#aging is beautiful not something to be feared or resented

[eatsless]

"aging is awful, you're going to hate how you look when you're older" do you know how many of my childhood friends are dead? how many people i know that didnt live long enough to get a wrinkle, let alone grey hair? im excited to get older and have my survival shown in my appearance. don't wish misery on me for surviving

[puzzled-pegasus]

Do you ever just think about how awful it is to be a demigod before you know about it?

I've been thinking about it a lot lately. How much demigod kids and teenagers don't fit in with mortal society. Their mortal parents don't know what to do with them, even if they do care for them immensely. They are labeled as troublemakers, as bad kids, as mentally ill, as freaks and monsters who see things they shouldn't see and have an aversion to authority that they shouldn't have and a strong sense of justice and an inability to sit still, read, play, act, feel normally. Percy got in trouble for getting into fights, for speaking impulsively, he was mocked and spoken down to and expelled from lots of schools who couldn't handle him and he didn't know why until he was twelve years old. Sally wasn't able to tell him why.

Annabeth was the product of her father's relationship with a goddess, and he loved her for a while, but she wasn't a normal kid. When he fell in love with a mortal and Annabeth didn't get along with her or her kids, he chose the mortal side. How could he understand Annabeth's side? She was just a badly behaved kid, while his new wife and children were the normal good ones.

Jason always knew he was a demigod, he was accepted and praised and tons of expectations were placed on him from a frighteningly young age. Part of the reason the others resent him and see him as a sort of golden child is because he was placed on a pedestal and he will never, ever know what it was like for all of his friends to be looked down on as children, to be scolded for things they didn't understand and told that the things they saw and experienced constantly were not real.

Piper was always loved by her father but I think he loved the idea of her, he loved that she reminded him of the beautiful woman he met years ago. He was always kind to her and usually gave her things she wanted, but he couldn't always spend time with her as his job got busier. Piper sensed that her father's attention was occupied by something else, and as he got busier, she felt less supported and stole things and got in fights and her dad didn't know what to do with her after the BMW so she was sent to a troubled teen program where she was bullied for her disabilities and her race.

Leo feared his power because it killed the person he loved the most, and after that, everything in his life was hell. He didn't feel safe anywhere, he didn't have anyone he could trust, and adults saw him as a troublemaker who would never amount to anything.

The books don't emphasize these things as much with any of the other demigods, or maybe Annabeth, Percy, Piper, and Leo are the best examples we have. I just. They're so tragic. They're all my children all of them. I love them and I feel so sad for them

[gossippool]

it's after their first mission together that wade and logan share their first kiss.

the fight leading up to the time ripper took place right outside their apartment with barely any witnesses around, so the journey back home was short and quiet with no prying eyes. after that, it took a while for logan to get out of the house on the regular, but when he eventually did, it was just to walk or carry out errands, and in civilian clothes, he blended in with everyone else. it's different when they get called on a mission for the first time.

it's not a hard mission by any means, but it's brutal. he and wade subdue a dozen men on the streets, chase a final one down to the underground, and turn him over to the police. by the end of it all, the sun is going down, and people are travelling home from work. logan's suit is torn, and his bare arms are caked with dirt and dried blood.

a cab would be the typical mode of transport for them after a mission, but they're already at the station, anyway, so they decide to take the train. a busker sings at the platform with a guitar, a lulling, bittersweet thing, like the soundtrack to a life not deserving of such a melody. in the exhaustion and setting sun, it makes logan long for something he can't name. but they'll be home soon.

they board the train. he leans against one of the poles, feels the cool of the metal seep through his suit and into his spine. the music fades out, and what fades in in its place is the conversation and laughter of the others in the train car. a group of teenagers out having fun, businessmen in suits off work, older people with their grandkids or their shopping bags. wade's warmth opposite him, mask moving as he chatters.

he tries to listen, he really does, but as the train speeds through the tunnel, he feels stares turn slowly towards him from all sides. he smells their slight fear, their judgement, over the odour of him and wade. he realises all at once what he must look like, dirty and covered in blood that can't be his for his lack of open wounds. his exposed knuckles a darker red than the rest of his hands. he covers one hand with the other, unclenches his fists.

he's not one to care about what others think. not before, at least. he's used to glares of resentment and pity for what he did, eyes following him everywhere he went like the phantoms of those he killed. but these people don't know what he's done, and they stare at him all the same. it's almost worse.

for a brief moment, just a moment, he feels a stab of hopelessness. coming to this world felt like a second chance, a chance to start over without the world having to bear the knowledge of his inadequacies. but what if that isn't possible? what if this is all this world ever sees of him? the aftermath, the bloodstained hands, the aged lines of his face that tell them what they want to know. he's no one here, except when people remember him like this.

"peanut?"

wade's voice snaps him out of it, and when he looks up, wade has pulled his mask off. he's about to apologise for not listening when wade smiles slightly at him. it's enough to take the words out of his mouth. wade doesn't ask if logan's okay, but his eyes flicker almost imperceptibly over the other occupants of the train car. then he places a delicate hand on logan's waist and steps closer to him, until he can feel his breath ghosting his lips.

logan just looks up at him, breath caught in his throat. what? he thinks of asking. he doesn't.

wade's other hand trails up to cup his cheek. "let them stare," he says. "they don't know anything."

then he leans down and presses his lips to logan's. the train emerges out of the tunnel and bathes the car in golden light, and all the rest of it fades away.

wade steps back eventually, and logan wants to chase his lips, but instead watches as the shadows of his scars dance across his face with the path of the dying sun. he's so beautiful, logan thinks. he's home.

wade is right; let them stare. all he wants is to find his way home, just like everyone else. that's all anyone wants. and they're all on the same train home.

[twilightkitkat]

Ok two things

1) I genuinely can't remember if I've asked this before but I would LOVE your take of the lingering after effects of the rant in the Honda Odyssey. Mainly because I'm going to talk about it again because it means a lot to me (Hugh Jackman my beloved you beautiful beautiful actor)

2) If you can make a tag specifically for the asks It would make navigation 10 times easier because I don't have an easy way of checking what I have and haven't asked (also sometimes I just want to read through everything you've said in response to stuff)

I've said a few things about the Odyssey before but I don't think I've ever answered an ask specifically about it. I have a short fanfic about this topic, actually. (Also good idea, I hadn't thought of adding a tag. I decided to tag my posts with #asks if you want to filter through them.)

The thing about Wade is that he tries to sweep his feelings under the rug. All the time. No matter how hurt he is. He tries to bottle up his feelings because he thinks they're stupid and that they make him vulnerable but they get to be too much and eventually, he bursts. So he holds all of his resentment and pain and fear inside of him, acting composed and unaffected, until he finally reaches a breaking point. And when he breaks, he breaks hard.

The issue with this is that because he's so good at acting fine, other people think he's fine. Or, well, as "fine" as Wade normally was. Everyone knew Wade had a few screws loose and that he was prone to impulsive behavior, but that was just common knowledge by now. He's insane but that's just how he is. But Wade is exceptionally good at masking genuine hurt as insanity and recklessness, so when his true emotions spill over it shocks those around him. He doesn't give any visible indication he feels upset until he suddenly snaps.

The Honda Odyssey is the same. Things are going shockingly smooth between Logan and Wade at first. They focus on doing missions for the TVA and through mercenary organizations together and manage to scrap together something resembling a routine. Wade distracts himself with the thrill of his new life so he doesn't have enough time to ponder or dissect his own emotions. Nothing good ever comes of that, anyway.

But Logan's words stick with Wade. Of course they do, how could they not? He took apart everything he shared with him and used it against him. He dug into every fucking pressure point, rubbing all his insecurities raw. And so naturally, they boil over.

It doesn't have to be a big event. They can just be washing the dishes and Logan makes a joke, or watching a show together. But suddenly it's all rushing back to Wade and the emotions are overwhelming in their intensity and he's breaking down and snapping at Logan, who's confused about what's wrong.

And Wade... doesn't know what to say. Because how can he explain that he's still hung up on a stupid speech Logan gave ages ago? It's embarrassing and childish, especially when he knows it's all true.

And he knows it is. Wade's turned it over in his head when he couldn't sleep, rolled the syllables over his own tongue, and replayed Logan's expressions as he spat the words out. Logan meant it. And he was right, Wade is pathetic. He's fucked up and isn't cut out to be anyone's hero and he's so unlovable that he couldn't keep the only girl who loved him despite his disfigured avocado face.

He knows and yet it still hurt for Logan to say it. For his hero, someone he looked up to and admired, to look and see him in all his glory only to spit in his face. To hear it confirmed by someone whose opinion mattered to him.

It sticks with him. It festers and grows and gnaws at him. He watches Logan for any signs of disappointment or contempt, is especially careful to bring up his past relationships, and remains on edge. He doesn't let himself fully relax or get comfortable. He keeps an eye on the door, waiting for Logan to walk out.

But he's fine. He's managing. Until suddenly it boils over and he isn't and he has to look Logan in the face and explain why he flinched when Logan yelled at him over something stupid.

[palesweetscherryblossom]

King Naga Shigaraki x Royalty Reader

-Naga & Humans have been beefing for years, thanks to competing for the same resources and of course, AFO stoking the flames of that -Eventually, the two simply decided to stay in their own lanes respectively. Only interacting when it came to trade or economic matters. -There was a golden rule, never EVER start anything on either side. To do so would result in a shitstorm. -Shigaraki was crowned prince after being adopted by AFO. He was feared, respected and beloved by his subjects. Tomura crowned himself king after murdering AFO in a battle for power. -Your family is a modestly sized royal family, powerful but not too big. You are the youngest of your brother and sister, aged 20. -Whilst your brothers harbored a resentment towards the naga, you stayed in your own lane. -Then, one of them did something stupid, dreadfully stupid. You eldest brother had made the horrible decision to attempt to raid one of Shigaraki’s villages, only to be met with Tomura’s furious royal court. -Your brother had attempted to steal valuable jewelry and even tried to abduct Lady Himiko as ransom. If it wasn’t for Jin then Toga would’ve probably made minced meat out of his face. -Tomura was outraged that puny arrogant Prince had the audacity to try and attack his people. So, he was going to be a little shit right back -Your parents were swiftly met with an invite to Tomura’s royal court as to discuss this matter. And they were instructed to bring their family. -“What have you done to my land and people is unforgivable. But I’m willing to forgive if you give me something of value in exchange for your pathetic son.” -Your parents were shaken, no doubt that Tomura wouldn’t hesitate to send his angry court after them. -Then, your eldest sister got an idea. The girl had never liked you, for your elegance, beauty and the fact that you were blossoming into a beautiful person made her rage with jealousy. -So, why not pawn you off to the Naga beast and not only get you out of the way but gain some other benefits. Like more land, materials, food and extra military service?

“I have an idea your majesty!” The court turned to your scheming sister, Tomura seemed rather unimpressed. “I humbly offer you my sibling in exchange for our brother.”

-Everyone was shocked, including you. How dare she try to pawn you off?! You opened your mouth to object but were swiftly glared at by your parents and siblings. -Tomura and his court contemplated it, a murmur of intrigued hissing swept across the room before Tomura answered. He would take you as his mate, perhaps they could repair tensions and Kurogiri was nagging him about finding a mate. -Thus, your new life began

[princessanonymous]

When Night Comes

Platonic Yandere Vampire

Previous Part | Next Part

First Chapter

5. 𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓟𝓪𝓽𝓱

The estate gave off an aura of cold, darkness, and grandeur. Its many rooms and labyrinth-like pathways created an intricate and intimidating structure. The ground floor, beyond the imposing entry hall, boasted a dining room, a resplendent ballroom, lavish bathrooms, and the kitchen, which was connected to the quarters where the servants resided. On the second floor, there was a grand living room, and the master bedroom, along with an opulent bathroom and a study, was adjacent to (Y/n)'s room, which also had its own bathroom. Guest bedrooms adorned the opposite side of the second floor. The estate was equipped with a grand library, another ballroom that opened onto a balcony overlooking the entrance, more bathrooms, and a small reception room. An unassuming door on the ground floor led to a cellar.

The mansion was encircled by imposing fences and gates that remained perpetually closed, effectively isolating it from the outside world. By the same logic, it kept her in. The verdant gardens that stretched around the estate, bathed in the moonlight, held an eerie beauty. A nearby stable housed a few horses.

(Y/n) had to concede that the estate was undeniably magnificent, but her nocturnal existence within its gloomy halls only served to accentuate its gothic allure. It was a place of solitude and coldness, where even the servants, who were, like her, human, would cast fearful glances her way. Their wary gazes made her feel even more isolated. She often wondered what compelled them to stay in a household where they had at least some inkling of the master's unnatural nature. Yet, they remained, and they didn't seem to like it. They didn’t seem to like her either. Anyone capable of catching this monster’s attention must be as dang as him in their mind. She could not muster any form of bitterness towards them, since she understood their resonance.

It took her a while to get accustomed to her new sleep schedule. Sleeping in the day and living throughout the night was certainly not something she was used to. She had not glimpsed the light of day in weeks, as the heavy curtains remained perpetually drawn. She spent her nights trying to stave off the loneliness that haunted her. The absence of anyone her age to converse with was not entirely novel, but during her life with her parents, there had been opportunities to socialize when they ventured into town to sell their harvested produce.

She clenched her jaw and fought back tears, resolute in her decision not to cry. Mourning her parents would serve no purpose, and their murderer would respond to her grief with cold indifference. In this foreboding place, no one would offer her solace. No one would care.

The vampire continued to spend a significant amount of time with her. Their interactions were not always filled with conversation; sometimes, they simply coexisted in silence, as he engrossed himself in reading while she sought to fill the empty hours with activities. Her loathing for him remained unwavering, and resentment festered within her, burning brightly. Yet, her loneliness drove her to accept the limited interaction he offered. The girl took whatever she could get.

Tonight was one such instance. They sat in the study, where the vampire occupied a red velvet armchair, engrossed in a book. (Y/n) reclined on a plush sofa of the same pattern, her fingers idly fidgeting with a porcelain doll, arranging and rearranging its dress. It didn't really interest her much, but it helped to keep her occupied.

As she gazed upon the doll’s neck, the sudden recollection of that fateful night prompted (Y/n) to place her hand on her own neck, as if searching for a mark that should have been there but never was. She couldn't fathom how she had managed to forget that detail. The memory returned vividly now – the bite, the paralyzing sensation, the drowsiness that followed. She knew she wasn't a vampire; her pulse still throbbed, and her canines were just as they had always been.

"You bit me," she voiced her realization, her hand still lingering on her neck, even though she knew the wound was no longer there.

The vampire, his attention momentarily diverted from his book, nonchalantly acknowledged, "I did."

A surge of curiosity and confusion led (Y/n) to question further. "I'm not a vampire," she stated, running her tongue over her normal-sized canines. Her heart continued to beat steadily, and there was no insatiable thirst for blood. "How?"

He put the book down, seemingly willing to indulge her curiosity. "Becoming a vampire isn't a random occurrence, doll," he explained patiently. "The process begins with the vampire drinking the blood of a human, allowing the venom from the bite to spread through the mortal's body. The human must then die shortly after from the poison from the bite. They will eventually return to life, but to complete the transformation, they must drink the blood of their sire. And all of this must occur during a Blood Moon."

She tensed upon hearing about the Blood Moon. "What's a Blood Moon?" (Y/n) inquired, a hint of fear in her voice. She needed to understand the vampire's plans for her and how to avoid them.

"It's a phenomenon that occurs only once every three months," he explained. "During a Blood Moon, the moon takes on a red hue, which not only strengthens a vampire's powers but also turns their bite venomous, capable of transforming others. The paralysis and drowsiness you felt on the night I brought you home were the effects of a typical vampire's bite when its powers aren’t strengthened by the moon."

Her face displayed her discomfort as she recalled the night she had felt powerless and vulnerable, completely at the mercy of a killer. She couldn't hide her unease any longer and sought further clarification. "And is the ice power something common among vampires?" She remembered the eerie sight of ice forming on the vampire's hands.

"Each vampire possesses a unique gift," he replied cryptically. To illustrate, he picked up a glass of water from the table beside her. As he touched it, the water gradually transformed into ice, right before her eyes. Her expression shifted from unease to genuine astonishment. "You will have one too."

Her smile dropped, fear settling in once again. She had allowed herself to forget about that part for a fraction of a second. She chastised herself mentally for that mistake. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down here.

[violet-shadows]

Moving On (Part One)

⊱ Next Part ⊰

Masterlist

Summary: After loving Azriel in secret for years, you decide it’s time for you to move on. 

Pairing: Azriel x Reader (She/Her)

Word Count: 3.8k

Warnings: drugging with the implied intent to commit SA, attempted kidnapping

A/N: Thank you for your patience while I took some time away. Hope you like this one. And thank you to the anon who requested this!

⊱ —————— ❈  —————— ⊰

The phrase “with age comes wisdom” was true. You had long known better than to compare yourself to other females. The insecurities of youth faded as you came into your own and you learned to stop obsessing over minor flaws and shortcomings. You were a mature, adult female with no need to compare yourself to others’ appearances… except one.

It wasn’t Mor’s fault that she made you question yourself, but sometimes it was difficult not to resent her all the same. Mor was, as everyone knew, beautiful. But she was also magnetic, her ability to charm unmatched. You weren’t the only one that noticed her charisma and therein lay the problem. Azriel’s interest in Mor was his worst-kept secret. Only a fool would spend time around the pair without noticing the too-long glances and subtle blush on a certain shadowsinger’s cheeks. She had ensnared plenty of Fae in her gravitational pull over the years, but none so strongly as Azriel. It was ridiculous for it to irk you so much. Despite your friendship with the Shadowsinger, you had no claim on him and no reason to expect his affection. Still, when you thought of the way he pined after the blonde, and about all the ways you didn’t even compare to Mor, your heart ached. 

The idea of the truth coming to light was mortifying, though, and you knew you’d rather watch him chase after Mor forever than face his rejection. You buried your feelings for the Shadowsinger nearly as soon as you realized them, pushing them down so deep that not even your daemati High Lord would have hope of finding them. So, just as Azriel harbored his affections for Mor in secret, you hid yours, content to be nothing more than his friend if it meant keeping him in your life. You had made peace with the fact that Azriel would never be yours, accepted it, and moved on. Or at least… you thought you had. Then came Elain. 

You were the first to notice Azriel’s fixation with Mor begin to slip. First, his lingering stares became mere glances. Then, he stopped tensing up every time she walked by. The night she mentioned her most recent lover and Azriel didn’t so much as flinch, something like hope bloomed within you. You tried to stop yourself, reasoning that just because he was getting over Mor didn’t mean he was getting into you, but despite your best efforts, your affection for him was reignited once more. That flicker of hope made it all the more crushing when you realized that Azriel’s feelings had not faded, but transferred to another: Elain.

The High Lady’s sister was lovely, with light hair and warm brown eyes reminiscent of the female he had coveted for so many decades. Much like Mor, she was also impossible to hate. A childish part of you wanted to dislike her as if picking her apart might ease the ache within you. But as you got to know Elain, one thing became clear: Azriel had good taste. Even worse? It appeared she returned his affections in equal measure, despite being mated to someone else. You feared it was only a matter of time before the two would go from friends to lovers, and you were struggling to brace yourself for the fallout. 

It was the morning after Starfall when you finally made the decision. After watching Azriel and Elain dance around each other all night, trading warm glances and secret smiles, you knew it was foolish to continue pining. Azriel would never be yours, and it was high time for you to move on. So, the following morning you sought out Mor and made your announcement.

“I’m going to start courting,” you said, striding into the townhouse kitchen the next morning with your best attempt at a smile on your face. Mor nearly choked on her tea, her eyebrows shooting up to her hairline.

“What changed?” she asked, composing herself. She had been trying to convince you to start courting for years, insisting that the males of the Night Court would all but line up for a chance to fall at your feet. You had always brushed her off, too caught up in your feelings for Azriel and skeptical that the pool of suitors was as vast as she claimed. Now, with your heart set on getting over the shadowsinger, there was no one better to find you a distraction. 

“I just think it’s time,” you shrugged, pouring yourself a cup of tea. Mor narrowed her eyes, opening her mouth to argue, but stopped, as if thinking better of it. After studying you for a moment, she nodded, a mischievous smile creeping onto her beautiful face. 

“This is going to be so much fun.”

 ⊱ —————— ❈  —————— ⊰

You should have known that Mor would take to the task of finding you a suitor with militant efficiency, but it still surprised you when she announced she had set you up on not one but three dates in the twelve hours that elapsed between your conversation and dinner. It also shouldn’t have surprised you that she would be less than subtle about her task. But alas, you were caught off guard when she gleefully informed you of this development over dinner. Family dinner. In front of everyone. 

“I’ve got three dates lined up so far. First ones tomorrow so you should meet me in the afternoon so I can help you get ready,” she chattered. You were acutely aware of the hush that had fallen over the table. “I think you’re really going to like this guy.” Somewhere to your right, a fork clattered as if someone had dropped it, but you didn’t dare look. 

“Since when do you go on dates?” It was Cassian who broke the silence, and soon you were being inundated with a host of invasive questions from your family. 

“It’s just one date!” You shrugged, feeling your cheeks heat.

“Three dates,” Mor corrected.

“Again,” Cassian said, raising an eyebrow at you from across the table, “Since when do you date?”

“Since now,” You leveled a glare at him. Sure, you hadn’t dated much in the past, but that didn’t mean you never would. He opened his mouth to retort only to be cut off by a sharp jab to the ribs courtesy of Nesta. You shot her a grateful smile. 

“I think that’s wonderful,” Feyre interrupted. “You’ve worked so hard for so long, it’s about time you took some time to enjoy yourself.” You thanked her, no doubt still flushed 

“Whose the male?” Azriel, who had thus far been silent on the matter, startled you with the intensity of his tone. You turned to find him staring at you, his eyes burning with something you couldn’t quite place. 

“None of your business,” Mor replied sweetly, taking a sip of wine. 

“It is my business—” he growled, but you cut him off before he could finish the thought, suddenly indignant. He had no claim to you. He had done well to make that clear.

“It’s really not,” you cut in, trying and failing to keep the venom from your tone. Azriel’s mouth clamped shut and he gave a nod of acquiescence, a cold mask of indifference sliding into place. It made your insides churn with anxiety, but you tamped it down. He had spoiled your love life for long enough, you wouldn’t let him sour what should have been an exciting new experience. “I’ll let you know how it goes, though.”

Rhys cut in, swiftly changing the subject, much to your relief, but you couldn’t help but feel tense for the remainder of the meal. You glanced at Azriel every few minutes, your eyes drawn to his rigid form. Even though he was never much of a talker, his silence felt unusually heavy. By the time the meal finished, you were eager for a moment to yourself. You needed to recenter and remember why you were moving on. He wasn’t yours. He never would be.

You were leaning against the balcony railing when he appeared, clearing his throat to alert you of his presence. You tried to keep your posture relaxed as you turned to greet him, determined to act naturally. In all your years of friendship with Azriel, you never let your feelings impact your relationship. Now shouldn’t be any different, not when you were both pursuing romance with others. “I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to pry,” he said, his tone subdued. He joined you at the railing, drink in hand, and you raised an eyebrow. Out of all of you, Azriel was typically the least likely to imbibe. He shrugged at your unspoken question, brushing it off, and you resisted the urge to ask him about it. ‘It’s not my business if he drinks’, you reminded yourself. ‘Not mine.’ 

“It’s fine,” you replied, forcing yourself to relax, “I know you can’t help but stick your nose in things. Curious creatures, you spymasters.” He chuckled and you ignored the butterflies in your stomach, forcing yourself to look away from his handsome features and out towards the night sky glittering over the Sidra.

“What changed?” he asked after a quiet moment. You didn’t turn to look at him, though you could feel his eyes on your face. 

“Things are… peaceful,” you explained. “I figured it’s time to settle down.” 

“Since when do you want to settle down?” Azriel asked, incredulous. You turned to look at him, your eyes meeting molten gold, and for a split second, you contemplated telling him the truth. ‘I’ve never wanted to settle down with anyone… except for you.’

Instead, you swallowed thickly and averted your gaze, “Since now… I’m not a kid anymore, and I don’t want to end up alone.” The last bit slipped out before you could stop yourself and you winced. It sounded so vulnerable when said aloud. Pathetic even. 

“You’ll never be alone,” Azriel said quickly, leaning in slightly. “I would never let you end up alone.” You looked up, meeting his gaze, and your eyes burned with unshed tears. He didn’t mean it the way you wanted him to, and it made your heart ache all the more fiercely.

“I should go,” you murmured, looking down at the drink in your hand. “Thanks, Az.” You walked away then, afraid that if you stayed if you said anything but goodbye, the careful lie you had built up would crumble before your eyes. You needed to keep your feelings buried, now more than ever before, or you feared they might eat you alive.

“Y/N?” Mor intercepted you as you took your leave, her brow furrowed with concern. You swiped at your cheeks, only then realizing that the tears in your eyes had fallen. “You okay?” 

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” you replied, flashing a fake smile. You didn’t give her a chance to question you further, nor did you look back when you felt another set of eyes burning into the back of your head. 

⊱ —————— ❈  —————— ⊰

“So? How did it go?” Mor met you back at the townhouse, bouncing on her feet with excitement. You had just returned from your third date of the week and you were starting to feel a bit guilty about your lack of enthusiasm. 

“He was… nice,” you replied, trying and failing to sound optimistic. Mor’s face fell and she sighed. 

“You hated him,” she surmised. 

“No!” You shook your head, desperately trying to come up with a diplomatic way to describe the male. It wasn’t that he was unpleasant, just… bland. “He was nice. And handsome. We just didn’t… click.” 

Mor groaned, “I’m sorry. I really thought this one might be it.” 

You shrugged, kicking off your heels and joining her next to the hearth. None of the dates had been bad, per se. They just weren’t right. They weren’t him. “Maybe it’s not the right time to date.”

“Nonsense,” Mor dismissed with a wave of her hand. “We just need a new strategy.”

“We?” You asked.

“Yes, we. We’re a team here,” she replied. “I’m taking my job as your matchmaker quite seriously.”

“Maybe matchmaking doesn’t work for me,” you mused. Mor furrowed her eyebrows as if deep in thought, then her expression brightened. 

“That’s it!” She exclaimed, jumping up from the sofa. “We just need to have you meet people organically.” 

“How?” you asked.

“Well, the first step is to get you out of this house,” she said, moving to fetch her bag and your coats. “You’re already dressed and the night is still young. We’re going to Rita’s.” You groaned, but before you could protest she was dragging you out the door. 

You had been to Rita’s more times than you could count, most often brought there by Mor and Cass when they were in the mood for a wild night. In fact, it was at Rita’s where your friendship with Azriel was originally forged. Like you, the shadowsinger found the glitz and glamour of the club to be a bit much, preferring to hang back in the shadows and observe, rather than take part in the chaos and revelry. Over the years, the two of you had developed a sense of comradery, sticking together in the booth while the others danced and drank the night away, content to sip wine and exchange witty commentary. When Azriel stopped going to Rita’s in favor of spending time with Elain or working late, you started to decline Mor’s invitations as well. It had been months since you last stepped foot in the building and years since you did it without Azriel at your side. As you walked the streets of Valeris with Mor, you had a feeling tonight was going to be very different than you were used to. 

⊱ —————— ❈  —————— ⊰

“Do you ever get tired of it?” you asked Mor, sipping on your third drink as you watched the latest male slink away from your table, his attempts at flirtation politely declined. You were used to Mor drawing a great deal of attention, but tonight it seemed that nearly every male in the city was either staring or attempting to charm their way into your booth. It was somewhat unnerving, being under such close scrutiny. 

“Tired of what?” Mor asked, raising one perfect eyebrow. 

“All the attention you get,” you shrugged, accidentally making eye contact with one of the males watching you from the bar. You blushed, looking down at your drink when he met your gaze with a wink. “I feel like we’re on stage.” 

“You think I’m the one drawing attention?” Mor snorted, shaking her head.

“What do you mean?” You asked, looking down at your outfit. Your dress was perhaps a bit more conservative than the regular club attire, chosen with a romantic date on the Sidra in mind. However, you assumed Mor would tell you if you looked terribly out of place. 

“They’re staring at you,” she explained. “I’m here all the time. You rarely come out, and this is their first chance to see you without your guard dog scaring them off.” 

“Guard dog?” 

“Why do you think males never approach you when we’re here?” she asked. You stared blankly, the alcohol muddling your mind enough to keep you from following. “Think about it. Every time you come here, one of the scariest males in all of Prythian is glued to your side and staring down anyone who breathes in your direction. Why else would you not get approached?” 

You blinked, mind reeling at the revelation. In truth, you had always assumed no one was interested in you, and with your attentions firmly fixed on Azriel, you hadn’t much minded. That was part of the reason you had never put much thought into dating: you didn’t imagine you had that many options. “I just didn’t think anyone was interested.”

“Y/N!” Mor scoffed, her jaw dropping. “That’s ridiculous. I doubt there's anyone in this room who isn’t interested.” You rolled your eyes, opening your mouth to dismiss her hyperbole when she caught sight of something over your shoulder and grinned. “See?” she whispered.

“Hello, ladies.” You turned to see the male from the bar approaching your table, a sly grin on his handsome face. He was tall, though not quite as tall as Azriel, with broad shoulders and sandy brown hair. He had an air of confidence about him that the others so far had lacked, and despite not being exactly what you wanted, he was undeniably attractive. “Can I get you two something to drink?” 

“I was actually just about to go dance,” Mor replied, standing up from the booth. “Keep my friend Y/N company, will you?” The male smiled and nodded, sliding into Mor’s seat before you could interject. Mor shot you a wink before slinking away, leaving you with the handsome stranger. 

“I’m Xavier,” he introduced himself, reaching out as if to shake your hand. When you provided your name, he surprised you by pressing a kiss to your knuckles, the way one might greet a princess. “I’ve seen you here before, but you’re usually with other… company. Are you waiting on them to arrive?” 

“Just Mor and I tonight,” you replied, spotting the last glimpse of your friend’s golden hair as she disappeared into the crowd. Knowing her, it would likely be the last you saw of her for the evening. Part of you wanted to call it a night and leave now that Mor was entertained, but another part, a more rebellious part, was interested in seeing where the night might go. 

“I suppose it’s my lucky night,” Xavier grinned, his eyes trailing up and down your body in a manner a bit too obvious to be polite. He flagged down a waitress then, ordering you both glasses of some fancy wine without consulting you first. It was a stark contrast to your typical experience with Azriel, who, despite memorizing your drink order long ago, always checked to make sure he got you exactly what you wanted. You shook the thought from your head as Xavier began to chatter, regaling you with tales of his travels that were no doubt meant to sound impressive. 

Although the male’s personality was somewhat grating, he relieved you of the burden of making conversation by talking incessantly, and you figured the illusion of company was preferable to sitting alone. Your mind wandered as he spoke, the bitter wine he had selected going down easier by the second glass, and when the waitress returned to fill your glass again, you realized quite a bit of time had slipped by. The crowd on the dancefloor had thinned, and the barbacks were beginning to wipe down empty tables, a sure sign closing time was approaching. You yawned, your limbs feeling heavy as you considered the walk home that was ahead of you. 

“I should go home,” you murmured, your head feeling fuzzier by the second. You hadn’t drunk an exorbitant amount, but the alcohol and late hour must have caught up with you, causing your eyelids to droop. When you tried to stand, the room spun so violently you nearly fell backward into the booth, grasping onto the now quiet Xavier for support. He made an off-color joke about handling your liquor, wrapping his arm around your waist to steady your swaying form. Your limbs felt numb and uncoordinated as if you had just emerged from an ice bath, and you had to cling to Xavier's side in order to exit out a side door of the club.

The cool night air was somewhat sobering, and you were able to orient yourself, turning to head in the direction of the townhouse. To your befuddlement, Xavier continued to herd you down a side street, away from your intended destination. Your garbled protests fell on deaf ears, with the male only tightening his hold on your waist, half dragging you forward through the quiet streets. A creeping feeling of dread began to penetrate your boozy haze, but you struggled to string together a coherent thought, let alone pull yourself free of his grasp. The alertness brought on by the cool breeze was fading, each step growing more difficult than the last. Soon, you were vaguely aware of Xavier slinging your arm around his shoulder, supporting most of your weight as you slumped into his side. “Take me home,” you managed to slur, your head lulling forward despite your best efforts to remain aware of your surroundings. 

Xavier didn’t bother with a response, continuing to lead you further into an unfamiliar part of the city. The numbness in your limbs worsened, and when your legs finally buckled, he swept you into a bridal carry. You pawed at his chest, trying to demand you be set down, but your arms wouldn’t obey and your tongue felt too large in your mouth. Instead, you groan incoherently, flailing weakly in his arms. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew you were in grave danger, but without the cooperation of your body, you were but a passive observer at the mercy of this stranger. Just as tears began to slip free and trail down your cheeks, a deep growl broke through the quiet. 

“What the fuck are you doing?” You knew that voice, though you couldn’t quite place it. Deep and smooth and full of fury, but comforting all the same. You relaxed slightly, your adrenaline-fueled grip on reality beginning to wane at the prospect of rescue. Xavier set you down, freeing one hand as he turned to face his challenger. You hung loose in his other arm, your eyes fluttering shut. 

“I’m just taking my girl home,” Xavier said, a nervous edge to his voice. His grip on your waist tightened to the point of pain, and for a moment, panic flared within you as you considered the possibility that your rescuer might be deceived. “She just drank too much.”

“That is not your girl,” another voice, equally as deep and familiar as the first, interjected. You trusted that voice too, though you still couldn’t put a name to either one. “And you’re not taking her home.” 

“Whatever, man,” Xavier sneered, moving to leave with you still tucked into his side. “Get your own, whor—” He wasn’t able to finish his insult, the vile word cut off by the sound of crunching bone. He was thrown back by some unseen force and you pitched forward as his hold on you disappeared. You braced yourself to hit the cobblestone face-first, but a strong pair of arms caught you mid-fall. The world spun around you as you were cradled against a warm, broad chest, their touch too gentle to be Xavier. The familiar smell of morning dew and cedar smoke washed over you like a soothing tonic and you relaxed into your rescuer’s arms. 

Azriel had come for you. 

⊱ —————— ❈  —————— ⊰

Likes, reblogs, comments, and feedback are greatly appreciated. Click here to check out my other work.

Taglist - All ACOTAR Fics (Part One): @answer-the-sirens @microwaveallthedemons @judig92 @wolfyland07 @donttellthecats @goldentournesol @mulansaucey @starlit-terror @starrstrucked @a-frog-with-a-laptop @xxoverthinkxx @luv-xoxo @abrunettefangirlnerd @smellys-cats @crazymar15 @feyretopia @we-were-beautiful @simplywitchy @milllionthingsihaventdone @sevikas-whore @lunaralaraspace @sfhsgrad-blog @lucyysthings @debramclaren @blurredlamplight @nightscourtt @disneyandkpoplover @linduzmunna @shadowhunterfangirlforlife @shadowcrowsworld @nightcourtwritings @thefandomswhre @high-bi-andreadytocry @percyjacksonspeen @tayrae515 @a-little-disguised @itendswithussadness @strawbwebbie @hopelesslyuncreative @cityofidek @hopelesslyuncreative @5moremin @orangecreamsicle54 @bubnix @a-mexican-waffle @maddistyles17 @i-give-uppppp @bubbles-for-all-of-us @kaitswrld @nova-stardragon

✨CLICK HERE TO BE ADDED TO MY TAGLIST✨

[writterracoon]

Hades 2

Lately, I've been a bit obsessed about Hades 2, I've been watching people play the test run , listening to compilations of interactions and scouring theories.

While doing all of that, I noticed something of a pattern, a theme that often came back and I think I may have found out one of the MAIN theme and conflict of the game and I've seen nobody talk about it yet, so here we go.

More under if you're not against being possibly spoiled.

I think one of the major themes of Hades 2 is going to be about Humanity and its complex relationship with the Gods, the way the gods treat mortals and the way mortals treat the gods.

here are my evidences

The interactions

the first thing that put me on this path was this interaction between Melinoe and Nemesis.

In this conversation, Nemesis and Melinoe are talking about Retribution and Justice and how Nemesis believes that Kronos taking over the underworld and challenging the Olympians may be what they deserve. Notice how Nemesis specifically mentions mortals and the Golden Age.

For those who don't know, in greek mythology the Golden Age was the first Era of Humanity and when Chronos was the ruler of the heavens. It was a time of peace and harmony for humanity where there existed no plague or famine, there was no need to work as they could simply pick their food from nature itself. They lived long lives, remaining youthful and died peacefully in their sleep.

Nemesis is I think trying to hint to Melinoe that maybe the situation is not exactly as black and white as it first seems and that humanity may have a bigger role in this than first thought.

A second interaction i want to bring to mind is about Moros and his relationship with mortals.

Here Moros admits that sometimes he because of was simply bored he would knowingly bring doom and pain to Mortals ending their lives painfully.

Archnea's interactions are also the strongest contenders for that theory, as they bring back that theme of divine cruelty, the gods view of mankind and how they callously treat them.

She has been wronged by the gods for the simple reason that she was better than them at something and they naturally couldn't stand it so they cursed her to live as a spider. She is filled with resentment for them and even warns Mel not to trust them. Also, note how she admits she fears the gods more than she fears Chronos.

2. Dora

Now Dora is a bit particular because we don't know much about her, but I have seen a theory and some interaction with Moros seem to be pointing toward it, which is that she might be Pandora, the original sinner of Greek mythology.

the myth of Pandora goes a bit like this: During the Golden Age, after Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gifted it to humanity, the gods decided to punish Prometheus by punishing humanity. They built Pandora, a woman beautiful beyond compare, and gave her a box full of the evils of the world. They then send her to seduce Epimetheus Prometheus's brother, who despite his brother's warning is promptly seduced by Pandora's beauty and welcomes her into his home. She then opened the box and released the evil of the world upon mankind, thus ending the Golden Age. Only hope stays inside the box.

Again if this is indeed true, it would follow the theme of the gods inflicting pain and suffering upon mankind for petty reasons, uncaring about the consequences of those actions.

3. Hades I

During the first game, many interactions points toward the gods general uncaring attitudes about mortals. Demeter thinks it was a mortal who stole her daughter away, so she decides that she will punish them all by starving them with an eternal winter. The other gods make almost mention of it only to say how much it annoys them.

4. Speculation

This part is not so much about evidences and more about speculations about the story of Hades 2 based upon my theory that mankind is going to be central in this tale.

The reason how Chronos is so powerfull, powerfull enough to free himself from Tartarus and claim the Underworld for himself, is that mortal were tired of being the gods' playthings and prayed to him, they prayed for his return, for the return of the golden age, where pain and suffering were unknown to them and the gods weren't using them for their own amusement.

The gods are going to have to deal with the fact that their poor treatment of humanity has consequences and those consequences are the return of Chronos and a second titonomachy.

Melinoe will propably have to face the fact that Chronos is wrong in challenging the gods and that the current status quo cannot be sustained any longer. The Olympian gods will have to change how they treat mankind if they wish to even have a stand a chance against chronos.

(TLDR, The Olympian gods have treated mankind like shit for a long time and now they are dealing with the consequences of those actions when the mortals are praying to Chronos to come back and restore back the golden Age where their lives weren't even half as awful. Melinoe will have to deal with the fact that her family might very well deserve what is happening to them and if she wishes to save them, the gods will have to change.)

[randomuser678]

I love how most Batman villains have a genderbend version of them, specially bc as a trans woman I want to read into them being trans

Like, the Ventriloquist's design is of a mild mannered boring looking man who contrasts with his puppet Scarface who's much more rude and greedy, it feels like Scarface is a way for his ventriloquist to express his more rude side while distancing himself from them.

Now on my read where she's a trans woman there would be two layers of repression here, Ventriloquist personified her "masculine" side into the puppet who acts like a stereotypical tough guy, a rude bossy mafia leader, and she became a sexy trophy wife for him, this way she separates herself from the undesirable masculine traits, as well as becoming a love interest to a man who makes all the decisions for her, she only exists to support him, she finally made it to cisnormative and heteronormative ideals of femininity! It comes off as a tragic clinging to idealized femininity and male approval on a way I really relate to.

Clayface also has a really good portrayal of Dysphoria since in the versions I've seen they're an actor who hates their own face and got into a drug that would make their face easy to remold, then it went horribly wrong and now their entire body is moldable, Lady Clayface didn't have to change that general backstory for it to work at all, and the theme of beauty is common on female villains, but tbh I love this one specifically because of the trans read being more obvious, and this is the one case where a character didn't have to change backstories at all for the female version, she can still be a former actor with dysphoria that later gains shapeshifting powers, it's almost a happy ending for her now that she can change her shapes even if it's still tragic.

Calendar girl has a similar theme (Although she's both a version of Calendar man but also The Manikin) where she's a former celebrity who's horrified by her appearance under the mask and is "aging out" of her career, her attacking themed on holidays is both a mockery of her job as a model and needing to keep up with trends and also to show her resentment towards the passage of time, it's a really fun mix of characters and my trans read of her would be similar to Clayface. Also how youth and beauty is valued in society as a whole and older trans people in general are ignored on the mainstream.

And because the comic book world is really hostile towards genderbends (see Oswald from the newest Batman cartoon) a lot of them have instead characters who co-exist with their male counterparts, that was the case for the Ventriolquist since she just took the role from the previous one, but sometimes they do what they did here:

Madame Crow is part of the Victim Syndicate, a group of people who were victims of different villains and now resent Batman for not saving them, their powers are now ironic mirrors to the characters they were victimized by, and on Madame Crow's case, where she was a victim of the fear toxins from the Scarecrow, she made toxins that completely rid a person of any fear or self-preservation. And idk the fact that she wants to create something that gets rid of fears and repression just comes off as queer to me even though it was obviously not intentional, it's just that on a version where she IS the Scarecrow I would love how thematically fitting it all is.

I've seen pieces about how Batman is inherently queer bc super heroes and villains as a whole empower themselves through creating an alternative persona on an over the top camp way that's basically drag.

Some male villains have female sidekicks, Sugar and Spice, Query and Echo, and I guess those are harder to read as female personas of the same character like how I've been doing, but idk, you can rewrite the stories however you like to make these work, maybe twoface is bigender and flips a coin to decide which gender they're going with, that would be on theme. You can do anything ever with these characters.

Also I never understood why ppl were mad about Oswalda, every version of Batman changes backstories around, why is changing a character's gender or whatever completely out of line with that they've already been doing for decades? Anyways I'm trans and this is all.

[liightsout]

the blue - part twelve

﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎

✯ summary: waking up together, first dates, first kisses ✯

✯ pairing: daniel ricciardo x fem!oc ✯

✯ content warnings: light swearing ✯

✯ now playing: the alchemy - taylor swift ✯

✯ series masterlist ✯

﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎

Mattie wasn’t sure how long she had been awake for. It felt like hours. The loud ticking of the clock hanging on her bedroom wall sounded quieter than it ever had, drowned out by the light snores from the man lying next to her. In reality it had only been a few minutes, she knew that, but time seemed to pass slower with the early morning sunlight peeking through her curtains. 

Soft exhales from Danny’s lips danced across her skin. He had found a perfect space for himself between her collarbone and jaw at some point during the night and hadn’t moved since. She didn’t mind. Their legs were still entangled from the night before. His arms wrapped firmly around her body, securing himself to her. She didn’t mind that either. 

They had stayed up the night before for hours, just talking and sharing secrets. Like small children at their very first sleepover. Newly found friends exchanging everything from favourite movies, first crushes and their deepest insecurities. 

Danny had spoken about his dreams of a big family one day. A dream that he felt wouldn’t be possible given his current lifestyle. Formula 1 athlete and dedicated family man was not something he felt he could juggle easily. He feared the criticism of the media that he already faced in his career. He didn’t want to bring up a child around that. 

Mattie praised him for that. It would be easy for him to have a family. To pick one of the many perfect girls that she was sure had crossed his path and to settle down. She could imagine Danny easily, a couple kids, a beautiful wife and a white picket fence. It would be easy to not give them the proper attention a family deserved. She felt it was mature of him to put that dream on the back burner, not many men would. Danny wasn’t like many men. 

She told him about her family; a topic she didn’t bring up easily. Explaining that she had been raised in a single parent household. Her Dad had left when she was 3, he decided having a kid hadn’t been the life he had planned for himself. 

She didn’t blame him anymore. Her parents had been teenagers when her Mum had fallen pregnant. A happy accident her Mum had always called it. When she was younger she blamed her Dad for leaving them. A bitter resentment that faded the older she got. 

With age Mattie realised that her father was just a kid himself, running scared from big adult problems. She knew the feeling. 

Her Mum had done more than enough for her. She had shown her enough love and guidance that she knew she hadn’t missed out on anything. 

Danny had listened to her recounting stories of her childhood. Baking birthday cakes, a different flavour each year. Creating make believe tales of princesses in castles being rescued by their prince charming’s. Hot summer days spent at the beach, with sticky cheeks from ice cream cones and sun cream. Not once did he offer her fake sympathy at a life he might have thought she missed out on due to an absent father. Instead he listened attentively. Instead he told her that her Mum sounded like an incredibly strong woman, just like her daughter. 

It was Danny groaning that pulled her from her thoughts. She felt his hands tighten around her frame and pull her closer than she thought possible, nothing separating them but the clothes on both their bodies. 

“It’s way too early for either of us to be awake” he spoke, his voice rough with sleep. His accent sounded stronger than it had ever before. 

Mattie let out a laugh and looked down at the man that had cocooned himself around her.

“It’s actually 9AM, which means you’ve missed your morning training session with Michael” she said, adding a mocking tut at the end. She brought her hand up to rest at the back of Danny’s head, scratching delicately at his skin, playing with the soft curls that lay there. 

“Nah it’s fine, I text him last night and cancelled, told him I had more important thing to do today” his voice trailed off toward the end as he let out a sigh, “please don’t stop whatever it is you’re doing right now with your hand” he said his voice thick with satisfaction.

She let her fingers move back and forth through his mess of curly brown hair. A satisfied hum left Danny’s lips as he memorised the way her hands felt against his skin. Their peaceful moment rudely interrupted by a loud banging noise at the bedroom door. 

“Urm guys, I actually dread to think about what is going on in that room and I am terribly sorry to interrupt whatever early morning escapades you’re getting up to, but I brought you coffee and breakfast. It’s in the kitchen for when you’re… finished” Adam’s voice travelled through the door followed by a booming laugh and the sound of his footsteps down the hallway. 

Mattie’s face flushed as the Aussie joined in with their friend’s laughter. She felt the urge to jump to their defence, to claim that nothing like that was going on. Instead she found herself caught up in Danny’s contagious laugh. She liked laughing with him. It made her feel lighter. 

Raising his head for the first time since he had awoken, Danny looked up at her blushing smiling cheeks, a dopey grin on his face. 

“Come on pretty girl, up and at ‘em. First, breakfast, and then I owe you a date.” 

﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎

Mattie couldn’t recall a first date that she enjoyed. Admittedly there had been a few that had been nice enough, but never anything to write home about. She found that first dates consisted of awkward dinners, disappointing small talk and unwanted wandering hands. 

She longed for a man to consider her. To consider who they were going on a date with, and cater it just for her. She knew it was wishful thinking, well aware that dating in your twenties was comparable to a hellscape. She had decided long ago that the fewer first dates she went on, the better. 

She should have known a first date with Danny would be different. 

When he had first brought up the notion of a date on that FaceTime call she had been ecstatic. The thought of spending any amount of time with him was enough to keep her smiling for days. It was only when she had considered what a date with Danny would look like that she felt the nerves creep in. 

She hoped that Danny knew her well enough to know that the last thing she wanted was for him to make a big fuss. She didn’t want him to splash the cash like he didn’t have a care in the world. Sure, the finest restaurant in London followed by fancy drinks at a high end cocktail bar sounded nice, but not what she wanted. She didn’t need Danny to try to impress her like that. He’d already done enough, she just wanted to spend time with him. 

She should have known Danny knew her better than that. She shouldn't have doubted him like that. 

Giving no indication on what he had planned for the day, Mattie had agonised over what to wear. She eventually settled for a pair of loose fitting jeans, a chunky knit sweater and platform Converse. A perfect combination of comfy but cute. Hair and makeup was much easier now that Danny had seen her first thing in the morning. She settled for light makeup, a bit of blush and tinted lip balm. She wore her hair down, framing her face with natural waves. 

A knock at the apartment door signalled Danny’s arrival. He had left an hour prior, ducking out after sharing a breakfast muffin with her. Adam had given him the code to the communal front door before he left, “you might as well have it if you’re going to be here all the time” he had said. 

She found the Aussie at the door, a large bouquet of wild daisies in hand, “pretty flowers for a pretty girl” he had told her. She wondered if she would ever get used to how easily compliments would fall from his lips, always aimed in her direction. She doubted it. 

He grabbed her hand as soon as she had closed her front door and shouted a goodbye to Adam. With their fingers intertwined he pulled her across the street to the bakery. 

With a charming smile he walked up to the barista behind the counter and asked for a preorder for “DR”. The very same barista that had informed her about Danny coming into the bakery and asking what her favourite muffin was all those months ago. 

The barista, who she knew now was called Emma, raised her eyebrows at Mattie and shot her a wink as she handed over a large brown bag to Danny. Emma had been asking for updates regarding her “Australian hottie” on a regular basis. She had shrugged her off with a laugh each time and told her they were just friends and that she was reading too much into it. She feared she would never hear the end of this next time she came in for her daily blueberry muffin. 

Hand in hand Danny guided her to a sleek black Range Rover parked out on the street in front of her flat. He opened the passenger door for her and waited until she was safely buckled into the seat before handing her the brown paper bag filled with goodies. A swift warning of “no peeking” followed with a joking finger wag. 

In that moment she didn’t care what was in the bag. Her mind reeling over the small action of having a car door opened for her. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had treated her with such care and attention. 

Jumping into the front seat Danny handed her his phone with Spotify already open, telling her to put on whatever she wanted for their journey. The car’s engine roared to life and in no time he was expertly navigating the streets of London. 

Staring at the unlocked phone in her hands Mattie’s mind went blank. The small act of handing her his phone would have seemed so insignificant to anyone else, she was sure of that. To her it was huge. She recalled dating men for months that would refuse to even let her look at their phone screens, let alone hold their unlocked phone in her hands. Especially while they were too busy to see what she was doing with it. 

She knew that Danny knew that she would never snoop through his phone. That he didn’t need to worry about her looking for information to run to the gossip sites with. But this also told her something else entirely. This told her that he had nothing to hide. He wasn’t worried about some girl messaging him something incriminating while she had control of his phone. 

The short journey was filled with lingering eyes and bashful smiles between the pair. Danny’s hand had found its way to rest on Mattie’s thigh a few minutes into the journey. Her breath caught in her throat, his bold actions always catching her completely off guard. His fingertips flexed as he gave her a light squeeze every time he caught her singing along absentmindedly to whichever Taylor Swift song she had selected to play through the radio. She wasn’t a fan of long car journeys, but she hoped that this one lasted forever. 

Mattie had instantly recognised where they were the minute Danny had pulled the car to a stop. Her eyes lit up as she turned round to look at him in the driver’s seat. 

“How did you know Primrose Hill was my favourite place in the city?” she said with a suspicious glint to her voice. Danny shrugged his shoulders, feigning ignorance as a childlike grin spread across his cheeks.

Adam, she thought. She didn’t mind that he had told him. If anything she found it adorable that Danny had asked her best friend for ideas of where to take her. 

This was the kind of date she had always wanted. Someone who cared enough to consider her. Of course Danny would have worked out exactly what her idea of a perfect first date would be. She didn’t need to worry about fancy restaurants and awkward small talk over a bottle of cheap wine. 

The sound of her door opening and a large hand being offered to her pulled her from her thoughts. For the second time that day the pair walked hand in hand. She never thought her hand would ever fit so perfectly with another’s. It felt like he filled up all her empty spaces.

They spent the next few hours cuddled up next to one another in the grass overlooking the city. The baseball cap on Danny’s head shielded his identity from the rest of the world as much as it could. To any other passerby they would have looked like any ordinary couple enjoying a perfect midweek afternoon together. 

The picnic Danny had purchased contained her favourite sandwich from the bakery. As well as two blueberry muffins, just for her. She had argued that she didn’t need two and that Danny should have the other. He firmly declined and told her the other was for later on when she felt hungry. Plus he had bought his own chocolate chunk cookie. He made her pinky promise not to tell Michael. She vowed it was a secret she would take to the grave.

Mattie wasn’t sure if Danny was trying to be perfect, or whether he just was. Did he mean to exude such confidence and kindness, or was it completely natural for him? Over the short time she had known him he had always considered her thoughts, feelings and welfare over his own. Whether it was making sure she knew he thought she was beautiful, or random messages while he was away reminding her to eat dinner when he knew she was elbows deep in work. 

She wasn’t entirely sure where their relationship was headed, but she knew that she was far too deep to turn back now. Danny had made it clear that he liked her. She just hoped that he knew the feeling was mutual. For someone that read and edited novels for a living, she was struggling to find the words to tell him how she felt. 

“Do you want to come to Monaco?” the Aussie asked as he traced his fingers up and down her arm, creating goosebumps as he went. Mattie felt her eyes grow wide as she looked into his. 

“To the race, you mean?” she asked, seeking clarification. Adam had invited her to races before, ones that he could get team tickets for. Tickets were hard to come by and he was pretty far down the list in terms of ‘seniority’ so it was usually for one of the less popular races. Even then she ran the risk of getting bumped off the list if someone more important decided they needed a ticket for a friend or family member. Not that she minded, she was grateful to even have a chance at the experience. 

“Uh yeah, to the race. My parents will be there, my sister too, and her kids. I thought it’d be nice for you to meet them. I have a place there so you wouldn’t need to stay in a hotel… it’s ok if you don’t want to or you can’t, I just-” he paused as if he considered his next words. “I just want you to be there and I’d be so pissed at myself if I didn’t ask, or left it too late to ask and you couldn’t make it because of work” the Aussie rambled. He looked anxious. She rarely saw him like this and each time it left her stunned that anything could ever make him anything less than cool, calm and confident. 

She considered her options carefully. The last 24 hours had been a whirlwind. She knew in her heart what she wanted to say to the man sitting in front of her, with his perfect eyes boring into hers with unease. She had always believed in the power of words, yet she felt that there was nothing she could say that would bring justice to what she wanted him to know. 

Mattie lent forward and placed her lips delicately against his. She felt him release a sudden intake of breath, clearly surprised at her actions. Fuck, she thought. It was too much. Too sudden. She had gotten the wrong idea. 

Just as she started to pull away, she felt a strong hand at the back of neck pulling her back in. When their lips met a second time Mattie swore she felt every nerve in her body catch fire. Like a firework had been lying in wait somewhere inside her, only to be set off at the exact moment their lips touched. Like a twist of fate she had never seen coming. 

The feeling of his lips against hers was what she had always imagined a first kiss should be like. No awkward nose bumps or over eager tongues. Slow and meaningful. Danny’s lips moved with purpose against hers, capturing her bottom lip between his. 

Slowly they pulled away from one another. Mattie’s eyes opened and readjusted to the bright daylight around them. Hesitantly she looked to the man in front of her. Anxiety was no longer painted across his features. Instead, a warm smile that she had grown to love more than any other she had seen before. 

“Is that a yes?” he spoke, a teasing look on his face. Mattie felt the blush creeping up her neck and dusting across her cheeks. She couldn’t help the laugh that fell from her lips. 

“Of course it’s a yes. Are you sure? Monaco is a big deal, Adam’s always said before it’s one of hardest races to get tickets for” she replied. 

“You’re Daniel Ricciardo’s girlfriend, of course you get a ticket” Danny said easily. As if he hadn’t just uttered the craziest sentence she had ever heard. 

“Girlfriend?” Mattie choked out in response. She was sure he had lost his mind. Dating was one thing. Calling her his girlfriend was in a whole different category. 

“Oh definitely, pretty girl. I had pretty much decided that was going to happen the minute I laid eyes on you.” Mattie stared at him a little longer, her brain working overdrive to convince herself this was in fact real life. 

“I think it was the pink fuzzy slippers that did it for me, or the way you were ready to cuss me out thinking I was Adam” he casually replied. 

It was only when his hand found hers on the floor between them and he gave her knuckles a light squeeze she concluded that, yes, this was not a dream. Not even in her deepest slumber could her brain invent the shockwaves that she felt every time Danny’s skin connected with hers. 

“Does this mean I’m a WAG?” she asked with a serious look on her face. The laugh that escaped through Danny’s lips was loud and infectious. She decided then she never wanted to not know what it felt like to make Daniel Ricciardo laugh. 

﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎

As soon as they had stepped into the apartment they had been bombarded by Adam. He declared that he had been bored all day without company and needed to be a part of whatever they had planned for the rest of their evening. They both agreed, but were quick to tell him they had no plans set in stone. 

This was how they had ended up sitting cross legged on the living room floor, building the Lego flower bouquet Mattie had purchased earlier in the week. She had been bored while the boys had been in Bahrain and was looking for a new hobby to pass the time. Plus, the flowers were cute and would look pretty on the desk in her bedroom. She thought that it would be a fun group activity for them all if she wasn’t going to build it on her own any time soon. 

Mattie diligently read the instructions and placed her bricks together as she constructed her part of the bouquet. Danny sat patiently next to her, far too distracted by how pretty he thought she looked as she focused on the task in front of her. 

Adam had rolled his eyes and mocked the Aussie for the lovesick look on his face, which Danny had shrugged off easily. He made it clear he didn’t care how he looked. He didn’t care how obvious he was being. He was infatuated. 

While the pair weren’t looking Adam found himself smiling fondly at the sight before him. It had been a long time since he had seen his best friend so comfortable around someone besides himself. Despite all the jokes he was truly happy that she was happy. 

“Adam, mate, you’re fucking terrible at this” Danny laughed as he watched Adam place the wrong bricks together for what felt like the hundredth time that night. The couple had finished all their pieces and were awaiting Adam to complete his. 

“Fuck off Danny, like you did anything to help! You’ve spent the last hour doing nothing but drooling over my best mate and telling her how amazing she is!” the Brit retorted in jest as he pointed an accusatory finger towards his friend. 

The pair continued bickering back and forth like siblings as Mattie scrolled through her phone. She had posted some photos on Instagram throughout the day. She didn’t often feel the need to post about her life online, but her newfound relationship with Danny was something that she wanted to share. It wasn’t bragging or attention seeking, just a need to show her friends and family how happy she was. 

She was liking a few comments left by friends when she felt her stomach drop. She had seen that Adam had posted about their Lego date to Instagram; omitting who exactly it was that she had been on a date with. What she didn’t see was that Danny had also posted a photo of said date to his Instagram account. 

It hadn’t taken long at all for the internet sleuths to work out what was going on. 

They had only been together officially a mere few hours and the vultures were already circling. Her follow requests on Instagram had shot through the roof, and her message requests had gone from having one zero at the end to having three. 

As she sorted through the comments she had been tagged in she felt her stomach drop for the second time. She felt as though she was on a roller coaster and hadn’t realised there was a second plummet coming, this one much larger than the first. 

The post she had been tagged in was from one of the F1 gossip accounts. Pictures she had shared of her and Danny were there for everyone to see and comment on. The very same page that had posted photos she had shared of Danny and Lando prior to the race. She knew that someone who followed her had shared them from her account without her permission, she just wasn’t sure who. The sting of betrayal hurt even greater now that it had happened twice.

Mattie hadn’t realised how silent she had been until she was pulled out of her trance by Danny’s hand against her thigh. She looked up from her phone to see concern etched across his face. She hadn’t noticed that Adam had excused himself a few moments earlier to take a call from Lando, leaving the pair alone.

“You’re scaring me a little here pretty girl, why are you staring at your phone like it’s about to explode in your hands?” he asked her softly. Mattie could feel the tears threatening to escape from her eyes. She decided it would be easier to just hand him her phone. She knew she needed to try and compose herself before she spoke again. She didn’t need Danny to see her pathetic and crying over this. 

Danny took the phone that was being handed to him and started scrolling through the page. Mattie watched as his face went from one of confusion, to anger, and then to concern. 

“It’s not really a big deal, it was going to happen eventually. I don’t care about people knowing that we’re together, I care more about someone betraying my trust like that… and that they took away our right to tell people when we wanted to. It’s fine, really, I’m ok Danny, I was just a little shocked at first” the words fell from her lips like a rapid fire stream of consciousness. 

She was very aware that this was the exact scenario that Danny had been worried about. That something would happen and she’d be sent running. She didn’t want him to think that that was what was happening. 

“Fuck, I’m so sorry Mattie. This is so fucked. I’ll call Blake now and see if we can get it taken down- I swear I’ll sue the shit out of them or something” Danny vowed. In the last 24 hours he had seen her on the brink of tears twice over bullshit his so-called fans had written about her on the internet. No fan of his would treat someone he cared about like this. 

He felt he was also to blame for this happening. He knew it wasn’t his fault that someone had shared photos from Mattie’s private Instagram account, but he should have known it was reckless to share the photos of their date to his. It was too late now, but the guilt was filling his stomach. 

Mattie could see Danny was spiralling; she knew the look well, she had worn it many times herself. As she gazed at the man in front of her she knew what she needed to do. 

For so long she had thought words were the most important thing a person could wield. Since meeting Danny he had shown her the opposite. He had shown her the truth behind “actions speak louder than words”. That was why she had kissed him earlier, she needed to show him how she felt, words weren’t enough. 

“Don’t do that. They can keep the post up” she said as she took her phone back from his hands. “Are you serious? No way baby, they can’t just invade your privacy like this and get away with it. I won’t let them” Danny spoke, she could hear the frustration in his voice. 

Her heart swelled at the sentiment. A man that would fight battles for her. That was what she had always wanted. Someone to fight her corner and defend her honour. Like the prince did for the princess in the stories she would dream of when she was younger. 

“This might be a little crazy, but you need to listen to me before you erupt and go calling lawyers and filing lawsuits… I think we should just announce it - a hard launch or whatever the kids are calling it these days” she joked gingerly. The confusion etched across Danny’s face would have been adorable in any other situation she thought. 

“I’m gonna take my account off private. They can’t share it without my permission, if I give them permission. It’s like, taking the power away from them or something. I don’t know, it sounded like a good idea in my head. If you don’t want to, it's-” the feeling of Danny’s lips crashing against hers for the second time that day cut her off. 

Maybe one day they’d kiss without the other making a bold statement first. Maybe, but not today. 

“Are you sure?” he whispered against her lips. She could hear uncertainty in his voice. Concern that she was just saying this because she thought it was what he wanted to hear. 

The answer was easy. She nodded and placed her lips to his lips. A soft hand against the side of his face was a welcomed reassuring touch. His lips caught her top lip in an attempt to create less distance between them. 

Neither of them paid attention to the sound of approaching footsteps from down the hall. 

“Guys, that’s disgusting, I don’t need to see this shit. Get a room! Lando, I”m coming over,  they’re being gross!” 

﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎﹎

✯ authors note: hey guys!!!!! i am SO sorry this took me so long to write. i'm in between getting a new job and leaving my old one, and had some other life dramas going on that just made it so hard for me to sit down and focus on anything.

this is such a ridiculously long chapter, so if you made it to the end, honestly bravo!

i have full imposter syndrome and think this might be the worst thing i've ever written, but i needed to get it out so that i could work on some new chapters i have ideas for.

hope everyone's been enjoying the race weekend? i forgot how much i low key love sprint weekends (sorry max)

as always, all your comments/thoughts/feedback is so so so greatly appreciated and i love receiving them.

thanks for all your support <3 ✯

[ofoceansandtombsanew]

please go gentle into that good night (childe x reader)

tags: primordial!reader (she/her), reader is death personified, is annoyance to lovers applicable here??

The 11th Harbinger has seen death, there is no question about it among the agents of the Fatui. Scarred from battle after battle, always thirsty for more, death is a familiar friend of the Harbinger.

He’s delivered death to many in his endless pursuit of strength.

Has been on death’s door more times than anyone could hope to count.

“Oh, I’ve seen death and I don’t mean metaphorically,” Childe has laughed, sitting with his men drinking firewater around a fire indulging pleasantly in the friendly chatter. That’s all that is needed for the discussion to divulge into enthusiastic regales of his conquests, mostly regaled by his enthusiastic men while the newest recruits listen in awe. Yet no one will notice how their Harbinger falls silent, peering into his reflection with a light grin.

Ajax has seen death.

Felt her cold fingers caress his face, thumbing away the blood that dripped down his cheeks. Saw her eyebrows knit in concern and frustration in equal measure. Took in her cloak, black as the void. Could feel the fatigue in the heavy bags under her eyes.

Death is a woman and she is undoubtedly the most beautiful woman Ajax has ever seen.

They first met when he was simply a recruit, a far cry from the Harbinger he is in the present somewhere off the border of Fontaine and Liyue. The mission was a success, though the casualties were great in number. 

There you formed from out of water, void-black cloak and all, taking in the sight of the bloodbath. Then your eyes rested on him, expression unreadable.

He knew who you were immediately.

“Humans,” you scowled, tone bereft of resentment as you kneeled to touch his face and he shuddered from the chill. Death looked at him and he looked back, all while feeling the gentle reverence in your touch with a voice like the night, soft yet coarse. Comfort enveloped in an instinctual fear.

An unending juxtaposition.

Ajax now knows you enough to know how you likely felt that day, staring at a bloody Fatuus crumpled against a large rock. They were your foolish but beautiful, endlessly aging humans.

“If you keep this up,” you told him, staring into his blue eyes unshakingly. “You’ll end up being one of my passengers.”

“You’re beautiful,” Ajax saw you balk in confusion, his reply unexpected.

“Fool,” you all but hissed as you stood and Ajax found it adorable. It’s another accomplish that he, Tartaglia, holds alone. He flustered Death itself. “Cherish your life, Fatuus,” you told him, summoning your oar to your side. “Cherish it so it is a long time before we see each other again.”

“My name is Ajax,” he laughed and he coughed painfully. “And I hope the next time we see each other again, it isn’t much longer!”

Your head shaking in exasperation was your only response as you took to the corpses, gathering the souls of the lost. Some left with ease, others sobbed in despair and others resisted you in their entirety. Yet all were eventually sat on boat you fashioned out of water, resting atop of the river that you would ride to take them home.

With a sparing glance to the living, to Ajax, you drifted away thinking this to be the last time you would encounter Ajax of the Fatui.

Much to his pleasure and your chagrin, it was not.

“You have a death wish,” Arlecchino told him once, chock full of contempt and vinegar.

“You’re not wrong about that one, comrade,” the 11th Harbinger grinned with a barking laugh. “It’s just that with all my wishing, she can’t seem to stand me.”

You had met each other countlessly, taking in that foolish Fatuus’ battle scars. Each time he learned something new about you and in turn he happily gushed about himself. He had many tells to share of his homeland, his family and the Tsaritsa he follows and you always listened.

“Keep this up and I’ll kill you myself,” you told him one particular encounter after a stint in his Foul Legacy form.

“Wouldn’t that be cheating?” Ajax grinned, ignoring how you flicked his forehead in annoyance.

You glared at the redhead sharply, “who would there be to tell?”

Ajax’s grin only grew wider, “I knew you wanted me, Death, but I didn’t know you wanted me that much.”

If looks could kill, Ajax is sure in that moment he would have been killed ten times over. “Can you not ask your god for jobs that won’t leave you at my door? Can you at least attempt to refrain yourself from violence?”

“But then how would I see you again?”

“When it’s finally your time to-”

“That could take forever,” Ajax whined and you groaned in disbelief. “How about this. Tell me your name and I promise to at least give it half a year before you have to see me again.”

You fixed him with a look, “you already know my name.”

With a shake of his head, Ajax clarified, “I don’t mean what everyone else calls you.” Death is what you are, not your name. “No one calls the Tsaritsa ‘Cryo’ or the Lord of Geo ‘Geo’. You have some sort of personal name, don’t you?” When you say nothing immediately, his expression morphs into a sad curiosity. “Is that really all anyone ever calls you?”

You hesitated only a moment longer before you finally answeredー “The ones affiliated with Celestia call me Pursan,” Ajax leaned forward in anticipation, blue staring into [color]. “But you may call me [First].”

[First].

[First].

“[First],” he relished the sound of your name. What would he give to hear you say his name? He would promise you kingdoms, entire nations at your feet. Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait long for it, no promises of conquered nations required.

“Keep your promise to me, Ajax,” his name dripped from your lips like honey and he wished you would say it again. “If you’re determined to continue this fool’s errand, I don’t want to see you any sooner than what you’ve promised.”

All of this leads to now, Ajax nursing a moderately sized cut on his stomach whilst sitting along the banks of Yashiori Island nine months later. Despite the hard-to-use cutlery, Ajax is fond of Inazuma. The duels permitted by the land is one he favors, it isn’t something he expected from the Nation of Eternity.

It is a perk that a duel a foolhardy coward challenged him to would lead to something that would surely catch your attention. He can hear you scolding him already, nursing him back to health all the while.

“You’re there aren’t you?” He asks the waves lapping the shore, welcoming the cool evening breeze brushing against his skin. You’re Death, you’re never too far. You’re everywhere at any place at any time. It’s part of your charm.

When he sees the waves falter, he knows he is correct as streams of water raise to create your form. The ferrywoman donned in black, Death in the flesh. Even with your tired reproachful look, Ajax can’t bring himself to regret his actions.

He’ll gladly do them time and time again even for a hint of you.

"Don’t you get tired of this, Ajax?” There’s nothing to be tired of, not when it allows him the thrill of battle. When it allows him to further his strength. Your arrival only sweetens the persistent battle he chases.

“Of seeing you?” Ajax drawls, pleased to take you in before you left him once more. “Never.”

You’re scowling, just like when you first met him, and yet all the same, your touch is gentle as you brush your fingertips against his cheek. Despite the chill that touches him to the bone, he leans into your touch and places a hand against yours. “You’re a fool,” you tell him and he smiles lazily in return. “Chase someone in the land of the living. There are plenty that would be taken with you.”

Ajax ignores that request promptly, “are you here to take me?”

“I am not,” you reply without missing a beat.

“But one day you will,” he sighs, almost dreamily. In any other context, he is sure the sentiment is frighteningly morbid. “There’s some bandages in my supply bag,” he motions to his supply bag nonchalantly and you part away from him. “Of course, it would be a win-win situation to the both of us if you would visit me more often. No wounds required,” he isn’t disheartened by your lack of response. “The cuisine of Inazuma is quite nice. But if you’re not one for Inazuman food, I know quite a few places in Liyue Harbor.”

Supplies in hand, you kneel in front of him. “Remove your shirt please.”

He considers joking that you should at least take him to dinner first, but instead he removes his shirt quietly. The cold of your hands feel reminiscent to the cold of his homeland. He wonders how much of it you’ve seen in the past. If you’ve ever truly seen it. You mentioned before you’ve never had a day off in the eons of your existence. How could one truly see the beauty of the land if they never stopped to appreciate it? 

I hope I can take you to Morepesok. Ajax burns something fierce akin to freezer burn. (Strange when what runs in your veins is the same deep blue of his Vision.) During a holiday when he’s guaranteed time to go home and visit his family. He burns for you to see it, to take any time for yourself to dance alongside the hearth alongside Tonia and to play games with Anthon and Teucer.

How alive would you be then, you who cherishes life more than anyone in the land of the living?

“I don’t think many can say they’ve had their wounds tended to by death itself,” Ajax starts and when you say nothing, he continues on unperturbed. “Isn’t keeping me alive cheating?”

You glance at him from your work of lightly dabbing his wound with your water. “Not cheating,” you answer at last. “It isn’t yet your time.”

“Do you know when it will be?”

“Yes,” you begin to ravel the bandage around him.

“Will you tell me when that is?”

“I will not,” and he sighs something along the lines of ‘I suppose I won’t be receiving any spoilers as to when you can stop avoiding me’ in Snezhnayan. You look at him and he wonders how much of his tongue you understand, if at all. He hopes to teach it to you, should you ever ask. “There,” you finish your bandaging in record time. “I can at least say I’m pleased you kept your promise to stay out of major trouble. Nine months is a record for you.”

Your smile is small, barely visible under the light of the moon and stars as silence falls over you. You’d insist that one like you is at home in the darkness, Ajax argues that one like you is a child of the sun.

“[First],” he rests a hand on your cheek, wanting to imprint every feature into his palms so that he won’t forget what they’re like. When you don’t reject him, he leans hoping to catch your lips with his own. Instead, he feels your finger tips and he opens his eyes to stare into the unknowable look yours hold.

“Live, Ajax,” you murmur like you’re telling him a treasured secret. He truly loves the way you say his name. “This fascination borders obsession. Whatever you want, you won’t find it in me. Find someone else to chase and live. Live long and live it well. Your life is precious.”

Love, obsession, it’s the same thing no?

He wonders if one can truly put an age on Death. You are one who has lived eons, definitely older than Zhongli. Probably as old as Teyvat itself. He wonders what it must be like for you, feared by many and only wanted by one. Ajax wants you deeply. Perhaps you think he lost his mind those three months in the dark realm he stumbled into as a child. 

You will never call it love no matter how much he begs to differ.

We’ll have to agree to disagree. Finally, Ajax moves back from your fingers, “Is it precious to you?”

“Your life is precious to many people,” you tell him, resting your hand in your lap. “To your mother and your father, to your siblings in Snezhnayaー”

He asks again, “but is it precious to you?”

In spite of his Hydro Vision, he burns. He burns to know your answer, burns for your acceptance. It’s a burning that can only be sated by the chill of your being pressed against his.

Death looks at himー you look at him and he looks back.

Ajax’s eyes flutter shut when you lean forward, and he feels your breath ghost his lips. Yet nothing follows and when he opens his eyes, all that remains of your presence is the damp sand where you once knelt.

You’re a cruel woman, [First], Ajax laughs humorlessly, wondering how long it would be until your paths crossed once more. He sets camp close to the beach, the rhythm of the waves lulling him to sleep and the dull ache of his wounds remind him that he’s alive.

Ajax will see you again, it’s only a matter of when.

Will it be when he’s on your door once more? Frustration in your eyes as you insist he let go of his feelings you won’t allow yourself to return?

Or will it be the end of his time roaming Teyvat, unable to continue his endeavor to become the strongest? When that time comes, will you greet him warmly or with a look of melancholy as you hold out your hand for him to board your boat?

Or perhaps the next time he sees you, you’ll accept his outstretched hand and follow him out of the dark and into the light. You’ll follow him to appreciate the seven nations, saving his homeland for last. You’ll dance with his siblings and smile widely, accepting the reprieve from your grim duties as his mother insists you eat more of her solyanka.

Nor will you run from his lips when they seek yours.

Death brought to life.

He’ll live long enough to see the day, that much he can promise.

“Пока мы не встретимся снова,” Ajax thinks before sleep takes him for the evening. Until we meet again.

[les-fleurrs-du-mal]

Masterlist

Heyy. I've not used tumblr since I was in my early 20s, so just getting back into now to promote my writing! I've been writing since I was 15 and took a very long break from it until quite recently.

I write Regulus Black and Sirius Black-centric fics, as well as the Black Sisters. I like to read fics too, so always open to recommendations to enjoy, and can provide feedback/constructive criticism if any is wanted!

find me on ao3 & wattpad & tiktok

works

Cracks [work in progress] / regulus black x original muggle character / enemies-to lovers

Flora, the muggle half-sister of protective older brother Remus Lupin, is hidden away during the First Wizarding War for fear of werewolf attacks. It seems things cannot possibly get worse until Regulus Black, who has deviated from the fold of Death Eaters, also needs somewhere to hide.

Forced together by circumstance, their relationship is rocky from the start, but Flora won't be daunted by Regulus' arrogance and unpleasant airs. As they both slowly overcome their dislike of one another, mutual respect and understanding begin to grow, and their feelings start to shift from mere affection to something deeper and more profound.

Black Heart [work in progress, but very slow updates] / bellatrix lestrange au

Odile Lestrange, the only child of Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange, has grown up with Regulus and always had a very close relationship with him. At the age of twelve, Odile finds herself betrothed to her elder cousin Sirius - until he runs away, at least. Then the burden falls to Regulus. As time goes on, and they grow up amid a war in which both are expected to serve, their relationship becomes increasingly complicated and more convoluted, with layers of lies, secrets, resentment, and love.

Le Cygne [completed] narcissa malfoy x original muggle character / F/F

Eira is a Muggle newly married to Sirius Black when he is arrested for a crime he didn't commit. A dark story unravels as Eira is forced into servitude for the Malfoy family and begins an encounter of hopeless infatuation with Narcissa Malfoy, the proud and beautiful wife of Lucius, in an unexpected, devastating way.

[dross-the-fish]

Okay I don’t know if this has been asked before so I’m sorry if it has BUT. What would the crew + Griffin and Dorian look like slash act like under the effects of the Hyde potion……. I’m Curious

Hasn't been asked before, and that's a really good question tbh. They way I have the hyde potion work is that it brings out not necessarily a "worst self" but rather a twisted version of who the drinker wants to be or who they think they are deep down. Griffin's invisibility would become less literal and more in line with shapeshifting. he can take any appearance or form except his original one and if he fucks up in an old skin he'll just put on a new face. This will cause him to spiral and possibly even forget who Griffin was, he just endlessly becomes new people and finds that he is now everyone and no one. His sense of identity would shatter.

Dorian would become almost doll like, beautiful and horrifying, his skin is too flawless, his eyes are to radiant. It falls into a creepy uncanny valley effect as his face looks almost mask like yet anyone who is in close proximity becomes dazzled by him. Under the influence of the potion he mutilates the faces anyone he sees who might be a threat to his beauty. If he was cruel before he is horrific now. Watson would become a fanatic obsessed with justice, almost a crusader of sorts as he loses the part of him that is humble or empathetic under the influence of the potion. He'd be younger and stronger but all of his softness would be gone. I imagine he'd look larger and more square as this is already a major part of his personality, it's just been amplified and all the temperance removed. Quincey would be similar to Edward, small, hairy and dwarfish but he's not inherently cruel, he'd be more playful and impish. Quincey is at an age where he's expected to act like and adult so in daily life he tends to act mature and take the high road. With his new persona he'd sneak into movies, go to bars and forget about his responsibilities or the impending weight of picking a career and settling into adult life.

Larry would also find himself more energetic and talkative, he'd be confident, almost to the point of arrogance and give in to kleptomaniac urges. If he sees what he wants he'll steal it. I see his "hyde" form being lanky and crooked with elongated limbs. Selma would become a monster. She'd become the things she's hunted all her life and all of the rage and despair she's forced herself to shelve would twist her into a hateful thing that didn't even look human anymore because she feels deep down that her humanity was stripped from her a long time ago. She'd be massive and terrible to look at. Theo would become smaller. She'd become a fragile and lost little creature that can't stop crying because deep down she's fearful that there's nothing left of her anymore except dregs that can't be loved by anyone. She'd be repulsive to look at but she'd beg and cling to anyone who got near her not to leave her.

Erik would become ordinary. He would not be a genius, not gifted with music, not possessing of a horrifying temper or visage just an average man who could go out to the park and sit and watch birds and maybe have a conversation with some strangers. He wouldn't even notice that he doesn't remember how to play a violin. It would scare him how happy it makes him to be "just Erik," with nothing else to him. Adam would become physically attractive but obsessive and shallow. He'd look like the version of himself Victor had wanted to create and he'd even call his inverse "Victor" because there's still something in him that needs some part of Victor to still be alive. Even if it's only because Adam refuses to bury him and let him rest. He'd indulge himself in all the things he could never have as Adam but rather than making him happy he'd still find he resents "Victor" for having what "Adam" cannot. When he's "Victor" he feels disdain for "Adam" and when he's Adam he is jealous of "Victor"

[fatkish]

I love your demon child story! Can you do a one shot of the hanyo child (half human/half demon) being saved from a trafficker?

Shinobu x Half Demon Child Reader

(In this story, it’s an AU where Demons are treated as pets/slaves/toys/etc. Demons don’t eat people anymore, they just eat raw meat. Demons don’t have as many rights as humans, but there are laws set to protect them, although many people ignore those laws.)

It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t choose to be born. Your father was a human who, although he was cruel to other demons, was somewhat kind to your demon mother. Your mother was rather beautiful and that’s exactly why your father bought her. He had been rather careless and didn’t use protection when having his way with her. Which lead to you being born. Even though your father treated your mother the best and she was his favorite, your mother had died shortly after giving birth to you.

Due to complications with giving birth, your mother continued to bleed after giving birth and eventually bled out. Neither your parents or the doctor caught on that something was amiss. You were your mother’s first and last child. Your father blames you for your mother’s death and treats you the worst out of all his demons. Ever since you could walk, you were expected to help out with chores and labor. Your father made you clean and cook and do yard work. He was a fairly wealthy man and had a large house.

Every mistake you made was met with cruelty and harsh punishments. He rarely fed you, you only got meager scraps. Even the other demons were fed better than you. Speaking of, the other demons didn’t bat an eye to your father’s abuse of you, they resented your mother for being his favorite and since they couldn’t do anything to her, they mistreat you. They often ignore you and don’t bother to help you, not only do they hate your mother, but they fear being punished by your father.

Lately is seems your father’s business isn’t doing so well. He’s been struggling with keeping up on payments, so he decided to sell some of his demons. You, along with two other demons, had restrictive collars put on you with leashes attached and were brought to a market square. Unlike the other two, your collar had spikes facing inward that were covered in wisteria and the collar was put on tightly. The spikes were digging into your neck and it was difficult for you to breathe. Unlike other demons, your appearance is rather human. If it weren’t for your slit pupils, your slightly larger canines, and your sharp thick nails, you would easily pass off as a human child.

You arrived at the market in the early morning and spent hours standing and watching as people and the occasional demon on a leash passed by. Occasionally someone would walk up to your father and inquire about the other two demons but never you. Eventually as the day passed, one of the demons was sold. A female about 18 years old. Later at about noon, the other demon was sold, a male around the age of 23. Both demons were fairly strong looking. Or at least had some meat on their bones unlike you. Even though you’re half human, your human rights are restricted.

Your father was getting fed up with being unable to sell you off. It was after noon when your father finally had it. He grabbed you by the hair and lifted you off the ground. You bit your lip hard so as not to make a noise of pain lest you attract attention and upset your father further. “You little shit! I probably couldn’t even give you away! Do you have any idea how much trouble you cause me?” As you father seethed at you, neither of you noticed the young lady who was approaching your father.

“Hello there, how much for that child there?” She spoke. You father looked over at her as did you. The girl was rather pretty with purple eyes and a kind smile. She had short black hair that she kept tied back in a small ponytail. She wore clean clothes and was dressed rather nicely so she didn’t seem poor. She also had a distinctive butterfly hair clip. Your father gave her a look and sneered. “ 3000 yen for the little brat!” He spit out. The girl just smiled at and and walked over to him. She pulled out her coin pouch and took out 3 1000 yen notes and gave them to your father.

After making sure the notes were real, your father begrudgingly handed over your leash to the pretty girl as well as the papers declaring proof of ownership. The whole time, the girl never stopped smiling. After taking the papers and putting them in her coin pouch, she took the leash and thanked your father before turning and leaving. You quickly followed the woman not wanting her to hate you immediately. Despite her rather short stature, she was rather quick on her feet as she weaved between people in the market. You struggled to keep up and eventually tripped.

The woman immediately stopped and turned around before kneeling in front of you. “Oh my, are you alright little one? Are you hurt?” She asked in a sweet voice. You immediately shook your head as you struggled to stand up. Despite your starved state and malnourished body, you fought to stay upright on wobbly legs. The woman frowned as she looked you over. You were terrified that she was scrutinizing you, looking for every defect and imperfection to scold and punish you for having. When she reaches out towards you, you shut your eyes tight. Only to feel your collar being readjusted.

You opened your eyes to see the girl smiling kindly at you. You were shocked so you didn’t even notice the beautiful lady that approached you both. “Oh Shinobu, who is this precious little darling?” The lady asked. Shinobu stood up and smiled at the beautiful woman. “They’re a young demon child I just found and rescued. Similar to our Kanao. If it’s not too much trouble, could you please get a new collar for this little one as well as some fresh meat dear sister?” Shinobu asked her sister. “Oh definitely! Why don’t you head home and get our new family member cleaned up while I get the other things.” She happily cheered. As she walked away she called out to Shinobu. “Don’t forget that Shinazugawa is coming over to visit!”

Shinobu sighed. Although Shinazugawa is admittedly very attractive and a wonderful big brother to his siblings, he’s rather abrasive. She swears her sister could do better. As you both continued on your way, eventually you left the market and soon the village. As you both walked past a more rural area, Shinobu spoke up. “I hope you don’t mind, but our home can be rather crowded at times. You see, we run a hospital for humans and demons. Often times, whenever demons are injured or having medical issues, they are brought to us and we help them. I’m sure that you’ll get along rather well with everyone.”

By the time you arrived at Shinobu’s home, your jaw dropped. Her house was huge. 6 times bigger than your father’s. You slowly trailed behind her as she lead you through the gates and into the house. She removed her shoes at the entrance and she immediately removed your collar. You didn’t even flinch as you were busy taking in the whole picture. When you notice Shinobu waving you to follow her, you were hesitant as you weren’t wearing shoes so your feet were rather dirty.

Smiling at you and being patient, Shinobu simply waved you over again. You slowly walked into the house and followed her. She lead you through the house and through many hallways before opening a door that revealed a large bathroom. “Alright my dear, please get yourself cleaned up. There’s soap here and shampoo here. Once you’ve cleaned up, feel free to take a bath. I’ll bring you some clean clothes for you to change into. Once you’re ready I’d like to give you a checkup just to make sure you’re in good health.” Shinobu explained. You nodded at her.

“There’s no need to be shy. My names Shinobu and you can call me Shinobu. What’s your name?” She asked. You looked down. You don’t remember your own name. Your father hadn’t called you your name in a long time. “I… I don’t… remember” you looked down ashamed. You heard Shinobu walk over to you and closed your eyes out of fear that she’d hit you just like your father. Instead, you were surprised to feel her hand gently rub your head. “That’s alright sweetie, just get cleaned up for now and think about a name you’d like to be called from now on. Once you’ve picked a name, tell me, okay?” She smiled. You nodded at her and she got up and left. You then removed the rags you were wearing and started to bathe yourself, using the soap and making sure to throughly clean yourself of all the dirt and sweat on your skin.

After rinsing, you got your hair wet and throughly washed it. You weren’t surprised at how dirty the suds and water were. Once you were clean, you let yourself relax in the hot bath. You had never taken a bath, or even bathed with hot water. You sighed as you relaxed. You didn’t even notice Shinobu enter the room with a fresh towel and clean clothes. You were too relaxed. After soaking for a bit, you got out of the tub and were surprised to see Shinobu sitting there waiting. You quickly apologized for taking so long but she just smiled and waved you off. Once you got dried, you let Shinobu look you over. After checking your scars and bruises and making sure you didn’t have any broken bones, Shinobu handed you some clothes that you got dressed in.

After getting dressed, you followed Shinobu through the halls and she lead you to a kitchen and dining room. There, you saw the same pretty lady from before, as well as three little girls, another girl with pigtails and another demon girl. Shinobu told you to sit down at the table with everyone and after some hesitation, you decided to sit next to the other demon girl. You tried not to stare too long at any of the humans. You nearly jumped when you heard a loud male voice. “Kanae! I’m here. And I brought Genya with me!” You watched as two males walked into the room. The first one was tall with Snow White hair and big purple eyes as well as a few scars all over his body. He wore a shirt that was rather open, allowing you to see his well defined pecs as well as the scars on them.

The other male was taller with black hair in a Mohawk. He had a long scar running across his cheek and nose. He seemed rather timid. The man greeted Kanae and Shinobu as well as the others before looking at you. “I see you adopted a new one.” He spoke as he sat beside Kanae. She smiled at him and greeted him. They talked for a bit before the white haired male shouted at Genya to say hello and stop being so shy. Genya squeaked and let out a soft hello before sitting down next to the white haired man. As they talked, Shinobu set a plate down in front of both you and the demon girl next to you. Both plates were filled with raw meat. You had never seen so much on one plate.

Shinobu then brought out other plates with various foods on them and then sat down next to her sister. After giving thanks for the meal, they began putting food on their plates. Watching everyone eat and converse. You had never seen humans and demons eat together. You looked beside you and saw that the demon girl had already started eating. You gulped and decided to follow along. You picked up a piece of meat before slowly eating it. You then picked up another and ate it. Before too long, you were digging in and eating, making sure to chew your food carefully so you wouldn’t choke. You didn’t know when your next meal would be so you wanted to savor it.

As the night went on, you started to relax. You learned that the white haired male’s name was Sanemi. He and his brother Genya work as park of a Demon welfare program. Basically their job is to arrest people who abuse demons and catch the people who run the demon fighting rings. Apparently their mother was a demon and their father was a human. Unlike you and their other siblings, they didn’t inherit any demonic traits from their mother. As you got to know Sanemi, you learned that he was actually a really nice guy, he just seemed tough and wore an aggressive attitude because of his job. After dinner, you helped with the dishes. You realized just how good your life was going to be. You were finally happy and had a loving home. You decided what you wanted your name to be, (y/n).

@rottmntrulesall

[2n2n]

ch 120

OFF WE GO

First off... I like how tiny itty bitty Amane feels in this promo image... I wonder if drawing the grown-up Amane is making Aida-sensei reaaaaaally mentally shrinkify the 13 year old boy, really impress in her mind he's young, small, weedy ... he feel soooooo little boy here

ughhh i was soooo excited for the full color spread of Amane x Nene-chaaaaan... OHHH THE GHOUULLLLLL!! red red red ... makes Nene-chan's red eyes feel like Amane's destiny, right? ♥♥♥♥

classic horny horny horny panels hahaha mmmmmm... sensei loves to put Nene-chan in such gripping peril...

I'm so fascinated by well-chan's perspective on human desires, expectations.... I don't see it as an evil entity, but a confused and mixed-up one. Human's desires are what dictate a kaii's nature ... humans revered the well, prayed to it, honored it, and created a narrative wherein bodies offered to it were to be grateful, thankful, eager to fall to the bottom, offered 'paradise'.. it was seen as a protector of the village, something it relied on, necessary for peace & prosperity, a pillar of the community, a God, not a Monster ... different.

all the same, the people thrown into it resent it, wither bitter and resentful ... there's nothing consistent or easy to understand about what humans want, whether they like or dislike, respect or fear, want or dread... I feel there's nothing 'obvious' ... I don't think there's an opportunity to become something 'nice' in a human, comprehensible sense. Just a mess of the extremes fed into it for centuries ...

in some way, I have to find its sentiments beautiful... or pure, for what they are.

mouuuuuu;;; made me emo... how sweet of an impulse for Nene-chan... the well entity exists outside of conventional time and order of events, right....? I think it can be confused and mixed-up (as much as Tsukasa can in every timeline...) easily, there must always be shades and impressions deep down corridors of itself... I really love what Tsukasa being merged with it seems to do to his mind, so I'm really endeared by this poor muddled little Amane, mess of stimuli.... beautiful sad girl crying....

such an Amane-like expression, it makes me feel forlorn....

these poor twins..

sweeties... lost confused things..... threadbare...

pretty girl crying in your hazy memory... what a perfect 'first impression' of Nene-chan to stick inside of you... poor confused creature, Amane....

I really appreciate you Nene-chan!!!! you're right you know, that's not the right age at all!!! I don't blame you for trying to rationalize it... in moments like this Nene-chan feels like such a direct audience surrogate ... when she does things like try to postulate about the injured Amane in the Bookstacks, you know, calling out the obvious thing in plain sight, which we'll be pulling apart as not-the-case....

I'm happy its said plainly that he's killing many people... it's funny we've abandoned a world where Amane has murdered one person in a passion, for another world where Amane is made to kill wantonly, without a personal touch...

it makes the previous Amane's actions feel entirely self-directed, doesn't it? Not under a curse, but his own decision... something important, a special reason....

I want to know why that would was so precious... I believe it is our most precious reality...

anyways, Kou having been killed by Amane is so great ahahhahaha, I love it!!!! Really thrilled us when reading the MANGAUP like UWAAAAAHHH!!!! I don't feel anything about particular panels... but it is a great decision.

So many people came to the Red House, I had thought "how are we going to divide up all of these people sensibly?" because of course, you can't constantly have 5 characters interacting in every scene, it's too many cooks in the kitchen (not that a lot of things don't do that wwwww, but I feel AidaIro tend to create a tighter cast for insular events).... simply killing off Mitsuba and Kou for this timeline is hilariously efficient, GODBLESS!!!!!!! They got so many panels for the early chapters this arc so I feel there's no love lost... and we'll certainly have to deal with Mitsuba's exploding body when we get back to 'our' timeline anyhow.... so, it's a solid move--!!!

I kindof loved how they got 'shelved' for the latter half of the far-shore arc (and again, it was a fine counterbalance to all the Kou/Teru we got at the start of that with the train.... they simply had their turn).... I loved how they were like facedown in a puddle while other important events happened wwwww... I sincerely think AidaIro give all of their characters their due time, and aren't as quick to abandon characters or relegate them to being randos as a lot of (particularly shounen) manga....

I'm sure some people won't like it, but I feel we were given such a clear image of Mitsuba & Kou's life in this world. If I cared about them, I'd be happy to play in that space for ages. It's a well-constructed little playhouse.

we're all so curious...

he's the most interesting thing in the entire universe, in every universe, isn't he?

it must be said that this is a well-drawn and interestingly-constructed panel... sensei is very good at a scary crop.

GODDDDDDD seeing Nene-chan pulled towards the well is the scariest thing ever, but it also makes me feel hungry with a deep profound lust ... ouhhghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh give the girl to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I prommy to take good care of herrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ouuuuuououuuuu *shakes this off of me*

anyway.

Love to see Teru blast Kou--!!!!! What an amazing situation HAHAHAHAHAH this is like a dream, I love this for Teru....! I've always imagined he'd completely back Kou no matter what, but this situation is interesting... it's not 'his' Kou, at least... he's wanting to 'go back' to the one who is stupid and helplessly dependent on him, innocent and naive ... but ah, it's still miserable and horrifying, I love for such a real trauma to strike Teru! Ahhh having to exorcise your cute little brother like an old yeller situation.... hahahaahahaaaaa. Heehoo---!! AIDAIRO-SENSEI'S PARTY!!!

go ride that train together lads.... lol... it's really funny .... they doied.... RIP... I'm sorry, but I kind of hope this arc lasts years in real earth time and they're just gone for that long .................................... I would like to focus on those who are left behind , and even how this influences Teru and Akane's demeanor overall... well, even Aoi... Teru is typically such an obnoxious guy, and able to play off a lot of emotions... I know Akane has a lot of sympathy for that poor dumb animal, deep down, perceptive to Teru's lonliness (though it doesn't alter how annoying or ungracious Teru is, Akane is just too kind to ever really abandon him...). In a situation like this even Aoi has to be grounded... an interesting dynamic left behind here--!!!!!!

I like how harsh and without any kind of pleasantry or flourish... don't have anything left inside of you for performances of grace!!!! I like it I like it.... show me the realest Teru ... !

So edged with the inner chambers of the well-chan </3 let me see her </3 </3 </3 ohhhh let me seeee </3

I like the small detail of Akane using his phone flashlight to peer into the well's depths....

you've never looked better, Teru! I want to see you like this (: let's stop jerking people around and being capricious, alright...? It's a deflection at the best of times anyway, isn't it.... in one way or another.

I'm eager for the next chapterrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a wonderful turn of events!

huge fan of what we're left with here!

[tokiro07]

It somehow only just sunk in to me that age is an extremely prevalent image in Undead Unluck

In the previous loop, Feng was an old man who resented his age, viewing it as a detriment to the skills he’d spent his entire life cultivating. The act of aging is the act of losing

Gina was a young woman who fell in love with a man who would never age, so to keep pace, she painted herself up as someone just like him. To her, to age is to change, and just like with Feng, to change is to lose who one is

She was ashamed to have Andy see her without her makeup, to see her for who she truly was, because age had robbed her of her beauty, and proved that she hadn’t used the time she had wisely to make a meaningful change in the world around her

But to Andy? A man who couldn’t age? To him, to age isn’t to lose, it’s to gain. To gain experiences, to gain new people to surround yourself with, to gain hope for a future you might never see yourself. To Andy, age isn’t a sign of weakness, loss or ugliness; it’s the sign of a life lived

Andy’s desire to die wasn’t because he was bored of living or because living itself hurt; Andy wanted to die because he had no reason to live, no purpose in his life. Andy’s inability to die meant that he simultaneously had no future and no end in sight. Because he couldn’t age and couldn’t die, he could do anything without fear, but that also meant that anything he did or accomplished would have no meaning

Life is meaningful because you have to make a choice in how to spend it, but when you can never die, you can just do anything you want without limit. It’s never too late to do anything, you never have to give up anything, the opportunity will always be there, so doing something now is just killing time, not actually enriching your life

To Andy, being unable to die meant that he couldn’t form connections with people properly. From the moment he woke up without his memories, he knew how hard it was to lose people, seeing his entire found family killed in front of him in the blink of an eye and knowing he would have to wander the world without them eternally. While he could get married and have children, eventually he would just have to watch them die, and be fated to two horrible choices: live with the weight of it forevermore, or forget those he cared for just to make that eternal life more bearable. Faced with a choice like that, of course he chose solitude, even if it drove him insane

Now that he has Fuuko, he has a reason to live. 200 years alone was enough to make him crave death, any death, as long as he didn’t have to deal with the loneliness anymore. But now? He can shoulder 4.5 billion years for the sake of someone he loves. His life now has meaning because he’s forming real memories and gaining real experiences, and once he’s rid of Undead, he’s not going to just jump straight into committing suicide; he’s going to revel in every wrinkle and liver spot and aching joint his body can throw at him as he watches the love of his life aging next to him

Of course he didn’t think Gina was ugly when the make-up came off! How could he?? Aging is the most beautiful, meaningful thing in the entire world to Andy. Gina’s life catching up with her, the proof of the years that she’s lived finally showing on her face, told Andy everything he needed to know about the struggles and achievements of her life, and he couldn’t help but admire it, cherish it, love it

Will the current Gina insist on staying forever young? Probably not, she’ll learn to appreciate the time she gets to spend with Fuuko, just like Andy has

And what about Feng? Nearly 200 years old, and the man still looks 20. He’s not just youthful, he’s immature. He’s never learned a lesson, he’s never faced loss, he’s just stubbornly held onto what he wrongly thinks matters. Once he learns the truth, will he resume his growth from that moment on, or will the facade crumble away and reveal the old man inside?

Personally, I think a parallel to Gina’s make-up would be the most fitting. An aged Feng turning away from Fuuko in shame only to finally receive the attention he’s always wanted and accepting that to age isn’t to lose, isn’t to fade, but to hone and have the opportunity to become stronger in new ways he never could before

There’s so many more characters I could talk about here, too. Akira aging while using the youthful Anno Un as an avatar; Yusai spending her youth pining for Andy only to move on and start a family; Nico growing older and forgetting the face of his wife while distancing himself from his child in fear of her replacing those memories; Juiz and Victor staying the same age for billions of years solely motivated by the thought of each other

Any one of these characters could beautifully illustrate this point, but they all would ultimately just be me saying the same thing: aging is a gift, and one that many are not lucky enough to receive