browns and a small glass of ichor. He shoots down the blood, content to let it work through him as he gobbles down the heavenly breakfast. He knows Keeya cooked because she was always experimenting with food, always in here creating dishes and making them beg to eat whatever is giving off that sublime smell. Just as he cuts into a hash brown he hears the door shut and hurried footsteps rushing towards him.

“To the Sun,” Keeya flurries into the kitchen, face blocked by brown paper bags stuffed to the brim with what he’s sure to be her latest concoction.

“Amongst the Stars,” His lips twitch in amusement, “Early morning?”

“I couldn’t sleep so i-” Her voice muffles as she busies herself packing items in the pantry, “-thought I’d start on breakfast but while i was looking for an eggs benny recipe i came across this golden cake and-” Her head pops out of the pantry, black eyes flashing with excitement, “Doc when i tell you i almost died right there, it sounded so good. Anyway of course i had to leave immediately to get all the things we didn’t have.” She finally collapses onto a stool across from him and takes a breath.

He hides a laugh and waits for the rest of the story, because with Keeya there is always more. 

“Anyway i get to the shop-” She starts. He covers his inescapable laugh with a cough. “And they don’t have desiccated coconut. Can you believe that? I mean it’s the main ingredient in the damn cake. So I was panicking a little because it’s the closest shop open at that time, the others I'd have to take a train for which is so inconvenient?” She gives him an incredulous look. He nods seriously; inside he is fighting off giggles. “But they found some in the back, thank the stars, and then I just grabbed a few things because it’s ‘make your own pizza’ night and I think some people from the Araw house are joining us.”

“Sounds fun, is Elouan going to be here?” He pops the last bit of poached egg in his mouth and looks at her expectantly.

She makes a disapproving face, “No, he’s off with his new partner. I don’t trust them at all.”

“Why?” Perseus is on guard immediately, fingers curling, hair sensitive, and gums stinging with the need to unsheathe his fangs. 

“Their vibe is off,” Her nose scrunches up, “Like they’re used to getting into trouble and bailing out.”

“I’ll tell Elly to be careful but maybe go with him next time Kee,” He suggests, a tentative look in his eyes as her own widen.

“All we’ll do is argue, and besides, he hates me hanging out with his friends.”

“Ever asked him why?” He has a feeling about it but he’ll never voice it. No, the two can come to their own conclusions. After all, they had forever to figure it out.

“I don’t care why. He’s a dick and I'm not interested in anything he has to say.”

He shrugs but leaves the conversation, and the kitchen, so Keeya can do her thing. He has some admin to do anyway; a dreary task but one that must be done all the same. Besides without the twins and Hoku the house is absurdly silent, so he needs something to occupy himself.

His study is actually a little desk situated in their library. It’s his favourite room in the house for the opulent fireplace that stays lit through Baridi and serves as a soot-slide in Caldu, and of course the books which although he doesn't read many of, remind him of his mother. He has been alive for almost three hundred years and there is hardly a day that goes by when he doesn’t think of her. For every part of him that isn’t human, there’s a part of her that makes him so. He stares up at the portrait of her hanging near the doorway, painted by a friend long gone and with a loving smile gets to work.

He sorts, and signs, and stamps, and notes in an endless cycle until finally his finances are in order, his donations are chequed and his letters are sealed. He’s sure Hoku will groan endlessly about receiving yet another letter under their pillow and try to explain that email is much more convenient and faster for everyone. Perseus tilts his head to the ceiling and watches the stars dance as he plays out the conversation in his head.

“Doc, I really appreciate the effort you put into sending us letters but this is not the eighteenth century, just use email.”

“Hoku i like the letters, they’re personal and calming to write.”

“Doc, emails are more convenient and i can take them anywhere.”

“Okay I’ll stop giving you letters. I’ll just give the others.”

“What? No? That’s a terrible idea. I still want my letters.”

And they would have the conversation every month without fail. It is a rather amusing part of the routine and sometimes Perseus purposefully makes Hoku’s letters a little longer, just to bother them. A secret best kept as such, but funny nonetheless.

“DOC!” A voice screams through the house, shattering his ear drums.

The twins.

He steps out of the library, and half jogs to the source of the noise, which he discovers is coming from the entertainment room. 

“To the Sun, you two.”

Serafina looks up first, her brown eyes shining with never-ending energy. The anklets on her feet jingle as she runs towards him and slams her body into his. He holds firm as he catches her and wraps his arms around her shoulders.

“Amongst the Stars,” She mumbles, face buried in his shirt.

“How was Bharatanatyam?”

She gasps, stepping out of his embrace and squealing with delight. “Doc we have to show you what we learnt! Aaru come!” Her dark eyebrows knit together as she focuses on her brother.

“Tusa Aarush.” Perseus smiles, squatting down so he’s level with the boy. A little hand, the colour of cherry wood, reaches up to give him a high-five. A standard greeting for the quiet brother; a complete opposite to his outgoing sister.

“Aaru are you ready?” Serafina comes to stand beside them, after setting up the sound system.

He nods and moves so they’re in the middle of the room. Quickly they do the opening prayer before Serafina bounces to the sound bar and presses play. The sweet, sturdy music fills the room and then they're going through a whole routine. Stamping their feet in a rhythm that matches the beat perfectly. Aarush pinches his fingers and fans them out. A closed flower opening, he recognises. They do a series of moves all impressive and beautiful, before the music fades and they pose, breathless with exertion and excitement. 

He claps enthusiastically and opens his arms for hugs. “You did wonderfully!” Serafina slams into him. Aarush gives him another high-five. “When is the performance?”

“Not for a long time Doc.” The little girl says, as if he should know this. She heads off to fiddle with the speakers. 

“In two months,” Aaru answers. His voice is clear and even. He is quiet but not soft. “In Pluto.”

“Ah, I'll make sure I have it down in the calendar.” The little boy's face lights up like a stadium and Perseus’ heart clenches with love. The twins had only been living with him for half a century but within the first year they had him completely wrapped around his fingers. Their claimed age is ten but their true age is one hundred and two. He found them shivering behind a dumpster in Orman, their skin stretched across their bones and that rabid look of underfed vampire in their eyes. He had taken them in and given them blood and a bed for the night, which turned into a week, and then a month. Before he knew it he was bringing them to this house in Roshani where they had immediately fallen in love with the city and made it their home.

“Fina, i’m going to shower.” Aarush states and without further flurry he leaves.

“Is everything okay with classes? All of them, not just Bharatanatyam.” Perseus asks the talkative twin.

“Yes,” She nods, unclipping her anklets. Her voice lowers, serious bleeding in. It is hard to forget their age, true or claimed, when this happens. Because suddenly their bubbly little girl who flits around the house and talks your ear off and throws herself into everything with the vivacity of a ten year old, disappears. In her place is the century old girl who has experienced more of life’s pleasures and hardships than most of the world can only begin to imagine.

“We’re covered for everything. And Aaru starts teaching a new linguistics course on Monday so he’ll have some cash to fling around. Although,” She rolls her eyes, “We all know he’ll just put it in his account and let it sit like a fat cat.”

He laughs, flicking her nose at her distaste for her brother’s complete lack of spending. “He likes to invest in stocks and give it away. You know he doesn’t hoard.”

“I know i know,” She grumbles, scrunching her nose, “I just wish he’d spend some on himself.”

“I think he thinks you spoil him enough.”

“I don’t spoil him nearly enough. Most times I try to buy him something and he just shuts it down. Like last Draco i tried to buy him that new puzzle he was talking about and he just slammed my laptop shut.”

She looks so put out he can't help but giggle, and when she scowls at him for it he pulls her in for a hug and kisses her head. “He likes to do things with you. Maybe try getting things you guys can do together.” She brightens at that, and he can see the gears turning in her sharp mind. “Alternatively, save up all the buying for special occasions like Birthdays or Turning or Koro day.” She hums in acknowledgement but her thoughts are still going a mile a minute so he steps out and lets her work it through.

The house is alive again: Keeya is still in the kitchen, and by the sounds of it Hoku too, begging for something. Elouan still isn’t in and he cannot stop the trinkle of worry that falls between his ribs. Trying to keep it out of his mind he walks towards the noise and is greeted by the site of countertops covered in dishes filled with all sorts of delights. The smell is enough to put him in a coma. And Hoku sits on the counter, pale blue eyes puppy-wide with pleading. He glances to their wrist and sees the sunshine yellow band. She/her today then. It gets exhausting, she had told them, to continuously have to announce yourself to the world, especially when you didn’t know how the world would react. 

“Hoku,” Keeya sighs, “I am not giving you the poli until you go and change. You smell like seaweed.” The coconut-stuffed pastry pockets sit on the counter, still piping hot from the oil they had just been fried in. 

“Awww come on Kee, i just need one. I’ll pass out in the shower if i don’t get it and then it’ll be all your fault.”

Keeya’s eyes roll so far back he’s worried she’ll get them stuck behind her sockets. But they roll forward and give Hoku a very pointed glare.

“Get your ass out of my kitchen and go and shower, you irritation!” She scolds; rendered a little ineffective by the flour smeared across her cheek which is a startling contrast to her brown-scapolite skin.

“You are the absolute worst.” Hoku sulks as she slides off the stool and trudges to the entrance. "Tusa Doc.” The sigh is heavy and he struggles to keep in the laughter threatening to spill past his lips. It is never a dull moment in the Aarde House. Perseus collapses onto the stool Hoku had just vacated and lets loose the smile he had been trying to hide. Keeya returns it with one of her own and then launches into a conversation about her latest creations.

Hours later they had moved from food talk, which made him unfathomably hungry, to her teaching, to his own escapades and ideas. She laughed as he recounted the night out he had some weeks ago and the beautiful blue-haired person he had taken a bodyshot on. But soon the sun is sinking to the city floor and the people in the house emerge from their various rooms to congregate in the kitchen, which serves as the house hangout spot. Keeya had packed most of the food away, save for a loaf of fresh bread and the poli Hoku had been begging for. She puts the kettle on and starts up the coffee machine, chattering away as she did. 

Aarush shuffles into the room and immediately takes up a spot next to Perseus. Serafina and Hoku walk in next talking about knee pains and sore feet.

“Did you guys bother to put ice packs or kinaesthetic tape on?” Keeya raises an eyebrow. They both stick their tongues out at her, and move to sit on the opposite side of the table.

“Hoku,” Aaru settles his brown eyes on her, “Will you teach me how to do the splits? My Bharatanatyam teacher says i need to learn to be more flexible.”

Hoku is already nodding enthusiastically, “Of course A, i can absolutely teach you. But you should know flexibility doesn’t come from doing the splits it comes from muscle control and ligament manipulation.”

“I read up about it but i don't feel confident enough to try on my own.”

A gleam enters Hoku’s blue eyes, “You should come with me to a ballet class. Elouan is doing piano for us next week in preparation for our concert coming up. We’ll be able to get the studio to ourselves for a little while.”

“Sure,” Aru shrugs, “Sounds fun.”

“Why didn’t you ask me for help?” Serafina tugs her twin's sleeve, looking at him with hurt in her eyes.

“I didn’t want to bother you, and besides Hoku teaches ballet I figured she’d be the best bet for me.”

Serafina looks like she’s going to say something, argue maybe, but then the last of their little household walks in and conversation drifts.

“Past the Moon, Elouan,” Perseus smiles at the oldest of the group, save for him.

A floppy smile transforms a pasty face. As he hobbles towards them, leaning heavily on his walking stick, he mumbles a round of greetings.

“How are you?” Keeya asks once he’s settled into a chair next to her.

“I could do with some food and maybe some blood but otherwise just peachy.” His moonlight white curls fall into his face and he pushes them back absentmindedly.

“Can we finally have the poli now?” Hoku glares at their baker, rebellion already flashing in her blue eyes.

“Dig in you little heathen,” Keeya shoves the plate towards her and they all descend. 

Tea and coffee are passed around as well as small glasses of blood for any of them that need it. Perseus and the twins refrain, having had their fill at some point during the day but they happily dig into the coconut pastry and drink copious amounts of coffee.

“So,” Elouan says around a mouthful of poli, “Who’s coming with me to the Red Queen tomorrow?”

“Me!” Hoku shouts immediately. Ever the party animal.

“I’d love to.” Keeya mumbles behind her tea, suddenly shy.

“No thanks.” Aarush pulls a face and goes back to stacking the knives into a precarious tower.

“Fina? Doc?”

“I have to work on stuff for varsity but maybe next time.” Serafina shrugs a shoulder, her brown eyes glazing over as her mind goes back to working a mile a minute.

“I’ll let you know after our dinner tonight. I think some of the Houses want to call a meeting tomorrow to discuss funding and housing in a few cities.”

“You should invite them along,” His white eyebrows knit together in thought, “You guys should invite anyone you want.”

“What’s got you so friendly?” Keeya gives a suspicious look.

“Arrow said they wanted to meet you.”

Her face pulls into something resembling horror, “Uh never mind i think i have stuff to do, maybe next time.”

Elouan pins his honey eyes on her and they look more like the sting of the bee than the gold of the nectar. “What the fuck is your problem?”

“I don’t trust them.” She bites out, setting her mug down with a hard crack.

“You don’t even know them. You’re just being judgmental because they’ve turned a few innocents.”

“It’s not just that Elouan,” Where he is the sky, Keeya is the earth. “They are leading you to the dens and soon you’ll be following in their footsteps.”

Perseus was content to ignore their argument and continue talking to everyone else or eating his way through the feast, but that angered whisper steals his attention. “You’ve been going to the dens?”

“I went twice and i didn't even do anything.” He rolls his eyes.

“It’s not about what you do El,” Keeya’s voice is lethal with fury, and worry. “It’s about what gets done in there.” 

“It’s not safe Elouan. Not only for you but if something happens you put a target on all of our backs. And I will not have you endangering anyone in this house just to look cool for your new partner.” There is no compromise in Perseus’ hard green eyes.

The younger vamp sees this and nods once. “I won’t go to the dens again, Doc.”

“Right now that we have that sorted,” He leaves no room for further say on the topic, “What do you need us to do for dinner before the Araw House gets here, Kee?”

He sees her hide the emotions still burning in her eyes before she claps her hands and puts them to work. And when the members of the Araw house arrive there is no lingering anger suffocating the kitchen. It is bright and loud and messy. It is home.

“Tamo, tamo, everyone!” Musical greetings come from the front of the house and a few seconds later Drew Tanaka and Charles Beckendorf appear in the doorway, as radiant and deadly as always.

Drew looks devastating in a blood red jumpsuit and a gold choker glittering at her neck. Charles has a hand wrapped around her and looks just as sinful in an emerald green suit lined with the most startling azure. His wedding band glints in the soft yellow lights of the kitchen and the two rubies encrusted in it match the band around Drew’s finger.

“Towards the Moon, old man,” Drew sits down with the grace of a dancer who has been perfecting their art for centuries. 

“Who are you calling old man?” Perseus scoffs, “I’m only one month older than you. Besides Charlie is the old man.” 

The subject in question rolls his eyes and shoves both their shoulders, flashing his fangs. His wife just laughs waggling perfectly sculpted eyebrows that suggest more than any of them are willing to interpret.

“Where’s the rest of your chaotic crew?” He motions to the lack of people that usually surrounded them.

“They’re all busy tonight, something about the Safe Haven Sound.” Charlie shrugs, “I’m actually surprised none of you guys went. It was apparently some big event.”

Hoku makes a face that means trouble. Nobody stops her. “It’s mostly for new vamps trying to enter the world. There’s a lot that can go wrong. We tend to stay away.”

Drew turns to her sharply, “Who runs it?”

“The Underboss.” Hoku makes another, more disgusted face.

“Actually,” Keeya says quietly, “It’s the Underboss’ lackey that runs it. The Underboss just owns it.”

“Ugh i hate that slimy little shit more than my ex.”

“Hoku,” Serafina frowns, “Give Luke some credit. At least he was hot.”

Perseus lets a smile loose at that. “Octavian is not ugly, he’s just ghaunt.”

“Doc,” Elouan raises a brow, “He is a ghost.”

“Literally? Aarush frowns, the first thing he’s said since their guests arrived.

“No,” Drew has a contemplative look on her face, “At least i don’t think so.”

“He was part of the Trials.” Charlie adds “That’s what i’ve heard anyway.”

Perseus shudders inwardly as he remembers those dark times. Power-hungry people, people who had no right to participate in their world, had taken it upon themselves to try and create their own supernatural creatures. It was a horrible, terrifying time for humans and duniyarall alike. They had stopped it before it had become the war it intended to be but it was deemed unethical to kill the products of those experiments. So, even today, a century and a half later, there are still Triallers- as they had been so creatively named- roaming, existing, living. For the most part they seem to be peaceful, despite being created for violence, but there are some like the Underboss’ lackey that still give an off-vibe; like feral is just around the corner, one blink away.

“How about we make some pizzas?” Keeya interrupts their conversation before they dive into what will inevitably become a two hour discussion.

“Let’s!” Serafina claps her hands, and Hoku matches her as they hop up and dive towards the fridge where cut and readied ingredients sit.

The evening is chaotic, and bright and full of laughter. They discover that between all their years of life, none of them had ever learnt how to toss pizza dough. Charlie and Keeya make a deal to go to Italy and learn before the decade is out. Drew sees the trip as a chance to get a tan in the beautiful Italian heat, and be fed delicious food straight from her husband’s hands. They make the most of the evening, a rare and peaceful one that recharges the energy in them like bolts of lightning. Perseus hasn’t felt this content in many many moons. 

Soon enough, however, it is just Elouan, Charlie, and Drew sitting on the velvet couches of their lounging area, chatting quietly as they sip various expensive liquor.

He looks at his friends, the gentle glow of the chandelier striking their features. They are beautiful. It is a warm kind of beauty, noticeable in the softness of an expression, or the happiness of a moment. They’re angelic.

“Doc?” Elouan drags him out of his quiet admiration.

“Sorry?”

“Drew and Charlie were just discussing what to do about the hotel on Palace road,” The moonlight caught in his hair ripples as he speaks. “They wanted to find out if you’d be okay with extraction?”

Perseus nods, considering the angles, the necessities

“I don’t feel it’s right to go in armed.” Charlie looks around the room, that composed intensity washing over them. “They’re children, and they’re probably scared.”

The frown between Drew’s perfect brows deepens. “I heard there’s cubs and sangrinos inside.”

“Who’s getting them food? How do they leave? What’s keeping them there?”

A loud ding sounds from someone in the room, and Elouan scrambles to reach his phone. The screen is bright in the dimly lit space and he has to blink hard to adjust his eyes, but then he lets out a curse and rushes towards the door, leaning deeply into stick as the anger worsens his limp.

“Everything okay El?”

“Just Arrow.” He waves it off, “I’ll be back before sun.”

Perseus just nods, watching as the large wooden doors slam shut behind the vampire. When he hears the front door bang, he stands, bowing to his guest in a sign of quick return and steps out of the room in search of members of their household.

“Keeya, Aaru.” He calls from the parlor.

They arrive within seconds, her with a face mask on and her dressing gown half tied, and him with charcoal smudges on his cheeks, and a loose paper in his hand.

‘Doc?” Keeya frowns, sensing the urgency in his aura.

“Elouan just stepped out to help Arrow. Please will you two trace him, make sure he isn’t going to the dens. Don’t make yourself known until you know it’s safe.”

“Armed?” The steel reflecting in Aarush’s dark eyes calm Perseus’ nerves.

“No.” He doesn’t need to cause trouble with the Underboss. “Just make sure Elouan is okay. No violent blood is spilled tonight at your hands.” The volatile expression on the little vampire’s face lessens only a fraction. They both nod at him and disappear into their rooms to ready themselves.

He goes back to the lounge, and continues his discussion with his friends. When he hears the front door close, the quiet click echoing in his mind like a drum, he tells Charlie and Drew what is happening.

Drew, ever the mother, is immediately righteous, demanding she send out some of her pack as scouts. Charlie just holds her hand and looks to him with that expression that so often graces his face: how can we help?

Perseus smiles at Drew and her anger, understanding how she feels. “It is okay Tanaka,” He reassures her. “I’ve got it covered. We should talk about the children.”

She growls, and he can hear the wolf in her throat. “You will let us know if you need help Perseus.”

“Yes,” Even Charlie looks adamant, unstoppable. “We will not be in the dark again. Not when it comes to our own.”

He breathes, and it has taken two centuries to get here. To this moment. “I will ask for help if the time comes.”

“The Underboss is holding them in the hotel, and bribing them with food to join her army.” Just like that they move onto the next problem. The next call for help.

“Well then,” Perseus grins, and it looks like the first signs of destruction, “i guess we’ll be paying the Queen a visit.”

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

Elouan my love what are you doing????? Also: Who do you think the Queen is? *sus eyes*

Tags (if you want to be added to/taken off the tag list all my channels of communication are open):

@msdrpreist; @sparkythunderstorm; @aalikun; @crazy-stupid-bean; @queen-of-demons-and-hell; @pjo-hp-things; @nishlicious-01; @spoopylucy; @larrikin-is-a-himbo; @cyra04​; @leydiangelo​; @elecsinnerz​

[lyansi]

In uino ueritas

Summary: The moment her eyes connect with his across the bar, a feeling inside her flutters at the inevitable. Molten amber study her with an unwavering zeal. A passion ignites in the pit of her stomach, spreading through her like ichor. She presses her drink to her lips, drinking heavily as the liquid burns down her throat and soothes at the flames. He reminds her of an impression long gone now, encircling on the edges of her memories.

Maybe it is the alcohol clouding her judgement though.

Authors Notes: I want to thank @lemonlushff​, @neutronstarchild​, and @ruddcatha​ for creating and working diligently on the Seven Deadly Sins Week. This was especially fun to read, watch, and even participate in alongside so many great authors and artists.

Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi is responsible for the Inuyasha series, I only lay claim on the story I have written.

Warning: Explicit Sexual Content

Read part one of this series, Dulce periculum, (not required to understand this story) on tumblr OR on AO3

Read this on AO3

Soft background music filters into the elevator as it begins to fill, a chime indicating the closing of doors. The dimmed fluorescent lights impart an ambiance of lightheartedness and the inhabitants speak softly to one another. As the lift climbs higher in altitude, the electronic display above the doors indicates the changing of floors until, finally, it lands on thirty-seven. A soothing feminine voice announces the level as the doors open, allowing people to saunter out.

Last to emerge from the elevator is a young woman, dressed charmingly in a pleated, drawstring dress and open-toed kitten heels. She spares a glance around the cocktail lounge; on one side is the bar counter, lined with bottles of liqueurs and liquors, while the other side lined with hightop tables and chaise lounges. Panoramic windows line the entirety of the bar, giving the cityscape of Greater Tokyo, and the Tokyo Tower for view. At this time of night, with the restaurant lights muted, the city illuminates across the night sky.

From the corner of her eye, the young woman spots a trio waving her over. Smiling, she directs her path to them, lifting her hand in a small wave of acknowledgment.

“Scoot over, Kouga!” She hears the only other female speak as she nears. The tall tanned man complies, moving to the far end of the sofa. He pats the seat next to her, rewarding her with a wolfish smile. His dark hair is pulled back into a plait and cerulean eyes sparkle at her.

“Hey, Kagome.”

Higurashi Kagome returns the smile, “Hi Kouga-kun!” She sits on the offered space, looking over at the couple sitting opposite them as she places her clutch down. “How are you all doing? Did you order drinks already?��� The young woman picks up a xeroxed menu as she looks over the choices.

“Yeah, Sango ordered you a— a— what did you call it again?” Kouga scratches his forehead in confusion, eyebrows coming together for a moment. The older woman, Sango, gives a small chuckle. “I ordered us some cocktails.” A mischievous smile plays on her lips. “Miroku and Kouga got some beers.” She swats the knee of the man sitting next to her light-heartedly.

“If we had let you order for everyone, we would need help getting home. At least this way, I can take my dear Sango home and we can get you home too.” Miroku clasps Sango’s hands within his own, bringing her knuckles close enough to press his lips to them. Immediately, Sango’s face flushes and she snatches her wrist away. “Stop being so perverted in public.” She hisses, glancing around to see if anyone outside of their group caught his actions. Miroku raises his hand in mock surrender.

“It’s fine, Kagome. If you drink too much, you are always more than welcomed to stay the night with me. My place isn’t too far from here.” Kouga gives her a toothy grin, cerulean eyes shining back at her.

“Oh— uh, thank you Kouga-kun. I’m sure I won’t drink that much, it’s fine.”

Kagome turns back to Sango, “How did you even find this place? I don’t think I have ever been to this part of the city.” The younger woman glances around the bar, making Sango laugh.

“Kouga found it— he said one his neighbors recommended it to him several times.” She answers and Kouga confirms with a nod.

“So how did it go— are you a doctor now?” Kouga changes the subject as he lays an arm across the sofa back, across Kagome’s section. She eyes the gesture. “I’ve always been a doctor, Kouga-kun— these practicals are to let the medical community know that I keep up to date with research.” Kagome chastises instead and the small group nods to the waitress as she sets down their drinks.

Kagome looks back at the pair in front of her, “The exams were difficult but they’re done now. I should get my results in a few weeks. I’m sure I passed.”

After almost a decade of medical training, Higurashi Kagome could not believe that she would finally be able to practice medicine without the concern of examinations, fellowship requirements, or the ardent hours of residency. Although her specialization was in pediatric surgery, as a spiritualist, she wanted to focus her medical training on youkai and hanyou in need of medical help. More so the younger urban youth who struggled with assimilation to the larger cities like Tokyo.

Medical attention was usually unnecessary for full-grown adult youkai— oftentimes, their youki helped to protect them and restore their health. Young youkai usually had not yet harnessed enough youki for such things to happen. Hanyou were even more similar to young human children. And even more at risk of injury or death, in the rural areas. When such things did happen, they came to the larger cities for asylum.

Although the Great Human-Youkai War ended decades ago, and humans and youkai lived together in the larger cities like Tokyo, rural areas were still wrought with dissent. Often, humans attacked youkai in fear, youkai retaliated and killed humans. The very idea of a human and a youkai as friends still sparked unease in those communities. Let alone those that chose get involved. Mixed emotions and confusion often spelled danger.

Together, city youkai and humans worked to help dispel the fear among these regions. In some districts, the introduction of new regulations or laws to aid sent waves of discord.

“After five long years, our dear Kagome-chan has not only finished her fellowship, but she aced her board examinations! Soon, she will be rich enough to pay for our drinks all the time!”

Sango lifts her drink in toast, a board smile gracing her face. Across from her, the dark-haired girl rolls her eyes and two give the other playful smirks.

“But seriously, Kagome-chan! We are so happy for you!” Sango gushes, sharing a look with Miroku. “Since Sango brought it up…” Miroku gives a hesitant smile to Kagome, who furrows her brows. “Suikotsu-sensei wants to expand the center. Since he is very connected with some of the more rural parts of the region, we have had a huge influx of children. I know how much you love the clinic and it would be great if you could—" Before Miroku could even finish his sentence, the young doctor shoots up in her seat, eyes shining with tears.

“Oh my goodness— yes, yes of course! I would love to join the practice, Miroku!”

The group breaks out in laughter before they settle back down, congratulatory on Kagome’s success. They down their first drink and wave after the waitress for refills. They converse on Kagome's new position, and the prosperity of the center.

Bushida Miroku is currently the proprietor of the youth center. Having grown up in a Buddhist Temple, he sought the life of a monk. During training, Miroku traveled the countryside to provide to those less fortunate. Seeing the damage and destruction left behind he moved to Tokyo. Shortly after, he began taking business classes and started an outreach center.

It was at university that he met Kagome, then a prospective medical student. She had a big heart and a bigger determination to help those in need. During medical school and part of her clinical and pediatric experience, she volunteered at Miroku’s center. There she met Daikan Sango, a fitness instructor, and the three hit off their friendship. Sango and Miroku would eventually get engaged, but it had little effect on their friendship.

Besides, of course, trying to introduce her to as many men as possible and set her up on innumerable dates.

“Would you like another drink, Kagome? Here— let me get it.” Despite her protests, Kouga stands and takes away their empty glasses. She sighs and peers over to the couple across from her, quirking an eyebrow. Miroku and Sango pretend to be oblivious to her plight, looking in different directions.

“Kouga-kun is great, guys, he is. But I keep telling you that I don’t see him that way!” Kagome huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. Sango is the first to give her a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry Kagome-chan... Miroku and I are so happy,” She pauses and smiles over at her fiancé before looking back at the young doctor, “That we want you to experience the same thing. You work so hard all the time. You deserve someone to take care of you!”

Kagome sighs, “I appreciate the gesture so much— but I am happy! I don’t need someone to take care of me, I have been taking care of myself for years! Anyway, so few men would be okay with me working the sheer number of hours I work. I need someone who supports me both for my work and my desires. When I find that person, I know it will work out. My soul won’t lie to me.”

For a moment, the young woman glances about the bar, remembering the incident five years prior. On a rainy summer evening, she found a man near death. Making a snap decision, she decided her best course of action was to care for his injuries herself.

Maybe it was the arrogance of starting her clinical experience in medical school.

Maybe it was the fact that he may not receive proper medical attention if she did take him to a hospital.

(After all, what sane, law-abiding man gets himself beat up in an alleyway so late at night?)

Whatever her reasoning, that night she felt an extreme attraction to the man. It was as if their souls called out to one another.

She never got a chance to further their acquaintance. By morning he was gone, and so was her fleeting desires. For the rest of her medical training, anytime a patient was admitted with gang-related violence, she hoped again and again for it to be him. Not once did the opportunity arise.

She longed to find another she could connect with as she did that night, but was often disappointed. She never thought herself a shallow person, but she had to admit the few men she did date, she found unattractive.

Sighing, Kagome presses her lips into a smile as Kouga approaches with drinks. “Thank you, Kouga-kun.” She toasted with him and took a sip of her beverage. Kouga and Miroku make conversation— something or another about a console game. Kagome pretends to listen as she reminisces on her escapade.

She had never spoken a word about that night to anyone— not even Sango, to whom she considered one of her dearest friends. How could she explain the dangerous situation she had put herself in? And how could she describe to her friend the dark, broad eyebrows that sat on top of his brow ridge? Or the straight, perfect nose that projected from the middle of his face? The lush, firm lips? Or even more so, the thick, corded muscles that framed his lean, powerful body?

He almost resembled the man that happened to walk out of the elevator doors. Except for the silver hair of course. And the two cute triangular-shaped ears at the top of his head. Furthermore, this man could not have the detailed tattoo embellishing his chest, shoulder and bicep.

As if hearing her thoughts, liquid amber eyes immediately latch onto her, and the young doctor feels her breath catch in her throat. A look of surprise spreads across his face before his emotions close off into a neutral tone. Kagome pretends to hide behind her drink, taking a larger gulp than intended.

Next to her, she hears a low rumble emerge out of Kouga.

“What the fuck is that damned dog doing here?” He hisses lowly next to her.

One triangular ear twitches in their direction as a grimace crosses his features. Could he hear what Kouga said? Being an inu-youkai would explain the two cute furry appendages on the top of his head.

The man turns towards the bar and walks away and Kagome can’t help but appreciate the view from behind. A burgundy leather jacket wraps around his torso, defining a wide back. Dark pants envelope thick, long legs. Curiosity peaks Kagome’s interest. Something about him was so…familiar and comforting.

Her heart speeds up, thumping against her rib cage.

“Him? Seriously, Kagome?” Kouga’s voice breaks her thinly veiled adoration for the man across the room. Blue eyes swivel to stare into cerulean, eyebrows come together in momentary confusion. Both Miroku and Sango look on but do not give input.

Kouga is a wolf youkai with senses beyond human understanding and capability.

Such as a sensitive nose and supreme hearing.

So sensitive he could smell minuscule changes in the physiological chemicals that secreted from people.

Which meant he could smell her sudden desire to the man across the way.

As well as hear the unexpected quickening of her heart.

Feeling that her inner-most thoughts and feelings have been invaded, she shoots up with fists balled at her side.

“Seriously, Kouga-kun?” She repeats his words back at him before storming off to the wash room.

Kagome places her hands on opposite sides of the washbasin, closing her eyes and sighing into the sink. She allows her agitated feelings over Kouga’s intrusion to fade away.

She had not been lying earlier when she spoke out against Miroku’s and Sango’s interference in her dating life. She knew they meant well but often, they chose to forget her disinterest in Kouga.

He was a great guy— he was. Kouga was kind, he cared for her, and he made his interest in her known. And, he was equally as handsome as he was dense because he was deeply, irrevocably dense.

No matter how many times Kagome made it known she was not interested in pursuing a relationship with him, he still made gestures to suggest that he was still very much invested in a relationship with her.

Turning the facet, Kagome opens the tap and washes her hands. With hands still wet, she rubs the skin underneath her eyes, staring back at her reflection in the mirror. Maybe it was because of her long day, Kouga’s actions, the alcohol, or a combination of them all but tired eyes stare back at her.

Puffing her cheeks out and slaps at them to bring back color and awaken her senses.

“Okay!” She smiles at her reflection before deciding she is definitely more calm and ready to face her friends again. Life seems to have other plans for her because as she pushes open the door, she runs into a person.

“Oh, I’m so sor…ry.” Her voice dies in her throat as she looks into deep, amber eyes. Dark eyebrows rise, as if in shock. She swallows a thick lump that forms in her throat and pulls a tress of hair behind her ear. “Oh— uhm.” She fumbles for words, not knowing what to say.

“Excuse me,” He says stiffly, shuffling around her to make his way back to the other side of the bar. She stares after him for a moment before shrugging it off and making her way back to the group. The man was handsome but it wasn’t like they knew each other.

Yet.

Her eyes sought after his form when she settles on the chaise before noticing a missing group member.

“Where is Kouga-kun?” She asked, looking towards Miroku and Sango. The elder woman peers at Miroku, rubbing the back of her neck as she says the next words.

“He left.”

“Like…home?”

“Yeah, after you went into the bathroom he actually ended up approaching that guy. I don’t know what they said to each other but Kouga kind of rushed out after. I thought he told you, he was texting furiously on his phone.”

There is an awkward silence. Kagome decides not to press the matter further though.

Miroku breaks it finally to say, “He is staring over here again. Kagome, do you know him?” He juts his chin in the direction behind her, to which she peers over her shoulder.

Immediately, her eyes lock on to molten amber.

She begins to feel breathless.

Her heart races in her chest.

As if she has no control, her reiki begins to swirl and surrounds the trio. And, for a moment, staring into his eyes, the world dissolved around her.

“Ugh…Kagome…?” Sango squeaks, breaking Kagome from her thoughts.

A few youkai near their seating area stare at Kagome. Blushing, she reels back her reiki, covering her face in embarrassment. “Everyone is staring at us...” She moans, peaking through fingers at Sango and Miroku who pretend to hide laughter behind closed fists.

“Oh man…”

“So, who is he Kagome-chan? Why didn’t you say you met someone?” The smile across Sango’s face grows larger with each passing moment. “I haven’t met anyone… I don’t even think I know him.” She turns her gaze back.

The inu-youkai is not-so-subtly staring back before he turns away, babysitting the drink between his hands. For a moment she thinks him to look agitated— was he waiting for someone to arrive? He had already been here for so long and yet he sat alone.

Maybe he got stood up?

“You should go over there and introduce yourself Kagome.” Miroku is the one to encourage her this time.

“Oh no! I couldn’t do that!”

“Why not?” Sango raises one brow in question.

Why couldn’t she?

Maybe it was the excitement and curiosity of meeting someone new.

Maybe it was encouragement from Miroku and Sango.

Maybe it was the alcohol.

More than likely it was the alcohol.

Regardless of the reasoning, Kagome finds herself picking up her clutch and walking across the room.

With each step closer to the silver-haired inu-youkai her sense begin to sober her.

What in the world was she doing?

What was she supposed to say to him?

Was she supposed to introduce herself?

Once again, the universe has different plans. Someone knocks from behind, making her collide into him and drop his drink over the counter and himself. Surprised, Kagome reacts by grabbing handfuls of napkins and draping the countertop in them before turning to the inu-youkai and dabbing at his shirt and pants, all the while apologizing.

His reaction is of shock, trying to fight off the young doctor as she assaults him with napkins. “Can—you—stop!” He hisses, grabbing hold of her wrists to cease her movements.

She looks up at him, liquid amber eyes boring into doe-eyed blue.

“I— I— I’m sorry.” Kagome squeaks, red faced in embarrassment. “Someone— they—“ She sputters in explanation, but her voice dies in his throat. “You have the most gorgeous eyes I have ever seen.” She says instead.

He blinks.

She blinks.

For a moment, they stare at one another.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, please, ignore me, I can’t even believe I said that out loud.” If her face could get any more red, Kagome was sure she resembled a tomato. His grip on her wrists hasn’t let up though. Instead, a smirk appears across his face.

“My eyes, huh?”

The silver-haired man cocks his head to one side, leaning forward.

She swallows the lump in her throat.

“Can— can I buy another drink…?” She hesitates, trying to play off her humiliation.

He lets go of her wrist then.

“Keh— do whatever you want.” He responds and uses the remaining napkins to push away the damp serviettes.

Kagome waves to a bartender, leaning against the counter as she tries to catch his attention. Her pleated dress rises, revealing shapely thighs that are framed over powerful calves. She looks to the silver-haired man and smiles, to which he counters with a fanged grin.

Finally when the bartender acknowledges her, she orders two drinks. She turns back to her companion, holding out his drink.

“I’m not sure what you had, I hope you don’t mind the cocktail.” She hands off the peace offering, which he accepts.

“So—are you waiting for someone?” She steps closer to him, smiling.

He takes a moment before answering, “A client— but they never showed up. And you?”

She points back to the location of her friends, “Yes, I’m over—“ She notices that Miroku nor Sango are sitting any longer. “Well, I was over there. I don’t know where my friends are now.” She looks back at him and chuckles. “I hope you don’t mind if I sit with you for this drink.”

And one drink turns into two, which turns into three, as they chat to one another.

She tells him about her life as a spiritualistic physician and of her interest in pediatric medicine. She explains how she grew up in a shrine, working as a miko alongside her grandfather on off days. He doesn’t offer up information about himself. The few times she does try to press, he is quick to turn the conversation back to her.

She does, at least, learn his name is Inuyasha. First name only, though.

With each drink, Kagome leans closer and closer to her new friend. It had been so long since she felt such attraction. In fact, as the alcohol loosened her inhibitions, it also loosened her withhold of her reiki. Her spiritual power merges with his youki-- a phenomena never experienced with other youkai.

In her surprise, more spiritual power loosens and creates an unease with patrons. The bartender finally approaches and reminds them to be careful.

“Do you want to get out of here? My place is a few floors down?” His voice is husky, thick from alcohol and desire. She nods and he directs her towards the elevator. The room is much fuller than hours before, and she has to push back some people as they end up in her path. Finally, Inuyasha reaches out a hand to bring her close to his body, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

For a moment, as they stare back at one another, Kagome thinks he will kiss her. She wets her bottom lip and leans forward but the ping of the elevator distracts them.

“So how come you aren’t affected by my reiki?” She clears her throat as they climb into the elevator with another couple. He looks back at her surprised for a moment, and then confused, dark eyebrows coming together.

“I’m…a hanyou?” It seemed more like a question to her than an answer and for a moment she thought he was asking her of it.

“You’re a hanyou…?” She repeats back, as if the words were foreign to her.

“Oh.”

Dumbstruck, she doesn’t press on the issue. She definitely had not considered he would be hanyou, but now as she examines his appendages, she accepts the truth. It made sense— most full-blooded youkai had pointed ears and the few that didn’t, often looked more beastly than human.

When the elevator finally arrives at their designated floor, Inuyasha roughly grabs her arm and drags her out of the elevator, making her stumble in her kitten-heels.

“He-hey!” She sputters, trying to pull her arm back, “Be gentle.”

In the middle of the hall, the two of them stop. Inuyasha hasn’t released her arm yet but looks back at her. “Look, you should go. I get it if you aren’t interested. Most people aren’t interested in being with a hanyou.” He speaks lowly at her, his silver fringe casting shadows over his face in the dimly lit hall.

And, for a moment, Kagome can see his lifelong pain of being a hanyou. Excluded from the world and hated by both humans and demons. Eyes softening, she raises a hand to cup his face.

“I’m sorry if you thought that— I never meant to make you feel like that… Human, youkai, half-demon…it doesn’t matter to me what you are…” She whispers, her thumb brushing across his lips. His eyes look up at her and for a moment, Kagome sees his lips forming into a shape, as if he wanted to say something. Instead, he presses his lips together and looks away.

“Hey…” She whispers, reaching out with her other hand so that she is cupping his face. “Hey,” She repeats a bit louder and this time, he glances back at her, curiosity swirling in his eyes. Her reiki begins to seek him out again, swathes of pink bathing the couple. Licking her lips again, she leans up and presses her face against his, locking their mouths together.

And, for a moment, she considers that she read the moment wrong because he does not respond. But then he does. His arms wrap around her body as she reaches around his neck to comb back his tresses.

The synergy of their auras is so intense, it leaves the two breathless.

And then Inuyasha pushes her all but gently against the wall as he claims her mouth again. She gasps and fists her hands in his hair, pulling crassly. Hissing, he pulls away for a moment before she leans back up to attack his mouth again. “Wait— lets— my apartment—“ He mumbles in between kisses.

They break apart from each other long enough for him to fumble with his keys and unlock a door. He pulls her inside and the two stumble over one another as they kick off their shoes. It takes her a bit longer, as she has to loosen the straps at her ankles. When she moves over the genkan, she becomes distracted by the sight before her.

Like the cocktail lounge, the living room has panoramic views of the city. It doesn’t face the Tokyo Tower as it did floors above. She presses a hand against the glass as she observes the shimmering lights across the city. Inuyasha steps behind her, moving her hair away to expose her neck. He trails a line of kisses up her neck and into her hairline. The synergy of their auras continue to wrap around them, basking them in a comforting warmth.

Clouded by lust and intoxicated on her feelings, Kagome turns and pushes off his jacket. As it drops to the floor she has already unbutton his dress shirt, divulging her to the expanse of tanned skin. The hanyou gives a gasp when her hand presses against skin underneath the shirt. Smooth, taut muscles twitch beneath her fingers. Kagome looks up at Inuyasha, who is quick to press a kiss upon her lips.

As he pulls away, Kagome peels off his shirt. Her eyes draw to the intricate design across his pectoral, shoulder, and wrapping around his elbow. Too befuddled from alcohol and an overwhelming desire and lust, she is unable to comprehend the design. Brief flashes of gold and hues of blue encircle her memory. Unable to place it she pushes the thoughts out of her head as she attempts to trace the convoluted ink on skin.

She glances at Inuyasha and sees an compassion and recognition reflected back at her. She gives a shy smile and presses up against him for another kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. A deep rumble emerges from his chest as he lifts Kagome up. He clasps clawed hands around thick thighs as Kagome wraps them around his waist. His hands reaches underneath her pleated dress to squeeze firm buttocks, causing Kagome to sigh against his mouth.

“Bedroom—?” She gasps between kisses. Inuyasha does not respond right away but instead, the two begin to migrate down a hall, and into another room. They never break away from their passionate kiss, even as they enter the unlit bedroom. She assumes it to be the bedroom because he lays her back on a mattress. The pleated dress bunches up along her the tops of her thighs, the straps hanging from her shoulders.

As she moves to push herself up to her elbows, Inuyasha has begun to climb on top. Her mouth finds his in the filtered light as teeth, fangs, and tongues dance against one another.

Inuyasha pulls back, his eyes grazing hungrily down the length of her body. Kagome sinks her teeth into her bottom lip, reaching up to dispel the silver curtain of hair that surrounds them. The two gaze at one another before Inuyasha presses his nose into the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent.

“You smell— so amazing,” He groans, his lips and tongue drawing against her skin. Kagome gasps, thrusting her chest out and steading her hands against his shoulders. A warmth floods her, an ache so strong that begins in the pit of her stomach before stirring into the apex of her thighs.

Inuyasha’s kisses travel down her chest, clawed hands pushing up the bottom part of her dress. The sudden breeze causes Kagome to shiver but its forgotten when thick, strong hands squeeze and run along the length of her leg. Finally, one hand reaches the cleft between her legs and cup her sex.

“Ah, Inuyasha!” She gasps, fingers twisting in the bedspread. He continues his wanton wanderings as muscular arms part her legs. He pulls the dress above her waist to expose her undergarments. Inuyasha's ministrations trail down her stomach, tickling the exposed skin. His lips press a kiss to each thigh, before dipping his head between her legs.

Kagome would have bashfully pushed any lover away for such shameless displays, but her lustful intoxication stops her. She shivers as his mouth first presses to one thigh, and then the next. She gasps as his presses his lips into her cleft, fangs and teeth nipping against the edge of her panties. He reaches a clawed hand to shift her panties to the side. She bucks against his mouth and thighs hang open as Inuyasha drinks from her core, the flat of his tongue pressing against her slit.

Gasps and pants turn into mewls, her legs shaking as he laps at her center again and again. Her fingers wind their way into his hair, pulling at the locks as her hips quake under his attention. Fingernails scratch at scalp, twisting silver locks as she pulls him deeper in the apex of her thighs. As she feels a fanged tooth brush against her nub and a hand rubbing against her center, her eyes roll back in her head.

Kagome whimpers and Inuyasha curls one, then two fingers up to the knuckle, taking her to a yet undiscovered euphoria. Her thighs quake and her reiki twists in faint rosy wisps around them. She feels his own youki connect with her own, as it builds into a rapture until finally she is gasping and pleading.

"More...! More!" Kagome moans. As she glances down, Inuyasha is staring back up at her with such intense eyes. The look, in combination with his thrusting digits, drag her over the edge. It releases a dam of heat and wetness between her middle, that Inuyasha is savors from.

Inuyasha traces the dampness that soaks her thighs as he pulls her panties down. He moves away and funbles with his belt and fasteners. As he loosens them, he starts to pull down his pants. Selfishly, Kagome tugs for Inuyasha to move over her as he tries in desperation to separate himself from his pants. “Please…” She whines, hands coming between the two as she strokes him.

The hanyou groans, pausing to lay his forehead against the crook of her neck. “Please, I need you,” Kagome mewls, palming his erection. Inuyasha hisses out a few curses, “Kagome, wait—“ he gasps but forgets his thoughts when her hand encircles the skin between his head and shaft. At first she pulls languidly and then in short, quick strokes. He huffs out a few times before grabbing her wrist in one hand, and gripping his erection in the other as he lines up his hardness to her slit.

The couple gasp against each other as he thrust into her before stilling. Her muscles tremble against his hardness and immediately she's thrown into her second wave of spasms, gasping and mewling. Inuyasha presses their foreheads together, as he whispers words of affirmation. He places kisses along her temple, both eyes, and the center of her forehead as he begins to move.

He pulls himself out before thrusting back in completely, the couple groaning against the others mouth as their tongues fight for dominance. Her slickness, his grunts, and her cries, are the only sounds in the small bedroom. Their auras twist against one another, connecting and merging. Inuyasha nips at her collarbone, her throat, and her lips as his thrusts become erratic, breaths coming in short pants until finally, he spills himself in her heat. His hips slam against hers in a final thrust before dropping beside her, untangling limbs.

After some time, and once their breathing return to normal they glance at the other. Inuyasha’s amber eyes darken with desire, and Kagome wonders if she had the energy to go for another round. Almost immediately she realizes how weary she is. It is as if the entire days events finally help succumb her to exhaustion. As if sensing her fatigue, Inuyasha wraps an arm around her body and the two curl around each other. Between her mental expenditure, the alcohol, and the sex, Kagome’s eyes close and she falls asleep.

At some point in the early hours, as the suns first lights begin to filter into the room, Kagome stirs. Her throat is so dry, her muscles sore, and dehydration sets in. Smacking her lips together, she rolls onto her side— and into another body. The nights events flood back into her memory all at once and blue eyes snap open, coming face-to-shoulder. A very intricately designed shoulder, with hues of blues clouds framed around a snarling dog across the anterior deltoid. Her eyes trace the design down to the cherry blossoms that bloom and wrap around his elbow.

She knew that the inu-hanyou was familiar but couldn’t understand until this very moment. Gasping softly, she shoots up and out of bed, careful not to wake her companion. She finds her panties— stretched at the waistband— on the floor and quickly slips them back on. She tiptoes out of the room, and down the hall. She easily finds her clutch, dropped on the floor upon their entrance, and hurriedly grabs her kitten-heels from the genkan. Careful not to make noise, she seamlessly slips out of the door, with a soft click. Immediately she runs unabashedly to the elevator.

That tattoo— she recognizes it immediately upon seeing it. It was the same tattoo that framed the mans pectoral and shoulder from five years prior. The same man who she found near death in the alleyway up the street from her grandfathers shrine. The same man whose wounds she so delicately stitched together. Except last time dark, black hair framed his crown. And now, she understands why he looked so familiar: he was a hanyou. That night was definitely his night of weakness— the time in which a hanyou turns human.

Kagome’s finger is jamming repeatably into the elevator button as if it will bring the lift faster to her. She glances back to Inuyasha’s door several times from her position, half-expecting him to emerge and drag her back inside. He doesn’t and Kagome darts into the elevator as the doors slide open. As the doors begin to close, Kagome slams her back against the wall and exhales a breath, looking at the ceiling.

His tattoo, and the event five years ago tells Kagome another story.

Inuyasha is part of the yakuza.

She just had the best sex of her life with a member of the yakuza.

“Oh man…” Kagome palms her face in disbelief. What in the world was she going to tell Sango when she saw her later in the day?