#and nothing wrong with fun! but i simply won't believe you

[bookwyrminspiration]

personally i feel there's some descriptors you can't give yourself; you have to earn them. you can't call yourself a chaos gremlin, your peers and associates must bequeath that upon you after a certain number of Incidents. you can't decide you give off the vibes of a secret immortal trapped in human skin, you must behave strangely and anachronistically until your friends get suspicious and tease you and try to laugh it off while squinting nervously. there are rituals (peer review) to follow

[loki-hargreeves]

In Another Life

Pairing: TVA!Loki x Reader (I tried to write it as a gn!reader) Warnings/Tags: angst, mentions of death (nothing graphic), Loki is a bit emo, romantic relationship Word Count: 1.8k Summary: PROMPT: wrong timing // When working with the TVA, Loki certainly doesn't expect to run into you. Especially after what he thought was a final goodbye. A/N: Using this prompt list by @ivystoryweaver . It's been too long since I last wrote for Loki so I'm going back to my roots with this one 🎃

Earth...2011....Timeline???

Loki steps out of the bright orange portal, straightening his suit jacket as he takes in his surroundings. It's definitely Midgard, or Earth as Mobius would call it. By the looks of it, they're in an alleyway somewhere and it's supposed to be 2011. If this timeline is anything like Loki's original timeline, he should be safe to roam these streets without people freaking out.

"So... we're looking for a needle in a haystack," Mobius sighs and rests his hand on his hip. The man glances at the device in his hand, one that's supposed to lead them to the temporal anomaly.

"I doubt it'll be more challenging than when we were looking for Sylvie," Loki smiles tightly. He is confident in his skills to track down the anomaly and figure out what's really going on in this timeline.

Mobius simply shrugs and looks at the end of the alleyway, into the town that is basking in sunlight, "maybe you're right."

"You know I'm right," Loki corrects him and takes the lead, walking out of the shady alleyway. They have a job to do.

It doesn't take very long for Loki to realize that this place is familiar, too familiar. After walking around town for a few moments, he knows it's not just his imagination. This is where he met you, in another timeline of course. All those years ago.

When Loki was younger, before Thor's attempted coronation and all that, he used to sneak through these portals that even Heimdall couldn't see. One of them would lead to Midgard, to this very town. At first, it had been fun, mostly something he did out of curiosity. Exploring the realm without being watched. Loki had been intrigued by people and their customs.

Then he had met you.

To this day, the Trickster's heart swells at the shared memories. To think the god of mischief had fallen for a mortal. If Thor or his friends had found out, Loki would've never heard the end of it. Looking back now, something like that would've been the least of his worries.

The few years you had spent together were brief yet some of the best years of his existence. You had fallen for him, not knowing he was a god, a prince or any of that. No, you fell for Loki for who he was. Saw the sides of him he kept hidden from everyone. And in return, Loki had seen just how wonderful humanity could be. How you, as an individual, made him believe in love. Selfless, real, passionate love.

Then Loki had trusted you with the truth. For a while, everything had been beautiful. No one on Asgard knew the prince was sneaking off to Midgard to see this mortal, and no one on Earth knew or tried to come between you. It had been just the two of you and nothing else mattered.

It's why Loki feels a mixture of overwhelming emotions swirling within him as he walks the familiar streets. It may be in another timeline and things could very well be different here, but many things look exactly the same. Everywhere he looks is a memory that unveils from the depths of his mind. He swears he tried ice cream from that shop once after you insisted he'd like it. You had been right of course.

"Weird…" Mobius mutters, his eyes glued to the device. "We're getting closer to it. It ain't moving at all," He explains and points at the red dot on the screen.

"Perhaps the anomaly is asleep?" Loki suggests, trying to figure out why it isn't moving. Something doesn't feel quite right though.

"Well they won't see us coming, that's for sure."

Loki just nods, too occupied with other things to even respond properly. Is it a coincidence that the anomaly has led them here? To a place so important to Loki?

Soon enough, Loki and Mobius are looking out to a field behind some houses. The sun is beginning to set, painting everything it touches with a golden hue. It's beautiful, just as Loki remembers it. That field out there is perhaps too familiar. By now, he's concerned about the coincidences. If the anomaly has anything to do with you, Loki isn't sure how he'd handle himself.

Do you even exist in this timeline?

A lump forms in his throat as Loki thinks about it. He had to say goodbye to you once already, over a decade ago. It might not be a long time for a being such as him, but a decade without you has already felt like a lifetime. Time is cruel, especially to mortals. What is even crueler is fate who had decided that the brief time you were promised in the first place would be cut so much shorter.

Loki had come to see you one last time without knowing it was the last. You hadn't been well. It was both a blessing and a curse that there had been enough time to say goodbye yet it had been the hardest thing Loki had done. Holding you, telling you how much you meant to him and promising you that he would find a way to cure you. That he would bring you to Asgard and make everything better, knowing damn well there was nothing that could be done. Now all these years later he can only hope that he had told you what you wanted and needed to hear before your time was up. Was it the right or wrong thing to do to create false hope? Did you know?

"What's going on?" Mobius asks with worry, noticing that Loki froze up. He knows Loki well enough by now to know when something's not quite right.

"This place," Loki shakes his head and decides to slip out a hint of truth without revealing too much, "I've been here before."

The wind plays with the flowers growing out on the fields, carrying the sweet late summer scent with it. There's a few people out there, some on a picnic as others read in the shade that the trees offer nearby. Everything about the scene seems serene. Once upon a time, Loki had been out there with you watching the stars. You loved his stories about all the places he had been. Loki recalls how deeply curious you were about the universe and all the beings living here.

"Do you think that's a coincidence?" Mobius asks with growing concern. Sure, Loki has been to a lot of places, he's a century old being but this still seems fishy. For all the places an anomaly could be hiding in.

Before Loki can answer, he sees someone.

There you are.

Healthy, living and breathing. You're in that shirt he remembers you loving so much because it had been a gift from a friend. You're walking down a path, on your way home presumably. That smile, so sweet and happy, is powerful enough to hit Loki's soul like a punch to the gut.

According to the TVA device, it's 2011. In Loki's timeline, you never saw 2011 yet in this timeline you're smiling and safe. Walking home as if nothing bad has ever happened at all.

Loki holds his breath, unable to peel his eyes off of you. There's only a few dozen feet between you and him but it feels like an ocean. After a decade of mourning you, to see your face like this is surreal. Even for him. Only now does the multiverse and multiple timelines feel like a reality. He's being hit in the face with the cold, hard truth that in other timelines everything can be so familiar yet so different all at once.

Mobius follows Loki's gaze, quickly noticing what has taken his friend's breath away. He has read Loki's file a million times so of course he recognizes you. Or rather this version of you. You're the one that got away, the last piece of happiness in Loki's life before the 'downfall' as some call it.

"Um... if you're wondering, they're not the anomaly," Mobius is the first one to speak, just trying to be reassuring. The device shows that the anomaly isn't moving so it can't possibly be you as you stroll down a path.

Loki nods, unsure if he should be relieved or disappointed.

"Of course," he clears his throat and takes a deep breath. It's surprisingly difficult to find his words in this moment. Then Loki looks back at you as the path brings you closer. With each step, his heart begins to race like crazy. What is he supposed to do? Should he say something? Would you recognize him?

You notice the two men just standing there, in strange brown suits. One of them in particular seems struck by the sight of you. Strangely, he doesn't scare you. He's cute.

"Hi," You smile at him as you walk past the man. Perhaps you look like someone he knows? That is the only sensible explanation that comes to mind. Not that you think of it too much, as they are just strangers.

Loki is frozen. You walk right past him. For better of for worse, you have no idea who he is. That kills that tiny piece of hope Loki felt in that moment, that hope that he can't deny no matter how hard he tries. After all this time, he still misses you. He's still trying to fix everything.

"Hey," he manages after a while, unsure if you even hear it as you don't stop to talk. Of course, you don't have any reason to. It's not really you. In this timeline, this universe, this other you has places to be and see. As bittersweet as it is, Loki tries to find comfort in the fact that in another life, you get to live even if it's without him.

Mobius looks at the screen again. Suddenly the red dot vanishes. The temporal anomaly just jumped timelines.

"Darn it," He curses and puts the device down.

Loki doesn't question it. He wants to see you make your way home safely. A part of him wants to run after you, talk to you, get to know you all over again. But he can't. Loki is stuck to the ground like a statue and he knows deep down that another you can't replace what he knew existed in the past. Nor would it be right.

As you vanish into a building, Loki finally tears his eyes away. His eyes sting with the threat of tears. Somehow, in this moment, it feels like he's gone back to his own time when he had just said his final goodbye. Loki can't forget, no matter how much he wants to, when he came to visit you but you had already passed. He could bury you but not these emotions.

"Hey, I'm sorry," Mobius puts his hand on Loki's shoulder, trying to offer him support.

Loki just nods and tries so hard to toughen up. As if seeing another you didn't just shake him up from the core.

"It's alright," Loki insists, "where were we?"

Mobius doesn't buy it but he won't pry either. Loki will talk if he wants to talk.

"The anomaly jumped," Mobius reveals while tapping the device, "kinda weird timing if you ask me. Didn't move the entire time and-" Mobius hesitates, unsure how Loki would react if he spoke your name. He decides not to.

"It's like we were led here on purpose. For you to see..."

"I know," Loki quickly spits out, sensing that Mobius is being wary. He isn't stupid. He can't help but suspect something strange is going on as well. It can't be a coincidence that they were led to this timeline, chasing some anomaly who vanishes as soon as Loki saw you. Loki is the god of mischief after all and he can tell when he's being set up for something.

Then the question is, who is the anomaly and why would they bring them here?

A/N: Writing this made me feel like it was 2017 again when all I could do was write weird angsty Loki fics with no real plot, just yapping.

Also, I've been busy so for writober I'm using a bunch of prompt lists (some were for september) and I'm picking and choosing prompts instead of going day by day. It's helping me get out of my writer's block without too much pressure ❤

[threepandas]

Bad End: Golden Cassandra

People don't listen. Not when what your saying, scares them. Especially when, what you're saying, scares them. They like to pretend, instead. That if they don't hear you? It's not happening. Can't and WON'T happen. That you're just a liar. Speading fear, for the fun of it.

But oh, when has reality ever been that kind? That agreeable?

Tell me, WHEN has it ever bowed to the tantrums of men?

I can't think of a single instance. Knew it wouldn't now, either. So, really? What was I to do? Keep trying? Beat my head against walls of willful ignorance, until the deigned to give? Hoping, against all reason and evidence, that they MIGHT, just MAYBE, do so in the nick of time? Please. I was hopeful, not a fool. Optimism does not render a soul naive.

Like the fall of Atlantis, the sacking of Rome. Great Alexandria burning. Everything was going to be destroyed. Rather dramatically, too, and rather deservedly. I couldn't and DIDN'T defend it. Try to change it? Yes. Try to SAVE them? Absolutely. But not once, not EVER, would I defend it.

After all, it was a system built upon the backs of slaves.

Death was the only reasonable outcome. Revolution, the Voice, of those unheard and in chains. Their magic, their power, used for the convenience of their so called "betters". It was disgusting. Vile.

Set dressing, for an Otome Game.

As though their VERY LIVES, their SUFFERING and SOULS, were nothing but pretty little plot points in someone else's PLAY! The indignities they faced. The starvation and thirst. Being forced to watch friend and loved ones suffer, Scream, DIE!

But Oh, at least the Protagonist gets her handsome meat to oogle. They'll know their place, as they play along. Broken nicely and so very, VERY greatful for her scraps. She can play at revolutionary. Or perhaps at savior, should she feel the need. Assuming she doesn't leave them in chains.

And I? Oh I am supposed to play dress up and face her, in some sick "duel" of love! Abuse and use to my heart's content! The Gods jest. For I will do no such thing!

I can barely recall the plot. Only that the gloss over the rather significant socioeconomic and political fall out that is sure to follow. The Kingdom is not going to survive. Should it not be one sort of Revolutionary revolt, it will be another. Corruption, stagnation, and willful ignorance are simply too wide spread among the upper echelons. Baked too deeply into the foundations.

Gods... I... I tried.

It hurts. Like ripping out finger nails, one by one, when I finally gather enough. Not even all that I wish I could. But simply... enough. There is not enough time, the rumblings of revolution have grown too loud. I... I HAVE too go. And... and I know they won't come with me. My friends, my family, the neighbors. All those who smile, nod, and listen but don't believe a word I say.

The pain is hollowing. A truely special sort of hell.

Looking back, to little cousins on tiny legs, helping you pack. With their round little cheeks and small little hands. Watching them try to lift bags like a "grown up". Your friends and family, treating it all like a trip to the country side and not the last time you'll ever see them. The... the day being... being so accursedly normal. Mild weather and gentle breeze. Like your world isn't ending. Like everything isn't gone.

Wanting to be wrong. Traveling and traveling. Wanting to be wrong. Everything mild, calm and sweet. A hell of self doubt. Every night and every dawn. Are you insane? Were they right all along? Were you reading signs, portents of Doom, where there were none? But still... you travel. A caravan filled with your life's work.

Every scrap of modern knowledge. A copy of every work and definitive artwork. Every play, treatise, and textbook. Every old Diary I could get my hands on and endless days patrolling the book markets. A lifetime's work. All spent in hand-me-downs and out of fashion clothes, just for this. The preservation of knowledge.

But what if I'm wrong?

Fiddling with the piles of ward stones, as I get farther and farther north. Closer and closer to the land I stashed away. Hidden, within layers upon layers, of ever circling bureaucracy. A magic rich grove of Gold-leaf Ginko. They would have been harvested to oblivion, if I hadn't hidden them, and the species is already endangered.

I have been using a tower I built (in a natural clearing, as I would sooner remove my own limbs, then a single branch upon one of those trees) there as a seed bank. Every endangered magical plant species I came across? I sent as many seed as I could, to my bank. Had even begun the lengthy process of creating automatons, so they could build a green house (carefully!) into the mountain.

Seems I will have nothing but time, now, to dedicate to that project.

As I get closer, passing through the beginning of the valley towns (that lead into the high lands)? My Family Ring breaks. The terrible Crack of it, a sharp knife to the gut, splitting the morning silence. Father is... oh Gods, Father is...

Yet, even before I can come to terms with this terrible new reality? Beneath my travel cloak and jacket, nestled precious like the love it represented, my Clan Mantle begins to snap and crack like popcorn. Enchanted stone beads cracking apart violently, with the lose of the life they were made to represent. Shrapnel tearing at my clothes as I desperately rip at my cloak, my jacket, blood already welling up from various wounds.

Pop, dead. Crack, dead. Snap! Dead.

I manage to rip the heavy necklace from around my shoulders. Already half the bead are gone. More, like lethal firecrackers, shooting off even as I fling the enchanted jewelry into a nearby leather bag. Scramble for a nearby heavy blanket to cover it. Blood stains everything, dripping from shallow nicks and shrapnel wounds alike. I... oh gods, I barely notice I'm crying.

The sounds have startled the horses. One of them even got hurt. It.. it takes hours to fix. I have to stop in the next town. Shaking. Shaking. I.. I think I may be shaking. C-crying. "To remember where you came from." That's... oh god. That's what Clan Mantle's are FOR. A symbolic gift, really. They... they could never have known.

That it would actually serve it's original purpose. It's ancient purpose. The reason they USED to be made. To... to show who was still ALIVE. Oh gods. I... I can't check. Can't bear to look. The sound has stopped. Is it over? Are... is there...? Please, gods, don't make me look. Don't make me KNOW, how few members of my own family are left.

I was right. Gods, damn them.

Gods damn them all.

I was RIGHT.

Bandaged, healed, I travel faster. Time is running out. It doesn't matter, now, which "route" she took. Everything will have fallen apart. I reach my grove and don't even bother to set up a tent. Wards before all. Better to sleep on the floor, then be caught unaware. I work around the clock. Feeling like clawed fingers are ever so gently, wrapping around my throat, one at a time. Tick, tock, tick, tock. And oh, the tighter they squeeze.

Barely... BARELY! Do the wards thrum to life, deep and powerful, before I feel some almost god like crash into them. My hands shake. Still kneeling in the dirt, from where I placed the last stone, I slowly look up. And... and curling above the golden trees? Shades of copper catch the light. Massive and leaning. Stepping on my wards. Looking down in annoyance, as they refuse to part.

(Distantly, I hear the horses scream in terror. I... I wish I could do the same.)

I flee. Scrambling without dignity, back to the seed bank's tower. Trying to keep out of sight. A hopeless endeavor, I know. What other reason could such a power Dragon be out here for? If not to finish what was started? But... but hope has carried me so FAR. Can it not carry me just a bit farther?

No attacks come. No insults or threats. Yet...

The presence does not leave.

I can not hide forever, for all that fear exhausts and bids me too. All my supplies are out side. My wards, at least seem, to have held? But how can I trust it? Knowing just how strong a dragon's magis is. Sure enough, the second I step outside? There he stands. The copper dragon. Just beyond the wards.

Worse still? He is a man I recognize. Which can only invite pain and suffering, as he played no small part in the revolution. Not to mention, his significance to that damnable Game. Was he "supporting character"? A "hidden route"? An antagonist I could not quite recall? I can not place it. He was THERE, but not lead about by the nose, like the others. Not broken, as they were.

Now, here he stands, light catching off his ornaments and nails. As he tap, tap, taps them lightly against my wards. In sequence. Amused. His eyes locked with mine and glowing from within. Fire and magic made manifest. The king was a fool to think he owned this man. A "royal gaurd dog" indeed. Ha! They brought death into their house, then kicked it.

A slow smile, spreading like poison through sleeping veins, creeps across that deceptively youthful face. Sharp, sharp teeth are revealed to the air. I think I may amuse him. Perhaps I have for quite a while. I have made it no secret, after all, that I know he is dangerous. Treated him as the threat he truely IS. Others thought it was funny. Would find excuses to shove me at him, just to see me panic. All the while, he pretended, like a GOOD little dog, to be polite.

His eyes had always been laughing.

And now? He doesn't even bother to hide.

"You ran away." His voice rings out, the barest hint of rasp, like the drawing of a blade. It fills the silence. Demands attention. "Did you think I wouldn't be able to find you?"

To be honest? I had hoped no one would look. That I had given them no reason to even try. Perhaps that had been naive. I was a part of the system too, in the end. Guilt by association. That didn't explain him, however. Had I wronged him? Beyond the obvious. (And the obvious sat between us, like so much rotten filth. How could ANYONE over look that?)

"Their courts burned, just like you always warned they would. You should have seen it."

He stopped to chuckle. Closer to a sneer, then a sound of true amusement. His distain and delight intertwining as he savored the memory. He leaned closer. Letting his forehead press against the barrier. Enjoying, reliving, his moment of triumph, once again.

"Ha, ha~ Oh, but you should have seen their faces. When they realized you were right. That you had warned them and warned them, but they had refused to listen! It was glorious, darling. They howled with such regret and fear. A magnificent symphony~ you made for me."

I backed up against the carts. The wounds from broken beads stinging harshly with every shift, like the screaming of the dead. Scared. Gods, I'm s-so scared. I can't possibly have invited this... r-right? I never flirted or... or suggested anything! So-! So why is-?! Gods, why is he here?!

"You can't run from me, clever girl. Not for long. You saw me and I see you. Too clever by half. They really should have listened~!" He broke off to laugh, a sharp mockery of the dead. Fangs catching the light. "But they didn't, did they? My poor clever girl. We truely were buried by filth, weren't we? How glorious it must be. To finally be free."

"But~! Did you really think you could escape ME, my clever girl?"

"You're not nearly so foolish. Open the barrier, darling."

"Let me in. Our revolution is over, I have won."

"Now you can't escape me~"

[chronicbeans]

I've heard a lot of theories about Caine's name, and while I'm not sure if anything's been confirmed by the creators (I don't use a lotta social media and stuffs so I'm not entirely in the loop if they've said things on there), but I have my own little theory. It's not really that complex or anything, but here goes nothing! This is based just on what was seen in the pilot, so I may be wrong about Caine's characterization. After all, we only have a little to go off of, so far!

So, I hear a lot of people mention the Cain and Abel story from the Bible, but I personally don't believe it is connected to that, so far.

I think it might be a reference to novocaine, an anesthetic which is most commonly used during dental procedures to numb an area of the mouth. It's not the most common drug used for dental procedures, since that's now lidocaine (which, well, also ends in CAINE), but it the most commonly known drug and used to be the most common. I mean, for one, Caine's head is literally a set of teeth with gums, and novocaine is injected into the cheeks or gums. The other reasoning I have for this is that while Jax, Pomni, Zooble (is her name is referencing something I just don't know what it is), and Gangle's names don't have much to do with their appearance, Kinger, Ragatha, and Bubble's names do. Kinger's a chess piece, Ragatha is based on a Raggedy Ann doll, and Bubble is... well, a bubble!

Another reason I have for this is a bit more metaphorical. Since Caine is and AI and the ringmaster, as well as the fact that he is clearly trying to keep the humans trapped entertained, he's essentially there to try to numb the fear, dread, and mental pain that being stuck in the Digital Circus causes. By distracting them with adventures, witty dialogue, and even going as far as to try to make a fake exit to keep them hopeful, he's basically doing what he can to just keep them sane so they won't abstract, even if he isn't the best at doing so. He can't get them out, he can't 100% for sure keep them from going insane, but he can provide mind numbing distractions and games to give them something... possibly with the hopes that someone outside the program may, one day, get them out. It's a bit like how novocaine can't *fix* the problem you're going to the dentist for. That's the dentist's job, not the anesthesia's. The novocaine can only numb you up while they do so.

EDIT/ADDITIONS: Another thing is that the reason why most modern dentists don't use novocaine is because, even though it is a minority of patients, some people have severe allergic reactions to novocaine. It is less likely to have a reaction to lidocaine, which is why most modern dentists use that, or other anesthetics, instead. This could relate to how Caine WANTS to help the people trapped, but due to his own obliviousness and habit for mischief, he more often tends to cause distress instead of joy or fun. He has every intention to help them, be it bringing joy or simply distracting them, but there is a flaw that is causing problems with him being successful at it.

[bunnakit]

coming outta left field and talking about something that has nothing to do with me bc i don't have anything better to do with my time right now.

that whole fandom discourse was whack and i'm sorry @lurkingshan and @waitmyturtles had to deal with that. there's def been plenty of posts i haven't liked or haven't agreed with in fandom and you shrimply just have to scroll! there's no need to make a response unless you're coming from a genuine place and can have a respectful discussion. if you're coming from an emotional place you just have to say "people like different things" and move on.

i personally am not mutuals with shan because we have a lot of different opinions about things - this is not a dig at shan, she doesn't follow me either prob for the same reason! i think she articulates her posts incredibly well and comes from a very genuine place. i don't know turtles that well bc i haven't been in the space much these days but based on what i've seen she seems much the same.

media analysis is and should be vast and varied, that's what makes it fun, and not everyone is going to share your opinion and people will always interpret things differently based on past experiences, differences in knowledge, etc. they aren't evil for that.

this is what i think is one of the most important things from shan's post -

You don't owe anyone your presence here, and you don't have to express opinions on everything or respond to tags or asks if you don't have anything to say. Sometimes you might just want to take a break from posting, some things in the discourse might just flow right on by you, sometimes you will not have a firm opinion on a debate. You can post as much or as little as you want. You can suddenly decide you don't want to talk about a show anymore. You can not log into your tumblr for days or weeks at a time. Do you, boo!

to add to this, and i know this won't be a very well received statement, if you're finding yourself having these big emotional responses just because someone didn't like your fav it may be time to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities in fandom. as someone that took a break from fandom and dramas in general i highly recommend taking a second and finding your peace again. humans are emotional by design, it's what makes us great, but if you're getting violently wound up about someone else's opinion of a fictional piece of media created for entertainment purposes i think it's time to take a deep breath.

fictional media is art and people can and should always have different opinions about art. yes, even art featuring your favs.

i left the fandom for a long time because Last Twilight deeply hurt my feelings as a disabled person with an incurable disease - but that's on me. i'm sure many people found the message an uplifting one of hope (as i believe it was intended to be.) my personal experiences caused me to have a different take on it - but again that is because of my personal experiences and does not make my opinion of it right or wrong, it simply is.

tldr: i think it's important to remember that there are no correct opinions in fandom; if there were they wouldn't be opinions but irrefutable facts. you need to get used to seeing opinions and reads that differ from your own and embrace the art of filtering unless you feel capable of having a calm and respectful discussion.

i wanted to share my thoughts as someone completely unassociated with shan and turtles from a place of complete neutrality. if you're going to have a discussion have a discussion, if you're just gonna rag on someone because they didn't mindlessly jerk off your fav keep it to your group chat or something, don't be a tar pit.

this being said, get used to seeing things even if you try to filter! it's not perfect, i've filtered out spare me your mercy bc i haven't seen it yet and want to form my own opinions but things have absolutely come across my radar (either in my own tags, clicking links, etc.) it happens, don't be weird about it.

[writinginatree]

Ridoc Doesn't Like Spaghetti

Relationship(s): Ridoc Gamlyn & Durran!reader, Bodhi Durran & sibling!reader, background Bodhi Durran/Ridoc Gamlyn

Summary: You kidnap adopt a snake, thinking no one will notice, but instead of having a fun time with your new pet, you discover that 1) your dragon might have a point in telling you you're incapable of caring for an animal, and 2) your brother's boyfriend is terrified of snakes.

You know it's a bad idea. You would have known it even without your dragon telling you so, because of course it is. But bad idea or not, you're nothing if not stubborn, and you'd always wanted a pet snake, so when you found the little guy on the flight field, you simply couldn't resist picking it up before it knew what was happening.

Smuggling it into your room under your flight jacket was easy enough — the snake was surprisingly docile — but now you're not sure what to do with it. You don't have anything you could use as a terrarium, not even a box you could put it in. But you don't like the idea of freely letting it slither around the room. You don't think it'd be able to squeeze through the gap under your door, but what if you're wrong? Or what if it ends up behind your armoire, finds a mouse hole in the wall to escape through? Plus, it needs a dedicated sleeping spot.

Unable to think of anything better, you empty out the top drawer of your dresser, carelessly tossing socks and underwear aside to make room for the snake. After padding out the space with a shirt and some of the socks, you're quite happy with the improvised snake habitat.

Spaghetti — as you've spontaneously dubbed the pale-yellow snake — seems to like it too. Or at least you want to believe so. It's hard to tell, considering snakes don't really have facial expressions, and you know practically nothing about their body language, despite your fascination with them. Now that you think about it, you don't know a whole lot about them at all...

"I told you this is a bad idea," Nathair grumbles in your head. "Either it'll die under your so-called care, or you'll get caught and have it taken from you, so why don't you just put it back where you found it?"

"No."

Surely it can't be that hard to take care of a snake. What could they possibly need, apart from water and something to eat? Sunlight, maybe. Yeah, you're pretty sure you remember something about reptiles liking it warm, and snakes are reptiles... Aren't they?

Okay, fine. You should probably try if you can get your hands on a book about snakes. You do want Spaghetti to have it good with you, after all.

"It was doing just fine on its own. Wild animals don't need or want to live in your sock drawer."

"How do you want to know that?"

A heavy sigh. "It's called common sense. I certainly wouldn't want to live in your drawer if I were one of those little creatures."

"I wouldn't want you in there, either. You'd probably set the whole thing on fire. But just because you wouldn't like it doesn't mean Spaghetti doesn't like it. He seems perfectly content— or she? How do you tell a snake's gender?!"

Nathair either doesn't know, or doesn't care, because instead of answering, he blocks you out. Fine then. You don't need his help. Since you doubt snakes have much of a concept of gender anyway, you'll just refer to Spaghetti as a him. Surely he won't mind.

Closing Spaghetti's drawer so there's only a small gap to let in air, you head down to dinner, contemplating if you should sneak some meat for Spaghetti. You're pretty sure snakes prefer mice or the like, but since you don't have a way of getting those, anything you can hide in your pockets at dinner will have to suffice.

"And this is exactly why your little noodle was better off in the wilderness."

"Shut up."

Nathair gets even more judgy when later, after Spaghetti refused the scraps of chicken you brought him, you change your mind about the drawer and decide to let him sleep in bed with you. What's the point of a pet if you can't cuddle it?

"You're ridiculous," he sighs. "So many promising first-years, and I just had to bond you out of all of them..."

"No take-backsies! You're stuck with me."

"Unfortunately."

You know he doesn't mean it. For all his complaints about your often less than appropriate behavior, he's glad you're not as serious — and therefore boring — as many other riders. He might have never actually said it, but you know he chose you for your carefree nature, not your barely-above-average courage or your not at all exceptional skill in battle. As a rider, you're as average as can be, which, considering you never wanted a job with this much responsibility, is more than you had expected at the start of the year. You smile, sinking deeper into your pillow as you muse over your unexpected success. Not only that you survived to bond a dragon, now you even managed to get a pet snake. No, life at Basgiath certainly isn't as bad as you used to think it would be.

The next morning, you almost miss breakfast because you spend ten minutes searching for Spaghetti, who apparently didn't like it in your bed. When you finally find him underneath it, curled around one of the posts, you hurriedly shove him in your bag and rush out the door.

"You can't seriously mean to take the snake to class," Nathair questions.

"Of course I do! He'll get lonely otherwise!"

"You'll get caught."

"Not if I'm careful."

"It will escape."

"Not if I'm careful!"

Naturally, it does escape.

It happens after lunch. Until then, Spaghetti is perfectly well behaved, keeping still and fooling you into thinking he enjoys accompanying you as you go about your day. You even manage to share some of your lunch with him without anyone noticing, though he again refuses to eat the food. But then you leave your bag sitting unattended on the floor, just for a minute or two, and when you look inside the next time, he's gone.

Luckily almost no one is around to see you panic — you're running late, and all the responsible people are back in class already. Someone else is late too, though. Someone just as immature and unserious as you, as it turns out when a high-pitched scream has you rounding the nearest corner. There you find Spaghetti, face to face with one Ridoc Gamlyn. And since you're almost sure snakes don't have vocal cords, the shriek must have come from the latter.

You shove Ridoc aside and pluck Spaghetti off the doorframe he's curled around before he can continue his escape. Then you turn your attention to your brother's boyfriend, who you only now realize has turned kind of pale.

"Hey, you okay? Sorry if Spaghetti startled you. He was probably just bored."

Ridoc manages a nod, never taking his eyes off the snake in your hands as you slip it back into your bag. "I'm fine," he croaks. "Just— not a fan of snakes."

"Huh? Oh." So it wasn't just that Spaghetti startled him. "Spaghetti is nice, don't worry. And I'm almost sure he's not venomous."

"Almost sure?"

"Yeah. I mean, I'm not sure what species of snake he is exactly. Or if he's really a he. And since he hasn't tried to bite me I can't say if he has poison, but I don't think so."

Ridoc pulls a face. "Ah. Great. So if he decides to bite you after all you'll just sit there and wait to see if you drop dead?"

"Well... Yeah, basically. But Spaghetti wouldn't do that. Like I said, he's nice."

"Uh-huh. Sure. Anyway, what the fuck kind of name even is that? Snakes don't look anything like spag— oh gods, you just ruined spaghetti for me forever."

"Uhm, sorry I guess?"

For a moment you just stand there, silently staring at each other. You definitely weren't expecting to fail at keeping Spaghetti a secret this soon, but at least it was only Ridoc who saw him, and not one of the professors, so there's still hope. Out of all the people in this college, the fun-loving jokester before you is one of the least likely to tell on you, even when taking his obvious dislike of snakes into account.

"Hey, uh, can you do me a favor and not tell anyone about Spaghetti? Please?"

Ridoc considers it for a moment, then nods, probably realizing that if no one knows about the snake, no one will find out he shrieked like a little girl when he saw it, either. Thus in agreement, you each go about your way and hurry on to class.

Walking into Bodhi's room that afternoon, you complain, "Ridoc is scared of Spaghetti."

Your brother looks up from his homework, confused expression saying he's not sure he heard you right. "What?"

"Ridoc is scared of Spaghetti," you repeat.

"Since when?"

"Uhh, right since I introduced them?"

Bodhi seems to grow more confused by the second. "What?"

"What?"

"He doesn't know about the snake," Nathair reminds you, and you're sure you can actually hear him roll his eyes.

"Oh. Right." You reach into your sleeve, pulling out the animal and offering it to Bodhi. "Ta-da! Meet Spaghetti."

"You— why the fuck are you hiding a snake under your jacket?"

"Well, I didn't want anyone to see it, because I doubt I'd be allowed to keep it if leadership found it. But he escaped after lunch and then Ridoc saw him and freaked out, so I wanted to tell you, except I didn't consider that that means you know too now. But— you won't tell on me, right?"

He sighs. "No, I won't. But none of that explains why you have a snake in the first place. Where did you even get it?"

"I... well, I guess you could say I kidnapped it? Or snake-napped it, I suppose. I found it on the flight field. Anyway, it's my pet now."

Bodhi puts his face in his hands, groaning as if this is the most annoying thing you've ever done, which it decidedly isn't.

"You can't just catch a snake and keep it as a pet," he lectures when he looks up again. "The poor thing has probably never been inside a building and is just about dying of fear! Plus if you're scaring Ridoc with it—"

"I didn't do anything! He got scared all on his own!"

Bodhi shoots you an unamused glare. "You know what I mean."

"How is it my fault if he has a problem with snakes?!"

"It's not," he admits, "but—"

He's interrupted as the door opens again, and Ridoc walks in, stopping dead in his tracks when he sees you with Spaghetti still in your outstretched hands. He looks ready to turn right back around and run, and while you cannot at all understand his fear, you are considerate enough to take a few steps back, holding Spaghetti close to your own body in hopes that Ridoc will feel less threatened if he sees the snake can't get close to him.

Spaghetti has an even better idea, winding up your arm until he completely disappears under your jacket again.

Ridoc doesn't seem very reassured, though. "Do you have to carry that— that thing around everywhere you go?" he asks.

"Yes. You don't have to be scared of him, honest." The look on Ridoc's face makes it clear he doesn't believe you, so you add, "Okay, look at it this way: snakes are basically just tiny dragons without wings and legs. And without the ability to breathe fire. Or speak. And without magic. And— well, you get what I mean. An absolutely harmless version of dragons if you will."

A wave of indignation rushes at you from Nathair, and Ridoc says, "Aotrom finds that insulting."

Bodhi nods. "Cuir, too."

"Well, whatever. I'm just saying there's absolutely no reason to be scared of snakes! Especially for a dragon rider!"

"I know that. I just can't help it!"

Before you can reply to that, Bodhi says, "It's okay, babe. Spaghetti was just about to leave, anyway."

"No!"

"Yes. Please, Y/n. Just— do me the favor and release the snake back into the wild where it belongs. Preferably before it bites someone. Okay?"

"Spaghetti doesn't bite," you mumble. "And even if he did, he's not venomous... I think."

"You think?"

"Yeah." Why are they both making such a big deal just because you don't know for sure? You're not a snake-expert, for fucks sake!

"Okay, whatever, just... take Spaghetti back where you found him. Please."

"But he likes being my pet! He's the most well-behaved snake to ever be a pet!"

"He hissed at me earlier," Ridoc argues.

"Because you scared him!"

"And in the one day that you've had him, he already tried to escape twice," Bodhi unsurprisingly takes his boyfriend's side in the argument.

"He's just... confused. He still has to learn where he can and can't go."

"Y/N, please. I know you want a pet, but this is ridiculous."

"Just give me a few days," you try to convince him. "If he still isn't behaving then, I'll release him. Promise."

"No. You're going to release him right now."

You pout. "Don't you want me to be happy?"

Bodhi looks like you're giving him a headache. Or maybe it's Ridoc and his fear of Spaghetti that has him massaging his temples. That's hardly your fault, but Bodhi seems to blame you for it anyway.

"Yes. Of course. But you're not going to be happy if your 'pet' dies from the shock of you dragging it around with you everywhere. Or if you get put on dish-washing duty or something for getting caught bringing it in here."

"Spaghetti won't die! And I won't get caught! Not unless one of you tells on me!"

"Yes, you will."

"You stay out of this."

"Hate to break it to you," Ridoc says, "but I'm pretty sure at least half the quadrant saw Spaghetti's head poking out of your bag or jacket throughout the day."

You blink in surprise. Had you really been that careless? "No, no, no. That can't be right. Someone would have said something if they saw."

"By now everyone is used to you doing weird stuff, Y/N," Bodhi sighs. "Just release him before you get in trouble."

With a sigh of your own, you pretend to give in, so you don't have to argue with them all evening. You'll just hide Spaghetti in his drawer and say he's gone. "Fine. I'll put him back outside. Good night."

Unfortunately, Bodhi knows you much too well to fall for that. He follows you out of the room, Ridoc also tagging along while keeping a healthy distance from you and your snake. Which won't be yours much longer if you can't find a way to stop them from following you to make sure you really release it.

"Don't you two have anything better to do than stalk me?"

"No. It's almost time for dinner anyway, so we might as well go together. Unless you have some secret plans we're ruining?"

Bodhi lifts a brow at you in unspoken challenge, and you quickly shake your head. "Nope. No plans."

"Great. Then let's see you release that poor snake."

"Uh-huh."

Damn it. You rack your brain for a way to get out of this, but come up empty, and before you know it, you've already reached the flight field. Looks like you're really going to have to say goodbye to Spaghetti.

You turn to Bodhi, putting on your cutest pout in one last attempt to change his mind. "Are you absolutely sure I can't keep him?"

To your great dismay, he remains strict, so you begrudgingly pull Spaghetti out your sleeve one last time, kiss his head, and place him on the ground. For a moment he stays where he is, and hope blooms in your chest. If he refuses to leave, if he shows any sign of wanting to stay with you, maybe Bodhi will let you keep him after all. But then Spaghetti seems to recognize his surroundings and goes slithering off under the nearest bunch of rocks.

Bodhi claps your shoulder. "He's better off in the wild, believe me. Now come on, let's get dinner."

You follow silently, trying to convince yourself that sulking about it would be not only stupid and childish, but more importantly absolutely pointless. Walking into the gathering hall, a grin spreads over your face when you look to the food counter. "Hey Ridoc, guess what? We're having spaghetti for dinner!"

"Oh please no!"

[a-d-nox]

pac/pap: message from your past lover/crush

take what resonates leave what doesn't - nothing is 100% for you because these aren't personalized so please no angry comments or dms about what i am saying not being a good fit for you or that you "don't claim" just keep scrolling if that is the case. be kind, self reflect, and have fun.

last pac/pap: message from your future spouse/partner

return to the masterlist of pap/pac posts

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pile 1

you two couldn't be together because the universe was testing you both as to whether or not you were ready for a new level of relationship. the universe wanted to see if you could break old patterns - i sense that you both accomplished this test. now it is up to you both to make peace with your past relationships, so you can continue to welcome new energy into your romantic lives. if you are wondering why this person couldn't be here, it was because you both had different visions for the future. their's wasn't a shared common plan or even a solid foundation to keep you together through this part of life.

what they want to let you know is that they were too worried about status and reaching milestones (in life and romantically) to even try and slow down to enjoy a connection with you. they couldn't be in the moment and simply enjoy life - they were too in their head and they are sorry about it. they hope that you find the right relationship at the right time - just be patient and continue to take care of yourself.

staying together or trying to be together would have lead to delusions. things would not have been as they appeared. at first, things would have been too good to be true and quickly you would have learned why. rapid movement often leads to the fizzling out of emotions... too much good leads to a boring connection for a majority of people - you need some conflict to keep the connection interesting and evolving.

i feel like your unrealistic expectation for them was that they were ready to settle down and establish themselves. they weren't. you wanted them to be ready, and you were determined to believe that they were when they weren't. they weren't ready to be with you, you just wanted them to be ready.

its good you aren't together because someone exciting is going to be entering your life, perhaps via a friend. put yourself out there - participate in activities. you might meet them on a vacation, if that is coming up for you. be open to people who you wouldn't typically think of because you assume they will be temporary or that you would assume it would only amount to a fling with them.

what you learned from them was how to take a leap of faith and trust that the universe won't steer you wrong long term. you know now that you can't fear the unknown - everything is just lessons that are meant to expand your consciousness and present you with opportunities. everything that happens to you in the romantic sense is just a part of your personal and spiritual evolution.

the deck says that in 8 weeks or the fall is when you will be ready for the next chapter.

pile 2

you can't be together and you know exactly why. you are confident in yourself and you know your worth. you are worth much more than you were receiving. so it is time that you put yourself out there to meet new people - don't be afraid to show your vulnerability with new people. you need to be open about what you perviously experienced so that you can avoid repeated lessons and reasons for breakups. you latest crush/relationship was tore about you because they were intimidated by your intelligence and your effectiveness in communication was too much for them. they weren't mature enough to match your energy, so they likely ghosted you.

something they never got to say to you was that you shouldn't be as sure as you are. a person is never done learning. you might have came across as cocky and unwilling to understand their perception. there is something to learn in every situation and from every perspective - you just need to be open to do so.

if you tried to make the connection work, you would have lost your spunk. eventually, you would have found yourself incapable of being able to fully express yourself. you would have been incapable of finding joy, playing around, and even be present - you would have become too stoic and wrapped up in your unhappiness and incapable of having fun and laughing.

your unrealistic expectation was that you would never argue or have conflict with them - all relationships have conflict where both sides are heard. it is more about how you manage yourself than it is the fight itself. it helps you to evolve and learn each others triggers - to not fight is to remain ignorant of each other issues, triggers, etc. you want to have a relationship that grows and blossoms, then be open to arguments.

it's for the best that you aren't together because the connection moved too quickly. you both let your excitement of what could happen cloud the reality of the situation. i also sense that they were not just being pursued by you - they had several people's interest.

what you can learn from this experience is that a situation can change at any moment in time, so enjoy it while it lasts. let go of what out stays its welcome - whether it is behavior that is not right or dating patterns. you need to make space for new possibilities when your situation is starting to feel stale.

the deck says that in 5 days (or rather you should have been ready 5 days ago during the aquarius new moon when i was writing/editing this) or spring is when you will be ready for the next chapter.

pile 3

you couldn't be together because there was an imbalance in the connection. I sense that someone was a bit too codependent in this connection. they relied too heavily on their partner to fulfill their needs and had unrealistic expectation for the relationship. in order for any connection to world you have to be able to find your own happiness without depending on another person to provide you with this happiness you seek. someone was too greedy in this connection and someone was too hard on themselves because they tried to make the connection work for a very long time and it just wasn't working. someone cared about how they appeared together more than the other person did - perhaps they were a bit too self-centered. someone still needs to work on their generosity.

something they never got to say to you was that they love you. they truly loved you - they weren't ready to say it at the time but it is true. they really do wish you well. they hope you are happier now than you were with them. they hope you are out somewhere having fun and doing what you have always dreamed to. they also kind of hope that maybe someday you will reconnect with them and if it can't be romantic than at least you can be friends with one another.

this is a connection that had it coming; it just had to end. you both were not ready. you were in two very different places in life and two very different states of mind. you weren't ready for the connection to be what it was. you were both clinging to each other for a very different reason thus it had to end. it is okay they you don't reach out to them. hell it is okay, if you don't reach out to them for a long long time. they love you. they just know that you both need to start fresh and see what else is out there.

your unrealistic expectation of them was that your disputes/disagreements would move to some sort of resolution. you are both very different people and very different people have very different manners of dealing with things. you wanted to move forward and they didn't want to. you might have been an agree to disagree person, while they wanted you to see things from their point of view. one side was always unheard in the connection and it just strained the connection. there was no moving on - to expect that you could was silly in their eyes. perhaps one of your arguments crossed a line you weren't fully aware existed.

it's for the best that you aren't together because someone felt hesitant about taking action and moving forward with the relationship. you should never have to think about whether or not you want to be with someone - the second you have to wait for a moment and think means that you should be on your own to contemplate romantic partnership in general. there was a fear about timing and being out of the comfort zone that each of you knew romantically. passion alone is often not enough when it comes to a partnership.

what you can learn from this experience is that there is a disconnection between you and the other person in most of your relationships. it is okay to admit that too. perhaps you are someone who has a lot of faith that things will just work or one day they will be ready or one day they will commit. it is okay to have faith, but again, if you aren't connecting and hearing what the person is saying (for example, maybe they did tell you they weren't interested in committing to a relationship) then perhaps that is something to reflect on. don't give up - your partner is out there. in the meantime, listen to what others are saying and trust that they mean what they say. it is okay if the truth hurts - you have the power to heal.

the deck says that in 4 months or summer is when you will be ready for the next chapter or to reconnection with this person like I said earlier.

[misc-obeyme]

not sure if this one has been done before but i'd like to request a set of headcanons for the dateables who assumed mc (male or gender neutral, up to you!) had feelings for someone else, and had already given up, right up until they confessed that they were in love with them.

also, can solomon's be set during nightbringer? i don't mind when the others are set!

thank you! i love your writing!!

Hi there, anon!

This may have been done, but it hasn't been done by me, so you're good lol! Oh man this one was fun. They all start out angsty and then end with the confession and I love it. I have to write angst more often, apparently I enjoy making characters feel pain. Which is weird considering I made myself sad writing these. I kind of feel like this might just be the universal writer experience, though.

Also I feel I should mention that Diavolo believes MC is in love with Lucifer because I honestly feel like that's the only scenario in which he would completely give up lol. Everybody else's is vague, but they all think it's one of the brothers.

Thank you for the request!

the dateables think GN!MC is in love with someone else and give up on them, but then MC confesses

Warnings: angst as all the characters believe that MC is in love with someone else, but ends with fluff

Diavolo

He can tell that there's someone you care about. It's in the way you sometimes get a private sort of look, like you're thinking about something very specific, and then you smile softly. Seeing that smile makes his heart ache. He's so happy that there's someone who makes you feel that way, someone who makes you smile like that, but he's fairly certain it isn't him. The pain of knowing that you'll never be his is deep. It keeps him up at night, but he tries to act like there's nothing wrong.

He thinks you're in love with Lucifer. He can't deny that there's something special between the two of you. And he's convinced that Lucifer is the only one that you could be in love with. Lucifer is protective, competent, and always looking out for you. You rely on him, but he relies on you, too, more than he would admit. And Diavolo simply doesn't have that closeness with you.

He thinks he's being very realistic about the situation. There's no point in pursuing you when your heart clearly belongs to someone else. Convinces himself that he's happy enough just to be near you, to be in your presence. Sometimes lets himself feel jealousy over it, but works hard to suppress that feeling. Actively tries to move on because he has responsibilities he needs to focus on.

So when you confess to him, he's in shock. Actually speechless for several minutes. And then he grabs your hands. MC, are you sure? Are you sure you're in love… with him? You won't have to reassure him more than once. As soon as you tell him you're sure, he's accepted what you've told him. Gets teary eyed about it because the feeling in his chest is so overwhelming. He never thought this could happen, but here you are, telling him that you're in love with him. All he wants to do now is kiss you. You've made him so happy he can't think straight.

Barbatos

He knows right away that you've fallen for someone. He's observant, so it isn't hard for him to pick up on it. It's obvious in the way you get a little preoccupied sometimes. You become a little forgetful and scatterbrained, like your mind is somewhere else. But you also seem a little happier, quicker to smile and laugh. What an odd feeling for him. Seeing you like this fills him with a special contentment. And yet…

Barbatos doesn't necessarily know who it is you have feelings for. At least, there's nobody he suspects is your special person. He just knows it isn't him. He's convinced that he would be able to tell if it was. Sometimes thinks about who it might be and has certain others that he thinks would be a good fit for you, but he doesn't dwell on this too much. Busies himself with his work so he doesn't have to think about that little sting he feels whenever he thinks about it.

A master at compartmentalizing his mind and feelings so that he doesn't have to deal with them. Simply tucks all that away into a corner of his soul where he can ignore it entirely. Let it stay there and fester for a bit. He has more important things to deal with than his own silly feelings. And so nobody would be able to tell - not you, not Diavolo, no one. He has a lot of practice at keeping secrets, after all.

But all of that is going to come bursting out of its restraint when you tell him how you feel. Blushes instantly. Overcome, overwhelmed, flooded with the emotions he'd been keeping locked up tight. You can see the chaos in his eyes. But he takes control of all of this pretty quickly. Pulls you close to him, wraps you in his arms. Truly you may never know the extent of his happiness, MC. Please always stay by his side.

Simeon

It isn't so much that he doesn't notice as he just assumes he's wrong. There's definitely something different about you lately, but he's not going to guess at what it is. Probably asks you directly if there's anything on your mind. Considering you're likely not ready to tell him how you feel, you can pretty much say anything about what's going on in your life and he'll accept it. Moves on without too much questioning, but keeps an eye on you.

Eventually, he won't be able to deny it. He's going to have a specific demon brother in mind, too. He watches you with that brother, whichever one you're closest to, and thinks he's figured it out. Even though you didn't tell him you were in love when he asked and he knows it's not a good thing to assume, he still can't help but notice it. The way you smile when that brother speaks to you. The way you seem to drift near him whenever you can.

And if Simeon takes the time to consider this for very long at all, he'll realize that the feeling that bubbles up in him first is jealousy. He's not happy about that. He doesn't like the way it makes him feel. And just underneath it, he senses a deep pain that he doesn't want to explore. So he attempts to shut it all down. He's very good at maintaining his composure when he's with you. But when he's alone, he lets himself feel everything. Might even let himself cry if he's certain no one will hear him.

Definitely cries when you tell him how you really feel. Just lets that relief wash over him and his love for you is something he can't contain. Please hold him, MC. He just wants to be near you forever. Never let him go. He might ramble for a little bit about how he thought you were in love with someone else. He might even tell you all about how it made him feel and how he wasn't dealing with it very well. But in the end, he's going to smile at you through his tears. Really make his heart burst by kissing them away.

Solomon

He's always known that you belong to the seven demon brothers. He knows him having a chance with you is just wishful thinking. It doesn't matter that you live with him now. That he's the only one who knows that you're really from the future. It doesn't matter how fast his heart beats whenever he sees your smile. That when he's with you all he can think about is putting his arms around you. Solomon knows you aren't his. You will always choose the brothers.

He's aware right away that you've got feelings for someone. He has his guesses. Perhaps two or three different demon brothers come to his mind. Starts paying attention to how you act around them to see if he can figure it out. He will question the brothers he suspects, just to see how they feel about you. If they give him less than satisfactory answers, he might try to steer you away from them. Not because he thinks that makes you more likely to choose him, but because he doesn't want to see you get hurt.

Ignores the way your softened expression makes his gut twinge. Sometimes stares at you for too long because he's trying so hard not to say something to you about it. He doesn't ask you because he knows he can't handle the answer. Starts throwing himself into his work. Forcing himself to think about anything else. But how can he think of anything other than you?

Your confession nearly takes him out. He's so surprised, so overcome with emotions, he falls to his knees at your feet. Grasps your hands like he's drowning and you're the only thing that will save him. He was holding so much tension inside and he didn't even realize it. Now it's all draining away. You can either pull him to his feet or join him on the floor. Either way, he needs you to hold him. MC, please tell him he isn't dreaming. Please tell him this is real. Reassure him with a kiss and he'll pull you into a fierce embrace, like he's scared you'll vanish if he doesn't hold you tight enough.

masterlist | Thank you for reading!

[itsmeyaspider]

This is turning into a lovely evening~

Ramsay Bolton x female reader

Trigger warning: gore, violence, sexual harassment, mention of r@pe, mention of torture, r@pe, please be beware that Ramsay is not a nice man, kidnapping, blood kink,forced pregnancy

>>Credits go to the artist<<

~ Before we begin, I want to make it clear that Ramsay is not capable of loving anyone at all. The only thing he really enjoys is torturing and abusing others. You can see it how he treats his fellow human beings, most of the time he manipulates them. Even his father isn't safe from that. The only thing that makes sense to me is that he sees you like a pet or more of a plaything but nothing serious like love.

~ Maybe you crossed Ramsays path once or you work as a maid for him, it doesn't really matter because I doubt he would ever treat you differently.

~ You now have his full attention and believe me that's something you really don't want. Because one thing is for sure Ramsay is a very possessive man and when he wants something, he gets it.

~ I imagine thar he simply takes you from your home, he grabs your (h/c) hair and pulls you into his castle in Winterfell. If your family members were to resist, he would either have them burned to death in agony or lock them away in his torture basement where he would do many unspeakable things. Maybe he let you watch it with your own pretty eyes, just to make sure that you know where your place is.

~ He would lock you away in one of his rooms where only he has access to. Even Roose couldn't do anything about it if he wanted to. Ramsay hates to share things, and if anyone dares to look at you in the wrong way, he'll cut their eyes off or even worse.

~ Your life would be a living nightmare, even if Ramsay would treat you a little bit better than Reek, he would still hurt you. This man is a big sadist who loves to see other people suffer and that includes you (Y/n). Ramsay would enjoy your sweet cries, your little tears or your begging to stop him.

"Please, Ramsay, I'm sorry. It won't happen again" you said, lying helplessly on the could ground, blood dripping from your open wounds, but Ramsay doesn't even consider to stop, the fun just started. And besides he is already hard from you small whines.

~ Every day he would take you, whether you like it or not. You have no ther choice to take is cock and be a good pet. He just love seeing you so helpless, especially when he demolished your body with a dagger. He might even carve his name into your back so that everyone knows who you belong to.

~ Never get the idea of running away, because that would give him even more pleasure he already has from you. He loves a good cat and mouse game, especially when he knows that you can't escape. No matter how fast you try to run, his dogs are always faster.

You run and run as fast as your legs could carry you, there is still a small spark inside you, that you might have a chance to really escape this monster. This thought is quickly ruined as you hear loud barking, your (e/c) eyes start to water. You don't look back once and just keep running, knowing that he has sent his dogs after you. Suddenly you feel a sharp pain in your ankle as you fall roughly on the ground. You let out a pain filled scream as the barking becomes louder. You hear a whistle, it sounds pleased and you know directly to who it belongs to "Now Now...look who I caught. You disappoint me, I thought you had learned your lesson, what happens when you defy me. But don't worry, I'll make sure you never come up with the idea of deceiving me again. How about I cut your little legs? Doesn't it sound lovely?"

~ That only thing what might safe you from his torture is a pregnancy, he would be a little bit nicer to you because he needs an heir. It doesn't matter if it's a bastard because you know what they say "Bastards can make it far this days" . But don't think you're safe now, if you dare to betray him again, he would hurt the child or even worse. After all, he can make new ones with you.

~ Maybe you should also pray to the gods that your child doesn't turn out to be anything like his father.

[3-why-am-i-here-3]

Venting about the discourse regarding Gwen and her relationship to Miles in this fandom, not because I think it will do any good, but because i just want to say it.

What happened between Miles and Gwen in ATSV and the consequential fallout opened the door for some very interesting discourse. Discussions can be had about the events leading up to Gwen's blunders, whether she can earn forgiveness, and how these things will affect Mile's relationship with her, as well as how these types of situations play out in real relationships. These discussions have been happening to an extent, but not in a way that is conducive to good discourse.

What often keeps people from healthy discussion of these topics is the many different interpretations of Gwen; specifically the very polarized opinions people have of her. Some believe what she has done should never be forgiven, while others believe she has done nothing wrong to begin with.

I fall somewhere in the middle; I like Gwen, and I hope she is redeemed in the next movie, but I also acknowledge that she does need redemption. Obviously, you can like Gwen; you can also dislike her, but there is nothing wrong with either. What I see a lot of, though, are people who like or dislike her to the point of mischaracterization.

I believe there is room for interpretation of her character, but there does come a point where it becomes illogical. For example, some people who dislike Gwen will make her out to be completely evil, and the sole reason for every bad thing that happened to Miles. Others who do like her will paint her as a martyr and a saint. Neither are true. Gwen is a teenage girl who was caught between a rock and a hard place. She messed up and needs to work to earn her forgiveness. Both these statements are true, but depending on which side of the debate people fall on, they will only believe one or the other.

People don't (or won't) seem to understand that Gwen (and her situation) were nuanced. It is not black or white, but some shade of grey. And maybe you're reading this and thinking, "duh," but even if many people know this, they don't act like it. I'm not saying you can't criticize or praise Gwen, but I see people get so caught up in either blasting or defending her that it destroys any opportunity for an actual good discussion. I think Gwen's character is complex, and that's why I like her so much. I love it when characters accidently pave the road to hell with the best intentions, and I love seeing discourse about what they did wrong and what they did right. All this fandom does, however, is wage wars over whether Gwen is a demon or an angel at the expense of her character and Miles', for that matter.

I also see so many people engaging with content that would be better ignored. I can't stress this enough: if there is a user saying something that you don't like and it's not harmful to you or anyone else, then unless you intend to respectfully give your opinion in a way that's conducive to productive converstaion, DO NOT ENGAGE! Block them, report them, whatever, just don't interact. I see so many people in the comments of posts that they simply disagree with being disrespectful to the poster or anyone who agrees with them. What's even more infuriating is when the post is obvious rage bait. I've seen so many rage bait posts about Gwen trying to ignite either side of the debate over her character and they always get what they want: a bunch of people arguing in the replies.

It's such a shame because this could have produced some great conversations, but people have instead faught over it. It all comes down to a lack of nuanced opinions of a nuanced character, in my opinion. I'm hoping BTSV will calm people down and maybe then there will be room for more respectful conversation, but right now? It's a war zone and I want no part of it.

TL:DR: People who don't understand nuance and only deal in absolutes have made this fandom a lot less fun.

[river-fisher]

The Real Bobby Fulbright and Morality

Hey hey! I am back with yet another analysis post, this time focusing on Fulbright's morality! I often see fanon interpretations of him - that are super fun! - but I also feel like they focus on the positive aspects of his personality and avoid the darker ones, so I will be rambling about that under the cut! Enjoy B)

Before we get into specific examples, it is worth pointing out that this analysis is based off of:

The theory that Dual Destinies didn't originally have the phantom as the main villain.

That the phantom was included later in the story after several chapters were already finished.

The theory that Dual Destinies was going to deal with darker themes before it got altered.

Now, although I have more detailed arguments on why I believe in these points, this post is not about that (Though if anyone wants to hear my thoughts about it, I'd love to yap about that in another post ^^). In a nutshell, Fulbright's behaviour changes in between cases, in a way that suggests that his character was revamped. I believe that Fulbright was originally written without the phantom in mind.

Thus! While his character might've had his purpose shifted, if my belief is correct, then The Monstrous Turnabout - the first case with Fulbright - is the most accurate glimpse into what the real Bobby Fulbright was like. Yes, we are meta analysing it up in this house!

Via the assumption that The Monstrous Turnabout has the original idea for the real Fulbright, we can make some interpretations of what he's like, despite the canon saying it was the phantom impersonating him! ^^

So, onto actual examples (lovingly chosen from my transcript) and analysis!

Starting off strong, we first meet Fulbright with him wanting to arrest Apollo and Athena. Yes, there is the potential reasoning of "disturbing a crime scene", but the lawyers had only just gotten there. They had done nothing wrong. That is unlawful arrest! Them coming to the crime scene had several explanations, and yet Fulbright won't even hear them out:

[???] “Hey, who are you and what are you doing here? This is a crime scene!”

[AJ] “And who are YOU? Are you with the police?”

[???] “I asked first! Who are YOU and what are you doing here?! On second thought... I’m placing you under arrest for disturbing a crime scene!”

He prioritizes lunch over actual, genuine justice here, not even bothering to hear them out. He only changes his tune after finding out that they're lawyers. Even then, he doesn't allow them to investigate. Though that is what all Ace Attorney detectives do, I think the subtle threat that comes afterwards is important.

[AJ] “Ack! Under arrest?! B-B-But...”

[???] “Save it for the boys back at HQ! Now, come quietly or else! I don’t want to be late for lunch!”

Yes, he never pulls out a gun in the series (besides attempting to do so in Turnabout for Tomorrow as the phantom), but I believe that the inherent threat and power that Fulbright holds in this situation is worth mentioning. Apollo's assumption that Fulbright could pull out a gun is also quite telling in my opinion. Fulbright is a cop at the end of the day.

[BF] “Cease and desist at once, or you’ll have to deal with my little friend here!” { Hand goes to his holster }

[AJ] “Ack!” (Yikes! Is he reaching for his...?!)

[BF] “In justice we trust!” { Shows badge }

[AJ] “...!” (Phew, it’s just his badge.)

[BF] “This door simply will not open! We’ve tried and tried, but it won’t budge! It’s an essential part of the culture found in this manor, so we can’t blow it up either!”

The next concerning aspect I've found, is the seemingly normalized use of excessive force. The only reason they're not blowing up the door is because of its cultural significance. That is insane! It can be argued that it's not Fulbright's decision, however, the lack of reaction from everyone involved signifies to me that this is the norm.

With this moment, I wish to point out Fulbright's black & white thinking. I acknowledge that this is consistent for all detectives in the series, but it is a piece of characterization that is very important - Fulbright is very quick to call Tenma a villain, evil, a fiend. Thinking that someone is guilty and thinking that someone is evil are quite different imo.

[AJ] “So you still think Mayor Tenma is responsible?”

[BF] “That’s right! Damian Tenma is an evil fiend who must be banished from this world! Now, take my hand and together we will defeat this evil!”

[BF] “I won’t fall for that, you shameless rascal! I only help good little boys and girls!”

In general, Fulbright tends to think in an us vs them mentality - the people he likes are good, while the ones he dislikes are bad. He helps good people and puts away bad people. In a sense, yes, that's what a cop is supposed to do.

[BF] “Ha ha! My investigations are as thorough as they are foolproof, or my name isn’t Fulbright! I vow to resign immediately if I ever make a false arrest!”

However, this line paints a grim picture. Fulbright implies that he has never made a false arrest. That is statistically impossible, and implies that he has not only made false arrests before, he has also managed to get them convicted! The fact that the first time we meet him, he tries to arrest us only amplifies this point!

[BF] “What?! Are you questioning my sense of justice?!”

When he is confronted with an argument against his beliefs, he hides behind justice. In a way, he hides behind his badge, the very item that allows him to make the decisions on who is being painted as guilty, and who is not. In fact, he doesn't even question his beliefs.

[BF] “Prosecutor Blackquill! We’ve had enough of your hijinks! The foundation of justice is fair play, and you are in serious violation of that!”

And finally, the so-called 'jolts of justice'. I've seen arguments in the past claiming that the real Bobby Fulbright would never use electrical shocks on Blackquill. I politely disagree. Considering all the previous examples, I think it aligns with his behavioural patterns and is the epitome of his morality.

And thus, I would like to briefly propose my personally crafted theory about Dual Destinies: The game was originally going to delve into darker themes, and Fulbright's corruption was at the center of that.

Yes, Fulbright believes in justice, in good and bad. He has good intentions. But at the end of the day, he is a cop that holds power over others and justifies his wrongdoings with... well, justice. So long as he believes that he is doing the right thing, he is willing to reach for extremes.

I think this is often missed due to Fulbright's comical mess ups and overall cheery and charming demeanour. The characters don't really react to his more... extreme decisions either.

Consider a world where the phantom was not the main twist of the series, but some aspects remained. Such as... The tampering with evidence... Abusing police position to cover up a crime... Framing innocent suspects... It fits into the previously showcased negative traits of his.

Ergo, the real Bobby Fulbright might not be as justice-driven as many may believe. There are many details that tend to get overlooked when it comes to him, especially in fanon. Which is fine and good! It is comforting to think of a policeman that does his job properly. However, I also find this darker side absolutely fascinating and worthy of discussion.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this silly analysis post! Do feel free to argue or ask questions, I love a good debate and I love yapping <3

[fremulon]

Dear author,

I really must tell you how much I respect and admire you for your Good Omens fan fictions.

Especially the “A Love Story with Detective Interruptions” series. I’ve read those two stories more times than I really can count, I simply adore them.

And I know it’s been a while. Like a while while.

But I wanted you to know that there’s no day that passes with me not hoping for you to post a third instalment.

Thank you so much for writing them 💛

Hi!

This is so so sweet of you to say and I'm so glad you enjoyed the stories.

But I'm sorry to have to tell you that I'm not going to be posting a part 3 of the detective series. And quite probably no more GO fic at all.

I just haven't felt the desire to really engage with the fandom since the NG news initially dropped in July and at this point it feels like the urge to write for it isn't coming back. This is for me a matter of personal taste rather than a moral imperative - I believe there's nothing wrong with creating or enjoying fan content even if one of the original creators is monstrous - but that's how I feel right now and it's how I've felt for over six months.

And even if I do end up writing GO fic again someday, it won't be the detective series. Those stories take me a very long time to write and a lot of effort to plot, and ultimately this is supposed to be a fun hobby and it just wouldn't feel fun to write the third one after all. I do feel bad, because I really did want to write the third part when I finished part 2 over two years ago, and I'm sorry to have kept you and anyone else hanging. Hopefully the consolation is that the series doesn't end on a cliffhanger so it at least feels somewhat complete.

I can also put some info about the potential third part here under a cut for you and anyone else who might be interested, if you want to know what the plan was.

But that's it. I'm sorry.

Part III was going to be called hath no decay (after a line from John Donne) and take place mostly on a train. The murder victim was going to be Metatron and Aziraphale would be framed for it, and he and Crowley would be forced to hide their new relationship or Crowley's status as Aziraphale's alibi would have no value whatsoever.

The motive was going to be something to do with government documents Metatron was carrying. Muriel was going to be his secretary, Furfur was going to be an aspiring writer who knew Crowley years ago and resented him for having success, Shax was going to be a society widow everyone suspected of being up to something shady (and Furfur's patron). And also Shadwell was going to come back as the Scotland Yard agent.

There was going to be a running gag where Aziraphale and Crowley hadn't consummated their relationship yet but keep getting interrupted by murder developments every time they're close to having sex.

“We’re not lovers, if that’s what you mean,” Crowley said. Which was perfectly true, although it certainly hadn’t been for lack of trying.

That's really all I ever had!

[beevean]

I can't be the only person who finds it so funny that Sheep-Tits McGee is being forcibly shown how hard she fumbled the ball when she was still trying to insert herself into a leadership role she did nothing to earn, and even funnier still was that in the Eggperial City arc, it was shown time after time that things resolve themselves when people don't follow her orders.

"No, I never get sick of this panel. Why do you ask?"

The ideal conclusion would be that this know-nothing know-it-all finally realizes that she's been a shitty leader (and an even shittier friend), and simply either A) step down or B) quit the Restoration altogether because she's clearly not cut out for this.

Additionally, she'd have to actually apologize to just about everybody she's wronged - Silver included - only for him to refuse her pleads offer to rejoin the Diamond Cutters, and never truly forgiving her for the decimation of Restoration HQ on her watch... all the while, the Babylon Rogues rub this "little incident" in her face at every opportunity.

I know people - including me - would want Silver to have the last laugh at her, but let's be honest, Jet would absolutely NOT pass up the chance to be "that guy." Dude finally gets the chance to get his rematch with Sonic in lord-knows-how-long, and he gets robbed of it because of Sheep-Tits McGee over here just can't stop being the fun police? You fucking better believe he'd rub it in.

But, this is the IDWverse where we can never have nice things, so it's plainly obvious that the story is going to end with Sheep-Tits McGee giving the most rehearsed and disingenuous YouTuber Apology™ ever, and every single fuck-up she's made up to that point will simply be swept under the rug like it's a bad movie on Lifetime TV.

Like, I have a very hard time believing that this exchange will ever get addressed later on.

Apologies for the tangent, I'm just genuinely baffled that poor writing like this has its ardent fans on such high alert that discussion often gets one-sided so quickly.

That panel of Lanolin realizing that he has been a piece of shit for nothing and Whisper was right and she beat her up for no good reason cheers me up in the morning <3 even if nothing will come out of it. at least it is slightly cathartic to see. Yes, you should feel bad about yourself, asshole.

The most we know about #76 is this:

Sonic and his friends are forced to deal with the aftermath of Clutch's grand scheme! While some set out to seek justice, some stay behind to pick up the pieces. What unlikely pairs will join forces? Which bonds will be broken? Who can be trusted?

And you can see a dejected Lanolin in the alt cover:

But I'm not holding my breath. We have seen time and time again the asinine ways plotlines got "resolved" or dismissed in this comic. We have seen how the "drama" of Tangle stealing the name of Whisper's dead comrades has been dealt. Lanolin is going to feel bad for trusting Duo (not for being physically violent or for being angrier at Sonic going behind her back than at Clutch for attempting to kill everyone) and eventually Tangle will be all "it's okay bestie you meant well 🥺". I'd be surprised if Silver will ever see Lanolin again (he kind of vanished in the Riders arc lol), let alone Jet who's only used as comic relief anyway.

In a good story, Lanolin will accept that she's not cut out to be a leader, that her objectives (in theory) are noble but she simply cannot handle responsibility or have good judgment, and has caused nothing but harm. But if she leaves, then we won't have a cool team anymore :)

[stromuprisahat]

Has it ever occurred to you that maybe … you weren’t meant to exist?

I had a few days off, so let's get this over with... it won't get easier.

Six of Crows- Chapter 19

Y'no, if you have an urge to prevent people from seeing something, there might be a thing or two wrong with whatever it is they're not supposed to look at.

The amount of hatred needed to dig three holes in frozen ground, deep enough to secure higher than human-sized stakes (Don't forget enough space for a pile of firewood.)!

Fjerda is supposed to be a cold country, good firewood should be pretty valuable then, right? And still they're willing to waste enough of it to roast inedible humans?!

The pyres have been illegal since- I'm sure those three charred people would be happy to hear that.

Nina asks some pretty good questions. Shame she'll soon forget them.

Just read this several times and keep thinking about how this is a human being, not "creature" as Matthias calls it.

Considering some of the author's believes, one can't help but ask how many of these opinions are only a part of the characters' descriptions, and how many are expressing her own. ... It was not Baghra. I don't know what it was. ...

~I~'ve never... So we can simply ignore that everyone else does/would like to.

A fair trial... that's what? They're allowed to talk? (Even though nobody cares to listen.) As Nina counters- why has a Grisha never been found innocent?! And more importantly- why will Nina simply forget she used to care about this?! Why won't she do anything to stop it, when in the heart of that country, some of the worst perpetrators of such horrors at her mercy?!

One of the details that make Matthias' change believable (although a bit too fast) are the seeds of doubt. Why else feel ashamed when proclaiming something he deeply believes in?

And yeah- another portion of the typical rhetoric of hateful ideologies. It's us and them. They're less and worse, corrupted and inferior. They don't feel like we do, they're unnatural, inhuman, not meant to exist.

Fjerdans are not that different from ordinary Ravkans, who are willing to worship Saints, but deny they're Grisha even a few years after their deaths.

Don't mock... That's some pretty realistic shit too. This sort of bigots will always put inconsiderate words on the same level as bashing your head in.

This is Nina lashing out, hurling the worst things she can come up with at Matthias. It's sad how much of it would be well-deserved, and how little is even remotely realistic.

Nina's hoping for a Nuremberg trials of her world. Unfortunately for her there's no common law, no widely agreed upon set of morals, no base for it, so how come she's even asking for it?

Nina haven't sounded like a child as much as now yet. She paints a picture of strong, well-lead country, capable of more than a pathetic parody on self-defense. And her dream of the Second Army's beyond laughable.

I know some people like to claim the Darkling's, therefore Second Army's tactics is often sowing fear in the masses, but Matthias' story doesn't make much sense with this little information, unless Ravka and Fjerda were in that "fun" part of conflict, when they simply destroy a village or two, then pretend they know nothing about it.

Fjerdans already fear Grisha- there's no need for atrocities to provoke it. Why would a special unit of enemy army target some random village of no particular importance? How come Matthias knows for sure it were Second Army Inferni? And how is he alive and well?

Drüskelle leader's pet student lost whole family in brutal attack of well-trained Grisha?! Ain't Brum just SO lucky?!

In context of the author's opinions (link above), this reads pretty much like lecturing the reader on reality of Grisha persecution. They kill people too, and they are soldiers- look!

[aladaylessecondblog]

The Whore AU - Tureynul II

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53198734/chapters/158884405

Author's Note: No sex this time. just some. thoughts.

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

Sadara woke with Tureynul curled up to her, and his head settled on her breasts. He already seemed to be awake, but she - rather enjoying the cuddling, decided to say nothing.

She looked at the ceiling, and thought of the sum she'd been promised - the reason she'd even started doing this to begin with. She'd never be a respectable Dunmer, but it wasn't like there'd never been a whore who'd gotten out of the life before. Becoming a trader was always an option - she had picked up some things regarding tailoring and fabrics in this line of work.

Entertaining Crassius was also an option - he had made the offer several times, and in a sensible enough way, too. 'My sweet, how wonderful it would be to enjoy your company, to see you unchanging even as I grow older? None have ever pleased as well as you.'

But she'd turned him down, saying she didn't like the city of Vivec all that much. Ebonheart was better - there were sailors, and sailors on leave were some of her best customers, particularly if they were--

"Gold piece for your thoughts?" Tureynul suddenly spoke.

"Just thinking about what I'll do once this is...over." Sadara said. "I had hoped to get out of this line of work."

"Not the first time I've heard that sort of thing," Tureynul replied, "Any plans in particular?"

"No, still figuring that bit out. Maybe it's a fool's errand...one of my best customers likes to say it'd be a pity to lose such talent, but..." she sighed.

Don't tell them anything about yourself, she'd been warned, They'll use it against you. They adhere to the rules of this arrangement, yes, but that doesn't mean they won't try to work on you.

She hadn't even been doing it that long, but she was already tired of the job. But being Crassius's mistress just felt - wrong. Not even that she liked the idea, she didn't, but...there was something that nagged at the back of her mind when she considered accepting his offer.

Not him.

Two words, that was all. Not him - like she was supposed to pick someone else? That was a ridiculous thought. Or maybe it was just her self-preservation kicking in. Crassius didn't seem to have fetishes that were that far out of the common way, but one never knew.

"Crassius Curio made me an offer to be his mistress, but I keep avoiding that conversation."

Tureynul huffed. "Very wise of you, I hear nothing good about that man. You might do better with the Sixth House."

He sat up, and she went with him. Except she ended up turning her back to him just slightly and swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

"Of course, you may have been fed many lies about us..." Tureynul lay a hand on her back, "Lies, I may assure you are completely untrue."

"Lies are false by nature," Sadara said suddenly, "And rob the truth."

After a pause, she apologized.

"Sorry, I had to spend a bit of time listening to some Tribunal priest before I was sent out. It wasn't a fun event by any means." She gave a slight laugh.

"And this? Have you enjoyed your time with us so far?"

"Better than I thought I would. I was warned you were all terrible, violent people who spread blight and would infect me with all manner of blight diseases."

"And you didn't believe them, I hope?"

"That and it didn't matter. I've already got corprus."

"You what?" Tureynul's touch on her back pressed down a bit as he spoke. "You already have it?"

She nodded. A couple times he seemed like he'd reply...but it took a couple minutes before he finally did.

"Would you mind having a bath with me? I expect nothing while we're in it, but..."

"You'd like me to touch you for longer. I've had customers like you, I understand perfectly." Sadara gave a brief smile over her shoulder. Then she stood and grabbed her robe--Tureynul followed her out the door of the bedroom.

She wasn't even really thinking about it. It was simply as if her feet were leading her somewhere without even needing her input. Down this hall, around that corner, past (something that wasn't there?) and she was at the baths.

Sadara stopped cold just inside the door.

And Tureynul, following behind her, gave voice to the question in her mind.

"Have you been here before?"

[crookedkryptonitebeliever]

Aight so this is fantastical and unserious as hell so you can ignore this if u want, but like what if one day reader just *poofs* and turns into a child, like they just de-ages and turns into their 7 year old self.

Lmao the reason why I ask this is bc I wanna see how deep his hatred of children goes, like would he extend this to a child version of reader?

You would be surprised to know, no. His patience is endless with you, although he is on the stricter side, he is loving and wouldn't dream to use the tactics he used for his child.

Yves would give you kisses, cuddle, and accompany you as long as you asked for his presence. The love he provides wouldn't be much different from the love you receive as an adult, except it's platonic, more handholding through life, more protective, and mildly overbearing. But you're a 7-year-old, you're fine with him being around you 24/7.

It's fun to be with him. He will talk to you, and encourage the development of your speech by conversing about random things. Even things that a 7-year-old probably won't understand, if you're a bit older, you would realize Yves is using you as his diary. But whatever he told you about himself is so boring, so it was wiped out from your mind.

You could just raise your arms to him and he will automatically pick you up, carrying you to wherever you want to go. Or simply having you on his hip while he runs some errands.

Yves utilizes timeouts, calmly explaining what you did was wrong and describing possible consequences if you continue. He will also hear you out, letting you defend yourself and give him your reasoning. The interaction will go smoothly and both parties will have plenty of communication. Once the whole ordeal is over and you sincerely apologize, he will hug you and let you stay in his arms for as long as you want. You could cry, you could smile and laugh. He allows it.

His praises will be genuine, happy that you are showing your best behavior for Yves. He doesn't have a narrow path for you to follow, he allows you to choose your interests, your passion, and will. Unlike his actual child, he would let you try playing the harp or piano, but he wouldn't force you to be a master in it. Yves believes that you should try everything, but it is ultimately up to you to decide what to do.

The two of you would bond by cooking and baking. You could make a mess and he wouldn't lock you in a sensory deprivation chamber. He will make you understand that for every mess you make, you have to clean it up. Yves will teach you valuable skills while strengthening your relationship with him, producing a lot of precious core memories in your life.

He will help you through your emotions. Sometimes you can't express yourself as well, but he will help you recognize if you are angry, sad, excited, or hurt. Yves will talk you through and ease the pain your soul is feeling, helping to regulate your emotions for you. Nothing will seem confusing, as long as Yves is here, you know you will be safe. And everything will be okay.

He coddles you a lot. Cooing when you get hurt, giving kisses to your bandaged wound, wiping the tears off your face. Sleeping in the same bed as you because you're scared of the monsters in the dark, never leaving your sights because you have crippling separation anxiety. Yves lets you learn everything at your own pace, even if you haven't hit a milestone that you were supposed to years ago, he is fine with it. He will continue to care for you, teach you with gentle words and touches, and love you to the fullest.

Yves lets you be a normal kid without any of the horrifying consequences. You will feel valued and loved unconditionally. You will be heard and you will be seen.

His actual child would be furiously punching in the air watching how he treats de-aged you.