#and i was sad but resigned to my fate

[spicyicymeloncat]

Okay okay so you know my wu/Misako rivalry au? Where Wu and Misako feel no romantic feelings, only spite for each other? Where it’s revealed in s4 that they used to be good friends until Garmadon orchestrated a deception in order to split them up under Chen’s instruction? And he feels really bad about it?

Well what if, they actually would’ve made up quickly after that, but soon after they both discovered the prophecy of the green ninja (wu doesn’t just find the scroll, both of them found it), and their mixed feelings about learning that eventually Garmadon was going to succumb to evil ended up making them disagree and unable to get along afterwards.

I mean think about it. Even in canon, Wu and Misako’s outlooks on the prophecy remain different. Wu knowing the prophecy is inevitable and goes through the effort of hiding the golden weapons, and training ninja to fight against it. Misako knowing who the green ninja would be, and doing her best to conceal him, and trying to find a way to defy the prophecy.

[munch-mumbles]

another night of desperately wishing i was unemployed but also didnt have any responsibilities and could just live and draw.... im so tired all the tiimmeee

[starpros-sunshine]

I think my main problem with minimalist architecture isn't even that I find it ugly and loveless (which is a separate thing I'll try not to go into) but that it just feels unfinished to me?

Like, I know this is a finished building but it just kinda looks like there's something missing and it irks me on a level that goes beyond if I think it's aesthetically pleasing because I can get that. Not personally but I can see why someone would be into the sleek and stylish cube look because of the "modern" appeal or whatever I can see how someone would explain their like of minimalism in architectural design.

But on a personal level it just feels to me like you started something and then you just. Stopped. Minimalist buildings to me feel like a work in progress that's just been abandoned and given up on. Like when I sketch something and then abandon that to sketch another idea I just had and that goes on and on and on and on so there's this abundance of unfinished sketches that have just been left to themselves but I tell myself that they're finished because "You can see what it's supposed to be. Mission accomplished." And they just make me a little sad to be honest because it looks like someone started something and then they just. left.

[alteredsu]

My rooms still totally soaked and now there's holes in my wall and drywall on my bed. Also didn't have water all day. I'm not having a good time 😕

[lizzybeeee]

In light of recent developments, while I absolutely believe that EA have contributed to the mess that is current day BioWare, I think it's important to not just ignore BioWare's actions as a company and how that has contributed to this entire mess. The last few years have indicated that they have major problems internally with how they manage their workplace. EA is a predatory, vile company that chokes out creativity and treats their developers and customers like trash - you will not catch me defending them - but the news coming out in the past few years has not painted BioWare in a good light at all.

BioWare, as a company, from everything that has come out from ex-developers and interviews, has cultivated a toxic work culture that deserves scrutiny - that needs scrutiny. They don't value their creatives, they don't value their customers, and they think that 'BioWare magic' is an acceptable development mindset, never-mind the strain it puts on their staff.

Perhaps most alarming, it’s a story about a studio in crisis. Dozens of developers, many of them decade-long veterans, have left BioWare over the past two years. Some who have worked at BioWare’s longest-running office in Edmonton talk about depression and anxiety. Many say they or their co-workers had to take “stress leave”—a doctor-mandated period of weeks or even months worth of vacation for their mental health. One former BioWare developer told me they would frequently find a private room in the office, shut the door, and just cry. “People were so angry and sad all the time,” they said. Said another: “Depression and anxiety are an epidemic within Bioware.” “I actually cannot count the amount of ‘stress casualties’ we had on Mass Effect: Andromeda or Anthem,” said a third former BioWare developer in an email. “A ‘stress casualty’ at BioWare means someone had such a mental breakdown from the stress they’re just gone for one to three months. Some come back, some don’t.” 'How BioWare's Anthem Went Wrong, Kotaku

"Depression and anxiety are an epidemic within BioWare" -> and yet, they didn't look to fix this. Instead they kept course, trying to make that 'BioWare Magic' work.

Among those who work or have worked at BioWare, there’s a belief that something drastic needs to change. Many at the company now grumble that the success of 2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition was one of the worst things that could have happened to them. The third Dragon Age, which won Game of the Year at the 2014 Game Awards, was the result of a brutal production process plagued by indecision and technical challenges. It was mostly built over the course of its final year, which led to lengthy crunch hours and lots of exhaustion. “Some of the people in Edmonton were so burnt out,” said one former BioWare developer. “They were like, ‘We needed [Dragon Age: Inquisition] to fail in order for people to realize that this isn’t the right way to make games.’” Within the studio, there’s a term called “BioWare magic.” It’s a belief that no matter how rough a game’s production might be, things will always come together in the final months. The game will always coalesce. 'How BioWare's Anthem Went Wrong, Kotaku

This is the same company that fired 50 of their staff and gave them severance less than the industry standard - to the point where they had to sue to get what they deserved. Not to mention that these employees had NDA's that didn't allow them to show off their most recent work on Dreadwolf which would have hurt their ability to find new employment.

“In light of the numerous recent industry layoffs and the fact that BioWare’s NDAs prevent us from showing any of our recent work on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in our portfolios, we are very concerned about the difficulty many of us will have finding work as the holiday season approaches,” said one of the employees in the press release. “We are struggling to understand why BioWare is shortchanging us in this challenging time.” Seven Former Bioware Employees Are Suing the Company For Better Severence, IGN

The same company that on Dragon Age Day '24, released the Hawke Armour, passing it off to their players as a 'thank you' while the individual who worked on it was fired the same day.

They don't treat their developers well. They don't value their creatives. They don't see the merits of providing their employees with the respect and work culture they deserve. They don't respect their customers, either.

I have a lot of issues with the marketing for DATV and how they tried to blindside their customer base about what was in the game. The biggest example being how vague they were about world states, considering how important that is too many returning players. That information was leaked - they intended for players to not learn this till the game was in their hands. There are a dozen other statements made in interviews from devs that are misleading, considering the game I played and what they said was in it. The company found this to be acceptable behavior and it is not - it is extremely anti-consumer.

I am not saying that every issue can be handwaved away as 'bioware's workculture' as being the cause either, but it certainly would not have helped. There are lots of valid criticisms made about decisions regarding the writing, the lore/story, characters, gameplay mechanics etc...These creative and design choices should be engaged with critically by both developers and fans so they can learn and adapt for the next time - we all want a good game. I cannot imagine it would be easy to hear criticism when you work in an environment that puts crunch on a pedestal - it's a lose lose situation for the devs and the fans. This company desperately needed transparency and to earn consumer trust back after everything that happened in the past ten years - pretending things are all good and fine, waving off criticism, only to have half your staff leave or be laid off does nothing to foster confidence in your studio. It only makes me think that you're likely hiding more bad news under what was already bad.

Also, way to reassure us that 'well, we may have let go of dozens of people but Mass Effect is still coming!'. An absolutely tasteless comment and one that should have been in a separate message and not the same one addressing your 'restructuring'.

"Today’s news will see BioWare become a more agile, focused studio that produces unforgettable RPGs. We appreciate your support as we build a new future for BioWare."

How about you shift to a studio that doesn't work its employees to the bone and throttle its creatives? How about you examine how your workplace culture led to an incredibly chaotic development cycle that led to so many of your talent leaving? What about addressing the concerns of fans of your games when we talk about our criticisms with the quality of work being put out?

EA is a dumpster-fire but BioWare only added fuel to the flames. I have a lot of hang ups with DATV, especially writing-wise, but it was an uphill battle from the start. Joplin, Morrison, Dreadwolf, Veilguard...this game floundered in development hell and hemorrhaged talent with every step due to mismanagement and poor decision-making. In a string of poor decisions, Veilguard was just the final domino that led to all these built up problems crashing down.

I wish the best for the developers and writers who find themselves without a job - I hope they find a studio that values their talents and creativity far more than BioWare did. Dragon Age remains a series dear to my heart and it always will be, and I'm extremely grateful for all the people who contributed to making it that way. It's just very sad that this series has to end with Veilguard and all this ugliness.

Now that Veilguard is out, this feels like he was trying to warn us.

[illkeepyourbrittleheartwarm]

Also for someone so obsessed with pure, true romantic love and finding it, i sure do struggle with emotional permanence

I say as if I'm not mentally ill with attachment and polarisation issues that i am the classic textbook definition of

And I've noticed my attachment style is changing a little. Still very much anxious, but with increasingly disorganised tendencies

[wewontbesleeping]

haven't really been online much at all in the last week bc of stupid school stuff (and will not be back on again for a while again because of school) but i'm allowing myself the weekend off (bad idea) to relax (very bad idea)

[candy-heart-brew]

I've seen some fans theorize that the lyrics to "Bug-a-Bye and Goodnight" tie into Frank's developing relationship with Eddie, potentially foreshadowing a grisly end for a favorite mailman. The lyrics are incredibly emotional and poor Frank sounds like he's fighting back tears during this entire record, making it feel like there's something more going on under the surface. While it's entirely possible that this is meant to foreshadow Frank and Eddie eventually being separated, I think the song's symbolism could be pointing to a different direction...

I touched a bit on this in a different post but to summarize: the attitude that Frank displays during "Bug-a-Bye and Goodnight" is completely at odds to his reaction to Eddie at the party. During BaBaG he's sad but resigned to fate, he knows that hibernation is inevitable but takes a bit of comfort in the knowledge that it's only temporary and that his loneliness will only last through winter. So, he does his best to power through, keep his personal feelings out of it, and assure his little friends that he'll be alright.

By contrast, his reaction to Eddie's behavior at the party is one of panic and confusion. He doesn't understand what's happening to Eddie or why he's suddenly gone unresponsive, he just knows that he isn't acting like himself at all and he can't accept that. He refuses to leave Eddie alone even after being ignored, continuing to push until he gets a response, at which point he immediately realizes something is wrong and tries to push further, only stopping when Eddie leaves. At this point in the story they don't appear to be especially close but Frank's terrified reaction speaks volumes about his true feelings for Eddie. And if this is how he reacts to him being quieter than usual, I can't imagine that he'd be much calmer or more composed in the event of losing Eddie altogether. IMO, he's far more likely to get angry and demand answers rather than wax poetic. So while "Bug-a-Bye and Goodnight" could potentially foreshadow Eddie's fate, Frank's subdued reaction makes me question that interpretation. I do think there's a deeper meaning to BaBaG, that Frank is singing about something other than bugs, just not Eddie. But then who? Well, as we found out in this last update, bugs are not the only creatures in the neighborhood that hibernate...

Think about it for a moment- Julie is going to be gone for months, leaving Frank all alone without his best friend. Who's going to invite him to games now? Who's going to listen to him about his interests and laugh at his jokes? Who's going to bake gelatin monstrosities with him? Julie is practically his other half so to lose her for months on end must be very difficult for him! He knows that she can't help it and he doesn't blame her but that hardly makes it any easier. All he can really do now is just push that sadness down, wish her goodnight, and wait for her to return.

Under this interpretation, certain lyrics in BaBaG take on a different meaning to me. Lines like "I know it's for the best, I can't keep you," or "I'll be the first to tell you, you just can't stay," could imply an oncoming rift between the two of them. The recent updates have implied that Frank and Julie were written to be a couple and were perceived as such in-universe. We don't yet know how the two of them felt about that but we do know that they were very close to the point of doing basically everything together! But now Frank is falling in love with someone else, someone who may very well come to eclipse Julie in terms of importance to him. No matter how much he loves her, no matter how much they might want to stay together, there are some things you just can't fight and this play-relationship they have can't last forever...

But that's just my interpretation!

[aebinspa]

dopamine

PAIRING: giselle x y/n reader

GENRES: suggestive, angst, reader hates giselle and they end up doing a project for school together lmao, meangirl!giselle, reader and giselle are a menace to society, jimin (aespa) and juyeon (tbz) are in a study group together and they are incredibly optimistic, mentions of sex, kiss, swearing.

WORD COUNT: 2.5k

AUTHOR'S NOTE: english is not my first language! so i’m practicing my writing hoping it can get better and better. AND stream giselle's dopamine it's so good <3

Nothing could have prepared you for the worst news of your life: you, aware that you love loneliness and hate forced contact with others, were assigned to group work with Aeri Uchinaga, famous for not contributing to any group work and for being always in the middle of too many, too many men.

After leaving a resigned sigh you approach your best friend Jimin to tell her about the unfortunate fate that struck you. "Among all and I say among all those that could happen to me, HER" "You’re tragic even if she has a bad reputation. Perhaps a woman like you who does nothing but read, read, and read will surrender and become incredibly willing!" "Funny Jimin. Who did you get?" "Juyeon and they also say that besides being incredibly beautiful he is also incredibly gifted" whispers Jimin, thinking that this could save her from the embarrassment of such a statement. "Enough, I’ve heard enough. I’m going home."

On the way back, angry and sad, you noticed a really nice coffee in which you would have wanted to stop but the change that you had in your wallet would not be enough even for half a sandwich. The puff you pulled out scared a stray cat that was stealing a piece of bread from the ground. Why does everything feel so strange to me?

The next day, as you arrived in class, you noticed Juyeon’s huge body very close to your best friend’s; you came up to check if Jimin was all right only to see that her face had a loving expression. "Good morning guys" you are starting, trying to forget what you just saw. "Hi, Jimin told me a few things about you. How nice to meet you" The two-door wardrobe that took the name of Juyeon squeezed you in a strong embrace that leaves you breathless. Men are really scary. "Hey Y/N, Giselle was looking for you earlier." "Who?" "That’s how us boys call her!" "You… guys?" "Giselle is part of my group, at least once we all go out together!" Juyeon’s enthusiasm was overwhelming but not enough to influence you. "Ah, she's going out with you."

"Y/N" What a hateful voice, not changed by a comma. You didn’t sunbathe at first; you wanted to see how much the little princess could have withstood without a bit of attention. Juyeon - this time with the help of Jimin - thought about involving her. "You might as well look me in the eye when I talk to you." "Go fuck yourself, Giselle. You sound like the 'ass-kicking' girl”. It didn’t take even half a second for you both to turn in the opposite direction. Jimin and Juyeon, moved by the situation, tried to calm things down. “How about you girls come to my house? Jimin and I have to do our project but there’s no problem if you come too. The table is big, the fridge is full and the more the merrier!” Juyeon shouted enthusiastically.

The idea of ​​being alone in an empty room with Giselle terrified you so it didn’t seem like a bad idea to accept without too many problems; the other seemed to agree too.

“Perfect! Then let’s all go to Juyeon’s this Friday afternoon!” Oh Jimin, you could have avoided this.

Unfortunately for you and Giselle, Friday arrives in the blink of an eye. Juyeon’s imposing house stood in front of you and Jimin. “Not only is he handsome and gifted, but he also has a huge house. What more can I ask for?” “You could say a little prayer for me, for example” “Giselle won’t be able to tear your hair out if Juyeon and I are there with you” Jimin smiled at you as if to reassure you. “Good thing you always see the positive side…” you replied, already tired at the idea of having to enter that house.

When you entered, Giselle was already sitting on the wicker chair in the lush garden that was attached to the house. “Girls, here you are. Jimin can you help me bring some snacks out?” Jimin didn't have to be told a second time and rushed to help the boy after sending you a flying wink. You approached Giselle and sat in the chair opposite her, to maintain some distance. It was the first time you had seen her like this. The dark hair that she always combined with clothes of the same shade was this time combined with a long white dress that made her almost ethereal; the glasses made her face prettier than the one she had always adorned only with heavy black makeup which yes suited her well but a lighter shade made it stand out even more. Maybe you found yourself staring at her too much because when your eyes met you saw a smirk of victory on the girl’s face.

“Are you admiring what you’ll never have?” “And what is this thing I’ll never have? Dignity?” “The chance to brag about how beautiful you are” “Oh, the princess of everyone’s bed spoke” “I don’t have sex with men” Giselle replied somewhat upset. “Oh, so all the things they say about you are false?” “My group of friends is made up of all gay men and one straight man” Concern for Jimin filled you for a moment and you stopped the conversation in progress. “Juyeon's not gay, right?” “As if your eyes can't see how he's hitting on your best friend, you dumbass.” "Here's all the snacks!" Your darkened and frowning faces turned abruptly towards the two newlyweds and then shouted "Shut up!" Jimin resignedly rolled her eyes.

The first half hour you and Giselle spent arguing over the theme of the PowerPoint presentation. “This is an old lady color” “This is a funeral color though Y/N!” "You love funeral colors!"

The next two hours were spent looking for information on the same topics which later turned out to be identical; cause for further argument. When Juyeon and Jimin finished their work, you were still in the first part of the project. Your best friend and the guy disappeared somewhere after two minutes; when you received a message from Jimin you found out that the two had gone to stock up on chips.

“So you hate me?” You never expected to see such a piercing look on Giselle’s face. “No, I find you annoying and everything they say around you about you seems to confirm it” “I already told you this is all fucking fake” The black-haired girl ran a hand through her hair and turned her gaze elsewhere. “People love to say everything that comes to their mind. I'm a lesbian, men don't interest me. After I refused to have sex with a guy I was paired up with for a group project, he went around telling people that I'm a terrible partner and that well… slutshaming and other not-so-nice things about me."

The silence that followed immediately afterward was extremely embarrassing for both of them. “I said a bunch of bullshit, I'm sorry. I always imagined you through gossip, even though I know that Jimin doesn’t think of you as a slacker and that Juyeon is your best friend” “Y/N” Giselle tried to butt in. “Listen Aeri, I’ll make it up to you. I don’t like you but I have to admit that despite the various arguments you’re a real looker and what you say sometimes makes me laugh so all in all, you’re not bad” Giselle laughed. “Oh my god, are these supposed to be an apology?” "My apologies" “You should make them better. No nice man would pursue such a lunatic." “I'm not interested in men. They're just accessories to me.”

Giselle only stopped laughing when you said that. “But the two boyfriends you had last year?” Without asking how she knew, you continued with your speech. “A Cover to keep my parents from realizing I’m a lesbian. Same old story. They were nice accessories at least”

The tension between the two of you was growing more and more. Giselle slowly approached you, first placing a hand on the floor where you were lying and then bringing a leg forward. “How long has it been since you kissed a woman, Y/N?” You gulped down. “How long has it been since you kissed a woman, Aeri?” Giselle was a millimeter from your lips, hand on your thigh, and hand next to yours. If only it hadn't been for the scream that Juyeon pulled open the door, something would have happened, Giselle quickly moved away and muttered “What an idiot he is” as if the house didn't belong to him to begin with.

“We’re back! Is everything okay or did you get into a fight?” A restrained, fake laugh came out of your mouth and so did the words that came out of it. “We were one step away from having ourselves by the hair” You couldn't describe the look Giselle gave you.

The next day at school, you noticed that Giselle’s desk was empty. Worried, even though you didn’t want to admit it, you asked Juyeon for the girl’s number. Juyeon couldn’t help but smile as you saved the number on your phone. You immediately texted Giselle, asking why she hadn’t come to school and threatening to break into her house through the window if she didn’t answer. To your surprise, Giselle responded a few minutes later with a raised middle finger emoji; to which you of course responded with another middle finger. The next message made you lose your mind. “Bitch, I'm waiting for you at my house. Don't break my door, please”.

As you walked towards Giselle's house, you wondered where this interest in such an annoying person had come from. Interest was a big word, but yesterday you were the one who almost threw yourself into the arms of a girl you felt like you had hated for a lifetime.

When you arrived in front of Giselle's house, you knocked so loudly that the one who looked out the window was the neighbor and not the interested girl. "Holy God, what a mess you make!" Giselle in pajamas and slippers opened the door and made you smile. “Cute pajamas” “Go shit”

You went up the stairs and arrived in the girl's room. The room, to your surprise, was pink wherever you turned to look at it. “Hello Kitty puked on it?” “Perhaps you mean My Melody” “Even the canopy bed, princess” Giselle lay down on the bed and waited for you to do the same. “Shall we finish the work?” “I’m in”

Compared to the day before, things seemed to be going better. It wasn’t just the arguments that kept the exchange of information going but also the moments where you both dedicated time to listening to each other’s opinions.

“Done! And fuck it all!” “Hopefully we get a good grade” "God Y/N who cares! It's already a miracle to have managed to finish something like this." You nodded to let the other person understand that for once you agreed on everything. You printed out the sheets with the part that each of you had to do for the presentation and then threw yourselves on the bed again, tired of everything.

“Do you find school that fun?” Giselle was the first to speak. “No, simply when I don't know what to do I start reading, reading, reading. At least that’s what Jimin says” “I can’t stand it.” “Maybe you can't stand the people who are there” “Yes, but I hate everything about that place. The desks, the air that makes me uglier, the men, the homework, and group studies" You thought a few more seconds before answering her and, taking a deep breath, you turned towards her. "I can make you change your mind" “You can try but I don't know how well it works” “There's me and Jimin in the class. Then we can study together and everything will seem fun!” “See… You like school” Giselle's face darkened. “I enjoy being with Jimin. There's also Juyeon! And well… I'm here." Giselle turned away and didn't speak to you anymore.

A day went by and Giselle never replied to your messages. That morning you were supposed to present the group project. Not only had she stopped responding to the messages you were sending her under the desk, but she was also late for the presentation. A terrible thought passes through your mind. Did she stay home? She knows that the teacher gives a failing grade when something like that happens.

Jimin and Juyeon brilliantly finished their presentation and the applause, luckily for you since you were supposed to present later, lasted for two minutes. “Y/N and Giselle are next. However, I see that one of the two is missing. I will have to give you a good-” The classroom door suddenly burst open and all the eyes of your classmates and yours moved from the teacher to the figure of Giselle, who noisily began with a “Teacher, Y/N and I are ready to present!” A small smile appeared on your face.

Fortunately, the presentation given by you and Giselle surprised the class and the teacher who seemed to have very low expectations. During the break, you grabbed Giselle by the arm and led her to a secluded space. It was she who spoke first. "Excuse" “Don't be sorry, strangely everything went well” A silly bit of tongue from Giselle made you grin. “It went better than expected, yes.” You nodded. That silence that now characterized your relationship was starting to be too heavy to bear. Giselle came close to your face. “Teach me what having fun at school means, you little bitch,” she began while doing nothing but staring at your lips. "I know a better way to have fun." It was your hand that brought your bodies together and united them. Within seconds, Giselle approached your lips and began to kiss you without fear of being seen. Your tongues and legs intertwined as the kiss became more wet and passionate. You were the first to break away from the kiss, leaving you breathless. “We're going a little too fast” “We're just reversing the lessons a little bit. I kissed you first so you can teach me all that bullshit about how great school is." “And what happens after I teach you everything you need to know about school?” The bell announced the end of the break. “Well, after that I can see if I trust you and if we can go further.” "So kiss, school, sex, and only if these three work can we be together?" A loud laugh escaped your lips and Giselle without answering began to head towards your classroom.

“You know Y/N, maybe my plan could work” “There’s never been a plan that I couldn’t make work” The look you exchanged sealed a long and lasting agreement between you.

[blainke-omens]

Ok so I don’t think I have exactly the handwriting you’re thinking of BUT I saw this and immediately wanted to do it because dramatic y is my beloved.

I also have the opposite opinion on how the names SOUND together, but this has sold me on this order for written format. Anyway.

I thought I would get it first try. I do not. It took many attempts to feel satisfied, come on this journey with me.

Without further ado, in order of attempts, to my favorite at the bottom right 💛

Not sure exactly what my hand was doing at the end of this y, but I like it. Kinda gives me devil horn / halo vibe if you get creative with it hehe

[junovae]

hi i know you got an ask really recently but can you maybe do the silly sashimi (seb) x a suicidal reader??? but also reader is really silly and the first thing reader says is “hear me out…” or something??? i love your writing :3

thank you so much reader, i greatly appreciate it (っᵔ◡ᵔ)っ(˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶). and don't worry, i got you.

expendable

sebastian solace x reader ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ sfw

artwork: artwork is NOT mine. art is by @miittchan on tumblr, youtube, and twitter. go check out their work and socials, promise it's worth your time.

PLEASE DO NOT INTERACT IF THIS TOPIC IS HEAVY FOR YOU. MAKE SURE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF ALWAYS ૮ ◞ ﻌ ◟ ა

summary: escaping the ghastly prison that was the hadal blacksite was probably the best thing to ever happen to you. so why, if that was the case, did you want to go back?

cw: sebastian x su!cidal!fem!reader, takes place after finishing the game, still in the pressure universe, same timeline as this, mentions of trauma and slight suicidal thoughts, reader is coping, angst and comfort too of course, reader wants to...go back to the hadal blacksite?, reader just misses a certain someone too much, trying to find peace amidst the chaos, no spicy scene for this one

wc: 1.4k

a.n: i think i would want to go back too ngl. also this was just my take on the prompt. BUT, if you were looking for something more like sad reader and sebastian comforting them, i got you too with that headcanon. just lmk!! :)

· · ─── ·𖥸· ─── · ·

"and last but definitely not least. hear me out..."

you place a picture of him, post transformation and all, onto the cake.

"who's this? he kind of looks like the guy who uhm, you know," your friend stared at you intently, hoping you would get the gist. when you didn't answer, they continued. "back in 2013, remember? with the nine peo-"

"no, no, it's just someone i met at the blacksite," you quickly interjected, forgetting that urbanshade had unjustly faked his death and hid the true story of sebastian solace from the world. "and no, that guy didn't murder them. he was wrongly convicted. just like i was," whispering the last part, you grab forks from the kitchen drawer set the cake onto the dining table.

"right, i'm sorry," they whispered softly, guilt creeping into their voice. hoping to lighten the mood, your friend added, "but no, i’m actually hearing you out on this one. did you know this fish creature personally?"

the two of you take a seat and start munching on the delicious red velvet 'hear-me-out' cake presented in front of you. "you could say that," you smiled cheekily, causing the both of you to burst out into a fit of giggles.

just then, a sharp pain similar to tiny needle stabbings pulse through your upper abdomen and into your chest. a series of flashbacks creep their way into your mind.

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

you’re escorted down the submarine ramp and shoved onto a platform. “just keep walking. if you hear anything strange, hide.”

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

an ear-piercing screech echoes in the distance. you rush to the nearest locker, slamming the door shut just as a pink aura sweeps past.

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

you crawl through a vent and find a small storage room at the end. turning right, you stumble upon a strange fish creature, causing you to jump back. "ah, another expendable," he yawns, unamused. "come in, fishbait. welcome to the shop."

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

volus lunara's searchlights close in. nervous and trembling, you fail the skill-check, getting shocked by the generator. stunned, you lie there as the beam focuses on you. your eyes widen in horror as the monster's grapples pierce your body. this wouldn't be the first time you've experienced this. you'd die a hundred more deaths.

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

hurt and wounded, you collapse in a corner. your head spins as the distinct sound of chains dragging on the ground fills the air. resigned to your fate, you limp toward a corner, exhausted. suddenly, someone grabs you and carries you to a seemingly safe room. “what are you doing, fishbait?” a voice hisses. only one person ever called you that. “why didn’t you move? you could’ve died,” sebastian snaps, his voice tinged with anger, but there's a hint of worry beneath it.

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

you and sebastian are lying together in the room behind his shop, an unexpected moment of vulnerability. the two of you open up about your pasts. he shares the details of his tragic demise, a painful history that he’s never spoken of before. in the quiet of the room, no longer caring about the consequences, you lean forward and plant a kiss on his cheek. sebastian tilts his head, confusion crossing his face, but there's something else there too—something unreadable.

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

a document? "the saboteur," it reads at the top. as you continue reading, the details unfold—now you understand why he’s been given that name.

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

after days of giving him the silent treatment, sebastian solace finally breaks. finding out that he was the cause of your repeated deaths weighs heavily on you. desperate to fix things, he starts a pillow fight, and through laughter, the tension melts away. eventually, the two of you make up, finding comfort in the shared moment of forgiveness.

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

you try again and again, until one fateful day, you finally make it to the end. as you dry off from your underwater escapade and step into the submarine, a realization hits you. you’ve reached your freedom, but what about sebastian?

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

as you turn from the submarine to search for him, sebastian suddenly appears right behind you. confused, you stare at him. "sebastian, come with me. we can have our freedom and get revenge on urbanshade." he looks at you, his expression sad and melancholy. "i can't go, fishbait."

"yes, you can. come with me, please," you insist.

"look at me. what do i look like to you?" he asks, and you don't see anything wrong with him.

he explains that he has bigger plans, ones that will lead to him meeting you again someday—in human form. you refuse to leave, even as the submarine's hatch starts to close. but in the last moment, he pushes you in. the hatch slams shut, and you’re engulfed in complete darkness.

𓂃 𓈒𓏸

your pulse rushes and eyesight narrows. the room is spinning and the fork in your hands falls onto the table, alarming your friend. your head drops into your hands and you start panting.

"hey, you okay?" they drop the piece of cake with jake sully's avatar on it that they're eating and rush towards you.

"i need space," you shoot at them, feeling their hands on your shoulder. yes, you do feel bad for pushing a friend away but the feeling was too overwhelming. "please, i need space," you repeated again, softly this time.

"yes, i understand." filled with worry, they pat your back one last time before taking one last bite of the cake and grabbing their jacket from the couch. "i'll be back tomorrow, okay? we can finish eating the cake then. just text me when you're feeling better. and please take care of yourself."

nodding your head in acknowledgement, the front door finally closes. you get up, massaging your temples, to lock the front door. your heart is still pounding and face is flushing. you rush to your room and close the door behind you before jumping on your bed. the white sheets engulf your frame as you finally allowed yourself to release the tension you've been feeling all this time.

you desperately scream into your pillow. "this isn't fair at all." you continue to cry, the sound of your soft sobs being the only thing filling the pitch-black room.

months of being trapped in the never-ending death loop in the limbo of the hadal blacksite changed you. now that you were free, nobody believed your testimony against urbanshade. after all, it was one escapee prisoner versus a well-known corporate company. sure, you had your freedom, but the guilt of knowing the company's darkest secrets—the horrid, inhumane experiments they conducted on their captives, the trauma of each death and reset—was consuming you. you had no one to confide in. the only person who truly understood you was still trapped in that very place you purely and vehemently loathed.

expendable. that's what you were. that's what urbanshade had labeled you.

dispensable, nonessential, and powerless.

"i don't want to do this anymore," you softly whisper into the void of darkness consuming you.

...

...

...

...

...

what the hell are you talking about?

you shot up. what the fuck. was that-

please tell me you're not giving up that easily, fishbait.

yeah, no, this was definitely your long-awaited delirium. you were going crazy. the physical and mental stress was driving you insane. but even so... even if it was you finally reaching your limit or even a suppressed memory of him, sebastian solace had promised you that he would see you again one day.

you took a deep breath, steadying yourself in the crushing darkness. maybe you were losing it, maybe that voice was just your fractured mind. but if there was even a sliver of truth, you couldn’t give up. not now. not ever.

"fine, sebastian," you whispered, standing to your feet and wiping your tears. "if you’re still out there, i'll find you. and if this is just my own madness, then i’ll survive long enough to make it back to you—human form or not."

giving up was a harsh reality. but so was fighting back. either way, you knew you couldn't stop. you wouldn’t stop. not until freedom was real for both of you.

you made up your mind. you were going back to the one place in the world you dreaded the most — urbanshade's hadal blacksite.

· · ─── ·𖥸· ─── · ·

[lila-lou]

✨His true fate - Part 15/?✨

Summary: Jensen hasn't been happy for years. But it seems almost impossible for him to escape. After another nasty argument between him and his wife, he decides to visit his ´former´ best friend for his birthday. Back in Austin, an encounter awaits him that will turn his life completely upside down.

Pairing: Jensen x Reader

Warnings: 18+ only! Smut, teasing, Language, age gap

Word Count: 7018

A/N: English isn’t my first language, so please be lenient. 💙✨

Jensen chuckled, his chest vibrating against your cheek. “Actually, I got snipped years ago”, he mumbled, a playful smile on his lips.

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really?”, you asked, trying to keep your tone light and playful. A tiny bit of disappointment formed in your head at the thought, but you quickly pushed it away, not wanting Jensen to sense anything.

He nodded, his fingers gently tracing patterns on your back. “Yeah, it seemed like the best option at the time”, he said softly.

Jensen leaned down, kissing the top of your head, then softly pressing your head back onto his chest. The warmth of his embrace and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat began to soothe your lingering thoughts.

“You okay?”, he asked gently, his voice filled with concern.

You looked up at him, giving him a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I’m fine”, you replied, snuggling closer. “Just a bit surprised, that’s all”.

Jensen’s hand continued its soothing movements on your back. “If you knew the whole story, you wouldn’t be surprised, believe me”, he mumbled, chuckling bitterly.

You lifted your head slightly to look at him, concern etched on your face. “What do you mean?”, you asked softly, sensing the underlying pain in his words.

Jensen sighed, his gaze turning distant for a moment. “It’s a long story”, he said quietly. “One that involves some tough decisions and moments I’d rather forget”.

You placed your hand on his cheek, gently guiding his gaze back to yours. “You can tell me, you know..”, you whispered.

Jensen sighed, a weighty sound that seemed to carry the burden of past decisions. He began speaking slowly, his words carefully measured. “I wanted to get a divorce twice before”, he admitted, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and relief at finally sharing this with you. “The first time was two years after our marriage. Things weren’t going well, and I was ready to call it quits”.

You listened intently, your heart aching for him as he continued. “But just as I was about to bring it up, Danneel told me she was pregnant. It was like a curveball that changed everything. Suddenly, I couldn’t just walk away”.

He paused, his fingers stilling on your back for a moment before he resumed his gentle caresses. “Then again, in 2016, I found myself in the same place, feeling like things were falling apart. I was ready to end it, to move on. But then Danneel told me she was pregnant again, this time with the twins”.

You felt a pang of sadness for the struggle he had gone through, and you squeezed his hand gently, urging him to continue. “It’s like every time I thought I could make a clean break, something would happen to pull me back. I felt trapped”.

He took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto yours with a vulnerable intensity. “Getting the vasectomy was my way of taking back control, making sure I wouldn’t find myself in that position again”.

"Oh”, you mumbled, processing everything he had just shared. Jensen sighed again before continuing.

“For the last few years, Danneel and I had some kind of deal”, he began, his voice tinged with resignation. “For the public, we’re still a happy family, happily married. But in private, we can sleep with whoever we want, as long as none of our affairs talk to the media or we don’t get caught. I was kind of fine with it—not happy, but okay”.

You could sense the weight of his words, the complexity of his situation pressing down on him. “Then, last year, something changed”, he admitted, his eyes meeting yours with a newfound clarity. “I… don’t want to have affairs anymore. I want a real relationship, one that’s built on love and not on pressure like my marriage with Danneel”.

Your heart ached for him, understanding the deep yearning he had for something more meaningful. “Jensen”, you said softly, your hand gently caressing his cheek. “You deserve to be truly happy, to be in a relationship where you’re loved for who you are”.

"I know now..”, Jensen murmured, his voice tinged with resignation. He shifted slightly, his gaze distant as he continued. “The sad part is, it’s not that easy. Danneel can be a very difficult person, especially if she doesn’t like someone. She can be a real bitch about things”.

Your heart sank hearing his candid words about the challenges ahead.

“Getting a divorce will be fucking hell”, Jensen admitted with a sigh, his brow furrowing. “But even after that, I don’t think she’ll let me live in peace, especially with a new woman in my life”.

There was a silence. You didn’t know what to say, feeling the weight of his words hanging in the air. Eventually, Jensen broke it, mumbling, “There. Another massive red flag”.

You sighed, popping up on your elbows and raising a brow at him. “Do you really think a bitchy ex-wife would scare me away?”, you asked, a hint of defiance in your voice.

Jensen took a deep breath, his expression serious. “You have no idea what you’re dealing with, (Y/N)”, he said quietly. “She broke me, and I’m a really strong person. She manipulated me in ways it took years for me to realize. She played me against my family, my friends, even myself and my morals”.

You studied his face for a moment, taking in the pain and seriousness etched into his features. “It seems like you want to scare me away”, you said softly, a note of concern in your voice.

Jensen sighed, his grip on your hip tightening slightly. “No… but… I don’t want to see you get ruined”, he mumbled. “I’ve met a lot of women over the years. They all think, ‘As soon as I get Jensen hooked, I’ll get Danneel out of the way’, but it’s not that simple. Danneel has ways to hurt you that are just cruel. She did things to women I didn’t even love… I can’t even tell you about it”.

He paused, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and regret. “Now imagine I tell her I’m divorcing because I fell in love with someone else”.

Your heart skipped a beat at his words. He hadn’t said he loved you explicitly, but that little indication was enough to make your stomach churn with a mix of anxiety and hope. “Jensen”, you whispered, your voice trembling slightly. “You can’t live your life in fear of her. If you want a future, a real future with someone who loves you, you have to take that risk”.

He looked at you, his eyes searching yours for reassurance. “But what if she does to you what she did to them? What if she ruins you too?”.

You looked into Jensen’s eyes, your own filled with determination and a hint of vulnerability. “Look at me, Jensen”, you said softly but firmly. “Do I look like I’m easy to get rid of? Do I seem like all the women you met before?”.

His gaze softened as he studied your face, searching for the truth in your words. “You ever had such a connection with somebody else like you have with me?”, you continued, your voice steady despite the nervous flutter in your chest.

Your breath hitched slightly as you let the weight of those words settle between you. There was an undeniable electricity, a deep bond that had grown between you, and you hoped he could see it too.

Jensen’s expression softened further, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions—relief, hope, and lingering fear. He reached out to gently cup your cheek, his touch warm and reassuring. “No”, he murmured, his voice filled with sincerity. “I’ve never felt anything like this before”.

A wave of relief washed over you at his admission.

“Then give it a damn try”, you mumbled, your voice soft but determined. “Stop trying to scare me away by finding a problem for every solution”.

Jensen’s eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and affection. He sighed, a small smile playing on his lips as he shook his head slightly. “You’re something else”, he said, his voice tinged with both amazement and gratitude. “You know that?”.

You smiled softly, feeling a sense of determination and confidence. “Yeah, I know”, you mumbled, your voice playful yet sincere. “Maybe that’s why I ran into you. Someone average wouldn’t hold up with your old luggage-packed ass”.

As soon as the words spilled from your mouth, you slapped your hand over your lips, surprised by your own boldness. Jensen’s eyes widened for a moment before a deep, hearty laugh rumbled from his chest.

“Wow”, he said between laughs, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I can’t believe you just fucking said that”.

You removed your hand, a sheepish smile on your face. “I´m sorry”, you said, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief.

Jensen shook his head, still chuckling. “Don´t be. I needed that”, he said, his laughter subsiding as he looked at you with warmth and appreciation. “I really did”.

You smiled, feeling the tension between you ease. “I guess sometimes we need to laugh about the heavy stuff”, you said softly.

Jensen nodded, his expression turning serious but affectionate. “You really are something else”, he repeated, his voice filled with admiration.

You hid your face against his chest, still slightly ashamed despite his laughter. You knew he was a wonderful person, and his past didn’t define him, so you actually felt bad for your words, even if he found them funny. He brushed his fingers through your hair, a soothing gesture that made you feel a bit better.

“You’re really not wrong”, he mumbled, his voice gentle. “Being with me is all cool and fun as long as I don’t catch feelings and unless Danneel finds out. After that, it’s for real fucking hard… Maybe there’s a tiny little chance you’re able to keep up with her. I mean, your boldness speaks for itself…”.

He paused, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Ms. I-call-Jensen-Ackles-an-old-fuck-and-he-still-wants-to-fuck-me-instead-of-kicking-me-out”, he revealed with a chuckle.

You laughed softly, your face still buried in his chest. “I really didn’t mean to call you that”, you mumbled, your voice muffled against his skin.

Jensen chuckled, his chest vibrating against you. “You sure about that? Because your never-ending old man jokes indicate pretty much the same”.

You pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a playful glint in your eyes. “Well, maybe there’s some truth to it”, you teased, a smile tugging at your lips.

Jensen laughed again, shaking his head. “I suppose I’ll have to get used to it, won’t I?”, he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

You nodded, a genuine smile spreading across your face. “Yes, you will. And I’ll be right here, making sure you never forget just how old you are”.

He rolled his eyes, his expression filled with mock exasperation. “Oh, great. Just what I needed”.

You both laughed, the sound filling the room and easing the lingering tension.

Just then, Jensen’s phone vibrated on the nightstand, interrupting the moment. He reached over and picked it up, glancing at the screen. A message from Jared flashed up: “You’re done? Still waiting on that call back, Ackles”.

Jensen sighed, shaking his head with a smile. “Jared never gives up, does he?”.

You chuckled, nudging him playfully. “Better not keep him waiting too long, old man. He might think you’ve fallen asleep”.

Jensen laughed. “Alright, alright. I’ll call him back”. He dialed Jared’s number and put the phone to his ear. After a few rings, Jared picked up.

"Finally done with that ‘project’?”, Jared teased, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Jensen chuckled, glancing at you with a grin. “Yeah, yeah, we’re done. What’s up, Padalecki?”.

Jared’s tone shifted slightly, becoming more direct. “What’s up with the pizza? You and your lady still coming over? I sent Gen and the kids to her sister’s place, so it’s just us tonight”.

Jensen’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh, shit, Jared, I completely forgot”, he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “We got caught up with, well, you know…”.

Jared laughed heartily on the other end. “Yeah, I can imagine. But hurry up, man. The pizza’s getting cold and I don’t want to eat it all by myself”.

Jensen grinned, looking at you apologetically. “Alright, we’ll be there in twenty minutes. Thanks for the reminder, man”.

Jared chuckled again. “No problem. Just don’t keep me waiting too long”.

You raised an eyebrow as Jensen hung up the phone, a playful smirk forming on your lips. “So, pizza night at Jared’s, huh?”, you teased, crossing your arms over your chest.

Jensen turned to you with a sheepish grin. “Yeah, sorry about that. I meant to tell you earlier”, he admitted, scratching the back of his head. “Things got a bit… distracted”.

You chuckled, shaking your head slightly. “Distracted is one way to put it”, you replied with a playful wink. “But hey, pizza sounds good. And it’ll be nice to hang out with Jared and catch up”.

Jensen nodded in agreement, his expression lightening up. “Yeah, definitely. Sorry again for not mentioning it sooner”.

“It’s alright”, you assured him. “Let’s not keep Jared waiting too long. He might start thinking we’re avoiding him”.

Jensen laughed, “Knowing Jared, he’s probably already on his fifth slice”, he joked.

As the two of you stood up, it became clear that neither of you could go out like this. The scent of sex clung to both of you, making it obvious what you had been up to. You exchanged a knowing glance, and Jensen chuckled, shaking his head.

“Guess a quick shower is in order”, he said.

You nodded, trying to suppress a laugh. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea”, you replied, your cheeks flushing slightly.

Jensen grabbed your hand, leading you towards the bathroom. “Come on, let’s make it quick”.

You laughed, following him into the bathroom. Once inside, you both quickly stepped into the shower. The warm water cascading over you was refreshing, washing away the remnants of your earlier intimacy.

Jensen reached for the shampoo, lathering it in his hands before gently massaging it into your hair. His fingers moved in soothing circles, and you closed your eyes, savoring the moment.

“You know, this isn’t a bad way to start an evening”, you remarked, smiling as you leaned into his touch.

Jensen chuckled softly. “Maybe we should make this a tradition then”, he replied, rinsing the shampoo from your hair.

You both quickly finished washing up, the shared space and intimate touches making the shower feel like a continuation of your connection rather than a chore. Once you were both clean, Jensen turned off the water, and you stepped out, reaching for the towels.

As you stepped out of the shower, Jensen handed you a towel, and you both began to dry off. The steam from the shower still hung in the air, adding a cozy warmth to the bathroom.

Once you were both dry, you made your way back to the bedroom to get dressed. Jensen quickly threw on a pair of jeans and a casual shirt, while you picked out a comfortable outfit suitable for a relaxed evening. As you pulled your shirt over your head, you caught Jensen watching you, a warm, affectionate look in his eyes.

“What?”, you asked, feeling a little self-conscious under his gaze.

“Nothing”, he said softly, his smile widening. “Just thinking about how lucky I am”.

You felt a blush creep up your cheeks and walked over to him, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I’m the lucky one”, you whispered before leaning in to kiss him gently.

After a moment, you both pulled away, the sense of urgency returning as you remembered your plans. You grabbed your keys and headed with Jensen toward your car.

“Ready for a night of pizza and Jared’s endless teasing?”, he asked with a grin.

You laughed, feeling a surge of affection for him. “Absolutely not”.

You both climbed into the car, and you started the engine. The drive to Jared’s place was filled with light conversation and the comfortable silence that comes from being completely at ease with each other.

When you arrived, Jared’s house was lit up, a welcoming sight. You could already smell the delicious aroma of pizza wafting through the air as you approached the door. Jensen rang the doorbell, and almost immediately, Jared swung the door open, a wide grin on his face.

“About time, Ackles”, Jared teased, stepping aside to let you both in. “I was beginning to think you got lost”.

Jensen laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. Sorry for the delay. We had to, uh, freshen up”.

Jared’s eyebrows shot up, and he glanced between the two of you with a knowing smirk. “Freshen up, huh? Is that what they’re calling it these days?”.

You blushed slightly, but Jensen just chuckled. “Yep, that’s our story and we’re sticking to it”.

Jared led you both into the living room, where several boxes of pizza were spread out on the coffee table. He gave you a cheeky grin as you settled onto the couch.

“You guys probably need some food after, you know, ‘freshening up’. You seemed pretty… well, exhausted on the phone earlier”, Jared teased, winking at you.

You laughed, feeling your face heat up. “We were just… busy”, you replied, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide your amusement.

Jensen smirked, grabbing a slice of pizza. “Yeah, busy”, he echoed, giving Jared a playful glare. “Now, let’s talk about something else before this gets out of hand”.

Jared chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright”.

Jared nodded, taking a bite of his pizza before turning to Jensen. “So, how was the flight? Smooth ride?”.

Jensen nodded, swallowing his bite. “Yeah, it was fine. A bit bumpy during landing, but nothing we couldn’t handle”, he replied, taking a sip of his drink.

You listened intently, glad for the diversion and the chance to enjoy some pizza. As they talked about the flight details and upcoming conventions, you felt genuinely curious. You knew Jensen, Jared, and some of their colleagues attended conventions, but you weren’t entirely sure what they involved.

“What exactly happens at these conventions?”, you asked, leaning forward with interest. “I mean, I know you guys go for work-related stuff, but what does that entail?”.

Jared grinned, clearly pleased to explain. “Well, it’s a mix of things. There are panels where we discuss the show, meet-and-greets with fans, autograph sessions, sometimes even special events or parties”. he explained. “It’s a chance for us to connect with fans, share stories, and just have a good time”.

Jensen nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it’s like a big gathering of fans and colleagues. We get to interact with people who love the show and support us”, he added.

You nodded, starting to see why these conventions were such a big part of their lives. “That sounds really cool, actually. Meeting fans must be pretty rewarding”.

“Kinda”, Jensen confirmed, then added, “Speaking of…”. He turned to Jared and held out his hand. Jared reached behind the couch and handed Jensen a small bag he had nearby.

Jensen took the bag and handed it to you. “This is for you”, he said, his tone gentle yet filled with anticipation.

Curious, you opened the bag and found a Ticket and a small card with Jensen’s face on it. You looked up at him, a mixture of surprise and confusion on your face. “What is this?”, you asked, holding up the items.

Jensen grinned. “It’s a VIP ticket to our convention”, he explained. “And the card is for a photo op—with me. I wanted you to see what it’s like firsthand, to experience it with us”.

Jared chimed in, grinning. “We thought it would be a fun way to show you our world. Plus, you’ll get to meet some of the fans and see what all the fuss is about”.

You felt a warm wave of appreciation and excitement wash over you. “Thank you”.

Jared grinned. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. You’ll see”.

You looked back at the Ticket and the photo op card, curiosity piqued. “So, what does VIP mean exactly? Does that mean I get to chill with you guys?”.

Jensen shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck with a slightly sheepish smile. “Not quite. VIP means you get the best seats for panels, early access to autograph sessions, and other perks like special events. But the actors have a room called the green room where we take breaks between photos and panels and stuff. It’s our little hideaway”.

You crumbled in mock disappointment. “Damn it”, you said, feigning a pout.

Jared laughed, shaking his head. “Hey, don’t be too upset. Fans would kill for a VIP ticket. You’re getting the royal treatment here”.

Jensen nodded in agreement, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yeah, you’re getting the full experience. And trust me, it’s a lot of fun. Plus, you’ll get to see a side of us you don’t normally see”.

You couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, alright. I guess I can live with that. It’ll be fun to see you guys in action and meet the fans”.

Jared grinned. “That’s the spirit".

The conversation continued with Jensen and Jared sharing more stories and tips about conventions, making you feel even more excited about the upcoming event.

As the evening wore on, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Suddenly, your phone rang. You glanced at the screen and saw it was your mom calling.

“It’s my mom”, you said, standing up. “I need to get this”. You walked towards the front door to take the call, leaving Jensen and Jared behind.

As soon as you stepped out of the door, Jared gave Jensen a hard shove, causing him to nearly drop his seventh pizza slice. “What?!”, Jensen grumbled with a full mouth, looking at Jared with a mixture of confusion and annoyance.

Jared shook his head, trying to stifle a laugh. “You let her answer my call while you were… you know!". He gestured vaguely, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Jensen grinned, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. “Hey, she handled it like a pro”, he replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “Besides, it was your idea to call in the first place”.

Jared rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Jensen swallowed his pizza, grinning even more as he started to explain, “Well, I wasn’t actually inside her… it was more—”.

Jared quickly held up a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. “Nope, nope! I do not need those details, Ackles. Spare me the mental images, please”.

Jensen chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright, alright, I’ll spare you. But seriously, you walked right into that one with your call”.

Jared laughed, leaning back on the couch. “Yeah, I suppose I did. But next time, a little heads-up would be appreciated”.

Jensen chuckled, shaking his head. “What the fuck did you expect? I haven’t seen her for over eight weeks!”.

Jared raised both hands in mock surrender. “When I called you, it had been three hours since I dropped the two of you off! Who fucks for three hours?”.

Jensen smirked, leaning back against the couch. “Apparently, we do”, he replied with a smug grin. “We were making up for lost time”.

Jared laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. “Man, I don’t know whether to be impressed or horrified. Probably a little of both”.

Jensen just grinned wider, clearly enjoying Jared’s reaction.

“But seriously, you’re good?”.

Jensen nodded, his expression softening. “Yeah, man, we’re good. Better than good, actually”.

Jared smiled, genuine warmth in his eyes. “That’s great to hear. I’m really happy for you guys”. He paused, his expression turning a bit more serious. “I’m hoping that with things going well, you’ll now have a reason to take the step”.

Jensen glanced at you, standing outside on the porch, then back at Jared, understanding the implication. “You mean the divorce”.

Jared nodded. “Yeah, man. It’s been a long time coming. You deserve to be happy, and it sounds like you’ve found something really special here. Don’t let anything hold you back”.

Jensen took a deep breath and nodded. “I know. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot. I just want to make sure it’s the right time, for everyone involved”.

Jared leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “There’s never a perfect time, but sometimes you just have to take that leap".

That’s when you came back into the room, finishing your call with your mom. You noticed the serious expressions on their faces and sensed you’d walked into an important conversation.

“What did I miss?”, you asked.

Jensen and Jared exchanged a quick glance, their serious expressions melting into a shared smile. Jared leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“Oh, nothing serious”, Jared replied casually, waving off the tension. “Just talking about life, the universe, you know, the usual”.

You raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying their attempt to brush off the conversation. “Uh-huh”, you said skeptically, crossing your arms. “You guys look like you just solved world peace or something”.

Jensen chuckled, standing up and stretching. “Come on, it’s getting late. We should probably head out”.

Jared nodded, getting up from the couch as well. “Yeah, thanks for coming over, you two. It was fun”.

You followed them to the door, still curious but deciding not to press further for now. “Thanks for having us”, you replied with a smile.

With a final round of goodbyes, you and Jensen headed back to the car. As you drove home, you couldn’t help but wonder about the conversation you had interrupted. But seeing Jensen’s relaxed demeanor, you decided to let it be for now.

As you arrived home, you made your way to the bathroom to freshen up. Jensen followed you, his presence a comforting shadow. As you stood in front of the mirror, taking off your earrings, Jensen wrapped his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder. He watched you intently, his eyes reflecting a mix of contentment and affection.

You smiled at his reflection in the mirror, feeling the warmth of his embrace. “You know, you’re kind of clingy tonight”, you teased gently.

Jensen chuckled softly, his breath warm against your neck. “Just making up for lost time”, he murmured, his voice filled with tenderness.

Your fingers trailing lightly over his forearm. “Everything okay?”, you asked softly, sensing there was more on his mind.

Jensen’s eyes met yours in the mirror, a flicker of vulnerability passing through them. “Yeah, everything’s fine”, he said, though you could tell he was still processing the earlier conversation with Jared. “Just… a lot to think about”.

You nodded understandingly, knowing that sometimes words weren’t immediately necessary. “You can always talk to me”, you said softly, your voice a gentle reassurance.

Jensen smiled softly, his eyes flickering with gratitude. “I know”, he mumbled, leaning in to press a kiss against your neck. His lips were warm against your skin, a silent expression of his feelings.

You tilted your head slightly, allowing him access as his kisses trailed along your neck, his touch sending shivers down your spine. Jensen’s arms tightened around your waist, pulling you closer, seeking comfort and connection in the closeness of your embrace.

You sighed softly, enjoying the warmth of his kisses as they trailed down to your shoulder. “I really like Jared”, you mumbled, your voice filled with genuine affection for his friend.

Jensen pushed your shirt slightly over your shoulder, his lips following the newly exposed skin. “He’s quite the matchmaker, huh?”, he murmured against your skin, his breath warm and tantalizing.

You chuckled softly, your fingers kept tracing the contours of his forearm. “Yeah, he is. I think he just wants to see you happy”.

Jensen paused for a moment, lifting his head to look into your eyes through the mirror. “He’s always been there for me, even through the tough times".

One of his hands gently slipped inside your shorts and panties, his touch both gentle and possessive. You gasped softly at the sensation, leaning back into him as he continued to explore your skin with his lips and hands.

“He’s a good friend”, you murmured, your voice trembling slightly with anticipation and pleasure. “And I’m glad he’s in your life”.

Jensen’s fingers moved with deliberate slowness, teasing and caressing you in ways that made your breath hitch. “I’m glad you’re in my life”, he whispered against your ear, his voice husky with emotion.

His hand continued its journey, slipping further inside your panties until he gently pushed two fingers inside your pussy. The sensation made you gasp, your body arching into his touch. Instinctively, you dug your nails into his forearm, the pleasure radiating through you in waves.

Jensen groaned softly, the sound vibrating against your neck. “You’re so perfect”, he murmured, his fingers moving slowly, deliberately, driving you wild with need.

You could barely form words, your breaths coming in shallow gasps as you leaned back against him. “Jensen…”, you managed to whisper, your voice trembling with the intensity of your feelings.

His other hand moved to cup your breast, squeezing gently as his lips continued to explore your neck and shoulder. “I love the way you respond to me”, he said, his voice thick with desire. “I love knowing I can make you feel like this”.

Your body felt like it was on fire, every touch sending sparks of pleasure through you. Jensen’s fingers inside you moved with a steady rhythm, each motion pushing you closer to the edge. He seemed so confident, so assured in his movements, demonstrating just how much experience he had. It was almost effortless for him to bring you to the brink of ecstasy.

Jensen’s hand on your breast squeezed gently, his thumb brushing over your nipple, sending another wave of pleasure coursing through you. His lips trailed down your neck, leaving a path of warmth and sensation in their wake. Every touch, every kiss, was perfectly timed, perfectly placed, making you fall apart in his arms.

His fingers inside you curled slightly, hitting that sweet spot that made you see stars. “Jensen… oh… shit”, you gasped, your nails digging deeper into his forearm.

He groaned softly, the sound vibrating against your neck. “That’s it, baby”, he murmured, his voice thick with desire. “Let go for me”.

His thumb brushed over your nipple again, his other hand moving to your clit, circling it with a gentle, but insistent pressure. The combination of his fingers inside you and the attention on your clit was driving you wild, pushing you closer and closer to the edge.

You felt the tension building within you, the pleasure becoming almost too much to bear. Your breaths came in shallow gasps, your body trembling with anticipation. “Jensen… I’m so close,” you whispered, barely able to get the words out.

His lips found your ear, his breath hot and tantalizing. “Come for me”, he whispered, his voice a low, seductive growl.

With his words, you felt yourself teetering on the edge, the pleasure overwhelming. And then, with a final flick of his fingers and a gentle squeeze of your breast, you came undone. Your body convulsed in his arms, a cry of ecstasy escaping your lips as waves of pleasure crashed over you.

Jensen held you close, his fingers still moving inside you, drawing out your orgasm until you were left trembling and breathless. He pressed soft kisses to your neck, his touch gentle and soothing as you came down from your high.

As your breathing began to steady, Jensen pulled back slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. “Did you count how many times I made you come this evening?”, he teased, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and affection.

You laughed softly, still trying to catch your breath. “I lost track”, you admitted, your voice a bit shaky but filled with warmth.

Jensen grinned, clearly pleased with himself. “I’m not done yet”.

You raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at your lips. “Oh really?”.

Jensen nodded, his hands moving to gently caress your sides. “Really”, he murmured, leaning in to kiss you deeply. His lips moved against yours with a renewed intensity, his hands exploring your body with a tenderness that made your heart swell.

You could feel the heat building between you again, the promise of more pleasure making your pulse quicken. Jensen’s kisses trailed down your neck, his hands roaming over your curves as he pressed you closer to him.

“Let’s move to the bed”, he whispered against your skin, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down your spine.

You nodded, allowing him to guide you towards the bed.

Half an hour later, Jensen’s thrusts had slowed, becoming less intense but more deliberate, each movement designed to elicit maximum pleasure. His forehead was coated in a thin layer of sweat, his hair slightly damp, while his lips were glued to your nipples, sending waves of sensation through your body with every flick of his tongue.

Your back arched beneath him, your body hypersensitive to his every touch. His thrusts, though less urgent, were beyond sensual, driving you insane with the slow, steady rhythm that seemed to reach deeper with each movement.

“Jensen”, you moaned, your hands gripping his shoulders, your nails digging into his skin. The intense connection between you both heightened every sensation, making you feel like you were on the edge of ecstasy once again.

The way he rolled his hips causing his pelvis to brush against your clit with every thrust. The tip of his dick hit your G-spot perfectly, sending waves of pleasure coursing through you. Each stroke was precise, calculated to drive you to the brink of madness.

Your breaths came in shallow gasps, your body trembling with anticipation and need. “Jensen… please”, you whimpered, your voice thick with desire.

He groaned softly, his lips trailing down to capture one of your nipples in his mouth again, sucking gently while his other hand teased the other. The dual sensations made your head spin, the pleasure overwhelming.

Jensen’s thrusts remained steady. The way his pelvis stroked your clit, combined with the perfect angle of his thrusts, created a symphony of pleasure that built with each passing second.

“Come for me, baby”, he murmured against your skin.

His words were the final push you needed. With a cry of his name, your body tensed, and you came hard, your muscles clenching around him as waves of ecstasy crashed over you. Jensen continued his slow, deliberate thrusts, prolonging your orgasm until you were left trembling and breathless beneath him.

As you came down from your high, your body trembling with the aftershocks of your intense orgasm, Jensen slowly pulled out of you. His eyes were dark with desire as he positioned himself above you, his hand wrapping around his erection. He gave himself a few firm pumps, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps.

You watched, still catching your breath, as he brought himself to the edge. With a deep, guttural moan, Jensen’s hot cum spilled all over your lower belly, the warmth spreading down to your pussy. The sensation was both intimate and intensely erotic.

Jensen smirked down at his masterpiece, clearly pleased with the sight of his cum covering your lower belly. Taking his dick by the base, he used the tip to spread his cum over your clit, the warmth and slickness intensifying the sensation.

You raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on your lips. “That’s new”, you murmured breathless, your voice laced with playful curiosity. “Getting comfortable, are we?”.

Jensen chuckled softly and equally breathless. “Just exploring new territory”, he replied, his tone equally teasing. He continued to spread his cum over your clit, the slow, deliberate movements sending ripples of pleasure through you.

“You like that?”, he asked, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper.

You bit your lip, your body responding eagerly to his touch. “Maybe”, you replied, your voice breathy with desire.

Jensen leaned down, his lips brushing against your ear. “Good”, he murmured.

He shifted slightly, his hand trailing down to gently rub your clit, using his cum as lubrication. The sensation was overwhelming, each stroke sending sparks of pleasure through your already sensitive body.

Your breath hitched, your hands gripping the sheets beneath you as you tried to hold on. “Jay…”, you gasped, your voice trembling with need.

He pressed a soft kiss to your neck, his touch never faltering. “Let me take care of you”, he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness.

With each slow, deliberate stroke, Jensen brought you back to the edge, the pleasure building steadily within you. The warmth of his cum combined with the skilled movements of his fingers was almost too much to bear.

You felt yourself teetering on the brink, your body trembling with anticipation. “I… I can’t…”, you stammered, your voice breaking with the intensity of your feelings.

“Yes, you can”, he murmured, his lips finding yours in a deep, passionate kiss. “For me”.

Jensen’s thumb slid through your folds, combining his cum with yours, and then he rubbed it back over your overstimulated clit. The sensation was intense, a perfect blend of pleasure and overstimulation that made you gasp and cling to him.

Your body shuddered with each deliberate stroke, the slick mixture heightening every touch. “It’s too much…”, you whimpered, your voice a breathless plea.

He smiled against your skin, his thumb continuing its relentless, tender movements. “I know, baby”, he whispered. “But you can take it. I want to see you come one more time”.

The pressure built steadily, the pleasure almost unbearable as his thumb moved with expert precision. Every touch sent waves of sensation through you, your body responding eagerly despite the overwhelming intensity.

“Please…”, you gasped, your fingers digging into his shoulders, desperate for release.

Jensen’s eyes locked onto yours, his gaze filled with desire. “Come for me”, he urged softly.

Your body convulsed in his arms, another powerful orgasm crashing over you. The pleasure was almost too intense to bear, your vision blurring as you trembled uncontrollably.

Jensen held you close, his movements slowing as he helped you ride out the waves of ecstasy. “That’s it”, he murmured, his voice soothing.

You were completely spent, your body utterly exhausted from the intensity of your multiple orgasms. Never in your life had you come this often within just a few hours. Your entire body shook, your pussy overly sensitive to the slightest touch.

Jensen reached for a nearby towel, intending to clean you up. As soon as the fabric made contact with your overstimulated skin, you jumped uncontrollably, a gasp escaping your lips.

Jensen looked at you, his touch immediately becoming more gentle. He carefully dabbed at your skin, his movements slow and tender, making sure not to cause you any more discomfort.

Jensen’s touch remained featherlight as he continued to clean you, his movements almost reverent. He was acutely aware of your sensitivity and took every precaution to ensure you were comfortable.

You felt your breathing gradually steady, each breath bringing a little more calmness and relief. Jensen’s gentle care and the warmth of his presence began to soothe your overstimulated nerves, grounding you after the intense experiences you had shared.

Once he finished, Jensen discarded the towel and lay down beside you, pulling you into his arms. The warmth of his body enveloped you, creating a cocoon of safety and affection. You nestled against his chest, feeling the steady, reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat.

Jensen pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, his fingers gently tracing patterns on your back. “How are you feeling?”, he asked quietly.

Your voice shook slightly as you whispered, “Completely spent”.

Jensen chuckled softly, the sound rumbling against your ear as he held you close. “I can tell”, he murmured, his fingers continuing their soothing movements on your back. “But it was worth all the waiting”.

You looked up at him, a soft smile playing on your lips despite your exhaustion. “Yeah?”, you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, his eyes locked with yours, filled with warmth and sincerity. “Absolutely”, he replied softly.

With Jensen holding you close, you traced patterns over his freckled chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your fingertips. The small freckles scattered across his chest and shoulders seemed like a map of memories. Your fingers moved lower, grazing over his soft belly, his muscles twitching slightly under your touch.

Jensen watched you with a soft smile, his eyes half-closed in contentment. “What are you thinking about?”, he asked quietly, his voice a soothing murmur.

———————————

A/N: Please let me know what you think.🥰

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Part 16

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Taglist: @cheynovak @chriszgirl92 @jenniferr0323 @angelbabyyy99 @cevansbaby-dove @muhahaha303 @jackles010378 @suckitands33 @n-o-p-e-never @mayafatimakhan @ladysparkles78 @viviandarkbloom06 @jassackles @evasmlp @acklesaddict67 @mostlymarvelgirl @emma1998sblog @mishaesque @headinthemoon87 @hobby27 @winchesterwild78 @impala67rollingthroughtown @manicjk @kr804573 @zaratahir @djs8891 @winchesterwild78 @jamerlynn @whimsyfinny @libby99hb @deansimpalababy @deans-queen @kawaii-arfid-memes @faephoria @stoneyggirl2

[animentality]

If Gortash was always meant to be in the House of Hope, and potentially recruitable after you kill him, then I'm sad that got cut, because that would've been so interesting for him as a character.

To see the tyrant, laid low, no longer the Archduke of Baldur's Gate and ruler of the Sword Coast, but the sniveling little boy who used to cry himself to sleep at night, back in the hell that was his childhood.

Also, I have this theory now, ever since I found out about this, that maybe Gortash didn't just do all this because he had to feel powerful after a childhood of being powerless and helpless.

Maybe Gortash knew that it was only a matter of time before he was forced back to the House of Hope. He knew he would die eventually, and be forced to return to Raphael.

So maybe he turned to Bane and sought as much power as he could attain, so that he could raid the House of Hope and either kill Raphael or at least steal back his contract?

Maybe serving Bane was always secondary to that goal.

But imagine.

Oh fucking imagine...

That he allied himself with Ketheric and the Dark Urge, on behest of his god, and at first, it was just a job for him.

Just something he had to do, because Bane asked him to. But he and the Dark Urge grew close. And maybe he wanted to ask the Dark Urge, after they successfully raided Mephistopheles, if they would help him kill Raphael.

Maybe he was scared to ask before they were close, because it would've revealed a weakness.

A vulnerability, in the Chosen of tyranny.

But then the Dark Urge vanished, so he never got this chance.

And then.

The Dark Urge comes back, a changed person, and he's saddened, but resigned to the fact that he can never ask again.

And then they kill him. Betraying him and the alliance.

And then...he goes back to the House of Hope...and that is his eternity. Being punished by Raphael, taunted for his ability to steal the Crown of Karsus, but unable to reject his fate in the end...

Only for the Dark Urge to knock down the fucking doors, and cut off Raphael's head?

Oh.

Oh, we were robbed, my friends.

The idea of the Dark Urge killing Gortash for the greater good, but inadvertently giving him what he always wanted...

And saving him, whether intentionally or not...

Gortash would smile at his luck. At the kismet. And the dark irony.

But he would be...so glad...that he met the Dark Urge.

They say don't thank me, but he'd say, I have to. I must.

[kaguraaaa]

I was bored and just wrote this down. So.. It's not that good.

Bewitched

Lucifer x Witch!Reader

PART 1, PART 2

In the hushed elegance of the hotel's lobby, Lucifer encountered a guest whose presence whispered of untold tales and hidden depths, sparking a curiosity that ignited the very air around them.

As Lucifer hurried through the halls of his daughters' newly renovated hotel, a sense of pride swelled within him. The gleaming corridors and vibrant atmosphere were a testament to their hard work. Yet, amidst his contentment, fate had other plans as he collided with someone in the hallway.

Stumbling slightly, Lucifer managed to maintain his balance, clutching onto his hat as he looked up to meet the gaze of a strikingly beautiful woman. With golden eyes that seemed to hold untold depths and raven hair cascading around her shoulders, she exuded an air of elegance that captivated Lucifer's attention.

"Oh, my apologies. I was in a bit of a rush," Lucifer apologized, feeling slightly flustered by the unexpected encounter.

However, instead of reproach, the woman responded with a gentle bow, her hand resting over her heart in a gesture of respect. Lucifer couldn't help but be taken aback by her gracefulness.

"You didn't have to bow, my dear. It was I who wasn't watching where I was going," Lucifer replied, attempting to regain his composure.

With a soft smile, the woman gestured towards her mouth, drawing Lucifer's attention to the stitched seam that sealed her lips shut. Concern flickered in Lucifer's eyes as he realized the extent of her condition.

"Why is your mouth sewn shut?" Lucifer inquired, his voice tinged with sympathy.

The woman's eyes held a mixture of sadness and resignation as she gestured to indicate that she had died with her lips stitched. Lucifer's heart sank at the thought of the suffering she must have endured.

"Do you understand sign language?" she asked, her gestures careful and deliberate.

Regrettably, Lucifer shook his head, feeling a pang of guilt for his inability to communicate with her more effectively.

Their conversation continued through gestures, and Lucifer learned that the woman had died in 1420 at the tender age of 25. The realization hit him like a wave, filling him with a profound sense of sadness for the centuries she had spent in silence.

Despite her plight, the woman maintained a serene demeanor, urging Lucifer not to pity her. Her resilience left him in awe, admiring her strength in the face of adversity.

As their interaction drew to a close, the woman's teasing smile reminded Lucifer of his initial haste.

"You were in a hurry, weren't you?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Lucifer glanced at his watch, realizing that he had indeed lost track of time. With a sheepish grin, he acknowledged his tardiness.

"Yes, it seems I was. But before I go, may I ask your name?" Lucifer inquired, curious to know more about the enigmatic woman before him.

In response, the woman gestured for a notebook, which Lucifer quickly produced from his pocket. With elegant strokes of the pen, she wrote her name before handing it back to him.

"Y/N Hecate," Lucifer read aloud, feeling a shiver run down his spine at the mention of the infamous witch's name from centuries past. Looking up to the woman, she was nowhere to be found. Like she had disappeared in thin air.

As he made his way to his room, Lucifer couldn't shake the feeling of intrigue that lingered in the air. The encounter with Y/N Hecate had left an indelible mark on him, igniting a curiosity that burned brighter than ever before.

Welp.. Idk anymore

[liliannadelaphinehartifelt]

Alastor - [ DEVOTION Pt. 7 ]

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Alright, buckle up loves! This one is a rollercoaster…. I’m pretty sure there’s smut (yay, we have returned to my roots). Also, thanks for all the feedback on the story. It gave me insight into a few things and what tropes to leave out of my next series (which is coming soon).

WARNINGS: [ NSFW ] + [ MDNI ] + [ SLIGHT SMUT ] + [ ANGST ] + [ CHILDBIRTH…description?… I mean not really that much… ] + [ MENTIONS OF CANNIBALISM ]

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Within the hour of Alastors shadows leaving, Roise and Angelique came rushing into your home.

Their coats were thrown to the floor at the door, and both women bound up the steps, calling you and Alastors' names in evident concern.

"Al! Y/n?!" Rosie shouted as she rounded the staircase plateau, reaching the room first, and his mother followed swiftly.

"Al! Baby, what happened?' Angelique came right to his side as he lifted his head from looking down at your sweat and blood-covered face.

Rosie gasped, seeing the state you were in, the blood pooling on the sheets, your body's weak tremors worrying both women and Alastor’s disheveled demeanor, only adding to the heart-wrenching scene.

Angelique placed a hand on your forehead, feeling for a temperature, as Alastor croaked out a phrase she had never heard him utter: "Help her ma…please…."

". She's burning up," Angelique muttered in slight shock, sparing her son a solemn glance as she caressed your cheek soothingly.

He clearly was withholding his panic, reverting back to the mild-mannered nervous ticks he had as a boy to cope with stress.

His eyes twitched rapidly, watering a bit as she conversed with Rosie on the best ways to go about helping you and the babies.

"They're gonna be okay, baby. Hey, look at me, stay strong, you hear me? Keep your head on straight. They need you more than ever…" his mother reassured him with an encouraging smile, tilting his chin up as an added gesture.

"Now is not the time to be weak like your father…"

Alastor paled at her words, unconsciously steadying his mentality to avoid breaking down any longer, "I'm nothing like that pompous and demented drunk-"

"Then go clean yourself up. Straighten out that mess in the basement. And let us do what needs to be done to save Y/n and your children…"

Angelique made no effort to put her instructions gently, already rushing about the room to ready herself for the task ahead.

Rosie merely stared at him expectantly, already tending to your wounded head after wiping the visible scum from your face with a warm wet washcloth.

"Go, Al. We will take care of this."

He froze for a moment, hesitant to leave you in such a state, gazing down at your distressed form one last time before deciding to trust them with your fate.

"I'm counting on you both," he mumbled wearily, planting a sorrowful kiss on your head while peeling off the bed's edge.

"Everything going to be alright, sweetheart. I promise.."

You sobbed lowly at his words, too weak to speak and even less apt to stop him from leaving your side.

The last sight you had of Alastor that night was him lingering at your bedroom door with a somber smile that conveyed the sadness in his eyes, and then he was gone.

A memory you couldn't recall as hours of labor set in. You spent what little strength was left in your body to birth a son and a daughter.

Your screams could practically be heard throughout the whole Garden District.

Alastors' shadows shook violently upon hearing each one, but he restrained himself from racing into the room.

Instead, he busied himself as his mother instructed: cleaning the basement, locking it up before pocketing the key for better safekeeping, and resigning himself to his studies.

Hours of listening to your muffled cries mixing with the crackling of his radio filled the atmosphere with unease.

His shadows swirled in anticipation near the bedroom door, not daring to peek in until your voice was drowned out by the soft cries of two newborns.

Alastor had been on his third cigarette and fourth whiskey by then, in the middle of drowning his stress with vices he'd sworn never to take up, but they seemed appealing for the longest night of his life.

He was rather thankful when a spectator spawned beside his chair, whispering good news in his ear and clearly elated to relay it.

They've arrived—a healthy boy and girl, and she is stable as well. A job well done, monsieur…

A tender smile crept onto his lips at the information, shrill cries of life carrying through the house proving his spectator's observation true." I shouldn't keep my children waiting then," Alastor mused half-heartedly while standing upright.

His glass of whiskey was half full on his desk, his cigarette snuffed out on an ashtray next to it, and his radio left on a low volume of static as he left the room.

———— ————— —————

"Oh, Al, come look! They're just the sweetest little lambs you'll ever see!"

Rosie ushered him in the room with a genuine grin on her face, strands of her blonde hair in disarray, her dress sleeves rolled up, and a bit of sweat on her neck from the work she'd just finished.

He chuckled at her enthusiasm, assuming she was exaggerating to lift his spirits.

"Is that so?"

Rosie nodded excitedly, gliding back over to the bed where you lay, and his mother sat facing you.

"Come on. Come look at em'…" the blonde whispered while peering into Angelique's arms.

Alastor hesitated, somewhat afraid to come face to face with his offspring, but then he heard them babble quietly.

A gentle, enlightening sound he never imagined liking, but it drew him like a magnet.

The tired smile you gave him as he neared the bed helped quite a lot.

You were alive, in need of rest, but still breathing.

His mind calmed as your eyes met for a split second, a fleeting exchange of gratefulness, but it broke as two tiny giggles filled the room.

Alastor averted his attention towards them, leaving you to watch as he took them in.

Angelique shifted slightly, adjusting her expert hold on the swaddled newborns who fixated on their looming father as he stepped closer.

"Oh my…hello there, little ones. What a pleasure it is to meet you…"

Alastor fawned over them, kneeling to get a better look, and to his delight, they both smiled at his approach.

The sudden change in expression swayed him, and he had a genuine grin on his face as he took their features in.

"What wonderful gifts you are," he muttered in amazement.

His mother chuckled, amused by her son's reaction to his children, but relieved he'd composed himself again.

"Would you like to hold them, Al?" she voiced the offer gently, watching his sharp eyes soften behind the around-framed spectacle.

"I'd love to ….." he mumbled wistfully, never taking his eyes off the newborn twins.

Rosie squealed quietly in excitement as Angelique nodded, carefully handing the boy over to Alastor first.

He gently took him in his arms, admiring their similarities, "My eyes, hair, and nose. You've stolen them all…"

He paused, stuck on what to call then, but you whispered both names through a tired smile:

"Adonis Naveen Hartifelt & Antoinette Marie Hartofelt… just as we decided, yes?"

Alastor held your gaze momentarily, sensing something was off but disregarding the underlying tension to enjoy the quaint moment.

"Yes, ma chere. Very suitable names…"

You flashed a somber smile, watching as he walked about the room with Adonis before switching to hold Antoinette.

He clearly favored your daughter a bit more, smiling the longest with her near his chest and only puttering her down when she began to fuss—which took quite a while.

Angelique took her from Alastor's grasp, letting him admire her again before he left the room with Rosie and leaving you to feed them with his mother's help.

His absence left you to wonder…

It baffled you how he could be picture-perfect at times like this.

The very image of a good and gracious man.

Nothing like the monster you imagined could systematically tear apart a body the way you witnessed in the basement.

Nothing like a man who'd lie to his wife.

Nothing like the man who'd caused you so much pain in what was supposed to be your happiest time together.

————— ————— —————-

As the days rolled on, winter winds ravaged New Orleans through the holidays, but the frivolous change of season seemed a distant notion outside of the Hartifelt house.

You were first confined to bed rest by Angelique, then by a doctor's official recommendation the next day, and with their orders came directions.

No overexcerting yourself.

No stress.

A fulfilled and healthy diet couldn't be avoided.

And at least six hours of sleep per day.

The last two stipulations were hard to follow because they felt impossible, and you couldn't bring yourself to relax until Alastor made an effort to explain himself…

To explain the body in the basement and why he'd ever see the need to butcher someone in such a gruesome way.

You'd long figured out what he'd been using it for, piecing together what you witnessed with what had been conspiring in your home for months…

The mutilations on the body were precise, as if he had been harvesting certain parts, but you didn't recall seeing any limbs or organs lying around the basement.

There was no rotting flesh smell either, nothing to indicate he was keeping them as personal trophies, but the victim had clearly not been his first from the looks of their wounds.

You'd never seen him dispose of anything, never heard any clamoring noises from the basement when he was down there, and couldn't recall seeing blood on his hands besides the one time you visited his mother.

All your guesses and observations led you to one conclusion: a notion that made your stomach churn, but the only plausible answer to the question of what Alastor had been doing with…or instead using the body for.

Meat.

He had to be harvesting it.

Feeding body parts to himself and me as if it were regular livestock.

It made sense now why he'd neglected to buy meat on grocery store runs and insisted his hunts would bear better fruit than packaged goods, and the more you thought about the connection, the stupider you felt.

All this time, he'd been feeding you…feeding your children human flesh?

How could be so blind to it, so caught up in his charm, and fail to notice what he'd do behind your back.

You threw up every time the thought crossed your mind…

The season's cold chill mirrored the steady rage building in you as days turned into weeks.

Reaching its height by the time Christmas Eve rolled around.

Rosie and Angelique had decided to stay and help you and the twins until your health became stable again.

One woman was always at your side to help, allowing you to nurse Adonis and Antoinette in peace when needed.

In the first few days of your recovery, you didn't remember much of anything, falling in and out of sleep rapidly, but when you could stay awake for most of the day, you refused to have either child out of your sight for more than a second.

Alastor had tried once after their birth to hold them again in your presence, but you forbade Rosie from letting him in the room.

The evident hurt in his eyes when you viciously glared at him that day tore your heart to pieces, but you just couldn't bear to see him pretend everything was bright and dandy.

Like there wasn't a rotting body in the basement…

Angelique tried to soothe you both in one way or another, convincing Alastor to give you space and time, suggesting that he focus on his radio show rather than holing up in his study or going on impractical 'hunts' to cope with your anger towards him.

He took her advice well, putting on a mask for weeks on end as he carried on being New Orleans's most prominent radio star, and though the frequency of his hunts slowed, the few he did venture on were extremely bloody.

You weren't as easily swayed by her attempts to heal the rift between you and Alastor.

Barely eating or sleeping for quite a while, afraid to close your eyes and replay the bloody memory he'd caused, and overtly protective of the twins as a result.

However, eating and neglecting rest didn't last only a short time.

Both factors affected your productivity as a new mother and healing stage.

You eventually took Amgelique's advice, eating your meals in total, resting more, and enjoying your children's presence.

They were quite the duo.

They were generally quiet babies but incredibly active when not asleep.

You took pride in nursing them, fleeting Rosie holding one while you fed the other, both of you cooing at their gentle mannerisms.

Your mood improved drastically by Christmas Eve, the strength to walk around the house without helpfully given back to you, and the pain in your head significantly lessened.

Jovial as ever, you took slow and sure steps to leave the stuffy room, bathe and dress yourself, and be drawn out by the smell of delicious food being made downstairs.

You could hear Rosie playing with the twins, her soft laughter wafting through the house as two other voices lingered under it.

You nearly turned back to the room, recognizing Alastors voice, grimacing as he laughed at something his mother had said, but after a few calming self-reflective breaths, you continued down the winding staircase.

Rosie was the first to spot you, dressed in a simple red and green evening gown, ready to celebrate the night.

You almost envied her vitality, opting for a simple white and red dress and a large red bow to hold your hair up in an elegant pin style.

She gasped softly as you descended the last few steps, halting her hand that tenderly swayed your children's bassinet.

"You're up! Oh, how wonderful…you look lovely, my dear!"

She rushed to hug you, careful not to squeeze you too tight, as a small giggle left you:

"I'm still finding my bearings, but thanks to you and Angelique, I feel much better."

Rosie took hold of your hands in both silk-gloved ones, leading you into the warmly lit parlor.

She left you to admire how beautifully decorated it was as she sat you down next to her on the sofa.

A pine tree was tucked in the corner, standing massively next to the front bay windows, decorated with fairy lights and traditional ornaments.

Garlands were hung in the same fashion, and other festive adornments covered your home's interior as far as you could see, and your heart fluttered a bit at the sight.

You usually took on decorating for the holidays. Alastor would help, of course, but you enjoyed doing it more than he did.

You expected nothing to be set out since you'd been unwell for so long…

"How'd you manage all this, Rosie?" You glanced around in awe one last time, focusing on the babbling newborns comfortably loaded in their business before you.

They reached for your hand as it lazily slid into the bassinet, warm little palms encircling your fingers, bringing comfort to you.

Rosie watched the loving exchange like a proud sister before answering your question.

"We did nothing, dear. This was all Alastors doing…"

You stiffened, glancing at her in disbelief, "All of this? By himself?"

She nodded slowly, reaching for her glass of white wine sitting on a side table.

"Mhm. I'm sure he knew how important the holiday season is to you…"

It was true.

Alastor did know how much you cared about this time of year.

It reminded you of your mother; your few memories of her were from this season, fond quips of true joy you tried to preserve by upholding her enthusiasm for all that Christmas brings.

"A cherishable, loving, pure spirit ready to start a new. Many forget that the only gift that truly matters to another person is one of understanding. Remember that, my love…never let it go.."

Her words rang in your head as your heart twisted, flashes of your memories with Alastor plaguing you.

"How is he?" you asked tentatively, not looking away from the twins as Rosie sighed, "Not well. He wants to speak to you, dear. See the children for more than a second, too. Won't you give him a chance?.."

She placed a hand on your shoulder, her expression softening as you blinked back tears.

"Rosie…I…I want to, but if he spills another lie from his mouth, I'm afraid I might lose myself to rage…"

A beat of silence hung in the air, a single tear running down your cheek as the thought of facing Alastor made you dizzy with anxiety.

"I'm grateful for your help, for his love, but you've all left me in the dark, and now that I've grown wise to it all, I can't help but wanna hate him…"

"Y/n…we- he was just trying to protect you…"

You stifled a sob, crying quietly as you nodded, "I know… Rosie. I know god damn well what Al was trying to do, but if he'd told me from the beginning, I wouldn't drive myself mad in the first place. All that talk of being devoted to me, and he turns around and lies."

You scowled at the carpeted floor, swiftly wiping your face clean before standing from thorofare with a newfound determination:

"I won't stand for it any longer, er, and thinking about it sours my mood. If you'll excuse me, I need a stiff drink…"

—————- ——————- ——————

Angelique paused in her task as you slipped into the kitchen, not saying a word to her son.

You passed her with a small smile directed only at her and her.

She returned it, picking up a stack of dishes to place on the dining room table before silently gliding out of the room.

You frowned at the loss of her company, aware she'd left hoping that you and Alastor would talk earnestly, but you had no intention of even looking his way.

Your husband felt you whisk past him to the wine cabinet, halting his focus on the pot of gumbo he was preparing to turn your way.

"Y/n," he uttered your name, a low call that made your head spin and your chest tight.

You refused to respond, pouring yourself a moderate glass of wine before taking a long sip, and as the bittersweet alcohol dissipated on your tongue, you turned to leave the area.

Alastor tried again to gain your attention, his face stoic as he reached for you.

With a bit of force, he successfully pulled you into his side. You scowled, instinctively tugging your waist from his iron grasp, but he didn't relent his hold—not once.

"Leave me be," you spat quietly, grip hardening on your wine glass and your bright eyes darkening with unbridled rage as his hazel eyes softened on you.

"I will when you let me explain myself…"

Both of his hands found your waist, shifting your reluctant body to press up against his.

You stiffened at the familiar contact, missing his embrace momentarily and slightly distracted by the warmth he emitted.

Weeks without physical touch from him felt tortuous, and you intended to endure it for a while longer, but feeling him so close if only for a moment- made your resolve less than weak.

Alastor pressed his weight against the counter, head coming to rest on your shoulder as he inhaled the scent of your perfume.

A crisp, sweet smell he missed dearly.

It was one of the many traits about you that calmed him, kept him tethered to sanity, and going weeks without breathing you in affected him nearly the same as the lack of his touch did to you.

You twisted and squirmed in his hold, growing angrier by the second as he held you still, "Alastor Hartifelt, let me go this instant-!"

You grit your teeth, hand poised to fling the wine in your glass onto him as a well-deserved deterrent, but he's quick to hold it still.

He tugs the glass from your hand, disregarding the slight spill it causes, and you gasp softly from the use of sudden strength in a simple motion.

Alastor sets the crystal glass down, taking another deep breath before speaking to you in a tone you could only describe as hollow.

"You've seen it, haven't you, darling? What takes up my time in the basement, yes? I know it must terrify you, dear. I know, but you must realize I never meant…to hurt you. Believe me when I say I kept my deeds hidden to protect you…"

Not an ounce of regret was in his words; you hadn't expected any.

Alastor was never the type to act upon something he'd despise later.

You knew him well enough to see an act of utter violence like this made sense to him in some way.

It was never the thought of him being dangerous, the thought of him being murderous, or prone to aggression that had angered you.

He hid it like you hadn't stood by his side through the worst times.

The secret he kept wasn't horrific for its brutality but disgraceful in its relevance to your love for him.

"Protect me?.." you grimaced, looking into his eyes with burning rage, "What about trusting me. To hell with why you kill. It's a matter of you hiding such a secret from me in the first place. I am your wife, your equal, and yet you lied to me as if I were a mere child! A pet you could put in a cage and show off but never bond with…"

The anger slowly left your tone, gaze softening on his amber eyes, "I understand you don't care much for the term 'love' but whatever we have can’t exist without us fully trusting in one another. That is why I am angry with you. That is why I've distanced myself, Alastor. Nothing more. Nothing less."

You lowered your head, feeling a tad dramatic but glad to have said what was on your mind.

Alastor pursed his lips in deep thought for a moment, but soon, his deep laughter resonated around the room.

Your head snapped up at the sound, one brow lifted in pure confusion as he chuckled heartily, "And what's so funny now?" You tutted in frustration, prepared to drench him in wine again, but you thought better of it as his laughter died.

"It's just that…" he paused, staring into your curious eyes as they took in his lazy smile, "I seem to have forgotten why I fell for you in the first place, sweetheart."

Alastor's grin grew as your expression hardened, "What does that have to do with this conversation-"you began to become livid again until his large hands cupped your rounded cheeks gently.

You froze as the gentle contact warmed your skin, focus paper thin as he leaned in close enough for your noses to touch, "My darling doe, you have never betrayed me once. In all our time together, your faith in me has never wavered. I've killed for you more times than I can count, but that could never amount to the love you hold for me. Even after discovering my darkest sin, you look upon me gracefully… my wife, my angel, you are truly curious to a man."

His sentiments muddled your thoughts, every sweet word true, holding an edge of obsession.

Your heart fluttered hearing them, the sharpness in his eyes reinforcing their weight.

You gulped gently as he brushed his lips over your parted ones, teasing a kiss you weren't ready to give.

"I must've been mistaken when I belittled my love for you in the sense of devotion…."

His eyes drifted half closed as you hummed in delight, feeling his heavy breaths fan your mouth.

Whiskey and twinge of sweetness rolled off his tongue, an inviting mixture you didn't dare to forget, "Then correct yourself," you muttered in response in hopes of reliving your craving for him.

Alastor struggled to surpass his smirk as you raised your hands to rest over his, gingerly pressing your nails into his skin and shivering at the familiar roughness it had.

"How do you suggest I do that, dear. I've caused you quite a lot of trouble, and there's only so much a man can do."

His teasing stirred heat in your core, a sensation you hadn't felt in weeks and thoroughly missed.

"First, you'll swear to never…never lie to me again. No matter the circumstances."

He hummed lowly, eyeing the low-hanging ruffle sleeves of your dress as they inched downward the more you pressed into him.

"You have my word, ma chere."

The response was automatic on his part, driven by the soft whine you let out as one of his hands shifted to knead your hip.

The gesture brought your lower half closer to his, leaving no space between you, but as distracting as it was, you continued on with your demands.

"You won't ever feed me or our children human meat again…without my explicit permission."

Alastor frowned for a moment but agreed nonetheless, "Alright."

You nodded, inhaling sharply shortly after as his hand gently tugged your dress skirt.

It would be right to swat him away and restrict his touch from you a bit longer, but the instant his fingertips brushed the skin of your thigh, you couldn't help but blush and bit back a whine.

"A-and you'll never put yourself, this family, our life together…in harm's way. Promise me, you'll continue to be discreet Alastor…"

The urge to moan gripped you entirely as his touch burned your bare skin, only silenced by the immediate kiss he allowed you before muttering sincerely, "You have my word, darling…"

You shuddered at his oath, knowing he meant every word, pouring his intent to keep it through the exchange of heated kisses that ensued after.

You held onto him tight, trying to remain as quiet as possible as his tongue found yours, forcing it to obey his lead and his hands roaming your body for the same sign of submission.

You gave in effortlessly, head tilting back as he marked your neck, gently pricking your skin with his teeth, gliding his tongue over the most minor bruises he left.

A wave of shivers captured you, disorienting and intensifying with Alastor's every move.

Your hands gripped his broad shoulders, bracing yourself for him to inevitably lift you onto his waist, but the action never occurred.

The sound of Rosie's quick footsteps approaching and her distinct singing song calling of your names made you both separate.

Alastor yanked your dress down quickly, clearing his throat with a cheeky grin while you hid your face in his chest out of slight embarrassment as the blonde glided into the kitchen.

"Mrs. Hartifelt wants to know if the gumbo is ready, Al. How's it coming along, hm?" She chirped cheerfully, pretending not to notice your bright red, blushing face hidden in his embrace.

"Oh, it's just about done, my dear. Just had to give it another taste test, right chere?"

You stared up at him in awe as he brought a hand to your left cheek, gliding his thumb over your heated skin, lovingly and intently staring back at you.

"Isn't that right, chere," Alastor asked once more, enjoying the nervousness in your gaze as you nodded in jaded agreement, "That's right, Rosie.." you muttered dreamily, too focused on your husband to catch her knowing smirk before she hummed in understanding while sashaying back into the parlor.

"Mrs. Hartifelt, Al says it's coming along well!" Rosie shouts in delight as she leaves you both alone, accentuating the phrase's double meaning to the older lady tending to her new grandchildren in the warmly lit parlor room.

Both women's smirks grew wildly, hearing you giggle amid Alastor's flirtatious teasing moments later.

"Seems it is," Angelique mumbled assuredly as Rosie sat beside her, admiring the tiny humans smiling in their sleep.

Christmas Eve wouldn't be so dim after all…

xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Whew…..you all okay after this? No? Too bad it gets better then way worse… A real Shakespearean tragedy/romance. IM TAKING MY ASS TO BED NOW GOOD NIGHT 😴

TAGS ❤️: @rapturenyx @michi-keinz @shealizxx @nissrinina @destinyisastar @bubblegumheartsy @sailorsmouth @aestheticgals-blog @rameisa @ellesette @gasiacos @marvelgirl123 @dinosaur-crime-scene

[ BONUS CONTENT + ]

Did you fall more in love with him seeing this? I certainly did…Credit to creator ❤️

[haru-natsuka]

The fate (Anastacius x Female Reader x Claude)

Chapter 7: Dream

Dreams... born from the unconscious mind, remained a constant reminder of the past. They haunted her, replaying the scenes of her despair and loss, over and over again. The anguish, the grief, the heartbreak - all of it would come rushing back in a flood of emotions that threatened to consume her entirely. The dreams served as a cruel reminder of what she had lost, what she could never have again. A sight of her failure...

Female reader will be named as Celestial

From a young age, Celestial had dreamed of marrying her fiance, Anastacius. How could she not? After all, they had been engaged for a full decade and had grown to deeply love each other. For Celestial, her soulmate was Anastacius and for Anastacius, his soulmate was Celestial. Their connection was strong and unwavering, and the anticipation of their wedding day filled her with excitement and joy. Only a year left...before things turned wary.

Celestial's voice was filled with desperation and anguish as she pleaded, "Wake up, Acius. Please wake up."

She held his body on her lap, the bloodied recently crowned emperor of Obelia. Her hands was trembling as she gently caressed his face. Her eyes were fixed on his form, tears streaming down her cheeks as she saw the large stab wound on his chest. The blood continued to flow endlessly from the wound, staining his clothes and seeping into hers. With trembling fingers, she desperately tried to wipe away the blood trickling down his lips and chin.

As Anastacius spoke, his voice was weak and barely above a whisper. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and anguish.

"You killed me, my Celeste," he rasped, his words tinged with both hurt and resignation.

Despite the grievous injury and the severity of the situation, there was a deep sense of sadness, grief and a slight anger in his gaze as he gazed up at her, the one person he had loved dearly. Celestial's heart shattered at his words, the weight of his blame hitting her like a wave of guilt and self-pity. She had hoped for forgiveness, but instead, she was met with an accusation that cut through her very soul.

Her heart ached with pain and frustration as she protested, "What! No! Don't be ridiculous. How could I even stab you, Acius? I'm acting that way before, but I truly only loved you."

Celestial gazed down into his eyes, pleading with him to understand her truth. Tears streamed down her face, staining her cheeks and falling onto his wounded chest. It was like a final bid to convince him of her innocence, to make him see the love that still existed within her heart.

Anastacius suddenly reached out, gripping her hand with a firm, tight grip and forcefully pulling her closer, their faces only inches apart. A sinister smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a hint of evil amusement in his eyes. He let out a chuckle, the sound cold and cruel, as if he reveled in her desperation. Celestial's heart hammered in her chest, a mixture of fear and confusion swirling in her eyes.

Anastacius's grip on her hands tightened, the strength of his hold bordering on painful. He continued to speak, his tone mocking and cold. "No, you did. Years ago, with that dumb light power of yours. And just like me, you are about to get that bastard princess killed."

As Celestial's eyes shifted to the side, her gaze fell upon the sight of her child, Athanasia, standing on the guillotine, awaiting her execution. The blade hung ominously above her small form, a grim and heart-wrenching sight that made her heart plummet into her stomach. Alongside her stood Claude, eyes fixated on her with a cold, emotionless stare without any feelings, as if he was a mere spectator to the scene unfolding before him.

"No! No! My Athanasia! Its not me! This is all Claude's fault! It's Claude! Claude!"

Celestial jolted awake, her heart racing and her body drenched in cold sweat. She had been dreaming, a nightmare that had haunted her for years. She found herself sitting up in bed, her hand extended desperately in the midst of the air, as if straining to reach for something that was no longer there, her fingers trembling from the emotional intensity. The vivid images from her dream still playing in her mind, leaving her disoriented and panicked. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to calm herself.

"You ask me to stop drinking," Claude's voice cut through the silence of the dark room which Celestial's eyes widened upon the sudden appearance of his presence. The feeling of hatred and blaming from her dream still alive in her heart. She turned to look at him, finding him standing beside her bed with his arms folded and a stern and unwavering expression on his face. He continued to speak in a mocking tone, words digging at her.

"Yet look at you, empress." His feet make contact with one of the wine bottle on the floor, a clinking sound being heard.

"What are you doing in my room?!" With a mixture of annoyance and irritation, Celestial snapped back at the emperor, her tone sharp and filled with frustration.

It was his fault that she need to consume multiple bottles of wine today and even before. It always because of him that she suffered through out her life. The sight of the emperor taking Athanasia from her still weighed heavily on her heart, and she couldn't shake off the anxiety and unease that gnawed at her chest. So, she went for a short cut road like a coward, immersed herself in excessive amount of wine. She must passed out while drinking as some of the bluish-violet liquid managed to stain her white bed.

"Athanasia... she was a boring child. A mute. Your attempt to save her was useless" Claude stated bluntly, his gaze lingering on the empress as he meant for the exchange of his wife freedom for the sake of the child survival at the time she was born. For five years, she had been trapped within the main palace. Her feet had never even touched a single grass. Celestial's heart ached at his words, her emotions a jumble of pain and anger. Claude was a very cruel man who lacked of empathy and sympathy which just worsen the hatred she felt for this guy.

"What did you do to my Athy, you tyrant"

Celestial's voice trembled with a mix of anger and desperation. Her eyes burned with a fierce determination, her fists clenching at her sides. The mere thought of harm coming to her child made her blood boil, and she refused to back down without a fight. Her emotions were a tangled mess, a potent mix of concern, anger, and a fierce protective instinct towards her daughter.

"Huh, a tyrant," he chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of mocking. Claude took a seat beside Celestial and reached for the bottle of wine that lay nearby. "That's a very interesting name. The people call me their god but my own wife... regards me as a tyrant" He took a long sip from it, his expression nonchalant and unbothered.

"You are the one who offered to be by my side in return I let that kid alive. Don't blame other for your own decision"

Celestial's anger boiled over as she snatched the wine bottle from Claude's grasp, her temper finally reaching its breaking point. With a swift move, she flung the liquid toward his face, watching as the wine cascaded down his features and soaked into the pristine of his white robe. Claude's once nonchalant expression was instantly replaced by one of anger and wrath. His eyes narrowed as he watched the wine dripping down his face, the cold fury evident in his gaze.

"GET! OUT!" She commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. She was done with his presence, done with his callous words and uncaring attitude. The last thing she wanted was to remain in the same room as him a moment longer.

"I'm coming here in peace but Celestial, really you left me with no choice" A sinister calmness laced his words.

"Felix, bring the empress to the garden"

His gaze shifted to Felix, who stood nearby and gave a subtle nod in understanding. At Claude's command, Felix moved forward, firmly grabbing ahold of the empress and restraining her. The empress fought back with all her might, struggling against Felix's grip in a desperate attempt to break free. However, it was futile, his hold was too strong. It was evident that Claude wanted to injured her. He knew all too well about the magical restriction placed upon her. If she were to break the restriction, the electric mana would strike her.

Realising her life might be in danger, Celestial plead towards Felix, her voice filled with desperation and fear. "Felix, stop. Don't listen to Claude," she implored, her voice shaky. "Are you both trying to kill me?"

Felix appeared conflicted, torn between duty and compassion. However, he knew that he had no choice but to serve his emperor, his master's commands took precedence over any plea. He glanced apologetically at her, his expression reflecting a mixture of guilt. As Claude continued to walk ahead, Felix knew he could not defy his master's direct command. Ignoring the empress was the right choice for him in this situation as he knew Claude would never hurt Celestial.

The empress closed her eyes tightly as they reached the garden, fear gripping her heart at the sight of the infamous rose garden. When her bare feet touched the grass, she prepared for the worst but minutes passed and there was nothing. She cautiously opened her eyes. There was no electrical mana trying to attack her, instead, she could only feel the grass beneath her feet which was giving a foreign feeling.

The restriction ensured her to be chained to the main palace so when she was hunger for the taste of freedom, she would be at her balcony at night, feeling the cold air of the night, the light of the moon that made her white hair shone brightly. She was used to that feeling but not the grass that tingling her feet. This was the taste of the freedom she had yearned for.

As realization set in, her knees felt weak, she stumbled, and fell onto the ground, panting heavily from disbelief and adrenaline. Felix, tried to help Celestial to be on her feet back but Claude stopped him. The restriction that had once confined her was gone, vanished, leaving her free like she had longed for all this time.

"This is my gift for our anniversary, Celestial" Like always, he spoke with his emotionless tone. Just like that, Claude turned to walk away, leaving Celestial alone in the garden as she wailed in neither tears of joy or grief. She did not feel any gratefulness to the emperor at all.

@fluffy-koalala @happydeertraveler @sethianaa @is2sae

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