#and screech LOOK WHAT THE LEFT STOLE FROM YOU

[rraaaarrl]

"This is what they stole from us"

This is just Latverian propaganda!

from Avengers #25

[reallyromealone]

Title: oh hey a mate(s)

Chapter: one

Fandom: obey me

Pairing: demon brother's x male reader

Warnings: suggestive themes, readers got truama, internalized gender hatred, anxiety, panic attacks, mentions of being a breeding tool, self hate, reader doesn't really understand sex, sexual themes, omegaverse, male reader, mentions of mpreg

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

"HE STOLE THEM FROM ME!" (sisters name) Screeched out in a rage as she threw things around "they were supposed to be MY mates! And he stole them! That whore stole them!" She was hyperventilating at this point as her body shook, feeling robbed of her alphas.

Of her life, the thing she wanted more than anything.

"I know sweety but maybe we can set you up wit--"" I don't want someone else! I want the princes!"

And she was going to get them.

She swore it.

'fuck you (name)'

Holy shit this place was big.

God he felt under dressed, especially beside these alphas who were dressed so fancy and perfect.

The floors were marble and two grand staircases winded on each side and paintings that had to be centuries old hung on the walls "we will have one commissioned for you soon enough... Maybe one with us all" Belphegor yawned as he wandered the halls "for now, let's get you settled in" he said and looked to a nervous looking Leviathan who nodded.

(Name) Was nervous as he walked beside the demon who seemed to want to be anywhere but here "I-im sorry if I wasn't who you were expecting... I'll try and not step on your toes" (name) whispered, anxiously fiddling with his fingers and looked down "i-i dont-- fuck... I'm really nervous and anxious and just I don't really talk to omegas often so I'm just--" the demon seemed panicked and (name) felt relief flood through his veins as he pumped out calming pharamones for the Alpha "hey... I get it, if it's any consolation... I'm not great with people either-- hell I think this is the first time I ever left my families property!" He laughed a bit but Leviathan was shocked at his words "you never been into the capital or even your home town?" He asked genuinely and (name) shook his head "nah, my parents didn't trust me going out there-- you know how troublesome an Omega can be"

What the fuck? That's all Leviathan could think as he looked at the Omega worried "I- you're not troublesome?" He whispered and (name) just smiled "I try not to be" (name) giggled a bit as they continued to (name)s apartment, the Omega expecting a quaint bedroom but...

"I think we went to the wrong room.... This is awfully big" (name) said softly to the envy demon who looked confused "you like your apartment?" Asmodeus popped out from nowhere and pulled (name) close with a flirty grin "we had the butlers being your things in, don't worry we didn't let them unpack... Pharamones and all that ~" he pulled (name) into the apartment and (name) felt overwhelmed by all this "there's a nesting room there~ if you need help don't hesitate to ask"

"A-are you sure?"

"Sure of what?"

"That this is for me?"

"You are to be our mate, I personally wanted you with me but Luci wanted you to have your own space... Something about acclimating" his words teasing and (name) chuckled but cut short when his stomach growled and the two demons looked curious "oh yeah! Humans need to eat for survival!"

(Name) Felt embarrassed as he silently cursed his stomach for exposing him like this as the demons looked at one another in a silent conversation.

They were definitely having a sibling meeting later.

(Name) Dissociated during the rest of the evening, eventually ending back in the rooms he was given, the size of his old house if not a bit bigger...

Everything was pristine as he took out his belongings, his prized possessions and small hobbies to occupy him.

A few heirlooms and books and his childhood stuffed toy 'this will go in my nest' he thought as he looked at the nesting room doors, two ornate doors in a rose gold shade, the apartment all light colors unlike the rest of the palace.

It was a strange contrast, almost like they didn't know what to expect so they just made what they thought humans liked. It was funny really, demons trying to understand what humans wanted or needed as he was doing the same, wondering what these demons wanted or liked.

Getting up he went to the nesting room and was overwhelmed by the nesting supplies he was given, piles and piles of blankets and pillows and soft things, his purring could probably be heard from outside the apartment as he snuggled into them, a sense of safety he wasn't quite used to washing over him.

He was excited to make a large nest, spending half the night making it perfect for him to rest in and just not think about the fact he was to be mated on his next heat to seven strangers that were also fucking royalty! Well there goes not thinking about it because here he was!

Also his sister! Holy shit she was mad! And like at his wedding she will be there! Fuuck!

(Name) Was just sitting there head in hands as he processed the fact that within 24 hours he was now engaged and now in the public eye!

(Name) Curled up closer into his blankets and let out a shutter of a sigh, he wondered if he would be able to do the things he enjoyed before... Would he be allowed to garden? Would he have to dress more Omegan? Or would he be able to wear clothes that were comfortable?!

He needed to walk, movement to process this.

Getting up he walked out of his apartment and into the hall, dark and grand, ceilings at least 15 feet tall and paintings lined, some he recognized as the siblings and some unfamiliar as he walked around curiously.

Somehow he made it to the kitchen "I hope they don't mind..." (Name) Whispered as he sliced an apple, careful and gentle as his stomach growled a bit.

"Can I have some?" A voice startled him out of his thoughts causing him to slice his finger "shit!" The voice said and (name) looked to see Beelzebub who in turn looked a bit startled as he took (name)s bleeding finger and put it in his mouth, the Omega looking thoroughly concerned as Beelzebub sucked on the blood "I feel like this is incredibly unsanitary" (name) whispered worried and beez released his finger "demons saliva can heal amongst other things, depends on the demon really"

"Oh " (name) said dumbly as he looked at his wet but healed finger "what else does your saliva do?" He asked curiously and Beelzebub smiled at the others cute and curious expression "ah, well besides healing my saliva can work as an aphrodisiac if ingested!" (Name) Looked concerned and Beelzebub laughed "don't worry, it only works if I were to like make out with you or eat your ass!"

And now (name) was flustered as the gluttony demon kept laughing at his embarrassment "so why are you up so late?" Beelzebub asked after calming down and sealing some apple slices and cutting up some more, handing (name) an orange "just... It's stupid"

"Oh please!" Beelzebub pushed and (name) sighed "I'm just... I'm having trouble processing this stuff, it's stressful and like-- I never left my property let alone this! My sister wanted to be with you guys and she's already insufferable, this is just worse! I'm just paranoid that you guys are going to realize that like this was a mistake and reject me and like the fear of being an Omega in general! Will I be able to do the things i enjoyed before? Will I be a breeding tool?!" He was hyperventilating now as Beelzebub panicked "hey hey, calm down! It will be alright and-- no we aren't making you a breeding Omega.... shhh" beez tried to calm him as footsteps quickly made their way to the kitchen.

"What is happening?" Lucifer and the others seemed startled as the smell of distress was heavy in the kitchen "he's worried we will strip him of his rights and make him carry our young" Beelzebub explained as he lifted (name) into his arms and set him on the counter "were demons but we aren't monsters" Satan said disgusted and Asmodeus smiled "we would never do that unless it's what you're into~" he teased the Omega as they crowded him "I know it's an incredibly hard adjustment but know we mean well, it's literally impossible for us to not fall for each other" it's true soulmates would eventually fall for one another due to the bond "and we are sharing one mate so that means you have seven people to love you" mammon said in a rare moment of genuine care "what do you mean?"

"Oh yeah, he knows basically nothing about secondary gender or soulmates" Levi said softly and the demons looked horrified "well I know what we are doing tomorrow" Satan said simply and (name) looked ashamed and couldn't meet their eyes, feeling stupid for his lack of knowledge.

"Well his town is backwards" Belphegor yawned and wandered off back to bed now that the problem was solved "goodnight...."

(Name) Was led back to his room by Beelzebub and Asmodeus and looked confused when they put sweaters in his arms "the smell of your alphas will calm you~" Asmodeus said simply and the two wished him a good night.

And for once?

He sleped peacefully.

(Name) Spent the next few days learning about soulmates and secondary genders, the two interlocking "when your heat comes, it will be dangerous for you to not mate with your soulmate" (name) read the book in his off time, the book explaining how the bonding is key to not cause rejection symptoms or a drop, he definitely didn't want that. Fuck how does he have sex? Fuck.

Time to go figure that out, he really felt behind on this shit.

(Name) Made home in the library as he looked for any books that would aid him "Hmm? Looking for sex books ~ didn't know our omega was like that" Asmodeus seemed to love just appearing out of thin air and scaring (name) who dropped the book "i-i it's not like that!"

"Hmmm? And what is it about? Oh you're so cute when your flustered!" He cooed and (name) huffed "I am trying to figure out like, how sex works and stuff... I wasn't exactly taught... Just put on suppressants so my family could avoid it" he just constantly felt ashamed with them, their faces of realization and pity as (name) tried not to cry "well, if you like I could teach you~ don't worry I won't touch you where you don't like" Asmodeus could get used to his omega so flustered as he got closer, his alpha giddy at his mate being untouched "the first thing one should know is their body after all~"

"I- uh... I'm not sure..."

Asmodeus let his lips barely touch (name)s as he caged him against a bookshelf and smiled, his tail flickering and (name) seemed a bit startled by it All as the demon gently kissed him "that was... Uh.." "your first kiss?"

"Yeah..."

"Did you like it?"

(Name) Could only nod as the lust avatar giggled sweetly at his adorable Omega "oh, you're going to fit in nicely here~!" He doted on (name) a bit "don't worry darling, we won't do anything your not ready for but if you're willing... To experiment a bit, I'm always a summon away" and with that he was gone, (name) left with nothing more than the smell of his pharamones, sweet Jasmine and warm vanilla.

It wasn't till after lunch that Lucifer brought him to the gardens, a small greenhouse and a garden plot stood "we had it cleaned up, you said you liked gardening" he said simply and looked down at (name) who looked like he was given the potion of youth "really? Thank you so much..." (Name) Was releasing the happiest pharamones and Lucifer kept composure but god damn did that boost his ego as an alpha, making his mate happy.

"Just clean yourself off after you finish" Lucifer said calmly and (name) beamed at this "of course!"

(Name) Puttered in the greenhouse and began planting things, thankfully it was early in the season so he had time to make a nursery for plants "oh, sor--" (name) immediately shut up as he saw Belphegor sleeping in a sun beam, cozy and calm. Looking around (name) found his cape that Satan had made for him and covered the demon with it "it's still chilly" he whispered and went back to work, unaware the demon was awake and watching intently at the Omega who was carrying heavy pots and sacks of soil around.

(Name) Kept quiet for the Alpha, he must be so exhausted to fall asleep in a greenhouse of places so it would be best to let him rest! Eventually (name) moved outside, it was less chilly but a slight chill but movement will keep him warm! Using twine he found in the greenhouse he sectioned spots of the garden plots for various things like carrots and garlic amongst others, they were still in the nursery but it's good to get things ready now, he reasoned with himself.

"Your Highness! It's quite cold!" A servant panicked as she saw (name) in nothing more than a shirt and pants and apron, dirt on his cheek "don't worry! I'm alright!" He reasoned but she was not having it and removed her cape "it's not good for an Omega to be cold like this!"

Before she could drape the cape on (name), he felt fur on his shoulders as Mammon smiled with a warning "don't worry, he's warm" his eyes telling the servant to leave and (name) looked confused "oh hello!" (Name) Smiled at the demon who felt annoyed at how sweet the other was, his bond making his heart beat fast "Luci wanted me to take you into town so get ready" he grumbled and (name) nodded, a simple smile on his face as he wandered to the palace "where's your cape anyways?! It's freezing for mortals!" He chastised and (name) chirped "Belphegor was sleeping and I wanted him to be cozy!" (Name) Couldn't explain why he felt so calm and comfortable with the princes but they made him feel safe, even if they were sometimes like angry chihuahuas.

"You're weird" mammon said with no bite as they walked to (name)s area.

The tailors and seamstresses worked tirelessly to put together some clothes for (name) and his new class, the maids commenting about how the seamstress always kept embroidered sleeves on hand as the brothers always tore clothes during training--- well save for Asmodeus and Belphegor who couldn't be fucked to do stuff like that.

(Name) Felt regal, a beautiful vest made of silk and embroidered with birds and roses and a linen powers shirt and nice pants and expensive boots "you look wonderful your Highness!" A maid commented, (name) growing fond of his personal maids who cheered him in, them all being mated and married betas.

(Name) Was curious as he looked around the city, never really interacting with so many people who looked at he two in awe, the guards keeping a fair distance as he looked at stalls "you seriously never been in a city?" Mammon said incredulously and (name) looked confused "no? It's not right for an Omega to be by himself around alphas, I would be a temptation" reiterating his parents words and Mammon was horrified at the omegas genuine belief that HE was the problem and not alphas who couldn't keep their hands to themselves "well we are unpacking that later"

He didn't even want to get into the family thing, remembering the chat he had with his brothers when (name) had his meltdown and the acceptance that their Omega came from a very problematic living situation but he seemed to be acclimating well.

Or at least he hoped.

Mammon was confused as (name) handed him a stuffed bunny "what is this?" He raised an eyebrow from behind his circular sunglasses "well we didn't get to actually court because of being soulmates so I got you all courting gifts" he chirped out innocently, remembering what he was taught by Lucifer and deciding to put it in action though he seemed to have gotten it backwards as it was supposed to be the Alpha who gave the courting gifts.

"I- uh... Thank you?"

(Name) Seemed pleased as they continued their walk through the cities market, a giant hub of the equally giant city as Mammon stared at the bunny that was made of fabric the same color as his eyes, a small detail that made him flustered.

He noticed (name) budgeting, a soft smile on his face "you know we have basically endless money, right?" Well mammon didn't, he was cut off and put on a strict budget but (name)? He still had his money privileges "that's your money, this is so much!" To (name) it was a lot of money as he did the budgeting of the house back with his family, this was ten times of what they made in a year! "I am fine with this"

Hell, how did they get the exact opposite of them?!

A nervous Omega who was innocent and naive and sweet as honey!

"Oh you are absolutely precious!" Asmodeus cooed at the stuffed rabbit that fit in his hands "I hadn't even thought of courting!" He said with exaggerated sadness and (name) watched the others alphas reactions, though it wasn't the fanciest courting gift, it was a genuinely thoughtful one.

"He was worried about spending the money, he literally budgeted it" mammon groaned and Lucifer snorted "you could do well to learn that" he said as (name) seemed reminded and handed him back the coin bag, the Omega barely dented it "I got a few things for my hobbies but I brought back the change!" He said sweety and Lucifer had cute aggression at that moment as (name) looked at him with so much pride "you know you could have spent all of this right?" He said a little slow, (name) nodding "but that would be rude, I'm spending all your money without care... I don't like that"

Seriously, how did they manage to be fated with the sweetest Omega?!

"He didn't even but himself actual things for himself! He bought things to make us things!" Mammon groaned out but they all knew he equally swooned at the fact their Omega was so sweet.

But also he didn't buy himself anything, Asmodeus has had to bring him to eat and Beelzebub would put food on it.

"Rural Omega culture is different than cities, they're treated more as a commodity" a maid explained to Asmodeus one night as she helped him get ready for bed, she herself being an alpha from the boonies "an inconvenience would be a better word though, everything your saying shows he was treated like how my love got treated, need to make them feel genuinely valued" she went to explain how omegas need regular scenting and assurance to keep mentally regulated and (name) probably never had that.

Which would explain why he seemed like he was constantly waiting for the next shoe to drop despite growing used to them.

Like it was all going to go away.

His dreams were often that, every night he dreamt of waking up in his old room as his sister lived the life she wanted and he was stuck in that musty bedroom where he would rot.

"Your dreams are noisy" Belphegor mumbled as he crawled into bed with (name) and held him close, pumping out pharamones as he thought smugly about the fact he's technically been in bed with (name) before the others. (Name) Snuggled in his chest and physically relaxed, chirping in his sleep as he clung helplessly to him and he was hooked.

He wanted this more and was already annoyed he would have to share with his brothers.

(Name) Let his mates to be plan the wedding though he and Beelzebub thought of food together, the demon horrified at how little foods he got to experience and made him try everything for the wedding and smiled at his happy face with good food "these are mirangue cookies! Like eating plaster that loves you!" He exolained and (name) basically melted at now delicious it was.

Beelzebub was more than happy to share food with him, his alpha wanting the Omega to be well fed to carry his pups after all.

They were all anxious for mating, their bond slowly making them VERY intense about (name) who after weeks, finally sat close to Satan as he read with him though (name) did struggle a bit "omegas being taught to read is laughable, I taught myself as much as I could" he explained and that's when Satan decided he would read for (name), the two spending an hour or two in the library reading together like how Lucifer spent his time teaching (name) new things when he wasn't busy or just dragging him along with things.

(Name) Was always well behaved, he thought of (name)s family and how they were... How did this come out of THAT.

But now, (name) had one worry...

Would he invite his family to his wedding?

[raginglesbian2006]

Ne Me Quitte Pas

Alastor x angel!reader

Chapter 1: The Song is Ended (But the Melody Lingers on)

Chapter Warnings: Murder, Mentions of rape, Death

The song is ended

But the melody lingers on

You and the song are gone

But the melody lingers on

Masterlist

"Have you ever been in love, Alastor?"

The radio static screeched to a halt. Charlie winced at this, covering her ears.

"What brought you to question this, dear?" Alastor asked after recovering from the initial shock, his ever-present grin looking a bit strained.

Charlie chuckled awkwardly. "Well..," she pointed at the pendant that hung around his neck, sitting atop his garments, "I see you with that beautiful pendant around your neck all the time and you're very protective of it.... so I was just wondering," she trailed off.

Alastor let out a laugh, "Oh my dear, this is nothing," he lied, "Love. What a ridiculous notion!"

Charlie could not help but not believe him, but she let it go anyway; bidding farewell to the radio demon to search for her girlfriend.

Alastor was left alone in his thoughts. His hands reached up to touch the little trinket he sought to wear religiously around his neck.

No, this wasn't nothing. This was everything.

As he walked through the halls of the hotel to reach his room, his mind lingered on you. You were the one who gave him this pendant. You were the one who stole his heart.

Yes, he was in love once. Still is.

He remembers the time he met you- when you became his safe haven. He remembers when you had to leave, far from him and he could do nothing about it.

He also remembers meeting you again- the memory etched in his mind.

It was a bright sunny morning in Louisiana. Alastor was in his studio, narrating the tragic news of the New Orleans Boogeyman striking again. This time, hunting down and killing the nation's "hero", the son of a military veteran. Arnold Miller had followed in the footsteps of his father and had joined the army. His brilliant feats of achievements served as a source of inspiration for every lad in America, more importantly in New Orleans, since it was his place of origin. To everyone else, Arnold was a good soul, always ready to help out people, never backing down from serving the nation he loved so much.

Everyone, except Alastor. Alastor knew of his true nature. Arnold was accustomed to luring in girls - often against their will- taking their dignity, ripping them to shreds, and leaving them to pick up the pieces in front of the ever-scrutinizing society. He used to brag about his "escapades" to his pals, unafraid that anyone would turn against him. Everyone loved him after all. Moreover, he saw no fault in his actions.

Alastor was more than willing to show him his flaws. He regretted not taking care of him earlier, jeopardizing the safety of so many women. But at least he was gone, having faced the end of Alastor's blade. No one would have to deal with another scum like him anymore.

His radio show went on as usual, after the initial murder reports.

He talked about the daily humdrum around the locality, cracked a few jokes on the ever-changing economy, and suggested stores that sold excellent formal wear. This was a routine he'd come to love during his time as a radio host. He was satisfied with the predictability of his shows, and his life by extension.

All in all, he was happy with the hand he was dealt with.

"That is all for today, folks! Be sure to lock your doors tonight and refrain from walking alone at night. You never know when the Boogeyman might jump up behind you!" he chuckled, "And don't forget to smile! You're never fully dressed without one!"

He turned off his feed and sighed as he slumped against his chair. He couldn't wait to go back home already. His ma, although sick, had pestered him to never skip a day of his work. She'd told him he looked miserable whenever he did skip work and she wished nothing but happiness for him.

He assured her that he was happy to stay at home to take care of her but her stubbornness knew no bounds.

"I suppose I do get my grit from her," he wondered.

He took off his headphones and stood up from his chair, stretching his long limbs in the process. He started cleaning up his station, when suddenly he heard a knock.

"Come in," he said, not looking up at the opening door.

"Mr. Alastor!" a chirpy voice greeted him.

It was the young lad he had hired for the smooth running of his little business. Oliver had been thrown to the streets having been unable to pay his rent and Alastor had found him shivering in a corner of the street. Taking pity on him, the radio host offered him a job and a place to stay near the studio. Since then, Oliver had become a rather loyal help to him. Had it not been for his astounding marketing skills, Alastor's radio show would've been far from popular.

"Ah, Oliver!," Alastor hummed, still not looking up at him. He was rather busy making sure his studio was left prim and proper, "Do tell me, how can I be of service?"

Oliver was jumping with excitement, "Well, remember we were having a chat on how the radio station needed a few more hands to handle it, given its booming popularity?"

Alastor hummed as he repositioned the antiquities his mother had gifted him when he opened his studio.

"Well, I found someone willing to take on the ever-daunting task!" Oliver exclaimed and stepped aside, "Meet our newest employee!"

Alastor, still stuck in his own world didn't look up until he heard a sweet voice ringing through.

"Greetings, Mr. Alastor!"

His hands paused for a second. This voice... he'd recognize it anywhere. He turned around abruptly and finally looked at his overexcited acquaintance and the recently recruited employee.

It was you. His breath got caught up in his chest.

"Salutations," he said softly, his mind still not having caught up with the fact that you were in front of him, alive, "May I ask what your name is?"

You uttered what he had wanted to hear. His eyes could not believe it. After all these years, he was finally able to see you. The very person who'd become his safe haven when he was young, the person who'd comforted him during those dark times- when he ran away from home, when he felt scared and alone, the person who'd given him the pendant he wore religiously around his neck before they left.

"Oliver, " he glanced at the boy, "Do go get them a drink. It is quite unsightly for us to not treat the newest addition to our business."

Despite your protests, Oliver nodded his head and ran out the door, eager to please his boss.

When the door closed shut, Alastor let out the breath he was holding in since he saw your face.

He muttered your name, "Dear, is it really you?"

Your eyes blinked for a few seconds before they scrunched up with your growing smile, "I was wondering if you'd forgotten me, Al."

Alastor laughed in disbelief, "Forget you? What utter nonsense. Forgetting you would be a sin so great that even Lucifer would shy away from it."

He slowly approached you, "Besides, " his hands went up to the pendant, "How could I afford to forget when you gifted me this?"

Your eyes shone and you giggled, "You still have that!" Your hands reached out to touch the pendant, but you hesitated and they stayed frozen in the space between the two of you.

Before you could apologize for invading his personal space, his hands drew yours closer. You stumbled forward, placing your hands on his chest, right over the pendant that lay atop it. You blushed at the sudden proximity. His hands slid up to your waist, holding you close. You dared to look up at him.

"By golly, you seem to have gotten much taller," you chuckled, pushing up his glasses that had slid down the slope of his nose, "Last I remember, you were still shorter than me."

His eyes and smile had grown softer, far from his usual demeanor.

"And you still look as beautiful as the day I lost you."

As if your face couldn't possibly get more heated, he managed to make it boiling hot. You tried uttering a response but stuttered halfway through. Taking pride in how he made you speechless, Alastor asked, "When did you arrive here?"

You finally found your voice, "O-oh, I just moved in yesterday! I needed a fresh new environment after having finished my schooling and I decided to come here. I was looking around for a job this morning when I stumbled upon Oliver and he offered me a position at your radio station!"

Alastor tsked, still holding you close, "Cher, you cannot just accept some stranger's proposal for a job. What if he lured you into something dangerous?"

"He told me about your radio show and I trust you with my life so...." you trailed off, looking sheepish.

Alastor chuckled as he shook his head. Letting go of you, he stepped back to pick up the coat that was hanging on his chair. Just as he was doing so, the door burst open to reveal Oliver with a piping hot kettle and a mug.

"I do apologize. Mr. Alastor here only likes drinking coffee so we have no other beverages available," Oliver explained, as he placed the utensils down on the nearby table.

"That won't be necessary now, dear boy," Alastor continued, "I'll be showing them around our city. Do keep the studio prepared and the articles ready for the evening broadcast."

And with that, he offered you his arm, "Shall we?"

You grinned and looped your arm around his and the two of you walked out, leaving behind a very confused Oliver.

"What just happened-"

Alastor's smile widened at the memory. He vividly remembers spending every waking hour with you beside him, now that he'd found you again. He had grown terribly attached to you, but you did not mind it one bit. You enjoyed the attention he showered you with and his company was something you looked forward to each day.

Oliver always joked about the two of you getting together. So it wasn't a surprise to him when you two eventually started courting each other. All he did was lament about being the miserable third wheel.

Alastor remembers how his daily "escapades" had reduced significantly with the more time he spent with you. He did not even realize that fact until the newspapers reported on the disappearance of the New Orleans Boogeyman.

His smile had strained when he'd read the article, his anger growing by every second. How dare they think of him as a coward?

However, all those thoughts dissipated at the sound of your voice. Oh, how you had captured his mind, body, and soul.

He introduced you to his ma soon after he started courting you. Although she couldn't see you properly, given her ailing health and age, she still welcomed you with open arms.

As he stopped going on his "hunts" frequently, his relationship with you grew stronger. You were there with him in every new chapter of his life. When he celebrated his 100th broadcast, you were there celebrating with him. When he experimented with his own twist on his mother's jambalaya, you were right there tasting his creation. When his mother eventually passed away, you were right there comforting him as he sobbed into your shoulder.

On his 30th birthday, you gave him a gift he'd treasure for the rest of his life. He had been complaining about how only one of his eyes had problems with vision and that wearing a pair of glasses proved to be detrimental to his other healthy eye. Taking that into consideration, you had gifted him a monocle. You apologized for how small the gift was and told him that he could return it if he wasn't pleased with it. He had silenced you with a kiss.

You were all he thought about. A life with you beside him was everything he wanted. That is why, he stood there in front of the jewellery shop, inspecting and choosing the perfect ring to propose to you with.

When he was satisfied with his pick, he had stored the little box inside his coat pockets. Oh, how he wished his ma was there to witness all of this. She had always wanted to see him married to someone, happily living the rest of his life under the love and care of his spouse.

Things were just perfect, more than ever before.

Until karma came knocking on his door. Literally. His dead heart still pains at the memory.

Alastor had never lost control of his life after he "took care" of his father. He prided himself on that. It was the control he was after, once he landed in hell and that is what made him a formidable overlord.

But the day he lost you? He'd never felt more helpless.

Alastor brushed some dirt off his clothes as he hummed to the tune of the radio playing in the background. His calm demeanor would fool most but he was undeniably nervous.

Today was the day he would ask you to be his, forever.

Alastor had called you to the little cabin he'd bought in the forest, which also served as his hunting ground- be it for deer or despicable humans.

No matter the atrocities he committed, one could not deny how beautiful the forest looked at night. Fireflies would scatter across the expanse of the land, making nighttime all the more lovelier.

Alastor had planned to get down on one knee with the night sky lit by stars and the glow from the fireflies. He believed it would be the perfect romantic atmosphere to propose to you.

Not long after, he heard a knock at the door. His smile grew impossibly large as he giddily opened the door. Instead of seeing you, however, his face was met with the end of a gun.

"See you in hell, murderer."

Alastor quickly ducked out of the way, letting the bullet whiz past him and hit the wall. The man who held the gun let out a grunt, displeased that his shot missed. Although the man was twice his size, Alastor was able to tackle him to the ground. Still, the man would not let go of his gun, leading the two of them to struggle for the weapon.

"You fucker- you deserve to die for what you did!" screamed out the man.

Alastor let out a laugh, his face looking strained, "I just did what those scums deserved."

In the middle of their struggle, the trigger was pulled once more and Alastor heard the gunshot. The bullet missed him again, this time shooting toward the entrance of the cabin. He hadn't looked away from his opponent for a moment, fearing he'd take advantage of the situation and kill him. However, his ears picked up a singular gasp.

His eyes widened as he looked towards the door, left ajar.

It was you.

Bleeding out of your skull.

Your eyes were wide as saucers, staring at Alastor. Your body trembled as you slid down the door, blood profusely dripping from your head and onto the wooden floors of the cabin. Then, with a loud thump, you fell back, taking your last breath.

Alastor felt his soul leave his body.

no...no...surely this was a dream, right?

Taking advantage of Alastor's vulnerability, the man shoved him aside and got up on his feet, pointing the gun at Alastor.

"Too bad the little missus had to go. It wouldn't have happened if you did not do what you did," the man sneered.

Just as he was about to pull the trigger, Alastor took ahold of his gun and with all the strength in his body, pushed it out of the man's grasp. The gun flew to the side of the cabin, leaving the man unarmed.

Alastor stood up slowly, his facial muscles stretching in a maniacal grin. The man backed down slowly, his body trembling slightly.

"YOU. MADE. A. GRAVE. MISTAKE."

With that, Alastor pounced on the man and started beating him relentlessly, laughing all the while. He did not stop till the man's face had become red and blue beyond recognition and his chest stopped heaving.

Silence enveloped the cabin. In it was Alastor- his hands covered in blood, and two bodies. Alastor walked away from the dead body of the man and moved towards your lifeless figure.

Despite his maniacal grin still present, his eyes welled up with tears as he held your body close. His heart throbbed with immense pain and his mind turned foggy. All he could do was cry into your shoulder, wishing this was all a dream.

The night he was supposed to end with you as his spouse-to-be had now turned into him burying the love of his life. When he was done, he reached out for a stone and carved your initials on it, placing it atop your grave. He sat there for a while. His hands reached into his pocket and he pulled out the ring. He placed it on the stone.

His chest pained as he walked away from your grave. He would come back soon, he just had to dispose of the scum that decided to take his light away from him. Just as he started to turn the wheelbarrow that contained the remains of the man, he heard another gunshot.

This time, it did not miss.

Alastor fell to the floor of the forest. He sidled up to your grave painstakingly, abandoning the wheelbarrow. Blood poured rapidly from his head. Those god-awful hunters had shot him under the cover of this grim night. He somehow managed to rest himself against the tree that was situated right beside your resting place.

"Oh cher, " he wheezed out, "I suppose I wouldn't mind dying next to you."

As if things couldn't get worse, he heard the growls of the hunting dogs close by. His grin widened. So this was how karma came around, taking everything away from him. All that was left was himself.

His bleary eyes followed the imposing figures of the hunting dogs as they surrounded his dying body.

He reached out his hand towards the pendant.

Alastor couldn't even scream when the beasts tore into his body.

"Alastor?"

The radio demon turned towards the princess of hell, her hands laden with plans for the hotel.

"Yes, dear?"

Charlie hesitated, "You seemed a bit lost there. Are you ok?"

Alastor let out a laugh, "Just as jolly as the day I came to hell. Haha!"

Taglist: @yumiburrito , @candyladycry , @sleepykittycx

[velvetgutz]

Mine and Yours… (Pt. 1)

Leon Kennedy x M!reader

Summary: In what was probably the worse situation of your life, drunk and depressed at a bar with people you hate, a stranger at the bar lends you a hand…

Ao3 Link (More parts to come!)

When I pictured going to college for the first time, I thought It would be paradise compared to the pitiful high school experience I had. Never in a million years did I imagine I would be cramped in a shitty, 3 bedroom apartment with assholes from my high school,who judged me constantly for no real reason.

An ex-crush of mine, his girlfriend, and her best friend. All the same people who berated and humiliated me until graduation… But that’s not important.

I’ve always kept to myself, stayed as far away as I could, and minded my own business within the confines of our tiny apartment, not really ever interacting with them, or wanting to. So when they suddenly invited me to go out with them one night for drinks, dread pooled in my stomach. Even using the most absurd excuses couldn’t shake them from dragging me to whatever local bar they were planning to go to. Before I could protest any further, I was shoved into the back someones car, and on the way to the bar.

~

Screeching tires brought me out of an absent minded daze. I guess we’re here. The bar logo flickered every so often, neon lights disappearing in intervals. The place was fairly busy, a couple cars parked here and there. Stepping out into the crisp fall air, I exhaled deeply as a last ditch effort to rid myself of anxiety.

Generic Tiktok trend garbage floods my ears, and a familiar stench of alcohol sets me a bit at ease. My roommates gather at an already occupied booth. oh fucking great. An audible sigh falls from my lips. The occupants are friends of my roommates, all the more reason to be nervous.

Sitting at that table is not an option.

I begrudgingly walk over to the counter, picking the farthest seat possible. Not paying close attention, I ended up in the second-last seat, empty bar stool to my left and an occupied to my right. Waving over the bartender, my order was placed and shortly 2 shots sat in front of me. The more wasted I get the better I’ll feel. A intricate mixed drink was added to the palate for tonight.

From my peripheral view, the figure to my right stole a quick glance at my drinks and then to me, a look you’d miss if you blinked. Fuck, tonight’s gonna be hard…

~

My whole body burned from the alcohol in me. Even after drinking until I was almost too drunk to stand, the bicker and insults from my roommates couldn’t be blocked out. Could they just fuck off. If it wasn’t already obvious, the slurs thrown my way surely gave away there was a gay guy sat in the bar. The embarrassment enveloping me weighed down my body, almost resting my head on the counter as I swirled around another random cocktail in it’s glass.

Downing the last drops of my drink, I attempted to order another before a hand pushed mine flat to the counter.

“Don’t you think that’s enough for tonight, kid?” A rough, deep voice sounded in my ears. Ever so slightly turning my gaze to my right, my eyes focused on the man next to me. A dirty-blonde, mature looking guy. His hand moved from mine.

“Drinking doesn’t make it feel any better, go home.” He talked sternly. Who’s this guy think he is… My displeasure must’ve been written on my face, he let out a small sigh. “What’s the big deal with them anyways?” He tilted his head in the direction of the table behind us.

“My roommates,” I was slurring my words, the liquor was really hitting me. “thought it would be funny to take me out and announce to the whole world what a ‘disgusting faggot’ I am…” Fuck I sound pathetic. My voice came out low and raspy, alongside the slurring. A scoff sounded from the man as he downed the last of his drink. Slowly he stood up and stretched, reaching for my shoulder with a small tug.

“I’m calling you a cab, c’mon” There was that same tone of voice from before. I wanted to refuse and continue drowning myself in booze, but in the state I was in, refusal was impossible.

“I don’t want to go home…” It came out quiet, almost whining. Now half sat up, I was looking him in his eyes, pouting. He pulled me up from my seat the rest of the way and began to drag me out of the bar, laying a few big bills on the counter before our exit.

“I never said you had to go home.” I would’ve missed what he said if not for the sudden change of scenery. Outside the bar was cold, quiet. So quiet. Letting go of my hand, he grabbed a cellphone from his pocket and began calling someone. My whole body buzzed from how quickly I was brought upright and outdoors. Slowly swaying side to side, feeling the wind brush past me. Turning to the man, I watched him pull out a cigarette and bring it to his lips. A cloud of smoke bloomed shortly after as we stood on the sidewalk outside the bar.

“… cab will be here soon.” I was too focused on the way he looked in the streetlights to fully hear what he said. He was glowing, his features accentuated by the dramatic light shining down on us. “You there kid?” His fingers snapped in my face.

“Yeah, sorry…” Fighting myself not to gawk at him again became a challenge. “Where are you bringing me?” He glanced up the road, blinding headlights coming into sight.

“You can take my couch until you’re coherent,” he tossed the last of his cigarette to the ground, putting out the embers with his boot, “then you can go home in the morning.” The cab was here now, screeching to a halt. Grabbing my shoulder again, he guided me to the back of the vehicle, opening the door and motioning me in. Climbing in was hard, I was disoriented from everything I drank. He quickly joined me in the backseats, murmuring an address to the driver and slouching back into the seat next to me. What the fuck is my life… I relaxed as the cab began its route, my vision getting darker by the minute. As I swayed with the rhythm of the car, sleep took over…

[welcometomytrashcan]

Before the Dawn: Chapter III // Logan Howlett

Logan Howlett x f!mutant!reader Chapter 3/4 Read Chapter 2 here Word Count: 1369

Background: You are a mutant with hydrokinetic abilities (think Percy Jackson meets the mermaids from H2O), and arrived at the X-Mansion 4 months before Logan. You started dating Logan after the events of X-Men but before he left for Alkali Lake. You are both in love with each other but have yet to confess it. Takes place within the events of X2, Canon violence, pre-established relationship

With adrenaline pumping through your veins, you and Logan sprinted through the collapsing base. The roar of the dam’s crumbling structure echoed through the metal corridors, water already starting to flood certain sections. But that wasn’t your focus. Right now, you had to find Stryker and stop him—once and for all.

As you stepped outside, you spotted Stryker near a helicopter, preparing for takeoff. Logan moved fast, grabbing Stryker by the throat and slamming him against the helicopter, driving his claws into his sides.

Stryker screamed in agony.

"How does it feel, bub?" Logan growled.

Stryker gasped, "Why did you come back?"

"You cut me open. Took my life. You tried to take Y/N's too," Logan snarled.

Stryker managed a twisted smile. "You make it sound like I stole something. You volunteered for the procedure. As for Y/N... I wasn’t going to pass up that opportunity."

Logan's claws dug in deeper, and Stryker winced.

"Who am I?" Logan demanded.

Stryker smirked. "You're a failed experiment. If you knew your past—the kind of person you were, the work we did—you’d know people don’t change. You were an animal then, Wolverine. You still are."

Stryker glanced at you with a cold grin. "He’s still an animal now."

He turned back to Logan. "I just gave you claws."

Suddenly, an alarm blared from the distance. The ground trembled as the sound of metal screeching and concrete cracking filled the air.

"What the hell is that?" you asked, alarmed.

Logan pressed his claws deeper into Stryker, demanding, "What is it?!"

"The dam’s ruptured," Stryker said through clenched teeth. "It’s going to flood the spillway. It’s too late. In a few minutes, we’ll all be underwater."

You and Logan exchanged a tense look. Stryker glanced between you both, sneering. "You can’t save your friends. They’re as good as dead."

He turned back to Logan. "You’re a survivor. Always have been."

Logan’s face hardened. "I thought I was just an animal—with claws. If we die, you die."

Without hesitation, Logan ripped his claws out of Stryker and shoved him against the helicopter’s wheel, securing him with a chain. You stepped forward, melting the snow beneath him and freezing it again, pinning him to the ground.

"We have to find the others," you said urgently, pulling Logan’s attention back to the base. The rumble of the dam breaking grew louder.

As you started to walk away, Stryker shouted after you both. "There are no answers that way!"

Ignoring him, the two of you raced back toward the base. Jean, Scott, Storm, the students—they all needed to get out before the dam collapsed completely.

The base was shaking violently by the time you reached the others. They were about to head down a pathway that would’ve led them to certain death. Logan thrust his claws into a control panel, slamming a door shut.

"You don’t want to go that way," you called out. "Follow us!"

You helped guide the group back outside, everyone moving as quickly as they could through the snow. But when you reached the spot where the helicopter had been, it was gone.

"Damn it," Logan muttered, scanning the horizon. Panic started to creep in, but then, through the clouds, you saw it—the jet. Rogue was at the controls, with Bobby helping her.

The jet descended, wobbling dangerously as Rogue struggled to keep it steady.

"She’s not going to make it," you said, fear creeping into your voice.

Rogue managed to land the jet roughly onto the ground.

"Go help them onto the jet!" Logan ordered, his tone sharp but firm. "I’ll catch up."

"What about you? What are you—"

"I need to take care of something," he interrupted. "Go."

Reluctantly, you nodded and ran toward the others, helping them board the unstable jet. Despite the chaos, you kept it together, focused on getting everyone to safety.

Once everyone was aboard, you glanced back and saw Logan confronting Stryker again. Stryker was chained up, thanks to Magneto, and Logan stood below him.

"Who has the answers, Wolverine?" Stryker taunted. "Those people? That creature you’re with?"

Logan didn’t reply. He glared up at the man who had ruined his life, the man who had turned the woman he loved into his own weapon. “I’ll take my chances,” Logan spat, tearing off his dog tags and dropping them at Stryker’s feet before turning his back on him.

As Logan walked away, Stryker shouted after him. "One day, someone will finish what I started, Wolverine! One day!"

Logan jogged back to the jet, leaping inside just as the ground shook violently beneath you. The dam was about to burst.

"Are you okay?" you asked as he rejoined you, your hand brushing down his arm in comfort.

Logan gave a small nod. "I am now."

He planted a firm kiss on your forehead.

"Come on, get us out of here!" he called, strapping himself in.

Storm and Scott scrambled to start the jet, but the engines sputtered and failed. The cabin filled with tension as everyone realized that the water was coming fast.

“Why isn’t it working?” you yelled, fear rising in your throat as the water rushed toward the jet.

And then, in the chaos, Charles’ voice softly called out. “Jean?”

You looked around, suddenly realizing Jean was missing. Panic gripped you, and you shot a glance toward Scott, who was frantically looking around as well.

“She’s gone,” Scott muttered, his voice strained. “Jean… where is she?”

You bolted to the back of the jet, searching for any sign of her. Your heart pounded in your chest as you screamed, “Jean! No! You can’t do this!”

But as you reached the door, it slid shut in your face. Through the window, you saw her standing outside, her eyes glowing with power, her face set in grim determination.

“No!” Scott yelled, banging his fists against the glass. “Jean! Don’t do this!”

You felt a pang of guilt slice through your chest. You could’ve helped. You could’ve used your powers to manipulate the water, to do something. But your leg was still weak from the earlier fight, and you weren’t strong enough to control the water currents. You hadn’t been at the school long enough to master your abilities. I could’ve helped her…

Outside, Jean’s powers surged, and she lifted the jet with her telekinesis, guiding it into the air. The water from the dam swirled around her, bending to her will. She was holding back an entire flood.

You pressed your hands against the glass, tears streaming down your face as you tried to reach out with your powers. “Jean!” you called, but your voice was lost in the roar of the flood.

Scott’s voice broke, trembling with anguish. “Jean… please.”

But it was too late. With a final, heartbreaking glance at Scott, Jean guided the water around the jet, holding it at bay just long enough to save you all. The jet soared into the air, leaving Jean behind.

You searched desperately for her in the water, your hydrokinesis pushing you to the limit. But with the blood loss from your leg and the overwhelming force of the current, you couldn’t sense her. You weren’t strong enough.

As the jet ascended higher, the reality of what had just happened sank in. Jean was gone. And it was your fault. You should’ve been able to do something. You could’ve saved her.

The silence in the jet was deafening. Scott collapsed into his seat, his face pale and stricken with grief. You sat down, staring blankly at the floor, guilt clawing at your insides.

“I could’ve helped her,” you whispered, more to yourself than anyone else. Tears streamed down your face, and the weight of Jean’s sacrifice pressed heavily on your chest.

Logan placed a hand on your shoulder, his voice low. “It wasn’t your fault.”

But you couldn’t shake the feeling that it was. You’d failed her. You’d failed Logan. And now Jean was gone because of it.

The jet flew through the sky, but the atmosphere inside was heavy with grief and guilt. The battle wasn’t over, but as you sat there, surrounded by your team, you couldn’t help but feel that you’d already lost.

Tag List: @spacemacandcheese @oscarissac2099 

[ynbabe]

Fake texts au- pt.9 bffs with the rookies+ The Hangover II

| Masterlist |

"WHAT THE FUCK!" the boy's Australian accent echoed throughout the room, making the employees stare at the group of seven.

"What the hell did you guys do? Zak's texting me about it because you aren't picking up your phone." His older teammate explained making everyone stare at the usually timid boy.

He patted his jeans and hoodie, "I can't find my phone, do one of you have it?" He asked his friends making the three check around but finding nothing, "Call Alex he's still in the room, maybe I've left it there." He said making Y/n reach for the phone but finding nothing, Arthur and Logan, checked for theirs but did not find them either.

"What the fuck?" Y/n asked, "Where are all our phones?" She looked at the older men for answers.

Max and Charles looked disappointed and Lando looked like all his prayers had been answered, "Finally, I'm not the irresponsible kid of the grid!" He exclaimed gleefully making the four shoot glares at him, Oscar most annoyed of all, threw his table napkin at his teammate.

"Wait, Oscar, what's on your hand?" Max asked, reaching out to hold the younger boy's hand, pushing the sleeve of his hoodie up to reveal a haphazardly placed blue stamp. "Seriously, y'all went to-" Max expressed his disbelief as the others rolled up their sleeves to find the same stamp.

"Who let you guys in? You can't get in without a sponsor?" Max asked.

"of course, you'd know about a club like that," Charles remarked, making Lando laugh and nudge his friend and Max rolled his eyes at the antics of the two men sitting on either side of him.

"Wait, fuck, I remember- My friend got us in," Y/n spoke up, getting flashbacks of the night before.

"Of course," Arthur began but then remembered a memory of his own, "Oh my god, we went to the hospital too, 'cause I fell... from somewhere," he groaned.

"Did we go to the zoo? why do I have so many scratches?" Oscar complained, looking at his arms.

"Oh my god, Y/n look at your face!" Logan whisper-yelled, making everyone stare at the young woman.

"Wha- rude!" she said but pulled Lando's phone out of his hand, turning on the camera. "WHAT THE FUCK!" she screeched, touching her nose, which was turning black and blue, much like the bruises on Arthur and Logan.

Arthur poked at her eyebrow making her hiss, as she swatted his hand away, "What the fuck even happened?" she asked and looked around, passing the phone back to Lando.

"Okay, okay, wait, timeline time," Oscar said, making everyone turn to him.

"Like the Hangover?" Logan asked, "Exactly," his friend replied.

"Okay, so, we were in the club till midnight," Arthur began.

"Then we went out to get food to McDonalds, till like 1, I think," Logan continued.

"And then we went to my club," Y/n said, with a look of regret.

"That's where you all lost your phones," Max said, making everyone look at him for an explanation, "they take people's phones away so people can have privacy." The Dutchman shrugged.

"Wait but didn't we call you?" Y/n asked.

"Yes, from Lando's phone,"

"Lando, you were there the whole time!?" Oscar yelled, looking at his teammate accusingly,

"I so wasn't," he yelled back, I was at the club with Carlos," he said.

"oh okay, yeah, that explains it," Y/n shrugged,

"Anyways, I met, the four of you while going home, but you all DRAGGED me to where you all were going," He continued, "Y/n and Arthur already had a hospital band around their wrists, I think maybe that's where the 20k went,"

"Fucking American healthcare," Y/n exhaled as she touched her nose again.

"And you all stole my phone and called Max like a Billion times, and then Max and Charles got there and Arthur and Logan began climbing a fucking building and Oscar and y/n kept going onto the road."

Everyone looked at him dumbfounded, finally the only reaction was Arthur running out of the room to throw up.

"Lightweight," Y/n and logan said at the same time, laughing after they realised.

"Uh, Y/n," Charles called out to the girl, scrolling on his phone, "Did you post on your account, last night?

"FUUUUCK"

we are scandalingggggggg, next is the last chapter of the Hangover saga 😥 kinda sad but I've got a lot planned for later!

But what do you guys prefer? Writing, Insta-styled posts or fake texts? or a combination of all three?

Taglist: @dark-night-sky-99 @cashtons-wife @i-wish-this-was-me @thehufflepuffavenger1 @eugene-emt-roe @fangirl-dot-com

[yisony07]

Trick-and-Treat

Hello hello, despite still being on break, I wanted to take the opportunity to leave you this "thematic" story. I hope you like it!

"I still can't believe you went to that abandoned house and stole that thing," John said in a mix of laughter and disbelief as he stared wide-eyed at his friend Mark. “How on Earth did you do it?”

“Hehehe… you wanna know?” Mark asked with a smirk on his face, while holding a peculiar jack o lantern wrapped in a blanket, which was black on the outside and red on the inside. “When we get home I’ll explain.”

The sky was turning orange at sunset when both men arrived at Mark's apartment. It was the evening before Halloween and the pair of friends had been invited to a party at one of the most popular fraternities at his college. John took a seat on the couch while Mark placed the flashlight somewhere he considered special; in the end, he left it on a shelf near his bed. Mark returned to the living room.

"Well, this is what happened," and he proceeded to tell his story.

(Mark)

As the sky debated whether to stay blue or turn orange, a young man walked cautiously down the street. He saw around him how the houses were decorated with ghosts, witches, pumpkins, skeletons... the spirit of the festival of the dead roamed around, cheering the spirited and frightening the weak. Mark was one of the spirited ones, and what better time than Halloween to explore an abandoned house?

He left the university campus and headed to the edge of the city. Set back from the street, there was a house whose wood had several cracks and holes, the windows were dusty and legends said that there was a treasure guarded by a sleeping spirit, who only woke up during these times to curse thieves.

"Bullshit," Mark thought with a smirk as he stepped onto the grass that separated him from the house.

When he was in front of the door, he looked back to see if anyone saw him: luckily for him, there was no one. He took out his phone and sent a message to his friend John.

Come see me as soon as you can in this place, I'm gonna explore it.

Mark took a few steps to the threshold, grabbed the cold doorknob, and opened it. It was surprising that he had opened up so easily. Even though it was still afternoon, it was almost impossible to see in there, while the dust on the windows prevented the sun's rays from passing through.

"Now, where will the blessed treasure be?" he asked as he entered. When his foot was inside the house, a wind blew around him which made his hair stand on end and the door slammed shut. "What the...?!" he shouted, but calmed down in a few seconds. "It was just the wind..."

Mark walked around the site covering his mouth and nose to avoid the dust. He was going in a bit of a hurry, but he was careful not to trip over anything, although that task was complicated, since everything was almost in darkness. A creak made him look around, but there was nothing, or so it seemed. The whisper of the wind and the screech of wood with each step he took did not help the situation.

"I must be close," he thought, unable to hold back a cough.

Suddenly, Mark fell to the ground as he tripped on something hard that reached his calves. Getting up, Mark did his best to both wipe some of the dirt off and see what had caused him to fall.

"What an idiot!" he exclaimed, taking out his phone and turning on the flashlight. "Why didn't I think of it before?" he said before pointing at the object.

It was a black chest with gold edges. It was slightly open and a strange smell of rotten pumpkin emanated from it. Mark pointed around, but he didn't seem to see anything more interesting than the typical objects of a house with cobwebs on them and in a deplorable state of disrepair, so he returned to the chest, opened it, and with one hand took out the contents.

"This is the blessed treasure?" he questioned with clear disappointment upon seeing a reddish jack-o-lantern cloaked in a dark cloak.

He checked the chest for anything else. Someone else had probably ransacked the house before him, not only for the "treasure of little value" but also for the fact that the chest was in plain sight... well, that it was not hidden.

Mark took a photo as evidence and made his way back outside. Something strange was that, near the door, Mark heard a low cry:

"MARK!!!"

He looked everywhere with open eyes, but nothing seemed to have been the source. After a few seconds, he heard his name again.

"Mark! Mark!"

It sounded very different from the first call, but perhaps it was his ears playing tricks on him, as these screams sounded like the voice of his friend, John. He opened the door and left the house; he left never to return.

"And then I found you at the entrance…," he concluded with a triumphant smile.

"How cool! Imagine when you tell everyone at the frat party!"

"I'll finally be a legend and be recognized properly," Mark said.

"Well, I have to go, I haven't decided on my costume yet, do you want to come?"

"Nah, I'll see what I wear," and Mark couldn't hold back a yawn. "I'll take the opportunity to take a nap and be full of energy there!"

"Okay, see you around, bud."

And John walked away, leaving Mark alone in his house. Mark went to take a shower and wash off the dirt and smell that the visit to that house left on him.

When he came out of the bathroom, he only put on boxers and night pants, leaving his torso exposed. Then, he set the alarm on his phone an hour before the party, turned off the lights, and went to take a nap on his comfortable bed.

Even for the time, it was unusually cold, which made Mark's sleeping body shiver (although he didn't use fans or air conditioning). The sound of a glass object breaking suddenly woke him up.

"What the hell?" Mark said with a hint of fear. With his gaze he scanned the room and, in the seconds it took him to get used to being awake, he realized that a vase that his mother had given him before she died had broken, and his remains were scattered. on the floor. "How the fuck did this happen?" he asked, as the vase was neither in a corner nor near a window.

He looked around him and noticed the jack-o-lantern he had stolen, seemingly staring at him with an evil smile on his face. It seemed to be emitting a gloomy glowing smoke.

Mark dismissed any idea that it was a haunted object and carefully got up to find the broom and dustpan. He got another scare when, upon entering, he noticed that the flashlight was not on the shelf, but on the desk where he did his homework.

"It can't be, I must be hallucinating..." he told himself as he cleaned and threw away the fragments of the vase. "But just in case..."

Mark took the pumpkin, carried it to the apartment door, leaving it on the floor next to the frame, and returned to his room. He checked the time, there was still time before the alarm, so he lay back down on the bed.

"Maybe it was just a nightmare." he said, covering himself with the sheets.

A weak and low murmur sounded in the room while smoke entered through the cracks in the door. Disturbed by what had happened to him, Mark had not been able to sleep again, so he opened his eyes.

A mass of smoke floated in front of the door to his room in a gentle swirl. The door opened by itself and the reddish pumpkin floated towards him wrapped in the cloak, which extended towards the ground as if an invisible being was wearing it.

Before Mark could scream or escape, the smoke lashed out at him, grabbing him by the limbs. Mark struggled, but the smoke's grip was insurmountable; The pumpkin floated until it was close to his face, the cape gently brushing his legs.

"You think you're very brave invading other people's property, huh?" said a deep voice, the same deep voice that had raised the first scream in the house. The voice seemed amused, as if he were cruelly playing with a new toy, "You feel like you're the coolest thing and that people will admire you for breaking the law, right? Well, it's my turn to steal something from you."

Mark was wide-eyed and lip-trembling, unable to respond with anything more than an "I'm sorry..."

"I don't want your apologies… Trick or treat? You'll get tricked!"

The smoke holding Mark pulled down his pants, revealing a cock that was a little big so as not to be hard.

"Coming!"

The smoke lifted Mark and released him, leaving him in the air for a few seconds. In those endless seconds, all the smoke entered his body through all the orifices: mouth, nostrils, ears, penis, ass... Not even Mark's moans or kicks did anything to prevent it. With an evil laugh, no trace of the gas was left outside. Mark felt like a million bugs were moving inside him as he fell back into bed, or like a boiling river. His body shook non-stop and little by little he felt how he lost control over them. First his legs, then his torso, then his arms…

His body rose on its own and remained standing. One of her hands was massaging her nipples while the other went towards her penis. Mark groaned involuntarily.

"I haven't felt this in a long time..." said the spirit from the jack-o-lantern. "But it will be better when it is complete!" she added, and the head floated to rest on top of Mark's, the cape surrounding him from the shoulders.

"No, no, no..." Mark said, shaking his head from side to side, but his hands left their positions and made his head stay still, so that the pumpkin lowered as if it were a helmet. .

And when the pumpkin aligned itself with his features, Mark fell unconscious.

*Beep, beep, beep...*

The sound of an alarm made him open his eyes. Everything looked confusing. He blinked several times until everything became clear. He jumped up from the floor (why was he on the floor?) While he felt his hard cock and walked to the mirror.

Wait... Mark thought, why am I moving?

"Why?" his voice responded sarcastically, and his gaze fell on the mirror.

The cape fell over him elegantly. He was wearing a formal yet out-of-period suit with its sleeves with flourishes. His head was covered with a jack-o-lantern that served as a helmet.

"Because now I'm in control," the new Mark said, taking it off.

His features were similar to Mark's except for the reddish glow in his eyes and the real vampire fangs he had grown. The spirit ran his new tongue over his lips and formed a smile as he inspected his appearance. He moved his hands to the buttons of his shirt and unbuttoned the top ones, so that he could show off those juicy pecs.

"Looks like I'm ready to party," he said, laughing. A grimace of pleasure crossed his face. "Fuck... how much I missed this..." he added, undoing the strap and opening his pants, so that his enormous bulge under his boxers was exposed.

Wh-wh-what are you going to do with me? Mark asked, unable to control his body.

"Didn't you want to please everyone by showing off your prowess? I'll just give them proof of our... my abilities," he replied as he rubbed his bulge.

NO!!!! Mark shouted, but it was no use.

The spirit went to the party, leaving everyone surprised by the lascivious and shameless way in which he was dressed.

"Trick or treat," the spirit said through Mark, grinning lasciviously at those present and slapping his ass. "I'm ready to give everyone a good treat."

And Mark, defeated, witnessed and felt how his body was used like a slut to satisfy everyone's horny desires, including the incessant pleasure-seeking of the spirit that controlled him.

-The End-

Trick or Treat everybody!!

[ccycloneblogging]

Idk way but seeing catnap chasing dogday is quite funny.

But idk way but I can see player/angle. Just standing there like it a normal day like there not even trap in the factory

I had a lot of fun drawing that little chase, but you are also so right.

In fact, that inspired me to actually write some fanfiction! All below the cut, but sadly no drawings to go along with it (for now).

"Angel!!!" It was a screech, mixed with a pitiful whining and another plee for help.

Only to be promptly followed by heavy footsteps and the sound of furious hissing.

Angel gave a heavy sigh, leaning against one of the upright picnic tables as they simply watched the scene before them.

DogDay, a small cartoon dog with sunny orange fur and a personality to match, was bouncing around. Desperately, he was trying to avoid the large purple paws of the feline chasing him down. Every clawless swipe had missed so far, but the cat's aim was getting better.

"Angel, Please!!!"

Angel sighed again, raising a hand to rub their temples. Two hours. Two hours ago, Angel had first found this little pup handing in a rotting cell. Two hours ago, they freed him and returned his legs. Two hours ago, their life was quiet.

They had begrudgingly allowed DogDay to follow them, concerned the pup would be helpless. They were pleasantly surprised to see he could handle himself, but his looney behavior leaved much to be desired. Simple tasks became jokes, stealth was no longer an option, and Angel was almost positive they could hear a faint laugh track playing every so often.

The worst part?

Ever since they freed the dog, CatNap became unpredictable. Ollie had warned them that this monstrous cat would hide in the shadows and hunt them, but this? This wasn't something any of them had expected.

CatNap gave a rather loud hiss, lunging forward with a powerful pounce. The orange pup was helpless, unable to dart to the side this time, and was tackled to the ground.

The two toppled over, again and again as they came to a stop on the hard paved floor of PlayCare. Once more, CatNap returned to a smaller size like DogDay, though he had him pinned to the ground.

DogDay wheezed, trying to force air back into his lungs. It wasn't easy, as CatNap firmly sat on his chest.

"Apologize." CatNap's voice was distorted, thanks to his voice box being broken long ago. His white eyes narrowed, his tail thrashing.

"You took my legs."

"You lost our game. You knew the risks."

"But you chained me to a wall! And left me there!"

"I came back for you." The cat huffed, his purple ears flat against his head. "It kept you safe from the minis. Or so... I thought it would."

"Angel!" The dog whined, tilting his head up to spot the human a few feet away. Without hesitation, he shot them the most pitiful looking puppy eyes he could manage.

Two hours of this.

Angel would have theorized that CatNap was simply territorial, but frankly? They didn't need to guess. Yes, CatNap wanted to serve the Prototype. Yes, horrible things occurred and he made efforts to stop Angel from cutting off the red gas.

But CatNap made no attempt to hurt them.

He watched them running around, only providing small obstacles to stop them - which only encouraged DogDay's wackier side to show more. Angel was convinced that this cat, though loyal to the prototype, had his heart set towards something more.

"You two are acting like children." They frowned. They shouldn't be scolding their enemy - if they could even call CatNap one. "If you two are going to do this, can you at least play a little quieter?"

"I thought he had died!" CatNap hissed. "You stole him from me! I thought -!"

"...What?" This got DogDay's attention as he snapped his head back to look up at the cat. "Angel freed me, and we were chased around by the minis for a bit. They saved me."

"I... I saw the human." CatNap's frown deepened as he flexed his claws. "I needed to see if they harmed you, so I went to your cage. I found minis, eating and bloodied orange fur scattered around the cell. I found your belts, torn and cut. I thought..."

"Oh, Moonbeam..." DogDay's voice softened, reaching over to the cat to gently pull him in for a hug.

Angel rolled their eyes again.

At least Huggy had been simple. Hungry beast, shove off catwalks. Miss Delight? Hungry creature who went insane? Smash into a wall.

But CatNap? He seemed to love only two things. The prototype, and this odd dog. Even the severed legs hadn't been an issue. They were in the next cell over, casually walking around on their own. DogDay hadn't experienced any pain reattaching them. The belt on his waist and some torn fur were the only signs that he had been ripped in half to begin with.

It didn't make sense to the human, and it certainly wasn't adding up how this cat needed comforting from the same one he had torn and held captive - or even why the dog was providing such tender moments so easily.

CatNap looked furious, still trying to stare daggers at the human. Though... It was impossible to take him seriously as DogDay nuzzled into him. Even more so when a soft purr escaped the cat.

Whatever.

So long as the cat wouldn't try to kill them, and Angel could escape this hellhole, they wouldn't ask any further questions. All they really wanted was to go back home and sleep in their own bed, preferably away from any sort of cartoon.

...Though deep down? Angel had a feeling that dream would be impossible now.

[alectoperdita]

WIP Wednesday

Wrote this several days ago but might as well share bits now. A treat hopefully for those looking for one. Things are starting to get real in the Leverage AU between hitter!Jou and hacker!Seto.

---

"Fuck me," he ordered, already climbing over the middle console into Jounouchi's lap.

"Here?" the man screeched. "Now?"

Seto grabbed the hitter's chin and forced him to look him in the eye. "You owe me. I almost drowned. I nearly die—"

A savage kiss cut off him, putting end to the hysterical tirade pouring out of his mouth, burning worse than the chlorinated water he vomited after clawing out of the pool. It was everything Seto could've asked for and more. They kissed, nipping at lips and sliding their tongues together, without breaking for air. Simply trying to mold together into one being. Soon, Seto's head swam. He couldn't breathe. For a second, he was thrown back into the pool, fighting the darkness edging in around his vision. Lungs burning, burning. But there was no air, no—

They surfaced, gasping for air. Clinging to one another as if they were each other's life raft and only chance of survival.

"You're alive. I won't let anything happen to you," Jounouchi swore against his mouth.

Seto wanted to believe him so much that it ached. Yesterday, he would've believed him without question. Which only went to show what a fool Seto had become. Betrayal was the only constant in his life; his parents who died and abandoned him, his relatives who dumped him and his brother at an orphanage after they stole what little inheritance they had, the orphanage administrators who forcibly separated him from Mokuba for their own profit.

Did he really think Jounouchi could be the exception?

It shouldn't be a surprise. But for the first time, a rage rampaged through his hollow chest. His throat tightened around an uncomfortable lump. A terrible pressure crushed his heart in a vise. He wanted to rail against the injustice of it. Against the violent nature of the solitude imposed on him.

"You let him handcuff me, dump me into the pool," he hissed, even his eyes stung, "and you left me there."

For the first time, Jounouchi failed to leap to his defense. He'd taken hits and stabbings for Seto, but this time? He left Seto to his fate of a lonely watery grave.

Thick brows knitted together. Jounouchi's expression was so guilt-ridden that it made Seto nauseous. "I know. I know. I'm sorry. If I thought it would've helped, I would've dove in right after ya. But Daimon would've had us both shot right there if I did that."

Seto knew that. He wasn't an idiot. If Daimon suspected either of them of lying, that was the end for them. They wouldn't be here arguing about it. Yet knowing so didn't make it any better, because he realized he had hoped against hope Jounouchi would put him first, even if it might've doomed them.

[a-dose-of-comatose]

What Adam does for lute when she’s mad at him

How Mad is She?

***

Lute was in the zone. There were only three minutes left until the end of Extermination Day and she was plowing through Sinners with as much vigor as if only three minutes had passed.

She was surrounded by ten or so Sinners, nothing she couldn’t handle on her own, but Adam had kept his axe fairly clean that day - so why wouldn’t he hop in to help?

As he sliced through five of them with one large swing Lute screamed, “Adam! What the fuck are you doing?!”

He scoffed, “I’m picking fucking dandelions - what the fuck does it look like I’m doing?”

She ripped her sword out from the last Sinner’s chest with an angry huff, “Go find your own!” She stomped. “God-fucking-damnit!” She stabbed her sword through the Sinner’s chest once more.

“I think you got him, Tits-”

She frantically looked down at her watch before letting out a long screech. She sounded like a tantruming toddler.

“Dude - what’s your fucking problem?” Adam questioned.

“There’s only one minute left in the Extermination and I still need to kill two more sinners to beat my record from last year!” She yanked her helmet off her head and threw it at the pile of bodies bleeding red onto the surrounding brimstone. “And by my calculations you just stole fucking five from me, you dipshit!”

His jaw dropped as she continued to stop through the puddles of blood to retrieve her stained helmet. “Bitch! That’s not fair!” he protested, “how was I supposed to know-”

“I had them!” Her knuckles clenched shut. “I fucking had them!”

At that moment their watches began to chime, signaling the end of another Extermination.

“I cannot fucking believe you!” She groaned, slinging the helmet back on, not so much as wincing as it flung still warm blood over both herself and Adam. 

He opened the portal back to Heaven and watched as the Exorcists took to the sky. 

Looking back to Lute, he rolled his eyes, and reminded her, “There’s always next year.”

That was a mistake.

“Did you just roll your fucking-” she cut herself off, taking a deep breath before spitting between clenched teeth, “Y’know what? Fuck you.” 

“Lute, can we please just talk about this?” 

She grabbed her sword and took flight without so much as looking back down at him.

“Fucking women.” He grumbled as he followed suit.

***

“Lute, babe for real?” He banged his forehead against the bathroom door, grimacing as the shower turned on. “We always shower together after the Extermination!”

“I’m mad at you!” She shouted back. “Go shower somewhere else!”

He groaned, “But Lute!”

“I don’t want to fucking hear it, Adam!”

“Does this mean no head?”

From beyond the closed door she threw something hard and fast his direction. The shockwave of its impact went through the thin door and directly into his skull. “Ow! Fuck!” He jumped back. “Okay, maybe I deserved that one-”

He could hear the venom dripping from her voice as she screamed again, “What part of ‘I don’t want to hear it’ are you not getting? Go the fuck away!”

Adam ran a hand through his matted helmet hair. The next Extermination wasn’t for another year - and Lute could hold a grudge longer than anyone he had ever met - and he was the first man, he had met a lot of people throughout his long afterlife. 

He begrudgingly pulled out his phone, typing into the search engine 

‘How to apologize to my angry girlfriend’

He mindlessly scrolled through options that simply wouldn’t work for Lute. Bullshit like ‘speak to her rationally’ and ‘admit your wrongdoings’ before he found the perfect option.

‘Buy her flowers’

He quickly ducked out through the front door, and even faster opened a portal to the nearest flower shop. Adam had passed it hundreds of times but never set foot inside - he had never had a reason to. 

Until now.

“Hello!” A chipper voice called from the back. “I will be right with you!”

“All good!” Adam called back, realizing just how out of his element he was, surrounded with all the blooming plants in every imaginable shape and color. 

The Winner waltzed to the counter, tying an apron around his waist. “Hi sir, I’m David. How can I help - woah. You, uh,” he stuttered, “you have a little something on your robes, sir.”

Adam looked back down at his robes. The ones he hadn’t had a chance to change out of since getting home from Hell. “Oh shit-” he muttered, “yeah. I was - uh - baking.”

“You were baking?”

“Yeah.” Adam reaffirmed, trying to convince himself it was a believable excuse just as much as he tried to convince the shopkeeper. “Yeah, that’s why I’m here. I kinda fucked up with my girlfriend and she’s pretty pissed.”

“How mad is she?” He asked.

Fuck. How was he supposed to explain that his psychotic girlfriend was mad that he killed off what would have been lucky numbers two hundred and thirty-six through two hundred and forty-one? 

“Well-” He exhaled. “We were baking - and my girl, she’s one of those real competitive types - y’know how it is.” He waved his hand. “We were on the last few - um - cupcakes before a deadline, and I may have tried to help her when she didn’t want it - and I guess it messed up some goal she had so she got pissed and threw,” he looked down to the blood on his robe, “jelly at me.”

“No. How mad is she?” The florist rolled his eyes before pointing up at a sign directly above his head. 

The letters read:

‘How Mad Is She?’ followed by pictures of three bouquets ranging in size - A being the smallest, and C being the largest.

“Based on the fact that you’re covered with-” he paused to look Adam up and down, “-jelly, I’m thinking you might need a C.”

“Yeah.” He nodded. “Definitely a fucking C.”

“Let’s ring you up and then get you outta here.” David reassured. “That’ll be one hundred and twenty heaven bucks.”

“Oh you gotta be fucking kidding me.”

***

Adam tentatively knocked at the bedroom door when he got home. “Hey, Lute-” he drew out her name, “can I come in?”

“Fine,” she grumbled, “but I’m still mad at you.”

He opened the door, and was greeted by her mouth dropping open in shock. “You got me flowers?”

He smirked. “I did.”

“I was mad - so you got me flowers?”

Uh oh. That wasn’t the intended reaction. 

“Surprise?” He offered, approaching the bed.

Her angry eyebrows softened as she struggled to contain a laugh, her gorgeous grin spreading across her cheeks as she finally cracked. “You fucking dork.”

“I’m sorry for fucking up your kill count today.”

“It’s alright,” she sighed. “I’m sorry for snapping at you like I did. The flowers are sweet, thank you.”

 He grinned, leaning in for a kiss. “Nothing but the best for you.”

She pushed him back playfully. “Nuh uh. Not until we get you cleaned up.” She hopped out of the bed.

Taking his hand she pulled him towards the bathroom. “Wait - does that mean?”

“It’s not a post Extermination shower if we don’t do it together.” She relented.

Adam looked to the ceiling and whispered a silent thank you, to god, to the internet, and to fucking David at the flowershop. 

The flowers fucking worked.

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Vesuvia Weekly: The Marketplace Incident

~ my little written sketch for @vesuviaweekly's prompt "How Things Went Wrong (feat the Arcana familiars)". Enjoy an afternoon from the perspective of my fandom self-insert :3 ~

Word count: 1.5k

The marketplace really is the best spot to write in. The bustle of afternoon shoppers in the sunny square is a soothing view from my shaded nook, tucked between Selasi's booth and an alleyway of stairs. The steady sea breeze makes the parchment in front of me flutter, carrying the smell of spiced bread as it tousles my hair from my forehead.

"Need a refill?" The baker leans on the stone wall above the low table I'm pretending to draft my next story on. "Maybe it will help the ink flow better."

"Thanks, Selasi, but I'm afraid I've barely had a sip." I gesture to my mostly-full clay cup. "It's a good blend, though - what did you use for it this time?"

"A craftsman never shares his secrets." He hunches closer, not-so-subtly trying to sneak a peek at my handwriting. "What is today's writing about? More of our six friends' adventures, by a friendly young man whose signature is a rotting brain?"

I roll my eyes at his teasing smile. "Okay, using the moniker 'brainrot' doesn't automatically mean gruesome physical decay -"

We both jump at the sudden cat's yowl from the direction of the baker's counter. A fuzzy orange blur streaks to my corner, tiny claws digging into my shirt as it uses me as a ladder to get to Selasi's shoulder.

"Pounce? What is it, little one?"

"Bad dogs!" Faust's face pops into view, her body slowly unwinding from the cloth umbrella over me.

I barely have time to stabilize her plop onto my arm before I catch sight of two more barking fuzzy blurs tearing around the corner, a screeching raven flapping frantically after them. All three start heading in my direction as soon as they see me stand up to intervene. "Mercedes, Melchior! Come here!"

As ill-trained as I know Lucio's dogs are, the half-finished roll I hold out in their direction is more than enough to convince them. They slide to a halt in front of me, paws and tail still skittering from side to side, eyes trained on the treat. The flustered raven descends on my shoulder and Faust scoots onto Selasi's arm to give him more space.

"It's rare to see these fellows here without their owners ..." The baker runs his hand over Pounce's bushed-out tail in a soothing arc. "Did something happen?"

"What didn't happen?" I mumble in response. I don't think I recognize the strange goop Faust has left on my shirt, or the hooped earring in Malak's beak, or the concerningly pleasant smell wafting off of the dog's silky coats. I hold out my palm in front of the bird on my shoulder. "Give me the shiny, please. Which friend did you take this from?"

"Took it when I squeezed!"

"Who did you squeeze, Faust? Was it Julian?"

"Stinky count. Stole my fishies!"

The hissed voice clearly belongs to a cat, but it's not coming from the trembling ginger tabby in Selasi's arms. Pepi lopes into view on the wall above me with a smug look on her little face. Oh, right. I keep forgetting that she learned how to talk ...

"Lucio ... stole your fish?"

"Pepi earned the fishies - Pepi was a good cat and caught all the rats! Went to the docks to get the fishies, but he took them first!"

I try to piece the narrative together, noticing what looks like a pearly white owl listening in from the roof of the booth. "So ... Portia went to buy Pepi some fish, but Lucio bought them first? Where did the earring come from?"

"Master tried to help!"

"Oh, did Asra try to trade their earring for the fish? I thought his piercings closed up years ago."

Malak caws loudly in protest. Faust wiggles and bobs from her perch on Selasi's shoulder as the distant owl takes off for a different corner of the marketplace.

"Not Master's earring."

I study the golden hoop, finally catching the protective gleam in Malak's eye. "Ohh, this is Julian's, isn't it? Okay, from the top." I watch five pairs of animal eyes point back in my direction. "Portia went to get fish for Pepi, but Lucio bought them first. Asra tried to intervene, and then Julian offered an earring that he apparently owns to bargain for the fish with. Is that right?"

I almost miss the variety of nods when a thick coat of fur unexpectedly brushes across the backs of my knees. When I look down, it's right into Inanna's bright green eyes - and the torn bag of rice in her mouth. She drops it at my feet, spilling the grains across the ground and sending Malak into a flurry of indignant squawks. The wolf curls up for a nap at my heels, completely unfazed. Selasi gently sets Faust on my abandoned parchment and returns to his oven with an amused "good luck!"

"O-Okay." I drag my hand down my face and do my best to analyze the mess. "So why do the dogs smell nice, why is Faust slimy enough to smudge my ink, and why am I the one currently holding Julian's mystery hoop?"

"Squeeze the thief! Rescue the shiny! Run away fast!"

Faust bleps her tongue proudly, while Pepi takes a smug seat on the stones and the dogs begin to growl. One warning huff from the large wolf pretending to sleep behind me quietens the impending ruckus.

"And ... do I want to know about the slime and the fruity smells?"

Pepi yawns above me, slowly succumbing to the sun-warmed wall. "Beauty stall."

Faust curls herself elegantly over my story draft in an attempt to flaunt her shiny scales. "Moisturize."

"You're practically glowing, Faust. Such a beautiful girl!" Asra's trotting in my direction, a very sweaty pair of Devorak siblings close behind and a red-faced ex-count bringing up the rear. The magician scoops her up off of the table, my freshly hydrated parchment going with it, as Pepi uses the top of my head as a springboard into Portia's arms. Julian gives his judgemental raven a sheepish look before brightening at the earring in my palm.

"Did you leave us the rice trail, Faust?" Asra scritches the serpent's chin.

"Wait - rice trail? What rice trail? Is that how you knew where you were going? Where did they get - my rice!"

Inanna gives the shocked doctor a guiltily amused look, nudging the torn bag with her nose and watching the last of the grains spill onto my feet. Lucio straightens from where's been fussing over his perfumed dogs, finally catching his breath.

"Hah! Serves you right for trying to take my fish!"

Portia bristles and turns on him as Inanna slinks off to the large figure skulking in the shadows several booths away. "Your fish? That vendor and I have been friends for three years, you heard him say that I'd get first pick!"

I can't tell if Lucio is grinning or gritting his teeth. "Does it matter? I already paid for those things, they were the least smelly ones!"

"Enough!" The Countess's firm voice rings across the corner of the square, effectively halting the brewing squabble that's hijacking my writing corner. Chandra reassumes her perch on the baker's booth roof as Nadia rubs her temples in resigned frustration. "I have already paid for a year's worth of cosmetics. I have no interest in paying for your argument with a headache as well."

She heaves a tired sigh as the familiars settle in with their owners, sparing me a comforting glace. "Considering the paperless state of your table, I trust there were no writing casualties involved?"

Portia scurries over with a worried look. "Oh, I'm so glad you hadn't started yet!"

"Well ..."

"I think we did interrupt him, unfortunately." Asra's already taking a seat at my table, holding a fresh bowl of rolls in one hand and my smudged paper in the other while Faust hides guiltily in their shirt. "What's a 'ringtone'?"

Julian helps himself to the paper. "Allow me - perhaps I can shed some light on - ah!"

I've already given up hope on restoring my draft, so I don't wince nearly as badly as my friends do as a sharp, golden hand snatches my handwriting and rips it in the process. Lucio's pout deepens the further he reads. "I'm not in this."

"He's probably not finished it." Nadia holds her hand out, impervious to Lucio's begrudging surrender, and carefully offers the paper back to me. "We should leave you in peace, or you'll never meet your deadline."

Portia takes the cue and begins herding Lucio back to the docks for a fresh round of fish. Nadia gives Asra a pointed look, resulting in them stuffing the last of their roll into their mouth and rising from the cushions. They leave the last two pieces of bread for me.

"Julian," I call as he turns away, "one more question."

"Ah - yes?"

"What's the story with the earring?"

"Oh!" He flushes unexpectedly, fumbling the hoop away into his pocket. "... it, ah, it doesn't go in my ear. Adieu!"

[jumpywhumpywriter]

Vampire Captures Vampire Hunter to Use as Bloodbag part 43

Warnings: vampire carewhumper, intruders, fight scene

Because killing vampires is what he did best. After all, he was a hunter. And this time... they were his prey.

He found a couple stakes and scooped them up as well, wielding a stake in one hand and the gun in the other, turning back to the three strangers and Alex.

The one apparently named ‘Lucius’ had pulled out a long, sharp metal object from his pocket with one gloved hand – and Mallory instantly recognized it as a dagger with a silver blade.

Alex apparently did too, because his eyes went huge. “What exactly are you doing?” He growled, but Mallory could hear the anxious undertones in his voice.

Lucius looked down at Alex coldly. “You've made it clear you will not cooperate with the desires of the clan. Therefore, you are a liability. And you know what happens to liabilities?”

Alex's eyes narrowed to twin slits of rage. “You wouldn't dare kill m–HEY!” his words ended in a snarl as Lucius crouched down next to him, flipping up the front of his shirt to expose his bare chest.

“Hold him down,” Lucius growled, and his two accomplices obeyed without a hint of hesitation, working to pin down the suddenly thrashing Alex, who was swinging fists and cursing loudly. But he was outmatched and overpowered, eyes wild with fear as the two larger vampires soon managed to hold him still.

Mallory crept forward while they were distracted, footsteps light and agile. He needed to get close before attacking, where he could do the most damage before anyone could fight back. He watched curiously as Lucius brought the tip of the silver dagger to the left side of Alex's chest– and slowly pressed the sharp tip into his flesh.

The shrieking started instantly, a raw, animalistic scream that almost made Mallory drop his weapons in surprise as Alex's back arched off the floor, flesh burning and smoking and sizzling as the blade slowly melted through his skin toward his dead heart – a slow and agonizing death.

The noise was enough to muffle Mallory's footsteps from being heard, until finally… he was close enough to strike.

“Alex, close your eyes!” He roared, hoping he could be heard over Alex's wailing. All three of the intruders' heads snapped over to him in unison, all wearing identical expressions of shock and surprise.

Alex closed his eyes and threw his head to the side, jaw clenched.

It was perfect. Mallory took aim and fired his gun straight at the three faces before him, shooting pure silver dust straight into their eyes. It was instant chaos.

All three attackers screeched and clawed at their faces, blinded as silver burned holes in their eyes – and stole everything from them. Their superstrength and all. Made them as weak as humans. Silver needed to get in a vampire's bloodstream for that trick to work, and Mallory had nailed a perfect shot on all three of them.

⏪️ Back Next ⏩️

Masterlist

@scoundrelwithboba @lumpofsand @isikedmyself878 @iamheretohurt @fleur-a-whump

@ay5ksal @otterfrost @sausages-things @togzy @floral-comet-whump

@whump-till-ya-jump @cravesunconditionallove @whumpwritinglover222 @nevermore-ramblings @mj-or-say10

@tippytappytyping

[neongreenllama]

Prompt: Conquest

@wolfstarmicrofic - 895 words

Genderqueer, slutty Sirius?

cw explicit talk of kinky sex

-

“I told him to go harder, I swear to God he went softer. I was just like are you gonna be done soon? Like I was dreaming of going back to studying.”

Chairs screeching and plates clattering, a loud group of students sat down at the table Remus had previously eaten alone at. He’d been hoping to get some peace to go over his notes before the next lecture, but at this time of day the cafeteria was always crowded.

“And he kept calling himself Daddy,” one of them kept talking, animatedly and probably louder than would be necessary to be heard over the general bustling. ”Like, Daddy is gonna give it to you, and, tell me how bad you want Daddy’s cock, and I was just like ugh stop.” They rolled their eyes in a way that clearly spoke of disdain.

Remus pretended to be focused on his notes and his food, but he was glancing up out of the corner of his eyes to look at the person who was apparently talking about their latest conquest. They were very pretty. Long black hair, a lot of piercings, and tattoos. Just from the way they dressed, which included a skirt, a mesh shirt, and a bright green oversized blazer, it was impossible to make out what gender they identified as.

“His cock wasn’t even that good. Below average for sure. Like he said to tell him how big his cock is and of course I was like, sooo big, I don’t know if I can take it, but –“ They gave a pointed Look and held their thumb and index in a way that left a very small gap.

“Your standards are just too high,” someone else, a girl with a huge afro, chipped in. “You’re always complaining.”

“What do you even want with cock, pussy is so much better,” a girl with a shaggy bleached mullet added, grinning at a girl with the prettiest, longest braids Remus has ever seen.

The other girl grinned back, and they shared a French fry in the most PDA fashion possible. Remus felt out of place witnessing it and quickly looked back at his notes.

“I haven’t even got to the worst part yet,” the person continued as if the couple wasn’t breaking the university’s campus rules. “He wanted me to piss on him. He said ‘Yeah you little bitch, you wanna piss on Daddy?’” they imitated a deep, rough voice. “I was like no. No I don’t. Like whatever I guess, do what you want, I don’t care what you’re into, but I don’t even know you and I’m not into that. Like do that with your girlfriend but leave me out of this.”

They stole a handful of the couple’s French fries and shoved them in their mouth, earning them loud complaints. Again they completely ignored the couple and simply shook their head at the audacity of their one night stand.

“And he was like call me, and I was just like yeah, yeah, whatever. I deleted that number so quickly,” they added with a laugh.

They must have felt Remus looking because their eyes met for a brief moment before Remus quickly looked away, desperate to pretend he hadn’t been staring or listening. These people were cool and they knew it, which made them arrogant, the black haired one most of all. And cool, arrogant people were the sort to pick on the quiet loser people Remus was a part of.

A red-haired girl huffed. “Have you ever thought about being nicer?”

“Mhh.” They made a show of thinking about it. “No.”

They grinned sweetly at her. Remus wanted to roll his eyes.

“But if –“ she tried to argue, but a man with his arm around her shoulder interrupted her.

“You can’t stop Sirius from doing anything, babe. It’s useless to try.”

Remus almost scoffed.

“Exactly, Prongsie gets it.”

They high-fived each other and one of the girls changed the subject to upcoming lectures. Sirius’ eyes caught Remus�� once more before he returned his plate and left for the bathroom.

He was washing his hands when Sirius came in.

“A piss kink, really?” he asked drily, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.

A huge, shit-eating grin grew on Sirius’ face as they shrugged. “I have to keep up an appearance.”

“But do you have to be so …” obnoxious about it, he wanted to say, but refrained from it because the answer was clearly yes.

“What? You’re telling me you don’t like to be called Daddy?” They blinked innocently, nearly pouting.

He huffed. “I don’t.”

They leaned in over his shoulder.

“Fuck me, Daddy,” they whispered close to his ear and Remus would keep pretending for the rest of his life that never affected him. After a few seconds and in a normal voice Sirius added, “We could also just tell them.”

Remus let out a sigh. “Not yet. I just … need a bit more time,” he said and felt bad about it because he knew how much Sirius’ friends meant to them. He just wasn’t ready yet.

“Whatever you say, baby, but I’m telling you they’ll love you. More than me probably. If anything, I should be the one worried that they’ll replace me with you.”

He looked up at the mirror to take in the sight of Sirius and himself next to each other.

“Soon,” he promised.

[kittievampire]

I had given this idea to someone but it never got made so 🥲 Anyways, I hope you can make something out of this crack idea. Mammon leaving to the human world for like a week for modeling but for whatever reason (you can make one up or it can be a misunderstanding after an argument etc) his brothers think he's leaving them for good. You know never talking to them and cutting off any ties to them. So his brothers beg him not to leave, cry their crocodile tears, promise to be better etc only for Mammon to be confused af and then clear up the misunderstanding 😂 I really hope something can come to fruition out of this dumb ass idea lol.

This one made me cackle in an unflattering way

Sorry it took so long for me to write this for ya, anon, ily tho

There's no MC mentioned in the request, so MC will be a bit of a side character in this one, love y'all

Lemme see what I have in my bag, my dear~

Click here if ya wanna request!

Don't Leave, Mammon!

Warnings: Family Arguments, Misunderstandings, Light angst, a lot of crack-head energy, MC's just kinda there

Enjoy.

It'd been about three months since you'd left for the human realm.

The House of Lamentation didn't change, it was always in a state of chaos. However, one could tell that your absence had taken a toll on the brothers, each in their own way. Not that this was exactly a bad thing, their lives had been changed thanks to you, and they wanted to carry out your parting wishes to the best of their ability. They became more responsible, more kind-hearted, and more merciful.

However, siblings will do what siblings do best: Argue over bullshit and cause each other stress.

"StupidMammon! Did you take money from my wallet again?!" The Avatar of Envy shouted from across the hall as he approached the white-haired sin. "I was saving that for an exclusive Limited Edition Hana Ruri: Prestige Version Gaming Set, controller, headset, and figurine included bundle! Give it back right now!" Mammon turned his head to face his brother, shades slipping down his nose a bit. "Eh? I didn't steal shit from you, Weeb! Quit assumin' stuff!"

The sound of the door to Satan's room closing made the two flinch, a small sigh following the closing of a book in the blond's hand. "There you go with the lies again, Mammon. Just give him his money back, spare the ones in earshot the headache." The Avatar of Greed jumped, turning toward Satan. "I swear, it wasn't me this time! I didn't do nothin'!" He held his hands up in surrender. "You're being loud," A soft voice erupted form the twins' room, the source being the messy-haired youngest with an irritated expression on his face. "Beel and I are trying to sleep, and you woke him up. Then, he woke me up." The Avatar of Sloth huffed out, the sin in question poking his head out from the crack in the door and the frame.

"Mammon stole my money again!" Leviathan practically screeched, tears welling up in his eyes. "I was saving it on a Limited Edition—" "Yeah, yeah, whatever, Levi. Mammon, give him his money back before he goes on a nerd-rant," Belphegor waved his hand dismissively, earning a nod of a agreement from Beel. "Maybe you should hide it better next time, Levi," The Avatar of Gluttony said, munching on some Spicy Newt Chips.

"I'm tellin' ya, it wasn't me this time! I actually got a modelin' gig up in—" Mammon tried to protest, but was ultimately cut off once more. "What's going on here?" The eldest brother asked, face full of irritation from the bickering of his younger brothers. "Why are ya all suddenly springin' up from outta nowhere like this?!" Mammon whined, earning a stern look from Lucifer. "Of course, you're the culprit, Mammon. What did you do?" He seethed.

"I didn't do nothin'! I swear! Honest to Diavolo, it wasn't me this time!" The Avatar of Greed tried desperately to defend himself, only for his purple-haired brother to argue more. "He stole money from my wallet! I was going to by an exclusive Limited Edition Hana Ruri: Prestige Version Gaming Set, controller, headset, and figurine included bundle!" Lucifer deadpanned at his brother before pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing heavily. "Mammon, make this easy and just give it back."

The second-born looked around, only to see all of his brothers start to gang up on him, all repeating the phrase, "Just give it back," even though he never stole anything! At least, not this time. "I-It wasn't me this time!" Mammon tried to sputter out among the others' yelling. "It wasn't me!" He repeated, hand gripping the door knob to his room.

As the brothers continued to berate the second-born, Mammon turned the door knob and rushed into his room, slamming the door shut and locking it. "I'm fuckin' done!" He threw his hands up in the air, though the tone he had made the statement seem less playful than he meant it to be.

_

Lucifer clicked his tongue, adjusting his black gloves as he took a step toward his brother's door. "All of you just want to give me a headache, don't you?" He asked softly, earning a whine from Leviathan. "My Ruri-Chan!"

"Oh my, what's going on out here?" Asmodeus asked, opening his door and pulling up his face mask. "Do you know how important my sleep is to maintain the health of my glowing and radiant skin? What's the meaning of all this noise?" The Avatar of Lust practically demanded, though he kept a neutral tone because of the eldest's presence. The third-born turned to his brother in pink, pointing at Mammon's room. "Mammon took the money that I was going to use to buy a Limited Edition Ruri-Chan Figurine from my wallet!" He exclaimed, pulling his phone out and fumbling with it for a moment. He nearly shrieked. "And I wanted to be the first one to buy it! That's it, I'm summoning-" "If you summon Lotan, Levi, I can assure you, Mammon will be the least of your concerns." The Avatar of Pride warned, earning a yelp from the purple-haired sin.

Asmodeus glanced between the two before sighing heavily. "Levi, are you referring to the 200,000 grimm you left in my room a few hours ago while you were ranting about how excited you were to get the figurine?" He asked, opening his door wider and pointing to his vanity mirror, lights glowing, and grimm sitting on the desk.

The brothers all exchanged glances, and the eldest growled.

"Leviathan!"

_

When you saw Mammon at your doorstep, you thought that something bad had happened. He told you that he was here for a modeling gig, but you assumed that there was more to the sudden arrival.

"I just figured I'd pay ya a visit while I'm here, nothin' more, g-got it?" He asked, a light blush present on his face as he denied any other reason for his appearance.

You were worried, so you contacted the brothers to see what was going on. You were able to get a hold of Satan, who explained what was going on as best he could.

"I did hear him say that he was... 'done,' but... I didn't expect him to run off like that." The Avatar of Wrath seemed perplexed over the phone. "It seems like he was more upset about it than I thought... I'll tell the others, please keep him there as long as you can. Don't let him leave," He said just before ending the call.

You looked down at your D.D.D., letting out a small sigh as you turned toward your bedroom door.

Did your departure have something to do with this? Maybe you could help in some way.

_

Mammon insisted on sleeping in the same room as you, even if it had to be on the floor. When you were still awake, he'd started rambling on about his brothers and how annoyed he was, and you couldn't help but feel bad for him. He must be going through so much internally, and you were glad he was letting it out, even if it was under a cloak of sarcasm and pettiness.

In the middle of his rambling, though, you heard the front door swing open. Mammon jumped to his feet immediately, worried that there might be an intruder. Lucifer slammed the door to your room open, his brothers spilling out into the room after him.

Asmodeus immediately lept toward his white-haired brother, squeezing him in a tight embrace. "Mammon! Don't leave us!" He whined. "If you're gone, who am I going to party with?! Who's going to be there to splurge on shopping with me, hm?! I can't exactly take Levi or Satan with me!! Leaving is too cruel, Mammon! Too cruel!!"

The eldest looked down at the Avatar of Envy, tilting his head toward Mammon, motioning for him to 'go'. Leviathan shuffled over to his brother, looking up at him with an apologetic expression on his face. "I'm sorry, Mammon. I didn't mean to go blaming you and stuff, that's only what a normie would do. I didn't mean to make you leave!" Beelzebub came up after them, scooping all three of his brothers up into a tight hug, making Mammon wheeze as he tried to breathe properly. "O-Oi—!" "Don't leave Mammon!" The gluttonous demon sobbed, holding his brothers close.

"Beel, let them breathe." Satan chuckled softly, patting the sin on the shoulder. Belphegor and Lucifer stood behind the rest of them, the Avatar of Sloth feeling less enthusiastic than the rest of his brothers, though he could hardly blame them. Lucifer cleared his throat. "Release them, Beelzebub," He demanded. Beelzebub did as told, allowing the gasping demons in his arms to fall to the floor.

"W-What's this all about, huh?! Why're ya all actin' so weird?!" Mammon asked, grasping his chest as if to try and steady his heart beat. Asmodeus grabbed him by the shoulders. "Because you came to the human world to escape us! Because you were through with us, no?"

Mammon blinked.

"I have a modeling gig tomorrow..." He muttered out, making the entire room go silent. You bit your lip, a very frightening aura being emitted from the eldest sin. "And... That's the only reason why you left?"

The Avatar of Greed nodded, causing Leviathan to immediately recoil. Asmodeus kept his arms wrapped around him, tears streaming down his face. "Don't joke around like that again!! I thought I lost the only other interesting person in the House of Lamentation!" He whined.

Mammon scoffed, a small smirk forming on his face. "Of course ya'd be distraught! Losing the one and only Mammon is the most horrible thing that could happen! Ya should be greatful that I didn't!"

Silence fell upon the room once more, with the acception of Asmo's sobbing.

Lucifer then turned to you, a vein bulging from his forehead.

"MC, you would happen to have rope, do you?"

Hope you liked it, anon!

[satansaidnottoday]

Armistice at the library.

Info: Human AU, Satan's Mc, GN!Mc.

Summary: You have been annoying Satan long enough to get a date.

A/N: We do a little jump in the timeline here, we will keep jumping back and forth depending on what story I want to tell.

Monday was Satan's least favorite day. He had to sift through all of the books left in the return box during the weekend and make sure they didn't get damaged. They then had to be returned to their place on the shelf. Still, the smell of books and the soft silence made up for it. From up high on the ladder, he could see the morning sun slowly rising over the shelves and tables. It was such a beautiful view; it calmed him down.

Suddenly he got dragged, his ladder moving a full meter to the right out of his control. He held on to the railing for dear life. A less than dignified screech left his throat.

"Good morning, loser," you said, letting go of the ladder. 

"Mc, for fucks sake." He cursed you, coming down as fast as his trembling feet let him.

You laughed and sat down on your table, putting your books down and your feet up. Out of all of the regulars, you were the only one who would show up at 7 a.m. every single Monday. He wasn't a fan. 

"I could have fallen!" He pushed your feet off the table and looked down at you, breathing heavily. You loved how worked up he got. 

"I would have caught you," you said, grabbing his hand on yours. "I will always catch you," you said, looking up at him with your best dreamy eyes and soft, loving smile.

His whole face turns a lovely shade of red. His hand rips apart from yours, and he turns around, leaving for the counter with a huff. You watch him leave, waiting until he is sitting at his computer to start your own work. 

Ever since you returned to town, you have been going to the library every day to work. Partly because it was much nicer than the teacher's lounge, and it was right in front of the school. Party because you loved annoying the sexy librarian. You actually knew him from high school before you moved out. He was a hothead, you remembered. It was kind of funny to see him put up such a serious facade. 

The next few hours are spent grading papers and writing assignments. Every so often, Satan lifted his eyes from the desk and stole a look at you. Every single time, you winked at him. The last time he sighed so deeply, you could almost see the air leaving his lungs. You took the opportunity to walk up to him.

"Hey, handsome, mind scanning a book for me?" You ask, leaning down on the counter. You put down your copy of Lord of the Flies in front of you. "I need 20 copies of the first 2 chapters.

"You don't have scanners and printers at school?" He asks, turning the page in his own book.

"No, we're poor," you lied.

"Then I wonder why you're the only teacher who comes here to work." He lifted his eyes just to glare at you.

"Truly a mystery." You pushed the book closer to him. He took it and inspected it.

"You're having twelve-year-olds read Lord of the Flies?" He asks, looking at you weird.

"Why not? They can relate to the protagonists."

In reality, your first class of the day started at noon, and you had prepared no reading material at all. You had picked up the first book you saw in your bag.

"Let me check; I might already have a digital copy." He started typing on his computer.

"So reliable; I love that in a man."

"Well, at least this way, your students don't need to read your 'notes'," he said, making air quotes with his fingers. Behind him, the printer started working.

"What's wrong with my notes?" Your voice came out an octave higher than you expected.

"Let's see," he said, opening the book up. "We have 'Oh no oh no oh no'," he pauses to look at you for a second. "Just a bunch of 'damn', 'damn', 'damn', 'these kids are fucked up' and then 'poor piggy' sad face." 

You felt the heat rising in your own face as you took the book from his hands. "In my defense, those kids were fucked up."

He laughed at you. It made you wish the printer would work faster. You didn't like being on this side of the power dynamic.

"I should charge your school for all these copies," he said, stapling the copies together as they came out of the printer.

You snorted. "Good luck with that. They're already paying me with hopes and dreams."

He smiled, a non-malicious smile for the first time. "On that, we can relate at last."

"The woes of government employment." 

You stacked the copies as he handed them to you, and when they were all ready, you pushed them into your briefcase.

"Thank you, good sir." You offered him your hand for a shake, and he reluctantly took it. You pulled a fast one and bowed down to kiss it. Heat returned to his face, and the universe regained its balance. 

"You've got to stop teasing me," he sneakered, taking away his hand.

"Okay," you nodded. "Let's go on a date." 

He put a hand on his forehead, as if you were giving him a headache. "I said stop."

"Stop teasing. That's what I'm doing; I'm being direct," you explained, leaning closer to him. "Let's get coffee."

He looked at you for a few seconds, scanning your face for any hints of foolery. For once, you were being completely serious. He sighed.

"I'm free on Saturday," he said, looking at his drawers for something. After some shuffling, he took out a small magnet shaped like the head of a cat and handed it to you. "That's my favorite place."

"Café gatitos and cream," you read off the magnet. It took all of your strength not to laugh at how childish it looked. Instead, you nodded. "See you there at nine?"

He nodded back, avoiding your eyes. Without another word, he went back to work. You resolved to do the same.

Walking back to the school, you fidgeted with the magnet in your hand. You really couldn't wait. 

Thank you for reading ❤️

[breannasfluff]

Love of Gems

AO3 Link

Legend fluffs his wings, gathers his bravery, and says, “I love you. Ever since we met, I knew you were special. I’m sorry it’s taken this long for me to tell you but you are the love of my life. I know you might not return my feelings, but I had to put this out there. I just—can’t keep going the way we have been. I’ll see you out of the corner of my eye and then you’re all I can think about. Take as much time as you need to think this over.”

Silence.

Then, “I’m going to pluck every one of your feathers!” Wild dives at Legend, who ducks out of the way. “You cheated! Give it back!”

“No! I love it the most! It’s not my fault you saw it first, I got there first!”

“That’s not fair! I pointed to it!”

Legend clutches his prize close to his chest, giving a warning chatter. “It’s my ruby!”

“You’re just rubbing it in! You’ve had that gem for two minutes!”

“And it’s the love of my life! I certainly love it more than your greedy butt trying to take it away!”

Wild shrieks and jumps at Legend, using his wings to assist with a boost. Legend barely ducks out of the way and books it, wings flapping to launch himself into the air. Wild is right behind him.

“Give me the ruby!”

“Never! I’ll die for my love!”

“I can arrange that!” Wild swoops in front of him and Legend has to backwing to avoid him. They circle each other; the vet clutching the ruby and Wild focused on the gem.

The bowerbird coos and loses focus as the gem catches the sun. It really is a beautiful shade of red. The way the sunbeams cut through the facets…simply stunning.

Wild pulls out his ace. “I’m telling Hyrule!”

“No! He’ll take it for himself!”

“He’ll give it to me!” Wild dives, intent on finding their other flockmate. Gem still clutched tight, Legend pursues him. Hyrule is standing next to Time and abruptly steps behind the kite as they come in and land.

The two avians crash into Time, who flaps and screeches in surprise. This sets the Legend and Wild off as well and for a moment it's just three birds calling surprise, threat!

“What in Hylia’s name are you two doing?” Time finally disengages, shaking out ruffled feathers.

“Legend stole my gem!” Wild yells.

“I got it first! Finders keepers!”

“Hyrule! He won’t give it back! Keeps going on about it being the love of his life!”

Hyrule steps back out from behind Time now that he’s not in danger of being crushed. “Love of your life?”

Legend doesn’t answer, just hisses a warning and holds it tighter to his chest.

The brown thrasher smirks. “So I guess that means you love the gem more than Ravio, right?”

“Wait—” The vet pauses, verbally trapped. He doesn’t want to admit his feelings for the satin bowerbird, but he also doesn’t want to give up the gem.

Hyrule turns to Wild. “I don’t know, maybe he doesn’t love the gem as much as you thought.”

Wild puffs and then sticks his tongue out at Legend, because sometimes the avian acts like a chick.

Time’s voice next to Legend’s elbow says, “May I see the gem for a moment?”

“Sure.” Legend passes it over, keeping a close eye on Hyrule. The brown thrasher is just as likely to bite as he is to steal it and keep it.

The gem isn’t passed back. Legend finally pulls his eyes off his flockmate to look at Time, who’s halfway across the clearing. “Hey! Give it back!”

He gets an innocent whistle. “Give back what?”

“My gem!”

“I don’t have a gem.”

“Yes, you do! Give my ruby back!”

Time smirks. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Legend swells, wings raising in mock threat. “Wild! He stole our gem!”

The magpie screeches and abandons Hyrule to join him. They both fix their eyes on the kite. “I take the right wing; you take the left?”

“It’s a plan.”

“Ready, go—hey!”

The plan is doomed to failure because Twilight takes the opportunity to try perching on Wild’s shoulders. The magpie goes down in a flurry of feathers, taking the hawk with him. “Don’t perch on me, you stupid bird!”

“You were open!”

Time slips away as Legend watches. He’ll get Wild to steal the ruby from his bag later. Although…he might have to fight the magpie to get it back. Then he sniffs and resettles his wings.

It’s worth the hassle. It really is a beautiful gem.